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#the crow club
blackrosesanddeath101 · 9 months
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Nina Zenik and Jesper Fahey turning Ketterdam to Ketterdamn ever since *insert date they came into Ketterdam*.
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lcvescountdown · 10 months
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Sankt Milo
platonic! The Crows x reader
gender neutral pronouns (reader is referred to as “you” and the occasional “Y/n”)
TW: show-based, non-canon compliant, 2014-Avengers-Tower-fic-type of writing
a/n: milo is my favorite character. that’s all.
Shadow and Bone Masterlist
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You had been absent for almost a week.
Sunday afternoon, you simply disappeared from the club and hadn’t returned since. The only reason the Crows hadn’t completely panicked yet was because you had left notes for all of them saying you had to leave but you would return (each with a special indication that you did not write this as you were being kidnapped). Nonetheless, The Crow Club felt emptier without you, and each member missed you terribly.
It was storming late that Friday, and after closing the club post-another successful night, all 6 crows were gathered around a table, enjoying a drink together. With a clap of thunder the group heard the back door slam open, then shut again. Everyone drew their weapons, hearing heavy footsteps slosh their way across the wooden floors. A figure, cloaked in shadow, stopped in the entryway from the storage rooms, and everyone waited with baited breath to strike.
With a flash of lightning, the figure’s shadows were cast aside, revealing you. A very drenched and bedraggled you, but you nonetheless.
“Y/n!” 5 voices cried out.
“Milo!” Jesper’s voice carried over the others, for even more astonishing than your return was the furry, black and white animal you carried in your arms.
The Zemeni man quickly crossed the room, but not without Nina, Inej, and Wylan on his heels. The latter three took your hands, throwing a dry blanket over your shoulders and Jesper carefully took the goat from your arms, pressing kisses to it’s head over and over.
“Oh Milo, I have thought of you every day.”
The group helped you sit down at the table, bringing more towels and blankets, and Kaz pouring you a strong drink. But despite your shivering, you couldn’t help the smile that cracked across your face as you watched your friend reunited with his emotional support goat old friend.
Wylan turned to you, an incredulous look on his face. “That’s Milo?”
Nina and Matthias had matching confused expressions on their faces, but it was Nina who spoke up. “So did you disappear without a trace for the goat or was that just a happy accident? Also why is Jesper in love with a goat?”
With a laugh, some help from Inej, and some quips from Kaz, you told the newer Crows of the treacherous and disastrous journey the group had taken through The Fold and how Jesper had formed a trauma-bond with this particular goat.
Jesper came back to your table, Milo still clutched in his arms, just as you were explaining yourself.
“Jesper was so sad to say goodbye to Milo, and I just wanted to get him back. But I didn’t want to tell you guys that’s what I was doing in case I wasn’t successful. But thankfully that sweet barmaid had sent him to her father’s farm, and I was able to buy him back.”
“Please tell me you didn’t spend too much for that goat.” Kaz’s voice cut, head turned with his classic look of disapproval.
No longer able to be scared by Dirtyhands, you waved him off. “No price is too much for our little Milo.” With a smirk you turned back to the club owner, “Perhaps we should rename this place The Goat Club?”
The table roared with laughter at the pure look of disgust upon Kaz’s face at your simple suggestion. Inej reached across and scratched Milo’s chin, a smile upon her face. “That’s not so bad, after all, Milo is like our own little Saint.”
Nina clasped her hands together, delighted at the Suli girl’s suggestion. “Sankt Milo! Oh how perfect. I am all for the changing of the name.”
Kaz’s voice broke through the laughter. “We are not changing the name, and we are not keeping it.”
Despite what he said, Wylan found himself grateful for Jesper’s arms around him as they fell asleep, because otherwise the former feared he would have fallen of the edge of the bed. Somehow, one small goat seemed to take up half the bed.
And even though Kaz swore that the goat would be sold in the morning, everyone turned a blind eye when he placed a plate of waffles down for Milo in the morning.
That was, everyone turned a blind eye until Nina realized they were her waffles.
