A/N: Updating schedule, I try to get a chapter out every week. Enjoy.
xXx
Nick woke with a groan as pain raced up his neck, over his temples and back down the other side. He couldn't feel his arms and his back was screaming at him for the odd angle that he was in. He was laying on his back with his arms twisted under him. He slowly rolled on to his side to ease the pressure on his back and felt even worse. He tried to pull his legs up but they didn't like him much more than the rest of him. He'd taken a beating, that was sure.
"Nick?"
He blinked his eyes open and locked them onto Monroe then frowned. Other things started to seep back into his mind, like the grey walls and the different coloured sheets under him and the fact that there were no windows. He wasn't in his room as his eyes roamed around before focusing back on his friend.
"What-?" He croaked then coughed.
"Here," Monroe offered and held out a bottle of water with a straw.
Nick tried to reach for the straw when he heard a soft rattle and realised that his wrists were bound behind his back. He tensed all over as he woke up to that fact.
"Whoa," Monroe said quickly. "Calm down. Renard!"
Nick looked over when the door opened and his Captain strode into the room with a limp. He stared at the bruises and scrapes covering the other man's arms and face. He'd been in a fight and he hadn't come out well. The man stepped around him and he felt gentle hands on his wrists and the soft click of cuffs being released.
"What happened?" Nick asked, his voice hoarse.
"What do you remember?" Monroe countered as he held out the bottle.
Nick carefully grabbed it and noticed that he was dirty, bloody and had a couple of bite marks down his arms. Slowly the memories leaked back into his mind.
"Zombies?" Nick uttered, still in disbelief.
Sean snorted and leaned back against the wall as he watched him with his arms crossed. Nick knew that he was missing something, that nagging feeling in the back of his mind.
"That's right," Monroe answered slowly. "And I never thought that Zombies and true would be in the same sentence."
Sean snorted and amusement flickered over his face.
"Where am I?" Nick asked.
"My apartment," Sean told him, mildly. "You were effected by Baron Samedi-"
"I was turned into a zombie," Nick squeaked.
"Correct," Sean answered.
"Did I hurt anyone?"
"Only your Captain," Monroe uttered and Sean glared at the Blutbad.
Nick slowly focused on Sean and the bruises and scrapes and felt a sinking in his stomach.
"You were under the control of the poison," Sean drawled. "And not in control of your actions. Due to that point, you will not be demoted to traffic cop."
Nick snorted as he finished the bottle of water and very slowly eased himself up. He was happy that Monroe didn't try to help him. He felt stiff and sore but better to be sitting and looked at the dirt and blood on his clothes and skin. His nose wrinkled up at the sight and smell.
"Rosalee brought some of your clothes around," Monroe said in a rush. "She was sure that you would want a shower and she also brought some balm for those bite marks and scrapes."
Nick nodded and slowly stood up and felt the blood rush to his head. He felt a hand grab his shoulder in a tight grip and nodded in thanks. He glanced over, expecting to see Monroe, but it was Sean who had his hand on him and he tensed. Images flashed through his mind, disjointed and out of place but he knew who had left marks on the other man.
"Alright?" Sean asked as he just stood there.
"Ah, yeah." Nick answered and the man released him.
"I'll show you where the bathroom is," Sean offered. "You can stay here or I am sure that the Blutbad would be happy to take you home."
"Yeah, man." Monroe exclaimed. "You might want to get some sleep. Cos you're not looking very well and kind of pale…well, I think you look pale under all that dirt and well…"
Nick and Sean looked at the man and he just grinned.
"Right," Monroe stated and stood up. "I saw a huge tv and I mean huge tv in the lounge room. That's where I'll be."
Monroe strolled out of the room, leaving the other two men alone.
"Shall we, detective?" Sean questioned in challenged.
xXx
Nick woke feeling better than the last time as he blinked his eyes open and took in the soft light coming through the windows. He'd crashed in another room in Renard's apartment, the thought of traveling all the way back home too much. He'd slept the sleep of the dead, pardon the pun, and felt better for it. He slowly dragged himself from the bed with a groan and wince. He stumbled over to the window and looked out at the view of the city of Portland in the afternoon sun. He knew that a police wage didn't pay for a place like this, Royalty did.
