Family Ties Chapter Seventeen
-G-
AN – Here we go folks, what some, or rather a lot of you, have been waiting for. Hope you like it and enjoy the read.
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.
I also do not own Room on the Broom, a children's book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. They have done many books together and are very popular here in the U.K, especially the one called The Gruffalo. I have read this particular one many times for my job and thought it would fit rather nicely in this story.
-G-
"Sir, we have Rispoli on the line requesting to talk to you immediately." Kenneth looks up at the interruption but nods and within seconds the phone next to him is ringing.
"Rispoli, have we had a break through?"
"Yes sir, though I must stress we do not have a current location for the child."
"But you have something?"
"I have emailed through photo evidenced we have found. We have confirmed it is Ms Schade and so have deduced the child in the photograph is the intended target. As such we can pass on to the king that he has a granddaughter." The prince accesses his computer quickly and stares intently at the screen as the image loads.
There on the screen is the woman he knows as Ms Schade, looking well for her current position. And although the picture does not have a clear focus on her face, it is obvious that the child is a girl. The clothes, hair. But what is also abundantly clear is that this child is much older than they should be.
"Are you sure this is the child?"
"Until we can get fool-proof evidence, such as a blood or hair sample, no. This is the most recent photo found of Ms Schade, and she is in the company of a child and highly protective of them. The photo came from routine police questioning where the officer, Wesen themselves, reported suspicious behaviour but when they returned to the dwelling in question it was empty. Not in the official report is the fact the child appeared to be using magical abilities." Kenneth leans back as he considers everything that has just been said.
"Then we wait, we do not want to give the king false hope when we have nothing concrete." He decides and hears Rispoli respond in agreement. "You said you did not have a current location for Ms Schade?"
"No, but knowing where she has been and having a more current photograph is extremely helpful to us. We also received confirmation and a description of the other woman with her."
"Do we have any leads on her identity?"
"Not at this moment but we have more to go on now than before."
"Then continue as you are, giving us regular updates."
"Yes sir."
"And start scouting a suitable location in Portland for us to stay. I have a feeling we will be joining you stateside soon."
-G-
From having very little contact with his mother Nick is suddenly almost constantly hearing from her, as they discuss the logistics of this meeting and how they can make it happen in the safest way possible.
It's decided he'll travel with Henrietta and so they need a location that is within easy reach of Portland, as he can take a few days off but can't disappear for a significant period of time away from work, but also not too close, knowing they do not want to attract certain people's attention. He also doesn't want to know their actual location, figuring it's still safer for him not to know and them to have a safe place to go back to once this meeting happens, hopefully successfully. So, it's a lot of back and forth and they're all in agreement that if they are doing this, the sooner it's done the better. Telling that to Henrietta is another conversation and he's doubly glad that Juliette is away, giving him space in the house to have all these conversations and phone calls, and also the ability to just leave without having to face any questions from her.
"I did not expect to hear from you again so soon," Henrietta greets as the phone call connects.
"Well, you did give us lots to think about," he replies. "But our situation hasn't changed. It's something we've been discussing a lot. If this is to happen, a meeting between us, we would be traveling and possibly away from Portland for a short period of time."
"My time is valuable, Nicholas, and I do have pastimes of my own that cannot be left unattended for long. However, I would be willing to give time for a meeting of this kind. If we are to travel then I would prefer to do so sooner rather than later." Her voice isn't unkind, just matter of fact.
"I am in a similar position, with my own work," he explains,
"So, we would be going in a matter of days, ideally at the weekend, if you are free?"
"For this? I will keep my diary free."
"I'll confirm the timeframe and get back to you," he says and thinks he hears the smile in her voice.
"I would appreciate that. And I look forward to traveling with you, I am sure this will be an experience for us both."
-G-
It is, as he's the one driving and although they have had several more conversations and interactions, it's as if his senses are still on edge just from having the older Hexenbiest sit so close. She doesn't say much, sitting still with her eyes closed and taking deep slow breaths, seeming to be meditating as they travel further away from their city and towards the location his mother chose and he vetted, and he finds his own thoughts wondering to how they got to this point.
He's learnt a lot more of how his mother operates and just what she has access to, in her hidden half life as well as several of the identities she has to her, well, name. He hadn't really stopped and thought about what it must have been like for her and what she had to do to still be able to live and earn while being on the run and not having access to normal paperwork, what with being declared dead and all.
She had also sent him a list of requests of things for him to bring to them and as he shopped to pick them all up, he can't help but think of Diana and tries to pick out something for her too. He knows very little of children and what they like or what's popular right now, but he'd been able to pick up a few hints from around the office and hopes what he selected will do. The fact it also made him think of Adalind is neither here nor there.
