Disclaimer: I do not own Vampire Diaries or have any connection with the shows or characters.

** Hey guys, This is a pretty long chapter. I just couldn't stop writing. I want to thank everyone so much for every single reviews! The reviews are so amazing and encouraging. They make me feel amazing! They truly inspire me! Anyhoo, Enjoy!

Chapter 10

Matt ran his hands through his hair and plopped onto the sofa.

"This back and forth is getting us nowhere. We have been here damn well four hours and still haven't come up with a plan." He stated frustratedly. Elena looked up from the floor of the living room. Everyone, besides Matt, were reading journals on the living room floor. There was still atleast sixty journals that remained untouched so far.

"Matt, you got to calm down. We are all scared here, but we can't just jump out there half cocked. We need to think this out." Elena answered sternly. She looked at her cellphone worriedly. Caroline watched her as she seemed to be debating with herself whether she should do something.

"Elena, what's wrong?" Caroline asked quietly as she leaned over to speak with Elena. Elena's facial expression showed worry and concern.

"I just haven't heard from Damon all day. It's just not like him. I'm just worried." She replied softly as she put her phone of the coffee table. Caroline was about to let her know that Damon and Stefan were at the Salvatore's mansion and just left to search the town's underground library source. She would have, but then she realized that telling Elena that would ultimately lead to the next question- how did she know. Caroline and Stefan had been texting each other throughout the day. And the texts were not entirely about the vigilante either.

So our family journals definitely mention something that happened in the late 1980s. How about u guys? ~Stefan

The journals mentions 1980s too. Any names? ~Caroline

No. But we have a lot of journals 2 still go thru? ~Stefan

Are you okay? ~Stefan

LOL. We're sleuthing. Don't worry about me. ~Caroline

That's impossible. ~Stefan

Why? Cuz you have to be in control all the time?:) ~Caroline

Ha, ha. Because I care about you and can't let anything happen to you. ~Stefan

I know u do. But I can take care of myself. ~Caroline

Can I take care of u too? ~Stefan

Got to go. Duty calls. Have to read. ~Caroline

Chicken. ~Stefan

Caroline smiled and let out a deep sigh.

"What are you thinking about?" Bonnie asked watching her friend grinning at her own daydream. Bonnie knew that something was going on with Caroline and didn't like feeling out of the loop with her best friend's life. Caroline knew that Bonnie was not thrilled about Elena's decision to be with Damon, although she has been better at hiding her disgust than Caroline. Now she was watching Caroline and Stefan enter into something and wanted to make sure her friend was not moving into a situation too fast.

Caroline gave Bonnie a reassuring smile.

"I just feel like we are making some progress. I think that if we cross match these journals with the ones that are in the library, we may find…"

"No,", Bonnie interrupted Caroline midstream, "This is not about the attack or the research. This is about Stefan." Caroline suddenly felt enormously uncomfortable. She stood up and walked to the kitchen. She grabbed a glass from the cabinet and poured herself a glass of cognac that was on the counter. Undiverted and determined, Bonnie followed Caroline into the kitchen and leaned against the counter. She gave Caroline a stern look. Caroline tried to avoid Bonnie's stare but felt her eyes burning through her. She took a deep breath and looked into Bonnie's eyes.

"Bonnie, I am…I mean, Stefan and I…well, we are…" Bonnie was watching Caroline closely waiting for her to tell her what appears to be some important news. Caroline shook her head exasperatedly.

"Bonnie, I don't actually know what Stefan and I are doing. But I do know that I care about him. A lot. In fact," Caroline leaned on the counter smiling. "I really care about him and love how it is making me feel." Bonnie smiled at Caroline.

"That was pretty evident on the night of the dance. You guys were dancing awfully close and looked extremely comfortable that way. So have you guys…" Bonnie side eyed Caroline slyly. Caroline's mouth gaped.

"Bonnie, I just broke up with Tyler. I know I can move fast, but not that fast." She giggled. Bonnie giggled with her.

"I'm sorry. I just know that you guys spent a lot of time alone together on your trips. Nothing happened on those trips."

