A/N: Sorry I haven't updated in awhile. I've been so distracted in the land of what is the craziness of my life, and also trying to write my new Seroline fic, dedicated to one of my favorite reviewers. I hope you can find it in your VD fan hearts to forgive me...I promise chocolate chip cookies...anyway, here we gooooooooooooooooo.
Disclaimer: I do not own Vampire Diaries, why oh why don't I own Vampire Diaries.

162 Candles (1x08)

Him and Elena were over. That much was clear to him. The only reason he'd even think about staying in Mystic Falls now was to keep an eye on her. Her and Caroline.

Caroline...

The blond surprised him last night. They'd been faced with a challenge and she was quick to help in any way possible. It was very admirable. And she didn't seem to mind what he was when it came to comforting him. They had a relationship-an understanding with one another. Something he didn't share with Elena. And probably never would since their relationship had taken a turn.

Relationship? Let's call it like it is...we've broken up...

The only thing that seemed to be brightening up his day was the presence of his oldest and dearest friend Lexi. Who'd arrived late in the night to come celebrate his birthday.
"I don't know, okay. Some freak shot at me with wooden bullets, I bail in under sixty,"Lexi laughed as Stefan's fingers traveled around her torso in a tickle fest. "And why is a news reporter hunting vampires?"
"I don't know. I don't know who knows about us. I mean that guy did, there could be others," Stefan said. "Hey! Do me a favor, while you're here. Please be careful."
Lexi groaned. Letting her head fall in exasperation before responding.
"Why stay?" The blond hopped off of her spot on the bed. "I'm headed to New York for the weekend. Bon Jovi...in the garden."
Stefan couldn't help pumping his fist in the air at the memory. He'd traveled with Lexi for a while. She was one of the only people he could really be himself around.
"Wanted! Dead or alive. It's our theme song!" Lexi exclaimed. "It'll be a blast."
"Hey, do you think that he would actually remember us," Stefan inquired as he shifted to the edge of his bed. "That was a pretty crazy weekend, huh?"
"We can make him remember us." Lexi replied twirling her fingers in his direction with a grin on her face.
"Come on! Let's go," She looked around his desk of trinkets. "I mean...what is keeping you here?"
"I told you. Her name is Elena."
"Well, let's hope she's better than the last girl you got all sprung over." The blond joked, waving the photo of the brunette around.
Stefan stood up, making his way toward her.
"You didn't even know Katherine." He smiled, snatching the photo out of her hand and placing it back where it belonged.
"Cause if I did I'd kick her ass," She laughed. "Little bitch. Speaking of-where's Damon?"
"Inflicting misery somewhere." Stefan informed her.
"Uh huh." The blond nodded as she continued to look over the contents of his desk. Before a photo tucked between the pages of an old book caught her eye.
"Is this her?" Lexi inquired. Pulling out the photo. In it Stefan was washing an old black Impala, smiling across the roof of the car at a blond. Who was grinning from ear to ear at the camera. "She's cute."
Stefan looked down at the photo. Not able to contain the smile from spreading across his face.
"Um, no. That's Caroline," He sighed. "She's a friend of Elena's."
A smirk made it's way onto the blond's face. And she nodded in understanding.
"You like her." She informed him matter-of-factly.
Stefan rolled his eyes.
"Hey, um you going to be okay here, alone. I've got some thing I gotta take care of," Stefan said. Staring down at her.
"Well, it's not exactly like I can go anywhere. And you and Damon are the only ones with these nifty little daylight rings."
Lexi informed him, staring down at the hand in hers adorned with the blue stone.
She gasped after a thought came to her.
"I have a mood ring from seventy five. Trade ya?"
Stefan playfully swatting her hand away.
"Doesn't work that way and you know it."
"Argh, yeah." The blond sighed lolling her head to the side with an amused look.
"Hey Lex," Stefan said, calling her attention. "I'm really glad that you came."
"Okay, what are we doing for your birthday?" She inquired. Ignoring the look he sent her way."It's not everyday a guy turns a hundred and sixty two years old."
Stefan groaned at the mere thought of that number.

One hundred and sixty two years...already?

"Really?" He asked, hoping they wouldn't have to go through their yearly ritual of celebration.
She grinned, nodding slowly.
"Oh, yeah. And don't think I didn't notice your lack of response for my question about this Caroline girl."

