Nick Burkhardt (
detectivetroll) wrote2012-08-11 02:29 am
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[Closed Commentlog]
[It takes Nick a little while to figure out what's going on, because it didn't actually change much about him.
But once he does, it's not long before he's out of his room and going next door to Monroe's. If everyone here is human, then it's probably affecting Monroe, and Nick needs to be there.
He knocks on the door, not bothering to say who it is at first, because he's used to Monroe knowing. And then it occurs to him that Monroe might not be able to smell him.]
Open up, Monroe, it's me.
But once he does, it's not long before he's out of his room and going next door to Monroe's. If everyone here is human, then it's probably affecting Monroe, and Nick needs to be there.
He knocks on the door, not bothering to say who it is at first, because he's used to Monroe knowing. And then it occurs to him that Monroe might not be able to smell him.]
Open up, Monroe, it's me.
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He pulls the door open noticing how much harder it is than normal. He tries to relax now that Nick's there but the deep breath he takes to steady himself doesn't help. Normally he could smell Nick. He can't smell him!]
I can't smell anything.
[That makes sense right?]
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It makes sense to Nick, but possibly only because Nick already knows that people are turning human.]
I know. Monroe-
[He doesn't finish the train of thought, because he's distracted by getting up in Monroe's personal space. Not that that's much different from usual, but this time he's looking for something rather than attempting to convince Monroe of something.
Not that Monroe flashes his Blutbad face at him all that often, but still... There's nothing, though. Or, well, no. Not nothing. But nothing that's not human, from either of them.]
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You know? What do you mean you know? What do you know?
[Monroe's voice raises out of frustration and fear. When Nick gets closer Monroe leans in more, closing the distance between them. He tries to discreetly sniff at Nick. Maybe with him closer he can smell something?]
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Monroe doesn't need any mobs.]
You're human. Everyone is, as far as I can tell. It's - I don't know, apparently something that happens here. It's happened before, but it's only temporarily.
[Sorry, man, but as close as Nick is, he definitely noticed that sniffing. But he can't fault Monroe for trying to test out his senses, so he's not going to call him on it.]
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Monroe runs his hand through his hair. He sounds horrified.]
Something happened to make me human?
[He still can't smell him! And Nick clearly didn't notice the first sniff, so he shifts in a little closer to try again. He can almost smell a faint trace of Nick. Like Nick passed by this room a week ago and just hasn't come back.]
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Right, okay, Monroe's obviously freaking out again. Which, well, Nick was expecting. That's why he'd come over, and part of why he's all up in Monroe's personal space.]
Yeah. I don't think anyone knows what. But look, it's temporary, okay? As far as I can tell, it's never lasted more than a week or two at most.
[He caught that again, dude. This time, he feels like he should probably say something.]
You're not going to be able to smell like you usually do. Not until you're back to normal.
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Part of why? What's the other part?]
You mean I'm going to be stuck as a human for two weeks?!? Stuck with this nose that can't smell anything. No strength. I can't even Woge!
[His brain clicks in to what he also won't have to deal with. His face lights up.]
No more problems with red! I won't need to do Pilates just so I won't hurt someone!
[And not he's embarrassed. Way to go Nick. Monroe takes a step back, and looks anywhere but at Nick.]
You can't blame me for checking. Normally I can smell your Grimm-ness miles away.
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And the other part was that Nick was trying to see the lack of Blutbad for himself.]
You'll make it, man. It's not like we need to do anything that needs your nose for two weeks. Just think of it like you having a cold or something.
[And then Nick pauses, because that... hadn't occurred to him, not really.]
Right. Yeah. So you know, there's a bright side.
[Nick reaches out when Monroe pulls away, gripping his shoulder and squeezing lightly. He hadn't meant to embarrass him.]
It's fine, I wasn't complaining. I did the same thing. Only, you know, Grimm thing instead of smell.
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[Monroe is scoffing at you. Comparing this travesty to a cold? He can't smell Nick!]
A bright side? I won't have homicidal urges and you call it a bright side? Come on man this is awesome.
[Monroe stiffens slightly when Nick reaches out. Now he just feels like an idiot on top of being embarrassed. He runs a hand through his hair awkwardly.]
