A/N: [Chapter uploaded in April 2023] Hello :) I know that a lot of time has passed since the last update, but somehow I struggled with this chapter. I changed the last part over and over again, followed new ideas, and made adjustments. Now I can present you with the end result. As always I want to thank you for your continuous support and feedback. It means a lot to me 3

I hope you enjoy it and please make sure to leave feedback 3

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"Elijah! Thank god you finally managed to answer your phone!"

"Good Morning to you too, sister," Elijah answered calmly while keeping a close eye on the campus. This one administration building with the large windows upstairs gave a good overview over the grounds that came into question when it comes to Katerina. What happened last night seemed so unreal hours later that he feared it truly had been some kind of fever dream. He had to see her again but without appearing like some kind of stalker. Here, several meters above the ground, he could observe people unrecognized.

"May I ask what's on your mind, sister?" Because he is aware that she doesn't call without a reason.

"Perhaps, brother, even if it apparently seems to surprise you, I missed you?" she retorted, almost sounding offended which caused a little smile to play along Elijah's lips.

"I miss you too, Rebekah. So I assume everything is alright?" Just because he's currently away, doesn't mean he ceases to care about his family home in New Orleans. He regretted missing the first months of his niece's life but he had more pressing matters to attend to.

"Yes – Perhaps. It's difficult"

That reply caused a frown on Elijah's features while still keeping his gaze on the many students who made their way to their lecture halls.

"Please do elaborate."

"Well, we think there's something up with the witches. They've been remarkably quiet lately and are rarely seen. We suspect they plot something. When will you return back home?"

Elijah sighed, his grip tightening slightly around the phone. A new threat against his family is what he had feared, also because he cannot divide himself. He cannot search for Katerina and protect his family.

"What does Niklaus think?" he asked instead, not capable of giving an answer to her question of when he's coming back home.

"Our brother is not very happy with you right now. On the one hand, he wants you to come back, on the other hand, he doesn't want to see you. But he too feels like the witches are plotting something. It would be safer for Hope if you were with us. We are stronger together."

Elijah inhaled, his eyes closing for a second before they snapped open again.

"I love my family, Rebekah. If there is any concrete evidence of a threat, I will return as soon as possible, no matter the current differences with Niklaus. I assure you that I won't let any harm come to my niece if I can avoid it. However,–" he paused, his eyes focusing on a female with a familiar wavy ponytail, "– I can't and won't come because of a mere hypothesis. I cannot leave where I'm currently at."

His eyes followed the female, certain that it was either Maisie or Katerina. Even if he was watching her from a distance, he noticed the differences in her looks. Last night ... last night she looked like how he remembered her. This morning, however, she looked like the person he had seen on the terrace. The clothes she wore were too light for Katerina's current dress style. The ponytail also was something he had never seen on Katerina. And again he questioned if this really was only one person or two. Can she really pretend like that? He didn't doubt her skills but he supposed that it should be much harder now that she was human. His train of thought was interrupted by Rebekah's voice in his ear.

"Please tell me you're on a simple holiday and aren't still busy catching that bothersome doppelgänger."

"I'm busy with ... business," he retorted, his tone a bit too distanced to not notice the difference from his previous tone.

"Brother!", Rebekah hissed quietly on the phone, apparently choosing her words carefully. "If Katherine Pierce is still alive - which I don't believe if I'm honest - the worst you can do is play her shadow. Just think about it, Katherine Pierce is usually not shy to demand things if she wants them. She hasn't asked for your protection and heaven forbids that she will ask for your help. That woman is cunning and will use you. Haven't we had this topic before?"

Elijah was silent because of course his sister was right on some points. He could imagine Katerina trying to take advantage of him in her current situation. However, he would not refuse to help her if she needed it, regardless of their current relationship with each other. In addition, she had the chance to ask for his help although she was admittedly not in a clear state of mind. If she wanted to use him, she would have already tried. But that hadn't happened. Instead, she wanted (or rather expected) him to vanish.

"Elijah, please, I beg you to reconsider your current 'business'." He heard her exhaling on the other end of the line. "Look, I really loath that woman and the fact that she apparently got the cure, but even I know that it's awfully stupid to be anywhere close to her if you want her to stay alive."

"Not long ago, you yearned to be a human, sister. If you had taken the cure, wouldn't you have wanted your family to be around?"

