#and kaz has a lot of work ahead of him before he would even take that action but PLEASE. PICTURE IT.

[scalproie]

my extremely corny and indulgent but satisfying and symbolic ideal scenario for Kazuya and Jin to fully Break The Cycle™️ would be for one of them to grab and save the other from falling off a great height. perhaps even a cliff.

#LIKE YEAH ITS CHEESY AND A BIT OOC AS OF NOW #BUT IMAGINE WITH THE PROPER BUILD UP FOR THIS TO HAPPEN #cause jin already *kind of* accepted his father by accepting himself. he's not *there* yet but he left him alive after all #and kaz has a lot of work ahead of him before he would even take that action but PLEASE. PICTURE IT. #i dont even know who i want to save who bc both works so well regardless #if its jin saving kaz. not only has jin never participated in the cliff-tossing curse of the family but he's actively preventing it #and as for kaz: for the first time someone is NOT letting him fall. kaz who sees falling as a proof of weakness. #of course he would probably see him getting helped as an humiliating form of weakness but just as jin learned in t8 that hes not alone #well maybe he could see that wow someone (other than jun) his blood- his SON is helping him despite it all. must be a weird feeling. #that right here right now for arguably the second time in his life- hes not alone. #and as for kaz saving jin... well frankly i dont even have the words. #it feels too indulgent to imagine kaz preventing his son from suffering a similar fate as him. and would confuse the hell out of jin #smth about both of them having lost their wings but still not being at risk of falling if theyre willing to have each other in this fight #or in their lives. #also its kaz willingfully breaking the cycle HIMSELF even after hes convinced himself that family hurting each other is part of their blood #idk. i love on-the-nose symbolism #ok im done being sappy #tagging later #tekken

[pandaexpress303]

episode 4 thoughts

okay, here we go. again, I really don’t even remember enough from the shadow and bone trilogy to really know how I feel about how adapting it. but poor genya :( anyway, the crows. this is sooooo interesting how they are literally taking the events at the end of crooked kingdom and readapting them to fit in with this storyline. I actually think it kind of works, but I still have some complaints and concerns. I think that having them do the whole scheme with the firepox was fine and it doesn’t really matter that it happens when it does in the books. I think it also lends itself well to telling Kaz’s backstory so I was fine with that. and I loved how they showed that kaz was one step ahead the whole time, but as an audience member you don’t realize it at first because that happened all the time in the books! but the fact that we got the confrontation scene with Pekka this early on is a little weird since that scene is something that the duology builds up to and Kaz’s lack of vengeance on Pekka is fueling him throughout most of the story. I also didn’t like that kaz said all that in front of Pekka’s whole gang and Jesper and Nina, but inej was not there. in the books the only one he would ever trust to say that in front of is inej! idk that just bothered me and felt a little OOC. I will say Freddy’s acting was incredible and they captured the essence of that scene really well. also the part where kaz says “yes to all of that” after Jesper said all that stuff felt soooo OOC for kaz. book kaz would not have admitted that. also they REALLY changed the Wylan and Jesper story. what about Jesper kissing kuwei? and in this it’s implied that they had a one night stand before which definitely did not happen in the books. okay and now onto kanej aka the main thing I care about. idk how I feel about that scene at the beginning where kaz tells inej if things go wrong she needs to leave. I feel like it so heavily implies that he cares about her well-being and while he does say this in the books, it is after she has doubted that he sees her as anything other than an investment. with kaz saying this to her I think it makes it clear too early on that he cares about her and I wanted that tension and slow burn that builds up to the “I would come for you” speech. also it felt OOC that kaz said he would feel comforted knowing she was there in the shadows. I feel like the line itself felt out of place and idk it was just weird. but I think the point of it was to show how she had promised kaz she would be there for him and then she actually wasn’t, contributing to the angst they just set up between them. I am here for the angst but it’s interesting that he set her free. and that line about the indentures having a wraith now. is that implying that kaz is bitter that she chose the indentures over him? in the books he is more supportive of this decision of hers. idk, it’s an interesting way to show kaz’s conflictedness when it comes to Inej’s freedom. it’s also interesting that now inej is free from her contract and six of crows hasn’t even begun. my favorite part of the episode was kaz talking about how concerned he was when he didn’t know where inej was. just......awww. anyway, I had a lot of thoughts. I'm excited to see what happens in the next episodes, hoping for some good angst that is later resolved between kaz and inej and sooo interested to see what that knife scene is. also in the little image I've seen on Netflix, the two of them look sooo close and I'm guessing that is the dream sequence people have been predicting is going to happen. are we gonna see them kiss? idk how I feel about that. 

#shadow and bone #shadow and bone netflix #shadow and bone season 2 #shadow and bone spoilers #six of crows #crooked kingdom #Kaz Brekker #inej ghafa #kanej

[parkersbliss]

Diamonds | K. Brekker

pairing; kaz brekker x female!reader

warnings: cursing, I think that’s it

wc; 2.3K

synopsis: dirtyhands doesn’t need anyone, but he wants you, even if he can’t have you

prompts: 001: “why do you care?” 047: “please just let me in.”

a/n: this went in a very different direction then I planned but I love it??

Masterlist | Taglist | Prompt List

—

Kaz Brekker was a lot of things.

Emotionally unavailable was one of them.

But you never thought much of it. You didn’t think less of him because of that. Surviving the barrel meant being cold, ruthless, and cunning.

Everyone had to have some dark side to them. It was a given.

But Kaz’s dark side never turned off. He was always in a constant state of brooding, thinking about all the ways the plan could fail or coming up with a new heist.

His brain never shuts off.

You never considered that a bad thing, but everyone has to rest eventually.

But rest wasn’t a word in Kaz’s dictionary. For him, resting meant thinking about other things.

Things that he wanted to forget.

So he busied himself with work, numbers, and other things to push the other thoughts out of his mind. Sometimes they were about Jordie and the harbor, sometimes they were about Rollins or you.

Kaz never wanted to forget you, but he didn’t want to think about you either. About the way, your lips curved up into a smile every time Jesper threw his arm around you. Or the way you throw your head back every time Nina makes a joke, the way you sit patiently with Wylan when he tries to read, the way you train so gracefully with Inej, and the way you make fun of Matthias’ accent.

He wants to push it all out of his mind because he doesn’t understand it. He doesn’t get how he manages to notice every detail about you.

It would cost him eventually, which is why he didn’t think about it. It’s why he tried to busy himself with things that have nothing to do with you.

But sometimes, it doesn’t always work out that way.

It was moments like these where Kaz is in a constant state of don’t fuck up and don’t say anything.

Which never goes in his favor.

The plan was simple, break-in and walk-out. There were three separate sections to the museum, and the event kept everyone pretty busy.

All you had to do was get in, steal a few jewels and then blend in with the crowd for the rest of the night.

It should be easy enough.

You all dress in your best attire, at least, the best attire that wouldn’t slow you down if you have to run. Kaz’s breath hitches in his throat when he sees you. Silky fabric, exposed skin, and all your beauty.

He nods at you as you fall into step behind him.

“You look nice,” You said.

“Thank you. So do you.”

You all find yourself in an ally by the museum as Inej scales the roof for her way in. You know she’s successful when the back entrance pops open, and she leans against the door frame with a satisfied smile on her face; her green dress trails along the floor as you make your way inside.

Bright fluorescent lights illuminate the hallway, and the sound of heels and Kaz’s cane echo down it. Kaz pick locks the three doors with ease, signaling for the groups of you to go in.

Matthias and Nina are responsible for the smaller riches, Inej, Wylan, and Jesper take care of replacing them, and you and Kaz get the big stuff.

The room sparkles with diamonds, almost blinding you. To Kaz, it smells like money. For each piece stolen, the two of you replace it with a cheaper place holder.

By the time anyone noticed, you would be gone.

You grab a ring off a stand, slipping it on and examining it in the light.

Kaz coughs, and you turn to face him.

He holds the most expensive piece in his hand, a diamond necklace.

It’s worth more than a quarter of a million kruge.

“Woah,” you breathe out. The diamonds are arranged in such a way that it sits close to the neck, and looks like small interconnected leaves.

“Wear it,” Kaz said.

“Kaz-”

“You would look… pretty with it,” The last part is barely above a whisper.

“Okay,” You agree, taking the piece from his hands. Your fingers barely brush his gloved ones as you take the necklace, clasping it around your neck.

Then, Kaz steps back. “I think we got most of it.”

You can’t take all of the riches, but you can take enough to make some serious bank. You exit the room, Kaz locking it after, and meet back in the hallway with everyone else. Inej and Nina both drip in equal expenses and gasp when they see your necklace.

“I almost want to keep it,” You said, touching the diamonds.

“It does look stunning on you,” Nina said.

“I’m sure we have enough to keep that piece,” Inej said, gesturing to the jewelry between you all.

“I do not understand the need for stones to prove one’s worth,” Matthias said.

Nina pats his shoulder, “It’s like you Fjerdans and your fur coats.”

"Witch," Matthias mumbled under his breath.

Kaz takes the lead, directing you to the main room. You can hear the sounds of people chattering, classical music floating in the air. You all split into smaller groups, mostly pairs, to avoid detection.

You and Kaz stay towards the center of the room, observing everyone else and waiting till the event ends.

As Kaz’s eyes sweep the ballroom, yours sweep over his face, familiarizing yourself with his features.

He has sharp cheekbones, fair skin, and a pointed nose. His lips are drawn down into the softest frown, and there are bags under his dark eyes. His eyebrow twitches ever so slightly whenever he sees someone he doesn’t like, and he runs a gloved hand through his hair, slicking it back more if it’s possible.

He was beautiful.

After a few more moments of mingling, they prepare to bring the jewelry out on display. You and Kaz back towards the exit, just in case something goes wrong.

The fake one sparkles just the same, and a clear difference can’t be seen. It’s only glass that Wylan had managed to craft by himself.

The servant gulps, taking careful steps with the case in his hand. His hands shake, and as he takes the first step up the stairs, he stumbles.

It shatters.

The glass scatters across the floor, the fake necklace you planted aside does the same, the pieces landing everywhere.

You can practically feel Kaz tense next to you when the crowd gasps; actual diamonds wouldn’t break.

“Don’t move,” Kaz whispers. He makes a hand gesture to the rest of the Dregs around the room that means remain still. “Act just as surprised.”

On any other occasion, it would be easy, but when the original necklace is dangling from your neck, it’s like an open target for anyone with eyes. Murmurs flow through the crowd, but no one pays any mind to the Dregs because you all look like you belong here. They’re looking for the black sheep among the white.

But they all look just the same.

“We will be conducting manual searches,” The guards announce.

“Saints,” You whisper, hand instinctively grabbing the diamonds on your neck.

“Plan B,” Kaz said. He meets Jesper’s eyes across the room, nodding his head, and Jesper smirks. He grabs one of his revolvers, firing a single shot and tucking it away before anyone notices. The crowd screams, everyone rushing to the exits as more shots are fired from various parties (some from Jesper, some from guards, or others who just love chaos).

You all make a run for it, using the main exit where guards were desperately trying to keep everyone in.

You watch Inej slip through with ease, Nina and Mattias next. Jesper gets held up, but he managed to talk his way out of it as Wylan tugs on his sleeve.

You and Kaz are last, taking your time to avoid being pushed in by the crowd. You could run ahead, get out before Kaz, but you don’t.

You stay by his side and maintain the slow pace, even when there’s a quarter of a million kruge hanging from your neck.

As you approach the exit, you’re one foot out when someone grabs your arm.

“I got her!” The guard shouts. He starts dragging you back inside as you try to dig your heel into their foot.

Then, in the span of a second, a cane comes down on his arm, a clear snap ringing out.

You stumble from their grasp, unknowingly using Kaz’s shoulder to steady yourself. He hisses but says nothing more because as soon as you notice, you let go.

“Nina!” You scream as the guards come pouring out the entrance.

It was clear who the target was.

The heartrender holds up her hands, effectively dropping their beat, but you underestimate how many there are.

“Run!” Jesper shouts.

And you do as you’re told. The guards open fire, and you bunch your dress in your hands, running through the streets of Ketterdam. Kaz begins to fall behind, and you slow down your pace.

“Jes, throw me a revolver!”

“What?”

“Throw it!”

Wylan rolls his eyes, fishing the gun from his boyfriend’s pocket and tossing it at you.

“What are you doing?” Kaz said.

“Saving your ass!” You reply.

“I don’t need your saving!” Kaz retorts, glaring at you.

You roll your eyes, “Fine, I’m covering you.”

“I don’t need that either.”

“Kaz-”

“I don’t need you!”

You nod, turning away from him to hide the hurt on your face. “No, of course, you don't."

You fire a single shot at a guard, busying yourself in taking a few out, so Kaz doesn’t get hit. When he’s a good way ahead, you sprint after the rest of the Dregs. You see the tail of Jesper’s coat disappear down an alleyway.

You fire one last round of shots and duck behind it. You move past Kaz, catching up with Jesper and thanking him.

He smiles, bumping your shoulder. “Anything for the lady.”

The slat is in sight, and you sigh in relief, happy to rest and unload all the jewels everyone is dripping in.

You could only imagine the amount of kruge you’d come up with.

Jesper opens the door for the Dregs, and you all practically collapse on the couch. You Nina and Inej are all on one, kicking off your heels.

“I hate heels,” You said.

“You’re telling me,” Inej replied. “Never again.”

Nina shrugs, “Annoying as hell, but they do work in place of a knife every now and then.”

“I am never without my knives.”

“We know.”

Kaz walks past you all, limping a bit worse than usual and going up to his office.

You don’t bother following after him. Instead, you all dump the jewelry on the table.

“Oh, saints,” Inej gasped.

Jesper leans back in his seat, “I think we’re set.”

“You’ll gamble it all away before we even cash it in,” Matthias said as Jesper scoffed.

“It’ll take me at least a few months to lose that.”

“Months?” Wylan asked.

“Like six tops.”

Everyone begins to argue, and you tune them out. You forgot about the most expensive piece hanging from your neck, absentmindedly playing with it. When you remember, you figure the best thing to do with it is give it up to Kaz.

With a sigh, you stand up, the fabric of your dress falling back into place.

You don’t bother knocking on his door, you know you should, but you didn’t care all that much.

“Here’s your necklace,” You said bitterly, dropping it on his desk.

“(Y/N)-”

“A quarter of a million kruge, enough to set you for life. That’s all you need, isn’t it?”

“I didn’t mean that.”

“Sure felt like it,” You snap.

“I just-,” Kaz sighed, avoiding your gaze. “Keep the necklace.”

“I don’t want it.”

“You don’t?” Kaz asked, eyebrows raised. “I thought you liked it. You should have it if that’s the case.”

“Why do you care?”

“I don’t.”

You click your tongue, “Keep the fucking necklace, Kaz.”

Kaz curses himself, tugging at his hair. He was making the situation much worse. He didn’t know what to say that wouldn't piss you off. He thought the necklace would be like a peace offering, a sign of his thanks.

It backfired on him.

He’s bordering the line of being cold or grateful. When grateful didn’t work in his favor, he went for the other.

“I want you to have it.”

“I don’t want it.”

“Please, take it.”

“It’s worth money. That’s far more important to both of us.”

Kaz shuts his eyes, “(Y/N), please.”

And you know this isn't about the necklace anymore. It never really was.

You shake your head, crossing your arms over your chest. You were tired of pretending to brush off your feelings. It was killing you. Every time you tried to do something, Kaz pushed you back. You couldn't keep doing this to yourself.

“You either want this, or you don’t. Which one is it?”

“Please,” he said softly.

You sigh, blinking harshly. Your heart hammers in your chest. You take a breath, trying to calm yourself.

“Kaz, I need you,” You said softly, “Please just let me in.”

“I can’t,” He said, voice strained as he fights his demons. God, he wants to, but he's scared. He's scared of pushing you away or hurting either of you in the process. He couldn't go through that kind of loss again.

“I will wait,” You said. “I will wait as long as you need. I just need to know that you’re in this too.”

Kaz meets your eyes. His are glassy as he holds the necklace tightly in his hands, running his gloved fingers over the diamonds.

He could lose you.

And that is far worse than not having you at all.

He slowly peels his gloves off. His movements are slow and deliberate, taking his time. When they’re off, he grabs the necklace and stands up.

You hold your breath as he stands behind you, brushing your hair out of the way. His fingers just barely dance across your skin, but they’re there.

He clasps the necklace, and you turn around to face him.

“Kaz?” You question.

“I need you too, (Y/N).”

“I’m not leaving," You assure him.

“Good. We’re in this.”

“We’re in this.”

