Thank you again to all those still reading. Sometimes it takes me longer than I anticipate to gather my thoughts into something coherent enough to translate to writing, so thanks for your patience and continued interest.

Helena doesn't just hold onto Myka, she clings to her, even as Myka helps her step into flats and grabs her phone and wallet to put in her coat pocket. Helena continues to cling to Myka as they proceed to walk through the apartment, Myka pulling a blanket from the sofa to wrap around Helena's shoulders, despite her protest.

"It's started to rain," Myka explains, knowing that even though Helena is sweating right now from exertion and pain, if the rain should soak her skin, chills would be a threat. "Do you have an umbrella?"

"In the closet…by the door," Helena manages to say and Myka feels a prick of fear at the way Helena's face is completely ashen, all the color drained from her face.

Securing the umbrella, Myka leads them out of the apartment, Helena still clinging to her through the hallway, down the elevator and finally outside to Myka's parked Jeep. The rain has only intensified since Myka's initial arrival, but though one side of her is nearly soaked, she takes a small pride in the fact she managed to keep Helena mostly dry as she carefully maneuvers her into the passenger seat of the SUV, looking for any further sign of pain.

"Are you all right, Helena?" she asks concerned seeing the way Helena bites at her lip as if to hold back a cry.

"Fine, darling," she breathes out shakily, "but I don't think I can manage the seatbelt."

"I'll get it," Myka says folding the umbrella so she can as she grasp the belt and carefully reach across Helena to fasten the buckle, trying to ignore the scent of Helena's shampoo assaulting her senses. Once the task is completed, Myka moves back, meeting Helena's pain-filled eyes as she quickly gives her hand a gentle squeeze of silent assurance before she closes the door and runs around the front to get into the driver's seat to drive to the hospital in haste.


Myka sits beside Helena in uncomfortable chairs while she fills out Helena's paperwork for her. "You'd think they would treat a patient first and worry about paperwork later," she huffs agitated as she checks the no box for allergies a little more forcefully than is warranted.

"Yes, well, I'm hoping that means my condition isn't too serious then," Helena replies as she struggles to find a comfortable position to sit in.

"Serious or not, you're still in pain," Myka observes, adjusting the blanket to fit more snugly over Helena's legs before returning to the paperwork.

When they are finally called into an examination room, a nurse quickly takes Helena's blood pressure and temperature before leaving them alone once more to wait for the doctor's arrival.

Several moments later, an older woman with fading blonde hair and sparkling blue eyes greets them. "Good evening, ladies. I'm Dr. Vanessa Calder," she says shaking both women's hands. "My paperwork says I'm to examine Helena Wells for back pain, which I'm guessing is you," she directs at Helena, "seeing as you look like a woman in pain," she smiles gently.

"Indeed," Helena remarks.

"How did this injury happen?" Dr. Calder asks.

"I slipped in the shower."

The doctor nods thoughtfully. "Bet you had no idea how dangerous a shower can actually be, did you?" she asks lightly.

"None at all," Helena agrees, whom until the moment she slipped and fell had been enjoying herself perfectly well in said shower.

"Are you experiencing any numbness?"

"No," Helena responds.

"Did you hear anything that sounded like a pop when you fell?"

"No."

"Good. But your mobility is limited?"

Helena stifles a sarcastic chortle. "Yes, I'd say so since I've had to rely on Myka to get me here," Helena says glancing at the woman mentioned who smiles sympathetically in return.

"I see. And do you feel pain when you're still or just when you move?" Dr. Calder asks.

"Mostly just when I move about. Sometimes finding a good position to sit in is difficult, but once I do, it's fine."

"All right, Helena, I'm just going to gently apply pressure to your back and I want you to let me know when you feel pain, okay?"

Helena nods before Dr. Calder begins to move her hands along Helena's back, lightly probing the area for signs of discomfort, Helena grimacing and crying out with pain when the doctor reaches her lower back.

"Will she be all right?" Myka asks the doctor worriedly.

"Of course she will," the doctor assures with a smile as she moves back to face her patient. "Helena, you appear to have sprained your lower back, not an uncommon occurrence for those who sustain a fall such as you have."

