Disclaimer: I still don't own any part of Warehouse 13 and honestly, I really don't want to. It's much more fun to play with the toys and put them back to play with later.

A/N: All reviews are appreciated, as always.

They were all tired that night. Their adventure for the day had been draining. Pete had taken a big tumble, and Helena had found him recovering as Myka chased down the culprit. They had caught up just in time to be able to retrieve the artifact and disarm the person, left none the wiser for his unknowing involvement of the chaos he had left behind.

The bedraggled group headed up for bed shortly after a hearty dinner, Helena first to claim complete exhaustion forgoing her evening chat with Myka.

Myka had just finished dressing the next morning when she heard the thud, followed by a horrid retching down the hall. "Helena?" she called from the door. More retching and a moan. Myka opened the door to see HG in a heap on the floor having emptied what appeared to be the entire contents of her stomach. She was immediately at her side.

Claudia had heard the noise too and had just arrived at the door. "Ewww, dude, I haven't seen anything that bad since Pete ate all that Chinese food before getting on the airplane."

"Claudia, grab the bathroom bucket," Myka ordered. Claudia skidded across the floor to the bathroom and was back in record time as another wave of nausea hit HG and more vomit projected out from her beaten body as Myka held her hair back.

"And she scores!" Claudia cheered.

"Not funny, Claudia," Myka said rolling her eyes. "You're spending too much time with Pete." Just then, HG's body contorted once more as she heaved into the bucket. "But, yeah, this looks like a doozy."

"Uh, Myka, I think I'm going to be sick now." Claudia was turning various shades of green.

Pete showed up next at the door having heard the commotion when he got out of the shower. Still dripping wet, he hurried into the room towards the women on the floor. "Oh, wow. I haven't seen anything like that since I ate all that Chinese fo…"

"We know Pete!" Myka barked getting frustrated. "Now can someone please get me some towels, and a wet washcloth?" Seeing her friend crumpled on the floor in distress, she took a deep calming breath and went into management mode. "Claudia, would you go and grab a wet washcloth and some something to clean up the floor before we have to clean up after you too."

"On it," Claudia said, quickly running off to requisition the supplies, more than happy to get away from the deluge on the floor.

"Pete, you're going to clean it up since you seem to have more experience in that department than the rest of us." In a softer voice she continued, "But first, I need your help getting her off the floor."

The great H.G. Wells was reduced to a lifeless heap shivering in Myka's arms. Her night clothes were soaked.

"Yeah, right, Mykes. Come on HG, let's get you off the floor." He bent down and tenderly picked her up in his arms as he would a child, her head resting against his chest. "Man, she's really sick. It feels like she has a fever. I bet we'll need to change her sheets, too. Where do you want her? The chair or the bed?"

He looked at Myka with concern, looking for direction. He knew she was taking charge and would take care for Helena, even if she didn't know it herself. He saw them together and the looks they gave each other. He wasn't completely oblivious, even if they were.

Claudia arrived with the washcloth, handing it to Myka, left towels on the floor for Pete and retreated to stand at the door far from the mess.

"Let's see if we can get her in the chair. I think you're right about the fever. Her clothes are soaked, so I'm going to guess…" Myka checked the bed, "Yeah, you're right; we need to change the sheets." She turned to Claudia, "Would you please find some clean sheets and change the bed? Then, go into my room and find a new set of pajamas." Despite the situation she laughed quietly. "I don't think she actually has much in that department. You'll find them in the second drawer of the small oak dresser."

"Okay, HG, in the chair you go." Pete set her down gently into the chair by the bed and waited for Myka. He grabbed a blanket off the bed tucking it around the heap in the chair. "Here's a blanket. I'll see if I can find a heavier one and start cleaning up the floor. It's starting to get a little ripe in here."

Helena slumped forward onto Myka's shoulder and groaned. "Oh God, Myka, I feel horrible. I ache all over, I'm cold, my head is pounding and I'm so tired. What's wrong with me? Did I get, what does Pete like to say, whammied? We'd best look into that."

"No, sweetie, I think you just have the flu, but you're right. We should double-check the artifacts you've handled just to be on the safe side."

