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Chapter Text

“Breathe Inej”. “Inej look at me, you’re here. You’re safe with your family. You’re safe with me.”

Kaz had seen Inej disappear before. He usually patiently waited until she came back, knowing that moving her wouldn’t break the trance.
But this was different. This was panic. And Kaz was well acquainted with that.
“Inej. You need to breathe. Can you do that? Your Mama is here. Your Papa is here. I’m-Kaz is here.”
“What’s happening? Is she alright? Can’t you make it stop?” Chrisjen asked with growing concern.

She had seen acrobats become anxious about getting back on the tightrope after a fall. Her niece Yasmin would flinch any time a horse got too close, even years after a horse had thrown her from her seat. But this was different. This was panic. And Mrs. Ghafa had never seen her daughter this way.

Kaz nodded his head in Mrs. Ghafa’s direction, but his eyes never left Inej.
Inej had been nervous to return to the caravan, afraid she would be unrecognizable to her extended family. Her parents had accepted her. Even if their eyes were tinged with pain and guilt each time they looked at their daughter, they had not judged her for whom she had to become to survive Ketterdam.

Inej didn’t owe the rest of them her story, but she knew they would have questions. She had weathered all the attention well, only needing to step away a handful of times. She was smiling and laughing most of the time as fellow performers and family told her the latest gossip. As if Inej had simply been away to university or something equally wholesome.

So yes, she had felt safe in the open air of the camp. But stepping back into the place she used to sleep in the caravan, as a child, immediately sent her mind into a whirling fog of darkness and fear. Her breath became painfully short and jagged. A line of sweat erupted along her hairline, her face, her neck. Her eyes were distant but not unseeing like the times she disappeared. She tried to remember her Papa’s wise words about fear. But as her panic rose she could no longer hold onto a single thought.
Which is how Kaz found her in the caravan.

Unfortunately for Kaz, the Suli were a demonstrative people.
He had been touched several times by the women Inej referred to as her aunties. And a few of the men clapped their hands on his back, as they would a friend. Kaz had made a lot of progress in tolerating touch. But it had simply been too much and he needed a place to collect himself.

He let out a restorative sigh, seeing Inej’s huddled form at the back of the caravan until he realized she was not in that position by choice. She had sunk to the floor as her panic attack consumed her.

“Inej, deep breaths,” Kaz said gently. Mrs. Ghafa had no idea that this tone of voice was entirely foreign coming from Kaz Brekker.

Kaz held his breath for a moment before slowly, carefully bending down to sit beside her. He hoped his closeness was calming, but it was not the reason he moved closer. His ungloved hand twitched slightly before he reached out his hand toward Inej’s waist.
Mrs. Ghafa watched Kaz closely. As if to study his technique in soothing her daughter.

Kaz curled his slender fingers into what looked like, to Mrs. Ghafa, a hole in her tunic. But as he removed his hand and drew it back she was surprised to discover a blade held in his hand.

Kaz, remaining alert to any sudden changes in Inej, placed the handle of Sankt Petyr in her palm. Inej’s hand dropped involuntarily, owning to the heft of the blade. Slowly, so slowly that Chrisjen could barely tell that he was moving at all, Kaz covered Inej’s fingers with his own. Tenderly, he curled his fingers around the hilt, bringing Inej’s fingers down around the curve of the metal.

“Sankt Petyr. The first knife I ever gave you. It’s here too. Remember. You’re Captain Inej Ghafa; the Wraith Queen of Ketterdam. You are more dangerous than any bad memories, “ Kaz said, with a bit of a hardened edge now to his voice.

It wasn’t immediate, but finger by finger Inej gripped Sankt Petyr tightly. Her breathing slowed, and she wrapped her free hand around their combined hands. She gave a small nod and began to breathe more evenly.

Kaz dipped his head to meet Inej’s forehead and they breathed in sync for several moments.

“I….I’m not sure what happened. Suddenly I was back there. Back when…back when I was taken. That same panic I had as a girl just took over my body…”
Chrisjen, seeing that Kaz had been successful in calming Inej, stepped forward and carded her hand through Inej’s loose hair.