"What exactly does that mean?" Helena asks.

"A sprain is the tearing of a ligament and since ligaments are bands of tissue that connect the bones, the tearing of it constricts your movement, often painfully."

"And the treatment?" Helena asks.

"The best thing for this kind of injury is rest, at least for the first couple days. You can apply ice to your back to keep the swelling down, but the main thing is rest. No work for a few days, no strenuous activity. After forty-eight hours of rest and limited movement, you should try returning to your normal activities, making sure to move slowly and with care. Try not to aggravate the injury further. Do you have someone who can assist you at home?" the doctor asks her eyes darting to Myka.

"I don't…" Helena begins but gets no further as Myka speaks up.

"Yeah, I'm her…we're married…I'll take care of her," Myka says feeling Helena's stare at the admission that tumbles from her lips.

"Excellent. Looks like you're in good hands then, Helena," Dr. Calder smiles at her.

"Yes," Helena agrees still watching Myka.

Dr. Calder turns back to Myka. "I'll write up a prescription for some medication to help with the pain. Oh, and I'm sure this goes without saying, but no sexual activity until Helena fully heals."

Myka feels her face flush at the statement. "Of course," she breathes looking away from the doctor, catching Helena's stare that would ordinarily show amusement if not for the pain still reflected in her expression.

"When can I expect a full recovery?" Helena asks.

"Well, as long as you take care of yourself as I instructed and rest, you should be moving around as usual in several days, feeling perfectly well again within a couple weeks."

"That long?" Helena groans.

"That's just an estimate, Helena. Some patients recover sooner, others longer. The main thing is not to push yourself, give your body time to heal."

"I'll make sure she does," Myka interjects.

"Good," Dr. Calder says approvingly. "My guess is you have your work cut out for you caring for this one," she says winking at Helena who frowns in return.

"You have no idea," Myka mutters.


After a quick stop to a twenty-four hour pharmacy to fill Helena's prescription, Myka begins the drive back to Helena's apartment.

Stealing a glance at Helena, Myka notices the way she curls herself against the seat, wincing at the slightest movement. "I'll stay with you tonight," Myka says.

"Really, darling, there's no need for that," Helena protests. "I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself and you've done more than enough as it is."

"Helena," Myka sighs, "at the moment you can barely walk and Dr. Calder said you need someone to take care of you so…I'll take care of you. Besides…I made you a promise tonight…in sickness and in health, right?" she smiles shyly.

Helena tries to ignore the way her heart beats faster at Myka's declaration, knowing Myka only means to be a good friend; feeling both gratitude and guilt that Myka would honor her promise made, even though their marriage isn't a true one.

"Except I don't believe we actually said those words," Helena points out.

"Isn't it kind of implied in the part where I promised to keep you all the days of my life? All the days, good and bad alike, right?" Myka prods.

"I suppose so," Helena acquiesces. "Though you're under no obligation from me to keep that promise made tonight and I know I should put up more of an argument, but at the moment I'm too exhausted to make the attempt."

"Then don't," Myka says gently, turning her gaze from the road just long enough to watch Helena rest her head back on the seat and close her eyes.

"Thank you," Helena says softly, her eyes still closed. "You're a good friend, Myka."

Myka remains silent, watching the road.


Arriving at Helena's apartment, they once more begin the slow process of walking from the Jeep to inside the apartment building where they are greeted with a sight that has Myka groaning and Helena near to tears.

A sign on the elevator simply reads "Elevator being serviced. Temporarily out of Order."

"They're servicing the elevator now? Seriously, who services an elevator at one o'clock in the morning?" Myka asks incredulously.

"I vaguely recall receiving an email about this from the building manager," Helena speaks weakly. "Something about inconveniencing as few people as possible at this ungodly hour. I didn't think it would affect me so promptly forgot about it."

"How shortsighted of you, not to realize that you would in fact need the elevator tonight, at this exact hour," Myka teases with a small smile as she formulates a new plan.

"Oh god, Myka, I'll never be able to walk up six flights of stairs," Helena moans.

