this is what you get !

[dream2]

karma police, arrest this man

HE TALKS IN MATHS.HE BUZZES LIKE A FRIDGE.HE'S LIKE A DE-TUNED RADIO.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

^{"Don't be a baby." The four words played in his ears, and for some reason, Christian couldn't help but laugh at them. Even if they had meant to be an insult, he couldn't find much of an insult in them. Unless he'd just built up an immunity to insults over the years - which he found some logic in. Resting his head on his palm, putting his elbow on the table, he mused, "I'll be good, I promise."}

[/color] a deviant look fell on his features, and he added, "Though it will be my definition of good."[/color] Christian allowed a coy smile to appear before he then looked up, almost looking offended when Sheri reappeared, asking if she could get them anything to eat. Pausing, Christian quickly browsed through the menu and mused, ordering a Chicken Penne, Three-cheese one at that, then looked patiently to Ellie, before looking to Sheri, throwing in a charming smile, not wanting her to get annoyed with them taking their time picking their food, "Sorry, Sheri...we've just been chatting up a storm over here."[/color] his eyes then shifted back to Ellie, putting on his patient face. It wasn't bothersome, and at least he and Ellie weren't being obnoxious to Sheri, which she appreciated. He just remembered working at a restaurant and sometimes the waiters and such would spit in people's food. Usually, since he had been the chef in the Italian restaurant in Florence, he'd kick them out for the rest of the day.

Smirking quietly to himself, Christian then lifted his gaze as Sheri vanished with Ellie's and his order, he then Ellie brought up about her dog, Duke and how he wouldn't be able to live on campus with her. How sad, though unfortunately true. That had been some reasons Christian wouldn't go to college sometimes was because he had an animal he adored too much - which was usually all of them. All of which, since the cameras had been invented, he took pictures of them with him, to remember them. After all...he thought with a depressing thought, everything dies. Except him, and any other Immortals, which he hadn't ever met before, except for himself, his family and another back about 100 years ago. Eyes darkened slightly with that thought as he looked to Ellie, and like everything and everyone else he had known over the years, she too would die someday. The curse of an Immortal, if you fell for a human, you had to pay the pain price after so many years. Christian inhaled slowly, before sighing and shaking it off. In reality, he didn't want to think about that, it was too depressing and he was having too much of a good time with Ellie, and not to mention she always kept him on his feet too, actually made him think for once in a conversation instead of alienating the other person. "That's true, I can get what you mean by not wanting to just leave your dog."[/color] Hell, he hated leaving his horses and Sedona when he went to work and such, but there was Paul, and there were the clients Paul and the other girl, who happened to be Paul's sister, Penelope who took care of the horses sometimes.

Hence the reason why Christian had a decent excuse not to go anywhere for awhile, he didn't want to have to sell his horses to anyone else, and he didn't want to have to just give them away. He'd go on vacations, sure, but only for a week or two at max, and let his cousin, an Immortal take care of the horses and Sedona for him. Pursing his lips slightly in thought, he quickly brought himself back to the present, realizing he'd been quiet, sighing softly, grinning, he mused, "Sorry..."[/color] the apology slipped out of his mouth. He did that a bit though, but it never happened when anyone else was talking, it just tended to happen, especially when he had time to think on his own too, such as walking home from somewhere, or just going out and taking a walk, most of the time with Sedona, since she was pretty good company, and was quiet too. Then Ellie's response about living with her mother, and testing her sanity. Oh, sanity. What was it he'd done? Oh yes, now he remembered. Keeping the vivid memories at bay, Christian looked down to his drink for a moment, then back up to Ellie, "Well, it seems to me you still have most of your sanity."[/color] he winked, as he then sipped his drink, eyes landing on the couple who he noticed were vampires earlier, be seated about a table away from them. Christian's eyes locked onto the guy's for a second, and they exchanged a faint nod, having recognized the other supernatural, though nothing would happen between them. Good, Christian really didn't feel like explaining anything else to Ellie right now - unless she asked of course.

After his birth year at least came out into the world, only to Ellie, he was surprised she seemed to take it so well. Raising both brows curiously, Christian silently questioned her reaction, as if not believing her features. Course when he heard her thoughts, he then realized otherwise. The girl was ecstatic, and Christian allowed a soft smile to appear on his lips, and he mused quietly, "So...you may commence with the old people jokes after lunch, okay?"[/color] The Immortal chuckled softly, almost nervously in a sense, then as Ellie inquired a few words, it felt as if a depression cloud overwhelmed him. Refusing to let Ellie see this, he feigned casualness, though he figured he probably failed at that, as his eyes drifted from hers for a moment, around the restaurant, looking at all the families, friends, lovers and past friends reuniting. It was something he rarely experienced, once someone got past thirty, he usually cut ties with them, due to his appearance. Looking back to Ellie after a moment, he answered, slowly, picking his words carefully, "You have no idea..."[/color] Straightening himself, Christian let it roll off his shoulders, refusing to let that get his mood too far depressed. He gave her a weak reassuring grin before inquiring, "Any other questions burning your mind?"[/color]

[/sup][/blockquote][/blockquote]

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
for a minute there i lost myself

THIS IS WHAT YOU GET.THIS IS WHAT YOU GET WHEN YOU MESS WITH US.
<sup>50+ - kel! <3 - karma police, radiohead - hope it's all right. O.o - gaspard is the sex // christian + ellie = epicness

template by brooke from caution</sup>

[eloise]

The words that the young woman had thrown at her companion were by no means supposed to be an insult, or if they were to be, a very small one. She hadn’t expected Christian to full out laugh, though is reaction didn’t offend her in the least bit. Ellie even smiled back, pleased to hear the laugh. It really was a nice one. “I get the feeling that your definition of good and mine are two completely different things,” Ellie pondered aloud. Especially when he had that look on his face; nothing “good” could come out of a look like that. And it didn’t bother her at all.

What did annoy the girl, however, was when their waitress came back. Of course Sheri was just doing her job. The problem was that she decided to do her job at the least convenient time for Ellie. Sheri had decided to come and interrupt them when the two looked to be having a good time, and it wouldn’t surprise Ellie if part of her aim had been to eavesdrop. Ellie couldn’t keep the annoyance out of her eyes as she ordered some sort of vegetarian pasta dish. She wasn’t necessarily vegetarian, just didn’t like the way meat tasted sometimes. The brunette didn’t look down on people who ordered meat, like super into it vegetarians might. To each his own. After Sheri walked away, Ellie turned back to Christian, unable to completely stamp out the irritated look that had decided to make a home there in her brown eyes. It wasn’t until Christian mentioned not wanting to leave her dog that she completely forgot about the other girl. Sheri wasn’t going to ruin her time. “It’s fine. Everything will work out. I have a few more years of doing this before Duke and I head off to Italy.” Because that was where Ellie would end up some day and would hopefully be there for a long time as well.

Ellie watched Christian’s face as his mind drifted off somewhere else, something he seemed prone do it. She sat there with an easy-going smile, not wanting to disturb his little trip down memory lane. Ellie did that every so often; her mind would get so caught up on something that she completely ignored whoever was around her until they almost had to take her attention by force. The curse of an overactive mind. Besides, it made Ellie even more appreciative when Christian’s attention was focused on her. He seemed to get distracted, so it was nice knowing that she was important enough to recognize. “Don’t be sorry,” Ellie told him, fully meaning it. “It’s no big deal. Honestly.” Besides, if he kept wandering, it meant one of two things. First, Ellie was boring him, which meant she was winning the bet. She wasn’t entirely sure she wanted that to happen, but the joy that came along with the idea of victory, of her being right, was too much for her to ignore. Or two, Ellie was making him think, which was a good thing in her book. Keep the mind active, or whatever. The brain was much like a muscle; you had to use it regularly and keep it in good shape in order for it to be useful. Otherwise you’d lose it. She did catch the nod that Christian had given to someone over her shoulder, turning to look to see if she could figure out for whom it was intended. Incapable of finding out that information, Ellie turned back around. It wasn’t that great of an issue and if Ellie had thought she’d lose any sleep over it, she would’ve asked Christian about it.

“Ok, grandpa,” Ellie teased, already unable to follow the terms that Christian had set in place for her. It would be hard for the young woman – though she would make an attempt – to not back bad jokes like that. It seemed to be a talent, albeit a bothersome one, that Ellie possessed. That seemed to be the only sort of talent she had. She was in such a good mood today too, which made it all that more difficult to not just say what was on her mind. Or at least, she had been in a good mood, until she watched Christian’s plummet because of her comment. His face remained carefully blank, but it was his whole demeanor that tipped Ellie off. She regretted asking him, wishing that the mind to mouth filter on her wasn’t faulty. A bombardment of insults directed at herself paraded through her mind as she tried to think of something she could do or say to make the situation better. The only thing that came to mind was getting in her time travel machine and going back to before she said that. There was just one problem with that; there was no time machine. So Ellie settled on the second best thing, reaching out and laying her hand on top of Christian’s. Then Christian said something that made her feel even worse. Ellie really had no idea. She had never actually had a relationship with anyone that she was sad to see end. The young woman had shed no tears over her sister’s disappearance from the family or her father’s abandonment of what was left. She had never had friend she was sad to see move away or a boyfriend who she was upset over when they broke up. Ellie couldn’t even begin to imagine having to watch loved ones die, or to have to break all ties with them because they had no clue what you were. And to have the feeling every single time you started anything with anyone, that it would come to an end sooner rather than later had to be absolutely torturous.

