In this story Helga's exterior is lowered down a lot towards Arnold, she didn't hold her love for him for years and was trying to hide it. This is why right now they are getting along so well, Arnold isn't being his shallow self, because Helga is the only girl he ever liked for her personality. So of course he's acting a bit different around Helga because he doesn't have repress feelings and won't have them because she's acting very cool with him. Keep this in mind!
Plus you can say it's inspiration from SuprSingr's supr awesome fic "The Pickle Jar" :D
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"So let me get this straight Arnold, you got some girl you don't even know spendin' the summer with you? ...Okay she's Phoebe's best friend and all, but that ain't right. What's goin' on, man?" Arnold's best friend, Gerald Johanssen, was questioning him the next morning on their way to the arcade. Gerald was an African American boy Arnold's age, went to P.S. 118 with him, and most notably, his hair was standing tall on his head.
"I know it sounds crazy Gerald but please don't tell anyone about this" It feels good to tell at least someone about this.
"Why not, man? Why's it some big secret?" Gerald wanted to know.
"Look Mr. Pataki told my family never to tell anyone and I trust you as my best friend not to say anything. I don't know all of the details, just a few my parents told me. I know there is more but I won't ask them because I know this whole thing is hard on them. They wouldn't agree on something like this unless it was something big that may have happen. Anyway, Helga is really an okay girl, we hung out last night and got to know a little about each other. You might like her when you meet her."
"Really now..." Gerald raised an eyebrow. "Okay man, I won't tell. That Big Bob Pataki's been on my Dad's radar since before I was born. So what's goin' on? Why's Helga Pataki over with you guys?"
Arnold took a big breath before letting it out. "Our parents set up for us to be ...married when we get older."
"Ah okay man, that's cool. So do you got any quarters so we can play the-SAY WHAT? You and Helga Pataki are engaged? ...An arranged marriage? What are we suddenly living in India?"
"SHHHHH!" Arnold waved his arms frantically "Gerald, not so loud! It was something Mr. Pataki told my parents that made them agree it, like I said I don't know all of the details, only that Helga and I will be wed when we turn sixteen."
"That's just crazy, man... I knew Big Bob Pataki lost his marbles but jeez! This is America, no one does that silly arranged marriage! He's gotta be...forcin' your parents or something, there's no way they'd agree to this for no reason, man."
"I know but I have to do what they ask. I know it hurt my mom to have to focus me to do this and who knows maybe I might actually like Helga in the next few years."
"Whatever you say, Arnold...if that girl's anything like her crazy Daddy...hoo-wee! Good luck, man. You're a bold kid." Gerald said, wiping his forehead dramatically for emphasis.
"Thanks, Gerald." he said dryly.
"Anytime, Arnold. Man... Never thought the day would come so soon. My best friend is growin' up..." The dark-skinned boy added a sniffle.
"Gerald." he warned, "You're bugging me."
The boys walking towards the arcade opening the door and walking in. The whole room filled with laughter and noises from the machines.
"Sorry man, no more teasing." Laughed Gerald as he followed him inside. "Come on! Let's go play the new Thunder Racer game!"
XXXXX
Meanwhile, at Best Buy, Helga was helping her best friend Phoebe Heyerdahl buy some software for her computer. She hadn't wanted to deal with her father's franchise stores, so she opted that they go to Best Buy instead. While Phoebe browsed and asked for her opinion, Helga's mind drifted off to the situation at hand, leaving her lost and pretty much "on the moon", oblivious to her best friend for a minute.
"I'm still not sure, they say it's the fastest virus, spyware, and Internet protection is better then most but then Panda is a good software too, although there are other softwares that work as well, still Norton is number one and...Helga?...Helga? are you listening?"
Well I gotta admit, he's really sweet... And he's cute... And he's thoughtful, attentive, easy to talk to...yeah, guess he'll make a good husband. Helga thought, and was snapped out of her thoughts. "O-Oh, sorry Pheebs. I was lost in thoughts, ya know...heh heh...so, what were you saying about the antivirus stuff?"
"What's wrong Helga, you've been spacing out"
"It's nothing Pheebs, Bob's just lost his mind more than ever." Helga shrugged.
"What happen now?
"I can't tell you."
At Phoebe's questioning stare, the blonde girl twiddled her fingers. "I mean, not like I don't want to tell you Pheebs but Bob's gonna kill me if he finds out I told someone. It's..." She sighed. "It's a secret, but you have to promise you won't tell anyone."
"Well of course I won't tell anyone, your my best friend. It will be between us" she held Helga's hand.
