The Long Walk Back

[Stefan Archer]

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<SIZE size="50">It had been a fairly long, but pleasant day. Not much had happened but, overall it had been a great day. It had rain for the most part of the day, but a few minutes before the Slytherin teen was supposed to be picked up the rain seemed to have stopped. As if sensing that something was going to happen. It was holding it's breath. If it were even possible for rain to do something of that sort. Stefan was worried. He was wet, his supplies weren't in the best condition and his father would be arriving soon. It was as ever his final few moments of freedom before his father took him back home. A drive that Stefan was sure he could now make, since they'd made the journey countless times. But, Stefan Archer was soaked to the skin. He was shivering slightly, and he was sure he could feel a cold coming on. All he really wanted was a hot shower, but Stefan didn't think he'd be getting one. It might be summer, but hot water was a luxury his father could not afford to have. So tepid water, was most days, but late in the day like this the water would be as cold, if not colder than rain. It did not make things entirely pleasant, but when he needed to wash, Stefan just was glad to have running water. Constantly warm running water, was one thing he truly did love about school. He had never once been forced to take a cold shower at Hogwarts. They were all warm, with a bottomless supply of hot water. It was the best feeling that he could ever feel. It didn't always help against cuts and lacerations, but it did feel great. The dark blue eyes of the boy briefly looked up to the sky, from what he could see, the Slytherin guess that it was probably still fairly overcast, and that more rain was probably on it's way. He wasn't entirely annoyed by that. During this day he had pretty much enjoyed all the time in the rain. And he'd managed to do all but one thing. He never told anyone what day he would be in Obsidian, generally because he didn't know. It was when, Stefan managed to ask his father and his father agreed. So, he could hardly be surprised, but without fail each time before, he'd managed to see Kate, if it was even for only a few minutes. He looked around himself, hoping to maybe catch a glimpse of her before he had to go. And with these thoughts, the ever familiar sound of his father's car, became increasingly louder. Stefan did begin to panic, his eyes widened slightly, fear pretty clear in the deep blue eyes that belonged to the boy. He took a few steps back while his father did a U-turn and parked beside where Stefan stood. Stefan Archer could hardly contain his breathing. The breaths were short, and it was beginning to hurt his chest. His hell was back.

Reaching out a hand he attempted to open the door to the car, and was greatly confused when he couldn't open it. After trying a second time, the Slytherin realised that his father had no desire for him to get into the car. So, Stefan took a step back as he watched his father exit the car and walk round so that he stood right in front of Stefan, looking down at him. Stefan met his father's eyes briefly before letting them fall to the floor. He never thought his father would ever do anything so out in the open. But Stefan knew he could be proved wrong, even by people he thought he knew well. His father prompt began yelling at Stefan, about how stupid he was to have gotten so wet. That he was as smart as a fleck of dust upon the floor. His father's voice, wasn't particularly high, but it was sharp, and laced with hate. He'd brought himself down to Stefan's level, so that the boy could not avoid eye contact with his dad. What did I do to end up with you for a son? His father asked Stefan, his voice dangerously low. When Stefan did not respond his father took him by the shirt and in one quick movement was slammed against the side of the car, his father's face centimetres from his own. Answer me His father muttered in an angry tone, finishing the sentence with a small punch to the boy's stomach. "I don't know, sir. You don't deserve someone like me. I'm sorry, sir." Stefan said, his voice quiet, and shaking. He heard his father laughing slightly. Stefan pretty much realised at this point he would not be getting a lift home, what he didn't expect was to be pretty much thrown away from the car. He land pretty badly, causing large gashes to appear on both his arms, a few smaller ones of his stomach and the side of his face that was already bruised. Stefan groaned in pain, and looked round as he watched his father yell at him to make him own way home, which was followed by a threat for if he didn't and then watched as his father drove off. Once again the Slytherin boy groaned loudly, visibly in pain. He lay down on the ground and attempt to regain both his composure and breath. He wasn't scared anymore, his father was gone. But he was sore, and tired and he didn't know if he'd be able to walk the entire way home without collapsing. Sure he had eaten since being at Obsidian, but it wasn't that much. With closed eyes the boy began to sit up on the ground. He needed to check how bad everything was. With a deep breath, the boy opened his eyes. He was in a lot of pain. Everything felt like it was on fire. Stefan glanced around him, and it was then he noticed the figure standing off in the distance. He hoped that they hadn't seen everything. But instead of spending time worrying about it, Stefan let his eyes fall to the ground as he took deep breaths in and out. A reminder of how lucky he was to still be able to breath. Despite everything Stefan Archer was still glad that his father had given him this extra time alone.
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[Kate Archer]

Kate walked along the Obsidian Harbour with a few shopping bags.She had just arrived in New Zealand yesterday and she was already loving it.She had a glorious two weeks in New Zealand before she would have to go home and spend Christmas with her broken family.She was not looking forward to.Ever since she had returned it hurt her family seeing their children like this but somethings people can't for see or stop these kind of things,you just had to let them play out.It was because of the fighting that Kate and her two siblings had been allowed to go to New Zealand so they could all take a break.But Kate wasn't going to think about Sara she was going to enjoy her holiday with her brother and sister who were currently up to their own things.Kate walked beside the sea and wondered would Stefan be here.She wasn't usually in New Zealand this time and she didn't know where he lived but she had still hoped that they would of maybe bumped into each other but she hadn't seen him yet.But she had another 12 days here so she hoped she would see him one of the days at least.

Kate has stopped briefly to get an ice-cream and was walking down a pretty quiet road. It was coming to the end of the day and Kate knew she should be going back to their apartment but she couldn't help keep walking.She looked up at the sky and saw black rain clouds coming towards them.It had rained earlier on that day but she had been shopping at that point.She was deciding whether or not to head back when she saw a car and two people in the distance.she wouldn't have paid any attention but she couldn't help think that the boy looked really familiar.She heard the older man speak and she couldn't but help flinch at the tone he was using.Suddenly the boy was slammed straight into the car and Kate gasped.The man then punched him in the stomach and all Kate could do was stand their and watch open-mouthed.It wasn't until the man had driven off that Kate regained control over her legs.She ran over to the boy.But as she ran over she slowed because it was suddenly dawning on her who it was.She stopped just a few spaces away from him. "Stefan"She whispered shocked to see her friend like this.She knew she should be doing something to help but she was in too much shock then she heard a nearby car honk and she snapped out of her daze.She knelt down beside him and just looked at him not sure what to do.

