MISTER

I'm not sure how to start this one, so I think it's best to just start from the beginning. Mister met me at one of the lowest points in my life. I had found out that my best friend and boyfriend at the time, had been dating for a few months behind my back. News like this, you never want to believe, you refuse to believe it until you see it with your own eyes so admittedly, I had them followed. Just for one day, I know how crazy that makes me seem, but it's the truth. That night I was sent photos of the two as they spent the whole day together as if what they were doing was completely normal and fine. As if they didn't give a single shit about my feelings at all as they made out and laughed and held hands. My heart was crushed but I had a movie that I needed to focus on so I was glad for the distraction. Then I saw him. Mister. I remember how beautiful I thought his eyes were and how white his teeth were once he smiled at me introducing himself. Somehow I was able to keep my cool and introduced myself back. We started talking about acting, getting to know one another and he invited me out for dinner. "Just to get to know each other a little better," he made sure to say so that we both know this isn't an actual date. Honestly, that crushed me too. I found myself thinking between takes just how undesirable I must be because if my boyfriend could move on so easily without having the decency to break up with me, then why would Mister see me as anything other than a coworker?

During that dinner, I found myself not having to force a smile or laugh anymore. He made me feel like he actually cared and the best part was I knew that he did. He would always look so deep into my eyes as I talked, making me feel heard and important. I found myself telling him about the situation going on back home and he genuinely apologized and said that I deserved none of that. He told me that whoever he was, was an idiot for ever doing something like that to me and offered to beat him up as a joke and I laughed and told him that I have my own ways of making his life miserable. He raised his bushy eyebrow at that and I cursed in my mind thinking that I may have gone too far, that I lost his interest and he thinks I'm crazy. I quickly try to think of something adorable to say but we both looked down at his phone as it started to vibrate and I read a woman's name before he picks it up and excuses himself. I wanted to bang my head against the window next to me until it broke. I have a staredown with that window and just as I was running the possibilities over my head, Mister sits back down in front of me and apologizes, saying that it was his girlfriend needing some help with something. Our waitress came and took our empty plates and a part of me hoped that she would ask if we wanted any dessert but she didn't and I hated it because I didn't want the night to end like this. He thinking I'm crazy only confirming more that he's glad he has a sane girlfriend back at home.

I thanked him for the night and offered to pay the check but he looked at me like I was crazy and told me "absolutely not" before he reached for his wallet. For some reason that made me smile. We hugged and I never felt so small but in a good way. Like he was the protector of all the shit going on in my life and I hated when he moved his arms away. He touched my face and told me that he'd see me tomorrow and walked down to his car. My heart had never beaten so fast. I felt like crying but not because I was sad, but because I felt some happiness and love.

The next day, he smiled upon seeing me and told me that he had a great time last night and forgot to mention it in the moment. I told him such back and suggested that we hang out again sometime to which he agreed and told me of a club that he heard about and wanted to check out since we only had night shoots the following day. I agreed immediately then we were pulled onto the set. The day ran longer, not giving me much time to properly get ready but I had to remind myself that he wasn't single but that still didn't stop me from dressing as if he was. I couldn't help it and I had someone in my ear telling me to go for it so I did.

He met me outside and I remember the look on his face once he saw me. It made me feel a little desirable after all. He told me that I looked great and hugged me before moving his arm around my waist and we walked inside together. I didn't notice it at the moment but the paparazzi were capturing our whole encounter and I would see photo evidence of this later that night.

He asked me if I wanted a drink and though I had sworn off of drinking because of this role, I figured that just one wouldn't hurt and he paid for my sex on the beach. He raised his beer bottle that I didn't notice he had in his hand and we toasted to a night out. I was ready to sit on a stool, but he took my hand and led us to the VIP section. I never go clubbing so this all was a first for me and it was exciting then I started shaking because that meant that we would be alone together and though that was something I really, really wanted, the last thing I wanted to do was further his possible suspension of me that I'm crazy so I decided that I would just sit my drink down and not touch it once we were finally to wherever he was leading me. I frowned when I noticed him greet someone else then introduced me to Goldfish—who we'll know more about in the next chapter. I forced a smile but all I really wanted to do was scream because this wasn't at all how I wanted things to be. I wanted my private club scene moment with Mister and laugh at his jokes and hope that maybe he'd put his hand on my thigh. Goldfish gives me a look and at that moment I hoped that this wasn't some sort of set up, that Mister was playing matchmaker so I made sure to make it obvious that I wasn't interested in him in that way. I stood by Mister the entire night and though Goldfish was always there, I'm sure he knew that I was into his friend. When our night came to an end, I kissed Mister on the side of his mouth and his arms went around me in a hug. My back was exposed in that dress, I remember because I can never forget the feeling I had when his hands ran up my bareback. I was in love. Just like that. He kissed me on the forehead then he was gone. Just like that. I drove myself home and dreamed about him.

