Title: Second Chance (And I Won't Waste It)
Category: The Vampire Diaries
Genre: Romance/Drama/Humor
Ship: Stefan/Caroline
Overall Rating: Explicit/NC-17 (eventually)
Chapter Rating: Teen/PG-13
Spoiler(s): The entire first season.
Word Count: 4,208
Summary: [A rewrite of Season 1 with Caroline as Stefan's love interest.] Stefan tells himself he's only back in Mystic Falls to find out why Elena looks so much like Katherine, but the more time he spends with Caroline, the less he can convince himself.

Second Chance (And I Won't Waste It)
-Novel-

Prologue.

1864

Juliette Forbes was a beautiful girl. With perfectly coiled blonde ringlets, flawless lily white skin, and a genuine smile for any who crossed her path, she was an elegant, refined woman of whom many a suitor had wanted to court. But Juliette had always had only one boy in mind for when her daddy saw fit to offer her hand in marriage; the thoughtful, polite, quiet Salvatore boy that had caught her fancy some time ago. It was long ago agreed upon between Giuseppe Salvatore and William Forbes that their two children would become engaged on Juliette's eighteenth birthday and married within a year after. Juliette was already planning their nuptials, dedicating many hours to flower arrangements and color coordination; she expected that the Forbes-Salvatore wedding would be the most elegant and talk-worthy event of the season.

However, just shy of her seventeenth birthday, it seemed a lifetime away before they would finally be together. And so, against social expectation, she would often sneak away from her house, cut through the woods, and meet secretly with the youngest Salvatore boy.

Today was such a day.

Her dress kept snagging on gnarled branches, but Juliette could hardly pay it any attention. She knew she would have to beg Mary-Lou to sew them up and not speak a word of it to her father. And while the older woman, dark as Juliette was light, would tisk and complain and give her a good dressing down for not being more careful and for carrying on the way she was, she would still do Juliette this favor.

Juliette could hear Mary-Lou's drawl-heavy voice in her mind already, "You keep meetin' this boy and he won't have a reason to marry you. If your daddy found out what it is you're doing, how do you think it would look, Miss Juliette?"

And she would nod and admit that of course it was wrong of her and she would try harder in future not to do it. But they both knew that she would.

Stefan was a handsome man, with beautiful caramel colored hair that fell into his eyes and a warm smile that never failed to make her stomach flip-flop generously.

When she stepped into the clearing, she searched intently for him but found nothing but old, toppled trees, wood rotting and moss collecting. She knotted her fingers together and cast her eyes around once more, searching between the trees for his figure. He never failed to meet her and he'd slipped a note into her hand just that afternoon. She'd followed her father into town; he had to meet with Miss Pearl about something. Juliette was never allowed to follow him inside and so she stayed just a few feet from the apothecary and spoke with Anna for a few minutes. She was taken by surprise when Stefan appeared before her and just barely kept herself from reaching for him or stepping too close than what was publically acceptable. Anna smiled at them sweetly, looking almost amused by their manners with each other, speaking only formally in public. But when Juliette's father left the apothecary, Stefan reached for her hand, lifting it to kiss the top before he took his leave; in the process, he slipped a tiny piece of paper into her palm that said, quite simply: 3 o'clock.

She worried that perhaps she was late. She was usually careful to be early but her father had wanted to speak to her. The Salvatore's were expecting a house guest, someone by the name of Katherine Pierce, and Stefan's father thought it might be nice for her to have a female companion to welcome her to town. William had told Juliette that it would be her duty to befriend Miss Pierce. She couldn't say she was disappointed with this outcome as it would likely mean spending more time in Stefan's home, allowing her to see him more often. She'd already romanticized it all in her head; they would sneak into alcoves and trade kisses while no one was looking. He would join them sometimes for tea and reach for her hand under the table. And they would laugh, feeling giddy with how they snuck away, with each second they stole, away from judgemental eyes.

Hands clasped, Juliette held them to her chest and chewed her lip, her brows furrowed as she scanned again, hoping against hope that he was late.

