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rainydaymiscellaneous · 1 year

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Into the Fire (Kaz x fem!reader)

Summary: after time in Hellgate, your sister makes a bargain to break you out.

Warnings: A lot of violence, discussions of sickness and serious injury, mentions of suicide and murder

It had all happened so fast. You were blamed for a murder, a murder you didn't even commit, you were the one that happened across that damn body. No doubt the works of Pekka Rollins after you declined the invitation to the Dime Lions. You were a valuable asset, there was no doubt. You were extremely intelligent, knew your way around locks and could charm the most stubborn men. Pekka needed to one up that son of a bitch that was trying to take that title of "King of the Barrel" from him.

Your sister, Dahlia immediately tried forming a plan when she heard from a friend about someone who might take a deal to help her. So she saved up, working beside Nina.

"Good luck trying to convince that good for nothing bastard" she'd tell her. Still, Dahlia had heard enough to know that this Brekker man was simple if you had enough Kruge. Finally she filled up five jars of it, walking into the Slat with hesitance.

"Who's that?" Jesper asked Inej who was sitting next to him.

"No idea." She said confused, watching the girl look around. She turned to the two who were staring.

"Where can one find a mister Brekker?" She asked. Jesper almost let out a laugh. Very rarely had he heard a "Mister" be put in front of Kaz's name.

"Uhm.. I'll uh.. find him." Jesper said getting up. Inej looked at the girl. She was pretty. Too pretty to be standing in a place like this without purpose.

"Kaz. There's uh..." Jesper let out a small laugh. "There's a girl wanting to speak with you out there." Jesper said. Kaz looked up from his desk, holding papers with his gloved hands.

"She say why?" He asked, looking back down.

"No but I'll tell you, she looks out of place." He said. Kaz sighed.

"Ask what she wants. If she's a whore, send her out."

"And if it's something else?"

"Send her here, I suppose."

Jesper walked out, the girl looking up. "Is he here?" She asked.

"What's your business?" He asked.

"I... I need help." She said.

"Are you wanting to join?" Inej asked.

"Join? Join what?" She asked confused. This girl had to be a serious fish out of water.

"You're definitely not from here, are you?" Jesper asked.

"No, look can he see or not?" She huffed.

"If you're from the Menagerie, he's not interested." Jesper said.

"I'm not from the fucking Menagerie!" She said, clearly annoyed.

"Okay... well. Let me see-" "Is that his office?" She asked. "Well-"

She shoved past Jesper, Inej standing up shocked as she walked into Kaz's office. "I need help." She said. Inej ran in.

"Seriously!? What is your problem!?" Inej asked, grabbing her arm.

"Let me go!" She yelled.

"You can't just barge in-"

"I HAVE MONEY!" she yelled.

Kaz looked up finally at the chaos. "Let her go." Kaz said. Inej looked at him with uncertainty but let go after his stern gaze. He motioned to a seat in front of his desk. "Sit." He said. Dahlia sat down, glaring at Inej as she left. Jesper pointed at the door, silently asking if Kaz wanted it closed. He nodded, Jesper closing the door as he went to calm down a pissed off Inej.

"What's this I hear about you needing help?" He asked.

"My sister got framed for murder. She's in that god damn prison, she's been there for almost a year." She said. Kaz rose a brow.

"She's in Hellgate?" He asked.

"Yes." She said. "Have a good day, close the door on your way out." Kaz said, Dahlia frowning.

"Now hold on-"

"Grab a drink if you'd like. Just go." He said. She slammed a jar of money on his desk. He looked up.

"I've got five more of these." She said. He leaned back in his chair.

"How do you know she was framed?" He asked.

"She's not exactly the person to kill a man. Steal his wallet, sure. Murder isn't something she'd be able to do." She said. Kaz sighed.

"Who framed her?" He asked.

"Some gang leader. Uhm... Pekka something." She said. Kaz's blood ran cold.

"What?" He asked.

"She got noticed by him. He made her an offer, she said no and one day on her route back home, she found a body and he had her arrested." She explained. Kaz frowned, staring at the jar of money.

"Five more of these?" He asked.

"Yes." She said. He sighed.

"Fine. But you aren't going with us. You'll wait the Crow Club, do I make myself clear?" He asked. She nodded.

"Thank you." She said relieved.

"Don't thank me yet, I haven't freed your sister yet."

Your eyes had become used to the dark from the prison you had been trapped in. Your hands were bound to the floor by the shackles as the smell of piss and blood hung in the air. You debated every day on just strangling yourself with your chains but you knew Mediks would revive you as quickly as possible.

"Psst" you heard. You lazily looked up to see Quincy, a guard you had charmed into being your friend. He tossed you a piece of bread. You mouthed thank you to him, him nodding quietly as he turned his back to the cell as if he were guarding it. He was the small bit of light in such a bleak place. You heard footsteps of other guards pass.

"What time is it?" You asked in a low whisper.

"Three in the afternoon" he said softly. You leaned your head on the wall, letting out a shuddering breath. In a week, it would have been one year since your capture.

You wondered if Eloise was alive, if she was still at home. You two parted ways when she was eighteen, you leaving for Ketterdam. You recalled her saying something about moving during your trial but you had no clue if she had gone through with it. You missed the fresh air of the outside. The air here was stale, it reeked of death. It didn't help that Hellgate was basically caught in a draft of air where the smells of a nearby island that was inhabited by the dead.

Each breath you took felt heavier and more horrible than the last. When you first arrived, you thought you had been put in the wrong area, however it seemed you were wrong. You were one of the few women housed in this wretched place.

"We're doing WHAT" Jesper asked.

"Unfreakingbelievable." Inej said, putting a hand to her head.

"She's paying." Kaz said.

"And if the bitch paid you to jump off a cliff?!" Jesper asked.

"Eh. Depends on the amount." He shrugged.

"Are we recruiting this girl?" Inej asked.

"It depends." Kaz said.

"Depends how?" Inej asked.

"On if she's worth the trouble." He said. Nina was right. He was very slappable at times.

"So how are we breaking her out? I'm thinking we'll pretend to be nuns and pull her into a convent-"

"Jesper. Serious." Kaz said. Jesper sighed.

"Kaz, this is beyond crazy. This is insane." Jesper said.

"I've figured out a plan. It's insane, sure. But not impossible." He said. Inej sighed.

"Jesper, you'll be our distraction. Inej, you're to sneak in on a freight ship, there's one leaving in eighteen hours. Can you make it?" He asked. "Yes." She said reluctantly.

"Good. Now for the rest of this."

You heard the familiar jingle come from the hall and you sighed as the man you loathed stood before you. "Do you want in today?" He asked, his dark emotionless eyes staring into yours.

"Fuck off Roland." You said.

"Come on now darling, don't be that way. I'm sure those snakes will eat you alive one of these days. Have fun on your damp floor." He said with a chuckle. You shuddered as you heard him walking down the cell block.

Tears of frustration built in your eyes. This felt like an inescapable nightmare. Yes, this could be worse, you could've been in the old tower. You could be friendless. But it didn't stop the fear of being unable to come out of this alive from seeping into your mind. Your once vibrant eyes were now hollow and filled with darkness. You were sick of this life. You were sick of everything.

The fog settled on top of the waters towards the island. It felt ominous as the group rode in the rowboats. Inej was questioning everything at this moment. She was wondering why she went along with such a stupid plan in the first place. She looked at the man who was looking at an island with distant and pained eyes. There was a familiarity in this location, there was no doubt to her.

You heard Quincy move back to the post. "How's your sister?" You asked, knowing you were mostly alone now.

"She's fine. A little worse for the wear but..."

"good." You said softly. This was the most news of the outside you'd hear about.

"Didn't you say you had a sister?" Quincy asked.

"I do, I have two. One is two years younger than me, the other is three years younger. " you said.

"Are they pretty?"

"Trying to get ideas over there Quince?" You teased making him chuckle.

"Hardly. I'm more of a fan of older women thank you." He said. You gasped dramatically.

"Hunting cougars are you?" You teased making him fight an urge to laugh.

You heard a door slam and you closed your mouth, Quincy straightening up. "Quincy." A man yelled.

"Sir." He said.

"Your under arrest-"

"What?" He said confused.

"For conspiring with a prisoner-" your heart dropped.

"Sir-"

"You and Miss Y/n have been conspiring for nearly the whole time she's been in here-"

"He's innocent!" You argued.

"Shut up." The man snarled.

"You'll have time to argue in the old tower." A voice said. No. No. No no no.

"NO!" You screamed. "HE'S INNOCENT- PLEASE!" You screamed as the door opened and guards came to retrieve you. You thrashed against the guards as Roland smirked against a wall. You locked eyes with him. "YOU SON OF A BITCH!" you screamed. Quincy was cuffed and you panicked. "I'LL DO IT!" You screamed.

Roland leaned off the wall. "You will?" He asked, satisfied that it was so easy to break you.

"Yes! Just let him GO!" you said. Roland looked in your eyes.

"Fine." He said. "You heard the girl. Uncuff him." He said. They obeyed, uncuffing Quincy. "Return to your post boy. Be thankful we didn't take your fucking head." He said. You watched him leave, looking over his shoulder clearly concerned for you. You were yanked forward, released from the floor but now dragged through the halls.

You followed the guards, hearing prisoner's screams through the prison. You hated Roland at this moment. You hated Pekka more. He was the whole reason you were in here. You knew he did this. He did this to put you in the Hellshow... Oh he'd get a show.

Kaz stepped out of the boat, face covered by a mask. Inej was horrified the first time she caught wind of such a place. To set foot in it was even worse. "Do not stray from the guide until you have my say so." Kaz said. Inej nodded. She knew the rules. If she strayed too early, she'd be found out and killed. Or worse, locked up in Hellgate.

The group followed the guides which happened across your cell block. Kaz was frowning under his mask once he realized you had been moved. There was only one reason you wouldn't be in there. The reason was also the purpose of having a guide for such a terrible place. The group had been seated in a coloseum like structure. Inej hated this plan more than any other plan that Kaz had formed before. Not only did she have to be in the most awful place but she had to watch this.

The crowds cheered as the announcer pumped up the crowds. "We are proud to announce that the got some new meat today." Kaz frowned. Shit. Shit shit shit shit shit. You were pulled into the ring, Inej glancing at Kaz. She could tell even under a smask that he was frustrated. "SPIN THE WHEEEELL!" the announcer screamed making the crowd roar. You did, spinning it as you fired an angry look at a man in the stands. If looks could kill, this competition wouldn't have been an issue for you.

The wheel landed on a dog and you were unshackled after the announcer was lifted, as to avoid being killed by you. Kaz sighed. At least this would be a way to figure out if you were useful or not. He knew you had to be somewhat resourceful seeing as Kaz got intel from one of the guards who claimed you as a friend. Kaz thought it impossible to find friends in such a low place but you made him stand corrected.

You picked up a blade from the sand swallowing hard as you focused on the wolves emerging from the mouth. You counted three as the mouth closed. You swallowed hard, slowly raising the blade. You hadn't wielded one in years.

Kaz noticed your footing. This was not the first time you used a blade. Kaz saw the various scratches and bruises on you, letting him know that you could take a hit before going down.

A wolf challeneged you, you ducking as it leapt for your throat and slicing its underbelly. You shuddered at that feeling as it hit the ground. Two more to go. You decided to make the next move before the wolves, using the wall to push off for a faster trajectory as you slammed the blade into one's jaw. "One more." Kaz thought. "You have just one more."

You backed up, your ankle hitting your shackles making you stumble. The wolf chose then to attack. You had to react and you had to react quickly. You kicked up the heavy shackle, winding the wolf as it hit its belly. You slammed your blade down, through its head.

The crowd roared for your victory as wolves' blood stained your face. Inej glanced at Kaz, unsure of what to do. They sat through numerous matches until the groups were escorted back. "What now?" She whispered. "We'll have to change course, she won't be in the same cell." Kaz said. So they slipped out, proceeding down a hall.

You were shoved into a new cell, Roland wearing a grin that said he got exactly what he wanted. You glared at him. "Come now, don't be like that! You've got a new cell." He said as the guards shackled you back to the floor. You saw Quincy behind him.

"You called for me sir?" He said.

"Ah. Right. The boy." Roland said looking at him. You saw the glint of silver that was his knife and frowned.

"Quincy, you're in danger-" a guard slapped you.

"Shut your mouth, girl." He said. Quincy looked at you confused before Roland's blade stabbed him. You let out a scream of horror and anguish.

"YOU BASTARDS!" Kaz heard in the hall.

"Follow that voice." He said.

"How do you know that's her?" Inej asked.

"She's the only female in this block." He stated before walking through the halls.

"State your business." A guard said.

"Oh I had an inquiry." He said.

"Which is?"

"Your mother and whether or not she's aware she's raised a bastard." Kaz replied, mouthing "shut eye." To Inej. She rolled her eyes, knocking the guard out.

"A simple, where's the loo would've worked!" She said. Kaz shrugged it off, slipping past the unconscious man.

"YOU'LL PAY FOR THIS!" You screamed, angry tears falling from your eyes.

"I'm sure we will. Enjoy your stay in your new cell!" Roland said. You let out a frustrated scream as Roland walked away, yanking your chains as far as they could go. You sobbed, looking at Quincy who was struggling on the ground.

"Quincy- I am-am so sorry" you cried.

"An-any moment now." He breathed. You were confused looking at him. "Ther-there are p-people here for you" he said.

"Exec-executioners?" You asked. By this point, the headman's axe was a mercy.

"R-rescuers." He said.

"Quincy-Quincy what have you done?" You asked. You heard a struggle out in the hall. Quincy looked relieved.

"Be-be free." He said.

"Quincy- QUINCY!" you screamed as the shallow rise and falls of his chest stopped. A masked figure came out with someone else.

"We've got a few seconds before the third bell." The figure said, unlocking the door. You moved away from them confused.

"We're here to bring you home." There was a woman in this group.

"Home?" You were beyond confused by this.

