Family Ties Chapter 20
-G-
AN – Well, this chapter turned into a beast. From the last one we were due to have a few conversations and everyone got quite chatty on me and so I've had to rearrange some things. Some people might like long chapters, me being one of those people, but I do think going over certain lengths can make it a bit of a slog to read so I always have a word count number I try to stick under. And we went way over that number with this one. As such, a few events may not be in this chapter anymore, sorry about that, but I hope you like it anyway and trust that we're getting there.
I do not own any characters or stories from the tv show Grimm. Some dialogue is lifted from various episodes in Season 3 and Season 4. No infringement or copyright is intended. It's all for fun, no profit being made here.
-G-
He focuses on what he needs to do, and the conversation he needs to start with Henrietta as he drives, rather than thinking about the people he's just left behind. That's not a pleasant thought, and he has to re-frame and think how he's keeping them safe and can protect them better from afar, than by staying close. No matter how much he's starting to want to be there with them. But they don't get two streets away before his phone is ringing and he sees the caller I.D. is Juliette. Checking with Henrietta, he answers the call and tries to talk as briefly as possible as she questions if anything is needed at the house as she's on her way back and can pick it up. It's a kind thought but as he's also not at the house it's hard to say and his brief replies must irritate her as she's quick to end the conversation and gives him a curt goodbye. He returns his phone to the holder with a sigh and tries not to feel too much into Henrietta's stare.
"You have a partner?" She asks and he knows there's a tone to her voice.
"Had," he replies. "Juliette and I broke up a few weeks ago and we're still figuring out living arrangements."
"Ah, the modern realities of romance," she comments and he snorts.
"Yeah, made so much easier by being part of the supernatural world as well."
"She was Kehresite," Henrietta states and he nods. "That must have made things …" He shoots her a look as he makes a turn before returning his focus to the road.
"It was interesting at times, yeah." He says, thinking about the highs and lows they'd experienced. Some his fault, some not. "I wasn't always the most truthful boyfriend, or punctual or reliable or-"
"Or any number of things that can be picked upon and quantified. Kehresite do so love their order, having things in the way they know and understand. We recognise that there is more to this life and as such, there are ways and effects that cannot always be explained or comprehended." She sounds so sure in her words, and he understands her comments on human nature, after all part of his job is to find those explanations and provide evidence to support it. Something that gets harder to do the more the Wesen side of things impacts his job. But as interesting as this is, they're getting sidetracked.
"I think we have other things to talk about than my past relationships," he comments, hoping to move the conversation back towards his original target.
"Your current relationship, then?" She asks with a knowing smile.
"Or how about you taking two Grimm's blood and being reserved behind the reasoning," he retorts and, although her smile does not drop it does become more cautious.
"I am not trying to be coy, or cause you any disquiet with those actions. I saw an opportunity to test a theory and took it. I thought I had adequately explained my purpose but I do apologise if that is not the case."
"And you got the results you wanted?" He queries.
"I would say it was partially successful," she shrugs elegantly. "To know more I would need to do more testing. Perhaps another time."
"You think there is going to be another time?"
"I think we will be spending a fair amount of time together, going forward, so should the opportunity arise, I would ask, yes." She shoots him a look. "Would you say no?" He thinks about it, giving his blood up to try to find out more. He understands his mother's reticence but he's also curious, there being a lot more to his Grimm-ness then he knew and if he has a way, or access to way, to find out more then maybe he should take it.
"I guess that would depend on the situation," he replies cautiously and she hums out a laugh.
"A very wise answer, Nicholas. But I do think a time will come, after all with your link with Adalind, magic is part of your life now." He throws her a quick look and she tilts her head, before staring, quite intently, at him and he feels the weight of it on the side of his face. "Did you not ever wonder why her magic responds so readily to you?"
"I don't quite understand," he replies, looking towards her again.
"I sensed your entanglement from our first meeting and now, having been in the same room as the two of you, there is a recognisable connection there." She sighs and shifts in her seat, taking a deep breath before continuing. "You took her powers with your blood, you are in her now, part of her. And when she regained her power, rebuilt the magic inside her, that part was also strengthened. You potentially helped to increase her abilities with the, let's call it, link you left behind."
"I didn't exactly mean to do that," he comments and she smiles.
"But what were your intentions? That is very important in any magic you cast and, whether you knew it at the time or not, you were doing magic." That throws him a little, though after having been through the multiple uses of magic in the past few days, longer really, he thinks he has a better grasp of it. Still, he takes his time to think back and remember the run up to that, somewhat fateful, fight in the Bremen Ruins, before saying slowly.
"I just wanted to stop her." Henrietta leans forward, keenly focused on him.
"But not harm her?"
"She had cast a spell that put my friend in danger, almost killing him, and I had been told that my blood could take away her Hexenbiest spirit and so end the spell … Another friend said that killing her wouldn't work, it had to be the Hexenbiest side of her, otherwise the spell would still be active … so I wasn't aiming for anything close to that but, when I think about it, even back then … no, I didn't want to truly hurt her or kill her." He rambles as he talks, trying to sort out his feelings of old with the much stronger, more recent ones. He hadn't hated Adalind when they'd had their fight, that didn't come until after Juliette's coma, but he certainly hadn't liked her. But he'd not really known her. She was just this adversary, popping up here and there and causing mayhem in his life. Of course, some of that could have been avoided if he'd been honest with the people in his life but that would have taken them all in potentially different directions and then who knew where they'd be.
"Then the intent involved would be dual and so left open for change, which as soon as other magic was present would shift to the stronger intention …. Your very nature to protect and fight gave a starting point for more to evolve." Henrietta points out and he shakes away his thoughts to keep up with the conversation.
"And all that came from my blood?"
