A/N The Vampire Diaries Settings and Characters all belong to LJ Smith and the CW. Any original characters and this story are copyright © 2011-2018 to Hopelessromanticgurl, all rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author.

The next morning Elena woke up with a sigh and grabbed her phone. She dialed Lexi's number.

"Hello?"

"How is he?"

Lexi chuckled. "He's doing ok. Better than last night but not 100%. I need all the human blood out of his system and get him back on animal blood. Then you can see him again. But until then, I'm sorry Elena you need to stay away."

Elena sighed but nodded. "I understand. But can you tell him I miss him and I'm thinking about him and that I...I love him."

"Elena..."

"Stefan!" Elena gasped.

"Elena, Beautiful, I love you too."

It was the first time they had said that to each other. It was magical.

"Keep that in mind always Stefan. I love you and I'm never going to abandon you. So get well soon because I can't wait to tell you I love you to your face."

Stefan chuckled. "I will I love you."

"I love you too."

"I love you too, too."

Elena laughed and shook her head. "Ok, get back to Lexi. I'll see you soon."

"Thank you, Elena."

"You're welcome."

Elena hung up and climbed out of bed and decided to get ready for her day.

She went downstairs and opened the door and gasped. Her Uncle John was standing there about to knock.

"What are you doing here?" Elena asked.

"I had some business in town; I thought that a visit was in order." John said.

"How long are you staying?"

John shrugged. "I don't know yet."

Elena sighed and said "I'm late for school got to run."

She rushed out of the house and away from him. She wanted to call Stefan so badly. But she didn't want to bother him. She'd just have to wait till he was well again.

Once she arrived at school she saw Matt and smiled. She went over to him and made small talk. Then told him about John being there. She needed to vent to someone and Matt wouldn't tell anyone else.

"Uncle John? How long is he staying for?" Matt asked.

"He said his trip is open ended." Elena said with a groan.

"Uncle John, I never really liked that guy."

Elena couldn't help but giggle. "Does anyone?"

"I'm here for moral support if you need me."

"Thanks, I think I'll suffer this one alone."

The bell rang and they both headed to class.

After history as she was leaving Alaric called out to her.

"Hey, Elena, hang on."

Elena went over to his desk.

"What's going on?" Elena asked.

" I made a copy of a paper Jeremy wrote for me. I think you should take a look at it"

He handed Elena the paper entitled Fact or Fiction: The Truth about Vampires in Mystic Falls.

"Jeremy wrote this?" Elena gasped in surprise

"It's very clear that he didn't think it was real." Ric said.

"I really hope you're right because I've done so much to protect him from all of this."

Elena gave him back the paper. "Thank you for showing it to me."

"Let's just hope it was an honest paper and Jeremy really doesn't believe in vampires."

Elena nodded and left the classroom. What was she going to do if Jeremy did think they were real, what if Vicky had told him everything? What if she was using Jeremy like Damon did to Caroline? She felt sick at the thought. She spent the rest of the day worrying about Jeremy.

After school she went to see Lexi and Stefan. They were the only two that could help her. Lexi answered the door. "Elena what are you doing here? Stefan is fine."

"Vicky, would she ever tell Jeremy about the vampires?"

"No, we both agreed it would be best if he didn't know anything. Why?"

"Why would he write a report on vampires? Do you think she changed her mind?"

"No. I just saw her the other day. She wouldn't tell him anything, you don't have to worry about that. How do you know he wrote a paper on vampires?"

"Alaric showed it to me."

"She did mention they've been hanging out with this new girl Anna but that's all."

"Who is Anna?"

Lexi shrugged. "I'll look into it. But you can just ask him Elena."

Elena's eyes went wide. SHe said it like it was the simplest thing in the world. How could she ask him without giving away the truth at the same time? "I… I can't"

"Why not? I mean if he doesn't know anything then it's just an innocent question."

Elena sighed. SHe still made it sound so easy. It was a lot harder than she thought it was going to be. "I don't even know how to talk to him anymore. I mean, we used to be a lot more open with each other. But now, with all these secrets just pilling up… You know, I haven't even told him that I am adopted yet."

"Maybe it's time you start opening up to him again. I'm not saying you should tell him everything but just try to find out what he does know and be prepared for it."

Elena sighed and nodded. It wasn't going to be easy but she had to be honest with her brother she had to tell him the truth. She just hoped he handled it well. "Ok, Thanks for talking me through this, Lexi."

