Work Text
"When words fail, music speaks.
Hans Christian Andersen
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Hannah stood beside the windows of the large living room on the family’s main floor of the Tower, but instead of looking out at the city, she found the sight of her family much more intriguing. A crazy number of them filled the room, individuals working on tasks or small groups clustered together chatting. Dinner had been a noisy affair, everyone enjoying the overflowing table and the company. Most of them had made it home to celebrate Inari and Rey graduating from basic training, so Marina decreed a family weekend.And she planned to start it off with a night of karaoke.Less than an hour after they finished eating, the family rearranged the furniture to set up a quick stage on one side. Jason hooked up the sound system as Will set up a bar on the other side of the room. Children bounced around, getting in the way of everyone, but no one seemed too concerned about it. They had too much enthusiasm for the night’s festivities themselves. Marina bustled from the kitchen to the family room and back again as she set up small plates of desserts and fruit. Hannah’s little sister Svetlana followed her, giggling as she disappeared into the kitchen. “Dikiy rebenok!”Brian looked towards the open door of the kitchen, his brow furrowed in confusion. “Yeah?”“Come fetch your younger daughter,” Marina called out. “She’s eyeing the matches and plotting.”“Marishka, she’s only one!”“Seriously?” She leaned out of the kitchen doorway to give him an incredulous look. “Because that matters to a Grimm child?”“Why do we call her ‘Pyro’ again?” Will added, lips twitching as he glanced between them.“Never mind,” Brian laughed. Handing Benji over to Hansel, he headed for the kitchen. “I’m coming.”Benji’s bright eyes shone as he babbled with joy at having his great-grandfather’s undivided attention. Among all of the many blessings she’s gained with her new family, the sheer love and acceptance they showed to her and her son often overwhelmed her. They’d both been welcomed with open arms, treated as if they’d been with the family for years instead of being newcomers. With her little boy in good hands, she turned back to her Pack with a question. “So...karaoke is a thing?”Her listeners reacted with varying levels of amusement - smiling, giggling, or outright laughter - depending on the individual. Rene leaned back against the cushions of the couch, pulling his laughter under control so he could answer her question. “It’s a big family past time,” he explained. His lips twitched, the corners trembling with that restrained mirth. “Probably right up there with prank wars, blowing things up, and paintball.”“Marina can sing anything,” Dacia agreed, a fond smirk curving her mouth as she glanced towards the diminutive woman in question. “And she thinks everyone else should do something musical too.”Inari rolled her eyes at her sister. “Like you argue?” “Of course not, but I like music.” She arched a brow at her sister. “Besides, you never argue when anyone suggests dancing.”“I don’t argue with the singing either.”“That’s because you know a losing bet when you hear one.”“Anyway,” Rene continued, taking back control of the conversation, “I think with the amount of people here tonight, Mama will probably let the rules slide if you really don’t want to sing.”“Oh, I don’t mind singing,” Hannah assured him. Then she paused. “Rules?”“Believe it or not,” Alexis nodded. “The Grimms have rules for karaoke.”“Yep.” Spike gave a soft huff of agreement. “Which is why I do my best to skip any karaoke night.” “What kind of rules do they have?” Hannah lifted an eyebrow as she scanned her Pack.Dean leaned against the window, folding his arms over his chest. “Rule number one - unless your name is Will Grimm, you sing.” He smirked and she pushed the frisson of attraction back. She didn’t need to be distracted right now - not with so many witnesses. “No exceptions.”“Rule number two,” Samonik continued, “it is mandatory to stay within the theme of the night.”“Those make sense.”Rey’s eyebrows flew up. “Aaron told me most people argue with the first rule the first time they hear it.”“It’s Uncle Will,” she shrugged, her head tilting just enough to show the stubborn set of her jaw. The protective instincts awakened during that night of catharsis so many weeks ago flared up though she kept them under control. No one in this room intended any harm to her uncle, so she didn’t really need them right now. “If he doesn’t want to sing, then he doesn’t have to sing.”“Don’t get her started,” Nathaniel chuckled. “You really don’t want to get one of her lectures.” She opened her mouth to protest, but he kept talking. “Rule number three - nothing unnecessarily x-rated. Nothing you wouldn’t want your kids to see.”“I approve.” Then she laughed. “And not just because Uncle Jason will probably have a recording somewhere.”“He would, wouldn’t he?” Blaine chuckled as he looked towards the stage where the man in question did a final check on the speakers. “Rule number four makes sense too. Majority rules, unless it’s a birthday - at which point, screw rule four.”