The airplane hangar where Nikolai worked on his helicopter was far from quiet. Dio played loudly on the speaker, followed by System of a Down, or one of Nik's Russian bands. You were cleaning your guns as Nikolai worked on his helicopter, both of you cursing up a storm when something went awry.

It wasn't quiet. Not at all. But it was how you and Nik hung out, when you got the chance to.

When the music suddenly shut off, you looked up, your concentration broken, and your ears ringing. Nikolai stood at the computer, seemingly looking for another playlist.

"So. The Annual Ball is coming up," he mentioned, not looking at you.