"Of course, I would have wanted that. But there's a difference between her and me. I would have been prepared, I would have wanted to be human. I would have been prepared to say goodbye to you and Nik in order to live a peaceful human life. I would have known about the costs. In addition, you guys would have never left me without protection although I hope you wouldn't keep watching me like a hawk. Gosh, Nik probably wouldn't have let me out of his sight after he calmed down because of my choice. But with her it's different. There are many people who want her dead and you impossibly can keep an eye on her the entire time. If Nik finds out that Katherine Pierce is alive and human, and the reason you ignore us, she's more than dead. Elijah! If that woman is indeed alive, stay away from her!"

His sister's words weren't what he wanted to hear and the tension in his muscles grew. The last he wanted to be is a threat, although he is aware of the risks. Part of why he's so eager on keeping Klaus away.

"I'll keep it in mind, sister. If the situation in New Orleans gets worse, let me know. Until then, take good care of you and our family." With these words, Elijah ended the phone call just as the doppelgänger entered a building and therefore was out of sight.

▬ xxx ▬

Even if he didn't want to admit it, the phone call with Rebekah kept him occupied all day. Of course, he had considered that he would not make the whole story better if he just showed up and drew attention to her changed way of life. One of the reasons why he didn't just show up and talk to Maisie/Katerina.

His approach should be well considered and although he wanted to talk to the doppelganger, he now had doubts about whether it was a good decision in general. What if he really messed up her life too much? Apart from the fact that he didn't know if Katerina wanted to see him at all - her reaction last night was very ambiguous - he could not estimate whether it would be for her good.

For these reasons, he decided to show restraint until he was clear about how to proceed. In addition, contrary to his previous plans, he stayed in the administration building until the reading was finished and the students poured out of the building where Maisie/Katerina had gone into. That way he would at least keep a safe distance.

He had not been idle during that time, of course. He had asked George to arrange for Maisie to get the desired health insurance. He owed that to Eleanor Williams. Without her, he wouldn't be here – no matter the outcome.

In the crowd, which unfortunately went out of the building almost simultaneously, it was difficult to find an individual. Especially if you only had a view from above in a few decameters distance. Nevertheless, he stayed patiently at the window and let his attentive gaze wander over the various heads - for as long as he actually found her.

The initial smile disappeared from his lips when he spotted the young man at her side from the day before. Although he did not want to, he felt a hint of jealousy. He knew it was nonsensical, that he had no basis for it, but he was very unhappy with the idea that his Katerina had found interest in an ordinary person.

Of course, he knew he should be happy for her. A relationship with a person showed that she was not at odds with her fate. And didn't he want every vampire to have access to their humanity? That they didn't forget or betray human principles? Shouldn't he be glad that Katerina (or Maisie) seemed to live out what he wanted for others?

Strangely, this was difficult for him when it came to people who were close to him. He remembered the phone call with his sister and the phase (which probably still existed) in which she desperately wanted the cure. Although he would have welcomed any other vampire to have the opportunity to abandon vampirism, he could not deny that he found it difficult to feel the same when it came to his own sister.

It was selfish, he was well aware of that, but he didn't want to lose Rebekah to natural death at some point. He didn't want to imagine what it would be like if her natural lifespan was coming to an end. In the end, however, he would have accepted it, just because it was what would have made his sister happy - as long as she was really sure it was what she wanted. He still doubted that being human could solve all of her problems and desires.

He could challenge his sister's decision, but he had to accept Katerina's decision.

His eyes followed the couple, the man unknown to him had his arm around her waist. The two meandered skillfully through the crowd until they were welcomed by two other women. They seemed to converse briefly before the four of them set themselves in motion and finally disappeared behind a building - and thus out of his field of vision.

▬xxx▬

Hours had passed since he last saw the doppelganger. The more time he had, the more time he had to think about everything, and the longer he thought, the more he doubted his own mind.

Logically and rationally, there can only be one doppelganger, and Maisie's existence has been proven in many ways. She had a family, especially a grandmother who had even set up a room for her at home. She had documents proving that Maisie Williams was officially enrolled at this university. She seemed to fit into the social structure without any problems. Nothing, really nothing, indicated that Maisie Williams was not real.

"But what was that than last night?" asked his heart, which should actually have no opinion.

Could it really be that he had become so lost?

The sun had long since disappeared behind the horizon and Elijah knew he should go back to his hotel. He also knew it would be more efficient if he got his things and found a hotel in Columbia. Closer to the university, closer to her, or rather closer to the reflection of her.