The brunette wasn’t sure she wanted to ask any more questions, especially when she had problems controlling which ones she voiced. But Ellie was too curious, finding it impossible to hold back her quest for knowledge for the sake of other’s feelings. And more questions, as long as they were the right ones, could be a good thing. They’d distract Christian, hopefully. Finally, Ellie settled on one that seemed neutral enough. “What else can you do, other than live forever and deflect bullets like you’re indestructible?”

[dream2]

karma police, arrest this man

HE TALKS IN MATHS.HE BUZZES LIKE A FRIDGE.HE'S LIKE A DE-TUNED RADIO.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

^{As the words that Ellie had spoken seemed to fade away in his head, Christian allowed a devious look to fall on his features as she responded to him saying he'd be good, but only his definition of the word. Sliding in a wink for added effect, Christian spoke, "You're right to assume that, Ellie."}

[/color] It was true, though he liked to think his definition wasn't that far off. Then again, maybe the one of Ellie's would be a bit more different from anyone's in general. Laughing in his head about this thought, his eyes narrowed in on Ellie's reaction to Sheri. The venomous - no matter how softened it may be - Christian still easily noticed it, especially with the sudden change in her aura as well. Obviously she didn't like Sheri, and based on the movements that Sheri barely ever acknowledged Ellie, just him, Christian figured it was safe to assume neither of them liked the other one very much. It was a shrug moment, in the grand scheme of things, one girl not liking another wasn't that big of a deal. At least not in his eyes, though in Ellie's, it might be. When Ellie mentioned her and Duke moving to Italy, Christian cleared his throat and inquired, "Mind if I ask what you plan on doing in Italy?"[/color] he arched an eyebrow slightly, really wanting to know. Maybe she'd get a job or something there. Now that he thought about it, he'd really like to go visit Italy too, maybe go back to his place in Tuscany he had, or ask his parents if he could borrow their place in Rome, since they lived usually in Germany a lot these days.

Thinking of this, Christian blinked silently, then fixed his gaze comfortably on Ellie once more, determined to tell her he knew he was going to win this. He'd stay through lunch - which wouldn't be that hard - and he was going to get another time to see her again. A silent sigh escaped his lips when Ellie said he didn't need to be sorry. In a way he was both relieved and annoyed at the same time. The reason for the annoyance, don't ask him - he wasn't entirely sure either. Frowning slightly at himself, Christian then blinked and mused, "But still...I don't want you to think I'm ignoring you when I do that."[/color] he reassured her, "It just happens when my mind goes into over-drive for a few moments."[/color] he suggested, having a feeling Ellie would feel the same way, and he added, "Plus I plan on winning the bet too."[/color] Christian smiled deviously, silently telling Ellie he was already formulating a plan in his head so when he could see her again. Of course working with her schedule of course, since his was usually always free on the weekends, and ended everyday at 3 o'clock, once he was really able to easily get out of the building and on with his personal life. Dark eyes landed on the vampire couple again as they didn't order anything, but sat there and chatted, then when the waitress asked again, they ordered two alcoholic drinks, though he knew they wouldn't touch them. Vampires loathed that stuff as far as he knew.

The Immortal shot her a look the moment "grandpa" flowed from her mouth. He waved a fork at her, "You youngins have no respect these days."[/color] Christian laughed shortly, placing his fork down, and spoke, "I will go there."[/color] The Immortal did however refuse to let his past dampen his mood. At least, not too much anyway. His thoughts drifted to his mother, Catina. His father was still alive, but his mother had been murdered, much like Camila, which he found weird ties with their names, but either way, Catina was killed, and Christian was just glad he'd found her killer. Anger sparked, but suddenly, it diminished when Ellie's hand landed on his. Wide-eyed, he glanced down to see her hand on top of his on the table, sending a jolt up his arm the moment their skin contacted - much like last night. It didn't hurt though, no, it felt...good. Nice, most of the time he didn't like to be touched, except for handshakes or something, because he knew if he got too attached, then one day it would come crashing down, and he'd be hurt again, and so would the person, they wouldn't understand, and he couldn't explain why. Hesitating, his jaw muscles tensed slightly, debating. Should he pull away, or should he not? Looking to Ellie's eyes, he found the answer quickly; no. It was already too late, he was already in too deep emotionally with her.

Upon that, Christian came to a silent conclusion in his head, Ellie already knew what he was. Therefore he would be here till she sent him away, till time claimed her like it did everything else but other Immortals. Suddenly her voice pierced through his thought process, something he was thankful for, since he had a feeling it was just going to get more annoying. Silently giving her a thankful look, Christian chuckled softly at her inquiry, looking to their hands and the table, before back up to her, only slightly moving his head, peering at her through the tops of his eyes, "Ummm...I know that you're not really a vegetarian, even though you ordered one...and that you wanted to slug me earlier when you called me a baby."[/color] he hinted, worried and curious at her reaction, "I...I can read minds, and...know people's deepest secrets....and their emotions."[/color] he waved his other hand over Ellie's skin slightly, as if he were hitting her aura lightly, just poking it, "You know...well...I can see auras, every type of aura...every....being."[/color] He hinted, silently telling her there were more than just his type in the world, "And a photographic memory...which isn't included being what I am...just who I am."[/color]

[/sup][/blockquote][/blockquote]

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
for a minute there i lost myself

THIS IS WHAT YOU GET.THIS IS WHAT YOU GET WHEN YOU MESS WITH US.
<sup>50+ - kel! <3 - karma police, radiohead - <3 - gaspard is the sex // christian + ellie = epicness

template by brooke from caution</sup>

[eloise]

Why Italy? That was quite a question. Too long of an explanation to go into now. Surely Christian would lose interest in it as well. “Rome, specifically. Because it’s rich in culture and history. And the Italian language is absolutely lovely.” She’d leave it simple, but even then, she could feel herself getting dreamy eyed over it as she imagined living in Italy. Being surrounded by old and new buildings, prime photography spots. Hearing graceful Italian all around her would be like music to her ears and constantly being reminded of the history of the city was any history buff’s dream. Ellie hoped she might be able to go on some digs, unearth things that had survived for thousands of years or find out facts that were unthinkable until then. About this time was when Ellie realized she was going on her own mental rant, completely forgetting about Christian as she thought about Italy. It would happen someday, because once Ellie had her heart set on something, she’d do anything in her power to achieve it. Now though, was not the time to dream about Italy when she had someone just as interesting in front of her to talk to.

She wondered why Christian had sighed and frowned before trying to explain why he kept drifting off. What could have possibly annoyed him? All she said was that he didn’t have to be sorry about anything. There was no need to apologize at all and she wasn’t quite sure why he was so insistent on it. “Christian,” Ellie started, hoping it’d catch his attention. “Don’t worry about it. I do the same exact thing and I don’t think you’re ignoring me. So quit stressing about it.” And then Christian brought up the bet, which caused Ellie to wrinkle her nose at the mention of him winning it. “Do you really think so? You’re so cocky,” Ellie complained with a smile, showing that not only did it not bother her, but she wasn’t being serious either. She was actually surprised that she wasn’t doing the same thing, announcing the fact that she was going to win when the bet wasn’t even half over.

Ellie couldn’t help but give a full laugh when Christian started acting like a crotchety old man. He was very good at it. “That suits you,” she said flippantly, knowing Christian wouldn’t take offense to it. She was only joking, of course. While Christian might’ve been old, he’d never look like it and it was hard to imagine someone acting like a grandpa if they didn’t look like one. And if he did take offense, well, Christian was the one who brought it on himself. There was no one else for him to point a finger at, a point Ellie would make quickly if he tried to challenge it. Even as they joked about Christian’s age, Ellie couldn’t help but ponder the prospect of living forever, never growing old. As much as she enjoyed being young, she knew she wanted to grow old someday. Wanted get married and have children that she’d raise better than she had been, wanted watch them grow into brilliant adults. Wanted to be gray haired with a face full of laugh lines, watching her grandchildren play and spoil them rotten. The idea of being stuck, frozen in a moment of time and never being able to move forward, had to be awful.

It seemed as though Ellie’s little distract Christian plan had worked. His whole manner was brighter, lighter if you will. Even giving her a soft laugh before answering her question. But what was coming out of Christian’s mouth wasn’t what Ellie had been expecting. To be fair, she actually had no idea what she had thought Christian would say, just not that. Ellie found herself stiffening ever so slightly, the more Christian talked, slowly turning into a block of ice that showed no outward emotion. “What the hell?” Ellie exclaimed loudly, much louder than appropriate when in a family restaurant, with a curse word on top of that. If that didn’t get Ellie politely excused from the River Garden, she’d be surprised. The young woman pulled her hand away from Christian’s, folding both of hers in her lap and sitting straight up in her chair. Ellie waited to say anything else until it attention was drawn away from them before continuing; no one needed to overhear their conversation.

“What do you mean you can read my thoughts?” Ellie said in a low voice, taking extra precaution. She was already an easy enough girl to read and here Christian was, able to hear every single thought that passed through her head. It made her feel over exposed and Ellie wrapped her arms around her waist in an attempt to add an extra – an ineffective – barrier between them. “When were you planning on telling me this?” She hated the idea of Christian being able to peer into her mind and to see what made her tick, especially without her knowledge or consent. It was like reading someone’s diary.

The brunette figured that that was what bothered her most about it, the invasion of privacy. There were things that Ellie didn’t necessarily want Christian to know about her now, or ever if she could help it. And there was no chance to censor her thoughts. Ellie quickly tried to think back, wondering if she had thought anything that could be embarrassing, though it was too late to do anything about it. She gave up on the attempt almost instantly, knowing that if she had made a mistake, then she’d only obsess over it without being able to do anything. How often had he pried at her innermost thoughts, and more importantly, what did he know? The young woman wanted to storm out of the restaurant and never look back, but decided to stay and hear Christian out before doing it. She had promised that she’d go to lunch, after all, and wasn’t going to break that. And Ellie was really beginning to regret the bet they had made last night; guaranteed Christian would say he won and Ellie would have to sit through another date with him.