#IM OBSESSED WITH HIM #I love kaz #I am speedrunning this requests #hehe #kaz brekker fanfic #kaz brekker x you #kaz brekker x reader #kaz brekker fluff #kaz brekker imagine #kaz brekker one shot #kaz brekker angst #kaz brekker #grishaverse #six of crows imagine #six of crows #soc #crooked kingdom #shadow and bone #s&b

[komoreangel]

𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬

pairing: kazuha x reader

scenario: kazuha takes you to the lake for a romantic getaway, and he finds himself reminiscing of days long gone…ah, but you’re here with him, and that’s the only blessing he really needs, isn’t it?

genre: fluff, kazuha misses his friend but he loves u a lot !! + kazuha with messy hair hdbnd

request: KAZUHA AND HIS S/O SWIMMIGN TOGTHER IN A LAKE <\\3 SO ROMANTIC

a/n: SO TRUE ANON!! man,,,no ones doing it like kazuha,,,sexy and romantic? 🏃‍♀️

he woke you up that morning with a soft grin, telling you he had great plans for the day ahead. you had only just woken up, and already the words that fell upon your ears were nothing short of adoration, along with him trying his best to convince you to agree.

his efforts were in vain, because you would’ve followed him anywhere without hesitation. after getting dressed and grabbing your things, he took you by the hand and the two of you made your way out of the harbor. the crux was temporarily docked there while beidou visited ningguang (which the crew knew could take days, as it was painfully obvious they were more than just business partners).

“kazuha, where are you taking me?” you asked him after a while. you had thought he was planning on going to guyun stone forest again, as the shores of his homeland, inazuma, we’re faintly visible from there. he loved telling you stories about the land of his birth, and always said he’d take you there someday.

“don’t fret, y/n, it’s just a different route this time,” he assured you. however, the farther you got from the coast, the more you realized he had a different location in mind. before you could joke about how he’d tricked you, the two of you stood on a cliff overlooking luhua pool.

he offered to carry your bag and set it down in the sand. “darling, come here,” he called. you went over to him, leaning your head on his shoulder as you gazed at the crystal blue waters in front of you. the weather was rather nice that day, and he was ecstatic to have you here with him.

after enjoying the scenery for a while, he once more took you by the hand, with his eyes only on you and nowhere else. “you want to go in?” you have to admit, the water was gorgeous, and it had been getting a bit hot, as if the sun itself would concede to his wishes. “but i’m just in my clothes, i don’t..” he pulled you closer to the water, slightly chuckling at your protests.

“relax, dearest. there’s no harm in getting your clothes wet, is there? it’s hot enough outside that just setting them on the deck will dry them by tomorrow.” you can’t help but agree with him, especially when he looks at you like that. “alright, but if my clothes get ruined, it’s on you.” you tell him. his eyes light up at your words, and the two of you head closer to the water.

“of course, i’ll take full responsibility.” he replies, and as he steps further into the lake, you follow after him. you move your foot forwards, not realizing how deep the water is, and before you can stop yourself, are falling headfirst into the lake. your hair, along with all of your clothes, are now soaked. to your surprise (and slight annoyance), kazuha lifts you up with one hand, his hands steadying you.

“be careful, y/n. we don’t want you drowning, now do we?” you are slightly miffed that he didn’t help you earlier (because from past experience you know he was fully capable of stopping you from falling) and in retaliation you lean down into the water, as if to look for something. he notices, and turns towards you. “is something the matter?”

“yeah, i’m looking for my bracelet, it fell off in the water.” at this, he also leans down beside you, unaware that the bracelet you speak of is actually in your bag, which he was carrying earlier. as soon as his face nears the water, you push him down, his surprise evident as he lets out a yelp of surprise. you laugh at his struggle, as for once, the man who is always ever so eloquent and full of nothing but the most elegant of words is startled.

his head rises above the water with a tired smile on his face. “i suppose i should’ve expected that, hm?” his hair is wet, and has gotten messy from the sudden submersion into the lake. despite it being a prank of yours, you can’t help but think he looks even prettier this way. you help him up, continuing to laugh as you do so.

"sorry," you say between giggles. he continues to grin, pausing to add, "you didn't actually lose the bracelet, did you?" the bracelet was a gift from him to you for one of your anniversaries. "of course not, kaz. i'd never lose it."

he smiles at you and turns his gaze to the water. it wasn't long ago he was standing here with tomo... hoping to himself that things would forever stay that way. moments like these are when he truly understands the shogun's desire for 'eternity'. for the time we spend with our loved ones to last forever, and for the emotions and feelings we hold dearly to never end.

"kazuha, are you okay?" you've moved towards him, your hand on his shoulder. he falters a bit. "ah...yes, darling, don't worry. just lost in a thought, that's all." the smile you give at his words is everything to him, even if you don't know it. "thank you for bringing me here, kazuha. i know it's an important place to you."

so you'd known what he was feeling the whole time? he'd always said you understood him like no one else did, but apparently even he didn't know to what extent. he feels so comforted in your presence, like he doesn't have to say anything to convey his feelings. you just know, and vice versa.

he's never felt more grateful to have someone like you by his side. maybe, even though tomo is long gone, his friend had done him one final favor and pushed you in his direction. because to be in love with a person as amazing as you, kazuha believes there's got to be some other force of nature at work.

a/n: IM SO SORRY THIS TOOK SO LONG ANON </3 I MEANT TO RELEASE IT EARLIER I SWEAR. there goes kit again with her wack post schedule. BUT 2.1 IS OUT!! AND SCARAMOUCHE APPEARED!! FOR FIVE MINUTES!!!! all jokes aside IM SO HAPPY HE FINALLY SHOWED UP. LIKE....GENUINELY WHEN I WAS PLAYING THE UPDATE AND I SAW HIM I WAS VERY VERY SATISFIED 10/10 !! i also learned the way i portray him might be completely ooc...which is fine its fine im fine- but i think i will be posting more scara content (whos surprised) just to celebrate plus i also wanted to get this one out before another day goes by where i forget, thank u for reading !! <33

#kazuha x reader #genshin impact #genshin impact x reader #genshin impact imagines #genshin #genshin x reader #genshin impact kazuha #kazuha genshin impact #kazuha headcanons #kaedehara kazuha #kazuha genshin #genshin kazuha #genshin impact inazuma #inazuma #genshin inazuma #kit:writings #genshin impact x you #kazuha x you #kazuha x y/n #kaedehara kazuha x reader #kaedehara kazuha x y/n #kaedehara kazuha x you #kazuha my beloved

[triptuckers]

Revenge - Kaz Brekker

Request: yes :) “seeing as your requests are open, i thought i might as well pitch you an idea too, since i'm here... how about a little bit of a twist on the usual hurt/comfort, angst, etc with kaz? like... instead of getting hurt because of him, he's the one who gets hurt because of the reader? maybe she joined the dregs, running away from her past. but then someone wanting revenge finds her, sees how much she cares for kaz, and decides to get back at her by going after him... idk where exactly i'm going with this, it's just an idea, the details i leave up to you :))” Pairing: Kaz Brekker x reader Summary:  You thought you’d be safe from the people in your past once you got to Ketterdam, but you couldn’t have been more wrong Warnings: mentions of blood, injuries, bruising, death, language, angst Word count:  2.4K A/N: to the one who send me this request: your lil message made me feel so happy & loved, I am so glad you appreciate my work <3 sending you lots of hugs! thanks for requesting this, enjoy reading! :)

You’re standing on one of the docks. You’ve got your coat wrapped tightly around you to protect yourself from the cold wind. It’s dark outside, and most of Ketterdam is deserted, its residents retired to the comfort of their warm houses.

You like to come to the docks and look out over the sea. It calms you. The sound of the waves, the salty air, it all reminds you of your past, and you go to the docks to tell yourself you don’t ever have to go back if you don’t want to.

It’s not that you hated your entire past, just parts of it. For a while, you were actually quite happy. Sailing the seas, laughing along with your crew, and taking what you wanted from rich politicians who dared to cross your waters. 

It was fine for a while, only taking from those who already had too much. It didn’t bother you. But then your captain started to take from everyone and everything, and using more violence. You were hesitant, but didn’t say much. Even though your crew was basically your family, they could easily toss you in the sea. But then your captain started to take people as well, not just things. He forced them to work on his ship, and you knew it was wrong.

When you spoke up about it, they turned on you, threatening you. You were to work with the prisoners, and it was horrible. So, when you saw the opportunity, you jumped ship, along with a few prisoners. The sea was cold, and you swam for nearly three days, when a ship picked you up. It was headed to Kerch. When you set foot on the Ketterdam docks, you vowed to never sail again. You parted ways with the people that had been taken prisoner, and joined the Dregs soon after.

Part of you is still scared your captain or someone else of your old crew finds you, and gets their revenge on you. But since joining the Dregs, you’ve improved your fighting and survival skills, and the other members of the Dregs have your back. 

When the wind is almost too cold, and the sky is pitch black, you decide to head back to the Slat. You liked staying on the docks, but it wasn’t wise to stay out on the streets of Ketterdam for too long, especially when it was dark.

After one last look at the sea, you turn and start walking back to the Slat. Your hand is on one of your revolvers as you walk, eyes open and ears focused on any sounds you hear. You had been jumped before, and knew it wouldn’t be the last time it would happen.

You keep your head down as you’re walking, but then you notice a figure in the distance. You slow down and take another look at the person ahead of you. You can see they’re limping, and realise they must be hurt. Instantly, you’re on edge, in case their attacker is still close.

You pick up the pace again, looking at the person in front of you as you approach them. The closer you get, the more familiar they seem. And then you’re close enough to recognise a cane.

Normally, you’d tell yourself it probably wouldn’t be Kaz. Lately, every figure or silhouette looked like Kaz to you. But it was unmistakably Kaz’ cane, and you knew he would never allow anyone to take it from him.

‘Kaz!’ you say and you sprint the last bit to get to him. When you get to him, your jaw drops when you see him. He’s got several stab wounds on his upper body, and his face is bruised and bloody.

‘What are you doing here?' says Kaz as soon as he notices it’s you. ‘It’s not safe here.’ he grumbles.

‘It’s Ketterdam at night. Of course it’s not safe.’ you say, letting your eyes roam over his body, looking at his injuries.

‘It’s not safe for you.’ says Kaz, wincing as he presses a hand to one of his wounds to apply pressure to it.

‘What does that mean?’ you say, frowning.

‘Your former captain says hi.’ says Kaz.

Your eyes widen at his words and your breath catches in your throat. Had he found you? Did he somehow manage to track you all the way to Ketterdam? 

‘He did this to you?’ you say. Kaz nods.

‘Saints, Kaz, I’m so sorry. This is all my fault. He blames me for freeing some of the prisoners. Rightfully, though. I’d already figured he’d send someone after me if he learned I was in Ketterdam. I never would have thought he’d send someone after you.’ you say.

You look at his beaten up body again. Somehow, he still managed to look good. His suit is dusty and bloody, but it still fit his body perfectly. His hair is messy and there’s sweat on his forehead, but you don’t mind.

‘I’m sorry, Kaz.’ you say. ‘This is all my fault.’

You want to move closer to him to help him, but you know he’d never allow you to. So you keep your distance. 

Kaz doesn’t respond to you, instead he moves to continue walking. It results into him nearly falling to the floor. You have to hold yourself back not to catch him. Kaz clutches his cane to prevent his body from hitting the floor.

‘We have to get you back to the Slat.’ you say, still keeping your distance. The last thing you want to do is trigger something in him when you’re the one that got him hurt in the first place.

Kaz pushes himself up with his cane, groaning as he straightens his back.

‘Can you walk?’ you ask him.

‘I can manage.’ he says through gritted teeth. But he takes two steps and almost falls down again. You clench your fists to prevent yourself from reaching out to him. You can’t handle that he’s hurt and you can’t even help him to walk.

‘Y/N.’ he says. His voice his softer than usual, and it catches you off guard. ‘You need to help me walk.’ he says.

‘Kaz, I don’t want to-’ ‘I want you to. I need you to.’

You slowly walk up to him. He looks you in your eyes and gives you a single nod, silently giving you permission.

‘I don’t know Kaz.’ you say. ‘It feels wrong, touching you.’

‘Y/N, the longer we’re out here, the longer we are in danger and the more risk of me bleeding to death on the streets, is that something you want?’ snaps Kaz.

‘No, of course not!’ you say.

‘Then come here.’ he says and with one swift movement, he pulls you closer and swings one of his arms over your shoulder.

‘If at any point you want to stop, I get it.’ you say, a bit flustered now that you’re so close to him.

‘Y/N just get me to the damn Slat.’ says Kaz. ‘But could you just... Tell what you’re going to do while you’re doing it? Makes it easier.’

‘Of course.’ you say. ‘I'm going to put my hand around your waist, and grab your hand with the other, okay?’

You see him clench his jaw as he nods. You slowly move to wrap your arm around his waist. You then wait a few seconds before grabbing ahold of his gloved hand that’s on your shoulder.

‘Alright.’ you say. ‘Ready?’ 

Kaz nods and you start to walk toward the Slat.

The journey is slow, and you try your best to keep Kaz talking and conscious. But he’s losing a lot of blood, leaving a trail of red drops behind on the street.

When you finally get to the Slat and push its door open, it’s crowded. A lot of heads turn your way as you scan the crowd for Nina. When you spot her, you see her eyes have widened as she looks at Kaz. You signal for her to follow you and you start to walk up the stairs to Kaz’ floor. 

When you finally get there, you walk to his room and lay him down on the bed. 

‘What happened?’ says Nina as she enters the room.

‘Someone of my past got to Kaz.’ you mumble, struggling to meet Kaz’ eyes. ‘Roughed him up pretty bad.’

Nina moves to see to his internal wounds and you can see Kaz keeps his jaw clenched at the close proximity to another person. When she’s done, he moves to sit up.

‘What do you think you’re doing?’ you say.

‘Business.’ groans Kaz and you raise your eyebrows at him.

‘Kaz Brekker, I did not drag your ass all the way from the docks to the Slat, only for you to resume working instead of resting.’ you say.

‘I'm fine.’

‘You almost bled to death in the streets!’ you say. ‘Half your body is covered in wounds and Nina’s only healed the internal ones.’

‘I can manage.’

‘Like hell you can.’ you say. ‘I'll take over the Dregs for a while. And as for you, let someone see to your wounds. And honestly, would it kill you to take a nap every now and then?’

‘I can see to my own wounds.’

You groan and throw your hands up out of frustration. ‘Fine!’ you say. ‘Go bandage those wounds all by yourself, I'm not helping!’

Nina steps closer to you ‘I can-’ ‘And Nina’s not going to help you either!’ you say. ‘If you want to be stubborn and suffer, be my guest!’

You leave his room and move to sit by the window of his office instead. A while later Nina leaves the room, telling you Kaz has started to fix himself up. 

You stay in his office, trying to get your anger to go away. You close your eyes and imagine the sea, taking deep breaths. You can almost taste the salty air and feel the cold wind on your skin. You’ve done a pretty good job at calming yourself down, when you hear Kaz’ voice coming from his room.

‘Y/N?’ he says.

You open your eyes, walk up to his room and pause in the doorway. He’s sitting up on the bed. He’d taken his shirt off and put bandages around his chest. The cuts and bruises on his arms and face aren’t treated yet.

You always thought of Kaz as this indestructible man, who led a gang, and is considered one of the most dangerous criminals and most talented thieves in all of Ketterdam. But when he’s sitting on the bed, bruised and bloody, shoulders slumped and tired eyes, you see him for who he truly is: a boy who’s been hurt too many times before and needs help.

He holds out the bandages and wet cloth he used to clean his wounds. 

‘Could you...?’ he asks.

You notice he’s not meeting your eyes and realise how hard it must have been to admit he needs your help.

You nod and walk over to him. You take the bandages and the cloth from his hands without touching his skin, and drag out a chair so you can sit in front of him. You glance at the gloves that rest on the bed next to him. You put the bandages and cloth aside and grab the gloves.

‘What are you doing?’ says Kaz, looking at you as you put them on.

‘This way I can treat your wounds without having skin to skin contact.’ you say. ‘Maybe that makes it easier.’ 

Kaz looks at you and smiles.

‘You’re so tired you can’t even fight off your own muscles?’ you ask. ‘I’m pretty sure that’s the first time I've seen you smile.’

‘I smile more than you think.’ says Kaz.

‘hmm.’ you hum. ‘Sure.’ you say as you move to start cleaning his wounds.

You try your best to talk to him and distract him while you clean and bandage his wounds.

‘Why would your former captain go after me and not you?’ he wonders out loud after a while.

‘Because when you want to hurt someone, you don’t hurt them, you hurt the ones they care most about.’ you simply state.

Kaz is surprised. ‘You care about me?’

‘Of course I do. I never tried to hide that.’ you say. 

You continue to clean his wounds, unaware of Kaz looking at your face instead of your hands.

‘You really scared me, Kaz. I thought you were going to die.’ you mumble.

‘It takes more than a knife and one angry man to kill me.’ he says.

‘He tried really hard though.’ you mumble as you continue to clean and bandage his wounds.

‘But he didn’t succeed.’ says Kaz. ‘If it weren’t for you, he would have. You got me back to the Slat and got Nina to fix me up.’

‘After I basically forced you to.’ you say.

‘If you hadn’t, I would have done it all by myself. Who knows how that would have worked out.’ says Kaz.

‘I'm guessing not that good.’ you say, earning a small chuckle from him. 

You continue talking to him and treating his wounds. When you’re finished, you get up and gather the mess. You walk to the other side of the room to throw it in the bin, and then walk back to where Kaz is still sitting on the bed.

‘I know you don’t like this, but please try to get some rest.’ you say. ‘The Dregs can manage a week or so without you.’

Kaz nods and moves to lay down on his bed. You walk toward the door, but his voice stops you.

