Author's Note: My gift to Helga and myself for our birthday 3/26 which is today is lovely chapter 5!
No Trigger Warning, please let me know if there are any to add and I'll do so.
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters of Hey Arnold, Doi!
Special thanks to you: The folks who followed, flavor, and reviewed this story. Please know your reviews are a huge reason I stay consistent with Head of Feet. In addition please know even if english isn't your native tongue your words, thoughts, and feelings are valid and I appreciate them and you so much.
Enjoy!
Helga's Valentine
Helga was woken up to her Dad yelling. This wasn't unusual in the Pataki home since the only time you didn't hear yelling is when Bob was at work. He was either yelling at Miriam, the TV, or Helga, and the only time he didn't yell is when Olga was home. Bob yelled if he was happy or angry and this morning sounded like he was happy. Helga went downstairs to see his bright smile. When he noticed the younger blonde he waved her down stairs. She leaned her head back and continued to walk down the stairs.
"What gives, Bob?" She said with one eye open.
"Olga-"
"It's Helga, Dad."
'That's what I said." He waved his hand, "I just sold all my beepers."
"What?" Helga said, surprised. "How?" she said, confused.
"A bunch of what you call them, hip hoppers." Bob said with a tone mix of announce and confusion.
'Hipsters, dad?" Helga arched a brow.
"Yeah whatever. The best part is they want to buy the whole store, so we are back on top, baby!" He hugged Helga tightly, lifting her a few inches off the ground.
"Bob, I can't breathe" She said out of breath.
"Sorry. Sorry " He let her go. "I'm just so darn excited!" Helga could have sworn she saw a tear in the corner of her father's eye. "Dang girl, the Patakis are loaded again." He beamed
"That's great B." Miriam slurred from the couch nearby.
'I'm going to the office to fill out all the paperwork." He smiled at Helga.
"What?" She narrowed her eyes "Why are you smiling at me like that?"
"You should come to make sure everything is in order?" He nudged her lightly.
"Bob, it's Valentine's Day." She crossed her arms.
"It is?" He raised a brow.
"Yeah, and I have a date." She said slowly.
"A date?" he puts his hands on his hip "Why haven't I met him, little lady?"
"You have numerous times, dad." she rolled her eyes.
Bob looked confused, "You mean your little friend Alfred?"
"Arnold, dad." She crossed her arms.
"That's what I said." He waved his hand "look you'll be back in time for your little date, I promise." He said insincere.
"What do you need me for?" She leaned against the doorway.
"Helga, you know you're great at this stuff." He said loudly.
"So, now you know my name?" She sucked her teeth.
"Come on, little lady." He sighed "you stop me from making a mistake of selling half my company to that Scheck character."
"So." She hissed.
"Help me with this, I'm begging you, girl." He said with pleading eyes.
Helga did not budge; she turned her nose to the side and continued to lean on the wall. "Why should I?" she said.
"Fine." He leaned his hand on the doorframe above her head. "I'll give you a partner's cut if you help." He smiled as if it was painful to do so.
"Deal." she said "I want it in writing." She added
"What, you don't trust me?" Bob said, offended.
"Not as far as I can throw you." She looked at her father up and down "And that's not very far."
"Yeah, Yeah Little Lady. Get your tail upstairs and get ready." He demanded.
"Alright already." she said walking upstairs to get ready.
Helga looked back at her father with a proud smirk knowing she would have gone with him to negotiate anyway. Helga always gave into her family. And Bob always showed his affections with his wallet. Helga had grown accustomed to accepting his bribes as love more times than none. Bob raised her this way, but she always proved to be her own person. Helga helped Arnold save the neighborhood knowing it would cost her money, but she also did it for her Dad. Bob wasn't a pleasant or kind man and forgot her name most of the time, but he was her dad and she cared for him. She didn't want to see the company he built from the ground up be taking from him. And now that he can get out of doubt and back on his feet she was happy to help him again.
