Family Ties Chapter Thirty-Five
-G-
AN – I'm sorry to have disappeared for a while! It wasn't intentional, some things happened at my work and I'm currently doing two jobs, due to some unexpected circumstances. It's been an adjustment, including working a hell of a lot more hours, and seriously eaten into my writing time. And on top of that, this chapter really knocked me about, as it's a lot of threads being pulled together before the final chapter, which only needs editing and then it'll be up. Then this story, that has become so much to me, will be finished. Eek! But first, let's check in with everyone, shall we?
Still a lot of medical talk in this and I'm still not a doctor. I have researched this as much as I can, but as before, please allow for some artistic license if there's anything glaringly wrong, Thanks!
I do not own any characters or stories from the tv show Grimm. Some dialogue is lifted from various episodes in Season 3 and Season 4. No infringement or copyright is intended. It's all for fun, no profit being made here.
-G-
Taking a deep breath, and feeling a whole new mix of emotions at calling his ex while sitting and holding the hand of his current partner, who once targeted his ex and put her in a coma leading him to sitting very similarly, Nick dials the familiar number and waits for it to connect.
"Nick?" She greets questioningly, after picking up on the fourth ring.
"Hey Juliette, how are you?" He has to clear his voice so it doesn't sound strained and remind himself not to immediately jump into questioning her. If his theory is right, then she could be a lot closer to this situation than he ever wanted her to be, as well as potentially be in danger.
"I'm ok, ah, you?" She sounds the same and Nick stumbles through a reply, trying to keep things normal and polite before he possibly has to sound like a jealous ex and questioning her about her new partner.
"Look, I have some questions to ask and I just need you to answer honestly and trust me, ok?" He spits out in the end and hears her huff of surprise on the other end of the line.
"Nick, what?"
"Please Juliette," Nick repeats.
"Alright," comes her response, but she still sounds hesitant.
"Your new boyfriend, what's his name?" He asks quickly, thinking that's a fairly innocent place to start.
"You want to know-what?"
"Please, his name," Nick repeats.
"Alun, Alun Lyon, why?" The name isn't exact, but is definitely a play on the man's actual name, so he considers that close enough to warrant further investigation. It's definitely a piece of evidence to use, either way.
"And you met when he rented the house across the street?" He recalls their past conversation, while also thinking that's a prime spot if you want to keep an eye on someone without raising any suspicions.
"Yes, Nick, what is going on? Why are you asking?" She sounds worried now and Nick takes a deep breath, thinking quickly of what he can say that isn't a lie, he doesn't want to lie to Juliette, but that also isn't the complete truth either. She doesn't need to know all the details, knowing could in fact put her in more danger than she is already, potentially, in. Plus, that would bring her right back into the Grimm side of his life that she wanted not to be part of.
"I hate that I have to say this, but we're investigating him, we think he's a suspect in a kidnapping and aggravated assault case." Nick says as calmly as he can. It's true though, if this man is who he thinks he is, he did kidnap three people off the street and was then involved in the violent happenings as they tried to escape and were then rescued. If he had anything to do with Adalind's condition and the loss of the baby … well, Nick has a cold rage inside that he'd be only too happy to aim and that would definitely be a first and final meeting with the royal.
"Oh my god," Juliette whispers.
"When did you last see him?" He asks next, trying to get his mind back on track and get any information that could be useful to them.
"Ah, a couple of days ago," she replies. "He said his work was getting a big contract in so he might be busy but that he would ring me as soon as he was available again."
"Has he mentioned much about his work? What he does or where he goes?"
"Just that it involves a lot of travel, that he's been to many places in Europe and this was one of his first times in America. He said he thought he'd be sent to somewhere a little bigger, like New York, but that he was happy he ended up here. That parts of Portland reminded him of his home, where he grew up, in Luxembourg." Her breathing stutters. "Nick, I really don't think this is right. Alun is so kind and caring, he's always so patient with me and has let me set the pace as we've gotten to know each other. I can't see him being involved in something that sounds, well, so violent."
"He is only a suspect at this time," Nick allows, even as every fibre in his being says he's right about this man's true identity. "Do you have a photo of him?"
"We're not really at the stage of taking pictures together yet," Juliette replies and her phrasing sends him back to a time where she was similar with him, in those first stages of a relationship, and the memory of a friend taking their photo together at a party and how afterwards she'd been so happy to have it. Simpler times.
