Just Keep Swimming [Nikki]

[Chase Campbell]

“You’re welcome, Nikki,” Chase responded automatically. “I promise, we’ll go to the lake when it’s warm. The last thing I want to do is explain to James why we both have hypothermia.” That would go over so well, he was sure. He chuckled a little at Niko’s idea of finishing homework early. “I’ll believe that when I see it, kiddo.” At least Nikki was better with his homework than Chase had ever been.

Chaes could admit he was lazy, especially in the cold. If he could avoid walking in the winter, he would. It probably had to do with the fact he’d taken a few spills on the ice in recent history. He was not a fan of the snow, ice, or the frigid temperatures. That was why he was driving. The Jeep had a heater, and they could stay warm on the way to and from the school. As usual, though his distaste for the weather was obvious, Chase was more worried for Nikki’s wellbeing than his own. He wanted to prevent him from roaming the cold while wet from the pool, because if he came down with a cold, Chase would blame himself. Silly as it sounded.

He concentrated on the road, but Nikki’s question made him smile. He knew it had to do with the Earth’s movement, blah blah blah. But it was a nice thought. “Could be, Nikki.”

It didn’t take long to reach the school. Chase knew the route like the back of his hand. He parked in the staff lot and nodded. “We’re here, buddy.” He climbed out of the Jeep, grabbed his bag, and waited for Nikki before he locked it up. He didn’t often have an excuse to hit the pool, but when it was a weekend? It was fair game. He led Niko to the gym’s changing rooms, changed into his swimsuit, and then headed out to the pool. There had been a time that it would have been weird, coming here out of school hours, and with a kid in tow, no less. But he was enjoying it now. “Hey, Nikki? Race you in.”

ooc: Continued from here

[Nikolai Campbell]

"Aw, but you're a good trainer, dad."Niko responded,"I could keep us warm. James wouldn't have to worry about us freezing."

"Hmm,"Nikki mused suddenly, once he was watching out the window of the jeep."Maybe we should visit Alaska, and make it warm for a day. They could celebrate- one sunny day, like a holiday." Niko let his mind wander, imagining place with no sunlight and people dressed like cartoon Eskimos -which, he assumed would be the type of people to live in Alaska- all excited over the sun. Just one day. One special day out of the year, maybe they could forget the freezing cold. Of course, Niko didn't realize that they did, in fact, see sunlight and that it wasn't eternally night there or unbearably cold all the time.

When Chase said they were here, he leaned back from the door he'd been pressed against, suddenly noticing the familiar Hammel building. That seemed awfully quick to Nikki. He didn't mind though. He unbuckled himself, grabbed his own bag as he'd seen Chase do, then jumped out, shutting the door behind him.

Nikki followed Chase quietly, seeming almost nervous as he walked through the parking lot. Only when they were in the changing rooms did he relax. While he would have loved to see James, he didn't want to see any of his other teachers or any students. He didn't want Chase's attention diverted to either group, and more importantly, he didn't want anyone to tell James they were here. They were still kidnapping him later. Nikki wasn't forgetting that suggestion.

Once Nikki'd changed and walked back out, he grinned. A race? Of course!

"Okay, Chase."He didn't wait for any indication that they should start- he simply started running. Once he reached the edge of the pool, he wasn't sure where Chase was, but he didn't care. He jumped as far as he could and curled up in a sloppy cannon ball. Whether he won or lost, now that he was in the water, he was happy.

[Chase Campbell]

Nikki’s assessment actually meant a lot to Chase. He remembered what a rough time the kid had first had at Hammel. But he’d worked hard to train with the boy in a way that worked for him. “Thanks, buddy. But I think James would like it better if we waited until summer.” He smiled and reached over to affectionately ruffle the boy’s blond hair.

He’d never cease to be amazed at how a child’s mind worked. The idea of going to Alaska was fanciful enough, but the notion that it was nothing but a dark, frozen place made the trainer smile. “Alaska’s a long drive, buddy. We’d have to drive through another country to get there. It’s a good idea, though. They’d probably like a little sun.” He’d let Nikki dream about eskimos a little while longer. If nothing else, it was a cute image, and proved just how selfless Nikki could be at times. Wanting to use his power to make others happy. He really did love their foster son.

