Disclaimer: I still don't own any part of Warehouse 13 and honestly, I really don't want to. It's much more fun to play with the toys and put them back to play with later.
A/N: Thanks to all comments and reviews. Always appreciated and considered. Keep crying, keep laughing. Without one, you can't have the other.
Myka dragged her feet up the stairs to the loft. The small form sprawled from corner to corner, covers half on the floor and had taken possession of both of her pillows. Pulling the covers back at the foot of the bed, Myka picked up the habitually cold feet, carefully turning Helena around so she could crawl up the bed behind her. The motion woke her up and she rolled over towards Myka, opening warm, tired, sad eyes. Neither of them had slept well.
"Hey, you. Move over. It's a king size bed. How on earth do you manage to take up so much space? Can I at least have a pillow?" She took one out of Helena's arms before the woman had a chance to comply. Helena kept the other one, shoving it under her own head, smiling like the devil, the sadness falling from her eyes.
"Where have you been?" a drowsy voice asked.
"I didn't want to wake you, so I went over to the house. Claudia was up."
Myka dragged her index finger down the center of Helena's nose to trace her lips before falling to her collarbone, playing with the indentations. She fixated on her finger playing on the warm skin. "I'm sorry. I'm an ass. I just get frustrated and I forget you do too. The Regents are part of our lives whether we like it or not. I've always known that. So, for whatever the reason, surgery it is. You need it. I cannot live with you confined to desk duty."
"Ah, so now that Myka is happy, everything is okay. We all need to just keep in mind she gets frustrated. Helena is the one under the Regents' thumb. Nothing for her to feel pressure over, or be upset over." Despite the deep sleepiness still present, the sarcasm was evident.
"You know what Helena? You're right. I've been really selfish. You are the one stuck in the middle for whatever reason. I'm trying to understand and I love you."
Helena tipped Myka's chin to look at her, softening. "I've always known you can be an ass, as can I. That would make us a pair of asses." She stopped the hand lingering on her throat, kissing it before leaning into Myka's lips. She pulled back her head, an odd expression directed at Myka.
"What?"
She leaned in again, this time taking her time in tasting the woman before her. Pulling back again, she tapped Myka on the nose, laughing. "You've been drinking tea," she enunciated each word.
Myka chuckled. "And a right vile substance it is." She tried her best imitation of her lover, making Helena laugh harder.
"That is the worst imitation I have ever heard, aside from Pete." She picked up a strand of hair curling it around her finger, quiet now. "I am very uneasy about surgery."
"I know. Just remember you have a big family with you and Claudia is going to be an annoying mother hen. Besides, how are you going to chase that kid of ours on a bad ankle? Any child of yours will need a lot of chasing after."
"What? You aren't serious, are you? I thought we'd decided we were not ready for that discussion."
"We aren't. I'm not. I'm still not ready to share you, yet I know it lingers in the back of your head. I see it on your face every time you see a child playing. You're torn by the thought, more so now with Vanessa's news. It's okay. It's still tabled as far as I'm concerned unless you feel differently. Just don't shut me out. Besides, we have an ankle to fix first."
Myka's hand returned to its earlier game at a leisurely pace.
"Helena, do you ever wear pajamas?"
"That's a rather odd question to ask after all this time. I would think you'd know the answer to that by now." She sat up to sit between Myka's legs, slowly unbuttoning her pajama top. Not receiving any input from the woman beneath her she finally answered the question. "Alright, Miss highly observant. Only when required for socially appropriate purposes; at the house alone, sometimes, or on missions, or for Claudia nights, which I've recently abandoned now that she has finally chosen the futon. It's her own fault if she gets a show. I sometimes think that girl has seen me naked more than Dr. Calder." She skimmed a hand slowly down Myka's now bare front. "Rarely, when I'm solely with you," she whispered.
"Why?" Myka grabbed the wandering hand.
"Why? Why not? I prefer the feel of these superb sheets and more importantly your own nakedness. It also saves time." She smiled wickedly down at her. Pulling Myka up by her shirt, she complained, "Darling, I could use a bit of help here." With a little maneuvering she managed to get rid of the rest of Myka's clothes. Settling herself against Myka she pressed into the woman, wrapping her arms and legs around her. "As you may have noticed, I have little time to waste right now." She breathed against her lips. "I promise time later."
Myka grasped her by her hips, biting down on the pale shoulder. "How much time?"
Leaning her head back Helena gasped, "All the time you want."
Artie walked Vanessa into the living room where everyone had assembled, including Mrs. Frederic.
"Well, this is certainly a rather unexpected large gathering. I didn't expect everyone to be here. It's a fairly simple operation."
