[ as a response to both statements, curling her legs up a bit more to get comfortable. she's fairly certain that kaz knows just as well as she does that there is not going to be a huge party. mostly because kaz won't show up to one, inej thinks. uncomfortable with the attention. or just entertaining a lot of people at once. he seems to prefer his quiet and solitude.
for the most part, anyway. he did say he had missed having her around. ]
All the cake that you could eat, too.
[ she also knows that kaz has a certain distaste for quite a lot of sugar, and would rather skip the whole birthday cake ordeal. she also can't quite envision him blowing out candles to make a wish. ]
[ He does indeed know she's not going to throw him a party like that. For one, he wouldn't even show up. For two, he's not entirely sure any of his friends would be too comfortable with such an event. Jesper and Nina maybe but their respective partners could only handle so much.
Kaz shifts around a bit, turning in her direction, putting them closer together. The anxiety from earlier seems almost silly now because he feels so comfortable. ]
If you said pie, I could almost be sold. [ While he's not exactly one for sweets, he does have a sort of nostalgia for tarts and pies. His father made plenty when he'd been younger. ] I'd let Nina take the cakes.
[ She gets blissful when she walks past the fancy patisseries with the decorative cakes and tiers. Would be awful to keep her from it. ]
[ ah, nina does love cake, and inej is certain she wouldn't complain an ounce if she was allowed kaz's birthday cake to herself. but the line of thought is distracted a little, when she feels kaz roll onto his side to face her, moving a little closer. getting slightly more comfortable. ]
Pie, then.
[ inej thinks she can manage that, in this imaginary birthday party that is absolutely not going to happen. or maybe some of it can happen in parts. she thinks a quiet movie night at home with their friends would be acceptable to him, and not too overwhelming.
besides, she can always go out to dinner with him on his actual birthday. just the two of them. which sounds perfect, honestly. ]
I do not think Nina would complain too much if she had pie instead of cake, anyway.
No, she probably wouldn't. [ If there was a sweet to be had, she wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth.
All this does make him wonder what exactly Inej has up her sleeve. Because it certainly isn't elaborate like what they've been discussing. Honestly, he'd be most fine with neither of them going anywhere and just spending time reading or catching up on movies. Especially now that there's an entirely new facet to them being able to spend time around each other. This being sort of like it: close, without the nerves of being unsure what their relationship was. There's still nerves, of course, but that's just his life in a nutshell.
Reaching out carefully, mostly because he can't see much in the dark, he traces his fingers along her palm and down her wrist, stopping when he gets to the pulse point. ]
[ it's said simply, her hand still as kaz slowly explores her palm, fingers resting lightly on her wrist. the gentle motion causes a small upward turn of her lips, and inej allows her palm to lay flat, so kaz can rest his wrist comfortable against her fingers. ]
Did you know that I can read palms?
[ she asks after a moment of silence, gently running a finger along his own wrist, a faint smile in her tone. ]
I could tell your future.
[ her grandmother used to try and teach her. inej never really quiet had the patience for it. the sitting still in a chair, listening to her grandmother go on, and on, and on about tradition. she had always itched to go outside and explore, or climb a tree, or go with her father to town. but she had learned, sort of. after much badgering from her mother to respect her elders. ]
[ He suppresses the shiver from the touch on his wrist. It's a light thing, somewhat expected and still strange. Not unpleasant though, he's finding. It makes him want to hold her hand, like they had done earlier. ]
I'd like it if it's with you. [ And boy is he glad the lights are out, because the words just sort of. Are out there now. Somehow his usual filter had blipped out of existence. That seemed to happen often around her. Maybe it's the comfort of knowing she would understand? He's anxious around her but it's different thrum of anxiety than the usual. ]
[ the comment causes a smile to appear, and so inej pushes herself up onto an elbow to gently take his hand, running her fingers along his palm. feeling along the different lines and crevices. ]
Well.
[ she says, as if she were actually reading his palm. impossible, really, in the darkness of the room. but she does trace her finger along his palm, idly remembering what her grandmother taught her when she was little. which, incidentally, was a lot. too bad inej has forgotten a lot of it . . . more of a taste for dance and art than palm reading and fortune telling. ]
This . . . [ as she traces a line with a finger. ] Mmm . . . it seems to say that you will find love, if you have not already. [ which isn't necessarily a lie, though it would be easier to tell if she could actually see his hand. ] And that your future is bright and prosperous.
