You and I (Part 2) - part on is chapter 28 of this collection. Hope you like it.

"It's been a long time since I came around, been a long time but I'm back in town..."

May - 2017 (2 months later) - Houston ,TX

"Always and Forever ; )"

Candice shouldn't have checked her twitter feed and now she knew why looking at Joseph's dimpled face smiling at her from the computer screen. Although most fans would associate those words with the title of the first episode and the Originals' family motto, she knew they meant far more than that. In fact he'd uttered those words in her ear two and a half years earlier after rousing her from a lazy slumber in that gorgeous villa in Mijas. Pity it hadn't worked out that way for them in the end.

Candice had been awaiting the news of the Original's possible renewal for over a month now and all it took was one call from its show runner Julie Plec to confirm it would go ahead and she was set to guest star on at least six episodes. They suspected it was coming which was why she'd been talking up the Klaroline ship on the press circuit, including the Vampire Attraction event in Rio last month. It wasn't as if Candice was ungrateful, knowing she had steady work was an actor's dream but having to be so close again with her ex-lover wasn't going to be easy, especially knowing just how intimate those scenes would probably be

To help quell the nerves, Candice had headed home to visit her family for a few weeks and although it usually calmed her this time was very different. Even her parents had questioned her unusual behaviour but she'd shrugged it off. When the news came through, Candice had immediately consulted social media even though she knew it was an incredibly bad idea. Coming across his tweet had shaken her resolve more than she'd expected, especially given the way they'd ended things so abruptly. It was almost as if he was sending a message just to her and Candice wasn't quite sure what that meant. She had a feeling that once they came together in Atlanta again for filming she might just discover his intentions.

May - 2017 (2 months later) - Chicago, IL

"This time I'm not leaving without you."

Joseph knew exactly what he was doing and it wasn't just giving a shout out to his loyal fans, he was trying to reach her. Truth be told life hadn't been the same without Candice. He'd tried to move on but every time Joseph would imagine her creamy skin and expressive blue eyes and he was back in his usual daze. He loved her, Joseph wouldn't just promise someone always and forever if he didn't mean it. He hoped that message he'd sent would make her believe that too.

He was currently spending some time in the Windy City with his co-star and onscreen little brother Nate Buzolic, aka Kol. They'd bonded from the very beginning and even though he wasn't a regular on the Originals, they always made an effort to get together wherever they were. Given the announcement of the renewal only hit the public a day earlier, Joseph wasn't sure about the reaction, especially from the blonde he missed more than anything. According to Julie, filming wasn't due to begin until late July in Atlanta.

"You look like you're at a funeral, not one of the hottest clubs in Chicago," Nate observed, handing Joseph a much needed whiskey. They were currently drinking at an out of the way and darkened speakeasy. "Given the renewal announcement, I thought you'd be decidedly more upbeat."

"I am."

"And you call yourself an actor?"

"Shut it," he warned. "I'm just a little tired from all the press and social media excitement today, I kind of figured I could be my usual, grumpy self in your presence tonight."

"At least you admit that you're grumpy," he teased, taking a sip of his drink. "This doesn't have anything to do with a blue eyed blonde about yea high?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Again, you call yourself an actor?" Joseph's dirty look didn't require any immediate response. "We all know this means you're going to be spending a lot more time together with your ex-girlfriend."

"We are both professionals."

"Professionals who love each other but can't get their bloody act together. Seriously mate, it's been like two years and you are still not over her."

"It doesn't even matter anymore."

"Except that the last few years you've tried and failed to get over Candice and I'm not sure having to act so intimately together is going to help that effort."

"I'm fairly certain she's moved past what we had," he murmured thinking about her rumoured relationship with some American guitarist from that band he'd since removed from his song library. "And so have I," he lied, knowing that text was far from moving on. He just didn't want anyone else to know. He'd decided he needed that few months to decide exactly how he was going to get her back for good.

February - 2013 - Mercedes Benz Superdome, New Orleans, LA - Superbowl XLV11

"I'm such a slut," she moaned, downing the last of her beer and placing the glass back on the table with a bang.

"I think you're being a little hard on yourself, Candice," Arielle offered. She'd flown into New Orleans that day to meet the rest of the cast before returning to Atlanta to film her scenes for the last three episodes of the fourth season. If there was something you could say about her character Lexi it was that she was heavily in demand. Given they were filming episodes with the veil open to the other side of course she would make an appearance.

"You were the one who called me that on the phone the other day," she shot back accusingly. "Shortly after congratulating me on bedding the on-set, English hottie as you so eloquently put it."

"I meant it in an endearing and congratulatory way," she replied, albeit feebly. "Anyway, it's obvious he feels the same way."

"Yeah he wants to have sex with me and that's about it," she muttered. "I have no idea what came over me that day, I just..."

"Couldn't keep your hands to yourself?" Kat offered, her brown eyes flickering to the guy in question who was standing with Steven, Zach and Michael watching the unfolding game with avid interest. Well they were, Candice was pretty certain Joseph wasn't quite sure exactly what was going on rules wise. His football was a little different to theirs after all.

