So I've been trying to work on two of my other stories but this is all that I can get out... Maybe now I can finish those dastardly chapters that have been plaguing me...All my problems at the moment are stemming from Helen's bedroom so it's nice to finally have her play nice for me...

I will admit my own exhaustion (first week back at uni and already I'm tired) did kind of inspire part of this although I don't have anyone nearly as delightful as Nikola to take me to bed...

And yes, as the title suggests, this particular story will have 6 chapters and while I have planned a few from a handful of episodes, suggestions are welcomed (especially for the bullseye)

Also, I wish I could say I owned this, but sadly not so please don't sue me :)

Enjoy

xx

5

They were working on that damned map again, still trying to unravel the secrets her father had left her.

She let out a frustrated growl and turned back to the stack of books next to her, picking up yet another. She hadn't a clue what time it was, just that it was late at night, maybe very early morning. She could feel her stomach grumbling and everything ached but she couldn't stop now. She knew she should heed her own advice and go to bed but she could make it through, she knew that.

Blinking a few times to clear her head, she reread the last paragraph, the one her mind hadn't even started to comprehend. After reading it three more times and still getting nowhere, Helen slammed down the book and stood up. She strode around the hologram for a few minutes, her mind racing as she again became frustrated with how little they understood it. She stopped in front of one of the buildings, the one, she had decided, was her favourite.

It was beautiful, it wasn't the tallest in the city but the careful scrolls and the delicate carvings on the walls were truly stunning. She let out a yawn as she wondered what on earth the beautiful building could possibly hold. The yawn gave her pause. How long had it been since she slept? Maybe a day or two… She thought back. No, three days, she realised with a grimace. She knew from experience she could probably take one more day before it all became too much and she decided to take the risk.

With another yawn she turned back to her seat by the table, making to pick up the dusty old tome she'd discarded earlier.

"Not fair," a voice intoned from the doorway and Helen spun around to see Nikola leaning casually against the door frame. "How come I have a curfew and you get to stay up as late as you want?" he asked, stalking his way over to her.

"Because, Nikola," she said, gently closing the book before putting her hands on her hips, "you are mortal and mortal's need sleep." He glared at her for that. The 'm' word was off limits.

She opened her mouth to send him back to bed but another yawn escaped and, try as she might, she didn't quite cover it.

"You need sleep," he said, his voice tinged with concern.

"I'm fine," she swore, smiling at him whilst trying to keep her eyes open. It always happened like this, she only ever felt tired when someone told her she was. Nikola ignored her feeble lie and stepped forwards, his hands coming to her shoulders.

She wasn't quite sure if it was his presence or sheer exhaustion but she lost her balance momentarily, forcing him to step closer to stop her from falling. He looked down at her with concerned eyes and Helen smiled vaguely at him.

"Maybe you're right," she said sleepily, her eyelids starting to become heavy.

"I am a genius," he said smugly, looping an arm through hers. "Now come on," he added patiently as he tugged her away from the map. She would have fought it but suddenly the exhaustion in her bones became too much and with a weary sigh she forced one foot in front of the other. He noticed her lagging behind and moved his arm, trying to capture her waist.

"No," she said, waking up slightly, "I can walk." Nikola rolled his eyes, placing a hand on the small of her back instead. Something about that small contact made her shiver as it sent a bolt of… of… of something all together undefinable though her body. Her mind paused for a minute. Oh, who was she trying to kid, his hand on the small of her back sent bolts of lust through her body, plain and simple.

"What was that?" Nikola asked, his face surprised.

"What?" Helen asked, her mind, clouded with sleep and lust struggling to make sense of his words.

"What did you say? Just before," he prompted, a smirk threatening on his lips.

Helen would have blushed if sleep wasn't beginning to win the war. She must have said something, one of her last thoughts. Possibly, she mused at the look on his face, something about lust.

"I'll see you tomorrow," she said, trying to make her tone as curt as possible as she jammed her finger into what she thought was the elevator button. Or not, as she found out, her finger throbbing as she readjusted, this time hitting the target.

Nikola chuckled at her behaviour and moved closer to her as they waited for the elevator.

They were several floors up before she realised her head was resting on his shoulder. She let out a contented sigh as the arm that had appeared around her waist pulled her more securely against his side.

Next time she opened her eyes they were in her room. She wasn't sure how he got her all the way down the corridor, she's not huge but he is tiny, especially now he's been devamped. Her eyes closed again for a moment and, acting on instinct, she started to undress, fingers struggling with small buttons, shoes kicked into the corner until her skirt comes away with just a tug of the wrist. Slowly, her eyes barely open, she moved around the room, gathering up her discarded clothes as she headed to the wardrobe.

She realised, a little too late that he's still in the room, watching her uncertainly. She fumbled, almost falling to her knees as she drops the clothes in her arms. He rushed forwards, grabbing her arm a moment before her knees give out.

"Come on," he said, pulling her upright before leading her over to the bed. She sat down with another sigh, not sure if he's actually there or if she's dreaming whilst awake. It wouldn't be the first time.

He reappeared carrying a nightgown. Gently, and with averted eyes her brain manages to notice, he unclasped her bra before pulling the silk over her head. Her hair is a mess, she knows but now the tiredness in her bones is seeping into her consciousness. She didn't even realise that he'd thrown back the covers, she simply fell back into bed.

With a soft sigh, her already closed eyes gave up the fight.

"Goodnight," he whispered against her temple. Reaching out with more speed than she knew she possessed, she grabbed the front of his jacket.

"Stay," she whispered. Gently he eased out of her grasp and she felt his weight leave the bed. Using everything she had, she pulled her head off the pillow, looking around blearily for him.

Then, the other side of the bed sank with his weight.

"Sleep," he murmured, slipping under the covers and moving towards her until his body was cradling hers. She sighed contentedly before rolling over.

"Nikola," she sighed, pressing her lips against his. Her kiss, although tired was passionate and Nikola fought to regain his composure. Her tongue danced against his lazily as one of her hands swept down his chest to caress his growing erection through the fabric of his pants. He let out a soft moan as one of his hands drifted towards her barely concealed chest, tingling as he started to stroke the pale flesh. She shivered in his arms, her mouth deepening the kiss. He pulled back for the moment, mouth dropping to her neck as one of her legs slid up and over his hip. He bit down gently and she let out a moan, her hand picking up the pace a little.

Then he realised where they were and what they were doing and the fact that she would probably kill him in the morning. And he wouldn't survive said killing to make a proper go of this.

"Sleep," he insisted, pulling back, holding her face tenderly before giving her a soft peck on the lips.

She pouted, eyes closed but stopped fighting for another kiss, instead curling into his chest.

"Good night," he said into her hair as his arms held her close but she was already asleep.