Stefan stood outside of the Mystic Falls County Office, hoping to catch Caroline before she headed home. His statement had alreay been taken about the disappearance of Vicki Donovan and he wanted to know how her's went. He didn't have to wait long. His attention went to the white double doors of the building. Out came Jeremy and Elena, with their aunt Jenna. Both looking a little confused. Possibly due to his presence. The last time they checked Elena and Stefan had broken up. Before she could formulate a greeting a familiar voice behind her spoke up.
"I'll meet you guys at the car." The blond appeared behind the three, a sad smile on her face at the sight of Stefan standing at the bottom of the stairs. Her friend turned to look at her. Face contorting from surprise to agitation.
Caroline took no notice as she made her way down the stone steps to greet him. Nodding toward Jeremy and Jenna who were already making their way to their car. Elena remaining in the background, watching on in contempt.
"You okay?" Stefan inquired, resting a hand on the blond's shoulder. Rubbing it gently. Hoping to offer her some comfort in light of the situation.
"I don't think my mom suspected anything." Caroline informed him in a whisper. Fully aware of the fact that her friend was watching them. Trying her best to keep from feeling guilty about being so close to Stefan since their break-up.

Their not together anymore, plus, we're just friends.

"Jeremy and Elena had no memory at all. All they knew was what Damon made them know." She sighed. Looking up into his green eyes. Thankful for the warmth his smile provided.
"Thank you." He took her hands with his, holding them against him. Beneath her hand she swore she could feel his heart beating.

I thought vampire's hearts stopped beating after death.

Elena felt her blood boil as her ex grabbed a hold of her so-called friend's hands.

This is ridiculous. Since when are they so chummy? I have to break this up...to protect Caroline from Stefan, of course.

"Care!" The brunette exclaimed, trotting down the rest of the steps, coming to a stop between the two. Breaking up their hand holding. Her back to Stefan. "We've gotta go. Can't keep Jenna waiting too long."
Caroline looked over Elena's shoulder at Stefan. Who's smile fell from his face.
"I'll talk to you later, Stefan." She managed to get out before being dragged away by Elena.

"Boo." Damon smirked. Having watched Lexi sleep for the past ten minutes, it was fun surprising her as she rolled over to face him. Eyes slowly opening.
She groaned, sitting up with a scowl on her face.
"Hello, Lexi." He greeted. A mischievous glint in his eye. "What an...unexpected surprise."
The blond snorted.
"Unexpected surprise?" She mocked, staring down at him "I think the wrong brother went back to high school."
"How long you here for?" Damon inquired. Head proped up by his hand. Watching her intently.
"Just for Stefan's bday." She informed him. Making it a point not to look at him.
"Awww. You mean you didn't come all this way to see me?" He fiegned hurt. Staring up at her. She kind of reminded him of Caroline. Blonde, hot and snarky.
She ignored his question and instead asked one of her own.
"Who's Caroline?" She asked, watching as all the playfulness from the Salvatore's face drained at the mention of the blond's name.

Did I say her name out loud or something?

"How do you know about her?" He asked in return. Really hoping he hadn't blurted out his comparison of the two blonds. Eyes ablaze with a look Lexi had never seen before.
The blond pulled the photo of Stefan and the girl out of her back pocket. Handing it over to him.

Hey, stealing is the least of my problems.

Lexi studied the different string of emotions that flashed across his face. Some changing so fast it was hard to catalog them.
"What's she like?"
"She...she knows what she wants. She's not afraid of what we are. And she's so bright and...cheerful." Damon mumbled, staring down at the photo. A look of absence in his eyes. "her smile...it's like sunlight."
Lexi stared at him a bit surprised. A sudden knowing appearing as she nodded.
"You're in love with her."

What the hell is she talking about?

"Riiight." Damon scoffed, rolling his eyes as he turned to lay on his side, back to her. The statement still echoing in his head. As he thought about it he came to a realization.

Damn! She might be right...this really puts a damper on my plans...