Helga sighed once more, nodding. "Okay Pheebs. Here it is. ...Bob's making me go through an arranged marriage with Miles and Stella Shortman's son, Arnold. In other words, we're engaged. Getting married when we're sixteen, apparently."
For such a quiet girl, Phoebe actually made a few customers jump. "WHAT? YOU'RE KIDDING ME!"
"Pheebs! Shhhh!" Helga hissed. To a few customers she said. "Sorry, my friend was...a little upset about the price of something! Heh heh heh..."
She grabbed Phoebe and ducked behind a nearby cut-out display of the Super Nintendo.
"Yes, you heard me right, I'm freaking engaged! I told you Bob lost his mind!"
"Oh my... Helga, what was your father thinking?"
"To get rid of me, of course. Because I'm such a disgrace to the Pataki name. He even said it himself. Why else would he have dumped me off with them for the summer, probably have no intention of coming back in three months?" Helga sighed and held her head. "I mean okay, it's not THAT bad. Arnold's a nice kid and he is cute, I like his parents, and his grandparents...okay, they're weird, but they're cool. His grandma is all kinds of awesome. Still...it hurts, Pheebs. It really does."
Phoebe gave her best friend a tight hug. "Don't worry, by law once you get married for about a year you can easily divorce them. So if you have no love for Arnold by the time you do get married then just wait a year after being married."
"Yeah... I guess you're right, Pheebs." Helga managed to give her a hug back. "Well like I said, it won't be so bad, they're good people...I guess...as Arnold said to me, looking on the bright side."
"Oh yes Arnold is known to say that, he's always looking on the bright side of things. In school everyone goes to him for advice." Phoebe and Helga had been best friends for years but they went to different schools.
"So he told me." Helga said, looking off into space again. So corny, so good, so Saint-like...and yet... I don't know, something about him... "Oh well, it's who he is, I guess."
Phoebe paused a moment, thinking something over before she spoke up again. "You know Helga, Gerald and Arnold are at the arcarde, do you think we should go and meet them there?"
"Arcade, huh? Well okay, sure." Helga grabbed a nearby box and thrust it into Phoebe's hands. "Let's get this stuff and then we'll get going."
XXXXX
They arrived at the arcarde, kids running around shouting, playing dance games, shooting plays, or getting change from the machine. Both girls spotted the boys playing a Mortal Kombat. "I don't know Gerald, I think your going to lose again."
"It ain't over 'till it's over!" Gerald declared. "I'll bet the Mr. Fudgy bar in my pocket if I'm wrong!"
"This should be good." Helga gave a smirk, and walked over to the boys, dragging Phoebe over by the hand.
"You're on!" his voice deep as he put all his focus into the game, He knew Gerald was a great player but he also knew that Gerald love repeating the same moves over and over until he won. When it came to Arnold, he always love being random and doing something everyone didn't notice or see when it came to video games. His character move back just as Gerald's fighter aim a punch at him.
Arnold then moves his character forward and sends a fit of punches, kicks and special moves. It got to the point where Gerald couldn't move as his character has his back against the screen. "FINISH HIM!"
Goddress Lotus: Arnold quickly press a combanation of buttons "FATALITY!"
"Dang man...you got me again." Gerald said, handing his best friend the chocolate bar.
"Face it Geraldo, you just plain stink at this."
"Hey! I resent tha-a-a-a ohhh..." Gerald froze upon seeing the girls now standing behind them.
Arnold laughed but as soon as he turn his head his laughing had stopped. Staring into her blue eyes for a moment that was all he could see.
As did Helga, the minute she met his captivating green eyes, she too seemed to lose all focus of the world around them. Not a word was spoken between them, you could cut the strangeness rising in the air with a knife.
Gerald stared in awe at his best friend, and then glanced over at Phoebe.
"Let's leave these two alone." she whispered.
Gerald glanced at the two engaged kids, seeing that they were still captivated by each other, which was starting to nauseate him. He turned back to Phoebe and grinned. "Sure thing, babe! What say you and I go one-on-one with good ol' Street Fighter?"
"I'm not sure I'm good at it but it might be fun to try"
"Don't worry babe, you're gettin' some lessons from the Master himself." Gerald winked at her.
She giggled. "I can't wait then."
Arnold shook his head finally remembering where they were. "H-H-Hey Helga."
A blush crossed Helga's face, and she tried hard to keep cool. "Hey Arnold. Guess I don't need to ask that you're having fun."
He nervously gave a short laugh, feeling those butterflies in his stomach. "Do you...like to play video games?"
