Sean looked at his watch for the fourth time then sighed. It was well past midnight by now and Nick hadn't come home or called him to say he was going to be late, not that he expected that. He knew a hundred reasons why Nick wouldn't be coming home but only one, where he was bleeding out on the ground, came to mind.

Sean gave up on his work and walked into his bedroom to change for bed but knew he couldn't sleep yet as he slipped back into the living room. The apartment felt a little empty without the Grimm's presence and it amazed Sean how easily he'd gotten used to the man being there. He slipped out the balcony door and leaned on what he'd labelled 'Nick's spot' and looked out at the city. Still alive and chugging at this time of night. He followed the trail of an emergency vehicle as it's lights flashed and the siren sounded out of the air.

He couldn't imagine living anywhere else which just tugged on his actions in Austria. Could he really think that he could stay here and control things over there? Be a figure head of the resistance and a Royal. That also brought up thoughts of Adalind and the possibility of her carrying his baby. He cursed at his moment of weakness in that and he should have known what the woman wanted from him. If he'd only been able to control himself or at least used a condom, he wouldn't in in that mess. He curled his hand into a fist as he stared out at the night.

"Nice night."

Sean spun on the spot in an instant, just to see Nick at the doors of the balcony with his hands up.

"Whoa," Nick cried. "Didn't mean to startle you."

Sean relaxed and leaned back on the railing, the coldness of the metal bitting into his back.

"Rough night?" Nick asked and stepped towards him and Sean got the whiff of alcohol around the other man. "I know how that feels."

"How did your stake out go today?" Sean asked as Nick came to lean beside him.

"Nothing," Nick replied. "Except freaking Hank out by stating that I was stalking you."

Sean snorted and turned to lean back on the railing. He could smell the alcohol stronger on Nick now that he was closer and knew the man had had more than just a couple. His words weren't slurring and his steps were still smooth but Sean didn't trust those indicators.

"I have come to believe, that you like freaking Hank out," Sean remarked and Nick gave a laugh.

"Not to the point of him cradling a gun in his hands and firing into an empty cupboard, freak out." Nick mentioned and Sean started. "Took Wesens to get him to that stage."

"Should I be sending Hank to talk to someone?" Sean questioned and Nick gave him a grin.

"He could talk to someone about all this?" Nick countered. "Without being dragged away?"

"I'm sure I could find someone," Sean answered easily. "He can talk to me as well."

"I'll run it by him," Nick stated and looked back out on the night.

They fell into a comfortable silence as they both stood there, taking in the view.

"Adalind is pregnant," Sean said suddenly and was unsure why.

"Really?" Nick replied. "Not overly surprised. She wasn't selective on who-"

"It might be mine."

Nick froze beside him before looking at him with large eyes.

"You're fucked," Nick uttered.

"No," Sean commented mildly. "That's what got me into this mess."

Nick snorted and they shared a look. Sean didn't realise how close Nick was standing until that moment. Sean reached out and laid a hand on the other man's arm and Nick cocked his head to the side but didn't shake his hand off. They looked back out over the city as the slight wind tugged at their clothes. Sean was sure that it was going to rain tomorrow as he took in the smell on the air.

"Juliette saw me today," Nick confessed. "She remembers everything. That's where I was, she was a mess and crying on Rosalee's shoulder. Monroe and I thought it would be a good idea to leave them to it for a while. That's when we found a bar…"

Sean pulled back from the railing and nodded toward the apartment. Nick fell into step with him as they walked into the living room. Nick threw himself onto the lounge as Sean picked them up two beers from the fridge and passed one over. Nick nodded in thanks as Sean took a seat next to him.

"When you say everything?" Sean questioned and Nick told him.

When he was done they fell into silence as the ticking of the clock and the hum of the streets around them, the only other sound. Sean could feel Nick's leg against his own as he sat sprawled back on the lounge. That heat of another body close to him, teasing him.

"What are you going to do about Juliette?" Sean asked in interest.

"I don't know," Nick sighed.