"Your blood, your magic, your very essence. Magic is more than just casting a spell and seeing what happens. It is about intent, your focus and will. If there is any distraction or deviation then the magic can become flexible, open to being interpreted and so changed." She speaks so confidently and Nick wishes he felt that way too. All of this is just too new.
"But what I did worked, Hank was ok and Adalind lost her Hexenbiest." He says, recalling the events of that night, the look on Adalind's face.
"Yet, she was able to regain it; even become stronger. If you had been true in your focus and intent then that would not have been a possibility for her."
"So, what, I could or should have blocked her spirit but I didn't?" He's back to being confused again and starting to think he acted on incomplete information.
"You could have but that is not what happened. Instead, you met your primary focus but left room for more. I have been present with you both now. I cannot believe you would truly wish her harm." She tilts her head at him but he huffs out a laugh.
"You didn't see us back then." He comments dryly, flashing back to the panic, uncertainty and rage as Hank fell sick and then the antagonism Adalind had met him with, before ending with that fateful fight.
"I am curious," Henrietta starts and brings him out of his memories. "How did you get Adalind to intake your blood?"
"I ah," he coughs, pausing and delaying his answer. "I … I kissed her." He sees Henrietta's eyebrow raise and a slow grin spread across her lips.
"How interesting," she says slyly. "Yes, I do believe that could cause dual intentions which would mean there could be dual possibilities."
"What are you saying exactly?"
"That you may have been linked for some time. Some event or magic must have increased this and brought it to the forefront and so, enable you to form the connection you share now." She nods as if to settle the point.
"What could have done that?"
"I do not know for certain, but it must have been significant, an act of magic that brought you together and created a new path between you." Her words bring nothing to mind at first but then a scene flashes in front of his eyes, standing in that warehouse opposite Adalind. Holding the jar with blood pooling in his palm for the concealment charm, knowingly doing magic for the first time. Thinking of protecting them and hiding them, keeping them safe. It was for both of them, not just Diana, and his focus was on both of them.
"Do you know of such an event?" She asks after watching him closely.
"I'm not sure," he replies slowly, considering that moment is all he can think of but being so new to the world of magic, and spell casting and sensing and all that, he's not confident enough to say.
"Well, it is something for you to be aware of and, oh, of course, this may also offer a partial explanation for Diana."
"Wait, what?!" Nick exclaims, holding the car steady as he jolts at her words.
"Connecting with her showed how powerful she is but also confirmed she has two spirits inside, both powerful in their own right. With your magical signature within her mother, Adalind may have passed on not just her own magical abilities but also an echo of the link that holds your strength as well."
"That's possible?" His voice sounds slightly strangled but he thinks that at the moment, it's completely understandable. "I'm part of Diana too?"
"As a magical contribution, I believe so, yes. Genetics would tell a different story, of course, as to who her parents are but within a spirit reading of her magical signature, I believe you would be present as well."
"I … I, ah, oh." he stutters and tries to take in everything she is saying. It seems insane and yet, he's currently linked and sharing dreams with one witch and has been witness to the power another holds. His threshold for believable in the supernatural scheme of things is growing, and rapidly.
"I am learning, as we all are, that there is much here in this situation that is not usual. It would help to explain why she seems to have accepted you so easily and never seen you as a threat, even as you are."
"She could recognise that? Even as a baby?" Be it a baby with astonishing magical powers and eyes that glowed.
"I believe, in correlation with Diana, we should begin to think that anything is possible." Henrietta states and Nick thinks that's the truest thing she has said in his presence.
"Agreed," he murmurs. "And we still need to discuss how to handle the aspect of her father, my captain." She sighs and nods at his words.
"I know you work with him but I believe this would be a conversation best held on neutral ground."
"Yeah, I'm not seeing this happening in his office at the precinct." His words come out slightly snarky. "Would your house be suitable?"
"I am open to hosting, yes," she replies. "But how do we explain your presence and familiarity?"
"How about I talk to him at the office, say I've met a Hexenbiest and would like him to accompany me on a further meeting with them? He should recognise your address and so won't be coming in completely blind, knowing I'm talking about you but also not fully knowing why we are meeting. Then we'll have the privacy and protection of your home to keep the conversation between us." She hums before nodding.
"I believe that would work, although I will not be able to hold such a meeting tonight. I do have some affairs to see to, even though our time away was brief."
"I'm due back at work tomorrow, so can talk to him then and arrange the meeting for the following day?" He says, running through his schedule mentally and thinking it's doable as long as he doesn't catch a case. "If anything changes, I can contact you."
"Then I will prepare my house and wait for your call. I will strengthen the wards, to ensure no violence can be permitted within my walls, just in case. This will not harm you, as you have been accepted inside and I can include you in my will, but you may feel the sensation as you step inside." He knew there was more to her house, remembered that sensation from his first visit.
"Ok, we have a plan. We just stay in contact and think on our feet."
"Agreed," she smiles, and it's slow and somewhat ominous. "I do believe this may be a meeting none of us will forget."
-G-
Adalind sighs as she watches Kelly hustle around the room, checking the furniture for anything that could have been dropped or that would be able to be used to confirm their presence in the house. She had wanted to help the other woman but Diana was being particularly clingy and so she sat with her instead, reassuring her daughter that it was ok to feel sad but they had to go back to their house, just as Nick and Henrietta had to return to theirs. Diana was listening but needing lots of attention so the clean up was left for Kelly to handle on her own.
The older Grimm was efficient and methodical, used to having to be in spaces when she couldn't be there, she explained, and so very good at knowing how to keep everything clean. It may be slightly harder this time, as having a child increases mess and items dropped here, there and everywhere, but with Kelly's experience they had a good chance of no one being any wiser that there were ever there.
Which was good, they were a lot closer to Portland here than she had wanted to be, but it had been worth it for meeting Henrietta, getting her help and spending time with Nick. Who had done so much, for Diana and herself, and who they both, she knew with absolute certainty, were missing.
