The dramatic conclusion! Honestly my family gatherings aren't complete unless two or three of the family units have a collective meltdown over some stupid shit, and then drink and make up. LOL.

"Talking"

Thinking

After passing Miriam in the kitchen, Arnold and Helga had actually had some time to play games together. The other people at the gathering still weaving in and out of the house like it was some kind of convention. At one point she'd split off to play a game with her sister of all people— who for once didn't make her feel crazy. It was nice.

Arnold was now involved in a game with some of the other guests including Bob Pataki of all people. He seemed to have finally relaxed. Engrossed in the game and maybe actually winning this time. Helga wasn't going to interrupt as she made her way back inside.

She'd barely opened the back door when she practically crashed into a panicked Nancy. Helga froze at the sudden body in the way.

"Oh, I'm so sorry to do this— can you please take care of him a minute. I have got to get Oscar out of the— Oscar!" Nancy shoved her infant into Helga's hands before darting out the back door.

Helga stood dumbfounded for a moment. Glancing down at the little bundle of curls, and drools.

"I mean, sure, I guess." she said sarcastically, What the heck am I going to do with him?

And almost as if on cue, the baby's eyes flittered open. His gaze narrow at the newcomer holding him. Immediately, it was a five alarm siren shattering her ears. She winced holding the baby out from her as though that could silence the noise of his wailing. Prickly tears streaming down the little tykes face.

A pit of panic forming in the young girl's gut. She had never held a baby in her life! Let alone even babysat younger kids. This was definitely something that should be handled by the Arnold department. She glanced outside to see he was playing a game with the other men from the Boarding House including Bob of all people.

Thanksgiving was a pretty strange holiday. Simultaneously brining people together and ripping them apart almost just as much over the course of a day.

The wails of the baby brought her back to the living. She started pacing the living room feeling more and more miserable. She wasn't exactly in the position to look up how to calm a baby. No, she definitely needed both hands for the squirming, crying creature in her hands.

Where is she? How long does it take to stop a kid?! Seriously! Helga thought bitterly as she turned another rotation around the room.

"Now who is that crying— oh, Helga?" Miriam came walking around the corner.

Helga stiffened a little at her appearance, "Are you stalking me, Miriam?"

"No honey—"

Miriam walked closer to her daughter and watched her circle the room. The older lady looked ready to speak again, but her daughter cut her off quickly.

Helga let out a growl, "Nancy dumped her kiddo on me."

"Oh, I see. Well do you—"

"I don't need any help!" Helga bit out, her face increasingly flustered as she watched the baby's distress grow.

Miriam put her hand on the doorframe and lingered, "I actually came in for a drink—"

"Didn't have enough to drink earlier?"

"Now, for your information," Miriam raised her chin, "Those were Nancy's and Susie's drinks. I haven't had anything today."

Helga gave her a once over and realized she must be telling the truth as it had been hours since she witnessed her with the alcohol.

"They sobered up fast." Helga said simply continuing to circle.

Miriam watched her daughter struggle to calm a baby. It triggered some suppressed maternal memories within her. A small smile on her lips as she started to sing a quiet lullaby.

Helga's gaze darted towards her mother. Her brows raised as the singing started to soothe the wailing child in her hands. The baby sucked up a few more gurgles of upset, before he breathed out. His delicate little eyelids finally closing. Helga kept walking too afraid to unleash the wailing beast again.

Her ears finally stopped ringing after a moment. Her mother's lullaby finally ceasing. Miriam made her way to the couch to sit down and pat the seat beside her. Helga gave her an 'Are you crazy' kind of look.

"It'll be okay sweetie, I promise." Miriam urged giving her another gentle look.

Helga bit her lip, but decided to give it a try. It was pretty dizzying to keep walking in a circle. Slowly, carefully, she eased into the cushion next to her mother. Helga's hands stiffly keeping the child as still as possible lest one wrong move wake the banshee once more.

She was definitely going to have a headache later.

Miriam ran a gentle hand over the baby's brow, "You were this little once, you know?"

"No, doi." Helga snarked.

"You used to love that lullaby. In fact, it was the only way to get you to calm down, sometimes." her voice quiet, reflective as though she was traveling back to that time.