[ it could mean wealth, though inej doesn't really seem to think so. and so she rests her hand in his, idly curling her fingers around his own, running her thumb over his knuckles. ]
A fairly good chance of healing from whatever causes your shoulders to be so tense.
[ The bed dips slightly as she shifts her weight, clearly sitting up a bit more. Another little shiver goes through him as her fingertips trace along his palm and his own fingers twitch from the odd sensation. It's nearly ticklish.
Honestly, he can't tell how much she knows or doesn't know. Or whether palm reading has any legitimacy. Though he supposes it doesn't really matter. She tells him he'll find love—as if he hasn't already. Even if thinking that makes him nervous. He thinks he might be in love with her. It just seems so early to say such a thing, especially out loud.
Though he feels nothing but warmth when she curls her fingers over his. So maybe it is love. ]
Healing from stress? Seems unlikely in my work. [ That isn't it, exactly. It's easier to make light of the tension than to go into detail. He gently tugs her hand closer, cheek pressing to the back of it. ]
Healing from whatever is causing the tension in your shoulders.
[ it's not prying, but a quiet correction, because while inej is certain his job does cause stress, she is also certain that what nips at kaz's heels is a little more complicated than his work.
he tugs her a little closer, and inej scoots herself a bit closer. not touching him, aside from kaz pressing the back of her hand to his cheek. he feels warm, and inej lays back down, resting her head on the pillow to watch him, letting him hold her hand against his cheek. ]
I think you are going to start to feel better.
[ she continues, turning her hand a little in his own to run a thumb over his cheek, lips curving upward into a faint smile. ]
[ She does correct him, which at first makes him feel anxious. As if there's a hidden hint that she wants him to say something about it. But she doesn't press beyond that and he wrestles with the nerves for a few beats, trying to convince himself that it's fine. She wasn't asking for his entire backstory. If there's anyone who would understand deep scars, it would be her. ]
Maybe. [ With the stress of not knowing where they stood being out of the way, he probably will start feeling less nervous about accidentally crossing a line. Well, he'll still be worried about it, because she hasn't had an easy time of things. Especially not physical things. And despite his current issues with touch, he's still anxious that he might accidentally set her off.
At least for now both of them are in a comfort zone. ]
I just took one. When I went to see you in Ravka.
Edited (Omfg words missing why) 2020-11-04 21:42 (UTC)
[ amused, gently running her thumb over his cheek again before allowing her hand to rest in his hand. not retracting it, but allowing it to remain close. ]
That was a few months ago, and I can guarantee you have done nothing but build more stress in your life since.
[ which worries her, him being here by himself. though he reassures her that he's fine and they talk almost every night, inej pokes and prods jesper for more information. and jesper, cagey as always, only tells inej that kaz misses her. which is useless information, because inej already knows that. ]
You could just come to Ravka with me.
[ she says thoughtfully. lizabeta would be able to go too, seated in a little carrier on his lap. she would be unhappy with the flight, but she is a quiet little bird. most of the time, anyway. ]
[ It's not that he's against the idea. It's just...he doesn't take breaks so often. Which probably accounts for why he carries so much stress all the time. Well, why he has it on top of his past issues. Which have gotten slightly better but still are a long way from great. ]
I've been fine. [ Though the idea of not having to worry about Inej being so far away is very tempting. There's also the point she brings up about his sleeping habits. Which are, quite frankly, awful. He'd slept incredibly well when he stayed with her in Ravka. And now he could potentially cuddle while they slept.
Also, they wouldn't be fighting a six hour difference. ]
I'll see what the office says about longer term remote work.
[ No promises. But he would like to fall asleep like they are now, holding hands, for longer than just her break. ]
[ she doesn't necessarily believe him on i've been fine, but remains quiet while he sorts through his thoughts. and when he finally says i'll see, it sparks a slight grin before inej tugs his hand toward her, to press her lips against the back of his hand. the movement gentle, experimental. she decides that she likes it. ]
I would find a bigger apartment so you could have an office.
[ to sweeten the pot, a little, as she squeezes his fingers. ]
And get breakfast, at the deli down the street, in Os Kervo.
