Ronnie_R prompted: "Little Stefan catching the eye of a caregiver who wants to adopt him. They don't think an older brother is enough or something like that and it pisses Damon off. "

All French in this chapter is from Google Translate. Unlike the Salvatore brothers, I am not multi-lingual.

Stefan could easily ace every class in his sleep. He's taken them enough. The only way the school finds it fair is by not counting vampires in the running for valedictorian, which Stefan is okay with. The last thing he needs is to give a huge speech at graduation. He'd much rather it go to someone like Bonnie, who actually puts in the work for their grades.

Damon didn't want to make it too easy on Stefan, however. Over the years, they've both picked up a few languages. Giuseppe spoke Italian, so they're as fluent in that as they are English. He knows enough Spanish, even Mandarin after he and Lexi spent a few months in China. Being stationed in Germany made him not as fluent as the rest, but if Mystic Falls High offered it, he'd pass with flying colors.

French is one of the few he's not nearly proficient in. He knows enough to get by when he visits. It's just not one of his favorite places to visit, as much as it is Damon's.

Naturally, that was the one his brother selected for him after he enrolled. Stefan couldn't argue. It's the one challenging course.

Halfway through the year, Mrs. Pomater goes on maternity leave and they receive a short term sub, Mrs. Aubert. She's a vampire who spent over 500 years in France before coming to America with her husband. She's kind, speaking with a slight accent and always smiles at Stefan.

As Stefan collects his books after class, he hears her soft voice.

"Mr. Salvatore? May I speak with you?"

Stefan pauses, watching the other students disperse. He remembers the last time he was left alone with a teacher. He swallows, gripping his backpack. Mrs. Aubert walks around her desk. She's a tall woman, likely his height. Her auburn hair is tied back in a bun, black rimmed glasses framing her dark eyes. She's probably biologically around mid 40s to early 50s. Stefan fidgets.

"I um, my brother will be waiting…"

"You're not in trouble," Mrs. Aubert assures him. Stefan still glances from her to the door. She sighs. "I heard about Mr. Tanner."

Stefan slowly meets her eye. "You did?"

"Dreadful man. I promise, you're safe with me."

Stefan hesitantly takes a step forward. She give him a warm smile.

"I've noticed on your last test that you struggle with the verbs."

Stefan nods. "I'm sorry. I studied, but it's such a close language to Italian, my brain mixes them up."

"I understand,"she says, her smile remaining, "I see it happen often with multilingual students. It can be a little overstimulating. It's why I don't recommend children learn more than one language so young."

Stefan furrows his brows. "My brother always said it was best we learned Italian so young. Made it easier to travel."

For once, his teacher's smile wavers. She quickly regains composure.

"Either way, I could help you with this, if you'd like. I stay after every mercredi and vendredi."

It takes Stefan a moment to translate in his head. "I could come Wednesday, or erm, mercredi."

Mrs. Aubert claps her hands. "Excellent. I shall see you then."

Stefan nods and starts to walk away when Mrs. Aubert calls after him. He turns back around and she busies over, leaning down and quickly tying his shoe. Stefan blushes slightly.

"Oh, uh, thanks. Or, merci."

"Of course. I wouldn't want anything to happen to you."

Stefan does his best to not give her a weird look as he walks out.

When Stefan arrives for tutoring on Wednesday, he is surprised to find the room empty sans Mrs. Aubert.

"No one else needs extra help?" Stefan asks as she approaches him. He finds that hard to believe given the grades he saw on the last test.

"You're the only one who showed," she replies, shaking her head. "Too many students don't care about their education, but you do." She squeezes his shoulder. "Such a good boy."

Stefan blushes under the praise. He slides down into a desk in the front, pulling out his text book and binder. Aubert walks around the desk and returns with a thermos. Stefan instantly sniffs out the bunny blood. She hands it over.

"I figured you may be thirsty."

Stefan opens his mouth to say he doesn't usually have blood until the evening. He then remembers this woman controls his grades and opens it, taking a small sip.

"Thank you."

She gives him a kind but pointed look. Stefan forces himself to drink the rest. Damon would never do that. Unless Stefan is being a brat and refusing to drink even a drop, he accepts when his brother is full.

Maybe his brother isn't as strict as he thought. Even Lexi would tell him to trust his body. She hasn't forced blood on him since his ripper rehab days.

Doing his best not to cough up the excess, Stefan gestures to his book. "Shall we?"

Aubert reaches over to her desk and plucks out a tissue, wiping Stefan's mouth. Stefan wiggles a bit, which only makes her smile. Aubert tosses the tissue and turns back to him.

"Let's."

