"it's comforting in a way, like the center of a storm."

—

EDEN jumped into action as Damon carried Rose into the parking garage.

"Open the car door," Damon tossed Eden the keys as he passed.

Baffled, Eden followed quickly behind Damon and a whimpering, blistered, inconsolable Rose.

"What happened?" Eden asked, but received no answer.

She opened the door and Damon set Rose gently down.

"You're gonna be okay," Damon comforted Rose.

"I know," Rose replied, leaning against the seat. "I just—"

"Who was behind that?" Damon asked.

"I don't know," Rose shook her head, the bruises healing on her skin. "Where's Slater?"

"Iowa by now," Damon shook his head. "Who the hell knows?"

"He's not behind this," Rose denied. "He's a good guy, he wouldn't betray me."

"Then who did it?" Damon's eyes narrowed on Rose.

"I'm still confused as to what actually happened," Eden spoke up. "Two second explanation would be greatly appreciated."

"It's Klaus," Rose teared up. "Don't you understand?" She asked Damon through a sob, ignoring Eden. "You don't know this man. I'm dead. We're all dead."

Eden softened, feeling a likeness to her own life, and gently moved Damon, pulling Rose into a hug. Rose sobbed against Eden's shoulder and Damon exchanged a look with his best friend.

What were they going to do now?

—

Eden flicked on the lights to the new apartment, eyes gazing around the empty space.

No furniture, a suitcase of clothes, and her wand, tucked away in her holster.

Jenna was cramming for an exam and couldn't make it, and Damon was preoccupied with whatever situation-ship he had with Rose.

Not that she minded, she was happy Damon was happy, and aside from the whole kidnapping thing, she didn't mind Rose.

But no Damon or Jenna meant she was alone in the first night of her new apartment.

Large windows stared back at her from the front door and anxiety surged up her back at the thought of someone spotting her from them. A specific someone.

He didn't know where she was. She had to remind herself of that.

She hoped he didn't do much research on the surrounding towns of the area she'd been held by Rose in, otherwise, it was only a matter of time.

Eden would have to purchase curtains for those windows.

Walking further into the room, there was a brick fireplace to the right, and a decent sized kitchen to the left. A modern oven and refrigerator, marble counters.

Down the hall were two bedrooms and a bathroom. She searched specifically for a two bedroom, knowing she'd have friends stay — or Jeremy if he got sick of being at home — often and for extended periods of time.

But no furniture.

Sighing, Eden rolled her suitcase into the furthest bedroom and unzipped it. She stared at her wand for a moment.

The urge to flick it and hang everything magically called to her but the dark feeling called to her and she took the holster out, setting it on the suitcase.

She could unpack later.

Pulling out her phone to order a pizza, she stopped, hearing a knock at the door.

It could be Jeremy. Or Elena. Or Damon or Jenna. It could even be Stefan.

But panic flooded her and her eyes prickled with tears. It was Dolohov. He'd found her. He was toying with her.

She grabbed her wand, taking tentative steps across the hall — wishing she had something to inhibit the echo — walking closer and closer to the door.

"Eden," a soft voice spoke from the other side. Relief flooded her. "Darling, it's me."

"Oh," Eden set her wand down on the fireplace and opened the door, a smile overtaking her.

There stood Elijah, in all his suited glory. The soft smile he seemed to reserve for her alone was painted on his face and he stood straight in the entryway, holding a plant.

"Hi," she breathed out. "What're you...how'd you find me?"

"Was I not supposed to?" He countered with a small quirk of his lips.

"Oh," Eden shook her head, laughing slightly. "No, it-it's fine, I didn't realize you'd know I'd moved."

His face softened. "I can assure you, your safety is paramount to me. I've known where you are whenever we've been apart."

"Like a tracker?" Eden asked with a raised eyebrows. "That's kind of creepy."

Elijah chuckled. "No, I promise, it's not ill-intentioned. But, when we first met you'd been kidnapped. If I'm to keep Dolohov away from you, I need to be aware of the places he should not be."

