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Zoe adjusted her bandana to ensure her hair was still covered. She didn’t want who she was to become known as of yet. Certainly not before Alec was able to set up for her to meet her father. If anyone should know of her existence first it needed to be him. And these three obviously knew her father and brother so she could only assume if her identity became known to them they would tell them. With how Alec spoke about her father and the possible reactions to her existence and the fact her mother was alive, she didn’t trust anyone but herself to deliver that news. She watched the two girls that blocked her only way out of the alley. Her dark blue eyes darting to look around for any form of an escape. She saw two doors that lead out to the alley but wasn’t really in a position to easily try to get them. She felt cornered and if she attempted one of the doors it would just invite those two to come after her thinking they had her running scared again. As if realizing that she was cornered Talia and Artemis started, cautiously, to step forward. They now knew what her powers were so they could start to formulate how to fight her.

By coincidence or divine intervention, however you wanted to view it one of the doors swung up into the alley from the structure on the left. All three girls stopped dead and looked to the door. Zoe in hopes of salvation. Talia and Artemis ready to assess the new threat and how to resolve it. Holding a large cardboard box of pieces of wiring and speakers was David Bryant. His ocean blue eyes looked to the left at the unknown girl trapped at the end of the alley, ahead to the marble statue of a gargoyle who he determined was Apollo by the face, then to the right at Artemis and Talia in their true forms blocking the exit of the alley. It didn’t take rocket science to know the unknown girl needed help. So he did the only thing that came to mind. “Hey you. You’re the girl Mikali hired right? You’re twenty minutes late. Get inside.”, David said sternly looking to the girl pointing to the door as he tossed the box of broken electronics into the dumpster. Zoe blinked looking at the middle aged man. “Si Capo. Scusi. (Yes, boss. Sorry.)”, Zoe stammered in Italian moving for the door. David sighed. “Well that explains it. Mikali and hiring people that speak his native language.”, David said shaking his head. He turned to look at Talia and Artemis. “You two…get this out of my alley before I throw it out myself. And leave my employee alone. Now off with you and give your parents my regards.”, David said with a bright smile the sun reflecting off his metal lip ring making his smile seem that much brighter.

Talia and Artemis both held back their words. Neither liked David Bryant, aka Crow, but both knew better than to attack the leader of the Haven. They could always find this new girl when she was away from the Draven, unless this girl had taken up residence at the Haven before they could then they both knew getting pay back would not be possible. Talia internally cursing Crow for legally making the Draven covered by the Haven laws that her father had to follow and thus she had to. The pair looked at the marble statue of Apollo trying to figure out how to get him out of the alley without drawing too much attention. “Posso aiutare, capo. (I can help, boss.)”, Zoe said standing in the doorway to the club and snapped her fingers. The effect of her powers starting to wear off faster as apparent by the fact Apollo’s clawed feet were starting to transition from marble to flesh again. David nodded and turned his back to the alley stepping back into the club closing the door as soon as Zoe was safely inside. “Please tell me you don’t only speak Italian. Because I speak two languages, English and Profane English.”, David said with a smile. Zoe nodded. “Thank you. I do speak English, but I had told them I didn’t so I figured to keep my lie going. Why did you lie to them sir? You don’t know me after all. So why help me?”, Zoe explained starting to question him. She’d put faith in one stranger yesterday, but that stranger had a name and face she knew and a connection to her parents. This pierced and tattooed man was truly a complete stranger yet had helped her. David extended his hand. “David Bryant aka Crow. I am part owner of the club you're currently in, The Draven teen nightclub, and the leader of the Haven. So it’s kind of in the job to help lone mutants. You’re safe here. The Draven falls under the laws of the Haven. Unless you’ve never heard of the Haven and then I can explain if you like.”, David explained introducing himself.

Zoe knew the word, it was where Alec said was safest for her to meet her father. Alec said it was the neutral zone for mutants. She took his hand shaking his. “Nice to meet you Signore Bryant. I’m Zoe DeLuca. And I have heard of the Haven. Thank you again for your help with those three. I don’t even know who they are or why they tried to attack me.”, Zoe sighed. “Well glad you’ve heard of us, easier on me to not explain then.”, David said grabbing a new speaker from a box and without even looking at it the speaker floated up to the high ceiling and a set of screws followed up starting to position the speaker and screw it into the bracket. Zoe blinked watching. “Those where Artemis, the female gargoyle, and the one you turned to stone is her twin brother Apollo. The blue demon is Talia. They are students at the Academy. As for what you did. Well you could have breathed is about enough for them some days. Where did you run into dumb, dumber and their master?”, David asked looking at her as the new sound system was installing itself, his powers at the point he didn’t even pay direct attention to what he was doing.
Zoe shook her head looking away from the spectacle of the self installing sound system to David.

“Um I have been running from them since I was standing outside Fenice Dojo. I was just watching two guys sparing.”, Zoe explained being vague. David nodded. “Damon’s place then. One of the guys sparing have white hair and look like a younger version of the other who would probably be wearing a scarf on his head?”, David asked. “Um yes.”, Zoe said not knowing how that could be relevant. “Then that’s it. Talia is the girlfriend to the white haired boy. She probably thought you weren’t watching the match but looking at what is hers. The saying goes men look for women like their mothers, well Alexander certainly did that finding the biggest and most possessive bitch of his generation.”, David said with a laugh. Zoe’s face contorted like she might throw up at the implication she was looking at her half brother in that way. “Ewww. No. I was just watching the match. I was certainly not looking at…Alexander…in that way.”, Zoe shuddered. David laughed. “Fair enough kid.”, David nodded. “Um. So I’m obviously new in town and have zero clue where I’m going. I’m staying with a family friend. I know you just helped me with the three stooges out there, but might I borrow a phone to call for a ride?”, Zoe asked. David nodded. “Yeah no problem. Phone is over at the bar.”, David answered pointing to the bar before turning his attention to installing the new sound system.

