Oh, it's good to be back. A PC crash sidelined me for days.
Let me know what you think - as always - it's much appreciated.

AsgardianBlade - you're a life saver!

What Becomes a Legend Most

With her friend safely out of harm's way, Myka turned her attention back to Helena. "I think you might have scared her," she said, smiling. She was certain Bridget could handle it.

"Good!" Helena said, pleased she still possessed that enviable skill. "This has been a very challenging first day back," she added.

"Oh, I don't know," Myka said rounding her desk and sitting next to Helena. "I think you managed just fine so far." She leaned in and kissed Helena's bottom lip that still was in pout mode.

"How I wish you would move upstairs so that you could be closer to me," Helena said - her entire body calmer already.

"We would get no work done," Myka reminded her of the truth.

"But we would have such fun!" Helena replied, pulling Myka in to kiss her again. The two broke out into laughter at the thought.

"Well, I better let you get back to work," Myka finally said. "I hear you have a proposal to plan and another to write!"

"I've done nothing but save people since I got in this morning," Helena summed up her day thus far.

"Well, we all have our strengths," Myka said, holding Helena's hand as they walked to the door.

Myka smiled sweetly at her wife. There was something larger than life about Helena and it wasn't just her self-confidence. Helena was one of those rare individuals who were completely justified in their ego strength.

Helena stood in the doorway with Myka just as Irene appeared in the hallway. She was putting her arm around a woman who was obviously distressed. The couple watched as the woman broke into tears and Irene walked her into her office and closed the door. Millie appeared in front of Myka with some papers.

"That's Naomi," the in-the-know assistant said even though no one asked. "Her husband died last year, she has a daughter in college, and now her mother's fallen ill." The assistant looked at the CEO who had narrowed her eyes on her.

Just then a man could be heard outside of Irene's office, telling Sandy, Irene's assistant, that he had to see Irene and that she was the only one who could help him.

Helena stood there taking this in when Millie filled in the missing pieces. "That's Greg in Development. Takes his daughter to Boston on weekends for specialized treatments and his hours just changed," Millie said, because she knew the Administrative Assistant in his department who heard him explaining to his boss why they couldn't change his hours.

"I don't know why we have a newsletter, Ms. Barone, when you could simply walk the halls," Helena commented sardonically, but the woman was not deterred.

"I hear things," Millie offered as she joined the couple looking down the hall.

"I guess they all know who to go to when they need someone on their side," Myka commented without thinking, and quickly added – "You know, to help them in the day to day issues."

"Nice save," Millie said because even she worried Helena would take that comment the wrong way.

Just then, the door to Irene's office opened and a much calmer, much relieved Naomi appeared, holding onto Irene's hand and thanking her repeatedly. She hugged her and went back to her area. Greg immediately stepped up and they could hear Irene assure him she had been apprised of the situation and that his boss was looking into other options. He, too, grabbed Irene's hand and shook it, thanking her for her help.

Just as with the first employee, Irene told him it wasn't necessary. To Irene Frederic, this was all just part of her job. Only then did Irene notice that she was being observed. She smiled down the hallway at them and went back into her office.

"I've been a damn fool," Helena said, turning to look directly at Myka. Millie knew that was her cue to sit down at her desk. Her eyes may have been cast downward, but her ears were not missing a word.

"What do you mean, Sweetie?" Myka asked concerned, but Helena was already perturbed.

"Letting me go on about doing her job! Now I suppose she's waiting for me to apologize!" her wife harrumphed, jumping the gun and shooting it.

"Wait? What?" Myka asked, but Helena's ill-informed insinuations were forming faster than she could keep up. She looked at Millie who had stood up to see what was going on, but even she shrugged her shoulders. "Helena, I don't know…,"

"Oh! She thinks she's so clever, doesn't she?" Helena said, marching down to the HR Director's office, Myka in tow, trying to get Helena to slow down.

Myka replayed the scene in her head – the two very upset employees needing to see Irene and then the positive outcomes after speaking with her. That scenario should have pleased the CEO – that employees felt there was a place to go that they could get their issues addressed. Myka was still trying to figure out how that translated into something to annoy Helena.

"Before you go in," Myka said, gently pulling at Helena's arm to slow her pace into what she suspected would be a surprise visit. "….what is it that you're …..doing?" Myka bit her lip instinctively because she knew Helena didn't like to be side tracked when she was hell bent.

"What…am I? Didn't you see? You know she…," Helena stammered, her words not yet caught up to her actions.

