Stefan & Caroline 'Steroline' Getting Close In 'The Vampire Diaries' Season 6 Finale Photo: Somber Group

There's been a ton ofspeculation regarding the recently released photos for "The Vampire Diaries" season six finale, much of which surrounds Elena's exit.

However, one photo may allude to signs of Stefan and Caroline taking over the role of the major love story in the show.

The photo above shows the major cast members gathered without Nina Dobrev's character Elena Gilbert present.

The shocker here isn't the fact that Elena doesn't appear but check out how close Paul Wesley's character Stefan is to Candice Accola's character Caroline.

If the moment is indeed as somber as the look on everyone's faces, the fact that those two characters who, together are often referred to as "Steroline" by "The Vampire Diaries" fandom, is pretty good news for Steroline supporters.

In a time of what is allegedly grief among those pictured, the fact that those two are that close may allude to the fact that Stefan and Caroline are going to take over as the major couple in "The Vampire Diaries," much like they did all season.

Coincidence? Or is it just great writing by Julie Plec and the rest of her crew to put the spotlight on Steroline early on in the season? Either way Steroline would be the only couple worthy of taking that title with Stefan being Damon's (Ian Somerhalder) brother and Caroline being Elena's best friend.

The photo shows Caroline as if she is inching over to Stefan for support during a tough time, adding more fuel to their love flame.

The rest of the images released do depict a very heavy-hearted group of characters and fans might still be dealing with the fact that the major character "The Vampire Diaries" generated it's focus around for six seasons is now going to be saying goodbye.

Check out the rest of the photos of the season six finale of "The Vampire Diaries" below and catch the finale which airs on May 14.

Do you think Steroline will take over? Let us know in the comments below.