"Yeah, something happened. I saw Stefan for who he really is, Bon. Not Elena's undying Savior. Not Damon's nice brother. Not the brooding vampire. Stefan is way more than any of those things, Bon. He's this amazingly kind and loving man, who truly tries to do the right thing. He recognizes that he was a jerk in his human life and is trying to rectify it now. He's smart and funny and makes me feel like I am so special. He doesn't see me as some cute blond girl that needs to be saved. He sees me as this amazing vampire warrior that he can depend on and trust. His belief is so strong that I actually start believing it myself. " Caroline was so lost in her thoughts she almost forgot Bonnie was in the room. When she stopped talking, she saw a silent Bonnie looking deeply at her.

"Sounds like you are in love with Stefan." Bonnie said softly.

"Bonnie, you are moving way ahead of yourself. " Caroline started pacing the kitchen floor.

"Really? Because from what you just told me and the look on your face while you said it, there is no doubt in my mind that you are in love with him." Caroline leaned on a wall of the kitchen and lightly tapped the back of head against it.

"How am I going to tell Elena, Bon? This is breaking one of the major Girlfriend Rule."

"It won't be easy, Care. But ask yourself one key question- is he worth it?" Caroline was thinking about the question when she heard Elena's voice from the living room.

"You guys, come here! I found something!" Everyone gathered into the living room and circled around Elena. She was looking through a large brown leather journal.

"Okay, this journal is dated 1925. It describe almost the exact same set of circumstances that we are dealing with. The notes. The founder's descendants. The first death even started on New Year's Eve."

"That's wonderful." Caroline exclaimed.

"Yes," Elena stated, "except there is a name mentioned. Elijah." Everyone stood still, with stunned faces. Jeremy shook his head confused.

"The original Elijah? Are you sure?" Elena nodded her head.

"It says that a stranger aided the authorities to find the killer by the name of Elijah. He single-handedly directed the authorities to the culprit, but by the time they found him, he was already dead. No other deaths followed. So they all just assumed it was the right guy killed."

"So either Elijah found the guy or Elijah was the guy?" Matt questioned.

"And no one knows where Elijah is now." Jeremy replied. At that moment, Caroline felt her phone vibrate. She had new text message from Stefan.

Just left Damon. Found something, but will tell you later. Are you guys done yet? ~ Stefan

We are about to break for the day now. ~ Caroline

So is it time to get ready for our date? ~ Stefan. Caroline smiled at his enthusiasm.

When are you going to pick me up? ~ Caroline

J u have 1 hr. then u're mine. ~Stefan

Caroline bit her lower lip and then looked up, watching Elena talk to Jeremy. She wanted to talk to Elena before she went out with Stefan. She didn't know what to expect from Elena and wondered how this was going to affect their friendship. Caroline walked to Elena and whispered if she could talk to her in her bedroom.

Elena walked into her room and watched Caroline follow her in and close the door.

"Elena, I have something to tell you. I didn't want to hide anything from you because we are still best friends."

"Alright," Elena answered, sitting on her bed, "what is it?"

"I care for Stefan and he care for me too. And we are starting to see each other, as in…dating." Elena stood up, crossing her arms in front of her.

"Why Stefan, Caroline? Why are you pursuing him?" she asked angrily.

"Elena, I am not pursuing Stefan. It just kind of happened. You know that he is an important person to me. We've been spending a lot of time together and our feelings just started changing."

"Well you know he is only going out with you because of me, don't you? He isn't over me, Caroline and you know it. Anything he thinks he's feeling for you is just some kind of, of…" Caroline's face was on fire with rage. She walked over to Elena and pointed a finger at her.

"If you care anything about our friendship, you should stop right there. You are about to say something that you will definitely regret." Elena rolled her eyes.

"Whatever Caroline. You know you are wrong for doing this. You have no right being with Stefan when you know what we were to each other."

"But you had no qualms about being with his brother? Are you that much of a hypocrite Elena now? Or have I really never noticed that before." Caroline was in shock that she was having this type of conversation with Elena. She knew she would be upset, but this level of anger took her by surprise.

