Nic
Claire is such a curious child. She always has so many questions for him. She knows, that he has traveled around the world a lot - even though she doesn't know that it wasn't an adventure but because of wars and crises - and she always asks him about all the different places he visited. And of course she asks him about Mephisto and himself. What he likes, what his favorite food is - the same as hers by the way, Cheeseburger with fries which makes him a lot prouder than it should. Now she wants to know the story of how I found Mephisto. I tell her a slightly softer version of the truth because I can't exactly tell her, that I found her during war in Afghanistan. Instead I tell her, that he found me during one of my travels while I was in danger of being eaten alive by a lion and that he saved me. Change the lion with a foreign soldier and the story is true.

Nic
Nic spends every minute of the next few days with Hannah and Claire, but they don't kiss again. And he doesn't want to put Hannah in an even weirder situation than she's already in.
With Markus and everything. But he can't pretend like he doesn't feel anything, because he does.
He loves her with all his heart.

After a few days, Markus comes back from wherever the hell he was. He didn't listen when Hannah told him, because he didn't care. All he could focus on was her gorgeous hair shimmering in the sun and her full lips breaking into a smile as she realized, that he wasn't paying attention to her words.
That makes it a lot harder, him being back. Because now he can only see Claire once a week and he misses her badly the rest of the week until he can see her again.
He only agrees to this to spare Hannah the argument with Markus whom he dislikes more with each passing day.
He's like this parasite which won't go away.

Today he finally gets to see Claire again. And Hannah.
He's going to pick her up after breakfast so they can spend a whole day in the zoo. Claire loves animals, especially Mephisto, so he knows, she is going to be thrilled.
He packs his back, takes Mephisto with him and then drives to pick her up to Hannahs place. He's a little early, but he just can't wait to see Claire again.. and he also can't wait to talk to Hannah. It has been too long.

Nic
He can see that Markus is pissed, as he drives into the driveway. But he doesn't care. He hops out of his truck and smiles at Hannah and Claire, as they walk towards him. He is a little surprised about the hug, but he enjoys it nevertheless.
"Hey. I missed you." he whispers in her ear before pulling away and greeting Claire with the special handshake she showed him. "Ready to meet the lions?" he asks her and she nods, clearly overflowing with excitement.
"It could get a little late." he says, turning towards Hannah again. "I hope you don't mind." he smiles at her and he can't help but want to kiss her again. But he won't get her into even more trouble, so he doesn't.

Nic
He is quiet pleased that she's coming along. It means he gets to spend some time with her and he can really use it because he longs for her every day he doesn't get to see her and talk to her. He smiles happily, as he starts his engine and starts driving. This already feels so normal. Hannah and Claire and Nic together on a family trip.
Because that is what they are. A family. A messed up one, but still, a family.
He could really get used to being around his two favorite people.
If it weren't for Markus, he'd have all he ever wanted.
"Which animal are you looking forward to see the most?" he asks Claire.

Nic
His heart is full of pride towards his daughter. He exchanges a look with Hannah and he can see the same pride in her eyes as well. But there is something else as well. Something he thought he'd never see in her eyes again.
It's the same way she used to look at him when they were young.
This makes it even harder for him, because he really wants to kiss her. To hold her hand. To show everyone that he is the happiest man alive because the most perfect woman on earth is his.
There is just the problem that she isn't his. Not anymore.
But now is not the time to think about those things.
He nods in agreement. "It is. I could get used to that." he smiles at her and even though he knows he shouldn't do it, he takes her hand and squeezes it slightly. "I'm really grateful, Hannah. Thank you. For telling me the truth. For letting me spend time with the most wonderful child anyone could ever have."

Nic
"I could never hate you, Han." he whispers before Claire turns around and they quickly let go of each others hands. He takes a deep breath to get himself back to reality, before looking at his daughter with a worried expression. "No.." she says unconvincing. "It's just..." "What is wrong?" he asks her and finally she spits it out. "It's so much fun with uncle Niccy and Mephisto and you mom. Why can't we ever do something like this with daddy. He is always working.."

Nic
It nearly breaks his heart. He could have had it all. But he was dumb enough to throw it all away. He regrets running away. He regrets never, once, coming back to Hannah.
He shares a look with Hannah, before kneeling down before Claire and smiling at her.
"I love spending time with you too, little star." it's his nickname for her, since she wants to become a famous actress some day. At least that's what she told him. Kids change their dreams every other week.
"But your mum is right. If your dad wouldn't be so busy, he could have never saved Mephisto. He is a hero. Just imagine how many adorable, little puppies he saved."

Nic
He can't deny, that it feels kind of awesome to hear his daughter say that, but he can't really enjoy it, because it also means, that Claire is suffering and that is intolerable.
He looks over to Hannah and shakes his head. "I guess... it's kind of.. normal for a child her age.. I hope..." he is lost for words. He lays a hand on her shoulder to comfort her and adds. "Come on. Let's go find her."

Nic
These few words are music in his ears and still he can't enjoy hearing them. Because that would mean, taking her dad away from Claire. At least the dad she had for the past 9 years. And she can say what ever she wants. That would cause her a lot of pain.
"You know I would love nothing more than telling her that I am her father, but are you sure she could stomache something as big as that?"

Nic
The only solution that comes to mind is one, that he will not take. Because he loves Hannah and Claire and he just can't give up their life together. It would be the most egotistical and selfless thing at the same time. Leaving town again. Because Claire would be sad, but she would get over it, and no one ever would have to know who Claires real father is. "I... I could leave.." he looks at her. "I mean... I don't want to. Hells... it would break my heart to leave, but then Claire could live her life without having to know that Markus isn't her real father..."