“Rule number five - audience chooses the winner,” Inari began, taking her boyfriend’s hand and interlacing their fingers.“And audience participation is encouraged,” Dacia finished as she leaned into her mate.Rene curled an arm around her shoulders, pressing a kiss to her hair before looking back to Hannah. “Rule number six - Mama goes last.” “Always,” Rachel added with a firm nod. “Marina is always the person who finishes off the family night.” Hannah smiled, entertained as always by her madcap family. “Funnily enough, that one doesn’t surprise me either.” “I’m glad you approve.” Marina stepped up beside her. “Absolutely,” she shrugged. “Do we have a theme for tonight?”“Nostalgia.” Eyes the color of hot chocolate glittered with amusement. “I’m not sure how that ended up being the theme, but since my sister’s birthday was yesterday, she talked the rest of us into it.” “Well, at least its a theme I can work with,” Hannah mused. She began considering various songs. “I think so anyway.”“Good.” Her aunt glanced around and then raised her voice to gather everyone’s attention. “Since we’re suspending the rule about everyone singing - only for tonight, mind you - we need to find out who is singing?”“I’m out!” Casey called out, throwing up her hands in a sign of victory.“You’re not that bad of a singer,” Marta sighed, shaking her head at her best friend. “I don’t know why you protest so much.”"There is a difference between not bad and a Grimm,” Casey pointed out. “Or Marina.” Then she lifted her eyebrows in emphasis, hands coming to rest on her hips. “Besides . . . I didn’t see you volunteering.”“Oh, well, no,” the brunette demurred, blinking in surprise as a light flush climbed in her cheeks..“So there.”Amused exasperation filled Marina’s sigh, but she ignored the byplay to look at the Pack. “Will any of you be singing?”“I will!” Rachel chirped, her hand going up like a little kid eager to give an answer to a favorite teacher. “I have the perfect song for the theme.” She all but bounced in place, drawing smiles from the people around her. Nathaniel slid an arm around her waist to anchor her beside him and she melted into his side. “Well, perfect for me anyway.”“That’s all that matters,” the older woman assured her. She turned to the others. “Who else?”“Still haven’t thought of a song,” Blaine admitted, “but I’m in.”Hannah nodded. “So am I.” Several people turned smiles on her as she spoke and Brian stepped up beside her. He touched her shoulder. “You’re going to sing, Stardust?”“Of course!” Hannah looked up at him. “It’s my first family karaoke. I’m looking forward to it.”He slid an arm around her shoulders before pressing a kiss to her temple. “Can’t wait to hear what you pick.”“Papa!”They both looked around at Benji’s call. With a second brush of his lips over her hair, Brian strode away to sweep his grandson up into his arms. Hannah chuckled and shook her head before turning back to Marina. “Now I just have to figure out what I want to sing.”“You’ve got time to think on it, sweetheart,” her aunt assured her. “I’m sure we can get some of the others to go first.” She clapped her hands. “Time for the music!”“We’re waiting on you, samaya malen’kaya,” Will chuckled.“Commentary, Mishka - not necessary,” she shot back. “Well, since Casey’s not singing, who wants to go first?Rachel agreed to start off the night of singing, their Broadway diva not at all shy about putting herself up on display. She hovered at Jason’s shoulder as he set up the music for her, laughing as he teased her about keeping her adoring public waiting. “Anyone else betting on Memories from Cats?” Inari asked from her place beside Samonik. “It sounds like her kind of song.”Blaine shook his head. “I’d bet on Streisand.”Dark brown eyes narrowed on him. “Hmm…” Inari hummed to herself for a moment. “Bet what?”“Ah…” He blinked up at her. “I...I don’t know?”“Never, never suggest some action to a grifter unless you’ve got a wager to put on the table,” Dean laughed as he reached out to ruffle Blaine’s hair. “That’s the next lesson for you, kiddo - how to bet.”“Since we’re talking bets,” Hannah put in, “I’ll make a wager of my own.” She nodded towards Rachel. “If it’s Streisand, then I’d bet on ‘The Way We Were’.”“And what are you betting?” he asked, a challenging glint in his green eyes.Lifting an eyebrow at him, she let her mouth curl into a gentle smirk. “The song of your choice?” she offered.He folded his arms over his chest, the challenge mixing with interest. “And if you win?”“You get me a good knife.” Tapping a finger against her lips, she considered her answer. “Actually, a good iron knife,” she continued. “One that’s balanced for me. Oh, and blessed, because what’s the point of having a knife that won’t work against the supernatural.”“Nice choice.” His eyebrows winged up. “Might have to change my winnings - I’d be interested to see what kind of knife you come up with for me to find.”“A bet’s a bet,” she laughed, but Rachel stepped up on stage before she could speak further. Everyone moved to find seats. Once they settled, their Broadway queen nodded at Jason. As the music started, Hannah shot a triumphant look at Dean. He shook his head, silent laughter lighting up his face as he held his hands up in a gesture of surrender.
