[Fic] Wolves Pt1
Fandom: Grimm/Leverage
Rating: G
Pairings: Eliot/Parker/Hardison, Pre-Nick/Monroe, background Nate/Sophie
Summary: My LeverageBigBang challenge from last year is finally complete. Eliot runs into an old friend in Portland, and secrets are revealed.
A/N: Thanks to ceares for the artwork. I changed my mind about the title since I posted my completion announcement.
For anyone who doesn’t know Grimm but still wants to read this, here are some useful terms:
Wesen (Vess-en): Creatures.
Blutbad (Bloot-bad): Wolflike Wesen.
Fuchsbau (Fooks-bow[as in to take a bow]): Foxlike Wesen.
Wieder (Wider): ‘Reformed’ Wesen.
Woge (Voh-Guh): The transformation that shows a Wesen’s true form.
Hexenbiest (Hex-en-beast): Witch type Wesen.
Eisbiber (Ice-bee-ber): Beaverlike Wesen.
Lowen (Low-un): Lionlike Wesen.
“Why did you drag me along if this isn’t a Wesen case?” Monroe was barely a step behind Nick as the Grimm hurried along the waterfront; his long strides keeping him easily in step.
“Because the Grimm stuff sneaks up on me and I’d rather have you here. If you think it’s a waste of time why did you agree to come?” Nick sounded frustrated, and Monroe wasn’t sure if it was because they were so far from the main town or because Monroe seemed unhappy to be there. Nick had been pretty hard to read since their almost-a-thing happened almost two weeks ago.
Unsure of what to say, Monroe stuck with grumbling. “You showed up at my door at four in the morning talking about murders.”
“I do that a lot. Usually you just tell me to shut up.”
Monroe resisted the urge to run a tired hand down his face. They had to be close to this place by now, right? Absentmindedly he answered. “But this time you smiled and you said please. I was bamboozled by your charms.”
“My charms?”
“Shut up. And get that smirk off your face.”
Nick stopped and turned to look at Monroe, his smirk turning to a genuine smile. “That’s the first time you’ve called me charming.”
“Shut up.”
The smile faded and Nick began to worry that he’d gone too far. “Ok. Sorry. I know you’re not there yet. I didn’t mean to tease.”
Monroe’s hand shot out to stop Nick as he started to turn away. “No, Nick. Don’t move. I smell something.”
“Oh.”
~
“Are we clear?” Hardison asked as everyone piled into the van.
“Yeah, we’re clear.” Nate answered as everyone habitually looked around to make sure that was true.
Hardison smiled and turned away from his computer. “Alright! Our first case in Portland and we didn’t die. High five!” Everyone gave him the same exhausted look. Everyone except for Eliot, who was staring straight ahead.
“Hardison, shut up.”
“We’ve talked about this, Eliot. It’s a morale thing. You are far too-”
Eliot looked at Hardison, trying to tamp down his worry, “I hear someone.”
“Oh.”
“Everybody stay here.” Eliot threw open the door and stepped out. It was less than a second later before everyone else got out after him.
Hardison was the last to exit, mumbling to himself as he went. “Five years and he still doesn’t know ‘stay here’ sounds like ‘follow me’ to us?”
“Monroe, wait!” Nick ran after Monroe, unable to keep up as the Blutbad sped headlong towards a man that had suddenly appeared. He was shorter than the two, with dark brown hair to his shoulders. Nick thought for a moment that he shouldn’t get involved with such a dangerous looking man, but the need to protect Monroe quashed that immediately.
“Eliot!” Hardison was the one to shout as the team, led by Nate, chased after their Hitter. He’d spotted someone; a large man resembling a domesticated lumberjack. They were heading right for each other and none of the team knew what they’d do if they caught up. It was just reflex to be right behind Eliot when things went bad.
Nick noticed Nate and the team at the same time that Nate saw him. Both sides watched on helplessly as the two men reached each other and… stopped. No blood. No sound of crunching bones. They stood perfectly still, toe to toe and, were they smelling each other?
“Eliot?” Monroe couldn’t believe what he was seeing and the wonder seeped through in his voice.
“Monroe.” Eliot smiled up at the Blutbad. Almost simultaneously they morphed, showing each other their true form. Nick chose this moment to appear next to Monroe, and both men hastily changed back.
“You gonna introduce us?” Nick asked, trying to cover the apprehension in his tone. Eliot looked over to Nick and was about to speak when his expression changed from happy to defensive.
“Grimm,” he muttered. Monroe put a hand on Eliot’s chest before he could move towards Nick.
“He’s a friend,” Monroe kept Eliot’s gaze until the shorter man understood. Eventually Eliot gave an almost imperceptible nod. Monroe dropped his hand in response.
“Well, any friend of Monroe’s,” Eliot offered his hand. “I’m Eliot.”
“Nick,” came the reply as Nick’s expression relaxed and they shook. Nick and Monroe looked at Eliot expectantly. Nobody had forgotten the group waiting with growing impatience behind him.
“They don’t know,” Eliot stated as he waved them over. “I’d like to keep it that way for now.” Monroe and Nick showed their understanding as Nate and the team stepped cautiously over to the group.
“Eliot,” Nate spoke, not taking his eyes off the two strangers. “Care to introduce us?”
