A/N: Your support is amazing. Thank you. I got a day off work and this wouldn't leave my brain, so here you go a little earlier than usual. Enjoy! And in case you forgot, I really do own nothing.
Chapter 8 - Home
It took longer than either Myka or Helena had hoped for Myka to get discharged from the hospital. When 6pm rolled around, there was some talk of her not getting to go home until the following morning. And honestly as Myka slept most of the day away, she may not have cared one way or another if she was going home on Tuesday night or Wednesday morning. But after their early morning conversation, she was concerned for Helena and felt that getting her home and fed and well rested was as important as her own recovery. Although the hospital had brought food in for Myka earlier in the day, neither woman had much of an appetite and barely picked at the items on the tray. Home is where they would find comfort in food and family.
Earlier in the day a nurse had come by and helped get Myka a little more ready to leave, getting her out of bed and moving around, and assisting her in getting as cleaned up as possible in the en suite, even though she couldn't quite shower yet. Her vitals were all good and her pain meds were effective, so by 7pm, Vanessa and Dr. Moore were both present in Myka's room and home care instructions were reviewed with the two women. It was time to get the hell out of there.
Myka was sitting on the edge of the bed, legs hanging off, propped up as much by her own hands on the bed as she was by Helena's arm wrapped around her waist.
"I will have a nurse come in and help you get changed, and then you will be out of here." Dr Moore concluded. "I will expect to see you in three days for your followup, but any other checks will be conducted by Dr. Calder at home. I do hope you get some good rest Myka. I'm glad we were able to get you out of here as soon as possible."
"Thanks doctor." Myka replied sincerely. "I think I can manage to get changed with Helena's help." she continued. All of the support staff at the hospital had been friendly and competent, but she was not feeling the need to be exposed to one more person at this time.
Helena looked to the woman next to her before stage whispering. "Hmm... do I have to be on my best behavior?"
Myka gently swatted Helena on the arm that was wrapped around her waist. "Seriously? Do you want them to let me go home or not?"
Both Ashley and Vanessa laughed as they were making their way to the door. "Fair enough, I'll send a nurse in with a wheelchair in about 10 minutes. If you can both behave yourself, you should be changed and ready to go by then." Dr. Moore commented.
"Of course doctor." Helena replied with a mock seriousness to her tone.
"Ladies." Vanessa continued, "I'm going to go check in with Artie and Claudia and then I'll grab the car and be out front to drive you both home."
The doctors took their leave and Helena slowly slid off the bed and turned so she was standing directly in front of Myka. She draped her arms over Myka's shoulders and leaned in for a brief kiss. "Shall we get you out of here then?"
Myka simply nodded. "Can you grab my bag? I have some clothes to change into in there."
Helena made her way to the other side of the room where she picked up an overnight bag that was on the chair. Placing it on the bed and opening it, she found a pair of sweatpants, a loose t-shirt, and a front zip hoodie. She pulled the items out and moved back around to stand in front of Myka.
"Ready?" she asked gently.
"More than you can imagine." Myka responded.
Myka reached around her back to untie the gown she had on, but Helena beat her to it, wrapping her arms around Myka from the front. "Let me, darling."
Myka smiled at the tone of Helena's voice. "You do realize that I have to change, right? Not just undress?" Myka laughed. The light-hearted banter felt good. They were heading home, and that made every little thing better.
"Of course dear. And if I... oh, I don't know... happen to catch a glimpse of my gorgeous girlfriend in the meantime... That wouldn't be a problem now, would it?" Helena teased.
Myka laughed again and leaned forward to kiss Helena. "Well, I am completely covered in bandages. That are eventually going to turn into some pretty nasty scars. I'm feeling like 'beautiful' isn't going to be happening right now." Her tone changed to a bit more melancholy at the realization of what she was saying.
Helena slid the gown down, placing a kiss on Myka's neck, and then down between her breasts, and then a final gentle kiss just above the bandage on her abdomen. "You are beautiful." she reminded the woman before her. "You could be wrapped up like a zombie with a billion scars" she continued, keeping the tone light but sincere. "And you would still be absolutely." Kiss. "100 percent" Kiss. "Beautiful."
Myka had no words to respond to the woman in front of her, so she simply cupped the older woman's face and kissed her. When they pulled apart, Helena reached over and grabbed the t-shirt next to Myka. She brought it down over her head, placing another kiss to Myka's lips as soon as her head popped through causing Myka to laugh again. Myka managed to maneuvered her arms into the sleeves and then was helped into the sweatshirt.
"Thanks for the help." Myka spoke, speaking as much to the help boosting her confidence as she was to the help getting dressed.
"My pleasure. Literally. Just wait until we get to your pants darling." Helena laughed.
