** I know, I know. This has been a long time coming. Sorry. I have rewritten this chapter at least 5 times. But nothing felt right. This does though... for the most part. So enjoy. **

Nick woke up the next morning, still fully dressed on the couch. He wasn't sure what time he got home the night before, only that he was extremely tired and ready to drop. Checking the time, he saw that he had less than an hour to get ready for work. Sitting up, he shook off the fog and stretched before getting up and heading upstairs. He thought briefly of using the bath across from the guest room, but it made no sense to him since he would still need to go into his room to dress and shave.

He glanced into the bedroom, saw Juliette still sleeping and felt relieved as he quietly crept into the bathroom, gently closing the door behind him. He brushed his teeth then started the shower before undressing and getting in. for a moment he just stood under the hot water, thinking about the dream he had last night. This one didn't involve the blonde but a tall lumberjack, Monroe. It was weird to dream of the man he had only met once but it had the same tinge as the other dream, surreal. It felt familiar and like a lost fond memory.

The conversation came back to him, the only lingering part of the dream.

"Ooh, what happened to you?" Nick asked, looking at his friend battered and bruised.

"Funny you should ask… You happened to me. Get in here." Monroe says beckoning him inside. Nick passes him in the house surprised and confused about how this was his fault and what actually happened. "Shut the door, will you?"

Nick does and follows Monroe into the kitchen. Monroe groans in pain.

"Who did this to you?"

"I don't know." Monroe says, shaking his head.

"I can track them down."

"Look, I don't know who these guys were, all right? All I know is if they wanted me dead, I would be dead. So… I can only imagine they were sending me some kind of message." Monroe says and he reaches into his pocket and pulls out a drawing, tossing it on the table. "You ever see that before?" he asks.

Nick studies the drawing of a scythe.

"Yeah… Reapers." Nick answers looking back at a beaten Monroe.

"You start messing with the status quo, there are some people who might not be exactly sanguine about that. And what I am doing with you is definitely messing with the status quo."

Nick is suddenly filled with guilt and anger that his friend was beaten just for helping him. Nodding Nick is resolved.

"I'm not going to ask for any more of your help." He assures him planning to leave and not return.

"Screw that." Monroe calls to him. Nick turns back to him. Monroe goes to the fridge and pulls out two bottles.

"You ask me for all the help you need. I've never been much of a status quo kind of guy." Monroe says setting one down and opening the other. "And next time… we'll be ready for them."

Monroe tips his bottle to Nick, who hesitates minutely, studying the older man. Finally, he picks his up, chuckles softly and clinks his against Monroe, shaking his head that the man just may be a bit crazy.

Nick smiled at the memory but also, for some reason, felt guilty. He would never want anyone to be hurt helping him. Especially if it wasn't their job. He also wondered why he was dreaming, again, of someone he spoke too briefly. With the weird feelings and the odd dreams, he was starting to wonder if there was more going on. Was this Grimm related? He let it go, for now, and continued with his shower.

Grabbing the shampoo he seriously considered cutting his hair, it was a hassle to deal with on a good day and today didn't look like it was shaping up to be that. He didn't hear the curtain but felt soft hands slide across his skin and fingers splay over his stomach. He started, turning his head to see Juliette smiling up at him. He gave her a perfunctory smile in return before turning to her. He had to get over this aversion to being around her. Even if its stress related, he felt bad for his feelings and thoughts as of late.

Pushing himself past his instincts to push her away he grabbed her face, kissing her soundly. His mind still screamed at him to stop but he ignored it as he backed her up against the shower wall. His hands slid down her wet skin as hers pulled him closer and got a firm grip on his ass. As his hands gripped the soft familiar curves of her body he tried to get himself in the mood. His mind conjured images of the previous times they had made love, trying to pull up the feelings of lust and desire he usually felt for her, the love he was always consumed with when they were together but to no avail. His body only minimally responded to having her naked form pressed against his. Even as he deepened the kiss gaining a whimper from her in return it wasn't working. After minutes of trying he gave up, gently separating from her.

