Strange Fates

Chapter 11 - Dates #2 and #3

A/N: I had a collage for Date #3 too, but wattpad is being weird. 

***

Klaus was right on time for your date the next evening. Again, you had dressed in smart casual while your date wore jeans and a Henley. When he offered you his arm you couldn't help but run your hand over the soft fabric of his shirt. It was the kind of softness that came from natural wear rather than being purchased that way. It made you smile to discover something as simple as that about your hybrid escort.

The two of you exchanged small talk as he led you through the streets of the city. He pulled you to a stop as you arrived at a small diner that looked as if it hadn't been updated in a decade or two. You glanced at him in surprise.

He grinned. "Trust me, love."

"I do," you assured him as the two of you stepped inside. "This just doesn't seem like your type of place."

He escorted you to a booth in the back. As you passed the counter, he greeted the waitress with a nod. "Two, please."

"Sure thing, hon."

After the two of you had settled across from one another he picked up the earlier conversation. "So, if this isn't my type of place, what is?"

You shrugged. "Not super fancy. High-end steak place, maybe?"

He hummed in agreement and thanked the waitress as she brought water and coffee for the two of you. "I am partial to a good steak, but I like any place where the food is good. And this little establishment has the best gumbo in the city."

Your brows lifted. "Seriously?"

He nodded once and sipped his coffee.

Before you could ask anything else, the food arrived. One bite and you were sold. "Holy shit."

That grin was back. "Told you. You should feel privileged, love. I haven't even brought my siblings here."

"Family is important to you, isn't it?" Despite their bickering, it was obvious. It was strange for you as your experience with family was limited and you didn't care for most of them.

"Family is everything."

"Then why do you fight constantly?"

He pursed his lips as he thought. "I wouldn't call it fighting. We snipe at each other. We all believe we know what's best for ourselves and our siblings. And yes, we've had some monumental disagreements over the years, but we've always been there for each other when needed. Our parents were subpar. In Mikael's case, he was abusive in every way a parent can be. All we had was each other and it has been that way for the last thousand years."

You shook your head. "I have no idea what it's like to depend on someone that much. My father and I were always close but he had a wife and another daughter to split his time with. Then he died when I was twelve. My grandfather was everything but he was already ailing when he took me in. It wasn't long before I was taking care of him more than he took care of me. We loved each other deeply, but I was always kind of on my own, you know?"

He reached out a hand to lay on top of yours. "Not anymore, sweetheart. We're your family now. Even Rebekah, though she may take a bit longer to come around."

Moisture pooled in your eyes and you wiped it away.

Klaus gave you a cockeyed smirk.

"I'm not crying."

He leaned back and resumed eating. "Of course, not."

"The gumbo is spicy. That's all."

"As you say, love."

***

Date #3

Elijah hadn't told you what to wear on your date, but given his usual attire, you decided to dress up. You wore a white dress with a wide skirt and large blue flowers scattered across the fabric. When you answered the door, he ran his gaze over you and a slow smile covered his face. "You look beautiful."

Heat rushed to your face at the compliment and you ducked your head as you gave him a soft smile. "Thank you. You look handsome as always."

He escorted you to a car as elegant as its owner. The two of you held hands as he drove. It wasn't long before you passed through the business areas and into a nicer part of the city. "Where are we going?"

The corner of his mouth kicked up. "Dinner."

Well, that told you absolutely nothing. You weren't sure why you were surprised that was all you got out of him. You sighed and he chuckled beside you.

Realizing any more questions would be futile, you just sat quietly and enjoyed the scenery. Finally, Elijah pulled up in front of an enormous gothic mansion. The property had everything from iron gates to gargoyles staring down from the roof. You weren't certain you could have found a more stereotypical New Orleans home if you tried.

Elijah took your hand in his and veered from the front door to take you around the side of the house. "This place is gorgeous, Elijah."

"Just wait."

Moments later, you cleared the side of the house and a garden opened before you. Lights decorated trees and hung in strings along brick pathways. The way the plants filled the space told you they'd been here for years if not decades. "It's amazing." Your voice was little more than a whisper as Elijah tugged you closer to him.

Your eyes never stopped moving as he took you deeper into the garden until you came to a small table just big enough for two. A man stood nearby with a cart of covered dishes. You were stunned to say the least. You never would have imagined anyone doing this for you, not even your soulmate. Elijah pulled out your seat, only taking his own once you were settled as you should be at the table.

He said nothing as the man poured you both a glass of wine before placing a plate full of food in front of you. It was still steaming. Finally, the man finished serving and left with a click of his heels and a small bow. You simply looked at your date in awe.

His lips twitched. "I trust you will find the meal enjoyable, dear one."

"This is crazy. You do realize that, right?" You gestured at everything around you. "Whose place is this anyway?"

"A friend. I thought you might enjoy the gardens." He shrugged as if it was no big deal and began to eat his food.

"Enjoy the..." you trailed off with a shake of your head. Elijah had gone above and beyond and he knew it. Therefore, you said the only thing that came to mind. "Thank you, Elijah. It's perfect."

He glanced up from his plate and grinned. "Says perfection herself."

Gods, that was cheesy but you loved it. You reached across the table and took his hand in yours. The two of you continued to hold hands as you ate and talked. Shortly after you were done eating, Elijah pulled his phone from his pocket and sent a quick message. Then he pulled you to your feet and into his arms. "What are you doing?"

"Patience, sweet one."

No sooner had he said the words than the soft sound of a violin drifted to you from somewhere closer to the house. As he spun you into a dance, you laughed in pure happiness. Each of your soulmates was perfect for you in a different way and you had no idea what you had done to be so lucky but you would thank the gods for it every day.

Your first 50 years hadn't been the best and there were many things you would change if you could. Every moment since you'd met Elijah and then his brothers had pushed those memories further away. The loneliness that all but swallowed you at times was fading with those memories. This was your life now and it was absolutely brilliant.