holidays and holy days chapter 2
okay, so, here's where we time travel. this is chapter 2 in this series. being thanksgiving, it takes place between halloween and christmas. there was just too large a time gap between chapters 1 and 3. that and i didn't like having 3 chapters of such intense sex in a row. i wanted to break it up. so we have this DELIGHTFUL piece of fluff to do just that.
and for those who wish to reread in sequence, here tis:
chapter 1
chapter 3
chapter 4
chapter 5
chapter 6
and as always, gratias to my lovely beta fitful_fire
With Love and Gratitude
Myka leaned against the kitchen doorframe with a smile. Leena and Helena were working feverishly on Thanksgiving dinner. They had Claudia's help for now-until Pete and Artie started making cookies. Then she would have to make sure there was still dough left to bake. Myka watched Helena. Despite Thanksgiving being a "colonial" holiday, she loved cooking and had insisted on helping. She hummed softly to herself as she speared rosemary through a pork roast.
Claudia caught Myka staring and elbowed Leena. She pointed with her chin when Leena turned around. They both watched Myka as she grinned at her lover, still unseen by her. Since HG showed up Myka had been like a whole new person. But love could do that to you. Even Claudia could see the glow that surrounded her; it must have been blinding to Leena.
Myka pushed off from her post and went to Helena's side. "Hello," she said in that rich, clear tone.
Helena's smile instantly multiplied into a brilliant grin as she looked up. "My darling Myka." She greeted her with a lingering kiss.
Myka slid her arm around Helena's waist, running her hand down her back and around to rest comfortably on her hip. "What were you humming?"
"Just an old song my mother used to sing to me."
"Teach it to me sometime?"
"Promise." Helena was slowly leaning toward Myka as they spoke, the magnetic pull of Myka's lips drawing her in for another kiss.
"Hey you gouramis." Claudia tossed a handful of mini marshmallows at them.
Her taunt didn't faze them and they broke the kiss at their leisure. Helena looked at Myka confused. "Gouramis?"
A little tinge of red appeared on Myka's cheeks. "Kissing fish." She shot a glare at Claudia. "But it's a faulty comparison because gouramis aren't kissing, but postering and bullying, jockeying for position. And it's only the males who do it."
"Ah, well, false it is as we were most decidedly kissing." Helena pressed her lips against Myka's in a quick peck. "And last time I checked, neither of us was male." She smiled at Myka.
"You," Claudia tossed a lone marshmallow at Myka. "Get out of here or we're never gonna finish cooking all this food."
"As much as I enjoy cooking, I do prefer eating," Helena winked at Myka and grinned as the crimson blush spread to her ears. "Perhaps young Claudia is correct." Her voice dropped. "Because I can't seem to stop doing this." Helena leaned in for another kiss.
Myka felt HG's tongue caress her lips and realized it was a very good idea for her to not be in the kitchen. Not unless they were alone and she was feeding a very naked Helena strawberries from the fridge. Myka gripped at HG's hip and slipped the tip of her tongue past her lips to touch Helena's. Helena melted into Myka. Myka became aware that her hand was on Helena's stomach, inching downward. And Helena was moving in a manner as to facilitate Myka's hand. Myka took a step beck. "I have to go." Myka's face was bright red.
Claudia fanned herself and mouthed 'hot' as Myka passed her. Myka stuck her tongue out at her. "Hey, save that for the bedroom." Helena stared at the wall, licking her lips slowly. "Damn, HG, that was hot. What are you guys like when no one's around? I bet your sex life is amazing."
Snapped out of her reverie by the sound of her name, Helena looked over at the young girl. "Claudia, that's not something Myka would want to be discussed; it's none of your business no matter how incredible a lover she is. And if I didn't have this meat in my hands I'd throttle you for teasing her."
Claudia smirked. "Don't let Myka hear you say that, she might get jealous."
HG furrowed her brow in confusion, not understanding Claudia's joke at first. She filtered the statement as best she could and realized the implication. Helena narrowed her steely eyes at Claudia. "You will pay for that Ms. Donovan."
"Eep." Claudia grabbed an empty platter, using it as a shield. "Can you at least wait until after dinner? Gimme a last meal."
Helena cocked an eyebrow. "I suppose," she drolled as she turned back to the roast. She felt something small, white, and fluffy hit the back of her head. Helena chuckled softly. "Why don't you go check on the boys, Claudia? Do something useful."
