𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝒐𝒏𝒆

𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 15 ♡︎

That's a wrap, folks!

A lot is going on in this chapter so be careful for any temporal indication. We pick up right where we left off.

Stefan's only thought is for Katherine. He can feel her trembling behind him. Her hands are on his back and he can tell that her fingernails have gripped his shirt tightly. Caroline finally speaks up:

"And what are you doing here, Klaus?"

"Well I figured that my hybrids could very well take care of my business in Italy, so I've decided to come back here. See, I missed you too much, love."

"If you don't mind, I was having a little party here with my friends."

"Stefan's my friend, too. And Tyler's my little hybrid, isn't he? And I'm sure the lovely Elena won't mind my being here. What's going on between you two, by the way?" He adds, looking at Stefan.

Of course Klaus would think that Katherine is Elena. The first Petrova double isn't even supposed to be here. That's their chance to get out of this messed-up situation.

"We've decided to try and work on our relationship."

"Oh, but this is fascinating," Klaus says as he closes the door behind him and makes his way into the living-room. "So even after everything she put you through, you're still willing to take her back?"

"That's none of your concern. Elena, let's go."

Katherine grips Stefan's hand and follows him as he walks towards the door.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Caroline. Tyler."

"Bye," Caroline mutters.

To Stefan, it sounds like a real goodbye. And it probably is, at least for a while.

Stefan isn't pleased to leave Caroline and Tyler with Klaus but he has no other choice. His priority is Katherine. Once they're out of the house, they climb into his car and he drives as fast as he can back to their hotel room. Now is the time to leave.

"I know that we hadn't planned this, but we need to pack and leave tonight."

"I know," Katherine simply says as she follows him into the room.

It takes them less than fifteen minutes at full speed to throw their belongings into suitcases and bags and then carry them to the vehicle. As Katherine waits in the car, Stefan hurries to pay for the room and he joins her.

"Okay, I just need to tell Damon and then we're good to go."

"Can't you just give him a call?"

Stefan looks at her and shakes his head.

"No. He's my brother and he has to know."

"Okay, let's go."

Damon is sleeping on the couch and he reeks of alcohol. Stefan and Katherine burst through the door and he barely stirs.

"Damon! Damon, wake up!" Stefan implores as he shakes his brother's shoulders.

"Hmm… what is it, Stef?"