Stopping by the Spice Shop he's grateful it's Monroe at the counter and not Rosalee, as he's sure she would remember his last request and get more suspicious than his friends already are with the items on his new shopping list. Plus, he can trick Monroe into letting him pay this time and that makes his feel much better about the whole situation.
"I'm going to be out of town for a few days," he adds in casually as he puts his items in a bag. Monroe glances up at him with wide eyes and a cocked brow.
"Really? Really?"
"Monroe-"
"There is something going on with you, man, and let me tell you, it's starting to feel really weird." He gestures at the bagged items as well as between the two of them. "And if you think Rosalee and I haven't noticed and we aren't worried well, then, you don't know us very well!"
"I know, Monroe, I know. And I'm not trying to worry you or be obtuse, I just, have some things I have to do."
"That have to be kept completely secret?" The Blutbad asks point blank and Nick sighs.
"At the moment, yes." He holds up his own hand to forestall the next argument coming as Monroe opens his mouth. "I know, just, trust me, please?" The promise he extracts from his friend makes him feel better but not by much. If they're introducing Henrietta to this scheme of theirs then he feels better, and more confident, about bringing up the fact he wants to tell his friends, knowing how much they can help and keep covering their tracks. He is only one man, one Grimm, and more and more he's beginning to fear that he'll miss something and bring danger to them all.
Hank and Wu were equally suspicious when he put in his request for time off, especially as it's such short notice and he isn't able to provide them with much of an explanation as to what he's doing. They both link it with his recent break up and feeling bad about the deception doesn't make him correct that assumption. He avoids the captain completely, putting the request in via email and trying not to feel too guilty that, although he agrees with Adalind's assessment of the situation, he is still keeping the man in the dark about his child. Maybe another conversation to have once they can talk in person. (He also gets a check in from Trubel and is happy to hear she and Josh are doing ok, though do not have a firm return date in mind just yet.)
He slows as they reach the area he knows the house is located in, turning down streets and looping around a few times just in case. The number of maps and roadways he's studied gives him a sense of having been here before, even though he never has. Still, the street is quiet and lined with craft-man style houses, similar to Monroe's, that look slightly run down but still lived in. It's the kind of neighbourhood where everyone is just trying to survive and though they might help each other out, no one is going to bring trouble on their own heads by speaking out.
Pulling up outside the house, he parks and cuts the engine then just sits for a moment. Inside that house are people he's come to care about, even though they have been miles away from him for most of the time he's had these feelings. Maybe that's helped in regard to Adalind, having a different form of communicating and this whole situation making them re-start a previously very taut and negative relationship. A new focus gave them a new start and now, well he feels he knows her quite well and wants to know her better. Wants what's best for Diana, the little girl who didn't ask for any of this, and really wants to have a relationship with his mother again. Taking a breath, he tries to stretch his senses out and, after blocking the immediate wave of magic he feels off of Henrietta, he senses that tingle, that hum he's come to associate only with Adalind.
"Your Hexenbiest is inside," the Hexenbiest sat next to him states and he nods. She goes to open the door but he puts a gentle hand on arm and she pauses.
"I may not need to say this but I'm going to. If you hurt anyone in that house, in any way, I will find a way to return that hurt to you." She meets his eyes confidently and gives no other reaction to his words other than a slow smile.
"As I said before, I understand, Nicholas. Perhaps better than you yourself do, right now." With those words she shifts, dislodging his hand and opens the car door. He leans back to grab his bag before exiting the car himself and joining her on the walk to the door.
It opens as they approach and his mother steps into view, blocking their way inside but leaving the door open behind her. She looks similar to how he last saw her, if slightly more tired. There are bags under her eyes but she stands tall and projects that wall of strength he's come to associate with her, since she came back into his life. Their eyes met briefly and she runs her eyes over his frame, seeming to take him in as he's viewing her but gives no other reaction. Just as they'd agreed and planned. He leads them forward before pausing a few paces away, to give everybody room to get the measure of each other.
"Henrietta this is Mrs Reed," he introduces, using the identity his mother is currently known as. "She is the Grimm I mentioned. Mrs Reed, this is Henrietta, a Hexenbiest who has given up her time to offer us her help and advice." He looks between the two women, knowing they are each sizing the other up and forming their own opinions of the other. It's interesting to watch, as both try to keep their faces unreadable, but he catches flickers here and there.
"Why don't you both come inside," his mother says after several long moments. He nods and leads the way, knowing she would want to come in last and having Henrietta between the two of them gives another buffer to the witch potentially trying anything.
He walks forward, not fully knowing the lay out of the house but using his hearing to tell which room Adalind and Diana are in. There's also something in the air, a sensation and he knows Adalind can feel him as he feels her, his awareness growing as he approaches them.
Stepping into what appears to be a living room, he glances round to clock the layout of the room, noting the furniture placement as well as the location of windows and doors. He really hopes nothing confrontational will be happening but he stills wants to have a plan, just in case. His gun sits on his hip, a comfortable and reassuring weight, and he even stashed a knife on his body. All those thoughts come screeching to a halt when he meets the eyes of the other occupants in the room.