“Monroe, meet Nate, Sophie, Hardison and Parker. My team.”
“Team?” Monroe asked with disbelief. “Since when do you work with a team?”
“There’s been some changes,” Eliot explained quietly. “We’ll talk about it later.”
“And who is this?” Sophie cut in, gravitating towards Nick.
“Detective Nick Burkhardt,” Nick offered his hand but it wasn’t taken.
“Detective?” Eliot looked at Monroe who shrugged helplessly. All these years, how was he supposed to know what side Eliot was playing now?
“We should go,” Nate said. Eliot looked reluctant, as did Monroe, and Nick quickly picked up on the vibe.
“Look guys,” he said, one hand out in a placating gesture. “I don’t know what you’re into and I don’t care. Monroe trusts Eliot so that’s enough for me.” This seemed to relax the majority of the group. “I may need your help actually."
“Eliot can I talk to you for a minute?”
Eliot looked over at Nate, arms folded. His body was instinctively shielding Monroe from the suspicious way Nate looked at him. Glancing around at each of his teammates’ faces, Eliot saw a range of emotions from excitement (Parker) to concern (Sophie) and confusion (Hardison). Unfolding his arms, Eliot turned to Monroe.
“I’ll be right back.” Eliot stepped over to the team, who each moved to shield their conversation from prying ears.
“Are we really going to help them?” Sophie was the first to speak.
“I vote yes,” Hardison chipped in. “If Eliot trusts this Monroe guy…”
“-and Monroe obviously trusts Nick,” Parker added. “We don’t have someone on the force here yet. Nick could be our new Bonanno.”
“Actually I heard Bonanno has a brother in Portland,” Sophie said conversationally.
“Nate?” Parker asked and everyone turned to their leader, who hadn’t spoken at all.
“There’s something you’re not telling us,” Nate spoke to Eliot, who tensed at the accusation. The others looked at Eliot carefully.
“You’re right,” Eliot conceded. “It can wait for a better time.”
“This isn’t a secret that could hurt us, is it?” Hardison asked. He’d come to understand why Eliot kept certain things from them.
“No.” That was all the reply Eliot offered but a short glance told him it was enough for his makeshift family.
“Detective Burkhardt?” Nate prompted.
“Never met him before today. Monroe’s an old friend. We go back.”
“We don’t turn away people that need us,” Hardison pointed out. Nate agreed with a short nod. Eliot gave a rare smile at the team’s acceptance before heading back to where Monroe and Nick were waiting.
~
“You gonna tell me the deal with Eliot?” Nick asked as he watched the man in question walk towards them once more.
“That is a long story that requires beer to be told,” Monroe said with the ghost of a smile on his face.
“Is there a short version?”
“Eliot saved my life."
“You own a restaurant?” Monroe sounded impressed as they stepped through the doors.
“Hardison owns it,” Eliot corrected. “I just design the menu.”
“I help,” Parker chipped in, pride in her voice.
“Parker, naming things doesn’t count,” Sophie said as gently as she could. “Especially some of the names you choose.”
“Ok, so I don’t want to offend you guys,” Hardison spoke up. “But you’re gonna need to stay in the bar area. There’s… some stuff… and, yeah.”
Nick smirked at Hardison’s abandoned excuse attempt. “No outsiders allowed in the BatCave?” He offered.
“Exactly!”
“Dude. Batman? Really?” Monroe was wearing his usual ‘are you an idiot?’ face and Nick couldn’t help smiling at the familiarity. They had barely spoken these last ten days and it was nice to feel… normal again. That sounded strange, even to Nick himself.
“Not that I’m trying to rush you out,” Nate broke into Nick’s thoughts. “But what exactly do you need from us?” Nick responded by taking a photograph out of his jacket and handing it to Nate.
“Paul Harper,” Nick provided the name. “He’s wanted on suspicion of murder.”
“Ah, yes,” Nate had a satisfied smirk on his face. “You might want to contact the FBI. He’s been detained.”
Monroe looked at Eliot, trying to figure out the best way to ask without drawing attention to something Eliot wanted to keep hidden. “So… Was he… German?”
Eliot almost laughed aloud at Monroe’s half-assed code. “Not German.”
“German?” Parker asked. “What does that have to-”
“Forget it, Parker,” Sophie cut in. “He’s doing that secretive thing again.”
Parker’s lips made an ‘oh’ and she moved to sit on a nearby table; legs crossed. Nick retrieved his phone from his pocket and dialled Hank’s number. “Hey, Hank. No, I just came from there. Do me a favour; get a hold of the FBI. Yeah, I got a tip that our prime suspect is being held. Ok, thanks.” Nick hung up and turned to Nate, who was still watching him suspiciously. “Thanks for your help.”
“Don’t mention it.”
Nick turned to Monroe, “I gotta head back. Why don’t you and Eliot catch up, I’ll talk to you later?”
“Sure,” Monroe replied, suddenly feeling awkward. “How about dinner? I’ve still got some of that vegetarian lasagne you liked.”
“I have an idea!” Parker interrupted, standing up with a smile on her face. “Have dinner here! Eliot can cook, and we can all get to know each other.”