Memories light the corners of my mind
Misty water-colored memories of the way we were
Scattered pictures of the smiles we left behind
Smiles we gave to one another for the way we were
Brian leaned over. “What’s going on, Stardust?” he whispered.“Just a little wager,” she murmured back. “I won.”“Good girl.”So the evening progressed, with various people singing and breaks built in between for drinks, laughter, and desserts. More people decided to participate as they went on, but Hannah found her uncles fascinating to watch. Aaron sang first, and when he did, she understood Casey’s reaction. She wasn’t a professional, but thanks to her years with a choir director at church, she knew a trained voice when she heard one.
Show me what it's like
To be the last one standing
And teach me wrong from right
And I'll show you what I can be
Say it for me, say it to me
And I'll leave this life behind me
Say it if it's worth saving me
“Marina trained all of you, didn’t she?” Benji shifted on her lap, holding out his arms to his grandfather. “Yep.” Brian kept his voice low as he took the little boy and shifted him so he could watch the stage. “It started accidentally, with her singing a lullaby to Clint and Kenny. Then Jason asked for lessons. Everything spiraled from there.”“What about you?”“It was something that didn’t involve fighting or planning for a fight or debriefing after one,” he shrugged. “It was also something Ross didn’t plan for us.”She chuckled. “Rebel to the bone, aren’t you, Dad?”“Damn straight.”“Dad.”He grinned at her as Aaron stepped down from the stage. Clint walked over to select his choice of music as people got up and stretched or went for refills. Hannah knew she could get away with a drink if she wanted one, but with the kids all present, she decided against it, going for a soda instead. Will and Marina kept a stock of Dr. Pepper just for her, though she suspected someone else had gotten hooked on the drink. The stock disappeared too fast for her to be the only one raiding the supply.Music started as she retook her seat and she frowned, a little confused at the choice. She recognized it, of course, but then again - what American born after the 1970’s wouldn’t?
You show us everything you've got
You keep on dancin' and the room gets hot
You drive us wild, we'll drive you crazy
You say you wanna go for a spin
The party's just begun, we'll let you in
You drive us wild, we'll drive you crazy
You keep on shoutin', you keep on shoutin’
Clint’s song, sung with a great deal of enthusiasm, made no sense to Hannah - at least in terms of the theme. She figured it had a personal meaning for her uncle - maybe she’d have to ask later. Brian shifted beside her and she glanced up in time to catch a flash of something in his eyes - a look of pain, shame, and regret. She leaned into him, dropping her voice too low for anyone else to hear. “Dad?”“It was one of Trickshot’s favorites.” Without her enhanced hearing, she wouldn’t have been able to hear his quiet reply. “Clint’s mentor.”Holding on tight to her emotions, she held back the flinch. She’d heard the full story from Sam over lunch one day as he filled her in on the darker parts of the family’s history, giving her details that elaborated on the bare bones she’d gotten from Will and Marina when they first met. Everyone agreed she needed to know, but he’d taken it on himself to spare his parents and her dad from having to go through all the details. So instead of reacting, she curled her arm around his, clasping their hands together, and laid her head on his shoulder. “Let it go.”“Been working on that for a while, baby.”A small idea began to play around in her mind as she felt his hand tighten on hers. Maybe she needed to change her song. Sure, ‘Automatic’ would have been perfect for the theme, but she thought maybe she knew a better choice - one that would say something to her dad. When Clint finished, Brian rose from the couch. “I’m next,” he announced, heading towards the computer. Although his abrupt decision raised some eyebrows, no one argued. Familiar music filled the room and Hannah could feel her smile blossoming. She’d always liked Daughtry, even if alternative rock wasn’t really her genre. Generally she went for Celtic, operatic pop, or country, but then again, she liked individual songs and artists across all kinds of genres.
