Kanej

Chapter 1

Kaz

Six months after the auction

Six long months had passed since Kaz and his crows had outsmarted Van Eck and Pekka Rollins.

Six months in which, against his better judgement, he'd begrudgingly let Nina and Matthias board there with Inej and him. For a fee of course. Whether they were friends or acquaintances, if money could be made, Kaz would be sure to seize the opportunity.

And there was the matter of Inej.

He knew how much it would please her to have Nina close by and he caught himself hoping that Inej would realise he had done this for her. Besides, it wouldn't be for too long. Nina and Matthias were making preparations to travel to Ravka, where Nina would once again be united with her fellow Grisha. Although Matthias still hadn't  fully come to terms with Nina travelling to Ravka, Kaz didn't doubt for a second that Matthias would join her, no matter how much he detested the idea. That's what you did for someone you loved.

And then there was Jesper and Wylan.

To no one's surprise, Jesper had moved in with Wylan in the Van Eck manor. But since Wylan had convinced Jesper to join Nina and Matthias in their journey to Ravka so he could fully use his Grisha powers as he ought to, Jesper had decided that he wanted to spend every waking moment with his fellow crows. And he could have done that just fine if Wylan hadn't decided to renovate and reconstruct his manor. Naturally, they had both needed a place to stay and although they were wealthy enough to afford the finest accommodations money could buy, Inej had sweetly suggested that they board at the Slat. After all, there was enough room for everyone.

Kaz had scowled when Inej had casually offered his boradinghouse as accomodation but he inwardly rolled his eyes.

Who was he kidding? For all he cared, Inej could have suggested Kaz give up the Slat to Jesper and he probably would have done so in a heartbeat if it made Inej smile. Darling Inej, treasure of his heart.

Even so, Kaz knew he was being hypocritical. Despite the silence and peace of the Slat, and the ever comforting presence of Inej's company, he believed it was a bit quiet and that a little company would do both him and Inej good. There was a disturbance in the normally calm nature of his and Inej's friendship, ever since he'd bought her The Wraith and she had introduced him to her parents. Kaz was painstakingly aware that when Inej had chosen to stay in Ketterdam, she had undoubtedly chosen him, when she had waved goodbye to her parents by the Harbour, barely just a month ago.

It was ironic that he had asked her to stay in Ketterdam with him, many months ago, when she had been determined to leave Kerch behind. But now, despite meeting her parents, and having the means to leave whenever she pleased, as well as having a ship and crew at her beck and call, she had decided to stay.

Kaz didn't want to over-analyze it or flatter himself, but his heart skipped a beat everytime he thought of Inej, and how much she had sacrificed, just so she could be near him. Maybe some pure part of her had seen past his broken self and saw something that was worth saving. That was his Inej, always looking for the good in people.

There was much he needed to work on, if ever hoped for a normal relationship, or as close to a normal relationship he could have with Inej. He knew it was sudden, completely out of the blue and positively jarring, possibly more for him than her, but he was going to ask her to move into his bedroom.

We haven't had our first kiss and I'm asking her to share in my personal space.

He thought sardonically. But nothing had ever been conventional between them.

He and Inej had the making of a strong relationship, if they could ever overcome their trauma, that is. And a part of him was ready to pursue the flame between Inej and home that had flickered to life, ever since he'd offered to host Inej and her parents, many months ago. What had started as a flickering ember of want and longing now burned brighter than a thousand suns and Kaz was convinced he might combust if he didn't do anything about it. Selfishly, he only hoped Inej felt the same way.

The tension between them had been building into something neither of them could ignore. And although there was the major possibility that Inej may refuse his offer he didn't ponder too much about it. He believed Inej knew him intimately well, in a personal way which no one else had ever had the pleasure of. And Kaz hoped Inej saw this offering for what it was; his grand gesture for her.

Just as she had selflessly stayed in Ketterdam with him to give him a chance, this was his sacrifice to her. To others it may not seem as much, but every moment, every almost near touch between them two was enigmatic and intense. And Inej would appreciate this. He wasn't sure what he would do if she rejected his proposal but hastily shoved that thought away. He'll cross that bridge if he came to it.

He'd already cleared half his drawers and there was more than enough space in his walk-in closet. The furnishings in his room were plain and in dark colours. Kaz didn't bother with trivial things such as decorations and ornaments, yet he had exquisite taste and a good eye. But if Inej wanted to change something in their room, she was more than welcome to.

As long as she doesn't favour pink frills or lace trimmings.

He thought, his lips twitching as he imagined sleeping in magenta sheets.

Knowing Inej, it was highly unlikely. He wondered what she would make of the large bathing tub he had installed a few months ago in his master bedroom. He wondered if she would prefer to soak in the tub or take long hot showers. He had remodelled his shower too. His mind unconsciously had a flash of Inej, hair piled messily on top of her head as she leaned back against the tub. Her smooth neck elongated, eyes closed as she sighed in bliss.

Kaz shook his head, suddenly feeling uncertain and guilty. He figured at some point he'd see Inej naked and she would see him naked too. They would be living together, sharing their space together, sleeping in the same bed. It was unavoidable and inevitable.

His chest suddenly tightened at the mere thought of touching Inej and he couldn't decide if it was disgust or raw desire that coursed through his veins. He vehemently hoped it was the latter even though he wasn't fully sure. He snapped out of his reverie and limped to find the cook. Jasper and Wylan we're coming in a few hours and he wanted to feed them the best.

...

Welp, that's chapter one. What do y'all think?