Vampire Diaries Imagines

Take A Moment - Tyler Lockwood

Y/N stood in the middle of the Lockwood Mansion's grand foyer, a clipboard clutched tightly in her hands. Guests were beginning to pour in, their heels clicking against the polished floors, and the air hummed with chatter and clinking champagne glasses. Though she barely registered the noise, her eyes darting between the gilded chandelier and the neatly arranged buffet table. Everything had to be perfect. This was Founders Day, after all, and perfection was non-negotiable.

The evening marked her first time coordinating the event without The help of Mrs. Lockwood and it definitely overwhelmed the young Y/L/N girl. Y/N felt the weight of her boyfriend Tyler's family legacy resting heavily on her shoulders since they had done this for so long. She had volunteered for this-not because anyone had asked her to, but because it felt right. Carol had loved Founders Day, and Y/N was determined to honor that memory after spending so much time with her over the years preparing everything. She thought it would have been easy after all of that but she was in way too over her head.

"Y/N/N," Tyler's voice broke through the fog of her thoughts.

She turned to see him standing at the foot of the staircase, looking effortlessly handsome in a crisp black suit. His tie was slightly loosened, and the way his eyes softened when he saw her made her stomach flip, even after all this time.

"Ty," she breathed, glancing back at her clipboard. "I need to make sure the champagne gets refilled before-"

"Y/N." His voice was firmer this time, and when she looked up, he was already in front of her, gently prying the clipboard from her hands.

"Hey, I need that!" she protested, but her tone lacked any real conviction.

"You haven't slept in days," he said, his brows knitting together in concern. "You've been running yourself ragged over this."

"Because it's important," she argued, crossing her arms over her chest. "Your mom always made this party incredible. I can't let people think it's less special just because she's gone."

Tyler's expression softened even more, and he reached out to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "No one's going to think that. Look around, Y/N/N. This is incredible. You did it."

Y/N hesitated, letting her gaze sweep over the room. The polished floors sparkled under the chandelier's glow, the floral arrangements were elegant but understated, and the guests seemed genuinely impressed. A group of Founders Council members was laughing by the fireplace, and a steady stream of people kept returning to the dance floor.

Still, a knot of doubt tightened in her chest. "It's not just about the decorations or festivities for me, Ty. It's about honoring her because she loved it so much. Something I guess I inherited by proxy."

"I know," Tyler said softly. He took her hand in his, threading their fingers together. "And you did. She'd be so proud of you, Y/N/N. I'm proud of you."

The sincerity in his voice made her throat tighten. She blinked rapidly, trying to fight back the sting of tears. "I just-I wanted everything to be perfect."

"It is," he said, pulling her closer. His hand found the small of her back, and he gave her a rare, teasing smile. "But you're not going to enjoy any of it if you pass out from exhaustion. Come with me."

She frowned. "Where?"

"Just trust me."

Before she could protest, he guided her up the stairs of the mansion and out onto the balcony off of what used to be his mothers office. The cool night air hit her face, and for the first time in days, she took a deep, calming breath. The sound of the party just downstairs faded into the background as Tyler leaned against the railing, pulling her with him.