Author's Note: Happy Holidays, Everyone! I bring you Chapter 8 of this story. It has been so much fun and so emotional to write this one. It is also a total coincidence that this one fell right on the holiday season! (yay) Like always, Hey, Arnold! and ALL characters mentioned belong to Craig Bartlett and Nickelodeon.

Disclaimer: This chapter contains semi-explicit descriptions of sex and lovemaking between two consensual adults. Yes, originally, Helga and Arnold were 17 in this story, but due to some conflicting feelings about writing a love scene between the two at 17, I went ahead and changed their age to 18. I was 18 when I was a senior in Highschool, and I know a lot of people who were too. That said, read at your own discretion.

And, Onwards!

Chapter 8: I Can't Give You Anything but Love

When they reached his room, Helga shut the door behind them and pushed Arnold against the door, placing both hands on each side of his body and trapping him between the door and her body.

"What did the short one mean by 'the other one' you brought?" Helga questioned him angrily, narrowing her eyes in suspicion.

"Helga, calm down! He was talking about Lila!" Arnold exclaimed while holding both hands up defensively.

"Lila?!" Helga looked at him skeptically and tried to level with him, her stature not helping. "Am I supposed to feel better because it's Lila Sawyer?"

"Wait, look." He paused and looked around the room nervously, looking for the right words. "She came here unexpectedly on thanksgiving. She had dinner with us. She got drunk and I brought her up to my room to rest. I took her home as soon as she felt better. Nothing happened."

"She got drunk?! She spent thanksgiving here?! Your room?!...Criminy, Arnold-o!" Helga stepped back and began to pace around his bedroom, keenly aware that she had not been here in more than 5 years. Flashbacks of study sessions and secret kisses began to flood her memory. The room still smelled like him, his own unique smell.

Her anger did not subside, however. She could not believe her old rival had spent the majority of Thanksgiving with him, eating, drinking, and sharing laughter with him and his family!

"Listen, I didn't invite her, but she needed help so I let her stay. I admit that I shouldn't have let Ernie give her so much wine. But I promise you, you were the one on my mind all day. Remember? I went to see you and we spent the night talking…." He walked over to her and caressed her face, leaning down slightly to observe her sullen face, "Helga, Are you jealous?" He murmured, narrowing his eyes and smirking slightly as he caressed her cheek.

"Me? Jealous? Pssh, why would I be jealous of Olga number two!?" Helga pulled away and crossed her arms over her chest.

Arnold felt a pang of familiarity when he observed her darkened mood. The couple had experienced several misunderstandings and humorous arguments due to Helga's jealousy when they were young preteens. Arnold closed their distance and pulled her in from behind, wrapping his arms around her and whispering into her neck, "Thank you for coming here. I know my parents and the rest of the guys are a little…eccentric, to say the least."

Softening up and feeling her worries melt away, Helga thought back on that day on thanksgiving; his eagerness to see her, his pleading eyes. She felt that she could trust his words. She relished in the feel of his body now, his arms encircling her in an intimate embrace.

"Arnold, you know I love your parents. They've always been so nice and accepting of us." Helga murmured while relaxing under his embrace.

Arnold smiled down and after a few moments, stepped away from her, "Here, put your jacket on again, I have something to show you." He offered her the jacket and then helped her up the stairs that led to the roof.

When they reached the roof, Helga was in awe at what was laid out in front of her.

There were small, hanging lights adorning the wide outdoor space. The water tank and Gertie's old piano were adorned with them and in the center of it all, a table was laid out with a small bouquet of flowers and a picture of Helga and Arnold when they were younger.

"I know it's not a lot. Here, have a seat." Arnold offered as he pulled out a chair. Helga followed his lead and took the seat he offered, still enthralled by the dreamy surroundings.

"Did…Did you do all this?" Helga asked with wonderment in her voice. She picked up the small bouquet of fresh roses, inhaling the smell.

"Yeah, grandma's old piano hadn't seen the light of day in a few…and I figured it was Christmas and all…" Arnold paused. He wasn't used to giving himself much credit, and to be honest it was a lot harder to voice his true feelings. He breathed in deeply before taking both her hands in his and kneeling in front of her.