He had already come into the dubious pleasure of meeting several doppelgangers, all were similar to each other, of course. But while they are similar, they are also different from each other. It started with the color of their eyes, which all seemed to have a different shade of brown. It continued with their hair, which all had an almost identical shade, but had a different hair structure. It ended with the sometimes very different personalities and self-perception, none of which were identical to the other. No one is an exact copy. They are different. Their own person. Linked to each other but still individual beings.

Maisie Williams was completely different from Katerina (or even Elena). Maybe it was only the hairstyle that Maisie seemed to prefer, maybe it was the light, almost pastel-colored clothes, which are so different from the usual dark and strong colors of Katerina's clothes.

So why, despite all of his experience, was he so sure that Maisie is a role Katerina had taken?

Could it be that he did not want to acknowledge the truth?

Was he so determined in his attempts to find someone who perhaps did not want to be found that he wasn't able to admit defeat?

Shouldn't someone like him already have come to a successful completion? After all, he had been looking for months for a person who was human for the first time in half a millennium and could no longer resort to her supernatural powers. Even if Katerina was an impressive and very clever personality, she should not be able to hide in the long run. Especially not after he learned about her condition at the hospital.

Or should he, perhaps, see it quite differently?

Shouldn't he be content with the knowledge that Katerina apparently - fortunately - was still alive? After all, the hospital and later Caroline Forbes had confirmed to him that it was Katerina with whom they had contact.

Should he perhaps consider his sister's words that Katerina would find a way to contact him if she really needed his help? Although he no longer trusted that she would. To be honest, he had already disappointed her too often, albeit partly unknowingly.

As he crossed the paths of the campus, he tried to order his mind.

What should he do? What was the right decision?

His once clear goal seemed incredibly blurry and vague.

Even if Maisie - despite all the odds - was actually Katerina, should he actually try to interact with her? Should Maisie really be a very clever and incredibly amazing fake, should he interfere? Maisie seemed content and happy, after all.

Moreover, even if he did not want to accept it, he had to be careful that his motivation was not driven by guilt or regret. He also had to be careful that his complex feelings for this woman did not prevail in his decisions. Only Katerina's well-being should come first.

Subconsciously, his feet had carried him to the fountain where he had met Katerina the evening before. At least he thought he had. Like the night before, this place was moderate to barely visited and Elijah decided to remain at this place for a while.

His eyes rested on the water surface of the fountain as he increasingly doubted his mind. He couldn't have been imagining what had happened last night, could he? And yet he remembered the episodes in the hotel and hospital where he had imagined himself smelling her blood. Having it stuck to his hands. The realization that his mind was actually able to play such bad tricks on him frightened him.

Elijah took a deep breath and shook his head over himself.

He in particular should know how dangerous it was when feelings came into play. That those kinds of strong feelings are able to make his head spin and are able to stop his rational thinking.

And yet he simply could not act otherwise.

He decided - although he feared it was a bad idea - to sit on one of the benches by the fountain.

Maybe he hoped that she would show up again, that he had a chance to offer his help. If she didn't want it, he would accept it, but she would at least know that the option existed.

Besides, and he only now remembered it again, he had to give her something back that belonged to her. Something she may have already missed: Her daylight necklace.

At the moment, he didn't have it with him, but in case of need, he could also send her a messenger or find another solution to give her the necklace back without actually having to show himself if he comes to the conclusion that it would be better not to meet her. Although for that to happen, he'd first need to locate Katerina (and not Maisie).

Why did the whole situation have to be so ambiguous?

Elijah leaned back on the bench and ignored the cold of the wood underneath him. If only the whole situation were clearer...

Even though he didn't know why, actually considered it pointless, Elijah took his mobile phone out of the inside pocket of his jacket. His instinct before his conscious thinking knew what - or rather who - he was looking for in his phone. He slightly frowned when he saw the contact 'Kaitlyn Sawyer'.

He knew it was pointless to call her, but he just wanted to hear her voice again. Making sure she was actually still out there somewhere, even though he knew she didn't seem to be using that number anymore. Otherwise, she would have reacted to his message in her mailbox, right?

He stared at his display for some time before actually calling 'Kaitlyn Sawyer'.

It took some time until it connected and started ringing before he was led to the mailbox, just as he expected – perhaps even hoped for. If the telephone company were to shut down her number, he would be deprived of the only way to hear her voice.

