Author's babble: Hello all! Thank you again for the support. You've been soo nice.

Enjoy!

CHAP 38:

Klaus' "Have some fun" echoed in my head as I sat cross-legged on the floor with the unlidded boxes in front of me. Nothing about picking and choosing complementing accessories and make-up for the red dress hanging back in the wardrobe screamed fun for me at all. There was some absolutely fabulous jewellery from what I'd cast my eyes over. Hair pieces I'd never thought to possess in my whole life, due to the lack of use they'd get. Even a piercing set and a whole range of acrylic nails. But while there were certainly items that were my style, and would have made the cut for girl's-night-in activities and entertainment. If I hadn't become so isolated that is. It was all for Klaus. Women don't wear things just for those they want to impress per se. It's an expression of who they are. But that expression can extend to advertisement if desired. And while I did not desire to advertise myself to or for Klaus. That's all my mind processed dressing up as being. A display of how open I was to possibly being approached by another in a romantic sense. Only I already sort of had another. Nor was I open to anything remotely romantic with Klaus. So it seemed conflictive to do anything of my own accord. Sure I'd put some effort with make-up on for my last outing with him. But that wasn't strictly for anything like a date, and I supposed it had really been more for me. It had probably spurred my confidence to pull off the performance required of me. Who was I kidding? The real problem with doing anything in aid of this date was that it was to be with Klaus. While the new Klaus had me off guard, yet far happier in light of self preservation. It was a load of bullshit really. I mean. What were we even going to talk about if this evening was to run like a normal date would ordinarily? Dates were to share and come to care if that's where the specific company were headed. I didn't and didn't want to care. Klaus was Klaus. Who would? Sarah? Funny, Elena. In all honesty, a date with Klaus was fake. Absolute showmanship because why would he even want to get close to someone? He simply wouldn't. Klaus has no use for a significant other. Despite him proclaiming that we'd become such. Anything that he hoped to develop would be forced through an ulterior motive and a total waste of time. There would be nothing genuine about anything supposedly romantic between us. Both his side and mine.

As I sat and stared at the increasingly ominous boxes before me I began feeling more unnerved than usual. It was like the inanimate objects and the items enclosed were creeping closer. Smothering me like Klaus did. Dropping my head forwards into my hands my fingers delved past my hair line and I continued the motion through my length as I sighed in measured frustration and straightened. My mind wandered into countdown mode. It had been nearly one when I'd stopped in on Jonas. I'd have to assume it might be around two now. Klaus hadn't mentioned when we'd be leaving, so I had no way of knowing how much of my free time remained. Regardless, I couldn't stop myself anticipating this evening with dread.

I was still on the floor when the door next opened. Startling me from my meditative mood as I'd sat and thought about Jenna and Jeremy. A trolley with a colourful range of high-heels passed through the doorway like a float decorated over nearly all the shelving on it by the shoes. Sarah bustled in and I had to scuttle backwards as she pushed it into the boxes on the floor without a care. Looking down at me on the floor she made a face as if she was looking at the epitome of filth. Being human and me in general I supposed in her mind I probably was.

"What are you, a three year old? Get off the floor." She said while rolling her eyes and pushing the trolley further so I had to shuffle back again.

"Watch it!" I called jumping to my feet. "And I'm obviously not a three-year-old."

"Whatever." She sniffed. "Hurry up and pick a pair to wear so I can get on with things that have actual importance." She finished while assessing the nails of her right hand with a frown on her face. As if something wasn't as she'd left it.

"I have a pair of heels. I'll just wear the ones from yesterday." Where ever they'd ended up. Though they weren't exactly mine.

"Had. Seems they were a casualty of your oh-so-successful outing withKlaus. So, pick." I hadn't actually seen them since. So I supposed I'd take her word for it.

