And I don't even need your love

[Alec Thoreau]

Alec Thoreau finally got away from the States for a while. He took a bit of a hiatus from his job, and he was going international to work on his culinary skills. The best way to do that was to experience different kinds of foods, the most exotic to get the tastes. He more than likely got this skill of cooking from his sister, Leilani, whom also was a good chef. And she also owned her own amazing, successful restaurant. He would love to be there too, but he would rather own his own chain. However he was not good enough to open his own chain just yet. For now, he was going to be traveling. This country that he was entering in from a plane was none other than Greece. Greece looked amazing from the sky. As soon as the plane landed, Alec received his luggage and he walked out of the airport to find his hotel that he was staying at while he was in Greece. Then he would go to find something to eat. After all, he needed to learn the tastes of many different areas before he became the next amazing, famous chef. He was all out for fame, but he also loved cooking too. It was hard to figure out which he liked more. Fame or food. There was a good chance that it was both. Alec found his hotel room easily and he made everything neat and unpacked. He was going to be here for some time. He planned on being here for five weeks. That would give him a great adventure trying out different foods all over the country, while staying here in this hotel. Alec thought that the hotel room was nice and all, but he had definitely stayed in better. He used to go to New York all of the time, so he knew great hotels.

After leaving the hotel, Alec went over across the street to a restaurant. He knew the name since he had read about it, and he was positive that they had some pretty amazing food. That was what he had heard anyway. He waited to be seated and the inside looked elegant. He was very impressed. Alec wondered if it was easy to tell that he was from out of town. Out of this continent actually. Alec smirked a bit when he looked around and he could see some amazing looking staff too. Very hot, those Greek women were. He was seated by a person working there, and he looked over the menu. He did not understand some of the things on there, but he hoped that there was a translation menu on the other side. Thankfully, there was so that he could order something. He ordered some tea before he went back over his menu to decide on what he wanted. When he decided, Alec ordered a skordalia with fried eggplant and zucchini as an appetizer before ordering his main dish of souvlaki, which the meat was lamb for him. For dessert, he ordered loukoumades. The dishes would come out one at a time for him. As soon as he began his appetizer, his eyes caught the outline of a really beautiful blonde woman. She looked amazingly good right now. Alec gave her a smile, and a wink as a flirtation. He really hoped that what he had done was not rude in this country. He did not know the laws after all.​

 

[Verity Thoreau]

Verity was ready to go home and relax for the night. Long shifts like these were the absolute worst, even if they brought in good money. The shift was coming to a close though, which meant that Verity could go home soon. Verity hated being a waitress, but it wasn’t like she could afford to quit her job right then and there. Her parents took good care of her, but the moment she was old enough, they shoved her right into the cruel adult world where Verity was forced to fend for herself. Higher paying jobs were a lot harder to come across, so while she kept her eyes open, Verity was forced to work part-time as a waitress. At the same time she was also training to become a cook whenever they assistance back in the kitchen. Verity liked to cook, and if the position of cook ever popped up she would snag that in a heartbeat. ”Here’s your food, guys!” Verity smiled softly as she brought a family their food. It seemed like the friendlier she was, the better tips she got. Once all the food was passed out, Verity took her tray and started to head back to the counter. Halfway on her trip back, Verity noticed someone staring at her. He not only smiled at her, but winked at her as well. Verity glanced around to make sure he wasn’t aiming those at someone else before she returned his gestures with a girly wave. He wasn’t even in the section that she waited on so she wondered why he was being so flirty. Perhaps he was trying to get a rise out of her or something. Verity quickly turned away and went back to the kitchen; her shift was about up so she was going to finish her last couple of rounds.

When Verity was sent home, the first thing she did was rip her apron off, and undo her hair right outside of the restaurant. It was dark outside, but the lights from the city were enough to light up the streets for her. Despite it being late, Verity noticed a heavy of customers still coming in and out to get some food. Greek people loved their food. Verity was about to start walking home, when a familiar someone exited the restaurant. At first she didn’t think he was going to do anything but start heading off to wherever he needed to go, but that wasn’t the case it would seem. ”You again. Those were some pretty flirty gestures you were throwing my way earlier. Were you trying to distract me from getting my work done?” Verity was now grinning, her pearly white teeth nearly gleaming in the moonlight. She liked it when the customers were friendly, but he seemed to be a bit friendlier than most were, and he wasn’t even her customer! He was handsome, but he didn’t look like he was Greek. Perhaps he was just traveling or visiting some family within the country? He must have had a good eye for food though; he came to one of the best places in all of Greece….not that Verity was being biased or anything. Verity wanted to thank him for coming out to get some good food, but her shift was over with, so she didn’t really see the point in doing such a thing. ​

