Disclaimer: I do not own The Vampire Diaries

But I could not go away, not if I wanted to
I can hide from friends, but I cannot hide from you
These chemical reactions are dividing me

Self-deprecating thoughts are interrupting all the time
Emphasizing all the traits that I wish weren't mine
They speak louder than everybody

- It's OK, I Wouldn't Remember Me Either by Crywank

Chapter Sixteen - All In Time

Willow stayed with her head shielded by her arms for the rest of the lesson. Mr. Tanner didn't call on her once and for that she was grateful; she didn't think that she would be able to meet the questioning eyes of Stefan or anyone else really. Willow knew that she would need to face Stefan sooner or later, but she was opting for later right now.

Finally, the bell rang signaling the end of the lesson. Willow swiftly grabbed her bag off the floor, attempting to make a quick exit before anyone really noticed. Of course, luck was not on her side and someone did manage to stop her from leaving. Though it was not who she expected to stop her. "Hey, Willow," Elena called gently as Willow attempted to pass her and Stefan. Willow faltered, tempted to just ignore Elena and carry on her way. But she could feel Stefan's worried gaze burning the back of her head and it was driving her crazy.

Willow turned around to face Elena, eyes darting to Stefan for a moment before making eye contact with Elena. "I know that we don't get along," Elena began and Willow fought the urge to roll her eyes. "but I just hope that everything is okay," Elena said to her, followed by a kind smile.

Willow blinked unsurely at Elena, sweeping her eyes over to Stefan as if he could explain the kindness coming from Elena. Stefan simply smiled the same way back at her, but his eyes held many questions for her. Willow knew that the two of them would have to speak sooner or later, after all, Willow had many questions for him too. So Willow simply returned her gaze back to Elena, offered her a smile that she was sure looked more like a grimace, and mumbled, "Thanks." And for good measure, she sighed, "Hope everything's okay with you too."

Elena's lips parted as if she wanted to say more to Willow, but then thought better of it and just nodded her head at Willow and then looked towards Stefan. Willow's eyes moved back to Stefan too, this time making sure to make eye contact with him properly. Stefan raised his eyebrows questionably at her. Willow nodded at him and then made a small gesture with her head to outside of the classroom. Stefan got the hint that maybe she wanted to speak with him later. So Stefan sent her one sure nod, and without another word, Willow hightailed it out of the classroom.

Elena turned to Stefan, "Okay, what was that?"

Stefan shrugged his shoulders as the two of them began making their way out of the classroom as well. "What was what?"

Elena scoffed, "That weird exchange between you two. Are you two that close that you can read eachothers minds?" She raised one eyebrow up at him, though there was a playful smile on her face.

Stefan chuckled, "Something like that." Stefan answered her cryptically. Elena gave him a long look, wanting more of an answer. Stefan cleared his throat, "Um, she's just going through something right now. I'm trying to help her out."

Elena smiled at this. Despite her rocky relationship with Willow, she was glad that the girl had someone to try and help her. "That's nice," Elena said as the two of them made their way to their next class. "You know, I know I said that I wasn't all that happy about the two of you being friends, but I actually think that you're really good for her." She admitted with a smile.

"Yeah?" Stefan grinned back as Elena bobbed her head as a yes. "Well, I think that Willow's good for me too."

Elena frowned at this, "Really?" She questioned uncertainly.

Stefan smirked at the expression on her face. "Really," He answered simply. He reached for her hand and smiled at her, "C'mon. We'll be late for class." He said to her as he started leading her to their next lesson. This distracted Elena enough for her to ask him about how he knew all of those answers that Mr. Tanner had thrown at him in class. Stefan entertained her questions, but his mind was on Willow.

Neither Willow or Stefan had a chance to speak to eachother by the time the final bell rang. They didn't think it was appropriate to speak about vampirism in a classroom filled with people, so neither said a word to eachother in the classes that they did have together.

Willow had searched for him after her last class, but could not find him anywhere. She had even asked people if they had seen him or had any idea as to where he would be and nobody seemed to know. She worried that maybe he had just gone straight home, and Willow did not like the idea of going to the boarding house to speak to him. The main reason being that Damon could be there and she did not want to run into him anytime soon.

When she made her way out of the school and into the parking lot she feared that he had in fact gone home. She bit her lip, wondering if she should just text him and ask him where he was. Just as she was getting her phone out of her pocket she saw the football team coming out of the side entrance to the changing rooms, Mr. Tanner following them and barking orders as they all made their way to the football field. Willow watched them go, remembering Stefan saying once when they met that he liked football and was quite good at it.

Willow watched them go, remembering Stefan saying once when they met that he liked football and was quite good at it. Though tryouts had ended a while back, it was still possible that Stefan had gone to watch or ask if he could join the team. It was a start at least.

