Elena sat at her desk and watched blankly as the teacher tried to explain Hitler's motivations and The Holocaust to the entire class. It had been an hour since the rant had begun and it didn't seem like it would ever end. It was almost 3pm and her eyes were beginning to glaze over while Stefan sat patiently behind her, keeping his eyes at the teacher though the only thing he was thinking about was her. How was she coping with all of this and when would he get to ask her? Suddenly the bell rang and it was finally time to go home. Elena left the classroom, books in hand, followed by Stefan.

'Elena…'

'Stefan… I thought that class would go on forever…'

'I know, it seemed longer than it was…' He wasn't sure how to approach the question he really wanted to ask.

'I know what you're thinking and yes, I'm fine. It's hard but I know it was the right decision… It had to be.'

'It's only been 4 months. Are you sure you're alright?'

'I'm fine.' She smiled. 'I know you're hurting about the whole thing and I want you to be able to talk to me.'

'It's not easy…'

She pressed her lips together. 'Bonnie and I are having dinner at her house and she asked me to ask you if you'd like to come?'

'Sure…'

.

Stefan arrived at Bonnie's door, knocking it calmly. She answered it quickly with a smile. 'Hey Stefan, Come on in.' She gestured to the inside of the house.

'Thank you.' He walked inside with a slight sigh.

.

Bonnie made endless chit chat at the dinner table while Stefan sat quietly at his side of the table. Deep down he was having difficulties with what he had done to his brother and even though it had been 4 months, those feelings had not changed. Pain still lingered in his heart whenever he thought of Damon lying alone in the coffin he had placed him in for another 50 years at least. When he thought of the look he was given just before he closed his eyes and the fear that Damon must have been feeling as he closed the coffin door. He twirled Damon's ring around in his fingertips. Though it wasn't much, he would want it back when he was released.

'Stefan…' Elena broke him from his trance.

'Sorry, what did you say?'

'I asked if you were okay. You've hardly touched your dinner.'

'I'm not the best cook, let's face it.' Bonnie admitted.

'I'm sorry, I'm not all that hungry tonight, but it is very delicious.'

She smiled at him and noticed the concerned look on Elena's face. 'I might clean up. You guys just relax here and I'll be back.' She took the plates from the table and headed to the kitchen.

'Stefan, are you okay?' Elena asked.

'I'm okay…'

'But?'

He sighed, he had promised to be honest with her from now on. 'But, I can't stop thinking about him.'

'I know… I think about him all the time and I know it's hard but you're only doing what's best for him.'

'Is it? Is this really what's best for him?'

'It has to be…'

Bonnie returned from the kitchen. 'Is everything okay?'

'Of course, we were just talking.'

'Okay then…' She sat down. 'So… Whatever happened to your brother um, Damon? He just up and disappeared like 3 months ago.'

'4…' Stefan corrected.

'Sorry, 4.'

'It's okay. He left town.'

'Oh, is he coming back?'

Stefan pulled his brows together with a grim look on his face he swallowed. 'No he's not.'

Elena pressed her lips together. 'I think we should call it a night. Stefan's not feeling well and I'm pretty worn out.'

'Okay then, I'll see you guys on Monday?'

'Of course.' She got up from her chair and hugged her best friend.

'Bye Stefan.'

He moved from his chair and kissed her hand politely. 'It was a pleasure and I'm very sorry I wasn't much fun tonight.'

'That's alright, next time.' She smiled. She walked them to the door and they headed to his car.

'Are you okay?' Elena asked as they buckled their seat belts.

'I've realized something through all of this.'

'And what that?'

'I don't ever want to lose you. Having you by my side through all of this has been a God send.'

She smiled. I'm glad you feel that way… I feel it too.'

'I… I love you Elena.' He spoke the words and he knew that he meant them.

Elena was at first taken back by the words. She hadn't spoken them for a long time now and she wasn't sure she ever would. 'Stefan…'

'You don't have to say a thing.' He smiled.

'I… I love you too… through all of this I know it's true in my heart.'

Stefan smiled at her then pulled her in for a long kiss. 'I will look after you… For as long as you'll let me…

So this is a little short, I know, but tell me what you think in a review and I'll get to work on the next chapter, hopefully a bit longer :):)