"I understand," he replies. "Listen, I don't want to worry you but I do need you to be aware. Try to keep things as normal as possible and if he does contact you again, or if you see him around the house, whenever that happens, respond or act as you usually would, but then contact me after, as soon as possible. Can you do that Juliette?"
"Yes, ah, yes, I can," she says, her voice becoming firmer. "Nick, do you think he did those things?"
"Juliette-"
"Nick, please," she presses. "I know this is awkward, and it's probably making you feel a mix of emotions, but this is me. Please, tell me." He sighs and glances around the room before his eyes come to rest on Adalind again. She's still so … still. Then the memories of what Juliette looked like come, as well as how she woke up with no memory of him. His finger involuntarily tightens around Adalind's and he has to take a deep breath and shake that thought, and fear, away. This isn't like what happened then. Adalind and Juliette are two very different people, in two very different situations. He thinks of his ex, the last in-person conversation they had, how Juliette had been angry, having overheard of his relationship with Adalind, and tried to throw her new relationship around, and how things had turned out now. Still, he never wanted to hurt her and he still doesn't wish to see her harmed now.
"Yes, I do," he says softly. "We've found some evidence that he's been tracking these individuals for a while and the timing of that evidence and his arrival in Portland, it certainly paints a picture."
"Individuals? As in, what happened was to more than one person?" She sounds shocked and Nick closes his eyes at the slip.
"Juliette, I can't say more, not without potentially harming the case we need to build against this guy. I just … I had to ask you and then, wanted you to know."
"No, that's alright Nick, I understand. Thank you for telling me, I'll be on the look-out and I'll let you know when I next hear from him, or next see him at the house."
"Do you still have your gun?" He asks next, on impulse.
"I do, it's still in the same safe spot as before," she replies and Nick nods, even though he knows she can't see him.
"Good, I really hope nothing comes from this, but Juliette, make sure you have quick access to that, just in case, and remember what I taught you."
"I will, Nick."
"And ring me, with information, or if you need anything else." He adds in, aware he's putting a lot on her but feeling like he has little choice, this is the best lead they have, and possibly the only one that can't be traced easily.
"Alright, I will, thank you Nick." She ends the call and he drops his head down, letting his forehead rest over his and Adalind's joint hands. As awkward as that was, he's glad Juliette still listened to him and didn't get too defensive. Their relationship may be over but he doesn't want to see her hurt, especially from something that has potentially only happened to her, or involved her, because of her link to him.
He feels the pleasant tingle of magic at the increased touch, the connection between him and Adalind, and he focuses on it for a moment. Letting everything else fade to the background, the sounds of the machines, the heavy feeling of the air and the scents of being in the hospital, and tries to sense more, sense her. She's there, he knows she is, but there's still a slight disconnect. The magic is there too but it lacks something, feeling very one sided at the moment. Which, he supposes, it is.
Would he see her if he slept? They'd connected that way from the beginning, at first by chance and then more and more by design and want, he'd managed to find her there, in their joint dreams, when she'd been in trouble before. Had brought her back then too. Could he? It's a tempting thought but it also brings worry too, for what if he let go of her hand when he relaxed to sleep? Would that cause a scene like earlier, if his touch and their joint hands lost that physical link? He doesn't want to cause her any harm, or set back in her recovery.
His phone ringing jolts his thoughts and he looks to see who is calling. Renard. The surge of anger he feels isn't surprising and he watches as the phone lights up with the incoming call, debating whether to answer it or not.
"What?" He snaps as he answers on impulse.
"Don't take that tone with me," the reply comes sharply and Nick feels his face tighten with his emotions. "I want to know what's going on."
"Oh, so now you want to share information?" Nick snarls. "None of this would have happened if you'd done that in the first place!"
"You want to hear that I made a mistake? That I shouldn't have done that? Fine, that's what happened. It's not like you have been totally honest with me either! This goes both ways, Nick." There's anger in his voice too but he finds he doesn't really care about the captain's emotional state, especially as it's almost entirely his own fault.
"My actions didn't land anyone in a hospital bed!" Nick near shouts and, becoming aware of his voice rising and not wanting to attract any unwanted attention, he takes a deliberate deep breath to try to calm down. "Everything I've done has been to protect all those involved. And, for your information, I've been the one saying you should be kept informed, which is something I'm regretting now."
"Look, we need to-"
"We?" Nick questions angrily. "What 'we'? Last time I checked you were very much working on your own."
"Which is what I thought was best." The captain answers, tone tight but controlled once more. "Now, the only thing to focus on is that my family don't get their hands on my daughter again. They'll be even more determined now, which means they'll be more dangerous."
