Family Ties Chapter Twenty-Six
-G-
AN – Ok, I know I may have said this before, but this chapter really is a whopper, Grimm pun intended (wink wink). I've also broken my word target, as I felt the chapter was flowing well and everything that needed to happen was happening, so this is the longest chapter to date. And I've still had to cut some bits from here and add to the next one! Hope you like it.
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.
Also mentioned is the book The Gruffalo, again by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. I do not own this book, or receive any money for mentioning it, but it is a brilliant book. The children I work with love it, as with the majority of Julia Donaldson's stories, and if you haven't read it, and have children needed to be entertained, I highly recommend it. There are also some great animated versions of her stories available on various video sharing websites.
-G-
"Wait," Nick says as Henrietta moves towards the door and they all turn to look at him. He looks at Adalind then to his mother before glancing down at Diana. "Maybe we should greet her first, all of us who have met her before, then have you come into the room once we've all gotten settled." His mother nods at the suggestion and he sees Adalind's shoulder relax down, just a little. Maybe he's being too protective but as they've only just arrived, he wants to make sure there aren't going to be any problems so soon that would cause them to have to leave again.
"I think that's a good idea," his mother agrees and Henrietta gives quick instructions on where they can wait and how she can give them a signal to come back in, before going to answer the door. Nick moves with them and watches as Adalind kneels down with Diana.
"Diana, honey, do you remember us talking about meeting new people? Some family?" The little girl nods. "Well, we're going to meet one of them now but Nick and Henrietta are going to see them first so we have to be quiet in here, ok?"
"Ok mama." She looks back to him and he feels a fission of awareness shoot through him as their eyes meet. It's like this sensation that lets him know she's near, yet not as close as he wants her to be. He forces himself to nod then move, heading back into the room and entering just as Elzabeth has finished greeting Rosalee and Monroe.
"Ah, and here is Nicholas," Henrietta says and Elizabeth turns towards him.
"Hello again," she smiles and he nods back. "I did not expect to see you tonight but I am glad to. Have you had any more developments with, ah, our situation?"
"It's alright, we can speak freely as both Rosalee and Monroe know," he says and watches as she glances towards them.
"Is that wise?"
"I trust them a hell of a lot more than I trust you," he replies back bluntly and Henrietta coughs pointedly but Elizabeth meets his stare straight on.
"And who is it that says you have such control over the situation?" She asks, not impolitely.
"The members of your family who you wish to meet, that's who," he replies. "I've earnt their trust and have proven my own intentions, and that's all we're asking for you to do too." She sighs then and nods, looking almost weary.
"I appreciate your honesty. I hope, by my actions so far and continued co-operations, you will come to see the nature of my intentions and I, too, will gain all of your trust." Nick has to respect that and admit she does have a point, so far. She has communicated with them and put no pressure on arranging the wanted meeting, even as she potentially runs out of time. Thinking it all through like that makes it easier to say the next few words.
"Then you should know that they're here," he says simply. He sees Henrietta make a gesture out of the corner of his eye as Elizabeth looks shocked for a moment before taking a deep breath.
"Oh, well that is good news, as I said I will do as you say but I was beginning to worry about time and missing this opportunity. When can we arrange a meeting? I will follow any rules or stipulations you deem necessary." Elizabeth's words come out eager but also sincere, and she meets his gaze openly. It gives him a chance to study her and see how she interprets his words and what she does next. After years of being a detective, interviewing people and now with several years as a Grimm, he's gotten better at reading people and trusting his instincts. All of them tell him this woman is true in her regards and intentions. She's not assumed that they're right here, rather that he is sharing information and is then still trying to communicate and work with him to create a solution that works for them all. It gives him a little hope that she is as she says and honestly just wants to meet her granddaughter, with nothing else attached.
"No, I meant, they *are* here," he replies to clarify and nods towards the door. Elizabeth gapes at him before the door opens and his mother, Adalind and Diana enter. The older woman just stares at first, then slowly rises to her feet before sinking back down into her chair. Henrietta leans forward and gently places a hand on her arm.
"Eliazbeth, please meet Kelly, Adalind and Diana," she introduces. Adalind steps forward and brings Diana closer to the seemingly paralysed woman, who is just staring at the small blonde in shocked amazement. The little girl stares back intensely at the woman in front of her for several moments before glancing up at Adalind who gives her an encouraging smile, even as Nick can see the tension in her shoulders.
"Diana, this is Elizabeth Lascelles," she starts. "Your grandmother." A sob escapes the Hexenbiest then and Diana slips her hand out of her mothers and takes a step forward, offering her tiny palm up to the woman seated above her. Adalind rocks forward with the aborted motion of going to stop her.
"No sad blue," she says quietly, tiny voice loud in the otherwise silent room. "Happy yellow." A tiny ball of light appears at her fingertips and Elizabeth's next sob chokes into a laugh.
"Oh, my dear child, this is not sadness. No, I am so happy to meet you." She slowly reaches out, giving plenty of time for the young girl to back away, before placing her palm onto Diana's. The light is snuffed out for a moment before it flares brighter and both Diana and Elizabeth laugh. The little blonde takes another step closer and Nick pivots in his seat to be closer, as well as seeing his mother tense. Adalind seems frozen into inaction but her eyes never leave her daughter.
"Hello Diana," Elizabeth says softly as they continue to hold hands and the girl tilts her head before smiling shyly.
"Hello Grandmother Lizbeth," she replies and Elizabeth positively beams. The two of them just smile, holding hands all the time before Adalind steps up beside Diana and touches her gently on the shoulder.
"Shall we sit down so we can all chat and get to know each other better?" She suggests softly. Diana nods and let's go but climbs up so she sits on the same sofa chair as Elizabeth. She wiggles into the seat then looks to Adalind as she settles next to her, the three Hexenbiests all in a row.
"Diana, how do you feel?" Kelly asks as everyone settle down again. The little girl smiles.
"All good, Nana Kelly." His mother nods at that as Elizabeth looks to Adalind, a question on her face.
"Kelly has been helping to protect us and keep us off of anyone's radar," Adalind explains and Elizabeth swallows before turning to the other woman. "Diana is very close with her and she's like family to us."
"Then, I guess I should offer you my thanks for being there for my granddaughter." Elizabeth offers a wobbly smile and the one Kelly gives back is stern at best, threatening at worst. Whatever she reads in it causes Elizabeth to Woge and gasp as she meets the other woman's eyes.
"Another Grimm?!"
"We are in no danger from anyone in this room," Henrietta jumps in to reassure as Elizabeth reacts and looks between the two Grimms. Nick tries to keep his face neutral, even as a small part of him is glad the Hexenbiest has been given a small indicator to the people Diana has on her side.
"We're not here to cut off any heads," his mother confirms, in a jaunty tone, and Nick sees Monroe roll his eyes. "We're here for Diana, if you are too then we won't be having any problems."
"Heads, Nana Kelly?" Diana asks and Adalind throws Kelly a warning look. Henrietta suddenly stands, palm outstretched and they watch a box fly into the room.
"Perhaps Diana, you would be interested in these? I had them when I was younger and I spent many an hour happily creating my own worlds with them." She opens the ornate box to show a series of blocks, all different shapes and sizes, with beautiful illustrations of characters and settings drawn onto them. Nick thinks it's a very good idea to give the young girl an activity, especially with the looks being thrown around over the top of her head. This conversation might not go smoothly, they really have no idea, so the more distracted she is, the better.
