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 31
Since New Year, Ellen and Bobby had been privy to the full purpose of Sanctuary when Helen disclosed all after discussing the matter with Madison. As the couple were spending more time with Helen while the team were away, she felt it necessary they understood the full extent of the work going on. Due to the fact Harry had taken offence when told he would have to hide from them on a regular basis, the decision was easily made.
At first, the Spillanes had been shocked, but as time went by and they met more of the Sanctuary inhabitants, their initial disbelief vanished and curiosity set in. Helen took great pride in retelling stories of past successes and Bobby was eventually offered a position within the organisation. He declined, much to his wife's chagrin, and was promoted to Sergeant in late February instead. Madison arranged a surprise celebration at Nikita's for him and Henry and Grace announced their engagement during the trip home to Old City.
The news was well received and Helen organised a two week vacation for them at her villa as a present.
Madison's house finally sold at the end of the month as did all the remaining artefacts of her parents she had in storage. Helen had been astonished by the content of the treasures on offer and when Madison used a small portion of the funds to buy her wife a Gulfstream G650 equipped with a pair of M230 chain guns mounted to the chin of the aircraft, Helen had shown her gratitude with a month long holiday in Paris.
The month of September arrived and so did a busy schedule for the Sanctuary team. They were absent from home for two weeks straight while Helen remained behind to conduct research for various governments. At eight months pregnant, she was forbidden to travel and reluctantly forwent the longer missions.
A human Abnormal with mind reading abilities from a remote village in Papua New Guinea was proving elusive to locate and the Sydney and Vancouver teams were just about to admit defeat when the man showed up at the campsite.
The young man of twenty-two named Oti, had probed their thoughts and understood they meant him no harm and only wanted to protect him from unscrupulous hunters. After several hours of conversation, Will took a blood sample before Oti was to return to his safe haven in the mountain ranges.
The teams promised Oti they would come back when they discovered a way for him to suppress his gift. The genteel man was grateful for the assistance and looked forward to their return.
"I'll call Magnus and let her know we are on our way home," offered Will while the others commenced dismantling the campsite.
Nodding in acknowledgement, Madison turned to Tony, "How long will it take to get back to Port Moresby in these conditions?"
"Three days Madi, as long as the rain holds off."
"Shit," muttered Madison with disappointment.
Tony grinned at her lively response and explained, "If we hadn't had that torrential downpour last night, we would be able to move faster, but the ground is too muddy and unstable."
"Yeah I understand," replied Madison, resigned to the fact it would be another four days before she saw Helen.
In an attempt to alleviate the tension, Ashley poked her in the ribs, "Mom will still be there waiting for you."
Will rejoined them and began, "Okay Madison and Ashley, I have some disturbing news, but I want you both to understand Helen is all right."
His advice was completely ignored as Madison gasped, "Helen?"
"What's happened Will?" asked Ashley pensively.
"She had a slight fall and was taken to hospital by Henry. Everyone is doing fine and Magnus was advised to slow down. Apparently her blood pressure dropped and she fainted."
Madison looked at Tony with imploring eyes and he dipped his head, "We'll make is out in forty eight hours if we leave as soon as possible, but it will mean less rest stops along the way."
"Thank you Tony," acknowledged a grateful Madison. "Will, how did Helen sound?"
"I didn't speak to her, only Ellen. She and Bobby are currently staying at Sanctuary and keeping an eye on her."
"Fuck Will!" exclaimed an irritated blonde. "When did Helen actually take the tumble?"
"Yesterday morning, but before you get more upset, Helen made the others promise not to inform us."
To everyone's surprise, Madison said nothing and returned to packing up equipment at a steady pace.
Ashley rolled her eyes at Will then shrugged her shoulders before leaning in and whispering, "The calm before the storm."
"Oh yeah, your mother totally did the wrong thing and Madi has every right to be pissed."
Another thirty minutes elapsed before the two teams were ready to depart. The group made their way through the dense jungle and pushed on for five hours before taking a break.