Bob was waiting for Helga in the car by time she made her way back downstairs. She kissed her mother who was passed out on the couch on top of the forehead. She looked at the older woman and wondered if she ever made a resolution to Bob to stop drinking, and if so why couldn't she keep it. Helga put a blanket on her mother and headed out the door to meet her father in the car.
Later that Afternoon Helga walked back into Pataki home and flopped across the couch. She was exhausted after reading pages after pages of contracts. It was no easy task negotiating with the hipsters for the best deal and trying to explain everything to Bob who didn't have a clue made it much more difficult. All she wanted to do now was lie down, but she couldn't because she only had an hour to get out of her sweats and into something that would make Arnold blush. At least that's what Rhonda said she had to do. She closed her eyes just to rest them for a minute. She heard her mother's footsteps coming near her and sighed. Helga didn't want to be bothered, all she wanted was a few more seconds to rest.
"Helga, Honey." Miriam said.
"Yes, Miriam" Helga said still laid on the couch
"Your sister sent you a package for your date tonight." Miriam held out a brown box.
Helga set up and took the box. She sighed knowing whatever Olga sent was going to irritate her soul. She opened the box and rolled her eyes "Why Olga?" She shook her head.
"There's a little note inside." Miriam picked up the note and read it "I know strawberries gives you hives, but that doesn't mean you can't wear them." She smiled at her daughter.
Helga held up a red short sleeve fuzzy shirt. She put the shirt down and held up a white tutu skirt with red strawberries on it. "Olga can't be serious!" She protested.
"What else would you wear, Honey?" Miriam asked.
Helga looked at the clock and groaned "Criminy, I don't have much time, so I guess I'll have to wear this." Helga rolled her eyes.
After her shower Helga looked in the full length mirror behind her door to observe her outfit as she put her gold locket around her neck. The locket that held different pictures of her beloved throughout the years. The locket she hid in her shirt until today when she decided to wear it proudly around her neck. Miriam knocked on the door and Helga jumped a little as she was in deep thought about her locket.
"Honey?" Miriam called.
"Come in." Helga said.
"Hey Honey, you forgot your shoes that your sister sent you." Miriam held up a pair of red flats before she handed them to her daughter.
"Thanks, Mom." Helga sat on the bed and put the shoes on.
"Honey, Olga also told me how to do your hair." Miram gave a shy smile.
"I don't know." Helga twisted her lips to the side.
"Have a little faith in me, Helga." Miriam put her hand over her heart.
Helga leaned her head back "Okay." She whined.
The younger blonde knew that her mom could do her hair since she did it just fine for New Years. Helga felt girly enough in the outfit her sister sent and she knew whatever hairstyle Olga told Miriam to do would be girly too. She thought sure, Rhonda said make Arnold blush, but she didn't want to do it at the expense of her own comfort. Helga walked in her mother's room, sat on her bed, and watched her take out a wooden brush and hair clips as she plunged up a curling iron. She felt her mother swoop her hair in the front and clipped it in the back to let the rest hang. Her mother then curled the ends with the curling iron. Miriam finished the hairstyle by tying a red ribbon into a bow on the back of Helga's hair. Helga took a deep breath once her mother was done and went to look in the mirror on her mother's dresser. Miriam stood in front of her blocking her view.
"What gives?" Helga said.
"Honey, let's go into the living room, so we can admire your entire look in the standing mirror."
"Fine," Helga moaned and followed her mother downstairs.
"Close your eyes," Miriam turned to face her daughter.
"Could this day get any more cheesy?" Helga said and closed her eyes anyway.
Miriam stood behind her daughter and placed her hand on her shoulder. "Okay open your eyes."
Helga opened her eyes and took in at sight in front of her. "Is that me?" Helga questioned the mirror slowly.
"You like it, Honey?" Miriam beamed at her daughter.
"I look like Valentine Barbie" Helga put her hand on her lips.
"Is that a bad thing?" Miriam gently squeezed Helga's shoulder.
"I don't know." Helga touched a curl and tilted her head.