"To be honest, Helga, I wanted to do something for you. I may not have all the money, or connections to show you how much I care. But I want you to know that you're not alone. I've seen, we've all seen how hard you have been working. I wanted you to know that I am here for you."

They stared at each other under the chilly winter night. His words weighed heavy in her and she struggled to understand how she was at the receiving end of his love, his affection. She was not used to receiving it, and Arnold and his family had once again shown her that she was deserving of love, that she was not the unlovable girl who once bullied her peers and walked alone to school with an empty lunch box. She had experienced these conflicting feelings once, when she and Arnold had started to date in the 6th grade and they had both bore witness to the amount of work it took for her to accept his affections, to receive them without questioning or pushing him away.

Dr. Bliss and she had worked on this part for years; the part where she acknowledged her biggest flaw was accepting love from others. She wore her tough exterior because she was afraid her true self would be deemed unworthy. She had confided in Dr. Bliss about Arnold, the only boy whom she felt brave enough to let the cover lift away.

Sitting and looking down at him now reminded her of all the work it took her to face her demons. She had come so far, and he was here for her.

'My love, Arnold! You haven't changed. You are so good, and I'm nothing like you…'

"Helga?" Arnold called out to her. She snapped out of her inner battle and smiled weakly.

"I keep thinking how." She started.

"How?" Arnold asked.

"How I got so lucky. Did I save a country in my past life? How is it that you like me? That you are back from San Lorenzo and that you still want to be with me?" Helga dropped her shoulders and admitted defeat to herself. Her eyes began to get glossy.

"Helga, you are beautiful! Inside and out. You are the only girl I love. The only girl I've ever loved." And standing up Arnold leaned forward to kiss her forehead. "I'm not as good with words as you are. I practiced this song on the piano, which I am not particularly good at either…but I want you to have a listen." And walking over to the piano, Arnold sat and started to play a soft melody, his voice accompanying it softly:

"…Now though I see what our end is,
All I can spend is just my time.
I can't give you anything but love, baby.
That's the only thing I've plenty of, baby.
Dream awhile, scheme awhile
We're sure to find
Happiness and I guess
All those things you've always pined for.
Gee I'd like to see you looking swell, baby.
Diamond bracelets Woolworth doesn't sell, baby.
Till that lucky day you know darned well, baby.
I can't give you anything but love…"

When he was done playing his slow rendition of the jazz song, he walked back to her, blushing slightly.

"Gerald and Mr. Hyunh thought I should have played it on the harmonica, but I wanted to challenge myself a bit…plus, the words of the songs fit with what I was feeling and all…" Arnold scratched his head and stared at the wide-eyed girl, who hadn't uttered a word. "Perhaps I should have listened to them, huh?"

Helga still did not speak but stood up and closed the distance between them, standing right in front of him. She looked down at the tiny space between their shoes and then up at him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and tip-toed to kiss him lightly on the lips.

"That was the most beautiful thing I've heard in my life." Helga uttered.

Relieved and a bit shaken by her honesty, Arnold wrapped his arms around her waist and leaned down to kiss her, drawing her closer to him. "Merry Christmas, Helga."

"Merry Christmas, Arnold."

The couple spent a few minutes in each other's arms, observing the city that stretched out all around them, covered in a blanket of white snow. No doubt Sunset Arms was the perfect place to experience city views in the arms of a lover. A calm serenity fell over them until Helga turned around to face Arnold.

"Thank you. I know why you did this, you've been worried for me. To be honest, things at home haven't been great. But you knew that, didn't you?" Helga turned away and leaned over the rail while Arnold moved to stand beside her.

"I know we joke about it and stuff, but I knew it was serious when I saw how much you worked. Helga, it can't be good to spend the last year of High School working so much! And I've been worried for your health. You hardly sleep and you never have time for anything else but work. What's been going on?"

"Oh, it's everything Arnold. Bob lost all our money in some printer scheme. Olga, who is supposed to have a fancy PhD and all, can't think of anything else but finding her next guy to shackle. Miriam has given up all together. I've been the only one busting my butt off working to pay our bills. I tried talking to them, but no one is willing to do their part to save our home!"

