A/N: Steroline scene in this chapter for my Steroline fans! =)
"Keep telling yourself that Stefan… continue lying to yourself…see where that will take you. You can't deny what you feel. You are guilt tripping yourself, because MORAL Stefan would never leave LOYAL, LOVING Elena…well news flash Ripper, she's slipping away from you all on her own. There's no need for guilt when she pines after your brother. And then the voice silenced itself."
"Elena was about to go back down stairs when she heard the shower head running.
Elijah's in the shower. She thought, as her mind began to calculate and devise a plan."
Chapter 12~ So Close, Yet So Far
"Elena…Elena listen to me, where are you?...look, Caroline and I are going to hop on the next flight out of here first thing tomorrow. I just need you to tell me what city…Vienna? Okay, call me if anything changes please…Elena? Elena can you hear me?" Stefan paced around his hotel suite and hung up. His face looked distressed and tired.
"Stefan, what did she say?" Caroline stood up from the brown leather arm chair she was sat in.
"They moved her, she's in Austria." He quickly pulled out his laptop and sat at the table across from Caroline. "I'm going to book our flights. We have to get out of here asap before they move her again."
Caroline looked worried. It had only been a day since they landed and she was so confident that they would have found Elena, but for some reason that didn't end up happening.
"Do you think Klaus knows we're hot on Elena's trail?" She asked.
Stefan pulled out his credit card and paid for their tickets online.
"Let's hope not. I would have asked Elena more questions, but either the line cut off, or they confiscated the phone. Either way, we're lucky she was able to call us. Otherwise we would have nothing but a dead end." Stefan sighed and glanced up at Caroline who was now standing beside him.
"We fly out of here 9 am tomorrow."
She nodded and folded her arms against her chest. Venice was absolutely beautiful from whatever little of it Caroline did manage to see. Their hotel was gorgeous and had very scenic landscape. She felt a little disappointed that she couldn't see more of Italy, but Caroline knew she had to keep her head in the game and focus on saving her friend. Her thoughts were soon disrupted by hunger.
"Have you fed yet?" She asked.
Stefan stood up and walked over to their mini refrigerator. He pulled out two blood bags and handed one to Caroline.
"No not yet, but I stopped by the local hospital earlier. It wasn't hard compelling the nurses."
"They understand English?"
Stefan rolled his eyes and laughed abit. "I can speak Italian Caroline."
She smirked at him and opened the blood bag to pour it inside of her cup. "Thank God, you're a life saver Stefan. I was seriously craving this stuff-really didn't want to settle for bunnies tonight. Do they have bunnies in Italy?"
Stefan chuckled a bit and sipped back on the blood bag. "This isn't Antarctica Caroline."
"I hope we get to her in time." Caroline opened the double doors of their suite and walked out onto the terrace. She could hear the ocean in the distance, the sound of the waves were so soothing and relaxing. Their hotel was on a beautiful beach that was supposed to be close to Elena's location.
Stefan followed behind Caroline and soon stood next to her. "Klaus won't win. I won't let him."
Caroline turned her face and looked intently at Stefan. "You really love her don't you? Even after hurting her so much, I mean I can understand why you had to…but" She couldn't find the right words to continue.
"I owe it to Elena." Stefan interjected. "Even though there is a huge chance that she's in love with my brother…she loved me and never asked for any of this. I'm fully aware that I might not be what she deserves and needs, but she deserves to have a life, she deserves to choose…and she didn't choose this." Stefan felt a sharp pain in his heart as he admitted his fears.
Caroline stood and looked at her best friend in awe and admiration. Stefan was so selfless, even though she had seen his darkest side; the light inside of him overpowered the darkness. She could tell that he was in agony over the entire situation, facing the truth that he could very possibly lose her. Caroline reached out and touched Stefan's arm in comfort.
"I'm Elena's best friend, but she would be a damn fool to leave you Stefan…a damn fool." She repeated with more emphasis.
Stefan fixed his gaze onto Caroline's warm blue eyes and smiled a bit. It was kind of her to sympathize.
"Thanks for stroking my male ego."
Caroline smiled and laughed a bit. "Come here-"She wrapped her arms around Stefan's neck and pulled him in close to her body for a long lingering hug. The smell of his cologne was very welcoming to her senses. Caroline closed her eyes and breathed him in.
"You're my best friend too Stefan, and no matter what happens…I'm here for you." It was almost a whisper.