"I'm aware of that," he replies. "And we're working on something that will make sure that danger is minimised."
"What's the plan?"
"You expect me to tell you? After what you've done?" Nick asks incredulously.
"I can help," he starts and Nick doesn't hide his disbelieving snort. "Don't forget that I know them, I know how they plan and what they'll aim to do next."
"Which would be?"
"From what I've been told, and can fill in the rest of the picture of what happened, you delivered a blow, and did take out a significant number of their manpower, but they'll have more near-by. They'll be reorganising and regrouping, aiming to hit you again while you're still recovering, especially if you stay in a public place that is easily accessible. They get Diana again, and target you-"
"You think Diana is still here?" He asks waspishly and hears the intake of breath from the other end of the line.
"Then where is she?"
"I'm not telling you that! She's somewhere safe, that's all you need to know. Otherwise, you just need to concentrate on staying away." He states firmly, resolute in that being what is best for everyone involved.
"Nick, I can help-"
"You've helped enough," Nick snarls again. "Now you need to not interfere and not cause any more problems. We have a plan and I'll let you know when it goes ahead, not for any help, but so you can stay the hell out of my way."
"Nick-"
"No, you want to get back in my good books? Prove you can actually listen for once and do as I say. If we have any questions, give us a straight answer and let us deal with this. Then, and only then, will you have any chance of having a serious discussion about what we do next and how we all move forward regarding Diana."
"She's my daughter," Renard bites out. Nick feels his hand clench around the phone and his fingers tighten around Adalind's. That fact is undeniable but so is the element of who her mother is and how she was conceived and brought into the world, as well as every action since. He may be biased but out of her two parents, only one seems to have put Diana's well-being and safety first since her existence was discovered by the wider world.
"That you put in the most immediate danger she's been in since she was born," Nick says back harshly. "Not exactly the actions of a loving father. You want the chance to have that relationship in the future? Prove it now by stepping back."
"And let you do what?"
"I'll keep you informed if you need to be," he answers after a long pause and can hear the growl of displeasure on the other end of the phone. "I'm going to do what I have to do, to give Diana the best chance of being, and staying, safe."
"That doesn't sound like what you're planning to do is on the legal side of things," the captain says. "I can help from my position as captain. Remember, you are just a detective."
"Well, I guess it'll be a good thing that the Grimm is taking the lead here," he snaps back before disconnecting the call completely. Blowing out a breath he tries to not focus on the anger and annoyance the conversation brought to the forefront and just get his head back on track and focused. He sends messages to Wu with the details he got from Juliette, as well as asking him to look for any potential surveillance in the area, then debates contacting Henrietta before deciding he doesn't have much more to add, and it is getting late. He doesn't want to disturb any of their rests, they need it and he especially doesn't want to incur any worry by ringing in the middle of the night.
He meets the night nurse as they come on shift, checking on the machines Adalind is still hooked up on, making notes on her charts, and enquiring if he'd like to get anything to eat before the cafeteria shuts down. Its at that point Nick's stomach reminds him loudly that he hasn't eaten in hours and the look on his face must show his unease at leaving Adalind, as the nurse kindly offers to pick something up for him. What they bring back isn't what Nick would consider the best meal he's ever seen but eating it settles his stomach and as his hunger is curbed another need takes the lead, as his eyes feel heavy, his blinks get slower, and he realises just how long he's been awake. Shuffling closer to the bed, and twisting his arm around Adalind's, trying to keep their touch consistent and hoping it's enough, Nick lays his head down on the bed, giving in to the tiredness.
He falls into a restless sleep, his dreams filled with Adalind, but only images of her, no meeting happening that night. Instead, his mind combines what he knows of her injuries, with the faces of those involved and details of previous crime scenes, mixing it all together to give him nightmarish visions that has him jolting awake to make sure she's still there, whole and safe in front of him, and that their hands remain connected. After several cycles of that he settles in to staying awake, knowing just watching her breathe and seeing the colour return to her face will bring him more respite than attempting to sleep again.
The hospital changes around him, going from dark and solitary to lighter and busier as a new day begins. Nurses come in to check, smiling properly at him now, and talk of the improvements that they can see, on Adalind's face as well as on her monitors, and how the doctor will surely repeat that, when they do their rounds. He texts Trubel for an update on his mom and gets a similar message back from her, though she promises to keep him up to date if anything changes. Nick types out several messages to the younger Grimm before settling with a simple, but he hopes also comes across as heartfelt, thanks to her and gets an awkward acknowledgment in reply. He remembers talking about finding out if they were related, back before Monroe and Rosalee's wedding, and thinks if their communication efforts are any indicator, then they definitely are.