Arnold listened to her, and a renewed sense of distaste for her family emerged within him. He knew that Helga had always been the black sheep of her family, but he never thought they would be willing to send her off to work late nights at a diner without as much as batting an eye or helping her.

"Your dad, even he is not doing anything about it?"

"Bob is the only one who's still trying. Albeit he hardly can. He has pretty bad back problems and most of the time he's just asking Olga to fluff his pillows." Helga demonstrated a fluffing motion with her hands and looked disgusted as she recalled the memory.

"Do you ever think that perhaps, your parents need a bigger wake-up call?" Arnold suggested, thoughtfully.

"What can be a bigger wake-up call than nearly losing our house again?" Helga cried out bitterly.

"I don't know, but I want to make sure you are taking care of yourself. Please promise me you won't push yourself too hard?" Arnold grabbed both her hands and leaned over to kiss them.

"I promise." She answered.

'For you, I'd do anything.' She thought to herself as she took in his concerned face.

"Let's go back inside, shall we? The snow is falling down again, look." Arnold stretched out his arm while snow clusters began to descend slowly from the sky.

After descending the stairs, the couple slipped off their jackets and sat in silence on the red couch. Finally, Arnold broke the silence, "It feels like old times."

"I was just going to say that." Helga smiled wide at him.

"You look beautiful when you smile." He added automatically. She blushed and looked down at her lap. He caught her chin and gently tilted her head up. As soon as their eyes met once more, he begun to lower his head.

"Wait! I just remembered. I have something for you as well!" Helga interrupted as she leaned down and retrieved her bag from the floor. She opened the box she'd gotten back from Phoebe and retrieved an old journal. Arnold stared in amazement as his girlfriend hesitated a little bit and finally presented him with a small, pink journal.

"It's a little tattered at the edges, but I wanted you to have it." Helga smiled shyly, cheeks glowing red.

Arnold took the small, pink book and inspected it. It was wrapped with her old bow, "Your old bow?!" He smiled wide as he undid the bow and opened the journal. A wave of recognition hit him.

"The pink book! I thought I lost it! It was yours all along, Helga?" Arnold flipped through the pages excitedly, another wave of recognition passing through him as he read the contents.

"I know it's cringy and all. Heck, I was so obsessed with you. I admit the shrines and cutting your hair were all a little excessive, but I wanted you to keep this again since you and Gerald worked so hard to find out who it was. Plus, you already read it, you might as well know who wrote those sappy poems." Helga looked around nervously, a feeling of regret entered her mind.

'Maybe this was a bad idea…'

"Helga, this is amazing! Why didn't you ever tell me this was you? You told me about Cecile, why not this?"

"Because, it was a gateway into my true, mushy feelings. I didn't want you to know about it…" Helga explained, eyes downcast. After a long moment of silence, Arnold pulled her to him and pressed his lips against hers.

Pulling away, he whispered, "Thank you. That was the best Christmas gift ever." He pressed his forehead against hers for a moment. "You are so sweet, you know?"

Blushing furiously, Helga turned away. She felt like she'd won the lottery whenever he expressed his feelings. After a moment, she gathered her courage and dared to face him. He was smiling down and reading a page from the journal. She couldn't take it any longer.

"C-can I touch you?" She whispered.

Arnold looked into her eyes, thinking maybe he'd imagined it. "What? Touch me?"

"Yes. You heard me! I'm dying to touch you!" Helga exclaimed. She suddenly pushed him down until he was laying down on the couch. She leaned over him, placing both her arms on either side of his head.

"Helga. You don't have to ask that. I'm yours, you know?" Arnold laughed as he caught her flushed face between his hands. No matter how womanly and cool she was, there was still an air of innocence and hidden passion that he felt in her, that he'd always felt in her. He was so attracted to so many sides of her, all of whom could easily disrobe him if she set out to. No matter how deep his desire to have her ran, he never pushed their kisses further, always conscious that she was an innocent at heart and that there would come a time when they would be ready to take the next step.

