#esotericdescent

[noblehcart]

@esotericdescent (kaz & inej)

"The guards are rotated out like you said."

It was nights like these that she didn't care for her job- or rather one of many nights she didn't care for the work. However, she'd admit only to herself that the beauty in it was being able to roam across the wet rooftops in the dark. That for a moment she could lie to herself and pretend that she was free.

Just a moment only as she leapt from rooftop to gutter pipe before scaling another wall to swing herself under an awning where the unofficial leader of the dreggs laid in wait for her. It was a small crawlspace that didn't lend itself for people of great height, but for her it was ample enough to kneel in with careful movements to not hit her head. Hope burgeoned in her chest, a childish thing as it as, that maybe this would be the night she could sneak up on Kaz again. It was raining with all the saint's fury and Ketterdam had both quieted and gotten louder with the patter, ringing and clanging of rain on every inch of the city and drenching every soul that dared step out into it. It was remarkable to be soaked to the skin now and see Dirtyhands, perfectly dry, laying low on his stomach with a spyglass aimed toward Van Eck's home. What she'd have given to see how he had managed to fit into this crawlspace for the view with his height, but it would have to be left for her imagination as it seemed.

Fingers pried off her gloves to carefully ring them out at a corner of the room, scooting silently on her knees then pull her hood off as droplets coated the thin flooring beneath them. "They're new too." She added quietly. "Different from the last two weeks of guard rotations. He's paranoid."

[feilien]

💭, 🖊️, 🎻 & 🎶 !!

{♚ x details about ocs! || Accepting x}

💭 THOUGHT BALLOON — what is your oc’s MBTI, enneagram, and/or other personality aspects (if known/interested in)?

MBTI: ESFJ aka "The Caregiver" or "The Consul", without a doubt

Enneagram: The Enthusiast, although a handful of those characteristic are definitely being stifled by his upbringing and don't kick in until after he gets away from it

Not sure what other personality aspects there are, other than, like.. moral alignment, Hogwarts house etc? Give me precise instructions, damn it lol

🖊️ BALLPOINT PEN — does your oc have any tattoos? do they want any (more) tattoos?

He does have his black dragon half sleeve, but nothing else besides that yet. Eventually he'll probably expand it to be a full sleeve, and add on to that chest piece as well. Before probably getting started on his left arm, because, let's be real, there's no stopping once you've started lmao.

🎻 VIOLIN — does your oc play any instruments? what is their skill level (beginner/intermediate/advanced/virtuoso/etc)?

When Matt was younger, he did learn to play the pipa upon the insistence of his mother. He enjoys it and definitely likes the sound of it, but hasn't really had the chance to properly practice and learn something new in a long time. So nowadays he's decent, but by no means exceptional. He can play basic pieces after reacquainting himself, and could perhaps manage something a bit more difficult if he takes the time to practice and memorize it, but that's about it. Definitely not a musical prodigy.

🎶 MUSICAL NOTES — what type of music does your oc like? do they listen to music very often?

Matt listens to a lot of music tbh. What kind of music depends on what he's doing. When he's training (martial arts, knife skills, general working out) he tends to listen to rock or rap/rock. Stuff that gets you pumped up, essentially. When he's studying, he tends to go with lofi beats, or instrumental music (often with traditional Chinese influences) to help him focus. Any other time he'll just let his music run on shuffle and pretty much anything is fair game except for a few select genres maybe.

[therooftopsofketterdam]

"Make sure to include me in your next great scheme." Inej said, her voice had grown tired with the passing of time from evening into night, but she wanted to fight sleep for as long as she could. Sharing stories like this felt nice, intimate and vulnerable and utterly terrifying but incredibly nice. She couldn't help but feel her lips turn up into a small smile, one reserved for her family, her friends, for Kaz himself, and it suprised her how much love there was to give after closing herself to it and denying herself this level of vulnerability.

It didn't suprise her that Kaz had a tunnel that led right to their friends mention. Even if it was hard for all of them to admit, they'd grown closer over the time they'd spent together, starting with Kaz, Jes and herself in the Dregs, then recruiting Nina and later on her Fjerdan as well as protecting Wylan for nearly six months before Kaz officianly recruited them for the ice court mission. It had felt right, it had felt like home and then Matthias died and Nina left and Jesper and Wylan moved into the mention and Kaz and her faught, then made up, then she left and now she was here.