Madison remained silent the entire trip and slowly simmered. No one was game enough to approach her, let alone speak, so she was essentially left alone to stew.
-o-
Helen put down her glass of water and glanced over to Ellen who was sitting on the sofa nursing her two-month-old baby daughter Renee. "Madison will be absolutely thrilled to see you," she noted.
Beaming brightly, Ellen countered, "I think Madison will be angry at me for not telling her about your accident."
"Once I speak to her, she'll understand why I chose not to notify her and make a storm in a teacup."
"I hope she sees it your way Helen." Ellen positioned Renee onto her shoulder and lovingly patted the baby's back.
"We'll know soon enough, the team is due back at any moment."
"Good, Aunty Madi will be here just in time to change her god-daughter's nappy," pointed out Ellen amusingly.
"It will be good practice for her," agreed Helen.
"Hey Doc, you there?" asked Henry over the radio that was laying on the low table.
Helen reached for it and replied, "Go ahead Henry."
"The helicopter has landed."
"Thank you."
Renee burped twice then yawned.
"Right on cue baby girl," quipped Ellen.
"I better go greet the others and collect the samples," suggested Helen as she slowly got to her feet.
"I don't believe that was included in the doctor's instructions."
Helen moved haltingly across the office floor, "Haven't you heard? Doctors make the worst patients."
"Particularly ones as stubborn as you are."
"I'm afraid my stubbornness is a hindrance at times." Helen gripped at her left side, "Apparently one of the twins didn't like being disturbed and is now kicking under my ribs."
"Sit down and let the others handle things."
"For once I don't require any persuading Ellen," responded the doctor while settling back onto the armchair. "And I really do appreciate you and Bobby being here with me this past fortnight."
Ashley bounded into the room and greeted both women with a hug, "Hey mom, I'm so glad you are okay. How are you doing Ellen?"
"I'm good and your mother has been ordered to stop work until after the babies are born," replied Ellen.
After kissing her mother, Ashley held her hands out to Renee and Ellen passed her over, "She's just eaten, so be prepared."
"No worries and little Miss Cutie here is looking most fine."
"Where is Madison?" inquired a grimacing Helen.
"You okay there mom?"
"Yes, one of the little buggers is just kicking up a storm."
"Madi stayed behind to refuel the chopper and a word of warning; she is super pissed at you. She hasn't spoken for three days unless it was work related."
Ellen stood, "Time for me to bath Renee."
"I'll give you a hand," offered Ashley, eager to be out of the firing line.
"You two are just chicken," muttered Helen. "I'm off to bed."
"Who's chicken now?" joked Ashley as she left carrying a gurgling Renee.
"See you in the morning Helen," said Ellen in parting as she closed the door.
-o-
Madison snuck into the bedroom and collected some fresh underwear, sleepwear and clothes for the morning. She glanced at the bedside clock and saw it was 02:10. Leaving the room, she went to one of the guest rooms and used the shower. She was still too angry at Helen and didn't want to face her until after she had slept.
After dressing in a white tank top and grey boxers, Madison climbed into bed and went to sleep. She jumped when her iPhone sounded with Helen's number eleven minutes later. "Yes," she answered sharply.
"What are you doing?"
"I was sleeping."
"Pray tell, where?"
"One of the guest rooms down the hall."
"Why didn't you come to me?"
"For the same reason you didn't deem it necessary to inform your wife and daughter about your fall; I didn't want to bother you."
"Oh for goodness sakes Madison, there was no harm done and the twins are fine. Please come to our room so we can talk."
"I don't want to talk Helen; I'm too tired and irritated."
"So be it, goodnight."
Madison ended the call then punched the pillow in frustration. Tears stung her eyes and she blinked them away.
Helen called her again a nanosecond later.
"What?"
"You have been gone from my side for nearly three weeks and I've barely had two conversations with you because of the lack of a reliable phone link. I've missed you terribly and would like the opportunity to explain my decision face to face."
"For once Helen, you are not getting what you want. I'm not at your beck and call for when it suits you."
