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1.
Wylan loved the quiet mornings. They had plenty of servants to do anything needed, to keep the house running without Wylan or Jesper having to lift a finger, but Wylan loved when they let the workers have a rest and done things for themselves, together.
Wylan sat on a stool, resting his chin on the palm of his hand, and couldn’t help but smile as he watched Jesper cook them both breakfast, whistling an unknown tune to himself. Wylan was pleasantly surprised when he found out that Jesper could cook, and that he was good at it.
“I’m home!” Wylan called into the house, taking off his jacket and shoes after an excruciatingly long meeting with the rest of the merchant council. No one in the house responded, and Wylan frowned, moving further into the house to figure out where everyone was. There were no servants, no workers, no Jesper.
He eventually walked into the dining room, stopping in his tracks and his eyes going wide when he saw the scene laid out in front of him. The table, normally set up with the basics, had candles all over, lit beautifully, there was a huge vase of flowers sitting in the middle, bright red begonia flowers (Wylan’s favourite), and the table had numerous dishes all over it, food placed everywhere that made Wylan’s mouth water. But, the best sight in the room, was the boy standing next to one of the chairs, sleeves of his shirt rolled up, arranging the table to make it more pleasing.
“Jes…” Wylan said, and Jesper looked up in that moment, brandishing a smile that Wylan knew only he got to see. “What’s going on?”
“I wanted to have a special dinner.” Jesper replied, abandoning the food he was arranging in favour of walking over to Wylan, wrapping his arms around the smaller boy’s waist and pulling them chest to chest. Wylan looked into Jesper’s eyes, and could see a hint of nervousness about him. Something he rarely saw, something Jesper rarely allowed him to see. “What do you think?”
Wylan turned his head to look back at the table. He had so many horrible memories at that table (or rather, around the whole house). His father scolding him every meal for the smallest of things, learning proper table etiquette that made him hate the thought of meal time, his father throwing plates across the room, his father forcing him to eat food he knew made Wylan feel sick, his father not letting Wylan eat after another unsuccessful tutor.
He couldn’t get rid of those memories, they’d always be with him, always haunt him, but the fact that Jesper (maybe unknowingly, but still) made the dining room into something majestic, something beautiful for them to share together, made Wylan want to hug Jesper and never stop.
“I love it.” Wylan replied simply, quietly, smiling when Jesper let himself relax. Wylan looked at how much food there was, and raised an eyebrow. “You must have had the cooks working all day.”
Jesper’s nervousness was suddenly back, but this time there was a bashful smile added to it. “Actually, I let the cooks have the day off.”
Wylan blinked. “You mean…”
“Yeah, I made all of this. I think I made too much in hindsight, got carried away.” Jesper wasn’t often anxious for Wylan’s reactions, and Wylan found it ridiculously endearing. “I don’t know if it’s nice. I haven’t cooked since I moved to Ketterdam, I think.”
Wylan wiggled himself out of Jesper’s arms, walking over to the table and using a fork to scoop one of the foods (which he didn’t recognise) into his mouth. He let it settle in his mouth, tasting it, and then whipped around to face Jesper, who looked like he was either going to laugh or throw up. Possibly both.
“Jes, this is amazing! Why didn’t I know you could cook?” Jesper’s shoulders relaxed, and he let out a huff of a laugh as he took the few steps to Wylan. “Seriously, how have you kept this from me?”
“I didn’t know I had to share every single one of my talents, merchling, we’d be here for a while.” Jesper said with a smirk, eyes lighting up when Wylan’s cheeks went red.
“Hello, earth to Wylan?”
Wylan broke out of his daydream, blushing when he realised Jesper was standing next to him, their faces very close to one another.
“Sorry, just thinking.”
“About?”
“You.” Wylan said without thinking, seeing Jesper laugh. “When you first cooked for me.”
“Ah, yes, I am just such a good person, aren’t I?” Wylan rolled his eyes, but put a hand on the back of Jesper’s neck, pulling him down into a kiss. Jesper smiled against his lips, putting the spoon he was holding down to use one hand to cup Wylan’s cheek, and the other to thread his fingers through Wylan’s curls, making the shorter boy sigh in content. They eventually pulled back, the need for air overriding the need to be as physically close as they could to one another.
“Now, sweetheart, would you like toast with your breakfast?”
