Again, thanks to my beta Misery Loves Sarah for looking over the chapter, even though she was very busy!
You see, no matter how hard I try, I never get to write a really long chapter. And I really, really tried but I didn't made it over 2,500 words...
To all who do this easily: I admire you!

Enjoy ^^

Helen woke to the warmth of a strong body pressed against hers. Long arms were wrapped around her curled form, shielding her from the rest of the world. She didn't dare move her upper body but instead traced her hand lightly over John's chest. He was smooth and warm, everything Helen needed right now. This comfort and protection were what she had missed the most all those years. Just for once not being the one to protect, to save and to comfort, to decide, to order and to renounce.

Slowly, Helen closed her eyes again. She pressed her forehead against John's chest and listened to his steady heartbeat. Being with him made everything seem so peaceful and easy. Just by watching and being near him, she could feel love flooding her heart, warming her body and dulling her mind. How much she'd missed this feeling. The noise of his deep breaths lulled her back into repose and dulled her mind.

But Helen Magnus wouldn't be Helen Magnus if one tiny part of her mind wouldn't analyze the last night. She wanted to ignore it but it kept her successfully from sleep. Helen wanted to stay in John's arms, to not leave the warmth but it drained her thoughts and made it hard to think clearly. Eventually she slipped out of bed while trying not to wake him.

Helen sat on the side of the bed for a while and took in John's peaceful features. His right hand was now rested over his chest. His face bearing no anger or hurt, he looked rather happy and calm. Dark strands of hair, almost long enough to reach his closed eyes, spilled all over the pillow. For a short moment she thought about slipping into his arms again but she remained still.

Finally Helen turned her gaze away from him and rose from the bed. She spotted John's long, white shirt and decided to put it on. It smelled like him and she wasn't fully without his calming presence. The white fabric went to her knees and kept her rather warm. After glancing back at John one more time Helen left the bedroom and went to clear her thoughts.

John woke to the missing warmth of a body beside him. Disappointment flooded his mind before he'd even opened his eyes. What had he expected? He pushed his hair off his forehead and sat straight up in bed. Looking around the room John saw Helen's clothes still lying on the floor. Hope filled his heart as he grabbed his jeans and found his shirt missing. Maybe she hadn't run away from him as fast as she could. He put on his pants and went looking for her.

Helen stood on the small terrace at the back of the house her arms wrapped around her. It wasn't that it was cold. In fact it was much warmer than last night and the entire past week. The sun warmed everything in it's light, making it seem like it was mid-August instead of mid-September. The sky was clear blue and birds were singing in the trees nearby.

But Helen didn't notice any of it. Her gaze was far away as were her thoughts. She was confused by the tangle of emotions; feelings she hadn't experienced in a very long time. There was an unexpected uncertainty to what she should do now. On one side Helen knew she had duties, things that had to be done. The Sanctuary needed a leader who was aware of all the responsibilities lying on her shoulders.

But she was so tired of being alone and isolated. She wanted to be free, to feel the comfort and safety of having a man, having John by her side. To be honest that thought scared her a bit. How could she, after all he'd done, still crave and love him like no other? Maybe, just maybe this was their second chance together. Now, when all fights were fought and the storm had died down, Helen desired to have a solid and familiar person in her life.

She closed her eyes as a warm breeze washed over her face and lost herself in her thoughts again. On the edge of her consciousness she could feel a presence step through the door of the terrace but she didn't show any reaction. Instead Helen started to think about what she to do next.

John smiled lightly as he finally found Helen standing on the terrace. She was wearing his shirt and had her back to him, her arms wrapped around herself. Though he wasn't able to see her face he could tell she was lost in thoughts. Unsure of what to do with himself he remained where he was and continued to watch her.

Whatever decision Helen made, John wouldn't argue. Of course he hoped she would stay with him or at least not throw him out of her life, but if she told him to leave her alone he would. What he'd do afterwards was another matter though. There would be nothing left that tied him to this life then. But she didn't have to ever know this.

He hesitantly took a step forward, trying to make her turn around. "Helen..." His voice was soft. But she didn't turn and he didn't have the courage to go to her. Even though he'd touched and discovered ever spot of her body again last night he still didn't know what was going on in her head.

He made a last attempt at getting her to respond. "I can make breakfast... if you want to eat something..." But again Helen didn't react and John let his shoulders fall in resignation. He could not stand the silence any longer and instead turned to go make some breakfast.

Helen had heard him but feared to face him. She needed to think this over and seeing him wouldn't have made it any easier. So, she'd not said anything and left him to his thoughts. The hurt in his voice almost changed her mind, but she'd shut it out. Finally, Helen had heard John leave to make breakfast.