 

[Alec Thoreau]

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<COLOR color="#000">As soon as the waiter acknowledged his wink, Alec just knew that she might have liked him. She was something else, and just too hot to boot. There was no way he could pass up flirting with her. Alec looked at his watch and thought that it might be time that he left the restaurant, and he would end up waiting outside for the young blonde that captured his interests. She was Greek, and that was hot enough as is. Surely if she spoke English, then he would be all over her like bees to a soda. It was a shame that the waitress he wanted to talk to was not waiting on him that evening otherwise he would have left her a great tip. Almost enough to where he would want to get something special in return. He had sisters and whatnot, but he knew how girls worked for the most part. He would never want his sisters around someone like him, but he also knew that his sisters were not here to chastise him on his rude, inappropriate behavior. What was wrong with having some fun anyway? He had no idea that he was similar to Leia in that respect. Oh well, he walked outside of the restaurant and he decided to wait there on the beautiful waitress that was... Well, he did not know her name. He might know her name by the time the month is out. He was not staying any longer than that. This was his first night here too. He needed something or someone to do while he was here. He was still a teenager after all, and he had a lot of angst build up inside. If only he had a girlfriend that he could release it all into, but he didn't appreciate that stuff. He felt it was a waste.

The moment he emerged from those exit doors, Alec did not have to wait on that waitress as she was right there. She must have gotten off of work. How lucky was he? Instead of walking off to his hotel, he walked straight toward her, and she made the first conversation move. She asked if he was trying to distract her from getting her work done, and he thought that if he played his cards just right, she would be putty in his hands. "I would never distract a stunning woman such as yourself from getting your work done. I was merely showing you that I am very interested in what I see. Something about food gets me really excited." His American accent was hard to not recognize, but he was just glad that she spoke English enough to where he can understand her. Now that she was off work, maybe he can make some moves on her. That is, if she fell for him. "I am new in town, travelling the world to get great taste pallet. I want to be a chef one day of my own fine dining restaurant. I wouldn't mind it if you could assist me with a tour around the city? My name is Alec Thoreau by the way. I'm from the United States, Hawaii to be exact." It would not explain why he had pale skin right now, but he often did not go out in the sun. He worked long hours many days a week, and found himself too exhausted to go surfing or swimming.​

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[Verity Thoreau]

Verity hardly believed the man in front of her. Why else would he behave in such a manner? Clearly he was trying to get some sort of attention, and that was distracting. Folding her arms over her chest, Verity shook her head softly. "I hardly believe you." Verity was also under the impression that this guy was a foreigner. He accent wasn't too familiar, nor was the way he behaved. He was quite sly and snake-like to Verity, while most men from this area were very honest and genuine with their intentions. It was pretty cool to see something different come along, Verity lived in a secluded town where it seemed like nothing interesting ever happened. "You wanted attention from all the pretty waitresses and you know it." Verity might have been a small-town girl, but she knew better than to fall for that sort of thing. Her father was the same way, he loved the attention of a pretty woman. He would go to just about any length to get what he wanted from them too. Perhaps that was why Verity wasn't all that intimated by the way this man was behaving? Perhaps this was the type of behavior she was used to whenever she was home with her parents.

"Ah so you are a foreigner! I thought so! I've heard of Hawaii, quite a place to be coming from. My name is Verity Katsaros." Verity was quite pleased to hear that she was correct in thinking that he was foreigner. Not to mention that he was from a place she had actually heard of. He claimed to be traveling because of food, but Verity wasn't sure how much she believed that story. He seemed like too much of a troublemaker. "I suppose I an show you around. I have nothing better to do anyways. Maybe if you're lucky, some of the local cafe's will still be open. They serve some of the best wine and cheesecake. It's to die for." Verity motioned for the strange man to follow her. Verity wondered if he had any place to stay. Verity had her own place, and though it was quite small, if this guy proved not to be a total creeper by the end of her trip, she might offer him a place to rest his head. If not, she would ditch him as soon as she possibly could. Verity was young, and didn't feel like having her life end so soon. Especially not because of some foreign weirdo. ​

 

[Alec Thoreau]