"I'm leaving Elena. I wanted to tell you and I've done that. Goodbye." Caroline turned to leave the room, when Elena grabbed her wrist.

"Caroline, if you do this, you are going to get hurt. Stefan is still in love with me."

"Elena, after what you've put Stefan through, I don't even know if Stefan likes you, let alone in love with you. Maybe you're the one who hasn't let go yet." Caroline walked out of the bedroom to prepare for her date with Stefan.

Caroline stood in front of her bathroom mirror put the finishing touches of her makeup. She has dabbing the lipstick to the corner of her lips when she noticed that her hand was shaking. Butterflies were shuffling throughout her stomach.

Why am I so nervous? This is Stefan. I have been across the country with this guy and now I'm afraid to go on a date with him. I need to Girl up.

Caroline's pep talk was interrupted with the sound of her doorbell. She walked to the door and took a deep breath before opening it.

Stefan stood in front of the door in crisp black suit with a pale blue button up shirt. The suit was tailored to fit him perfectly emphasizing his strong upper body. Caroline was speechless. She's seen Stefan dressed to impress before, but tonight he looked especially sexy. The broad smile across his face just added to his sex appeal.

"Wow, Caroline. You look…I don't think I even have the proper words to describe you right now." Caroline blushed as she looked down at herself. She was wearing black one shoulder dress with a cutout near her left waist. The dress clung to her body, emphasizing every curve and dip of her body. Her hair was blown dry straight, contouring her face.

"I could say the same for you, Mr. Salvatore. You look great." Caroline replied softly. Stefan extended his arm to her.

"Shall we go?" Caroline took it and held Stefan closely.

"Definitely."

After driving an hour, Caroline began to wonder whether they would ever arrive to their destination. Then Stefan turned off into a driveway. The driveway led to a one story chalet overlooking a buff cliff. The scenery was breathtaking as fireflies danced through out the skies.

"Stefan, this place is incredible." Caroline gasped as Stefan led her up the stairs of the chalet. The chalet led to a spacious living room with tinted window panels surrounding the room. A fireplace burned in the corner and the sounds of soft music drifted throughout the house. Stefan leaned against the doorway post as he watched Caroline walked toward the back wall, where a sliding door led to an outside Jacuzzi patio. Caroline turned to Stefan.

"You just happen to have this place laying around?" She asked laughing softly. Stefan laughed as he started walking toward Caroline.

"It is one of the places I have been looking at to buy. I take it you like it?" Caroline looked around the room smiling.

"Eh, I guess it's alright." Caroline shrugged. "This place is incredible Stefan. You have to take it."

"I don't know. It's awfully big just for me." Stefan's eyes narrowed at Caroline. He started walking toward her. "Unless maybe," Stefan stood face to face with her. "You intend to spend a lot of time here too?" By this time, Stefan wrapped his arms around Caroline's waist and nuzzled her neck. He began to sway to the music that swelled around the room. Caroline loved the feel of his hands around her back, holding her firmly against him. She shivered when she felt his lips pepper kisses along her neck. She gently pulled him back and held his hands.

"Can we talk for a second?" she asked. Stefan nodded and released her hands. He went to the corner and pulled a lush fur blanket, spreading it on the floor in front of the fireplace. Caroline smiled looking at him pull the corners apart.

"This is really beautiful, Stefan. Thank you." Stefan gestured for her to sit, and did the same.

"I'm so glad you liked it. I wanted it to be just right for you." Caroline made a small smile and looked down. Stefan cupped her cheeks, bringing her eyes to his,

"Hey what's wrong?" he whispered softly. She looked at Stefan carefully.

"I told Elena that we were seeing each other today." Stefan nodded his head slowly.

"How did she react?" Caroline made a rough laugh.

"Not well. She basically accused me of coming after you when you were still heartbroken about her." Stefan removed his hand from her face and sat up straight. His face was upset.

"She said what? She said that to you? I can't believe she would do that." Stefan's eyes darkened in anger. Caroline rubbed his face gently, trying to calm him.