His phone goes off just as the night nurse tells him that the shift change is about to happen, wishing him, and Adalind, a day of improvement and he picks up after he thanks her.
"Nick, it's your mom," Trubel greets and he sits up straighter. "The doctor's just been in, they say she's shown massive improvement and they want to start weaning her off the medication that's keeping her in the induced coma. They say her vital signs are looking really good, stronger than anticipated, and they want to move ahead. They can't predict when she'll wake up, but with the activity they can read, they think it could potentially be within the day." She talks quickly and Nick expels a deep breath.
"That's good, great news," he mumbles out, repeating it all in his head.
"Yeah, the doctors were really quite impressed," Trubel continues then drops her voice down. "They were surprised at the speed, saying she's showing signs of increased healing so I was wondering, do you think it's part of her being a Grimm, you know, helping her heal faster?" He hadn't considered that before but now it seems obvious. He himself has found that he heals faster from injuries, and he's sure his mother has mentioned something before about how Grimm's do have increased recovery capabilities, to help combat all the fighting against Wesen they have to do.
"I think that's a very real possibility," he confirms. "Which means you'll have to be careful and watch what is said, there could be questions if anyone gets suspicious about her recovery rate."
"I can talk around the doctors," Trubel states. "I'll keep you up to date with any other changes." She promises before continuing, only hesitating slightly as she asks. "How's Adalind?"
"Nurses checked on her throughout the night, she's made some improvements but she's still in a coma. Just waiting for the doctor here to come do their morning round, then I'll know more," he replies and she meets the news with a gentle reminder of staying positive before they end the call. He repeats it to himself as he stares at Adalind, though he can't help but feel bolstered by the news of his mother. He hopes it's all upward from here, and that the Grimm blood comes through and truly helps his mother in her recovery, as well as improve the rate of it.
When the doctor does make it in, she's quick and efficient, checking all of Adalind's vitals and then questioning him on how the night went before leaning over and shining a light into her eyes. There's no reaction that Nick can see but the doctor lets out a pleased sounding huff.
"Well, good news is that all her readouts are improved from yesterday, with some significantly stronger. There's also strong presence of neurological reflexes, which gives a really clear indication that the brain is increasing its activity levels and possibly, coming out of the low functioning state that we label as a coma. I'm going to start her on a small amount of pain medication, just to help in case these improvements mean she wakes up faster than anticipated, as she did have significant injuries that will cause her discomfort, but shouldn't cause any increased drowsiness or impede her ability to transition into alertness on her own." The doctor outlines and he listens intently.
"What about the … the baby?" The word feels almost foreign on his tongue but her can't help but grip Adalind's hand tighter as he asks.
"I'll order the tests to check, as pregnancy would mean we would use different drugs, but the small amount of pain medication I'm prescribing is safe to use for pregnant women, just in case. I do feel the need to warn you that with her condition, it's highly possible the tests will confirm the initial prognosis of the pregnancy having failed." She smiles softly at him and Nick offers her a quiet thanks as she moves to leave the room. It's still fairly early, but with the two doctor's visits, and the news they brought, coupled with his mostly waking night, he already feels like most of the day has passed. Now he hopes that, as the times goes, both of their conditions will improve with it.
Which for his mother, it does. Trubel sends frequent updates, and calls him so he can listen in as the doctor treating his mother talks of her remarkable recovery rate and how all the medication keeping her in the induced coma have now been stopped. It's a very quick turnaround, which they are all cautious about, but the physician can't deny the results they are seeing. They talk about time periods, and how patients usually respond after being kept in such a state, but as his mother only received the drugs for a shorter amount of time than anticipated, they theorise that she could wake sooner than usual. Trubel promises not to leave her side and Nick feels his spirits buoyed by the news.
Talking to Monroe also helps, with his friend well on the mend and feeling his own mix of emotions after the events that happened. Nick thinks he's in the best place though, as by the sounds of it, Monroe is being spoiled by Rosalee, as well as having his own mini nurse in the form of Diana. She might not always be getting it right but her enthusiasm and care seem to be lifting Monroe's spirits, along with Rosalee and Henrietta, as they settle in at the house to keep the young girl safe and wait this out, as well as give the Blutbad time to rest and heal.
When his phone goes off next it's to a much more welcomed person on the other end.
