Fic: [NR] Mix of Dark Minors and Sunny Majors [1/14]
Mix of Dark Minors and Sunny Majors
Word Count: Chapter 1: 3,050 ; [48,282 total]
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Nico/Dani-Possibly. Eventually?
Spoilers: References something from 1x07 and 1x11.
Disclaimer: don't own. Don't profit. Don't … a lot of things
Summary: She'd be willing to bet the Nico of reality was somewhere between her good guy and his evil one but he wasn't ready to see that just yet. "Nico, I work on feelings and intuition. Of course I see the potential. You work in cold facts and realities that aren't pretty so you see the bad. In order for music to be beautiful, there has to be a mix of sunny majors with the dark, harsh minors."
Author's Note: So, you can blame or credit, jeer or cheer brokenroots & goodisrelative for this 92-page (20+ chapter) fic. Brokenroots started me thinking about NR fic (go read hers, it's better) and then they both beat me up to get more. Please note, this fic is done. finished. fin. over. ended. ... that doesn't mean there might not be a sequel. at least a "Sunday Supper at Mama C's" [you'll meet Mama C in a much later chapter]
She'd say she was getting better at controlling her reactions when he snuck up on her-except that she still flinches. She figured he was taking perverse pleasure in doing it now-except his eyes never give him away.
-%-
"What is it now, Nico?" Dani smiled and pushed the hair out her face as she looked up at him. It was pointless to tell him she was on her way out.
"I know you are on your way out, Doctor Santino, but one of the players is in the coach's office. We would like for you to speak with him." Nico's answer was to the point as he took her elbow and guided her back around.
He listened to the staccato clicks of her heels picking up speed as her pace quickened to keep up with him and he almost considered slowing down his pace. He never, though, considered her next action one she would take.
Dani jerked her arm free and stopped suddenly. "No."
Nico blinked. This wasn't her usual banter about boundaries and lack of scheduled appointments. He turned to see her looking into the coach's office. Her eyes, usually clear and easily read, were clouded with something he couldn't quite put a finger on-but if he was a guessing man, he'd say something between fear and revulsion.
"Dani, he is being charged-." Nico started.
Dani's eyes hardened as she moved them to focus on the man in black standing in front of her. "If you or this team made anything he has done disappear, I'm done with you, this team, everything." Her voice was low but steel. Then she turned on her heel and walked away.
This was the first time she got Nico to flinch and she didn't even witness it. He let her go; he knew he could find her at her house later tonight. Entering the coach's office, he took a good look at the man sitting in the chair.
"Where's Doctor Dani?" Coach asked, frowning.
"She'd already left." Nico stated then turned his narrowed eyes on the player. "Tell me exactly what happened." He kept his eyes on the player and watched for the tells.
Twenty minutes later, Nico turned to the coach. "He's done playing for us. Not only will these charges not go away, he'll stand trial. And he will be found guilty. Not even Doctor Santino can help with this mess." He eyed the player. "I imagine we'll find others he has sexually harassed, if not assaulted-on our staff as well. That Doctor Santino can help with." Turning to fully face the player in the chair, Nico glared. "You have ten minutes to clean out your locker with security present. After that, they'll throw you out and we'll mail you anything else that belongs to you."
Xeno materialized at the door and Nico waved for him to take the player out.
"You don't have -." The player started to sputter.
Nico didn't bother with words, he let the violence in his eyes tell the other man just what he thought of him.
Coach sighed. "Talk with Doctor Dani about how to handle this with staff. I'll have a team meeting in 15 minutes, after he is gone." He held up a hand to stop the other man's words. "I'll stress that we tolerate none of this. Ever."
-%-
Nico knew something was wrong as soon as she didn't flinch as he materialized out of the darkness on her back porch late that night.
"How long have you known?" Nico asked quietly. He didn't do soft.
Dani sighed, turning her head to look at him. "Almost two weeks. I took her to the police. But then I guess you know that. I can't imagine the Great Nico Careles not knowing anything concerning the Hawks." Her words turned harsh-hurtful.
Nico glared, not liking the implication. "You know I would never sweep anything like this away."
"I know, Nico." Dani stated softly and looked away, embarrassed she was taking her fear and frustration out on the one man she knew would take this situation seriously.
