HG's POV

"That's not exactly how I wanted you to make contact with them but anything is better than nothing I guess." The young Caretaker paused in thought. "What exactly did Tessa see in the file?"

"Not much. Just names and that we're a government organization." I answered, seeing Myka exit the bathroom in a towel. Mmm. She's still so sexy.

"HG, focus!"

"Yes, Darling?" Moving my attention back to the Farnsworth, I smiled.

"Can she be trusted?"

"Honestly, all she wants is to be happy with Mariah." Myka answered from the dresser.

"Sounds a lot like you guys."

"It does, doesn't it?" Glancing towards a very nude Warehouse agent, I licked my lips.

"Can you two seriously not cool it for five minutes?"

"Not when the B&B is filled with people constantly. We've scarred some of the newbies."

"You've scarred me!" Claudia cringed. "No one should see their, basically, adopted big sister and…sister-in-law doing…things."

"You learned to knock, didn't you?" I smirked. "One day I'm like your mother and the next sister-in-law. Make up your mind."

"I'll make up my mind when I'm as old as you." Claudia scoffed playfully. Myka stiffened a laugh as she got dressed. "Does she wear any jewelry on a daily basis?"

"Yes, a necklace."Myka plopped down on the bed and snuggled against me. "If I can work it into a conversation tomorrow, I will. What does a necklace have to do with Mariah and Tessa?"

"If they do make an artifact, it'll probably be that. An artifact is made when an item, a person, and an extraordinary moment meet. Before the warehouse moved, Mrs. F showed me one being created. A woman jumped in front of a bullet to save a baby during a robbery. Since it didn't cause trouble, we let the woman keep it."

"What did it do?"

"I'm not sure. She wasn't killed when the bullet hit her. It grazed her shoulder instead."

"Interesting." Thinking about the young women, I couldn't help but see the parallels between Myka and I. "They seemed to be in a good place at dinner. I wonder what happened after you showed up in their apartment that night."

"They took a trip down memory lane and then earlier today they talked about their relationship."

"How do you know that?" Myka's brow creased. "Wait, have you been lurking around again?"

"No. But I have ears on them. I'll deactivate the bug after this is over." Shaking my head, I remembered when Irene did the same to me when I hid the Astrolabe. "Make sure they don't find it. Tessa already has some PTSD from being watched by Victoria Newman."

"We'll make sure to get it before we leave." Turning away from Claudia and Myka, I yawned. "It's late, Darling. Myka and I need our beauty sleep. We'll report back tomorrow."

"Beauty sleep, right. Goodnight you two."

"Later, Claud."

Closing the Farnsworth, I placed it on the nightstand. "Ready for bed, Darling?"

"Mmhmm." A mischievous smile curled the agent's lips. "Very ready for bed…" Cupping my wife's cheek, I guided her in for a kiss.

Xxx

The next morning, Myka and I woke around nine so we could spend some time together before we met Tessa at Crimson Lights for lunch. "We're here for a week but I don't think it'll take Tessa that long to show us around. How are we going to keep them close?"

Looking up from my book, I thought. "Not sure. Honestly, if we make Tessa feel safe around us, Mariah will follow suit. It may take at least two days for her to show us around. We don't want to keep the two love birds apart after all."

"True." Myka buttoned her shirt and fluffed her hair. "If we keep Tessa busy enough until Mariah gets done with work, we can keep an eye on both of them. With their current financial state, I highly doubt they'll say no to dinner on us." The curly-haired agent paused with a laugh. "I went to plenty of events I hated just for the free food. Signed up for so many things for a free cup of coffee or doughnut."

"Was this pre-med or pre-law?" Walking behind Myka, I wrapped my arms around my wife. "Why not undo just one more button?" Carefully, I unbuttoned just enough of her shirt to show a peak of cleavage.

"Are you sure you'll be able to focus? If you flirt too much, you might make Tessa nervous. I don't know how intimate she and Mariah are."

"They've been dating six months. Neither are virgins. They've wanted each other for over a year. Why wouldn't they?" Brushing hair away, I kissed Myka's neck. "I mean, we lasted a month before getting frisky in the warehouse."

"In the H.G. Wells section." A grin slowly made its way to Myka's face. Then the lightest of flushes tinted her cheeks.

"So many adventures…" Kissing the woman's cheek, I filtered through the closet to choose an outfit. I can't wear a button down. That twinning thing couples go through is real. At least at work we can call it business wear.

Tessa was waiting at a table, coffee mug in hand, as we entered the coffeeshop. A soft smile played at the woman's lips. She must be texting Mariah. Looking up from her phone, Tessa's smile grew. "Hey, guys. How was your morning?"