"Not a problem."

Elena smiled innocently as she didn't make a move to leave. Lexi laughed and shook her head. "Five minutes but that's all."

"Yes!" Elena ran up the stairs and into Stefan's room.

She looked around but frowned. Stefan was no where to be seen. "Stefan? Stefan?"

"Elena, what are you doing here?"

She spun around and saw Stefan standing there in a towel. He must have just gotten out of the shower.

"Admiring the view." She smirked.

He chuckled. "What are you really doing here?"

Elena sighed. "I missed you."

"I missed you too, is everything ok?"

"Jeremy wrote a paper on vampires in Mystic Falls. He doesn't believe it's true but what if he does."

Stefan sighed. "Then we will deal with it. But first we need to find out what he really believes first. You have to talk to him."

Elena sighed and nodded. "I know and I will. I'm just scared."

"What of"

"I don't want him to get involved in this."

Stefan nodded. "We can always compel him if you want. Don't forget that."

Elena nodded and sighed. Then she smiled and looked to him. "I love you, Stefan."

He smiled widely "I love you too, Elena."

They kissed passionately.

"Times up!" Lexi yelled from downstairs.

They pulled back and both laughed.

"Way to ruin the moment." Stefan laughed at Lexi.

"It's ok. I'll see you soon. "

She kissed him once more on the lips and then headed back downstairs.

"Thanks."

"Thank you. You're the reason he's fighting to get better so thank you."

Elena smiled softly and nodded. Then left the house.

The next morning, everything went by like any normal day. It was later on in the afternoon when Elena got the courage to talk to Jeremy. She took him out of the house down by the lake.

It was there that Elena finally broke down and told him the truth Thankfully he was very understanding.

"I just can't believe mom and dad never told you that you were adopted."

Elena just gave a small shrug. "I'm sure they would have eventually."

"Why were you worried about what I'd think?"

" Because… I don't know it's weird. Going you're whole lives thinking you're related by blood to someone…"

"Does it bother you we're not?"

He tried and failed at hiding the fear and hurt in his voice. Elena caught it and her heart broke. "No, Jer… you're my brother that's all that matters."

He smiled and it told Elena everything was ok between them. She also knew now would be a good time to bring up the paper. "So…Mr. Saltzman said you've been doing great in history now." She started off slowly.

"Yeah, he's has really been helping me out. He gave me some extra credits and stuff ."

"He loved your vampire paper…"

"He thought I had a clever angle."

"What drew you to that subject matter?"

"I don't know, boredom or maybe I'm just as nuts as long line of Gilbert crazies."

Elena smiled at his joke. She had worried for nothing. He still knew nothing about vampires. thankfully. "The Gilberts aren't crazy."

" Easy for you to say, you're not one." He teased.

Elena was happy he was able to joke about this and that he wasn't upset by it. She stopped walking and looked at him in playful shock.

"Ouch."

She playfully nudged him with her elbow giggling.

"Oh, you're in trouble now, Elena." He teased.

"What are you going to do Jer, huh what are you going to do?"

"I know your weakness."

"Come and get me."

She took off running with Jeremy chasing after her. It felt good to laugh with Jeremy against. The last time they had done something like this was back before her parents died.

She could hear Jeremy laughing with her. That made her smile. Jeremy caught up with her and gently tackled her to the ground. They both just laughed and laughed.

"Better say sorry for hitting me or I'm going tickle you to death." Jeremy warned.

Elena just giggled. "I'm not scared of you. I'm older."

"Yeah but I'm stronger."

Jeremy quickly pinned her arms over her head. "Better say it just remember I know your one true weak spot."

Elena squirmed. "Ok, ok you win. I'm sorry for hitting you."

Jeremy let her go.

"I regret the day I told you my secret ticklish spot."

Jeremy laughed. "You never told me. Dad told me."

"Oh that's right."

"He was the only one who knew then he told me and I told mom."

Elena laughed. "I remember now. You guys all teamed up on me. Dad held me down and then you and mom tickled me."

Jeremy nodded his smile vanishing.

"I know you miss them Jer, I miss them too." Elena said softly.

"I like talking about them, remembering the good times but at the same time it hurts."

"I know, it hurts me too but I think mom and dad would want us to remember the good times."

"I know they would too. Thanks Elena, I really feel better."

