Carnival

Author's note:

The characters do not belong to me only my story happy ending is mine.

Thanks to scarlett 2112, Starlight So, Dorothy from K.S and Happy Gillmor for your reviews and thanks to all my reader who had favorited or following this story.

Thanks to my dear friend Starlight So who beta this chapter. ...

Stefan's P.O.V

The day was shining bright, hustling & bustling students filled the corridor, the school was practically bursting with excitement. I shuffle through the throng of people, making my way into the school gym. My eyes roam over the faces and there I found, Caroline, busy barking orders to o bunch of students, one hand on her hip other tightly clutching a board.

My main concern was to keep an eye on her, the only person who's life changed this very day in my past. The Carnival.

Two days back I was begging for millionth time to her, telling her over and over not to go out, to avoid this event. Given a chance I would have locked Caroline up in some remote location just to pass this day but the moment I brought this up stating, 'You are not attending any carnival.' The moment those words came out of my mouth I knew I'd gone too far. Vampire or not Caroline Forbes could be intimidating when she wants.

Needless to say the idea was turned down, she told me in colourful words that hell will freeze over before she let Carnival preparation control to slip out of her hands.

Every resident of boarding house had front row seat of our heated argument and they enjoyed it thoroughly.

In the end Caroline left with sour mood as she told me to leave her alone and she was avoiding me ever since.

"It's weird you are stalking your girlfriend you know that right?" I sighed as I turned to face Alaric who was smiling at me. "Do me a favour and don't mention this to Damon." He nodded as I gave one last longing look to Caroline before leaving for my class.

The day went by and I did everything in my power to just catch her eye but it was futile.

By the time lunch break came I was desperately waiting for her but to my surprise she didn't show up. I saw Elena and Bonnie made there way towards me. "Where is she?" I asked them as soon they sat down. They both shared a look before Bonnie told me. "She is skipping lunch Stefan." My face fell so Elena hurriedly explained. "She is busy, you know Care she won't rest until everything is perfect."

I knew that. In fact for some crazy reason I always adore this trait of her personality. "So she is not skipping lunch just to avoid me then?"

There faces gave away that my suspicion was correct and I had enough of this silent treatment. "You know what?" my temper rose along with my voice. "If she thinks she can keep avoiding me then she doesn't know me at all!"

Before they can stop me I stood up and stormed away to find her. She was sitting in class room with a group of students while discussing something about rides.

"Stefan?" She looked surprised to see me. "I need to talk to you." I stated her maintaining to calm my voice.

She averted her eyes, "I am busy so..." My voice changed little as I told everyone. "Leave." My tone was enough for everyone to gather their things as they leave us alone.

"What the hell Stefan! I told you I am busy." Caroline screamed in frustration. "Busy!" My own voice was rising as I stepped closer to her. "You have been avoiding me ever since I asked you to skip this carnival." I tried to take deep breath to keep cool. "Please tell me what I did so wrong that you are avoiding me like this."

I closed my eyes momentarily, "I even stayed away as you wanted." She didn't let me finish as she glowered at me. "Really! I told you to gave me some space but you had been stalking me ever since. Tell me if I'm wrong."

It was my turn to be embarrassed but there was no point denying it. "Look I am just looking out for you."

She shook her head. "No Stefan you should trust me that I can take care of myself." I held my head down because part of me knew she has every right to be angry. "Please tell me what I can do."

Caroline was quiet for a while but then she sighed as she stared at me sadly. "We need to talk." My heart clenched because those words never did good to anyone.

I nodded for her to carry on but she shook her head. "Not now, I am really busy but I will stop by at boarding house later." She looked away as she asked. "Is that okay with you?"

I was really resenting this moment. Feeling unsettled in my heart, still I nodded my head in yes and then left her in haze.

My mind was coming up with different scenario each worse than previous one.

By the time I arrived at boarding house my eyes landed on one and only person who I didn't want to see today.

"Trouble in paradise?" Katherine asked sweetly, holding a tumbler in hand.

I really don't need this right now. "Look, just leave me alone." I was about to head to my room but she blocked my path again. "Did you listen when Miss perfect falls asked you the same thing?" she made a thoughtful face. "I don't think so."

Something in me snapped when she mocked Care. In flash I grabbed her neck and pinned her to the wall. I didn't realize all this noises brought Damon, Enzo and Nadia out where I held Katherine by crushing her neck. "Stefan!" She gasped as she tried to pull my hand away but I was pumped by fury at the moment.

I heard Damon came closer to me. "What did you do to antagonize him?" She choked as I put more pressure on her neck. "Never say her name out of your filthy mouth." I squeezed her neck more as I threatened her . "Or else there will be no mouth left to say anything. Am I clear?" She could see how serious I was, she gave a weak nod.

With one last look I used all my power and snapped her neck. "Mother!" Nadia came forward to grab Katherine's body. "What happened?" She turned around to ask me.

I sighed and leaned against the wall. "Today is day when she killed and turned Caroline." Nadia's eyes widen in understanding. We told her everything about me and my past when she first came here but kept everything from Katherine because I don't want her to be tempted by idea of being Queen of hell. It's better that she fears the unknown. She only knew that Bonnie has vision about future. That's how we knew about everything.

