Author Note: Many apologies about the delays in posting! Been a lot busier than I expected post-exams and this took a bit of a back seat for a while, but haitus is officially over, and I have managed to keep my promise somewhat in that it is still June now! This was going to be posted yesterday (as per the new update routine of Fri, Sat, Sun) but unfortunately my internet connection and/or fanfiction . net were having problems so I had to wait until today. But the good news is you get 2 chapters today instead of just one, so yay!

This chapter is based on tri-drabble prompt #53 - in. I hope you enjoy it! xxx

Invitation

Arnold x Helga
(300 words)

"Well, here we are, Football-Head. Home, sweet home." Helga announced, "You made it without fainting. Well done."

Arnold gave her an unimpressed look.

They'd arrived at Sunset Arms Boarding House. Helga looked itching to get away. Maybe she wanted to play more baseball or something. Arnold couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed though. He'd not been able to talk to her much. He was no nearer to solving the mystery of Helga G Pataki than before. It felt like a wasted opportunity.

"I guess I'll see you later, Arnoldo. Try not to have another accident on your way inside, okay?" Helga said, handing him his bat.

Arnold's heart sank slightly. He did wonder for a second just why he felt the need to reach out and grab her hand, but the feeling passed so quickly. He just knew he had to do something to prolong his time with her.

"Would you like to come inside?" He found himself asking, as she turned to walk away.

She looked back, confused.

"I'm sorry… what did you say?"

Either she didn't hear him, or she didn't believe him. He hardly believed himself. Why was he inviting Helga into his home again? That's right. He needed to get to know her better. It was all for the bet, he told himself.

"I asked if you wanted to come inside." That did little to remove the confusion from her expression. "I-I mean, you look kinda thirsty and your house is a few blocks away so… maybe you could come in and get a drink?" He explained. That made sense – more sense than 'I just want to talk to you because I have a feeling you are really nice underneath your mean mask'.

Helga looked at him, confused for a moment, then in thought.

"Okay."

AN: Thanks for reading. Next chapter is coming right up. Thanks for all of your wonderful reviews and faves - I really appreciate your feedback! xxx