First of all, to anyone who may have waited for an update I'll say: I am massively sorry for the long delay! And secondly, this is especially for Phoenix6911 and paola. Thank you guys for your interest and encouragement.

Day 208 (April, 23rd):

/Do you have by any chance a list of all wesen attending the marathon?/

/Why? Want to get rid of a few competitors with a Grimm excuse on hand?/

/Nope. Rather the opposite. I want to talk to them beforehand to avoid panic on the run./

/Laudable endeavor. My sense for de-escalation manoeuvres rejoices at that plan of action./

/I'll mark the day in my calendar: Today I made Captain Renard rejoice at something./

/Or you could refrain from doing that and in turn rejoice at not being banned to desk duty for a month./

/You are evil. Don't you like anybody knowing that you have a heart?/

/Take an educated guess./

/.../

/... Now, could you mail me that list?/

/I don't know, if I should. I have an image to keep./

/An evil image?/

An hour later Nick has a list to work with, including every wesen taking part in the marathon. With a feeling of boyish giddiness he then walks up to his calendar in the kitchen, takes a red marker and writes down, what he has told the Prince he would write... well not exactly that but something similar so that later he can say he did not write, what Sean forbade him to.

'Made the Captain happy today.'

That is so much better. Sean will like it... or not.

Day 219 (May, 4th ):

Eighteen wesen will attend the marathon with him. It is one day before the run and just now he cannot help thinking back to the more memorable conversations and meetings:

There are Sergeants Kellerman and Kershaw, a female Scharfblick and her male Steinadler partner. Both are from the same precinct as him but working in drugs division. They are Nick's first stop and first successful attempt at building ties with wesen working for PPD.

Both are approximately his age and to his careful revelation that he is a Grimm he gets answering conspirational grins, a slap on the shoulder from Kershaw and a triumphant "We have the Grimm!" from Kellerman.

At Nick's questioning gaze she explains:

"Oh, come on. We might not work homicide but we are wesen and we are connected to others of our kind. We would have to be blind and deaf not to have heard anything about how our local Grimm Detective handles most of his cases. That, and my mother is a close friend of Phoebe Wurstner, which means I know practically everything about you from your shoe size to which pies you like."

He shakes his head with a grin.

"The lodge is the true mafia of this city, isn't it?"

"Jep, it is. Nothing goes on in Portland without the Eisbibers knowledge. Anyway, don't worry about it, Detective. It's not your fault you have creepy ancestors."

While her partner unobtrusively elbows her Nick takes her ribbing in stride. He knows her for all of 15 minutes but instinct and inherent observational skills tell him that her teasing is truly just that.

"Haha, funny. If I had any such delusions like my dear ancestors had, I could say the same goes for you."

"Only that you wouldn't have said that but rather beheaded us at first sight."

This is her partner smirking and showing a streak of black humour, that reminds the Grimm vaguely of Sean and makes him instantly like the Steinadler. Kellerman glares at her partner in exasperation, muttering: "Who's the tactless one now?"

Nick is not perturbed, though. He's spent more than enough time with Monroe to know each and every Grimm insulting joke there is.

"Oh, you have a point there. Lucky for us all that I am more the friendly neighbourhood Grimm instead of a murdering one."

And that's been that. In a matter of a few minutes he has made two new friends (and yes, Renard would smirk at the term 'making friends') and been able to tick off two names on his list.

GRIMM GRIMM GRIMM

Trevor Raymonds from North-Precinct, a Drang-Zorn wary of almost anyone and especially distrustful of Grimms, is another matter entirely. Nick calls it a success that he's been able to appease him enough to have him still attend the run. He promises to keep his distance and cannot help but comment wryly (and a tad bit snappish) that he would have his work cut out for him should he want to do harm to the other man with hundreds of people watching. His remark is not met by enthusiasm... at all. So he excuses himself and vows to avoid the officer when taking part in the run.

GRIMM GRIMM GRIMM

Best and most surprising of all is one Gwendolyn Ollipot, though, a Genio Innocuo, 79 years of age and undisputed Master of East-Precinct's case file archive. He finds himself smiling in remembrance of their first meeting:

Nick asks at the front desk where he may find Mrs. Ollipot and is directed through to the archive. The small corridors, packed with shelves and those stuffed with cardboard boxes from floor to ceiling, are winding and dim just like you would expect of an old set of rooms like this.

"Mrs. Ollipot?"

No answer. He follows the sounds his sensitive hearing takes up, moving farther into the labyrinth of musty smelling shelves.

"Mrs. Gwendolyn Ollipot? Are you there?"

Some shuffling and rustling.

"Who's there? Just come through. I am in section F6. Follow the signs."

Her voice shows her age but also speaks of a hefty personality. This isn't some brittle elderly lady but rather a tough as nails granny.

"It's Detective Nick Burkhardt."

"I have heard that name somewhere before. Come through, come through, so that I may attach a face to that elusive memory."

Nick turns the final corner and instantly feels a smile tugging at his lips upon seeing her. She cannot be more that 5 feet tall, looks sturdy without being thick set and generally gives an impression of a more than capable lady.

"Well, who do we have here? Such a good looking young man. Which precinct are you from?"

Somehow when she says this, giving him an appraising once over, Nick does feel like a grandchild she hadn't seen in a while. He blushes but smiles, hand moving to rub the back of his head in an unconscious gesture.

"Good morning, Mrs. Ollipot. I work at South Precinct under Captain Renard's command."

"Oh, Captain Renard, capable man."

