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 14

The couple spent Wednesday morning lounging on the couch watching movies, making love but more importantly, talking. Madison had Helen is stitches as she recounted tales of her and Bobby's more humorous escapades during their time together as partners. In turn, Helen shared details of past hunts and missions.

"So there really are things that go bump in the night?" asked Madison teasingly.

"Yes there are darling, but not all creatures beneath the cover of darkness are dangerous."

"Sometimes beneath the dark, there is light and colour," reasoned the blonde.

"That was very well said my love and couldn't be more accurate," remarked Helen as she trailed her fingertips along her lover's ribs.

Madison scoffed softly, "Yeah, I'm not all brawn."

"Speaking of which, I really do like all your added muscle definition."

"I do too and I think I'll keep it."

"I believe your stamina has also improved," teased Helen while stroking gentle circles over Madison's hip.

Madison stretched like a cat before pressing back into her lover's frame, "It has, I've taken two minutes off my running time. How are Ashley and Will doing?"

"They appear to be getting closer."

"How do you feel about that prospect?"

"As a mother I am awfully protective of Ashley, but I know Will is right for her. From the moment they met, they have been dancing around their feelings for one another, so I am happy for them."

Madison rolled over onto her right side and faced Helen, "Have you thought about having more children?"

Smiling at the question, Helen kissed the tip of the blonde's nose, "No, there has not been anyone else I've been involved with over the years that has sparked that desire in me."

"Have you had many lovers?"

"On average no, but in total yes. As you already know, most have not been with me for long before the waters sullied."

Lowering her eyes, Madison confessed, "I had several onetime encounters when I was in my twenties, but I grew out of that habit."

Helen smiled lovingly at her girlfriend, "You should never be ashamed of that."

Nodding, the blonde added, "I have never been unfaithful."

"Nor have I my love. Have you ever thought of having a child Madison?"

"No, not until recently and I envy the relationship you have with Ashley, but I've never really had maternal feelings. I guess it's because I'm not that feminine."

Ignoring the reference to not being feminine, Helen asked, "So, in other words, your maternal side has been piqued since you met me?"

Madison jeered, "You could say that. I have wondered what it would be like to raise a child, but realistically it's a pipe dream."

"Dreams do have a habit of coming true on occasion Madison. Do you feel like eating?"

"I do honey."

Helen untangled herself from Madison's long legs and climbed off the couch, "What do you feel like?"

"Poached eggs with sausage and hash browns."

"Consider it done my love."

Madison observed Helen as she strutted out of the room and yelled out, "HEY, HAVE I EVER TOLD YOU YOUR WALK IS TOTALLY HOT?"

Helen turned around and grinned, "No, you haven't, but it is nice to hear." She emphasised the sway of her hips as she headed for the kitchen and grinned wickedly.

Madison flopped back onto the couch and bemoaned, "Shit woman, you are killing me here."

There was a loud chuckle from the other room before Helen retorted, "You swear way too much."

"I'm a cop honey, during a twelve hour shift I'm surrounded by it and basically can't help it."

"You and Ashley both have that trait in common. She jokes that she inherited it from her father's side of the family and I tend to agree."

Madison laughed loudly, "I can't use that excuse. I never heard my parents swear once. The strongest cuss word ever used was damn and I'll make a concentrated effort to curb my profanity sweetheart."

"Thank you darling, but most times, I consider it to be rather cute, especially when you are in the throes of passion."

"Yeah, well you let it fly on those occasions too."

Helen tried not the drop the carton of eggs while thinking of those moments, "Indeed I do and that's because you fill me with wild abandonment."

Madison's libido kicked into overdrive as she confessed, "I find it very erotic when you swear and let go like that."

"Oh really?"

"Yes honey," replied Madison huskily. "It's a big turn on for me."

Helen giggled at her lover's words, "I'll take that information onboard for future reference."

Madison groaned when her cell phone rang. Reaching across to the coffee table, she answered, "Hey Bobby, how's it going?"

"Don't ask," came the gruff reply. "I got lumbered with Jackson, but more importantly, how are you feeling?"

"Not too bad, the pain is manageable with the meds."

"Good to hear and I suppose your own personal doctor is taking care of you?"

"Yes she is, so I'm in good hands."

"You proposed yet?"

"No you fool."

"But you're getting closer," taunted Bobbie.

"Ah ... no."

"That wasn't all that convincing Madi."

"It's not that simple Bobby."

"Oh shit, she's not already married is she?"

"No, Ashley's father and Helen were only ever engaged before the relationship ended."

"Then explain why that's not simple."

"Long story Bobby."

