Another update finally! This chapter is actually intended to be much longer, but after working on it as long as I have, I thought maybe having part of it now might be better than waiting until who knows how much longer. The second half is mostly written, just trying to clean it up a bit, so I hope to post it in another week as long as I have the time and motivation to do so. As always, thank you for your patience and thank you for reading!

Helena sits on the sofa watching TV with Myka beside her reading another novel. Helena has never known anyone who reads as much as Myka does, including herself. Although at the moment, Myka isn't reading. Her book lies forgotten in her lap as she watches the screen with interest, focused on the documentary Helena turned to on the Smithsonian channel about the Mary Celeste and the eerie disappearance of her crew.

At the moment Helena is more interested in watching Myka, the way her hair curls past her shoulders as she sits relaxed on the sofa with one leg tucked under her and a blunt fingernail tapping idly at the book in her lap while her attention is focused elsewhere. It's all very interesting to Helena, but then, Myka always has been of her utmost interest. Her cell phone vibrating on the coffee table interrupts Helena in her casual observance of Myka and when she looks at the screen her expression is a guilty one. "It's Charles," she tells Myka a moment before answering.

"Hello, Charles. To what do I owe the pleasure of your call this afternoon?"

"Really, Helena? I haven't spoken to you since early last week and I've heard nothing about my little gift to you and Myka, not even so much as a thank you," he says trying unsuccessfully to sound offended.

Helena can hear the grin in his voice, clearly pleased with himself and she rolls her eyes, "Yes, thank you for your gift, Charles. Myka and I enjoyed the chocolate covered strawberries and the flowers were lovely," she admits.

"And the champagne?"

"And the champagne...we haven't opened yet," she says glancing at Myka.

"What are you waiting for, Helena?"

"Charles, champagne is usually reserved for special occasions, not a Wednesday evening after we've just finished sorting laundry."

"Any moment can become a special occasion, but that's not really what I was asking. You still haven't told Myka how you feel, have you?"

"No."

"So I repeat, what are you waiting for?"

"The right time, Charles," she answers, glancing again at Myka who turns to meet her gaze with a concerned look.

"This is like the champagne all over again. Whenever you tell her will be the right time."

"Yes, well anyway...how are things with you? Has the weather turned colder for you already? It certainly has for us. The mornings are cold, the evenings…are colder," she finishes lamely not knowing what else to say, especially with Myka still looking at her concerned.

"The weather, Helena? You used to be better than that at deflection. How is Myka?"

"She's well, she and I are watching a documentary at the moment, that you're interrupting."

"Helena," Myka chastises in protest.

"It's alright, Myka," she assures. "My brother is well aware the nuisance he is to me, isn't that right, Charles?"

Charles chuckles loudly. "I understand now all the deflection. Well, since Myka is there, may I say hello to her?"

"Why exactly?" Helena asks immediately suspicious to his motive.

"To welcome her to the family of course."

"And that's all?"

"Of course."

"Hmm. I don't believe that's all you want so I'll put you on speaker phone so you can say hello under my supervision."

"Helena…" he begins to protest.

"Charles would like to say hello," Helena tells Myka as she turns on the speakerphone. "You're on speaker now, Charles, so go ahead and say hello to Myka."

Charles sighs annoyed. "Hello, Myka. Helena doesn't trust her own brother, I hope you're faring better as her wife, Myka."

"I trust Myka implicitly," Helena assures him, "unlike you."

Charles laughs again. "Well at least you're honest about that. How are you, Myka?" he asks.

"I'm doing well, Charles, how are you?"

"Extremely well, especially now that I have so lovely a sister-in-law such as yourself."

"Oh, that's...thanks, but I thought Helena told you the truth of our circumstances," she says shooting Helena a concerned look.

"Indeed she did, the very truth."

"Charles," Helena says in a warning tone, her eyes darting to Myka.

"Quite the predicament our Helena has gotten herself into. It's fortunate Helena has you for her friend."

"Well the feeling is mutual," Myka says with a soft look for Helena. "And I couldn't let her be deported if I could stop it."

"Well, you could have. Not many people would do as you have done but now as I understand it, you're both under investigation?"

Myka sighs. "Yeah that part hasn't been so pleasant but we're working through it."

"Ah. And the living arrangements are going well for you both?" he asks coyly.

Myka looks at Helena who only rolls her eyes at his question.

"Um, yeah, we're doing okay, adjusting."

"I've finally gotten all of my things moved, my apartment leased, so that's progress," Helena tells him.

"Certainly, that's progress. Has anything else…progressed?"

Myka looks at Helena quizzically as she quickly turns off the speakerphone. "Charles and his jokes," she tries to explain as she rises from the sofa. "Excuse me please as I berate him in private."

Myka looks after her with a grin, grateful not for the first time she grew up with a sister. Though having Pete in her life has been very much like having an annoying brother so she can sympathize with Helena at the moment.

Helena retreats to their bedroom, sitting on the edge of the bed as she resumes the conversation. "Do you enjoy tormenting me?"

Charles laughs. "Perhaps a little. The opportunity was too good to pass up, but I didn't give anything away, so relax."

"Only because I put a swift end to your line of questioning."

Charles laughs again. "Seriously, Helena, I sent you that little gift package in the hope it would inspire you to speak your heart to Myka. I take it that didn't happen."

"No," Helena says subdued. "And I appreciate the thought behind what those...romantic gifts were trying to accomplish but Myka just isn't there yet...I think."

"You think? Did something happen between you?"

Helena thinks of the kiss they shared, the near perfection of it and she sighs. "We kissed...quite passionately actually."

"Helena, that's wonderful! Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"Because it's not what you think, Charles," she says. "We were moving the rest of my belongings into the apartment. All our friends were here, one thing led to another and I happened to catch sight of our investigator standing in the open doorway observing us so I kissed Myka."

"I see. But you said the kiss was passionate?"

"It was, very," she says remembering the moment with vivid clarity. "But unfortunately we haven't repeated the occurrence. It was just for show after all."