It was all just so complicated, and maybe getting more involved with Nick wasn't the right move. She didn't have the best experience with relationships, what with her mother and Sean not exactly being positive or loving examples, and Nick himself was only just out of a long-term relationship. She knew how serious that had been, goddess she'd used it against him. Targeted Juliette in revenge and then heard all about the developments from Sean and others. It had made sense at the time, in her anger and sadness and pain, after what he had done to her. But he had only been reacting to what she did first and she had only been following orders and proving her worth to the man she'd thought she'd loved. Holding Diana closer, she knows what a lie that was now, knows true love and the connection it gives you.
"Alright, I think we're all good," Kelly announces as she walks back in. "I've left some food in the kitchen; thought we could eat here and then we don't have to stop until we're back at the house." She nods and shifts Diana back to look at her face but he little girl just stubbornly snuggles in under her chin again.
"Ok, you can stay there but let's go eat something, alright honey?" She murmurs and gets a nod that she feels more than sees. Shuffling to her feet, she slowly rises and then walks down the hall to the kitchen, Diana firmly in her arms. Kelly has the place almost bare, but on the table is three plates and cups with a light meal. She drops down into a seat and then persuades Diana to move around and at least sit sideways on her lap so she can eat.
"I know goodbyes aren't great, but we'll see them again soon," Kelly tries to comfort and Diana doesn't even react. The Grimm shoots her a look and then they try to keep up a bright conversation to distract the small girl. Although she doesn't join in, she does watch and then eat her food so Adalind is somewhat comforted.
Then she clings around her neck again as they finish and pack up the last few things. Kelly does a final check and then announces they are good to leave. Adalind doesn't dare to put Diana down so the older woman carries the last of their bags and they make their way out to the car.
"My witch!" Diana suddenly screams and Adalind twirls to see the doll on the ground, several paces behind them.
"It's ok," she hurries back as she soothes. "We're not leaving her, we've got her." She bends to pick up the toy but Diana slides out of her arms, landing on the ground and scooping up her doll. She hugs her close and then looks up with tears in her eyes.
"My witch," she sobs and Adalind strokes her hair.
"It's ok honey, we weren't going to go without her."
"No go!" Diana retorts. "Want my witch! Want my Nick!" Her eyes glow purple and the ground starts to rumble under their feet.
"Diana," Adalind says in as calm a voice as possible as she sees Kelly walk closer to them from the other side of the car. "Honey-"
"No go!" She suddenly shouts and there is a swell in magic, power in the air before the windows in the house behind them explode. Adalind ducks as she reaches for her daughter, small fragments raining down on them and the sound traveling through the air. "No!" Another magical wave, this time causing the doors and window frames to buckle while knocking her off her feet.
"Adalind!" Kelly shouts and she looks up to see her view of the Grimm is distorted, like she's behind a purple tinted glass wall. Looking back at Diana, her eyes glow bright and she is the epicentre of the destruction around them. Adalind scramble on her hands and knees to her daughter's side as the trees by the road and in the neighbour's garden start to twist and bend, all odd angles and unnatural movement. The wood on the window frames splinters and the bricks underneath begin to crumble into dust.
"Honey, I know, I know you're sad and mad. I feel it too. I want Nick back too," she says, cupping her daughter's face. Purple eyes meet her own and she pushes her magic alongside her daughter's, trying to calm the tempest swirling within. "Do you feel it? How sad mama is that he had to go?" She focuses on that, on trying to share with her all the mixed emotions inside her. "And that's ok, we can miss him, but if we only feel that, only think that, it would make us sad all the time. And then it would hurt us and mama doesn't want that, Nick wouldn't want that. So, we have to think of happy things until we can see him again, ok?" As she talks, she can feel the connection with her daughter grow firmer as the magic in the air disperses. Diana blinks and the purple in her eyes fades and then the barrier between them pops as she collapses into Adalind's arms.
As she drops, so does everything around them, the trees thwacking back into place and the ground coming to settle under their feet. Sound comes rushing back, raised voices carrying across the street and her name being called out once again.
"We have to go, now!" Kelly instructs urgently and she looks up to see a small crowd forming on the street and moving closer, possibly coming to inspect the damage as well as the weird events that just happened. She squeezes Diana and lifts her up, making sure the witch doll is secure between them, before moving briskly to the car. Kelly has the door open and she ducks inside, keeping hers and Diana's heads down as Kelly shuts the door and then slides behind the driver's seat. She just hears voices calling out to them as the engine starts and they drive away.
Glancing up briefly, she sees the house out the back window, looking worn and cracked and the scene of something very suspicious, and her worry increases inside. There's no way something like that won't be noticed, and so investigated.
"Mama? Sorry mama," Diana whispers and then begins to cry, quiet sobs that tear at Adalind's heart.
"Oh, honey, it's ok," she soothes. Kelly shoots her a look of concern but she just focuses on her daughter, opening the connection between them and offering comfort, physical, mental and magical, in every way that she can. How long they sit like that she doesn't know, feels the car moving as Kelly drives, but eventually Diana calms and she slowly ends the connection. She strokes her hair and watches as the gentle movement, as well as the smooth vibrations from the engine, lull her daughter into slumber.
"I'm going to go a different route," Kelly says after Diana has fallen asleep and Adalind has asked how they're doing. "We got a lot of attention back there and I want to put some distance between us and that before we head back properly. We may also have to switch cars."
"Whatever you think is best," she murmurs, holding her daughter close.
"I'll ring Nicky too; he should know what happened."
"I can-" she starts to offer but Kelly shakes her head.
