Title: For a Moment Longer
Fandom: Warehouse 13
Wordcount: 525
Rating: T/PG13ish
Characters: Myka, H.G.
Beta(s): Thanks to Magicmumu and Aynot for looking this over.
Notes: Also, thanks to Fitful_Firefor the title.

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The First Night….

The B and B seemed particularly quiet since Helena had arrived. Granted it was a Friday night, but Myka couldn't help but resent the way her friend's had scattered like cockroaches. Glancing over at the beauty across the room, she decided maybe being the only one around wasn't such a bad thing. They had been in the living room for several hours, both engrossed in their own books of choice.

"What are you reading?" Myka asked, stretching her legs out along the couch. She watched as Helena finished the bit she was reading, before grinning up at her. Myka felt her cheeks flush at the direct attention and silently thanked Pete for starting a fire for them before he left.

"It's called 'Killing Monsters'. Claudia brought it by my room earlier; she said she thought I might find it interesting. Are people so naïve that they think simply being exposed to violence instantly turns children into sociopaths?" she asked, knowing from Myka's facial expression that she was familiar with the book.

"Sadly a lot of people are. They would rather blame television, video games, books and music than face that truth that if they'd actually spend time with their children and raise them they wouldn't have these problems." She saw Helena's features darken in sadness. "Not all people are like that though, there's just as many parents out there doing right by their kids."

Closing her book, Myka set it on the end table next to her. Myka grabbed one of the throw pillows off the back of the couch and tucked it under her head, stretching out more comfortably on the couch.

Helena smiled at her curiously, cocking her head to the side. "Darling, if you're tired, goes to bed. You don't have to stay up and babysit me." Drawing her feet up under her knees, she curled up getting more comfortable. She could see how weary the other woman was, but couldn't help feeling a bit happy that she would rather spend time with her than go to bed.

"I'm just resting my eyes," Myka said, knowing that it would only be a matter of minutes before she fell asleep. She didn't like the idea of leaving Helena alone though. The woman had already spent too much time by herself as it was. If Helena wanted to be alone, Myka figured she could always go to her room.

The atmosphere all afternoon had been chilly enough from Artie that she was surprised Helena hadn't done so already. Myka was sure the other woman was either proving to Artie that she could stand anything he dished out or she was staying despite his actions because even negative human contact was something. Possibly, it was a little bit of both.

Myka noticed the other woman smile gratefully at her, before returning to her book.

She couldn't help but grin back. Helena might have spent decades being bronzed, but Myka was hardly a stranger to isolation. Maybe for tonight, they both could use a friend. Pulling an afghan over herself and snuggling into the warmth, Myka closed her eyes and drifted to sleep.