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rubysunnday · 1 year

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can we always be this close

requested by anon: Congrats for reaching 6k!! I feel like such a proud mom, i've been following you since you had around 2k and you deserve this so much!! Could i please request a jesper x reader fic with the fake dating trope?

summary: from strangers to friends, friends into fake lovers, fake lovers into lovers

Kaz held a piece of paper out to Jesper. "Here's your invite."

Jesper took it between two fingers and flipped it over, unfolding it to its full size. "Mr and Mrs Leonard," he read, his brow furrowing.

"Oh, why do we have to be married?" Y/N grumbled, snatching the paper from Jesper's hands.

Jesper tutted, trying to snatch it back. Y/N slapped his hand away and, reluctantly, Jesper backed down.

"Because I need both of you for this job and it was easier to have one invitation than two," Kaz replied. "Now, here's the plan."

"Jesper and Y/N, you two are going to pretend to be guests of Van Delnik. Once inside and the party has started, one of you will cause a commotion."

Surrounded by big skirted dresses and expensive champagne, Y/N had never felt so out of place. She gripped Jesper's arm tightly as they walked through the corridor to the giant spherical ballroom.

"Ready?" Jesper asked, lowering his voice enough so that only Y/N could hear.

She nodded. "Yep."

"Inej, you'll be disguised as one of the maids. Once you see the commotion, head to the roof. I'll meet you up there."

"What are we stealing, again?"

"We're not, Jesper. Inej and I are staking out the building - Van Delnik is hiding his treasures somewhere and I for one want my DeKappel back."

"It wasn't yours in the first place, Kaz."

"Semantics, dearest Inej."

Y/N took her arm from Jesper's and took a step to the side, bumping into one of the men nearby. When he grunted and turned to tell her off, Y/N pretended to stumble, knocking the man's champagne glass onto her, and fell into Jesper.

"Sir, watch where you are going!" Jesper exclaimed, standing Y/N up on her feet. He dramatically whipped out a handkerchief and started dabbing at Y/N's chest and the bodice of her dress.

"Your wife bumped into me!"

"Because he tripped me up!" Y/N replied, pointing at a random man nearby.

"Once Inej and I are on the roof, we'll go in through the side window into Van Delnik's office. Jesper and Y/N, you need to give us at least ten minutes."

"I think we can manage that, can't we wife?"

"Oh, I am going to regret being married to you."

Once the commotion of who had tripped and spilt champagne on Y/N had calmed down - she'd managed to convince the men it'd been their fault - Jesper had whisked her away over to the buffet tables, out the way of the crowds.

"Saints, this chicken is to die for," Y/N muttered. She licked her fingers, wiped them on her skirt and picked up another piece. "I need the recipe." Y/N wiped the corner of her mouth with a napkin. "Saints my face is a mess."

"I think it looks beautiful," Jesper replied, smiling at her.

Y/N returned his smile.

"How do we know you're done?"

"Trust me, Y/N, you'll know."

The entire ballroom shook as something exploded outside the doors. Glasses wobbled and smashed onto the floor. People screamed. Guards rushed forward from their hiding spots.

"I guess that's the signal," Jesper muttered. "Now to get out of here."

"Where do we meet you?"

"Out the front - you'll be one of the many screaming guests if all goes to plan."

Jesper grabbed Y/N's hand and she clutched on tightly as they joined the throng of people trying to get out through the double doors. They both held on to one another, determined to stay together and not be split up by the crowd.

Once they'd squeezed through the double doors, the crowd spilled out into the street. Some ran away, some stood their, overwhelmed and shocked. To the right, a fire burnt away inside s store room, flames licking the glass of the windows within.

"Found them," Jesper muttered.

He pulled Y/N to him and they moved through the crowds, weaving over to the left and away from the fire. Kaz and Inej had both changed into servant uniforms and were blending in with the shrubbery and shadows.

"We were spotted," Kaz said as they walked up to them. "The bomb wasn't the plan."

"Oh, we thought it was," Y/N said. She absent-mindedly ran her thumb along the back of Jesper's hand. "Do we need to go?"

Kaz shook his head. "No, we'll wait -"

"There they are!"

Four heads shot up and turned sharply to the right. A disheveled looking guard was stood on the steps, pointing directly at them.

"Yes, we need to go," Kaz amended. "Meet at Black Veil."

As the Stadwatch and Van Delnik's personal security began to come at them, the four of them split up. Kaz and Inej going one way, Jesper and Y/N going the other.

Y/N gathered the numerous layers of her dress skirt and ran down the cobbled streets, wind blowing through her hair, tearing it out of its intricate up do.

"Split up," Jesper said, letting go of her hand.

Y/N darted right as Jesper went left. The pursuing guards stumbled to a halt and then quickly spotted them and their plan, splitting up themselves and chasing after them.

The street lamps had been left on in this bit of town - a sign of the rich who lived there. They could afford to burn the oil. Y/N saw an open public garden to her left and quickly pushed open the small iron gate and ran inside, the trees obscuring almost all of the street light. She ran through the bushes and the trees, the heels of her shoes sinking into the damp ground.

Eventually, she emerged out the other side. Y/N glanced behind her as she came out onto the street and ran into someone.

"Oh, saints!" Jesper exclaimed, his hands catching Y/N's waist and pulling her forward and into him.

Y/N put her hands on his chest, stopping her face from smacking into it. "I thought you'd gone the other way!"

"I did, it looped to here!"

"Oh my -"

"There they are, shoot them!"

Jesper grinned at her, taking her hand in his. "And off we go again."

They broke out into a sprint, running down the street once again. Bullets began to ricochet off the floor and the walls around them as the private guard began shooting at them.

Y/N giggled, the adrenaline running through her. Her laughter cut off abruptly as something hit her back and side, a searing pain shooting through her entire being, She stumbled forward, Jesper's going around her waist and holding her up.

"Ok, ok, come on," Jesper said, looping his arm through Y/N. "We need to keep going, Y/N, I'm sorry."

Y/N groaned in pain, pressing the palm of her hand against her side. She focused on putting one foot in front of the other and trying to breathe through the pain.

At some point, they lost the private guard - Y/N wasn't sure when - and entered Black Veil Cemetery. Jesper was on auto-pilot, walking down the headstones until they reached the mausoleum.

Jesper and Y/N all but fell through the doors and down the stairs, startling person who was already inside.

"Saints," Nina swore, her arms reaching forward and catching Y/N as she fell forward, her legs folding beneath her. "What happened?"

"What do you think happened?" Jesper muttered, all but ripping the buttons off his jacket in an attempt to get it off. "Kaz and his ridiculous plans."

"I'm fine -" Y/N cut herself off with a yell of pain as Jesper pressed his jacket against her side.