“Thank you.”, Zoe said turning to the bar finding the phone and pulling out a business card for the restaurant from her pocket and dialed. Alec was in the kitchen of the restaurant, it was still before they opened. At the moment he was arguing with his sous chef Klaus Leblanc. “Le jour où je sers escargots est le jour où je ferme mon restaurant! (The day I serve snails is the day I close my restaurant!)”, Alec shouted in French glaring at his blonde haired sous chef. “Vous ne dites cela parce que vous ne l'aimez pas les escargots . Ils sont une cuisine italienne traditionnelle aussi. (You only say this because you do not like snails. They are a traditional italian cuisine too.)”, Klaus argued back in French. “Cela fait partie de celui-ci. Mais ce sont de américains, ils ne seront pas commander escargots. (That's part of it. But these are American's they won't order snails.)”, Alec countered. Neither chef hearing the phone ringing outside the kitchen door. The manager Robin Maher, a thin young man with twny brown hair did hear the phone and stopped getting candles lit to answer. “Good afternoon. Two Brothers Fine Dining. This is Robin how might I help you?”, Robin greeted smiling. “Um, ciao. May I speak with Alec? Tell him it’s Zoe.”, she asked glancing over to David who seemed to not being paying attention to her at the moment. “Certainly. Let me see if the chef is available to speak with.”, Robin said placing the call on hold.

He leaned into the kitchen timidly hearing the shouting in French. He’d still yet to master the language but he was trying to learn. Though he didn’t really talk about why he was trying to learn French while at the restaurant. He kind of figured that him seeing Klaus was against some HR policy. “Excuse me. Not to interrupt, but Chef there is a call for you.”, Robin said timidly. Klaus and Alec both stopped in their argument to look at the small manager who’d interrupted their fight. Klaus smiled softly at Robin and how timid he looked, he’d remember that later and see about making it up to him in private. “What!?”, Alec said then sighed. “I’m sorry Robin. What’s going on? Who’s on the phone?”, Alec said his voice softening as he hadn’t meant to yell at his manager. “A woman named Zoe..”, Robin said question finding it odd for someone to call for Alec especially a woman. Alec blinked. “Zoe? Um alright, I’ll go take the call.”, Alec said quickly ducking out of the kitchen picking up the phone.

“Ciao Zoe. Cosa sta succedendo? (Hi Zoe. What's going on?)”, Alec greeted answering the phone. Klaus raised an eyebrow not only that a woman was calling but how quickly Alec rushed to take the call. “Aww avez-vous une petite amie maintenant? Pour un homme qui se posa vous êtes toujours grognon (Aww do you have a girlfriend now? For a man who is getting laid you are still grumpy.)”, Klaus teased. Alec shook his head and held up a middle finger to Klaus. Zoe couldn’t quite make out the French being spoken in the background to properly translate but she did hear the word ‘girlfriend’. “Ciao Alec. Ho paura io mi sono preso in qualche guaio. Mi sono imbattuto in quel comitato di benvenuto e mi hanno inseguito per un vicolo. Un uomo di nome David mi fece entrare nella sua squadra per sfuggire loro. Mi potrebbe prendere o spettacolo che rimanere qui? Ha detto che era al sicuro qui. (Hi Alec. I'm afraid I got myself into some trouble. I ran into that welcoming committee and they chased me to an alley. A man named David let me into his club to escape them. Could you pick me up or show I just stay here? He said it was safe here.)”, Zoe answered. She felt it probably safer to speak in Italian as David had said he didn’t speak it.

Alec sighed as she said she came across the welcoming committee. He raised an eyebrow as she said she was in a club with someone named David. His mind going over the name and the club and could only come to one conclusion. It had to be the Draven and David Bryant. He sighed relieved that she was at least safe there. The Draven fell under Haven jurisdiction and David would not let harm come to her no matter who’s daughter she is. “Così siete al Draven. Bene, almeno sei al sicuro. Non riesco ad andare via appena ancora. Posso parlare con David? Vado a vedere se sarebbe bene per voi di rimanere lì fino a che posso prenderti. (So you are at the Draven. Alright at least you are safe there. I can't get away just yet. May I speak with David? I'll see if it would be okay for you to stay there till I can get you.)”, Alec said. “Si.”, Zoe nodded turning to look at David. “Um Signore Bryant. He’d like to speak with you.”, Zoe said holing out the phone. David turned his attention from the speakers to her and walked over taking the phone. “Hello. David Bryant here.”, David greeted. “Hi David. This is Alec D’Amour, I run Two Brothers Fine Dining here in town. First thank you for helping my niece. She’s visiting from Italy. I’m rather busy here at the restaurant. Would it be alright if she stayed there for a few hours, maybe help you with things around the club till I can pick her up?”, Alec asked.

David thought for a moment kind of mentally looking through a filing cabinet of information to remember who Alec was. And he easily remembered him from long ago but mostly because of Alec’s mutant identical twin Chesed. He looked at Zoe and recalled what Alec looked like and didn’t really see family resemblance and Zoe had called Alec a family friend. Which made David wonder what was going on there. But he’d keep that to himself. “Yeah not a problem Alec.”, David agreed handing the phone back to Zoe to return to what he was doing. “Alec?”, Zoe questioned being handed the phone. “Così si rimanere lì fino a quando posso ottenere lei, che sarà un paio d'ore. Aiuto David con qualunque intorno al club per riempire il tempo. Resta fuori dai guai per favore. Ciao Zoe. (So you will stay there till I can get you which will be a few hours. Help David with whatever around the club to fill the time. Stay out of trouble please. Bye Zoe.)”, Alec said. Zoe nodded. “Okay. Ciao Alec.”, Zoe said hanging up. “So what can I help with?”, Zoe asked. David glanced over and pointed to the storage room door behind the bar. “You can help with inventory. There’s a clipboard and pen just inside the door just do a tally of what we have so I can order as needed.”, David instructed figuring that would keep her busy. Zoe nodded and headed into the back.

Once Apollo was back to normal the trio had returned to their human disguises and headed back to the dojo. Alexander was standing outside waiting for them looking up and down the street trying to figure out where they’d taken off to. Inside his father was training another group of Academy students. Alexander looked over his shoulder into the window and watched the eleven students paring off. But due to it being an uneven number his little sister Gina with her bright red hair was sparring against their father. Alexander leaned against the wall looking through the glass at the sparing matches. Tyler, with his blonde hair and light blue eyes favoring his father in appearance, looked so small against his cousin Kevin who had the height and features of his father and older brother. The Frost cousins had all chosen to spare against one another the boys not picking their actual twin. He watched with some additional interest as his girlfriend’s niece Esabelle , who favored her mother Illyana in appearance, faced off against Kevin’s little sister Larissa who looked very much like their mother Lorna. But mostly he just watched his little sister and his father. He froze for a moment hearing heavy footsteps behind and knew it was Apollo’s.