And it feels like tonight
I can't believe I'm broken inside
Can't you see that there's nothing that I wanna do
But try to make it up to you?
And it feels like tonight, tonight
As she listened to her dad sing, Hannah could feel the words of the song tugging at her, especially when his eyes met hers. Pulling her legs up, she wrapped her arms around her shins and rested her chin on her knees. His voice, and the emotions she could hear behind it, decided her - she was definitely changing songs.
I never felt like this before
Just when I leave, I'm back for more
Nothing else here seems to matter
In these ever-changing days
You're the one thing that remains
I could stay like this forever
She glanced around the room, taking in other reactions. Most people seemed to be enjoying the song, swaying or mouthing the words. But not everybody… Natasha sat further down the couch, Benji and Svetlana cuddled in on either side. Her face appeared cool, but Hannah spotted the hint of pain in her emerald green eyes. Will’s eyes looked murky, like they couldn’t decide what color to settle on. His complicated history with both Brian and Barney meant an emotional minefield for him as well. Marina looked sad, her lips trembling as she listened. Her other uncles sat still, their faces mostly solemn, though she could see a resigned exasperation in Clint’s. He too clearly thought Brian needed to let it go.Which reminded her of a different song that she might try sometime. Not a bad song choice for tonight either, but maybe a little too much of a lecturing tone for her to take with her dad right now.As Brian stepped down from the stage, Hannah unfolded her legs so she could go over and wrap her arms around him. “Te quiero, papá,” she murmured as he enfolded her in an embrace, “pero tienes que olvidarlo.”“Please.”Brian glanced at Will as his older brother spoke before turning back to her. "I'm working on it, Stardust. Forgiving myself has been a long road - I'm working on it."
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“We’re down to the last two singers,” Darcy called out, breaking the somber mood.“Oh!” Hannah pulled back. “That means I’m up.” Walking over to where her uncle waited to set up her music, she began typing to pull up the song she wanted. Even as her fingers began to tap the keys, she heard a small humming sound. Her focus shifted towards the noise and she spotted her youngest uncle shifting his gaze from Brian to Jason and back again, curiosity and suspicion playing through the cobalt grey eyes.She wasn’t the only one to find his reaction odd. “What is it, mein Falki,” Hansel asked, his expression warm with affection. “Hyu are looking at hyur brothers as if they are keeping secrets.”“Jason’s got a smug smile going on,” Clint pointed out. “He definitely knows something we don’t.”“He’s not the only one,” Aaron agreed. He tilted his head towards the couch where her dad now lounged with his wife, daughter, and grandson. “Brian does too.”Glancing at the men in question, she spotted the knowing smirks on both faces. She lifted an eyebrow at Jason in question. Her uncle lifted one shoulder as he continued to pull up the music. “Your Texas family is big on social media,” he murmured in reply. “So was your church.”“Ah, that explains it,” she chuckled, looking over her shoulder to offer her other uncles a quick conspiratorial smirk of her own.Clint eyed her for a moment before glancing over to Aaron. “Definitely Brian’s kid.”“Muchas gracias, tio,” she laughed as her dad grinned. “Eso me alegra.”“Very funny.” He gave her a mock scowl. “So I only got the first half of that.”“She said you made her happy,” Cassian called out from where he sat, surrounded by his own crew of family. They were new to the family gatherings as well, but she seemed to have clicked with the whole group faster than they had managed. “I don’t think she minds the comparison.”More chuckles filled the air, but she turned away as her uncle touched her hand. “I think you’re ready, Hannah.”“Thanks, Uncle Jason.”Soft chatter hid the start of her music, but Hannah knew how to work that. She kept her head down, eyes hidden from the rest of the room, as she waited for her cue to begin. As expected, the position of her body, so still and quiet, led to the noise level dying away. Just as the moment for her to sing came up, she lifted her head to find her family eyeing her in open curiosity.
