Chapter Twenty-One: Dance

"Faeries, come take me out of this dull world,

For I would ride with you upon the wind,

Run on top of the disheveled tide,

And dance upon the mountains like a flame."

-W.B. Yeats, The Land of Heart's Desire

Elena –

It was lovely.

Elena had expected it to be somewhat cheesy but it was really pretty, they'd covered the machine's spouting the snow with white drapes and somehow managed to keep the decorations more tasteful than cheap. Gold and silver ornaments and tinsel glittered in reflection of the traditional lamp's lighting the event, switching every other pine tree as they went. The ground was frosted with the snow from the machines; it was still falling around her. She had to admit even if it was a little lame sounding it was fun having the fake stuff since it was too warm for normal snow.

The dance floor was set away from the snowy field and the band was in the final stages of setting up to play, a few couples were around the raised floor waiting for it to be ready for actual dancing. The sun was setting so there would be dancing under the stars, it was a little chilly but the idea behind the romance would keep people out and involved despite that.

Elena sighed, glancing down at the dress; again Elijah had bought her a gown for a ball that he wasn't even attending with her. The gown was dark green chiffon with a single strap on the left side that looked like ivy curling up over her shoulder. There were small touches of white along the lower rim and curling upward toward the shoulder strap that looked more like ivy. Given the lack of sleeves it instead came with a black velvet sweater and short dress gloves. With the dress had been a jewelry box with a necklace, the charm was teardrop shaped malachite set in an open cage of platinum. She drew fingers across the charm as she thought about the note that had accompanied it.

Elena –

I realize it is common to wait until the holiday itself to exchange gifts but I knew you hadn't had time to shop for a new gown for yourself. I know things are difficult for you now. Please accept this as a part of my token this celebration.

-Elijah

Elena had only arrived twenty minutes ago and the auction was getting to the last items but she didn't have the money to buy anything so she waited outside. With taking care of the house and the bills she didn't have money to actually buy anything. Instead she was already wondering why she came at all, the dress was lovely, she actually really liked the way it felt. The way the soft fabric seemed to float when she walked. She'd even taken the time to do her hair up in a fancy series of loops and swirls so it would frame her face but not fall over her chest, only along her back. Beautiful as the gift was, nicely as she'd dressed, it didn't mean too much since she was all alone.

Elijah was chatting with the Mayor as they exited from the auction, Damon was talking to Matt and Rebekah near the snack table; annoying them by the expression on Rebekah's face. Though it seemed she finally was going to get to dance, though it still wasn't a high school one so Elena wasn't sure if that counted for what Rebekah really wanted to attend. She'd danced at her families' party after all. She didn't see Stefan here at all yet but then he might decide not to show up. Bonnie was busy with Jeremy and Kol had come earlier in the day to make sure he could drive Caroline closer to madness if the few texts Elena received from her friend were anything to judge by.

Now Elena understood why Bonnie had wanted to ditch homecoming, going to a dance alone just made you stick out. Elena put on a smile when people talked to her, or thanked people for condolences about Ric, thankfully she didn't suffer too much of the latter. Elena sighed as the band finally settled in and seemed ready to start, more people were coming over to dance. The opening strains of Little Drummer Boy started a moment before the small three men and one woman choir that was aiding and would apparently be accompanying as a group or solos as the evening progressed. It wasn't really the sort of song she would dance too but other people were giving it a shot well enough.

"Hey Elena, you're looking great." Matt said as he paused near her. "Damon and Rebekah had to talk about something, I asked Tyler to listen in and make sure they aren't up to anything villainous."

"Well aren't you just turning into a spymaster?" Elena replied with a tease. "And thank you, you always look pretty good in a suit yourself. I thought Tyler wasn't coming?"

"I feel bad for him but his mom had him helping with the volunteers that are moving the auction pieces too large to just be carried by hand." Matt explained. "He was pretty irritated at seeing Caroline here with Kol but he still agreed to eavesdrop on the others."

"For the best, if it's nothing big then fine but I'm not sure what they'd have to talk about." Elena remarked, frowning some at the possibility of them causing more problems where they didn't need any.

"I'm sure we'll work it out, I might just be paranoid after everything else." Matt said with a smirk and a shrug. "Don't walk around looking glum or Caroline will be angry at us for not living life to it's fullest."

