Myka quietly makes her way down the hall to the bedroom, pushing the door open. There's a lamp on low on Helena's side of the bed and Helena is lying curled on the bed with her back turned towards Myka. It pains her to see Helena this way, closed off and hurting. Somehow now doesn't seem the time for words, those should have come just after the declaration of love slipped from Helena's lips, as unexpected as they were.

Helena must have heard her come in, but she doesn't acknowledge Myka's presence and that hurts too. Myka needs to set things right but perhaps actions really do speak louder than words. An idea comes to mind and she's at once trembling, both nervous and full of anticipation. She opens her bureau drawer, finding what she wants and enters the bathroom, closing the door firmly behind her. Taking a deep, calming breath, she knows this is what she wants and only hopes Helena will understand.

Helena knows Myka is in the room and waits to hear her speak, anything would do, even a gentle letdown so long as they can remain friends. She almost wishes she'd never told Myka how she felt, but can't regret the truth, even if she did let it slip unintentionally in a moment of passion. She is in love with Myka, and she's glad Myka knows even if she doesn't reciprocate her feelings. A part of her feels as if a weight has been lifted with her confession while another part remains tethered with stomach-clenching anticipation of…something. Anything.

She listens carefully to the sounds Myka makes as she moves about the room, hears the opening and closing of her bureau drawer the same way she does every night as Myka gathers sleep clothes to change into. She still expects Myka to say something though and instead all she hears is the soft click of the bathroom door being closed and locked.

Her stomach plummets. Well, that's that then.

A heavy sigh expels from her lips and when she takes in a corresponding breath, she's on the verge of tears. Humiliation, disappointment, and defeat conflict within her. She has her flaws, she's well aware, but she always thought Myka cared for her despite those flaws, even cared for her because of them. Myka has always been so considerate of her feelings before that it's odd now to not receive so much as a word from her based on what Helena told her. The thought that Myka doesn't care enough to say a word to her is bitter and Helena tries to tamp it down. Perhaps she should sleep elsewhere tonight, surely even the sofa would be more comfortable than sharing a bed with the woman she loves who can't seem to bring herself to say a word to Helena even for the sake of their long friendship.

So immersed in her thoughts, Helena almost misses the sound of Myka opening the bathroom door. When she does hear it, her rampant thoughts have worked her up and still without facing Myka, she sits up in bed, shoulders slumped, to say, "Maybe it would be better if I slept somewhere else tonight."

"Oh. If that's what you want," she hears Myka's soft reply, the hesitation in her voice before she clears her throat to speak boldly, "but what I want is to fall asleep in your arms the same way we have almost every night since we married. I want to go to bed with my wife."

The words hit Helena full force, her heart racing with hope. She slowly turns to look at Myka and when she does, she can't believe what she sees. Scrambling onto her knees on the bed so hurriedly to be almost comical just so she can better take in the sight of Myka standing only inches from the bed dressed in the lavender lingerie that was gifted to her weeks before.

"Myka," Helena murmurs the exhalation as her eyes travel the length of Myka's body, taking in the way the satin slip falls only to the top of toned thighs and how it pulls deliciously across ample breasts. Helena's gaze is a heated caress and Myka's skin flushes under the weight of obvious desire reflected in dark eyes made even darker by want.

Myka propels herself closer, taking advantage of Helena's kneeling position on the bed to gently cup her face in both hands, making sure she has Helena's full attention before speaking lowly, "I'm in love with you too, Helena." She swallows the gasp that falls from Helena's lips with a languid kiss. When she pulls back from that kiss, it's a moment before Helena opens her eyes again to look at her, as though savoring the feel of their kiss. Myka watches her eyes flutter open and the deep, steadying breath she takes.

"You love me," Helena repeats the words as though willing herself to believe them.

"Yes. I do," Myka smiles, gently rubbing strands of Helena's hair between her fingertips. "For a while now, actually. For years, I think."

"Why didn't you say something?" Helena asks.

"Why didn't you?" Myka counters gently.

Helena opens her mouth to speak but quickly swallows down any response because really, the reason she never spoke her feelings seems inadequate now. Finally, she takes a breath to admit, "I was terrified to lose you - your friendship - if you didn't feel the same. If you didn't love me," she whispers.

Myka's eyes glisten with unshed tears. "Helena, how could you ever think that I wouldn't love you? You are the most remarkable person I know and the most stunningly gorgeous woman I've ever seen. You asked me before why I married you, why I would make the same choice again even knowing all the trouble and uncertainty we'd have to go through. But all of this, marrying you, answering endless and increasingly personal questions about our relationship, moving in together, legally changing our names, opening a joint bank account, bending the truth to our family and friends…I've done it all for you, Helena…all for love."

