(Jim's POV)
My alarm goes off and I sit up groggily, swiping it off so my little angel doesn't have to be woken up by such a harsh noise. I'd rather wake her up myself so I can see how adorable she is in the morning. I trail my fingers softly over her collarbone.
"Helena," I sing softly, brushing her hair from her face. I avoid looking at her neck because I don't want to see the bruises that are proof of my rash reaction last night. "Wake up, baby." She groans and blinks a few times. Her yawn freezes in her mouth when she catches sight of my face. I brush my lips gently against her forehead.
"Morning, love."
"G-Good morning." Her voice is still croaky and guilt surges through my heart. How could I injure her, my sweet Helena with big brown doe eyes and dyed grey hair? So I brush my thumb over her lips as a silent apology.
"I'm making breakfast. Would you like to help?"
"I-I can't cook."
"Okay. You could sit with me and I'll cook." She nods and I reach under the blanket, searching for the cuff on her ankle. I press my thumb to the pad and it unlocks, then I help her stand. I feel bad for locking her up; someone as beautiful as her should be able to walk freely, not be tethered to my bed. But that's also the problem. She's so beautiful, someone might try to steal her from me, and I can't protect her if she's out on her own in the big bad world. I want her all to myself.
She looks around the flat, stretching and yawning. I catch her rubbing her ankle and instantly feel bad again.
"Does it hurt," I ask her as I begin flipping pancakes. "Your ankle?"
"Just a bit," she croaks.
"How many pancakes would you like?"
"Just one."
"Sure thing. You sure you don't want more?" I just want to spoil my little Helena and make her feel like the princess she is.
"Yeah." I turn and lean against the counter so I can talk to her as the pancakes cook.
"So, what do you plan on doing today?"
"I don't know. What am I allowed to do?"
"Whatever you please. Except leave, of course."
"Of course," she echoes, and I almost miss the sarcasm.
"I've got work," I say sadly. I'd rather stay here with her. "I'll be gone all day. Sorry."
"It's fine. Am I going to be here alone all day?" Is that sadness on her face? Or fear?
"No. I presume you know who Sebastian Moran is?" Of course she does. She's been tracking me down for a while now. She nods. "He'll be staying with you. I'd feel bad if I left you alone." I feel bad enough for leaving her with Seb, even if he'll take good care of her.
"Okay. The pancake is on fire." I turn around and quickly put it out.
"Shit! Okay, this will be my pancake. Whoops." I give her one that isn't burnt. She nibbles on a little bit of it. I don't think she's very hungry. Breakfast is silent until I can't stop staring at her.
"Is there something on my face?"
"No. I just... Your eyes are so beautiful."
"Oh." I get up with a sigh.
"I've got to get ready. Love you."
"L-Love you, too."
In response to the guest review left on the previous chapter, yes, this is sort of a reference to MCR. The title, Helena's name, and individual chapter titles all are song lyrics or song titles. Read and review, please!