"I beg your pardon? I've never treated you like that."
"You often put me in my place and remind me I work for you."
"When did I do that?"
"You've been doing it for the last five months and I've had enough. I'm your wife not your fucking employee. Our marriage is supposed to be a partnership, but you call all the shots and I always come running like a faithful puppy."
There was an audible gasp before Helen spoke again, "Oh god Madison, I had no idea you were so unhappy."
"Well I am and I'm also sick and tired of being the only one in the room when I orgasm. Do you realise you haven't touched me in six months? I'm so fucking exasperated and angry all the time."
"I'm frightfully sorry," cried Helen before disconnecting.
"OH YOU FUCKING IDIOT," screamed Madison before pocketing her cell phone and jumping out of bed. She ran out of the room and down the hall to Helen. Opening the bedroom door, she found Helen struggling to get out of bed and bawling. Dropping to her knees, Madison wrapped her arms around her wife's hips.
"I'm so sorry sweetie, please don't cry."
"I didn't know you were miserable."
"I'm not unhappy, just mad at you for not telling me what happened. I felt it was the last straw with you disregarding my feelings."
Helen ran her fingers through Madison hair, "I didn't call you because I knew you would have been concerned and want to leave the expedition straight away. The doctor cleared me within four hours of arriving at the hospital. I wanted so save you and the others the worry."
"I should have been here with you Helen."
"Darling I am fine and have had Bobby and Ellen here to look after me. I just over worked, but I've been resting since and haven't been in my Lab once."
"Did you hurt yourself when you fell?"
"I landed on my hip and bruised it a little."
Madison turned on the lamp, "Let me see."
Helen rolled to her left and lifted her nightdress. Pointing to her right hip, Madison inspected the smallish purple bruise then leaned in and kissed the area above the hip, "I should have stayed with you."
"It's done darling."
Turning off the light, Madison recommended, "Lie back honey and get some sleep."
"Not without you."
"I'll be right beside you." Madison helped Helen get comfortable on her left side then climbed into the other side of the bed.
Helen dried her eyes, "Have I really been that much of a bitch?"
"Yes, but I know it's been the hormones and the tiredness causing it. I'm sorry I mouthed off like that."
"I truly am sorry Madison."
"I know you are. Let's just forget it for now and we'll talk in the morning."
"It's been tough on you darling and I should have taken the time to realise that."
"We both made mistakes honey, but we're okay now. I love you so much and that will never change."
"I don't know why you still do?"
"Because underneath all the crap you are experiencing, you are still the woman I fell in love with."
"Thank you, I needed to hear that darling."
Madison rubbed tiny circles across Helen's stomach and smiled.
"The babies missed you too Madison."
"I missed them and their beautiful mother."
Helen reached out and touched Madison's cheek, "I adore you."
Smiling radiantly, Madison inquired, "Are you comfortable and warm enough?"
"I am now that you are home to take care of me."
"Good, go to sleep sweetie."
"Kiss me Madison," beseeched Helen.
After some gently manoeuvring, Madison lowered her lips to her wife's and the couple kissed tenderly for over twenty minutes before Helen rolled onto her right side and Madison curved into her back.
Both women drifted off and slept soundly for the first time in weeks.
-o-
Soft rays of sunlight shone through the French doors as Madison opened her eyes. Turning over, she was glad to see Helen was still sleeping.
With gentle caresses, Madison ran her cupped hand over her wife's extended tummy. During the night, her nightgown had inched up and exposed her lower frame. Although smaller than average for their stage of development; the twins added considerable girth to their mother's midriff.
As Madison's hand played across the top end of the large swell, it brushed against Helen's nipples and she pulled away immediately and groaned. Even though the contact had been brief, the desire burning through the blonde's body lingered. She returned her hand to Helen's belly and whispered, "You are so beautiful my love. I'm so sorry about last night." Her hand smoothed across the skin once more, but avoided touching Helen's breasts.
"It's okay if you move higher," suggested Helen sleepily. "I quite enjoyed it."
