Stefan

Stefan slept fitfully through the first several hours of the drive, but eventually Elisa needed to pull over for gas and use of the facilities. She found a place that looked clean, but she still shuddered that the thought of public toilets. She had little alternative just now, so she got an attendant to start filling the car and then came around the side to wake her pet.

“Stefan, She murmured, leaning in to speak the word against his hair. “It’s time to wake up. Are you hungry? Do you need anything? Let me take care of you.” Elisa smiled as his eyes opened, pleased to be the first thing he saw upon waking.

“I needed to stop. We still have a long way to go, but if you want anything I’ll buy it once I use the facilities. “I thought that you might enjoy being out of the car for a little while.” Every pet needed a walk and her poor Stefan wasn’t used to being cooped up in vehicles all day. She just wanted to make sure that he was happy when he was around her. She needed him to be at his best when she showed him off to her parents.

He was sound asleep. Didn't even know if he dreamed but the next thing he was aware of was the most beautiful voice in the world purring his name into his ear. He smiled in his sleep, blissfully happy. What could be better than this?

But she kept talking, told him it was time to wake up. Dream Elisa was probably just as smart as real Elisa. He decided he better listen. Opened his eyes drowsily, a vacant smile still on his lips. She was there! She was really there. She was looking at him and smiling at him and it was the best feeling ever. To think he could make her smile!

She asked him if he wanted anything and said something about being out of the car. He sat up slowly, blinking sleep from his eyes. Looked out of the open door to see a gas station. He didn't know how much time had passed. He felt kind of hungry though. But mostly thirsty.

"Water would be good." He frowned, undoing the seatbelt and moving his legs gingerly out of the car. They felt kind of sore. Must have been in the same position for a couple hours or so probably. "Um. But you don't have to get it. I can do it. And get you stuff if you want?"

Didn't feel right if she went and did stuff for him. He was supposed to do stuff for her. She deserved better than running errands for him. He didn't really wanna start interacting with people in public but he still had his gloves. Was worth it to save her the effort.

sirenbuffa:

[Text] You’re making me dinner tonight [Text] I’ll provide the wine but you’ll need to bring chocolates

[text] I was just thinking about you!

He frowned slightly. Always thought about her. Did that make it less special? She deserved special though. And if she wanted chocolates he would get her chocolates. Would go to every shop in town if he had to. To find her the best ones.

[text] I will bring you the best chocolates I can get. Would you like flowers also?

[Text] Were you? That’s so sweet!

Elisa grinned at her phone, pleased by her pet’s readiness to accommodate her. The others were involved with various women, she already knew that, but Stefan kept himself available for her. He was much more single minded and she admired his devotion.

[text] I can't wait to see you! I hope you have a good day until then.

[Text] You’re making me dinner tonight [Text] I’ll provide the wine but you’ll need to bring chocolates

He frowned slightly. Always thought about her. Did that make it less special? She deserved special though. And if she wanted chocolates he would get her chocolates. Would go to every shop in town if he had to. To find her the best ones.

Elisa laughed brightly at Stefan’s compliments, drinking them in and basking in their glow. He was so good for her. he knew just what to say to make her happy.

When she finished singing Stefan gushed over the performance, still sounding a bit dazed from the magic. She grinned at his desires, thinking that they could probably accomplish some of that. “I’ll get you some tickets, or maybe I can keep a spot for you back stage. You can keep me company between scenes.” Yes, it would be nice to have a pet present. She hated boredom.

For now, however, Stefan probably needed to sleep off her influence, and she wasn’t sure that she could deny him if he kept asking to hear her. She raised a hand and stroked his cheek fondly, chancing a glance over at him before returning her eyes to the road. “Sleep now.” She’d wake him up whenever she needed help staying awake.

She offered to get him a ticket, or even a backstage spot. He smiled, feeling blissfully, ecstatically happy. She was so good to him. He could definitely keep her company if she wanted. Was a great idea.

“If I can hear you sing, I’m happy.” He would still be able to hear backstage, probably. If not, she could always sing for him anytime. He didn’t care. Whatever she wanted was perfect. She was so perfect.

