Took me a while to write this chapter, I just wanted everything to be perfect! I hope I've done it justice, enjoy.

I knocked on the door of the Lockwood mansion. I waited anxiously, composing myself by closing my eyes and inhaling large amounts of oxygen. Why was I so nervous? I wore clothes that were appropriate for both a date and hanging out. I decided that the weather was warm enough to wear washed out denim shorts, a cute peach tank top that compliments my figure, a pair of nude coloured flats complete with a small white, cushioned purse. Stefan had taken the vervain out of my heart shaped pendant Elena gave me forever ago, and so I was able to wear that too. I heard the door knob rattle from the other side of the door. I also remembered that Tyler liked my hair when it was it's naturally wavy self. Honestly, I liked it better too. It saved time and didn't look half bad. I never really wore any make up besides mascara and some rough so I stuck with that tonight.

The door finally opened and Tyler stood before my eyes. He wore jeans with a white v-neck t shirt that tugged on his muscular frame. The white contrasted with his bronze skin and I have to say, the look couldn't have worked on anyone else. On another guy it would be cast as underdressed and lazy like. On Tyler, it was just perfect. He smiled. I sensed his nervousness. It comforted me knowing he cared. In a strange way his nervous vibe signified that. He looked me up and down and I sudden felt slightly insecure. "I'm sorry if I'm not dressed right" I finally said breaking the silence. Tyler shook his head.

"Perfect" He whispered, his brown eyes now gazing into mine. I felt my cheeks burn rose. He laughed and stepped onto the huge porch, locking the door behind him.

"Why are you locking up? Are we eating outside?" I asked. He finished locking up and we were now opposite each other.

"Actually yes, we are" He said in a husky tone. "I hope you don't get tempted, what with the bunnies and … squirrels" He joked. I giggled. He joined in with me. We stood there for a moment taking each others presence in further. Finally he took my hand and was pulling me through the woods. We ran like four year olds. Vampires didn't exist nor did werewolves. Through fits of giggles and tripping over random branches sticking out, I saw that we were not that far from the water that ran under Wickery Bridge. His hand was warm, his skin soft. The light breeze tingled against my skin, when at last, Tyler came to halt. I was confused at first. There was nothing in site.

"Okay…" Tyler turned to face me. His eyes bewildered with excitement. He took both of my hands. "Close your eyes!" He whispered. I laughed.

"Why?" I giggled out.

"Just trust me…" I did trust him. I trusted him. I trusted him with my life. I trusted him more than Stefan, more than Elena. I shut my eyes, my face still containing a smile. Tyler guided me forwards slowly so I wouldn't fall on any evil little sticks like we had on our run here. He stopped. I was so tempted to open my eyes just a little when I heard shuffling, but I didn't dare. "Care" He whispered, his hot breath gently touching my face.

"Yes?" I replied slightly dazed. He took my right hand and stroked his thumb across my cold skin.

"You can open your eyes now…" He replied. That I did. My eyes widened and a gobsmacked smile grew big on my face. I could feel it.

Tyler had prepared a picnic by the lake. A red, checked blanket lay on the floor with all kind of luxuries, such as strawberries, grapes and sandwiches. The red blanket was framed with white twinkly lights that somehow reflected against the water, forcing the fading night to seem like something entirely different. Tyler pulled me over slightly, his hand still placed in mine. He was amused at my speechless reaction. I would never have thought that Tyler Lockwood was capable of something this beautiful.

"Tyler Lockwood" I gasped his name sent tingles through my body. I bit my lip whilst shaking my head. "A romantic… who'd have thought?" I whispered. Tyler laughed and we sat down on. We were more relaxed now, munching on the little snacks he had prepared. His laughter was like a sweet sweet song to my ears. Of course, we had things to discuss and Tyler was the first to kick off the conversation when we had finished our every day chit chat.

"Caroline, I want to apologise…" He said beholding a guilty smile whilst he said it. I didn't understand at first. He had nothing to apologise for. He continued. "I just…you said you just wanted to be friends. Then the way you acted that night at the grill…you know after I left you in the parking lot I went home, where Jules was waiting for me. She told me that you didn't care about me. That you were just interested in spying on me and hurting me-"

"Tyler you know that's not true…" I cut in. He looked down, nodding.

"I know" He looked back up to me. "And then you come home in the same clothes you had on the night before and…and I lost it. I didn't want you to leave. I hated it when you were gone. I felt like an outsider again." My chest ached. I took his hand.

"Ty I didn't have sex with Damon. I stayed over at the Salvatore boarding house, yes, but I didn't sleep with him" He gave me a grateful smile. He believed me. He didn't have to say anything to signify that. Maybe he knew all along? Maybe he just wanted to hear me say it. He sighed.

"I'm damaged goods Caroline. I know that. From Vicki, to my daddy problems" He snorted. "Finding out that I'm a freaking werewolf, Matt…you" He shrugged. I shook my head and took one of his hands.

"Tyler. I know you think that everything is your fault but it's not. I can't have you feeling like this. I won't. You are strong and I don't want you to explain how you found out about what I did. I want to explain. Let me explain Ty…" He gave me those grateful eyes again and a slight nod, accepting my plea. I told him everything. Things he knew, things he didn't. His eyes did pop a little when I told him about the wolf bite being toxic to a vampire. I told him about Katherine turning me, Klaus, that night in the woods when Mason almost bit me and finally my time spent away from Mystic Falls. He had already filled me in with what he did when I was away. I didn't like it. Not one bit. When I told him about Adrian I knew he immediately didn't like him. I couldn't blame him. Adrian was an ass but, he was my friend. Kind of. It took a while but I finally finished. Tyler blinked. I knew it would be a lot to take in. I knew he may not be able to accept my lies but I couldn't hide the truth anymore.

