Chapter Summary: Nick deals with Taymor and meets Renard's darkest Agent, he and Renard remove the last secrets between them.

Notes:

Răsplata divină - "Divine Retribution (Romania)

A Not So Welcome Home

Nick's bike was outside waiting, grabbing his helmet he flipped it on and kicking the stand away he took off towards the address he'd checked out earlier. As he pulled into Taymor's driveway he could hear him panicking as he was packing up in a hurry. Pulling off his helmet he didn't bother hiding his face, as he pulled his blades from their holsters and approached without even bothering to hide it.

Taymor's head was buried within a large heavy safe as he was shoving large amounts of cash into a duffle bag, Nick gave out a hearty laugh making Taymor stop and spin round with a growl.

"YOU!" Taymor's anger got the better of him as he woged letting out a roar that barely fazed Nick as he just looked down at his blades.

"This is all your fault, yours and that pompous royal half breed" he growled making Nick look at him unfazed, though in the inside he was confused at the comment but before he could question anything Taymor lept at him.

They fought hard as he knew Taymor was out for blood, he was a gladiator Lowen after all so this was till death. Taymor got in a few lucky shots in, even catching him on the upper arm cutting through his good jacket, and a small wound on his cheek. Nick kicked him in the chest sending him flying back against the safe, he pulled himself up and once again went for Nick but he and Nick were both shocked when he impacted another man who was stood between them.

Nick got to his feet and took a defensive stance until the other man raised his hand and showed Nick a small token that bore Renard coat of arms, standing down he looked at the man and waited for his orders while Taymor raged hurling insults at the man and Renard.

"This one is guilty of transgressions against this Canton and it's Prince, he has been warned and punished within its laws but still he has continued on with his actions. It is by the ruling of the Prince that he be delt with within accordance of the canton's rule of law, as your affiliation with the prince is fledgling within this canton do you stand against this Grimm?" he ask emotionless as he looked at Nick, while positioning Nick between him and Taymor.

Nick realised that this is for Nick to defend his choice either way fairly. For a moment silence fell as a smug look fell upon Taymor's face, he'd heard the same rumours about the Grimm that many had. He saw him as weak and easily swayed against the Prince's violence. He'd been amused when he'd first heard about his arrival and had been waiting to see how long it would before the Grimm would have turned on the Prince.

Nick looked at Taymor and then back at the man before he moved himself so the man had access to his target, making Taymor's face fall in shock as he panickily looked at Nick.

"This is not by my own moral choice, but this is the law of this canton which you have bent, broken and disregarded. You have openly disrespected it's ruler and mocked him among your pride spreading your dissidents among them, so for this reason I stand with the Prince and will not interfere" spoke Nick emotionlessly.

He looked the other man in the face and nodded, Taymor panicked and tried to flee as the other man woged and moved inhumanly fast. Taymor didn't stand a chance as he was upon him, the screams though muffled, the sound of bones breaking and the wet noise that followed didn't last long. As the silence followed Nick turned toward the other man as he soaked in Taymor's blood approached him, he cleaned his hands and offered it to Nick.

"I like so many other's had my doubts about our Prince's trust in you, I'm glad to see I was wrong. Consider my vow of loyalty extends toward you too Grimm, one day you may have need of my skills and to you I will give them" with that Nick took his hand.

"Now go, this is my burden to bear. Go to our Prince, you both have been apart far to long" his words spoken were soft and he smiled at the Grimm who bid him goodbye.

Renard was beyond weary as he found opening his door was too much effort, with Taymor missing (he'd get a full report off his people in the morning) and his pride mostly delt with he'd seen Hank off to the hospital and headed back to the station to file the paperwork. With only a few hours left until dawn he'd order all except for Hank who was on leave for the next few day to stay home tomorrow, entering his apartment he was taken off guard at the smell of fresh coffee and food in the air.

Drawing his weapon, he headed toward the lit kitchen but soon found his weariness leaving him at the sight before him, Nick was busy making food in his low-slung jeans, a white vest top that clung to him in the right places to show off a body sculpted from years of hunting and fighting. His feet were bare and his hair wet indicated he'd not long showered, while a kitchen towel hung over his shoulder and he hummed away to himself.