There's something in those old, watchful eyes that speaks of an awareness for Renard's capability beyond that of knowing him as a member of PPD. Most likely she knows that he is the Prince of Portland.

"Capable and a hellish taskmaster."

"I would hope so. Takes some guts to keep a bunch of cops in line, don't you think, Detective?"

A mischievous gleam makes her eyes light up. She moves to sit behind her cluttered worktable, offering him to take a seat on a stool in front of it.

"So, what brings you here, Detective Burkhardt?"

"Well, I've heard you are taking part in inter-precinct marathon this year and I thought it sensible..." He isn't sure how to go on.

"Yes, dear. I do so. If you are worried about my age, don't be. I have run marathons since well before you have been born. This old lady knows what she is doing."

Nick smiles at that.

"Oh no, this isn't what I am here about but you see... I don't want to cause a panic so..."

"Oh out with it, young man, before curiosity kills the cat, namely me."

She doesn't sound flustered or nervous at all which finally pushes Nick to spill the beans.

"Thing is, I am the Grimm of Portland and I know you are wesen and I just wanted to tell you that you have nothing to fear at all, because I am not that kind of Grimm and..." He is aware he is rambling.

"Oh, that is the connection! Oh my, an old lady's memory is like a sieve sometimes."

To Nick's immense surprise she doesn't look terrified at his revelation but rather irritated with herself because she's been so slow on the uptake. Now she gives him a whole different kind of appraising stare, one without fear or dislike, though. It is much more like...

"I've been wanting to meet you for some time now, dear boy. You've encountered my great grand niece, Dr. Mary Higgins, I believe. She told me about what happened to Pierce and how you intervened without killing or hurting anyone." Her words are soft spoken and heavy with emotion now. A seriousness reflected in her tone, that speaks of compassion and sorrow.

Nick lowers his gaze for a moment. It has been that murder series where a mother, Dr. Higgins, has tried to make her son more successful in life by mixing his Genio Innocuo genes with that of a Lowen and thereby has caused him to develop a split personality.

"Yes, I remember her and her son." Nick finds his own voice raw with emotion. It has been a tragic case.

When he looks back up Mrs. Ollipot woges briefly, not out of emotional distress, though, but to show her true appearance to him it seems.

"You've done what you could. So don't you worry, Detective. I see and hear many things and what I have heard about you makes me curious but not afraid."

"Uuh, thank you... for your advocacy. And I'm sorry this happened to your extended family."

He feels uncomfortable with her praise when all he has done is put a young man in prison – a young man that is a member of her family. But there's nothing to be done about that now, so he goes on quietly.

"Other than that I hope you'll still take part in the run. As I've said, no wesen has to fear me because of its heritage."

Keen eyes hold his gaze as the old lady nods in what seems is approval.

"It speaks for you that you worry about such things. And now, young man, no more dark musings and dallying, or I am sure that Captain of yours will have a few choice words to say."

Nick rises from his chair, a small smile reappearing.

"That Captain of mine was the one to tell me who I need to talk to, actually. But I will pass on the greetings, Mrs. Ollipot and see you at the marathon."

"Yes, you will, dear boy."

Day 220 (May, 5th)

The day of the marathon begins sunny and bright. Nick is up literally since the crack of dawn, too excited to sleep any longer and filled with a kind of anticipation that has nothing to do with nervousness but everything with the thrill of finally doing this!

He prepares his meal, takes coffee and food out into the garden and eats sitting on the back door steps. Sun shines down on him gently and he's happy to let it drive away early morning chill. It will be perfect running weather: Not too cold or too warm and for once no rain.

GRIMM GRIMM GRIMM

After breakfast he packs his bag, loading in clothes for running, water bottles, a towel, tape and so on... in short: Everything you need for a day like this.

Yesterday Monroe, Hank and Wu have been over to help him set up everything for the barbecue which is to take place at his home after the run and subsequent official part. It will just be a relaxed get-together with friends, nothing formal or strained. Apart from the marathon itself, of course, this is his favourite event today. There's meat, beer, salads and other goodies already in the fridge - along with cheesecake for Renard – and he hasn't switched his calendar from April to May so that the oh so dignified Prince may appreciate, what he's written down there.

A smirk, a last glance to the calendar in question, then he's off to precinct to meet up with Hank. He'll use the opportunity to change into his running clothes in the locker room, a definite advantage of your precinct being near start area.

GRIMM GRIMM GRIMM

Hank enters the locker-room in search of Nick but upon seeing his partner doing... whatever... any greetings die on his tongue. He takes a closer look, frowning when he discovers what he actually is doing.

"Do I even want to know why you are taping your... ummh... nubbies?"

Nick looks up from his naked chest with an expression somewhere between skeptical and amused.

"Nubbies?" He holds Hank's gaze, teasing spark gleaming in his eyes.

"Cute."

Now that's teasing with a definite note of pitying amusement. Hank glares down on him, using superior height to his advantage.

"The Captain is rubbing off on you, do you know that? And will you answer my question now or is the reason too embarrassing?"

Nick cocks his head to give him a 'You wish' kind of stare.

"I am taping my... nubbies (a pointed look and infuriatingly smug grin, that Hank itches to wipe off)... because youreally don't want to know how many runners reach the goal of a marathon with their nubbies (A helpless chuckle this time. Oh how he wants to clout Nick over the head!)... sorry ... rubbed raw and bloody after the material of their shirt has shifted against their nubbies for three or four hours straight."