The two blonds sit on the larger couch, in the middle with the smaller girl snuggled tightly into her mother's side. Despite being told and having seen photo evidence Nick is still surprised by how big Diana is, especially knowing how old she is and having held her as a baby mere months ago. She eyes him somewhat warily before looking up at her mother and he follows her eye movement.
Adalind looks the same and yet different. His memories have her as brash and combatant, all sleek blonde hair, power clothing and adversarial vibes, while from their dreams he knows her to be softer, blonde hair in waves and showing her care and focus in all her actions. Deep blue eyes that hold so much emotion and give him a sense of the magic that she is, and that he feels when they are together.
"Nick," Adalind says softly, standing up and he steps forward to greet her.
"Adalind." He can't help but wrap his arms around her, as they have done so many times in their shared dreams but never in person, not until now. The feel of her is familiar and yet more, heat spreading into him from where they touch and magic sparking along his senses. He takes a deep breath, her scent familiar if also slightly lacking in something and he gives her a squeeze, letting her know he's there. A little giggle breaks them apart and Adalind steps back to reveal her daughter, sitting shyly on the sofa behind her and looking at the two of them.
"You remember my daughter, Diana," Adalind says and he gets a wave and murmur of his name before the blonde ducks her head down.
"Hi Diana," he replies quietly before becoming aware of the gazes fixed on him, almost drilling holes in the back of his head. He can feel his mother's stare, intent and questioning while also the almost approval coming off of Henrietta, even as her curiosity also lingers. He meets both of their gazes, trying to remain impassive as well as give a slight warning, before stepping to the side, so he can introduce their guest.
"Adalind, this is Henrietta. Henrietta this is-"
"Your Hexenbiest." The older woman states and Nick tries not to cut his eyes towards Adalind to see her reaction to those words. "It is a pleasure and curiosity to meet you." Henrietta greets and Adalind offers a smile in return.
"It is an honour to meet you and we are gratified and beholden to you that you would give your time to such a venture." Nick stares as he hears the words come out of her mouth and can't help but shoot a look at his mother, who's keeping a keen eye on the conversation. Henrietta laughs.
"Oh, you have been trained well. But we are among friends here, yes, and so we do not need to follow all the formalities that have come before." She turns to take a seat and he sees and hears Adalind release a breath of relief. She sits down next to Diana again and though the air in the room is more relaxed now, he doesn't feel settled enough to sit himself. He does take a few steps back, placing his bag by the side of his feet, and sees his mother copy the movement so they stand at right angles to the two seated Hexenbiest facing each other. He feels like he's a sentinel and has no problem keeping lose and ready to move if needed.
"And this is your child?" Henrietta asks and Nick feels impressed that even though she has to have heard Diana's name, she waits to be introduced before using it. Adalind strokes her hair and the little girl looks up at her mother before peering around the room.
"This is my daughter, Diana." Adalind says and Henrietta leans forward, eyes keen on the young girl and taking a deep breath.
"Oh, you are special indeed," she murmurs. Diana tilts her head and returns the older woman's studying gaze before her eyes begin to glow purple. They continue to just stare at each other and the air becomes heavy with a sense of building power. Whether that's a good thing or not, Nick can't tell.
"Diana, honey," Adalind strokes her hair again and speaks softly, gently gaining her daughter's attention. Diana blinks several times, the purple light fading out, and that heavy feeling in the air reduces until it becomes just a hum in the background.
"She like us, mama," she says and Adalind nods.
"How extraordinary," Henrietta breathes out. "I have never, in all my many years, felt such a thing. What power. How marvellous."
"Marvellous?" Adalind snaps, her tone sharp and distressed, before shaking her head.
"Perhaps we could speak elsewhere for a few moments?" The older Hexenbiest requests, Nick hazarding a guess that she doesn't want to talk about Diana in front of the young child. He sees Adalind glance down at her daughter before shooting a look at him and then Kelly.
"Do we still have the terms of our agreement in place?" He asks, gaining everyone's attention. "No one will cause any harm to any one else and we focus on having a decent, helpful, peaceful conversation?" All the women nod in response to his words so he catches Adalind's eye and gives her a reassuring smile.
"We can take this to the kitchen," Kelly suggests and then they all look at Diana. She gazes up at the adults in the room and wiggles closer to her mother. Adalind herself hugs her to her side and he knows that she's indecisive about what to do next. It really should be an adult's only conversation, especially as they may be talking about things Diana shouldn't be aware of, not yet in his opinion, but he knows that Adalind leaving her daughter on her own, even just in the next room, with a stranger in the house will be a struggle for her, let alone how Diana might feel about it.