He sighed, turned away and limped over to his bag and pulled out some clothes. He made his way to the large bathroom, taking in the Captain's apartment around him. Nick quirked a smile as he looked around, the place was like the Captain himself, a façade. Nick finished up in the shower and dressed before taking a look around. He found the man's office and glanced around. The apartment was huge and spoke of money but reminded him of a display home. The kitchen was well stocked and he eyed off a steak in the fridge.
"Awake I see," Renard drawled as he walked into the room.
"Have you got a special attachment to the steak in here?" Nick asked over the fridge door and Sean paused.
"None that I can recall," Sean answered as he placed his briefcase down on the table and shrugged out of his tan overcoat. "Or the leftover salad that's in there."
Nick gave him a grin and pulled both items out. Sean took a seat at one of the bench seats as Nick went searching for a pan with Sean's added directions and soon had the steak cooking.
"You'll be happy to know that everyone that was effected by the poison are now back to normal," Sean reported. "If a little unsure how they happened to be locked away in a shipping container."
Nick snorted as he dished out some salad and lifted it up for Renard in offer. The man waved his hand in answer and Nick placed the rest away in the fridge.
"What about your brother?" Nick questioned.
"I'm afraid that he was involved in a terrorist attack in Vienna," Sean answered and Nick looked over at him. "A car bomb from all reports."
Nick placed the steak onto a plate before taking a seat next to his boss and starting in.
"Oh, god." Nick moaned. "Monroe can cook but I do miss a juicy steak."
Sean snorted and Nick could see the amusement on his Captain's face.
"Just hope that Monroe doesn't think that he needs a midnight steak," Sean remarked mildly. "Nothing like waking up to someone taking a bite out of you."
Nick went to retort before Sean gave him a grin and Nick paused at the expression.
"He hasn't taken a bite out of me yet," Nick replied then paused as a memory pushed at him.
The feeling of someone on his back and teeth digging into his shoulder near his neck. His hand went up and touched the spot without thinking.
"Nick?"
Nick started at Renard's voice and looked at him and the memory faded away.
"Sorry," Nick muttered. "Just remembered something."
"What?" Sean asked with a frown. "About what happened?"
"I think so," Nick uttered as he finished the steak. "That was a good piece of steak."
"Should be for the price," Sean drawled.
"Ah," Nick stuttered. "I'll be happy to pay you back then-"
"No need," Sean cut in with a wave of his hand. "Glad I could help with your steak craving."
Nick snorted and took in this more relaxed image of his boss. The man had really stuck his neck out for him and Nick felt his trust in the man shift further back to what it was before he knew what he was. A sudden image of him throwing a punch into the man's face came to mind and he flinched back as pain flashed across his temple. He rubbed his head then started as Renard placed a pill bottle in front of him and a glass of water.
"Thanks," Nick offered and read the label on the bottle before taking two tablets.
"Headache?" Renard questioned as he poured himself a drink.
"Yes," Nick replied. "Mixed in with flashbacks."
"Is that so," Sean remarked as he leaned into the bench as he sipped on his drink. "Anything interesting?"
"Got a good image of knocking you one," Nick added.
"Ah," Sean muttered with a smirk. "I think you might have a few of them and a few others of me returning those punches and a really bad aimed kick."
"Bad aimed kick that I did or you?"
"You."
"Right," Nick muttered. "Bad aimed for a soft spot or below the belt."
"How about," Sean countered. "If you remember doing it, then we shall discuss your conduct."
Nick snorted and muttered something along the lines of 'below the belt.' His boss let that slide as he refilled his cup and Nick's.
"I'll be in my office," Renard announced, breaking the silence. "Feel free to stay another night, you still don't look well."
With that, Renard picked up his cup and walked out the room without waiting for a reply.
xXx
Sean watched the newsreel of his brother's death in his office again. Something seemed to stir in him as he watched the replay and he couldn't quite put his finger on how he felt. No regret to his actions and yet as he watched the vision, he felt a little more alone and knew he'd started a new storm. He also knew that he wouldn't be safe in Portland from the waves from the crown prince's death.
