Authors Note:

Here's a quick rundown of what this story is going to be:

We all know that Stefano kill's Emily, his favorite model. This is my version of the events that happened before he lost his eye, up to where he killed her. Then, the second half of the story will begin, where Stefano wakes up in Union, next to a mysterious girl, who look's a lot like Emily.

In this fic, Emily is a week away from her 21st birthday while Stefano is 23, about to turn 24. They are Three year apart in age.

And yes, eventually, after some character development, there will be smut.

Chapter One: Reunion

The harsh ring of her alarm had broken her beautiful dream world apart.

A place where she'd recently been spending her time, being wooed by her old friend, Stefano Valentini.

Rolling over, she stared at her alarm clock, frowning. 7:45am shone brightly, in her squinted eyes. She meant to get up nearly an hour ago.

Surely, Stefano would worry if she took too much longer to get up and around. He'd definitely grow impatient too.

After all, he spent months at a time photographing warfare. Despite her protests.

Time and time again, she'd tried to convince him to pursue a different profession. He had a talent for photography, and didn't need to risk his life for a few photos, just to get his name out.

With a groan, the woman sat up. This was her day off, and with Stefano back in town, he demanded that she come work with him. She didn't mind, though, they hadn't been able to see each other nearly as much as they wanted, since beginning their careers.

A sigh left her lips, as the young woman recalled the evening she'd spent with him in her dream land. His hands on her thighs, between them, caressing her breasts, and tenderly kissing her. Squeezing her legs tightly together, biting her lower lip, and pulling her gown to her knees, it was a futile attempt to cover the sins they committed during her sleep.

This was stressful, she hadn't dreamt of him in years, since her late-teens. It'd been easier to dismiss back then, she was full of hormones, her brain wanted her to screw a lot of guys she saw. But, Stefano was the opposite of her interests. Normally, she was attracted to masculine men. Stefano, had always been a bit more on the feminine side.

Despite this, her night's, for the past few weeks, had been plagued with lewd thoughts of them, together.

Maybe she did like him, or maybe, she felt that she owed it to him. He'd been the one putting her name in the spotlight. She was a naturally beautiful woman, and one magazine article later, she'd been contacted by a few agencies, wanting to work with her. Granted, they weren't top tier, but, it was a start, and it paid the bills.

Those thoughts were quickly dismissed. She and her boyfriend hadn't been frisky in a while, they were arguing more than normal. She was just desperate, craving the attention.

She didn't spend years rejecting Stefano, for nothing. He knew there was no chance, and accepted her just as a friend. She'd been grateful for that, and didn't want to confuse him now.

The woman reached for her phone, seeing that he'd sent her a simple text: "Good morning, mia dolce, when shall I be expecting you?"

A warmth pooled in her stomach. He was such a sweet guy.

"Hey, sorry, I got up late, I'll try to hurry." Was the text she sent back, heading into the bathroom. His reply was almost immediate. "Take your time, you can't rush perfection."

A smile lined her face, causing her to glance in the mirror.

Emily Lewis, aspiring model, eyes of an emerald sheen, and onyx locks, cascading down to her lower back. Of course, having just gotten up, her hair was a tangled mess.

Taking her brush, Emily gently brushed the tangles out, before throwing off her gown, and stepping into the shower.

Again, she couldn't seem to get her mind off of him. She thought about when they'd met. It'd been during Mid-Autumn, in a small town named, Chelsea. He'd been living in the area for just shy of three years. The first words Stefano said to Emily, were also sweet: "The hues of the changing leaves, brilliantly compliment your emerald eyes. You own this season."

The warmth fluttered through her body. She really had developed quite the crush.

Quickly, she finished the shower, brushing her teeth, and throwing on a simple outfit, one that Stefano had helped her choose, a couple years ago. Dark jeans, paired with black ankle boots, a burgundy shirt, hidden under her coffee colored jacket, with a purple scarf around her neck.

She needn't worry about styling her hair, or applying her own makeup, or even jewelry, Stefano insisted on on decorating her, himself. And, he was quite good at it.