When Helga leaned down to kiss him, he felt his blood boil as her body came flushed against his. Her full breasts pressed suggestively against his chest. He felt her legs settle on either side of his lap, her skirt ridding up along the way. Her blonde locks cascaded down around him and her lips pressed feverishly against his. He blinked a few times, looking up at her. She was a vision to behold and he felt privileged to be the one she wanted. Their lips melted together and begun a sensual dance. Her tongue entered his mouth and began to mimic the movements he'd taught her.

'When did she get so good at this?' He wondered as she continued her gentle attentions, pushing him over the edge as their tongues met in a sensual dance. He placed his hands on her waist and began a journey down, grabbing her round bottom and stroking it sensually. Helga gasped as he sat up and suddenly pressed her flush against him, her legs opening wider and circling his waist.

"Helga…" He whispered as she ground slowly against his prodding erection.

"Touch me, Arnold. Touch me, please." Helga whimpered as she grabbed a fistful of his plaid shirt and started unbuttoning it. Arnold aided her in removing his shirt and as soon as it was off, she began to kiss her way down his neck. He closed his eyes as he savored her lips on his skin, each kiss leaving a burning feeling, an ache that grew stronger. He couldn't resist her open invitation and reached under her sweater, feeling the warmth and softness of her skin against his cool hands. He helped her off her pink sweater and looked at her lacy white bra before aiding her off it too. Helga tried to cover herself reflexively, but he caught her wrists. He stared at her flushed face and messy blonde hair. He thought he'd never seen a more beautiful picture than the girl bared to him from her waist up.

"I want to freeze time. You are so beautiful, don't hide." He smiled as he bent his head and gathered her full, round breasts in his hands. He massaged both and then gathered one of her nipples in his mouth, licking each one softly before sucking on them gently. He felt her whimper and grind against him, holding his head close to her chest.

"A-Arnold. Please." But she didn't know what she was asking for. She'd never come this far before. She'd talked to Phoebe and her friend had eagerly shared her knowledge with her, but now, she felt her composure falling apart as his expert tongue tortured, licked and sucked at her breasts. A pulsing feeling in her lower belly was becoming increasingly unbearable. She was having a hard time staying still.

When he finally pulled away, Arnold carried her to his bed and laid her down gently. He looked down at her, her perfect breasts exposed and glossy with his ministrations. Her perky nipples glowing bright pink.

"Helga. Are you okay? We can stop now if you want-"

"No! Umm, that is…Arnold…" She froze, unable to verbalize what she felt, unsure of how to ask.

"Are you sure, Helga?" He asked, leaning down to kiss her forehead.

"I'm sure. I want you to be my first, my only one." She smiled, reaching to touch his cheek. And after, not many words were needed as their bodies filled in for them. He leaned down to kiss her, and she explored his hard abs and chest. It was clear he had done major labor work in San Lorenzo. His skin was a bit tanned and his muscles moved with strength and agility. He removed his cap and stood up while he took off his pants and undergarments. Helga blushed furiously as she took in his fully naked body, she was in awe.

'A full body statue needs to be sculptured after this. I need to memorize it! Oh, My love!'

She began to feel tense when he came back to join her. He helped her get out of her skirt and stockings, as well as her lacy white underwear. Leaning back, he observed the naked girl that laid under him. The snow falling on his windowed roof casted shadows upon their naked bodies, and her alabaster skin was glowing as she laid bared to him.

"Um, Arnold?" She whispered shyly, feeling his gaze heavy on her.

"I was just thinking I'm sure you got it wrong. I'm the lucky one." He leaned forward, kissing her cheek. "If at any moment you feel uncomfortable and want to stop, please let me know." He whispered in her ear and then proceeded to trail kisses down her body, on both breasts, pausing at her waist.

"Umm, Arnold, what are you…!" Helga felt his breath in her center and the gentle nudge of his hands urging her legs apart. She then felt his mouth reach her most intimate of areas. She felt completely exposed and vulnerable, like never before. A wave of pleasure rocked her as she felt the first stroke on his tongue on her. She closed her eyes and couldn't stop herself from moaning out loud. With every stroke, she felt herself climbing higher and higher to some abstract peak. She didn't know where the feeling was taking her until she felt herself falling apart in a wave of orgasm. She cried out his name over and over and finally, he came up to caress her face and positioned his shaft at her entrance.

