Author's babble: Hello All! First of all I apologise for how long it's taken me to get this next chapter up. I fear I find it necessary to recycle that apology and produce again it in advance, because I can't see my future chapters being posted in a shorter time with any certainty. I KNOW I'm absolutely horrible! I know I get so caught up in stories that I keep checking and checking, in anticipation for new chapters. So I'm sorry to put anyone through that, but I can't help it. My life's not being very kind to my writing and I can't see that changing. However I can assure everyone that I won't abandon this story. It will most certainly be seen through to the end.
On another note. It has been mentioned that I've perhaps been misleading in how I've categorised this story and even summarised it. I know, my summary is vague. But I lack experience in that department and couldn't hope to give an indication of the goings on in this story on a level that would reflect the emotional aspect of it. I didn't want to focus on the 'events'. For I see it as an emotional roller coaster. And if I had mentioned events in the summary readers may find it too slow-moving. Not the action-packed here-there-everywhere story an 'event dictated' summary might have portrayed. So I apologise if any of you feel I'm wasting your time due to not reading what you expected to.
Additionally. I am very aware that many of you may have become impatient with the lack of Elijah Elena interaction. For that I apologise as well. This has of course been intentional as I didn't want to suddenly have Elena coming across as emotionally struggling again for no obvious reason whatsoever. I felt it important that this change in her and ultimately the Elijah-Elena interactions should be as understandably conflicting as possible. If that's caused any loss of interest, frustration etc. again I must apologise. This is absolutely still an Elijah-Elena fanfic... I wasn't aware both participants in this shipped story needed to be present at all times throughout for this to be the case. Perhaps it's not conventional to have scripted such a lengthy separation. But again, it seemed appropriate.
So... Apologies allround? :)
I appreciate any and all reviews. And hello there (now) slightly visible reader :) !
CH 40:
Deposited outside the bathroom door Klaus insistently pushed me inside warning as he did, that if I wasn't ready to leave when he'd stated, there would be consequences. In a huff I shut the door on him and leant my back against it. I had been so close to freedom and Klaus had put a stop to my approaching escape. Absent-mindedly I saw my reflection in the mirror and frowned at my disappointed twin. I couldn't catch a break. Not even an unexpected one it seemed.
"I don't hear water running." Klaus sing-songed from the other side of the door. Apparently he hadn't left yet. I had the most extreme urge to walk over to the sink and turn on the tap. Just to be smart since I knew he was referring to the shower. "Please tell me it's your way of inviting me to join you." He drawled.
"Not an invitation!." I called.
"I may have to be the deciding party on whether that's the case or not."
"You're always the deciding party." I grumbled and pushed off the door. Moving to the shower I turned the taps on. I hadn't yet undressed so there would be water wastage as I rid my clothes. But something about giving him his running water satisfied me and my wasting. "Happy?" I called.
"Disappointed actually."
"Why?" I scoffed.
"You've denied me a communal shower." His fake sad voice replied to which I rolled my eyes and began removing my clothes.
"Are you going to wait out there while I shower or have you got some other perverted activity to involve yourself in?" There was no answer so I assumed he'd left.
Looking blandly at my reflection once I'd put the dress on again I wondered how the time was going. I really didn't want to do this. So much so that I hadn't bothered to do anything fantastic with my make-up nor put on any jewellery. My ensemble really needed some of the latter, I didn't look finished. But couldn't bring myself to care. For all Klaus would know, I just mightn't be that into jewellery. As I applied a little bit more lipstick to my lips a knock sounded at the door.
"Are you decent?" Klaus asked.
"Yes." Turning my head toward him as he opened the door and stepped in our room, I quirked my lips slightly upwards at him appreciatively and took note that he'd suited up. His dark grey jacket had some very slight flecking of a rusty red through it which gently complimented his hair. I focused again on my reflection and colouring my lips.
"You look absolutely stunning Elena." He spoke softly while walking toward me. The compliment was smooth and delivered in a suave timbre.
"That almost sounded genuine." Came my bitter response while I capped the lipstick.