"Heck yeah! I've got my own room in the mansion where I play these games, and have all the Nintendo, Sega and Atari consoles...and a few old school consoles, and even two Pong consoles, pretty boss. And I have myself a pretty good selection of games, if I so myself."
"It must be lonely having a huge mansion, I always thought how sad it is having one because there so much space and it feels empty." He saw her expression. "I um...I'm not saying this to offend you or anything"
She shook her head, biting her lip. "Doesn't matter, Football Head. Let's just say you're right, okay? Forget about it. Now c'mon, let's play some games and kick some butt." How does he know me so well?
"Okay, what would you like to play?"
"What say you prove your Master skills at Mortal Kombat, hmmm?"
"Oh, okay Helga."
She smirked "And if I win, you have to give me your Mr. Fudgy Bar."
Arnold smiled and nodded "Okay."
"All right, let's do this then. Mortal Kombat!"
XXXXX
"I can't bellieve you beat me...twenty times in a row." he said shaking his head. his title was taken from him by a girl he would one day marry.
"What can I say, I'm just that good." Helga grinned, patting his shoulder. "But as compensation, since you are my...well...ya know, 'special friend'." She said that with air quotes. "Why don't you pick our next game?"
That comment made him blush "Okay, well do you like Mario games? They have Mario Kart over there oh and Teenager Mutant Ninja turtles and the Power Rangers, which one do you want to play?"
"Mario is the MAN! Let's play that first."
"Okay but I'm Yoshi."
"Dibs on the man himself, Mario! Let's-a play."
Going over to the arcade machine that housed Super Mario Kart, they put in the coins and picked their characters, both were enjoying the race.
"And this is why I really don't like the Ghost level." he said yet again falling into the hole and waiting for the ghost to pick him and his cart up.
"Tell me about it!" Helga agreed, muttering a childish curse as her kart fell off the edge too. "I can count on ONE hand the amount of times I have been able to get through this level without falling once!"
Finally the little ghost picked up his car, grinning when Yoshi passed Mario up, who had also fallen down a hole. "Sorry Helga." he childishly taunt.
"Oooh, you're gonna be sorry, Yoshi, you don't mess with the best!"
He had race around the track, once he find her again he decided to throw a red shell at her, the shell followed Helga no matter what move she made until it finally hit her.
"Oh, so that's the way you want to play? All right...we can play like this all day..." Her player got a Mushroom, and when she caught up, used it and dashed ahead. "Eat my dust, Yoshi! ...You eat everything else, anyway."
"HEY!" With a big smile on his face, Arnold closed his mouth, sticking his tongue out to the side and focus more into the game trying to defeat her. However she prove to surprise him...he didn't know she only had one more lap to go. He had two...she won.
"Gosh Helga, I guess you won"
"Looks like I did." She smirked playfully and ruffled his hair. It WAS soft... "I still have lots of quarters... You pick the next track, winner take all."
He felt goosebumps on his arms when he felt her hand on his hair...it felt good. "Um, okay." Turning back to the screen, he looked at the tracks. "Hey what about Vanilla Lake 1, I love the ice track! It's so fun! Then again...Vanilla Lake 2 is much harder" he pressed the button to select it then gave her a smile "Let's try this one."
"Always up for a challenge! Let's do this, Yoshi."
XXXX
Across the arcade Phoebe smiles at her two friends "They're so cute together, aren't they?"
"I'll be a monkey's uncle, but you're right, babe." Gerald agreed. "Mmmm mmmm mmmm. Who knew Arnold of all people could get along so good with Helga Pataki."
"I concur Gerald, Helga isn't such a bad person she's just the way she is because of her dysfunctional family and the solitude environment that comes with being home schooled and of course going to an all girl's school isn't helping much since most of the girls in her classroom are more worried about being on top instead of making friends. I'm just glad she's actually having fun, I've never seen her have this much fun with anyone other then me."
Gerald looked back at their respective best friends and found himself smiling. "Looks like they're arrangement won't be so bad for 'em after all."
"I believe that if they do not fall in love then perhaps it's best if they remain friends."
"Who knows, Phoebe... But one thing I see for sure is that I've never seen Arnold having this much fun with a girl before. He's always so nervous and tongue-tied and goofy around girls, especially when he likes them. But now..." He whistled. "It's like he knew her his whole life."
"Hmm you know Gerald, I guess I never thought of that."
Gerald grinned and unconsciously held her hand. "Just callin' it as I see it."