In spite of his better judgement, Stefan returns for tutoring for 3 more weeks. Each time, Aubert has blood or some other treat for him. She'll tie his shoes or wipe his face. Aubert sits just inches away from him, reminding him to sit up straight or write neater. Stefan obliges. He's no longer afraid of failing, but simply rationalizes that this may come from European culture. His father, and later his brother, often reprimanded him about the same things. Stefan isn't going to disrespect her.

The fourth Wednesday, he drops halfway through the day and Damon picks him up early. Aubert emails offering to meet Thursday to make up missed work. Stefan offers to wait until Friday, but she insists.

Once again, Stefan is the only one in the room when he enters. A thermos sits at his desk. After greeting her with a quiet Bonjour, Stefan sits and stares at the metal container. Aubert drags her wheely chair and sits in front of him.

"How much blood do you typically drink at home?"

Stefan meets her eye. "Usually two, at minimum . More if I've dropped or gotten hurt."

Aubert hums. "And you live with your brother?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"How old is he?"

"In human years or…?"

Aubert interrupts with a nod. "Biologically, yes."

"25. We're 8 years apart." Stefan laughs a little. "Often seems like more."

Aubert doesn't crack a smile. "Your parents?"

Stefan frowns. "Mama died when I was 10. Consumption. Father…"

Stefan quickly starves away the memory. He cannot cry in front of her.

"He was gone not long after Damon and I turned."

"I see." Aubert drums her fingers on the desk. "So, it's just you two?"

"I have an older sister, Lexi. We're not biologically related, but she's helped me through, well a lot. She travels a lot, though. So, I guess you could say it's just me and Damon."

"That doesn't get lonely?"

Stefan shrugs. "Not really. It's kind of nice, just the two of us. He understands me the best."

"Do you miss having real parents?"

Stefan holds back a growl, a bit of protectiveness filling him.

"I have a parent. Damon adopted me. Even when we were kids, he was the one that got me out of bed, dressed, made sure I attended to my studies." Stefan pushes himself up out of his seat, hiking his unopened backpack over his shoulder.

Aubert rises, an eyebrow arched. "I've upset you."

"I just…I don't like people talking about my brother. Or undermining his place in my life."

Stefan's stomach hurts. He can feel the outline of his bunny in the hidden jacket pocket, but it's not enough.

"Apologies," Aubert says, not sounding the least bit sincere. "I'm just not used to seeing such a dynamic. Most Littles have at least a mommy and daddy. Especially ones who are a decent amount older than him."

"I'm good."

"You think that because it's all you know."

Stefan narrows his eyes. She continues before he can break Damon's "no disrespecting adults" rules.

"I'm sure you're aware there's a waitlist for caretakers seeking Littles. Especially the supernatural."

Stefan's mouth drops open, trying to hide a scoff.

"Of fucking course," he mumbles.

Anger etches Aubert's face. "I don't appreciate this attitude, Stefan."

"I don't appreciate you trying to take me from my brother!"

Stefan storms to the door. Aubert vamps in front of him.

"As I said, this is all you know." Her voice is stern. "You need a woman's touch. From the looks of it, perhaps a stricter father."

"You're insane, lady."

"You will not speak to me that way!"

"Kiss my ass."

Stefan goes to open the door when a rough hand grabs his arm. He growls.

A softer but still firm voice fills the room,

"Just what is going on in here?"

Aubert releases his arm. Stefan exhales. He has never been so happy to see Caroline Forbes-Mikaelson.

"Mr. Salvatore has quite the mouth on him. I was taking him to the office to phone his brother."

Caroline folds her arms over her chest. "I happen to know the Salvatores very well. Damon isn't raising a disrespectful child."

"Clearly, he should do a better job."

Stefan growls, his fangs showing. Caroline puts a hand on his back, rubbing gentle circles. He slowly calms and retracts them.

"Mrs. Aubert, tomorrow is your last day, correct?" She opens her mouth to speak, but Caroline continues. "Stefan will do his work in my room."

"That's hardly appropriate."

"I think it is. Especially as the alternative is Damon coming down here. Something tells me he wouldn't be as nice as me." She pats Stefan on the shoulder. "Come with me, Stef. I'll give you a ride."

Stefan allows her to guide him away and down to her car. The pain in his stomach doesn't get any better.

"Where's Elena?" He asks as his English teacher unlocks the doors.

"Her daddy picked her up."

"Oh."

He's glad she's not here to see him like this. In fact, he's avoided her and the guys for a reason. They have to deal with enough.

Stefan climbs into the car and checks the time. He was supposed to study for an hour, so Damon won't be coming anytime soon.

Caroline puts the car in drive and pulls out of her space. "Is Damon at home?"

"He should be. Council meeting was at 10 this morning."

Caroline nods. "If he's not, you can just come to my house until he can come fetch you."