Claudia dropped the platter on the counter and saluted the back of HG's head. "Will do, cap'n." She retreated into the den.
Leena laughed to herself. "You're making yourself right at home." She smiled at Helena.
HG looked over her shoulder, her face as open and honest as it had ever been. "I am home," she stated matter of factly.
Leena smiled wider. "Yes you are." Her focus shifted back to her task.
Helena finished with the roast, singing softly to herself-trying to remember all the words to teach Myka later.
Claudia walked in on Pete doing a victory dance. Artie was clearly not enthused by his antics. "Pete, would you sit down." Artie growled.
Pete stopped to reply. "Hey, the Browns might not get another touchdown. I'm gonna make the most of this one." He resumed his dance; Artie sighed.
"What's the score?" Claudia asked when Pete flopped back down on the sofa.
"We're not gonna talk about that."
Claudia smirked as she sat down next to him. "You know, you could root for a better team."
Pete looked at Claudia, shocked. "No way! The Browns are my home team!"
"Yeah, but-"
"Do not make a 'crap' joke." Claudia closed her mouth with a snap. "Aren't you supposed to be helping in the kitchen?"
Claudia smiled at Artie as she answered Pete's question. "I was told to check on 'the boys.'"
Artie huffed. "Boys? Boys! Bah! That woman..."
"Well, she does have a few years on you Papa Bear."
"I am not one of you children."
Pete smirked at him. "Ah, you don't want her to tuck you in at night? Read you a bedtime story?" Artie rolled his eyes. "Actually," Pete waggled his eyebrows, "I wouldn't mind her tucking me in." He received a light smack to the back of the head. "Claudia!"
She held up her hands, laughing. "It wasn't me, dude."
"I tuck her in at night, but don't you dare say anything about it. And she only gives bedtime stories when I ask for them." Myka smiled down at Pete with a smart ass grin.
He looked up at her, giving his best 'I'm totally busted, but look how adorable I am, you can't possibly be mad at me' face. "Of course, anything for her 'Myka darling.'" He grinned.
"'Darling Myka.' If you're going to poke fun, at least get it right."
"Gotcha."
Claudia beamed up at her. "Feeling better now? Cool off some?"
"Shut up." Myka clipped the words with tight precision, but the playful tone in her voice and her warm smile showed she was teasing.
Pete gave Myka a confused look. "You were hot?"
"Oh yeah, she was burning up in the kitchen. Practically on fire." Claudia was grinning ear to ear.
"Well, yeah, the oven and all the burners going, of course, it's hot in there."
"Scorching." Claudia added before the giggles finally overtook her.
There was no winning. Myka sighed and left them to their own devices.
Leena called everyone into the dining room as Helena put the last dish on the table. The group filtered in and took their seats.
"Where's Myka?" Pete asked as he snaked a roll.
"Wait, Pete."
Helena smiled warmly. "I'll get her, I know where she is." HG headed into the hall. Myka was hiding where she was every time no one knew where to find her-tucked in an oversized chair in the library. Helena stood in the doorway; Myka sat in the big leather chair by the window, her legs curled beneath her, leaning her head against the wingback, one hand under her chin, the other steadying the book against the chair arm and her knee. She was swept up in the yellow sunlight pouring through the window and had Helena just met her at that moment, she'd have honestly taken her for an angel. "Myka." Helena called her name softly. Myka looked up and HG watched her eyes light up as they settled on her.
Myka grinned. "Yes?"
"Are you all right, darling?"
"Yeah." It wasn't entirely convincing to one who knew her so well.
"Are you sure? I know Claudia was teasing you, and while everyone is out there, you are in here alone. I know you're a little sensitive about our relationship in that regard."
Myka shrugged. "I'm fine."
Helena crossed the room and sat on the arm of Myka's chair. "Dinner is ready."
"Okay." She smiled up at Helena with shining eyes. "You smell good."
"Do I?"
Myka bit her bottom lip and nodded. "Like rosemary and thyme. You smell warm and homey."
"Do I now?" Helena chuckled.
