Myka decides to tell Claudia about Giselle's endangerment of Christina. This does not go down well...

Myka went to work the next morning and sent Claudia an email as soon as she got in, asking her to pop by if she got a minute on a personal matter. About ten minutes later the redhead was knocking at her door.

"What happened?" she asked, flatly, as Myka opened the door.

"Helena called me last night," Myka said, gesturing for Claudia to take the other chair. "Giselle said something awful about Christina and Helena threw her out."

"Shit," Claudia said, chewing on her nails distractedly.

"She didn't say anything to you last night, then?" Myka asked.

"No. Steve was having kind of a crisis with this guy he's been seeing so I was talking to him most of the night. So did you go babysit Christina then?"

Myka nodded, still shamefaced that she had become involved when she really should not be.

"And how was it?"

"When Helena was there, things were a little weird. I don't really know what was going on with her, she was so angry and hurt, and when I got there, she grabbed me and wouldn't let go. I know she's pretty tactile, generally speaking, but she has never just hugged me like that before. I didn't really know what to do. And then when she left, Christina was awesome – that kid is so damn sweet, seriously."

A genuine smile broke out on Claudia's face at that.

"She really is, isn't she?" she murmured.

"She is. But she told me that Giselle has been paying her to keep out of the way when Giselle is looking after her. That's what started the whole argument last night. And then Christina told me that Giselle has left her on several occasions to go out, God knows where. She always gets home before Helena comes home so Helena didn't know anything about it. And now I don't want to tell her, because of…you know, everything."

Claudia stared at her.

"Giselle left a 9 year old girl in the house on her own? To do what?" she asked, incredulous.

Myka shrugged.

"Christina didn't know. Giselle bribed her, and since this bribing Christina thing has apparently been going on for a while, it didn't seem that unusual to her. She just went to her room and kept herself occupied with books or toys or whatever like she always does when Giselle is looking after her. I don't think she even really knows how long it's been happening for."

"I'll tell Helena. Best if you stay out of it, I think, don't you?"

Myka nodded mutely. She had offered to help with Christina out of friendship, but this – getting in between two parents, one of whom she had feelings for – was definitely not a good idea.

"Thanks, Claudia. I know you and I aren't really friends, but I am worried about Helena and I don't want to get in the middle of this thing with her and Giselle."

Claudia looked at her curiously.

"Why do you think we're not friends?"

"Well, you've never really been that friendly to me. No offence."

"I suppose. But in my defence, I thought you were trying to move in on Helena even though she was with Giselle. But I'm still here if you need anything."

And with that, Claudia left, presumably to find Helena. Myka sighed and started reviewing her notes for her lectures.

When she was finished with her students for the day, she decided to pack up and go home early rather than go to visit Helena as was her normal habit on a Friday afternoon. She was tired and she really, really didn't want to make things any worse. She did send her a quick text just saying that she was heading home, and that she hoped Helena was doing okay after last night.

She went to bed early that night and the next morning, went to breakfast with Leena. She was surprised to see that Abigail was with the administrator; she'd never come along before. They ordered some food at their favourite greasy spoon and they chatted about Professor Nielsen's new girlfriend, Dr Vanessa Calder, who Leena had known for many years, apparently.

"She got divorced from her ex, Hugo, about three years ago, and Artie has been 'paying court' to her, as he puts it, for a year. I think they're going to get married. They're the most adorable couple ever, honestly," Leena said, eyes sparkling.

"So what about you, Leena?" Myka asked, "Any action in your love life?"

"No," Leena said, shaking her head ruefully. "I wish. I was kind of into your friend Pete for a while, but I heard he asked Amanda Martin out, so I think I've missed the boat, there."

"Really?" Myka asked, stunned. She had no idea.

"Yeah. He's just so - chilled, you know? Like he's totally happy with himself and the way he is. It's really nice to be around, especially after all the stress with students and the administration."

"You should have told me!" Myka protested. "I would have been your wingwoman!"

Leena smiled.

"I didn't want to put you in a compromising position. What if you asked him and he didn't like me? Then you'd have to tell me! That's hardly fair."

"Fair enough, I guess. But if it doesn't work out with Amanda, I'll see what I can find out, okay?"

