Hi everyone! Ok, so, this is my first time writing for Hey Arnold as I usually write for the How To Train Your Dragon fandom, but after the long awaited (and completely awesome!) The Jungle Movie, but after I read a few other fanfictions with a similar idea, I got this idea stuck in my head about what would happen if Helga got sick and was actually taken care of like she mattered for once and the idea just wouldn't leave, so I decided to have a go at it.

Ok, so this story is a 5 parter and it is almost completely in Helga's perspective as she comes down with a nasty case of flu and after not wanting to be at home (if you call the Beeper Emporium home the poor girl) while sick to just be ignored, she's thrilled to have Arnold suggest his parents look after her. This story is set a few weeks before Christmas, so it's roughly 3 months after where the Jungle Movie ended, so Helga and Arnold have had some time to settle in to their relationship, sort of, and had time to adjust and everything. I tried my best to keep everyone in character as much as possible and I hope I achieved it. Characterisation is usually one of the things I pride myself in, but Helga is very complex compared to my regular fandom's characters so it was a little bit trickier than normal. Her inner monologue especially was difficult for me as I am in no way poetic, so it's very basic.

Also, if there are any inconsistences or something with temperature in this chapter, just be aware that I am from Australia where we use Celsius, so I had to use a google converter and I hope it got it right. Same goes for anything else I had to research because apparently America has different medicines to us too. Go figure.

Also, if you have returned to this story after reading it the first time, or even starting it for the first time, please note that while I previously used the Australian spelling of mom which was 'mum', I have now gone and changed it to the proper American spelling. I finally clicked to the reason no one in my previous stories in the httyd fandom were bothered by the spelling was because in httyd, the characters are Vikings, so it didn't matter. I apologise for the spelling confusion.

Hope you like it!

Number One Priority

Helga knew she was in for a rough time as soon as she woke up.

With her alarm clock blaring in her ears beside her, the eleven year old struggled to open her heavy eyes, and with a slight groan, managed to crack open one blurry eye, only to become suddenly aware of the pounding in her head. She groaned.

"Alright already, I hear ya! Shut up!" she snapped, leaning over to bang her hand against the wailing noise, only to have the sudden movement reverberate through her aching body.

"Urgh," the ten year old groaned, falling back against the pillows. "What hit me?"

Resting her arm over her weary eyes, Helga gave a slight start at how warm her head felt. No, scratch that; it was boiling. A significant amount of heat radiated off her skin as she rested her arm across her forehead. And it wasn't just her head, she noticed. Her throat, too, felt like a red hot poker iron was being shoved down her throat, along with a hundred pieces of glass every time the young girl swallowed. Great. She was sick.

"Great," she groaned quietly, unmoving from her position. "Just great."

Lowering her arm from her eyes, Helga squinted towards the clock beside the bed, if you call the cot she was lying in a bed of course, and glanced at the time. 7:30. School would begin in just over an hour.

Biting her lip thoughtfully, Helga glanced over at the phone sitting beside the clock, and stretching out for it, immediately recoiled. No, she thought. If I call Phoebe, she'll just tell me to stay at home, and the last thing I want to do is be stuck here all day where nobody cares. No. It's better to go to school.

Heaving a heavy sigh, Helga dragged herself into a seated position, causing a wave of light-headedness to overcome her. She paused. Maybe this wasn't such a great idea after all.

A loud banging upon the door snapped her out of her reverie.

"Hey, Olga, you up in there!"

On second thought.

"It's Helga, dad, how many times do I have to tell you?!" Helga snapped. "And yes, for your information, I'm getting dressed, so no need to keep yelling!"

"Right, Helga, whatever," came her father's reply. "Well, hurry up, you're going to be late, so get moving."

"Yes, Bob," Helga said pointedly as she stood up uneasily from the bed.

Hearing her father's footsteps walk away, Helga sighed.

"This is going to be a long day."

"Helga… you… you look awful!"

"Gee, thanks, that's just what I want to hear at the start of the day," Helga replied dryly, as she met up with Phoebe outside the Beeper Emporium's doors. "Nice start, Pheebs."

"I'm… I'm sorry, Helga," Phoebe stuttered apologetically, "but I mean it. You look terrible. Are you sick?"

"Gee, what gave it away, my flushed face or the massive bags under my eyes?" Helga replied wearily as she trudged along behind her friend.

"Both, actually," Phoebe said anxiously as she gave Helga a sideways glance. "Helga, you really shouldn't be going to school like this," she said. "I mean, you look terrible."

"I feel it, too, don't you worry," Helga said quietly. "But the last thing I want to do is be stuck there all day." She jerked her thumb back towards the silent building behind her.

"I understand that, Helga, but you really shouldn't be at school in this state," Phoebe pressed carefully. "You need to be at home in bed."

"And look after myself?" Helga said bitterly, with a quick shake of her head. "No thank you. I'd rather try my luck at school than be ignored at home."

Phoebe gave her friend a sad smile. "If you say so, Helga, but you really shouldn't-"

"Well, I do say, Phoebe, and if you know any better, you won't tell Arnold that I'm sick either," she said quickly as they went to round the corner where the pair usually met up with Arnold and Gerald. "The last thing I need is for the Football Head to be fussing over me too!"

"If you say so, Helga," Phoebe sighed. "But you know Arnold is going to figure it out sooner or later. Sooner, most likely," she added, with a quick look at the girl's flushed face.

"I'll cross that bridge when it comes to it," Helga said, waving her friend's concerns off, just as she ran into another figure coming around the corner. "Ow! What the-?" Her eyes widened as she saw who it was. "Arnold!" she exclaimed, her heart speeding up inside her chest. She shook her head quickly. "I mean… crimeny, Football Head, do you always have to run into me!"

"Actually, it hasn't happened in a while," Arnold pointed out, unfazed by the girl's outburst. Seeing her flushed face, though, he frowned. "Helga, are you feeling alright?" he asked worriedly. "You look a bit flushed."

"Bridge crossed," Phoebe said quietly, causing Helga to shoot the Japanese-American an annoyed glance.

"Can it, Pheebs," she hissed, before she turned her attention back to the boy in front of her. "And yes, I'm fine, Arnoldo," Helga said forcefully, despite the soreness in her throat, "I'm just hot from rushing around to get ready. My stupid alarm clock didn't go off!"