‘Y/N.’ he says, making you look over your shoulder at him. ‘Thank you.’

‘Of course.’ you say, smiling briefly. ‘And sorry, again. For getting beaten up because of me.’

‘A good beating every now and then never hurt anyone. Builds character.’ says Kaz.

‘Are you sure your brain didn’t get messed up?’ you say. ‘You’re talking nonsense.’

‘I’m merely stating facts. Now I've got another grudge to hold.’ says Kaz. ‘Now go so I can get some rest.’

You smile once more before leaving his room, shutting the door behind you. You had loved your life on the sea before it took a turn. But you’d gladly do it all over again if it meant you would find your way to Kaz.

You look down at your hands and notice you’re still wearing his gloves. You take them off and place them on his desk. After a while of looking at them, you head downstairs to tell the others what happened. 

A/N:  If you want to request something, make sure to read my house rules Here’s the list of characters I write for. Everything that I have written can be found on my masterlist. Please don’t repost my work, as I spend much time and effort on it!!  Thank you for reading!  Much love,  Marit

#I am so in love with this angry master thief #he regularly beats people up and I still go uwu look at him he's so nice #kaz brekker #shadow and bone #grishaverse #Kaz Brekker x reader #Kaz Brekker x you #Kaz Brekker fanfiction #Kaz Brekker fanfic #Kaz Brekker fanfics #Kaz Brekker fic #Kaz Brekker fics #Kaz Brekker oneshot #Kaz Brekker oneshots #shadow and bone fanfiction #shadow and bone fanfic #shadow and bone fanfics #shadow and bone fic #shadow and bone fics #shadow and bone oneshots #shadow and bone oneshot

[raahosh]

Type: Kaz Brekker x reader.

Fandom: Six of Crows.

Summary: Kaz has this fear with human touch, he can’t even imagine himself getting too close to someone. So, that’s when he met her. She’s a girl from his gang , a girl that he fell in love with. He couldn’t keep the fact that even when he’s trying to push her, even when he’s trying to be rude with her she keep trying to make things for him. With a normal person he’d already punished but with her... He didn’t know why he couldn’t with her.

Warning: My first angst, how exciting. Angst and mentions of trauma.

Authors note: This plot isn’t mine, a friend of mine gave me this idea @scriptonite. If it wasn’t for her I’d be doomed. I hope you guys enjoy it. 

AAAAAAAAAA I’m so sorry for the bad ending but is on my drafts for weeks now.

The first time they met was normal, he didn’t feel a thing and she was just one more that would join his team. She was talented, actually really talented. A heartrender, that’s actually what type of Grisha she is, someone to help Nina and give some advantage for Kaz. 

Another trait everyone could notice was her kindness, even the way she spoke was different. But that’s not a point, for now, the point is, after a couple of days Kaz caught himself looking too much at her. He noticed her a lot, it looked like he couldn’t take his eyes from her.

He was in his office when Jesper entered the room with some papers in hand and Y/N behind him. She just stood there, waiting for Jesper to finish what he was telling Kaz. It was just about missions, the amount of information they got spying the merchants, and some other stuff. 

When Jesper left Y/N came closer to Kaz’s desk, with hands intertwined at the back of her body. She took a step closer but Kaz gave her a look that made her stop where she was.

“Sorry, I just have to ask you if you want to come with us. We’re going to a bar and I don’t know if you like those things but me, Wylan, Jesper, Nina, and Inej are coming.” She asked nicely but not scared or even intimidated.

“I have something to do, I believe this isn’t going to be possible but maybe the next time.” Yet his tone was a little more professional. 

The people who’d go with her were his friends but it didn’t matter, he couldn’t hang out with her, see her outside of the workspace would be the end of him. So, it was better for him to keep himself away from her for a bit.

But he wasn’t lying, he didn’t have to, if he really didn’t want to go he’d just say that. He had things to resolve and people to see. 

The other day was calmer, he didn’t really say much but that didn't stop Y/N from trying to talk to him... Again. So she went to his office, picked up some coffee, knocked on the door, and entered the room. He just looked at you of his desk, documents strewn around it, and he was studying it.

"I'm sorry, I thought you would like some coffee. Jesper told me you didn’t get much sleep." You didn't move; instead, you stood by the room's entrance, not scared, but concerned that you had arrived at an inopportune time.

Kaz, in a normal situation, would brush it off, would just tell her to leave because he was working on something. But, like I said, in a normal situation. Kaz didn't smile at all, just let out a huff telling her to come in. You handled the cup for him and when he his hands met yours accidentally...

He was thinking so much, he could feel your fingers slightly intertwined with his, not with this intention but in the end it was. He caught himself thinking about the sensation of your hands over his, the warmth, the softness but then the flesh, the skin, the contact and that made him move away abruptly, with his breath disorganized but trying to stay calm. He was trembling but not too much for you to notice.

"Hm... I'm sorry, I'm going to leave." Y/N closed the door behind her leaving Kaz just with his thoughts.

That was the other day, now Kaz was in the fifth Harbor just watching the sea, the sky and whatever comes to his sight when Y/N appeared. She was quiet at first, didn’t want to disturb him or anything, just stayed by his side watching the waves and enjoying the silence. 

“Have you ever thought about what are you going to do when you get to pay your contract.” For your surprise Kaz was the first one to say something.

You thought for a moment and when Kaz was almost thinking you wouldn’t answer you responded. “I don’t know, maybe then I’ll try to find my family, or just...” She sighed. “Get out of here, train with the other grishas in Ravka. I haven’t thought much about what’s next. God, I don’t even know what’s next.”

Kaz seemed to be digesting your answer, trying to find ways to be part of it and he didn’t know why. Since you joined the crew, he's been looking closely at you, eager to see you and spend some time with you alone. Actually, he wasn't that stupid; he knew exactly why, but he didn't want to believe it because if it was true, it wouldn't be fair to you.

He wouldn't answer if she did him the same question, instead he would just focus on the waves and be silent for the remainder of their time together, but she didn't bother to ask. I wouldn't say this intrigued him, but it did make him wonder why she didn't ask, why she wasn't as curious about him as he was with her.

Kaz and Y/N sat there for a long time, even as night fell. They just stood there and watched as the waves broke and the sea created new ones, over and over again. The sounds, the sensation. They returned to the Crow Club together, without saying a word at each other.

The next time I’m going to tell you about these two happened the day before a important mission they’d have. Y/N was laying on the roof, watching as the stars shine in the sky. A shooting star and she made a wish, a silly one, but it was made and the destiny would tell her about it later.

Kaz joined her minutes after, he looked exhausted but in the Brekker’s way, he wasn’t the type to show emotions no matter what it is. He laid next to her, not knowing why he was there or why he wanted to see her in this intimate moment of her.

“You know, I come here sometimes and, I don’t know, imagine what my life would be if I’d never left my country.” She didn’t look at him but he did. The moment she said it he turned his gaze to her. “Why are you here?” Her gaze finally met his.

“I don’t know, I wanted to know if you were dead or something and found out you were here, so...” He stopped for a moment, a moment to think about what he was going to say but just stayed quiet.

“No, I’m talking about Ketterdam. Why are you here in Ketterdam?” Her tone was low, she was thinking about doing this question for a long time and as the words came out his mouth she wasn’t sure if she did the right thing.

“Just another unlucky kid, like everyone in Ketterdam.” He didn’t want to talk about his past.

She was quiet for long minutes. “I see...”

Then, again, they just looked at the stars together, without any other things to say. When they finally headed out they both were tired and needed some time to rest, tomorrow would be a tough day. 

Weeks prior to the event, the plans were all in place, and now everyone was doing their roles. Y/N was on the roof with Inej, both of them watching what was going on from afar in case they needed to intervene, because they needed to locate the Rollins guys who were hiding. However, things did not go as planned. Kaz thought he had it under control, but he didn't, and Pekka was a step ahead when it all went wrong.

A shoot after Pekka left and Inej screamed, Nina went to help her but when Kaz went to see what was wrong he saw a badly injured Y/N laid on the floor. She was bleeding, the bullet hit her stomach. Nina wanted to heal her, but she wasn't very good at it; she was good at manipulating people's hearts, but not when there was a bullet in her body.

“Please, Y/N, don’t close your eyes. You can’t close your eyes, are you listening to me?” Kaz was terrified, he never thought about losing her.

“Kaz, there’s nothing we can do now.” Y/N voice was almost nothing.

“Shut up, Y/N, we are going to find a way. You’re not going to die.” Now was Nina who said something.

Kaz took Y/N’s hand and looked deeply into her eyes. “Just stay awake, please, you can’t close your eyes, just keep them open and everything will be fine. I promise to you that I’ll help you with everything you want, just keep them opened.”

However, Y/N did not last much longer. They tried everything on her, but she wasn't able to talk properly at the moment. Kaz's expression changed from concern and desperation to cold and emotionless when he noticed she had died. He didn't want anyone to know how he felt, but he vowed, promised to everyone who would listen, that he would kill the person who had done it to her, and now he had even more reasons to kill Pekka Rollins.

#kaz x reader #kaz brekker x reader #kaz brekker #six of crows #six of crows imagine #crooked kingdom #soc x reader #soc

[draggingthedregs]

Hi, I’m in love with your writing and would love to see a headcannon/fic of Kaz and Inej disguising themselves and like….. walking around Ketterdam listening to all the rumors about them just to have a good laugh? Thank You!

a/n: this was absolutely adorable and hilarious. thank you anon.

looking back, they weren’t sure who’s idea it was, and if they were being completely honest, it was because they were too drunk to remember.

kaz and inej watched the sun set from the attic office, the golden light shimmering off the water as the sounds of the stave picked up for an evening of fun.

inej sat in her window, drinking from her glass in careful sips, smiling as they spoke. after nearly a month and a half apart, she seemed to hang on every word made of his rock-salt rasp.

and kaz was no better. he waited with baited breath for her laugh, hopelessly embellishing his stories to hear it again and again.

they drank to their separate successes, her at sea and him in ketterdam. the lives saved, the kruge earned, all because of the wraith and the bastard of the barrel. and slowly, they realized they were drinking to their shared successes too.

with every conversation, every graze of skin, every night together, they’d become closer. kaz no longer felt the kick of nausea that once accompanied her skin. inej didn’t feel the phantom hands pining her down everytime he came close.

they were each others exception and that was a damned good thing to drink to. so by the time ketterdam was swathed in darkness, they were a bottle of liquor deep.

“you’ve always had a reputation!” inej shifted the weight of her outstretched legs off his bad knee.

“one i’ve never experienced directly.”

“surely you just heard how that sounds.”

kaz smiled and rolled his eyes. “i mean that no one has ever told me the stories they’ve heard because they’re speaking to me.”

“so you want to hear what people have to say about you… without them knowing it’s you?”

“that’s exactly what i want.” he nudged one of calves, his smile spreading devilishly. “haven’t you ever wondered what bedtime stories they tell of the wraith?”

inej laughed but she couldn’t lie to him, not even if she was sober. “i have.”

thus, their terrible plan was born.

they pulled some old costumes from kaz’s collection and attempted to make themselves unrecognizable.

inej wore thick-soled boots, making her usual weightless steps heavy against the stone. her hair was tied up tightly under a dark, wool cloak.

kaz rid himself of his cane and replaced his usual jacket for a long coat, turning the collar up to conceal himself even further. he even added a hat for good measure, one that he let inej pick out. she always did have a good eye for his hats.

when they arrived to the bustling streets of the pleasure district, kaz linked his arm through inej’s. he felt her hand grip his sleeve tightly as she stifled a laugh.

had they not been so deep in the drink, this plan would have never worked. neither would have wanted to risk their cover by blantanly asking for answers, but they were too far gone to know the difference.

they started outside of a bar.

kaz mustered all the memories of nina’s acting, using his best kaelish accent to disguise his voice. he felt inej shake with another silent laugh. “what have you heard of the dregs? no ones given me a solid answer since i arrived.”

the man was too drunk to see any potential issues the question posed. his words slurred together as he raised his eyebrows in suspicion. “best stay away from the lot of them. they run nearly half the town and don’t care who they have to get rid of to do it.”

inej let out a gasp, “oh?”

he nodded, taking a sloppy drink from his stine. “aye. and then there’s the boss, brekker. but you’ll only hear him called dirtyhands in these parts. he’s a monster that one.” the man leaned close, so close they could smell the rot of his breath. “i hear he murdered his mum and dad as a boy and only went worse from there.”

the pair fought back laughter, said their goodbyes, and found their way to a makeshift performance by a traveling komedie brute. they stayed in the outskirts, finding a women to be their next victim.

inej assumed she worked for the group, working and collecting extra kruge from the crowd. “you all come here often?” inej tried to thicken her own accent, forcing the dips and lifts she recalled in her mother’s voice.

the women shrugged. “if the moneys good. why? no one likes the show that much.”

“it’s fine but- well we were just wondering if you could answer a few questions we had? about the- locals?”

“go ahead then.”

“we heard of a- dirtyhands? brekker, i believe was his other name. do you know anything-“

she placed her hand out, to signal inej’s stop. “you best keep your nose out of their business. it’s no place for someone like you. especially now that his ghost queen is back in town.”

inej hoped the laugh she choked down came off as fear. “his what?”

the woman rolled her eyes. “they call her the wraith and she might as well be a devil just like him. she’s wicked quick and deadly. and now she has a ship she captains, killing across the seas. so run along before they catch you sniffing about.”

as they turned to go, inej clutched harder to kaz’s arm, her side aching from laughter.

it could have been hours that passed, but they didn’t realize. they strolled slowly back to the slat, laughing to themselves over the ridiculous stories and secrets whispered in hushed voices.

here they were, those dangerous and formidable characters, walking along the dimly lit streets of their city as if they were any other couple.

perhaps in that moment, that is exactly what they were. no longer dirtyhands and the wraith, king and queen of the barrel, but kaz and inej: farm boy and suli acrobat come to enjoy all that ketterdam has to offer.

that night, they slept soundly. their limbs intertwined, their minds at rest knowing they would never have to hide from eachother behind a story or lie again.

#kaz brekker #shadow and bone #six of crows #inej ghafa #soc #kanej #grishaverse #jesper fahey #leigh bardugo #kaz x inej #grishaverse fanfic #grishaverse netflix #soc fanfiction #soc fanfic #soc fic #soc headcanon #anon ask

[morganayenneferburnham]

Have I Known You 20 Seconds or 20 Years? – Nikolai Lantsov Series

Chapter 1: Devils Roll the Dice, Angel Roll their Eyes

Chapter 2: You Did a Number on Me

Chapter 3: You Could Call Me Babe for the Weekend

A very short summary: Y/N has been working with the crows for a few years. Her life feels complete until she meets the insufferable Nikolai Lantsov. She finds herself forced to work with the King of Ravka on one of Kaz Brekker’s crazy schemes.

Word count: 2k

A/N: Finally starting to get somewhere!! I just started writing chapter 4, so it might take a bit longer before I upload again. I hope you guys enjoy this chapter in the meanwhile.

Thank you for reading! Just send me an ask if you want to be added to my taglist :) 

Chapter 3: You Could Call Me Babe for the Weekend

The next morning went by in a blur. They had moved everything to Wylan’s house on Geldstraat. Kaz was right. It would’ve been too suspicious if they had left for the party from the barrel. Questions about the job were being thrown from one person to the next. Various answers about cues and schedules flying in every direction.

“Wait, what time are we supposed to get to the party again?”

“Quarter after 6 bells, Jesper!” Yelled Wylan running by with an armful of party clothes.

“Nikolai and I are getting there at 6 bells. That way it won’t look like we know each other.” Y/N had been heading off in the opposing direction.

“Wylan! You forgot your jacket in the music room” Kaz’s raspy voice was easily recognizable above the others.

“I’ll go ahead and scout for the best location for you to hide to summon the storm. I’ll come get you at a quarter to 8 bells.”

Nikolai had to admire the crows’ ability to understand each other and get the job done in such chaos. They were running back and forth in every direction trying to get everything ready. Even Zoya seemed at ease discussing the plan with Inej. He needed this job to succeed. He needed to guarantee his country’s future. Once he was done dealing with this newest threat from Fjerda…? He’d like to work with the crows again. He felt much freer. Maybe it could become a side hustle for him and Zoya. It would give them a nice break from ruling a country.

He felt a soft hand rest on his arm. “Hey, we should probably go get ready for the party. We’ll meet here at 5 bells? That way we can go over last-minute details and head over.” She was smiling up at him. Her smile was soft as if she could tell he was anxious. He let his eyes trail over her tailored face and couldn’t help but miss her true features once more.

“Sounds good. I’ll see you then, my darling.” He pressed a quick kiss to her knuckles and watched her disappear up the vast staircase.

---

Nikolai made his way to the room Wylan had so graciously offered him that morning. It was not his room at the Grand Palace, but it was much nicer than the one he’d had at the slat. He took his time putting on the rich merch’s clothes Kaz had picked out for him. He was still in awe of the work Y/N had done on him. The young king found himself unavoidably staring at himself in the mirror mounted to his wall. He finished buttoning up his shirt and folded his suit jacket on his arm. It was almost 5 bells. He knew he should make his way back to the mansion’s parlor.