Leena nodded, smiling.

"So what about you? Abigail says she thinks you have a crush on someone. Might it be who I think it is?" Leena asked, teasingly.

Myka's face fell.

"Oh, crap, Myka. What happened?" Abigail asked, putting her hand over Myka's.

"Nothing – not to me, anyway. I just kind of got in the middle of something, and now I don't really know what to do."

Leena smiled at her, tilting her head slightly.

"So you do like her, then. Helena?"

Myka nodded, biting her lip.

"Oh my God, I knew it! You guys would be so awesome together. I hope she gets rid of Giselle soon, that woman is totally bad for her. And Christina."

Myka made a face at that.

"Yeah, I'll say."

Abigail squeezed her hand.

"What happened?"

"I don't know how much I should tell you; it's not really my business. And Claudia is really kind of pissed with me for getting involved in the first place."

"You don't have to tell us anything, Myka. But it might make you feel better. It won't go any further, I promise," Abigail said, and Leena nodded in agreement.

"Okay. Well, I was speaking to Helena about a week ago, and she was saying that her and Giselle are kind of going through a difficult patch, and that she's not sure that Giselle cares about Christina because she never wants to spend time with her."

Abigail and Leena both nodded. Leena, especially, was well aware of how Giselle was about taking care of Christina, because she managed Helena's work schedule and had been forced to make last minute changes on more than one occasion because of Giselle.

"She looked so sad. I mean, she was nearly crying. And I've never, ever seen Helena cry. She's always so upbeat. So I offered to babysit if she ever needed my help. She said thank you and practically ran off and then I realised what a terrible idea it was – like I was trying to replace Giselle, you know?"

Myka took a deep breath.

"Anyway, last Thursday she called me at the last minute and asked me if I could babysit Christina because she had another fight with Giselle and Charles was away. So I went up there, and she just grabbed me as soon as I got out of the car – she was shaking and crying. I felt so damn bad for her. We went inside and I made her some tea. She told me that Giselle has been paying Christina to stay in her room and not 'bother' her. So Helena confronted her, and she called Christina a sneaky little bitch for snitching on her."

Abigail and Leena gasped in unison.

"That woman is such a complete knobjockey, seriously! Who says that? Who would do that?" Abigail asked, aghast.

"I know," Myka said. "But it actually gets worse. Anyway, when I was talking to Helena things got a bit intense – I can't really explain it. I just kind of put my hand on hers, sympathetically. I didn't mean anything by it. And she just looked at me like…I don't know. It made me nervous, so I started babbling and she went to get Christina. But it's been really awkward ever since. And that night, Christina told me that Giselle had actually gone out a few times and left her alone at night. She never knew why. And this bribing Christina to keep quiet thing has been going on for a long time – maybe years. I didn't tell Helena, because she was in this crazy angry mood when she got home on Thursday. So I just told her to get some rest and I left. But I told Claudia yesterday, and I think she's going to tell Helena."

Leena whistled.

"Wow. That is…that's not good. Helena is going to lose it. If there's one thing you don't do, it's mess with Christina."

Abigail nodded.

"She is going to go mental. Where is Giselle now? Did she finish with her?"

"I don't know. She threw Giselle out when she called Christina a bitch. What happened after that, I don't know," Myka said distractedly, running a hand through her hair.

"Shit. If Helena doesn't dump Giselle now, she's crazy. That woman – I do not know how she got Helena to go out with her in the first place, honestly. I've never seen her be anything other than unpleasant to anyone," Leena said, shaking her head.

Myka was picking at the tablecloth.

"I just kind of feel guilty – I should never have got involved. I have an ulterior motive here – I am crazy about Helena, you know? I understand why Claudia was so pissed at me – it's not like my motives are exactly pure when it comes to Helena." She stared at the tablecloth glumly.

Leena touched her hand lightly.

"Hey, Myka. You didn't do anything wrong. You were just trying to be a good friend. I know you have kind of ended up in the middle of this, but you just offered to babysit. You didn't shag her in your office or anything, did you? No? Then don't be daft. This is Helena's problem, not yours. If I were you I would just stay out of it and see what happens. I know Helena pretty well and I think she likes you – a lot, actually. So if you're patient, things might work out. You never know."