Everything felt like a haze in his head. Like the world was so confusing and didn’t make sense. Only thing that made sense was her. Her words cut through all the fuzzy stuff. Made everything clear. Everything was perfect.

Her hand was so soft on his skin. So perfectly soft. He loved her touch. Wanted to feel it all the time. Some part of him kept trying to tell him something about skin and touch but he didn’t think it was important. Nothing was important. Only her. She was the most important of all.

Mia: I like you / I hate you / I dislike you/ I love you / You are family / I would take a bullet for you  / I would shoot you / I would lie to your face / I would say something cruel to you on purpose / I would say something cruel to you accidentally  / I would cheat on you / I would physically hurt you / You annoy me/ You amuse me / I’d laugh at you / I’d laugh with you / I’d manipulate you / You scare me / You confuse me / I wish I knew you better / I trust you / I don’t trust you / You inspire me / I consider you an equal / You are beneath me / You’re better than me / I would trust you with my life / I think you’re mean / I think you’re petty / I think you’re childish / I think you’re smart / I think you’re stupid / I think you’re a bad person / I think you’re a good person / I’m not sure what kind of person you are / I wish you would listen to me / I want to make you proud / I wish you would notice me / I want to impress you / I would hurt other people for you / I’m not sure how to make you happy / I’m a bad influence on you / You deserve better than me / We make a great team / I’d have a one night stand with you / I’d have a relationship with you / I would marry you / I fantasize about our life together / I would trust you with my most treasured belonging / I would tell you my darkest secrets / You disgust me / You intimidate me / I hope I intimidate you / I’d hug you / I’d let you hug me  / I’m scared of losing you / I don’t think you like me / I want to be better for you / I respect you / I don’t respect you / You’re my mentor / You’re my friend / You’re my best friend / I have a crush on you / I could easily watch you die / I’d get drunk with you / I’d party with you / I’d comfort you / I’d prank you / I’d spike your drink / I’d act behind your back / I’d abandon you / I’d hurt you to get what I want / I would choose my happiness over yours / I would choose your happiness over mine / I despise how much I care for you / I need you / I’m dependent on you / I don’t know what I’d do without you / I’m scared of you leaving me / I’d give my life for you / You frustrate me / I’d call for you in a time of need / I would protect you / I’d visit you in hospital / I’d carry you if you were hurt / I’d feel guilty if I hurt you / I’d let you be near me when I am vulnerable / I’d ignore a phone call from you / I’d call you at 3am / I’d break you out of jail / I’d get angry at you / I would shout at you / You’re too loud / You’re too quiet / You’re too sensitive / You can’t take a joke / You embarrass me / I feel nothing for you / You’re reckless / You’re bossy / You bore me / I would ask your advice / I would blame you for something I did / I would cry in your arms / You have the power to hurt me more than anyone else /