Yeah, same thing.
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[Nick stills when Monroe says it's awesome. He still hasn't told Monroe about what happened with Adalind, the possibility of a Wesen actually getting turned human, and for a reason. The idea of it happening to Monroe is not something Nick wants to think about.
Except he is now.]
Monroe, this - you don't want to be human, right?
[With the complaining Monroe'd been doing, Nick hadn't thought so, but...
Way to be awkward, Monroe. Nick frowns, because it'd been a while since Monroe reacted that way to Nick reaching out for him.]
Look, man, there's nothing wrong with being freaked out.
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What?
[He is all kinds of confused. Honestly he's never thought about it. He takes a second to think. Being human? That would just be weird.]
No, I don't want to be human, but you have to admit that not having to worry about slipping up one days, and ripping someone's throat out. It does have some benefits.
[Wait, why did Nick ask? Was he supposed to say something else? The confusion shows on his face.]
Why?
[Monroe lets out his breath slowly, and tries not to let go of some tension.]
Yeah. And it's just for two weeks right.
[He is really going to miss smelling Nick.]
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Still, it's something of a relief.]
You're not going to slip up, Monroe. You don't have to be human for that. But, yeah, okay, I get what you mean.
[...and then Monroe had to ask why. Which wouldn't be a problem, except that the main reason it'd occurred to Nick was something he still didn't want to talk about.
Especially not with what was going on.]
You just seemed excited, about that part of it. I don't know, man, it'd just be weird, you being human.
[There, breath letting out is much better. Nick gives Monroe's shoulder another squeeze.]
Hopefully it'll be less. It looks like sometimes it's only lasted a week, or a few days.
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Tell that to Hap and the rabbit.
[And Monroe's mood takes a sudden nose dive. And then he winces slightly. He forgot the rule. No talking about that night. Shit.]
No kidding. I mean really man how do you get by without smelling or hearing anything? It's like half the world is missing.
[But still, not worrying about hurting anyone would be a nice consolation prize. At least he doesn't have to worry about hurting Nick. Also that shoulder grabbing thing is weird as a human. Normally he can smell him a lot when Nick does that. Now? Nothing.]
So I just have to sit here and wait? There's nothing we can do to get me back sooner?
[He looks down at his hands and tries Woging again. Nothing.]
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That wasn't just you.
[That was Angelina, too, and to be honest, Nick'd been more worried about how much hold Angelina seemed to have on Monroe than on Monroe slipping. But Monroe'd come through, in the end.]
You use it that much? Even when we're just standing here talking, like now?
[There's no surprise in Nick's tone at that, though, just genuine curiosity. Really, it's stuff he should have asked a long time ago. It just - hadn't seemed important, with everything they were dealing with; Nick'd just trusted Monroe to tell him what he could do.]
Nothing that I know of. From everything I've read, it looks like this just happens here, and fixes itself soon. Tell you what, when we get you back, you can do that sniffing thing as much as you want, and I won't even give you a hard time about it.
[He's still not letting go. If two of Monroe's senses are dulled, maybe giving him more on another sense will help.]
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Does it matter?
[Why is he still talking about this? And she had a lot of hold on him. But a lot less now then when they were together.]
Well yeah. I mean you use your eyes the whole time we're talking right. It's not like I can turn them off.
[And yeah he really uses it when he and Nick are talking. But he won't be talking about that. Or about how good he smells.]
Oh yeah, thanks. Now I can't change back soon enough.
[All of the sarcasm. Dude, don't make this awkward. It's better if Nick never knows anything about Monroe and his sense of smell.]
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[Or Monroe wouldn't have brought it up. Nick can't deny that Monroe made a mistake, there, one that had huge consequences, but...]
For what it's worth, I don't blame you. And I doubt Hap would, either.
[Nick blamed someone else, and as far as Hap went, Nick was pretty sure he wouldn't blame anyone.]
I didn't think of it that way, I guess. That you were taking in all that information, all the time. It's interesting. Useful. Kind of cool.
[Just imagine how much easier Nick could interview people, with Monroe's senses. Maybe he should start taking him along. Except then he'd need to train him in interviewing techniques, to know what to look for.
Then Nick raises an eyebrow, unimpressed with Monroe's sarcasm.]