With deliberation I moved closer to the trolley as I sought another black pair. Best to just keep it simple. Showing my disinterest by choosing as run-of-the-mill as possible. In a way I wouldn't mind choosing a pair that wouldn't match the dress. Just for the hideousness of it. But I think that'd make me feel even more ridiculous about the date. And certainly wouldn't help if I was expected to act a certain way like with the werewolves. Which was another reason why a date is ridiculous. It won't be me with Klaus. But whoever Klaus wants me to be. I can't be myself and he definitely won't be himself. Because who knew who the hell he was in any case? I don't even think he knows himself!

"Are these all the same size?"

"No." I waited for her to elaborate but she didn't. Either there wasn't an order to these and I'd have to sort through to find my size. Or there is an order and she's just being Sarah. Honing in on a group of black heels I crouched down. All but one pair looked too small for me but I looked closer to read their sizings in any case. Most of them weren't big enough and one pair was too big. Standing and circling the trolley revealed no other blacks but some absolutely stunning soft gold coloured ones that were truly divine. But I wouldn't be wearing those.

"Are there any other blacks?" I asked.

"Not with me." So these are hers?

"Are these all yours?" I asked surprised.

"Uh-huh." Her uninterested voice toned with annoyance.

"Do vampire's feet change size?" I asked actually intrigued to know if that was the case and further, how that would happen. Looking down at her feet in a nice pair of navy heels.

"No." She scoffed incredulously as if my question had been the most stupid thing she'd ever heard. "What a stupid question." I looked up and we made eye contact. She seemed to actually be giving me the time of day for the moment.

"Well I don't know what other explanation there would be. Not all of these would fit you. I doubt it's just because you love shoes. Because many of these are just plain old normal heels." She sighed in exasperation.

"Shoes aren't just constructions for one's feet. Sure their need came about to protect feet. Although some shoes do more harm than good these days. But they're a part of you. For instance, maybe the heels you wore to a dance supported your giddy steps as you danced the night away with the boy you thought you'd marry." Sarah explained as though reminiscing such events in her own life. "Our shoes should be imprinted in our stories. Just as as the shape of a well-worn sole shows how often they carried us into battle or allowed us the freedom to make our own paths."

"That's really poetic." I complimented. Amazed that she would even talk to me like an equal about something she seemed to have such a belief no, connection with.

"Mmm."

"So all these are shoes you've worn throughout your life?"

"Of course not." She snapped. "You've already picked up on the range of sizes."

"But-." She cut me off.

"These are shoes others have worn. Most of them women, all of them independent, strong and amazing in their own way. It's a collection of sorts. But not of the material kind. Of what was done in them." She moved around the trolley and picked up a single heel from a pair before standing in front of me to display it. "This pair." She beamed proudly. "Was worn by a innovative woman. She was a real thinker and could have done so much for her small town if they'd only listened. She wasn't in any official position, but she could have contended for one if she'd wanted. Or got the chance to. You see, her town was built within a valley. While the very lowest section of the valley flooded often. Those who lived there had no unmanageable problems because of it, as they kept buildings on higher ground. It lead to so much confidence in how they'd managed their land. That they didn't heed her concerns when a dam was built to catch water further up the valley. Now she had found out about the short cuts those constructing the dam were taking, so she knew that it wasn't going to be built to an appropriate standard. But prior to that she knew that the changes in the landscape to allow for a better drainage system into the dam, would change the way the valley flooded. Those who had been so safe. Would not continue to be so. And while she told people and told people. They wouldn't listen. Because they didn't know any better than what they'd already lived through. So, she organised a warning system for the valley. To make sure that people would get out in time if there was ever a problem like she could foresee. It worked too, despite her towns folk's resistance. She was out in the flooding rains one wet season, personally checking water levels and saw that what she'd anticipated had some to fruition. The whole town listened and only livestock and some buildings were lost as a result." She told triumphantly. Oh, my god. Are we actually having a conversation? I hadn't thought it'd be possible.

"Then, how did you end up with her shoes?" I asked before looking at the shoe she held. "And those particular shoes."