"Hello. I'm currently not available and my time's precious, so whoever this is, make it short."

It beeped - the sign that he could now take his message - and yet he was surprised for a moment. What did he want to tell her? What should he tell her?

"Katerina...it's me, Elijah. You probably lost access to this number or perhaps you simply don't wish to talk to me. I- I hope that you are okay. I miss you, Katerina. I want to do right by you. If- If there is any way for you to ... to send me a sign that I'm on the right way, I'd be thankful to detect it."

He is no one who usually believed in signs, but in this case, he hoped there would be a sign.

▬ xxx ▬

Elijah doesn't know how much time has passed. He knew, however, that it was time to leave - firstly because it was already very late and secondly, because it became noticeably colder. The seasons passed into the first harbingers of spring, yet the breath still left small white clouds. Nevertheless, he enjoyed the cool air that made him realize that all this was real, that he was not trapped in a dream. That he didn't chase any illusion - at least depending on how you took it.

One of the tower bells of the campus - probably one of the main buildings - just struck midnight. It was a dull yet dignified tone that quietly echoed through the almost perfect silence. Of course, his sensitive hearing could note that the chime was not the only sound. There were still some people roaming through the paths of the campus; laughing and chattering but they were not in this corner of the park and therefore ignorable.

Elijah closed his eyes and focused on the sound of the bell. Not on the often annoying people, but on a sound that had consistency.

Bells – no matter if found in a church or town hall or even on the deck of a ship - are timeless classics. They exist in one form or another in almost every century, giving them something ancient. Their purpose was manifold.

They called people to pray or warned of danger, proclaimed peace, or celebrated solemn events. Sometimes it was as simple as showing that another hour had passed.

The last reverberation of the bell was fading away, a steadily quieter hum. And before you knew it, the sound was gone, as if it had never existed, how small some fascinations could be-

"Elijah?"

This so familiar voice seemed to have appeared out of nowhere, and Elijah opened his eyes abruptly.

As if the sound of midnight had conjured up a spell, he now found a well-known woman a few meters away from him. He admittedly had to blink once to make sure that he had actually snapped back to reality after his previous brooding over bells.

Even if she looked different than he actually knew her - she was wearing a half-opened parka whose hood she had pulled over her head - it was definitely her. A few curls spilled out from the hood which seemed to be partly still moist and she carried a few bags of several kinds of foods in her arms. Chips and cookies as far as he could identify. An unusual choice, as he could not remember that Katerina had ever shown interest in such things.

As if it were an automatism, Elijah stood up from the bench and smoothed his coat, his eyes fixed on her all the time.

"Do you need help carrying?", he offered; a reflex of his helpfulness and possibly the best he could say without making a mistake. Especially when you look at the complicated situation. And yet...

She had known him by name, it had to be Katerina.

As if to reinforce his train of thought, his most ardent presumption, she gazed at him with a puzzled but yet questioning look.

"No ... yes ... perhaps. Are you really here?" She questioned and knitted her eyebrows together as if she didn't trust her own eyes. "If this is some kind of first sign for starting ... delusions, I definitely am going to quit. I didn't even drink today" She shook her head as if she wanted to underline her words.

Despite Katerina's obvious suspicions of this current situation, Elijah was almost overjoyed by this turn of events. She could remember him and she seemed to remember their interaction the previous night. Surely that only means one thing: This truly is Katerina!

Although he knew better, he could not resist the unconscious attraction she had to him. He walked towards her and carefully reached out a hand, an offer that he actually wanted to help her carry the various foods she currently had stacked in her arms.

"I assure you I'm not a product of your imagination, Katerina. It seems like I wasn't capable of 'poofing' in the morning as you had wondered about last night." He offered her a careful smile because, on the one hand, he wanted to calm her, on the other hand, he wanted to help her understand that she had not imagined him. "And I can help you with your purchases if you want to. Before the top half slides to the ground."

The brunette raised an eyebrow before she allowed him to help her. As always, he was careful not to cross any boundaries hence why he asked if she even wanted his help.

"How- how are you here?", she questioned and made it obvious that she truly seemed to be surprised by his presence.

"The short yet truthful version? I was looking for you." And now that he could finally talk to her and had the certainty that she really could only be Katerina, he felt incredible happiness. A feeling that warmed him from the inside and put him in a state of excitement.