He shifts awkwardly on his feet, unintentionally calling attention to himself and feels all their gazes on him. He meets Adalind's eyes first before looking down at her daughter and then makes a snap decision, bending down and picking up and presenting the bag in his hand to her.
"I got you something," he says quietly and the little girl looks up at him. "I uh well, one of the guys at the precinct said this was pretty popular and I thought it might be something nice for your mom and you to do." He pulls out the book and attached doll and presents them to her. Her eyes light up at the doll and he quickly unclips it for her reaching hands. She holds it up for inspection, carefully looking over it, before turning to see the book.
"It's called Room on the Broom," he adds. "It's about a witch who loses some things and the friends that help her along the way, working together as a team." She takes the book, looking from the cover and back to him several times.
"What do you say honey?" Adalind prompts her and Diana looks back at him.
"Thank you, Nick," she murmurs before handing the book back to him and then plopping back down on the chair behind her, eyes fixed on him and looking somewhat expectant. He looks between the women in the room, feeling a bit bewildered, and it's his mother who huffs out a laugh.
"Well, read it to her Nicky!" She exclaims, obviously sensing an opportunity to move things along while keeping everyone happy. "We'll just be in the kitchen, catching up," she says and leads the other women from the room. Adalind pauses, clearly still a bit uncertain and he does his best to shoot her a reassuring look. She seems to understand and accept it, as she bends to kiss Diana's head and give them both a smile before leaving so it's just the two of them. He pushes his own unease aside, this being his first time alone with Diana, walks and sits down next to the young girl who blinks up at him. Clearing his throat, and banishing his nerves, he props the book open on his knee, so they can both see the pictures and words, and begins to read.
"The witch had a cat and a very tall hat …"
-G-
With the rumble of Nick's voice in the background, Adalind makes her way to the small kitchen where Kelly and Henrietta are sitting opposite each other at the small table.
The atmosphere is slightly frostier and she can tell from the look on her face that Kelly isn't ready to trust the other Hexenbiest just yet. Neither is she, but she has an awareness of who Henrietta is and the power at her fingertips. If anyone were to have an idea about what was happening, it would be her.
"I want to thank you again for making the trip to meet us," she starts as she takes her own seat and tries to relax, even if it's just slightly, so her senses can have a respite. There is a lot of tension in the air and she knows Henrietta can sense the tendrils of heightened emotion in the air just as she can.
"This is a situation I could not pass up. Simply discovering a Grimm like Nicholas, let alone your entanglement and now your daughter, well this is something I have never encountered before and I am most curious about it all."
"Entanglement?" Kelly queries, leaning forward in interest. Henreitta looks between the two of them.
"You did not know? How curious. You and your Grimm seem to be entwined; I could sense it from the moment the Grimm came to my home. Your magical signature is woven with his own, though it is not overtly so. Most would probably not sense it, but I can."
"What does it mean?" Kelly presses as she sits there, eyes keen and paying close attention.
She knew something was going on, had questioned it herself when this had all started. Then had come to accept and even rely on it. Seeing and talking to Nick in such a way had been enlightening, learning about someone she had seen as an enemy but had discovered was so much more. Discovered more about herself at the same time. Plus, she really did think those shared dreams had helped keep her sane, another point of connection in her world that had otherwise been the same four walls and her daughter and a woman she barely knew but was trusting to keep them safe.
"There is more going on here than we know," Henritta says cryptically and Adalind shares a look with Kelly,
"That's not helpful," she replies, slightly exasperated and the feeling is not improved by Henrietta's elegant shrug.
"I cannot tell you what I do not know," the older witch states. "There is what I can sense and what I can deduce from that, as well as using the knowledge I have gathered from my time on this plane of existence." She stops to take a deep breath. "But this was not the reason you reached out to me. And I have never sensed before what I felt when I connected, ever so briefly, with you daughter. There is more here than meets the eye." Adalind shares another look with Kelly and quickly thinks through all their conversations had in preparation for this meeting. All the discussions and debates and what they had finally agreed they would say to the Hexenbiest.
"My daughter was conceived and then exposed to outside influences of a very powerful nature. It has had side effects that we are still discovering," she says slowly and meets Henrietta's steady yet enquiring gaze.
"Well, a child between a Hexenbiest and a Grimm has never been-"
"Nick isn't her father," Adalind interrupts quickly.
"Oh? My apologies. Who is the father?"
"Not a Grimm," Adalind says and gets a raised eyebrow. "But they are a member of the royal family, of the house of Kronenberg."
"Ah," Henrietta breathes out and leans back in her chair.
"Sean sent you to me?"
"I had heard of you and Sean had mentioned you, that you helped his mother when they first came to the states after having to leave Europe themselves, but no, he did not send me. He does not know we are here or that I have contacted you."
"Does he know he is a father?" She asks next, obviously reading between the lines, and Adalind can't read her voice or the emotion it contains.