XXXXX
They were all hanging at Slausen's ice cream parlor they had ordered a cheese burger with fries and a sundae. While dipping his fries in some ketchup, Arnold was talking to Helga about the newest Evil Twin movie. "So now the twins are back from the dead but they met their match when they find the Evil Twin sisters from West Town."
"Now THAT sounds boss. You think Theresa or Pete will finally get what's coming to them? I definitely do, I bet the Evil Twin sisters will rip them apart!"
"Oh my Helga, that's awful to say." Phoebe said, she was known to get a bit sick during horror movies.
"Please, Pheebs, Theresa killed Hayleigh, who was all kinds of awesome, just because she tried to go to the cops about her psycho behaviour! Then Pete kills off both Tim AND Christina, just because he didn't like them, back in the last movie, remember? They definitely should get their comeuppance this time!"
"Well remember Helga, Pete also killed off his sister in the first movie" he shook his head "These movies are pretty messed up."
"No kidding, that's why they're awesome!" Helga slapped her palm against the table and stole one of his fries. "But man, did you see the actress playing the Evil Twin sisters? You could not have picked someone better, she looks the part!"
"Helga that's just mean, it's not like the actress looks ugly on a regular basis it's just makeup for the movie that makes that appearance" Phoebe chided.
Arnold picked up his fries and dip it into the ketchup. "Well she actually does look...a bit like that...in real life."
"Arnold!"
He raise his hands up "I'm sorry but she kinda does...I didn't say she was ugly or anything. Yeah, the makeup does make her look more...grotesque and all, but without it that's just how she looks."
"You're talkin' about that rising actress...what's her name again, oh yeah, Patricia Henson." Gerald interjected. "I've seen her in that movie Fresh Start and Ultimate Dispatch Within, and she's one great actress. She just looks...well, not quite like those other Hollywood ladies."
"For a romance movie, Fresh Start was actually okay." Helga remarked. "Funny to see her playing evil twin sisters, eh?"
"I guess so but I think that's what's so unique about her, she doesn't look like all the actresses who looks like super models, she's plain and simple and I think most women she be that way. It doesn't matter how you look but what's inside a person that counts."
Arnold blushed as Helga stares back at him. Maybe that wasn't the right thing to say.
"'Fraid you'll have to blame Hollywood for that one, sweetheart." Helga then said, shaking her head. "They got those women there to portray the idealistic image of what a woman should look like. Yeah...sure, I want to look like I'm starving myself and have a waist smaller than my boobs." She patted her stomach. "I eat what I want and I do what I want, because Helga G. Pataki answers to no one of that. Those Hollywood beef jerkies can kiss it!"
"Well I'm glad we think the same, we wouldn't want to change just because Hollywood says we should."
"Doi, that's what any girl like me would say. Have you seen the structure stats for the 'Barbie Doll' image that women dream of having? I've seen edited pictures of women with the 'Barbie' figure in those magazines Olga reads. No wonder girls in this day and age are so insecure."
"Yeah some industries like to edit the person's image and make them look smaller or makes their...um...parts...um different." Arnold then blushed and turned away, feeling embarrassed for talking about a woman's...parts.
"Ain't that the truth, little buddy." Helga poked his nose and smirked. "If you ask me, if I was a clothing designer or whatever, and needed a model, you can bet I'd pick one of those plus-sized models. Let those girls know you don't need to be a size 0 to be beautiful."
Gerald interrupted "How did we get to Twins killing people to Hollywood models?"
"You tell me, Geraldo. How?"
"Heck if I know. We gonna go see the movie?"
"Of course we're going to go see it, doi."
"We can go tonight, it'll be fun and I'll ask my parents for money." Although...does this sound like...a date? Arnold wondered.
"Nah, no need, hair boy. It'll be my treat."
"No, I insist Helga"
"No no no no, I insist." Helga pointed to herself.
"But a gentleman has to pay for the girl, it would be rude if I let you pay for it." Why doesn't she want me to pay for her?
"Arnold Arnold Arnold...it's nice to know you're a gentleman, and that chivalry isn't dead. But I insist and that's the end of that. This is the 90's, it's not exactly customary for the guy to pay on a date. So, how about this? I pay this time, and maybe next time YOU can pay. Equality, my little friend."
"Well, okay Helga, if you insist."
"Good boy." Helga teased, patting head like a dog.
He made a playful growl with cause her to laugh, Gerald shook his head still wondering about his best friend's behavoir around Helga Pataki, Phoebe smiles at them feeling happy for her friend.
"You guys are weird." Said Gerald.
"Thank you, Geraldo." Helga said, sticking her tongue out. "Of my virtue I am justly proud."