Myka gently pulled her down into the chair. "Yes," she whispered as she kissed her. Myka's heart skipped a beat as their lips touched. She smiled inside, Helena didn't just smell like home, she was home. Helena wrapped her hands around Myka's sides, rubbing her thumbs idly against her stomach. Myka slid her arms around Helena's neck and pulled her closer. Helena responded by gripping Myka a little tighter. She moved one hand up to hold Myka's cheek, her palm curving around Myka's jaw as if it were molded for that purpose alone.
They kissed innocently far longer than they should have with the others waiting. Myka pulled back and tucked her head against Helena's shoulder, nuzzling her neck. They both had their eyes closed still, reveling in the moment. Helena smiled at the soft tickle of Myka's breath against her skin. HG sighed. "The others are waiting for us, Myka. We should join them before the food gets cold."
Myka kissed Helena's collarbone. "Okay."
Pete picked at the crumbs of his roll. "I can't wait anymore, I'm hungry." He reached for another roll, Artie slapped his hand.
"Go check on them then." Leena told him softly.
Pete got up and went to hunt the ladies down. He guessed right that they'd be in the library. He opened his mouth to give them crap, but then he actually looked at them. HG was more or less in Myka's lap; she held Myka's face as they kissed. Pete could see the smile on Myka's face and couldn't dare interrupt them. He returned to the dining room smiling. "They'll be out in a bit, we can wait for them." He sat patiently; everyone stared at him. What had Myka-no HG-said to him?
Myka and Helena came into the room about five minutes later. Their hands fell away from each other's as they approached the table.
"Can we start now?" Claudia asked. Leena nodded.
"Sorry." Myka said sheepishly. Helena sported a proud grin.
Pete stood up, ready to carve the bird. "Who wants what?"
Everyone sat back in their chairs, full of the most delicious meal any of them had had. Pete piped up. "In my family we usually say what we're thankful for, besides the food. Ladies," he nodded his head at Leena and HG.
"I think that's a very good idea." Helena smiled at him. Her hand fell lightly on Myka's on the table and she squeezed gently.
He smiled back at HG. "I'll start." Pete made a face as he thought for a moment. "I'm thankful for my family and friends, for Kelly, for the chance to do this amazing job, and for cookies." A mixture of chuckles and smiles greeted his comment. "Oh, and boobies." He grinned.
Myka rolled her eyes. Helena leaned over and kissed her cheek. She whispered quietly into Myka's ear so that only she could hear, "I'm thankful for your beautiful, wonderful breasts as well." Myka's eyes went wide and she blushed. Helena smiled and laughed softly to herself.
"My turn." Claudia spoke up excitedly. "I'm thankful for having Joshua back," she smiled at Artie. "To have a home, and people I care about. That you let me get away with as much as I do. But most of all, I'm thankful to have a family." She grinned at everyone around the table. "All of you." They each smiled back at the young girl who'd finally found her place. "You're next Papa Bear."
Artie sighed. "I'm thankful for music. And for good agents," he looked at Myka and Pete. "All of you." His gaze continued to Claudia and HG. He looked at Leena next to him.
"Are you finished?" Artie nodded; it had been short, but they all understood what had gone unsaid. "I'm thankful for," Leena began in her soft voice. "Forgiveness." She looked at Claudia, who nodded with a smile. "For my gifts, for the chance to know all of you wonderful people and to learn from each of you. You are my dear friends."
Myka was next. She took her time, thinking carefully. "I'm thankful for Helena," she looked at HG with loving eyes, Helena squeezed her hand lightly. "I never would have expected to find what I did, but I wouldn't give it up for anything in the world. I love you." She kissed Helena. "And I'm thankful to have a good relationship with my dad. For this job-I've never been as happy as I am here. For all of you: Pete, the big brother I never had." He smiled sweetly at her. "Claudia, you're like a little sister." Claudia grinned wide, happy to be considered part of Myka's family. "Artie, you're like a father to all of us. A grumpy father, but a father nonetheless." Artie huffed a pleasant laugh, everyone smiled. "And Leena, you take such great care of all of us, spoil us with amazing food, and keeping this place spotless."
"Thank you." Leena replied politely.
Myka bit her lip and looked to Helena. She squeezed HG's fingers in hers gently. "Your turn, sweetie."