"Yes, I've never felt quite so important before, except while in handcuffs. You didn't happen to bring some did you? I do warn you though, I'm quite adept at getting out of them," Helena responded sardonically. She sat in the corner of the sofa next to Myka, impressively white compared to her already pale complexion, jaw set, eyes focused on something irrelevant on the wall.
"Dr. Calder, I will remind you and everyone else sitting here that there is very little that is simple about this operation. The Regents have some very strong security concerns about this simple procedure. I will remind everyone in this room, also, that there will be no questions asked by any of you. I am sure by now you are all aware that it is classified." Mrs. Frederic looked pointedly at both Myka and Dr. Calder, everyone nodding their understanding.
"I also have my concerns, Irene, that the Regents understand the importance of the post-surgical recovery time and that I have their guarantee that she will not be forced to alter that time for their convenience. If not, than there is no reason to go ahead with the surgery as it will not result in a successful repair."
"Yes, you have made your concerns very clear. ALL of your concerns."
Artie dared to speak in the middle of the exchange between the two women. "If I can just say, this gathering for us is about our family. We want to be prepared for HG's recovery and how best to approach the challenges of the living space and to understand her limitations. We all know she is not exactly the most honest when it comes to her health."
"You do realize, I am sitting right here. I can actually hear you," HG snapped.
Dr. Calder began before anyone else could add to the tension in the room. "Okay, ordinarily, this wouldn't be an interesting surgery, but we are not dealing with an ordinary patient. Due to the nature of the unpredictability of anesthetic drugs, the Regents have very strong concerns of post-surgical lucidity and prefer HG to stay for at least 24 hours under Regent observation."
"Wait a minute," Myka interrupted. "Does that mean I can't see her after she comes out?"
"That has yet to be determined," Mrs. Frederic answered.
The team all stood up at once. "Uh-uh."…"No way"…"You can't do that."
Mrs. Frederic held up her hand. "I appreciate everyone's support but in this case, yes they can. I'm sorry, Myka."
Dr. Calder interrupted the caretaker, glaring at the woman. "Myka, I have made my position very clear to the Regents in this matter. I will do everything I can to get you in there. Mrs. Frederic is correct. As it is, there will be not only myself, but two Regents stationed at all times from the time of administration of the first drug. I will be present as your advocate and making my medical recommendations based on her responses and Dr Brandon's assessments. I do not foresee any reason for you to not be allowed with her after recovery." She smiled at the younger woman, trying to reassure her importance in the procedure. Helena remained in her corner, detached from the conversation around her.
"It's up to HG where she wants to be. The stairs are a concern in the cottage, at least for the first few days. I understand the office can be made available for as long as needed if you want, HG, as well as some modification at the cottage on the lower level until you can negotiate the stairs." The woman was none responsive. Realizing she was not the main audience now she talked to the others. "It's not much of a big deal really. The ankle will be immobilized and non-weight bearing for four weeks. Depending on how she feels, and I trust Steve can aid us in determining if she is being honest with us, she may be able to start some desk work at the warehouse but nothing else. I don't think I have to remind you all she is going to be a right pain in your ass. There will be a lot of re-evaluations in determining physical capabilities. Physical therapy is a big part of this. We want to make this a success."
Pete piped up. "Steve and I can get you up and down the stairs. I don't see you wanting to not sleep in your own bed. HG?"
"Hmm? Oh, fine. It's not a big deal, really. I'm sure I've suffered worse. I'm not exactly sure why this meeting is so important to you all. I go in, get fixed, come home and recover. Myka will be there the first few days or so, and everyone has a phone. So, after tomorrow the fun begins." Everyone stared at her deadpanned delivery. "Now we just all hope I can keep my bleeding mouth shut." She gave a weak smile. "If you are all satisfied, I have other matters to attend to." She got up and left.
Vanessa frowned at Myka. "Has she been like this the whole week?"
"To different degrees, but yes."
"Yeah, we haven't heard a peep from over there all week. Ouch!" Pete announced.
Myka punched him again for good measure. "You can be so insensitive sometimes, Pete."
"Look, Helena and I have our plans. We appreciate everyone wanting to be involved, but honestly, can you let us deal with this? If we need you, we know we can count on you all, no questions asked. I've got to go." Myka walked out the door following her lost girlfriend home.
"I think that sums it up." Artie stood up. "Let's respect them and be on standby. Who is staying at the warehouse during the surgery?" No one answered.
"I will, Arthur," Mrs. Frederic spoke. "They need their family, and whether you like it or not, that includes you. It doesn't matter how minor a procedure may be, when it's family, it's the most daunting thing in the world."
"You all realize I don't need such an entourage. It's not like this is brain surgery." Helena complained as she and Myka were going through all the paperwork. Getting impatient she finally turned and snapped at the worst offenders. "Artie, Claudia, please go away and stop hovering about."
