[Dangerous monster? Him? Stefan stiffens at her touch, not because he's afraid he'll lash out - the opposite, actually. Their shared quarters isn't going to help how he feels. Not when his heart's beating too fast and he was too intimate with someone he's not married or related to.]

I know. [He manages a smile, though it's thin. His mom so raised him better than this...] I just believe, there's... I... [Words. What are words.] I respect you better than this. So I'm still sorry.

[Deep breath.] I'll go ahead and get some food ready. See you soon?