Oh. Wylan’s heart felt like it had done a flip. The blush that was barely tainting his cheeks now felt like it was all over him. Jesper smirked, clearly aware of what he had done. He always basked in how red he could make Wylan, turning him into a blubbering mess.
“Something wrong?”
Wylan closed his eyes, putting his head down so Jesper couldn’t see just how beetroot his face was. He didn’t need to look at the boy, but he could tell Jesper would be grinning from ear to ear. Curse him. He felt Jesper place a finger under Wylan chin, lifting his head so they were eye to eye, or well, eye to eye once Wylan’s head was bent far back enough to look into his face. Curse his long legs.
“Do you like that nickname?” Jesper’s grin was so cocky, like he was proud of himself for reducing Wylan to this blushing mess. “Huh? Do you like when I call you sweetheart?”
“Stop, Jes.” Wylan whined, groaning and covering his face with his hands. Jesper bent down so Wylan wouldn’t have to strain his neck to look at him, taking his hands and slowly moving them away from his face to be greeted by Wylan’s blushing, but shyly grinning face.
“Well, hello there.” Jesper said, laughing when Wylan pinched his side. “Now, toast?”
“Yes please.”
2.
“What did Kaz want?”
“Oh, the usual.” Jesper replied, walking into their shared bedroom and taking off his boots, which, in Wylan’s opinion, had too many laces and buckles to be practical. “Some guy done him wrong, he wants revenge, I need to shoot people, yada yada yada.”
“Hmm. What else is new?”
Jesper gave a weak chuckle, walking over to where Wylan was standing and moving behind him so he could wrap his arms around the others waist, peppering kissing all over his cheek and neck, like little feathers.
Wylan hummed in approval, closing his eyes and letting his hand wander to Jesper’s short hair, playing with it and letting his fingers explore, smiling proudly when he felt Jesper hold back a shudder. Wylan’s confidence grew, and he turned and moved to attached his lips to Jesper’s neck, starting with kisses, then slight nibbles, then sucking and biting as he made hickeys, not that they’d be too visible on Jesper’s darker skin, but that only made Wylan want to work harder.
“Someone’s brave today.” Jesper said, voice airy as he leaned his head back to allow Wylan more access.
“I’ve just missed you.” Wylan bit his neck harder when Jesper squeezed his hip, smirking when Jesper gasped. “Why? Don’t you like seeing me this way?”
“You-oh saints- know I love seeing you like this.” Jesper replied, closing his eyes to completely focus on the feeling of Wylan’s lips, teeth and tongue on his skin. Jesper’s body was completely still, something no one had managed to do since his mother had passed. Wylan was the only one to keep him steady.
“Are you trying to make a hickey that’ll show?” Jesper asked, laughing, but then squirmed when Wylan bit him lightly behind the ear. “You know how hard it is to do on my skin.”
“Oh, I know, but I want people to know you’re spoken for.” Wylan said against his skin.
“As if I’d give anyone the chance to come near me, darling. You’re all I’ve got my eyes on.”
Confident, forward Wylan disappeared in an instant, and Jesper would have been disappointed, if Wylan wasn’t blushing profusely and stuttering over every response his brain could think of.
“Oh no, what happened to my brazen Wylan?” Jesper asked, no real worry in his voice. Wylan didn’t respond, but Jesper could feel his body heating up more in embarrassment.
“You need to stop that.” Wylan whispered, burying his face in Jesper’s chest.
“Stop what, darling?”
“That!” Wylan said, half between dying of embarrassment and laughing.
Jesper chuckled, kissing the top of Wylan’s head and playing with his hair. “As much as I love confident you, I love reducing you to this.”
“Quit it.” Wylan moaned, but gladly accepted the kiss Jesper offered him, letting the taller boy take control this time.
3.
He was running.
He was running through a field, through a house, through a street. The scene kept constantly changing around him.
There were people standing around him, watching him. Kaz, Inej, Nina, Matthias, his mother, Alys, his father.
They were all watching, only one, when he ran past him, would speak.
His father would shout abuse, ‘you’re useless’ ‘you’re a burden on this family’ ‘you will be erased, never to be found again’ ‘I will hit you till you bleed to death on your own bed’.
He kept running, ignoring what his father said, but each comment hurt more and more. Why did he still care what that man had to say about him?
He was in his own house. He wasn’t running anymore. He was in the hallway, just outside his bedroom, standing. He wasn’t sure why, but he felt like something was wrong, dread low in his stomach.
