vampire diaries
Episode 18 of “The Vampire Diaries” aired on The CW on April 17. CW

The “Vampire Diaries” hiatus is over! The CW series returns Thursday with episode 18, and Delena fans might not be happy. Why not? Because it’s time for Stelena-shippers to get the sweet, sweet lovin’ they’ve been craving.

As we previously reported, “Resident Evil,” will find Elena and Stefan having “unsettling dreams of an alternate version of the life they might have had together.” Needless to say, things will get awkward pretty fast, thanks to Damon and Elena’s recent breakup.

While we’ve already seen a sneak peek video of Damon and Elena’s uncomfortable encounter, viewers have only had the chance to see the highly anticipated Stelena moment in the episode promo. Fortunately, Just Jared Jr. got their hands on some photos from Stefan and Elena’s doppelganger dream world … and they are steamy!

The first photo features Elena and Stefan sharing a sweet moment in the morning over a cup of coffee. Based on the way that Stefan’s dressed, it appears as if he’s employed, which should be the first clue that this is an alternate reality. On top of that, the pair seems to be sharing an actual home -- one with living plants, open windows and beverages other than bourbon.

The pair is once again in the kitchen in the second photo, surely taking advantage of the fact that they can feed on something other than blood. The only thing is that this time it looks as if Elena’s the one with a job to go to, and Stefan’s cooking her breakfast.

The final photo shows the two in an intimate embrace -- something that Stelena-shippers haven’t seen in ages.

TV Guide teases that “Resident Evil” will be full of a lot of “what if” scenes between Stefan and Elena. The juicy twist is that their dreams have something to do with their doppelganger destiny and the arrival of Markos.

The doppelganger prophecy has been teased all season, but fans will finally get to the bottom of the mystery when Markos reveals to Damon why the Travelers are so obsessed with Stefan and Elena. Damon’s new knowledge will reportedly leave him relieved and yet disturbed.

Are you looking forward to seeing Elena and Stefan “back together” in episode 18? Do you think it’s a total tease? Are you worried about Delena’s future? Catch episode 18 of “The Vampire Diaries” when it airs on The CW on April 17 at 8 p.m. EDT.