Elena stirred lightly as she felt the sun on her face. She opened her eyes, slowly taking in her surroundings. The dark, warm décor of the room told her she was at Stefan's. His bedroom was one of her favorite places to be and not just because of the nature of it. Stefan's bedroom was utterly Stefan. Pictures of his family were scattered throughout his room. Floor to ceiling bookshelves covered two of his walls. Stefan's love of books was something Elena would never have guessed but something she couldn't ever imagine him without, now that she knew of it. Her favorite part of his book collection – and possibly his room – were his bookends. Humble Stefan did not have his many trophies on glorious display in his living room for all to see the moment they entered his apartment. Stefan used his trophies as bookends.

When Stefan and Elena were unpacking all of Stefan's boxes Elena had been a bit surprised at the sheer number of accolades Stefan had. Stefan, of course, had shrugged it off as no big deal. Most of his trophies were kept in the cabinets under his books. Only his favorites were on display, although, how much display was it if only Elena ever saw them?

Elena felt Stefan stir beside her and his arm tightened around her waist. "Good morning." She whispered, loving this intimate moment of quite solitude the two of them were buddle in.

"Good morning." Stefan kissed Elena's ear. "Did you sleep well?"

Elena snuggled tighter into Stefan's chest. "I always sleep better when I am with you. I really don't live at my apartment anymore. I'm sure Caroline thinks I'm dead." She felt Stefan's chest vibrate against her back as he chuckled.

"Caroline knows exactly where you are, besides," He pulled Elena even closer. "I'm pretty sure Nik is keeping her busy." Elena sighed as she felt Stefan's breath fan across her neck.

"Who would have ever guessed those two would date."

"I could. I knew the minute they looked at each other." Elena laughed.

"I'm glad they are having fun. Care needs someone stable in her life." Elena was so happy for her friend, especially after her rough break up with Tyler. "She hasn't been single since high school. I told you about Tyler, they dated from freshman year of high school all the way up until the end of last year. It's been a rough year for her and I am glad Nik is making her happy."

Stefan nodded against Elena's neck. "Good. Then I am even happier for them. What time do we have to be at the pool for the buses?"

Elena groaned. She had temporarily forgotten about their upcoming meet. "I think by 11 at the latest. We have to drive down to Florida for the Gators' Invitational." The last thing Elena wanted to do was leave the comfort of Stefan's bed and rejoin the world. The last month since Stefan had bought his apartment had been amazingly blissful.

Stefan rolled away from Elena. She groaned at the loss of contact. "Relax, I am just checking the clock. Holy shit!"

Elena sat up. "What? What is it?" She turned to look at Stefan.

"Elena, it's 9:30. I have to get you home so you can pack." Stefan climbed out of bed, pulling a pair of sweatpants on as he moved to the bathroom. Elena was quick to follow. They rushed around the bathroom before heading out to Stefan's car.

Elena rushed around her apartment, shoving various items into her bag in an attempt to pack as quickly and efficiently as possible. "Stefan, you can't give me a ride to the pool. Oh, shit. Ugh. Sometimes I wish this wasn't a secret. How am I supposed to get there? My car is in the shop?"

Caroline's voice carried from the kitchen; "Relax, I can drive you. It gives me an excuse to see Nik anyway. Elena sighed in relief.

"Care, you are truly the best." Elena yelled back as she zipped up her duffle bag. "Alright, practice suit, team suit, fast skin, extra cap and goggles. Towels, food, dry clothes, bathroom bag. I think I'm all set." She looked up at Stefan. "Am I missing anything?"

"Do you have any nice clothes?" Elena gave Stefan a confused look. "If you think we are not going out to dinner this weekend you are crazy. We haven't had a real date in a while. Pack something cute. See you at the pool." He shot over his shoulder as he walked to the door. "Love you."

Elena smiled; she would never tire of hearing those words come out of Stefan's mouth. "Love you too."