"Listen I'll stop all the teasing. Ellen told me to tell you that you guys are welcome to stay over Saturday night so we can go out on the yacht in the morning."

"That sounds like a great idea buddy."

"Oh and Lieutenant Jacobs will be dropping in to see you after four today."

"Thanks for the heads up."

"You're welcome and I'll check in with you tomorrow."

"Okay and good luck with Jackson."

"I'll need more than luck with that guy and say hi to Helen for me."

"Will do, bye." Madison sat back and returned her phone to the table.

"How's Bobby?" asked Helen from her position in the pantry.

"He's complaining because he's partnered with Guy Jackson who is a chatter box and won't let Bobby get a word in."

"Poor follow," lamented Helen. "What would you like to drink love?"

"Juice please and Ellen invited us to stay Saturday night so we can go sailing on their yacht the following morning."

"Sounds awfully romantic," replied Helen as she entered the living room caring a tray laden with breakfast. She handed Madison a plate before sitting down on the floor in front of her.

"This looks great sweetheart, thank you."

"You are welcome," said Helen while passing the bottle of ketchup over.

"I could get used to you looking after me like this."

"I could too Madison."

"After we've eaten, I'd like to show you my photo albums and introduce you to my parents and my childhood."

"I look forward to that darling."

"This is really yummy," declared Madison after the first mouthful.

Helen caught Madison's eyes, "Will you come back to Sanctuary with me tomorrow?"

Madison reached out and ran her fingers through Helen's silken hair, "Yes."

-o-

Lieutenant Ross Jacobs arrived shortly before five and after introductions; the six-foot greying man took a seat in an armchair. "So how you doing Madi?" he asked as Helen handed him a mug of coffee. "Thank you."

"Pretty good and the pain isn't so bad."

"I have spoken to Captain O'Reilly about the incident and Officer James has been put on leave while there is an investigation."

Madison was uneasy with the news, "Ross, I didn't make a compliant."

"I know you didn't, but I did. What he did was a disgrace and after conversing with Don, he spoke to James' captain over at East Precinct."

"I appreciate your concern, but I don't want any trouble."

"There won't be Madi, at this stage it's being handled in-house and Internal Affairs are not involved. Captain Short is grateful that it is unofficial. Apparently James assaulted another female officer during a game last month. She met him in the parking lot and beat the crap out of him."

"No shit!" exclaimed Madison in surprise.

"He has been ordered to see a Psych and if his behaviour doesn't improve, he's gone. Captain Short will keep him on a short leash and he is on his last chance."

"He's bloody fortunate to get this one," chimed in Helen.

"Yes he is. I happened to speak to him this afternoon and he appears to have seen the error of his ways. I also expect him to have several chats from fellow officers over the next few days."

Madison grinned at her friend's thinly veiled meaning, "I'll save my chat for another day and thank you."

Her superior smiled, finished his drink then stood, "I'll leave you to it then Madi and it was a pleasure meeting you Helen."

"Likewise, I'll walk you to your car."

Leaning down, Ross hugged and kissed Madison before departing with Helen.

The brunette returned a few moments later to find Madison on the phone.

"Yes Bobby, he just left. So did you go talk to James?"

"Yeah Dan and I both paid him a visit after roll call."

"Thank you and I love you."

"Love you too, bye."

Madison put down her phone then wiped away a stray tear, "I love those guys."

"Apparently the feeling is mutual," announced Helen proudly.

-o-

Sunday night, Helen drove Madison's SUV to Old City and after picking up several supplies, arrived at Sanctuary. Madison stayed for the next four weeks while her leg mended and Helen and the team completed several successful missions as well as reaccommodating the Abnormals to a much safer environment.

Ashley and Will continued to grow closer with them dining at Nikata's on more than one occasion and staying overnight at Madison's.

Helen became content with Madison's constant presence and allocated more responsibilities to Will, Ashley, Henry and the Big Guy.

Since the feline/human hybrid debacle, "The Cabal" had been quite and their absence gratefully accepted by the inhabitants of Sanctuary.

After the third week of her stay, Helen had removed Madison's cast and she resumed a full workout regime. Ashley and Will often joined her, but Helen had been banned because she was too much of a distraction. She did however join Madison for her runs around the grounds.

While living together, the couple had settled into a comfortable and productive relationship. Madison had read excessive amounts of Helen's research and retained the information, finding it highly fascinating.

On the day before she was due to return to duty, Madison was lunching with Henry in the kitchen. Helen and Ashley were tracking down some information while Will was in town having lunch with his ex-colleague Detective Joe Kavanaugh.

Henry noticed Madison's inquiring stare and said, "If you have a question, just ask."