"Yes," she replies hesitantly. "But not that we are back in the states or anything else about Diana."
"I see. This does make things more interesting and much more complicated. From my knowledge of the royal family, your child would be the first to be born in the next generation and so, would be highly valued. Hence, perhaps, the presence of Grimms, hmm?"
"We are helping to hide and protect the child, yes." Kelly confirms and Henrietta nods.
"The royal family are aware of your child?"
"Yes, and from what we have been able to gleam, they are still interested. The resistance also had a hand in the escape but intentions became questionable and so, we came up with a different plan." Kelly explains briefly.
"I understand your wariness and why you are being vague in our conversation. But if I am to truly help you then you will need to be more forthright with me." She sits back and stares at them as Adalind and Kelly both look between her and each other.
She has come to another moment where she has to trust her gut and instincts and decide whether to bring Henrietta into their situation fully. It's more this time, as before she had at least some awareness and supportive action to give evidence that placing her trust with either Grimm would not be misplaced. It was still more of a jump than she was comfortable with, even though both have proved her faith in them was warranted. Now though, she has only hear-say and the tale of a Hexenbiest helping another, helping a friend in their time of need with their child. She's not sure it's enough but Adalind is also unsure they have another option. They need help and information, both which Henrietta could provide.
"Perhaps if I told you a little more of myself? Then you would see that I hold no threat to your child," she glances at Kelly. "Or anyone else in this house." They both nod.
"I was born in a different time and place, where your station in life was much more important than most anything else. Growing up that way taught me many things, including that those who seek power and authority over others are most often not those best suited to such a purpose. Being a Hexenbiest means I am intrinsically attracted to power, as I am sure you are well aware," she nods at Adalind. "And I spent time with many families of power, including the house of Kronenberg. It was not a pleasant time for me and I would not wish my experience on any other, hence my willingness to help a friend who became embroiled in a similar situation. I will always help another Hexenbiest, help other Wesen, and I most certainly will do all I can to thwart those that come from that bloodline." She ends with a curt nod, almost as if to emphasise her words.
"That's some story," Kelly comments.
"I have spent the years that have passed since, improving myself and my power, as well as learning all I can about what our kind can do. It is why many send their children to me when help is needed, I have taken the time so now hold more knowledge." She settles her eyes on Adalind. "So, I offer you my assistance now. I am most curious about all that I have learned so far but please know that I do not wish any ill towards you, your daughter or your Grimms. This has the potential to be world changing and if it keeps a certain family unsuccessful in their goals, well that will certainly be worth my time."
"So, we have your allegiance as long as we let you lead on the supernatural side of things and keep a certain family pissed off," Kelly summarises and Henrietta lets out a laugh.
"That is one way of saying it," she hums. "But I do not need to take the lead on anything, my quest for power is satisfied by my knowledge and ability to pass it on to the next generation. I will live on in all those that I have helped."
"And how would you help us?" Adalind asks.
"From what I have sensed and the little you have said, first I would suggest we do the Anzahl der Zellgeschenke, which will give us a better idea of what power levels your daughter has. We can discuss next steps after that."
"When could we do that?"
"I brought everything with me, so it could be done now." She jerks a little at that and Kelly shoots her a look but she can't explain her reaction. She remembers doing this test when she was younger, knows it is painless and will not affect Diana in any other way. There's just something she's unsure about, but perhaps that is from being so cautious with everything to do with Diana that she remains wary of anything that could impact her. And finding out the strength of her daughter's abilities, and allowing Henrietta to bear witness, she feels well within her rights to want to be careful.
"Then, we do it now?" Kelly asks slowly, checking with her and she sighs her agreement.
"I'll go get Diana," she says as she stands up. "Plus, we will need to get some food cooking soon."
"I brought the things needed for cookies," Kelly adds in and it makes her smile.
"Oh, did you?"
"I thought it might be comforting for Diana, as she does like to bake them,"
"And you like to eat them," she shoots back. Kelly shrugs and smiles but doesn't deny it.
"It also helps to show what Diana is capable of already," she adds in softly and Adalind pauses, nodding in agreement, before leaving the kitchen. It feels lighter in the hallway, as if she's being granted a breather from the heavy conversation that just happened and a small respite before what is next to come.
Nick's voice is deep as he reads through the rhyming words, interrupted frequently by Diana's giggles, becoming louder as she moves closer to them.
"Again!" She demands and Adalind can see a smile tugging at his lips even as he plays being put out. She can't help but pause in the doorway to watch them, sitting so close together and looking calm and happy.
"Again? Are you sure? Sure you want more?" More giggles fill the air as he drags the words out as he says them.
"Mama, look!" She squeals as she spots her in the doorway, leaning forward and holding up her new doll. "My witch!"
"I can see," she says, stepping closer and holding out a hand to request the doll.
