Prompt from myla84: How about when Stefan was still human and just after Katherine arrived at the Salvatore boarding house, caroline is the new girl in town and Stefan is drown to her ?

I really enjoyed writing young, dreamer, human Stefan. Hopefully you all enjoy reading it! Sorry again for the wait! As always, feel free to leave a review or a prompt!

1864

Stefan smiled politely as he looked up from his book to Lady Katherine began striding over the length of the porch to him. She had been at their home for about a week now. Stefan could admit she was beautiful, intelligent, and intriguing young woman- but she was not the one for him. Damon he knew had fallen in love with her the moment he laid eyes on her. Stefan could never interfere with his brother's happiness. He smiled pleasantly every time Damon described his walks with Katherine; how she would captivate him with her beauty and conversation. Stefan was truly happy for his older brother. And oddly enough, his genuine support for Damon's attachment seemed to bother Katherine. Stefan kept on telling himself he was being foolish, but every time he wished them well before they departed on a walk, or smiled and waved, he could swear Katherine's eyes would darken and the corners of her lips would downturn.

Stefan stood straight from his slight bow, being brought back the present and the very woman occupying his thoughts stepped up closer to him., "My word, Mister Salvatore, have we not grown past these formalities yet? You need not bow every time you see me." Despite her words, she seemed to simper slightly at the gallant gesture.

Attempting to muffle his low chuckle, Stefan cleared his throat before continuing, "That is kind of you to say, Miss, but as you are a Lady and I was raised to be a gentleman, I'm afraid I must continue in this fashion. I hope you will forgive me."

Katherine preened as she stepped closer to him still, making Stefan slightly uncomfortable as she invaded his space. She brought a satin gloved hand up to the side of his throat, stroking down to where neck met shoulder gently, "You certainly are a gentleman, Stefan. It's one of the things I adore most about you." She gave a slight wink as she stroked down the length of his neck once more, "Speaking of which, I require an escort to town. I understand they are hosting a dance at the hall and I need to visit the dress shop for a fitting. Could you find it in your big heart to help me?"

While the request seemed innocent enough, Stefan knew for a fact Damon had invited Katherine to that dance earlier this morning. His brother had practically vibrated out of his skin with excitement when she agreed. Why would she want Stefan as an escort now? He reached up and gently folded his fingers around her wrist, still moving along his neck and shoulder. Stefan halted the ministrations, and removed her hand from him, bringing it back to her side. He offered a slightly stiff smile, "I'm sorry, is my bother occupied this afternoon that he cannot take you?"

The mention of Damon seemed to have an odd effect on Katherine. She pursed her lips tightly for a moment before relaxing into a gentle smile once more, "Oh Stefan, I wish Damon could help me with this errand, but I cannot have him seeing me in the dress before the dance. Could you please help me?" As she spoke, Katherine raised her other hand to slowly circle the inside of Stefan's elbow, her eyebrows raising expectantly. Stefan noticed once again her irises seemed to darken. What an odd occurrence. Perhaps her eyes were especially sensitive to sunlight?

Stefan deflated slightly, he really had no good reason to not help Katherine, and she likely thought him a very rude host. If Damon had his way, Katherine will likely be his sister in the future. Best to have a good relationship when the time comes. Stefan allowed Katherine to take his arm and bowed his head, "Of course, I can escort you. My apologies."

As Stefan began to lead the way, he missed the way Katherine had smirked, satisfied in her assumption that compulsion had once again gotten her what she wanted.

Stefan gently kicked at the patch of dirt under his feet. He had been waiting for quite some time just outside the dress store, waiting for Katherine to finish up. She had assured him it would be a quick appointment, yet here he stood, watching multiple people come to town, finish their business, and leave again. Stefan fought the urge to pace. He did not want to seem rude, but he felt like the overwhelming wave of boredom might wash him out to see if he stood on this spot much longer.

Repressing a great sigh, Stefan looked up from the dusty tips of his shoes.

That's when he saw her.

Perched on the edge of a fountain, a young woman had her head bent down over a worn book. She had a pale face, however her cheeks shone with a lovely pink. Her blond hair curled away from her face and down her shoulders. She wore a lovely dress and hat- not full of gems and baubles like so many over ladies, but it seemed to suit her fine and set off her natural beauty in the most lovely way.

