The next day Helen was helping Nikola pack. The vampire was leaving and had requested to take a few things with him. She had relented pretty quickly. Despite Nikola being annoying, she was actually going to miss him.
"Is that everything", she asked, closing the case.
She glanced at her friend who took a look around before nodding.
"I think so. But don't worry, if I have forgotten anything I know where you live".
Helen shook her head. Same old Nikola.
"Come on. I'll have these loaded into your car. I'll walk you out".
Nikola held out his arm which she took with a smile. Together they walked to the entrance hall where Nikola put on his coat and scarf. He was just about to leave when they heard a shuffling behind them. They were surprised when they turned to find Danny. She was leaning against the doorway, looking pale.
"You should be resting young lady", Nikola pretended to scold her as he walked across the room. "Don't make me vamp out on you".
Danny gave him a very small smile.
"I just wanted to say goodbye", the girl whispered. "Despite the circumstances, it was nice to meet you".
Nikola grinned.
"The pleasure was all mine".
The vampire paused for a moment.
"Will you do something for me kid"?
Danny watched him suspiciously.
"Like what"?
"Trust them".
For a moment there was silence before Danny continued.
"Who and why"?
Nikola smiled as he stepped closer.
"You know who and you know why. All they want is to help you, protect you. Let them. They will never hurt you".
"And if I hurt them"?
Nikola laughed.
"They aren't that easy to damage".
The vampire then stepped forward and wrapped Danny in an uncharacteristic hug, being careful not to hurt her.
"Trust them", he whispered in her ear. "They are the best and only ones worth trusting".
Nikola pulled back before giving the girl a very gentlemanly bow.
"Until we meet again", he said as he kissed her hand and he got the reaction he was looking for…a small smile.
Nikola walked back to Helen who was waiting patiently at the door.
"What did she say", she asked and Nikola smiled his typical suave smile.
"For me to know and you not to my darling".
Helen shook her head with a smile, kissed her vampire goodbye before closing the door. She turned around to talk to Danny again but the girl had left. She sighed. The talk would have to be later.
A few hours later, Helen was in one of her smaller labs, making some more notes on the Frankenstein's DNA when she felt someone watching her. She finished off the current notes she was making before turning to find Danny at the doorway. The girl was still unsteady and pale so she was leaning on the door frame. She smiled, hoping to relax the girl.
"Hello. What are you doing here"?
After a moment Danny walked in, her hands in her pockets, her eyes flicking around nervously.
"Ok".
Helen was confused.
"Ok what? I'm not sure what you mean".
Danny paused before coming a little further into the room.
"Ok…you can run your tests".
She almost choked but managed to keep her cool.
"You are going to let me run more tests? Are you sure"?
Danny hesitated before nodding.
"I'm not happy about it but…you said you wanted to help and that I can trust you which seems to be a sentiment shared by everyone, including Vlad so I guess I should go along with it".
Helen smiled as Danny used Henry's nickname for Nikola.
"It has to be your choice Danny. You are the one who has to be willing to trust us and not just go along with it. Whenever you are comfortable and ready, I'll be here. All the way".
For a moment Danny paused then slowly came over to sit down on one of the labs chairs.
"Ok. I'm not sure why but I know you can be trusted. Let's do it before I change my mind".
Helen smiled and put the things she was working on away.
"Ok then. Let's get started. I promise we will start slow and you can stop whenever you feel like it".
Danny nodded.
"Ok. Just hurry up because I am in the middle of changing my mind".
The girl smiled and Helen felt hopeful for the first time since they had first met. Everything would be ok.
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