"I think it'd be best if you stayed here and in the present, in case Diana gets upset again. You were the only thing not affected back there. I couldn't get close to either of you." She meets Kelly's eyes in the mirror and sees how serious the older woman is and nods. Focusing on her daughter is what she can do right now, even as she thinks of the solace she could receive if she were to talk to Nick, and maybe be held by him. Diana isn't the only one who needs comfort right now, she acknowledges before shifting her daughter more solidly onto her lap and hugging her close.
-G-
"You're late," Monroe greets him as he opens the door to the Spice Shop and gestures him inside before closing and locking the door behind them.
"How can I be late when I didn't tell you when I'd be here?" Nick asks and then holds up his hands as Monroe steps close and takes a big sniff. "Whoa!"
"Hmm, a hint of magic but no taint of distress or confusion, you seem to be yourself." Monroe lists off as he steps back from Nick.
"Thanks for that, I could have told you if you'd just asked." He retorts and gets a glare in response.
"Would you have told us the truth?" Rosalee calls softly and Monroe goes to stand beside her as Nick faces them both.
"I couldn't before but I can now," he replies and he sees both Monroe and Rosalee relax slightly. "I know I haven't been very forthright lately, and it wasn't because I didn't want to tell you or ask for your advice, it's just that I couldn't."
"Because you were under a spell?" Monroe jumps in and he shakes his head.
"No, well yes I suppose, but not a bad one." They both look at him and he sighs as he paces, trying to get his words straight in his mind to explain. Before he can start his phone rings and he goes to decline the call but sees the I.D and answers it instead.
"Mom?" He asks and both Monroe and Rosalee jolt, before sharing a look. "Everything ok?"
"No, we had an incident," she starts, voice tense, before explaining quickly what happened. Nick feels his insides clench at what she describes, as well as feeling aghast at Diana being that upset that he left. He never wanted the little girl to feel hurt.
"What can I do?" He asks and receives several instructions before adding his own thoughts. They agree and he hangs up before turning back to his friends.
"I'm sorry but I have to go," he starts and both their faces fall. "I will tell you, I promise, there's just something else that needs my immediate attention right now." Monroe opens his mouth but Rosalee puts a hand on his chest to stop him before speaking herself.
"Nick, just … is everything alright?" Her face is pinched and he can only imagine what his own looks like right then.
"I can't explain right now, I'm sorry."
"But your mother is involved? Scary, Grimm lady of the dark?" Monroe asks and Nick thinks his mother would probably like that description.
"Yes, she is, she's part of the reason I couldn't say anything. People's lives were in danger, they still are now so I have to go and do what I can to prevent anything from happening to them." He starts walking backwards as he talks, knowing he owes his friends an explanation but needing to do what he can to keep Diana, Adalind and his mother safe.
"Alright man, but we're not going to wait forever to hear this explanation." The Spice Shop phone begins to ring and Rosalee walks slowly over to it, though her attention remains on Nick.
"You won't have too; I just need to do this now." He pauses and receives two cautious nods and Rosalee answers her phone as he is leaving, already pulling out his cell-phone to focus on what he needs to do.
-G-
"Detective Burkhardt, you're not on rota until tomorrow, what are you doing here right now?" Franco greets him as he walks into the precinct but Nick just points to where he can see Wu at his desk.
"Dropping off something that just couldn't wait," he explains, faking holding something in his other hand.
"Some people, eh?" He waves at Franco as Wu looks up and he joins him at his desk.
"Some people are really helping you out," Wu comments dryly and he smiles in acknowledgement.
"I know, I'm going to owe you one."
"I think it might be worth more than one, maybe we should just start a tab," he replies back with a grin and Nick nods.
"What you got?"
"Incident was reported and they had bomb squad as well as fire investigation out, both have given preliminary reports that basically add up to they don't know what happened. Photo evidence so far is only of the scene, and there are no personal affects accounted for. Some vague descriptions given of two females and a child, gender not specified, but several witnesses claim to have heard the name 'Adalind' shouted." Wu reels off quickly, loading the reports gathered on his screen. "I will be wiping this after you've seen it as this is definitely outside our jurisdiction."
"I get it, thank you for doing this Wu."
"If I can help a friend, I'm there. But it would feel even better if I knew why I was doing this." He raises an eyebrow at him and Nick nods.
"I know and I will tell you, let me just have tonight, ok?"
"Would this 'Adalind' have anything to do with a certain Miss Schade you have me looking out for as well?" Wu asks, shooting him a look that says he already knows the answer.
"Tonight, please Wu?"
"Alright. You done?" He scans the information again, trying to read and see if there are any links but Wu's initial assessment seems right. There's nothing concrete here, and even for those looking, it's not enough to create any new direction of investigation.
"Yeah, thank you." He watches as Wu deletes the files then going on to wipe the information from his history before spying something else on his screen. "Wait, what's that?" He points to a BOLO request and Wu enlarges it. A sketch emerges on screen and Nick knows that it's supposed to be his mother. They've captured her face shape and hair just right, even her nose but the eyes and lips are all wrong.
"Captain had this put out, strictly observe and report only, as it's a person of interest. Apparently, she's a witness on the run."
"Captain had this done?" He looks over to his office but the room is in darkness, its occupant clearly not inside.
"He got it passed on by another agency. There's been no sighting yet and no one has had any luck gaining more information on her … identity." He looks away from his intense stare at the screen as Wu trails off. His friend gives him a searching look. "You know who she is."
"I don't-"
"Nick," Wu cuts him off and he's kind of glad, not really wanting to lie. "If you can't say then don't but please don't lie to me." They stare at each other for a moment.
"I can't say," Nick parrots and Wu nods before closing the page down again.
"Ok, then we're done here for the night?"
"Yeah, I guess so."
"Well, enjoy your last night of vacation and I'll see you, probably bright and early, in the morning." Wu states before shutting down his computer and picking up his jacket. Nick stands up as well and they walk to the parking garage together, Wu catching him up on the small happenings he's missed while he's been out. It may have only been a few days but a lot can happen in that time in a police station. They separate and both enter their cars quickly, Nick waving as Wu leaves first.