"Stefan, it's ok."

"No Caroline. It's not. She can date and make love to my brother, but I can't move on from her." Stefan got up and started pacing the area.

"Maybe I should go talk to her?" he asked quickly. Caroline stood up and walked towards him.

"No. Believe me that would not help. She…well…she thinks you are still in love with her." Caroline stated softly. Stefan made a soft laugh and shook his head.

"She's unbelievable, you know?" He turned and looked at Caroline, who was looking down at the floor.

"You know she's wrong, don't you?" he asked softly. Caroline walked away from him and toward the patio door, looking out at the darkness.

"I know that she hurt you deeply Stefan. Hell, I think I know that better than anyone. I also know that the love that you both shared was unique and special. Something like that doesn't just disappear. Not even when it's faced with challenges and pain." Caroline kept her back towards Stefan, afraid she might cry if she looked into his eyes. Stefan came behind her and wrapped his arms around her shoulders, kissing each one softly. Then he turned her around gently.

"Care, do you know why I invited you up here with me?" Caroline remained silent.

"I did it because I needed to be away from all the distractions of Mystic Falls, and family and friends. I wanted to be with you because you make me feel peaceful and happy." Caroline smiled as his eyes gleamed at her.

"Care, when I was in love with Elena, I felt like I had to protect her, be her savior. She trusted me wholeheartedly to take care of a situation. She needed me and I loved that feeling. But I was never me. I didn't let myself be vulnerable or scared or small. I didn't feel like I could be with her. But with you..." Stefan cupped Caroline's face in his hands bringing her close to him until their foreheads touched.

"With you, I can just be. I can be scared or small or confused. I can be that way because you can be strong for us too. You are strong and capable and smart. You are absolutely beautiful and take my breath away every single time I look at you." Caroline's eyes began to shine from the tears she was holding back. Stefan began peppering her face with light kisses, holding her firmly against him. She felt his manhood grow and rub against her thigh. She felt her mind get blurry and a wave of passion overcame her. Stefan pressed his lips against hers softly, and it grew in intensity as they deepened their kiss. Stefan broke the kiss, aching with a desire for her. He looked deeply into her eyes.

"Dance with me." He said firmly. Caroline let Stefan lead her across the floor, turning and swaying to the seductive melody in the background. Stefan gently glided her across the floor, while slowly lowered the zipper on the back of Caroline's dress. He lightly pulled the dress forward, guiding Caroline's arm out of it, until it simply hung around her waist. She wrapped her arms around his neck and let the dress fall to the floor. Caroline stepped out of the dress, allowing Stefan to pick it up and gently place it on the couch. Caroline, standing in her black lace bra and panties, gently pulled Stefan's jacket off of him and began unbuttoning his shirt. While she was working on the last button, Stefan lifted her up and carried her into the master bedroom on the floor. The room was covered with lit white candles. Stefan lowered Caroline onto the bed and slowly removed his pants and shirt. He looked over Caroline intensely.

"Caroline, you are amazing." He hovered above her, kissing her neck and collarbone, while removing her bra. He sucked on her taut nipples as he caressed them hungrily. He slowly withdrew he panties as he kissed her lower, tasting her essence with his soft, hot tongue. Her breath hitched as his tongue entered her and lapped her passionate juices. Her body swelled at his every touch, moan, and bite. She needed him desperately and felt her body tense as it reached its intense finale. After reaching her climax, she immediately flipped Stefan onto his back and took him into her mouth. Stefan hissed loudly as Caroline caressing him in her mouth, enjoying the feel of his stiff manhood against her throat. She worked him into frenzy until she felt his legs stiffen and he grabbed her hair. He released in her mouth, his eyes glazed by overwhelming passion. They brought each other to the heights of passion throughout the night….

Pushing against each other…

Rubbing fingers through sweated hair…

Deepening their nails into the other's firm flesh as the intensity overwhelmed them over and over.

Stefan kissed Caroline forehead, declining from their latest passion, watching Caroline's face glisten with sweat and contentment. He held her tight against his chest as he closed his eyes to sleep.