There are tears in Helena's dark eyes, an uncommon sight and Myka can't help pulling her forward into another kiss then. A kiss that is full of reassurance and love. Her thumb strokes Helena's cheek, wiping away her tears.

Myka pulls away only enough to brush her forehead against Helena's to say, "I'll move to London if need be, I don't care where we live as long as we're together. And I would do it all again in a heartbeat even amid the uncertainty we still face because I love you, Helena."

"And I have never been more certain of anything in my life as I am of my love for you, Myka," Helena says before bringing her lips to Myka's again in a heated kiss.

When they part for breath, Myka continues a trail of open-mouthed kisses down the column of Helena's throat, her tongue warm and wet against Helena's skin as she trails her way down to the hollow of her throat, fingertips parting her shirt enough to gain access to a collarbone.

"Should I...oh god," Helena pants when Myka licks at her skin, "...do you want me to change too…into lingerie?" she asks breathlessly.

Myka raises her head from her ministrations, her green eyes so dark with arousal the sight makes Helena struggle to swallow as her throat goes dry. "Another time," Myka says applying her mouth to Helena's skin once more.

Helena nearly whimpers at the implication, that this is only the beginning of a new and wondrous step in the progression of their relationship.

"You're right of course, another time," Helena says hurriedly before rising to Myka's mouth again and again, their kisses becoming more desperate with need.

They stay that way for a moment, Myka standing, her knees hitting the edge of the bed, hands resting on Helena's hips and Helena still kneeling on the bed, her arms encircled around Myka, hands clinging to her shoulders. Soon the heated kisses become slower and more languid as they allow themselves to get the feel of each other at last without the added pressure of someone, friends, family, (their case worker), watching their every move. Finally alone together, their truth revealed, they're doing exactly what they've wanted to do all along. Be together in every context of the phrase.

Myka pulls back from their kiss, her eyes focused on Helena's as her hands move purposely from Helena's hips, further up her body, long fingers splaying across her abdomen before slowly working open the buttons on Helena's vest. Helena feels her breath catch in her throat at the intensity in Myka's gaze, at the deliberateness of her movement, deft fingers slipping each button loose until the vest can be parted and pushed from her shoulders, Myka letting the garment fall to the floor unheeded.

Before Helena has time to register the magnitude of that simple gesture, for Myka rarely drops clothing carelessly on the floor, she feels Myka slip one hand under her blouse to touch sensitive skin while the other slips into her hair to guide Helena into another breathtaking kiss.

Helena moans into the kiss and when she hears Myka respond similarly, she falls back onto the bed, pulling Myka with her, turning until it's Myka who lies on her back against the pillows, Helena hovering over her.

Gathering her hair to sweep aside to one shoulder, Helena takes a moment to gaze down at Myka, taking in the rise and fall of Myka's chest as she tries to catch her breath. Helena smiles at the sight, knowing she's the cause of Myka's breathlessness. She extends a hand to tenderly brush wild curls from Myka's face, her hand gently tracing the curve of Myka's cheek and jaw before her thumb traces the softness of Myka's bottom lip, unable to help the shudder that overtakes her body when Myka slowly kisses the pad of her thumb.

Helena feels Myka slip her hand into her hair, thrilling at the touch as Myka pulls her down into another heat-searing kiss. They spend long moments exploring, hands gently roaming, neither quite believing they're sharing this moment they've both longed for and unwilling to rush the soft touches and gentle caresses, they take their time, willing this long-desired moment to linger on indefinitely.

Helena lies with her body melding into Myka's beneath her, relishing in the feeling of their breasts pressed together even though they're still fully clothed. Myka is so soft and yielding against her and she loves the sensation of their bodies pressed together so close and intimate.

She feels Myka's hand slip under her blouse, seeking warm skin, trailing her hand from Helena's waist, curving around her backside, soft fingertips questing along her spine, until her palms cup shoulder blades to pull her even closer.

Myka hasn't stopped kissing her since they started, any part of Helena she can reach with her mouth. A low groan escapes Helena's throat when Myka's lips move to suck on an earlobe, biting it gently with her teeth.

"This is entirely unfair," Helena pants between kisses. "You've already managed to find one of my weaknesses but I've yet to find yours."

"I have no doubt with enough time spent tonight, you'll find them all," Myka whispers hotly against her ear, causing Helena to shudder at her words.

Helena turns her head, capturing Myka's lips in a deep kiss. When Myka pulls back to catch her breath, Helena licks and sucks her way down a firm jaw, to the hollow of her throat before moving to place an open-mouthed kiss against the pulse point of Myka's neck. She feels Myka jump at the sensation and Helena grins. "It seems I've found the first spot that makes your heart beat faster." Myka can only hum in response, Helena's tongue at her throat leaving her unable to formulate a response.

