Oneshot. Stefan helps Elena fight off her nightmares. Stelena fluff

There was a knock at the door of the boarding house. Stefan sighed, making his way downstairs from his room. His eyes glanced at the clock in the kitchen quickly as he reached to open the door. It was one in the morning.

There she was, standing outside his door looking cold and forlorn.

"Can I...? " she asked softly, avoiding his eyes.

"Of course." he answered back immediatly, opening the door wider to invite her in.

She walked past him slowly, moving to the living room where the fireplace crackled. She stared into it silently.

He closed the door and then moved to stand behind her, wrapping his arms around her tightly.

"The nightmares again?" he asked softly.

She nodded, not wanting to speak for fear of her voice cracking.

He tightened his arms around her further and she relaxed into him, embracing the comfort of his body around hers.

He held her there for some time. It could have been hours, it could have been minutes. Neither of them noticed the time passing, simply staring into the fire and breathing in each other's presence.

After awhile he kissed the top of her head softly.

"Come on." he murmured, taking her hand and leading her up to his room.

He led her to the bed, closing the door as he went, and layed down, pulling her down with him.

She snuggled into his chest and he wrapped his arms around her tightly.

"Sleep, Elena." he whispered to her, kissing her head. "I'll be here."

She nodded, relaxing into his body as he covered them with his sheets and comforter. She knew he wouldn't leave. He never did.

This had become a routine for them. She didn't have nightmares every night, but when she did she couldn't sleep afterwards without him holding her.,

So, on nights like these, Elena gave up being strong for everyone. Instead, she let Stefan be strong for her.

Stefan held her tightly as she slowly drifted into sleep, his arms keeping the nightmares at bay.