"Oh, they look impressive," Monroe compliments as he leans forward to look inside. The blocks look old but well taken care of, something Monroe would appreciate. "May I?" He points to the box and then pulls out a block to inspect it closer. "Very beautiful, looks hand drawn and what intricacy too! How many are in the set?"
"I do not know," Henreitta replies, clearly amused, and the Blutbad huffs, with Nick knowing he's annoyed that someone would have a set like this and not know everything about it. He watches as the older man slides down onto the floor, next to where Henrietta has set the box down, and begins to pull out more.
"Shall we help Monroe, Diana?" He asks, thinking that Henrietta had the right idea about giving the little girl something to do while the adults talked. She glances at Adalind, who smiles encouragingly, before pushing herself off the chair and coming to stand next to him.
"My Nick?"
"Yeah, I'm going to help too," he says and quickly lowers himself down, next to the box. Diana waits until he's still before climbing onto his lap and leaning back against his chest. She grins up at him and he can't help but smile back, sharing it with Adalind who's watching them but then coming to a stop when he sees Elizabeth watching too. Where he's sat puts him, and Diana, front and centre in the room, and he becomes very aware of all the attention.
"Now, this could be used to build a pretty impressive castle set," Monroe talks on, seeming oblivious to the rest of the room. Nick hears Henrietta ask after Elizabeth but doesn't fully catch her answer, amused as he is watching his friend. Monroe starts pulling out more blocks, inspecting them before putting them into piles and groupings. "We've got the right shapes here for a Barbican and Portcullis, as well as multiple towers and a good-sized Bailey." He starts building as he talks, explaining to Nick and Diana, the role of each part of a castle and giving some examples from ones in history, the blocks in front of him starting to represent a castle layout. "Now, if we were to be really accurate, and of course for safety, a castle should have two inner walls, behind the outer wall and with the towers at each corner, to provide extra protection for the Keep, but-" Diana suddenly leans forward and knocks the blocks Monroe has assembled down. His friend looks a bit shocked and Nick twists to see the expression on the little girl's face.
"Diana," Adalind starts, tone shocked but also with that ring of mother means business, then stops as all the blocks suddenly rise up, hovering in the air then moving around, seemingly assembling themselves in the air, turning and aligning and joining, before lowering back down, an impressive castle formation now standing tall on the floor. And it indeed has towers at the corners, multiple inner walls and buildings within buildings at the centre. All eyes are on Diana and Nick can see the shock on Monroe, Rosalee and Elizabeth's faces while Henrietta just looks pleased but Adalind looks torn.
"Dude," Monroe breathes, glancing at Nick before grinning at Diana. "That is awesome!" Nick hears, and feels, her giggle.
"How wonderful," Elizabeth states and Nick realises she's just gotten a glimpse of her granddaughter's power.
"Yes, as wonderful as that was, Diana that wasn't nice to knock down Monroe's blocks. You need to say sorry. There are enough to share and you can both build what you want." Adalind leans forward to address Diana and the little girl snuggles back into his chest, shyly meeting her mother's eyes before nodding slowly.
"Sorry mama," she mutters before waving her hand and some of the blocks separate off, floating to rest in front of Monroe. "Sorry MoRo."
"Ah, that's ok," he says and then offers the blocks back to her. "Your castle is very impressive, much better than mine." She accepts the blocks back and with a focused stare, integrates them back into her stricture.
"But her eyes …" Rosalee murmurs.
"Yes, Diana has access to some of her powers already," Henrietta says and Elizabeth's smile widens.
"I can do that too," she states and they all watch as her eyes take on a light blue glow. Diana lets out a high-pitched squeak and shifts forward in Nick's lap, her eyes turning purple once more and staring at the older woman. They stay like that, eyes locked and glowing, the air around them thickening, until Nick notices Elizabeth's breathing picking up and becoming more strained, and he gently bumps Diana to get her attention. Henrietta also must have noticed it because she moves even closer to Elizabeth's side and offers her a hand as she blinks back to the present with a gasp.
"You must be careful, old friend, for even simple acts such as connecting will tire you." She cautions as Elizabeth nods and takes several deep breaths. "Rosalee, would you be so kind as to brew up a restoring tonic, all the ingredients will be in the pantry and it may help with some of Elizabeth's current ailments." The brunette nods and makes her way out of the room.
"Mama?" Diana calls softly. "Grandma Lizbeth?" Adalind throws a quick look at the two Hexenbiests, clearly unsure about what to say but wanting to answer her daughter's questioning tone, before sliding off her chair to sit in front of Nick and Diana.
"Honey, it's ok, do you remember how sometimes, when we used magic, it was really tiring? Well, that's how Grandmother-ah, Grandma Lizbeth feels, she's tired after using magic." The little girl nods and then wiggles back into Nick, giving her own yawn.
"Ok mama, love you," she murmurs and Adalind smiles, leaning down to press a kiss onto her head as she repeats the sentiment back to her. Her hand rests on his thigh to help her balance and he feels a shot of heat emit from where they touch. They lock eyes as she moves back and Nick can feel that tingle, the magic sensation that he now associates with Adalind begin to build around them as they keep each other's gaze.
A cough from his mother breaks the moment and Adalind moves back to the chair, keeping her head ducked down as Nick tries not to shift too much, aware he now has an almost sleeping child in his arms. He feels the stares on him and avoids looking but can't avoid his friend's look, especially with the raised eyebrow Monroe is shooting at him.
"We should probably wrap this up," Kelly says, giving him a pointed look too. "It's alright for Diana to have a short nap but we will need to get her settled and into a proper place to sleep."
"Are you not staying here?" Elizabeth asks and they all shake their heads.
"Although my home is protected, many of the community know where I live and it would not be hard for someone to say, track the visitors I have or lay in wait outside. I can offer temporary illusions to help with that but they do not stay efficient over prolonged periods of time." Henrietta explains and Elizabeth nods.
"Then, where are you staying?"
"Somewhere safe," Kelly replies, with a tone that says that's all the information she's going to share. Nick stays quiet, thinking it's best that it's believed he doesn't know any exact location either. Rosalee comes back in then, offering a specific cup to Elizabeth and then tea to everyone else. Adalind thanks her as she receives her cup and Nick waves the offer away, not wanting to have hot liquid near Diana as she rests in his arms.
"Well, when will I be able to see Diana again?" Elizabeth questions. "And when can we tell Sean and arrange a meeting between him and his daughter?"
"Is captain even out of the hospital yet?" Nick asks.
"He was released earlier today," Elizabeth confirms. "Though I believe he is still excused from work until after the weekend."
"Then maybe we do another meeting like this, tomorrow," Kelly suggests. "He can come here under the impression that he is meeting with you and Henrietta, then we introduce him to Diana."
"That's very quick," Adalind objects.
"It might be best to do it like that. Once captain is back at work then his time will become more constricted, and we might not be able to arrange the meeting to our liking," Nick points out before grimacing and looking towards Elizabeth. "I don't mean to imply-"
"I understand your point of view and can appreciate that all you are doing is aimed at the action of to keep my granddaughter safe. If there is one thing, I think we can all absolutely agree upon is that Diana should be kept as far away from the House of Kronenberg as possible, for as long as possible." Elizabeth states and Adalind blows out a breath, causing the other Hexenbiest to turn to her. "I will never forget my time with the king, nor the promises he made me and how quickly they fell apart once the queen found out. That he did not protect me, that was perhaps understandable but that he did not protect his son, who he had acknowledged and helped welcome into the world, that I will never forget nor forgive. It showed me how that line truly operates and I would not wish it on another mother, nor their child, ever. If that puts me at odds with my own son, so be it. He knows how I feel about that side of his family."