He paused when he heard voices and tensed before he remembered that Nick was being picked up and it was either Hank or Monroe out there. It had surprised him how easily that he'd dealt with the slight scent of Nick in the apartment. His natural reaction to a predator, like a Grimm, would have put him on edge and territorial and yet Nick's presence hadn't brought that forward. He leaned back in his chair as he picked up the quiet voices and he was sure they were coming from the living room.
He sighed and closed his computer down before pulling himself to his feet and striding to the door. The voices grew louder as he walked towards the living room and he took in the sight of Hank and Nick talking on the lounge. They looked over when he appeared.
"Did I mention how cool your place is?" Hank commented with a grin. "That's one hell of a view, sir."
"That it is, Hank." Sean replied mildly.
"Well," Hank exclaimed and rose to his feet. "We should give you back your space."
Nick moved to his feet as well and Sean didn't miss the slight wince and the way he stood, the man was still hurting.
"Thanks for letting me stay," Nick offered with a grin and stepped around the lounge.
Sean took the hand that Nick held out and shook it with a nod.
"No problems," Sean intoned and crossed his arms over his chest. "Take the rest of the week off to recover."
"Thanks," Nick replied and gave him a glance over. "Bye, sir."
Hank gave him a nod as he picked up Nick's bag and they were gone. Sean turned back to the view outside the windows and took in the silence around him.
xXx
Nick tossed in the bed, caught up in a nightmare of his own memories. He muttered and kicked out, images running through his head. Monroe stood in the doorway of the room in concern as he looked at the Grimm.
"Again?" Rosalee questioned softly from beside him.
"Yeah," Monroe answered. "Fourth time this week."
Nick cried out and with a start woke and rolled from the bed. The two Wesens winced in sympathy as Nick hit the floor hard. Nick quickly looked up then flinched back when he saw them standing there. They felt that dangerous presence of a Grimm wash over them before Nick recognised them and cursed.
"Right there, man?" Monroe questioned.
"Yeah," Nick muttered and brushed his sweat soaked hair out of his eyes. "Did I wake you?"
"Nothing to worry about," Rosalee said with a smile.
"Did you want me to stay with Hank for a few days?" Nick asked as he pulled himself up to sit on the bed.
"Nah, man." Monroe said quickly.
"Did you want to talk about it?" Rosalee offered.
Nick blew out a breath before focusing on them in the doorway.
"Just memories of that night," Nick told them.
"When you attacked, Renard?" Monroe questioned.
"Yeah," Nick answered. "And before. I saw what I did to those metal bars, I could have killed someone."
"You have to give credit to the Zauberbiest for that at least," Monroe muttered and Rosalee whacked his shoulder.
"Monroe!" Rosalee squeaked.
Nick quirked a smile at the two of them as they hissed at each other. He leaned back on the bed as the memories faded and his heart slowed back down to normal. He was due to start back at work on Monday and he was looking forward to that. Anything to take his mind off what had happened.
"Did you still want help moving, Rosalee?" Nick asked and the Wesens paused. "Next weekend, right?"
"Yes, that's right." Rosalee answered as Monroe blushed.
"I have some room in my storage unit if you need it?" Nick offered.
Rosalee gave him a grin and Nick felt like he'd found his family, as odd as it was.
xXx
Nick shifted a few boxes around to make more room as Monroe stumbled into the storage unit and huffed. The Blutbad almost dropped the box and Nick quickly grabbed a side before it could fall.
"Thanks, man." Monroe offered with a grin.
"Are you sure that you don't want me to move out?" Nick asked, not for the first time that week. "Give you and Rosalee some privacy."
"Nah," Monroe answered easily as they set the box down. "You do offer us more than just the company."
"What do you mean?" Nick asked as they went back out to his truck for more boxes.
"Well," Monroe stated. "You are a Grimm."
"Wouldn't that mean I bring you more danger?"
Monroe snorted and gave him the look that he knew well. This was a Wesen thing.
"My mother messaged me," Nick commented and Monroe tensed. "She says that it's getting too hot in Europe."
"She's not coming back here!" Monroe squeaked. "Not that- uh."
Nick snorted and picked up another box.
"Don't worry, Monroe." Nick drawled. "I'll protect you from the big, bad Grimm."