Despite knowing that they would always be connected it felt lonely without them. Being back in Ketterdam, despite the pain this city still caused her, helped to feel closer and connected to them. She wanted to go and visit Nina in Fjerda again, take Kaz. He'd propably have some insights about Nina's new identity and companion. "Nina is doing well. I suppose you already know that but if not. She's actually going to be Fjerdan royalty." There was a chuckle in her voice because it was so absurd given Nina's upbringing.

As they settled Inej was very aware of their bodies. Kaz's warmth seaped through his clothes and into her. Another body next to her, a hand holding on to hers. There was an urge to pull it back, to cradle it against her chest like someone tried to burn it... again. Heart thumping against her chest and the shadows rose. Me either, the words soothed old fears that rose in her mind.

Inej closed her eyes and deliberately released the breath she was holding, feeling it repelled back to her after caressing Kaz's neck. She focussed on his warmth as she his against her knuckles.

Years ago, the acrobat imagined a moment like this, the two of them without armor, wrapped up in each other, feeling safe and vulnerable. Then Inej had chided herself for the foolishness of her thoughts, now a warmth rose that left a prickle of gooseflesh in it's wake. She snuggled a little further against Kaz as he pulled her arm around him and cradled their hands against his chest. She could feel his heartbeath. Delicate and fluttering, like something stubborn and excited and harbouring an unfathomable will to fight.

He'd kissed her knuckles, let her hold him, told her a story. And there was no expectations of carnal pleasure, nothing to even indicate it. She still remembered being held, tenderly, softly, forcefully, harshly. It had never been her to take the agency, of being the person that held someone else. It was painful and liberating and it scared her.

"Then let's not." She said, her voice thick with sleep as emotions and the exhaustion of the day caught up with her. "It is. I'll still be here tomorrow." Inej whispered back, nuzzling against him, eyes closed and sleep soon overtaking her.

   ❝I'm a thief, Inej,❞ intersected Kaz, brows quirking upward pointedly as that crooked smirk bloomed across his features. ❝I always will be.❞ He would always crave another puzzle to solve, another heist to accomplish — and what he'd done for Lantsov had been a piece of cake in comparison to the Ice Court.

   Well ... save for the monster he'd witnessed. He'd wracked his brain trying to figure out the how of it until he'd given in and picked Lantsov's brain about it. Even now, he still didn't know what to make of the story he'd been told, how it had unsettled him deep into his bones, but ... now was not the time to let his mind wander down that particular rabbit hole.

   She was right about Jesper, of course, this he knew. But it didn't prevent the ache that coursed through his chest. He knew that there was little Jesper wouldn't do for him. He often used it to his advantage, to drag him into Kaz's schemes ... and if he were being honest with himself, it was because he deeply missed the brother he'd found after losing his blood born one. He missed Wylan, too — he missed hearing Jesper and Wylan tease each other back and forth, even though he actively pretended that it got on his nerves. He offered a simple nod to her words, his gaze still fixed on their hands.

   Kaz's dark brows briefly tensed with curiosity, his eyes flickering back up to search her gaze, as if he could find the answer tucked away there. Despite the gentle sound of her voice as she'd spoken, there was a clear undercurrent of command in it, no room for argument — in his perspective, anyway. Just like in the church when she'd praised him, he felt his face warm and he swallowed thickly as his mouth suddenly felt a little dry.

   He shifted to do as she asked, however, already missing the ability to just ... let his gaze roam over her features openly. Before, it had always been sneaking long glances, stealing details of her that did not belong to him, that he did not deserve to hoard in his mind, but he did so anyway. He no longer needed to steal that which she offered to him openly now — and, to his surprise, she seemed to take her own fill of his in return.

   He understood what she'd intended seconds after her warning — Tell me to stop if it's too much. Inej curled herself against him, the skin of her forehead resting against the nape of his neck, partially meeting some of his bare skin in turn. Kaz couldn't have suppressed the shiver that coursed through his body if he'd tried. That part of him hadn't been touched by anyone else in an incredibly long time — he couldn't even remember when the last time was, aside from perhaps a fuzzy memory of Jordie curling his hand there as they stood side by side, as an older brother would.