"A horrible fate to be sure," Elena said with a smile. Turning toward where people were still walking up toward the dance floor. "It's nice; I thought this whole event would be…well not as elegant as this. Since your date ditched you do you wanna dance?"

"Well, I don't think she'll be gone long and we're supposed to be avoiding trouble remember?" Matt said with a smile. "I'll catch up with you at New Years maybe, there's always another dance around this town. I'm gonna get something to eat while I can."

"Of course, see you later Matt." Elena said with a smile before turning back to watch the twirling people on the dance floor. It was a little lonely just watching others having a good time so she found herself heading over to the punch to pour a glass.

"Careful Labyrinth," The light voice stopped her before she got to take a drink. She glanced over to see Fiona, her blue hair had springs and spirals that were black and silver, cascading around both sides of her face. Her dress was of a similar color pattern and a Victorian aged gown, full with long black gloves. She was still just as pale as ever and she kept her electric blue contacts and hair despite the contrast of shades compared to her midnight colored gown. "Vervain, Salem's father, he's come to the city after the recent Houdini of the council."

"Great…" Elena sighed, so much for everything remaining peaceful. "Must be what Rebekah and Damon wanted to talk about."

"No, they are discussing the division of inventory." Fiona remarked as she scanned the party. "You are much more interesting."

"So you came up with a nickname for me, why Labyrinth?" Elena figured talking to Fiona was more interesting than just pining over her lack of a date.

"So many possible paths, I guess it's not all that original but I had a thing for David Bowie for a while." Fiona grinned with her usual light hearted attitude apparently even more jovial for the dance. "This isn't my usual scene but I figured in the spirit of the winter solstice I'd enjoy the night. Even if the solstice was yesterday, it was a witch's holiday before it was a Christian one after all."

Elena nodded a little; she'd already known that about history, she supposed it made sense that a witch would want to honor that sort of a background. "Well I hope you have fun, are you here alone?"

"No, the dead one talking about inventory invited me hoping to kill two birds with one stone." Fiona said with a shrug. "You let him go and he wishes to make you envious. I have no real interest but I couldn't have attended without an escort."

"Damon?" Elena could guess that he would make that sort of a plan. Did he really think inviting the strange witch would make her jealous? She was still way too angry with him to even consider that. Though it was sorta annoying even the weird witch had a date and she didn't. Just as well Stefan hadn't shown up or she'd probably be suckered into forgiving him before she was really ready to. "Well don't worry, his plan there failed, I'm not jealous of you. What was the second thing, you said two birds."

"He wanted to know more about me and my connection to Dantes." Fiona remarked with a shrug. "He knows about as much as you, it went fairly similarly to my conversation with you as to my past. He is an annoying vampire…I had to give him a few migraines before he stopped trying to assault me."

"Not the nicest story," Damon remarked, wrinkling his nose as he settled an arm over Fiona's shoulder. "Let's go dance, least you can do after all the head trauma; if you'll excuse us Elena."

"You are better without this particular zombie Labyrinth." Fiona remarked before Damon pulled her away and she laughed at him. His aggressive tug released and he held his head a moment with a groan before Fiona tugged him after her. Elena blinked a few times, well at least Fiona could take care of herself…what an odd girl.

"Damon invited Fiona?" Elijah's voice drew her attention and she smiled despite herself at Elijah. His suit was a rich charcoal with white and green coloring to the tie and handkerchief that matched her dress. Unsurprisingly handsome as he held out a glass of champagne, "Vervain free, I made sure not all the stocks were touched by Bonnie's over zealous father."

"Is he okay?" Elena asked with a frown as she took the glass from him. "He's not…"

"No one injured him Elena, we let him think he's gotten into everything and then he leaves tomorrow none the wiser as to what is going on here. Not a danger in the world to anyone." Elijah replied, his glass waving a moment as he spoke before he took a drink. "I'm not going to go back on my word Elena."

"I'm less worried about you than Kol." Elena replied, sipping her own drink. "Can you blame me?"

"No, Kol doesn't exactly inspire confidence." Elijah remarked, smirking toward his brother when the younger Mikaelson sent a slightly dirty look their way. "He'll keep to our agreement however. Moving to more enjoyable topics; you are a vision tonight, I'm glad what I picked fit you."

"Yeah, thank you." Elena said looking down at the dress and then back to Elijah, glad not for the first time that she couldn't blush anymore. She took another long drink instead as she felt herself floundering. "It's lovely."

