Apologizing in advance for any errors, I wrote the chapter and immediately uploaded ... I hope you get the gist of things. I'll edit later.

He's confused by Curly's frostiness. Sure they weren't exactly friends but they were usually cordial. Walking inside, Arnold's breath hitch echoes through the store and thoughts of anything else vanish in a snap as he takes in Helga's appearance from a distance. She is wearing a look that was on the gothic side. His eyes went from her near knee length boots to her fishnets, pink plaid skirt, black fitted shirt, black nail polish, black eyeliner/mascara and dark pink eye shadow. Along with that, she was wearing pink and black gloves and a black choker; her hair pulled back into two low free flowing ponytails held together by black ribbons.

His gaze moves up to her eyes. "Hey, Helga." She could hear the shock in his voice. He continues to check her out as she got closer. His eyebrows turn up making him appear marginally timid. He held his mouth as if he were going to whistle but no sound came out. "You look—"

She scowls, having feelings of deja vu - thinking that he was going to react like other guys have in the past. "If you dare... laugh or ask me to change I'll pound you!"

His eyes got big and proceed to talk in a higher pitch voice. "No! I wasn't - I was going to ask that or laugh ... I was just gonna say that you look .. um .. interesting .. buuut I like it." More than 'like' it, in fact, it's sexy as hell. Normally it would be a turn-off... How is this possible? ... she's dressed kind of devilish - but she still looks like an angel. Noticing her long slender legs in those fishnet stockings he briefly shut his eyes. Ah hell, how am I gonna get through the whole night being a gentleman with her looking like this? - With a stiff upper lip, that's how Shortman haha... Whoa huh.. that sounded like grandpa himself was speaking to me.

She peeks down trying to conceal the embarrassing color that she knew filled her cheeks. "Er. um ... I guess that means I won't have to pound you." There was laughter in her voice. "Not that I needed your approval anyway hair boy."

One corner of his lip twitched up and he squints one eye. "Right .. of course you don't. You're Helga G. Pataki... you always do whatever you want even if the world is against it. I've always respected that about you, a lot."

She chews on her lip and quickly checks him out. He's in a nice blue blouse - the sleeves are rolled up slightly - top buttons are undone. It's snug enough to show off his lean but toned chest and arms.

He is talking, she knew this because his lips are moving, but she didn't hear a thing. She couldn't resist staring into those enchanting green eyes and those lips that curled up into a genuine modest smile. He always looks so gorgeous... it should be against the law to be so fine. She frowns incredibly. Ugh he's making me so goddamn corny.

She swallows kind of hard realizing how she must have looked from his viewpoint - just standing there with what felt like an eternity staring at him.. Say something. Anything. "By the way you look ace." Her face felt hot, to point where she wouldn't have minded if cold water was thrown in her face. Why am I so nervous? Why is he so calm? A'duh you know the answer to that Pataki! Snap yourself out of this! Stop making it weird! "Well the best a guy with a football head could look." She laughs awkwardly, her hand going to her forehead. Doh!

"Thanks." He replies. Her eyes went elsewhere but she could feel him staring at her.. Ha . A compliment tied with an insult - that's something only she could pull off.

She catches the sight of her coworkers and boss staring at them like they are a painting. She nods and realized she was being rude so she introduced Arnold to everyone.

He turns his attention back on her. "Hey, thanks for agreeing to come out with me tonight." He finally became aware of Helga's coworkers mockingly batting their eyes. With a smile, he nods at them. "It was nice to meet you all." He looked to Helga like he was getting a little shy under their stares."Are you ready?"

"Yeah." She rolls her eyes with jovialness at her coworkers and waved them goodbye.

He lightly brushes a hand on her lower back and held opened the door for her. Ignorant to the fact of how his touch made her skin tingle.

She follows him outside. Gasping a little expecting the see the old fashion car he usually drove to school but instead he walked over to a motorcycle.

Arnold notices her expression and chuckles. "Sorry, I forgot to mention that I was gonna drive her." Her. Helga parroted in her mind. "I saved up from my part-time jobs over the summer and my father helped me out a little. I couldn't let anyone take her off the lot."

Helga folds her arms. "Ahem ... well, that's cool. I would never have taken you as the type to want or even get near a motorcycle... they're kind of risky and you're always been so careful and safe."