[dream2]

karma police, arrest this man

HE TALKS IN MATHS.HE BUZZES LIKE A FRIDGE.HE'S LIKE A DE-TUNED RADIO.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

^{A look of interest fell onto Christian's features before he realized it in his head, when Ellie seemed to try and find the best answer in a shorter form for why she wanted to go to Italy, and then specifically she narrowed down, to Rome. His home-town. Feeling a wave of homesickness, Christian swallowed it back before he then cleared his throat softly, and mused, sounding shy for some unknown reason and he commented, "My home town..."}

[/color] he then lifted up his gaze and locked it onto Ellie, "I'd be happy to teach you some Italian before you go."[/color] The Immortal grinned sheepishly then added, allowing the tongue of Italian to slide off his tongue easily, "Penso che tu sia assolutamente meraviglioso."[/color] A soft chuckle escaped his lips and he mentioned, "I think you're absolutely awesome, Ellie."[/color] Both brows raised in a questioning look when Ellie opened her mouth once more and snapped at him, telling him not to worry about it. Giving her a short look, he thought solemnly to himself, telling him not to worry was like telling a dog not to eat the dog treat that was sitting right in front of it. It was just going to happen. He worried - though only once in awhile. Most of the time he preferred not to try and think about it, but sometimes or other he did end up worrying and once he got started, it was like a snowball effect, and rarely ended up pretty.

Smirking, Christian answered, "Oh, I'm pretty sure, I think I smell our food anyway."[/color] he teased. Either way, he was sure Ellie would need to do something absolutely horrendous to make him want to just get up in the middle of a date lunch meeting and leave here there. With the tab and everything. Oh no, he'd been raised a warrior, a fighter, and he'd been taught for over the past few centuries to be a gentleman - except the middle ages, he usually kept fibbing about being wounded in a past battle - since there was always one every day, and got to be a messenger or healer. The moment she commented on acting as an old man suited him, his nose wrinkled his displeasure. He'd certainly had hoped not, but apparently Ellie seemed to think so. Christian shook his head, running a hand through his hair, "You may think so, but I'll stick to how I've been for...the past few..."[/color] his voice dropped off when Sheri then commented their food should be out in a few. Silently thanking her with a mild nod, Christian's eyes returned to Ellie's, "Few thousand years."[/color] Worry once again settled on his being after he'd spoken to Ellie, telling her what else he would do. Personally he was expecting either her taking it decently well, or her having a fit and him needing to probably chase after her out of the restaurant. He hoped the prior.

Gritting his teeth together for a moment, eyes widened when three words ripped from her mouth, feeling like they were three sharks who'd come after him, and he wasn't indestructible, "What the hell?" So it was the latter. Damn. Her hand on top of his disappeared, and he patiently set his hands back on his side of the table, throwing a cautious glance to the other people within their vicinity, who seemed perfectly content on remaining in their own conversations, but he noticed the vampire couple perk slightly, though they made no move, and they were still chatting with each other. Horror washed over him, and he suddenly felt like he was three years old or something and getting scolded by Abia, their maid, and his mother, Catina as well. Wide-eyed, Christian cleared his throat softly and spoke, looking down for a brief moment, not wanting to anger Ellie, but to soothe the anger if at all possible, "I...I was going to tell you by the end of lunch, but I figured you were going to ask before then...like you did now."[/color] Dark gaze raised and locked onto hers. "It's not like I chose to be able to hear other's....thoughts."[/color] he kept his voice low, but defensive, explaining, "It's just...I choose - most of the time who I listen to...I ignore your thoughts, Ellie...I really do, and the only reason I know those, was because they were stronger than the other ones....more....emotion."[/color] He sighed softly, placing a hand on his temple, resting his hand on it then placing his elbow on the table, looking at her, "I really don't pay attention to your thoughts, Ellie...I'd much rather hear it from...your mouth."[/color]

[/sup][/blockquote][/blockquote]

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
for a minute there i lost myself

THIS IS WHAT YOU GET.THIS IS WHAT YOU GET WHEN YOU MESS WITH US.
<sup>50+ - kel! <3 - karma police, radiohead - <3 - gaspard is the sex // christian + ellie = epicness

template by brooke from caution</sup>

[eloise]

She had never thought that she would ever see Christian shy. His personality seemed much too strong to ever be anything but. Ellie wasn’t even sure why he seemed so shy at that moment, but it was completely beyond adorable. The brunette couldn’t even stop herself from smiling in response to it. Ellie had known that Rome was Christian’s hometown – he had just told her as much – but had never even made that connection. “You’d actually do that?” Ellie asked, almost bouncing in her seat. She had been trying to teach herself, but it wasn’t the same as learning from someone who actually knew the language. Her plan had been to learn the very basics needed to survive in Italy and then pick up the language as she went. But learning the language from someone who had spoken the language for centuries was better than Ellie could hope for. She was about to ask what Christian had said in Italian, only able to pick out a word or two. He beat her to it though, already giving Ellie a translation and it was her turn to blush. She’d never had anyone say that she was awesome. Not once in her life.

Thankfully, Ellie was saved from having to answer as Sheri came over to the table. It was probably one of the few times that she would ever be thankful for anything the other girl did. The brief interruption brought the attention off of Ellie, for at least a moment or two, and gave her a chance to think of what to say. She was rarely at a loss for words, but always seemed to be around Christian. He always did things or said things she didn’t expect. Perhaps that was why talking to him was so interesting. With typical conversations, if you paid close enough attention, you could figure out what the other person was roughly thinking. Typically, they’d find some way to turn the conversation back to focus on them, sometimes without even trying. But it was natural to talk about yourself; it was topic that one was most comfortable with. Because how could you go wrong? And while Ellie understood that, it didn’t mean it got any less boring every single time. Not with Christian though. She wasn’t sure it’d even be possible to have an uninteresting time with the guy.

“You need to learn how to take a joke,” Ellie advised with a hint of laughter in her voice. “I was only teasing. You’re fine just the way you are.” Though when he said that he’ d been the same for thousands of years, he did seem really old. It was impossible to fathom, Christian being on this earth for thousands of years. It was hard to imagine anything surviving that long. Sure, oceans and landforms had been around for millions of years, but they were constantly changing. And they were natural. Of course, some man-made structures still stood as well. But certain people? It made it seem as though they were made of stone. Ellie didn’t want to think of Christian that way. He was a person – albeit one that lived forever – who was lively, who had his own personality and feelings. “Don’t change,” she recommended.

Sometimes Ellie wondered why she overreacted. No, scratch that. Why she always overreacted around Christian. Any other time, she was fine. The young woman used logic, analyzing everything before making judgments. In fact, logic often came before emotion for the girl. She’d decided how something should make her feel instead of just jumping in wholeheartedly into any sentiment that came along. Not with Christian though. It was like any sort of reason completely abandoned her, disappearing when she was so desperately grasping for it. Quite frankly, it scared the hell out of Ellie. She hated not feeling in control, of her own reactions being unpredictable.

Ellie found herself regretting yelling instantly, especially when she saw the look on his face. God. She was horrible, nasty. Just like her mother. Christian didn’t deserve it, not in the situation he was in. What had she expected him to do? Just spill everything the second she had met him and cause her to freak out then? She already knew what she would’ve done if that had happened; Ellie would’ve walked away. Would’ve written Christian off and never thought about him again, other than as that crazy man she had met at the library. And he deserved so much more than that. It wasn’t like Christian was trying to be purposely deceitful; he was trying to do what he thought was best. Because how many times had he actually tried to reveal what he was and what he could do to a human? Christian couldn’t help what he was and wasn’t able to do.

Still, Ellie couldn’t completely let go of all the anger she felt. That didn’t mean that she couldn’t face this situation with some sort of calm and dignity. The girl placed both elbows on the table and then her face into the palms of her hands, staying like that for a full minute before moving and listening to what Christian was saying. After a few moments of silence between them, Ellie rubbed her face with her hands and then looked up, meeting Christian’s dark eyes. “I’m sorry for yelling. That was stupid and completely uncalled for.” She paused, taking a deep breath. “It’s just…unsettling…knowing that someone can just simply look inside you and see what you’re thinking and feeling.” Ellie folded her arms on the table in front of her, still sitting straight up in her seat. “I know you can’t help being who you are. It just would’ve been nice to have some warning.” Because she felt as if she could’ve been better prepared, purposely avoid thinking about things she didn’t want anyone to know. And Christian might only catch her stronger emotions, but those were typically the worst ones. He could understand where she was coming from, couldn’t he?