"Get her unlocked Kaz, we don't have much time." The girl said. The masked man, presumed now to be Kaz was unlocking your shackles. You heard a loud boom and looked confused as you heard multiple guards sprinting through.

"We have to go. Now." He said, pulling you up. You winced and he frowned. "Shit. She's injured." He realized.

"Thank that bastard Roland." You muttered, numbed tears falling from your eyes.

"Where's Quincy?" The girl asked.

"He's the body behind you." You said, looking at him. "Shit. SHIT." Inej hissed.

"We don't have time, we need to leave." Kaz urged.

You were practically dragged through the halls of the prison by these people, who honestly, you had to trust because literally anything could be better than this hellhole. You made way for an exit before Roland blocked you.

"Thought you were leavin' aye?" He said, that cocky smile filling you with rage. You gritted your teeth, snatching the cane from the masked stranger. He almost scolded you but everything happened so fast. You had not only managed to kill Roland, you had taken the lion's head and bashed in the skull of the man.

You finally stood up. "Incapable of murder" your sister said. "She doesn't have it in her" she said. Otherwise your sister had drastically underestimated you or this place drove you to that point. Considering the Hellgate was infamous for its conditions, Kaz guessed the second option as you handed him back the cane.

"I've wanted to do that for months." You said, stepping over his corpse. Kaz wiped off his cane, swapping a look with Inej.

You and the two others walked outside, a man waiting by a boat. "Let's go, we've got five minutes before they realize she escaped. " he said. Kaz motioned for you to climb aboard first. You did, Inej handing you a cloak as Kaz got into the boat. Inej untied it as another man dashed over and jumped in.

"Saints Jesper! You're going to flip us!" Inej gasped.

"No, it's fine- now paddle like your fucking life depend on it because it does!" Jesper yelled.

And so Inej rowed, after a good distance, Kaz removed his mask as did Inej. You looked the face of Kaz, looking in his eyes. You could see that behind a hardened persona laid a boy who still had a glint of humanity in him. You took a moment though, the second you were back in the waters of Ketterdam to breathe. Really breathe. The place was not perfect by any means. However it was, it still was home to you. You felt a drop of water on your shoulder. Kaz sighed. "Yes, rain on top of it all!" He said frustrated.

"Let it, it'll mask us for now." Inej said, pulling into a harbor.

You were helped out the boat by this Jesper man. The rain fall got worse as you walked through the streets of Ketterdam. "I swear to the saints this is the most annoying job I've done" Kaz muttered.

"I thought you didn't believe in saints?" Inej teased. Kaz gritted his teeth.

"Forgive them, they were raised in a barn." Jesper said to you. You smiled slightly. "So you're out of prison. What's the first thing you want to do?" Jesper asked. You pondered.

"Have a nice meal." You said. He laughed.

"A respectable answer." He said making you chuckle. Kaz entered the club, all of you following behind.

You froze in your tracks though the instant you saw her. Jesper saw the look on your face. Everyone could see the look on your face. What was supposed to be a heartwarming reunion of sisters was something far different.

Rage. Unbridled Rage.

"Oh thank the saints! You're safe!" Dahlia said, rushing forward to hug you. You immediately shoved her away, Inej looking at Kaz confused.

"Y/n? Are you alright?" Dahlia asked.

"You think I don't know?" You scoffed. Jesper looked at Kaz then you.

"Y/n, I paid for your freedom--"

"You took my freedom!" You snapped. Kaz could see something different with Dahlia's stance. He underestimated the teary eyed girl. He didn't like being fooled. And he certainly didn't like going through all that for a traitor. Kaz gripped his cane, the leather cracking sound of his gloves alerting Inej to his anger. She suspected that if the man wasn't wearing gloves, his knuckles would be white.

"Y/n, I surely don't know what you are talking about-"

"You and Pekka fucking Rollins!" You shouted. Heads in the club certainly turned to that name. "You tried to sell me- you and father both did! To that-that monster! And when it didn't work you had me framed for fucking murder!" You screamed. Inej frowned, looking at Kaz shocked by the revelation.

"Y/n, let's discuss this somewhere else- we'll have coffee- we'll talk-" you shook with anger.

"I would rather go back to Hellgate than ever talk to you or father again." You snarled. Dahlia went silent.

"The girl you knew, the one that bowed to your abuse, father's abuse is dead. And you killed her." You said. Dahlia finally dropped the facade, her face looking at you with hatred.

"You have nowhere to run Y/n. You will come home or you will go back." She said.

"I'll die first." You said. "I can arrange that." She said, a despicable look on her face. You swallowed hard, staring her down. It felt like you were staring at a monster even worse than whatever came from the Hellshow. Jesper looked at Kaz for guidance.

A gun was drawn from under Dahlia's dress and Kaz raised his cane to her, everyone else following suit. There must've been dozens of guns and pistols aimed at Dahlia, along with a few knives.

"There's a problem with this." Kaz said. "I was told to bring Y/n back. Here she is." Kaz said.

"Oh for fucks sake." Dahlia huffed, slamming her bag down. "Your money is in there." She said, not removing her eyes from you.

"Inej."

Inej reached into the bag, pulling out the jars of money. "It's here Kaz." She said.

"Good. Jesper." Kaz said.

A loud shot rang out and Dahlia toppled over. You saw the pool of blood form from her head as her dead gaze landed on you one last time. You shook, partially from fear, partially from the fact that you were damp from the rain. Kaz looked at your sister with disgust. "I hate being lied to. Even more, I hate that it worked." Kaz said. "Lynn. Clean it up." Kaz said. A woman sighed, walking over. "You. Follow me. Now." He said to you.

"Kaz wait a minute." Jesper halted.

"What Jesper?" Kaz snapped.

"The girl is hungry. She's cold. Have some humanity." He said. Kaz looked at you. He sighed.

"Xander, make her a steak. She deserves it. There's a fireplace in my office." He said, motioning for you to go. You looked at your sister one last time before looking back at Kaz. This man didn't need to rescue you, but he did. He didn't need to kill Dahlia, but he did. He didn't need to feed you, and yet there he was making a demand for food.

You took the time to eat, following Kaz back to a place he called "The Slat". You walked with him into his office as he lit the fireplace. "Sit." He said, motioning for you to sit on the couch.

"I am wet from the rain... If you don't mind I'll sit on the floor." You muttered.

"Do what you'd like, I don't care." He sighed, sitting on the couch.

You looked into the fireplace, feeling warmth for the first time in almost a year. Real warmth. You held out your hands, letting them heat up. Kaz looked at you. You were ruthless when you had to be. You were charming enough that you found a friend in the worst place. You could he useful, only if you wanted to be.

"Your sister said you had nowhere to go." Kaz said, looking at you. You didn't look him in the eyes.

"I suppose that's true... Now that Quincy is dead I..." you cleared your throat, lowering your hands. "I have no one." You muttered.

"You can work for us." He said, leaning back. You looked at him finally.

"What?" You asked shocked.

"The Dregs. You can join the ranks. You'll stay here with us until you're on your feet." He said.

"You want me to join the gang that is rivals with the other that tried to kill me?" You asked.

"We have a common enemy." Kaz said. You couldn't argue with that. You wanted that Pekka bastard dead.

"What... exactly are the benefits?" You asked. "You'll have a roof over your head. Friends even, if you like that sort of thing. You won't go hungry. The only thing you'll have to do are the jobs I give you." He said. You looked at him.

"You're not... shipping me to the Menagerie are you?" You asked. Kaz scoffed.

"Hardly not. Inej would have my head if I did." He said. You looked at him and the hand he extended to you. You noticed, despite the wetness of the man's gloves, he did not remove them.

You had come from Hell and survived. You had lived in Hell and survived. Now wasn't just an offer of food and a roof but a chance to side with the very people Pekka hated. That was enticing. That was more than enticing.

That was perfect.

#kaz brekker x fem!reader #kaz x you #kaz x y/n #kaz x reader #kaz brekker #grishaverse #six of crows #kaz brekker x y/n #kaz brekker x reader

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futurecorps3 · 1 year

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𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬

Masterlist<3

Summary: YEARNING WITH A READER HES ABLE TO TOUCH. Pairing: Kaz Brekker x fem!reader Warnings: Mentions of Kaz's touch aversion, death, slight OOC Kaz but I think only if you squint like he's a softie with Y/N and Y/N only. Let me know if I missed any!!! Word Count: 2.3K Requested: I guess? @kaldurahms-lover

A/N: The user tagged posted a general request to us Kaz fic writers. The concept follows the line of how our boy would need TOUCH from an s/o who he has known from before JorDIE died. Bestie I hope you like it and you don't mind I used fem!reader (I can change it if it IS an issue). I haven't started and I'm already excited about this piece being posted!!! Mwah hope I did justice to the concept.

˚ · • . ° .

Kaz didn't really know what it was. Maybe it was the weather, too warm for Ketterdam, or the way he was sweating under his gloves. Maybe it was how loud Nina and Jesper were being, too tipsy to care for the volume of their laughs, or how the last job had gone well even when they didn't follow the plan he traced. Maybe he just missed her.

Who was he kidding? Of course he missed her. Y/N had been gone two weeks on a little trip to Novyi Zem to pick up a shipment and get information from financial records kept in one of the properties belonging to their next target. He really tried getting his seller to deliver directly to Ketterdam, but they said it would be too much trouble. Y/N, kind as always, convinced Kaz offered to do both tasks.

And he missed her. The others could tell. The grumpy mood the bastard carried himself with had been even grumpier in the last couple of days and they all knew well what was going on, but decided against prying because he'd never admit it. They couldn't really blame him. After all, his girl was the only one who seemed to melt that inaccessible boy.

They found each other in akin situations; lost kids in a new city, all on their own and with the foolish dream of making a life with nothing but honest intentions and a kind heart. The boy could still remember those pretty watery eyes looking up at his brother with fear, fear of him being another person ready to hurt her. Instead, he made a silent promise to himself to always protect her, to never let anyone hurt her again.

Little did that boy knew he could not keep that promise, not for her, not for himself. He thought fondly at that memory, though. An image close to his heart that made him wonder that maybe he wasn't such a horrible person. Blame it on the innate capacity of kids to feel empathy towards virtually any living thing.

When Jordie died, Kaz was ruined. He felt like he had lost a part of himself, and he didn't know how to go on without his brother. He was consumed by grief and anger, early in age, and pushed Y/N far away from him. But Y/N didn't give up on him.

She knew how much he was hurting, and she refused to let him suffer alone. She was patient with him, giving him the space he needed to grieve, but also letting him know that she was there for him whenever he was ready to talk.

One day, as they were walking through the streets of Ketterdam, Kaz finally opened up to Y/N. He told her everything he had been feeling since Jordie died, the anger, the guilt, and most importantly, the emptiness. And as he spoke, Y/N listened, never judging him, but always offering a kind word or a gentle touch. A touch that did not bother him in the slightest.

Her hands didn't make him feel sick like the ones from officers in the Stadwatch. He realized that he could bear it, and even better, savor it. As they sat in that alley all those years ago, sharing a piece of bread and a dream of a better life, Kaz knew that he had found something special in Y/N. He had found someone who understood him, who accepted him for who he was, and who believed in him even when he didn't believe in himself.

And he knew that he would never let her go. No matter what challenges they faced in the future, no matter how dark the world around them became, Kaz would always have Y/N by his side, just as she had always had his. Together, they would face anything that came their way, because that was what they had always done. They were lost kids in a new city, but they had found each other, and that was all that mattered.

With time, he saw Y/N under a new light. Kaz admired the girl for her capacity to take the best out of situations while remaining conscious of how awful things could get. Her tenderness and bliss seemed to come from a bottomless pit, while his had run dry a long time ago.

It's okay, she had enough to spare for the both of them. Feelings developed, conflict ensued, and after three years of the perilous path of love, they became official. Kaz wouldn't have it any other way and Saint's know Y/N wouldn't either. They loved each other like only two young kids in love could; raw, endlessly.

And that's why Y/N's letter saying she needed more time to collect information had the barrel's bastard all sulky. He needed her embrace, and he needed it now. The more he thought about it, the less probable it seemed for him to be able to hold on a few more days.

"You okay, boss?"

Now, Jesper knew the answer to his question, and he knew why Brekker wasn't doing okay, but he was no expert on how to handle these types of situations, and it seemed like the right thing to ask. As far as Kaz goes, well, he had no idea when the zemeni boy had left his place next to Nina to walk all the way to him. He was too busy thinking about her, as he had been for the past two weeks.

No response came from him. Then a sigh from Jesper. "She'll be back soon, she's okay, Kaz. Turn that terrifying frown into the normal one, you're scaring the piggeons more than we want to". The frustration he felt seemed almost unreasonable; he gave her the job knowing exactly the implications it entailed, so why was he so needy? There was patience in any action of his, but he couldn't control how much he wanted a kiss from his lover at the moment.

To some, it might be cute. To him, it was thoroughly infuriating. "Get a hold of yourself. She'll be back soon, no need to get all mad about something that only time will fix", he thought to himself over and over again in that hot afternoon as he laid on a white blowy blouse in his room trying to go to sleep so time would somehow be faster since burying himself in paperwork and plotting hadn't worked.

With a deep sigh, Kaz closed his eyes and let out a slow breath. He knew that he had to get a grip on himself and not let his emotions get the best of him. Y/N would be back soon enough, and until then, he would have to be patient and wait for her return. And so, he lay there, trying to calm his racing thoughts and steady his beating heart, until finally, he drifted off to sleep.

˚ · • . ° .

First thing he heard was a soft hum. A too familiar song coming from a sweet voice in the bathroom. Was he so out of control he was now dreaming of Y/N returning? What love does to a man... The sun prickling his skin felt too real, the sweat on his bare hands ran freshly, tickling him ever so slightly.