Before leaving, she grabbed a small purse, and her phone, she probably had enough makeup left over at Stefano's from their last photo shoot, so there wasn't a need to grab any extra.

Walking down the stairs, Emily decided it would be best to text her boyfriend, telling him where she was headed. "Hey, Nate, Good morning! I'm heading to a photo shoot with Stefano, so I'll probably be busy most of the weekend. I love you."

She also sent a text to Stefano, telling him that she was on her way. Again, a quick reply. "I'll be waiting, Em!"

Emily caught a cab, rather than driving herself. It was less of a hassle. And Stefano always paid back any fare she spent to get to him.

His studio, had always had one of the best views, a beach below, the ocean. It was fairly quiet too, the landlord owned the beach, and it was private use for the apartments. Emily appreciated the view, it calmed her on crazed days of constant posing.

It would also be a great place for a bit of sensual intimacy.

Her face flushed at the thought. Stefano, pinning her against the window, showing her body to anyone, who happened to be passing below. The cab driver cut her a look, noticing her sudden bashful state.

As per usual, Stefano awaited outside, a smile on his face, lighting up, the second he noticed her cab. He took her hand, helping her out, before bringing her hand to his lips, placing a gentle kiss upon her soft skin.

"And how have you been, Emily? Keeping busy while I'm gone, surely." He spoke, leading her inside, towards the elevator. The model sighed, at the mention of her work, outside of his own.

Veronica Belrose, a crazed woman, was currently commissioning her and another girl for perfume ads. Quite frankly, Emily was sick of it. Veronica's assistant photographer, Charles Kennedy was grabby, and didn't take pride in his work. He'd touch the models wherever he wanted, and more often than not, his hands would be dirtied. He'd then criticize the models for having tarnished clothing.

"You know, Stef, you really should just start your own agency here. No one takes care of me the way you do." Emily replied, stepping into the elevator, hoping he hadn't realized that the vibrant red on her cheeks, wasn't from the cold.

A flash of her dream played through her mind.

She was against his desk, and he whispered, sensually in her ear. "I'll take care of you, mia dolce."

Stefano gave her a curious glance. No one else could take care of her? He liked the thought of that.

"Ah, Charlie, the deficiente, you've been telling me about?" He questioned, recalling the conversations they'd had while he was away. "Well, fret not, dear Em, I haven't forgotten my vow to put you in the spotlight. Your photos get more views, each passing moment. As they should."

Emily did find comfort in his words, however, a small rage built itself inside her. Was he implying that someone else would discover her?

Something inside her snapped, she was afraid of losing him.

"I don't want to be discovered by anyone else! I only want you..." Her usually quiet tone, confessed, in a rather loud shriek. "Please, you act as if there is someone better than myself." He scoffed, giving her an entertained grin.

"No one treats me like you do." "I only want you." These two sentences caught his attention. His desire for her had not faded over the years.

Emily was embarrassed. Why had she succumb to a sudden emotional outburst, at the thought of being separated from him, no less? It was best to keep quiet the rest of the elevator ride.

Stefano didn't pry into the situation and also remained silent during the ride, taking the lead when the doors opened, coming to an abrupt stop, leaning against the gate, with an arm extended, keeping, Emily, from passing. "Would you miss me?" He probed, his voice soft spoken and enticing. Clearly teasing and, trying to get a rise from her.

In a way, it was working.

The heat made itself known in her stomach, fluttering through her very being.

Damn, he was hot.

Emily hadn't heard that tone before, sultry, full of want.

She wanted to make his dream come true. But, she had someone, and couldn't betray their trust. Emily managed to swallow her desires, replying, with a simple smile, and a hand on his shoulder. "You know I would, how many years have we known each other now?"

He shook her off, an irritated grimace appeared. Stefano continued inside to his studio. "It's been nearly seven, burlone." Looking back, he signaled her to follow, rather than standing dumbfounded in the elevator.

It did irritate her that he'd use phrases she didn't understand. Emily had to harass him quite a bit, before he told her that 'mia dolce' meant 'my sweet'.