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Is it just me that finds the INSANE amount of Kaz Brekker smut on this site rather icky 
I mean the boy was (canonically!) so traumatised and repulsed by human flesh that it took him two whole books to briefly hold hands with the girl he loved more than anything in the world and you’ve got him doing all THAT in your fics? 
I get that its fan fiction and you can write whatever the hell you want but it just seems a bit wrong no 
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feigningroyalty · 1 year
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I’m a sucker for found family stories
Particularly of desperate orphaned boys with immense trauma who hide their pain behind a stoic face and/or a charismatic smile who are constantly getting themselves into life threatening situations and will do anything to protect their found family
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your-local-bookworm · 3 months
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At the end of the day, it's the friend who says 'No Mourners' instead of goodbye.
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siredtodeadgaywizards · 9 months
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*after a mission*
Nina: Why is he covered in glitter?
Inej: *exhausted sigh*
Kaz: I am
Jesper:….
Wylan:…..
Matthias:……
Kaz: BEKAZZLED
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capinejghafa · 1 year
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“Crows remember human faces. They remember the people who feed them, who are kind to them. And the people who wrong them too… They don’t forget. They tell each other who to look after and who to watch out for.”
[season one]
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aeslenya · 1 year
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Six Of Crows: Incorrect Quotes
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Jesper: How petty can you get?
Kaz: I once edited a Wikipedia article to win an argument I was wrong about.
Jesper: Who were you arguing with?
Kaz: Inej.
Inej: *listening on the other side of the door*
Inej: I KNEW IT!
Kaz: DAMMIT JESPER
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Kaz: Don’t worry, I know exactly what I’m doing. Everything is going to be fine!
Matthias: How can you still say that?
Kaz: Because sometimes, when things get tough, denial is all we have.
-------
Nina: Look. I may not be a saint, but it's not like I’ve killed anybody. I’m not an arsonist. I’ve never found a wallet outside of an IHOP and thought about returning it but saw the owner lived out of state so just took the cash and dropped the wallet back on the ground.
Matthias: Okay, that's really specific, and that makes me think that you definitely did do that.
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Nina: I made tea.
Kaz: I don’t want tea.
Nina: I did not make tea for you. This is my tea.
Kaz: Then why are you telling me?
Nina: It is a conversation starter.
Kaz: That’s a lousy conversation starter.
Nina: Oh, is it? We are conversing. Checkmate.
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Jesper: If there's going to be a big dramatic scene, wait until I get back.
Nina: Of course. I can't flip this table by myself.
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'Can I copy the homework?'
Inej: I can help you with it!
Wylan: Yeah, sure.
Jesper: Bold of you to assume I did the homework.
Matthias : lol nope.
Nina: Wait, we had homework?!?!?!
Kaz: *Read 5:55pm*
-------
Kaz: If you bite it and you die, it’s poisonous. If it bites you and you die, it’s venomous.
Wylan: What if it bites me and it dies!?
Inej: Then you’re poisonous. Jesus Christ, Wylan, learn to listen.
Jesper : What if it bites itself and I die?
Nina: That’s voodoo.
Matthias: What if it bites me and someone else dies?
Wylan: That’s correlation, not causation.
Jesper : What if we bite each other, and neither of us die?
Nina: That’s kinky.
Kaz: Oh my God.
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mostly-delusional · 2 years
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Nina about the other 2 crow couples:
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daria1611 · 1 year
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the crows( tho one’s missing) spoiler alert 🚨
“The Barrel doesn’t belong to kings. It belongs to bastards” I screamed immediately
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shmebulock2000 · 1 year
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six of crows on the brain
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witchthewriter · 1 year
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𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰 & 𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐜𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐡 𝐨𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮
⤷ gender neutral, ambiguous race, and any size reader. Requests are open, thank you for reading!
a/n: Minor spoilers, I’ll do my best not to let anything slip!
Warnings: swears (I like to swear I’m sorry)
ᴹᵃˢᵗᵉʳˡᶤˢᵗ      
𝑺𝑭𝑾🌿  
𝐊𝐚𝐳
・You honestly thought he hated your guts
・Like he truly despised you
・But Kaz saw his feelings as a weakness. He thought he was protecting you by keeping his distance
・It wasn’t until Jesper let something slip, which made you think Kaz might see you in a positive way.