"Thank you," Adalind murmurs. "I may not have started out in the best way, getting pregnant the way I did and then everything that has happened since, but she is the light in my life and I will do everything within my power to love her, keep her safe and happy."
"That is all any parent, and grandparent, can hope for," Elizabeth reaches out and offers a hand to the younger blonde and as Adalind takes it Nick feels a flash of something through the air. The two Hexenbiest just smile at each other and so he takes it that it was a positive thing. "I will take my leave tonight then, and return tomorrow with Sean."
"Will you tell him that you have already met Diana?" Adalind asks and he can hear the worry in her voice. Elizabeth lays her other hand over the top of where she still holds Adalind and seems to give a gentle squeeze.
"I will not lie to my son," she states. "But I will not offer the information freely. If he asks, I shall tell him, if not then we will start tomorrow, in his eyes, as equals."
"Thank you," she breathes out and Elizabeth smiles before releasing her hands and turning to Monroe.
"I do not suppose you would be willing to assist me outside? I would ask dear Nicholas, but as he has such precious cargo, whom I do not wish to disturb, I put myself at your kindness."
"Ah, sure," the Blutbad agrees and stands to help the Hexenbiest to her feet. Henrietta also rises and the three slowly make their way out, Elizabeth seeming to lean heavily on Monroe.
"What's up with her?" Kelly asks and Nick, after checking Diana is asleep, quickly explains her condition and why timing is so important to her.
"How are you feeling?" He asks Adalind and she shrugs.
"Pretty tired right now," she admits. "And confused and amazed and dazed and … yeah, just feeling a lot." She shrugs again and he can see in her eyes that she's overwhelmed with all that's happened so far. He tries to convey his support through a look but the look changes as their eyes hold and he ends up just staring at her. She looks tired, yes, but still so beautiful and he feels that build of something around them, and between them, again.
"All the more reason for us to get going and settled down for the night," Kelly continues and Nick looks away, breaking the connection. "Can you do this veil enchantment tonight?"
"I could yes, but I would want to understand the space first and truly know the areas I'm putting under the protection before I do it." Adalind replies and Nick can understand that.
"I can offer you a talisman to help boost the effectiveness as well," Henrietta offers as she re-enters the room and Adalind quickly agrees, with the two Hexenbiest discussing the options available and what would work best. While they talk Nick shuffles over to Monroe and Rosalee, still balancing Diana in his arms, though her weight now feels more familiar than cumbersome.
"Man," Monroe utters. "I mean … man!"
"This is a lot Nick," Rosalee sums up. "And she is …"
"Pretty special," Nick finishes for her as he looks down.
"Er, yeah," Monroe exclaims and Nicks shushes him. "Sorry, but dude, this is some extra-ordinary stuff."
"She has to be protected," Rosalee states and Nick looks up. "I can only imagine how some people would use her and Adalind seems, well she seems very dedicated to her daughter and focused on what's best for her."
"She is," he agrees. "She's not like she was before, but then again, neither am I."
"And you're in this … together now?" Monroe asks with a look and Nick shrugs, as much as he's able.
"I will do everything I can to help keep this little girl safe," he replies and Rosalee joins her husband in throwing him a pointed expression.
"You know that's not what he was asking."
"I know," he replies without elaborating and sees the married couple exchange a keen yet exasperated look.
"Nicky, will you help get Diana to the car?" His mother asks and he says goodbye to his friends as he makes his way to the door. Henrietta stands there and Woges, trailing her hand through the air before retracting. She turns to them all and offers a grin.
"I have cloaked your vehicles, so if there is anyone out there, they will be unable to follow you accurately."
"Thank you," Adalind says and Rosalee steps forward to check how the Hexenbiest is before they all give their goodbyes. Nick follows his mother to their car, with her opening the back door and him sliding Diana inside.
"You'll follow me?" He whispers to her lowly and she nods. "Ok, well trust me and stick close, I'll want to see you in my rearview mirror."
"We'll be there, Nicky." He nods then shuts the door and watches as Adalind slides in the other side. He steps back, gives a wave to Monroe and Rosalee as they drive off then gets into his own car.
He does exactly as he said he would, frequently checking where they are in his mirrors as he drives, taking the quickest route and trusting that Henrietta's spell would give them the guarantee that they will not be followed. He catches his mother's eye a few times and can read her face, as well as her mounting curiosity, as they drive into the industrial area. He pulls into the lot of the warehouse and then hovers outside as the garage door goes up, with his mom in their car right behind. Then both pull in and he gets out to be greeted by raised eyebrows as the electronic door goes down.
"So, yeah, I know it doesn't look like your typical residential place but it's better on the inside. And it's secure." He explains and his mother nods.
"I doubt anyone would look for you here," Kelly comments.
"Or anybody at all," Adalind adds in as she lifts Diana up. He shows them the hidden keypad and types in the code to open the lift and then leads them inside. It's quicker than its appearance would suggest and soon he's pulling the grate up to let them see the space he's been slowly putting together.
"So, this is the loft," he states as they all step out of the lift. Both women scan the space and have very different expressions on their faces. "This is the main space, with completed kitchen and bathroom as well as two bedrooms. Then through the double doors down there is another loft, with a further two bedrooms and a working toilet, with space for another kitchen if needed."
"It certainly looks better than it's outside appearance," his mother acknowledges. "Any other exits and entrances?" He quickly explains the fire escapes, stairs to the roof and the hidden entrance on the other end of the building. Diana seems to wake as he talks and looks around sleepily before relaxing back into Adalind.
"I've set up that room for Diana," Nick says as he points out the bedroom on the right, just by the kitchen. "It's the only room with only one entrance, so thought that was the most secure and best for her."
"Thank you, I think we'll head there now," Adalind says and Nick becomes aware that she's been holding Diana and the young girl, little as she is, must be getting heavy in her arms. He leads the way as his mother goes to investigate the other loft - and he's sure check all the exits he's just described.
Across the loft and up the steps, they reach the bedroom and he helps arrange Diana into the bed then looks up at Adalind, as she places the clothes she slipped off of her daughter, on one of the chests in the room.
"I think I'll stay in here with her tonight," she says quietly. "Just so she doesn't wake and get scared being in an unusual place."
"Sounds good," he replies and they both pause, looking at each other from either side of the bed. She's still bent forward and if he leaned just a little further … Taking a breath he does and their lips meet in the middle. It's soft and slow, a comforting kiss. Something just for them. He forces himself to take a step back as they pull apart and shake the images of what they could do next from his mind, knowing the time isn't right. Again.
"Goodnight Adalind," he says and she smiles.
"Night Nick." He turns and leaves, sliding the door shut behind him and then does a final security check, running into his mother doing the same, before heading straight across the living space to one of the bedrooms in the other loft. He has no idea what his dreams will be tonight, if any, but the sooner he gets into bed the sooner he'll find out.
-G-
Adalind wakes as she feels Diana move, the little girl wriggling around next to her. Slowly opening her eyes, she takes in the space around her, the metal shutters and high ceiling, as well as the mis-matched furniture and then thinks of the man who made it all possible. It might be the safest she's felt in a long time.
"Mama?" Diana whispers and she rolls to face her properly.
"Yes honey?"
"Home again?"