Myka swatted her again, but was internally grateful that Helena refused to let the teasing go. "Alright Wells, behave yourself. I wouldn't want to pop any stitches knowing those... expert hands of yours... are the ones helping me out." she teased back.
Helena smiled. "We wouldn't want that now would we." she commented. And then with a more predatory tone than either of them had expected, she leaned forward to whisper in Myka's ear. "But as soon as you are feeling up to it, you my dear, are fair game." she ended her statement with a nip to Myka's ear.
"Deal." Myka whispered back.
Reaching for the sweatpants, Helena guided one leg at a time into the garment, making sure to gently caress each calf as she slid the pants up. "Ready to stand up?" she questioned.
Myka nodded and grabbing the top of the pants, she slid forward off the bed pulling the pants up as she went. Helena placed both arms on Myka's hips to balance her, and when Myka was done, she brought their bodies a step closer together.
Myka leaned her head forward onto Helena's shoulder and they simply stood, absorbing each others warmth. Helena pulled back and looked into her lovers eyes before asking "Ready to go? I can go get the nurse."
"No need." they both heard spoken from the doorway, turning to recognize the nurse from the night before greeting them with a wheelchair. "I hear you're getting released for good behavior Myka. I am happy to be your escort out of this joint."
She slid the wheelchair up next to the ladies and Myka slowly lowered herself into the chair. Once in the chair, she grabbed Helena's hand as she was being pushed out the door. "Let's go home."
B&W~B&W~B&W~B&W~B&W
Myka was settled into the bed in the study, waiting for Helena to return from her shower. The drive home had been uneventful, if not a little draining. Vanessa assisted in getting Myka situated as soon as they arrived, Claudia retreated to the kitchen to prepare tea and a light snack for the two, and Jane and Abigail were present at the B&B, but doing their best to give Myka some space.
As soon as Myka hit the bed she felt like she could sleep. However Vanessa need to do some vital checks before that could happen. Although Myka had not had any luck getting Helena to take a break in the hospital, Vanessa insisted that she head upstairs to shower and change while Myka settled in. Realizing there was no arguing with the good doctor, Helena retreated up the stairs, much to Myka's relief.
"Honestly Myka, how are you feeling?" Vanessa asked.
"Honestly? I feel like someone removed a bunch of my insides and then sewed me back up. And it sucks." She replied truthfully, barely managing to keep a bitter edge out of her voice.
"That it does." Vanessa agreed, knowing there was nothing to be said to make Myka feel a whole lot better at that moment. "You should eat some food before you fall asleep. Building your strength back up has to be our first priority."
"I think I can help with that." Claudia commented from the doorway as she walked in with a tray of sandwiches, some fruit, and tea.
She placed the tray on the table next to the bed and handed Myka a cup of tea. "I know it's not coffee, but I figured this was probably best for the time being."
"Thanks Claud. It's perfect. I actually am a little bit hungry." Myka replied.
Vanessa rose from the edge of the bed and made her way towards the door. "I'll be back in a bit to check in on you. Eat, relax, sleep."
Claudia took up the spot on the bed that Vanessa had vacated. "I'm glad you're home Myka. I mean... I wanted to come to the hospital... but with the boys gone and Artie... being Artie." she trailed off. "And I knew you were in good hands with Vanessa... and Helena obviously."
Myka picked up Claudia's hand and smiled at the rambling young woman. She knew Claudia was trying to mask her obvious fear and concern without asking Myka how she was feeling. And Myka was grateful for that, already burning out on how many times she had heard that damn question. "Claudia, it's fine. I'm fine. I promise. A little sore, but that's too be expected. Nothing that I can't handle."
"Are you sure?" Claudia asked shyly.
"I'm sure." Myka nodded with her response, never losing eye contact with Claudia. "I promise I'm not going to lie to you Claud."
"Good. Because I know you all think I'm the kid around here and you need to protect me and all that bullshit. But seriously Mykes, I can handle it. You know that. And I want to be here for you. And help however I can." Claudia spoke with such sincerity and maturity that it made Myka realize just how grown up their young agent had become.
"Actually Claud, I do have something you can help me with, if you're willing." Myka realized that as much as she wanted to be the one to look out for Helena through all this, she wasn't always going to be able to. And as much as Helena would deny needing to be 'taken care of' she was going to run herself into the ground looking after and worrying about Myka if someone didn't keep her in check.
"Anything Myka, you know that." Claudia replied, anxious to find out how she could support her adopted big sister.
"First of all, if you say anything to Helena about this, it won't be good for either of us, so please keep this between us." she began, and waited for Claudia to nod in response before continuing. "She's worried about me. I get it. I know you all are and I can't even tell you how much I appreciate your support. But we're only on day two of this ridiculous journey, and she's already forgetting to eat... not sleeping... you know how she is when she thinks there is a problem to solve."
"I do." Claudia confirmed. "And I'm guessing you're going to need some help making sure she takes care of herself while she's taking care of you."