“Where did you three run off to? You missed all of training. Dad said you’ll have to make up the session when Emma does.”, Alexander questioned turning to look at the three of them. The twins both looked to Talia and so did he. “There was some girl standing at the window of the dojo and I didn’t care for how she was looking at you. So we approached her and she ran. So we followed in pursuit.”, Talia explained. Alex sighed shaking his head slipping his arms around Talia’s waist pressing his forehead against hers. “You are crazy possessive you know that?”, Alex teased. Talia narrowed her eyes. Alex smiled and kissed her. “I like that about you, Daimónissa (demoness)”, Alex said using his Greek pet name for her. Talia smiled a little and kiss him back. “Yes well she got away from us, after we found out her power. She turns things to stone. Doesn’t she Apollo?”, Talia explained teasing Apollo a little. Apollo grunted in annoyance. “To stone? Interesting and potentially useful power. What do you mean got away?”, Alex asked one arm retracting from around Talia but keeping the other as they started to walk. “Crow interfered and she was able to get into the Draven so we couldn’t continue our pursuit. “, Artemis answered. Alex nodded. “Well Bayville is a small town, we’ll see her again I’m sure.”, Alex concluded as they headed home.

As promised a few hours later Alec was able to get out of the restaurant and drove over to the Draven. He’d never of course been to the club having been in his twenties when he first moved to Bayville. He knocked once on the door before stepping inside. “Zoe? David?”, Alec called as he stepped inside. David was up on the stage messing with wires of a speaker and looked up hearing his name. “Hey Alec.”, David greeted getting down from the stage and walking over leaving the speaker behind the copper wires inside still moving trying to fix an issue with it. “Where’s Zoe?”, Alec asked looking around. “Your ‘niece’ is in the back I had her do inventory.”, David said. “Why are you using quotes like that when you say niece?”, Alec asked. “Well you tell me she’s your niece she said you’re a family friend. Which is it?”, David asked. “Both. Your children call Demitri and Mikali Uncle but they aren’t related to you.”, Alec explained. David shrugged. “I suppose that’s fair.”, David said going and jumping over the counter of the bar and pushing the door to the back open. “Hey Zoe, your ride is here.”, David called. Zoe walked over setting the clipboard back where she found it. She’d finished the inventory a while ago but had stayed in the back to just double count for good measure. “Thanks for letting me say Signore Bryant.”, Zoe said heading out from behind the bar to stand by Alec glad to have a familiar face near her. “Thanks for doing inventory, I hate that stuff.”, David said walking back over.

“Since I’m here I have a favor to ask of you David.”, Alec said realizing he could just talk to David now about having the meeting at the Haven rather than calling there. David arched a pierced brow and folded his arms looking at Alec. “And what might that be?”, David asked. “I want to set up a meeting with Damon at the Haven for tomorrow afternoon.”, Alec explained. David furrowed his brows confused. He didn’t deal often with Damon even back in the old days. “Phoenix? Wait I thought you and he are friends. Why would you need to meet at my house?”, David questioned not seeing why the Haven should be involved. “I want to introduce him to Zoe, and it would be best to have that meeting on a neutral location.”, Alec explained. David looked at Zoe and then back at Alec really not following now. “I thought..didn’t you just compare her to like my kids and their Uncles Demitri and Mikali?”, David questioned. “It’s not like that. It’s just well…”, Alec was trying to think of how to explain without telling too much. Zoe sighed and decided if the Haven was supposed to keep mutants safe like David said and was neutral as both he and Alec said it didn’t matter if he knew. She reached up and pulled off her bandana shaking out her white hair. David blinked and looked at Zoe and easily now saw the similar features of the Petridis family. “Well shit…. So the meeting at the Haven is to avoid an outburst from a certain red headed psychopath?”, David asked. Alec nodded. “Precisely. This is a delicate situation and I do not want her involved until or unless Damon chooses to involve her.”, Alec explained. David sighed and nodded. “Alright. They can meet at the house. And we’ll ensure it doesn’t become an explosive situation. If Geri gets wind of what’s going on and has the balls to start something I’ll just sick Solangel on her.”, David concluded. Alec nodded. “Thank you David. We will be by tomorrow afternoon.”, Alec said. “Thank you Signore Bryant.”, Zoe said turning and leaving with Alec.

Alec sighed getting into the car. “Well other than having a knack for trouble you at least saved me a phone call.”, Alec said with a smile starting the car. Zoe smiled and nodded. “A little.”, she agreed. “Only a little? You better be ready for more than little trouble starting tomorrow. Meeting him will…well it can go a few ways and end bad for some people.”, Alec said as he drove. “I just..he deserves to know mamma isn’t dead.”, Zoe said. “Yes and to know about you. I’ll let him explain what you heard me and your mother talking about regard first born Petridis. Makes my head hurt to think about it.”, he said with a small laugh. “Well given you didn’t answer me I guess he will have to.”, she frowned. “He’s about the only one of us that understands it. He is a first born Petridis himself. Though come to think of it, there’s never been more than one Petridis born per generation. Maybe he broke something by having three of you.”, Alec explained. Zoe nodded a little. “I guess he’ll explain everything.”, she agreed. “he’ll have to. cause I’m not up for that task.”, Alec laughed. He never envied Damon’s curse. To have all those past lives, even if they gave him their knowledge, in his head. Alec had shared his head and body with Chesed for most of their lives and that was just unbearable.

“So when do we meet tomorrow?”, she asked. “I’m going to call Damon when we get back and ask for our normal time of 2 but ask him to come to the Haven instead of the dojo.”, he replied. “Will you tell him why?”, she inquired glancing to Alec. “Cazzo no! (Fuck no!)”, Alec cursed laughing. Zoe started to laugh as well. “He’ll be curious why I’d ask for the Haven. And that curiosity will be enough to get him to come.”, Alec explained. “If you’re absolutely sure.”, Zoe shrugged. “I’m not telling that man I want him to come meet his daughter from a woman we thought was dead.”, Alec said shaking his head. Zoe smiled a bit. “That might be dangerous, yeah.”, she agreed. “Exactly. And lord knows I’m not saying I want him to come meet a girl. That’s an impression I am not going to give.”, Alec said shaking his head parking the car. “A lot of people seem to think you’re dating me. I heard someone in the background when we talked say something in French but only caught the word girlfriend. And Signore Bryant seemed to get that idea too. Do you date young girls often?”, Zoe asked getting out of the car. Alec just started laughing as he got out of the car shaking his head. “Lord no. I don’t date in general.”, Alec explained unlocking the door to the stairs. Zoe blinked in surprise. “Really? Why?”, she questioned. “Why is that shocking kid? And I’m just too old for dating.”, Alec answered opening the door to the stairs. “Because you are a decent looking man.”, Zoe answered stepping into the building. “And no you aren’t too old. You are never too old to date.”, Zoe stated. Alec rolled his eyes. “None the less I don’t bother with it. Easier being a hermit. I leave my apartment to get groceries, run the restaurant and go spar with your dad.”, Alec explained. Zoe frowned a little. “That sounds lonely.”, she concluded. Alec shrugged. “After the life I had, I rather enjoy the quiet.”, Alec said not really explaining further.

