A loud knock came at Naomi's door the next day just as she was about to settle in for a quick afternoon nap. She was an original vampire, yes, but even she needed a little cat nap every once in a while. Naomi poked her head out from under her sheets. "What?" she called out annoyed.

"Something just came from you," answered Derek. "What do you want me to do with it?"

"Leave it. I'll check it out when I get up."

"But I really, really think you need to see this-"

She interrupted him. "I said leave it, Derek."

"Fine," he mumbled. She made a sound of happiness, returning to her previously comfortable position when she heard a scratching at the door.

"Ugh!" Can't a woman nap in peace?

She listened to see what Derek doing out in the hall. She didn't immediately identify it. The scratching noise started again, loud but light all at the same time. In the background Derek could be heard mumbling. "...Try to help and she tells me 'go away'... She'll be sorry in about an hour..."

Eventually he walked away and the noise stopped. "Finally," Naomi sighed.

Closing her eyes she turned around and snuggled down into her warm bed. That lasted about twenty seconds before she started fidgeting. What was he talking about? It must be pretty important if Derek spent so much effort trying to wake her. Naomi eyed the door restlessly. One little look, just to see what the big deal was, couldn't hurt, right? Soundlessly she got up to check it out. Curse Derek for using her curious nature against her.

As soon as she walked closer to the door she realized what he had been doing. Lying on the carpet inches from the bottom of her door was a thick, creamy envelope. Descending on it she flipped the note over to see her name written perfectly across the center. Removing the slightly peeled sticker she took out the letter and read it.

Naomi turned slightly queasy upon recognizing the bold, highly stylized writing.

Dearest Naomi,

It is my greatest wish that after our last meeting that you might humor me by accompanying me on an outing this afternoon. I hope to see you in your Sunday best because I will be picking you up at two o'clock sharp. I told you that I meant to repair our former relationship and it was the truth. Truely, I look forward to spending more time with you.

With utmost affections, Elijah

Naomi blinked and read the message two more times before it finally sunk in. Elijah was taking her out on a... date? Wow. She remembered him as a romantic but this seemed extra sweet. Although from his wording he wasn't exactly giving her a choice in the matter. Still she couldn't stop the happy glow that radiated from her. Through her elation she thought back to the state of the sticker. Someone had opened the letter before her.

"Derek!" she yelled from the floor. "How any times have I told you not to go through my mail?"

"Too many to count! But the writing looked fancy and I couldn't resist. Besides, can you imagine what would've happened I had left it untouched? Poor Elijah would've shown up with you sporting a bed head."

Naomi mulled over his reasoning. He did have a point. "Fine. Seriously though, next time you feel the urge - ignore it."

Hefting herself up she strode to her closet and sifted through her wardrobe. What to wear, what to wear... Jeans might be too casual but a gown might be too upscale. It was too warm to wear boots, so would flats or sandals look better? That depended on the outfitted she decided; an outfit she hadn't picked yet.

Clearly she hadn't dated in a while. She had no idea what to choose. And Elijah hadn't bothered mentioning where they were going so that was a dead-end. She dragged her hand down her face in frustration. Naomi sucked her lower lip between her teeth. Giving it some time she decided on a red sundress with a pretty floral pattern. Pearl earrings and white flats, to match with the flowers, completed her simple yet elegant look.

Glancing quickly at the clock hanging on her bedroom wall she admitted it was a good thing her hair was naturally curly. With only twenty minutes until two there was no way she would've had time to do anything with it. Putting on some light make-up, she smoothed down her dress and went to wait in the living room for Elijah. He should be arriving at any time.

Excited as she was sitting there on the couch, it gave her time to guess at what Elijah had planned for them this afternoon. And it would be a guess. He excelled at keeping secrets. Some time during her thoughts Shelby slipped into the room and sat next her on the couch.

"So," she started. "Anxious much?"

Naomi laughed. "A little. Is it that obvious?"

"Actually, I think you're doing well, considering the circumstances of your split." Mention of Elijah's 'infidetity' brought down Naomi's mood. Sure his cheating hadn't exactly been real she recently found out but centuries of hurt reared its ugly head.

Sensing the change in her friends Shelby tried to backtrack. "I'm sure things are going to go great today though. His seems conrite so seriously don't pay attention to me."

The door bell rang and Naomi tried to focus herself. Shelby laid her hand on Naomi's knee. "I'll get it, take your time."

She nodded her thanks and Shelby pranced off. The door creaked as it opened and Naomi listened to what was being said.

"Hello. Is Naomi ready to leave?" Elijah sounded cool and collected as ever. His poliete voice still sent pleasurable shivers down her spine.

"Yeah," Shelby answered. "She'll be out in a mintute. First though let's get some things straight." To Naomi's horror Shelby's voice dropped low and threatening. "You do anything to hurt my friend again and it'll be the last thing you do on this Earth."

Naomi hurried to stop the confrontation between the witch and Original. She swore quietly under her breath because she should've seen this coming. Shelby was a great companion, yes, but she could take protective to a whole other level.

Giving her a pointed look Naomi gripped Shelby's shoulder and lightly squeezed. "Thanks, Shelby. You can go now."

Hearing the dismissal she slunk off to her room but not before gifting Elijah with one last warning glare. Naomi chuckled nervously, shutting the front foor behind her.

"Sorry," she apologized. "She means well, she just gets worried."

"It's fine." Elijah held open the passenger side of his black Mercedes. "They have every right to dislike me after what I did to you. I can only hope to change their opinions in time."

The engine purred when he put the keys in the ignition and they were zooming down the street. Naomi leaned her head against the window and watched the people and homes pass by. It was quiet in the car until Naomi worked up the courage to ask the one question she was dying to know.