"Just for show - are you certain about that, Helena? You said you initiated the kiss correct?"

"Yes, to placate Ms. Cho."

"But Myka kissed you back, didn't she?"

"Yes," Helena draws out.

"Did she see Ms. Cho at the time?"

Helena considers the question. She remembers whispering to Myka about trusting her, and she remembers Myka beginning to ask her a question before Helena rendered her speechless. She surprised Myka with that kiss, she wasn't aware Abigail was present, which means...Myka kissed her back...really kissed her, not for some show for Abigail. But then again, everyone else was present as well; she could have just assumed Helena kissed her to satisfy their need for something more tangible between the newlyweds.

"Helena? Did Myka know Ms. Cho was there?" Charles repeats.

"No, I don't think she did, but it doesn't necessarily mean anything. All of our friends happened to be present as well and they were moments before complaining that we weren't showing much affection the way they expected a newly wed couple would show. Myka could just as easily assume I kissed her to show them otherwise."

Charles sighs heavily. "Can't anything be simple between you two?" he groans.

"It just depends on what aspect of our relationship. Friendship has absolutely been simple and easy from the moment we met. As for romance, that seems not to fare as well as you're aware."

"Just tell her already, Helena. One way or another, the truth will set you free."

"Spewing proverbs at me now, Charles, really?" she rolls her eyes.

"You obviously need it. But seriously, Helena, just tell her already. She deserves to know."

"Yes, well, I will consider your advice, but if I am to tell Myka I love her, I have to do it on my own terms, Charles. And I'm not ready to share that bit of information with her just yet."

"Fine, it's your life. I'd just rather see you happy sooner than later. Anyway, keep me informed of your situation. I can pick you up from the airport when you're deported if it comes to that."

"Very funny, Charles."

"I thought so. Take care of yourself, Helena, and take care of that beautiful wife of yours too," he says before ending the call.

Helena remains sitting on the bed she shares with Myka, staring at the phone in her hands for a very long time.


"Myka, hey!" comes a familiar voice from behind as Myka stands in line for coffee. She spins around at the sound to be greeted by the sight of Sam smiling down at her.

"We meet again at long last," he says, blue eyes bright. "It's funny how we keep bumping into each other like this, isn't it?"

"Yeah, I guess it is," Myka returns the smile. "But then again we do work in the same building - it's not altogether surprising."

"Ah, I don't know about that. A building that houses thousands of workers and the two of us keep randomly meeting? I'd like to think it's more than coincidence. But then again, maybe that's just wishful thinking on my part. I can't help but enjoy these random meetings with a beautiful woman," he admits.

Myka feels a blush rising in her cheeks. Beautiful? Is Sam flirting with her? Helena said that he…that he fancied her - could that be true? Is Sam interested in pursuing a romantic relationship with her? Myka is trying to form a response but short of blurting out that she's married, she doesn't know what to say. Should she tell him she's flattered but unavailable? And what if he's really not interested in her that way - she'd just embarrass herself.

She's saved from saying anything for the moment as the line moves forward and it's her turn to order. With an apologetic look at Sam, she steps up to the counter to place her order. Coffee for her, tea for Helena and looking over the selection of pastries, she smiles at the sight of blueberry scones. Helena has a weakness for scones of any flavor and imagining the way brown eyes will light up at the savory treat, Myka adds a scone to her order. If she's lucky, Helena may even share it with her.

Myka waits for her drink order to be filled, hoping that it will be done before Sam can approach her again to resume their brief but awkward conversation. Her hope is in vain.

"Two drinks?" he asks coming up beside her.

"Yeah," Myka nods. "Coffee for me and tea for Helena."

"The woman in the elevator with you the last time we met, right?"

"Yes."

"You two are close friends?"

Myka wants to laugh at the understatement that is and also cry because for being married, they are surly not as close as she desires to be. "You could say that, yes," she says instead.

"It's good to have close friends," Sam smiles.

Myka is grateful when her order is called and for the second time in minutes she casts an apologetic glance to Sam before turning away. Carrying a cup in each hand and carefully balancing the little bag with Helena's scone as well, Myka turns to leave but a hand along her arm halts her progress and she is once again staring up into Sam's blue eyes.

"Myka, since we have met up again, I've been meaning to ask for a while now…I wondered if you want to go out for drinks or maybe dinner some time?"

And there it is. Sam is definitely interested in her. "Sam, I'm sorry," Myka shakes her head. She raises her left hand, resting it lightly against her chest, her thumb grazing the ring she wears. "I'm married."

Sam follows her movement, noticing the wedding band for the first time. "Oh," he says taken aback. "I didn't realize. I never noticed you wearing a ring before…" his sentence dropping off as he fumbles for something else to say.

"No," Myka shakes her head, "and you wouldn't have. I was married very recently. Almost three weeks ago actually."

"Oh," Sam repeats, rocking on his heels as he stuffs his hands in his pockets in obvious disappointment. "Well, whoever he is, he's a lucky guy to have you, Myka."

"Thanks," Myka says ducking her head. "But I think I'm the lucky one to have her."

"Her?" he asks surprised.

"Yeah. Helena is my wife," Myka says, feeling her lips part into a wide smile at that sentence.

"Oh. Wow. So you were already married that day she was with you in the elevator?"

"Yeah," Myka nods unable to keep the smile from her face.

"You didn't introduce her as your wife then. Just a friend and coworker," he says confused.

"Well it was still so new at the time," she tries to explain.

Sam raises a questioning brow.

"We eloped actually and…and it's sort of a long story," Myka diverts.

"And not really any of my business, sorry," Sam apologizes. He sighs then, a look of regret passing in his eyes for what might have been. "I guess there's nothing more to say other than I wish you and your wife all the best, Myka."

"Thanks, Sam," Myka says. "Well, I should get back. Helena will be waiting for her tea."

"And you, I imagine. See you around, Myka," he smiles watching her walk out of the little cafe leaving him behind.


