Far Longer Than Forever
A slow-burning Steroline romance based loosely off The Swan princess
Chapter 3 updated 2.25.15
That night after the welcoming feast, House Forbes was lead to the hallway of the guest chambers that they would be staying in. Locked away in the tallest tower of the castle, one that wasn't quite made for human habitation - Stefan sat hunched over at his desk. One hand held a pen close to tearing pages in a journal as he vented while the other clenched a glass filled with amber liquid.
It wasn't until he ripped through the sheet of parchment did Stefan realize how deep his anger ran. He leaned back in his chair, downing the glass of whiskey, wincing as it seared his throat. The warmth that filled his bones as a result was a only a slight distraction from the flurry of memories whipping through his mind. A defeated sigh escaped his lips as he closed the journal, shutting his eyes and rubbing his temples. He knew there was only one thing that could console him when he drifted off into these dangerous sectors of his memories.
As he poured himself another glass, Stefan's eyes drifted toward a stack of books piling up in the corner. Therein lay a painting, worn by touch and color fading. He knew he shouldn't pick it up, knew he should have disposed of it with the rest his sentiments.
Images flashed bright and painful, memories he wished he could erase for all eternity. Her hair caught in the breeze, her eyes shut with laughter as she tried to tame it, collapsing into his arms as she gave up. He cursed under his breath as the sound of her laughter filled his ears, taunting him. He swore he could feel her silken skin, could even smell her - like the grass after the first rain mixed with lavender. Her amber eyes glistened in the darkness of his mind, unblinking and haunting. He threw the now empty glass against the wall, relishing in the sound of it's demise as it took him out of his head and back to reality.
Perhaps the reason he had kept the photo was that it was so unlike her. Hair piled high onto her head in an elegant up-do when she loved to let it loose around her shoulders. It wasn't customary to smile in portraits and she stayed true to fashion, stern and serious. So unlike her...
Stefan could feel his heart pounding in his throat as he struggled to breathe. He turned toward the fire burning strong on the opposite side of the room. Without realizing what he was doing, Stefan snatched the portrait from its hiding place and strode to the fire pit. He took one last look at her before he discarded it into the inferno. He felt a sense of satisfaction as he watched the flames consume her. That was the last of it. The remaining evidence of his romance with Elena Gilbert.
Stefan perched on the edge of his bed, willing himself to think of anything, of anyone but Elena. A woman floated to the front of his brain, wisps of blonde curls and bright eyes. A smile tugged on the edge of his lips as he thought of the intelligent and confident young woman Caroline had become. Beautiful, too, he thought. The emptiness inside of him, first created by the loss of his mother and later widened by Elena, had been so close to engulfing him. It wasn't until Caroline came back into his life did he realize what a desolate and broken path he was on.
Caroline's striking blue eyes could see right through the web of lies he had constructed. Stefan knew that he wouldn't be able to keep her on the other side of the wall he had built around him. She knew him far too well to let him get away with it, even after so many years apart.
Stefan realized then that the grimace brought on by heavy thoughts of Elena had transformed into a slight grin. A grin that had spread, unaware, while he thought of Caroline. Even when they weren't together, she had a magical air about her that was contagious. She was so different from anyone he had ever known. Her bright smile and tinkling laugh so genuine that it never failed to lighten his mood.
He wondered what it would be like to run his fingers through her flaxen ringlets, so different from the chestnut waterfall that was Elena's hair. To caress every inch of her creamy skin, skin that looked so soft and luxurious, without a blemish in sight. She was so carefree, so full of life, so completely opposite of the woman who had infiltrated his life like a disease, unrelenting and unforgiving.
A loud banging knock echoed throughout Stefan's chambers. Without waiting for a response, the door opened and in walked a young man with untamed golden locks and stormy blue eyes.
"Back to sulking in your room so soon?" Alex demanded, crossing his arms and leaning against the door post. "You know, Stefan, if you keep making that face it's going to stay that way. Wouldn't want to ruin your pretty looks now, do you?"
"What do you want Alex?"
"Need I remind you that you're speaking to your best friend here?"
Stefan sighed, "Sorry, I'm just on edge tonight."
"You don't have to tell me twice," remarked Alex, taking in his surroundings. "Your father is going to kill you when he discovers just how much of his whiskey you've been drinking."
Stefan eyed the depleted bottle of alcohol, a pang of guilt twisting his stomach. "Have I been that obvious?"
Alex let out a bitter laugh, "Stefan, today was the first time I haven't felt drunk just by standing next to you." He plopped himself down into a chair next to his friend, laying a hand on his shoulder as he did. "Although by the looks of it, you're halfway there already."
Stefan was quiet for a minute, searching for the words to explain himself.
Finally, he choked out "drinking is my escape, it's the only way to block her out. If I don't drink, if I let myself care... All I feel is pain."
"You've had every right to drink yourself belligerent, my friend" Alex replied, sadness dripping from his voice. "But there comes a point where you have to let go of that she-devil and take control of your life again."
Stefan glared at Alex, "that's what you're calling her now?"
"Oh I have many words for her, I thought that would be the least offensive at this point," he shrugged.