Sean didn't realise that Nick's hand was on his leg until the man shifted it. He wasn't even sure if Nick was aware of it as Nick leaned his head back and closed his eyes. Sean's eyes were drawn to his exposed neck and he licked his lips. All that hunger and those dreams rushed back to him at the sight and he had to rope in his natural reactions.

Nick suddenly tensed beside him and his eyes shot open. He locked wide eyes with Sean then was rolling from the lounge.

"Nick," Sean said quickly as he shot to his feet.

Nick stumbled on the first step and the predator in him wanted to press his advantage but he held it back. Nick grabbed the back of one of his armchairs as he stared at him. Sean wasn't sure what the Grimm had picked up but he made sure to keep his hands out to his sides. Nick panted roughly before standing up straight and Sean eyed him off. When Nick stalked closer, he held his ground. He didn't want this to end in a fight between them.

"You-" Nick started to say then cut himself off. "You."

Sean just held still as the Grimm stepped forward until there was no space between them. He pushed down on the urge to grab him or defend himself. Then Nick's hands were cupping his face and his lips were on his. He felt shock run through him before he pulled the shorter man close. His hands slipping under his shirt as he took control of the kiss, tasting the alcohol as well as Nick as he deepened the kiss. He wasn't sure what would happen when they pulled back and he didn't care. Nick's scent wrapped around him as he tasted the man and he groaned.

Nick's hands were on his waist as he pulled back and let his head rest on Sean's chest. Sean just held him and didn't move, taking in the smell of alcohol and Nick's own scent clinging to him. He sniffed the man's wild hair as Nick just rested against him. Sean's arms wrapped around him, he expected to wake up, but knew this wasn't one of his dreams.

"Well," Nick mumbled. "I wasn't expecting that."

Sean snorted as he let Nick go and he stepped back. His sharp eyes ran over him and Sean let him, his guard slipping slightly. Those eyes seeing more than Sean could imagine as Nick's hand came up and brushed the right side of his face. That unfocused look in his eyes, telling Sean that he was seeing more than just the human mask and he shifted slightly. Nick's eyes snapped back into focus at his movement and his hand trailed down his neck.

"Wasn't expecting this," Nick repeated before he pulled him down for another kiss.

Sean grabbed him roughly and pulled him close to his body as he deepened the kiss and could feel Nick's hands on his skin. He shivered at the feeling as Nick's hands slipped down and grabbed his ass. He gasped and Nick took over the kiss as his hands pulled him flush with his body. Then he was falling back with a grunt as Nick gave him a push.

He landed on the lounge before Nick followed him down and straddled his lap. His other nature pushed on him to take over and dominate this encounter but he left it up to Nick. The man just looked down at him with a hungry look in his eyes. Sean responded to that look as his hands settled on Nick's waist and pulled him forward into another kiss.

"Exactly, where do we go from here?" Nick asked, a little breathless.

"You do understand how this works?" Sean drawled, his voice rough.

"In a way," Nick answered. "I meant, where do we go with this now?"

"Well," Sean said casually, as if he wasn't being straddled by the other man. "You already live here and have a key."

Nick gave a laugh and rested his head on Sean's shoulder.

"On that note then," Nick stated and pushed himself up and on to his feet.

Nick held out his hand and Sean grabbed it. With Grimm strength the other man pulled him to his feet but didn't release his hand. He quirked a smile in amusement as Nick dragged him through the apartment. Sean didn't say anything when they walked past Nick's room and to his. Nick let his hand go, once they entered his room, and without a word headed to the bathroom.

Sean quirked a smile and looked over at the clock on his bedside table and groaned at the time. He was going to pay for the late night, tomorrow, when he had to be at an early meeting. He stepped towards the bed and slipped out of his shirt and pants before getting into the bed. Whether Nick had this in mind or not, he wasn't sure as he felt the fatigue pulling at him. He was sure that Nick's head would be hurting him tomorrow and didn't want to make a mistake, now that his feeling were in the open. He sprawled out under the covers as he heard the shower start up in the other room. He was asleep before he got his answer about Nick's reaction but he had a feeling that he was going to deal with a hungover Grimm in the morning.

xXx

Nick woke with a start and a pounding head when he heard a phone go off, which was shortly followed by a thump then cursing. He glanced over to see Sean's bare shoulder and back as the man scrambled around on the floor, cursing. Nick resisted the temptation to run his nails down that exposed skin. Sean finally found his phone and flopped back on the bed and looked at the screen.