Miriam walked to the closet and brought out her Polaroid camera "Honey, let's take a picture."
"Mom, no way." Helga rolled her eyes.
"Come on, Honey." She smiled, "You look so pretty."
"Okay, fine." Helga huffed, "make it quick." She tapped her foot.
Miriam held the camera up an took 1, 2, 3-
"Okay, that's enough." Helga held up one hand and covered her face with the other.
Miriam giggled, "I'm going to put one here." She placed the picture in the corner of a framed family portrait on the wall. She put the new picture over the image of Helga looking miserable. "Perfect." She said before smiling at her daughter. "One for you." She gave Helga a picture "And one for your sister." she place the picture inside a return envelope Olga sent.
Helga shook her head "I guess Olga thought of everything" She said looking at herself in the mirror.
Meanwhile at Sunset Arms, Arnold adjusted his red plaid shirt and blue jeans. Miles stood behind him and smiled wide at his son. His face changed to concern when he saw his son rub the back of his neck.
"What's wrong, son?"
"I just want to look special for Helga." He frowned.
"You do," Miles reassured him by squeezing his shoulder.
"Dad I wear this all the time." Arnold gestured to his outfit.
"It is a new plaid shirt and new blue jeans." Miles said warmly.
"Dad." Arnold whined and looked back in the mirror sadly.
"I have an Idea." Miles went upstairs and came back down with a white blazer. "This will be the perfect addition." He handed the blazor to his son.
Arnold placed the blazer over his shirt and smiled. "I like it."
"Now let's see how it looks with your shirt tucked in." Miles pointed.
Arnold tucked his shirt in and nodded. "You're right dad this looks better."
"All you need now is a red handkerchief" Phil came in with the folded handkerchief and placed it in Arnold's pocket. "Perfect." Phil said.
"I agree" Miles added
"Me too." Arnold smiled
"Me three." Stella said walking out the kitchen. She stood next to her son. Placed her hands on his cheeks, and smiled. "You look so handsome," She said with tears in her eyes.
"Mom, don't cry." Arnold said with matching tears in his eyes.
"It's just that we missed so much of your life that these moments mean a great deal to us." She rubbed her son's cheek.
"It means a lot to me too, " Arnold said, placing his hand on top of hers.
"Stop it you two, before the boy has red eyes in front of his little friend with the pink bow and one eyebrow.
"Helga, Grandpa. Her name is Helga." Arnold shook his head.
"Who Eleanor?" Grandma came wearing a Santa's hat. "Merry Christmas, everyone!" She cheered.
"Merry Christmas," they all said to the older woman.
"Are you picking Helga up?" Miles asked.
"Did you buy her flowers?" Stella added.
"Where are you taking her?" Grandpa chimed in.
"Are y'all walking on the moon?" Grandma crackled.
Arnold shook his head and sighed, "Helga, is meeting me here. We kind of have a no gift policy, so I didn't get her flowers." He placed his hand on the back of his neck, "I don't know where we are going exactly, and I hope by the end of the night we do end up on the moon, Grandma." Arnold smiled at his family who smiled back. The doorbell rang and everyone looked towards it. Arnold adjusted himself and took a breath.
Stella grabbed her Polaroid from the shelf nearby. "Can we take pictures of you two?" She asked while holding up the camera.
"Sure, just let me greet Helga first." Arnold walked to the door and looked over his shoulder to his family who were still standing there smiling at him. " Hey mom, dad, grandpa, grandma?" He cleared his throat.
"Yes, Arnold." They said in unison.
"I would like to greet Helga by myself first, if y'all don't mind?" he said warmly.
"Yeah, sure, sure." Everyone said backing out of the room.
Arnold let out a deep breath and opened the door as an array of animals came flying out. He looked at Helga who had her head down staring at her red flats, and biting her lip. He looked at her shoes to the top of her head at least three times. She finally looked up to meet his green eyes with her blue ones.
"What gives, football head?" she said, twirling her hair over finger. "Stupid Olga, I knew this outfit was stupid." She kicked her foot.
