Myka sensed her the moment she walked through the door. Eyes darting up from her book, she locked gazes with the petite woman stepping inside her bookstore. She wasn't surprised to see her, in truth, she had been waiting for her this entire time. Ever since she learned she was alive, in stasis or locked away, the Regents were never clear. She hadn't pushed for more information, unwilling and unable to admit that she loved her even after what she tried to do.
So she ran and, in running, found a new life, love, and a family. The last of which appeared at Myka's side, wild curls and long limbs. She smiled Myka's crooked smile and carried her self-possessed demeanor, a book clutched to her chest. She chattered excitedly, trying to get her mother's attention. Without taking her eyes off Helena, Myka ruffled her raven locks, and softly asked her to run off and find her mom. The girl hesitated and searched the store for the source of her mother's distraction. Shining pools in sable tones met remarkably similar ones for a moment, and Helena saw that despite her outwardly calm facade, the girl seemed to dance with contained energy, her eyes missing nothing. Then her gaze moved on and she hurried to comply with her mother's wishes.
Helena raised searching eyes to Myka's and found them liquid green and warm, utterly open and without a hint of defensiveness, just a beseeching plea for understanding. Helena's heart broke at the uncertainty and pain in those beautiful eyes. She understood, of course she understood. Myka had put her daughter's, their daughter's, well-being before her own happiness. If Helena had any lingering questions about why Myka had not sought her out, they were dispelled instantly.
Helena drew in a shaky breath, re-steeling herself for what she came here to do. She had moved further into the empty store without noticing and now stood in front of the counter that Myka remained seated behind. Frozen to the spot and drinking in Helena's appearance, Myka attempted to clear her throat. Questions burned in her chest, but she was terrified to hear the answers. Fingers tightened reflexively around her book when Helena took a step closer. Forcing her hands to relax and willing her breathing to slow, she stood and edged around the counter.
They stood there a minute, each one cataloging the changes in the other. Helena noted the years showing around eyes and mouth; Myka was still slim, but her hips had widened slightly, evidence of bearing a child. Myka noted - not much, a great sadness behind her eyes, remorse, but little else - this angered her more than if she had borne the signs of a harsh life. It seemed her time traveler had once again been ripped from the natural stream of time and she felt a hot wave of anguish rise up from her stomach. So much life Helena had not been allowed to live, that it was by her own hand didn't make it any less sad, and she cursed herself again for not trying to find her, for not helping her soon enough. Helena held up a hand, stopping her from voicing these thoughts. Her lips stretched into a reassuring smile which faltered after a few seconds.
"Myka," she sighed, her voice a soothing balm to Myka's wounded soul. "I asked to see you before -" Her voice was steady, but Myka heard the cracks threatening the edges of her speech. She gave up trying to talk and raised her eyes to Myka's, her look reminiscent of the old Helena, and Myka's heart knocked loudly on her ribs.
Helena grabbed Myka by her neck, pulling her mouth to hers. The kiss was hot and wet, salty and desperate. It tasted metallic, like blood. Helena's blood, pouring out of her heart and into Myka's mouth, choking her, but Myka just clung to her tightly, drinking in her presence as if it could solve all the problems between them. It was everything a goodbye kiss should be and Myka wished she could erase the memory before it was over.
Then it was, Helena pulled away abruptly, and Myka wanted nothing more than to feel that heartbreak over and over until it could evolve into something else, something healing and whole. But Helena was backing up and in that moment, Myka knew this was the last time she would see her. She wanted to reach out and trap her, keep her here forever. Hold her close and fight to get one more chance to be the people they were meant to be. Together, saving the world, or at least piecing together a world of their own from the shattered pieces of their hearts. Myka resolved that it would be enough, anything they had to do, so long as they were together. She couldn't believe how long she dwelt on the pain of their last meeting when all she wanted was to forgive and love and forgive again the woman who meant the most to her. The look in Helena's eyes stopped her; it said that Myka had to let her go because if she didn't, Helena might not survive whatever was coming next. If she didn't, Helena wouldn't be able to let go. And she had to leave, she made her choices; they both had to live with the results.