Nick noticed the grimace before he answered the phone in French. Nick let the man's cultured tones roll over him as he laid on his back and Sean softly rubbed his leg as he spoke. Nick knew not to make a sound, knowing that Sean would be talking to one of his contacts. After a short conversation, Sean ended the call with a sigh.

"They will be the death of me," Sean muttered as he rubbed his face.

"I hope not," Nick remarked and Sean looked over at him.

"Well," Sean stated and rolled onto his side and snaked an arm over Nick's chest. "We'll just have to stop that from happening."

Nick quirked a smile as he laid his hand on Sean's arm and absorbed the situation that he was in.

"Are you up to training after work?" Nick asked.

"I have a meeting at six," Sean remarked. "It would have to be after seven."

"Would probably be dark by then," Nick muttered as he rubbed Sean's arm.

"That could make it interesting."

Nick snorted.

"The last time that I had a night session with Monroe, he scared the shit out of me when he dropped out of a tree, right in front of me."

Sean snorted a laugh and Nick gave him a grin. They lay there for a while as Nick soaked in the feeling. It had been a very long time since he'd been with a man and the feeling was a little jarring. Sean slipped closer and Nick focused on him.

"Alright there?" Sean asked softly. "You're quite?"

"Just thinking," Nick answered as he turned towards him.

Nick slipped an arm over Sean and touched on his soft skin and ran his hand down to his bare hip. He wasn't surprised the man slept naked or that he had a knife under his pillow. He focused on those pale hazel eyes and could feel that something else under his skin. He slipped his hand lower to curve over the other man's ass. The muscles tensing under his hand slightly but Sean didn't pull back.

"How's your head?" Sean asked.

"Could be better," Nick replied. "But not too bad."

Sean snorted and shifted closer and Nick rolled on to his back. Sean braced himself as he leaned forward over him and took him in a kiss. Nick's hands grabbed his hips as Sean deepened the kiss and took control. Nick let him as he was pushed back into the mattress as Sean shifted to lay between his legs. Nick could feel his hard cock between them as he dug his fingers into his hips as Sean kissed down his neck.

Nick wrapped his legs around the other man's hips as he slipped his hands up Sean's back making the man growl low in his throat. Nick bucked his hips up as Sean licked around his nipple and teased him. One of Sean's hands ran down his side and Nick hissed as his nails scraped along his skin. Sean chuckled, making his breath ghost across his skin and a shiver to run down his back.

He flicked his eyes open to lock with Sean, his face filled with amusement. Before the man wrapped his hand around his cock and stroked him. Nick moaned as he arched his back, it had been a while since he'd been touched this way as Sean slowly teased him. He growled and dug his fingers into the man's back as he got close and Sean shifted to lay beside him.

Nick twisted around and took the man in a kiss as Sean increased his speed and pressure until Nick pulled back and gasped as he came. He panted harshly as Sean held him, once he got his breath back, he slipped his hand down and grabbed the other man. Sean growled in the back of his throat and the sound went right through Nick. Sean grabbed him roughly as he slipped a hand into his hair and took him in a rough kiss.

Nick groaned into Sean's mouth as he stroked him. The man was on the edge and rock hard as he bucked his hips up into Nick's hand. His hands were rough on his skin as they ran down his sides and that just set Nick's skin on fire. Sean pulled back slightly before ducking forward and biting down on his shoulder as he came with a groan. Nick held still as his heart throbbed in his head and the harsh sound of Sean's breaths were loud in his ear.

"Sorry," Sean whispered against his neck.

