Chapter 4

Thanks for your reviews, it really makes me write faster. Apparently some of you think Stefan and Elena are moving too fast, don't worry, I'm not going to rush their story, but I thought it was time for them to kiss. They did kiss on the 2nd episode of the show.

So here's chapter 4, it's a bit longer than the others. Tell me what you think!

Elena's POV

When I woke up this morning, for the first time in a very long time, I didn't feel empty. The kiss I shared with Stefan last night was amazing. I had told Caroline about it and she wouldn't shut up.

''Oh my gosh, you and Stefan kissed? It is so awesome! I am so happy for you Elena! ''

Sometimes Caroline was a little too energetic for me, but I loved her anyway.

''You guys are so cute together! He's hot and you're beautiful, you're both smart! Will you let me plan your wedding? Please please please Elena?''

My dear Caroline, she was such a hopeless romantic. I smiled and answered

''Caroline, we're not there yet. We've only kissed once.''

She looked at me like a child who had just been grounded.

''Ugh Elena, you're such a party pooper''

She got back to trying on dresses for her lunch date with Matt. I was happy that they were going out together. She deserved somebody who would be loyal to her and wouldn't let her down like so many people in her family did. And she would be able to add some fun and some spark to Matt's life. They were good for each other.

I had woken up really late and it was already time for lunch. I wished Caroline good luck and went out of the room. I was having lunch with Katherine. I arrived to the cute restaurant she had picked for our lunch and as always with Katherine, I was the first one there. She was always late.

I was sometimes jealous of her. She was beautiful, feisty and confident.

''Hey Elena'' Katherine said, dressed like a model like she always was.

She had been in the restaurant for less than two minutes and every guy (and woman) there was already looking at her.

''Hey Kat! How are you?'' I asked

''I'm doing great actually. Except for the fact that Damon keeps asking me out. He won't take no for an answer. I mean, he's great and all, but I can't see myself going out with him for real. He's great in bed but..''

''Stooooop Katherine please, I don't want to know that much about Damon.'' I interrupted her. The problem with Katherine was that she played with people's feelings. I was careful not to tell her too much because I knew that she could lash out at any moment and make me regret ever telling her something. Damon was in love with her, at least he thought ha was. I somehow thought it wasn't love, but just some kind of obsession, some way to prove to him that he was worthy of the affection of a beautiful woman like Kat. Katherine didn't love him, that was for sure.

''Okay. Then tell me about that little boyfriend of yours? '' She asked

I was so mad at Caroline at this moment. She could not keep her mouth shut when it came to my love life.

''He's not my boyfriend. We kissed once. Why is everybody so excited about that! '' I replied

I really was puzzled. Caroline and Katherine were overjoyed while asking me about Stefan and I didn't understand why.

She smiled and said.

''Because you seem happier Elena. I don't think it's a coincidence. ''

That was true. It did feel better since Stefan came into my life. But I didn't want to tell that to her. It seemed too cheesy.

''Maybe. But anyway, I don't want to rush it. Last time I rushed things it was with Tyler, and look how it ended up. '' I answered.

She kept smiling. ''You're right. We really need to talk about the concert anyway.''

There was a concert that night. Some college bands were going to play, and the benefits would be given to Doctors Without Borders. I had helped organize this concert and I was really excited about it. We talked about the last details of the organization and then went our separate ways. She had to go shopping.

I was walking back to the campus and found myself in front of Lexi's cafe on the way. I decided to stop for a cup of coffee. I needed some caffeine.

''Hey Lexi! '' I said while coming in.

She looked up and when she recognized me she smiled: ''Hey Elena, how are you? ''

''I'm feeling good, but I think a cup of coffee would make me feel even better. How are you? ''

She laughed and began to brew me some coffee. ''I'm on it. I'm doing good. Are you meeting Stefan?''

''Thank you! No actually,I'm not meeting him. I like your coffee shop, so I thought I'd stop by! '' I giggled.

She smiled again. ''I'm glad you did! ''

I really liked that girl. I sat at a small table next to a window and started reading the book I had with me, Of Mice and Men.

I was taking a sip of my coffee when I heard a voice

''Steinbeck, you really have good taste in books''

I put down my book and looked into Stefan's green eyes. We kept bumping into each other.

''You really must miss me a lot if you came all the way to this dingy café '' He said

''Hey I heard that '' Lexi yelled

We both giggled. '' I thought I'd stop by on my way back to campus. I really like this place.''