"As enticing as this is, I'm going to be late if I don't get dressed." He told her, trying to soften the blow of rejection.

"Oh, I should have come in sooner then." She smiled.

"Maybe." He chuckled as he turned and quickly finished washing before leaving her to take her own shower.

He dressed just as fast as he grabbed his badge and gun and was out the door before she had even finished. Glancing at the trailer still in his drive he made a mental note to grab it on lunch to take to the storage facility he had found the day before to house it. With it being outside-based storage and 24 hours it was perfect for him to use so that he could go there whenever he needed, if needed.

His hand reached into his jacket pocket and again met something soft and hard. The ring, he thought as he pulled it out. He knew it would be perfect for Juliette, she would love the flashiness of the ring with the gold banding and 3.5 karat square diamond. Pulling it out he twisted it around in his hand, watching the sparkle cast prisms on the roof of the truck. He would have to remember to hide it before she discovered it. Looking at the ring, he thought of the jewelry shop and the coffee shop right next door which led to thoughts of the blonde. Placing the ring back in his pocket he drove away. His mind conspiring against him as he found himself thinking about the blonde. She should not have this much space in his head, it was one possibly two encounters with her and both were brief.

He pulled to a stop, sighing as he parked. Looking around he found that he wasn't parked at the station but at that very coffee shop from two days ago. Groaning he closed his eyes, resting his head back. he had no clue how he had gotten there, driving on autopilot as his mind wondered. As he thought about just driving away, instead he pulled his key and opened the door. He did need coffee and since he was already going to be late, might as well grab one for his partner as well and maybe some pastries for the department.

The smell of fresh baked bread and roasting coffee filled his nose at first entrance, followed closely by the enticing scent of perfume. Looking around the area he studied the patrons individually wondering who was wearing it when his eyes landed on shiny blonde hair, cascading over delicate shoulders, framing high cheekbones, blue eyes, and a beautiful smile. It was her. he never expected to see her again and found himself longing to talk to her. Not because of what happened at the hospital but because she has been haunting his dreams and mind since first encounter.

Before he could look away, she spotted him, her smile dropping and fear appearing in her eyes. Hoping to put her at ease he offered her a friendly smile and nod before turning away and approaching the counter. He ordered the coffees and enough pastries for everyone to have seconds, or possibly even thirds. As he waited for his order to be filled, he stood off to the side and pulled out his phone. Mostly to keep himself from staring at her but also to let his partner know he was running late but was on his way. he felt the presence before he saw them, but that same perfume filled the air around him telling him exactly who it was.

"Excuse me." a nervous female said softly. He looked up and smiled, putting his phone away.

"Yes, how can I help you?" he asked politely. He caught the small tick in her hands as she clasped them in front of herself, looking up at him. he could tell she was nervous to even approach him, and he had the strongest urge to pull her into his arms and comfort her.

"Hi, I uh… this is more nerve wracking then I thought it would be." She murmured, pressing fingers into her forehead, and biting her bottom lip. Nick followed the movement, and the longing grew. "You're Nick Burkhardt, right?"

He nodded and his hand jerked in her direction.

"You don't know me, which is odd since we have run into each other a couple of times now. My name is Adalind Schade. God, why did I just tell a Grimm my name." she sighed. Nick could no longer fight the instinct anymore and placed a hand on her shoulder to calm her nerves. The electricity didn't make another appearance, but a warmth spread through him and lingered. She relaxed under his touch, and he wondered if she felt it as well.

"Regardless of my status as Grimm, which I am still wrapping my head around. I am just a guy who happens to be running late for work but refuse to go without coffee. So, take your time and breathe. What can I do for you Ms. Schade?"

"Adalind, please detective." She said. he was surprised she knew he was a detective until he realized his badge was on full display on his belt.

"Then please call me Nick."