“Hold on I need to get something from the kitchen.”, Alec said unlocking another door and stepping through. The smells of food wafted out in waves and Zoe smiled it reminding her of home to smell what she considered comfort food being cooked. She followed him into the kitchen and looked around. Her presence of course causing some raised eyebrows. Klaus most of all took note of her presence in the kitchen. Alec ignored their looks and just started gathering some of the fresh bread he’d baked that morning, the fresh pasta he’d made as well and then a small bag of fresh shrimp. “Que faites-vous? Allez faire cuire un dîner romantique pour votre petite amie? Peut-être que si vous êtes licencié, ce soir, vous serez moins d'un bougon demain. (What are you doing? Going to cook a romantic dinner for your girlfriend? Maybe if you get laid tonight you will be less of a grump tomorrow.)”, Klaus asked not even considering that Zoe knew French. Alec stopped as he was walking back to the door and turned glaring at Klaus. “Si le restaurant était fermé en ce moment je vous assommer froid, grenouille. Ceci est Zoe Deluca, elle est la fille de mon cher ami Isadora Deluca. Donc, ne pas faire de telles remarques épouvantables à nouveau si vous tenez pas seulement ce travail mais vivant. (If the restaurant wasn't open right now I'd knock you out cold, frog. This is Zoe Deluca, she is my dear friend Isadora Deluca's daughter. So do not make such appalling remarks again if you value not just this job but living.)”, Alec said sternly. Zoe simply shook her head. She’d heard worse things from tourists working at the café, but then again they were never implying something about her and someone old enough to be her father who also happened to be close friends with her actual father and was friend with her mother as well. Klaus smiled but said nothing further going back to cooking. “Come on”, Alec said ushering Zoe out of the kitchen and closing then locking the door once more.

“I’m sorry about Klaus, he’s…well he’s French and that’s about the only excuse I can think of for his annoying ways.”, Alec apologized. “It’s alright Alec. I’ve heard much worse, granted never an implication I was sleeping with my parents’ friend.”, Zoe said shaking her head. “No it isn’t. But oh well. Come on I’ll fix something to eat and call your dad.”, Alec said heading up to his apartment. Zoe rubbed her stomach which was starting to growl having gotten a smell of the food being cooked in the restaurant. So she followed him up to his apartment. Zoe sat down on a stool to watch with interest and Alec started getting out additional ingredients and pans. Before starting to cook Alec got out his phone and called Damon. “Ciao Damon. (Hi Damon)”, Alec greeted. Damon had just finished closing up when he answered. “Ciao Alec. Che succede amico? (Hi Alec. What's going on friend?)”, Damon greeted always glad to hear from his one old friend. Zoe stayed quiet but smiled as she could hear her father’s voice, he didn’t sound any different than he had on the home movie Alec showed her the night before. “Volevo sapere se potevamo incontrarci al Haven domani invece del dojo. (I wanted to know if we could meet at the Haven tomorrow instead of the dojo.)”, Alec requested. Damon stopped unlocking his car confused. “Cosa? The Haven? Perché? Cosa c'è di sbagliato? (What? The Haven? Why? What's wrong?)”, Damon questioned his mind and the voices in his head all agreeing that the only reason to meet at the Haven of all places was if something was wrong. Alec sighed and looked at Zoe. There wasn’t something wrong, if anything something was actually right. “C'è solo qualcosa che ho bisogno di parlare con te su. E non mi sento sicuro di farlo nel dojo. Vi prego di incontrarmi a due come normale, ma al rifugio? (There is just something I need to talk to you about. And I don't feel it safe to do that at the dojo. Will you please meet me at two as normal but at the Haven?)”, Alec asked. Damon sighed and got into his car. “Sì. Io ci sarò. Sono curioso ora vecchio amico. (Yes. I'll be there. I'm curious now old friend.)”, Damon admitted. Alec laughed. “Bene. Ci vediamo allora e sarà tutto un senso. Buonanotte vecchio amico. (Good. I'll see you then and it will all make sense. Goodnight old friend.)”, Alec said. “Buonanotte vecchio amico (Goodnight old friend)”, Damon said hanging up.

“That went well. So tomorrow I meet my father. God I’m actually nervous. I mean you accepted me as being their daughter with little questioning. You’ve welcomed me into your home as if I was family. But will he? What if he rejects me? What if you were wrong and telling him is going to go bad for me and mamma? Or for you as the messenger?”, Zoe asked starting to get worried. Alec sighed and put his phone away placing a hand over Zoe’s giving in a gentle squeeze of reassurance. “You are Isadora’s daughter for that alone I welcome you in my home as family because she was and still is family in my heart. Damon will not reject you. You are his daughter. He cannot deny that and will accept it. I can’t promise it won’t be harder for him than me. But he will not do anything to harm you and certain wouldn’t dream to harm Izzy.”, Alec assured taking his head back and starting to finely chop an onion before mincing up a garlic clove then chopping some fresh tomatoes and basil.

Zoe smiled feeling a bit more assured by his words. She blinked a little watching the speed and skill that he used the knife. She laughed a little as she watched finding it entertaining, like watching her mother cook. Alec set the knife down and raised an eyebrow “What?”, Alec asked smiling. “Just you are very skilled. I thought mamma was good with a knife.”, Zoe commented. Alec laughed. “Yes well I’m older than your mother. So I’ve had more practice. “, he said adding olive oil to a large skillet and adding the onion and some red pepper flakes sautéing them. Next he added the garlic and then some anchovy paste before adding the tomatoes, some dry white wine, and salt to taste letting it simmer. He set the loaf of bread down and a knife. “Here cut the bread please.”, Alec instructed as he dropped the spaghetti into the boiling salted water. He tossed the shrimp into the sauce letting them cook before draining the pasta a little and adding that to the skillet mixing it all together. Zoe finished up cutting the bread and then got two bowls and wine glasses pouring wine without even being asked or asking if she should. Alec turned and divided the meal between the two bowls before putting the chopped basil on top as garnish. “Thanks.”, Alec said realizing she’d poured the wine already as well. He had to admit as they sat down and started eating it was nice having someone around, like the days that Izzy lived downstairs and they would share meals though most meals also included Damon. Maybe if things went well tomorrow that could happen again. He missed hosting his friends for meals.