"She is." Elijah remarked, touching her elbow a moment. Was he really trying to push the whole 'not blushing anymore' thing? "Would you like to pause long enough to have that dance?"

"Sure." Elena set her drink down, grinning at the compliment as she followed him toward the floor. "Though I'm not sure Silent Night is the sort of dance I pictured."

"We can wait for something you'd rather take to the floor with." Elijah said as he held her hand to help her up the small staircase.

"Oh, I can handle that." Kol remarked from just behind them. "I was about to request a song. It's a little electronic at moments but slow enough to dance close to. Come on Caroline…I did say I was a good dancer but I'll start slow just for you. This song is dedicated to you both. Elijah and Elena; no announcements though, wouldn't want all the rumors right?"

Elena rolled her eyes a little as she followed Elijah onto the floor, taking his left hand and then leaning close to his right side as the music started, it sounded gentle, it was on the sound system, with the band taking a break for the time being. Again she felt embarrassed as she listened, wondering how Elijah was taking the lyrical choice.

"I long to feel my heart burned open wide, til nothing else remains, except the fires from which I came. Like parted souls; divided for an age. Oh a wonder I'd embrace, and the world anew again. But now, this picture from me fades. From still's cold hand there's no reprieve, light the fire in me."

Elena remained quiet, listening as Elijah supported her and they moved in a slow waltz styled pattern, falling into the light melody of the song. She wondered what he felt about it. The singer sounded so sad it felt more like the sort of music you'd expect from a wake. A little nerve-wracking since Kol had said this was dedicated to them. Still, Elena was glad for the moment. Despite the fact she'd always assumed Elijah would smell dead after her last close encounter pulling the dagger out now the proximity reminded her of his personal musk. Perhaps it was the same aroma that belonged to him in life, beneath the cologne.

A new line of quicker notes joined the first so they moved slightly faster, it wasn't really the sort of music built for classical dance but with Elijah leading it made it easier on her to simply follow. The chorus followed as the music sped up.

"Shine, shine your light on me. Illuminate me, make me complete. Lay me down, and wash this world from me. Open the skies, and burn it all away. 'Cause I've been waiting, all my life just waiting, for you to shine, shine your light on me."

Elena raised a brow as she leaned back slightly to keep up the slightly quicker steps, glad it was more than the four of them on the dance floor. Several other couples seemed to have adjusted to it as well. She glanced down at Elijah's chest after meeting his eyes a moment. It had felt like they were alone a moment, which wasn't true but she'd gotten caught up listening to his heart. So strange it still echoed in his chest despite the fact he'd been alive over a thousand years. "Sorry…I just ah…I guess this wasn't what I was expecting."

"Kol considers himself incredibly humorous." Elijah answered lightly, smiling at her. "I'm not certain I'd of picked something so somber."

"No, is there a song you'd of picked instead?" Elena asked, smiling as he offered a slightly raised brow. It reminded her of the expression he used whenever he asked if she was 'negotiating' that first time they'd made a deal. He had been visiting somewhat unannounced and they were coming to an agreement in her bedroom.

Caroline and Kol –

"Really? Isn't this sort of depressing for a holiday song?" Caroline asked as she listened to the song's beginning. "I thought you were a good dancer? What is this? Hard to dance well if you don't pick songs that you're able to move too well."

"I did say I was dedicating it to my brother and Elena, it fits his whole noble view of the world." Kol replied, grinning as he turned with her, hand in hand. "If you are envious don't be, I have a song in mind for you as well."

"Oh, what's that? If you went with 'Sweet Caroline' that stopped being cute in middle school," Caroline remarked, looking away from him. While Kol pulling her closer was annoying it did offer her better balance for a proper form. At least he wasn't being hands everywhere, which was part of what she'd expected.

"No, it's not that but if I tell you there isn't much surprise." Kol replied, grinning as he tugged her into the faster chorus of the song. "I hope you'll be free a little over the holiday, I've been gathering your list of requests."

"My mom works Christmas day all morning and afternoon so if you got me something we can trade then." Caroline said, keeping her tone calmer than she might have normally. She had promised to at least try so she had to do that. "I'll be with my mom Christmas eve and it's family only so don't show up on my doorstep."