Helena is on the phone when Myka returns to the office so she stands in the doorway of Helena's office, waiting for Helena to notice her. Turning in her chair Helena catches sight of her, lips falling into an easy smile and she gestures for Myka to come inside.

Myka sets Helena's tea in front of her before sitting in a chair across the desk from her to sip at her own coffee, patiently waiting for Helena to finish her call.

"Thank you for the tea, darling," Helena says a few moments later after ending her call. Taking a sip she sighs contentedly.

"I brought you a scone too," Myka says pushing the bag across the desk.

"You're an angel," Helena says dark eyes alight as she slips the pastry from the bag. "I'm ravenous. Client phone calls have that affect on me."

Myka laughs before taking a sip of her coffee.

"Do you want some?" Helena asks breaking off a piece.

"Sure, thanks," Myka says taking the offered piece of scone and chewing thoughtfully.

"What's on your mind?" Helena asks.

Looking up startled, Myka shakes her head. "What do you mean?"

"Something is bothering you."

"How do you know that?"

Helena shrugs. "You have a certain look in your eyes when you're worried about something."

Myka sighs. "In the cafe just now, I ran into Sam."

"Oh?" Helena asks, setting down her half-eaten scone, suddenly devoid of any appetite.

"Yeah," Myka licks at her lips nervously. "He asked me to dinner."

"I see," Helena nods. "And you want to go to dinner with him?"

"What? No," Myka shakes her head adamantly. "No, I told him…that I'm married to you," she says feeling her cheeks burn, barely meeting Helena's eyes.

"Oh. And you're sure you don't want to go out with him?" she asks worried.

"I'm not interested in Sam, Helena. He's a nice man by what I've gathered on a few brief meetings with him in elevators, hallways and getting coffee, but I don't want to go out with him."

"Alright. Good," Helena settles back in her chair taking another sip of her tea. "We should go out to dinner tonight," she says suddenly.

"What? I thought we made plans to go out Friday night."

"Yes, well, why wait? We're both responsible adults. The laundry can wait and we can go out on a week night and still show up to work on time the next morning."

"Of course, but I just thought…I mean…never mind," Myka stutters, unsure why she's so flustered by Helena's proposal. She's had a larger one from the woman after all.

"It won't be anything formal, just dinner, Myka."

"Okay."

"Lovely. After work tonight then," Helena smiles taking another bite of her scone with renewed confidence.


Helena arrives at Myka's office door promptly at six later that evening. "Ready for our date night?" Helena asks stepping inside Myka's office at the end of the workday.

Myka can't contain he involuntary flutter at the mention of the word date and the connotations it brings, and the flutter only grows stronger at the sight of Helena in her doorway smiling at her, for her.

"Yeah, I'll just get my coat," she responds standing from her desk to move to the coat rack. Helena beats her to it, holding the coat open for her.

"Allow me," she says as she helps Myka slip into it, her hands lingering on Myka's shoulders for a tad longer than necessary before moving them to untuck curly strands from the collar.

"So where are we going?" Myka asks adjusting the coat collar further before buttoning the coat closed.

"It's a surprise," Helena tells her, eyes shining. "But I thought we could walk there, so maybe it won't be such a surprise after all."

"Well that does narrow the field a little, but there are still a lot of restaurants within walking distance from here. Still, are you sure you want to walk? I know how easily you get cold," Myka says concerned.

"I'll be fine for a short walk. Shall we then," she says offering Myka her arm.

Myka takes it without hesitation, trying to ignore the increase of fluttering in her stomach, still getting used to being close enough to Helena to smell the fragrance of her shampoo.

Leena catches them on their way out and grins at them. "Goodnight, ladies, enjoy your evening together."

"We shall, thank you, Leena. See you tomorrow," Helena replies as she and Myka step out of the office to ride the elevator down to the lobby.

The air is definitely cold when they step onto the sidewalk in front of the building and Helena intakes a sharp breath.

"Are you sure you wouldn't rather drive to wherever we're going for dinner?" Myka asks again.

"No, no, I'll be fine," Helena insists. "Especially if you allow me to burrow into your side?" she asks looking hopeful.

Myka laughs, feeling warmth spread through her that is more than the result of pulling Helena closer against her. "Burrow away."

They walk three blocks in the cold, the street paralleling them loud with traffic before Helena stops abruptly. "Here we are then," she says only letting go of Myka only to open the door for her.

Myka grins broadly at her. "Pellegrino's."

Helena shrugs nonchalantly, trying not to reveal how much the sight of Myka smiling at her so affects her in such a way to make her weak in the knees. "You mentioned our first dinner together here the other night and it occurred to me it's been some time since we returned."

"It has," she agrees.

"Well then, let's not wait any longer. Our table awaits."

Their table is in a quiet corner near a window that allows them a view of people walking along the sidewalk and of the steady traffic flow in the street just beyond. Myka removes her coat, draping it across the back of her chair, turning back to see Helena do the same with hers across the table.

For a moment when their eyes meet, neither knows quite what to say, both knowing this time dinner together is meant to be significant. It's meant to be a date - what exactly that will entail, neither is certain.

"Well, this is a bit awkward, isn't it?" Helena is the first to venture breaking the ice.

"It is a little," Myka agrees. "I mean, I just don't know what to expect or what to say...god it's been too long since I've been on an actual date," she laughs at herself. She's grateful when the waiter comes to their table to fill their water glasses and take their drink order. Now at least she has something to do as she takes a sip of water and even when she's finished, she idly turns the glass in circles with her fingertips.

Helena notices the nervous action and tries to set Myka's mind at ease. "I really have no expectations for tonight, Myka. There's no reason tonight has to go any differently than all the other times we've been out together. As I mentioned before, I just thought having date nights might help our circumstance - to make our marriage feel more real, rather than only friends living together."

And there it is in black and white; Helena doesn't intend this to be an actual date as a part of Myka had let herself hope. It's only to help play their part as a happily married couple. "Right. More real," she nods in understanding.