"Then why did you not come to me?" Nico asked as he sat next to her on the stairs. "Why did I get a heads up yesterday just before the charges were leveled?"
"Lins. He threatened to hurt her." Dani whispered. She still couldn't bring herself to look over at him.
That was the second time she made him flinch. "He will be found guilty. I will find others."
Dani looked over at Nico at violence in his quiet vow. "He had one of the training assistants up against the wall when I came around the corner. He didn't even hear me as I approached. I saw red, Nico." She sighed.
He stayed silent, knowing she needed to tell this her own way.
"I know I should have turned and got security. Got you, but I couldn't leave her there with him any longer." She turned to look back out into the darkness before she continued. "I slammed into the back of his knee then pulled him back on his ass. She had enough time to get free and down the hall."
Nico's eyes darkened with fury but he kept his touch soft as he reached over and put his arm around her shoulders, offering silent support, knowing he was not going to like the next part.
"He grabbed my ankle and took me down. As he 'helped'," she spat the word, "me up, he groped me and told me any trouble from the team or you and he'd find Lindsay." Dani finished. She leaned her head on his shoulder. "You came around the corner and pulled me into one of TK's issues. Later I found her apartment, we talked, I brought her to the police station, stayed with her through that and the rest of the night until her sister came the next morning. I had Ray take the kids that night."
Nico frowned. He remembered the incident in the hall. He could recall thinking there had been more to it but TK's issues had a way of becoming all-encompassing and front page. "I should have-."
Dani turned and put her finger over his lips. "Stop. You cannot know everything-despite what everyone, including you, thinks. You are not omniscient."
Nico eyed her with his patent half smile. "That's blasphemy!"
Dani smiled over at him. "Probably, but it is still true. You'll see this get fixed in as many ways as you can. I'll work with the female staff and the team. You'll make sure he goes to jail. I'll make sure Lins and I take a self-defense course or three. You and Xeno will make sure he goes nowhere near Lins and Ray Jay. Then we'll all put this behind us."
Nico blinked then allowed a full smile. "Ma'am, yes, ma'am!" That earned him an elbow to the ribs-he gave her the grunt. "I'll find you the self defense course. You'll only need one but it'll be a multi-night one that's the year. Good ones aren't short."
Dani smiled. "Sometimes your mysteriousness and superspy-ness are good things." She could admit it now. "Never when you sneak up on me, though. That is never a good thing."
"Xeno will be around tonight; just as a precaution." Nico stated. "And many appreciate my stealth."
Dani sighed. "Thank you. Tell him to knock on the back door at 7 AM and I'll give him coffee and breakfast for his trouble." She straightened. "I need to talk to the kids. Can you stay for that?" She didn't want to ask but she knew the kids would feel safe if they knew Nico was around. He might scare the shit out of them, but they knew he could protect them.
Nico nodded. "I can. Now?"
"Yes." Dani remained seated while Nico stood.
"You did right, Dani," Nico stated softly and held out his hand to help her up.
Dani looked over at the outstretched hand and then up at the man. "Then why does it feel like I failed?"
Nico knelt in front of her. "You did the only think you could to help the young woman and keep your daughter safe. That is not failing."
Dani nodded. "Thank you, Nico." She offered him a small smile.
"Just stating the obvious, Santino." Nico smiled as he stood up and offered his hand again.
Dani shook her head with a smile as she reached out to take his hand. "Let's go scare the kids."
Nico chuckled softly and followed her inside to find both kids seated at the kitchen island.
"What's going on? We haven't done anything." Ray Jay was quick to speak up.
"Lately." Nico stated drily.
Dani bit back her smile and motioned for Nico to take a seat. "I know you both haven't done anything recently." She bit at her lower lip, debating how to start this conversation, before focusing on her two kids. "Nico's presence is only to convince you everything will be fine." She took a deep breath and started right in. "One of the players was sexually harassing a couple of the female staff. I helped two of them-one who was assaulted and one who was harassed-go to the police about the player's actions. As a precaution, Xeno will be stationed outside the house and will bring Lindsay to and from school." She watched her children's faces pale and hated herself for bringing them into this evil. "It is for my peace of mind."
"Nothing will happen with Xeno around. I am also setting up a self defense class you will need to fit into your schedules. Ray Jay, do you want in?" Nico spoke up then.