Elisa:I like you / I hate you / I dislike you/ I love you / You are family / I would take a bullet for you / I would shoot you / I would lie to your face / I would say something cruel to you on purpose / I would say something cruel to you accidentally  / I would cheat on you (although, not if there was an actual discussion about it and an agreement of monogamy, just with a silent understanding)/ I would physically hurt you / You annoy me/ You amuse me / I’d laugh at you / I’d laugh with you / I’d manipulate you / You scare me / You confuse me / I wish I knew you better / I trust you / I don’t trust you / You inspire me / I consider you an equal / You are beneath me / You’re better than me / I would trust you with my life / I think you’re mean / I think you’re petty / I think you’re childish / I think you’re smart / I think you’re stupid / I think you’re a bad person / I think you’re a good person / I’m not sure what kind of person you are / I wish you would listen to me / I want to make you proud / I wish you would notice me / I want to impress you / I would hurt other people for you / I’m not sure how to make you happy / I’m a bad influence on you / You deserve better than me / We make a great team / I’d have a one night stand with you / I’d have a relationship with you / I would marry you / I fantasize about our life together / I would trust you with my most treasured belonging / I would tell you my darkest secrets / You disgust me / You intimidate me / I hope I intimidate you / I’d hug you / I’d let you hug me  / I’m scared of losing you / I don’t think you like me / I want to be better for you / I respect you / I don’t respect you / You’re my mentor / You’re my friend / You’re my best friend / I have a crush on you / I could easily watch you die / I’d get drunk with you / I’d party with you / I’d comfort you / I’d prank you / I’d spike your drink / I’d act behind your back / I’d abandon you / I’d hurt you to get what I want / I would choose my happiness over yours / I would choose your happiness over mine / I despise how much I care for you / I need you / I’m dependent on you / I don’t know what I’d do without you / I’m scared of you leaving me / I’d give my life for you / You frustrate me / I’d call for you in a time of need / I would protect you / I’d visit you in hospital / I’d carry you if you were hurt / I’d feel guilty if I hurt you / I’d let you be near me when I am vulnerable / I’d ignore a phone call from you / I’d call you at 3am / I’d break you out of jail / I’d get angry at you / I would shout at you / You’re too loud / You’re too quiet / You’re too sensitive / You can’t take a joke / You embarrass me / I feel nothing for you / You’re reckless / You’re bossy / You bore me / I would ask your advice / I would blame you for something I did / I would cry in your arms / You have the power to hurt me more than anyone else /

Elisa laughed brightly at Stefan’s enthusiasm. “You’re so darling. How do you manage such-” she wanted to use another word, but there really was only one that described him accurately, “sincerity? It’s so rare. It’s remarkably appealing.” So was his magic, but surely he already knew that.

He promised to do his best to learn the dances and she looked over at him with a smile. “Oh, I’m certain you will.” Her pets would always do whatever they could for her. She hadn’t left them any other choice.

Doubt flickered through her. Was that wrong? Would Stefan like her without her magic? Did it matter?

She shook her head slightly. Of course it didn’t. What did his will matter? He was obviously enjoying himself. She was giving him a better life. He knew that. he didn’t want for anything to change.

He’d been speaking and she’d nearly missed the remainder of his statement. “I- we’ll see how the lessons go.” She wouldn’t force him to try for the first time in front of people. They could practice alone and see if he had the knack for it.”

Stefan suggested something that she sang for the Company and she considered that before he amended his statement and she laughed. “Well, alright, but it won’t be as good as it usually is. Keep that in mind! I don’t have accompaniment, and it’s difficult when sitting.”

She considered it a moment and then sang the first few verses of Habanera. Carmen was a favorite of hers and recently she’d identified more and more with the title character. When she finished she grinned and glanced over at him. “Well? What did you think?” What praise would he bestow upon her this time?

Her compliment made him feel all warm and fluttery inside. He didn't think he was going to be able to stop smiling at this rate. She was so kind to him all the time. And he knew she didn't compliment people a lot, so it meant so much when she did. He relished it. He wanted to memorize it so he could play it back in his head when she wasn't around and think of her.

And she trusted him so much, too! He said he would do his best for her and she always believed him. She never questioned him or doubted him. She was such a good person. She was everything he could possibly have asked for. No, she was more than that. He knew he didn't deserve her. Knew he was the luckiest man alive.

He beamed at her, always eager to please, as she spoke of lessons before going out in public. "Of course. Don't want to make you look bad. Not that I could. You never look bad. You're always the most beautiful person in the room. But you deserve someone who isn't gonna embarrass you like that. I'll make sure I learn."

Wasn't really something he ever thought about learning before. Didn't think he would be especially good at it. But he would work as hard as he could. Hopefully it would be enough. If not, maybe he could find some other way to make it up to her. He knew he couldn't be good at everything no matter how hard he tried to work on stuff.

She agreed to sing what she liked performing. Said it probably wouldn't be as good as normal. He grinned and nodded his agreement. Like he could ever judge her! He couldn't sing great anyway. Wasn't like he was a good critic or anything.