He entered his room, relaxing slightly when he saw the sight of Jesper, but his panic started again when he realised Jesper was packing all of his belongings.
“Why are you packing? Are you leaving to visit your father?” He asked, watching as Jesper threw all of his clothes into a bag with little care.
“I am leaving, yes.” His voice was cold, distant. It scared Wylan.
“For how long?” Wylan asked, he couldn’t remember Jesper telling him of a visit to Novyi Zem.
“Forever.”
Fear hit him full force.
“What?” Wylan wrung his hands together, he could feel them beginning to sweat.
“Please, Wylan, you didn’t think I’d stick with you forever, did you?” He laughed, so unlike Jesper’s laugh that Wylan adored. “You think I’d put up with someone like you?”
It didn’t sound like Jesper, Wylan realised, it was a mix of Jesper’s voice and Jan Van Eck’s, his own father. But the words were coming out of Jesper’s mouth, and Wylan couldn’t shake that.
“Someone like me?”
“Yes.” He sounded bored, like Wylan wasn’t worth his time, wasn’t worth his breath. “Someone who hangs onto me like a little child, who gets upset when I’m away and clings to me when I return. Someone who can’t get over his past and move on, who must burden everyone around him with his problems. Someone who is so stupid they can’t do what every child can, who can’t even read or write their own name.”
Wylan could feel the bile rising up his throat. This wasn’t Jesper. This wasn’t Jesper. This wasn’t Jesper.
“This isn’t you. You promised me you would always be with me. That… that you’d always read to me.” Wylan said, feeling the tears beginning to rise. He wouldn’t cry, he couldn’t, not right now, not when he was already being compared to a child.
“Did I? I must have been delusional, caught up in the moment, you know how it is.” Jesper closed his bag and walked over to Wylan, placing a hand on his cheek. “Forever is a long time, too long to waste my life with someone who has to depend on me for such simple tasks.”
With that, Jesper walked past Wylan and left the room. Wylan turned, plea on his lips, but swallowed it when he saw his father standing at the door to the bedroom.
“What have I told you, insolent little child? No one will want to be with the likes of you. You are a burden to anyone you touch, you are not ready for this life, and you never will be.”
Jan Van Eck took a step closer.
No.
No.
No. No. No.
“No!”
Wylan shot up in bed. He was soaked in sweat, cheat heaving as he tried to catch his breath, but it kept escaping him.
“Wylan.”
A hand was on his back, and out of instinct, Wylan jumped and shot out of bed. He turned to look at who had touched him, and saw it was Jesper, with a worried, but also hurt look on his face. Wylan felt a moment of comfort at seeing it was Jesper, but he remembered his dream, and the alarm was back.
“Wylan…” Jesper moved to sit at the edge of the bed, but didn’t move any closer to Wylan, seeing the boy was in some sort of distress, and Jesper being close wouldn’t have helped the situation. “What’s wrong, did you have a nightmare?”
“You… you left.” Wylan said, shaking his head and wrapping his arms around himself, making himself as small as possible. He was reverting to his old habits he had as a child. He hated that. “You were packing your bags, and said that you were leaving. That you didn’t deserve to be with someone like me, someone as clingy as me, someone as stupid as me who can’t read or write. I… I…”
Wylan’s legs gave way, and he dropped to the floor, ugly sobs ripping through him. “You… you sounded like my father, it was like you-your voices merged, and… you were saying everything he used to tell me.”
Wylan couldn’t see through his tears clearly, but he could see a shape moving to sit close to him on the floor, but still keeping their distance so they weren’t touching.
“Wylan, listen to me.” Jesper began. “What you had was a nightmare, and that was all it was. Your mind playing tricks on you, mixing your past with the present. What your father told you all those years ago were empty words used to make you hate yourself, and that’s all they were, empty words.
“I Love you, Wylan. I love the smile that you give me when I return home. I love when you run into my arms and hug me like I was gone for months, even if it was only a few hours. I love when you show me how smart you are with chemistry and maths and music. I love when you play the flute for me. And I love reading to you, no matter what it is, a fiction book or a report on an area of farming land.”