"It was genuine." Klaus' voice had dropped dangerously low. Taking heed of this warning I changed my tune.
"Well, thank you then. You're not looking too shabby yourself." The compliment was true but seemed to leave a bad taste in my mouth. Nevertheless I smiled at him.
"Better. And thank you. But why is it that you've not adorned yourself in something, shiny?" Turning from the inner mirror of the cupboard to face him I raised my eyebrows questioningly. "Jewellery. You're not wearing any." He rephrased.
"Oh. Well, I'm not much of a jewellery person really."
"Liar." Of their own accord my hands found their way to rest on my hips in annoyance.
"More importantly none of the clutches go with this dress."
"Well, that's no dilemma. You don't need a purse of any kind."
"Not even to carry my lipstick?"
"I can hold onto it for you." He offered kindly and extended his upturned hand. Frowning my hands fell from my hips and I handed the stick clasped in my fingers over. Hoping that for some reason it would uncap in his pocket and smear every where.
"Now. Pick some jewellery."
"No?" I said in firm resistance despite it rolling off my tongue as a timid question. Klaus smirked, unbuttoned his jacket and sat on the bed.
"I'm waiting."
Looking through the jewellery I quickly picked out a necklace made from a dark tarnished silver with black smokey jewels. For my ears, black pearl studs complimented the shade of black adorning the necklace. Finally I was deemed ready and Klaus took my hand and led me from the room. Once in the hall I hooked my arm through his own offered one and was led out of the curiously quiet building.
"I believe they're out shopping for what they intend to wear to my little upcoming event." I didn't give any response just allowed myself to be led to the black Mercedes parked out front. I looked around for the van, sure that Klaus wouldn't allow me transportation in a Merc. But when he opened the front passenger door for me, my growing surprise peaked.
"Aren't we taking the van?"
"It seems not, doesn't it?" He responded smirking.
"So you're trusting me to have knowledge of where we are?"
"I wouldn't go so far as to assume that Elena." Confused I lowered myself to sit while wondering the specifics of what Klaus had just meant. He shut my door and walked around the front of the car to open his own. Suddenly a thought occurred to me and I opened my door. I was completely shocked that it opened. I had expected it to be locked. At once I had to fight the urge to shut it before re-opening it over and over again. Sure it wasn't like I was so obviously imprisoned as one kept in a cage. But this was a physical manifestation of my relative freedom and I wanted to appreciate it. To hell with the fact that should I desire to bolt from the car Klaus would be on me in seconds. Being able to open a door and get out of an enclosed space humoured my view of being imprisoned as I was.
"Elena?" Klaus inquired gently. I shut the door before turning my head towards him and settling into the seat.
"Yeah?" He titled his head slightly to the side assessing me curiously. Pausing in his bent over position within the door frame before joining me inside before shutting his door.
"Never mind." I merely raised my eyebrows, but he didn't look back at me to see them.
We were both silent during the transit to wherever Klaus was taking me. Not that the silence stretched on and on. For it only took about a quarter of an hour for us to arrive. It seemed as though Klaus was taking a back-road route to wherever we were headed, as there were no signs apart from the names of roads. Nothing at all to let me know of our location. Trust Klaus to organise a specific route to keep me in the dark. When we'd made it to our destination I got the immediate impression that I was not going to feel comfortable. We'd pulled up next to a number of other parked cars outside a large two storey villa. When aren't villa's large? Roman architecture really doesn't do any justice on a small scale. It wasabsolutely gorgeous, but I couldn't fully appreciate it. Not when arriving to such a wonder felt so ominous. I assumed it was well set back on a property. As the occasional street light I'd seen previously had been missing for quite a stretch before the villa had come into site. Replaced instead with an endless bordering of trees either side the track or road the car had travelled. Yet I hadn't seen any signage to say what the place was called. Klaus had said he was taking me to a restaurant. I had to wonder if he'd brought me to some sort of exclusive country club. Unlabelled to keep the riff-raff out and all inclusively situated on a property to accommodate any activities that might go on here. Pity the riff-raff did get in.