 

[Stefan Archer]

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It had not even crossed the mind of the boy to get up and walk away as if nothing had happened. Although most of the time, the Slytherin hoped this would be the thought, since his father had left him, it hadn't even been a fleeting thought. It was as if, he'd found himself frozen to the ground. Unable to get up and move. He was in a lot of pain, and he was tired. Not to mention that he was cold, and hungry. Everything was wrong, and now he had to remind himself of the long walk back to his home. Suddenly, the boy would've given more or less anything to have been in the car with his father. Despite his fears and worries, there was no denying that getting a ride back beat walking. Stefan Archer was struggling to contain his breathing. He didn't know what to do, he was sitting on the side of the road, with blooded arms and face. He didn't want to have to get up and move because he knew it would hurt. Being thrown on the ground had hurt his already sore bones. And it wasn't like the boy was fit enough to just get up and walk away. He had had nothing substantial to eat in a while, aside from the ice cream, and this meant he had very little energy. Not really what a person wanted when faced with walking back to where they lived. Stefan let his head fall into his hands as he fought the tears which had formed at the corners of his eye. He really did not want to cry. Not here, not now. It was pointless, he knew it would do little. It would make his body be in less pain, he wouldn't be warmer or less hungry everything would be the exact same. Sure, at home he often felt his eyes water, and tears did fall, but here, in the open, it was not a good idea. He let what had happened sink in further, and then a new wave of pain erupted from where his father had punched him. With one hand against his forehead, he wrapped the other arm around his stomach in a protective manner. It didn't help the pain, but it made him feel a lot more at ease with everything. Which is pretty difficult to do considering. Stefan knew it was stupid to have thought his father would let him in the car seeing as he was incredibly wet. Stefan cursed himself. But apart from that didn't do anything. He just sat in this position waiting for something to subside. The Slytherin could feel the cuts slowly bleeding, he would have to check how deep they were. From his guess they weren't really, just a few nasty looking gashes that would heal hopefully and not the type to scar. For that he was thankful. Stefan did not want more scars he received enough questions and looks as it was.

The sound of running feet alerted him to the fact he was not alone. But, the Slytherin teen did not look up. He didn't think the person actually wanted to see him. He figured they were just passing. But, the sound of a quiet voice he knew made his heart and stomach drop. His entire body shivered and Stefan let out a deep shaky sigh. He jumped slightly at the car noise half believing it was his father again, but did not look up. He waited a few more seconds before finally looking up. Kneeling in front of his was the girl he considered his closest friend. The dark blue eyes hide nothing of the pain that he was feeling. Stefan attempted to slide slightly away from Kate, but winced in pain as his body protested to the movement. "Kate?" Stefan muttered, as shocked as she had been in her tone of voice. He wondered what she had heard, what she had seen. He felt his cheeks warm, and unknown to him his cheeks had turned a red colour. He met her eyes from a few second before looking away and down to the ground. For a brief moment showing the bruise and now cut that was on the side of his face. Stefan knew it would be difficult to lie his way out of this one. He knew she thought she knew what happened in his life, and this if she'd seen all of it, would only confirm it. He had no clue how he was going to get passed it, make her believe everything was okay. But instead of letting his mind linger over that, he took to inspecting his arms. There was a bit of blood, but from what he could see nothing too serious. His jumper was however a mess. Stefan realised after what had just happened that the jumper had met the end of it's days. Glancing back up at Kate, Stefan met her eyes. His were glossy, vacant. "What are you doing here? Are you okay?" Stefan asked, his voice quiet but it was clear he was in pain. He was trying to keep the attention off him, but he really doubted it would work, considering what had just happened. Stefan's stomach grumbled loudly, a sharp wave of pain caused by the hungry caused the Slytherin to close his eyes and let out short shaking breaths. After a few seconds, the boy reopened his eyes and looked back to Kate. With his slightly bruised right hand he made to reach forward to her, but instead gave a half shrug. "It's looks worse than it is" He muttered, keeping eye contact with her. He shivered again, oh how stupid it had been for him to be out in the rain. All in all Stefan realised that it was all his fault, that he was the one to blame for why his father had treated him as such. No one else was to blame. Stefan Archer knew he would have to dig himself out of this mess alone, and once he had, he could then begin the long walk home.​

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[Kate Archer]

The day had started off great.She had begun he lovely new holiday and she had been allowed some freedom for two weeks.Life had been looking very good.She hadn't had to face the coldness between her sister and herself or see the saddened faces of her parents.She had been so happy and thought she might even see her closest friend,the person that made her heart-beat speed up everytime she saw him but things were different now.her she was beside that evry person she had wanted to see.But not liking the circumstances.She still couldn't believe what had happened.She guessed that had been Stefan's dad and now she knew Stefan had been lying all last year.Part of her was angry at him for not saying anything or getting help but another sympathized.It must be horrible at the end of every term knowing what you were in for.She wondered was it worse at home.What she couldn't understand was why his dad did it.How could you do that to your own child?She wondered did Stefan know why,his father did that to him.It must be a mental thing.

Kate looked at Stefan and saw the full extent of the damage.He had a horrible bruise and cut on his head and he was clutching his stomach for dear life.When she looked at his eyes they were full of pain and there was small bit of blood.He looked right mess and Kate was at a loss.She was still confused her mind putting the pieces together slowly.She could see that his jumper was a mess.She looked around for help but there was nobody about.She suddenly felt great hatred towards Stefan's dad but that was at the least of her worries.She had to concentrate on trying to get Stefan sorted out.She couldn't help the smiled that appeared on her face when he tried to get the attention a way from him.Typical Stefan she thought leaving all her bags on the ground and throwing her already melted ice-cream away."I came here for a holiday"She said looking him in the eye.she could feel the first few drops on the rain coming and she started to panic.It would not be good for them both to be caught in a rain shower when Stefan was already shivering as it was.Suddenly he closed his eyes and started taking sharp intakes of breath. Kate bit her lip extremely worried and at a complete loss of what to do.She had never been put in this situation before.He shivered again and Kate suddenly got an idea.She took off her jacket and slowly and carefully put it around him careful not to touch anything to hard.She also got out the packet of tissues she always carried with her and started cleaning up the small amount of blood. When she was finished she collected the tissues and put them in the nearby bin.She than sat beside him careful not to touch anything.She then put her arm on his knee wanting him to know that she was there for him.