"She doesn't do 'idle' well Claud. I'm scared that all this might be too much for her. Waiting... watching... God knows if our positions were reversed I wouldn't be doing so well either. But... I can't be the reason..." she trailed off.
"Myka, HG is not going to break. Not again." Claudia spoke with complete conviction. And for good reason. She absolutely had to believe that these two women were going to be together for a very long time. The universe had been too cruel to them already. "And however hard this is for her, you have to remember it's not your fault."
"It's my cancer Claud... It's my fault she's not in Wisconsin living happily ever after... It's my fault she came back..." Myka couldn't stop the tears. "It will be my fault if she has to suffer through losing someone she loves again." she finished.
Claudia couldn't bear to watch her friend hold so much responsibility. She scooted forward on the bed and tugged Myka into a strong hug. "Myka you have to stop. She loves you and none of what is happening right now is your fault. She wants to be here and she will be ok. Just like you will be ok. She's stronger than you're giving her credit for." She pulled back looking Myka in the eyes and then continued. "I have your back. And that means I have her back too. Whatever you need me to do, I will. I promise."
"When did you get so smart, huh?" Myka joked.
Pulling completely away Claudia blushed a little. "Ha. Try telling Artie that some time." she joked.
Myka rested her hand on the knee of the young agent in front of her. "Seriously Claud. I mean, we all know you're a genius. But you're pretty damn smart too."
"Eh, I try." Claudia looked around the room for something to change the topic. "Oh! I brought a bunch of your stuff down here so you weren't terribly bored!" She hopped off the bed and circled the room pointing out items here and there. "So you have like every book that was sitting on your bedside table... Who reads four books at the same time anyway? Um.. iPad... stuffed giraffe... journal... didn't read it. Promise... comfy sweatshirts... secret stash of dvds...not so secret by the way... Sci fi fan? Really?"
"Stuffed giraffe?" Myka questioned with a laugh.
"Um... yeah. It wasn't exactly out in the open or anything, but I found it... not that I was totally snooping or anything. Anyway..." Claudia picked up the giraffe and looked it over. "It looked... loved. So I figured it was a comfort thing."
Myka reached out for the soft animal which Claudia immediately handed over. "Yeah, he is." was all Myka would say in response. "Thank you. This all is perfect."
Helena entered the study, looking refreshed. She wore a simple pair of yoga pants and a deep purple t-shirt. She had not bothered with make-up, her feet were bare and her hair was still damp from her shower. In Myka's mind, she had never looked so beautiful. "Hi there." she said on the way in. "Mind if I crash this little party?"
Claudia was the first to respond, Myka still in awe of the woman in front of her. "Of course not. Come on in. We were just about to hear the story behind Myka's giraffe." Claudia commented with a smile.
Helena turned to Myka who was holding the small toy and let out a heart warming laugh. "You kept him?" she asked in disbelief.
"Of course I kept him." Myka replied like it was the most logical thing in the world. "He was from you." she concluded.
"Aww..." Claudia squealed. "That's so sweet! Come on.. there has to be a story behind this and now I need to know!"
Myka couldn't help but laugh at Claudia's excitement.
"It was a couple years ago. When Helena had first come back to the Warehouse." she started. "It was the first mission we'd gone on just the two of us. Remember, the clown nose that caused everyone who touched it to see their loved ones as evil scary clowns?" All three shuttered at the memory of that particular artifact. "Well after the snag and bag, we had a few hours to kill before our return flight. We were already at a carnival and Helena was convinced that every carnival game could be beat, fixed or not, with a little understanding of basic physics." she laughed at the memory.
"I still hold that belief to be true!" Helena defended. "Even if it did prove to be more difficult to implement than I thought." she sighed in defeat.
"Anyway... after many extremely hilarious attempts, she finally won this little guy by knocking over some milk bottles." Myka laughed.
Helena picked up where Myka left off. "We were heading out of the park and I was simply going to toss him. Who needs a stuffed giraffe? But Myka insisted on keeping him. She acted like throwing him out was one of the seven deadly sins. For the life of me I couldn't figure out why."
"And now?" Myka questioned, wondering if Helena knew the true reason why Myka kept the stuffed toy.
"And now." Helena started, making her way around the bed and sitting down on the side opposite Claudia. "Now, I think you maybe wanted something to remember our first mission by." She plucked the toy from Myka's hands, looking down at him fondly. "I'm glad you kept him."
Although Helena was close, Myka wanted to correct her assumption. "Not our mission necessarily. It was the first time we really got to spend any time together without being in pursuit of an artifact. I felt like this guy represented the start of a very good friendship."
"Friendship, huh?" Helena teased.
"Ok, well it didn't help that I had a mad crush on you at the time. But you know... I was trying to be professional and all." Myka confessed.