Nina sighed, tutting to herself. "I'm -"

"Not a healer, we know, Nina," Jesper and Y/N said together.

"Alright, saints," Nina muttered. "Come on, down the stairs."

Somehow, Jesper and Nina managed to get Y/N to her feet and down the stairs. Together they lifted her up and onto the empty tomb that often became a table.

"I'll be back," Nina muttered, guiding Jesper's hands further over Y/N's side. "Try not to die."

With a bustle of skirts, Nina disappeared back up the stairs, leaving Jesper and Y/N alone, in almost complete silence.

"I'm sorry," Jesper whispered.

Y/N looked up at him. "What for?"

"I... I don't know, it just feels like my fault because I came back to you and they followed me and -"

"Jes, breathe," Y/N said softly, placing her left hand on his cheek. Her thumb trailed over his skin gently, catching the few tears that managed to escape his eyes.

"I'm sorry." He dropped his head, breathing in deeply.

"Talk to me, Fahey," Y/N said, putting her hand under his chin and gently lifting it up until he was looking at her. "I'm listening."

It took him a moment to gather himself enough to speak. "When I was young, my mother tried to help this little girl. The girl had been poisoned and my mother, being grisha, went to help. She drew out the poison from this girls body into her own - saving the girl's life but ultimately killing her.

"This... you bleeding out on my, frankly, rather lovely jacket and coming close to dying it's just..." He sighed, shaking his head. "It just brought back those memories."

Y/N nodded. "I get it." She paused. "I'd miss me too."

Jesper laughed. "Nicely done."

The sound of Nina returning gave them both precious seconds to compose themselves - even though the heartrender had probably sensed something was going on.

But Nina didn't say a word. She walked in, moaning about Kaz, and shooed Jesper away, demanding space to work.

Jesper didn't leave. He helped Nina get Y/N out of her corset and held the hem of Y/N 's shirt up. He held her hand as Nina began to heal the wound. It didn't hurt as much as a needle would have done, but it still felt uncomfortable and weird. As soon as Nina was satisfied, she patted Y/N on the shoulder and disappeared back up the stairs, muttering something about Kaz and a knife.

"Do you think -"

"No," Jesper said, "no I don't think she did."

Y/N looked up at him, smiling. "Would you -"

"Of course."

Jesper picked up a roll of bandage. He moved closer to Y/N and she shifted, letting him standing in between her legs. They'd been in this position numerous times before - but it was only ever flirting and only ever for a job.

But now, something had shifted between them. A new understanding had emerged - one that could only have happened when someone came close to losing the other.

"My hands are cold," Jesper warned.

Y/N nodded, smiling. "It's fine."

Jesper's fingers brushed against her side and he held the bandage firmly against the wound. He then unrolled the bandage and wrapped it around Y/N's middle, keeping it tight. Y/N leant against Jesper's shoulder as he fiddled with the bandage behind her back, resting her head against his.

"You know," Y/N began, her voice soft, "I really enjoyed pretending to be your wife tonight. Even if it was just pretend."

Jesper stood up, having finished tying the bandage. He looked down at her, his legs brushing against hers. "It doesn't have to be pretend."

Y/N felt her heart skip and her breath got caught in her chest. "No," she said, reaching a hand up and combing her fingers through the hair on the nape of his neck. "It doesn't."

Jesper lurched forward and pressed his lips against Y/N's. The force of Jesper's kiss meant that she had to brace herself against the tomb with her hands, barely catching herself before she fell backward completely.

"Is this ok?" Jesper asked, resting his forehead against hers.

Y/N could feel his breath against her skin. She opened her eyes, immediately getting lost in Jesper's gaze. "It's perfect."

She leant forward and pressed her lips against is neck, trailing down to his shoulder. Jesper pushed her back and Y/N let her arms fold down until she was lying on the tomb, Jesper on top of her.

"I really hope Nina has had the common sense to go outside," Jesper muttered, resting his head against Y/N's chest.

"Either way," Y/N arched her back as Jesper pressed a kiss against the side of her neck, "she will do soon."

#shadow and bone #shadow and bone imagine #shadow and bone x reader #six of crows #six of crows imagine #six of crows x reader #fic #fanfic #six of crows fic #shadow and bone fic #jesper fahey #jesper fahey imagine #jesper fahey x reader

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and-home-before-dark · 1 year

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We talk a lot in fandoms about the villainization of female characters, but something more insidious that is also more common is the perfectification of these characters.

What will happen is a complex female character will be stripped of all of their flaws when discussed in fanfic or analysis. They will usually be cast into a “mom” role no matter how wrong that is for their character. And they can do absolute nothing wrong.

One example of this is Inej Ghafa from Six of Crows. She is an incredibly well-written character with a lot of complexity, but if you looked at Tumblr, you’d think she was just the responsible, badass one and nothing else. And in her relationship with Kaz, you would think he was the only one with any problems, ignoring how both of their traumas contribute to how long it takes them to be able to express their feelings for each other.

Another example is Annabeth Chase from Percy Jackson, a character who is explicitly given a fatal flaw: hubris. Basically, she thinks she’s always right. And yet in nearly every post made about her, she is always right and is also the near-perfect mom friend. If you’re lucky, she’ll still be afraid of spiders.

There are so many more examples, but I imagine you can think of your own for whatever fandoms you’re a part of. And there is definitely something to be said for this being problematic, how we can only like female characters who have been stripped of anything even slightly negative. But it’s also boring. By messing with one character, you mess with the themes, the plot, and the other characters. And then it’s just bad analysis. Do better.

#shadow and bone #six of crows #inej ghafa #percy jackson #annabeth chase #feminism #fanfic #fandom #female character #grishaverse

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badass-queer-couples-battle · 1 month

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Sword gays showdown, round 4 of bracket three

Propaganda:

For Gideon:

she's incredibly good w/ her two hander and less good with her rapier but she's still pretty good!! she is a horny lesbian who's taste in women seems to exclusively be "girls who have tried or are going to try to kill her". she's a redhead. i love her

Gideon’s a HUGE Butch lesbian and literally always wanted to use a broad sword. Specifically a broad sword. She said fuck rapiers. Uhhh literally dies to save the girl she cares for and the sword she uses then becomes like an altar for said girl. Gideon Nav Supremacy <3

oh she is the most badass swordswoman lesbian in media. she’s her gf’s cavalier, defends her in battle, she’s incredibly butch and buff

C'mon shes THE sword lesbian like... canonically

Loves her broadsword more than anything on her home planet and practices whenever she can. Spoiler it’s possessed by her mom. Gave everything so her best enemy could eat her soul and become the new saint. The character of all time child of two separate threesomes, child of the god emperor, she’s dead, she’s butch, she’s a dork, she’s doomed by the narrative. She’s my favorite.

girlie is literally the swordswoman supreme. she’s the cavalier primary to her necromancer. she has a fuckoff huge longsword. she gets absorbed into another person SPECIFICALLY to swordfight for them. in a gay way too.

