Natalya Rowe had only been 8 years old when she first met Helen Magnus. Her mother had been an immigrant from Russia who married an American. But the marriage didn't last very long. When he found out about their special gift, he threw them out on the street. Which is where Helen found them. After a few abnormal murders. She couldn't bare the thought of leaving such a young girl on the streets. And brought them to the Sanctuary. Where they lived for a few weeks, whilst Magnus helped Natalya's mom get back on her feet. And every few years they would get back in touch. After graduating college, Natalya opened up the club. Wanting to give a place to those abnormals who don't have any place to go. Just like her when she was a kid.

She sat on the bed, still being able to feel Helen's lips on the top of her head. The bed still feeling warm, but would soon grow cold. It wasn't as though Helen ever stayed long. Never more than half an hour. Sometimes Natalya wanted her to stay. To tell her about what was going on in her life. But then, she didn't want to know about Helen's life. She heard the rumours and that was enough for her. Natalya had shared her with other men and women for the last 5 years and didn't see it changing, any time soon.

She lifted herself up off the bed, wrapping the sheets around her. Still feeling Helen's warmth. It felt nice. Talya closed her eyes again, remembering when Helen hadn't always been in a hurry to leave her bed.

Over the last few weeks, there had been several incidents. Abnormals had been attacked after leaving the club. One, a friend of Natalya's had been killed. There had been only one place she could think of going to for help. The Sanctuary and Helen Magnus. Over the years, they had helped her out of some scrapes she had found herself in.

And now was no exception.

Talya had tried to fight them off as best as she could. Only getting beaten for her trouble. She didn't have to be an empath to know that the gang who had broken in meant business. Totally wrecking the club. Smashing bottles, table and pouring bleach all over the floors. Not to mention the graffiti on the walls. It would take weeks to get everything sorted out, again.

She found it hard to breathe and held her side as she made her way to her office. Talya looked at her hand, noticing the blood dripping on to her fingers. She hadn't felt the pain yet. But had seen the knife go in to her stomach. Her hand shook as she picked up the phone and dialled… waiting.

"Hello,"

The voice on the other end answered, in a soft English accent.

"Helen," Talya whispered.

Her voice, despite her Russian heritage, was very American.

"Natalya,"

Then the line went dead as the phone was dropped on the floor.

"NATALYA!" Helen shouted. "NATALYA,"

She'd drifted in and out of consciousness for several hours. Hearing voices. Voices she had recognised from her time at the Sanctuary, Ashley and Helen Magnus herself. Telling her that she'd lost a lot of blood but was going to be okay. In her half unconsciousness state, her mind went over and over what had happened to her in the club. She'd been so stupid. Not waiting for help, trying to handle those robbers, alone. And getting stabbed for her trouble.

Natalya's eyes opened slowly, looking around the room. She was in the medical ward of the sanctuary. Hooked up to weird beeping monitors and a drip.

"MOM," Ashley shouted. "She's awake."

As her eyes adjusted to being open, there was Ashley Magnus sitting on a chair next to her bed. Natalya saw Helen across the room, wearing her white medical coat and smiled. The moment she had been stabbed, she had been the only one Natalya had thought about. The only one who could save her. "You gave us quite a scare," Helen said.

"How long have I been out?"

"3 days," Ashley said. "Glad you're okay. Can I go now?" she asked, looking at her mother.

Helen sighed, nodding her head.

"Very well. Don't be too late and try not to get into trouble,"

"Never do, mom," Ashley shouted back.

Helen turned her head, seeing her daughter running out of the infirmary. She looked down at Natalya and smiled.

"How do you feel?" she asked.

"As though I've been stabbed."

Magnus smiled, amazed that she could find humour in something so terrible.

"Any pain?"

Natalya shook her head.

"No."

"I want to have another look at that wound. Make sure there's no infection."

The young woman tried to lift herself up, feeling a little low down. Helen took her arm, helping her. Helen pulled up her infirmary gown, exposing a small patch of bandages and skin.

Magnus gently removed the surgical tape, brushing her fingers against the exposed skin.

Natalya's eyes fluttered as she sensed a sudden rush of emotion from her physician. Sometimes she found it hard to put in to words what she sensed from certain people. And Helen Magnus had always been one of those people. Until now! Natalya didn't know if it was because her abilities were getting stronger. Or it was the doctors emotions that were stronger. And there was no other words to describe what she was feeling, other than attraction.

Helen looked away, realising that it wasn't such a good idea and quickly replaced the bandage as quickly as she could.

"You should rest for a while," she said, changing the subject.

"I really want to get back to the club,"

The doctor shook her head.

"The club is secure. When we got to you, there was no one around. Henry's installed new video surveillance. A live feed is linked directly to our server. If there is a problem, we'll know about it," she said.

"All that damage, it'll take me weeks to sort it all out,"

"It's all taken care of. All you have to do now, is rest."

Helen softly rested her hand on top of Natalya's, offering her support. Natalya felt her empathy. It was nice. At the club, most of the time she felt anger, hurt, rejection. Being in Helen's company, felt warm, comforting. Maybe she had misinterpreted what she had sensed from her.

"Now just take it easy." Helen said.

Natalya nodded, laying back on the bed.

"I'll be back later, to check on you."

Natalya's head rested on her pillow. Feeling the need for sleep again. Helen watched her from the doorway, making sure she did as she was told. Doctors orders, and all. She stayed for a few minutes, watching as Natalya fell asleep.

Helen had felt compromised. Whilst checking her wound, she'd felt something. A feeling of attraction. Ones she had had before, but never as strong as this. It was confusing. Helen Magnus had never been confused over her feelings before. She was always so decisive. But over the last few years or so, whenever she and Natalya had been in touch, Helen felt that there was definitely something between them. And wasn't sure if she was supposed to pursue her feelings. And she hated feeling helpless. Then there was not knowing if they would be reciprocated. Helen had relationships with women before and knew that Natalya was a lesbian. Which didn't mean that she was attracted to every women she met. And didn't mean she was attracted to Helen.