Arnold smiled. "No, you look beautiful." He said shyly.
She blushed "Really?' She twisted her foot into the stoop.
"Definitely." he smiled softly.
"Can I come in?" She twisted her lip.
"Yes, come in." He stepped to the side and saw her red bow as she entered the house. "Bow," He said
"Bow?" She turned to look at him.
"Yeah, I was thinking of a nickname to call you besides my lady, and Bow is fitting since it was the first thing I noticed about you."
She hid her blush before turning around to face him again. "You never called me Bow before." She said warmly.
"I was waiting for the right time." He cleared his throat "This seemed as good of a time as any." He bit his lip "Unless you don't like it?" He questioned
Helga cheeks turned a soft pink this time. "I don't know. Say it a few more times, and I'll see how I feel." She teased.
"Okay." He smiled. "Bow, my mom really wants to take a Polaroid of us." Arnold smiled
Helga pamed her face "Not your mom too."
On cue Stella, Miles, Grandpa, and Grandma poked their heads out.
"Helga, you look beautiful." Stella smiled at the two teens with flushed faces. "May, I?" She held up the camera.
Stella took 1, 2, 3-
"Okay, mom." Arnold said warmly, holding up a hand.
"I wanted to have one for us." She smiled "One for you." She gave a picture to Arnold "And one for you." She handed the last picture to Helga.
"Thanks." Helga smiled.
"Helga, I would love for you to join us for Sunday dinner tomorrow." Stella smiled warmly.
"That's a great idea," Miles stood next to Stella.
"Mom. Dad." Arnold said, rubbing the back of his neck.
Helga shook her head.'It's okay, football head." She assured him.
"You don't mind?" Arnold smiled.
"No." Helga smiled back.
Arnold put his hands in his pockets "I know you've been here a lot lately."
"What, you don't want me here." She teased.
"Of course I do," he said quickly. "I don't want you to feel pressured." he said softly.
"No pressure, Sunnyside Up." Helga teased.
"That nickname might stick, huh?" He questioned nervously.
"I don't know. How about I call you it a few times and see." She smirked.
They smiled at each other until Helga felt someone staring at them. She looked over her shoulder to Miles and Stella, smiling. This brought back memories of when the pair saw her and Arnold kissing in the green eyes' temple. She became nervous and cleared her throat. "We should really get going" She pointed at the door.
"Okay bye" Miles and Stella waved warmly.
Arnold and Helga stepped out the door. "Glad to see you brought a jacket." Arnold smiled.
"Yeah, only because Olga sent one with this outfit." She held open the red sweater. "Leave it to perfect Olga to think of everything."
"Did she think of the bag too?" He pointed at her straw bag.
Helga held it up "No, this part was all me."
He smiled lovingly "So, I was thinking we could- "
"Don't worry about it, Arnoldo"
"What do you mean?" He questioned.
"I already have it all planned out."
"Wait, you do?' He said in a low tone.
"Doi." She took his hand and led him towards Hillwood Park. "First there's this cool concert at the park." She turned and smiled at him "Jazz, I might add."
"Jazz?" Arnold said with excitement. "How didn't I know about this?" He quested himself more than her.
"They are an underground band," She said proudly.
"How do you know about it?" He said impressed.
"They're from the UK, so Olga told me about them." She said impressed with herself.
Arnold and Helga made their way to the park where Helga pulled out a blanket from her large straw bag and laid it on the grass. They sat and listened to the smooth Jazz fill the park. Arnold looked around smiling at all the couples enjoying the melody. He closed his eyes and let the air brush his face. He felt Helga rest her head on his shoulder and he opened his eyes to smile at the sight. The two set in bliss listening to the music with their fingers intertwined. They snuggled more into each other with every song.
Once the band finished their final song they thanked everyone for coming and everyone started to gather their things to leave. Arnold helped Helga up from grass before he folded her blanket and handed it to her to place back in her purse.
"Helga, that was so amazing." He smiled brightly. "I can't thank you enough."