Helena takes her time, kissing and sucking the soft skin of Myka's neck, enjoying the sensation of Myka laying under her, of the way her fingers catch in her hair, tightening their grip when Helena's lips stroke over a particularly sensitive area.

Helena strokes a hand down the length of Myka's body, smiling when Myka gasps into her mouth, her body instinctively arching into the touch of Helena's palm lingering against the curve of her breast.

"Alright, love?" Helena husks, meeting Myka's eyes.

"Yes," Myka answers breathlessly.

Helena relishes the feel of Myka laying beneath her, the way Myka's long body seems to meld into her own, their legs and arms so intertwined that she can't begin to tell where her body ends and Myka's begins. There's a growing desperation in their touches, in their desire to become closer. Helena's hand slips under Myka's negligee, fingertips grazing heated skin to begin a quest of discovery. But before she can do anything, Myka is sitting up, forcing Helena to straddle her hips.

"What is it, darling?" she asks both breathless and concerned.

"I just want...I need..."

"Yes?" Helena asks slightly worried, cupping her cheek gently as she stares into green eyes.

"I want…to see you," Myka says unable to keep the blush from her skin at the admission.

Helena's concern fades away and a grin forms on her lips. "Is that all?"

She begins working the buttons of her blouse open, smiling wider when Myka begins to help her so that her usual third button undone becomes a fourth and then a fifth until the blouse can be parted. And it's Myka who slowly eases the blouse off her shoulders, staring at the expanse of skin now on display. Helena wants to say something cheeky - like 'do you like what you see', but it's very obvious Myka does like what she sees, her eyes becoming darker and her teeth catching her bottom lip as she studies Helena.

Slowly, Myka reaches out, fingertips dropping to the edge of Helena's slacks, giving them a gentle tug.

"Will you remove these too?" she asks, her voice hoarse with longing and Helena knows she can deny her nothing.

Unable to find her own voice, she simply nods and shudders when Myka's fingertips graze the sensitive skin of her abdomen before deft fingers part a single button and then slowly lower the zipper of her slacks.

Helena rises on her knees to push the slacks down her hips before sitting back just long enough to remove them completely, letting them fall to the floor forgotten when she notices Myka's heavy gaze on her as she takes in the sight of Helena clothed in nothing more than her embarrassingly unmatched undergarments of a white bra and light blue underwear.

"If I'd known this is where we'd end up tonight, I would have taken a little more care with my undergarment selection this morning - made an effort to be more alluring," she tries to tease.

Myka surges forward, claiming her lips in a desperate kiss. Pulling back, she says, "I'm glad you didn't have this planned for tonight," her green eyes never leaving Helena's, willing her to understand.

The words wash over Helena, realizing just how acute Myka's fear was thinking that things would have ended up quite differently tonight with Helena in the arms of another. Helena leans closer to cup Myka's cheek. "I didn't have this planned, but I'm so very grateful we're here now, doing this together."

Myka smiles, tears gathering in her eyes. "Good." She kisses Helena again. "And for the record, I always find you alluring, Helena," Myka whispers against her lips. "No matter what you wear - or don't wear," she says with a pointed gaze towards her nearly bare chest.

Helena shivers at the sensation and the words. "That's good to know."

Myka kisses her again, emitting a moan of pleasure from Helena and when she pulls back, Helena is breathless with desire. Carefully, so slowly, Myka traces the edge of Helena's bra with a single fingertip, the pad of her finger skimming along the tops of her breasts, causing Helena to hold her breath in anticipation, so not to break the spell. Myka looks in her eyes then and quietly asks. "May I?"

Unable to find her voice, Helena only nods.

Her eyes focused on Helena's, Myka slowly reaches behind her back, fingers grasping the clasp on Helena's bra. But be it the angle or her nerves, she struggles with unclasping it.

"Oh my god, I'm so bad at this, " Myka laughs nervously.

"Shh, you're doing fine," Helena whispers against her lips in a slow, soothing kiss. "Let me help you," she says reaching behind to unclasp her bra, letting the straps fall down her arms, smiling when she hears Myka's sharp intake of breath when the bra completely falls away.

Myka stares at her for a long moment that Helena becomes self-conscious, feeling a blush rise from her chest to cheeks but before she can voice any worry, Myka whispers, "You're so beautiful." Reverently she reaches out to cradle a soft breast in her hand, her thumb gently stroking its peak so that Helena closes her eyes at the touch, a moan escaping her lips.

Opening her eyes to focus again Myka, the look reflected in green eyes is one of such affection, such love that it steals her breath away. "You are so beautiful, Myka," Helena whispers reverently, her hands cupping Myka's cheeks. "You are the only one that I want. I fear words fail to express my devotion to you."