And then the music filled his ears and it was like nothing else in the world even existed. He couldn't focus on anything else. She was his whole world. She was always his whole world. She always had been. Everything was black and white and muted without her. He didn't even see the car or anything outside of it. Only saw her, radiant as always, drowning out the rest of reality with her brilliance.

He couldn't speak right away when she was done. He realized almost too late he hadn't heard any of the words she sang, only the sound of her voice. Had it even been in English? Wished he could recall but it felt like he had just woken up from the most amazing dream.

Elisa grinned brightly when Stefan called her thoughtful. “Aww, thank you. I do try to think of others. I’ve been so privileged in life. don’t get me wrong, I’ve had my share of troubles, but it’s good to help others when you can.” It made her more approachable. Granted, her magic did a better job of that than good will ever had.

She stole a glance at him. he looked so happy. She was glad. He looked so much better like this than he had all hunched and grumbling. To think, she’d mistaken him for a homeless man! He just didn’t know how to carry himself, but with some cleaning up, he was really rather handsome.

“Well, that’s coming up soon,” she replied when he told her his birthday. “Mine is June 17th. Don’t worry. I’ll let you know what I’ve planned for it. I just haven’t thought that through yet.” Still, it was sweet of him to ask. She wasn’t about to stop him from planning something on his own. She loved surprises, so long as they met her standards, of course.

He said that he hoped to see her dance and won another laugh. “Well, you can if you like. I’ll even teach you some. It’s always better with a partner.” She nodded as he asked if there would be dancing at the club. “Tomorrow evening there is a formal event. There will be dancing there, but if you aren’t comfortable, then we don’t have to participate.”

The radio wasn’t getting clear reception anywhere! That was strange in the city. there should have been loads of channels but all she was getting was static. She turned it off with a small frown. She’d just need to think of something to sing on her own. “Do you have a preference on what i sing? The radio was no help.”

She was so modest! How could someone as perfect as Elisa be that modest also? She really was the best person. She was so kind and thoughtful. Said she had had her share of troubles and he nodded quickly. He knew all about that stuff. Her stalkers and everything. Was terrible! How could anyone take advantage of her like that. Wasn’t right.

“June 17,” he repeated. Was gonna remember it! She already had plans and that made him feel better. He smiled at her. “You always have the best ideas. I can’t wait!”

She always told him what to get and what to do. Was so good of her! She made everything so easy for him. It was really considerate. Wished he could return the favor but he could never come up with stuff like that. And anyway she seemed to like it like this so it was okay.

His eyes lit up when she said he could see her dance. She wanted to teach him, too! Didn’t know how good he was at learning that kind of stuff though. “I’ll do my best.” Was all he could promise. He always did his best for her. “Don’t know if I’m comfortable. Never really did it before. If you would like to try it, I’ll do as well as I can. Don’t want to make you look bad.”

She definitely didn’t deserve that! Everyone should be admiring her. He didn’t wanna drag her down or anything. He leaned back against the seat and thought when she asked him what to sing.

Elisa was quite pleased with the selection of books she’d found for Stefan. Who knew that magic books were so cheap or that they could be found on the internet? 

There were several books in the stack. She hadn’t actually read them but their titles were promising. Magic for Beginners looked like a book of anecdotes, instructional stories probably. Presto! Magic for the Beginner probably had some useful spells. Stefan had said that he was still learning to cast things, right? She’d also found an anthology of magical creatures! Stefan was sure to be impressed!

She had one of her minions drop the box off at Stefan’s office. She wished that she could have delivered it personally, but she had to leave town well before Christmas day. Still, she left him with a note. Hopefully that would be enough.

Stefan,

I hope that you are doing well. I’m so sorry that I wasn’t able to bring you along this time. I do hate the thought of you spending Christmas alone, but I’ve included some reading to keep you company until I’m back. I’ll be home by New Years, don’t get too cold without me.

Merry Christmas,

Elisa

The books sat in a perfectly neat pile on his desk. His eyes kept going back to them every few minutes. Had she picked them out herself? Had she touched them with her own hands? She was so beautiful. So perfect. Was so hard to focus on work!