Nick reached up and ran his hands into Sean's short hair then tugged back on the strands. Sean hissed as his head was pulled back and Nick gave him a rough grin before taking him in another kiss. They relaxed into each other before having to come up for air. Nick rolled onto his back as Sean slipped from the bed. Nick took in the sight of the man, lean and hard muscle as he walked into the bathroom and came back with a towel in his hand.

"Thanks," Nick said as he took the towel and wiped himself down.

Sean stood there, looking down at him and Nick shifted under those sharp eyes.

"What?" Nick asked.

"Nothing," Sean answered as he took the towel from him. "That might bruise."

Nick touched on the spot that Sean had bitten him with a shrug.

"It can go with the other bruises that you will probably give me after training tonight," Nick said blandly.

Sean snorted as his eyes roamed over him and Nick gave him a soft smile.

xXx

Sean wasn't sure if paranoia that was getting to him or lack of sleep but he had felt eyes on him all day. It was making his skin itch and he'd snapped at more than one person that day. In a way, he was happy that Nick and Hank had been busy and away from the office all day. After such a good way to wake up, he didn't want to snap at Nick and ruin it. Sean tapped his pen on his table as he stared at his computer screen.

The plans in Austria were unfolding the right way as the resistance set up what they needed to and the Royals smiled and used hidden knives to get what they wanted. He felt like they were on the edge of something and that both concerned and interested him. The thought of his family had him tensing with hatred and yet that blood ran in his veins. He looked up at the knock on his door to see Nick and Hank and waved them in.

"So," Hank stated. "We had an assault that ended up being a domestic. The grandmother hit Nick in the back of the head for arresting her grandson."

"With an umbrella," Nick muttered and rubbed the back of his head.

"So, is she keeping her grandson company in the cells?" Sean questioned mildly.

"No," Hank replied with a grin. "We gave her a warning and once she realised that Nick's a Grimm. She was quick to apologise and plea for her head."

Sean snorted as Nick blew out a breath.

"That went down well with the rest of the family," Nick muttered.

"Which, at this point, they all panicked," Hank added.

"And scattered like a nest of mice."

"Umbrella and all."

Sean leaned back in his chair as he looked at his detectives in amusement.

"Well, in that case," Sean intoned. "It seems like that case is closed."

xXx

Sean slipped through the forest area that Nick and the Blutbad liked to spar. He'd left his coat and anything else in his car before stepping into the forest and he felt a little naked as he wandered along silently. The moon was full enough that the light made it through the trees and lit his way but he couldn't quite quell the itch between his shoulders. He paused when he heard a rustle and was on high alert. When nothing jumped out at him, he kept going.

Suddenly a hand wrapped around his ankle and pulled. He yelped as he went down, curled around and lashed out with his other foot and heard Nick bark a laugh. He quickly rolled to his feet but couldn't see or hear where the other man had gone. He lifted his nose up and took in the scents around him carefully. He crouched down and could pick up Nick's scent there, the bastard had kept low to the ground.

Sean had a moment's notice before Nick barrelled into his side and they went down in a pile of limbs. He tried to grab the smaller man but he kept slipping away as they tangled. Just as he got the upper hand, Nick would twist away. He grunted as an elbow landed in his stomach before Nick was gone. He heard the other man dashed away as Sean caught his breath. He grinned as a thrill of excitement ran through him at the thought of a chase.

He jumped to his feet and ran after the other man. He had to rely on his nose and senses more than sight as he followed after the Grimm. He could tell that Nick had done this more than once, no doubt with the Blutbad on his heels. Sean's sense of smell was good but Monroe's would be better. Sean paused when he lost Nick's scent and couldn't hear him.

He took careful steps as he kept his eyes open and wondered how Nick wanted to play this. Was he the predator or prey? He froze when he heard a branch snap and turned his head that way with his nose up, just for Nick to crash into him from his other side. He was ready this time and turned with the other man and threw him away. Nick yelped as he went rolling and Sean quickly jumped forward. Nick tried to get to his feet but Sean jumped on him and Nick grunted as his breath was knocked out of him as he hit the ground. He grabbed one of his wrists just for Nick to buck up and try to lash out with his elbow.