"I do not get the flu," she stated with as much dignity as possible for someone with so little energy.

"Sorry, Helena, everyone gets the flu at some point, including the great H.G. Wells." Myka couldn't help chuckling at the woman's offense at the possibility that she could succumb to sickness as she started to gently wash her face with the washcloth.

"The floor is clean and here is another blanket." Pete wrapped the extra blanket around HG and passed a glass of green liquid to Myka. "I figured some mouthwash might be in order considering what I just cleaned up. I'll go let Artie know what's going on. We should probably call Dr. Calder too. Need anything else before I leave?" he asked softly, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"Not right now Pete, but thanks." She smiled at him before continuing her ministrations.

"Okay. Hey, here's our lovely chambermaid with fresh sheets. Ouch." Claudia punched him in the arm. "Why am I surrounded by such violent women?" Smiling, he rubbed his arm. "Let me know if you need anything else," he called over his shoulder as he left the room.

"The sheets are changed. I'll go throw these in the wash. I think we may be needing them again. Oh, and here are the jam jams. Now what?" Claudia asked handing over the dry flannel pajamas.

"Bucket!" Helena suddenly demanded before heaving once more, her body shuddering.

"Dude, how much is there in that stomach?" Claudia burst out. The two women glared at her. "Alright. Point taken."

"Actually, I don't think there is much left. I think she's just dry heaving now." Myka was visible concerned now. She handed the mouthwash that Pete had thought of. Helena scrunched up her face in disgust as she took the offered glass with a shaky hand, somewhat confused. Taking a mouthful, she rinsed her mouth and deposited it in the bucket offered. "Oh, that is vile, and not at all dignified. However, I now understand its purpose. Thank you."

"I need some more washcloths and a bowl of warm water, please, Claudia. Make sure it's warm water."

"Heard you the first time, Mykes," Claudia replied on her way out the door.

"Okay, sweetie, we need to get you in some new clothes."

"Thank goodness. These are dreadful and very cold." Helena could barely hold herself up at this point, leaning more heavily on Myka.

"Here are the washcloths and the WARM water."

"Thanks, Claud. I guess this next part is all up to me." She felt the heat rise to her face.

"No arguments there. Very embarrassed young person leaving the room now…bye." Claudia was gone, leaving Myka alone with a very sick and soon to be naked Helena. She'd never had to do this before and certainly not with someone that created such conflicting emotions. Confusing enough, she had often imagined her in a state of undress, but not at all under these circumstances. Why couldn't it have been Claudia, she thought to herself. I could have handled that.

"Helena, are you still with me?" she asked softly, cupping her chin in her hand. What little strength Helena had was quickly deteriorating and she was having more difficulty supporting herself in the chair.

"I think so. I think I'd rather be dead than feeling like this," the woman remarked pitifully.

"Look at me for a second." Helena lifted her eyes to look into those bright green eyes that she never seemed to be able to get enough of. With all the strength she had left, she focused on them as Myka spoke to her.

Nervous now, Myka had to concentrate on keeping her voice calm. "I'm going to help you get into some dry clothes and try to clean you up. It'll make you feel better. I know you feel crappy, but I can't do it all on my own. You need to help me, okay?" With shaking hands she reached for the bottom of Helen's flannel shirt, mentally repeating over and over, Think clinical. I can do this. Think clinical.

Helena lifted her arms up slightly as Myka started to pull off the top, negotiating the weak arms. With a weak smile Helena taunted ,"Really, Myka, you didn't need to wait for me to be ill to get me to take my clothes off for you. I would have gladly done so with great enthusiasm." She felt Myka instantly freeze for just a moment before continuing with her task. "Have I gone and fumbled things once again?" Helena mumbled miserably.

"N-No," Myka stumbled. "Let's just get you into some dry clothes." She closed her eyes as she repeated to herself once more Think clinical. Think clinical.

Myka dropped the shirt on the floor. The mantra left her head instantly as she opened her eyes to reveal what she had only dreamed of. She was granted her first view of what she had only ever imagined, gasping loudly.

"What was that?" Helena asked.