The car space we'd pulled into was exposed on the passenger side and before Klaus had even removed the keys from the ignition my door was opened for me. Catching me off guard I jumped slightly. This wasn't valet parking. Greeted with two well dressed gentlemen I looked up casually and let the interior light of the car reveal them. The one slightly concealed by the other caught my attention first due to his red hair. But the one standing slightly in front of him who had opened my door, was Elijah. Time slowed and my heart beat seemed to suspend mid-beat. My jaw slackened as I looked up at him open mouthed for a few long seconds. Moisture stung my eyes as a tremendous invisible weight lifted from it's smothering hold on my chest. So free was my next breath my heart could have fluttered up into my throat.
"Hello Elena."
"Elijah." I breathed. The left corner of his mouth quirked upward and he offered me his hand. I grasped it immediately and he assisted me to stand. As soon as I could I threw myself against him and wrapped my arms around his neck as though holding on for dear life. He responded just as enthusiastically as he hugged my middle. My front instantly felt like Elijah was the only man who'd ever been as close as we were. Like a clean slate. All record of Klaus erased. "I've missed you." I whispered into his ear with the biggest grin on my face. At that moment Klaus cleared his throat. I registered his presence behind Elijah and the now almost leering red head. How I hadn't noticed Klaus there prior was anyone's guess as I was practically facing him. It brought me back to reality and I regretted my show of affection. I'd allowed my emotions to fuel my actions when I should have held back. Klaus probably wouldn't be happy and I had been working to keep my mind in the present. Knowing that I needed to keep myself conscious of the fact that I would be with Klaus and Klaus alone in the near future. Besides I had come to rely on myself. Feeling mistaken I drew back from Elijah who regarded me with his deep brown eyes. Imploring me to maintain eye contact to ensure I knew he'd missed me as well. A hollow detachment hit me as I returned his gaze with a frown. While the weight had lifted from my chest. I felt like now there was a belt tightening around it as I realised what I needed to do. I didn't need to lay down a line as such right here and now. Make him see that we couldn't, weren't anything by keeping myself lukewarm regarding Elijah. Reject him girl. Tough love is the only way to keep him safe. Keep him close but not too close. "Excuse me." My voice was cold. I looked to Klaus who had the most evil look of satisfaction on his face. Stepping next to him I wrapped my arm around his limply hanging one and focused all my attention on him alone. "So where are we?" I asked with interest and cheek. Like he was treating me to a night out. One I knew would be enjoyable. His eyes glanced behind me to Elijah smugly before returning to mine.
"Oh. Just a little place I like." He began directing us towards what must be the entrance and I took in the structure's beauty.
"It's certainly grand." I stated in awe as Klaus nodded in acknowledgement. It was difficult for me not to wonder why Elijah and the redhead were here with us. Since Klaus was the one who wanted this outing. Labelling it as a date and all. Did he expect us to portray some sort of romanticism in front of Elijah? I got the feeling that my anxiety over a date with Klaus had been a little on the light side. I should have been more worried about tonight than I had been. As impossible as it had seemed earlier.
"Need I remind you of how you should behave with me in public?" Klaus' voice entered my mind and interrupted my thoughts.
"No. I'm well aware I'm to at least seem agreeable with you. Sexy etc."
"Good. Sexy is always important. Glad you keep it to the front of your mind." He chuckled.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Something else you mean."
"Yes. Obviously." I responded like he was stupid. "Why is Elijah here? And the red head. You said this was a date."
"Yes. Well. I hope you won't take it the wrong way. But I thought tonight could serve another purpose."
"Care to elaborate?"
"Care to kiss me?" Sidetracked I stopped walking, Klaus paused with me before the entrance where I could see some people milling about inside.
"What? Will you elaborate if I do?"
"It's possible." He finished smugly. Yet his facial features appeared curious, perhaps concerned as our eyes connected while I was still wrapped around his arm.