Nikolai had barely sat in one of the large armchairs when an appreciative whistle sounded on his left. He followed Jesper’s gaze to the stairs. Y/N’s dress accentuated her new body in all the right places. Nikolai couldn’t help but think it would’ve suited her even better before the tailoring.

“No one warned me I’d have to fight off every man who lays eyes on my wife.” He complained.

He watched as Inej and Zoya approached Y/N. The women shared a few whispered comments before they lead Y/N to him. He could’ve sworn he saw the girl’s cheeks turn red. He had to put up a lot more effort than he was used to in schooling his own features. The way the dress moved along to the sway of her hips, with every step she took, made his brain go blank. He imagined the way it would’ve been even more sensual with her natural curves. Maybe he could convince her to wear the gown again once she’d tailored them both back to normal. His mind was racing with images of her, twirling in his arms, wearing that damned dress.

“Anything you want to go over before we get going?” She was looking at him expectantly, her eyes bright, her tailored lips stretched in a small smile.

His mouth felt dry. All eyes were on him. He had to fight to kick start his brain again. “Nope, I think we’re ready.” He offered her a hand, his natural charm coming back to him. “Shall we, my darling wife?”

She took his hand and they headed for the door leading to the elegant boathouse. “No mourners” she called over her shoulder.

A unified “No funerals” rang out behind them. Nikolai made a mental note to ask them what the saying meant, at some point, when he wasn’t so distracted by the beautiful Grisha on his arm.

---

They’d taken a small, polished boat to make their way to councilman Van Verent’s house. It had only taken a few minutes for them to reach the sophisticated boathouse on the councilman’s property. A Stadwatch officer had taken their invitation before guiding them to the stylishly decorated mansion. Flowers from every guest’s country were arranged in beautiful crystal vases matching the colourful silk ribbons adorning the banister. As they entered the main hall, they were stunned by the sheer number of guests already in attendance. The main floor was filled with dignitaries from Kerch, Novyi Zem, Shu Han, Fjerda, and the Wandering Isle. Nikolai noticed the absence of anyone representing his country. Good, he thought, it’ll make the job easier.

To his dismay, Y/N was already catching the eye of a few men standing off to the sides of the room. He wrapped his arm tightly around her waist, pulling her closer, sending the interested parties a nasty look. He felt her breath hitch but didn’t release his hold on her body. She was his wife. Anyone who wanted to get to her would have to go through him. Nikolai was surprised by the jealousy he felt. He was usually in control of his feelings, always choosing to be pragmatic rather than emotional. He knew they had to put on a convincing act. He still wasn’t supposed to be this possessive of a girl he’d only met a few days ago, right? All the Saints and their mothers, Zoya will murder me if she finds out about this.

Y/N had maneuvered them towards a group of Zemeni dignitaries, quickly engaging in easy conversation with one of the wives. Nikolai used the opportunity to present their made-up business proposal to a few interested parties, promising to send them more information as soon as they went back home to the Wandering Isle.

They navigated group after group of foreign and domestic dignitaries for about an hour. He had to admit Kaz had done a wonderful job when creating their false identities, but he was tired of the constant mindless chattering. How lucky, he thought, the dance floor seems very appealing right about now.

He leaned in close, letting his lips brush against Y/N’s ear, interrupting her conversation. “You are doing a fantastic job, my love.” He felt her shiver against him. “I’m sure we’ll have plenty of business partners once you’re done here. Now, however, I would very much like to dance with my beautiful wife.” She looked at him, surprise evident in her deep brown eyes. Nikolai smirked; he could get used to this. He offered her a hand before guiding her swiftly to the dance floor.

He felt men staring, once again, at ‘his wife’ as they graciously made their way to the middle of the floor. The small orchestra started playing a beautiful soft song, perfect for a romantic moment between lovers. Nikolai rested his right hand on the small of Y/N’s back, pulling her close, keeping her hand tightly in his own. He felt her free hand gently come to rest on his shoulder. His heart beating more quickly than he would’ve liked. Why am I so nervous? She was gazing up at him, a gentle smile gracing her lips. He swallowed hard. Nikolai had never felt more grateful for the dance lessons he’d taken as a child. He’d only done it to please his mother. He had to admit he was glad they were paying off now. To anyone watching them, they simply looked like newlyweds, madly in love, eager to share a dance.

They turned elegantly, in time with the slow music, their bodies completely in sync. Their breathing even, their steps well-balanced. The deep green skirts of her dress following every graceful movement they made. She followed his lead perfectly as if they’d been partners for years. She seemed to trust him completely, showing him how safe she felt in his arms. Time slowed for a moment. Nikolai found himself forgetting all about the job, about the plans they had to steal, even about his country. He wanted to stay in this moment, holding the talented Grisha against him, forever.

The sound of applause brought him out of his reverie. He took in their surroundings. Y/N looked as surprised as he felt. Her eyes wide, cheeks flushed. He had no idea how long they had been dancing, how many songs had been played. It dawned on him that they were the cause of the applause. People had stopped dancing and talking to watch the young couple, completely lost in each other, moving elegantly across the floor. He saw Jesper and Wylan, wide grins plastered on their faces, in the far corner of the room. They looked way too pleased. Saints, I hope they won’t tell Brekker about this.

He bowed, Y/N following his lead once again, before walking off the dance floor, towards the grand staircase. They had to stop drawing so much attention to themselves. He wished he could have a moment to talk to Y/N, alone, away from the prying eyes of the crowd. She was playing her role to perfection, all smiles, as couples complimented them on their dancing for the next few minutes.

The ornate wall-mounted clock chimed. Zoya, Wylan, and Jesper would create the distraction in 15 minutes. Wylan subtly nodded to him, indicating he had already placed the small incendiary charge in the dining room. He had developed this newest marvel by studying and modifying one of David Kostyk’s discoveries. It seemed the boy truly was a genius. Jesper would detonate the charge at 8 bells, the sound of his shot covered by the storm Zoya would summon. The fire would require all-hands-on-deck to be put out, leaving the office unguarded. If everything went according to Kaz’s plan, it would give him and Y/N about 30 minutes to pick the lock of Van Verent’s office, crack the safe and make their way back to the party with the blueprints safely tucked in the sheath hidden beneath Y/N’s dress.

They came to a halt in the shadow of the staircase, ready to spring to action at their cue. Nikolai made sure to pull Y/N close, slipping an arm around her waist.

“I didn’t know you were such a good dancer, my love.” He murmured. Better keep up the act. She makes it easy, though. I don’t even have to lie.

She laughed softly and turned in his arms, snaking her own arm around his neck, pressing her lips quickly against his cheek. “Thank you, darling. I am full of hidden talents, you know...” the raise of her eyebrow and her tone so suggestive Nikolai had to fight to keep a straight face. She’s only doing her job. She’s supposed to be my wife. It’s only normal that a young wife should flirt with her delightfully handsome husband. He was trying to convince himself but the playful look in her eyes told him otherwise. She spun around once more, keeping his hand on her waist, leaving him to observe the guests enjoying the party.

The clock chimed once more. 8 bells. Thunder boomed outside, rain battering the windows. A high-pitched scream sounded to his right, coming from the dining room. Other screams quickly followed. Guests ran past them, fleeing the room. Guards came rushing down the stairs, towards the fire. It was complete chaos. Nikolai found himself impressed, once again, by how brilliant the crows were. Maybe I could convince Kaz to help me plan my next military campaign? Or get Wylan to come work with David. I should at least sail with the Wraith and her crew.

Y/N’s fingers closed around his wrist. “That’s our cue.” She said with a sly grin on her lips.

---

Taglist: @power-of-words23

#nikolai lantsov #nikolai lantsov x reader #nikolai lantsov x you #nikolai lantsov fanfic #nikolai lantsov fic #kaz brekker #inej ghafa #jesper fahey #wylan van eck #zoya nazyalensky #my fic #ari's fic #have i known you 20 seconds or 20 years #leigh bardugo #grishaverse #grisha #nikolai series

[him-e]

what did you think of shadow and bone? have you read the books? i only read the duology

Thoughts on Shadow and Bone, now that you've probably seen it?

I think the show is alright? It lacks a real wow factor as far as I’m concerned, but it’s enjoyable. It’s especially enjoyable in those parts I didn’t anticipate to like / didn’t even know would be there. 

Whereas the main selling points leave a lot to be desired.

The good stuff: the visuals. The aesthetic. The overall concept. Production, casting and costumes are excellent, the setting is fascinating. The worldbuilding isn’t perfect and is sometimes confusing, which is probably due to the show jumping ahead of the books and introducing elements that happen much later in the book saga, but I’m loving the vague steampunk-y vibe of it mixed with more typical fantasy stuff and slavic-inspired lore, the fact that it’s set in dystopian Russia rather than your usual ye olde England.

I find it interesting that in this ‘verse the Grisha are simultaneously superstars, privileged elite, legendary creatures and despised outcasts, according to the context and the type of magic they wield. It’s A Lot, and so far it’s all a bit underdeveloped and messy, like a patchwork of different narratives and tropes sewn together without an organic worldbuilding structure. (there are hints to a past when they were hunted, but how did they go from that to being, essentially, an institutionalized asset to the government isn’t clear yet. There’s huge narrative potential in this, and I hope future seasons will delve into those aspects)

Many of the supporting characters are surprisingly solid. I appreciated that Genya and Zoya eventually sort of traded places, subverting the audience’s assumptions about them and their own character stereotypes, despite the little screentime they were given.

Breakout characters/ships for me were Nina/Matthias, and even more so the Crows, i.e. the stuff I didn’t see coming and knew nothing about (having only read the first book). (I thought the entire Crows subplot was handled in a somewhat convoluted way, at least in the first episodes; it was hard to keep track of who wanted Alina and why, but the Crows’ chemistry is so strong it carried the whole Plot B on its shoulders).

HELNIK. As an enemies to lovers dynamic, Helnik was SUPER on the nose, I’d say bordering on clichéd with the unapologetic, straight outta fanfiction use of classic tropes like “we need to team up to survive” and “there’s only one bed and we’ll freeze to death if we don’t take our conveniently damp clothes off and keep each other warm with the heat of our naked bodies” (not that I’m complaining, but i like to pine for my ships a bit before getting to the juicy tropetown part, tyvm). And then they’re suddenly on opposite sides again because of a tragic misunderstanding - does Bardugo hate high-conflict dynamics? It certainly seems so, because between Helnik and Darklina I’m starting to see a pattern where the slow burn and blossoming mutual trust is rushed and painted in broad, stereotypical strokes to get as fast as possible to the part where they *hate each other again* and that’s... huh. Something.

^That’s probably why I’m almost more interested in Kaz x Inej, because their relationship feels a bit more nuanced, a bit more mysterious, and a bit more unpredictable. (I didn’t bother spoiling myself about them, so I really don’t know where they’re going, but it’s refreshing to see a dynamic that the narrative isn’t scrambling to define in one direction or the other as quickly as possible)

-

Now, as for Darklina VS Malina... I found exactly what I expected. 

Both are ship dynamics I’m, on principle, very much into (light heroine/dark villain, pining friends to lovers) but both are also much less interesting than they claim to be, or could have been with different narrative choices. I’ll concede that the show characters are all more fleshed out and likable than their book counterparts, and the cringe parts I vaguely remembered from the books played out differently. And, well, Ben Barnes dominates the scene, he’s hot as HELL, literally every single second he’s on screen is a fuck you to Bardugo’s attempts to make his character lame and uninteresting and I’m LOVING it, lol.

But yeah, B Barnes aside, Darklina is intrinsically, deliberately made to be unshippable. 

It makes me mad, because it’s - archetypally speaking - made of shipping dynamite: yin/yang-sun and moon, opposites attract, COMPLEMENTARY POWERS AND SO ON. And what does Bardugo do with these ingredients? A FUCKING DELIBERATE DISASTER:

^ Placing the kiss so early on (season 1, episode five) effectively kills the romantic tension that was (correctly) building up until that point, and leaves the audience very little to still hope for, in terms of emotional evolution of the dynamic. 

Bardugo lays all the good stuff down as early and quickly as possible (the bonding, the conflicted attraction, the recognizing the other as one’s equal, etc) only to turn the tables and pull the rug so y’all sick creepyshippers won’t have anything to look forward to, because THEY’VE ALREADY HOOKED UP AND THAT BELONGS TO THE PAST, IT’S OVER, THEY’RE ENEMIES. This, combined to the fact that she falls for him *without* knowing who he really is, is the opposite of what I want from a heroine/villain ship (it’s basically lovers to enemies, and while that can be valid too, I wanted to see more pining and more prolonged, tormented symbolic attraction to the Shadow/Animus on Alina’s part). 

But here’s the trick: it’s not marketed as lovers to enemies - it has all the aesthetics and trappings of an enemies to lovers (the Darkling is, from the get go, villain-presenting, starting from his name), so it genuinely feels like a trollfic, or at the very least a cautionary tale *against* shipping the heroine with the tall dark brooding young villain, and I don’t think it’s cool at all. It makes the story WAY less interesting, because it humanizes the villain early on (when it’s not yet useful or poignant to the story, because it’s unearned) but it’s a red herring. The real plot twist is that the villain shouldn’t be sympathized with, just defeated: there’s a promise of nuanced storytelling, that is quickly denied and tossed aside. So is the idea of incorporating your Shadow (a notion that Bardugo must be familiar with, otherwise she wouldn’t have structured Alina and the Darkling as polar opposites who complement each other, but that she categorically refutes)

Then we have Malina. The good ship.

Look, I’m not that biased against it. I don’t want to be biased on principle against a friends to lovers dynamic that antagonizes a heroine/villain one, because every narrative is different, and for personal reasons I can deeply relate to the idea of being (unspeakably) in love with your best friend. So there are aspects of Malina that I can definitely be into, but it troubles me that in this specific context it’s framed as a regression. It’s Alina’s comfort zone, a fading dream of happiness from an idealized childhood, to sustain which the heroine systematically stunts her growth and literally repressed her own powers, something that in the books made her sickly and weak. But the narrative weirdly romanticizes this codependency, often making her tunnel vision re: going back to Mal her primary goal and centering on him her entire backstory/motivation, to the point that when she starts acting more serious re: her powers and alleged mission to destroy the Fold, it feels inorganic and unearned. 

Mal is intrinsically extraneous to Alina’s powers, he doesn’t share them, he doesn’t understand them, he has little to offer to help her with them, and so the feeling is that he’s also extraneous to her heroine’s journey, aside from being a sort of sidekick or safe harbor to eventually come back to. People have compared him to Raoul from Phantom of the Opera, and yeah, he has the same ~magic neutralizer~ vibe, tbh.

The narrative also polarizes Mal’s normalcy and relative “safety” against Aleksander’s sexy evil, framing Alina’s quasi-platonic fixation on the former as a better and purer form of love than her (much more visible and palpable) attraction to the latter. This is exacerbated by the show almost entirely relying on scenes of them as kids to convey their bond. I’m sure there are ways to depict innocent pining for your best friend that don’t involve obsessively focusing on flashbacks of two CHILDREN running in a meadow and looking exactly like brother and sister. LIKE. I get it, they’re like soulmates in every possible way, BUT DO THEY WANT TO KISS EACH OTHER?

Which brings me to a general complain: for a young adult saga centering on a young heroine and full of so many hot people, this story is weirdly unsexy? There are a lot of shippable dynamics, but they’re done in such a careless, ineffective way that makes ZERO EFFORT to work on stuff like slow burn, pining and romantic tension, and when it does it’s so heavy handed that the viewer doesn’t feel encouraged at all to fill the blanks with their imagination and start anticipating things (which is, imo, the ESSENCE of shipping). The one dynamic that got vaguely close to this is, again, Kaz and Inej, and coincidentally it’s also the one we didn’t get confirmed as romantic YET. Other than that, where’s the slow burn? What ship am I supposed to agonize over during the hiatus to season two? Has shipping become something to feel ashamed of, like an embarrassing relative you no longer want to invite in your home?

Anyway, back to Alina/Darkling/Mal, this is how the story reads to me:

girl suspects to be special, carefully pretends to be normal so she can stay with Good Boy

the girl’s powers eventually manifest; she’s forcibly separated from Good Boy

the girl’s powers attract Bad Boy who is her equal and opposite but is also a major asshole

girl initially falls for Bad Boy; has to learn a hard lesson that nobody that sexy will ever want her for who she is, he’s just trying to exploit her

also, no, there is no such thing as a Power Couple

girl is literally given a slave collar by Bad Boy through which he harnesses her power (a parody of the Twin Scars trope)

you know how the story initially suggested that the joint powers of Darkness and Light would defeat evil? LOL NO, Darkness is actually evil itself and the way you destroy evil is using Light to destroy Darkness, forget that whole Jungian bullshit of integrating your shadow, silly!

conclusion: girl realizes being special sucks. She was right all along! Hiding and suppressing her powers was the best choice! She goes back to the start, to the same Good Boy she was meekly pining for prior to the start of the story.

... there’s an uncomfortable overall subtext that reads a lot like a cautionary tale against - look, not just against darkships and villain/heroine pairings, but also *overpowered* heroines and, well... change? Growth?

Like, it’s certainly a Choice that Alina starts the story *already* in love with Mal. That she always knew it was him. The realization could have happened later (making the dynamic much more shippable, too), but no. 

