The Search

Chapter 31.

Jade

Day 12, evening

"Alright." I state tucking the comforter into Ollie's sides. "Good night baby." I kiss his forehead as his eyes softly begin to close.  Sophie's smiles up at me from beside him and I can't reach her so I blow her a kiss.

Alex and Colten are already sound asleep because Sophie and Ollie took forever to get into bed.  I turn the lamp off and turn on Ollie's nightlight and close the door on my way out. 

I'm making my way towards my room but I look over the stairs railing to see Luca still watching TV, yet he is alone.

I was tired and I wanted to go to bed but I went downstairs anyway to check on him.  He didn't notice me until I spoke up, "criminal minds?" I laugh.  Nikolai would scoff and groan at the absurdity. 

He shrugs grinning sheepishly, "all of this FBI stuff has me curious."

"Yeah?" I ask, "how is the case coming along with Indira?"

"Fine I think," I sit down beside him resting my elbows on my knees, "I'm not too sure if I do anything to help honestly, I'm more...." He pauses, "emotional support."

I smile and lean back pushing my shoulder softly against his.  "That's needed too."

He smiles but it's just a quirk of his upper lip, he doesn't give me much more.  A frown takes over his face, "what's wrong?" I ask.

He thinks for a moment and maybe I shouldn't have asked if it's personal but he tells me anyway, "your kids are amazing, I was hanging out with Sophie today and I just couldn't believe I missed so much of your life."

I don't say anything because I don't know what to say.  But he goes on, "we have always tried to take care of you, protect you so you wouldn't eventually get hurt-"

"But I need to get hurt to learn." I softly interrupt, "I think that's just how life works, you guys tried to protect me and keep me away from all the dangers in the world but really it just kept me from living."

He nods and looks down at his hands choking up on his words, "I'm sorry I made you feel trapped Jade. You were, are my baby sister and I love you." 

"I love you too Luca, I always have and I always will.  Even when I'm totally pissed off and want to tear my hair out." I smile and he follows. 

Two down, three to go. 

He slowly reaches out as if asking for permission to hug me and I go forwards embracing him first.  "Is the grocery store, spending and yelling a good example of your pissed side or should I be terrified you get even more scary?"

I hum pulling back and tap his cheek gently.  I stand up and begin to head towards the stairs. "I would ask Nikolai or the kids that question."

I enter my room leaving him downstairs and head towards the bed where Nikolai standing awkwardly, I raise an eyebrow.  

"Take off your shirt and lie on your stomach." He commands gently smiling up to his eyes.

"Nikolai." I hiss, "the baby is in the room."

"No, that's not what I mean." He chuckles but moves aside where oils sit waiting.  "I'm giving you a massage, my hard working girl."

"Only if I get to give you one after." I wiggle my eyebrows. 

"But you hurt." He whines rubbing his neck.  I smirk taking off my shirt and lay down on the bed.  He begins massaging out the knots in my shoulders and back, stealthily relieving my stress.

When he's done he puts everything away before I can get to his back, quickly doing it so I couldn't complain.

Lexi begins to fuss much to my dismay and I stand up grabbing her just as Nikolai comes back into the room. "Can she sleep in our bed tonight?" He asks. 

I kiss my baby's cheeks and gently rock her to get her to calm down.  I head over to the bed and lean over to give her to Nikolai.  He happily accepts.  

"Hey sweetheart." He gushes, cooing as she stretches.

"Dada." She says sleepily and he pauses looking up at me.  A grin spreads over my face, she's said many words but I'll never get over that feeling of hearing her say dad and mom.

"That's right baby girl, Dada." He whispers kissing her forehead.