 

[Stefan Archer]

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It had never been a fleeting thought that his closest friend would ever witness him in a such a situation as he was in currently. It wasn't like he had ever wanted her to see him this vunerable. He couldn't really pass it off as a one time thing, considering how he turned up at the start of each term with new bruises and cuts, and it wasn't like his sense of worth had grown much over the time. But even then knowing that she at least had seen part of him, made him think that his life was pretty much over. That there would be no more helping him. That it would be over. She'd tell someone, who would most likely look into it. His father would be insanely annoyed and angry. Over time they'd have to deal with social workers, and then in the end it would just end in nothing being done and his father just being very very annoyed with him. This was really something that the Slytherin teen did not want or need. His father hated him already, something like that would not help it would make things entirely worse and he did not need that. Not in the slightest, but there was no explaining that to Kate, or anyone, only someone literally in his situation would understand his desire for no one to now. But, it just happened that no one was in his situation. For which he was glad, since he didn't ever think that he could wish his life upon anyone. Not even the peoeple he hated most. It wasn't a life that most would be able to life with. For which he was pretty pleased he'd managed to make it so far. Stefan had no desire to quit. But, at times he knew that most others would've done that. Stefan had friends, and he had Hogwarts and there was a part of him that truely believed he would eventually get out of the life he lived. It would take time and patience but Stefan was certain that it could be done. He just had to wait until he had either enough money stashed away or that he had enough strength to fight back. Eventually he knew one or the other would happen and it was the hope of this happening that kept the boy going during the difficults days. That and the memories he had with his friends. The soft feel of Kate's lips on his when they'd kissed for the first time in the winter holudays of first to second year. But things would forever be difficult, he knew that Kate would probably push him more to talk more about what happened to him, to admit to someone. He hoped that she wouldn't, that she would let this time slide. That he would not have to deal with the questions, but something like this, was difficult to hide, to brush under the carpet. He was pretty much certain that she probably could not let anything slide. Depending on how much she'd seen. And his father had been pretty nice there, mainly as they were out in public. All he could really do was hope. Being with Kate sitting on the ground he had to say that it was completely weird. She'd never really ever seen clearly what his father acted towards him. Since the last time they'd seen one another had been at the yuleball, and at that point, he'd been better. More colour, slightly less thin, smiling a lot more, but sitting here, apart from the fact that she still made him smile, Stefan was thin and he'd lost the colour he'd gotten over the term. Things were back to square one.

The slytherin kept his eyes on her, as she spoke and then glanced up as it began to rain again. He was already fairly wet, and he was cold, so he was glad when Kate handed him the jacket and put it around him. It funny because he'd never had one before. He didn't know what it felt like to wear something more than a jumper. It was warm, like the body heat from Kate was now surrounding him. He felt his body shiver slightly, but it was no longer because he was cold, it was due to the sudden change in temperature. From being warm to cold, but however he couldn't help but feel bad for Kate who was now Jacket-less. He wanted to hand it back to her, but he was cold, and he was wet, and he didn't want to take it off just yet. Instead he just sat in the silence, watching his closest friend as she removed the tissues and used them to clean up the small amounts of blood. Which was small due to most of it being absorbed by clothing. He smiled thankful for her friendship and care. It was odd since this was the first time anyone had ever looked after him. He always looked after himself, he'd never thought anyone would want to help him. But here was Kate, doing more for him in those few second that anyone else had in his entire life. He stared at his now slightly clean arms as she binned the tissues. The rain would not help them heal, in fact he was sure, it would cause them to probably start bleeding again. But, Stefan smiled at Kate. "Thanks" He muttered. He looked at the arm she had placed on his knee and slowly reached out and took her hand, using his unbruised hand to take her hand. He watched her hand for a few seconds, before looking back up at her. He looked up to the sky and watched as it looked ready to pour down once more. He took a deep breath, he felt a lot better. He was still in some pain, but he had been thrown on the ground so it was understandable. But, now he had to get himself ready to walk back home, something he had never done before. And was pretty worried about doing. He was tired, and he had not idea how long it would actually take. And not turning up at the end of the day would not end well at all. His stomach made a loud noise indicating he was hungry, and a few moments it passed but he was left with the pain the hunger left. He closed his eyes briefly and then reopened them to look directly at his friend. "I'm sorry" The words fell out his mouth before he could stop the, he couldn't explain why he'd just apologised, just that it was really the only thing he thought he could do. Apologise for being such a mess, for her having to be cold, so he could be warm. For being such a terrible friend.

"You can have your jacket back, I'm used to the cold." Stefan admitted, letting go of her hand and taking the jacket off from around his shoulders and placing it around her shoulders. He knew she would probably just hand him back her jacket, but Stefan wanted her to know that while he was grateful for what she'd done, he still wasn't used to getting help and being given things, if he was honest he wasn't really completely use to people being kind to him. Stefan Let his head drop and face downwards. He focused on stopping his body from shivering as the coldness returned. "I think I got it a little wet. I'm sorry" He was apologising again. Stefan met his friends eyes and smiled. And while he did look pleased to see her, it was still clear that he was not only in pain but tired. Holidays while for others were relaxing were the worst weeks of his life. "I thought you went to England for the holidays?" Stefan asked, once again attempting to get the attention away from him. As he really hated the attention being on him. Stefan kept his eyes on her, while also focusing on getting the upper hand on the pain he was feeling and building up strength so he could walk home. But for this moment, he was glad that he wasn't alone. Having someone there was like having support, like he really didn't have to face everything alone. "Thank you". He reached out and took her hand again. Squeezing it lightly. He truly was thankful.
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[Kate Archer]

Kate was thinking about what she should do.She wasn't sure if she should get some help though that was what she was instinctively supposed to do.Stefan would of probably asked for help by now if he wanted it and it was strange that he hadn't.She was also curious as to why he hadn't told anyone about his father.It seemed like the obvious thing to do but maybe if you were in his position it wouldn't.She then thought of all the complications that would be involved,if he told someone big and important.There would be big issues especially because he was a wizard and obviously the muggle social services would not know of this so he probably wouldn't be able to get to Hogwarts.Kate could see now why he hadn't said anything. But before? that was beyond Kate and to be honest it wasn't really her place to comment. So she made the decision in her head that she wouldn't tell anyone though it would kill her to know what was happening to him every holiday she would keep her trap shut,maybe things would get better in the future.

