Sorry about the length of this chapter.
I wanted to write a couple of chapters exploring Elijah and Elena's relationship outside of the evil and drama. I hope you enjoy, let me know in the reviews. :)
A crack of light shone through the a small gap in the curtains and landed on Elena's face, her eyes slowly started to peel open, she stretched her arms out and sat up, giving herself a moment to wake up properly. She felt slightly disoriented, like she didn't know where she was, it had been so long since she'd had a good nights sleep that she almost forgot everything that had happened.
She shook her head and stood from the bed, entering the en suite bathroom; she looked herself over in the mirror and grabbed a toothbrush, she walked over to the shower and switched it on, cleaning her teeth whilst it warmed up. She removed her clothing, spat out the toothpaste and stepped into the shower.
The warm water fell over her body, she instantly felt better, she lathered herself in shower gel, washed her hair and enjoyed the feel of the water pouring over her for a little while longer.
She rinsed herself off before switching the shower off, reaching out for a towel and drying herself off. She walked out of the bathroom, towel still wrapped around her whilst she opened the curtains, the sun was shining, she took a pair of navy denim shorts and and a white camisole out of her bags and proceeded to get herself ready.
A short amount of time had passed before she was finally ready and exited the bedroom, she descended the staircase, walked through the living room and entered the kitchen.
"This is unbelievable," Elena couldn't believe her eyes, Elijah was cooking breakfast, there was pancakes, syrup, bacon, eggs and even sausage, "You did all this?"
Good morning to you too," He smirked as he took two pieces of toast from the toaster and put them on a plate, placing them on the dining table, "You need to eat! I didn't know what you would like."
"This is amazing, thank you." she didn't know what too say, she was in awe and couldn't believe he had done all this for her.
She grabbed a plate, took a bit of everything and sat down, Elijah followed after grabbing two mugs of coffee and sat beside her.
"So, what's the plan for today?" Elena asked, as she began to eat, she was famished and didn't realise how much until now.
"Well, as for the daytime, that's entirely up to you, but as for this evening, I would like to take you out for dinner, I won't be cooking again," Elijah smirked out of amusement, there eyes meeting once again.
"I would like that," her heart was pounding again, her eyes locked onto his, she was trying to figure him out, why he goes to all this trouble for her, but he was unreachable, he had to let her in.
Would he ever?
"Perfect! I made reservations at 7pm."
-w-
Elena had spent most of the morning relaxing; she caught up on a bit of reading, sat out in the sun and she enjoyed the time she had spent with Elijah, she was looking forward to dinner with him tonight. Dare she think it, but everything felt so normal to her, she tried to not think about there current situation with Klaus and the demon king, it made her sad to think that this time spent with Elijah was only very temporary.
She tried to push all those thoughts from her mind and continued to soak up the sun in one of the loungers located on the deck in the back garden; she had changed into a white bikini and was sporting a pair of sunglasses, she was going to enjoy every moment of this free time as normally as she usually would.
Elijah exited the house to join her in the garden, he felt as though he couldn't take his eyes off of her, especially when she only wore a bikini. He forced his gaze from and cleared his throat.
"Klaus just called, they're having no luck with the book, he has one final idea but involves us, he'll be here tomorrow night." He spoke, full of sorrow.
"That's okay," She spoke as cheery as she could, she didn't want to make the situation worse by complaining, she made her choice, although she didn't want to think about anything that Klaus could possibly want from her, "If I can help I will."
"I'm truly sorry."
"Don't worry about it, Elijah," A sincere smile formed on her lips, "Anyway, I'm going to start getting ready for dinner, I only have two hours till 7!"
She stood up from the chair, spun on her heel and entered the house; she ran upstairs, almost way too excited for this dinner. She rummaged through her bags, she didn't think to pack any formal dresses or evening wear, she thought she'd be neck deep in hybrids and blood, not going to dinner with Elijah.
She pulled out a small black dress with straps, it fell to mid-way on her thighs, it had lace on the bodice and hugged her skin, she shrugged, "This will do."
Next, she took a pair of black, strappy high heels to match out of her bag.
She proceeded to change; she put a bit of make up on, mainly a bit of eye shadow, eyeliner and mascara and lipstick to finish, she ran the brush through her hair and let it fall like a blanket caressing her back.
Knock, knock, knock.
"Elena, are you ready? It's 6:30." Elijah called through the door.
She stood from the dressing table and opened the door, Elijah just stared at her, his face almost mesmerised by her, he took in every inch of her beauty, she was captivating.
"You look beautiful." Emotion poured out of his voice, yet he remained honourable and it shown in his tone. He held his arm up, waiting for her to take it.
"Thank you," She could feel the heat rise to her cheeks, her heart fluttering and her nerves now kicking in, "You look very handsome also."