"Why?" It was the suspicion in her voice that dimmed his excitement. As if she couldn't believe that he would indeed do such a thing. As if she deemed it entirely impossible. It only showed how much he had hurt her. What his not entirely thought-through decision had caused.

"Because the biggest mistake was to leave you with the apparent belief that you mean nothing to me. Something that has never been true and something that I deeply regret. It had never been my intention to look like I didn't care about you. In addition, you tried to reach me, but I was not able to answer." All the while Elijah spoke, the impression in his eyes grow softer. He had never thought he would make such a declaration shortly after midnight with a bag of chips in his hands. But he needed her to know that she means a lot to him; that he could never treat her like she didn't matter to him anymore.

Katerina tilted her head before turning her gaze away. "These times are long gone. What happened then is over. You didn't have to come here."

Of course, Elijah didn't expect everything to be all right if he just formally apologized to her for his mistakes. Nevertheless, her obvious rejection hurt him and made him feel like she stabbed him with her words alone. Perhaps he had hoped and had counted too much on the fact that she would be capable of recalling their conversation the previous night. About how he didn't want to hurt her, about how much he still likes her. About his admission that he had been a coward for leaving the way he did. But apparently, the saying about drunk people speaking the truth is indeed true. Last night, she had acted devasted about his past choice to leave and she had voiced her doubts about his return openly. If that's what she felt yesterday, then it's what she still feels now.

"I know that I can't make up to it with my appearance alone, and I know I'm, unfortunately, quite too late. But I do mean what I say. If you need me, I'll be there. Even if it's just for something as little as helping you carry your food."

Katerina raised her vision and looked at him again, apparently considering his words. He could tell that she was still suspicious and mistrustful. While she did so, he remained silent and still, wanting her to give her the space of making a decision. Although he wasn't fond of the possibility, Elijah had told himself that he would leave if that was what she desired.

A little sigh escaped her lips, for a moment leaving a tiny white cloud in the air. "If I ask you to try these chips you hold in your hand just to check if they're still edible, would you do it?"

This question seriously caught Elijah by surprise because out of all possible requests or things she could voice, she asked him to try the chips? Apparently, Katerina could see the confusion on his face because she raised an eyebrow and added: "They're out of a vending machine. I don't know how long they've been in there and I don't want to get a stomach ache, nausea, or worse."

"I admit I have never tried chips before ... am I supposed to detect a difference?" He looked at the inconspicuous bags in his hand and is almost certain that they have an expiration date one could check. Actually, it was almost incomprehensible why he had never tried something as simple as chips in his life. It had not occurred to him to even consider it.

"They will be soft or taste rancid. I'd also be careful if they have an unnatural color," she pointed out, appearing to have made her experience with expired food which gave him a feeling of unease for what she presumably had to endure in the past couple of months.

"If that is what you want me to do, I will try them for you."

This answer seemed to make her genuinely happy which left him wondering why she was so keen to have these chips. When did she develop a liking for such food? Though he wouldn't even call it food. It was a gap filler, something in between proper meals.

"Great. So... are you going to try them? It's getting cold out here and I'm really hungry."

As if her body wanted to confirm her words, he could hear her stomach growling and see her shifting from one foot to the other.

"Are you sure that's the right option if you want to go to sleep without getting a stomach ache?" Elijah asked but did as she told and placed the bags on top of the wall of the fountain before he took one of them and tore it effortlessly open. "As far as I can recall, vegetables which are rich in dietary fibre, vitamins, minerals, and complex carbohydrates are good to eat before one goes to sleep. Or alternatively, unsalted nuts, yogurt, curd, cottage cheese, crispbread, warm broth, or even dark chocolate can help overcome hunger." Things that would ease the hungry feeling and help her fall asleep. He isn't sure if chips can achieve that or if it will result in something like acid reflux.

Nonetheless, Elijah reached into the bag and took out one of the slightly greasy chips. He cannot say that he liked the texture it leaves on his skin. It made him want to wash or at least clean his hands. He did, however, led to his lips and tried it. It was ... crispy and noticeably salty. Probably exactly what good chips should taste like.

While he tried the chip, Elijah could note that Katerina was watching him closely. Either to catch every of his reaction or to see if he indeed had eaten that thing.