Helena smiled at Myka, a smile full of love and adoration. Her gaze lingered on Myka before she began to speak. "Like our dear caretaker, I am also thankful for forgiveness, more thankful than you could ever know." She looked at Artie, who nodded slowly. "I am grateful that you all let me into your home, allowed me the opportunity to find myself in this strange world, that you didn't leave me out in the open sea to drift aimlessly, alone and lost. I have a home now, and you could never understand what that means to me." Her eyes were starting to shimmer with tears and her voice was catching ever so slightly. Myka brought her hand to her lips and kissed it. Helena looked over at her. "You all are my family, and I love you all dearly." She took a deep breath, calming herself. "But most of all, I am thankful for you, my dear sweet Myka. You are everything to me. Without you, I am nothing. I love you more than I expect you could ever fathom, and I thank God every day that you have let me know you." She reached her hand up and held Myka's cheek. Her hand trembled against Myka's soft skin. A single tear fell silently from Helena's graceful eyelashes. Myka reached out and brushed it away. She leaned over and kissed Helena. It was an innocent kiss, with the others all surrounding them, but it was thick and full of passion.
Myka pulled back enough to look into Helena's deep, warm eyes. "I love you, Helena. Never doubt that."
"Never." Helena smiled back at her.
Pete cleared his throat. "Maybe we should clear off the table now." Myka blushed, and leaned back in her chair. "Ladies, let us boys take care of that." Pete smiled when Artie huffed at his word usage; Claudia giggled.
Myka sat with Helena on the couch, HG's shoulder making an increasingly comfortable pillow. Helena had her arm around Myka and watched The Wizard of Oz with a smile on her face. Artie snored softly in his armchair, victim to an overdose of tryptophan. Claudia sat on the floor near Pete on the sofa. They argued playfully over their roles. Claudia insisted she was Dorothy, to which Pete agreed. He insisted that he was neither brainless, nor heartless, nor courage-less; therefore he had to be the wizard. Helena felt the urge to express that 'courage-less' was not in fact a word. Which caused Claudia to persistently label him the Scarecrow. Myka giggled quietly to herself, too comfortable and warm to get involved. She snuggled closer to Helena. Midway through the Cowardly Lion's bravado-laden aria, Helena recognized the slow pattern of Myka's breathing indicating that she too, had fallen asleep. Helena smiled and hugged her tighter.
Myka roused near the end of the movie. "Damn, I fell asleep during his song didn't I?"
Helena smiled at Myka's sleepy face. "Yes."
"I do that every time. I used to be able to watch this through all the time as a kid. I never get past that song anymore."
"It's alright dear, I don't mind."
Myka smiled at her. "Good, cuz you make an excellent pillow."
Helena grinned. "Happy to oblige, darling."
Myka stretched, accidentally kicking Pete. "Oh, sorry."
"Hmm?" Pete was knocked out of sleep, resting his head on his hand. He waved Myka off and repositioned himself.
"I think it's a good day to go to bed early." Myka told Helena.
"Absolutely. I'd like to see the end of this though, I am quite certain those jeweled shoes of Dorothy's are an artifact of some sort."
Myka giggled, sometimes Helena was simply too adorable for words. "You know it's a book too."
Helena's eyes lit up. "Really?"
Myka's smile broadened. "Mhmm, a series."
"Interesting." Myka could see the gears turning in Helena's gorgeous head.
"Yes, we have them. All seventeen of them."
"Seventeen." While most would be daunted, Helena was excited.
"Mhmm. And you can get them...tomorrow." Myka yawned. "Right now, I'd like to go to bed."
"All right. Come on darling, let's go."
Myka smiled and kissed Helena. "Thank you."
Myka climbed the stairs to their room slowly. Helena rested her hand against the small of Myka's back as she followed her up. Myka changed into her pajamas while Helena undressed. HG watched her as she stripped. She came up behind Myka and wrapped her arms around her bare waist. Myka turned around and held Helena's naked body against her own. "I love you, Myka."
"I know," was Myka's sleepy response. Helena laughed. "I mean, sorry, I love you too, Helena."
HG smiled. "I know." She kissed Myka; Myka pulled her closer.
"I really do love you."
Helena chuckled softly. "And I you. Now change and get some rest." She released Myka and they both threw on their pajamas, meager as they were even in the late season, always wanting as much contact as possible. Helena climbed into bed next to Myka, who wasted no time in fastening herself around Helena's waist. She kissed HG's neck as she wrapped her long leg around Helena's. HG smiled and pulled Myka tight, kissing the top of her head. "Good night my dear sweet Myka."