Driving out, he goes to head home before pulling over several streets away and getting out his phone. He messages to check his mother can take the call and waits, leaning back on the headrest and closing his eyes. Things feel like they're getting a bit tighter, the possibility of someone discovering a hint and then, actually finding out where they are, getting closer. He may have started out with doing this for his mother, her absolute belief of this action being the right thing to do, but now? He can't imagine letting anyone take Diana from Adalind, let alone anyone doing anything to potentially hurt that little girl. He will fight for their right to stay together, to not be used and to, maybe hopefully, find out if he has a more permanent place in their lives.
He never thought he'd feel like this, and it's not even the same as with Juliette. That had been stability and comfort and ease, falling into a relationship and in love and seeing the rest of his life with her. There wouldn't have been anything wrong with that. Except his world changed and so did his feelings. Now, that doesn't sound right, doesn't feel right.
Instead, now, he wants acceptance and the ability to build something solid and tangible. Something that can stand the test of the ups and downs life as a Grimm can bring as well as all the supernatural elements his life now involves. He remembers the comfort Adalind had offered after his zombie episode, the understanding and help she gave. Maybe it's too soon, and they're jumping into something because they're involved and entwined in this unique situation, but having acceptance like that felt like … well, like something he hadn't felt in a long time.
His phone chirps and he quickly sees the colour code and his mother's reply. It's brief and he replies just as succinctly, letting them know what was reported and what he's checking next. He'll check in again after all the conversations he's due to have.
Pulling up to the house, he notes the lights are on and Juliette must be home but otherwise feels nothing. No longing to go inside and see her and no dread at having to come up with partial truths and outright lies about his actions. He's not indifferent to her presence, it just no longer has the hold over him it once did. It's like he's been able to draw a line under their relationship, almost with a feeling of relief that he doesn't have to pretend any more or try to force something. She'll always have a place in his life, he'll never not acknowledge her part in helping him grow and figure out life in his twenties. But he's different now, has new priorities and focuses in life, and as much as she tried to understand that's just not something Juliette can fully be part of.
"Hey," she greets as he walks in, coming out of the kitchen with a glass in her hand.
"Hey, you have nice weekend away?" He asks, doing more so because he feels he should than really wanting to know. Her face lights up and she chats about all that she did and how refreshing the weekend was and how normal. To him it sounds like she got a taste of the life she's been thinking about and enjoyed it. It makes him think of his weekend, full of Wesen and magic and connections and how he wouldn't trade his time there.
"How was your weekend? Did you have a quite one?" She asks and he laughs.
"Not quite," he replies with a smile. "Got to meet a new Wesen and found out more about being a Grimm. It was enlightening, to say the least." She smiles at him and glances away before looking back.
"So, we both had good weekends, away from each other and firmly in the places we want to be?" She summarises.
"Yeah, I guess so," he says, not entirely sure where she's going.
"I thought about us while I was away, wondered if I'd made a mistake or hadn't fought for us enough," she confesses quietly and he looks away, unable to meet her gaze when he has very much not been thinking that way. "And I thought … maybe. But my weekend was exactly how I wanted it and when I pictured you there, it didn't make sense. In this house, we built so much together that it seems better here, but out there, it doesn't so … I guess I'm saying, although I still have thoughts about us, I think we made the right choice."
"I do too," he agrees quietly. "And I've started looking at other places to live-"
"Nick, you don't have to do that," she interrupts but he shakes his head.
"I think I do," he replies. "If we want this to work, staying friendly and not have things get weird, I think having our own spaces will be pretty important. Nothing's happening right now, I'm just letting you know, that's what I'm doing."
"Alright, I understand that. I'll be gone again next weekend, I happened to run into an old vet school friend, which was lovely, and she's hoping to open her own practise so I offered to go visit and give advice, as well as help with any viewing of spaces and the like."
"That's nice, I hope it goes well," he wishes, mentally noting the free time in the house he'll have. "I'm heading to bed, gotta be in early." She smiles and wishes him a good night before going up the stairs herself. He waits a moment before following her up, the guest bedroom now feeling familiar and comfortable, his space where he can let his thoughts relax. And he knows what he's going to be concentrating on as he falls asleep.
-G-
The colours swirl and form the familiar scene while the sensation of magic surrounds him and he spins, looking for Adalind.
"Nick," she calls and he turns again as she steps towards him. It seems almost natural now, instinct, to wrap his arms around her and feel her body press close.
"I'm sorry," he murmurs. "I didn't mean to cause Diana-"
"It's not your fault," she cuts him off. "She was sad and unfortunately, used her powers to express that. I think with all that she can do and understand, we've forgotten that she is so young, really still a baby and when you think like that, her reaction was completely understandable. We possibly should have expected something like that."
"It's not safe though."
"No, not safe," she agrees. He pulls back slightly to look at her but keeps his arms around her waist.
"And it's got people looking for you, again." He points out and she sighs.
"At least we're away from that area and we know what has been reported. I can work with Diana to help with her emotions in the meantime."
"Well, I've got feelers out and will keep an eye as much as possible." He reassures and she smiles softly.
"Thank you, really, for everything."
"It's ok," he replies, offering his own smile.
"It's more than that. You signed up for a protection detail, of sorts, and now it's turned into so much more."
"I wouldn't change any of it." He states and she bites her lip, looking away before glancing up at him from beneath her eyelashes.
"Any of it? Even … between us?" She asks hesitantly.
"I wasn't expecting it, or looking for anything like this but no, I wouldn't change any of it."
"I don't know … after everything I've done … I am so sorry for those things and I … I just feel this is too good to be true, and that I don't deserve …" She trails off while looking forlorn and won't meet his gaze when he cups her chin.