"Don't worry about it." She said, digging the toe of her shoe into the grass
"Are you hungry?" He smiled.
"Of Course." She smiled.
"Okay, I was thinking."
"Don't worry about it, Football Head I got us covered." She grabbed his hand and led them out the park until they reached a small cafe. "They have the best hot dogs in town." she said with a warm smile.
"I've never seen this place." Arnold looked around the small cafe that had a walk up counter with all the condiments for hot dogs.
"Most people get their hot dogs from Mickey's Dog Pound, but this place has been around for years." She smiled softly. "My dad hates food chains, so he takes me here after work when he needs to apologize without saying the words for forgetting i'm allergic to strawberries, or my birthday." She sighed, "this is one place me and Big Bob have that Olga and him don't. Bob never forgets anything about her, so he never has to apologize to her. Besides, Olga would lose her mind if you offered her a hot dog." She laughed gently and Arnold smiled at the sight. "I guess this place is one of the good things about my childhood." She looked into his eyes and said, "I wanted to share it with you." She squeezes his hand.
"Bow" He looked into her eyes with glossed over eyes of his own.
"Yeah, yeah. Let's Order" She teased.
Arnold ordered the Big Bang Dog that came with grilled onions, relish, mustard, ketchup, and sourkrupt. Helga ordered the Pastrami on Rye which was a hot dog with pastrami, mustard, pickles on a rye bun. Helga placed the money on the counter for the hot dogs, chips, and two Yahoo sodas. They went to the tables to eat their hot dogs carefully, trying not to get mustard on their clothes. The two laughed and joked with their mouths full between stealing glances while hiding their blush.
"I'm stuffed." Arnold said as he finished his last bite.
"Okay, we'll have dessert later." She said, "Are you ready for the next part?" she raised a brow.
"You have the next part planned too?" Arnold said in a low voice.
"Doi!" She laughed "Go big or go home, right?" She jumped up.
"Right." He said, a little less excited than her.
Helga grabbed his hand to move quickly back to Hillwood park. "Okay, stand there football head, while I get the blanket." Helga took out the blanket and laid it on the grass.
"What's going on, Helga?" Arnold said, confused.
"Tonight's movie in the park is a pre screening of Evil Twin: Next Generation."
"That's amazing!" Arnold cheered, "how did you know about this?" He questioned with wide eyes.
"Pfft Jarhead, one of my favorite wrestlers loves these films, and was talking about it on his Myspace account." She laughed at the goofy look on his face "Are you going to keep staring at me, dorknoldo or are we going to watch this movie?"
They sat on the blanket to watch the movie holding hands and enjoying each other's company. Arnold would look at his girlfriend and smile. He looked around at the other couples and would look back at her and smile wilder. He watched Helga as much, if not more than he watched the film. Once the movie was over everyone packed up.
"Hey, I'm going to go to the restroom."
"Okay." She said simply.
He put his hand on the back of his neck "Do you want to walk over there with me?"
"You're scared to go back yourself?" She teased.
He laughed "No, I just don't want to leave you alone."
"Arnold, my parents have left me alone since I was four. I'll be fine."
Arnold swallowed the lump in his throat at the statement. He rubbed his neck more, not sure how to respond. "Helga, I'm not your parents."
"I know that football head, I wouldn't be on a date with them" She smiled softly trying to ease his worry. She placed a hand on his shoulder "I'll be here when you get back. Don't worry."
He nodded and went hesitantly to the restroom. He didn't want to leave her but he really had to go. When he came back to their spot he didn't see Helga anywhere in the crowd. He looked to his left and right and started to panic. He put his hands on his head and started to say out loud that he shouldn't have left her by herself. He stopped when he heard a familiar laugh above him and looked up.
"Helga?" He said surprised at the sight.
"How's it going, football head?" She smirked from a branch in the tree.
"What are you doing up there?" He said, confused.
"I felt so girly in these clothes that I wonder if I could still climb a tree." She shrugged,"I guess I should have known I could since I always climbed one wearing a dress.