"Good night my love."
and for those who wish to reread in sequence, here tis:
chapter 1
chapter 3
chapter 4
chapter 5
chapter 6
and as always, gratias to my lovely beta fitful_fire
With Love and Gratitude
Myka leaned against the kitchen doorframe with a smile. Leena and Helena were working feverishly on Thanksgiving dinner. They had Claudia's help for now-until Pete and Artie started making cookies. Then she would have to make sure there was still dough left to bake. Myka watched Helena. Despite Thanksgiving being a "colonial" holiday, she loved cooking and had insisted on helping. She hummed softly to herself as she speared rosemary through a pork roast.
Claudia caught Myka staring and elbowed Leena. She pointed with her chin when Leena turned around. They both watched Myka as she grinned at her lover, still unseen by her. Since HG showed up Myka had been like a whole new person. But love could do that to you. Even Claudia could see the glow that surrounded her; it must have been blinding to Leena.
Myka pushed off from her post and went to Helena's side. "Hello," she said in that rich, clear tone.
Helena's smile instantly multiplied into a brilliant grin as she looked up. "My darling Myka." She greeted her with a lingering kiss.
Myka slid her arm around Helena's waist, running her hand down her back and around to rest comfortably on her hip. "What were you humming?"
"Just an old song my mother used to sing to me."
"Teach it to me sometime?"
"Promise." Helena was slowly leaning toward Myka as they spoke, the magnetic pull of Myka's lips drawing her in for another kiss.
"Hey you gouramis." Claudia tossed a handful of mini marshmallows at them.
Her taunt didn't faze them and they broke the kiss at their leisure. Helena looked at Myka confused. "Gouramis?"
A little tinge of red appeared on Myka's cheeks. "Kissing fish." She shot a glare at Claudia. "But it's a faulty comparison because gouramis aren't kissing, but postering and bullying, jockeying for position. And it's only the males who do it."
"Ah, well, false it is as we were most decidedly kissing." Helena pressed her lips against Myka's in a quick peck. "And last time I checked, neither of us was male." She smiled at Myka.
"You," Claudia tossed a lone marshmallow at Myka. "Get out of here or we're never gonna finish cooking all this food."
"As much as I enjoy cooking, I do prefer eating," Helena winked at Myka and grinned as the crimson blush spread to her ears. "Perhaps young Claudia is correct." Her voice dropped. "Because I can't seem to stop doing this." Helena leaned in for another kiss.
Myka felt HG's tongue caress her lips and realized it was a very good idea for her to not be in the kitchen. Not unless they were alone and she was feeding a very naked Helena strawberries from the fridge. Myka gripped at HG's hip and slipped the tip of her tongue past her lips to touch Helena's. Helena melted into Myka. Myka became aware that her hand was on Helena's stomach, inching downward. And Helena was moving in a manner as to facilitate Myka's hand. Myka took a step beck. "I have to go." Myka's face was bright red.
Claudia fanned herself and mouthed 'hot' as Myka passed her. Myka stuck her tongue out at her. "Hey, save that for the bedroom." Helena stared at the wall, licking her lips slowly. "Damn, HG, that was hot. What are you guys like when no one's around? I bet your sex life is amazing."
Snapped out of her reverie by the sound of her name, Helena looked over at the young girl. "Claudia, that's not something Myka would want to be discussed; it's none of your business no matter how incredible a lover she is. And if I didn't have this meat in my hands I'd throttle you for teasing her."
Claudia smirked. "Don't let Myka hear you say that, she might get jealous."
HG furrowed her brow in confusion, not understanding Claudia's joke at first. She filtered the statement as best she could and realized the implication. Helena narrowed her steely eyes at Claudia. "You will pay for that Ms. Donovan."
"Eep." Claudia grabbed an empty platter, using it as a shield. "Can you at least wait until after dinner? Gimme a last meal."
Helena cocked an eyebrow. "I suppose," she drolled as she turned back to the roast. She felt something small, white, and fluffy hit the back of her head. Helena chuckled softly. "Why don't you go check on the boys, Claudia? Do something useful."
Claudia dropped the platter on the counter and saluted the back of HG's head. "Will do, cap'n." She retreated into the den.