"Oh? You did get me something then. Am I wearing you down already?" Kol asked as he continued the dance, drawing her closer as the melody slowed for the second verse.

"I dreamt the world, with my eyes open. But time moved on and then, new worlds begin again. Oh my heart, in this universe so vast. No moment was made to last, so light the fire in me."

"No," Caroline muttered, listening to the lyrics. "I'm sorta freaked out listening to this, you sure you aren't only a creepy stalker? I'm sure I could oblige if you mean it literally. I think Damon has a flamethrower I could borrow."

"Tsk, tsk, Ms. Forbes." Kol laughed. "I thought we were supposed to be peacekeeping and here you are giving me threats. As I already said, the song was for Elijah and his obsession with the latest doppelganger. Did you want it to mean you? Do you think I'm that sentimental? I appreciate a girl that can think well of herself but don't be so pretentious."

"This coming from an original," Caroline retorted with a small derisive snort. Only inspiring more laughter from Kol as he paused to twirl her before the quicker chorus started again.

"Sharp tongue, one of my favorite qualities in a beautiful woman," Kol commented as they moved. "You were trained in dance right? My brother had files on you. You'll need to remind me, was tango in your list of achievements?"

"Wait, Klaus kept files on me?" Caroline asked, suddenly feeling a shiver down her spine at that news.

"Yes, though that shouldn't surprise you, he was the largest control freak of all of us." Kol grinned. "Besides, his obsession made for interesting reading, you are quite the go-getter."

"Nice to know stalker tendencies run in the family." Caroline muttered.

"Think of it as a compliment, besides, getting back to my question. I requested a tango for us Caroline. Better you let me know if you aren't up to the difficulty of such a dance before they start it after this dance ends." Kol replied. Eternally amused as she looked at him, scanning him the same way he was searching her face.

He could watch her coming to a decision and he smiled just before she nodded at him. She always managed to slightly over step his hopes. "I can do a tango. I just hope you can keep up old man."

Elijah –

Elena pulled close to him as they took the steps of the improvised waltz; the words of the song were Kol trying to push Elijah as usual. Elijah wasn't going to let it get to him; the part that mattered was he was dancing with Elena. He had missed the chance at the last one so he had no intention of letting this one pass without a few, the night was young and he didn't plan for this to be their only dance.

It felt…well it was something he couldn't quite put a finger on; a peculiar familiarity came with Elena's head rested on his shoulder. For a moment the rest of the world was swept away, the grief from the loss of his family, the rage at Rebekah for her role in Elena's new existence, the anxiety of other plans. It was replaced by a rare sense of security that stole any other negative emotion from his consciousness.

Elena seemed to share that feeling; she glanced around when the tempo built up as if checking to see they were actually with other people on the dance floor. She met his eyes with that surprise and something deeper, that gave him some hope his admission of feelings would someday be fully reciprocated. Of course her glance was brief so he could have simply been seeing what he wanted to see, she didn't return her head to his shoulder. "Sorry…I just ah…I guess this wasn't what I was expecting."

"Kol considers himself incredibly humorous," Elijah answered, recognizing himself how soft his tone had grown when he was addressing Elena. "I'm not certain I'd of picked something so somber."

"No, is there a song you'd of picked instead?" Elena asked, giving him a slightly cheeky smile. It reminded him how they often used to deal with each other. Her teasing him was enjoyable.

"Well, unless your dance card is full, I can request something for us later. That is, if you don't mind wandering the dance for a short time lacking such knowledge." Elijah replied.

"I think I can manage a little waiting." Elena said, picking up the pace at the repeat of the chorus as it came. He met the pressure of her hand as they turned; it was effort not to smile at her further. Elijah had to be wary of the manner he eyed a 'future student' in front of all the people of Mystic Falls. He was still coming to terms with how to even approach this, knowing he likely shouldn't at all. "If you are free during the actual holiday I have the rest of your gift, your gown would be the first part. I hope you don't mind me deciding to slightly side-step tradition by giving it a few days prior."

"Well it wouldn't have been that useful a couple of days after the dance finished." Elena sighed, glad for the slower music when it came again. "I'll be free though, Jeremy is going to go with Bonnie to visit at her father's out of town. They'll be leaving this afternoon and he won't be back until after New Years. It's better for him since I'm still trying to…you know…deal."

