A/N: This will fast forward in time some. Keep up the reviews I love hearing your thoughts! :D
With his last semester finally finished, Stefan was both excited and nervous. It was graduation day, and that meant the end of seeing Elena in class every day. They had been together for about 3 months now, and he had fallen in love with her in just that short time. Stefan could see Elena and his Brother Damon sitting out in the crowd, cheering as the dean announced that Stefan's class had finally graduated. Stefan tossed his cap up into the air and cheered, catching it. He caught his brother and Elena cheering as well, and when he exited the stage, diploma in hand, Elena ran into his arms. He picked her up and spun her, setting her down again before kissing her.
"Congratulations Stefan! You did it!" Elena exclaimed happily, her smile making Stefan blush.
Damon gave his brother a hug as well. "Congratulations Stefan. Mom and dad called, they are proud of you."
"Thanks guys. I couldn't have done it without you both at my side." Stefan replies, blushing. He meant it too. The last half of the semester had been really hard, and with Damon and Elena's support, he came graduated at the top of his class. Thankfully, there had been no further threats by Caroline, who had moved on to dating some guy who lived out of town. Stefan hadn't seen her at graduation, but then again, he hadn't looked for her either.
Damon pulls out his cell phone. "Elena, stand beside Stefan. I want to get a picture to send to mom and dad."
Elena hugged Stefan, who grinned and hugged her with one arm, holding his diploma in the other. Damon snapped the photo, smiling. He was proud of his younger brother, and couldn't wait for him to start working at his company. Damon owned a company that built houses and helped renovate evicted houses, called "Piece by Peace." Stefan would be working with him as a site supervisor, and he was glad. Stefan placed his cap on Elena's head, and she giggled, playing with the tassel. It was two days before Christmas, there was no snow on the ground and the temperature had dropped to 55 degrees, but still cold enough that the beaches were closed. Damon took Stefan and Elena out to eat for dinner to celebrate, then dropped them off at Stefan's place, with a promise to visit in the following week. Stefan and Damon had made plans to go to their parent's house for a few days after Christmas, and since Elena was off until next semester started, she had been alternating between staying in her dorm and at Stefan's place in his guest bedroom. Stefan and Elena had both finished their Christmas shopping and decorating, which hand thrilled Elena. Stefan loved seeing her so happy, especially after Elena had told him about her parents. Elena's parents had divorced when she was young, and sent her to live with her aunt when she was only three. She lived with her aunt up until she started college, and never spoke to her parents. She moved out and got an apartment with her friend Bonnie when they were 18, and she worked at a local book shop until she had started college. Bonnie left to study abroad, and Elena's aunt hardly called her. She was fine with that, and had come to think of Damon as family.
After Stefan bid Elena good night, he went back to his room and pulled out a small wrapped box. He smiled before putting it back into its special hiding place, going to bed with a smile.
XXXXXXXX 2 DAYS LATER XXXXXXXXXXXX
It was Christmas morning, and Stefan and Elena sat around the tree with Damon, opening presents and sharing memories. Stefan and Damon shared their Christmas stories with Elena, and she shared her's with them. After opening all their gifts, they sat and ate dinner, which Elena had spent the two days after Stefan's graduation preparing, with Stefan's help. Dinner went by fast, with a call from Stefan and Damon's parents. They were excited to meet Elena, Damon assuring his parents that they would be down to visit in a week. After they cleaned up from dinner, the three of them sat in Stefan's living room, watching a Christmas movie. Stefan had told Damon what he planned to do while Lena was putting the finishing touches on dinner earlier, and with a nod of encouragement from his brother, Stefan turned and faced Elena on the couch.
"Elena, we have been going out for three months now, and I want to ask you something, but first," Stefan pulled the small wrapped box from his pants pocket and handed it to Elena. "I have one final gift for you."
Stefan watched as Elena opened her gift, tears in her eyes when she way the beautiful silver ring set with a small blue Lapis Lazul in the center.
"Stefan... It's beautiful."
Stefan slid the ring onto Elena's finger, smiling. It fit her perfectly. "It's a promise ring, and my promise is, to love you. I love you Elena Gilbert, and I would be honored if you would move in here, with me."