Stefan surrendered to Caroline's warm embrace and finally wrapped his arms around her waist. He wasn't sure why it took him so long to return the hug, but being around Caroline so close…felt wrong.
Why does it feel wrong though? Stefan questioned himself in silence.
It's wrong because you have feelings for her! His conscience hollered back.
No, I don't. Stefan argued with himself.
Uh, yes you do, when are you going to admit it buddy? Ever since Caroline turned, things with you and Elena have never been the same. Can't you even notice it? All those months you spent training her, spending more time with Caroline and less time with Elena. You basically handed her over to you brother, and it didn't matter to you because you're in love with Caroline. You have been for the longest time! Elena has been your safe place, but she's not your true love. Face. The. Truth. Stefan.
He suddenly pulled back from Caroline's comforting hug and took a step back. "We should get inside and pack."
Caroline didn't want to let go of Stefan for some reason. His body just felt so perfect. She wondered if she had ever gotten over her little "school girl crush" on him. "Yeah, you're right. Right behind you-"
I'm in love with Elena, not Caroline! Stefan was pretty much scolding himself now, as he packed his things into his suitcase.
Keep telling yourself that Stefan… continue lying to yourself…see where that will take you. You can't deny what you feel. You are guilt tripping yourself, because MORAL Stefan would never leave LOYAL, LOVING Elena…well news flash Ripper, she's slipping away from you all on her own. There's no need for guilt when she pines after your brother. And then the voice silenced itself. Stefan kept stealing glances at Caroline while they both packed their belongings. They were sharing a double bed suite and he was almost wishing that they each had their own rooms instead.
~oOo~
"Very convincing acting chops…I'd hand you an Oscar, but I compelled you to be like Elena, so it doesn't count." Klaus smirked at Katherine as he stood up from his chair.
"When are you going to let me go? I'm doing everything you say! Stefan bought it! He thinks Elena is in Austria now"
Klaus hung around in the apartment he had compelled Katherine to stay in, and handed her some blood bags.
"Don't intend to cut you loose sweetheart, those will hold you for a few days." He walked over to the apartment door and swung it open.
"You're doing EVERYTHING that I say, because I compel you to. We both know your loyalties lie with no one Katerina." Klaus's voice was cold and his eyes freezing to the bone, as he stared Katherine down with one last glance, before disappearing out the door.
~oOo~
Elijah and Elena had been all over New York the entire afternoon, going from museum to museum, and this time Elena remember to bring the camera Elijah had bought as a generous gift. All the artwork and historic artifacts she saw were just so impressive. She held onto the hope that she would soon show her family and friends all the beautiful photos she had taken and this nightmare wouldn't become so much of a nightmare anymore. Being with Elijah didn't feel like a nightmare, knowing that Klaus was alive, made her life a nightmare.
Breakfast wasn't awkward, Vera had come over to cook and clean up and so there was no opportunity to discuss last night's events and Elena was thankful for that. She felt a little uneasy being alone with Elijah, because she feared he would want to talk about what happened last night, but surprisingly enough…he didn't. Elijah didn't hint or tease her about anything that happened between them the night before. Elena's memory did not fail her, she remembered everything that was said, and every kiss, touch and caress that she thoroughly enjoyed, but she was more than prepared to deny remembering any of it just in caseElijah did make it a topic of conversation. She felt a pang of guilt, because she remembered telling Elijah that she would remember;
Elijah…I won't forget. The words echoed in her mind all day. He made her feel completely comfortable around him, as if there was some sort of unspoken understanding and Elena was grateful for that, she secretly hoped that Klaus wouldn't be paying them a visit any time soon.
It was around noon time when they finally left the Adagio Art Gallery downtown. Elijah was sporting a sharp dark navy blue suit, followed by a crisp white shirt and a blue pastel colored tie that was solid print. Elena had been wearing a short, white summer skirt, silver flip flops and a baby blue vest top that showed off her beautifully structured arms and shoulders. She accessorized with some silver hoop earrings and a black leather handbag.
"Vera is expecting us for lunch, but it would be a shame to waste our time indoors when the city is lucky enough to have more bearable temperatures today. I was entertaining the idea of eating out on a restaurant patio; I know this great place downtown-" Elijah started dialing home to cancel on Vera and before he could finish his sentence with Elena, Vera picked up.
"Halo?"
"Vera, it's Elijah."
"Da Mr. Handsome" She said "yes" in her native tongue. "Vera can recognize your voice anywhere." The red haired middle aged woman heartily laughed out loud over the phone.
