Night fell over the Salvatore Boarding house, but for Caroline Forbes sleep would not come easily. Everytime she shut her eyes the horrible images of the past few weeks clouded her head. When she was able to find sleep it was interrupted by nightmares. She couldn't take it anymore. Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, she concentrated. No human ear could detect the noise she heard. It was the sound of a pen dancing across paper. That's how she knew he was awake.
She gathered her courage and crossed the hall to his room. The door was cracked just enough for him to be in her sight of vision. Stefan was sitting at his desk. A look of sadness was plastered on his face, and she knew it was partially her fault. They had barely spoken since since they turned it back on, but when they had it wasn't the best conversation. She told him they needed space, which wasn't easy living under the same roof.
"You can come in." Stefan's voice pulled her from her thoughts.
"I was just, uh, I couldn't sleep." there was no use in trying to lie to him. He could always tell.
"It's okay. I can't either." he shut his book.
"He opened his door fully and stepped aside, letting her walk past him. She played with her hands, a nervous habit, when he closed the door.
"Do you want to talk about it?" he asked.
She shook her head. "I want to sleep, but everytime I try…" she trailed off.
"I get them too, the nightmares." he admitted.
"How do you stop them?"
"I write, clear my mind, and then think of a good memory." he told her.
"And that works?" not yet convinced.
"Sometimes."
Her breathing changed and he knew she was fighting back tears.
"I could help you." he offered.
"How?" her voice broke.
"Let me give you a memory as you fall asleep."
She hesitated knowing he'd have to touch her to do that. He'd need to be inside of her mind, and that frightened her. Then she realized how exhausted she was and agreed.
"Come lay down." he instructed, folding back the covers on his bed.
Slowly, she climbed in and he soon followed. A swarm of butterflies moved into her stomach when he wrapped his arms around her.
"Relax." he whispered, "Clear your mind, let me take control." He thought for a minute before deciding on a memory.
The scene in her head changed quickly to an image of herself asleep on her couch. Stefan was standing above her, then carefully picked her up. He walked softly, not wanting to wake her, as he made his way to her room. He placed her on the bed, tucked her in, and kissed her forehead before walking out.
The picture changed again to later that same evening. Stefan was in her kitchen putting dishes away when Liz walked up behind him.
"You don't have to do that Stefan."
"I want to." Stefan assured her.
"Really, or are you just trying to stay on Caroline's good side?" Liz asked smiling.
"Maybe a bit of both." he admitted.
"I'm very grateful that she has you in her life."
"I'll always be here for her, no matter what." Even though they had shared similar conversations, he wanted her to know Caroline was in good hands.
"I'm happy to hear that." Liz turned to walk out, but then paused, "You're welcome to sleep on the couch anytime you want."
"Thank you Liz. Have a goodnight."
Stefan cut the memory off, and looked down at a Caroline. She was asleep in his arms, with a smile on her face. That night she slept peacefully.