As the weeks passed, I could tell that something was wrong with Mister. He would barely acknowledge me and it crushed my heart and once I had finally gained the courage to ask if I did something wrong, he told me that he's been in a fight with his girlfriend. He told me that he saw the photos of us at the club and got angry and jealous. I was beaming on the inside because maybe this fight would turn into their breakup. Maybe we can finally be together. I told him that I would be there for him if he needed me and he thanked me. Just a week later, he told me that they had broken up. My heart was pounding like a drum with happiness and I knew I shouldn't technically be happy but I was. I held him as he cried about her and ran my fingers through his hair as I let him know that everything would be fine. I don't know how long he was in my arms but I know that I never wanted it to end. We ended up falling asleep in my trailer and that's when the gossip started around the set that we were sleeping together. My guess is someone or some people saw him exiting my trailer and assumed. I realized that in scenes when we would have to kiss or makeout, he would kiss me as if he actually wanted to and not because he had to. He would touch me because he wanted to, play with my hair because of the same reason.

I invited him out to the movies one night and insisted on paying and he let me. We shared a large popcorn and got separate bottles of water. I would purposefully touch his hand with mine as we both grabbed a handful of the snack and he would look over at me but I kept my eyes focused on the screen. Acting as if it was no big deal, that it wasn't affecting me when in reality that's exactly what it was doing. When the movie was over was when we shared our first kiss that wasn't being filmed. He grabbed my face and kissed me as the credits rolled and I kissed him back, stopping myself from straddling his lap. I felt so lightweight then he pulled away. I frowned and he started to apologize saying he should've asked to kiss me first but I just kissed him again. We made out in the backseat of my car and I felt as if I was seventeen again. The way he touched me and kissed me made my head spin rapidly and it deepened my love for him.

The next day on set, he met me in my trailer and I jumped in his arms and he carried me over to the couch and we made out for a while until he pulled away and told me that he didn't want to jump into another relationship. I asked him what that meant exactly and he suggested that we keep this "no strings attached", that we just hook up. I said yes and told him that I didn't want a relationship either because of my past and he smiled. He was happy that he didn't have to be committed to me, happy that he didn't have to take me on dates or get me something for my birthday. Happy that this was just sex and nothing more than that. I, however, shoved those thoughts in the very back of my brain and thought that maybe I could change his mind in the long run. That maybe he'd see me for who I am and actually want to be with me. I'm positive that Mister did then and quite possibly still up until now thought that I actually meant that I truly wanted to keep things casual between us. He couldn't read my thoughts and I didn't tell him nor did I show it on my face.

The next night is when we had sex. He was so caring and loving to me and he pleased me fully. At that moment I honestly had not a care in the world that he didn't want me as his girlfriend because of the way he felt on top of me. After that, I could barely keep my hands off of him. On set, off set and that's when the news spread that we were dating beyond the set. I didn't care to deny it and neither did he and we just kept going as we were. I thought that he started falling for me because of how he would just stare at me sometimes in a romantic way. We started hanging out more frequently then the movie came to an end and our relationship followed.

I waited by my phone day and night just hoping that he would call or text me but he never did and that feeling of being undesirable stirred up again. I broke up with my "boyfriend", I know, it took me forever and told him because the rumors were true and Stefan and I were dating. You may be wondering if he reached out to me at all while those gossip sites wrote headline after headline about Mister and I but he only called me once and asked if it were true. I told him they weren't because they weren't and that was that. I know, what a classy guy, right? I moved out of my apartment and moved to a different city to lessen the chances of me ever seeing them again.

My career started to really kick-off. I blame the attention that Mister and I got because of that but I was not complaining. I filmed small roles on TV shows, movies and got sponsorships. My life was turning out just as I wanted it to be, just as I dreamed it to be.