Myka's eyes fall shut as the sentiment sinks in. "I never thought..." she begins to say then quickly closes her mouth, overcome with emotions.

"What, darling?" Helena urges her to continue the thought, her fingertips still stroking Myka's skin. "You never thought what?"

Myka takes a steadying breath. "I never thought that you could see me as anything more than a friend. That you could see me as beautiful, that you would want me this way. We were friends for so long - and then we married for a technicality. And yet, I wanted it to be real, so badly, but I didn't dare admit it to myself." She shakes her head, willing her tears to remain at bay, nearly succumbing to them when Helena pulls her close.

"Myka…"

"The heartache I endured, Helena, with every glance, every touch, every kiss from you, thinking it was only for show."

"Oh, Myka," Helena whispers.

"And I thought I was going lose you for good tonight," Myka barely manages to speak.

"No, you will never lose me. To echo your words earlier, how could I not want you? You are the most stunningly gorgeous woman to me. You're the most genuine, the most thoughtful and caring person I know. And your heart, Myka…." Helena tapers off, at a loss to find the right word to describe all she feels. "Your heart," she begins again, gently resting her palm over Myka's chest so that she can feel that heartbeat beneath her fingertips. "You have the purest heart of anyone I've ever known. All I have ever wanted is you. I love you; I've been in love with you for years and I'll go on loving you for the rest of our lives."

"Do you promise?"

"I do," Helena whispers throatily.

A laugh surges from Myka amid a sob and then she is pulling Helena forward against her so that they meld into each other's touch, their mouths meeting in a heated kiss once more as they fall back onto the bed, hands beginning to roam, soft fingertips caressing, mouths searching and discovering. Hearts beating and loving.

It's late, or rather very early when they finally seem to be sated. At least for the moment. As Myka lies with her head against Helena's abdomen, enjoying the feeling of Helena's fingers lazily tangling in her hair, she's lost track of how many times they've made love, how many times she's crested from Helena's mouth on her or her fingers inside her. She's lost count of the gasps and sighs that have emanated from her lips. She's lost count of the kisses, the touches, the caresses and the moans and pleas, the tears and the laughter that have filled their bedroom tonight. For there had been tears, embarrassingly so. Myka had hastily tried to wipe them away before Helena could see, only to be surprised by tears in her eyes too. Tears that had quickly dissolved with laughter over their shared sentimentality and then a kiss that had led to gentle, soothing touches. She doesn't want the night to end, doesn't want to leave this bed. She doesn't ever want to leave Helena's arms.

She's grateful she won't have to, at least not at the moment. She can simply curl further into Helena's side and let sleep overtake her. She would do exactly that if not for the rumble of Helena's stomach under her ear.

"Good heavens, was that me?" Helena asks, clutching her stomach just as it rumbles again.

"You skipped dinner tonight and I think you've managed to work up an appetite," Myka laughs raising her head from Helena's stomach and moving further up to place a kiss against her cheek.

"Mmm, that's true," Helena says dipping to kiss Myka languidly. "And you are quite delicious," she smirks when they part, causing a blush to rise in Myka's cheeks. "Really, darling, blushing after all we've done together in this bed? We're still nude," Helena laughs.

"I know. Sorry, I just…I'm not used to having a lover be so expressive in their feelings the way you are."

"Well I find your embarrassment endearing," she says with a kiss against Myka's throat. A kiss that quickly turns more heated before her stomach grumbles again, causing Myka to break away.

"I think it's time we take care of another kind of hunger," she husks into Helena's ear.

"Loathe as I am to leave this bed, I think you may be right. I'll need to eat something to keep my strength up after all."

Myka laughs, untangling from Helena's limbs to rise from the bed and begins to search through the discarded clothing on the floor. "Where did you throw my negligee?"

"I haven't the faintest idea. Lovely though it was, it covered something much lovelier and I couldn't be bothered to care where it landed."

Myka shoots her an adoring look before turning back to rummage through the discarded clothing, gathering the first article of clothing she comes across tossed carelessly on the floor which happens to be Helena's shirt. She slips into the blue shirt with ease, lazily fastening a couple buttons to hold the shirt closed.

Helena rises on an elbow, the sheet pooling at her waist, to watch Myka dress, admiring the way the shirt skims high on Myka's thighs, barely managing to cover a very intimate part of her anatomy. "Pardon me, love, but isn't that mine?"

Myka glances over her shoulder. "What exactly?" she asks with a seductive smirk that makes Helena's throat go dry.

Myka takes pity on Helena's lack of speech and dips down to kiss her. "For the record, yes, it is," she husks.

