Chapter 2: The Aftermath

The morning sun shone through the bedroom windows in Tyler's room of the Lockwood mansion, placing emphasis on Caroline's golden blonde hair and her creamy skin.

Last night had been one of the best of the young werewolf's life. He was no stranger to the opposite sex and hadn't been able to call himself a virgin in a long time, but last night was different. It was different because he hadn't had sex since before he was a werewolf, and because it was with Caroline. It was better because it was with Caroline, actually everything was with better because it was with Caroline.

It's like waking up for the first time and experiencing everything new. It was almost as if Tyler was having an out of body experience and floating up and looking down on himself. Not only was sex different, he was different, implicitly. Forever.

The trees were greener and the sky was bluer, as was the ocean. The sun was a more brighter yellow than it had ever been, and the at night he no longer would feel alone or scared of what he might turn into, or what damage he could do. He didn't have to be afraid of himself because she wasn't. It was the first time after returning to Mystic Falls that he felt in his heart of hearts that he could do this, he could be a better man, as long as she was with him.

He noticed Caroline stirring and moved forward to kiss her on the forehead. She opened her eyes and smiled.

"Morning."

"Morning." Caroline turned over onto her back, and then onto her side to face Tyler. "How'd you sleep?"

"I slept great. And you?"

"I slept really great. You have a nice bed." Tyler laughed.

"Thanks."

"Mm-hmm." She took Tyler's hands and entwined them with hers. "It just occurred to me, I've never been in your room before. Ever."

"No, I guess you haven't."

"What time is it?" Tyler grabbed his watch from the nightstand.

"Um, 9:00."

"Shit," she said, getting herself out of bed. But Tyler placed his hand on her wrist, not wanting her to leave.

"Wait, where are you going?"

"Home. My mom is going to flip if she sees I'm not home," Caroline said fishing for her clothing on the wooden floor.

"Oh," was all Tyler could say.

"Yeah, she's been extra vigilant ever since she found out what I am. I guess she's scared that…" but she didn't finish her sentence.

"Scared of what?"

"That I'll…you know…die." Tyler cringed at the word death and Caroline in the same sentence.

"Well, that's good right? I mean, must feel good to know that she cares enough." Caroline shrugged while putting on her skirt.

"I guess." Caroline noticed that Tyler was frowning. She came over to the bed, sat down, and nudged him. "Hey, what's wrong?" Tyler shook his head.

"Nothing."

"Tyler James Lockwood, you better tell me what is wrong right this instant."

"I knew I'd regret telling you my middle name." Caroline didn't budge. She had a look of stone when she wanted to. "I guess I was just wondering if this was a one-time thing."

"What do you mean?" Tyler motioned with his hands him and Caroline.

"You know, you and me."

"Why would you think that?" Now it was Tyler's turn to shrug.

"I don't know. Just seems too good to be true. And last night, you had that thing with Matt and…I don't know. Maybe you were just feeling down."

"So, you think I what, came over here and used you to make myself feel better?"

"I don't know, Caroline. I don't exactly have luck in this department."

"What are you talking about? You're Tyler Lockwood. I know how many girls you've been with."

"Yeah, but none that have mattered….I mean…not like this. Look, I don't want to force you, so I guess what I'm saying is if this was just a one-time thing, I get it." Caroline picked up a pillow and threw it at his head. "Ow."

"You deserved it. God, how dense are you? I came over here last night because I wanted to be with you. I still want to be with you, you idiot. So, get that through your head." Then she leaned over and kissed him.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, unless…you're not."

"No! I mean, I'm really sure. I'm really, really sure."

"Okay, so then we're agreed." Tyler smiled.

"Well, now that we've got that settled you sure I can't persuade you to stay just a little longer." Caroline laughed.

"I wish, but I need to go home and take a shower."

"You smell fine to me."

"Yeah, like a bed of roses. Anyway, I'll be back tonight." Suddenly, Tyler jumped out of bed.

"Um, no, you won't." Caroline looked confused.

"And why won't I?"

"You know what tonight is."

"Yeah, the full moon. What's the big? I've been there for every other one." Tyler sighed.

"This is different. We're a we now, and it's too much, it's too dangerous."

"But –" Tyler kissed her midsentence.

"No buts." He put his hands on her waist. "Please, Caroline. You've got to promise me that you won't do anything stupid tonight. Please? I can't worry about what I might do to you. I can't have anything happen to you. So, I need you to stay away." Caroline pouted which made Tyler laugh. "No, it's not going to work. You think just because you're Caroline Forbes and you're used to getting your way that I'll budge. Well, I won't, so you can pout all you want and be as cute as you want and I'm going to stand by my original statement, which is you can't be there."

"Fine," she said, kissing him on the lips and heading out the bedroom door. "Oh, and Tyler? Nice boxers."