“Excuse me, are you okay?”

Elijah’s question, as he elegantly entered the living room of the Salvatore mansion, didn’t catch you by surprise. Because you weren’t okay.

You were feeling the terrible pain of the first day; you hadn’t gone to work today because of the hellish spasms that didn’t even allow you to breathe calmly. But you hadn’t told anyone about it except your younger sister, Elena. But you should have known better when you got involved with vampires.

“I can smell blood on you very strongly. Are you hurt somewhere? The wound must be bad.”

Elijah continued gently, not wanting to disturb your emotions even more. He could feel the flow of irritation, suffering, and an inexorable longing for comfort coming from you.

"Don't smell me."

You snapped, feeling your irritation rise. You tried to get into a comfortable position on the sofa, but by moving your legs, you only caused more damage, hissing in pain. Elijah seemed to instantly realize what was wrong and, with a gentlemanly nod, offered an apology, then shifted his gaze away from you, feeling awkward.

"Lord, forgive me for my tactlessness and thoughtlessness. I... I really thought you were hurt, not just those days on the calendar."

Elijah quickly pulled himself together and adjusted his jacket, clearing his throat. He had always been a man of control and restrained emotions. But now he felt an overwhelming desire to protect you, to envelop you in tenderness and love, which he believed you wanted and deserved. Even if he was the Original.