"Huh?" Myka jerked her head up to see very tired, deep brown eyes gazing back at her. "Uh, nothing," she squeaked, face turning bright red, realizing her loud gasp had been heard.

Helena couldn't help refrain from commenting with an infuriating, tired grin, "I may feel like death, love, but I'm not blind, and apparently neither are you."

It was not physically possible for Myka's face to get any redder. The stress of the situation finally struck her and she snapped back fiercely, "Honestly, Helena, can you make this whole situation any worse? No, please don't answer that." She closed her eyes and took a cleansing breath, letting it out slowly. Opening her eyes she focused on Helena's face. "You are really sick and I'm trying to help you. I'm really worried about you. If you think you can do this alone right now, please, tell me. If not, then it's either Pete or me. The contents of your stomach have already traumatized Claudia. So, what will it be?" Myka sat back on her calves looking up at Helena's haggard face, waiting for her answer.

Helena was shocked by the outburst, but in her weakened state she merely closed her eyes in defeat. "You are my preference, please. I am truly sorry."

"Okay," answered Myka softly. "Can you hold yourself up?"

"Yes, for the moment."

Myka took the warm washcloths and proceeded to tenderly wash the sticky perspiration off from Helena's torso, taking her time with each arm, and down her exquisite back. Any other time and I'd be really enjoying this, Myka thought, surprising herself.

Helena couldn't help moaning at the gentleness and relief following the warm cleansing. "That feels wonderful. Thank you. One never realizes how much a simple cleansing feels."

The two women finished in silence. Myka helped HG back into bed. Exhausted, she quietly thanked Myka and fell asleep.

Myka sat with her for some time before she was satisfied that the patient was soundly sleeping. She leaned down, kissed her warm forehead and caressed her flushed cheek before quietly leaving the room.

"What do you mean she has the flu?" Artie almost yelled. "Is anyone else sick?"

"Shhh, Artie. Do you want to wake her up? Myka just got her cleaned up and back to sleep. HG's been throwing up all morning. People get sick. Geez." Pete was taken aback by his boss's reaction.

"Are we sure it's not an artifact?" Artie demanded.

"Hey, Mr. Grumpasaurous, chill. I'm a couple steps ahead of you with that. HG already mentioned that. I think more because she didn't want to admit that she could actually be sick. So, I'm cross-referencing all the stuff on her inventory lists from the past 48 hours. Steve is at the warehouse doing research. We should have the report in the next hour or so."

"Let me know the second you have it. Myka, what do you think?" Artie asked.

"Honestly, Artie, I think she's just really sick with the flu. I think we should call Dr. Calder, though. She can't keep anything down and I'm concerned she's going to get dehydrated."

"Okay. We'll get her here ASAP. In the mean time, Pete you have inventory. Claudia, you and Steve keep looking into any artifacts HG may have been in contact with. Myka, you keep an eye on your patient. Let me know if there are any changes in her symptoms just in case it is an artifact. If anyone one of you gets sick let me know right away. Okay people, why are you still here?"

"Ooooh, Myka, you get to play Nurse Betty. Anymore sponge baths involved in that?" Pete taunted. She punched him hard in the arm. "Ouch! Again, violence in the work place."

The reports came through just before lunch, Artie complaining it wasn't within the promised hour. After reviewing the results they were fairly certain that no artifacts were involved.

By midmorning Helena had started coughing horrendously. Myka held her weakened body during the painful episodes and held her hair back as she continued to heave into the bucket. She had not been able to keep any liquids down that she had tried and finally gave up. Myka was very concerned by the time Dr. Calder arrived just after lunch, leaving Helena only when she had drifted off to sleep again.

"So, how is the esteemed Ms. Wells?" Dr. Calder asked brightly entering the dimmed room. Myka had drawn the drapes closed earlier when Helena complained about the light and one light was left on. Dr. Calder turned on the overhead light. "How about you go take a break agent Bering while I examine the old lady." Helena glared at Vanessa for that crack, who just laughed at her patient's reaction.

"I'd like her to stay, please," Helena said quietly, looking pointedly at Myka.