"We're somewhere new, do you remember arriving last night?" The little girl shrugs. "Ok, well, we're staying here now, with Nana Kelly and Nick."
"My Nick?"
"Yes, honey, Nick is here too." That seems to be all Diana needs to hear because she kicks off the duvet covering and twists her way to the side of the bed, dropping down onto the floor as Adalind sits up. She makes it to the door but is confused when it doesn't swing open and Adalind gives a little chuckle as she shows her that this door slides.
"Watch out for the steps," she warns and Diana hops down the two ledges before stopping to look around the room. In daylight the space looks better, natural light from the skylights helping to give the room a less grey tone. Kelly is already in the kitchen and greets them warmly. Adalind is about to ask about her night when the door at the far end of the loft opens and Nick appears.
"My Nick!" Diana runs to greet him and Adalind can't help but smile as she watches Nick crouch down to lift her up as he replies in kind. She slides onto one of the bar stools, accepting a mug from Kelly, as she sees Nick begin to give Diana a tour of the space they now live in, pausing at spots he thinks she might like. The little reading nook he's prepared goes over very well and the two settle into the couch there with a new book.
"Maybe while they are busy, we could cast that veil protection," Kelly suggests and she nods in agreement. "What do you need to do it now?"
"I just need to map the space, so I can clearly envision it as I cast the spell and then place the talisman in a central place where it won't be disturbed," she replies and Kelly offers to take her around the space. They leave Nick and Diana, a new story book in hand, and walk around the space, Adalind not surprised that the Grimm has already learnt the security features of their new abode.
"Do we need to tell them what's going to happen?" Kelly asks as they return upstairs, nodding towards where Nick and Diana still sit.
"It's probably best, as I don't know whether Diana will sense it and realise what is happening." She hates to interrupt them but does so, so she can explain what will happen next. Diana accepts it easily, clearly wanting to get back to their story and Nick shares a grin with her before obliging.
She returns to Kelly, who suggests one of the ledges by the skylight for the talisman placement and Adalind agrees, taking a deep breath and then Woging, concentrating on the veil and the space around them, letting the energy build before releasing it into the space. She holds for a moment, breathing in deep and absorbed in the placement of her power into the protection before relaxing on an exhale. Next comes the focus on the object in hand. Sending a pulse of concentrated power into the talisman, she levitates it up to one of the ledges by the skylight and then retracts with a sigh, feeling weary as the magic flares with usage then subsides inside her.
"Good job," Kelly praises. "With that, Nicky's security features and making sure we don't take any of that for granted, I think we're as secure as we can be."
"Ok, that's good," she replies. "Would it be ok … I mean, do you think I could take a shower, while Diana is with Nick?" The older woman smiles.
"I think that would be fine. I'll stay with them too; you go have a decent hot shower." She can't help but check with Nick and he replies in kind and then Kelly is bringing her bag to her and encouraging her to take her time. As she prepares in the bathroom, she can hear her daughter's giggles and the rumble of Nick's voice and relaxes, knowing her daughter is safe and happy and she really can take a little longer to enjoy the hot water.
-G-
"Again!" Diana giggles and he smiles down at her before flipping the book back to the start.
"You like this one?" He asks and she nods.
"Oh no, it's a Gruffalo!" She repeats and then bursts into laughter again. He opens the book but his phone goes off and he apologises to the little girl as he answers it, asking her to wait.
"Hey," he greets as he sees it's Monroe calling.
"Hey man, just wanted to check up on you all, everything ok?"
"Yeah, we all had a good night at the new place," he replies.
"Sounds good. Well, Rosalee and I, we just wanted to say that if you need anything, we're here and we'll help in anyway we can." The Blutbad stumbles through the sentence but his sincerity is clear in his tone.
"Thanks, Monroe. I'm not really sure what's going to be happening yet, but that means a lot to me." He replies and hears his friend huff on the other end of the line.
"Look, this may be a … weird situation, sure. But if you're in it then I will be too. As far as helping, I mean. Because man, is that little girl special."
"She sure is," Nick agrees, giving Diana a squeeze on the sofa beside him.
"And we're dealt with your captain enough now to know he's not the most reliable guy out there," Monroe continues. "So, if you need us there to back you up, at any time, just let us know." Nick feels a rush of warmth for his friends and their willingness to help him, even in situations that aren't easy.
"Thanks, I really might take you up on that." They chat for a moment more, with Monroe promising to stay near his phone and be there if Nick needs, before he hands up.
"MoRo?" Diana asks and he has to grin at her name for the Blutbad, that doesn't make him sound scary at all.
"Yeah, we might see Monroe, and Rosalee, later today. Will that be ok?" He asks and she smiles.
"MoRo castle?"
"I'm sure he'd build another castle with you," Nick states, even if he technically didn't build the first one with her, earning another grin from Diana.
"Let's start with breakfast, shall we?" His mother calls from the kitchen and Diana wriggles off the sofa to go investigate what's on offer. He joins them and then watches Adalind as she comes out of the bathroom, dressed but hair still wet, and she shyly meets his gaze. He smiles and she joins them, the three of them sat on one side of the kitchen island as his mother stands on the opposite.
"I think we should head over to Henrietta's now," Kelly states and he sees Adalind start. "We get comfortable, discuss any potential mishaps that could happen and then call your captain."
"That's soon," Adalind mutters quietly, looking at Diana, and he reaches around the young girl to place a hand on her back, offering what support he can.
"The sooner the better, I think. We can't really put a plan into place until we know all the players, so this meeting needs to take place. Plus, you can't tell me the not knowing isn't wearing on you." She shoots Adalind a pointed look and receives a wry smile in reply.
"Alright then, lets get dressed and do this," she says with a nod but her words aren't confident at all. She slides off her stool but Nick catches her hand, pulling her to a stop.
"Hey, I'll be right here," he says and she nods.
"We'll be here," Kelly echoes with a look towards him and he watches a blush cover Adalind's cheeks before she hustles Diana out of the space to go get dressed. "Nicky …"
"What?" He asks and she sighs.
"I like her, I really do, and I adore that little girl," she starts and Nick can feel his emotions start to rise at the tone of her words but then she sighs. "Just be careful? For all of you."
"Yeah," he agrees, glancing towards the closed door they disappeared through.
-G-
Gathering at Henrietta's mid-morning, they all have bright smiles and warm words but Adalind can't help but feel disconnected. They haven't even made the phone call yet and she's already worn down from her nerves. Diana thankfully seems oblivious, going between all the adults and lapping up all the attention she receives. It does make her smile, watching her little girl, and she is an easy topic when she sits next to Rosalee as they both watch their significant other play with the beautiful blocks once more. Her eyes get drawn to Nick a lot too and when she gets caught for the umpteenth time by Rosalee, the Fuchsbau shoots her a look that has her blushing.
Then Henrietta makes the call and nothing can keep her thoughts away from what's about to happen and the sense of trepidation that fills her. She trusts the people in this room, has absolute trust in Kelly and Nick, but she can't help but think of how it could all go wrong. What Sean could do that would whisk her daughter away from her and out of her life. She knows him, has seen how he operates, especially for something he is very motivated for, and it honestly fills her with dread. Her actions from the past have always been questionable, she's known that she wasn't the nicest person and didn't do the right things, but now she's on the other side, and it only puts her history in a worse light. Again, she marvels at Nick and how he could forgive her, and even progress to something else with her, though he would probably say he had actions in the wrong as well.
