Here it is, enjoy ! ;o)

It is a warm evening in Cape Cod, and the atmosphere in the big house on the beach is happy and festive.

A far cry from what it was a few years ago.

Stefan and Caroline are both celebrating their graduation, Caroline in Fashion Designing and Stefan in Merchandising Management.

Damon and Bonnie joined them for the weekend. Elena was invited too, but she also graduating from the University of Virginia and her boyfriend – who is human – took her for a weekend away.

Caroline has been dying to know what's going on between Damon and Bonnie, but they don't give anything away. She's not really sure something is going on, but they are her two best friends, and she wants to see them as happy as she is.

"So, Stefan," Damon asks with a smirk, "Now that you have a big shiny degree from a fashion school, are you going to start dressing like Karl Lagerfeld?"

The girls laugh at that and Stefan smiles. "Karl Lagerfeld is a designer, Damon. I'll deal with the financial aspect of things, amongst others."

"Exactly. I'll design, and Stefan will handle the money stuff", Caroline replies, all excited because she intends to start right away and she is ecstatic to be able to start this big project with the love of her life.

"So, basically, you'll be her accountant," Bonnie tells Stefan with a mischievous smile.

"Yes Bonnie, thank you," Stefan says and raises his glass to her. Caroline mouths to Damon You are so made for each other, but he just gives her that fake innocent look she gets every time she broaches the subject.

Damon raises his glass too. "To my little bro, and my favorite blonde, and to the future Forbes & Salvatore Designs or whatever you'll call this thing."

They all drink to that. Stefan's green eyes meet Caroline's and they add another silent toast.

To Klaus.

Caroline finds herself alone with Damon at some point and decides to grill him a little bit more. "So, the truth Damon. About you and Bonnie. Now."

He laughs. "Geeez, you are like a dog with a bone. There's nothing to say. Besides Bonnie was at NYU the last couple of years and still has one year to go. When would we have found the time to see each other?"

She smiles cheekily. "Every time you left from visiting me & Stefan, as she was like ten minutes away."

He shakes his head. "You're delusional, Barbie. Bennett and I barely tolerate each other."

"Yes, barely," Bonnie intervenes emphasizing the last word all the while exchanging a knowing glance with Damon.

Caroline shakes her head. "Yeah, right...you are still made for each other," she maintains before they all go out for dinner.

Later that night, Caroline and Stefan are cuddling on the terrace, listening to the sound of the waves crashing on the shore. Stefan knows that this is Caroline's favorite place, and they make a ritual of finishing the evening there every time they come.

Stefan is willing to do absolutely everything to make her happy. And she's been happy the last few years, like she has never been in her life before. He is determined to do anything to make sure that look stays on her face for a very, very long time.

Possibly for ever.

She's leaning against his chest and his arms are around her. He kisses her forehead.

"Congratulation on your graduation, miss Forbes. I'm really proud of you."

She smiles in the dark. "Likewise, Mr Salvatore," she says in a sleepy voice. The combination of several glasses of champagne, the soothing sound of the ocean, and the love and safety provided by Stefan's embrace bring her to a blissful and somnolent state. She raises her head and meet his lips, and they exchange a loving kiss.

It is still as passionate as the first time, but there's also now the intimate knowledge that they have of each other and which only served to reinforce the bond between them.

"I booked us a little vacation," he tells her when they break the kiss.

She laughs. "Isn't here supposed to be our vacation?"

"Yes, but I was thinking more of a nice little getaway on a tropical island, just you and me. You in?" he asks with a tender smile.

She sighs contentedly. "Definitely. It will be amazing. Thank you."

"You deserve it. And hell, I deserve it too," he adds, and they both laughs before her face becomes serious again.

"I mean it Stefan. Thank you. It is thanks to you that I'm here today." She plunges her eyes in his. "You saved my life so many times."

His fingers brush her cheek and he winks at her. "Not bad for an accountant, huh?"

The End