Wylan wiped his tears and looked at Jesper, sitting on the floor with his long legs crossed. How could Wylan be so caught up in a silly nightmare? This was Jesper Fahey they were talking about, after all. Someone, who while he might have picked a joke or two with him in the beginning of knowing each other, had treated Wylan with nothing but kindness and understanding. Someone who helped take down his father and give Wylan his life back. Someone who wanted to stay with Wylan and help him with the things Wylan couldn’t do himself. Someone who loved Wylan, and Who Wylan loved.
“Can I come closer to you?”
Wylan was nodding before Jesper had even finished his sentence, and in seconds, Wylan was scooped into his arms, and he hid his face in Jesper’s chest, willing the tears to slow down.
“You really don’t want to leave?” Wylan couldn’t help but ask, sniffling mid-sentence.
“Oh, love, you’d have to pry you from my cold, dead hands before I let you go.” Jesper said. “I’m here as long as you’ll have me.”
Wylan sobbed both at the nickname, and at the clarification that Jesper truly loved him, and didn’t want to be with anyone else. “I love you so much, Jesper.”
“I love you too, Wylan. You are the love of my life.”
4.
“Wylan!” Jesper’s voice rang through the house, calling Wylan’s name like a song. “Where are you?”
“Music room!” Wylan called back, a smile already on his face. Jesper had that effect on him. He heard Jesper’s footsteps ring through the house, and his smile grew bigger when he saw Jesper standing at the entrance of the room. Wylan took the man in front of him in. He was wearing his usual clothes, something tight, bold, unique, but also practical. His revolvers were at his hip, of course (sometimes, Wylan thought he loved his guns more than him). There was a huge grin on his face, and a sparkle in his eyes. There was always a twinkle in his eyes when he looked at Wylan (he couldn’t get enough of Jesper when he looked at him like that), but his was more, almost how he looked after a shooting…
“Were you in a fight?” Wylan asked, frowning and leaning back slightly. “Who did you shoot?”
“What? No one.” Jesper said, eyebrows furrowed. He stepped into the room, moving over to where Wylan was sitting, and Wylan noticed that Jesper’s hands were behind his back.
“What’s behind your back then?” Wylan asked, suspicions growing. “What have you got there, Jesper?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Jesper was practically grinning from ear to ear.
“Jesper Llewellyn Fahey.” Wylan said, dropping his voice to make it our sinister.
Jesper raised an eyebrow, biting back his smile. “Bringing out the full name, I didn’t even know you remembered my middle name.”
“I remember everything about you.” Wylan said without thinking. He blushed hard, but didn’t take back his words, knowing they were true. “I like to know everything I can about you, Jes. Now, tell me what is behind your back.”
Jesper chuckled, but Wylan could see a soft look in his eyes. Jesper wasn’t one to share his feelings often with words, but Wylan could tell just by how he looked at him, that Jesper was completely, utterly, in love with him.
Jesper slowly took his hands away from his back, showing Wylan that he was holding metal shaped into a heart, with intricate designs in the middle of the heart. It was seamless, pristine, something that only a skilled welder could dream of achieving.
“Did you make this?” Wylan asked, voice quiet and hands careful as he took the metal heart from Jesper, afraid if he talked too loudly or moved too quickly, it would shatter.
“Yeah. I know it’s not the best, and its… basic work for a Fabrikator, something a child should be able to do-”
“Jesper…” Wylan said, putting the heart down on the piano and placing both of his hands on Jesper’s cheeks. “A child might be able to make that, but that’s because they’re just beginning to learn their powers, as are you. It doesn’t matter the age, as long as you’re learning, that’s all I ask for.”
Jesper smiled, a small, bashful smile that Wylan rarely saw, but he always savoured it when he was given the pleasure to witness it. “You can keep it, if you like.”
Wylan looked at him, then looked at the heart, and picked it back up. “Jes, did you make this for me, and just don’t want to admit it?”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about, Pumpkin. I’m sexy, not cute.”
Pumpkin. Wylan was going to melt. He was going to be reduced to a liquid, fall into a puddle on the ground, and be swept away. Some nicknames Jesper gave him were ridiculous, and while ‘pumpkin’ was probably teetering on that line, he couldn’t help the warm feeling inside him.
“You’re both, Jesper. Although, I’m definitely only seeing the cute side of you right now.”
Jesper raised an eyebrow, and in that moment, Wylan had realised what he had just done by saying that. In the blink of an eye, Jesper had stood up, picked up Wylan and had the smaller boy wrap his arms and legs around him, staring at him, their faces inches apart. “Is that right, love bug?”