"Sorry Henry, I didn't mean to be so rude. I was just wondering how you ended up here."

"I love my job, it's the coolest gig I have ever had and yes, I'm an Abnormal. My abilities are suppressed medically using Diazepam, but I've been practicing on being able to control them without drugs. Hopefully, it won't be too long before I can stop the medication all together. At the moment, I don't trust myself enough not to hurt people."

"Wow Henry, I had no idea."

"My powers only surfaced recently and I've only just came to terms with my decision not to have the surgery that would halt my transformation permanently. The Doc is helping me learn more about my abilities."

Sensing her friend was not at the stage to divulge the true extent of his gift, Madison didn't press for more, "Thank you for your honesty Henry. I know it's not always easy to disclose personal information."

Henry grinned his usual lopsided way, "You're easy to talk to Madison and I trust you."

Madison's eyed filled with tears, "I trust you too and I like your style."

"Yeah, it drives the ladies wild."

Madison broke into laughter, "I'm sure it does."

"You got any single friends who might be interested in me?"

"I know several female officers who would be charmed by you Henry."

Henry's brows nearly lifted off his face, "You ... mean that?"

"I do, so leave it with me. Maybe I can set you up on a blind date in the not too distant future."

"That would be awesome Madi. I don't get the chance to meet too many available women around here."

Madison giggled at the truth of the statement, "Are you working this weekend?"

"No, it's Ray's turn to man the security hub."

"Here's what I'll do for you. I'll speak to a friend of mine Grace who is with Computer Crimes and ask if she is up for a greet and meet. I'll call you and let you know how I go."

"Cool Madi and thanks."

"You are welcome my friend."

"I'm a werewolf," stated Henry matter-of-factly. "And I appreciate you not asking me."

"It wasn't my place to ask Henry."

"And that is why I like you," admitted the smiling man.

"I like you too. You want to join me in the gym?"

"Yeah sure, I'm not on duty until tonight."

"Great, then give me a hand to clean up this mess first."

-o-

Madison was rinsing conditioner from her hair when she heard the bathroom door open.

"Hello darling is there room for one more in there?" asked Helen throatily.

"Only for you and welcome back, did you get the info you needed?"

"We did and will be heading out for Iceland in the morning." Helen undressed and joined her lover. "I missed you," she said while embracing the blonde tightly.

Madison groaned as Helen's soft lips pressed lightly against her neck, "I missed you too sweetheart. How long do you expect to be gone?"

"Only a day or two, it's only a tag, release and observe mission. The Abnormal poses no threat, but its survival is imperative."

"How so?"

"There is the possibility it is related to the Panda like creatures we found in Denmark. If indeed they are, I hope to introduce them to their distant relatives."

"Are you playing match maker honey?"

"I suppose I am in a sense. The one in Iceland may be the last of his kind there, so a mating program may be its only chance of survival."

"You know, your compassion is admirable."

"Thank you my love."

Madison moved and allowed Helen to step under the water. Grabbing the washcloth and soap, she slowly washed her girlfriend's body.

"You could do this for a living," suggested Helen after Madison finished cleaning her.

In reply, Madison knelt down under the warm stream and took her lover's labia into her mouth.

"Oh dear lord Madison," whispered the doctor as waves of pure delight crashed into her senses. "I love you."

Ten minutes later, Helen was gulping for breath and waiting for her legs to stop shaking. Madison had her arms around her lover's hips and was holding her upright.

Helen rested her head on Madison's shoulder and murmured, "I really do enjoy coming home to you."

"More than your research?" asked Madison before she realised she had spoken out loud.

The answer was given with true conviction, "Yes my love."

Madison smiled to herself, "I love you Helen."

"Oh and I simply adore you and that magic mouth of yours."

"Yeah," jeered Madison as she let go and stepped out of the shower. "That's what all the girls say."

Turning off the water, Helen retorted, "Well, I better not hear anyone else say it or there will be hell to pay."

"Helen," began Madison as she handed the brunette a towel. "You are the only one my lips will ever touch like that."

Smirking, Helen flicked her lover with the end of her towel. "I have no doubt about that my love."

Jumping out of the way, Madison cupped Helen's face and locked eyes, "I will never give you cause to ever doubt my love or faithfulness to you. I will never love, want or need another ... you are my one and only true love Helen and I am forever yours."

"Oh Madison," was all Helen managed to say before tears started to fall. "That was pure poetry and you are my deepest and greatest love. I can't even begin to imagine my life without you."

Their lips met in a mixture of warm kisses and salty tears as they wordlessly expressed their love for one another.

-o-