“You don’t have to explain anything to us. To family. Of course, this would be hard for you. You’ve been so brave my dear, lovely, girl.” Chrisjen continued but turned her eyes toward Kaz.

“I am just glad you have your partner here to help you through the dark moments. “
Kaz nodded.

“We never stop fighting… Together.” He said this mostly to Inej but felt it was the appropriate response to Chrisjen’s words nonetheless. The three of them settled down on the cushions of Inej’s old room. Softly, as not to spook Inej, Chrisjen began telling stories of the scrapes Inej got into when she was little. The tales long since forgotten by Inej, brought a smile to her lips.

“So you’ve always been something of a thief,” Kaz teased with a raised eyebrow at the conclusion of one of the stories.

“I suppose. But it is you who makes these tendencies resurface. I would have remained on the straight and narrow had you not brought this out in me.” Inej teased back.

“Demons are notoriously bad influences.”

Inej smiled and her shoulders dropped. She was back. Back in her home. Back with her family. And as always, back with the boy who had saved her.

Chapter Text

  The clack of his cane echoed between the crumbling gravestones. He hadn’t even stopped to put on his coat and hat, just held them tightly as he limped out of the mausoleum. His heart was pounding, and he knew with a sharp stab of embarrassment that the Heartrender had likely heard every thunderous beat. Nina had proved to be a valuable addition to the crew over the last two days. But Kaz was still unconvinced if having her around was worth the annoying reality that she could read him better than any of the others. Except maybe Inej…Inej.

   Would Nina make insinuations that would embarrass Inej? The two women seemed to already be forming a bond but Nina had already shown her tendency for snark over tact. He shouldn’t have let his guard down. He had revealed too much. Despite his lack of experience, he was still able to see the desire in Inej’s eyes when she glanced at his lips. There had been a gentle sigh, as her shoulders dropped. A wistful sigh perhaps. She was closing the distance carefully. Giving him an easy out if he wasn’t ready. Ready for what? A kiss? Neither of them was truly ready for that.

  But that fact didn’t seem to matter as he had gazed unblinking into her eyes. Something like softness coloring his eyes. Kaz's thoughts returned to a day when he was fourteen.

   Imogen had been slowly creeping into his thoughts. He admitted, only to himself, that he liked her. But liking her had implications. She had made the first move by touching his sleeve and giving him her trademark slow smile. Kaz wanted to reciprocate but knew any reciprocation could be a problem for a boy who hadn't voluntarily touched another person's skin in years. Kaz remembered how he had resolved to fix his weakness. Testing the waters bit by bit, by removing his gloves for card games. After the incident in the alleyway, he had a different resolve. And the gloves went back on. The next time Imogen touched his sleeve, giving him an opening if he wanted it, he had coldly stared at her, closing off any chance for more. Could he try again for Inej? No. He would probably be met with the same defeat as the last time he tried to touch. But he was older now, stronger. He could be stronger for Inej. If that was what she wanted of him. But no. Whatever moment he thought they had had was gone. He had to focus on the job. And so did Inej. Kaz sighed heavily as he shrugged on his coat.

Heartrenders.

Chapter Text

Inej woke with a start to the sound of someone gasping. She had fallen asleep in an old armchair by the fireplace, a blanket she didn’t remember curling up in wrapped around her shoulders.

Her eyes darted around the room, recognizing it in her sleepy haze as Kaz’s room.

Another gasp.

At once Inej’s eyes landed on Kaz’s huddled form on the bed. He wasn’t under the covers, nor was he undressed. He thrashed violently. Asleep but fighting against his dreams.

Inej was by his side of the bed in an instant but unsure of how to proceed. It was obvious Kaz was having a nightmare and should be woken. But Inej didn’t know how to wake him without making it worse.

Her eyes landed on his black leather gloves on the end table. Before she could second guess her decision she slipped them onto her hands. They were too large for her. She momentarily felt warmth in her chest at the intimacy of wearing his gloves. But she set that aside with Kaz’s next thrash.