Sean caught his other wrist as he brought forward his nature to hold the Grimm. Nick struggled for a few more minutes as Sean pinned him down. Nick went limp and Sean gave him a grin before something slammed into his upper arm. He grunted in pain as he rolled off Nick and staggered to his feet. Nick was instantly on his feet with his eyes darting around as Sean reached up and grabbed the arrow shaft and pulled. Blood flowed the second that the wood came loose. He dropped to the ground when he heard another twang.

"Police!" Nick yelled and pulled his gun as Sean looked up at the arrow imbedded in the tree above his head.

Sean reached up and grabbed the wound, blood flowing between his fingers. He pulled on his nature to try to stop the bleeding, knowing that the arrow had nicked the artery. If he didn't stop the bleeding, he wasn't going to last long.

"Nicky," A woman's voice called.

Nick tensed completely as he stepped back to cover Sean as he kept his gun out and pointed toward where the voice had come from. The bleeding slowed and Sean let go of his other side as a woman stepped forward out of the bushes. She glared at him with a crossbow out and ready. He instantly made the connection between the woman before him and the one that had been following him and he tensed.

"Just step to the side, Nick." The woman ordered.

"No," Nick answered.

"That bolt won't keep him down for long," The woman stated.

"Put the weapon down," Nick ordered, harshly.

"Nicky-"

"Now!"

The woman eyed them off for a few silent moments before she bent down and placed the crossbow on the ground. She took one step back and Sean slowly pushed himself to his feet. He could tell that the woman wanted to grab the weapon as Sean held his arm tightly. He stepped to the side of Nick and the man's hand twitched on his gun but his aim stayed steady.

"Take two steps back," Nick ordered the woman.

"Nicky-"

"Now!"

The woman did as he ordered, then Sean understood what she was. Her dark presence getting to him, passed Nick's own sense. He hadn't seen her nature but he could connect the dots.

"You're Kelly Burkhardt," Sean uttered as he held his arm and the woman twitched.

"And you're a Zauberbiest," Kelly hissed. "Don't you see what he is, Nick!"

"Yes," Nick replied as he lowered his gun. "He is also my boss, Captain Sean Renard."

"Renard…" Kelly whispered. "The Royal bastard."

Sean quirked his lips up at that.

"Which one is worse?" Sean questioned, before he could stop himself.

"You were attacking my son," Kelly hissed and took a step forward. "It didn't matter which part of you is worse."

"Training," Nick corrected casually and they both looked at him. "We were training."

Kelly reeled back from that.

"You can't train with them!" Kelly yelped. "They will kill you!"

"I haven't yet," Sean commented and winced as pain raced up his shoulder. "Nick?"

Nick glanced at him quickly and must have seen something for he stepped in front of him. Sean wasn't sure how he felt about that but it gave him cover to pull a cloth from his pocket.

"You make a move," Nick warned his mother. "And I will shoot you."

Kelly bristled at that but allowed Nick to step forward and pick up the crossbow before he moved back to Sean. He slipped his gun into the holster at his waist as Kelly watched them carefully. He exchanged the crossbow for the cloth and without turning his back on his mother, wrapped the cloth around the wound and pulled it tight. Sean hissed at the pain and Nick gave him a rough grin.

"Pay back?" Nick whispered.

"Not even close," Sean countered.

"Alright?"

"For now."

Nick focused back on his mother and eyed her off.

"We should move this somewhere else," Nick suggested.

Kelly nodded sharply and gave her son a smile that had Sean on edge.

"Lead the way, Nicky."

xXx

Nick was having one of those surreal moments as he sat in a very ordinary diner with three cups of untouched coffee on the table. His once dead mother and his boss, who was a Wesen, sitting across from each other and with him in the middle. He could tell from Sean's slightly more pale face and pinched expression that he was in pain but taking care to hide it. By the glare on his mother's face, Nick knew that she wanted to finish what she started in the forest.

"Right," Nick announced. "Sean, this is my mother, Kelly. Mum, this is my boss, Sean Renard."

"We've done that part," Sean intoned.

"Just thought that I would run it past the both of you," Nick added. "Start the conversation, again."