How does a moment last forever?
How can a story never die?
It is love we must hold onto
Never easy, but we try
Curiosity faded as people straightened in surprise or leaned forward as if to hear her better. Grateful she’d chosen a song that built up on its own strength, she took in the reactions, pleased she’d managed to gather her audience so quickly. Hannah never had trouble expressing her emotions, but something about doing it through music always made her feel better. Singing always came easy to her and she’d learned it could touch others the same way. Now she wanted to use her gift for her dad . . . and anyone else who might need it.
Sometimes our happiness is captured
Somehow, our time and place stand still
Love lives on inside our hearts and always will
Casey smacked Jason. “What is it with your stupidly talented family?” her aunt hissed. It took all of Hannah’s focus and control not to lose the mood of the music as her uncle pulled his wife into a deep kiss as the people near them shook their heads. She wanted to grin, the smile all but begging to beam out at the whole group, but she kept it down. Letting herself get lost in the music, she let her emotions pour into the song itself.
Minutes turn to hours, days to years then gone
But when all else has been forgotten
Still our song lives on
Her eyes caught sight of her cousin lounging against the back wall, his phone in his hand. Sam didn’t appear to be texting, but she would wager her song caught him in the middle of it. One of these days the family would actually get to meet his friend from Vegas and Hannah planned to be front and center for that meeting - she wanted to get a good look at this stranger. She’d clicked with Sam, almost from the moment she’d met him - and yes, maybe if they’d both been at different points of their lives, that might have turned into something. Instead, they became friends and family, with just that little hint of possibility that had people wondering. Their nicknames for each other probably didn’t help, but that amused her. How the names could express the absolute truth and still be confusing; she loved it. If she gave an honest opinion of their relationship, she’d have to call it . . . complicated.She was his pretty lady and he was her champion - and that said everything.
Maybe some moments weren’t so perfect
Maybe some memories not so sweet
Speaking of possibilities . . . those taken that she wished she could forget sometimes . . .Ty’s face flashed through her mind and her gaze shifted up, away from her family as she felt her smile drop away. She hated that he could still affect her that way. Talk about the biggest mistake of her life. Sure, she’d made some big ones between school and her extracurricular duties, but none of them came close to the rebellion that led to her ‘relationship’ with that idiot. What did it say about her that she’d looked twice at him?
But we have to know some bad times
Or our lives are incomplete
But without him she wouldn’t have Benji.Her eyes flashed down, zeroing in on her son where he rested in his grandfather’s arms. Bright eyes, the same rich mahogany as her own, watched her with rapt attention. A gentle smile curved her lips. Yes, maybe it had been a stupid choice on her part, but she’d received such a blessing in return.
Then when the shadows overtake us
Just when we feel all hope is gone
We’ll hear our song and know once more
Our love lives on
Moving up from her son, Hannah met her father’s gaze, again locking with that same color brown. In those eyes, she could see the love and support Brian surrounded her with every day. Sometimes she wondered what her life might have been like if the Grimms had found her as a little girl, if she’d grown up with her father watching over her. Amusement flashed through her at the thought - she’d probably have gotten into the exact same amount of trouble, but she wagered the trouble would have been an entirely different sort. No way would she have pulled some of her stunts on her dad’s watch . . . and her few boyfriends probably wouldn’t have come anywhere near her.No, Brian would have taught her different kinds of trouble to get into . . . and snickered in a wicked, gleeful manner the entire time.
How does a moment last forever?
How does our happiness endure?
Through the darkest of our troubles
Love is beauty, love is pure
And her Uncle Will would have been the one dealing with the fallout.Catching his gaze, she felt a swell of pride swirl through her at the beautiful shade of blue looking back towards her. No matter the look on his face or the solemn set of his lips, that color told her of his happiness, of his quiet joy in this evening with family. Would she have been able to help him if she’d been part of the family from the beginning? Somehow she didn’t think so. As much as he protected her now, she wouldn’t have been able to draw out his confidence as she’d done so many weeks ago if he’d been watching over her since she was a little girl. And she would never have pushed the way she did; she would have grown up knowing the borders of his comfort zone . . . she’d have learned to stay back from them. Instead, wanting to soothe the hurt she could feel coiled inside him, she’d pushed and he’d opened up to her. Somehow they found a connection neither of them expected, and now she guarded that relationship - and him - with all the fierce determination of a lioness with her cub.A trait she shared with her grandfather - or so everyone told her.