Kate smiled when Stefan squeezed her hand,it was freezing but she squeezed back and smiled at him. "No problem"She said quietly.The rain was starting to get heavier and she couldn't help shiver.She wasn't used to being outside with out a jacket but Stefan needed it more than her. He didn't look as bad now that the small amount of blood was gone.She didn't know how he was supposed to get home as his dad had just left him here.He didn't exactly look in good shape to walk home even if it was a short distance and she guessed it wasn't.She bit her lip as habit she had gotten herself into when she was worried.Things were not looking good at the moment.She would offer to hep bring him home as she was not going to send him off like this.When she heard the noise come out of his stomach she decided the best thing to do would be to bring him away from the rain and get something to eat.That might help a small bit.She was confused when he said sorry but she just smiled and shook her head.There was no reason to be sorry.

She again bit her lip when Stefan gave back the jacket.He looked cold and she decided she would buy him one.She gratefully put back on the jacket and moved a little closer so maybe he might get some of her body heat.Though she wasn't sure how warm she was because it was getting steadily colder and wetter."Don't worry"She said smiling at him,he didn't need to be sorry and anyway it was getting wet at the moment so he hadn't done anything.She could see he was still in a lot of pain and Kate was useless because she didn't know what to do.All she thought she could do was for a little while anyway get him warm and get some food into him because she had a feeling he would have to walk home.Kate shrugged "I did but I needed to get away"Kate said leaving the sentence hanging. It wasn't something she wanted to talk about. So she just sat there looking up at the sky as the rain started falling quite heavily now.She smiled as he held her hand again.She understood the gesture and she squeezed it back. She finally made up her mind "Come on we have to get out of this rain and you need something to eat"She said emphasising the you and eat.She let go of his hand and stood up wiping the back of her pants.She smiled and held out her hand hoping he would take it.

 

[Stefan Archer]

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The rain began to fall around him. Not as hard as previously but still enough to make him really wish that he wasn't sitting at the side of the road. For the first time in a long time, all the boy could think was how much he just wanted his father to be there with him. Even if the time would be filled with silence that would eat him up whole, or hateful words, at least he would be home, his mind wouldn't be worried about how long it would talk him to walk, how his father would act when he got home. That scared him more. He didn't want to have to think about it. His father wasn't a man he ever wanted to think about it in the sense where he would maybe think he'd run away. Stefan Archer wanted to get home as soon as he possibly could, but he didn't know if he could. He was tired, he was hungry, and while the car ride only took about a half hour, he had no idea how long that would take to walk. And considering he was sure that walking would hurt, he wasn't looking forward to it. The thought on his mind was if he would even make it. Or if half way he would collapse. The roads weren't too populated. It was quiet. He didn't think that people would notice him. Stefan while tall, was thin, he would blend into the side of the road. Stefan doubted his father would even find him. And it wasn't like if he didn't come home, and searching for him had turned up fruitless, he wouldn't even bother to report him missing. It had never occurred to Stefan that his father had ever cared about him. But since that had been a long time before Stefan just couldn't remember. His life had not always been as dire. Sure, they'd never had money in the family, but his father had not always been so cold and violent. The death of his mother had been the point where his father had just snapped, and Stefan had been left to feel the brunt of it. All Stefan knew was his father and the violence. All he felt was alone, up until Hogwarts. Then everything had changed, and he had friends. People who he was sure cared a little about him. And Kate. The girl who was sitting in front of him. The girl he was the hand of. His cold, wet thin hand on top of hers, that was a lot warmer. His life in a lot of ways had gotten a hell of a lot better. He had a place, a sanctuary. A place his father could never touch, and one that his father had let him have. And as of yet hadn't pulled him out of. It was not a cruel joke to get his hopes up, it was not some dream. Hogwarts was real, as were the people in it. A smile was on his face as she kept the jacket on. He was used to be being cold. The cold was natural to him. He had to live with it all winter. This wasn't much. Not in comparison.

The colourblind boy, truly felt bad for Kate and her twin. He wanted them to just along, he couldn't understand how they'd become so distant, how things had become bad. He wanted nothing more than help. Try to make them be like how they had been. But Stefan couldn't. Not with his situation. He couldn't impose himself into helping them, when he didn't let them near his situation. It was in his nature to want to help her but, the Slytherin teen knew when to drop a subject. He knew that it wasn't something that he could fix, they didn't want to really make it better. The distance had been established, and nothing he did would ever change that. He couldn't expect Kate to want to openly talk about it, if he so carefully avoided a subject different, but worse. He had to be like Kate, respect the other person's decision to just not talk about it. Like she did for him, he would do that same for her. Although he had no idea if after this her stance would change. And that too he could completely understand. Any person would probably do the same, tell. He hoped she wouldn't, but telling her that he was handling it was just more of a confirmation, and also a lie, since he clearly didn't have a handle on it. His father had just violent thrown him on to the ground after slamming him against a car and punching him in his already bruised stomach. Stefan had been about to get up and thank Kate before walking away, before she spoke again. He wanted nothing more than to get out of the rain, and be able to get something to eat, but Stefan was worried. His father had threatened that if he didn't come home quickly he'd have to deal with him. And that was enough of a threat to make Stefan want to sit in a corner and just cry. He knew it meant he had to be home as soon as humanly possible. Which for a boy in Stefan's state was going to be practically impossible. Stefan looked up at Kate. And to her extend hand. He heard his stomach rumble loudly, and a wave of increased pain took over him. He closed his eyes and let his head drop so he was facing the ground. He took a few short deep breaths before reopening his eyes. He wanted to do nothing more than eat, but he didn't have the money, and he had to get home. However letting his eyes look back up at Kate, he knew that she was truly concerned about him. Stefan took a deep breath and unsteadily got to his feet. He had his arms out for balance, but still struggled to stay up right. His head suddenly rushed in pain. His chest cried out in pain as he attempted to stretch slightly. Stefan bent slightly and put his hands on his knees as he steadied his breathing.