"You're a Royal," Kelly stated.

"Yes," Sean answered. "The bastard son as you pointed out."

Kelly's lips twitched at that.

"Your brother-"

"Was Eric Renard," Sean cut in with a smirk. "Was being the key word."

Kelly sat back in her seat and crossed her arms. Nick picked up his coffee and took a sip and grimaced at the taste. Kelly turned her eyes on him and looked him over.

"I went to your house," Kelly stated. "You weren't there."

"We sold it," Nick told her. "After Juliette and I broke up."

"Oh," Kelly said. "I spoke to Juliette."

Nick tensed and Sean placed a hand on his knee under the table. The move didn't go unnoticed by the thinning of his mother's lips.

"She didn't know where you were living either," Kelly continued. "She said that a Monroe or Rosalee would know."

Nick tensed all over at those words, he couldn't forgive himself if his mother killed Monroe or Rosalee.

"Monroe and Rosalee are Wesen," Sean stated.

"And I lived with them for over six months," Nick added. "They are good people, remember you met them last time that you were here."

"The Wesen," Kelly mused.

"And good people," Nick countered.

"Which will soon be under police watch," Sean added.

"The Blutbad and the Fuchsbau, right?" Kelly asked.

"My friends," Nick stated coldly.

Kelly eyed them off for a few tense minutes.

"Why are you here?" Nick questioned.

"I heard there was trouble here," Kelly explained with a glance at Sean. "It got too hot in Europe."

"They get that way when one of their own are killed," Sean commented mildly. "Makes them itchy."

"That's one way to put it," Kelly agreed. "Murderous is another. I heard that you were there for a short time?"

"I was," Sean replied simply.

"Reconnecting family ties?"

"Untying them."

Nick leaned back as Sean and Kelly snipped at each other. If they were anyone else, he would have found the amusement in the situation, since both Sean and his mother were armed. He didn't find it as amusing.

"Enough," Nick snapped, fed up.

Sean and Kelly looked at him.

"Sean and I are going," Nick stated. "Stop following him and don't kill any Wesen, while you are here."

"Nick-"

"No," Nick cut in. "I've heard enough tonight. Sean is injured and I want someone to look at the injury that you inflicted. You have my number, call me next time."

Nick moved to his feet and threw a few bills on the table. Sean was sure that Nick wasn't aware of the danger that he was giving off as he stood there and by the shocked look on Kelly's face, she could feel it too. Nick pieced them with that Grimm stare and Sean could feel his other side pulling at him. That hunger ran through him but he pushed it roughly to the side as he stood.

Nick reached out and grabbed his arm in support and Sean didn't shrug him off. He was making his claim clear even if he wasn't aware of it. Kelly didn't miss the movement as Nick dropped his hand.

"Good night," Nick offered to his mother.

"Good night," Kelly whispered.

They walked out of the diner, both keeping an eye on the other Grimm. Nick slipped into the driver's seat of his car as Sean carefully eased himself into the other side.

"Hospital?" Nick asked.

"No," Sean answered. "I have supplies at the apartment."

"Sean," Nick said softly.

"It's fine," Sean stated.

Nick clenched his jaw and pulled out. He drove in silence as Sean sprawled out in the seat beside him. He could tell he was hurting as they pulled up out the front of the apartment.

"What about your car?" Nick asked.

"I'll have someone pick it up," Sean answered. "Use the parking garage."

Nick nodded and drove the car down into the undercover parking lot.

"Does this mean that we don't have to bypass that asshole?" Nick questioned as they got out of the car.

"No," Sean stated. "Knowing our luck, he'll be there."

Nick gave him a grin as they went to the lift. Luck was on their side for a change and they were waved through to the lift up to the apartments. Sean stepped in and leaned back against the wall of the lift as they went up.

"Alright?" Nick questioned in concern and Sean nodded sharply. "Could have been worse, further over and it would have been in your chest."

"Bad aim?" Sean gasped.

"Do you believe that?"

"No, she had another bolt ready to go."

They shared a look before Nick pulled his phone out and dialled Monroe.

