Elena awoke the next morning full of love and happiness; she glanced around at Elijah, he was still fast asleep, she assumed the ritual had really exhausted him.
She placed a soft kiss on his cheek before exiting the bed and went to the coffee machine; as she waited for it brew, she stared at the engagement ring on her finger; it was the most beautiful ring she had ever saw, it was a vintage style ring with an ornate design, it featured a diamond sitting atop of a beaded and ribbon twisted band design and a floral setting, there where smaller diamonds laid into the band.
"Having second thoughts already?" She spun on her heel at the sound of his voice, her heart leaping through her chest when she saw him; he was propped up slightly, resting against the headboard.
"Never," She smiled kindly towards him, before hopping onto the bed to give him a kiss, "Just admiring it."
"I'm glad you like it, I chose this particular ring because it looks like the tree of the life, the twisted band reminded me of the branches and the diamonds look like flowers. You're my family, Elena and the tree of life represents that." He spoke.
"It's perfect," She kissed him once again, "I'm never taking it off."
"What do you want to do today, the future Mrs. Mikaelson?" Even hearing him call her that warmed her heart.
"I definitely want to start with breakfast but then maybe can we go somewhere where we can just walk and enjoy the sun? Maybe pick up on the conversation we had last night about planning our life? How does a whole day without thinking about rituals, sacrifices and well the end of the world sound?"
"Sounds wonderful," They both hopped out of bed and began to get dressed; Elena threw on a pair of denim shorts and a camisole, slipping her feet into a pair of sandals before running into the bathroom super quick and cleaning herself over. She ran a brush through her hair and let if fall down her back.
Elijah wore a pair of dark blue jeans that had a snug fit, a grey t-shirt and a thin black bomber jacket.
"I have to admit, as much as I love you in a suit, you look kinda sexy in casual wear too," Elena spoke, fighting the urge to rip his clothes off all over again.
"And I don't even have to tell you that I think you look beautiful almost everything." He placed his hands on her waist, pulling her into him.
"Almost?" She questioned, a fake gasp escaping her lips playfully.
"You look most beautiful when you where nothing at all," He whispered into her ear, before kissing her neck softly.
She closed her eyes at the pleasure he was bringing her, she began to trail her fingers along his chest over his shirt, her teeth latching onto her bottom lip.
"Well then, we should get you some breakfast," He smirked before pulling away from her and walking towards the door, holding it open for her.
"That was just evil." She laughed as she passed him and exited the bedroom, he followed behind her chuckling. "I'm going to get you back for that one."
-w-
After they had grabbed a quick breakfast, they decided to go for a walk through the park; they had one task today, not think about the demon king and his plan to unleash hell on earth. It was a challenge but one they where committed to achieving.
Elena just wanted to feel normal for one day and to just be with Elijah.
They slowly walked across a large field of grass; she was taking it all in, the smell of the flowers, the trees swaying in the breeze and the feel of the sun on her skin.
They found a nice large oak tree hidden away at the end of the field, they decided to sit under for a while and just talk. She was sat between his legs, her back resting against him with his arms wrapped around her, she had her hands on his and they remained perfectly content.
"Elijah?"
"Yes, my love?"
"How can we start a normal life?" She traced her finger along the skin on his hand, staring at it intently as she awaited his response.
"I hope once the demon king is vanquished, we can separate from my family and begin our life together."
"Where shall we go?" She started to get excited, hoping they can at least start to form this life plan.
"Anywhere you desire!"
"I really liked London, I feel like I could do good things there," She shrugged her shoulders, she probably sounded a bit mad to him.
"London is an amazing place to live, I think you'll love it there," He spoke, "Don't you want to return to Mystic Falls someday?"
"Of course but I put some thought into it and I don't think I could live there again; visit often, see my family and friends all the time sure, but I don't want to get sucked back into the drama that is Mystic Falls again. All I want in life is to be happy, be a good wife to you and steer clear from all things evil."
