Convincing (James/Elena)

[James Purser]

I sit down on a stool at the grill and take a sip of my beer.  The bartender here really is not a good guy.  He couldn't care less about underage drinking.  Good for me, but not so good for irresponsible people.  I like Elizabeth-a lot actually.  She's hot, but she's cute too.  She's a hunter but she's the worst hunter I've ever seen.  Mainly because she hasn't had any real training.  It was good talking with her.  She's a nice girl.  I'm not sure I'd want to train her if she asked.  I don't know if I'd have the patience.  I've been through a lot of shit and it has led to a very long fuse that is very easily lit.  I take another sip of my drink and crack my neck.

[Elena Gilbert]

Elena walked into the Grill. She had just been talking to Elizabeth about some guy she had been crushing on and need a little break. Liz was supposed to be training and I didn't want her to get distracted. Maybe she could someone to help her better her hunting skills. She walked to the bar and noticed the same guy that Elizabeth had described earlier. I grab a beer and head towards him "Hey, you must James. Elizabeth has told me so much about. I'm Elena. Are you a hunter?"

[James Purser]

I nod politely. Nice to meet you, and yes, I am a hunter. Judging from your expression, you already know that. I'm guessing Elizabeth told you about our run-in with that vampire. I chuckle and shake my head. Great first impression I made, killing someone.

(I gotta go; I'll post back in the morning)

[Elena Gilbert]

"Yeah she told me everything. She's so new at being a hunter and all. So I've been helping her but it seems that I'm not enough. It's kinda of hard training when your trainer is your best friend and a vampire. She's trying not to hurt me and that's not gonna work when you have an evil vampire on your trail. She's too nice. I have a great idea. What do think of training her?"She said as she ordered a glass of whiskey

[James Purser]

raise my eyebrows. Mind reader, huh. I'm not sure I'm qualified for that. I'm 18 and impatient. I like Elizabeth, but training her will lead me to act like drill sergeant. I don't want to be a n ass to her. . I take a sip of my drink.

[Elena Gilbert]

"If I wasn't sure she could handle a hard ass like you than I wouldn't have ask. I'm sure after living with her uncles that she can handle anybody being a drill sergeant. Has she told you about why she's training to be a hunter?"

[James Purser]

I shake my head. No she hasn't. Ms. Gilbert, I'm trying to put this as politely as I can. My past is clouded with dark events. I'm not a good person to be around. People die around me. People die around the Salvatores too, but her hanging around me just adds to the danger. I'm not saying I think she can't handle it, I just don't want to have another body on my conscience. My past isn't exactly good. I know hers isn't either. I run a hand through my hair. Why should I help her? Give me three good reasons besides she's pretty and a nice girl. I just-I don't know if I'm the man for this job. I shake my head.

[Elena Gilbert]

"First of all you don't know how dark her past is. I know what its like to want to protect the people and they just die around. All my family has died except my brother. My friend Bonnie, her granms died and her mother was turned. My friend Caroline is a vampire and her father died after not completing his tranformation. My friend Alaric died. So many have died around me and Elizabeth. We all try our best to survive but at what cost. Do you think you have a bad past?"

[James Purser]

I look at her. Yes. I don't pity myself, but yes I do have a bad past. Yolu're strangely open about yours, but I'm not. I'm sorry for your losses. I'v e lost people too. I don't open up about my past. I don't have the strength for that. Every time I've opened up I've been hurt. I've attempted suicde what, 10 times? My own fathers tortured mei in my training regimen. They left me in a basament with newly turned vampires and expected me to fight my way out. I lost my brother and sister. I watched as my mother died in front of me. I watched as my fathers were killed. I watched my best friend die. Here this girl is trying to tell me how much worsxe her situation is than mine. I don't pity myself, but I sure as hell don't appreciate people beliittling my problems when they know nothing about me.

[Elena Gilbert]

"I understand. That's why I want her to work with her. You both have dark past but she needs protection that I can't give her. She's my family and I will do anything to protect my family. I need this for her as much as hurt me to admit it. She needs you to train her to protect her from a greater evil than a few vampires. It sucks losing people and I'm sorry for your losses too. I know for whatever reason you not willing to share, it's alright. I don't care about your past and I trust you enough not to hurt Elizabeth"

[James Purser]

I search her face for a minute before deciding she's being truthful. I'll help Elizabeth. I admire how much you care about her, the bond you have. I shake my head. I've never had anything close to a loving relationship. Hold onto that. Never let it go. I say softly and take another sip of my drink.

[Elena Gilbert]

"Oh thank you. I'm glad you said yes. I will never let go of that loving relationship btween me and Elizabeth. That's why we call ourselves the best bitches in town"

[James Purser]

I chuckle and let my shoulders relax. From all the people I've met so far; yeah, I'd say you two are the best. I shake my head and take another sip of my drink. This Elena girl isn't so bad. I don't have romantic interest in her the way I have for Elizabeth. Sure, Elena's attractive, but I'm not attracted to her. She seems nice. She's funny.

[Elena Gilbert]

"Thanks. Now, if you hurt my girl there will be consequences I hope you know. She's just been through so much and I can't see her hurt anymore"

[James Purser]

I look at her and shake my head. I've been hurt too many times. I wouldn't dream of hurting her. I like her. I'm serious about her. She's not a fling to me.