Everyone looked around at each other, nobody really sure what to say. Eventually Monroe spoke. “I’d like that, I mean, if it’s ok.”
“I’ve got some vegetarian recipes that need testing,” Eliot added.
“We don’t have any other plans,” Sophie chipped in.
“I suppose I could play hooky for one afternoon,” Nick said when he saw how happy this idea was making both Monroe and Eliot. Inevitably everyone turned to Nate for the final word.
“Yeah. Sure.” Nate said shortly. Nick could tell he wasn’t too happy with the situation, but wasn’t going to go against the wishes of his team. Everyone seemed on board with the idea, but one member of the group was unusually withdrawn.
“You’re pretty quiet over there,” Nick said, facing Hardison.
“He gets like that when people keep secrets,” Parker answered. There was no accusation in her tone, but Nick saw Eliot flinch slightly nonetheless. Monroe noticed too, or maybe his Blutbad senses picked up something, because he looked at Eliot meaningfully and said lowly.
“You should tell them.”
“It’s not that easy,” Eliot growled back.
“Dude, I can smell them all over you,” Monroe shot back, speaking louder this time. “More importantly, I can smell you all over them.” Everyone in the room seemed lost between respecting Eliot’s privacy and listening in. Nobody had ever spoken to Eliot the way Monroe was right now, and Eliot was just taking it silently. More; he was genuinely listening to what Monroe was saying. The team could tell the two shared something.
“They’ll believe you,” Monroe pressed. “And they won’t run, I can tell.” Eliot still seemed hesitant. He’d been so focused on Monroe, that he didn’t notice Hardison moving closer. The hand on his shoulder made him look up.
“You can trust us,” Hardison said emphatically.
“He’s right, y’know,” Parker agreed, stepping up to Eliot’s other side. Eliot looked between the two and gave a sigh that told them they’d won.
“Dinner first,” Eliot said firmly. Nobody disagreed.
Dinner was somewhat strained. The food was good and everyone seemed to be enjoying the company, but there was a tense silence that came with the questions Nate, Sophie, Hardison and Parker were trying to keep inside.
“A little less coriander next time,” Monroe said while picking at his food. Eliot only grunted in acknowledgement. Silence reigned for another long moment.
“I don’t think I’ve had a meal this awkward since that time Juliette invited you to dinner,” Nick said and Monroe laughed softly.
“Who’s Juliette?” Parker asked.
“She’s… was, my girlfriend,” Nick answered. Monroe flicked a glance over to Nick but stayed silent.
“What happened?” Hardison asked next.
“She found out who I was. What I was. She couldn’t handle it.”
“And what is that, if you don’t mind my asking,” Sophie spoke softly. By now everyone had stopped eating. Nick wiped his mouth with a napkin before carefully looking between Monroe and Eliot.
“Go on,” Eliot mumbled. Nick nodded, pausing to try and find the words.
“It’s, uh, it’s pretty hard to explain. That’s probably what I did wrong with her. I tried to get it all out at once and it scared her.”
“Being poisoned probably didn’t help matters,” Monroe offered. Nick huffed a laugh and nodded.
“Ok,” Nick continued, taking a deep breath. “I’m a Grimm.”
Silence. Nick looked around at bemused faces. Eliot and Monroe were just as wary as him.
“Grimm?” Nate eventually spoke. “As in ‘the brothers’?”
“Exactly,” Nick nodded. “Turns out those stories… Well, they weren’t really just stories.”
“I’m sorry,” Sophie said. “I don’t get it.”
“Monsters are real,” Eliot spoke lowly, drawing everyone’s attention. “And not the just kind we deal with. Nick’s part of a bloodline that hunts down and kills them.”
“Except,” Monroe picked up the story. “Nick is a weirdo, so he’s not content to just chop off our heads like the rest. He tries to fix things. Sometimes, if it’s needed, he arrests them. Killing is always a last resort.” Nick smiled fondly at Monroe, but their moment was broken by Hardison speaking.
“Wait. ‘Our heads’? What does that mean?”
“Blutbad,” Monroe sighed. “It’s what we’re called. Not the only breed, but…”
“Blutbad…” Parker thought for a second. “Bloodbath.”
“Of course she speaks German,” Sophie said with some amusement. It did very little to lighten the mood.
“In the stories, we’re the Big Bad Wolf,” Monroe continued. “But not all of us are that bad.”
“Anyone else thinking we could use a drink to go with this?” Sophie asked, looking around. Nate gave a lopsided smile.
“I couldn’t agree more. To the bar?”
No words answered his question, just the sound of chairs scraping the floor.
~
“Ok,” Hardison said with some trepidation as he handed Eliot a beer bottle. “Spill.”
Eliot didn’t speak immediately. Instead he chose to sit on a nearby bar stool; staring at his bottle like it would start talking for him. Just when it seemed an impatient Parker was going to prompt him, Eliot looked up. “Monroe and I met a long time ago. At that point he was pretty alone in his choice to be Wieder.”
“It’s like AA for us,” Monroe supplied when the group looked confused. He and Nick were standing away from the others; trying to stay out of the way
“I was trying hard not to let It take over me,” Eliot continued, his voice hushed.
“It?” Hardison asked.
“Do I really have to say it?” Eliot asked, looking into the faces of his team. He could see them all struggling with the conclusion. Each realising in their own time what he was saying.
