I'm sorry for taking so long to publish this. It's been a hectic 3 months. I realize this story is advancing slowly, but it's how I envisioned it. Thank you for your patience, reviews, and favorites. I hope to post more soon…

Part 5 – "You've Got A Way"

The door shut behind him, Jeremy stood still. His heart raced in anticipation, but also in fear. This was new to him. It was also strange and exciting. His heart beat louder than a tin drum. His breath escaped but caught at his lips, almost too afraid to let it pass. Stefan stood expectantly before Jeremy, his warm eyes searching Jeremy's face. Jeremy felt exposed, almost naked. It was like Stefan could see right down into his soul.

Stefan took two steps forward. Jeremy backed up and gasped in surprise when his back struck the closed door. He hadn't realized he was so close to it. Stefan cocked his head and furrowed his brows.

"Something wrong, Jer?" Stefan asked. He paused before Jeremy patiently waiting for an answer. Jeremy didn't know what to say. He wanted this to happen. He wanted Stefan more than anyone. He wanted him. It just seemed like it was all happening so fast. Was he ready? Jeremy realized he hadn't answered Stefan's question.

"No," Jeremy began, "I just, this is happening a little too fast. I need to take a beat." Jeremy's eyes dropped to the floor before them. He tried to avoid Stefan's penetrating gaze. Stefan stepped closer and touched Jeremy's arm. He moved up alongside Jeremy.

"It's OK." Stefan finally said. "I think I was surprised you followed me up here. I thought you were OK with it. It's fine if you're not." A slightly mischievous smile crossed his face and with a wink he said, "Yet."

Jeremy sighed and suddenly felt breath on his neck. Jeremy closed his eyes; he licked his lips, and tilted his head back as Stefan nuzzled into his throat. Stefan's nose – warm and angular – stroked against Jeremy's chin. Stefan kissed Jeremy's neck, slowly and with long pauses. He smelled Jeremy's skin; he could feel his pulse beneath the surface, waiting.

The scent of blood, of Jeremy, overwhelmed Stefan's nostrils, his breath, and his mind. He closed his eyes and inhaled. He kissed the salty skin. He reached the ear and gave it a little playful bite. Jeremy shivered and stifled a giggle. It was tempting to fall into a million pieces, but Jeremy held it together. Stefan smiled into Jeremy's ear and then came back around. He rested his lips on Jeremy's chin and headed north.

Stefan touched his top lip to Jeremy's bottom lip. Slowly, Stefan rose and met Jeremy's parted lips. Hot breath greeted him, and he sighed into Jeremy's mouth. Their lips locked, the tongues began a dance. It was a dance of domination, of passion, and of intensity. The wetness, the sound of nostrils inhaling, searching for breath – it was all surreal and all so heavy.

Jeremy's heart pounded. He felt like his head would explode. Sweat formed on his forehead. Yet, his mind was wonderfully blank. All his concentration was on Stefan. All focus was on this moment. These bodily reactions became secondary to the kissing, the inhaling, and the desire. Stefan drove on, his intent to overwhelm Jeremy into a sweet surrender. He knew Jeremy was afraid, that he was uncertain, but he also knew Jeremy loved him. He knew Jeremy wanted him. It was a dangerous rope he crossed, but Stefan crossed it regardless.

At once, Stefan embraced Jeremy, folding his arms around his back and pulling him closer. If two bodies could become one, they would very soon. Every breath, every heartbeat and every second that ticked brought the two bodies further along the desired path. Both knew where they wanted to go, but to get there was another matter.

Jeremy forgot about his reluctance, his insecurity. He trusted Stefan, more than ever before. He trusted him not just because he loved him, but how he treated his sister, Elena. Jeremy thought of her, of Stefan's reason for being there. Jeremy pulled back with sudden force that surprised Stefan.

"Jeremy?" Stefan asked.

"What about Elena?" Jeremy inquired. Stefan paused for a moment, searching Jeremy's eyes. Did Jeremy just ruin the moment? Was this over already?

"What about Elena, Jer?" Stefan asked. "She and I are over. We have been for some time. She loves Damon now." Stefan paused and kissed Jeremy once more. He lingered there, almost unwilling to let go. He did let go, but only after slowly biting Jeremy's lower lip and releasing it bit by bit, and left it red and wet. "And I love you."

Jeremy realized that Stefan was over Elena. Stefan was an honorable vampire. He wouldn't advance one relationship when another was still in play. If he still loved Elena, Stefan wouldn't be with Jeremy now. They were truly over.

"OK," Jeremy managed while his heart beat loudly. He was sure Stefan could hear it.

Sensing something was still bothering Jeremy, Stefan waited until the boy was ready to continue.

"You don't have to say it yet, Jer," Stefan finally said. "I know when it's love to me. I've been around a long time. When you're ready, you'll know it."

Jeremy sighed and sat down on the edge of the bed. Stefan soon joined him and placed one arm around his shoulder. The other hand touched Jeremy's chin and tilted it towards Stefan's face. They looked into each other's eyes. It was a moment that would define their relationship; a look of understanding, of passion, and of intensity that would always be there. Each brought something different to the table, and each one knew the other's past. Secrets weren't a part of the equation. Stefan knew that to win Jeremy's trust and his love he had to be honest and forthright. Jeremy knew to win Stefan's love he had to be the same. Their past unions (Elena, Katharine, and others for Stefan; Vicki, Bonnie, Anna for Jeremy) defined this union. Going in they knew the history, the heartache, and the love. They weren't trying to match these relationships, and they didn't want to surpass them. Jeremy and Stefan wanted a love strong enough to weather any storm and to be resilient to any hardship. It was a challenging idea to undertake, but one they both wanted to attempt.

"We don't have to go much farther than this tonight, Jer," Stefan said, breaking the silence.

"I feel like an idiot," Jeremy said, "It's not like I'm a virgin, you know."

"I figured," Stefan said, laughing and tightening his grip on Jeremy's shoulder. "But, it's your first time with a man. And not even a real man, a vampire, at that."

"You're my first," Jeremy started, "Man, that is. I don't think it's that, Stefan. I think it's Elena. I know you guys are over and all, but I feel like I need to talk to her before… before this goes anywhere further."

"I understand," Stefan said nodding and rubbing Jeremy's back. He leaned slightly and kissed Jeremy's temple. "Elena will understand. At least, I hope she will." Stefan ran his fingers through Jeremy's hair. Jeremy closed his eyes and rested his head against Stefan's shoulder. "Elena's got a good heart. She's understanding; a little too empathetic. I hope she sees the love between us and realizes we're good for one another. Plus, she can pursue what her heart truly wants: Damon."

At that Jeremy sighed and raised his head to look at Stefan. Their eyes remained locked for a few seconds before they leaned their heads together and kissed. Jeremy smiled and Stefan noted a slight weariness and uncertainty to it. He realized Jeremy was worried about Elena's reaction. He also realized this was as far as things were going to progress tonight. He didn't want to rush anything, but he was so enraptured by Jeremy. He felt pain being only by his side. Stefan remained motionless, gently stroking Jeremy's arm.

"When do you want to tell her?" Stefan asked. Jeremy didn't answer at first and it troubled Stefan. He hoped Jeremy wouldn't wait too long to talk with Elena.

"Tonight," Jeremy said finally. At that response, Stefan's own heart fluttered. A grin replaced his pensive face. Stefan kissed Jeremy's forehead.

"Tonight it is," Stefan said.