"You are so beautiful," Helena sighs, still reclining on the bed, her dark hair tousled from Myka's fingers repeatedly catching in the tresses and her dark eyes drinking in the sight of Myka standing in nothing more than a wrinkled shirt before her.

Myka blushes at the compliment, but relishes it too, especially knowing it was bestowed upon her by a goddess of a woman. For surely there is no more beautiful woman than Helena Wells. Correction. Helena Bering-Wells. Her wife. Myka grins at the thought.

"What is it?" Helena asks matching her grin.

"You're my wife."

Helena laughs. "Yes, I am. I know you didn't just realize that."

"No, but…you know, things between us haven't exactly been on a path to actually becoming wives in every sense," she says, sitting down beside Helena on the bed and taking hold of her hand, entwining their fingers. "In the sense of what we've done tonight, I mean. That we will actually share a future - our life - together. I hoped this would happen between us, but I didn't dare believe that it would actually happen."

"I know, I felt the same way. But we are married, Myka, and I intend to remain married to you for the rest of my life," she says raising Myka's left hand, fingering the wedding ring she wears before touching her lips to that ring in a kiss - bestowing a silent promise of love and devotion. Myka embraces Helena, the two of them just holding onto each other with Myka's arms wrapped around Helena's bare back and Helena nuzzling into Myka's neck, inhaling her soft scent. They stay that way until Helena's stomach rumbles in protest once more. Myka emits a watery laugh at the sound, loosening her hold to brush away a stray tear.

"Okay, we have to get you something to eat, no more distractions," she says rising from the bed and turning towards the closet. She quickly pulls out Helena's robe, and standing before her, helps Helena slip it over her shoulders, then slowly ties the sash around her waist.

Helena chuckles. "Well this is certainly reminiscent of another occasion, isn't it?"

"It is. Much better circumstances though," she grins.

"I would agree with that. I never would have thought then that we would have this moment now," Helena says softly.

"Me either. I'm so glad I was wrong," Myka tells her before Helena pulls her into another heady kiss. Myka eventually pulls away. "Enough of that for now or we'll never make it out of here to get you something to eat."

"I'm alright with that," Helena tells her, beginning to kiss down Myka's throat. Another rumble of her stomach and Myka pulls away with a laugh, halting her progress.

"Later. After you eat, I promise," Myka says, taking her hand to lead her from the bedroom to the kitchen.

"What would you like to eat?" Myka asks. "There's leftovers," she suggests. "I made chicken marsala earlier."

"You did?"

"Yeah, I know how much you enjoyed it last week and I just thought you'd enjoy it again."

Helena moves to kiss Myka. "Thank you, that was very sweet of you. Now I further wish I returned home sooner."

"I think everything worked out okay," Myka smiles.

Helena laughs. "I think so too. And I would love to partake of the chicken marsala but perhaps I'll bring it to work for lunch today. Just now I'd rather have a lighter fare. Oddly enough I feel in the mood to make some French toast. Would you care for some?"

Myka is about to decline when her own stomach growls in protest.

"It would seem that I'm not the only one to work up an appetite this evening," Helena grins.

"I guess not," Myka shares her grin, watching Helena grab several ingredients from the fridge to put together an early breakfast.

Ingredients aren't the only thing Helena finds and she smiles thoughtfully at the item before pulling it from the fridge. "I believe a celebration is in order for us and the time for opening this is long overdue, wouldn't you agree?" she asks, holding the bottle of champagne that was gifted to them weeks ago.

Myka steps closer to her. "I don't know. I think our timing is just right." She kisses Helena then, thoroughly.

"Absolutely," Helena breathes when she's able.

"But you're right, I think this champagne will go well with the French toast."

Myka takes the bottle from Helena to pour them each a glass while Helena busies herself creating a batter. Myka watches as Helena holds a piece of bread between her fingers, carefully dipping it into the batter and just as she adds it to the skillet to fry, Myka wraps her arms around Helena's waist, holding her close to kiss along her neck.

"Every time I've watched you cook, I've wanted to do exactly this," Myka tells her, pulling her closer.

"Mmm, I wish you had," Helena sighs contentedly, resting her head back against Myka's shoulder. "It would have made preparing any meal so much more pleasurable."

Myka kisses her again, long and slow, her hands beginning to wander along Helena's body once more.

The first batch of French toast is burned beyond being edible, but the second batch tastes wonderful, even if the champagne they drink with it is a little flat. Neither of them complains though, smiling across the table, their legs under the table loosely entwined.

"What was it you mentioned earlier about my sweatshirt?" Myka asks between bites. "You kept it all this time?"

"Ah, yes, that," Helena says, feeling her cheeks heat with embarrassment. "You remember that first Thanksgiving of course when you let me borrow your sweatshirt."

