𝒮 𝔱𝔢𝔣𝔞𝔫 𝒮 𝔞𝔩𝔳𝔞𝔱𝔬𝔯𝔢 (wouldberipper) wrote in valarlogs, @ 2018-01-25 08:20:00 |
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Entry tags: | !complete, caroline forbes, stefan salvatore |
Who: Caroline and Stefan
Where: Coffee shop
When: Late January
What: Meeting of friends
Rating/Warnings: Low/None
Status: Complete!
Caroline had been home for a little over a week now. Upon her mother’s insistence she had applied to new companies of course scoring interviews. Caroline may have returned to Orange County to take care of her mother and spend as much time with her as she could. But Liz was not about to let her daughter put her life on hold, her career on hold. Once that was taken care of she insisted that her daughter get in touch with old friends.
Today she was having coffee with Stefan Salvatore. Although it had been years since she had last seen him, the two had kept in touch over the years. Caroline felt like she already knew almost everything going on in Stefan’s life. Arriving at the coffee shop she spotted Stefan right away, already in line. Last in line. Perfect timing. “Hey,” she greeted him with a hug getting in line behind him.
There had been social media and email and text messages. Actually, it was really easy for the pair to keep in touch. Not that Stefan was great at those things, but Caroline certainly was. And he liked that she sent him messages and kept up. He was pleased to reciprocate--and even initiated the contact every once in a while. Mostly when he hadn’t heard from her in a while.
Stefan was thankful for the distraction. Bubbles was moving with her family, and Stefan was torn up over the whole thing. He understood that she had to do what she had to do, but he still loved her. And her leaving had torn a piece of his heart away. She was home packing, and he couldn’t be there while she collected her things. So when Caroline suggested coffee, Stefan jumped at the chance.
He had his eyes on the menu up above, but turned when Caroline approached. She looked amazing--just like she’d looked so many years ago in school. Only now she was older (obviously), and even more put together. He smiled and returned her hug. “Hey. It’s good to see you.” Then the smile faded a little. “How’s your mom?”
“You too,” she agreed returning his smile. However, just like his, at the mention of her mother it faltered. Caroline Forbes was known for being optimistic. Even at the worst of times, and this well it was definitely the worst. “As good as she can be,” Caroline replied honestly. Granted that wasn’t saying much. But Caroline wasn’t about to let that on. She didn’t like people feeling sorry for her. Besides, the optimistic blonde had hope that her mother would be okay. Eventually. No matter what the doctors said.
“But anyway, it’s good to be back.” And it was, despite the circumstances. “How’s the garage? Now that I’m back I’m going to have to actually see it one of these days.”
Stefan was one of those guys who actually cared. Really cared. When he became friends with someone, no matter what happened, they were friends for life. And he was the kind to call and check in, send those random texts, give lots of hugs. When he’d heard about Caroline’s mother’s diagnosis, he’d sent flowers to her house and called to check in. But he hadn’t pressed for information or asked too many questions. He didn’t want to put Liz through the ringer. He wanted to be there for Caroline, too.
He nodded. “Well, we’re here. If there’s anything we can do.” He let it rest at that. Then he brightened a little. “It’s good to have you back. You’re like a ray of sunshine.” And then they were talking about the garage. Much safer territory. “It’s great. I’ll have to introduce you to my partner in crime. Joe. He’s out sick right now, but he’ll be around again soon.”
“Thanks,” Caroline replied her smile back on her face. It was always nice getting a compliment. How could she not smile? Plus the subject was off of her mom. Caroline wasn’t sure how much she could talk about that without bursting into tears. And that wouldn’t bet very sunshine like of her.
“Well let me know when he’s back and I’ll stop by. I have to meet the guy that can put up with working with you all day,” she teased back to her usual self.
That brought a laugh out of him. He nodded, smiling much more brightly now. “Well, he’s not perfect, but if he can put up with me, then he must be a good guy.” He stepped forward when the line moved. This place had good coffee, but they were a bit slow. It was a mom-and-pop shop, and it was nice to support local businesses, so he could be patient.
“What about a job? Have you found one here yet?” Stefan asked, turning his attention back to Caroline.
“Not yet,” Caroline admitted stepping up in line. “I have some interviews lined up.” She hadn’t organized the job part when she left New York. It had been a bit of a rush. Luckily her boss was understanding about why Caroline had to leave and wrote her a glowing recommendation. But still, the interview process was nerve wracking. Even for the always confident Caroline. “But those aren’t for a few more days. It’s okay though, gives me time to catch up with friends.” Like Stefan. And of course spend time with her mom but she left that unsaid.