"It is best for both of you at least for the first few months. Your control has been impeccable but better for you not to press your luck. You have next year." Elijah said, he could tell she was sad about Jeremy's choice to go to another city for the holiday. "You can also speak through Skype."

"You know about Skype?" Elena asked, laughing so she wouldn't cry best he could tell.

"I know about a great many things." Elijah retorted with a vague yet superior smirk. "We will adjust. With your family not here in person we can return to my home and continue practice. It will keep your mind from their absence, if you prefer of course."

"I think that would be a good idea." Elena nodded, pausing as the song came to an end. He gave a minor bow and she returned a slight curtsey as they moved toward the edge of the floor. The band was flipping pages, preparing for the next number right away.

Elena smirked at the fact Kol wasn't letting Caroline escape just yet, his ability to insist on something complimented Caroline's personality somehow, not that Elena planned to tell Caroline that. She raised a brow at the next song that picked up, it was neither Christmas-y nor the sort of thing you usually heard at these parties given it had a deeper beat and rougher quaility, quite a few people left the floor. Elena raised both brows as a scratchy voice started to sing. It sounded somewhat familiar but she couldn't place it.

Caroline and Kol –

"Really?" Caroline asked as their stance altered with the new music that started. It was a slightly faster pace with a new melody threaded into the background to make it easier to dance to. "You sure this isn't more your theme song?"

"Surprised you recognize it." Kol remarked as he pulled her close, grinning at her as he slipped around her to instead roll her across his back as she attempted to spin away, catching her again. "Here I thought you were up to a challenge."

"I like my town with a little drop of poison. Nobody knows they're lining up to go insane. I'm all alone, I smoke my friends down to the filter. But I feel much cleaner after it rains."

Caroline moved when he did, stalking slightly to the left as he did to the right, her eyes narrowed on him in such a way that the onlookers could conclude it was either a part of the act or that she really was less than pleased at the moment. She raised her hands as he did, it was much easier to follow a lead and he seemed to already have chorography in mind. "You planned this, you knew I wouldn't just back down."

"She left in the fall, that's her picture on the wall. She always had that little drop of poison."

"I hoped you wouldn't." Kol replied, slipping in to grab her hands as they took the traditional stance, staring at her intently as they took a few steps across the floor before she rotated him and her feet danced around his legs with intricate footwork that was a testament even to a vampire. "Besides, I did dedicate this for you. Us, if you prefer to put me in with it."

"She always left in the fall, that's her picture on the wall. She always had that little drop of poison."

"Yeah right, more wishful thinking." Caroline slipped past him, walking a few steps away slowly, in the sensual manner that a tango called for. If he wanted to play this game she would rise to the occasion. She'd had dance lessons since she was six she wasn't about to let them go to waste now. She felt his hands on her elbows.

"Did the devil make the world while god was sleeping? Someone said you'll never get a wish from a bone. Another wrong good-bye and a hundred sailors, that deep blue sky is my home."

Why did she have to wear a sleeveless dress, his fingers trailing up her arms lit the fire that she was constantly fighting with as a vampire. There was more than a lust for blood that came with a change, everything heightened after all. For all her repulsion emotionally, she had to admit that Kol was attractive. Still she didn't let herself lose composure, turning around just as his hands settled on her shoulders, backing up as he walked after her. It was like he'd choreographed the entire dance thus far, as though he'd predicted the sort of moves she would make, though not knowing what they were going to do she was limited.

"She left in the fall, that's her picture on the wall. She always had that little drop of poison."

"No? I'd say this fits you perfectly." Kol remarked lowly as he retook her hands and forced her back into the proper position, his foot slowly making a half circle on the floor as he pivoted them both. "It is about a poisonous woman, and you did so consistently lead on my dear brother."

"She left in the fall, that's her picture on the wall. She always had that little drop of poison."

"I didn't do that cause I wanted too." Was Caroline's whispered reply, following his lead. The dance floor now empty except for them and the crowd they were steadily gathering? "I did what I had to do. For Tyler."

"A rat always knows when he's in with weasels."

"But that's not the point is it?" Kol asked, lifting his hand to twirl her so she was positioned facing away from him. She felt his nose and lips trailing up the length of her arm from her wrist, just before he pulled her against him. His whisper near her ear and the breath on her shoulder gave her goose bumps. "You are after all, only here with me to keep me sedated."

"Here you lose a little every day."

