Months after

Somewhere in New Mexico

"Did you not think that maybe I am not worth all this trouble and that you should have let me go"

"No, I didn't. You got to stop this. Camille believed in your redemption and she would have wanted you to continue working on yourself."

"You never give up." Klaus said with a tiny smile crossing his face.

"No. You know what I'm like." Caroline stated poignantly.

"Oh, I know. It is one of those things I admire about you."

"Thank you. Ah, we need more gas - plus I feel like a cup of coffee." Caroline said as she saw a sign for a diner.

🌺❤️

In Mystic Falls

Boarding House

"Morning" Damon said dreamily.

"Morning" Bonnie replied, smiling happily.

"How about we stay in bed and - stay in bed" Damon smirked cheekily.

"Oh, yeah?"

"Yeah," Damon streamed with his finger's lightly down the witch's arm, "I feel like being lazy today. And we finally have the house to ourselves. If anything witchy happens - Liv can take care of it."

"You know - that is actually not a bad idea."

"I'm all about not bad ideas." Damon chuckled, drawing her closer to him, now stopping her from talking, capturing her lips with his.

🌺🐯💕

In New York

Rebekah's penthouse apartment

"Breakfast?" Rebekah said as Elena emerged out of the bedroom.

"Uhm - just coffee." the doppelganger said.

"Elijah?"

"In the shower." Elena replied.

"Morning" Stefan said emerging from the kitchen, bringing the tray with the coffee.

"Yours is the unicorn mug. There is no blood in it." Stefan said to Elena.

"Ah, thank you." Elena said taking the mug.

The three of them sat down at the table, each taking a sip of the drink.

Rebekah now turned to Elena,"I am sorry."

"Sorry for what?"  Elena looked surprised at the blonde Original.

"That I blamed you for - what happened to Elijah."

"Hey, it's fine."

"No, it's not. The thing is - I - still kept a grudge - cuz you stabbed me - and now - you are so good with Elijah - I just - I want to say sorry and wipe the slate clean, after all you're going to be"

Rebekah stopped there as Stefan now gave the Original a look.

"I am going to be - what?" Elena turned to Rebekah and then at Stefan, who put his hands up.

"What is going on?"

"You spoiled the surprise." Stefan said to Rebekah, taking a sip of the blood coffee.

"What surprise?" Elena was baffled.

"Ok. You can't tell him that you know- huh- he bought you a ring yesterday. He is planning to propose." Rebekah said.

"OMG!" Elena breathed in, nearly spilling her coffee. The brunette went  all mushy. "I can't believe it."

"Believe it. I helped him get the ring - he asked me because he can't see - but please act like you don't know."

"That is why you sent Stefan to meet me after my talk with the publisher, telling me Elijah was held up buying more new suits?!"

"Yep," Rebekah said, "though he did buy a couple of suits earlier. I don't know why, because it seems he is wearing casual all the time now."

As Elijah appeared in the dining room, Rebekah swished to her brother to assist him.

"I know my way around here. Thank you, Rebekah."

"Oh, I really hope Nik and Caroline find the witch and get your powers back." Rebekah said and whether Elijah wanted it or not, she took her brother by the arm, walking him to the table.

Sitting down next to Elena, the Original and the doppelganger exchanged a small peck.

"So, Stefan and I are going to the cinema tonight. What are you two doing? Going dancing to that jazz club?" Rebekah asked.

"Yes - we can do that." Elijah said."If that is all right with you, Elena?"

"Totally fine." Elena said and now  cupping his face and kissed him lovingly.
Breaking up from it, Elena brushed her hand through his hair, looking at him with gleaming eyes-

"I love you."

Elijah shook his head with a slight surprise as he felt Elena's outpour of affection was a bit out of the ordinary. Or was it? He had learned in the past months since he returned that she was a very open in showing how much she loved him. Holding hands whenever they walked together, or sit together. Cuddle up to him even when they are with the rest of the Scooby-gang, talking, watching tv, listening to music. He had never experienced such intimacy. And in truth, he had never had a relationship with a woman in the modern times. It was all new and he never thought that he would so very much enjoy it. He was in love with Elena from the very day she had undaggered him and showed an unbreakable spirit, compassion, a pure heart.

"Right- let's leave these turtle doves" - Rebekah said nudging Stefan to come with her.

"You don't have to go" Elijah said.

"We need to check on that lead about the Arnory." Stefan said and got up.

"See you tonight." Rebekah said before she and the Salvatore left the house.

🌺💕🦋

Later that evening

Elena kicked off her heels as she and Elijah entered their bedroom.

"Going to that club was a great idea. I'd like to stay in New York."

"We can. If that's what you want." Elijah said, getting his jacket off.

"Yes, but we are in danger still and we can't be on our own."

"Rebekah is here. Stefan."

"But we don't have a resident witch." Elena replied.

"No. You are right."

Elena now saw him pull the box from a nightstand drawer. Her heart leapt up, as she knew what was coming. Still she didn't want to spoil the moment and went to put her jacket into the closet.

"Elena?" Elijah called.

"Yes?" Elena turned around and now saw Elijah slid down on one knee.

"Marry me?"

"Yes!!!" Elena replied exhalted."Yes!"

The doppelganger spread her hand out and as Elijah stood up, he placed it on her finger, pulling her into a dreamy loving kiss.

I found my way even in the dark
Though at times it seemed too far
I knew if I'd listen to my heart
I'd find that love is where you are

I close my eyes and see tomorrow
My dreams begin and end with you
I hear you say you'll be there
Always for me

💕🌺👠👖

a/n: thanks for waiting for an update on this story.

The Elejah proposal gif is by klaroline-4ever

Thanks for reading.

xoxo

💕🌹