Arnold looked at her questionably. "Are you sure that's all it is, Helga?" he asked. "I mean, you look like you're running a fever." He reached up to feel Helga's forehead. His eyes widened. "You are running a fever!" he exclaimed worriedly.

"I told you, I'm fine, Hair Boy, now just drop it, okay?!" Helga snapped, immediately stepping away from Arnold's outstretched hand with guilt gnawing at her insides at the hurt expression upon Arnold's face. He sighed.

"Fine," he said quietly, holding up his hands in defeat. "Whatever you say, Helga."

Biting her lip guiltily, Helga found herself heaving a sigh just as Arnold went to turn away.

"Actually… Arnold…" she said softly, causing him to turn back in an instant, "…you're right. I'm not feeling too crash hot."

"Then why are you going to school?" he asked her softly, reaching down to take the girl's hand, which was just as warm as her head. "You should be at home, in bed."

Helga mumbled something that Arnold didn't quite catch. He frowned.

"What did you say, Helga?"

Helga sighed. "I said, I don't want to stay home," she repeated, a little louder. She glanced down at her shoes. "I'd just be ignored anyway. I'd be better off at school."

Feeling a squeeze to her hand, Helga looked up to see Arnold giving her a soft smile.

"Look, Helga, I know things at home aren't the best-" Arnold started.

"-You got that right, Bucko," Helga scoffed.

"-but surely they'd at least notice you're sick?" Arnold finished, bypassing Helga's comment.

Helga shrugged. "I doubt it," she said gently. "They never really have before anyway."

There was an awkward silence between them as they approached the school. At long last, it was Arnold who spoke up first.

"Helga," he began, shooting her a quick look of concern, "if you start to feel worse during the day, just tell me, okay? If it makes you feel any better, I'll ring my parents and they can look after you today. Would… would that be okay?"

Helga felt like her heart was going to explode out of her chest. Arnold was offering to let his parents take care of her if she got worse? Oh, my love, you have to have the kindest heart of anyone I've ever known! She sighed happily.

"If… if it's alright with your parents, Football…I mean, Arnold, then yeah, I guess I'll do that," Helga replied, throwing him a grateful smile. "Thanks."

"It's okay," Arnold said softly. "Anytime you need someone to look after you, just tell me okay? You don't need to hide it." Seeing how close proximity they were to the school, Arnold quickly dropped Helga's hand. "I'll see you in class, okay?"

"Okay," Helga said softly, and with one last swift smile, rushed up the stairs ahead of him, with one hand clutched comfortingly around her locket. The sudden burst of energy, though, did not agree with Helga's aching head.

"Urgh," she moaned, bringing a hand up to her burning head. "Bad idea, Helga. Very bad idea."

"Do you want some help getting to class, Helga?" Phoebe piped up beside her. "You look a little unsteady."

Helga sighed. "I'm sick, not dead, Pheebs," she said stubbornly, jerking away from the girl's helping hand. "Don't worry about me."

Phoebe shot the pink clad girl a serious look. "Helga, there's no one in this hallway, but us," she said, brandishing a hand to prove her point. "Just let me help you for once in your life. Please?" she added, a bit more timidly upon seeing Helga's narrowed look.

Helga sighed. "Fine, whatever," she muttered, as Phoebe placed a gentle hand on the square of the girl's back and gently led her to the classroom, where nobody even blinked an eye at the sight of the two girl's walking into class right on the bell, except Arnold, who gave his ill friend an apprehensive look as she slumped into the seat in front of him.

"I've gotta say, man, Helga does not look too good," Gerald said anxiously, taking note of the girl's drooping form. "How the heck did she even get out of bed?"

Arnold sighed. "I know," he replied quietly, with one eye locked on the girl in front of him. "But you know what's she's like, she won't listen, no matter what I say."

"Mm, Mm, Mm," Gerald uttered, with a shake of his head. "That girl is just asking for trouble. I mean, if she lasts the first session, then I'll really be surprised."

If only Helga knew just how right Gerald was. Within the first hour, Helga's attention span went from barely paying attention to the droning sounds of Mr Simmons's energetic voice, to drifting in and out of consciousness upon her hand on the desk. The clock on the opposite wall ticked by slowly as minute after minute passed by; each one feeling like an eternity. The sounds of the classroom echoed in Helga's skull as her head continued to pound making her feel queasy to her already sensitive stomach. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all, she thought regrettably, as her teacher's voice sounded further and further away.

"Helga!"

Startled from her trance, Helga's eyes shot open, only to find every eye in the classroom upon her, all with identical looks of concern; Arnold, Phoebe and Mr Simmon's the most concerned of all as they stood in front of her desk.

"Why don't you take a picture, it'll last longer!" she instinctively snapped, which she instantly regretted. A sharp pain vibrated through her skull with each syllable. Her arm shot up to her head.

"Owwww."

"Helga, are you quite well?" her teacher asked her anxiously. "You look as if you might have a fever."

"Just peachy, Mr S," Helga muttered wearily.

"No, she's not, Mr Simmons," Helga heard Arnold say. "She's had a fever all morning. She just didn't want to tell you."

Helga threw the boy an irritated glance. "Thanks a lot, Football Head."

"I'm sorry, Helga, but I'm afraid Arnold's quite right," Mr Simmons said gently. "Regardless of what you want to do, you can't be at school if you're unwell. It's not good for you, or anyone else."

"I don't want to go home, though," Helga protested weakly. She paused as she felt a gentle hand upon her shoulder.

"Helga," Arnold said softly, "You don't have to, remember? Come on. I'll take you to the nurses' office and call my parents, alright?"

"I'm fine, Arnoldo," Helga said stubbornly, despite the throbbing in her head. "Leave me alone."

"Helga," Arnold said, in a no-nonsense sort of tone.

Helga sighed. "Fine," she muttered, although inwardly she was relieved to be getting out of the stuffy classroom, so, with Arnold's hand firmly on her shoulder, she let him steer her towards the nurses' office down the end of the hall without as much as a comment. Her unusual silence was obviously worrying Arnold, as he kept shooting her nervous looks once every few steps, which normally would irritate the eleven year old if she didn't feel so awful. Not even Arnold opening the nurse's office door, and carefully leading her in issued a remark.