He clears his throat. "I got on one for the first time when I was nine. You remember Frankie G.?" Helga snickers but nods. He shrugs. "Well in spite of bad memories there .. ever since then I've wanted one of my own. So .. I guess that means Helga that even I have a side of me that's a little—"

"Phooey!" Helga bursts out into a bark of laughter before she could stop herself. She covered her mouth still with laughter in her face.

He raises his brows with an amused smile. His hooded eyes, he licks his lips looking at hers and back to her eyes. The fuck is he gonna say? She wonders but did fully want to know the answer because she had a feeling it was going to be something that made her insides do somersaults. "Huh.. don't believe me, eh? After all, we've experienced together in the past. You of all people should know that sometimes I'm not scared of getting .. dangerous, maybe even a little dirty." He winks at her.

That sends a shiver up and down her spine. Once again her body temperature increases. Why the hell am I losing my shit over a simple little wink - like I'm a freaking junior high girl or something ...

He climbs on the front and glances at the very still Helga just staring back at him, he chuckles. "What is it Pataki, are you too uh chicken, to hop on? I promise she won't bite and uh neither will I." He chuckled and his eyebrows rise. "That is unless you want us to." Laughter roars out and he squeezes his eyes shut.

. What's gotten into him? What's up with this pseudo-flirting? Is he trying to get back at me? Grr, I think this guy forgot that I'm the one that does the teasing!

Feeling a bit teed off but she couldn't get anything to come out her mouth. She knows that if she tries to snark back it would come out unconvincingly embarrassing - the idea of feeling humiliated in front of Arnold terrifies her.

She finally climbs in the back. As he starts to drive, Helga clung to him for dear life, not because she was afraid, she actually had experiences motorcycles. She just uses the excuse of being scared to hold on to him and get close to him as she could. Little did she know that Arnold was enjoying that... probably too much.

As the mansion with lots of cars and people out front comes into view, Helga knows that was the location of the party and as a result, she feels strong anxiety. Curly had put some degree of fear into her. Not at his words about Arnold because she trusts him immensely and knows that he would never intentionally hurt her. But her anxiety was the result of the knowing that she was in fact about to cross into enemy territory. But she shrugs as he pulls into the driveway and reminded herself that these kids were only human and fearing them was more than preposterous.

XOXOXO

Walking into the party, all eyes were on Helga, Arnold too. Not the eyes of innocent curiosity as to who was with one of the school's most eligible bachelor but of judgment and disdain. Everyone's dressed in trendy clothes that made perfect sense and were easy to the eyes, including Arnold himself. And here walks in Helga with her semi-Goth fit next to the school's male sweetheart.

Some, particularly some girls were bold enough to point and make insulting comments loud enough to be heard. Honestly, she expects this and it made her a little self-conscious she glances at Arnold who was looking straight ahead grimacing. Those around seemed shocked by his demeanor and his behavior in general ever since his run in with Brendan.

Feeling like she wouldn't be able to have a good time she started on her heels to run out the door but he caught her hand and leaned close to whisper in her ear. She could feel his warm breath trickling down her neck making her thoughts become slightly muddy. His hand gently brushed up to her shoulders. "Don't worry. We can get away from these morons. Trust me .. s-stay .. I have some cool people I'd like you to meet." Taking her hand again he pulls her through the crowd; which seem to all stop and give the pair their undivided attention.

While Arnold was politely guiding her through with a gentle yet tight tug, she spotted Harold or rather he spots her first. Harold was part of this crowd because he was jock, a star wrestler. He dons a look of wonder and curiosity because of A. her presence at this party. B. being with Arnold of all people. C. her outfit. After stopping to narrow her eyes at him without changing her expression she holds out her fist, waiting on his response. He lifts his own fist to dab her a few times. "Cool..." He mumbles once she had walked off.

Arnold brings her to where he knows some of his own close friends would be including the person who was hosting the party.

She's a girl who is very well known 'perfect' girl; rich, smart, well liked by all crowds, stylish, beautiful etc.. She and Arnold had become good friends while working on student counsel a few years prior.