“You’re a… a Blutbad?” Parker eventually asked. Eliot nodded once, still carefully watching their reactions. Hardison seemed shocked, Sophie disbelieving. Nate, however, seemed completely unfazed.
“You knew?” Eliot ventured.
“I’ve heard stories,” Nate spoke up, everyone turning to look at him. “Those that were lucky enough to survive an encounter with you in the old days. Some said your eyes glowed red or that you had impossible speed and strength. There was even one guy who swore you had claws.”
Eliot chuckled at this. “That only happens when I lose my temper.” His attention was drawn by Parker, who was practically vibrating just next to him. “Parker?”
“I’m not crazy,” she said, continuing despite the looks the statement garnered. “Back last year, we were on a job in Connecticut and I was cornered by all those thugs, you remember?”
“I remember.”
“You came charging in to save me. When everyone was down you turned to me and I thought I saw… your eyes. You were angry, right? Because they were going to hurt me?” Eliot knew he didn’t need to answer. Parker had begun pacing as she spoke. “That’s what Monroe said, isn’t it? That he can smell you all over us? It’s for protection, isn’t it? So that the other-” Parker turned to Monroe for help.
“Wesen.”
“Wesen. So that they know to stay away. Because we’re your pack, right?” Parker stopped in front of Eliot now, who had stood up and put down his beer while she was rambling. Parker’s breathing was a little laboured from excitement as she looked at him. “Will you show us?”
“I…” Eliot seemed reluctant. Hardison joined Parker with a curious expression.
“Will you?” He asked. Eliot looked from them to Sophie and Nate. Sophie looked calmer now, while Nate seemed just as relaxed as earlier. Eliot’s gaze shifted to Monroe and Nick, who were trying to make themselves as inconspicuous as possible. Taking a deep breath, Eliot turned his attention back to his team.
“It won’t be pretty.”
“Oh please,” Hardison argued. “I bet you look like Hugh Jackman’s werewolf from Van Helsing.”
“Shut up,” Eliot shot back. “It’s bad enough you made me watch that movie.” The smirk betrayed how grateful he was for Hardison’s reaction. The moment passed and Eliot again looked uncertain.
“Hey,” Monroe ventured when Eliot remained silent. “You want me to go first?”
Eliot looked over to Monroe, who edged over to join him. Eliot turned from Parker and Hardison and kept eye contact with Monroe for a long moment before finally steeling himself. “Together.” He said, and Monroe nodded. “Ready?” Another nod and Monroe’s eyes flashed red. Ignoring the collective intake of breath, Eliot followed suit and almost in unison the two men woged.
Eliot’s long hair joined the fur that erupted from his face and neck, claws descended from his fingers while sharp fangs did the same in his mouth. Turning in one fluid motion, Eliot looked from Hardison to Parker, trying to ready himself for their reactions. What he got was unexpected. Hardison’s eyes were wide, but not from fear. He looked… awed. Parker took a step towards him and Eliot was about to change back when a low “Don’t.” from the blonde stilled him. Reaching out, Parker ghosted a hand over the side of Eliot’s transformed face. Eliot reacted to the barely there touch and a low rumble emanated from deep in his chest. “Beautiful,” Parker whispered and Eliot opened eyes he hadn’t realised he’d closed to look at her. Blue met red and before Eliot could process what was happening, Parker closed the gap and kissed him. Warm hands on his face and the feeling of utter acceptance made Eliot whine softly.
“Parker…” Hardison’s voice drew the couple out of their moment and Parker turned her head without letting go of Eliot’s face. “You’re kind of outing us to the team right now.” Parker looked up at Sophie and Nate, Eliot doing the same as best he could.
“Oh please,” Sophie waved them off. “We’ve known for months.”
“Oh.” Hardison said dumbly. Turning his attention to Eliot, Hardison stepped forward and Parker moved aside to accommodate him. Eliot bristled warily as Hardison studied him. Carefully Hardison took one of Eliot’s hands in his, thumb running gently across one of the distended claws. Nobody noticed as Monroe changed back and once again stepped away from the group. Raising Eliot’s hand in his, Hardison ran one of the claws experimentally across his lower lip. The shiver it caused in the hacker almost made Eliot lose it. Breathing deeply, Eliot pulled back and shook off the woge. Hardison could see in Eliot’s now blue eyes why he’d had to pull away, and it made the hacker smirk.
“Hey, man,” Monroe pulled Eliot’s attention. “We should really get going. Leave you to your… stuff.”
“You don’t have to,” Parker spoke up before Eliot could answer.
“Yeah, we’ve got rooms,” Hardison offered. “I mean, if you don’t have any pressing police business. Not like we’ve got a lot of friends around here.”
“Nick?” Monroe asked, a hopeful glint in his eye.
“Sure,” Nick replied with a timid smile. “I’m supposed to be off tomorrow anyway.”
“I’ll show you up,” Eliot said and waved towards the stairs to the side of the bar. Nick and Monroe moved in that direction, but Eliot was stopped by Hardison.
“Hey,” he said, grabbing the side of Eliot’s neck and looking into his eyes. “Love ya.”
Eliot touched Hardison’s hand and mumbled “love ya back,” before stepping away to catch up with their guests.