Helga glanced at her mother with a weird feeling playing at her gut. Her mother offered to take the baby from her hands, and Helga reluctantly passed him over. The woman who raised her giving that little bundle of nerves a delicate look. Helga could swear she saw tears pricking at the edge of her mother's eyes, but she didn't cry.

"So what happened, Miriam? You forget how to sing when I got older?" her arms folded.

"Yeah, I guess I did." Miriam offered meagerly, "I can't go back in time, Helga. I know I wasn't fair to you."

Helga's gaze softened a little, still she tried to force a scowl, "That's putting it lightly."

"I'd take it all back if I could. I'm just asking to see you sometimes, Helga. Talk to you on the weekends, if you'll let me. I know I don't deserve to ask—"

"You're right, you don't."

"But I want you to know, I've always been proud of you."

The teen glanced at her with a skeptical brow, "Really?"

Miriam nodded, "You turned out so smart, and brave despite how your father and I have treated you. And you've been giving us another chance, even when we don't deserve it."

Helga thought for a moment back to her childhood. And realized that to some degree, had her parents not been the way they were, would she have even met Arnold that fateful day? A boy who managed to change so much of who she was for the better.

Even if her parents had treated her like they did Olga, she probably would've been Olga 2.0— attempting to be perfect all the time and putting all of her self worth into the opinions of others.

"Well, you can thank Football Head for that. He's the only reason you're here."

"I will thank him. I'm so glad you met such a kindhearted boy."

"Yeah, me too." a faint blush swelled on her cheeks.

"And I'm glad I get to spend any time with you, honey." Miriam put a gentle hand on her daughter's leg.

The two sat in a tender silence for a moment.

"I guess," Helga said with a small smirk, "It was pretty cool you were able to calm him down. I would've been fine though."

"Oh honey, I know you'll be a great mother."

"Yeah?"

"And I know Arnold will be a great father."

"Yeah, someday." Helga let out a sigh, That's far down the road though...

"So, when is that someday going to be?" Miriam glanced at her as a small smile tugged at the corner of her lips.

"We're not even married yet, Mom. Sheesh!" A laugh fell from her lips.

Miriam leaned in closer, "It's okay, B. and I weren't married right away either."

"Mom, what exactly are you talking about?" Her eyes narrowed as she stared the older woman down.

Miriam giggled and motioned to Helga's abdomen, "How far along are you, dear?"

Helga practically jumped up from the couch, suddenly realizing exactly what she was implying. Her face flushed and hands waving not exactly sure which way to go. Her throat felt thick and words were lost on her a moment.

"Think of the baby—" Miriam tried to wave her to sit back down.

"I'm not pregnant, Mom! Where'd you get a crazy idea like that?" feeling the rage boil inside her, so much so, she wasn't even worried if she woke the little gremlin.

"It's not a big deal honey—"

"I've been on the pill since I was thirteen, criminy! Now who said I was pregnant?" she pointed a finger at her mother.

Another amused giggle passed her mother's lips.

"I'm glad you find this so funny!" she huffed trying to keep her rage grounded before she figured out exactly who she needed to beat to a pulp.

"Well, dear, I'm not exactly who said it first, but I was walking down the hallway and..."

Miriam walked down the hallway intent on going outside. She was upset that every attempt at conversation had ended in her daughter's frustration. As she passed one of the room, she saw there was a group of people clustered around in there.

Mr. Kokoshka was at the center of the crowd and raised up a white stick in a bag. A pleased grin plastered on his face, "See I told you I was correct. She just left this in the bathroom."

The boarders seemed a little skeptical, but realized that there wasn't any other woman in the house who would need to take a pregnancy test. Slowly they fished out money and smacked it into Mr. Kokoshka's waiting hand. A pleased laugh came from him at the series of grumbles came from the losers.

Miriam put a hand to her mouth as though it just dawned on her exactly who they were talking about. It made sense now. That's what they were talking about at the table. That's why she seemed adverse to mild foods, and the other ladies insisted that she sit down.

Miles just so happened to be standing nearby for this little reveal.

He glanced down at her and swallowed hard, "I'll talk to mine, if you talk to yours?"

She clasped her hands in a worrisome way, "I suppose its better now than later. I just can't believe it."