"Careful, Mr. Grimm, another sentence in that mocking tone and I'm no longer responsible for my hand, if it cuffs you over the head. Other than that, that does sound nasty,man, and I'm not sure I wanted to know."

Hank's own tone is gruff but an amused gleam in those dark eyes tells Nick that his partner isn't seriously miffed. The Grimm gives a shrug.

"It's not my fault you use weird words... and about the second one, not my fault either. You asked."

While he says this he pats his chest with unconcerned enthusiasm to make sure the tape sticks to his skin.

"Don't believe a word of what he's saying, Hank, he just likes to apply tape there."

Captain Renard – elegantly leaning against the door frame for God knows how long with hands stuck into dark cargo pant pockets – sounds totally deadpan. Only his eyes show the slightest hint of amusement. He watches their local Grimm with something akin to morbid fascination and gives nothing away while Hank chortles with laughter and Nick sputters indignantly.

"Do you call that supportive?"

"You mocked your partner, Detective. I thought it only right to even things out."

An intense stare that never fails to make Nick feel like a scolded schoolboy, no matter that they are close friends by now, and Hank mouthing 'You see? You mocked me.' makes the Grimm blush and scowl.

"Now be a good boy, finish taping your ...nubbies... and get ready for the run."

While Nick's scowl is swept away by a new bout of helpless laughter Hank sends their Captain a dirty look that surely must be enough to kill him, but the bastard Prince has always been a tougher than normal guy, hasn't he?

"I hate you all." Hank murmurs under his breath before a crooked grin steals upon his features seemingly against his will.

"Well, I'm off to round up the others and find us a good place to see you start, so watch out for us."

With a slap to his shoulder that nearly sends the seasoned Grimm flying the broad-shouldered Detective makes his way over to the door.

"Captain, you gonna make sure our champion reaches starting area?"

"That's why I am here. I will see you later. Just send me a text where you've taken up position."

"Will do, Sir. And Nick? You might be crazy (pointed look to his chest) but you're gonna rock it today! We'll be there and do our damned best to give you a good cheer."

Nick's answering grin shows not teasing or pity. It is open and appreciative and filled with excitement at the upcoming challenge.

"I'll better do my best then, don't I?"

GRIMM GRIMM GRIMM

When Hank has left only Sean remains, waiting silently while Nick throws on a sleeveless shirt, that shows the precinct label on the back, and applies his starting number sticker to the front.

"All set and ready?"

It is a neutrally posed question but behind those words Nick can sense so much more. He smiles in response and nods.

"Yeah, all good. I can't wait to start actually. All that training and time... and now I'll finally see what I can do."

"You'll do well." A smirk steals on angular features.

"Just remember: You are a Grimm. You will cope."

The mentioned Grimm mirrors his expression.

"Our answer to everything. I begin to like it. Not that it sounds in any way cocky..."

The ironic quirk to his lips definitely takes away a bit of what Monroe calls his puppy dog look but Sean likes it and the humour which lies underneath his words.

GRIMM GRIMM GRIMM

They exit precinct locker-room together, leaving the building and walking the short distance to the start area in companionable silence.

Renard exchanges a few words of support with all his subordinates, even complies with a wry smile when Devi Kellerman presents her small hand for a high five, which is dead adorable because the Captain is easily 10 inches taller than her, and finishes his round with Nick.

A last glance and nod, a last squeeze of his shoulder – all without drawing overly much attention from the many other runners – then Sean makes his way to Hank and the crew, who have all assembled to support their friends, and Nick joins his colleagues to wait for the start.

Franco doesn't look all that sure he really wants to do this but from what Hank has told him he has lost a bet with Wu and, well, nobody can say Sergeant Franco isn't an honorable man... or that he hasn't known what he got himself into once starting a bet with the Asian..

"Must have been one killer of a lost bet to end up runnin' a marathon."

This gets the Grimm a playful punch to the shoulder and sour look but Franco also is a man, who is too even spirited to stay grumpy for long.

"You could say that, Burkhardt. So let me give you an advice: Never bet with Drew even if you are 100% sure you will win... You just never do."

"Stopped betting against Wu ever since doing that forced me to wear a peach coloured, hand-knitted scarf for a day... in June."

"Really? I could swear that overlarge sweater you wore that other day was Drew's handiwork as well."

Nick's expression darkens slightly before a grin breaks through seemingly against his will.

"No, that was another matter entirely."

"Oh well, if you say so. Good luck for the run, mate. And I may not have been entering all that voluntarily but we are gonna show them up today, that's for sure!"

"You can bet on that."

Franco gives him a last slap on the shoulder before he makes his way over to another one of their colleagues to warm up for the run.

Nick moves over to Brad and Devi. One evening the Steinadler has called and asked if he wanted to start together as a group with them and, having found Brad and his Scharfblick partner to be good company, the Grimm has happily agreed.

The deal is: If their pace remains the same they'll do this together but if anyone wants to run faster or slower at any point that's okay, too. After all, each of them has their very own time frame set for the run.

So he jokes around with those two until the official part begins, keeps his distance from Raymonds and gets a pat on the shoulder from Mrs. Ollipot and her confidant vote that he'll do just fine.

GRIMM GRIMM GRIMM

Excitement mounts among runners and spectators alike. The general noise level speaks of a happy crowd eager to watch and cheer and it fuels on the runners even more.

The Chief of Police makes a speech, which Nick could have done without, but seeing Renard stand on the same stage along with the other two Captains makes it worthwhile at least.

Members of South-Precinct are proud of their commander for they can clearly see that he is with them in this with all he's got. Gone is his distanced act when he takes the opportunity to address them personally to rally them on!