Bonnie knocked on Elena's slightly opened door. Calling the brunette's attention from where she laid in bed.
"You up?"
Elena thought about it for a moment before responding.
"No." She muttered, turning. Pulling the covers back over her head.
Bonnie frowned, making her way inside the bedroom and tugging the sheets off of her.
"No..no," Elena argued as she tried to tug the sheets back.
"Why haven't you called me back?"
"I'm sorry."
"Are you going to stay in there forever?" Bonnie asked. She really thought her friend was being ridiculous.
"Yep."
"Move over." She managed a smile. Climbing into bed beside her best friend.
"I'm officially worried." Bonnie sighed. "What's going on?"
"I'm tired of thinking, of talking-"
"Can you make it a one line version so I can at least pretend to be helpful." The witch in training interjected.
"Stefan and I broke up."
"This really isn't new information, Elena."
"I think he's with Caroline now." The brunette scowled. Feeling the urge to upchuck at the thought of the two together.
"Are you okay?" Bonnie asked. Going into supportive friend mode. This was a new low for Caroline. "Right, stupid question."

"So, this Elena girl, I'm sure she'll come around." Lexi said staring down at her friend. "Have you two...had sex yet?"
"Nooo." Stefan looked up in surprise. "Our relationship didn't last that long. She's with her ex now, Matt. He's a relly good guy."
"Riight." Lexi muttered. "But, if you change your mind there's always Caroline. She might even surprise you. The sex could be amazing."

Now I have images of me and Caroline having sex...in my head...

"She's already been there with Damon. And our relationship isn't like that." Stefan did his best to explain to her. "She... understands what we are...what I am. She's competitive. And shallow...but there's something about the way she talks. Like...
she wants her words to mean something, to someone."
"Wow. You must know her well." Lexi said. Pulling out a case, unzipping it to reveal packets of blood. "Want some?"
Poking a straw into one of the clear, plastic bags.
"No." He answered quickly. Removing himself from his seat beside her and putting some distance between them. "Thank you."
"Relax! I didn't kill anyone for it. This lobotomist I went out with a few times, he's my supplier." Lexi informed him. Rewarded only with a look from her friend. His arms crossed over his chest. "Oh, don't judge, okay. Listen, I tried the animal diet. Lasted three weeks."
"Doesn't matter. Cause if I started again I just do-I don't know-"
"If you could stop." The blond nodded in understanding.
They sat in silence for a moment. Lexi waiting for Stefan to respond.
"Lexi. I'd never judge you." He finally said.
"I'm just jealous of your restraint." She sighed. "I have none. I delight in hedonism. Speaking of which...what are we doing tonight."
As if on cue in walked Damon.
"Funny you should ask." He exclaimed in mock enthusiasm.
"Well, I wasn't asking you." Lexi said.
"There's a party. At the Grill. You'll love it." Damon began, earning their full attention. "Banquettes, tacky wait staff, all of Stefan's friends."
"Yeah, I don't want a birthday party." Stefan informed him. Hands in pockets, shaking his head.
"Well, it's not for you. It's a party party. No ones gonna know it's your birthday." Damon said. Earning a confused head tilt from his brother.

I see I have to be more specific...

"Caroline's throwing it." Smug smile on face.
"Stay away from Caroline." Stefan got out. Feeling his fists clenching at his sides.
"We're lovers. It's cool." Damon said off-offhandedly.

Let's see how you take that.

"It's important for the town to see us out and about like normal folk. We need to blend."
Stefan stared at his brother. Resisting the urge to hurt him.
"Aug!" Damon was staring down at the case of blood packets. "I prefer mine at ninety-eight point six."
Lexi waited for the sound of his departing footsteps to fade out into the distance before responding with a shrug.
"Let's go."
Stefan rolled his eyes. Looking down at his smiling friend.
"Please?"

This is going to be a long night.

"Are you out of your freaking mind?" Lexi stormed into Stefan's room. Holding onto the top of her towel to keep it from falling.
"What are you talking about?"
The blond stalked over to his desk.
"I just met Elena." Thrusting the photo out to him. "You have some serious emotional damage."
"No, it's not what you think." Stefan sighed. "She's not Katherine."
"Stefan," Lexi began, pulling her friend down to sit at the edge of his bed before she began her lecture. "Maybe she's nothing like Katherine. But they could be twins. You can't keep putting all of your emotions into this girl. You said so yourself, she's not Katherine. Why would you want to tie yourself down to someone who will be a constant reminder of your past and all of the pain you've been through. All the lies that bitch told you and Damon. All the sacrifices you've made for her-your relationship with your brother, for one. Why Elena? What does she have that no other girl has?"
Stefan sat silently trying to answer that question. He'd admit he'd been drawn to her because she physically reminded him of his first love. But she'd been a coward when it came to his secret. Quick to ask to be able to forget-not like Caroline. Who'd comforted him when he needed it. Who didn't care that he was what he was. She was selfless.
"When you can answer that my friend," Lexi sighed, running a hand through her damp hair. "then you'll know what or better yet, who, you want."