Then the movie came out.

Imagine my utter surprise seeing him posing on the carpet with whom I will get to know to be Emerald at our international premiere. I watched them pose together and my heart felt as if it was stomped on when he kissed her. The jealous side of me wanted to rip her hair out but instead, I walked up to her and introduced myself. I asked her how long they've been seeing each other and she told me 'not long'. I hated that he would choose to want to date her besides myself. I thought about why he would want to date her and not me, what does she have that I don't. Mister calls me over and asks me to play nice and I offer that we pose together on the carpet to get everyone's minds off of Emerald and Mister and onto myself and Mister instead.

After the photos, I lost sight of him but found him as I made my way to my seat. My friend told me to claim what was meant to be mine so I pretend to slip on my dress so I could fall onto his lap. He took the bait and helped me to my seat and after the movie, he drove with me to my hotel. We made out once we reached my room and he touched me like he always used to. He looked at me as he used to and I thought that this was it, that maybe things would start back up again, but he moved away and told me that he couldn't do this because of Emerald. I tried to convince him to stay but he left me and went to her. The next morning I see them eating breakfast together on Instagram as if his tongue wasn't down my throat not that long ago. I bounced around with the idea and decided to message Emerald, warning her about him and she never responds. She read it but didn't respond. I honestly expected her to have an attitude with me so I was a bit shocked at how chill she was, but we'll save that for another chapter.

When it was time to head home, I made a visit to Mister's hotel and he told me that he made a mistake last night and that he really likes Emerald and wants to see how things go between them. I took my defeat and hugged him goodbye before I had to catch a plane to Paris for a movie I was shooting.

I had thought that would be the end of us but I was wrong.

We got scheduled to do a photoshoot together and of course Emerald was there. I knew that they hadn't broken up, but a part of me still hoped that they had. She seemed distracted with other things which I would get her to tell me later, so I use that to my advantage and try to get Mister to tell me what I hoped to hear which was that there was trouble in paradise but he denies my claims. Since that failed I just decided that I needed to get back into Mister's life by befriending Emerald and it works. I'm back in his life again. To go even further, I asked Goldfish to be my manager and he accepted. We started to become friends again, he would confide in me and he comforted me one night in a bathroom.

"You comforted her in a bathroom?" Bonnie stopped reading and turned to her husband, raising an eyebrow.

Stefan scratches the back of his head. "You know, I'm having a hard time remembering that actually,"

"Oh, so you want to play it that way, huh?"

He sighed. "It's not as bad as it sounds. Remember when we went out for dinner and then I went to use the bathroom? Well when I was walking out, I heard someone crying in the women's bathroom pretty loudly and I wanted to make sure that everything was okay and it just so happened to be Elena."

Bonnie narrowed her eyes. "That's very random. What the fuck was she doing at that restaurant crying in a bathroom?"

"I don't know, I didn't ask."

"She's definitely holding something back. Is everything she said about y'all's relationship true?"

"Yeah, pretty much. I mean through her perspective it's true. I didn't smile because I was happy that I didn't have to commit to her. I liked her, I was happy that she was supposedly on the same page as me."

Bonnie looked through the words and once she found where she left off she began reading again.

I saw Mister here and there and then it happened. I had to find out via Twitter of all places that Mister was shot and that he could've died and I never told him the truth of how I really feel about him. I don't have many regrets in life but if he did die, holding back my feelings would be on the top of that list. I asked Goldfish to tell me the moment Mister was okay and the second he did, I dropped everything and went to him. The moment he said my name I could've cried. They said his memories were gone, but he remembered me. Me. The girl that thought she was undesirable, the girl that would do anything for him to give her the time of day. I didn't speak a word or even make a sound, but he noticed me. He noticed me within a second and once again he was looking at me like he used to and yet differently. A good type of different. Different like he actually wanted to be with me. I held back because of his state and the fact that at this point he's engaged to Emerald, but at that moment he didn't seem like he wanted to be and I wasn't the only one who noticed. A glimmer of hope sparked within me and that spark burned brighter when I was invited to the family Thanksgiving per Mister's request.