"Cool." Ray Jay nodded.
Lindsay looked from her mom to the man in black who scared the crap out of her and knew entirely too much. "You promise you'll take care of her?"
Dani opened her mouth to say it wasn't Nico's responsibility, but Nico held up his hand to silence her. The question was to him and he could field it. "I promise I'll take care of her, Lindsay. I will do everything I can to keep both of you kids and your mother safe. That also means that the three of you have to be aware of your surroundings: don't go out alone. You three need to be smart. And you need to think."
Lindsay nodded. "I will. I'll probably have at least two more friends who would like to take the self defense course. If that's okay?"
Nico smiled. "Of course that is fine, Lindsay."
Dani went around the island to hug her kids. "Ray Jay, Lins, I'll be careful. I promise. I just want you two safe." Her kids hugged her and she offered them a smile. "Now get upstairs and go to bed. You have school tomorrow and it is already way too late!"
They gave her smiles, nodded to Nico, and headed upstairs.
He waited until he knew they were both upstairs before he pinned her with his glare. "Two?"
Dani swallowed. She wanted a glass of wine but it was too late and she was already too tired. She settled for making coffee. Whatever was left, she'd put in a thermos for Xeno.
Nico waited her out as she made the coffee.
"The second was four days ago." Dani stated softly. "I found her shaking in the ladies' room. I didn't have to be told but I got her to talk about it. I brought her to the first woman. They went to the police together." Dani brushed a tear away when she finally turned to face Nico. "I should have told you after the first one. I should have protected the rest of them, Nico. I knew there had to be more. There is never just one."
Nico sighed. "But you did protect them, Dani. You got her to go to the police. You know how big of a step that is; how many times it does not happen. You cannot take responsibilities for his actions. That is like taking responsibility for TK's actions."
What happened next was like a huge comedy of errors-and so classic TK-that Dani couldn't stop from laughing.
"Yo! Doctor D! Get this gorilla off me! I need to talk to you!" TK yelled from outside the back door. "Come on, Doctor D! I knows I don't have an appointment but this is important!"
Dani shook her head and sighed. "Let him in, Nico, and tell Xeno it was a good try."
Nico chuckled then blanked his face and opened the door. "What is it, Terrence, that you cannot wait to talk to the good doctor at a more reasonable hour?"
TK brushed passed the man, ignoring him, and got right in Dani's face. "Did that rat bastard hurt you?"
Dani blinked. This had never even registered as something to handle in her thoughts all day.
"He did, didn't he?! I'll kill him! The team will kill him!" TK swore.
"TK." Dani started only to have TK rant and pace. She took a deep breath, shared an amused smile with Nico, then yelled, "Terrence King, you will plant your ass on a stool this minute!"
Nico swallowed his smile. This was Mother Santino.
TK stopped and blinked. He sat on a stool she pointed to and quieted down. "Did he hurt you, Doctor D?"
Dani moved to TK's side. She knew this was way outside of her boundaries but he was hurting and she couldn't stand that. She cupped his cheek and moved his head to look him in the eyes. "TK, I promise you he will get his due. He will serve time. He will never play ball for the Hawks again. I promise you I will help the female staff he has terrorized. I will help the team learn to watch for this to prevent it from ever happening again. All of us will be a better team and we'll grow from this."
TK nodded. "But you didn't answer my question."
Dani sighed as she weighed the consequences. Truth had to win out here. She'd lose his respect but she'd also lose her own self respect if she lied now. "Once, when I saved one of the young ladies. He groped my left breast and he threatened Lindsay."
TK stilled. Dani read the murder in his eyes and pulled him to her in a hug. "I swear, Terrence, he'll do nothing to Lins or me or Ray Jay. Xeno is watching the house and the kids. Nico already told Lindsay he'd take care of my protection. He's setting up a self defense course for all three of us." She pulled back from TK and looked him square in the eyes. "You and the team will do nothing to him. We have to do this right, TK. I will have things for you and the team to help with and I will need you, TK, to lead the team in these actions. Please let this go my way."
TK sighed. "Fine but I still don't see how a few hits would hurt anything." He grumbled.
Dani laughed and patted his cheek. "Don't even think about it, TK, but I thank you for the thought."
TK smiled. "Hey, gotta protect my therapist! Who else would get me to rise above myself? Besides, too much work to break someone else in."