It was like she couldn't get rid of Damon. Everywhere she turned there he was. And she was pretty sure she had told him to stay away from her. Though, she'd admit she was glad he told her it was Stefan's birthday. There was no way she was going to let the chance pass of getting him an amazing gift, especially after how nice he was being to her even though he technically didn't have to since he was no longer dating Elena.

Elena! I should tell her about his bday...It be an amazing gift to get them back together. Good thinking, Care!

"Hey, Jenna! Is Elena there?" The blond inquired. Shifting her cellphone onto her other ear so she could put in an earring.
"No...she's not there, or no she can't come to the phone?"

Well, it seems Miss Gilbert is mad at me. What did I do?

"Thanks anyway Jenna. Hey, could you tell her that I'm having a party at the Grill. Stefan's coming and I really hope she'll be there...great! Okay, bye."

Well, now that that's out of the way, what am I going to wear?

"Stefan smiles..." Caroline rolled her eyes, looking away from Stefan and who she guessed was Lexi to face the approaching Salvatore. "Alert the media."
"What reasons have you given him to be happy lately?" the blond retorted. Staring him up and down before turning her attention back to the duo playing pool.
"Oh you're right. Poor Stefan," Damon sighed with feign sadness. "Persecuted throughout eternity by his depraved brother."
The girl choose not to reply. Elena hadn't shown up yet and she was beginning to worry her attempt at getting her and Stefan back together wasn't going to happen.
"Does it get tiring?" He spoke up. Growing frustrated with her indigence towards him. "Being so righteous?"
"Hmph." She turned to look at him. Really look at him. Sure he was one of the most attractive guys she'd ever met but he was a psychopath. "I thought that was what you liked about me."
At his smirk she sauntered off to get a closer look at the vampy blond. Trying to ignore that fact he was following at her heels.
"It is." His voice was so close she would have sworn he was pressed up right against her back if she hadn't felt anything.
Caroline turned, coming face to chest with him. Looking up into his eyes she scowled.
"What did you do to Vicky?"
His smirk grew and for a moment the blond thought about smacking it right off his face. But then she remembered the slight throbbing pain in her palm after she's slapped him the first time. So, she thought better of it. Instead she opted for crossing her arms over her chest.
"You're really taking that air headed blond thing to a whole new level aren't you?"
She scoffed. "Were you this much of a jerk when we were together?"
A flash of light crossed his blue eyes, as they drifted to stare at something over her shoulder. She peeked behind her to see what had caught his attention.

Surprise, surprise...it's Elena.

"So that's why you went out with me." She spoke up, grabbing his attention. It wasn't what she'd said that surprised him, it was the fact that there was not a hint of anger in her voice. She was hurt-not mad. "It was to get to Elena."
This felt like the little encounter they'd shared with Vicki in her panties. He was silent then and he was silent now.
The blond nodded her head in understanding.
"So all the sweetness...words of endearment, they really were for her."

I really am a jerk.

All traces of happiness fell from her face. This wasn't like the Vicki incident. This was worse. He could literally hear her heart breaking. She'd admit she still had feelings for him, but know, learning the truth...she just felt sick to her stomach.

'It really was always Elena.'

"It's good to know." She said, eyes looking down at the necklace Stefan had given her. A heart. To protect her. From compulsion, from Damon. What real protection had it offered her? He still managed to hurt her. Worse than Vicki's bite.
"Caroline..." Damon sighed, taking a step closer to her. Trying to fight the impulse urging him to go to Elena. The newly single Elena. But he had to do this. He had to tell Caroline how he felt.
"No, Damon." She said, attempting to keep her tears at bay. Though a single drop escaped her, cascading down her left cheek. Pressing the palms of her hand against his chest, she pushed him away gently. "Just...do whatever it is that you do."
"Caroline!" Elena's voice called to her off in the distance.
"Bye, Damon." She whispered. Removing her hands from his chest and her presence effectively from his life...hopefully not for long.