Cheekily one side of my mouth curved upwards and I dropped my chin towards my collar bone slightly while still maintaining eye contact. Appearing coy and acting as though possessed with a little bit of the devil I continued looking at him through my eyelashes. My lips parting I tilted my head upward and closed the distance between our mouths. Our lips merely rubbed against each other at first. But I moved on to run my teeth against his invading tongue earning a groaned so soft, I doubted it had even occurred. In the process I found myself wound up in his arms and held softly against him. When he ran his fingers down my exposed back I arched into him practically humming and opened my mouth wider. God how I loved fingers running down my back. More than I hated how I'd become so accepting and responsive to any contact with Klaus. Suddenly Klaus latched his lips around my tongue and sucked.
He'd never done that before and it both surprised and aroused me. My skin immediately lit up with a fierce heat and I whimpered. Clutching at his shoulders until he released my tongue I took his lower lip in my own and sucked it hard into my mouth. Groaning again Klaus drew his mouth back from mine and gave me a lazy lust-filled smirk. Lusty as I was. I could only imagine the satisfying kiss had left me with a similar look on my face. Biting my lower lip I brought my hands up to Klaus' mouth and casually worked on wiping away the smear of lipstick. Once I was done he returned the favour for myself. Drawing his thumbs along the outside of my parted lips until he was happy that any lippy remaining was only worn on my lips. I wanted to know what his other purpose for tonight's outing was. But whatever was going on right at this moment had me distracted. Our actions with each other were rather sweet.
"Thank you." I said once he was done.
"Thank you." He turned his head in the direction of the entrance where Elijah and the red head had moved on to waiting for us. "Gentlemen! Sorry for the hold up." The red head barked out a joyful laugh. "Or rather. Your welcome, Blue. I'm sure the voyeur in you enjoyed that!." Klaus directed at the red head smugly.
"Quite Klaus. I don't suppose I could trouble you to continue?" His voice was quite hoarse. Klaus turned me and we steadily rejoined the two men who'd been waiting on us. He laughed out loud before turning his head to me with his hand on my back as we moved.
"Blue is a very successful producer in the porn industry." He enlightened me while his hand slide down to smooth over my right buttock. Stiffening in surprise and discomfort I turned my expression to my advantage and played into Klaus' desire for me to be sexual.
"Ohh. You must hate your job!" I commented in jest with a softer silkier tone of voice to Blue.
"Absolute torture it is Miss. You'd make it all the more bearable if you ever felt like lending yourself to a poor man's wallet." He responded with a wink and an open leer up and down my body. It made me feel so naked and panicked. Somehow I managed to act coy. I couldn't even look at Elijah. Instead I tried to keep him as far in my peripheral vision as possible. It was bad enough I'd been so intimate with Klaus in front of him. Now I was all sexual. He seemed like an outsider in our small group. Standing solemnly but not looking at all as if he was uncomfortable or would rather be anywhere else. I could feel his gaze on me though. It burned and made me feel ashamed.
"You flatter me." Klaus removed his hand from beneath my bum and it was like I could breath properly again so intense was my relief. Now to get him to tell me what tonight's other purpose was.
"My friend you are shameless. Propositioning my doppleganger is exactly why I won't submit us into providing you with any entertainment this evening." Klaus chuckled. So. We're having a group dinner? Shouldn't be so bad. It won't focus on me so much. "Shall we go in?" He suggested to the gentlemen who initiated doing so followed by Klaus and myself.
Inside was beautiful. I gaped while taking in the interior.
"This place is absolutely beautiful." I commented in awe. My voice still sexy, but hushed. The lighting was perfectly illuminated everything. Providing mood and showcasing the decor. If you removed the modern fashion everyone wore it was like you were taken back in time. The grandeur of everything made me feel over dressed and disrespectful in what I wore. It just didn't suit the building. I stayed on Klaus' arm and looked around me more.
"Yes. It's exquisite, brother. I commend you on finding something so, breathtaking." As soon as I heard Elijah's yes I looked at him. His eyes were anchored on mine and the way his mouth moulded his use of exquisite sent shivers down my spine. I knew he wasn't referring to the building. But I was in a detached frame of mind and needed to stay there. Despite the ache in my chest I was my own person and needed to look after myself. Which overall meant keeping Klaus happy and Elijah at arms length. Responding to his obvious flirtatious comment simply, I raised an eyebrow to convey an: Is that so? Response. Like his view on things was barely even amusing. His gaze didn't waver at my rejection on the double meaning. Instead remaining resolute. Dismissively I looked away. God, this is murder.
