Vlad was silent, not wanting to speak and ruin the moment. She was speaking openly, freely... as if he were a friend, and he enjoyed it. He certainly didn't want it to end. So he listened, suddenly very curious as to the sort of parents Peter had, and why Helena didn't want to stay with them. Did they not approve of her? Were they simply the typical, overbearing sort of parents that everyone disliked?
"No, do not apologize." He offered her a smile, only slightly amused. "I have missed this sort of conversation... I am beginning to tire of hearing about payments and clauses and loopholes in contracts." He paused, considering whether or not to bring up the topic of his own parents. "I would think that, if you are spending Christmas with his family, you would be obligated to stay. I am well aware of how tedious obligations can be, but what can you do?" He shrugged. "I have had my fair share of busy holidays. I never enjoyed them, but that may have had something to do with the company."
He spotted the restaurant just ahead, but he made no move to quicken his pace. "I agree that inviting his parents to Bellum may not be the best idea. It is not exactly an ordinary building." He began to slow his steps, turning slightly to the right. "Ah, here we are."