Stefan and Caroline separated early in the evening. Caroline had given him an amused knowing look when he excused himself from sitting with the two acquaintances she stopped to chat with. He had no intention of listening to the catty chatter and avoiding their heavy handed, obvious attempts to flirt with him.

Since Klaus had long since relaxed his obsessive watch over Stefan, they were out with only two token hybrids, more ceremonial escorts to show their importance to the Originals and protect them if necessary.

Stefan, leaning sideways against the bar, nursing a beer while he waited for Caroline to rejoin him, gave half his attention to the TV on the far wall. He allowed his eye to wander only to meet a pair of vivid blue eyes that he hadn't seen in over a year.

He stiffened momentarily before forcing his body to relax, allowing his eyes to slide away from his brother. He nonchalantly drained his glass, setting it on the bar and motioned to the bartender for a refill before casually heading in the direction of the men's room. He walked slowly, moving easily through the crowd, and then bypassed the door and hustled down through several corridors before reaching an outside door.

Stefan stepped out into the alleyway, after glancing back to make sure he wasn't followed. He picked up a piece of trash and propped it in the doorway, preventing it from locking, and then straightened, looking quickly around him.

Damon stepped into view from behind a dumpster. "Hello, brother."

Despite the obvious danger and his fear for his brother, that trademark charming devil-may care smile filled a space in his heart that he hadn't realized until now was empty.

"You have to leave," Stefan warned as he stepped close to Damon. "No more free passes from Klaus. You're a dead man if he catches you around me. Please, for the love of God leave." Stefan glanced nervously from side to side, still fearful he had been followed by a hybrid.

"Take it easy, baby bro." Damon put his hands on Stefan's shoulders and shook him reassuringly. "We're gonna get you out of here."

A dark haired, brown eyed slim figure joined Damon. "Hello, Stefan."

"Katherine," Stefan said impatiently. "Are you crazy? Klaus and Elijah are looking everywhere for you."

"I'm not Katherine." She reached up to stroke his face, and he jerked back out of Damon's clasp as if she were a snake ready to strike.

Stefan's eyes narrowed and his head swiveled between them. He chose to berate Damon. "Cut the crap and get out of here. That's not funny!"

Damon stepped towards him again and grasped one shoulder. "It really is Elena. I found her in the hospital basement chomping on one of the orderlies. Apparently the wonder doctor Meredith slipped her some vampire blood while draining her of three pints." Damon shrugged his shoulders. "She knew she couldn't stop Klaus from killing her, so she did the only thing she could."

Stefan stepped back, eyes wide in shock. He half turned as if to run away and then swung back to search his brother's eyes. What he saw there made him relook at her. He tentatively reached out a hand, stopping before he actually touched her.

"Elena?" Three syllables spoken with such amazement, doubt, and longing.

She smiled reassuringly. "It's really me!"

There was a swoosh and a body was in front of Stefan, insinuating itself between him and the other two vampires, pushing both of them back and away.

"Elena." The way Caroline said the word made it more snarl then greeting.

"Caroline!" "Blondie!" Damon and Elena spoke together, smiling, delighted to find her too.

Damon quickly said, "Great, we were only able to trace Stefan, but didn't know if you would be with him. Let's go."

Damon and Elena started to leave only to realize that no one was following them. Surprised, they turned together to see an unsmiling Caroline, her hands outstretched, blocking Stefan, her expression cool, her eyes unfriendly.

As Caroline stood, frozen fragments of thoughts and images flowed through her mind.

A happy laughing Stefan.

Stefan holding her in his arms.

Shopping with Rebekah, Stefan behind them loaded with packages, grumbling good naturedly.

Klaus, Stefan, and Elijah, drinking and debating, jubilant when one scored a point over the others.

Herself, spent after a marathon session with her two lovers

Rebekah and her, cheering their men on at a polo match

Ours is a healthy love

Dining surrounded by her family, discussing the merits of a new chef discovered by Elijah.

Her face hardened, and she grabbed Stefan by the wrist pulling him towards the propped open door. She pushed him through the door and spoke over her shoulder before following him.

"He's ours now. Leave while you still can and don't come back! We have a new life, and you're not part of it."

~ FIN ~