Still, they stand in the sunroom, out of direct eye sight and she waits for Henrietta's signal, just like the previous day. Diana stands next to her and must sense something is off because she sends a wave of sparkles through the air and offers her a smile.
"I love you," Adalind states, putting as much love and conviction in her words as possible and it warms her completely to hear her daughter say it back.
Then it's time and she walks slowly, holding onto Diana firmly, as they step back into a room that has already seen so much. Everyone is on their feet, the atmosphere feeling uneasy and she gets a brief glimpse of Elizabeth's tired but comforting smile before all she sees is him. His reaction is immediate, a shudder running through his body as he meets first her eyes then drops his gaze down to the small girl at her side. Her daughter, and his.
Sean takes a step forward but Elizabeth puts her hand on his arm, stopping his movement as she stares at Diana. Adalind moves cautiously forward as Diana hugs her side.
"Diana," she murmurs quietly but everyone can probably hear her in the silence of the room. "It's time to meet the rest of your family, Grandmother Elizabeth and this is your Daddy, Sean." Elizabeth smiles and gives a small wave, her actions giving nothing away but Sean just stands and stares. The intensity of his gaze doesn't waver and after a moment Diana hides her head in Adalind's top. Elizabeth taps Sean's arm and he clears his throat, an odd catch to the sound.
"Hello Diana," he says and their daughter looks back towards him again.
"Hello," she murmurs back.
"Would you come a little closer so I can see you?" Sean asks next and Adalind can't help but tense up. On the periphery of her vision, she notices both Kelly and Nick shift and she has to swallow before taking a step forward again. Elizabeth shoots her a reassuring look and Adalind has to remind herself that Sean is outnumbered and everyone else in the room will help them, should anything happen. With as natural smile as possible, that she can produce right now, she encourages Diana and the little girl moves so she can clearly be seen. Sean actually drops down to his knees and holds out a hand, the difference in height now no longer seeming as intimidating.
"It's ok, Diana, we're all ok," she reassures, hoping with everything in her that holds true. "How does it feel? Good?"
"Ok mama," Diana replies slowly and says nothing else. She flicks her eyes to Kelly, the two of them understanding that Diana isn't sure and hasn't got the feeling that she has when meeting others before.
"Here, come here to Daddy," Sean motions her closer and Adalind holds her breath as Diana goes. She stops right in front of Sean and they stare at each other before he lifts a hand and gently strokes her cheek. "Look at you," he murmurs before suddenly leaning forward and lifting her up as he stands.
"Sean," Elizabeth calls as Adalind herself opens her mouth to say the same thing. "You should ask first!" The older Hexenbiest shifts so she can see them both clearly as Adalind holds her ground, refusing to back away and put more space between her and her daughter.
"I can hold my daughter," he snaps back before smiling down at Diana. "Diana and Daddy, huh?"
"Daddy Sean," Diana replies with a small, tentative smile.
"Just daddy," He instructs in a firm tone and Adalind sees Diana's smile vanish.
"Sean, give her a moment," she pleads and he glares at her.
"She should call me Daddy, I am her father," he grounds out.
"No one is disputing that fact," she states, as much as she would love to. "Just, give her a chance to get comfortable with you."
"Diana's fine, aren't you? Being with Daddy? Diana loves Daddy as he does her," he jostles her slightly, in a way she thinks he means to be positive but it comes across more jerky. Diana shakes her head and starts to push away from him.
"Mama," she calls, her voice wobbling.
"Sean," Adalind says, a warning in her tone, stepping closer as she sees the discomfort on her daughter's face. He jostles her again, clearly trying to arrange his grip better.
"I'm sorry, love, there is that better?" He settles her again and Diana stares up at him for a moment, eyes meeting his and holding, before pushing away from him again.
"Captain, perhaps it would be-"
"You stay out of this," Sean cuts Nick off, his tone sharp and Adalind frowns. The light in the room takes on a grey tone and Kelly starts, moving closer to where she and her daughter are. Diana shakes her head and begins to really push at his chest. "Diana, let Daddy hold you, ok? We haven't had a lot of time together because of mommy, so be with Daddy, ok?"
"Sean!" Elizabeth exclaims as Adalind steps right next to him, reaching up as Diana stretches out her arms for her. "Give her back to Adalind, now." He glares at his mother before allowing Diana to pass from him into Adalind's arms. She steps quickly away from him, backing up even as he continues to stare.
"Mama," the little girl murmurs and Adalind holds her close even as she glares at Sean.
"That wasn't very nice," she murmurs, as she feels Diana cling to her. She senses Nick take a step closer and feels better with him being right behind them.
"Oh, and you were perfect from the start, were you?" He gripes back. "You've had months with her, of course you know what to do! Well, I need time to learn, to discover my own daughter. It's my turn to have her now." Diana lets out a wail at his words, her eyes turning purple and there's a powerful blast that blows away from where Adalind holds her and discharges through the room.
Most everyone stumbles from the force, with Elizabeth being knocked clean off her feet, and Nick the only one seemingly unaffected. Adalind holds her daughter close, murmuring comforting words in her ear as she tries to reassure her that they are not being separated. She's not leaving her and no one is taking Diana away. As Henrietta helps her friend to stand and Monroe checks on Rosalee, Sean glares around the room, spinning as he takes in the occupants.
"Where did they go?" He demands and Adalind looks up in confusion. Her vision is distorted with a purple sheen and she looks down again to see Diana's eyes glowing.
"What the …?" Monroe mumbles and she can see everyone is on their feet, looking around the room, but no one seems to be able to see them.
"What the hell are you up to?" Sean growls, stalking towards Henrietta. "Where did my daughter go?"
"They're still here," Nick answers calmly and she looks to see him staring right at her. "You frightened Diana so she hid."
"She can do that?" Rosalee asks, tone amazed, and Nick shoots her a smile before stepping towards Adalind. She feels a tremble, a push at the space enclosing her and Diana blinks before Nick is suddenly with them in the purple light. She hears the gasps from the room and realises that instead of releasing them, Diana has brought him inside their bubble. Nick runs a hand over the little girl's hair as his other arm wraps around her and Adalind gratefully leans into the support he offers.
"What is going on?!"
The shout is loud and it makes her cringe. Nick squeezes her closer and presses a comforting kiss to her forehead.
"She's done it before," Kelly acknowledges and Sean spins to face her. "You must have scared her quite a lot for her to do that." She glares at the taller man and he glowers right back.
"My daughter should not be scared of me!"
"Your daughter doesn't know you," Rosalee bites out. "You might be her father but that doesn't give you an automatic 'in' with her. Like any relationship, it has to grow and right now all you're doing is sowing seeds of discomfort."
"Sean, please," Elizabeth pleads. "She's a child. She doesn't understand all this. You can't approach it like all your other interactions, with other grown-ups or your subordinates. Just, let her lead you and show you how to be." He glares around the room once more, seemingly noting that everyone is in agreement, and against him, before huffing out an exasperated sigh and dropping down into one of the chairs.
"Very well," he agrees and Adalind lets out a breath she didn't know she was holding. "Can I at least see her again?" The others in the room glance around and Adalind knows it's up to her now to be the bigger person.
"Diana," she whispers. "It's ok, honey, we're alright." She strokes her daughter's hair, cups her cheek and meets her eyes. "Mama is not going anywhere. And I won't let anyone take you from me."