"It only seemed appropriate given I did spill wine over your sweater," Myka shakes her head.

"Yes, well, I don't know why I held onto it in the beginning. I had every intention to return it to you, but one night after work, it was there, and I slipped it on for warmth and noticed it still smelled like you. And then it became something to go to for…comfort I suppose. After a particularly difficult day, I'd pull out that sweatshirt for your scent. It soothed me. You soothe me, Myka," she admits quietly.

Myka reaches to take her hand, rubbing her thumb across Helena's knuckles. "But why not just call me? I could have been there for you if you needed me."

"I suppose I didn't want to seem needy."

"I wouldn't have thought that. I could have used your comfort too on those occasions when life just gets to be a little too much."

"We have each other now."

Myka grins. "We do."

When they finish with breakfast, Helena rises from the table. Myka begins to as well, gathering her plate, but Helena quickly stills her hand and pushes her back into her chair so that she can straddle her, her legs falling open along Myka's thighs.

Myka's hands fall to her waist. "Here - now?" she smiles wide even as Helena smirks at her.

"Why not? You're here now and the bedroom is simply too far away," she says dipping to kiss Myka while deftly unbuttoning her blouse so she can slip a hand inside and touch heated skin.

Myka gasps when Helena's fingertips graze the underside of her breast, her desire burning as an ember while they ate now becoming inflamed once more. "You're right, the bedroom is too far," she says untying the sash to Helena's robe and slipping it off her shoulders letting it fall onto the table forgotten.

It's some time before they make it back to bed and finally fall asleep in each other's arms.

"So why were you late this morning?" Pete asks stepping into Myka's office and taking a seat in front of her desk.

"Oh, you know, just forgot to set the alarm. It happens," Myka says not meeting his eyes, focusing on her computer screen instead, hoping Pete will let the excuse slide, but knowing full well he won't because he's Pete and loves to embarrass her.

"You forgot to set your alarm? That's hard to believe, knowing you."

"Believe what you want, it's true, I did forget to set my alarm." Of course the reason she forgot was because after hours of making love with Helena, broken only by a short early morning breakfast, and another round of lovemaking while sitting at the kitchen table, they had finally both fallen into each other's arms in bed exhausted. And they didn't help their tardiness any by making love again in the morning when they finally did wake. But Helena was very persuasive making the case that they were already late, what harm would a half hour more cause? Of course that half hour quickly turned into an hour and half, then adding their commute to work on top of it, they should have just called in that they were taking he day off altogether.

But Pete doesn't need to know those facts. At all.

Pete continues to eye her and then he grins wide. "Ah-huh, you two were getting your groove on, weren't you? I knew it!"

Dammit, Pete knows the facts. Sometimes she really hates his vibes.

"HG took my words from the other day as a challenge and she persuaded you with enough incentive to make you late for work."

"Can you please keep your voice down?" Myka hisses at him. "There's no need to alert the entire office to why Helena and I were late to work this morning."

"So, you admit it - you were getting it on! That's my girl! High-five," he says holding out his hand to her to hit.

"Pete, must you be so childish?"

"Come on, don't leave me hanging here. Besides I'm proud of you for realizing there are more important things than work. Now come on, high five, you know you want to."

Myka gives the gesture serious consideration, uncertain she wants to give in to his childish antics and admit he is right about what she and Helena got up to this morning, but part of her wants to give in. She's not ashamed of what they did, even if it did briefly interfere with her professionalism. She is proud to be loved by Helena physically as well as emotionally. So what if Pete knows it, the whole world can know it now too.

"Fine," she says reaching across her desk to hit his hand.

"Feels good, doesn't it?" he grins. "And not just the high five," he waggles his eyebrows.

Myka rolls her eyes.

"Myka, I brought you a cup of coffee," Helena says walking into the office to hand her the cup, letting her fingertips linger against Myka's in the exchange. The touch isn't enough for her however and she leans down to place a soft kiss on Myka's lips, because she can now, loving how quickly Myka returns the kiss. "Leaving the apartment so rushed this morning, we didn't have time to make any and if you're feeling anything like me, I thought you could use the caffeine."

"Yes, thank you."

"And why should either of you need caffeine?" Pete grins.

Helena raises an eyebrow at him. "Is coffee or tea not a morning staple for most people? I see you drink two cups a morning on average."

"Yeah, but is there any special reason you need the caffeine this morning?"

If Myka didn't know better, she'd think Pete somehow intuitively knows today marks the day after her and Helena's first time together. But there's no reason he should know that. By all accounts, everyone believes they've been dating for some time and regardless, they have been married over a month now. She knows his teasing has more to do with that their morning activities caused them to be late this morning, the first time that has ever happened. And it wasn't long ago that he was discussing the topic of early morning activities and essentially issuing Helena a challenge in that regard. A challenge Helena has met in spades as far as Myka is concerned.

