Story Summary: "And I remember when I met him, it was so clear that he was the only one for me. We both knew it, right away. And as the years went on, things got more difficult -we were faced with more challenges. I begged him to stay. He was charismatic, magnetic, and electric and everybody knew it. When he walked in every woman's head turned, everyone stood up to talk to him. I always got the sense that he became torn between being a good person and missing out on all of the opportunities that life could offer a man as magnificent as him. And in that way I understood him and I loved him. I loved him, I loved him, I loved him. And I still love him. I love him." (Taken from Lana Del Rey's "National Anthem" monologue)

Chapter 11: You Shouldn't Be Here

She'd changed out of the ridiculous outfit she'd worn in the bar and turned into an elegant lady with just a small black dress and lacey lingerie. For a few seconds, her mind wandered through their history. The first time she met him- the way she viewed him-he was so elegant and terrifying. Oh, how things had changed since those days of being human and completely in love with Stefan… and then, the time she kissed him when her emotions were completely abandoned. She wished she could feel that- she wanted to analyze the things she missed while she didn't care. It'd be chaotic since she awoke from The Other Side but things were starting to settle in the supernatural world and in her life. She'd found a sense of unity between Elijah and Rebekah and despite Elijah's foolish fears she hoped to find the same unity when it came to Klaus. Plus, she was assuming she could kill him (although it was ill advised seeing as she would parish as well) because Esther had been able to.

Elena stepped out of her house as she felt the beginnings of spring hair whipping at her smooth legs. Her hair floated in the wind as her heels collided with the concrete. There were slight fears in the back of her mind as she walked to the hotel- she wondered if he honestly believed this was the end of their story. Did he believe they could wake up and forget these future moments? Elena knew she wouldn't be able to. She had to thank Rebekah one day for getting her out of the house and letting her clear her thoughts long enough to bask in the beauty of Elijah.

The night, or early morning, was coming to a closing end for the tourist and natives. People were going home with their lovers, gamblers were cashing in their chips or facing the reality of the game of luck. She watched as human girls gripped the men they were leading home- she longed for that type of oblivion. Still, her night was incomplete.

She stood in front of the hotel, hands hesitating on the door handle. "Are you going to go inside?" Elijah asked, appearing from the shadows. "I thought you would drive your ostentatious car." He spoke softly as his hand trailed down her hair. "I am a gentleman, but I am still a man and I apologize for my lust."

"Why?" Elena touched the side of his face, "It's human." The words were often used as an excuse, but in that moment they were used as comfort. "Let's be human tonight."

"Let's be human for a while." Elijah whispered in her ear, "I want to be human forever… with you." She knew the words weren't sweet-nothings. They held the honor and devotion he'd pledged to her long ago. Her fingers traced his face as her mouth opened slightly. "I've had a thousand years to evaluate what letting go of something-someone-can do and what the ramifications are. I've had minutes to realize I can't live without you and the thought that you weren't going to show up-"He touched her arm but pulled away, putting his hand on the back of his head. "I discovered that we can fight if a battle with NiKlaus occurs but I need to know just one thing…"

"Yes?" She twisted her body flirtatiously as she looked deep in his eyes.

"Do you honestly believe we stand a chance in hell?" His question wasn't serious but rather full of humor as he leaned down and kissed her sweetly. She seemed to nod her head as he brushed her lips, "Are we going to go inside?"

"We're both here and I've had a lot to drink tonight…" Her fingers grasped his suit as she pulled him near her, "Let's be human darling." He picked her up bridal style and opened the door quickly but their loving daze soon came to an abrupt end. She still dangled in his arms as a familiar voice echoed through the lobby.

"Yeah, three rooms please." Jeremy's voice ran through Elena's ears. She watched him as he looked distantly into the glass, she didn't even realize her grip around Elijah's neck and become a lot stronger. When he noticed her in the glass, he turned around hastily. "Elena." He breathed, "And Elijah?"

"Jer…" She said as Elijah gently set her down on her feet. "What are you doing here?"

"We could ask you the same thing…" Caroline, Bonnie, Matt, Damon and Stefan entered the picture from the waiting room. "Why are you in New Orleans?"

"This is my home." She nearly choked out, "I live here now."

"With Elijah? You two are obviously a couple."

"Actually that's fairly rece-" She stopped speaking because she sounded too elated about her relationship for the situation. "What are you doing in my city?"

"Our city." Elijah corrected with a soft smile on his face directed towards the Salvatore brothers. "Elena merely came to visit and assist my family during our time of need but then she decided to make her visit permanent."

"And your family lives out of a hotel?" Caroline asked, "Elijah, I would think your family would have an elegant house."

"We do- I mean they do. I have my own house…" Elena nearly stuttered as she glanced nervously at her new lover and back at her friends and family. "You shouldn't be here." Elena said after they said nothing, "You should go home- trouble is brewing in these streets and I don't want you to be involved."

"No offense Elena, but you lost all control over what I do when you fled in the middle of the night to fuck some original douche." Jeremy said bitterly. "I'm going to the room. You guys can catch up with her if you want but I don't want any part of it."