Disclaimer: I do not own all of the characters in this story, the familiar names belong to the writers and creators of The Vampire Diaries.

Love Unavailable

Chapter 6 - Saviour of my Nightmares

Two Years Ago - Rome, Italy.

"What brought you to this beautiful city?" James asked this question everyday for four days. He was determined to find out what this broken brunette was hiding. They were currently having lunch at a small café.

James watched as Elena battled with herself. Trying to decided whether his intentions were worthy enough of knowing. He didn't hold it against her. He was just curious and it was becoming a game of sorts.

He had asked each day they met and every time she would say the same thing 'I needed a break' he didn't push the subject, but found himself asking it everyday until she revealed more. She was a woman of mystery and he himself had his own reasons for why he was in Italy. She had yet to inquire. They found this balance between them because something brought them both here.

For some reason this day was different, the heaviness in her chest was slowly getting lighter and for whatever reason it was because of this handsome man by her side. Yes they had only met for a few days, but he still had an effect on her. This led her to changing her answer.

"Me...Well some of it anyway. I needed to put everything into perspective again, I've been lost for..a lifetime now." It may have been cryptic, but she needed some sort of protection. She couldn't tell him everything, not yet or even ever. It was difficult to think about it let alone talk.

"Is it working?" It was a simple question. Was it working? She hated to admit it so soon, but yes it was.

Elena only nodded and then James quickly stood up from his place next to her. They had kept meeting in the lobby of the hotel. It was neutral ground and then they'd visit different places. Today nothing was on the agenda so they were having a relaxing lunch at a local café. He held his hand out for her, silently asking for her to follow him.

"Where are we going?" She was literally being pulled outside of the hotel, not that Elena was resisting too much. She was curious as to where he was taking her now, they had nothing planned.

"Somewhere to give you perspective." Her words were casually thrown back at her and she didn't mind because it wasn't used with malice or in anyway to belittle her. He was trying to help her.

James managed to get a taxi drivers attention and whispered a place in the drivers ear. Elena wanted to scoff at the absurdity of it all, but in actual fact she found it quite sweet. He was being secretive and a small smile graced her face as this wasn't a bad thing.

After a twenty minute car ride James helped Elena out of the Taxi once he had paid the driver. Even looking around trying to find the reason for their sudden visit, Elena couldn't' see why James would bring her to this place.

"Where are we?" Elena asked James quietly, her hand was still in his. It was becoming second nature to take his hand wherever they went. They looked like a couple, but that didn't sway Elena.

"Villa Lante, It's one of Italy's beautiful gardens. The houses you see were built in the 16th century. Not only does it have a garden but a park, fountains. I brought you here so you could see a spectacular place."

They slowly strolled through the garden, it sounded as though James had read up on this place. He seemed to have a detailed knowledge of this place and Elena really felt like she was on a private tour with him. They had walked around all afternoon, they talked about the area, random things or sometimes nothing at all.

James led Elena back to the hotel, he didn't want the day to end, not yet. So when they got back to the lobby to go their separate ways he asked "I'm taking you out tonight, wear something nice."

Elena had a confused look on her face, but his soft and pleading features made her agree. She couldn't deny him anything, not with that face anyway. They promised to meet each other back in the lobby at 7.30pm. James didn't give her any specifics, only that she would enjoy what he had in mind.

Elena had a while to get ready and she found herself rummaging through her clothes. For some unexplained reason she was nervous, but she never knew why. She had met with him nearly everyday that she'd been here, so why was she nervous now. She stumbled upon a red dress that reached her knees. It had two spaghetti straps that crossed at the back. Elena pick out a pair of black high heels and a matching clutch bag.

She found herself looking in the mirror, she lightly curled her hair. Nothing to drastic and a little make up. It had been a long time since she had made a real effort to dress up. Being with Jackson didn't require the attention. He said he preferred her without all the 'crap on her face'.

It was 7.25pm and she was finally ready. She headed downstairs and she was astounded by the greeting in the lobby. In front of her James held a single red rose and offered his arm. He was dressed in a suit, like any other day but this suit was different. He looked different, maybe it was just her imagination but whatever he was wearing…he was gorgeous.

Ten minutes later and they were outside a restaurant, she got wined and dined and Elena felt on top of the world. It was a date, or at least felt like it and she hadn't even realized. But it wasn't the restaurant that had her smiling it was what came after. When they walked out of the restaurant James walked around the corner to a place that was dimly lit and you could feel music vibrate the ground.

It was literally on the street, but everyone looked so happy. The music filled the street with an upbeat tempo and there were people dancing alone or with partners. It was basic, but it was perfect. Without knowing James had led her to the thick of it and pulled her into a dancing position. They were swaying to the music not once separating their gazes.

They continued to do this for another hour until the tempo slowed. James wrapped an arm around Elena's waist and pulled her to his chest. One hand held hers while they slowly swayed to the music. The tension was high, Elena pulled back and looked at James. She glanced at his lips and the subtle act made her lick her own lips.

Whether he saw her action as permission Elena didn't know. All she knew was that James had closed the distance and placed his lips on hers. His lips were soft and her arms around him tightened. It wasn't rushed or desperate. The kiss was full of emotion and a silent agreement that whatever they shared, they both felt it.

The kiss came to a slow end, James pecked her on the lips one more time before finally stepping back. He didn't want to push it too far. He smiled at her and she returned it. The music changed again and James twirled Elena immediately evaporating any awkwardness that could have started. The music continued to be a mixture of slow and fast and James had fun dancing, dipping and twirling Elena.

When they got back to the hotel they didn't leave each other until they were at their doors. This was a big step in their blossoming relationship. They both entered their rooms and closed the door at the same time. Not knowing that their following actions were the same also. Elena had closed the door and leaned against it, she sighed but continued to smile and she showered and went to bed.

Across the hall, James had done the same thing. He closed the door and leaned his back against it. He sighed and ran his hand down his face. After lifting himself off the door he headed to the shower and not long after he got in bed drifting off as he thought about the brunette next door.

It wasn't a sigh of regret or disappointment but more of the fact that it was unexpected and confusing. They both were at point in their lives where they wondered if this was possible. To feel this incredible so quickly. Only time would tell.