The Phoenix

Chapter Eight

"So, must you drag me out here? You know, I was quite happy where I was, Ric." She sipped her coffee and followed him as he looked for Jenna and Elijah. "Come on, Finley. It's fresh air, a nice walk, what more could you ask for?" He motioned to the surroundings, trying to be enthusiastic despite the motive for actually bringing her along.

"In other words, you're afraid of Elijah and want me to chaperone." "You know, you could just be pleasant for a change." She held her hand over her heart in false pain, "You've wounded me, Ric." He chuckled and pushed her playfully.

"You know, I bet it was the men who made the big deal about being founders back in 1860. Men are very territorial." Jenna spoke making Fin giggle considering the nature Alaric had brought her out, and apparently Elijah thought the same as he eyed the pair walking over, "Yes, they are." Jenna looked up and seeing her boyfriend she turned back to Elijah, "Uh, Elijah, this is my friends Alaric Saltzman and Finley." "Yes. Finley and I have met already, a pleasure to see you again." Fin smiled trying to not feel awkward as Alaric explained, "I got your, uh, message about walking Elijah through the property lines. I thought Fin and I would, uh, tag along. You know, being a history buff and all. Where to next?"

"I'm pretty curious about the freed slave property owners. Some say the descendants of the slaves are the true keepers of American history." Elijah "Well, I only brought the surveys. I've got that list in my car. Just give me a sec." Jenna quickly went to escape the awkwardness while Elijah stared at her and Ric. "Alaric Saltzman. You're one of those people on Elena's list of loved ones to protect." "Yeah, so is Jenna."

Elijah held back a smirk, "You don't have to be jealous. I rarely pursue younger women." He looked at Finley during the second bit, Alaric deadpanned, and Elijah looked back, "It's a joke, Ric. Lighten up." "You're funny." Elijah patted Ric on the shoulder and walked past, eyeing Fin.

(.)

"Other than your lecture on the history of Mystic Falls, get anything out of Elijah?" "No, it was boring. Of course, Jenna thinks he's charming." Damon tilted his head, "You sound a bit jealous. He sound a bit jealous?" He smirked at Fin and Andie, "Kinda does." Fin teased the man sitting next to her, he grumbled in annoyance.

"Not so much after Elijah began flirting with Fin. Maybe we shouldn't talk about this here." He nodded at Andie, "Andie? She's been compelled not to divulge my secrets, haven't you?" Andie nodded. "Mm-mm." The two locked lips and Fin looked at Alaric, "You give me crap about Elijah, but when these two suck off each other's faces, you have nothing." The couple ignored her while still gazing into each other's eyes, "My lips are sealed." Andie talked all lovey to Damon and Alaric pulled a face, "Ok, yeah it's weird." "No shit, Sherlock." She retorted and having had enough of the couple, she booted Damon's foot under the table, snapping him back into focus.

"I just need the right opportunity. Oh, look, there's Jenna with Finley's new boyfriend." Alaric looked behind before turning back around, looking done. "Hi." "Hey, guys." Jenna greeted, "So I hear, you two had quite a meeting of historical minds today." "Yeah. I guess you could say that."

"Well, as much as I'd like to continue this. I, uh, I've got papers to grade." "Yeah. And I have a vintage Manx, that needs its engine rebuilt." Fin and Alaric got up; Alaric threw down some money while Fin put her leather jacket back on. "You know what? We should continue this. Let's have a dinner party." Andie offered before the two could leave, Damon looked at Andie, "Ooh, my girl. Full of good ideas. Fin and I would be happy to host."

"We would?" He glared, making her hold her hands up in surrender. "Yes, we would, let's say tonight, maybe?" "Sounds good to me, Jenna?" And Fin failed to hide her displeasure, "Yeah I'm free." "No. I don't know if tonight works." Jenna and Alaric answered together, looking at each other. Elijah looked at Finley, smirking at her disapproval. "It would be a pleasure."