A/N: Here is my new story titled "Semper Amare" which is latin for "Always Love". The meaning of the title will be explained later on but I am honestly so excited to share this story with you guys because it is nothing that I have ever seen on Stelena AU FanFic before! Not that I'm saying this site doesn't have any originality because it most certainly does but this is a story that was inspired by a dream I had after watching "Zero Dark Thirty". I will post the first chapter after this prologue gets some feedback. If it is a story no one is going to enjoy then I won't continue to write it because nothing is more important to me than producing enjoyable material for the readers. Thank you!

PROLOGUE

"I'm sorry Elena, but this is not the life for you." Stefan said sternly. Elena closed the space between them and crossed her arms with just as much fervor. She was wearing a white strapless lace sundress that fell to her olive toned calves and even managed to wear her hair down despite the crazy heat and humidity; but it was all for him, she got dressed up for Stefan. The tension was hot between then and so was the sun that was beating down on both of them as they stood in the middle of the base camp, named Sly-Fox. Elena looked at Captain Salvatore with vacant eyes and a desolate expression.

"Did the last 10 months mean nothing to you? Did we not grow together as one? Jesus Christ, Stefan, you know how I feel about you… why can't you just admit how you feel already? Say those three words and I will promise to stand by you, no matter what. I can stay here, we can start a life together. Just say it." Elena pleadingly pressed while she put her hand on his chest. Stefan took Elena's hand and brought it back to her side. He gazed at her through his forcibly cold green eyes underneath his navy NY Yankees baseball cap.

"Go home Elena." Stefan barely got the words out before he turned to walk away from the love of his life forever.

ONE YEAR AGO

"Can you guys believe that they are sending us to Iraq? This is our big break; this it. I'll be the one of the most talked about photo journalists in modern history!" Elena exclaimed to her crew. Meet Elena Gilbert: a 22 year old, fresh out of NYU graduate with a job at the NY Times as a photo journalist.

"Um, helloooo Elena! We all know that my practices as a doctor will come to better use than your silly little photos of deserts and camels." Caroline teased. Meet Caroline Forbes: a 22 year old doctor who is so smart, she finished her education two years before her anticipated graduation and is now a consulting medical columnist for the NY Times as well.

"Actually, you guys are totally wrong. It'll be my work, the soon to be NY Times' leading biologist, that will find a way to sustain infections diseases and illnesses due to dirty water for soldiers and the Iraqi citizens that will get all the recognition!" Bonnie proclaimed. And last but not least, meet Bonnie Bennett: a 22 year old biologist who won the Nobel Peace Prize at just 19 years old for discovering a new disease and finding a way to cure it.

All three of the girls had exceptional talents but the greatest thing about them was their undeniable friendship. Elena, Bonnie, and Caroline all grew up together and followed each other to NYU. They were the best of friends. They congregated to their living room to pack for their yearlong expedition in Iraq for their cover stories.

"Do you think I'll need heels in Iraq? I mean, they have to have some sort of club or bar on base, right?" Caroline asked. All though Caroline was extremely book-smart, she had her blonde moments every now and then. Bonnie and Elena gawked at Caroline with open mouths.

"Caroline, we're going to a country that is predominately Islamic… so no, they're will not be any bars or clubs on base or off it!" Elena stated while rolling eyes. Caroline smirked and shrugged and proceeded to pack her heels and two extra pairs, for Bonnie and Elena of course, just in case.

"Are either of you nervous? 'Cause I sure as Hell am." Bonnie lightly laughed. Elena reached over to Bonnie's hand with kind eyes.

"Bon, we're going to be fine. We'll have our very own team to watch over us. And it's not like we're staying outside the safe zone. You have nothing to worry about." Elena calmly said, "Anyway… have talked to Jeremy at all?" Bonnie looked down to her suitcase and shook her head.

"I haven't spoke to him since we got into the fight about me leaving for a year. I told him how great of an opportunity it was but he wanted to get married and, I mean so do I, but the timing just wasn't right…" Bonnie was heartbroken over her recent falling out with Jeremy. Jeremy is Elena's brother, so it hurts Elena to know her best friend and her brother aren't in the best of places right now. "I'm just hoping he'll show up tonight at the airport to wish me off. I told him he should come, to at least say good bye to you."

"I'm sure he'll be there Bonnie, I have no doubt that he won't show up." Caroline said while Elena wholeheartedly agreed.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Captain Salvatore," remarked General Russo. Captain Stefan Salvatore immediately rose to attention and saluted his commanding officer. "At ease Son." Stefan relaxed back into his chair and popped off his navy NY Yankees hat.

"As you know, the crew from the NY Times will be arriving tomorrow at 07:00. I just wanted to make sure your team was prepped and ready for their arrival." General Russo firmly asked. Stefan looked looked at the General with determined eyes.

"Everything is ready for their arrival, sir. We have their rooms set up on base, away from the center, and the men are fully up to date with their profiles. Have you found a code name for them?" Stefan lightly asked. The General laughed and patted Stefan on the back as he rose to leave Stefan's tent.

"EBC, simply yet no one will have a fucking clue to what we're talking about which is exactly what I want. You know that if this gets out, they'll be taken hostage. We can't have that." Stefan earnestly nodded at the General.

"You have my word, sir."

"Hey, uh, Salvatore. How are you holding up?" The memories of that night started to flood Stefan; he could hear their screams even louder now that he had to think about it. Even when he's not thinking about it, the screams are still there.

"I'm doing fine, sir. Thank you for your concern." Stefan faked a smile. The General stood up to leave and Stefan followed suit.

"Get some rest tonight, Salvatore. You've earned it." The General saluted and left Stefan's tent. Stefan walked over to his cot and closed his eyes trying to get the visions and their terrified screams out of his head.

A/N: So, what do you guys think? We'll get into more detail about Stefan and his team later on in the story if you guys are interested enough! Feedback is greatly appreciated! Thanks!