He was sporting his usual attire; blazer, trousers, crisp white shirt, neat tie but it was a suit he hadn't wore before. They both exchanged smiles as she took his arm and he lead her out of the house and into the car.
-w-
They arrived at the restaurant at exactly 7pm, it wasn't too far from the house, it was located in a small, rustic type village, there where several stone houses and shops, all closed now but they where more towards the centre of Pennsylvania; the restaurant had a few tables full but not crowded.
They where seated next to a window, overlooking a lake and more beautiful nature. Elijah was a true gentleman, he had took her coat, pulled out her chair and sat only after she had.
"Would you like something to drink?" He asked, his eyes quickly scanning the area for a waiter, he raised his hand and gestured for him to approach there table. Elena was nervous, she seemed to have no words, she didn't want to speak and mess up, she'd never felt like this when dining with someone. But this was Elijah.
She just nodded her head and smiled.
The waiter approached, greeted them and placed menus on the table in front of them.
"Please bring your finest bottle of red wine and two glasses," He smirked.
"Good choice, sir." The waiter hurried off to the bar to fetch the order.
Elijah turned to face Elena, she had her head buried in the menu, he was starting to think she did not want to be here, she barely spoke to him and won't even look at him.
"Elena, have I done something to offend you?" He asked, a true gentleman, especially in the way he speaks.
"Of course not, why would you think that?" She asked, her head instantly out of the menu and her eyes upon him, she was confused to say the least.
"You don't seem like you want to be here," He was cut short by the waiter returning with the wine, he placed a glass in front of them both and filled them before placing the bottle on the table. Elijah handed him a $20 tip, thanked him and he was on his way, he continued to focus his attention on Elena, "You haven't said a word to me since we where at the house."
"You'll think I'm being silly," She paused, a small grin appearing on her lips, Elijah now intrigued, "I'm nervous."
"About what?"
She didn't want to be honest about the true reason as to why she was nervous, how could she? She'd basically be admitting that she's been thinking differently about him lately and she didn't want to complicate there deal or there relationship in any way.
But his smile made her heart melt.
"I think it's because I haven't dined somewhere this nice before," She lied, basically trying to put an end to this topic of conversation, "Also, this is our last night of freedom, I don't want it to end."
"I understand," He grasped his glass and raised it slightly towards her, "So, let's not think about it."
She raised her glass and tapped his, the clinking sound ringing and they both took a sip.
The waiter appeared back at the table, notepad and pen at the ready, "Can I take your order now please sir? Madam?"
"I'll have the steak, rare," Elijah responded, closing the menu and holding it up to him; he took it and placed it in the crease of his arm.
"A steak sounds delicious, I'll have the same but medium, thank you." Elena also passed him the menu and he once again, left the table.
There was a moment silence between them, her reasoning being that she was lost in his gaze, the entire setting was incredibly romantic and the butterflies in her stomach where kicking up a frenzy.
"So, Eiijah, tell me a bit more about you," She took another sip from her glass and rested it back on the table, "You've been alive for a long time, I'm sure you've changed a lot in that time."
"I don't know where to begin, I don't usually reveal many details about myself," And of course she knew that, he was a closed book, "I was human, a son, a brother, a murderer and a monster; I've travelled the world, fought many battles and died several times all in the name of love and honour. I'm bonded to my family, for better or worse, always and forever," His tone of voice was very noble and intriguing.
"You're incredible," Elena practically whispered under her breath, completely by accident, it just slipped out. Elijah smirked and her heart practically exploded.
"Well, thank you," He noticed her cheeks where bright red, he felt nothing but raw attraction to her, in every meaning of the word, "About a century ago, my family and I where at our happiest, we where residing in New Orleans, we enjoyed ourselves thoroughly and it was finally a place we could call home, the governor was in our pockets and we where free to live as we pleased. I regret my behaviour, I feel nothing but shame towards it but we where happy. It all came to a sudden and cruel end when our father discovered are whereabouts and we had to flee, Klaus changed for the worse after this time, he wanted nothing more than to kill him."
"I'm sorry you had to go through that," Elena without thought, placed her hand over his, "You didn't deserve any of it."
"Maybe I did," He shot his gaze towards there hands for a brief moment; her skin was warm and smooth and made his heart skip a beat. "I've done some terrible things."
"I don't care about your past, Elijah, I only care about now, you are honourable and full of love and compassion, regardless what you may have done, no-one deserves to be hunted, especially by there own father," Her words kind and impactful, her grip of his hand only becoming tighter with every word they spoke to each other, "If it wasn't for him, maybe Klaus wouldn't have became such a monster and just maybe you wouldn't have done the things you did, it was never your fault."