And as always he's perfectly dressed to fit the occasion:

Instead of his normal attire of suit and slacks he wears a black t-shirt with precinct emblem on the back, just like all those taking part in the run do, dark cargo pants and matching trainers. In short, he looks as if he could jump down from that stage and run with them at any given moment... which nobody would doubt considering Renard's fitness levels.

About 300 runners from all three precincts will start today and when finally the signal goes off the crowd goes crazy with cheering them on.

They all set into motion divided into smaller groups, so Nick starts together with Franco, Devi, Brad and Gwendolyn, along with many more fellow cops. As always there is much competition between precincts but overall everyone just wants to have a good time and groups entail members from all stations.

But it is what Nick sees when he looks for his friends that nearly takes his breath. He spots so many familiar people!

There are Hank, Wu, Sean, Monroe and Rosalee, of course, all cheering and raising a true ruckus. They've painted writing on their faces or in Sean's case on his lower right arm and if Nick sees right it spells 'NTG' in bold letters. Happiness bubbles up inside him, fueling him on and making him thank whatever deity for having such great friends!

But still there are so many more:

Bud has taken his whole family and half of the lodge here it seems. His wife Phoebe is already handing out pastries and loads of other baked goods to family, friends and total strangers, while her husband looks for him with anxiousness that stems from excitement instead of fear.

Together with Devi he waves at them when they run past before his gaze moves on – to discover Frank Rabe along with his son Barry. Roddy Geiger and even Gracie, who makes her brother Hanson lift her up so that she can hand him one of her self made sea-shell necklaces. He shouts his thanks to them and then they are past.

"Catering to fans, Burkhardt?"

That's Devi from beside him, teasing once again as if they've known each other much longer than just a few days. He gives her a mock evil glare and waves the gift.

"That's catering to friends and in case you didn't know, there's a difference."

"Ha, if you say so. There are certainly a lot of... people cheering for you."

Both know without a doubt that she would have said 'wesen' hadn't they been in a crowd of thousands of unsuspecting people.

If half his mind and the whole of his body weren't focussed on running he might have choked up at the sight of all this support. He has known that some of Portland's wesen do not view him as a threat any longer but that so many have come here humbles Nick like few things could have.

GRIMM GRIMM GRIMM

They have a fool proof plan:

Monroe is their scout. With a blutbad's olfactory senses he's able to smell Nick throughout the mass of people and determine his current position almost without fail. Hank has gone so far as to give him one of Nick's worn shirts which he's swiped earlier so that Monroe will have an easier access to his scent. Following that Hank and Wu have cracked so many jokes about dogs and following trails that Renard has intervened with a truly frightening stare and sent them to fetch their banners and such from the cars.

Which is exactly what their task is today: Hank does the driving in turns with Sean while Wu oversees de- and re-loading of car trunks with banners, food and drinks to get them to different spots along the running course, which spans a little over 26 miles, after all.

While Monroe is also responsible for providing Nick with bottles of non-alcoholic drinks, Rosalee has taken on the difficult task of feeding the wild, rompish mob, that is their little fan group, which means giving out food and drink to approximately 5 to 10 people, who are constantly changing position along the course.

GRIMM GRIMM GRIMM

When they are deep in the forest Nick spots Holly Clark, sitting high up in a tree, smiling, waving and calling out to him:

"Nick, watch out! They are waiting for you!"

"That did sound a bit ominous, didn't it?"

The Grimm wholly agrees with the Steinadler running on his left side. Well, Holly has learned a lot in her time out of the woods but sometimes she still lacks a bit refinement at how to put things into words. Anyway, she more than makes that up with her kind nature and gentle enthusiasm once she's managed to get over her initial shyness.

He grins like a maniac, knowing that this run is a gift to him in so many more ways than just being able to complete such a course..

"She means well."

"Oh, look!" Devi this time, spotting something with her sharp eyes that the others haven't so far. That's what Holly has meant!

Up ahead are Rosalee, the Captain, Wu and Hank holding up banners with brightly coloured writing on them. Nick feels a laugh bubble up inside him when he reads the lines:

Going Right Into Marathon Mania!

Gonna Rock It, Marathon Man!

And that's only two of them.

"Is it just a really unlikely coincidence or do the first letters of every banner spell GRIMM, if taken together?"

"I'm sure that is just a really unlikely coincidence."

Irony is such a wonderful thing.

GRIMM GRIMM GRIMM

Monroe is great at providing drinks and such, although there's been one near heart-attack moment when the blutbad has all but jumped out of a bush to take an empty bottle from his friend. Devi has laughed so hard that she nearly stumbled or would actually have, if it hadn't been for Brad grabbing her to catch her momentum.

GRIMM GRIMM GRIMM

Nick falls into a familiar routine of motions. It is like his body remembers what to do before his mind can even think it. The feeling is great and enables Nick to sink into a deeply relaxed state. He thinks back to how all this has begun and for a while loses himself in memories.

Kellerman and Kershaw let him go with a shared grin as he unconsciously quickens his pace. When Grimm instinct takes over is it like a palpable thing. It's nothing they fear but still a sight to behold when the Detective grows all quiet and absolutely calm, his inner predator pushing him to reach past his limits and tap into that seemingly bottomless well that is a Grimm's inner strength.

Nick thinks back to the day when he's gone literally into a lion's den to save a man, who's been no more than an uneasy alley at that time. He feels again surprise, empathy, anger and gratitude as he relives the hours after – establishing trust, gaining an insight into a complicated, deeply suspicious man. Giving help and receiving some in return.