Inwardly she deflates a little at the realization tonight is nothing more than an act and she's never been more grateful to see a waiter arrive with her drink, taking a large swallow of the wine the moment he sets the glass on the table. If Helena notices her unusual action, she doesn't say anything, only giving her dinner order to the waiter. After Myka does the same, the waiter scurries away leaving women alone once more in silence.

Noticing the way Myka seems to have withdrawn suddenly, Helena leans forward across the table to ask, "Myka, have I done something wrong?"

Myka glances up startled, seeing the worry in Helena's eyes. "No, you didn't do anything," she assures.

"It's just - you seem upset about something."

Myka shakes her head in denial. "I just don't know what to say, how to act..."

"Because it's been way to long since you've been on an actual date?" Helena repeats her words with a grin.

"Yeah, that," Myka agrees taking another long swallow of wine.

Helena's eyes soften at the admission. "A date is just two people enjoying each other's company as they share a meal or activity the same way we have on many occasions too numerous to count. Tonight is no different than those other times."

"Then why call it a date at all?" Myka rebuts.

"Would it help you relax if we didn't call it such?"

Myka shrugs. "I don't know. It's just dating conjures to mind romance, and if we're not," she gestures with a hand between the two of them, "…I mean…you know what I mean," she says flustered. "I'm probably overthinking this. It's just you caught me off guard that night you proposed we go on dates to keep up appearances, to help us get in he mindset of actually being married. I wasn't expecting it and even now it's - it's a little awkward. Dating always has been for me."

"When was the last time you were on a date?" Helena asks curious, trying not to dwell on the romance aspect of dating Myka alluded to and the lack of it in their particular situation.

Myka takes another sip of her wine before answering. "About two months ago. But before that there was only Jeff," she answers quietly, her gaze intent on the texture of the tablecloth rather than Helena's sympathetic eyes.

"Myka, you dated him over a year ago. There's only been one date since him?" she asks surprised.

"No. Technically there were three dates, though all with the same person. But it's not like there haven't been others who have asked me..."

"Like Sam," Helena interrupts still slightly jealous about his intention towards Myka.

"Today was the first time Sam ever broached the subject of going on a date."

"That may be true but I'm quite sure the subject has been on his mind for some time. But enough of him, why didn't you date those others who asked you then?" Helena persists.

Myka shifts in her chair, unsure how exactly to answer that question. Oddly enough, it's only since she's been married to Helena that she's come to realize the reason for not accepting those offers for dinner or even just a drink is that no one could compare to Helena, even in only a platonic way. Helena is more interesting and effervescent than anyone else who has came along. Quite simply, given the choice, Myka prefers Helena's company to anyone else. In hindsight, that really should have been another clue that her feelings for Helena were stronger than friendship.

Instead she tells her the partial truth. "I wasn't really interested in anyone that happened to ask."

"You could have done the asking," Helena points out, drinking her wine.

"That's true, and I did do the asking with the last person I dated." Myka thinks briefly about Laura, the woman she'd found on an online dating site. She had been kind and sweet, her only flaw really was that she wasn't Helena. Even now, Myka can remember that final date, Laura kissing her goodnight and the sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach where there should have been warmth. She knew then it would never work out between them. Brushing further thoughts of Laura aside, Myka continues.

"Anyway, after Jeff, I didn't want to get involved with anyone for a while and then, after a while, I was content just being on my own, despite my brief foray into dating again."

Helena nods, understanding that sentiment. "You and Jeff…seemed good together," she admits grudgingly.

Myka laughs. "Not really. Our backgrounds were so different. We didn't have much in common, aside from our shared love of artwork, which I think I told you is how we met, in an art museum. Without that common interest we didn't have much else to talk about. He wasn't an avid reader like me, I wasn't into sports like him," she shrugs. "We had the attraction, but without something more substantial to grow from, it all fell to pieces. That and he was away for work so much, our relationship didn't have much of a chance to develop."

"I'm sorry, Myka. You were so quiet about the breakup when it happened, I didn't want to pry at the time."

"You were there for me when I needed you, brought dinner and wine to my place more than once as I recall. Besides, I'm better off without him."

"I won't argue with that," Helena grins, lifting her glass in a toast.

"I would have done the same for you, you know," Myka says quietly.

"The same?" Helena questions.

"Been there for you after you broke up with Giselle. I could have brought you dinner and wine, listened if you wanted to talk."

"Yes well that really wasn't necessary," Helena fidgets uncomfortably.

"Why? Why didn't you want me to know her?" Myka asks. She asked once before, she knows there's no reason to believe Helena will answer differently now but she asks anyway.

"It wasn't going to last, Myka. There was no reason for you to know her."

"But she must have meant something to you, didn't she?"

"Of course she did. And if things had been different, our relationship might have evolved into something stronger but it wasn't meant to be and we didn't exactly part on good terms," she confesses, pushing her hair back in a nervous gesture.

"I didn't even know you'd officially broken up until that day we...well essentially when we became engaged to marry," she frowns.

"I didn't know you cared so much about my relationship status."

"I just want you to be happy."

"I'm happy now," Helena tells her, "here with you. Though I would be happier if we could direct this conversation elsewhere than our previous relationships. I'm sorry I asked about Jeff. I think I've just been stuck on the thought of Sam asking you to dinner this morning that I haven't been able to get it off my mind. But tonight is meant to be our night together, not a time for past or possible suitors to get in he way."

"Sam asking me out bothered you that much?" Myka asks.

"What do you think?" Helena huffs.

"But why?"

"Because he could ruin our…arrangement," Helena falters for a truthful answer that won't give away her true feelings.

"I see," Myka nods. "But only if I wanted to go out with him and I thought I'd made clear I have no intention or interest, for that matter, in doing that."

Helena sighs, upset with herself for being jealous. "I know, you're right, Myka. I'm sorry. You've already assured me once you don't want to go out with him and after all you've done for me I know you would never jeopardize the delicate situation we're in now."

