AN: Wrapping this up in a few chapters, but I've been careful to pick times where Elijah doesn't have a love interest and where they wouldn't interact with other TVD characters like Stefan who they meet later in the twenties, Katherine, etc. Also it doesn't look like it but I did do research, milkshakes were around in this time period.
"May I have this dance?" he asks and Elena nods, takes his hand.
"We don't dance like that where I'm from. We might have to start slow," Elena warns. Elijah tells her he doesn't mind.
"So much has changed," Elena says quietly as they walk to an empty spot in the crowd of dancers, away from the music.
"What are you referring to? New Orleans or our family?" Elijah asks. Elena freezes and looks at him.
"Our?" Elena questions softly and Elijah realizes what caused that reaction. It's rare to see Elijah look so unsure, but they stop dancing anyway.
"We've been together for some time now. I just assumed-" Elijah begins to apologize and Elena shakes her head.
"I was just surprised. Should I be worried? Your brother has a habit of killing people you and Bekah love," Elena says and Elijah relaxes.
"Niklaus loves you too. No harm will ever come to you. I swear it," Elijah says and Elena moves with him, slow steps to the upbeat song playing.
"Do you think Rebekah will ever forgive Marcel? They loved each other once," Elena says. Elijah doesn't speak for a few steps.
"They did. Once. Rebekah holds grudges. And as you know, she can keep them for a very long time. I'm not sure if she will or when she will," Elijah says and Elena sighs.
"They aren't expecting us to be home until it's dark. Are you hungry?" Elijah asks and Elena almost misses a step.
"I'd love that. After a few dances. I think I'm starting to get this," Elena says.
The city is different, but still the same underneath. Elena wonders if what she feels looking at it is what vampires feel. The world changes and moves on. It's hard not telling them that Prohibition will ruin some of their traditions, they have wine with dinner one night and champagne the next. Marcel shows her where the best milkshakes in town are with Klaus, Rebekah takes her shopping, and Elijah teaches her to dance the night away like a real flapper. There's still tension, but it's ignored. Rebekah is perhaps, a little more observant than before-she notices when Elena and Marcel disappear to talk. Elijah and Klaus debate potential enemies and the future.
"I think this will be my last stop before home," Elena says on the last night, they're having dinner at a restaurant Marcel picked and Rebekah leans forward.
"How far away is home?" Rebekah asks and Elena rolls her eyes.
"You know I can't tell you that. It could change things," Elena reminds her and Klaus sighs.
"You've already changed things by being here with us," Marcel says.
"But you'll forget and nothing has been significantly altered. Hopefully," Elena says and Elijah shoots her a curious look.
"But being with us means you've changed the future in some capacity," Klaus notes. Elena takes a sip of wine.
"I won't know how much this has changed things until I get back home. And I think that might be leaving tonight," Elena says. Rebekah frowns.
"I'd say we'll miss you-" Rebekah begins.
"But you won't remember me," Elena finishes.
Elijah kisses her when they're home, long and sweet.
"I love you. A few years won't change that. I hope things work out in your time, and that we'll be in New Orleans again. Or anywhere you want to go. I'll show you the world if you want," Elijah says. Elena reads between the lines, just not right now. Elijah can read her well, she hasn't mentioned her concerns for the future in a while. Another reason she loves him.
"I love you too. And I'll see you soon," Elena promises.