𝐀𝐒 𝐈𝐓 𝐖𝐀𝐒 ༄ 𝗦. 𝗦𝗔𝗟𝗩𝗔𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗘 ²︎

𝘦𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵

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[season four || episode eight ]
we'll always have bourbon street

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retrouvaille:
(n.) the joy of meeting or finding
someone again after a long separation;
rediscovery

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Traipsing the empty streets of Mystic Falls, Stefan pondered on how to resolve the situation between him and Maddie. It was his favorite time of the day. Stars watched him above, urging him to fix his wrongdoing. Maddie hadn't returned to the Salvatore home, making his worry deluge back in waves. Although he knew she was most likely safe and sound, it wasn't enough to extinguish it.

He knew he had messed up when he kept that secret from Madeline, testing their sense of trust. However, Klaus would never let him stop. The hybrid's longing for his own race to play as his sired puppets had been his objective for only God knows how long. Apologies rehearsing in his mind, he went to the last place where Madeline could be residing. Flowers in hand, he knocked on the Forbes' residence, hoping to see her green eyes as a greeting. Birds sat on tree branches as if to observe his confrontation, prepared to ridicule.

He got his wish. Hair slightly ruffled, Madeline opened the door and widened her eyes, stunned to see her favorite Salvatore. Tsunamis of weakness washed over her, interrupting her impulse to smile. She grabbed onto the doorframe, attempting to fight the massive hangover. "Stefan," she whispered groggily. "What are you doing here?"

She didn't even register her hand slipping until Stefan swiftly caught her, managing to keep the flowers safe too. "Leine, are you alright?" he prodded, leading her to the couch. He was breathing raggedly, concerned. Sleeping peacefully, Caroline remained unaware of the situation.

Madeline nodded. "I just drank too much." She knew drinking was wrong, but it allowed her to forget all her misery, and there was a lot of it. In more ways than one, she could see herself becoming parts of her father.

"You sure?" Stefan said, placing the back of his palm onto her forehead. His concern warmed her heart, temporarily making her forget about their minor fight. "You didn't get bitten by a hybrid again or something?"

"Nope. No bites here." Madeline whispered, another headache materializing. "Hungover." Ignoring the sudden discomfort, she stood up and readjusted the blanket covering Caroline. She commented, "Let's go outside. I don't want to wake her."

Sitting on the porch, Madeline smiled as Stefan handed her her favorite bouquet of flowers, their vibrant hues reminding her of ones you would see through a kaleidoscope. "I'm sorry about yesterday, Leine. About all of it."

Madeline pursed her lips. "I know you are." It was noticeable through his eyes — the way his fingers fiddled with his ring and his evident fear of losing her. Hesitant, he held his hand out, praying that Madeline comprehended his regret. Smiling, she grabbed his hand firmly, assuring him she understood. "I know Klaus can be... kinda pushy — by the way, never tell him I said that — but please be honest with me. I do not want to have a reason to doubt you. You're still not completely forgiven."

"I'll get you flowers every day," Stefan suggested.

Madeline chuckled. "Well, aren't you romantic?"

"Care to join me at our house before school starts?" Stefan added, admiring her small smile. He loved their blessed moments more than she would ever know.

Madeline considered it, smiling despite the pounding distress in her head. "Our house?" The way he said it made her heart swell.

"Well, you are living there. You lived there long before this hunter business." Stefan nodded, dazzled by her grin. "So, is that a yes?"