I decided to start an Elijah story. I wasn't planning to start writing this yet, but it was on my mind & I couldn't sleep, so here you go. Let me know what you think!

Elijah walked into the New York City bar, still unsure why he was entering it. He wasn't one to really visit bars, but an unknown force had pulled him into the place as he had been walking along the street.

Then again, he felt he could use a drink after having to clean up another one of his younger brother's messes. He knew that Kol had the tendency to cause spectacles and leave behind trails, but Elijah had to quickly put his youngest brother into place. Their family couldn't afford too much attention and the two brothers, along with Niklaus and Rebekah, had agreed to lay low for awhile after the numerous attempts on their lives by some of the residents in Mystic Falls Virginia.

But, of course, Kol always loved to break the rules. Elijah knew he couldn't fully control him. No one could. However, he had managed to threaten his brother into being more discrete if he was going to stay in New York with him.

Elijah sat at the bar, waiting for one the bartenders to notice him. Soon, a young girl around the age of 23 with long dark hair and brown eyes approached him.

"What can I get for you?" she asked.

Elijah was momentarily distracted by the attractive girl in front of him. After living for over 1,000 years, Elijah had of course seen several beautiful women but very few were able to capture his full attention.

"You okay?" the girl asked politely. The older man seemed out of place with his expensive suit and proper demeanor, but Rosalie was slightly intrigued by the man.

Elijah broke out of his daze and smiled.

"I apologize. I'd like a glass of bourbon," Elijah answered.

"You got it," she said, already moving to pour the drink.

"Can I get you anything else?" she asked.

"No. Perhaps leave the bottle," he said.

"Ah, it's one of those days, huh?" she said, placing the bottle next to his glass.

Elijah smiled again. "Dealing with younger siblings can sometimes be…"

"Complicated? Tricky? A real pain in the ass?" Rosalie offered.

Elijah chuckled. "I see you understand the feeling."

"Yes. My younger sister Evie can be quite a hand full sometimes," she answered.

"I'm afraid all three of my younger siblings can be a hand full," Elijah replied.

"Wow. Three? You sure you won't need a second bottle?" she asked with a slight smirk playing on her lips.

Elijah returned the smirk. "No, no. I believe this one will do just fine."

"Rosalie! Can you take these crates out back?" Audrey, her boss, asked.

"Yeah, sure thing!" Rosalie turned back to Elijah. "Enjoy your drink."

"Thank you."

Elijah watched the girl walk away. There was something about her that he couldn't explain. He felt the need to get to know her more, but shook his head at the feeling. He was a vampire. She was just a simple human. He had a few more drinks, then walked out of the bar, leaving a very generous tip for Rosalie.

Rosalie sighed as she finished cleaning the bar up.

"Hey Rosalie, I'm about to head out. You ready?" Audrey asked.

"Just gotta throw this bag of garbage out. I'll leave through the side door," Rosalie answered.

"You sure?" Audrey asked.

"Yeah, I'll be fine," Rosalie said as she grabbed her things.

"Alright, see you tomorrow," Audrey said. "And be careful walking home."

"Aud, I live right down the street."

"I still, but it's still New York City sweetie," Audrey replied.

"I'll be fine," Rosalie repeated.

Audrey shrugged. "Okay."

Rosalie exited the bar through the side door. She threw the bag of garbage in the dumpster and tied her long dark hair into a ponytail. It was 3 in the morning and she was tired from another long night at the bar.

She turned to head out of the alleyway when she heard a groan.

She froze in place until she heard the groan again.

"Who's there?"

"Help, please," a young man's voice said. "They attacked me."

Rosalie saw a young man around 25 or so sitting on the ground, clutching his side. His blue eyes were full of pain.

"Who attacked you?" she asked, kneeling down beside him.

"No idea. They just came out of nowhere and mugged me," he answered.

"Are you bleeding anywhere?" she asked.

"I don't think so. But you will be in a minute," he responded, his voice suddenly changing into a predatory tone.

Rosalie's eyes widened. "What?"

The next thing she knew, the stranger was pinning her against the wall. His eyes had changed and she could see veins popping out around his eyes. She gasped as her eyes settled on his fangs.

Rosalie cried out in pain as the vampire's fangs bit into her skin.

"Stop! No, please!" she cried out.

The vampire continued to drain her until a force suddenly pulled him off of her.

"I believe the young lady said no," a familiar voice said.

Rosalie was shocked to see the man in the suit from earlier that night. She grabbed the side of her neck, feeling the blood fall.

The young vampire growled at Elijah.

"Who the hell do you think you are?!"

"I'm Elijah Mikaelson. Perhaps you've heard of me," he said.

The young vampire's eyes widened. "I-I-I'm sorry. I didn't know she was off-limits. I was just hungry man. I swear, I won't do it again," he said.

"You're right. You won't," Elijah said before ripping out his heart.

Rosalie stood by, horrified at what she had just witnessed.

Elijah quickly disposed of the body before approaching the still wounded girl.

"Are you alright?" he asked.

If she wasn't in so much pain, Rosalie would have laughed.