"It was pleasant." I grinned, glancing towards Myka. Both women blushed. Maybe she was right. They haven't had sex.

Shaking her head, Myka smirked. "I'm going to get three coffees to-go. Does the barista know your normal order?"

"None for me, thanks. I had coffee at home with Mariah before work and two cups before you got here." As the younger agent ordered coffee, I waited for Tessa to finish her coffee. I'd rather not have coffee spewed all over me. "Is everything okay?"

"Yes. I'm just waiting for you to finish your coffee before we talk shop."

"Oh." Emptying her mug, Tessa placed it back on the table. "I've figured out all the hot spots to show you first then the secondary spots. It should only take two days. I don't know your schedules so I planned it out so we would be done around five."

"How professional and efficient of you. How does three hundred for three days sound? Add an extra day, just in case."

Choking on her own saliva, the young woman coughed. "Are…are you serious?"

All I did was nod. "Half now and the rest in three days. All cash."

"That's…that's amazing. Thank you."

"We ready to go?" Myka gave me a cup before turning to the young musician. "Tessa, have you driven a Cadillac Escalade before?"

Hazel eyes grew with excitement. "No…"

Dangling the rental keys, Myka smiled. "Do you want to?"

"Oh my gosh, yes!" Catching the keys, Tessa became giddy. "This is going to be awesome."

"Lead the way." I motioned towards the door.

With a new pep in her step, the raven-haired musician made her way towards the SUV. "I can't believe I get to drive this!" Chuckling softly, Myka and I slid into the backseat. "Sorry. Sorry."

"You're fine, Darling." Swatting my arm, Myka glared. "What?"

"Stop flirting with the driver." She grinned. "I'd rather us not die in a fiery crash because you can't keep the seduction at a minimum. Not everyone is used to your charms."

Glancing at us in the mirror, Tessa laughed. "No amount of seduction or charm will waver my loyalty towards Mariah. I worked too hard to get her back."

"I understand that quite well. It took a long time to regain Myka's trust. Now that I have it," taking my wife's hand, I kissed her knuckles. "I never want to lose it again."

"Do you mind me asking what happened between the two of you?" Pulling onto main street, Tessa began telling us about the town.

"At first, I used her trust and loyalty against her. I betrayed her by using her feelings to my advantage. After we finally got back on good terms, I was sent away on a job assignment. For Myka's safety, I couldn't tell her where I was. When I did eventually contact her, I was living with a man. Worst decision I've ever made."

"Not the worst but up there. Definitely the top five." Myka laughed.

"Yes, right up there with trying to destroy the world with a giant fork, as Peter would say."

"What?" Hazel eyes caught us in the mirror.

"Helena!" Swatting me again, Myka glared. "Anyway, yes, it took a long time to trust Helena again. When I found out she gave her life to save me, it channeled my feelings. When I saw her with a man, it killed me. I could see the hollowness in her eyes and she was a shell of the woman she once was."

"What made you finally get together?"

"The place we worked for, where we currently consult now, was moving. When Helena realized I was sort of jobless, she came after me."

"That's really romantic. Honestly, your boss jumpstarted Mariah and I on the right track. After she broke in, we went down memory lane and realized even though we weren't in a good place, we still were protective of each other. It was good even when it wasn't."

"I'm glad we could help."

Over the next few hours, Tessa drove us around town and told us everything we needed to know about Genoa City and its residents. If I didn't understand drive and a competitive nature, I would bet Victor Newman had an artifact. Everything has been quiet in town lately so I don't think they've created the artifact yet. I wonder when they will?

"What was it like in the 1800's for a woman? I imagine being in a line of work dominated by men, it was difficult." The musician's voice pulled me from my thoughts.

"It was rather difficult. It was easier for people to believe the idea of a time machine then in the reality that a woman thought one up. Thankfully, most of the men I worked with knew I was a force to be reckoned with."

"Yeah, I get that vibe from you." Instantly, Myka and I shared a questioning glance. "It's a figure of speech…" She paused. "What was that look for?"

"No…no reason." Myka stammered. Looking at her watch, the agent continued. "It's five, do you think Mariah is off work yet? We could all grab a bite to eat."

Curious eyes studied us in the mirror. "Why do you want to keep an eye on us?"

"We just want to get acquainted with the two of you." I smiled trying to distract Tessa.

"As long as the acquaintance-ness stays fully clothed and only friendship."

"Like the friendship you had with Mariah?" I grinned. "Ow. Will you stop slapping me?"