Myka smiled at Leena; the woman always seemed to know what to say to make her feel better.

"That's what Jack said."

"Sam's dad?" Leena asked.

"Yeah. I saw them last week and they told me I should be happy. They are the sweetest, seriously. They're like the parents I never had."

Abigail frowned.

"I didn't know you were an orphan, Myka."

Myka shrugged.

"I'm not."

"Oh."

There was an awkward silence.

"So, now I've totally weirded everybody out, does anyone want dessert?!" Myka asked, grinning.

Leena and Abigail laughed, and they ordered some cheesecake to share.

Monday came round again and Myka was incredibly busy getting her examination questions ready for her pop history classes, in between guitar lessons and her regular lectures. She was still in her office at 6.30 when an incredibly pissed off Helena burst into her office and almost slammed the door behind her.

"Myka Bering, why didn't you tell me what Christina told you about Giselle leaving her alone?"

Myka gaped at her.

"What?" was her eloquent reply.

"You told Claudia, but not me. Why? You saw me that night, right after Christina told you. Why on earth did you not tell me?"

Myka stared at her for a moment.

"I…you were so upset already, Helena. I didn't want to make it worse. And you know, I didn't really think it was my place. I'm sorry. I told Claudia right away. I just didn't know what to do."

Helena's eyes were blazing. She glared at Myka, her chin stuck out, arms folded across her chest.

"You should have told me, Myka. She's my daughter, for Christ's sake."

"I made sure you knew, Helena. I didn't want to upset you. And I didn't want to get involved. It's not my place. I'm sorry."

"You didn't want to get involved? What the bloody hell does that even mean, Myka? You know, Christina couldn't shut up about you all weekend, and now you're telling me you don't want to get involved? Well, sod that, Myka. I thought you were my friend."

"Helena, that's not what I meant. I meant I didn't want to get involved with your relationship with Giselle. I didn't mean anything else. Please, don't be mad."

"Too late, Myka," Helena snapped. "And don't worry, you don't need to 'get involved' any further. I wouldn't like to bother you with my problems."

And with that, she stormed out of the office, leaving a confused and extremely upset Myka Bering in her wake. After a few minutes during which she had to fight not to cry, she called Leena on the internal phone system, asking if she had time for a coffee. Leena was as busy as she was, if not busier, but she agreed anyway. They met in the deserted cafeteria a few minutes later, and Myka told her what had happened. Leena was sympathetic, as ever.

"I don't know what to do, Leena," Myka said, fighting back tears.

"There's nothing you can do right now, Myka. I would just give her some space. I'll talk to her when she's calmed down. Hopefully she'll realise that you were just trying to stay out of her relationship with Giselle. I'm sorry, Myka. It's shit that you got caught in the middle of all this. She split up with Giselle on Saturday, maybe that's why she's so mad. Giselle came back on Saturday afternoon with flowers and apologies, and Helena confronted her about leaving Christina alone. I don't know what Giselle said; Helena was too upset to talk about it, really. I just got the highlights. Anyway they're officially split up now so I think maybe you were just getting some of the backlash. It'll be okay. She'll settle down."

"I hope you're right," Myka said, her voice tight.

It was three weeks before she even saw Helena again, apart from small glimpses here and there. Myka decided to forgo her usual Thursday night outings to see the Caretakers and instead took some work home. God knows there was enough of it; the weeks before examination time were horrible. It was stressful enough at the best of times. As things stood, it was torture. She missed Helena fiercely. No matter what her other feelings were for the woman, she was her friend first and foremost, and being at odds with her, not having her to talk to – it was difficult and Myka felt like something was missing, something vital. She saw Pete a few times at work, but he was busy with a new job - he was in the orchestra for a production of Jesus Christ Superstar at the Opera House and didn't have time for anything other than a quick hello. So Myka buried herself in her work.

