covert affairs chapter 8
bout fucking time right? thank the gods for the lovely beta from fitful_fire. saved you all from some very atrocious prose. enjoy my lovelies.
Myka and Helena ascended the stairs of the bed and breakfast together. That last kiss after using the bed still played on Myka's mind. They reached the top of the stairs and HG turned to her room: the room in which she had spent no time. Myka followed her to the doorway. They had retired early, being worn out from the day's activities; the others were all still downstairs. "Goodnight, Helena." Myka put her hand on HG's cheek and kissed her. "I have a surprise for you in the morning." She smiled.
HG perked up. "What is it?"
Myka's smile broadened. "If I tell you, then it won't be a surprise. You'll just have to wait til tomorrow."
"Oh, alright. If I must."
"You must." Myka kissed her again. "Good night."
"Good night my Myka."
With a lingering touch Myka went to her room. She enjoyed the thought of being someone's. She picked up The Time Machine from the table and climbed into bed with it.
HG sighed. Her room did feel...empty. It wasn't just a personal touch that was missing. It was Myka. She sighed again. Myka wanted her space tonight, and that was okay. HG stripped and climbed into her large empty bed. It was strange, but comfortable. She settled into it.
Myka read a few pages before she realized she had read one paragraph three times. She placed one of HG's notes between the pages, smiling at the words on it. In beautiful, flowing script was her message, 'See you soon, dear.' Accepting her defeat, Myka put the book on the nightstand. Next to the sketch HG had made. This other woman was beginning to fill the space around her. Myka looked around the room. There was nothing that spoke of Claudia, nothing that rung of Pete. Only a picture of her parents and everything else was solely her. Except for these little pieces of Helena.
Myka got out of bed. She slunk across the hall and rapped gently on HG's door. She didn't wait for a response, opening the door almost immediately. HG sat up slightly at the noise, but the door opened and she recognized the silhouette with familiar ease. Myka closed the door behind her and wordlessly crept over and crawled in the bed with HG. She did not expect Helena to be naked, but it didn't faze her. Myka snuggled against her time traveler and held her close with an arm around her waist. HG felt Myka's breath warm and sweet against her neck. She smiled in the dark as she sunk into Myka.
Morning crept into the room as silently as Myka had the night before. Helena woke and took stock of her body. One of Myka's long legs was draped over her, and the woman's hand sat dangerously low on her stomach. Her lips were against Helena's shoulder, her deep breaths casting slow ticklings over her neck. Helena was warm and content and utterly refused to move. She merely lied there in euphoric stillness, feeling Myka's breath come in shorter influxes until she roused. Her lips kissed the crevice of Helena's neck before her mind was fully aware of the action. "Morning, darling."
"Morning." She stretched her back, arching against HG's body. Helena's hip shifted and Myka's hand slid further south. Her fingertips brushed curly hair; she didn't move her hand.
"You're going to spoil me, waking up with you every morning."
"You deserve it." Myka kissed the soft spot behind her ear. HG rolled over. She pulled up her knee between Myka's legs, rubbing their inner thighs together, smiling at the surge of heat from Myka's shorts. She placed a hand on Myka's cheek and watched the pupils dilate in her soft green eyes. A grin curled HG's lips as she ran her fingertips over the soft skin of Myka's stomach just above the waistband of her shorts. "Who's getting spoiled?" Myka smirked.
Helena kissed her sweetly and deeply. Myka slowly adjusted to lie on top of HG. Her hands found their way to Helena's sides and she held HG's body around her ribcage. HG pulled her close with firm hands against Myka's back. She slid her hands down, into Myka's shorts. Flexing her fingers, she grabbed handfuls of Myka's bottom. Myka's breath quickened in response. Helena bent her knee and turned her leg, spreading Myka's legs. She ran a teasing finger between Myka's cheeks causing her to jerk her hips down hard into HG's pelvis. Helena laughed. Myka tried to move her leg back, but it was firmly pinned under Helena's knee. Always one to make the best of any situation, Myka pulled her other leg up under her. Catching HG's knee, she pushed her leg out from beneath her, spreading Helena's legs pleasantly wide. HG let out a tiny yelp of defeat. Myka laughed as she kissed Helena's neck. She ran her hand along HG's side, over her hip, down to her knee and up the inside of her thigh. She squirmed beneath Myka, which just made Myka move her hand slower. Millimeters away from her prize Myka stopped. There was a banging in the hall. She lie still, listening, leaving HG painfully frustrated. It sounded as if someone was knocking on her door. Pete called her name. HG growled, she was beginning to despise Lattimer's timing.
"I think this one I have to own up to." Myka kissed her frustrated partner before saying in a low voice. "We'll resume this later." She ran a finger up the last little bit of skin, making contact with Helena's clit, as she got out of bed. HG gasped; Myka grinned. She glanced back to make sure Helena was decently covered before opening the door. "What do you want, Pete?"
He spun on his heels. "Breakfast is ready. Didn't want you to miss it again and get stuck with cold eggs or something."