#anon #asks #* #sab for ts #long post #darklina for ts #malina for ts #sorry it took me a while but i wanted to see the whole season first

[the-pen-and-the-stethoscope]

So while Six of Crows has been on my to read list for a while now when I saw that Shadow and Bone was coming to Netflix and realized they were all part of the same little universe I was like *rolls up sleeves* K guess it’s time to read five books in one month to prepare for this new series drop. (special shout out to @darklesmylove​ because it’s mostly your blog posts that convinced me I had to read this series...I give you this as a gift...) 

And now I present to you (in the order which I read them) the events in the Shadow and Bone/Six of Crows books that made me go ABSOLUTELY FERAL (wow there’s a lot more of these than I thought there were). 

- “The problem with wanting,” he whispered, his mouth trailing along my jaw until it hovered over my lips, “is that it makes us weak.” (unfortunately the last time I was seduced by the Darkling - NEVER AGAIN BAD SIR! But this was fucking hot) 

- THE. FIGHT. OVER. THE. STAG. (Just...Alina not killing it, the Darkling is here, now he’s going to kill it. NOW ALINA IS IN FRONT OF THE STAG SAVING IT. NOW SHE WANTS MAL TO SACRIFICE HER. NOW THE COLLAR IS AROUND HER NECK AND NOW SHE’S UNDER HIS POWER AHHHHH) Bonus: “Shhhh. Quiet now, or I will let Ivan kill him. Slowly.” 

- When Alina figures out the dream and TAKES THE POWER BACK!!! (yaaaaasss queen!)

- When the Darkling finds Alina and Mal in Cofton and that whole fight scene and her getting bit and then I had to WAIT UNTIL THE REST OF THE BOOKS CAME IN THE MAIL

- “From what I know of the Ice Court, whoever stole my DeKappel is exactly who I need for this job.” “Then you’d be better off hiring him. Or her.” “Indeed. But I’ll have to settle for you.” (I’m 50 pages in and in love with Kaz Bekker, someone help me) 

- “Not just yet, Inej.” The rasp of stone on stone. Her eyes flew open. Kaz. (ugh my cold cold heart is awake and beats only for them!) 

- Because I’ve been looking for an excuse to talk to you for two days. (literally like......)

- When Jordie and Kaz get tricked. (I mean all of Kaz’s back story but that was...ugh..........)

- It was because she was listening so closely that she knew the exact moment when Kaz Brekker, Dirtyhands, the bastard of the Barrel and the deadliest boy in Ketterdam, fainted. 

- When Nina runs into the guards and the alarm goes off and I realize that I’m an idiot and OBVIOUSLY THINGS WERE GOING TO GO WRONG. 

- WHEN INEJ TOUCHES KAZ’S FACE. His eyes were nearly black, the pupils dilated. She could see it took every last bit of his terrible will for him to remain still beneath her touch. And yet, he did not pull away. She knew it was the best he could offer. It was not enough. 

- He slammed his fist against the window. “Do not speak my name.” Then he smiled, a smile as cold and unforgiving as the northern sea. “Welcome to the Ice Court, Nina Zenik. Now our debt is paid.” (like FUCK MATTHIAS GOT ME TOO. WHAT A GOOD ACT!)

- I have been made to protect you. Only in death will I be kept from this oath. It was the vow of the druskelle to Fjerda. And now it was Matthias’ promise to her. (OMGGGGGG) 

- “This is going to sting a bit,” said the druskelle holding the whip. His voice was rasping, familiar. His hands were gloved. “But if we live, you’ll thank me later.” His hood slid off, and Kaz Brekker looked back at them. 

- The sun was out for once, and Inej had turned her face to it. Her eyes were shut, her oil-black lashes fanned over her cheeks. The harbor wind had lifted her dark hair, and for a moment Kaz was a boy again, sure that there was magic in this world. (YEAH OKAY. AND THIS IS HIS LAST THOUGHT BEFORE DROWNING.) 

- WHEN THEY STEAL THE TANK. THE TANK. AND THEN DRIVE IT THROUGH THE FUCKING TOWN. 

- Nina on parem. 

- “I will have you without armor, Kaz Brekker. Or I will not have you at all.” (SCREEAAAAMS. BANGS HAND AGAINST BOOK. DIES.) 

- “Kaz knew the instant he made his mistake...in that moment of threat, when he should have thought only of the fight, he looked at Inej.” (asdlfkasgkjasglk;sdfjl) 

- I’m going to get my money, Kaz vowed. And I’m going to get my girl. (YEAH BITCH!) 

- When Alina first sees the Darkling while they are traveling the fold (I froze, I read it like four times, I couldn’t believe what was happening)

- When Mal suggests they go to that stupid party and then Alina actually agrees (I literally was like...well something bad is going to happen and I hate it here) 

- When the Darkling shows up after Alina and Mal kiss. “Another otkazat’sya, Alina?” the Darkling mocked. (sdflkajd) 

- “I can’t decide if you’re an idiot, or an idiot.” (ugh Nikolai, marry me) 

- two pages later: “You’re a spectacular actor,” I said drily. “Do you think so?” he asked. Then he leaned in and whispered, “I’m doing ‘humble’ right now.” (FUCK ME)

- “I want to kiss you,” Nikolai said. “But I won’t. Not until you’re thinking of me instead of trying to forget him.” (Am I the only one who found this cute??? Why did Alina get upset??? Do I have Nikolai-colored goggles on??? Maybe...) 

- When the Darkling came to Alina in her sleep and then PRETENDED TO BE MAL SO HE COULD HAVE HIS WAY WITH HER?!?!?!?!?! (ahhhhhhhhhh) “I missed you too, Alina.” That voice. Cool and smooth as glass. (AHHHHH)

- Nikolai stood up, his chair scraping loudly against the parquet floor. “When did you lift the blockades? How long have the roads been open?” (LSDAKLFSDLFDKASLDKLSKLKLL) 

- “Not bad looking?” said another voice. “He’s damnably handsome.” Luchenko scowled. “Since when - “ “Brave in battle, smart as a whip.” Now the voice seemed to be coming from above us. Luchenko craned his neck, peering into the trees. “An excellent dancer,” said the voice. “Oh, and an even better shot.” (And then I damn near died.) 

- There’s a whole three pages (that I will not re-type here) after they arrive at the Spinning Wheel of Nikolai just being *chef’s kiss* flawless. Some great lines include: “Everyone needs a hobby.” “I thought yours was preening.” “Two hobbies.” “Should I be offended that he doesn’t want to dine with us? I set an excellent table, and I rarely drool.” “What a filthy mind you have. I was referring to puzzles and the perusal of edifying texts.” “Last chance to run.” 

- “Alina, I’ll be back to fetch you for dinner, but should you grow restless, do feel free to run screaming from the room or take a dagger to her. Whatever seems most fitting at the time.” (asldjkasl;dkfs;lkd NIKOLAI) 

- Okay gunna skip ahead - you can assume any time Nikolai said anything I screamed. 

- Nikolia’s second proposal (THE EMERALD!!! JUST HOW HE PUTS IT ON TOP OF THE WALL) 

- Nikolai’s third proposal. Nikolai’s skin was warm, his grip gentle. I’d wondered if I would ever feel something so simple again or if the power in me would just keep jumping and crackling. (THIS is why he is perfect for her - no jolt of electricity, just warmth and comfort!!!) 

- SERGEI!!!!

- When Nikolai gets fucking taken over by a nichevo’ya (I HATE EVERYONE)

- When Baghra sacrifices herself 

- When we finally FINALLY find out what makes Mal so special (I mean....his tracking was OTHERWORLDLY I can’t believe people weren’t more fucking freaked out by him) 

- “The Darkling marched on Keramzin.” (Literally screamed: “MY HEART HURTS.” I was crying. I nearly threw the book down. “BUT THE CHILDREN!” I say with my fists in the air. I am become a blade.) 

- Nikolai visiting Alina while he is the monster and trying to make himself better (ahhhhh tears!!! THE EMERALD!!!) The words died on my lips. Nikolai turned my palm over and slid the ring onto my finger. (FUUUUCK. PAAAAIN.) 

- When Nikolai comes back and FIGHTS FOR THEM IN THE FOLD!!!! HE MAY BE A MONSTER BUT HE IS NOT THE DARKLING’S MONSTER, BITCH!! 

- “Please,” I sobbed. “Bring him back to me.” (lkadsflkj this was actually devastating even though I’m not a huge Mal fan)

- “We need more light,” he said. A choked laugh escaped me. I held up my hands, pleading with the light and with any Saint who had ever lived. it was no good. (UGHHHH. MORE PAIN.) 

- Tamar sobbed. Toyla swore. And there it was again: the thready, miraculous sound of Mal drawing breath. (and also the first time I breathed for an entire chapter!) 

- “Alina,” he said and kissed the scar on my palm, “I remember everything.” (Literally the last like twenty pages of this book I just gave up and was like actually Mal is adorable and I need to protect him at all costs.) 

- “Really I just wanted to look at the words.” (ughhhhh) 

- Once a man arrived with a fleet of toy boats that the children launched on the creek in a miniature regatta. The teachers noted that the stranger was young and handsome, with golden hair and hazel eyes, but most definitely off. He stayed late to dinner and never once removed his gloves. (NIKOLAI SIGHTING IN THE EPILOGUE MY HEART GOES ON)

- When Van Eck thinks Kaz is coming to get Inej and then he tells Inej and then she is WILLING HIM to not show up and then it is revealed he wasn’t there all along (BOOM BITCH THAT’S HOW KAZ BREKKER FUCKING WORKS.)

- “Those were my mother’s favorite flower.” 

- “Why the net, Kaz?” I couldn’t bear to watch you fall. (POETRY OKAY?)

- Jesper and Wylan going to see Wylan’s mother and just fucking everything about that chapter. 

- When Inej almost FALLS INTO THE FUCKING SILO AND IT’S THE END OF THE GD CHAPTER 

- “Pick up the pace,” Kaz said, eyeing his watch. “If I spill a single drop of this, it will burn straight through the floor onto my father’s dinner guests.” “Take your time.” 

- “We’ll fight our way out together,” Inej whispered. Nina glanced from Inej to Kaz and saw they both wore the same expression. Nina new that look. It came after the shipwreck, when the tide moved against you and the sky had gone dar. It was the first sight of land, the hope of shelter and even salvation that might await you on a distant shore. (AHHHHHH) 

- Wylan’s first thought was that this boy had the most perfectly shaped lips he’d ever seen. His second was that his father had sent someone new to kill him. (Wylan you are so adorable it’s adorable) 

- Inej was moving before she thought of it. She couldn’t just watch him die, she wouldn’t. They had him down now, heavy boots kicking and stomping at his body. her knives were in her hands. She’d kill them all. She’d pile the bodies to the rafters for the stadwatch to find. But in that moment, through the wide slats in the banister landing, she saw his eyes were open. His gaze found hers. He’d known she was there all along. Of course he had. He always kew how to find her. He age the barest shake of his bloodied head. (THESE TWO!!)

- “My leg! My leg!” “I recommend a cane,” Kaz said. (cackling) 

- When Sturmhond (aka Nikolai ***swoons***) showed up in Crooked Kingdom. (What actually happened: me reading a description of a “fox-like” man with Genya and Zoya and screaming and saying to myself “OMG WHEN I TURN THE PAGE IT WILL CONFIRM THAT NIKOLAI IS IN THE BUILDING I CAN’T” (did I mention I’m in love with him??? already??? k))

- When Jesper and Wylan FINALLY kiss FOR REAL (this was a big chapter for me) This was the kiss he’d been waiting for. It was a gunshot. It was prairie fire. it was the spin of Makker’s Wheel. Jesper felt the pounding of his heart - or was it Wylan’s? - like a stampede in his chest, and the only thought in his head was a happy, startled, Oh. 

- CHAPTER 33 - just everything, everything about the reveals in this chapter. The money being funneled to the Shu, not being able to trace even the RANSOM NOTE back to Kaz. WYLAN SHOWING UP!!!! “ARE YOU SURE THEY WERE PEKKA’S MEN?” !!!!!!!!

- “Do something,” Matthias growled at Kaz. “This is about to turn ugly.” Kaz’s face was as impassive as always. “Do you think so?” (bahahahahaha) 

- Nina’s just complete glee over the chaos she creates!!! “She was the Queen of Mourning, and in its depths, she would never drown.” 

- Jesper using his fucking power!!!!!! 

- She stared up at him. He was going to miss that look of surprise. (HE’S GOING TO LET HER GO. HE KNOWS HE IS GOING TO LET HER GO.)

- KAZ’S PLAN BECOMING CLEAR IN IT’S BRILLIANCE AS EACH CHAPTER GOES BY. 

- Inej frowned. “I thought you and Nina chose four outbreak sites on the Staves.” Kaz straightened his cuffs. “I also had her stop at the Menagerie.” She smiled then, her eyes red, her cheeks scattered with some kind of dust. It was a smile he thought he might die to earn again. (AHHHHHHHHHHHHH) 

- “A sedative,” said the medik. “Is that safe for a pregnant woman?” “For me.” (This is just FLAWLESS in its depiction of people who don’t do OB care regularly.)

- Matthias saw the anger there, the rage. He knew it well. But he was still surprised when he heard the shot. (NOOOOOOOO!!!) 

- “Has she at least done it before?” said Kaz. “For this purpose?” asked Sturmhond. “I’ve seen her do it twice. It worked splendidly. Once.” (NIKOLAI I BEG YOU!) 

- When Matthias DIES?!??! (I’M SORRY WHO LET THIS HAPPEN??)

- “You will meet him again in the next life,” said Inej. “But only if you suffer this now.” 

- Wylan getting all of his father’s money because KAZ HAS BEEN PLANNING THIS ALL ALONG??!

- Jesper leaned in and said, quietly enough that no one else could hear, “I can read to him.” (alksdflk;jasfl;jkd that was hot) 

- “Well hopefully the medik will be here to fix my ribs soon,” he said as he headed back into the parlor. “Yeah?” “Yes,” said Wylan, glancing briefly over his shoulder, his cheeks now red as cherries. “I’d like to make a down payment.” (OMG WYLAN?!?!?! IN FRONT OF MY SALAD?!?! IS THIS ALLOWED?!?!)

- At some point, Jesper realized Kaz was gone. “Not one for goodbyes, is he?” he muttered. “He doesn’t say goodbye,” Inej said. She kept her eyes on the lights of the canal. Somewhere in the garden, a night bird began to sing. “He just lets go.” (TEARS.)

- She felt his knuckles slide against hers. Then his hand was in her hand, his palm was pressed against her own. A tremor moved through him. Slowly, he let their fingers entwine. (I gasped so loud i literally woke my cat up from a deep sleep.)