"Hey, I thought we agreed that we both did things we wouldn't do now." He points out and she huffs.
"You only did those things because you were reacting to me and what I did! I was horrible, and all for something that wasn't even true. I followed along and all I thought of was to prove myself to them and-"
"And you paid a price for that already," he says. "I'm not saying this is going to be easy, or even make a lot of sense given how we first met and everything that happened after. But you wouldn't do those things again now and we both learnt from our actions. We're doing this as we are now, not based on what we did." He keeps eye contact, wanting her to see how serious he is. She's right when she says this is a lot but it's also starting to feel right as well.
"You really think so? A Hexenbiest and a Grimm?"
"I told you. I'm not a big fan of old stereotypes and typecasts. It only brings trouble and usually bloodshed. I'd much rather focus on what we can do, or be, than what people, or old wives' tales or stories, tell us we should be." She sighs and steps forward, shifting slightly so her head nestles in the crook of his neck. He slides his hands around her waist, settling them against her ribcage so he can feel the moment as she breathes.
"I'm not sure the world works that way," she mumbles. He squeezes her and presses a kiss to her forehead.
"I'm willing to try," he offers and she looks up. "With you." He just sees a smile lift her cheeks and the movement of a nod before the colours swirl and blend and she fades away.
-G-
Walking into the precinct the next morning, he's greeted with a few jokes and jibes about his time off, as well as a few more positive comments, before meeting Hank at their desk. They quickly catch up about the case he had when Nick was away, speaking in quiet tones when the more supernatural element was being discussed, and although it's not great that Hank was possessed there is an element of comfort from a young boy getting a sense of justice after being failed by the system for so many years.
He sees the captain enter and go straight to his office and excuses himself from Hank, wanting to get this conversation started at the very least. He knocks and, as he waits to be called in, hears a faint humming come from inside. The tune is slightly familiar but he can't place it before it stops. The captain calls him in and he gets a comfortable greeting from the man, as well as a gentle enquiry about what he was doing when away but decides to just jump into the topic.
"I've met someone," he states, wondering how the words will be taken and watches as his captain's eyebrow raises.
"Oh? And how does Juliette feel about that?" He finds that interesting, that he would even think to ask about his ex. Although, he supposes they have a somewhat tangled relationship too, what with that obsession debacle and then working together when he was first a zombie.
"Not like that, besides we broke up."
"I'd heard rumours," Renard shrugs. "I'm sorry to hear it confirmed."
"It was coming. Either way, this person has a connection to you." Now the eyebrows really go up and, if he's not mistaken, some tension settle across the captain's frame.
"Really?"
"Yeah, and she asked if I could arrange a sit down with all of us," he might be being a bit loose with the truth but watching as Renard straightens in interest makes him take note.
"Does this person have a name?" There's a keen note in his voice and Nick wishes, not for the first time, that he could read the man's thoughts. Sometimes, it's just too hard to read him, although that probably comes from years of training and working every angle he can.
"Henrietta," he supplies and surprise filters across the captain's face before he shutters it behind his usual, imperturbable mask.
"Ah," he mutters. "I would hazard a guess as that was an interesting first meeting."
"It had it's moments," Nick offers. "She'd like to discuss some aspects of a situation and would like you present while we all meet. She has offered to host at her home, to try to make it more comfortable."
"A Hexenbiest's home isn't always the most comfortable place to be," he points out and Nick shrugs.
"I'm thinking if she's more comfortable than this meeting might go smoother."
"That's a fair point," Renard acknowledges. "When does this meeting need to happen?"
"Soon as possible," he replies, without elaborating on why. "Would tomorrow evening work for you?"
"I can make it work." Nick nods at the confirmation.
"Good, do you know Henrietta's address? I'll let you know what time we should be there." With another nod from his captain, he moves to leave the office.
"Nick? Are you going to tell me what's really going on?" Pausing at the door he looks back and takes in the image his superior makes, sitting tall behind the desk and with an imperial look on his face. He considers it before his lips quirk in a slight smirk.
"I guess you'll find out tomorrow," he states before walking out. He meets Wu just outside the door, who quickly directs him to Hank so he can update them both on the case they've just caught.
"Body found at mile marker 19, should be about a thirty-minute drive out there." Grabbing his coat, he follows his partner as they make their way to the parking garage and their next case.
-G-
Adalind is relieved to see Diana back to her more usual self in the morning, chattering as they walk down the stairs and greeting Kelly in the kitchen. Getting to the house they are calling home right now had taken longer than she thought, with Kelly on discreet-mode and taking all the extra precautions. Settling Diana into bed had also taken longer, with Adalind unable to leave her daughter's side until she was deeply asleep. Then they had been able to talk through the events of the day, and what Kelly thought they should do next before she had returned to Diana's side. Her little girl had slept longer than she typically did, but then she had used a fair amount of power yesterday and her sleep in the car seemed more from the emotional upheaval of her outburst than anything else.
Kelly had brought up the fact that they hadn't really made sure that Diana understood what was happening, that she had only been with them in her short life so far, so introducing new people and then having them leave again so quickly would be a lot for any child to take in, let alone everything else Diana was dealing with. She agreed but now they could only look back and learn from the mistake, and she had a few ideas for how to work on some emotional intelligence with her daughter. It might be a bit advanced but they needed to do something, as Diana could easily cause real harm, and give them away, if she continued to lose control with her powers when upset.
"Did you sleep alright?" Kelly asks with a quirk of an eyebrow and Adalind takes that to mean she's also enquiring did she talk to Nick in her dreams.
"Yes, thank you, it was very reassuring," she replies and gets a nod at her words.
"And what about you? Did you sleep well Diana?" Kelly leans down and scoops her up, getting a giggle at her actions.