Caroline glanced over her shoulder, they were close enough that he could have kissed her or she could have leaned into him. She leaned up as though she was about to, even wetting her lips before murmuring. "Is it poison if you know what you're drinking?"

Before their lips met she instead slid down his body toward the floor, clinging lightly to his body as her own gracefully touched the floor, though she could tell by the spark in his gaze that teasing him back perhaps wasn't the best plan it was a little late now that they'd started.

"I remember when a million was a million. They all have ways to make you pay."

Kol pulled her back up, turning when she did, move for move, as though it was second nature to him. He raised a brow slightly at Caroline's sudden use of moves that kept him close yet at arms length simultaneously. Pulling her just enough so she nearly sat on his leg, she almost completed the particular maneuver before she twirled away from him again. Did she think he wasn't up for the chase?

"She left in the fall, that's her picture on the wall. She always had that little drop of poison."

Caroline swallowed as Kol picked her up, twirling her around him as she had to make split second decisions how to bend to follow up with what he wanted, if it wasn't for vampiric reflexes she would have ended up getting dropped. Yet after the several somersaults she found herself facing him again, breathless as he gently tugged at her side.

She raised her leg to curl her thigh up and around his waist while straightening her second leg behind her. Holding his jacket as he whirled them both counter-clockwise while she maintained that somewhat questionable position…

"…and she left in the fall, that's her picture on the wall. She always had that little drop of poison."

Caroline couldn't help the slight smile that lit her face. They ended the song with her bent backward and hi face just above her chest. It had been invigorating; she had to give him that. It wasn't until she heard applauds she realized how many people had come to watch their dance and she backed up, accepting his help to retain her balance. Curtseying when he bowed and trying not to look at anyone as she hightailed it with him in tow off the dance floor.

"What was that Caroline?" Her mother was less than happy, that was clear. "That is not an acceptable display, what were you thinking?"

"Just a bit of fun Sheriff," Kol's arm settled over Caroline's shoulder, dark eyes suddenly dangerous until Caroline dropped his arm.

"Not now Kol, go get us a drink, let me talk to my mom." Caroline groaned, shoving him toward the punch. Elena had warned her about the Vervain but she was silently hoping that she hadn't warned Kol. If he drank some acid it would serve him right. How the hell was she supposed to explain this to her mother?

Elena –

Elena watched curiously, it was weird how well Caroline kept up. If Elena didn't know her friend better she'd of assumed that Caroline had the dance planned ahead of time. There were a few moments were there were mistakes but Kol kept her on a pretty quick recovery whenever she started to flounder. He at least had to have planned this. It was weird, they kept making remarks to each other but Elena only heard a few of them, learning to listen to specific things in a Din of whispers was still something she had to work on.

"Whoa did she plan to do that with Kol?" Jeremy asked; apparently he'd come to the same idea Elena first had. He and Bonnie walked up to her as Elena heard Caroline's mom start to freak out on her once they reached the sidelines. Jingle Bell rock the band picked up with and most people filled back up the floor quickly, that was a favorite for a lot of people.

"I don't think so, Kol probably planned it." Elena answered, smiling at her brother with Bonnie, she was glad to see at least one happy couple remained in this town. "I'm more surprised he convinced Caroline to go along with it."

"She was getting pretty…involved up there, you sure she's okay?" Bonnie asked, glancing to where Caroline and her mom were in animated whispers. "Her mom's not too happy."

"Can you blame her? Her daughter just had stage sex in front of the whole town." Jeremy remarked, frowning as both the women hit him. "What? It's true."

"Vampire's have heightened emotions." Elena said with a whisper. "My guess is Caroline just got a little too in character, you remember the time she had to play Amber from Hairspray, we were dealing with environmental destruction for weeks."

"Yeah she's still just as stuck up." Jeremy remarked, holding up his hands innocently as he earned more dirty looks. "Fine fine, your friend I get it. I'll get us something to drink."

"Well, I'm just worried about her, she's still sad after what happened with Tyler." Bonnie said as her date retreated. "I think her helping him could be a good idea, but I don't think if she's just rebounding then it's a good place. You've seen Kol when he's being friendly, can you imagine him if she drops him and he best case scenario decides he's bored with her? Do we know what or who he'll target next?"