Carefully, slowly Inej reached out for Kaz’s shoulders.

“Kaz. Kaz wake up!”

But he just pushed her off, fighting harder against the images in his head.

Inej sat down on the bed, leaving space between them but close enough for her hands to reach his face.

Her thumb brushed against his jawline as she whispered softly to him.

“Kaz. Kaz you aren’t drowning. I would never let that happen. Please wake up so you know that you’re safe.” She leaned forward to speak into his ear,
“The past can’t hurt us anymore.”

Kaz began to settle and Inej leaned back. She took his hand in her gloved one and stroked his knuckles as he continued to calm.

His eyes flickered open slowly. When they landed on Inej he didn’t jolt the way she feared he would. He squeezed her hand, still half asleep.

As he began to fully wake he realized that their hands were entwined. Instinct taking over he began to pull away until he looked down and saw Inej’s covered hand.

“I didn’t want out skin to touch, even in your sleep. I thought it might make it worse.” Inej said softly, hoping he wouldn’t push her away.

Kaz moved to sit up, but did not drop her hand. He gazed at their fingers for a long time.

“Jordie… he…his body. I clung to him as I was being pulled under by the harbor’s waters. I was so tired Inej.” He swallowed, his throat dry. “I remember being so tired.”

Inej nodded her head. She could feel tears pricking her eyes but she refused to let them pool. Kaz would not want her pity or concern.

She wondered if Kaz wasn’t fully awake because he continued.

“My brother. He saved me. Even in…even in death. He’s the reason I survived.” Kaz’s tone was laced with shame and sorrow as he ducked his head down and cast his eyes away from Inej.

Inej reached out, and slowly brought her hand to the side of Kaz’s face. She didn’t make contact, merely hovered above his skin. At the whisper of contact against his cheek Kaz’s eyes met hers.

His eyes were focused. He was no longer in the clutches of slumber.
“Inej…” he began. He paused and looked unsure how to continue.

Inej shook her head, “ Kaz Brekker doesn’t apolgize and he doesn’t say thank you. Completely mannerless, that boy, “she teased.

A crooked smile pulled the side of his mouth, bringing his cheek closer to her hovering fingers.

“He was birthed by Ketterdam, after all.” His head turned just enough for Inej’s hand to cup the side of his face.

It was fleeting, and he soon moved away further onto the bed. But Inej felt it and recognized it as the gratitude it was. She got up to leave, figuring he would want to be alone after such an intense episode.

She made it to the window before she heard a whispered, “Wraith…”
Inej turned her head to the side, not meeting his gaze but listening.
“The meeting with Van Goed is at seven bells. Be on the roof at six.”
Inej left out a huff. Shevrati, she thought but smiled as she kept silently from the window and into the night.

Chapter Text

  Another costume. 

  Inej smoothed her hand over the yellow fabric. It felt substantial, it felt of quality. Nothing at all like the cheap silks she was made to wear in the Menagerie. 

  Still, anytime she had to play dress up for a job she took three steadying breaths before donning the disguise. Inej understood why such things were necessary to Kaz’s plans. The greatest trick of a magician is misdirection and making the audience believe it’s all real. Sometimes she hated him though, just a little, for commanding her and Jesper into these situations. Typically her job was from above, watching as the rest of the Crows enacted the plan below. But there were times when she was needed on the ground and had to take on a role in their daring caper. 

  Inej moved to unbutton her vest, but something overtook her. Her skin became clammy and she could feel herself slipping away. 

   No. I have gotten past this. It’s not like before. I’m not like before.

  And yet the memory came in a nauseous wave.

_______________________________________

  “Put this on little Lynx, the customers have come for a taste of the exotic.” Heleen sneered. She pinched the trembling girl’s arm as she emphasized “exotic” and pushed her onto an ottoman.  