"Ignore my wife." Myka glared. "She can't turn the flirting off. I can assure you, no lines will be crossed."

"Let me call her." Dialing her girlfriend, Tessa waited.

Hey, Tessa. How's the tour of GC going?"

"Great. We're done with day one. Want to grab dinner? The four of us."

"I've got a few more things to do. Why don't you all come by? It won't take long to finish up." There was hope in the young woman's voice.

"Is that alright with you guys?" Tessa glanced back at us.

"Sure." We answered in unison.

"We'll be there in a few minutes. I can give them a tour of the studio while you finish."

"Sounds great. See you soon." After saying their goodbyes, Mariah ended the call.

It's definitely going to be a good artifact. They love each other too much for it to be a bad one. I just wonder what's going to cause it to happen. I know a couple's first time can be significant but not powerful enough to create an artifact. No one is that good. It's not a selfless act.

Xxx

Tessa's POV

Arriving at the studio, everyone was buzzing around as we entered. "Tessa!" Mariah waved us over. "Glad you could make it." Kissing my cheek, the redhead smiled. "You know the studio just as well as I do, give HG and Myka a tour. I should be done when you get back." Bright green eyes moved from me to the two agents behind me. "Hey, guys."

"Hello, Darling." HG spoke with her crisp tone.

Myka shook her head. "Hey, Mariah."

"We'll be back shortly." Ushering the two women around the studio, I showed them everything I had access to. HG liked all the tech more than anything. Myka enjoyed seeing how excited her wife was.

Returning to Mariah's office, she had just finished packing her bag. Knocking lightly gained her attention. "Perfect timing." Hoisting her bag onto her shoulder, Mariah locked up her office. "Where do you want to get dinner?"

"Top of Newman tower sounds good." Myka offered. "How about there?" Dread filled Mariah and myself knowing the prices.

"On us." HG added. Before we could argue, the author continued. "Don't argue with me. I'm very stubborn."

"Oh, Lord she is." Myka groaned. "You have no idea how annoyingly stubborn she truly is."

"Newman tower it is." Lacing my arm through the redhead's, I led her towards the door. "Let's not irritate a woman who tried ending the world once already." I kept my voice low. "I've learned a lot about our friends today."

Since we were with two Secret Service agents, there was no waiting for a table. We were seated in a private section of the dining area. After placing our drink and food orders, the four of us were left to ourselves.

"Tessa tells us that after Claudia broke into your apartment, you took a trip down memory lane." HG began. "Don't swat at me." The Britishwoman warned her wife. "Both of them need a little nudge to open up. Sound familiar?"

Leaning back in her chair, Myka laughed. "Go ahead. If they don't want to answer, they won't."

"Claudia is Donovan?" I asked. Both women gave a simple nod.

"We knew her before she became Caretaker. We saw her grow up from a bratty teenager to the incredible woman she is today." Myka smiled. "I'm going to be in trouble for that."

"She knows you're right though." HG chuckled. "I was heartbroken when I thought I wouldn't see her grow up. She's become like a daughter to me."

"Yes. After she broke in, we remembered the past. The good times."

"And how even when things were bad, they were still better together than alone." Mariah added, taking my hand in hers.

"Exactly." I kissed the woman's hand. "The only thing that matters is being together."

Sharing a look, the two women shook their heads. "They are like us."

"Is that a compliment?" My brow rose.

"Or an insult?" Mariah scoffed.

"It's a good thing, Darling. Calm down." HG smirked.

By now, our food had arrived and we began eating. Over the next few hours, we learned a lot about the two agents and a vague description of their past together. Overall, it was a very enjoyable dinner and made both Mariah and I realize how lucky we were.

xxx

Once my tour job was over, HG and Myka finished paying me. It was nice being able to pay some bills. After taking Mariah lunch, I decided to walk around the park a little bit. Even though a lot of crap went down here, it was still peaceful and it held good memories for me.

Taking a seat near where I used to play, I remembered when Mariah would always come watch me. She'd try to secretly throw a twenty in my case when I wasn't looking but I always knew it was her. Smiling, I sipped my coffee. I love her so much. Subconsciously, I toyed with the necklace Mariah gave me when she came back from her trip. I need to find a steady job so I can keep up my half of the bills. I hate that she has to pay everything right now. It's not fair.

Thinking about the past few days, warmth filled my chest remembering how happy HG and Myka were. From everything they said, their early days were a lot like me and Mariah's. They would do anything to protect each other. Just like I'd do anything to protect Mariah.