[ she knows kaz brekker well enough to know that he needs coffee to function, so she hadn't wasted any time in finding the best coffee on the coast. ]
[ She kisses the back of his hand and while it startles him, just a bit, the gesture is a welcome one. It doesn't make him feel uncomfortable or panicked like so much new physical contact can. Maybe it's because he's gotten used to most contact on his hands. Or maybe it's Inej.
It could also just be his mind cooperating for a brief few moments. Either way, he's glad. ]
Your apartment is nice.
[ What a hassle to get another one. It's not like he'll die if he doesn't have an office. ]
Finally found a place you like? [ She'd mentioned it before, while he was visiting. They'd gone to a few different cafes, looking for good coffee. One of those places had been pretty decent, though it hadn't been proclaimed as "very good" by either of them. Seems she might've found a place finally. ]
[ he has such long fingers. slender, and his hands are soft. not really the hands of someone who has done manual labor. almost absurdly gentle, a sharp contrast with who kaz appears to be on the surface. ]
I did.
[ she lets the comment about the apartment slide; inej will figure out a larger place, if he's serious about coming to ravka long-term. ]
It is right on the water, with a view of the port. There are tables outside. Very romantic, in the right light.
[ the perfect place for a date, if she's honest. ]
[ Romantic, huh? He'd never put much stock into romance. Or even seriously looking for someone to spend his life with. After all, he had so many problems with touch. He had not only doubted ever finding someone who would understand but—the mere thought of even letting someone he liked touch him had been too revolting.
And yet, here he is. ]
What kind of light would count?
[ He asks, trying for nonchalant. Whether it comes across, he isn't sure. Or maybe it's undermined by him curling his fingers over hers, thumb running over her knuckles. ]
[ he does manage to sound very nonchalant, but inej hears the little tic of curiosity in his tone, punctuated by holding her hand a little firmer. as if he's considering something important.
she decides to indulge him, humming to herself in thought. ]
I think sunset, right as the sun begins to dip below the horizon. The rays reflect on the water, and the sun looks bigger than it usually is. And, if you are very lucky, you can watch the moon rise if you stay late.
[ it's lovely, really. ]
The best table is in the corner outside, facing the pier.
[ He wants to see that pier, he thinks. At the time she says is the best, because she hasn't steered him wrong yet. Maybe he'll visit again, for a little longer. Or maybe he really will just see about something semi-permanent. The thought fills him with both anxiety and interest.
So he tries not to think about it too much while Inej is on break for the holidays. Not an easy thing for him to do, exactly, but he does try to enjoy as much time with her as possible. In the present.
The holidays blur by, full of plenty of snow and gifts and more decorating than he's ever personally done before. Quite honestly, he hesitates to take any of it down before she goes. He'd never put much stake in celebrating the holiday with decor but this year had certainly changed his mind.
Right on the heels of the holiday is his birthday, which thankfully doesn't involve multiple big tops or the entirety of Kerch being invited. Instead, he spends most of it catching up on reading a book he'd meaning to get to and cuddling on the couch with Inej. They have a quiet dinner at a new place they both wanted to try. The day after, he's gently bullied into having Jesper and the others come over for a movie at the very least—it ends up being two movies and drunken game of cards that leaves Nina breathless with laughter in Matthias' lap.
He enjoys it more than he wants to admit.
A few days later Inej packs and flies back to Ravka. He's made peace that he won't see her for a bit. Or he thinks so, anyway. The reality is this: going to be bed that night, without her there, is almost painfully lonely. He tries to convince himself that it's a temporary thing.
Three days later, he's looked up how to transport Lizabeta. And after an incredibly slow feeling two weeks, he ends up at Inej's apartment door with bird in tow. Anika had called him stupid for even asking if she thought Inej would be upset at him for showing up unannounced. Her intuitions with people were also usually right, so he hadn't argued and bought his ticket.