    Sitting on a chair and propping his legs on the table, Jesper didn’t even look at you when he said, “Oh he loves you-”
“He what??” Your response cut him off and the sharp-shooter smirked. 
       “Haven’t you noticed? He’s extra ... Kaz-like when you’re around.” 
・From that moment on you thought about every interaction you’ve had with Kaz
・The tight-lipped responses, averting your gaze, but also giving you the easiest part of the jobs, making sure that you had extra protection ... 
・You didn’t know it, but Kaz was making sure you were never directly in harms way
・You were never too far away from him
・And when the jobs were too risky, he would pull you out. You thought it was because you weren’t talented enough, but that wasn’t the case at all. 
・It was starting to make sense now
𝐀𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐚
・Shy around you, but will blurt out the most random fact? And it doesn’t have anything to do with the conversation
・Always able to spot you out in a crowd 
・It’s like some sort of sixth sense, she’s just able to find you 
・Uses her sun summoner powers to give you light whenever you need it 
・And yeah she might show off a bit ...
・Laughs at all your jokes - even if they aren’t that funny. I guess you could call it pity laughing ...
・Her journals are full of drawings of you. Never shows anyone, and would die of embarrassment if anyone found out. 
・Genya was the one to push her to talk to you
・Alina thinks she’ll scare you off with all the attention she’s getting. Everyone thinking she’s a Saint, being the one to tear down the fold, etc. 
・So when you agreed to go on a date with her, she didn’t know what to say next. 
𝐍𝐢𝐤𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐢
・Amps up the charm, so on the outside he seems so suave, but on the inside he is literally buRNING WITH DESIRE
・Would give you endless gifts, that are extremely expensive 
・Like his money advisor would be like “bruh where’s that $$$ gone?” 
・Definitely the type to write secret admirer letters 
・Always makes sure you have your favourite food. Either stocks it in your room, and says “I do this for all my ... friends” (lie, he doesn’t), or literally carries it on his person “just in case” 
・Tolya and Tamar tell him to pursue you, but Nikolai feigns confusion
    “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” the Prince says, shrugging his shoulders, pretending to read the map in front of him
    “Liar,” they both laugh, shaking their heads. 
・Okay so with it being very obvious that he has a crush on you, somehow you don’t ... see it?
・Your brain is like, ‘ This Prince of Ravka couldn’t possibly like me. I’m just imagining it.”
・But to be loyal to their captain, Tolya and Tamar keep their mouths shut (although they do try to see if you like him back - and of course you do?????)
𝐈𝐧𝐞𝐣
・You would have absolutely no clue
・So quiet, but somehow ... extra quiet around you?
・Watches you from afar to make sure you’re safe
・Has learned your routine, likes, dislikes and favourite things without saying a word to you 
・Feels so protective over you. Kinda like Edward and Bella vibes. Like she thinks you would end up hurting yourself walking down the stairs (because she’s seen you do it)
・You’d notice her because one day you were followed home and she saved you from the thugs
・She introduced herself, as if she was a skilled bystander 
・And from then on you kept ‘bumping’ into each other
・Because she knew all your favourite places 
・Okay this is starting to sound a lil creepy, but we know Inej has only good intentions. And she would realise how creepy it was getting and stop doing it
・But then you’d notice that you see her less and get a bit sad 
・So you seek her out and ask why you haven’t been seeing her as much
・And she kinda ... freezes because she thinks you caught onto her 
       “...work, you know?” 
・You looked away for one second, turned back and she was gone
𝐉𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫
・Flirty Mcflirt pants x1000
・Walks up to you confidently, about to say the best pick up line, but then he completely stumbles over his words 
・Complains to Inej about how he can be so charming with everyone else but he always messes up around you 
・We know Jesper ‘falls in love easily’
・But with you it was different
・His feelings weren’t flimsy; like parchment in water. No, they felt stronger, like a seed in the earth. 