"Oh my goodness, dear, you look positively awful!" the high pitched voice of Nurse Shelly exclaimed, no sooner had they walked through the door.

"Tell me something I don't know, Nurse Obvious," Helga retorted, dragging herself over towards the concerned woman. "Do you think I'd be here if I wasn't?"

"Helga, she's just trying to help," Arnold said calmly.

Helga sighed. "Yeah, yeah, I know," she mumbled, as Arnold and Nurse Shelley helped her up onto the bed.

"Oh, you poor dear," Nurse Shelley said gently, as she reached up to feel Helga's forehead. "I believe you have a very high fever. Did you come to school like this?"

Helga shrugged. "I thought I'd be alright."

"With that fever?" Shelley tutted. "Honestly, it's a wonder you lasted this long!" Turning her attention to the drawers behind her, the nurse quickly grabbed a thermometer from one of the drawers. "Open up, dear." She gestured to the girl's mouth.

Despite her irritation, Helga did as she was told and opened her mouth to allow the nurse to insert the thermometer into her dry mouth, before closing it impatiently. A few moments later, the little machine beeped, and taking it out of the girl's mouth once more, Nurse Shelley's eyes widened.

"102!" the woman exclaimed horrified. "Oh, you poor girl, you should be at home in bed!" Wheeling around to dump the thermometer in antiseptic solution, Nurse Shelley instantly made her way over towards the phone in the corner of the room. "I'm calling your parents to come and pick you up dear."

"No…No!" Helga stammered, her eyes widening in horror. "I…I mean…"

"Um… Nurse Shelley?" Arnold interjected quickly, seeing the distressed look upon Helga's face. "Helga's parents aren't home today. That's… that's why she came to school in the first place," he lied, throwing the nurse an innocent smile. "But I told her if she felt worse any time during the day that my parents would be able to pick her up. If that's alright, that is," he added quickly, upon seeing the surprised look on the nurse's face. "Both my parents are doctors," he added for emphasis, with a quick look towards Helga. "She'll be in good hands."

"Well…" Nurse Shelley said slowly, "…normally we'd try and reach the parents first, but seeing as the two of you are good friends and your parents are willing to pick her up, I don't see why not." She gestured for Arnold to come to the phone. "I'll let you call them, dear."

"Thanks," Arnold said, his tone relieved. He turned to Helga with a small smile. "This won't take long, don't worry."

"Take your time," Helga drawled, but she couldn't stop a smile from forming on her lips as Arnold picked up the phone and dialled his number, and no sooner had a few seconds past when he was talking hurriedly to whoever was on the other end.

Not paying attention to the conversation, Helga found herself drifting off on the bed beneath her. It was in no way comfortable, but considering the state the girl was in, she didn't care in the least. Weariness crept over her as she lay there, causing her to become aware of every aching muscle within her body making her more uncomfortable than the eleven year old had ever felt in her life. Groaning, she covered her face with her arm and closed her eyes.

"Helga?"

Startled slightly, Helga's eyes shot open as Arnold's voice interrupted her thoughts. She turned towards him hopefully.

"My mom will be here as soon as she can, Helga," Arnold confirmed, throwing her a soft smile. "She said you can stay at our place as long as you need too."

Relief flooded through the girl's weary body upon hearing this, and giving out a comforted sigh, she gave the boy a grateful smile.

"Thanks, Arnold."

"You're welcome," Arnold said gently, reaching down to squeeze her hand gently. "Do you think you'll be alright until she gets here?" he asked. "It's just I really should be getting back to class. But if you want me to stay-" he added quickly, seeing the dejected look cross the girl's face, who immediately waved his concerns off.

"I'll be fine, Football head," she said dismissively, despite the sinking feeling within her stomach. "I mean, it's not like I'm not going to see you later on now, is it?"

Arnold smiled. "Mom will take good care of you, Helga, I promise," he assured her gently, as he placed a comforting hand upon the girl's shoulder. "I'll see you this afternoon."

"See you later," Helga said softly, and giving the girl last soft smile, Arnold turned on his heel and went back the classroom, with Helga sighing dreamily in his wake.

Oh, Arnold, what a kind and gentle soul you are. Wanting to stay here and make sure I'm okay. It's like a dream come true! Oh my love, my-

Nurse Shelley's voice interrupted her inner monologue.

"Are you alright, dear?" she asked kindly, seeing Helga's dazed look. "Do you want me to get you a drink of water before Mrs Shortman arrives?"

Opening her mouth to give a retort, Helga closed it just as quickly as she noticed the parched dryness of her mouth. Clearing her throat, she gave the nurse a small bob of her head.

"I thought so," Shelley said, walking over to the tap to fill a cup up with water. "You're bound to be dehydrated when you have the flu."

"The flu?" Helga asked croakily. 'Do you think that's what I have?"

"Most likely," the woman answered, as she handed Helga the cup. "Unfortunately, it's going around right now, and you're not the first student I've seen with your symptoms this week. It's just that time of year."

"Wonderful," Helga said dryly as she sipped a bit of water, before falling silent as she waited to be picked up. Looking up at the clock, she watched as the hand ticked slowly past the 10:30 mark, with each passing minute feeling like agony for the fever ravaged young girl, who wanted nothing more than to collapse into a bed and sleep the day away. With her eyes beginning to feel heavy, Helga began to drift into unconsciousness as sleep began to take over.

A knock at the door jerked the girl back to consciousness.

"Oh, hello, you must be Mrs Shortman?" Nurse Shelley said cheerfully, as Stella entered the room with an anxious look etched upon her face.

"That's me," Stella said gently. "I'm here to pick up Helga." She turned to the young girl with a kind smile. "You ready to go, honey?"

Helga's eyes widened in surprise at the moniker, but instead of making a remark, she just gave the woman a slight nod.

"You have no idea," Helga said wearily, as she carefully slid off the bed onto the ground, only to wobble slightly as her feet touched the ground.

"I've got you," Stella said, quickly rushing over towards her, before wrapping an arm around the girl's shoulders. She felt her forehead. "Hmm, you are warm, aren't you?" Stella said nervously. "Don't worry, I'll give you some medicine when we get home. Then you can have a sleep, alright?"

"Sounds good to me," Helga said drowsily, as she let Stella lead to the way out of the nurse's office, and out of the school, where Grandpa's Packard sat outside on the road.