[dream2]

karma police, arrest this man

HE TALKS IN MATHS.HE BUZZES LIKE A FRIDGE.HE'S LIKE A DE-TUNED RADIO.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

^{At the very moment his offer echoed into the atmosphere, Ellie seemed much more - enthusiastic. Christian couldn't help but grin and chuckle softly. It was quite adorable to say the least. At her inquiry, the Immortal nodded solemnly, "'Course, I'd love to."}

[/color] Shifting in his place neatly, Christian's eyes landed on Sheri's movement as he spotted their food coming their way soon. Eying Ellie intently, he gave her a short look at him needing to learn to take a joke. He could take a joke. He could. If he wanted to that is. With a slight shake of his head her direction, he lazily plastered on a smile when Sheri asked if everything looked okay. Christian sighed in relief when the blonde walked off, and he produced a fork and knife, taking his time, not wanting to dive right in. Hovering for a moment, he mentioned, "Aw, thank you Ellie."[/color] a coy grin flew her way. Personally, he'd also had wanted to see what would happen if he'd done that too, see how Ellie would react. Chuckling softly, the male then arched an eyebrow softly before adding, waving his fork, "Besides, maybe I just have a different sense of humor."[/color] he teased, flashing a short-lived grin before he then checked her food and his and then inhaled, and inquired, managing to do a pretty darn good job of mimicking Sheri's voice, "How does yer food look?"[/color]

Ah, imitations. One got quite good at those over the centuries, with some voice lessons and such - don't ask him about that - one could do quite a bit. Christian did enjoy the theater a lot, he had been an actor back in Europe on the stage before movies came out. He'd much rather not having his face on screen or anything and have someone recognize him from an 80-year-old movie. Maybe claiming to be the guy's grandson or something would help. Frowning slightly at this thought, realizing he was doing it, he gave her an innocent smile, like a child getting caught doing something bad by someone who wouldn't do anything. At her two words of don't change, he raised both brows and inquired, "Mind if I ask physically or mentally?"[/color] Christian smiled calmly and answered, "I promise I'll try my best not to."[/color] The male then swiftly brought out his foot and nudged her foot with his under the table, like two siblings at dinner with their parents. Throwing her a deviant grin, Christian withdrew his leg, and mused, swallowing a piece of the Chicken Penne, "Wasn't me."[/color] Either way, he did feel like he could actually act how he looked around Ellie, one thing he was glad he didn't need to worry about too much was, was that most of the high school students he worked with, would just usually give him a polite smile if they saw him.

The moment Ellie's harsh words smacked him though, Christian almost - almost felt betrayal. He didn't - fortunately. Just partially curious, but he completely understood, and to be truthful, this wasn't the worst reaction he ever had. The worst he'd have to say would be when someone accused him of being a demi-god or something in the middle ages and people flocked to him, thinking he could heal them. Then the other time he'd been called a witch. Yeah right. Wrinkling his nose slightly, Christian mused, inquiring softly, "It's not the best way to introduce myself to someone...plus...would you have agreed to lunch with me if I had told you any sooner than before you got to know me?"[/color] An eyebrow raised her direction, purely curious on what her answer would be. He heard what Ellie said, he understood it completely. Her apology was immediately accepted, and Christian tilted his head slightly, before nodding and he mused, looking down for a moment, then back up to her, "I've had worse reactions..."[/color] Christian gave her a soft look to tell her he accepted her apology, before the Immortal fell silent, attempting to think, ignoring Ellie's thoughts and he spoke, "Well...just to let you know now...all Immortals can do it."[/color] Meaning that if she should run into another one, then expect to have them be in her head somewhat. He knew he was probably one of the more respectable Immortals, when it came to others' thoughts, he knew of some who always enjoyed toying with others. Sighing softly, Christian looked to Ellie, "If you're wondering though...I haven't heard much from you..."[/color] he reassured her, before then asking, "Any other questions?"[/color] wanting to get off the topic, to move on and learn more about Ellie.

[/sup][/blockquote][/blockquote]

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
for a minute there i lost myself

THIS IS WHAT YOU GET.THIS IS WHAT YOU GET WHEN YOU MESS WITH US.
<sup>50+ - kel! <3 - karma police, radiohead - <3 sorry it sucks - majorly. - gaspard is the sex // christian + ellie = epicness

template by brooke from caution</sup>

[eloise]

Ellie couldn’t help but wonder if she had done something stupid, when Christian started chuckling. Well, no. She had done something stupid; she’d just acted like a five year kid finding out that she was going to Disneyworld. What was wrong with her? Ellie wasn’t like this. She couldn’t remember the last time she had just given into the excitement of a moment, usually holding back and acting mature. She wondered if she was getting sick, coming down with a cold maybe. But Ellie felt fine; she was just acting weird. And she found herself worrying about what Christian thought about her. Ellie never worried about that, being secure with and confident in who she was without caring about whether or not it bothered others. As long as she was happy, who cared, right? Now she was second guessing everything and wanted to know what Christian was thinking.

Pushing the thoughts to the back of her mind, Ellie focused on Christian and their conversation. “That’s a way of saying that you don’t have one,” Ellie informed him with a smile, picking her fork up and poking at the noodles. She pushed them around on her plate a bit before taking a forkful of the noodles. “That’s a pretty good imitation there. And it’s pretty good. How about yours?” She wondered if Christian had perfected the talent of imitation over the past couple of centuries. And what other abilities he’d picked up. That was one good thing that could come from living forever; there was always an opportunity to learn everything. There was no worrying about time, no clock to race. She would be the nerd who was excited about the prospect of always learning.

After a few minutes of considering Christian’s question of physically or mentally, Ellie finally answered. “Both, though I’m guessing there’s little change possible for physically.” How was something that lived forever changeable? He couldn’t age – that much was obvious – or Christian would look like an old man. And plastic surgery must not have worked, or there wouldn’t be a need to stay hidden. Sure, maybe he could change his haircut, but that wouldn’t do much. And the more Ellie thought about it, it was probably pretty hard to change mentally as well. Christian would’ve been stuck in his ways for years, and that seemed hard to change. Of course he always could if he wanted to, but it would be a difficult task. Ellie was thinking far too much into his question, though that was what happened when you were cursed with a mind that felt the need to pick everything apart and put it back together in your own understanding.

Besides, Christian distracted her when he kicked her under the table. “Christian Nikolai,” Ellie started, remembering his middle name. “How old are you?” She was trying to mimic a tone that a scolding mother might take when her child did something particularly immature. It probably would’ve worked better if she hadn’t started laughing towards the end. Not a guarantee though; Ellie, unlike Christian, was horrible at impersonations. Never had had a knack for them. Two could play this game. Ellie stretched her leg out, almost casually, bumping Christian back. “Oops, sorry,” she said with a mischievous smile, stabbing another scoop of pasta onto her fork.

Christian had repeated basically what Ellie had been feeling, though she doubted he had actually heard it from her. First of all, she didn’t think he would try after she had flipped, and second of all, the thought hadn’t been at the forefront of Ellie’s mind. More of one of those that lingered in the shadows, one that you acknowledged, but didn’t think about. He would’ve had to have dug really deep to unearth that little thought. “No, I wouldn’t have,” Ellie agreed truthfully, relieved that she hadn’t made that mistake. Christian was turning out to be an amazing guy and she was glad that she hadn’t let go of the chance to actually talk to him, knowing that had she hadn’t, there’d always be that feeling that something was missing. Ellie felt a fierce wave of protectiveness roll over her at the mention of Christian receiving worse reactions. It both surprised her and seemed natural, though she’d only known Christian for a short amount of time. She hated thinking that anyone could have a bad opinion of the man. “And I know you couldn’t have done this differently. Just wishful thinking on my part.” Ellie was glad to know that all Immortals did that as well. Not that that was a good thing, but it meant she could be better prepared. She wondered if there was a way for her to guard her own thoughts, make them less obvious.

Ellie did have other question, though she wasn’t sure she was ready for the answers to them. Instead, she needed to digest what she already knew before trying to take in more. “I feel like I’ve been monopolizing this conversation. I think it’s your turn,” Ellie suggested, ignoring his question. She pushed at her food with her fork, not meeting Christian’s eyes at first. She glanced back up and offered a soft smile.

[dream2]

karma police, arrest this man

HE TALKS IN MATHS.HE BUZZES LIKE A FRIDGE.HE'S LIKE A DE-TUNED RADIO.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

^{Patiently eating on his Chicken Penne, Christian's attention rarely tended to falter from Ellie. If it did, it only went away for a split second due to someone nearing their table. He was enjoying his time with her - quite a bit too actually. How nice, he thought solemnly to himself. At her comment on him not having one, he gave her a short look, and mused, "A part of it is to keep people guessing."}

[/color] he grinned deviously towards Ellie, before wiping it off his face as fast as it had appeared, and he took a quick drink. The refreshing liquid was nice, it seemed to help wake him up in a way for Ellie, so that he was sure he wouldn't miss a word talking to her - whatsoever. The Immortal was beginning to feel time slip away, something he really liked when it happened, made eternity seem easier to deal with. No, he told himself, he was going to stop that train of thought, it only lead to more sadness and he didn't want that. Wrinkling his nose at himself, he realized Ellie had finished speaking and he shook his head slightly, "All right, though I think mine is much better."[/color] he chuckled lightly, and spoke, "How about this, sometime, I make you what-ever you want. I'd like to think I'm a pretty decent cook, my degree would agree too."[/color] Christian eyed her curiously, having gone to culinary school before, that was a fun few years, and he had had a thing for food since, always making sure he could cook something as good as just a regular pizza too.

Christian found some amusement in her comment about him changing physically. Raising an eyebrow calmly, he inquired, his words coiling around the girl like steel, curious to see her reaction, "What are you assuming of me that changes, might I ask?"[/color] a playful glint appeared in his eyes before he added, "My hair and nails grow...like...I'm...normal."[/color] Dark hazel eyes darkened at this comment, but it was true, so he didn't feel bad about saying it. It was, and he wasn't too worried about it honestly. His fingers coiled around his fork, irritated. He could feel his stomach do a nose-dive right onto the floor it felt like. For some unknown reason, but he knew he'd figure it out sooner or later. What-ever the hell it was. Confusion and annoyance fell onto his face as he planned through it, attempting to figure out what was making his stomach do this, just as Ellie looked at him. No, it couldn't just be from her looking at him, could it? The moment their eyes met, he had his answer. Christian's eyes narrowed slightly towards her, as if accusing her of something, before he shrugged it off, giving Ellie a sly smile.

