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Chapter Text

Wylan had no idea what he was supposed to do. He'd just jumped out of the boat that was supposed to take him to music school, and ran from the men who were supposed to protect him. Out of everywhere he could have ended up, he'd somehow ended up on the shores of Ketterdam.

He had no money, no valuables to sell, nothing save the clothes on his back, his school baf and the case of his precious flute, still with him against all odds.

Wylan was on his own.

Wylan bit his lip to keep from sobbing. Wylan had never been, but he'd heard enough stories from servants to know that Ketterdam would eat alive anyone caught dead with tears in their eyes.

Wylan took a deep breath and grit his teeth. His father wanted him dead? Wylan wouldn't give in that easy. He used his arms to push himself up.

As he walked, Wylan could feel lecherous gazes following him. He did his best to ignore them, but Wylan couldn't suppress a shudder when someone came too close for comfort.

Wylan stopped walking when he heard two panicked voices arguing. Wylan turned towards an alleyway, frowning when he saw two boys arguing. One had a stab wound in his leg, while the other seemed to be desperately trying to keep him awake.

Wylan only hesitated for a second before running towards the boys, holding his arms up placatingly when the uninjured one held a knife at him. "I can help," Wylan said quietly.

The boy scoffed. "What do you want from it?"

Wylan paused for a moment. This was Ketterdam. Nothing was done without a price. "Dinner," Wylan choked out quickly when he realized the one with the knife had come closer.

Both boys stared at him incredulously. "That's all?" The injured boy demanded.

Wylan nodded vigorously. "Yes, that's all." He suppressed a sigh when their suspicion didn't abate. "Look, I'm new here. I've just washed up the shore, I have had an extremely tiresome day, and I would not like to make it worse by leaving you to bleed out. Please let me help."

The boys didn't react. Finally, the uninjured boy allowed for Wylan to come towards them, frowning as he watched Wylan push away his friend's jacket and examine the wound closely.

When Jan Van Eck wasn't obsessing over getting Wylan to read, Wylan had been more or less left alone in the mansion. As such, he'd gotten injured constantly, ranging from small abrasions to broken bones. Wylan had spent the moments not pouring over a book, begging the words to make sense, around his father's nurse, listening attentively as she explained basic medical care to him.

He was no Grisha. But he could do enough.

"Here," Wylan said, smiling reassuringly at the boy's terrified eyes. "I'm going to explain exactly what I do for you, alright?"

The boy nodded hesitantly. Wylan smiled. He reached into his bag, stopping when the other boy growled at him. "If you try anything..." he let the threat stand.

Wylan nodded, trying not to let his sudden nerves get the better of him. "Alright, I'm just going to take out my antibacterial spray. It'll keep you from getting ill through this."

The injured boy nodded. The other boy went around to hold his hand, still glaring at Wylan distrustfully. "What are your names?" Wylan asked as he took out a spare rag and soaked it carefully with the disinfectant.

"Jace," the uninjured boy answered softly. "His name is Evan."

Wylan smiled as he held the antibacterial soaked cloth out. "I'm Wylan. This may sting." Evan hissed as Wylan squeezed the cloth around his injury.

"Alright," Wylan said, false cheeriness infused in his tone. "Now that we're done with that, I'm just going to wrap up the wound. Do you have any spare clothes." Both boys stared at him blankly. "Right. Here, I'll just..." Wylan took off his coat and ripped a piece off his dress shirt. He smirked to himself at the thought of the face Jan Van Eck would make if he saw Wylan tearing his proper shirt.

Wylan tied the piece of his shirt around Evan's injury, finishing with a flourish. The cloth was colored red, but Wylan was confident the bleeding would stop. Both boys stared at him in astonishment. Wylan smiled and got up, holding a hand out to each of them. "Dinner?" He asked.

Jace and Evan both stood up. Wylan only then realized that they were a lot taller than him. He looked up.

"How do we repay you?" Evan croaked out.

Wylan smiled. "I'm sure we can figure something out."

Chapter Text

Wylan smiled as he settled on his mattress. Jace and Evan had helped him find a small warehouse in unoccupied territory (he'd been very particular on not joining any gangs). Sure, the place was solely lit using small candles, and the mattress was a wooden plank compared to the one he had at the Van Eck mansion, but they were his.

This whole place belonged to him.

Wylan never had something that truly belonged to him.

As it turned out, word in Ketterdam spread quickly when people saw Evan's neatly wrapped arm, too clean and too well done to be the work of two boys desperately trying to fight blood loss.

Next thing Wylan knew, there were people waiting outside his home, holding out cuts and bruises, in varying severities.

Wylan started charging. He'd felt terrible about putting a price on people's lives, but rationed that he needed to eat in order to help everyone.

It was 10 kruge per person. Enough people in Ketterdam were desperate for cheap medical assistance that people tripped over themselves to pay Wylan's low prices. He spent the first few weeks wrapping cuts and bruises, with the occasional stab would or bullet hole. Wylan learned that the motions were similar, so long as the bullets went in clean and the knives were carefully removed.

Wylan was able to plan out his meals, and buy (some equivalent of) rubbing alcohol and gauze, and still have some left to save.

Wylan wasn't sure what he was saving for. Maybe a train ticket. But, no. His father might find him if he left.

So far, no one had died under Wylan's watch.

Wylan had no delusion of what would happen to him if someone did.

The first time the reality of Barrel life hit him, Wylan had went outside to see a young girl waiting for him. Wylan frowned at the deep, bleeding scratches that lined her face. "Are you alright?" he asked her softly.

The girl jumped. She turned to him shyly. Wylan smiled reassuringly. "I won't hurt you. Would you like those treated?"

Tears filled the girl's eyes. She reached into her pockets, and the tears became larger when she realized that she didn't have enough.

Wylan frowned. That wouldn't do. Gently, he reached over and pressed the kruge back into her hands. She jumped again. "You can keep those. I asked if you wanted those cuts treated."

The girl stiffened her spine. "I won't pay you like that."

Wylan started. "Oh, no, I would never ask that!" The genuineness of his tone must've led the girl to pause. She relaxed again. "We can find another way for you to pay me that isn't through kruge and your body."

The girl watched him, wide eyed, as he led her into his warehouse. He sat her down, and smiled as he wet a cloth with alcohol. "Can you tell me about yourself?"

The girl frowned, wincing as Wylan pressed the cloth to her cuts. "My name is Nia. I work at," she paused. "I work at White Rose."

Wylan frowned. "That's a pleasure house?"

"Yes," Nia snapped. "What of it?"

"Nothing," Wylan answered, beginning to wrap gauze on Nia's cuts. "Did you always work there?"

"No," she sighed. "I used to go to University, but I got caught up in everything. I can't leave."

Wylan finished tying the gauze with his usual flourish.

He didn't know this, but people in the Barrel were using Wylan's flourished ties as ways of recognizing which wounds he treated.

Wylan smiled at her. "I think I know how you can pay me back." Nia stiffened again. "Oh, not like that!" He cried out. "You're not even my type, for Saints' sake!"

"Oh," Nia relaxed again. "What do you want?"

"Would you like a job?" Wylan asked, smiling as she turned wide eyes to him. "I'm afraid the pay isn't very much, just ten kruge a day, but I think you could help me sort out who I'm seeing, and what I need to do. It's not much, but - " Wylan was cut off when Nia launched herself at Wylan, squeezing his shoulders tightly.

"Thank you," she choked out. "Thank you."

Wylan smiled and embraced her back. "Of course. I'll take payment for this treatment from your first day, which happens to be today, and I'll pay you starting tomorrow."

With her steadfast no nonsense nature and her imposing gaze, people stopped demanding Wylan's attention, and waited patiently when they were directed to. Nia was able to arrange people so that Wylan could treat those who desperately needed medical care first, and those who weren't in danger of dying last.

Wylan was also relieved that she'd taken on demanding payment from people. Wylan always had a hard time asking people who were dying minutes ago to pay for his services.

Whoever couldn't pay him immediately, however, worked out an alternative payment plan by Nia and him. Wylan suddenly found he had a steady stream of bodyguards, suppliers and food at his disposal.

Soon enough, people started guarding the makeshift hospital when they had free time. Wylan realized that people were protecting him because they wanted to. Not because they owed him money or anything.

So, Wylan stopped charging them for medical treatment. He started leaving them sweets, and started buying them dinner when they decided to switch off for the night. He even started giving them a salary. He was not his father. He would not exploit whatever goodness this city had not crushed from these people.

In Wylan's defense, he had no idea he was gaining a reputation among the Barrel. He was never taught that, when used correctly, his kindness could be a deadly weapon, used to gain something no one in a place like Ketterdam ever truly had.

Loyalty.

Wylan realized how deadly his kindness was becoming when the Bastard of the Barrel himself saw fit to pay Wylan a visit.

Chapter Text

Wylan's day started like any other. He'd woken up to the sun in his face, whining as Nia yanked him out of his warm(ish) sheets. He'd went out to the coffee stall a stone's throw from his home, chattering with the owner. He tried to pay the owner, who steadily refused his kruge ever since he'd given her a hot pack for her aching back. In the end, he ended up quickly putting all the kruge in the tip jar, laughing as he dashed away from the playful scoldings of the older woman.

When Wylan came back to his warehouse, Nia was there to greet him with a grim expression. Wylan immediately went into what he dubbed "treatment mode".

"What's wrong?" He demanded when she came near.

"Dirtyhands is inside."

Wylan froze. He'd heard rumors of Dirtyhands throughout the Barrel. Some of his own friends (Nia always frowned when he called the people who apparently "worked for him" his friends. But that's what they were in the end!) had said some truly troubling rumors about Dirtyhands. Wylan could not afford to get involved with him.

"Is someone injured?" Wylan asked cautiously.

"No, they're here because you've become a theat."

Wylan couldn't believe his ears. "Me? A threat?"

Nia's morose attitude gave way for her to smirk at his confusion. "You are aware you've made quite a name for yourself around the Barrel, yes?"

"Yes, but..." Wylan never thought he'd reached a point where Dirtyhands saw him as a threat.

Nia sighed. "I think there's just been a grave misunderstanding of what you want," she murmured quietly, gazing at the shadows cautiously. "Just answer his questions, and he'll probably leave you alone."

"Okay." Wylan bit his lips. "Okay, I can do that." Because after a conversation, surely Dirtyhands would understand that Wylan had no interest in dismantling his kingdom.

Wylan took a deep breath and entered his house. His gaze was immediately trapped by Dirtyhands's sharpshooter. He had curly black hair, that Wylan wanted to run his fingers through, and a cocky smile that made Wylan's knees weak. He noticed Wylan staring, and winked. Wylan promptly flushed, averting his gaze, reminding himself that it was Dirtyhands he needed to pay attention to.

Dirtyhands sat at Wylan's desk, running a gloved hand over the crow head on his cane thoughtfully. Wylan shuddered when the crow's eyes appeared to pierce into his very soul.

The Wraith hid in the shadows. Wylan knew he only noticed her because she allowed him to.

All four of them stared at each other for a few moments, willing someone to speak first. Wylan was awkwardly sipping his coffee, not willing to allow it to cool.

Finally, Nia got sick of the silence, and elbowed Wylan, who immediately choked on his final sip of coffee. He attempted to choke quietly, before throwing away his cup and standing tall.

"May I help you today?" Wylan asked, wincing at how his voice cracked in fear.

Brekker only raised an eyebrow at Wylan's obvious fear. "For someone who's made such a name for themselves, you don't live up to expectations."

Wylan was shocked. "What do you mean? What have you heard of me?"

Brekker's eyebrow only raised higher. "You mark all your people with a bandage flourish. Surely you're aware that most of the Dime Lion fighters have abandoned their posts to guard your little gang."

Wylan jaw went slack. "The bandages are because the people who come to me are injured. And people have quit their jobs to work for me? Why would they do that?" He turned to Nia, who shrugged unhelpfully at his confusion.

Now, the Crows looked perplexed. "They claim you're a better boss," the Zemini boy said.

"Oh, goodness, I must have a stern talking to with them!" Wylan exclaimed.

"A stern talking to," Brekker repeated blankly.

"Yes! How could they just quit? They have families to look after! Jobbins just had a child, for Saints' sake! I don't pay him enough to care for a newly born child." Wylan ranted, noticing Nia roll her eyes from the corner of his eye.

The Crows now looked downright confused. "You care about his child why?" The Wraith asked him.

"Well, I am the boy's godfather, so it would be rather backwards for me to not care, wouldn't it?"

"You're... the boy's godfather?" Brekker asked slowly, as though Wylan was speaking a foreign language.

Wylan nodded distractedly. "I was very nervous when I delivered the child. I had never delivered a child, so I was worried it would go awry." He smiled at Nia. "Luckily, I had an unstoppable force of calm by my side." Nia rolled her eyes, but couldn't hide the blush that lit up her cheeks.

"I delivered a baby horse once," the Zemini boy announced from his corner, grinning at the look of understanding Wylan shot him. "Never leaves you, does it?"

"Never," Wylan agreed, pressing his hands to his forehead to ward off his panic fueled memories. His father trying to kill him may be the absolute worse night of his life, but the first time he delivered a child was definitely up there on the list of Worst Nights of Wylan's Life.

Brekker shook his head and stood up, his cane's thud echoing through the warehouse, making Wylan ball his fists in his pockets to keep them from quaking in fright. Nia came closer, seeming ready to defend Wylan if it came down to it.

"Since you've made it clear that you're not a threat, I'm going to demand you come with us." Brekker said, his voice low.

Wylan instinctively took a step back, using his hand to push Nia behind his body. "Why? Is someone injured?" Wylan asked, trying to keep the tremor out of his voice. "I can absolutely treat them."

Brekker snorted. "That's the problem, isn't it? You treat everyone, regardless of where they're from or who they work for, yes? You don't even stop if they're not paying!"

Wylan lost his fear to his offense. "Everyone pays me! Maybe not in kruge, but everyone always finds another way!" Wylan's fear came rushing back as Dirtyhands tilted his head, seemingly pondering Wylan's raised hackles. "Sir."

Brekker snorted and walked forward. "From now on, you only treat Crows."

Wylan started rapidly shaking his head. This was his nightmare. "No, thank you," he said, trying to back up as the Wraith and the Sharpshooter came closer. "I really can't afford to get caught up in anything right now." He tried for the winning smile that always earned him an extra cookie with the chef at dinner time. "Really, I've just moved in here, I'm trying to hide from some people, I really would feel terrible leaving everyone who's apparently abandoned their job to come work for me to just fend for themselves."

"Plus," another voice said from the door, causing everyone in the room to jump. "He's still expanding."

Wylan whirled to see one of the newer bodyguards, Matthias, holding the door open to a woman with red hair. She marched over, smiling at everyone in the room as she looped an arm through Wylan's. "Just play along," she said lowly in his ear.

Wylan shot a confused look at Nia, who shrugged again. Honestly, what did he even pay her for?

"Nina Zenik," Dirtyhands said coolly, only his shifting grip on his cane giving away his uneasiness. Nina must've noticed as well, for she smirked at the Crows. "At your service."

Brekker shot them an unreadable look. "You all work together?"

Nina shot him a cool smile. "Well. funny enough, I was going to propose an alliance of sorts right before you came in. Seems everyone wants a piece of Wylan, here, eh, Brekker?" She leaned up to pinch Wylan's cheek, snickering as he attempted to squrim out of her grip.

Brekker stared at the four of them, realizing that they weren't going anywhere. He got up, gesturing for the Crows to follow him. "I guess we'll try again another day." He shot a cold smile towards Nina and Wylan. "Perhaps you'll understand the severity of your situation then." He made another hand gesture, and the Crows made their way to the front door. The Zemini winked at Wylan as they walked out. Wylan flushed again.

When they were gone, Wylan let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. "Thank you so much for that save," he said, collapsing to his knees and looking up at Nina's kind eyes. "Is there anything I can do for you?"