Flipping on the lights, all the dust, built over the months he was away, made its presence known. Stefan grumbled, something about the cleaning crew not showing up, after he'd paid them. He made a mistake of not checking the studio the night before, rather staying in a hotel, a few cities away, for the night, and visiting a cafe before Emily arrived.

It took a couple hours, to clean everything to his liking. The mess was barely tolerable, but, the piece they'd been shooting, had a cryptic background, so the remaining dust would be incorporated into the set.

It was now 10:00am, Emily just now received a text from her boyfriend, which read. "Why the hell are you texting me so early? Like I care where you go with that fruit. He ain't gonna touch you. Doesn't know how to treat a girl."

Emily was infuriated. No good morning, no, I love you, he'd insulted her friend. Stefano definitely treated her better.

She imagined Stefano, grabbing her from behind, taking her phone from her, wrapping his arms around her waist, and using that sexy voice to whisper: "You don't need him, let me satisfy, my sweet."

At the same time, Stefano had reached for her, when he called out she hadn't responded. He was worried.

When he whirled her around, she nearly slapped him, but, he'd caught her hand. "Lost in thought? I didn't mean to startle you."

The anger on her face was apparent, he could tell it wasn't directed towards him. Stefano frowned. "What's wrong, darling, confess your strifes to me."

"N-no. I'm fine. I just need a minute."

He pulled her into his arms, wrapping them tightly around her back. "Tell me, mia dolce, else I won't let go."

Emily wanted to wrap her arms around him. But, she couldn't hurt him that way. She tried putting some space between them, he gladly loosened his arms, smiling as he gazed into her eyes, his stare darting to her lips, only moments away from initiating a kiss. Emily recognized that look.

"It's my boyfriend." She blurted out.

His arms dropped, as he stepped back. "Oh, y-you're dating again?" Stefano's voice cracked. Heartbreak. It was easy to hear. She'd broken up with her last boyfriend while he was deployed, and had spent a considerable amount of time talking to him. Of course he thought there was more between them…

"Why didn't you say anything?" Stefano turned, walking towards his desk, messing with his camera.

She hoped he'd moved on, found a girl for himself, someone that could actually confess her feelings. But, that wasn't the case, he was still hung up on her.

Emily didn't move, knowing he needed to collect himself. "It just didn't come up." She lied. The real reason was hat she didn't want him doing anything reckless. He'd told her time and time again that her texts helped him get through the day. She didn't want to ruin it by telling him that she'd met and been sleeping with some guy.

Again, he mumbled beneath his breath, before sighing. "What's his name?"

"Nathaniel."

Stefano turned, more composed. "And how did he upset you?"

He was too nice. She didn't want to talk to him about her boy troubles, not when she was his troubles.

"Stefano-"

He shook his head. "Tell me."

"Nate's just a jerk, sometimes. Rarely answers my texts, I haven't seen him in a couple weeks and all he did was complain that I texted so early." Emily, reluctantly replied, knowing he wouldn't drop the subject, until she had.

He tilted his head to the side, trying to understand. "So, why are you still dating him? You deserve better."

The two didn't talk much more about her relationship. Stefano thought he was trash, using her for nothing more than to get his dick wet. But, to keep from starting an argument, he wouldn't mention it.

Rather, he urged her into the restroom, to change, so they could continue their photo shoot from last spring. When she returned, he worked on her makeup and hair.

Emily wore a tattered white, half sleeved dress, with one sleeve off her shoulder, posing on an extravagant, brown and white, overstuffed chair. She had minimal makeup, just enough to make her face shine, and her lips look glossy, her hair was held up in a ponytail, her bangs framing her face. He'd also given her a green pendant, which strangely didn't take away from the color of her eyes. And as always, a blue band, with silver swirls, on her left ring finger.

The ring originally belonged to Stefano, but, as they aged, he outgrew it, and three years ago, he'd given it to her, around the same time she signed his contract.