"I ate very well yesterday, but thank you." She was not altogether thankful for his gesture as she had had in mind a different breakfast entirely. He wandered over to the doorway. It occurred to him that Myka was still in her pajamas. In HG's room. He raised his eyebrow suggestively. "What are you doing here?"
"HG and I have a flight to catch, I wanted to make sure she was up on time." Half a surprise was still a surprise.
Pete peaked around Myka. HG sat in bed with the sheet wrapped tightly around her, held in place with a hand in a wave. Her countenance, had Pete noticed, was one of feigned civility and bore a smile as fake as it was broad. It was not that she did not like him, the man was not without his charm. It was simply that she had far better things to do with her time at the moment.
"Are you naked?!"
Myka sighed and gave Pete a look that had he seen would have made him shut up. But Pete was just as aware as Myka how stunning Helena was, so his attention was elsewhere. "Well, what do you propose I sleep in?" HG replied with easy dignity.
Pete's jaw fell slack. He looked at Myka. Her expression had softened, but he could still read it. "Uh, right. I'll let you-ladies get to it." He smiled at his own accidental innuendo.
Myka rolled her eyes. "We'll be down in a bit."
Pete grinned. "Take your time." He stepped back and turned to go downstairs. He had miscalculated though and took the banister in the gut. "Oof."
Myka stood tall and smiled playfully at him. "Serves you right."
Helena looked at Myka. She had on the most remarkably short shorts. A matter of centimeters and they would be indecent. Fashion, at least, had markedly improved. She stared at Myka's legs. They were magnificently long and gloriously beautiful. There was a small tattoo on her right ankle. It was writing, but Helena couldn't read it from her position. She would wait til she could examine it more closely.
Myka closed the door and turned back to HG. She took a step and stopped. She put her hands on her hips and shifted her weight to one leg. One beautifully long leg. "Helena."
"Mmm?" Her gaze lingered before raising to meet Myka's eyes. "Yes?" Myka looked shocked, but pleased. She was found out, no way around it.
Myka stared at HG, Helena's expression was one of open innocence and justification. Her smirk broadened into a smile. She sat on the bed next to Helena. Myka pulled her in for a kiss. She yanked down the sheet and grabbed HG's breast, fondling her nipple in a reversal of the previous morning. Helena let her hand rest on Myka's hip. Suddenly, Myka broke away, and Helena opened her eyes. Myka was standing in the middle of the room. HG's eyes drifted to her legs again; there was a small tattoo on the outside of her ankle, a lemniscate. Myka chuckled. "Come on, Helena. We do have a plane to catch in a couple hours. Best not to fly on an empty stomach."
HG smiled. "Is that my surprise?"
"Part of it."
"Where are we going?"
Myka bit her lip and shook her head. "Nope. That part will stay a surprise."
"How will I know what to wear?" HG tried.
Myka laughed. "You mean, how will you decide between your button up shirt, your button up shirt or your button up shirt? Or maybe between your skintight jeans or your skintight jeans? You need to get more clothes."
HG pouted. "What's wrong with my clothes?"
Myka sat on the bed again. "Nothing at all is wrong with your clothes. At all. You just need more clothes.
"Perhaps we can remedy that where we're going."
Myka smiled. "Yes." Her eyes drifted down to Helena's bare chest and she licked her lips. HG propped her hand on her hip and cleared her throat. Myka looked up. Helena's eyebrows were raised. Myka was busted. "What? You're the only one who's allowed to stare?"
HG smiled. "Hardly, I assure you."
Myka smiled. "Come on, we better head down to breakfast." She got up and walked to the door. Pausing, she looked over her shoulder to watch Helena get out of bed. She smiled to herself. HG tossed her hair over her shoulder and stretched her back, well aware of Myka's attention. She stepped carefully across the room to the bathroom. Without turning around she spoke over her shoulder in a teasing tone. "See you in a bit, Myka."
Myka joined the others downstairs. HG had not yet made her way downstairs. Pete had said they'd be down shortly, so Leena had tried to hold breakfast. But Pete and Artie had won out. They were half done, but everything was still warm. "Morning everybody."
"Morning." Claudia responded, Leena nodded, Artie smiled, and Pete mumbled a muffled sound somewhat resembling 'morning' through a mouthful of toast and jam.
Myka sat and filled her plate. Breakfast was always better when you didn't have to make it. "Thank you, Leena. It looks delicious."
"My pleasure." She smiled and handed Myka a cup of coffee. Her eyes went big with excitement and Leena laughed. Myka was aware of the empty plate beside her. With everyone present taken care of, Leena took her seat at the table. From her spot at the table, Claudia could see HG come around the corner before anyone else. She looked at Myka and watched her face light up as HG came into the room. Claudia grinned at Myka's expression. She didn't really trust HG, but she trusted Myka. And anyone who could make her that happy by simply being in the same room couldn't be all bad.
"Morning all." HG smiled as she took the empty chair next to Myka.
