Chapter Text
Adwin Kosan fiddled with something in the pocket of his pants, looking around Artie's office. Every member of what Claudia Donovan called 'The Warehouse family' was looking at him very attentively. He took a deep breath.
"H.G. Wells has been reinstated as a Warehouse agent." He said in his usual calm voice. "But not fully. Miss Wells." He turned towards the Victorian, who stood in the middle of the room, smiling one of her brightest smiles. Claudia cheered, raising both her arms and squealing in delight. Myka grinned, first at her and then, shyly, at Helena.
"Restricted means that it is Miss Donovan's and Mrs. Frederic's decision whether you're getting access to files or not. We trust you, Miss Wells, but still... The Regents agreed that we have to consider your history and that you have to be on probation for some time. To prove that this trust in you is justified."
The Victorian nodded her head once. "I understand, Mr. Kosan. This decision from the Regents is only logical.", she said. "But I think I'll prove myself worthy."
"I don't expect anything less." Mr. Kosan replied, bowing his head. Finally, he revealed that he'd been fiddling with a badge: he pulled it out of his pocket and presented it to her. "Welcome back, Miss Wells."
Quickly, Helena reached out for the badge. "Thank you." She smiled, pinning it to her belt.
They shook hands and then Mr. Kosan shrugged. "I have to head to my next appointment with the Regents, I'm sorry. But I think my presence would disturb the celebration anyway." He waved at the assembled Warehouse family and then saw himself out.
The first person who fell into HG's arms was Claudia. Abigail, and Pete were right behind her and congratulated the writer as well.
"I'm glad you're back!" Pete proclaimed. "And I never doubted that you would come back."
Helana hugged him. Hearing this from him was important to her: Pete always meant exactly what he said.
Artie looked down at his shoes. "No tinkering with the Warehouse hardware." He told her, before turning around and walking away. Claudia and Abigail exchanged a look and grinned at each other.
And then there was Myka. She hugged the older woman, very awkwardly, and avoided her gaze. Helena inhaled her scent, closing her eyes for a second. She had no idea how to deal with Myka. But HG was sure, now, that she would be able to work with her. She had been sure about Myka's feelings for her before. But now, it was different. Helena would need time. Time would tell where their relationship was going.
"Well." She said, pulling back from the hug and smiling softly. "Thank you for believing in me, Myka. I know you did. Don't deny it."
The younger agent stepped back and rubbed the back of her neck. "Of course." She said. "Of course. Because... well, you belong here, right? Like Claudia said." She took a deep breath. "I'm glad you're here, Helena."
This sentence meant everything to HG. "Yes." She nodded. "Me too."
Steve stepped towards her and Helena cursed internally because she had wanted to say more. But now Myka turned around and walked towards the shelf with the files, away from her.
"So, Claudia promised me a new partner. Here you are." Jinks tilted his head and surveyed the writer. "I think this is gonna be interesting."
Helena raised an eyebrow as she took her gaze off Myka to look at him. She surveyed him for a short time and then smirked. "Of course this will be interesting. Claudia has already told me so much about you..." She made a brief pause and grinned. "Jinksy."
Steve's eyes widened.
"Claudia!" He yelled, eyes still locked onto Helena. "I'm going to kill you!"
"I'm your boss now!" The caretaker replied cheerfully from her chair behind her computer.
"I don't care. You better be running right now!" Steve turned around on his heels. Claudia jolted up from her chair and was suddenly gone.
"I hope you're quick!" They could hear her voice from the Warehouse gallery. "Because I've perfectionated my Claudia-ing."
Steve started running towards the gallery, which caused Trailer to jump up from his position under the caretaker's table and run behind them, barking loudly. HG followed them, but not all the way dow into the aisles. Instead, she placed her hands on the banister of the gallery and looked out over the repaired Warehouse shelves. Inhaling the scent of apples, she smiled.
Claudia was right.
This was the place where she belonged.
THE END (for now...)