"Do you want me to pick you anything before we go home, Helga?" Stella asked her kindly. "Or are you happy to just go home?"

"I…" Helga glanced up at the woman uncertainly. "No… I'm… I'm okay."

Stella nodded. "Alright," she said, opening the door for the young girl. "I'll just take you straight home, then."

Slipping into the car, Helga sat there in silence as Stella got into the driver's side, before quickly driving them back to the Boarding House. The motion of the car made Helga's heavy eyes begin to slip closed, but just before sleep overtook her, the sound of the car door closing jerked her awake once more.

"Sorry, honey," Stella said apologetically, upon noticing the girl's startled expression. "I should have told you we were here. Now, let's get you inside."

Placing an arm around the girl's shoulders, Stella gently helped Helga out of the door and up the Boarding House steps, before carefully pushing the door open, letting out the usual stream of animals into the street, then leading her inside. Closing the door behind her, Stella quickly glanced around at the abnormally silent hallway.

"Miles?!" she exclaimed, as she led Helga down the hall. "Phil? Gertie? You here?"

"Right here, hon," Miles said, peeking his head around the dining room door. "Hi Helga," he said gently, throwing the pale young girl a small smile. "Not feeling so crash hot, huh?"

"What gave it away?" Helga asked, throwing a weak smile in the man's direction, despite her discomfort to her unaccustomed surroundings.

Miles pretended to look thoughtful. "Hmm, well, if your croaky voice didn't give it away, I'd sure say your pale face certainly would," he replied light-heartedly, causing a twitch of a smile from the usually brash young girl. He glanced over towards his wife. "I set up the couch in Arnold's room for her," he said, before returning his attention back to Helga. "I thought you'd be more comfortable there than the spare room," he explained, "but if you'd prefer that, then-"

"No… no," Helga hurriedly replied, her heart thumping wildly in her chest, "…Ar…Arnold's room's fine."

Miles and Stella let out an amused chuckle.

"I thought you might say that," Stella smiled, causing Helga to frown in response.

"And what's that supposed to mean?!" Helga retorted rudely, despite every fibre in her being telling her not to. To her surprise, though, the couple barely reacted to the girl's sudden outburst.

"Oh, nothing, honey," Stella replied calmly, her smile never wavering. "We were just saying. Now," she continued, with a quick look towards the kitchen, "how about we get you some Tylenol and get you to bed?" She gestured for Helga to follow her, who hesitated for a moment, but soon followed after her after a shooting pain to her head snapped her back to reality.

"Oh, Arnold wasn't kidding when he said his little friend was sick," came Phil's voice no sooner had they entered the kitchen. He threw the girl a sympathetic look. "You look like you've been hit by a truck there, sweetheart. The flu, I'm guessing?"

"What do you thi-" Helga began forcefully, only to stop herself mid-sentence.

This Arnold's family, you dolt! Don't alienate them like you would anyone else! You like them. Just let them help you!

Taking a deep breath, Helga gave the elderly man a tiny smile. "That's what the nurse thinks anyway," she replied evenly. "And the truck thing is right on point, too," she said dryly, as another pain shot through her already aching head.

"That's what I'd say it is, too, I'm afraid," Stella said, as she poured the children's Tylenol into a medicine cup while Miles got her a glass of water. "With your fever and aching head, I'd say it's a given, which means you're in for a rough few days."

"Swell," Helga said monotonously, as she slumped into a chair, before placing her burning head into her hands with a loud groan.

"Here, hon," Stella said softly, pressing the cup of Tylenol into the girl's hands. "Take this, and then wash it down."

Helga gave the brightly coloured liquid a look of disgust. "You know, this lot should be sued for false advertisement," she muttered, peering warily into the cup, before upending it in one gulp, resulting in a subsequent shudder, before she quickly picked up the glass of water beside it and skulled it in one gulp.

"Brightly coloured things should not taste this bad," she drawled, swallowing the last remaining amounts of water painfully, before giving out another shudder. "Gross."

Stella chuckled. "I agree, it's not the nicest flavour in the world," she said, taking the glass out of her hand. "Either way, it does the job. That should bring your temperature down at least. Now, let's get you upstairs."

"Do I have to?" Helga moaned, surprising everyone, including herself, at how young she sounded.

Man, I must be sick. Where the heck did that come from?! Get it together, Helga old girl!

"I… I mean," she amended quickly, straightening her body up within her seat, "do I have to go…now?" She laughed nervously. "I mean, I don't feel too bad now. But if you think it's for the best, then sure, I'll go." Placing a hand on the table, the girl hauled herself up off the seat.

Watching the scene unfold, Stella and Miles exchanged a knowing look.

"Well, you don't have to, Helga," Stella said pointedly, as she discretely helped the girl over to the stairs, "but under the circumstances, it's probably for the best."

"Yeah, I guess," Helga said nonchalantly, as she made her way up the stairs. "I mean, the fever isn't going to go away unless I rest, am I right?"

Stella smiled. "Very right, Helga," she said, as they made their way into the room, where the older woman fluffed up a pillow already made up on the couch, before getting another blanket out of the closet. "Now, just lie down here, and try and get some rest, okay?" she said, as she draped the blanket over Helga's slightly shivering body. "I'll call your father and let him know you're here, but there's no rush to go home, alright?"

Helga's eyes widened in surprise. "Yeah, alright," she replied gratefully.

Stella smiled. "Alright, well, I'll leave you to it, then," she said, standing up from the couch. "I've given you a glass of water if you need it, and if you need help going to the toilet, just ask. Not that I believe you'll need it," she added quickly, seeing as Helga was about to retort, who quickly closed her mouth in response. "I'll check on you later."

Walking over towards the door, Helga bit her lip, before speaking up timidly.

"Um… th… thanks," she said, her eyes not quite meeting the older woman's. "You know… for everything."

Stella nodded to her. "You're quite welcome, Helga. Now, get some rest."

"No problems, there," Helga muttered to herself as the door clicked shut behind her, and heaving a sigh, Helga buried herself into the cocoon of blankets.

It wasn't long before Helga was asleep.

A touch to the head suddenly startled the young girl out of her sleep.

"Oh, sorry honey!" Stella's voice answered quickly. "I didn't mean to wake you up. I was just trying to bring your temperature down."

