"Sleepy head." Elena shook him gently. Her legs were beginning to get restless after a few hours of him napping. She was beginning to get restless, there was nothing else left on TV for her to watch and the sun was getting lower and lower on the horizon as each hour passed by. She hated that they had missed this beautiful day out on the beach but she would take this over anything. Stefan seemed so exhausted as he snored lightly. He usually wasn't one to snore but he was passed smooth out. If she wasn't mistaken she was starting to feel a little drool seep through her jeans. It was cute but also kind of gross if she could be honest. Stefan didn't budge as Elena began to shake him again. She had to get up soon. "Stefan." She groaned pushing on him.

Stefan jumped up quickly startled by her. Taking in his surroundings he relaxed and eased himself back down on her lap discretely wiping his mouth hoping she didn't notice his drool. "How long was I out?" He stretched.

"Long enough to leave a pool on my jeans." She winked with a teasing smirk.

"Don't embarrass me Elena." He warned.

"And why not?"

"Because I might do this." He reached out to grab onto her sides tickling her. Elena squirmed underneath his grasp trying to desperately getting away but failing as Stefan sat up to get better advantage of her.

"Stefan stop." Elena said between laughing and trying to catch her breath. Even as vampire she never would be stronger than him.

"Never." He grinned mischievously at her.

Elena tried to fight her way away from him but failed miserably as she ended up pinned underneath him on the couch.

"Stefan!" She giggled wiggling some more causing Stefan to stop just for a moment as he realized their position. Elena took advantage of his distracting and rolled them over pinning him underneath her this time.

"You don't play fair." He scolded her.

Elena rolled her eyes as she made sure to tightly hold his arms down. "You said vampires don't have rule." She stated.

"Since when have you listened to me?"

"Since you started making so much sense." She smiled leaning down to press her lips to his. Stefan accepted the kiss with much delight as he felt her fighting for more from him. He gave in to the hungry kiss and Elena let his arms go to freely wrap around her body pulling her closer to him.

"What was that for?" Stefan whispered when she pulled away resting her face in the crook of her neck.

"For loving me."

"It's not like it's a chore Elena." He kissed the top of her head. "It's fairly easy actually."

Elena nodded and slid herself to the side where she was now laying with her head on his chest. Elena played with his fingers lacing her fingers through his. She had always loved how perfectly they fit together. It was something that warmed her heart.

"What are you thinking about?" Stefan asked.

"You." She said softly.

"What about me?"

"How perfect you are."

He smiled with a quiet laugh. "I'm far from perfect and you know that, you're the perfect one."

Elena shook her head with a sigh. "No I'm not."

"In my eyes you are."

"Well in my eyes you are perfect too Stefan."

"We're perfect together." He whispered lifting her chin up to kiss her soft lips.

"You promise to always love me?"

"Until the day I die."

"What if it's long after I do?" She asked with a crack in her voice.

"Hey why are you talking like that?" He asked with concern.

"What if there isn't enough cure to go around? Everybody searching for it wants some of it."

Stefan squeezed the hand in his. "Then I'll love you just as I always have Elena. Human or vampire I'm in love with you."

"How do you always know what to say?"

"I don't." He said honestly. "I love you so I just speak the truth that my heart is telling me. But what about when we both take the cure? What happens then?" He asked wondering what she would want.

"I'm not taking it unless there is enough for you."

"I'm not going to pick a fight with you about it, so let's get back to my question."

Elena smiled and shook her head. "Well first things first I'd kiss you."

"Is that right?"

"Yep." She leaned up kissing him sweetly.

"Then?"

"We be together for as long as we both shall live. I want to marry you one day Stefan and I want kids. I know you've lived life for so long you may be out of that phase in your life, so if you don't want kids then I can live with that."