She decided to go to the Thursday gig a few weeks later, and sat at her customary table, hoping that Helena might have calmed down. Judging from how she avoided Myka's eyes, she had not. Thankfully, Abigail and Joshua were there, along with Todd, Claudia's new boyfriend, and Steve's even newer boyfriend Dave. They were a nice bunch, chatting amiably, and Myka had a pretty good time. But after one too many glances at Helena, with the woman pointedly ignoring her smile, she decided to call it a night. She went to go to the bathroom on her way home and had a call from Tracy, her sister, which she picked up. She was just calling for a chat, and Myka was on the phone for about 10 minutes in the corridor outside the bathrooms. As she hung up and turned to go into the bathroom, she almost collided with Helena, who was just leaving.

"Oh, sorry," Myka said, surprised.

Helena glared at her. Myka held up her hands in defeat.

"Fine. Be like that if you want, Helena. Goodnight."

She went to move past Helena, and found herself pressed up against the wall of the corridor, Helena's hand on her shoulder.

"How dare you blame me for this, Myka?! You deliberately hid information from me about my daughter. I trusted you."

Myka was suddenly extremely pissed off. The situation was a nightmare. All she had done was try to help.

"What the hell, Helena. You're pushing me around now?" Helena's face was inches away from her own, her teeth slightly bared and her eyes dark.

"I didn't do a damn thing wrong, Helena. I told Claudia. I tried to stay out of your relationship with Giselle, that's all. I didn't want to lose you," she almost shouted.

"Why? Why didn't you tell me yourself?"

"Why the hell do you think, Helena?" Myka shouted, exasperated and near tears.

Helena stared at her. And suddenly Myka was being kissed, kissed by a pissed off, sexy-as-hell Helena, who was grabbing Myka's hair and Helena's tongue was doing amazing things in her mouth. She tried hard not to reciprocate but damn - it felt so incredibly good that she couldn't help herself. It was all starting to get a bit out of control – hands in new places – when there was an exaggerated cough from behind Helena.

"HG, we need to start the second set."

Helena turned and said, casually, "Yes, Claudia, I'll be right out."

Myka almost groaned. Of all the people, it had to be Claudia.

"Okay. And Myka? We need to talk."

Shit. Myka did groan then.

The door closed behind Claudia and Helena raised an eyebrow at Myka quizzically.

"What was that all about?"

"Uh, it's kind of a long story. I think I'm going to have some explaining to do."

Helena just looked at her, seemingly just enjoying the chance to do that without any need to look away. Myka stared back, biting her lip. She had no idea what to do now. Helena was in her arms, they'd kissed for the first time, and she had no idea what came next, if anything.

"Should we talk?" she asked, quietly.

"I think that might be a good idea," Helena murmured, before leaning up slightly to kiss Myka again.

"What was that for?" Myka asked, slightly breathlessly when they broke apart.

"I just wanted to do that while I still can," Helena said, before kissing her again. What did that mean? Myka's head was spinning from a mixture of Helena's kisses and her own confusion about the entire situation.

"I have to go," Helena murmured against her mouth. "Will you stay? We can talk afterwards?"

"Sure."

Myka kissed her once more, lingeringly, before letting Helena go. She went into the bathroom. Her legs were trembling and didn't want to hold her up any more, so she went inside the bathroom stall and sat on the closed lid, taking deep breaths. This was not what she expected when she came here tonight. She thought that, at best, Helena might speak to her. She took another shaky breath as she thought about what had actually happened.

It took her a few minutes to gather herself together, but she returned to the crowded union and went back to sit with Abigail and the guys for the rest of the band's set. She must have looked strange because Abigail leaned over and asked if she was okay.

"Sure, yeah. Whatever you think," she said, dazed as she watched Helena play, Helena's long fingers on the keys - fingers that she was trying hard not to imagine doing other things.

"What the hell just happened, Myka? You were going home, remember? Hello?"

Abigail actually tapped on her head to get her attention.

"Earth to Myka!"

Myka finally came out of her daze enough to realise that Abigail was talking to her.

"Shit. Sorry, Abby. I guess I zoned out there for a minute."

"Yeah. And the rest. Did you…" she lowered her voice slightly, "What the hell just happened? Because Helena Wells is never late back on stage, and she just was, for the first time ever. And she looks just as dazed as you do."

"Uh…I'm not sure what you just said," Myka managed, still staring at Helena.