While everyone else was developing common sense, she studied the blade. This dyke's main weapon and true love is the long sword, but she's also passable with a rapier. The sword is, in her own estimation, pretty much all she's good for. That and her smoking hot bod and terribly charming sense of humor.

"While we were developing common sense, she studied the blade." (Direct quote from the book). She's the most useless lesbian to ever exist, and she's obsessed with an absolute wet cat of a woman. Learned longsword mostly on her own and is such a genius with the sword she learned rapier in a few months (by personal experience, it's really really hard)

Most badass broadsword wielding lesbian easily slaying bone monsters and evil space wasps

The cavalier to her necromancer. very gay. in a complicated codependant lovehate relationship with the only other person her age she knew growing up.

For Inej:

She taught herself how to kill people with knives. We stan a queen.

My beloved knife wife ❤️🗡️

#sword gays showdown #gideon nav #inej ghafa #the locked tomb #tlt #gideon the ninth #six of crows #shadow and bone #grishaverse

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aeslenya · 1 year

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Six Of Crows: Incorrect Quotes

Wylan: Oh, hey, Kaz.

Wylan: Did you get the information on the new explosive?

Kaz: Yeah, I looked it over. Nice work.

Wylan: Thanks, dad.

Nina: ...

Jesper: ...

Inej: ...

Matthias: ...

Kaz: ...

Wylan: Why is everyone staring at me?

Jesper: You just called Kaz "dad."

Nina: You said, "thanks, dad."

Wylan: What? No, I didn't. I said, "thanks, man."

Kaz: Do you see me as a father figure, Wylan?

Wylan: No. If anything I see you as a bother figure because you're always bothering me.

Rotty: Hey, show your father some respect.

Wylan: I didn't call him dad.

Kaz: No, no. Wylan, I take it as a compliment.

Matthias: It's not a big deal. I called Nina mom once and she's my financée.

Wylan: Guys jump on that. Helvar has psycho-sexual issues.

Nina: Old news. But you calling Kaz daddy.

Wylan: Hey, daddy is not on the table here.

Big Bolliger: Well, you did call him dad, dude.

Wylan: You shut up. You done nothing but lie since you got here.

Big Bolliger: Okay, I was lying about not being a spy for the Black Tips, but the daddy thing...that happened.

Wylan: AH-HA! He admitted that he was a spy! All part of my crazy, devious plan.

Kaz: I believed you-

Wylan: Thank you.

Kaz: -son. You want to talk about it later over a game of catch?

Wylan: Can it be with grenades?

Kaz: Is there any other way to play it?

Wylan: I'd like that.

#six of crows #shadow and bone #incorrect quotes #brooklyn nine nine #wylan van eck #kaz brekker #jesper fahey #inej ghafa #nina zenik #matthias helvar #kaz and wylan #wesper #kanej #alina starkov #aleksander kirigan #the darkling #leigh bardugo #the crows #crooked kingdom

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the-wraiths-wife · 8 months

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I write a fanfiction about Kaz having a sister in Wattpad, named Adjala Brekker. And I just got the craziest idea. Kaz is always the baby sitter for Adjala's kids so why not write headcannons?

So I just made a few headcannons about Kaz babysitting his niece Jordan, and his two nephews Johannes and Kaz jr.

( Everytime you see a mom approved, it means the kids' mother approves of the activity )

1. "Uncle Kaz's House of Schemes": Kaz turns babysitting into a series of elaborate games and puzzles for the kids. It's like a mini heist every time they visit, complete with clues and riddles to keep them entertained. (Mum approved)

2. Kaz's version of "nap time" is "quiet planning time": When it's time for the kids to take a nap, Kaz uses this opportunity to quietly plan his next big scheme. He's convinced they're the perfect cover for his brainstorming sessions. (Mum approved)

3. Candy heist training: Kaz teaches the kids the fine art of candy heists, complete with disguises, diversion tactics, and a secret candy stash. They're the most resourceful trick-or-treaters in Ketterdam. (Mum not approved)

4. The "Ingenious Bedtime Routine": Kaz has a knack for getting kids to bed without fuss. His secret? He tells them thrilling stories about his heists until they're too excited to stay awake. (Mum approved)

5. Tiny suits and dresses: Kaz insists that the kids wear tiny suits and dresses, just like him, when they go out together. It's a comical sight seeing them dressed as miniature versions of him. (Hehe definitely mum approved)

6. Teaching the art of negotiation: Kaz imparts his negotiating skills to the kids, coaching them on how to haggle with street vendors for the best deals on toys and treats. They quickly become savvy little traders. They negotiate with daddy alot too, and their daddy always falls for this (Their dad hates this, so mum approved)

7. The "Kaz Jr. Inheritance Fund": Kaz secretly sets up a savings account for each of the kids, earmarking it as their "inheritance." He insists they learn about managing their finances from an early age. (Uncle Jes and Mumma approved)

8. "The Kaz Bunker" (my fav) : In the event of a "Kaz-sized emergency," he's built a secret bunker (a well-fortified blanket fort) in the living room. It's the perfect hiding spot for epic pillow fights and strategizing. (There's photo evidence -Inej) [mum approved - Kaz's sister]

9. Poker night (ft. Uncle jes, Daddy and uncle Wy) : Kaz introduces the kids to poker night, using candies as chips. It's all in good fun until Jesper's uncanny ability to bluff leaves Kaz Jr and Johannes with an empty stash of candy, while Jordie has a whole lot to herself. Wylan always gives his candy to Kaz jr in the end. Elijah (the kids' dad) sits their and sticks his tongue out to his brother in-law whenever he wins, only to me met by the Lethal Brekker sibling glower. (The mother doesn't aprove of this, their dad does tho)

10. Lessons in lockpicking (childproof, of course): Kaz teaches the kids the basics of lockpicking, with a set of child-friendly locks and tools. They think it's just a game, but it's secretly a life skill. (The parents don't aprove since candy is always being stolen from the kitchen)

11. Kaz and naps : when the kids' parents get back from date night of smth, they see uncle Kaz and the kids in the Kaz Bunker fort, or all of them on the ground, surrounded my toys and Kaz is laying flat on his stomach and Kaz jr is snoozing on top of him and Jordan and Johannes are snoozing in the corner. This, ladies and gentlemen, is how the bastard of the barrel gets his sleep. (Inej has photo evidence) [Daddy and mumma approved]

