It Was Epic - Stelena AU

part 1

"Stefan, wake up. It's time to go." I loved watching him sleep. The peacefulness of it. It's something I've alwaysed enjoyed. Especially now. Moments of peace were rare the first couple years after Damon sacrificed himself. life is getting easier, but there will always be that hole in my life that Damon used to fill. I have witnessed Stefan pile all the guilt on himself. He pretends to always have it under control, but I know how much he's been hurting.

"Five more minutes," I hear him mumble as he rolls away from me.

"No. You said that five minutes ago." I try to sound serious, but I'm smiling as I say it. "We can't be late for your own party."

Stefan suddenly rolls over and looks at me with his piercing eyes, trying to convince me to let him sleep

"I'm serious, Stefan. It's time to get up!"

"Fine. But you're driving," he says with a smirk as he's getting out of bed.

Stefan's work is throwing him a party to congratulate him on his new promotion. After he became human, he took up a job as an English teacher. It seemed fitting.

"I can't believe they're throwing a party. It seems a little over the top, don't you think?"

"I think it's nice. They appreciate all you've done for the school." Stefan has opened three new clubs in the past 7 months. His class has the best performance out of the highschool.

"I'd rather not make a big deal out of it," he said as he rest his head on the back of the seat.

"Just smile and be polite," I say as I shoot him a quick smile.

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I'm still in my residency, but soon enough I'll be able to open my private practice. It's always been a dream of mine.

Stefan has always been so supportive of my work. All the late nights and extra shifts at the hospital have been a drag, but he is always there for me. I love him so much.

That night I feel Stefan crawl into bed pretty late. He says he had work to finish, but sometimes I can smell the alcohol on him.

Stefan was in a pretty rough spot the first couple years. Most nights I could hear him yelling and kicking things downstairs.

He was so grateful to be able to have this life with me, but he didn't take it lightly.

One night, like many before, I went downstairs to find him sitting in the floor. I sat with him and wrapped my arms around his waist.

Sometimes he cries, other times he didn't say a word.

After that, he started to drink less and talk more. Everyday is another battle, but he wasn't giving up.

"You okay?" I ask quietly as I feel him wrap his arms around me. My back is against his chest, my favorite feeling.

"Yeah, sorry. I had to grade some papers," he replied and he leaned closer to kiss my cheek.

"I love you," he said softly. I never get tired of hearing those words.

"I love you," I say. Then, like every other wonderful night, I close my eyes and drift asleep, feeling perfectly safe next to the man I love.