Family Ties Chapter Twenty-Nine
-G-
AN – I am very sorry for the delay to this update. My work got hit by a nasty virus so I've basically been doing three people's jobs, been doing much longer hours and then, guess what happened? I got the virus. It's not been pretty. But I am on the mend, and though this wasn't the full chapter I wanted to put up, I did want to at least get something up for you all.
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-
Nick looks up as Adalind slides Diana's bedroom door shut and places his now empty bottle on the side, moving to meet her as she steps down onto the main loft floor.
"Diana asleep?"
"Yeah, finally," Adalind sighs. "She was very quiet and clingy until suddenly she wanted me to go then she got upset that I was leaving and wanted me to stay. But, she's asleep now."
"She did seem to take the news well," Nick notes, thinking of the earlier conversation Adalind had with Diana and the young girl's solemn reaction to the news of her grandmother's death. She'd been subdued throughout dinner, which was understandable, and they'd all spent time with her to reassure her that it was ok to be sad and that they were all there for her, whenever she needed them.
"I guess," Adalind sighs again. "I hope it stays that way." She looks down and Nick steps closer to run a hand up and down her arm.
"Are you ok?"
"I guess," she repeats and Nick tilts his head to meet her eyes. "I'm just feeling a little conflicted. Elizabeth was nothing like what I feared or even expected. And I … I would have kept Diana from ever meeting her, forming any kind of relationship with her, if I had it my way. And then they both would have lost out on so much. They had so little time together anyway and I-"
"Hey, you can't think that way," he interrupts, sensing her rising emotions. "You were putting Diana first in the best way you knew how. It's not as if you knew for a fact that Elizabeth would have been like that and then kept them apart. You took a very big chance and it turned out good. Just focus on that and how Diana will be able to remember her grandmother." She nods and moves closer, letting Nick wrap his arms around her fully. Hers rise up from his hips to his shoulder-blades and he feels as she presses her head into his neck.
"Can we just …" she starts in a whisper before trailing off.
"What?"
"I don't know," Adalind admits, talking into his skin. Keeping his arms around her, Nick takes a step back so he can perch on one of the island chairs and bring her in close, between his legs. He thinks of what he could say, how to make her feel better, then considers the situation and thinks this might be what she needs more. To just be here, together, and know they have each other, will be there for each other.
Her breath exhales and the sensation sends a shiver through him. He feels the hum of magic start, warming him where they touch and seeming to thicken the air around them. He can sense that now, has an awareness when the power around him activates and then changes in the space. Shifting his head he presses a kiss to the top of her blonde locks and tightens his arms to pull her closer. Her lips touch his neck, once then twice, and the feeling runs down his spine, from impact to the soles of his feet and he trembles. The feelings he gets for this woman. He shifts so he can see into her eyes, the shade of blue blinking back at him, and he leans nearer as he realises, she's quivering, with these feelings or something else, he's not sure but he knows he wants her close. They're both pulsating with it. Nick pulls back as he realises it's not him or her … the whole loft is shaking.
"Adalind …" He stands fully, pushing her back slightly, though his hands remain loosely on her arms just in case, as they both look around. Items on the surfaces around them are jiggling and jumping in reaction to the tremors that are affecting the whole space. He sees his mother appear from the entrance to the other loft, looking alarmed. The lights in the room suddenly flare then dim and the air chills, and to his eyes it's like the whole loft is turning blue.
"Diana," Adalind gasps out and turns, pulling out of his arms and taking the handful of steps to her daughter's room. As she slides open the door a scream pierces the quiet of the night and a blast of what feels like pure energy sends them all stumbling and several objects smashing to the floor. The lights flare up again and the glass in the roof window rattles alarmingly. Adalind scrambles up the last step and inside, with Nick moving after her, hearing her call Diana's name over the increasing loud cries and sobs coming from further in the room. As he reaches the door frame, he catches a glimpse of Adalind crouching over a tossing Diana before another scream and another blast comes.
It's like a wave over his body, pushing and pulling even as he fights to stay afloat. Out of the corner of his eye he sees his mother sway and fall, from where she had been following them, but he can't stop to check on her as his eyes take in what's happening further in the room.
Purple light leaks out of Diana's still closed eyes and her body is shaking, fingers seeming to emit sparks as she turns in her bed. The air in the room is dark and heavy, something building with the emotion in the room.
"Diana, honey, wake up!" Adalind calls, reaching to shake her but then yelping in pain as magic, violent and sharp, arcs between her hand and Diana. She Woges and holds her hand up, hovering over the little girl's hand as she begins to mutter something he doesn't understand. Slowly she reaches forward again, palm open, still murmuring lowly, and after moving an inch at a time finally makes contact with Diana. She slowly slides her hand down the young girl's arm before taking her hand and linking their fingers together. Diana's cries quieten and Adalind brings her other hand up to brush the blonde locks on her daughter's face away.
