Shadow and Bone - One shots!

Kaz - Cleaning wounds & discussions

You and the Crows went on a mission that went horribly and ended with all of you splitting up and finding your way back to the Slat. After a couple of hours, you managed to limp your way there and sat down; noticing Kaz was already there but still was bleeding from various wounds. You two sat silently before you got up and walked to grab a kit to patch him up. Feeling his eyes on you as you went, you took your time to walk back over to him. Carefully setting the kit down, slowly pulling the chair closer to him then sitting down; letting him observe the situation. His face remained straight but his grip was strongly held onto his cane. You silently awaited for him to make the first move.

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He looked at me, his face still monotone but his eyes filled with emotion; anger, aggression, and maybe- fear? I always tried my best to read Kaz, to know somehow what he was thinking to make things easier for him. But the lines always seemed blurred to me, it was a 50/50 chance I was right and I'd always chickened out before making an actual decision.

But this time I decided I'd listen, focus on every bit of him, and go with what felt right. I knew to take my time with him, and ease my way to let him know we'd go with his rules; so I patiently waited for him to say something or do something to let me know when or where I could help him.

The quietness of the empty Slat was deafening. We sat and stared at each other for what felt like forever until he cautiously rested his cane on the table beside us and carefully removed his glove leaving the left one; revealing his bruised-up and bloody knuckles. He examined them first, then flipped over his hand to check the palms before his eyes flickered up to me.

"What route did you take?" He said, his voice had an anxious crack and Kaz cleared his throat to dismiss it. His hand was still close to his chest and quivered a bit. I was taken aback by him changing the topic but I decided to go along with it.

"I hid behind some vendors a little ways away from here then waited it out till they gave up," I responded, turning my body to the kit and taking out bandages for his hand. I set them down to let him see what was doing and let him take his time to let me tend to him. But his eyes never left mine, I watched as he swallowed and opened his mouth.

"Are you injured?" He said then slowly looked back to his hand. It began to stretch towards me; palm side down. I looked at it too, reached my hands up under his holding a wet cloth, and waited. He nodded and I gently held his hand, barely even touching it as I dabbed the cloth to clean off his bloodied knuckles.

"Scarcely, only a couple of bruises from a club." I quietly reassured him as I quickly wrapped his hand. His face fell into relief when I let go, holding his hand closer to himself and his breathing slowed. Kaz's eyes slowly met mine and he bit the inside of his cheek. His eyes traveled my features, then hesitantly looked to his hand and cleared his throat.

"Thank you." He mumbled. A smile grew on my face as I realized what he said.

"Of course," I responded and before I could say anything else, he swiftly stood up and walked to his office. I watched him go, wishing I thought of a way to continue the conversation. I stayed on the first floor not for long before the others started to trickle in. For hours, we talked and drank; discussing where we split up and how we came back. Slowly as the sun dwindled to a sliver and the moon touched the sky, everyone went to their room to rest until I sat by myself again. I sat in the relaxing silence till it was broken by footsteps.

"Not tired?" His voice whispered. I turned in my chair and was looking at Kaz. I softly smiled at him and shook my head. He walked over to a chair beside me and nodded his head at it, in response, I gestured towards it. He took a seat and looked at me. "You need your rest."

"I'm alright, I just wanted to ensure the others were alright before I went to rest." I calmly said to him, resting my head on my hand to look at him better.

"That was a while ago." He argued back. I rolled my head and yawned. "See? The exhaustion is getting to you." I giggled at his response and I swore he smiled a little.

"If you don't want to talk to me, just say that." I teased him, causing him to shake his head and grip his cane. "I might go to my room." I sighed, standing up.

"I'll see you in the morning then," Kaz said, with a bit of disappointment in his voice.

"Can't wait," I said and began to walk towards the stairs.

"Um." I heard him call out, I turned around to face him.

"Yes?" I said to him, patiently waiting for his response.

"If.. there's anything I could do for you.. Please let me know." He stuttered over his sentence, I smiled gently at him.

"Thank you," I said, turned back around, and walked back up to my bedroom. I got into my bed and tossed, turned, and thrashed before eventually falling asleep. The next morning, I awoke to a kind note hung on my door.

           Your kindness moves me in many ways, I wish I could express it to you but I fear your reaction. I appreciate your delicate attention and charismatic personality.

                                                          -Kaz.