"Yeah, it's hard for me too. Stella told me she was joking the other day, but it seems she was just trying to keep me from overreacting." his voice a little sharper as a hand combed roughly through his hair.

"Sorry, honey! I shouldn't have assumed it was true."

"That's all I need to know." Helga said with a sharp breath, I don't know how, but I'm sure Arnold is somehow indirectly responsible for this and I'm going to kill him!

"Arnold!" Miles said roughly, his stride wide as he cut across the field.

His son glanced up from the game he was playing with a few of the other guests including Bob Pataki of all people.

"What's up, Dad?"

"Don't you what's up me, Son." he let out another sharp breath, "It makes sense now."

"What makes sense?" Arnold shook his head, eyes darting around his father's expression, What now?!

"I am very disappointed in you. We have a lot to talk about mister."

"What are you talking about?!" he raised his voice slightly, "Can we not—"

"That's why you're so attached to Helga, isn't it? That's what's so distracting about her." Miles still ranted his hand thick in his hair as though he'd discovered some big secret.

"My grades are practically perfect—how dare you say she's been a distraction to me!"

The group all falling deathly silent as they started to watch the confrontation. Some of the boarders came out the back door and promptly joined the crowd.

The ladies of the family followed suite including Stella. She noticed that her husband and son seemed to be caught in an argument once more and walked briskly to their side.

"What's going on?" Stella said putting a hand on Miles's shoulder.

"You knew about this and kept it from me." he wrenched backwards out of her grasp.

A surprised look on Stella and Arnold's faces.

"What's gotten into you, Dad?!" Arnold said feeling his throat thicken.

Miles let out a hiss, his voice a low rumble, "You got Helga pregnant."

All the color drained from the boy's face. He stammered and shook his head, "Where did you hear something like that? I didn't— she's not—"

"I was joking. Seriously!" Stella glared at her husband.

"Were you? You always keep important stuff like that to yourselves. Think I can't handle it—"

"Well case in point!" She jabbed in his direction, "But we would never keep something like that from you."

"Really? You wouldn't?" His voice bitter and sarcastic.

"I would think you'd have a little more faith in your son to do the right thing!"

"Dad, seriously!? I wouldn't let something so irresponsible happen."

"Well, accidents happen all the time. And you've been content to let your college decisions blow in the wind! So what am I supposed to think?" Miles's voice was sharp, his expression pained.

"They have nothing to do with each other! I've told you that." Arnold shook his head, shooting him a glare as he pointed.

"Miles! I can't believe you!" Stella said her arms tightly folded and scowl evident.

Arnold threw his arm across before his fingers clenched, "Helga's been there for me when I really needed her to be. Which is more than I can say for you!"

Miles flinched a little at his son's strong stance and tone.

At that moment Helga and Miriam came out the back door with the baby still nestled in Miriam's arms. Helga cut across the field more quickly than her companion ready to defend her case.

She could see the Shortman family were already heavily embroiled in an argument.

And part of her couldn't believe it.

They were all so wonderful to each other and she'd never seen them argue or even be a little cross with each other until recently.

Maybe they weren't so perfect after all. Maybe they were a family with their own problems just like everyone else. Helga was ready to speak when Bob suddenly decided to add to the conversation.

He raised a brow, with his signature scowl, "You can think that about your son if you want, but Helga is too responsible to let that happen."

"Dad..." her expression softened for a moment before she sharply glanced over the group. "But he's right. I'm not pregnant. I don't know who started that rumor."

"But we saw the test. Oskar said he found it after you went to bathroom." Mr. Potts said a little nervously.

Helga rounded on the man in question, her signature scowl evident, "Oh, he did, did he?"

Mr. Kokoshka nervously chuckled, while wringing his hands, "I swear I did. Eh, heh heh."

"First of all, where did you get something like that? Gross!" Helga jabbed the man in the chest.

"It's not a big deal little girl, it happens to lots of teens." he flinched.

Her scowl deepened, "Secondly, moron—if I was worried about that—why the heck would I take one in the middle of a BIG family gathering? That's just dumb! Surprise everyone— there's a dumpling in the oven!"

"She's right that doesn't make sense at all." Mr. Potts said with a scowl forming.

