All it took was a drastic, stupid decision which lead to a fight, and he was gone.

As soon as he got back into his old, red porsche and drove away, a part of me was expecting that he'd turn back around. Somewhere deep in the pit of my stomach I had hoped that he would have forced me to get back in the car. But he didn't. He just drove away.

Nevertheless, I saw the tears in his eyes.

I could see right through him in that rare moment. He broke my heart repeatedly, and for the very first time, for just a split second, I could see that his heart was breaking too. And yes, I was furious with him and I never wanted to see his face again in this gut wrenching moment, but I knew that would pass. Because I could never truly hate Stefan; I simply hated what had become of him.

But he drove away without me. The Stefan I once knew and loved was still buried beneath the complex layers of the reckless monster I had just spoken to was out of reach. I didn't know if he'd ever be the same after this, after all he did, but I was sure that he was still in there.

Somehow, I saw the tears in his eyes.

Damon picked me up soon after Stefan drove off. I didn't feel much like talking, and he respected that. After he said goodnight and I walked back inside my home, I couldn't concentrate on much. With an aching head and a painful, aching heart, I thought about all that had happened that night. From the cruelty in Stefan's words, to the raw emotion displayed in his teal eyes.

I couldn't concentrate. So in the middle of the night, I got in my car and drove.

Now, here I was in the Salvatore boarding house, my heart feeling as if it could burst, mind filled with exhaustion, but I didn't care. I wanted answers. Damon was obviously out drinking, and if Stefan was home, he didn't hear me.

I jumped when I suddenly heard a loud crash come from upstairs, followed by another. I furrowed my brows, confused and now fueled by a strange curiosity. Hesitantly, I made my way up the stairs, realizing the noise was coming from Stefan's bedroom, making me gasp. What was he doing?

Praying that he wouldn't hear me, I pressed my ear to the door and listened closely, my heart pounding so loudly I wouldn't be surprised if he heard it. Closing my eyes, I concentrated.

He was ripping pieces of paper apart and throwing things, I realized with a shock. This went on for a few minutes, and I flinched every single time I heard something else break.

Then it just... stopped.

Instantly, along with the noise, I froze, desperately hoping that he didn't hear me on the other side of his door. If he found out that I was here and listening in on him, things were bound to get even worse. Fortunately, it seemed that he was too caught up with his actions to concentrate on anything but that.

I listened again. This time, all I could make out were his deep, labored breaths. My mind spun with a thousand questions: why was he doing this, what was he even doing? Then, another sound filled my ears and it all came together.

I could hear him crying.

AN: Okay, this story will take place obviously after 3x11. I'm sorry for lack of detail here, but it's past midnight and I'm exhausted. Not sure about this story, but let me know if you think I should continue. Please review telling me what you think! Every comment inpires me more than you can imagine! xoxo