12: Lifeskills (ft. Uncle Matty, aunty 'nej and aunty Ninny) : so Kaz gets his gang together to preach Lifeskills to his nephews and niece. Uncle Matty adores the mini demjins. Aunty 'nej takes them in sea trips (Aunty ninny brings the snacks) [ pappa and mumma approved]

13. Shark stare classes 101: in which Kaz teaches his little trainees the signature bombastic side eye and shark like stare, along with the lethal Brekker glower, which always has the kids' dad running for the HILLS, cuz they look like his scary wife and terrifying brother in law. (Daddy and Mumma approved ladies and gentlemen)

A fanfic for this :

I'm tagging a few of the biggest SoC enthusiasts I know : @she-posts-nerdy-stuff @ell0ra-br3kk3r-writes @marsconer

#incorrect six of crows #six of crows #kaz brekker #inej ghafa #jesper fahey #nina zenik #kanej #wylan van eck #shadow and bone #grishaverse #kazbrekker #headcanon #kaz BUNKER #wesper #matthias lives #divine violence #Adjala Brekker

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valentinedaughtler · 6 months

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Tainted Opal (Part 5)

Kaz Brekker x fem!reader

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4

T/Ws: violence, romantic feelings, blood, mild spice scenes sometimes, fem!reader and she/her pronouns, sexual abuse/trauma (not explicit)

Synopsis: When Kaz questions your life before Ketterdam and your trust, you discuss your upbringing with him. (You also cook dinner with Kaz and it’s cute.)

REQUESTS: OPEN✅

____________________________________________

5 - To Kill a Mother

I lifted my head up from the leather seat in the office, the fabric sticking to my skin. Kaz stood in front of me, the desk between us. His face was hard, it always seemed to be.

"I left for a reason, you know," my voice carried a heavy weight of the past. My thoughts feel foggy. I don't want to talk about this.

"You're a pirate-"

"Was, Kaz, I was a pirate," I corrected with a sharp tone. I fiddled with the stitching of my thick pants, easing my mind before I continued. "I wasn't a member of the Kraken Killers, I was from a smaller crew. A group of ruthless, but unimportant people." Kaz listened silently as I spoke, a sense of concentration rooted deeply within him. He probably wonders if I'm lying. "We were the Mouse Petals, seemingly soft and enticing, but brutally unforgiving. My dear old dad was the Captain, he taught me to take charge and... dispose of unwanted weak links. When he was busy, my mom would tell me the many ways to have a man or woman wrapped around your finger."

"Why did you leave, not enough dabloons?"

"Because, it was brutal. Innocent people worse off than us became our targets when Greed finally consumed my father. He began taking it out on my mother when plans didn't... go so smoothly. Any mistake made by the crew was a consent to death," I explained while bile rose in my throat, my eyes dripping like broken faucets. "Mom made a mistake, she...-," I choked on my words. "It doesn't matter, but what matters is that she's dead. Dad killed her." I looked up at Kaz again, my face red from crying... and maybe because he looked so good right now.

He finally spoke after what felt like an eternity, "why didn't you tell us? Might have been useful to know," he rasped.

"It's helpful information, sure, but it never came up in conversation. What did you want me to do? While we're navigating sea routes just turn to you saying 'hey Kaz, by the way I used to be a fucking pirate and I watched my mom die'?" I snapped.

"Well, we are on a boat, any time would have been a good time, really. All Jesper did at dinner one night was tell pirate puns," Kaz combated, the grip on his cane tightening, and his face distorting into a grim scowl.

I stayed silent as he stared me down. For whatever reason I cared what Kaz thought of me, what the Crows thought of me. I got up from the leather chair, ripping my bare skin off the sweat stained seat. As I walked past Kaz, I saw him eye me. I stopped, "you wanna say something or can I go?"

His silence answer my question, so I trudged my way up the wooden stairs onto the sunny ship deck. The sloshing waves grew more tipsy, drunkenly tipping the boat this way and that without a care in the world. Oh, how I envied the ocean.

Inej appeared from the slivers of shadow that existed midday, her flexible body contorting into view. I gave her a weak smile as a greeting before laying on a patch of loose rope on the ship's stern.

"How was easdropping, doll?" I asked Inej with a smooth tone.

"Oh-, I-,"

"I'm not upset Inej, I'm a sucker for gossip and old habits die hard," I sighed with a forced laugh as she sleuthed her way next to me. She gracefully sat down next to me, her sleek hair falling into her face.

She smiled at me, a friendly care rested on her face. It wasn't a look of someone who felt initial pity for anyone they saw, it was a keen understanding that was followed by empathy.

"He likes you, well, I'm not sure he really likes anyone, but if he did, it was be us Crows."

"I'm not a Crow,"

"Maybe this heist will prove otherwise," her eyes held a knowing gleam, she understood the pain it was to deal with Kaz sometimes. But I felt a little warm inside when she implied my acceptance.

I'd always had the innate ability to coax others into liking me, into loving me, but it was more of a lustful gimmick than a commitment. The Crows felt like a commitment. Granted, it hadn't been long, but there was a different ambiance around interactions I had with the crew compared to others in my life.

"Thank you, Inej," I whispered to her, hugging my knees in my sunburned arms. We sat in silence as the sea's waves slapped against the boat, like an over-eager greeting. "What did the ocean say to the sand?"

Inej stifled a laugh before replying, her long, slender body gracefully folded next to mine.

"I don't know, what did it say?"

"Nothing," I shrugged as the ghost of a smile played on my lips, "it just waved." I couldn't keep it together anymore, I burst into laughter, along with Inej. It wasn't even a funny joke, but it made me feel whole to giggle with someone who understood me. Kaz would have hated that joke. "I just didn't want to talk about it with him," I said to no one in particular, but Inej listened with intent. I watched as her endless hair flowed down her back and onto the wooden deck of the boat, her dark eyes deep pools that drowned all of Ketterdam's secrets.

I sighed and stood up, grasping the ledge of the boat. "I don't know why it felt like a big deal."

"People are complex, fears and traumas gash pieces of a person, sometimes taking whole chunks, until they're the remains of what once was a person," Inej's voice was a whisper in the wind. "Go tell Kaz the ocean joke, he'll detest it." She laughed and like that, she was gone into the wind as well.

✵ ♣ ✵

Kaz wasn't in the office, instead he was in his bunk, an awkward shaped room that was essentially a closet, connected to the main bunks with a door. Perhaps Kaz hadn't wanted to listen to Matthias snore all night, or maybe he didn't want to listen to Jesper and Wylan say goodnight to each other a dozen times before actually meaning it. For whatever reason, Kaz was in the cramped corner of the boat, hunched over on his bed, spine facing the door.

