Delusion

Water competition

AHHHHH HEIZOU

genshin concert soon hehe

their interaction in this event are priceless lmaoo so of course i need to draw them a bit

i want to draw razor too but i’ll save it for another post hhshshshs

Yes! Next chapter!!

The Gift: Chapter 2 (Childhood Arc)

Chapter One

Chapter Two: (you are here)

Jean & Diluc

Diluc and Jean became acquainted with one another at the age of ten and eight respectively. Diluc was a rather bright and happy child growing up and Jean was quiet and reserved. It came to a surprise to a lot of people how the pair got along so well.

In fact, Diluc could be considered rather rambunctious and reckless and Jean was cautious and critical. And because of that, the others who didn’t question how they got along, understood why they did. They were what they considered opposites attract, Yin and Yang.

“Diluc! Wait up for me!” A ten-year old Jean complained as she climbed up a rock with difficulty. She looked up from climbing and a hand was outstretched in front of her. It came from a boy with red hair and red eyes—Diluc Ragnvindr, heir to the Dawn Winery. Her silver eyes glittered under the sun with a hint of blue as she felt blinded and surprised by the presence of the boy in front of her as the sun right behind him.

She took his hand and he pulled her up. The wind blew her blonde hair around.

“Look, I told you that there were knights fighting some hilichurls!” The twelve-year-old Diluc said proudly. He had dragged Jean out so that they could look at some knights in action.

“I’m going to be one of them, Jean. And I will defend Mondstadt with everything I got!” His claymore faded behind him in gold dust, in her eyes it made him look like he was shining as he said those words. Her grey-blue eyes silently look at the claymore floating behind his back as it reappeared in gold dust again.

“You have been training hard.” She couldn’t help but remark, as it was after all the truth. He had been training very hard at swordsmanship at the age of eight, despite it being a skill he didn’t necessarily need. And when he got his vision at the age of ten, it was like the world was fully his, at least that was what he told Jean. But it was different for her, she had trained her posture and strikes with wooden swords since she was five and slowly changed into different kinds of swords as she grew and improved. Recently she had started using an actual sharp metal sword fitted for her. In her case, learning swordsmanship was a necessity. 

Jean is known to be the more responsible one between the two, it was a fact that Diluc had set his heart out to being a Knight of Favonius. And Jean wasn’t quite sure about her future, but it was already decided for her, as a Gunnhildr it is natural to be a Knight of Favonius.

She had just recently decided to take up the sword and try to follow her mother’s desires with a passion that should compete with Diluc, but she didn’t even know what her objective was after mastering the short sword. If it was something she even wanted to do.

“Don’t worry Jean, you’re going to be a great swordsman. I know it.” Diluc said, feeling that Jean was slightly upset. She looked at him with pressed lips, he has always known what he wanted to become.

“Says the heir to the Dawn Winery.” She mumbled, and he bumped onto her shoulder playfully.

“That is my Father’s legacy. Of course, I will keep that alive, but I also need to chase my own dreams.” He replied smoothly, she felt as though it must have been something he had known for a long time. 

She was envious of that certainty.

Diluc pulled her to hide behind a small bump on the ground. She quietly observed the Knights of Favonius by Diluc’s side and she was rather impressed with their fighting skills. She could only hope to be at that level soon. Jean looked at Diluc and she knew that the boy beside her would surpass the knights fighting right now.

“We should probably go.” Jean urged gently and Diluc looked at her with a slightly stern gaze.

“We just got here, Jean.” He responded quietly.

“But—” Jean said but was cut off.

“Don’t worry, if anything happens, I can protect you!” Diluc said confidently and in all honesty, Jean knew he could, he was rather capable for a twelve-year-old, but her innate nature wouldn’t allow it or perhaps it was her training.

“Diluc—” She tried again.

“They are over here!” A man called out pointing to the kids, and Diluc automatically grabbed Jean’s hand and ran away from the man.

“I can’t believe they found us.” Diluc said as he ran holding her hand firmly, Jean who was forced to follow him wanted to pull her hand away.

“Diluc, I think we should go back.” Jean tried to urge Diluc again.

“No, we just got out! Aren’t you tired of always studying?” He grabbed her and hid behind a tree as he silently observed if they were followed, and they saw no one behind them.

“C’mon, I think we can go to the Winery.” Diluc took a step forward but Jean remained planted on where she stood.

“That’s pretty far, Diluc.” Jean mumbled faintly.

“We’ve gone there many times before.” Diluc replied, keeping an eye for any movement around them.

“With permission.” She quietly added. “This time I ran away from training, you do realize that I will have to make-up for what happened today, some other day.”

“You’re just ten—they are overworking you.” He said sternly and she avoided his red eyes. Diluc was virtually perfect, he could be very good at something new and master it just as easily. And since he has a fiery passion for his claymore and combat, it was natural that he would more than just excel at it. He was at a level no one should be at—at the age of twelve, especially since he started late in training compared to her.

But the same thing could be said about Jean, she knew more than what a ten-year-old should know. But that was a result of the kind of upbringing she had. The sheer effort that she had to always display and give to please her mother, as the next heir of the Gunnhildr clan. And yet, she knew very clearly how Diluc had tried his very best to offer her a glimpse of a normal childhood.

Jean in a sense, aspired to be him in so many ways.

She was very much inspired by his capability. And his passion for justice. And his freedom.

“Alright.” She agreed quietly, even though in her head she disagreed completely. She will have to pay the price of what they are doing today, she knew it well. But looking at Diluc’s clear eyes, she couldn’t help but sigh in hushed tranquility. Diluc was always admirable.