Still, nerves have crawled up into his throat like they usually did. He knocks clearly, despite how hesitant he feels. Maybe he should have sent a message? A heads up? Maybe he's missed her completely. Maybe this was a dumb idea after all. ]
[ the two weeks since she left ketterdam has left inej feeling lonely. she talks to kaz nearly every day, but it isn't the same. and since their relationship has shifted, inej somehow misses him more than she had when she left the first time . . . which had been a painful amount.
still, she is busy between school, her parents, and various other pursuits. between keeping herself busy and making sure to schedule time in the day to talk to kaz, cleaning her apartment has sort of lapsed. so on a rare day off, inej is cleaning, her hair thrown up into a messy ponytail, in shorts and a tank top as she finishes mopping the floor.
she pushes some loose strands out of her face, about to drop onto the couch before she tackles the rest of the kitchen when she hears a knock on her door. she blinks before glancing toward the clock on her wall, her brow furrowing as she thinks. her mother had mentioned coming over, but she had said that it would likely be later in the day.
likely a solicitor. or maybe a lost neighbor. so inej leans the mop against the wall, dusting off her hands before moving to the front door, unlocking it before tugging it open, about to apologize for how she looks when she's faced with kaz and a pet carrier.
at first, inej just stares, dumbstruck. because she had spoken to him last night, half asleep in bed. she was fairly certain kaz had told her that he had a meeting today. but no, here he was, with what looked like a pet carrier on top of his suitcase, looking . . . nervous.
the shock soon melts into disbelief, which quickly transforms into joy as inej quickly closes the distance, slipping her arms around his neck for a kiss. gentle, soft, but definitely delighted as she murmurs: ]
Liar.
[ a meeting. inej would never believe him when she asked if he was busy again. ]
[ As it turns out, he doesn't have to wait long to confirm that she's home. He can hear muffled steps as she gets closer to the door and when she opens it, he feels like his heart leaps into his throat. In a good way. Her hair is a mess and it's clear she's been cleaning: there's a bit of dust on her cheek. Her tank top and shorts aren't exactly ratty, but he knows she only wears them when she's mopping or scrubbing.
She's positively radiant. Fuck, he missed her so much.
It's enough to overwhelm any hint of reactive disgust when she throws her arms around his neck to give him a kiss. One he's more than happy to return, the anxiety he'd been holding onto the entire way starting to bleed out of his shoulders. He circles his arms around her middle, pulling her close and actually grinning down at her. ]
[ in her rush to hold him, she skips over the fact that he has luggage with him. a bit more than a carry-on, and lizabeta, distracted by how he easily pulls her closer and his grin. instead, she lets herself be held, matching his grin with one of her own as she shifts her hands to his face. ]
You should have let me know, I look like a disaster.
[ not that inej places a particular emphasis on her appearance, but she would have at least put on nicer clothes. or brushed out her hair. or something that didn't make it very obvious that she had been scrubbing her kitchen for the last two hours. but she leans up for another kiss, this one lingering for just a bit before wrapping her arms around his neck again for a tight hug. ]
But I will forgive you.
[ she murmurs, feeling a crushing relief at the feeling of his arms around her waist. there's a lingering thought of how long is he here before she remembers that he brought the bird, and inej pulls away just enough to look up at him, brow furrowed. ]
Why did you bring Lizabeta?
[ she misses her little friend dearly whenever she leaves, but she prefers that kaz has something to be with in the apartment, even if it is just a little bird. ]
[ He says it, bordering on hesitant—not because he doesn't believe it, since he certainly does— but she's been told that by awful people. Complete strangers who only valued her for her looks. It might not sit very well.
But he also feels she is beautiful, inside and out. He wouldn't have flown the hundreds of miles to be here otherwise; she means that much. Which was honestly a startling realization, even if he knew he missed her. He gives her an affectionate squeeze around the middle, not letting go just yet, enjoying the bit of flush from her kiss and how she's still holding onto him. ]
Work said they didn't want to see me in Kerch for at least three months. Couldn't let Jes have Lizabeta for that long.
[ Besides, she kept his anxiety down on the plane, despite how drowsy she had been. Maybe seeing the sleeping bird had subconsciously lowered the nerves. ]
[ her lips curve into a smile at you're beautiful. because it is true, the compliments sometimes make her skin crawl, but it always sounds different, from him. mostly because he always sounds hesitant, nervous, and shy. and inej is about to return the favor by informing him that he is handsome when he tells her three months.
it takes a moment or two for it to sink in, but inej soon grins, her hands resting on his face, thumbs running over his cheeks. ]
You are staying with me for the semester?