"What did the ocean say to the sand?" I asked, he craned his neck to look at me before sighing, turning around to see me. He didn't look eager to hear the punchline, but his expression often didn't indicate his mood.

"Do tell,"

"Nothing, it just waved."

"You're brilliant," he mocked dryly.

"Oh Kaz, are you shore you get the joke?"

"...,"

"Saints, it's just a joke, you don't have to be a salty beach about it," I grinned, my cheeks dusted with pink.

"How have you survived in Ketterdam with that mouth of yours?"

"My mouth is adorned with soft lips, darling. Gets me out of trouble often," I winked and leaned against the door. He turned away from me, but I noticed something off about him.

"We're close to the Fjerdan passage, we should be there by the end of the week. I believe we are hugging the border of the Ravkan countryside that leads to The Fold." I said, easing the tension that hung heavy in the room. "We will need winter attire, and Matthias will have to be disguised because... well, I think it's obvious," I said with an awkward chuckle. Kaz nodded, still not looking at me.

He stood up and limped to the door, "we're on dinner duty," was all he said before gesturing for me to move and leaving the room.

I followed after him to the small kitchen jutting out of the cabin. Kaz began taking out knives and cutting apples into oddly shaped slivers.

"I didn't buy specially preserved ingredients to have them be wasted by someone who doesn't know how to cook," I teased as I stood behind him; micromanaging.

"How can you be sure I can't cook?" He grumbled, placing the knife back into the cutting board. I smirked at his insulted demeanor.

"For someone who has most likely fought with every weapon in the book, you can't use a knife for anything but damage." My gaze met his. The colors of his eyes resembled those of over-steeped tea, unknown thoughts stored inside. "Let me show you how to use a knife," I said, he flinched as I came closer though. I moved the cutting board closer to me, giving him the reassurance of space between us.

I delicately chop the apples into thin slivers, gingerly slicing them with a confidence. After I finish with the first apple, I gestured to Kaz, who was sulking as he watched, for him to attempt at the feat. "The trick is to remember it's an apple, not a human threat," I said and patted his jacket-covered shoulder. He flinched, but began to cut the apples.

I sprinkled cinnamon and sugar onto the perfect —and the ones Kaz sliced- apple slivers before placing them over the gas stove. There was really no need for such an expensive boat when I bought it, but I'm glad I did.

"You did a good job," I complimented with a grin, skirting around the kitchen with pep. "Now, we need to make the sandwiches. I'm gonna keep you on slicing duty, alright?" He nodded and began to slice meat and cheese into thick sheets. I watched him methodically go through the motions of the repetitive task before he looked up at me,

"Get me the lettuce." His teasing smirk seemed to whisper to me, I saw you staring. I blushed slightly as his scarred lips had curved into a smile.

"I will if you use your manners," I purred while retrieving the bread from the cupboard. He sighed before giving me a mocking, dreamy look,

"My dearest Y/n, my darling, would you please get me the lettuce, my little Crow," his voice was sweet and immitated mine a twinge, asshole. I tossed him a bag of lettuce and began roasting the bread.

"You're lucky you're not a target with expensive jewelry, or you'd be met with an intimate reaction," I retorted at his slyness, but I couldn't help but wondered if my face was beet red.

Kaz and I continued to cook up the paninis and apple chips with little incident, Kaz did almost cut a finger off, but he was fine.

Dinner was served to everyone by myself and Kaz, each sandwich looked intricate and appetizing. Nina made a satisfied noise as she bit into the cheese-and-meat filled bread. I laughed slightly and took a bite as well, it was very good. Thick globs of cheese poured down the sides of the crisp bread and perfectly seasoned meat sat inbetween the top layer of bread and cheese.

"Y/n, Kaz, this is the second best thing I've ever put in my mouth," Jesper praised. Wylan giggled as they held hands and smiled. Matthias gave me an approving nod as he sat at Nina's hip, and Inej smiled at me with kind eyes.

"I shouldn't get too much credit, Kaz did chop up stuff... and almost his finger- but he did great," I grinned at my tease and leaned towards his stiff sitting posture as he ate. Everyone laughed with no ill intent, but Kaz huffed with an irritated look.

"If you're so good at cooking, why do we all have to take turns cooking each night?" His eyes stared me down, the question seemed rhetorical; a way to shut me up. I can't let that happen.

"I'm paying you all, might as well get my money's worth." I laughed, and the beginnings of a smile twitched on Kaz's scarred lips. His really nice lips. If I could trace the scars every night before I slept I would, but if felt uncomfortable to think about. I don't ever feel like this...

The night ended fine, no one brought up the pirate incident from earlier, so I took today as a win. But Kaz knew, yet it didn't bother me as much as it should've.

✵ ♣ ✵

I watched in horror, for what felt like eons strung together into a much longer expanse of torment. My mother was tied up on the ledge of a wooden plank jutting off a ship, eyes puffy from crying. Her limbs were red and bloody from the ropes keeping her from grasping freedom. I stood next to my father, his tall figure looming over me with resemblance to a demonic entity. His grip on my frail shoulders squeezed tighter as he turned to me.

"Do it,"

I woke up to the thunk of my head making contact with the bunk above me; the empty bunk initially reserved for Kaz. I didn't kill her, I didn't do it. I continued to say these words until I felt I could beleive them, for tonight.

Sleep would only plunge me back into the sea of that dream again, so I silently, attempting to not wake anyone up, walked up the cabin's steps. When I reached the mast of the boat, my eyes fell on those of a scar-covered boy. He sat against the crates near the front of the tall beam holding the sails high. He looked at me with empty, glazed over eyes. Gray bags prominent and hair unkept. He looked like a meek kid rather than a Gang boss. Maybe he was just both.

"Nightmare?" I asked and sat next to him, and to my surprise, he didn't move away.

"Yeah,"

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Word Count: 2292

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I had a good time thinking of the backstory for this character, though my knowledge of pirates is pretty limited. Hope you enjoyed the ocean puns, my bisexuality made me do it

-Valentine

#fanfic #inej ghafa #jesper fahey #kaz brekker #kaz brekker x reader #kaz brekker x y/n #kaz brekker x you #nina zenik #shadow and bone #six of crows #soc #grishaverse #wylan van eck #matthias helvar #fem!reader #fem reader #ketterdam #seductress

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fanaddicted2000 · 7 months

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I wonder how Inej helps Kaz after a long and tiring day.

The kind that leaves him tired to his bones, his leg a constant throbbing rivaling with a nasty headache. The kind where he forgets to eat and numbers dance under his eyes. The kind of days where he almost lets himself miss long lost things.

Does she make him talk ? Exchange his cup of coffee with her mom's favourite tea ? Does she simply sit beside him -not too close, but almost closer than she would on normal days ? Does she dare take his hand ?