On a break he got to flip through one of them. Magic for Beginners. She was so thoughtful! Was exactly what he wanted. Books about magic.

Okay so this one looked kinda weird, like maybe it wasn’t gonna cover the stuff he needed to know. But he was probably wrong. Elisa would know. She always knew better. If she thought these books were gonna tell him stuff he was supposed to read, he was gonna read them cover to cover and probably reread them also.

Who accidentally pushes a door instead of pulling/vice versa: Like Elisa would open her own door.

Who doodles little hearts all over the desk with their initials inside them: That doesn’t sound like either of them, but Stefan is more likely to.

Who starts the tickle fights: I beg your pardon?

Who starts the pillow fights: Don’t be tasteless.

Who falls asleep last, watching the other with a small affectionate smile: Stefan

Who mistakes salt for sugar: Stefan, you really should look at what you’re doing, sweetheart.

Who lets the microwave play the loud beeping sound at 1am in the morning: Neither of them are that inconsiderate.

Who comes up with cheesy pick up lines: Don’t be crass. Besides, Stefan is much more charming when he’s being sincere.

Who rearranges the bookshelf in alphabetical order: Oh probably someone. Do I look like I know all of their names?

Who licks the spoon when they’re baking brownies: They don’t make sweets.

Who buys candles for dinners even though there’s no special occasion: Stefan, he’s just so thoughtful.

Who draws little tattoos on the other with a pen: Why would we do that? Actual contact is much better.

Who comes home with a new souvenir magnet every time they go on vacation: Elisa being him something small, but it’s never a magnet. It’s usually something practical like a watch or article of clothing.

Stefan assured her that she didn’t need to get anything for him, and she realized that, but she wanted to. He seemed to have so little. It was tragic. “I know, but I’d like to. You deserve to have nice things.” She wanted her pets taken care of.

She smiled when he said that he wished that he could buy her things. “You give me plenty. Honestly, there are all sorts of people who can buy me presents. You’re special. Money is so much easier than what you give me.” Time, life, youth, was there anything more precious? Money could be obtained by anyone. 

Granted, she could think that because she had it.

“When is your birthday?” She could look for books then, if she hadn’t thought of something else he needed in the meantime.

The latte tasted like life. She could already feel herself growing more alert. She was almost excited about this trip. Stefan had never met her parents before. She wondered if he’d seen anything quite like the estate. The apple orchards were beautiful, especially covered in snow. It’d be like a winter wonderland, far more scenic than the city.

He assured her that he got some sleep, and then said that he’d dreamed about her. “Did you really?” She laughed, delighted by his dream and the compliments. He was so sweet, so honest, so endearing. “I dance in real life, you know. My father taught me, and then I had lessons. We could dance together some time.” She might have to teach him, but she didn’t mind. It could be part of his training.

She smirked when he assured her that her singing would never put him to sleep. She knew that it wasn’t true. She could force him into slumber, but she wouldn’t unless it was necessary. “Are you ready? let’s find something on the radio that I can sing along with.”

Elisa set her coffee down and reached to turn on the radio. There had to be something recognizable there.

He didn’t know why she would think he deserved nice things but she was always right about stuff like this. Was better just to believe her. So he smiled, feeling all warm inside. She wanted to buy him stuff sometimes. It was so nice of her.

“You’re the most thoughtful person I know.” Most people just didn’t care about other people like she did. They just ignored each other and only cared about themselves. But she was always thinking about others.

And she called him special! That was the nicest thing anyone ever said to him before. He just couldn’t wipe the smile off his face. It was starting to hurt but he didn’t remember the last time he felt so happy and cared about. She was amazing. She wasn’t at all superficial like so many people in the city seemed to be.

She wanted to know when his birthday was. He had to think a second. Was hard to think about anything but her when she was right there beside him. “March 11th.” He frowned. “I don’t know yours either. When is yours?”

And then she told him she danced for real, and he could really envision it as clear as it had been in his dream. She was probably an amazing dancer. She had to be. She was good at everything! Plus if she sang she probably knew all sorts of stuff like that, about music and instruments and dance. It probably came naturally to her.