Says the guy whose first reaction was to get close enough to smell me. I don't mind, man, it doesn't bother me at all. You're doing it anyway, what does it matter if I know about it?
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[Yes leave it at that and never talk about it again. Ever. Monroe doesn't like to think about how he's gotten his friends killed.
Monroe stops himself from saying something close to 'how would you know' and takes the comforting words even thought he's not sure he can believe it. If anyone else had been responsible Monroe would be right there saying the same thing. Hap didn't blame people, and he'd forgive. But it seems wrong to just decide that Hap would have forgiven him. When he responds it's clear he doesn't really believe it, he just wants the conversation to end.]
Thanks.
[Huh good point.]
Yeah, I guess it kind of is. Never really thought much of it until I got stuck being human.
[Monroe starts to answer about why it matters, but then realizes that he has nothing good to say to that. Especially without mentioning why he like to smell him. For the first time ever Monroe wishes Nick was a Blutbad just so he wouldn't have to expalin. But then Nick would know too much. No it's a good thing that Nick is a Grimm.
he probably wouldn't smell as good either]It just does?
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There's a reason they haven't talked about this. Nick knows very well how easy it is to blame yourself for something, even when there's nothing you could have done. It's a hell of a lot easier when you know you screwed up. He knows there's nothing he can say to fix it, to get Monroe to stop feeling guilty, and maybe he shouldn't even try. Except.]
You're still the person I trust most, Monroe. Always will be.
[Nick smiles slightly at that.]
Neither did I. Apparently sometimes you don't think about things until they're gone. Or until your best friend is freaking out about not being able to smell you.
[That's not a helpful answer at all, Monroe. Would explaining be so bad?]
I'm already going to figure that you're doing it, even if it's not obvious.
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We're talking about how I got some one killed and your resopmonce is to say you trust me?
His tone has a clear exasperated 'you're and idiot' quality to it. On the other hand it does make his feel better. At least he never messed that up. And Monroe knows he's never going to make the same kind of mistake with Nick. He's got your back dude. Even if his track record isn't the best right now.]
[Monroe smiles at him. Nick called him is best friend. Shut up it's normal to get happy when someone does that.]
No kidding.. But at least it's coming back. [Pause] Right?
[You smell amazing and I want to jump you because of it and some other Blutbad stuff and some normal human stuff. Yup, it'd be horrible.]
Yeah but at least then it falls into one of those categories of things we son't talk about.
[Like Hap.]
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You're talking about that. I'm talking about something I don't blame you for, and the dozensnof times you've saved my ass.
[Nick shrugs, mostly a gesture to disguise that he's uncomfortable, particularly with his next statement.]
You're not the only one who's made a mistake, and blamed yourself for getting someone hurt.
[Yeah, okay, Nick's good with changing the subject. And apparently making Monroe smile with his half-snark, that's always good.]
All the evidence says it's coming back, so yeah. You'll be normal again in no time.
[It doesn't even occur to him that he's officially referring to a Blutbad as normal. When did this become his life, ma.
And then he rolls his eyes.]
Dude, I wasn't suggesting we talk about it. You just don't have to hide it, or whatever.
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Monroe shifts uncertainly. He wasn't expecting that. And Nick pretty much just knocked all the wind out of his sails. Ok, Nick wins. He's folding.]
Oh.
[Now Monroe feels like an idiot for not thinking about Nick's feeling about things. He's not used to having to think about that. Life was easier when he didn't talk to anyone. Miserable but easier.]
Nick, you're not- You did- She'll be alright.
[He cuts himself off. How does he do what Nick did? He looks a little lost at Nick. You get it right man?
Monroe breaths a sigh of relief.]
Just avoid dragging me into the dungeons until I'm back to being me.
[It became his life when he wouldn't leave a man eating Blutbad alone. So this is really all Nick's fault.]
Yeah well.
[Grumbles grumbles]
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And good. That was Nick's plan. He just smiles a bit at Monroe's 'oh,' one corner of his mouth quirking upwards, but he'd agreed to drop it, so he's going to do that. But then Monroe says - that, and it takes Nick a moment to figure out what he's talking about.]