Madison kissed Helen's tummy, "It's still early honey, go back to sleep."
"I'd like to, but I desperately need to use the toilet."
Rolling out of bed, Madison raced around to the other side and helped her wife to the bathroom.
"Thank you Madison."
The younger woman closed the door and quickly changed the bed linen.
Helen exited the ensuite a short time later and Madison assisted her back onto the mattress. She ran into the bathroom and brushed her teeth then used the toilet before curling up against Helen.
"Comfortable?" she asked.
"Yes, but can you rub my abdomen again please."
"I'd love to." Madison draped her arm over Helen's hip and caressed, "Did you see Doctor Polson when you fell?"
"Yes."
"What did she actually say?"
"She told me I was too stressed and shouldn't be working."
"Why have you been stressed?"
"I have no idea. Can you rub a little higher darling?"
Madison moved her hand accordingly, "Have you been worried about us?"
"I suppose I was subconsciously. I knew my moods were affecting you, but it was not until last night that I understood the full impact it was having on you. I've been too tired to stop and look at the damage I was causing."
"I could see how exhausted you've been, but every time I mentioned it, you bit my head off."
"Oh, I've been awfully vile to you."
"Uh huh," replied Madison as her palm passed over an erect nipple.
Helen moaned quietly, "Mmm, please do that again darling."
Madison did and was rewarded with another moan from her wife. "Are you okay?"
"Delightfully so and I've missed your touch."
"Oh, you have no idea how I've longed to touch you." Madison gently fondled the hard node between her index and middle fingers.
"For the first time in a long time, I am incredibly horny."
"Oh god," remarked Madison before kissing Helen's shoulder.
Helen chuckled at the response, "I take it that news pleases you?"
"Very much so honey."
Helen rolled over onto her back and reached for her nightie, "Place a pillow under my hips for support darling."
Madison eagerly obliged and lowered her mouth over Helen's rosy nipple once the night garment had been removed.
"Oh good heavens, that is absolutely divine," declared Helen as she played with Madison's hair.
After several minutes, Madison released her hold, sat up and removed her clothes, "Tell me what you'd like me to do, I don't want to hurt you or the babies."
Helen reached out and cupped Madison's left breast. The connection was electric and Madison closed her eyes.
"You won't hurt me darling and I'd like everything."
"I love you Helen."
"I love you too. Move closer, I'd like to kiss your breast."
Madison got on all fours and inched over Helen's head.
"So beautiful," purred Helen before Madison lowered her bosom.
She trembled as Helen lovingly devoured her and she climaxed the instant Helen reached downwards and touched her clitoris.
Helen let go of Madison and tittered, "Oh baby, let's try that again shall we."
Madison's lips crashed down on Helen's as Helen slide her fingers over the engorged flesh and brought her lover to release several times before Madison broke the kiss.
"Oh shit," she panted. "I so needed that."
"It would appear so."
Madison giggled then carefully positioned herself between Helen's thighs, "If you feel uncomfortable, let me know."
"I will."
Kissing up the inside of Helen's left leg, Madison breathed in deeply. She had missed her lover's unique scent and quickly inserted her tongue between the soaked folds.
"OH GOD, YES MADISON," hollered Helen while clutching the sheets.
Madison's tongue danced across the silken skin before she suckled each lip over and over then took the hard clitoris into her mouth.
Helen's body tensed then exploded with tiny flashes of light.
Madison's face was instantly covered in Helen's fluid and she slowly licked it up, managing to bring her to climax again.
An hour passed before the couple were sated and Madison was lying across the bed with her head resting on Helen's chest.
Helen was grinning and running her hand through Madison's hair, "I feel undeniably wonderful."
"Mmm, so do I."
"Hopefully this means our love making is back on track."
It was and for the next three weeks, Helen's libido continued to flourish. The pair's relationship returned to normal and to everyone's delight, Helen's moods stabilised. The residents of Sanctuary put away the eggshells and went about business as usual.
-o-