After a few seconds enough of the pain had passed so he was able to straight himself and look to Kate. Even though he still hadn't made his decision. "Kate, I don't have any money." Stefan said, his voice was quiet, but it was his exact thoughts. It was all good and well saying that he should get good, but he didn't want to make Kate buy him anything. He couldn't do that. He would rather she kept her money, than have her spend it on him because his father couldn't afford to give Stefan more than he did. "And I can't take yours." Stefan shivered slightly, maybe it was worthwhile getting dry, waiting till the rain dyed down. "I should go," The Slytherin started, but his voice trailed off towards the end. He looked around to the road, he half didn't want to go. He knew he should. He had to, but he really didn't want to. The dark blue eyes looked back to Kate. He smiled at her. He looked to her hand and then back at her. "If my father decides that he wants to drive me back home, it'll be a lot better if I'm already heading back, and plus" Stefan's voice was laced with a small underlying fear. "I'm not that hungry. I've already eaten today." He lied, he had eaten already that day, but it had hardly been anything decent. Ice cream. It was clear that he was lying since his stomach made a loud noise. He met Kate's eyes, "I miss you during the holidays." Stefan smiled slightly, and while he'd said he should go, Stefan had not moved an inch.​

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[Kate Archer]

Kate looked over at the boy in front of her.Ever since she had met him she had changed completely.She had grown up so fast in the bones of a year.That wasn't exactly what everybody went through,or maybe it was but not in the same way as other kids. She felt feelings that she had never felt before. Feelings that she wouldn't,couldn't admit.She was almost sure that Stefan felt the same way.She knew Stefan wasn't ready for that yet and she was waiting patiently. People around her noticed,but Kate didn't notice that they did,she wasn't exactly an observant person herself.Kate had guessed that Willow knew and also Sara but she wouldn't think about Sara.That was one more problem in her life that she would have to fix or it would just be like a dark cloud over her head until she did.But the problem was trying to figure out what had happened.Why they had become so distant.Kate had an idea it had something to do with her pushing Sara away,but in fairnic Kate hadn't been herself at that point.She had been a selfish person who had gone into depression more to the fact that she couldn't eat.But none the less Sara had taken it the wrong way making her move away.Kate wasn't sure as to why she had started drifting,maybe because she knew Sara had? or that she realized that it just wasn't going to work between them.Sometimes in life people you are the closest to you will drift away,maybe it was just a fact of life? Well what was done was done and there was nothing to do about it.They had both grown their seperate ways and that was that.

Kate was glad when Stefan didn't say anything.She didn't want to talk about that right now.It was because she wanted to get away from Sara and anything to do with her that she had come to New Zealand.To get away from it all.Have a full two weeks completely away from Sara and the tension.Hogwarts had been an improvement from home but she had been aware of Sara.So it was great to not feel like you were going to bump into the person you were trying to avoid in the corridor.It had taken a bit of weight of her shoulders coming here and she didn't want to think about it.She watched as Stefan slowly got up.She bit er lip as she watched because he was clearly in pain.When he put his hands on his knees her hand went to his shoulder as to comfort him and let him know she was here and ready to help.It made her stomach squirm watching him in so much pain.It was horrible seeing a person you cared so much about in that much pain and not being able to do anything.It also killed her knowing he would be on is way home for more of this and he would have to go through it for the next holidays and the ones after that.Kate just took a deep breath and put a smile on her face so he hopefully could not see her previous worried face. She admired his bravery,for sticking with it for as long as he had.Most would of just given up.but here he was still standing and putting on a brave face even though he knew what he was in for.

Kate cursed at herself in her mind.Why did she always forget? Maybe money was really going to her head.But then Kate shook her head,no it wasn't it was a mistake anyone would of made.Kate then did a little sigh and stopped the battle between either side of her brain.She was not put off though. "Come on,there's a little take away and I'll get u something to at least get ride of the hunger pangs"She said indicating to is bruised stomach "And to warm you up a bit and if u really want to you can pay me back the money when you get it,though there's no garentee that I'll take it"Kate said hr eyes pleading.She would sleep better tonight if she knew he had at least got something to sustain him and warm him for the horrible journey he had ahead. "Well think of it this way"Kate said refusing to give up "We can get you something that you can eat on the way,so you will have more energy and will be warmer and you will also won't be leaving to late"Kate said taking a step towards the takeaway resteraunt she knew was around the corner.Kate raised her eyebrows at that statement and took another step towards the resteraunt. Kate's heart did a little the thunk "I miss you too"Kate said looking him in the eye.She did miss him loads during the holidays and often her mind would wander towards him.Kate couldn't surpress a grin when she noticed Stefan hadn't moved yet.She wanted him to stay,she wanted to talk to him or even just sit with him.She wanted to make sure he was okay.She hoped he would just come with her to get something small so they would both feel better.

 

[Stefan Archer]

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In some ways the colourblind teen had known talking of money would get a response that he wanted. A realisation that it wasn't that he didn't want to eat, but that he knew he couldn't pay for it. Had he known how his day would end the slytherin boy would have kept some money spare so he could buy something small to eat for the way back home. But there was no way he could have predicted what did happen. A part of the teen was still processing it all. A second worry that came with the food, was the fact he was unsure if he'd be able to keep it down. The ice cream had been okay, since he'd taken his time and it had been fairly small. It didn't have a strong smell which helped when trying not to be sick. It was a problem he'd become a lot better at managing over the years. After a pretty bad experience one of the first dinners at Hogwarts. He couldn't quite believe all that had been in front of him so he'd just eaten a bit of everything a little too quickly and that had ended pretty badly. Stefan knew that Kate was just trying to help, that considering what she might have seen, it would be perfectly natural for her to be in such a mind frame. Stefan was so used to no one caring about him it seemed foreign. Not right. He didn't really think he deserved how kind she was towards him. Which was a mind set he'd had long before. Stefan Archer was the person who believed everything that happened to him was his own fault and because of this he felt bad, selfish even for letting other people try to help him. But when he was with Kate, a part of him half wanted to just let her help him. He wanted to tell her. He wanted her to know. Which was why he was completely unsure about what to do with food. He knew a little more would go a long way in helping him get home, but he really did not want to take the money from her. Money she could use on other things, like food for herself. Stefan was well aware that Kate and her family were rich, afterall he'd seen the house. The picture of her home was still imprinted on his brain. He had said his house could fit into the porch, and while that had not been completely true, it had not been much of a lie. His home Was pretty small, tiny in comparison, but still it had two floors, and he was sure most of the surrounding land was his father's. His father had just never bothered to do anything with it. Stefan knew that Kate probably had not believed him when he'd talked of the size of his home. He couldn't blame her. They were really from two different worlds, and yet still it amazed him that she even wanted to be around him. Stefan wanted to be around her more than he wanted heating in his home. She was a truly amazing girl. Stefan shivered slightly as more rain fell on him. This would be a long night.