[ it's hard to hide the excitement, and inej seems to realize that they are still sort of in the hallway of her apartment, but quickly decides she doesn't care as she presses her lips against the corner of his mouth, smoothing her hands down his chest to straighten his shirt. ]
Are you really? They will let you go away for that long?
[ She runs her thumbs over his cheeks and he tilts his head towards one of her palms, eyes shutting briefly at the warmth. He'd been hesitant the first few times she'd done this but he's adjusted. Mostly. There's still a vague discomfort under his skin but he finds he can ignore it more easily. ]
Yes. If that's too much, I can find a hotel.
[ The kiss to the corner of his mouth is reassuring but the nerves are starting to show. So much he should've planned and asked before coming here. Anika and Jes and even Nina had reassured him it would be fine and that he was over thinking it.
But what if he wasn't? ]
As long as my work is turned in, they don't care. The higher ups have been considering courting a firm over here to partner with, sounds like.
[ He'll be a test run on how the timezones affect everything. Even without that though, his boss had been enormously enthusiastic. Moreso than he thought he'd be.
Somehow, he has a feeling Anika must've said something. ]
[ almost incredulously, sliding her hands down a bit further to find his arms, pulling away just enough to find his hands, so she can squeeze his fingers. and almost to punctuate the thought, she tugs him inside the apartment, slipping past him to pull his luggage and lizabeta inside. ]
Of course you will stay here, I want you here.
[ lizabeta goes on top of the kitchen table, and inej opens the door to allow her to stretch her wings if she so chooses. but the little bird is sound asleep, beak tucked under wing. inej leaves the wire cage door open regardless before turning to kaz, stepping over to slip her arms around his waist, resting her chin on his chest with a warm smile. ]
But do not go into the kitchen, because the floor is wet.
[ saints knows she doesn't want to have to pick him up the floor. or be blamed for a new limp. ]
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timewasting2020-09-27 05:30 pm
no subject
[ as a response to both statements, curling her legs up a bit more to get comfortable. she's fairly certain that kaz knows just as well as she does that there is not going to be a huge party. mostly because kaz won't show up to one, inej thinks. uncomfortable with the attention. or just entertaining a lot of people at once. he seems to prefer his quiet and solitude.
for the most part, anyway. he did say he had missed having her around. ]
All the cake that you could eat, too.
[ she also knows that kaz has a certain distaste for quite a lot of sugar, and would rather skip the whole birthday cake ordeal. she also can't quite envision him blowing out candles to make a wish. ]
no subject
Kaz shifts around a bit, turning in her direction, putting them closer together. The anxiety from earlier seems almost silly now because he feels so comfortable. ]
If you said pie, I could almost be sold. [ While he's not exactly one for sweets, he does have a sort of nostalgia for tarts and pies. His father made plenty when he'd been younger. ] I'd let Nina take the cakes.
[ She gets blissful when she walks past the fancy patisseries with the decorative cakes and tiers. Would be awful to keep her from it. ]
no subject
Pie, then.
[ inej thinks she can manage that, in this imaginary birthday party that is absolutely not going to happen. or maybe some of it can happen in parts. she thinks a quiet movie night at home with their friends would be acceptable to him, and not too overwhelming.
besides, she can always go out to dinner with him on his actual birthday. just the two of them. which sounds perfect, honestly. ]
I do not think Nina would complain too much if she had pie instead of cake, anyway.
no subject
All this does make him wonder what exactly Inej has up her sleeve. Because it certainly isn't elaborate like what they've been discussing. Honestly, he'd be most fine with neither of them going anywhere and just spending time reading or catching up on movies. Especially now that there's an entirely new facet to them being able to spend time around each other. This being sort of like it: close, without the nerves of being unsure what their relationship was. There's still nerves, of course, but that's just his life in a nutshell.
Reaching out carefully, mostly because he can't see much in the dark, he traces his fingers along her palm and down her wrist, stopping when he gets to the pulse point. ]
You don't really have to plan anything.
no subject
[ it's said simply, her hand still as kaz slowly explores her palm, fingers resting lightly on her wrist. the gentle motion causes a small upward turn of her lips, and inej allows her palm to lay flat, so kaz can rest his wrist comfortable against her fingers. ]
Did you know that I can read palms?