Suddenly, there was pressure on her hips. She let out a shriek and whirled around, clutching at her hard in surprise, but all she found was a laughing, smiling Stefan in front of her. His hands smoothed over the waist of her dress and tugged her toward him. "Were you waiting long?" he wondered.

She shook her head, ringlets bouncing against her shoulders. "No, I… I worried that you were waiting and finally left."

"Never," he said simply, his lips curled at the corners. He ducked his head until it touched hers. "I would wait forever for you."

Juliette's heart felt like it was shaking in her chest, giving a wistful shudder of appreciation. "You are too kind, Mister Salvatore," she teased, lifting her hands, pressing them flat to his chest, gloved and pristine. "And I am blessed that you think I'm worthy of the wait."

His hand rose, cupping her cheek and she leaned her face into the warmth of his skin. "Remind me again, why are we waiting? Virginia law states that we're of age to marry," he reminded.

"Because…" she laughed. "Our parents wish it so."

"Our parents are not the one's getting married," he said, frowning. "I don't want to wait another year or two. We're ready now."

Her chest swelled with his declaration and she gripped the fabric of his vest tight in her hands. "I don't want to disappoint my father," she admitted, her brows turning down. "And we've been so fortunate, that they even think we're fit for each other… Mind, that my father is only the sheriff; if your father saw fit to find you someone of better class, someone more worldly than I could ever—"

His thumb fell to cover her lips, hushing her. "I want only you." He shook his head. "I don't care about status, Juliette." He swallowed tightly and stared her in the eye. "Run away with me."

"Stefan…"

"We could leave here, find somewhere far from our parents, from this war… We could make a life."

"The war is everywhere," she murmured. "Your own brother fights it now. This country is being torn apart."

"Then we leave… We take a boat, we travel across the world. We can do this!" He took her hands, squeezing them, and she wished her gloves were off so she could feel his skin once more. He was eager, excited, and she felt the same as her heartbeat galloped loudly in her ears. "Run away with me and I promise you, I will give you everything."

Her breath left her erratically as she began to think about what he was saying. They would travel; she would finally see more than just the limits of Mystic Falls. Stefan had always promised her that; he'd told her that as soon as they married, they would leave and visit places such as New York. They would travel the seas to the other side of the world and learn new languages, see new sights. All she'd ever wanted out of her life was Stefan and the dreams she dared not hope for too deeply.

"When?" she finally asked, looking up at him with a smile.

He laughed, abrupt and full of relief. He bent to kiss her, his lips slanting over hers, deep and desperate. She parted her lips for his tongue to stroke her own, tickling the roof of her mouth and flicking the back of her teeth. Her hands buried at the nape of his neck, gripping his soft hair. His arm, banded at her waist, squeezed her so close she swore she could feel his rampant heartbeat against her chest.

He kissed her until they could hardly breathe, their lips red and swollen, the air between them coming out in pants.

"I love you," he said, his fingers combing through her hair, messing up her perfect curls though she couldn't find it in her to care. "I love you, Juliette," he said, so sincerely that she felt a film of tears cloud her eyes.

"And I you," she whispered emotionally.

He kissed her forehead and hugged her tight. "I'll make plans. I'll find a way for us to leave. Soon," he promised. "I'll speak to a few of my father's friend; find out the best route to take, how to avoid running into any battles."

She nodded, but fear had started to ease its way into their happily ever after.

"They won't become suspicious?"

"I'll tell them it's about Damon… That I want to know where he is or could be; that it will help me sleep better at night."

"Stefan…" She tipped her head back to look at him. "If we leave… Your brother…"

"I'll send word as soon as we're settled. He'll survive this war and he can come to see us." He nodded, his eyes darting as they always did when he was deep in his head.

"And your father?" She bit her lip. "You would leave him?"

"He'll understand later, I'm sure. When everything has calmed down, I'll explain it. Perhaps one day we'll return to visit Mystic Falls…"

She smiled, nodding. "I would like that."

He returned her smile and bent to her lips once more.

The sun was setting by the time Juliette returned home and she heard Mary-Lou's tisk long before she saw her.