Leena laughed to herself. "You're making yourself right at home." She smiled at Helena.
HG looked over her shoulder, her face as open and honest as it had ever been. "I am home," she stated matter of factly.
Leena smiled wider. "Yes you are." Her focus shifted back to her task.
Helena finished with the roast, singing softly to herself-trying to remember all the words to teach Myka later.
Claudia walked in on Pete doing a victory dance. Artie was clearly not enthused by his antics. "Pete, would you sit down." Artie growled.
Pete stopped to reply. "Hey, the Browns might not get another touchdown. I'm gonna make the most of this one." He resumed his dance; Artie sighed.
"What's the score?" Claudia asked when Pete flopped back down on the sofa.
"We're not gonna talk about that."
Claudia smirked as she sat down next to him. "You know, you could root for a better team."
Pete looked at Claudia, shocked. "No way! The Browns are my home team!"
"Yeah, but-"
"Do not make a 'crap' joke." Claudia closed her mouth with a snap. "Aren't you supposed to be helping in the kitchen?"
Claudia smiled at Artie as she answered Pete's question. "I was told to check on 'the boys.'"
Artie huffed. "Boys? Boys! Bah! That woman..."
"Well, she does have a few years on you Papa Bear."
"I am not one of you children."
Pete smirked at him. "Ah, you don't want her to tuck you in at night? Read you a bedtime story?" Artie rolled his eyes. "Actually," Pete waggled his eyebrows, "I wouldn't mind her tucking me in." He received a light smack to the back of the head. "Claudia!"
She held up her hands, laughing. "It wasn't me, dude."
"I tuck her in at night, but don't you dare say anything about it. And she only gives bedtime stories when I ask for them." Myka smiled down at Pete with a smart ass grin.
He looked up at her, giving his best 'I'm totally busted, but look how adorable I am, you can't possibly be mad at me' face. "Of course, anything for her 'Myka darling.'" He grinned.
"'Darling Myka.' If you're going to poke fun, at least get it right."
"Gotcha."
Claudia beamed up at her. "Feeling better now? Cool off some?"
"Shut up." Myka clipped the words with tight precision, but the playful tone in her voice and her warm smile showed she was teasing.
Pete gave Myka a confused look. "You were hot?"
"Oh yeah, she was burning up in the kitchen. Practically on fire." Claudia was grinning ear to ear.
"Well, yeah, the oven and all the burners going, of course, it's hot in there."
"Scorching." Claudia added before the giggles finally overtook her.
There was no winning. Myka sighed and left them to their own devices.
Leena called everyone into the dining room as Helena put the last dish on the table. The group filtered in and took their seats.
"Where's Myka?" Pete asked as he snaked a roll.
"Wait, Pete."
Helena smiled warmly. "I'll get her, I know where she is." HG headed into the hall. Myka was hiding where she was every time no one knew where to find her-tucked in an oversized chair in the library. Helena stood in the doorway; Myka sat in the big leather chair by the window, her legs curled beneath her, leaning her head against the wingback, one hand under her chin, the other steadying the book against the chair arm and her knee. She was swept up in the yellow sunlight pouring through the window and had Helena just met her at that moment, she'd have honestly taken her for an angel. "Myka." Helena called her name softly. Myka looked up and HG watched her eyes light up as they settled on her.
Myka grinned. "Yes?"
"Are you all right, darling?"
"Yeah." It wasn't entirely convincing to one who knew her so well.
"Are you sure? I know Claudia was teasing you, and while everyone is out there, you are in here alone. I know you're a little sensitive about our relationship in that regard."
Myka shrugged. "I'm fine."
Helena crossed the room and sat on the arm of Myka's chair. "Dinner is ready."
"Okay." She smiled up at Helena with shining eyes. "You smell good."
"Do I?"
Myka bit her bottom lip and nodded. "Like rosemary and thyme. You smell warm and homey."
"Do I now?" Helena chuckled.
Myka gently pulled her down into the chair. "Yes," she whispered as she kissed her. Myka's heart skipped a beat as their lips touched. She smiled inside, Helena didn't just smell like home, she was home. Helena wrapped her hands around Myka's sides, rubbing her thumbs idly against her stomach. Myka slid her arms around Helena's neck and pulled her closer. Helena responded by gripping Myka a little tighter. She moved one hand up to hold Myka's cheek, her palm curving around Myka's jaw as if it were molded for that purpose alone.