"Have I missed something?" Helena asks Myka.

Myka shakes her head embarrassed. "Pete has just got it into his head that we were late this morning because of..." she struggles for an explanation.

"A looovvve session," Pete intones.

Myka blushes against her will. "Yeah, that."

"It seems that you're right, Pete. For a change," Helena responds, taking a sip of her tea.

"Helena," Myka groans.

"Really, love, I see nothing here to be embarrassed about. Nothing whatsoever given how satisfying the morning and last night was. And I'll have you know, Pete that it is only because of your engagement dinner tonight that Myka and I came into work at all, deciding we should work if we are going to party later."

"And Amanda and I wouldn't forgive you if you didn't show."

"That too."

"Anyway, props to you HG for finally getting Myka to forget about responsibilities for once in favor of pleasure. I'd never thought I'd see the day that happened."

"In that case, pay attention, Pete for I intend to give Myka all the pleasure she deserves," Helena says, eyes shining.

"Alright, enough of the gooey stuff."

"You're welcome to leave," Myka tells him, taking Helena's hand in hers.

"Oh that's how it's gonna be? You prefer her company to mine?"

"Yeah. And news flash, that's how it's been for a long while now, if you haven't noticed."

"Yeah, yeah, I'm going. Just show up to dinner on time tonight," he says over his shoulder as he makes for the door.

"We make no promises," Helena calls after him with a chuckle. She turns back to Myka. "Well, that went well. So much for no suspicion."

"I'm pretty sure Pete has been taking bets how long it would be before we were late to work for this reason. I think he's lost several bets while we were too unobservant to realize our true feelings for each other."

"I'm glad we finally figured it out."

"Me too," Myka says rising from her chair to step into Helena's personal space, seeing brown eyes throw her a questioning gaze. "Hi," Myka whispers.

"Hello," Helena smiles at the non sequitur. She smiles wider when Myka kisses her, slowly and deeply. "That's the way we should always start the work day," she says a few moments later after catching her breath.

"Have a good day, Helena." Myka says returning to her chair since she's fairly certain her knees are about to give out.

"You as well. See you for lunch?"

"I'll be here."

Leena comes by shortly after and grins at the smile that still resides on Myka's lips. "You look like a new woman today," she remarks. "Things must have worked out between you and Helena, you both can't seem to stop smiling today."

Myka smiles wider. "Yeah, everything worked out. Everything is good - more than good, between us."

"See, I told you."

"You were right, as always," Myka laughs.

Leena laughs with her. "I'm just glad you're both happy and worked things out. And hopefully I don't put a damper on your happiness, but Artie has asked to meet with you as soon as you're available."

Myka's smile falters. "Oh, did he say why?"

"He didn't - just said to tell you to see him."

"Okay, thanks, Leena," Myka says rising from her chair and following her out of her office across the way to Artie's office.

"Artie, you wanted to see me?" Myka asks standing at his doorway.

"Myka, yes, come in but close the door after you.

Myka does as instructed with some trepidation. She rarely has unplanned one on one meetings with her boss. The last one in fact was the day Helena proposed marriage and Myka came to Artie to let him know their decision.

"Is everything okay, Artie?" she asks uncertain.

"Actually that's why I've asked you here now."

"What is it?"

"Come on, take a seat," he motions to the chair in front of his desk.

Myka sits down, not daring to take her eyes off him.

He folds his hands on top of the desk. "So, Myka, how are you?"

"I'm...fine," she replies, it sounding more like a question than an actual statement.

"Work going well for you?"

"Yes."

"Good. I saw Ms. St. Clair in this office the other day. I met with her after your time with her. She was very impressed with you and had only good things to say about your professionalism, your work ethic. She says you've made the whole publishing process easy for her."

Myka relaxes slightly under the praise. "That's good to hear. She's been one of my more pleasurable clients to work with. And she's mentioned she already has another story, a sequel to this one she's starting to outline."

"Wonderful. Of course we'll have to wait and see how the sales go on this one first, but you usually have a good sense about the stories you decide to publish. There's no reason to think this book won't be the same."

"I hope so. Not just for us as a company, but for her, for Rebecca. She's wanted to be a published author for most of her life and for it to finally happen when she's seventy has meant the world to her. Truthfully she inspires me. She never gave up on what she wanted and now she's watching her dream come true. How many people get to see that happen?" Myka asks, her green eyes bright.

Artie nods. "Not many, I can say that. But some are lucky."

Myka shakes her head. "It's more than luck, it's hard work striving for something you want. Rebecca made it happen for her."