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Zoe adjusted her bandana to ensure her hair was still covered. She didn’t want who she was to become known as of yet. Certainly not before Alec was able to set up for her to meet her father. If anyone should know of her existence first it needed to be him. And these three obviously knew her father and brother so she could only assume if her identity became known to them they would tell them. With how Alec spoke about her father and the possible reactions to her existence and the fact her mother was alive, she didn’t trust anyone but herself to deliver that news. She watched the two girls that blocked her only way out of the alley. Her dark blue eyes darting to look around for any form of an escape. She saw two doors that lead out to the alley but wasn’t really in a position to easily try to get them. She felt cornered and if she attempted one of the doors it would just invite those two to come after her thinking they had her running scared again. As if realizing that she was cornered Talia and Artemis started, cautiously, to step forward. They now knew what her powers were so they could start to formulate how to fight her.

By coincidence or divine intervention, however you wanted to view it one of the doors swung up into the alley from the structure on the left. All three girls stopped dead and looked to the door. Zoe in hopes of salvation. Talia and Artemis ready to assess the new threat and how to resolve it. Holding a large cardboard box of pieces of wiring and speakers was David Bryant. His ocean blue eyes looked to the left at the unknown girl trapped at the end of the alley, ahead to the marble statue of a gargoyle who he determined was Apollo by the face, then to the right at Artemis and Talia in their true forms blocking the exit of the alley. It didn’t take rocket science to know the unknown girl needed help. So he did the only thing that came to mind. “Hey you. You’re the girl Mikali hired right? You’re twenty minutes late. Get inside.”, David said sternly looking to the girl pointing to the door as he tossed the box of broken electronics into the dumpster. Zoe blinked looking at the middle aged man. “Si Capo. Scusi. (Yes, boss. Sorry.)”, Zoe stammered in Italian moving for the door. David sighed. “Well that explains it. Mikali and hiring people that speak his native language.”, David said shaking his head. He turned to look at Talia and Artemis. “You two…get this out of my alley before I throw it out myself. And leave my employee alone. Now off with you and give your parents my regards.”, David said with a bright smile the sun reflecting off his metal lip ring making his smile seem that much brighter.

Talia and Artemis both held back their words. Neither liked David Bryant, aka Crow, but both knew better than to attack the leader of the Haven. They could always find this new girl when she was away from the Draven, unless this girl had taken up residence at the Haven before they could then they both knew getting pay back would not be possible. Talia internally cursing Crow for legally making the Draven covered by the Haven laws that her father had to follow and thus she had to. The pair looked at the marble statue of Apollo trying to figure out how to get him out of the alley without drawing too much attention. “Posso aiutare, capo. (I can help, boss.)”, Zoe said standing in the doorway to the club and snapped her fingers. The effect of her powers starting to wear off faster as apparent by the fact Apollo’s clawed feet were starting to transition from marble to flesh again. David nodded and turned his back to the alley stepping back into the club closing the door as soon as Zoe was safely inside. “Please tell me you don’t only speak Italian. Because I speak two languages, English and Profane English.”, David said with a smile. Zoe nodded. “Thank you. I do speak English, but I had told them I didn’t so I figured to keep my lie going. Why did you lie to them sir? You don’t know me after all. So why help me?”, Zoe explained starting to question him. She’d put faith in one stranger yesterday, but that stranger had a name and face she knew and a connection to her parents. This pierced and tattooed man was truly a complete stranger yet had helped her. David extended his hand. “David Bryant aka Crow. I am part owner of the club you're currently in, The Draven teen nightclub, and the leader of the Haven. So it’s kind of in the job to help lone mutants. You’re safe here. The Draven falls under the laws of the Haven. Unless you’ve never heard of the Haven and then I can explain if you like.”, David explained introducing himself.

Zoe knew the word, it was where Alec said was safest for her to meet her father. Alec said it was the neutral zone for mutants. She took his hand shaking his. “Nice to meet you Signore Bryant. I’m Zoe DeLuca. And I have heard of the Haven. Thank you again for your help with those three. I don’t even know who they are or why they tried to attack me.”, Zoe sighed. “Well glad you’ve heard of us, easier on me to not explain then.”, David said grabbing a new speaker from a box and without even looking at it the speaker floated up to the high ceiling and a set of screws followed up starting to position the speaker and screw it into the bracket. Zoe blinked watching. “Those where Artemis, the female gargoyle, and the one you turned to stone is her twin brother Apollo. The blue demon is Talia. They are students at the Academy. As for what you did. Well you could have breathed is about enough for them some days. Where did you run into dumb, dumber and their master?”, David asked looking at her as the new sound system was installing itself, his powers at the point he didn’t even pay direct attention to what he was doing.
Zoe shook her head looking away from the spectacle of the self installing sound system to David.

“Um I have been running from them since I was standing outside Fenice Dojo. I was just watching two guys sparing.”, Zoe explained being vague. David nodded. “Damon’s place then. One of the guys sparing have white hair and look like a younger version of the other who would probably be wearing a scarf on his head?”, David asked. “Um yes.”, Zoe said not knowing how that could be relevant. “Then that’s it. Talia is the girlfriend to the white haired boy. She probably thought you weren’t watching the match but looking at what is hers. The saying goes men look for women like their mothers, well Alexander certainly did that finding the biggest and most possessive bitch of his generation.”, David said with a laugh. Zoe’s face contorted like she might throw up at the implication she was looking at her half brother in that way. “Ewww. No. I was just watching the match. I was certainly not looking at…Alexander…in that way.”, Zoe shuddered. David laughed. “Fair enough kid.”, David nodded. “Um. So I’m obviously new in town and have zero clue where I’m going. I’m staying with a family friend. I know you just helped me with the three stooges out there, but might I borrow a phone to call for a ride?”, Zoe asked. David nodded. “Yeah no problem. Phone is over at the bar.”, David answered pointing to the bar before turning his attention to installing the new sound system.