"Myka Bering, did something just happen between you and Helena?" Abigail whispered urgently.

Myka's head snapped round.

"Shit. Is it that obvious?"

"Yes, it fucking is! Are you serious?"

Myka nodded stupidly. Abigail squealed – actually squealed – and enveloped her in a hug.

"What was that for?"

"I'm just so pleased for you! Seriously!"

Myka grinned, suddenly realising what had just happened. Helena kissed her. Helena wanted her. The circumstances were definitely not ideal, but she knew that whatever else happened, she was wanted by the woman she was madly in love with. Helena turned her head and caught her expression, grinning back.

The band could have been playing thrash metal for all the attention Myka was paying. She only had eyes for one person. When the set ended, Helena came down to their table and Abigail stood up, taking Joshua with her. The guys went to catch up with Steve and Claudia. Helena sat down next to Myka and stared at her, not speaking.

"Hey," Myka breathed.

"Hi," Helena managed in return.

"Are you okay?"

Helena smiled.

"A little dazed, I think. Could I…would it be too much if I asked you to come home with me right now?"

Myka's heart leapt.

"Where is Christina?"

"Staying with Charles."

"My place is five minutes away, if you don't have to go home," Myka countered.

"Righty-ho then. Your place it is."

Myka grabbed her coat and Helena followed her mutely. Myka waved at a grinning Abigail as she left. They made the short walk to her building and Helena followed her upstairs silently. As soon as the door closed behind them, though, Helena was in her arms. Myka let herself go as she kissed Helena back fervently, tasted Helena's mouth, ran her hands through Helena's hair, hair that she'd dreamed about touching since she'd first seen it. Helena's hands were in Myka's hair and her fingers were scratching at her scalp and honestly she felt like she might just die right now, right this minute.

"Are you okay? Do you want me to stop?" Helena asked.

Myka stared at her dumbly. Stop? Why on earth would she want that?

"No," she said, as if it was the stupidest thing she'd ever heard.

Helena grinned.

They started kissing again and things got heated very quickly. Helena's hands were roaming, in places Myka wouldn't normally have allowed on a first date (if this could be counted as a date) but she didn't care. She guessed from the taste of stout lingering in Helena's mouth that she had been drinking, and so too had Myka. Helena was an incredible kisser, and her roaming hands were roaming in all the right ways. They were pretty much just grinding against each other like horny teenagers. Myka thought she should try to slow things down because Helena had only just broken up with Giselle. She was getting ready to say something about how they should talk and then she couldn't say anything at all because Helena was on her knees and Helena's arm had snaked up in between her legs, grabbing Myka's ass and hips and holding her close and Helena's mouth was on her and when the hell had she pulled down Myka's jeans anyway? Then it was all Myka could do to stay upright. She grasped the top of the door sill above her head and held on for dear life, her head banging against the door behind her while Helena's tongue and lips and teeth did amazing things to her. It didn't take long before she was there - she was a little drunk, after all. She bit her knuckles to keep from swearing or screaming and still let out an incredibly loud groan that probably disturbed most of her neighbours. She looked down at Helena, who was staring up at her with an expression that she didn't recognise.

"You are so beautiful, Myka."

Myka slowly pulled Helena upwards, stepping out of her jeans and underwear as she pulled Helena to her feet. When Helena was standing, she carefully wrapped her arms around Myka and kissed her neck. They stayed there silently for a moment as Myka caught her breath. Myka slid her arms around Helena's neck and kissed her slowly and softly.

"That's not how I imagined that happening," she murmured.

"So you've imagined it?" Helena asked, chuckling near Myka's ear. Myka kissed her harder in response, and when Helena kissed back just as hard Myka slid her hands down Helena's body, unzipping Helena's jeans slowly. She searched Helena's eyes as she dipped her hand lower, making sure that this was okay, and then she was touching Helena, lost in Helena's eyes, kissing Helena as she came apart at Myka's hand. It wasn't what she'd imagined – there were no candles, no beds – they were standing in Myka's hallway - but with the way Helena was looking at her it didn't matter. She knew that she was screwed, now. Maybe, maybe she could have survived Helena before this, but not now. They held on to each other for long moments, breathing each other in.