"You're a mess, girl," she said, shaking her head.

Juliette was flushed, her smile stretched wide. She was near bursting with the need to tell Mary-Lou everything. Instead, she bit her lip and hugged the woman, squeezing her tight. I will miss you most, I think, she thought to herself.

"You get in and wash yourself up. Fix your hair and change your clothes. Your daddy will be home soon and you don't want him catchin' wind of what you and that Salvatore boy have been doing…" she warned, eyes wide.

Juliette pecked her cheek appreciatively and hurried inside to do just that, humming the wedding march under her breath.

But her joy was sadly short-lived.

A week later, Miss Katherine Pierce arrived at the Salvatore house and she made quite the entrance. Juliette did as her father bid and went to meet her, offering her friendship though she knew that it wouldn't be long until she and Stefan would leave Mystic Falls and make their way to freedom, all in the name of love.

While she couldn't reveal that to Katherine, she couldn't help but speak fondly of her betrothed.

"Has Stefan been kind to you during your stay?" she asked, smiling as she stirred sugar into her tea, delicately laying the spoon down on the saucer. "His father has told mine that it's been nice to have a female presence in his house once more…"

"Stefan has been very welcoming," she agreed, smiling. "In fact, I'm not sure I've ever met someone so genuine before."

Juliette grinned. "He is that." She nodded. "He has the kindest soul…" Her expression turned dreamy. "He's a thinker, of course. He could spend days trapped in the worlds his books create… A bit of a dreamer, too, I think. But that's good! My father worries that it could be bad; that too much dreaming means he won't have the work sense to keep us comfortable, but I know he will…" She shook her head, smiling wistfully. "I would follow his dreams wherever they led."

Katherine paused, her eyes rising to meet hers. "You and… Stefan?"

"Yes, of course." She beamed. "We're… engaged to be engaged, I suppose." Her nose wrinkled sweetly. "My father and his have already agreed that when I'm eighteen, we will announce the engagement and the following year, we'll wed." She, of course, knew that these plans would be moved up significantly, but she could not share that with Katherine. She flushed with pride, however, and told her, "A beautiful match, I think." She turned her head and caught sight of Stefan and his father, playing croquette not far away. "One might even say perfect."

Katherine turned and watched as the younger Salvatore looked over, a pitifully obvious lovesick expression crossing his face as he saw Juliette looking.

The beautiful blonde waved her fingers daintily and let out a breathy laugh, her heart speeding up.

Stefan grinned wider and nodded his head at her before his father clapped his shoulder and drew his attention back to the game.

"Yes… Perfect, indeed," Katherine murmured stiffly.

Juliette hardly took notice and instead turned to look at her with a bright smile. "Do you have someone waiting on you at home, Miss Pierce?" Her brow furrowed. "My apologies, Stefan told me about your family…" She frowned. "I'm so sorry you lost them, and to a fire too. That must've been terrible…" She reached across and patted Katherine's hand.

Katherine glanced at it briefly. "I'm… grieving," she said, nodding. "To answer your question, though, no, I don't have anyone waiting on me," she denied. "Although I hope to soon," she added, casting her gaze back toward a distracted Stefan.

Not noticing, Juliette picked at the sweets one of the servants had laid out for them. "Well, I'm sure you will have many suitors soon enough," she assured. "In fact, we should speak to Stefan's father about having a party, something of a debut to introduce you to the town." She became excited with the idea and began dreaming up the party, voicing her thoughts to Katherine, making lists of who would be invited and telling her all about some of Mystic Falls most eligible young men.

Unbeknownst to Juliette, however, Katherine already knew who she wanted, and it would be at the expense of her.

Each day that Stefan snuck out to meet with Juliette, he had no idea that someone was watching. He didn't know that when he embraced the woman he planned to marry in the clearing in the woods, Katherine witnessed every heartfelt word and lingering touch. As he shared with Juliette his plan for them to run away, mapping out how they would get away safely, his every word was being filed away.