Elena heaved her duffle bag out of Caroline's trunk, dropping it on the ground she swung her swim bag over her shoulder before shutting the trunk. She lifted her bag to begin the short walk to where the bus was loading. Most of the team was already milling around the bus, impatient to go. "Why did I have to pack so much stuff?" Elena muttered to herself.

She heard footsteps approaching her. "Elena, let me give you a hand with that." She turned to see Stefan standing before her. Elena smiled at him, dropping the immense duffle at his feet. He bent and picked it up. "Shit, why is this so heavy?"

Elena laughed. "A little birdie told me to pack some nice clothes, and then Caroline took it upon herself to put what looked like half of my wardrobe in here. 'Just in case'." Elena drew air quotes around her last sentence, causing both of them to laugh at the antics of Caroline.

"I will probably have to thank her for that later." Stefan glanced around. They were still far enough away from the bus to be able to talk freely, but he dared not show her any type of physical affection. "Sit with me?"

Elena looked uneasy at the idea. Of course, she wanted to sit with Stefan, but she was determined to keep her relationship with Stefan a secret, not wanting to deal with the stigma or judgment that would come if they were discovered. "Is that a good idea, Stefan? Nik doesn't want people to find out about us, and I don't want to deal with all the negativity that will come with it."

Stefan smirked at her. "Somebody is forgetting that the number one distance swimmer has yet to have her goal talk with her coach. Also, this is a huge meet and said number one must talk strategy with said coach for pacing. Ergo, you must sit with me, for the good of the team. Besides, Nik and Kol are sharing a seat and I do not want to end up sitting with someone else."

Elena smiled at Stefan. Why is he so perfect? "For the good of the team. Is this why I never got my goal talk this week?" Stefan nodded at her. "It was all part of your diabolical plan, I assume." Stefan flashed Elena his secret smile. "I love you so much right now."

Stefan's face lit up at Elena's declaration of love. "I love you too. Now, we better get moving before Nik blows a gasket that we haven't left yet." Elena giggled at Stefan's overdramatic statement. Stefan's back was still slightly turned to the bus, allowing them a bit of privacy.

Elena leaned as close to Stefan as she dared. "I love you, Stefan." Their eyes locked and Elena felt that spark as if it was their first meeting.

Stefan bent his head slightly, moving closer to Elena. She felt his breath fan across her face and his scent invaded her. "I love you, Elena." They shared a secret smile.

"Oi, Mate. Get a move on." Stefan turned to see Nik motioning for Stefan and Elena.

"Coming, Nik. Calm down." Elena giggled before she walked past Stefan, heading towards the cluster of girls by the bus.

Stefan tossed Elena's bag into the luggage compartment under the bus. Straightening up he turned to survey the crowd of girls. Elena was engaged in a conversation with two of the sprinters, her arms moving wildly as she spoke.

"Hey, Stefan." Stefan groaned at the sound of the familiar voice. Alana. Despite Nik's decree last month, Alana had not relented in her efforts. "So, since there are three coaches and only two people to a seat I was thinking that you and I should sit together. I wouldn't want you to get lonely." She winked at Stefan. He internally threw up. This girl was so obviously desperate. He thought it was a bout time he shut Alana down for good.

"Alana, you and I, it's just not going to happen. And don't try and twist it by saying it's just because of what Nik – Klaus – said. I'm just not interested, sorry." That was easier than I thought. Stefan sighed as he delivered his decree.

He had expected to see a dejected type of expression on Alana's face, but she still looked hopeful. "That's okay. We can still sit together. You might change you mind." She winked again, twirling a piece of hair around her finger.

"Alright, Ladies. Get a move on. Asses on the bus now." Stefan glanced over at Nik. Elena stood near by, watching him and Alana. She gave him a sympathetic smile before she turned to Nik, striking up a conversation.

