Stefan paused in their stride as she kissed his cheek, taking a breath as a smile spread across his lips. He wanted to say he loved her too, but he didn't know if he should. Instead, when she turned and began walking again, leading him along towards the trees, he mouthed the words 'I love you', hoping somehow she knew he meant it.
Even thought they were walking reasonably slowly, they reached the trees after not lot. Stefan let go of her hand as he picked a path through the increasingly dense forest until they were a good way away from the city. The walk hadn't been ideal for chatting so when he thought they had come far enough he stopped, leaning against a tree, and turned to look at her. "Are you alright?" he asked after watching her for a moment. "I mean, really alright. With what you are now?" She had explained how it had happened and that she wanted to be with him forever, but that wasn't everything. Seeing her out here, about to hunt with him, was very surreal for him. This part of his life had always been very separate to the part that contained Elena. He knew he'd probably already had this conversation with her in her time, but for him it was all very new. He wanted to know how she was really feeling so he could work out how he should act about it.