"Is there something on your mind Nikola?" Helen held her breath waiting for news of disaster that would require she move from her chair.

Only moments before she had been relaxed sitting at her desk with the silence, fingers tapping gently here and there at the keyboard mimicking the sound of the rain behind the stained glass. When she noticed the impeccably dressed man stride into the room and sit before her, she hadn't bothered looking up knowing he would undoubtedly speak his mind regardless of her attention. The silence continued, however, and against her better judgment she met his thoughtful gaze.

"What are you doing currently?" He asked when her eyes were on him. He studied her with a slight tilt to his head.

"Responding to messages...why?" Ever so slightly she creased her brow.

He waited another moment before answering. "Oh nothing, I just haven't seen you do something so mundane in...how long has it been?" His hand gestures and smirk had her eyes rolling.

"Please don't tell me I'm needed again, I'm enjoying this pause in our usual chaos." Chin in palm, she nearly sighed.

"Not that I'm aware of but I'm sure if we sit here long enou-"

Helen bristled as Nikola's words were cut off by the sudden whir of the fax machine. Nikola grinned and she glared at him.

"Don't glare you might get wrinkles," He teased. "It's not like I used my magnetism to press a button from God knows where just to make this fax interrupt my perfectly timed-"

"I don't want to hear it." Helen cut him off in warning, and his grin turned to offense.

"As much as I'd like to claim that bit of genius-"

"Not. a. word." Still looking at him, she felt his annoyance build like ions during an electric storm. Perhaps he told the truth but she'd not admit to it and give him the satisfaction. She wanted quiet, a steaming cup of tea, and no disturbances. All at the same time. The way this month had gone she couldn't honestly hope for any of that, but was damn well going to try. She released his eyes to look at the paper. It had crumpled a bit in her frustration. Straitening it she read:

One time offer! Get it while it's hot!
Sanctuary movie night on the big screen.
Catered by the best chef with the biggest feet in town.
Bring your friends. ALL OF THEM!
There will be a drawing for first movie choice.
BYOB or Tea
Location: Rec Room
Time: Now
You won't get another chance for relaxation in...who knows how long!
And don't forget to drag along the vampire for dramatic effect.
On second thought...movies have enough drama.
We claim no responsibility for any damage.
~ H. A. P. and company

Helen's demeanor shifted. She tried to hold in a laugh by pulling her lips between her teeth and looking toward the ceiling. She handed Nikola the paper. His brow creased deeper with every line he read.

"Every damn time Helen!" His fuse lit, standing up to head for the door. "I don't have to take this abuse, they should feel lucky this genius isn't the vindictive sort-" at that he was once again interrupted. She could no longer contain her laughter and quickly wrapped her arm through his before he could bolt from the room on a rampage.

"Don't be sour." she fought another wave of laughter by pressing her smile into his shoulder, he paused watching her, but she had to avoid eye contact for a moment longer. "You're starting to sound like Will." Again the laughter rolled off of her and Nikola tried to pull away in disgust. She pulled him back, well aware that if he were really that angry she'd never be able to keep him there. Regaining composure she was able to look him in the eye again, barely. "Where do you think you're going? The invite requested all my friends. It's not everyday we have time for a little fun."

"Fun, you call watching the grotesquely modern film collection of dog boy, psycho-wits, and … those other two… fun? Helen, I thought I new you better than that." This time as he spoke he stood planted to the spot while Helen obviously tried guiding him out the door and toward the rec room. Helen noted his resistance and shifted her tone adding a coy sparkle to her eye.

"Perhaps, but as the head of this establishment I reserve the right to change the viewing menu as I see fit. Besides, you have to come. Every lady needs an escort to the theater." Nikola huffed at her words.

"Please, we all know how you feel about old Victorian rules of society."

"I liked the ones that involved you being a gentleman." She interjected, but he didn't pause to listen.

He did, however, start to walk with her down the hall if only in hope of steering her away from her intended location. "Better idea…" His eyes narrowed with mischief. "How about I escort you on a real date. Dinner, symphony, wine…" he leaned in a bit and could already smell the perfume she would wear. How it would subtly change once mixed with her natural scent. A long finger ran lazily down her shirt collar. "come on, let's ditch this circus."

Helen halted abruptly just a few short yards from her office door. She pulled her arm from his and visibly distanced herself.

"On second thought…" she used Henry's words exactly. "Movies have enough drama." She turned and left him standing there with his newly darkened expression. He only watched as her long legs taunted him as much as she did.