"No, I wouldn't," Myka agrees, her tone softening. "And you're right too. Tonight is meant to be our night…on a date," she says still flustered by the thought. She falls silent a moment, thinking. "The problem with this whole first date thing is, we've known each other for three years, we already know so much about each other. And though we're still learning new things about each other after living together now, the getting to know you questions on a usual first date aren't relevant for us. I don't know what to talk with you about the way I would on a normal first date. I know what you do for a living, I know where you grew up, about your family, what else is there?"

"You could tell me an embarrassing story about yourself," Helena grins.

"Seriously?" Myka asks with a crooked smile.

"Why not? Besides, if you share yours and I'll share mine."

"Embarrassing story huh? But there are so many to choose from. Besides you haven't let me live down one of my embarrassing moments spilling wine all over you, why would I want to give you more ammunition?"

Helena chuckles. "Alright then, no stories. I have sources now with which to obtain that information anyway."

Myka rolls her eyes. "Yes, I'm sure Mom and Tracy would be more than glad to help you out there."

Helena laughs. "Embarrassing stories aside, I like the fact we know so much about each other. I've never been one much for small talk as you know. And as far as this date tonight goes, we can forgo the normal conversation of a first date and just converse as we normally do. So in that spirit, how was your day?"

Myka smiles relieved with the idea of conversing as usual. "It was good. Rebecca's novel finally went to print. She's so excited to have her first novel published at seventy years old. Just goes to show it's really never too late for anything, is it?"

Helena takes a deep breath at the innocent remark, looking across the table to stare into green eyes and Myka's beautiful face illuminated by the soft light of the restaurant. "I certainly hope that's true."


Aside from the stumbling in the beginning, their date has gone well Myka thinks. But she was with Helena so how could it not? Dinner had been delicious, their conversation during the meal had ranged from light and teasing to serious and thoughtful. But it was their walk through the city after dinner that Myka most enjoyed.

The night was cool and so they had hovered close together for warmth. At one point Myka had felt Helena's warm hand slip into hers and when she glanced up, it was only to see the smallest tug of a smile on Helena's lips, as if she knew the affect her action held on Myka and was secretly pleased with herself. Myka by contrast felt conflicted. Beyond the surge of happiness was also the lingering doubt. Myka never knew if these little actions were genuine and meant something to Helena the way they did her or if it was just acting a part as if she were a method actor never quite letting go of the character, in this case the part playing a loving wife. Regardless of her doubts and overanalyzing, Myka would hold Helena's hand for as long as she let her.

Myka wants nothing more than to take Helena's hand in hers again as they leave the parking garage of their apartment building to ride the elevator up four floors to the hallway that leads to their apartment, but she refrains. The date part of the evening is over and so too any such overtures that would be acceptable as date behavior.

But Helena seems to have other ideas for she closes her hand over Myka's just as she's about to open the door to let them inside.

Myka turns from the door to look at Helena and sees her lips lifted in a soft smile but there is uncertainty in dark eyes.

"Myka, before we go inside, I want you to know I had a lovely evening tonight."

"So did I," Myka nods somewhat shyly.

"And being that this was - is a date..." Helena falters, clearing her throat from the words suddenly lodged there.

"Yes?" Myka encourages her to go on, surprised by the hesitance she's witnessing from Helena and wondering what it signifies.

"Since this is technically a date," Helena continues, "I wondered...would you allow me a kiss goodnight?"

To say that Myka is shocked by the request is an understatement and because of that shock she exhales a nervous burst of laughter. She claps her hand over her mouth the moment after but it's not soon enough as she watches Helena's face fall, her eyes darting away. "Oh, god, Helena, I'm sorry, you just surprised me," she tries to explain.

"No need to apologize, it was a foolish request..."

"It wasn't." Helena quirks an eyebrow at her. "I mean…it's just we're not really saying goodnight after all."

"Technically that's true."

"And if this is a first date as you said earlier, I don't generally kiss on a first date," she tries to explain.

"Well, there's a first time for everything, darling," Helena smirks. "And this wouldn't really be our first kiss now either, would it?"

"The first one without a purpose."

"Purpose?" Helena asks confused.

"Yeah, you know, to further sell our…arrangement. What purpose would a kiss between us now serve if no one is here to observe?" Myka asks almost wishing she hadn't said anything to begin with because of course she wants nothing more than to kiss Helena, to never stop kissing her. But she also wants it to mean something and not as an excuse for their circumstance.

"Purpose," Helena repeats as though trying to understand the meaning. "I suppose it could be practice if nothing else."

"Practice?" Myka says scrunching up her nose. "You think I need practice kissing?" she asks uncertain.

"Perhaps we should take this conversation inside," Helena sighs, pushing the door open for them to step inside.

Myka enters first, turning on the lights and feeling a wave of disappointment assault her. If only she didn't over process everything she could have been in Helena's arms at this moment kissing her.

"No, you don't need practice kissing," Helena tries to clarify as she removes her coat. "Heavens no, I thought we already established the other night that you're an excellent kisser. No, I meant it might be a good idea for you to practice being kissed."

"I don't understand, what's the difference?"

"Every time I've kissed you, you've been caught off guard. I merely wish our kissing each to become more natural so that it appears that way in front of others, namely Abigail."

"To be honest every time you've kissed me I have been startled, because every time was unexpected," Myka defends removing her own coat and sitting down on the sofa.

Helena sits close beside her, so close Myka can smell the soft scent of her, feel the warmth that radiates from her. "Exactly, it was unexpected because we're simply not used to touching each other so intimately. Which is why I think it wouldn't hurt to practice touching that way, including kissing so that it becomes natural between us," she says softly.

"And you...you're sure that's something you want?" Myka questions still so uncertain.

"I wouldn't have mentioned it if I didn't want to, Myka," and Myka feels her heart rate speed up at that word want, "if I didn't think we needed to." And with that one word, need, it plummets again, because of course this is about necessity to their situation rather than Helena's desire for her.

"Right, because there's so much at stake," Myka nods.

"For both of us," Helena affirms. "In fact, now may be the perfect opportunity to take up those evening make-out we discussed before," she teases.