"Ah, this park is so peaceful and beautiful." An older man, with fully gray hair and an expensive suit walked up. "Don't you think?" He smiled. "Mind if an old man takes a seat?"

"Uh, sure." Scooting over, I allowed the gentleman to sit. I can't get a read on him. Maybe I'm just having an off day.

"Missing someone?" His voice was inviting. "That smile says it all."

"Yeah, she gets off work in a few hours. Just killing time until then."

"She?" He asked. "You're missing a woman?"

Feeling my defenses rise, I became cautious. "Yes, she's my girlfriend."

Raising his hands, he smiled. "I don't judge. More power to you for following your own path and loving who you wish."

"Thank you."

"Quite welcome." Holding out his hand, he smiled. "Dan Wair."

"Tessa." Shaking his hand, I reciprocated his smile.

"Porter?" His brows creased. "The famous musician?"

"Yes, except not famous." I groaned inwardly. "You must not be from around here. I made a few bad choices and got dropped from my music label."

"I'm sorry, Tessa. That's horrible."

"After the choices I've made, I deserve it. I'm just glad things are almost back to normal."

"Back to their original path?" His brow rose, a grin on his face. "How perfect."

Xxx

Mariah's POV

Around nine, the door to our apartment opened. Closing my book, I tossed it onto the coffee table. "Tessa! You're home!" Wrapping my arms around the musician, I buried my face in her neck. "I was so worried."

"I'm fine, Babe. I didn't mean to worry you." Kissing my cheek, Tessa squeezed. "I lost track of time. I'm sorry."

Leaning back, I met the woman's gaze. "When you didn't answer my calls or texts, I was scared something had happened to you."

"Nothing happened." She smiled. "I'm fine." Cupping my face, she kissed me. "My battery died."

"Okay…" Yawning, I stretched. "Ready for bed?"

"Definitely." Before I could walk away, Tessa let her hands rest on my hips. Pulling me against her, she kissed my neck. Nipping a little too hard at my pulse point, I winced.

What's going on? She's being rough. Something's different. "Tess," I breathed. "Not tonight. I just started my cycle. I feel gross."

"Okay, Babe." After changing and shutting off the lights, Tessa got into bed. "Goodnight, Mariah."

Cupping the musician's cheek, I kissed her. "Night, Tessa."

Xxx

Once Tessa sent me off to work, I called the studio. "Hey, Josh. I need a favor. Can you run things for today? I need to do something important."

"Sure, Mariah. Is everything okay?"

"Yeah. Just keep this between us. Okay?"

"Yeah, sure. I hope everything's alright."

"Me too." Ending the call, I drove towards the club.

I nearly broke down the door of HG's and Myka's suite. "Please still be here." Starting to panic, I knocked harder. When the door cracked, I pushed my way in.

"Hey, hey. What's going on?" Myka took my shoulders. "Mariah, breathe."

"Something's happened to Tessa. The Tessa who came home last night isn't my Tessa. She hates when I call her "Tess" because it reminds her of Crystal. I called this person that and nothing happened. No reaction whatsoever. This sounds insane but I didn't know who else to come to."

"You were right to come to us." HG stepped forward. "What makes you think the woman who came home isn't your Tessa? Besides the name."

"She…" I'm a private person! I can't…No. Mariah, you need to tell them this. They're safe. "The person who came home last night was rough and tasted like liquorish. Also, Tessa never calls me "babe." She calls me "My Mariah" or something along those lines."

"Tasted?" HG's brow rose.

"Not like that!" Scoffing, I folded my arms. "When she kissed me. She tasted like liquorish. Both Tessa and I hate it. That's one of the inside jokes we have. There's no way she'd eat anything that tasted like it." Running a hand through my hair, I turned towards the door. "This is crazy. I should just go home."

"No!" Both women spoke.

Meeting their gaze, I frowned. "What's going on? What do you do exactly? You've been lying to Tessa and I for days."

"We…" The women shared a look.

"Tell her." Jumping, I recognized the voice. "That never gets old." Donovan laughed. Turning her attention to the agents, she became serious. "You can tell her. She's part of this now. There have been a few pings. I believe they have to do with whoever kidnapped Porter."

"Are you sure?" Myka's brow creased. "She's not warehouse authorized." A small grin twitched at the woman's lips.

"They're part of the design?" HG offered, intrigue clear.

"They are, yes. Now, fill her in. I brought Artie's bag. It has everything you may need." With a snap of her fingers, the lights flickered. When they came back, Donovan was gone.

"What design is she talking about? And what does Tessa and I have to do with a warehouse in South Dakota?" This is all insane. But I can't go to anyone else.