Nina smirked and sat down next to him. "You've made quite the living for yourself here, on your own, with your Grisha-less healing skills, yes?"

Wylan wordlessly nodded. Apparently people thought he was starting a gang! Where did Ketterdam get such ludicrous ideas?

Nina's smirk widened. "Imagine how much they'd be willing to pay for the services of a Heartrender."

Wylan's eyes widened. That's why Dirtyhands stood down when Nina showed up!

Wylan sat up. Contrary to his father's beliefs, he knew a good business opportunity when he saw it. "I charge 10 kruge a customer."

"And I could charge 20. You could pay all your staff, not including Matthias up there, and we could split the remains."

Wylan tilted his head. "Why would I not pay Matthias?" Nina's eyes sparkled, and Wylan understood. "Oh. Is he alright with that?" Wylan raised his voice, so he could be a part of their conversation. It was his salary they were talking about, after all. He shot them a thumbs up.

Nina smiled and held out her hand. "What do you say?"

Wylan frowned for a moment. He could already see plenty of ways this blew up in his face.

But he could see even more ways where they succeeded.

Wylan schooled his features into a kind smile, and he shook Nina's hand. "The deal's a deal."

Nearby, Nia sighed fondly, and started working out ways to advertise a new Heartrender offering healing services.

Honestly, the things she did for her boss!

Chapter Text

Business was booming. That was a phrase Wylan's father loved to use. He never explained what it meant to Wylan, but Wylan was no idiot, and knew it was a good thing.

Ever since Nina joined his makeshift hospital, everyone knew about them. People were willing to pay far more for a Grisha, and Nina was always delighted to charge. She had increased her prices from 20 to 30 kruge. Wylan had been hesitant, but found that people who wanted a Grisha healer were generally willing to pay for one.

So, Wylan had been able to buy new sheets. He'd been able to increase the salaries (and wasn't that something? He paid people salaries!), and had even had the chance to spare some money for his chemistry hobby, making all sorts of pain relievers and energizers to sell.

He also began dabbling in explosives and other self defense compounds. Being apparently well liked did not change the fact that this was the Barrel. Wylan had shown Nia, Nina and Matthias his first flash bomb. They had gone behind their warehouse alleyway, where Wylan had set off the bomb. Nina had laughed in delight at the loud BANG! that came from the bomb, while Nia and Matthias looked more concerned at the damage it caused.

Wylan had made several types of bombs, as well as compounds to make people's eyes burn and tear up, as well as several compounds that could mimic the symptoms of diseases. If he'd never come across the doctoring business, Wylan thought he would have made a good demolitions expert.

All in all, Wylan was doing quite well in the Barrel. Even though he still couldn't read, he'd found different ways to get around that. He'd color coded all the chemicals, and had Nia read and write for him when necessary. But his business was mostly numbers. Those, he could handle easily.

Why did his father make such a big deal of Wylan being unable to read? Wylan wasn't sure anymore.

Wylan loved Nina and Matthias. They were so in love, Wylan could not even pretend to be disgusted by their easy affection. Wylan had learned that Matthias was once a Druskelle, and he'd abandoned his post when he met Nina and fell in love with her. Wylan's heart simultaneously soared and ached. Their love was so beautiful. Matthias was so seemingly scary and imposing, but a sweetheart once known better, and Nina was always so lively and fun. They complimented each other perfectly. Wylan wanted something like that.

Even with everything going well, Wylan could not shake the utter guilt he felt whenever he looked at all the people around him. He did not think for a second that anyone in that room had anything good to say about his father, and they had quit their jobs to come work for him.

So one day, before work started, Wylan asked everyone to sit down so he could explain everything.

"Thank you all for coming here," he started. "I'd just like to preface this by assuring all of you that I appreciate all you've done for me. I wouldn't be here without you, and I hope you know that I notice all your efforts, even though I may not say it."

Everyone immediately scoffed and averted their gaze, the way they always did when Wylan verbally expressed his appreciation and gratefulness to them.

Nina snickered. "Well, obviously the feeling's mutual. What's the problem?"

Wylan took a deep breath. It was now or never. "I just realized that I haven't been fully honest with all of you. I thought that since we all work in such close proximity to each other, you all deserved to know the truth."

Everyone leaned forward. Matthias took Nina's hand, and she squeezed it reassuringly.

"My name," Wylan started. His voice shook, but Wylan persevered. "Is Wylan Van Eck."

The room appeared to freeze. "I am aware this must come as a shock. Please feel free to ask me any questions you have."

"What are you doing here?" Someone immediately voiced.

Wylan sighed. He may as well tell them everything. "My father tried to have me killed. Because," Wylan's voice caught, and he had to fight the tears that wanted to be shed. "I can't read."

Thunderous protests started. Wylan cringed, thinking everyone was angry at him. Matthias barked out an order to shut up as Nina walked over and wrapped him in a hug. "It's alright, Wylan. We all love you, regardless of what old bastards you share blood with." Everyone voiced their agreement. "We love you."

Wylan felt tears rush into his eyes, and he hugged Nina tighter. "I love all of you, too."

Nia came up to hug him after everyone had left to work. "Proud of you, Mr. Van Eck," she smirked.

Wylan groaned. "Please do not call me that, Mr. Van Eck was my father."

Nearby, Nina snickered. "Spoken the words of every young merchant son looking to hook up."

Wylan made an loud sound of surprise. He whirled around and stormed off, ignoring Nia and Nina's snickering. 

When he walked towards the apothecary, Wylan was made aware of a tail. Unlike the last time Wylan had a tail, when he'd run back home and hid behind Matthias until they left, Wylan was ready this time. He gripped the vial of the tear powder, ready to use it.

Wylan was able to tell when the footsteps were too close for comfort. He stopped in front of his favorite waffle stand, where he turned and held the vial in his hands, brandishing it threateningly.

Dirtyhands's sharpshooter held his hands out in defense, though no gesture could quell the growing smile at his lips. Wylan immediately blushed, averting his gaze.

"I don't believe I caught your name," he said. "They only call you The Doctor in the Crow Club."

Wylan's mouth took off before he could think. "I'll tell if you tell." Wylan blushed harder at the delighted smile the sharpshooter shot him at his newly found spine.

"Jesper," he said, leading Wylan into the shop and sitting at a table close to the door.

Wylan sat across from him. "I'm Wylan. And they call me the doctor?"

"Yep," Jesper said, putting his hat down. Only then did Wylan notice the tacky plaid suit the man wore. "Normally Kaz wouldn't care about some upstart, but enough people came to work for you that he felt the need to scope you out."

Wylan felt his spine stiffen. "And what did he find out?"

But Jesper wasn't interested in answering just yet. "No, no, no. I ask, you ask. And you already asked." Wylan bit his lip as Jesper pretended to ponder.

A waitress came up to them. Wylan shot her a small smile, while Jesper eyes her earrings appreciatively. 

"Stroopwaffles for the both of us," Jesper said confidently. The waitress nodded and walked off.

"Stroopwaffles?" Wylan asked.

"Still my turn," Jesper sang back, snickering at the downtrodden look on Wylan's face. "Hm, let's see. How are your fingers so steady? Because I know good stitching, and yours are straight every time without fail."

Wylan blushed at the offhand compliment. But this question he could answer without much difficulty. "Years of playing the flute made my fingers steady, I guess."

Jesper smiled widely. "You play flute," he exclaimed.

Wylan smiled. "Just a hobby."

"Incredible." They both stopped talking when the waitress came back, holding a plates of stroopwaffles. Jesper immediately bit into one, encouraging Wylan to do the same. Wylan ate at a more subdued pace.

"My turn," Wylan decided, feeling brave. "How did you end up in Ketterdam?"

"University," Jesper answered automatically. "I was majoring in finance, but I found more fun in the gambling tables."

Wylan nodded. He assumed that's how Jesper got involved with Dirtyhands.

Jesper ran his hands through his hair distractedly. "My turn. Why do you get so nervous when the Stadwatch appear?"

Wylan started. No one noticed how he made himself smaller whenever the Stadwatch was near. "You noticed?"

Jesper smirked. "Question, Wylan. But I'll ignore it if you answer."

Wylan took a bite to stall for time. "Like I told your boss, I'm hiding from some people. The Stadwatch happen to work for him."

Jesper frowned. "Your running from a mercher?"

"Not your turn," Wylan managed to choke out, anxiety crawling through his veins. Thankfully, Jesper only threw his head back and laughed when Wylan evaded the question.

"Fair enough. One more question from you, and we must unfortunately depart."

Wylan thought long and hard about what he should ask. Finally, he settled on, "Is Dirtyhands still interested in me?" His voice was barely more than a whisper.

Jesper snorted and got up, dusting his hands and putting his hat back on. "Waste of a question, Wylan. Dirtyhands doesn't give up without a fight. I'll see you around, Doctor." Jesper winked and sauntered out.

Wylan stared at the empty plate in front of him, wondering what Dirtyhands had planned for him.

oOo

"Kaz, I've just had the most wonderful morning!" Jesper exclaimed as he came barreling through Kaz's office doors at the Slat.

He collapsed at the chair, setting his feet on the desk, ignoring Inej's disapproving glare.

"Feet off the desk, Jesper," Kaz spat out coldly.

Jesper pouted, but acquiesced. "That Doctor is no threat. We've just eaten together. He brought me stroopwaffles!"

Kaz settled his sharp eyes on Jesper. "Did you find out anything?"

Jesper thought for a moment. He was so overcome with euphoria that he'd almost forgotten what he and Wylan talked about. "His name is Wylan. We didn't talk about anything of importance."

Kaz sighed annoyedly and turned his attention back to the papers he was studying. "As I was explaining," Inej continued, glaring at Jesper, who shrugged. "Everyone at the pleasure-houses go to him for treatment. He doesn't charge them much. Most of them steal him gauze and medical supplies as payment." Inej hesitated. "I truly don't think he means any harm."

Kaz sighed. "Just because he doesn't mean any harm doesn't mean he won't cause any. Especially considering this."

Kaz held out a missing person poster. Jesper and Inej gaped.

For there was a 40,000 kruge reward for the safe return of one Wylan Van Eck.

"He didn't run away," Inej finally said. "I know how runaways behave in the Barrel, and they certainly don't start borderline philanthropic medical businesses and earn the loyalty of every fighter."

"I know," Kaz snarled. "I know there is more to the story." He smirked, and Jesper felt uneasy at the cold look in his eyes. "And there's only one person capable of explaining exactly what's happening."

Chapter Text

In the end Kaz didn't have to find Jan Van Eck. Van Eck found him.

When Jan Van Eck himself asked to meet with Kaz in the Barrel, he was reasonably suspicious.

Why would a rich mercher want to meet with him? His reputation would be destroyed if the Merchant's Council even suspected that Jan Van Eck has conspired with Dirtyhands for something.

Nevertheless, Kaz agreed. He was hoping he could get some answers as to what exactly his son was doing in the Barrel.

When Kaz met up with Van Eck, he had Inej and Jesper sit at a nearby table. They tried to hide it, but both were just as intrigued as he was by the curious case of the The Doctor.

Kaz sat stiffly at a table in the Crow Club, his cane resting in his gloved hands. Kaz kept a neutral face when he saw Van Eck approaching. From the corner of his eye, Kaz saw Jesper scowl at the man. Ignoring him, Kaz brought his attention to the mercher in front of him, frowning as the man ordered a drink.

"Mr. Brekker," Van Eck said, clutching his whiskey and leaning back to stare at Kaz appraisingly. "I've heard many things about you."

"Good," Kaz bit out. He already wanted to stop this meeting. Was this why the boy ran away?

Van Eck took a sip. "I'm sure you've heard the rumors. My, " Van Eck's face twisted faintly before resuming its polite indifference. "Son has gone missing."

If Kaz wasn't from the Barrel, he would not have spotted the change on Van Eck's face. He wondered what exactly Van Eck wanted from him.

Because he was in no way speaking to a worried father.

He was speaking to a business man. One who was trying to cut his losses.

"My condolences. I've seen the posters up," Kaz said, feigning casualty. "Had to say, I almost didn't recognize the boy in the picture. Not the best painter you hired."

The man sneered, deciding that it wasn't worth keeping his facade up with Kaz. "Yes, well, you must understand that I was under a time constraint. I have to find my boy."

"Is that what I'm here for?" Kaz asked carefully.

Van Eck smiled. Kaz almost shuddered at the coldness. "Kind of. You must understand, my wife is pregnant."

"Congrats," Kaz replied blankly.

"Yes, yes. I'm looking forward to being a father."

Kaz frowned. "You are a father. Your son is - "

"Yes, that is why you are here," Van Eck interrupted. He placed his hands on the table and leaned forward. "You must understand, Wylan was never capable of running a business."

Considering the lucrative, yet philanthropic, medical business Wylan was currently running, Kaz had difficulty believing that. He listened as Van Eck continued. "Wylan... lacked certain mental facilities. He couldn't do what was necessary to be able to successfully run a business."

Kaz was confused. "Such as?"

Van Eck laughed coldly. "The boy could barely get through a fairytale book for a small child, let alone a ledger, or a report of a meeting. No matter what I did, he just could not read." Van Eck sipped his whiskey thoughtfully. "You have to understand that I could not let that boy's... inabilities ruin all my hard work."

A cold feeling was starting to fill Kaz's chest. Kaz chanced a glance towards Inej and Jesper. They both looked as horrified as Kaz felt.

"I told my boy I was sending him to music school," Van Eck continued, faking a laugh. "He always loved the flute, that boy did. I could never beat his mother out of him."

Kaz watched Inej stiffen. Jesper was clenching his jaw, but remained painfully still. "I'm sure," Kaz finally replied, his own posture straightening at the implications.

Still, Van Eck continued. "I hired the Wellington Company to be with him as he travelled to Belendt. They originated from the Barrel, I believe."

At that, Kaz couldn't quite hide the shock on his face. The Wellington Company was from the Barrel, yes, but they were famous for assassinations, not ensuring the safety of boys going to music school.

Nearby, Kaz heard Jesper get up and walk out of the club. Van Eck didn't so much as glance at his hasty exit. Distantly, he saw Inej shift so she was closer to him, holding a blade in her hands.

Kaz forced himself to regain his composure. "So, I'm guessing he never made it."

Van Eck let out another oily laugh. "Why of course he didn't. The Wellingtons told me that the were attacked, but could not provide me any proof of death." Van Eck made eye contact with Kaz. "That's why I have men out looking for my son, of course. There's proof he's alive."

And I don't want that, Kaz heard, although Van Eck hadn't said it.

Kaz squeezed his cane. "So, what exactly do you want from me?"

Van Eck looked pleased. "I would like for you to be on the lookout for my son," Van Eck started. "I would reward you handsomely for any hint of him. In any condition." Van Eck shot him a meaningful glance.

Kaz realized that he and his Crows were being hired to kill a boy. He was being hired by a man to kill his own son. Inej was frozen.

Kaz cleared his throat and got up from the table. Van Eck followed suit. "I will be sure to keep an eye out," Kaz managed. "However I cannot be out looking for your son, you understand. I also have business to maintain."

Van Eck offered his hand. Kaz stared at it until he dropped it. "That's all I ask, Mr. Brekker. Pleasure doing business with you." He downed his whiskey and walked out of the shop.

Kaz stared at the ground. He didn't look up, even as Inej cautiously sat near him. "Did he just - ?"

Kaz nodded. "He just hired us to kill his son."

"And are we - ?"

Kaz looked up at her sharply. "Of course we're not!" he snapped. "What do you take me for?"

Inej flinched a little, but her fear was overshadowed by her relief. "What are we doing, then?"

Kaz sighed, grabbing his cane and walking to the door. "Ensuring that no one else who got this offer acts on it as well."

Inej shot him a small smile. "Why?"

Kaz shrugged, not turning back to her. "He heals the Dregs for cheap prices. He'd be of far more use alive."