Biting into his cheese burger and trying to not laugh at Gerald's annoyed look. "I think that's a great idea, right Gerald?" Phoebe asked, staring at him, it caused Gerald to blush.
"Sure thing..." Gerald looked away a bit.
"Yoink!" Helga stole another fry from Arnold and popped it into her mouth, smirking in turn of his look of annoyance that then faded into amusement. "Oh I'm
sorry, want it back?" She stuck her tongue out. "Too bad, it's already in my tummy."
"Eww." He chuckles and stole one of her cheese sticks and pops it in his mouth.
"Hey!"
He grinned. "Fair's fair"
"You're in for it now, Arnoldo." She smirked, and took another fry, eating it.
He took another stick even when she was pulling her plate away he still got it and popped it into his mouth then cover his fries.
Gerald rolls his eyes and muttered, "Kids."
"Just you try and get 'em now..." Helga couldn't keep the grin off her face, protecting her plate. "C'mon...I dare you."
"Okay knock it off you two" Phoebe finally said after watching they both grin and try to grab each others food. Phoebe turned to Gerald, smiling. "I guess we must take on the role of being their parents."
Gerald laughed. "I think you're right, babe. You two settle down, or no dessert."
"Yes, Daddy." Helga snorted.
"Yes. I'm your father and I say so."
"But Daaaaaddd..."
"Now Helga dear, you must do what your father has told you. You remember our talk about being disrespectful" Phoebe couldn't help but giggle.
"Yes, Mommy." Helga said dryly.
XXXXX
Later on, they all walked to the movies, Arnold didn't understand why he felt so nervous being around Helga, they were all laughing earlier but something about this..."date" had made his stomach turn and the butterflies had grown three times since this morning.
Despite keeping her cool and looking seemingly unaffected, as if she did this all the time, Helga was also feeling nervous for some reason. It was strange, considering she surprisingly but gladly got along with Arnold so well, but now she was feeling nervous. But why? They were just going on a "double date" to see a movie. Nothing more, nothing less.
Then why did it feel so much like a date?
And for that matter, what's the big deal? We're getting married in a few years, so we should be used to it.
Okay well...we are getting married soon...I wonder though...how would it be to actually be married to her...
XXXX
They were standing their at the altar, the priest tells him to kiss his bride. Lifting up her veil, he shyly gave her a tender kiss on her cheek, they blushed and run down the aisle, their friends and family throwing flowers. Arnold open the limo's door for her, both got in the car and we off to their honeymoon. They went into their hotel room and drop their suit cases down and hugged, both laughing. He smelled her sweet vanilla scent, so sweet, so intoxicating. They let go staring into each others eyes. She leaned over and kissed his cheek, they laughed again and turn on the TV spending the whole honeymoon watching movies, playing video games and going out to see the world.
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"Arnold? Arnold? Hey Arnold!"
"Huh?"
Helga lightly tapped him on the head, and played with his hair to get his attention. "We're here." She gestured to the cinema with her free hand. "You done with your daydreaming in la-la land?"
"Uh yeah sorry Helga" he rubbed his neck feeling a bit sheepish.
"No need to be sorry, just pay attention." Helga took his hand and led him up to the ticket window where she bought their tickets, oblivious to his blushing.
They went inside, and went past the concession stand as Gerald and Phoebe went up ahead of them toward the designated cinema room that their movie was playing in.
"Helga would you like some popcorn?" I hope she says yes and lets me pay for it.
"Hey, why not. Get a tub of it so we can share."
"Great!" He went to go and buy the popcorn, he then felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned around and smiled. "Hey Helga did you want some-L-L-Lila?"
"Hello Arnold," Lila said pleasantly. "I didn't expect to see you here! However are you doing?"
"Um fine Lila, just on a um...with my friends" he turn towards the clerk "One large popcorn and two yahoo sodas, please."
"Yes, I did see you come in with Gerald and Phoebe. Who is that other girl you're with? I'm oh too certain I haven't seen her before." Lila asked curiously.
"Oh her name is Helga" he paid the clerk and took his popcorn, trying to juggle the two sodas.
"Helga! Wow, what an exotic name." Lila said. "What are you all here to see?"
"Evil Twin 4." He didn't know why, but he felt like leaving, he felt uncomfortable talking to Lila, she was pretty and sweet but he didn't really like her THAT much. Not that she was bad to him or anything, they were just friendly acquaintances.
"Ohhh, I'm ever so sure I don't want to see that... I would rather see something romantic and sweet, like...oh, Sleepless in Chicago, that looks ever so wonderful!"
