Chapter 1.

They were looking at him like he had lost his mind.

Nick turned his attention back to Adalind. He looked into her eyes as she smiled at him and held his gaze with soft loving eyes. He couldn't resist pulling her into an embrace. He let out a deep steadying breath as he rubbed his hands up and down her back. He allowed the feeling of relief to wash over him… he could hold her in his arms again, he could feel her warm lissome body. His heart skipped a beat as he remembered that he had seen her die not too long ago.

Adalind… who would have known? She filled his life with so much happiness. There had been a few times, right after she had come back to the fome with him (after the BC situation), that he had pinched himself to make sure it was real. By some good fortune she had chosen him despite their past history and the wrongs that they had committed against each other. At first he had felt a little guilty that he had found happiness with her; but being in love with her and being loved by her felt so good. He didn't know how fate had made it possible. His life was so much fuller with Adalind and the kids. Also, he had the best friends that one could ever ask for and he was truly grateful to be so fortunate. Life without them would have been too cruel and it had almost happened! He had witnessed the destruction of his little cocoon. The one thing that he had feared the most; that his happiness would not last, that it would be snatched away from him once he fully succumbed to this new life with his family. He had faced his worst fear and it was over now.

The gang moved in for a group hug. He was thankful that they had swooped in to surround him and Adalind. He had always counted on the support of his friends. Actually, he relied on them heavily, sometimes too heavily. That would have to change. There would have to be balance going forward. He had felt what it was it was like to lose everyone and everything that he ever cared for. How glorious it was that it hadn't stayed that way! It was wonderful to realize that he had not failed everyone in the end. The right thing had been tough to do, but it had paid off.

Albeit a different kind of Grimm, he was a Grimm and as a Grimm it was his duty to protect those who needed help. Family was extremely important to him as well. He now knew without a measure of doubt that it was possible to have both. Gone was his fear of losing one to the other. Even he and Eve had made peace with each other… well if you could call it that, but he didn't want to dwell on that anymore as well. They too had both wronged each other. He had felt responsible for all that had happened to her, he should have broken it off when Aunt Marie told him to. He had acknowledged his wrongs. Now he could let go of the guilt.

He still had to watch his back around Renard regardless of their truce, but there was Diana to consider. He cared so much for her. How could he not when he was so in love with her mother? Adalind understood him. They both wanted a forever with each other. He craved her touch each night. She was a wonderful lover and mother. He had no doubt of the depth of her love for her children. There was nothing he wouldn't do for Adalind. She was his weakness. He would have given up on the fight with Zerstörer to get her back if his mother and aunt Marie had not shown up to talk him back into doing the right for everyone, not just for himself. She was the love his life and mother of his child. Actually, 'mother of his children' he thought. Diana had long since stopped glaring at him and had been warming up to him. Besides they had Diana more than Renard did. He would practically spend more time with her than Renard would, so he would always step up for her. He would always treat her like he would Kelly; like his.

He felt Adalind drape one hand over his shoulder while placing the other on his chest and over his heart. It was almost as if she had felt the gamut of thoughts running through his head and had tried to reassure him with her touch.

"Where did this come from?" interrupted Monroe.

Nick looked over to see what Monroe was referring to. Monroe was gently picking up one end of the staff that Nick had been entrusted by fate. He took a step forward, towards Monroe, and stopped as he realized that the staff had come through with him as its new custodian. Again here was confirmation that the battle with Zerstörer had been real. He smiled. He didn't know how to begin or what to tell them. Zerstörer had not come through the mirror this time - Diana had also confirmed - he was dead. It didn't seem to make any sense but Zerstörer had been defeated. He had not done it alone, but aside from Diana, the rest evidently didn't have any recollection of Zerstörer coming through the mirror previously.

He turned around to look at Adalind's hand. The cursed ring remained gone. Nick walked over to her and took her hand in his. He needed to feel it. He squeezed her hand and rubbed his thumb over her finger, wordlessly letting her know that he had done it. He had promised they would find a way to get the wretched thing off and he had kept his promise. She no longer had another man's ring on her finger. She was his alone. Just like he was wholly hers. That ring had been a thorn in his flesh. He had made a concerted effort not let her know just how much it had bothered him because he knew she hated wearing it, and he didn't want to further add to her distress. He felt her about to speak. He squeezed her hand gently and looking into her eyes silently promised to give her answers later. She nodded imperceptibly. Later. She understood.