That's been their beginning.

Miles run away under his feet while he remembers it all:

Those first text messages, banter still limited by keeping a careful distance while coming nearer, discovering more of that man than he ever thought possible.

And then they've actually begun helping each other. With little things, at first, before going farther, reaching farther step by step.

Sometimes it's been like an uneasy, dangerous dance. Two complicated men with an even more complicated relationship balancing on uneven, barely there ground to find a way. At other times things have simply fallen into place. Routines establishing themselves as if they have just waited for their chance to do so.

They've started trusting each other, have become friends.

Coffee and talking, of course.

The wild landscape of Forest Park and past events alike flow by.

That first coffee... and he has counted it a resounding success to even get Renard to exchange banter on that level. Oh and did he mention that heavenly good coffee?

With memories of HI-training and sparring with Renard Nick's thirst to excel reasserts itself. This is not simply running, this is a challenge! It is something he has taken 7 months to train for. It is like pitting his strength against that of the powerful zauberbiest all over again. The thrill of a fight merges with elation of running as past sensations collide with present ones. The burn of adrenaline, warmth and strength flowing through muscles.

The Grimm makes it back to the city part of the course moving practically on autopilot. That leaves only the last third to complete.

Renard and Hank have taken up position high on some stairs leading to a pedestrians only area, leaning with their arms on the stone railing and waiting for their Grimm to jog past. When the shrewd Prince spots him the ghost of a knowing smile appears.

"Look. Time has arrived to watch the true potential of our Detective unfold."

He points out to the Afro-American.

"How can you tell? I mean, he looks alright with running but that's surely not what you mean."

"It isn't. And it is his focus that has changed. He takes in all his surroundings and yet his thoughts are directed inward. He has reached a state where instinct has taken over."

"Instinct and the hell bent will to show them all up." Hank responds with a grin that speaks of personal experience. Not many would assume that their good-natured Detective has a competitive streak and stubborn will to prove himself but he has seen it time and time again.

"Nick is a great mate but he's also one hell of an opponent in a sparring match."

The Captain and Hank can relate all to well in that area.

"Who are you telling this?" A smirk mirrored by the senior Detective.

It might be a bitch of an effort sometimes but it also is what makes sparring with the Grimm so interesting.

They continue watching their friend, who runs past oblivious to his audience, well on the way of cracking his pre-set finishing time.

GRIMM GRIMM GRIMM

And another one is watching Nick run past. He observes, draws conclusions, makes plans.

The Grimm.

Disgust sweeps through him when he sees him being cheered on by his friends – his wesen and kehrseite associates. He shudders.

This will stop. Either that or the Grimm will die!

The stranger pulls back out of the mass of onlookers without anyone noticing him. He has much to prepare.

He will lead that man back onto the right path no matter if he has to break him in the process!

GRIMM GRIMM GRIMM

When Nick feels himself tire he goes deeper into himself – seeks his Grimm nature and all it entails. He immerses himself, does what Monroe and Sean have taught him. In his mind he returns to HI-training, to sparring in the rain, to giving everything! Going all out! And so he pushes on.

GRIMM GRIMM GRIMM

It is as if coming out of a daydream. Like someone has turned sight and sound back on. Awareness of a world beyond the borders of his own body.

They are all there! Have been with him the whole time. They are cheering and shouting – his friends, his colleagues and all those many people supporting all participants. He has reached the last mile! This is it! The final stretch of the marathon! One last time he takes everything out of himself. The last meters. The crowd so loud it is nearly deafening...

When Nick reaches the finishing line he is flowing over with elation and relief and a myriad of other emotions. He's done it! He's really done it!

He continues on to changing area at a slow pace after that. His legs feel like under a low electric current, still set on running rather than walking. His head swims with different emotions and impressions. He hands over his track band, which has recorded his running time, in a daze.

Changing into a new set of clothes, being happily rejoined by Brad and Devi, who have finished about 15 minutes later than him, and finally searching for his friends are his next steps.

It seems he doesn't have to search at all, because as soon as he steps out of the fenced off area they are all upon him, shouting, cheering and laughing!

Rosalee practically bowls him over in her enthusiasm to hug him and he swears, he has never heard her squeal like that in all their time! He hugs her back as best as he can, laughing at her antics and feeling insanely happy. After some time Monroe grumbles from behind her and she lets go, dark eyes dancing with mirth and pride for her friend. Hank is next and Nick all but sags against his broad chest as he is drawn into a bear hug. Now that adrenaline levels have lowered his legs feel like jello and his mind still whirls with all those different impressions.

He simply leans there, trying to catch his breath and get a clear head while Hank all but holds him up.

"You did it, partner! You really did a thing today!" Is his quiet but fierce assertion.

When he's finally sure his legs will hold him he gently pushes himself away from the taller man, looking up and showing Hank a face glowing with happiness and gratitude.

"Yes. I did." There's wonder in his voice as if he still cannot believe it himself.

"But I couldn't have...!"

He looks into all their faces: Monroe, Rosalee, Hank, Wu and a little off to the side Sean. They all crowd around him, each having their own way of showing him that he's done well. There's slapping on the back and hugs and a myriad of different comments and for all the world he cannot put into words how much this all means to him.

"I... I couldn't have... you were all so great, guys!"

"Oh, come on, dude, no need to get all teary-eyed."

"Not getting teary-eyed at all." Nick mumbles but for all his denial his eyes remain suspiciously bright.