"I want kids Elena and I've never wanted them with anyone else but you." He replied. "I want to live a normal life with you the way you've always dreamed of. Mystic Falls will be our home and our children's home. I want to live and get old and grey with you spoiling our grandchildren and telling them stories about our younger days and how we fell in love and how we found our way back to one another. I want to marry you in front of our family and friends. I want the house with the white picket fence, the 9-5 job and coming home each day to my beautiful wife and laying down each night with her in my arms and waking up each morning to her smiling face. I want it all with you and I also want to one day be my brother's best friend again. I want him to find the happiness he deserves. I want a lot of things Elena, things I've dreamed about for years but never thought they could happen until I met you. You may think you've ruined Damon and me but you have brought us closer than we have ever been since meeting Katherine. I love you even more for that and if you want to take the cure with me and start a life together I'd be delighted to."

Elena felt tears coming on from hearing his confession. Everything he always has to say is just so beautiful. How was she so blind to think that she was in love with someone else? "I want you too Stefan, I want it all human or vampire."

Stefan smiled wiping the tears from her eyes. "No need to cry." He whispered kissing her nose making her smile. "That's what I like to see."

"Stefan I have to be honest with you too though."

"What's that?" He asked as he felt her sit up and move to the other end of the couch. "Whatever it is you can tell me, it will be okay. I will make sure of that."

"I almost lost control today." She brought her knees up to her chest. She was disappointed in herself and she didn't want Stefan to be as well.

"The blood bags?" He questioned. "It's okay Elena it wasn't that bad."

She shook her head. "While you were gone I almost lost it, it's been starting back up."

"Your cravings?" Elena nodded. "Why didn't you want to be honest with me?"

"I'm embarrassed. I should have better control."

"You are new at this babe, there are going to be days where it's hard."

"Stefan I wanted to drain that girl at the club last night because I thought she was Rebekah and even when we first got there I could smell the blood pumping through everyone's veins and all I wanted was a little taste."

"You didn't though." He told her trying to reassure her it was okay to have cravings.

"I didn't last night, but I almost did today. When you were gone I lost control. I went through those blood bags in like a minute and I fought every instinct in my body to not walk down on that beach and just feed from someone. I was almost out the door when I heard your phone ringing. It was Bonnie. I didn't answer because I was afraid, I was scared that if I did she would be able to tell something was up and talk me out of what I was about to do and that was the last thing I wanted. I thought about how Damon said it was okay and that it was natural for a vampire to feed off of humans and then I thought about you and how upset with me you would be if I did, I thought about how I didn't want to live that life and be that person but the craving was just so bad I needed to taste the blood coming from the source. I wanted it so bad Stefan. I was so close to running back out the house and getting it over with before you came back. I wasn't going to think twice I was just going to do it and then compel them to forget. I'd be home before you were and it would all be okay again. Then Bonnie texted you and I read the message because it was for me. She told me not to do it."

"And you didn't." Stefan reached out for her hand. "You beat it."

"Because of Bonnie not because I wanted to."

"She just gave you some words of advice from miles away. You were here all alone and you did it yourself not because of Bonnie and not because of me, you did it because of you. It was your own inner strength that pulled you through it. Elena don't you see that you are in control of your own actions now?" Stefan smiled.

Elena let a smile slip onto her face as she let his words sink in. "I did didn't I?"

"You did sweetheart."

"I can't believe it."

"Baby steps just moved up to big girl steps." He laughed.

"I'm getting there."

"You are there just need to keep taking it day by day and next time when your cravings start up don't be afraid to tell me. I'm here to help you. I love you Elena."

"I love you too Stefan."

The next week passed with Stefan and Elena just enjoying themselves each night and day. They spent their days on the beach or just walking around town doing some shopping. Elena's bloodlust had finally cooled down and she was able to control herself in crowds once again. The two were happy again. Elena was finally relaxing and letting loose not worrying about the cure or anything else but being with Stefan. Stefan as well was relaxing more now that he knew that Elena was going to be okay. Every few days Stefan would contact Damon and check on the cure. Things were still weird between them but for Elena's safety they put their differences aside. Stefan had still withheld their whereabouts from Damon and Jeremy. Damon didn't blame them though because Klaus would only compel them to tell the truth. The brothers didn't want Elena in Klaus' reach until the cure was found it was too risky now.

Stefan and Elena were walking into the beach house with tons of bags in tow, mainly shopping bags from Elena but others a bunch of decorations, beer, and alcohol.

