"A Grimm!!!" the frightened Bauerschwein backed away, changing back upon realizing your identity. You all had been dealing with this case for almost a week. Neither of you would have guessed that the pig like wesen was behind it. The murder victims were killed so brutally. You thought for sure the culprit was maybe a Blutbad, or even a Coyotl. Turns the connection was the one no one really put into consideration.
Having now backed the male into a corner you kept your gun drawn, just in case he decided to make a move. Nick came bursting through the door behind you, glancing at the man, then at you. "Alright Mr. Jackson, we have the building surrounded, there's no way to go. " He looked between the both of you, then to the window next to him.
"They deserved it, you have no idea what those people did to me. Everyday of high school was a nightmare. Some days I wondered if I'd even make it home at the end of the day. " His voice was quivering, and you felt bad for him. The last victim you managed to saved confessed everything that they put their classmate through. You were starting to wonder who the real monster was. How could kids be so heartless. Even so, killing someone like that was unforgivable.
"We know what you went through Alex." You lowered your hand slowly, holstering your weapon. Lifting your hand into the air you spoke. "It must have felt like you were all alone, that no one cared."
"NO ONE DID!!" He screamed. He inched closer to the window and you stepped forward. Nick was clutching at his gun, ready to shoot if he had to.
"Please don't!" you yelled. You moved over to him, his frantic eyes directing back to you.
"Please don't do this. I know you were in pain, and no one helped. But that doesn't mean you have to end it all here. Please just let me help you." You could tell he was still contemplating jumping out the window. The fact you were on the fifth floor didn't help. He'd surely be dead if jumped from that height.
"Why do you care! No one has ever cared before. If I die today, no one would give a crap. I'd just be another monster in the paper."
"I care because I..I couldn't save them.." The ache that echoed in your voice grabbed his attention. Alex was now completely focused on you. "I became an officer to protect people. It's all I ever wanted to do since I was a kid. It's my calling. That's what I thought my entire life. That was until I couldn't protect them. I couldn't protect the two people in my life that meant everything to me. " Nick's eyes moved to you for a second. He couldn't see your face, but he didn't need to see to know what expression you were wearing.
"Everyday since they died I've been questioning myself, and this job. What good am I doing if I can't help people. What good am I if I can't save you. " He swallowed, and you took the chance to approach him, cautiously. When you were right next to him you held out your hand.
"I'm so sorry that those people turned you into this person, but you're still a human being. One that I have a chance to help. Please...please don't make me lose another life." his body was shaking, and you closed the space quickly, pulling him into your arms. He held on, crying as you hugged him. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry." he just kept apologizing, breaking down right there. Nick finally relaxed, watching as the officers slowly started filing through the door. Nick's eyes met yours for a split second, an unanswered question hanging in the air.
~~~~
"Good job on the arrest, We managed to catch the perp and save his last victim. I'd say today was a win." Sean's words made you feel a little better. "Some reporters are interested in meeting the young women who managed to talk down a killer." you knew his words were an invitation.
You laughed softly.
"I'll pass. I'm exhausted, it's been a tough week. I feel like I haven't slept in ages. " Sean nodded. "I understand." he gave a soft pat, and you smiled, heading out the door of his office. When Hank and Nick caught sight of you, you could tell they were talking about something that they clearly didn't want you to hear. The sudden change in their gait was a clear give away. When you walked over you folded your arms. "Okay what is it?" Nick cleared his throat, leaning on your desk. "What is what, we were just discussing your arrest. Good job by the way."
You rolled your eyes. "I'm not stupid. Your eyes strayed to Hank when I questioned you, your shoulder tense and your strum your fingers on the desk when you lie." he stopped the movement immediately and Hank laughed. "Damn she got you good. "
"Am I that easy to read?" he looked genuinely curious and you just gave a blank look. "So are you going to tell me what you have to tell me. Or do I have to tell Hank the real reason you're always taking lengthy bathroom breaks. " At the comment his eyes widened. And Hank looked more than a little intrigued. "No need." Nick insisted. He moved around to take a seat in his chair.
"Wait a second why does he take long bathroom breaks? " you giggled and Nick's cheeks colored. Even with the temptation, you refrained from telling him that his partner was busy sending very explicit text messages to his girlfriend in his free time.
"Anyway, back to what's important." Nick stressed. He straightened this time, and his eyes looked a bit serious.
"It's Alexander." just the name had you aggravated. You were already dead tired, you weren't so sure you would have the energy to deal with him at the moment. "What did he do this time?"
"He got shot." you froze for a second. A sinking feeling entered your stomach. You had no idea why but the thought made you weary.
"I-Is he alright?" Nick nodded. "Monroe and Rosalee already removed the bullets. From what I hear his most recent mission was to stop a family of killer wesen. They were reigning havoc on the coast and well, he might have bit off a little more than he could chew. He's recovering at the spice shop. "
The fact that he wasn't in danger of dying brought a sense of relief.
"I just wanted you to know because I know you can't stand him. If you happened to pass by the spice shop after work I didn't want there to be any surprises like the first time." The entire time Nick was talking he watched you. Every little expression on your face. He wasn't expecting your current reactions. He thought you hated Alexander, or at least disliked him as much as the rest of them did. But the worry in your eyes said a different story. Nick told himself not to press. You probably weren't aware of it yet, and currently he wasn't about to get in between whatever it was going on between you and Alexander. Not that he thought anything was even going.