"Diana, Mama's here," she soothes. "Please, honey, I'm right here." Nick watches as Diana takes a shuddering breath and turns slightly into Adalind, as she continues to stroke her hair, the purple light around her fading. There's a moment of stillness and he's just thinking that Adalind has got this when Diana jerks again, another scream and wave of magic come and he has to squint against the eruption of bright light that seems to be jettisoning out of her. Adalind flinches and her hand flies up to cover her eyes before moving down to join the other, so both are gripping tightly onto Diana.
The little girl cries out as Adalind calls her name repeatedly and Nick has to fight to move closer, the air around the bed seeming to be thicker and teeming with magic, hot and volatile in the air. Step by step, he edges further forwards and has to almost bow down as another wave of magic emits from Diana, the energy forcing him to bend to it or else be swept away.
But he won't bend fully, and he won't lose, he has to help. The two people wrapped in this, at the heart of all the swirling magic in the room are people he wants to help, to protect. So, he gets back up and he keeps moving, closer and closer until he can get a hand up and place it over their clasped hands.
It's like being struck with lightning, the power that arches up into him from the contact and it zings through his skin and seemingly through his veins. Electricity racing through his system and aiming right for his heart. A power bolt with designs to overload and halt. But his heart keeps pumping, his blood starting to thrive with the energy, take it and adapt it and merge with his own, more covert abilities. Taking a deep breath Nick closes his eyes and remembers how Adalind had linked with him before, how it had felt and what she had shown him. He reaches for her then, tries to replicate the sensation, for that feeling of magic and connection that they have, and tries to push forward with his own presence, so she can feel that he's there; to help and to keep her, them, safe.
Another wave of power, of magic and heat and heavy weight, presses down on his shoulders but he feels something else, in amongst the roll of energy, and it's Adalind, with a glimmer of Diana, fighting and lost in the storm. He squeezes both their hands and brings his other up to touch Diana's shoulder and hold tight, despite the pain the extra touch brings him, creating a trifecta between them.
He honestly cannot describe what happens next. It's feelings and magic and heat and danger and connection. It's a fight that Adalind battles to save her daughter and he's there to keep her strong and sure in her efforts. It's exhilarating and exhausting and painful and all-encompassing until suddenly it's not. The storm gentles and the waves recede and Diana and Adalind are left panting on the bed as he leans over them both, his own breath short, murmuring their names as he listens to their heartbeats slow and return to their more recognisable, normal rhythms.
"Nick! Nicky!" He blinks and looks up to see his mother at the doorway, looking frantic as she enters the room. "Are you ok? Are they ok? What happened?"
"Diana," he murmurs, blinking at his mother, feeling as if he's coming out of a daze, before turning to look at the girl in question. Both she and Adalind look pale, eyes opening and closing sluggishly as if they, too, are coming out of a trance. Their hands are still linked and he gives another squeeze before moving both of his hands to cup both blonde heads.
"Adalind," he calls softly. "Diana." Both blink up at him, before Diana hiccups and throws herself out of her tangled bed covers and into her mother's arms.
"Ssh, honey, ssh, it's ok," Adalind soothes as she shifts more forward onto the bed and rocks her daughter. Both Nick and Kelly move closer as Adalind reassures her daughter but Diana stays quiet.
"What happened?" Kelly asks again, though her voice is quiet as they all stare at the little girl.
"I think … I think Diana had a nightmare," Nick answers when it's clear after a moment that Adalind is still focused on Diana. "And then her magic got involved, or took over, or something and it all went … well, you experienced that too." His mother nods and then they fall into silence as they both look at the two females on the bed. Adalind is still swaying with Diana, but her forehead is furrowed now as the young girl still says nothing and just leans into her. Nick feels his own worry kick up as Adalind glances up at him, clearly looking for reassurance and he feels a little helpless and with barely anything to offer her.
"Mama," Diana murmurs then and Nick sees Adalind's shoulders ease slightly at hearing her daughter's voice.
"I'm here honey, I'm here. So is Nick, and Nana Kelly, we're all here with you." She immediately reassures Diana and he sees her nod.
"Mama, not good," Diana blinks up at her and a tear rolls down her cheek. "Me not good."
"Oh no, no honey," Adalind gasps. "You are good, you are wonderful, amazing and I am so lucky to have you." Diana shakes her head, mumbling in the negative, and Adalind pulls her up, crushing her into a tight hug as she looks to him, her face crestfallen. Nick doesn't think, just climbs up onto the bed and slides his arm around them both, so Diana is snuggled down between them as he also holds Adalind.
"We're here, Diana," he says softly. "Good, not good, doesn't matter. We're here and we have you." He's not sure it's the right thing to stay but he feels Diana relax a little and Adalind rolls them back under the covers and they all shift so Diana can lay between them, still mostly in Adalind's hold but with his arms around them both.