“Thank you.”, Zoe said turning to the bar finding the phone and pulling out a business card for the restaurant from her pocket and dialed. Alec was in the kitchen of the restaurant, it was still before they opened. At the moment he was arguing with his sous chef Klaus Leblanc. “Le jour où je sers escargots est le jour où je ferme mon restaurant! (The day I serve snails is the day I close my restaurant!)”, Alec shouted in French glaring at his blonde haired sous chef. “Vous ne dites cela parce que vous ne l'aimez pas les escargots . Ils sont une cuisine italienne traditionnelle aussi. (You only say this because you do not like snails. They are a traditional italian cuisine too.)”, Klaus argued back in French. “Cela fait partie de celui-ci. Mais ce sont de américains, ils ne seront pas commander escargots. (That's part of it. But these are American's they won't order snails.)”, Alec countered. Neither chef hearing the phone ringing outside the kitchen door. The manager Robin Maher, a thin young man with twny brown hair did hear the phone and stopped getting candles lit to answer. “Good afternoon. Two Brothers Fine Dining. This is Robin how might I help you?”, Robin greeted smiling. “Um, ciao. May I speak with Alec? Tell him it’s Zoe.”, she asked glancing over to David who seemed to not being paying attention to her at the moment. “Certainly. Let me see if the chef is available to speak with.”, Robin said placing the call on hold.

He leaned into the kitchen timidly hearing the shouting in French. He’d still yet to master the language but he was trying to learn. Though he didn’t really talk about why he was trying to learn French while at the restaurant. He kind of figured that him seeing Klaus was against some HR policy. “Excuse me. Not to interrupt, but Chef there is a call for you.”, Robin said timidly. Klaus and Alec both stopped in their argument to look at the small manager who’d interrupted their fight. Klaus smiled softly at Robin and how timid he looked, he’d remember that later and see about making it up to him in private. “What!?”, Alec said then sighed. “I’m sorry Robin. What’s going on? Who’s on the phone?”, Alec said his voice softening as he hadn’t meant to yell at his manager. “A woman named Zoe..”, Robin said question finding it odd for someone to call for Alec especially a woman. Alec blinked. “Zoe? Um alright, I’ll go take the call.”, Alec said quickly ducking out of the kitchen picking up the phone.

“Ciao Zoe. Cosa sta succedendo? (Hi Zoe. What's going on?)”, Alec greeted answering the phone. Klaus raised an eyebrow not only that a woman was calling but how quickly Alec rushed to take the call. “Aww avez-vous une petite amie maintenant? Pour un homme qui se posa vous êtes toujours grognon (Aww do you have a girlfriend now? For a man who is getting laid you are still grumpy.)”, Klaus teased. Alec shook his head and held up a middle finger to Klaus. Zoe couldn’t quite make out the French being spoken in the background to properly translate but she did hear the word ‘girlfriend’. “Ciao Alec. Ho paura io mi sono preso in qualche guaio. Mi sono imbattuto in quel comitato di benvenuto e mi hanno inseguito per un vicolo. Un uomo di nome David mi fece entrare nella sua squadra per sfuggire loro. Mi potrebbe prendere o spettacolo che rimanere qui? Ha detto che era al sicuro qui. (Hi Alec. I'm afraid I got myself into some trouble. I ran into that welcoming committee and they chased me to an alley. A man named David let me into his club to escape them. Could you pick me up or show I just stay here? He said it was safe here.)”, Zoe answered. She felt it probably safer to speak in Italian as David had said he didn’t speak it.

Alec sighed as she said she came across the welcoming committee. He raised an eyebrow as she said she was in a club with someone named David. His mind going over the name and the club and could only come to one conclusion. It had to be the Draven and David Bryant. He sighed relieved that she was at least safe there. The Draven fell under Haven jurisdiction and David would not let harm come to her no matter who’s daughter she is. “Così siete al Draven. Bene, almeno sei al sicuro. Non riesco ad andare via appena ancora. Posso parlare con David? Vado a vedere se sarebbe bene per voi di rimanere lì fino a che posso prenderti. (So you are at the Draven. Alright at least you are safe there. I can't get away just yet. May I speak with David? I'll see if it would be okay for you to stay there till I can get you.)”, Alec said. “Si.”, Zoe nodded turning to look at David. “Um Signore Bryant. He’d like to speak with you.”, Zoe said holing out the phone. David turned his attention from the speakers to her and walked over taking the phone. “Hello. David Bryant here.”, David greeted. “Hi David. This is Alec D’Amour, I run Two Brothers Fine Dining here in town. First thank you for helping my niece. She’s visiting from Italy. I’m rather busy here at the restaurant. Would it be alright if she stayed there for a few hours, maybe help you with things around the club till I can pick her up?”, Alec asked.

David thought for a moment kind of mentally looking through a filing cabinet of information to remember who Alec was. And he easily remembered him from long ago but mostly because of Alec’s mutant identical twin Chesed. He looked at Zoe and recalled what Alec looked like and didn’t really see family resemblance and Zoe had called Alec a family friend. Which made David wonder what was going on there. But he’d keep that to himself. “Yeah not a problem Alec.”, David agreed handing the phone back to Zoe to return to what he was doing. “Alec?”, Zoe questioned being handed the phone. “Così si rimanere lì fino a quando posso ottenere lei, che sarà un paio d'ore. Aiuto David con qualunque intorno al club per riempire il tempo. Resta fuori dai guai per favore. Ciao Zoe. (So you will stay there till I can get you which will be a few hours. Help David with whatever around the club to fill the time. Stay out of trouble please. Bye Zoe.)”, Alec said. Zoe nodded. “Okay. Ciao Alec.”, Zoe said hanging up. “So what can I help with?”, Zoe asked. David glanced over and pointed to the storage room door behind the bar. “You can help with inventory. There’s a clipboard and pen just inside the door just do a tally of what we have so I can order as needed.”, David instructed figuring that would keep her busy. Zoe nodded and headed into the back.

Once Apollo was back to normal the trio had returned to their human disguises and headed back to the dojo. Alexander was standing outside waiting for them looking up and down the street trying to figure out where they’d taken off to. Inside his father was training another group of Academy students. Alexander looked over his shoulder into the window and watched the eleven students paring off. But due to it being an uneven number his little sister Gina with her bright red hair was sparring against their father. Alexander leaned against the wall looking through the glass at the sparing matches. Tyler, with his blonde hair and light blue eyes favoring his father in appearance, looked so small against his cousin Kevin who had the height and features of his father and older brother. The Frost cousins had all chosen to spare against one another the boys not picking their actual twin. He watched with some additional interest as his girlfriend’s niece Esabelle , who favored her mother Illyana in appearance, faced off against Kevin’s little sister Larissa who looked very much like their mother Lorna. But mostly he just watched his little sister and his father. He froze for a moment hearing heavy footsteps behind and knew it was Apollo’s.