"So do I Jeremy. So do I."

Elena and her brother shared a hug. It was the first time in a long time Elena actually felt like herself again.

After the afternoon out with her brother she went home and got ready for the Founders Ball. She was sad Stefan couldn't be her date but she knew Lexi was taking good care of him.

She walked in and smiled a greeted a few people. She went into the main room. She looked around for someone to hang out with. Matt was supposed to be there where was he?

Let's see there was stranger, stranger, stranger, Stefan and Lexi, strange...wait a second... She did a double and smiled. It was Stefan and Lexi. She ran over to them and hugged Stefan tightly. "Hey! What are you doing here?"

"He was going crazy being locked up in the house, so I agreed we could come to this. Plus it helps him to see you. It gives him motivation to get well sooner."

Elena looked to Stefan. He looked a little too happy. "Is he drunk?"

Stefan nodded. "I know it's a little weird but it's really helping me. The alcohol takes the edge off."

"How worried do I need to be?"

Lexi laughed and shook her head. "Don't be worried. I've got everything under control here. Just go with it. I'll make sure he doesn't do anything crazy."

Elena nodded. She trusted Lexi and knew she'd take care of Stefan. But didn't mean she was happy that she choose to get him drunk. They both knew how she felt about getting drunk after what happen with her parents but it would have to do for now. As long as he didn't get behind the wheel of a car.

"Listen, I think we should enjoy it while it lasts. Would you like to dance with me?" Stefan asked.

Elena looked to him shocked. "You hate dancing. I usually have to beg you."

"No, no, no you have to beg sober me. The drunk me there is no begging necessary."

Elena looked around but nobody is dancing. "There's no one dancing." She spoke too soon because seconds later the music changed and everyone moved out to the dance floor.

"Who did that?" Elen asked.

"That would be me. We all needed something better to listen to." Damon said as he made his way onto the dance floor. Stefan smiled as he got an idea. He put his hand out to her.

"Please dance with your drunk vampire boyfriend." Stefan said putting his hand out to her.

Elena giggled and took his hand. They walked out to the dance floor.

Stefan spun Elena into his arms making her gasp in surprise but giggle nonetheless. He spun her back out She giggled until she bumped into some body.

"Whoa! Watch it!"

"I'm sorry, my fault, I'm clumsy." She said nicely.

"Then get off the dance floor." He said rudely.

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me, get off the dance floor."

Elena stared at him in shock.

"Are you deaf? I said get your fat ugly butt off the dance floor."

"Don't you dare say that about Elena. Elena is beautiful!" Stefan said butting in. He wanted to rip this guy's head off for being so mean to his girlfriend but if he lost control here Elena would never trust him again.

The guys scoffed "Whatever."

He went to walk away but Stefan grabbed him. "You need to apologies."

"Yeah right, I'll do that. When pigs fly."

She pushed Elena by the shoulder. Elena stumbled backwards and would have ended up on the floor if Stefan didn't catch her around the waist but he did. "I'm sorry, my fault, I'm clumsy." The man mocked. He went to walk away again but Stefan grabbed him again, just before he could do more damage Lexi appeared.

"Stefan, let him go. He's not worth this. Just let him go."

Stefan growled and let the guy go. He walked away. Stefan turned to look at Elena. "Are you ok?"

She nodded softly. "Are you?"

Stefan nodded. "Thanks, Lexi."

"You're welcome. Just take a few deep breaths. Why don't you and Elena go for a walk outside?"

Stefan nodded and the two of them went outside. Lexi smiled as she watched them walk away. She'd never tell Elena this but before the phone this call morning where she confessed her love to him Stefan was ready to give up and just let himself go. He didn't want to drink any blood, not even animal blood. But after that confession Stefan started working harder to get better. Seeing her made him work harder and fight more to get better and not give up.

"Hey, Lexi."

She jumped startled and turned around and smiled when she saw Matt. "Hey, Matt."

"Having fun?"

"Yeah." Lexi lied.

It was hard for her to be there and see all the happy couples dancing and having fun when Lee was gone. She had been focusing on Stefan that she didn't feel the need to deal with it just yet. Once Stefan was better she'd go about dealing with her break up.

"You're a terrible liar." Matt laughed.

Lexi actually blushed. She never blushed in front of Lee. Matt also made her stomach tickle on the inside. "I'll be fine. Where is Caroline?"

"She's around here somewhere. How about a dance?"