It was just two weeks later, when Stefan finally decided on a date. They would leave that weekend, early on Saturday, long before the sun thought to rise. He walked through the house with a grin on his face, untouchable, certain that his happiness was within reach. He regretted that he would be leaving his father, especially with Damon away at war, but he loved Juliette and he didn't want to wait any longer for them to be man and wife. He comforted himself with the idea that his father would not be completely alone. Now that Miss Katherine had come to live with them, she'd added life to the house and Stefan was sure that she would keep his father in good spirits until Damon returned. Perhaps, even, Damon would see Miss Katherine's beauty and find in her the same love Stefan had found in Juliette.

He was fairly skipping as he walked through the house, distantly noticing that someone had arrived out front, the neighing of a horse briefly registering.

One of the servants answered the door and it wasn't so long after that his father was summoned.

Stefan went to his room, deciding to begin packing. They only had a few days and he thought it would be easier to simply keep his suitcases under his bed, ready to go. He would keep out enough clothing to last him until they left and he had to be careful not to put away too much, such as keepsakes and photographs, lest anyone become suspicious of his plans.

As he stood folding his shirts, he paused at his dresser, taking out the box that lay inside. His father had shown it to him years ago, telling him that it would be the ring he would use to ask for Juliette's hand in marriage. It had been his mother's and even now as he looked at it, he swore he could feel his mother's kind soul somewhere inside of it.

A knock at the door drew his attention and he tucked the ring back into the drawer before reaching over and putting the suitcase under the bed, quick as he could. "Yes?" he called, straightening out his clothes, hoping whoever it was would not read what he had been doing somewhere on his person.

"Stefan."

"Father," he said, his brow furrowed. He paused, noting how Giuseppe's shoulder had slumped, his expression tired and worn. Stefan thought of the person who'd come seeking his father's attention and his heart stuttered. "What's happened?" He stared at him worriedly. "Is it Damon? Have they sent word? Is… Is he…?" The very word – dead – stuck in his throat, burning.

Giuseppe stepped into his room, closing the door behind him, and gave a grave sigh. "It's not Damon," he assured. "Your brother is fine so far as I know." He faced him, lifted his chin and took a deep breath.

"Then I don't…" He shook his head, offering a confused smile. "I don't understand. What else could have you so upset?"

"I'm upset for you, son. I bear terrible news." He stepped toward him, reached out, and laid a heavy hand on Stefan's shoulder.

He could hear his heart banging in his ears, dread worming its way through his chest. If not Damon, then there was only one other person that he loved so dearly. "Father," he said, his voice trembling.

"Sheriff Forbes sent word… His daughter was found this morning, she… She was attacked, a wild animal." He shook his head. "I'm so sorry, Stefan… I know how dearly you cared for Miss Juliette."

His knees shook before giving out. He fell, his hand reaching for the footboard of his bed. "No." He shook his head. "No."

"She was a fine young lady. She didn't deserve this."

Stefan's head fell, tears blurring his vision, his whole body shaking from head to toe, vibrating with loss.

They were going to run away.

She was going to be his wife.

He loved her.

His father gathered him close as he cried, gruffly patting his back. "I know, son," he said, his own pain raw, remembering the loss of his own wife as he heard the agony of his youngest son break apart.

Stefan's heart wrenching sorrow filled the house.

It wasn't until he passed out that Giuseppe took his leave, mopping at his own eyes with a folded silk handkerchief as he made his way downstairs.

"Is everything all right?" Katherine worried, standing at the bottom of the stairs.

"I'm afraid not," Giuseppe told her, sighing heavily. "I know you'd become quite friendly with Miss Forbes… I'm aggrieved to tell you that she is no longer with us."

Gasping, Katherine pressed a hand to her mouth as tears filled her eyes. "No," she murmured. "But what could have happened?"

Though exhausted from his son's turmoil, Giuseppe felt sorry for Katherine and he patted her hand sympathetically. "It was tragic, my dear. I dare not hurt you with any of the details."

"Is…" She shook her head. "Stefan must be terribly heartbroken."