"Buzz off! That's my witch!" Diana pulls back with a laugh and hugs her doll close. Adalind raises an eyebrow at her daughter then at Nick who shrugs somewhat sheepishly.
"It's a line in the book," he explains and holds it up. Diana rolls closer to him at the action, pressing her face into his arm and looking at the book.
"Again!" She repeats but Adalind interrupts her.
"Maybe later, honey, first we have some baking to do." At first Diana's face starts to fall but then she lights up at the mention of baking. She's up from the chair and on her feet without another word.
"I found your tall witch's hat, you know," Nick murmurs as they move towards the kitchen.
"Did you?"
"Mm-mm," he hums. "Didn't think much of it at the time but now I'm picturing something very different." A grin stretches across his face and she flicks a finger at him so he feels a slight impact on the back of his head.
"Behave, or you'll never get to see said witches' hat in action, let alone me wearing it," she mumbles and tries not to think of the double entendre her words contain. She catches Nick's grin and blushes before re-focusing on the room around them. Both Kelly and Henrietta have amused looks on their faces and she rushes to gather the ingredients to get Diana, and herself, back on task.
"Cookies mama?" Diana asks.
"Yes honey," she replies. "But we're not just cooking today, we're going to do an experiment too." She looks over at Henrietta and sees she already has the needed items in front of her. She still feels incredibly nervous about potentially exposing her daughter to more people who could become interested in her but they do need answers. And she remembers going through a test like this herself, though she was much older and had more understanding of what was going on.
"Ex-per-ment?" Diana echoes, looking up at her.
"Yes, child. Something to tell us about your magic," Henrietta supplies in explanation and the little girl nods. Adalind drags over a chair for her to stand on to reach the counter, having not thought to bring her usual step stool with them, and Diana clambers up. Henreitta produces several vials and stands to bring one to her, Adalind holding her around her waist and giving her a hug as the older witch pricks her finger and lets a few drops of blood fall into the glass vial.
"There, all done." She exclaims and Diana blinks.
"Mama too?" She asks and Henrietta bestows a warm smile on her.
"Of course," she eases and produces another vial. Adalind nods and allows her finger to be pricked just the same as her daughter.
"Nick too?" Diana adds in and all the adults share a look before Henrietta smiles even wider.
"Now, that would be an experiment," she comments and offers a third vial towards the only male in the room. He shoots a glance at her and she tries to offer him the same reassurance he gave her not long ago. He steps forward and holds his finger up and the older Hexenbiest tries not to look too gleeful as a few drops of dark liquid fall from his fingertip.
"And Nana Kelly?" Diana calls and the older Grimm gets to her feet, copying the movements of the others and shooting Nick a smile as he raises an eyebrow at what Diana is calling her.
Henrietta is all smiles as she concentrates on her task, clearly delighted at how the events have gone so far. She puts caps on all the vials after mixing in several different things and then lines them up on the table, putting little cards next to each clearly labelling them as to whose blood lies within.
"Now cookies," Adalind announces and re-focuses on her daughter's favourite activity, getting them back into their more usual routine as well as allowing Henrietta a glimpse at what her daughter can do.
They chatter as they would normally do, Kelly joining in, and Diana seems happy and unaware of the other presences in the room. She herself can't switch off from the sense of the two additional people, Henrietta feeling like a heavy weight on her peripheral, neither negative nor positive, just solidly there and Nick … well, that's a different feeling altogether.
She could feel him as they approached, a tingling in the back of her head that built until it morphed into the sensation always present in their shared dreams. And it's stayed there, on the edge of her awareness and made her be constantly aware of him. He's always had a presence, something about him that made him stand out. It's not like he's particularly tall or built or attention grabbing in any obvious physical way, but there is something there. Like by looking at him you can tell there's more to him, a strength in the lines of his body and a power in his stance. She's been on the other side of that power, had its full focus aimed at her and it is definitely better to be where she is now, protected by that power and being kept safe by it. Plus, the view she gets of him now is far better and much more enjoyable.
Henrietta asks some questions as they continue and Diana answers when she can, slowly getting more comfortable with the other witch and showing she doesn't seem to have that problem at all with Nick, involving him whenever she can. It does mean it takes a lot longer to make the baked goods than usual but as long as Diana is enjoying herself, then she's happy too.
"Ta da!" Diana exclaims as she shuts the oven door with a wave of her hands and gets a laugh from the Grimm's in the room. She peers through the glass panel to check on the baked goods inside, even though they've only just been put in to cook.
"I'll start on dinner while we wait for those to cook, and they can cool while we eat and be ready for pudding." Adalind says and Diana smacks her lips together at the idea of cookies for pudding.
"Sounds like a plan," Kelly says. "Do you need any help?"
"Help mama?" Diana echoes and Adalind smiles.