[ she asks after a moment of silence, gently running a finger along his own wrist, a faint smile in her tone. ]
I could tell your future.
[ her grandmother used to try and teach her. inej never really quiet had the patience for it. the sitting still in a chair, listening to her grandmother go on, and on, and on about tradition. she had always itched to go outside and explore, or climb a tree, or go with her father to town. but she had learned, sort of. after much badgering from her mother to respect her elders. ]
no subject
[ He suppresses the shiver from the touch on his wrist. It's a light thing, somewhat expected and still strange. Not unpleasant though, he's finding. It makes him want to hold her hand, like they had done earlier. ]
I'd like it if it's with you. [ And boy is he glad the lights are out, because the words just sort of. Are out there now. Somehow his usual filter had blipped out of existence. That seemed to happen often around her. Maybe it's the comfort of knowing she would understand? He's anxious around her but it's different thrum of anxiety than the usual. ]
no subject
Well.
[ she says, as if she were actually reading his palm. impossible, really, in the darkness of the room. but she does trace her finger along his palm, idly remembering what her grandmother taught her when she was little. which, incidentally, was a lot. too bad inej has forgotten a lot of it . . . more of a taste for dance and art than palm reading and fortune telling. ]
This . . . [ as she traces a line with a finger. ] Mmm . . . it seems to say that you will find love, if you have not already. [ which isn't necessarily a lie, though it would be easier to tell if she could actually see his hand. ] And that your future is bright and prosperous.
[ it could mean wealth, though inej doesn't really seem to think so. and so she rests her hand in his, idly curling her fingers around his own, running her thumb over his knuckles. ]
A fairly good chance of healing from whatever causes your shoulders to be so tense.
no subject
Honestly, he can't tell how much she knows or doesn't know. Or whether palm reading has any legitimacy. Though he supposes it doesn't really matter. She tells him he'll find love—as if he hasn't already. Even if thinking that makes him nervous. He thinks he might be in love with her. It just seems so early to say such a thing, especially out loud.
Though he feels nothing but warmth when she curls her fingers over his. So maybe it is love. ]
Healing from stress? Seems unlikely in my work. [ That isn't it, exactly. It's easier to make light of the tension than to go into detail. He gently tugs her hand closer, cheek pressing to the back of it. ]
no subject
[ it's not prying, but a quiet correction, because while inej is certain his job does cause stress, she is also certain that what nips at kaz's heels is a little more complicated than his work.
he tugs her a little closer, and inej scoots herself a bit closer. not touching him, aside from kaz pressing the back of her hand to his cheek. he feels warm, and inej lays back down, resting her head on the pillow to watch him, letting him hold her hand against his cheek. ]
I think you are going to start to feel better.
[ she continues, turning her hand a little in his own to run a thumb over his cheek, lips curving upward into a faint smile. ]
But you probably do need a long vacation.
no subject
Maybe. [ With the stress of not knowing where they stood being out of the way, he probably will start feeling less nervous about accidentally crossing a line. Well, he'll still be worried about it, because she hasn't had an easy time of things. Especially not physical things. And despite his current issues with touch, he's still anxious that he might accidentally set her off.
At least for now both of them are in a comfort zone. ]
I just took one. When I went to see you in Ravka.
no subject
[ amused, gently running her thumb over his cheek again before allowing her hand to rest in his hand. not retracting it, but allowing it to remain close. ]
That was a few months ago, and I can guarantee you have done nothing but build more stress in your life since.
[ which worries her, him being here by himself. though he reassures her that he's fine and they talk almost every night, inej pokes and prods jesper for more information. and jesper, cagey as always, only tells inej that kaz misses her. which is useless information, because inej already knows that. ]
You could just come to Ravka with me.
[ she says thoughtfully. lizabeta would be able to go too, seated in a little carrier on his lap. she would be unhappy with the flight, but she is a quiet little bird. most of the time, anyway. ]
At least that way I could ensure you sleep.
no subject
[ It's not that he's against the idea. It's just...he doesn't take breaks so often. Which probably accounts for why he carries so much stress all the time. Well, why he has it on top of his past issues. Which have gotten slightly better but still are a long way from great. ]
I've been fine. [ Though the idea of not having to worry about Inej being so far away is very tempting. There's also the point she brings up about his sleeping habits. Which are, quite frankly, awful. He'd slept incredibly well when he stayed with her in Ravka. And now he could potentially cuddle while they slept.