“I’m sure you’ll find something quick,” Stefan said, not to brush off any concerns that she might have about finding a job, but more to reiterate his confidence in her. He knew that she would do well with whatever she chose. “Well, I’ll take full advantage of time to catch up with friends.” He stepped forward in line, up to the register to order.
“I’ll have a black coffee,” he said, pulling out his wallet, “and whatever she’s having.” Of course he’d pay. That was the gentlemanly thing to do.
“Stefan!” Caroline protested. “You don’t have to do that!” But she knew there wasn’t much point arguing with him. Besides he had a job at the moment. She didn’t. She might as well accept the coffee. “I’ll have a vanilla latte,” she told the barista, reluctantly letting Stefan pay for her drink.
It didn’t take long for their drinks to be ready, once they were settled at a table Caroline decided to bring up the topic she wasn’t sure if she should or not. And just like with her mom, if Stefan didn’t want to talk about it she’d totally understand. “So how are you doing?” she asked taking a sip of her latte. “With everything with Bubbles?”
Good thing she didn’t argue. It might hurt Stefan’s pride. All kidding aside, he was glad to be able to do a nice thing for her. She deserved it--and so much more--with all the things she was going through.
Ah. Bubbles. The status update Stefan wasn’t quite ready to make. He set his coffee down in front of him, and cleared his throat, avoiding making eye contact. “I’m all right. She’s… packing her things. She’ll be gone by the time I get home.”
At his statement Caroline set down her own coffee. “I’m sorry,” she replied reaching across the table and giving his hand a reassuring squeeze, her eyes showing that she truly meant it. Caroline hadn’t had a serious relationship since high school. Sure she dated in college, but she was too focussed on her courses and future career to invest much time in a relationship. She had no idea what an ‘adult’ break up was like, but she did remember the pain of high school heartbreak. She knew Stefan had to be hurting right now.
“Are you sure you want to be here?” she asked taking her hand back. “I’ll understand if you want to get home before she leaves.” But if it would be easier for him to stay away, to drink coffee with her and have a distraction, then she’d understand that too. And of course provide it for him.
“No, I don’t--I don’t think there’d be any benefit to me being there. She needs to do this part on her own.” Stefan said, eyes still on his coffee cup. The squeeze of his hand was comforting, and he appreciated it. Finally, he looked up from his coffee and gave her a tired, sad smile. “It’s for the best it happens this way. We already said our goodbyes.”
Caroline gave a small nod as he spoke. She could definitely understand where he was coming from. Prolonged goodbyes sometimes just made things harder. Looks like they both needed a distraction. Stefan more so. “Well then I’m happy to keep you company,” she said giving him her warm smile. “I would have suggested drinks instead of coffee if I had known,” she teased picking up her latte and taking another sip.
“Thanks, Caroline.” Stefan said, then gave a little chuckle. “Maybe drinks next time.” He was sure he’d need a lot of distracting over the next couple of weeks. There was a lot of healing that he needed to do--and who was better at helping him heal than Caroline? Then again, that was a lot to ask of his real life friend who had no idea about the Dreams.
“Or maybe Karaoke? I think you’d love my roommate, Anna.”
Caroline almost spit out her coffee. Had she heard Stefan right? “You do karaoke?” she questioned. While she trusted Stefan’s judgement and was sure she probably would love his roommate that was temporarily forgotten. All she could think about was Stefan singing in front of people. “This I have to see.”
Stefan laughed at the near spit-take that Caroline displayed for him. The brightness on his face was obvious in his eyes, his smile. He nodded. “I’ve been known to take up the mic for a Bon Jovi song now and again… you do know my best friend Lexi, right?”
She smiled back on him, pleased she was able to cheer him up a bit. Especially when they had just been talking about such a depressing topic. “Of course,” she replied with a laugh. “So when are we going to karaoke?”
“Sometime soon, I hope.” Stefan said, still grinning. Amazing how a little time with Caroline so easily lifted his spirits. He lifted the coffee cup, gave her a toast, then sipped before lowering it again. “Maybe we’ll have something to celebrate if you hear back from one of those interviews.”
“Or to cheer me up in case I totally bombed and don’t get a job,” she said lightly, joking of course. “But let’s definitely set something up for next week. Or even this weekend?” Caroline’s schedule was still pretty open after all. As long as she spent lots of time with her mom.
“That sounds good to me.” It’d get Stefan out of the house, distract him from his troubles. And hey, some singing and lots of booze sounded like a very good thing. He glanced over at her, considering her for a moment. Was she going to start Dreaming? Had she already? “I’m really glad you’re back in town, Care.”