Kaz could practically hear the smile on Inej's face as he went back into his office.

oOo

Jesper was half running through the alleys, fighting the urge to take out his guns and shoot the bastard talking to Kaz.

He was hiring them to kill Wylan! Jan Van Eck was actually hiring them to kill Wylan?

And why? Because he couldn't read?

Wylan clearly knew how to get around his disorder. He knew how to adjust, and how to hire people to do things he couldn't. How did the mercher not see that?

Jesper was fuming. He had a coin in his hand. When he looked down, he distantly realized that he was shifting it to stretch and shrink in size.

Before he knew it, Jesper ended up in front of Wylan's warehouse. Distantly, he could see Wylan's ruddy curls from outside, laughing as he talked to Nina and Matthias.

Jesper's anger gave way to grief. How could anyone want that sweet boy dead? Who cared if he couldn't read, how could someone ever want to hurt him? Not even the Barrel wanted to hurt him! How could his own father want that?

Distantly, Jesper thought about his father. For all his faults, Colm always accepted Jesper with open arms, even though Jesper had let him down over and over again. Jesper couldn't even imagine Colm attempting something like this. Jesper could gamble away the farm, and Colm would still love him just as much.

Jesper froze when he heard the door open, and watched as Wylan stepped out, adjusting the straps on his bags. He cleared his throat, before calling out for Wylan.

Wylan turned when he heard his name, and smiled shyly when he saw Jesper. He ran over, frowning in concern when Jesper's smile looked more like a grimace. "Are you alright?"

Jesper meant to make a quip about how he was better with Wylan there. He meant to tell the boy enough compliments that his face would be flushing, and he'd be glancing at his feet adorably.

What came out instead was, "I'm a Durast."

Wylan took a step back in shock. "What?"

Jesper took a deep breath. He knew everything about Wylan, it was only fair Wylan learned something about Jesper. He indicated for Wylan to follow him back to the waffle shop, where they sat at their usual table, away from everyone else.

Wylan ordered their usual plate of stroopwaffles, allowing Jesper time to get his thoughts back into order. When Wylan looked at him expectantly, Jesper knew what he was going to say.

Jesper cleared his throat. "My Ma was a Durast too. I used to learn everything I knew about Fabrikating from her. She taught me how to shoot, and how to mend my guns on the fly."

Wylan smiled. "She sounds lovely."

Jesper felt the pressure behind his eyelids. Before he could continue, Wylan cautiously grabbed his hands. "You don't need to tell me anything you don't want to," he said softly.

Jesper shook his head determinately, squeezing Wylan's hands in his own. "I want to tell you this. My Ma, she died saving a girl from poison. She took the poison into her own body. It was made for Grisha, and it killed her."

Wylan gasped softly, running his thumbs on the back of Jesper's palms reassuringly. "I'm so sorry to hear that."

Jesper smiled. "I stopped using my powers after that. My Da, well, he didn't like when I used them too much."

Wylan smiled sadly. "It must've been hard."

"It was. But I've started to use them again, outside my guns. I mean look!" Jesper took out the coin and squeezed it in his hands. He concentrated, picturing the pleased look on Wylan's face, and held out the coin to Wylan, shaped like a rose.

Wylan blushed and took the metal rose from him. "It's lovely! It's so intricate and looks just like the real thing"

Jesper rubbed the back of his neck self consciously as Wylan continued to gush. He smiled when Wylan held the rose close to his heart. "Thank you, Jesper," he said sincerely. "I'll cherish this forever."

Saints, was this why all the Dime Lions switched? Just seeing that earnest look in Wylan's eyes made Jesper half consider switching jobs himself.

But before Jesper could say anything, the door opened, and a hush fell over the people in the shop.

Jesper winced when he heard the familiar sound of a cane hitting the ground, sighing as he watched Kaz walk towards their table. Kaz settled next to him, maintaining a good amount of space between them.

Wylan had frozen when he saw Kaz. He quickly pocketed the rose Jesper made for him and attempted to look intimidating. Judging by the amused look on Kaz's face, he wasn't very successful. "Lovely evening we're having, Mr. Brekker."

Jesper nearly snorted when saw the bemused expression on Kaz's face. Leave Wylan's insistent politeness as the one thing that could throw Kaz Brekker - Dirtyhands, Bastard of the Barrel, Leader of the Dregs - off his game.

"No need for formalities," he replied, looking at Wylan appraisingly. "I've just had an enlightening conversation with a Mr. Jan Van Eck, who's offered me payment in exchange for providing him proof that you are dead."

Wylan's eyes widened comically. Before he could take out one of those vials of poison he always carried around, Inej had come around, casually settling next to Wylan and dropping their plate of stroopwaffles on the table.

Wylan gulped. "Are you going to kill me?" He whispered.

Kaz sighed and leaned forward. "Quite the opposite. You've amassed quite the guard for yourself, but it's only a matter of time before someone gets wind of this." He laid out one of Wylan's missing posters in front of him. Wylan flinched at the 40,000 kruge price on his head. "You're far more use alive than dead. Join me, and you'll have the protection of the Dregs."

Wylan looked torn. Seeming satisfied, Kaz grabbed his cane and got up, Inej following suit. "I'll meet with you tomorrow."

Wylan stared forward as Kaz and Inej walked off. Jesper grabbed his hands.

Wylan looked up at him, tears threatening to fall. "Do you know...?" Jesper nodded. Wylan scoffed lightly and tore his hand from Jesper's grasp, rubbing his eyes furiously. "It wasn't enough for him to try to kill me? Now he must finish the job?"

Jesper leaned forward. "I'm sorry. You deserve better."

Wylan sighed, looking at Jesper earnestly. "We both do. Everyone does."

They sat in silence for a few moments. Normally Jesper hated silences, but this one he found to be contemplative, rather than restrictive.

"Will you join the Dregs?" Jesper asked before he could stop himself.

Wylan tilted his head. He got up and threw some kruge notes on the counter. "I'm going to figure that out." He smiled at Jesper as he folded up the poster quickly, pocketing it. "I'll be at the Crow Club around noon tomorrow. Can you tell your boss to meet me there?"

Jesper nodded. "Of course, Wy. Are you going to be okay?"

Wylan nodded firmly. "Yes. I will figure out how to be just fine."

Somehow, Jesper truly believed that. 

If anyone could find a way to truly thrive in a place like the Barrel, it was Wylan.

Chapter Text

When Wylan gathered his gang and told them what was happening, he didn't expect the level of indignant outrage that met him. While he knew everyone worked for him because they cared about him, he didn't expect them to be so indignant on his behalf.

Nina and Nia had forced Wylan to sit with everyone and work out having a constant guard of at least two following him at all times. Wylan initially tried to protest, but one glare from Nia silenced any protests he tried to present.

By the next day, Wylan had a plan for working with the Dregs. As much as he hated to underestimate his own tight knit group of defenders, he knew that should his father decide to up his game in hunting Wylan down, his gang would not be enough.

When Wylan made his way to the Crow Club, he walked arm in arm with Nia, while Nina and Matthias trailed behind them. Wylan didn't like that he had no privacy anymore, but he agreed that the measures taken were necessary.

Wylan opened the door and walked in. He tried to curl in on himself when he saw people double take and whisper when they saw him. One elbow from Nia had him straightening up and squaring his shoulders.

As his father liked to say, fake it 'til you make it.

When he walked in, he noticed Brekker beckon to him from a table in the back. Wylan saw Jesper and Inej sitting near him. Jesper waved, shooting him a coy smile that immediately had Wylan blushing.

Nia rolled her eyes and half led half dragged Wylan to where they were sitting. Wylan sat next to Jesper, watching as Nia left to manage the office while he was out. Wylan glanced around anxiously, before Jesper grabbed his hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

Wylan looked at Brekker's unyielding gaze. "Have you made your decision?" He asked lowly.

Wylan felt a shudder work through his spine. Before he could completely lose his nerve, Wylan blurted out. "Dregs pay half!"

At Brekker's cocked eyebrow, Wylan hurried to explain. "I don't want to cut off other clients entirely. I still have to feed myself. So, Dregs pay half."

"On everything," Kaz countered. "Including your tonics and poisons demolitions."

"The poisons and demolitions are not for sale!" Wylan burst out. 

"They are now," Brekker seemed uncaring of the shrill tone of Wylan's voice.

Wylan sighed and covered his face. He hadn't counted on Dirtyhands knowing about his side interests. Jesper rubbed his knuckles soothingly. "Fine."

"And you must get the tattoo."

Wylan winced at the thought of getting a tattoo. "Not somewhere obvious."

"That's fair."

Wylan didn't want to seem obvious. But he needed to know. "Was my father here?"

Brekker tilted his head contemplatively. "Yes. He met with me to ask about your whereabouts, and to let me know that you were of more worth to him dead than alive."

Wylan flinched at that. Jesper was quick to wrap his arms around Wylan's slightly trembling figure. "You couldn't deliver that with some tact?"

Kaz shrugged. "He needs to know."

Inej glared at him as Jesper focused on Wylan.

"And he asked you to kill me?" Wylan asked, his voice lower than a whisper.

"Not exactly," Kaz answered impassively. "He just told us that there was a hefty reward in store if we provided him proof of death."

"What constitutes proof of death?"

"Corpses," Kaz answered bluntly. Wylan winced again, Jesper rubbing his shoulders reassuringly. "Rest be assured, if I genuinely wanted that reward, you would be dead, you would be dead."

That, Wylan believed. He sat up and clasped his hands in front of him. Later, Wylan would be horrified to realize he was mimicking his father's movements. "So, Dregs pay half for everything, and I get the tattoo? In exchange for protection?"

Kaz nodded and leaned forward. "Do you agree to the terms?"

Wylan nodded. "The deals a deal."

Wylan saw Brekker's lips twitch. He would have classified that as a smile if he had been speaking to anyone else. Brekker nodded once and got up, making his way to his office.

Inej reached over to grab one of Wylan's hands. "Thank you," she said softly. "For what you've done for those who couldn't help themselves. I wish there had been someone like you when I was - " her voice caught as her eyes teared up.

"Of course," Wylan answered, smiling at her kindly. "I wish I could've helped you."

She stood and blinked the tears out of her eyes. "You already have." She strode off.

Wylan looked at Jesper anxiously. "I didn't upset her, did I?"

Jesper snorted. "I don't think you can upset her."

"Oh," Wylan relaxed. "That's reassuring."

Wylan laid his head on Jesper's shoulder. He lay his head on Wylan's after pressing a kiss to his ruddy curls. "You handled that well, merchling."

Wylan flushed. "Did I? I was afraid I would come on too strong."

"It's not a bad thing to come off too strong here, love."

Wylan and Jesper stayed cuddled together. "Is it odd that I feel freer here than I ever did with my father?"

Jesper thought for a moment. "I can understand that. You're free to be who you are and do what you want, without fear of disappointment."

Wylan nodded, his curls tickling Jesper's nose.

They sat curled together, watching the Barrel pass by them.

oOo

Jan Van Eck frowned when he walked through the Barrel. He wrinkled his nose at the scent of the dirty streets.

Van Eck frowned when he approached the building his son was reported to be staying in. It was crumbling at the edges! And was that the bed? There weren't even proper sheets on it!

Jan may not like Wylan, but he couldn't allow any son of his to be seen living in such conditions.

Good thing he wouldn't be living much longer.

Jan frowned when he approached the door, only to be blocked by a young girl. His guards were about to shove her aside, but he held his hand up. This must be his son's reading assistant. 

He sneered at the thought of that. A son of his, unable to read.

The woman glared at him. "Doctor's not here. You can swing by later and he'll see you."

Jan frowned. The Doctor? Who was that? Was his son working for him? "I'm looking for Wylan," he clarified.

"Yes, the Doctor," the woman said, rolling her eyes. "He's out."

His son was The Doctor? The entire Merchant's Council had heard rumors of a young boy started a medical business in the Barrel. They had been discussing offering him a place on the Council. Jan didn't know the young boy involved was his son.

His son started a business in the Barrel. One that was apparently doing quite well, all without being able to read. Jan started to think.

"About how much do you make a day? And how much do you charge?"

The woman sighed. "Before Nina joined, we saw about 40 people a day. It was 10 kruge a person. Once Nina arrived, we see almost 200, split between the two. Now we make about a thousand on a good day."

A thousand kruge a day? That was almost 7,000 kruge a week! In the Barrel!

"Once we pay everyone, it comes to about $5,000," the woman added.

His son did that? Wylan did that? 

"I see," Jan answered slowly. "I'll be back then."

"Alright," the woman turned around and headed back to the building.

As Jan made his way to his carriage, he started reevaluating.

Because if his illiterate son could start a business that made a net profit of $5000 kruge a week, with no resources and no help in a place like the Barrel...

Just imagine what he would do at the helm of Van Eck Enterprises.

Whether he wanted to be there or not.

Chapter Text

"Delivery for Mr. Van Eck," Nia exclaimed as she walked into the warehouse.

Wylan looked up as she dropped a pile of envelopes on the table he was sitting at, doing their finances.

Ever since Wylan had started doing business with the Dregs, he hadn't actually seen a change in profit. While Dregs paid half, it turned out that Kaz insisted on being the one to pay his crew, as they joined the Dregs when he did.

Wylan had felt terrible when he found out he'd signed his entire gang up without asking them first. Everyone had laughed when he'd tried to apologize, saying that they knew what would happen to them when they joined. Wylan still brought everyone donuts as an apology.

Even thought Wylan's crew was technically part of the Dregs, they still answered to him first. Kaz saw no need to change that, as they'd proven loyalty regarding Wylan's protection.

Overall, Wylan's business was doing better than ever. He even had more friends (Kaz scowled almost as fiercely as Nia when he referred to any of the Dregs as friends, but Wylan had no plans on stopping). He'd become official with Jesper, and he'd found a confident in Inej.

Wylan truly thought he was making a decent living in the Barrel. Far better than the living he would have made as the Van Eck heir, that's for sure. Wylan thought he'd be alright.

Naturally, that's when everything had to start going wrong.

Wylan noticed the first letter in the trash. Nia sorted and read through his mail, and informed him of anything important, so normally Wylan wouldn't have looked twice.

However, he'd noticed a familiar crest on the envelope. He squinted at the emblem, only to pale when he realized where he'd seen that emblem.

It was the Van Eck family emblem.

Wylan fished the letter out of the trash, trying hard not to hyperventilate. He held the letter in shaky palms, tracing the part where his father's name must be written in his ostentatious cursive.

Wylan hadn't moved from his position until Kaz had marched in, asking for his usual report. He'd frowned when Wylan hadn't looked up when he'd entered. He'd rapped his cane sharply on the ground in front of Wylan. Wylan had jumped and whirled on Kaz.

Kaz pointedly looked at the letter Wylan was holding. "What is that?"

Wylan clutched the letter, crumpling it in his grip. "I - I don't know," he stuttered out. "It has my family's emblem on it."

"Not your family anymore," Kaz corrected sharply. But, he'd reached out with a gloved hand, snapping twice.

Wylan hesitated. On one hand, Kaz should know what his father wanted. But on the other hand, this was the first communication he'd ever gotten from his father. Wylan wanted to decide what to do with the letter.

Kaz got impatient at Wylan's hesitance. He leaned over and snatched the letter out of Wylan's grasp, ripping it open as he ignored Wylan's indignant protests. Wylan's breath caught as Kaz skimmed through the letter, frowning.

"Can you read it out loud?" Wylan asked after an excruciating moment.

Kaz looked at him inquisitively. "Are you sure?" He finally asked, his oddly hesitant.

Wylan nodded. "I need to know."

Kaz sighed and surreptitiously pocketed the letter. "Wasn't anything important," he said briskly, limping over to the chair next to Wylan and sitting in it. "Just him gloating about knowing where you are, and what you're doing."

Wylan frowned. "Why can't I see it?"