"Nana Kelly! Yes, I did, sleep good," she replies and Kelly settles her onto her lap as Adalind pulls out cereal and bowls. The fridge opens behind her and the milk floats to her side and she throws a look at her daughter.
"Thank you, honey," she says and gets another giggle. "So, after breakfast I was thinking we could do some magic, just you and me, does that sound ok?" Diana nods enthusiastically and she smiles. "Alright then, that's what we'll do today."
"And then some exercise this afternoon," Kelly adds in. "I have some new moves I want you to learn." Adalind is not as enthusiastic to agree to that, noting how 'exercise' with the Grimm can make her body ache, but she knows it's all to help them. And she'll be prepared if they are ever in a situation where it's needed.
"Ok, that's our day planned then," she says brightly and places the bowls on the table, happy to encourage Diana to talk about whatever she wants right now before they need to get more serious.
-G-
Hank and Wu follow him into the Spice Shop and they quickly follow Monroe into the side room. He'd already made the call to request Monroe's help, as well as acknowledge their conversation was being pushed to the side again. He could tell his friend's patience was starting to wear but he really did need to focus on the case today, so offered reassurances that they would talk again that evening.
"You got that photo?" The Blutbad asks.
"Yeah, right here." He shows it to Monroe, then Rosalee as she joins them.
"Oh, that looks Lowen, more than likely."
"Not Fuchsbau," she adds in, "Could be Blutbaden." Monroe blows out a breath and throws his wife a look.
"I'm sorry? With those toes?"
"Yeah, well," she hands the photo back to Nick. "It's definitely Wesen."
"We were thinking that," Hank comments.
"What was the condition of the victim?" Monroe asks and the three officers share a look.
"Sort of a midnight snack," Wu offers and both Wesen in the room pull a face.
"Oh, that's not good." Rosalee states and Monroe tilts his head towards Nick.
"You guys want me to go out there and-"
"Yes," both Nick and Hank say at the same time and Monroe nods.
"Alright, let me grab my jacket." He retreats to the other room but Rosalee stops Nick before he can follow.
"Before you go, I wanted to say that I received another phone-call from the Wesen Council last night." She looks slightly worried and that puts Nick on the alert.
"Oh? What did they have to say?"
"They're sending a representative to Portland and would like our help while they are in the area. Apparently, the child they're interested in was potentially spotted, not far from Portland, so they've asked for my help while they look into it." Nick tries very hard to keep his face neutral as she talks, even as her words send a frisson of panic up his spine. "They've also requested a meeting with you, to talk terms of engagement while they are here."
"Engagement? Are they expecting me to attack them on sight or something?" He wouldn't, unless provoked otherwise. And if they were truly after Diana, well he wasn't ruling anything out in that case.
"I think they might want your help," Rosalee states. "You're getting a reputation Nick, of being fair and helpful. Local Wesen have learnt, and others are taking note, that you don't just kill and have actually helped Wesen stay safe."
"That sounds good, right?" Wu asks cautiously and Nick shrugs.
"In my dealing with the council so far, we haven't always seen eye to eye," he starts, thinking in particular of how they would have murdered an innocent little boy because he had, what they discovered to be, a simple infection. "I guess I'm open to hearing what they have to say, before I decide on whether I'll help or not."
"What are they coming here for?" Hank asks as Monroe re-joins them, coat on and ready to go.
"A child, who may or may not be breaking the Wesen code of honour. Basically, our agreement to keep the Wesen side of our lives secret and away from Kehresite. That can cause problems for us all so the Wesen council always investigate any such claims." Rosalee explains quickly.
"But it's a child," Wu mutters slowly, a question clearly in his voice. Rosalee shares a look with Monroe and they both look tense.
"I'm not saying we always agree with what they council say, or do, they are very steeped in their traditions and doing things the old way. But it has kept Wesen safe for hundreds of years. We used to be affected by hunts and witch-trials and the like, you know?" Monroe says and gets a nod in understanding. "They haven't declared anything, just that they're investigating and it'll probably come to nothing. Some Wesen children develop early, which can mean accidents happen and, in that case, most parents hide them until they get better control."
"And there are ways to do that? Hide children?"
"Sure," Monroe gestures to the shelves around the shop. "There's plenty of ways to do that, you can use any number of the ingredients here to create balms, psalms and potions that can block any number of means-"He's cut off as Rosalee gasps and everyone turns to look at her but her gaze is locked on Nick.
"Nuukh Suens," she murmurs and Nick stills. "That's what that was for, I knew I recognised those ingredients!"
"What are you talking about?" Monroe asks, clearly a bit bewildered.
"Months ago, Nick asked me for some ingredients," She starts and he steps closer to her to interrupt.
"Rosalee-"
"They were for a Nuukh Suens weren't they?" She asks him directly and he looks away.
"What exactly is a Nuukh Sue-ends?" Wu repeats.
"It's a protection spell, used by Hexenbiests, to conceal a child." He closes his eyes at her words but feels everyone's attention on him.
"I'm sorry, what? And did you say months ago?" Monroe queries but Rosalee steps closer, he hears and feels the movement, as well as the sensation of her eyes being focused on him. It's like he can almost hear it in the air as she thinks everything through.
"You've been involved since the beginning. Since before most people knew of this child or were even looking for them." Nick sighs before opening his eyes and meeting Rosalee's gaze head on. They're all looking at him and he knows it's time to come clean. He's glad he had already brought the possibility of this up with both Adalind and his mother so he's no longer breaking his promise but part of him still wants to keep the secret, keep them close and safe.
"Yeah," he says softly. "I've known."
"And you didn't tell us?"
"I couldn't. I made an oath to keep the secret." He defends himself and gets several unimpressed looks in return.