・Somehow you became his first priority
・He found himself second-guessing his outfits-
    “I’m not sure if I look ... fabulous? Inej, what do you thi- oh she’s gone.” 
・But you always compliment him. And one of your compliments is worth a hundred from strangers
・Thinks you can do no wrong, like seriously. Thinks the sun shines out of your as-
   “They did NOT do that. Well, if they did good on ‘em!” 
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠
・Longing looks from afar 
・Never snappy with you, unlike interactions with other people 
・Has memorised your every feature so he can imagine you before he goes to bed
・Would feel confused; is it infatuation? Just a fleeting crush? Lust? 
・Or was it something more?
・His heartrenders notice his heart rate picking up whenever you’re around, “sir, are you okay?” 
    “Yes I’m fine, I’m fine-” he grumbles
・Sneaks you dessert after every meal. You thought he did this for every Grisha, until you asked Zoya how her dessert was one night and she looked at you like you were crazy
    “Does that have a hidden meaning?” 
“No...?”
・So it’s basically favouratism 
・And vERY JEALOUS
・No man is allowed to be alone with you basically 
・And no one is allowed to yell, hurt or speak to you in any sort of negative way at all
𝐍𝐢𝐧𝐚
・Is absolutely shameless about it 
・Gives the impression that she doesn’t care if you know about her feelings or not. 
・But that’s not completely the case. 
・Nina is sexually attracted to you - so she would try and pursue you on that front. But once she realised that there was a deeper attraction ... she knew she was fucked 
・She’s a whirlwind to be around; constant fast-paced and witty banter 
・Shares her food with you, and asks if you want to get food with her (it’s practically always waffles)
・Nina would approach you as another aquaintance - with her flirting. But what really showed her feelings was the food
・Nina didn’t just share food with anyone
・No, absolutely not. 
・Only those that she cared very deeply about 
・And she doesn’t just ask anyone to go get food with her; because eating is like a sacred experience...
・With the wrong company, it could completely ruin it
・So that’s why she always asks you
𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐚𝐬
・Creates a friendship with you by asking about all your favourite things
・When he first met you, Matthias felt this warm giddy feeling inside
・He thought maybe it was a one off 
・But every time you interacted, the same feeling occurred 
・He’s quite slow with his advances. One might not even classify them as advances because he’s so ‘old school.’ 
・He’d be the type who likes to “go steady”
・Matthias is actually pretty good at explaining his emotions and thoughts
・So he’s quite understanding! 
・Absolutely wholesome (once his misplaced hatred for Grisha isn’t there anymore...) 
・Gentleman; opens doors for you, offers his arm, never lets someone talk over you. And this is before you’re in a relationship 
・Never lets people speak negatively towards you or about you
・He has your back 24/7
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚
・Shy!!! But incredibly protective; will tailor someone to have pimples if they talk badly about you 
・Tries to get the Darkling to pair you up on quests/tasks
・Mostly gazes at you from afar, sighing every 30 seconds in admiration 
・Laughs the loudest whenever you make a joke (or say anything remotely funny) (and then someone nudges her arm, telling her to dial it down) 
・Asks about “nonchalantly” with others, basically to see how you’re going. Because she’s too embarrassed to ask you 
・Whenever she catches your eye, you give her a smile and her insides burst into butterflies 
・Gets sad when you get put on missions that make you have to travel, she misses you dearly
・When her confidence builds, she tells you that whenever you’d need her tailoring skills, she’d be glad to help
・Would do that hand thing in Pride and Prejudice when Mr Darcy holds Elizabeth’s hand and when he’s walking away he like ... flexes it (it’s more romantic on screen, I promise)
・That’s how she’d be, but with only brushing her hand against yours 
𝐌𝐚𝐥
・Tries his best to start conversations with you but they’re always so awkward, like he asks you about the weather? And small things like what your favourite colour is, what you think the best meal of the day is etc. 
・You thought he was just doing it to be nice, to create some small talk... 
・But little did you know this boy was falling HEAD over HEELS in love with you 
・The first time he made you laugh, he nearly imploded. 