“Oh my-” Wylan cut himself off with a laugh, throwing his head back, but it quickly turned into a gasp when Jesper took the opportunity to attack Wylan’s neck with his mouth.
5.
Jesper was sitting at the bar, drink in hand and back facing the rest of the room. He knew if he looked at what was going on behind him, he’d give into the temptation.
He didn’t even want to be here… well, that deep, low, weak part of him did, but he knew it was a bad idea to be here. But they had just came off a job, and everyone was going for drinks, he didn’t want to be left out, even if it meant temptation would be all around him, and he’d probably be miserable all night.
And he was miserable, but for other reasons.
From the other side of the room, Jesper watched, with a scowl, as someone was talking to Wylan. Jesper didn’t mind people talking to Wylan, of course, but this guy was too close, far too close, and occasionally, when he would laugh at something Wylan said, would place a hand on Wylan’s shoulder or arm. Jesper wanted to take one of Inej’s knifes and cut his fingers off, one by one.
Jesper wasn’t even sure if Wylan was sure what was going on. Wylan was smart with numbers, chemicals and notes, but he could be completely oblivious when people were trying to advance on him.
The man took a step closer, and Jesper gripped his drink so tight he could hear a small crack in the glass.
“You break that glass and you’re paying for it.”
Jesper rolled his eyes at the bartender, but set down the glass, knowing if he didn’t, he’d end up paying for it.
Jesper didn’t move from his seat, not wanting to lose himself and cause a scene, but he kept his eyes trained on the pair. If that man made any move closer though, Jesper wasn’t against pulling his guns out, no matter how mad Kaz would be at him.
“Why do you look like you’re about to murder someone? The job is done.” Jesper turned, seeing Matthias standing there, staring at him. Jesper didn’t say anything, but gestured with his head to where Wylan and the man were standing. Matthias followed his line of sight, and then raised an eyebrow. “Wylan is talking to someone, and you’re mad at that?”
“They’re not talking.” Jesper grumbled.
“But they are?” Saints, Jesper could not deal with this big lump of stupidity right now.
“He’s flirting with Wylan, Matthias. He’s practically groping Wylan.”
Matthias looked over at the pair, head tilted slightly to the side, and frowned. “Oh, I can see it now.”
“If he touches his arm one more fucking time, I’m going to murder him.” Jesper practically growled.
“I don’t think Kaz would be very happy with that.”
“I really don’t care what he thinks.” They both knew that wasn’t true.
The man was smirking, his eyes traveling up and down Wylan’s body, and that’s when Jesper decided that enough was enough.
He got out of his seat, and at lightning speed, he’s standing in front of Wylan and the man.
“Do you mind?” The man asked, irritated by the presence of Jesper. Jesper didn’t recognise the man, but his face was burned into Jesper’s memory now. “We’re in the middle of a conversation here.”
“I can see that.” Jesper crossed his arms against his chest, and out of the corner of his eye, could see Wylan frowning, but Jesper ignored him. “Talking about anything interesting?”
The man scowled at him, but then turned back to Wylan. “Not that it’s any of your business, but I was just about to ask where he lives.”
“Oh, we live-”
“Oh, were you now?” Jesper asked, cutting off Wylan. Saints, Wylan was the most innocent, oblivious person Jesper had ever met.
“Yes, I was. Now, I don’t know what your deal is, but if you’d kindly fuck off, that’d be great.”
Wylan’s eyes went wide, as if it was a revelation that this guy was a dickhead. “Now, wait a minute-”
“I don’t think I’ll be going anywhere.”
“Listen, you lanky little shit.” The man said, taking a step closer to Jesper, but Jesper held his ground, standing up straighter to make himself look bigger, tougher. “You can’t just come here and expect me to leave. I had my eyes on Waylen-”
“Wylan.”
“-whatever, since I got into the club, so leave us and find someone else to be interested in.”
“You better walk away, or I’ll have your blood on my hands.” Although Jesper was taller than the man, he had a lot less muscle, so the guy just threw his head back and laughed.
“You and what army? I bet I could pick you up and snap you in half, kid.” The man said, taking a step closer and cracking his knuckles. Wylan’s eyes went wide, and he reached out to grab Jesper’s arm, but Jesper didn’t respond to his touch.