"I thought that was you I saw in the arena" spoke Renard softly as he came up behind Nick, wrapping his arm round his waist and burying his face in his neck.

Renard stood there for a moment silently, he didn't want to break the spell. It had been lonely with out Nick around and as much as he hated to admit it the young Grimm had brought a warmth to his empty life that he'd rather not lose again.

"Thank you for saving my Officer today, I presume that you helped deal with Taymor too?" he questioned from within Nick's neck, the slight movement that indicated a nod was all he needed.

"I'm glad your back, I dare say I missed you" spoke Renard quietly, almost afraid of what his words might mean.

Nick stopped cooking and turned to face the older man; he could see their separation hadn't been kind to him. He could see the weight of his actions and decisions pushing down on the older man, genteel but in full command he snaked his arms round Renard's neck and pulled him down for a kiss. No words were spoken between them only their actions conveyed the emotions they both had no words for between them, Nick had to admit he too had missed the older man. The life of a Grimm was a solitary one so finding the one who completed you was rare, his parents had for a brief time and if the stories were to be believed so had his aunt so he knew it was possible.

His thoughts were quickly dispelled as Renard's abused and exhausted body gave out and he involuntarily slumped forward, Nick's flight or fight kicked in instantly and he caught the taller male before he hit the ground. Maneuvering him to the couch Nick sat Renard down before finally looking him over,

"What the hell Sean?" he questioned.

"I'm fine Nick" Renard answered until Nick's examinations fell upon the barely visible wound upon his hand, holding it up he gave Renard a questioning look.

"Răsplata divină?" asked Nick as Renard looked at him.

"Divine Retribution?" Nick once again questioned Renard who's head was pounding.

"So, you met Father Emilio then?" he asked making Nick involuntarily shudder at the memory.

"He's a useful asset but not one I call upon often, Taymor forced my hand" Renard winced as he spoke.

"What about the rest?" asked Nick as Renard looked confused making Nick half growl half sigh as he rubbed his head.

"It's clear as day your barely able to stand let alone function, I've seen men heavily poisoned, bleeding out and after seven day straight awake with more energy then you? I'm aware the Răsplata divină is a dangerous ritual for humans, royal blood or not but it shouldn't have sapped your strength this badly?" questioned Nick as Renard found himself between a rock and a hard place of his own making.

He'd been keeping one large secret from Nick; one he wasn't ready to yet share with him but he found himself with no choice. He was just worried about the ramifications of it coming out for both him and his canton. Maneuvering himself to sit up he looked Nick in the eyes and summoning up what little strength remained he briefly woged before snapping back with a groan. Nick stood before him his features schooled but the shock could be read within his eyes.

"Taymor took a firmer hand to deal with, twice he was approached by captain and then by prince and twice he resisted. Father Emilio was my last option before involving you" he spoke weakly as Nick's features softened and he came to kneel in front of Renard taking his hand.

"So, you exhausted yourself using your already limited gifts against a fully grown Lowen with an attitude, only to then to evoke the Răsplata divină ritual? Your lucky not to have killed yourself Sean" Nick's words were full off worry making the older man wince at his decisions over the past few days.

For a moment Renard considered arguing his case, but his body was too warn out, he also was weary of pushing Nick too far since he'd just discovered his true nature. He had yet to address what it was going to mean for them both. The thought of losing Nick over this had Renard's guts in knots. He hated himself for falling so easily and so quickly for the younger man, but at the same time he refused to live his life alone anymore. Nick sensed Renard's emotions given that his barriers were fully broken and for once no secrets sat between them, pulling him closer Nick kissed him once again before speaking.

"This changes nothing between us Sean, I was taken back at first but it's not going to make me run away. I'm not that kind of Grimm and certainly not that kind of man" Nick said sweetly as he got up and retrieved the forgotten food from the side, bringing it to them he encourage Renard to eat before cleaning up and guiding them both to bed.