When he'd stood up, and all the sudden movement had cause waves of nauseating pain to course through his body, the comforting hand on his shoulder had been welcome. He'd flinched slightly at first, since he hadn't expected it, but he hadn't made it so she'd have to take her hand away. It was nice. It didn't make him feel as bad that he was in this amount of pain in front of her. It was pointless trying to hide it too. At least with his hands on his knees he could just concentrate on controlling it with out meeting her gaze. Without seeing the concern in her eyes that he really did not desire to see. At least like this it was just as if Stefan had run a marathon and was catching his breath. Not that he had been thrown on the ground pretty violently, and this wasn't even taking in everything before that. Stefan knew he had to compose himself. Let his breathing become less clouded with his pain. Attempt to actually get some of the pain to subside. But considering everything hurt, it was hard. Stefan eventually was able to look up. He knew that Kate probably thought he was weak, that he was pathetic and just not right for her. He hoped that wasn't what she thought, but Stefan didn't think that having a girl see how much pain he was in, would help them want to help him. If it was the other way round, Stefan knew if he saw Kate experience the kind of pain he was he would've probably wanted to tear the person limb, from limb. With himself, Stefan knew he deserved it so he took it. But if it was Kate or anyone else Stefan would not accept that they had deserved it. He looked to Kate and met her smile. A face he put on. Neutral as if to say that he was okay. Despite the fact that everything still hurt and he was cold and wet. But he could hardly be the one to now say yes to going. Stefan was not a complete idiot he knew that doing something like that would help him in the long run. The long walk home, the Stefan knew he would need to be able to get home, and maybe just eating a small amount of food would help him, though he worried about if the two combined would make him want to vomit and he didn't want to be sick at the side of the road. It would be difficult to move on from that point. And Stefan wanted to get home. More than anything, even if what awaited him
At home was just more pain.

"I'll pay you back. Just as soon as I have the money."Stefan said when Kate had said she probably wouldn't take his money. He wanted her to know that he would try to pay her back it would take a good little while but he didn't want to owe her too much. She'd done enough for him already with her kindness and willingness to clean him up after what she'd seen his father do. Most would run in the opposite direction to tell another adult or something. He didn't really desire to be in her debt. "You're right. Getting something small to eat and warming up might help in the walk home. I can't take too long. Or I won't be home until after dark. It'll hard to see in that case." Stefan admitted letting his eyes look upwards to the sky. He wasn't entire sure when it would get dark but he didn't want to run that risk. Instead he just stood on the spot looking back at Kate when she spoke. He smiled at her. Wanting nothing more than to give her a hug, but instead he settled on smiling and taking deep breaths while his stomach made a loud noise. He flexed his good hand and then took a step in the direction of home. "Okay, lead the way." It was thefirst time Stefan had actually accepted any kind of help from anyone. He had no reason to before. But as he stepped forward, moving slowly clearly still in quite a bit of pain he was accepting help from his closest friend. Stefan kept his eyes down on the ground as he walked. Pain coursing through his body. Getting slightly less clear as the cold was making his body slightly numb. "But, it can't be anything too big, you should remember that if you haven't eaten in a little while eating to much can make a person sick." Stefan was stretching the truth a little, since apart from the ice cream he'd not had food in almost two days. And since Kate had experience of a lack of food, then she would know, a little. It was not however the first time he'd said he got little to eat. "Thank you."​

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[Kate Archer]

Kate was worried as to Stefan's journey home.She didn't know how long it would take as a)she had never been and b) Stefan was in no good shape to be walking in the cold,wet rain.Kate did a little sigh and looked at the boy who meant so much to her.She felt things she wasn't even exactly sure what they were for him.It was horrible watching him in so much pain but Kate knew she would have to learn and accept it until something happened.That was going to be tough but life threw these things at you and you just had to find away around them.She couldn't imagine what it felt like,to go through what he went through.It was not something she would wish on anyone,not even the person she hated the most.She wondered had he gone through it all is life.If he had,Kate stopped not even wanting to think about.But still she could just picture a small Stefan being hurt.Kate shook her head to herself which must of looked weird to Stefan because it looked as if she was randomly nodding her head,but Kate was to busy trying to rise the pictures from her head.

She smiled when Stefan didn't flinch to more from her touch.This made her feel a small bit better.But she became steadily more worried as she watched him attempting to control the pain. No one deserves this.To be treated in such a way.It was pure cruelty and she was glad his dad wasn't there because she would give him a piece of her mind.She wondered would he pause to hurt her.It was something she didn't really want to find out.She sometimes she wished she were in Gryffindor so she could pluck up the courage and do something but she wasn't she was in Hufflepuff and she loved it.She didn't know why Stefan was in Slytherin.Knowing some of what he went through and he was still here not giving up she had to admire his bravery.It was incredible,something must of been keeping him going for some of it.Kate knew she wouldn't of been able to keep it going for as long as Stefan had.But almost possibly if she had something to cling onto she might of lasted a bit longer but hopefully Kate would never have to find out.

Kate smiled "Don't worry"She said she doubted very much that she would accept the money but if he really insisted she would, but use it for something that would benefit him. It made her feel better helping someone.She was extra happy because she was helping him in the only way she could.She was grateful that he had accepted her invitation at least she could now go to sleep knowing he would at least hopefully benefit from her small contribution.Kate looked up at the sky as he did."You will be on the road in plenty of time"Kate said looking at him as she said it.She didn't want him to go home.She liked talking to him and she had missed him also he was safe here,for the moment anyway.When he went home he would have no where to run.Kate watched him as he walked over towards her.He looked in so much pain and Kate was glad that the take away was only around the corner.she wanted to take his hand and lead him over but she wasn't sure whether he would be comfortable with it.So she just walked slowly beside him trying to enjoy her alone time with him. "I know,somethings you just can't forget"Kate said quietly.She had learned that the hard way after not listening to her stomach and Willow's warnings about eating a lot of food after quite sometime with out it. Kate turned to look at Stefan as he said thank you "No need this is what friends are for"She said smiling.It was true,this.Kate would do anything for a friend even if it meant traveling to the other side of the world.After last year she had realized how good friends were,how she would never be able to cope with out one.