"Mama, my Nick," Diana whimpers, her voice breathy and thin with tiredness, and he bends down to press a kiss to her head before shifting to do the same with Adalind. They share a look as he leans back and prepares to get comfortable for the rest of the night.
"We're here," Adalind murmurs. "Rest, darling, we'll be right here with you." He looks up to see his mother retreat from the room before reappearing a few moments later with more bedding and setting herself a bed on the floor. She looks up to him and they share a look, understanding they're all, together, keeping vigil tonight.
-G-
Adalind is woken by an elbow to her stomach and hears an exhalation of breath that she thinks indicates Nick has also had some body part make contact with him too. Opening her eyes she meets Nick's gaze briefly over the top of her still sleeping daughter's head before dropping her eyes down to stare at her. Diana looks pale and worn out, even in her rest, though the tossing and turning seems to indicate her sleep is far from peaceful. Lines cross her forehead and form under her eyes and as Adalind reaches out to gently stroke them, Diana calms and her movements stop. She can't help but stare at her daughter, still feeling worried after the events of last night and as she looks, she realises her cheeks are thinner. Tilting her head Adalind studies her little girl and sees changes in her face and her hair.
With a gasp she pulls back, shifting the covers as she does and so, clearly seeing Diana's top half, her previously fitted clothes now looking too short and tight.
"What is it? What's wrong?" Nick asks quietly but urgently and Kelly is suddenly there, popping up from her place below them.
"Her clothes," Adalind whispers back, not wanting to wake Diana. "Look at them, look at her hair. She grew again, oh Goddess, it happened again, this is too fast." Both Nick and Kelly look then and she can see when Kelly understands but Nick still looks confused. "She used her magic before, to speed up and get bigger. It happened again."
"We were already noticing changes in her growth before that though," Kelly points out quietly. "Diana was growing too fast, if anything that age jump helped slow the rest of it down."
"Do we know why?" Nick asks, voice still quiet as they all try to talk whilst not waking the sleeping youngster.
"We thought maybe because of her magic, as she has so much, too much, and there's a reason most Hexenbiest's only come into their powers at certain ages. It takes a lot to be able to control them." Adalind replies, thinking again of the consequences of her actions. Her beautiful girl was innocent in all this and look what she was facing, all because of what she herself had done.
"This was the original reason we got in touch with Henrietta, wasn't it?" Nick says and Adalind can only nod as thoughts run through her head. "Then we bring it up again and talk it through. She wanted to discuss the binding more as well, and maybe we need to ask Diana about how it feels for her." She strokes her daughter's hair as she considers Nick's words. Diana has always seemingly had an awareness of her power and the magic she can yield, yet have they ever actually asked her about it? She's spent time connecting with her daughter, showing her ways to use her abilities and then helping to calm them when they have become out of control, but has she ever straight out talked about them? Not when Diana was younger, she may have understood but had no way to functionally communicate, but now? She could now and what they are considering would have a major impact on the rest of her life.
"I think that's what we have to do," she murmurs. "We talk to Diana about what she knows, what she feels and understands about her abilities and then discuss what we do next."
"What if she doesn't want to do the binding? Or the power inside of her doesn't want it?" Kelly asks and Adalind blanches at the thought. Having felt that power, fought against it so her daughter could be, that is a terrifying thought. They can only guess at what will come, and that is a worrying thought, but if it puts Diana in more danger than it needs to be addressed. She feels Nick's arm shift and his hand cups her shoulder, warmth and tingles spreading from where he touches her.
"We start with the conversation with Diana," Nick states. "Then we check that we can do the binding before bringing it up with her, just in case we need to take certain steps to ensure her well-being."
"Alright, I'm going to check the loft and then do my morning routine," Kelly says as she begins to gather her items from the floor. "Nicky, are you working today?"
"Yeah, I'm on rota but I could travel with you to Henrietta's before heading to work, as long as she doesn't mind having visitors at this time. I'll call her as I get ready." Kelly nods at Nick then leaves the room and Adalind can't help but lean back into his hold, just slightly. "Are you alright?"
"I don't know," she replies, still staring at Diana before looking up to him. "She's my daughter and all of this is happening because of me and I … I don't know what the right thing to do here is."
"We might not know until we do it," he replies, hand moving from her shoulder up into her hair. Apparently both she and her daughter are partial to a hair stroke and she closes her eyes as his hand moves gently, her own copying the movements on her mini-me. "What we can do is research, we can talk to Henrietta again, you've been looking through her books, and then we can talk to Diana. That's what we can focus on now." She nods before opening her eyes to look into his. Smiling softly, she waits until his lips quirk up before leaning forward and placing a gentle kiss on them.
"Thank you," she whispers. Pulling back, Nick follows her and they kiss again, longer but still soft and slow.
"What for?" He asks as he pulls back.