"Anyway, was a real killer to see you do this... and we got to taste Phoebe Wurstner's pies. I would say it was well worth it."

Monroe's words are a little less gruff than normal and his own voice just this side of emotional as he pats Nick repeatedly on the shoulder. Rosalee steps up and spontaneously wraps him in a second, much gentler and motherly hug, murmuring into his ear how proud she is of him.

"Okay, okay. Now give the man some space to re-acclimate. We don't want to overwhelm him, do we?"

That's Wu, as always gathering all the important facts and connecting the dots.

"I think he's doing a fine job himself with the overwhelming part."

"Hey." A protest from Nick, albeit a weak one.

"All the more reason to give him some breathing space, lady and gentlemen."

GRIMM GRIMM GRIMM

When things have calmed down a bit Nick leans with his hands on the railing of one of the barriers, letting his head sink and his mind wander. He's aware of Sean's presence long before the man makes it known despite his natural stealth. After months of getting to know him this has become a sixth sense. He has been there to see Nick finish the run, has cheered with the others, but no matter how much the distanced Royal has changed, standing in a group of people giving out hugs and back slaps will never be his thing.

Nick gazes at the metal rail without really seeing it, sounds and memories washing over him. He waits, calms down bit by bit, finds peace after adrenaline and a strong will has pushed him on for hours.

A large, warm hand clasps his neck and draws him to a broad black clad chest, to the person on the other side of the fence. The contact is brief, no longer than a few seconds, but for some time the Grimm feels a steady heartbeat against his cheek and a low murmur reaches his ears and rumbles through that chest.

"It seems all that 'whipping into shape' has done some good. Had I known it would yield such good results I would have employed that method much earlier."

"And what you do every day at precinct is not what you call 'whip us into shape'? I am shocked, Captain."

All this is a whisper as low as Sean's. When he looks back up he finds the half-zauberbiest gazing down on him with a peculiar expression. There's a challenge, there's curiosity but also an emotion that looks foreign on the man's sharp features. A quiet smile grazes thin lips, barely hidden mirth makes green eyes lose some of their cool calculation. But what really is so foreign is another emotion altogether.

"3:16:79. You put even your best training records to shame today. You've given everything and it was well visible."

It is pride.

Stormy grey eyes hold those of his zauberbiest Captain. This time they are not bright with unshed tears but filled with thousands of things he wants to say to the other man. In the end he doesn't need to spell it all out. He just needs to quip 'And I couldn't have done it without my hellish taskmaster.' for Sean to understand all that is hidden underneath that single sentence.

GRIMM GRIMM GRIMM

Nick tells them that he wants to wait for another runner to finish, so they all linger around on the lawns of Willamette, which is no hardship as the day is mild and the sun shining warmly, and Wu wants to wait for Franco, anyway.

When after half an hour Nick visibly perks up and walks up to an elderly lady wearing an old-fashioning tracksuit they all show varying degrees of astonishment. When they both hug and high-five Wu actively has to pick up his jaw from the ground while Hank chuckles quietly. Of course, he knows who that lady is. Nick has told him of his memorable first meeting with her.

"Did Nick just high five with a Granny?"

Hank's eyes sweep over from the Asian to the odd pair.

"Jep, and it's even better. He did high five with a tortoise like wesen Granny, who would best us all at running every day of the week and who called him a dear boy when she heard he's a Grimm."

"Really? You are not kidding good ol' Wu?"

"Nope. I think Nick's description was 'tough as nails tortoise lady'... although I think instead of tortoise he's used some weird wesen name."

GRIMM GRIMM GRIMM

To decide a winner running time of every member of a precinct has been added up and then divided by the number of participants from the respective precinct to get comparable results.

South-precinct has won by a hair's width, a fact which is greeted with a roaring cheer from its members, Captain included.

Nick for his parts has known that he's scored a better time than he initially planned to but would never have thought it possible to make it among the five best runners! He is just digesting that fact when in a spontaneous act of glee Hank, Wu and Franco grab him and put him on their collective shoulders, celebrating their mate in typical cop ruckus fashion.

"Woah, guys, tame it down a bit, will you? I don't want to break a leg now, if you let me crash!"

Nick protests but is laughing all the same.

"No chance, Burkhardt. That's the downside of glory. Live with it!"

"I'll remind you of that some time later, Wu."

There's no stopping them, anyway, and seeing even Renard unable to hide his triumphant smirk as he stands on the stage nearly makes being jostled around worth it.

GRIMM GRIMM GRIMM

Bud and Wu man the barbecue, Hank, Sean and Rosalee assemble the rest of the food for later and a certain blutbad and Grimm are settled in a far corner of the garden, beer in hand and sitting on the lawn. It has to be said in their defense that they have carried a mighty load of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks earlier and that Monroe wants to get as far away from the grill as possible as long as meat is actually sizzling there.

"You really spaced out there for a time, dude. Not cool! We were waving things for you, you know?"

Monroe's brows draw together in a typical show of blutbad indignation but Nick has long since learned that Monroe's bark rarely heralds bite. He finds himself ducking his head in embarrassment nonetheless.

"Sorry, jogged down memory lane, I guess."

Monroe grins almost against his will.

"Wanna see you try pinpoint that one on a Portland city map."

"Not possible, it was all in my head."

"And that's supposed to be reassuring, how?"

"Don't know... reassuring enough that it were mostly happy memories?"

"I dearly hope so. Moping around on a day like this is simply not done!"

"Hey, it's not as if I walk around moping all the time. Especially not today."