Feeling the coolness of a cold washcloth upon her head, Helga slowly opened her eyes to watch Stella gently fix the cloth into a better position. Satisfied she had, she quickly brought her attention back to the girl in front of her with a small smile.

"How are you feeling?"

"Like I've been hit by two trucks," Helga replied wearily, groaning loudly as the achiness in her body became apparent. She glanced up at the bright stream of sunshine coming from the skylight. "What time is it?"

"Just after 2," Stella replied, with a quick glance at her watch. "Arnold will be home in a few hours."

Helga frowned. "Arnold? Why would you mention, Arnold?" She laughed awkwardly.

Stella gave her a pointed look. "You don't need to pretend with me, Helga," Stella said calmly, reaching up to move the washcloth over a little. "It's just me here. And I know having Arnold here will make you feel a little bit better." She looked at the eleven year old questioningly, whose face brightened further than it already was, before glancing down at the blanket still draped over her body.

Noticing she was making the young girl uncomfortable, Stella swiftly moved on.

"I just thought you should know that I managed to get through to your father earlier, as well."

Helga scoffed. "I bet that was a quick conversation."

"Actually, it wasn't," Stella admitted, causing Helga to turn to her in surprise. "He was actually rather concerned. Although, to tell you the truth, he wasn't really in a hurry to come and pick you up either," she added; an odd look crossing her face as she spoke.

Helga snorted. "Yeah, that sounds like Bob," she said, unable to hide the sadness in her tone. "So, I'm guessing you're taking me home, then?" she added, sitting up in an effort to drag herself off the couch, only to be swiftly stopped by Stella as she held out an arm.

"On the contrary, actually," Stella said, with an uncertain glance towards the sick girl. "When he didn't say when or if he was going to pick you up, I actually proposed that you stay here for the next few days. At least until your fever breaks anyway," she explained, nodding to a thermometer sitting loosely beside them. "It's still 102, and if your parents are as busy as you say they are, it might be better if you stay here for the meantime. If that's alright with you of course," she added, giving the girl an apprehensive look. "I mean, it's entirely up to you of course, but-"

"No… no," Helga interjected quickly, her heart lightening as she spoke. "I'd like to stay. That is, if Football Head doesn't mind, that is," she chuckled.

Darn it, Helga, why did you have to say that in front of Arnold's mom! She'll never let you stay now!

To Helga's surprise, though, Stella just gave out a slight chuckle of her own. "I'm quite sure Arnold won't mind in the least. Besides, he'll be at school tomorrow and Friday anyway, so you'll be stuck with me more than anything. Are you ready for that?" she grinned.

Despite everything, Helga couldn't help but grin back.

"I think I'll manage," she replied casually, crossing her arms in front of her chest, only to feel a sharp shooting pain across her head once more.

"Owww."

"I think you need some more rest, hon," Stella said gently, seeing the pain within Helga's eyes. "I'll leave you to it. You can stay on the couch for now, but we'll move you down to the spare room tonight once everyone goes to bed. You'll be more comfortable."

"Oh," Helga said disappointedly. "Okay. Well, whatever floats your boat," she added, with a slight shrug.

Seeing the disappointment within the girl's eyes, Stella cautiously brought a hand up to the young girl's flushed face.

"I'd be happy to let you stay on the couch, Helga, I just think you'd be more comfortable in the spare room, that's all. I don't really want you to take a fall down those stairs in the middle of the night going to the toilet or anything."

Glancing at the stairs in question, Helga bit her lip thoughtfully. She had a point.

"Yeah, I guess so," she said quietly. "I mean, we don't wanna be wiping my blood off the floor now, do we?" she chuckled.

"Definitely not," Stella said, her face paling at the thought. She shook her head to clear her thoughts. "Alright, well, if you're going to stay here, I'll send Miles to your place to pick up some stuff for you. Is there anything you want in particular?" she asked.

Helga frowned thoughtfully, before quickly shaking her head. "Not really. Just some spare clothes and a toothbrush would be nice." She smacked her mouth at that thought. "My mouth feels like cotton wool."

"That doesn't surprise me," Stella said, as she handed the girl a glass of water. "But alright, I'll tell Miles."

"Just get Miriam to help him," Helga said. "If she's awake, that is," she muttered.

Hearing that comment, Stella frowned, but didn't press further. Instead, she took the thermometer in her hand and stood up from the couch.

"Before I go, Helga, would you like anything to eat?"

Helga blanched.

"I'll take that as a no," Stella said, taking note of Helga's horrified look. "We'll try again later."

"Yeah, that'd be better," Helga agreed, before another jolt of pain shot through her already pounding head, and groaning loudly, she tugged the blankets over her eyes to block out the light.

"Do you want me to move you to another room, Helga?" she heard Stella's concerned voice ask.

"I'm good," Helga mumbled quietly into her pillow.

"Alright, then."

Moving the cold washcloth lower towards her eyes, Helga's eyes slipped shut at the cool relief it bought her. And despite the amount of sleep she had already gotten, the heat radiating off her body seemed to take over any other thought within her, and before she could even move an inch, she had fallen asleep once more.

Helga woke up sometime later as shadows began to drift across the room. Frowning in confusion, Helga craned her neck in search of a clock, only to be startled by a voice from the other side of the room.

"It's just after 4," Arnold said quietly, upon noticing the girl was awake. Standing from his desk, he came over to the couch where Helga lay, tangled up in a mess of blankets, before sitting beside her with a soft smile. "How are you feeling?" he asked, reaching up to feel Helga's forehead with a gentle hand.

"Do I really need to answer that, Arnoldo?" Helga said irritably, as a wave of fatigue washed over her aching body. "I mean, I feel like my head's in a furnace!" she groaned.

"Sorry," Arnold said quickly, removing his hand from Helga's head. "I probably should have left you alone." Going to stand up, though, he was instantly pulled back by the feel of Helga's hand in his, causing him to turn back in surprise.

"I'm sorry," Helga mumbled, flicking her eyes nervously up to Arnold's face. "It's just…I feel really lousy, that's all. And with everyone bugging me about how I am-"

"-It's getting on your nerves," Arnold finished for her, causing the girl's eyes to widen in surprise. He chuckled sheepishly. "Yeah, I should have thought of that." Looking thoughtful, he suddenly glanced down at the girl with a wide grin. "So, how many trucks do you feel like you've been hit by?" he asked casually. "Have any more joined the party?"