When Jenna had told her Caroline invited her to a party at the Grill she stood in her decision not to attend. But then the words Stefan will be there left her aunts lips and everything from there was a blur of getting dressed and driving into town. Now she stood before one of her best friends, listening to the scheme she'd come up with to get her and Stefan back together.
"What about the blond?" She said, nodding toward where Lexi stood at the bar. Ordering shots.
"I'll keep her busy. You just worry about what you're going to say to Stefan." She said in an exaggerated whisper, though she was certain Lexi could hear her anyway. She was a vampire after all.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you." Elena exclaimed with much enthusiasm, enveloping the blond in a tight hug before pulling back.
Making her way to the pool table where Stefan stood. Watching them.
"That was nice of you." An unfamiliar voice sounded from behind her.
She was surprised to come face to face with the Salvatore's blond friend.
"You must be Lexi." the blond was a little intimidated. The girl before her could literally eat her alive.
"And you're Caroline." She said, expressionless. Okay, Caroline was a little scared that the vamp was interested in Stefan. Then a wide smile suddenly crossed the girl's face. "Stefan and Damon have told me a lot about you! It's so nice to finally meet you."
"Here." Lexi handed the girl a shot, before downing her own.
"I didn't know vampires could drink," the blond admitted, placing her glass on a nearby table.
"Oh, yeah. It helps curve the cravings. But it makes for a lot of lushy vamps."
Caroline couldn't help but laugh at that. "I've never seen Stefan drunk. He always seems so..."
"Uptight?" Lexi offered. "Yeah...and Damon, well he's just Damon."
"Speaking of the other brother...he seems to really care about you."
"Yeah, not the case. He wants Elena."
"That's because she's the spitting image of Katherine." Lexi wasn't one to advocate for the older Salvatore but she didn't like the way the blond looked. Worn down and dejected.
"Katherine?" It made sense now. Why two vampire brothers were interested in Elena-not that there was anything wrong with her.
"The girl that tore the brothers apart?"
"Yes. She's a bitch, we both know that. But, Damon...he actually believes she loved him. The truth is, she compelled them, she made them fight, she broke them up...she doomed them to this life. Stefan just found someone he believes can make him love again. And Damon...he cares about you. He really does. He's just too messed up to realize it."
Caroline could have sworn her eyes crossed at that long was nice that the blond was trying to reassure her that Damon cared about her, but at that point in time she could care less about him.

Okay...that's not true.

"Just, think about it before you completely write him off," She shrugged, downing Caroline's discarded shot. "Who knows...you could be his silver lining."

Caroline couldn't believe what she had seen. Damon had staked Lexi. Stefan's best friend. And Stefan had just told her he had to kill him. She told him he couldn't do that. That it would destroy him. The person he was. It wasn't him. He wasn't a killer.
She wanted to be there for him. She wanted to be his friend. She was his friend. But he wouldn't listen.
"Told you I'd take care of it." He knew what he did could potentinal change his chances with Caroline but he had to do it.
He had to kill Lexi. Throw off any suspicion on them.
Like a flash Stefan's fist crashed into his face and he was lifted out of his seat and thrown across the room. Stefan crossed the floor, stopping at his brothers feet looking down at him. He couldn't control the hate couring through his viens. His hand reached out and fisted his shirt, the other crashing into his face. Again and again.
Damon managed the get his feet up. Kicking him off and away from him. Before they were both up again on there feet in a stare down. The older Salvatore made his way toward his brother, who gripped the front of his shirt. Ramming him into the nearest wall.
"Come on," Damon exclaimed, voice hoarse. "I did this for you to get them off our trail."
"You never do anything for anyone but yourself." Stefan growled out before thrusting the tip of a wooden stake into his side.
Damon had felt pain before but the surpise that had crossed his face as he looked down at the weapon left him feeling vulnerable.
Just a few more inches up could have killed him...would have killed him.
"You missed." He managed to get out. Looking back up into the eyes of his little brother.
"No..you saved my life. I'm sparing yours." He said. Glad to see the discomfort blantly on Damon's face.
"We're even." Stefan whispered twisting the stake further in, earning a groan of pain. "And now we're done."

Please review.
Sorry again it took so long to update.