Monroe growled as he woged but with the box in his hand, Nick knew he was safe from a stray elbow.
"You might want to get the word out," Nick continued. "I'm not sure that she is coming here but just in case."
Monroe carefully placed his box down before clapping a hand to his shoulder.
"You're one of us, now." Monroe said with a smirk and a hint of red eyes.
Nick gave a laugh at that and stepped back out to get the next box.
xXx
Sean paused when he picked up a scent in his apartment and slowly closed his door behind him. The scent smelt oddly familiar and yet not as he shrugged out of his overcoat and placed his bag and keys down. He took care to pull his gun as he slowly stepped forward with caution. He wasn't sure if the person was still in his apartment or if it was a residue scent. So far it looked like nothing had been touched but he knew better.
He carefully glanced in the mirrors that he'd placed at just the right angles to see into the other rooms in the apartment but couldn't see or smell anyone. He took his time as he carefully paced from room to room. No one was there as he slipped his gun away and pulled his phone. He brought up Nick's number and pressed it without a thought.
"Burkhardt."
"Someone has been in my apartment," Sean told him quickly as he took in the scent.
"Do you need me to come around?" Nick asked. "Did they take anything?"
"I'm just checking now," Sean reported.
"I'll be there soon," Nick promised and hung up.
Sean slipped his phone away as he looked around his office, if anyone was after anything it would be in here. From the stronger layer of scent around the room, the person had also believed that. He frowned as he tried to put his finger on why the scent seemed so familiar. He was looking through his more 'private' catches when a knock sounded at his front door.
Sean opened the door for Nick and stood to the side as the man stepped past him. He picked up his scent and the undertone due to the fact that the man had just taken a shower and froze. He leaned a little close and sniffed and the Grimm froze. Nick's eyes met his and Sean casually closed the door behind the detective.
"Problem?" Nick asked and Sean took a step back.
"Your mother," Sean uttered as he suddenly made the connection and frowned. "That was the scent I could pick up. I had heard rumours lately…"
"You've met my mother?" Nick questioned mildly but Sean could tell from the way he stood that he was tense.
"No," Sean answered as he crossed his arms. "But people that share the same blood have similar scents."
He could see the shiver run down Nick's back but the man didn't remark on his skills.
"You think that my mother has been here?" Nick added.
"Yes," Sean confirmed. "Did you know that she was back in Portland?"
Nick blew out a breath and looked around and Sean watched him carefully.
"Did she take anything?" Nick inquired after a few seconds, not addressing his question.
"Not that I can see," Sean replied and led Nick through to his office.
Nick stepped in and looked around, taking in the fact that his safe was open and he'd pulled other things out, including books from the shelves.
"I can pick up on where she went and what she looked at," Sean told him as he stepped over to the safe. "She didn't get in here or any of the other places that I keep more 'interesting' things."
"Do you think she knows who and what you are?"
"If she knew what I am," Sean said casually. "I'm sure she would have stayed with a knife in her hand."
Nick tensed and looked at him but didn't disagree with his statement. That reaction confirmed more with Sean then if Nick had said anything, the man knew what his mother was like.
"I thought she might come here to Portland," Nick admitted as he picked up a few items. "Not to your apartment though. I already had Monroe warn everyone."
Sean quirked a smile at the way that Nick had become protective of the Wesen communities. He then tensed when the man picked up a few passports with his photo in them but not necessarily his name. Nick just glanced at the few before placing them back down before turning to him. His eyes looking him over as he leaned back against his desk.
"Why did you call me?" Nick asked and Sean tensed even more.
"Burkhardt is before Griffin in my phone," Sean said lightly and Nick quirked a smile.
"And Grimm is before human in the dictionary," Nick countered.
"Well I'm sure that 'human' is in there," Sean stated. "'Grimm,' I'm not so sure."
Nick gave him a grin and Sean started when the man laid a hand on his arm briefly.
"Just let me call Monroe to warn him," Nick told him as he turned away and slipped his phone out. "Keep looking to make sure that my mother isn't going to turn up in the middle of the night with a knife over your bed."