Knowing that she was expecting his final findings, he finally told her that the chips were still edible. Katerina took this as an opportunity to put the bags she was carrying next to the ones she had already handed over to him on the fountain wall and to take the opened chip pack from his hand. She reached into the package and fished out a few chips before eating them with relish.

After she had swallowed, she immediately took the next swing out of the bag, but before she ate it, he was again part of her attention.

"Should I be surprised why you know what's good for a midnight snack?" She raised an eyebrow before continuing to eat while still waiting for an answer.

"I was inevitably occupied with this topic the last few months." After all, at least one had to pay attention that the pregnant person was well cared for in her household. This included providing the necessary food. In addition, he had of course dealt with it again intensively after he had learned that Katerina had become human. He wanted to be helpful, after all.

"Well, there's something like comfort food, a guilty pleasure, it doesn't have to be healthy, it has to serve its purpose – and of course, don't ruin me with food poisoning. In addition, I just happen to have no access to the things you have recommended. It's the middle of the night, and now only bars are open." She looked at him as if she had just stated the most obvious things.

Maybe he's indeed a little out of touch. Elijah had to admit that he hasn't occupied himself with restaurants that are potentially open during this time of the day - or rather night. Especially in reach within a campus.

And yet, although he could not estimate how she would react, an idea matured in his mind. One way he could spend more time with her, while at the same time could prove that he was serious about his words.

"If you want, I could try to find an open restaurant where you get a real meal. I'm here by car, so it wouldn't be a problem to drive you anywhere, just tell me what you want."

"And leave my laboriously collected booty here?" Her tone did not sound enthusiastic.

"No, of course not, I can help you get them safely to a place of your choice." He suspected that even if they seemed to consist only of chips and cookies, she would want to bring her achievements into her premises. He already knew that she lived very close to this park.

"You seem to be really serious about this," she finally realized in surprise and rolled up the opening of the chip bag so that no air could go into the package, therefore, making sure they'll stay crispy.

"Why shouldn't I be serious, I'd do anything for you, Katerina." And he hoped she would believe him at some point.

The brunette pursed her lips and seemed to consider his offer while appearing as if she'd weigh the pros and cons.

"If I, theoretically, agree do you promise that this will not be a kidnapping and you will bring me back here?" Although her words were most likely not serious, he felt fundamentally hurt by her allegation. "And I assume that's an invitation, right? So I'm assuming you'll cover all the costs? Not that you expect a share in the fuel costs at the end."

"I assure you that this is no kidnapping attempt of any sort and I'll bring you back whenever you wish to be brought back. I also do not expect you to share any costs. This will be, of course, an invitation at my expense." He is a gentleman after all, and certainly wouldn't expect her to pay after he had invited her even if she weren't in the position of most likely not really having money at hand.

"I consider it." This reply of her caused Elijah to frown slightly because her previous interested tone suddenly switched to an indifferent one and he wasn't entirely sure what caused that change. Had he said something wrong? Did he accidentally insult her by inviting her to dinner? "Are you going to help to carry now?"

A quick nod followed her request before he got the many bags of snacks she had purchased. He considered this a good option and was glad that she accepted his previous request because the light in this place was sparse and he didn't want her to trip because she didn't see where she was stepping because of the bags of chips. "Tell me where I should bring them?"

Katerina eyed him for a moment before she said "In my room, of course. They're only useful there. Come."

As if it were a matter of course, Katherine walked past him and hinted at following her. In one hand she held the already opened bag of chips, with the other she began to rummage around in the pocket of her parka after some time. He watched her silently, but still interested, as he followed her. She seemed to have no concern that she had him in her back and therefore could not see him. He grasped this in such a way that he hopefully did not pose a threat to her. Something which should be a positive sign, right?

At some point, she had found what she seemed to be searching for in her pocket, and he could hear the clanging of a keychain. After a short time, they had reached the four-story, neo-classical building in which she probably lived – at least it was the same place she had vanished into last night. He didn't really know if he should follow her in or is even able to, but he decided to take the chance. She chose the left of the two symmetrical staircases that led up to the entrance of the building, and he followed her quietly until they reached the entrance gate.

Before he could even think about what would come, whether he could even be prevented from stepping in by a potential protective spell, Katerina had already turned around and extended her arms after she had unlocked the gate.

"You can give me the bags now." And after the handover happened, she let him know: "Wait here, I'll be right back."

And then she was gone - without even waiting for an answer on his part. He stepped away from the entrance gate to the parapet to let his eyes wander over the grounds, of course, he would wait.