- “Wait,” he said. The burn of his voice was rougher than usual. “Is my tie straight?” Inej laughed, her hood falling back from her hair. “That’s the laugh,” he murmured. (THAT’S THE LAUGH. THAT’S THE LAUGH. AHHHHH) 

Okay done. Gunna go stare at the ceiling until tomorrow night/whenever I finally get King of Scars and Rule of Wolves in the mail (BECAUSE YOU KNOW MY SORRY ASS IS DYING AT THE THOUGHT OF TWO BOOKS ALL ABOUT NIKOLAI) 

#shadow and bone #sab #the grisha trilogy #grishaverse #six of crows #soc #crooked kingdom #seige and storm #ruin and rising #leigh bardugo #thanks to all who actually read this #also thanks to everyone on this site who it is a fan #you all convinced me to read this series even if you didn't know I was stalking #not really sure what to do with myself now #reading #writing #writeblr #kaz brekker #nikolai lantsov #my love nikolai #your honor i love him #inejgayfa #jesper fahey #jesper x wylan #wylan van eck #alina starkov #mal oretsev #the darkling #nina zenik #matthias

[sanktagenyas]

ok so i finally watched those last three episodes. i said buckle up it’s time to suffer and by the saints did i ever suffer. i just knew the darklina scenes were gonna be rough to watch. it was already rough reading the scenes as they were written in book one. i mean the darkling just shines with his intelligence in that chapter, doesn’t he? threaten the man she loves? well the other man she loves? check! tell her she betrayed you when the reality is you’ve been telling half truths all along and didn’t trust her to make her choices? check! 

buddy this isn’t how you apologize. in the show itself it’s pretty much the same back and forth that leads nowhere. you lied to me! you ran off because my mother told you i’m not who i say i am without giving me a chance to explain! you’ve been lying or bending the truth since we met! YOU TURNED YOUR BACK ON YOUR COUNTRY!

by that point i was just like chill the fuck out man you’re about to decimate many many countrymen and you know it. i loved that the stop they made was all about him getting revenge on the man who attempted on alina’s life, that was very unhinged of him and i was HERE for that shit but everyone else in that port? every other woman and child and man on that port? not all of them played a hand and he just went ahead and had them slaughtered without batting an eye. and it’s not like he has some kind of safeguard for grishas does he? how does he know there’s no grisha wherever he’s expanding the fold? some could be in hiding because they fled, because they didn’t want to serve the king. oh well he doesn’t really care about those people does he? we all saw how he spoke about those deserters to arken.

also he could NOT handle alina’s harsh truths about how his own actions are harming grisha close to him even though he claims that every choice he’s made was to protect them and empower them. when she brought up genya i was like yes you better look down you motherfucker! you did this to her, you delivered to her abuser over and over. 

we saw his backstory, some of it and he acted out of grief and rage. he toyed with magic he did not understand and of course he didn’t intend this but his reaction to the fold once it was all said and done was definitely foreshadowing what he was to become. i created something he said defiantly. you created something you don’t have control over. and now he’s done it again somehow, he’s got brand new creatures following him at the end.

i actually felt for young aleksander for losing the woman he loved but the arrogance and the recklessness he showed there is still the same arrogance he has now. he thinks he has thought his plan through but that’s just working off the assumption that no one opposes him ever otherwise he went ahead and put a target on grisha’s backs. he definitely put a target on alina’s back although i know that was never the plan. the fact that when he has a perfectly good remedy to the fold, a chance to actually fix his mistakes once and for all he turns its back and decides to make it ten times worse, chooses ruling via fear over hope is jusr a sign of how far he’s gone. and he didn’t waver once not even when alina was pleading with him that he could have made her his equal, that they could have stayed together and made ravka safe together if only he gave her a choice, he was still manipulative and lied to her face.

at this point i just don’t think his love for her outweighs his belief that he knows what’s best for ravka, what’s the best way to protect grisha. because he doesn’t care about anyone who isn’t grisha at all. he was persecuted like so many others. he won a war for a king centuries and that king turned on him. i’m sure he’s looking at the current one knowing that once grisha have exhausted their uses that king will turn on him too. the fold is just a different kind of war and if he wins that one for the king the darkling already knows what the outcome will be. 

so to summarize this whole darkling commentary here i understand where he is coming from, i understand the fear and the rage and the desperation. it’s not working out for him though. he’s feared but he’s alone. for every ivan there’s a zoya. for every man who’s blindly loyal to him there’ll be someone rising up to oppose him eventually. and if it’s not his own people it’ll be non grisha folks. he has the second army working for him still, but he is alone. and that’s no one’s fault but his own because alina was willing to work with him. 

speaking of alina i loved every second of her rising up to oppose him telling him she never needed him. she may have fallen in love with him but she never actually needed him to be powerful, she only needed to free herself of the restraints she’d put on her powers out of fear. i also thought that the way she freed herself of his control made more sense than it did in the books. 

i have hope for darklina still despite all that’s happened despite how positively full of rage ans resentment she is because she still loves him, she still listened when he pleaded with her that they needed each other if they wanted to deal with the fold. of course there’s the slight issue of him lying directly and manipulating her to do his bidding and of course the fact that he took her power from her. the only thing that was her and he perverted it for his own gain. i think it just might take more than a year for her to forgive him i’m afraid. i don’t necessarily see a path to redemption right now but reconciliation? alina can be merciful, she can be forgiving. i think all it would really take is just one selfless act, one show of good faith. if he keeps pursuing her and mal and keep trying to rob her of her agency however i don’t see them ever having any kind of closure.

i don’t think i need to expand much more on my thoughts on malina. i’m not feeling what the show wants me to feel. i’m not seeing them as these soulmates that belong together. to me they’d be better of as best friends. the darkling didn’t make her strong he tried to steal her strength for his own use but mal doesn’t make her strong either, she relies too much on him. mal actually was pretty damn resourceful when left on his own. i unfortunately couldn’t say the same for alina. co-dependant love is not better than toxic love and darklina’s toxicity (most of it) comes from the lies and from the darkling repeatedly choosing for alina. he’s not brave enough to just tell her what he intends to do and let her decide whether to align herself with him so he lies and he deceives instead. not much he can do to undo it now but he could help actually destroy the fold if he wanted to. i don’t know if he’ll ever come around to it though.

the darkling visiting mal with the sole purpose to rub it in his face that alina and he are immortal and so eventually mal will die and then he could just swoop in was just peak comedy. the way he delivered that line too you’d think he was talking to an insect not another human being. it was brilliant. mal echoing that same line but ending it with “the past will do it for me” was pretty good, nice quip i’ll give mal that but also terribly ironic when you see the ending.

team crows remains the highlight for me. kaz and inej and their unspoken love for each other is just killing me. i can tell there are personal traumas there that i don’t know about (gotta read those damn books and quick) what with kaz not being able to help tend to her wounds and the fact that there were moments were i could see there was maybe a kiss about to happen or an embrace (at the end when kaz let alina go free and made a deal not to rat her out) and it just didn’t happen. there’s a story there about kaz and his distaste for being touched/touching others. jesper is just here to look pretty, shoot shit and be the most charming person in any crowd. i’m in love. also someone give him his goat back for the love of god.

nina and mathias were entertaining for sure. with all that banter and all these jabs i should have really seen them falling for one another coming. i felt like it was perhaps a bit rushed but i guess there’s nothing like almost freezing to death together to make you reconsider your views. you know the whole saving of lives thing can really bond you. the waffle date was adorable. was not expecting nina to just brand herself a traitor for him and she’s damn lucky fyedor came on that mission because i’m pretty sure ivan wouldn’t even have offered to keep her name out of the report. she and mathias ended their story both heartbroken and separated. i really hate that he thinks this was all intentional. really hope she’ll join the crows on their next con job. and i also cannot wait to see the look on heleen’s face when kaz buys inej’s freedom.

i was not at all expecting zoya to turn against the darkling. that’s what happens when you turned down one of your fuck buddies, aleksander they get bitter and then they leave you to be eaten alive by volcras. ok but in all seriousness she did the right thing and i hope she finds her family even if they’re not alive so she can say her goodbyes. 

oh and completely unrelated but since i talked about heights of comedy before i really need more sassy! darkling in my life. he is everything. that quip about his speech. the way he said adorable like he was gagging on the word. him just letting david be his dorkiest self and raise his hand before speaking, that little put upon sigh. i love sassy! darkling almost as much as jealous and petty darkling which is saying a lot. just more of that. it humanizes him, i’m tired of villains who are forever stoic and stone face. 

i think i about covered everyone and everything that happened in those remaining episodes. all in all shadow and bone is an amazing adaptation, really faithful to the first book. they made some changes to the characters which in turn changed some dynamics (alina actually admitted she wanted to be with the darkling. out loud. to his face. book!alina would never and book!darkling would never cry in front of her.) but it made for surprising viewing. it also made me become even more attached to some characters (the darkling let’s be real) which made me care more which is why i was livid when they started making a lot of terrible no good choices.

i was just really blown away by this show and the way the grishaverse was brought to life and above all major props to the actors who all just seemed to be born to play their respective roles. 

#shadow and bone spoilers #sab spoilers #darklina #alina starkov #aleksander morozova #inej ghafa #nina zenik #mathias helvar #jesper fahey #kaz brekker #zoya nazyalensky

[milo-my-beloved]

chapter six of stupid things!

Read on AO3 // Playlist // Buy me a coffee?

Wylan and Jesper took a cab home, leaving Kaz and Inej to find their own way home and a very disgruntled Matthias to deal with them. They giggled the entire way back to Jesper’s apartment, imagining increasingly ridiculous and complex methods that Nina’s boyfriend might come up with to get the two to go home.

Wylan insists on paying for the taxi, since Jesper had declared that he should stay the night. They tumble through the door, laughing at the possibility of Matthias locking their friends in an aquarium overnight, and collapse onto the couch, Wylan’s head cradled on Jesper’s chest.

“We should get up,” Jesper says, not moving. “Put pajamas on, or something.”

Wylan just snuggles closer to his chest. “Will you put a movie on?”

Jes smiles down at the sleepy man cuddled up to him and runs his hands through his curls. “Sure thing, sunshine. But I’m picking.”

By the time the opening credits of Star Wars have finished, Wylan is quietly snoring against Jesper’s chest. By the time the Death Star explodes, Jesper has followed suit, both of them pressed against each other, only visible thanks to the full moon outside the window.

{o0o}

One of the things Jesper loves the most about Wylan is the mystery that surrounds him. The only person he’s met that is more skilled at dodging questions is Kaz, and that’s half of his personality. Wylan is nowhere near as good at lying, but Jesper doesn’t push it when he clearly doesn’t want to answer a question. With anyone else he might have, but he really doesn’t want to lose the man who he’s grown so attached to.

Maybe Drunk Jesper has made one good decision. But that’s about it.

One of the few things that Jesper has managed to figure out about his boyfriend is that he’s secretly rich, and embarrassed about it. He always wears quality clothes - soft, cashmere jumpers and dress shirts and fancy shoes - and he insists on paying for a lot of things they do together, but he always blushes whenever Jesper teases him for it.

Actually, Wylan blushes quite a lot. It’s one of Jesper’s favourite things about him.

When they wake up on Saturday morning to the sunlight streaming through the window, they’re still packed tightly together. Jesper’s arm is stiff from being curled protectively around Wylan, who has apparently spent the night drooling on Jesper’s shirt.

If it was anyone else, it would be disgusting, but Jesper finds it strangely endearing.

“Morning, sunshine,” he greets, smiling to himself as Wylan yawns and stretches. “How did you sleep?”

He mumbles an unintelligible response against Jesper’s chest before turning and burying his face back into the crook of his arm. Jesper laughs quietly, but he brings his hand up to cup Wylan’s head and gently strokes his hair.

“For all that drool you’ve managed to get on my chest, you’d better plan an excellent date,” Jesper teases, but Wylan doesn’t respond, already fast asleep again.

{o0o}

Wylan has never been a fan of surprises. Everything in his life has always been planned; from his wardrobe to his meals to what he is supposed to be in life. That’s why he messages the group chat on Wednesday with his plans, rather than leaving it as a surprise like everyone else seems so fond of doing.

Wylan: I know what we’re doing on Friday :D

Inej: and you’re gonna tell us???

Wylan: yes :DDD

Kaz: unheard of

Wylan: I got us tickets to the new exhibit at Ketterdam Museum!!!

Jesper: wat

Inej: awesome! what’s it on?

Wylan: fossils, I think :)

Jesper: there better be a gift shop

He smiles to himself, looking down at his phone as he checks the museum website. Huh. There is a gift shop.

{o0o}

Kaz and Inej mention something vague about going to dinner before meeting them at the museum, so Wylan and Jesper make their own way. Wylan calls them a taxi, smiling to himself as Jesper complains about their friends the entire way there.

“All I’m saying is that it’s rude!” he exclaims, flapping his arms about for emphasis. “It’s called a ‘double date’ for a reason, there’s supposed to be two couples there.”

Wylan hums noncommittally.

“If they were just getting a different ride there then I guess I could understand that, but to go out for dinner first? That’s, like, a whole activity that they’re doing without us!”

“You’re here,” the driver interrupts as they pull up to the front of the museum building.

“Thank you,” Wylan says, handing over the money. “And Jes, how about we go out for dinner afterwards? Just us, I mean.”

Jesper pouts as he climbs out the car. “I already ate.”

“I’m sure you can find room,” Wylan replies, rolling his eyes fondly. “Look, there’s Kaz and Inej.”

Sure enough, their two friends are waiting on the steps outside the museum, huddled together with Kaz’s cane propped up beside them. Inej spots them as they start to approach and stands up, waving frantically to catch their attention while Kaz shakes his head at her antics.

Wylan tugs the corner of Jesper’s sleeve, waving back with his other hand. “Come on!”

Jesper rolls his eyes. “Can we just pretend we don’t know them and go get food now?”

“I thought you ate already?”

“Oh, piss off.”

Wylan grins widely when they finally reach them, brandishing the four tickets in front of him like magician asking ‘is this your card?’ Jesper snatches one out of his hand before anyone gets the chance, Kaz and Inej taking theirs in a much more dignified fashion.

For all their excited chatter as they head towards the entrance, Jesper has to admit, a trip to a museum has never been on his list of dream dates. Or vaguely acceptable dates. Or a day out with his friends. At best, he decides, he might have gone on a school field trip, but mostly only to get out of doing much work for a day.

The foyer of the building is impressive, even by his standards, but he still doesn’t feel nearly as excited as Inej or Wylan. (It’s hard to tell what Kaz is feeling at any given moment, but Jesper is fairly sure he has never seen him excited.) It’s only after they hand their tickets over to a kind attendant and round the corner that Jesper stops in his tracks and stares ahead, his mouth wide open.

“Is that… a dinosaur?” he asks, completely rooted to the spot.

No one bothers dignifying his question with a response, all of them too busy staring at the huge creature standing before them. Of course, it is just bones, but there is still something incredible about being so close to an animal that has been dead for millions of years.

Of all of them, Wylan seems to be the least affected.

“It’s the first T-rex to be displayed in Ketterdam for over a hundred years!” he exclaims in a hushed tone, smiling at the awed expressions on his friends’ faces. “I think his name is Titus.”

“Woah,” Inej says, stepping towards it. “It’s huge!”

“Twelve feet tall,” Wylan responds with a smile.

“How come you know so much already?” Kaz asks, his eyes wandering around the rest of the room.

“I booked the tickets, remember. I looked at the website.”

“Kaz!” Inej exclaims, grabbing his gloved hand and pointing across the room with her other hand. “Look, they have an interactive section.”

Even as the other two disappear around a corner, Wylan and Jesper stay rooted to the spot. It takes a few minutes for Jesper to get over his original shock of being face-to-face with a twelve-foot tall dinosaur, but when he does, he practically starts vibrating on the spot.

“Wy, I can’t believe you didn’t tell me we were gonna see actual dinosaurs! This is so freaking cool,” he exclaims, slowly walking around Titus to get a better look at his side.

“I did!” Wylan protests, smiling at the look of awe on Jesper’s face. “I told you the exhibit is on fossils.”

“I thought we were gonna go see a load of musty rocks with weird shapes in them, not a T-rex!”

Wylan just laughs, squeezing Jesper’s hand. “I didn’t know you were such a fan of dinosaurs.”

“Come on, man,” Jesper protests. “Jurassic Park is one of my favourite movies of all time.”

“Hopefully, these ones don’t come to life,” Wylan quips, and Jesper giggles, dragging him around the rest of the exhibit.

{o0o}

After Jesper has read every single piece of information there is to read (in a range of funny voices) to Wylan, and every corner of the museum has been explored, they decide it’s time to call it quits.

“Shall I call a cab?” Kaz asks as they head towards the museum entrance.

“Not for us,” Wylan replies, squeezing Jesper’s hand. “We’re gonna stay out in town for a while longer.”

“Alright,” he says, fishing his phone out of his pocket and stepping away as he calls the taxi company.

Inej smiles at them, bringing them both into a tight hug. “Thanks for organising this, Wylan! I had fun.”

He blushes. “It was my pleasure. I’ll say goodbye to you now, though - I just need the toilet before we go.”

“See you next week,” she replies, squeezing them both tightly before pulling away.

“Bye,” he says, before turning to Jesper. “Go and wait with them - I’ll only be five minutes.”

“Alright,” Jesper replies, kissing the top of his head. “You better not leave me for too long, though. It’s rude to keep your hot date waiting.”

“Is it, now?” Wylan laughs, turning away and hurrying down the corridor. He heads in the right direction until they are out of sight, before doubling back the way he came and darting into the gift shop instead.

It only takes a minute or two of browsing before he grabs what he’s looking for. He takes it to the counter, smiling, rummaging through his jacket for his wallet.

“Is this all, sir?” the lady behind the till asks.

“Yes, thank you. It’s a present for my boyfriend,” he replies, blushing slightly.

She smiles warmly, her eyes crinkling. “That’s so sweet! Here, if it’s a gift, I’ll wrap it up for you.”

Wylan watches as she deftly wraps it in orange wrapping paper, humming to herself as she works. “Thank you.”

He hands over the right amount of kruge as she passes him the wrapped gift, which he slides into his inside pocket.

“I hope he likes it, sweetie.”

“Me too,” he replies, thanking her again as he rushes out the door to meet back up with Jesper.

{o0o}

They end up going to a fish and chip shop and finding a bench in a nearby park to sit on while they eat.

“Wy, these have to be the best chips I’ve ever eaten,” Jesper declares, still chewing.

“I can tell,” Wylan remarks, raising an eyebrow at the (bordering lewd) noises Jesper makes while eating. “Oh, by the way, I got you something.”

Jesper’s head snaps up. “Dessert?”

“No,” Wylan laughs, fishing the small parcel out of his pocket. “I got you a present.”

Jesper swallows the food in his mouth and wipes his greasy hands on his jeans before carefully taking the parcel from Wylan. He unwraps it gently, laughing when he realises what it is.

“So there was a gift shop after all. When did you get this?”

“When I said I needed the loo,” Wylan admits, wringing his hands in his lap.

Jesper turns the fridge magnet over in his hands, running his fingers over the writing. ‘I survived a T-rex encounter!’

“Thank you,” he says, suddenly finding it a little hard to speak. “That’s really nice of you.”

Wylan shrugs. “It was like, five kruge. You don’t have to thank me.”

Jesper laughs, blinking away the wetness in his eyes as he leans over to whisper something in Wylan’s ear. “I have to tell you a secret though.”

Wylan frowns. “What?”

Jesper smiles down at him. “I don’t have a fridge,” he admits, giggling.

“Wha- how do you not have a fridge?”