He grinned and he looked at the book. ''What do you think of the book so far? ''

He had read some Steinbeck. Could Stefan get any better?

''Well I've already read it. I just like it and I found it on my bookshelf this morning so I thought I'd try to read it again. I love the relationship between Lennie and George, how they get along even if they are so different. It shows how two people can really help each other, make each other feel a little less...''

''Lonely'' He completed with a smile.

''Yes, exactly, lonely''

I had finished my coffee and realized I had to get going .

''I'm sorry Stefan, but I have to go. I have to meet my friend Bonnie and I'm already late.''

His smile faded a little and he he said quietly: ''No worries. I have something to do too. ''

We both grabbed our things and after saying bye to Lexi, we separated. It was definitely an akward moment. I couldn't exactly kiss him , because I wanted to take it slow, so I sort of kept standing there doing nothing. I finally waived and left. That was really embarrassing.

''So you were just standing there. And you waived?''

''I waived''

Bonnie and I were checking that everything was in order for the concert

''Well maybe it's a good thing Elena.''

I frowned ''What do you mean?''

She sighed ''Maybe you should be more careful with guys. You and Tyler just broke up with and you're already going out with somebody else?''

''First of all, my break up with Tyler seems like an eternity ago. Second of all, Stefan and I aren't going out. Gosh, why does everybody think we are?''

She laughed ''Blame it on Caroline''

I had to laugh at that. She suddenly became serious again ''Be careful though, I don't want you getting hurt. I just want to protect you!''

I hugged her ''I know Bonnie, and I love you for it. But he is amazing.''

She nodded and we went back to the concert planning.

A few minutes later I saw Stefan coming towards us. I elbowed Bonnie and by seeing the look on my face, she knew exactly who he was.

''Hi again Elena '' he said

''Hi Stefan, this is Bonnie, she's helping me with the concert. '' I answered

''Hi Bonnie, I'm glad to meet you'' He said, with his shining smile. He really had to stop doing that.

''Hi Stefan'' she said shyly. ''Well I have to go, but I'll see you tonight Elena! Bye Stefan! ''

''Bye Bonnie '' we both answered.

Stefan looked at me. He wasn't smiling anymore. ''She doesn't like me very much'' He said.

''She doesn't know you.'' I answered ''She's my best friend, she's just looking out for me. But when she does, she will love you!''

Suddenly I had an idea. ''Are you free tonight? '' I asked

He took a second to think about it and answered with a grin ''Yes''

''Perfect! You should come to the concert tonight. Me and Bonnie helped organizing it, so if you come with me you'll get to go backstage and spend some time with Bonnie. She'll be able to see what a great guy you are. Mission accomplished! '' I said.

He laughed ''It sounds great, I can't wait .What time should I pick you up ?

''Well I have to be there early, so meet me in front of my room at 6pm ?

He smiled ''I'll be there ''

He leaned forward to kiss my cheek and left.

I was feeling the butterflies in my stomach coming back every time I'd think about him. I didn't have time to think about it. Damon had called me earlier and I had to meet him in my room at 5pm and it was already 5pm. I was late. What a surprise.

I had ran to my room and found Damon laying on my bed. He had a spare key and always find a way to sneak into the room.

''Sorry I'm late Damon, something came up. '' I apologized.

He smirked ''Something ? Don't you mean someone named Stefan? ''

I sighed. ''Damon, I don't have time to talk about this. I have to get ready for the concert and besides, you're the one who called. What's the matter? ''

He got up and looked me in the eyes. ''Elena, I know you've had lunch with Katherine''

The annoying with Damon was that he expected me to like Katherine when he liked her and hate her when he hated her. But she was my friend, and I didn't want Damon to control my relationship with her.

''I did, and I don't see why that would be a problem. She's my friend and you know it. You can't make me hate her just because she doesn't want to go out with you. You know how she is, she doesn't do relationships. Why are you trying so hard? '' I asked

A painful look rushed to his face ''Because I love her. I love her and I want things to be official between us. I just wish she'd feel the same way. ''

Damon could be so cute, and it physically hurt me to see him so sad.

''Damon, I wish there was something I could do, but I can't. Now I have to put my dress on, so turn around or close your eyes or both. ''

He turned around, giving me some privacy. I put on my black dress. It was a simple little black dress, but well-fitted and I just thought it suited me well. I had some black ties on.

''You can turn around now '' I told Damon.