Dani groaned then smiled. "Go home, Terrence. And do not let me catch you driving without a license!"
TK waved and headed outside. "Nico, we need to chat later." And then he was gone.
Dani's eyes narrowed. "Nico, you will do nothing to him. You will not have someone else do anything to him either. You will not supply a member of the team with a name of someone who would do something-nor will Xeno on any of the above. Do you understand me?"
Nico held her gaze. "What TK and I or the team and I discuss are-."
"Nico, I need you to let me and the women decide how this is dealt with. I know that you, TK, and the team feel guilty; that you want to get payback for us. I get that, Nico, but what I need you and for you to get TK and the team to understand is that we were the ones terrorized and assaulted and harassed. And it needs to be us who take the control back and put that, to borrow TK's colorful name, rat bastard in his place. We need to take that step to get back a part of what he took from us. If you men extract vengeance, even in our names, it doesn't help us-it just means more control is taken from us. Whether you mean for it to happen or not." Dani stood in front of him and looked up into his eyes. "Do you understand, Nico?" She asked, her voice softening for the question.
Nico sighed. "I do. I will do as I can to explain it to them." He started to head out but stopped at the door. "What if one of you asks?"
Dani frowned. "No matter who asks, he doesn't get seriously injured or dead."
Nico nodded. "I can live with that." And with that, he slipped out into the night.
Dani moved back to the coffee maker and gave up on her own cup and just filled the thermos. Opening the door, she spoke quietly, "Xeno, black?"
"Yes, ma'am."
Dani smiled and handed over the thermos. "In case Nico forgot-."
"Breakfast is at 7 AM. Thank you, Doctor Santino."
Dani rolled her eyes: what had she been thinking? Nico forget something? As if. "No, Xeno. Thank you." With that said, she slipped back inside and up to her bedroom.
-%-
Nico watched the light in her room go out and then turn back on twenty minutes later. He sighed. He figured she wouldn't get much sleep tonight. When his phone beeped a minute later, he would never admit to the chuckle that escaped as he read the unexpected text: Go home, Nico, before you are stuck here. Pick me up at 730 AM and you too might get breakfast.
He checked in with Xeno one last time then headed out.
Word Count: Chapter 1: 3,050 ; [48,282 total]
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Nico/Dani-Possibly. Eventually?
Spoilers: References something from 1x07 and 1x11.
Disclaimer: don't own. Don't profit. Don't … a lot of things
Summary: She'd be willing to bet the Nico of reality was somewhere between her good guy and his evil one but he wasn't ready to see that just yet. "Nico, I work on feelings and intuition. Of course I see the potential. You work in cold facts and realities that aren't pretty so you see the bad. In order for music to be beautiful, there has to be a mix of sunny majors with the dark, harsh minors."
Author's Note: So, you can blame or credit, jeer or cheer brokenroots & goodisrelative for this 92-page (20+ chapter) fic. Brokenroots started me thinking about NR fic (go read hers, it's better) and then they both beat me up to get more. Please note, this fic is done. finished. fin. over. ended. ... that doesn't mean there might not be a sequel. at least a "Sunday Supper at Mama C's" [you'll meet Mama C in a much later chapter]
She'd say she was getting better at controlling her reactions when he snuck up on her-except that she still flinches. She figured he was taking perverse pleasure in doing it now-except his eyes never give him away.
-%-
"What is it now, Nico?" Dani smiled and pushed the hair out her face as she looked up at him. It was pointless to tell him she was on her way out.
"I know you are on your way out, Doctor Santino, but one of the players is in the coach's office. We would like for you to speak with him." Nico's answer was to the point as he took her elbow and guided her back around.
He listened to the staccato clicks of her heels picking up speed as her pace quickened to keep up with him and he almost considered slowing down his pace. He never, though, considered her next action one she would take.
Dani jerked her arm free and stopped suddenly. "No."
Nico blinked. This wasn't her usual banter about boundaries and lack of scheduled appointments. He turned to see her looking into the coach's office. Her eyes, usually clear and easily read, were clouded with something he couldn't quite put a finger on-but if he was a guessing man, he'd say something between fear and revulsion.
"Dani, he is being charged-." Nico started.