He shrugs. “Jesper skills. Now shut up and kiss me.”

Wylan is more than happy to oblige.

tag list (ask to be added or removed!) :D

@hrtbreakprincess / @tooindecisivetopickaurl / @kazcoded / @saltyfortunes / @just2bubbly

#shadow and bone #wesper #six of crows #grishaverse #kanej fics #mmb writes #userhbs #kanej #stupid things

[shadow-stars16]

The crows in school(modern)(Singaporean edition)

TW ⚠mentions of eating disorders

Kaz

Kaz dislikes the uniform strongly because he thinks he looks weird in it as the rest of his wardrobe is filled with Black colour clothes except his school uniform. Kaz is always judged by his classmates since he doesn't talks much except to Jesper some girls would even gossip about Kaz and how dangerous he is. Even though with all the gossiping and the dislike from his classmates his teachers were being unhelpful for telling Kaz to just talk to his classmates which doesn't works. Kaz also gets good grades in like every subject and would sometimes help Jesper by giving him to copy his homework only Jesper not other classmates because Jesper is his best friend and only friend. One day Kaz walked passed a group of girls gossiping about him and realised this are his classmates so he went up and asked whether there is any homework. Kaz knew that the girls were gossiping about him he pretends to not hear it and asked the girls if there was any homework. The girls were in shock and one of them replied"errrr.... I don't know ask the teacher I guess." Kaz just replied with alright and he walked away. Kaz also joins a CCA( co cirliculum activity) since it's compulsory so he joins the robotics club with Jesper. Kaz is also adopted by Jesper's parents but he didn't change his last name as Jesper's parents leave it up to him.

Jesper

Jesper is okay with the uniform he just doesn't likes the rule that specifies no jewelry. Jesper compared to Kaz was a litteral mess, his worksheets are all crumpled but in the end he miraculously still managed to pass for many subjects but he does especially well in math. Jesper is not interested in any CCA like litterally no, since CCA is compulsory he is just forced to join one and he joins concert band, he does not enjoy and even skips practices sometimes since his father forced him to join after a year he quits concert band to join robotics club with Kaz. Jesper also occasionally goes to the library to borrow some books to read to Wylan generally Jesper is a chaotic mess and he scores mostly B's. Jesper also takes D&T( design and technology) as one of his subjects, he likes D&T and always finishes his work faster than anyone in his class(usually a few lessons ahead of everyone) . Even though he can finish school work on his area of interest he struggles with other subjects and often seek help from Kaz or Wylan or he just doesn't cares at all. To be honest he just seeks help because he needs to move on to the next level or else he gets retained.

Inej

Inej is the girl who much prefer to wear PE(physical education) attire than uniform because the PE shorts are way more comfortable than the skirt. Inej scores well for all PE assessments like no shit she's even better than the guys. She is in volleyball as that's one of the only sports CCA girls can join. Inej likes to play volleyball but hates her CCA mates. Most students in volleyball are just the mean girl type and Inej hates them to the core. Inej is also a really polite student which makes her many teachers favorites which make her look stuck up. Since inej scores really well for PE and she cares about it, she is her PE's teacher favorite student. Since inej is also a minority in Singapore she oftenly get makes fun of because of her skin colour and she chooses to ignore it. Inej mostly gets a B4 or a B3 for every class. Inej also goes to other sports class outside school such as taekwondo( Korean martial arts which involves like self defence) (if there is any of y'all who know more about taekwondo even more than me feel free to correct if I'm wrong). Sometimes Inej secretly wished that she had a lighter skin tone so she wouldn't be made fun of.

Nina

Nina is a really loud and popular girl in school, she's okay with school uniform and doesn't bother too much about them either. Nina have a lot of friends and has a huge Instagram following, she doesn't has the best grades for school to be honest she always just gets a C5 or a B4 and tends to fail one or two subjects. Nina also tends to joke around with teachers which some of the teachers don't mind. Before she was this loud and popular girl in school, she suffered from body image issues and had an eating disorder because of bullying from her classmates,since now she's a little slimmer than before and also transfered school as her classmates from her previous school makes fun of her body. Nina does not really care about school she genuinely cares for her friends and spends time writing cards to her friends for maybe the start of school or end of school since she had so many friends. Even though Nina doesn't seem like she cares about school she does do her homework all the time and does pretty okay for test. Nina finds a special interest in biology though for some reason maybe because of her heart rendering powers, but Nina wants to be a social media influencer which kinda had nothing to do with school. As Nina's popularity grows people thought that Nina was mean when they first started befriending her but it is not she just has too many friends and hangs out oftenly with only a few friends. Nina's Instagram stories are all filled with memories of her going out with her friends and talking about mental health everytime she talks about mental health she looses a couple of friends even though she feels sad about it, she knows that they are not mean to be and they should go. The closest friends she kept by her side all supported everything she did and she returns the support to them too. Nina's CCA is concert band and she plays the trumpet she likes concert band as it is fun and enjoyable.

Matthias

Matthias does not feel anything about the school uniform. Matthias is mostly very loyal to his friends he isn't the super popular type of guys but he has a few friends and his life works out fine with them. One particular not so masculine trait about Matthias is he likes cooking but he doesn't lets others know since they might think that he's gay. He scores pretty much like an B3 to an A1 for any subject that he takes. Matthias is the type of guy who sticks to a routine like waking up earlier just to work out or go for a run at like 4am and sleeping at like 8pm. Matthias rarely post on Instagram most of his post were only just workout stuff or his pictures when he occasionally went out. Matthias does half his homework when he is eating breakfast the other half from the previous night. He doesn't enjoy waking up this early and wished school would start later but he knew working out in the morning is better than working out after school. Matthias is in NCC( national cadet cops) a uniform group CCA, Matthias is also really good at PE like Inej. A lot of teachers like him because he is very hard working and puts a lot of effort into his work. Matthias also takes F&N( food and nutrition) , he usually gets really good grades. He is partnered with Inej for F&N and they usually come out as one of the best in class, they are a really productive duo and they know how to complement each other as friends.

Wylan

Wylan looks really cute in school uniform for some reason every feature of his just complements the school uniform and Jesper compliment him about it everyday. Wylan is a very smart person he gets like A2 or A1 for basically every subject and particularly excels in music he usually gets near to full marks for every music test and he is very happy about that even though his father is not the most happy about that since he should be scoring as well for his other subjects so he can inherit his wealth. Jesper and Wylan hangs out all the time in school they usually hang out at Jesper's house after school and he helps Jesper with his homework. Sometimes during the school holidays Wylan would come over for a sleep over and Jesper, Kaz and Wylan would just talk forever. Kaz can talk to Wylan about architecture building and how much is some art piece worth and they all chat happily together. Ones they decided they are going to go to bed, Jesper takes out Wylan's favorite book and reads it to him until he falls asleep. Wylan finds Jesper's voice mesmerising and could call asleep just by Jesper reading stories to him.

#grishaverse #six of crows #writing #headcanons

[trassellynn]

A journey to the past

Hope I’m still on time for @weeklygrishaprompts Week 1! PROMPTS: 1. A torn garment 2. Counting down from 10 3. Hiding under the bed - OR - hiding in the closet

“A journey to the past”

Main characters:

Kaz Brekker, Original Character, Inej Ghafa

Main relationships:

Kaz Brekker/Inej Ghafa; Kaz Brekker/Original Character 

Plot: 

Twenty-three years after Crooked Kingdom events. Kaz and Inej are now the adoptive parents of two little orphan siblings. Kaz struggles a lot with his new role, especially with the oldest kid, who often suffers from mental breakdowns and nightmares, a scar left on his young soul by the harsh life of Ketterdam streets. One evening, Kaz is the one who has to help the child during a crisis.

You can also find on Ao3 here.

"Inej!" Kaz entered the room with the grace of an ox, but he immediately froze at his place and shut his mouth when he saw his wife glowering at him. She pressed the index finger against her mouth, nodding at the sleeping baby girl she was cradling. "What?" she asked, moving her lips without letting a sound out. "The boy," Kaz whispered. "He's having another crisis..." Inej sighed: “If I put her down now, she'll wake up” she whispered back. “Please, go to him. You can handle it.” “He doesn't like me!” “This is not true,” the woman replied. “You take part to impossible heists everyday, Kaz. You can help a child to calm down.” “I would gladly take part to an impossible heist right now, rather than this!” he grumbled, walking out of the room. What was he supposed to do? At the age of forty, he went, almost out of nowhere, from no children to two. Before he could realize it, he was a father. Rani, the little girl, wasn't a big deal, she was actually a quiet, cheerful kid. But Adhyan, her brother, who was eight and had already faced the cruelty and the dangers of Ketterdam streets... Kaz stopped himself in the middle of the aisle, his hand firmly clenched around the handle of his cane. Inej's voice in his head told him to go ahead and enter the room where the boy was hiding, but he turned around and went to the kitchen instead. “Aenya?” A tall girl around twenty, with long dark hair and a curvaceous appearance, was standing in front of the window, eating a cold waffle. She turned her head, staring at him. Her eyes were the same color of Fjerdan ice. “Uncle Kaz?” she replied, raising an eyebrow. “What is it?” The man nervously ticked the tip of the cane on the floor: “It's... it's Adhyan. It's happening again...” Aenya sighed, shaking her head: “Kaz... I cannot use my powers on that kid every time he has a crisis. It is not a real help, to him, it's just... a temporary manipulation of his feelings. It's not fair, nor healthy.” “You don't need to use your magic. You can simply talk to him, and...” “And what would you do, should you find yourself alone with the kid?” the Heartrender interrupted him. “Inej cannot be omnipresent, nor do I, nor does any of us. You must learn how to help him by yourself.” Kaz bit his own tongue. He hated everything of that situation. He hated feeling so scared, he hated asking for help and showing things weren't under his control. It was easy, to him, to be Kaz Brekker, Dirtyhands, the Bastard of the Barrel, the King of Criminals in Ketterdam. But to be a father... Ghezen, that seemed to be the most impossible of the heists! “That kid hates me,” he finally replied. “Or he's afraid of me, or both. He doesn't like having me around. With Inej he's completely different. Last night, before sleeping, he called her “mama” for the first time. While with me... he barely talks. I'm not made to be a father.” “No one is,” Aenya said, swallowing the last piece of her waffle. “And Adhyan doesn't hate you at all. Maybe he doesn't feel completely comfortable with you, but it's understandable, since you're not doing much to appear less scary and distant.” Kaz opened his mouth, but the girl didn't give him the time to reply: “Go to him. You must try, at least. If you don't succeed, you can call me.” The man sighed, raising his dark eyes to the ceiling, but then he said: “Accepted.” He was sure he would have needed Aenya's help soon, but he didn't add any kind of comment, he didn't want to risk to annoy her and make her change her mind. He walked to the kid's bedroom, trying to suppress that unpleasant sense of anxiety rising in his chest, and he slowly opened the door, taking a peek inside. There was no sign of Adhyan, except for a nervous whisper coming from under the bed. Kaz cleared his throat, cautiously entering the room. “Adhyan?” he called. “It's me. Kaz.” The whisper stopped for a brief moment, but it soon started again, louder and angrier. Kaz approached the bed and knelt, looking under it: the kid was curled up, his hands pressed against his ears, his eyes closed, his lips moving frantically. He was counting down from ten, again and again. He did it every time he faced a crisis, but he had never told the reason, nor to Kaz, nor to Inej, nor to anyone. Brekker sighed and sat, his back against the side of the bed. “What am I supposed to do?” he thought. “What would Inej do?” The answer wasn't so difficult to guess: Inej would have talked him, quietly, kindly and wisely. Dirtyhands could deal with wisdom, but he still had to work a lot on quiet and kindness. Which words could he offer? Which words... A sudden idea stuck into his mind. “Which words would I have needed to hear, when I was a lonely kid in the streets?” He closed his eyes, his thoughts wondered back to his painful past. “I was about you age when I started living on the streets. I wasn't alone, at the beginning: there was my brother, Jordie, with me. We only had each other, like you and your sister. But Jordie, who was the oldest, didn't protect me like you did and still do with Rani. I mean... it wasn't his fault... but I cannot help to think that... if he had been like you...  maybe things would have been different... maybe I would be different... maybe I would be better...” He suddenly realized silence had fallen into the room. Kaz opened his eyes: Adhyan was sitting in front of him, his legs crossed. A tiny kid he was, with soft, black curls and dark skin; his big, brown eyes were fixed on him, a sparkle of interest and curiosity enlightened them. “I didn't even hear you coming out from your hiding place,” the criminal said, a little smile on his lips. “You're silent like mama Inej.” “What happened to Jordie?” the kid asked. Dirtyhands straightened his back, sighing: “We both fell ill: Jordie died, I survived. And from that moment... I could only rely on myself...” “I'm sorry,” the kid replied. “It's okay. Now I'm here and I'm no more alone. There are Mama Inej, Uncles Jes and Wy, Uncle Matthias, Aunt Nina, Uncle Kuwei, your cousins, the Dregs... I have a family. I just hope you and your sister are happy to be part of it.” For the first time, Adhyan smiled at him: “We are.” Kaz smiled back, then, he nodded at the sleeve of the kid's white shirt: “What happened? Did you tear it while hiding under the bed?” The child nodded, lowering his glance to the floor: “Yes... I'm sorry... do you think... mama Inej will get angry for this?” Dirtyhands shook his head, standing up: “Nah, it's not a big deal, it can be fixed. What about you? Do you feel better?” Adhyan nodded timidly: “A bit...” “Would you like... some waffles? I just hope Aeny hasn't eaten them all...” The little boy giggled: “But there's a lot of batter! If she has eaten them all, we can make others! It's not a big deal!” Kaz couldn't help but let a little laugh out: “That's true. You're very smart.” Adhyan stretched his little hand towards him and, after a little hesitation, Kaz took it with his, bigger and gloved. “We must give a waffle also to mama Inej.” “That's a good idea.” Hand in hand, they walked together out of the bedroom.

#Weekly Grisha Prompts #WGPWeek1 #Six of Crows #Kaz Brekker #Inej Ghafa #Original Grishaverse Characters #Jesper Fahey #Wylan Van Eck #Nina Zenik #Matthias Helvar #Kuwei Yul-Bo #Kanej #Kaz x Inej #Kaz & Original Character #Wesper #Jesper x Wylan #Helnik #Nina x Matthias #Kanej as adoptive parents

[triptuckers]

New In Town (part six) - Kaz Brekker

Request: nope Pairing: Kaz Brekker x reader Summary: after your meeting late at night with Kaz, you expect not much to change. he shows you just how wrong you are Warnings:  language Word count: 2.8K A/N: oh I loved writing this sm I hope you guys like it!! :) PREVIOUS PART | NEXT PART TAG LIST (all grishaverse fics): @ayushmitadutta @mrs-brekker15@dancingwith-sunflowers @thegirlwiththeimpala @parker-natasha @story-scribbler@romanoffstarkovs @daliareads@meiitanoia @itsnotquimey @sanktaesperanza@whymyparentscheckmyphone @aleksanderwh0r3 @ilovemarvelanne1 @marlenaisnthappy @brekker-zenik @just-deka @graceknxwlson @the-very-tired-mess TAG LIST (Kaz Brekker): @mufnasa @janesofia7 @stairscortana @parker-natasha@illicitghosts @brick-by-brick553 TAG LIST (New In Town series): @calums-betch add yourself to my tag lists here

You're sneaking through a museum. It's dark, and there are no lights in the halls. Luckily, the carpet on the ground is rather thick, and it helps with muffling the sound of your footsteps.

A couple of days ago, you overheard Kaz telling the crows a valuable DeKappel painting would be moved from Os Kervo to Ketterdam. Which is why you're in the museum.

You'd listened to his description of the painting. Because it's dark, you can't move fast. You have to stop in front of each painting to step closer, squint your eyes, and determine wether or not it's the painting you're looking for.

Of course, you'd wondered wether there is a DeKappel here at all. Kaz had said he'd take precautions against you. But you didn't know if he figured out yet how you got your information. Besides, the painting would be worth a good amount of kruge, and you couldn't resist.

As you're sneaking through the museum, a tiny voice in the back of your head makes you question this job again.

Kaz hadn't told the others how big the painting is.

If you were to walk down the streets with some enormous painting right after someone snuck into the museum, you wouldn't even have to try to lie. They'd know it was you.

But maybe the painting wouldn't be that big, and you could easily take it with you back to your apartment. Either way, you had to find the painting before the crows did.

You've never been in the museum before. When you set foot in the dark museum, you immediately thought you'd underestimated it. The building was far larger than you'd thought.

The hallways seem to go on forever, twisting and turning and with big rooms with art at the ends of them. You're running out of time, as the crows would arrive soon.

Just as you're muttering to yourself about bringing a map the next time, you walk into a room and see there's only a single painting on the wall.

As you walk closer, you recognise it from Kaz' description. You read the card on the wall next to it, and it's indeed the DeKappel you are looking for.

But when you step back to look at it again, you realise it was all a waste of time. The painting is way too big for you to take off the wall and carry home by yourself.

Looks like this time, Kaz could do his own job.

When you're about to turn around and walk away, you hear a sound in the distance, coming from the hallway that leads to the room you're in.