Being introduced to her, Helga would have been envious and felt intimidated being in her presence because she is the spitting image of the kind of girl that Arnold would pine for. Even though she did feel a tidge of those emotions, she was just trying to have fun and be confident in herself. After all, he did spend those lunch periods with her during the week and invited her here so in her mind, it's possible that he likes her at least to a certain degree. So she feels slightly less threatened than she normally would have, had those early interactions never happened.

Getting to know all of his friends there, she regretted that she was only just now meeting them. They were a lot less judgmental and entitled than she would have assumed in the past. Kids who like Arnold did not just write her off because of her choice of clothing as some sort of freak of nature and seemed genuinely interested in getting to know her and hearing her opinions. She was shocked to learn that she similar hobbies or passions like writing, reading certain novels and taste in films. Letting herself relax into being more of herself, she looked over to him smiling at her, she sighed finding herself loosening up more.

XOXOXO

Arnold and Helga mingle on separate accords. But each of them, individually observe the other; managing to go unnoticed in doing so.

Helga hangs with Harold and his girlfriend Patty, known as 'Big Patty' from their childhood; who is now a high school graduate attending community college. She seems excited to see Helga, it had been some time since they last spoke. It was nice to meet new people but it was comforting to be in the presence of familiar faces.

She shifts her attention from Harold and Patty because she heard his laugh. It's music to her lobes, gentle yet audible and recognizable on an instant - despite all the noise. Her eyes on him as he stops laughing those crinkles around his eyes slowly fading away, his lips still curled up. She leans up against the wall in a position that she couldn't be spotted by him and continues to watch him. She for the first time in a while gave herself the freedom to let her mind wonder about him.

Look at him. He's so beautiful. Everything about him. Those green pools, that soft smile, the way his hair is randomly sprouted all over his head unruly in a way that only he could make that look good. His scent, his soft voice with a taste of huskiness and then there's his body .. whew.. I can't go into details. Biting down on her index finger continuing to secretly study her love from afar, her eyes not full of lust but more admiration - love. More than his looks he's so warm, social able, inviting, engaging, totally capable of making everyone around him feel comfortable and liked by him. He seems to really listen to everything everyone has to say patiently. Unlike most people he really listens, not just simply standing there hearing words - waiting for his turn to spit verbal. Everything about him is genuine, natural .. he wears his kindness on his sleeve - leaving him vulnerable to be taken advantage of, but he hasn't allowed that to harden him much.

Helga heard a soft but strong laugh and sees her, the girl she was introduced to earlier whose is hosting this party and she swallows hard. Oh fuck - look at her... I can't even hate. She's great.. I've seen her around school. Unlike 'Miss Perfect' Sawyer - she's for real sweet to the core, good conversationalist because she can pull everyone - anyone in .. without being annoying or overbearing about it...She pauses and her eyes go back to Arnold. I bet he has a crush on her... everyone likes her it seems. While I'm fucking polarizing. A low sigh escapes her. She's probably his new ideal since the Lila relationship didn't work out .. I wonder exactly why by the way .. She shook her head taking her mind off his old escapes. This chick is the real 'perfect' girl and Arnold would sure get along well and she would certainly treat him good.. she would give him the affection and kindness he deserves - better than I ever have or ever could. Suddenly some kind of way Arnold's eyes connected with hers. He smiles. His usual friendly smile albeit half smile and she felt as if he could read her mind, as if he knew she was having romantic yet depressing thoughts of him. She sighs. He's looking at me but - I don't think he notices me.. not in the way I want him to.

She needs to go somewhere she put her mind off him. Gazing away before she could catch the moony expression that fills his face and spotting room on a couch she pushed through guests to plop down on the couch.

Feet still rooted in the same spot his dreamy yet borderline glum eyes followed her as she moved nearly shoved people aside to get through. There she goes .. always on the move - He rubs his chin and continued to watch her cutting through the traffic. Ha, she lets nothing stop her - not even for a split second. A pensive look took over her face. I get easily distracted by my surroundings, I typically have to stop to make sure everything is in order before I can fully focus on whatever I want ... unless the situation is urgent. Not Helga, she's unapologetically assertive on a daily basis. Her wants and needs seem to precede the short-lived reactions of people. She could be easily written off as rude or selfish ... Many have said that about her; my best friend included. But she's really not out to intentionally hurt people, she can be harsh, but if she cares and you're important to her - she's there for you when you need her. Her good deeds seem always to be meaningful and unforgettable. A vigorous auspicious smile arose on his face. I know it'll be the best thing in the world when she opens up her shell, because I have a strong inclination that if successful, despite what others say - I'll find the softest most gentle person underneath. Unluckily she's always running away from me in many ways.. but I know that if she lets me in .. all those years of her shoving away from me will be worth enduring.