"Can I ask where we're going exactly?"

He cracked a smile but didn't look at her when he spoke. "I wondered how long your curiosity could be kept at bay. As for your answer, no. It's a surprise."

She groaned. "Please?" she begged with implortant eyes. "I love a good surprise but the suspense is too much."

"No." He laughed when she pouted. "Patience, my love. You'll like it, I promise."

Butterflies skimmed her insides. The man was a charmer.

More houses went past, followed by the high school then main street. Pretty soon buildings gave way to trees and open fields. "Is there a reason we're leaving the Mystic Falls city limits," she asked with a raised brow.

She groaned when he remained quiet and bumped the cool glass from the window with her forehead. "Fine. I'll know soon enough."

Except fifteen minutes turned into thirty, then an hour. "Elijah," she growled. "If I have to stay in this car for one more-"

"We're here," he said. She squealed in happiness.

"Finally!" She took in the tall office buildings and busy streets. "So what's in Charleston?"

Her ideas from eariler came rushing back. Picnic in the city park? Trip to a fabulous art museum? Ohhh, maybe a threatre production? Every new fantasy date got more and more grand. So much so that the real thing was a tragic let down.

"Oh," she said quietly. "The mall." Not exactly the most romantic spot.

On the inside she was disappointed but Elijah looked so proud of himself that she didn't have the heart to tell him her feelings. He kept looking at her expectantly and she realized he was waiting for more emotion from her.

"I mean, the mall!" she said, trying to put enthusiasm into it. The act sounded fake to her but he bought it and they entered the shopping hub. The cold air conditioning swirled around them and although it wasn't her ideal date it felt nice to walk after the long drive. Elijah put her hand on the crook of his elbow and gestured to the various businesses lining either side of them.

"This is all for you, Naomi. Choose whatever store you wish."

She tried to make the most of the outing since he had put so much effort in bringing her to Charleston. "This one is good." She pointed to an accesory boutique. They entered together, her hand still on his elbow. It may not be what she envisioned but she did find some purses in the back that were actually pretty cute. She picked up a turqiouse clutch with silver beading. Now this was something she could picture herself having. And she was seriously considering taking it back to Mystic Falls... until she noticed the price tag attached to it. One hundred and fifteen dollars? No thanks.

Naomi moved to put it back and Elijah questioned her. "You don't like it?"

"I do. I don't like the price though."

He picked it up again and moved to the check out counter. "Nonsense, I'll pay for it."

"Elijah," she gasped. "I can't let you do that! It's way, way too much."

"Really, Naomi, it's no trouble." He frowned when she still insisted on trying to take the purse from him. "I don't understand. I was under the impression that most girls enjoyed shopping especially not having to worry about costs."

She recoiled away. "Is that what you think of me, Elijah? That I'm like most girls?" Sighing sadly she turned and walked out.

Elijah could be heard calling her name. "Naomi. Naomi! I'm sorry, please don't leave."

The apology in his voice was sincere but she hadn't liked the date location to begin with and now she was plain uncomfortable. Muted footsteps ran to catch up to her.

"I don't get it," he said quietly. "You used to love shopping."

Naomi groaned, feeling horrible for the confusion and hurt Elijah was projecting. "And I still do! It means a lot that you drove me out here Elijah and that you're willing to pay for me. I don't want you to think I'm ungrateful but a lot has changed in the last couple centuries. In the time I was alone I had to become independent and responsible for myself. So you'll have to understand that I'm not really comfortable with you blowing a hundred dollars on a clutch just because I said I liked it."

"That makes sense." He thought for a moment. "Did you at least like the mall idea?"

She couldn't resist the tiny laugh that escaped. "Come on, Elijah. Does a suburbia mall scream romance to you?"

"I suppose not," he frowned.

"Come on." She headed toward the mall exit, him following her. "Let's call it a day and go home."

XxXxXxXxX

Back at the Mikaleson mansion Rebekah and Klaus were lounging in the living room, the former painting her nails on the couch and the latter finishing up a landscape he was drawing. For once everything was relatively calm which was rare for the family of feuding vampires. The front door banging shut interrupted the mood but the two of them weren't fazed, not until Elijah came storming in any way.

"Rebekah," he growled, contradicting his well known control.

She merely blinked up at him in shock. It wasn't often that Elijah was truly aggravated but when he was it was a very scary thing.

"You lied to me! Naomi utterly hated the notion of going on a shopping spree."

"Is that what this is about? How was I supposed to know she wouldn't like it? Women love that kind of thing." She flipped her long hair over her shoulders.

Elijah sighed and sat down next to her. "Not in Naomi's case. She is unlike any female I have ever met. Even today she surprised me with her vehemence that she could take care of herself."

"Still," Rebekah insisted. "It was fool proof - I planned that date to be every woman's dream."

Klaus laughed from the corner. "There lies your mistake brother. Trusting our sister to plan your date when she hasn't even had a boyfriend to call her own."

Lifting a pillow Rebekah threw it at his head. "Shut up, Nik."

He laughed again then faced Elijah. "Since Bekah tried but ultimately failed, I think I'm entitled to a turn, brother."

Elijah remained still. "Nothing could be worse than today's date. Sorry Rebekah," he added. "Let's hear it then."

"Excellent." Klaus smiled his signature scheming smile. "Here's what I'm thinking..."

And Rebekah's operation get-Elijah-back-with-Naomi was going so well. Maybe Klaus will have better luck planning the next date. Don't worry the following couple of chapters will be up pretty quick. Thanks again for all the support! To have over 100 reviews is a great feeling!