I didn't mean that. I meant, killing the Mellifer queen and saving Adalind, getting Hank into trouble with that. Sending you after the Lowen Games. And there's been - other times. We don't always catch the bad guy in time.
[It hurts the worse when it's because of something Nick didn't find, or couldn't see.]
But yeah. That too. I'm starting to think she'd be more all right without being involved with me.
[How did they end up talking about this again? Nick pushes one hand through his hair, more than happy to move on from this.]
I think we'll avoid a lot of places until you're back.
[Nick does rely on Monroe's nose a lot. ...also yeah, okay, it pretty much is Nick's fault. But still. He grins a bit when all Monroe can do is grumble.]
Yeah. See? I don't get why it's a big deal, anyway.
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He messed things up didn't he? Like really messed things up. Crap.]
Oh, yeah I meant those too.
[Really man oops.]
Oh come on man. She's crazy about you. No one that's met you would think they'd be better off without knowing you.
[Not that he means himself at all. Yeah they should just move on.]
That mean you're not going to try dragging me out of this room for awhile?
[Finally. He can hide in his room in peace.
It's not a big deal but it's still a deal.]
Of course you can't you're not a Blutbad. You don't know what things mean.
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No, he didn't mess things up. Just changed the conversation from one awkward, tense subject to another. Nick snorts, but doesn't say anything to that. Right, clearly that's what Monroe meant, too.]
Right, except for the part where I can't ever tell her who I am, or what I do with my time, why I'm always late and missing things, why people are attacking me in my house or kidnapping her out of it, and if she ever does accidentally find out, she'll probably lose her mind.
[No, but really, how did this subject happen? Monroe was right the first time, when he said this was a conversation they needed to be having at midnight over a lot of beers. Definitely not when Nick's concern was Monroe being stuck human.]
Nice try. Come on, man, you know I'm always going to drag you places. We're still doing Tai Chi, and maybe now I can get you to go running with me.
[Nick raises an eyebrow at that. Wait, now it means something, more than just Monroe using one of his senses?]
Usually that's when you step in and tell me I'm stupid, and then explain what Blutbad thing I'm missing. What does it mean?
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Sorry man. He's not a good liar but he tried.]
You can't just blame it on detective work? You had to have kept weird hours before you started seeing faces woge out.
[They can go get more beers. Monroe will even go with him since he doesn't have to worry about hurting anyone. And Monroe like the attention being on Nick.
He starts to say no to the running but cuts himself off. He doesn't have to worry about instincts and running for now. He could go with Nick.]
Yeah sure. At least while I'm a boring normal human.
[Uh no it doesn't. And he just said a lot more than he was planning on saying. There's no chance Nick is just going to drop it right. He shifts awkwardly.]
It's sort of like a way to communicate. You know like the fence thing. Things that belong to you smell like you.
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Yeah, Nick knows that really well.]
I did. I don't know, she's - not as okay with it, any more. That night, at the Lowen Games? That was our anniversary, and I pretty much missed it. I made a choice, and it's one I'll have to make again. And I'm almost always going to make the same decision. The fact that I have to hide everything from her isn't helping at all.
[Or they could just be done talking about this. Nick's really good with not talking about how his relationship might be unsalvageable. Particularly not while there's nothing he can do about it. Don't worry, it'll go back to Monroe soon enough.
Yeah, that was pretty much Nick's plan. Then maybe he can get him to continue.]
That's a start. But I got your meds, for when you're back to being you again.
[There's zero chance that Nick's going to drop it. Especially with a comment like that. Nick raises an eyebrow.]
'Belong to you,' is that how we're defining this relationship now?
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He'll work on it?
And now Monroe feels a little bad about the anniversary thing. Not that he would have wanted Nick to do anything differently. He just didn't mean for Nick's relationship to suffer. And he feels bad for having no clue what was going on.]
Oh, sorry dude. I didn't realize.
[Oh Monroe is stopping. He has nothing useful to say other than maybe Nick should just give up. But Monroe can't say that for hundreds of reasons. Nick if you wanna drop this, consider it dropped.
That's pretty sneaky Nick.]
Thanks again for getting those.
[Damn it. Monroe's eye's go wide.]