He sat up quickly, his heart pounding with excitement. Had she returned early from her trip? He got out of bed and walked towards the door carefully, his bare footsteps echoing delicately on the wooden floor. As he opened the door a bit wider, he saw her standing in front of the mirror. Y/N's eyes met his, hers sparkling with a well-known happiness.

"Hi" she dared to say. Saints! She had no idea what an agony it had been without her, right? Kaz felt his heart skip a beat at the sight of her. She looked radiant, with her hair tousled and her cheeks flushed from the heat outside. A long walk from the docks, surely. Had he been awake and aware of her early return, he would've walked her back to the Slat with an umbrella to shield both of them from the suffocating light.

"Hello" he mumbled, still a little dazed from sleep. Y/N smiled and stepped closer to him. "I missed you," she said simply, reaching out to take his hand. Kaz felt a surge of emotion wash over him, and he knew in that moment that she had missed him just as much. He pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly against him as he breathed in the scent of her hair. It was the same from before she left, just a little saltier.

For a moment, they just stood there, wrapped up in each other, savoring the feeling of being together once more.

Finally, Y/N pulled back and looked up at him, a soft smile on her lips. "I brought you something," she said, pulling away and shuffling through her bag before humming contently, pulling and holding out a small box.

Kaz took the package and opened it to reveal a delicate silver necklace, with a tiny crow charm dangling from it. He looked up at her, surprised and touched by the gesture. "Y-you don't have to wear it-" "It's beautiful," he said softly, handing it over to her as she carefully placed it around his neck with a content smile.

They both knew it would remain hidden under the various layers of clothing he wore on cooler days (or even the hotter ones such as this), but knowing it was there was enough.

"Looks pretty" Y/N beamed, tracing her fingers down his half-exposed chest and pulling him in for a hug from the waist. "I missed you so much," he confessed, feeling the commotion inside of him finally subside under her touch. "I missed you too much, never let me go away for that long again... no matter how stubborn I get".

Kaz felt his mouth turn up in a grin, almost letting out a giggle. "Never," He looked down at her briefly and found her looking at him already, pressing a kiss to her forehead, "don't think I could bear it".

As the heat of the afternoon persisted, Kaz and Y/N found themselves seeking refuge in the relative coolness of Kaz's bedroom. They lay on the bed together, cuddled up over the white sheets, with Kaz's arm wrapped tightly around Y/N's waist. Despite the warmth of the day, Kaz felt a chill run through him at the touch of Y/N's skin against his.

As they lay there, Kaz felt a sense of peace wash over him. He had spent so much of his life chasing after money and power, but now, in this moment, he realized that his number one priority was something much simpler: the warmth and love of the person he cared about most in the world.

Y/N shifted slightly in his arms, and Kaz tightened his grip on her. He could feel her breathing softly against his chest, and he knew that he would never tire of this feeling.

"I've been more... difficult than usual. Even Matthias got alarmed," he murmured, his voice low and husky laced with amusement. Y/N looked up at him, giggling, her eyes filled with love. "It's okay," she said softly. "I missed you too."

Kaz smiled, feeling a sense of contentment that he had never experienced before. He knew that his life would always be filled with danger and uncertainty, but as long as he had Y/N by his side, he knew that he would be able to face anything. Just like when they were kids.

They lay there for a long time, just holding each other, lost in their own thoughts. And as the afternoon turned to evening, they drifted off to sleep, safe and content in each other's arms.

˚ · • . ° .

Hi! Thank you so much for reading, hope you enjoyed:)

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#kaz brekker x reader #kaz brekker #six of crows #six of crows x reader #grishaverse x reader #kaz brekker imagine #shadow and bone #grishaverse #crooked kingdom #kaz brekker oneshot #kaz brekker fic #kaz brekker fluff #kaz brekker angst #kaz brekker fanfic

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aetsiv · 4 months

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The absolute hatred I feel whenever people make fun of and joke about Jesper for mistaking Kuwei for Wylan. Like his ass just told his father the truth about his gambling addiction, he just went through an actual, truthful conversation that went fucking terribly. Jesper was looking for a distraction, he wasn't in a good and proper state of mind when he kissed Kuwei and you expect him to be able to notice the small details that set Kuwei and Wylan apart?! You expect him to tell the difference between two people who are tailored so perfectly that to the average person they might as well be identical?! When he's feeling so awful?! I will never understand how people can blame him for that while knowing the context. I am so fucking angry on Jesper's behalf.

Sorry if this is kinda incoherent.

#can you tell i love jesper #can you tell i just saw a post like that?#Jesper's trauma is so fucking overlooked #i will defend him with my life #i would go to war for these characters #i cant handle this misinterpretation #jesper fahey #six of crows jesper #wylan van eck #six of crows wylan #kuwei yul bo #six of crows kuwei #colm fahey #six of crows #this in no way is a hate post against Kuwei #i will not tolerate kuwei hate on this #leigh bardugo #six of crows fandom #wesper

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mcntsee · 10 months

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Helmets

(platonic crows x reader and Kaz x reader)

Summary: Everyone needs a friend with a bike, am I right? Modern AU.

Warnings: Uh nothing really, stealing, fooling cops. I think at some point it gets repetitive, but I tried.

Note: This is very much a Modern AU, never written one before so let me know what you think. Please!

Kaz Brekker's heart pounded as he darted through the darkened streets, clutching the stolen jewelry close to his chest. He knew the police were hot on his trail, and he needed to find a safe haven quickly. Seeking refuge in an alley, he hoped it would remain a hidden spot, unseen by the pursuing law enforcement.

Just as he caught his breath, a familiar rumble echoed through the narrow passage. Looking up, Kaz's eyes met those of y/n, a skilled motorcyclist and a trusted friend, who had witnessed his daring heist unfold. They had always shared a unique bond, despite y/n's non-involvement with Kaz's gang. Y/n pulled up alongside him, donning a helmet and extending another to him.

"Quick, Kaz! Hop on!" y/n urged, voice filled with urgency. Kaz didn't waste a second, gripping the helmet and securing it on his head before leaping onto the back of the motorcycle.

As they raced through the labyrinthine streets, weaving through traffic, y/n's driving prowess kept them one step ahead of the cops. However, as they approached the vicinity of the Crow Club, y/n noticed a roadblock forming ahead. Cops were halting traffic, scrutinizing every vehicle passing by, searching for Kaz.

Remaining composed, y/n glanced at Kaz and calmly instructed, "Trust me, Kaz. I've got a plan." When their turn came to face the inquisitive officers, y/n answered their questions with an air of nonchalance, providing plausible explanations for their presence in the area. But when asked about Kaz's whereabouts, y/n slyly pointed in the wrong direction.

"Don’t want to be known as a snitch but I saw him running that way," y/n gestured, intentionally leading the police astray. The officers bought the misdirection, hastily leaving to chase shadows. As soon as they were gone, y/n burst into laughter, reveling in the absurdity of the situation.

"Those cops can be so easily fooled," y/n exclaimed, shaking her head. With a mischievous smile, she revved the motorcycle's engine and steered them back toward the safety of the Slat.

Throughout the exhilarating ride, y/n and Kaz shared a mix of relief and amusement, their friendship strengthened by yet another escapade. They knew that no matter the circumstances, they could rely on each other, even in the face of danger.

And so, together, they disappeared into the night, leaving the authorities chasing shadows while the Crow Club awaited their return.

As y/n and Kaz arrived back at the Crow Club, Jesper emerged from the shadows, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Well, well, look who it is!" he exclaimed, playfully nudging y/n's arm. "Going on secret motorcycle rides without me, huh?"

Y/n chuckled and wrapped Jesper in a warm hug. "You know you just have to ask, Jes," she replied, giving him a light squeeze. "Shoot me a text, and I'll pick you up anytime, hun." Their friendship had always been full of banter and lighthearted teasing, but the bond between them was unbreakable.

Jesper pretended to pout, mockingly placing a hand over his heart. "I've been waiting for my invitation, you know. I'm starting to feel left out."

Y/n laughed, their eyes sparkling. "Consider this your official invitation then," they said with a wink. "We'll take the scenic route, but don't blame me if your heart races faster than the bike."

Jesper's expression shifted from playful to contemplative. "You know, I should really learn how to ride a bike," he mumbled, thinking out loud. "But then again, Wylan would probably have a heart attack if I ever brought one home."

As Jesper continued his light-hearted ramblings, y/n's attention turned to the bar, where Kaz stood, contemplating their return. Knowing Kaz's usual demeanor, y/n sidled up to the counter and leaned in, a mischievous glint in their eyes.

"Hey, Kaz," y/n called, a playful tone in their voice. "I think it's time you showed some gratitude. After all, I just saved your ass again."

Kaz's expression flickered between annoyance and begrudging appreciation. With a reluctant sigh, he relented. "Fine," he muttered, conceding defeat. He crossed over to the bar, preparing to fetch y/n their well-deserved drink. “But just one. Drinking and driving-“

“No bueno, I know.” Y/n leaned against the counter as Kaz handed y/n her free drink, a begrudging smile tugged at the corner of his lips. In this twisted little family they called their own, y/n's actions had earned their place as a trusted friend and ally—a position not easily granted, but one that was held dear.

As y/n savored their free drink, Kaz silently joined them at the bar, nursing his own drink. They shared a comfortable silence for a moment, appreciating the respite from the chaos that often engulfed their lives.

Breaking the silence, Kaz spoke, his voice low but filled with genuine admiration. "You know, at this point you should just become a crow." he suggested, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

Y/n let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. "Oh, Kaz, you know me. I like to dance to my own tune," she replied, her eyes glimmering with a sense of independence. The allure of the solitary path held a certain charm for y/n, even though she was always ready to lend a hand when needed.

Their conversation flowed effortlessly into the night, the words weaving between stolen treasures, daring heists, and the intricacies of their shared world. They discussed Kaz's latest acquisition, carefully skirting around details, knowing the importance of secrecy.

After a while, y/n rose from her seat, preparing to bid her friends farewell and head home. But before she could make her exit, Kaz's voice stopped her in her tracks.

"Wait, y/n," Kaz said, his tone a touch more vulnerable than usual. "Come up to my office for a moment, if you don't mind."

Curiosity piqued, y/n agreed, following Kaz up to his private sanctuary. As they settled into his office, surrounded by the relics of his brilliance, Kaz spoke, his words laced with a rare gratitude.

"I want to thank you, truly," Kaz began, his gaze steady and sincere. "For saving me, for always having my back, even when you don't have to. You've proven time and again that you're more than a friend; you're an invaluable asset."

Y/n's heart warmed at the rare display of vulnerability from the usually guarded Kaz. She nodded, understanding the weight of his gratitude. "You know I'll always be there when you need me, Kaz," y/n replied softly, appreciating the unspoken bond they shared.

They chatted a while longer, delving into the shadows of their respective endeavors, until finally, y/n bid Kaz goodnight.

As y/n descended the stairs of the Crow Club, her gaze fell upon Jesper, who was engrossed in a game of chance, gambling away what little money he had left. Determined to put a stop to his behavior, y/n called out loudly, "Pretty boy! Let's go for a ride."

Jesper's eyes lit up, and he immediately abandoned the table, leaving the game behind without a second thought. Outside, y/n handed him the helmet that had previously graced Kaz's head. As y/n adjusted her own helmet, Nina appeared, a vibrant presence in the night.

"Hey, you two!" Nina greeted them warmly, a mischievous glint in her eyes. But as her gaze fell upon Jesper donning the helmet, a playful grin stretched across her face. "Finally! You can now shut up about how you've never been invited to ride with y/n."

Y/n shared a knowing smile with Nina, fully aware of Jesper's incessant longing for a motorcycle adventure. With everything ready, y/n revved the engine, ready to conquer the streets once more.

The ride that followed was filled with adrenaline and exhilaration, as y/n took Jesper on a journey more intense than any of the other crows had experienced before. The wind whipped through their hair, the thrill of speed mingling with the laughter that escaped their lips.

Once the ride reached its end, y/n took Jesper back to his home. As they pulled up, Wylan stood at the doorway, his eyes widening in a mix of concern and disbelief at the sight of Jesper removing the helmet.

Wylan's voice trembled slightly as he spoke, a mixture of relief and worry evident in his words. "Jesper, are you trying to give me a heart attack? Please tell me you haven't fully embraced the world of motorcycles!"

Jesper grinned sheepishly, his eyes shining with mischief. "Not fully, Wylan," he replied, wrapping an arm around y/n's shoulder. "But I can't resist the thrill of the ride, especially when y/n is the one behind the handlebars."

As they bid their farewells and Jesper disappeared into the safety of his home, y/n couldn't help but smile. Her adventures with the Crows, the rush of the night, and the bonds they shared were the stuff of legends.

As y/n's thoughts wandered on her journey home, an idea began to form in her mind. It had been a long time since she had genuinely cared for and appreciated friends like Kaz, Jesper, and the rest of the Crows. With that in mind, y/n decided to make one final stop before calling it a night—a visit to the local bike shop.

As y/n stepped into the shop, the familiar face of Phil greeted them warmly. Over time, Phil had become acquainted with y/n, thanks to her frequent visits. Curiosity gleaming in his eyes, Phil asked, "Hey there, what brings you in today? Looking for something specific?"

Y/n smirked and replied, "Just planning to buy a couple of helmets." They shared a laugh as Phil accompanied her to the helmet section, his curiosity piqued. "Did you break your helmet again? What are you even doing with them anymore?" he inquired, amused by y/n's ever-present need for helmets.

Chuckling, y/n shook her head. "No, not this time. I actually have a few friends who tag along on my adventures quite often," she explained. "Figured it's about time they had their own helmets for safety."

Together, y/n and Phil sifted through the collection, searching for helmets that would hopefully fit their respective owners' heads. After selecting six suitable helmets, y/n paid for her purchase, bidding Phil farewell.

As y/n made her way back home, carrying the helmets, she couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth in their heart. The thought of equipping their friends with safety gear symbolized a deeper bond—a recognition of the value these relationships held in her life.