"It's up to Myka, Helena, if you wish her to stay." Dr. Calder glanced at Myka. After a nod of confirmation, she started to examine her patient. Myka recited the symptoms and events of the morning, Helena adding to the conversation as needed.

"She's had a fever around 102.3. The coughing started a couple of hours ago and she hasn't been able to keep anything down. I'm concerned about her getting dehydrated. She really needs another change of clothes but I didn't want to disturb her again until you got here. The sheets will probably need changing again, too."

"Well, very good Dr. Bering." Dr. Calder smiled. "I think we are definitely dealing with the flu. I agree with you about the dehydration. So, Helena, this is my plan. I want to get an IV catheter placed and start some IV fluids. I'll give you an antiemetic to get the nausea under control and see if we can get you to keep fluids down, I'm also going to start an antiviral. I'll be staying here at least overnight, if not two. One of my main concerns right now is that your immune system has missed being exposed to 100 years of germs and I want to be here in case there are any complications. You're very sick, not that I need to tell you that. For now, all we can do is let it run its course and treat you symptomatically. It's not going to be a fun ride, I promise you, but we'll do what we can to make you feel a little better in the mean time. I agree that you need another quick wash, new clothes and sheets. That fever has given you some grief. Let's start with that before I get everything else going."

"I'd rather Myka help with that, if I have a say in any of this," Helena requested weakly before starting another coughing fit.

The doctor looked at Myka again for her answer. "I'm sorry, Helena, I can't." She blushed and stared at the floor in an effort to avoid eye contact with Dr. Calder. She added quickly, "I'll go find you some clothes and get the sheets." Helena's whole body resonated with disappointment as Myka rushed out of the room in search of some clean clothes.

Dr. Calder was quick to catch onto what she had already assumed some time ago and couldn't help but smile. Myka's reaction only helped to confirm her thoughts. Oh, are they in for a roller coaster ride, she thought. Poor Artie. He has absolutely no idea what he is up against.

"Looks like you're stuck with me. I'll be sure to warm my hands first." She laughed at the glare she prompted from her patient again. "I'll go update Artie and get the rest of my supplies so we can get started. Cheer up. I'm certain Myka will stay for the catheter and will most likely be glued to that chair." She gave HG's hand a quick squeeze and smiled at her before heading out of the room.

Dr. Calder worked efficiently getting Helena back into bed and sleeping soundly. Myka had changed the bedding while the doctor worked, holding Helena's other hand when the IV catheter was placed. Dr. Calder was correct that Helena would be exhausted when everything was finished. She had collapsed on the bed almost immediately. Confident that Myka was still by her side holding her hand Helena drifted off to sleep once again.

"You did a good job, Myka. Thank you for your help. She's one of my more...difficult patients." Vanessa had watched her out of the corner of her eye, sympathetic to what the younger woman was feeling. "You're in love with her." Myka almost fell out of the chair flabbergasted by the bluntness of that statement. "It's okay, Myka. I won't say anything. I've suspected it for some time now. Most anyone can tell watching the two of you together if they look close enough. The two of you just have this indescribable connection that neither of you can figure out, but you are very much aware of. Don't be afraid of it. It just is."

Finally able to get her mouth and vocal cords coordinated, the young woman cleared her throat and admitted, "I don't know how she feels." She really didn't. She knew they had a strong connection, but wasn't sure how deeply it ran for the older woman. If she had to admit it she had denied her true feelings until this morning when she found Helena on the floor.

"You should ask her. I'm pretty confident I know what the answer is, though." She smiled at the young woman who tilted her head, uncertain how to respond. "She's worth it, and so are you. Let's get her back on her feet first. I actually miss that attitude of hers," Vanessa chuckled. "Right now, though, you need to get something to eat and get some rest. She'll be looking for you later. Go on," she demanded at Myka's reluctance. "Dr's orders. I'll stay here with her. She's not going anywhere."

Myka got up and headed for the door. She stopped at the door and took one more look over her shoulder at Helena's sleeping form. Dr. Calder smiled at her and shooed her out with a motion of her hands. She smiled back weakly and headed downstairs to get a quick bite before a well needed nap.