Grimacing, he nodded and cast his eyes up the stairs, as if he thought he'd see his disheveled, lost, grief-stricken son standing there before him. "He loved her dearly," he said quietly to himself. Frowning, he dropped his eyes. "With the war so close to home, William and I had been speaking of moving the wedding up," he admitted. "With these dire times, we thought what better way to remind us of what we're fighting for than to have a wedding?" He exhaled heavily, his shoulders drooping further. With one last pat to Katherine's hand, he said, "I'm sorry, Miss Pierce, but I need some time to myself, I think."

"Of course," she agreed. "I'm so sorry for your loss."

He nodded at her, offering a faint smile of gratitude before he took his leave.

When he was out of sight, Katherine smiled to herself.

She left Stefan to his grief for exactly one week and then she encouraged him to spend time with her under the guise of cheering him up. But when after a month he still hadn't moved on, she grew tired of waiting and began compelling him to be happy, to focus on her, to forget Juliette and his grief.

When Damon returned, she found it even more fun; with him, she didn't need to compel him. He loved her freely, happy to share her bed and her blood. But while Damon was fun, Stefan was who she loved. She wanted him to touch her as he had Juliette; to look at her with that same adoration. She wanted to crawl into his heart and stay there, embedded as deeply as it seemed Juliette still was. There was something lacking when she compelled him though; she could see in his eyes that it was all a show. The spark that she'd seen when he looked at the Forbes girl, the natural way he smiled with her, was absent when he was with Katherine.

Part of her hated him for it while another part only tried harder.

She made him drink from her and promised that he would be happy with her. They would all be happy; her, Damon, and Stefan.

Perhaps it was killing Juliette that had set them off; it had been brutal, indeed. She'd torn the young woman's throat out with her teeth and left her in the same clearing she often snuck away to with Stefan, watching as she bled out, smiling cruelly as she licked her lips of warm blood. She could have made it look more like an animal attack, but some part of her took satisfaction in the work she'd done.

But even without Juliette's death, bodies were piling up both in and around Mystic Falls; bodies that weren't her doing but that she knew were gathering attention all the same. Sheriff William Forbes, despite his grief, or perhaps propelled because of it, had begun asking Pearl about vervain, gathering large quantities of it. Katherine felt her time was running out and she couldn't be sure how long she had left.

The events that followed were a jumble; Katherine was struck down by the vervain in Stefan's blood. Giuseppe had feared that the orphan who'd come to live with him was exactly what she was; a vampire. She was dragged from the house and stuck inside a carriage to be brought to Fell's Church, where the rest of the vampires in Mystic Falls were being gathered to be burned alive. Stefan and Damon went to intercept them, their love for Katherine so great they thought to keep her from harm and run away with her.

Their father shot them where they stood.

The day Stefan Salvatore died was the same day he became alive again.

Upon turning into a vampire via Katherine's blood and his own father's fatal gunshot, he woke to a flood of memories once compelled away. Confused and awash in the grief he never had a chance to feel completely, he was caught between hatred for Katherine and a bizarre sense of leftover gratitude toward her. It would take him years to completely understand that all of what he felt for Katherine Pierce was forced upon him against his will and much longer to forgive himself for forgetting his sweet Juliette so easily.

Survival after that was hard to come by; he struggled between wanting to walk out and meet the sun and with it, his death, joining Juliette in the afterlife, and going on to travel as she had always wanted them to do. He fought against the bloodlust that plagued him so desperately that he feared himself a man unworthy of the beautiful, untainted memory of the woman he loved so fiercely. When Lexi found him, he was walking the edge of sanity.

Many years later, he would be grateful that she had. If it hadn't been for her, he might not have properly grieved, moved on, and found his control.

Were it not for her, he might not have lived at all. And what a shame that would have been… As when he returned to Mystic Falls, some 145 years later, he would get another chance.

It wasn't Juliette Forbes he found waiting for him, no. Aside from the flawless white skin and the stunning blonde hair, they didn't even look all that alike. But when he saw Caroline Forbes for the first time, he swore his undead heart actually came alive for just a second; just long enough to flip over in his chest with hope.

Had he known what would come, he might have stayed away. But then, he always was a sucker for a Forbes.

[Next: Chapter One.]