"Hey, Wu, what you got for me?"
"Alun Lyon and Kenneth Alun Goderich Bowes-Lyon appear to be the same person. Alun Lyon does hold the rental agreement for the house across the road from yours, I mean ah, your former residence and while the paperwork does not require a photo to be kept on record, we all know how awesome I am so I got images off the nearest traffic camera and was able to match them and so place the man we know as Kenneth in the vicinity. It's not one hundred percent, but with what we have, I think we can safely say he is our guy."
"Can you keep surveillance on the house?" Nick asks next.
"I can try, but that might involve going to the house and I'm not sure you'd want to do that. I've collected the license plate of the car he was in and have an alert on that, but this camera is only for the general area. We can gather all the movements he makes from that but it doesn't necessarily mean the house is where he's going, just that he's in that area." Wu explains and he considers that before nodding.
"Yeah, I think it would be best to leave going near the house for now, we really don't want to give them any kind of heads up that we're on to them. And whatever we can get from that camera, well, it's more than what we have so far. Every bit of info we can gather on him, and anyone else with him, will help us."
"I'll keep on it," Wu promises. "Also, we've kept an eye, Hank and I, on the, ah, property that was visited and have seen that the scene was discovered. I can't do much more yet, it is outside our jurisdiction, but I will try to stay as up to date as possible on that, just in case anything comes from it."
"Thank you, Wu, that really is going above and beyond," Nick states. He looks up as the door opens and the doctor comes in, holding some papers in her hand. She pauses when she sees him on the phone and Nick nods at her, holding up a hand to indicate he was just finishing the call.
"Hey, Wu, I've got to go, but let me know any further developments." He says and gets Wu's agreement before he cuts the call and puts his phone down. "Sorry," he murmurs but she just smiles at him.
"No need to apologise. I have the test results, which I wanted to give you straight away but I'm afraid to say they are inconclusive. They indicate a lower level of hCG present in Miss Schade's blood than previously noted, but we are still detecting the hormone, however with the new lower level, it would not be declared an active pregnancy. There are various reasons why this could be happening, but at the moment I cannot give you confirmation either way. I will be adding this to her chart, so we can be aware during any future treatments and will recommend that we do more tests, further down the line." He ducks his head down, feeling the small kernel of hope that had remained dwindle further.
"What you said before though, you thought it wasn't likely," Nick says hesitantly, looking up at her.
"In my honest opinion, based on her injuries and our knowledge of what they body can survive in circumstances like these, I would say it's possible that she was in the extremely early stages of pregnancy and, due to the trauma, it became unviable." She gives him a soothing smile, an attempt at softening the blow her words hold, and continues. "However, as the tests cannot confirm this, nor can they confirm an active pregnancy, then we will be cautious in our approaches to treating her moving forward, though if it becomes a question of using life-saving treatment, we will proceed to act with Miss Schade as the only patient we are treating. I'm sorry I can't give you any more of a definitive answer."
"Yeah, I understand, thank you," Nick mutters, trying not to show his agitation at the non-answer, and she leaves once more. Without thinking he drops his head and runs both hands through his hair, pulling harshly at the strands, but then the cold hits him as the machines in the room begin to beep and he realises with a start he's taken his hand out of Adalind's for the first time in hours. Quickly, he shifts back to scoop up Adalind's hand and feels the comforting warmth, as well as hears the difference his touch brings her.
"Sorry," he murmurs, giving her hands a quick squeeze. "I didn't mean to let go, I just … I don't know. Hell, how am I supposed to tell you this? After everything you've been through and now, we possibly …" He trails off, not even wanting to say it out loud. It hurts, and yet there's also a small part of him that doesn't want to accept it, even though he knows the doctor is probably right and that what Adalind went through would be a lot for a body to recover from, let alone a tiny bunch of cells that are just forming together. Partly him and partly her. He shakes his head, not needing those thoughts and tries to focus on the other situations going on, that he can do something about.
His phone goes off again and Nick sighs, considering for a second what it must have been like to live with him and experience this, before shrugging it off and answering the call.
"Monroe, everything ok?"
"Ah, not really. I hate to be ringing you to talk about this now," Monroe starts and Nick sits up straighter. "We've been contacted by the Wesen council operative, the one we were kind of working with? Well, they wanted to know why we've kind of, just disappeared on him but also, he's heard of a Wesen related event that he wants our help with."
"What kind of event?" Nick asks, a feeling growing in his gut.