After about ten minutes they reached the small little take away.Kate opened the door and was glad when she felt the warm air come to great her.There was two small tables and Kate lead Stefan over to one and helped him get onto the chair slowly."What would you like"She asked rubbing her hands together.She hadn't realized how cold it was until she was inside and she felt a pang of guiltyness for taking the jacket and not leaving Stefan have it.

 

[Stefan Archer]

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If anything the slytherin teen was actually thankful for the mere fact that she'd been there. He wouldn't have cared if she'd just stood beside him, and let himself clean up and then just walked away, and Stefan would've been fine with that, but she was helping him. Showing real concern where others had just brushed over Stefan. Where his father would've just left him at the side of the street. And since he knew barely anyone else, and there was literally no one he could call. So the fact that she even wanted to help him in the slightest was something he couldn't quite understand. Not just yet. No one had ever been this kind to him, Not even his friends before hand. Manily because at school there was no one throwing him onto the ground. He was safe at school. No one could touch him. So he did not need his friends to help him. But, now, when it was clear to him for the first time that having friends like Kate was the best thing that had ever to him, and he wasn't the type that just thought that in his time of need. He knew what a great friend Kate was. More than anything he was constantly thankful of her friendship, it was just in this situation he when he well and truly needed her that it really showed him how much their friendship mattered. It made him feel even worse about the fact that he'd been so awful to her in theprevious year. He had really not meant for that to have turned out that way, but it was the only thing he thought he could do to help his friends. It had been the wrong decision, in the end the slytherin teen knew that. However right now, he felt truly awful foreverything that he had done. It wasn't like he had not had a choice, he had just not chosen very well, and from then on out, he was promising to be better. To help Kate in everything that she wanted, just to make up for her helping him right there and then. As a friend, he would try to be better. He would listen better, and he would try to make this the only time that he ever really needed her help so badly. It wasn't that he didn't want her help, but he just knew that accepting it too much, or needing it too much might really push his friend into telling someone that there was something wrong in his life. Though he knew that after what she'd seen she most definitely knew that something was wrong in his life. All Stefan wondered was why she hadn't at least asked one question about it. He figured she was being polite, but it still made him wonder if she maybe hadn't seen anything and his mind was working in hyperactive overdrive in the what if's department. He hoped, and wished she'd seen nothing, but there was all it was. Hope.

It occurred to the slytherin teen in that second that if she had seen some of it, what if she'd reacted. Tried to stop it, tried anything while his father was there. The mere thought made Stefan shudder, but this could be masked by the fact he was cold. The slytherin didn't know if his father was capable of hurting others, sure his father was capable of hurting him, but others, he wasn't so sure. Had she tried to help him while his father was still around, Stefan was unsure about what he would have done about it. Stefan hoped he would've been able to stand between his father and Kate, and just attempt to make sure that no harm came to her, but it would take more courage than he was pretty sure he was capable of having. Sure, since it was Kate and he was sure it would be the same for his other friends that the courage would come to him, but he hoped he would never face with that decision. It was why he was so worried about walking slightly toward the direction of home with Kate. If it so happened that his father had a moment of compasion for him, it would be quickly forgoten if he was with someone, and more to that a girl. But, since it was raining, he was also sure his father would not bother. The man had made it pretty clear that the reasoning for why he'd not been allowed to go in the car was because he was wet. And now, he was even more wet than before, his father would quicker let him eat a full meal than let him go in the car. The dark blue eyes of the boy glanced overto the girl he called his closest friend. He was walking towards her so they could start heading to where this place was. He nodded as she said he was going to be on the road in no time. Which he was both glad and upset about. He wanted to be on the road, but he also wanted to be with Kate, and more than anything he just wanted to sleep. Get a full nights rest, and not worry about how long it would take until he got that option. But obviously he had to go home. he didn't have the strength to run away, he had no where to go anyway, and he didn't want to ever want to go away from his father. because a part ofhim was well aware that his father would catch him and the punishment would be a hell of a lot more than just what he was going through at that precise moment. The pain would be worse, even if right now each step was a half battle. "Still, you really didn't have to. I mean, no one has ever really been this nice to me. You don't have to." Stefan said in an almost guilty fashion, like he felt bad that she had to help him. But really it was more an admission that he had never really been helped before. That he was really alone.

Walking slowly beside Kate, Stefan felt each bone ache as he walked. It was a challenge but, he was feeling a little more confident about it that usual. With Kate just beside him he wanted to be better at walking so he could keep up, because really even this slow pace was a little too fast for him, and he really did feel well and truly exhausted. Not to mention the fact that he was wet, and everything hurt, adding to slow pace and exhaustion that he was feeling. He was incredibly relieved to see the food place that Kate had been talking about. he felt himself smile as they walked into the take away. The warmth was nice, He hadn't felt that kind of warth in a long while. His home was not exactly warm, considering they had even less money for heating. And while it was summer, it wasn't like it was always warm. His house was almost always cold. So, this warm place was a god send. He let Kate led her to the table. And let her help him sit down, since it was actually fairly painful to bend. However he let his head fall to the table, as his body rushed with a new flow of pain. He closed his eyes, and took a deep breath, well as deep as he could make it. Considering his ribs. His stomach rumbled loudly, and he was still wet. He looked up when Kate spoke. he looked around, but the words on the menu were difficult for him to make out. "I don't mind, you pick." Stefan moved his eyes to her, he was so tired. Now, the task of heading home was proving impossible. But he knew he had to do it. He couldn't not. "I trust you. Anything will do"​

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[Kate Archer]

Kate looked up at the sky as the walked towards the take away.Today had turned out differently to what she had originally thought.When she had woken this morning the last thing she would of thought she would of been doing at six o clock was accompaning her closest friend to a take away,sure Stefan had been in her mind but not like this.It was amazing how one event could change your thinking on life.Last year she had suspected something was going on with Stefan but deep down she had never fully believed it.So to see it in the open just like that didn't escape her.She looked at Stefan and wished more than anything that he could of had a normal,happy beginning in life.She was sure that things would get better,his dad wouldn't always be able to control him though mentally she wasn't sure.After living a life as Stefan had you couldn't just walk away from that sort of thing.If his dad did that in the open she wondered what he did in private.It wasn't something Kate wanted to think about so she zoned out of thoughts back to the real world.