   The water sloshed menacingly and he closed his eyes tightly for a long moment, breathing through the slight lurch of nausea that followed. He could feel every minuscule point of contact between them, almost as if he were hyper-aware of it. Inej was essentially snuggling up to him and he forced himself to imagine it, even if he couldn't see her. His thumb pressed more firmly against the inside of her wrist, seeking out her heartbeat. One-two. Three-four. Five-six. Kaz wasn't trapped on Reapers Barge, surrounded by water and rotting flesh. He was safe and sound in his bed, and the girl he'd loved for years was curled against him, speaking words that made his heart race. I'm not ready to share yet.

   He let out a long, quiet breath and any tension that had wound its way throughout his body gradually melted out of him as he sought out what he needed to ground himself in reality. The water slowly receded and Kaz gently squeezed Inej's hand before he shifted slightly, guiding her arm to drape around him. Then, he tilted forward as he brought their hands close to his mouth.

   With a slow, tender deliberation, Kaz brushed his lips against the back of Inej's hand, giving her the time to anticipate his intention ... and then he pressed a lingering kiss there. Another small shiver snaked up his spine at the feeling of her skin against his lips, but ... it was nice. ❝Me neither,❞ he conceded, his mouth briefly grazing against her skin before he finally lowered their arms and curled them against his chest.

   When was the last time he'd been actually held by someone? Or the last time he'd held someone else, where it wasn't because of a life and death situation? Once again, it had to have been Jordie, but ... it was so long ago now that Kaz could scarcely remember. He gradually began to melt into her, a foreign sense of peace and comfort draping over him — again, it made him anxious, afraid that if he gave into it, he'd be leaving them both vulnerable.

   He was the one facing the door now, so it was his responsibility to watch over them both. He was someone she could depend on, to keep her safe — but they already were safe, he reminded himself. ❝I ... can't remember the last time ... anyone touched me this much,❞ Kaz admitted quietly, although he wasn't even sure if Inej was still awake or not. He let his eyes flutter closed and he exhaled slowly through his nose. ❝... it's nice.❞

[shieldagentnatasharomanoff]

So it's my birthday and that means it's also the two year anniversary of me coming onto Tumblr :D it's been a blast and as this is what I did yesterday I want to shout out some of the wonderful people I met and friends I made on the way.

@supremestrangeness whose a brilliant writer and always seems to know how to carry a story endlessly yes...anding my silly whims and ideas. Nat loves the eldritch mess (in all his forms) and I am incredibly glad and ever greatful for your friendship!!

@cherryfinolahobbes anyone who says OC's shouldn't be part of fandoms should go and check out this blog right here. I don't think I've ever seen a muse woven through a fandom with so much care. The mun is just as wonderful, ever patient and happy to listen to my antics while go tackling house hold tasks. I wish we would chat more. I need to make more time for that!! (Also she's got brilliant recepies and food tips, honestly how can you not love that?)

@strxngemxgick I know this muse and mum haven't been around for a while. But they are such an infinitely wonderful and talented person. They've sparked my joy for artistic language and long form posts when there's a partner that matches the enthusiasm and length. I got to explore a softer side and more tragic stories with Nat in all our writing ant it is truly delightful. I hope they will one day decide to come back but even outside of Tumblr the mun is always considerate and so supportive. I'm always happy when they have a minute to chat.

@prplhawk As a fellow country person I am so happy you go along with all the silly AU ideas with a snap of the finger. The mun is amazing and such a flexible writer they catch their muse from silly moments to full fledged angst blood and gore. I miss you!!!! Let's write more crazy AU things!!!

@resignedworkaholics I've literally known nothing about James Bond when I met this lovely Q. And somehow a whole new spy world AU was born. I love the adorable sillyness of these two so much and I'm truly happy we get to write these stories. I know you've got tons going on. But I hope you're well and know you can reach out at anytime.

@ssolessurvivor If you ever need a friend. Logan is the one to call. Again. An amazing OC built and laced into so many worlds with a flexibility that still makes my head spin. I'm having so much fun with this wonderful little flirty friendship thing we have created and I can't wait for you to come back. I hope your wedding goes amazingly and you have the best honeymoon!!!

