A/N: I know this is very early...like a month early...but I've been forced to be in the Christmas spirit. Here's a short little one-shot to hopefully drag y'all down with me. Haha. Enjoy!
Myka's POV
Normally I go home for the holidays, but this year the snow is too bad to fly. After letting my parents know, I went back to the warehouse to do inventory or find anything to do. It had been a two months since we needed H.G.'s hologram to help solve a case so I've not seen her. I know she tried to kill us but I still miss her. The thought brought on a melancholy cloud above me. I need to shake this off before I go inside. Otherwise Pete will ask what's wrong and when I lie, Steve will give me 'the look.'
Walking into Artie's office, I saw Pete and Claudia decorating. Artie grumbled as a string of garland fell on his head. "Mykes, hand me that string of lights will ya? I need to decorate the tree." Pete looked out from behind the Christmas tree.
Laughing, I looked for the lights. "You are going all out this year. Why is that?"
"We're all stuck here because of the weather." Steve chimed in as he helped Claudia.
"Another misfit family Christmas." A soft smile tugged at the corner of my mouth. "Is Vanessa coming too?" Artie turned to glare. "I'll take that as a yes."
"We're so getting them under the mistletoe!" Claudia came down from the latter to help Pete and I hang the ornaments.
Xxx
H.G's POV
I gasped when the light hit my eyes. Opening them slowly, I saw Irene before me. "Mrs. Frederic?"
"Hello Helena, I need to have a word with you."
Dread overcame me. "What is this about? Is there another case you need me to consult on?" I was hopeful. If she said yes, then I get to see Myka again.
"No. You and I need to have a talk about your feelings for Miss. Bering." If a hologram's breath could hitch, mine probably would have. "I know you've had feelings for her long before now. But after she stopped you in Yellowstone, it became clear. She's your One, isn't she?"
Mrs. Frederic already knew the answer. I could see it in her eyes. "Yes, I believe so. Seeing her there, as she forced the gun in my hand, I couldn't bear the thought of killing her." My heart ached remembering that day.
"Good." Mrs. Frederic's voice was…happy? My brow rose at the mysterious woman. "That means, we can put you back into your body." Excitement raced my heart. I'll get to touch Myka again. Feel her warmth. The excitement left as quickly as it came. Only if she's forgiven me. "Calm down Helena. Your first reaction was correct. It seems, even with the coin, that Emily Lake calls out for Myka in her sleep."
My brow furrowed. "But that's impossible."
"Apparently not. Once you're back in your body, certain measures will be taken of course to keep you from causing any damage. But I have a feeling that once you're around Agent Bering, you'll become stable again."
"She always did keep my demons at bay." I smiled softly. "When do I get to go home?"
It was Irene's turn to raise her brow. "You consider the B&B your home?"
"If Myka's there, then yes." An actual smile crossed the Caretaker's lips. "What do you know? You've never smiled like that before."
"Miss. Bering calls out for you in her sleep. She won't admit it, but she does. She's been depressed since you left. When she worked with you, even in hologram form, it helped weaken the depression. But over the past two months, it's only gotten worse."
"I've been shut off for two months?!" Irene gave a simple nod. "Bloody hell." I paused, "So this will be a Christmas surprise for her? But she always goes home for the holidays."
"The snow is too bad. All flights have been canceled. In a few days, I'll let you know what the Regents will allow. Emily Lake's classes will be over soon and a new teacher will take her place after the holidays."
"I'll await your return."
Xxx
Myka's POV
Sadly, inventory had been mostly finished so it didn't take up too much time. I was forced to be festive and act happy around everyone. It was a relief when I was alone that night with my habitual cup of tea. That same melancholy cloud came back as I remembered the night Helena got me into this routine.
"Myka," Steve's voice was soft and even. "Can we talk?" Against my better judgement, I agreed. "You miss her, don't you?"
"Yes." It was a simple word but held a lot of emotion. "Everyone knows you've been putting on a show."
"Well damn. I thought I was hiding it." The man shrugged. "I just didn't want to upset anyone. I don't like when people worry about me."
"You're family. That's what family does, we worry about each other." Steve gave me a sympathetic look. "Talk about her or read her books, again. It might help ease the pain."
"If I talk about her or read her books, it only brings up the bad memories." Tears started to burn my eyes. "Even the happy memories make me sad because I know I'll never get to feel her touch or warmth again. Seeing her in hologram form did help but…" My voice cracked.
Steve moved to wrap me in his arms as I cried. "Ssshh. It's going to be okay." He rocked us gently until I started to calm down. "We're all here for you."
Xxx
H.G.'s POV
What turned out to be another month passed before Irene turned on the orb again. "I'll be happy to get back into my body. This going months without any type of simulation is…" My voice trailed off. A woman dressed in a wretched outfit laid unconscious on the couch before me. "Is that…Emily?"
"It is." Irene stood beside her. "I just wanted you to see her before we put you back together." I gave a quick nod. Bollocks. I'll be happy to wear my own clothes again. "Are you ready?"
"Yes." Everything went black as Mrs. Frederic turned off the orb. I winced as I came to. Apparently Emily Lake doesn't have a nice bed. But pain means that I'm back in my own body.
"Helena?" The Caretaker's voice was soft.
"I'm back." Sitting up, I stretched and rolled my shoulders. "What artifact will you be using on me?"
"The Shackle of Azkaban." My brow creased. "Yes, it is a Harry Potter reference. That author wasn't as off base as most believe." Irene closed the silver cuff around my left wrist. Thankfully, it looked like a piece of jewelry. "If your try anything, it will shock you. Much like a Tesla."