"Ah," Eden nodded. "Fair enough." Her eyes moved down. "Why do you have a plant?"

"Housewarming gift," he met her eyes and her stomach somersaulted. "It's from the Scottish Highlands," he pointed to the cactus-looking one with a purple flower at the top. "It's a thistle. And this," he pointed to a droopy blue flower. "Is a bluebell. A thistle is often associated with protection and strength," he pointed to the blue flower again. "And the bluebell is calmness and tranquility. I presumed you'd need a house plant in your new home and would like you to have one with meaning."

Eden's heart nearly beat from her chest.

"I," she took the plant softly. "Oh, shit, come in," she waved him in and his smile widened at her flustered demeanor. "I can't believe you put all this thought into this."

Elijah glanced around her apartment. "You're lacking furniture," he declared. "We should remedy that."

"It's fine," Eden waived him off. "I just need to actually go to the store, but there's only an antique store here so I have to drive to Richmond and I was waiting until Damon or Jenna were—"

"—We'll go today," he cut her off, eyes resting on her again. "You shouldn't have to wait for your friend or sister. I'll take you."

Eden blushed, setting the plant down on the kitchen counter. "It's — it's fine, Elijah, you probably have—"

"—I can take you for lunch, we can pick out furniture, I'll carry it in for you. I don't see a problem with that. Unless you have plans today?"

Eden stared at him, mouth open for a moment before shaking her head. "No, no, I'm — do you - do you have plans?"

"I do now," he looked down at her fondly. "Your nerves are endearing, Elskan," he told her gently. "But unnecessary. I've been meaning to spend time with you, this is simply an excuse to do so."

Curiosity overtook her nerves. "Elskan?" She asked softly.

Elijah glanced away, cheeks reddening just barely enough for Eden to notice. But she did notice. And her heart nearly burst from her chest at how cute he looked.

"It means 'my darling' in Icelandic. It's...the closest to my language that still exists."

The smile that grew on Eden's face nearly split her cheeks. "Your language? How old are you?"

"I was born a Viking, in the tenth century."

"Damn," Eden remarked. "You're fucking old."

Elijah laughed at her words, nodding. "That is present often with you," he smiled down at her. "Is it alright? If I call you a term of endearment? Or would you prefer we remain friends?"

Eden observed him for a moment, eyes narrowing a fraction. Would she want to remain friends? Could she?

It had been six months since Fred's death, since the war. And she didn't plan on moving on so soon, but she also didn't intend to meet her soulmate.

Would he want her to enter a relationship with Elijah?

Would he —

"We'll wait," Elijah smiled gently. "Think it over. For now, lunch and furniture shopping. I believe I saw an art shop in Richmond that would have some pieces to really brighten the place up."

—

"...and, if you'll believe it, Kol pretended the shirt didn't exist at all," Elijah finished the story, a grin on his face. "Niklaus was furious. He was running around, busying himself with anything other than ripping our brother into shreds. Of course, Rebekah thought it was hysterical."

Eden smiled at Elijah's words, one leg against the door, the other near — not touching, but near enough that Eden wished it were touching — Elijah's hand.

The ride to Richmond was nearly three hours and the pair had run out of small talk, diving deep into family memories. Eden told numerous stories of Harry and the Weasleys — and her own family, the few stories she had — and in turn, he told a few of his own.

It felt nice. To speak with Elijah about their lives, their histories. She enjoyed learning where he came from and who raised him. He didn't speak of his mother or father, except a brief mention of his mother's strict nature, but he spoke highly of his siblings.

Kol was the youngest, and Elijah called him "infuriating, clever, and occasionally psychotic" which Eden laughed at. She recalled using nearly the exact same description for Draco, who she likened as a sibling in her stories.

There was Rebekah, the only girl, and Elijah was incredibly fond of her. She was spoiled and bratty, but had a big heart and often naively gave it to the wrong people. He missed her terribly.

Finn, the eldest, was stoic and cold, but very charming when he wanted to be, and had a knack for ensuring everyone felt safe in a room. He was kind-hearted and generous. Elijah hadn't seen him since they were first turned into vampires, he followed his mother and it ended poorly for him.