Also, they wouldn't be fighting a six hour difference. ]
I'll see what the office says about longer term remote work.
[ No promises. But he would like to fall asleep like they are now, holding hands, for longer than just her break. ]
no subject
I would find a bigger apartment so you could have an office.
[ to sweeten the pot, a little, as she squeezes his fingers. ]
And get breakfast, at the deli down the street, in Os Kervo.
[ she knows kaz brekker well enough to know that he needs coffee to function, so she hadn't wasted any time in finding the best coffee on the coast. ]
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It could also just be his mind cooperating for a brief few moments. Either way, he's glad. ]
Your apartment is nice.
[ What a hassle to get another one. It's not like he'll die if he doesn't have an office. ]
Finally found a place you like? [ She'd mentioned it before, while he was visiting. They'd gone to a few different cafes, looking for good coffee. One of those places had been pretty decent, though it hadn't been proclaimed as "very good" by either of them. Seems she might've found a place finally. ]
no subject
I did.
[ she lets the comment about the apartment slide; inej will figure out a larger place, if he's serious about coming to ravka long-term. ]
It is right on the water, with a view of the port. There are tables outside. Very romantic, in the right light.
[ the perfect place for a date, if she's honest. ]
no subject
And yet, here he is. ]
What kind of light would count?
[ He asks, trying for nonchalant. Whether it comes across, he isn't sure. Or maybe it's undermined by him curling his fingers over hers, thumb running over her knuckles. ]
no subject
she decides to indulge him, humming to herself in thought. ]
I think sunset, right as the sun begins to dip below the horizon. The rays reflect on the water, and the sun looks bigger than it usually is. And, if you are very lucky, you can watch the moon rise if you stay late.
[ it's lovely, really. ]
The best table is in the corner outside, facing the pier.
no subject
So he tries not to think about it too much while Inej is on break for the holidays. Not an easy thing for him to do, exactly, but he does try to enjoy as much time with her as possible. In the present.
The holidays blur by, full of plenty of snow and gifts and more decorating than he's ever personally done before. Quite honestly, he hesitates to take any of it down before she goes. He'd never put much stake in celebrating the holiday with decor but this year had certainly changed his mind.
Right on the heels of the holiday is his birthday, which thankfully doesn't involve multiple big tops or the entirety of Kerch being invited. Instead, he spends most of it catching up on reading a book he'd meaning to get to and cuddling on the couch with Inej. They have a quiet dinner at a new place they both wanted to try. The day after, he's gently bullied into having Jesper and the others come over for a movie at the very least—it ends up being two movies and drunken game of cards that leaves Nina breathless with laughter in Matthias' lap.
He enjoys it more than he wants to admit.
A few days later Inej packs and flies back to Ravka. He's made peace that he won't see her for a bit. Or he thinks so, anyway. The reality is this: going to be bed that night, without her there, is almost painfully lonely. He tries to convince himself that it's a temporary thing.
Three days later, he's looked up how to transport Lizabeta. And after an incredibly slow feeling two weeks, he ends up at Inej's apartment door with bird in tow. Anika had called him stupid for even asking if she thought Inej would be upset at him for showing up unannounced. Her intuitions with people were also usually right, so he hadn't argued and bought his ticket.
Still, nerves have crawled up into his throat like they usually did. He knocks clearly, despite how hesitant he feels. Maybe he should have sent a message? A heads up? Maybe he's missed her completely. Maybe this was a dumb idea after all. ]
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still, she is busy between school, her parents, and various other pursuits. between keeping herself busy and making sure to schedule time in the day to talk to kaz, cleaning her apartment has sort of lapsed. so on a rare day off, inej is cleaning, her hair thrown up into a messy ponytail, in shorts and a tank top as she finishes mopping the floor.
she pushes some loose strands out of her face, about to drop onto the couch before she tackles the rest of the kitchen when she hears a knock on her door. she blinks before glancing toward the clock on her wall, her brow furrowing as she thinks. her mother had mentioned coming over, but she had said that it would likely be later in the day.
likely a solicitor. or maybe a lost neighbor. so inej leans the mop against the wall, dusting off her hands before moving to the front door, unlocking it before tugging it open, about to apologize for how she looks when she's faced with kaz and a pet carrier.
at first, inej just stares, dumbstruck. because she had spoken to him last night, half asleep in bed. she was fairly certain kaz had told her that he had a meeting today. but no, here he was, with what looked like a pet carrier on top of his suitcase, looking . . . nervous.
the shock soon melts into disbelief, which quickly transforms into joy as inej quickly closes the distance, slipping her arms around his neck for a kiss. gentle, soft, but definitely delighted as she murmurs: ]
Liar.
