Elena Gilbert (_doppelganger_) wrote in valarlogs, @ 2018-04-24 19:43:00 |
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Entry tags: | !complete, elena gilbert, niklaus mikaelson |
Who: Elena and Klaus
What: Taking him up on his offer
When: A few days after their initial meeting
Where: Soleil et Lune
Status: Complete
Rating: Low
He’d invited her to his gallery whenever she managed to have some free time. And Caroline was right. Getting out didn’t mean just going for dinner with the ex who had broken her heart a few years ago. There were worse thoughts than spending the day with a handsome artist. Even one with a devilish gleam in his eyes.
Elena had found herself with a free afternoon, one of her classes suddenly cancelled due to an emergency with the instructor. And so, with a smile of her own, she’d gone to Soleil et Lune, ducking inside and pushing sunglasses up on top of her head.
It being a weekday afternoon, the gallery was empty and for a few moments Elena wandered the main room, studying the canvases hung about as she waited to be greeted. There were definitely some striking works on display. She just hoped Klaus was actually working that day..
**
Klaus was in the back office doing some paperwork when he heard a familiar heartbeat. Yes, of course the hybrid recognized heartbeats. A grin spread across his face. Elena. It hadn’t been long since he finally met the doppelganger in person and she was already seeking him out. There was a sense of satisfaction in that.
He walked into the main area where he could hear Elena. “Thanks for stopping by, love.” Klaus said reaching out to kiss the back of her hand as he had on the beach. “It’s a pleasure to see you again.”
**
He had a way of doing that. Bringing out some old-fashioned chivalric charm. And it worked for him. It probably worked on a lot of women. It definitely was working on Elena because her smile widened all that much more, though she’d blame any redness on her cheeks from the sun.
“Thank you for inviting me,” she answered. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything?” After all she was just dropping in.
**
“Trust me, the interruption is welcomed.” Even if he was in the back painting instead of going over deliveries he would have welcomed Elena’s presence.
“I’m flattered you were able to take some time from your busy schedule to come see my gallery,” he continued, offering his arm out for her to link hers through. “Shall we?”
**
Well he certainly knew how to flatter a girl. “You made me an offer I couldn’t refuse,” she returned, letting her arm link with his as he guided them around. And thank goodness he did. Not that she couldn’t appreciate the craftsmanship that went into some of these pieces but it was also nice to take advantage of his knowledge.
“So when I had an afternoon open up, I knew just how to fill it. Now tell me...what’s your favorite currently?”
**
“Your first free afternoon?” he questioned with a raised brow and a smirk, clearly pleased at her comment. “Well then, I’ll just have to make sure it lives up to your expectations.” As if it wouldn’t. He was Niklaus Mikaelson after all and this was his gallery.
“There are too many to pick just one.” Klaus replied leading her over to the Impressionism section of his gallery. “However, this is my favorite style, and,” he paused at a painting by Mark Daly, Joyful Waves. “This seems a fitting place to start.” Especially considering how they met. Outside of the dreams at least.
**
Elena wouldn’t comment on that, even if she was pretty sure he already knew that he was right on that assumption. It was her first free afternoon and she’d been nervous all morning thinking about it.. He was charming and intelligent and a bit intimidating if she were being honest.
“It’s lovely. ...impressionistic?” She guessed. “Almost like a hazy memory.” That last sentence was said with a teasing smile. “You do like the beach, don’t you.”
**
“Modern day Impressionism,” Klaus confirmed. “I do prefer the original movement, but the modern stuff is still good.” There was a gleam in his eye, something that happened whenever he talked about art. Or anything he was passionate about. Which was really just art.
“It’s a good place for inspiration,” he said with a shrug. “But for you, it seemed the perfect place to start the tour.”
**
“It is,” Elena assured. Him. A reminder of how they’d met. And it was a beautiful painting. He very clearly was passionate about art, which she could appreciate. She liked that he cared so much about something.
“And how much does it go for?” Not that she was really shopping for an expensive painting but she might be persuaded to buy something.
**
More than a med school student could probably afford. But he knew saying that would sound rude. So instead he went with a ballpark of the price. “A few thousand,” he said casually. Unfortunately for Elena the majority of the pieces in his gallery were probably out of her price range. “I’ll tell you what,” Klaus said unlinking his arm from hers. “Wait right there.”
With that he went into his office where some of his own paintings, finished and unfinished, were gathered. Grabbing the one from the beach a few days ago. The day he had met Elena. He returned with it in hand. “You can have this free of charge,” he offered handing it over to her. “It’s no Daly, but it’s not bad if I do say so myself.”
**
A few thousand was most definitely out of her range. Not that she would actually admit to such in front of him but it was obvious he’d already guessed. Before she could say anything, though, he was moving away, returning a few moments later with his painting.
“Oh, no,” Elena shook her head. “I mean it’s beautiful but I couldn’t just take it. You put a lot of time and skill into it. I insist on giving you something. Maybe not fair market value but she could come up with at least a bit to offer.
**
It really wasn’t a huge deal to Klaus. Painting for him was therapeutic. But the final result? He didn’t have a use for them all. Of course there were a few that meant something to him which he kept. The rest he usually sold if he deemed them worthy. Others just collected dust. It made sense to give one away to Elena. Especially the one he was painting when they met.
“That’s not necessary, love,” Klaus replied. “But if you insist,” he added with his usual smirk. “What did you have in mind?”
**
Elena considered the possibilities for a moment. She couldn’t offer much money, after all so she wouldn’t even consider offering it. But that grin did give her some ideas...
“What about dinner?” She suggested. “My treat.” She couldn’t cook so it wouldn’t be homemade but she knew a few good places.
**
“Are you sure a busy med student like yourself has time for that?” he quipped. Klaus had no idea what med school entailed. Or what college entailed for that matter. His formal education consisted of high school. But he was sure it involved a lot of work and studying.
**
“I think I can find the time,” Elena assured him. “You gave me a beautiful gift and I want to do something nice in return.” Her head ducked a moment.
“I’m sure you’re busy tonight but I do have to make time to eat anyway. And I’d love to have the company sometime.”
**
“Tonight then,” Klaus said without hesitation. “It’s a date.”