“What’s going on here?” They turned, and saw Kaz standing there, leaning on his cane with an unimpressed look on his face. “There’s to be no blood shed on my floor.”
“Kaz, thank god.” The man said, smirking at Jesper like he had won. “Would you be ever so kind as to kick this little vermin out of here, and let me pursue who I want. Me and Waylen-”
“Wylan.”
“-were having a good time together, I don’t need someone who thinks they’re a big shot and makes the calls coming to ruin it.”
Kaz look between the man and Jesper, an almost confused look on his face, but he just raised an eyebrow at Wylan. “Care to explain?”
“I don’t… I have no idea what’s going on.” Wylan said, voice small, looking between all three of them. “I’m so confused.”
“See! He was fine when we were talking, but now he’s scared and lost.” The man said, and he wrapped his arm around Wylan’s shoulders, pulling him closer. “Don’t worry babe, I’ll protect yo-”
“Get your fucking hands off of him.” Jesper said, voice low, and he didn’t even realise he had pulled out his gun until it was aimed at the man’s chest. Wylan wriggled out of the man’s chest, moving to stand behind Jesper. “He’s mine, he has been for years, and I don’t intend to let him go for the first guy wanting his micro dick sucked.”
“Woah now-”
“No blood, Jesper.” Kaz growled, but Jesper watched as Kaz took his cane in both hands, and hit the man hard on the shoulder, watching him scream in pain and drop to the ground. “You have thirty seconds to leave my building. I don’t mind having blood in the back, and the noise of gunshots have never bothered my customers before.”
The man clutched his arms, fear and anger in his eyes, but stood up and walked away, leaving Jesper, Wylan and Kaz alone.
“Thank you, Kaz.” Wylan said, and unreadable expression on his face.
“Deal with your problems yourself next time.” Kaz said, the usual disappointment in his voice, but Jesper noticed Kaz didn’t ask them to pay for any inconveniences, like he normally would, so Jesper took what he could get.
Jesper put his gun away, and then turned to Wylan, not able to read what he was thinking, and Jesper instantly became worried. “Wylan, are you-”
Wylan took his hand, and turned away, leading him through the club. They made it to an empty hallway, and Wylan found an empty cupboard, turning to Jesper and pushing him into it, stepping in and closing the door behind him. Jesper wanted to make a joke, to see Wylan blush, but he knew this wasn’t the time. “Wylan, I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have-”
“What did you call me?” Wylan asked, but Jesper could barely see Wylan considering how dark the cupboard was.
“Um… Wylan?”
“No, not that. What did you call me when you pulled out your gun?”
Jesper paused, trying to think back on the confrontation. “Mine… I called you mine.”
Wylan nodded, taking in a shaky breath and closing his eyes. He leaned forward, his forehead softly hitting Jesper’s shoulder, and in response, Jesper wrapped his arms around the boy, letting his fingers tangle in Wylan’s hair. “Are you okay?”
“I like it.” Wylan whispered, hiding his face from Jesper. “I like that nickname.”
Jesper let his worried expression fade, replacing it with a smirk. “Oh, you do? Look at me, Wylan.”
Wylan slowly lifted his head, looking up into Jesper’s eyes, and Jesper hadn’t thought it was possible, but he fell more in love with Wylan at that moment. “Oh Wylan, I love you so much.”
Wylan grinned up at him, eyes crinkling in the corners, and he stood up on his tiptoes to reach up and kiss Jesper. Jesper leaned down and their lips met, kissing each other in the cramped closet, meaning every inch of their skin was pressed against one another. Wylan couldn’t get enough of it.
He put his hands on Jesper’s cheeks, pulling him even closer, kissing him harder. “I’m yours.”
Jesper groaned, his hands reaching to undo Wylan’s belt.
+1.
“Have we really gotten so boring that we meat up for brunch?” Inej asked, taking a seat next to Kaz.
“Oh hush, I haven’t seen you all in forever, and I’d rather we not reunite over a heist.” Nina said, grinning at them all. “You know, I love Ravka, but I have missed all of your faces.”
“Aww, my little Nina, we’ve missed you too.” Jesper said, holding a hand to his heart. Nina rolled her eyes, but smiled affectionately at Jesper. The pair had been what would be considered best friends during the Ice Court and the trial, always bouncing off one another and matching each other’s energy. Wylan wasn’t sure whether bringing them back together was the best or worst thing they could have done, and by the look on Matthias’ face, he wasn’t too sure either. “How has Ravka been treating you?”