Rating: G
Pairings: Eliot/Parker/Hardison, Pre-Nick/Monroe, background Nate/Sophie
Summary: My LeverageBigBang challenge from last year is finally complete. Eliot runs into an old friend in Portland, and secrets are revealed.
A/N: Thanks to ceares for the artwork. I changed my mind about the title since I posted my completion announcement.
For anyone who doesn’t know Grimm but still wants to read this, here are some useful terms:
Wesen (Vess-en): Creatures.
Blutbad (Bloot-bad): Wolflike Wesen.
Fuchsbau (Fooks-bow[as in to take a bow]): Foxlike Wesen.
Wieder (Wider): ‘Reformed’ Wesen.
Woge (Voh-Guh): The transformation that shows a Wesen’s true form.
Hexenbiest (Hex-en-beast): Witch type Wesen.
Eisbiber (Ice-bee-ber): Beaverlike Wesen.
Lowen (Low-un): Lionlike Wesen.
“Why did you drag me along if this isn’t a Wesen case?” Monroe was barely a step behind Nick as the Grimm hurried along the waterfront; his long strides keeping him easily in step.
“Because the Grimm stuff sneaks up on me and I’d rather have you here. If you think it’s a waste of time why did you agree to come?” Nick sounded frustrated, and Monroe wasn’t sure if it was because they were so far from the main town or because Monroe seemed unhappy to be there. Nick had been pretty hard to read since their almost-a-thing happened almost two weeks ago.
Unsure of what to say, Monroe stuck with grumbling. “You showed up at my door at four in the morning talking about murders.”
“I do that a lot. Usually you just tell me to shut up.”
Monroe resisted the urge to run a tired hand down his face. They had to be close to this place by now, right? Absentmindedly he answered. “But this time you smiled and you said please. I was bamboozled by your charms.”
“My charms?”
“Shut up. And get that smirk off your face.”
Nick stopped and turned to look at Monroe, his smirk turning to a genuine smile. “That’s the first time you’ve called me charming.”
“Shut up.”
The smile faded and Nick began to worry that he’d gone too far. “Ok. Sorry. I know you’re not there yet. I didn’t mean to tease.”
Monroe’s hand shot out to stop Nick as he started to turn away. “No, Nick. Don’t move. I smell something.”
“Oh.”
~
“Are we clear?” Hardison asked as everyone piled into the van.
“Yeah, we’re clear.” Nate answered as everyone habitually looked around to make sure that was true.
Hardison smiled and turned away from his computer. “Alright! Our first case in Portland and we didn’t die. High five!” Everyone gave him the same exhausted look. Everyone except for Eliot, who was staring straight ahead.
“Hardison, shut up.”
“We’ve talked about this, Eliot. It’s a morale thing. You are far too-”
Eliot looked at Hardison, trying to tamp down his worry, “I hear someone.”
“Oh.”
“Everybody stay here.” Eliot threw open the door and stepped out. It was less than a second later before everyone else got out after him.
Hardison was the last to exit, mumbling to himself as he went. “Five years and he still doesn’t know ‘stay here’ sounds like ‘follow me’ to us?”
“Monroe, wait!” Nick ran after Monroe, unable to keep up as the Blutbad sped headlong towards a man that had suddenly appeared. He was shorter than the two, with dark brown hair to his shoulders. Nick thought for a moment that he shouldn’t get involved with such a dangerous looking man, but the need to protect Monroe quashed that immediately.
“Eliot!” Hardison was the one to shout as the team, led by Nate, chased after their Hitter. He’d spotted someone; a large man resembling a domesticated lumberjack. They were heading right for each other and none of the team knew what they’d do if they caught up. It was just reflex to be right behind Eliot when things went bad.
Nick noticed Nate and the team at the same time that Nate saw him. Both sides watched on helplessly as the two men reached each other and… stopped. No blood. No sound of crunching bones. They stood perfectly still, toe to toe and, were they smelling each other?
“Eliot?” Monroe couldn’t believe what he was seeing and the wonder seeped through in his voice.
“Monroe.” Eliot smiled up at the Blutbad. Almost simultaneously they morphed, showing each other their true form. Nick chose this moment to appear next to Monroe, and both men hastily changed back.
“You gonna introduce us?” Nick asked, trying to cover the apprehension in his tone. Eliot looked over to Nick and was about to speak when his expression changed from happy to defensive.
“Grimm,” he muttered. Monroe put a hand on Eliot’s chest before he could move towards Nick.
“He’s a friend,” Monroe kept Eliot’s gaze until the shorter man understood. Eventually Eliot gave an almost imperceptible nod. Monroe dropped his hand in response.
“Well, any friend of Monroe’s,” Eliot offered his hand. “I’m Eliot.”
“Nick,” came the reply as Nick’s expression relaxed and they shook. Nick and Monroe looked at Eliot expectantly. Nobody had forgotten the group waiting with growing impatience behind him.
“They don’t know,” Eliot stated as he waved them over. “I’d like to keep it that way for now.” Monroe and Nick showed their understanding as Nate and the team stepped cautiously over to the group.
“Eliot,” Nate spoke, not taking his eyes off the two strangers. “Care to introduce us?”