Thankfully, the change room and pool were fairly deserted. Much as Chase didn’t mind seeing his students, or coworkers on a regular basis, this was more or less family time, in his mind. Spending time with just Nikolai would be nice.

As soon as they were out on the pool deck, he didn’t expect Nikki to run. “Hey! Niko!” Too late. Apparently all warning of ‘no running on the deck’ were lost on the boy. But, seeing as how he made it into the water just fine, Chase refrained from yelling at him for breaking the rules. He just stood at the edge for a moment, making sure the boy surfaced all right before jumping off the edge, making a graceful dive into the water.

When he surfaced, he glanced at Niko and grinned at him. “Nice canon ball.”

[Nikolai Campbell]

In Niko's defense, it wasn't much of a race if you walked. Besides, there was little reason for him to follow any rules if it was just Chase and him, and if they weren't home or in Chase's training room. Either way, Niko appeared from under the water giggling. And, after brushing the water away from his face, he looked toward Chase in time to see him jump into the water.

Chase's dive renewed Niko's laughter. Not because of the dive itself, but because of the splashed up water (which Nikki did his best to keep out of his eyes). At the compliment, Niko smiled proudly.

"Thanks,"Nikki responded.

[Chase Campbell]

It wasn’t much of a race if you slipped on the wet deck and broke your neck, either. In the back of his mind, Chase knew that letting Nikki break rules like this was a bad thing. He’d probably learn it was okay to break rules around him, and that would not be good. He shook his head. Teaching Niko bad habits now wasn’t good, but it was one little rule. It wouldn’t be the end of the world, right?

“So, buddy.” Chase swam over to him. “Is this better than sitting at home with Milo?” He hadn’t forgotten his promise to the boy to kidnap James, either. “And I need your help to kidnap James. We should make a plan.” He could make this a good game for Niko, and he was going to do just that. “We’ll have to be sneaky.”

[Nikolai Campbell]

"Hmm,"Niko paused, placing a finger on his chin as though deep in thought at Chase's question. It didn't last long before he dropped his hand and grinned.

"Of course it is."Niko agreed. "But, we would have had fun at home, too. I can't be bored with you." Which was true. Even when it was a less-than-safe attempt at cooking a meal, or when Nikki got to pick a Disney movie for the adults to suffer through, Niko was just happy to have such a casual relationship with Chase and James.

"I'm good with plans and being sneaky."Niko giggled."Maybe we could trick him out of his office. Do you think the other recruiters or teachers are still here today, dad?" In other words, how noisy could Nikki's proposed method be- not that he'd say that specifically. After all, you weren't being sneaky if you were being loud, were you? But it was Nikki's first idea anyway.

[Chase Campbell]

Well that was good. Chase wanted Niko to be having fun. He shook his head and grinned at the boy. “Not fun like this. We can’t swim at home. The tub’s not big enough.” And he could only imagine the displeasure both James and Milo would express if they even tried. “And I thought watching football with me was boring.” Especially if James was around. He knew the only things James actually liked about sports were the stats.

“I know you are, bud. That’s why I need your help.” He smiled to himself when Niko actually called him ‘Dad.’ It was becoming more of a common thing, but when the only time he’d heard it before was when Ginny was being a smartass, it was still special. “They might be. Some of the staff still comes on weekends.” Now he was curious. “Why? What did you have in mind?” He’d probably give James a heads up that they were kidnapping him for dinner anyway, just so he didn’t send his husband into a panic. But he’d still let Nikki have his fun. If being sneaky and kidnapping would be fun, then that’s what they would do.

[Nikolai Campbell]

"No, not the bath tub."Niko giggled, amused by the suggestion. "Watching football with you isn't boring. I like Despicable Me better, but you do a good job of explaining things. And if I watch enough football, maybe some day I'll be able to play football with you and win." Nikki grinned at that. Sure, a one on one game wasn't exactly something you could 'win' but Nikki was bound and determined to prove he was good at football, even if he didn't really care for it. If Chase liked it, he'd like it too.