“Where did you three run off to? You missed all of training. Dad said you’ll have to make up the session when Emma does.”, Alexander questioned turning to look at the three of them. The twins both looked to Talia and so did he. “There was some girl standing at the window of the dojo and I didn’t care for how she was looking at you. So we approached her and she ran. So we followed in pursuit.”, Talia explained. Alex sighed shaking his head slipping his arms around Talia’s waist pressing his forehead against hers. “You are crazy possessive you know that?”, Alex teased. Talia narrowed her eyes. Alex smiled and kissed her. “I like that about you, Daimónissa (demoness)”, Alex said using his Greek pet name for her. Talia smiled a little and kiss him back. “Yes well she got away from us, after we found out her power. She turns things to stone. Doesn’t she Apollo?”, Talia explained teasing Apollo a little. Apollo grunted in annoyance. “To stone? Interesting and potentially useful power. What do you mean got away?”, Alex asked one arm retracting from around Talia but keeping the other as they started to walk. “Crow interfered and she was able to get into the Draven so we couldn’t continue our pursuit. “, Artemis answered. Alex nodded. “Well Bayville is a small town, we’ll see her again I’m sure.”, Alex concluded as they headed home.

As promised a few hours later Alec was able to get out of the restaurant and drove over to the Draven. He’d never of course been to the club having been in his twenties when he first moved to Bayville. He knocked once on the door before stepping inside. “Zoe? David?”, Alec called as he stepped inside. David was up on the stage messing with wires of a speaker and looked up hearing his name. “Hey Alec.”, David greeted getting down from the stage and walking over leaving the speaker behind the copper wires inside still moving trying to fix an issue with it. “Where’s Zoe?”, Alec asked looking around. “Your ‘niece’ is in the back I had her do inventory.”, David said. “Why are you using quotes like that when you say niece?”, Alec asked. “Well you tell me she’s your niece she said you’re a family friend. Which is it?”, David asked. “Both. Your children call Demitri and Mikali Uncle but they aren’t related to you.”, Alec explained. David shrugged. “I suppose that’s fair.”, David said going and jumping over the counter of the bar and pushing the door to the back open. “Hey Zoe, your ride is here.”, David called. Zoe walked over setting the clipboard back where she found it. She’d finished the inventory a while ago but had stayed in the back to just double count for good measure. “Thanks for letting me say Signore Bryant.”, Zoe said heading out from behind the bar to stand by Alec glad to have a familiar face near her. “Thanks for doing inventory, I hate that stuff.”, David said walking back over.

“Since I’m here I have a favor to ask of you David.”, Alec said realizing he could just talk to David now about having the meeting at the Haven rather than calling there. David arched a pierced brow and folded his arms looking at Alec. “And what might that be?”, David asked. “I want to set up a meeting with Damon at the Haven for tomorrow afternoon.”, Alec explained. David furrowed his brows confused. He didn’t deal often with Damon even back in the old days. “Phoenix? Wait I thought you and he are friends. Why would you need to meet at my house?”, David questioned not seeing why the Haven should be involved. “I want to introduce him to Zoe, and it would be best to have that meeting on a neutral location.”, Alec explained. David looked at Zoe and then back at Alec really not following now. “I thought..didn’t you just compare her to like my kids and their Uncles Demitri and Mikali?”, David questioned. “It’s not like that. It’s just well…”, Alec was trying to think of how to explain without telling too much. Zoe sighed and decided if the Haven was supposed to keep mutants safe like David said and was neutral as both he and Alec said it didn’t matter if he knew. She reached up and pulled off her bandana shaking out her white hair. David blinked and looked at Zoe and easily now saw the similar features of the Petridis family. “Well shit…. So the meeting at the Haven is to avoid an outburst from a certain red headed psychopath?”, David asked. Alec nodded. “Precisely. This is a delicate situation and I do not want her involved until or unless Damon chooses to involve her.”, Alec explained. David sighed and nodded. “Alright. They can meet at the house. And we’ll ensure it doesn’t become an explosive situation. If Geri gets wind of what’s going on and has the balls to start something I’ll just sick Solangel on her.”, David concluded. Alec nodded. “Thank you David. We will be by tomorrow afternoon.”, Alec said. “Thank you Signore Bryant.”, Zoe said turning and leaving with Alec.

Alec sighed getting into the car. “Well other than having a knack for trouble you at least saved me a phone call.”, Alec said with a smile starting the car. Zoe smiled and nodded. “A little.”, she agreed. “Only a little? You better be ready for more than little trouble starting tomorrow. Meeting him will…well it can go a few ways and end bad for some people.”, Alec said as he drove. “I just..he deserves to know mamma isn’t dead.”, Zoe said. “Yes and to know about you. I’ll let him explain what you heard me and your mother talking about regard first born Petridis. Makes my head hurt to think about it.”, he said with a small laugh. “Well given you didn’t answer me I guess he will have to.”, she frowned. “He’s about the only one of us that understands it. He is a first born Petridis himself. Though come to think of it, there’s never been more than one Petridis born per generation. Maybe he broke something by having three of you.”, Alec explained. Zoe nodded a little. “I guess he’ll explain everything.”, she agreed. “he’ll have to. cause I’m not up for that task.”, Alec laughed. He never envied Damon’s curse. To have all those past lives, even if they gave him their knowledge, in his head. Alec had shared his head and body with Chesed for most of their lives and that was just unbearable.

“So when do we meet tomorrow?”, she asked. “I’m going to call Damon when we get back and ask for our normal time of 2 but ask him to come to the Haven instead of the dojo.”, he replied. “Will you tell him why?”, she inquired glancing to Alec. “Cazzo no! (Fuck no!)”, Alec cursed laughing. Zoe started to laugh as well. “He’ll be curious why I’d ask for the Haven. And that curiosity will be enough to get him to come.”, Alec explained. “If you’re absolutely sure.”, Zoe shrugged. “I’m not telling that man I want him to come meet his daughter from a woman we thought was dead.”, Alec said shaking his head. Zoe smiled a bit. “That might be dangerous, yeah.”, she agreed. “Exactly. And lord knows I’m not saying I want him to come meet a girl. That’s an impression I am not going to give.”, Alec said shaking his head parking the car. “A lot of people seem to think you’re dating me. I heard someone in the background when we talked say something in French but only caught the word girlfriend. And Signore Bryant seemed to get that idea too. Do you date young girls often?”, Zoe asked getting out of the car. Alec just started laughing as he got out of the car shaking his head. “Lord no. I don’t date in general.”, Alec explained unlocking the door to the stairs. Zoe blinked in surprise. “Really? Why?”, she questioned. “Why is that shocking kid? And I’m just too old for dating.”, Alec answered opening the door to the stairs. “Because you are a decent looking man.”, Zoe answered stepping into the building. “And no you aren’t too old. You are never too old to date.”, Zoe stated. Alec rolled his eyes. “None the less I don’t bother with it. Easier being a hermit. I leave my apartment to get groceries, run the restaurant and go spar with your dad.”, Alec explained. Zoe frowned a little. “That sounds lonely.”, she concluded. Alec shrugged. “After the life I had, I rather enjoy the quiet.”, Alec said not really explaining further.