"Stefan please tell me what is going on." Elena sighed as she finally set the bags down. She wasn't sure how a vampire got exhausted but she definitely was. Shopping all day long going in and out of stores was an exercise. Stefan had happily walked along with her never once complaining or rushing her along like any other guy would do, for that Elena thanked him for. Then when it came time for Stefan to do his shopping Elena had to ask questions.

"Elena I told you we are having a party." He laughed at the pout on her face.

"But what is with all the food? You already went shopping for the two of us and now it's like you went shopping for an army." She gestured to the bags.

Stefan shrugged. "I got carried away."

"Right..." She drug out as she nudged him walking by to go upstairs. "I'm going to put my clothes away and when I get back try not to act so weird."

Stefan laughed and continued putting things up where they belonged. He decided to do it super-fast to try and get done before Elena came back down. Just as he was moving the last piece of furniture his phone went off. Stefan checked it with a smile before deleting the message and walking back into the kitchen to feel a gust of wind.

"What is going on?!" Elena asked with a raised eyebrow and her arms crossed over her chest. "Stefan you bought ping pong balls, a table, tiki torches, shot glasses, you made Jell-O shots this morning for crying out loud."

Stefan just shook his head trying to act innocent but Elena wasn't buying it. "I ran into some people the other day when I was out on a hunt and they wanted to have a party tonight."

"Strangers?" Stefan nodded. "You're lying."

"No I'm not."

"Why would you invite random people into our home to get plastered with us?"

"Our house huh?" Elena looked down at her hands trying to look him in the eyes. She did say their house. "What's mine is yours." He said grabbing her hand.

"Then just tell me what is going on. You have this place looking like the ultimate party pad. I haven't ever been to a party with such a great set up. The beach outside and not to mention you freaken splurged on a damn hot tub the other day to put on the patio. I'm at a loss here and I don't like it."

"This place hasn't seen a party since Lexi and I thought in honor of everything we have accomplished that it was time to celebrate. Even if it is with some strangers." Stefan tried to tell her.

Elena wasn't buying any of it though. Stefan was hiding something from her but she knew from experience if he wanted something kept as a secret she wouldn't find out until he wanted her too. Damn that boy for being able to keep a straight face. "I know you're up to something and I'm determined to figure it out."

"And how is that?" Stefan asked grabbing onto her hips as he pressed her back against the island in the kitchen.

"Maybe a little bit of this." She whispered as she leaned down to kiss along his neck sucking right underneath his ear. Stefan's knees buckled for a moment as he gripped her hips tighter trying to steady himself. This girl held so much power over him it was unbelievable.

"Elena." He said in a strained voice as he tried to hold onto his control.

Elena smiled against his skin as she ran her tongue along his neck before dragging her teeth down it and nipping along the way. Stefan groaned at the feeling.

"What are you doing to me?" He asked losing his breath.

"Exactly what you've been doing to me every day that we've been here."

"Not fair."

"All's fair in love and war baby." She whispered before sinking her teeth into him. Stefan let out a cry of pleasure as he felt her drink from him. She really wasn't playing fair but who was he to stop her? He was enjoying it all too much. Elena licked her lips when she pulled back and Stefan took the opportunity to hoist her up onto the Elena as he stood between her legs. They were the perfect height as he kissed her hungrily tasting his own blood on her tongue. Not wasting anytime he pulled her shirt above her head.

"You're so beautiful." He said admiring her body as she panted trying to catch her breath from their kiss. Stefan began kissing down her chest reaching behind her to unclasp her bra letting it fall to the ground. Taking one nipple into his mouth he swirled his tongue around it while his other hand work the other one over. Elena moaned loudly. Stefan used his free hand to grab her hair as he kissed his way back up her neck. Her neck was long and exposed as he held her hair pulled back arching her back towards him. "So sexy." He whispered against her ear. "Just so free for the taking." He nipped at her ear lobe. "So willing." He said after hearing her whimper waiting for his next move. Her legs wrapped around his waist trying to get some sort of friction from him. Her body was aching with desire, she needed her release. "All's fair." He said before sinking his teeth into her in the exact same spot that she did him. Stefan drank from her savoring every drop of her blood. There was something so intimate about drinking from her even if she wasn't human anymore. He was getting lost in drinking from her.