  Inej was still new to the Menagerie. She had only arrived a week prior and she still shook with hunger pains from the voyage to Kerch. The owner, Tante Heleen, had barely fed her. Later she would learn this was because food went under the contracts’ additional fees and she wanted to make sure Inej would last, before devoting money toward her upkeep.

  The other girls spoke to each other in a mixture of broken Kerch and their native language, but Inej couldn’t understand a word. 

  Tante Heleen shoved the dress in Inej’s face. She figured that she was supposed to put it on. But as she looked down at the fabric she realized it was Suli, or at least it was made to look like Suli silks. The feel of it was all wrong. There was a transparency to the fabric that was not typically Suli. 

  What was this garment meant to be? A costume?

  Inej tried to move behind a screen that was in the far corner. One of the older girls moved quickly in front of the screen and yelled something in Kaelish. And because Inej could not understand the girl’s words she backed away. 

  “No room for modesty here girl! Put those silks on,” Tante said at her back.

  With slow, shaky hands Inej slipped out of her dirty dress and let it hit the floor. She wasn’t quite sure how to put the costume on. She had never worn anything like this back home.

  “You can’t take this long gettin’ ready for customers!” Heleen grabbed her roughly and twisted her arms into the sleeves of the garment. As Inej stood there in the revealing, imitation silks she experienced a new emotion. Shame.

______________________________________________

  “Inej,”

  Inej snapped out of her flashback, a sharp re-entry into the present.

  “Right. The mark will enter the club at seven bells. I’ll be ready,” she answered almost mechanically. 

  Kaz studied her for a moment.

  “Problem, Wraith?” He questioned with a raised eyebrow.

  “No problems, I’ll be ready.”

  Kaz’s gaze turned skeptical. 

  “Your tone does not inspire confidence that that is true. If you won’t tell me, tell Jesper. We can’t afford distractions.”

  Inej let out a sigh. Of course Kaz noticed and of course he remained focused on the mission. But she expected nothing less. Asking Kaz to show sympathy was a fool’s errand, so she said nothing.

  But he would not let it lie.

  “Wr- Inej. We have five minutes before we have to leave. Will you be ready?” Kaz asked.

  Inej squared her shoulders. Defensive and ready to fight.

  “I will follow the mission’s plans. I will be your Wraith…” she hesitated. “ But if you want to know, these costumes aren't easy for me to wear. Donning clothing for someone else’s pleasure is not something I ever wanted to do again.”

  With that she began unbuttoning her vest. She knew she didn’t have time for Kaz’s reply.

  He studied her for a moment. Realization sparked in his eye, though his expression did not change.

  “If I could be the one to wear such things I would. But it would hardly be convincing,” he rasped.

  Inej suppressed a laugh at the image.

  “But, know that I wouldn’t ask if it were not necessary,” he paused. “I don’t dismiss the challenge it must be for you.” He turned so his back was to her. To give her some privacy as she dressed.

  Inej paused. Had Kaz just admitted to recognizing her feelings? She continued to dress as Kaz limped away.

  “I know you don’t want thanks. But I appreciate it, nonetheless,” she called after him. He stopped briefly, hand tight on his cane. He made no move to turn around, however Inej saw his slight nod. Acknowledging her words.

   Inej finished changing into the yellow dress. She took a deep breath.

  The past is in the past. It is my choice now. I have the power. 

   She ran her fingers over her discarded knives, naming each one in her head. With one last breath she left the changing area and went forward, unashamed.

Chapter Text

  CONFESSIONS 

“I think I’m entitled to ask why this happened,” Kaz rasped.

“Because that’s what you do for the people you love, you fight for them. I believe you once said something very similar.” Inej answered.

 “Love is a weakness. Look how it was the undoing of Pekka Rollins. You’ve seen the pain Nina felt as she lost Mathias,” Kaz said, almost spitting the words out.

  Inej looked at him sadly before turning to go. She made it to the window when she heard a broken “Inej”  in a whisper behind her.

  She couldn’t see Kaz’s eyes, they were affixed to the floor in front of him. But she saw the tension in his shoulders, the grip of hands on the chair’s armrest. 

