Riley Saltzman took a slow step into Mystic Grill, eyes examining the place. Nothing really seemed to have changed. There were the same laughing people sitting at the bar enjoying a drink, the same drinks being ordered. She shifted her gaze to an empty stool at the bar and bit her lip, fighting back tears. He proposed at that exact spot. Mark.

It wasn't the most romantic of locations, but it was perfect. He was perfect.

Riley trembled as the memories filled her thoughts for the shortest of moments, overwhelming her. This town sparked up too many memories, too many horrific memories.

After taking a deep breath, Riley collected herself. She was in Mystic Falls for a very important reason, and couldn't screw this up. She was aware of the terrifying consequences she would be facing if she wasn't able to do what she was asked. So, reluctantly, Riley took shaky steps towards the bar, standing by that empty seat, Mark's seat, that would forever be empty from now on. Just like her heart.

She quickly ordered something for takeout and pulled out her cell phone, sending a text to an anonymous contact as she waited.

Just got to Mystic Falls, Riley sent.

The reply came almost immediately. Perfect. You know what to do… and who to look for.

She bit her lip. Of course. I will talk to you when I get the information you want.

A voice from behind startled Riley, causing her to jump slightly. "Hello. I don't think I've seen you around town," the man greeted kindly. "Oh, I'm sorry… I didn't mean to startle you," he said coolly. Riley rolled her eyes, not in the mood to meet anyone new at the moment. She forced a smile and turned around to look at the man. Her jaw practically hit the floor.

It was Stefan Salvatore.

She would recognize that face anywhere, yet she had never actually met him until now.

A gentle smile curved on his lips as he looked at Riley, though it never truly reached his hazel eyes. His gaze was soft yet dominant, which made her feel as if he was staring into her. It caused the smallest of tingles to run up Riley's spine.

"No problem," she said nonchalantly, avoiding his gaze. "Yeah, I haven't been around here in about a year. I'm Riley."

Stefan continued to grin and extended his hand. "I'm Stefan Salvatore."

Riley's face lit up with recognition as she shook his hand. "Salvatore… as in the family from the 1800'S?"

"Yup, the original Stefan Salvatore is an ancestor of mine."

Riley nodded, acting interested. Of course she knew that was a lie. She knew everything about Stefan Salvatore, right down to his dark secret. Just the thought of it was enough to make her gag. She hated vampires, so she hated him. End of story. And that was why she was here, wasn't it? This was some sort of sick revenge, a self resolution. But did Stefan Salvatore, the calm one who yearned for his lost humanity deserve this?

Of course, Riley told herself. They're all the same.

"That's so interesting," she commented, looking up at him with wide eyes. For a moment she could have sworn she saw a fire ignite in his eyes, a rare excitement in those fathomless pools of emerald green that died out almost the moment it had appeared. But she saw it.

"So, uh, whyare you back in Mystic Falls?" Stefan questioned, struggling to form words. He was staring at… perfection. Bright green eyes looked back into his, and his vision became completely clouded. Her eyes were the color of leaves when they were held up to the sun, almost glowing. There was a deep shade of cerulean blue speckled in her irises, and all that Stefan could do was stare. He had the sudden urge to step closer, and run his fingers through her amber hair, to press her body tight against his. But he didn't move. He couldn't move. Somewhere distantly in his mind, he kept repeating Elena over and over again.

A genuine smile began to play on Riley's lips as their eyes locked. What color eyes does he have? She wondered absently. They were green like hers, but when she first met him they seemed to be hazel. Then they became a vibrant emerald shade. Now, as she looked into them, she saw a myriad of greens and browns. It was hypnotizing.

The sudden spell between them was suddenly broken when Stefan's gaze quickly turned to her neck, where a drop of blood started to slowly trickle down the side, almost teasing him. "What happened?" he barely whispered. If Riley hadn't been standing so close, his voice would not have been audible.

"Oh… I got into a fight earlier," she replied nervously, beginning to sweat as she saw his hungry expression. An all too familiar one.

"Oh," he said absently, his concentration on that one drop of blood. He licked his lips involuntarily. Riley tensed up, and Stefan could sense her fear almost immediately. "I… I should go," he muttered before turning around and walking out the door.

She watched as Stefan left, her gaze filled with amusement. She'd met Stefan Salvatore, and already every thought circled around him.

No distractions! She scolded herself. You're here for a reason.

So, taking a deep breath, Riley buried all of those feelings deep inside.

AN: I hope you enjoyed! Please review! Tell me what you think!