AN: sorry for the slight delay-my SO is in Prague and we got to talk and wow I love them so much oh my gods, so more happy Elejah ahead!
She asks if she can borrow the book of poetry from his room as they split the bill. He tells her she's always welcome to any of his books, and promises to show her the library the next day. She looks excited and the physical ache in his bones is gone-he feels the best with this lively human who always managed to amaze him. As they leave the restaurant, she challenges him to a no vampire speed race to the car. He loses by a second because she's so playful. He loses-to her amusement. He can't remember ever doing ridiculous things for fun in decades. Not with a human. Elena's flushed from the short burst of activity, her heart beat is healthy.
"Want a rematch?" She teases, when he looks over at her.
"Maybe." He says curtly.
"Come on Elijah. No one likes a sore loser." She jokes. This warrants a half glare. He purses his lips and she wants to kiss them but she keeps her lips to herself-
"I propose a race from the car to the front door, when we arrive." He decides.
"You're on." She declares.