"For being here, for her and for me. For your actions and forgiveness and kindness and care. For everything." She replies, because he has done so much and they have come so far and she still can't believe it's real. That they became allies and he helped was immense enough, especially when put in conjunction with all that she put him through in the early days of knowing each other, but then to evolve into what they were now, that was the unbelievable part.
He had her picturing a future she never thought would be hers, something she had to bury deep in her heart because how she was raised and what was expected of her was never going to allow for what she truly wanted. A family. Someone to be there for her and want her, just her and not what she could do or provide or spell, and someone who she could build a future with. They would have each other and there wouldn't be a need for bargains or debts or be any kind of in-balance of power.
"You don't have to thank me for any of those," Nick says, interrupting her thoughts.
"I do," she states. "After everything I put you through, and then just turning up with your mother and getting you involved in all this, a situation most people would run from. And with good reason. You've done so much, above what anyone could have expected or-"
"Hey," he says as his hand slips from her head to her cheek. "We've talked about this before, you've apologised and I've accepted. You've listened to me about my own actions. Yes, the way we met, or anything that happened after, wasn't ideal, in any shape or form, but we've both come a long way since then. You don't need to keep bringing it up, it's ok." She looks into his eyes then, gleaming more silver than blue in the dim light and turns to press a kiss into his palm.
"Ok," she states and he smiles, leaning forward towards her, his eyes dropping down to her lips, but then pulling back as Diana shifts in between them. She sighs softly as she refocuses on her daughter. "You should probably go get ready while it's quiet. After everything that happened yesterday, I don't know how Diana will be today but it might take all of us to help, and none of us are well rested either."
"Alright," he pulls back and shifts out of the bed, giving her a soft smile before leaving the room. She sighs again as she resumes stroking Diana's hair, thinking of the day and night they've had. Telling her about Elizabeth had been difficult and upsetting, not just for Diana but herself too. Her own relationship with her mother had been, well it was what it was, Adalind can see that now and it makes her determined that her daughter will never go through anything like what she did. But getting a glimpse at Elizabeth, how she had been with Diana, had had her picturing a time where generations could come together to share knowledge and connections.
And Diana had seemingly taken the news well, until her episode after falling asleep and the repeated times they all calmed and comforted her throughout the night. They'd all taken turns and Adalind had never been so grateful to not be alone, to be able to share this with someone else and have that comfort given to her as well.
Looking at her now, and the apparent consequences to what occurred in the night, makes her want to sob. Nick, and even Kelly, seem to have been able to move on from what she'd done, in as much as they can focus on what comes next and how to meet the current threat or event that is on their radar. Maybe part of being a Grimm is being really good at compartmentalising, or something along those lines. Adalind can't quite do that, and she knows that no matter what, she will always carry the guilt of what she did, how and why she did it, in regards to her daughter and will shoulder the burdens her daughter faces because of her own actions. She knows that will never go away. Nor does she think it should. She is a mother now and all she wants is for her daughter to be safe, happy and healthy, all of which is in direct danger because of things she herself had done.
"Mama," Diana whimpers and Adalind blinks quickly before meeting her daughter's sleepy eyes.
"Hi honey, how are you feeling?" She asks as she shifts to lean closer.
"I'mma tired," Diana whispers and Adalind grimaces.
"I know, honey, do you remember what happened yesterday?" Diana shrugs, yawning and closing her eyes again before she suddenly stills. Opening her eyes slowly she peers up at Adalind.
"Grandma Lizbeth?" She asks quietly and Adalind can't help but exhale.
"Yes, honey, Grandma Lizbeth died," she repeats, trying to stay simple with her words after the long explanation given last night. "Do you remember what happened after that?" Diana frowns.
"No like it," she murmurs. "No want it."
"No, we didn't want that to happen to Grandma Lizbeth," Adalind says. "We will miss her and it's ok to feel sad and to want to see her again. It's not nice when people die."
"Sad," Diana hiccups. "Tired." She looks so sad and fragile and Adalind has to remind herself that it's ok for Diana to be upset right now and it's good that she is feeling that and sharing her feelings.
"I know honey, it was a long night. How about we go visit Henrietta today? Then we can talk magic and maybe remember Grandma Lizbeth together, does that sound good?" She perks up slightly at that and Adalind feels grateful that they have somewhere to go that can bring her daughter some measure of happiness at this time.
"Henri?"
"Yes, shall we get up and get dressed and visit Henrietta? Nana Kelly and Nick will come too."
"My Nick?" Diana sits fully up then and Adalind manages a smile.
"Yes, let's get dressed and then we can start our day, hmm?" She gets a nod in response and then they spend the next few minutes finding clothes for Diana, who has definitely grown and is studying her own garments with slight confusion at the changed fit, before they walk into the main space of the loft together.
Nick is just coming out of the bathroom, fully dressed, and Diana lets go of her hand to run to him. He bends down and then scoops her up, lifting her high before settling her onto his hip. She can hear his quiet questions, asking if Diana is ok and if she's ready for some breakfast. Adalind moves into the kitchen to put the coffee on and get some mugs and cups out. She's only turned away briefly but when she looks again, Nick has settled Diana onto one of the stools, standing beside her so she doesn't fall, and Kelly has joined them.