He did and smiled ''You look great Elena''

I blushed '' Thanks''

I laid down on my bed next to Damon. We talked a little about Stefan, and then about Katherine. Suddenly, I heard a knock on my door. Stefan was here. I got up to open the door and here he was, cute as ever.

''I'm sorry Stefan, I'm not quite ready yet. Do you mind waiting outside my room for five minutes. I'll send Damon with you to keep you company.

''Damon '' I yelled ''Get out of my room. You're the one that made me run late, so you have to entertain Stefan while I get ready.''

He sighed '' Alright, alright. I'll do it. I quickly shut the door and finished getting ready.

Stefan's POV

Elena had no idea how great she looked. Her dress was tight in all the right places. She looked like an angel.

Damon got out of the room and Elena practically shut the door in his face. He was asking something about a certain Katherine.

''Who is Katherine? '' I asked

He smirked ''Eavesdropping much?''

I laughed ''I'm sorry, I was just wondering. I didn't mean to intrude''

He laughed ''Don't worry about it. She's a friend of Elena, and we kind of have a thing. Elena and her had lunch together but she won't tell me what she said about me''

I smiled ''Well at least you know Elena can keep a secret. ''

He smiled back ''She can. I just wish she would tell me. I could ask Katherine where we stand, but she can be a little... lunatic sometimes. ''

''Haha, I'm sorry for you. I hope it all works out for you two. ''

''I hope so too. '' He answered ''Ugh, what is taking Elena so long? I have to go. Is it ok if I leave you alone? She'll probably be here in a minute, but I was supposed to meet Katherine and I'm late. ''

I grinned ''No worries. Have fun! ''

He smirked, again, but this time I could feel some dirty thoughts forming in his mind.

''I will'' he replied.

Damon was nice. I just wish he wouldn't always be around Elena. I didn't want anyone to be that close to Elena except for me. I trusted her though. She didn't seem to be in love with him, and he didn't seem to be in love with her. I felt relieved.

At this moment, she opened her door. She was breathtakingly beautiful.

Elena's POV:

He was so sweet. He took my hand and we began to walk out of the dorm. ''You look very nice''

I looked down to hide the fact that I was blushing. ''Thank you''

''So it won't take long for us to get to the concert, it's a few minutes away, but when we get there we'll have a lot to do!''

He smiled ''Oh, so you didn't drag me all the way here so that you could see me? You just needed some help for the concert! ''

''Shoot, my cover's been blown'' I giggled

''You're the one who agreed to come '' I added

''I know, and I'm glad I did''

We walked to the center of the campus, where the concert was happening. Some people were already there but some things still had to be set up.

''It looks like I'm indeed going to need your help. There are boxes full of water bottles for the artists that must be brought backstage. Do you mind doing it while I check the microphones are working?''

He grinned ''No problem, I'm glad I can help. ''

I hugged him quickly ''Thank you Stefan, you're saving my life!''

I left and went to do what I had to do. The concert was happening soon and I didn't know how we'd get everything done in time.

Stefan's POV

I was happy to help Elena. Besides, this way I could observe her a little, how she was with her friends. She was a great leader, she would give the right thing to do to the right person, always taking in account the fact that someone was too weak to carry something heavy or not. She greeted all the musicians and asked them if they need anything with that sweet voice of hers.

But at the same time, she knew how to get things done. Her voice wasn't hesitating, she was giving orders and they had to be followed.

An iron fist in a velvet glove.

I suddenly heard a voice behind me say ''Well, look who's trying to impress his girl ! ''

I turned around and saw Damon. I had to smile at what he had just said.

''Would you mind helping me, these boxes are really heavy!''

He smirked '' Do I look like I carry boxes. I don't need Elena to see me as her hero. I already am!''

I grinned ''She does looks up to you''

He was laughing now ''Well, who wouldn't?''

His comment made me smile

''I have to go, I need to find Katherine'' He said, still smirking

I laughed '' Of course, good luck!''

''You too'' he answered

I got back to carrying the boxes and when I was done, Bonnie came to me and asked me if I could help setting up the music instruments on stage. I agreed and she seemed relieved. She didn't look like the girl who enjoyed asking for help.

I could see people getting excited in front of the stage. This was going to be a great night.

Elena finally came back ''Hey, I'm sorry I left you alone for so long, but I really want this night to go well, and the only way for that to happen is getting everything ready. But I'm done now, so we can go see the bands. Would you rather sit on the grass with the orders or see the show from backstage? ''

She was so sweet. ''I think backstage is wicked cool.''

