Ian Somerhalder doesn't refer to Nikki Reed as his "fiancée."

Nikki, 26, told E! news: "We have all kinds of words [to call one another instead of fiancé.]"

She added: "We stick with human," before Ian confirmed, "It's the best word."

The couple, who got engaged almost two months ago following just six months of dating, bonded over their love for animals and the actor is hoping their passion will rub off on their future children.

He said: "One would hope that anyone who has this passion, who is here in this place, would instill in their own children or of the like a very similar ideology."

The brunette beauty, who has adopted several animals with her beau, believes caring for their adorable pets is good practice for when they have kids of their own.

She said: "I think animals are great training for that. You certainly learn how to clean up after yourself and pick up a lot of poop."

Ian previously dated his 'The Vampire Diaries' co-star Nina Dobrev until they split in May 2013, while Nikki filed for divorce from singer/songwriter Paul McDonald - who she married in October 2011 - in May 2014, citing irreconcilable differences, and their separation was finalised in January.