Excitement and anticipation filled y/n's thoughts as they envisioned the reactions of their friends upon receiving the helmets. It was a small gesture, but one that spoke volumes about the care and appreciation y/n had for the Crows.

The next morning, y/n arrived at the Crow Club, eager to reunite with her chosen family. With bags filled with helmets slung around their arms, y/n stood outside the closed club, waiting for someone to open the door. The weight of the bags had made her ride a bit of a challenge, but the anticipation fueled her determination.

As the door swung open, revealing Inej, y/n couldn't contain their excitement. It had been weeks since they last saw each other, and their reunion was filled with warmth and genuine affection. Inej enveloped y/n in a tight embrace, and y/n eagerly returned it, savoring the feeling of being back together.

Once inside, Inej's curiosity got the better of her. She asked y/n about the contents of the bags, her eyes gleaming with intrigue. "They're gifts,” Y/n's smile widened “for you guys."

Inej's face lit up with a mix of surprise and gratitude. She explained that the rest of the Crows were currently out but would be arriving shortly. Unable to contain their excitement any longer, y/n handed Inej one of the bags, containing a dazzling dark purple helmet that shimmered under the club's lights and was illustrated with what seemed to be a small dagger at the back of it.

Inej expressed her gratitude, but y/n quickly interjected, a mischievous glint in their eyes. "Don't thank me just yet," she teased. "Try it on first. We need to make sure it fits perfectly."

Inej laughed, understanding y/n's playful nature, and proceeded to try on the helmet. It slipped onto her head flawlessly, a perfect fit. A sense of satisfaction washed over y/n as she watched Inej wearing the helmet, knowing that her gesture of appreciation had been well received.

As the door swung open, signaling the arrival of Wylan and Jesper, y/n turned to greet them. She couldn't help but notice the intertwined hands of the couple. Jesper's eyes flickered towards Inej, who was proudly showing off her new helmet, and he playfully feigned offense.

"Wait, Inej gets her own helmet, but I don't?" Jesper exclaimed, his tone dripping with playful sarcasm. Y/n turned around, a mischievous grin playing on her lips, as she retrieved two of the five remaining bags.

With a twinkle in her eyes, y/n handed Jesper the bag, and he hurriedly opened it, his eagerness palpable. Inside was a helmet adorned with two intricately painted guns, a nod to Jesper's sharpshooting skills. Jesper's face lit up with delight as he quickly tried the helmet on, the perfect fit causing a surge of excitement within him.

Y/n chuckled at Jesper's enthusiasm, reminding him, "Oi! You've got to chill, mate." Their attention then turned to Wylan, who approached the group with a faint smile gracing his features. Y/n extended the second bag toward him, her voice filled with warmth and understanding.

"I know you're not really into the whole bike life thing, but you never know." y/n said, her voice tinged with a hint of playfulness. Wylan accepted the bag, his curiosity piqued. As he opened it, a burst of vibrant colors greeted his eyes—a yellow helmet adorned with red and orange flames that swirled around its surface.

Jesper looked on in awe, recognizing the thoughtfulness behind y/n's choice. He couldn't help but admire how the flames on Wylan's helmet represented what he loved most, even without an actual bomb design. With a shy smile, Wylan carefully placed the helmet on his head, the perfect fit a testament to y/n's attention to detail.

The group stood together, each adorned with their new helmets.

As they waited for the rest of the group to arrive, Jesper informed y/n that Kaz was caught up in an important meeting somewhere in the city, while Nina and Matthias were on a much-deserved date. With a collective decision to wait, they settled in, sipping on drinks and engaging in a friendly game of darts, with Jesper predictably emerging as the victor—his sharp aim unmatched by the others.

Time passed, and conversation flowed freely between the group. Amidst the laughter, Wylan found himself drawn to y/n's affinity for motorcycles. He mustered up the courage to strike up a conversation, genuinely curious about her passion.

"Why do you like bikes so much?" Wylan asked, his voice laced with genuine curiosity. Y/n smiled, recognizing Wylan's shy demeanor and the effort he made to engage in conversation. Sensing an opportunity, y/n extended an offer.

"Instead of explaining, how about I show you?" y/n suggested with an inviting smile. Jesper's grin widened, and Inej nodded approvingly, encouraging Wylan to embrace the adventure.

With a mix of curiosity and trepidation, Wylan agreed, realizing that he had his helmet to put to use. Y/n knew this ride would be different from the others y/n had taken the Crows on. She knew Wylan's apprehension toward bikes, so instead of navigating the bustling city streets, y/n took him toward the tranquility of nature, opting for scenic routes where the sounds of honking cars were replaced by the harmonious melodies of birds and the rustle of leaves.

As they cruised through picturesque landscapes, Wylan's initial unease slowly transformed into a sense of peace and appreciation. He marveled at the beauty of nature, his eyes wide with wonder. The ride was calm, allowing him to connect with his surroundings in a way he hadn't experienced before.

Y/n watched Wylan's transformation with a contented smile, knowing that this gentle ride was a reflection of their friendship and understanding. Sometimes, it's not about the thrill of adrenaline but rather finding solace in the serenity of nature and the company of a trusted friend.

As the wind gently caressed their helmet covered faces, Wylan's hesitation melted away, replaced by a newfound sense of freedom. The bond between y/n and Wylan grew stronger, forged through shared experiences and the willingness to step outside their comfort zones.

The ride came to a peaceful end, and as they dismounted their bikes, a sense of tranquility hung in the air. Wylan's eyes sparkled with gratitude as he thanked y/n for the unique experience.

With heartfelt sincerity, y/n replied, "Anytime, Wylan. I'm glad I could show you a different side of the bike life."

As they made their way inside, y/n and Wylan encountered Matthias and Nina, who had just arrived at the Crow Club. Nina's sharp eyes immediately caught sight of Wylan's helmet, and she couldn't resist making a playful comment.

"What do you have there, demo man?" Nina teased, her gaze shifting to Wylan's slightly flushed face. Wylan, a touch embarrassed, explained that the helmet was a gift from y/n.

As the group walked together, y/n guided them toward the table where three gift bags were waiting. With a playful grin, y/n handed a bag to Matthias and another to Nina. Excitement filled the air as they eagerly opened their bags, revealing their personalized helmets.

Matthias' helmet, larger than the others, was a deep shade of blue, adorned with the majestic figures of a moon and a wolf. A sense of awe washed over him as he took in the intricate details. Nina's helmet, on the other hand, shimmered with a beautiful honey color, and it was covered in whimsical waffle designs.

Laughter erupted as they admired their helmets, each reflecting their unique personalities. Y/n then urged them to try the helmets on, curious if Matthias' would fit since she had only given him a ride once before, under emergency circumstances.

As Matthias placed the helmet on his head, it became evident that it was slightly too big. Y/n immediately apologized and promised to get the right size tomorrow, feeling a tinge of regret for not ensuring the perfect fit. However, Matthias reassured them with a warm smile.

"There's no need to apologize, y/n. I really like it," Matthias said sincerely, his voice filled with gratitude. Nina chimed in, expressing her thanks for the beautifully crafted helmet that had unexpectedly ignited her waffle cravings.

With laughter and appreciation, the Crows marveled at their newfound accessories, their helmets serving as tokens of friendship and shared experiences.

As darkness enveloped the city, the tired crows bid their farewells after receiving a text from Kaz letting them know that the club wouldn’t open tonight, gradually dispersing to seek rest in their respective abodes. However, y/n's determination to deliver the final gift spurred her to deviate from the usual path home. Instead, she set her course towards Kaz's apartment, carrying the bag containing his present.

Arriving at Kaz's building, y/n caught sight of him stepping out of his car. With a burst of excitement, she called out his name, catching him off guard. Kaz turned towards her, his expression a mix of surprise and curiosity.

"Hello, y/n. What are you doing here?" he inquired, his voice laced with intrigue. Without uttering a word, y/n extended the bag towards him, her smile growing with anticipation.

"How about we go up to your apartment, and you open it?" she suggested, a mischievous glimmer in her eyes. Kaz nodded in agreement, briefly summoning the elevator. As the doors slid open, they stepped inside, and y/n couldn't help but notice Kaz's tired demeanor. He gently rubbed his leg, attempting to alleviate the strain from a day likely spent on his feet.

Once they reached Kaz's apartment, they settled on the couch, y/n eagerly awaiting his reaction as he carefully opened the bag. Inside lay an almost black helmet adorned with crows in flight. Yet, what distinguished this helmet from the others was the addition of golden letters at the bottom—KR.

Kaz examined the helmet meticulously, his eyes tracing the intricate details. A sense of appreciation and warmth filled the room as he finally spoke, "It's... beautiful." Y/n blushed slightly but swiftly returned to her playful self.

"I know, right?" she responded, a lightheartedness to her tone. Observing Kaz's finger tracing the initials, a hint of nervousness crept into y/n's mind, questioning whether the inclusion of the "R" was too much. Before she could voice her concerns, Kaz interrupted her by swiftly donning the helmet and declaring his affection.

"I love it," he stated resolutely, his voice brimming with sincerity. Y/n's heart swelled with joy, her playful demeanor restored.

The room seemed to glow with an unspoken understanding and appreciation, as Kaz embraced the thoughtful gift.

<33333!!!

tags! @babyblue-chaos @thescorpioscrow @ekkoismyhusband

#fanfiction #kaz brekker x reader #six of crows #six of crows x reader #fluff #kaz brekker #jesper fahey x reader #inej gafha #matthias helvar #nina zenik x reader #wylan van eck #platonic

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she-posts-nerdy-stuff · 7 months

Text

Been a while since we did this: It’s midnight and I’m thinking about six of crows, so let’s chat. I’m currently thinking about the experiences of Wylan and Inej echoing each other on opposite ends of the spectrum of cruelty created by the environment in Ketterdam, because ultimately it’s a system that favours no-one but the men who created it. Even though Inej is a foreign immigrant brought to the country against her will and Wylan was born to one of the richest families in the country, they both suffer greatly at its hands - arguably even in similar ways.

*Spoilers ahead!!!!*

Ok so this particular thought occurred to me a little while ago, and it was first sparked by the conversation Van Eck has with Inej at the beginning of Crooked Kingdom when holding her captive. He tells her he is not “a brute” but has simply “employed the methods you are most accustomed to - threats, violence” and her immediate response is “He sounded like Tante Heleen”. She goes on to remember Heleen’s words saying “Why do you make me do these things? You bring these punishments on yourself, girl”. So of course there’s this immediate link between them, and I would argue that the parallels are perpetuated throughout the novel as well. Quickly want to add as well that it’s really interesting to see Tante Heleen call her “girl”, because although this denies Inej identity and aligns greatly with the way she sobs at hearing her own name said aloud for the first time in a year when she meets Kaz, it doesn’t come across as immediately dehumanising in the way that other epithets used against her, like “little Lynx”, do. But interestingly enough, I actually think that it still is a dehumanising word when it comes from Heleen - because she does not see “her girls” as human. First of all, whenever the children at the Menagerie are referred to as “girls” it’s always in an entirely possessive manner - “your girl will he returned to you” “where is my girl?” “That is not my girl” (these are literally all from one scene, and there are way more throughout the books) - but the idea is only intensified by Inej’s own sentence: “not really people, not even really girls.”. As if “girls” and “people” are two separate entities. As if “girls” are not human. This is the language and the attitude that she was surrounded by at the Menagerie and is still surrounded by in the city, and what was forced upon her throughout her experiences in the country. But you know what else might be a genuinely horrifying little detail of this????? Inej may have actually taught herself that the words “people” and “girls” are not synonymous. Because when Inej was brought to Kerch she wasn’t fluent in the language, she spoke some of it and quickly learnt the rest through circumstance, so if this was the way she heard Kerch people use the word “girl” this is how she would internalise the definition of it. I hope this makes sense I’m not sure if I’m relating my thoughts very clearly, it’s kind of like how Matthias was forced to learn Kerch because he was in a Kerch prison so he doesn’t know words that would easily come to him in Fjerdan, like the snow goggles, but instead of simply having gaps Inej has actually learnt a false grammar system that defines “girl” as a dehumanising term because it means someone who is less than or someone who is property. Anyway, that was quite a tangent so let’s keep going.

I talked quite a lot about Wylan’s experience with abuse in my post about the similarities between him and Kaz so I won’t go into too much detail here (if you want to read that though it’s on my page, it’s called Kaz and Wylan’s Potential to Become Each Other, I can tag anyone who’d like to be tagged) but I want to mention the way Van Eck has conditioned his son to blame himself for everything he’s been through, rather than his father. Wylan actively blames himself, even after he discovers what his father did to Marya he says to Jesper “you don’t understand, it’s my fault” because he believes that Van Eck needed a convenient way of getting rid of her so he could remarry and have a child that he didn’t view as “defective”.

I want to talk about Inej during the bathroom scene in Crooked Kingdom, specifically focusing on the fact that this is really the moment she is most open about her trauma and reveals herself to be at her most vulnerable. Now I could talk for DAYS about the way she expresses herself in this scene in comparison to Kaz and why their vulnerabilities differ in different moments, but I’m trying to stay on track so maybe I’ll talk about that another time, the focus here is that in this moment when she is her most open with another character about what she went through she tells Kaz that “Tante Heleen wasn’t always cruel” and explains emotional abuse and manipulation that Heleen layered with her physical and financial abuse. It so importantly echoes Van Eck’s abuse of Wylan, because ultimately he was always an emotionally abusive and manipulative person. Discovering that Wylan couldn’t read at age 8 didn’t magically switch him from a loving husband and father to the monster we see in the duology, and it is implied that he was abusing Marya in some form prior to sending her away. But Wylan clings to the things that his father did that seem loving, at least on the surface, and blames himself for any problems in his parents marriage - “they argued a lot, sometimes about me. But I remember them laughing a lot too”. (The quote is along those lines sorry I don’t have my book on me right now). This quote always intrigued me because not only does Wylan label himself as the common denominator in any issues they had, he also quickly jumps in to add defence as if their relationship is never supposed to be touched upon or examined too closely. Wylan also says “My father trusts himself first, Alys only so far”, which is really interesting to me because it clearly implies that there is a limit to anything positive Van Eck shares with his supposed loved ones. I don’t think there’s supposed to be any implication that Van Eck is abusing Alys right now, but if you disagree please let me know if be interested to hear it, but I do think that we’re supposed to be aware that he would begin to do so further down the line.