"She was wearing them when she managed to clear the whole town out before the dam wall ruptured." Was her almost humble response. My eyes flicked up to her face and back down to the shoe in front of me. It was a vibrant red and had quite a heel on it. I couldn't see it's previous owner out checking water levels in these.

"What did she do? She can't have gotten around in those checking water levels."

"Well she didn't really need to get around on them when it came to clearing out the residents. I helped in her final accomplishment."

"You?"

"Mhmm! Together we kept people away for a whole month before anyone came back. And that was only to check on some abnormal damn readings. That was right before she went. The dam that is."

"So what did you two do?"

"Scared the living daylights out of people. Oh, it was a great night. The whole town had dolled-up and turned out for their oldest resident's birthday. Can't remember how old the bat was." Sarah added as an after thought before moving on. "Anyhow. I killed Jennifer Claddop, publicly and violently. It was quite a show we put on for everyone. I hadn't had so much fun in quite some time." She finished smugly.

"You. Killed her?" Understanding what she'd said, but not wanting to comprehend how she'd killed a woman she'd perhaps admired in some twisted way.

"Yep. What can I say? I help when I can." She turned and went to replace the shoe with it's partner.

"But. You've kept Jennifer's shoes and talk about her like she's fantastic. I'm not disagreeing if that's the case. I just don't know why you'd go and kill her. It's possible she could have gotten everyone to leave herself." Sarah scoffed.

"Are you that naïve? People don't do what's good for them. They're ignorant and stupid. There was no way Jennifer would get them to see reason. It's not like I stole her thunder. She had a direct role in getting the town to clear out."

"Though you've seen a lot, you can't tell how every situation will pan out. Did the two of you even organise what you did?"

"No. Why should we have had to? Jennifer got what she wanted and I received a token of her undoubted appreciation. A keepsake of a great woman."

"So you didn't just kill her, you murdered her. You idolised her. Killed her. Then wanted to keep something to remember such a memorable kill. It's just a conquest to you isn't it? Your a serial-killer." I replied bitterly and rolled my eyes. Crossing my arms over my chest I moved away and sat on the bed. "Have all those shoes been worn by someone you ended for your collection?"

"You're so black and white, aren't you? Can't see that what I did with Jennifer actually helped the situation. And not that it's any of your business but only about half of my collection was self harvested. Death can be messy after all. So many shoes have been ruined by blood spatter. I am in fact capable of taking items of those deceased off their hands, without causing their demise. Now can you hurry your righteous arse up, and chose a pair before you clock up any more time I'll be wasting on you?" Impatiently leapt from her mouth as she turned and looked at me pointedly with her hands on her hips.

"I don't know that I want to wear any of these. Not that I was itching to in the first place. I'd rather go out barefoot. Strange looks from people in a restaurant are the least of my worries. You-."

"Restaurant?"

"Yeah. Klaus is dragging me to one this evening." I answered in grumble.

"What," she snarled slowly. "For?" I really had to wonder sometimes if all vampires were this moody. Elijah wasn't, but Klaus and Sarah could represent it's definition. I took a moment to rationalise my response. Telling her Klaus and I were going on a date mightn't be the smartest move. She'd already proven to be extremely sore about no longer being in Klaus' bed. What she didn't know wouldn't aggravate her more.

"I don't know." I said simply then scoffed. "Surely you don't think I get told every detail?"

"You're lying."

"I guarantee I'm not. I don't have a lot of information. I'm just here to be sacrificed-."

"Not that." She confirmed dangerously. "None of Klaus' meetings have been at restaurants. He keeps proceedings under the radar. Plus he's cheap, in his own way. He wouldn't treat werewolves to a restaurant. So since tonight is not for that purpose, it's for something else. And you not knowing that purpose is a lie."

"Have you been to all of them? Because unless you have, you can't exactly say that." I pointed out diplomatically.

"Don't avoid my question, Elena." Sarah's fakely sweetened voice recommended. Hey, she used my name! I couldn't resist smiling a little. The fact that she'd used my name was kind of priceless in a dangerous way.