"Aww man,"Niko's expression slipped, showing disappointment."They'll yell at us if we're noisy, but James'd have to come out and see if it was loud in the hallways." Nikki knew better than to upset Willow. And those other teachers and recruiters didn't think he was quite as cute as James and Chase did, of that he was pretty sure. But at least Chase had some hint toward what the future held; Nikki thinking it was funny to get a reaction because of a loud noise in the hall would later make fireworks inside of Hammel fascinating.

[Chase Campbell]

“It’s okay, buddy. I like watching movies with you.” Even if they had watched Despicable Me way too many times. It was at the point that Chase knew half the lines. But it was a good movie, and Nikki liked it, so he wouldn’t complain. “I have to explain to James, sometimes, too. I don’t mind.” Sometimes it was hard to explain why he was so excited over a play. Especially to Nikki. But he did his best. He grinned at the little boy. “You’ll do it, one day.” And he’d be looking forward to it.

Chase wasn’t sure how many others came in on weekends. It wasn’t exactly common for James to go in on a Saturday, particularly since they’d been married, and taken Nikki in. He’d come in on occasion, for extra training sessions with students who really needed the extra work. “We don’t want to scare him, Nikki. Besides, if we want to be sneaky, like ninjas, we have to be quiet.” If Niko really wanted fireworks in the hallway, he’d just have to talk to one Vincent Verax. Not that Chase wanted that to happen. Not in the slightest.

The trainer shifted away from Niko, kicking the water. It was nice to have the place to themselves. He grinned before making a beeline for the boy and wrapped his arms around him. “Shark attack!”

Yes, he really is a child at heart.

[Nikolai Campbell]

"You're good- it won't be easy,"Niko offered seriously. But he knew he'd do it. Didn't want to scare James? Chase didn't want to- Niko thought it'd be funny. But, on the other hand, James had already been scared, so maybe Niko'd scare Chase next time he got the chance instead. Chase would probably think it was funny, while James might not.

"Okay, quiet,"he echoed in understanding. When Chase began to swim away, Niko smiled and began swimming himself- not intent on catching Chase at all, just on enjoying the water and being able to move around. He didn't notice when Chase started to swim toward him until Chase was almost to him- at which point paused, giving his father a quizzical look. What was he doing? The explanation of shark attack and feeling of being wrapped in Chase's arms sent Niko into a fit of giggles and answered the question.

"Chase!"he laughed, squirming against the older man, trying to get out of his embrace."Let me go." Despite his pleading, the laughter hadn't stopped. Chase was silly, and Niko liked it. And, of all the creatures to imagine Chase as, a shark was certainly an amusing pick. Niko was still fascinated by the tattoos his father had, especially the shark one. But Chase didn't look quite like a shark yet- Niko could fix that.

[Chase Campbell]

“Yeah, but if I teach you, you’ll be just as good. Maybe better.” It wouldn’t surprise him if a seventeen year old Nikki was able to kick his butt in just about any sport. At that point, maybe he wouldn’t mind, either. If it was legitimate defeat, he’d even be proud of his son. As for the scaring, well, yes, he’d probably find Nikki scaring him funny. James could be jumpy, and it might not be such a good idea to try to scare him. Chase tried to avoid it as much as possible.

“Yeah. Quiet. Like a ninja.” If he could get Niko interested in the idea of being quiet, maybe they’d have a better chance of fulfilling his wish to be sneaking and ‘kidnap’ James. It would be good for him. Learn a little bit about surveillance, something becoming more important. But now wasn’t the time for that. It was time to keep the boy entertained. And how was he going to do that?

Shark attacks.

The boy’s laughter made him grin. With all the seriousness that was going on around Hammel, it was nice just to have some time like this. One on one bonding with their foster son. “I don’t think sooooo.” The trainer grinned and made ‘shark noises’ (a combination of growling and biting sounds) as he nuzzled along Niko’s neck playfully. But he let him go after a moment, turning away from him. “Here, hop on. You can go for a shark ride.” While he would still be the first to admit that he wasn’t all that good with kids, he would be also be the first to admit he was slowly getting better.