Myka remembered herself enough to pull Helena into her living room, awkwardly picking up her jeans and underwear on the way, and settling them both on the couch. She stared for a moment at Helena's dark eyes, thrilled by the look of desire in her eyes, the blackness of her pupils.

"You are incredible, Helena Wells," she said dreamily.

"You are pretty incredible yourself, Myka," Helena said, before kissing her again. She began to push Myka gently onto her back, adjusting herself so that she was leaning over Myka's body. She kissed Myka fully, open mouthed, her tongue playing with Myka's, leaving them both gasping. She began to make her way down Myka's neck, biting her way down the delicate skin towards her collarbone.

"Don't leave any marks, I have to teach a class tomorrow," Myka said breathlessly.

"I'll do my best," Helena said. Her smirk said she would do nothing of the kind.

Myka gasped as Helena bit down on her shoulder, and threw her head back as Helena sucked on a particularly delicate area underneath her jaw. Helena's breath on her neck made her shiver.

"Should we talk?" Helena asked, as she made her way up to Myka's earlobe.

"I'm…not sure I remember how…" Myka gasped. She turned Helena's head and kissed her, cupping the back of Helena's skull in her hand and biting down gently on her lip.

"I think I might have forgotten how, too," Helena gasped in return. But then she pulled back slowly and searched Myka's eyes.

"I think we probably need to talk before this goes any further," she said, looking concerned.

"We've already gone further, Helena. And I am very much looking forward to a repeat performance, preferably in a bed. Or on a couch, at the very least."

"I know," Helena smiled. "I just…I don't want you to do anything you might regret."

Myka rolled her eyes, smiling.

"Helena. I could never regret this. Not with you. Not even if it never happens again. Even if it's just this one night. We can talk tomorrow, if you want. But if you want to be here with me, now, I want to be here with you."

"Are you sure?" Helena asked.

"Yes."

She knew that it was stupid, it was greedy, it was selfish. But she had Helena in her arms, and she didn't want to let her go.

"And what about you? What do you want?" Myka asked, watching Helena carefully.

"I know I shouldn't…I know we shouldn't do this, Myka. But I want to, so much. But I can't make any promises. I just broke up with Giselle. And there's Christina to consider."

But she was biting her lip, and she was looking at Myka as if she wanted to devour her. Myka spoke, the words coming out of her in a rush.

"I shouldn't say this. But I'm yours. However you want me. I don't care about tomorrow, Helena. I just care about right now, how this feels, with you."

Myka leaned forward and kissed Helena again and it began as a way to show Helena how much she was wanted; it was lingering and soft. It turned hard and wild and grasping, however, and soon they were mostly undressed and gasping and Myka's couch was too small so they made their way together to the bedroom, Myka apologising that she hadn't changed the sheets. Helena laughed, whispering something that Myka interpreted to be related to how much she didn't care about the state of the sheets, and then Helena was in her bed, Helena was all around her. Helena brought her over the edge over and over again, and she, in turn, watched Helena gasp and writhe as Myka brought her to the edge and over repeatedly. Eventually they slept, bodies pressed together and limbs entwined. Myka managed, somehow, not to say the words that were trying to escape her, words of love and adoration, but she whispered it to herself when Helena fell asleep.

"I love you so much, Helena."

The next morning Myka woke early, as she always did. The sun had just risen and as she opened her eyes she was momentarily surprised to the see the head on the pillow next to hers. Then it came back to her. Helena was in her bed. She had spent an incredible night with Helena. But now it was the next morning, and she didn't know what the hell to expect. She was wrapped around Helena, her arm slung across Helena's belly and her leg in between Helena's. She decided that she wanted to stay right here and enjoy this feeling, because she might not ever get to feel it again.

She must have fallen asleep again because she woke when Helena stirred in her arms.

"Myka?"

"Hey," she breathed, opening her eyes and looking at a very sleepy Helena Wells next to her.

Helena stared back, and Myka was lost, for a moment, in the darkness of those eyes. They were still in each other's arms and Myka didn't want to let go. Neither, it appeared, did Helena. She made no effort to move away and after a moment she moved closer to kiss Myka gently.

"Good morning," she said, a soft smile on her face.