Love pays no mind to desolation
It flows like a river through the soul
Protects, proceeds, and perseveres
And makes us whole
Hansel sat in an armchair, one arm curled around his wife while their daughter sat in his lap, leaning back against his chest. She could see he enjoyed the song, but more - she could see the pride in that smug little smile. Of all his grandchildren thus far, only she showed the powers of a guardian, as the family called the Wesen kind of Grimm. The Baby Brigade was too young, but none of her uncles or her dad seemed to have inherited it, though they all carried the possibility of passing it on. They hunted and fought together, often with her great-aunt, his sister Gretel. He taught her more about the supernatural, especially witches, while she helped him create a network of peaceful Wesen contacts. Between them, they seemed to be rearranging the balance of power in the Wesen world, at least in New York, making a difference for the innocents around them.And protecting that innocence meant a great deal to her Belo.
Minutes turn to hours, days to years then gone
But when all else has been forgotten
Still our song lives on
Turning her gaze to her Pack, Hannah smiled at Dacia, one of Hansel’s main inspirations in his work among the Wesen. No matter the cost, her grandfather intended to prevent any other innocent from suffering such a horror as the one that struck his “little one”. Despite a rocky start, she’d become Dacia’s second, her enforcer as it were in the Pack. As the newcomer, she should still be low in the hierarchy, but her protective nature meshed well with the Alpha female’s while her nurturing side helped balance out Dacia’s more feral side.Opposites being a good match didn’t just work in romance.Rachel’s eyes narrowed on her, and Hannah could see calculation in those brown eyes. She probably should have told the music lover that she could sing . . . now she had to wonder what the other woman had planned. Though it didn’t make her too nervous, not with Nathaniel there to help rein in the insanity. If Sam was her champion, Nathaniel was fast on his way to being her best friend. For all their differences, both of them worked best when they worked to take care of people. They’d grown beyond their first connection which had started as an alliance to take care of her uncle, defending him against mouthy idiots in SHIELD.If it were up to her, she’d have the organization revamp their entire selection process.As she moved into the final line of the song, her attention turned to the man who’d caught her attention from the first moment they’d met outside her dad’s apartment. She’d worked to push back the attraction, not really sure she was ready for any kind of romance, no matter how light, but . . . it wasn’t working. Dean Winchester pushed her buttons - every last one of them. He treated her with respect, including following her lead on Wesen matters. While she knew her looks attracted him, he never got creepy about it, and the clear appreciation in his eyes flattered her. Then came his interactions with Benji. He adored her son . . . and the feeling was mutual. Hunter and huntress, guard and guardian - it almost frightened her how well they matched on the important levels.It also didn’t hurt that the man had sexy and gorgeous all rolled up in one breathtaking package.
How does a moment last forever?
When our song lives on
Holding the note, she let her voice fade away in a slow, soft outro. Silence fell as the music ended and she waited for her audience’s reaction. Pleasure, surprise, and pride gleamed in the eyes looking back at her, but no one seemed inclined to disrupt the mood she’d set with her song. Well, not until her little sister jumped up anyway.“Oooh!” Svetlana clapped, breaking the quiet before any of the adults found their voices. “Pretty!”Laughter changed the magic of the moment without breaking it. Hannah walked towards the side of the stage as the rest of her family applauded, smiling as Dean moved forward to offer her a hand in getting down. She accepted his help and gave him a nod of thanks before turning to her little sister. Noting her dad’s narrowed gaze fixed on his protege, she made a mental note ask him about it later, but ignored it for now to swing Svetlana up and around. “Did you like that?”“Yeah!” Lana nodded, red curls flying.“Mama sing pretty!” Benji added as he bounced on his grandfather’s lap.“Gorgeous, Stardust, absolutely gorgeous.” Brian brushed a hand over the little boy’s hair. One corner of his mouth quirked up in a half smile. “Trying to say something?”Settling her sister on her hip, she reached out to touch his cheek. “Only good things.”“That was beautiful, lebedyashka,” Will agreed. “Excellent song choice.”“I’m glad you liked it,” she replied, offering him a brilliant smile in return. As she put her sister down on the couch, she caught her cousin’s eye. He gave an approving nod, his own enjoyment of the song clear.“Okay, so, anybody else?” Jason called out, glancing around the room as Hannah settled in beside her dad. At the various headshakes, he turned a grin on the family’s Power Couple. “Hey, Marina, you’re up!”“Set up my music, sladkiy,” she chuckled as she pulled herself up. “I already told you what my song was going to be.” She leaned down to press a firm kiss to Will’s mouth, drawing groans and complaints from the younger Grimm brothers, all of which she ignored. When she walked to the stage, her steps brought her by Hannah. Leaning down once again, she wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “Lovely, sweetheart, just lovely.”“Thanks, Aunt Marina.”The music started as she stepped up on stage and even though Hannah didn’t recognize the song, she liked the beat. She approved of the soft feel combined with a danceable rhythm.