Elijah smiled and appreciated her sense of humor; "I'm just calling to let you know that we will not be coming home for lunch today. Plans have changed."
"VAT? You joke right! All day I slave in kitchen for you making-" And then she started to speak in a foreign dialogue unknown to Elena, followed by Russian curse words.
Elijah held the phone away from his ears and stared at Elena with a look of amusement.
"Elijah, it's okay. Tell her we'll be there. She's right. It would be rude to eat out when she's cooked for us already." Elena insisted.
Elijah sighed and tried to reason with the hot headed Russian woman he had hired.
"Vera, VERA! Listen to me, we're coming home. It's just such a beautiful day outside, I did not want to sit indoors, but we're on our way." And then he clicked his phone before he shoved it into his pocket.
"Well….that went well." Elijah said with sarcasm as he opened Elena's passenger door.
~oOo~
As soon as Elena stepped inside of the front entrance of the loft, she was greeted by Vera, who was holding a large picnic basket. She handed the basket to Elena and smiled gingerly at Elijah. Vera's hair was tied in a high bun on her head, with a few loose strands falling from the sides and she was wearing the same purple apron Elena had seen her in before.
"See! Vera make picnic for you." She winked at Elijah and smiled at Elena. "Now out! Out!" She ordered them both in a thick Russian accent.
Elena was about to say something, but felt her body being turned around with gentle force. Elijah chuckled and thanked Vera for the surprise.
Elena heard the door slam and lock behind her before she turned to her right to look at Elijah. Confusion washed over her face. "Did you know about this?"
Elijah shook his head and smiled. He peered into the picnic basket and then said; "No, I was not aware of the spontaneous picnic she planned for us, I wasn't even aware I owned a picnic basket." He held it up in the air to inspect it. "But I have a feeling whatever she has stored in here, will not disappoint."
Elena smiled and stepped inside the elevator they had been waiting on.
~oOo~
It wasn't long before Elijah and Elena were walking down a path in Central Park, in search of the perfect patch of grass to lay a blanket down on. The park was crowded with people scattered all over the place; bikers, dog walkers, people on roller blades; the "typical park scene."
"Over there!" Elena pointed out. "By the tree, there's shade, it's perfect."
They walked over to the tree Elena had found and laid a blanket down. Elena kicked off her flip flops and sat down. She opened the picnic basket and peered inside. Vera had made delicious deli sandwiches, fruit salad, chocolate chip muffins and there was also a bottle of wine inside. She felt her face flush as soon as she saw it.
Elijah had taken his jacket off and rolled up his sleeves as he sat down next to Elena.
"She packed you this…" Elena pulled out a water bottle that was full of blood and handed it to Elijah.
"So much for being discreet…" He said under his breath.
Elena laughed a bit and opened up the saran wrapped turkey sandwich. She handed another one over to Elijah and they both sat, eating Vera's gourmet lunch in Central Park. The weather was perfect and Elena was happy to be outside, bathing in the sunlight and fresh air. She listened to Elijah talk about more of his travels and his childhood, while she was careful to avoid pulling out the bottle of wine from the basket. Elena had a bit of a hangover that morning, but Vera quickly made it disappear with her own concoction of what looked like and tasted like coffee.
There was a moment during their conversation where both fell silent. All that could be heard was the sound of the breeze blowing through the trees, children's laughter as they ran past them in the distance, and the sound of the city surrounding them.
"Elijah…" Elena broke the silence.
He was lying on his arm, completely relaxed, with his legs extended and crossed, reaching the edge of the green blanket.
"Yes, Elena?"
She hesitated to ask but tried her luck; "I was wondering if…I could call my brother Jeremy and just let him know that I'm alright."
Elijah thought about his answer carefully. He knew what the plan was, Klaus told him that she was to speak with no one, and he meant no one. His brother didn't even know that he had been taking Elena out, Elijah knew that he would disapprove and expect him to keep Elena prisoner at the loft for as long as he'd like. Elijah didn't have the heart to be that cruel.
"Elena I…fear that's not possible." He hated to crush her hope and see the look of disappointment appear on her face. Elijah could tell how much she was missing her family. Still, he had to play by the rules…to an extent.
Elena sighed and ran her fingers through her hair. "I understand." Her voice held sadness.