"No, I've got it honey," she replies and the young girl nods before turning to face Nick.
"Again Nick!" she announces, grabbing hold of his hand and pulling to take him back to the sitting room and another repeat read of her new book. She catches Nick's smile and grins herself before turning to face Henrietta.
"So…?" She starts and then trails off, unsure what she wants to ask first.
"Her abilities are impressive, especially given her age." She starts. "We need to give time to the Anzahl der Zellgeschenke, to allow it to syncretize and then I will be able to tell you more." The words make her think that they haven't even told Henrietta Diana's real age, which would change a lot. They've covered a lot and at the same time barely scratched the surface that is her daughter.
Kelly asks some of her own questions to Henrietta as she moves around the space, prepping food and she listens as they talk and share some experiences with the more colourful characters they have both encountered previously. She is grateful for the reprieve on the heavier topics, as much as she wants answers it's turning out to be more of an emotional toil than she thought.
At one point she requests both Kelly and Henrietta's help so they are all moving around the kitchen as she calls for Diana and Nick to come back for food. They arrive with Diana in Nick's arms and Adalind pauses to take the sight in and fix the picture they present in her mind.
"Er, should it be doing that?" Nick asks and they all look to him, to see that he is pointing to the one of the flasks on the table. As they turn, one froths and bubbles to the top of the vial before exploding, the cork going up into the ceiling as a hole is blasted into the table beneath.
Nick spins into motion, pulling Adalind to his side as he shifts Diana around, putting her and Diana bodily behind him as his mother pulls Henrietta back on the other side of the table.
"Oh my," Henrietta says into the silence.
"I take it that's not supposed to happen," Nick asks and gets a very empathetic shake of the head in return.
"Bang," Diana murmurs and Kelly lets out a laugh. Henrietta steps closer to investigate as the two Grimms relax their stances, Kelly joining her as they both bend down to inspect the table. The hole sits next to the slightly singed card declaring Diana's name. Looking closer they can see Adalind's vial is also frothing, not far from touching the cork as well, but so is Nick's. Not as high or frothy but definitely bubbling.
"Fascinating," Henrietta says, eyes alight as she studies the contents of the table.
"What does it mean?"
"Let's eat first," Adalind cuts in, pointing to the plates of food. Diana pats at Nick's shoulders and he lets her slide down him so she can touch the floor. Henrietta carefully moves the other vials off the table and Kelly shift mats and plates around so the hole is no longer visible and they can pretend it's a normal dinner between family and friends.
Kelly offers to give Diana a bath so once again her daughter is distracted and she and Nick settle back into their chairs as Henrietta bring the vials back to the table.
"The Anzahl der Zellgeschenke worked and gave me a lot of insight," she starts before fixing her gaze onto Adalind. "You have not been completely honest with me. I can tell there is more to your story, and your daughter, than you have told me." Adalind can't help but duck her head down. She feels Nick shift next to her then his hand lands on top of hers. She turns hers over and links their fingers, taking the comfort he offers, as she brings her head up to look at the older Hexenbiest. "If you truly want my help and I am to be as honest and forthright as I can, then I need to know everything."
"I lost my powers to Grimm blood," she begins slowly and sees Henrietta's gaze flicker to Nick. "I regained them using the Contaminatio Ritualis and completed the ritual while pregnant." Silence greets her words and Henrietta leans back, bringing her hands up to steeple under her chin as she studies them both. They sit like that for several minutes and she fights the urge to fidget, instead gripping Nick's hand tighter in her own.
"That makes this picture clearer and correlates with the results of your tests. You lost your powers and regained them, in essence rebuilding what you once had and so are stronger now than you were before. In essence, you have enhanced your Hexenbiest spirit, which has then filtered down to your child. Your daughter, a child with a Hexenbiest for a mother and partial Zauberbiest for a father, already would have inherited significant abilities from that combination. But to have also been influenced by the ritual as well? She will have power even I cannot predict which may manifest in unusual ways."
"It already has," she confesses and haltingly tells Henrietta about the power surge and growth spurt they had been through.
"We have seen a mere indication of her power," Henrietta says as she points to the damage done to the table. "But I must warn you, from my very limited experience, that power like this at such a young age … a child's body is not meant for such abilities so circumstances like what you described would be necessary for her to survive; otherwise she could burn out and cause her own destruction." She lets out a sob at the description of what could happen to her daughter and feels Nick wrap his other arm around her.
"What can be done?" He asks.
"If I have understood the situation right, then you daughter is a Hexenbiest by birth and also by ritual. She would have two spirits inside her. If one was to be bound, then she would experience her powers in a more normal, natural way though still more powerful than the average Hexenbiest."
"Bound?"
"By using the blood of the parents, it is possible to create a barrier, a support if you will, inside the child that can be used to supress gifts that are too much, or in cases where the child is ill-equipped to handle their abilities. It has been used in the past in cases of mental illness and trauma."