"Morning." Claudia was trying not to laugh. Leena nodded her head and replied with a soft, "Morning." Pete, mouth full of eggs, shoved the food to one side-rather like a chipmunk-and answered, "Morning." Artie didn't even look up.
HG looked at him, hopeful for something, acknowledgment at least. Her smile faded as she watched him ignore her. Myka rubbed her thigh under the table. Her smile returned and she squeezed Myka's hand. "Lovely spread you've prepared, Leena. Quite impressive."
Leena smiled. "Thank you."
Pete swallowed. "Leena's an awesome cook. She makes the best croissants."
"Pete." Claudia stopped him. "Let her get settled in before you show her how many you can fit in your mouth." Pete frowned.
"Well," curious and spying an opportunity to mend bridges, HG asked. "How many can you fit in your mouth?"
Pete grinned. "Seventeen."
HG's eyebrows shot up. "That I will have to see some day." She crinkled her nose at him. Myka bit her lip. "But not today."
A loud clank froze everyone as Artie dropped his fork on his plate. "Suddenly, I've lost my appetite." He grunted angrily and pushed away from the table, stomping off.
The happy mood had been thoroughly squashed. But at least he was gone now.
"Well, that was totally uncalled for." Claudia turned back to the table.
"Asshole."
"Myka!" The voice was Helena's. Not the one she'd expected, but Claudia and Pete just stared at her with open mouths.
"He has no reason to act like that. He's being rude and childish. He can't treat you like that, Helena."
HG squeezed her hand under the table again. "Myka." She said gently. "While his actions might be immature and inappropriate, he has every right to be upset. The truth is, I've," her eyes fell. "Done...things. Please, Myka, don't be angry with him for hating me." She looked Myka square in the eyes, pleading. Her hands cupped Myka's.
Myka became abruptly aware of the others at the table. Particularly Pete. They were all watching her; her ears turned red. She squeezed Helena's hand tightly. The corners of HG's mouth twitched up slightly. Myka's ire fell away. "Alright." She said softly, leaving the 'for you, Helena' unspoken, but understood.
HG tried to release Myka's hand, but Myka held tight. If Pete saw, Pete saw. She found it very hard to care right now, with her fingers entwined with HG's and her hand resting against Helena's thigh.
Leena smiled to herself, watching Myka's aura. She could pick the exact second that HG's hand touched Myka's. If they could all see what she could, it would not be a secret and Artie would be struck dumb. That was something she would have to work on, because from her point of view, HG was not going anywhere.
Helena squeezed Myka's hand. The corners of her wonderful lips turned upwards and her ears turned a hint of pink. Helena fixed her eyes on Myka's pulse point. Her body wanted nothing more than to affix her lips to that very spot. But she knew better, all in good time. You waited a hundred years for a woman like Myka, a few trifling minutes over breakfast is nothing at all.
Claudia watched HG, seeing where she was staring. Claudia squealed and grinned at HG. Everyone looked at her. She turned a sheepish smirk at the group. "This is awesome tea, Leena, what is it? Is it new?"
Leena smiled coyly. "It's the same tea you had yesterday."
"Oh. Well, it's awesome." She took a sip. "Awesome tea."
Helena smiled, taking up the game. "It isn't bad. For an American." She laughed.
Leena smirked.
"Excuse me, but who kicked whose butt in the Revolutionary War?"
"Oh, that scuffle? Who had to call in the bloody French?"
"We could've kicked your butts without them."
"Please. A bunch of rag tag farmers who barely knew how to shoot and whose uniforms didn't even match?"
"The uniform doesn't make the soldier, it's what he's fighting for."
HG nodded. "Very perceptive, Pete." Pete puffed up his chest and grinned.
"He was a Marine, sw-" Myka's eyes went wide as she stopped herself from saying the word 'sweetie.' She coughed to cover it and took a sip of tea. Claudia beamed at her.
Helena smiled. "Are you okay, darling?"
She would say that, wouldn't she? Myka cleared her throat. "Yes. I'm fine. Just a stray piece of toast or something." She shot a glance at Helena, you'll pay for that darling later. Helena smiled smugly. Myka looked at her watch. "We should go, we need to be at the in airport in a bit." She let go of HG's hand. "Come on, Helena." Myka got up.
"Thank you for a delicious breakfast, Leena, and the," she cleared her throat. "'Awesome tea.' Lattimer," HG narrowed her eyes playfully. "We will resume this debate later."
Myka waited in the doorway. She smiled at the scene. Helena sat at the table with them; no ill feelings, no judgements lobbied, no remembrance of misdeeds hanging over her head like the sword of Damocles. No. She sat in happy conversation and playful debate with the people Myka cared for most. She fit. She fit in Myka's life, and not just the secret parts. Helena finally rose from the table, bidding adieu to her tablemates with a graceful bow. Helena didn't just fit into Myka's life, her life fit into Helena's. HG joined her in the hall. They turned the corner, out of view of the others. Myka grabbed Helena's hand, stopping her, and gave her a gentle kiss.
"What was that for?"
Myka looked at her with bright, warm eyes and a brilliant smile. "No reason."