Mr. Kokoshka started to back away slowly from the mob that was forming, "But Stella said she was."

"It was a joke! I was joking." Stella said with a very frustrated groan while she pinched her brow.

"How was I supposed to know? Come on now, guys?" Kokoshka backed up towards the door.

"We should've known something was off. Arnold is too responsible for that to be true." Mr. Hyunh said with a head shake.

Arnold motioned to his father towards the boarders as though to point out that everyone seemed to have more faith in him than his own father. Miles bit his lip and rubbed the back of his neck.

"Okay, so besides it being creepy, why would you even care about that Mr. Kokoshka?" Arnold said trying to keep the edge out of his voice.

"He bet that you two would be knocked up before high school was over, and we bet you wouldn't because as we know how responsible you are." Mr. Potts said with a sneer.

"You all bet on it?! Arnold interjected with an incredulous tone.

Mr. Potts and Mr. Hyunh looked sheepish for a moment with embarrassed apologies falling from their mouths.

Mr. Kokoshka continued to plead his case, "It was a simple misunderstanding. Eh-heh."

"I want my money back! Mr. Hyunh said with a huff and fist shake.

Mr. Kokoshka finally twisted the door open and darted inside. The door halfway shutting behind him as he dashed through the house. That man had never run so fast before, but maybe some part of him realized he never should've messed with the blonde girl.

The angry mob of those who placed bets followed him. Helga content to lead the charge all the way through the house. Mr. Kokoshka had barely made it out the front door and into the street when she'd managed to catch up.

Grabbing him roughly by the collar, "I hope you're pleased with yourself. I'll have you know I've put kids in the hospital for less than that—"

Mr. Kokoshka recoiled in her grasp, squinting his eyes, "Please little girl, mercy."

"Heh, I'm thinking more like avenging." she raised her fist and knocked him out cold.

Roughly she let go of his collar, the man's body dazed in the middle of the sidewalk. She shook her hand out. It had been awhile since she'd actually hit a person, and it felt a little tingly. But she'd be damned if she let that man talk smack and then try and bet on it.

All he did was cause a bigger schism between Arnold and his parents with his idiocy.

In fact she'd probably let him off too easy with a simple punch, but she wasn't about to beat a knocked out man further.

The other people from the mob digging into his pockets to retrieve their money bets back. Mr. Potts and Mr. Hyunh gave Helga another remorseful look.

"Sorry, we never should've bet on something like that. We just knew he would be wrong. Had no idea he would stoop even lower than he usually does." Mr. Potts scuffed his shoe against the sidewalk.

"I apologize as well. It's our fault too—" Mr. Hyunh tied his hands together.

"Yeah, yeah, shouldn't've made a dumb bet. But you saying Arnold is responsible, I think it got through to Miles. So maybe it's not all a loss." Helga waved them down, I hope Arnold's okay...he looked pretty upset...

Helga made her way back through the Boarding House intent on getting back to him as soon as possible.

After the chaos of the mob crashed through the back door, Bob and Miriam returned inside shortly after. Arnold, Miles and Stella were left in the back yard to pick up the pieces of their argument. Arnold's hand thick in his hair, brows set deeper than they ever have.

"Don't you have something to say to your son?" Stella jostled Miles's shoulder.

"I think he's said enough." Arnold said sharply as he started to walk towards the back door.

"Arnold, I..." Miles said weakly.

The boy tensed and glared over his shoulder, "You've been back just as long as Mom has and you still don't have any faith in me!"

Miles hung his head, "When I get worried about things, it's hard for me—"

"To leave it alone— I know, Dad."

Stella pinched her brow, "One day, Miles. That's all you had to do."

"You guys leave me out of so much, don't you think if you told me I'd feel less anxious?"

"But I did tell you Dad, I've been telling you. No matter what I answer, it's never enough. There's always something new you worry about or think the answer could be better."

"I'm just trying to look out for you Son the best way I know how."

"But that's what he's trying to get you to understand, he doesn't need help." Stella said placed a gentle hand on his shoulder.

Miles looked as though he might have something more to say but Arnold cut him off. Having reached his limit of frustration that particular day.

"Quit trying to change who I am Dad. I like who I am even if you don't!" he threw the back door open and jumped through it.

The door banging closed in his wake.