Myka laughs, grateful for the break in tension and her over analyzing. "I think I'll have to take a rain check on that tonight. I'm a little tired - not used to staying out so late on a school night I guess. I think I'll read a little in bed, then sleep, if you don't mind?" she says standing from the sofa.

"Of course, Myka," Helena says, sighing as she watches her escape down the hall to the bedroom.


Laying down in bed that night, Myka listens to the familiar sounds as Helena moves about the bedroom, putting away her clothes in the closet before finally moving to the bed, pulling back the covers. The bed dips slightly as she sits upon it and Myka soon smells the sweet fragrance of Helena's lotion fill the air. She can imagine Helena applying the lotion to her legs the way she does most every night. It's almost enough to make her want to turn over to watch the familiar sight but Myka is still debating with herself whether she should follow through on the idea that's come to her, an idea inspired by their conversation later tonight because of a goodnight kiss that didn't happen.

If there is one thing she regrets about tonight's date, it's the way it ended on an awkward note. Helena had been sweet and maybe even a little vulnerable when she had asked for a goodnight kiss at their door. Myka had been stunned by the request and the outcome had not ended favorably for either of them, something she regrets now and would like to rectify if possible.

Helena finishes applying lotion, setting the bottle on her nightstand before shuffling under the covers. "Are you asleep?" she whispers.

"No, " Myka answers her, "just thinking."

"About anything in particular?"

Myka takes a steadying breath. Now is the perfect opportunity to follow through with her plan. She turns over to face Helena who is lying on her back, face tilted towards her now as though waiting for her. Now really would be the perfect moment to follow through on that plan...and instead Myka only says, "I had a really good time tonight...on our date."

Helena smiles softly at her. "I'm glad. I thought it went well too."

"Everything?" Myka presses, biting her lip.

"Well, for a first date, we may have had a few hiccups but it was nothing we couldn't handle and they've made the night memorable."

"Hiccups," Myka nods, "yeah I'd say that's a good word for a few things that happened...or didn't happen tonight."

"Myka, I have no regrets about tonight, about how the night unfolded."

Myka can hear her heart beating loudly in her ears when she rises up on one elbow, angling her body slightly over Helena's, seeing brown eyes widen as they look up at her. "I do have one regret," Myka says and then she is dipping down, slowly, giving away her intention, to give Helena time to move away if she wants, but Helena remains perfectly still, waiting for Myka as her lips press against Helena's in a soft kiss.

When they part, Myka simply says, "Now seemed a more accurate moment for a goodnight kiss."

"Yes, I see your logic," Helena says slightly breathless and very much disarmed. "What happened to your rule about not kissing after the first date?"

"I changed it," Myka grins, pleased with Helena's state. "Goodnight, Helena, she says laying back under the covers.

"Goodnight, Myka," Helena answers, uncertain what exactly has just transpired.

It's a long time before either of them falls asleep with hearts and minds racing.


At work the following morning, Myka tries not to focus on the kiss from the night before. She still wonders at her boldness kissing Helena while in bed last night as she did, but Helena hadn't seemed to mind, even reciprocated the kiss. Myka can still picture the way Helena looked beneath her for that all too brief moment, the way her dark hair fanned out across the pillow, the way her brown eyes looked at her intently, full of interest and a hint of surprise at their proximity to each other. And Helena's lips had been so soft and pliant under her own.

So much for not focusing on the kiss, she thinks, groaning in frustration with herself. Lost in her musings of the night before, she startles when her cell phone vibrates with a text message. Looking at the screen she sees it's a text from Tracy and reads:

I'm texting you so u don't freak out about me calling you at work again.

Myka rolls her eyes at the message and types a reply.

OK - what's up?

U & H invited to brunch this Sun. at our place.

Didn't we just do dinner?

2 weeks ago!

Your point?

Really?

Myka rolls her eyes again, practically hearing the contempt in that response. And it isn't that she doesn't love her family, but her marriage to Helena adds a new level of complication to every interaction with them now since they believe she and Helena are in a normal, committed relationship when really their marriage is anything but normal.

Fine. I'll have to check w/Helena but we can probably make it.

Good. See you both Sunday!

Myka sets her phone back down with a shake of her head, groaning once more for an entirely different frustration.


"So Tracy texted me today while at work," Myka says while she pulls out the casserole from the oven, setting it on the stovetop to cool.

"Oh, yes? And what did she have to say?" Helena asks folding napkins to set on the dinner table.

"She invited us to brunch at her place this Sunday. I told her I'd ask you first before letting her know one way or the other but we don't have to go."

"Are your parents going to be there as well?"

"I didn't ask, but probably. That alone is reason not to go if you don't want to."

"I want to go, Myka."

"You do?"

"Of course. It will give me another chance to win over your father," Helena says opening a drawer to pull out silverware and setting them on the table.

"Pretty sure you managed that years ago."

"Yes, well I seem to have lost some of my charm where he is concerned since becoming your wife."

Myka sighs, pulling open a cabinet to grab two glasses. "Maybe it'd be better if we skipped the brunch."

"Until when exactly? Myka, we don't know how long this marriage is going to have to last. You heard Abigail say some cases remain open for years. Do you really expect to avoid your family that long?"

"Maybe not years," Myka concedes, "but I thought at least several weeks?"

Helena takes the glasses from Myka, filling them with water from the fridge. "Several weeks that will include four holidays and the birth of the newest family member you mean?"

Myka scrunches her nose in contemplation. "Yeah, I suppose that thought was unrealistic."

"Just a bit," Helena grins. "Anyway, I think the worst of the confrontation with your father is past. We reached an understanding and can move on from that."

"If you say so."

"I do. It will be all right, you'll see. So tell Tracy we'll be there."


Tracy doesn't let them help in the kitchen, instead assuring them that Kevin is helping and insisting they make themselves at home, relaxing in the living room while the final preparations are made.

"Hey, Myka, can I talk with you for a sec?" Kevin asks catching them both before they make it to the living room to join her parents and leading them down the hallway to his office.