Helena smiled back. "That is the very best of reasons." She held Myka's hand as they walked upstairs. "Are you going to tell me where we're going?"
"Nope."
"Is it in the country?"
"No."
"I will need a passport."
"I made sure you'd have one." Something occurred to Myka. "How did you get to Russia with no identification?"
HG grinned wickedly. "We all have our secrets."
Myka could not argue any further point, she had been bested. With a sigh, she conceded. Helena grinned happily. They arrived in HG's room. Myka looked around and smiled to herself, soon it wouldn't seem to empty.
"Will I need a jacket?" Myka nodded. Helena pulled out a heavy brown coat.
"No. The other one."
Helena returned the brown coat and retrieved a thinner black one. "This would be better suited to the weather?" Still trying to discover their destination.
Myka smiled. "I like it better."
"Ah. Well then, this one it is." Helena slipped the long black jacket on. It fell around her body, hugging her form.
Myka smiled and walked over. She wrapped her arms around Helena's small waist, feeling the silk lining of the jacket against her bare skin. "Definitely this one." Myka kissed her. She loved those soft, pouting lips, always so warm and comforting. Myka took Helena's bottom lip between hers and ran her tongue along the sensitive flesh. Helena sighed against Myka's mouth. "Mmm..." Myka released Helena's delicious lip. "We don't have time for this."
Helena grabbed Myka's bottom lip between her teeth. "There is always time for this." She kissed Myka only briefly before tracing her down Myka's swan-like neck.
"Ah..." Myka exhaled slowly. "Helena...we," she sighed again. "We...really...don't...mmm..have time for this."
Helena nipped at Myka's neck, kissing that pulse point she had so desired to taste. "And why not, darling?"
Why did they not have time for this? Myka pushed the sensation of Helena's voluptuous lips on her earlobe from her mind enough to remember. "We have a plane to catch." Her voice was unexpectedly hoarse with arousal.
"Mmm, true." Helena ran her tongue along the edge of Myka's ear. "I'd hate to miss out on my surprise. Where are we going again, Myka?"
"L-" She almost answered. Oh, HG was good. Myka cleared her throat. "I'm not gonna tell you."
Helena smiled as she whispered into Myka's ear. "I almost had you."
Myka bit Helena's neck gently. Helena sucked in a breath and Myka felt her collapse against her just a little bit. She kissed the bruises she'd already left on the gorgeous skin and laughed. "I know how to get you too."
Helena leaned against Myka. "That you do."
Myka kissed her cheek. "Come on, we do have to go. I've got your passport and ID in my room." She pulled back and moved toward the door.
"And why do you have them?"
Myka smiled. "We all have our secrets."
Helena followed Myka across the hall. "You already have a secret, you don't get to have a second one."
Myka spun on her heel, Helena nearly crashed into her. Myka kissed her. "I get as many secrets as I like." She handed Helena a large manilla envelope labeled 'Wells.' "Mrs. Frederic gave them to me."
Helena opened the envelope and pulled out its contents. "Why would she give them to you?" Myka smiled sheepishly. Helena raised her eyebrows. "Really? Interesting."
"That and I asked for them specifically."
"So it's just the boys we're keeping this from?"
There had been a hint of something in her voice. Myka put her hand under Helena's chin and lifted her gaze til she was looking Myka square in the eyes. "I am not ashamed or embarrassed by you, by what we have. In any way. I just..." She struggled to find the right words.
"You need to introduce it slowly so as to cause as little turmoil as possible. I understand, Myka. I didn't mean to imply anything."
Myka smiled at her. Helena fiddled with the items in her hands. Myka glanced down, peaking at the red leather bound passport. Helena Grace. Myka looked up at HG as she read over the document. She didn't think there had ever been a more fitting name for someone. Light and grace, that was her Helena. "Everything acceptable?"
Helena looked at the passport and the license. "These pictures are atrocious. You people have had over a hundred years and you still can't manage to get a proper camera sorted?"
Myka laughed. "It's something to do with ID cards. It is impossible to have a good photo on one."
"Show me yours."
"Will that make you feel better?"
Helena raised her chin. "Yes." Myka pulled her license from her wallet and handed it over reluctantly. HG looked at the picture on Myka's ID and grinned. Myka crinkled her nose and snatched her license back. Helena chuckled. "I feel a great deal better now."
Myka stuck her tongue out at her. Helena laughed harder. She patted Myka's cheek, "Now, now dear."
Myka returned her ID to her wallet. "We have to go." She picked her brown leather jacket off the back of her desk chair and slipped it over her slender form.
She had a simple grace to her movements and Helena wondered if she had ever been aware of it. Myka seemed to have a rather skewed vision of herself. That must be rectified. Helena stepped forward, and took Myka's face in her hands, kissing her deeply and passionately-pouring all her desire into that simple touch.
Helena leaned back, out of breath. Myka stood still, one hand on the chair; she licked her lips. "What was that for?"
Helena smiled. "Because you are beautiful." Myka blushed. HG's smile broadened. She brushed a curl behind Myka's ear with a delicate finger. "Come, you have a surprise for me to discover."