Just as she spoke, she saw a family of 4 walk past them, A mother, father and 2 sons, they where all just running about, kicking a football around and messing around; Elena just watched, a small smile forming on her lips at the image.
"Don't you want that?" Elijah asked, "A family?"
"You're my family, Elijah, I don't need anymore than you." She reassured.
"You may not need more but what about want? Can you tell me honestly that you don't want to be a mother some day and have a child to love unconditionally?" Elijah was nervous about asking this question, it was the one thing in this entire world that he could not give her and he didn't want her to be unhappy.
"I would only ever want it with you, there is no-one else I could imagine raising children with," She spoke as honestly as she could on the matter, it was a touchy one for both of them, she didn't want him to think that it was a deal breaker, "Do you want children?"
"I've always a family, unfortunately that is the one thing I can never possess." There was a hint of sadness in his voice.
"There are other ways to have children, Elijah, we could adopt, for example,"
"I like the sound of that." He smiled softly at her words, as much as he could love a child that wasn't biologically his own, he still yearned for his own children.
"It sounds like we have a bit of a plan in the making here; live in London and adopt." She chuckled.
"Sounds perfect." He kissed her on top of the head before resting his chin on top of it, embracing her just a bit longer before they had to go.
They moved away from there spot under the tree and began walking along the edge of a lake, he reached out and held onto her hand; this was something she thought would never be possible, to just be a normal couple, to walk hand-in-hand and talking about all the possibilities they had for there future. Her heart was on fire today.
"Shall we head back soon and have dinner in the hotel? You must be getting hungry." Elijah spoke, her needs always the first thing on his mind.
"Sure, we have been walking all day, it would be nice to sit down and relax now."
-w-
They left the park shortly after and returned to the hotel, they had been seated in the restaurant and ordered themselves there dinner; they sat in conversation whilst they waited, Elena was sipping at her second glass of wine and Elijah enjoying a fine scotch.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed our day together, being intimate with you in more ways than just physical means a lot to me." He spoke.
"It means a lot to me too; the more we talk and share things about each other just makes me feel closer to you, I didn't think it would be possible to love someone more with every single day that passes."
"I can't wait to spend the rest of my life without you." He placed a soft kiss on her hand.
One they had finished there meal, they had both finished another drink and headed into the bar, there was loud up-beat music playing and Elena insisted they end the night there, actually having fun.
"Come on, Elijah, show me your moves." A half drunk Elena said playfully.
"You must be joking," He laughed, he too had drank a few extra scotches to feel some slight buzz; there where many perks to being a vampire, alcohol tolerance not being one of them.
"I'm really not," She poked the edge of her tongue out between her teeth and insisted.
"I'm from a different time, Elena, I have no idea how to dance to this music." It sounded awful to him.
"Fine, I'll be right back." She stood onto her feet and walked towards the DJ; Elijah saw her whisper into his ear and he nodded his head.
The track had changed, it was a slow and beautiful melody, no lyrics or heavy instruments, just a song she hoped he could move too. She stepped onto the middle of the floor and held her hand out towards him.
He rolled his eyes playfully and joined her on the floor, he took her by the waist with one hand and held her hand up with the other and began to lead her, she smiled at him lovingly, "You're actually a really good dancer, Mr. Mikaelson."
He spun her around elegantly and took her hand once more, "As are you, soon-to-be Mrs. Mikaelson."
He said it again and her heart lunged through her chest; she wrapped her arms around his neck and placed his around her waist and they moved together slowly, her head rested on his shoulder.
As they turned, she could feel Elijah's body stiffen, she pulled her head up from him and looked at him, seeing his demeanour completely change, "Elena, look."
She turned around to face the bar, noticing the television above it.
"Breaking news: SIGHTINGS OF RAINING FIRE."
"What?" She spoke, her confusion and shock consuming her; she walked towards the bar and asked the bartender to turn it up.
