AN: Elena's first year of college.
It's not that she doesn't talk to Elijah, but sometimes it's easier just to text him than to Skype, it's easier to lie and say things are fine. Elena just feels alone. College in a different state, surrounded by strangers-maybe it was the wrong choice. A Skype notification pops up on her phone and she accepts the call.
"Elijah," she smiles even though she's got two papers and three tests to study for.
"How are you?" He asks, like he can see the bags she'd have under her eyes if she was human.
"Tired. Lonely. I think I'll be alone for the holidays. How's New Orleans?" Elena tries to change the topic because she doesn't mind what she's doing now, but she can't imagine doing it forever.
"I could come visit with Caroline and Bonnie. And Jeremy if he's available," Elijah offers and Elena lets out a quiet sigh.
"I don't want to ask you or them to cancel their Christmas plans. It's fine. Really," Elena lies. He has other things and people to worry about, the fact she'll probably just stay home and mail presents out for Christmas isn't a big deal. Elijah wishes Elena would stop thinking she's bothering him.
"You are not a burden. If you need help, I am here. If you need someone to listen, I am here. I like hearing from you, lovely Elena. I am here for you," he reminds her. Elena bites her lip.
Maybe just having Elijah over will be fine, but they both know there are lines they can't cross still, things they can't ask of each other. Elena can't ask him to stay and he can't ask her to come to New Orleans until she's ready, there are rules. There's reasons why she hasn't seen him in person in a while and a few of them are homework but each time he's with her, she finds it harder to leave, making herself leave or sending him back to New Orleans gets harder and harder.
"Finals are next week and I won't be a very good host if you come then. Could you come the week after that?" Elena asks like he might have other plans that are important. It's not his first Christmas in New Orleans and his siblings understand how important Elena is.
"I'll be there," Elijah promises and Elena gives him a tired smile.
"I should go before I drown in my homework," Elena says and he nods.
"I'll see you soon," Elena promises.
"Yes, you will," he replies and that pulls one more smile out of her before they end the call.
Elena opens the door before he knocks, she looks like she finally slept.
"Finals week kicked my ass but I aced all my finals," Elena tells him.
"Congratulations," he says and she knows he means it. It'd be so easy to get lost in his cologne and his warm eyes and just kiss him. He wouldn't stop her, Elijah probably wants it too. He can't stay too long or she might not let him leave. Elena smiles at him anyway.
Hot chocolate and coffee in the cold morning make things better. Elena told herself she wanted to find herself and have time to be single before she's with Elijah but it's so easy. They watch movies on her couch and order takeout, talk about everything but their relationship until Elena can't hide the question that's been on her mind.
"I um, Rebekah said there was a witch who caught your eye. It's okay to date, you know? I don't expect you to wait for me forever and I get it-" Elena begins. The look Elijah's giving her makes her stop talking.
"I'm not interested in anyone but you, lovely Elena," he says. There's no point to being interested when his heart's taken, but he's not sure if she's ready to hear that yet. Someday. She kisses him then, as the sound of the movie turns to background noise.
This time, she watches him go, to make sure he's leaving and partially because she didn't watch the first two times. Elijah had kissed her forehead again before he left. Spring classes will start soon and she's glad to have the distraction.