"Yes Elijah. Doesn't it remind you of our time in Formia?" By Klaus' tone he hadn't seen what had just occurred or didn't care.
"It does. If I could smell the ocean I could almost believe I was back there." Elijah agreed and kept to the specifics of the conversation Klaus had aforementioned. No alternate references for me to navigate.
"Good times." Klaus mused in remembrance.
In no time at all we were seated at a table for six. I wondered but didn't ask whether we were expecting more company. Klaus had casually arranged out chairs keep us as close as possible without being smothered by each other. While the two men across the table from us each kept a respectable distance. I was eager to question Klaus privately. But was too caught up in the goings on and discussion that had broken out between Klaus and his companions. I contributed occasionally in the safer topics. But for the most part I remained interested but silent. When Blue had asked an attending waiter for a bottle of wine I'd found myself sharing Klaus' glass. I wasn't sure how we'd ended up doing so. But of course had to oblige.
Without appearing rude I observed others around us as often as possible. It was soothing just to see normal unknowing people go about their lives. Most seemed to be couples having intimate drinks with each other. It was early in the evening after all. A large dance floor a way over seemed to be always occupied. The joy surrounding the paranormal bubble I was in was infectious and I realised I was actually enjoying myself. Perhaps it was just being out and away from Klaus' base camp. Or the fact that Klaus' and my date seemed to have been aborted. Instead of deciphering it I just enjoyed it. Even if Klaus' hand on my leg would tarnish the memory. Melancholy came over me as I watched on. I wondered if I should be treasuring all the brighter or milder things I experienced. I had an idea of how my life would be with Klaus, but it wasn't the best and the likely hood of it being worse than already experienced was high.
"Elena, my love." His hand ran up my thigh a little.
"Mmm?" I turned my head into him. Bringing our faces so close our noses could have touched.
"Let us go somewhere a little more intimate, hmm? I did bring you out tonight for a date. I think we'll take our main and desert in a private parlour." He regarded the men across the table and stood. "We'll catch up with you gents later." My ease left and replaced itself with disgust. I'd been stupid to think I'd avoided any supposedly romantic time with Klaus. Glancing to Klaus I saw he intended to pull my chair out for me when I stood. Doing so I smiled at each of the two men. Avoiding direct eye contact with Elijah as I did so.
"It was nice to meet you Blue."
"Like-wise. If you can break away from Klaus later we can talk business aye." He piped up eagerly. I gave him a sexy smirk as I laughed softly and stepped around my chair so Klaus could push it in.
"You, are a naughty boy!" Came my good humoured response.
"Always." I caught his wink before I turned and Klaus guided me away. An unseen shudder of revulsion ripped through me. I'd be sticking with Klaus. In fact, Klaus all the way. I'll cling to his arm all night if I have to.
Speak of the devil, he must have been listening in on my thoughts for he started chuckling. Unimpressed and turning my face to his we passed into a quiet alcove and I rolled my eyes at him.
"What?" He exclaimed gently. As if genuinely affronted. "That was a sweet notion you had involving me." I could only frown. "Come on. I think you'll enjoy this." Klaus announced proudly as he gestured to a female waitress who then led us further away from the sounds of gentle chatter. We passed down a winding hall which branched off in multiple directions. The lighting was extremely soft and I noticed that the sources of light were located about level with my knees on the walls. They were directed downwards so didn't shine harshly up into your eyes. Instead their gold and red filtered streams of light spread down and onto the floor to be reflected upwards. As I took interest in this simple but glamorous effect Klaus curled his arm behind and around my waist as we continued after the woman. In no time we were silently invited into a small room. It wasn't squishy by any means, about three metres by three meters. The walls had been curtained with dark coloured heavy drapes which pooled in extravagant excess on the floor around the edges. The ceiling was very low. But I had a feeling it was just the illusion created with the material slung in from the edges inwards. Meeting up with the small electric chandelier which also hung very low. It served as a feature in the room due to being offset from the centre of the ceiling. It was an interesting and classy piece of glassware. While it lacked size overall, it's length made up for it. Extending so far down that it finished about my hip. I had an urge to reach out and touch it just to make the reflection of the gentle lighting in the room dance. Klaus interacted in silent nods with the waitress and some gentle music started up. Mood lighting, softly playing music in the background. How dreadfully romantic.