"There have been sightings by a group of hikers in a forest in Pennsylvania of what locals believe to be rain but on fire; authorities arrived at the scene and there was nothing there, only holes in the ground where the fire had burnt. Hoax? Tell us what you think?"
It began to show recordings from civilians phones of the raining fire in person, Elena placed her hand over her mouth, the bartender watched her, "Don't worry about it, ma'am, it's probably just them pesky kids making fun."
Her and Elijah knew different though, they both shot a look at each other before quickly exiting the bar; they ran through the hotel until they arrived at Klaus' room, they didn't even knock, just burst in.
"What's going on?" Klaus spoke.
Elena grabbed the remote from the side and turned the television on, changing the channel to the news, "Look."
Klaus, Rebekah and Bonnie all gathered around the television and watched in shock.
"How is this possible? I thought we had time!" Klaus spat as he turned his attention to Bonnie, she was just as baffled as him.
"I'm not sure, unless I miss interpreted the book but it said he had to wait a week."
"Go and check it again," Klaus demanded, she shot a glare at him before obliging.
"What are we going to do? He completed the second ritual and we didn't even know it was happening!" Rebekah spoke, panic present in her tone of voice.
Bonnie came running back into the room, guilt obvious on her facial features, "Guys, I'm so sorry,"
"What is it, Bon?" Elena stood beside her, her hand placed on her arm reassuringly.
"I misread it, it states that he had a week to re-perform the ritual before the whole thing fails, not that he had to wait a week. I'm so sorry."
"Well, that's just perfect," Klaus was becoming angry, "Bloody brilliant."
"Klaus, it's not her fault, it's easily done," Elena defended her best friend.
"Sure, unleashing hell on earth isn't a big deal, let's just skim past this one, shall we?" Klaus spoke sarcastically.
"Yeah, 'cause you're so perfect and never made a single mistake in your entire life." Elena returned his sarcasm and rolled her eyes, folding her arms in front of her chest.
Just as Klaus was going to respond, he noticed her finger glistening, he diverted his eyes to the ring on her finger, "What is that?"
She followed his gaze to her fingers, she suddenly hid her hand behind her arm and looked at Elijah.
"You proposed to her?" He asked his brother.
"Are you two engaged?" Rebekah sounded excited.
"Yes," Elijah answered. Rebekah acted all giddy and gave Elena a big hug before walking towards her brother and pulling him in for a hug, she knew how long he had wanted this, "I'm truly happy for you, brother."
"It looks like you're officially going to be my sister," She returned to Elena more excited than she had expected, "Congratulations."
Bonnie's turn; she grabbed Elena's hand and pulled it towards her, screaming when she saw the ring, Rebekah joined in and the three of them where just ecstatic. "Oh my god, Elena, congratulations."
"When can we start planning the wedding?" Rebekah jumped in.
"I want to be the maid of honour," Bonnie followed her sentence.
"No way, I want to be the maid of honour." She argued.
"I've known her longer." Bonnie spat, attempting at a playful gesture.
"Okay, enough, you three," Klaus interrupting, bringing an end to there fun. "Congratulations, brother."
He really tried to sound sincere but he still couldn't help but hurt slightly at there union, especially now they where to be married. He watched as Elena joined Elijah at his side, longing for her to be his.
"I love you," She spoke on his lips, kissing him once again.
"I love you too."
"Well, now that the happy news is out and as much as I want to continuing talking about it, I feel like we should deal with the demon king first then plan the wedding." Rebekah spoke, a wide grin appearing on her lips.
"Where is the next ritual taking place?" Klaus asked Bonnie.
"You're not going to like this; the place where it all began," She paused for a long moment, shaking her head slightly as she read the words from the book, "Mystic Falls."
"Of course," Klaus rolled his eyes, it all suddenly became very clear to him, "The soul he's going to raise from the dead is our mothers."