"I wasn't the only one there," she growled. After they'd ripped each other's clothes off in her trailer and given into every animalistic desire that'd been building they'd decided to keep their indiscretion secret and gone their separate ways, never to speak about it again. If Candice was being honest it hurt. She wasn't sure what she was expecting after such a build up between them but that certainly wasn't it.

The sex was phenomenal, something she'd never really doubted given their thick, sexual tension onscreen but she'd be lying if she didn't want more. Although they'd promised never to tell anyone, Candice felt herself hurtling towards insanity if she didn't tell someone her secret. Kat had suggested she share her feelings with him but that wasn't her style, especially when he'd been so quick to leave her trailer that day. Arielle had suggested a repeat performance saying it would bring the awkwardness to the fore but she'd ignored both. Caroline Forbes might have been bold and fearless but Candice Accola certainly wasn't that brave unfortunately.

With only three days between filming commitments, the cast of the Vampire Diaries had been given a break (albeit a publicity one) before returning to set in Atlanta and what better way to spend their time than at the Superbowl in New Orleans? The guys had been ecstatic unsurprisingly but Candice was a iittle worried to be so close with Joseph. It was bad enough they'd had to act so friendly the past few episodes (she still couldn't get the image of a shirtless Klaus out of her head from episode 18). She was just glad that the most recent episode had them working on two different sets. Joseph on the possible Originals spin off in New Orleans and she on TVD.

There was industry chatter that the Originals would be picked up by the CW and Candice wasn't quite sure whether she was happy he'd be filming further away in Atlanta than usual but given the awkwardness it was probably best between them.

"Ladies," Michael interrupted their conversation as he had a tendency to do accompanied by their other co-stars. "Would you care to make a wager on the game?" Candice rolled her eyes not surprised he was being so competitive. "Steven and I are backing the 49ers. Zach and Joseph for some crazy reason have their money on the Ravens."

"Do you know exactly what you're betting on?" Candice asked, her gaze settling on Joseph. She was trying to ignore just how gorgeous he looked in those dark jeans and black suit jacket.

"Not really but I've always been partial to birds, including ravens."

"You're basing your bet on the team mascot?"

"Why not?" He prodded, now standing to her left and causing Candice to lose her composure a little from his damn aftershave that was infiltrating her nostrils unwelcomingly.

"Well, I'm with Steven and Michael backing San Fransisco," Kat replied. Although she was born in Switzerland she'd been raised in California so her choice wasn't surprising.

"This Florida girl is supporting the Ravens. Candice?" Arielle asked. She was born and raised in Texas, so the obvious choice was Baltimore but for some reason she had no intention of agreeing with Joseph, especially given their situation. Yes, her immaturity had hit an all time low.

"My money is one the 49'ers," Candice replied nonchalantly. "I've never been much of a bird fan."

"Let me guess, there was an incident with one when you were a child?" Joseph asked, Candice trying to ignore those familiar dimples and a slight smirk tugging at the corners of those kissable, crimson lips. Bastard.

"That's none of your business," Candice bristled. Of course there'd been an incident when she was younger. It involved a pelican that took a liking to her birthday cake at the zoo.

"Well," Arielle interrupted. "This should be interesting." Candice had a feeling she wasn't just talking about the game anymore.

The Baltimore Ravens won, holding on by four points in the end. Always competitive, Candice was kicking herself that she didn't go for her chosen side because of him. She'd chosen to ignore his triumphant and cocky grin and made her exit to the hotel as quickly as possible. The last thing she wanted was to deal with his English ego, especially after the last few weeks she'd had to endure.

April - 2013 - Atlanta GA

Joseph was frustrated and not just in the sexual way either. Ever since they'd been together, Candice had basically ignored him. The only time she did speak was during their scenes together or to throw out some sarcastic insult like at the Superbowl. He thought what they shared was amazing and even better than he'd expected after longing for the girl for two years now.

It had all seemed so glorious until things became awkward and they'd reverted back to their original discourse. Joseph didn't want that, he wanted her. But it seemed as is Candice wanted to forget what happened between them so he let it go, albeit reluctantly. The fact she wanted to keep what happened between them secret spoke volumes and he had no option but to pretend like it never happened.

Coming onto set that day had been particularly difficult, knowing that this would be their last scene together for the foreseeable future given the Originals had been officially picked up by the CW and announced only the day before. He should have been ecstatic and he was for the most part, Joseph had always dreamed of having his own show and things were finally falling into place. Well, all except for one significant part. Knowing exactly what their final scene entailed, Joseph was certain it would do nothing to quell the burgeoning feelings he felt.

"And action..."

"How'd you get here so fast?"

"I was already on my way. I received your graduation announcement, very subtle. I'm assuming you're expecting cash?"

"That, or a mini fridge."

"Well, I had considered offering you a first class ticket to join me in New Orleans, but I knew what your answer would be. So I opted for something you would accept." Joseph paused briefly before adding. "Tyler is now free to return to Mystic Falls."

"What?"

"He's your first love, I intend to be your last," he murmured, holding her gaze. "However long it takes." He leaned forward his lips grazing her cheek before pulling back slowly. "Congratulations Caroline. Now, let's get out of here before twelve angry hybrids decide to pick a fight."