"No, I know, Helena," Myka says pulling her closer. "I'll take you back to my apartment, you can stay there tonight. But, as long as we're here, I might as well pack some clothing for you. Is there anything else you need?"

"You already have my phone and wallet?"

"I do," Myka affirms patting her coat pocket.

"There's nothing else I need then."

"All right," Myka says as she walks Helena to a chair in the lobby and carefully lowers her into it, pulling the blanket from her shoulders to cover the rest of her body with it. "Just give me fifteen minutes, okay?"

Helena only silently nods as she watches Myka turn and disappear through the stairwell.

Myka jogs up the stairs as fast as she dares, not wanting to cause her own accident and is grateful that she keeps relatively fit that she can manage the climb without too much struggle. Still, she's breathing hard as she lets herself into Helena's apartment and races to the bedroom, searching for a bag to hold clothing in.

For the second time this evening, Myka walks into Helena's closet, easily finding a tote bag on a shelf and quickly pulls the nearest blouses off hangers, followed by a couple pairs of trousers and places them in the bag. Satisfied the few items will be sufficient to last Helena a couple days at least, Myka begins to leave the bedroom when she's struck by another thought. Undergarments. Helena will need something to wear under these blouses and trousers.

Approaching the dresser in the room, Myka cautiously opens the top drawer, peering in quickly, hoping she's managed to find what she needs. Finally fate is on her side as the drawer reveals various undergarments and Myka is surprised at how many of them are made of satin and lace. Before Myka allows her mind wander, imagining the way Helena must look wearing some of these articles of clothing, she quickly pulls a few from the drawer, placing them into the bag and firmly closes the drawer again, also effectively closing off any further imaginings.

At last convinced she has enough to get Helena through the night and following day at least, Myka locks the apartment door behind her and flees down the six flights of stairs to return to Helena.

Helena's eyes are closed when Myka approaches her still sitting in the chair as she left her. Myka gently settles her hand along Helena's shoulder, watching as Helena's dark eyes flutter open at the contact.

"Hey, you," Myka smiles, "ready to go?"

Helena's breath hitches at the sight of Myka looking at her so, the soft smile that lights her face despite all the trouble Helena has put her through tonight.

"Lead the way, darling," Helena says, before Myka is reaching for her, gently lifting her into her hold once more.


"It's probably better we go back to my place anyway," Myka says as she pulls back onto the road to drive to her apartment. "I've fallen asleep on your sofa before and it's not an experience I'm eager to repeat," she grins when the comment elicits a huff of exasperation from Helena.

"Really, my sofa isn't that uncomfortable," she argues.

"It definitely is, as least to sleep on," Myka rebuts.

"Says the woman with exceptionally long legs. It's a wonder you'd find any sofa comfortable."

Myka just laughs. "Anyway, tomorrow when you're hopefully feeling better, we can discuss a more permanent, temporary arrangement as I'll stay with you until you're feeling better, whether it be at your place or mine."

Helena only nods.


Once more, Helena clings to Myka through the parking garage, in the elevator, down the hallway and finally, blessedly inside Myka's apartment where she practically collapses onto the sofa.

Myka hurries to the kitchen and comes back with a glass of water, offering it to Helena along with the medication. "Here, drink all this now," she gently commands and watches until the glass is empty, taking it from Helena to set on the coffee table.

"Are you okay here while I change the sheets on my bed?" Myka asks.

"Oh darling, there's no need to change the sheets on my account. I'm too exhausted to care about such trivialities."

"Are you sure?"

Helena nods. "I just want to go to sleep, or at least make an attempt to."

"All right," Myka says leaning down to gently gather Helena against her, leading her into her bedroom and to an unmade bed that she eases Helena down upon.

"Your bed isn't made," Helena remarks surprised.

"Yeah well, someone called me just as I was settling down to sleep. They sounded like they were in pain so I didn't bother to take the time to make my bed before rushing from the apartment," Myka smiles.

"I'm sorry I woke you," Helena says dejectedly. "I'm sorry for everything, Myka."