"Ah. I understand." I inspected the cuff further. "Thank you. What about Myka's team? Artie, Claudia, and Pete probably won't let me near her or the B&B. I know they won't let me near the warehouse."
"Yes, the warehouse is off limits to you at this time. I've spoken with Agent Bering's team. While yes they don't trust you, they do want what's best for Myka. And what's best is you."
Mrs. Frederic's words brought warmth to my heart. "She's what's best for me as well."
"Pete and Claudia will keep her busy at the warehouse while you and Steve set things up. Knowing you, you've already started planning something special to surprise Myka."
"You're very correct.
The next day was Christmas Eve. Irene dropped me off at the B&B when she was sure Myka was preoccupied. "It's good to see you in person, H.G." Steve held out his hand for me to take.
"You as well. So, you'll be helping me set things up?" He simply nodded. "Thank you."
"You're welcome. It'll be good to see a genuine smile on Myka's face again. And to not get wammied every time she lies about being 'okay' or 'fine.'"
"That's my Myka. Always putting others ahead of herself. Shall we get started then?"
Xxx
Myka's POV
Walking in the door, I smelt the lovely scent of hot cider and food. It was nearly dinner time and I was starving. "Steve, this smells amazing. I didn't know you could cook."
"I know a little. But I had to call Abigale a few times. She's lucky to have gotten back to Featherhead before the storm."
"Mmhmm." Everyone crowded around the table and ate. We swapped Christmas stories and how each of us got screwed in the Christmas isle over the past two years. Once everything was cleaned up, we reconvened in the living room to pass out presents. Each of us opened our gifts at a time. Claudia and Pete loved the video games and Steve enjoyed the yoga stuff. Seeing Artie and Vanessa together brought warmth to my heat. They were so adorable together.
"Alright Mykes, it's your turn." Claudia beamed as I unwrapped her gift. My stomach flopped when I saw it was a new grappler.
I didn't know you could be sad and happy at the same time. Taking it out of the box, I looked it over. "Thank you Claud."
"You're welcome. There's one more gift that's from all of us." Pete gave me a card and I opened it. There was a blank sticky note inside.
My brow creased. "What's this for?"
"Darling, you do remember my fascination with sticky notes." The familiar English accent was warm but timid. Whipping my head around, I saw Helena's breathtaking smile. "Hello Myka."
"Helena…you're here…." I looked around quickly for the orb. "Where's the orb? It's not here…"
"I know." H.G.'s voice was soft.
That means…she's actually here? "Helena?" My heart sped.
"Yes darling?"
Before I knew it, I had jumped over the couch and wrapped the older woman in my arms. "You're actually here."
H.G.'s POV
The young agent wrapped me in a strong embrace and buried her face in my neck. I reciprocated the hug and cupped the back of her head gently. "Myka." I breathed in the smell of my love's shampoo. I never realized how much I missed it until now. Massaging her head gently, I tried to get Myka to stop crying.
"You're actually here." The woman's grip tightened and I winced.
"I am. And for good."
Myka sniffled and leaned back. "Really?" I smiled softly and was wrapped in a tight hug once again.
"Darling, please loosen up. Emily Lake didn't have a good bed so I'm rather sore."
"Sorry." Myka's vice grip loosened but she refused to move.
"That's quite alright." I kissed the woman's temple and let my lips linger. "I'm missed you." Myka stiffened instantly while Claudia squealed. She finally relaxed when I took my lips away.
"I missed you too." When the brunette leaned back, her nose was red. "But how?"
"Mrs. Frederic." I held up my cuffed wrist. "And quite a few strings being pulled." Myka's brow furrowed. "It's the shackle of Azkaban. It will keep me in line. But we, Mrs. Frederic and I, don't think I'll need it."
"Why is that?"
I cupped Myka's face in my hands. "Because I'm here with you." Leaning in, I kissed the young agent tenderly. Claudia squealed again. After the shock had worn off, Myka reciprocated. "I've waited far too long to do that."
"Yes you have." Myka smiled into the kiss.
"Oh thank God this all worked out!" Pete smiled. "It's good to have happy Myka back."
"Wait," the younger woman turned in my arms. "You all knew about this? For how long?" None of them wanted to speak first.
"A few weeks." Artie smiled. Sort of. "None of us fully trust you but we know you make Myka happy. With the shackle you'll stay out of trouble."
"As I said, I don't believe I'll need it. But I have no qualms against wearing it if that makes everyone feel at ease." I let my chin rest on Myka's shoulder and kept my arms wrapped around her waist.
"I don't think she can smile any bigger. Job well done guys." Claudia held out her fist to bump it with Pete and Steve.
"I don't think either of them can smile any bigger." Steve folded his arms. "H.G.?"
I gave the man my attention. I know what he's going to ask. Just so she knows my feelings for her are true. "Yes, I love Myka Ophelia Bering. She is my One." The young agent stiffened again. "And I can only hope she takes me back."
Steve smiled softly. "She's not lying Myka."
Kissing Myka's cheek quickly, I spoke. "I love you darling. Long before the orb. We have a lot to talk about but I'd rather us celebrate Christmas Eve and talk things over tomorrow. Deal?"
Myka turned in my arms and met my gaze. "Deal." I wasn't expecting the younger woman to crash her lips against mine, but I wasn't complaining. This is how it should have been months ago. Why was I so stupid?
"Get a room you two." Pete joked.
"Oh I plan to." Myka's voice was husky. "Oh I plan to."