"What good would it do," Kaz asked bluntly, ignoring Wylan's flinch. "You'll just agonize over it, and I'm not paying you to dawdle and waste my time."

"You're not paying me at all," Wylan grumbled.

Kaz leaned closer and looked at Wylan intently. "Do not worry about your father. You're an investment." Wylan rolled his eyes at that. "I protect my investments."

"I've heard you use that line on Inej," he complained. He immediately flushed, but Kaz pretended not to hear them. "Anyways, here are the reports for this week." Wylan held out the lists of people who'd come in, how they were injured and how much they paid. Kaz used these to track what gangs were fighting, and whether he needed to step in.

Kaz nodded and got up. He winced when he stepped on his bad leg.

Wylan hesitated, before reaching over and grabbing a numbing tonic. He approached Kaz cautiously, trying to ensure he knew that Wylan wouldn't hurt him.

"Here," Wylan said, holding it out. "It should numb your leg when the pain is above bearable."

Kaz recoiled as though Wylan had slapped him. "I do not need anything for the leg," he hissed out. "I've dealt with it for years, and I don't need the likes of you telling me what to do with it."

Wylan held out his arms in defense. He spoke the language of the Barrel, he knew how to make Kaz accept his help. "Just keep it," Wylan urged, dropped the vial in front of Kaz. "Free of charge. Consider it a thank you."

Kaz startled. "For what?"

Wylan smiled. "For protecting me from my father. I imagine he offered you a hefty price for my head. I won't tell anyone."

Kaz stared for a moment at Wylan's earnest face, before grabbing the vial and pocketing it with the letter, storming off without as much as a goodbye.

Wylan sighed fondly and rubbed his forehead, attempting to ward off his headache.

Honestly, what was he to do with these Barrel boys?

oOo

As Kaz walked outside, he ran into Jesper chatting with Nia, Wylan's assistant. He approached them, his cane alerting them to his presence.

Jesper shot him a grin, and Nia narrowed her eyes. "What business?" she asked.

Kaz was impressed at her steely edge. Silently, he took out the letter and held it out to her, showing off the Van Eck emblem. "You check Wylan's mail, correct?"

"Yes."

"If any letters come in with this emblem, do not tell Wylan. Give them straight to me."

Jesper frowned, and leaned over to look at who sent the letter. She paled when she saw who sent the letter. "His father's sending him lettes?"

Kaz nodded once sharply. "It appears Mr. Van Eck had an enlightening conversation with Wylan's 'assistant' regarding Wylan's recent success."

Nia flushed in anger. "Was that me?"

Jesper whirled on her. "You told Van Eck about Wylan?" he demanded.

"I didn't know it was him! I've never seen the man!"

Kaz barely started when he noticed Inej on Wylan's roof, sliding down silently to meet with the rest of them.

"Just inform me whenever someone new comes here asking about Wylan," Kaz commanded, ending the glaring contest Nia and Jesper entered.

"What does he want?" Jesper asked, trying to grab the letter from Kaz's grasp.

Kaz dodged his clumsy attempts and pushed him back with his cane. "It appears that Van Eck realized that Wylan inherited his strategic and analytical mind." Kaz's face twisted into a sneer. "He claims to have seen the light, and he asked Wylan to come back home."

Jesper's expression matched Kaz's. "He is home," he answered, his voice uncharacteristically steely.

"He is," Kaz agreed. "And I will work to keep it this way."

Jesper studied him appraisingly. "Good." He turned and sauntered into the warehouse, keen to take Wylan out.

Nia hugged herself. "I didn't know," she whispered, guilt seeping into her tone.

Kaz wasn't one for useless guilt. "You didn't," he agreed curtly. "Now you do. Don't make such a mistake again."

He turned from her form and walked off, Inej following him in the shadows. They walked in silence for a few moments.

"Are we waging war with Jan Van Eck?" she finally asked.

Kaz glanced at her. "Would you be opposed?"

Inej's silence said everything Kaz needed to hear.

"As of right now, we are not going to war," Kaz murmured softly. "If Van Eck becomes more proactive, I might change my mind."

"Good," Inej answered sharply. "Wylan will not go back to him."

Kaz nodded his assent.

oOo

"Has there been any mail?" Jan asked his servant roughly.

The servant flinched, and shook his head, quaking with fear. Jan sighed and dismissed him with a flick of his hand.

"Why are you asking for Wylan back from Belendt?" Alys asked from behind him. "I thought he was enjoying music school."

"He was," Jan answered. "But he has responsibilities now."

Alys tilted her head. "I thought you said he was struggling with running a business."

Jan grit his teeth. He hated discussing this. "Yes," he growled out. "He was struggling. But now, he's learned how to do what he needs to."

"Oh has he?" Alys asked brightly. "How lovely!"

Jan sighed. "Yes. He's proven to be enjoying his current station too much, however."

"Boys will be boys," Alys said, shaking her head fondly. "Don't worry, Jan. I'm sure Wylan will make the right choice."

Jan eyed the file on his desk. He hadn't opened that file in years. No one knew, but he had one final card to play against Wylan. One Wylan couldn't refuse.

"Yes," Jan answered, turning towards his wife. "I'm sure he will."

The file, newly cleaned, saw light for the first time in years.

Chapter Text

"Where are we going?" Wylan asked as he and Jesper wandered through Dregs territory. Wylan had always been too afraid to properly explore, but since he became a Dreg, he supposed this was also his territory.

"You'll see," Jesper replied ominously.

Before, Wylan would have been terrified at Jesper's tone. Now, he found that the anticipation sent a thrill down his spine. He grinned, matching Jesper's expression as he raced after his boyfriend.

They stopped in front of an odd looking stand. Wylan frowned when he looked at the sign. The familiar feelings of pain emerged deep within, reminders of sitting at a desk, staring at a book, begging the words to make sense, oh please just make sense

Jesper took his arm, breaking him out of his reverie. "You alright?" He asked, his brow creased in concern.

"Y-yes," Wylan shuddered, running his fingers through his hair.

Jesper frowned and pulled him close. Wylan buried his face in Jesper's shoulder and blinked the tears out of his eyes. "You're safe here," Jesper rumbled soothingly in Wylan's ear. "He can't get to you here."

Wylan shook his head, because yes his father could. He'd watched Nia hide letters with the Van Eck emblem in her coat when she thought he wasn't looking. He'd seen Kaz's frown whenever he saw another missing poster on the walls. 

Wylan knew that she must be giving them to Kaz. Wylan was still too scared to ask what was in them. Not scared of Kaz, but of his father.

"I feel like a sitting duck," Wylan confessed. "Like I'm just waiting for him to lose his patience and march in here."

Jesper frowned and pulled back, cupping Wylan's face and pressing their foreheads. "Well, he's got the entire Barrel to fight if he tries."

Wylan choked out a laugh. "Not the entire Barrel."

"He's got Dirtyhands to contend with." Jesper let go of Wylan's face and leaned back, shooting him a smirk. "If that's not equivalent to the entire Barrel, I don't know what is."

Wylan conceded. One Kaz Brekker on a warpath held more power than the entire rest of the Barrel combined. Wylan leaned his head on Jesper's shoulder. "Why are we here?"

Jesper grinned and grabbed Wylan's hand, rushing him inside. Wylan froze when he heard a familiar buzzing in the building.

Jesper turned to him, beaming. "Tattop parlor! You're getting your Dregs tattoo."

"I can't do that now," Wylan objected weakly.

Unperturbed, Jesper pulled Wylan forward and sat him on an empty bench. "Sure you can. If you think about it too much, you'll scare yourself and you'll never do it."

Unconvinced, Wylan shot Jesper a nervous look. "Are you sure?"

Jesper patted his shoulder comfortingly. "Trust me, it looks a lot worse than it actually is."

"That doesn't make me feel better," Wylan grumbled, gulping as a kindly, heavily inked Shu woman approached him, brandishing the needle.

"He a new Dreg?" she asked Jesper, who nodded and ruffled Wylan's ruddy curls, grinning when he shoved his hand off with a half-hearted protest.

"Yep," Jesper informed her cheerfully. 

The woman smiled at Wylan reassuringly. "It hurts a lot less than you think."

Wylan nodded once, taking off his jacket and rolling up his sleeve. "Right here, please," he said, his voice trembling.

Jesper grabbed his other hand reassuringly as the woman prepared to tattoo him. "Squeeze as hard as you need to," he whispered to Wylan, who was studiously looking at the tiled floor.

Wylan winced when the woman started tattooing him, but found that the pain actually wasn't as bad as he thought it would be. Wylan still clutched Jesper's hand tightly.

"There," the tattoo artist said when she was done, leaning back and smiling as Wylan admired the Crow sipping from a cup on his arm. "Not so bad, was it?"

Wylan shook his head no. Before she could go, Wylan blurted out, "Wait!"

She turned to look at Wylan. "Could I get another?" He asked, blushing at Jesper's and the tattoo artist's knowing smile.

"Sure thing, son," she said, sitting back down. "What else do you want?"

Wylan thought for a minute. "Could you do a paint brush? With paint dripping from the bristles?"

The woman nodded, smiling softly at the nervous look on Wylan's face. "Of course," she intoned softly. "Where do you want it?"

Wylan gestured to his collarbone. The tattoo artist started inking his neck, slowing whenever Wylan winced.

"Who is this for?" Jesper asked cautiously.

Wylan didn't say anything for a moment. "My mother loved to paint," he finally answered softly.

Jesper nodded in understanding, hand instinctively finding the intertwining jurda blossoms he had on his chest, stroking them over his chest with his thumb. "Near your heart," Jesper said softly. "To keep her close."

Wylan smiled at him, gratitude shining in his eyes.

Somehow, the idea of carrying a piece of his mother of him forever seemed to good to pass on.

oOo

Kaz really did not know what to think when Jan Van Eck showed up in his club again, looking agitated. He had no guards or valuables on his person.

Van Eck locked eyes with Kaz and stormed over, looking angry. "Did you know where he is?"

"Who?" Kaz asked, playing dumb.

Van Eck's face did an impressive impression of a wild boar. "Don't play dumb with me! Wylan! You knew where he is!"

"Yes," Kaz sighed, gesturing the bartender for a drink and turning to fully face Van Eck. He hoped Jesper would keep Wylan busy for the night. "I make it my business to know everything that goes on in this city."

"Then why did you leave him?" Van Eck demanded. "I said I wanted him back!"

"You made it sound as though he was a hinderance last we spoke," Kaz answered bluntly. "I didn't think you would mind that I kept him here, where he could work for me."

"I said that there would be a reward for you should you bring my son home."

"And then heavily implied that you would prefer the state to be dead. Your son may be more use to you dead than alive, but he's far more use to me alive."

Van Eck looked like a vein was about to pop out of his forehead. "Do you employ my son's services?" he finally asked, his voice strained in order to sound calm.

Kaz frowned. "Everyone does. He's officially a Crow, but he treats everyone."

Van Eck's eyes bulged. "You've forced my son to join your gang of ruffians?"

"I made him an offer. He bargained and we found middle ground."

Van Eck raised an eyebrow in what Kaz would have called pride in any other man. "My son bargained with you?" He shook his head. "How did I not see it before?"

Had Kaz not studiously read through every letter Jan had sent Wylan, he almost would have thought Jan's pride was in Wylan, rather than Wylan's intellect.

Jan fixed Kaz with a look. "My son is running a business in the Barrel," he started, an edge of desperation in his voice. "He's found his ability to run a business. You must understand, I need my heir."

Kaz wasn't swayed. "You didn't need an heir the last time we met."

Jan grit his teeth. "Things changed. I've learned. Wylan is a born mercher; he needs to be around someone who will hone in his talent, and make him the strongest merchant he can be."

Kaz leaned forward, smiling grimly. "He is around someone like that." Kaz downed his whiskey and walked towards his back office, ignoring Van Eck's shouting.

He walked into his office, unsurprised at the sight of Inej perched on his window.

"Find what I was looking for?" He asked.

She handed him a file silently. Kaz turned to sit at his desk. "Van Eck is downstairs," he said. "I've asked Wylan to meet with me in the morning, and I would prefer to delay any father son reunions."

When Kaz looked up, Inej had already disappeared to ensure Van Eck disappeared.

Kaz sighed and opened the file. It was a copy of Van Eck's budget.

Kaz always found that the best place to find sensitive information about powerful men was where they spent their money.

Hopefully he could find out what Van Eck thought he had against Wylan, other than the obvious.

Kaz couldn't say it in front of everyone, but he cared for Wylan. Wylan had become one of his Crows. Kaz would destroy anyone who dared attempt to hurt him.

Brick by brick.

Chapter Text

Wylan giggled as Jesper led him to the Crow Club, telling him stories of his farm. Even though Jesper’s tone was humorous, Wylan couldn’t help but notice the flash of sadness that crossed his face when he talked about both his parents.

Wylan hope Jesper’s father was alright.

Wylan wasn’t sure what he was expecting when he walked into the Crow Club. Maybe he’d see Nia by the bar, challenging every person who dared to a drinking contest. Maybe he’d see Nina and Matthias, Nina cackling as Matthias’s face scrunching up whenever Nina ordered him something too sour. Maybe he’d see Inej lurking in the shadows near Kaz, silently guarding him.

What he never thought he’d see was Jan Van Eck, half snarling as Inej tried to get him to leave the club. Jesper froze when he saw, causing Wylan to bump into him.

Jesper immediately turned around and tried to drag Wylan around, grunting when he realized Wylan had become dead weight against the shock. Right as he’d managed to turn Wylan around, he locked eyes with his father.

Before Wylan could comprehend, Jan had shoved Jesper aside and grabbed Wylan’s hand in a harsh grip.

“There you are!” He’d exclaimed, attempting to pull Wylan out of the bar.

Wylan felt his palms sweat. His heart pounded in his chest, and his breathing picked up. Van Eck’s grip was abruptly removed from Wylan’s arm as Kaz appeared, brandishing his cane in Van Eck’s direction.

“I thought,” Kaz growled menacingly. “That I told you to leave my club.”

“I’m not leaving without my son!” Van Eck declared.

There was a distant ringing in Wylan’s ears, as though his father’s sudden declaration had rendered Wylan deaf.

“Come, Wylan,” his father snapped out sternly. “You’ve spent enough time with these ruffians. It’s time for you to come home.”

That snapped Wylan out of his panic fueled reverie. “Home?” He asked quietly. “Since when have you wanted me home?”

Van Eck looked shocked. “What are you talking about boy? You were supposed to be in Belendt.”

Wylan laughed coldly. From nearby, Jesper looked troubled that such a sound had come from Wylan’s mouth. “I was supposed to be in Belendt?” Wylan moved around Kaz and stepped closer. “There was no place at a music school for me! You made it up! You send me to die!”

“Don’t be preposterous!” Van Eck snapped. “You’re the heir to my fortune.  Why would I send you to die? Now stop this farce and come home!”

Wylan flinched, before steeling himself and stepping forward. “You know why you’d send me to die,” he said quietly. “You know exactly why.”

“That doesn’t matter anymore!” Van Eck cried with a surprising amount of distress in his voice. “You’ve learned how to cope with your deficiencies.”

“No thanks to you,” Wylan whispered. “And let me guess. Now that you’ve realized that I can get around my inability to read, you suddenly want me to run the business? What happened to Alys’s baby?”

“There will be a place for that child as well!”

“Under you, though.” Wylan seethed. “There will be a place for me and your other child under your thumb.”

“Enough!” Van Eck snapped. “You get in the carriage right this instant, young man!

Cold swept through Wylan’s body. Memories of lonely nights, of harsh lessons, of never feeling like he was enough; all of them flooded Wylan’s head.

But Wylan’s resolve had also grown. He realized that there was no reason he could think of that would make him go back there.

Distantly, Wylan felt the paintbrush on his collarbone throb.