"I do believe I had a 'mad crush' on you as well darling." She replied and leaned in for a small kiss. "I'm sorry it took me so long to get back here." she commented sincerely.
"Um... guys?" Claudia interrupted. "Still in the room..." she noted.
Helena chuckled at the girls obvious discomfort. "You did ask my dear. And every good love story has to end with a kiss after all." She emphasized her point by placing another, firmer, kiss to Myka's lips.
"Right, well... That doesn't mean I need to watch!" she replied, although the happiness she felt for her friends was apparent in her voice.
Myka couldn't help but prolong Claudia's uneasiness a little longer. "Well, imagine if you weren't here." she commented quietly.
"OMG. Stop. Just stop." Claudia protested. "Here." She said picking the plate of food up off the side table. "I brought you a snack. Eat. Both of you. The only thing I want to see going into those mouths of yours is food!" she declared. "Oh god, I can't believe I just said that." the light blush from earlier was a full blown scarlet red now.
Myka laughed and took the offered food from the young girl. "Right then, food." She smiled. After picking half a sandwich off the plate she passed it over to Helena.
"No thank you darling, I am not hungry."
Before Myka could respond, Claudia cut in. "Come on HG. Where are those proper British manners of yours. I slave away in the kitchen and you turn down my food?" she questioned innocently.
"I would hardly consider sandwiches..." she started to justify.
"Nope. New rule. I cook. You eat. Deal?" She asked, her playful tone turning a little more serious.
Helena was a little taken aback by the change in Claudia's tone. "Claudia, I don't see why..."
"Because you're family. And we all look out for family. So I'm just going to sit here and watch you eat. And if you want some alone time with this hot woman of yours, I suggest you get to it." Claudia knew Helena might be surprised by her little outburst, but she promised Myka, and she takes her promises seriously.
"I would listen to her sweetie." Myka commented. "I think all this 'going to be caretaker one day' has given her a bit of a mom edge. I know I don't ever want to cross it. But if you would like to call her on it..."
"Righty ho then." Helena sighed, resigned to the fact that for whatever reason, Claudia was dead set on her eating. She picked up a sandwich and quietly went about her business of eating it.
"Well, it looks like my job here is done." Claudia stood with a smile. "I hope you ladies sleep well." She started to head towards the door when she remembered one last thing. Redirecting herself over to the desk, she picked something up and turned back around to face the two women. "Myka, this is yours." she commented, resting the Farnsworth on the bed. "Pete said if they weren't back by morning he'd love to see, and I quote, 'her big ol' goofy grin.' So if you feel up to it you should give him a ring when you wake up."
"Got it. Thanks Claud. For everything." She gave a quick look to the woman next to her who still had a stuffed giraffe on her lap and had moved on to picking at the bowl of fruit. "I don't know what we'd do without you."
"Well," she smiled. "Lucky for you my plan is to pester you on a fairly regular basis. There will be no shortage of 'little sis love' going around." she called out as she exited the room.
Myka smiled and leaned back in bed while Helena took a moment to move the plate over to the side table before leaning back herself. Myka blindly reached for the other woman's hand and when she found it, she sighed in content. "Thank you for getting me home."
"Of course darling. Is there anything you need?" Helena inquired.
"Just you." She replied honestly. Her exhaustion was quickly consuming her. "Vanessa gave me my pain meds before she headed out, and honestly right now I just want to curl up and go to sleep. Is that alright?" she asked.
Helena leaned over and kissed the woman next to her. "That is more than alright."
Myka slowly slid down and then curled onto her side. She probably should still be sleeping on her back, but 'makeshift cuddling' was not going to cut it tonight. Pain be damned, she was going to curl up into the woman she loved and be held all night. Helena did her part to quickly wrap an arm Myka's shoulder and hold her tight.
Minutes passed in silence and Helena was sure Myka had fallen asleep when she heard a quiet "Helena?" mumbled into her chest.
"What is it darling?" she asked in an equally quiet voice.
"Claudia was right, you are family. Please don't forget that." she mumbled. Helena realized that obviously whatever going through her head was important enough for her to try and keep herself awake, and she wanted to put her mind at ease as quickly as possible.
"I won't. I promise." she replied honestly.
"If I get really bad, you have to let them help you too. Ok?" Although she tried to keep it out of her voice, Myka could barely mask the pleading nature of her request.
Helena sighed, knowing that accepting support from the team was going to be hard for her. But if it helped Myka sleep to know that she too was being taken care of by their family, then she would allow it. "Ok." She whispered, placing a kiss to the top of Myka's head. "I love you."
She felt Myka instantly relax and snuggle into her deeper. She barely made out the muffled "Love you too." before sleep consumed her. Helena let out a breath and thought through the emotional turmoil of the last few days. And shuttered at the realization that it was nothing compared to what was to come.