"What d you think?" she said, still having her hand over her neck.

"Let me help you," Elijah said.

Rosalie shrunk back. "What the hell are you?"

He sighed. "I can explain everything, but first, I believe you're still bleeding."

"Are you going to kill me? If you are, just do it already, okay?" she said.

Elijah almost looked horrified himself. He knew that he could never hurt her.

"If I wanted to kill you, I would have already. Trust me Rosalie. I mean you no harm," he said.

"How do you know my name?"

"I heard that other woman say it earlier. Please, take this," he said, handing her a handkerchief.

Rosalie reluctantly took it from his hands.

"So what are you?" she said. "Are you…whatever the hell he was too?"

"Yes. Although I like to think I have better self-control," Elijah replied. "I'm…I'm a vampire."

"This must be some strange nightmare," Rosalie said.

"I'm afraid it isn't."

Rosalie looked at him. His eyes seemed to be full of concern for her.

Rosalie was still shocked and somewhat in a daze. Vampires existed? How was that even possible? And who was this guy? Why was he helping her if he was one of them?

"I need to get home," she said.

"Let me escort you home," Elijah said, reaching out for her.

Rosalie pulled away. "How do I know I can trust you?" she asked.

"You can't know for sure. But I promise you Rosalie, I don't want to hurt you. I only wish to help," he said.

Soon, Rosalie found herself standing outside her apartment door with Elijah. She was unsure of how they had managed to get there. Her head was still in a daze. Elijah had already properly introduced himself, but Rosalie was still unsure if he had any ulterior motives.

"I suggest you bandage that up. It will heal soon," Elijah said. "Unless…"

"Unless what?"

"Nevermind," he said.

"What?" she said a little more harshly.

Elijah shifted uncomfortably. "Well, vampire blood can heal you," he said.

"Excuse me?"

"I understand the hesitation Rosalie. You don't have to drink from me if you don't want to. But it would speed up the healing process."

Rosalie was unsure of what to do. The bleeding had somewhat stopped, but she didn't exactly want to have to explain why she had a bandage there.

She took a deep breath. "Okay. Fine."

Elijah was surprised to her agreeing to it. In fact, he was surprised at how calm she seemed to be about the whole thing.

Rosalie opened the door to her apartment and walked inside. She turned when she noticed that Elijah was still standing at the door.

"What is it?" she asked.

"Vampires can't get inside any human's home unless they're invited in," Elijah explained. "And I don't want you to invite me unless you are sure you can trust me."

Rosalie studied him for a moment. A part of her felt as if she were going crazy, but for some reason, she was starting to realize that she could trust Elijah.

"Come in," she said.

Elijah cautiously entered her apartment. He knew he could just heal her and compel her to forget the whole night, but he knew he wouldn't be able to bring himself to compel her. He barely knew the girl and yet, he felt drawn to her in a way he had never felt before.

Elijah followed her into the kitchen and he quickly cut his hand, pouring his blood into a cup. He figured she's feel more comfortable this way.

Rosalie stared at the glass before looking up at Elijah.

"This won't turn me into one, right?" she said.

Elijah shook his head. "You would have to die with vampire blood in your system, then feed in order to become a vampire," he answered.

He couldn't understand why he was so willing to tell her about his world. He just knew he wanted to be completely honest with her.

Rosalie quickly drank the blood, wanting to get it over with. She was amazed at how quickly the wound on her neck healed.

"Why'd you help me?" she asked a little later after she had showered and changed.

Elijah had promised to stay a little longer and answer any questions she had. After explaining a little more about the vampire world, Rosalie realized she had never asked him that question.

Elijah studied her for a few moments. Her hair was still wet and he found himself liking the fact she had no makeup on. He felt she didn't need it at all. She was a natural beauty. He quickly recomposed himself after realizing he had been staring again.

"I feel drawn to you," he answered honestly.

"Why?"

"I'm not sure," he answered.

Rosalie believed him. "Why is it so easy for me to trust you? How do I know you're not doing that compelling thing you told me about?" she asked.

"I have no desire to compel you Rosalie. I feel myself wanting to be honest with you in a way that I've never felt before with anyone. I can't explain it as I don't understand it myself."

Rosalie crossed her arms as she sunk back into her couch. The exhaustion from the night's events was starting to hit her. But she still wanted to know more. Elijah sensed this.

"Perhaps we can talk more after you've gotten some sleep?" Elijah offered. "You've been through a lot tonight and it is late."

"Or early," Rosalie said, seeing the clock read 6 AM.

Elijah gave her a small smile. "I think it would be best for you to get some sleep."

"Are you staying?" she asked.

"If you wish," he answered.

She nodded. "I still have a lot to ask," she said.

"I know. I'll be here waiting," he said.

Rosalie stood up and walked to her bedroom. She paused in the doorway and looked back at Elijah.

"Elijah?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you. For saving my life, I mean."

"You're welcome."

Rosalie closed the door behind her and slipped under the covers. Neither of them could explain the connection they felt to each other, but she was sure of one thing.

For the first time in her life, she truly felt safe with him around.