"Nick. Look, I just want to apologize to you. When you saw me the other night at the hospital… I wasn't really thinking about what I was doing or what I was going to do. I was just… I got some bad advice from someone I thought cared about me and I acted without really thinking." She said, shaking her head. "I want you to know I don't usually go around doing things like that. But I was acting out of fear and influenced to do something that I would have regretted, I'm sure. And you being a Grimm, the things we, those of us in the community, have heard about Grimms-."

"Adalind. I'm not sure exactly what happened in the hospital, or what was supposed to happen, but since nothing actually did let's just forget it. As long as you aren't planning to go through with whatever it was." He said and she furiously shook her head.

"No, after I left there, I did some thinking about everything that led to that moment, and I have no plans to listen to that person any longer. I'm just really sorry that it took until that moment for me to realize what I let myself get involved in."

"I would love to hear about what exactly you got involved in that led you there that night and who the person you trusted was." He said just as his name was being called for his order.

"Adalind, come on. we have to go." a woman that had been sitting with her called from the door. Adalind nodded to her and held up a finger.

"But it seems we are both being summoned." He chuckled, finally removing his hand, and missing the contact instantly. "Let's just put this behind us and if in the future we cross paths again, we can start new. Okay?" Nick said. Adalind breathed a sigh of relief.

"Thank you. I would tell you that I will explain it to you the next time I see you, but since you are a homicide detective, I'm hoping we don't actually have to cross paths again." She laughed. He raised a brow at her wondering how she knew he was in homicide. But neither of them had time for further conversations as the barista called his name again and her friend beckoned her.

"Have a good day, Adalind." He told her.

"You as well Nick. Stay safe." She told him. he nodded at her wave of goodbye before collecting his order. By the time he got outside she was gone, and he was 30 minutes late.

*GRIMM*

"So," Adalind's coworker and good friend Michelle said, stepping into her office later in the morning and taking a seat on her sofa. "Who was the hottie you were talking to at the café this morning?" she smirked salaciously at her. Adalind grinned in response.

"Cool your jets, he's just a detective in Sean's department."

"A cop, huh? Well, he can feel free to arrest me any day." She said licking her lips. Adalind laughed.

"Before you get too excited, you should know he's also a Grimm." Adalind told her. Michelle's brows went up at that bit of news.

"Seriously? A Grimm? In Portland? And he's a cop? I feel like there should be a law against that kind of thing. Wait, you said he was in Sean Reynard's department, meaning he's, his boss. How is that working out? Does he know?"

"Yes, he knows. He's actually the reason I met him in the first place, well the second time. the first time I saw him was accidental. He was getting in a car when I was coming out of the café."

"Okay, so how is Sean responsible for the next time you saw him?"

Adalind, feeling the need to confide in someone, got up to close her door then took a seat on the couch with her.

"So, Sean found out that a Grimm was in town, and found out that that Grimm was related to Nick, the hottie with the badge. He got it in his head that she was a threat, so he sent me to… take care of her. turns out the woman has cancer and was dying but Sean wanted her gone as soon as possible. But when I got there, Nick was sitting by her bedside. And… I don't know. something just clicked in my head, and I couldn't do it. so, I ran. I didn't find out until later that night that he was a cop. Sean didn't share that bit of information with me before sending me to murder a bedridden woman."

"Well shit. I hate to say it, but your boyfriend is a fool. No offence."

"None taken, and he's not my boyfriend, not any longer. Not sure if he ever was, actually."

"Oh, did you finally wise up and dump him?"

"Not really. I just told him that I was no longer going to be his puppet and if he were looking for someone, he could manipulate into doing his bidding then he needed to look elsewhere. It's not like he didn't have others to choose from." Adalind told her shrugging. It was still odd to her that after spending so much time trying to earn and keep his affections, she was not bothered by the thought of him bedding other women.

"Wait, was he cheating on you?"

"Yes, I'm sure he had more than one on the side, or maybe I was the one on the side. I mean he was sleeping with my mother so."