Elijah didn't specify exactly what that meant, and Eden didn't ask.

And there was Henrik, who Elijah reminisced of with a morose expression. He'd been killed, in a werewolf attack, but they all felt the loss and missed him dearly. He was bright and free-spirited, and got along most with Niklaus.

Elijah had incredibly mixed feelings about Niklaus. They were the closest, no doubt, being in age, likeness, and nature, but they had many fights over the centuries. His brother was hot-headed and violent and narcissistic. He was arrogant and cruel and vindictive. He offered no second chances and was paranoid unlike anyone Elijah had ever met.

But, Elijah told her softly, he was once kind. He felt deeply, about everything. Incredibly passionate, his heart often ruled his head — Elijah was the opposite in that respect — and he enjoyed sitting in nature and art. He was creative and loyal, fiercely loyal, and would do anything for his family.

Even take them from Elijah upon their betrayal.

The more Elijah spoke of his family, the more Eden understood the feelings between them. She was beginning to separate which were hers and which were his.

He was open about most things, wanted to share them with her. But there was a tentative feeling shrouding his thoughts regarding Niklaus.

She didn't press him more than he offered. He didn't press her more than she offered.

It was progress.

Neither of them were inherently trust-worthy people. Not after the shrouds of war and betrayals from people they loved.

But it was a start and she could see herself falling for him quickly. Too quickly.

And yet, that didn't bother her nearly as much as it should.

"I remember once with Ginny," Eden recalled. "We decided to prank Fred and George," a small smile captured her lips. It was nice to speak of Fred without him haunting her. "And, naturally, Ron wanted to be involved, but that was a terrible idea. Hermione found out because Ron's mouth can't be kept shut for life of him, and naturally, Harry found out. Though, bless him, Harry doesn't really involve himself in pranks. He just sort of puts his hands up and says 'I'll be in the other room, don't turn my hair pink and we're alright' but then, of course, Percy overhears Harry talking to Ron about it and decides to get involved. Meanwhile,"

Eden glanced over at Elijah, finding his eyes on her, his gaze soft and warm. She moved to continue the story, but blushes, looking away.

"I completely forgot what I was saying," she laughed sheepishly. "Sorry."

Elijah chuckled at her words. "Apologies for the switch in conversation," he flicked on the turn signal and made a left. "I truly had no intentions. I was very curious about the result of everyone finding out about the prank which you hadn't named yet."

Eden grinned. "I'm a bit shit at retelling stories, if I'm honest. I think it's the ADHD, just completely puts me in another direction."

Elijah nodded. "I find it cute, personally," he spoke nonchalantly, as though she wasn't going to absolutely lose her mind at his words.

"Oh-I-well, um, you know, that's-that's very—"

"—Eden, would you prefer Italian or Mexican cuisine this afternoon?"

Eden blushed, leaning her head against the window. "Either one," she squeaked out.

Chuckling, Elijah's hand grazed her thigh. "Calm down, little witch," he spoke softly, not looking at her as he drove.

Her eyes found his hand and then his face, wide with surprise. Merlin, he's attractive.

"I appreciate the compliment, Elskan," he murmured.

Eden's blush deepened. "I did not say that out loud."

"You did, your mouth seems to work without your brain behind it," he glanced at her then, eyes flickering to her lips. He glanced away, clicking his tongue at her. "Tsk, we'll have to fix that, little witch."

His hand was still on her thigh.

Barely.

Fingertips grazing her thigh lightly up and down and she, oh...she wanted so badly for him to —

"I think Italian would be nice," he spoke again, but her focus was on his fingers. Teasing, tantalizing. Slow. Gentle. Very nice, long, handsome —

"And there's a shop down the block from this Italian place. We'll see if they have any nice furniture for you. You'll need a dining table, of course, but nothing large. And a sofa, naturally, and perhaps we can get a few rugs for you. Is there a specific style you're looking for?"

