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“You’re making it too easy for me, y/n” the infamous bastard of the barrel remarked, when yet again your wooden sword met his. You were out of breath, your lungs felt like they were on fire and every little movement tighten your muscles to an unbearable degree. “Live up to my expectations, love”
“I don’t think your ego fits in this hideous hat of yours anymore, Brekker” you took a step back, preparing yourself for the next hit. Your feet firmly planted on the ground, back straightened and every single muscle tensed. You lifted the weapon again, concentrating and trying to foresee his next move.
You had been training with Kaz, Dirtyhands Brekker for quite some time. Your first encounter was a rough one, to say at least. You had been brought up in Novyziem and after your parents had thrown you out, with only the clothes on your back, you’d thought that Ketterdam would be a marvelous idea to start all over again. Little did you know that it was a place the devil himself was scared to visit. Or on the contrary, lived in, you still weren’t sure whether Kaz was The Devil.
When the ship you’d been on finally finished his journey, you’d been more than frightened. Immediately, you’d felt shivers, your anxiety had risen and you’d been off to look for a shelter. After the most tiring wandering, you had noticed a nice clothed gentleman, his attire black, as had been his awful hat. The only sound that could’ve been heard was a systematical clicking of his cane, which also looked quite expensive. Your eyes sharpened, the gears in your mind working quickly, thinking about the most efficient way to obtain some cash, the gentleman looked as an easy target.
You’d followed him for what felt like every single damn street and nook of Ketterdam, when eventually you’d got close enough to slip your palm into his pocket and–
“What are you doing, exactly?” the rough material of his glove had connected with your thin wrist, with only one move he could’ve snapped it in half, leaving you with only one good hand. He didn’t look old, nor did he look young. His expression dark and steady, making you shiver. “Do you think of me that low to assume I wasn’t aware of you following me?”
“Honestly, I found you as stupid as any other merchant in this city” you’d tried to keep a calm face and a steady voice, but your breath had been coming out sharply, betraying your calm demeanour. “Your hat is what makes you look foolish”
His eyes had glowed dangerously at your remark, and you wished you hadn’t spoken a word. Then he smirked. “You have potential, let’s go.” started walking, leaving you alone in the middle of a dark alley. A dark shape had run in front of your feet, making you squeak, and you quickly had caught up with the mysterious boy. But it was a long time ago, almost a year had passed since Kaz Brekker had let you stay with the Dregs.
“Y/n, please, we all know that my hats make you swoon” he smirked, paring his sword with yours. Again. You cursed, pushing harder, which came out as fruitless, since Kaz hit your weapon, making you hiss out of pain and let it fall. “I thought I told you not to play with sharp objects”
“It’s not sharp, you–“ your words cut short, as you felt the tip of his sword on your throat. You swallowed and looked him in the eyes.
“Do not use this language, young lady.”
“We’re the same age.”
“I’m two months older.” his smirk was still on his face, making you really tempted to wipe it off, the sword still unmoving. “Hence, my word is the last word”
He let the sword fall on the ground with a small thud, putting his fallen hat back on his head. Kaz turned around, taking a few steps ahead. You, on the other hand, lifted the sword from the dirty street and aimed it at his back, jabbing him in his very expensive and pricey coat. “Never turn your back, unless your opponent is dead. That was the first thing you taught me.” It was your turn to smile, just a little.
Kaz showed you his profile, his cheekbones were highlighted by the warm glow of the street lamps. A little smile was playing in the corners of his lips. “Good job, y/n. Now let’s go and drink, it’s freezing”