Ok I won’t lie to you guys I’ve kind of lost track of my point, so I’m gonna leave this here for now and if I decide to add anything later then I’ll reblog to continue. If anyone would like to add anything please do, and thanks for reading!

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rorygilmoreclown · 11 months

Text

The Window

A window

Kaz Brekker x Reader

Prompt: I can’t stop imagining him with a reader or oc that’s just absolutely fucking insane and feeding off this shit. Like during this whole scene she’s going feral or giggly or something. And all the other crows are so used to her being crazy and Jesper is like: “Don’t mind her gentlemen, she’s just missing a few screws… okay maybe all of them.”

Note: A little note for everyone, I don’t mean to disrespect the bond Inej and Kaz have, I myself am a huge worshipper of Kanej. Just for the plot sake of this fic, the contents have some comments which might make you feel like I’m anti Kanej, but I’m not. Thankyou.

Wordcount: 2.1k

Inej climbed the walls to the topmost window since she knew that you and Kaz would most likely be scheming there. She stood outside the window, undetected to anyone who would be glancing at the window from the inside, a habit of the beloved spy she had become for the crows. Afterall, she was the eyes and the ears for the Dregs, how could she not know every single detail being planned. A part of her also knew that it was due to the curiosity about how the two most insane people in Ketterdam could find a longing devotion towards each other, and also a bet she’d entered against Jesper.

If anything happens tonight, if every plan goes awry, run away from this mess and . Inej almost thought that the later half of the sentence would be asking you to stay away from Pekka Rollins, but yet again, she had underestimated the bond that Dirtyhands and his beloved assassin, you, shared. And ensure that you torture Pekka Rollins and destroy him. Even if I’m not with you, although I suppose that my absence would inevitably send you down that path.

You knew Inej was listening through the window, and you wouldn’t really blame her for doing that. You laughed. Brick by Brick will turn into fragment by fragment until it’s all dust Kaz, I can assure you that. You said as you strolled away from the table and towards the window. Your feet make no sound, as if you were swimming under the water. And besides, nothing can go wrong when it’s our planning being turned into a play.

Inej was baffled. She thought that a sane partner would have probably asked you to escape and lead a different life, but nothing about this was normal. Afterall, this was Kaz Brekker. Our play has the most perfect dolls. Even the ones who try to spy on us. You leaned through the window and smirked a little at Inej, as if you had won some game. Inej knew that it was her cue to enter the room.

Kaz just ignored the slight irritation he felt by the interruption. I hope that all the preparations have been made. You could hear the need for only an affirmative response. Wylan's brought the compound. Jesper's helping load it in. Yes, it is all in place, boss. Your eyes secretly met her and in an unsaid medium of communication, she conveyed to you that the arrangements asked to be made by you as a backup plan had also been made. Kaz didn’t miss that, but trusted you enough to know that it isn’t something adverse.

After a rehearsal of the plan, everyone went on their own routes. You went with Inej to the fifth harbour. Both of you fit perfectly hidden within the shadows and the ropes of the ships. You got started with your job instantly, Inej jumping off to cover the lower deck as you breezed through the upper one. Your feet light, using a trick you stole from a previous circumstantial acquaintance with whom you had been trained, Dunyasha.

Shortly after Inej gave you the signal to leave without her. Knowing and trusting her skills and intentions, you left the harbour. Before you’d go and watch the final act, you made a pit stop at the menagerie as well. Choosing to leave them a little present of freedom by contaminating their work environment. Good, you thought, they won't be able to start the work for weeks now.

Finally arriving at the club, you notice Nina dragging a willingly being dragged Kaz. It was fun to watch them from a distance. You slipped in without anyone noticing and sat down at the little front bar, waving cheerfully at Nina. You saw that Kaz was still on the ground. As angry as you were with Pekka Rollins, it was adorable of him to even think that he could harm Kaz. You watched as Pekka threw a kick onto Kaz ribs and as he kneeled in pain. I have to say, this isn’t how I had imagined Kaz Brekker to be kneeling but this works too. All heads turned towards you, and the guns of the Dime Lions with them. Leave her, she won't interfere with my artsy process of destroying this bastard. Rollins almost warned the members.

You knew Kaz was confused as well. The plan was that you would stay on the window sill which was high above and only interfere or indicate your presence if and when needed or signalled. What are you doing here? Kaz’s tone was threatening as well as disappointed at the same time.

Your heartrender isn't the only one who knows how to double cross you Brekker. Rollins said as he let himself smile, thinking that it was the end for the bastard. You knew Kaz would connect the dots and know that you were on his side. Now where were we? You saw Kaz being beaten up, each strike encouraging the raging urge to reduce Pekka to nothing. But you had to maintain your front. After a while of this, the sweet and loud sound of the siren fell on everyone’s ears, followed by Edyck, a dime lion, who had come to inform the pleasant news of your plan succeeding.

You went forward without anyone noticing and helped Kaz stand upright. Slowly retreating as Kaz put the final act into place. There will be outbreaks at all of your establishments. And only yours. The path of contagion will be clear. A ship in your harbour spread the disease to your clubs. You saw the colour being drained from Rollins’ face, yet trying to maintain a facade for the sake of any change of revenge or escape from this situation. What did you do, boy?

Oh why give him all the credit Rollins. I know a certain someone who might have helped. You spoke as you took a sip of the cold concoction you had forced the bartender to summon. Now, the guns were turned towards you as well. I’ll have my own revenge on you later, you foolish girl.

And that was enough for Kaz to put his next pawn into place, now completely knowing that Rollins deserved it. You laughed out loud, startling the bartender as well as the people who had their guns aimed at you. There's nothing an island nation fears more than disease. The Merchant Council's going to want a proper investigation. Kaz explained to Pekka, who was busy loading bullets. You knew one of them would be aimed at you too.

Hmm. You got my attention. But you're not worth the time it'll take to put a bullet in your head. You saw Jesper enter silently as Pekka spoke. He took a seat next to you. You passed him a glass as he scoffed. You knew that it was aimed at your antics. Fifth Harbor is shut down. You got up from your seat. Kaz interrupted, breaking your chance of giving Pekka a monologue, Your businesses are tainted.

My businesses will be fine. But you- Pekka said. You gave him a scoff as you spoke up, And you were calling me insane when you’re the one that is living in denial. Ignoring the gun he had shoved in Kaz’s face. I'd reconsider. If you want to see your Kaelish prince again. Pekka knew exactly who Kaz was talking about. Afterall, Rollins was the one who had assigned the job of keeping the little boy safe, to you. Big mistake. Yet, he didn’t want to give anything away. Oh. What are you gonna do? You gonna blow it up again? You need to learn some new tricks.

Your other Kaelish prince. You continued the next part for Kaz. Fond of sweets. Blond hair.

Alby. You raised the glass you had in your hand and offered it to Kaz. If the devil could smile, that’s where Kaz Brekker learned it from. He gave you a crooked smile, taking the glass from you and gulping it down. I have to say Brekker, blood on your face and smirk on your lips suits you. You winked at him. If this wasn’t enough for Pekka to be furious, you didn’t know what was. I will kill everything you love, Brekker. Pekka moved the gun and aimed it at you now. I will kill your little assassin, and bury her right under the remains of your previous Crow Club. You saw how Kaz clenched his fist, controlling himself to not just put a bullet in Pekka’s head right then and there. Despite the circumstances, you found this little action sweet.

A loud giggle escaped your lips. Gaining extremely confused glances by all the members. Jesper spoke out from the corner, ignoring the implication of a kid being kidnapped by Kaz and you, trying to laugh his doubt away. Mentally, he was kneeling on his knees and praying to whatever God he could remember Inej prayed to. Don’t mind her gentlemen, she’s just missing a few screws.

That’s the difference Pekka, between us and you, you know that he is your weakness, we know that we are each other's strength. Go ahead, kill one of us. Go ahead, taint your carpet with the blood of Crows. But remember, that Crows remember who have wronged them and done them right. The minute you harm us, you will never even get to hear the harsh piano your stupid kid plays. Kaz spoke, he had a teasing tone to his entire threat.

Kaz, the darling love of my life, that’s the most romantic thing anyone has ever done for me. You saw Nina shake her head in disapproval and disbelief. What did you do? You could hear the fear in his voice. I buried him. Six feet deep. Kaz paused after every word. Giving Rollins some time to digest the news. He went into that box so easily. Didn't even cry, until I took this from him. You finished for Kaz. You showed Pekka the little wooden lion which you had stolen way back when you were on the job to protect Alby.

Where's my son?

The whole thing ended about an hour ago. You were sitting on the windowsill of Kaz’s office. Kaz opted to settle the rest of the things with Per Haskel at the dregs club, before coming and resting. He entered the room, looking exhausted.

Didn’t sleep yet? Kaz inquired. Normally, you would have gone to your room and slept. But not today. You finally had found a moment alone with Kaz, the two of you leaning against the window. The adrenaline of the confrontation as well as the proximity coursed through your veins, but there was also a sense of closeness, of unity.

"You were brilliant, Kaz," you murmured, the note of admiration evident in your voice. "I don't know how you keep coming up with these strategies." Kaz's lips curled into a small smile, his gloved hand reaching out to intertwine his fingers with yours. You knew that he was resisting a lot.

He could sense your hesitance, he knew the reason behind it as well. It had taken him years to be able to just be comfortable being so close to you. But he knew he wanted all of that, to feel your touch, to be so close to you.

I have good inspiration, he replied softly. A team that I trust implicitly and a maniac who supports all my decisions. All this soft talk was always reserved for you and the room. When I’d first told you about the Alby, had you thought that it was a bluff or an actual plan.

Kaz, don’t be stupid, I know when you are bluffing. It’s a very obvious tell.

It wasn’t any obvious tell. You just knew Kaz, so you got lucky with this guess.

Don't worry, you laughed at his bewildered look, you still look hot while lying. The night went on. Despite being so tired, neither of you could sleep. So the night was spent on the window, planning every single heist possible, making plans to take down the rest of the city. This was definitely proving to be the best date like day ever.

—---

A/n: A little bonus for you guys. For being so late.

Kaz: I have a very important question to ask you guys.

Jesper: We know. You have never assembled a meeting consisting of all of us if you didn’t have any serious reasons.

Kaz: Do I have a tell when I lie.

Inej: As far as I can tell, and I say this on behalf of everyone, we wouldn’t know.

Kaz: (disappointed)

Kaz: Okay, that’s okay. Do I ever look hot? Because apparently that's when I express my tell.

Insert bewildered crows.

-----

Taglist: @neonlight2

#six of crows #grishaverse #shadow and bone #kaz brekker #kaz x reader #kazzle dazzle #soc #six of crows kaz #six of crows x reader #kaz x y/n #inej ghafa #kaz x you

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luna-writes-stuff · 2 years

Text

The Crows in relationships, but as Taylor Swift songs:

Includes Kaz Brekker, Inej Ghafa, Jesper Fahey, Wylan van Eck, Nina Zenik, Matthias Helvar

Perfectly readable for non-Swifties <3

Fanfic headcanons, with short blurbs.

X gn! Reader

Kaz Brekker: Don’t Blame Me

As expected, Kaz might be the least likely (next to Inej) to engage in a romantic relationship, and all with good reason, of course. Would he fall, he’d know it, and he’d try to hide it. But it’s the little things he does that make it obvious how he cares for you. He isn’t one good with words, so his actions try to make up for it. And it’s not that he desperately wants to show you he cares, it just happens. For example, early mornings you wake up with your cup of tea or coffee next to you, still hot, indicating he had just entered. When leaving the Slat, he always hands you your coat. He saves you a seat during dinner or breakfast. Little things that really stand out.

“For you, I would cross the line. I would, waste my time. I would, lose my mind.”

Even when officially together, he doesn’t prance around announcing it to everyone. He wouldn’t even tell the crows. Jesper found out because he was pestering Kaz about you, to which he casually responded with “But we’re dating.” Yet, besides Jesper, everyone just figured it out on their own. Kaz doesn’t like to make a big deal out of it, but literally everyone else does. It is not that he wishes to keep your relationship a secret, he just doesn’t see why it should be world news.

“Echoes, of your name inside my mind. Halo, hiding my obsession. I once was poison ivy, but now I’m your daisy.”

Be that as it may, it doesn’t mean Kaz is very condescending towards your relationship. He appreciates it more than he lets on, but he doesn’t want to alter his entire “bastard of the barrel” reputation. Little does he know that you only amplify the tales. Though you might not be as intimidating as him, people know who you are, and start to hesitate their actions on you as well. At times, you can be very grateful for this. Especially in Ketterdam.

You run through his mind almost constantly. He manages to not show it, but every time, when planning a heist, the first role he has thought out is yours. He trusts you and isn’t overly protective, but he does hesitate on your choices sometimes. He can’t help it, though he knows only you can set boundaries for yourself.

“If you walk away, I’d beg you on my knees to stay.”

As stated, he might not show it, but he has no intention of letting you go any time soon. He keeps you close to him constantly and likes these little reminders that you are still there. Hell, whole of Ketterdam should be frightened the day something happens to you. No one, and I mean no one, would be save. He’d tear the entire city down just to get back to you.

——

Inej Ghafa: Afterglow

Now, Inej is the kind of person who’d be interested in a relationship, but can’t bring herself to actually enter one, due to obvious reasons. She needs time and patience. Perhaps more than Kaz. With her, everything is build on trust and time. She decides when she wants things to happen and when she wants to be alone. And she can be very clear on that, sometimes rather rudely when everything just piles up. You know it’s not your fault, and you assure her that you’ll give her some time and that you don’t blame her, but she often feels guilty for this.