"If it were up to me, I would take you home, never mind a phone call…but unfortunately I cannot take such pride in that, since current circumstances leave me immobile in carrying out my own will." And it was true. He hated Klaus for tarnishing his reputation as a noble man.
"Why are you helping him Elijah? Can't you see what will happen if he creates hybrids worldwide? Klaus is power hungry! And out of control!"
There was so much he needed to say, so much she didn't know. But he couldn't tell her all of it now, could he?
"Elena, there is more to it than that of which you are aware of." He sighed and stared at her with serious eyes. "Do not think me oblivious to the reality of the situation concerning my brother. I am well aware of his intentions and I am on the same page as you in regards to the undeniable truth that he must be stopped. There is no doubt in my mind that Nicklaus is out of control and delusional."
"Then what do you plan to do about it? You can't just sit back and let him destroy everyone's lives and the lives of more innocent people to come!"
"Elena-" Elijah cut her off. "Sometimes the lives of a few must be sacrificed for the greater good of all. Trust me; I am on your side when it comes to putting an end to Nicklaus'styrannical rule over all of us." It annoyed him to even discuss it.
Elena wanted to know more, she wanted more in depth explanations, but she knew Elijah wouldn't give her the answers. There was still so much about this Original vampire…so much he was hiding and Elena was sure that a majority of the answers to her questions would forever remain a mystery.
People began to stand up and run from the clearing of grass they were all relaxing on, as soon as it began to thunder, and seconds after, buckets full of rain began to pour down hard on New York City.
"Oh my god! How the hell did the weather change so quickly?" Elena cried out as she began to scramble to her feet.
"Let's pack up and get out of here." Elijah helped Elena stuff the contents of their lunch back into the picnic basket. He gave her his suit jacket so she can hang it over her head while they dashed out of the park.
~oOo~
It was definitely a freak storm and they were both drenched, especially Elijah by the time they made it back to the loft.
"This storm just came out of nowhere!" Elena exclaimed as she walked inside the foyer of the loft. She was half expecting Vera to be there, but she wasn't. The place was all tidied up and Vera had left Elena another delicious dessert behind; a warm apple pie that was waiting for Elena inside of the oven. She noticed another pink sticky note Vera had left for her on the oven window and pulled it off.
"I haven't had homemade apple pie in ages." Elena said as she read the note and took a huge whiff of that cinnamon apple goodness that was wafting out of the oven.
"My mother used to bake delicious apple pies…" Elijah said as he stepped into the kitchen.
Elena felt a little sad when he mentioned his mother. She knew how betrayed Elijah felt when he discovered that his mother wanted to kill all of her children. She gave Elijah a warm sympathetic smile and said; "We should probably get changed, I don't know about you but us humans tend to get sick…"
"Yes, that would be wise, us vampires have not much to worry about other than werewolf bites, even then….since I am an original I am immune to it."
Elena laughed and shook her head.
They both made their way upstairs to change into dry clothes. It was almost 4pm and the sky looked so dark outside due to the storm. It was raining so hard that Elena could hardly make out the outlines of the buildings outside; it was all blurred by water.
She changed into a warm peach cotton shirt and black flayer jeans. Her hair was only a little wet and she tied it back into a high pony tail. Thanks to Elijah's jacket, she didn't get as soaked as he did.
Elena was about to go back down stairs when she heard the shower head running.
Elijah's in the shower. She thought, as her mind began to calculate and devise a plan. This was the perfect opportunity for Elena to call Jeremy. She wasn't going to call Damon or Stefan to tell them where she was, because she knew a rescue mission would only endanger their lives and the lives of everyone she loved, but she was terribly homesick, and really needed to hear her brother's voice.
Taking extra caution not to tiptoe too loudly, Elena slowly opened Elijah's bedroom door and stepped inside. The room was huge, almost half the size of the living room. There were black leather lounging sofas, a huge 60 inch flat screen television across from his bed, and a large king size mattress that had a black leather bead board in the back. His room was tidy and very modern considering he was a very old fashioned kind of man. Elena was impressed, but she quickly steered her mind back to her initial purpose; finding a phone or a computer.
Her eyes darted from every corner of the room, scanning his desk and dressers, in search of any object that resembled a cellphone or laptop, there was no landline hooked up. Elena grabbed Elijah's suit jacket and shoved her hand inside the pockets to feel for a cellular mobile, but there was none. She was about to turn around when she suddenly bumped into Elijah's dripping, wet and muscular body.
"Looking for something Elena?" He asked her accusingly.
~oOo~