They kissed innocently far longer than they should have with the others waiting. Myka pulled back and tucked her head against Helena's shoulder, nuzzling her neck. They both had their eyes closed still, reveling in the moment. Helena smiled at the soft tickle of Myka's breath against her skin. HG sighed. "The others are waiting for us, Myka. We should join them before the food gets cold."
Myka kissed Helena's collarbone. "Okay."
Pete picked at the crumbs of his roll. "I can't wait anymore, I'm hungry." He reached for another roll, Artie slapped his hand.
"Go check on them then." Leena told him softly.
Pete got up and went to hunt the ladies down. He guessed right that they'd be in the library. He opened his mouth to give them crap, but then he actually looked at them. HG was more or less in Myka's lap; she held Myka's face as they kissed. Pete could see the smile on Myka's face and couldn't dare interrupt them. He returned to the dining room smiling. "They'll be out in a bit, we can wait for them." He sat patiently; everyone stared at him. What had Myka-no HG-said to him?
Myka and Helena came into the room about five minutes later. Their hands fell away from each other's as they approached the table.
"Can we start now?" Claudia asked. Leena nodded.
"Sorry." Myka said sheepishly. Helena sported a proud grin.
Pete stood up, ready to carve the bird. "Who wants what?"
Everyone sat back in their chairs, full of the most delicious meal any of them had had. Pete piped up. "In my family we usually say what we're thankful for, besides the food. Ladies," he nodded his head at Leena and HG.
"I think that's a very good idea." Helena smiled at him. Her hand fell lightly on Myka's on the table and she squeezed gently.
He smiled back at HG. "I'll start." Pete made a face as he thought for a moment. "I'm thankful for my family and friends, for Kelly, for the chance to do this amazing job, and for cookies." A mixture of chuckles and smiles greeted his comment. "Oh, and boobies." He grinned.
Myka rolled her eyes. Helena leaned over and kissed her cheek. She whispered quietly into Myka's ear so that only she could hear, "I'm thankful for your beautiful, wonderful breasts as well." Myka's eyes went wide and she blushed. Helena smiled and laughed softly to herself.
"My turn." Claudia spoke up excitedly. "I'm thankful for having Joshua back," she smiled at Artie. "To have a home, and people I care about. That you let me get away with as much as I do. But most of all, I'm thankful to have a family." She grinned at everyone around the table. "All of you." They each smiled back at the young girl who'd finally found her place. "You're next Papa Bear."
Artie sighed. "I'm thankful for music. And for good agents," he looked at Myka and Pete. "All of you." His gaze continued to Claudia and HG. He looked at Leena next to him.
"Are you finished?" Artie nodded; it had been short, but they all understood what had gone unsaid. "I'm thankful for," Leena began in her soft voice. "Forgiveness." She looked at Claudia, who nodded with a smile. "For my gifts, for the chance to know all of you wonderful people and to learn from each of you. You are my dear friends."
Myka was next. She took her time, thinking carefully. "I'm thankful for Helena," she looked at HG with loving eyes, Helena squeezed her hand lightly. "I never would have expected to find what I did, but I wouldn't give it up for anything in the world. I love you." She kissed Helena. "And I'm thankful to have a good relationship with my dad. For this job-I've never been as happy as I am here. For all of you: Pete, the big brother I never had." He smiled sweetly at her. "Claudia, you're like a little sister." Claudia grinned wide, happy to be considered part of Myka's family. "Artie, you're like a father to all of us. A grumpy father, but a father nonetheless." Artie huffed a pleasant laugh, everyone smiled. "And Leena, you take such great care of all of us, spoil us with amazing food, and keeping this place spotless."
"Thank you." Leena replied politely.
Myka bit her lip and looked to Helena. She squeezed HG's fingers in hers gently. "Your turn, sweetie."