"Hold it, your mother? He was really sleeping with your mother?"

"Yep, not sure how long it's been going on. I just found out about it recently. But I'm honestly not bothered by it. I mean the thought of it really squeaks me out but other than the fact that we both know how good he is in bed, I'm not really bothered. She can have him, and he can have her." Adalind shrugged, waving off the concerned look in Michelle's eyes.

"Oh my God, I have no words for that. just the thought… ugh." Michelle gave a disgusted shiver.

"I know, but off of that."

"Yes, let's get back to the hot Grimm with a badge."

"You are relentless." Adalind laughed.

"Hey, a girl can dream, can't she?"

"Yeah… she can." Adalind answered wistfully, remembering the dream she had just last night.

"Nick, is that you?" She asked from the bathroom, though the voice sounded different. a little higher and perkier then normal. Looking in the mirror, She didn't recognize the woman staring back at her. long dark hair, cute little button nose and pouty lips, sultry green eyes. She didn't know this woman in the least, but it felt like she should.

"Yeah." the familiar male voice answered back.

"You had me worried. I thought you were going to be late." She called back turning away from the mirror. Cool air brushed against her skin, and she noticed she was wearing next to nothing, a silky skintight nighty covering her form.

"No, we've got plenty of time."

Opening the door, she leaned against the frame taking in the detective. He looked a bit different from before. his hair was shorter, and the stubble suited him very well.

"Whoa." Nick said as he turned around and faced her. His eyes clouded with lust as he drank her in from head to toe.

"Whoa what?" Adalind asked. Her movements felt deliberate and almost stiff as if she were forcing herself to walk towards him.

"Whoa, you wearing that to the wedding?" he asked as she stepped into his arms. His fingers and palms left a burning path across her back and hips.

"Unless somebody takes it off me first." she teased.

"Really?" he asked with a smirk. The sexy smile and the firm grip of his hands on her body was ramping up her lust as well and she clung to him, pressing as close as humanly possible to him.

"Yeah. This whole wedding thing has kind of put me in a romantic mood." She murmured as she leaned up for a kiss.

"I support that."

"You do, do you?" more kissing, the feel of his lips pressed against hers, his tongue demanding entrance as he sucked her bottom lip into his mouth. He pulled away and kissed a path down her neck, his hands slowly lifting the scrap of silk up over her hips.

"I wish our friends would get married more often." He said, slipping the negligee off and tossing it on the floor.

"Adalind, hey Adalind. Where'd you go?" Michelle said, breaking into Adalind's daydream. She blinked and stared back at her friend.

"Sorry, lost in thought for a minute there."

"About what, pray tell. Could this thought have anything to do with the Grimm?"

"You are way too stuck on that." she sighed, getting up and going back to her desk. She had no plans to mention either the feelings she's been having in regard to Nick nor the dreams. She still had yet to look through her books to see if there was anything in there that could explain it all. And until she had a solid answer on if it meant anything or not, she was keeping all of that to herself.

"Like I said, a girl can dream. But honestly it's kind of freaking me out that you even know one."

"I don't know him, not really. I just know of him. besides running into him a few times I know nothing about the man."

"So, what were you talking about today then?"

"I was just apologizing to him about the whole hospital incident. I didn't want any bad will between us. The last thing I want is to end up on a Grimm's hit list." She told her.

"And you trust that he won't still come after you? Grimms aren't known to be forgiving, especially of our kind."

Adalind thought about that for a minute. As she told her she knew nothing about Nick besides him being a cop and a Grimm. She had no way of knowing if she could trust that all was forgiven between them. But she had a feeling, a gut feeling, and she was going with it.

"I do. Call me stupid or naïve, but there's just something about him." Adalind said, smiling softly. Her mind fluttering over their encounter this morning along with the dreams she has had. "He's different."

** There you go a brief encounter between Nick and Adalind. and more dreams. Can you guess which episodes those are from? **