"I talked to Henrietta," Nick says when he sees he's got both of their attentions. "She's happy for us to go to hers at any time. I think she's also feeling sad at the news, so some company might be good for her too."
"Sad," Diana states quietly.
"I know honey but we'll go see Henrietta, does that sound ok?" Adalind soothes and she sees Diana nod.
"Go now?" Diana asks, looking between them all.
"We can go now," Kelly states, Nick nodding in agreement, and so they gather what they might need, Adalind making sure she picks up the books and Nick getting the things he needs for work, before they head down in the elevator to the cars. She listens as Nick gives instructions to stay close, within eye sight of each other, and sees Kelly nod as she settles Diana into the backseat.
They're all quiet on the drive, Kelly focusing on the way and Adalind watching Diana. The little girl in question is looking out of the window but she's not entirely sure she's seeing anything. Pulling into Henrietta's driveway, Nick is just a moment behind them and she has only just got out herself when Nick is beside them, shielding the view of them from the street and holding the door open as she releases Diana from her seat. Henrietta is in the open doorway as they approach and quickly ushers them inside.
"I talked to Monroe on the way here," Nick says as the older Hexenbiest closes the door and they all walk further into the house. "He offered to bring some breakfast items over, if we're happy for him to join us."
"That's kind," Henrietta smiles softly. "Will the lovely Rosalee be coming with him, and also join us?"
"He didn't state it, but I would guess yes." Nick replies.
"Good, now is a time for friends to gather." She drops down into a chair and turns to Diana. "Come, little one, I can sense your distress. We shall remember and mourn, but we must not let it overcome us, for as we live on, we take those that have touched our lives on with us." Diana scrambles up next to Henrietta and Adalind settles next to her daughter. She sees Henreitta offer a hand and Diana take it, slipping her free hand into Adalind's and the cooling feeling of Henrietta's magic settles over her. This morning it feels like a soothing compress over tired eyes and she hears Diana hum softly. Meeting Henrietta's eyes over the top of her daughter's head, she lets the sensation soothe her and take what comfort the other woman can give. It is reassuring to know, once again, that here is another person who will help, who wants to aid them. They really are no longer alone.
-G-
Nick watches as both Adalind and Diana take deep breaths with Henrietta and he can see more of the tension ease out of their bodies. He can sense something in the air, a light tingling, and thinks it must be what they are doing. It doesn't feel heavy or threatening, more effervescent and comforting; perhaps the magical equivalent of a hug. Still, he and his mom give them a moment, moving to the other side of the room but still keeping a close eye on them.
"How are you this morning?" Kelly asks and Nick runs a hand through his hair.
"I don't know," he admits quietly. "Mainly worried. Tired too. I felt that power, it almost took me out. And then I could feel as Adalind battled with it, to get to Diana and get her, back in control, I guess? That's what it felt like, like she was lost, that it was this being of power and energy and not that little girl we know and …" He breaks off, unable to say the word but unsure why. He watches them now and thinks of what he and Adalind had talked, or rather alluded to, but never labelled. And he doesn't need the label but he's also aware he may be taking it from someone else, who hasn't necessarily wanted it gone.
"That's what Henrietta mentioned before," his mother acknowledges. "And what we have a right to question." He turns fully to her then but the door chime goes off and so instead makes his way to the front door, after receiving a nod from Henrietta. Monroe and Rosalee come baring food and drink, that brings a delicious smell with it, and Nick happily escorts them in. He gives them a brief over view of the night before, and the event that triggered it, more than he was able to over the phone this morning, and let's them know of the magic happening as they enter the sitting room. But all three Hexenbiests are stood now, hands no longer clasped, and Henrietta steps forward to greet them.
"I'm so sorry for your loss," Rosalee offers, including Adalind and Diana in her gaze. Diana bobs her head down, in apparent shyness before it shoots back up to see who else is at his side.
"MoRo!" Diana greets and quickly latches onto the Blutbad as he joins them. He doesn't look upset, smiling down at her, and Nick quickly steps forward to relive him of the items in his hands so he can settle beside the small blonde and they start talking quickly. He produces something from his pocket and they both bend their head down to look closer at it. Nick places the take away containers on the table and then takes a moment to observe the rest of the room. Diana is smiling softly as Monroe talks animatedly about some subject, Rosalee has joined Adalind and Henrietta and they too are already deep in discussion and Nick feels his mother shift to stand next to him.
"What was last night like for you?" He asks, aware he's given his perspective but not taken in her point of view.
"Frightening," she admits softly and he swings his gaze up to her serious eyes. "I've experienced a few of these moments with Diana's power, been tricked by it as well as seen and felt what she can do. Last night was like being in a riptide, I could feel all that power and I could fight against it but it gained me nothing. I could do nothing and it was alarming to feel that way and not be able to help."