Maybe he would.

Maybe, he would slowly -painfully- force his way up the stairs, and enter his room to find her there already, sitting on his bed, unbraiding her hair. Maybe, though he has no strength to greet her, he would limp to the bed, and sat beside her -not too close... not too far. Maybe he would even reach for her with a silent hand laid on the bed, near her. She would know, of course she would, she always does. She probably lays her hand next to his, leaving barely the length of her pinky between them.

And they'd just be. Silently. Together. They'd be in the moment, in the silent, in the strange stillness of an exhausting day. They'd be together.

And it would be enough.

#random thoughts #i'm tired #don't mind me #soc #six of crows #kaz brekker #inej ghafa #kanej #comfort #i miss them #inej and kaz #kaz needs a hug #intimacy

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dwyntwo · 17 days

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I've been reading a lot of thrillers lately, and just....can we talk about how much thriller-protagonist-potential the Kanej child has?? (Although tbh my personal hc is that Inej and Kaz choose not to have kids, but that's a story for another day)

Like...just picture it!

The kid, let's call her, idk, Maya? is 30 now and has had a normal childhood and a good relationship to her parents. They moved a lot, so she had to get accustomed to a lot of new places, but she could manage.

Her mother, who was away a lot, died while she was young because she was sick- at least that's what Maya's father told her, but the older she gets, the more she starts to doubt he's telling the truth. Her father has always been a little protective, but she loves him dearly. Now however, he's old and in the process of dying and Maya feels so lost now that she's lost her whole family.

Then she starts spotting a tall zemini man hanging around and watching her. He's her dad's age, but she has never seen him around. Eventually, she asks him what he wants, and he claims he's an old friend of her parents and he hasn't seen them in a while. He introduces himself as Jesper and says he's from Ketterdam, and that he's met her parents there which confuses her because her parents have never lived even close to Ketterdam, have they?

At least not long enough to form any meaningful friendships. Her dad grew up on a farm far away from the city and her mom grew up in Ravka and they met while she was performing. At least that's what they always told her. When Jesper learns that Maya is Kaz's and Inej's child, he backs off, claiming it's not his place to say anything. She doesn't see him for a while after that, but she immediately goes to visit the hospice her dad is in to ask him what this was about.

But her dad isn't alone. Some strange man is in the room with him, and he doesn't look friendly. He keeps calling her dad "Brekker" for some reason; as far as she knows, his name before he married her mom was "Rietveld", wasn't it...? And he keeps talking about some "debt" he has to pay. Her father laughs tiredly and points out that he's literally in a hospice and dying, so why would he care? But then they both see Maya enter. Her dad looks mortified while the man smirks before he leaves while he tells her dad he will "see him around".

Maya asks her dad what this was all about, and who this Jesper-guy was, and if he's ever lived in Ketterdam, but he acts like he has no idea. He's really insistent she move in with her boyfriend however, which is strange because he doesn't like her boyfriend that much. For some reason though, the thought of her being alone terrifies him.

Maya starts rummaging around in her parents' past and doesn't realize what danger she's in because the man who had visited her dad wasn't kidding around about making him pay. The big twist in the end is that she finds out her parents' REAL identity; her mom wasn't taken by illness, she died at sea because she was a goddamn pirate! Omg?? And her dad was thought to be a literal demon terrorizing Ketterdam?? Wtf?!

Also, yeah, they DID grow up in Ravka/on a farm, but what they failed to mention was that her mom got taken at a very young age and forced into child prostitution, while her dad lost his father to a PLOW ACCIDENT when he was nine and then his brother to the plague (at least THAT part was true!) and then ended up on Reaper's Barge. The man who had visited him in the hospice was some podge he'd scammed, and the Jesper-guy was basically like a BROTHER to her parents until they both faked their deaths in order to protect him and his husband. What?!

It has a bittersweet ending. Kaz dies, Maya and her boyfriend manage to fight the strange man off, and Maya reaches out to the only living family that remains: Jesper and his husband. They visit them in their mansion, have dinner- a woman called Nina Zenik joins; apparently, she had been mom's best friend and something like dad's older sister figure ("Me and Kaz? Gross! Kaz was always like an annoying little brother to me!") and exchange stories about Inej and Kaz Ghafa.

(Did her dad really, at one point, say that Ketterdam was his mother and Profit was his father?! Maya always knew dads could be cringy and that her dad specifically could be painfully melodramatic, but holy sht, that takes it to a new level!)

Jesper and Wylan love having them around, and soon it becomes a regular thing. Since Jesper and Wylan have no children of their own, Wylan puts Maya in his will. Like her parents used to, she now lives in Ketterdam, but makes sure she and her own children in the future will have a better life. When she marries her boyfriend, Wylan and Jesper walk her down the isle.

#kaz brekker #six of crows #soc #inej ghafa #jesper fahey #wylan van eck #nina zenik #kanej

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jazzkrebber · 9 months

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found family but it's Kaz, that one weird emo uncle that keeps trying to teach you about stocks; Inej, the caring mother that always says what you need to hear, but hides her own pain behind closed doors; Jesper, the favorite cousin full of energy that drives you to taco bell at 3am; Wylan, the seemingly innocent cousin that "couldn't hurt a fly" but has most definitely committed several crimes; Nina, the fun wine aunt that spills all the family tea and slips you some alcohol when your mom says no; Matthias, the grumpy grandfather that won't stop going on about the old days, but is actually a big softie that you can have late night patio talks with for hours

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millaniumcat · 10 months

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Headcanon: How the crows would act on a hike

Went on a hiking-roadtrip in northern Norway recently, and had some headcanons about the Crows on a hike.

Kaz - easy, he didn't come with them. With his leg it's not really his favourite thing to do, and he doesn't do well in the sun.

Matthias - Hiking dad. Knows the route, prepared everything, has everything packed that the whole group might need (food, water, plasters, etc). Is always at the front during the hike and has to wait for the others. Sets a rigorous pace.

Nina - Hiking mom. Has all the the snacks and keeps watch that everyone stays together. Tries to slow Matthias down, so that everyone can keep up. Has spare socks for the rare possibility that someone steps into the river (Jesper definitely does that).

Wylan - very excited to go. Stops every five seconds to look at a plant, animal, insect. Knows everything about the plants and insects and stuff, and explains everything, rambles about poisons and other characteristics.

Inej - Fully prepared, does not get tired. Stops with wylan and listens to all of his explanations, asks questions and is just really happy to be there. Climbs onto every rock and every tree that gives her an overview of the path they are taking.