"You've been helping, protecting Adalind all this time? Adalind? The Hexenbiest that put Juliette in a coma and poisoned Hank – That Adalind?" Monroe's voice gets louder in his disbelief and Nick notes that Hank jolts at the mention of his encounter with her.
"Yes, but she's changed." Hank lets out a dark laugh and Wu shoots him a look.
"What the hell are you talking about man? Is this another spell? Did she get something on you?" Nick is shaking his head, ready to defend her whilst also knowing his friends are only reacting to the person they knew. They don't know Adalind how he does now, know what she's been through. What they have, together.
"I'm not under a spell," he says firmly.
"Is this the same Adalind as in, Adalind Schade from all the police reports you, and the captain, have had me monitoring?" Wu asks and Hank shoots him another dark look. He goes to explain but Rosalee steps forward, looking worried.
"Nick, please. We're worried and you're not telling us a lot. You have to see how this looks to us. The last any of us knew, you hated Adalind for what she did to you and Juliette." She's right of course, from their perspective.
"I know and I'm not saying we got a long great at the beginning but she has changed, a lot, and she is better. Having her daughter changed her. She's an amazing Mom and I will continue to protect her, protect them both." His voice rings with his conviction.
"Ok, but how did you get to this point? There must have been something or someone that helped convince you?" Rosalee points out and he sighs.
"Yeah, my mom." Both Wesen react to that, and he knows they are linking his phone-call the other night to this new information.
"You mom is uh alive?" Wu asks and Nick honestly can't remember if he's ever told that story to the sergeant. Hank mutters a quick explanation and he's grateful that his partner is able to keep it brief as Rosalee and Monroe stay focused on the topic at hand.
"Something happened," Rosalee murmurs. "You got that phone-call as we did. Some incident must have drawn everyone's attention."
"Maybe," he hedges.
"Nick, man, come on," Monroe exclaims. "Talk to us." He looks around the room, taking in all the faces of his friends and the people he trusts. They all know his secret, his Grimm life, and are still standing by him.
"If I'm going to tell you this then I need you all to promise me it goes no further," he starts. "Not the Wesen council, not the captain or any other police investigation. It stays between us." He looks them all dead in the eye as he talks, wanting them to understand how serious he is. He won't risk them, the information he's about to share valuable and potentially harmful in the wrong hands, not if he hasn't got this guarantee.
"Nick-" Hank starts and he shakes his head.
"I'm not under a spell, I'm speaking of my own free mind and will. And believe me when I say I am not risking their lives to make anyone feel comfortable. If you can't or won't agree, I can respect that, but I won't tell you anymore." He watches as they all share looks and sees the in-decision on some of their faces. "If you need time, we have a case we should be on right now. We can come back here after Monroe helps us with the scent trail at the scene."
"Will you be able to concentrate?" Rosalee asks softly.
"I can do my job," Nick states but Hank shakes his head.
"I need to know, now. I need to know I have a partner who has my back and won't let other things come between that."
"So, we're doing this now?" Wu asks and Rosalee nods before leaving, the sounds of her closing and locking up the shop fill the silence between them before she returns.
"Ok, Nick, start from the beginning." She instructs.
"First, do all of you promise you won't say anything? To anyone, about what I'm going to tell you, at all?" He stresses. More looks are shared before Rosalee steps forward and places a hand on his arm.
"Nick, if it means that much to you, then I promise. I will not reveal anything you are about to tell me, to anyone outside this room." She meets his eyes. "I promise on my love for Monroe and my trust in you."
"I mean, same man, if that's what you need, I'm there. On my love for my wife and my trust in you." Monroe joins then, clapping his shoulder and that static charge jolts between them. Nick smiles in gratitude before turning to his other friends.
"I promise," Wu says quietly. "I may not fully understand why but I'm not going to betray any trust you have in me when you tell me what's been going on."
"Thanks Wu," he replies before turning to the only person still silent in the room. Hank looks troubled and Nick can't tell which way he's going to go.
"She used and poisoned me," he starts and Nick nods in acknowledgement.
"I know what she did, I know how she used you against me. All I can say is that she was different back then, hell so were we. She wouldn't do it again now and is actively sorry for what she did."
"You trust her?" Hank asks quietly, a slight thread of vulnerability in his voice.
"I do," Nick replies. "And so does my mom."
"A woman who we've never met." Wu points out.
"Well, yeah but you have been somewhat involved. Remember that case with the coins and when I was attacked at my house by Akira Kumara and he looked like he'd been shot? That was my mom, she'd been tracking him as he was following me."
"She's very fierce and protective of Nick," Monroe adds in. "I doubt she'd be doing anything to put him in danger."
"I remember those coins," Hank says. "I knew that case didn't add up at the time. I know lots of these things have been happening in the background, lots to do with Wesen, but this sounds like us being very much at the foreground, and with two women who I've not had positive interactions with."
"If you don't think you can trust me, that I know what I'm talking about, then you're free to leave and we'll focus on our cases and that'll be the end of your involvement," Nick says again. As much as he wants his partner with him, he's not going to force it and can understand why Hank is being a bit reluctant. He watches as the older man paces, looking between where Wu stands to Monroe and Rosalee, standing together close by his side, then releases a heavy sigh.
"I'm not sure of any of this but I do know you, and I am sure of our partnership. If you say it's so, then I'll believe you and I'll give her a chance to prove it to me. So, I promise, too." Hank meets his eyes and he nods in gratitude.
"Thank you, all of you, really," he says, making sure to meet each of their eyes individually. He feels a sense of, not quite hope, but something similar. Optimism maybe, mixed with relief. He would have kept his promise and kept the secret if he had to, or if his mother and Adalind had insisted, but with these people, who he knows he can trust, now being aware, he has a sense of having back up. They'll be there for him and will help and he feels this makes them all a little bit safer. "So, let me tell you about a little girl called Diana …"
-G-
AN – So, thoughts?