Stefan realized his mouth was hanging open and quickly snatched it close, a blush rising to his cheeks. He could not remember a time he had such a reaction to anyone. Waiting for Katherine was far from his mind as he straightened himself up and began making his way over to the girl. She did not seem to notice his approach, still engrossed in the pages spilled open across her lap. Not wishing to startle the young woman, Stefan gently cleared his throat. The blond started and her head snapped up. Stefan was met with two pools of blue that he would be happy to drown in forever. He cleared his throat again, hoping it might clear his head as well.

"Apologizes, Miss. I didn't mean to startle you. I just thought I should come over and introduce myself. I'm Stefan Salvatore." He tried to ignore the way his hand trembled slightly as he raised it to the beautiful stranger. Stefan had no idea what was possessing him. He had never been so forward in his life.

To his delight, she smiled slightly and delicately placed her hand in his, "No apologizes required, Sir Salvatore. I am Caroline Forbes." After placing a gentle kiss to the small lace glove that covered Miss Forbes hand he released her, and she immediately gestured to a bit of fountain edge next to her, "Please, feel free to join me. You are the first person I have had to pleasure to meet here."

This piqued Stefan's curiosity as he sat himself down, "Oh? Are you new to town?"

Caroline nodded, "Yes Sir, my father is the new sheriff here. My mother and father just moved down to join him this morning."

"You know," Stefan chuckled slightly, "You really do not need to call me 'Sir'. I'm just Stefan, if you please, Ma'am."

Caroline blushed a pretty pink, "Alright then, Stefan. And I am just Caroline. I am not a 'Ma'am', nor will I be for a long time."

Stefan smiled softly. Caroline was quick witted, just speaking to her was a thrill, "Very well, just Caroline it is."

Stefan began losing track of time, speaking with Caroline was intoxicating, he could not focus on anything else. The way she spoke, she held such passion for so many things. Her family, her friends, her books. The current one tucked away in her lap was a book a poems, Caroline confirmed Stefan's suspicion that it was a favorite. The tattered, worn cover was a bit of a giveaway. They quoted their favorite verses to each other. Caroline told Stefan all about her old town. He told her all about the must see sights of Mystic Falls. He relished when he managed to make blush. A tendril of hair blew into her face in the light balmy breeze. He gently reached up, tucking the hair back out of her face. Her cheeks colored a most pleasant pink and he smiled softly at her.

"Stefan!"

The curt tone cut into the beautiful moment with Caroline, and he reluctantly pulled his gaze off Caroline to look at the speaker. Katherine was standing outside of the dress shop. Her eyes were narrowed on Caroline. The look sent a chill down Stefan's spine and he felt an overwhelming urge to protect the lovely woman, "Yes, Katherine?" He did his best to keep his tone polite, but despite his intentions, it came out rather clipped.

Katherine's face transformed as she turned her sights to Stefan, painting on a sickly-sweet smile, "I am all done with my appointment. Can you take me home?"

Stefan sighed, nodding before turning back to Caroline, who now looked slightly stricken after her stare down with Katherine. She finally turned her gaze to him. He noticed her stiffness melt away as he smiled at her and took her hand, "Caroline, it has been a genuine pleasure. I hope to see you again soon." He ducked his head to place a gentle kiss to Caroline's hand. When he looked back up he was met with her radiant smile.

"You can count on it, Stefan."

Stefan stood from the steed, returning to Katherine side. As soon as he was in reach she snatched his arm up and began purposefully walking toward the boarding house. They walked together in a tense silence. Stefan kept his gaze forward, though he occasionally felt her eyes burning holes into the side of his face. He refused to meet her gaze after her rude treatment of Caroline.

When they finally reached the boarding house grounds, Stefan extracted his arm from Katherine's grip and made to walk faster, to get ahead of her so he could disappear up the stairs and to his room. However, a strong arm on his shoulder stopped him. He suppressed a huff as he turned about face to meet Katherine's steely gaze.

"Stefan," The way she spoke: cold, calculated, yet soft. It sent a chill down Stefan's spine. He noticed Katherine's eyes darken yet again, "You are to never speak to that woman again. Am I understood?"