@seesbetterfromadistance My very first writing partner on this platform. Then he forgot about me XD but that's fine. Part of a very big platform and coming back after a while. I adore your Clint and the way you capture him so effortlessly! The mun is also amazingly talented in his craft and I love it when you share all your fotographs in an excited spam even though I can't always answer simultaneously. I hope that whatever is happening you keep that joy alive :) I don't think I've ever met a person this excited about a cactus in bloom and I am so glad you took me along for the ride (because I was very excited about that cactus then too!!!) I wish you well and hope you return for more writing shenanigans sometime :)

@smertzimy I miss our found fur family. Especially with these two tragic characters. They deserve all the love (and pets) they can get. Watching Eurovision this year has been a blast with the great commentary provided XD and I hope that it will be just as great next year. The mun always finds the greatest memes and pictures and the icons are on point!! I hope you have the grandest time and we find more of it to write again.

@esotericdescent / @thiefofcrows Is absolutely amazing! Please go check out his multimuse if you are even remotely interested in the eldritch and supernatural. But on top of that he is my Main Kaz Brekker (yes I write Inej Ghada on a different blog but this is my blog and my birthday and I get to shout about how much I love whomever I want for as much as I want here.) He is incredibly talented and I adore plotting with him. I am a massive Crows / Literature fan / overall nerd and this mun gets to suffer through it all and meets it with the greatest enthusiasm. I love the stories we built and the complexity I get to write without ever having to think twice if 'its alright to write this' because fuck yes it is!!! Thank you for your friendship and support of all the fun ideas and picture spams you get :)

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Regardless of this up there. Thank you if you've stuck around, written, discussed, interacted and lived with me through another crazy year. The world isn't any easier but I know there are safe spaces and people to escape too. Be kind to each other and have a great day. I'm certainly planning on enjoying today to it's fullest (as I try with other days even if it isn't always easy)

[alreadybrcken]

{ ♛ x @esotericdescent x}‌

 It had been a rough night, and despite being beyond exhausted, sleep evaded Thomas Shelby as though he had the Queen's plague. Even drinking himself nearly into oblivion hadn’t helped, though it had taken the edge off of his own thoughts, at least. It was hard to think when you couldn’t form thoughts, to begin with.

 But the worst of it wore off quickly, and he knew he needed a different distraction. Ketterdam really only had two things to offer: gambling and sex, and Tommy had never much cared for gambling. He passed a few of the pleasure houses on his late-night walk, but neither of them really appealed to him at that particular moment. The Menagerie wasn’t really his cup of tea, either. Too flashy, too pretentious, and the way they dressed the girls up in stereotypical clothing only made him roll his eyes. However, he did remember a few guys at the Garrison raving about a particular girl there. A Suli girl, if he wasn’t mistaken. Supposedly drop-dead gorgeous, and not quite as annoying as many of the other girls.

 It was the not quite as annoying part that appealed most to him. He didn’t go there for false compliments and fake moans meant to pull more money out of his pocket, but for relief. Nothing more, nothing less.

 So after a while of contemplating the ugly exterior, he finally made his way inside.

 Tommy was greeted by name, of course. Everyone around these parts knew who he was. And if they didn’t know his face, they at least recognized him by his distinct clothes and cap. Once the formalities were out of the way and Tante Heleen was done greeting him in person, he finally got the chance to inquire about the Suli girl and if she was available. Apparently, she was supposed to see someone else in about 15minutes, but after offering a little more than the going rate, they were more than happy to accommodate him. And soon enough, Tommy was led down hallways just as garish looking as the outside, until they stopped in front of a door.

 Assuming he didn’t have to knock — this was a pleasure house, after all — Tommy opened the door and made his way inside, before shutting it again; perhaps, intentionally, in the face of the obnoxious guy that had led him here. “Evening.”

[barrelcrow]

{ ♠️ x @esotericdescent x}‌

What the hell had he been thinking? Had he been thinking at all? Probably not. It certainly didn't feel like it now that his heart was pounding painfully inside of his ribcage, and his lungs struggled to keep up with his panicked gasps. His hands were buried in his hair as he sat hunched against his bed, gloves still laying abandoned above on the blankets.

It had been a mix of curiosity and wanting to test his own powers. Heartrenders were capable of slowing one's heartbeat and altering moods. So it wasn't too far-fetched that, if he could do both at the same time and to himself, he might finally be able to overcome his own weaknesses. There was no room for weakness if you were one of the Darkling's oprichniki, after all.

