And Then I Farkled All Over Myself...

Title: Trying
Fandom/Universe: Hey Arnold!
Character(s): Helga, Arnold, Lila, Some surprises...
Rating: Teen
Chapters: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12


( In which a plan quickly dissolves into chaos... )

a/n: Sorry for the INSANELY LONG HIATUS. I suck. A lot. My goal is to try and pump out another chapter this weekend. I'd like to push through this masquerade ball all at once-ish. I hate leaving you guys hanging in the middle of this wackiness!

I hope you guys were surprised/pleased with Lila's fiance! I honestly cannot remember how that thought process worked out exactly, but I kind of love them together a lot? Like, I didn't get to do much with them here, but I actually think they have the potential to be super adorable. I also tried really hard with Lila's characterization - to make her still sort of toe that line of being genuinely good hearted and still vaguely manipulative? Hope it worked out. I also love the moment where she questions Helga's feelings for Arnold. It's an important part of this story! The idea that Helga's love for Arnold may be something closer to a sense of obligation or habit at this point in time. She's pretty much the only person who doesn't seem to realize how much he's changed. I mean, she sees it, but she hasn't fully thought out what that means and isn't really trying to reconcile who he used to be with the man he's become. Um. Yes. Thoughts.

Also, regarding the bits of French - if any of it is misspelled/fucked up feel free to correct me! I copied the foods directly from how they appear in the menus in Dinner for Four/Valentine's Day. So... they ought to be okay, but cartoons y'know?

Title: Trying
Fandom/Universe: Hey Arnold!
Character(s): Helga, Arnold, Phoebe, Gerald
Rating: Teen
Chapters: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12


( In which there are some serious discussions... )

a/n: 5106 words! This is MOST DEFINITELY the longest chapter I have put out.

Okay, so I have been planning for Helga-Gerald and Arnold-Phoebe talks for like EVER. IT WAS VERY IMPORTANT TO ME for the BFFs to be like: "You guys this is a terribly unhealthy plan and you are being unfair to one another." Because... they ARE. I hope that the story is illustrating this idea that Helga/Arnold at this point is a VERY BAD idea on account of Helga basing her whole existence around him and Arnold being so focused on his parents that he neglects everything and everyone else around him to a point?

I had ALSO long ago planned that sleazy Wolfgang scene wherein HE BETRAYS THEM, because even though sometimes Wolfgang can be not-an-asshole and offer up a ride or whatever, he is still very much looking out for number one. And like REWARDS, MAN. He could use some extra coinage!

Oh man, that last scene. I LOVE the visual I get from it. Helga is so smug and aware. I also was INCHES away from ending the scene with: "Get in the car loser, we're going shopping." But I restrained myself for YOU, dear audience.

Title: Trying
Fandom/Universe: Hey Arnold!
Character(s): Helga, Arnold, Wolfgang
Rating: Teen
Chapters: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12


( In which Helga really doesn't like Wolfgang... )

a/n: God, I'm sorry this took forever and a day. For some reason writing Helga and Wolfgang together was MUCH harder than I thought. Plus, summer always takes away my creativity.

I really do want to keep this story going. Like, it's going to be SO EPIC. But I have to write it all first, which is a bummer. Stories should just pop out of my head fully formed. I shouldn't have to write them down. :(

NEXT CHAPTER: There is bonding and meeting again and still not a lot of action, but THAT'S OKAY.

Title: Trying
Fandom/Universe: Hey Arnold!
Character(s): Helga, Arnold
Rating: Teen
Chapters: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12


( In which it doesn't stop raining... )

a/n: I LIED. I said you'd get answers in this chapter. YOU DON'T. Aren't I the worst?

On the upside (or downside depending on the kind of person you are) the next chapter is probably going to be completely full of flashbacks! We shall relive the experience right there with Arnold. Huzzah!

Oh god, you don't know how badly I want to go through each and everyone of these chapters and point all the ridiculous canon throwbacks and symbolism, because I keep doing adding them! I DON'T EVEN TRY TO.

Also, I told you they'd changed. This story is mostly about them finding themselves again. Also, ADVENTURE! Seriously, there's so many awesome things that I've got planned for this story. I keep sort of going 'round in circles about some of the plottier details though. I'll figure it out soon though.

Oh and here's a little reference thing mostly for myself, but you guys might enjoy it too. What's in Helga and Arnold's pockets?!

( Pocket Check. )

Title: Trying
Fandom/Universe: Hey Arnold!
Character(s): Helga, Arnold
Rating: Teen
Chapters: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12


( In which our heroes make their daring escape... )

a/n: I was actually planning on pushing this chapter a little bit further, but things seemed to be winding down so I decided to cut it off. Damn, it takes them FOREVER to get from point A to point B. Also, I was originally going to have them just ending up on a street and either Helga or Arnold would hotwire a car, but it didn't pan out that way. Sorry Mrs. Grant.

Also, I love action. And characters getting snippy at one another.

Next Chapter: Helga and Arnold make a pit stop or two and then plan out their next destination.

Title: Trying
Fandom/Universe: Hey Arnold!
Character(s): Helga, Arnold
Rating: Teen
Chapters: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12


( In which there is a truly bizarre quirk of fate... )

a/n: Depressing, eh? Oh well, it happens. There's some bare-bones as far as backstory goes now, which is pretty sweet I suppose.

Oh and the next chapter is where things will finally start HAPPENING. Are you excited for that? I AM.

Also, I'm pretty sure chapters are going to end up getting longer as I go along. So uh, you've been warned I suppose.

And, thank you guys so much for the feedback so far! I wasn't really expecting more than like one or two people to even notice this.

Oh, I'll also probably have bits of extra stuff to show you involving the story, because I'm a super visual person so I like to sketch out parts of scenes and things like character design will come along too, because I have fun with that. :3