A/N: Welcome to my first Hey Arnold fic :) First off - these chapters, specifically Part One only, will be very short. Part One is the distance chapter where all of Arnold and Helga's interactions are through letters. Time skips will happen as well, because eventually, the fic will become more of a 'high school fic'. Hope you all enjoy!

Chasing Starlight

Part One – Letters of Love

Chapter One – Arnold I

Dear Helga,

How are you? I'm doing good. I just settled into my new home in San Lorenzo. It's strange knowing I won't be waking up in Sunset Arms and it's strange knowing I won't be going to P.S. 118 with everyone to finish out my 6th grade year.

I'd be lying if I said a part of me doesn't regret my decision.

And I know you're probably scowling at this letter as you read it and cursing me. Telling me if I knew I'd regret it, why did I even go?

Typical Helga.

But I had to do this. I've lived without my parents for so long. I just wanted to live with them, for once in my life – have parents like a normal kid. Grandpa and Grandma understood. They gave me their blessing and okays.

I wish you would too.

Anyways, enough about that! My new home in San Lorenzo is pretty big. We're located closer to a local city, which is where I'll be going to school. The house had a guest room, but I don't think any of you guys would ever be able to visit!

If you ever could, I'd be happy to house you... my parents too!

They were really impressed with you Helga, which I knew they would be. I've always been. Even before what happened in the jungle, even before FTi.

Helga, you mean a lot to me.

And I know this isn't doing much since its through paper and not in person, but...

I still like-like you.

I hope we can continue to keep in contact and then one day, be reunited.

Best Wishes,

Arnold.

P.S. - I still have your bow.

Arnold sighed as he laid down his pen, leaning back in his chair. He licked his lips, looking down at the first letter out of many more to come. His penmanship wasn't the greatest, but it was legible. He could tell he was nervous by the writing and he had even gotten a little more mushy than he had expected to.

But he couldn't help it... Helga had always done that to him.

She had always made him feel his emotions tenfold. He sighed, glancing over at the ribbon. He smiled at the pink fabric. It had been a parting gift from Helga – a way to always remember her. He had tried to insist he wouldn't need a constant reminder, just the thought of her was enough.

But she would have none of that.

So he made sure she had one as well!

He chuckled, folding the paper neatly before grabbing an envelope. He sealed it, then addressed it accordingly.

He darted down the stairs. His father was sitting at the table – reading the paper while his mother was doing dishes. She glanced at Arnold, a warm smile on her face.

"Where are you going in such a hurry?"

"And at such an early hour," his father murmured, glancing at the clock. "It's only a quarter till 6! Are most kids up this early?"

Arnold smiled sheepishly. "I'm just excited for school... and I, uh, want to mail off a letter."

Stella rubbed her hands off on a fluffy towel while his dad grinned. "To Gerald?"

"N-No."

Miles picked up his coffee cup. "Oh, I see. It's to Helga then, hmm?"

Arnold's face turned red while Stella gave her husband a warning look before glancing down at her son. "I'm sure she'll appreciate it, Arnold."

"So is it okay if I ride my bike to the post office then?"

"Sure," his dad sat his paper down. "It's good to get some exercise in this early."

Arnold nodded, darting out the door. He grabbed his bike – kicking up the kickstand and putting his bookbag on around his shoulders – the letter inside. He pedaled down the street, eyes wide as he took in his new surroundings. The heat was something he'd have to get use to, but as soon as he made it to the city, he felt at home.

He stopped in front of the post office, quickly running inside.

"I'd like to mail off a letter."

The man at the counter blinked before speaking English, albeit a bit brokenly. "Of course, young man. Express, I take it?"

"Please."

Arnold pulled out the change he had saved up, handing him the correct amount before turning to leave. He stepped outside, glancing around the city.

He could only hope the letter makes it to her!