I arrived expecting things to be awkward but Mister and I kept to ourselves and he held my hand and asked me to sit next to him at the dinner table. I gladly accepted. At the table, we held our own private conversations and he made me laugh and I felt like maybe this was our second chance, and that night he called me and asked me to come over. I was happy, this was my second chance, my do-over. I told myself that I would no longer hold back my true feelings for Mister so I agreed to this and was happy to find out that he was still as charming as ever. He told me that he was given a choice between Emerald and myself and he chose me. He felt comfortable around me, he knew me and reviewed the feelings that he had towards me, feelings that I never knew he had, feelings that I only thought were one-sided. I wanted to cry and smile and jump up and down all at the same time.

I remember lying in bed with him and he would stroke my hair and gaze into my eyes. He told me that it was easy being with me, that he didn't have to try to be anyone else other than himself. I felt the exact same way. So much so that posting about it online was the very last thing on my mind. I just wanted him. I've wanted him for so long, years. He asked me to move in with him and without a hint of hesitation, I did. I was floating on a cloud that I would do anything to stay this way. Our sex was magical, his passion for me and mine for him shook me to the core. I honestly wanted to get pregnant. That's how much I loved this man. I wanted to have his babies and I wasn't even close to having a ring on my finger. When I was with him, he made me feel important and loved unlike any other. He would hold me in his arms and I would feel at home. His love for me would spread throughout my body and flow in my veins. Nothing else in the world mattered to me in those moments because I was where I've always wanted to be and longed to be.

Then, of course, one day it ended.

Right out of the blue.

I had noticed him acting a bit strange, he seemed distracted, and sometimes when he would look at me, it felt as if he wasn't looking at me. I don't remember who suggested we go out to get some fresh air, but I was thankful for it because I thought that would help clear his mind. It's on our walk when I told him that I loved him for the very first time. He looked at me as if that was the last thing he had wanted to hear but masked it with him using the excuse of being in a very confusing time and I started to wonder when did everything suddenly become confusing? You chose me and we've been together and you kissed me and touched me and made love to me and now suddenly things are confusing? What changed? He told me that he did love me though and held my face, and made all those thoughts vanish. I hated the power he had over me. I still to this day have no idea why Mister was so different from the rest because, on paper, he's just like any other random guy.

We continue with our walk not really talking but holding hands and we make it back to his place- our place and just be together. I woke up to his phone ringing and saw it was an incoming call from Goldfish. I was going to ignore it but I answered it and he requested a meeting with Mister. A part of me didn't want to tell him once he awoke, but I know that Goldfish would call again if he didn't hear back from him and there would surely be a time when I'm not around and he'd answer it. So I passed along the message once he woke up and he left.

I wait and wait and wait around for him to return. He wasn't answering my calls or texts or doing anything that I could visibly see to know that he was okay. I started to feel terrified, like something worse happened to him than before and when night stroke, I had planned to go out and find him but before I made it out the door, Mister walked in. I was so happy I felt like crying. He apologized to me and I forgave him instantly and stood on my toes to kiss him but he rejected me by pulling away before our lips even met. I frowned and questioned him about what was wrong and he told me that he's going back to Emerald. That the memories that were once gone had returned and he no longer wants to be with me. He apologized and tried to pin his actions on me by saying that he wasn't fully himself when he was with me. That since his memories were gone he wasn't thinking clearly. I took that as since I had full tact of my memories and I was thinking clearly, I should've known better. I should've known that he would never choose me when I was up against Emerald. That I shouldn't have been stupid enough to ever believe that I was enough for him. I told him to give me an hour so I could pack my things and he leaves me. I was out of there in ten minutes and back in my own place in thirty. I tried to cry because I had so many emotions flowing through me but I found myself unable. I still can't. So I went to therapy. It was my first time talking about this out loud and sharing my emotions with someone else. Someone who actually listened to me and that's something that I haven't had in a while. She made me write out everything that happened to me during the week and when we had our sessions, I had to read out loud to her and that helped me out a lot. So in some ways even though I can say that this was one of the worst experiences in my life, it helped me all the same. I honestly can't say if I were able to go back if I would do things differently or not. I like who I am now, the things that I've come to realize and know because of him.

So far, I've only seen Mister once more since then. Another movie premiere to have things come full circle. He was with Emerald but they had separated to take photos separately and as I was posing, he called out my name. I smiled internally and most likely on the outside as well because that feeling that I would get, that insecure, vulnerable feeling wasn't present this time. I felt strong and that made me proud of myself. I turned to him and we hugged and exchanged a few words before Emerald joined us and I requested that we all pose together. It made headlines that night and the next morning and to answer those journalist questions and click-bait headlines; no. I wouldn't say that things are "all good", but I will say that I have moved on and clearly so has everyone else.