Dani's eyes hardened as she moved them to focus on the man in black standing in front of her. "If you or this team made anything he has done disappear, I'm done with you, this team, everything." Her voice was low but steel. Then she turned on her heel and walked away.
This was the first time she got Nico to flinch and she didn't even witness it. He let her go; he knew he could find her at her house later tonight. Entering the coach's office, he took a good look at the man sitting in the chair.
"Where's Doctor Dani?" Coach asked, frowning.
"She'd already left." Nico stated then turned his narrowed eyes on the player. "Tell me exactly what happened." He kept his eyes on the player and watched for the tells.
Twenty minutes later, Nico turned to the coach. "He's done playing for us. Not only will these charges not go away, he'll stand trial. And he will be found guilty. Not even Doctor Santino can help with this mess." He eyed the player. "I imagine we'll find others he has sexually harassed, if not assaulted-on our staff as well. That Doctor Santino can help with." Turning to fully face the player in the chair, Nico glared. "You have ten minutes to clean out your locker with security present. After that, they'll throw you out and we'll mail you anything else that belongs to you."
Xeno materialized at the door and Nico waved for him to take the player out.
"You don't have -." The player started to sputter.
Nico didn't bother with words, he let the violence in his eyes tell the other man just what he thought of him.
Coach sighed. "Talk with Doctor Dani about how to handle this with staff. I'll have a team meeting in 15 minutes, after he is gone." He held up a hand to stop the other man's words. "I'll stress that we tolerate none of this. Ever."
-%-
Nico knew something was wrong as soon as she didn't flinch as he materialized out of the darkness on her back porch late that night.
"How long have you known?" Nico asked quietly. He didn't do soft.
Dani sighed, turning her head to look at him. "Almost two weeks. I took her to the police. But then I guess you know that. I can't imagine the Great Nico Careles not knowing anything concerning the Hawks." Her words turned harsh-hurtful.
Nico glared, not liking the implication. "You know I would never sweep anything like this away."
"I know, Nico." Dani stated softly and looked away, embarrassed she was taking her fear and frustration out on the one man she knew would take this situation seriously.
"Then why did you not come to me?" Nico asked as he sat next to her on the stairs. "Why did I get a heads up yesterday just before the charges were leveled?"
"Lins. He threatened to hurt her." Dani whispered. She still couldn't bring herself to look over at him.
That was the second time she made him flinch. "He will be found guilty. I will find others."
Dani looked over at Nico at violence in his quiet vow. "He had one of the training assistants up against the wall when I came around the corner. He didn't even hear me as I approached. I saw red, Nico." She sighed.
He stayed silent, knowing she needed to tell this her own way.
"I know I should have turned and got security. Got you, but I couldn't leave her there with him any longer." She turned to look back out into the darkness before she continued. "I slammed into the back of his knee then pulled him back on his ass. She had enough time to get free and down the hall."
Nico's eyes darkened with fury but he kept his touch soft as he reached over and put his arm around her shoulders, offering silent support, knowing he was not going to like the next part.
"He grabbed my ankle and took me down. As he 'helped'," she spat the word, "me up, he groped me and told me any trouble from the team or you and he'd find Lindsay." Dani finished. She leaned her head on his shoulder. "You came around the corner and pulled me into one of TK's issues. Later I found her apartment, we talked, I brought her to the police station, stayed with her through that and the rest of the night until her sister came the next morning. I had Ray take the kids that night."
Nico frowned. He remembered the incident in the hall. He could recall thinking there had been more to it but TK's issues had a way of becoming all-encompassing and front page. "I should have-."
Dani turned and put her finger over his lips. "Stop. You cannot know everything-despite what everyone, including you, thinks. You are not omniscient."
Nico eyed her with his patent half smile. "That's blasphemy!"
Dani smiled over at him. "Probably, but it is still true. You'll see this get fixed in as many ways as you can. I'll work with the female staff and the team. You'll make sure he goes to jail. I'll make sure Lins and I take a self-defense course or three. You and Xeno will make sure he goes nowhere near Lins and Ray Jay. Then we'll all put this behind us."
Nico blinked then allowed a full smile. "Ma'am, yes, ma'am!" That earned him an elbow to the ribs-he gave her the grunt. "I'll find you the self defense course. You'll only need one but it'll be a multi-night one that's the year. Good ones aren't short."