"The kind that saw multiple Wesen deaths, and the involvement of the Verrat," Monroe answers, voice tight.
"They've heard of the crime scene," Nick mutters.
"Ah, yeah, and they want to ask us about it!"
"They have no way of knowing we had any involvement in anything that happened," he starts, thinking it all through. "Unless they had eyes on us, which is highly unlikely as the last time we had contact they were putting together more operatives to come help with the Wesenrein, which we now know was faked by Renard to get us away from Diana. They don't know that and, through their own channels, may have heard of a local incident, which involved a lot of Wesen. It wouldn't be out of the realms of possibility for someone to describe that scene as a massacre. We just have to keep our story straight and everything will be fine."
"And what exactly is our story?" Monroe enquires and it comes to him quickly.
"We were with the captain," he says. "Attending the funeral and then private grievance ceremony that was being held for a dear friend."
"Oh," Monroe expels a surprised breath. "You know, I think that might actually work."
"It will," he states. "The captain isn't going to contest it, and if the look it up they can find out that both of those events happened. But I don't think they will, they've come to see us as a local unit that works well and keeps informed so are probably just using us to get more information. From everything we know, I'd be really surprised if more comes from this but if it does, we'll deal with it then." Maybe he's being a bit too blasé about this, but he honestly doesn't think they'd be at the top of any suspect list, especially with the work and relationships the Wesen council operative has been privy to.
"Ok, alright, shall I say-oh! Ah, Nick, there's someone else here who really wants to talk to you, like right now, as in, the phone is vibrating in my hand, hang on Diana, here-" Monroe's voice trails off and there's some muffled sounds before a familiar voice comes over the line.
"My Nick!"
"Diana, hey kiddo," he says warmly.
"My Nick, ok?"
"I'm ok, Diana, are you? Are you helping to look after everyone at the house?"
"I help cook!" She states proudly and it brings a smile to his face. "My Nick, mama? Nana Kelly?"
"The doctors are still helping them, but they're getting better," he replies, looking at his fingers curled around Adalind's.
"Home?" She asks next and his face falls at not being able to give her any good news.
"Not yet, mama and nana need to stay at the hospital a bit longer. But you get to stay with MoRo, Rosalee and Henrietta, and I know you've been having a good time with them."
"MoRo, stories," she chatters then launches into the latest tale the Blutbad has been telling her. He can't help but bring his phone up so it rests near Adalind's ear, hoping that she might be able to hear the excited tones of her daughter's voice, and it would bring her some comfort, or maybe some spirit to continue to fight and get better.
"That sounds wonderful Diana, I'm sorry to be missing it," he says as she trails off. "I hope to be with you soon."
"My Nick," she murmurs before the line goes fuzzy and then Monroe is back.
"Is she ok?" Nick demands.
"She's ok, well, she goes up and down," the Blutbad explains. "Which is understandable, I mean, the three people she knows best aren't here, and we can only say so much when she asks. We're doing our best to keep her distracted, and she's got a thirst for knowledge, let me tell you that, but it's a lot. I don't mind, it gives me something to do, rather than just sit around, as Rosalee is being very strict with following what the doctors said I can do. She is rather special."
"Thank you for helping," Nick says and Monroe huffs.
"It's a pleasure, she really is an amazing little girl," he states before enquiring what is happening with the fallout of their run in with royals. Nick launches into what he, Hank and Wu have been looking up and what he tentatively has planned in how to deal with the royals that are left. He stresses that he wants this to be an absolute message and that it will be definitive enough that no other member of the house of Kronenberg comes after Diana again.
By the time he's done talking to Monroe, and having checked in with Henrietta and Rosalee, as well as talking to Diana one more time, his voice is slightly hoarse and he's feeing exhausted. The nurse comes to check in again and its only then, when he realises he's got several missed calls from Trubel. Ringing her back doesn't get a response and worry erupts in his gut at what could be happening, that she would ring him so many times and now wouldn't be answering. He's ringing her again when the door slides open and a figure lingers there.
"Nick," Trubel calls from the doorway and he looks up, startled, to see her standing there.
"What are you doing? What's happening? Why aren't you with my mom?" He asks quickly, getting to his feet as she just stands there and stares. Her only reply is a small smirk before taking a deliberate step to the side and he sees who's behind her.
"Nicky," his mother greets softly, her voice hoarse and half of her face still covered in bandages but her other eye is keen and focused on him. She's sat in a wheelchair, looking pale but alert and her smile is a welcomed sight.