"Chapter end." Bonnie exhaled.

"I'm sorry you had to read about Elena and mine… extracurricular activities."

She chuckled. "It's okay, I knew it would be in there."

"I love you."

"I love you more." She moved in to kiss his lips. "You read mine later? Although I'm grouped with Mason which sucks."

He chuckled. "Don't be jealous,"

"I guess I should've seen it coming, it's not like she would have too much to say about either of us."

"Mason says she says a lot."

"I'm sure she does which is why I'm scared to even open Instagram or Twitter."

"You'll still have me, babe, I promise."

She smiled and even more once he kissed her cheek. "That's all that matters to me."

He meets their lips and kisses her deeply, moving his hand in her hair. He moved on top of her and lifted her leg around his waist as their mouths continued.

Bonnie opened her eyes and smiled noticing that he was already looking at her.

"Happy anniversary,"

Her smile widened. "Happy anniversary," she closed her eyes as he kissed her.

"I remember how nervous I was to see you for the first time,"

"You were nervous?"

"Of course I was. Then we walk in and hear strange noises and walk further in only to see you struggling to put on your dress." They chuckled. "You turn around after noticing our presence and bam. Your tit's out." Bonnie laughed and he chuckled and smiled watching her do so. "You had no idea and then I realized that I had nothing to be nervous about because you were just as clueless as I was."

She smiled. "So you're saying that if you walked in and I was dressed perfectly and everything I would've made you nervous?"

"One hundred percent. I'm so glad that wasn't the case."

"Do you think we still would've dated?"

"Of course. I don't think it would've happened so quickly, but yes."

"I love you. I was super nervous too but then I overslept and I had to rush getting ready so that's why I was so disheveled. If it wasn't for Mason looking everywhere except at me, my tit would still be out till this day."

He laughed.

"You played it so cool, babe." She added.

"Admittedly I was so shocked that it was the only thing I was focused on."

She smiled. "I love us."

"I love us too." He kisses her twice. "Can I post a sleeping photo of you to celebrate?"

"Babe, why do you like me sleeping so much?"

"I don't like you sleeping per se, I like how peaceful you look sleeping, it makes me happy."

She sighed. "Fine. But only if you post a sexy one of me later."

He chuckled. "Deal." He reaches for his phone.

Bonnie lays on her back close beside him to watch his process. Her eyes widen at how many pictures he has of her sleeping because two is more than enough in her eyes but obviously not in Stefan's. She guesses that she finds it kind of cute in a way. She watches him export the image to Instagram before he starts writing his caption.

It is my one year anniversary with this sleeping beauty. We were just going over our first time meeting one another and I was nervous as hell but one look at her, I felt peace. Who knew my life would change so much just because of her. I would learn so many lessons, grow so much as a man, and strive to be better than I was yesterday. To the love of my life, my wife, my future baby mama, the woman of my dreams, I hope to wake up every morning next to your sleeping face and just appreciate all that I have, appreciate the man that I am because of you. I love you so much bonniesalvatore. To many many more years with you, to infinity and beyond.

"You're so fucking romantic, babe."

"It's easy with you." He smiled as she took the phone from his hand and straddled his lap as she removed her shirt.

Bonnie scrolled through her photos to find one that she wanted to post. She wanted to post a selfie but realized that she had very few and frowned at that making sure to remind herself to take more selfies with him. She didn't want to post a photo of them on a carpet or photoshoot and she gasped remembering that her mom took one of them as they were napping on her couch. She doesn't think that she saved it, so she went to her texts and found the image and smiled. It was perfect and she would credit her mom because she knew that she would be expecting her credit then went to Instagram. Her eyes widened at the notifications and were surprised about the followers and likes but was most afraid about the comments. Though she has yet to read her part, she's sure that people would be on Elena's side or not like her too much after reading about her past, but at least she doesn't have to hide it anymore. She thought roughly of a caption as she was applying a few edits to make it brighter then started typing.

