May, 2012

"Is this really where I'm supposed to be?" I wondered as I gazed down at Elena's fathomless brown eyes, almost seeing her shining soul behind those pools of chocolate.

No. That answer was simple enough, and that guilt-ridden voice in the back of my head reminded me of it. But maybe, just maybe, the fact that I hadn't been with her like this in what felt like an eternity was what made my heart pound a little faster, what made my body feel a little hotter with her every touch.

"Yes," she whispered softly, making it known that I had in fact been thinking out loud. Her soft fingertips gently grazed along my jawline and I knew this was where I belonged. With her, wherever that may be. "This is where you're supposed to be, Stefan."

"I know," I commented. "I just... I can't understand it. I can't comprehend why-"

She silenced me with a kiss, her lips lingering against mine in a way that sent chills down my spine. "I choose you. I love you. It was always you..."

"After everything I've done -the people I've killed-..."

Her sigh shook me to the core. "Don't hate yourself, please." I closed my eyes, unable to stare at her; she had to realize that I didn't deserve this. "We'll have an eternity to make up for it."

And when she started to caress my cheekbone, I had to look at her; I was victim to her touch. I always had been. "If you ever change your mind..."

"I won't." Her voice was stern and her gaze was set. "I love you."

"I love you, Elena," was all I said in response before she lifted her head to meet my lips in another breathtaking kiss. My heart nearly burst the second that our lips simply met, but it was followed by a dull ache that forced me to pull away, sitting up on her bed.

I felt like I was betraying her, betraying myself. "I can't..."

Elena's soft hand rested on my shoulder as I felt her sit up beside me. "You can," she encouraged. "I forgive you."

"You shouldn't." My body began to surge with anger; I'd nearly driven her off of the bridge her parents died at for Christ's sake! Yet here she was, telling me it was okay... it was all okay.

She didn't respond for a long time. But when she did, her voice was soft and calm, surprisingly so. "We have things to work past," she whispered. "I know that. So stay with me... and show me you're worth forgiving. Redeem yourself."

I had no idea why -I knew I should've left Mystic Falls right then and never looked back- but I agreed.

Soon she had taught me how to forgive myself. Summer came around, and it started to feel as if everything was actually going to be okay. In September we were engaged. And in October, on a rainy, candle-lit night, she became my wife.

I don't know how she did it, but Elena Gilbert saved me... simply by loving me.

AN: I know, it's just a little pointless one-shot, but I've been having HORRIBLE writer's block, and I just wanted to post something for you guys! Despite how short it was, I hope you enjoyed it. Should I write another chapter and have each month, or just leave it at this? I'm probably going to write at least a wedding fic in the future if you guys want to see it.

Please review! Every comment means the world to me!

Xoxo :)

-Sara

(To my Perfect Match readers, I'm really trying to get a chapter up soon for you!)