Stefan scoffed, stepping out of Katherine's grip, "Katherine, you may someday be part of my family should you and Damon marry, but understand, no matter your position in my life, you shall never make my decisions for me." He ripped himself from her grasp, turning on his heel and darting from the house. In his wake he left Katherine, confused and furious as to why her compulsion had not worked.

That night, Stefan sat up on his bed, pouring over books of poetry he had discussed earlier that day with Caroline. His door creaked open and Stefan looked up to see his father Giuseppe walking in, a steaming cup of tea in his hand. He gave it to Stefan, nodding at the drink, "Drink up and get some sleep." He turned and left the room once again, pulling the door closed as he went.

This was the most care his father had showed for him in a long time. For the past week, every nighttime his father brought him tea. It was not the most pleasant tasting stuff, but Stefan appreciated the gesture and drank it every time.

Giuseppe listened at the door, ensuring Stefan drank his tea before heading to his room to drink his own. There was no need to alert the boys yet of his suspicions of Lady Katherine, and that the tea he had served them since her arrival was actually vervain.

For the next couple of weeks, Stefan spent his every free moment with Caroline. Showing her Mystic Falls, trading books from their collections, and talking endlessly about everything, and anything. She spoke so definitively. Her passions guided her in conversation, entrancing Stefan with every word. The more time they spent together, the more her hold tightened on Stefan's heart. She was good, kind, caring. And she was all those things because she knew them to be right, not to impress anyone else.

Stefan loved that about her. He loved her. Stefan Salvatore was in love with Caroline Forbes.

One day Stefan was escorting her around the town library. They were pointing out some favorites, and some they had not yet read, but were on both their lists, "Perhaps she should start a town book club," Caroline teased with a smile.

"Perhaps," Stefan returned her smile, "But I could think of a few other things to do to fill our time."

"Oh?" Caroline raised an eyebrow as she turned to fully face him, "Like what, Stefan."

Stefan reached out, gently lifting Caroline's hand with both of his. He brushed both his thumbs over the back of her hand, "Well, like attending the town dance." He raised his line of sight from her hands to the deep blues of her eyes. He noticed the way her lips parted, and tried to not get distracted, "What do you say, Caroline? Would you do me the honor of attending with me?"

Caroline's smile widened in the most beautiful way, "Stefan, nothing would make me happier."

This had to be the best night of Stefan Salvatore's life. Walking into the Founder's Ball with Caroline Forbes on his arm. Her perfect curls were pinned up off her neck and she wore a beautiful blue gown that set off her eyes in a way that made them look like they sparkled.

Stefan noticed the hall was a bit sparse compared to previous years. His father had encouraged Stefan and Damon to leave the home early. Damon had protested, as Katherine was not yet back from her fitting, but their father had insisted, and the brothers knew better than to argue a point with him. Now that they had arrived, Giuseppe and many of the founders were not in attendance. Damon was standing in the corner, a surly expression on his face as Katherine was no where to be seen. Stefan had tried to comfort his brother, assure him Katherine would be there shortly, but his attempts were met with only grunts and resulted in Damon walking away.

Stefan pushed away these thoughts and refocused his attentions to Caroline. Music began to fill the hall and couples made their way to the floor. Stefan bowed his head to Caroline, "May I have this dance, Miss Forbes?"

The smile he received in answer made his heart skip a beat, "But of course, Mr. Salvatore."

The couple made their way to the floor with the others, falling into line. Stefan began the familiar steps. In previous years this dance felt like a chore when his father forced him onto the floor with any eligible woman of Giuseppe's choosing. Now, it felt a gift. A difficult gift. Time and time again, Stefan and Caroline stepped together- hands almost touching but not quite. All Stefan wanted to do was take Caroline into his arms and never let her go. His palms crackled with electricity, feeling a faint heat radiating from her gloved hands. Finally, they were far enough along in the dance that they stepped together, arms around each other, and Stefan felt complete.

Stefan led Caroline around the floor, weaving and bobbing between couples. Caroline smiled, giggling in delight as they danced, "You are very light on your feet, Stefan."