Dumb-founded, Helga gawked at the boy in front of her for a moment, unable to believe what she was hearing. After a few moments, though, she gave a loud snort of laughter, which in turn caused Arnold's face to light up with a grin of his own.

"H…how many trucks have I been hit by?!" Helga cackled, her body shaking with unsuppressed laughter. "Oh man, you've been spending way too much time with me, Football Head!" she exclaimed gleefully. "That was a good one!"

Arnold shrugged. "Yeah, Gerold's sort of been saying the same thing," he said, reaching up to rub the back of his head bashfully. "But hey, I got you to smile, didn't I?" he pointed out, taking note of the bright smile lighting up Helga's flushed face. "And I gotta say, Helga," he added with a shy smile of his own, "it really suits you. You really should smile more often."

"Watch it, Hair Boy," Helga said blushingly, causing her face to glow brighter than was realistically possible. "We don't need to make me warmer than I already am now, do we?" She giggled shyly.

Arnold's face reddened, but he couldn't wipe the smile from his lips.

"Sorry, Helga."

"You better be sorry," Helga said, with a grin in the boy's direction. "The last thing I need is to keel over from embarrassment."

Arnold chuckled. "I'm not sure even I'd be able to explain that one," he admitted, throwing her a bright smile.

"Me either," Helga said, bringing a hand up to her aching head with a slight groan.

Arnold frowned. "You okay?" he asked anxiously.

Helga shook her head dully. "I feel like there's a jack hammer digging into my skull," she said, gritting her teeth in pain. "Plus it's really hot," she added, forcefully kicking off the blanket. "Yuck."

Biting his lip nervously, Arnold quickly reached up to feel Helga's forehead.

"I think you're burning up."

"No kidding, Sherlock," Helga said wearily as Arnold quickly placed the ear thermometer into position before she had a chance to protest, and when it beeped a few moments later, Arnold's eyes widened in dismay to see the numbers 103 flashing back at him.

"Huh," Helga said coolly, taking a peek at the flashing numbers on the tiny screen. "I gotta admit, I expected worse." She chuckled weakly.

"I just hope it doesn't get any worse," Arnold said anxiously, turning his head his head toward the direction of the door before yelling "mom!" as loud as his lungs could allow.

Helga winced as the boy's voice echoed within her skull.

"Crimeny, Football Head, my head's already on the verge of exploding, it doesn't need you to help it along!"

"Oh, sorry, Helga," Arnold said regretfully, reaching up to place a gentle hand over Helga's tender head. "I didn't mean for it to come out that way."

"You could have fooled me," Helga muttered, just as Stella came rushing into the room.

"What's wrong?" she asked worriedly.

"Helga's fever is up to 103," Arnold explained, holding up the little thermometer in confirmation. "And her head's hurting her."

"That's the understatement of the century," Helga mumbled, as Stella came over to feel her head.

"Don't worry, I've become prepared," Stella said calmly, brandishing a bottle of children's Tylenol in front of the two kids. "I had a feeling this might happen. Fevers always return late in the day." Grabbing the cup off the table, she carefully measured the right amount, before pouring into the cup and handing it to Helga, who gave the concoction a look of disgust, but made no move to protest; instead just upending the liquid into her searing throat, before swiftly washing it down with a glass of water. She shuddered.

"Gross."

"Well, that was a lot easier than last time at least," Stella said cheerfully, as she placed the bottle down upon the table. "How's your throat?"

"I think I've swallowed the glass as well as the water," Helga said hoarsely, with a glance towards the glass of water held firmly in her hand. "My throat is killing me."

"Don't worry, that should clear up in a few days," Stella assured her. "Now, I know it's early," she continued, with a quick glance at the watch upon her wrist, "but would you like to have a shower, then get back into… well…onto… the couch?" she amended quickly. "Or are you happy just staying here for now?"

Helga shook her head stubbornly. "No, I'm-"

"Actually, Helga, if I were you, I'd have one now," Arnold interjected casually, picking up on his friend's distinctive stubbornness. "If you leave it any later, you won't have any hot water at all, and that's the last thing you want right now. Trust me."

Helga threw the boy an incredulous look.

I can't believe it! The Football Head just beat me at my own game! Oh, my love, you really do understand me!

Knowing she'd been beaten, Helga gave the mother and son duo an indifferent shrug.

"Fine, whatever. If that's what you think I should do."

"Miles has your bag downstairs, hon," Stella said, as Helga shakily dragged herself off the couch with a slight helping hand from Arnold. "After that, I'll leave you to it." As they reached the top of the stairs, she turned to her son with a smile. "I can take it from here, honey." He nodded, and giving Helga a kind smile, headed back into the room to start on some homework.

"Now, Helga, after you've had a shower, do you think you'd be up for something to eat?" Stella inquired, as she led the girl down the hall. "Or are you happy to just leave it?"

"I… I don't know," Helga admitted, glancing up at the woman uncertainly. "I mean, I do feel a little hungry, but I don't know if I can really eat or not."

"I know you probably don't feel up for it, but I'd feel better if you had something in your stomach," Stella said. "Especially if you haven't eaten since yesterday."

"Why don't you try her on some soup?" Miles suggested, poking his head around the dining room door upon hearing the conversation. "It's probably the best thing for her right now."

"Oh, good idea, soldier!" Gertie exclaimed cheerfully, randomly appearing next to her son. "I'll go and make Eleanor some right now!"

"Oh, no you don't, Pookie!" Helga could hear Phil yelling from the kitchen. "We want to make the girl better, not worse, and your soup could knock a whole army barrack out for a week!"

Stella sighed. "I better go and settle this," she said, as Miles's voice could be heard joining the argument. She handed Helga her bag. "Just call me if you need me, okay?" And before Helga could say another word, she had bustled off the kitchen.

Despite herself, Helga chuckled.

This place may be nuts, but it's still better than home!

Helga could never understand how a hot shower could make a sick person feel better, but as she reclined on the sofa an hour later, with her temperature back down to 101.5, and her head a little less explosive, who was she to argue with it? Lounging back against the pillows on the opposite side of the sofa, Helga watched as the sky above her changed from reddish-orange, to light purple, to sort of inky blackness as the afternoon changed into night, casting a thin veil of shadows across the vast room. The darkness made Helga's eyes heavy, and just as sleep began to claim her, the sound of the door creaking open nearby snapped her back to consciousness.