Elisa grinned as Stefan gushed about his magic books. So that’s what he was doing when he wasn’t working or tending to her. Good. It was far better than thinking about what her other pets got up to, with their hobbies and other women.

“I wish I would have known that before Christmas,” she murmured, “I would have gotten you more than clothes.” Granted, he’d needed new clothes. His wardrobe was just starting to fill out properly with her little gifts. She knew that he didn’t wear what she’d bought him all the time. It was probably a little bit too fine to wear to his work every day, but she was glad that he had things that were suitable for going out now. His wardrobe before had been so plain.

Stefan complimented her, told her that she was strong and she knew that he was right. She hadn’t been, but she was now. Now she was in control and no one would dare disobey her. She had the power to protect herself. She had people willing to take care of problems for her. She was finally in control.

“Thank you,” it was difficult for a while, but I’m in a much better place now.” She reached over and took his hand for a moment, disappointed that he was still wearing gloves, but she could get skin contact later.

Once they were properly on the highway Stefan admitted that he was usually nervous in cars, but he said that he felt safe with her. Her smile lingered as she squeezed his hand. “I wouldn’t let anything bad happen to you, Stefan.” If the car broke down then she’d convince someone to give her another. It wouldn’t be such a big deal, it would just delay them for a while.

She released him to take a sip from her coffee. It was done perfectly, just as she’d anticipated. Her minions were finally learning how to serve her. Things were going swimmingly. “Did you get enough sleep? I could sing to you now, that might put you out. I’ll need entertainment when I start to get tired, but I’m feeling okay for now.”

She seemed happy to hear about the stuff he was learning. He smiled to himself, a little relieved. If she didn’t like him reading things like that he could find other things to research instead. Maybe things that helped her directly. But he didn’t know what sort of things. But if she was happy with him spending time on stuff like that, then everything was already okay. Made him feel better. Sometimes he wasn’t sure if he should be spending more time on her, or how to do that even.

“You don’t have to get anything for me.” She was so considerate all the time! She was always thinking about him. Not a lot of people were like that. “I want to get you stuff. I want to get you everything you ever wanted. I wish I had enough money to buy you everything. I would buy you stuff all the time.”

But he didn’t. She already had way more money. He had no idea what he could even buy her! But she usually told him exactly what she wanted. She told him exactly what to do. Meant he would always make her happy. He was happy to do what she asked. Anything as long as it pleased her.

She reached out and he clasped her hand wishing he could feel it with his skin. Maybe he could now! He didn’t need the gloves now. Not until he got out of the car anyway. He just would avoid touching stuff like the cassette player or whatever the car had. Just in case.

So when she pulled away to reach for her coffee he carefully pulled his gloves off and put them in his lap, then drank more of his own coffee in slow gulps, savoring it. The cup had kept it hot although it felt a little less scalding now.

Elisa smiled as Stefan spoke of his books. “I had no idea you were so studious.” Or so new to magic, but that didn’t matter. She had Kai for the refined spells and Stefan’s innate abilities more than made up for his roughness around the edges. He was like her own little pet project. She looked forward to seeing what she might craft him into.

“Don’t I, though?” she agreed when Stefan said that she deserved better. “I used to hide all the time, just terrified of what might happen to me, but more recently I’ve started taking control of my surroundings. I feel much safer, and far more confident now. It’s really incredible.” She grinned and cast him a glance. “And, of course, I met you.”

Stefan assured her that she was important and she grinned. She knew that she’d made him feel that way, but it was still nice to hear. Would he have thought that even without the magic? Did it matter? Things were going well right now. There was no need to screw it up with the messy truth.

He was upset over the thought of her intruders, and he had every right to be, she was. “I do, but I can’t make them stay once I call, and if it happens too many times…well, everyone gets suspicious, and then I have to move. It’s all very messy, and it’s easier to have someone else there as a deterrent.” At least they weren’t interested in hurting her, but the surprise wasn’t appreciated.

