A/N: So sorry about the long wait. Honestly I just slacked off, but I have a few more ideas for this story. Let me know if this is something you all would like me to continue or should I wrap it up soon?

Anyways, Enjoy [though this is a bit of a boring chapter]

Elijah's first thought that following morning was of Elena. It was Monday again and he knew Elena would be getting ready for school. I sat up from my bed and took my small phone. They were so handy these little devices. He called Elena and it hardly rang twice before she answered. "Hey" came her cheery yet tired voice.

"Morning" he returned. The smile that formed over his face couldn't be helped. He simply loved her voice. "Will I see you this morning?" She asked sounding hopeful. "I had thought about it, but I wanted to make sure it was okay." At this point he was already dressed and waiting on her response. "Duh" she says before hanging up. He chuckles even though he knew she couldn't hear me. Even her sass made me smile.

He was there in less than 5 minutes. She had left her window open and was waiting on her bed. "Finally" she says with a hint of a smile. She stands and pulls him into her before he could get any words out. "I don't like falling asleep without you" she comments. He wraps his arms loosely around her "Have trouble sleeping?"

She pulls a few inches away, but leaves her arms around him. Her eyes wonder over Elijah's face as she thought "Mostly the waking up part. It isn't as much fun if I can't wake up to you." With that she leans up and presses her lips softly yet firmly against the graceful vampire's lips. He returned the loving gesture only moving his lips when she did. When she pulled away her cheeks were slightly pink.

He brushes his knuckles over her cheeks "It's cute when you blush." She moved her face into his touch, but didn't say anything. "Don't you have school?" he asks lightly to break the silence. Her eyes lock with his and she just barely whispers "I don't care." She punctuated her words with a surprisingly hard kiss.

It was much different than the soft and loving ones they had shared. This seemed to hold much more purpose. When she broke away she could see the confusion in his eyes. She gave him one of her soft smiles before explaining "I'd rather stay in bed with you." Elijah's eyes flick to the bed then back to her. He was perfectly okay with that, and if she got in trouble at school… well he had a strong influence on people.

"If that's what you want" she nods quickly and rests her head against him. She hadn't gotten the best sleep since he was no longer beside her. He moved them to the bed with a grace only Elijah could achieve. They were tucked under the sheets and it wasn't long before she was passed out. He settled more into her bed feeling as relaxed as he would allow. He had missed holding her as she sleep. He listened to her quiet breathing for a long while before falling asleep.

He woke up to a faint creak. He was up and positioned himself out of sight, but in a place where he could see whoever entered. The bedroom door opened and Stefan looked over the sleeping Elena. He walked over and ran a finger over her cheek. Elijah almost stepped out purely from jealousy, but Elena woke up.

She pushed his hand away and sat up. Her face went sour as she looked at him "Why are you here?" She asked with a hint of anger in her voice. "I was worried… you weren't at school and you weren't answering your phone. "Why did you have to come though?" she asked not even bothering to keep the hateful bite to her tone.

Elijah smirked at her tone. He always did admire her fiery attitude. "Well…" he began sounding surprised. "Caroline could have come, or Bonnie." He clenched his jaw "You can't hate me forever Elena." A smile curved her lips upward which shocked both Elijah and Stefan. "You misunderstood, Stefan. I don't hate you. That would require me caring and I simply haven't got the energy to care about you anymore."

It was harsh, but true. Elena didn't care about him anymore. She felt nothing towards him almost like he was a stranger. Elijah raised an eyebrow at this. Stefan was reaching for her, but she jerked away "Stefan" she warned lowly. His eyes narrow at her "Alright. I'll go. I was hoping you had forgiven me by now." Her eyes turned to him holding a new darkness to them.

"If I had cheated on you with Matt would you have forgiven me?" without pause Stefan answered "Of course I would have, I love you and I would have understood." Elena sighed heavily. Stefan took this as a sign that she was thinking about forgiving him. He reached a hand out to touch her cheek, but s=again she shied from it. Her eyes locked with Elijah's and a smile formed over her face.

"Stefan I don't love you anymore." She said turning back to meet his hopeful eyes. He steps back and his eyes dart to the corner of the room. Elijah stepped out and they locked eyes. He almost laughed at the emotions that flashed over his features. He stays frozen for a moment before sighing. He looks at Elena briefly before vanishing.

Elena falls back on her bed feeling even more tired. Elijah stayed where he was unsure if he should approach her. He heard voices suddenly and recognized them as Damon and Stefan. This would go well he thought with sarcasm. "Elena… Damon is here." She sat up and slouched a bit so her elbows could rest on her knees. "Might as well deal with him now as well."

Damon entered the room at that moment. His eyes narrowed at Elijah and his jaw tightened. His eyes swept over Elena who looked like she was emotionally drained. He seemed to soften a bit at seeing her that way. The three pairs of eyes darted back and forth at everyone in silence. Elena spoke up first.

"Hi, Damon." He smiled at her and remained silent. Elijah seemed to know he was unwelcome in this particular situation. He stepped out and took the eavesdropping Stefan with him. He wasn't too pleased about that either.

Damon walked over and sat on the bed. Elena peered over at him "He makes me happy, Damon." He threw an arm over her and pulled her close "That's good to hear… so he is good to you?" She nods her head against his body "He protects me and makes me laugh. Damon… I'm not afraid to be around him." This surprises Damon.

"Were you scared around Stefan?" "Sometimes… I hated falling asleep not knowing if he'd turn on me. It was… terrifying." He voice was slow and quiet. "I had no idea" he says in a muffled voice. His lips were pressed against her head in a platonic manner. "Do you love him?" Elena didn't have to think about it, but she took her time answering "I fall more everyday." Damon squeezes her "Well if he ever hurts you, I will find a way to kill him. I'm tired of seeing you hurt. I already paid Damon back for what he did." Elena chuckled at his over protectiveness.

They stayed snuggled against each other as she told him about her many adventures with Elijah. He was quiet as he listened and only spoke to ask about her soap figures. He was beyond amazed at her talent. Elijah returned 30 minutes later, but Damon made no move to get up. At least not yet. "I'll let you get some sleep" he mumbles to Elena. She turns and wraps her arms around him "Thanks for being here" she says.

He knew she meant more than just in her room. He knew she meant being there to keep her safe. After all he loved her. It was a love that was more than family, but less than romantic. He wrapped his arms around her before allowing Elijah to take his place. He had to attend to his displeased brother.