"Hey, you didn't wake me, I couldn't sleep. And there's nothing to be sorry for, Helena. You had an accident, these things happen," she says lightly cupping Helena's cheek, making sure dark eyes meet hers before squeezing Helena's shoulder and stepping away. "Do you want me to get you something to sleep in?"

Helena manages a short laugh. "After all the trouble we went through to get this robe on, I'll sleep in it tonight."

"Good point," Myka says rubbing at her neck. "All right, let's get you settled then," she says helping Helena move further back onto the bed.

Helena can't quite contain a sharp cry as she slowly moves to lie down and Myka winces at the sound, hating to hear Helena in such pain.

"It's okay," Myka soothes as she gently guides Helena to lie against the pillows. Helena takes in a shuddering breath, but finally finds a position that doesn't bring her pain.

As Myka pulls the covers over Helena, carefully tucking in the blankets around her to make sure she stays warm, Helena thinks this is the first thing to feel right since she kissed Myka hours earlier. It feels right to be in Myka's apartment now, in her bed where she feels warm and safe with Myka's soft scent surrounding her senses and Myka looking at her with such concern.

"Helena? Are you okay? Are you comfortable?"

"Yes," Helena breathes.

"Are you going to be warm enough? Should I get another blanket?"

"No, darling, I'm fine, thank you."

Myka nods then and reaches over Helena to gather one of the pillows from the bed.

"What are you doing?"

"I'm sleeping on the sofa," Myka explains.

"You don't have to," Helena says softly, her dark eyes meeting Myka's clear green eyes.

Myka feels a familiar flutter in her stomach at Helena's words, but quickly pushes it aside. "It's been a while since I slept with someone…I mean shared a bed…oh you know what I mean," Myka says flustered, not sure whether she should feel embarrassed or relieved by the smirk Helena gives her as she stumbles over her words.

"Anyway, what I'm trying to say is, I have no way of knowing what I might do in my sleep. For instance, my exceptionally, long legs might accidentally kick you and I don't want to risk causing you any more pain."

Helena sighs. "Less pain is preferred," she agrees even though a part of her would risk further pain to share the bed with Myka. "But still, it's a sofa. Are you sure you'll be comfortable, darling?" she asks concerned.

"It will be fine," Myka assures. "Okay, so do you have everything you need?"

"Yes, I think so."

"Good. If you need to get up in the night or you need any help for anything at all, just call for me okay? I'll leave the bedroom door open so I should be able to hear you."

Helena nods and at last, warm and comfortable under the covers, she feels the exhaustion of the night begin to overtake her as she struggles to keep her eyes open. "Thank you, Myka, for all of this," she says in between a yawn, her eyelids falling closed.

"You're welcome, Helena. Sleep well," Myka whispers laying a gentle touch to Helena's hand, smiling when she notices Helena still wears her ring. With a last glance at Helena's sleeping form, Myka turns off the lamp near the bed and carefully steps through the darkened room to the hallway, pulling the bedroom door mostly closed behind her.

Setting the pillow on the edge of the sofa, Myka pulls a blanket from the hall closet and throws it across the length of the sofa. Finally she begins to undress for sleep, groaning when she realizes she forgot to gather any sleep clothes from her bedroom. Unwilling to risk waking Helena to gather them, she decides to just sleep in her underwear, surprised to realize when she removes her coat that she's still wearing the same camisole he intended to sleep in earlier in the evening. She'd rushed from the apartment so quickly, she didn't even think to change into something more substantial. She shakes her head at the discovery, it serving as further evidence that where Helena is concerned, any logic Myka usually possesses practically vanishes.

Finally snuggling under the blanket, Myka adjusts her pillow, seeking a comfortable position, sighing when she realizes her sofa isn't likely to prove any more comfortable than Helena's was to sleep on. Still, any discomfort she might feel is nothing compared to the pain Helena is feeling.

Laying silently in the dark, Myka contemplates the events of the evening. A few hours ago she had been in her comfortable bed reflecting on her new marriage status and the fact that she was going to bed alone on her wedding night. She's still technically going to bed alone, and now on the sofa no less, but Helena is here, in her home, in her bed, on their wedding night. The thought is comforting to Myka and brings a soft smile to her lips as she at last falls asleep.