Upon his feet taking refuge back on his side of the table, Christian grinned like a child would when they were getting caught doing something they didn't care about getting caught doing. Grinning coyly to himself, the Immortal raised both brows at her using his middle name, then going for asking him how old he was. Laughing happily, he nudged her feet once more, and drew his long legs back to his side before stating, "Is that a trick question?"[/color] he grinned, "I'm twenty-four, what are you talking about?"[/color] a sly wink graced his features as he answered, while another waitress had moved by their table to get to another one behind them in another section. Christian shrugged innocently towards Ellie, and nodded solemnly when she agreed. Well at least she was truthful, he'd give her that. He did admire it though, most girls would paint the truth. Hell, he even tended to do that sometimes, but most of the time it was for his own entertainment then or later on. A hidden agenda? Perhaps, but he'd own up to it when the...crap hit the fan. Sometimes, unless it was breaking the law, then he just disappeared into the crowd, becoming nothing but a passing face, just like if someone were in New York City and the millions of people there alone.

Calmly listening to both Ellie's words, and her worries in her mind, he gave her a sheepish grin and mused, nudging a piece of a noodle around on his plate for a moment, before looking up to her, "There is a way...by the way...if you would like for me to help teach it to you...though, I don't really want you going around doing it all the time, too much work I'd think, besides you can't tell us from a regular human, unless of course you go around stabbing people."[/color] he winked, "I'd be more than happy to teach you, on one condition."[/color] a coy glint appeared in his eye as he said this, before he then spoke, "Whether or not I win the bet or not of getting through lunch, you must go on another date with me, if you'd like me to teach you a little trick."[/color] he stated, a slight look of triumph coming into his features, as he straightened himself. He shrugged at her confession, "Don't fret, it's refreshing, either way..tell me about yourself. Have any siblings, or is it just you? What about your family?"[/color]

[/sup][/blockquote][/blockquote]

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
for a minute there i lost myself

THIS IS WHAT YOU GET.THIS IS WHAT YOU GET WHEN YOU MESS WITH US.
<sup>50+ - kel! <3 - karma police, radiohead - <33 - gaspard is the sex // christian + ellie = epicness

template by brooke from caution</sup>

[eloise]

“Is that your plan? ‘Cause it’s not working very well,” Ellie put her napkin up to her lips, hiding the smile that had started there. She was trying to sound serious, but was finding it difficult around Christian. The young woman felt herself brighten at the idea of trying something Christian made. What an odd sensation. Ellie could remember the last time she had felt like that, sure that she never had. There had never once been a person who seemed to put Ellie in a good mood, regardless of what was going on around them. “Really? You’re quite full of yourself.” She didn’t hide her smile this time, wanting Christian to see that she was joking and not making a rude remark. Ellie actually didn’t think he was that full of himself; if you had a talent, why not share it? And if cooking was one of Christian’s, she wouldn’t mind seeing it. Besides, she’d be quick to challenge said skills. Ellie liked to cook – wasn’t all that good at it, but loved it all the same. A little friendly competition never hurt anyone. “I feel like that’d count as another date. We have to get through this one first.” Though Ellie didn’t doubt that they would, and she wouldn’t mind going on another. Then Ellie flushed slightly, realizing she had said date instead of lunch. This wasn’t a date. At least, she didn’t think so. She had made it very clear that it’d only be lunch between the two, yet here she was classifying it as something more.

Ellie stared in amazement as Christian raised one eyebrow. It was an ability Ellie had always wanted and envied those who could do it. She wondered if it was something Christian was naturally able to do or if it was something that had been learned throughout the years. It was such a small thing to find amazing, but Ellie tried to never underappreciate the little things. She found herself reaching for Christian’s hand again, despite everything. “Hey, you’re not unnatural,” she argued, hating the fact that he was being down on himself. “You’re making the general assumptions that humans define normal. We’re apparently not the only ones here and can’t have that role.” Ellie paused, blushing for the umpteenth time. “Sorry for that little rant. To answer your question, yes. I figured both of those would grow. What I meant was that you’ll never get laugh lines or crow feet. That your hair will never get gray and your hairline won’t recede.” This was getting much too serious of a conversation to be having over a casual lunch. “Do you know how many people would kill to have that?” Ellie asked, laughing as she thought about the thousands of dollars people spent to reverse the effects of aging.

Did he really think he’d get away with kicking her a second time? Ellie bumped his leg again, quickly sticking her tongue out at him as well. If he wanted to be immature, then she could as well. “You sure don’t act like it,” she shot back. “You’re as mature as a seven year old.” Like she had room to talk. “You’d think that after being around for twenty four years, you’d be able to control yourself a little better. Unless, of course, you aged backwards Benjamin Button style.” Even though Ellie was pretending to be annoyed by the whole deal, she couldn’t keep the sparkle of happiness out of her brown eyes. She loved this playful banter between the two of them, glad that Christian wasn’t acting like a pompous, self-centered “adult”. The young woman would probably hate him if he tried.

The brunette picked up her fork and pointed it in Christian’s direction. “You just did it again, the whole mind reading thing.” A slight amount of irritation flared in Ellie before she stopped it out to keep it from causing a forest fire. She had to remember that it was something Christian did naturally, something that would be hard to control and would require constant focus. And she was sure that the stronger the thought, the easier it was to hear, so to speak. “Why are you so insistent on us going out again?” Ellie asked pointblank, expecting an honest answer. Not that she wasn’t flattered, but she wanted to know why. “Since you’re basically doing away with our previous bargain, it’s my right to add a stipulation to your new deal. I’ll go on a date with you so you can teach me. However, don’t tell me how I am and am not allowed to use my newly given knowledge. I’ll do with it as I please.” She didn’t like being told what to do. Ellie would be smart about the whole situation, purposely blocking anything that she’d rather people didn’t know while still allowing mundane thoughts to be broadcasted clearly.

“You asked the tough question,” Ellie accused. She thought about lying or about smoothing diverting the conversation in another direction. But Christian – as far as Ellie could tell – had been honest with her and Ellie didn’t lie well. So she’d give the truth. “I’ve already my mentioned my horrid mother. I haven’t seen my father since I was twelve. I have an older sister who I’ve seen sporadically over the past ten years or so, and I have a nephew that is almost a year older than me. It’s weird to think about, but my sister’s had a rough life. I’m closest to my nephew and he’s probably the only normal one in our family.” Ellie recited this information the way she’d do with most facts; quick with little emotion, the tone of her voice giving the impression that they were not something to argue with.

[dream2]

karma police, arrest this man

HE TALKS IN MATHS.HE BUZZES LIKE A FRIDGE.HE'S LIKE A DE-TUNED RADIO.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

^{A soft chuckle escaped his lips when she said his plan wasn't working that well. Grinning coyly, he mused, his voice like silk, as a bit of playfulness and triumph appeared in his eyes, "Who said it was a plan with you?"}

[/color] both his brows raised slightly as he was pretty much finished up eating the rest of the Chicken Penne. It had been pretty good, but he was going to revert back and say that his had to be better...more flavor. Keeping this to himself, he listened patiently to what Ellie had to say, nodding slightly to let her know he was listening and actually paying attention to what she said. Besides, he had a feeling he would need to, if not he could miss something crucial to poke fun at her for. He smiled as if receiving a compliment Christian mused, adjusting his shirt collar, grinning, "Why, thank you dear Ellie."[/color] Spinning his clean knife between his fingers with skills that could probably only come from being raised around swords and such, Christian absentmindedly mused, answering her about the other date, "Well, I'm not sure about you, but I have a feeling the check will be coming soon."[/color] he teased, winking at her before setting his knife down when a couple to their right seemed to be getting a little antsy. Smiling softly to himself, Christian's dark hazel eyes lifted calmly when she began to speak, talking about how she'd figured his hair and stuff would grow, but that things like his face would never change.

Nerves built up and Christian exhaled slowly in a gentle sigh, meeting her eyes calmly, knowing fully well that his eyes were most likely betraying what was running around inside of him, eating him alive it felt like. At her joke about how many people would kill for that, a dark look fell on his features at this thought. He'd heard of the government having caught an Immortal one time, who thankfully got out due to the telepathy they have, but either way, they still knew how to catch one, and therefore, that got him worried as well. Would they start to trail on him or any other Immortal in this area? Scowling slightly, he whispered, mainly to himself, "Too many."[/color] So many people would kill for it, but in the end, it could be a curse. If you didn't have family or friends who could live forever, what was the purpose then? He had his father, sure, but that only did so much. And his cousin, that was pretty much it, everyone else he'd grown up with before he stopped aging was dust by now, and Camila, back close to 100 B.C. he had some stuff left from her before her disappearance. Come to think of it, his eyes flashed something, annoyance and hope at the same time. Ellie, made him think of Camila. Her curly hair, and those eyes. Narrowing his eyes slightly towards her, Christian inquired, completely disregarding the previous point of conversation, not wanting to get involved in any of the government or whatnot, "Have you ever traced back your family history?"[/color]

A light burst of laughter escaped Christian's lips at Ellie's words, seeming as if she were trying to insult him, but he knew outright she wasn't. Eying her curiously, he let her finish, hearing her speak. A seven-year-old? Well, he'd learned over the years to have fun when he could, especially with someone he liked being around didn't mind having around him. Pushing his plate aside slightly so he could rest his arms, folded up on the table, he answered, a grin on his face, revealing the crescent-moon shaped scar, that was about a quarter of an inch on his features, "C'mon, you're in college, right? Don't most guys act like they're the age I sometimes act?"[/color] he looked to her, as if trying to make her deny what was the truth, "I've figured it to be a way for them to hold onto some youth."[/color] he chuckled softly, "But come on, Ellie,"[/color] he added in a slight whining tone, "I wouldn't be as much fun if I were just like an adult all the time, now would I?"[/color] I want to keep you here, if possible, he thought solemnly to himself, a slight look of seriousness washing over his features. Catching her thoughts, Christian grinned sheepishly, oh yes, he didn't mind toying with her, and she certainly didn't seem annoyed by that, or toying with him back. It was refreshing, needless to say, and he had painted his words with playfulness, silently telling Ellie, he didn't mind, he was enjoying it - completely.