Alec could not help but chuckle when she hardly believed him. Well, she was one of those women that seemed like she deserved to be distracted. She was just so hot. He wanted to get into that. "Well, you don't have to believe me. But even cute girls need some attention after all. It ought to be flattering, right?" Alec was trying to get her to open up to him and let him gain her trust. Then she stated that he wanted attention from all the pretty waitresses and he knew it. Well, that was somewhat right. Only thing was, he wanted attention from her. Just her. She was the most beautiful one there, and that was what he was aiming for. "Well, to be honest, just from you. So you are half right." He would admit that even if it would hurt his pride a little bit. However he would have to seem a little humble to get what he wanted. His sisters would hate him if they knew his true intentions with the waitress. He wanted to know her body, and did not give a rat's ass about her mind. And that was really bad and disrespectful.

"Indeed I am. You should come visit one day, it is full of culture and the food is to die for. And it is a pleasure to meet you, Verity Katsaros." He reached for her hand and planted his lips upon the back of her hand, a small peck as he released the grasp. Even touching her flesh seemed a little heated, but he would dwell on that later. But she did offer to show him around, and how she had nothing better to do. He wondered if they would be going to eating together or something. "Wine and cheesecake? That sounds heavenly. If you don't mind leading the way but just so you know, I have enough cash to treat us both. It is the least I can do." He wondered if she was a witch. He was a wizard so it would be easier if they apparated. He kind of wanted to do that, but how to ask her if she was a witch without exposing magic was beyond him. He was still really young, and didn't want to end up in trouble with the Ministry. He also missed his motorcycle too, so walking was doomed to befall on the chef.​

 

[Verity Thoreau]

Verity found herself becoming shy once more. Although she normally wasn't a shy person, the fact that a really cute boy was paying attention to her and her alone, was enough to bring the heat to her cheeks. "Well being told you're cute every one and awhile doesn't hurt, I suppose." Verity wasn't used to this this kind of attention, but she was slowly growing accustomed to the wonderful way it made her feel. It was an absolute shame that this sort of thing didn't happen more often than it did. If it had, Verity might not feel so awkward about hearing such sweet things directed towards her. Having more experience also might have prevented her from looking like an idiot every time he said something sweet to her. By now she probably looked like a lobster due to the redness that lingered upon her cheeks. "Just me? Ha, there are much prettier waitresses there. Trust me." Many of them were much wealthier than she was too. They either had husbands or relatives that supplied them with whatever they needed. Verity was broke, and cute at the most. Why would this guy continue to pay her attention when he could be focusing his attention on someone that was actually worth his time.

"I'd love to visit Hawaii sometime! Sadly I live paycheck to paycheck, so it's unlikely that it'll be anytime soon." Or ever. Unless Verity found a way to make more money, or make living where she was cheaper, she'd never be able to do anything other than work. No wonder she was still single as ever. Not only did she have zero time to date, but no guy really wanted to date someone who could barely afford the basics let alone a date. "Sure, I'll show you. But I don't want you to worry about treating me. To be honest, I don't really have anything to give back to you. So I'd feel bad getting something for nothing." Verity confessed as she led the man to one of the best cafe's in town. It was only a few minute walk from the restaurant before they arrived. The guy had just eaten dinner, so Verity figured he'd mostly just want some wine before he retired for the night. This place had some of the best, so he'd definitely enjoy himself a little bit. "Try not to get too drunk tonight." Verity teased, ready to bid him a goodnight and then head home so she could get some rest before her shift the next morning. Maybe if she was lucky, this guy would stop by again. Verity would love to join him for a drink, but she had no money and it didn't feel right to have him treat her. ​

 

[Alec Thoreau]

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<COLOR color="#000">Alec looked over at her and wondered, with the way she said that, if she was told that she was beautiful or hot. No, it definitely does not hurt to be called that. He heard it from time to time. He noticed that she was blushing a bit too. "Do you not get told that often? If not, then the boys are really missing out on you, or blind as a bat." She looked somewhat awkward about it, and he wondered if that were really the case. If so, he would love to enlighten her on the beauty that he was seeing. She even said that there was other prettier waitresses there, and he should trust her. He shook his head and he disagreed with that statement, "I don't agree with you on that one. You are stunning, my lady." If anything, she should be treated better. Though, Alec was not the type since he wanted much more than just small talk and a relationship. He wanted someone in his bed that night. He might be a jerk at times, but this girl, there was something about her. Something that intrigued him. He thought that she might need some more confidence and he might be able to help her out with that somehow or some way. Maybe he could boost her confidence up. Either way, he was going to get satisfied that night.