"We won't let that happen," Nick states firmly and her daughter's purple eyes flick between them both before drooping and becoming blue again. She doesn't move from her position with Nick, aware how it could be interpreted but not wanting to give up the comfort his warmth and strength provide. Diana also leans back into him and they turn as a unit, to face the rest of the room. Sean is glowering once more but Elizabeth has a fond look on her face as she regards them standing together.
"Why don't we all take a seat," Henrietta suggests, indicating the various chairs in the room. "That way we can all be more comfortable as we discuss potentially uncomfortable matters." They all move to settle and Adalind is grateful and somewhat humbled to see the others place themselves in between her and Diana and where Sean is sat. He still has a clear view of her, and their daughter, but now has several bodies situated between them.
"Tell us more about Diana," Elizabeth enthuses. "I would like to know more about my granddaughter." As said granddaughter is slowing falling asleep, safely nestled between her and Nick, Adalind answers and she and Elizabeth spend the next however many minutes talking colouring and books and all the favourite things Diana has already decided on. She notes that Sean doesn't ask any of his own questions but is taking in everything from their conversation, his eyes constantly returning to gaze at the young girl.
"It looks like she's very deeply asleep," he comments finally and Adalind glances down to see he's right. "We should get her home, and into a proper bed."
"Home?" Adalind queries, not liking the suggestion in his words.
"Of course, I already have a room set up for her. And one for you too." The arrogant tone he uses grates and his look of contempt is even worse. As is, just because he's decided on something and has said it's just so, then that's what's going to happen.
"We're not coming home with you!" She hisses at him and watches as his face falls into stern lines once more.
"My daughter should be with me," he bites out. "Besides, where else would you go? I have space for us all and top of the line security."
"I don't care if you have a castle with a moat and a real life, fire breathing dragon! I don't trust you and we are not going to stay with you!" Her words get steadily louder and cause Diana to shift, turning away from the noise. She takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself down before realising that this conversation will probably happen at volume no matter what she does.
"Will you take her for a few moments?" She asks Nick, who stares at her intently. "I don't want her waking to … anything disturbing." He nods and gathers Diana into his arms, careful in his movements so not to wake her.
"I'll come with you," Rosalee offers. "Perhaps some tea will help everyone calm down a little."
"My daughter is not leaving this room!" Sean commands, voice loud, and both Nick and Rosalee throw him dark looks before moving away anyway. "Don't you dare-"
"I wouldn't take that tone of voice towards my wife," Monroe interrupts, eyes briefly flashing red. "We're all trying to help you here, you're the one creating problems." He moves as Nick and Rosalee do but stops at the door, planting himself as an obvious obstacle towards anyone who would try to follow them. Adalind sighs and looks towards her former lover. Though the terminology might be correct that title seems so wrong now and though she wishes she could take most of her actions back, she still cannot regret anything that brought her Diana. Which, unfortunately, includes this man.
"Sean, please," she starts. "I am not trying to keep her away from you, not if you really want a true relationship with your daughter, but rather away from the rest of your family. Their wants will always come before her and she will never be free to be her own person. You've experienced some of this, do you really want that kind of life for her?"
"Times are changing," he notes but she shakes her head.
"Not that fast, and not within the royal family." She replies and he looks away, unable to disagree with her words. "We have to decide what we are going to do, how we are going to keep her safe from them, before we can really think about how we move forward and build relationships between us all."
"Relationships? I am interested in my daughter, and I can respect our history and time together, as well as you being her mother, but otherwise I fail to see how anyone else in this room should be involved. Especially those that have no tie to the greater situation."
"You should be grateful you have such people willing to help," Henrietta points out.
"Grimms? Really?" Sean shoots a disparaging look towards Kelly who returns it with furore. "I know Nick has proven he can think for himself but this other woman? You went with her, a stranger, instead of coming to me, someone you knew and who should have been involved from the start."
"Oh, yes, that's right. Come to someone I knew, and had experience with, yes! Of being tossed aside, used and tricked. I may have tricked you back a few times but the balance of power in our relationship was always in your favour and there was never much trust." Adalind snaps back, the memories of their less pleasant times rising up in her mind. "Did I have any indication you would be different towards our daughter? Every interaction I have had with you since has always been two-sided and I never knew your intentions."
"You were with my family; I couldn't exactly trust that you wouldn't do something stupid with any information or direction I gave you!" His look is so condescending that Adalind has to focus not to unconsciously send something flying at his head. Her anger is very close to the surface but she is not backing down, he will not have the run of this situation nor is he, himself, innocent in all this.
"Yet, you expect me to give you what would have been blind trust in that exact same situation? Based on my previous interactions with you, I had no more reason to trust you either!"
"I got you out of Austria!" He exclaims loudly and she huffs a laugh.
"Yes, you did, and I followed the directions you gave me as I recognised at the time that it was the better option. Getting stuck in the castle with the royal family would have been … well, not good. But you gave no further information, offered nothing else and I was still in the dark about your intentions. And then I was in the middle of nowhere with members of the resistance I didn't know, a new born baby and still completely unaware as to any kind of plan or what was going to happen next!"
"As much as it may be helpful, airing past grievance so we can understand the situation better," Henrietta starts as they continue to glare at each other. "Perhaps we should focus on the issues at hand, a common starting point on which, I believe we can all agree and that is keeping your daughter away from the royal family."
"All I want is for her to be safe, healthy and happy," Adalind states. "Don't you want the same?"
"Of course, I do, but I actually want to know my daughter as well!" Sean expels a sigh and Elizabeth reaches over to touch his arm.
"How about we agree a schedule, where we can all meet and get to know each other, then Diana will get more comfortable with us and we can re-visit where she stays and how it's arranged and the like at that time, hmm?" It's a fair compromise, even as she really doesn't want to agree to it. Sean shakes his head then glares at her.
"I could go to the courts, and say how my daughter is being kept away from me and my former partner is encouraging parental alienation," he threatens in a low voice and Adalind feels despair wash through her at the picture he paints. It wasn't true but she knew Sean, and his ways of working the system, and even with her experience as a lawyer it would be a fraught battle between them.
"Sean!" Elizabeth exclaims in horror and Henrietta hisses her displeasure. "You will do no such thing! How can you even suggest it?"
"Moth-"
"No! I am appalled and ashamed, I thought I had raised you better! And after everything you experienced as a child! No!" Elizabeth stands and puts herself right in front of her son. "We are leaving, now, so we may discuss your … your nonsensical actions, in private."
"I do not think-" Sean starts but Elizabeth holds up a hand and positively glares at him.
"Now," she demands and her eyes glow blue. Sean jumps and then stands, towering over his mother and yet not in a position of command, not right then. The older woman wobbles slightly and he does reach out to steady her. She links her arm through his and turns to face Adalind. "We will return tomorrow, with cooler temperaments and some suggestions for how we may move forward." She states and Adalind can only nod as the Hexenbiest takes command of the situation. "Good, we will make contact with Henrietta before we travel to meet you." It looks like she frog-matches Sean out and he doesn't utter another word. The rest of them all sit in silence for a moment.
"Ok, what just happened?" Monroe asks as Kelly lets out a humourless laugh.
"We'll have to be prepared for this next meeting," she points out. "I doubt he's going to let something like that happen again."
"Indeed," Henrietta agrees. The door opens then and Rosalee enters with a tray before pausing and look around.
"Did we miss something?" She asks and Monroe blows out a breath and then offers to help with the tray as he explains what just happened.
"Where's Nick?" Adalind asks as no one else appears through the door.