There was a reason he seemed particularly bitter about her rejections. He thought of her as a tease. Emily aroused him, seemingly on purpose, just for it to go nowhere.

"Em?" Stefano called softly, fiddling with his camera. She was laying not so gracefully across the chair, her legs hanging over the arm, as she stared absent-mindedly up at the high ceilings. He thought it was cute. "Yeah?" She didn't bother meeting his gaze.

"If you dislike that feccia so much, why are you still putting up with them?"

Emily sighed,Charles had been the only person he'd called that name. She figured it meant he was trashy or something.

"You know I don't like talking about my work, a job is a job, I can't afford to be too picky. At least in this city. Unless I wanted to drive forever and travel a lot."

"Why don't you move?"

Emily held her breath. Stefano was the reason. She stayed in this city, working a job she hated, because Stefano lived here. "We've been together for so long..."

He scoffed. "I'm just a friend, don't stay here because of me. It's not like we're-" He stopped himself.

Despite the tension in the air, Emily and Stefano had a relatively productive shoot. As always, Emily messed up one of the poses, asking him to show her what to do. Which, brought a laugh out of the both of them.

After the shoot, she changed once again, returning to her original costume. Stefano decided to take her to lunch, finding out that she hadn't stopped to eat breakfast, and to help mend her troubles with Nathan. Even if he wasn't with her, he wanted to make her feel cherished. If he lead her away from Nathan, and into another man's arms, one who actually treated her well, he'd be happy.

They went to their favorite spot, which they'd been going to for years: Monroe's Place.

It wasn't fancy, which was strange, since Stefano was all about elegance and class, but, the place was clean, had good food, and a nice staff.

Stefano had chosen the back booth, away from everyone, he preferred the privacy. No one else sat near their corner, preferring the window seats. Which, allowed the two to have any conversation they wished. Sometimes, their conversations were dark. Stefano would tell her the horrors of what he'd seen. People dying, explosions, famine, the wounded, the sick, orphaned children, and worse. It helped for him to talk about it.

Their drinks were always the same, Stefano had coffee, always black. If he ever added anything, it was a sign he was having a bad day. Emily ordered sweetened green tea, with a slice of lemon. Occasionally, she'd ask for cinnamon to be added, but, that was for a certain time of the month. The cinnamon helped with cramps.

Again, their orders were usually the same, the diner served everything on their menu, all day. They'd both get either the country fried steak, with hash brown casserole, or the rib-eye with mashed potatoes.

Strangely, Stefano had only ordered a side of the hash brown casserole, while she ordered a full meal. Maybe he'd had a bigger breakfast?

"I apologize if I've been rather, irksome, today. I'm still trying to adjust…"

Emily placed her hand over his, reassuring him. "There's no need to apologize, besides, I'm just glad, you're not hurt."

He moved his hand over hers, gently squeezing. "You really do make my days better, you know…" Stefano's hand loosened, and he looked away. "That's what friends are for, you do the same for-" Emily was cut off, by a loud shatter, Stefano gripped her hand tightly, wide-eyed.

"I'm sorry, Monroe…" A younger voice rang out, almost sounding tearful. "Hey, they're just plates, I'll buy new ones. The important thing is, you didn't get cut."

The newest waitress, Cindy, had dropped several plates, trying to balance them, and tripping.

Stefano's hand was trembling, Emily placed her other hand over his, hoping to calm him, speaking in a soft tone. "Hey, it's alright." His eyes moved down to her own, and he jerked his hand away. "Are you-" He cut her off. "I'm fine!"

She sat silently, watching him. He purposely kept his gaze the opposite way.

Sighing, he reached back for her hand. "Thank you."

Emily didn't say a word, scooting closer to him. Stefano had only needed to ask her once for silence, whenever his first episode occurred, two years ago.

The pair had been taking a stroll through a local park, Stefano, of course, had Emily pose a few times. While working on a photo, someone had set off a firework, and Stefano had pretty much shut down. Being her first experience with that occurrence, she was of course worried, and was continually asking if he were alright. He'd yelled at her to shut up, and hours later, explained what had happened.