Sean snorted as Nick slipped from the room and he could hear his voice having a one-way conversation. He went back to going through his drawers and he started to get an idea of what Kelly Burkhardt had gotten her hands on. Why she had come here, he still wasn't sure. It could be his connection to Nick or the fact that he's a Renard and Royal?
"Any luck?" Nick asked as he stepped back into the room.
"I would say that she knows who I am and that I am a Royal," Sean answered from his desk as he held up a file. "And my connection to Eric, whether she is aware of any other connection, remains to be seen."
"How do you want to handle this?"
Sean stood up and crossed his arms over his chest as he thought the question through. He could handle himself but against a well-trained Grimm. He didn't want to take that chance or the possibility that one of them may not walk away if it came down to a fight.
"Find better security men first," Sean drawled and Nick snorted.
"I would offer my services but I'm concerned about Monroe and Rosalee," Nick said.
"Your mother isn't aware of your living arrangements?" Sean asked in concern. "Does she know about Juliette?"
"Ah, no." Nick answered as he rubbed the back of his neck. "Juliette was still in that coma when she was here last."
"I'm sure that she'll work it out if she goes to your old house," Sean commented. "Did you want a drink?"
Nick started and looked over at him then gave him a nod.
"Sure," Nick answered. "How about a drink out?"
Sean started this time before giving him a small smile.
"I'll just tidy this all up and reset the alarm," Sean offered. "Not that it helped before…"
xXx
Nick leaned back in his chair at the bar and glanced over at his boss as the man's eyes ran over the crowd. They had two beers in front of them and Nick had taken a moment to let his own eyes run over the crowd and pick up any Wesen. His new-found talent making it easier as his eyes drifted back to Sean in the seat across from him.
"I've been sparring with Monroe," Nick remarked and those pale eyes focused on him. "But I could use the extra training?"
"Are you asking me to a fight?" Sean purred.
"If you want to see it that way," Nick laughed. "Sure."
Sean leaned back in his chair and glanced around the bar again.
"I can remember more of that night," Nick added. "You have a greater strength than Monroe."
"Don't tell the Blutbad that," Sean warned with a snort. "I'm sure that he wouldn't take it lightly."
Nick gave a laugh before he sipped on his beer, taking in the feel of the room.
"My family have been in contact," Sean commented mildly.
"About your brother?"
"Amongst other things," Sean mentioned. "And when I say my family, I mean more contacts and back channels."
"What are you planning on doing?"
"Well, I had planned on going over there."
"Do you think that's a good idea?"
"No," Sean answered with a sigh. "But I'm not sure I have a choice."
Nick looked his boss over as the man took care to look casual but he could pick up the tension. He was sure this latest brush with his mother was also putting him on edge. She had managed to get passed his defences and into his home without him knowing. If Kelly could do it then Nick was concerned that others could as well. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his keys and slipped one off and placed it on the table. He slid the key over the table and Sean eyed him off for a few seconds before picking it up.
"I didn't realise that our relationship had progressed to this stage," Sean remarked dryly and Nick barked a laugh.
"To my Aunt's trailer," Nick explained. "I had it moved, I'll write the address down. If you need somewhere to lay low with no connection to you…"
Nick could see the surprise on the man's face before it was covered back up with his mask but Nick had seen it.
"That…is a generous offer," Sean purred, with a glint in his eyes. "What would you ask in return?"
"How about a sparring match?"
Sean gave a laugh and Nick took in the sight, it wasn't often that he saw his boss laugh.
xXx
Sean blamed his curiosity as he parked his car and stepped out. He calmly adjusted his gun and badge on his belt before shrugging into his overcoat and looking around. He'd parked a few streets away from the address that Nick had given him as he locked up his car and strolled off. The night was mild with just a hint of coldness on the wind as he walked and he had to admit that Nick had chosen a better place, this time, to hide his Aunt's trailer. Not that Sean would admit to Nick that he'd already been in the trailer without him knowing.
He took care as he strolled along to make sure that he didn't pick up a tail. He kept his nature more on the surface in case other Wesen or Kelly Burkhardt were around but so far, he was sure that he was alone. As he came to the storage yard, he easily flashed his badge and was let through by the sleepy guard. He walked down the rows of cars and trailers and almost walked past the one he was after. Nick had spray painted it black and must have taken it for a drive through mud which made it mix in better with the other vehicles around it.