Just then, Irene opened her office door and was surprised to see Helena there. Again.

Myka's confused expression alerted Irene that something was up, but that same expression also made Helena second guess herself. Helena detested guessing, let alone second guessing.

"I'm not apologizing!" she said to Irene, her hands on her hips.

The HR Director, who never grew weary of being blindsided by her boss, stared back at her. "Okay," she said.

Helena's emotions had been shoved down for so many years, that even when they sought the light of day, getting out was never easy. Myka's way was to gently prod them out. Irene found that the more neutral she stayed, the faster Helena got to the kernel of truth.

"Do you see?" Helene turned and said to Myka, who was still in the dark. Helena marched into Irene's office – the issue obviously not dealt with. Irene opened the door wider and waited for Myka to come in.

"Let's get at what's bothering her," she almost whispered to Myka. Irene closed the door and walked around to her seat, which she took.

Myka sat down and looked up at Helena who was all but pacing as she waited for the thoughts to connect with the right words. She looked down at Myka who looked confused. It was in that instant, in those green eyes that always reflected Helena's best self, that Helena got it. She understood her emotions much better when she experienced them with her One. She thought about what she was feeling – foolish. She originally decided that it was Irene's fault for making her feel that way – by allowing her to boast that she could do Irene's job. Helena's brain argued that Irene should have stopped her from making such a declaration. But Helena's heart was staring at Myka and it knew that no one else was in charge. She looked into those jade pools that smiled back at her and the calming effect was profound. The calmness afforded the Brit some clarity. She smiled and turned to Irene.

"I do apologize," she said, standing there and looking at Irene now, her finger grazing the edge of the desk.

"I can't imagine what for," Irene said sincerely.

Helena wasn't surprised she didn't understand and decided patience was in order. "I underestimated the breadth of what you do here. And as a result, I misspoke when I said I found this work unchallenging. In fact, I believe you face as many challenges as the scientists who work in our labs do."

Considering the intricate nature of many of the inventions and advances that Wells Corp worked on, Irene knew this was a compliment of the highest order. "Well, thank you, Helena," Irene said, smiling.

"Do we have things in place?" Helena asked, but her eyes were on the door and Irene understood that she meant for the people who just left.

"Yes, we have a very robust Employee Assistance Program for people who have family issues just like those staff members," Irene assured her. "Thanks to you."

As much as Helena enjoyed getting credit, she didn't like it if it wasn't due. "I didn't even know we had one of those things."

"Maybe not, but you approved it. In fact, you approve whatever budget requests HR makes," Irene reminded her boss.

Myka smiled because she knew what Irene was doing. Helena many not want to be bothered with the minutia of Human Resources, but she was responsible for the freedom and flexibility Irene had.

"I know how you carry on when you don't get your way," Helena boldly lied. Then she became serious and said - "They know you have their best interests at heart." It was as if she solved the mystery of what drew people to Irene. She was in fact, speaking for herself as well.

Irene blushed at the sincere accolade. "I have learned from the best," she said, looking right at Helena.

Myka smiled at the exchange and photographed it in her memory as one of the sweetest moments between the two women.

Helena wanted the whole thing tied up in a bow and shelved. "Good. Now, maybe we can all get back to doing what it is that we do best," said the woman who was preventing that very action.

Myka bit her lip to stifle the chuckle and Irene fought the laugh, but it simply burst in her eyes. "Yes," she said, getting up. "I think that's an excellent idea," she said, unable to keep the lilt out of her voice.

"Of course it is," Helena said, shaking her head at the redundancy. "I suggested it."

With that, the CEO concluded the impromptu meeting and exited. Myka quickly followed, but not before exchanging smiles with Irene.

Helena wanted to feel good about that whole conversation and Myka gave her that by saying how much she thought it meant to Irene to have Helena understand her job.

"She is very good at what she does," Helena all but whispered as she pressed for the elevator.

"Yes, she is," Myka whispered back as if it really were a secret.

Myka kissed Helena goodbye, long over her hesitation for public displays of affection. She couldn't help it anymore, especially when Helena was being, well, Helena.

The CEO slash Romance Expert returned to her office and called for Claudia. "Let's get these things taken care of," she said while she waited, going through the contracts on her desk. Putting her speed reading skills to good use, she went through several and wrote her questions, concerns or comments on them before the Director of IT appeared.

Helena had given Claudia's predicament some thought and was ready to help her. "What ideas did you have in mind?" she asked Claudia.