"I felt some of that," he admits, thinking of his fight to get to them.
"But you could do something," she states and he nods slowly. "I couldn't even do that. I think that was the scariest part. I've been what I am for a long time, I've met and fought beings that would give many others nightmares, and last night made me feel small and helpless, as well as fearful."
"Fearful?" He sees her eyes flick over to Diana. "Of her? Or for her?"
"Both," she replies with a sigh. "I'm a Nana now," she states softly, and maybe a little proudly as well. "I take that title seriously. When this first started, I just saw potential, her potential and abilities, and then how it could go wrong, how she could be used and the whole world affected. Destiny and good and evil. Now, I still see that but I also see her. This beautiful little girl who, yes is powerful and special and unique, but who also just loves stories, who loves to bake, and wants to smile and laugh, and who loves and is loved, so much, by her mother, and most others around her." She throws him a look then but he meets her gaze steadily. He knows he didn't say it earlier but Nick has no qualms with admitting that little girl is in his heart, at least here. He'd defy anyone to spend time with her and not come to care for her. He just feels weary about the other factors, or rather people, involved. "She has to be protected."
"I know." That he absolutely agrees with.
"That also means she might have to be protected from herself," Kelly points out and he nods.
"We need to talk this through with Diana," he states. "Even if we're not entirely sure of her age, given everything that has happened, she has shown a lot of understanding and she might be able to tell us what it's like for her. At the very least, we need to explain our actions and what might happen to her because of them." His mother studies him for a long moment, eyes assessing and he has the sudden urge to squirm under her gaze.
"Meeting your father and having you was one of the best things that happened to me," she states suddenly and Nick tilts his head at this new direction of conversation. "There was a time where I didn't think it was for me, having love and a family other than the one I grew up with. But it did happen and those were some of the best years of my life. You were a joy, Nicky, even when you were deep in the terrible twos and when you went through that phase of not wanting to wear any clothes, at all." She smiles softly. "You brought happiness into my life in so many ways and now you are part of being more to me, again. You've shown me friendship, in ways I didn't consider before, and growth in the ways you have handled situations thrown at you. But getting to see this? You forming a family of your own? I know I've questioned it before, but I just wanted you safe and happy. Looking at you all last night, seeing you together, I can see you want that for them too, just like a family should." Nick shifts from looking at his mother to those around the room as she talks.
He sees Rosalee talking to Henrietta and thinks of how his first meetings with both of them went, how it never would have seemed from those initial interactions that they would become such important people in his life. Both amazingly strong women, each in their own ways, and what they've shown him. Then to Monroe, who really is the friend he always needed but never had. Even without taking into account their supernatural sides, he has been there for Nick, always with questions and a comment or two but then with his absolute support. He can't really imagine his life without the Blutbad now.
And then his eyes settle on Adalind. Who had really impacted his life. From the first moment he saw her, a beautiful stranger across the street, to an instant later when her face, and his understanding of the world around him, shifted. Then everything that came after, all the attacks and the mysteries, the hurt and the highs and lows of fighting someone when neither party was fully up to par. He could see that now, from looking back and also from what Adalind had been able to tell him of her version of events.
"This isn't a fairytale," he murmurs, remembering suddenly Aunt Marie's words.
"No," his mother agrees. "But it doesn't mean we can't write our own stories." Diana lets out a sudden burst of laughter and Nick senses everyone turn to look at the young girl, sitting next to Monroe who is grinning just as big. He doesn't know what they're talking about but if it's making Diana happy after the night she had, they all had, then he's fine with it.
"I want to make sure she gets that chance too," he says quietly and when his mother doesn't reply he looks to her. Hey eyes are warm and the look on her face is something he's not seen before. She opens her mouth but closes it just as quickly and then shakes her head before looking back at the youngest person in the room.
"Me too," she says after another moment of quiet.
His phone goes then, gaining everyone's attention, and he quickly steps out of the room to answer it.
"Burkhardt," he greets and Hank's voice comes through with the details of a new case. "Alright, I'm actually not at home right now so it might take me a little longer to get there. Can you cover for me until I do?" He hears Hank's grumble but he agrees quickly and Nick takes down the address and gives him a rough time frame of when to expect him. He doesn't really want to leave but duty calls, though with the time estimate he's said he can at least say a proper goodbye instead of just having to immediately depart.
"You have to go," Adalind greets him with as he walks back into the room and he nods. "Do you have time to eat something with us first?"
"Yeah, I've got a little time," he says and she smiles, though it's nothing like her usual. She looks tired and worry lines her face. He slides an arm around her then leads them both to the table holding the food. "You should eat something too, last night would have taken a lot of your energy as well." He points out and she lets outs a hiccupping gasp, burying her head into his shoulder to try to muffle the noise. He brings his other arm up, hugging her into him as he feels her struggle to not give into her emotions.