Dani smiled. "Sometimes your mysteriousness and superspy-ness are good things." She could admit it now. "Never when you sneak up on me, though. That is never a good thing."
"Xeno will be around tonight; just as a precaution." Nico stated. "And many appreciate my stealth."
Dani sighed. "Thank you. Tell him to knock on the back door at 7 AM and I'll give him coffee and breakfast for his trouble." She straightened. "I need to talk to the kids. Can you stay for that?" She didn't want to ask but she knew the kids would feel safe if they knew Nico was around. He might scare the shit out of them, but they knew he could protect them.
Nico nodded. "I can. Now?"
"Yes." Dani remained seated while Nico stood.
"You did right, Dani," Nico stated softly and held out his hand to help her up.
Dani looked over at the outstretched hand and then up at the man. "Then why does it feel like I failed?"
Nico knelt in front of her. "You did the only think you could to help the young woman and keep your daughter safe. That is not failing."
Dani nodded. "Thank you, Nico." She offered him a small smile.
"Just stating the obvious, Santino." Nico smiled as he stood up and offered his hand again.
Dani shook her head with a smile as she reached out to take his hand. "Let's go scare the kids."
Nico chuckled softly and followed her inside to find both kids seated at the kitchen island.
"What's going on? We haven't done anything." Ray Jay was quick to speak up.
"Lately." Nico stated drily.
Dani bit back her smile and motioned for Nico to take a seat. "I know you both haven't done anything recently." She bit at her lower lip, debating how to start this conversation, before focusing on her two kids. "Nico's presence is only to convince you everything will be fine." She took a deep breath and started right in. "One of the players was sexually harassing a couple of the female staff. I helped two of them-one who was assaulted and one who was harassed-go to the police about the player's actions. As a precaution, Xeno will be stationed outside the house and will bring Lindsay to and from school." She watched her children's faces pale and hated herself for bringing them into this evil. "It is for my peace of mind."
"Nothing will happen with Xeno around. I am also setting up a self defense class you will need to fit into your schedules. Ray Jay, do you want in?" Nico spoke up then.
"Cool." Ray Jay nodded.
Lindsay looked from her mom to the man in black who scared the crap out of her and knew entirely too much. "You promise you'll take care of her?"
Dani opened her mouth to say it wasn't Nico's responsibility, but Nico held up his hand to silence her. The question was to him and he could field it. "I promise I'll take care of her, Lindsay. I will do everything I can to keep both of you kids and your mother safe. That also means that the three of you have to be aware of your surroundings: don't go out alone. You three need to be smart. And you need to think."
Lindsay nodded. "I will. I'll probably have at least two more friends who would like to take the self defense course. If that's okay?"
Nico smiled. "Of course that is fine, Lindsay."
Dani went around the island to hug her kids. "Ray Jay, Lins, I'll be careful. I promise. I just want you two safe." Her kids hugged her and she offered them a smile. "Now get upstairs and go to bed. You have school tomorrow and it is already way too late!"
They gave her smiles, nodded to Nico, and headed upstairs.
He waited until he knew they were both upstairs before he pinned her with his glare. "Two?"
Dani swallowed. She wanted a glass of wine but it was too late and she was already too tired. She settled for making coffee. Whatever was left, she'd put in a thermos for Xeno.
Nico waited her out as she made the coffee.
"The second was four days ago." Dani stated softly. "I found her shaking in the ladies' room. I didn't have to be told but I got her to talk about it. I brought her to the first woman. They went to the police together." Dani brushed a tear away when she finally turned to face Nico. "I should have told you after the first one. I should have protected the rest of them, Nico. I knew there had to be more. There is never just one."
Nico sighed. "But you did protect them, Dani. You got her to go to the police. You know how big of a step that is; how many times it does not happen. You cannot take responsibilities for his actions. That is like taking responsibility for TK's actions."
What happened next was like a huge comedy of errors-and so classic TK-that Dani couldn't stop from laughing.
"Yo! Doctor D! Get this gorilla off me! I need to talk to you!" TK yelled from outside the back door. "Come on, Doctor D! I knows I don't have an appointment but this is important!"
Dani shook her head and sighed. "Let him in, Nico, and tell Xeno it was a good try."
Nico chuckled then blanked his face and opened the door. "What is it, Terrence, that you cannot wait to talk to the good doctor at a more reasonable hour?"