Eden opened her mouth to speak but found only a light gasp escape her lips as his hand slid upwards.

"Words, Elskan," he soothed. "Use your words."

"I—I'm...cozy," she managed. "I don't—I don't know a style specifically but lots of-of clutter and," his hand squeezed her thigh, fully grasping it. She bit her lip to stop the sound that threatened to escape her.

"Continue," he remarked firmly. "I'll need to know what I'm paying for."

"I-I have money," she inched her body towards his. Merlin, he was so close. She could almost feel the warmth of his fingers sliding up, if only he'd —

"Nonsense," he shook his head, removing his hand to park the car. "We're going slow, but you are my soulmate and I'll not have you fend for yourself. I'll pay for anything you desire, little with."

Eden wanted to say one of three things:

1) Thank you so much, Elijah
2) Like a sugar daddy? (Insert laughing here.)
3) This is slow?

But what escaped her lips, instead, was:

"Slow Elijah, daddy?"

Elijah burst into laughter at her comment, looking at her again.

"As you wish, sweetheart," was his response before he opened the car door, walked calmly to the other side, opened the passenger door, and held his hand out like a gentleman for her.

"Thank you," she got out, avoiding his eyes.

He took her hand in his and leaned down to her ear. "Let's get you fed, darling, if you're good, I'll let you pick something out at the store."

"O-okay," she whispered, squeezing his hand tightly.

So much for going slow.

—

"I like this one," Eden's head tilted to the side a fraction as she admired the artwork. It was an acrylic painting of an old city, and it screamed pain and moodiness. "It's comforting, in a way," she murmured to Elijah. "Like the center of a storm."

Elijah sighed softly next to her, eyes gazing on the painting. She glanced up at him and found his jaw clenched tightly, eyes narrowed a fraction.

"If you would like it," he nodded.

She frowned. "What's wrong? You're in pain by something, what is it? What did I do?"

Elijah's head turned to her and he shook it immediately, a gentle, reassuring smile.

"Nothing, Elskan," he leaned down and pressed a kiss to her head. "I'll purchase it before we leave, have it delivered to you."

Only as Elijah grazed her hand and began to pull her away, did she notice the initials on the bottom: N.M.

—

Elijah was observant. More so, Eden noticed, than anyone she'd ever met. He watched her carefully, without actually looking at her at all. He was intuitive, collected, calm. He had her requests fulfilled before she asked them and he was gentle in his words and touches.

He reminded her of a stream of water. Ever-moving, soothing, mighty against the ever-changing landscape. He stood his ground and helped others, without offering much of himself. He could be fair and steady, but there was something within him; within the river that was threatening.

Not to her, she knew. Never to her. But there was poison in the water. The stream would only be offered to those who offered in return. He was polite and poised and charismatic, but he relinquished no control. Others only drank from the water when he allowed it to be so.

And he was holding her hands to the water, without quarrel, a place to drink. To make camp. To offer haven. And shelter. He showed her the life that thrived in the river, the endless beauty that encompassed it.

And cautiously, against her better judgement, Eden wanted to swim.

—

"I'm with him now, Harry, so if you'll hush up a bit," Eden smiled apologetically at Elijah, who watched her from where he stood next to a bookshelf. "Yeah, we're shopping. Yes, he's buying."

Elijah held his phone out when Harry asked to speak with him. Eden cringed, offering the phone to the man.

Elijah was quiet, listening intently to the words on the other line, before his eyes softened.

"Harry Potter, there is one way to kill me. Only one. When I see you in person, I will tell you, and only you, how to do it. You have my word," he stopped, letting Harry speak, and then a faint smile tugged at his lips. "If I hurt Eden intentionally, I want you to use the way in which I'll inform you, and kill me." Elijah was silent for a moment. "Her safety is paramount to me. I will ensure it above all else. I look forward to meeting you as well. Yes, I will tell her."

He ended the call and handed her the cell phone back.

"You can be killed?" Eden asked, worry dancing in her eyes.