She inhaled a deep breath and let the fresh air fill her lungs. After standing at the terrace for good half an hour Helen had come to a decision . She let the warm wind wash over her face again and it took away even the last of her doubts. Eventually she opened her eyes, blinking against the sudden brightness. She then turned and made her way back into the house.

John had set the small kitchen table as best as he could and was about to cut up fruit when Helen enter. She stood in the doorway and watched him as he continued. The silence got heavier as she slowly approached the table while he placed the plate of fruit on it. Noticing that he'd forgotten the rolls John turned to the oven and got them out. He was relieved that she was willing to eat with him. It meant there was hope.

Helen sat down and watched John's bare back as he handled the oven. She quickly stared at her plate as he rose and walked towards her. He sat down in the opposite chair and handed her one of the rolls. She hesitantly took it and they began to eat in silence. Helen didn't know how to begin and so she kept her eyes locked on the table.

John, who couldn't endure the silence any longer, was the first to speak. "Do you want tea? I've just made a fresh pot..." But instead of responding, Helen just looked at him and nodded. John rose from his chair and went to get the teapot. He made sure that she couldn't see how much her silence hurt him.

Helen knew it wasn't fair to let him suffer, but it was hard to find the right words. She watched him take a deep breath before he turned to face her again, teapot in hand. John tried not to look at her while he poured her a cup of tea and sat down again. Helen recognized the sadness in his eyes she reached over the table and took his right hand in her left. He searched her eyes, surprised, and a hint of a smile crossed her face. Helen looked down at their hands and slowly raised them to lace her fingers with his.

John closed his eyes at the contact of her hands. He could feel Helen lace her fingers with his and the warmth of her hand soothed him and settled his mind. This was a good sign but he'd have to wait for her to reveal her final decision. He opened his eyes again and saw her smiling lightly. John followed her gaze and looked at their joined hands while he waited for her to speak.

Helen fumbled with his fingers nervously, before she finally spoke for the first time this morning. "I've thought very thoroughly about last night..." She chose her words carefully, hesitating as she tried to find the best way to present herself. "And I've come to a decision."

Helen could hear John take a sharp breath at her words. She raised her head and found him staring at their hands. The hope in his eyes gave her the courage she needed to tell him of her choice. She stroked his hand lightly but as he didn't look up Helen riveted her eyes to his blue orbs and spoke again.

"I don't want to lose you."

Her words had only been a whisper, but he'd heard them nonetheless. John looked up from their laced hands and locked his gaze with hers. When he'd finally processed her words his heart swelled with relief and happiness.

Helen saw the surprise on his face and felt the need to speak further. "Last night showed me that I'm still yours, that I always was and always will be. No matter what deep wounds and scars you left in my heart, you made them disappear."

She smiled at him, not an ironic smirk or fake grin, but one that reached her eyes and made them twinkle. She hadn't smiled like that in a very long time.

"I've tried to hate you, to make you responsible for all the pain I felt..." Helen shook her head slightly, her thoughts drifting further. "All those years I denied my feelings for you, afraid you would break my heart again, afraid of the consequences. But I want to be with you, I want to give us a second chance..."

John couldn't believe what she'd just said. It was more than he could have ever hoped for. He wondered if he was dreaming, but Helen sat opposite him, holding his hand while she gave him a loving smile. He squeezed her hand in return, convinced now, that she was really there. Helen looked at him expectantly and he knew it was his turn to speak now.

"You know how I feel. I would love nothing more than to be with you..." He returned her smile, his eyes never leaving hers. He would do anything to be with her but the question was what would happen to his current life?

"What will happen to me?" He knew she wouldn't give up her Sanctuary and he wouldn't expect it of her.

Helen had thought about that before. John had built himself a life in Germany, one she would be excited to share but she couldn't leave the Sanctuary on it's own. "I know you found a life here, but would you come with me?"

John thought about it for a moment, but it wasn't necessary. His decision was already made. "If you would have me, I would be happy to go with you." He would have to sell his house and quit his job, but he didn't bother thinking about it at the moment. Helen was with him and that was all that mattered right now.

They continued to talk while they ate their breakfast, an air of contentment settled on them. It seemed like fate had really given them a second chance. They decided to slowly renew their relationship, taking one step after another. They had time now and Helen didn't want to rush anything.

She would talk to Will. John could work at the Sanctuary and help her when Henry and Will were gone. The thought of him being near her constantly lightened her heart and for the first time since Ashley's death Helen felt something like hope. She wouldn't have to be lonely anymore. Everything would turn out right.

Helen smiled happily to herself, her hand still linked with John's.

I really hope the end wasn't happening to fast. I didn't want to change it and so let it be the way it was.
I'd love hearing what you guys think :)