"Wow. You know my name." My voice commented in awe.

"Okay comic. What will you be wearing?" Alright, back to diplomatic.

"I don't know."

"You must. Because you're expected to pick out some shoes. You were after black. Either because black goes with everything, or because whatever you're wearing is coloured."

"That's not a strong fashionably-justified case." I pointed out and stood up off the bed. Huffing, Sarah stalked past me straight to the wardrobe and opened it.

"Can I assume you're wearing a dress?"

"You can assume what you like." I said simply and shrugged, moving closer to the wardrobe myself. "Hey, the white one looks nice."

"Does it?" Snatching it from the cupboard she tore it apart. "I hadn't noticed." The dress was dropped to the floor and she sniffed carelessly. I took comfort in not having chosen that one but began to worry if she'd rip the red and I'd be stuck wearing the blue.

"So, which one are you wearing? Or should I rephrase that? Which one shall I rip next, Elena?" Hey! My name again. That really deserves a gold star. She asked smirking at me. Taking the two remaining dresses from the wardrobe she held them up each side of her and turned to face me. I tried to keep my face from showing my growing concern. Less hassle now that I'd decided on the red, would be better than having to go out shopping. Especially if my escort ended up being Sarah.

"I haven't seen any of those before, so I don't know how I'm supposed to answer that question." I frowned

"So I can just do what I please? Hmm." She considered both dresses. "Maybe I'll alter the red next." My heart jumped. I wanted to wear that one. Not be left with the blue. "Finally. Some honesty."

"What?"

"You're wearing the red." She brought each dress to her nose and sniffed them. Second in line was the red one. Possibly because she was honing in on my scent and didn't want to overwhelm her sense of smell on the first and leave some doubt regarding the second. She already had a hunch and was merely following through.

"If you say so."

"I do." She spoke with finality. "So. Now we've established that. Share the reason for the restaurant and I won't tear it apart as well."

"Ask Klaus."

"I'm asking you." She set her eyes on me angrily and veins erupted around them. Throwing the two dresses onto the bed she took a step towards me and hissed menacingly as her canine teeth became visible. Wether the hiss was to scare me or in pain I couldn't guess and didn't care. Eyes widening I wondered how far she would take her questioning.
"Am I interrupting?" Klaus' voice smoothly enquired from the door. "Sarah?"

"Nothing important I'm sure." She responded easily the second her facial features appeared human again.

"Well you're interrupting Elena. She needs to prepare for our date this evening. I thought I asked you to let her pick out a pair of shoes? Has that been done yet?" Sarah's face turned sour. My avoidance of mentioning the 'D' word appeared to be in vain.

"A date?" She spat. "But you don't date. You've said so yourself on numerous occasions. Why make the effort with trash when you wouldn't with me?" Casually stepping closer as he slide his hands into the pockets of his jeans Klaus' facial features conveyed surprise.

"I didn't realise you were serious about those oh-so-tempting offers of courtship." He was mocking her.

"Don't. Why must you treat us as though we were nothing?" She stepped around me and closer to Klaus. "It hurts me Nicky." She wined sadly. Having turned to continue watching this verging confrontation I looked on as Sarah pouted pathetically and stepped into Klaus. Her left hand slithered onto his chest and began rubbing him luxuriously.

"You know." He growled and looked into her eyes passionately as his hand cupped her chin as if to keep her gaze. "I always liked it when you let me hurt you."

"Mmm, oh I know." She giggled sexily. She seemed to be returning his gaze hopefully as she basked in the attention he was finally giving her. Do I really have to witness this?

"What I have never liked is how you seem to think that choosing to take my pleasure from you means you can leech off the fact. As if it increases your value to anyone, let alone myself." Sarah's face began to fall. "You are cheap, desperate and aggravating. To set eyes on you, let alone touch youleaves a most vile taste in my mouth." I saw her swallow and seem to gather her wits. Schooling her features.