He notice Helga coming towards them, she snatched her drink from him and turn to look at Lila. "Who's the skirt?"
"Helga this is my classmate Lila, Lila this is my friend Helga."
"Hello, Helga! It's ever so nice to meet you." Lila smiled.
Helga regarded her coolly, looking unimpressed. "Charmed."
Many would call Arnold dense and most of the time they were right but this time...he felt the tension. "Um...we better go the movie is about to start" without realizing it he took Helga's hand "Well See you at school Lila."
"Toodles, Arnold!" Lila waved.
"That Lila...there's something wrong with her. No one is that sweet 24/7. She's hiding something, I know it." Helga said in a low voice as they walked away.
"What do you mean by that, Helga?" Arnold asked, puzzled.
"Hello? It's not in our nature to be nothing but 'happy' 24/7. Look at you, you're one of the nicest and sweetest boys I've ever known and yet you're still human and display a wide range of emotions. Her? Come on, you could tell her you stepped on her foot and she'd be all 'Oh, that's ever so fine, it was an accident, hee hee hee hee.'" She said in a high voice. "I bet you she has her demonic devil horns hidden under all that hair."
He gave out a few chuckles "Come on Helga, you sound jealous."
"I'm not jealous!" Helga pouted. "I'd never be jealous of her."
"I think you are." he teased.
"Am not, Arnoldo. Why the heck would I be jealous? If I were THAT nice, I'd get taken advantage of eventually!"
"Hey Helga?"
"Mmm? What?"
His response was throwing popcorn at her face, smiling and giving her a wink.
"Hey!" Helga exclaimed, shaking her head and taking off the popcorn. "Cheap shot, Arnoldo." She tried to glare but her grin was betraying her.
"Sorry." Arnold grinned, then lead her into the theatre but notice that Gerald and Phoebe were not in sight. maybe they went in already. As they enter they notice their friends were in the front row however, Gerald and Phoebe had no open seats next to them. "I guess we have to sit away from them.
"Looks like it." Helga said, looking around. "C'mon, let's sit over there." She took his hand and headed down one of the aisles, and they sat down a few rows away. "Besides, gives them time alone anyway."
They sat on the back, Arnold held the popcorn between them, digging it while watching the opening credits.
She too reached for some popcorn, and as expected... Her hand brushed against his, making her blush.
"Sorry" he whispered.
"Don't be." She murmured under her breath. Geez, what's going on with me?
Arnold put his hand down and nervously began to watch the movie, a couple of minutes later he found himself into the movie, so much that he hadn't notice that his hand that had been on his chair was now gripping Helga's. The twin popped out of the trunk of the car scaring everyone in the theatre, Helga jumped on him and he held onto her both scared and not expecting that to happen.
"Holy Hillwood...did NOT see that coming!" Helga rasped, eyes still wide. "And I've seen a lot of scary movies, let me tell you. And somehow they manage to surprise me."
"Um...yeah" he felt himself blushing at himself as he held onto her, she now sat on his lap, her arms wrap around his neck. He smelt a trace of...vanilla? it smelt really good on her.
Helga took a few breaths, finally relaxing herself, when she then smelt something. It was...like the ocean. She looked at him, coming to realize that it was his hair. What kind of shampoo did he use? Whatever it was, she liked it.
Another scream was heard, they both directed their sights on the movie.
"I really don't like it when the girl screams, it's kinda like she wants the twins to find her. If something was chasing me I wouldn't scream, I'd just run."
"Yeah seriously, running through the woods at night when the killer is chasing you, and you're screaming...reeeeaaaaal smart. And, oh look, she's going into the house again! The evil twin sisters are going in there too. Yeah, get out of there! The killer is in the house!"
"Helga...they can't hear you." Arnold snickered, amused by her antics
"As if I care, they still need to know, you know."
Pausing a moment, she looked at him and smirked playfully. "But glad to know someone agrees with me. So if you were in the house and the killer was in the there, you'd get the heck out of there, wouldn't you?"
"Of course, wouldn't you?"
"Darn straight I would. Yeah, I'm sure as heck gonna go hide under my bed, heck, even in my closet, giving the killer every change in the world to find me and kill me." She snickered, and looked at the screen for a moment before looking back at him. "You know, that's another thing we have in common, hair boy. Ain't that something."
"Yeah" his voice was a bit deep and dreamy like as he stared into her eyes.
"Yeah..." Helga agreed, and found herself lost in his green eyes, from what she could seen the dim light. He has beautiful eyes...