"Well, I think I'll swing by. I'd never pass up the opportunity to gloat while he's injured." Hank smiled. "Make sure and gloat for me too." you chuckled. "Trust me I will. " you were already gathering your stuff. You raised your coat, walking away with a small farewell. Once you were gone Hank leaned over. "Did you see that? For a second I could have sworn she looked scared."
"Trust me you didn't imagine it." Hank titled his head in confusion.
"But I thought she hated the guy."
Nick stared.
"Love and hate are closer than either of them realize."
~~~~
"How is he?" you cursed yourself for sounding like a concerned lover. If Rosalee picked up on it she didn't say anything. "He's fine. Luckily the bullets didn't hit anything vital. He'll be out for a while, but with a little rest and some very strong pain medication, he'll pull through. "
You could see the blood Rosalee was washing off her hands by the sink. You also noticed the number of bloodied pieces of cloth on the ground by her feet. The trails of red must have meant he passed out and one point and she had to drag to a more secure area. From your spot you could see him on the bed Rosalee kept at the back. His eyes were open and he was staring at the ceiling.
"You can see him if you'd like. He just woke up. " you were about to tell her you didn't want to, but she was already walking out the room and back to the front of the spice shop. The door closed on her way out. You sighed, peeking at him from your spot.
"Come to gloat have you." his voice made you jump. He wasn't even looking your way, so you walked over.
"I was about to ask how you knew I was here, but I guess I already know the answer to that question. " When you were standing over him you could see the wounds better. His shirt was torn, ripped open revealing a very toned torso. Rosalee probably discarded the material in a rush to save his life. The suit jacket was laying on the ground, crumpled. There were two patches, one on his shoulder, the other at his lower torso. The cotton under the medical tape was already starting to turn red.
You could have probably hit him with every insult you had, rubbing it in his face how unskilled he was to get hit by a bullet when he was supposed to be an assassin. But the sight of him so weakened, it sort of broke your heart. So against you better judgement you pulled a chair, bringing it right next to his bed. His eyes followed you, and when you took a seat, they never left you.
"I can't believe I'm saying this but, I'm glad you didn't die." He laughed at that, softly. The deep baritone of his voice sounded like heaven to you. The action however made him groan. He shifted to ease the pain that traveled through his body and your hands moved almost on their own, offering help to get him higher up on the pillows. When he readjusted he closed his eyes, taking in a breath.
"I'm sorry." you snickered lightly.
"I have a feeling that apology was a little less than sincere." you smiled at that, and he did too. It took you a few moments to realize your hand was still laying on his shoulder. You were about to pull away but Alexander's hand reached over covering yours. You tensed at the contact, but still, you didn't move it. He guided your palm over his skin, and he stopped when it was right over his heart. The quick beats caught you off guard.
Your eyes reconnected, it was almost like he was telling you something, without even speaking. Your heart was probably going faster than his right now. Alexander woge, and you found that now it was increasingly harder to look away from him. The patterned spots on his fur were so beautiful. It felt soft to the touch under your fingers. You stroked it lightly, your curiosity getting the best of you. They drifted,back and forth, completely lost in the feeling. A low sound escaped him and you jumped.
"Oh crap, sorry does that-" He grabbed your wrist before you could retract. You swore you almost forgot to breathe. "Don't." he didn't say much more than that, and you didn't need confirmation to know he enjoyed your hand on his body. So you kept your hand there, eyes admiring every part of him in complete and utter awe. His fingers slid up your wrist, trailing slowly over your skin. Tingles erupted everywhere that he passed. His palm brushed your shoulder and moved to your cheek. At that point you were positive that maybe you were infected with some type of drug. Because the last time he touched you, you wanted to punch his lights out.
He caressed your cheek for a split second before his thumb stopped right on your lips.
"Alexander..."
"Shh..it's alright." your brows knitted and you swallowed, pissed that you were feeling so much with those three simple words. Why did he affect you so much? He woge back, blue eyes marking you. When he started to sit up you opened your mouth to advise against it, but he was having none of it. His other hand held your cheek when he was completely upright. The lack of distance silenced anything you prepared to say. He had you right where he wanted you. You were helpless to his looks, his touches. You couldn't fight back, especially when he was so close. His nose nudged your own, breath fanning over your lips.
"I would very much like to kiss you." your eyes darted to his in disbelief. He couldn't be serious, could he?
"Who am I kidding, I want to, more than anything.." you were more surprised that you hadn't already kissed him.
"Will you let me taste you (Y/N).." his lips were hovering over yours now. Hell, you didn't know if your heart was even beating anymore. Maybe you passed out and this was an illusion.
If it was fiction, what was the harm in kissing him?
"Nothing." your brain answered the question for you.
To hell with it.
You opened your mouth, about to lean in.
"Hey I got something that'll help with the..." when you heard Monroe's voice you stumbled out of the chair. Monroe looked between the two of you.
"I'm sorry! I-I'll come back later."
"No need I'm leaving." you were already rushing out before he could say much more. Your hand moved to your lips, covering them almost protectively as you lowered your head, dashing out. Alexander didn't have the strength to get up, otherwise he would have chased after you and kissed the crap out of you.
When just the two men were left, Monroe shifted awkwardly. He placed the bottled liquid on the table not far from Alexander. "I'll just leave this right here and...yeah." he spun around, leaving in seconds.
Alexander's eyes moved back to the ceiling in defeat.