"Oh no, Matt. I don't think that's a good idea."

"Come on, just one dance? I'm not taking no for an answer."

Lexi sighed and nodded. She took his hand and went out to the dance floor. They kept a good distance apart and their hands in all the good places as they slowly swayed back and forth.

"I've been meaning to thank you." Matt said.

"What for?" Lexi asked barely able to think, what was wrong with her? His hand was on her waist and all of a sudden she could barely think. All she could think about was wishing he'd pull her closer so she could lay against his chest. She never felt that with Lee.

"Vicky. I've seen such a change in her since you've been helping her. She's gotten off drunks and gave up drinking. She's going to her classes and pulling her grades up. She laughing and smiling again, Lexi. She talks about you all the time. You're her best friend, Lexi. Other than Jeremy, you're her only friend and that means so much to me. Especually now with our Mom being back. It's rough on her, and it's really helped her having you to talk to.

Lexi stopped dancing and let her hands drop from around his neck. That was another good reason why she could never be with him. Vikcy was her best friend, Vikcy trusted her in a way she didn't trust anyone else. Ever since they returned Lexi had been mentoring Vicky and being like her personal therapist and helping her through the hard times and her blood cravings without turning to drunks or drinking. Vicky had been talking a lot about her mother and how she was dealing with this. She couldn't betray her by runing her brother's relationship with Caroline just for her own selfsih reasons. Lexi sighed. "I'm sorry, Matt. I can't do this."

"What do you mean?" Matt asked.

"I just...I have to go."

Without a second thought she rushed off to find Stefan. She could hear Matt running after her.

She got outside and gasped. Tyler was making out with Matt's mom. The second Matt saw this he grew angry and went after Tyler. Those two started fighting. But Kelly got pushed away and hit her head. Stefan being the gentlemen he was went over to help her, but ended up getting blood on his hands. He froze. "Lexi!" she choked out.

She was by his side in a instant rushing him away. Elena went to follow but Lexi stopped her. "Stay here and help Matt. I promise he'll be ok."

Elena watched helplessly as Stefan was rush away by Lexi. She sighed and turned to Matt who was pretty much beaten to a bloody pulp. Elena went over to help him.

Later that night Elena went home and up to her room. She sighed. This wasn't the night she expected it to be. She jumped out of her skin when she looked in her mirror and saw Stefan behind her.

"You scared me." she gasped.

"Sorry. I'm sorry I ran off earlier." he said softly.

Elena was worried. He didn't look good at all. Where was Lexi? "What happened? Is everything okay?"

"Uh, no...I told Lexi to take me here. I have to talk to you. I can't keep hiding from you. Lexi is just outside listening in case I need her."

"Talk to me, Stefan. I'm here for you. We can stay up all night if you want. Please open up to me."

"I tried so hard to keep together tonight and it was working, it was working but then Matt's mom, she got hurt and she was bleeding and I had her blood on my hands."

"Then what happened?"

Stefan groaned like he was in physical pain. "Elena, my head is pounding. I feel like my skin is on fire. I have this hunger inside of me that I've never felt before in my entire life and all I keep thinking about is how I promised that I would never keep anything from you, and so I'm telling you this."

"That's okay; I need you to tell me these things." Elena told him gently. She was happy he was finally opening up to her.

"But I don't want you to see me like this, I don't want you to know that this side of me exists."

"Stefan, you're gonna get through this. I'm gonna help you get through it. It's gonna be okay, you're gonna be okay. I don't care what Lexi says. I'll help you anyway I can. Just tell me what to do and we can get through this together." She went to pull him closer so he was looking in her in the eyes but he panicked and pulled away.

"Sorry." He whispered softly. "I can't, I'm afraid of what I could do to you."

"I'm not..." She went over to him and tried again, and this she didn't let him look away until finally he was looking her right in the eyes. "Stefan, I'm not." She kisses his lips softly and gently. "I'm not scared of you. I trust you."

Stefan fell into her arms and they hugged each other tightly. "I love you so much." he whispered.

"I love you too."

They stayed in each others arms just holding each other tightly. Stefan knew in that moment that no matter what happen Elena was going to be there for him and never ever leave him. Elena pulled away for a second and closed both the door and then went back over to Stefan and led him over to her bed. They both laid down and just held each other close. There was no talking or anything. Just two soulmate holding each other close and being there for each other.

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