Willow brushed her hair back from her face, stuffing her phone back into her jean pocket. Just as she made to follow the football team to the field she saw Tyler shove another team member rather harshly. She cringed at the prospect of running into him. It was not something that she was in the mood for today. She bit her lip, also spotting Matt there, who was quickly reprimanding him for what he did to his teammate. Willow sighed in relief at the sight of the blonde haired boy. She was sure that if Tyler started bothering her that Matt would step in and diffuse the situation.

Swallowing back her anxieties, she went around the back way where the bleachers were just to be safe. Coming around the back and then to the side of the bleachers, she peeked over the side, searching for any sign of Stefan. Glancing across the football field, just in case he was speaking to Mr. Tanner about joining the team, and then she looked to the bleachers once she couldn't find him there. Willow allowed herself a small smile once she spotted him sitting on the bleachers a few feet away from her.

Straightening out, Willow made her way to the steps in order to get to Stefan. She faltered as she got to the second step. She could see that he wasn't paying attention to her or anyone else; he was simply fiddling with that old antique ring that he always wore and watching the football team as they practiced.

Looking at him now, she would never even think that he was a vampire. He just looked like an ordinary high school student. This just brought up a thousand questions for her, like; how old was he? How did he become a vampire? Why had he decided to come to Mystic Falls? The questions were endless and standing here thinking of more to ask him was going to drive her insane.

Letting out a breath, Willow pulled out her lighter and cigarettes from her vest pocket, lighting a cigarette quickly. She took a deep breath from the cigarette, allowing the nicotine to ease her nerves for a moment. She blew out the smoke into the cold air before continuing on up the steps towards Stefan.

Willow cleared her throat when she was just across from him, getting his attention. Stefan turned to the person standing just away from him. He let out a breath once he saw that it was Willow standing before him. He found himself smiling at her as she flicked some ash from her cigarette. "It was a lucky guess that I would find you here."

Stefan chuckled lightly, shaking his head. "Just thought I'd check out practice."

Willow tilted her head to the sighed, taking a quick drag of her cigarette. She blew the smoke out of her mouth as she joked, "You a jock now, huh?"

Stefan scoffed, rolling his eyes at her. He was happy to see her being playful with him. He was worried that she would be frightened of him and not want to go near him. Perhaps space is what she needed to think things over so that she could have a clear head when she came and spoke to him.

Stefan gestured for Willow to join him on the bleachers, which she complied after a moment's hesitation. Stefan didn't take it personally; he was just happy to see her speaking to him willingly.

Willow took another smoke of her cigarette, leaning forward on her knees. "We've kind of got a lot to talk about, huh?"

Stefan cleared his throat and looked down at her. "Yeah, we do."

Willow quickly finished her cigarette off, tossing it to the ground and digging her heel into it to put out the light. "Look, I dunno if now is the best time to talk about it, 'cause we're in school and all and I'm guessing you wanna keep all this a secret..." She fidgeted in her seat a little. "So I was thinking maybe after school, or whenever we're just not in school, and talk about it all then. 'Cause, dude, I wanna know everything." She gave him a serious look. "And I mean everything."

Stefan took in her words, understanding where she was coming from. He turned to her properly, doing a once over on her. His gaze zeroed in on her neck, where there bruises on her neck from his brother. His jaw tightened, "Everything?"

Willow could see where he was looking. She straightened a little, using her hair to cover the marks. She nodded her head though, "Everything."

The two held eye contact for a few seconds more when shouting from the football field forced them to tear their gazes from one another. Willow winced when she saw one of the players with the number one on his football jersey was shoved to the ground rather violently. She knew exactly who it was before he got up and started yelling at the person who had managed to force him to the ground; it was Tyler. His temper was the worst part about him.

Willow cleared her throat as she leaned back in her seat, crossing one ankle over the other as she stared down at the field. "So, what're you doing up here? You thinking of joining our shitty football team?"

Stefan shrugged his shoulders, "I dunno."

Willow turned her gaze back to him. He was still messing with his ring, and she wanted to ask him why he wore it but decided to save it for the day where she would ask him everything. "Why don't you? I mean, I know that technically it's cheating 'cause you've got all that super speed, but we suck."

Stefan chuckled and shook his head at her, "I guess it is cheating technically, yeah." He shrugged his shoulders though, looking unsure of himself. "Tryouts have ended anyway."

"So?" Willow said firmly. "Can't hurt to ask. And we need you. We are seriously bad."

"I don't think Mr. Tanner likes me that much. Matter of fact, I don't think anyone on this football team likes me either."

"Pfft!" Willow rolled her eyes, stuffing her hands in her vest pocket. "Mr. Tanner doesn't like anyone. And if you're on about Tyler and Matt, then don't worry. You're not missing out on much with Tyler, but Matt is probably just jealous because of Elena."

"Elena?" He asked, furrowing his brows together. "You mean because they used to date?"

Willow nodded her head, "Yeah, and I think Matt is still into her, so..." She shrugged her shoulders as she looked up to the sky. "Look, just ask Mr. Tanner if you can try out. Just try."