"What's up, Kevin?" she asks concerned.

"I've got to go out of town on business in two weeks - Halloween weekend, of all the times to be away. I won't get back until Sunday evening. Tracy's due date isn't until the end of November, but I really don't want to leave her alone this late in her pregnancy. I tried to get out of the trip but my company needs me to go. So I wondered, would you and Helena be willing to stay with Tracy through that weekend?"

Myka glances at Helena who nods at the request. "Yeah, of course, Kevin."

"Are you sure? It is Halloween and I'd feel bad keeping you away from any roaring party."

Myka laughs at that. "Oh yeah because we're such party-goers. Really, the most exciting thing we're likely to experience is watching Pete stuff himself with miniature candy bars and then proceed to bounce off the walls in a sugar high."

"And that's something I prefer not to experience again," Helena says.

Kevin laughs. "Well if you're sure, it would really set my mind at ease knowing Tracy isn't left alone. She puts on a brave face, but as the due date gets closer, I know she's anxious. Having you both with her will help take her mind off things."

"Sure. We'll have a girls weekend, watch movies, maybe play some board games and eat way too much food all weekend, it'll be good for her."

"Good for you too I hope."

"I'm sure it will be."

"Thanks you guys, I owe you one," Kevin says.

"It's our pleasure," Helena insists. "And Kevin."

"Yeah?"

"That apron looks quite fetching on you," she smirks.

Kevin looks down at the brightly colored garment complete with frills at the sleeves. "This old thing? I only wear it when I don't care what I wear," he teases back.

"Kevin! Where are you?" Tracy shouts from the kitchen.

"My quiche must be ready. You two go on to the living room, food should be up soon," he says disappearing towards the kitchen.

"Tracy, are you sure I can't help?" Jeannie asks as they enter the room.

"No, Mom, we've got it," Myka hears Tracy assure as Helena leads her by the hand to sit on the sofa.

And Myka is getting used to the soft touches Helena bestows upon her. The slightest touch still makes her heart race but she isn't caught off guard so much anymore, expecting the lingering touches to come. She even initiates a few touches of her own for good measure. This time she's the one laying a hand along Helena's thigh when they sit together on the sofa. She's rewarded with a smile and brown eyes shining at her and Helena leaning forward to place a lingering kiss at the corner of her mouth that leaves Myka gaping for a moment until she notices Helena smirking at her. Okay, so maybe she is still caught off guard on occasion. But Myka quickly shakes off her surprise and pulls Helena a little closer to her.

"And how are the newlyweds this morning?" Warren asks watching the interaction play before him.

"Quite well, thank you for asking," Helena answers leaning further into Myka's side.

"You both look…happy." Warren tells them somewhat gruffly.

"It must be the extra hour of sleep this morning we had. I managed to convince Myka we could do our grocery shopping later than usual. Eight-thirty is a more civilized time for grocery shopping."

"It was also more crowded," Myka rebuts.

"Barely. But early Sunday morning grocery shopping schedules aside, yes, we are happy."

"Glad to hear it," Warren says with a wry smile.

Brunch at Tracy's turns out to be a pleasant affair. The tension that filled the air two weeks before at her parents' home is almost non-existent this morning. Her father, though still perhaps not entirely convinced of their reasons for marrying as they did, seems to at least accept it for the done deal that it is. He even goes out of his way to talk with Helena throughout the morning about various books they both love and Myka hears on more than one occasion laughter from her father as the result of something Helena tells him.

When brunch is finished, Myka and Helena insist on washing the dishes despite Tracy's protests. And when a pan slips from Myka's hands into the soapy water splashing them both, Myka chalks it up not to the way Helena has sidled up to her, splaying a gentle hand at her lower backside but rather to the surprise of Tracy calling out her name.

"Whoa, looks like you both got a little wet there," Tracy laughs taking a fresh dishtowel from a cabinet to hand to Helena to help dry off.

"So it seems," Helena chuckles wiping water from her cheek before turning apologetic eyes on Myka, gently using the towel to wipe away soap suds from Myka's cheek too, trailing lower to the nape of her neck, watching fascinated as the skin she brushes flushes a rosy hue. Helena glances up to meet Myka's eyes, looking at her intently.

"I have plenty of blouses if either of you want to exchange your soaked shirt for a dry one," Tracy offers.

Helena drops her gaze from Myka at the interruption, having forgotten for a moment she and Myka aren't alone. "No thank you, my blouse isn't too wet. But I think I will grab my coat from the closet to help ward off a chill," she says even though at the moment all she feels is heat. "Excuse me."

Myka watches her go with some regret. She shouldn't have startled like that. Perhaps Helena is right and they should practice touching more intimately. She just hadn't expected so intimate a touch when they were alone.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to kill the mood between you," Tracy says.

"What? What do you mean? There was no mood," Myka protests.

Tracy shoots her an are you kidding me look. "Helena looked as if she wanted to take you right against the sink."

"What?" Myka gulps.

Tracy laughs. "Oh to be a newlywed again. Although Kevin and I…"

"So Trace, was there a reason you came in here?" Myka interrupts, turning back to washing dishes.

"Yes. Kevin told me you're going to stay over Halloween weekend. You know you don't have to if you don't want to," she says biting her lip the same way Myka knows she bites hers when she's uncertain.

"I know I don't have to, I want to, Trace, Helena and I both do."

"Really?" Tracy smiles hopeful.

"Absolutely. It'll be one of last weekends before the little fellow or lady gets here," Myka smiles. "The last time we're just sisters hanging out before you're a mom and I am an aunt."

"I know. I can hardly believe it myself some mornings until I look down at my massive stomach and realize there's a baby in here," Tracy laughs through tears. She shakes her head trying to dispel the tears. "Uh, hormones. I swear I cry at the drop of a hat these days."

Myka quickly dries her hands on a towel. "Come here," she says pulling her into a hug. "You're entitled to cry. This is a huge change in your life. I'd be worried if you didn't cry."

"That's reassuring, I guess," Tracy laughs.