"How did you sleep?" Myka asked, holding back the questions she wanted to ask.

"Like a log. I think you wore me out," Helena said, smirking.

"Likewise," Myka said, with a wide smile.

"I wish I could stay here all day," Helena said, nuzzling into Myka's shoulder a little.

"Me too."

But they couldn't. Myka closed her eyes for a moment. She didn't want to let go of Helena, and she suddenly had to fight the urge to cry.

"Hey," Helena said. "Don't be upset. It's Friday. You can sleep in tomorrow."

Myka rolled her eyes.

"Thanks for the reminder, Helena. But I am not exactly worried about not getting enough sleep, you know? I just don't want to let you go."

Helena sighed, closing her eyes for a long moment.

"I don't want to let you go either, Myka. Believe me when I say that last night, and this, waking up with you – it means an incredible amount to me. But I broke up with Giselle a short time ago and I'm not sure how I feel right now, beyond confused. And I am more than cautious about bringing someone new into Christina's life. I know that you understand that." Her expression was open and honest and caring and Myka had no difficulty believing that she meant exactly what she said. But it still hurt.

Myka nodded. "Of course I do. Christina should come first. And I figure that you are probably going to be very cautious from now on about how anyone you are seeing treats her, after Giselle."

Helena's face darkened.

"Yes, you could say that. I could strangle the woman, honestly. I am fairly sure, from what she said when I confronted her, that she was cheating on me. Which is why she sneaked out those times and left Christina alone."

Myka gasped.

"Jesus, Helena. I'm so sorry."

"Thank you, Myka. I am hurt, I must admit. But I can't bring myself to care about that part, really. Compared to what she did to Christina, it's nothing. She left my daughter alone, at night, at the age of nine and quite possibly when she was younger, too. Anything could have happened to her. I'm worried about my own judgement now too. I don't understand how I didn't see her for what she really was."

Myka stroked Helena's face, where tears were beginning to fall.

"This is not your fault, Helena. She was obviously a good actress. She was the one at fault, not you. You can't blame yourself for wanting to see the best in people." Myka leaned forward and kissed Helena softly. Helena kissed her back, and it grew heated and Myka drew back, gasping.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to do that, I just…I hate to see you cry."

"That's quite all right, Myka. In fact I'm tempted to keep you around in case I get upset in future."

Helena winked at her. Myka rolled her eyes. Even now, she had to flirt.

"You're incorrigible, Helena."

"I know."

And Helena kissed her this time, drawing back after a moment.

"I'm sorry. I feel like I took advantage of you last night."

"I wasn't that drunk, Helena. I knew what I was doing."

"That's not what I meant. I knew…that you had feelings for me, and I shouldn't have…"

"Stop."

Myka held up her hand.

"If you're saying that you don't care about me, that you have no feelings for me at all, then I deserve that apology, because you used me just for sex. But if you do care about me, then we both did something we wanted to do, both knowing that it was probably just for one night. So you have nothing to apologise for, okay?"

Helena nodded.

"Good. Now, I have to get up soon, because I have a lecture at 10. What about you?"

"Nothing until after lunch. But I have a lot of paperwork to do."

"If it's not too forward, do you think…I have a little time…"

Helena's lips were covering hers before she finished her sentence.

Afterwards, Myka left Helena drowsing in her bed. She had a shower and was brushing her teeth when she noticed the giant hickey Helena had strategically placed on her neck. She just sighed and then smiled, shaking her head.

She got dressed and sat down on the bed next to Helena, stroking her hair to wake her.

"Hey," she said, smiling.

Helena smiled at her sweetly, still half asleep.

"I have to go. Are you okay to let yourself out? You can drop the key off later, if that's okay?"

Helena nodded. She looked thoughtful for a moment, and started to open her mouth to say something. Myka put a finger on her lips.

"Was that going to be an apology?"

Helena nodded.

"Then you can save your breath. We both knew what we were doing. If you ever want to revisit this," she pointed to each of them, "then we can talk about it, okay? But don't feel like you made me do something I didn't want to do. Okay?"

Helena nodded mutely.

Myka kissed her goodbye firmly and walked out without a backward glance. She didn't want Helena to see her cry.