"Well maybe I can teach you some Italian while I cook something - of your choice for you, what do you say?"[/color] He left it open for her, like a dare. Would she go and say two separate times to cook and then learn Italian? A glimmer of deviousness appeared in his eyes, as the smirk or smile faded ever so slightly from his features, like he was seven and giving someone a dare out on the playground. Though this one wasn't really as dangerous as some of the dares he remembered he'd been given in Rome. Suddenly, Ellie's inquiry smacked him in the face, as if she'd reached over and gave him a sucker punch. Stiffening slightly, Christian narrowed his eyes towards her, silently showing her he refused to tell her for the moment, till she spoke again, and he nodded to her stipulation, "But of course, Ellie. Do with it what you please."[/color] He didn't mind too much in the end, after all, he did know over 10 languages in the world. Pausing, Christian inquired softly, "Do you really want to know why I'm so persistent?"[/color] Eyes locked onto hers after he formed his inquiry towards her, interested, though he knew she'd say yes, he wanted to be sure she really wanted to know. Hearing about her family, he placed both his elbows on the table, clasped his hands together and rested his chin on his interlaced knuckles.

A touch question? As she spoke it sounded like she was reading a cue card behind his head, without much emotion. Thankful she decided to be honest with him, he tilted his head ever so slightly. So a father she didn't know, a nephew her age, give or take, and her sister and mother. Christian spoke quietly, "When you mentioned him being the only normal one, are you saying you don't believe you're normal? Like you said, humans don't really define normal, but when they're presented something they don't understand, they start to define normal, and resent the thing they don't understand."[/color] His eyes showed, he spoke from experience. Sheri appeared - unfortunately and handed them the check, taking Christian's finished plate calmly, her eyes lingering on both of them for a moment as she asked if she could take Ellie's plate. Grabbing the check swiftly, Christian checked it, and placed cash down on it, giving her a decent tip too, not wanting to appear stingy or anything - or whatever. Now he could just tell he was making excuses. Eying Ellie, he mused, "I won't ask about your family again, if you would rather I not. Now, since the check is here, may I ask if I can accompany you to your car, or where you wish to go next?"[/color]

[/sup][/blockquote][/blockquote]

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
for a minute there i lost myself

THIS IS WHAT YOU GET.THIS IS WHAT YOU GET WHEN YOU MESS WITH US.
<sup>5+ - kel! <3 - karma police, radiohead - hope you enjoy it. ^^ he's starting to realize, O.o oi, i like her. xD - gaspard is the sex

template by brooke from caution</sup>

[eloise]

Brown eyes settled on the spinning knife as it nimbly ran across Christian’s fingers. She momentarily checked out of their conversation, completely fascinated by the movement. Again, Ellie found herself wondering when he had picked that little talent up. Then Ellie heard something about the check and it brought her back to reality. “You better not be planning on paying the whole thing,” Ellie threatened, grabbing her wallet out of her purse. She began digging through the bills in her wallet, trying to calculate how much her meal had cost. “It was just lunch, which means that I need to pay for myself.” It wasn’t a date. Why Ellie was so insistent on that fact? Who knew? Besides, even if it had been a date, she still wouldn’t let Christian pay for her. It wasn’t something Ellie ever did.

The young woman wasn’t sure what she kept saying to put him in a dark mood, but she hated it. Hated seeing him look like the thoughts were causing him physical pain. Ellie mentally cursed herself for being the cause of the look. She wished he’d tell her what was bothering him, instead of going dark for a few minutes before pushing feelings behind a mental block and pretending that nothing was bothering him. Not that Ellie really had the right to ask – she barely knew him, and not enough to pick apart his mind and analyze his feelings. What she did have the right to know was why he kept glaring at her, what about her kept making Christian annoyed. As far as she knew, she had done nothing wrong. So why? Ellie was about to ask, voice her concern, until Christian caught her off guard. “No, I haven’t. Why do you ask?” Ellie had always wanted to look back, follow her ancestry and see where her family had come from. But when Ellie was younger and had asked about it, neither of her parents could tell her much. And Ellie had tried searching on her own, but hadn’t gotten very far.

Ellie couldn’t help but laugh at Christian’s comparison of himself to guys Ellie went to school with. He was nothing like them. At all. “Don’t compare yourself to them.” She shook her head slightly, serious for a second before smiling again. All the guys at the college were stupid and immature, acting as though they were still high schoolers instead of soon to be adults. Not that Ellie minded that. What bothered her was that they were always like that. Sure, they were still kids; Ellie was too. But she was also to the point when she knew she needed to grow up. Nothing was ever serious or important and they never took anything seriously. It drove Ellie insane that they couldn’t just be mature every once in a while instead of treating everything like a game. Christian wasn’t like that. She had already seen him be serious and calm in a situation where college guys would’ve basically peed their pants. “Didn’t I already tell you to not change? You’re perfect the way you are.” Ellie offered her pinky in an attempt at a pinky swear. It was binding and serious when Ellie was a child and since both of them were acting like one, why shouldn’t it be just as serious now.

She contemplated Christian’s offer. The look in his eyes was almost daring her, though of what, Ellie wasn’t sure. She wasn’t going to chicken out of whatever it was. “I don’t think one day will be enough time to learn enough Italian. I want to be able to at least know the basics of survival.” The rest she’d try to pick up while in Italy. “I wish I could just take you with me as a personal translator.” As soon as the words were out of her mouth, Ellie though they might’ve been a little too sudden. You couldn’t just suggest taking a trip half way around the world to a guy you’d only known for a few days. To be completely fair, it wasn’t an outright invitation. But she found that she wanted it to happen. Ellie wasn’t sure why she was so quick to trust this young man sitting across from her. “But yes, I’d like to know why you’re so persistent.” She pushed her plate out of the way, leaning forward and placing her elbows on the table, her hands gripping the opposite upper arm. Her curly brunette hair fell over her shoulders and Ellie flicked her head impatiently, trying to get her hair to go back without much success.

“Sorry, sorry. Poor word choice,” Ellie put her hands up in defense. “My nephew’s the lucky one. Unlike most teenage fathers, his stuck around and actually took custody from my sister. That was the best thing that ever could’ve happened to him.” It meant the kid – though Ellie had no room to call him that – wasn’t around the bad influence that was her sister. Who knows where Conner would’ve ended up? Ellie was completely sure that he wouldn’t have made it through high school, would’ve fallen in with the wrong crowd or would have had his own child by now. Instead, he was on his way through law school with a very promising looking future. While Alston blood ran through his veins, it hadn’t gotten the best of Conner. Ellie couldn’t help but envy the kid slightly. “It’d probably be for the best if we didn’t talk about them.” She didn’t mind talking about her nephew, minus the whole jealousy bit, but the rest of them put her in a bad mood. Ellie put any thought of them out of her mind, focusing completely on Christian instead. “I thought I told you lunch only,” Ellie said with a bright smile. She had, but was rethinking it now. The brunette hadn’t thought that she could have this much fun with Christian. Actually thought that she’d have a horrible time and would be counting down the minutes until the date ended. Now she didn’t want it to end. “What else did you have in mind?” Ellie asked, pretending that she was considering doing something else with Christian, as long as it was something good. It really didn’t matter; Ellie just didn’t want this to end.

Note: Ellie's in denial <3

[dream2]

karma police, arrest this man

HE TALKS IN MATHS.HE BUZZES LIKE A FRIDGE.HE'S LIKE A DE-TUNED RADIO.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

^{Christian arched an eyebrow towards Ellie as she spoke about him better not thinking he was going to pay the whole thing. A slight groan mixed with a sigh rippled from him as he shook his head, plucking the check and eloquently getting his wallet from his back pocket, from years of practice and he spoke, narrowing his eyes towards the beautiful brunette in front of him, and he sternly shook his head, "No."}

[/color] he stated simply. There, keep it simple. No matter even if it was just breakfast, Christian would still demand to pay for it, after all he'd been raised to be a gentleman - when he wasn't fighting. Wrinkling his nose slightly at this thought, he thought of his father, who was probably somewhere in China now, traveling around with another girlfriend, ones he usually left after some time, due to him hardly aging anymore, and therefore, they'd get suspicious if he didn't leave. Dark eyes lifted to meet Ellie's. Would he have to leave her too when she got old and gray? He knew she wouldn't tell the authorities or anyone, but he feared for both of them. He didn't want to hurt her, that much he knew, and he'd grown accustomed to the pain of losing people over the years. Or so he told himself. Depression flew over him for a few moments before he quickly shoved it aside and spoke, placing his card on the table, covering the check and such with his hand, "I don't care if it was just coffee, Ellie. I'm buying, I did ask you to it after all."[/color] He smirked playfully, knowing he'd probably win that.