“No,” Wylan said, the steel in his tone shocking his father. “You’ve never treated me right, and I don’t think you really will start now. I will never be enough to you! You’ll always find something wrong for it, and I won’t stand for it anymore!” Wylan was gasping by the end of his speech. He ignored the looks of his friends, and focused on his father, who’s face was tightening with the familiar tells of rage Wylan had learned to identify from a young age.

“You think you’re so tough now that you’ve joined a gang,” Van Eck sneered. "You think that you understand anything, having lived in the Barrel for a few weeks? Well let me tell you something, son." Van Eck grabbed Wylan by the lapels of his coat and pulled him closer. Wylan's heart fluttered, but his expression remained steady. "You know nothing of the real world. Now get in the carriage."

"I know more about how the world works than you ever will!" Wylan shouted, shoving his father off him. "I've seen people who are cruel, who kill and destroy everything in their paths in order to get to the top. And I've met people who should be like that, but are still kind and caring! I've finally found myself and where I belong, and nothing you say can make me come back!"

Wylan whirled around, feeling elated at finally having stood up to his father. He looked over at Kaz, who shot him what would have been an approving smile on any other man. Beaming, Wylan turned to Jesper as he came bounding over. Before he could say anything, his father's voice rang out behind him. And he said the only thing that could make Wylan even consider changing his mind.

"Your mother is alive."

Wylan froze. His eyes widened, and he felt his jaw slacken.

No, there was no way. He'd been at his mother's funeral. He'd watched in tears, devastated as her casket was lowered into a grave. He'd stood in front of her grave, weeping when the words on her headstone blurred, meaningless in his eyes. 

His father was lying. A final trick to get Wylan to give in and go with him. There was no way his mother was alive.

But.

But, Wylan remembered the casket was closed during her funeral, which was unusual for mercher funeral, as they liked showcase the dead people in gaudy, expensive dresses and suits one final time before lowering them into the ground.

But, Wylan had always thought his father had gotten over his wife's death far too quickly. And Wylan knew they had been in love at one point, even though their marriage had declined since they discovered Wylan couldn't read. 

But, Wylan never remembered his mother being ill. Wylan never remembered Marya Van Eck as anything but free and lively, laughing and covered in her paints.

But, Wylan was never taken to her sickbed before she died. He was never allowed to say goodbye.

But, there were too many items in between for all of these factors to be a coincidence.

There was a ringing in Wylan's ear, and Wylan suddenly felt dizzy. Jesper caught him as his legs gave out, sitting him on the floor and barking at someone to get him a glass of water.

Through the haze of grief and confusion, Wylan could see his father staring at him with grim satisfaction. Wylan felt his grief turn to rage.

Too quick for Jesper to stop him, Wylan surged forward, feeling enraged for the first time.

Tempers really were passed through blood.

"What did you do to her, you bastard?" Wylan snarled, seconds away from attacking his father.

His father smiled at Wylan, looking like he'd already won the battle. "Watch your tongue, Wylan. You'll never find out what happened to her without me."

Horror rushed through Wylan's senses. This was his father's game, he realized with horrifying certainty. He'd hang Wylan's mother in front of him like a carrot to a rabbit, and force Wylan to run paces in order to get it.

Wylan may never find out what happened to his mother.

But he couldn't leave her at his father's mercy, knowing she was out there somewhere.

Jesper clearly knew what Wylan was going to do. Over Wylan's shoulder, he shot a meaningful look towards Kaz, who nodded once to his unspoken question.

"Fine," Wylan said, breaking the unsteady silence that had settled around the club. "I'll go with you. I'll take over the company, and I'll be your perfect mercher heir."

Jan smiled. Wylan had never felt this defeated. Even when his father actually tried to kill him, he still held onto hope. Now, he felt as though everything he'd fought to have was slipping through his fingers.

"I need to come too," Jesper spoke up suddenly.

Van Eck whirled on him. "Why?" he sneered.

"Your son still can't read," Jesper reminded him. "I can read and write for him."

"Don't be ridiculous, boy. We'll hire someone to do that."

Jesper hummed and leaned his head back. Wylan tried to stop him, but Jesper wasn't leaving Wylan to fend for himself against his monster of a father. "I will have you know that I grew up on a farm. We grow many things, but our most lucrative crop is jurda. Oh," Jesper smirked at the interested look on Van Eck's face. "You've heard of that?"

Van Eck gave Jesper a once over. "You're a university student?" He finally asked.

Wylan shook his head, but Jesper shot him a reassuring smile and looked at Van Eck square in the eye. "Finance major. Been handling my Da's financial since I could do arithmetic."

"Hm," Van Eck's eyes shut in consideration. "Perhaps we could find some use for you."

"No!" Wylan burst out. "I'll go with you. Leave Jes out of this!"

"Hush, boy," Van Eck snapped. "Pack your things, both of you. We leave in an hour."

Jan Van Eck dusted off his jacket and sauntered off, looking on all accounts like he'd won a particularly bloody battle.

Once he was out of sight, Wylan smacked Jesper's arm, ignoring his yelp of pain. "What were you thinking?" Wylan demanded.

"That I couldn't leave you with him, Wy!" Jesper snapped back. "He'll hurt you!"

"He'll hurt you too! Ghezen, what did he do with my mum? What will he do with us?" Wylan pressed his hands to his face miserably. 

"He'll never tell you," Kaz said as he limped over to them, Inej at his heels. "He'll lose the only leverage he has on you."

"I know that!" Wylan snapped, too fearful of what was happening to be properly intimidated by Kaz. "But what choice do I have?"

"None," Kaz said. "But I have a plan."

Jesper wrapped an arm around Wylan. "We're Crows, Wylan. We never forget those who wronged us."

"You're going to take my father down?" Wylan asked, looking at Kaz's stony gaze.

"I have a plan," Kaz smirked. "You and Jesper get ready to go now."

Kaz straightened and leaned on his cane, looking at Wylan in the eye. Wylan could see the determined, bloody resolve in Kaz's eyes, and knew that before anything, Kaz would destroy his father.

Kaz gazed out the window, watching Van Eck's impatient figure. "He may have won this battle," he murmured quietly, but loud enough that his Crows could hear him. "But we will win the war."

Chapter Text

Wylan rushed back to his warehouse. He only had an hour before his father would show up to drag them back to the Van Eck mansion. Jesper had stayed behind to discuss something with Kaz. Wylan had been too distraught to pry further.

Wylan bit his lip when he thought of being there again. Sure, the bed was more comfortable, and the meals were constant, but Wylan would give all that up to stay where he was.

The mansion was a pretty cage, but that's what it was.

A cage.

A cage that Wylan was going back to. And dragging Jesper with him.

Nia was sitting in the warehouse, chatting with a few of the guards. She looked up when Wylan entered, and frowned when she saw the tears in his eyes. She stormed over. "What happened?"

"I have to go," Wylan choked out.

Nia frowned. "Where?"

"My father said I have to go with him. Or he won't tell me what he did with my mother."

"He did something to your mother? That bastard," Nia spit out, leaning forward and wrapping her arms around Wylan's shoulders.

Wylan sobbed and clutched her tightly. "I don't want to go back!" He tensed when he felt another pair of arms wrap around him, but relaxed when he realized it was just Nina. Matthias quickly joined their group hug.

"Don't worry, Wy," Nina soothed. "I know it can't be easy for you, but you won't be alone this time. You'll have Jesper with you, and you'll have Kaz working to get you out from here."

"Here, Boss," Jobbins spoke up from behind them. Wylan moved his head, and felt his heart throb painfully in his chest when he saw his guards presenting him his flute case. Everyone who worked for Wylan had drawn a small picture on the case. He traced over the small wolf Matthias must have drawn, blinking tears of gratitude out of his eyes.

"Thank you everyone," Wylan sobbed. "For everything."

There was a moment of silence, save for the sound of Wylan's sniffling. Finally, Nia cleared her throat and shoved Wylan towards the bedroom. "Go pack up," she said, her voice suspiciously raspy. "Don't worry about us. We'll handle the business."

"I'll help you," Matthias said, gently pushing Wylan towards the bedroom.

Nia looked at Nina intently. "Dirtyhands better have a hell of a plan to get Wylan out of there."

oOo

Jesper was in his room, packing all the outfits he could fit into the two suitcases he had on hand.

Kaz was at the window, peering down as Van Eck stood by the carriage, looking like he'd, for all purposes, won several games of Rummy. Kaz, on the other hand, looked as though he'd sucked on a particularly sour lemon.

"What do I do there, Boss?" Jesper finally asked.

"I don't see Van Eck giving you much free time," Kaz intoned, not taking eyes off Van Eck's smug figure. "Play along for now. Make sure he doesn't go after Wylan."

"He thinks I've been in University for the past few years."

Kaz finally looked at him, cocking an eyebrow. "You've been managing the club's finances for years, Jesper. You know what you're doing."

Jesper paused. He did know his way around finances, didn't he? "Maybe I'll write to my Da," Jesper mused as he tried to shove a royal purple and navy plaid jacket with matching pants into the already overstuffed bag. "Tell him I'm probably going to marry into a rich mercher's household."

Kaz snorted, going back to watching Van Eck tapping his leg impatiently. "He'd certainly like to hear that."

"Got what you asked for," Inej spoke up, startling Jesper, who dropped his bag. Kaz simply turned and looked at her.

"Good," he walked forward and took what she was holding. He narrowed his eyes and studied them as Jesper tried to get his heart to stop pounding.

"Ghezen, Inej," he finally swore. "Don't do that!"

She merely grinned. Before Jesper could tackle her, Kaz held out the papers to him. Jesper frowned when he read them. "Two tickets to Novyi Zem? Two months from now?"

"For you and Wylan," Kaz said, grabbing fake documents (he kept some for every Dreg just in case) and tucked them into Jesper's case carefully. "When you get the signal, take Wylan and run to your farm. Don't come back until one of us comes to get you."

Jesper was confused. "What signal?"

"You'll know," was Kaz's cryptic answer. Jesper huffed, but didn't answer.

Jesper sighed, realizing he wouldn't be able to fit anything more in his suitcase. He stared mournfully at the closet as he zipped his suitcases shut.

Inej walked forward and hugged him. "Take care of yourself," she murmured softly.

Jesper blinked tears out of his eyes and kissed her head softly, the same way his Ma used to do for him.

"He's getting impatient,"

Kaz spoke up from the window. Jesper snorted and let go of Inej, approaching Kaz and wanting to slap his shoulder. He stopped his arm at the last second, opting for an awkward wave.

"See you soon, Boss," He smiled and went down the rickety steps, dodging the loud one. He saw Anika stare at him as he made his way down.

He didn't shoot her his usual wink and flirtatious remark. He held a hand out. She stared at it for a moment, before grabbing it once and shaking it firmly. Then, too fast for Jesper to react, she gave him a quick hug and ran off.

Jesper shook his head fondly, before making his way down the rest of the steps. He walked through the Slat, drinking in the sights of the Club dying down after a busy night.

When he reached the door, he paused and looked up, before gathering his courage and pushing the doors open.

Jesper smirked when Van Eck frowned at the large suitcases Jesper carried. Van Eck's driver took the suitcases from Jesper, grunting at the weight, but putting them into the trunk. 

Jesper rested his arm against the carriage, smirk widening at the displeasure on Van Eck's face for having to breath the same air as him. 

"How did it feel?" Jesper asked. "Seeing your son flourish in a place as this?"

Van Eck pursed his lips. "My son is a Van Eck. He would've flourished anywhere."

Jesper scoffed internally. His son hadn't been a Van Eck until he'd proven himself useful, Jesper guessed.

"And don't think you're going be left idle, boy," Van Eck said, turning to face Jesper's smug face. "You'll be working with my son. You will be working as much as he is. Although," he allowed himself a smirk. "You are free to leave whenever you'd like."

Jesper's expression didn't change. So this was Van Eck's game? Work Jesper to the bone until he called it quits and walked away, leaving Wylan in the dust, miserable and alone.

Well, luckily for Jesper, he'd never been able to say no to a bad hand. "I'll take my chances."

Before Van Eck could retort, Wylan had made his way through the crowds, clutching a single backpack and his flute case.

Van Eck's nose wrinkled when he saw the shoddy state of the bag Wylan wore and the doodled on flute case. Jesper restrained a grin when he saw Wylan stroking the guns he'd doodled on, right next to a drawing of Kaz's crow headed cane and a knife.

"We'll have to replace that," Van Eck mumbled to himself, before directing Wylan to sit inside the carriage. Jesper jumped in after Wylan before Van Eck could, and sat next to Wylan.

Van Eck made his way inside with a glare at Jesper, who only smiled back.

"Head up, boy," Van Eck barked at Wylan who'd been looking at his lap and studiously ignoring what was happening. "We're going back and there's going to be people watching."

Wylan immediately stiffened his spine and looked up, staring right at a small painting of a crow above Van Eck's head.

Jesper grabbed Wylan's hand with the hand not stroking his guns. Wylan looked at him through his lashes. He winked and stroked the back of Wylan's hand reassuringly. Van Eck frowned at the easy affection, but said nothing.

Outside, Kaz was gazing outside the window at the carriage retreating. Inej was at his shoulder.

"They'll be alright, you know," she said.

"I know," Kaz answered, not moving his gaze from outside.

"I'll make sure of it."

Chapter Text

Dread. That was the only thing Wylan could feel as the carriage edged closer to the mansion. He could feel the air go from the smoky undertone of the Barrel to the cloying, flowery scents that inhibited the senses at Geldstraat. Wylan's heart rate had steadily increased as the journey progressed, despite Jesper's hand squeezing his reassuringly.

Jesper had taken to narrating stories from his days in the university, not that he'd gone much. Had Wylan been paying attention, he would have scoffed at how outlandish Jesper made university sound.

Van Eck had taken to an expression of distaste for Jesper's entire being, preferring to instead study Wylan inquisitively, and snap at him whenever Wylan did anything remotely unsatisfactory:

"Stop biting your nail, Wylan!"

"Stop moving your leg! How old are you, four?"

"Stop looking at your hands! Look at me in the eyes."

Jesper's eyebrow arched higher and higher at every criticism, but he had yet to comment. Mostly due to Wylan squeezing his hand warningly whenever he puffed up, ready to defend Wylan.

After what felt like eternity, Wylan saw his childhood home emerge from the cherry blossom trees they drove through. Wylan's heart was pounding furiously in his chest.

When the carriage stopped, Jesper jumped out, pulling Wylan with him. "Ghezen, I haven't sat that still since I was in my sociology class," Jesper groaned, wriggling his legs endearingly. Wylan smiled fondly, but immediately straightened when he saw Van Eck get out of the carriage, sneering at Jesper's hyperactiveness.

"Stop that, boy!" he hissed. "People will start looking."

"Let them!" Jesper proclaimed. "I put on a hell of a show."

Van Eck shot Wylan a severe look. "Keep him under control."

Wylan frowned, but before he could argue, Van Eck had already swept into the house, calling for Alys. 

"I'm sorry," Wylan said, leaning over to wrap his arms around Jesper's waist and press a kiss to his neck.

Jesper grinned and grabbed Wylan's hands. "Don't apologize for your father's actions, Wy," he admonished softly. "God, the way he was talking to you in the carriage, forget you, I was going mental."

Wylan scoffed, pressing his face into Jesper's shoulder. "He'll only get worse. Just be quiet and nod."

Wylan hesitated. Jesper noticed and turned in Wylan's grip to cup his face. "What's wrong?"

"It's just... are you sure about this?" Wylan asked softly. "He's going to be especially hard on you, Jesper. If you wanted to run, I wouldn't stop you."

Jesper restrained a smile at the contrary tightening of Wylan's hand on his jacket. "Oh, merchling, you're mental if you think I'll leave you alone with him."

Wylan smiled and stepped on his toes to give Jesper a quick kiss.

Jesper reached out and cupped Wylan's face, deepening the kiss.

The two boys kissed under the cherry blossoms, completely uncaring of who may spot them.

oOo

Contrary to popular belief, Alys Van Eck was no idiot.