"Today was also the first time I've seen you smile in months, Stef. I know you're still in there. You just need to get out of this cave and start living again. Now what kind of friend would I be if I didn't help you out of this mess you're in?"
With that, he rose from his seat, an unmistakable gleam of mischief in his eyes. With a waggle of his eyebrows and a wink Alex continued, "It's time to get your shit together, Stefan; Miss Forbes won't be around forever you know."
Early the next morning, before the sun had made its way out of hiding, Caroline Forbes was wide awake. Morning person by nature, she made her way down to the kitchens. She set about making herself a cup of tea to start the day, absentmindedly twirling her hair around her fingers as she went. A shadow appeared in the hall, causing her to jump. Relief flooded her system as it turned out to be a servant of her own house.
"Allow me to do that for you, Miss Forbes," he said, holding his hands out for the teapot.
"Oh no, I'm quite alright," she responded, "I'm sure you have more important things to do anyway," shooing him away with her hands.
Still, the servant stood by the door, guarding the princess.
While she waited for her tea, Caroline could not stop her feet from doing a nervous tap dance or sorts. She had an entire day of activities planned, and she couldn't wait to get started. She only hoped that things with Stefan wouldn't be awkward seeing as today would be the most time they've spent together in years. A smile bloomed as she thought about the day they had ahead of them.
When her tea was ready, Caroline made her way from the kitchen towards the back door. The sun was just beginning to peek out from behind the castle as she headed to her favorite spot in the Salvatore Gardens. Atop a small hill, surrounded by broad sunflowers, Caroline lowered herself to the ground, sipping her tea as she did so. A morning fog rolled through the grounds, dissolving as the sun began to rise. A shiver ran down her spine as she relished in the morning glow.
They didn't have anything like this near the Forbes castle. Queen Elizabeth detested flowers and shrubberies, claiming their femininity alluded weakness. It left the place looking so bland and dreary; Caroline could never stay within its walls for long. She always felt trapped, wary that her mothers' henchmen were everywhere. Queen Elizabeth often told Caroline that she was too soft, too emotional, she needed to "toughen up" and act more like the queen. Caroline scoffed, recalling the cold look of determination in her mothers' eyes that day.
At that moment, Caroline swore that she would never become her mother. She wanted her people to adore her, not fear her. She would rule with compassion and love, helping her community grow and prosper. She would not follow in her mother's quest for power and control.
Caroline drained the last drops of her tea, leaning back on the grassy mound to gaze up at the clouds overhead. She could have sworn she only closed her eyes for a moment, soaking in the rays of dawn while getting lost in the sounds of nature around her. She must have dozed off because the next thing she knew someone poking her in the ribs, over and over and over. Caroline sat straight up, clutching her sides and looking around, wild after this abrupt awakening. Another few pokes sent Caroline into a fit of giggles, squirming away from her attacker.
"I see you're still ticklish."
Caroline swatted away the hand poked her, strong and masculine, the giggles turning into full-blown laughter as she did so.
"Stefan!"
He lifted his hands into the air, surrendering with a chuckle, "you look so cute when you're sleeping Care," he teased.
"I am not cute!" Caroline huffed, indignant, "cute is for bunnies and babies, I am a woman now, thank you very much Ser." She retorted, swatting at his shoulder, a serious face set in her delicate features.
It didn't last long. Stefan rose, extending his hand to her, grinning as he did so. She took his hand and lifted herself from the earth, brushing herself off. As she did so, a growl unleashed itself from her stomach. She felt her cheeks turn crimson as she realized how hungry she was. She clapped her hands against her face, cursing her pale complexion for always revealing her embarrassment. Stefan just laughed and put his arm around her, motioning to the guard standing nearby. Caroline hadn't even noticed that he had followed her.
The three made their way back to the castle; luckily they were able to slip in unnoticed while the hustle and bustle of breakfast was going. Caroline could eat breakfast any time of the day, it was her favorite food. She helped herself to a bit of everything - sausages, biscuits, eggs, the whole lot, ignoring Stefan's stare.
"What?" she asked with an air of innocence, sitting herself down at the royal table.
"Most of the girls around here stay away from food as if it were the plague."
"Well Stefan, I'll have you know I'm not like most girls out there."
"I'm starting to see that," he replied.
His mind wandered to Elena prodding food around on her plate, taking small bites only when he stared at her for too long. A flash of pain crossed Stefan's face before he forced himself to shake off the thoughts of Elena. He looked up at Caroline, hoping she had missed it... but a small frown sat upon her rosebud lips and a slight furrow in her brow. She reached out and took his hand, placing it between her petite pair, squeezing his as she did so. He stared at her for a few seconds, unsure of what to do. The beating of his heart began to slow, his breathing became easier, and the overpowering need for a drink began to trickle away.
Without saying a word, Caroline Forbes had put a little piece of Stefan back together, unknown to either of them.
Caroline's thoughts strayed to the previous night, the mentions of the "other girl" reverberating around her skull. Something must have happened, something Stefan was keeping buried within himself, and the damage was clear as day. She stood, keeping his hand in hers as she motioned for the door. Stefan stood, allowing Caroline to lead him out of the hall. Once they were alone (as alone as you could be with a guard following your every move), she stopped walking, turning towards him. Confused, he looked down at her, wondering what was going to happen next.