Nadia held her mother in her arms as she looked at us. "Look if it will put your mind in peace then let's fill her up with enough vervain so that she will be passed out for at least this day."

My gratitude for this girl increased, she is willing to do anything to save her mother and to help us anyway she can. "I think that's wonderful idea mate." Enzo tapped my shoulder as he led Nadia towards the basement.

I looked up and saw Damon who was still assessing my mood. "So ?"

I knew he won't drop it until I fess up. "Caroline knew about me stalking her. She is coming here later to talk some things out."

Damon nodded his head in understanding as we went to living room where he poured us drinks.

"So let me guess, you stalking Blondie didn't set well with her?" he asked as he sat down beside me on couch. "I am dreading this day for months and now all I want is to fix things with her."

Damon looked like he was about to say something but stopped when we heard a car pulling up on driveway. I rushed towards the door and open it just in time to see Caroline stepping out of her car.

We looked at each other wearily as we both just stood there. "Come in Caroline, you don't need any invitation." Damon intervened.

She gave him small smile and came inside. Damon's eyes moved between us as he told us. "Okay! You kids enjoy your day, I have to go and do something, something." With that he vanished leaving us alone.

After few awkward moments I decided to break the ice. "So you want to talk here or in my room?" she stared at me for few seconds before she says. "Your room will be fine."

We went together in my room and the moment we stepped inside I could feel distance between us even though we were standing few steps apart.

When she didn't start conversation I decided to say anything to break this ice. "You want anything to drink?" she shook her head and took deep a breath.

She walked few steps closer and held my hand before she looked nervously into my eyes. "Okay! I did some deep thinking searching and I knew why you were stalking me even when I told you to leave me alone." She squeezed my hand and smiled. "It's because you love and care about me and you wanted to protect me at any cost specially today."

I was glad she was seeing things my way. "Thanks Care." I sighed in relief as I kissed her hand. "I am so glad that you dropped this whole idea about attending that carnival. We can go anywhere you want..." I stopped talking when she left my hand.

She stood up and started pacing before turning towards me. "Look Stefan I understand okay! I really understand but I can't live my life every time when certain day comes that went horrible in your past." She took deep breath before she told me. "Things are different this time around and I am more protected than ever."

The way she regarded her safety and life with little to no concern made me seething mad as I stood up and yanked her arm, pulling her closer to me. "So you're protected huh!" I snapped at her, I could the demon over powering me. "Your mother was also the most protected human of town in my past and do you know what happened to her she died but not by supernatural cause! She died because of a disease that even vampire blood was unable to cure."

I Left her arm, she stumbled backwards, fear was evident on her face, tear spilled from her eyes. She was rubbing her arms but I was so mad to even see the pain I was inflicting. "You see you are nothing but a frail human and every day I am scared that something will happen to you and I won't be able to stop it because you want your Damn space!"

Her face was contorted in rage as she stepped forward. "Fine if I'm that fragile in your eyes so why don't you turned me and end your misery?" she screamed at me leaving me dumbfounded.

In that moment I realize what I did wrong. This whole conversation has just ricocheted on me.

Calming myself down I stepped little closer. "Look Care I didn't mean anything I said." but she shook her head angrily. "No you had said enough now you listen to me. I can't live my life in fear from your past. This is the only solution to end our tyranny."

I tried to come closer again to diffuse this horrifying situation but she stepped away as she looked at me with determining expression. "No Stefan either you make emends with the fact that I am not in any danger as long you're with me." She stepped closer as she grabbed my wrist. "Or if you don't trust for second that I can be protected as human then you turn me right now, this very second! It's your decision."

I pulled my hand away at her ultimatum. The anger that I tried to suppress rose again in full form. "How can you ask me to do something like this!" I grabbed both her arms as I yanked her closer. "You really think I will turn the love of my life into filthy blood sucking monster!"

She didn't even flinch at my tone as she replied me with her head held high. "Why not? After all the love of my life is a blood sucking monster. Although I never thought he was filthy."

Her words were like slaps on my face. Her eyes were filled with pity as I stumbled and sat down on my bed.

"How can I love you Stefan if you can't even accept to love yourself." Her eyes were defeated and filled with tears. "I am so sorry Stefan if my words hurt you but I can't live in fear, I refused to live like that."

She knelt down in front of me and kiss my hands. "I know you love me but first find it in yourself to love yourself." She caressed my face as she stood-up . "Only than I can be with you because in that moment you will finally be free from your fear."

With these parting words she left my room and probably me forever.

############

Damon's P.O.V

Enzo and I were listening to the most intense conversation that ever came out from my brother's room. I had to give Blondie points for fighting her corner against stubborn Stefan.

Still I never dreamt that she will give him an ultimatum like this. "Shouldn't we do something?" Enzo asked as we saw Caroline rushing out of the house.

"Well looks like baby bro needs us." I told Enzo and reached for the bottle that we'd beneeding for this conversation.

His eyes widened "Me? What you want me for?"