Myka and Helena ascended the stairs of the bed and breakfast together. That last kiss after using the bed still played on Myka's mind. They reached the top of the stairs and HG turned to her room: the room in which she had spent no time. Myka followed her to the doorway. They had retired early, being worn out from the day's activities; the others were all still downstairs. "Goodnight, Helena." Myka put her hand on HG's cheek and kissed her. "I have a surprise for you in the morning." She smiled.
HG perked up. "What is it?"
Myka's smile broadened. "If I tell you, then it won't be a surprise. You'll just have to wait til tomorrow."
"Oh, alright. If I must."
"You must." Myka kissed her again. "Good night."
"Good night my Myka."
With a lingering touch Myka went to her room. She enjoyed the thought of being someone's. She picked up The Time Machine from the table and climbed into bed with it.
HG sighed. Her room did feel...empty. It wasn't just a personal touch that was missing. It was Myka. She sighed again. Myka wanted her space tonight, and that was okay. HG stripped and climbed into her large empty bed. It was strange, but comfortable. She settled into it.
Myka read a few pages before she realized she had read one paragraph three times. She placed one of HG's notes between the pages, smiling at the words on it. In beautiful, flowing script was her message, 'See you soon, dear.' Accepting her defeat, Myka put the book on the nightstand. Next to the sketch HG had made. This other woman was beginning to fill the space around her. Myka looked around the room. There was nothing that spoke of Claudia, nothing that rung of Pete. Only a picture of her parents and everything else was solely her. Except for these little pieces of Helena.
Myka got out of bed. She slunk across the hall and rapped gently on HG's door. She didn't wait for a response, opening the door almost immediately. HG sat up slightly at the noise, but the door opened and she recognized the silhouette with familiar ease. Myka closed the door behind her and wordlessly crept over and crawled in the bed with HG. She did not expect Helena to be naked, but it didn't faze her. Myka snuggled against her time traveler and held her close with an arm around her waist. HG felt Myka's breath warm and sweet against her neck. She smiled in the dark as she sunk into Myka.
Morning crept into the room as silently as Myka had the night before. Helena woke and took stock of her body. One of Myka's long legs was draped over her, and the woman's hand sat dangerously low on her stomach. Her lips were against Helena's shoulder, her deep breaths casting slow ticklings over her neck. Helena was warm and content and utterly refused to move. She merely lied there in euphoric stillness, feeling Myka's breath come in shorter influxes until she roused. Her lips kissed the crevice of Helena's neck before her mind was fully aware of the action. "Morning, darling."
"Morning." She stretched her back, arching against HG's body. Helena's hip shifted and Myka's hand slid further south. Her fingertips brushed curly hair; she didn't move her hand.
"You're going to spoil me, waking up with you every morning."
"You deserve it." Myka kissed the soft spot behind her ear. HG rolled over. She pulled up her knee between Myka's legs, rubbing their inner thighs together, smiling at the surge of heat from Myka's shorts. She placed a hand on Myka's cheek and watched the pupils dilate in her soft green eyes. A grin curled HG's lips as she ran her fingertips over the soft skin of Myka's stomach just above the waistband of her shorts. "Who's getting spoiled?" Myka smirked.
Helena kissed her sweetly and deeply. Myka slowly adjusted to lie on top of HG. Her hands found their way to Helena's sides and she held HG's body around her ribcage. HG pulled her close with firm hands against Myka's back. She slid her hands down, into Myka's shorts. Flexing her fingers, she grabbed handfuls of Myka's bottom. Myka's breath quickened in response. Helena bent her knee and turned her leg, spreading Myka's legs. She ran a teasing finger between Myka's cheeks causing her to jerk her hips down hard into HG's pelvis. Helena laughed. Myka tried to move her leg back, but it was firmly pinned under Helena's knee. Always one to make the best of any situation, Myka pulled her other leg up under her. Catching HG's knee, she pushed her leg out from beneath her, spreading Helena's legs pleasantly wide. HG let out a tiny yelp of defeat. Myka laughed as she kissed Helena's neck. She ran her hand along HG's side, over her hip, down to her knee and up the inside of her thigh. She squirmed beneath Myka, which just made Myka move her hand slower. Millimeters away from her prize Myka stopped. There was a banging in the hall. She lie still, listening, leaving HG painfully frustrated. It sounded as if someone was knocking on her door. Pete called her name. HG growled, she was beginning to despise Lattimer's timing.
"I think this one I have to own up to." Myka kissed her frustrated partner before saying in a low voice. "We'll resume this later." She ran a finger up the last little bit of skin, making contact with Helena's clit, as she got out of bed. HG gasped; Myka grinned. She glanced back to make sure Helena was decently covered before opening the door. "What do you want, Pete?"
He spun on his heels. "Breakfast is ready. Didn't want you to miss it again and get stuck with cold eggs or something."