・Your laugh was so refreshing...
・He didn’t think another person could give him so much happiness
・And being the source of your happiness was mind blowing to him. Hearing your laugh was like the weight of the world was lifted off his shoulders
・Thinks about you day and night, fantasising about your life together. Where you would get married, what kind of house you’d live in, how many children etc. 
・Literally already having names picked out for your kids 
・And when you started talking to him ... as in initiating the conversations - he felt like a king
𝐙𝐨𝐲𝐚
・It was obvious that Zoya liked you - she was never as coldhearted like she was with everyone else 
・Almost like she was constantly “going easy” on you 
・And then when someone would point it out, she would be twice as mean
・Leaving you completely confused 
・But once she ... settled? in her feelings, she started to change 
・Like showing off in front of you
・I’m talking, actually asking, “are they looking?” before showing off 
・Zoya makes sure no one is talking behind your back 
・She will literally tear them to shreds if they insult you. And I’m not over emphasising - she would tear some down utterly and completely, if they messed with you. 
・Thinks about you when she’s in bed, how she yearns for your arms to be wrapped around her
・Finds herself daydreaming about you, then snaps back to reality and pretends like nothing happened 
・Blushes whenever you’re around, but her bravado turns up tenfold
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hi! I rlly loved ur recent Kaz Brekker fic n I was wondering if u could do one where the reader had an ED. Like how Kaz would react to it and what he would do to help?? I’m currently getting over an ED n need some comfort rn xx
Hi! Thank you so much for reading and for requesting! As someone who watched many loved ones go through recovery, let me just say how proud I am of you (and anyone reading this!) for trying. You’re amazing and doing great, I promise. <3
Not Giving Up
show! kaz brekker x reader
gender neutral pronouns
TW: eating disorder (following the symptoms and recovery for anorexia nerviosa), low self esteem, mentions of restrictive eating. nothing graphic, and there is comfort/healing in this fic, but please be careful when reading
shadow and bone masterlist
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Kaz Brekker didn’t know how he never noticed it before.
When it came to you, he typically was so attentive, noticing even the smallest details. And he did technically notice all the symptoms; the way you were always cold, the way your wounds would take longer to heal, or how you would sleep too much or none at all. But it wasn’t until The Crows were gathered for brunch one Sunday morning that Kaz finally put all the pieces together.
It was a joyous occasion, and despite being some of the most secretive people in the Barrel, the seven of you made quite a ruckus. But it was joyful, everyone teasing and messing with each other. Weekly brunch was Nina’s idea, her having lamented that she never got to see everyone all together anymore. So everyone agreed that once a week, they would all get together, the true Crow Club.
And every week, you would join in on the fun, laughing and joking with everyone. But as Kaz watched you nonchalantly tell the waitress, “Oh, I’m not really hungry”, that something clicked in his brain.
As the gears in Kaz’s mind began to turn, he soon came to realize that you said that every week. And beyond that, Kaz couldn’t recall a time where you had eaten a full meal around him or any of The Crows. It was plausible that you ate alone or when Kaz wasn’t around, but when compared with some of your other behaviors and symptoms, Kaz was fairly sure of what was happening.
Not wanting to cause more distress, Kaz had the good sense enough to leave you be during the brunch. But the moment the both of you got back to the club, he uttered only three words as he walked pass.
“My office, now.”
Despite being close with Kaz, those words still brought a chill up your spine. Cautiously you followed your friend up the stairs and into his office, following his gesture to sit down. For a while, the two of you sat in silence, Kaz staring at you with his chin resting on his clasped gloved hands.
Finally, you couldn’t take it any longer. “Is there someth-“
“Do you have an eating disorder?”
You weren’t sure what you had expected Kaz to talk to you about, but it was certainly not that. Your jaw slack, you rapidly blinked, trying to collect your thoughts.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Kaz’s eyes narrowed. “Do you have an eating disorder?”
You started breathing rapidly, wondering how this man had put the pieces together when you had been so careful to hide it. “I’m fine Kaz.”