"He was waiting for the all clear to come back in," Rosalee explains. "I can go back and get him?"
"No, I'll go," Adalind says and rises quickly, offering a smile as she passes the Fuchsbau. Walking quickly, she enters the room just as Nick turns and she watches as he moves about the space, holding Diana close as she continues to sleep. She feels a wave of gratitude for this man, who really had no reason to help her, or her daughter, let alone do all that he has done to assist them and keep them safe since. And then to be so nice, calm and comforting. She knew he was a good guy, but he really is a good guy.
"Hey," Nick greets as he turns around and begins a slow walk towards her. "Everything ok?"
"Not really, but Sean is gone, for tonight at least," she sighs.
"What happened?" He asks and she huffs.
"Some things were said, some threats were made, some mothers stepped in," she explains and Nick shoots her a look that encourages further expansion on her simple words. He stops right in front of her and she gently strokes Diana's cheek as she slowly details all that he missed from what happened in the other room. Once she is finished, she looks up into his eyes before taking a step forward, right into his personal space, and leans into him. She feels his breath as he accepts her closeness and then the gentle pressure of a kiss on the top of her head.
"I'm sorry," he murmurs.
"Not your fault," she replies.
"Well, if captain does try anything I'll be right here, for anything you need," he promises and she leans back to look up at him.
"Thank you," she murmurs and then feels her breath catch as their gaze's lock. Awareness of him, how close he is and the energy that exists between them flares. "Nick …"
"Hey, Nick?" Monroe calls as he enters and then looks between the two of them as they both step back. "Er, yeah, ok, well, your mother is getting a little restless out here, so the rest of us are as well." Nick nods then inclines his head for her to go first and she follows the Blutbad back into the sitting room where Kelly is still on her feet as Rosalee and Henrietta sit together.
"Did Adalind fill you in?"
"Yeah, part of me can't believe captain said that and yet, I also can," he comments.
"Well, my opinion of the man hasn't improved," Kelly states with a small amount of venom in her voice. "She ok?" She nods toward Diana who still sleeps in Nick's arms.
"She's pretty out of it," Nick replies. "Probably best if we get her back and properly settled down to sleep."
"Alright, I want to do some recon tonight so let's get her back and then you can have some time to decompress too," Kelly says with a look towards her. Adalind has no problem with that plan, the idea of holing up somewhere safe with her daughter, and being far away from Sean, sounds exactly right to her.
"Recon?" Nick enquires with a pointed look and Kelly grins.
"Probably best if you don't know," she replies and Nick nods in acceptance with Adalind able to guess what the female Grimm might be up to that night. They say their goodbyes quickly, arranging with Henrietta to talk before any other meeting happens, and Diana wakes as they pull away from the Hexenbiests house.
"Mama?"
"I'm here honey, we're driving home," she comforts and her daughter nods.
"Nana Kelly? My Nick?" She asks and Adalind strokes her hair as she reassures her that they are all here, still together and none of them are leaving. She feels awful that she has to say they will see Elizabeth and Sean again, not so much aimed at the Hexenbiest, who has kept her word to them so far and truly does seem to care about her granddaughter, but definitely at her son. Diana doesn't react much but does snuggle in closer to her and she hugs her tight. She talks quietly for the rest of the journey, telling stories that she thinks Diana will like and keeping her focused on them. She seems better by the time they arrive back at the loft, choosing to walk in rather than be carried and they have an enjoyable evening together, part playing games and part discovering where everything is in their new home. Especially in the kitchen, looking through all the cabinets as they cook dinner and making a list for the things they still need. Adalind helps her settle into her bed quickly, Diana in a happy yet subdued mood and feeling tired from the long day, despite her nap.
"I love you so much," she states and sends a wash of sparkles through the room, gaining the first true smile from Diana in hours. The little girl replies in kind and they spend the next little while creating increasingly colourful and large displays until Diana yawns loudly. Adalind smiles and bends to kiss her again. "Sleep well, honey. Mama is just next door if you need anything."
-G-
"Hello, dear cousin," Kenneth greets as Sean is let into the hotel suite. After having a very terse and emotional conversation with his mother he managed to slip away, knowing he needed to gather his own resources to be able to put his plan into place. Especially as the timeframe is almost upon him. Diana and Adalind already being in Portland both helps and potentially hinders his plan but as long as he holds the information over his cousin, then it should all be workable. The fact that he's using his family, as they think they are using him, is really a bonus in the situation. He glances around and sees Rispoli, as well as several other Verrat and lots of paperwork and technology devices, all deliberately angled so he can see nothing. He meets Kenneths' smirk with one of his own, knowing that he has the upper hand here. "How goes our situation?"
"Very well for me, but it looks like you've got some catching up to do," he taunts and the other man sits forward in his chair. He needs this, to take some control back in this situation and get these players positioned how he wants. His mother certainly threw a curveball his way but he can work with that, as long as he knows what's happening in this camp as well as his own. Agreeing with his mother wasn't a hardship, and he could easily manoeuvre around her when the time came, if it came to that. For now, as long as she believes what he needs her to then she will communicate with him all that she finds out, as she and Henrietta inevitably share information about their current circumstances.
"You have news?"
"I do," he replies with a leer. "Which I shall share with you, but first, I wish to say that I have a beautiful daughter." Everyone in the room stops and stares at that and his lips twist into a smirk.
"You've seen the child?" Rispoli asks.
"I have met my daughter, yes, and she has recognised me as her father."
"Yet, you still don't have her," Kenneth taunts back and Sean feels his eyes narrow.
"And that would be part of my news to share with you," he acknowledges. "She is currently under the protection of not one, but two Grimms. One of whom has ties to the resistance."
"We need names, addresses and any photo evidence you have," Rispoli states and he shrugs.
"Maybe," he says casually and enjoys the look of derision on his cousin's face.
"Maybe?" He repeats back with scorn. "I still don't think you fully understand how this is happening. This may be your city but this is my assignment, my responsibility from the King himself and I do not, will not, fail in my task. As such, you will tell us what we need to know and we will retrieve the King's granddaughter, together."
"You'll have to bring Adalind along too," Sean states and sees the eyebrow raise. "The girl is very attached to her mother and for a, shall we say, smoother transition for everyone involved, it would help to keep them together."
"I suppose, if we must," Kenneth gestures towards the people in the room to make a note. "As long as we all recognise that it will be a temporary situation."
"When my daughter is settled, I'm sure other arrangements can be made," Sean offers neutrally. "For now, we must come up with a plan on how to separate the two Hexenbiests from the two Grimms, as well as possibly other Wesen who may get involved."
"Burkhardt is one of the Grimms?" Rispoli asks and Sean nods in confirmation. "Then we have a Blutbad and Fuchsbau on file that may help, he seems very friendly with them, making frequent stops to their place of business."
"They are not hard to over-power," Kenneth waves that away. "Now, a fight with a Grimm is something I have always been intrigued about." He grins in anticipation. "So, let's make a plan …"
-G-
The sound of a door sliding gets his attention and he looks up from putting the last dishes away as Adalind appears in Diana's bedroom doorway. She slowly slides it shut again and pauses to listen before stepping down the steps onto the same level as him.
"Diana?" Nick asks as he rounds the kitchen island.
"Asleep," she replies coming to a stop in front of him. He nods and then they both move to stand in front of the island, just a bit further down from Diana's bedroom door. "She's settled in well."
"That's good, I didn't want her, or you, to be uncomfortable here." He says, looking around at the space they now share.
