Author's Note: Something short I found lurking around in the depths of my computer.

Learning

Every time he meets Elena Gilbert, Elijah learns something new about her character.

The first time, although he only thinks of it in retrospect, she proves to be surprisingly courageous. As he sees her standing in the darkened room of the abandoned mansion, she's shaking, yes, and there's fear in her eyes she cannot hide despite her attempts, but even then, she tries to bargain with him, tries to fight with any means she has. It's quite impressive, really.

The second time, in an apartment in Richmond, he learns that she is selfless. Foolish as her actions may be, she's willing to do anything to spare her loved ones which includes deceiving them and taking a trip with the intension of handing herself over to a man who's planning on draining her of every single drop of blood. Oh, she's young and stupid, Elijah thinks, annoyed that he has to hurry in order to barge in moments before it's too late and smear his hands, but she's also unbelievably, abnormally selfless.

The third time, in her bedroom, no less, he finds out that she's far cleverer than he originally presumed. She catches him almost immediately as he presents her his deal. He can see the way her eyes widen just fractionally when she realizes that the offer doesn't include her own life and he almost laughs considering how many others he's tricked with a little play of words. Yet, she accepts.

The fourth time, it's in the lake house he hunts her down, fueled by anger and sheer determination to get his vengeance. On that occasion he discovers that she is truly benevolent. It might seem strange since it's the very time she puts a dagger in his heart, but as she pushes it past his ribs, killing the monster who is planning to sacrifice her, just before his mind goes black, she can feel her lips by his ear as she murmurs "I'm so sorry," and even then, he finds her astounding.