The only piece of furniture in the room was a sort of lounge in a sharp curve. There was plenty of room for two. It's seat was wide and I could envision many a happy couple snuggled together on it. But Klaus had mentioned food. I didn't see how any restaurant would have this set-up. The public setting seemed more, practical. I mean, how would you market this private dining suite without it coming across a bit sleazy? If that's what it could be called. The woman left us and Klaus sat down on the lounge. He and I just stared at each other for a few moments before I needed to do something to avoid him somewhat. The result was stepping closer to the chandelier and losing myself in the glass.
"So." He drawled expectantly. "What do you think?" I turned my head to acknowledge him and observed his gesture of the room.
"It's nice." I said simply and shrugged my shoulders. If he thought I'd enjoy this date just because the decor was nice he could think again. All it instilled in me was frustration at not having some view or other people to pay more attention to than Klaus. I sensed movement behind me and turned to find the waitress returning with a classy black-stained table sliding along before her. On it was rustic food servers. The kind that maintained heat or kept food cool. They were lidded and beautifully painted. A matching wine cooler adorned the middle of the table with a bottle of white resting within it. Smiling at the woman's re-entry she returned the expression as she pushed the table close to the lounge. Mentioned that she would be right back with wine glasses, then we'd be left to ourselves. In the time it took for her to return I voided Klaus' eyes, but felt them on me.
Once alone again an outer door must have shut on us because the balance of light and darkness adjusted even more to provide soft illumination of everything. Even the chandelier dimmed.
"As beautiful as you look standing over by the chandelier. You might want to join me over here." Making a face I slowly stepped over to him and joined him with resignation. Making sure there was a good amount of space between us as I did. Klaus petted the seat of the lounge between us.
"Though I do bite. I won't on this occasion."
"Well that's a relief!" Came my sarcastic reply. He cleared his throat impatiently and the darkening look he gave me told of his annoyance. "Fine." I grumbled and ungracefully rose then plopped myself down right next to him.
"Now. Will you please keep an open mind for me?" Reaching for the wine with one hand and the glasses with another he offered the glasses to me. He then fiddled with the already loosened cork till it opened and he lowered the neck to pour. I would have preferred to sit there, still and negative. But due to paying attention to my charges that wasn't an option. So for the moment Klaus had my attention. "I had thought you'd like this private parlour. You were very appreciative of the architecture earlier. While this room is quite a contrast to the majority of the building, you can't tell me you find it unappealing."
"It's not that it's unappealing. I did say it was nice after all."
"Mmm. But you aren't truly happy with this environment."
"What's your point Klaus?"
"My point? No point. I'd just like you to tell me why. We're on a date. Tell me your thoughts and feelings about this parlour."
"Why not just look into my mind?"
"Because I can do that any old time with anyone. Come on. I'm making this easy for you. This is us getting to know one another. It might seem mundane to discuss this room. But I had thought you would like it. Since you don't. Why not tell me why?" I sighed and Klaus put the bottle back in it's cooler.
"I'd just assumed we'd be out with everyone else. Not in a private area. Maybe there'd even be some sort of view. Regardless of the fact it's night time." Klaus took his glass from me and shifted slightly. Leaning in and resting his arm on the back of the lounge behind me.
"Ah. You were hoping to be able to distract yourself from my charms."
"If that's how you'd like to see it, then yes."
"Am I not pleasing to you?" He frowned seriously. Making sure I wasn't going to aggravate him I thought it best to just be honest and open, but do so politely.