"I actually do too. My parents paid this for me since I needed to learn other cultures when it comes down to food. But, maybe I can get my sisters to help out, and bring you to Hawaii one day, if you are still interested by next week." Alec seemed genuine, but he somewhat understood what she was saying. Well, he might have saved up the money for this trip from his job, but he had help from his parents. She then felt bad about him treating her, since she did not have anything to give back to him. He smiled as he replied, "That's why they call it a treat. You don't have to give anything back to me. It is an American custom really." He looked at the cafe that was in front of him, and then she said not to get too drunk tonight. He looked at her and he smiled, "Come on, have a drink with me. You are the first person to show me any kind of hospitality since I got here."​

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[Verity Thoreau]

This guy was kind of smooth when it came to his compliments, and Verity was stupid enough to believe every single word that came out of his mouth. "Well I used to. Ever since I went out on my own, the compliments have been pretty scarce." Maybe it was because she was always working and trying to maintain a life out on her own. There wasn't time leftover for her to go around and frolic with boys. In fact, she considered herself to be extremely lucky to even be out here talking to this boy. Verity paused and smiled as she soaked up the compliments like a sponge. "If you keep up with the compliments like you are, my head might grow so big that I explode. I'm not used to this!" He must want something, like someone to hang out with. Why else would he insist on talking with some lowly waitress. Tourists never usually gave her the time of day. They came to see the sights, try some food, and then they were off on their way. They cared nothing for Verity. Why was Alec so different compared to the rest of the tourists that came around these parts?

"Well, Hawaii sounds nice, but I don't know if I could afford to go away on a trip and still afford all of my bills after that. You had your parents pay for the trip? Are you rich?" The very mention of his parents paying for something made Verity's heart ache. So his family must have had money and a lot of it. Verity's parents were nearly as broke as she was, she had never had the option of having luxurious trips provided for her. So not only was this guy cute, and seemingly interested in her, but he was also rich. "Fine. I supposed I can sacrifice some time and have a drink with you." Verity agreed as she took a seat at one of the tables outside. Some wine and food sounded amazing right now. Plus if she was going to be treated by someone else, a handsome someone else nonetheless, then Verity might as well count her blessings and take what she could get. "As long as you cut me off before I have too much. I have to work tomorrow." Verity didn't get the chance to drink wine much, but she loved the taste of it. It never took her long to become addicted to the taste. ​

 

[Alec Thoreau]

A month later...

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After meeting up with that waitress, Verity Katsaros, Alec Thoreau got her extremely drunk and they had intercourse. It was one of those drunken encounters, and something that Alec did not really mean to do at all. Alec enjoyed the night, and promised that he would keep in touch with Verity, which he did during the month that he was going to be in Greece, experimenting with the food that was there. He talked to Verity, and thought that she was a real nice person, and he hated to do her and just leave, but seems like he was working on doing just that. He actually wanted to stick around so that she could be his friend or friend with benefits. Either way, he would have liked it. Verity deserved to be something better than just a waitress. And he thought of that without a selfish thought. That was weird. Maybe the food was getting to him. He did not know why. He got out of bed, knowing that he was checking out today. He got his clothing together, cleaned up with a few spells, before he simply just packed with a few waves of his wand. The electricity flickered in and out, before he chuckled.

However, a soft knock tapped on his door, and Alec looked toward the living room where he was staying in. Well, a suite with a living room, but still. It was weird to call them something different. Alec shut his suitcase and he set it on the couch as he walked over to answer his door. He wondered who it would be. The cleaning lady? He was going to be leaving in a few minutes, since he had no reason to be around here anymore. He needed to go to Italy now. He had to go experimenting. He peeked through the hole in the door and he noticed that head of hair. He unlocked the door and he opened it. Alec looked at Verity and his eyebrows rose up a bit. "Um, why don't you come in? I have this room for another hour before I have to check out. Is there something going on?" Alec was confused, but he stepped aside to let Verity in.

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[Verity Thoreau]

Verity didn't want to do this. A couple of months ago, she never imagined she would have to do this. Yet here she was, about to tell a man she barely knew that she was going to be having his baby. "I knew I should have turned down the wine." How in the hell was she supposed to break the news to a man that was supposed to be heading home tonight? The most the two of them had was a brief fling while he was on vacation. He had no intention of making verity his girlfriend and he also had no intention of ever coming back to Greece for her. So Verity knew that it was unlikely for him to be excited for welcoming towards the idea of a baby. Hell, if Verity wasn't already struggling for money, she might have considered the idea of never telling him at all. But her luck being as it was, she could really use the help. If she didn't get the help, then she was going to be in some real trouble. How could she support herself and a child with the little income she made? Perhaps Alec would take some pity into his heart and think of the child.