He notice their faces were now coming very close, he felt the thunder in his heart beat, with his eyes now closing he could feel her breath against his face.
Arnold... She thought, her eyes closing on their own accord and leaning closer to him, feeling his warm breath on her lips.
"EVIL TWIN SISTERS!" A scream sounded from the movie.
They both jump apart, Helga had fallen to the floor, Arnold quickly stood up to help her to her feet.
"Are you okay Helga?"
"Just peachy, thank you." Helga muttered, rubbing her head. "I hit my head...I'm not bleeding, am I?"
"Uh, no you're not, and I'm so sorry, Helga."
"Nah, forget about it, Football Head." She stood back up, returning to her seat.
XXXXXX
"I must say that movie was the scariest" Phoebe hugged herself still a bit fearful of the movie.
Gerald brought his arm around her shoulders. "Don't worry babe, next time we can go see something else, how about that?"
"Scaredy Pheebs." Helga teased, sticking her tongue out.
"Well it was a scary movie" Arnold reminded her "And you did jump out of your seat a few times"
"...I was acting! Pretending to be a scaredy cat!"
"Right, Helga" he said dryly, allowing her to believe whatever she wanted to believe.
"Darn straight, Football Head."
"Ahem." Gerald said. "I'm takin' Phoebe home, I'll see you later, Arnold." He then lowered his voice. "You're a bold kid."
"Huh?" but Gerald just shook his head and left with Phoeb who quickly waved goodbye.
He heard Helga say behind him "You'd think they had this all planed out"
Arnold had to agree it did seem that way. It's still nice to get to spend some time with Helga, I think I like being around her.
"I'll get Pheebs for this later." Helga then said. "C'mon Arnold, let's follow their example and go home." I bet they planned it... But I guess it's not so bad, spending time with Arnold is pretty nice... I never thought I'd say this but I do kinda like being around him...
"Okay it is getting late" giving her a smile and holding out his hand. "When we get back to my house we can listen to some music before we go to bed."
"Sounds good to me, Football Head." She said, taking his hand. "Lead the way."
XXXX
He lead the way to his house, they went into the kitchen to drink some milk before getting ready for bed. Arnold turns on the radio which played some jazz music after he got Helga's bed set up for her in her room.
"Well I'm off to sleep now, g'night Football Head." Helga waved to him as she left.
"Goodnight, Helga." he said after her, getting into his bed.
There was a knock on the door a few moments later that followed the muffled voices of his parents saying goodnight to Helga, and then the door opened, with Miles and Stella coming into the room.
"Hey Arnold," Miles said then. "Your mom and I just wanted to say goodnight, and we wanted to talk to you about something."
"Um sure dad what's going on?" He ask sitting up. Stella sat on the bed looking up at her husband.
"Well, we just wanted to know how you were feeling about all of this." Miles explained, sitting down on the bed also. "We know that the fact you and Helga have to get married in a few years is a big burden to put on your shoulders, and we just hope it won't be too difficult for you. We did notice you two were getting along, how have you two been doing together?"
"Well she really is nice and fun to talk to...and her hair smells like vanilla and when she smiles it makes me smile, then she has blue sparkly eyes that makes me feel like I get lost in them and-"
Stella interrupted "Whoa, hold on there." she laughed.
Miles gave a laugh and ruffled his son's there. "Careful there little tiger, or we might just think you're getting a crush on her."
"A-A- A crush?" his cheek got bright red. Stella pitched his cheeks playfully.
"That's right, I think you like her." She turn towards Miles "is it like her? or like her like her? I forgot the slang kids today say nowadays."
"Like her is when a kid just likes someone, you know, in a friendly way. Like like is that special little feeling of a crush." Miles winked at his son. "So Arnold, it looks to us that you like her like her."
"Um..well...I mean...I don't know if...if I do I mean she is a great person."
Miles and Stella exchanged glances and chuckled.
"Well call it what you want Arnold, and think about it, there's really no rushing this kind of thing." Miles told him. "In the meantime, it's good that you two are getting along, that's what matters."
"Yeah that's true dad...um...Mom?" Stella turn towards her son, seeing how nervous he seem. "Yes dear?" Arnold quietly and shyly ask "um...could you give me and dad a minute mom" puzzles Stella stood up and gave Arnold and kiss on the forehead. "Goodnight honey" when she left Arnold breath a loud sigh.
Miles looked at his son with concern and perplexity. "What's up, son? What did you want to talk to me about?"
"Well...I'm not sure if I do have...a crush on her. How did it feel when you had a crush on mom?"