A silence drifted upon us. It wasn't awkward. There was just not much more to say about my current affairs, but the one we were currently in together. What were we? Where did we stand?

Of course, actions speak louder than words and Tyler is evidence of this, the night at the Mystic Grill being an example. He smiled. His hand traced up my arm making me shiver at his unexpected touch. He ran his ran his hand up to my face never leaving my skin. Cupping my face he moved closer towards me, and I moved with him. I heard his heart. It wasn't racing at the speed of light, or slowly pumping. It was the perfect speed. "I forgive you…" He whispered into my ear. I felt myself fluster a little. How could I still blush? I never did understand that. What was becoming even more puzzling to me at this moment is that he was forgiving me. I thought he would have run a long time ago. But no. Here we were, our face inches apart, his body touching mine by our sudden closeness. "Why?" I managed to breathe out, hopefully not sounding to love drunk. He laughed. That beautiful laugh.

"Because I'm crazy!" He whispered. We both laughed.

Tyler leaned in to kiss me. His eyes starting to shut, his lips separated. A part of me, okay, all of me wanted him to kiss me. I was hesitant to the idea at first, but maybe we could be together. Of course, I have always had a naïveté about my personality. Caroline Forbes gets the guy? Please. Things may not be identical to my human life but I know the facts and, Caroline Forbes never gets the guy or the happy ending is most definitely a fact. Maybe this time would be different. What if Tyler was the one? My frozen heart fluttered at the thought. But when our lips didn't touch I regret even thinking this time would be any different from the lasts, even though it was in so many different ways. With Matt it was love, but nothing compared to this love me and Tyler shared. My eyes were still open, and now Tyler's were. I felt my eyes well up. We both knew too well that we couldn't do this. Sadness filled his eyes and I knew we would both be going home tonight with broken hearts. "We can't" He whispered now leaning his forehead against mine. The tears stung more now as they threatened to spill down my face. I nodded. "I know"

An understanding. That's what we got out of tonight mainly. Friends, just friends…

The walk back to the Lockwood's was silent. The only sound there was, was the soft brush of our shoes against the moist grass. He offered to walk me home before we left the gorgeous scenery of what should have been my happy ending but I didn't want him to therefore he didn't argue. The Lockwood mansion was embracing and the night was coming to an end. Tyler let go of my hand and stood opposite me. I smiled. Tyler wiped away something that wasn't supposed to be there. A tear had escaped my eye and he had caught it before it fell of my cheek. "You scared?" was all he said. I nodded.

"Terrified" was all I said. I felt my still heart slowly begin to shatter. His hand lingered on my cheek for a moment and then he step forward, shortening the space between us further, and placed a gentle kiss on my forehead. He then pulled me into a huge hug. I let my tears spill. Could I really walk away from him? Could I destroy what we have just so we didn't disappoint the people around us? I knew the answer. No. Of course not.

Tyler's POV.

I felt her tears soil into my t-shirt. I pulled back from the hug. Caroline's eyes glistened in the moonlight, making her look ten times more beautiful if it were even possible. We were still holding hands. Honestly she was acting how I felt. I didn't want to leave her. I love Caroline. I do, but that's exactly why I can't put her in danger, and us being together means danger. "Goodbye Caroline…" I whispered, stroking the tears of her cheeks before I left. She forced a laugh out.

"Later Lockwood…" She replied. I began to walk away, our hands still locked together. I didn't want to let go. I wanted the lovely sensation of her cold skin to stay on me. I dreaded the moment when I would look back from the Lockwood mansion and see her gone. Our hands separated from each others, and with a smile I dragged my feet up the steps of my home. My heart ached. It was silly. Caroline was just some chick. Right? I mean I say its love, but it's most probably lust. Isn't it? But the more I thought about it the more I realised it was love. Maybe it could work out. I for one was tired of hiding my love and devotion for Caroline and I imagine she was the same. I wish I could just…kiss her and hug her. Without these stupid and annoying complications of the supernatural world. My hand had turned into fists as I fought tears. You are Tyler Lockwood! Since when did you start crying over girls! It's pathetic. A voice in my head whispered. My heart was racing. I was frustrated. The reasons I couldn't have her weren't good enough. I could have her. I wasn't going to give her up. I couldn't. Honestly, I don't know how I would survive without her gorgeous blonde locks, her insecurities. The times when we forget the world, forget our problems, when the only thing we can think about and see is each other. Without thinking about what in hell I was doing, I turned around, and at the exact same time so did she…

Caroline's POV.

I couldn't do it. Walking away from him like this just didn't feel right. I realise that now. The reasons we have come up with aren't reasons. In fact they are nothing but excuses. I was Caroline and he was Tyler. As strange as the concoction was, we still belonged together. That we could not deny. We should have spent all this time fighting for our love instead of fighting against it. One of my biggest regrets. But now things would be different. I expected Tyler to be mid-way shutting the door when I turned back around, maybe taking a last glance at me. Which is why I was overwhelmed with shock when I seen him turning around to me also. Is it possible that we have both come to the same realisation? He answered my mental question when I saw his lips slightly move. Caroline.