"This might hurt a little, but bear with me, okay?" And just like that, he begun to enter her. The heat of their bodies and the union felt blissful. She hissed when a sudden pang of pain engulfed her. Pain and pleasure mixed. Sensing her tensing muscles, Arnold begun to whisper sweet assurances in her ear. He thrusted one last time until he felt her wall tear. He held her close as he engulfed himself in her completely. They stayed still until Helga assured him that she was alright. Sweating and trying his best to keep his control and steady movements, he started a slow, sensual rhythm. Her legs wrapped around his waist as he begun to increase tempo. He groaned and kissed her over and over, striving to keep control until she came.

"Arnold. I cant! I-." She gasped as the force of a second orgasm took her.

"It's okay, Helga…let go, Love." He assured her until she fell apart in his arms, whimpering his name over and over. He followed moments after, emptying himself on her belly and collapsing on top of her.

"I love you, Arnold." She whispered into his hair, holding him close.

"I love you, so, so much, Helga." He whispered back, kissing her chest near her heart.

After taking some time to use the downstairs restroom in the most discrete way possible as to not wake the boarders, they laid naked in each other's arms watching the snow falling frantically, hitting the panels of his glass roof.

After moments of silence and complete relaxation, Arnold spoke, "The storm reminds me of something." He murmured.

Helga turned to face him, supporting her head on her arm.

"You might not remember. It happened years ago. It was the first day of preschool. I saw you outside. You had your pink bow and you had these pink matching overalls. It was the first time I saw you." He smiled and closed his eyes, as if savoring the memory.

Helga couldn't believe that he'd remember their meeting. For her, that memory had been stamped in her mind as the day someone had finally looked at her, noticed her. From that day on, her whole world had revolved around the yellow-haired football head. The boy with the yellow hair and bright yellow boots and jacket who shone bright like the sun, and as such, his light engulfed her and shielded her from the rain. Everything since that day had changed for her. She focused on surviving in a world that didn't really want her and focused all her energy on him. It had taken her a long time to find the right balance. To love him from afar had been enough. To be in his arms now was a bliss, better than any dream she'd ever had.

"I remember." She paused, her voice shaking. "That was the day I told you about. The day you found me. You saved me when you showed up with your umbrella." She smiled, the ache between her legs still present, her heart full from their lovemaking.

Arnold caressed her back, up and down, and responded, "So we both remember!" He smiled wide, then looked up in concentration. "I was perplexed about why that small memory stayed with me. Over the years the memory tended to come back every time it rained or snowed. That memory…bothered me."

"Bothered you?" Helga questioned, wrinkling her eyebrows.

"Yeah. I didn't understand what it was about it. You know when you can't quite put your finger on something? I don't know but after that, I was drawn to you."

"And I bullied you." Helga smirked.

"Ah, I think it was that. It was confusing to have such a cute bully." He reached under her arms to tickle her. She yelped and slapped him playfully.

"I think." He paused and gathered her close to him. "I think I was never tricked by it. I'd already seen you that day. Everything else was just an attempt from you to hide. In the end, it didn't work, did it?"

Helga responded by laying her head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat and drifting away into a restful sleep.

Author's note: Yay! I am so glad I was finally able to upload this chapter! I read a lot of Romance Novels, can you see the influence in the love scene? I know that pushing their age up to 18 means there is a slightly longer gap between the day Arnold leaves and the day he comes back, but that was a sacrifice I was willing to make in order for me to proceed writing this. Would you like to see more scenes like this one in the future? Let me know please!

Song that Arnold plays: "I can't Give You Anything but Love" by various artists. Arnold is a jazzy dude and originally this song is rather upbeat. The version he plays for Helga on the piano is a slow, romantic version. I love the idea that by now, Arnold is just so good at playing so many instruments. Tell me I'm not the only one who thinks like this.

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