Elijah didn't quite know how to process everything she just said, they where words he longed to hear, he wanted nothing more than to forgive himself for the things he and his family had done. He saw redemption in her, he wanted to be worthy of her, he saw the life he has always wanted with her.
The waiter abruptly returned to there table carrying two plates, he placed them in front of both of them, followed by cutlery. Elena instantly pulled her hand away, she was bitter he ruined there moment, "Your order, I hope it is to your liking. If you need anything, don't hesitate to call me."
"Thank you," They both said, somewhat insincerely.
-w-
Elena had thoroughly enjoyed herself, they ate, drank wine, laughed a lot and casually spoke about themselves to get to know each other a bit more, she was seeing him in a whole new light. They even ordered desert so that it wouldn't end.
Elijah never wanted it to end.
"Elena, I have truly enjoyed your company tonight, you have been a surprise." He spoke, honestly.
"As have I." A small grin appeared on her lips at his words, maybe it was the wine getting to her or the romantic dinner in an even more romantic village or both but she couldn't hold back her thoughts anymore, Elijah heard her heart beating so fast that it was making him soften.
"Elijah.."
"Please, Elena, don't," His facial expressions had changed, he was opening up slightly, his voice breaking and emotion pouring through, "You won't be able to take it back."
She felt the air around her become thin, she was feeling light headed at the rush of feelings that overcame her entire being, she wanted to fight it but she couldn't; instead, she reached once more for his hand, her eyes locked onto his.
"I wouldn't ever want to take it back," Her heart ripped through her chest, her mind racing and her body temperature was at an all time high, "I can't control these urges and feelings I'm having for you, I don't understand it but all I know is that I want to be with you constantly, you make my heart race and you're always on my mind."
Elijah was momentarily speechless, the grip he had on her hand was getting tighter, he wanted nothing more than to grab her and feel the touch of her lips.
"Elena," His voice croaked slightly out of complete nervousness, he cleared his throat and continued, "I can't deny these feelings I'm having for you either, they're strong and I've never felt anything like this before."
She closed her eyes for a long moment and sighed ever so slightly, "But?"
"If I get too close, you may get hurt, I couldn't live with myself if anything ever happened to you," He spoke with a heavy heart, full of regret, "You deserve someone you can have a full life with, have a family and be at peace. The predicament we're in with my brother won't allow for us to pursue anything, he'll take you away and I couldn't risk him hurting you."
Every word he spoke was like a knife to her heart, her eyes where becoming blurred with tears that wanted to force there way out and she felt sick to her stomach.
"I don't want anybody else, only you, the way I feel-"
"We can't," Elijah cut her sentence short, he didn't want to hurt her like this, he felt as though he had no choice but to protect her from himself, "I won't risk it."
"I want you to risk it all," She wasn't giving up so early, not now she knew there was something between them, something real, "For me."
They didn't speak for a minute, Elijah couldn't respond, if he did, he may give in to his emotions and he couldn't.
"I'm going to pay for dinner, then I'll get the car," His voice was cold and his words blank, he stood from his chair, there hands separating in the process, Elena just watched as he walked away from her, she couldn't accept this.
She stood from her chair and exited the restaurant, Elijah was not long behind her, he brought the car round to her and he still opened the door for her and continued to drive.
-w-
The journey home was silent, Elena just stared out of the window and Elijah focused on driving; she was hurting like she never had before, she didn't want to believe that this was going to be the end of it, she felt as though she meant nothing to him, unworthy.
When they arrived home, he used his speed to open the door for her and held his hand out to help her, she took it and her skin electrified at the touch of him, she closed her eyes for seconds and shook it off before following Elijah to the front door, he inserted the key into the lock.
Before he opened the door, he turned to look at her; he was once again taking in her beauty, in his eyes she was perfection, everything about her made him want to be more and be better, she made him feel things he had never felt, he wanted to protect her but he couldn't hold back anymore and he couldn't fight it.
"Elena..." His voice was soft and his body was screaming out for her to be near him.
He gave in, he took her by the waist and pulled her body against his with force, his lips landing on hers in the most passionate kiss they had ever experienced.
She reciprocated completely, her arms instantly wrapping around his neck and bringing him as close as he could be, she tangled her fingers in the ends of his hair and pulled him in, the feel of his arms around her made her feel so safe and wanted, she leaned more into there kiss and her body was as close as it could be, she felt like she was on fire.
There hearts where beating with intense speed and in sync, Elijah brought his hands up to her face and caressed her cheeks, he had never felt so vulnerable.
He eventually broke there kiss for a split second, taking in a deep breath and locking his eyes onto hers.
"Your worth the risk." And with that, he brought them together one more time in a deep and passionate kiss.