He'd been practicing for a while now, spent hours controlling his own heartbeat until he could do it without much thought at all. Then he'd set his sights on controlling his own moods. That one had been a whole lot tougher and required several weeks before he felt confident enough. And Nina was the only one he felt comfortable enough around to try it out.

So, tonight was the night. Kaz hadn't told her, of course. This was between himself, his powers, and his weaknesses. He'd listened to her complain about something Baghra had done a few hours prior, and slowly peeled off his gloves while she was distracted. His heart had started to pound then, but it only took a couple of seconds to get it back under control. Then he'd reached out, had laid his hand on her arm. For a few moments nothing happened. There was a glimmer of hope, and he even grew bold enough to tighten his grip around her arm; but then it hit him, all at once. He'd let go of her as if she'd burned him, and seconds after slid off the bed to get as far away from her as possible.

"Leave." It was the only thing he could manage, besides a much quieter 'please' through gritted teeth.

[feilien]

— @esotericdescent

[therooftopsofketterdam]

@esotericdescent

The waves seemed to rock the ship this way and that. Inej sat in the small but cozy Captain's chamber. There was a bigger one but she'd left that to her first mate.

A piece of paper and a small pot of blue ink lay in front of her. Inej has been staring at it since way before noon and still, she didn't know what to write. Her crew would call their Captain back to the deck soon... So she settled for the truth.

"Better hard truths than kind lies." Inej thought, then picked up the quill and started to write.

Dear Kaz,

Jesper tells me you're still getting him and Wylan into trouble... Wylan asked me to make you stop. I think you and I both know that this isn't within my power.

I can't tell you where I am, closing in on a ship carrying potential Indentures. I need to strike the target where it's not expecting me to strike. A very talented thief taught me that.

I don't write these phrases to apologize and I can't offer you an explanation. Not yet. Maybe not ever...

This is not your fault, please don't put the blame on yourself like I know you will, don't let my decisions become a part of your pain. I would understand if you resented me for it.

You once offered me freedom, but how can I ever truly be free when the place of my nightmares also holds the key to my heart.

I'm watching the Ink dry and it reminds me of you, bent over the ledgers of the Crow Club, the smell of coffee and paper and scheming in the air.

I'm carrying a part of you with me on this endeavor...

Please don't ask me to return.

I will keep you in my prayers despite all objections.

Inej

[ofvalor]

❝ Do you have anything you need to say to me? ❞ -Inej @ Kaz ( sending a couple so u have Options <3 )

The first thought is no, he doesn't. But it's not the entire truth. He's said what he's needed to say, only the words he's used have not been quite as clear as perhaps Inej would like them to be. Several times over now, he's told her what she means to him. He's told her just how important she is. As the Wraith. As Inej.

There's a block, though. The words don't come clearly in his mind, and become twisted as he speaks them. Vague, easily misinterpreted. With others, he might prefer that. With others, it's just a piece of the armor he wears to keep himself at a distance. To keep others from slipping underneath and allowing those who might do him harm in. Even the barest of glances towards Inej can give him away here.

But now, alone, he stares at her - all hard edges, pursed lips. There's a war within him, raging on and on. The barest hint of movement of his gloved fingers against the top of his cane would give him away. Like everything else, around Inej, there's something. He can't help himself. There's a wound, open and bleeding for her and he can't stitch it up.

Swallowing, he averts his gaze finally, eyebrows twitching together and his throat bobs with a heavy swallow. "Yes." The word leaves his lips without his doing, and he flinches almost imperceptibly. Clearing his throat, and swallowing again, his gaze returns to her face. The softness he tries so hard to rid himself of returns to his eyes for just a moment before he takes the reigns again.

"I meant to ask if you were able to find anything about Rollins' doings. Updates, rather."

[feilien]

Less than 24hrs until I see @esotericdescent dkfajgshdhfkj Okay, that's it, byeeee

[feilien]

— @esotericdescent

“Legally Romance” drama (2022) | Lu Xun’s parents came in at such wrong time

[brokencrow]

@esotericdescent || continuing from here

Kaz knew the moment the words left his lips that they were uncalled for, but Pekka’s crew had been a problem for most of the week. A problem that had come to a head earlier that day, culminating in a ruined job, and… this. His eyes closed, head dropping as he took in a breath and let it go with a quiet sigh, listening to the sound of Nadeem’s footsteps as he started to retreat from the room. 