  “What…” she began.

  “I said it was a weakness. I didn’t say it wasn’t a weakness I…share.”

  He lifted his eyes to meet hers. She squared her shoulders, her tell that she was about to lunge into motion. But this time it was to steady herself. To prepare for what came next.

  “Kaz Brekker admitting he has feelings other than greed and spite. What a day this has become.” She was not ready to let him off the hook so easily. He had peeled back a layer of armor, but she knew he would redon it in seconds if he felt he had revealed too much. Inej looked at him softly, but with an arched eyebrow that said she was expecting him to continue.

  “People are calling me the new king of the Barrel. I have the power to disrupt this city. But that position of power is tenuous. I can’t afford…liabilities.” He was wearing his fighting face.

  Inej worded her next response carefully, “So to be a great king, you have to be alone?”

  Kaz raised his head, “Yes.” He sighed. “I was born in that Harbour, alone. The one person I loved, I had to…use...to survive. For me…love is pain. It won’t take more from me.”

  Inej softened and kneeled in front of him. The fire, casting a warm glow on her face. Slowly, inch by inch she reached her hand out. Placing it on his knee gently, she looked up at his face for any sign that he was distressed by her touch. 

  “I know you don’t talk about Jordie. And that is up to you. But know that, if you ever do, I am here to listen.” She paused, “Was it painful when we were on the dock? When you held my hand.”

  Kaz remained silent for a long time. His breathing, which had been shallow up to this moment, began to even. He closed his eyes, thinking back to that day. No it had not been painful. But it was also one of the most challenging tests he had ever had. He knew he had to try, if he had any hope of Inej coming back. He had to try. And he had.

  “It was painful because you were leaving.”

  Inej frowned. Surprised that he would make a joke now of all times. Kaz saw her furrowed brow and couldn’t help but give a half-smile. He had the sudden urge to cup her cheek.

  “Jesper uses humor in these types of situations. I thought I would test out his methods.”

  Inej laughed, “It works for Jesper because Jesper he is Jesper.”

  “And yet you laughed. I would consider my test a success.” Kaz answered.

 “And what else would Jesper do in this situation?” Inej asked, her breathing becoming faster as she gazed into his eyes.

  Kaz’s eyes moved down to her lips. She was making small, soothing circles on his thigh. Kaz tried to focus on the warmth of her fingers through the fabric of his pants. But soon enough the familiar feeling of drowning. 

  Inej could see him fighting a battle in his mind. The tension returned to his shoulders and he dropped his gaze.

  “As you said, maybe Jesper’s methods only work because he’s Jesper.” Kaz said in a defeated tone. 

        ___________________________________

    After things calmed down on the Ferolind, Kaz took a moment to steady himself on the deck. The waters below offered him no comfort, but the cold sea breeze was bracing. His focus should have only been on the mission. Planning and recalculating their next move, but all he could think of was Inej’s small body in his arms. The danger of losing her. But also the warm feeling of having her close. The waters had stayed at bay. Maybe when the intense fear came from another direction it overwrote everything else.

   Of course the first time I hold her close is when we are in mortal peril.

  Kaz tried to shake the thought from his head. But his heart wouldn’t let him. His heart. The thing he thought was impenetrable. Or perhaps had died in his chest long ago. But try as he may, he had to accept that whatever mangled form his heart now took, Inej was wedged into the necrotic flesh. He berated himself for allowing such weakness to take hold. 

  Still it made him think. If he could bypass his aversion during dire situations maybe there was hope he could bypass it if he… 

   If he what? Just tried really hard?

  No. There was no point in trying. He thought back to Imogen. Of the attempts that all ended in failure. How after that he had just shut her out. Closing the door on any chance of connection. It was for the best. He hadn’t survived by…

  He found himself walking back below deck, almost as if he didn’t have control of his own body. When he reached the open door he saw Nina had fallen asleep. Her hand in Inej’s. He would never say it, but he was grateful for Nina and her skills. He didn’t allow himself to think what would have happened had they not had Nina with them.