As Christian watched Ellie's mannerisms, recognition flashed in his eyes. Dammit, he was thinking about Camila again. Hands tensed slightly, as his muscles grew taut. He loathed thinking about the only woman he'd really cared about who he lost centuries ago. And here he was, in 2011, thinking about Camila, who disappeared over 2,000 years ago. Scowling slightly, he wiped it off his face, pushing it to the back of his mind. Ellie was here now, and she was healthy and young and pretty and dammit, he thought about that word again. A look fell over his face like he was trying to blame Ellie for something, till she suddenly spoke, interrupting his thoughts, something he was thankful for. Relief flooded through him and he answered, "It's just...I'm curious...you remind me of someone..."[/color] he stated calmly. It was true, he didn't lie, he just didn't really want to tell her who she made him think of. Why, he didn't know, but then again, sometimes his logic didn't make sense. Either way, he'd caught her thoughts about what she did to bother him, and he explained softly, "Don't worry about it...it's just sometimes memories come back randomly when I connect it to something."[/color] he shrugged calmly. Another truth. Not that he ever planned on lying to Ellie, he just planned on making sure to protect her from everything he'd done in his life - if he could, as long as it didn't come back to haunt him. But yet her, she was human, she would have a normal life, and Christian didn't want to jeopardize that, not for anything if he could help it - but with a dismal thought, he had a feeling that he'd most likely give in to the feeling in his stomach.

His thoughts ran rampant when Ellie told him not to compare himself to the college boys. An interested look fell onto his features, and he innocently heard her mention how immature they were in her thoughts. Not that he listened intently, he just kind of - browsed in a way. Feeling a little uncomfortable after a moment of doing this, he quickly retracted so to speak from her head, and acted normal. Ellie wouldn't know, and he'd only heard a tiny bit. He really needed to figure out how to resist the impulse of doing that. It was only natural though, like a dog wanting to eat a lot, or what-ever. Christian smiled - almost smugly when she told him not to ever change, and he spoke, "Changing is hard when you do it for yourself, but easy when you do it for someone else."[/color] he ended it by holding up his hand, upon noticing Ellie holding up her pinky. Frowning slightly, he inquired, "Is that something I missed from growing up in some other time?"[/color] Confusion etched itself onto his features as he tilted his head slightly, feeling childish. He caught from her mind it was a pinky promise, but what the hell was that? Awkwardly, he held up his own pinky on his left hand, eying Ellie quietly, waiting for her to tell him what to do with it. "What's a pinky swear?"[/color] Crap, he did it again. Muttering a swift apology, Christian nodded politely and silently when Sheri came and grabbed the check and his "method of payment." The Immortal's attention was too focused on Ellie to bother paying mind to anyone else in the restaurant.

Then, he fell silent as she spoke about it being multiple days, and a look of triumph appeared on his features. Excellent, so many reasons to see her again, and multiple times for only one thing. Smiling as if he'd just won a war - even though he felt like he did to an extent, Christian mused calmly, "I certainly wouldn't mind going and being your personal translator and guide to the wonderful Italia."[/color] He chuckled softly, he didn't need to be able to read minds or see auras to tell she was having a fit inside her head. Finding a bit of amusement in this slight panic, he added lightly, "Don't work yourself up over that....I hate seeing you so stressed."[/color] he admitted. Why did she have to really want to know why he was so persistent? He wouldn't tell her the main reason, that he - no, he smothered that thought and commented swiftly, "It's just who I am, ya know?"[/color] Christian winked coyly, and smiled to Sheri when she returned the check, he gave Ellie a look as if to say back away from the check and tip, as he swiftly wrote down a twenty percent tip. He liked giving out twenty percent, helped them remember he was a good tipper, and therefore got better service usually too. Remaining quiet while Ellie explained the circumstances with her nephew, he nodded solemnly, letting her know he was listening and taking in every word that escaped her lips.

He understood. Family wasn't that easy for him to talk about either. His mother had died, being only a human, and his father was cursed to this earth like Christian was, an Immortal. If an Immortal had a child with a human, the child would always be Immortal, carrying on the curse. Tucking his wallet away calmly, Christian mentioned, "Sounds fine to me. As for you saying only lunch, I think both you and I know there would be something I wanted to take you to do afterwards."[/color] He grinned smugly, and stood up, before heading over to Ellie's side of the table, offering her hand to help her up, and he answered her inquiry lightly, "A little trip, after all we're right by the river now, and there's a little festival going on down at the pier."[/color] He eyed her calmly, "I happen to know someone who is from Italy who's working down there with their bakery today, maybe you can get a little taste of how Italians these days act."[/color] he eyed her calmly, dark eyes locking onto hers as Sheri called to them for them to have a nice day and to come back and see her, though she quickly added, see them, at the restaurant. Chuckling softly, Christian looked to Ellie, and mentioned, "I'd like to go with you, introduce you to my friend, he's very nice, and you'll like his wife, she's...rambunctious."[/color] then he added, "But only as long as I'm not keeping you from any other plans you may have had today, I wouldn't want a jealous boyfriend to come up and punch me."[/color] A playful grin fell on his features, letting her know he was only kidding, but he in reality, did want to spend as much time with her as possible, even if he would never admit that. At least not yet.

[/sup][/blockquote][/blockquote]

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
for a minute there i lost myself

THIS IS WHAT YOU GET.THIS IS WHAT YOU GET WHEN YOU MESS WITH US.
<sup>5+ - kel! <3 - karma police, radiohead - haha, yeah she is. XD <33 - gaspard is the sex

template by brooke from caution</sup>

[eloise]

So Christian was going to play this game. The one where the guy insisted on paying for the girl because it was morally correct, or whatever other excuse they could think of. Well, Ellie was entirely capable of paying for herself and absolutely hated when guys insisted on doing it for her instead. Christian might have invited her to lunch, but by no means did that mean he was responsible to pay for her. Keeping a firm grip on the bills Ellie had pulled out of her wallet, she glanced between Christian and his hand that was on top of the check, contemplating her success rate of taking the check from him. It wouldn’t turn out pretty. Sighing, Ellie folded the money, but kept it in her hand. “So you have a choice,” she started, giving Christian yet another bargain. The young woman was beginning to think that this was the only way to come to a compromise with him. “You can either let me pay for my meal now or I’m paying for both of us next time.” It was up to him; Ellie was fine with either option.

There he was, doing the whole evil eye thing again. She had no room to ask what he was thinking, but she couldn’t take the whole not knowing feeling. Ellie hated not being able to figure something out, especially when she had the resources to do so, so why not? “What’s on your mind?” There. A question that wasn’t horribly prying but still hard to ignore. And if he chose to not give her a straight answer, Ellie was ready to continue to ask him. Then Christian mentioned that she reminded him of someone. “Is that a good thing or a bad thing?” Because if those looks he had been making were connected to the person that Ellie reminded him of, then that wasn’t good. And she wanted to fix it, if the need arose. But she wouldn’t be able to do that unless she knew. Knew why these thoughts kept getting Christian down. He said to not worry about it, but that wasn’t something Ellie was good at, knowing she’d feel no peace until things were resolved.

It hit Ellie that, everything that she had grown up with as a child was lost to Christian. Sure, he had been on the earth when Ellie was watching Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and the Lion King, spending every day after school hanging with friends listening to NSYNC while spilling secrets and promising to never tell another soul, reading Harry Potter late into the night under the blanket with a flashlight as the only source of light. Everyone her age had some memory similar to it. And while Christian seemed like Ellie’s age, it was hard to imagine that he wasn’t. That he had grown up in the time of the Roman Empire and everything was different then. Christian hadn’t experienced the childhood she had because while Ellie was growing, Christian had remained a young adult. The brunette decided she’d take it on herself to educate him in the ways of a 90’s child, starting with the pinky swear. Though he seemed to already know the name of it, which surprised Ellie, especially the way he said it. Then she realized he had pulled it from her thoughts. That was definitely going to take some getting used to. “A pinky swear. The most solemn oath one could ever make in their life.” A brief smile flittered across Ellie’s lips before she went back to channeling a serious demeanor. “It’s a promise you can never break. Or else.” Leaving it vague rung true to the real pinky swear. As a young girl, Ellie had never known what would happen if you broke a pinky swear, just that it was something you never wanted to experience. She looped her pinky with Christian’s, giving it a slight pull to make sure their pinkies were secure. “I don’t care how you act. If you want to be like a goofy college guy, then so be it. Just stay true to yourself.”God, that was horribly cheesy. So badly that she was surprised the words had even left her mouth. But what Ellie really wanted was for Christian to just be himself. To not pretend that he wasn’t something just for the sake of her. She wanted to know the real Christian, not some front her put up. Not that she was saying that he was now, just that he shouldn’t feel the need to in the future.

As much as Ellie would love for Christian to come to Italy with her – the strength of that sentiment surprising her – it was impractical. She couldn’t just ask him to just pick up and leave whatever he had established here for a trip to Italy. Christian had a life here and she wasn’t going to drag him away from that, even if only for a few weeks. Besides, even though Ellie would be the one inviting him along, he’d have to pay his own way. Ellie had saved enough money for herself only, any extra going towards a fund that would eventually help her put a down payment on an apartment in Italy. That was her whole plan, at least. Go over to Italy for a few weeks, get a feel for the area, and look at apartments. Though, it’d be admittedly helpful to have someone who could speak fluent Italian help her. They’d cross that bridge when they came to it. “That’d be absolutely lovely,” Ellie said truthfully with a smile. She found herself wondering why Christian bothered to ask her if she wanted to know why he was so persistent if he wasn’t going to give her a straight answer, but didn’t let it bother her. There was no need to give up all his secrets in a short couple of hours. It’d make things more boring in the long run. Besides, Christian had already told her a ton about himself for today.