"I ate very well yesterday, but thank you." She was not altogether thankful for his gesture as she had had in mind a different breakfast entirely. He wandered over to the doorway. It occurred to him that Myka was still in her pajamas. In HG's room. He raised his eyebrow suggestively. "What are you doing here?"
"HG and I have a flight to catch, I wanted to make sure she was up on time." Half a surprise was still a surprise.
Pete peaked around Myka. HG sat in bed with the sheet wrapped tightly around her, held in place with a hand in a wave. Her countenance, had Pete noticed, was one of feigned civility and bore a smile as fake as it was broad. It was not that she did not like him, the man was not without his charm. It was simply that she had far better things to do with her time at the moment.
"Are you naked?!"
Myka sighed and gave Pete a look that had he seen would have made him shut up. But Pete was just as aware as Myka how stunning Helena was, so his attention was elsewhere. "Well, what do you propose I sleep in?" HG replied with easy dignity.
Pete's jaw fell slack. He looked at Myka. Her expression had softened, but he could still read it. "Uh, right. I'll let you-ladies get to it." He smiled at his own accidental innuendo.
Myka rolled her eyes. "We'll be down in a bit."
Pete grinned. "Take your time." He stepped back and turned to go downstairs. He had miscalculated though and took the banister in the gut. "Oof."
Myka stood tall and smiled playfully at him. "Serves you right."
Helena looked at Myka. She had on the most remarkably short shorts. A matter of centimeters and they would be indecent. Fashion, at least, had markedly improved. She stared at Myka's legs. They were magnificently long and gloriously beautiful. There was a small tattoo on her right ankle. It was writing, but Helena couldn't read it from her position. She would wait til she could examine it more closely.
Myka closed the door and turned back to HG. She took a step and stopped. She put her hands on her hips and shifted her weight to one leg. One beautifully long leg. "Helena."
"Mmm?" Her gaze lingered before raising to meet Myka's eyes. "Yes?" Myka looked shocked, but pleased. She was found out, no way around it.
Myka stared at HG, Helena's expression was one of open innocence and justification. Her smirk broadened into a smile. She sat on the bed next to Helena. Myka pulled her in for a kiss. She yanked down the sheet and grabbed HG's breast, fondling her nipple in a reversal of the previous morning. Helena let her hand rest on Myka's hip. Suddenly, Myka broke away, and Helena opened her eyes. Myka was standing in the middle of the room. HG's eyes drifted to her legs again; there was a small tattoo on the outside of her ankle, a lemniscate. Myka chuckled. "Come on, Helena. We do have a plane to catch in a couple hours. Best not to fly on an empty stomach."
HG smiled. "Is that my surprise?"
"Part of it."
"Where are we going?"
Myka bit her lip and shook her head. "Nope. That part will stay a surprise."
"How will I know what to wear?" HG tried.
Myka laughed. "You mean, how will you decide between your button up shirt, your button up shirt or your button up shirt? Or maybe between your skintight jeans or your skintight jeans? You need to get more clothes."
HG pouted. "What's wrong with my clothes?"
Myka sat on the bed again. "Nothing at all is wrong with your clothes. At all. You just need more clothes.
"Perhaps we can remedy that where we're going."
Myka smiled. "Yes." Her eyes drifted down to Helena's bare chest and she licked her lips. HG propped her hand on her hip and cleared her throat. Myka looked up. Helena's eyebrows were raised. Myka was busted. "What? You're the only one who's allowed to stare?"
HG smiled. "Hardly, I assure you."
Myka smiled. "Come on, we better head down to breakfast." She got up and walked to the door. Pausing, she looked over her shoulder to watch Helena get out of bed. She smiled to herself. HG tossed her hair over her shoulder and stretched her back, well aware of Myka's attention. She stepped carefully across the room to the bathroom. Without turning around she spoke over her shoulder in a teasing tone. "See you in a bit, Myka."
Myka joined the others downstairs. HG had not yet made her way downstairs. Pete had said they'd be down shortly, so Leena had tried to hold breakfast. But Pete and Artie had won out. They were half done, but everything was still warm. "Morning everybody."
"Morning." Claudia responded, Leena nodded, Artie smiled, and Pete mumbled a muffled sound somewhat resembling 'morning' through a mouthful of toast and jam.
Myka sat and filled her plate. Breakfast was always better when you didn't have to make it. "Thank you, Leena. It looks delicious."
"My pleasure." She smiled and handed Myka a cup of coffee. Her eyes went big with excitement and Leena laughed. Myka was aware of the empty plate beside her. With everyone present taken care of, Leena took her seat at the table. From her spot at the table, Claudia could see HG come around the corner before anyone else. She looked at Myka and watched her face light up as HG came into the room. Claudia grinned at Myka's expression. She didn't really trust HG, but she trusted Myka. And anyone who could make her that happy by simply being in the same room couldn't be all bad.
"Morning all." HG smiled as she took the empty chair next to Myka.
"Morning." Claudia was trying not to laugh. Leena nodded her head and replied with a soft, "Morning." Pete, mouth full of eggs, shoved the food to one side-rather like a chipmunk-and answered, "Morning." Artie didn't even look up.