“Monroe, meet Nate, Sophie, Hardison and Parker. My team.”
“Team?” Monroe asked with disbelief. “Since when do you work with a team?”
“There’s been some changes,” Eliot explained quietly. “We’ll talk about it later.”
“And who is this?” Sophie cut in, gravitating towards Nick.
“Detective Nick Burkhardt,” Nick offered his hand but it wasn’t taken.
“Detective?” Eliot looked at Monroe who shrugged helplessly. All these years, how was he supposed to know what side Eliot was playing now?
“We should go,” Nate said. Eliot looked reluctant, as did Monroe, and Nick quickly picked up on the vibe.
“Look guys,” he said, one hand out in a placating gesture. “I don’t know what you’re into and I don’t care. Monroe trusts Eliot so that’s enough for me.” This seemed to relax the majority of the group. “I may need your help actually."
“Eliot can I talk to you for a minute?”
Eliot looked over at Nate, arms folded. His body was instinctively shielding Monroe from the suspicious way Nate looked at him. Glancing around at each of his teammates’ faces, Eliot saw a range of emotions from excitement (Parker) to concern (Sophie) and confusion (Hardison). Unfolding his arms, Eliot turned to Monroe.
“I’ll be right back.” Eliot stepped over to the team, who each moved to shield their conversation from prying ears.
“Are we really going to help them?” Sophie was the first to speak.
“I vote yes,” Hardison chipped in. “If Eliot trusts this Monroe guy…”
“-and Monroe obviously trusts Nick,” Parker added. “We don’t have someone on the force here yet. Nick could be our new Bonanno.”
“Actually I heard Bonanno has a brother in Portland,” Sophie said conversationally.
“Nate?” Parker asked and everyone turned to their leader, who hadn’t spoken at all.
“There’s something you’re not telling us,” Nate spoke to Eliot, who tensed at the accusation. The others looked at Eliot carefully.
“You’re right,” Eliot conceded. “It can wait for a better time.”
“This isn’t a secret that could hurt us, is it?” Hardison asked. He’d come to understand why Eliot kept certain things from them.
“No.” That was all the reply Eliot offered but a short glance told him it was enough for his makeshift family.
“Detective Burkhardt?” Nate prompted.
“Never met him before today. Monroe’s an old friend. We go back.”
“We don’t turn away people that need us,” Hardison pointed out. Nate agreed with a short nod. Eliot gave a rare smile at the team’s acceptance before heading back to where Monroe and Nick were waiting.
~
“You gonna tell me the deal with Eliot?” Nick asked as he watched the man in question walk towards them once more.
“That is a long story that requires beer to be told,” Monroe said with the ghost of a smile on his face.
“Is there a short version?”
“Eliot saved my life."
“You own a restaurant?” Monroe sounded impressed as they stepped through the doors.
“Hardison owns it,” Eliot corrected. “I just design the menu.”
“I help,” Parker chipped in, pride in her voice.
“Parker, naming things doesn’t count,” Sophie said as gently as she could. “Especially some of the names you choose.”
“Ok, so I don’t want to offend you guys,” Hardison spoke up. “But you’re gonna need to stay in the bar area. There’s… some stuff… and, yeah.”
Nick smirked at Hardison’s abandoned excuse attempt. “No outsiders allowed in the BatCave?” He offered.
“Exactly!”
“Dude. Batman? Really?” Monroe was wearing his usual ‘are you an idiot?’ face and Nick couldn’t help smiling at the familiarity. They had barely spoken these last ten days and it was nice to feel… normal again. That sounded strange, even to Nick himself.
“Not that I’m trying to rush you out,” Nate broke into Nick’s thoughts. “But what exactly do you need from us?” Nick responded by taking a photograph out of his jacket and handing it to Nate.
“Paul Harper,” Nick provided the name. “He’s wanted on suspicion of murder.”
“Ah, yes,” Nate had a satisfied smirk on his face. “You might want to contact the FBI. He’s been detained.”
Monroe looked at Eliot, trying to figure out the best way to ask without drawing attention to something Eliot wanted to keep hidden. “So… Was he… German?”
Eliot almost laughed aloud at Monroe’s half-assed code. “Not German.”
“German?” Parker asked. “What does that have to-”
“Forget it, Parker,” Sophie cut in. “He’s doing that secretive thing again.”
Parker’s lips made an ‘oh’ and she moved to sit on a nearby table; legs crossed. Nick retrieved his phone from his pocket and dialled Hank’s number. “Hey, Hank. No, I just came from there. Do me a favour; get a hold of the FBI. Yeah, I got a tip that our prime suspect is being held. Ok, thanks.” Nick hung up and turned to Nate, who was still watching him suspiciously. “Thanks for your help.”
“Don’t mention it.”
Nick turned to Monroe, “I gotta head back. Why don’t you and Eliot catch up, I’ll talk to you later?”
“Sure,” Monroe replied, suddenly feeling awkward. “How about dinner? I’ve still got some of that vegetarian lasagne you liked.”
“I have an idea!” Parker interrupted, standing up with a smile on her face. “Have dinner here! Eliot can cook, and we can all get to know each other.”
Everyone looked around at each other, nobody really sure what to say. Eventually Monroe spoke. “I’d like that, I mean, if it’s ok.”
