Shadow and Bone - One shots!

Inej - Surprise?

You could never sleep, it was as if your mind was always in motion. Therefore, so was your body. A solution to this problem was nightly walks, you'd sneak out your window and wander the streets of Ketterdam. Little did you know, Inej always followed you to keep an eye. At first she did it for your safety but it grew slowly to like watching you go out on little adventures. Seeing what you'd buy from random stands, run-ins with people on the street and when you'd sit to watch the water. She always likes the excitement of guessing where you'll end up, but this time was different. You were planning something and she was in for a shock.

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

I grabbed a soft picnic blanket from the stand and looked up at the owner.

"How much?"

"20 kruge." She held her hand open and I gave her the money, thanking her. I walked away from the stand and wandered around. I noticed Inej had been stressed lately and wanted to surprise her with a picnic. I already bought a blanket and basket, now all I need to do is pick the perfect spot. The last couple of days, I've tried a couple but none have been the right spot, it has to be perfect. I stopped at a fabric stand, they sold an assortment of pillows, maybe I should buy some to be more comfortable?

"What are you searching for?" The booth owner asked, I looked at him and smiled.

"Just some pillows, maybe three? How much for each?" I replied.

"70 for 3, 30 for each." I picked up three and paid the price. I continued on the way to the club and climbed up to my room's window. I carefully set the items I purchased in the hiding spot with the rest for the picnic. In total: a blanket, pillows, basket, and tomorrow I planned to wake early to grab baked goods, fruits and flowers to gift her. I sat down at my desk to write a note for when and where to meet up. But the door swiftly opened and I crumpled up the paper while throwing the pen. I looked at what opened my door. It was Inej and she seemed concerned, so I stood to comfort her.

"What's the matter?-" But she interrupted me.

"Are you leaving?" She boomed but squeaked at the end. Her eyes were glossy and tears threatened to spill.

"What?" I said softly, hoping to calm her down. "Why would I be leaving?"

"I-I don't know! Why are you buying blankets and pillows!" Inej's breathing became heavy, she's furious and I tried to grab her hand but she pulled away. "No! You're leaving and just didn't tell anyone?!"

"I'm not leaving. I promise you." Her breathing slowed but her mouth was still scrunched into a frown.

"Then what were you doing?" Inej's voice finally became level, I held out my hand for her to take. She looked at it hesitantly but took it. I slowly walked her over to my hiding spot.

"This was supposed to be a surprise for tomorrow." I laughed, I opened a hidden door on my dresser and her eyes widened.

"What- what are these things?" She looked into my eyes, I softly smiled at her.

"I noticed how stressed you have been lately, I planned a picnic to help you relax. But now that you know it won't be much of a surprise anymore." Her eyes softened and her arms wrapped around me, holding me tight. I did the same, rubbing my hand across her back and kissing her cheek.

"I apologize." She whispered, I pulled back and she rested her hand on my cheek.

"No need. I could never be angry at you." She closed the gap between us, pressing her lips on mine. After a minute she pulled back and guided me to my bed where I sat on her lap.

"Will we still go tomorrow?" She looked at me, hopefully. I threw my head back laughing.

"Well, with all of it planned I don't want it to go to waste." I wrapped my arms around her neck while she rested hers around my waist.

" I can't wait." She pulled me in to kiss me but I teasingly turned my face away from hers.

"Maybe we should wait for the picnic." I smirked, she kissed my cheek.

"I said," I can't wait, don't you listen?" She grabbed my chin to face her and kissed me. I pulled away, smiling at her and moving off her lap. She whined softly as I went, I moved towards the head board and got under the sheets.

"Let's sleep and enjoy tomorrow." She moved to be beside me, laying down and holding me close.

"I can't wait to spend time with you, you're all I need in life." I smiled against her chest as I slowly drifted off. Her words made me smile.

You're all I need in life.