HG looked at him, hopeful for something, acknowledgment at least. Her smile faded as she watched him ignore her. Myka rubbed her thigh under the table. Her smile returned and she squeezed Myka's hand. "Lovely spread you've prepared, Leena. Quite impressive."
Leena smiled. "Thank you."
Pete swallowed. "Leena's an awesome cook. She makes the best croissants."
"Pete." Claudia stopped him. "Let her get settled in before you show her how many you can fit in your mouth." Pete frowned.
"Well," curious and spying an opportunity to mend bridges, HG asked. "How many can you fit in your mouth?"
Pete grinned. "Seventeen."
HG's eyebrows shot up. "That I will have to see some day." She crinkled her nose at him. Myka bit her lip. "But not today."
A loud clank froze everyone as Artie dropped his fork on his plate. "Suddenly, I've lost my appetite." He grunted angrily and pushed away from the table, stomping off.
The happy mood had been thoroughly squashed. But at least he was gone now.
"Well, that was totally uncalled for." Claudia turned back to the table.
"Asshole."
"Myka!" The voice was Helena's. Not the one she'd expected, but Claudia and Pete just stared at her with open mouths.
"He has no reason to act like that. He's being rude and childish. He can't treat you like that, Helena."
HG squeezed her hand under the table again. "Myka." She said gently. "While his actions might be immature and inappropriate, he has every right to be upset. The truth is, I've," her eyes fell. "Done...things. Please, Myka, don't be angry with him for hating me." She looked Myka square in the eyes, pleading. Her hands cupped Myka's.
Myka became abruptly aware of the others at the table. Particularly Pete. They were all watching her; her ears turned red. She squeezed Helena's hand tightly. The corners of HG's mouth twitched up slightly. Myka's ire fell away. "Alright." She said softly, leaving the 'for you, Helena' unspoken, but understood.
HG tried to release Myka's hand, but Myka held tight. If Pete saw, Pete saw. She found it very hard to care right now, with her fingers entwined with HG's and her hand resting against Helena's thigh.
Leena smiled to herself, watching Myka's aura. She could pick the exact second that HG's hand touched Myka's. If they could all see what she could, it would not be a secret and Artie would be struck dumb. That was something she would have to work on, because from her point of view, HG was not going anywhere.
Helena squeezed Myka's hand. The corners of her wonderful lips turned upwards and her ears turned a hint of pink. Helena fixed her eyes on Myka's pulse point. Her body wanted nothing more than to affix her lips to that very spot. But she knew better, all in good time. You waited a hundred years for a woman like Myka, a few trifling minutes over breakfast is nothing at all.
Claudia watched HG, seeing where she was staring. Claudia squealed and grinned at HG. Everyone looked at her. She turned a sheepish smirk at the group. "This is awesome tea, Leena, what is it? Is it new?"
Leena smiled coyly. "It's the same tea you had yesterday."
"Oh. Well, it's awesome." She took a sip. "Awesome tea."
Helena smiled, taking up the game. "It isn't bad. For an American." She laughed.
Leena smirked.
"Excuse me, but who kicked whose butt in the Revolutionary War?"
"Oh, that scuffle? Who had to call in the bloody French?"
"We could've kicked your butts without them."
"Please. A bunch of rag tag farmers who barely knew how to shoot and whose uniforms didn't even match?"
"The uniform doesn't make the soldier, it's what he's fighting for."
HG nodded. "Very perceptive, Pete." Pete puffed up his chest and grinned.
"He was a Marine, sw-" Myka's eyes went wide as she stopped herself from saying the word 'sweetie.' She coughed to cover it and took a sip of tea. Claudia beamed at her.
Helena smiled. "Are you okay, darling?"
She would say that, wouldn't she? Myka cleared her throat. "Yes. I'm fine. Just a stray piece of toast or something." She shot a glance at Helena, you'll pay for that darling later. Helena smiled smugly. Myka looked at her watch. "We should go, we need to be at the in airport in a bit." She let go of HG's hand. "Come on, Helena." Myka got up.
"Thank you for a delicious breakfast, Leena, and the," she cleared her throat. "'Awesome tea.' Lattimer," HG narrowed her eyes playfully. "We will resume this debate later."
Myka waited in the doorway. She smiled at the scene. Helena sat at the table with them; no ill feelings, no judgements lobbied, no remembrance of misdeeds hanging over her head like the sword of Damocles. No. She sat in happy conversation and playful debate with the people Myka cared for most. She fit. She fit in Myka's life, and not just the secret parts. Helena finally rose from the table, bidding adieu to her tablemates with a graceful bow. Helena didn't just fit into Myka's life, her life fit into Helena's. HG joined her in the hall. They turned the corner, out of view of the others. Myka grabbed Helena's hand, stopping her, and gave her a gentle kiss.
"What was that for?"
Myka looked at her with bright, warm eyes and a brilliant smile. "No reason."
Helena smiled back. "That is the very best of reasons." She held Myka's hand as they walked upstairs. "Are you going to tell me where we're going?"
