The doorbell rang and Caroline's nerves instantly shot up. She quickly checked her reflection for the hundredth time. She had chosen a blue dress, his favorite color, for the evening and curled her hair to perfection. She ran to the door and took a breath before opening it. Behind the door stood a well dressed Stefan Salvatore holding a bouquet of brightly colored flowers.
"Hey. These are for you," he handed the flowers, "and your mom." he added.
Caroline couldn't help but smile and bring the flowers to her nose. "Thank you. Come in. Dinner's almost ready." She stepped aside as he passed her. They went into her kitchen where Liz was putting dishes of food onto the table.
"Stefan, so glad you could make it." Liz said placing a bowl of mashed potatoes on the table.
"Thank you for having me." he replied
"You were always so polite. That's a great quality."
Caroline raised her eyebrows at her mother. Then looked at Stefan for his reaction. Caroline had a feeling this was going to be a long night.
"Well, that's everything so go ahead, take a seat." Liz said smiling.
Stefan, wanting to please, pulled a chair out and motioned for Caroline to sit down. As she did she couldn't help but look around in a slight state of confusion. She couldn't be the only one thinking this was a little strange. Liz had insisted Caroline invite Stefan over for dinner now that Mystic Falls was free from the no magic spell. Her and Stefan were still working on their friendship, it was no where near back to normal. So, having him bringing flowers and pulling out her chair was a little off to her.
No one spoke again until everyone had food on their plates, then Liz began. "So, Stefan. Isn't it just great you can all come back to town?"
He nodded. "It felt good getting to walk in my house again."
"And having Damon and Bonnie back. I'm so happy everything worked out for them. Is everything okay with Damon and Elena now?"
"Mom, they're working things out." Caroline was the one to answer.
"What about Savannah? Is everything settled there?"
"Mom, Stefan didn't come here for twenty questions."
"I'm sorry. I'm just wondering what his plans are."
"No, it's okay." Stefan interrupted. "Savannah was a small deture. I've realized this is my home right now." he looked at Caroline as he answered as a way to let her know he was staying.
"Good, I'm glad to hear that as I'm sure Caroline is too."
Caroline shot her mom a glance that told her to please shut up as she bit into her carrot.
"You two are just so cute, I'd hate if you weren't able to go back to being friends."
"Excuse me." Caroline said putting her fork down and walking to the back porch.
"Why don't you go check on her." Liz asked realizing she might have gone a little overboard.
Caroline's arms were folded across her body as she looked up at the sky when Stefan walked out to her.
"I'm sorry. I wouldn't have asked you to come if I knew she was going to go psycho mom on you." Caroline explained. "I don't even know what she's rambling on about in there."
"I think I have an idea." He gently touched her elbow so she'd face him. "We're cute." he said with a shrug and her favorite Stefan smile.
"I've missed that smile." she admitted.
"What smile?" he asked dumbly.
"The one you seem to only get around me." she explained softly.
"Oh, right." before she could think his lips were on hers. "You mean this smile." he said showing it off in between kissing her.
"That smile." she agreed.
"You know dinner is probably getting cold." Stefan whispered.
"It can wait." Caroline said wrapping her arms around his neck.
When they did go back to the table the smile on both of their faces told Liz her plan had worked.