"Nick?" Monroe and the gang were now looking at him expectantly, like they knew he had something to do with it.

"I brought it back from the other place. The stick came from this staff, and is now part of it again."

It was so surreal. How could something happen yet seem like it didn't? But the ring was gone, Diana knew what happened… and there's stick - he reminded himself. He was now debating within himself if to give them all the details. He winced as he remembered their deaths.

"That sentence made no sense. You're not making any sense," said Monroe perplexed. "You left the stick behind."

Eve looked confused as well. "Last thing I remember was that we were looking for the Zerstörer and ended where we started at the 'other place'. What happened?"

"Yeah, what happened? And we need to come up with a plan for Skull Guy real quick," said Hank.

These were his friends, he thought. They had been through all sorts of bizarre events together. This would be another one of those 'weird' ones, part of living in the wesen world.

"He's dead. I… we already took care of him. I got that staff from him because I didn't give him the stick. We killed him," he said gesturing at himself and Trubel.

"How? I don't understand," said Eve.

"Yes, how?" said Hank.

"That's what I want to know," said Monroe, "especially since Trubel just got here."

"I like that I was able to kill whatever it was without being here, but seriously I'm confused," said Trubel.

Nick looked at their puzzled faces. "I know I'm not making a lot of sense. It doesn't make any sense. It's another weird one. Um... I don't know how to start but I…, it happened." Nick laughed a little self-consciously.

"Uh Nick, I think if you just start from the beginning then maybe it might make sense," said Wu.

"I'm tired mommy. Can I go home with daddy to sleep?"

"I think we have all had such a long day. I believe Nick is certain Zerstörer is no longer a problem so maybe we should all call it quits for today and catch up tomorrow?" offered Adalind. Nick was visibly relieved. Turning to Diana, she said, "We'll go home Diana. You're supposed to be with me."

"Please mommy? Daddy's not going to work tomorrow," stated Diana. "Daddy can I spend the night with you?" she continued.

"Sure. If it's okay with your mommy," Sean responded turning to Adalind. He was slightly amused that his daughter was aware of his schedule.

Adalind wasn't sure about this but how could she disappoint her daughter who was now staring at her and waiting for her to say yes? Besides she felt guilty. She had disrupted her daughter's night when she dragged both children out of bed into adult business. Diana had helped save the day by opening the mirror and bringing Nick and Eve back from the 'other place'. She couldn't say no.

"Okay," she replied.

"I guess we'd best be leaving," stated Renard. "Goodnight everyone. Come honey." He reached down and carried his daughter in his arms. He bounded out the door with her.

"Good night everyone… Mommy, Nick." Diana disappeared from view and into the night with her dad.

"Good night honey," replied Adalind. Turning to look at Nick but talking to the group she continued, "We'll also say good night as well." Nick hadn't let go of her hand.

All decided to say their goodbyes although they were still eager to hear Nick tell his story. They agreed to meet up at the spice shop the next day.

"Let's go home Adalind. Trubel come with us," said Nick. Home. The word played in his mind as he carried the staff and the car seat containing his son to the car. He secured the seat in the back passenger seat while Adalind looked on from outside the car. Trubel climbed in next to Kelly.

Home. He needed to find a proper home for his family. He no longer wanted to play house at the fome. Besides the fome was no home. He shut the car door and turned towards Adalind still mulling over the thought of getting a proper home with Adalind. It warmed his heart.

Adalind could feel Nick's love radiating towards her. She smiled. His heart did a flip. He took her in his arms and claimed her mouth in a fearsome kiss that surprised even him. They were quite breathless when he finally let go of her mouth but still kept her in his embrace. I love you he whispered into her ear. I love you she whispered back. He stirred as the heat rushed down to his groin. It was going to be a delightful night.