Kate was curious as to her future with Stefan.She wasn't sure where they stood.She obviously felt something special for Stefan though she wasn't sure about him.She was nervous that he didn't feel the same way.He would always be her closest friend but deep under she knew she wanted to be something more even though she was only thirteen. But what stopped her expressing her feelings was that she wasn't sure what Stefan's reaction would be and she wasn't sure would he be comfortable with it.She had to be patient,she knew this and that was what she was being.She hoped there would be a day when Stefan would come to her and explain everything to her.She knew something would be missing until that happened and she knew she could,would wait.Kate stopped and looked at him "I know,but I want to"Kate said smiling "I'll always be there,if you ever need me I'll be there"Kate said taking his hand and giving it a squeeze before letting go.She would always there no matter what.

Kate watched as stefan bent his head in pain.she wondered how he would ever make it home,but she believed he would.She looked outside and noticed the sky getting darker.Stefan would have to leave soon and she was worried.It would of been hard to walk home anyway but he was undernurished,wet and in pain.The odds were staked up against him but she knew he could do it.Kate smiled "Sure"Sh picked up the menu and looked at it.Luckily this wasn't a fast food joint so it wasn't fatty food,which wouldn't be good for the stomach.She smiled when she saw vegetable soup on the menu.She went up to the counter and ordered two takeaway soups and bread.She paid,the very small amount of money and waited for the soup at the counter.A few minutes later the soup came in two takeaway cups and with four slices of bread.She smiled and thanked the waitress and walked back to the table. "Here you go"She said leaving the soup and bread in front of him.She wasn't sure whether he wanted to eat it here on the way so she just stood there uncertainly taking occasional sips of her soup.

 

[Stefan Archer]

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Never being able to have a friend constantly there the boy was unsure of how much this person could be used for small favours. How many times it would take before just like most of the other people in his life, either left or turned against him. There wasn't really much that the Slytherin teen was sure of, and he sure as hell did not want to be sure about that. It wasn't that he didn't want another person to be like that towards more that he didn't want Kate to go down that path. He didn't want to lose her. In any way shape or form. He knew that like all others in her life something would most likely drive her away, but he really didn't want that to happen. A part ofStefan knew he felt differently about her, knew that he wanted more than just a friendship with her, but he didn't know. What he felt towards her, was completely different. He didn't know what it meant. He couldn't believe that it was something good. Because if it was bad, he didn't know how he would overcome such a thing. If he acted, and it was wrong, if he got it wrong, he had no idea how on earth he'd get past it, if they would ever get passed it. He didn't think that she could actually like him as more than a friend. People didn't. His father didn't even like him, despite the fact that they were blood related. Which he had always thought meant you had to like the person. Stefan did not actually hate his father. He hated what his father did, but not his father. He knew his father didn't mean it, he was certain of it. It was why he convinced himself that he deserved everything that his father gave him, it was his fault. And if his mother hadn't died, Stefan was sure that everything would be okay. He was also pretty sure that it would only be a matter of time, before his father recovered and things could get normal. As much as he figured this would probably never happened, he was still fairly hopeful. And this was what kept him going, that things might just get better for him. That his father might just be a better person, he just needed more time, and Stefan was ready to give him just that. Even if for now things were a little difficult. Painful, sore, tiring and starving. Eventually his act would get together. Stefan was so hopeful of this for the single reason that he had no one else. It was just him and his dad. Sure friends were great but it didn't really coverthe situation if he managed to get himself kicked out. If he was homeless, then he really had no one and no where to go. But it wouldn't matter. Since there was no way his father would kick him out, or lethim leave. Hogwarts was the only place he went. And until he was old enough his home and Hogwarts would be the only two places he would ever live.

As Kate went to order food, he let his head sit on the table. He had to put his head in specfic way to stop his bruises from hurting and being against the table that they would be eating at. Stefan watched her for a few minutes as she ordered, but closed his eyes after a few minutes. He was currenly cursing his father. He was so tired, the task ahead of him, was beginning to seem impossible in his eyes. He had to do it. Being home several hours later was better than not making it back at all and then his father being incredibly annoyed at him. He took a deep breath and just kept his eyes closed. He shivered slightly, his body still adjusting to the sudden change in temperature. He heard Kate reapproach the table, so he lazily raised his head and met Kate with a smile. He was very glad that he'd decided to go with Kate to this take away. He really needed it. A rest before he headed on his way to his home. He sat up and attempted to sit comfortable, without putting any pressure on the parts of his body that were currently sore, which albiet was practically everywhere, but he was trying. Making it look like he was less in pain, so he didn't really worry Kate. He hardly wanted to do that. Stefan smiled his thanks before taking the bread and stuff a slice into his jumper pocket, if he was lucky he would be able to save it for breakfast the next day. Since he doubted his father would let him have anything. Stefan let his hands wrap themselves around the cup. He took a deep breath, as deep as he could, before taking a small sip of the soup. He smiled as the warmth took over his body. It was properly warm. Hot, like nothing he'd had since leaving Hogwarts. Stefan was smiling and he gave a small light laugh. "This is hot." His tone was almost surprise. "I haven't had anything this hot in a while." He said, not admitting that his food at home, when he got some was cold, but more that it wasn't always roasting hot. In reality, Stefan's father didn't really pay the electricity bill all the time, so he didn't have the choice. Cold food was all he got. When he got it. "Thank you, again" He took the cup and took another sip of it. "Are you here alone? In New Zealand." He asked her, he wanted to talk to her about her. So that while he was having a little bit of soup he could distract his mind from the fact that he had a long walk home. And so that he could distract her from it all too. Stefan smiled at Kate as he took another sip of his soup. Very glad that he had something in his stomach. And still each sip was taken with care, so that he wouldn't end up being sick. And it actually felt good. It would help him keep going during the walk home. He was almost sure of it.​

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