At the same time, however, in her absence, he remembered the conversation with his sister. Doubts overcame him about whether it would be a good idea to be seen with Katerina in public and to go to a restaurant with her. He didn't want to draw attention to her, but she seemed to be really hungry. He could not leave her to such an unhealthy and for her atypical snack like chips. She needed a proper meal even if it were only a good soup to still her hunger and let her sleep peacefully afterward.

His thoughts were interrupted by two guys coming out of the building and lighting a cigarette outside. However, nothing of Katerina could be seen yet. He changed his current position so that the terrible smoke of the cigarettes did not capture him, but remained in direct view.

Now was definitely not the time to worry, especially after she had already announced that she'll be right back. He would just have to be very careful.

While he was waiting, he was already looking for restaurants on his phone that were not too far away and were still open. He also instructed George to control the area, just to be sure.

After another 20 minutes had passed, he slowly began to wonder if she would bail on him. Meanwhile, it was just before one o'clock and the two guys with their cigarettes were already back in the warm. Nevertheless, he would of course continue to wait and not move from his spot, although he considered whether it would make sense to get the car so that she would only have to get in. This would mean, however, that he had to leave this place which he definitely cannot do. Not if she could be back at any moment.

He waited and waited; not moving away from the spot where she had left him. Every now and then, even if it happened very rarely, other residents came by and either left or entered the building. When the first option was the case, he always automatically straightened and couldn't help that hopeful look on his features.

But when the clock hit 2 am, he had to face the truth that Katerina had decided against having a meal in a restaurant. A fact that was very disillusioning for him. He had been a fool for believing she would want to have a very late dinner with him. He should have known that that that was too much to ask.

Elijah wiped his hand over his face before he pinched the bridge of his nose.

Stupid. So incredibly stupid. He had been too intrusive and really believed he would have chances for a proper talk. To show that he cares. That he was terribly sorry for how things had turned out. Stupid.

In addition, her rejection hurt to a certain point. Not that he was in a position to complain but he really had believed - hoped - that he was on the right path. How else is he supposed to take the right steps?

▬ xxx ▬

In the following days - weeks - Elijah had withdrawn. He still drove to campus every day but kept his distance from any possibility of crossing Katerina's path. Rather, he had decided to be a silent observer while sorting his thoughts.

He investigated the last evening they had met, over and over again, just to get the same result every time: In the end, Katerina didn't want any further contact.

'These times are long gone. What happened then is over. You didn't have to come here,' were her words.

Of course, there was a small, overly optimistic voice in him that told him that there could be other reasons for her not showing up. Even a very simple one: Maybe she just fell asleep.

And even if this was within the realm of possibility, he felt like a stupid idiot to hope for it.

Didn't he say he would accept any of her decisions? Even if it meant she didn't want any more contact with him?

Why couldn't he do that now?

It was surprisingly difficult to decide what to do now.

Be happy that she seemed to be well?
Accept the rejection?
Should he be content with having tried?
Or should he not give up yet? Show her that his apology was indeed serious (although he had no idea what else to do without questioning her decision)?
What if he gave up too soon? If this were another mistake on his part?
But what if she felt pressured by his presence? If she really didn't want him around anymore?

No matter how many times he asked himself these questions, he didn't know the answer.

Sometimes he couldn't help but quietly observe her whenever he saw her on campus. He saw her with - what he assumed - her friends, with the young man who for Elijah's taste kept too little distance from her. Sometimes he also saw her with a blond woman who did not seem to belong to the other group, but with whom she seemed to get along well.

Once, unexpectedly (and unintentionally), their paths had almost crossed and he is sure that she must have noticed him. But there was no realization from her reaction, but it was as if he were air for her, one of many.

Of course, he took this as an opportunity to have doubts again about the whole Katerina / Maisie situation. However, he was sure that Maisie was actually Katerina - even if he still did not know how she had done it. What good is it to question everything again?

He knew only one thing with absolute certainty: he loved this woman and he wanted her to be happy, no matter what that meant for him.

.

A/N: And that's it, I hope you enjoyed it. I personally found the idea of a 'test of courage' for Elijah, which is something common for every normal person, very amusing.

What do you think, will Elijah try again to contact Katherine directly? Or will he keep his distance and withdraw?

Please consider leaving feedback (even if it's just a 3) as it keeps my muse for writing alive. Thank you 3