[ a meeting. inej would never believe him when she asked if he was busy again. ]
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She's positively radiant. Fuck, he missed her so much.
It's enough to overwhelm any hint of reactive disgust when she throws her arms around his neck to give him a kiss. One he's more than happy to return, the anxiety he'd been holding onto the entire way starting to bleed out of his shoulders. He circles his arms around her middle, pulling her close and actually grinning down at her. ]
You would've guessed it otherwise.
[ Inej, after all, is very difficult to fool. ]
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You should have let me know, I look like a disaster.
[ not that inej places a particular emphasis on her appearance, but she would have at least put on nicer clothes. or brushed out her hair. or something that didn't make it very obvious that she had been scrubbing her kitchen for the last two hours. but she leans up for another kiss, this one lingering for just a bit before wrapping her arms around his neck again for a tight hug. ]
But I will forgive you.
[ she murmurs, feeling a crushing relief at the feeling of his arms around her waist. there's a lingering thought of how long is he here before she remembers that he brought the bird, and inej pulls away just enough to look up at him, brow furrowed. ]
Why did you bring Lizabeta?
[ she misses her little friend dearly whenever she leaves, but she prefers that kaz has something to be with in the apartment, even if it is just a little bird. ]
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[ He says it, bordering on hesitant—not because he doesn't believe it, since he certainly does— but she's been told that by awful people. Complete strangers who only valued her for her looks. It might not sit very well.
But he also feels she is beautiful, inside and out. He wouldn't have flown the hundreds of miles to be here otherwise; she means that much. Which was honestly a startling realization, even if he knew he missed her. He gives her an affectionate squeeze around the middle, not letting go just yet, enjoying the bit of flush from her kiss and how she's still holding onto him. ]
Work said they didn't want to see me in Kerch for at least three months. Couldn't let Jes have Lizabeta for that long.
[ Besides, she kept his anxiety down on the plane, despite how drowsy she had been. Maybe seeing the sleeping bird had subconsciously lowered the nerves. ]
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it takes a moment or two for it to sink in, but inej soon grins, her hands resting on his face, thumbs running over his cheeks. ]
You are staying with me for the semester?
[ it's hard to hide the excitement, and inej seems to realize that they are still sort of in the hallway of her apartment, but quickly decides she doesn't care as she presses her lips against the corner of his mouth, smoothing her hands down his chest to straighten his shirt. ]
Are you really? They will let you go away for that long?
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Yes. If that's too much, I can find a hotel.
[ The kiss to the corner of his mouth is reassuring but the nerves are starting to show. So much he should've planned and asked before coming here. Anika and Jes and even Nina had reassured him it would be fine and that he was over thinking it.
But what if he wasn't? ]
As long as my work is turned in, they don't care. The higher ups have been considering courting a firm over here to partner with, sounds like.
[ He'll be a test run on how the timezones affect everything. Even without that though, his boss had been enormously enthusiastic. Moreso than he thought he'd be.
Somehow, he has a feeling Anika must've said something. ]
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[ almost incredulously, sliding her hands down a bit further to find his arms, pulling away just enough to find his hands, so she can squeeze his fingers. and almost to punctuate the thought, she tugs him inside the apartment, slipping past him to pull his luggage and lizabeta inside. ]
Of course you will stay here, I want you here.
[ lizabeta goes on top of the kitchen table, and inej opens the door to allow her to stretch her wings if she so chooses. but the little bird is sound asleep, beak tucked under wing. inej leaves the wire cage door open regardless before turning to kaz, stepping over to slip her arms around his waist, resting her chin on his chest with a warm smile. ]
But do not go into the kitchen, because the floor is wet.
[ saints knows she doesn't want to have to pick him up the floor. or be blamed for a new limp. ]
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