He slipped the key into the lock and let himself in, taking care to shut and lock the door behind him. He pulled a torch from his pocket and flashed it around, taking in everything. The first thing that he noticed was that some items had been removed. The herbs and jars were gone and he was sure he knew where they were now placed. The books had been rearranged and Sean could see where Nick had built in better shelves and what looked like index cards. He got the feeling that Nick had spent a lot of time here as he looked around in interest.
The last time that he had been there, he had been in a hurry but this time was different. If Nick showed up, it wouldn't matter, as he took a seat at the small table. He could smell Nick's scent all around him, as well as his friends. He picked up the book left on the table and thumbed it open to see Nick's writing and drawing skills on the page and he quirked a smile. It looked like, in one way, Nick was following in his ancestor's footsteps as he looked through the pages.
He paused when he heard a car drive up and he looked over to the windows as light lit up the windows as someone pulled up. He placed his torch onto the table before he slipped his gun from his holster and moved towards the door. He tensed as a key scraped in the lock before the door opened. The person on the step froze and allowed Sean enough time to take in Nick's scent.
"It's me," Sean called and heard the safety on a gun being flicked on.
"Did something happen?" Nick demanded as he stepped through the door and into the trailer.
"No," Sean answered as he slipped his own gun away. "Curiosity got the best of me."
Nick snorted and shut the door behind him. The trailer grew smaller with the two men in it but Sean didn't mind. The low roof however was a different story and Nick gave him a look of amusement.
"Are you wishing that you were a few inches shorter?" Nick asked as he sat down on the bed.
"Just a bit," Sean replied as he sat down on the chair again.
Nick leaned over and clicked the light on beside him and the trailer lit up. Sean clicked his torch off and placed it away.
"I pay extra for power," Nick explained. "Hank is trying to get me to install a fridge and Monroe wants a sound system and coffee machine."
"Turn it into a man cave?" Sean asked as he looked back at the book on the table.
"Something like that," Nick laughed and leaned back on the bed. "I have a feeling that you have been here before?"
"Ah, yes." Sean answered.
"The key?"
"Yes."
The two men lapsed into silence but it wasn't uncomfortable. Sean found himself lifting his head slightly and taking in Nick's scent.
"Have you worked out whether you will be taking that trip?" Nick asked as he drew one leg up on the bed and looked at him.
"I should," Sean replied. "The resistance will be making moves as much as the Royals will be. Some things need to be done in person."
"Power struggle?"
"Something like that," Sean agreed.
"And what do you want?" Nick asked and Sean looked at him.
Sean opened his mouth to answer but then thought it through and closed his mouth again. Here Nick was, surrounded by the legacy that his ancestors had left him, and yet was different. Sean could understand that, he was only half Royal. That blood flowed in his veins and yet so did his mother's blood. Two parts of his nature always pushing against the other. He could see that Nick had that same struggle.
"I'm not sure," Sean answered, after a few minutes. "If you had asked me that question a year ago, I'm sure my answer would have been different."
"And you probably wouldn't have answered," Nick pointed out and Sean had to give him that.
"Nick," Sean said softly. "I have to tell you that I had something to do with your Aunt's death."
Nick tensed and a wild look came into his eyes.
"Cancer killed my Aunt," Nick stated.
"Adalind went to the hospital on my orders," Sean expanded.
"Cancer killed my Aunt," Nick repeated with a hard edge to his voice.
Sean pulled back and took in the image and the dangerous edge of a Grimm that he could feel in the trailer.
"I have learnt a lot about the kind of person my Aunt was," Nick stated after a few tense minutes. "She is still the woman that raised me…"
Nick trailed off and Sean allowed him to gather his thoughts.
"She was a Grimm to the core," Nick finished as he looked at his hands. "I now understand the fear that Wesens have for them."
Before Sean could stop himself, he reached out and laid his hand on Nick's knee. The man started and his head shot up and locked eyes with him. Sean didn't remove his hand and Nick gave him a slight smile.
"Now," Sean said, breaking the moment and removing his hand. "Did you come here for a reason?"
