A/N: I don't own, neither will I ever own the awesomeness that is Sanctuary, these are all my own ideas and work.

It was meant to be a quiet break. Some alone time. Time to gather her thoughts and reflect. Unfortunately for Helen Magnus, quiet and alone were not words which fit in with her hectic lifestyle and work schedule. From the moment she had announced she was going to have a weekend away, the team had all been suspicious.

'In all the time you have known her, when has she volunteered for a holiday, or a break? We struggle to get to her to take it easy when she has gotten injured.' Will had declared to the rest of the team. He knew there had to be more to this than met the eye.

'True, but how do we get her to say what's on her mind, she isn't exactly the sharing type' Kate questioned. If there was one thing round here that Kate could rely on, it was Magnus and her ability to just keep on going, no breaking down, no quiet time and definitely no sharing.

The team were positioned around Henry's lab, looks of concern and trepidation across each member of the groups face. Declan had been called in by Magnus for some unknown reason, which had made them uneasy to begin with. Not that the team didn't get along with Declan, but in Magnus' absence, Will was head of the sanctuary and the network. Declan had his own responsibilities in London.

'Maybe we should just ... erm ... head down to her office ... and ... er ... just ask.' Henry suggested looking less than comfortable with the idea.

'Ask what?' came the subtle British voice from behind them all. Helen Magnus' bright blue eyes glancing over them all in turn, waiting for a reply, she obviously wasn't going to get any time soon. All the years of working with these people and she still made them nervous, despite the fact they were a family.

'It was going to be a surprise, but seen as you are all so concerned about the fact that even I need a little downtime, I suppose I will just have to come out and say it. A very good friend has offered the use of his villa in Lombardy, Italy. I am not one for holidays, however I feel a long weekend would do some good.' Magnus paused, and watch as the heavy weight appeared to lift itself from the shoulders of Henry and Will, a sign of the appreciation that they felt. She was finally able to share something with them, if not still being a bit mysterious with it all.

'But what has this got to with me Magnus, Will is more than capable of looking after the place while you're gone, and like you ..' Declan started, as Magnus rose her hand to silence him.

'Will, Kate and Henry will be joining me, if they have no objections.'

'Doc, what about the Big Guy?' Kate replied, showing one of her best qualities, looking out for her family.

'He has already been asked; he declined, but suggested that I should force you three to come. He said it would be good for us, and he wishes to stay here and help Declan cover. If that is ok with everyone?' Magnus sighed, and looked at her team. Ideally she would have spent the time alone, or have invited a friend along, a friend who could provide suitable entertainment for the weekend, which these could not.

'Well, I think he's right you know, but don't tell him I said that. It would be nice to get away. No paperwork, no feisty abnormals and a beautiful part of the world. Long as you are sure Magnus, you are still the boss and we don't want to intrude.' Will reasoned, always the rational one.

'One last question ...' Henry began with an enormous smile covering his face.

'We fly Thursday evening, 6pm, and will return Monday night. For now though we should concentrate on having everything in order for Declan, including paperwork Will.'

Magnus smiled, still feeling somewhat uneasy about the whole situation, turned on her heels and strode out the door heading towards her own office.

Will, Kate, Declan and Henry looked round at each other. No-one said a thing.

Magnus' invitation on Tuesday didn't leave a lot of time for the team to prepare for going away. Two days to pack and prepare for at least ten hours on the plane with the boss, and the idea of sharing a villa with her. Magnus herself was feeling the strain. It will all be over soon she thought. Then I can come home to my office, my bed and a nice bottle of Bordeaux.

THURSDAY AFTERNOON

Will knocked on the office door, and waited for the reply. Nothing. He turned the handle slowly and let opened the door a fraction.

'Magnus, you busy?'

No reply.

That's odd; she is always in her office at this time.

Will set off in the direction of his room, he hadn't even thought out about packing yet, with less than three hours until departure. Walking past Magnus' room he stopped, sure he had heard something. And again. Someone was smashing things.

He waited by the door for any more noises. He waited for what seemed an eternity, when suddenly the door opened and there appeared Magnus. Her cheeks were rosy pink and her eyes slightly puffy. Obviously she had been crying, which wasn't like her. Helen Magnus was one of the least emotional people Will had ever met. Her eyes met his, she broke eye contact quickly and looked down at the floor as Wills eyes drifted into the scene behind her.

A vase was broken into many pieces on the floor, and the bright purple roses which had been in the vase were scattered across the floor in front of the bed. To one side of the broken vase and contents was a photo frame, which looked like it had most definitely seen better days. Will knew the frame in question had previously resided on the bed side cabinet, and the frame held one of Helen Magnus' most valuable possessions. A photograph of Ashley and her.

Magnus' head rose, looking at Will. Her breathing was shallow and her eyes had a glaze over them. Will knew better than to intrude, but he had never known Magnus to behave like this. He opened his mouth as though he was going to speak, but changed his mind. With that, Magnus began.

'I haven't been anywhere since, well, I have but not a holiday as such. Ashley had to force me to go away. Lombardy was one of her favourite places we visited, and why I didn't want to go alone, she did prefer Italy in winter though, skiing and snowboarding.'

'Magnus, you won't be alone. We will all be there for you. Finish off what you need to, and I'll ask the Big Guy to sort out the vase and bits.' Will started to walk away knowing she didn't need him to fuss over her. 'And Magnus, don't forget you're in charge of the wine. None of that cheap stuff, something good, vintage maybe.'

'Cheap stuff, perish the thought. I leave that in plain sight for Nikola to find' she replied cracking an awkward smile.