"Would it hurt her?"
"No, on the contrary it may very well ease any effect having her powers at this age are causing, or will." She pauses before continuing. "I can see this is a lot to take in and you have much to think about. If you wish, we can continue this conversation in the light of a new day?" Adalind just nods absently and watches as Henrietta inspect the little vials again before she is called by Kelly to see to Diana after her bath.
-G-
The rest of the evening is quiet, both Adalind and Kelly helping to settle Diana in to sleep and Henrietta choosing to retire to her bedroom early as well. With only three rooms, Nick volunteers to take the couch, it making more sense, at least to him, for him to be in that space than anyone else. It allows for Adalind and Diana to share, Henrietta to have her own space and a room his mother can use, and come and go from, as she needs. She gives him a quick run-down of her ideas of securing the house and he adds in his own viewpoint, and they quickly agree a schedule to have one of them be awake during the night, just in case.
He meets Adalind in the kitchen as she fills a glass of water and they talk in low voices, keeping it casual as the evening had already been full of heavy topics. It's nice to just be with her in this quiet moment, just for a while, sat at the table and finding out more about each other.
"I guess I should turn in," Adalind says eventually and rises from her seat next to him. She puts her glass in the sink before moving past him. "Good night, Nick." Her steps hesitate and then she's leaning down, pressing a swift kiss to his cheek before straightening again. He grabs her hand as she goes to leave, standing as he pulls her back to him. Her head is down and he cups her cheek with his other hand, bringing it up so they meet each other's eyes.
There's a moment of stillness, eyes locked and trying to read the others intentions. Awareness of her and how close she is settles on him then he's using his right hand to pull her closer while the other angles her head for his kiss.
It's soft and tentative and oh so sweet. He closes his eyes tight as he presses closer and feels her hand grip his tighter, fingers twisting together, as she responds. They break apart to stare at each other, a small smile on her lips and his own quirk up as well.
"That was…" she starts and he hums.
"Yeah."
"I mean, I think-"
"More," he interrupts and sits back down, pulling her onto his lap and kissing her again, lips parting and tongues meeting as they press closer. He lets go of her hand to grip her waist, the other hand sliding along her jaw before sinking into her hair to hold tight. Her own rise and grasp his hair, tugging gently that evokes a sensation that sends a thrill down his spine and makes him moan. He slants his lips so he can kiss her deeper, explore her mouth and take in the taste of her. Feels a hum start between them as his body comes alive with her closeness and her touch. He has just enough state of mind not to pull her any nearer, aware of how hard he is already and how that might take them somewhere they're not quite ready to go.
She pulls away with a gasp, breath panting against his ear as he ducks his head to kiss her neck and suck softly at the skin there. Memories from his dreams flash in his mind and he thinks the reality is so much better.
"Nick," she gasps and he pulls back to look at her, absurdly happy at her dishevelled state because of him. "Wow."
"Yeah," he breathes and leans forward to kiss her again, less wild this time but still just as intense. He pulls back and they rest their foreheads against each other, breathing in each other's air.
"So…" she starts and he chuckles before letting her ease back slightly. The hand still in her hair twists some strands around his fingertips and he feels her stroke the hairs at the nape of his neck in response.
"We have some things to figure out," she says softly.
"We do," he agrees.
"I've thought about doing that a lot," she admits.
"Me too."
"If this … if we …" she stutters and then sighs. "We should make sure this is about us." He nods and presses a gentle kiss on her lips.
"We can do that," he agrees. "We have time, we can figure this out. The two of us."
"Us," she repeats with a smile and initiates another kiss. It starts slow but then her fingers dig into his skull and he pulls her closer again and then they are full on making out in the kitchen. Trading breaths as tongues meet and they press closer to each other. Heat builds under his skin and sparks of magic seem to swirl around them. A noise upstairs makes him pull away and they just stare at each other as she regains her breath. Moving slowly, she slides off his lap. Taking his hand and squeezing as she steps away from him.
"Good night, Nick," she says again and he brings their joint hands to his lips, pressing a soft kiss there.
"Night Adalind," he lets her go and waits a moment, allowing his body to settle down so he can move comfortably, before making his way to the sofa in the lounge. Laying back on his bed for the night, he wonders if he'll get to continue what just happened in his dreams.
-G-
AN – I don't normally beg, but please, please let me know what you think! This kiss was one of the first scenes I wrote for this fic and I really want to know what you think! Also, a lot of info in this chapter and a bit more of my take on the Grimm-verse and lore. So please review/comment and give me your thoughts!
-G-
P. S – I looked up the Hexenbiest blood test from the show but couldn't find much about it so came up with my own terminology for it. Anzahl der Zellgeschenke is German for cell power count, as I am using the process as a test for the power held in one's blood, and so can indicate your abilities.