"Hey now," he murmurs and she takes a gasping breath.
"Sorry, I'm ok, just had a moment," she whispers back, leaning into him more.
"Mama?" Diana calls and Adalind jerks in his arms. They both look up to see the young blonde watching them, Monroe still by her side, and her face crumples as she takes them in. "Sorry mama, so sorry, mama, sorry." Diana starts to babble and Adalind instantly steps forward to drop to her knees in front of her.
"No, honey, no sorry, it's ok," she soothes but Diana shakes her head.
"Me make you sad," she cries out. "No good, so bad, bad, bad Diana!" The lights in the room flicker and Adalind leans forward to cup Diana's face in her hands, leaving only a few inches between them as she stares intently into her eyes.
"No," she states and it's the sternest tone Nick has ever heard her use. "No Diana." Diana stops and blinks at her and the lights in the room stabilise. "You are not bad. You didn't make mama sad. You make me happy, so happy. But I do worry about you and for you because I love you. Mama loves you so much and last night was scary for mama because she doesn't want anything to hurt you or take you away."
"Magic was big," Diana mumbles and Adalind nods.
"Yes, honey, the magic got too big and mama couldn't find Diana in it."
"It wants bigger," Diana says and Nick can feel the whole room still at her simple words.
"What does?" Adalind asks, even though Nick is pretty sure they all know the answer.
"Magic," Diana replies. "All inside."
"Do you want it to get bigger?"
"No," Diana shakes her head. "Too big hurts." He can hear the gulp Adalind takes as she tries to hold her reaction in at that. Both he and Henrietta step towards them and he can see Monroe look to Rosalee in alarm. They all feel for this little girl, battling problems far too big for her.
"What if we could stop it?" Henrietta suddenly asks. "What if we could keep it just right for you, not too big and not too small, but right for Diana?"
"Like magic, my magic," Diana smiles but it quickly drops. "Don't like the hurt." Adalind emits a cry as she loses any semblance of control and then pulls Diana into her arms, the little girl clinging to her mother just as tightly. Nick can hear Adalind's apologies, whispered over and over into blonde hair, but Diana just hugs her back harder.
"I think we have our answers," his mother states.
"Yes, the binding will help," Henrietta agrees and Rosalee's head perks up.
"Binding?" She asks and Henrietta quickly explains as Kelly retrieves the books they have on the subject. Monroe and Rosalee listen, as the Fuchsbau leaves through the pages and Nick watches Adalind as she eases herself and Diana up onto the sofa. They're both looking so tired and Nick can see Adalind encouraging Diana to close her eyes and rest, aware of her disjointed sleep the previous night as well as the already emotional morning.
They discuss everything quietly as Diana slowly drifts into sleep, comforted by her mother's presence, as well as what they would need to do next.
"We might have a problem," Adalind states and everyone looks to her. "If I've understood this, and I've read and re-read those books and all the information inside, then the blood we have might be useless."
"Why do you say that?" Henrietta asks and Nick starts forward, stopping at her side but not taking a seat in case he disturbs Diana.
"Because part of the spell is the care of the parent, the intent and emotion giving strength to help with the binding. The blood has to be given and if Sean didn't know he was giving it, I'm afraid it might not work." Adalind explains and he thinks she has a point. The captain was unconscious when he filled that vial.
"So, we have the right ingredients but maybe not the right method?" Nick queries and she nods.
"That's what I think, Henrietta?"
"I cannot be sure, but I believe there is potential truth in Adalind's words." The older Hexenbiest looks worried but still calm.
"Then what do we do?" Kelly asks.
"Wait, we have his blood," Nick states. "So, we just need to ensure he gives it to us, would that work?"
"Loose intention but still, intent in the action may be enough," Henrietta says, looking from him to Adalind.
"I don't know if I want to risk my daughter by casting a spell that is based on possibilities and 'may be enough'." She snarls and Nick rubs a hand up and down her back, though understanding of her reasoning.
"Do we have any other choices?" Kelly asks and silence greets her words. "Can we risk asking Renard for the blood? Would he even agree? Or would he want her to stay powerful?"
"She will still be powerful, perhaps one of the most powerful of our kind," Henrietta points out. "She will just no longer be over-powered."
"I don't know," Adalind admits. "I don't know what Sean would choose. But if we ask and he says no then he will be on guard for anything we might try to get his blood or to do the spell."
"Alright then," Nick starts, an idea forming. "Then we get the blood we have and ensure it meets the needed requirements."
"How will we do that?" She asks and he smiles grimly.
"We get the intent around the blood that we need," he states and Adalind looks confused even as his mother starts to nod.
"How?"
"Don't worry, leave that part to me."