I looked towards his room before I answered him. "I need you to share your wisdom and to protect me if he loses control and attacks me."

With that we both went up towards his room. Stefan was sitting on his bed with his face down.

We both sat either side of him and then I put bottle in his hand.

He just stared at bottle before he opened it and started drinking. "So that was one nasty fight you had?" I asked him.

He finished half of the content before passing it to me. "It's my fault, I literally drove her crazy enough that she is now considering about turning."

Enzo shook his head. "She didn't want to turn, she just said that to prove her point."

Stefan gave him an incredulous look. "What point that might be?"

I shook my head at my brother's stupidity. "The point is that these girls are lot stronger than we give them credit for. Can you imagine them backing out for the sake of protection."

I smiled at the thought of how fearless they all are. "They are dating and in love with vampires for God sake."

Stefan was quite as he absorbed this obvious information. "What about my past..."

Enzo cut him off before he can finish. "If past is the thing we should fear than me and Bonnie should have ran for the hills on very first day but you were the one who assure us that nothing will be repeated from that time of your life."

I nodded in agreement as I tapped his shoulder. "How are you supposed to change are fate if you fear your past."

Stefan was in deep thought, our words slowly sinking in to his system. Then his face turned a little as he groaned. "I am such an idiot! No wonder she dumped me."

He looked down in defeat and we both started laughing as I told him. "You really are an idiot brother! Blondie would rather wear an ugly dress before thinking about leaving her Perfect Prince Charming."

Even Stefan smiled at this because his girlfriend regards their romance as fairy-tale. "So any idea how can I get my angry girlfriend back?"

Enzo and I stared at each other mischievously before we nodded our head. "Let's win back your princess baby bro."

############

Caroline's P.O.V

Everything was as perfect as I planned. The Carnival was more crowed than ever and people from our town and near by towns were enjoying themselves.

I can see queue on rides and stalls were crowded too.

Elena and Bonnie were trying to pester me to have fun but I couldn't even find it in myself to enjoy anything.

After losing another round of throwing ring around bottles I gave up in frustration. "You know what!" I screamed at my friends. "What's the point of arranging this carnival if I can't even enjoy it!"

I threw the ring again with so much force that I broke several bottles in process. "That's it!" I gave up as I walk away. "I shouldn't be the one playing this stupid game. This was supposed to be boyfriend's job to play the game and win me some stupid stuff toy!"

Bonnie and Elena were both looking at me wearily as they tried to calm my mood.

Elena looked desperately around and saw a stall. "Hey let's shoot balloons. The winner will get huge bear."

We were standing there for our turn when we saw guys approaching us. Damon and Enzo both went for their girlfriend as they both went shoot balloon to please their girlfriends. Lee won a stuffed bunny for Lexi.

Lexi excitedly pointed towards huge white bear. "Come on Steff win that bear for Care!" Stefan glanced towards me and for reached for the gun but before he could grab it I quickly took it and started shooting balloons furiously that all bursts in few minutes. The owner looked at me as if I was crazy but brought me the bear. I shook my head and pointed towards Stefan. "Give it to him after all I am strong enough to win for myself." Stefan flinched at my tone but I ignored him.

I looked towards my friends who were staring at me with amused expression. "I am leaving guy, can you take over." I didn't give them chance to reply as I started walking away but then Bonnie came rushing towards me. "Care, wait what about a ride on Ferris Wheel? It's our carnival tradition." She reminded me.

I knew she won't let it go so I sighed. "Hurry up and call Elena. I guess I can ride alone for Carnival tradition sake."

She smiled brightly as she called everyone. Stefan was not among our group. I guess he left with the bear. Part of me was relieved while part of me was disappointed.

Elena and Damon took one and Bonnie and Enzo took another. I took the next one and just when it started to move Stefan came out of nowhere and sat besides me. "Stefan!" I screamed as I looked around that no one saw the stunt he just pulled. "Are you Crazy! What were you..." the rest of words drowned when I felt warm lips on mine as Stefan kissed me passionately.

I didn't even realize we were at the top when we pulled away. "Stefan?" my voice came out breathless.

He just smiled and caressed my face. "I am crazy because you were right. I can't let my past rule my life."

He kissed me again and again as he told me. "You are strong Caroline Forbes more than me and you bring out the best in me."

His green eyes twinkled in lights. "Can you forgive me for underestimating your strength after all any girl who can date a ripper like me has to be fearless."

I shook my head as tears formed in my eyes. "Former Ripper Stefan." I reminded him. "As long you are with me you're stuck being the broody Stefan."

Stefan looked relief as he asked. "So we are good?" I shook my head as I kissed him. "We are best Stefan. We are best version of ourselves because of each other. Please remember that I am your strength just like you are mine."

He nodded earnestly as we wrapped our arms in each other and felt happy being in this moment.

After a while I looked at him and told him teasingly. "By the way I want that bear back." Stefan laughed as he kissed my forehead. "As you wish my fearless princess. "

He was right as long we are together we have nothing to fear.

Author's note.

I hope you like today's chapter. Please send me your reviews.