  Kaz walked slowly into the room, careful not to wake either of them. He knew it was unlikely that Inej would wake up, but he doubted that he was the first thing she wanted to see when she did. He took a deep breath before approaching Inej. He was loath to touch her without her knowledge and consent. But he didn't know if he would have another chance. He stood for several minutes, watching her, checking for any sign that she was in pain. 

  The hand. Nina was holding Inej’s hand. Maybe that would be acceptable? A concerned…friend giving comfort.

  Kaz snorted at that. Comfort was something he never gave anyone. Nor should they expect it. But maybe for Inej he could try. He reached out a gloved hand to where Nina and Inej’s were entwined. He took another deep breath as he carefully touched Inej’s palm.

  His fingertips barely grazed her hand, and yet he could feel the slightest impression of her skin through the small slits in his gloves. No dark waters, no tide to pull him over. Her skin was warm. Nothing like a corpse.

  Kaz closed his eyes to focus on his breathing. He moved his fingers so that they were on Inej’s pulse.

   She’s alive. She’s alive. She’s alive.

   There was suddenly a sharp turn of the vessel. And though Kaz’s feet were planted firmly on the floor, the motion wasn’t something he was used to. He stumbled for a moment. Gripping hard onto his cane.

  The break in concentration jarred him. And he was soon feeling the tell-tale signs of panic and revulsion. He stepped away from Inej and Nina. His breathing began to quicken.

  No. No. 

 He stumbled back, hitting the side of the doorway. With a huff and his head bowed, he turned from the room. 

                     _____________________________________

  “ Showing anyone my weakness would be detrimental to them as well as me. They can’t know how much it takes just to reach out to you. To brush my fingers against yours. If they knew they could destroy me Inej. And I won’t allow it.” Kaz let out slowly. “So yes, it’s painful.”

  “ If you let us in, we will protect each other. Just as we always have. You aren’t alone Kaz.” 

   Inej stood to leave the room.

  “We never stop fighting,” he sighed.

  “ Even for love.”

   She stepped on the ledge and dropped into the night.

Chapter Text

  Jesper twirled around, guiding his dance partner through his exaggerated dance steps. There was a festival just outside of Ketterdam and Jesper had finally convinced the group to travel outside of the cities’ borders.

  Inej was amused by his enthusiasm. Jesper always managed to lighten her mood, even on those dark days when the past tried to tear her down. She had a suspicion that he even got to Kaz at times. 

                      ……………………………………………………………………..

  “It’s not like we need travel papers to go to the Kerch countryside. And even if we did, it's not like this crowd couldn’t get forged documents in their sleep.” Jesper whined. 

 “It’s not the travel that is the problem, Jesper. Some of us have a gang to run,” Kaz snapped.

 “It is a nice idea, Jesper, but can you really see Kaz at some local fair,” she turned to Kaz, “All that fresh air, have you ever even left Ketterdam?” She had not been in the Dregs long but she no longer feared getting on Kaz’s bad side. She had learned Kaz only had a bad side. No, that wasn’t true. But getting in his good graces could take a while. Somehow she had managed to in record time, according to Jesper.

  Kaz’s mask slipped for a fraction of a second at Inej’s question. Jesper missed it, Inej did not.

   Interesting, she thought .

    “If we can move forward with the plan and away from the subject of everyone’s travel history…” Kaz countered.

  They went back to planning a job that would take them weeks. Jesper paid attention but was constantly moving a chip between his fingers or tapping the holster on one of his guns. It was usual for Jesper to fidget during these meetings, but Inej observed that it was more pronounced than his usual habits.

  “I’m only saying. This plan requires reconnaissance and who’s to say that the merchers we are targeting won’t be at the fair.” Jesper interjected.

  Kaz closed his eyes for one count before addressing Jesper, “Being as how Inej has been tracking their schedule for the past two weeks, I find it highly unlikely.”

  “But how could you deny me good clean fun. I won’t have anything to bet on. Unless it’s the number of waffles Specht can eat in one sitting.”

