"You can always call me. Any time of the day or night, I'll take that call," Stefan insisted, looking into her eyes. Of course, then she asked how he handled it, and he had to look away.
"Can I say lots of stiff drinks and have you believe me?" He asked, mostly teasing. Mostly. The alcohol really helped, actually. It dulled everything. Well, when consumed with enough gusto. It took a lot of alcohol for him to feel anything nowadays.
After a quick pause to consider, he said, "I think it gets better with time, but I'm not sure that's what everyone else would say." Another pause. "Did I tell you about what happened when I woke up as a vampire?"