"You said you would be here when I got back." He said fluster.
"I am here. Doi" She bit her lip when she saw the look on his face. "I'm just higher up, football head" She said warmly.
Arnold shook his head and softened at her words."Are you stuck up there, Helga?" He said concerned.
"What Idiot gets stuck in a tree?" She laughed.
Arnold rubbed the back of his neck again. "Are you coming down?"
"No." She said.
"No?" He said surprised.
"Yeah, no." She said slowly and smiled. "You come up here." she teased.
"Are you serious?" He looked at the height of the tree.
"As a heart attack, Bucko." She arched a brow.
Arnold tied his blazer around his waist and started to climb up the tree trunk. He slowly made it to the branches one after the other cursing himself for wearing dress shoes. He finally made it to his girlfriend out of breath.
Helga laughed at the sight of her now sweaty valentine "You're okay there, Arnold?" she teased.
"This was easier when I was nine." He tried to catch his breath "Honestly, I didn't really climb trees. That was mostly you" He smiled. Arnold caught his breath and took the blazer from around his waist and put it back on.
Helga laughed, "I still climb trees." She shrugged, "I felt so new in these clothes that I needed to do something to feel like my old self." She brushed a stray hair behind her ear.
"You know you don't have to impress me." He said looking into her eyes.
"I know." She put her hand on her hip, "everything isn't about you, Bucko." She rolled her eyes. Her face became serious and she sighed."Don't ever tell Olga or Miriam that said this, but I like to dress up sometimes." She sighed "it still feels weird, but I like it."
Arnold smiled and sat closer to the blonde. The two sat in silence enjoying the breeze as the sun started to set. They were sitting in that tree for a while and they didn't care as long as they were in it together. Arnold smiled at the sight of Helga in his arms and held her closer.
"Hega, how did you get your purse up here?" He questioned.
"Piece of cake." She smirked.
"You wouldn't happen to have cake in there would you?"
"You think I'm Mary Poppins or something?"
Arnold laughed "No, but I thought it was worth a try since you had everything else planned today." Arnold looked at his fingers while nibbling his lip.
"You say that like it's a bad thing" she arched a brow. "I thought we were having a moment?" She questioned
"We are having a moment" Arnold rubbed the back of his neck, "I'm not saying it's a bad thing."
Helga crossed her arms over her chest "But?"
"I didn't get to do anything for you." He sighed, "you picked me up, you planned the jazz concert, you paid for dinner, and planned this amazing movie."
"And so?" She shook her head, "don't tell me because you're the boy you think you have to plan the date?"
'It's not that." He sighed.
"What is it then?" She moved closer, "you planned our Christmas and New Year's dates." she reminded him.
"Christmas was at my job and New Year's was at Ronda's."
"Your point, Hair Boy?" She said irritated.
"I didn't have to pay for anything."
"Don't worry about the money. The patakis are loaded again." she said with a smirk.
Arnold nodded choosing his next words carefully. "It's not just about the money." He sighed. "I just wanted you to feel special today."
Helga exhales "Arnold, my father gives me money all the time and he still makes me feel like crap." She touched his shoulder, "Money doesn't make someone feel special it's this she pointed between them."
"What do you mean?" he questioned
"I feel special because I'm here with you." She scooted closer.
"You mean that, Helga?" He beamed at her with bright eyes
She groaned "You're such a sap."
"You're sap." He teased
"Don't you forget it." She sighed " I planned everything so nothing could go wrong."
"Nothing could be wrong when I'm with you." He squeezed her hand.
"Have you not met me? She teased "I'm a basket case, everything could go wrong."
He shook his "Helga stop."
"Okay hairboy, why don't we plan the next big date together, deal?" she smiled
"Deal." he smiled. "Except for your birthday," he added.
She raised a brow " No gifts." She warned
"I know. I know." He said.
Arnold looked at his girlfriend in the tree and laughed.
"What's so funny? I want to laugh too." She teased.