“Why don’t you eat with us? Or ever?”
“I-I,” Your words failed you, your brain trying to find some way to combat Kaz’s questions. “Like I said, I’m totally fine. I’m just not hungry a lot.”
With a deep sigh, Kaz got up and moved around the table to sit next to you. When you looked into his eyes, you were surprised by just how gentle they were. “You don’t have to lie to me…or to yourself.”
As you saw the pure concern and affection in Kaz’s gaze, you felt the dams break. Tears freely fell from your eyes as the fears you had been holding in for so long finally came out. Kaz gently placed his hand on your back, trying his best to show comfort and support.
“I don’t-I don’t like my body. Or me in general. Or life. I just…” You trailed off, hanging your head. “I just thought that if I could control what I ate, everything would be so much better.”
“And did it?”
Closing your eyes, you let the truth come out in the smallest whisper. “No.”
“I didn’t think so.” Kaz responded, his voice thoughtful. “Do you want to get better?”
Slightly surprised by the question, you looked back up into Kaz’s eyes. “I—I think so. I’m just scared of what might happen.”
Kaz took his hand off your back and took your hand instead. “You don’t have to go through this alone.” He promised.
“You want to help me?” You asked, searching for any sign of doubt or falsehood in Kaz’s eyes.
But as his blue eyes pierced your soul, you felt the truth of his words. “Every step of the way.”
———————————————————————
Good to his word, Kaz Brekker was there for you through everything. He found the best physician and psychologist in Ketterdam, and he was there for every meeting to be a support. Kaz also let you tell the other Crows at your own pace, but when you did, your support system went from one to six instantly. Your little family was there for you, and even though you were scared, it gave you comfort.
Following the treatment plan was difficult. The old inner demons that had haunted you for so long constantly reappeared, making eating difficult. But Kaz and the Crows made sure that you were never alone at mealtime, and they never shamed you for struggling with a particular food or for needing more time. So slowly, with the help of everyone and especially Kaz, bit by bit you learned to heal your relationship with food and your body.
———————————————————————
It was a surprisingly clear and sunny Sunday that spring when Ketterdam’s deadliest gang walked down the street, laughing and cajoling the whole way. Upon entering the familiar restaurant, all seven of the crows managed to squeeze into their familiar booth, with only a few complaints and pokes along the way. As you all settled in, a serving girl came up to the table.
You and Kaz were sitting closest to the edge, but the girl elected to talk to you first. “Are you ready to order?”
Kaz held his breath as he watched you hesitate for a moment, looking at the menu on the table.
Looking back up at the serving girl, a bright smile adorned your face. “I’ll have [your favorite breakfast food], please.”
The girl nodded as she wrote down your order, and moving on to Nina, who launched into her elaborate waffle order. But Kaz felt his heart swell with pride, knowing deep down the effort that you were putting in. Kaz reached out underneath the table, and softly he took your hand inside his gloved one. Slightly surprised, you looked up at him, but looking into Kaz’s eyes told you everything he couldn’t say aloud.
Gently squeezing Kaz’s hand in return, you looked around at the little family you and he had built. The journey ahead was long, but your future was bright and full of love.
———————————————————————
Recovery is possible; you are wonderful and loved, and you deserve happiness. Real, true happiness. If are struggling with any kind of ED and you are in the united states, please go to this link and get the help you need. <3
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sidraofthewildflowers · 6 months
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"My mother is Ketterdam. She birthed me in the harbor. And my father is profit. I honor him daily."
- Kaz Brekker
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theseventhcrow007 · 1 year
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Poison Apple (Kaz Brekker x Reader)
This title will make sense later I promise lol.
HI GUYS >:D First oneshot on this website, inspired by my last post. Hope you enjoy <3
Pairing: Kaz Brekker x Reader
Rating: Teen
Word Count: 858
Warnings: Mild Language, Alcohol
Part 1/?
The club is crowded tonight. More crowded than usual, you’d noticed. Maybe it was because of the ambassadors that had been visiting. Maybe it was because of the news of the ambassador that had been assassinated earlier in the week. People had assumed a Grisha was potentially behind it, naturally; or so the rumors said. But then again, rumors in Ketterdam weren’t the most reliable sources. 