After all, it should be in his parental instincts to want to care for his offspring, right? Alec seemed surprised to see Verity knocking on his door, but thankfully he still had some time before he had to go. Stepping inside, she decided to break the news right then and there. No use in beating around the bush when she only had an hour to convince him to stay and help her out. "Alec, I'm pregnant." He was a smart man, surely he could connect the dots from there. After all, he had been the only person she had hung around with during the past month. Verity prayed silently to herself that Alec would take this well. Sure they were young, but it wasn't like it was going to be the end of their lives. Hell, Alec didn't even have to remain with Verity if he didn't want that. Just so long as he did something to help her with the baby, He knew how much she already struggled with money, so perhaps guilt might take a toll on his conscience. Verity stared at him silently as she waited to see what his reaction would be. ​

 

[Alec Thoreau]

Alec awaited to see what was going on, since he noticed that she seemed to be in a great deal of stress. What was going on? Alec had virtually no idea. As soon as she spoke the three words, one could see the color drain from his face, his eyes widen and it seemed as though he might have stopped breathing. Alec was clever. He knew just what it meant, and he should have not done something like that. He never thought of the consequences. He was not ready to be a dad. He doubted that he ever would be. But here he was, the father of a bastard child. He knew that Verity would not lie about that, but what in the world could he ever do to fix this? He looked at her with a worried tone, before he asked probably the worst question he could ever ask in a situation like this, “You aren’t going to keep it, are you?” However, he heard the answer was a yes, and he did not want that to happen. He could not be weighed down. “I can’t do this. I live in freaking America. Sorry, Verity.” Alec grabbed his suitcases and apparated right then and there.

---

It had been several years since Alec was confronted with the possibility that he had to be a dad. If it were not for his sisters, he would have gotten away scott free. However, a part of him felt guilty. He sent plenty of money to Verity Katsaros so that she did not have to struggle to raise the kid that he did not want to be a parent to. There was one problem with that, despite Alec being a complete flake, he felt horrible. He could barely sleep or eat without seeing Verity’s face as he apparated away. He hated the idea of being a parent. He did. He never wanted to be one. Alec found himself back where it all began. He raised his hand up to knock on the door, and instead of Verity answering, he looked down and noticed a little girl that looked a bit like him that answered. Alec’s voice caught in his throat and he looked into the house, ignoring the girl, “Uh, Verity? I-I came back.” Alec did not expect a welcome wagon, but if need be, he would make himself form into her life. His sisters would never leave him alone if he didn’t.

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[Verity Thoreau]

Verity was very bitter towards Alec. Not because he gave her a daughter, but because her gave her a daughter then felt it would be alright to completely disregard the child's existed and leave Verity on her own. What kind of person did that? Sure it was kind of just sprung upon him with little warning and he was still young, but he really should have thought about that before he decided to take his clothes off. There was a knock at the door and before Verity could get to it, her daughter had taken off and went towards the door. Verity shook her head and put the last couple of dishes away, minus the one she was currently drying with a towel. The blonde had no intention on going to see who was at the door. At least until she heard someone calling for her. The very voice of the person calling to her made her blood run cold though. Verity stepped out of the kitchen and immediately narrowed her eyes. "Sweetheart, can you please go to your room for a couple of minutes?" Verity asked her daughter sweetly. The child didn't seem pleased, but she silently wandered out of the living room, leaving Verity and Alec alone. Which was probably a bad thing.

Without a single hesitation in her system, Verity threw the plate she was holding right at Alec. It missed and shattered on the wall next to him. Sometimes her poor aim really stunk. "How dare you come back here!" Verity hissed, her voice laced with venom and hurt. Although Verity still wasn't that well off, she had finally found a system that made sure she had enough to provide for her daughter while putting money towards the bills. At first, Verity struggled so much that she worried her daughter would be taken away from her. It took a switch of jobs and a lot of pleading with her boss to get a raise that provided this small amount of comfort for her. It upset her to think that after all this time, he would decide to show up now. After all the nights Verity spent worrying about when her next meal would be, or if she could afford to pay her rent. That bastard finally decided to show up the moment she finally got her life together. He better have a good explanation for it too. ​