Disclaimer: I do not own Hey Arnold! Or anything else that probably sounds like you could make some money off of it.

Summary: Arnold can't decide which is harder: Raising a baby or figuring out his feelings for Helga.

Companion Piece to this story is called From the Dugout.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Sorry this was late, I had family in town that I hadn't seen in like...6 years, haha. It will probably be a couple days before the next upload, which is half intentional.

ALSO: In addition to the Companion Collection I mentioned I will be doing for this storyline, I have been outlining another story. I'd like to get some of your opinions on it and if it would be something you'd be interested in checking out.

Did My Heart Love Till Now?: "What If: Mr. Simmons had never done the play in Elementary school? What if he directed it when they were all in High School instead? This is an expanded take on Helga's schemes to kiss Arnold. AxH, slight AU." I wanted to expand on Helga's quest to become Juliet, while also building something up between Arnold and her throughout the preparations for the play.

Whoops, for got about last chapter's song.

Previous Chapter's Soundtrack: Something Special by Colbie Caillat

Current Chapter's Soundtrack: Somewhere Only We Know by Keane

WARNING: Not a very long chapter. Also, you might hate me. But I've made my peace with that.

Chapter 9

"Of Bomb Dropping and Prom Preparations"

Saturday. Early Afternoon.

Prom night was merely hours away as Arnold did his yard work in the afternoon sun. As he was going about doing his chores, Miles came outside and made his way over.

"Nothing like sweating like a pig out in the sun before prom, huh son?"

Arnold laughed as he wiped sweat from his brow, "Perks of being a guy means I take all of twenty minutes to get ready."

"Well, that's kind of what I wanted to talk to you about."

"What's that?" Arnold asked turned to give his full attention to his dad.

"I rented a room for you two at the hotel prom is being held at. Your mom and I don't want you guys worrying about when you need to be home, and to just be able to enjoy yourselves for an evening. We'll have Henry for the night, and you guys can go have fun with your friends."

"Uh...gee dad, thanks. That's really generous of you and mom."

Miles waved a hand, "It's not such a bad thing having to watch the little guy for the night, son. Besides, your mom and I know that it's a rare luxury to have a night to yourselves when there's a baby involved."

Arnold flushed with embarrassment and looked away, "Thanks dad."

Later.

Arnold was in the middle of putting an overnight bag together for the both of them when Helga entered the room with Henry. She placed him in his room and left the door ajar before getting some things together before Rhonda came to pick her up.

"Okay, so I'll be back later this afternoon after I get my stupid hair and makeup done. So, if you need to get ready, I can just watch Henry for you. I'll just get dressed once you're ready," finally noticing Arnold, she raised a brow, "what are you doing?"

"Dad got us a room for the night so we didn't have to stress about getting home or worry too much about Henry. He and mom said they'd watch him for the night."

Arnold happened to catch her eye in the midst of his packing, and figured the same thought that was in his mind was running through hers at the knowledge of having a room all to themselves.

Helga raised her eyebrow in a flirtatious manner, "I think your dad is a fabulous wingman for you, Football Head."

Arnold chuckled as he zipped up the bag, "Whatever you say, Helga. Whatever...you say," he finished slowly as his eyes settled on her, and everything clicked into place.

She noticed him staring at her, and she looked at him strangely, "Hey, Hair Boy take a picture, it'll last longer."

Arnold shook himself out of his daze, "I'm sorry." He stood up straight and stared directly into her blue, confused eyes, "I'm sorry it took so long for the rest of me... to catch up to what my heart has known for so long."

Helga stared at him with wide eyes, "Wha...what are you talking about, Football Head?"

Arnold held her gaze as he simply replied, "I love you."

Helga's jaw unhinged and she stared at him in complete shock.

Arnold continued in a rather composed manner, even though inside his heart wouldn't stop pounding, "I love you, Helga. I'm pretty sure now that I've been falling in love with you for years, and I know I don't ever want to be with anybody else."

Helga remained speechless, and being not particularly phased by her silence, Arnold picked up the bag and headed to the door, "I'll see you tonight, Helga."

And he closed the door leaving Helga standing there, stunned.