“Wait.”

You’re right, I’m sorry, comes to his mind unbidden. It would be the right thing to say—Nadeem was right. The knowledge would help them against the Razorgulls in the future, but sometimes Kaz’s hatred of the Dime Lion’s leader, of Pekka Rollins, who's mere existence clouded his judgement at times. But those words didn’t pass his lips, his stubborn, unapologetic nature catching them in his throat before he could make his apologies. 

There were very few people he’d even consider apologizing to. Two, maybe three—living, anyway. How many times had he apologized to Jordie in the twenty years since his death? Kaz opened his eyes and looked up from where he was leaning over a map on his desk, a strand of hair having fallen out of place when he dropped his head. 

“You’re right,” it was near enough to an apology that it would do for now, at least in his mind. “Go over it with me again.” As he said this, he sank down into his chair, easing the pain throbbing through his bad leg. 

[alreadybrcken]

{ ♛ x @esotericdescent — Kaz Brekker x}‌

 To say Tommy was exhausted was a complete understatement. Between digging and all the other duties, his unit had also been involved in an ambush and all hell had suddenly broken loose. Things had only started settling down an hour or so ago and, after checking in on everyone and making sure they were alright, he finally allowed himself to take a break.

 The small room that contained some bunks for the men whose turn it was to rest was still deserted after everyone had jumped up to join the fight. Or so Tommy thought, anyway. After taking off his uniform jacket and throwing it down on one of the bunks, he realized that there was someone else in here. Hardly visible in the sparse light of his lantern. But, sure enough, sitting in the corner of the small room with his knees pulled up to his chest and his arms hugging them closely was Kaz Brekker. The newest member of their unit. He hadn't been out of training for very long, before they had thrown him into the tunnels. Poor sod.

 And now, looking at him in the soft orange glow of the lantern, the boy looked to be the age Tommy suspected he truly was. There was no way he was 19. His brother John was 19, and they looked worlds apart in age.

 Letting out a quiet sigh, Tommy set down the lantern on the small table and made his way over to Brekker, before sitting down on the ground next to him."Your first real fight, wasn't it?" He pulled out a pack of cigarettes and put one between his lips, lighting it up and taking a drag, before resting his back against the cold dirt wall. Then he reached into a pocket on his pants, and pulled out a small flask, offering it up to the other. "I know you're hardly old enough to drink, but... Me aunt sent me some decent whiskey. It'll burn the nerves right out of you. Here."

[therooftopsofketterdam]

@esotericdescent

“the sea rose like the pulse of our hearts,”

— George Sarandaris

[barrelcrow]

{ ♠️ x @esotericdescent || Inej; contd. from here x}‌

"Well, it was either adopting him, or letting him die. What would you have had me do?" A heavy sigh and groan later, Kaz willed himself to get up out of bed, the screaming driving him a little too mad to really milk his current need for dramatic theatrics. Although he had to admit he very much enjoyed the light hearted banter. A moment of normalcy in a life where normalcy was hardly a common guest. 

Making his way over to the desk, Kaz peeked into the small box that contained a small but fierce and very loud crow named Greed. "Saints, you're really going to be that heartless and make me raise him all by myself?" Clicking his tongue, he picked up a pair of pincers and grabbed one of the many worms he kept in a small jar next to the box. "Can you imagine just how screwed up he'll end up if I raise him by myself?" Holding the worm up in front of the crow, there was blissful silence once it got a hold of the worm and Kaz let out a relieved sigh. "Poor thing doesn't stand a chance." 