What? No! that's not what I meant! It's just that, like this room is mine. So it smells like me, but it smells like you too since you're in here all the time. But that's ok since it's you. If it was someone else then I'd have to do something about it.
[Did that make things better or worse?]
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Good boy.
Nick's relationship'd be suffering anyway, the anniversary thing was just one part of many. And the only reason he has no clue what's going on is because, well, Nick hasn't wanted to talk about it. He's not stupid, he knows that if he actually talked to someone about everything that's been going on with him and Juliette, pretty much the only response would be '...yeah, dude, you guys need to just break up.']
Don't be sorry, man, you didn't do anything but what I asked you to. I don't regret the choice I made. And like I said, it's - everything.
[But now that Nick's actually talking about this, it's like he can't stop. Maybe because Monroe's the only one who actually knows about the whole Grimm thing being a problem in a relationship, because Nick's already come to Monroe about this once or twice. Though granted, that'd been before things were this bad. He pushes his hand through his hair.]
I proposed to her, that weekend in the woods. She said no. Said she couldn't, not as long as I kept hiding things from her and keeping myself distant.
[Nick is awesome at being sneaky. On occasion.]
Not a problem. Of course, pretty sure the doctor thinks I'm unstable.
[But who cares about that, right? Especially not when Monroe's apparently flustered now.]
...so if the scent thing is like you marking your territory, then me being in here all the time and making it smell like me is basically saying that I belong here? Or, what, it's mine, too? But that's okay because...I'm me?
[Because what? Monroe's used to Nick shoving his way into things? They're friends, so it's okay? Or is it some Blutbad thing?]
What would you have to do?
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Grumbles.
Well maybe Nick and her should break up.]
Everything is a lot of stuff, man.
[Ok Monroe has no idea what to say to that. While thinking of what someone who understood relationships and social interactions, Monroe grabs two beer, and hands one to Nick.]
That's rough, man. I'm sorry.
[That's what he's supposed to say right?
Monroe snorts.]
Well better you than me. And if things go right then you won't be seeing her much.
[He's not flustered. He's... He's... shut up.]
Yeah pretty much.
[Close enough and it Monroe says yes then they he won't have to explain anything else or accidentally reveal anything he shouldn't. Full sarcasm mode activated.]
Get better at locking my door.
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Nick couldn't even if he thought it was best, man. It's not like she's here.]
Yeah, tell me about it.
[It's not midnight, but beers are more than welcome. One out of the two counts, right? Nick takes it with a smile that's partly grateful, partly self-depreciating.]
Story of my life lately. But thanks.
[And then his smile turns amused, and his tone switches to sarcasm.]
Thanks. And I don't know, she's just a prisoner like us, who happens to be a doctor. Apparently the doctor that's supposed to be on staff has pretty much disappeared.
[He's flustered. It's kind of hilarious, but also endearing.
Nick's response to all of that is an eyebrow raise.]
You know, the more you hedge and try not to actually answer me, the more I think you're hiding something bad. 'Yeah pretty much' to all of that means, what, your room is our territory and we need to keep other people out of it?
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Oh right. Well never-mind?]
I'm sorry man. Maybe she won't lose her marbles if you tell her?
[Yup that was definitely the wrong thing to say. His bad. Just go back to ignoring him. Or not asking him for his opinion. Or encouraging him to talk.
Monroe nods at Nick instead of answering. He has nothing useful to say. other than 'you should dumb your girlfriend and date me'.]
Oh great. That's comforting!
"I'd say yeah, pretty much but I've got a feeling that'll just make things worse."
He takes a breath and a moment to think before starting.
"This isn't something I'm used to explaining. This is my territory, especially with how off my control was when we got here. You're safe. I know you. If anyone else kept invading in here I'd be freaked."
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Yeah. That makes it pretty awkward.
Nick doesn't even bother to reply to that at first, just raises an eyebrow at Monroe. Yeah. This from the guy that frequently warned him about how bad it could be?]
It doesn't matter, anyway. There's nothing I can do about it now.
[He'll just go back to being in denial for a while, since even if he makes a decision, it won't do him any good. But also, no. Nick likes asking Monroe for his opinion, and encouraging him to talk. It's what he does.
And then return of the raised eyebrow.]
You think?