Elena felt herself losing some of her strength as he drank a large quantity of her blood. "Stefan stop." She whispered. Stefan didn't hear her so Elena used her feet to push him back and Stefan finally let go as he flew into the other counter. Elena watched as his eyes grew dark and the veins became more visible.

Stefan smirked as he reproached her taking his spot back between her legs. "Sorry, you just taste so good."

"I won't taste good if you drain me." She told him with a warning in her tone. He nodded as he watched her neck heal making sure there were no traces of his bite. Elena grabbed the back of his neck crashing her lips into his as they started the passion back up again. She reached down and lifted his shirt above his head tossing it somewhere before reattaching her lips to his. Soon Elena was naked and Stefan was on his knees with his head in-between her legs. "Stefan please." She moaned as he teased her just barely letting his tongue reach out to taste her. Stefan grabbed her thighs to hold them apart as he dove in like it was his favorite meal. He licked every part of her as Elena laced her fingers through his hair holding on for dear life never wanting him to leave that spot. He was working miracles with her body.

Stefan pulled his head away for a moment earning a growl from Elena. He looked up to meet her eyes as they were hooded with lust. She was so close to coming and he was only with holding her from it. He held the power once again. Elena wanted to slap the smirk right off his face but she was afraid to say anything in fear that he wouldn't finish what he started and she could not be having that. Stefan brought one finger to her opening letting it slip in as Elena's eyes closed as he slowly started to pump it in and out before inserting one more. Elena was back to moaning as she let go of his hair to place her hands behind her so she could lean her body back some. This was all too much for her. He stood up but never removing his fingers as he brushed his thumb over her sensitive button making Elena tremble.

"Look at me." He ordered as he grabbed her with his other arm around her waist pulling her back up into a sitting position. The new angle set his fingers inside of her right on spot. Elena locked eyes with him as he brought her over the edge. She moaned loudly as her orgasm took over her body. As Elena came down from her high Stefan had somehow managed to discard his jeans and boxers. She didn't question him about it though as he held his hard erection in his hand slowly pumping it. Elena licked her lips at the sight of him. He was all hers for the taking. She opened her legs wider to allow him to come closer and align himself with her entrance. Without a second thought he was inside of her. Elena moaned out loudly as did Stefan at their connection. Every time was just so intense and it never got old. Stefan was slowly thrusting in and out of her but Elena wasn't having any of it today. He was toying with her emotions too much today. Wrapping her legs around his tightly she pushed them off the counter and Stefan went stumbling back until his back hit the refrigerator. Elena grabbed onto to the top using it as leverage to pull herself up and down on him. Stefan groaned and took one of her breast into his mouth as it was at the perfect height now.

"Elena oh my God." Stefan mumbled into her chest.

"Stefan you're so good." She moaned as she squeezed the fridge tighter in her grasp. Stefan's hands were on her hips helping guide her up and down on him.

"I'm about to come baby." He didn't want to come before her but this was so hot. With this position though he wasn't left in a state where he could do much so he walked them over to the table clearing everything on top as he set Elena down climbing on top entering her again. Elena wrapped her legs around him as Stefan pumped furiously in and out of her. He needed her to come already before he lost himself. Stefan felt her inside muscles squeeze him tighter as her head feel back and her back began to arch. She started moaning his name over and over and Stefan knew she was finally over the edge. He thrusted into her one last time as he released himself feeling the table collapse beneath them.

Elena started giggling as Stefan tried to catch his breath resting his body on top of hers. He looked around to see that they indeed had broken the table. "Talk about coming down from a high." He laughed.

"Stefan we broke the table." Elena laughed with him.

"It's fixable." He kissed her lovingly.

"I love you babe." Elena said brushing his sweaty hair off his forehead.

"Not as much as I love you." He winked.

"So are you going to tell me what this party is about?" Elena asked.

Stefan rolled his eyes wondering how after everything she is still wanting to know about that. Just as he opened his mouth to answer the doorbell rang. Elena gave him a questioning look silently asking who could be coming over. Stefan just smiled.