"We're going to have a great time. We'll hand out candy to all the trick or treaters, watch Halloween movies, and eat popcorn..."

"Ooh, I'll make chicken tortilla soup for dinner that night."

"Sounds great, Trace," Myka smiles.

"And you and Helena should dress in costumes for Halloween!"

Myka looks dubious. "When have you ever known me to dress up for Halloween?"

"Well, there's a first time for everything. Besides, I bet Helena wouldn't mind seeing you dressed in costume. Maybe a little French maid outfit?" Tracy smirks.

"That is so not happening. And really? You're my baby sister, you're not supposed to talk about...those kinds of things," Myka says flustered.

Now Tracy is the one giving the dubious look. "Oh come on, Myka, it's not like we're not both adults here and married at that. Kevin has always enjoyed..."

"Stop right there, I really don't want to know about your life in the bedroom."

"Alright fine I'll stop torturing you."

"Thank you. We'll come by after work on Friday night, so that means we'll be by your place close to seven-thirty, does that work?"

"Yes, I'll make up the guest bedroom for you. Thanks, Myka. This really means a lot to me."

"No problem," Myka smiles.

Helena returns to the kitchen to find the sisters huddled together and smiles at the sight.

"Tracy, I understand Myka and I are to spend Halloween weekend with you," she says stepping to Myka's side.

"Yes, Kevin is going to be away and he worries about me being left alone for any length of time this late in my pregnancy. Truthfully I worry too, so thank you for coming to the rescue of an anxious woman," she tries to laugh.

"Nonsense, it's no rescue. I'm looking forward to it. Do you get many trick or treaters?"

"We do. Pretty sure I counted at least fifty last year."

"Fifty! That's impressive."

Tracy laughs. "Yeah, Kevin loves it because I stock up on so much candy. I think I've already bought at least fifteen bags."

"Well, Myka and I will contribute a couple more for the cause."

"I'd appreciate that, and I can make dinner for you both on Friday if you want."

"Oh please don't bother. It will be fairly late by the time we arrive and we can stop for a quick bite on the way."

"Alright, I'll provide dessert then. And I already told Myka I'll make up the guest room for you. I think the bed may be smaller than what you're used to, I hope you won't mind."

"Not at all, Myka and I are cuddlers, aren't we, darling?" Helena says slipping an arm around Myka's waist to pull her closer.

"We seem to be," Myka answers, thinking of all the mornings they've woken up entwined together.

"You two are too sweet," Tracy coos. "And we're going to have so much fun, I can hardly wait for Halloween to arrive."

For all the pleasantry the day at Tracy's has brought, it's as they're about to leave that leaves Myka most astonished. Her mother and father quietly present she and Helena with a small envelope and a brief exchange of words from her father. "That's from your mother and I, a marriage gift for you and Helena."

Taken by surprise, Myka can only stare at him dumbly a moment before he motions for to her to open it. With Helena close beside her she gingerly opens the envelope, gasping when she realizes the thin slip of paper inside is a check for a rather large sum of money.

"What is this?"

"I though it would be obvious but it's money we would have spent on your wedding had you chosen to have one."

"Warren," Jeannie warns.

He sighs. "I only meant, since you didn't have a ceremony the way Tracy did, your mother and I thought it only fair to give you the same amount of money we spent on her wedding, so that's yours to do with as you like, a honeymoon or a down payment on a house, whatever you like."

"We can't accept this," Myka says panicked, trying to give the check back.

"Of course you can," Jeannie says pushing it back in Myka's hands. "That money has been set aside for you for years. We did the same for Tracy. She happened to use hers for a wedding reception, now this is yours."

"But Mom, it's too much," Myka protests.

"Yes, Jeannie, Warren," Helena joins her protest, "though it's very thoughtful of you, it really isn't necessary."

"We want to do this for you," Jeannie explains. "Use it for a honeymoon...or as Warren said use the money towards something that will help you."

"Mom, really..."

"Please let us do this for you," Jeannie pleads. Myka glances at Helena who merely gives a look as though to say it's entirely Myka's decision to accept the gift or not.

"Okay...thank you both. This is incredibly generous of you and it will definitely...benefit us," she says stepping forward to embrace her parents in a hug.

"Yes, I can't tell you what this gesture means to both of us," Helena agrees. "There are no words to describe what this means to us," she stutters out taking her turn to embrace both Berings.

"If we've made you speechless it must be something," Warren says somewhat uncomfortable with the blatant display of emotion from Myka and his new daughter-in-law. "We just want to see you both happy...for years to come. And maybe this can help ease the way a little."


Myka and Helena silently climb into the Jeep for the ride home, both in a bit of a daze at the gift bestowed upon them. Myka turns on the ignition, automatically turning the heater on high for Helena, knowing she needs the warmth, but she makes no move to pull out of the driveway, doesn't even buckle her seatbelt. Instead she stares ahead, hands resting on the wheel.

"Myka?" Helena breaks the silence softly.

"I can't believe they did that," Myka says equally softly. "I had no idea they set up some kind of fund for me like that. For me and my spouse."

"It was a very thoughtful thing to do. Most parents do help pay for weddings."

"I know, but I...I mean we didn't even have an actual wedding...that they could be part of."

"Do you regret not having a formal wedding ceremony?" Helena asks.

"You mean for a marriage that no one was supposed to know anything about?"

Helena sighs. "Yes, for that one."

"No," Myka answers softly. "I don't regret not having a big wedding. If I regret anything now, the regret is for our family and friends, that they didn't get to see us married when it's so apparent they would have liked to."

"I regret that too," Helena admits, "now that I realize how important it seems to be to them all."

"But still, it's better this way, since the marriage is eventually going to dissolve anyway, right?" Myka asks casting a glance at Helena.

"Of course," Helena agrees hurriedly, trying to tamp down any feeling of disappointment. "Our marriage is only a temporary arrangement," she says to remind herself more than Myka.

"Yeah," Myka says softy. The rest of the drive home passes in silence, each woman lost in her own thoughts.