"You don't have to do any of this, Mrs. Forbes-Mikaelson." He wrings his wrists. "Any of it."

"It's nothing I wouldn't want someone to do for Elena."

Stefan frowns. "She's never told she's missing out. She has a mom and a dad."

"No, but people do give her a hard time for being adopted." Caroline turns on her blinker. "And I've had to hold back kicking a lot of ass."

Stefan holds back a smile. "You're a good mom."

Caroline beams a little at the praise. She glances over at him.

"Do you wish you had a mom?"

"No." The answer is quick, easy. "I just want Damon."

Both in the figurative and literal sense. He wishes his brother was here.

"Then just ignore people like Mrs. Aubert. They don't know what they're talking about."

"I'm not scared of her." Caroline casts a doubtful look. "I'm not."

There's a lot of people Stefan is afraid of, but he knows the substitute is harmless. She's a jerk, but she isn't going to try kidnapping him or anything. She's nothing more than an annoyance.

"I just don't like when people talk badly about Damon. He can be annoying, strict, overprotective, a pain in my a…butt," Stefan quickly corrects. Caroline snorts. "But he's my brother. He's all I've ever needed. He's given up a lot for me. Maybe he's not perfect but…he's mine."

Caroline omits a soft aw. "I'm sure he feels the same way about you. And it's good you know what you want."

"So, you won't tell him, right?"

"I have to."

Stefan whines, resisting the urge to kick his legs.

"Please, you can't!"

"Stefan, like I said, I'm a mom. If someone pulled a stunt like this with Elena, I'd want to know."

"He's going to be upset."

"I'll make sure he doesn't go all crazy on your teacher."

"No! He's going to get sad again! I don't want that."

Caroline opens her mouth then closes it. Stefan's stomach hurts more now. Caroline stops at a red light, looking over at him.

"What do you mean he'll get sad?"

"Every time someone tries to tell him I need a mom or that he's not my dad, he gets upset. He feels guilty. And I don't need him to be! Like I said, I'm happy with how things are. I don't want him to be sad."

Caroline sighs, running her fingers through her blonde curls. Stefan discreetly holds his stomach. He wants to be with his brother right now, but also doesn't want to see him upset.

"He has to know, honey," Caroline says. Stefan pouts. "It's very sweet that you want to protect your brother, but think about it like this. You get upset when he tells you how to feel." Stefan tilts his head. "I try not to listen to you and Elena's conversations but that's not always easy. I can't just turn it off." Stefan concedes with a nod. "My point is, Damon can't protect you from your inner demons and anxiety. It just happens. So, you have to let him feel his."

Stefan chews on his lip. "I don't like it."

"I know. It's one of the hardest parts of loving someone. We don't like seeing them in pain, huh?"

Stefan nods. Caroline pulls forward as the light turns green.

"Can I tell him?" He asks. "I promise I really will. We just have a deal that I'll tell him everything. Sometimes I don't, but I promise I will this time."

Caroline gives him a small smile. "Sure." She squeezes his arm. "Damon really is doing a good job with you."

Damon rushes to the door the minute he smells Stefan enter the property. It's opened before he and Caroline can even get out of the car. He opens his mouth to speak, only to have Stefan fling himself onto his big brother. Surprised, Damon wraps him into a big bear hug, caressing the back of his head.

"What's going on, Bunny," he whispers. "I was going to pick you up in a little bit."

Stefan shakes his head into Damon's shoulder. "Tummy hurts," he mumbles.

Damon continues to stroke his hair. He looks up at Caroline. "What happened?"

"He'll tell you," she says, softly. "Just try to listen before you react, alright?"

Damon is speechless as she climbs back into her car and drives away. He keeps a tight grip on Stefan as he leads him into the house and over to the living room. Damon pulls them both onto the couch and Stefan stays snuggled into his side. The older brother unzips Stefan's jacket and manages to get it off of him, despite his baby not helping at all. Damon removes Bunny from the inside pocket and tucks it into Stefan's arms. His brother cuddles it close.

He gazes down at his little brother, trying to figure him out. Stefan hasn't dropped, or if he has, no more than a young teenager. Yet, he looks anxious.

"Feel a little better?" Stefan nods, finding a way to cling to both his comfort item and his big brother. "What's going on, Bunny Boy? Why did you leave your tutoring early?"

Stefan bites his lip. "I don't want you to be sad."

Damon furrows his brows. "Stef, I told you, I can't promise I won't be angry at someone…"

"No, I mean, I don't want you to be sad."

Damon stares at him, confused. Little by little, it comes to him.

"You mean, my feelings will be hurt?" Stefan nods. Damon clears his throat, trying to steel himself. "Are you going to say something to purposefully hurt me?"