[But Nick falls quiet at the explanation, considering. Yeah, he gets that, about knowing him and being safe. It's one of the reasons Nick had been glad Monroe was there, slightly guiltily, because having the one person he trusted implicitly there was making this easier to handle.]
Yeah, okay, I get that. You're the only one I trust with a lot of stuff, too. So in Blutbaden terms, that means, what, this is a pack?
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He ducks his head slightly at the raised eyebrow. Yeah he knows. He drums his fingers on his pants legs. Come on Monroe!]
Sorry dude.
[Yeah that would probably be the smart thing to do. And probably what Monroe would do in his position.
Also Monroe is just going to ignore that comment Nick.
Return of shocked face. It's clear from his facial expression that Nick hit the nail on the head. Shit! How does he do that.]
Uuuuh...
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Me too.
[He's also ready to be done talking about this, though apparently Monroe isn't at all thrilled with the change of subject.
So unthrilled that he's just staring in shock, and not saying anything.]
I guess I should take that as a yes.
[His eyebrow's raised again, but it lowers, brows furrowing, as he processes that.]
That's not bad, is it? You said there could be trouble, if you got into packs.
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How does Nick always figure this stuff out?]
That would probably be wise.
[Ok he can do this. And he can do this without saying more than he should. He just has to keep positive. He's doomed.]
No it's not. Unless you think it is. Which I'd get. No one wants to get sucked in a pack without their consent. It just there's not much I can do about-
[He's rambling and slightly panicking. And getting close to saying something he shouldn't. After a pause he get's himself back on track.]
There won't be any trouble, ok? You're not a Blutbad. And so long as you encourage me to start hunting people we'll- I'll be fine.
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Nick stays silent while Monroe explains, even when he rambles a bit, because it's pretty obvious that this isn't something Monroe's comfortable talking about, and he doesn't want to say anything that makes it worse.
Or that makes him stop explaining, because this is something Nick really needs to know about.]
It's fine, man. I don't exactly know how it works, or anything, but you know I trust you.
[That's probably not enough, is it? Nick should say more, he can tell Monroe's freaking out a little. He shrugs slightly.]
We always have each others' backs, right? As far as I'm concerned, you're the closest thing to family I have. So no, I don't think it's bad.
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Nick is welcome to interrupt. Monroe would welcome it. Especially if he interrupted with a change in topic. That would be awesome just saying.
Actually that was probably the best thing to say right then. Monroe breaths a sigh of relief.]
Yeah, I know man.
[Monroe tries to hide his surprise when Nick casually mentions them being like family. Nick has no clue about anything.]
Alright. Yeah. And look nothing is going to get out of hand.
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But hey, at least he did something right, there.]
Then we're good.
[Or maybe not, since Nick can pick up on that surprise. What'd he say that warranted that? ...yeah, Nick doesn't really have a clue about much, here.]
Get out of hand?
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Yeah dude we're totally good.
[Shit! He knew he'd say something wrong!]
No, nothings going to get out of hand.
[Yup, he's pretending like he didn't understand. It's nothing to worry about Nick.]
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He gives Monroe's shoulder a squeeze at that, smiling at him.
But it turns into a look of confusion, along with a slightly raised brow, because really, Monroe's going to go the route of not understanding?]
But there'd be something that could get out of hand?
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Shut up. This is awkward dude. But thanks for the shoulder grab thing.]
Well if you got attacked or something. I'd have to get involved. But that probably would happen anyway.
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Yeah, all right, it is a little awkward. If only because Monroe is awkward about it. But he's still not moving his hand.]
Oh.
[Nick considers that, remembering Monroe's level of involvement when protecting Aunt Marie, his anger at Nick and Holly being threatened by the hunters, concern over Nick going to face Adalind alone, reaction to Waltz threatening Nick and Rosalie. He shrugs a bit.]
Not exactly unexpected, man. It's not like I don't get involved when you get attacked, or otherwise put in danger.
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Good. Monroe likes it where it is.
Phew. Nick's shrugs means it's alright.]
Exactly. So we're good?
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He does have to let go at some point. But not yet. Nick smiles at that.]
Always, man.
[Okay, that's enough serious talk for the night.]
Let's see what we're going to do about dinner.