"Mom," he gasps out, taking several steps forward before his hand tugs at the distance, unable to keep moving and stay connected to Adalind. Trubel pivots and helps wheel his mother forward and he can't help but lean over and hug her fiercely. She embraces him back just as tightly and for a moment that's all he's aware of, his mother's arms tight around him, his ears easily picking out the sound and rhythm of her steady beating heart.
"How are you feeling?" He asks as he pulls back and scans her from head to toe.
"Ah, fine," his mother answers dismissively and he can't help but arch an eyebrow at her. "Alright, a bit banged up. That was a hell of a fight. But we did it, got Diana out. Trubel says she's safely hidden again?"
"Yeah, she's with Henrietta, Rosalee and Monroe."
"How is the Blutbad?" She asks, her tone full of fondness towards Nick's friend.
"On the mend, his shoulder was hurt pretty bad but he's doing ok," Nick replies and sees his mother nod before her eyes shift over to Adalind in the hospital bed.
"And how is she?" She asks softly and Nick gulps.
"Doctors say her injuries were pretty significant and she fell into a coma. There's been some improvement, this helps," he states, holding up their joint hands. "But they can't say much more until she wakes up."
"Okay," his mother says quietly, her eyes turning back to him and sweeping over his whole frame. "And you?"
"Me?" He looks at her before shrugging off her enquiry. "I don't matter." He twines his fingers with Adalind and focuses on her, seeing her anew with all her injuries, though he can't help but eye her mid-section.
"Nicky," his mother's voice reprimands him, bringing his attention back to the room, and they lock gazes. The space around them falls into an awkward silence, with only the machines emitting any noise.
"I'm fine," he says but his voice catches and his mother's head dipped towards him. She narrows her good eye and they fall into stubborn quietness, on both their parts.
"Ah, I think I'll just go get some food," Trubel speaks up as she looks between the two of them. "I'll bring something back for you too." Nick nods but otherwise says nothing as he and his mother continue to stare at each other, and Trubel leaves the room quickly.
"There's something else," she says into the silence and he can't help but look away. She wheels herself slowly closer as she stares closely at him and it's like he can feel the intensity of her gaze. "I can tell, what aren't you saying?" He gulps and looks down, scanning over Adalind's still body and lingering at her stomach, before glancing back up at his mother.
"There were indications of … of pregnancy," he starts, voice quiet. "But they haven't been able to confirm and the doctor said, with the trauma she went through, her injuries and, they said, they'll run the tests again but, they're pretty sure there's no baby, that it wouldn't have survived, what she went through," He stammers and hears the harsh intake of breath his mother takes. He looks up then and she holds his gaze for a moment before moving herself closer to him and wrapping her arms around him in a hug.
A sob catches in his throat and he gasps, squeezing Adalind's hand even as he ducks his head down into his mother's neck. Tears prick his eyes and he lets the grief he feels show, along with every other emotion that has been swirling inside him, having held it in so far but feeling his mother's familiar hold around him, after fearing he'd lost her, again, brings it all to the surface.
"We … didn't know," he breathes out into the space he's burrowed into. "And … I want it back. Even though it wasn't planned, oh, it feels horrible to know it's gone and we lost it. That she was hurt that badly, that that happened …"
"You're allowed to feel that way, Nicky," his mother murmurs. "It was a shock that turned into sadness. One of the ultimate sadnesses. Just because you didn't know at first doesn't take away from that. I'm so sorry." One hand comes up to stroke through his hair and he lingers there, in the moment, where he can just be a son getting comfort from his mother. After another minute he pulls back and blinks rapidly before meeting her eyes again. The expression on her face is soft and one he hasn't seen in years.
"Thank you," he rasps then clears his throat.
"I'm here for you Nicky, whatever you need. I'm not disappearing again," she states and he nods.
"But you do have some injuries to contend with," he replies and gestures to her bandages. "Did the doctors say anything more?" She wheels herself back, just to give them both a little space, then launches into what the doctors said. She's not being released from the hospital yet, but had managed to convince them to let her move around. Nick feels grateful for that, but slightly daunted by the long descriptions of what she has to face moving forwards. His mother is as practical as ever though, and states everything with that capable determination he's come to associate with her. She might have a long road ahead of her but she'll meet it, and rise above it.