"No."

"Did someone else say something that would?"

Stefan nibbles on the top of his thumb. "Yeah."

"What is it?" Stefan remains silent. "Stefan."

"I don't agree with this person."

"I can tell, because whatever it is, is bothering you. Please just tell me. Then we can get it over with."

Stefan takes a deep breath. He drops his bunny and pulls away from Damon, leaving an ache in the big brother's heart.

"Mrs. Aubert…she's a caretaker." Damon nods. "And well, um, she was always really nice to me. Which was a nice change of pace in comparison to Tanner, ya know?" Another nod on Damon's end. "Then she started saying all this stuff…"

Damon tilts his head. "What kind of stuff?"

"About you…and me…and the way we live our lives. She kept asking about our parents and how old you were. She kept saying that Littles need a mom and a dad. How there's no way you could raise me right. Then she started on how long the waitlist is for caretakers to adopt supernatural Littles…"

Damon purses his lips, tuning out the rest of the explanation. It's not the first time he's heard of this. No one has been so bold as to actually confront one of them, but plenty of people have made their comments.

"You're only 8 years older than him, can you really act as a parent?"

"Doesn't he need a mom?"

"You really should let him spend some time with Lexi. She's the closest he's got."

"There's couples that will rehome Littles, ya know."

Damon grits his teeth and walks along. Smacking them around is not worth losing Stefan. He swallows the guilt, the pain, the embarrassment and keeps walking.

It's never going to end. Everyone will forever judge the 25 year old that adopted their 17 year old little brother. They'll wonder why he doesn't have a mom. Why Damon doesn't let him travel with Lexi more.

Because Damon is selfish. Stefan is his. He'll reluctantly share him with Lexi once every few months, but he will never give him up. Damon is his big brother, dammit. He's his dad in every way that it counts. No one is taking his baby away. Ever.

Damon tries to shut out the guilt. He has nothing to be sorry for when it comes to living a bachelor-esque lifestyle. There is nothing wrong with being a single parent. Stefan doesn't even want a mom. He loves Lexi, but he'd never leave his brother either.

God, it's probably not good how co-dependent they are.

"I don't want that, Damon," Stefan's voice pulls him from his thoughts. Damon looks down into his green eyes. "I don't want a mom. I just want you."

"I know, buddy, I know." Damon kisses his forehead. "You're all I need too."

"She doesn't know what she's talking about. She can't take me from you."

Damon rolls his eyes. "I'd like to see her try." He shakes his head. "In fact, she's going to wish she ever chose to come to this damn continent."

Stefan frowns. "Day, come on!"

"She got you all worked up and insulted my parenting. She's lucky all I'm going to do is scream."

"She doesn't matter! Like you said, you'd never let anyone take me away from you. Her last day is tomorrow and Mrs. Forbes-Mikaelson said I could do my work in her class. So, just let it go!"

Stefan gets up off the couch. Damon scoffs, rising to his feet.

"Have you met me?"

Stefan rolls his eyes. "Unfortunately, yes, and that's why I didn't want to tell you."

"I am not going to let some Euro-bitch talk about me like that to you. It's making you feel bad."

"No, you are!"

Damon takes a step back. Stefan groans.

"I don't care about her! I don't! I can handle idiots like that. But I'm so scared to tell you anything because I know you'll get like this and I hate it! It's not fair!"

Stefan starts to vamp out of the room, but Damon grabs him.

"I know I can fly off the handle," he says softly. "I try not to…but it's just a part of who I am. I can't just sit back and watch the world hurt you. But I also don't want to be the one who does it."

Stefan pouts. "You can't change who you are."

"I'm trying. I really am. But Stef, I've been like this for over a hundred years, even before I became a vampire. It's not easy to just let that go. And hell, even when I do, I'm always going to protect you, and want to scorch the Earth when someone hurts you."

Stefan slowly nods. Damon sighs.

"This is all because…you're mine. Maybe that makes me possessive, but I don't care. I spent so long neglecting you, I'm not going to let that continue. You're my baby, Stef." Damon gives him a sad smile. "I can't just shut this off and I don't want to."

"Just like I can't turn off my guilt," Stefan mumbles.

"That's right." Damon goes back to fixing his baby brother's hair. "I think we both have things to accept about each other."

"It's gonna take time."

"I know, trust me. I only recently began understanding your animal blood diet."

"So, you may be freaking out over anyone who dares to look at me for another century?"

"Probably so, Bunny Boy. Probably so."

Stefan rolls his eyes and begins to walk away. Damon grabs him, flipping him upside down to tickle him. Stefan screeches in happiness. Damon's own anxiety is still building up, but for the moment, he can distract himself with his own brother's happiness.