"Whatever Tessa told you about the file she stumbled upon is true. Helena is H.G. Wells, Father of Science Fiction. We work for a secret government organization known to very few as Warehouse 13. We scour the world tracking down dangerous artifacts and putting them away so they won't destroy the world. Some artifacts are good but most are bad. They're created when a certain moment, object, and person meet. We were sent here because you and Tessa are going to create one. We don't know how. Claudia wouldn't tell us that. I know you have questions, but we don't have time for that if you want to save Tessa."

"Yes, whoever kidnapped her, seems to have a handful of artifacts. The-" HG groaned. "I'm going to destroy that damn ridding crop when I get my hands on it."

"Cecil B. DeMille's riding crop?"

"Yes." The older woman hissed. "At least we know Tessa didn't go on her own. She was forced." As Myka scrolled through a message Donovan sent, HG told me more about the crop. "It allows the user to bend a person to their will. I was forced to hold a gun to Myka's head because of it."

"That doesn't explain who came home to me last night."

Tapping her chin in thought, HG pursed her lips. "Was the person wearing a thimble on their finger?"

"What? I don't know. How could a thimble…"

"If it's Harriet Tubman's thimble, it gives the wearer the ability to take form of a person."

"That's a thing?" Both women nodded. "Who do you think is using it?" Turning to Myka, I started freaking out again. "Did your boss give you a picture of the person or a name?"

"No. Just an address." Sliding her phone into her pocket, Myka grabbed the large leather bag. "Let's go."

Half an hour later, we found ourselves at an abandoned warehouse outside of town. I'm getting a bad feeling about this. What if we're too late and whoever kidnapped Tessa has hurt her or worse. What if I'm never going to see her smiling face again.

Before we went inside, Myka took me by the shoulders. "Stop. You're thinking so loud we can hear it. Knowing how alike you and Tessa are, there's no point in telling you to stay out here. You need to be quiet and do whatever we tell you. We don't want either of you hurt."

"She's right, Mariah." HG spoke softly. "You need to listen to us."

"Okay. I will. I trust you." With that, we entered the warehouse. Quietly, we wandered until hearing voices from a farther room. Getting closer, I froze. "Oh, God…"

"What?" Myka turned towards me. "Do you know who that is?"

"I do. He's, technically, my ex-husband. Ian drugged me and forced me to marry him. The marriage was annulled. I'm going to fucking kill him if he's hurt Tessa." Anger boiled in my veins.

"Mariah," HG stepped in front of me, cupping my face. "Breathe. I know that anger. You can't let it get to you. It'll grow like a caner and…you'll try to destroy the world with a giant fork. Like I did." Taking a few deep breathes, I felt myself calm slightly. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah. Yeah. I'm good."

"Why do you want me? Where are we?" That's Tessa's voice. She's here and Ian was the one who kidnapped her!

"Because you, my dear, are bait. You being here will draw young Mariah out. She wouldn't come to me on her own, so I went after the thing she loves most."

"I won't let you get away with this! If you hurt her-"

"Silence!" Ian yelled. Hearing a smack broke my heart.

Jolting forward, HG took hold of my shoulder. "Let Myka go first." I agreed silently.

Both women took out their guns. Kicking in the door, the curly-haired agent held her gun at the ready. "Let her go, Ian!"

"Who are y-" Ian's attention shifted to me. "Mariah, my lovely bride. You've finally come back to me."

"Your bride? I wouldn't marry you the first time. What makes you think I will now?" Tessa sat in a chair to Ian's right. Her face was bloody. Her arms behind her, probably cuffed. "Tessa…"

"Because I have her."

"Mariah? What are you doing here? He's going to-"

"Silence!" Pulling out the crop, Ian snapped it. A man cocked his gun and held it against Tessa's temple. "Mariah will become my bride once more. She will continue her path by my side."

"My path has nothing to do with you! My path-"

"Deals with her? In a studio apartment? Paying every bill because she can't keep a job. You're better off with me."

"I'll never be yours, Ian. Never." I spoke through gritted teeth. Rage building inside me.

"Fine." Bending the crop, the gunman turned the gun on me. "If I can't have you, neither can she. Kill her!"

"No!" Tessa lunged towards me, blocking the bullet.

"Tessa!" Catching the musician in my arms, everything around me faded away. "What have you done?" Blood started to stain the woman's top.

"I saved you." A goofy grin tugged at my girlfriend's face. "I told you, I'd do whatever it takes to protect you. Even if you hate me for it."

"Tessa…" Tears streamed down my face as her eyes fluttered shut and head bobbed to the side. "Noooo!"