"I was just thinking about Harold."
"He is laughable." She mentally patted herself on the back.
"No." he shook his head " I was thinking." He bit his lip, "when Eugene and I got stuck in this tree."
"Wait, you're the idiot who gets stuck in a tree?" She teased.
Arnold laughed "Yeah." He sighed, "Well, Harold teased us with a little song before he got stuck with us."
"Figures." Helga shook her head.
"I was thinking if Harold saw us now he would sing Helga and Arnold." He sang.
"Sitting in a tree." She joined.
"K.I.S.S.I.N.G." They sang together.
They started to laugh hard until they needed to catch their breath. The pair wiped the tears from their eyes and looked down at their intertwine fingers. The couple looked up into each other's eyes and both bit their lips before they looked away. Helga cleared her throat and looked in her boyfriend's direction.
"We are sitting in a tree." She said.
He turned to her, "yeah." He bit his lip.
"But, we're not kissing." She blushed.
He exhaled. "We can change that."
Helga could have sworn she could hear his heartbeat or maybe it was just hers. He leaned in and their lips met. They melted into each other's lips as they caught their breath between kisses.
"Helga and Arnold sitting in a tree." The pair looked to see the singing coming from Harold who was pointing and laughing.
Helga palmed her face and fell backwards out of the tree.
"Helga!" Arnold screamed.
"I got her." Gerald said as he caught the girl.
"Did I say you could touch me." Helga protested.
"I could have let you break your neck, Pataki." He said as he sat her down gently, "you're welcome"
"Yeah, yeah. Thanks Tall-." She noticed his hair wasn't so tall anymore. She crossed her arms over her chest. " You got a haircut? She said a smirk
"You like it?" He ran his hand over it.
"It's okay. I guess." She rolled her eyes.
"Whatever, Helga." He shook his head
Arnold climbed down as fast as he could "Helga are you okay?" He ran up to her.
"I'm fine." She said embarrassed.
"You sure?" He said with worry.
"Yes, Arnoldo." She stepped closer to him. "Don't worry about me so much," She said softly.
"Never." He whispered.
Helga and Arnold looked back at the group of familiar faces. "What brings y'all to the park?" Arnold questioned with a smile.
"We came from Slausen's." Gerald pointed a thumb in the direction. "They have a two for one Valentine special."
Harold chimed in, " I'm hanging with these guys." Harold pointed to Eugene and Curly.
"Actually Harold, Curly and I were hanging by ourselves and you sat down." Eugene gave a nervous smile.
"That's what I said, " Harold stomped.
"No you said we were hanging out with you, but Eugene and I were sharing a Sundae when you interrupted." Curly said, irritated.
"I did you two a favor. Why would two guys want to hang by themselves sharing a sundae?" Harold huffed.
Everyone looked at him with a low or raised brow. Curly and Eugene weren't out, or even an official couple, but most of the old gang from P.S.118 knew the boys' history. Eugene and Curly didn't like each other at one point. Well, Curly didn't like Eugene since he wore down his pencil in the fourth grade and the boy swore revenge, and almost got away with it, if it wasn't for Arnold standing up for Eugene's innocence.
A lot has changed since then for one Curly has found a cocktail recipe of uppers and downers that keeps him balanced. He apologized to most of his classmates for things that he did throughout the years while trying to find the right treatment. Most of the gang weaved it off and reassured him that his mental health didn't make him less valuable or less human.
The world wasn't enlightened, far from it, there were people who mocked Curly for his mental health. But, Curly always refused to live by others' opinions of him. There were moments people did get to him and during those times he seemed thankful to have someone like Eugene to comfort him.
People outside of the old gang wondered how Curly and Eugene became so close. After Curly made his amends to Eugene in the ninth grade they still weren't friends. No, they just said hello and goodbye when they saw each other in passing, but that changed recently. The two started spending time together, often after finding themselves in the same hospital parking lot.