TK brushed passed the man, ignoring him, and got right in Dani's face. "Did that rat bastard hurt you?"
Dani blinked. This had never even registered as something to handle in her thoughts all day.
"He did, didn't he?! I'll kill him! The team will kill him!" TK swore.
"TK." Dani started only to have TK rant and pace. She took a deep breath, shared an amused smile with Nico, then yelled, "Terrence King, you will plant your ass on a stool this minute!"
Nico swallowed his smile. This was Mother Santino.
TK stopped and blinked. He sat on a stool she pointed to and quieted down. "Did he hurt you, Doctor D?"
Dani moved to TK's side. She knew this was way outside of her boundaries but he was hurting and she couldn't stand that. She cupped his cheek and moved his head to look him in the eyes. "TK, I promise you he will get his due. He will serve time. He will never play ball for the Hawks again. I promise you I will help the female staff he has terrorized. I will help the team learn to watch for this to prevent it from ever happening again. All of us will be a better team and we'll grow from this."
TK nodded. "But you didn't answer my question."
Dani sighed as she weighed the consequences. Truth had to win out here. She'd lose his respect but she'd also lose her own self respect if she lied now. "Once, when I saved one of the young ladies. He groped my left breast and he threatened Lindsay."
TK stilled. Dani read the murder in his eyes and pulled him to her in a hug. "I swear, Terrence, he'll do nothing to Lins or me or Ray Jay. Xeno is watching the house and the kids. Nico already told Lindsay he'd take care of my protection. He's setting up a self defense course for all three of us." She pulled back from TK and looked him square in the eyes. "You and the team will do nothing to him. We have to do this right, TK. I will have things for you and the team to help with and I will need you, TK, to lead the team in these actions. Please let this go my way."
TK sighed. "Fine but I still don't see how a few hits would hurt anything." He grumbled.
Dani laughed and patted his cheek. "Don't even think about it, TK, but I thank you for the thought."
TK smiled. "Hey, gotta protect my therapist! Who else would get me to rise above myself? Besides, too much work to break someone else in."
Dani groaned then smiled. "Go home, Terrence. And do not let me catch you driving without a license!"
TK waved and headed outside. "Nico, we need to chat later." And then he was gone.
Dani's eyes narrowed. "Nico, you will do nothing to him. You will not have someone else do anything to him either. You will not supply a member of the team with a name of someone who would do something-nor will Xeno on any of the above. Do you understand me?"
Nico held her gaze. "What TK and I or the team and I discuss are-."
"Nico, I need you to let me and the women decide how this is dealt with. I know that you, TK, and the team feel guilty; that you want to get payback for us. I get that, Nico, but what I need you and for you to get TK and the team to understand is that we were the ones terrorized and assaulted and harassed. And it needs to be us who take the control back and put that, to borrow TK's colorful name, rat bastard in his place. We need to take that step to get back a part of what he took from us. If you men extract vengeance, even in our names, it doesn't help us-it just means more control is taken from us. Whether you mean for it to happen or not." Dani stood in front of him and looked up into his eyes. "Do you understand, Nico?" She asked, her voice softening for the question.
Nico sighed. "I do. I will do as I can to explain it to them." He started to head out but stopped at the door. "What if one of you asks?"
Dani frowned. "No matter who asks, he doesn't get seriously injured or dead."
Nico nodded. "I can live with that." And with that, he slipped out into the night.
Dani moved back to the coffee maker and gave up on her own cup and just filled the thermos. Opening the door, she spoke quietly, "Xeno, black?"
"Yes, ma'am."
Dani smiled and handed over the thermos. "In case Nico forgot-."
"Breakfast is at 7 AM. Thank you, Doctor Santino."
Dani rolled her eyes: what had she been thinking? Nico forget something? As if. "No, Xeno. Thank you." With that said, she slipped back inside and up to her bedroom.
-%-
Nico watched the light in her room go out and then turn back on twenty minutes later. He sighed. He figured she wouldn't get much sleep tonight. When his phone beeped a minute later, he would never admit to the chuckle that escaped as he read the unexpected text: Go home, Nico, before you are stuck here. Pick me up at 730 AM and you too might get breakfast.
He checked in with Xeno one last time then headed out.