"Yet you touch me now." Her measured voice cockily pointed out before Klaus slowly brought his other hand up to graze her breast. I watched her face brighten again while his hand continued rising to smooth over her shoulder and snake behind her neck.

Sarah's tongue had just darted out to moisten her lips when Klaus swiftly snapped her head to the left with a crack. I really wished he'd snapped it the other way. If he had I wouldn't have had to see her mouth slacken and eyes glaze over before she dropped to the floor. Closing my eyes and willing that image to leave my mind, I turned to the bed before re-opening them and went about re-hanging the dresses. How had killing regardless of whether it was permanent or not become so easy for him? I couldn't even bring myself to think too much on how I'd stabbed Klaus. It just wasn't right. To consider harming someone else in such a physical and violent manner.

"Are you alright?" Klaus enquired softly.

"Fine."

"What was going on in here?" Klaus moved up behind me while I squatted down to pick up the torn dress from the floor.

"Nothing." I replied. Sighing as I stood awkwardly having realised how close he now was.

"Don't lie to me Elena." Klaus warned and took what remained of the white dress from me to assess it's damage. Knowing this could turn into an interrogation I wouldn't see the end of without pain I dictated events as they'd happened.

"She was a little bit enraged at you and I going to a restaurant. Wanted to know why. When I went with an I don't know response she picked up that I was lying and things grew from there. I was trying to be tactful and not make her angry by saying it was for a date. Sarah has obvious problems with me that I thought I could avoid if I left out that little detail. Seems I said too much by saying restaurant. No big deal."

"It's enough of a deal. She may not like your presence but if she expects to have any place among my comrades. Such petty acts as what's occurred to date won't continue to be tolerated. However." He mused. "Since you're now down a dress, perhaps tomorrow you and I can purchase another of your choosing. Would you like that Elena?"

"I'd like to spend the day by myself outside more?" Came my offer of something more appealing in response. My offer was ignored.

"We'll go out mid morning then. Have lunch somewhere and work our way home after making our purchase."

"Yay." I responded. Thoroughly unenthused. Klaus obviously didn't like my tone by the darkening of his eyes, but was sidetracked by a groan and crack as Sarah's broken neck healed to completion. She shot to her feet and hissed angrily.

"Elena's ready to choose her shoes, if you're ready?" He asked, but rather demanded of Sarah.

"And waste more of my time? I think not." She spat then blurred around the trolley. My head was pelted with two pairs of shoes in quick succession. Earning some hard hits to the side of my right wrist as I tried to block them. The next second both Sarah and the trolley had left. While I rubbed my wrist Klaus picked up the shoes. One pair was a deep navy, which could pass for black at a pinch depending on what was worn with them. The other pair were red with black detailing. Of a close shade if not the same as the red dress I'd decided on. Reaching out to take them from Klaus I saw a tinge of red on my hand and checked my right wrist. Finding a small cut with a slight seepage of blood I glanced around the room looking for tissues or something similar I could use. Nothing caught my attention so I resorted to Klaus.

"Are there any tissues?" The bed accepted the gracefully dropped shoes from Klaus without him paying attention to their landing.

"No." He replied softly and took my left wrist. Gently lifting my arm up so he could close his mouth over the blood I felt him suck my skin while the tip of his tongue lazily applied more direct contact. Once done he pulled me slowly into him and guided my left forearm up and over his shoulder as his right found the small of my back and held me flush against his front. Klaus' left hand then trailed down my right arm which had hung by my side from the moment he'd put his mouth on my hand. Now cupping my right hand in his own Klaus lifted my wrist to his mouth and dragged his tongue in one long laborious stroke along it's length. As he did his eyes never left my face and as he repeated the motion they captured my eyes. His actions were so sexy I'd found myself unable to look away from his ministrations. But when I looked in his eyes there was so much intensity there that I couldn't help myself at best, marvelling over them. At worst I was being seduced.