"Does it matter? We'll work it out right? Elijah told me he brought Fiona here to teach you." Elena asked, changing the subject. "What is she teaching you?"

"Just different ways to approach magic, she's hard to understand sometimes but she's really accurate, sort of frighteningly so." Bonnie said, glancing to where the blue witch was dancing with Damon. "She tries to be nice but something about her makes me nervous. I think it's hard for her cause she sees so much. You know how I get glimpses when I touch people? She has that all the time on hyper drive but without touch being needed."

"Elijah told me she was a seer." Elena commented, looking to where Damon seemed to at least be having a good time dancing near the witch. "I guess that explains her odd personality, I'm sure if I saw as much as she did I wouldn't be normal either."

"You aren't normal." Bonnie said with a smile. "Seems only Matt and Jeremy, well April now that she's back in town I guess."

"Hopefully we can keep them that way." Elena replied with a smile. "What's Fiona's nickname for Jeremy?"

"Abraham." Bonnie replied with a frown. "When I asked her why she said we'd figure it out sometime before the end of the school year. I don't know about her but she is helping me work through some of my problems. You know it's been harder for me since I brought back Jeremy."

"Well what's wrong other than she's really happy all the time and she has the weird 'seer speak' going on?" Elena asked. If this woman was here because Elijah called her here then Elena was extra curious what she could do.

Bonnie shrugged, taking a cup of punch from Jeremy. "I can't put my finger on it, she just makes me uncomfortable somehow…don't worry about me, I'm probably just over thinking it."

"Oh Fiona," Jeremy figured out the topic quickly enough. "I didn't like her at first but she's okay once you get past her not calling anyone by their real name. She has no taste in men though, coming with Damon."

"I'm glad he's going out with someone that isn't Elena." Bonnie's comment didn't surprise Elena, none of her friends had ever really been Team Damon though she wasn't really interested in either Salvatore after the forced near-kidnapping. She still could be stuck in a basement somewhere by them if it wasn't for Elijah's intervention.

"Let's go dance, do you mind Elena?" Jeremy said as another upbeat song she knew he liked started. She waved them off, smiling though she still felt lonely. She wasn't going to take out her issues on her friends, it was probably just strange vamp hormones; which is what she'd taken to calling her odd mood swings.

Caroline managed to escape her mom but neither Forbes' looked that happy. Caroline slipped away and Kol was close behind offering her a glass of wine, considering how thick it was Elena could guess there was blood inside a moment before she smelled it. The scent made her swallow in desire, turning away from them as she tried to focus. She'd been in such a hurry to get out of the house she'd forgotten to feed this morning and the blood was hard on her.

Elena gripped the side of the dance floor, cracking the wood and splintering it into her own hand before she realized how hard she was holding on. Wincing she pulled back but bumped into someone, Elijah's hands reaching around her to pull the small piece of wood from her wrist and wiping her hands clean with a handkerchief.

"Elijah…" Elena felt her face relax from the vampiric expression it had taken for a split second.

"Now isn't a great time to hunt Elena. Are you not well? I left you something this morning." Elijah remarked with a frown. She felt a little ashamed.

"I, I know…I didn't have time and I forgot before we left the house." Elena explained, swallowing. "I'm sorry Elijah, I should just go home."

"That will still raise suspicion, do you know if anyone has a bag available?" Elijah asked. Glancing around as Elena followed his eyes she could see Bonnie's dad was already looking their way. Thankfully no one seemed to have noticed her damaging the edge of the stage. She had to hope no one saw her face either since no one had asked about it. Her splintering the wood was small and the music and dancing had covered the sound. Elena offered a smile and a wave at Bonnie's Dad and he raised his drink at her, though at least he wasn't giving a disapproving look so that was something. Still she didn't want to push her luck.

"Well, maybe your brother, he had it for him and Caroline." Elena suggested, sitting down on part of the stage she hadn't strangled. She felt dizzy, suddenly all the sensations of the party seemed to be getting to her. She cursed herself for not remembering to have something to eat before this. Caroline and Kol were climbing back onto the stage and Elena was on edge just from the exposure to the blood.

"It would be too dangerous to feed from a mortal here; the wound would raise too many questions…" Elijah remarked, pulling Elena's chin up so she was looking at him instead of the ground. "Go to the ladies room inside. Do not attack anyone or reveal what you are. Remain there until I bring you something."