"Nick, that's not possible," she replies, stepping closer. "Not when we're with you."
"Yeah?"
"Yes," she states and he smiles, though it drops as their eyes linger on each other.
"Kelly?" She asks, looking away then back at him quickly.
"Recon," he replies vaguely and she nods. They stare at each other and a buzz starts in the silence between them, not a sound but an awareness of the other and that they are alone.
She steps closer then, hand going to his chest as her eyes move over his face. Slowly she raises up on her toes and moves to kiss him. Their lips meet and his hand comes up to cup the back of her head as they kiss, soft and slow.
"Nick," she murmurs as she pulls away. "I … I want you."
"Adalind," he starts but the hand on his chest snakes up and around his neck, into the bottom back of his hair, using it to pull his head down again. Their lips part as they touch and tongues meet as the kiss grows in intensity. The air around them seems to thicken with a feeling of something, a growing tension in the space between them, and the buzzing settles onto his skin.
"Please," she says on a gasp as he drops his head so his lips can follow the line of her neck. "You feel it too." He pulls back then, looking into her eyes and seeing it all there. The need and want and desire. He nods and she leans forward to drop a sucking kiss on his lips before pulling back and taking his hand, beginning to walk backwards towards the other bedroom door.
He lets her lead him to the steps but then lurches forward, his hands on her hips so he can lift her up them and bring their mouths back together again. They stand and kiss for a moment in the entryway, breathing into each other's mouths as their lips meet over and over, before she starts to move backwards again and he remembers to slide the door shut firmly behind them.
Her fingers undo the top buttons of his shirt before he pulls away to take it off, pulling it off over his head and watching as she removes her own top but he stops her before she can shrug out of her bra, wanting to do that himself. He kisses her as he lowers them down, hands tracing upwards from her hips to then cup her breasts. She moans into his mouth and he feels a tickle of magic as their bodies press closer.
"Nick," she gasps and he finds the clasp, undoing it and pulling the item away with his hands, fingers tracing over her, before greeting the newly exposed flesh with his lips. "Ah!" Her hands thread into his hair as he nips, sucks and laves over her nipples and with a moan she pulls him back up to kiss each other again. Their bodies settle into each other and he groans as she rolls her hips against his.
Fire courses through his veins at the sensation and suddenly, it's not enough. They're not close enough and he wants more. Pulling back, he traces down her body with his hands before working quickly to divest her of her trousers. Slim, long looking legs get revealed as he pulls the material down, as well as the one body part his dreams never gave him clear view of.
One hand goes to his own jeans fastening but the other slides back up one of her legs before slipping between them. She gasps as he moans, the space warm and wet and somewhere he desperately wants to be. His fingers tingled at remembered sensation and it spreads up his arm as his whole body seems to enter a state of extra awareness. Every breath she takes, every twitch her body makes, even the beat of her heart, he takes it all in.
She heaves him up then, mouth fusing to his and pulling him back down so he comes to settle over her. He rests on one elbow as his other hand buries itself in her hair, tugging as their kiss grows and their bodies push and press against each other. The air crackles between them and he pulls back to look down at her as he comes to settle where he wants to be. She smiles then, soft and glowing, and shifts her hips so he's right there. He keeps his eyes on hers as he moves, slides inside and they both gasp at the feeling.
He thrust in slow, hips rolling as they join and create a rhythm of movement between them. It's like he has a cognizance, some instinct, that tells him just how to move, where to touch, and her cries of pleasure drive him further on.
Sensation takes over then, touch and taste and heat and magic as they move together. Meet each other, move for move, him on top and then her, his head buried in her hair then hers pressed on his neck. Lips joining again and again as they push and press and something wild, magical and delicious builds between them.
She cries his name as it takes over, he groans hers in reply as it shatters him and they pant and gasp, holding each other tight as they come down from a high he's never experienced before. He rolls so she settles on his chest, not wanting her any further away from there and listening as her heartrate slows and she falls into sleep. He strokes her back, little sparks of magic following his movement and closes his eyes, already wondering if he can wake her in a little while so they can do that again.
-G-
Waking with her body pressed against his is something special and he takes a moment to just take it all in. The feeling and vision and sensation … As much as he wants to stay here, a quick glance at his watch tells him duty calls, Wu will already be clocked in and that means he could be getting a phone call any minute.
He slides out from beside her as smoothly as he can, quietly dressing and making sure to check his phone is nowhere near the sleeping blonde so there's no possibility of it waking her. Making his way across the loft he starts the coffee pot and thinks of the night they'd shared. Had he ever had a night like that? Where every touch felt intense and every kiss just fed this thing inside him that wanted, and demanded, more? He'd had more, with them being intimate several times in the night. And how she'd responded. He'd never experienced that, how they could read each other and be so in tune with the wants and needs and just the feeling of her in his arms, of her under him …
Soft footsteps come to his attention and he turns to see her walking towards him, hair still mussed and his shirt over her trousers from yesterday, an easy smile on her face.
"Hey," she greets and he smiles back at her.
"Morning."
"You didn't want to stay in bed with me?" She mock pouts up at him as she comes to a stop and he reaches out to rest a hand on her hip.
"Really did," he confirms in a murmur. "But I'm due in at work and I really didn't want a phone call to interrupt anything." She steps closer, making them both brush against the side of the counter and her hand fiddles with the middle button on his shirt.
"Interruptions huh," she comments and he nods. "What could we be doing that might be interrupted?"
"Something like this," he mutters and leans down to kiss her. Her lips part under his instantly and her hands clutch at him. Heat flashes through him and he groans as he pulls her closer. Their mouths battle, lips parting and tongues meeting, as she presses into him and it's not enough, she's not close enough so he grips her hips and spins them, lifting her so she sits on the counter and their hips are aligned.
He feels her moan in his mouth and buries a hand in her hair, guiding the angle of their mouths as his other hand grips her hip and encourages her to press against him. She pulls her mouth from his to gasp a breath and he follows her jawline down to her neck, leaving soft, sucking kisses in his wake.
Her hips roll into his as she shifts her legs to sit higher either side of his hips and he can't help the groan that leaves his lips at the sensation. Fingers tickle down his front and then her hands spread open his shirt so she can touch his bare skin. He encourages her mouth back to his as their hips grind together and he's just thinking of scooping her up and taking her back to bed, phone calls and anything else that could interrupt them be damned, when the soft-thump sound of little footsteps reaches his ears.
Pulling apart he tries to gasp out a warning to Adalind and step back, create some distance between them, but giggles fill the air and he knows by the way Adalind tenses in his arms that he's not the only one who heard them.
Looking over his shoulder he sees Diana standing at the step up to her room, the soft toy witch he'd gotten her held in one hand, and clearly looking at the two of them.
"Mama," she calls out and Adalind jolts against him.
"Coming honey," she calls back, using the hand against his chest to push him back slightly so she can then slide down to rest her feet on the floor. The fact she presses into him as she does, hips angled in to put pressure on a certain part of him, makes him groan and she flashes him a cheeky grin as she steps around him to greet her daughter. He takes the extra seconds of the child's distraction to re-button his shirt and calm himself down with some deep breaths before turning to the two blondes in his home.
"So, who wants some breakfast?"
-G-
AN – So, yep, that happened. Please let me know what you think, their together scene was one I wrote pretty early on and only felt I needed a few edits to, so I hope it feels that way to you. If not, let me know, as there may well be quite a few more nights at the loft so …