A collection of one-shots, in a universe where Helga wasn't a bully.
"Okay, everybody together! We can do it!" Arnold encouraged, securing his hold on the rope as he prepared himself to reel his teacher in from the dangerous flood. It was unexpected, it was terrifying, but Arnold had stepped up, as he normally did, and assumed a leadership role. He gave Helga a reassuring nod, and she returned the gesture with a shaky smile that told Arnold she was going to be just fine. It was her he was most worried about, so he kept her close to him, should something happen. Arnold turned back forward, gripping tightly and pulling in tune with the other fourth graders.
After a few tugs, Mr. Simmons' was just within reach. All someone had to do was reach out and grab him, and he'd be safe again.
Helga leaned over before Arnold could stop her, attempting to grasp tight Mr. Simmons' hand and pull him in. The water, however, was too shallow, and didn't reach the window enough for her to safely balance out of it. While she held out a hand for her teacher, a determined look on her face, she could feel herself topple over, and she let out a high-pitched screech as she plunged head-first into the frigid rain water.
Arnold's heart stopped as soon as he realized that she was no longer safely by his side, and, before he even knew he was doing it, he let out a terrified shout. "NO!"
His heart raced when the girl resurfaced. She was thrashing about as she tried to not only stay afloat, but to also avoid being swept away by the surprisingly strong current, and she shrieked back, "ARNOLD!" while reaching forwards in the hopes that he could somehow extend his arms and sweep her out of harms way.
The football-headed boy was hardly comforted when Mr. Simmons took hold of Helga's wrist to stop her from drifting away. He knew two people were harder to reel in than one, and she was still submerged in twenty-feet deep water, and he had almost... he had almost lost her... Something in him hardened, and his look of concern turned to one of anger, determination, and just a bit of fear; his lips turned twisted in a deep, open-mouthed frown, and his eyebrows furrowed when he briefly glanced at the other fourth graders beside him. They were worried, that was evident, but he felt all the angrier that they didn't seem as absolutely terrified as he was. His voice, dripping with adrenaline, shouted at them, "Pull 'em in, guys! Now!"
With a few more hefty pulls, both Mr. Simmons and Helga were safely inside of the classroom, and Arnold's heart, (which had already been racing marathons in his chest), seemed to pick up even more speed when he fiercely gathered the pigtailed girl into his arms. His eyes squeezed shut and his lips pursed together as he ordered himself not to get emotional. His grip on her tightened when he felt her wrap her arms around his body, too.
"Helga, don't ever do that again," he bit harshly, burrowing his face deeper into her saturated hair.
The girl smiled softly at his concern, but just rubbed soothing circles into his back. Her own heart was beating pretty fast, but she knew that he was worrying about the ordeal way more than she was. "I promise," she finally answered, her voice just over a whisper. She pulled back slightly so she could see his face, and her heart almost broke at the hurt and stress that plagued the boy's eyes. She wanted to question him about why he was so worked up, (especially because she was safe now), but something about the moment told her to save the interrogation for later. She took hold of his face in her hands, her thumbs stroking his cheek bones, as she said, "You saved me."
Arnold's wide eyes grew just a tad more half-lidded at her praise, but he was still so broken up inside at the prospect of having to live without her that he just couldn't return her smile. Not yet. Instead, he just shook his head, putting one of his palms over the back of her hand as it rested on his cheek. "It wasn't me. It was all of us. I'm just..." He sighed deeply, staring as far into her eyes as he could. "I'm just so happy you're safe."
Helga didn't think of her actions when she just leaned forward and put her lips delicately against his. Instinctively, Arnold's lips puckered in return, and his other hand came to rest atop hers. It wasn't the first time they'd kissed, (they'd actually lost count of how many times they'd found their lips touching the other's), but there was something about that kiss in particular that felt... different. Their lips didn't move; there was no sensual caressing; neither child felt the need to moan or give auditory confirmations of pleasure. It wasn't the sort they gave each other as a way of saying hello, or a brief thank you for a birthday present. It was sweet and gentle, sure, and yet filled with loyalty and promise. When she pulled back after a little more than a few seconds, Arnold finally drew up the happiness to return her smile.
"There's that classic Football Head smile I love so much," Helga said in her best attempt of lightening the mood. He grinned at her humor, his eyes growing certifiably half-lidded as he waited for her to say whatever else was on her mind. There was always something else on her beautiful, beautiful mind... "I know you won't take credit for it, but really, Arnold. Thank you."
At her sincerity, Arnold sighed, feeling rather lovesick. "I love you, Helga."
Helga giggled, beginning to rise to her feet and dragging a dazed Arnold with her. "I love you, too, Football Head."
They gazed at each other for a few more seconds, soft smiles on their faces, before a interrupting cough from Gerald's direction drew them from their stupor. They blushed and averted their eyes, clearing their throats as a way to dismiss the situation, but the laughter of the other children and the kind smiles from the more mature fourth graders told them that the moment wouldn't be forgotten for a long time.