"It is easy to be when I have the right partner," Stefan felt accomplished at the answering blush that bloomed on the apples of Caroline's cheeks. The music wound down and Stefan reluctantly stepped back from Caroline, bowing as she curtsied at the same time. Stefan then straightened back up, immediately taking her arm in his once more, "Would you care to join me in a walk around the grounds?"

Caroline nodded happily and they exited through the large glass doors, walking off the veranda and down onto the cobblestone paths that flowed through the grass. Stefan felt a lump growing in his throat. He knew what he must do, but this was likely the most important moment in any young man's life. He wished he had Caroline's confidence, to come right out and say what he meant. He snuck a glance sideways, taking in his beloved's face, and his resolve to be strong grew tenfold.

"Caroline?" She hummed in response, turning to face him. Stefan halted his stride, bringing her to a stop with him. He reached down, taking both of her hands in his, "I do not know about you, but this time with you…it's been the happiest of my life." Caroline's answering smile had him feeling emboldened. He looked down at their joined hands as he continued, "Your kindness, your beauty, your wit, I just find myself falling more and more in love with you every day. And I know I am not half good enough, to deserve you. I am sure you have a line of suitors just hoping for a chance at your hand. However, I promise, should you decide on me as I have with you, I will spend every moment for the rest of my life trying to make you happy. And making you smile, or laugh, will become my most heartfelt wish. I will-" A few fingers, covered in a familiar glove, stopped him short. They were resting gently against his mouth. Stefan did not even realize when Caroline had slipped one of her hands from his. He raised his gaze back up to see tears shining in his favorite eyes.

"Stefan," Her voice was so soft, barely above a whisper, "Are you asking me to marry you?"

His heart was beating so hard he worried it might break his ribs. Her fingers slowly lowered from his mouth, and he found himself wishing he had kissed them before they left, "Yes," He answered, equally soft, "Yes, I am." He quickly realized he was doing this all wrong and dropped to his knee, "Caroline, will you marry me?"

The tears that had gathered in Caroline's eyes began to spill over as she nodded vigorously, "Yes, of course I will, Stefan! I will marry you!"

Stefan immediately jumped back to his feet, taking her face gently into his hands. He kissed the fresh tracks of tears from Caroline's cheeks without thinking. In a moment, he found his mouth at the corner of her lips. He pulled back slightly, breath caught in his chest. His eyes met Caroline's, who looked equally enthralled. Slowly, giving her a chance to pull away or call him a cad, Stefan leaned in slightly. He took notice of the way Caroline leaned into him, her eyelids fluttering shut. Taking the invitation, Stefan carefully laid his lips over hers in their first kiss.

Taking care to handle her gently, Stefan kept his hands on Caroline's face, feeling her own palms come up to rest on his chest. He kept the kiss simple and sweet, pulling away after a few moments. His eyes opened to meet Caroline's once more. A soft laugh escaped them both at the same time, "Shall we return to the ball, Miss Forbes?"

Caroline retook Stefan's arm, resting her cheek against his shoulder as they took off down the path once more, "Actually, we should probably find our families. We have a wedding to plan." She pointed out.

Stefan smiled. Caroline was always so organized. His Caroline. He nodded happily, "Whatever you wish, my bride, it shall be yours."

Later that night would bring the mood down significantly. The existence of vampires, the way they had been trapped in the church which had been lit on fire. Damon heartbroken at the death of Katherine, Stefan gobsmacked at the knowledge she was a vampire. Stefan held his brother as he cried into his shoulder, looking over at Caroline across the room. He was glad that while this world held such tragedies and horrors, that he had Caroline to face them with. Caroline looked away from her father too meet Stefan's gaze and smiled softly, coming over to lay a gentle hand upon Damon's back.

"We will get through this. Together." She assured his brother. Stefan slowly released Damon, allowing them both to turn and face Caroline. Despite the sadness and shock, Stefan smiled as Caroline gave voice to his own thoughts.

I hope I did this lovely prompt justice! I will leave it all to your own interpretation if Katherine survives or not like she did in the show. This version has Stefan and Damon remain human, and Stefan live a beautiful human life with Caroline.

Please review and leave prompts for future chapters! Have a lovely day!