  “Oh so now Specht is accompanying us to this fair. Anyone else you would like to invite?” Kaz asked. Clearly exasperated.

  “You said ‘ accompanying us’, does that mean we are going?!”” Jesper shouted excitedly.

  Kaz rolled up the map on the table with exacting precision. “”Well it seems I’m down a sharpshooter  until we go to this infernal event.”

  Jesper popped out of his chair like a child that had just been surprised by a new puppy. Inej couldn’t help but smile at his display of utter glee. He left the room, calling out for Specht as he descended the stairs.

  Inej popped off the ledge she had been sitting on and walked closer to Kaz’s desk. 

 “Are you really going to a fair?” she asked skeptically.

  Kaz rose from his chair and moved toward his vanity where his pitcher and bowl sat. He began to take off his gloves. Splashing some water on his face, he began to wash his hands in the basin.

 “Of course. Important to be out in one’s community, Inej,” he said over his shoulder. Inej looked his reflection in the eye. He still wore his scheming-face.

 “Is this…is this a part of the plan?” Her eyes went wide. “It’s part of the plan?! How is that even possible?” She began to shake her head, trying to calculate how Kaz could have prepared for this.

  “It’s quite simple. A poster announcing the fair just so happened to be on the side of the streetside waffle vendor’s cart. The one Jesper goes to each morning. A passing stranger who somehow had enticing details ran into Jesper at the bar in the Crow Club. The Zemeni man with the “new in town” con down by the Harbour came into possession of a rather brilliant top hat that he claimed came from the country fair last year. And so on.”

 Inej shook her head again. “No I’m not asking how you got Jesper riled up about the fair. I’m asking how this could possibly fit in with our plan. And why would you trick Jesper about being excited when you could have just told us we needed to go.”

  “Yes, but this way I can keep an eye on the mark and have a very grateful Jesper. So grateful… that he’ll agree to part 5 of the plan.” Kaz smirked.

  It took a minute for it to register which part of the plan he was referring to. 

   “Oh” she said in understanding.

  “Indeed,” Kaz said as he finished washing up. He turned around as he dried his hands and face.

  Inej had always wondered why he chose these moments to bathe, but she was used to it now. Well, that wasn’t completely true. 

  “So you see why this was necessary. Do you approve?” He cocked an eyebrow at her. “Or would your Saints chastise me for this as well?”

  “ The Saints might see it as a kindness.” She said with a challenging look in her eye. “It’s a kind act to make a plan that brings joy to a friend.”

  “Hardly counts when it has a sinister reason.” Kaz moved closer. There was a distance between them, but suddenly Inej felt warm. Something about standing so close, as they volleyed words back and forth. It felt like a dance. It exhilarated her with the same feeling she used to have when she danced around the fire; before. 

  “The result is the same.” she smiled.

  She pivoted on her heels and headed toward the window.  

  “Bring your knives. But I trust this outing will not end in bloodshed.” Kaz asserted.

  “Sounds like a lovely time.” She leapt from the sill and onto the balcony. But not before hearing a quiet,

   “Some might think so.”

      —-------------------------------------------------------------

  “C’mon Boss, even the elderly are joining in,” Jesper exclaimed as he practically fell onto their bench in exhaustion.

  “They are near death. What have they to lose?” Kaz snarked.

  “Well I know Inej won’t abandon me. M’Lady,” he offered his hand out to Inej, sat beside Kaz.

  “One dance Jes.” she replied, rising. It wouldn’t hurt to have one moment of levity. She had missed the warmth of bonfires and the tinkling of instruments.

  As she got up Kaz followed her with his eyes. She felt his eyes on her back as she joined Jesper in the revelry. 

  Twirling around Jesper, in excellent time with the steps, she felt free in a way she hadn’t for a long time. When she stopped to find her footing after all of the turns she saw Kaz watching. She couldn’t read the look on her face. But when his eyes locked with hers she could have sworn she saw the ghost of a smile.