“Oh, it’s wonderful. It’s been a dream working with other Grisha again, being around my kind. I feel at home there.” Nina said, giving Jesper a look, which the sharpshooter ignored. Wylan placed a hand on Jesper’s bouncing leg to stop it, and the boy gave him a both appreciative but embarrassed smile.
“How have you been keeping busy, Kaz?” Nina asked, resting her chin on her palm.
“I’ve taken over the crows, I own most of the gang areas around, I’ve been keeping plenty busy.”
“That’s all, nothing else?” She asked, looking between Kaz and the girl sitting next to him.
“Watch yourself, Nina.” Inej said, sounding annoyed, but everyone could recognise the small smile gracing her lips. Kaz didn’t change facial expression, but he did turn slightly to look at Inej, Jesper swore they could talk to each other through glances.
“Oh whatever, I’ll pry it out of you someday.” Nina said.
“Here is your order.” The waiter said, placing a tray in front of them, full of food and drinks.
“Thank you.” Matthias said, accepting the tray and placing it on the table in front of them, and began to give everyone their own food and drinks. He handed Nina her pastry filled with cream, grimacing. “I don’t know how you eat that.”
“It’s delicious! It’s not my fault you don’t like to eat anything enjoyable.” Nina replied, taking a bit of cream on her finger and putting it on Matthias’ nose, much to his annoyance.
Wylan took his coffee, stirring it lightly before taking a sip, grimacing at the taste. “Jes, can you pass me the sugar please?”
Jesper nodded, grabbing the little bowl of sugar and passing it to Wylan. “Some sugar for my sugar.”
Wylan rolled his eyes, but he could feel the blush creeping up his neck.
“That is so cute.” Nina said, smiling at the pair and then turning to glare at Matthias. “Why don’t you ever call me sweet names?”
“Nicknames are ludicrous.” Nina scowled, muttering death wishes under her breath, but smiled when Matthias wrapped an arm around her and pulled her closer. “Has everyone else been keeping busy?”
“Yes, lots of slave traders around the world. Seems like I never rest.” Inej replied, sighing.
“Jesper and I haven’t been doing much to be honest.” Wylan said. “Well, I’ve got my meetings and paperwork, but other than that, there’s not a lot to do. Jesper’s been restless.”
“I’ve not been restless.” Jesper replied. “I’ve just… I miss the adrenaline of being on a job. It’s a hard adjustment.”
“You know, sometimes I miss the feeling of being on a job too.” Nina said. “There’s nothing quite like the feeling of it.”
“How does another job sound then?” Kaz asked, looking around the table, seeing everyone’s approving faces, even Matthias perked up slightly. They then spent the next half an hour talking about the details of breaking into one of the biggest Merchant’s houses in Ketterdam to steal a famous (and very valuable) painting. The task was simple enough, but would require all of them to use their abilities. No one even asked why Kaz wanted the painting, they had stopped questioning him a long time ago.
“Okay, Nina, go with Wylan to get whatever he needs to make the bombs. Matthias and Jesper, so find this list of supplies,” Kaz finished writing down a quick list, passing the list to Jesper and the money to Matthias, which Jesper scowled at him for. “Inej and I will find the best places to enter, exit and hide. Everyone, go. Meet me at the club in two hours.”
Nina took Wylan by the arm, practically pulling him out of his seat and leading him out of the little café they were situated at. “Come on, let’s go sugar.”
Wylan stopped in the middle of the street, eyes wide as he stared at her. “What did you just call me?”
“…Sugar?”
Wylan scrunched his nose. “Never call me that again.”
“Oh, I see.” Nina crossed her arms against her chest, raising an eyebrow. “Jesper can call you sugar, but I can’t?”
“Nina, as embarrassing as this is to say, I’d probably let Jesper shoot me if he asked.” Wylan said, looking away with bright red cheeks as Nina began to laugh. “Shut up, you’d probably say the same about Matthias.”
“Oh, Saints no, he’s the smitten one, not me.” Nina said, grinning to herself. “He’d let me crush his heart with my powers if I so much as batted my eyelashes.”
Wylan laughed, knowing the statement wasn’t even that far away from the truth. “Come on, let’s get what I need, get this job done, and go back to our lovers.”
“Our sugars.”
“Stop.”