"Uh, right, right, we'll just go over there, right Claudia? Come on, give them some room." Reluctantly the two drifted over to the rest of the team.
Dr. Calder stepped behind them. "I understand, HG, but they're concerned. Artie really is a worry wart."
Myka turned to Helena. "I guess this is where I say 'see you later' then?"
"Oh, no. I told you Myka, I would do everything I could and that means you come in with me, very casually. I still have some privileges here. So, let's go." Vanessa took her slightly by the arm and escorted the two into a small room. "The nurse will be in shortly. She'll get you set up with an IV catheter and anything else they want before taking you on your big adventure. Here is a pretty gown for you. I know how much you like it. Here is the complimentary bag, no snack, for your belongings, including jewelry. So, get naked. Myka, you keep your hands off, and we'll get the show on the road." She knew she was doing little to ease their minds. "Helena, you're going to be fine. This is actually the easy part. The next twelve weeks is going to be the hard part. I've convinced them to let Myka stay through the initial sedation. Our secret."
Helena changed quickly before the nurse came in. She grasped her locket one more time before slipping it over her head and returning it for safe keeping around Myka's neck. "Well, here we go then." Myka held her hand as the sedative was administered and only let go when Helena's hand relaxed. Dr. Calder peeked in before they took Helena off for prep. putting an arm around the woman's shoulder. "I can't figure out why, but you two make me so unprofessional. Come on. I'll walk you out. You have a lot of pacing people to control, and they'll be waiting for me in the suite. I'll get you in as soon as I can." With one last squeeze, she led Myka out to their family.
Time had rarely passed so slowly for the team. All bets had been called off as to whom was pacing more, including the usually calm Steve. No one would have won. Only Myka sat frozen and unresponsive, staring at the doors.
Pete saw her first. She bolted out of her chair, Pete barely catching her arm. "Mykes! What's wrong? Everything is okay. No vibes, I promise."
"No, Pete, something isn't right." She shook her head, wide-eyed.
"No vibes, Myka. Everything is cool. Just sit down, or do you want to go for a walk?"
"No. I'm not leaving, but I don't care what your vibe says, something is not right." She returned to the chair continuing her watch.
Time inched by until Dr. Brandon, followed by Dr. Calder, came out to meet them. "Usually, I would only be speaking to you, Myka, but with your permission, Dr. Calder has advised me that I should speak to all of you. Is that correct?" Despite wanting the private moment, she looked around at her anxious family. They'd supported them both despite the odds they faced every day. She nodded her head. "Okay. The surgery went fairly well, and I have confidence that the graft it going to take well. Now the hard part starts. She'll be in recovery for awhile until you can see her, based on some discretionary criteria. I'll see you in a week for the first evaluation."
"What went wrong?" Myka asked.
"I'm sorry? Everything went well."
"He's lying," Steve said.
"She's in recovery doing well, what makes you think anything went wrong?"
"You said it went fairly well, what went wrong an hour ago?"
"I'm sorry, I really don't…"
"Lie," Steve reiterated.
"Nathan, just explain," Vanessa interrupted the soon to erupt tension.
"As I said, the surgery went well, however, there are often glitches that happen that are always addressed when they occur. In this instance, Ms. Wells had an unusual reaction to the anesthesia that caused some erratic responses. We were able to gain control and finish successfully. I don't believe she was in any true danger. She may very well just have a minor deviance in her ability to metabolize the drugs that don't show up on the pre-surgical blood work. It's nothing to worry about. Anything else?" He turned to confirm with before leaving.
"Myka, she's just fine." Vanessa smiled at her. "I promise."
Pete looked at Myka sideways and muttered under his breath, "Freaky."
"Okay, children, let's get home. Nothing more we can do here and I expect updates. Right, Vanessa?"
"For you Artie, of course. I need to update Mrs. Frederic first." She rolled her eyes. "Her and the damned Regents," she muttered under her breath.
Pete stood back from the departing crowd. "I'll stay here with Mykes, at least until she can get in." They watched the team leave and sat back down. "So, Myka, still think you two don't have the freaky thing going on?"
"Maybe." She stared at the floor. "It's not like your vibe though. It's only with her, Pete. You didn't pick anything up."
"Don't know what to tell you Myka, but I've seen her do it, too. You two just got the freaks, and it keeps getting freakier."
"So how long until you think they'll let me in?" Myka worried.
"I don't know…want some coffee? I guess it all depends on if the Regents think you'll make her talk. I wish I understood what it's like for you two. At least you'd have someone who did. None of us can do that for you. I'm going for that coffee and see if I can wrangle you up some Twizzlers."
Pete came back to an empty chair and smiled. He handed the Twizzlers over to the nurse. "No, really, she needs them."