“I’ve got some vegetarian recipes that need testing,” Eliot added.
“We don’t have any other plans,” Sophie chipped in.
“I suppose I could play hooky for one afternoon,” Nick said when he saw how happy this idea was making both Monroe and Eliot. Inevitably everyone turned to Nate for the final word.
“Yeah. Sure.” Nate said shortly. Nick could tell he wasn’t too happy with the situation, but wasn’t going to go against the wishes of his team. Everyone seemed on board with the idea, but one member of the group was unusually withdrawn.
“You’re pretty quiet over there,” Nick said, facing Hardison.
“He gets like that when people keep secrets,” Parker answered. There was no accusation in her tone, but Nick saw Eliot flinch slightly nonetheless. Monroe noticed too, or maybe his Blutbad senses picked up something, because he looked at Eliot meaningfully and said lowly.
“You should tell them.”
“It’s not that easy,” Eliot growled back.
“Dude, I can smell them all over you,” Monroe shot back, speaking louder this time. “More importantly, I can smell you all over them.” Everyone in the room seemed lost between respecting Eliot’s privacy and listening in. Nobody had ever spoken to Eliot the way Monroe was right now, and Eliot was just taking it silently. More; he was genuinely listening to what Monroe was saying. The team could tell the two shared something.
“They’ll believe you,” Monroe pressed. “And they won’t run, I can tell.” Eliot still seemed hesitant. He’d been so focused on Monroe, that he didn’t notice Hardison moving closer. The hand on his shoulder made him look up.
“You can trust us,” Hardison said emphatically.
“He’s right, y’know,” Parker agreed, stepping up to Eliot’s other side. Eliot looked between the two and gave a sigh that told them they’d won.
“Dinner first,” Eliot said firmly. Nobody disagreed.
Dinner was somewhat strained. The food was good and everyone seemed to be enjoying the company, but there was a tense silence that came with the questions Nate, Sophie, Hardison and Parker were trying to keep inside.
“A little less coriander next time,” Monroe said while picking at his food. Eliot only grunted in acknowledgement. Silence reigned for another long moment.
“I don’t think I’ve had a meal this awkward since that time Juliette invited you to dinner,” Nick said and Monroe laughed softly.
“Who’s Juliette?” Parker asked.
“She’s… was, my girlfriend,” Nick answered. Monroe flicked a glance over to Nick but stayed silent.
“What happened?” Hardison asked next.
“She found out who I was. What I was. She couldn’t handle it.”
“And what is that, if you don’t mind my asking,” Sophie spoke softly. By now everyone had stopped eating. Nick wiped his mouth with a napkin before carefully looking between Monroe and Eliot.
“Go on,” Eliot mumbled. Nick nodded, pausing to try and find the words.
“It’s, uh, it’s pretty hard to explain. That’s probably what I did wrong with her. I tried to get it all out at once and it scared her.”
“Being poisoned probably didn’t help matters,” Monroe offered. Nick huffed a laugh and nodded.
“Ok,” Nick continued, taking a deep breath. “I’m a Grimm.”
Silence. Nick looked around at bemused faces. Eliot and Monroe were just as wary as him.
“Grimm?” Nate eventually spoke. “As in ‘the brothers’?”
“Exactly,” Nick nodded. “Turns out those stories… Well, they weren’t really just stories.”
“I’m sorry,” Sophie said. “I don’t get it.”
“Monsters are real,” Eliot spoke lowly, drawing everyone’s attention. “And not the just kind we deal with. Nick’s part of a bloodline that hunts down and kills them.”
“Except,” Monroe picked up the story. “Nick is a weirdo, so he’s not content to just chop off our heads like the rest. He tries to fix things. Sometimes, if it’s needed, he arrests them. Killing is always a last resort.” Nick smiled fondly at Monroe, but their moment was broken by Hardison speaking.
“Wait. ‘Our heads’? What does that mean?”
“Blutbad,” Monroe sighed. “It’s what we’re called. Not the only breed, but…”
“Blutbad…” Parker thought for a second. “Bloodbath.”
“Of course she speaks German,” Sophie said with some amusement. It did very little to lighten the mood.
“In the stories, we’re the Big Bad Wolf,” Monroe continued. “But not all of us are that bad.”
“Anyone else thinking we could use a drink to go with this?” Sophie asked, looking around. Nate gave a lopsided smile.
“I couldn’t agree more. To the bar?”
No words answered his question, just the sound of chairs scraping the floor.
~
“Ok,” Hardison said with some trepidation as he handed Eliot a beer bottle. “Spill.”
Eliot didn’t speak immediately. Instead he chose to sit on a nearby bar stool; staring at his bottle like it would start talking for him. Just when it seemed an impatient Parker was going to prompt him, Eliot looked up. “Monroe and I met a long time ago. At that point he was pretty alone in his choice to be Wieder.”
“It’s like AA for us,” Monroe supplied when the group looked confused. He and Nick were standing away from the others; trying to stay out of the way
“I was trying hard not to let It take over me,” Eliot continued, his voice hushed.
“It?” Hardison asked.
“Do I really have to say it?” Eliot asked, looking into the faces of his team. He could see them all struggling with the conclusion. Each realising in their own time what he was saying.