"Oh, sorry, Helga, I didn't know you were asleep," came Arnold's apologetic voice.

"Lucky for you, Football Head, I wasn't," Helga replied, throwing the boy a small smile as he came to sit down beside her. "Just drifting off, that's all." Casting a glance at the clock upon the bedside table, though, Helga frowned. "What are you doing up here anyway?" she asked curiously. "Isn't it dinnertime?"

"It is," Arnold confirmed. "Which is why I thought you might like some company. I mean, I wasn't going to leave you up here to eat on your own now, was I?" His face heated up as he threw the girl a bashful smile.

"Well, aren't we the sap?" Helga jested, despite the rising blush to her own cheeks. "You do know I would have been just fine on my own, Football Head?"

Arnold chuckled. "I know," he said softly. "I just didn't like the idea of you being up on here all alone, that's all. Especially when you're sick."

Helga rolled her eyes. "Yeah, well, don't come crying to me if you come down with it too, Hair Boy," she said. "I mean, jeeze, you're spending so much time with me, you're going to get sick before long too!"

Arnold shrugged. "I'll take my chances," he said. "I mean, I've had a flu shot, but it's just luck of the draw, isn't it?"

Helga glanced at him in astonishment. "B…but its 2 weeks until Christmas!" she stuttered. "I mean, surely you don't want to risk being sick then."

"If I do catch it, I'm pretty sure the worst of it will be over before then, Helga," Arnold countered. "I don't think it will make any difference."

Helga opened her mouth to retort, but finding herself unable to make a suitable comeback, she snapped it shut with a huff of impatience.

"Always gotta have a comeback, don't we?" Helga drawled, crossing her arms sullenly in front of her chest. "Always gotta be the noble one!"

Arnold frowned. "And what's so wrong with me wanting to keep you company?" he asked testily. "I thought you that's what you liked about me?"

"I… I-" Helga stuttered, trying to swallow down a retort that was bubbling up to the surface. "Yeah… well… who ever told you that, Football Head?!" she snapped, causing her to inwardly kick herself. "I mean, I certainly didn't!"

Arnold sighed. This was going nowhere.

"Fine," he muttered, standing up from the couch. "I'll just go eat downstairs, then."

Helga's eyes widened in horror.

Why the heck did you say that, you idiot?! Arnold was all ready to stay with you and you blow it! Oh, why do I still have to be nasty to him after all this time?! Why?!

"No… no, Arnold, wait!" Helga exclaimed frantically, causing Arnold to instantly turn back in surprise. She heaved a sigh. "Look, I'm sorry, alright?" she whispered, glancing up at him through the top of her eyelashes. "I'm just… not used to all this attention, and… well, I don't know!" she exclaimed irritably, slumping back down onto the pillows, with her arms crossed over her chest.

Looking between the door and the girl he cared for upon the couch, Arnold found himself heaving a sigh, before walking over to her and sitting beside her once more.

"Look, Helga, I know you're not used to all of this yet," Arnold said slowly, reaching down to take Helga's hand in his own. "I mean, I'm still getting used to it," the eleven year old admitted sheepishly. "But I think the one thing we can both agree on, Helga, is that we like each other. A lot," he added for emphasis, causing both kids to flush brightly. "And if we're to get used to each other, you have to try and stop the pretence. I mean, I don't expect you to stop completely," he assured her, upon seeing Helga's uncertain look. "All I'm asking is that you try showing me your true self every once in a while. Does that sound fair?"

Helga shrugged her shoulders. "Yeah… I guess that sounds fair," she admitted, throwing him a tentative smile. "And… I'm… I'm sorry."

Arnold smiled brightly. "It's okay, Helga." And before the girl could say another word, Arnold had reached out and given her unexpected hug, causing the young girl to inwardly swoon at the idea of her beloved's arms around her, before she reached up to wrap her around his waist in return.

"Wow, Helga, you really are warm," Arnold said anxiously, as he pulled away from the embrace with a hand to her head.

Helga rolled her eyes. "I said I felt better, not that I was, Football Head," she said. "And if that soup your Grandma is making is as bad as everyone says it is, I won't be for a while," she quipped.

Arnold laughed. "Don't worry, my dad's making your soup now," he assured her. "Lucky for you, Grandma lost the argument. Although that didn't stop her from trying anyway," he admitted, as he remembered the struggle that occurred between the two Grandparents down in the kitchen. "She was determined that Eleanor be back on White House duties quick smart!" he grinned, quoting the old woman's words.

Helga laughed. "Well, I give her full credit for trying!"

"She didn't just try, she almost succeeded," came Stella's voice as she entered the room. "Miles caught her trying to sneak her own concoction onto the tray just as I was coming up here," she elaborated upon noticing the kids questioning looks. "Don't worry, I made sure it was the right one," she assured Helga, as she gave the bowl a narrowed look. "It wasn't hard to tell the difference."

Arnold grinned. "Grandma's looked like a great green blob, didn't it?"

Stella grinned in reply. "Oh, yes, it did."

Helga chuckled. "Well, thanks for the save, Mrs S," she quipped.

"Stella, dear," the woman corrected her kindly. "And you're welcome. Now, just try and eat as much as you can, okay?" she said, gesturing towards the bowl of hot steaming chicken soup in front of her. "Don't force yourself. Same goes for you, honey," she added, with a quick glance towards her son. "I'm afraid your father might have overdone it." She gestured to the large pile of vegetables upon the boy's plate.

"Well, at least I'll be healthy," Arnold noted, stabbing at a carrot at the corner of his plate. "It might protect me from Helga's germs, too." He threw her a pointed glance.

Helga groaned. "Oh, ha ha, very funny. Aren't we the comedian?" Her lips twitched up in a small smile.

Stella chuckled. "Alright, I'll leave you guys to it, then. Just bring those down to the kitchen when you're done, Arnold." She nodded to the two plates the kids held on their trays.

"Sure, mom," Arnold said, before turning his attention back to Helga, who was picking lightly at the noodles within her soup.

"You okay?" he asked her.

"My stomach's just a bit bubbly, that's all," Helga said, throwing him a reassured smile. "I mean, I guess that's what happens when you haven't eaten all day. This is really nice, though," she added quickly, pointing to the soup. "Is this all handmade?"