"Well kiddo," Miles tapped on his chin in thought and smiled. "When I first met your mom, it was love at first sight. All my life, I was sure I would never find a woman, much less a woman who liked to go on adventures like me. Then as luck would have it, I met your mom one day while I was hiking with my friend Eduardo, back in San Lorenzo. I literally and figuratively fell in love with her then." He chuckled at the memory. "We hit it off, then spent more time together and got to know each other for. Anytime I was with her, I felt as if my heart was running a marathon, I had fun with her and felt I could be myself, and just anticipated the next time we'd be together. It's all a great feeling son, I can't put it in words, but when you do like a girl, you just know it."
"Oh." Arnold swallowed on a dry throat and ventured to speak. He suddenly found a crease in the bed covers very interesting. Finally he admitted his secret. "I think I like her...like her."
"Well that's great Arnold." Miles smiled and ruffled his hair. "I guess you're afraid to admit it because you feel she won't like you back?"
He nodded his head looking away, still feeling quite embarrassed about this whole thing.
"No need to be embarrassed there Arnold, it's great you have a crush on her. But I can understand you're nervous about it because you don't know how she feels. Don't worry, I won't tell anyone, and we won't tell her either. You can tell her when you're ready. For now, just be a friend to her, and who knows, I wouldn't be surprised if she fell in love with you too."
He winked at him and stood. "Well, you certainly have a lot to think about. Lights out, time for bed."
"Okay and...thanks dad."
"You're welcome, son." He ruffled his hair. "Goodnight Arnold, see you in the morning."
"Goodnight, dad."
His father left, closing the door. Arnold got more comfortable but he couldn't help but think of Helga. It seems so fast, I've only known her for two days and I already really...like her like her. I wonder...does she like me like me too?
Those were the last thoughts before sleep claimed him
Helga jolted awake in her bed as a flash of lightning and rumble of thunder sounded outside, making her look around the room in fear. She'd just had a scary nightmare about the evil twin sisters (That's the last time I eat pizza before going to sleep!), and had now woke up to a thunderstorm going on outside. Panting hard, and wiping the cold sweat from her forehead, Helga slowly and instinctively got out of her bed, the hem of her nightgown brushing the floor was she walked.
She hated to admit it, hated to look so vulnerable, but she knew she would only hurt herself more if she didn't do this. Maybe deep down it was an excuse to be near him, she wasn't sure. All she knew now was that she had needed comfort.
Whether she cared to admit it or not.
Quietly, she exited her room, and slowly made her way up the stairs leading to Arnold's room, and opened the door. The door quietly creaked open, and she stepped into his room. It was so quiet, except for the rain pattering on his skylight, the soft sounds of his breathing, and the occasional roar of thunder.
Helga looked from his bed to the couch, debating which one to take. But before she had time to think, she jumped lightly at the sight of Arnold now waking up.
"Hm?" he couldn't see anything but he knew someone was there. "Who's there?"
"...M-Me...Football Head..." Helga said, her voice meeker than she'd wanted.
"Helga? what...what are you doing here?"
Although she was ashamed to admit the truth, she couldn't even come up with a lie, knowing he wouldn't buy it. "I...had a bad dream, and it's storming bad out there. I uh...don't really like sleeping alone in a storm. ...Mind if I stay here with you?"
"Um...ah...sure...I guess." he moved over so she can get in. He felt a blush painting his cheeks.
She managed a small smile, blushing a bit as she went over, and got into his bed with him. Already she began to feel better, and her heart raced.
"Thanks, Arnold..." She whispered.
"You're welcome, Helga, here have some move covers, if you want I can go in my closet and get the extra pillow for you."
His scent wafted off his pillow, the smell of fruit and the ocean...it was such a nice combo, and it was Arnold. Helga tried not to melt in the bliss as she gently shook her head. "No worry Football Head, one's fine." She did smile appreciatively at his offer.
"Okay then don't freak out if...um...you feel me close to you since we have to share a pillow."
He shift closer his heart beat wildly, he wonder if she could hear it
"Nah, don't worry about that." She yawned. "We're getting married one day anyway, guess we may as well get used to this kind of thing. Well...night, Arnold. I'm gonna try to go back to sleep."
Arnold blushed remembering that indeed they were to be married. "Okay. Sleep well, Helga."
As he fell asleep, he didn't realize his arm now wrapped around Helga, as if he was hugging his very own teddy bear.
In her sleep, Helga rolled over and snuggled into Arnold, and the two stayed like that all through the night, even as the storm raged on outside.