As Stefan dove for Jeremy to try and protect his brother, Jeremy was caught off guard, and as he spun to defend himself, the stake he held plunged deep into Stefan's chest. The younger brother groaned and fell forwards, pulling it from his chest with shaky movements. Grey lines appeared over his neck but quickly disappeared. Elena screamed and tried to run to him but Alaric retrained her, Damon lunged for Jeremy, but instead of killing him, knocked him out rather forcefully with his fist.

He knelt down by his brother, Bonnie at his side. He pulled open Stefan's arms to look over the wound. Stefan groaned and coughed in pain.

Elena broke free from Alaric's arms and fell down beside him.

"Why isn't it healing?" She sobbed at Damon or Bonnie, she didn't care who gave her an answer, just so long as she got one.

"it's a centimetre away from his heart, his bodies shutting down.." Bonnie sniffed, glancing at Damon as he shut his eyes in pain, as though he were feeling it with his little brother.

"Elena?" Stefan groaned, his fingers brushing hers in an effort to take her hand.

"Stefan." She sobbed.

"I.. I…love…love you…" Her moaned, his voice just above a breath.

Damon's eyes snapped open and Bonnie wrapped her arms around his shoulders as he spoke in sobs, demanding ones, but that level of emotion in Damon's voice was strange fro everyone to hear.

"Don't you dare say your goodbyes Stefan, we promised each other we would watch eternity pass us by…"

Stefan laughed a breathless chuckle, "Your going to show brotherly love now… nice going.." He groaned at the end. He then turned to Elena, shi hand moving to stroke her stomach so lightly she could barely feel it.

"Damon?" He croaked, shi eyes shut.

"Yes?" The older brother asked.

Stefan swallowed, his breath in wisps, "Look after them for me." He croaked and his body relaxed. Bonnie checked his pulse as Damon stayed frozen, and Elena was crying.

"He's still rebating,." The witch said quietly, moving to check his chest.

"Its healing, he'll be okay." She said and cried a laugh.

Elena sighed and rubbed her forehead.

Damon cheered, "I knew eh wouldn't die!" He all but shouted and packed Bonnie up, spinning her around and kissing her square on the mouth.

Stefan awoke in bed, his chest pounding and the rest of shi body not much better. He went to move and se where Elena was, eh ended to know she was safe, he needed to know she was okay. He went to move but his body screamed in protest. He groaned and sunk back into the pillows, hand rubbing his eyes.

A warm hand covered his cheek and lips touched his other cheek. He opened his eyes to gaze into Elena's a smile spreading across both their faces, eyes filling with tears.

Elena sniffed, "I thought I was going to lose you."

"I knew I'd be okay, I have so much to live for now." He whispered and they laughed, pulling each other into hugs.

"I love you so much." She whispered.

He beamed, "You to Elena, my Fiancée."