"Don't get all smug there. Might makes your head swell, Mr. Grimm... Although today you probably got the right to." The last is added like an afterthought.

They bicker on in that fashion until Rosalee joins them, plopping down to lie on her back beside them in the grass and closing her eyes with a content sigh.

"Nick, Sean asked to see you... Something in the kitchen."

When the Grimm blanches slightly at this Monroe grows suspicious, but before he can ask what's the matter Nick has risen and already makes his way over. With a shrug he sinks down next to his beloved fuchsbau.

"You know what this is about, hon?"

"Not sure. But there was a curious sentence written on a calendar. I think it was something along the lines of 'making the Captain happy'."

"Oh well, those two will sort it out."

GRIMM GRIMM GRIMM

Nick enters the kitchen cautiously. Renard is leaning against the worktable looking at home there just like he's done, when he has cooked dinner for him while he's been down with that cold last month. He looks unthreatening enough but Nick isn't going to assume.

"Rosie said you wanted to see me?"

The half-zauberbiest actually smirks at his hesitant tone, smirks like the devil in hiding. Green eyes pin him to the spot while the man's posture is one of deceptive relaxation, sleeves of his loose button down shirt rolled up and all.

"I took the liberty of switching the leaf of your calendar to May... it did seem a bit remiss of you to forget doing so."

If ever a shark out for blood has spoken in a smooth, velvety drawl and projected an aura of pure evil while smiling benignly, now Nick knows how that sounds and looks. He swallows thickly, puts on his best boyish smile and storms off to where there are many witnesses, before his creepy zauberbiest Captain can get any closer.

"Just remembered, got to help Bud and Wu with the BBQ! There's cheesecake in the fridge, by the way."

He throws this over his shoulder in a rush while he makes sure to put as much distance between himself and Sean as he is able to... And did he mention as much witnesses as possible?

GRIMM GRIMM GRIMM

When Nick practically sprints out of the house all of them look up in confusion.

"Don't run! After the strain of today your legs cramp all too easily."

The Captain's sharp reprimand rings out clearly from within the house. For all Nick cares he could have said 'Quit running, you won't be able to escape, anyway.' but he does slow down before making his way over to the grill.

Didn't Nick run a marathon already today?"

Bud asks from where he's standing at the barbecue with Sergeant Wu.

"Oh he certainly did, but there are some things pushing you to run even faster than a marathon could ever do."

The ominous, knowing smirk on the Asian's face makes Bud a little nervous but he supposes Nick wouldn't have him as a friend, if he were dangerous... although he is a Grimm and maybe Grimms are better equipped to handle that...

Oh, well. He has stopped worrying about such things ever since he's become friends with Nick... he's not worrying much, anyway.

"Hey, guys. What's up with the meat?"

He looks a bit harried.

"Sizzling like a hummer in a pot. (Nick really wants to wipe off Wu's smug grin and hit him for that bad pun.) All is well. No need to linger. Why don't you go to keep our dear Captain company?"

The dirty look Drew gets from the Grimm makes Bud cringe. Wu remains unaffected, though, waiting for Nick's answer to that one.

"I would prefer... not to... at the moment."

"Then you will be happy to hear that he makes his way over here just now."

The way Nick turns around so fast he nearly gets a crick in his neck sends them all into bouts of laughter while the man in question acts as if he hasn't noticed a thing.

Nick sends him an evil stare, anyway. Sean may appear as guileless as any shrewd Bastard Prince can, but he knows better. He can practically see a devious smirk lurking under that cool facade.

Instead of walking over to them, though, Renard joins Hank and manages to look like royalty even wearing casual clothes and stretching long legs out in front of him while lounging in a garden chair next to the Afro-American.

Damn the man for his aura. And damn him for managing to give me the creeps without even putting up an effort.

GRIMM GRIMM GRIMM

"Any reason why Nick is so skittish all of a sudden?"

Hank asks as he sinks deeper into the comfortable chair, ice cold beer in hand and his gaze on the Captain.

"I cannot think of a single reason. It might be the stress of today finally catching up with him."

The dark look Nick sends him from over the lawn clearly says 'I have heard that!' but Sean just calmly inclines his head, raises his glass of wine in a silent toast and smiles quietly. To everyone he looks like an epitome of a well-meaning Captain... to everyone except Nick!

"If you say so, Captain." Hank is chuckling.

He has to give it to the man, he is a true master of underhanded schemes. Even knowing that he is teasing Nick in some way, he's been unable to detect any trace of mocking in the man's tone. It's as he's said: Sean Renard is a genius at acting and plotting... and at keeping Nick out of trouble, which is good.

Anyway. Whatever his partner has done, Hank is relatively sure he deserves Renard's little act of putting terror in his heart. So with a content sigh he takes another swig of his microbrew and continues to enjoy the afternoon in the sun.

GRIMM GRIMM GRIMM

The have all retired to living room and kitchen, sated after a hearty meal and content to take the time for chat and drink.

Hank comes in from where he's been standing by the backdoor with Wu to find their Grimm and the Captain sitting on the couch, talking quietly. For all their earlier differences they seem quite content with each others company. Good for them. Those two stubborn guys do need someone to take care of and keep eachest other in line.

"Another beer, gentlemen?"

Both gaze up and – had they been any less seasoned than they are – would have looked like deer caught in the headlights.

"Yeah... (a jaw cracking yawn)... sorry. Yeah, sure."

"Yes, gladly." Sean adds with much more dignity than the tired Grimm.

With a nod and a grin Hank goes to fetch more bottles.