"Well, I don't know. Maybe build some robots and have them deliver the proposal? One would bring the ring? Another ….,"

"Stop!" Helena said, her hand up, imploring the woman who was on the wrong track. "Not everyone thinks the way we do. Now, remember, your future fiancée is a true romantic, yes?" Helena asked, as she came around her desk and summoned her friend to the couch.

She had a valid point. Claudia snapped her fingers as she sat down. "They could carry flowers?"

Helena smiled, but shook her head no. "You're about to ask the woman of your dreams to spend the rest of her life with you….," Helena started to explain, but the words pushed at her guest.

"Okay, Helena, please don't make it sound like it's huge," the techie said, throwing her hands up to demonstrate.

"Oh, but it is," the Expert confirmed in spite of the pleas. "It's one of the biggest things you'll ever do!"

Claudia's stomach started to twist tightly. She knew Helena was right, of course, but the more they talked about it like that, the more she feared she couldn't pull it off to Eileen's liking. She pushed back in the chair and the color started to fade from her cheeks. Helena looked at her mystified.

"Darling, you do want to propose, do you not?" she asked.

"Yes, very much so, but she's perfect with this perfect life and I don't know if I can do it just the way she wants. I'm not all that romantic, you know," Claudia said in one breath.

"I must warn you, Claudia, that hyperventilating will reduce the romantic setting, no matter where you are," Helena said and the young woman tried to take some deep breaths.

"Good, now let me ask you. Where is your favorite place to be with Eileen?" Helena asked.

"The Apple Store," came the immediate albeit unexpected response.

"Oh," Helena said, hoping it was the Oak Room at the Plaza, but working with whatever answer she got.

"I went there with her to buy a Mac Book Pro and she was so confused about which one to buy, she looked so adorable with the crinkly forehead. We spent the afternoon going over everything," Claudia said, looking up and smiling at the memory.

"Well, then, we have our setting," Helena said, pleased the plan was taking shape.

"What? You want me to propose to her while people are shopping for things and as geniuses are explaining the technology?" the techie asked horrified – at all those things.

"Well, it is the ideal setting as you said and we'll just get rid of those consumers," Helena said.

"But suppose the new IPhone comes out that day or what if …," the techie conjured up as Helena grabbed the phone on the end table.

"Tim Cook," she said into the phone. "Helena Wells." Claudia's head swung around to stare at her boss. "Tim, how are you? Yes, very well, thank you. No, but as soon as I do, I promise to call you," Helena said and then put her hand over the phone and said to Claudia – "Always afraid we'll beat him to the punch on contact lens technology. "Tim, I need one of your stores," she continued as her protégé sat back and listened. "Which one?" she asked Claudia.

"Broadway and 67th?" Claudia asked.

Helena repeated it. "Good. Now, I'll let you know the exact date soon. Well, I hope you're not releasing another version either that day or you'll have to postpone it. Now, Tim, please do something about the title you've given your salespeople," Helena continued since she had the man in charge on the phone. "Yes, I know that you think it conveys something to the consumer. But it's annoying as hell to those of us who really are geniuses. Okay, good. Thank you, Tim," Helena said and hung up.

As far as Helena was concerned, she had gotten everything she wanted and they should move on. "Now, as for the date…," she started, but was interrupted.

"Wait! What did he say?" Claudia wanted to know.

"Oh, he said he'll change the sales designation immediately," Helena smiled.

"About the store?" Claudia said, wondering how the resident genius missed that.

"Oh, yes, you can have it any time. Now, is there a date with any significance that you'd like to pick?"

Claudia thought about that and tapped her finger on her chin. "Next week is the anniversary of the binary code," the techie said, these dates on the tip of her tongue, but her mentor said no.

"We need something that has particular significance to both of you," Helena suggested.

That took the calculating prodigy a little longer. "Next week is the anniversary of the first time she said she loved me," Claudia offered.

"That's more like it," Helena said, pleased they were off of technology dates.

"I remember because it's the same date as the first Turing Test," the techie said proudly.

"Oh, God," Helena sighed. "Claudia, our lives are made up of moments in time," the Time Traveler said, taking her hands. "You will remember this moment for all its glory for years to come. For most, it will be just another Monday or Thursday, but for you, it will be marked as the official beginning of your planning your lives together. Do you want to marry that girl?" Helena asked.

"Yes, with all my heart!" came the immediate response.

"Do you feel that feeling you have right now as you think and speak of your love?" Helena pointed out.