"Hey man," Monroe answered.

"My mother is in town," Nick said quickly. "Sean is going to have a car sit on your place but if you need a place to hide. Go to my trailer."

Sean pulled out his phone to order that car.

"Gee, man." Monroe whispered. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah," Nick answered as he ran a hand through his hair. "I'm at Sean's apartment. Be careful, call me if you have any problems."

"We will," Monroe answered.

"She's been talking to Juliette," Nick added.

"Nick," Monroe moaned.

"I know."

"Good luck."

"Thanks, Monroe."

Nick ended the call as they stepped off the lift and stopped at the apartment door. Sean finished his own call and slipped his phone away. Nick opened the door and let Sean through first and the other man quirked a smile at that.

"Bedroom," Sean stated and Nick gave him a grin.

"Doesn't seem to be the time," Nick replied with a smirk.

"The day started there," Sean commented. "We might as well end it there."

Sean suddenly stumbled and Nick grabbed his arm to steady him.

"My room is closer," Nick stated and tugged him that way.

"First aid kit is in my bathroom," Sean told him as Nick helped him to the bed.

"Just sit there and I'll get it," Nick ordered and walked out.

Sean carefully slipped out of his coat and looked at the blood soaking the cloth that Nick had tied around his arm. He hadn't realised how much blood he'd lost. He loosened the cloth and carefully peeled away his shirt. He wrinkled his nose at the stale smell as he placed the shirt on the side table.

"That looks worse than I thought it would," Nick commented.

Sean had to agree, the bolt had gone right through the muscle of his upper arm. He knew it had nicked the artery but the added healing from the woge had helped him from bleeding to death. He knew that type of healing could still be an option but wasn't sure if Nick would be open to that. Nick laid out the first aid kit and wiped away the blood first as Sean held it out.

"Does your other form give you healing?" Nick asked casually.

"To a degree," Sean answered.

"Would it help now?"

"Let's just clean it up first."

They fell into silence as Nick worked. Sean knew that he was suffering from blood loss as he felt light headed but there was nothing that he could do about that. Nick tied off the bandage and moved to tidy everything up.

"You know that you run a chance with an infection," Nick commented. "I'll just get you a bottle of water. Why don't you get into bed?"

"Best offer I've had all night," Sean said with a smile. "Thanks, Nick."

Nick gave him a nod before leaving the room and Sean carefully toed his shoes and socks off. He stood up slowly and let his pants fall before slipping under the covers. Nick's scent wrapped around him and he took a deep breath as he relaxed. He didn't hear Nick walk back into the room as he slipped into sleep.

Nick knelt down beside the bed and gently touched Sean's face but the man was out. He wasn't surprised with the amount of blood he'd lost and how much had happened in such a short period of time. He knew they had slowly been coming to this point, he wasn't sure how long the thoughts had been in his head but he knew that it felt right.

He pulled himself to his feet and placed the bottle of water on the bedside table with some pain killers. He loosened his belt and let his pants fall as he pushed down his underwear and pulled his shirt over his head. He walked around to the other side of the bed and slipped in. He curled along Sean's back and wrapped his arm over him carefully as he settled in. Sean's skin felt slightly cool but started to warm up as Nick held him.

xXx

"So," Monroe broached as he shared a look with Rosalee. "Your mother's in town…that's nice."

"Yeah," Nick stated as he sipped on his coffee. "Gee, Monroe. You have outdone yourself with this one, new blend?"

Monroe beamed.

"Monroe took a couple of cups out to the officers outside," Rosalee told him with a smile.

"I bet they would have liked that," Nick commented.

"So," Monroe stated. "What are you planning on doing?"

"Well, she wasn't clear on why she is here." Nick pointed out. "But she did shoot Sean with an arrow."

"She what!" Monroe exclaimed.

Nick sighed and leaned back on the lounge as he explained what happened.

"Oh, this is so not good." Monroe muttered. "Well…I mean…"

"No," Nick stated. "This is so not good. I don't know what I'll do if she starts hunting Wesen here."