Stefan turned back to Alana. "I need to talk goals and strategy with Elena, she is the only one to not get a goal talk yet, so I have to sit with her, and I can assure you I won't change my mind. Please, don't make this any worse than it has to be. I am your coach. Stop these advances, now." He gave her his sternest look, eyes stoning and mouth drawn into a straight, thin line.

He brushed past her, joining the end of the line boarding the bus. Nik approached his as the line advanced. "Everything alright, Mate?" Stefan nodded. "Alright, you're sitting with Elena, right? I want you to talk pacing with her."

"That's the plan." Stefan replied, climbing the steps into the bus. He looked around, scanning the seats for Elena. She was sitting at the very back of the bus in the last seat; slouching so low, he almost missed her. Stefan made his way to the back of the bus, dropping heavily into the seat next to her.

"Everything okay?" She asked.

Stefan nodded. "Just shutting her down." He smiled at Elena.

"Finally!" Elena groaned. Stefan gave Elena a look. "What?" Elena leaned closer to Stefan. "I don't like it when people try to steal my lover." She whispered.

Stefan laughed. "You can only steal a someone who wants to be stolen." Elena smiled at him. "And I don't want to be stolen." He squeezed her hand for a moment before letting go and reaching for his backpack. In a louder voice, making sure those around could hear what he said; "Alright, Miss. Gilbert. Let's talk. What are your goals for this meet and what kinda pacing are we aiming for?"

"Go, Elena, go!" Stefan was screaming at Elena from his position along the side of the pool. He waved his arms at her as she took a breath in his direction, urging her to pick up her pace. Elena flipped and her split flashed on the board.

"29.5, one more 50." Nik said, scribbling the time on his sheet. Stefan merely nodded, too focused on Elena.

"Let's go, Elena! Go! Stefan held his arms over his head, signaling to Elena that her pace was good. "Go! Go! Go!" Stefan was screaming at the top of his lungs.

Elena made her last flip turn. "Sprint!" Stefan bellowed.

Nik, Kol, and the girls on the team around Stefan were screaming now. "Go, Elena! Go! Go! GGOOOO!"

"Go, baby, go!" Stefan whispered under his breath, eyes never leaving Elena. Her feet kicked faster and her arms moved with even greater urgency. She was neck and neck with a Stanford swimmer. They were at the flags and Stefan was frantic. "Elena, GOOOO!"

The two girls slammed into the wall, final times flashing on the board. Stefan tore his eyes off of Elena to look at the board. "Holy shit!" He threw his arms in the air in jubilation. Elena had edged out the Stanford swimmer by a tenth of a second to win the final heat. Stefan turned to Nik. His face was just as excited as Stefan's.

"She did it, Mate!" Stefan nodded, turning to look at Elena. She was draped over the wall; her entire body heavy as she fought to get air, cap and goggles laying in the gutter.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a new pool record. Please put your hands together for the University of Virginia's Elena Gilbert." The Virginia girls went wild at the announcement. Stefan was so excited he hugged Nik. They slapped each other on the back in congratulations.

"Clear the pool please." Stefan turned back to Elena. She was struggling to pull herself up. He began to move towards her, hoping to aid her. An official reached a hand down, helping Elena out. Elena shakily clambered out, struggling to stay standing. Stefan saw her legs wobbling. He began to run, dodging people in his rush to get to Elena. He made it the last few feet to catch her just as she collapsed.

"Elena!" He wrapped his arms around her, attempting to give her some type of support.

"Stefan?" Her voice was weak.

"Can you stand?" She shook her head. Stefan wrapped his arm around her before reaching down behind her legs. He hoisted Elena's body into his arms. "It's okay. I've got you." He moved away from the blocks, heading to the closest bench. Her wet hair hung down, dripping all over Stefan.

Stefan sat down gently on the bench. He began to shift Elena off of his lap but her hands held his neck in a vice like grip. "Elena, do you know how proud of you I am right now?" Stefan asked.