"It's not that." I sighed. "I'm happy that you're treating me better now, really I am. Less clashing is nice. Great even. But I don't want to date anyone, let alone you." I replied, dropping his gaze. "I don't do emotional, romantic things. Even fake ones." I caught his eye again. "They're beyond uncomfortable." I explained. Nearly spitting the words out like they tasted horrible. On one hand it might come across as dishonest. Because Elijah'd permeated my emotional walls. But that had taken time, and it was Elijah. He'd seemed to know how to do it. Klaus didn't seem the kind to know the same. The overall point being that Elijah was no longer within those walls in any case. They'd been resurrected and I would not feel inclined to let them fall again.
"You'll adjust. I'm sure of it. After all, you came around for my brother in the time he had you hidden from me." Klaus decided confidently. "You've already adjusted to me physically after all." While he kept his eyes on mine as if challenging me to disagree the hand holding his glass of wine was extended around me. I kept as still as a statue and anxiety struck me just as if his hand had. I could feel the heat from him chest having become encircled by him. Withdrawing his hand now missing the glass he slid it down around the inside of my thigh, before lifting my leg to drape it over and down next to one of his. He then locked his ankles so my relocated leg was loosely trapped between his own. "So." He repeated his arm reach and was once again holding the glass before him and raised expectantly for me to do the same. "To adjusting and fulfilment." Responding to his toast I gently clinked my glass against his and sipped.
"Fulfilment?" I enquired easily.
"Yes. You'll come to find. As I have in the past, that emotionally connecting with someone is therapeutic for the soul and extremely satisfying. I'm of course referring to a romantic connection." He sipped his wine again.
"In the past? How long ago was that?" The doubt in my voice obvious.
"Piqued your interest have I?" He asked smugly and leaned his head in closer, making it perfectly acceptable to whisper. "I get the feeling you think time takes things from us. Like the ability to do something is stripped from one if not practised. I know of love Elena. I've felt it. Indulged in it. Exploited it. I haven't treated myself in a long long time to a real relationship with a woman. Love is a vampire's greatest weakness after all. Not until now, when I will become untouchable can I afford myself a sliver of weakness. Fortunately for me I've been landed with you. A very fine woman to love and be loved by." He fell silent and just gazed at me. Sipping from his glass again I felt movement from his arm behind my shoulders as he delved his fingers in my length of loose hair. Of course that's where he just had to hold his wine glass earlier. "What? No blush?" He smirked.
"I wasn't aware it was a required of me." I stated simply and softly.
"It wasn't. But surely you can appreciate that to be involved with me in such a relationship, means you are special."
"Unlucky you mean." I saw his jaw clench and apologised.
"I'm sorry you feel that way. I wish you'd see it as a complimentary statement. Care to tell me why you don't find it so?" Frowning I prepared myself to enter into a deep-and-meaningful exchange, as ridiculous as the notion was.
"It's not all that flattering to be told you fit into the grand scheme of things simply due to circumstance. I haven't been brought up in a culture or lifestyle that has ever involved arranged relationships of any kind. So you'll forgive me for not being so accepting just because I'm conveniently available for you. To love no less." I dead-panned before placing my glass on the table.
"So the relationships you have with different members of your family aren't arranged? You get to pick those?" He raised his eyebrows expectantly.
"No, I don't-."
"And yet many families operate fantastically though they are, of the majority operating on relationships arranged by others."
"Okay you have a point. But it still doesn't make me feel better about any of this." I kept my voice low but it was quickly becoming as understatedly vicious as I'd ever heard it. "Love isn't something you can or should be able to allow and disallow when it's convenient to you alone! It's not some fantasy you can easily buy into! You're you for goodness sake." I hissed. "Despite getting along with you. You can't expect me to play your lover on anything more than a physical level. To ever-." His hand had pushed through my veil of hair and gently grasped around my neck. The pressure wasn't what stopped me speaking. It was the underlying possibility beneath the gesture. Did he intend to choke me?
"Perhaps." He said gently. "I should elaborate? Before that fire inside you runs away with your tongue. Hmm? I have a feeling I've insulted you." Klaus drawled.