Eugene always found himself in the emergency room for some freak accident. And Curly was on the third floor every week to see his psychologist. When people started asking how they got so close they always said the hospital cafeteria made the best nachos. They always found themselves sharing a moment over nachos whenever they ran into each other. They slowly found themselves spending more time outside of the parking lot, the hallway, and the cafeteria. Most people notice except Harold apparently.
Helga shook her head at the pink boy "You're an idiot." She rolled her eyes.
"Whatever, Helga." Harold scowled.
"This is why Rhonda and Patty said no to you." She teased
"You don't do that." He said turning red.
"Come on, Pink Boy who else would you ask." She raised a brow "And I don't see them." Everyone giggled at the comments, even her beloved.
Arnold patted her left shoulder trying to suppress his laugh while silently asking her to stop. Helga looked at his sweet football head and sighed. "What else do y'all have planned?" Arnold rubbed the back of his neck while trying to change the subject.
Gerald shook his head " I'm going to walk Phoebe home. Are y'all heading that way?" He looked at Arnold and Helga.
"No, we might stay here for a little longer." Arnold said
"We're heading home too, come on guys." Harold weaved to Eugene and Curly who shook their heads.
Gerald placed a hand on Harold's shoulder, "I think they might want to walk by themselves." he offered.
"Why would they want to do that?" Harold questioned.
"Think about it slim," Gerald said.
"Don't call me slim." Harold pulled away and began to think until his face turned red.
"Don't hurt yourself, Einstein." Helga mocked and Arnold shook his head.
"It's okay, we can all walk home together" Eugene offered and Curly sighed.
"Alright man, we'll catch you later." Gerald and Arnold did their signature shake. Phoebe giggled and Helga rolled her eyes.
Phoebe hugged her blonde friend. The two whispered and giggled while looking over to their boyfriends'. Helga told Phoebe she'll call her tomorrow and the shorter girl nodded before they parted ways.
Arnold and the blonde stood next to each other and watched their friends leave. They looked around the park and it seemed they were the last couple left there. Arnold watched his girlfriend wrap her sweater around her.
"Would you like my blazer for an extra layer of warmth?" Arnold questioned.
"Sure" Helga smiled.
He took off his blazer to put it over her shoulders. He wrapped his arms around her. Nozzling his face to her hair. "Better?" He questioned
"Did I say you could touch me?" She teased.
"Do you want me to let go?" he teased back.
"Do it and die." She sneered. They both laughed, "I could go for some dessert." She smirked, "Did the tree climbing give you an appetite?" She questioned.
"I could do dessert." He agreed.
"Do you want Slaunsen's?" She asked.
"I have a better idea." He took her hand and led her out the park and in front of the boarding house.
"Arnold, we're not going to have your grandmother's prune cookies, are we?"
"No" He laughed. His face turned serious. "That didn't workout too well for Phoebe."
"Poor girl." Helga shook her head as they walked up the stoop.
Arnold turned the doorknob and they walked in the house and into the kitchen. Helga set at the kitchen table and Arnold went to the cabinet
"Close your eyes." he said.
"Are you serious?" she jerked her neck back.
"Yes." He beamed.
"Fine" She huffed and closed her eyes.
"Now open them" He said sweetly.
She opened her eyes and her mouth fell open "Arnold, you didn't." she said
"I did." he said.
"You had to have ordered these days before." she said.
"Weeks actually." He sat next to her. "I wanted to get you something extra, but I knew these would be perfect on their own."
Helga smiled at him and held one up "Chocolate donuts, with chocolate filling, pink icing, and red sprinkle hearts." They said together as she smiled lovely at it.
"Your favorite." He added.
"Arnold, this is perfect." She beamed
"You are perfect." He said softly, but she heard him and turned a rose red.
They looked at each other warmly and kissed each other gently. Forgetting the donuts all together as their lips became the sweetest taste of the night.
A/N: Please Follow, Favor, and Review. I would love to hear everything that you thought about this chapter. And even if you come across this chapter later in life I still would love to know your thoughts. I truly appreciate you and will consider it a birthday gift.
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