People tell me, you stay where you belong
But all my life I've tried
To prove them wrong
They say I'm looking for
Something that can't be found
They say I'm missing out
If my feet don't touch the ground
Marina’s voice… Trained, no question, and by an expert - someone so far beyond her old choir director that there was no comparison. Everything about her voice spoke of a gifted expertise. Hannah bit the inside of her lip - not that her aunt had any choice about becoming an expert; the Red Room wouldn’t have accepted anything less. Though from the expression on Marina’s face, they hadn’t stolen her love for it.
But there are moments
When you can't deny what's true
Just an ordinary day
Like when I met you
“Always with the flirting,” Clint groaned as Marina sent a smile towards her partner.Hannah leaned forward, sending an incredulous look towards her uncle where he sat with his own partners on one of the loveseats. Given the size of the bench, Darcy sat on Bucky’s lap with her legs curled over Clint’s. She shook her head as she sat back. Nudging her dad in the side, she waited for him to lean his head down before whispering to him. “Isn’t that kind of like the pot calling the kettle black?”“Can’t argue there,” he agreed. “But he’s more complaining about his ‘mom’ flirting.”
It's funny how life can take new meaning
You came and changed what I believe in
The world on the outside is trying to pull me in
But they can't touch me
'Cause I got you
I got you, oh yeah
As the song finished, applause rang out from every corner. Movement caught her attention and she looked around in time to catch sight of her uncle’s deep blue eyes as he rose to walk over to the stage. He helped her down, pulling her into his arms as soon as her feet touched the floor. “Samaya malen’kaya,” he murmured. After pressing a kiss to her mouth, he leaned his forehead against hers. “Ya lyublya tebya.”“Could the Parental Units find a room please?”Brian started laughing and Hannah couldn’t help joining in as she spotted the grimaces on her uncles’ faces. Will shot a dirty look at his younger brothers. He took a time to give Marina another lingering kiss before leading her back to the chair they’d shared all evening. “You know what I love about being around this family?” Rachel asked out of the blue, drawing all eyes towards her. She shrugged, a cheerful grin curving her lips. “You’re expected to be talented. No one’s supposed to fit into anybody’s category and everyone’s encouraged to show their best.”“Why would you do anything else?” Hannah frowned.“It’s a holdover,” Blaine explained. “From Lima.”“You’re not there anymore.” Dacia craned her head around to look at Rachel. “And what do you mean ‘being around this family’?” she demanded. “You’re part of this family. Just ask Dyadya.”"Ask me what? That should have been a given already."Hannah shifted so she leaned against her dad as she grinned in her packmate’s direction. “Guess you’ve been told,” she teased.“I know, but it’s just…” Rachel’s voice trailed off and she shrugged. “I didn’t want to presume?”“There’s no presumption, pevun’ya,” Marina assured her. “You’re ours and we always keep what’s ours.”“In other words,” Hannah put in, lifting her glass in a toast. “Welcome to the family.”Rachel blushed, but Hannah’s attention turned back to her dad as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders. She lifted her eyebrows in question.“Did you enjoy yourself, Stardust?”“Definitely. I can’t wait to do that again.” Then she gave him a wink. “You may be in so much trouble now that I know all of you like music. Ask Mom - I sing a lot when I don’t think I'm going to bother anyone.”"If you're thinking that's a threat, think again. I, for one, can't wait to hear more."