“Fighting with a true love, is boxing with no gloves. Chemistry ‘til it blows up, ‘til there’s no us.”

Arguments don’t really happen between the two of you. More of the “I need you to give me some space now” moments. And true, it isn’t always pleasant, but it is something to keep in mind. But when coming back around, she is the sweetest person. Though you told her many times she does not need to apologize for looking after herself, she will. With tea, flowers, hell; she even bought you a book once just to say sorry.

“Hey, it’s all me in my head. I’m the one who burned us down, but it’s not what I meant. Sorry that I hurt you, I don’t wanna do this to you. I don’t wanna lose this with you.”

She does not really cuddle, but she isn’t distant either. What often happens, is that you are reading on your bed, and she’ll rest her back against yours. Or she’ll place her head on your shoulder and read with you. On rare occasions, her head will be placed in your lap while smiling up at you. When walking, she’ll reach for your hand at times, as a reminder that you’re still there. She’ll hold your hand when the streets turn darker, or when the crowds grow. She is just very cautious and on edge constantly, but you manage to soothe her a great deal.

“Tell me that you’re still mine. Tell me that we’ll be just fine. Even when I lose my mind.”

She needs little words of affirmation. As stated, she might lash out at times, and she feels guilty for that. You only have to remind her that is it okay for her to set her own boundaries. That a relationship works both ways, and not just in favor of one person. It’s these little affirmations that help her get through tough days.

Vice versa, she praises you as well. Where her actions are often hesitant, her words are not. When she cannot express her gratitude or happiness towards you, she’ll say it as it is. No beating around the bush, no lousy conversations. A room can be silent and she’ll suddenly say that you look beautiful today. Nina always reacts very dramatic when she is in the room as well, much to the annoyance of Inej.

——

Jesper Fahey: Paper Rings

How could this not have been the song for your relationship with Jesper? This boy is over the moon when he is around you. What started out with little flirtations and teasing remarks was quick to grow out into something else. When the both of you met, he used to joke with you the entire time, and a lot of compliments of which you weren’t sure whether they were meant as jokes or not. And surprisingly, that is how he ultimately got with you.

“The wine is cold, like the shoulder that I gave you in the street. Cat and mouse for a month of two or three. Now I wake up in the night and watch you breathe.”

Jesper’s love language, besides physical affection, is gifts. He loves to give them more than to receive them. But, true to form, as a crow, he loves shiny things. So you often give him extra rings, bracelets, anything that shines, or sparkles, or looks pretty. And he always tries to beat you with it. It is a competition to him. You give him a new ring? Amazing, but now he’ll have to buy you two or he won’t be able to properly express just how much he loves you. But his money falls through his pockets constantly. This man cannot save money to spare his life. He really tries to buy you things. Genuinely, with money. But he spends it on gambling just as quickly.

So yes, some of the things in your room are stolen.

“I like shiny things, but I’d marry you with paper rings. Uh-huh, that’s right, darling. You’re the one I want.”

But, as I said, another main love language is physical touch. With Jesper, you just cannot escape it. If it makes you feel uncomfortable, he tends to forget it at first. And he does really apologize for it and tries to remember your boundaries, but sometimes he just gets so excited or enthusiastic, he can’t help himself. He’ll engage in sudden hugs, lifting you off of your feet, or smothering your face in kisses. Kisses on your hands, top of your head, back of your shoulder, kisses everywhere.

“Kiss you once, ‘cause I know you had a long night. Kiss you twice, ‘cause it’s gonna be alright. Three times, ‘cause you’ve waited your whole life.”

Jesper turns into a hopeless romantic around you, really. He’ll do very cliche stuff, such as offering you his jacket when you get cold, kissing you whenever it rains, feeding you, drinking from the same glass with two straws etc. The sappy actions often disgust Kaz, but that’s part of the reason Jesper keeps doing it. Would you ask him, he’d see the rest of his life by your side. He is the kind of person to just abandon all sanity and possessions just to be with you, hence the “I like shiny things, but I’d marry you with paper rings.”

——

Wylan Van Eck: I Know Places

A relationship with Wylan can be both endearing and adorable, but depending on how long you’ve known him, it changes. Having had grown up with him, he finds himself extremely comforted by your mere presence. Whenever life would get a little hard on him again, or his father decided to have had enough of him for the day, he always ran to you, a safe space to just let everything out.

“Something happens when everybody finds out. See the vultures circling dark clouds. Love’s a fragile little flame, it can burn out.”

Have you met him with the Dregs, this might have been a different experience. Though he does not necessarily hide he is the son of Jan van Eck, it is obvious he does not like to discuss the whole thing. But with patience, and encouraging words, he slowly opens up, talking about his struggle with reading and writing, which he later grows more confident in telling. Knowing about his dyslexia, you spent a lot of night with him, reading a book with him, though more often you read to him. But he enjoys it either way. It’s how he still gets to know a lot of different stories, and it is great quality time in his eyes.

“I know places we won’t be found. And they’ll be chasing their tales trying to track us down, ‘cause I know places we can hide.”

The two of you have a lot of time together, and if not, you will create it. There are many places you discovered together, where the crowds aren’t overly present, and words don’t reach. Going back there just to get that moment of peace calms him down a lot. Especially if he is there with you. A lot of places are surrounded by beautiful scenery, so he often takes a sketch book with him, forgetting all other surroundings. He prefers to have you there with him as he does it. Not so much to talk or to not feel lonely, but because he truly feels safe and loved around you, and if he could help it, he’d rather have that with him at all times.

“They are the hunters, we are the foxes. And we run. Just grab my hand and don’t ever drop it, my love.”

If not obvious yet, his biggest love language is quality time. He does not have to actively engage in something, or talk to anyone for that matter. Just sitting in a corner with you is enough for him.

Another love language, which is perhaps a more specific one, is sharing his works with you. He likes to have you take a lot at what he’s doing, or what he has made, before he goes prancing around and showing it to others. Art, regardless in what form, is very fragile, and could easily break the spirit of an artist’s heart when fallen in the wrong hands or eyes. Having him show his work to you, means a lot to both you and him. The two of you are very much aware how much it means to the other.

——

Nina Zenik: New Year’s Day

Where to even start with this song? Nina is the kind of person you can party with, have a lot of fun with, but she is also there through the tougher times. Everything you go through, you never have to go through alone. She insists on staying with you and offering you a safe embrace or encouraging words. She’ll help you with everything she can, even as you tell her it isn’t necessary. She finds it very important.

“Don’t read the last page. But I stay, when you’re lost and I’m scared, and you’re turning away. I want your midnights. But I’ll be cleaning up bottles with you on New Year’s Day.”

Nina’s main love languages are words of affection and physical affection, though the first on is more obvious. She is very vocal on her love for you, and doesn’t hold it back in front of anyone. She doesn’t really care. But she’ll respect your opinions about the whole ordeal. If you wished to keep the relationship more private and closed off, she’ll try to keep her mouth shut more often. But she’s just very happy when she is around you, and it causes her to run her mouth a bit too much at times. But it’s all very sweet, and meant in the best ways possible.

“I’ll be there if you’re the toast of the town, babe. Or if you strike out and you’re crawling home.”

Regardless of the constant attention and love she gives you, she tends to get insecure, but keep it to herself. She doesn’t often doubt her relationship with you, but when times get tough for her, she tends to shut herself out, and you - of course - want her to stay with you. To help her out as she always helped you out. But Nina has trouble discussing these issues, so she’ll sit in her room in fear, rather than discuss her problems. All she really needs is a little patience and understanding.

“Please don’t ever become a stranger whose laugh I can recognize anywhere.”

Then we move to physical affection; Nina is not afraid to smooch you in front of everyone. Both her and Jesper could not really care about it. She loves to show you off in any way she can, and sometimes words just don’t suffice. That’s what she tells you, at least.

Every time she walks past you, she’ll kiss your cheek. Every time you’re walking past her, she’ll stand up and wrap her arms around you in an enthusiastic hug. Hands are always held in front of others, or arms intertwined. Naturally, she has a calming effect on you, and vice versa. She keeps telling you she doesn’t use her powers on you to call you down, but she does. You know this, obviously. But you appreciate the gesture, so you simply pretend as if you believe her.

——

Matthias Helvar: Willow

Matthias is more of a doubting lover, though very loyal. He has other customs than most - obviously - so conversations or actions might often be weird to him. But he adjusts easily, and just goes with you. But regardless of what you will do, he will follow you and support you through it, even as he has no idea why you do certain things. He is very encouraging and wants you to feel happy and fulfilled 24/7, and if it means stepping out of his comfort zone, he will.

“The more that you say, the less I know. Wherever you stray, I’ll follow. I’m begging for you to take my hand, wreck my plans.”

A relationship with Matthias contains lots of stories. And I mean lots of them. Not only things he has seen, or things you have done, but also tales and lores. Hell, you even make your own stories and keep expanding them. Late nights are always spent talking over a warm cup of tea, that slowly turns cold.

Though he might not always show it, he loves to have you around him. Stubborn talks and useless fights be damned, he will not leave your side for longer than a day. He doesn’t want to stay away for too long, in case something happens. And with everything going on in Ketterdam and Fjerda, you can never be too safe.

“As if you were a mythical thing. Like you were a trophy or a champion ring. There was one price I’d cheat to win.”

He is great in acts of service. Yet, unlike Kaz, his gestures get noticed more easily. He will do the things you promised to get on later, or he will protect your name when you aren’t around. It’s very noticeable, but endearing. He truly does care about you, and though he doesn’t shout it from the streets, he does like for others to know. Of course, would you be a Grisha, it might have been a bumpy ride at first, but his pride in having you at his side doesn’t fade.

“Wait for the signal and I’ll meet you after dark. Show me the places where the others gave you scars.”

As said, he is very supportive and will help you achieve your goals. He is very much aware that a lot of your goals must be accomplished by you, and cannot easily be helped with, but he will cheer you on regardless. He wishes to simply be with you when you finally reach that point you had wanted to reach. Seeing your smile and happiness that comes with it? He will not want to miss that for the world.

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sister-of-the-brotherband · 10 months

Text

Roadtrip

Little drabble in my modern setting au. I have planned longer fics too but I got this idea in my head and had to get it out. Wrote it on my phone cause my laptop's broken, and I hate doing that so it probably sounds rushed.

*************************************************

"Hey! Wulf is touching me! He won't stop-"

"I am not! Shut up, I'm not! You don't know what you're talking about— stop hitting me!"

"Both of you shut it! Gods, between you two and the disgusting cologne Stefan insists ilon drowning himself in-"

"Hey! Leave me alone! Do you guys hear this? I'm just minding my business and Lydia decides to make a personal attack-"

The voices in the back of the van overlapped, the pitch and volume rising to make the already small space seem stifling. Hal took a deep breath and made the conscious effort to relax the death grip he had on the wheel. The tension bled out of him for all of three seconds before a piercing shriek echoed through the vehicle.

With any other passengers Hal would have been thoroughly enjoyed the evening. As late as it was, there were few cars out and navigation was never an issue. Even in unfamiliar towns, Hal's uncanny sense of direction meant he rarely relied on any kind of navigator. It was just as well, too. Stig had "volunteered" to sit shotgun and run the GPS, then had proceeded to fall asleep within five minutes of their departure.

As it was, the clamor in the backseat rather ruined the calm atmosphere. Should have taken two cars, Hal thought ruefully. Originally he had planned to split the group up in two vehicles for this exact reason. Surprisingly, it was Jesper who argued in favor for traveling in one big groups for "family bonding" purposes.

Unsurprisingly, Jesper was fast asleep on Stefan's shoulder. He wore a peaceful smile, utterly oblivious to the chaos he had indirectly caused.

Hal wracked his brain for a way put of his predicament. His knee-jerk reaction was to yell but there were only so many variations of "I swear I'll turn this car around" he could think of. For a split second, he even considered bailing out of the car completely.

Deep down he knew there was little he could do if they continued driving. After three hours on the road, his friends were getting bored and he could hardly blame them. One could only sit through so many games of "I spy" and "stack the pretzels on Ingvar" before growing tired. Hal knew he would be in a similar state had he not been driving.

A quick glance in the mirror allowed Hal to survey the current state of his passengers. Stig, Ingvar, and Jesper were all slumbering peacefully. Edvin was staring out the window, his face disclosing absolutely nothing about whatever mood he was in. Ulf and Wulf, despite arguing the entire drive, were still sitting as close together as possible and bickering quietly. Stefan and Lydia were solidly locked in argument.

Lydia's lips were pressed into a hard line, and her angry flush was obvious despite her dark skin. "I don't want to go over this again. You aren't listening!"

"I am listening," Stefan said, "But you're not making sense. There's no good reason someone should have to wait until they're eighteen to get a driver's license. How are they supposed to get around?"

Lydia threw her arms into the air. "They can take a bus! Or a train. What kind of people trust teenagers to drive around before they're even out of school?"

Hal sighed audibly. This was an ongoing argument between the two. No amount of redirecting or input from outside parties mattered to them, it was merely a test of stubbornness and sheer unwillingness to change opinions at this point. Hal was took it as a sign that everyone had almost reached their limit.

"Stig!" He hissed. No response. His best friend had a strange ability to sleep through anything, which Hal found unusual for such an attentive person. He raised his voice a little. "Stig! Wake up!"

Stig cracked one eye, mumbled a sleepy "no thank you", and rolled over. Or, he tried to. The seat belt restrained him, as seatbelts tend to do. Realization dawned on his face as he noticed the distinct lack of bed and blankets around him. "Oh. Hey, uh.. what time is it?"

Hal glanced at the clock display. "It's... well it's definitely not 4:07." The clock had not been right once since Hal had bought the van. He would change it but he only noticed while driving, and always forgot as soon as he got where he was going. But that fact did nothing to stop him from checking it whenever he needed the time. He tapped the screen of his phone where it sat on the center console, instead. "It's almost 9:30."