They reached the highway that would take them out of the city. Elisa adore being able to accelerate and feel like she was actually going somewhere. She hated getting trapped. It was still early, but she had Stefan as company, and she knew that the weekend would go well. He’d do his best to please her and at the end of the day that was all that a girl could ask.

"Oh yeah. I love reading about all this." He nodded eagerly. "You learn so much stuff. Who even knows all this history about wizards and magic and stuff? It's so hard to find anyone that's an expert or knows more than, um, vague rumors and things like that. But everything is somewhere in books. If you can find them. They don't lie or mislead." He frowned. "Usually."

Right to the source! The best way to learn stuff. Most books were reasonably objective, or were supposed to be. It was how people recorded stuff they learned so other people could learn it without actually doing all the same painstaking research or living the same experiences. They were so undervalued!

Her story was really sad. Nobody deserved to live like that, in constant terror. Especially her! Couldn't the world see what a great person she was? He saw it right away. The second he met her. It was completely obvious. She was so gentle and kind. People like that always got taken advantage of. He nodded confidently when she talked about taking control of stuff.

"Good. Sucks that you had so many things happen where you couldn't trust people. You're really strong to get through all that. I think a lot of people wouldn't be able to do that." She was really special. He smiled over at her, and when she talked about meeting him it made him feel warm inside.

She talked about why the police weren't that helpful and it was just easier to have someone around, and that was a good point. He never thought about stuff like that. Obviously. Nobody ever broke into his place to stalk him. Most people were happy to stay away from him.

Stefan actually had fairly well formed opinions about planes and Elisa listened with interest as he talked about how a wizard’s magic worked. “No, I didn’t know that. I’ve only heard that they can’t be around technology. Food? Really? That sounds terrible.”

She didn’t have a private plane, especially not an older model, but she could probably convince someone to let her use theirs.

He mentioned his boss and that she might know better before remembering to tell her that his boss was from New York too. “Is she? That’s interesting. It’s a big place, so I’m sure we don’t know each other, but you should ask about planes. It would make trips like this so much easier, and I’m sure that we could work something out in regards to the whole touching thing.” First class was spacious, and she could make sure he was beside the window, or maybe she could borrow someone’s jet. She’d have to look into it if it ever came up.

Elisa laughed at Stefan’s scandalized response to her offhand remark. Is that how she looked when she got upset over someone else’s scandalous behavior? “Oh, you would be shocked if you heard all of the things I’ve been through. People are so vulgar sometimes. It’s completely unacceptable.” Not that she’d slept with that many people, but some people took great pride in their conquest. Still, Stefan didn’t seem like the type. He was so sweet and thoughtful. She loved it.

“Oh, they’re in the evenings mostly,” she assured him when he told her that he could take time off. “I wouldn’t make you miss work unless it was something important. Besides, if it’s at night I can bring you home with me afterwards. It’s always nicer when I have someone I trust there. I’m sometimes afraid that people have snuck into my closets while I was away. It’s happened before.”

"Yeah. It was in some books. I've been trying to, um, learn more about how magic works. And I got some books that go into some, um, historical stuff. It's sort of cool." Was really interesting to learn about. And weird how much had changed. But it helped put all the modern stuff into a bigger context. Felt like he was slowly starting to figure it all out. Like unraveling a sweater one thread at a time.

She seemed to think also that asking Marissa about the plane stuff would be a good idea. He nodded a little eagerly. He had never thought much about travel before. Always seemed like he was where he was supposed to be. But with Elisa... he wanted to go everywhere with her. Anywhere she wanted. Whatever made her happy.

Her words about people being vulgar made him frown. Okay, Chicago was a big city. And lots of people could be real assholes. He knew that. Had seen that a bunch. But usually it was in the way that everyone ignored each other. Didn't care about people on the street even if they were obviously not doing so good. But open hostility or vulgarity didn't seem to be that common. Not that he was out in the city around a bunch of people a ton or anything...