Someone walks into the room and the two of you simultaneously pull out a gun and point it at each other. It's too dark to see who they are, all you can tell is that they're tall, and pointing a gun at you. Then they speak up.

'Afraid that's our prize, love.'

You can see the way his gun slightly lowers in surprise when you start to chuckle softly.

'Don't worry, Jesper, you can have it.' you say.

Jesper slowly lowers his gun even more. 'Y/N?' he says and you can hear the confusion in his voice.

'Little different from working at a cafe, hm?' you say as you start to walk toward him.

When you get closer, you can see his face. He's looking down at you and frowning, as if he still doesn't understand what you're doing there.

'What are you doing here?' asks Jesper.

'She's stealing a DeKappel.' says Kaz, who walks up to the two of you, followed by Inej and Wylan.

You see how Jesper's eyes widen. 'You were going to steal something?' he says.

'Sorry I don't fit the imagine you have of me in your mind.' you say.

You look at Kaz. 'Is this one of your precautions?' you say.

'No.' he says. 'I didn't know it was going to be this big. Luckily, and unlike you, I have a crew.'

'Well, good luck and until next time.' you say, walking past him, but he stops you by putting his cane on the ground in front of your feet, forcing you to stop walking. Instead of looking at you, however, Kaz turns to the other crows.

'Get the painting off that wall and be careful not to damage it.' he says. 'Nina and Matthias will signal to us if there are guards nearby.'

Inej, Wylan and Jesper look at Kaz and you, clearly having no clue why or how you know each other. Apparently, you weren't the only one Kaz was a mystery to.

When the three of them walk over to the painting, Kaz turns to you again.

'I have a proposition for you.' he says.

You raise your eyebrows. 'If it involves the money that DeKappel is worth, I'm listening.' you say.

'A job.' says Kaz. 'You're good, you have valuable skills. Become a member of the Dregs, and then one of the crows.'

You laugh softly and shake your head. 'I work alone.' you say. 'And besides, I'm having way too much fun with this game we're playing.'

Before Kaz can say anything else, you wink at him and disappear into the shadows of the dark hallway.

You don't spot Nina or Matthias as you make your way out of the museum. As you start to walk toward your apartment, you can't help but to notice you don't feel bad about not getting the painting.

Maybe you didn't get the painting, you did get a job offer from Kaz. Which shows he thinks you are fit to be amongst his crew. Though you wonder what it would be like to actually work for him, you're glad you didn't accept his offer.

You'd told him the truth; you liked this game between the two of you too much to just give it up like that. And besides, there would be many more jobs to come which you could sabotage. The game isn't over yet.

That night when you lay in bed, you keep thinking about the other crows. How Jesper, Inej and Wylan had looked at you and Kaz with confused looks on their faces. You wonder if they know more about Kaz than you do. He seemed like a mysterious and private person to you.

Your last thought before you fall asleep is that you couldn't wait to see the confused looks on their faces when you stole their target, again.

Whatever Kaz had tried to do to stop you, either it didn't work, or he didn't try hard enough.

When you get to your usual spot on the Slat's roof the next day, there's no indication whatsoever that someone has been there, or knows you're there.

You lay back on the roof to look at the clouds, waiting for someone to start talking in Kaz' rooms. Even if no one is going to say anything, you like resting on the roof. It's like your own personal spot. With a view of a big part of the city, and you can listen to the conversations in the street below. Or if someone in the Slat has their windows open, you could listen to whatever they were saying.

You think back to Kaz' offer. You'd spend many days listening to their conversations and meetings, but also their laughter, their jokes, their small talk.

Even after living in Ketterdam for a while now, you have yet to make good friends. Jesper is the one you used to talk to the most, but you wonder if it'll change now that he knows you're the one who has been stealing from them.

The crows weren't really your friends, quite the opposite. But you did genuinely enjoy talking to Jesper. And whatever game you've got going on with Kaz.

You wonder if you'd still see them if somehow this thing between you and Kaz suddenly stopped.

You're so caught up in your thinking, you don't realise someone is talking in the room beneath you. Quickly but carefully, you move closer to the open window to listen.

'Did you know Y/N was the one stealing from us?' says Jesper.

'Yes.' says Kaz.

'How did you find out?' says Jesper.

'I figured it out a couple of days ago.' says Kaz.

Perhaps he hadn't figured out how you got your information. Otherwise he wouldn't be talking about you, if he knew you were listening to them.

'How do you know her? Y/N?' says Inej.

'She was a bartender at a pub Kaz and I went to a while ago. We were talking about a job, and then someone went ahead and snatched that necklace away from us. I thought it was a coincidence at first.' explains Jesper.

'Only it wasn't, and she stole more.' says Inej. 'So, she knows about our jobs, and Kaz' plans, and we don't know how she keeps on outsmarting us?'

'Something like that.' says Kaz.

'So all we have to do is figure out how she gets that information, and we can outsmart her?' says Inej.

'If you know how she gets such information, please, enlighten me because I have no clue.' says Kaz in a sarcastic voice.

They're all silent for a while. You think they might have moved to a different room, but then you hear Wylan's voice.

'Someone keeps outsmarting you and you don't know how she does it?' he says. 'But no one outsmarts you.'

'Apparently, at least one person does.' says Kaz.

You smile at his words. You can't help but to feel proud. Apparently it was hard to outsmart Kaz, and you'd done it more than once.

'But enough about Y/N, we've got work to do. We're going back to the museum tomorrow.' says Kaz.

'Why?' says Jesper. 'We just got back, and I'll bet they have more security now after we got that DeKappel.'

'Because I saw something that caught my eye and it's worth a lot of money. So we're going back to get it.' says Kaz.

'Did you not hear me when I said there'd be more security?' says Jesper.

'I did. Which is why we're going to go during the day. Wylan will make sure there's a distraction. In the chaos, Jesper, Inej and Nina will get the target. A set of hand written letters of one of the first Queens of Ravka. Worth a lot of money to the right people. Matthias and I will handle the guards if there are any.' says Kaz.

'How big of a distraction?' says Wylan.

'Big enough.' says Kaz. 'We'll go in around 11 in the morning, when it's busy so there's enough people and we can lose the guards in the crowd.'

Satisfied with the new information, you lay back down on the roof and close your eyes, enjoying the feeling of the sun on your face. You listen as they all shuffle around the room and hear the door close.

You feel your eyelids starting to feel heavier, and push yourself up into a sitting position. The last thing you needed was to fall asleep on a roof.

You slowly move to the open window, listening if anyone is still there. When you don't hear anything, you start to climb your way back down.

After checking to see if any of the crows are near, you begin walking back to your apartment. Even though they all knew you are the one to steal from them, you doubted they'd do anything to you if they saw you in the streets. But still you preferred not to run into any of them.

You spend the rest of the day walking around the city, not doing much. You'd gotten your information, so there wasn't much left for you to do except waiting.

You walk around the canals, looking out over the city. Over time, you'd learned all of the streets, small alleys, shops, cafes and pubs. You loved Ketterdam, and its people. Even though your jobs were different from the ones you did back in Ravka, you prefer Ketterdam.

No one looks twice at you, everyone just minds their own business. And people know there are gangs, so they don't question someone hiding weapons in their clothes or having bruised knuckles. You could really do anything you wanted without someone giving you funny looks.

Back in your apartment that night, you pause in the doorway. Even though the sun had been out all day, it's cold. Most of your neighbours had gone to bed already, so there was no one for you to greet as you'd walked the stairs.

Ignoring the wave of loneliness that washed over you, you shrug off your coat and take off your boots. You put your weapons away and make yourself a last cup of tea before getting ready for bed.

You'd have to wake up early tomorrow, given that you intended to arrive at the museum earlier than the crows. It would be an easy job. A bunch of letters were far more easier to smuggle out of the museum than a large painting. You didn't have anything to worry about.

The next day, it's cold outside but you can tell by the sky it's going to be another sunny day. After a quick breakfast, you get dressed, hide your weapons beneath your clothing, and lock the door of your apartment behind you.

As you're walking to the museum, you don't bother to look for the crows. They wouldn't arrive til 11. You pay for an entry ticket and enter the museum.

You still remember the hallways from the last time you were there. You walk around and see the room where the DeKappel had been is sealed off.

Resisting the urge to linger, you keep on walking, looking for the letters Kaz had talked about. Slowly, the museum starts to get more crowded. It would indeed be easy to lose someone in the crowd.

You follow a large group of tourists and finally see the letters. After waiting for the tourists to leave, you step closer to the letters. They don't seem very valuable to you. They're just letters. The handwriting is so elaborate you're having a hard time reading it.

You take out your watch and see it's barely 10. You'd walk around the museum, get back here in time, wait for Wylan's distraction and snatch the letters away from their showcase.

But before you can walk off again, you hear a voice besides you.

'Impressive, right?'

You whirl around to see Kaz standing next to you.

'What are you doing here?' you hiss, frantically looking around to see if you can spot any other crows.

'Visiting a museum.' says Kaz in a very casual voice. 'What else would I be doing here?'

'Cut the crap, Brekker, we both know why you're here.' you say.

Instead of answering you, Kaz merely looks at you and almost smirks. He takes out a watch of his own, and then you hear an explosion big enough to make the walls of the room shake. Wylan's distraction.

Before you can move to grab a hold of the letters, Kaz has given you a sharp poke with his cane, making your left arm go numb. You offendedly open your mouth and watch as he quickly smashes the glass and takes the letters.

'Two can play a game.' he says as he takes off, disappearing in the panicking crowd.

It's like those words bring you back to reality. You force your legs to move as you run after him, ignoring the fact you can barely use your left arm.

People are pushing you and running in all directions as you're desperately trying not to lose Kaz. You see the back of his head in the crowd and only seconds later he's gone.

As you're making your way through the crowd, you bump into a tall figure.

Jesper is grinning down at you. 'Now Kaz is the one to finally outsmart you.' he says. 'See you around, Y/N!'

And he's gone just as fast as he appeared.

'Fuck.' you mutter as you push through the crowd toward the exit. You had to find them before they could take off.

Outside, the sun is shining and people are running from the museum in every direction. You squint your eyes due to the bright sunlight and try to spot the crows.

But as the last people leave the museum, you have to admit they got away.

This time, Kaz Brekker was the one to outsmart you.

A/N: If you want to request something, make sure to read my house rules Here’s the list of characters I write for. Everything that I have written can be found on my masterlist. Please don’t repost my work, as I spend much time and effort on it!! Thank you for reading! Much love, Marit

#asjdflksjdflksj I loved writing this woah #new in town #kaz brekker #shadow and bone #grishaverse #Kaz Brekker x reader #kaz brekker fanfic #kaz brekker fic #Kaz Brekker fics #Kaz Brekker fanfics #Kaz Brekker fanfiction #shadow and bone fics #shadow and bone fic #shadow and bone fanfics #shadow and bone fanfic #shadow and bone fanfiction

[crazynekochan]

Omegaverse Fantasy AU (Approximately in a Steampunk/1920’s transition period): King Gundham has recently been crowned king in his own right after a rather long regency (his father was assassinated when he was younger, not that he’s too upset, since his dad was a violent asshole who never treated Gundham’s mother well. Gundham was their only child, so he became king.) Now that he’s king, his mother tells him that the council is expecting him to start considering who he wants as a mate. He’s not very happy about this, since he’s painfully shy and he doesn’t want to be forced to choose a mate, but this is his mother and he loves her, so Gundham agrees to perform the Soulmate Ceremony.

The Soulmate Ceremony is a magical/religious ceremony where an unmated royal would have a magical rite performed and, at the end, it will show their ideal mate. It works best when the royal is rather open with their intentions and when the ideal mate is shown as actually obtainable (or within their acceptable social range), but plenty of royals have wed ideal mates that are way out of their social circle or required great lengths to even meet in person, much less mate. The Tanakas haven’t had the ritual done for their family members in centuries, mostly getting into political marriages or, on occasion, never officially mating the other parent of their children. But Gundham has much more faith and interest in magic, no prior engagement, and absolutely no interest in trying to woo one of the dams that are practically falling over themselves for him (combination of shyness and disinterest in most, if not all of them).

Sonia, Gundham’s best (and only) friend and a very capable mage in her own right, visits with her wife, Kyoko (they met through an international smuggling case Kyoko was working on), and Gundham asks her to help perform the Soulmate Ceremony, since he can’t do it by himself and he doesn’t want to bring in someone he doesn’t know to help set him up with who is supposed to be the love of his life. Sonia gladly accepts and by the next day, the preparations for the ceremony are complete and Gundham is pacing anxiously in a private chamber next to his throne room out of nervousness (though he would never admit it).

Gundham’s mother, being the saint she is, tells him that he doesn’t have to go through with the ceremony if he doesn’t want to or even get a mate if he doesn’t want to but Gundham reassures her, telling her that he’ll go through with the ceremony. Mother and son share a very sweet hug and they head out into the throne room, which is absolutely filled with the press because a Tanaka hasn’t had the ceremony performed in centuries and this is a super significant event that determines the future stability of the nation.

The ritual goes ahead and, appearing in the magic smoke from the incense, is the technomage (a person with control over technology and who creates such advanced tech that it might as well be magic, never has much, if any actual magic) Kazuichi, who lives near the dragon-infested mountains on the border and has quite a few nasty rumors surrounding him, including him killing his own father and laying waste to his home village with his inventions when the authorities came to arrest him for the murder.

Gundham is smitten instantly, of course, despite the terror and horror from about half of the visitors to the castle and the frantic flood of questions from the press about what the hell that means for their royal family and country (Gundham’s mother is mostly happy that Gundham’s happy; Sonia’s happy that the ritual worked (at least he didn’t go into an allergic shock from the incense like her cousin Nagito did during his ritual) and Gundham’s clearly smitten with Kazuichi; Kyoko’s mentally evaluating all of the information she knows about Gundham’s preferences and how well Kazuichi matches up with them). 

Now, Kazuichi has not done anything from the rather nasty rumors about him; he just ran away from his village to the mountains by using his technology (Which includes humongous magic crystal-powered mecha that he can never actually ride in before getting motion sick from the first step of the mecha) and he quite ardently refuses to interact with anyone that tries to use his technology for malicious purposes, sires from town that won’t take a hint, or the nosy press (he’s got a security system surrounding his property which he activates at will to take out unwanted guests).

He’s taking a social call from his two friends and fellow technomages Chihiro and Miu when there is some rather firm, repeated knocking on his cottage door. He’s not expecting anyone, which confuses him a lot, so he gets up from their planning table to answer the door. Which is when he opens the door to see the actual King standing there (holding a bouquet and blushing bright red into his customary scarf?) flanked by two royal guards (Nekomaru and Akane) and a larger royal retinue and press corp standing just 30 ft behind the King, which he can’t really see because both guards and the King (the actual King!) are very broad and buff, especially the King who looks so much bigger than in the papers (did he mention that this was the actual king?!?)

Gundham is quietly talking with Nekomaru and Akane (they’re giving him a pep talk before he actually talks to Kazuichi) when the door opens and he sees Kazuichi answer the door in messy simple workman’s clothes and wow, he looks so much more attractive in person and his scent is amazing and Gundham can feel himself blush into his scarf, oh, Great Spirits, speak you fool!!

And before Gundham can get a word out, Kazuichi shrieks and shuts the door behind him. And the press caught every moment of it. So this is going to be much more difficult than anyone thought.

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Mod: The way you wrote this made me laugh so much, especially the end with all the emphasises and their thoughts in the text. Though the best part is by far the fact that Kazuichi’s only reaction to the king is shrieking in fear and slamming the door into his face, for everyone to see and enjoy. (Though the mentioning that Nagito went into an allergic shock when he did the ritual was funny as well, even if I feel so bad for him ^^” But it’s fitting, since this is Nagito and almost dying in exchange for finding his soulmate is just how he works ^^”)

When Gundham does the ritual I could so see him not actually really believing that anything would come out of it. Not because he doesn’t believe in it, but because he likes to pretend that he’s an evil overlord he needs no one and is destined to walk the world alone. Which is nothing more than him trying to hide that he is probably shaking from nervousness and shyness about the prospect of having to court and mate someone. At least until he actually sees Kazuichi and instantly falls in love. No matter if other’s might be in shock that this was supposedly a wanted murderer. Though to his luck he is friends with Kyoko who would be fast to find out what really happened with Kaz’s old village and his dad

The courting would be a pure adventure, because one of the first things Gundham needs to do is actually get close to Kazuichi, who has a lot of high level technology solely designed to keep people away from him. That Kazuichi probably also fears that the king is there to arrest him or force him to give him his service as a inventor to build him god know what also doesn’t help, because no one ever wanted anything else from the poor guy. Though then imagine Kaz’s reaction when he actually learns that the king doesn’t want him in prison or as an inventor for deadly machines, but actually wants him as his mate and future queen. Him, as the queen of the whole kingdom. Now that is something to kick off his anxiety x)

I could also imagine that many within the kingdom, and also the royal court, wouldn’t be very trusting of Kazuichi as a future queen (and maybe also question it if a guy who is destined to love a “wanted criminal” would be a good king) and try to get in-between the courtship or even try to get rid of Kazuichi altogether. This could add in quite a lot of drama

#submission #friendlylifecherry #danganronpa #soudam #omegaverse #prompt #tag to be added