It's saddening when she has to go back to her room for the night, as Nick doesn't really want her to go, and she gives him another tight hug before promising to return in the morning. Trubel is told she won't be allowed to stay in the room again but the look she shoots Nick tells him she'll find a way to stay with his mother. The same night nurse returns, bringing him a much better selection of food to eat for dinner and he thanks her heartily for it. She says more positive things about Adalind but with no other improvement noted, Nick feels slightly dejected though he tries to keep thinking of all the positives the day has brought him. And there have been, she may not have woken up but everything else is a step forward in her recovery. Then there's his mother, who has woken up and is seemingly herself, with the obvious injuries aside.
Falling asleep that night is easier, his mind and emotions perhaps slightly more settled due to his mothers improved condition and actually being able to see, and feel, her. There's no connection in his dreams again, but no nightmare-ish visions either and he wakes to the chime of his phone and a tingle in his fingertips.
"Hank?" He asks blearily, trying to stretch his back while both of his hands are occupied.
"Hey, how is everyone?" Hank asks and he details the good news, and not so good, quickly before asking how their research is going.
"We had a bit of a run in with captain," Hank starts. "But he actually backed off and we haven't had any further interruptions from him. Otherwise, we've been scanning pictures through and getting as much information as we can on the group we think are at your old house, and any others that may be gathered. We have a rough number of eight, and all have been sighted on the camera close to the house. That seems like their meeting point, at the moment at least."
"So, we have the sight of where they are," Nick comments. "It gives us our targets, all in one place, and in an area we know."
"What exactly are you considering?" Hank asks.
"I'll let you know when we next meet, face to face," he says, not wanting to say over the phone. "But it will be a very clear, direct message. I might need you to pick up some things from the trailer for me."
"I'll do it partner, but just know, you don't have to do this alone," Hank replies and while Nick thanks him, he also knows that, for this situation, he really does. He's not sure his inner self, that cold that still simmers deep inside, would accept anything else.
He clicks his phone off, leaning back as he pictures the house and surrounding area, as well as the possible layout, with it being almost identical to the house he and Juliette shared. It's homefield advantage for him and he's going to use every lead he has, to make sure this ends here and no one else gets any other ideas in the future.
Fingers twitch against his.
His whole focus shifts to Adalind and he watches her intently, as he barely dares to breathe at what it could mean, at what he just felt. He wraps his fingers softly but firmly around hers and feels a jolt as hers twitch in his again.
The movement, slight as it was, brings hope to the forefront but also bolsters the shimmering rage. Those that did this to her are going to pay. They are going to regret the day they decided to come to his town, after his people, and try to take an innocent child from their mother. They shouldn't have come and he's going to ensure they never have the opportunity to try again. Pulling his phone towards him, he thinks through everything they've found out so far and what they can put into motion now. Hitting re-dial on the number brings none of the feelings from before, now he's focused and knows exactly what to say.
"Juliette? I need a favour…"
-G-
Dark.
Dark and cold.
It's all she knows. There's a strange absence of pain, which instead of being reassuring is worrying, because there is an absence of anything. No sense, no feeling, nothing. She is surrounded by darkness and the absence of any warmth. All is black, everywhere, all around, and it covers her until that's all there is. She is lost and there is nothing more, nothing to see, nothing to do, but fade away.
Fade into the black.
Except … then, there's something.
A spark, a touch, a streak of something. It feels familiar and powerful, yet comforting. This is something she knows. This is something she yearns for.
Then it's gone and the darkness comes back and it feels final this time, drawing up and all around, swamping her as it saps her of everything she is. She has no energy, there's nothing left of her to fight and she sinks, fast and deep, into the dark.
A bolt blasts through her, fast and hot, leaving warmth and light trails in its wake. Pushing the darkness back. The light glimmers and grows, becomes more. It doesn't fade, it stays with her and builds, pulsing inside and bringing awareness, thoughts and feelings. It flushes through her and she knows this feeling, recognises the spark and magic. Heat spreads and chases away the cold. Pain comes, as awareness of her body filters back to her, but it's kept at bay by the presence of power and care and something more. Pathways inside her light up, as energy travels through her and brings strength to everywhere it touches, gathering in her stomach and forming a pulse that settles low in her belly and stays there. More heat spreads, magic heightens and it all adds together, until she has an awareness of the lines of her body and a sense of herself once more. It's sluggish and slow but there, and she is no longer lost in darkness and no longer dulled by the cold.
Pressure comes, or has been there, a grip light but secure on her hand, and as her feelings grow, she can sense it more. Her fingers twitch and are gathered up, surrounded by familiar strength and sparks, and this time, when darkness comes, she knows she has light to guide her back.
-G-
AN – Let me know your thoughts!