She shook her head. "You just broke the pool record." Elena raised her head from his chest, looking into his eyes.

"What?" She asked.

"Didn't you hear the announcement?" Stefan asked.

"Everything just sorta blended together after I touched the wall." She pushed herself off his chest. "You're serious right now?" She asked, attempting to stand.

Stefan put an arm out to steady her. Elena gripped his hand for support. Once Stefan was sure Elena was stable, he stood as well. "Dead serious. You won your heat."

"I did? Thank God." She looked at Stefan, realization of what she had done finally sinking in. "Stefan, I just broke the pool record! I won! Oh my god. I did it!" The reality of her situation gave her new energy, propelling her into his arms.

Stefan hugged Elena tightly. He felt so blessed and special to be sharing this moment with Elena. All too soon, Elena pulled away. "I can't believe I did it, Stefan!"

"I am so proud of you, Elena." He smiled at her. He reached up, placing his palm on her cheek. His thumb stroked her cheek. "You did it."

"We did it. I couldn't have done it without you." She met is gaze. They lost themselves all over again. Stuck in a trance. Nik's voice dragged them back to reality.

"Elena, Love, that was beautiful." Elena became aware of just how close her and Stefan were still standing. She took a step back, his hand dropping from her face. Disappointment at the loss of contact flooded her thoughts. She pushed it aside.

"Thanks, Nik." She smiled at her coach.

Nik wrapped her in a hug. "How do you feel?"

"Better now, but that hurt like hell." The three of them laughed.

"Best get you fed. Meet's over anyway. Time to relax. Stefan, as her coach I am placing you in charge of her recovery." He winked at them. Elena tucked a piece of hair behind her ear, trying to suppress her blush. "And, I mean that in a strictly professional way." Another wink. "Come along now, the girls are dying to see you."

Elena and Stefan followed Nik towards the cluster of blue and orange clad girls.

"Elena!" "Oh my god, Elena. That was awesome!" "Great job, Elena!" Elena smiled and nodded as her teammates congratulated her. She was happy to share her success with her team but secretly she wanted to celebrate with Stefan.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, final meet announcement. The officials have awarded MVP of the Gator Invite to Elena Gilbert of the University of Virginia. Have a good night."

The noise in the pool was immense. The Virginia team and coaches were the loudest with their cheers and celebrations.

Elena was at a loss for words. She looked at Stefan, trying to ascertain whether or not she was dreaming. As if Stefan had read her mind. "This is no dream, Gilbert. You've earned it." He smiled at her.

Suddenly Elena felt the air pushed out of her chest as she was attacked with hugs on all sides. Elena laughed and smiled with her teammates, a rush of joy filling her. She looked back at Stefan, tears of happiness threatening to fall from her eyes.

"I love you." He mouthed.

"I love you." She mouthed back.

Elena searched for Stefan in the crowd of swimmers leaving the pool. She caught sight of his hair peaking around the corner of the building. She began to weave through the crowd towards Stefan. When she was only a few feet away Elena glanced around, making sure none of her teammates were around to see. She was all good. Elena ran to Stefan, jumping into his arms.

He fell against the building. "Hey there." Stefan wrapped his arms around Elena. "I missed you."

Elena giggled. "I saw you 20 minutes ago, Stefan. Don't get needy." Stefan pouted. Elena's legs would have given out on her had she been standing; the sight of Stefan pouting was so adorable. "Fine. I missed you too."

Stefan smiled, leaning into Elena. "Good." He kissed her sweetly on the nose. "Let's get out of here. I think you deserve dinner."

Elena smiled, dropping back down. "Great. I am starving. Lead the way, Mr. Salvatore." She batted her eyelashes at him.

Stefan offered Elena his arm. "Right this way, Miss. Gilbert." Elena took Stefan's offered arm.

A/N: sorry if some of the stuff Stefan did during the meet did not make sense, it's a swimming thing.

Alana got put in her place! But is she finished?

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