"You don't think she would," Rosalee said in concern and Nick shrugged.

"She may be my mother," Nick said slowly. "But I don't know her."

xXx

Sean froze when he felt the cold metal of a gun barrel pressed to the back of his neck.

"Hello, Captain Sean Renard," Kelly Burkhardt greeted mildly. "Place your hands on the steering wheel."

Sean sighed and did as the woman ordered, he got a sense of déjà vu as Kelly shifted in the back seat of his car and looked at him.

"Upgraded?" Sean commented.

"It seems for you," Kelly stated. "That it was necessary."

"We could have just met for coffee," Sean remarked mildly. "I would have been happy to give you my phone number?"

Kelly looked him over as Sean looked back at her, he took care to hold onto his nature tightly. Working with Nick had helped with that as he calmly met Kelly's eyes.

"Just how close are you to my son?" Kelly demanded.

"I am his boss," Sean replied, without expression.

"And on a personal level?"

"We are still working that out."

Kelly's face twisted up at those words and Sean was concerned that she was going to do something stupid. He tried to keep calm as he watched the woman seated behind him.

"This is wrong," Kelly uttered and Sean clenched his hands on the steering wheel.

"Which part?"

"All of it," Kelly snapped. "I'd heard rumours about Nick and now you are confirming them!"

"He is a good man," Sean snapped back. "A good cop and person."

Kelly eyed him off as Sean tried to control his temper.

"I've also heard rumours about you, bastard." Kelly hissed.

"Some of them are true," Sean stated with a glare.

"Let's hope, for your sake, that they are the right ones that hold some truth," Kelly uttered before she slipped from the car.

Sean didn't bother following her as he slipped his phone from his pocket.

"Burkhardt."

"Your mother and I just had a chat," Sean intoned and smirked when he heard cursing.

"Are you alright?"

"Perfectly," Sean replied and smiled when Nick sighed.

"Did you get an idea of what she wants?"

"Information more than anything," Sean replied. "I get the feeling that she may be working for the Laufer."

"Is that good or bad for us?"

"I'll let you know."

"Right," Nick replied. "I'll see you tonight then."

"Stay safe," Sean offered before hanging up.

xXx

Nick looked at his phone when it beeped.

'Meet at noon, same diner. M.'

Nick sighed and looked at his watch before looking at Hank next to him.

"Can you drop me off at the diner on Third and Ohia?" Nick asked.

"Sure," Hank replied. "Are we having coffee and food?"

"My mother wants to meet," Nick told him.

"So, we won't be sharing a table?"

Nick snorted and Hank gave him a grin before turning left at the next set of lights. They drove with just the radio filling the silence for a while.

"I suppose, by your silence, that you don't want to talk about it?" Hank questioned and Nick sighed.

"I don't know what to think of this," Nick admitted.

They pulled up at the diner, stepped out and looked around. Running their eyes over the cars and the diner before walking in. Nick headed straight towards his mother, already seated in a booth and she looked up. She looked them both over with hard eyes before her expression softened and she moved to her feet smoothly.

"Mum," Nick greeted. "This is my partner, Hank Griffin. Hank, my mother, Kelly Burkhardt."

"Nice to meet you," Hank offered and held out his hand.

"And you," Kelly replied and shook his hand.

"I'll just find a booth to disappear into," Hank said with a smile and walked away.

Kelly watched him as Nick settled at the table and signalled the waitress. His mother slowly sat back in her seat and they ordered lunch before eyeing each other off.

"Don't get me wrong," Nick broke the silence. "It's good to see you…you just caught us off guard and well shot Sean and… How are you?"

Kelly gave him a small smile.

"You look well, Nick." Kelly said as her eyes looked him over. "I'm not too sure of the situation here but it's really good to see you."

"Well," Nick stated and sat back in his seat. "I'm happy to fill you in, while Hank drugs himself up on caffeine."

Kelly's lips curled up in a smile and Nick could see her relaxing across from him. He wasn't sure what kind of relationship that he would have with his mother but he was willing to try and from the expression on Kelly's face, she was willing to try as well.