"I'm lucky to have a friend like you." His fingers curled around her hand. "Sometimes I think you're the only one willing to put up with me."

The two finished her food. Stefano didn't talk too much about himself, which, with an ego like his, was strange. Emily worried, but, kept quiet. They'd gone for a stroll around town, visiting the shops in the historical district.

He'd offered Emily his arm, which she accepted, curling her arm around, loosely clutching his wrist. Whenever she spoke, he seemed to lean in, absorbing each word.

Nathaniel never offered her his arm, he rarely held her hand. Almost as if he was embarrassed to be with her in public. Stefano flaunted her, and they'd never dated. Emily convinced herself that it was because of their different upbringings. Stefano had always been classy, he'd been taught how to court a woman, and he'd taken classes in etiquette. Nathaniel was a normal guy, that grew up in a normal family. All he knew, was what he'd seen growing up.

Raindrops began to sprinkle down, and Stefano pulled her into a cafe, the first drop he'd felt. They sat down, ordering a black coffee and a tea. Luckily, they made it indoors before the rain started to pour, sending people running through the street, people crowding the small shop, waiting for the weather to let up.

"I have a suspicion that you'll be quite occupied on the 3rd?" Stefano questioned, sipping his coffee. Emily raised an eyebrow. "No, not really. Veronica will probably ask me to show up. That's about it. Should only be a couple hours out of the day." He frowned, perplexed by her reply. "It's your birthday. There should be a celebration, or something of the sort."

Emily looked down. "Oh yeah. I hadn't realized it was that close. Less than a week, huh?"

"So, you don't have anything scheduled?" He asked, once more, wanting to confirm.

She cupped her hands around her glass, shaking her head. "No, Angela is going to be out of town, and Nate is always busy with work."

Stefano rolled his eyes. Busy with work? He had better be. If it were a ruse, that ended up hurting Emily, he'd have some choice words for the bastard. Maybe even a fist or two.

"Well, if you'd like, we could spend time at the studio, and share a drink, you're finally, legally allowed to have." He grinned. The two of them had been indulging in wine since they left home.

A chuckle escaped. "Hey, you were the bad influence. I originally planned to wait."

"Personally, I never saw a reason to wait. Moreover, we did have a few crazy adventures."

Emily began laughing, remembering a few of the times they'd gotten drunk. "Yeah, you are something else, once alcohol hits your system. I mean, you stole six jars of cherries from the pantry, and treated the entire event like it was a cover operation."

"You are never going to let me live that down, are you, mia dolce?"

"Most-definitely not."

As soon as the rain let up, Stefan had called a taxi for the both of them. It was nearly 7pm, which was normally the time Emily started getting ready for bed.

She stifled a yawn, leaning against him in the back of the car. Aside from doing a few photo shoots with Veronica, this was the most active she'd been in a while. Exhaustion was getting the best of her.

The car pulled up in front of her apartment, and Stefano gently nudged her awake. "Em? Emily.." She groaned, coming to. "This is your stop." He smiled, watching her carelessly rubbing her eyes, smearing a bit of her makeup.

Stefano offered his hand, helping her out of the car, immediately pulling her into his embrace. "I missed this." He muttered, hand against her head, keeping her against his shoulder. This time, she allowed herself to wrap her arms around his waist, though, she didn't pull closer in return. "Me too. I'll see you tomorrow, right? Hopefully, I'll actually wake up on time."

In the middle of their goodbye, her phone started ringing, playing a fragment of Serenade In Strings. Pulling her phone out of her pocket, she looked at the name, before sighing. "Sorry, I've got to take this." Nathan was calling.

They said goodbye, one last time, before she headed towards the building, answering her phone, with a clear, "Hey Nate!" Emily couldn't hide her excitement, actually hearing from him.

Stefano gloomily returned to the car, crossing his eyes. He was pouting. The cab driver looked back at him, through the mirror. "You should've kissed her."

Irritated, Stefano glanced out the window, seeing her bedroom light flick on.

"I know.."

To be continued...