-G-
Being late as he is, Nick is gulping coffee as he arrives and draws a questioning look from Wu. He shrugs it off and quickly settles into the case, though from first appearances it looks pretty open and shut. They let the CSUs take over at the scene and then head back to the precinct, having all arrived in separate cars it means he hasn't explained anything to either of his work colleagues until he's sitting down at his desk and they're both staring at him.
"I had a rough night," he says, trying to leave it at that but continuing after the stares don't drop. "Certain people needed help and I was there for them."
"So, you just dropped everything and went to their aid?" Hank asks, tone a little sharper than Nick was expecting.
"Yes," Nick replies, feeling his face pull in his confusion. "I said I would help and I meant it, especially in regards to D-a child." He catches himself and throws a quick look behind him but the captain's office is dark and empty. He wonders if he'll even be in, after all, he did just lose his mother and that has to have some meaning and feeling for his superior. Hank snorts slightly and Nick looks back to him as even Wu turns to stare.
"You realise you'll always be second best, right? It will always be the kid first." He says it as if that should be a negative but Nick can't see it that way.
"I don't see that as a problem," he replies, meeting Hank's gaze. "I thought I'd lost my parents when I was twelve, then my mother came back into my life and I found out it was a lot more complicated than that. But she still made choices that affected me and my life. Seeing Ad-seeing her fight for her daughter and fight to stay together? Yeah, I only see that as a positive." Both Wu and Hank are staring at him and he realises that's probably the most he's talked about his feelings on his family situation to either of them.
"That sounds like family talk," Hank observes but his voice has lost some of the sharpness.
"Yeah, it is," Nick states.
"But she has a father already," he points out and Nick can't help the grimace that pulls at his face.
"Believe me, we are all aware of that," he says and as if he's summoned the man, the captain strides into the precinct.
"Nick, I need you in my office, now," he calls and then moves into the space, not waiting for any kind of reply. Both Hank and Wu raise their eyebrows and Nick can only shrug before getting up and making his way into the office space. He closes the door behind him as he looks to his superior, who's sat behind his desk but looking as if he's not quite present.
"Captain?" he asks and the other man jerks his head up.
"Did you pass on my news?" He asks quietly.
"I did," Nick confirms and the other man nods.
"How was it received?"
"From my knowledge, the younger one was most upset," Nick answers carefully, not wanting to give too much away but not really wanting to lie. Besides, it's a fair question for the man to ask.
"I have some further information to share that I want to do face to face," he says next and Nick stands up straighter. "Can that be arranged?"
"Would you be happy to meet at Henrietta's again?" Nick asks and when the captain nods, continues, "Then I think that can be arranged."
"Good, good," he looks away and glances down at his desk. "I have quite a few things to arrange over the next few days so I'll be in and out but I'll still be keeping an eye on things."
"Alright, I'm guessing that you want to meet sooner rather than later?"
"Today would be preferrable," he comments and Nick nods.
"I'll check in and let you know," he states and after receiving a nod leaves the captain in his office.
"Everything alright?" Hank asks as he settles back into his chair opposite him.
"We'll see," he replies, pulling his phone out to message his mother and make a plan. If the captain has further news, then sooner they know it, the better in his opinion. Before he can put it away it rings in his hand and he answers it.
"Hey, what do you think?"
"Nick? Is that you? Did I interrupt something?" Bud's voice comes through and Nick starts, having thought it was his mother.
"Sorry, Bud, I thought you were someone else."
"Oh, I can ring back if you're busy, which you probably are, you're a very busy man, Grimm, I mean-"
"It's fine, Bud, what can I do for you?" Nick asks, leaning back into his chair as he prepares to listen to the other man.
"Well, it's just, I thought you should know, as there has been some chatter, and I don't indulge in that, not so much anymore, but I do hear things and I thought I should pass it on, as it's pretty big and after last time, well we don't want anything like that happening again, so-"
"Bud, what have you heard?" Nick cuts him off as a sense of impending danger fills him.
"There's been chatter, a lot of chatter, about blood purity again, and actions needing to be taken." Bud says, his voice high and words coming through fast. "I haven't heard anything like last time yet, like a meeting place or anything like that, but there's talk and a lot of folk are worried."
"Alright, thanks Bud. I'm going to ask some questions of people I know too but if you hear anything else, let me know as soon as you can, alright?"
"Yes, I can do that, Nick, I will let you know, anything I hear, I'll let you know," comes his harried reply.
"Thanks Bud, I'll do the same for you. I'll check in soon," he replies before listening to the other man's goodbye then hanging up. He sighs before seeing his mother had replied whilst he was on the phone, giving her view on the options they had. Getting back up, he waves away Hank's enquiry and heads back to the captain's office. Knocking on the door he waits to be called in before stepping inside.
"Would it be possible for both of us to take a long lunch today?" He asks, with a pointed look, and Renard tilts his head and seems to consider his words before nodding. "Great, then I believe we both know the place to go."
-G-
AN – Hope you liked it. I'll be back soon with what's coming next.