Story prompt: "I'm surprised your family was more than willing to pay for all this," said Derrick to Victoria.

The young teenage couple were out in Thailand, since Victoria had always wanted to see elephants up close and personal. Despite working part-time at her local zoo, the zoo didn't have elephants, and she  didn't have clearance or enough experience to deal with animals up close. Which was a shame, since she was into zoology, among other things, since she was able to read.

"Extended family," corrected Victoria with a smile, "they've got all the money to travel the world and bring an entire city's worth along with them."

"Except this only applies to them and not your family."

"Yeah, basically. Sounds almost unfair to have one side be made of money, but my parents and I are happy with just being average."

Victoria's extended family had brought along her, her parents, Derrick, his parents, and his little sister for a months-long vacation to, as one of Victoria's aunt's put it, "anywhere that wasn't outer space", and even that wasn't out of the picture.

Thailand was chosen not only because of Victoria, but because Derrick, as someone who enjoys extreme sports and outdoor activities, have heard of such places to go trekking and hiking.

"Well, enough about money," continued Victoria, "We're already here!"

The elephant sanctuary was bigger than expected. Large portions of nature stretched across as far as the eye can see. Elephants here that were once abused animals, now given the love and respect they deserved and needed.

And as far as the rules go, as Victoria put it, "The elephants make the rules here."

"Hey, hey, I get it," replied Derrick.

"Yup. You can't just feed them when you feel like it, you can't just pet them unless they come up to you, and trust me, if they like you they will, and if you think a trek that lasts 30 minutes takes up to two hours because an elephant decided to do it's own thing, then, sorry, elephants' rules."

"Trust me, I understand the concept of personal space, except for whenever I try to annoy you."

"I let that happen 'cause I love you, Derrick," Victoria gave a light nudge with her elbow and a smile.

As time passed by, Derrick smelled something amazing.

"What is that that's cooking?"

Victoria replied, "Elephant food! You make rice balls mixed with bananas, tamarinds and maize," as she shaped up a few of said rice balls.

The elephants walked up, having smelled it as well.

Derrick whispered, "Not gonna lie, this smells real good."

Victoria replied, "No kidding."

The locals who worked in the sanctuary taught the two to just let the elephants take them from their hands.

Victoria was beyond happy. Derrick loved seeing her so ecstatic.

"Kinda surprised you didn't ask for an elephant ride," said Victoria as one of the baby elephants took a rice ball, "Elephants' backs aren't meant for riding and only sanctuaries who care about money offer them. Which sucks since most elephants don't like that."

Laughing lightly, Derrick replied, "I'm not cruel, besides, I'm not some general who'd ride elephants into mountains for war and lose an eye in the process."

Victoria raised an eyebrow to that oddly specific statement, immediately asking Derrick, "Was that a reference to Hannibal Barca?"

"Might be."

"You know Carthaginian history?"

"Yeah."

"Still finding out new stuff about you."

"It's part of the adventure."

"There's a history nerd in there."

"Maybe there is."