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“Wait… more often?” She wrinkled her nose in confusion before shaking her head rapidly, teasingly playing off that she feared of what he had just suggested. Then pretended to lie about it, “Oh no, no that isn’t too much.”
“I mean there could be some? Maybe you can’t think of any since it’s been so long since you’ve turned.” It couldn’t be all bad, right? At least that’s what she hoped. She raised an eyebrow at him curiously, “The worst? Like giving into the blood kind of worse or no control worse?” It’s already hard for her to see Stefan struggle with his own cravings, she didn’t want to make it more difficult for him by having him babysit her during the transition. It was close to impossible to imagine how it would play out, till it does which quite honestly sucked.
She noticed his little eye roll before laughing to herself, “Trust me, it can. But if you don’t want this issue go away then I guess there’s nothing left for me to do.” It was impossible for her to be serious for even a second with his corny remarks, not that she minded that or anything.
Elena nodded her head as he explained the cons realizing that he was right. There was no way Elena would want Serena to come in harms way and be the reason her dad couldn’t do as much to help her. Then she borrowed some of his words, teasingly, “Am I allowed to correct you? You don’t have to protect me, as much as I know you want to.” She can take care of herself, she had thus far. And besides, she cared about him too much to get him in trouble for something stupid she had done.
She set aside the napkins and pen and looked up at him, and ran her fingers through his hair following a smile, “Good, or I would have said something about it,” she teased. “Before you became my husband, you became Serena’s dad. And I don’t want you do anything you aren’t sure of. Even if you feel like I’m enough.” She sighed, “I love you, regardless of what you want or choose. ”
"Your face tells me something else.” Stefan laughed at her fearful expression. “Does that mean you’d prefer it if I stopped kissing you? I could try.”
Stefan thought about her question and he ended up shrugging after a moment. “Maybe. You have to keep in mind that I went through stuff a normal vampire doesn’t go through. There’s a chance you would wake up and love your life.” But there was the chance that it was the opposite too and he wouldn’t deny the possibility of either option. “Both. Blood bags and animal blood can sustain you, but it’s not the same. The only way to be in real control is to feed from the vein sometimes. I know enough vampires that enjoy it, but it’s hard to get to that point. Unless you enjoy it too much.” That would result in another struggle, but Stefan had faith that Elena wouldn’t be a ripper if she ever turned.
It was tempting to roll his eyes again, but Stefan settled for shaking his head in amusement. “You’re extra charming tonight. Is that what the pizza is doing to you?”
“I know. I’m not saying you need my protection, but it’s nice to know that I could protect you.“ And he didn’t think he’d be that good at it unless he stayed a vampire, but he would always try to keep her safe. No matter what.
He smiled as she ran her fingers through her hair, but he looked away for a second after she said the next thing. “I know I’m her dad. But honestly? Serena chose to live with Damon and Katherine. They have a happy little family thing going on and even if I’d always be there for her I know that they would protect her with their lives.” It was weird saying that, but it was true. “You are enough. And there’s more pro than one, excluding lifting.” He teased. “I love you too. No matter what we choose.” He gave her a quick kiss so he wouldn’t torture her for too long.