"Okay." Elena nodded and they split a moment later, Elijah watched the stage as Elena headed for the restroom. She assumed he'd ask his brother, she excused herself from someone that stopped to talk to her since she 'needed to go to the bathroom'. Relieved when she got escaped from everyone else and particularly the smell of blood. She leaned on the sink, taking deep breathes to try to cleanse her nose of the scent, to keep calm.

"Elena are you all right?" The Mayor had the worst timing. Carol smelled amazing, she could hear the blood pumping…Elena turned to her, her eyes focusing.

"I'm fine, you'll leave and if anyone asks my stomach is just a little rough, you saw someone spiking the punch, you'll need to get that fixed right away." Elena's compulsion took root and the Mayor's expression grew more concerned.

"Excuse me Elena, I just realized someone was spiking the punch, I need to make sure it's replaced." The Mayor said as she headed for the door. "Feel better dear."

After she left Elena locked the door, shivering and surprised at her own ability for restraint. Had Elijah compelled her not to attack anyone? If he did Elena couldn't really complain. She'd certainly wanted to dig into Carol's jugular a few seconds ago. She wasn't sure she could take it if someone else came too close. She hadn't eaten since yesterday morning and it was getting to her, easily it was the longest she'd gone without blood since she completed her transition and her body ached for it.

A whispered conversation somewhere outside reached her, Kol's voice clear even though he'd lowered it.

"Just feed her yourself Elijah, I'm sure you wouldn't mind." Kol remarked, sounding just as pleased with himself as ever. Did he only feed on blood filled with some sort of drug?

"If you have more tell me Kol." Came Elijah's reply.

"I do but I'm not sure you want her to drink it…" Kol's answer didn't exactly sound like a positive thing. What the hell did he mean by that? Elena was sure if the bag was in front of her she wouldn't actually think twice about it.

"Again?" Elijah's word only made her concerned about Caroline. What was Kol up too? Blood was just blood wasn't it? A rap on the door a moment later made her jump before she spoke up.

"Who's there?"

"Elijah." His voice was the neutral chill he used with others.

She reached over to unlock the door; he ducked in and locked it again after himself. He was looking her over, she doubted she looked that good given how she felt.

"We'll need to wait here, I contacted Stefan as Kol didn't work out, he'll be here in about ten minutes." Elijah explained.

"No, no. You said it could cause a problem if I left, if Stefan shows up in just regular dress that will stand out too. I don't want to put everyone in danger again. Kol said I could drink from you…can't I do that?" Elena wanted blood and it didn't really matter to her if it was Elijah's or someone else's. She could feel the pressure of the crimson ambrosia in his veins as his heart worked to keep him looking human. She leaned close to him, sniffing his neck after she made the suggestion.

"Elena…do you have the slightest idea what you're asking?" Elijah managed; he sounded uncomfortable which wasn't something she heard from him often. It was a little empowering that she could inspire such changes in behavior from a man that seemed so set in his ways.

"I know you smell like heaven and I want to drink from you." Elena remarked, only vaguely aware of how much her lust for the blood was controlling her words. "Does anything else matter, please?"

End Chapter

Well I originally in my notes had the events of the Christmas Charity as one chapter but when I went to write this it ended up much longer than expected. This is a year of records for me, longest amount of words in a month for a single story, longest number of words for a chapter (this one XD) I wonder what else will come to pass for me but 2013 is looking like it should be amazing. Maybe I can make this fiction my longest fiction ever written as well before the year is out! I'm excited at how much this fiction has really been a milestone for me, looking forward to where it still goes from here! More Christmas events next chapter as well.

-Aura

To my reviewers:

Chiwi – Elena never knows how she feels. And well, it's looking like at least something physical might happen, not quite kissing in a traditional sense.

Wileby – Isn't it? Kol in my fic doesn't do anything half-assed. We've yet to see if my version of him will be how the show takes him.

Gorramit Girl – Rebekah always does have issues it seems, I'd actually like to see her and Matt together cause at their hearts I think they're both good people.

Midnigt – Glad you liked it, hope your enjoyment continues into this chapter and beyond.

Midnight-writer97 – I know right? It'd be great if they gave Elijah/Elena a little screen time the end of this season when he finally shows up. Which thanks to breaks in schedule I don't think will be until March : (

Hotchfan1 – Rebekah killed Elena turning her into a vampire XD