Jesper - loves the hike, he can let go of all of his energy there. Keeps skipping ahead, only to run back to listen to Wylan's explanations. He gives him a kiss after each one and holds his hand a lot. He enjoys the sun, the nature, it reminds him of his home and the farm. He also knows how to deal with the typical hiking wounds - scraped knees, blisters, etc, cause they were pretty common on the farm.

Those were my initial thoughts. What do you guys think?

#shadow and bone #six of crows #wylan van eck #jesper fahey #soc wylan #six of crows wylan #soc jesper #soc #leigh bardugo #grishaverse #soc kaz #kaz brekker #inej gjafa #matthias helvar #nina zenik #headcanon #hiking

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ticklishraspberries · 7 months

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Girlhood (Inej, Nina)

Summary: Inej and Nina grow closer, and Inej learns how lovely it is to have a female friend. (Prompted by @tklpilled 800 years ago, and I squeezed it into a fic for Day #11, "Squeal" for Tickletober!! xo)

After the Menagerie, Inej’s relationship with touch was very different.

As a child, her large, Suli family was always full of hugs, kisses, and playful tussling. There was no greater comfort than being encased in her mother’s arms, those arms that kept nightmares away and slowed the flow of tears with ease. Her father would kiss her forehead, her cheeks, ruffle her long hair, whisper affections. She was safe back then. She trusted the Saints completely, believing that they would always protect her from harm. She was innocent and happy, a little acrobat with big dreams.

That all changed the moment she was torn from her family and brought to Ketterdam on a dirty slaver ship, not knowing what her future would hold. All she wanted was her mom, those strong arms to pull her in and squeeze her tight. Instead, fourteen-year-old Inej hugged her own knees to her chest and cried.

She is no longer the Menagerie’s lynx, no longer under the control of Tante Heleen. Now she is Kaz Brekker’s spider. His Wraith. And while she likes the taste of freedom, she still flinches when men grow rowdy in the Crow Club, still can’t bear to meet the eyes of men who call out lewd things to her on the streets. It’s why she prefers to travel on roofs; the birds aren’t ogling her with lust in their eyes.

Her only two friends in the world just so happen to be male, which usually doesn’t cause any issues. Kaz has never laid a hand on her, even through those leather gloves, and Jesper notices the way she shies away from touch and has only recently started to initiate hugs, which she has learned to accept and find comfort in, because Jesper is like a goofy older brother, and she knows he isn’t after anything from her.

When Nina Zenik enters her life, Inej finds a new comfort in female friendship. She had grown close with other girls at the Menagerie, but it was out of necessity, treating one another’s wounds, comforting each other during sleepless nights.

But she genuinely likes Nina, finds her humor and confidence endearing. And Nina notices the way men bother Inej, can probably sense the spike of her blood pressure, and when Inej finally tells her what happened to her, Nina doesn’t compliment her strength and survival skills. She doesn’t look at her with pity or disgust.

She simply says, “I’m sorry,” and opens her arms, an offering of a hug, and Inej can’t remember the last time she so willingly allowed someone she didn’t know well to touch her like this.

As they have grown closer, Inej realizes how different friendship with a girl can be. It makes her feel like the young woman she is, giggling and gossiping. Nina braids her hair and tells her all about the Fjerdan man she has fallen for, and Inej listens intently.

“And what about you, hm?” Nina asks. “Has anyone caught your eye?”

“Maybe,” she replies, unable to keep the smile off of her face. Deep down, she knows that nothing will come of it. It’s just a silly schoolgirl crush, but she’s never had a serious crush before, and never had a friend to talk to about it.

“Well, you must tell me now! Who is it?”

Inej chuckles fondly at Nina’s enthusiasm. “It’s nothing, really. He isn’t interested, and even if he was, I don’t know how I would even…” she trails off. “I mean, I don’t know if I could be with him. In that way, at least.”

Nina extends her arms, and Inej leans into her chest, accepting the hug. “If he’s a good man, that won’t matter to him. And just because you have trauma doesn’t mean you can’t overcome it.”

Inej hums. “I suppose. But it doesn’t matter. He doesn’t like me that way.”

“He’d be a fool not to,” Nina says. “With this pretty face?” She pokes the tip of Inej’s nose with her finger, and they both laugh.

Pulling away from the hug, Inej runs a hand through the braid Nina gave her, the feeling of soft hair tickling her palm a comfort. The girls share a moment of comfortable silence before Nina speaks again.

“…Is it Kaz?”

“What? Of course not,” Inej replies, much too quick.

Of course, Nina can hear her heartbeat, can sense the lie with ease, and she squeals excitedly.

“Inej, you must know he feels the same! Every time you enter the room, his breath catches like he’s never seen you before!”

She knows that Nina wouldn’t lie to her, especially not about this, but she feels years younger when she asks, “Really?”

“Yes! Oh, he’d kill me if he knew I told you this, but I swear it. Every time you laugh, his heart skips a beat!”

Inej flops back against the mattress, butterflies in her stomach. But reality swoops in quickly, and the fluttering is gone. “But he can’t show it. You can feel he cares, yes, but if I ever asked him about it, he would deny it. He refuses to get close to anyone.”

Nina lays down beside her, touches their hands. “I know it seems that way, but I think if anyone could sweep Kaz Brekker off his feet, it’s you.”

She groans, putting her hands over her face. Nina cuddles up to her side, murmuring kind words that make her feel a little less hopeless.

That night, they sleep in Inej’s room together, because Inej mentions she’s never had a traditional sleepover with friends, and Nina decides that simply won’t do.

***

“Your heart is beating like mad,” is the first thing that Nina says when Inej enters her room. “What’s wrong?”

“Kaz touched me.”

“What?” Nina asks. Her expression isn’t one of excitement, though. It’s furious.

Realizing her mistake, Inej shakes her head. “No, not like that! In a good way. Or, I thought it was nice. He put his hand on my shoulder, just a quick brush. He was moving past me and it seemed like he didn’t even think about it…By the time I processed what had happened, he was already gone.”

Inej climbs onto the edge of Nina’s bed, grinning. “Is it ridiculous to be happy about something so small?”

“To some people, maybe. But that’s a big deal for you, and for Kaz!” Nina replies. Now that she understands the situation is positive, her joy matches Inej’s perfectly. “Look at you, all flustered,” she teases, poking at her side. “I’ve never seen you like this!”

Inej giggles, batting at her hand. “Just because you have had plenty of romantic exploits doesn’t mean we’re all used to it!”

Nina gives a mock-offended gasp. “Are you implying that I’m easy, Ghafa? You’d be correct, but it still isn’t polite!”

They both laugh. Inej feels young, happy, and carefree. She throws her arms around Nina’s neck and hugs her tight.

“Thank you.”