One year ago little did I know that I would start the rest of my life by looking into those eyes. Our relationship was and is never perfect but at the end of the day, we're always by each other's side. I'm so happy that I know you, that I can spend the rest of my life with you and love you unconditionally. You're the best man that I have ever known. You've taught me so much about myself and about life that I don't know who I'd be or where I'd be without you. I will love you forever and ever stefansalvatore. To many many many more years with you, my husband. Photo credits to my mommy.

Bonnie looked up and smiled widely seeing him walk in with a bouquet of flowers in his hand. She stood and walked over to him with open arms and hugged him tightly as he did so back. He kissed along her neck and smiled hearing her giggle before he pulled away.

"For you, my bride." He handed her the flowers and watched her smell them.

"Thank you, baby."

"You're welcome, baby." He kissed her lips and held her face. "You're so beautiful."

She bit her bottom lip and his hands traveled. He met their lips again and caught her as she jumped in his arms and met their lips again. "What would you like our anniversary dinner to be or do you prefer going out?"

"Hm, I think I would like for us to stay in and I watch you cook in lingerie."

She chuckled. "Okay, daddy."

"Speaking of daddy, whenever you're ready to pop one out, I'm ready."

She smiled. "I'll keep that in mind. I was actually thinking about finishing the birth control I have and then we can see what happens after that."

"Yes, please." He kissed her. "I want a baby girl."

"That's when the real competition will start."

He laughed. "No, I won't make you compete for daddy's attention and love, I promise."

"Pinky promise."

He hugged her pinkie with his then kissed her. "I love you."

"I love you mores."

He kisses her again as she extends her legs until they touch the floor. He held her face, kissing her deeper until they were interrupted by his phone ringing. "Hey, mom,"

Bonnie decides to kiss along his neck and chest.

"I just wanted to call and wish you and Bonnie a nice anniversary. Any plans?"

"Um, I think we're just gonna stay in and just be together. I don't want all the cameras and stuff."

Bonnie forces his head down and bites on his bottom lip.

"Yeah that sounds good. Hopefully you both can stop by soon. I feel like I haven't seen you both since the wedding."

"Definitely I'll set something up, I promise. I have to go but I'll see you later."

"Okay, I love you, tell Bonnie the same."

"Will do, I love you too." He ended the call then lifted her legs around his waist again before carrying her back into their room.

Bonnie looked over her shoulder hearing his camera go off and narrowed her eyes at him.

"What? You said I had to post a sexy one of you later."

She rolled her eyes but turned back to the stove, cooking in lingerie as per her husband's request. She smiled feeling his arms hug her from behind. "This smells so good,"

"I've got my lasagna in the oven, with the breadsticks and I'm almost done with the salad."

"Damn, I'm a lucky man." He held her tighter and started kissing her neck. "I love you so much."

"I love you too." They kissed twice.

"Let me get a little hip action,"

She chuckled but circled her hips into him slowly twice before shaking, bending her knees a little before straightening them.

"Mmf. You're sexy."

"You're sexy."

He grabs her face and meets their lips twice then slaps her ass before heading into their room. Bonnie went to check on the lasagna and reached for her phone as it rang. She narrowed her eyes seeing who was calling then looked down the hall seeing Stefan on their bed before answering. "Hello?"

"Hey,"

"I must admit that I'm shocked,"

"I know," Enzo sighed, "I just- I heard about the wedding and today's your anniversary with him and I just- I just miss you and I want to tell you that and also I'm happy for you."

"Thanks. How are you doing after everything?"

"Much better. I do wish that I could go back and do things differently, I mean especially with Caroline."

"Well I don't know if you've talked to her but she's doing great. Not to like rub salt on your possible wounds."

He chuckled. "No, it's fine, I know she's seeing someone. I've seen them out a few weeks ago. He must be new to town or something."

"Well, actually he's Stefan's best friend."

He chuckled. "Nice. Anyway, I'll let you go now, I don't want to rain on your parade. Although I guess I'm somewhat forgiven considering the fact that you unblocked my number."

"To be honest I kind of expected this day to come but not so much on today."

"Yeah, I have great timing, I guess."

Bonnie smiled.

"I love you, B, and I can't wait to see your new movie when it comes here."

"If I can figure it out, I'll send you a copy."

"I'll be waiting by my mailbox. Or my email inbox."

She chuckled.

"Babe, is dinner ready yet?" Stefan shouted from their room.

"I have to go,"

"Okay."

"Bye,"

"Bye,"

"Babe?"