Ellie took Christian’s hand as she stood up, knowing that that was something that came from being raised as an old time gentleman. No other guy Ellie knew would ever offer to help a girl up from a table, the thought of being polite never crossing their minds. “A festival?” Ellie asked, though she knew that was what Christian had said. She found herself wishing that she had brought her camera with her, thinking that it’d be a pretty place to take pictures. Oh well. The young woman kept her hand in Christian’s as she pretended to consider his offer. She already knew she was going to say yes, but didn’t want to seem too desperate, too willing to jump at anything Christian suggested. “It sounds fantastic,” Ellie agreed with a smile. “I promise you’re not ruining any plans. And as for a boyfriend, I don’t have one. And even if I did and he punched you, you wouldn’t feel a thing. The sheer impact of the punch would probably break his hand.” She had absolutely no plans, no one expecting her anywhere. If she said no to Christian, all she’d have to look forward to was spending an evening with her mother. And there was this nagging feeling in the back of her mind that Ellie really wasn’t ready to part with Christian quite yet.

[dream2]

karma police, arrest this man

HE TALKS IN MATHS.HE BUZZES LIKE A FRIDGE.HE'S LIKE A DE-TUNED RADIO.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

^{The Immortal groaned lightly at Ellie's bargain. So she was going to make him decide, hm? Perfect. Allowing a smug look to fall on his features, he spoke, "Fine, you can pay for both of us next time."}

[/color] though a quick plan formed in his head. Just go somewhere where he either would get something inexpensive on purpose, or somewhere like the fair for example, just to get a treat. Giving her a look that said, "I'll win." Christian quickly wiped it off his face as he had straightened his 6'2" frame in the restaurant. Pausing slightly at her inquiry about what was on his mind, he hesitated, and apparently long enough so that she asked him if it was a good or bad thing. Cringing slightly, though not visible to Ellie thankfully, he answered, "Both."[/color] Though it was true. He'd adored Camila with all his heart, till she got torn away from him. He knew by now she was in the ground somewhere, peacefully resting for eternity - hopefully - and he was here, staked to the earth, a member of the unchanging, like a vampire, but he just didn't get the speed or the lust for blood like they did. Fortunately. "It's just...the person you remind me of, I lost forever ago, it's weird when I actually think about it."[/color] he admitted, looking down slightly, then bringing his gaze back up to her silently, looking over her features. Her hair was the same curly, but Camila's had been a dark blonde, but her eyes had been a dark hazel like his own, but they shared the same features, it was quite uncanny.

Perhaps Ellie did have some Roman Empire heritage in her. Quite a bit too most likely. He was curious if she could have traced it back that far. Today though, sometimes getting one's family history could be a lot easier said than done. He remained silent as Ellie spoke, explaining this pinky swear to him, something he obviously had missed over the centuries he'd been here. Christian blamed it on the different times they were raised. He was raised to survive and battle, she was raised just to be a human being. Funny how things like that could change over time. Hearing how serious it seemed, he mused, "God forbid if I break it then."[/color] he winked smoothly, as he then swiftly and easily pushed in Ellie's chair behind her, noticing her hand stayed linked with his. It was then he caught her thoughts - something he didn't mean to, but they had quite a bit more force behind them than the other ones, about him going to Italy with her. Grinning innocently, he mused, "Sorry if I appeared...blunt with that."[/color] he paused, focusing on trying not to reveal he'd heard her thoughts, watching her aura's colors carefully, "Though nevertheless, when you do go, just be safe, everyone there is nice, but there's 0.001 percent of the population you should probably stay away from."[/color] He meant mostly supernaturals, but also the gangs and such there, the mafia. Fortunately they tended to stay out of Rome and Tuscany most of the time, but in other cities, they could get interesting needless to say. Besides, Christian had been in one in the southern part of Italy before, back before gangs got the reputation they had today.

Excitement coursed through him the moment Ellie answered his invite affirmatively to go check out the festival. Glancing down to notice her hand was still linked with his fingers, Christian casually loosened his grip slightly, silently telling her without words, he was letting her do that, he'd just go along with it. Last thing he wanted was for her to feel pressured into anything, he wouldn't stand for that. Pausing slightly as they passed by the vampires who were chatting calmly between each other, Christian's gaze lingered on them a moment longer, but they exchanged a silent nod in understanding to each other, as Christian escorted Ellie out of the restaurant and back out to the lovely day ahead of them. He pointed down the street, "Plus, it's not too far from here too, about two blocks."[/color] He threw in a sheepish grin, in reality he hadn't planned that, but it did certainly work out to appear like that, didn't it he presumed. He then mused, "Well, either way, I'd just have to kidnap you from those plans then to go."[/color] he teased, and grinned about him not feeling a thing, "Nah, I'd feel it, though it'd just be like a leaf hitting me in the head, no pain. Like...the bullets...I guess you can compare it to, someone poking you."[/color] He casually lifted a finger and poked Ellie's arm, showing her, there wasn't pain, just the sensation of knowing something had hit you. "Never been hit by a train though...so I'm not sure what I can compare that to..."[/color] he commented, amusement seeping into his voice, before Christian looked to her as they headed towards the festival, as they neared, the sounds got louder, but thankfully they didn't seem too loud once inside the area, "Ever been here before?"[/color]

[/sup][/blockquote][/blockquote]

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
for a minute there i lost myself

THIS IS WHAT YOU GET.THIS IS WHAT YOU GET WHEN YOU MESS WITH US.
<sup>5+ - kel! <3 - karma police, radiohead - lawlz, hope you enjoy. ^^ <33 - gaspard is the sex

template by brooke from caution</sup>

[eloise]

Ellie narrowed her eyes in Christian’s direction. He might’ve agreed to her wager, but she didn’t expect him to follow through with it. Not when he tacked that look on the end. She wasn’t calling him an outright liar; she just thought that he’d either find a way around it or twist her words somehow. Christian was way too clever for his own good. And he had a strong sense of a moral code. Those two traits just made for a stubborn man who wasn’t going to budge on his ideals. He had had centuries to get stuck in the ways of both. Though Ellie wasn’t sure she liked being compared to someone else. Someone she didn’t even know. It just set a bad mindset. And Ellie would always feel as though she had to live up to some expectation Christian held of the other person. From the sound of Christian’s voice, the other person must have been pretty special. Then Ellie felt like she was being examined under Christian’s gaze, which caused a sense of discomfort. The brunette reached up and ran her fingers through her curly locks, quickly finger combing it into a messy ponytail that was secured with a hairband that was around her wrist. She wasn’t even sure why this was bothering her so much. So what if there had been someone Christian cared a lot about? It didn’t mean anything for Ellie, right?

She felt foolish explaining the concept of a pinky swear. Looking back, Ellie wasn’t entirely sure why it had ever seemed like such a solemn oath. Or why she decided to bring it up now. Maybe it was because she had to explain it. If you already knew what a pinky swear was, then you understood the context of it. Kind of like being a part of an inside joke. One of those jokes that weren’t funny if you hadn’t been there for it. Oh well. It was too late to take anything back and besides, Ellie was going to hold Christian to it now. Why not? The talk of Italy distracted the young college student anyway, who recovered from her slight embarrassment quickly. “You weren’t too blunt. Promise,” Ellie assured Christian. “In fact, I’d love if we could both go.” It was just weird for her to suggest that when she hadn’t even known Christian for that long. Besides, there was still that idea that Ellie couldn’t just expect Christian to go with her. She couldn’t assume that Christian was at her beck and call. But of course, if things worked out and they both could go to Italy, she’d absolutely love it. Ellie just shouldn’t get her hopes up yet. Stay practical. The warning about her safety was sweet though, and something the girl really appreciated.

The young woman was becoming ridiculously excited for this festival. It should be that big of a deal; it was just some stupid thing that was held every year. Ellie had always seen it being set up and heard about couples going to it on dates. She had meant to go check it out. Of course that never happened. Ellie was too busy, having a list of things that needed to be done before she could even think about going. And by the time that list was completed, the festival was packed up, gone for the year. It was a cycle and she had gotten used to it, figuring she’d never actually make it to the festival even if she had the plan to. Now Ellie was going with Christian, and it wasn’t even planned. Or at least, she didn’t think it was planned; the whole thing seemed spontaneous. But maybe Christian had already had this all planned. If he did, it wouldn’t surprise her at all. He was that type of person who could make everything move so smoothly. Ellie thought he might make a good con artist, if he really felt the want to be one. During her little internal rant, Christian’s grip on Ellie’s hand had lessened and she found herself unsure. Again. Ellie was slightly annoyed by that new feeling, being unused to it. What was happening to her? Still, she let go of Christian’s hand, thinking that their fingers being interlocked was uncomfortable for him. Instead, she let her arms dangle at her sides, lightly swinging as they walked towards the festival.“I feel like kidnapping is worse than stalking,” Ellie commented, wondering how she had ever viewed Christian as a stalker. She smiled at Christian, showing him the comment was all in good fun and not to be taken seriously. Ellie swatted at his finger when he poked her arm, acting as if the action was annoying when she really didn’t mind. The thought of Christian getting hit by a train –though in all reality, would probably do nothing – caused her forehead to crease. “Let’s not find out,” she suggested.

The closer they got, the more Ellie realized she had missed out and regretted it immensely. The whole atmosphere changed the second they stepped into the area, the smell of food and the sound of laughter and games filling the air. “I’ve never been. I’ve always wanted to though.” Ellie looked around, at a complete loss of what they should do. “Where do you want to start?” She sent an expectant glance Christian’s way.