"Yes, I feel warm and wonderful and not like throwing up so much," Claudia summarized.

"Good! Then it is with your heart that you will figure out the rest. Use this," Helena said, pointing to Claudia's heart, "That is where romance lies. Not so much this," she concluded touching the youth's head.

Claudia thought about what her experienced friend was telling her. "I got it!" she said and jumped out of her chair.

"I'm sure you do," Helena said, smiling.

Claudia started to pace back and forth until the thoughts congealed in her mind. "I'll be back," she said, running out.

Helena leaned back in her seat and smiled. "You were right, Oscar," she said of her dear friend who told her once that youth was wasted on the young. She had told him to put his name on that, but he procrastinated as usual. Years later, the quote would be accredited to her other friend, George Bernard Shaw.

Feeling good about the first of her many requests that day, Helena summoned Pete. Helena marveled at the nervousness that her friends both shared.

Helena finally stopped trying to talk as Pete paced the length of the coffee table and explained what he was thinking. "I think I'll take her to the Oak Room for dinner…," he said and Helena couldn't help but utter – "Oh, thank God."

"I'll order our favorite dinner and then when dessert comes, I'll tell the waiter we want the raspberry sorbet we had on our first date. Then, they'll put the ring in the glass with the sorbet and when she finds it, I'll tell her that I am saying yes!"

Helena smiled to think there were two romantic experts in the room. "You should write your own book someday, Pete," Helena said and meant it.

"Naaahhh," he said, but then asked – "You think?"

"I do indeed – think," Helena confirmed as she stood up.

"Thanks, Boss. For everything," Pete said and leaned in and bear hugged her and then left to make the arrangements.

Helena took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I don't know how she does it all day long," she said of her friend in HR.

Helena finished her work and met Myka in the elevator at the end of the day. "Oh, it is good to see you," Helena said as Myka got in the carriage with her.

"I missed you," Myka said, pushing into Helena and kissing her.

"I have it on very good authority that the cameras are not operational in my elevator," Helena whispered as her hands pushed under Myka's coat and began roaming.

"As if that's ever stopped you before," Myka said, but pulling back to see if Helena was being serious. "Really? They're out?"

"Yes, we have …..," Helena said, pulling at Myka's dress in the back.

"Seconds! Helena, you have seconds," Myka reminded her wife.

"Long enough," Helena said because her elevator was the only one in the building that had a speed setting on it.

"Put it on slow decent," Myka suggested, giving them a little more time.

"What an excellent idea, Mrs. Bering-Wells," her wife teased as she allowed her hands to slowly lower between Myka's legs.

"Were you able to get the security cameras all back online?" Irene asked Steve when she saw him in the hallway.

"Just about to press the button," he replied and Irene walked with him.

"Claud, are we set to go?" he said to the IT Director who finished the job in no time after her talk with Helena.

"One more thing and yes! We're good to go in three, two, one…," Claudia said as she pressed the button to bring all the fixed cameras back live.

The joint effort of IT and Security went off without a hitch. And then the camera in the Private Elevator came up on the screen and the image of their favorite couple in a very intimate embrace appeared.

Time seemed to slow down for Irene as she yelled at them to do something. The woman who could work with the tiniest screwdrivers became all thumbs as she groped for the button to shut off the camera. Steve just stood there watching, neither embarrassed nor flummoxed. Finally, the screen was blank.

"Working fine," he shrugged his shoulders as he started to leave. Irene grabbed his arm.

"This never leaves this room," she warned them as they shook their heads okay.

"I think we should sit by the fire tonight…," Helena said as they drove home.

"Sure," Myka said, and then remembered. "Oh, I have papers to correct," she said of her impromptu assignment.

"I have to pick you up at 6:45 tomorrow," Pete reminded Helena of her date with the High School students.

After dinner, Myka diligently took the stack of papers and placed them on the coffee table in front of the couch, in front of the fire. Helena lay down next to her, her head comfortably in Myka's lap.

Myka was reading her students' responses, as Helena sighed that something else had her wife's attention. "I think I should like to come to one of your classes," Helena said.

"Oh?" Myka responded.

"I would like to see who gets to spend so much time with you," Helena decided.

"Okay," Myka said. "I have one tomorrow. I give special attention to students who bring me apples."

"Oh? In that case, I shall bring a tree," Helena replied.

Myka went back to grading her papers, while Helena fell sound asleep in her lap. It had been a long day for the returning CEO and she was glad it was over.

Little did Helena know - her second day was not going to go as smoothly as her first.