Stefan nodded his head. He stood up, picking his bag up in the process. He placed a hand on her shoulder gently in thanks. Willow winked at him as he made his down the steps towards Mr. Tanner. Willow sat herself up and faced forward in order for her to watch.

She saw Stefan talking to Mr. Tanner. It went on for some time before Stefan eventually started walking away. For a minute Willow thought that Mr. Tanner had refused but she saw that he was walking towards the changing rooms and then he turned back to her and gave her a thumbs up. Willow grinned and clapped lightly to herself.

She was even happier when she saw him coming jogging back onto the field with football gear on. For the first time ever Willow was interested in sports. Willow watched with great attention as she watched Stefan sprint passed Tyler, even stealing the ball off of him a few times. It made her grin with satisfaction at seeing him getting so frustrated at Stefan running circles around him.

"Woo! Go, Salvatore!" Willow cheered. Stefan heard her from the bleachers and took his helmet off as he saw her giving him a thumbs up. He laughed to himself and shook his head. He waved back at her and she returned it. As he jogged back to his team he could overhear Tyler and Matt, "I hate to say it but he's got skills." Matt said to Tyler.

"Look, he is not getting away with it." Tyler insisted. "Willow's here with him. I mean, did you hear her cheering for him." Tyler shook his head angrily. "No way, man. I think he needs a buddy pass."

"Really?" Matt questioned uncertainly. "And besides you're with my sister. Leave Willow alone."

Tyler ignored his comments, "You don't get to walk on the field and act like you own the place after five minutes. Just hang one up and I'll take care of the rest."

Stefan knew that he could avoid this. It would be simple enough. And it wouldn't be hard to knock Tyler to the ground; wound his ego a little, especially after what he did to Willow at the party. But he didn't want to expose himself; if he avoided Tyler then it would take great speed to do so. More speed than a normal human would need to avoid him. So he decided that he would just take the hit and move on.

Mr. Tanner yelled at them to get back into position, and as Matt threw the ball, Stefan sped for to catch it. Tyler also came forward, slamming his whole body into Stefan's, knocking him to the ground.

Willow gasped and found herself standing up as Stefan and Tyler fell to the ground. She knew that football was a contact sport, but that looked like it hurt. She bit her lip as Stefan laid there for a few moments. It was Matt who came up to Stefan and helped him up in the end. Willow sighed, relaxing now. Stefan seemed okay. Even Mr. Tanner asked if he was okay. Stefan must have felt her worried eyes on him as he looked up and nodded at her to say that he was fine. Willow returned the gesture and sat back down on the bleachers.

In the end, the entire team and Mr. Tanner, minus Tyler, had insisted that Stefan join the team. Willow was so happy for him that she met him before he went into the changing rooms. She bumped his shoulder with her own, grinning at him. "See? They all love you!"

Stefan smiled down at her, "Yeah, not everyone."

Willow huffed and rolled her eyes, "Who cares about Tyler? He's just one guy. Everyone else thinks you're awesome." She winked at him as she poked him in the chest playfully.

Stefan looked down, the smile still on his face, "Yeah, thanks."

Willow gave a questioning look, "For what?"

"Well, you and Elena both pushed me to join the team. So, you know, thanks a lot."

Willow blushed lightly at this, ducking her head down as she shoved her hands into her pockets bashfully. Stefan thought that it was sweet. "Yeah, well, you better win."

Stefan nodded his head as the two walked behind the rest of the team. An idea suddenly came to his head, "Hey, are you busy tonight?"

Willow's eyes lit up and she tilted her head, "No, not that I know of. Why?"

Stefan cleared his throat, now wondering if it would be a bit awkward to ask her of this. "There's just this dinner at Elena's tonight, and she's bringing Bonnie so that she and I can get to know eachother better, so I was thinking you could come and you know, bond with Elena."

Willow's face completely scrunched up, her nose wrinkling as she started to frown. "Really? Bond? Me and Elena?" Willow sighed, "Look, I know me and Elena were nice to eachother earlier but that doesn't mean anything. We do not get along."

"Please." Stefan pleaded. "It would really mean a lot to me if the two people that are important to me could get along."

Willow's heart fluttered at the fact that he saw her as someone important. How could she say no to that? Willow groaned and stamped her foot, "Fine! But you're gonna have to convince her too. She usually never wants me in the house."

"Great!" Stefan beamed, and just for that, it would be worth suffering a few hours with Elena just to make him happy. Before he left he said to her quietly, "Oh, and we'll arrange when to talk about all this... stuff, okay?" Willow nodded her head, knowing that he was talking about vampirism.

"Okay. Now go get cleaned up." She playfully shoved him away from her. "You stink."

Stefan scoffed, then waved and jogged to the changing rooms. Willow watched him go for a moment, then took a deep breath. She was not going to be prepared for tonight.