"Miles! I told you to leave it alone! Now look what's happened." Stella said poking him in the chest.

Miles deflated, "I'll go talk to him."

"Just let him cool off. You've done enough for today mister."

Arnold walked briskly through the hallway his gaze on the floor. He couldn't believe his father. After everything, he was so quick to believe that rumor, that lie. Even Big Bob Pataki of all people supported Helga in her innocence. He hated that he'd never be close to his father as he was his mother.

He tried. He really did try, but it never seemed to be enough.

Arnold had believed his whole life that if you just tried hard enough or understood the person, that you could at least be on neutral terms with that person. That you could at least understand where they were coming from enough to get along.

But that seemed like a distant naïve daydream of a twelve year old at this point.

There was no middle ground with his father and he now started to have a fraction of the feeling that Helga may have felt her whole life. Trying to get along with people who would never understand you. He felt pretty guilty for pushing her as much as he had these past years.

A sudden crash into another person shook him from his thoughts. He didn't fall, but was merely stunned and tottered back a little. Looking up through his dizzy gaze he saw blonde again. But this time he knew it was the one blonde he wanted to see.

Her hands steadied his stance, "You okay?"

"No. Let's get out of here." he said tensely, before tugging her by the hand.

She gave him a curious look before following him without complaint. It was odd to him because she usually always had something to say, but this time she was oddly silent. It was almost as though she could sense he was on a different level of frustration.

Throwing their jackets on, they went out the front door.

As the pair walked down the stairs, Arnold noticed Mr. Kokoshka's limp body laying on the sidewalk. His brows raised as he glanced at her.

"He had it coming to him." she shrugged.

They started walking aimlessly down the sidewalk. He let out another sigh.

"It's ironic." she said with a smirk, "You wanted this big gathering, and now we're running from it—"

And there it is. He knew the silence wouldn't last long.

"Yup, you were right, Helga. Is that what you want to hear?"

"No, I—"

"Because you were right about everything today! I'm so stupid to think this could work." he covered his face with a harsh groan.

She smirked at him, "Actually I was wrong about a few things today."

He peeked through his fingers, "Probably wasn't expecting the pregnancy reveal, right?"

She chuckled, flicking his hat, "That and I thought I was going to have to keep my Dad in check, not yours."

"I'm sorry about my Dad," he buried his face again, "And the boarders. I'm sorry today got ruined for you."

She snorted, with a laugh, "Ruined? Today's been a blast."

"What? Really? Everything's been going wrong today—" he let his hands fall to look at her fully.

"What did we talk about earlier? We knew it was going to be chaotic. That many different people under the Big Top—"

"It really was like the circus moved in." he chuckled lamely.

"Rings of fire, Lion children, and all the clowns too." She smirked, "Still sure you want to be the Ringleader of this Circus?"

"No, I give up on that dream." he shook his head with a sore chuckle, "Next year we keep it simple."

"So Hair Boy, what did Pops have to say for himself?"

"He made it about him as usual."

"That sounds familiar."

"Helga," he let out a pained sigh, "I just don't know what to say to him anymore. We're never going to get along."

He was embarrassed and frustrated that his father of all people had been the one to push him over the edge. All this time she'd been worried it would be her family that was the problem, but it ended up being one of his parents of all things.

Helga glanced over at him. The forlorn expression on her beloved's face almost too much for her. She'd been prepared to rein her family in.

Goodness knows Bob needed a tighter leash if anything.

A lot of good that did.

But she hadn't been prepared for Arnold's father of all people to get into a shouting match with his son.

"I'm also sorry for pushing you so hard. I should've realized how hard it's been getting along with your parents for my sake all these years." he laments.

"Football Head finally gets it!" she raised her arms to the air, a wry smirk on her face, "I'm not just being dramatic, it's hard as shit to get along with people who don't understand you."

"But I try— "

"And he tries too—"

"Really? He constantly nags me, is more like it—"

"Hey, I didn't say he was good at it. He at least knows what's going on in your life which is more than I can say for Bob and company."

Arnold rolled his eyes, arms tightly folding as though he wouldn't listen to her anymore.

"My point is— you two still aren't much closer for it, are you?" she raised her brows and gave him a pointed look.