Arnold nodded. "Dad's one for cooking things from scratch."

"Huh," she replied, surprised. "My parents could never do this. Guess I'll have to come to dinner more often!" she joked, causing Arnold to glance up at her with a smile.

"You can if you want," he said cheerfully. "My parents would love it!"

"R…really?" Helga stuttered, her heart speeding up in reply. "I mean… I was only joking."

"Well, I'm not," Arnold said, reaching over to place a tender hand upon her shoulder. "And anytime you want to come over for dinner, Helga, you're welcome."

Helga threw him a grateful smile.

"Gee, thanks, Arnold," she said softly, causing Arnold to smile at her in turn, before returning to his own meal.

Despite the fact that Helga hadn't eaten all day, the eleven year old was surprised to find that she could only eat half of the delicious soup, making her feel enormously guilty when it was time for Arnold to return the dishes to the kitchen.

"It's fine, Helga, don't worry about it," Arnold assured her gently as Helga voiced these thoughts. "My parents didn't expect you to eat it all. They just wanted something in your stomach."

"I guess so," Helga said quietly. "I just thought I'd eat a little bit more, that's all."

"You did pretty well for someone who's sick, in my opinion," Arnold said, as he took the bowl off her. "And speaking of that, mom said she's got the spare room all made up for you, so whenever you're ready to go to bed, just say the word."

"O…oh," Helga said, her stomach sinking with disappointment. She was starting to enjoy the time she was spending with Arnold.

This must have shown on her face, too, as Arnold swiftly put down the plates, before placing a tender hand on her shoulder.

"I know you're comfortable up here, Helga, but mom's right. It's better for you to sleep downstairs at night in case you need the toilet," he said gently, throwing her a kind smile. "If it were up to me, I'd be happy for you to stay here," he admitted, causing a faint blush to rise in his cheeks. "But it's probably for the best."

"Yeah, I guess so," Helga mumbled, as Arnold picked up the dishes, before heading downstairs.

Helga sighed. Damn flu! She thought. I finally get the chance to sleep in Arnold's room, only to have to leave once its night time. If only there was some way she could convince Stella that she was well enough to remain where was.

A wave of nausea interrupted her thoughts.

Well, sort of well anyway. I mean, my stomach is bubbling like a case of Yahoo Soda. Yuck. Maybe that soup wasn't such a good idea.

Laying down to quell her stomach's bubbling, a wave of exhaustion suddenly washed over the girl causing her close her eyes in response. She groaned. She better get to bed. Her eyes sprung open.

That's it! She thought. If I'm already asleep when Arnold and Stella come back, then they can't make me go the other bedroom, can they? Yes, that's it!

Smirking gleefully to herself, Helga quickly fixed the pillows on the end of the couch, before laying on them in an awkward position, making it look as if she had just randomly fallen asleep, before placing the blanket half over her aching body. Her head was feeling slightly warm again, but she ignored it, as made herself comfortable, and once she was satisfied she was, she closed her eyes.

Arnold and Stella's voice drifted up the stairs a few minutes later, just as Helga was slowly beginning to drift off to sleep for real, but the sound of the two Shortman's brought her slowly back to consciousness just enough to her them stop short upon entering the room.

"She must have been tired than she was letting on," she heard Arnold say softly, before feeling the blanket being pulled up to her chin. "Do you think we should leave her here?"

There was a slight pause. "Well, I would have liked her to sleep in the other room, but if she's comfortable here, I guess it's alright. I mean, I could have Miles take her to bed, but that might risk waking her up."

Yes! Helga inwardly thought, as she desperately tried to lie still. Her cover slipped for a moment as she felt a tender hand run through her ponytailed her, and her heart stuttered as she heard Arnold's voice from right beside her.

"Do you think we should let her hair down?" he was asking his mother. "I mean, it doesn't look very comfortable."

"No, just leave it for now," Stella said gently. "You don't know, she may sleep like that, so it's best to leave it to her. Let's go. We'll let her sleep. If she wakes up before you go to bed, maybe we can move her then."

"Okay," Arnold said softly, before Helga's eyelids were suddenly encased in darkness as the light was switched off in the bedroom, before the door was clicked shut behind the mother and son.

Listening out for the pair on the stairs, Helga found herself grinning in victory.

Yes! I fooled them! I get to sleep in Arnold's room tonight, I can't believe it! Oh, my beloved, my-

Her stomach gave another uncomfortable lurch.

Oh, forgot it.

Yeah, sadly, poor Helga has to get worse before she gets better, and boy is she in for it next chapter. The flu is not pretty.

Ok, so a few things to note from the chapter. Yes, Mr Simmons is their teacher again, because frankly he is a very good one and I would hope they'd have him again. Stella and Miles, I hope, are written okay, because frankly we don't know much about them and a lot of us are using a lot of creative license with them, but I personally believe they would look after Helga if she really needed it. I mean, Helga's family aren't exactly family of the year and I wouldn't really want to them looking after me either while sick. I mean, they would have noticed sooner or later, but not when Helga needed them the most. And since this is still fairly early on their relationship, I still had some awkwardness between Arnold and Helga, yet at the same time, showed how much they trust each other. I mean, they are only eleven, so things are still a little unusual and they aren't quite a couple, but also not just friends.

So, what did you guys think? Please remember that despite being a Hey Arnold fan since I was a kid, I've never actually written for the show before and I'm still getting used to it. Please feel free to leave a review and tell me what you think :) Please be aware, though, that I DO NOT TOLERATE FLAMES IN ANY SHAPE OR FORM. Any that I do receive will not be acknowledged and will be automatically deleted. I do however accept, KIND constructive criticism, as long as it written respectfully. This is mainly because the first time I posted a fanfic up on the site way back in 2003 (which did so happen to be for Hey Arnold!), I had a few uncalled for nasty reviews, despite warning people of my age (I was 12) and my first time writing and I quickly deleted it and was too afraid of posting another story again until 2014 when I was encouraged to post a httyd story of mine, which has now grown bigger than I ever expected it too, and I still wonder how it happened!

Thanks for reading! Chapter 2 will be up after Christmas, and hopefully it's shorter than this one, but unfortunately I'm well known for lengthy chapters. Just ask my regular readers!