Ok, NOW I'm done. I honestly can't lead the story anywhere. Sorry for the lame ending, but OH WELL. It is MY story.
The dancing was amazing. I'd never really lead before, but as the night got on I became more used to it. The entire night got even better when she invited me back to her place. I wasn't sure what to expect as the situation was entirely different from last night. Her place was, in a word, fancy. I felt almost like I was intruding on a sacred place. She, of course, strutted in and threw the keys to her apartment in a small glass dish in the entrance hall. I hung back a little, unsure of exactly what I was doing. Helena turned and laughed at my hesitance.
"Really, darling, you think that after last night that you'd be a little less shy!"
"Well that was at MY apartment. And there was a artifact involved. Those are two places that I feel comfortable in and in here, not so much."
"Well that makes sense, I suppose. Would you like anything to drink? I'm a afraid I haven't much to offer, but for the sake of being polite..." she trails off, her head titled to one side.
I can't help the grin that eases across my face and I shake my head no. "I'm fine thanks." I slide my coat off and walk a bit further into the apartment, the sheer expanse of it surprising me. I knew there were places like this in the city, but I'd never seen them. I've always been distinctly lower class. She reaches out and grabs my hand, tugging me into the next room.
"I really must thank you. This night. Well it has been so long since I've felt so alive."
"I too had a great evening. I don't usually dance, or lead for that matter. So thank you for putting up with that."
She squeezed my hand gently. "Darling, you were brilliant." Helena turned towards me and her eyes flicked downwards, scanning my face. She quickly turned away again, obviously trying to shield me from seeing her blush, though I had already noticed it. "Listen, Myka, I don't really want to seem forward, but I was wondering if you would like to, umm, stay the night?"
I raise one of my eyebrows at this question. "Well you would think that after last night would be an indication that I very much would."
"Yes, but I wasn't sure, if I had the proper appendage."
"Oh my gosh. Just. OK."
"What is it?"
"Well besides the fact that you are very wrong about you needing a, well you know, I also, I, I don't know!"
"You know, if you don't feel up to it, we don't have to actually DO anything. I just don't want to be alone tonight."
"I think, that I would like that. A lot. I'm just not, ready, yet. Last night was different, there was an artifact involved and," I trailed off, not really understanding why I was opposed to the idea of being with Helena again. "I guess I just don't want to rush things."
"I think I'm inclined to agree with you. But please, please stay." Her plea is so desperate and it wrenches my heart. For a fleeting second I wondered just how quick you could fall in love with someone, but the idea left as soon as it was born. I couldn't consider it a possibility, it was far too nonsensical. But there was something that just made me nod as she lead the way to the bedroom. There was something that glued my eyes to her, as if to make sure she was real. I couldn't stop staring as she changed into her nightwear, though the reason for that was a little bit more obvious. Though admittedly she was equally as guilty of leering as I was. I can't deny I didn't enjoy it at all. Truthfully, I greatly enjoyed it.
It was a bit awkward at first, we weren't used to each other, but after a few minutes she pulled me into a hug. The last thing I remember before falling asleep were her arms around me.
Epilogue:
I grabbed Helena's hand and tugged her towards the church. "We are going to be late!" I cry with impatience.
"Oh posh tosh, darling, I'm sure Pete and Claudia can wait just a few more minutes for us. I mean he certainly took his time in asking her to bloody well marry him."
"You are just jealous. I told you, I don't mind that it can't be official. There is no one in the world I would rather remain with for the rest of my life, but you." She blushes at this and I laugh. "You think after five years you would get used to my compliments."
"Darling, I shall never get used to you."
"Oh come on. We have a wedding to get to. We have partners in crime to be embarrassing."
"Yes, love. I'll follow you wherever you lead."