Arnold let out another deep sigh. He felt like he failed. How could the everyman fail to make peace with his own father of all people?

There was a long silence as their steps got slower. Both trapped in their own thoughts.

"Hey, isn't the pinnacle of your argument with your dad about how he doesn't think you'll be successful if you keep daydreaming?" she said suddenly realizing there might be a way to mitigate their conflict.

"I mean, I guess more or less."

She gripped his hand tightly forcing him to look up at her, "C'mon Arnoldo, I've got an idea."

After a quick trip to her house, Arnold and Helga made their way back to the Boarding House. The pair stopping briefly to observe his parents sitting on the stoop. Miles looked dejected and remorseful while Stella still looked pissed at her husband and his behavior.

The adults noticed the children almost at once. Greeting them and ready to speak more. Miles opened his mouth to be promptly cut off.

"Me first," Helga said with a biting tone, "Look I get it, your son is a procrastinating daydreamer who makes you nervous about his future."

Arnold shot her an offended look while Stella giggled softly. Miles expression still stony.

"But trust me, you have nothing to worry about. I know you might think I'm a distraction to him, but that's just not true. We balance each other and have been helping each other since we were three years old. And somehow I've never held him back from all the stuff he's done for this rink a dink town."

His parents glanced towards their son with some confusion and then back to Helga. She dug into her pocket and fished out a disk drive. She offered it up to Miles.

"I know Arnoldo can be a modest guy, but I'm surprised he never showed you this. It's the video that won the competition to find you guys. It's just a small sliver of all the stuff he's done in his life."

Miles clutched the drive with a dumbfounded expression. Stella leaned over his shoulder with a similar curious expression. Arnold rubbed the back of his head with a meek smile.

"In fact, if your little worrywart, busybody son would've been more practical, we never would've found you at all. He's got good instincts, and if didn't follow his gut the way he does," she paused a moment to glance at Arnold, before directing a sharp gaze on his father, "A lot of people would be still be miserable because of it. Or maybe they wouldn't even be here at all. Who knows?"

Miles stared for a long moment at the drive clutched in his hand before his gaze shifted towards his son. He started to wonder why hadn't his son ever mentioned it? Or even brought up any of his supposed past accomplishments that Helga seemed to suggest.

"Is that true, Arnold?" Miles said quietly, his gaze pensive.

Arnold seemed to drag his feet at the question, only stepping forward at the small push Helga gave him.

"Everything she says is true. I just never felt the need to mention it because— I was just doing the right thing. Nothing special—"

"Arnold, everything you do is special to us!" Stella said crossing the distance to hug him tight to her chest.

"Mom," He blushed a little, "And I hate feeling like I have to prove myself to you all the time. And I never showed you any of this because I didn't even think of it until Helga suggested it."

Stella shot a look at her husband. But the expression he wore was unreadable. He took a few steps towards them. Arnold's expression still cautious at his father's closeness.

"I didn't...I didn't mean to make you feel that way son." Miles said slowly.

"Well you did...do—"

Miles wrapped his arms around both of them, "I'm sorry, Arnold. I really am. I should've known better."

Arnold relaxed in his parent's grip, "I'm going to try and tell you more stuff, Dad. I wasn't trying to keep things from you."

"Arnold, I've always been proud of you. And from now on I'm going to do my best to trust your judgement, okay?"

"I'd like that, Dad." Arnold let out another relieved breath, "And I'll try to ask for your advice, too."

"Heh, maybe you should stick with your mother on that one." Miles chuckled sorely, "Or even Helga, she seems to know what you need best of all."

Arnold glanced back at his girlfriend who was still content to watch it all play out. Her arms folded with a knowing smirk.

"Yeah, she does." his gaze half lidded.

A small blush on her face, "Yeah, yeah, enough with the mushy stuff. Let's eat some pie already."

The group laughed and filed back inside the house. Ready to re-enter the wrestling ring of their family gathering.

After a few more hours of festivities passed, the party started to wind up even more. Usually it was time for things to settle down, but some unusual friendships had formed over the course of the night. So still the party persisted.

In the midst of the usual shenanigans, Arnold tugged Helga away from the group in his usual way. The two of them snickering as they bounded up the stairs. The door shutting a satisfying sound to their ears. The click of the lock like a flag dropping to say go.