But that wasn’t the reason you were here. Someone had been following you, and you were fairly sure you knew who it was, even if you couldn’t see her. Inej Ghafa, the Wraith. Why she was trailing you, you didn’t know but in your mind the best way to potentially find out why was to head to the Crow Club. 
“What can I get’chya?” You looked up from your seat, to see the bartender. “Whiskey.” You replied curtly. The man nodded, fetching a small glass and filling it with whiskey before setting it in front of you. You muttered your thanks to the man and sipped from the glass. You scanned the room, looking for the Wraith, but there was no sign of her. 
You were torn from your thoughts when the bartender set another drink in front of you. “I didn’t ask for this.” you said, clearly confused. The man gestured to the back of the room. You gave him a quizzical look before turning around.
 A  man wearing a hat and a long coat waved you over.  “Who are you?” you asked. “Nobody you need to worry about love. The boss wants to see you.” He laughed at your clearly confused face. “And what the hell does the King of the Dregs want with me?” He shrugged. “Dunno. Didn’t ask.” Still smiling, he pointed to the stairs. “Up the stairs, third room to your left.” You nodded, but he stopped you before you headed up the stairs. “Oh, the name’s Jesper, by the way.” 
“Jesper,” you repeated. “I’m y/n.” He tipped his hat towards you. “Pleasure to meet you.” As you headed up the stairs, a million things ran through your mind. That’s why the wraith was on your trail. But what did Brekker want with you? You’d been known as a skilled pickpocket, as well as being the brains behind many projects, but known well enough to get his attention? The Bastard of the Barrel. Dirtyhands himself had noticed you. You passed by each of the doors, until you found Brekker’s office. 
Before you even got the chance to knock, a voice spoke from inside. “Come in.” His voice was even, commanding. Even if you wanted to, you couldn’t disobey. Hesitantly, you opened the door. There he was, his back turned to you, staring out into the rainy evening. He turned around and spoke. “You must be y/n. Have a seat.” He gestured to the chair in front of his desk. The first thing you noticed were his gloves. You’d always wondered what lay beneath them. Rumors were all you’d heard. Not human, pure evil.
You sat down, waiting for him to say something. “I’m assuming you’re wondering why you’re here.” He said. You nodded. “I’ve heard of you. Your skill set. You see, I’ve been hired for a job, and I’m in need of someone with your abilities. I’m willing to pay generously.” You furrowed your brows. “Why me?” He clasped his hands together. “Why not? Word gets around quickly in the barrel. You’re quick, efficient, willing to do what it takes.” He replied. “How do you know this?” You ask. The barest trace of a smile graced his lips. “I have my ways.” 
The wraith, you realized. “How long have you been tracking me?” You asked. “Long enough.” Brekker looked over your shoulder. “Took you long enough.” You turned around, startled by the young Suli’s presence. “Saints.” you muttered. Inej frowned at that. She walked brusquely past you and handed something to him. They exchanged a few quiet words before the wraith left. 
“So you want me to work for you. What’s the catch?” You asked. “There’ve been too many who have been disloyal. If you’re to accept this job, you’ll need to prove yourself.” He pulled an apple out of his pocket, and cut a slice, with a knife. Inej’s knife you realized. He handed you the dagger, with the apple stuck to the tip of it. “This knife may or  may not contain poison on it. If you’ll choose to eat this, you’ll have the job, and an antidote, should there be poison. If not, forget we had this meeting and return to the 5th harbor.” 
Reluctantly, you took the dagger from his gloved hand. You stared at the apple slice, and contemplated leaving then and there. You looked back to Kaz, who waited for you to make your decision. Finally, you bit the apple slice, chewed, and swallowed it. You set the knife back on the desk, waiting for convulsions, or something to happen, but nothing did. Kaz nodded, and pulled a vial out from a drawer in his desk, and pushed it towards you. 
“There’s the antidote. Welcome to the Dregs.”
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