Second Summer by artaxastra (T)

[palmaceae.livejournal.com]

Fandom: SANCTUARY
Pairing: Helen/John
Length: 2,605 words
Author on LJ: artaxastra
Author Website: artaxastra @ AO3, Tag List
Why this must be read: artaxastra's specialty is writing incredible fics that provide such insights into characters that after I finish reading, suddenly the show makes more sense. It's really brilliant. This fic is a post-ep for Pavor Nocturnus, featuring a wonderful conversation between Helen and John as they tiptoe around the topic of Ashley. Such a loaded conversation, each word a potential mine. artaxastra really gets Helen, and the last sentence is a wonderful revelation for Helen that works so well for her character.

"It's my house," she said. "I do as I please. This is not 1880." She settled back, her back against the sofa pillows, his arm still behind her, her legs across his. "It's only that I've been more circumspect lately. I didn't want to set a poor example."

For Ashley. The words hung unsaid in the air between them.

"Heaven forbid," he said, and the amusement in his eyes encompassed every ploy and stratagem they'd employed to avoid chaperonage, every entirely unsuitable liberty. Only he hadn't smiled like that then. He hadn't carried all of this in his bright, untroubled eyes.

Second Summer