"Ten more minutes," she projected then pulled the lasagna out of the oven to let it cool. She then started on making the salad and once she was done chipping up the vegetables, Stefan stepped in.

"Hey, babe, guess what?"

"What?"

"I got that TV show,"

"What? That's amazing!" She jumped in his arms and smiled as he twirled her around.

"I don't know, I kind of really want this role. I won't be the main lead, but I'll be second so hopefully, that'll give us more time together. More baby-making time."

She shook her head. "Okay but- hm, how should I say this,"

"What?"

"I mean do you think it's smart for us to pack up and move to LA when shows get canceled after one season, I mean maybe if you get it I should stay behind,"

"You don't want to be with me?"

"Of course I do, baby, that's not what I'm saying. I just think we should approach this smart."

"Okay," he looked away.

"Baaabe," she frowned, seeing his lips curve down then kissed him. "Okay, we'll move in together right away in LA,"

"You promise?"

"I promise," she hugged him. "When do we have to be up there?" She returned her feet to the ground.

"Well, were going to shoot the pilot next week and then once we get picked up hopefully, the ball will be rolling from there so I'm not so sure."

"So can I hold down the fort here while you're filming for a week?"

"Why do you want to be away from me so much?"

"I don't we've just been doing so much lately, I just want to slow it down, I'm not used to these constant outings and stuff." She watched his eyes.

"OK."

"Don't be mad at me,"

"I'm not."

She sighed. "Well everything is ready if you're ready to eat," she turned toward the food in the counter then started moving it to the table. "Hey, hubs?"

"Oh no,"

"I have something to tell you but you'll more than likely be really mad, do you want me to tell you?" She smiled at him as he sat across from her with narrowed eyes.

"Make my plate,"

She chuckled then cut a square out of the lasagna.

"Will I be mad in general or just at you?"

"A little both possibly, so I guess in general," she handed him his plate and kissed his temple.

"Come here," he pulled her down on his lap and looked into her eyes. "I don't want to know...today."

"Okay,"

"When did it happen though?"

"Just before you came back into the kitchen."

"Did you spit into the food or something?"

She laughed. "No. It has something to do with my phone."

"Okay tell me."

"I… well I got a phone call from Enzo and we had a little talk."

She nibbled her lower lip seeing the look on his face.

"Talk about what?"

"He was just saying congratulations on our wedding and anniversary and that he's sorry."

"What did you say?"

"I just told him thank-you and told him about Caroline and Mason and I think that was pretty much it, it was a little awkward on my part anyway."

"I uh, I have something to tell you too,"

"...Okay,"

"You know that day you went to visit your mom after she told you about proposing to Karen?"

"Yeah,"

"That morning I had looked on Elena's Instagram page and watched her story and minutes later she texted you and asked if things were alright between us and I used your finger to unlock your phone and texted her back. I basically told her to mind her business so she wouldn't text you back and I deleted the conversation. I was mad at myself for doing that and that's why I was acting extra pissy that day."

"Ok,"

"Ok? You're not mad?"

"I mean I don't think so. What made you go on her page?"

"We had that argument about Mason and I guess I wasn't over it and it caused me to not act like a husband and I guess in a way it was like me getting back at you."

"Will you ever get over me and Mason?"

"No, I don't think I can. I want to do badly but every time I see you two together it sparks back up and I trust you, you're my wife but I just- I can't help the way I feel about it."

"Is that why you don't want me to stay here while you're in LA?"

"Not really, I mean I do want to be with you but I know while I'm gone you'll both hangout cause you're friends, and if Caroline comes to visit there's no question about it."

"You know it was just one stupid kiss,"

"To you, babe. To him it was love and he plotted against me specifically to do that. He still has feelings for you,"

"No, he doesn't,"

"He does. He's with Caroline now and he wants to be with her but I bet you everything if you were to call him and say that you're in love with him, he'll come running. You can't deny that." He watched her look away but reached to grab her face to look her in the eyes. "So until that goes away, I will always get upset or in a way hate that you both are friends."

"I really wish I could go back,"

"I know. Me too. But I fucking love you so much and I am sorry about my actions whether you're mad at me or not."

"I'm sorry too. And I fucking love you more."

He met their foreheads before meeting their lips. His hands moved along her back as she moved to straddle his lap and shortly, he stood, carrying them into their bedroom.