"That's shitty. Sucks that people are like that. You don't deserve to go through stuff like that." Really wasn't right. Poor Elisa. At least she seemed to be over it now. But he didn't know why anyone would ever say stuff like that about her. Or direct vulgarity at her. Was terrible. If he saw anyone do it in her presence... well, he didn't know. Maybe he would wanna punch them.

She said she wouldn't make him miss work if it wasn't important. Made him smile. She cared so much about him! She was always so compassionate. And cared about his life and what was going on. She asked him about it all the time. Was really nice to feel cared about.

Stefan confessed that he’d never been further than Chicago so she flashed him a grin. “Oh, you’ll love New York. This is a great time of year, spring too. In the winter you can bundle up inside and watch the snow fall. It’s like a Christmas Card.” 

He really hadn’t traveled? Well, if he couldn’t fly then it made sense. “If you ever manage to get on a plane we can go further. There are so many interesting places in the world. It’s a shame to only see a few.”

She was still fantasizing about the places she might bring him when Stefan wondered about meeting her parents. “Oh, they’ll-” well, they actually might not love him, but they’d be supportive. They usually were. “I don’t think anything is off limits. My mother knows about magic, but I’m not sure about father.” Had her mother told him what she was? They’d discussed her own situation in front of him, so he must have known. 

“Avoiding politics is always a good choice on first meetings.” She didn’t actually know Stefan’s political leanings, so it seemed like he wasn’t the type to get vehement about policy anyway. “Obviously you shouldn’t tell them how often you sleep with their daughter.” Wouldn’t that be embarrassing?

He stated that he’d hear her sing all the time if he could and Elisa giggled. “Oh, you’re sweet. I should get you tickets to one of my performances some time. I haven’t been doing as many lately, but It’s no trouble.” They gave her extra tickets all the time. If nothing else she could keep Stefan back stage. he wouldn’t be any trouble.

Traffic started to thin after a few minutes. People were mostly heading into the city, not out of it. They’d be moving quickly in no time.

He smiled to himself. All those things sounded great, especially when she was the one saying them. Especially if he thought that maybe he could do those things with her. Stay in with her and watch the snow fall. Touch her...

He didn't remember the last time he had really wanted to touch someone. Felt normal with her though. Felt reassuring. Felt like something drew him to her and made him need contact. And she knew all about him and his magic. She didn't turn him away or tell the wizards on him. She accepted it. And it didn't seem to hurt her either. Was a lot to think about but it was always hard to think when he was around her. Felt like his mind was filled with a pleasant haze.

He didn't know before he met her what love really felt like.

"Um... there's a lot of people on planes." He didn't like that idea at all. "If I could be alone with you... They don't have separate rooms there do they." Like cars. Little compartments where people couldn't bother you. "I dunno. I've been learning a bunch about magic in the last months. Like, did you know before all the technology and stuff came out, wizards had problems with whatever the newest advances were? Like different kinds of food processing. And then the food just went bad." He shrugged. "I don't think planes are that new though. Maybe some stuff on them. Or newer ones? I wonder if flying on them would go okay. I bet my boss knows. Oh! She was from New York!"

He perked up. He should have mentioned it! Well, he hadn't know where they were going or he would have. Just said he had to take personal time. She had that little knowing smirk like she knew what he was doing and with whom but he probably just read too much into it.

She--Elisa--advised him not to bring up political stuff and it sounded like not bringing up magic was also the best idea. He nodded obediently. He didn't want to get her in any trouble.

"I don't know anything about politics anyway." Wasn't something he followed. Wasn't like he could vote or anything. Or like he would want to with how many people probably went to stuff like that. He didn't even know exactly how to vote if he did want.

Then she added that he should avoid telling her parents how much he slept with her. He immediately went bright red and his mouth got dry.

"I, um, I wouldn't, I mean, um--" He swallowed. "I would never, um, say stuff like that. I swear. It's, um... people do that?? Tell other people?"

Sounded really disrespectful. And anyway it was private. You didn't tell people all your private stuff. That was just weird. And uncomfortable. And they were her parents!!