What awaits him upon returning is even better than seeing those two absorbed in their own little world:

It is fearsome, never inconvenienced, always in control Captain Renard sitting on the couch completely motionless. Nick is still there... only he is not talking anymore. Hank can barely keep in the hearty laugh threatening to bubble up so he goes for an all out smirk as he comes up beside the men on the couch.

"Captain, why do I have the feeling that this has happened before?"

The half-zauberbiest doesn't deign this with an answer. Instead he makes a single, measured gesture with his right hand to prompt him into handing over the requested drink. All the while his stare is so deadly that he actually makes Hank choke on any further comments.

Monroe has no such qualms it seems.

"Well Hank, you might get that impression because our good Captain knows exactly how to move his right hand and arm while he keeps his left side absolutely still. And here I talk about the very left side, on which a certain Grimm is conveniently leaning while residing in slumberland."

For once the blutbad's smile appears wolfish as he leans with his arms on the backrest of the couch opposite of them.

"Thank you, Monroe. Now do you think you can fetch a slice of cheesecake for me or do you have any other clever observations to make?"

Had that deep drawl been directed at him Hank would have fled as fast as could, but it isn't so he just enjoys the show.

"How are you going to eat it?" Honest confusion on Monroe's part now... and no sense of self-preservation at all.

"I will manage." Tone clipped, no emotion leaking through at all. Uh. Oh.

"Hey mate, you should run as fast as you can... either to fetch that cake or to the other end of the city... At this point I am not sure if either will save your life, though."

Hank asserts in a stage whisper while waiting for the clockmaker to rediscover his survival instinct.

"Errr... I think I'll take option... A."

Finally.

"Good choice." As Monroe scurries off Hank and Sean share a conspiratorial grin. And all the while Nick remains oblivious to the world, deeply asleep and with his head resting heavily on the zauberbiest's shoulder.

"I wouldn't have killed him." Renard sounds reasonable enough... partly reasonable, anyway.

"I am aware. But as you are making sure my little rookie partner gets all the sleep he deserves by acting as half an unmoving pillow I thought it only right to help out."

The Captain's expression definitely leans toward grateful now. Somewhere in the distance the flash of a camera goes off. Another fearsome glare is sent in that direction. Oh, it's such a shame Renard cannot move right now for fear of waking Nick. Hank wisely keeps that thought to himself, though.

Five minutes later both Monroe and Hank watch in fascination as the ruler of wesen Portland balances a plate on his right thigh, scooping up portions of cake with a fork in his right hand and all the while managing not to move a single muscle on his left side! Did Hank mention that this man is a genius... and that he is absolutely indulging their local Grimm?

GRIMM GRIMM GRIMM

It is getting rather late. Someone has left the remote control within easy reach along with an open bottle of water, so he's been able to watch tv and take a drink from time to time, but his bladder is beginning to make demands and his neck growing stiff from remaining still for so long. The others have long gone. They are alone.

Slowly and with infinite care he sees about extricating himself from under his Detective without waking him. Really, the things he is doing nowadays. He keeps his arm slung around Nick's shoulders to make sure he's resting safely while he takes a pillow and puts it where his head will come to lie on the couch. Upon lowering him to the cushions Nick rouses enough to murmur something grumbly. Sean strains to listen.

"Removing... pillow?" Oh yes, that sounds decidedly grumpy.

"Rather the opposite. I am making sure you actually have a pillow to begin with. And now go back to sleep, silly Grimm."

The Grimm huffs quietly before he falls asleep again, face half buried into the soft pillow and lulled in by Sean's deep, velvety voice.

The bastard Prince looks down on his Grimm with exasperated fondness even as he shakes his head at his own mother-henning antics. That is not like him at all. It is that impossible man, that has changed him.

Somehow though, ...somehow he cannot begrudge him that fact. So much has happened. So many walls have been torn... on both sides, so many aspects of the other's self been discovered along the way.

For all his disbelief at his own protective tendencies he still takes a blanket to cover up his friend. Lights are turned off, last things put to rights, then the tall zauberbiest exits the house by the front door and quietly pulls the door close behind himself.

Nick is safe and sleeping soundly after a thrilling, tiring day.

GRIMM GRIMM GRIMM

/Is it possible that I used you as a pillow... again and then snapped at you for moving away?/

/Yes, that sums it up quite nicely. Good report, Detective./

/And you called me a silly Grimm?/

/You have a fascinating ability to recollect./

/Well, I try. Grimm traits and all, you know./

/Are you aware that we have to work on your high-headedness?/

/I like you, too, Sean. And I am sure you meant thick-headedness... at least that's what you scold me for the rest of the time./

/I'm not going to comment on the first part./

/That's okay. Words aren't necessary./

/I've told you repeatedly what I think about assumptions./

/Not assuming, putting together the clues. Let me explain: I watched discovery channel Friday evening./

/Captivating./

Sarcasm in its purest form conveyed by text message.

/Yes. I know. Anyway. When I put on the tv on Saturday evening it was on BBC1, which means someone else has watched tv in the time from Friday eve to Saturday eve. Only person possible: You. Being who you are, you wouldn't even have contemplated that, had you not been prepared for a longer wait. That in turn means you've let me use you as a pillow for hours, ergo, you like me. It also means I am embarrassed as hell but that are technicalities. Remember? I am a Detective./

/I may have to concede your point./

And that's it. Somehow, somewhere along the way they have stepped into becoming more than colleagues or allies. As improbable as it seems, the Grimm and the bastard zauberbiest Prince have become friends.