Stefan tugged on her hand suddenly, drawing her into a hug. He felt bad -- worse than bad, like some sort of horrible person for putting her through this emotional roller coaster and asking her to lie. She was lying about so much for him, from his being a vampire to what they were doing behind everyone's backs. It was too much to ask of one person, he knew that, but what other option was there?

Tell the truth, he knew to be the answer. Stop doing this thing with Katherine and step back, return to his place among those who stood against her instead of with her like something resembling an ally to her cause. He wasn't and he knew it. They both knew it. When did he become this person so capable of deception and asking people of things he would deny someone who'd ask them of himself? He doesn't like the person he is now, but he's too caught up in everything to simply call it quits. It's not that easy anymore.

"I'm sorry," he said into her hair, near her ear. "I'm so sorry."