Title: Sanctuary – Beneath The Dark

Summary: Doctor Helen Magnus and her team discover more than an Abnormal and things that go bump in the night when on the hunt in Seattle. A/U.

Pairings: H. Magnus & OFC, A. Magnus & W. Zimmerman.

Rating: M for Mature readers.

Disclaimer: No profit or copyright infringement intended during the writing of this story. All characters other than original remain the property of creator Damian Kindler, Sanctuary 1 Productions and Stage 3 Media. Please note that this tale features a relationship between two women and if that is not your cup of tea, then go make a coffee elsewhere.

A/N: Cheers to my splendid proof reader Wendy Woo and please remember this all takes place in an alternative universe, so I do not follow the story line of the actual series to the letter. It's called creative licence and I use it to bring back to life characters who may have fallen to the wayside on television. Now if I could only use it to inject a bucket load of cash to SyFy so the fifth season of Sanctuary could actually see the light of day!

Chapter 8

Helen was in the kitchen making breakfast when she heard a thud on the stairs followed by a loud burst of profanity.

"FUCKING SHIT!" yelled Madison angrily. "DAMN USELESS LEG."

Running to the stairs at full pace and a modicum of panic, Helen found Madison sitting on the top step and enquired, "What happened?"

With her irritation dissipating, Madison looked up and answered, "I slipped."

"Did you hurt your leg?"

"No, just my pride, I guess I went too fast."

Helen reached out and took hold of Madison's hands, "I think you and I should stay in tonight rather than have you putting too much pressure on your limb."

Madison stood up and leaned into Helen's arms, "You're the expert and breakfast smells great."

Wrapping an arm around Madison's waist, Helen helped her down the remaining stairs, "I've made sausage, eggs and home fries."

"Yummy, my favourite indulgence, how did you know?"

"Ellen let it slip during a recent conversation. Apparently your two closest friends like the idea of us being together."

Madison locked eyes with the older woman, "So do I."

"As do I," agreed Helen before inching closer and seizing the blonde's lips in a soft, short kiss.

Withdrawing, she moved to the kitchen and laughed when she heard Madison mumble, "Bloody tease."

Helen had every intention of teasing Madison a whole lot more, but not until after breakfast.

-o-

Helen's back was pressed into Madison's chest as they lay on the couch watching a movie and Madison was lazily stroking her fingers along Helen's left side.

"You've got incredible hips," she murmured.

"And you have got the most delicate of touches."

"I enjoy touching you."

"You won't hear me complain. Tell me about your family."

"I don't have any, they've all passed away."

"Oh I am frightfully sorry Madison."

"I was an only child and my parents Lloyd and Francine were killed in an airplane crash while dad was fossicking around in Mexico. He was an archaeologist and mom was his assistant."

"Dear lord, you have my deepest sympathies."

"It was five years ago and I was left the house as well as their collection of artefacts. I sold most of the collection to museums all over the world and, as a result, have more than enough money for several lifetimes."

"Is that the reason you donate to charity each year?"

"Yes, I want the money to go to organisations that actually do help."

"You must have had an incredibly interesting childhood?"

"It was a wonderful education and a great way to see the world."

"Ashley has obtained quite the education also."

"I'm sure she has. Because of her age, I gather Ashley didn't inherit your abilities."

"No, but the opportunity is available if and when she wants to. It will be her decision, not mine."

"How did Will become involved with Sanctuary?"

"Our paths initially crossed when he was a small boy of eight. He and his mother were under attack by an Abnormal and I could only manage to save one of them in the time available. It was not until late last year when we met again. At first Will did not recognise me when I approached him about a case he was working, but as we spent more time together and I asked him to join the team, he slowly recollected his mother's death. Her demise had left him with nightmares, but he made rapid progress then finally agreed to be my protégé. Will is empathic and hopefully his involvement with Sanctuary will continue for many years."

"It is fascinating work Helen and I doubt Will would want to leave; besides he has strong feelings for Ashley."

"That's very true and he only recently gained my permission to court my daughter."

"That's very old fashioned."

"It is, but Will respects my relationship with Ashley and I think he may be the right person for her."

Madison giggled.

"What's so funny?" asked Helen while rolling over to face the blonde.

"Ashley told me I would be good for you."

"It would seem my offspring is wise beyond her years."

"I agree." Madison ran her fingers through Helen's lengthy fringe, "You are so beautiful. I could look at you for hours and not tire." Lowering her head, she captured Helen's lips in a tender kiss. The contact continued for ten minutes before Madison professed, "I like the way you kiss."

"Mmm, I quite like your lips too and it's been some time since I was kissed like that."

"When we return to our regular lives, I'd like to date you. I want to try to make whatever this is between us to work."

Reaching up, Helen ran the back of her hand across Madison's face, "I am so happy to hear you say that."

"I was crazy to think I could never contemplate a relationship with you."

Helen placed her hand behind the blonde head, "You're hardly crazy, now kiss me."

Madison did and her body ignited with a hundred flames of desire.

Helen slowly tangled her fingers in Madison's hair and lost herself in the emotions being invoked by the blonde's expert lips and tongue.

When Madison's hand cupped her face, Helen groaned deeply. Sucking on her tongue, she elicited another groan. Not wanting to step up to the next level, Madison pulled back. She could see the sparkle of longing in Helen's brilliant blue eyes and she whispered, "Helen."

Realising the meaning behind the word, Helen slowed her rapidly beating heart and suggested, "I guess now would be a good time to make a start on dinner."

"Yes it would and I'll give you a hand."

"No you won't, you need to rest your leg."

Shaking her head, Madison replied, "No, I need to be kissing you."

Helen pulled their lips together again and dinner was forgotten about for another hour.

-o-