"Nope."
"Is it in the country?"
"No."
"I will need a passport."
"I made sure you'd have one." Something occurred to Myka. "How did you get to Russia with no identification?"
HG grinned wickedly. "We all have our secrets."
Myka could not argue any further point, she had been bested. With a sigh, she conceded. Helena grinned happily. They arrived in HG's room. Myka looked around and smiled to herself, soon it wouldn't seem to empty.
"Will I need a jacket?" Myka nodded. Helena pulled out a heavy brown coat.
"No. The other one."
Helena returned the brown coat and retrieved a thinner black one. "This would be better suited to the weather?" Still trying to discover their destination.
Myka smiled. "I like it better."
"Ah. Well then, this one it is." Helena slipped the long black jacket on. It fell around her body, hugging her form.
Myka smiled and walked over. She wrapped her arms around Helena's small waist, feeling the silk lining of the jacket against her bare skin. "Definitely this one." Myka kissed her. She loved those soft, pouting lips, always so warm and comforting. Myka took Helena's bottom lip between hers and ran her tongue along the sensitive flesh. Helena sighed against Myka's mouth. "Mmm..." Myka released Helena's delicious lip. "We don't have time for this."
Helena grabbed Myka's bottom lip between her teeth. "There is always time for this." She kissed Myka only briefly before tracing her down Myka's swan-like neck.
"Ah..." Myka exhaled slowly. "Helena...we," she sighed again. "We...really...don't...mmm..have time for this."
Helena nipped at Myka's neck, kissing that pulse point she had so desired to taste. "And why not, darling?"
Why did they not have time for this? Myka pushed the sensation of Helena's voluptuous lips on her earlobe from her mind enough to remember. "We have a plane to catch." Her voice was unexpectedly hoarse with arousal.
"Mmm, true." Helena ran her tongue along the edge of Myka's ear. "I'd hate to miss out on my surprise. Where are we going again, Myka?"
"L-" She almost answered. Oh, HG was good. Myka cleared her throat. "I'm not gonna tell you."
Helena smiled as she whispered into Myka's ear. "I almost had you."
Myka bit Helena's neck gently. Helena sucked in a breath and Myka felt her collapse against her just a little bit. She kissed the bruises she'd already left on the gorgeous skin and laughed. "I know how to get you too."
Helena leaned against Myka. "That you do."
Myka kissed her cheek. "Come on, we do have to go. I've got your passport and ID in my room." She pulled back and moved toward the door.
"And why do you have them?"
Myka smiled. "We all have our secrets."
Helena followed Myka across the hall. "You already have a secret, you don't get to have a second one."
Myka spun on her heel, Helena nearly crashed into her. Myka kissed her. "I get as many secrets as I like." She handed Helena a large manilla envelope labeled 'Wells.' "Mrs. Frederic gave them to me."
Helena opened the envelope and pulled out its contents. "Why would she give them to you?" Myka smiled sheepishly. Helena raised her eyebrows. "Really? Interesting."
"That and I asked for them specifically."
"So it's just the boys we're keeping this from?"
There had been a hint of something in her voice. Myka put her hand under Helena's chin and lifted her gaze til she was looking Myka square in the eyes. "I am not ashamed or embarrassed by you, by what we have. In any way. I just..." She struggled to find the right words.
"You need to introduce it slowly so as to cause as little turmoil as possible. I understand, Myka. I didn't mean to imply anything."
Myka smiled at her. Helena fiddled with the items in her hands. Myka glanced down, peaking at the red leather bound passport. Helena Grace. Myka looked up at HG as she read over the document. She didn't think there had ever been a more fitting name for someone. Light and grace, that was her Helena. "Everything acceptable?"
Helena looked at the passport and the license. "These pictures are atrocious. You people have had over a hundred years and you still can't manage to get a proper camera sorted?"
Myka laughed. "It's something to do with ID cards. It is impossible to have a good photo on one."
"Show me yours."
"Will that make you feel better?"
Helena raised her chin. "Yes." Myka pulled her license from her wallet and handed it over reluctantly. HG looked at the picture on Myka's ID and grinned. Myka crinkled her nose and snatched her license back. Helena chuckled. "I feel a great deal better now."
Myka stuck her tongue out at her. Helena laughed harder. She patted Myka's cheek, "Now, now dear."
Myka returned her ID to her wallet. "We have to go." She picked her brown leather jacket off the back of her desk chair and slipped it over her slender form.
She had a simple grace to her movements and Helena wondered if she had ever been aware of it. Myka seemed to have a rather skewed vision of herself. That must be rectified. Helena stepped forward, and took Myka's face in her hands, kissing her deeply and passionately-pouring all her desire into that simple touch.
Helena leaned back, out of breath. Myka stood still, one hand on the chair; she licked her lips. "What was that for?"
Helena smiled. "Because you are beautiful." Myka blushed. HG's smile broadened. She brushed a curl behind Myka's ear with a delicate finger. "Come, you have a surprise for me to discover."