Stig paused in the middle of a stretch. "You mean I slept for almost three hours?" Hal nodded confirmation. Stig glance meaningfully into the back seat. "Through... whatever this is?"

"You were snoring to wake the dead, so I hope you were asleep," said Hal.

Stig snorted. He and Hal had very different opinions on his snoring. Personally, it had never bothered him. "Well, they obviously didn't take notice."

Hal considered that. "Well, no. They probably thought the engine was just running louder than usual."

Stig had no good response to that. He decided it best to shift the topic of conversation. "So, how much longer?"

Hal swiftly took to the change. "Bout an hour, maybe more. I'm thinking of stopping to give that lot a break," he jerked his thumb towards the backseat, "and maybe get some food."

"Ok, not a bad idea. But, don't forget the last time we all went out for food." Stig said.

Hal held his had up. "I thought we agreed not to talk about that. Besides, I'll lay some ground rules and it'll be fine."

Stig was still dubious. "Fine" was not the word he would use. Still, he was starving too. He relented. "Alright. If you think it'll be ok, I'll go with it. Where are we stopping?"

Edvin chose that moment to make his presence known. "I think we should go to McDonald's," he said, right in Stig's ear.

Stig jumped, then cursed. "Gods, Edvin. We need to get you a bell."

Hal considered that. He usually liked to let people vote on the places they went, so everyone felt they had a voice in the plans. He was about to say so, when Edvin beat him to it.

"I know what you're thinking. But, if you leave it up to discussion they'll never agree. Everyone will find something they like there. Also, I want nuggets."

Stig narrowed his eyes at him. "Why are you so good at getting what you want?"

Edvin didn't reply, just winked slowly and faded into the back seat.

Stig peered at hom for a second, then directed his gaze back to Hal. "So, McDonald's?"

Hal nodded. "It'll be fine," he said confidently.

Stig looked at him, long and hard. "It literally never is."

It was, surprisingly, fine. Fourty-five minutes after pulling into a sketchy McDonald's, the group was all accounted for back in the van. Most importantly, it was quiet again. Edvin had resumed his window staring. The twins had finally moved away from eachother and were both absorbed in their phones. Lydia was fast asleep, as was Stefan.

Jesper was awake, but sitting completely frozen in his seat. Stefan had fallen asleep on his shoulder, mirroring the earlier position. Jesper was unwilling to risk waking him by even talking, which Hal saw as a blessing from some divine force.

Stig was also awake, absentmindedly flipping through radio channels. "I was wrong, he said with a wide smile, startling Hal. "It actually was fine."

An hour later, they were finally at the hotel. As the sleepy bunch began unloading, Hal reflected. His friends might be hard to handle, but in the end, he could never be more grateful to the family he had found.

The sentiment lasted for a good moment this time, until someone threw a bag right at his head.

*************************************************

Ok so that wasn't as long as I wanted (damn it laptop), or as well written. The end was definitely forced :,). I don't have a super great grasp on the character dynamics yet but I'll get there. Btw these fics won't be in any real order, just whenever I get an idea. Eventually I'll probably put them all together in ao3.

#brotherband chronicles #brotherband #john flanagan #modern au #my au stuff #short ficlet #drabble

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lilisouless · 1 year

Text

I already posted this, BUT season 2 is coming next year and i need and updated version, rebbloging the old one is not enought

Don’t-harrass-the-actors-or-crew 2.0 (A lot of this is the same text as before, but updated)

If Ben Barnes likes Darklina ,no bashing ,no calling him an abuse apologist or anything like that (again)

If Jessie Mei Li likes Darklina,Malina , Nikolina, Genyalina,Zoyalina, Alina/Tamar or even single!Alina, it´s their experience as an actor,their perspective ,their opinion and must not be treated as a “feminist traitor” or something like that. NEW: Also leave alone conspiracy theories that when they shows liking for Darklina,they are being genuine but if they speak in favor of Malina, they are being manipulated by netflix (yes, people already did that)

If Archie Renaux likes Malina, don't bash or harrass him (AGAIN)

If you don’t like Mal remember, Archie didn’t wrote the script

If you don’t like Alina, Jessie didn’t wrote the script

If you don’t like the Darkling,Ben didn’t wrote the scripts (you get the idea)

And since fandom (not this in particular,just any fandom) will take any excuse to do girl hate: Don’t hate on Sujaya Dasgupta as much as you could dislike her character. NEW: She didn't wrote the script (something people doesn't seem to get)

NEW: Whatever they do with Nikolai: Patrick didn't wrote the script, and he wasn't the one who had a hand over being choosen over Robert Wilde, he only auditioned.

Also, take in count Patrick probably had to do chemistry tests with Jessie but not Sujaya AND he will spend way more time with the first one. So there is a high chance he may ship Nikolina over Zoyalai and thats okay! there is no need to hate him for that.

NEW:

As much as i want Show!Tolya to be canon aroace and for Leigh to confirm it as canon after all those hints: If Lewis ships Tolya with someone, or if the show gives him a LI (we don't know if Vanessa Grace is actually playing a character, the imdb is incomplete since it doesn't have Adrik nor Jordie) don't hate him for it, since is not completely confirmed on the books and the blame would be on netflix for wasting representation material.

NEW:

Have you seen people giving Amita, Freddy,Kit or Dani a bad time, for bad things that were done with their characters and focussing the critism on the script and/or casting directors? Also: Freddy,Amita and Kit all support Malina, have you seen people attaking them? (other than a couple of joke responses to Kit)? Well, you can do the same! Not harrasing people doesn't hurt. I have the feeling this is because everyone knows the SoC part of the fandom won't let them live if they touch any of the crow actors (reason i am not too worried about Jack). The only i have seen is that person who put down Amita´s acting in order to highlight Ben´s , which fortunetaly was just one person and even Ben Barnes fans called them on that one. If you can show decency to them, you can do it with the other actors.

And Kuwei hasn't been casted yet but i´ll get ahead: don’t bash on his actor ,even if they cast someone who ships Kuwei and Jesper, he´ll deserve respect.

I know there are more new characters but, i am mostly sure no one will have a problem with Anna &Joanna and/or Kit & Jack liking their character´s ships , nor that Zoyalai shippers would come after Alistair for Adrik´s canon crush on Zoya.

Oh yeah, almost forgot: Don't give Joanna a hard time for reemplacing Gabrielle

We are never going to agree in a lot of things,but lets not be that fandom that harrases real people over ships or characters. NEW: Lets say the fandom was mostly tame, but the toxic behaviour should not be "low" it should be "zero"

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heartrender6 · 1 year

Text

horrifyingly angsty fic idea (!!crooked kingdom spoilers!!)

spoilers under the cut

that line "the way you let my mother live" but he actually does. van eck breaks wylans mind and then sticks him at saint hilde. the plan still works out because kaz always has a backup plan, but van eck tells them he killed wylan after getting the plan out of him and the crows think they lost wylan as well as matthias.

kaz knew from the beginning but doesn't try to get him out because he truly believes that it is the best place for wylan to be bc of the state he's in. he goes to visit him every so often to make sure he's being treated well but also because he feels immensely guilty, the same way he blamed himself for jordie's death. he curses himself for feeling that way because he hates admitting that he felt anything for his crows. the truth is that kaz really liked how wylan's stubbornness bled into his hope and the way he refused to let the world beat the goodness out of him but kaz couldn't save him from it forever bc now wylan is stuck in a room with all the life sucked out of him.

meanwhile jesper thinks wylan is dead and is not only completely stricken with grief, but also loneliness. matthias is dead, nina left for ravka, inej is off at sea and the only crows left are kaz and jesper and jesper obviously can't seek any comfort from kaz because... kaz. the other dregs are still his friends ofc but like they just don't understand. they didn't know wylan. and he's lost friends and even lovers before, but this is different because wylan had made him believe they had a better chance and that people could be good but jesper's hope died with wylan.

of course jesper eventually finds out, and is furious with kaz for not telling him. kaz has kept him in the dark before but never about something like THIS. kaz admits that he didn't tell jesper because he thought he was being merciful and feels like he himself would be better off thinking wylan was dead instead of this empty husk of a boy that haunts him just like jordie does. jesper is angry and confused because ??? since when is kaz brekker merciful??

he doesn't know if he can forgive kaz for this so he goes to visit wylan and ofc he's horrified and wants to stick a bullet in his father but mostly he's just unbelievably happy to see him alive and breathing. slowly they work on getting wylan back. it's not easy or linear but it's worth it, even if he may never fully return back to his old self agian. it takes jesper awhile to repair his friendship with kaz but eventually wylan is the one who convinces him that kaz really didn't mean to hurt him and he's sorry. they get wylan and his mom tf outta there and they live happily ever after. the end.

BONUS: the night before the big auction, nina is thinking about how things are gonna change after this and for a brief moment has an intrusive thought: if one of us had to die, i would rather it be wylan. immediately she's horrified at herself. she loves wylan. he's been nothing but kind to her since the day they met. she can picture his sweet eyes turning sad and dejected if he ever heard her say that. then after he "dies", she's freaked out that maybe this was some kind of manifestation of her new death powers and matthias isn't even there to reassure her. the guilt haunts her for the rest of her life, even after she finds out wylan is alive. thanks for reading ;)

#six of crows #crooked kingdom spoilers #you have been warned #shadow and bone #wylan van eck #kaz brekker #nina zenik #jesper fahey #wesper #bishangzoy #fanfic #sort of #BONUS bonus: inej knew wylan was alive obv because kaz tells her everything and she feels horrible for keeping it from jesper and for #not doing a better job of protecting wylan especially after experiencing van eck's cruelty firsthand #bonus BONUS bonus: wylan can barely think coherently but he wonders where all his friends went and why nobody came for him #what the fuck is wrong with me

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in-my-feels-probably · 9 months

Text

Empyrean - Chapter Nine

Chapter 9

Everyone was exhausted after making it back to the inn. Elham had managed to fall asleep, curled up uncomfortably in a chair next to Kaz’s in the office space. He’d tried to tell her to pick a room with a bed, but she refused to let him be alone with his thoughts. She couldn’t let him drown in them, not after the night’s events unfolding the way they did.

“I’m comfortable enough,” she murmured into her jacket that she balled up to act as a pillow, her eyes closed. “I learned how to sleep in a chair quite well. I had to with you always cooped up in your office. I miss the one you got me. The one I kept by the window at the Crow Club. Remember?”

Her eyes were closed, and she missed the glint in his eye as he pictured the image of her curled up in the chair. She was just as tangled up and contorted in this one as she was the one back home, and yet, she still had a look of peace on her face. He would never understand how she managed it.

He nodded, clearing his throat to speak when he realized her eyes were still closed. “I remember.”

Elham managed to get a few hours of sleep, waking up to the sound of the office door open. She rubbed her eyes, sitting up quickly when she realized it was Inej who had walked through the door. She pulled herself from the chair, quickly wrapping her arms around Inej’s shoulders. Inej held her tightly, settling her cheek against Elham’s arm.

“Where were you?” Kaz asked lowly, making them both pull away.

Inej sighed, taking a step forward. “The Drakonasha was trafficking indentures. I had to set them free.”

Elham’s heart sank at her words, and she laid a comforting hand on Inej’s arm. Inej was always quiet about her past before joining the Crows. Elham knew she had been taken against will, which led to her being indentured to the Menagerie. She knew that Inej had been treated terribly while in Tante Heleen’s service, and she knew that she would never stand by while a fate as terrible as hers was falling upon another little girl.

“Kaz, maybe you should listen–”

He wasn’t in the headspace to listen, too angry to let her try and talk him down. “We had a plan!”

“It was unexpected,” Inej tried to rationalize. “I had to make a decision in the moment.”

“You chose strangers over your crew.”

Elham’s mouth fell open in shock, but she stayed quiet, knowing it wasn’t her place to speak. This was between them, and they needed to work it out themselves. Inej took another step forward, Kaz turning in his chair to face her.

“I did as I was told, I got the note to the driver. Nina said everything worked out.”

Kaz’s anger bled into his words, his tone sharp and biting. “We didn’t know where you were, Inej. I didn’t know if Pekka hired another assassin to kill you.”

“We just wanted to know if you were safe or not,” Elham added softly, trying to dissolve the tension in the room. “When you didn’t come, we thought something might have happened to you. Not knowing was getting to us.”

“I’m fine,” she said gently, placing her hand in Elham’s. “And I know I was needed…I’m sorry I wasn’t there.”

Kaz’s jaw clenched as he took a sharp breath. He didn’t want to do this. It wasn’t better for anyone if he did this, but he couldn’t risk the safety of the rest of his crew and the success of their plan for someone who couldn’t be relied on, even if letting them go would hurt them all.

“I can’t have a weak link in my crew.” Inej scoffed. “I do one thing without consulting you, and now I’m a weak link? You can’t be serious!”

“I need to know I can count on my Crows. If we can’t rely on each other, we have nothing.”

Elham couldn’t hold back now, placing herself in between Kaz and Inej as she spoke.

“This is ridiculous! Jesper has screwed up before. He spent the kruge we needed for the coal to get us across the Fold. I messed up today. Me. I spoke when I shouldn’t have because I was trying to fight for you, and it could have gotten any one of us hurt. Do you blame me for that? Because if you don’t, why are you blaming her? Inej has saved our asses more times than I can count. She’s been the strongest of us for so many jobs, and this one time is the one you can’t stomach?”

“This one could have gotten one of us killed, Elham!” He spat, speaking softer when her face fell. “It could have gotten you killed.”

And yes, he thought. Yes, I blame you for that. I just can’t bear the thought of letting you go.

Elham was at a loss for words. She tried stuttering out a response, but there was nothing she could say. As much as she wanted to argue, as much as she wanted to fight him, she couldn’t. In a way, he was right. If any one of them let their guard down and steered off the path, it could have devastating repercussions. She knew Inej never intended for it to happen–she probably would have helped the girls on the ship herself–but that didn’t change anything. As unfair as it was, it was a fact. They couldn’t afford to hesitate like that. Not when everything was on the line.