Sure, she married right after she finished college, and sure she'd been unable to protect her stepson from her husband's wrath, and sure she couldn't think of a way to leave, but she was not stupid.

She'd seen how her husband treated her son (and was Wylan not her son, after everything?). How he viciously belittled and mocked Wylan's inability to read. Alys had sat with him herself a few times, before Jan forbade him from helping Wylan. She knew that Wylan was truly trying his best. She'd watched him excel in maths, history, philosophy, anything that didn't require him to read.

Wylan was brilliant. And it was a damn shame that Jan couldn't see it.

She knew that her husband had ulterior motives when he sent Wylan to music school. Alys thought that he'd simply realized that he'd be no good at running the business, and allowed him to pursue what he really loved.

Alys breathed a sigh of relief when she found out Wylan was going to Belendt for music school. Sure, she wouldn't have his presence in the mansion, but he'd be doing what he loved, far from Jan.

For the first time, she recognized the secret boon in Wylan's brilliance.

So when Jan suddenly started demanding Wylan's presence, and threw all his resources into finding him, Alys was reasonably suspicious. Alys's suspicions only grew when she saw Jan tearing through Wylan's room, cursing when he saw Wylan's (brilliant) system of using music notes to label.

She watched Jan marvel over his son's intelligence. She watched as Jan shifted dinner conversations from wondering where his genes were lost in Wylan to proudly proclaiming that it was his inherited brain that allowed Wylan to be so sufficient, despite his disability.

For the first time, Alys was afraid of people discovering how brilliant her Wylan is. Because Wylan had been fine before, hadn't he? He'd been in music school, hopefully playing the flute among others who marveled at his nimble fingers and sharp mind. Now, because Jan had finally realized what Alys, Marya and dozens of tutors had been trying to shove in his face for years: reading was not an end all.

Jan's increasing franticness made Alys more and more suspicious? Why was Jan having such a hard time finding him?

Because Jan sent him to music school, didn't he? Wylan had been right there, safe, where he could've been called back at a moment's notice.

When Alys tried to broach the subject, Jan had shouted at her to not question him.

It was then that Alys knew he did something to hurt Wylan.

And on the day when he'd found Wylan and dragged him back, another Zemini boy in tow, Alys realize the extent of cruelty her husband was capable of.

Because Alys recognized the tattoo on the Zemini's wrist.

A crow, drinking the dregs of a cocktail cup, adjourned the boy's forearm.

And if Alys had to guess, there was a similar one somewhere on Wylan's body.

Wylan had somehow ended up in the Barrel. He'd somehow ended up working Dirtyhands himself.

As Alys watched Wylan and the Zemini boy kiss amid the pink blossoms, she knew what she needed to do.

Chapter Text

Wylan fought the urge to fidget. He'd been woken up at dawn by his father's servants, who'd forced him out of bed and into a sky blue stuffy suit. Jesper had gazed at him, amused, as he'd been forced into the bath and his hair had been gelled down.

He didn't have to wake until nine, where he and Alys would start lessons on stocks.

Wylan was forced back to the present when Jan hissed at him, "Head up, boy."

Wylan immediately straightened up and followed his father, trying to stop from squirming whenever another Mercher shot him a second glance. Judging by his father's glare, he didn't quite succeed.

Jan finally led Wylan to a large round table, where there was only one chair available. Wylan discreetly sighed in relief, hoping this meant he would sit out, but then Jan announced, "My son will take my place today," and promptly marched out, Wylan staring at his retreating back, wide eyed.

What was he supposed to do? He'd never been to a Council meeting! Wylan gulped and composed himself. No. He was stronger than that. He'd survived in the Barrel. He'd gone face to face with Dirtyhands himself and had gained a friend out of it (although Kaz would rather set himself on fire than admit it.).

Wylan took a deep breath and approached the empty seat. The young Mercher next to him, the only other person under 50, smiled at him encouragingly.

Wylan started when the young Mercher jumped out of his seat and pulled Wylan's chair out for him as though he were a lady in distress. Wylan sighed and sat down, ignoring the self satisfied smile on the other man's face. "Can someone bring me up to speed?" He asked, trying for a charming smile. "I'm afraid I've been away, and I'm quite out of the loop."

The Merchers shared a look that made Wylan's insides shrivel up. Before he could say anything, the one next to him spoke up. "You didn't miss much. We were just debating whether to let go of the lands in Novyi Zem or the stocks in the liquors from Shu Han."

As he gave Wylan a brief explanation, Wylan felt his shoulders relax. He understood what the issues were, and he had ideas on how to solve them.

Wylan knew the Council had been expecting a moron. Why else would Jan all but hide Wylan's existence. But, it became clear that Wylan had a brilliant mind. The Mercher next to him kept smiling wider and wider whenever Wylan made a suggestion. By the time the meeting was over, the Merchers stopped looking at Wylan like he was a moron, and they had actually made substantial progress with deciding what to do with all their investments.

When the meeting was adjourned, Wylan looked out to see. his father waiting outside, as though he were a child being picked up from kindergarten. Before he could storm out and demand an explanation, the young Mercher grabbed his arm and shot him a smile that likely made many weak at the knees.

"I've yet to have the pleasure, Mr. Van Eck," he said, taking Wylan's hand and kissing the back of it. "I'm technically Mr. Van Heller, but you can call me Hayden." He winked.

Wylan refrained from wrinkling his nose. "Yes, well, I've been away."

The man smiled wider. "If I may ask, where?"

Wylan peeked at his father, who was looking at them with an unreadable look in his eyes. Before he could read into it too much, Wylan turned back to the man and said "Belendt. I was in music school."

If possible, Hayden smiled wider. "What's a pretty musician like you doing in a place like this?"

Wylan bristled and got up, heading towards the door. "Do not condescend me, Mr. Van Heller," he all but snapped as he walked towards his father. "I am not some simpering daisy you can charm into getting your way."

Before he could answer, Wylan had walked out to meet his father, who was looking at Wylan curiously. "How was the meeting?" He asked as he and Wylan walked towards the carriage.

Wylan cringed at the thought of being alone in a carriage with his father again, but sighed and climbed in. "You know better than I do. You heard the entire thing."

Jan's eyes narrowed, but he didn't react. Yet. But Wylan was far past caring about the pain his father could inflict. Jan cleared his throat. "Van Heller is a new addition. He joined shortly after you left."

Wylan scoffed. Left? Is that what his father was telling everyone? Jan continued, "He has interests in forging an alliance with us."

Wylan looked up at that. "What kind?"

Jan shot him a pointed look. "The marital kind."

Revulsion filled Wylan. Before he could do something drastic, like jump out of the carriage, his father grabbed his wrist in a bruising grasp. "Calm down," he snapped. "I didn't promise anything."

"But you implied something?" Wylan demanded, trying to yank his wrist out of his father's grasp.

Jan sighed and sat back. "He may have been under the impression that he could marry you if he found you."

Wylan balked. "I am not marrying!"

"And I am not making you! Ghezen, Wylan, would you stop acting like I'm marching you to the gallows?!"

Wylan huffed and crossed his arms over his chest. Jan scowled. "Quit pouting like a child. We're almost back."

Saints, all Wylan wanted to do was collapse in Jesper's arms. But his father grabbed his shoulder when he got out the carriage and led him to his office. Wylan's breath caught as fear built in his chest.

Jan sat him down at the desk and tilted his head as though Wylan were a particularly difficult maths equation. He had a pad of paper and a pen out. "Recount the meeting to me. In detail."

Wylan grit his teeth. He'd played this game with his father many times. Wylan would memorize to make up for not reading. Jan would watch Wylan pretend to read. And punish him when he forgot.

Wylan sighed and braced himself for pain.

oOo

For an apparent trophy wife, Alys Van Eck had an intense glare. Jesper could feel it the second he sat in front of her.

Her gaze was caught on the Dregs tattoo he had proudly on display. Jesper was wearing a lilac dress shirt, matched with teal trousers. His sleeves were rolled up, showing off his arms.

Jesper got impatient. "Whatever you want to ask, ask!"

Alys looked at him. "You aren't from Belendt."

Ah, the cover story. Jan had told Alys that he was Wylan's roommate from school. Jesper had to suppress giggles at the thought of himself and Wylan being roommates in any school. Jan's glare had done nothing to stop Jesper's guffaws.

Jesper lounged back and positioned his arm in such a way where the Dreg's tattoo was more obvious. Alys's gaze followed his arm. "Not exactly. But I am a finance student."

Alys took a deep breath and placed her hands on her knees. "You're from the Barrel."

Jesper's smirked. "Perhaps."

Alys wasn't done. "You work for Dirtyhands. You're his Sharpshooter."

Jesper's smirk widened as he leaned down and stroked his guns, which were by his side, as always. "Got it in one."

"What was Wylan doing in the Barrel?"

Jesper paused. On one hand, Van Eck was looking for an excuse to get rid of Jesper. One the other hand, Alys looked like she already knew the answer. "Wylan had a name in the Barrel," he finally said. "They called him The Doctor."

Alys paled. "Was he part of a gang?"

Jesper snorted. "Wylan may be the first person who accidentally started a gang."

"What does that mean?"

Jesper shrugged. "He treated people for cheap and didn't murder people who couldn't pay right away. People don't see kindness like that at the Barrel."

Alys huffed out a watery chuckle. "That was my Wylan," she finally said. "Always so full of kindness and smarts." She glanced at the floor. "It's a shame Jan never saw it."

Jesper shrugged. "People will only see what they want to see."

Alys sighed and leaned forward. "I'm assuming Dirtyhands has a plan."

"He claims to. He's never straightforward with any of us, though."

Alys nodded determinedly. "I want to speak with him."

Jesper's eyes widened. "Er, look, madam, you seem tough, but he's..." Jesper waved his arms, hoping to convey utterly mental without saying it.

"I know. I've heard the stories," Alys answered, affronted. "But Wylan trusts him. And I trust Wylan's judgement."

Jesper smiled at her. He thought Alys was on her husband's side, and was glad to see she had at least attempted to be a shield for Wylan, however futile her efforts were. "Alright, I'll see what I can do. I ought to warn you, Kaz never shares plans."

Alys smirked, and Jesper could almost see Wylan' mischief in her eyes. "I'm sure."

Chapter Text

Contrary to popular belief, Alys Van Eck was no coward. Yes, she'd been too scared to say no when her parents drew up a contract for her to marry Jan when she was barely out of school, and yes, she'd never been able to truly convince Jan to lay off Wylan, but she was no coward.

This did not in any way reduce the dread creeping up on her as she walked through the Barrel, following a tall Fjerdan boy (who could be no older than 19!) through the unfamiliar cobblestone streets. She hummed under her breath to calm herself, despite the boy's annoyed glares.

Jesper claimed this Matthias was one of Wylan's former bodyguards. How Wylan had ever hired someone so closed off and cold was beyond her.

But then again, Wylan could generally see people for who they were, not who they portrayed to be. Trusting Wylan's judgement, she continued to follow Matthias as he led her to somewhere he called the "Slat."

Alys had gone to Jan and told him that she was attending an night out with the other mercher wives. They had monthly meetings, where they would play cards and discuss their husbands. While Alys did normally attend, she contacted the women this month and asked that they simply record her attendance, which they did without asking questions.

She'd kissed Wylan goodnight, told Jesper to behave and had gotten in the carriage, where they had dropped her off in front of a tea shop, where she had met with the blonde Fjerdan.

Now, she walked towards the home of the Bastard of the Barrel himself, hoping to understand if he had a plan for Wylan. 

Alys was broken out of her reverie when the Fjerdan stopped in front of a run down building. He opened the door for her, and she'd passed through, where a sharp looking young woman awaited. She nodded at her once and started climbing the stairs, fighting the urge to press her hand to her stomach as people leered at her.

When they finally made it to the top, the girl smiled and patted Alys's shoulder once. "I see where Wylan gets his tenacity from. And his blind courage."

Alys started as she walked past. Then, taking a deep breath and bracing herself, Alys entered the room.

Dirtyhands sat at a desk, looking through the papers. A wisp of a Suli girl sat on his windowsill. He looked up once, and directed her to sit.

Alys sat, reassured by the small smile the Suli girl gave her. "My son returned this week."

"Step-son," Dirtyhands corrected absently.

"Son," Alys emphasized.

The boy (and he was a boy, he couldn't be any older than 17!) looked up at Alys finally in appraisal. "Fine, son."

"He was here? He worked for you?"

"We had a partnership," Brekker answered vaguely. "He wanted protection from your husband and I wanted his medical skills."

Alys swallowed heavily. Somehow a literal crime boss in the Barrel, arguably the worst place in Ketterdam, made her son safer than his mansion in Geldstraat. "I assume you have a plan for Wylan. Or have you abandoned him to Jan?"

Brekker sighed and held out the papers for Alys to look at. "These are your husband's financials, Mrs. Van Eck," he explained. "He said he did something to Wylan's biological mother. If I can find what, we can get Wylan away at least."

Alys wasn't satisfied. Because there was no way Jan would let Wylan leave so easily, even with Jesper's help. "That's not enough. Jan won't let him go that easily."

Brekker finally allowed a smirk to grace his features. "Don't worry. He'll be too busy with the attempted murder charges to worry about that."

Alys's eyebrows shot up. "You've found proof he's tried to kill Wylan."

"The people who hired him are ready to testify. After some persuasion from my side," he turned to smile at the Suli girl.

Alys bit her lip. "What am I to until then?" she finally asked. "Because I can't just sit by and wait for you to make a move."

"I've been examining the Van Eck bank statements for days. And the only oddity I can find is the amount of money donated to a hospital, Saint Hilde's."

Alys froze. "You don't think..."

Brekker looked just as grim. "I wouldn't be surprised."

Alys swallowed heavily. Did Jan actually lock Marya Van Eck in an institution? That could be you, her mind thought treacherously. Gathering her remaining courage, she looked at Brekker in the eye and declared, "Tell me when you go to see her. I want to come."

Brekker frowned. The Suli girl smiled and approached her. "Of course, Mrs. Van Eck," she smiled. "We'll send for you when we decide to investigate. Until then, let me accompany you home? The ladies meetings usually end about now."

Alys wasn't surprised the pair in front of her knew of those meetings. "Of course," she said, following her to the door.

By Ghezen, did Alys wish she could have a drink.

oOo

"So how was the Council?" Jesper asked as they lay next to each other.

After Wylan's session with his father, where he'd exited with bruises on his palms and arms, Jesper had to be held back from launching himself at Van Eck, all thoughts of Kaz's plan far from his mind.

Wylan convinced him not to kill Van Eck, stating that Kaz would hurt him worse.

Jesper had huffed, but had dragged Wylan by the hand to the Manor's nurse, who looked sad, but unsurprised. Alys had met them as they went back to their mansion, bidding them goodbye and heading to see Kaz. Wylan shot Jesper a quizzical look, but Jesper simply pressed a kiss to his forehead.

They sat in Wylan's old room for the rest of the night, Wylan quietly listing all the happenings for Jesper to write for Kaz. Then, they'd cuddled, fully intending to skip dinner. Wylan pressed his face into Jesper's chest and tried to blink the tears out of his eyes, Jesper running his fingers through his hair soothingly.

Jesper had nearly dozed off when a servant had knocked on the door, before apologetically saying Van Eck had demanded for dinner.

Wylan paled, but Jesper shrugged and got out of bed. "Jesper, I don't want to see him," Wylan whispered frantically.

Jesper frowned at the fear in Wylan's voice knelt in front of him. "Hey, I won't let him hurt you at dinner."

When the fear didn't abate, Jesper pressed a kiss to Wylan's brow. "Don't worry, your Dad can't stand me. We'll be done by the hour."

Wylan finally snorted and got up, pressing his heels to the ground to steady himself, before he looped arms with Jesper and led them to the dining room.

Van Eck was already seated at the head of the table. He frowned at the sight of Jesper and Wylan's arms looped together, but didn't say anything as they sat next to each other.