[Nikolai Campbell]

"This isn't fair!"Niko insisted, trying to appeal to Chase's sense of justice. But he still hadn't managed to stop giggling. At the shark noises and nuzzling, Niko calmed down slightly, still grinning and amused, but less inclined to fight his way free. Chase let him go anyway, fortunately. He was prepared to swim off as fast as he could so Chase couldn't do it again when Chase told him to get onto his back. A shark ride? It sounded like fun.

"You're silly, dad,"Niko stated. He climbed onto his dad's back wrapping his arms around Chase's neck. Despite his obedience to his father's request, he knew he didn't want to stay still against his father for long. The rules of being a kid stated all too clearly that you'd get tired if you didn't keep moving. Nikki rested his head against his father's back, noticing the tattoo there. He removed one hand from Chase, feeling confident enough in his ability to keep hold of his father with just one hand.

"J. A. M. I. E."Niko murmured softly as the fingers of his now free hand lightly traced each letter. He knew fully well that the shark was on the other side, but somehow this tattoo was better. And easier to trace, too.

"Let's convince James I'm old enough for a tattoo, okay?"Niko suggested, smiling,"You could do it, dad. Then I can have a tattoo just like you." Times like these were when Niko wished he had his father's power. Certainly nine wasn't too young! Maybe Chase would see his reasoning.

[Chase Campbell]

“It’s so fair!” At least in his eyes. The sound of the giggles was making him grin. The boy had grown on him so much in the past year. Making the transition from student to son had terrified him so much in the beginning. Now, it had become second nature. Nikki didn’t scare him anymore. Not when he gently prodded him into things like homework and bedtime. Not when he had to push the boy in training. They were just... father and son.

“I’m not silly! You’re silly.” The extra weight on his back didn’t bother him at all. He was used to giving the boy piggybacks on land, in the water was nothing. He didn’t think Nikki would stay still for long, but it would be fun while it lasted. He started moving through the water, not bothered when just the one hand moved. He smiled when he felt the small fingers trace out the letters on his shoulder. “Yeah. James’ nickname. I got it done before we got married.” He smiled at the memory. “He couldn’t believe I did it.”

He snorted into the water at Niko’s suggestion. “I don’t think so, buddy. I was twice your age when I got my shark.” And, yes, he’d used his ability to get it on his parents. But now he was starting to understand their exasperation with him when he’d pulled that stunt. “I know of a student that is a really good artist, though. I bet he could give you a tattoo with a marker. A good one.” Maybe he could placate Niko with that.

[Nikolai Campbell]

Niko giggled, both at being called silly and at the sudden movement as Chase began swimming with him. It was calming, being alone and in the comforting presence of Chase. He was again reminded that he should let go and swim himself so he didn't get sleepy, but he opted to stay for a moment, to enjoy it.

"But he wasn't mad at you for it, was he?"Niko questioned curiously, beginning to trace it again. Since he'd been a part of Chase and James' lives, things were overall happy, but he had caught on to the anger between the two along the way. Never anything too severe. But James didn't have any tattoos that Nikki knew of, so maybe it bothered him.

"Fine,"Niko sighed as though Chase's denial was troublesome. When Chase followed up by saying that there was an artistic student who could give him a tattoo, he grinned. His eyes lit up with excitement, too, and he moved his other arm to Chase's neck so he could hug his father.

"I want a tattoo just like you, dad."Niko explained."And when I'm really old enough to get one, I will if it's okay with you and James then. But until I'm old enough, a marker tattoo would be really fun." Niko suddenly let go with both his hands, sliding away from his father and under the water's surface. He surfaced again to Chase's right only long enough to take a deep breath and to tease Chase.

"Nah-nah, you can't get me!"Niko giggled,"I can outswim a shark!" With that, he ducked back into the water again. Unfortunately, swimming was not one of Nikki's strong suits. While he could swim, and while he was capable of doing so under the surface, he wasn't likely to win any speed races. But that wouldn't stop him from trying to get Chase to catch him again. Getting Chase to get him again was his goal, not getting away.