He was tense now, fidgeting and pulling at his fingers. Unsure of herself, Caroline began to wrap her arms around Stefan, pulling him in for an embrace. This was different than the other times they had come in physical contact with each other.
Stefan began to relax in her arms, entwining his own around her hips. Her hair smelled fresh, of lemon and mint, mixed with the earthiness of the gardens she had laid in earlier. The softness of her body was unfamiliar, but pleasant. He hadn't realized how long it had been since he had let himself get close to somebody, whether it be physical or emotional.
After Elena, the thought of touching another woman, platonic or otherwise, sickened him. He stuck with firm handshakes as a greeting with whomever he met. They stood there, silent, unaware of the time passing by. Caroline refused to let go first, she felt small in Stefan's arms, but not in a 'little girl' way. She felt safe. She only hoped that he felt the same way. He unraveled his arms from her, a sheepish grin on his face. He opened his mouth, but couldn't find the words.
"It's okay Stefan," Caroline whispered. "You don't have to tell me anything."
"I want you to know the truth, but I want you to hear it from me," he promised. "You're my best friend Care, and when I'm ready, I'm glad to know that I have you."
"You'll always have me," she confessed, ignoring the pain in her chest.
The next week flew by; the two spending each day following Caroline's outlines and planned to the hour. Luckily, Stefan had come to expect it from her, of all the things that had changed about her, he knew this aspect would stay the same. As the day went on, Stefan could feel himself loosening up. When he wasn't by himself, he had spent his time with Alex. But being with Caroline... this was different. Unusual, but refreshing. He couldn't believe that he had gone so long without her.
There was something about her; he couldn't put his finger on it. She clever and intuitive, but never offensive. Intelligent without coming off as arrogant. Carefree but realistic. She wasn't afraid to get her hands dirty; stood apart from every other woman in the kingdom. He noticed immediately how different she was when she wasn't around her mother.
Around the queen, Caroline was polite, quiet, well-mannered and poised: the perfect princess. She never looked happy though, her smile never quite made it to her eyes. She almost looked emotionless as if this charade was draining her of her livelihood.
It wasn't until it was just the two of them - or three when Alex decided to join them as he often did, that Caroline broke free from her shell. If he didn't know better, Stefan would swear that Caroline had a doppelgänger. Little by little, Caroline could tell that Stefan was changing. He looked like he was sleeping more, his smile came easier, and his morose attitude was fading away day by day. She brought out the better side to Stefan, the one not plagued with nightmares and heart ache.
They were back at the pond, the sun was high in the sky and the stifling humidity in the air left Caroline feeling sticky and in a mood.
"And then, you would not believe what that little twit said..."
Alex was telling her a story from the previous summer, something about servant drama, but his words seem to drift farther and farther away as her eyes fell upon Stefan. Stefan sat at the edge of the pond, pants rolled up with his legs in the water, a book in hand. His shirt was sticking to his body, and Caroline couldn't stop herself from imagining his toned stomach, the trickle of hair leading below his bottoms.
Her own gown was weighing her down and she could feel the sweat forming on her forehead. She wished she could strip down to her undergarments without it causing a scandal. Just as she was about to turn back to Alex, feeling rude, Stefan stood, pulling his shirt over his head. He stretched his arms over his head, muscles rippling as waded into the shallow end. Caroline's mouth opened into a silent O and she stared, unable to tear her eyes away from Stefan. The contours of his chest glistened with sweat, drops running down the well-defined lines of his abs.
"Earth to Caroline..." she heard, Alex's voice floating back into her consciousness.
She jumped at the interruption, turning away from Stefan, pleading to the gods that he hadn't heard his friend's voice.
"What?" she hissed at him.
"Oh I'm sorry, didn't mean to take you away from the show..." Alex said, winking.
"What? No. That's... no... You're... I have no idea what you're talking about," she stammered, nerves on fire.
"Oh Caroline," Alex smirked, "you are a terrible liar."
She heard someone approaching them from behind and turned, finding herself face to face with the soaking wet body of Stefan. Her mouth went dry at the sight of him so close to her and the urge to place her hands all over his dripping body overwhelmed her.
She jumped to her feet, running her fingers through her hair, praying for the blood rushing to her face to slow down.
"Where are you running off to?" Stefan asked, oblivious to the effect he was having on her.
"Um, well, you know, it's quite hot out, and it's unladylike to be in a situation such as this..." She trailed off eyes flitting around, looking anywhere but at Stefan.
Alex guffawed, causing Caroline to turn an even brighter shade of red.
"I'll see you two at dinner. Good day Sers" She declared, turning on her heel retreating from the pond, forcing her eyes to remain on her path.
"...What was that about?" Stefan inquired, raising his eyebrows at the other man.
"Ah, women, mysterious creatures aren't they?"
Stefan's eyes stayed locked on Caroline's disappearing figure until she was completely out of view. What had gotten into her?
I hope it's not too bad, any feedback is appreciated! -M 2.25.15