Jesper's mouth watered as he saw the spread of expensive foods in front of him. Yellow butter, rye bread, a turkey? The mercher sure didn't skimp on his meals, did he? Even on the farm, he hadn't eaten as well as he was then. Although, Colm's food was still better than anything Van Eck could whip up.

"Van Heller requested a meeting with you," Van Eck spoke up.

Wylan stiffened. Jesper frowned. "Who's that?"

Van Eck scowled when Jesper spoke up. "He's a new mercher. He asked for Wylan's hand in marriage while he was gone."

The familiar tendons of rage filled Jesper. In a carefully controlled voice, Jesper answered, "And you said?"

"That my son was missing and if he found Wylan, he could have him."

The only thing that kept Jesper from storming over and punching Van Eck's teeth out was the hand Wylan put on his thigh. Jesper glanced down and saw Wylan discreetly shake his head.

Ignoring the exchange, Van Eck continued, "He said he'll see you at nine tomorrow."

"You accepted?" Wylan blurted out before he could control himself.

Van Eck scowled. "He's a mercher, Wylan." Jesper could hear the warning in his voice. Wylan slumped in his seat and crossed his arms. "Stop slouching, Wylan!"

Wylan huffed and straightened. Jesper grabbed his hand under the table. "Well then, you'll have to introduce me, Wy!" Jesper said cheerfully, reaching for a slice of cake around Wylan. Wylan looked up in shock as Jesper shot him a wink. "Wouldn't want this mercher to get the wrong idea, of course."

Wylan blushed. Nearby, Van Eck scowled.

Chapter Text

Colm Fahey had no idea what he was doing here. He'd gotten a notice from a man name Brekker that his son needed him in Ketterdam.

When he'd gone to the University, he'd been met with a small Suli girl outside, who'd told him that Jesper wasn't here, and proceeded to lead him to a street where all the posh homes were.

"Why is Jesper there?" Colm asked cautiously, his fear rising. Merchants tended to keep Grisha indentures. If Jesper hadn't been careful...

"Nothing like that," the girl corrected quickly. "He's helping his boyfriend."

Colm half froze. "He's living with his boyfriend?" He repeated. "In a Mercher's house?" The girl nodded once. "Why?"

She paused. "The boy's father is... not a good man," she finally explained. "He tried to hurt him. Jesper's there to protect him."

Colm's suspicions didn't leave him. Jesper always had a bleeding heart, easily taken advantage of by greedy people. What had this boy done to trap his son?

The girl stopped in front of a mansion and turned to Colm, smiling sadly. "I can see your fears. Please don't blame Jesper's partner for any of this. I promise you, it's not his fault."

Colm took a deep breath and nodded. When he turned to thank the girl, she had vanished.

Shaking his head, Colm approached the doors. With trepidation in his steps, Colm reached to knock the door.

A servant opened the door. Colm took his hat off his head and cleared his throat. "I'm Colm Fahey," he said, clearing his throat. "I'm here to see my son."

The servant's eyes widened. "You're Master Fahey's father?" He smiled and led Colm inside. "I'll bring them up." He left Colm in a sitting room, where he awkwardly stood, studying the room. It was a nice room, sure, but it wasn't homely at all. Colm could not imagine raising a boy in such a place.

There was a shout, and Colm looked up the grand staircase to see Jesper running to him, beaming widely. Colm barely managed to catch himself as Jesper launched himself at Colm, clutching his coat tightly and burying his face in his chest.

Colm clutched his son tighter. Jesper wore a scarlet coat with neon green pants. Colm suppressed a smile as he watched another boy walk down.

The boy walked with a small limp, unnoticeable to anyone who wasn't looking for the suppressed winces in his expression as he climbed down the stairs. Colm felt his heart throb at the hand shaped bruises on the boy's arms and face.

Jesper pulled back and ran to the boy, grabbing his hand and gently pulling him towards Colm. "Da," he said, breathless with joy. "This is Wylan. Wylan Van Eck."

The boy smiled politely, tinged with sadness, and held a hand out for Colm to shake. "It's a pleasure, Mr. Fahey." His expression sobered quickly, and Colm's heart hurt for the fear in Wylan's gaze. "I am so sorry for having dragged your son into my problems."

Jesper made a loud protesting sound as he roughly swatted at Wylan's arms. "You did not drag me anywhere!" He kissed Wylan's cheek, and Wylan immediately flushed. "I can't stay away from you for too long, darling."

Wylan nodded and faced Colm, looking as though he was bracing himself for pain. Colm immediately pulled Wylan to his chest, holding him even as he stiffened from shock. "Don't worry about a bloody thing, boy," Colm pulled back to look straight into Wylan's blue eyes. "I taught my boy to stand up for the right people, and he's simply doing that."

Wylan's blue eyes filled with tears, and Colm quickly pulled the boy back into his arms. Jesper laughed and wrapped his arms around the both of them. A throat clearing in front of them had the boy stiffening and looking up.

"Wylan, what are you doing?" the man demanded. "What have I told you about letting strangers into the house? How can you be so stupid?"

Before the man could continue, Colm put himself in front of Wylan's wilting figure, approaching the Mercher calmly. "I am Colm Fahey. Jesper's father." Colm put out a hand for the Mercher to shake.

The Mercher immediately wore an oily smile, clasping Colm's hand firmly. "Ah, well, I am Councilman Jan Van Eck."

Colm shook once and resisted the urge to wipe his hands on his trousers. "A pleasure, Councilman."

Van Eck narrowed his eyes at Colm once, before giving him an appraising look. "You don't look Zemini."

Colm immediately narrowed his eyes back. "Kaelish, sir. Jesper's Ma was the Zemini one."

"And where is she?"

"Dead."

Van Eck pretended to wince. Out of the corner of his eye, Colm noticed Wylan's pained grimace, and felt his heart ache for the boy. "My apologies."

Colm nodded once sharply. Before he could add anything, Van Eck continued, "The boys have a meeting this morning."

Jesper smirked and Wylan flushed. Colm decided he would ask later. "I wouldn't want to interrupt."

Van Eck was back to smiling. "Would you join me and Alys for breakfast?"

Colm looked at the boys from the corner of his eyes. As much as he didn't want to stay in this Mercher's presence for another second, he wanted to leave Jesper and Wylan here even less. "I would, if it's no trouble."

Van Eck pointed towards the dining room and walked towards it. "None at all, please, I insist."

Colm suppressed a sigh at Jesper's aborted giggle.

oOo

"Why does he want to meet with me?" Wylan hissed as he and Jesper made their way towards the cafe where Van Heller was meeting them.

Jesper shrugged, grin not abating since his father came to town. "He's probably going to drop on one knee and beg for you to marry him."

Wylan stopped walking, making Jesper bump into him. "You don't really think he'd do that, do you?"

Jesper shrugged and wrapped an arm around Wylan's shoulder. "If he does, I'll probably shoot him."

Wylan huffed, but let Jesper drag him to the cafe. The door gave a cheery jingle as they entered.

"Why is your Dad here?" Wylan asked quietly.

Jesper shrugged. "I blame Kaz."

Wylan looked at Jesper desperately. Wylan prayed that Kaz knew what he was doing. Otherwise Wylan would drag the Crows down with him. "You know you can still leave, right?" He whispered desperately. "My father is not going to ease up. You can go with him. I won't be upset."

Jesper frowned and turned to Wylan, pushing his ruddy curls out of his face. "Wy, for the last time, I'm not going anywhere. Now stop trying to scare me off. Besides," Jesper grinned. "We have to meet your potential fiance!"

Wylan groaned in mortification as the pair turned towards a table, where a slightly frazzled Van Heller stood, tapping the table anxiously. When he saw Wylan, he shot up and half ran at them. "Oh, Ghezen, thank the Saints you're okay!"

Wylan shot Jesper a confused look. He squirmed out of Van Heller's grip and turned to face him. "What are you going on about?"

Van Heller frowned. "Wylan, your father tried to kill you!"

Wylan and Jesper exchanged alarmed looks. Where did those come from? "That's preposterous," Jesper tried.

Van Heller nodded vigorously. "Yes, your father hired Dirtyhands himself to get rid of you."

Understanding shot through Wylan. This was Kaz's plan. Before he could say anything, Jesper was quick to react. Reaching over, Jesper artfully rolled up his sleeves so his Dregs tattoo was on full display. Van Heller's eyes popped out of their skull. "Fair enough."

Van Heller looked up at Jesper, then shoved Wylan behind him. "Stay away from us!" he screeched. 

Jesper looked amused. Wylan sighed discreetly and took off his jacket. Van Heller turned in time to see Wylan pull up his sleeves, revealing the Dregs tattoo on his arm. Van Heller gaped. "You're - " He couldn't finish the thought.

Wylan sighed. "I have no idea what the rumors say. I only know that I did what I had to for survival."

"Your father sent you to the Barrel?!"

"My father sent me to die," Wylan replied bluntly. "The Barrel is where I ended up after I survived that."

Van Heller gaped. "He said I could marry you."

"If you found him," Jesper interjected, pulling Wylan to his side and lacing their fingers together. "Lucky for me, I got there first." Jesper winked.

Van Heller resembled a fish out of water. Both Wylan and Jesper waited patiently for him to get his bearings.

He finally decided to sigh sadly and face Wylan. "I wish I had gotten to you earlier," he said mournfully. "We would've been good together. I would've kept you happy and satisfied."

Wylan was careful to keep the revulsion off his face. Jesper had suddenly come down with a violent coughing fit to hide his laughter. "Yes, well, no point in dwelling on the past. Just allow me to handle my problems."

Van Heller sighed mournfully, and took Wylan's hand. He kissed the back of it, being mindful to keep eye contact. Wylan was careful to keep his expression blank. Jesper had his hand pressed to his mouth to hide his laughter.

"Perhaps we will meet again in another life, Wylan Van Eck," he said mournfully.

"Perhaps," Wylan said, keeping his arms crossed as Van Heller walked off.

The second the door closed, Jesper burst into loud guffaws, grabbing the table for support as tears of mirth leaked out of his eyes.

"Perhaps we will meet in another life, Wylan Van Eck," Jesper managed to choke out through his giggles.

Wylan sighed.

oOo

Colm could not remember a time when he was more uncomfortable.

Meeting Aditi's parents, maybe. But they had been quick to put him at ease, and their meals had been full of laughter, like how he'd tried to have his meals with Jesper after Aditi was gone.

Jan Van Eck had sat at the head of the table, took out a stack of paper work, and had started finishing it, ignoring Colm's existence.

Alys Van Eck had shot him an apologetic glance, but she ultimately hadn't been able to say anything.

Colm decided that if he was going to say anything, now was the time. "Is your son well, Councilman?" he asked.

Van Eck shot him an inquisitive look. "Why do you ask?"

"He was limping a little earlier. I wouldn't have noticed if I wasn't used to hiding injuries myself."

"Ah," Van Eck leaned back. "Well, you have a boy yourself, I'm sure you understand."

Colm frowned. "Understand what?"

"A boy must behave. Especially one like mine, who's set to take over one of the largest empires in Ketterdam."

Colm cocked an eyebrow. Distantly, he noticed Alys purse her lips. "I don't understand what Wylan could have done to warrant such punishment."

Van Eck slammed his pen down. "You have to understand, Wylan lacks certain mental facilities. Everything I do I do for his own good."

"How can hurting your son be for his own good?"

"I only hurt Wylan as much as the world will one day."

Colm couldn't believe what he was hearing. "That is not how you parent a child!" Distantly, Colm noticed Alys glancing at the papers Van Eck had anxiously, biting her nails.

Van Eck signed one final note before getting up from the table and slamming his hands down. "I will not listen," he hissed. "To any criticism from the likes of you." He stormed off before Colm could demand what that meant.

Colm's rage receded when Alys sighed in relief, grabbing the papers and skimming through. "Thank Ghezen you distracted him."

Colm was confused. "From what?"

"From reading what he just signed fully!"

Colm frowned. "Are you trying to scam your husband?"

"Yes!" Alys exclaimed. "Though not for the reasons you're thinking."

"Am I involved in this?"

Alys looked up at him. "Only if you want to be. We're working on destroying Jan from the inside."

Colm frowned. "Who's we?"

Alys pursed her lips again. "You must understand that Jan wasn't always so understanding of Wylan's intelligence. And that his reputation and legacy mean more to him than anything. Anything." She shot Colm a meaningful look.

Horrifying realization shot through Colm like a bullet. "Did he try to hurt his son?"

Alys nodded grimly. "Yes. And when Wylan had managed to find some modicum of safety, Jan dragged him back here. Jesper refused to leave him alone, so he tagged along."

"What are you doing to stop him?"

Alys smiled. "Wylan only came back because Jan kept his mother alive. We think she's been institutionalized against her will." Alys held up the papers Van Eck was signing. "My husband just signed her release forms."

Colm grit his teeth. He had no respect for a man who would hurt his wife. "How can I help."

Alys looked up in surprise. "You're heading back to Novyi Zem tomorrow morning, correct?" Colm nodded. "Would you have room for an extra guest in your house?"

"Of course." The house had been too empty since Jesper had left. "You can hide out there as long as you want, Mrs. Van Eck."

Alys let out a sharp bark of laughter. "Oh, no, not me! I'm retiring to an old lake house my family owns. Marya, however," She shot Colm a significant look. "She'll need somewhere to stay."

"Let me come to get her," Colm decided. "I'll get her a ticket and take her with me to Novyi Zem."

Alys smiled, satisfied. "Good. My son and Jesper will join you soon enough."

Colm felt relief course through his chest. All he wanted now was for his son and Wylan's safety.

And he wanted to help Marya Van Eck. However he could.

Chapter Text

St. Hilde's was not a pleasant place to be, especially if you are fully sane.

Colm had shuddered at the overly cheery tones of the nurses, well aware that they were all hiding secrets and practices of cruelty against those trapped here. Alys couldn't hide her own shudders when the nurse eyed her inquisitively. This could be your future.

"What is your business with Marya?" The nurse asked as she led Colm and Alys through the sterile hallways.

Alys remembered that she was not Alys Van Eck in that moment. She was Nurse Alice Shokar, according to the ID Kaz had given her, working closely with Dr. Jonas Smyth next to her.

Colm cleared his throat. "Councilman Van Eck desired an alternative treatment for Mrs. Van Eck. He signed off here." Colm handed the forms Alys tricked Jan into signing.

"You mean Ms. Hendricks?" The nurse added with a falsetto giggle.

Alys grit her teeth, ignoring Colm's rushed assurances. Jan took everything from Marya. Her name, her life, her dreams, her goals.

Her son.

This could be you, Alys's traitorous mind thought. She quickly pushed down that thought.

The nurse stopped when they approached a blue room. The door had a painting of a man's hand holding Black Dahlias towards a woman's hand.

Betrayal, Alys thought. Fitting.

Colm gently pushed the door open and walked in, Alys at his heels.

The room could only be described as being filled with Wylan. Paintings upon paintings of a small, red haired boy with blue eyes and a big smile filled the room. In some of them he was playing the flute. In some he was sleeping peacefully, away from the troubles that plagued him. In most he was just smiling. Reveling in being alive.

At the center of the room sat Marya Van Eck. She idly knitted a blue blanket, her blue eyes dazed and unfocused. Alys had seen pictures of Marya when Jan wasn't home and Wylan was busy. She'd seen the woman's piercing gaze, her strength, her determination.

Jan took all of that from her.

Cautiously, Alys approached Marya. She knelt in front of her, putting her hands over Marya's in a manner that was hopefully reassuring. "Marya," she said softly. "Can you here me."

"Hmm?" Marya hummed, her dazed focus landing on her.

"How is your day, Miss?" Colm asked, gently approaching behind Alys.

Alys could almost see the man's defensive demeanor drop into something soft for the woman in front of them.