He started kissing her in an impatient manner, "Helga, I thought it'd never be night time."

"You sure still want to do this, what with all the allegations and such?" she smirked against his lips as his body drove her closer towards his bed.

"You really going to deny your wife some house cleaning?" he smarted, tugging off his shirt in between kisses.

"More like a pig rooting around—" she snarked back as some of her clothes joined his.

"Oh, really?" he shot her a playful glare, as he tugged at the rest of her clothing, "Oink, oink, Helga."

"You're such a dork, I swear." she laughed at him as he kicked off the rest of his clothes.

He gave her a push and the two crashed into the bed. A flurry of moans leaving her at his very passionate kisses. Letting his hands run all over her, his mouth following suite. Her arms tangling around him drawing him closer still.

It didn't seem like he had any patience at all tonight. His fingers already working against her. She jerked at his sudden intrusion with a gasp. He smirked against her lips and kissed her harder.

"Time to mop the floor—"

"Will you shut up, seriously!" She laughed as he kissed her again.

After a heated session, he still lay above her. Content to stay over her with their hips loosely connected. The blanket drawn high over his mid back. He drew his fingers through her hair with a lovingly dazed expression.

She rubbed his sides, "You doing better now, Pig Boy?"

"Yeah, I needed that." He admitted with a quiet chuckle.

The stress of the day had certainly gotten to him. And the comfort of her sex always seemed to bring him back down from that pain.

"Hey," he said quietly, "You didn't really mean that, did you?"

"Mean what exactly?" she smirked flicking his hair idly.

"What you said earlier, that some people might not be here without me?"

"Yeah sure, Stoop kid would've starved by now. And that dumb turtle would've died of sadness awhile ago, too." she chuckled a little while drawing lines along his back.

He shook his head, eyes intensely focused on her, "No, I meant you— You don't ever think about..."

"I just meant running away from home. Relax, Arnoldo."

"You never?" He looked more pained and stressed.

She couldn't hold his intensely worried gaze, "I mean, that's a different timeline, isn't it—"

He drew her chin towards him and kissed her sweetly at first before it started to melt into a needier one. His arms hugging her tighter to his chest stronger than he'd ever had. After a long moment he pulled back slowly, his lips still a breath away from hers and gaze half lidded.

"I don't know what I'd do without you sometimes, Helga."

A heavy blush stained her cheeks, "O-oh, yeah?"

"Please keep it that way." a sad smile played on his lips.

"That's why I said if you hadn't been around." She sighed before giving him a gentle kiss, "I promise you I don't feel like that anymore."

"But what if..." he swallowed heavily, unable to finish his thoughts.

She teased her fingers through his hair slowly stroking back his locks, "Are you kidding me? You've given me so much sunshine, I'm practically a Red Dwarf over here."

He raised his brows at her weird comparison. His hand gently trailing through her hair.

"That's like twenty billion years. I ain't going anywhere."

He laughed burying his face in her neck for a moment. A soft breath left him. The pair shared another relieved look before he started kissing her neck.

"So, does that mean you're up for more, then?" His nose rubbing the juncture between her chin and ear.

She shivered against him, body tilting into his affection, "Yeah, but I should tell you—"

"Yeah?" his mouth still heavily distracted by her body once more.

"I was wrong about one person today."

"Yeah, sorry my Dad sucks sometimes." he mouth slowing into a tense frown.

"No, ya goof. My Mom. She had the chance to drink and didn't. She helped me with the baby earlier. And she just really surprised me." she glanced up at him, "We're going to try to talk more. So it wasn't a total loss."

His expression softened at her admission, "I'm glad, Helga."

"And we got to end Thanksgiving in the traditional Shortaki way." She wiggled her brows, her hand trailing his back.

"Did you just combine our last names?" He snorted while shooting her a look.

"Are you going to love me 'til morning or ask questions?" she said tilted his face to kiss him.

"Oh, Helga." He purred as he started to kiss her with a renewed neediness.

The End!

Next chapter is the Epilogue. Honestly there was so much more I could've done with the Thanksgiving scenario, and cleaned up the story threads better, but I'm honestly ready to wrap it up and finish up the other stories I promised you guys. :)