[therooftopsofketterdam]

💞 ( from Kaz <3 )

five ways to say I love you - always accepting

The night had moved on to the grey of dawn, there was still light in that window high up on the slat. Inej ascended slowly. Partly because she was tired and sore from a night curled up against the shingles of a merchers house watching the comings and goings of the inhabitants below and partly because she was balancing a makeshift basket in one of her hands. Reaching the top, she quietly pushed the window open. Kaz was working, leaning over a thick ledger and refrence book. The same position she had left him in nearly eight hours prior. She set down a paper mug infront of him. It steamed, still hot and smelled faintly sweet of chocolate and vanilla, then placed the packeged omlette next to it. She'd asked them to put the topings he liked on top. No words were shared. Inej was tired, but still she walked back towards the chushioned windowsill, her own space in Kaz little kingdom. sat her basket down and placed her slippered feet up, taking a sip of her own hot chocolate before tucking into her food. (pre SoC - She brings him hot chocolate and food when he gets caught up in work)

"Dear Kaz, The last hunt was another success. The head of a slavers network is now safely in the hands of the Kerch government. I didn't stop by to see you this time. I wasn't here for more then an hour... and I found myself on West Stave, but I know Rotty will get this message to you. We're making out way to Shu Han next, thank you for the tip. When I return Specht wants to undertake some changes to 'the Wraith' that gives me some time to do better next time. May the saints watch over you," Inej *a little scribble of a crow behind her signature* (post CK - She leaves him letters and messages even when she can't bare to stay in the city more then an hour.)

They sat next to each other. The sun was just descending dipping the city, with it's coalsmoke, clouds and dark, stone houses into a deep godlen haze. Her hands lay open, left and right next to her legs, his hands were gloved and folded in his lap. There was a storm brewing, eyes the color of bitter coffee. The message had arrived this afternoon. Per Haskell relinquished a part of their hard earned territory to the Dime Lions of all gangs...in some display of proofing that the old man was still in charge of the Dregs. Inej only learned of it only after returning from her investigation that day and found Kaz sitting on the ledge of the slat, legs dangling over the abyss of busy Barrel streets below, the way she usually sat. His warmth was bleeding into hers, she could feel it through the thin fabric of her trousers, if she leaned over just a bit their knees would touch. But Kaz had flinched when Inej sat. This was all the comfort she could offer him, but she was happy to stay, silent and pretend it had never happened the day after. (any time - she sits with him, quietly, and doesn't force him to speak but let's him work through his thoughts in his own time, simply offering support.)

Her hands were shaking hard. "This is hard for me too..." The words echoed in her mind as she repeated them out loud now. Her eyes drifted close as she felt Kaz' hand rest against her cheek and gently brush over the ridge of bone there. A shudder ran down her spine... both pleasant and painful. It felt like ice water and a the crackling warmth of fire. His hand slid down, now brushing agains ther neck and she swallowed hard, heart fluttering against her chest excitedly and dreadfully. Inej could feel them... the hands that had touched her less gently then he did now. That had torn at her flesh, scratched her skin, squeezed places she never wanted touched again. He pressed into that small space of skin, she could feel her own heartbeat, stubbornly beating in double time... a steady rhythm of survivor, survivor, survivor. Her eyes opened, focussing on Kaz', who had taken on the amber warmth of dark tea. They held nothing but tenderness, not like the other pairs of eyes she had looked into while this close. Her hand reached up, wrapping around his bare fingers, both of them quivering, but she held them there against her pulse, a small smile tugging at her lips. (She tries to work through their trauma alongside him.)

Inej looked over at him, leg propped up on a low stool as he sat in the study up above the Crow Club, counting stacks of Kruge. Last night they'd chased some members of the Razor Gulls through the narrow passages of fifth harbour, Kaz didn't say it, but it had taken a lot out of him. Their walk to the Club this morning had been slower, he leaned on his cane more heavily then he had a few days ago. "Let me help you." Inej simply said, then, carefully, and under the shuddering breaths of concentration it took Kaz to allow her this proximity, she pulled his leg into her lap. Her fingers carefully danced across the fabric of his suit pant. She was sure to never come into contact with his skin. "Nina made me take her out for Waffles today. Did you know there's a place in little Ravka where they put Kvas over raisins and light it on fire? It was a spectacle." She kept up a line of happy chatter while Kaz flinched under her touch. "I know it hurts. Give it a moment. I actually injured my leg a lot when I was training on the high wire, Papa showed me how to recover quicker, how to relieve pain. Some days I miss the wire. The audience always gasped when I flipped on it in the middle of the performance." He slowly relaxed as Inej lessend the tension around his bones, helping to ease his pain with the warmth of her palms and the pockets of pressure she could make out this way. Her stories continued to provide a distraction, something for Kaz to hold on to, something for her to distract herself with. (She uses her knowledge of the body and injuries to help ease his pain.)