“You’re a… a Blutbad?” Parker eventually asked. Eliot nodded once, still carefully watching their reactions. Hardison seemed shocked, Sophie disbelieving. Nate, however, seemed completely unfazed.
“You knew?” Eliot ventured.
“I’ve heard stories,” Nate spoke up, everyone turning to look at him. “Those that were lucky enough to survive an encounter with you in the old days. Some said your eyes glowed red or that you had impossible speed and strength. There was even one guy who swore you had claws.”
Eliot chuckled at this. “That only happens when I lose my temper.” His attention was drawn by Parker, who was practically vibrating just next to him. “Parker?”
“I’m not crazy,” she said, continuing despite the looks the statement garnered. “Back last year, we were on a job in Connecticut and I was cornered by all those thugs, you remember?”
“I remember.”
“You came charging in to save me. When everyone was down you turned to me and I thought I saw… your eyes. You were angry, right? Because they were going to hurt me?” Eliot knew he didn’t need to answer. Parker had begun pacing as she spoke. “That’s what Monroe said, isn’t it? That he can smell you all over us? It’s for protection, isn’t it? So that the other-” Parker turned to Monroe for help.
“Wesen.”
“Wesen. So that they know to stay away. Because we’re your pack, right?” Parker stopped in front of Eliot now, who had stood up and put down his beer while she was rambling. Parker’s breathing was a little laboured from excitement as she looked at him. “Will you show us?”
“I…” Eliot seemed reluctant. Hardison joined Parker with a curious expression.
“Will you?” He asked. Eliot looked from them to Sophie and Nate. Sophie looked calmer now, while Nate seemed just as relaxed as earlier. Eliot’s gaze shifted to Monroe and Nick, who were trying to make themselves as inconspicuous as possible. Taking a deep breath, Eliot turned his attention back to his team.
“It won’t be pretty.”
“Oh please,” Hardison argued. “I bet you look like Hugh Jackman’s werewolf from Van Helsing.”
“Shut up,” Eliot shot back. “It’s bad enough you made me watch that movie.” The smirk betrayed how grateful he was for Hardison’s reaction. The moment passed and Eliot again looked uncertain.
“Hey,” Monroe ventured when Eliot remained silent. “You want me to go first?”
Eliot looked over to Monroe, who edged over to join him. Eliot turned from Parker and Hardison and kept eye contact with Monroe for a long moment before finally steeling himself. “Together.” He said, and Monroe nodded. “Ready?” Another nod and Monroe’s eyes flashed red. Ignoring the collective intake of breath, Eliot followed suit and almost in unison the two men woged.
Eliot’s long hair joined the fur that erupted from his face and neck, claws descended from his fingers while sharp fangs did the same in his mouth. Turning in one fluid motion, Eliot looked from Hardison to Parker, trying to ready himself for their reactions. What he got was unexpected. Hardison’s eyes were wide, but not from fear. He looked… awed. Parker took a step towards him and Eliot was about to change back when a low “Don’t.” from the blonde stilled him. Reaching out, Parker ghosted a hand over the side of Eliot’s transformed face. Eliot reacted to the barely there touch and a low rumble emanated from deep in his chest. “Beautiful,” Parker whispered and Eliot opened eyes he hadn’t realised he’d closed to look at her. Blue met red and before Eliot could process what was happening, Parker closed the gap and kissed him. Warm hands on his face and the feeling of utter acceptance made Eliot whine softly.
“Parker…” Hardison’s voice drew the couple out of their moment and Parker turned her head without letting go of Eliot’s face. “You’re kind of outing us to the team right now.” Parker looked up at Sophie and Nate, Eliot doing the same as best he could.
“Oh please,” Sophie waved them off. “We’ve known for months.”
“Oh.” Hardison said dumbly. Turning his attention to Eliot, Hardison stepped forward and Parker moved aside to accommodate him. Eliot bristled warily as Hardison studied him. Carefully Hardison took one of Eliot’s hands in his, thumb running gently across one of the distended claws. Nobody noticed as Monroe changed back and once again stepped away from the group. Raising Eliot’s hand in his, Hardison ran one of the claws experimentally across his lower lip. The shiver it caused in the hacker almost made Eliot lose it. Breathing deeply, Eliot pulled back and shook off the woge. Hardison could see in Eliot’s now blue eyes why he’d had to pull away, and it made the hacker smirk.
“Hey, man,” Monroe pulled Eliot’s attention. “We should really get going. Leave you to your… stuff.”
“You don’t have to,” Parker spoke up before Eliot could answer.
“Yeah, we’ve got rooms,” Hardison offered. “I mean, if you don’t have any pressing police business. Not like we’ve got a lot of friends around here.”
“Nick?” Monroe asked, a hopeful glint in his eye.
“Sure,” Nick replied with a timid smile. “I’m supposed to be off tomorrow anyway.”
“I’ll show you up,” Eliot said and waved towards the stairs to the side of the bar. Nick and Monroe moved in that direction, but Eliot was stopped by Hardison.
“Hey,” he said, grabbing the side of Eliot’s neck and looking into his eyes. “Love ya.”
Eliot touched Hardison’s hand and mumbled “love ya back,” before stepping away to catch up with their guests.