She smiled ''I was hoping you would say that''

I laughed and she took my hand ''Let's find somewhere we won't be disturbed.''

After a few minutes we found a spot backstage that was out of the way, but from where we could see the whole show perfectly. We didn't talk much, we were listening to the bands, which were all really good.

''You can be proud of yourself!'' I told her

She smiled ''I don't know. People seem to be having some fun so that's great, and we've managed to get a lot of money for Doctors Without Borders, so I guess it's a win-win situation! ''

'' You really did a great job. But why Doctors Without Borders? ''

She sighed ''A while ago, I traveled to India with my family. I went across villages where some children couldn't play because they were sick. Some of them had diseases that would disappear in a second in the US. I felt very lucky to live in a rich country, and since then, I've been wanting to improve a small part of their lives. ''

I smiled '' I think it's great. ''

She seemed happy at that moment ''Thank you, it means a lot ''

We didn't say anything after that. A few minutes after, the concert was over.

''Do you need help with cleaning everything up? '' I asked

I could see she was happy I'd asked ''If it doesn't bother you...''

''Of course it doesn't.'' I answered

I'll leave you with Bonnie then, I need to check on the bands and some other things but I should be done soon.

''No problem'' I said

I went to help Bonnie and she seemed relieved to see someone was here to help her. We talked a little, she was very nice and open-minded and I liked it.

Suddenly, Damon arrived in front of us, apparently very wasted.

''So Stef, how did your date go? Better than mine I guess''

Bonnie seemed concerned. I was worried about him.

''Damon, what happened ?'' She asked

''It's Katherine. She dumped me. She said something about not wanting a relationship with me and wanting to set me free.'' He answered. His face was full of sorrow and pain. He seemed to be really hurting.

Bonnie hugged him ''I think it's for the best Damon. You should be with someone who loves you, not with someone who plays with you. ''

''Why do you care Bonnie? You don't even like me !'' He was talking like a child now.

I received a text from Elena telling me she was done and that she was waiting for me.

''Bonnie it's Elena , she says she's done. Should I tell her to come here to help us with him? '' I asked

She smiled '' I think you've helped enough for tonight. You should go with Elena. Go have some fun! ''

I grinned ''Does that mean I get your approval ? ''

She laughed '' You've spent half of your evening helping out just to be with her for a little while. I think you deserve my approval. I'm sorry I misjudged you. ''

''Ok then. Are you sure you're going to be ok with Damon? ''

She sighed ''I'll be fine''

He was sitting on the grass, so she lifted him up and forced him to walk next to her.

''Bye Stefan'' She said

''Bye Bonnie'' I replied

Damon was too wasted to even notice I wasn't here anymore.

I quickly went where Elena had told me she was. She looked tired.

''Do you want me to take you to your room? '' I offered

''I do. Thanks for coming tonight Stefan! '' She said

''I'm glad I did. I had a lot of fun. Even if I wish I could have spent a little more time with you Elena.'' I answered

My comment made her smile. I loved it when she smiled.

''I wish it were possible. But don't worry Stefan, you're not getting rid of me anytime soon! ''

I laughed '' I hope not !''

We didn't say anything during the rest of the walk to her dorm. But it wasn't an awkward silence, it was a soothing silence. I walked her all the way to her room and we stood in front of her dorm room for a moment. She leaned against the wall.

''Thank you for walking me to my room. ''

I smiled ''Thank you for making it worth it. ''

Suddenly, I felt the need to have my lips on hers, to feel her back against my hands, to feel her hands on me. I leaned forward and kissed her. She responded immediately. She wrapped her arms against my neck and I could feel her soft hair on my cheek.

When we both pulled away for some air, she giggled.

''What? '' I asked

''You need to stop kissing me in front of my dorm room'' She answered

''I'm sorry '' I lied

''Don't be. This feels really good. But I don't want to rush it ok ? I really want this thing between us to work out.'' She said

I smiled '' I want this to work too. This is why I am going to kiss you one more time and then go back to my dorm. Does that work for you. ''

She pretended to think about it for a second

''Yeah I think that would be okay. '' She said laughing

I laughed too and kissed her again, this time more softly. I pulled away even if it was hard and looked right into her sweet brown eyes.

''Goodnight Elena ''

''Goodnight Stefan''

I took my hands off her back and left her.

For the first time in a long time, I was truly happy.

So I tried to do a little Stefan/Damon bonding, I hope you liked it! Next chapter we will found out more about Stefan's father!

Thank you for all your reviews, it really means a lot !