“Hold on I need to get something from the kitchen.”, Alec said unlocking another door and stepping through. The smells of food wafted out in waves and Zoe smiled it reminding her of home to smell what she considered comfort food being cooked. She followed him into the kitchen and looked around. Her presence of course causing some raised eyebrows. Klaus most of all took note of her presence in the kitchen. Alec ignored their looks and just started gathering some of the fresh bread he’d baked that morning, the fresh pasta he’d made as well and then a small bag of fresh shrimp. “Que faites-vous? Allez faire cuire un dîner romantique pour votre petite amie? Peut-être que si vous êtes licencié, ce soir, vous serez moins d'un bougon demain. (What are you doing? Going to cook a romantic dinner for your girlfriend? Maybe if you get laid tonight you will be less of a grump tomorrow.)”, Klaus asked not even considering that Zoe knew French. Alec stopped as he was walking back to the door and turned glaring at Klaus. “Si le restaurant était fermé en ce moment je vous assommer froid, grenouille. Ceci est Zoe Deluca, elle est la fille de mon cher ami Isadora Deluca. Donc, ne pas faire de telles remarques épouvantables à nouveau si vous tenez pas seulement ce travail mais vivant. (If the restaurant wasn't open right now I'd knock you out cold, frog. This is Zoe Deluca, she is my dear friend Isadora Deluca's daughter. So do not make such appalling remarks again if you value not just this job but living.)”, Alec said sternly. Zoe simply shook her head. She’d heard worse things from tourists working at the café, but then again they were never implying something about her and someone old enough to be her father who also happened to be close friends with her actual father and was friend with her mother as well. Klaus smiled but said nothing further going back to cooking. “Come on”, Alec said ushering Zoe out of the kitchen and closing then locking the door once more.

“I’m sorry about Klaus, he’s…well he’s French and that’s about the only excuse I can think of for his annoying ways.”, Alec apologized. “It’s alright Alec. I’ve heard much worse, granted never an implication I was sleeping with my parents’ friend.”, Zoe said shaking her head. “No it isn’t. But oh well. Come on I’ll fix something to eat and call your dad.”, Alec said heading up to his apartment. Zoe rubbed her stomach which was starting to growl having gotten a smell of the food being cooked in the restaurant. So she followed him up to his apartment. Zoe sat down on a stool to watch with interest and Alec started getting out additional ingredients and pans. Before starting to cook Alec got out his phone and called Damon. “Ciao Damon. (Hi Damon)”, Alec greeted. Damon had just finished closing up when he answered. “Ciao Alec. Che succede amico? (Hi Alec. What's going on friend?)”, Damon greeted always glad to hear from his one old friend. Zoe stayed quiet but smiled as she could hear her father’s voice, he didn’t sound any different than he had on the home movie Alec showed her the night before. “Volevo sapere se potevamo incontrarci al Haven domani invece del dojo. (I wanted to know if we could meet at the Haven tomorrow instead of the dojo.)”, Alec requested. Damon stopped unlocking his car confused. “Cosa? The Haven? Perché? Cosa c'è di sbagliato? (What? The Haven? Why? What's wrong?)”, Damon questioned his mind and the voices in his head all agreeing that the only reason to meet at the Haven of all places was if something was wrong. Alec sighed and looked at Zoe. There wasn’t something wrong, if anything something was actually right. “C'è solo qualcosa che ho bisogno di parlare con te su. E non mi sento sicuro di farlo nel dojo. Vi prego di incontrarmi a due come normale, ma al rifugio? (There is just something I need to talk to you about. And I don't feel it safe to do that at the dojo. Will you please meet me at two as normal but at the Haven?)”, Alec asked. Damon sighed and got into his car. “Sì. Io ci sarò. Sono curioso ora vecchio amico. (Yes. I'll be there. I'm curious now old friend.)”, Damon admitted. Alec laughed. “Bene. Ci vediamo allora e sarà tutto un senso. Buonanotte vecchio amico. (Good. I'll see you then and it will all make sense. Goodnight old friend.)”, Alec said. “Buonanotte vecchio amico (Goodnight old friend)”, Damon said hanging up.

“That went well. So tomorrow I meet my father. God I’m actually nervous. I mean you accepted me as being their daughter with little questioning. You’ve welcomed me into your home as if I was family. But will he? What if he rejects me? What if you were wrong and telling him is going to go bad for me and mamma? Or for you as the messenger?”, Zoe asked starting to get worried. Alec sighed and put his phone away placing a hand over Zoe’s giving in a gentle squeeze of reassurance. “You are Isadora’s daughter for that alone I welcome you in my home as family because she was and still is family in my heart. Damon will not reject you. You are his daughter. He cannot deny that and will accept it. I can’t promise it won’t be harder for him than me. But he will not do anything to harm you and certain wouldn’t dream to harm Izzy.”, Alec assured taking his head back and starting to finely chop an onion before mincing up a garlic clove then chopping some fresh tomatoes and basil.

Zoe smiled feeling a bit more assured by his words. She blinked a little watching the speed and skill that he used the knife. She laughed a little as she watched finding it entertaining, like watching her mother cook. Alec set the knife down and raised an eyebrow “What?”, Alec asked smiling. “Just you are very skilled. I thought mamma was good with a knife.”, Zoe commented. Alec laughed. “Yes well I’m older than your mother. So I’ve had more practice. “, he said adding olive oil to a large skillet and adding the onion and some red pepper flakes sautéing them. Next he added the garlic and then some anchovy paste before adding the tomatoes, some dry white wine, and salt to taste letting it simmer. He set the loaf of bread down and a knife. “Here cut the bread please.”, Alec instructed as he dropped the spaghetti into the boiling salted water. He tossed the shrimp into the sauce letting them cook before draining the pasta a little and adding that to the skillet mixing it all together. Zoe finished up cutting the bread and then got two bowls and wine glasses pouring wine without even being asked or asking if she should. Alec turned and divided the meal between the two bowls before putting the chopped basil on top as garnish. “Thanks.”, Alec said realizing she’d poured the wine already as well. He had to admit as they sat down and started eating it was nice having someone around, like the days that Izzy lived downstairs and they would share meals though most meals also included Damon. Maybe if things went well tomorrow that could happen again. He missed hosting his friends for meals.