He observes as some guests came over and eventually started conversing with Helga. One of which was a football player who was known to have a edginess about him that seem to drive all the girls wild. He watched as they started interacting. This guy he's like .. . A lot girls seem to go crazy over him - Helga isn't like most girls - she does her own thing .. so I don't think - or at least I hope that she doesn't share their sentiments. This guy seems to have more in common with her persona wise than I do. They both have a way with words - razor sharp wittiness. .. but I think - no I know I would treat her better and appreciate her more than him or any guy honestly... He pulls his eyes off the guy and back on her. She was smiling with amusement and Arnold couldn't hold back his own smile as he continued to gaze at her.Her face is... as soft as a flower... Beauty that sneaks up on you when you least expect it .. but once it sinks in - you never ever forget it. You're forever captured.

Mouth feeling dry, he forces his eyes off her, he goes to get a drink from the kitchen. Suddenly arms wrap around his neck. He smiles but when he turns around his smile twitches down at the sight of who those hands belong to. There was Lila standing there grinning like a Cheshire cat, he had no animosity towards her at all but he always likes to keep a safe distance. Something about her demeanor and body language right now was making him feel uneasy.

"Oh - Hi Lila." He smiles amicably. "Nice to see you here." He pours two cups and then glances at her. "Well .. I have to get back out there and take this to someone." He was about to attempt to pick up the cups and leave, but she blocked his path and practically backs him into a corner.

"Arnold..." Her voice is low-toned and inviting. "You haven't said much more than a few words to me since school started back. Why is that? I know that we're no longer together but..." She eliminates the space between them. "I'm ever so sure that we can quickly get very close." She places her fingers on his shoulder. "I know you're here with her .. I know you've been spending your lunch periods with her. I think that's ever so sweet. But if you give me another chance, our time together will be so much better than sweet. I can make you feel like you're the only man in the world. In more than one way... if you get my drift, Arnold." She moves in to try to kiss his neck but he dodges it.

In disbelief; he couldn't believe what's going on in front of him. He thought of her as a friend, but this person in front of him is a stranger. He frowns, confused and also irritated. "I think I get the drift." He sighs. "Lila - we broke up sophomore year. I thought I explained everything clearly to you back then and it seemed like you understood me. What's going on with you? Why do you suddenly think things are going to change?"

She eases her fingers gently up his arm while eyeing his lips. "I've been waiting for the right time to try to win you back. Because I know that she could never ever do the things to you that I can. I'll admit, she's ever so special, her looks are youthful and haven't changed much over the years her body is oh so cuuute, like a little girl." Arnold looks baffled because, for one thing, she was painting a picture of Helga that he didn't agree with at all, and also because at this passive aggressiveness. She briefly places her palms on her hips. "Now I know you don't want a girl... when you could have a woman, I'm sure as you can see with your own gorgeous eyes - since we were last together I've grown in all the right places. And guess what? I want you." Her fingers now on his collarbone moving slowly down his body.

Most males would probably be turned on, she had the kind of figure that could turn heads with a matching face and voice that could weaken many. Arnold was once one of those guys at one point in his life. But for the longest he's too far captivated by someone far more beautiful. Before her fingers could reach his groin he grabs at her wrists to make her stop touching him with annoyance filling in his face. Yet he still tries to be polite and not too harsh with her. "Look, I'll be the judge of who I want, since it's my own feelings we're discussing here."

She slides her finger around her mouth and slowly into lips all while keeping her eyes on Arnold. She takes her finger out. "Why don't you let your little head do the thinking..."

To her shock, Arnold's expression reflects reproach and maybe even pity. He firmly moves her out of the way to pick up the two cups. "You have a good night Lila." He scampers out of the kitchen and she stood there stupefied; since high school began, rarely had a guy ever dreamed of turning down her advancements. For Helga of all people.

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