“For what?” Nina asks, but hugs her back anyway.

“For being my sister.”

And if that sentiment makes Nina cry, well, no one needs to know that.

***

They are all down in the Crow Club, sitting at a table off to the side, chatting away and watching the people of Ketterdam drink, gamble, and dance.

Inej sits between Kaz and Nina, cradling a drink between her hands. It’s been a week since Kaz had casually touched her shoulder, and she hasn’t stopped thinking about it, and Nina hasn’t stopped teasing her about it.

She sits quietly, dark eyes flitting over to Kaz and back to the table, unable to stop stealing glances, but embarrassed at the idea of being caught.

Nina notices, because Nina notices everything. She’s smirking, and Inej flushes under her gaze. And Kaz…Well, Kaz seems to be in his own little world, leather gloves gripping his glass, scanning the room intently.

Nina scoots closer to her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. “You aren’t very subtle,” she whispers.

Inej blushes and elbows her softly. “Is it really that obvious?”

“To me, yes. To our male friends? They remain oblivious as always, it seems.”

She gives a sigh of relief. She has no idea how to act with a crush, just as she had no idea how to act when she first befriended Nina. Being herself had seemed to work, but Kaz was an enigma. Half the time, she could barely tell if he liked her at all, and if it hadn’t been for Nina’s Grisha intel…

Her inner thoughts are interrupted by Nina tickling her neck, a spot she’d discovered while braiding her hair, and Inej makes a sound she didn’t know she was capable of: A high-pitched, girlish squeal, and it makes Kaz jump beside her, turning around with concern evident on his face.

Nina is grinning, one hand scratching softly at the side of Inej’s neck, the other sneaking down to squeeze her side. “Stop staring off into space and spend some time with us,” she teases.

Other than Nina’s playful pokes, she hasn’t been tickled since she was a child. She expected to loathe it, to feel helpless, but Nina is gentle and silly and it feels nice to laugh so freely, despite her embarrassment that Kaz is now watching them with a half-confused, half-fond expression.

She remembers Nina mentioning that Kaz’s heart skips a beat when he hears her laugh, and it’s perhaps the sweetest thing she’s ever heard. Now, in the dim light, when her eyes aren’t squeezed shut in mirth, she sees the ghost of a smile on his face, a tinge of pink on his cheekbones.

When Nina stops, Inej works through residual giggles, her head resting on Nina’s shoulder.

Maybe this is what girlhood is all about: Being happy, carefree, and loved. She certainly feels all that and more as Nina snuggles her close.

#tickletober #tickletober 2023 #augtickletober2023 #six of crows ticklefic #tickle fic #ticklefic #raspberry writes #six of crows

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josketches · 1 year

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My opinions on the plots and scene orders being changed up in Netflix's Shadow and Bone!

(Disclaimer: I'm posting this now when only 4 episodes in. I'll revise and edit it the further I watch if anything changes!)

I think one thing to remember with this new wild season is we still might get the scenes we think we may have rushed or lost.

The bathroom and neck kiss could 100% still happen, and could be even more impactful now that kaz and inej have had these other deep moments beforehand so it can show that kaz is trying and that they're being patient with each other.

Jesper's Durast powers being found out so early wasn't really an issue for me personally tbh. I felt like Kaz was the one to always know anyways and when it comes to the others it doesn't really change much ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Wesper happening so quick and having met briefly before, while it did feel rushed, I'm not really mad about it. These two silly boys are two silly boys after all. They still have a lot to explore with Van Eck, Wylan's mom, etc.

Tbh the biggest thing that put me off was Kaz facing Rollins so quickly. Like that was the biggest thing he was chasing after the entire time during two whole books? But I mean. Freddy ATE in that scene and I can't be angry. It was solid to see and well acted all around. I think it shows how feral and calculating kaz can be and the inclusion of his backstory now was well done.

Overall, I think if anything, they're showing these deep raw parts now and will still have deeper, maybe even more rawer parts in the future and still LOTS to cover when they DO (manifesting it. watch the show folks) make the SoC spin-off.

That's all for now, will see if I have more to say later

#six of crows #leigh bardugo #shadow and bone #Netflix #SAB #SOC #kaz brekker #inej ghafa #kanej #jesper fahey #wylan van eck #wesper

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a-mythologynerd · 5 months

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I think it's a really important part of Kaz and Inej's dichotomy that they feel inversely about performing. The fact is that Kaz is a natural performer, and not just in his persona as Dirtyhands or putting on personalities for jobs (like he does for Smeet or any number of situations where he is a little shit) but also in a much lighter and fun loving "this kid loves fucking magic and just wants to do coin tricks." And Kaz's performances are so good that everyone believes that that's who he is, that "he doesn't need a reason." (and even he starts to believe it) To the point that his duplicity even tricks the reader cause he's an unreliable narrator, especially about himself and his own actions. Whereas Inej might be an actual performer, but she notably sucks at performing to the point her mom tells her to stop making it look so easy. And there's just really is something to the fact that her character is so intrinsically emotionally honest that she can't metaphorically put on a show and has to be told to pretend to fall. And the fact that they both see each other through this and what the world has "forced" them into (Kaz a perversion of his childhood love and Inej against her very nature). Kaz never asks her to perform (never as the Menagerie did and not even as her own family did at the caravan). And even when Inej is herself (or a persona and layer of herself) as the Wraith, Kaz sees through it and always knows she's there. And Inej always sees through Kaz's persona for the boy he is. Even when she's afraid it's true and its not a performance (ala the Alby incident) her hope is evidence of her deep seeded knowledge to the contrary. And she reminds the audience that actually he does have a reason! Always! He's just a boy who goes buck wild for puzzles!

And that's why the parallels of the Crooked Kingdom Slat fight and Dunyasha fights are so important. The inverse comes true! The violent Slat fight going from a showdown into a grand performance! Like that's it! That's the crux of Kaz's character! The violence is a performative action he takes to protect himself and build his legend! Inej even describes and compares it to performances multiple times both in his actions (escaping a straight jacket, "look nothing up my sleeve") to the reveal that Per Haskell has mistakenly given him a stage and Kaz is the ringleader. Versus the Dunyasha fight which Inej describes at first as a final performance for Ketterdam into a beautiful and honest reconciliation of her many identities as both an acrobat, a barrel brawler, the wraith, and just herself in order to finally conquer her "Shadow". And all of this culminates in the way they love and see eachother and provide what the other one lacks and needs. Kaz thinks Inej is magic and Inej cares so deeply that Kaz never gives her kind lies.

Anywho. I just think they're neat.

#six of crows #kanej #leigh bardugo #kaz brekker #inej ghafa #also i just will never get over the nothing up my sleeve line #its literally one of my all time favorites

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