As they walked away from the camera, his arm laced through hers, Joseph couldn't help but feel sad that it was all coming to an end and he didn't just mean his stint on the Vampire Diaries.

It was now 4am and the show had finally wrapped. Even though it was late (or early as some may say), the cast and crew had gathered together on set to toast to another successful season. Joseph had hovered around the drinks table for a while making small talk about his new show, watching Candice chat away to Nina. He'd been so quick to write things off between them but knowing he wouldn't see her again for some time was weighing heavily on him.

He seized his opportunity when he saw her making her way towards her trailer alone. Joseph couldn't leave without telling her how he felt. He knocked gingerly on the door noticing her surprise as she let him inside.

"There's something I need to know and then I'll leave you alone for good," he stuttered, not expecting her pink lips to find his so quickly and pull him towards her. They attacked each other's lips greedily, their clothes coming off in record time with all reason flying out the door, much like the first time they were together. Before Joseph could lay her on the couch she stopped, pulling back abruptly, her creamy skin tinged pink and breathing ragged.

"We can't do this."

"You started it," he growled, unable to help himself.

"I know," she admitted sheepishly. "I just..."

"I thought you hated me."

"When you left so quickly that day, I assumed you didn't want this, that you didn't want me," she mumbled.

"You wanted to keep it a secret, I assumed you were ashamed and then when you all but ignored me..."

"I didn't mean to, it was just so awkward," she conceded. "Especially having to act together knowing what had happened between us." Joseph found her jacket and hung it over her shoulders trying to protect what modesty she had left given their lust filled reunion.

"So, do you think maybe we could try this again?"

"What are you suggesting?" She asked, pulling the jacket around her body securely.

"A date." They might have started things off on the wrong foot but Joseph had every intention of rectifying the situation with her.

May - 2013 - CW Upfronts - New York, NY

Candice couldn't believe how quickly things had accelerated between them over the past month. True to his word, Joseph had taken her on that date in Los Angeles, of all places, during their production break. In the past, guys had tried to impress her by going to upscale restaurants and exclusive clubs but he'd taken her to a small, Mexican cantina followed by salsa dancing at a roof top bar in central LA. He blamed his lack of salsa experience on growing up in a stuffy, English household but the fact he'd done it for her meant so much and she was more than happy to show him a few moves in very close proximity. Candice couldn't remember when she'd had that much fun with someone.

They'd kept things strictly professional given how quickly they'd jumped into things all those months ago. The CW Upfronts were being held in New York later that week and Joseph was going to be front and centre advertising the Originals first season. Candice wasn't required that year and had told Joseph as much before secretly travelling there to surprise him in his hotel room.

They hadn't gone public with their romance yet and it was exactly the way Candice preferred things. Yes, she was famous but there were some things she liked to keep quiet for obvious reasons. She'd contacted Claire who played Joseph's sister Rebekah on screen about her plan and organised a key to sneak into his room. She was decidedly nervous, not quite sure why given they'd already slept together. For some reason this time meant so much more.

She heard him enter the room, a deep and relieved sigh sounding out from the man in question as he closed the door. She'd chosen her best La Perla, red lingerie in anticipation. "You sound like you need a good massage."

He was speechless momentarily, his blue eyes hungrily devouring her curves in red, lacy lingerie. "I certainly wouldn't say no," he growled, picking her up and throwing her onto the king sized bed excited for what was to come. Her overwhelming beauty wasn't a surprise but the fact she'd sneaked into his room was and he couldn't get enough of her in that moment.

November - 2013 - TVD 100th Episode Party - Atlanta, GA

The cameras were flashing madly as he walked the red carpet. Joseph would have preferred to have a certain, beautiful blonde on his arm but their relationship was a well kept secret. Joseph actually appreciated Candice's wish to keep things secret. She insisted it wasn't because she was ashamed, she just wanted to keep her private life private. He couldn't argue with that fact.

"So, do you think this 100th episode will deliver for the fans?" Joseph knew it would but he couldn't say that of course. He'd enjoyed their time against that tree just as much as he knew Klaus had.

"I think so," he offered slyly. "I couldn't expect anything less than from this amazing TVD team." His eyes averted to her blue ones momentarily, Joseph a little scared he might get lost in them. No one knew about their relationship and it was the way they liked it, especially a very shy Candice.

"You realise all the fans want is a reunion between their favourite star crossed couple?" All Joseph wanted was a reunion between the actors who played them right away but he knew he needed to play this down, otherwise Julie would certainly kill him.

"I suppose we'll have to wait and see, they are on different shows after all." Candice heard him, those blue eyes sending a message that they would definitely be hooking up tonight unbeknownst to reporters.

He'd been desperately waiting for Candice to come to his room. Joseph had found it was difficult to be apart from her than more than a few days. She was like a highly addictive drug and he was struggling in her absence. He pushed upon the door to his room, standing on the balcony with a glass of scotch awaiting her arrival. It was then he noticed her approaching from below, unfortunately he wasn't the only one as the waiting paparazzi enveloped her. Joseph screamed out protectively not caring what secrets would be revealed, all he cared about was her well being.