Helena smiled at Myka, a smile full of love and adoration. Her gaze lingered on Myka before she began to speak. "Like our dear caretaker, I am also thankful for forgiveness, more thankful than you could ever know." She looked at Artie, who nodded slowly. "I am grateful that you all let me into your home, allowed me the opportunity to find myself in this strange world, that you didn't leave me out in the open sea to drift aimlessly, alone and lost. I have a home now, and you could never understand what that means to me." Her eyes were starting to shimmer with tears and her voice was catching ever so slightly. Myka brought her hand to her lips and kissed it. Helena looked over at her. "You all are my family, and I love you all dearly." She took a deep breath, calming herself. "But most of all, I am thankful for you, my dear sweet Myka. You are everything to me. Without you, I am nothing. I love you more than I expect you could ever fathom, and I thank God every day that you have let me know you." She reached her hand up and held Myka's cheek. Her hand trembled against Myka's soft skin. A single tear fell silently from Helena's graceful eyelashes. Myka reached out and brushed it away. She leaned over and kissed Helena. It was an innocent kiss, with the others all surrounding them, but it was thick and full of passion.
Myka pulled back enough to look into Helena's deep, warm eyes. "I love you, Helena. Never doubt that."
"Never." Helena smiled back at her.
Pete cleared his throat. "Maybe we should clear off the table now." Myka blushed, and leaned back in her chair. "Ladies, let us boys take care of that." Pete smiled when Artie huffed at his word usage; Claudia giggled.
Myka sat with Helena on the couch, HG's shoulder making an increasingly comfortable pillow. Helena had her arm around Myka and watched The Wizard of Oz with a smile on her face. Artie snored softly in his armchair, victim to an overdose of tryptophan. Claudia sat on the floor near Pete on the sofa. They argued playfully over their roles. Claudia insisted she was Dorothy, to which Pete agreed. He insisted that he was neither brainless, nor heartless, nor courage-less; therefore he had to be the wizard. Helena felt the urge to express that 'courage-less' was not in fact a word. Which caused Claudia to persistently label him the Scarecrow. Myka giggled quietly to herself, too comfortable and warm to get involved. She snuggled closer to Helena. Midway through the Cowardly Lion's bravado-laden aria, Helena recognized the slow pattern of Myka's breathing indicating that she too, had fallen asleep. Helena smiled and hugged her tighter.
Myka roused near the end of the movie. "Damn, I fell asleep during his song didn't I?"
Helena smiled at Myka's sleepy face. "Yes."
"I do that every time. I used to be able to watch this through all the time as a kid. I never get past that song anymore."
"It's alright dear, I don't mind."
Myka smiled at her. "Good, cuz you make an excellent pillow."
Helena grinned. "Happy to oblige, darling."
Myka stretched, accidentally kicking Pete. "Oh, sorry."
"Hmm?" Pete was knocked out of sleep, resting his head on his hand. He waved Myka off and repositioned himself.
"I think it's a good day to go to bed early." Myka told Helena.
"Absolutely. I'd like to see the end of this though, I am quite certain those jeweled shoes of Dorothy's are an artifact of some sort."
Myka giggled, sometimes Helena was simply too adorable for words. "You know it's a book too."
Helena's eyes lit up. "Really?"
Myka's smile broadened. "Mhmm, a series."
"Interesting." Myka could see the gears turning in Helena's gorgeous head.
"Yes, we have them. All seventeen of them."
"Seventeen." While most would be daunted, Helena was excited.
"Mhmm. And you can get them...tomorrow." Myka yawned. "Right now, I'd like to go to bed."
"All right. Come on darling, let's go."
Myka smiled and kissed Helena. "Thank you."
Myka climbed the stairs to their room slowly. Helena rested her hand against the small of Myka's back as she followed her up. Myka changed into her pajamas while Helena undressed. HG watched her as she stripped. She came up behind Myka and wrapped her arms around her bare waist. Myka turned around and held Helena's naked body against her own. "I love you, Myka."
"I know," was Myka's sleepy response. Helena laughed. "I mean, sorry, I love you too, Helena."
HG smiled. "I know." She kissed Myka; Myka pulled her closer.
"I really do love you."
Helena chuckled softly. "And I you. Now change and get some rest." She released Myka and they both threw on their pajamas, meager as they were even in the late season, always wanting as much contact as possible. Helena climbed into bed next to Myka, who wasted no time in fastening herself around Helena's waist. She kissed HG's neck as she wrapped her long leg around Helena's. HG smiled and pulled Myka tight, kissing the top of her head. "Good night my dear sweet Myka."
"Good night my love."