Elijah nodded. "Yes. I'll tell you in private, it's...not something I care to advertise."

"But you'd tell Harry?" Eden asked in confusion.

Elijah reached over and grabbed her hand, intertwining their fingers. "He is your family. As you will be no doubt threatened by mine, I have been threatened by yours. There is very little I am afraid of, but if I had to add a person to the list — it would be your brother. Better I offer the solution to my death shall I hurt you, rather than he figure it out himself."

Eden smiled softly. Harry wouldn't hurt him, even if he hurt Eden. Draco or Hermione? That was another story. They'd probably work together.

"He wouldn't hurt you."

"I know," Elijah nodded. "And he does too. Most likely, he wont ask for the explanation. Either is suitable for me." He squeezed her hand gently. "I would sooner perish than welcome any harm on you at my behest, do you understand?"

Eden nodded. His face was serious, guarded, but his hands were soft and gentle. He was a walking contradiction. Everything about him screamed power and angst and control — and yet, with her, he was kind and gentle and compassionate.

It both frightened her and excited her at the same time.

"Because of the bond?" She asked softly, looking away.

"Partially," he admitted, reaching a hand to her chin and nudging her face to look at him. "That is what binds us. It is an inescapable truth that we are tied together for eternity. But that is not what steers my heart, little witch." He took a step closer, eyes darting between hers.

"You are unlike anyone I have ever met," he spoke softly. He smelled of old books and eucalyptus and expensive cologne. His hand was warm on hers, a reminder of his stability and strength. His eyes were dark and promising and threatened to consume her, but she wanted them to. She wanted to be consumed by him.

"May I?" He asked softly, eyes glancing to her lips. "I promised a slow beginning and I apologize for my hastiness in—"

"Fuck it," Eden muttered, reaching her free hand to his face and pulling his to hers.

His lips were soft and warm and he tasted of wine and peppermint. Elijah was like a river. A river of emotions surging between the pair of them. A river of warmth moving against boulders and cliffs and mountains between them.

He poured himself against her, moving the hand from her chin to the back of her head, cupping her softly against him. He was reverent in his kiss, every moment of him was methodical and pragmatic and careful.

Elijah's hand moved from hers to her waist, gently tugging her closer. Her now free hands wrapped around his neck and she pulled him lower to her, relishing in the string that pulled them together.

He was the river and yet, as he kissed her, she felt like he was drinking from her. He revered in her lips, savoring the taste of her against him.

A soft gasp elicited from her throat, her mind befuddled and enamored by him, and he pulled back, smiling gently.

"Damn you," he mumbled against her lips, pressing a kiss to her nose. "You're a temptress." He pulled back, moving his hand from her head. The one on her waist remained.

"Sorry," she whispered softly, meeting his eyes.

He gazed down at her with nothing short of adoration, reaching his hand to her face and tucking hair behind her ear.

"Do not apologize for this," he told her softly, but his tone was firm. "Do not ever apologize for us. Do you understand, Elskan?"

Eden nodded. "Yes," she said breathlessly.

"Good."

Elijah pressed a kiss to her head again before mumbling. "In a bookstore. You will be the death of me."

Eden grinned up at him. "I sure hope not. I think I'm growing to like you."

"Is that so?" He countered with a raised eyebrow.

"Just a bit," Eden shrugged. "The feeling's mutual, I think, right?"

"Just a bit," he confirmed, kissing her temple again. "Come, little witch, let's get you your books."

—

OKAY no plot buiuiuuuuut lots of Elijah hehehehe because <3333 ik they're moving a lil fast but it's going to be suuuuuch a slowburn with Nik, and Elijah's about to be taken from us soon :((( wanted to get all of the Elijah loving I can before we meet Klaus and don't get any until season 3.
I love this chapter they make me so soft.
and we WILL be seeing George soon to talk about the Fred thing, so anyone who wants some George content — you don't have to wait too long ;) don't worry pretties.
Draco will come sooner than George sooooo heheheeh they'll be fun. Draco + Elijah are my favorite chaotic neutral duo
okay byeee!!