A/N I'm so glad you like the C&K/N&H crossover :) think I might have a lot of fun with this one.
Caroline marched into her office with a natural air of purpose and authority. She planned to deal with this rather confusing matter as swiftly as possible so that she could return home and enjoy spending some quality time with her family.
'My family that this Ms Wade is sure to offer her disapproval at any second now' thought Caroline.
She stood at her desk and watched as Kate offered seats to Ms Wade and Ms Stewart. The small, brown haired woman chose to take a seat, but, once again, the taller woman stood defiantly, arms folded. Kate asked Sam to wait in Beverley's office then chose to occupy the seat nearest the door.
"Well?" The headmistress threw her arms out expecting the two mothers to start a tirade of abuse about how their children's education will suffer from their lesbian teachers shacking up together.
"Is than an interjection? Or an inquiry after my health?"
"Nikki!" Helen's warning tone complemented the glare she shot towards the raven-haired woman. It was a look that transported Nikki back in time to 15years previous and the taller woman instinctively pouted, like a reprimanded toddler, and sulked into the seat.
"Mrs…Dr!" Helen threw her hands up in apology "Dr Elliot, we are very happy with Sam's progress at Sulgrave…"
'We?' thought Caroline.
"…and he is very happy here, but last week…"
"Last week, one of the snotty little shits born with a silver spoon shoved up his arse decided to become very vocal about his thoughts on Sam's parental arrangements" Nikki interjected fiercely.
The penny had dropped for Caroline and she surprised herself by thinking out loud, "ooo, I see".
"You see do you? Well, one of your staff members bloody did and he did sod all about it. Even gave Sam the detention for telling the little prick to F off!"
"Sorry, let me just get this straight." Caroline rubbed her forehead, the day taking it's toll of her temples.
"Are you being funny, Dr?"
"Nikki, please calm down sweetheart" Helen's soft Scottish tones naturally soothing the raven-haired women as Helen rubbed her hand over the width of Nikki's back. Nikki sighed apologetically at Helen.
"Caroline…" Kate's calming voice cutting the tension. Three sets of eyes turned to Kate and the younger woman blushed at the sudden attention "…if I may…"
Caroline nodded reassuringly.
"Ms Stewart was explaining to me how Henry Manson-Smith in 7F had been saying particularly nasty things to Samuel in French last Thursday...nasty things about Sam having two mothers…" clarified Kate.
Caroline clasped her hands together pondering the situation.
"…Mr Dobson witnessed the scene and instead of reprimanding Henry, he gave Sam a weeks worth of detentions for swearing."
"Practically awarded this Manson prat a Headteacher's award for originality in language" scoffed Nikki.
"I can assure you that didn't happen!" Caroline raised her hand in defence.
The older woman looked to the mothers, empathy softened the glassy blue orbs.
"I am very sorry that this situation has occurred and I will be personally conducting a full investigation into the matter." She scribbled something down in her open diary on the desk.
"Fucking Dobson!" she muttered under her breath, which made the three other women chuckle and the tension ease slightly.
"Could you both come in for a meeting next Monday at 3:45? I'll need a bit of time to get to the bottom of this."
"That'll be great. Thank you Dr Elliot." Helen said appreciatively. "Sam's a strong kid that can stand up for himself" she looked to raven-haired woman "he certainly takes after Nikki on that one…"
Caroline widened her eyes as if to say 'No shit, Sherlock!'
"…but he's also very sensitive with little tolerance for injustice. We just want him to fit in and do the best he can."
"He's a very bright and popular boy, you should be very proud." Kate offered thoughtfully.
"Oh we are," the couple beamed at each other and shared a kiss.
Caroline and Kate diverted their eyes and found each other's. Caroline smiled goofily at Kate and as they all stood to leave she automatically placed her hand on Kate's hip.
"Wait? Are you two?" Nikki pointed to Caroline with one hand and Kate with the other and brought the two pointed fingers to meet.
"I assumed you were aware?" Caroline asked amused.
"Well, well…" Nikki placed her arm around Helen's shoulders and smiled triumphantly as if she had just signed up two new recruits.
"The infamous Wade gaydar is failing you with age, my darling" toyed Helen and she smiled with her tongue between her teeth.
The women made their way out of Caroline's office.
"Right, Samuel! Home time for us all!" Caroline chirped.
"Steady on, we've only just met you," joked Nikki, which left Caroline floundering for words.
"Ignore her, Dr Elliot, she likes to think she's funny." Sam playfully barged his taller mother on the arm.
"Samuel, why didn't you give your parents the letter issued by the Governors about myself and Dr Elliot?" Kate asked tenderly.
The teenager shrugged his shoulders "dunno…'spose I thought my Mums would start inviting you round for dinner and stuff. No offence, Miss McKenzie, but that would just be like…totally uncool."
"Don't worry kidda, we'll just start marching through the corridors every Friday lunch time with rainbow flags instead." Nikki ruffled her son's hair.
Sam smiled sarcastically, whilst all the women chuckled.
"Oh, Sam?"
"Yes, Dr Elliot?"
"Your detentions next week are cancelled."
"Nice one!"
Helen mouthed her thank yous and guided Sam out into the corridor by his shoulders whilst Nikki took the opportunity to shake Caroline and Kate's hands.
"Thank you…really, I mean it. Oh, and sorry about the…um…" Nikki gestured towards Caroline's office "…all the…um…"
"Colourful language?"
Nikki laughed nervously.
"It's okay, I'll make sure to dig out a Headteacher's award for you next time."
"Thanks again!" called Nikki as she retreated into the hallway and shut the door behind her.
Kate held out her arms inviting the older woman in.
Caroline sighed as she slumped into her girlfriend "take me home!"
"Your wish is my command, Doctor!"