"It's..." Marya struggled, frowning, the same crease in her brow that Wylan got whenever he tried to read. "Good," She finally answered.

"That's good," Alys answered softly, grasping Marya's hands reassuringly. "My name is Alys. That's Colm. We know Wylan."

Like lightning, Marya's gaze suddenly focused at the mention of Wylan.

"Wylan?" She asked intently. "You know Wylan?"

"Yes, we do, Miss," Colm answered gently.

"Is-is he alright?" Marya stuttered, making half aborted motions to stand. "Jan always gets very angry at him, and I have to be there, I have to - to..."

Colm quickly pushed Marya down, rubbing soothing circles into her shoulders. "Just breath. Wylan is with his father, but he's fine."

"Oh," Marya said, sighing in relief. Suspicion slowly entered her gaze. "Why are you here?"

"We're here to get you out," Alys said bluntly. "Jan is never going to hurt anyone again. Especially you and Wylan."

Marya looked at Alys inquisitively. "How do you know Jan?"

Alys swallowed the lump in her throat and looked down. "I am married to him."

Marya froze. Alys waited for her to get angry. Instead, she leaned forward and gently cupped Alys's face. "You poor thing," she cooed. "I am so sorry."

Alys bit her lips to keep from sobbing. She leaned into Marya's touch. "Me too, Marya," she managed to choke out. "Now let's go."

Colm offered Marya his arm, which she took without much protest. "How do you know Wylan?" she asked. 

Colm huffed out a laugh as he and Alys walked Marya through the hospital. "Well, my son and your son are in love."

Marya's face brightened. "Are they? How lovely!"

Once they were outside the hospital, Alys handed Colm two tickets and fake documents for Marya, before taking one herself. "These should get you and Marya to Novyi Zem. Once there, there'll be someone by the name of - "

"No need for that," Colm interrupted. "She'll stay with me."

Alys paused. "Are you sure?"

Colm looked at Marya, who had sat on a bench and was picking at her fingers absently. "Yes, I'm quite sure," he said softly.

"Alright, then you both can head there. Jesper and Wylan should join you there soon."

Colm offered her a small smile. "Will you be alright?"

Alys shrugged. "Plumje and I have a place to go."

"Alright," Colm held his hand out. Alys shook it. "We'd better head out then."

Alys watched as Colm sat next to Marya and took her hands in his. She watched Colm talk to her gently, before getting up and offering her his arm. Marya had taken it, and they made their way towards the Harbor, where their ship awaited.

Alys watched Colm make Marya laugh as they walked. She sighed in relief. "We'll be just fine," she whispered to Plumje, before walking the opposite direction, where her carriage was waiting. "We'll be just fine."

oOo

Wylan and Jesper lay on the bed, Jesper's arms around Wylan's trembling figure.

Wylan has just gotten back from another "lesson" with his father. His knuckles were bloody from all the times Van Eck had hit them with a cane.

Jesper had fought the urge to go on a rampage. Instead, he'd gently bandaged Wylan's hands and pressed soft kisses to his hands. Jesper pretended not to notice the silent tears running down Wylan's cheeks.

"How much longer?" Wylan whispered.

"Hopefully not much more," Jesper whispered back. The tickets burned whenever he saw them. "We'll be out of here before you know it, Wy."

Both Wylan and Jesper started when a rock was thrown at Wylan's window.

"You think Van Heller's here to confess his undying love for you again?" Jesper asked, amused.

Wylan rolled his eyes, moving to open the window and gawked. Jesper laughed when he saw what was down there.

Kaz Brekker stood holding a rock. Inej stood beside him, looking like she was trying not to laugh.

Jesper laughed loudly. Kaz motioned Wylan to duck. When he did, Kaz threw the rock at Jesper's head. He squawked when it hit. Wylan ducked his head to hide his laughter.

"What are you doing here?" Wylan hissed. "Father's going to be furious if he sees you."

"He won't," Kaz answered. Wylan didn't even want to know how Kaz was so confident.

"Is it time, boss?" Jesper called.

"It's time."

Jesper grinned and grabbed two bags. "What's happening?" Wylan asked.

"Jailbreak!" Jesper shouted, before throwing both bags out of the window and picking up Wylan bridal style. Wylan yelped and held onto Jesper's shoulders tightly as he jumped out, scaling the walling with his legs until they ended up on the ground.

"We found your mother," Kaz said once Wylan stopped gasping.

"Where was she? Is she alright?" Wylan babbled, hopping on his feet anxiously. Jesper grabbed his hand and rubbed his bandaged knuckles soothingly.

Inej pursed her lips. "She was institutionalized."

Wylan froze. "He didn't," Wylan whispered.

"He did," Kaz confirmed. "Alys and Colm got her out. She's on her way to Novyi Zem."

"With my Da?" Jesper asked. Kaz nodded. "Good. Da will look after her."

"What do we do now?" Wylan finally asked.

"Jesper," Kaz said. Jesper nodded. "You're both going to Novyi Zem tomorrow."

"Are you sure?" Wylan asked breathlessly. He wanted to be away from his home more than ever, but he wouldn't leave if Kaz needed him.

"You two need to be out of the way."

"Let's go, Wy!" Jesper cheered, picking up the bags. "Let's go home!"

Wylan looked at the mansion one last time. He had a feeling it would rapidly change when they came back.

Wylan looked at Jesper's smile, and felt his own joy rising in his chest. His mother was safe. Jesper was safe. He was safe. And Kaz was going to destroy his father, so Jan Van Eck couldn't hurt anyone again.

"Let's go." Wylan took Jesper's hand, and ran to his future, with a grin on his face and Jesper by his side.

Chapter Text

"What do you think they're doing?" Wylan whispered quietly to Jesper.

"Who?" Jesper whispered back. "Kaz or our parents?"

"Both."

Wylan and Jesper lay on the hammock in their small cabin. It had been a struggle to figure out how to lie in such a small space together, but they made it work.

Jesper and Wylan had made their way on the ship as Kit Young and Jack Wolfe, on their delayed honeymoon. Where Kaz came up with these names was beyond Jesper. Jesper had smirked suggestively at Wylan's blush when one of the sailors coyly offered them a private room to ... enjoy themselves when they first arrived.

They had been at sea for a week. Jesper never knew the waters could be so calming.

"Well, Kaz is probably threatening your father," Jesper whispered to Wylan. "And my Da and your Ma are probably having a cup of tea together while watching the sunrise. It's so beautiful," Jesper said dreamily. "I can't wait to show it to you."

Wylan smiled into Jesper's collarbone. "How much longer do we need to be Jack and Kit?"

Jesper snorted. "Not long now. Look!" Jesper and Wylan wriggled until they both could see the window. Jesper's neck was craned awkwardly, and Jesper's elbow dug into Wylan's shoulder, but they both could see the Zemini shores. "Land 'ho!"

Wylan giggled. "We're going to see our parents soon! Oh Saints, I'm going to see my mom again!"

Jesper grinned and pressed a kiss to Wylan's forehead. "Everything's working out now, Doctor."

Wylan scoffed and rolled his eyes. But he couldn't stop a large smile from breaking out on his face.

Who knew that his father trying to kill him would lead to the best things happening to him?

oOo

"Councilman Van Eck, thank you for joining us today," Roeder said as Jan sat down.

"Of course. How has my son been serving?" Jan felt an odd sense of pride in his child earning such praises.

By Ghezen, if only Wylan could read. Then Jan could've enjoyed this feeling his entire life.

"He's been doing well in your spot. Which is good considering what we've gathered here to discuss. Please sit down."

"Now," Raddmakker said as Jan sat. "You've been draining the funds we set aside for investments on jurda plants."

"Yes, but I've told you they're going to make us a large profit."

"But you've been setting up the plants to die!" Roeder burst out. "All you've done is lost us thousands of Kruge."

"And this isn't even talking about the other business," Van Heller muttered under his breath.

"What other stuff?" Jan demanded.

"The rumors that you tried to kill your son! That you institutionalized your first wife when she didn't need to be! That you hurt your son and your first wife while they were in your household!"

"Where did you hear those?" Jan said, trying to laugh off the situation.

Raddmakker threw the paper at him. "It's all on the paper!"

Jan read through the paper, frowning at the documents. "These aren't even mine!" Jan cried out. "Where did they even get these."

Brekker had something to do with this. Jan knew it.

"There was an anonymous source. Point is, Jan, it's over."

Suddenly, the Staadwatch burst in. "Councilman Van Eck, you are under arrest."

"No!" Jan snarled, fighting off the Staadwatch. "I am the leader of the Council! You cannot do this to me!"

"Oh, yes, we can," Van Heller said, approaching grimly. "You never should've hid Wylan like you did. We could've had a chance if you hadn't all but set him up with the Zemini shooter!"

Before Jan could protest, he was hauled out of the room in chains.

The same way he had dragged Wylan into the room.

oOo

"Jack, Jack, wait up!" Jesper cried out in laughter as they ran from the embassy. Zemini border checks were specific, so Wylan and Jesper agreed to use their code names until they were at Jesper's farm.

"But Kit, my Mama's at your farm!" Wylan could hardly wait for Jesper to grab their bags before he dragged them out of the Harbor, fidgeting impatiently.

"Yes, and she'll still be there if we stop to carry all our luggage!" Jesper held a bag out to Wylan, who took it with a blush.

It was a ten minute walk to the farm. Wylan dropped his bag and sprinted towards the lonely cottage, his curls flying in the wind. Jesper huffed out a laugh as he grabbed Wylan's bag and followed at a slightly subdued pace.

Colm was standing on the porch as Wylan ran over. "Hello, lad," Colm called as Wylan sprinted into the house. "She's upstairs!" Colm called as Wylan raced throughout their hosue.

"He's a little excited," Jesper chuckled as he approached his father. They embraced, before Colm helped Jesper carry the suitcases.

When Jesper climbed the stairs, he saw Wylan fidgeting in front of a door anxiously. "What, you getting shy now?" Jesper snickered as Wylan shot him a dark look.

Colm walked over and gently put a hand on Wylan's shoulder. "Her room in the institution was filled with paintings of you. She did everything she could to not forget you." Colm gave Wylan a gentle shove. "Go see her. I promise she wants nothing more."

Wylan took a deep breath and pushed the door open, peering inside to see his mother lying on the bed, turned away.

"Is that you, Colm?" Marya Van Eck asked as she turned. She froze when she saw Wylan looking at her. "Wylan?" she asked quietly. "Is that you?"

Wylan let out a sob and ran to her, kneeling in front of her, holding her hands when she reached over to cup his face. "Yes, it's me Mama."

"Oh, Wylan, my sweet boy!" Marya sobbed, sitting up so she could pull Wylan into her arms. "No, no, don't cry, don't cry!" She stroked Wylan's red curls soothingly. "It's alright. Everything is going to be alright."

"Mama!" Wylan sobbed, breathing in the scent of chamomile that always followed her. "You're okay."

"I am," she whispered in his ear. "I am."

By the door, Jesper smiled to himself before going to set his and Wylan's stuff in his old room.

Wylan looked like he needed a moment.

oOo

"So, Mr. Van Eck," Kaz said as he sat down in the cell, Van Eck chained and in a dirty uniform in front of him. "Let's recap what's you've done. You've been using up the hard earned money the Merchant Council saves to buy failing crop farms, you've gone against the words of contracts you've signed. That's a crime to Ghezen. And this isn't even talking about what happened to your wife and son."

"You did this to me," Van Eck hissed. Not Van Eck. Jan. He had no power anymore.

"Well, taking your son back after he started working for me was your mistake," Kaz leaned in slowly. "I only employ people I know are loyal to me."

"I should've made sure that boy was dead," Jan growled. "I never should have put him in a position of power. He'll squander it."

Kaz regarded Van Eck as though he were an interesting bug. "Maybe. Or maybe the Council will prefer someone who is not solely focused on their own profits. Maybe Wylan will be well liked for the very thing you think makes him weak."

Jan scoffed. "Is that what you're here to do? Gloat?"

Kaz shrugged, theatrically rubbing his gloved fingers on his cane. "Maybe a little. Do you blame me?"

Jan grit his teeth.

"I'm also here to warn you. You're a powerful man. You know that you have many enemies around the world. In the rare event that you're released before your life ends, you will go far away from Ketterdam. Or your enemies will find you."

Jan swallowed heavily. "Who, exactly, will find me?"

Kaz smirked at the cowed expression on the man's face. He got up, reveling in the fear on Van Eck's face. "Wouldn't you like to know?" Kaz walked away, Van Eck's threats and protests ringing in his ears, making Kaz grin in grim satisfaction.

Kaz was sure his Wraith's threats would ensure that Wylan never had to be around Van Eck ever again.

Kaz walked out of Hellgate, glancing up at Inej, who was waiting at the small, barred window of Van Eck's cell.

By the Saints, did it feel good to take down powerful men who had too much to lose.

Chapter Text

Ketterdam Public Hospital opened up on a warm and sunny Tuesday. There were gang wars going on that day, there were people gambling their savings away, but everyone stopped for a moment to watch the hospital open up.

Rumors had it that Dirtyhands himself sent his men to retrieve the elusive Van Eck heir from a vacation from Novyi Zem with his partner after the poor boy's father was sent to Hellgate.

More rumors had it that after the boy's father attempted to kill him, he'd somehow ended up in the Barrel, working as the more elusive Barrel personal "The Doctor."

Rumors had it that while The Doctor had worked for Dirtyhands, he never turned a client, no matter how poor they were.

One of the first things Wylan Van Eck did after he took his proper place on the Merchant Council was fight for a public hospital in the Barrel. One where people didn't pay if they couldn't afford it.

He'd fought long and hard with the other members of the Council. His supporters were few, though notably included a Councilman Hayden Van Heller and Dirtyhands himself, but eventually, he was able to establish the first public hospital in Ketterdam. 

First of many, if Van Eck had his way.

Wylan Van Eck himself was present the day of the opening ceremony, arm in arm with Jesper Fahey, his paintbrush tattoo proudly on display. Kaz Brekker and Jesper Fahey stood on one side, Marya Van Eck and Colm Fahey stood on the other.

Marya Van Eck was revealed to have been wrongly institutionalized by her husband. She currently lived on a small farm with her son's partner's father, though she frequently visited her son and her step-daughter in Ketterdam.

"Today is the day we move forward!" Wylan announced to the crowd, made up of Merchers and Barrel Rats alike. "Everyone gets affordable healthcare. Everyone gets a job if they don't want to do anything else in the Barrel. But more than all that," Wylan paused to smile at Jesper. "Everyone gets a safe place to land." Jesper smiled back at him.

Wylan turned back towards the audience. "Anyone can come work here. Whether you've been to University or not. Should you want to work here, and if you are willing to undergo the proper training, you will find a place here, no matter what."

Wylan turned to smile at the people behind him.

Then, he turned to the people who led him there. Nia, Nina and Matthias all smiled at him, among his crowd.

Nina was already signed on as a doctor, and Matthias and the rest of the gang as guards, though they likely wouldn't be needed.

Nia Hendricks (she'd chosen the last name) had taken on the job of running the hospital. Wylan had only been delighted to have her running the place.

Rumor had it that Jan Van Eck died in prison shortly after his arrest, shortly after a visit from Jesper Fahey, notably gun free.

Rumor had it Dirtyhands and the Wraith had dinner in the Van Eck mansion once every month.

Rumor had it Alys Van Eck Heller was in a relationship with her stepson's music tutor, Bajan.

Rumor had it Jesper Fahey went back to the University to finish his degree while working with Wylan.

Rumor had it Wylan Van Eck and Jesper Fahey eventually married on the farm that Jesper grew up, no one invited but close friends and family.

Rumor had it Wylan Van Eck and Jesper Fahey opened their mansion to every street rat who came looking for a home. Some of them left, some of them stayed, but all of them were given a meal, and a room, should they decide to return.

But all of these are only rumors of course.

And Ketterdam is known for keeping her secrets.