"She did indeed." He clears his throat then. "Myka, work isn't the only reason I've called you in here to meet."

"Oh?" Myka asks, feeling her nerves beginning to return.

"How are you and HG…Helena?"

Myka is a little startled by the question, but realizes she shouldn't be. After all, it's for Helena's continued employment and to remain in Denver that they got married. "We're fine?"

"Is that a question?"

"Sort of? I guess I'm not sure why you're asking. You haven't exactly taken an interest in our or anyone's personal life before."

"The circumstances regarding your relationship means that I have to take an interest. HG's status here affects the company and Mrs. Frederic has asked me to check in with you to make sure everything is on track."

"On track?"

"That HG will be able to remain in this country and this company."

"Well, about that, Artie," Myka begins, trying to clear her throat from the nervousness that has now lodged there. "There has been a little...glitch I guess for Helena to obtain permanent residency here."

"A glitch? What kind of glitch?"

"Well, uh, her permanent status will be determined by Immigration Services. And when they learned of our marriage, how quickly it came about, they decided that an investigation was necessary."

"An investigation? You're just telling me about this now?"

"We have been a little preoccupied with moving in together, getting our drivers licenses updated, and social security cards, opening a joint bank account, not to mention working full time, that telling you about the investigation slipped my mind. Besides, there's nothing that you can do, we just have to submit to the visitations from our caseworker and hope for the best," Myka says.

"And just how long is this investigation supposed to last?"

Myka cringes at the question. "Ms. Cho, our case manager did say that some investigations can take up to two years."

"Two years! For two years we could be unaware of whether HG is to remain here or not?"

"Technically yes, but Abigail, Ms. Cho, did say she usually resolves her cases much sooner than that. And regardless, until it's decided one way or another, Helena will remain here, with me."

"I suppose that's something," Artie grunts. "Still it's hardly satisfying."

"Tell me about it," Myka exhales.

Artie regards her for a moment, this woman who in some ways is like a daughter to him. He notices for the first time how tired she appears, the worry present in her eyes.

"I'm sorry, Myka."

"For what?"

"For you. I was too absorbed with how HG, Helena's possible departure would affect the company I haven't really considered how all this is affecting you. I imagine being under investigation is stressful to say the least."

Myka manages a laugh. "You could say that, yeah," she nods. "But we're doing everything we can to ensure Helena isn't deported."

"Glad to hear it."

"And truthfully, Artie, if this investigation doesn't go in our favor, it isn't just Helena's departure you should be concerned about."

"No?"

"No. If Helena has to be deported to England, I plan to go with her." There is nowhere Myka wouldn't go to be with her. It's not even a question.

"You'd leave your family, your career behind?"

"She is my family. And as for career, you said yourself that we can do the work remotely. And if that doesn't happen to be an option for this particular company, then I'm sure we'll both find work elsewhere."

"I see. Well, thank you for being honest with me, and I hope for your sake, and ours that it doesn't come to that. You are invaluable to this company, Myka. "And so is Helena," he says grudgingly, "but please don't tell her I said that."

Myka manages to crack a smile at that. "One of these days, I think you're going to have to admit you both respect each other - possibly even like each other."

"Yes, well, today is not that day," Artie tells her.

Helena makes a much-anticipated phone call from her office later that morning.

"Helena? How are you, darling?"

"I finally opened the bottle champagne you sent, Charles."

"Oh? And how was it?"

"The best I've ever tasted, even if it was a little flat - probably from being stored in the refrigerator too long."

"And why what it the best you've ever tasted then?"

"Because Myka loves me!"

Charles laughs. "Was there ever any doubt?"

Helena laughs and then sobs. "She loves me, Charles. My wife loves me," she whispers, still awed by the fact.

"Yes, she does. I've been trying to tell you that all this time but you're too stubborn for you own good," he says fondly. "So, tell, me how did this wonderful revelation come about exactly?"

And Helena tells him.

It's not long after she finishes her call with Charles that Myka stops by her office after her own talk with Artie. Myka is about to share the content of her meeting when she notices traces of tears on Helena's cheeks. Quickly kneeling beside her, she cups her face in concern.

"Helena, are you alright?"

"Perfectly," Helena assures, reaching to cover Myka's hand at her cheek.

"But you've been crying."

Helena smiles, tears threatening once more. "Happy tears. I've just been on the phone with Charles relaying to him that my beautiful wife is in fact in love with me. These tears are joyful."

Myka pushes forward then, kissing Helena deeply. When she pulls away, tears are reflected in her own eyes. "I will always love you."

Helena laughs, pulling Myka back into another embrace, breathing in her scent and holding her tight, sighing in contentment. True happiness, she has discovered, is holding Myka in her arms.