“So just like that..I’m out?” Inej asked, feeling her heart clench in her chest.

Elham watched with tears in her eyes as Kaz slid a piece of paper across the desk, letting her eyes close before the tears fell as he spoke.

“You’re free,” he said, leaning back in his chair. “Now all the indentured in Kerch have a Wraith.”

Without another word, Inej took the quitclaim in her hand and walked out the door. Elham quickly followed, catching her on the stairs as she wrapped her hand around Inej’s wrist. Her voice was desperate as she spoke.

“I’ll talk to him. I’ll get him to see reason, he’s not thinking straight. He’s just angry. I won’t let him let you go, Inej. I promise.”

“Are you free, too?” She asked, holding up her papers. “I assume he got your freedom if he got mine.”

Elham’s eyes widened in realization. In all the chaos, it hadn’t really struck her. The weight of what Kaz made Pekka give up was being lifted off of her shoulders. He had made good on his promise. Not only was Inej safe, no longer indentured to the Menagerie…but so was she. She wouldn’t have to live another day waking up with dread in her heart, not knowing whether or not she would be reduced to a piece of property by the end of it. She wouldn’t have to live another day, wondering if she had done enough to save Inej from her fate.

She finally forced herself to speak. “He did. Kaz made Pekka free us when he cleared our names for the murders.”

“And what will you do with your freedom? Stay by his side?”

Her words hit Elham like a blow to the gut, knocking the wind out of her. Inej’s anger and frustration lessened when she saw the hurt flash across Elham’s face. She didn’t mean for what she said to come across that way, but it did.

If there was a side to be on, Elham would always choose Kaz’s.

No matter what, it was just who she was. She couldn’t help it. And Inej couldn’t blame her for that. If there was one thing Elham was going to be till the end of her days, it was loyal. Even if it meant getting hurt in the process. Even if it meant she'd have no one left by her side but him.

“You deserve better,” Inej mumbled, taking Elham’s hands in hers. “It’s not your fault, El. I don’t blame you. I’ll give him time. But know that if it doesn’t work out, you’ll always have a place with me. Kerch could always use a Wraith and a Valkyrie.”

Elham laughed sadly, squeezing Inej’s hands in hers. It was a beautiful picture she was painting. Being together, saving people who couldn’t save themselves. Always having a friend by her side when she needed one. They could have that life. They really could.

But both of them knew it would never be.

“It would be my honor, Captain Ghafa,” Elham mused, bowing her head as she dramatically curtsied.

Inej giggled, a warm smile on her face. “At ease, soldier. It isn't our time yet.”

—

It was midday by the time everyone gathered back at the inn. Inej had gone for a walk just outside to clear her head, Nina was downstairs in the cafe, and Wylan and Jesper were somewhere or other in the building. Elham was halfway down the stairs when Kaz called her name from the top, stopping her in her tracks.

“Follow me,” he ordered, turning down the hallway.

Elham quirked a brow but obeyed, heading back up the steps and down the corridor that Kaz had just passed through. “What are we doing?”

Kaz turned down another hall, and the doorways suddenly became much more familiar. The low lighting and dingy rugs on the floor were unmistakable, and if there was any doubt in her mind, the stench of whiskey and old linen was confirmation enough to tell her exactly where she was.

The couples suites.

Much like the ones she found Jesper and Wylan in the first time they were together. How could she have forgotten about this place? The image of Jesper hovering over Wylan was burned into her mind, along with the stench of the inn itself. It was a hard place to forget, despite how much she wanted to. The cafe below was much more inviting, and the smell of syrup was much more desirable than the doorway Kaz was leading her to.

Kaz stopped in front of a doorway, waiting for her to catch up. Elham’s eyes widened in shock as she realized why he had asked her to follow him, and she quickly began shaking her head.

“Kaz, no–”

“We have places to be, Elham, and I won’t be the one to drag Jesper out of bed. Get on with it.”

Elham groaned, pouting. What places did they have to be? He had yet to mention anything about it to her. But with one sharp look from Kaz–who was tapping his cane against the floorboards impatiently–she reluctantly gave in. Please open the door, please open the door, please don’t make me come in there, she thought to herself as she knocked on the door with rapid succession.

“No!” Jesper warned from inside, making Elham whine.

“Jesper, please! Don’t make me come in there, you know Kaz will make me if you aren’t out here soon,” Elham begged, resting her forehead against the door.

Kaz rolled his eyes behind her, but he fought a snicker as he heard fumbling on the other side of the door–a sign that Jesper had stumbled out of bed and was attempting to put his pants back on.

“Can’t you give me five more minutes?” Jesper asked, haphazardly pulling on his clothes while Wylan was frozen under the sheets in horror. “What could possibly be so important that you need me right now?”

“I don’t know! But whatever it is, please come downstairs and find out so I don’t have to come in there. I can feel the heat coming from Wylan’s cheeks from all the way out here, and we can all save each other the embarrassment of having to face each other if you just hurry your asses up!”

Finally having had enough of the whining amongst his crew, Kaz knocked again, much louder than Elham had. “Jesper, downstairs. Now.”

Before Jesper could protest, Kaz was already interrupting him. “Ravka needs saving. Hurry up.”

He turned and headed back down the hallway before Elham could even process what he said. She quickly turned her head, rushing to follow after him. Jesper and Wylan were left to hurriedly get dressed on their own, filing out the door and following in Elham’s footsteps soon after she left.

“What?” She asked once she caught back up with Kaz, descending down the stairs next to him. “Why don’t you ever tell me anything?”

He led her to the table where Nina was waiting, taking a seat at the bench. Elham stopped in her tracks when she realized Zoya Nazyalensky–who she had assumed to be captured or dead–was sitting at the other end of the table, along with a tall man with a blade strapped to his vest.

Kaz tapped the base of her ankle with his cane, making Elham shift her focus to him. “I’m telling you now. Sit.”

–

Jesper and Wylan came downstairs soon after Elham had sat, and Zoya began explaining where she had been and what she was doing in Kerch. Apparently, a lot had happened in Ravka since the Crows returned to Ketterdam. Zoya had come with a letter from the Crown, which Kaz was reading over as she spoke.

“The Neshyenyer? Sankta Neyar’s blade?” Nina asked incredulously once the conversation turned to the reason Zoya had come.

“So, you haven’t completely forgotten what you were taught at the Little Palace,” Zoya mused, resting her elbows on the table. “Just your loyalty to Ravka.”

“Ravka? Or Kirigan? It didn’t take him destroying a city for me to question my loyalty.”

“It’s not her fault, Nina,” Elham murmured, keeping her eyes on Zoya. “Not entirely, at least. The Darkling manipulated us all. Seeing through his games is difficult, and no one can blame you for taking his side at first. I did. But here we are…loyalties change.”

Zoya didn’t speak, but she gave Elham a curt nod.

Elham was too young during her time at the Little Palace to remember Zoya well, but she had some inclination of her. They passed each other in the corridors, and wherever the Darkling was, you didn’t have to go far to find Zoya–especially when she became one of his most trusted Grisha. Elham had certainly heard about her when news of General Kirigan spread to the other parts of the world, after she had come to Kerch and joined the Crows.

Just like whispers of Nina had reached her, mentions of Zoya had as well. Talk of her beauty, and strength. Elham hadn’t truly met Zoya until the battle on the skiff, and all the talk had turned out to be true.

Her physical strength wasn’t what mattered to Elham, though. Even after the Darkling had gotten into her head and embedded himself in her thoughts and beliefs, she still had the courage to leave him. She knew what was right in her heart, and she made the right choice.

She fought for Alina now, and that was enough for Elham. Even though there was a past between Zoya, Nina, and Elham–and they all had certainly come from different walks of life–there was still a mutual understanding between them. A respect and reverence they held for each other, even though they wouldn’t always agree.

They didn’t have to speak. The shared glances were enough to speak to how the three girls felt about each other, not only as soldiers or Grisha, but as women. Women who understood that men in power, like the Darkling, couldn’t be allowed to continue manipulating little girls into doing their bidding and calling it loyalty or servitude.

It was wrong, and it had to be stopped. And they didn’t have to speak to understand that they were all going to be a part of the scorned women who would stop it. That was clear, and it was enough.

Jesper sat on the edge of the table, trying his best to relieve some of the tension. “So, now that we all know that you three have history, what’s the payment for this particular job?”

“Name your price,” the man who had revealed himself to be called Tolya said. “It matters that much.”

“Is that the Lantsov family crest?” Wylan asked, looking over Nina’s shoulder to read the letter that Kaz had passed to her.

Nina nodded. “You know it is because it’s hideous.”

“Prince Nikolai requests your services to retrieve and deliver the Neshyenyer to Alina Starkov in East Ravka,” Tolya explained to everyone.

“Prince Nikolai?” Elham asked, wracking her brain for any memories she had of him from her short time at the Little Palace. “I remember him. I met him once at a party his Mother had to show off all of the new Grisha that had begun training. It was the only time I ever saw him. But I was told he left the Palace not long after I did, and he went and joined the First Army and hasn’t returned since. You’re telling me he’s come home?”

Zoya nodded, gesturing to the letter. “He has, and he’s requesting your help.”

“And Alina? She’s returned?” Nina asked, sounding just as surprised as everyone else looked.

“As has the Darkling, with an indestructible army of shadow monsters,” Zoya answered, and Elham felt a chill run down her spine.

Dread filled her chest, and she went completely rigid in her chair. Her breaths were short and rapid, and her hands were shaking in her lap. She could feel Kaz’s eyes on her, and she willed herself to calm down. She took a grounding breath, giving him a slight nod to let him know she was alright.

“How is that possible?” She asked, reaching for one of the shots Jesper had ordered.

She knocked it back, ignoring how it burned going down her throat as it settled in her stomach. If anything, she welcomed the burn. It was keeping her warm, and the mere thought of the Darkling still alive made her skin crawl, like there was ice in her veins.

“Nevermind how it’s possible, it just is,” Zoya replied, speaking quickly. “Alina needs the blade to kill them. It’s the only thing that might work.”

Elham choked back a laugh, downing another shot. “Might? Great.”

“Retrieve the blade, and the Prince will pay you whatever you ask,” Tolya explained, which did somewhat lessen her dread, she had to admit.

“I do like the sound of that,” Jesper grinned from up on the table, laying a comforting hand on Elham’s shoulder when he looked down to see her face filled with worry. “Don’t worry, El. You will too when we find you something shiny to buy.”

“I do like shiny things.”

Zoya nodded, turning her attention to Kaz. “I assume the same goes for you?”

“I’d welcome the chance to help your prince spend his country’s money.”

“I don’t need kruge,” Nina interrupted, her tone urgent. “I need to get someone out of Hellgate. The Lantsov’s, they must be able to pull strings with the Kerch government.” “For a certain Fjerdan?” Zoya asked, smiling when Nina bristled. “He must be quite the slab of fur.”

Tolya rolled his eyes at the jesting, turning the conversation back to the task at hand. “The offer is the offer. Prince Nikolai is a man of his word.”

“But we need to go now,” Zoya added.

Kaz sighed, glancing between each of his Crows. He glanced at the letter once more, before looking over his shoulder towards Elham, who was sitting with her back leaning against Jesper’s leg that he was resting over the side of the table. He watched her face for any disagreement or hesitation, ever so slightly raising a brow when she made no move to speak. Finally, she released a sigh, silently nodding.

“It’s settled. We’re in, ” Kaz answered immediately as he slipped the letter into his coat pocket.

“And your Wraith?” Zoya asked. “I was expecting to see her.”

Kaz sighed, his gaze set on the table. “She’s go–”

“In,” Elham quickly interrupted before Kaz could speak, trying her best to ignore the glare she could feel burning into the side of her face. “I know where she is. She’ll say yes if she knows it’s to help Alina. Let me go get her, and then we can go whenever you need to.”

Zoya gave her a nod, and Elham was up from the table and hurrying away before Kaz could call out to her. She could feel someone on her heels, and peered over her shoulder to see Jesper behind her. She slowed down just enough so that he could catch up, before hurrying on her way.

“He’ll be furious with you,” Jesper warned, although he wasn’t arguing with her decision.

Elham shrugged, keeping her eyes forward. “He’s always angry with me for some reason or other. I won’t let Inej be kept from this because his pride won’t allow him to admit he’s made a mistake. It’s one of her Saints, we have to tell her.”

“You know everything he does is to keep you safe, right?”

Elham fought the flush creeping its way to her cheeks, shaking her head. “He’s got a funny way of showing it. Dickhead.”

“That he may be,” Jesper chuckled, slinging his arm around her shoulder. “But I know Kaz, and I know you. This little lover’s quarrel you have going on will end, and he’ll see sense eventually. You know why?” “Because I’m always right?” Jesper laughed, pulling Elham closer. “I was going to say because he always does right by us, including Inej and especially you, but that works too.”

Elham sighed, glancing up at Jesper. “He’s going to yell at me, isn’t he?”

“Oh, absolutely. I find it best to plug your ears and just wait him out. It works pretty well for me, he eventually gets tired of it. Although, I doubt he’ll yell for long with all that kruge on the line. He knows we’ll need Inej to get it. I wouldn’t worry too much, love.”

“Thanks, Jesper,” Elham mumbled, wrapping her arm around his waist and giving him a squeeze. “Will you send Nina up? I’ve been meaning to ask her to tailor Inej’s tattoo from the Menagerie. She’s free now. She deserves to feel free without the reminder of it all quite literally stuck on her wrist.”

Jesper smiled, nodding. “You’ve got it, darling.”

–

A/N - Hi! So sorry for the wait, it's been so long since I updated. I promise to start updating more regularly. We’re getting close to the hallucination chapter! Very excited to write that. I hope you enjoy this chapter, I tried to make it a little longer. I’ll make the next one longer too to make up for the lack of updates. See you again soon!

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