And they carefully made their way to the Dawn Winery while Diluc kept an eye out for anyone following them. They arrived unfollowed, but they realized someone was at his villa’s front yard, Diluc’s father—Crepus was arguing with a blonde-haired woman, the same shade as Jean’s hair. Jean recognized the back of the woman before the woman’s voice could even register in Jean’s head.

Crepus’ eyes glanced behind the woman, who had seen his eyes shift and turned around to see Jean and Diluc. The moment she finished her turn, Diluc automatically stood in front of Jean with a glare directed at the older woman.

“Diluc, you have been causing trouble.” Crepus said with crossed arms, but his eyes held the smallest hint of delight at his son’s antics.

“They are overworking Jean!” Diluc argued back with a stronger glare directed at the older woman.

“That is none of your business, kid.” The woman replied.

“She is just a kid; she should be playing around!” Diluc yelled and received a cold glare from the woman. It was cold enough to make him flinch.

“She is not just a kid; she will be the future leader of the Gunnhildr clan.” She said as she crossed her arms over her chest.

“Frederica,” Crepus called out to the woman in front of him and she tilted her head a bit to the right acknowledging him. “She should still be able to play around like a normal child.” There was a silence that passed by them.

“Jean, what do you think?” Her cold blue eyes landed on the girl behind Diluc who remained quiet in the presence of her mother.

“I do not dare to question my mother’s upbringing. I am raised to be well equipped as the future leader of our clan.” Hearing Jean’s reply, Diluc could not help but clench his fists.

It is true that when Diluc was ten he had received his vision, and worked hard to do justice to it. He chose to not play around with children his age because he wanted to master his craft and join the Knights of Favonius even more now that he had a vision. But that was not the case for Jean and he was so aware of his privilege.

“Jean.” Diluc turned to look at her but her expression was steely as she stared back at him.

“When I went out with you today, I knew this would happen. It is inevitable. I thank you for the company Diluc, but sadly I will have to go now.” Jean gently touched Diluc’s shoulder whose face showed his guilt. “Do not feel bad, I wanted to join you.” She gave a faint smile. It was the truth that she wanted to go with him when he arrived under her windowsill earlier that day, even though she knew that there would be consequences that would follow.

“Mother, I apologize for my actions.” Jean stepped out from behind Diluc and approached her mother. “I will take responsibility for my actions.”

“Good, as it should be as the future head of the family.” Frederica said the cold stare from her blue eyes made Jean think her mother’s gaze was certainly made of ice.

“Jean, I—” Jean turned to look at Diluc and the sadness in her face made him pause.

“Till next time then.” Jean feigned a smile and did not wait for a reply from Diluc as she turned to look at her mother. “I am ready, mother.”

“Crepus.” Frederica said with a pointed look towards Crepus and a raised brow. “I would advise you to correct your son’s behavior, but I doubt you would.”

Crepus did not take Frederica’s words as offensive, instead he smiled and nodded to her pretending to take it into consideration. Frederica knew that he was just nodding out of politeness.

Jean followed behind her mother as the two went their way. Diluc’s gaze followed Jean until she was out of his sight and he thought that she looked so forlorn. But she never glanced back at him before she completely disappeared from his sight.

“I hope you had fun.” Crepus couldn’t help but say and Diluc finally turned his head to look at his father who appeared sad.

“I did… but-“ He looked back at the general direction of where he had last seen the mother and daughter pair. “Will she be in big trouble?” He added quietly.

“Frederica wouldn’t give her daughter a hard time, I’m sure of it.” Crepus replied but Diluc looked at his father with pressed lips. He knew his father was lying to comfort him, but Diluc nodded and slowly walked into the mansion with unhurried steps.

“Brother!” A blue haired boy called out to Diluc from atop the staircase, Diluc smiled when his eyes met the other boy’s periwinkle eyes.

“Kaeya.” Diluc said and his distress from what happened outside was completely forgotten after seeing his brother. He quickly walked up the stairs and Kaeya’s eyes widened with delight.

“Father, I will accept any punishment you decide to give me due to my actions!” Diluc said as he ran to his younger brother halfway through the stairs.

Kaeya was a year younger than Diluc and he was adopted over a year ago due to certain circumstances.  Kaeya used to be such a cold child, but with great effort, Diluc and Kaeya became close and Kaeya came to look up to his older brother Diluc with much love and respect.

When Diluc reached the top of the stairs Kaeya pulled his brother towards the library door. Diluc chuckled as he watched this playful child attempt to drag him away. He wasn’t always like this, it brought Diluc happiness seeing how joyful and playful Kaeya has become.

“Don’t think I don’t know what you two were up to!” Crepus replied as he watched his two sons with much love in his eyes.

“Kaeya, you seem way too excited.” Crepus laughed looking at his two sons, even though he is pleased in knowing how cheerful the blue haired boy has become after what has happened to him. Although he has to admit that he was very surprised to see that Kaeya developed a great respect for Diluc.

“This is for us boys only!” Kaeya yelled back to his father as he pushed Diluc into the library and shut the door behind him with a bang.

Crepus did not think that the slamming of the door was disrespectful, he knew that Kaeya was merely too excited and Crepus laughed wondering what the two boys could possibly be talking about.

“So, did you see her?” Kaeya asked instantly as he held his brother’s shoulder and Diluc laughed at his reaction.

“Yes, I did.” Diluc replied and his younger brother looked at him as he waited for more to be said. The joy in Diluc’s face slowly faded as he sighed and turned around.

“Based on your reaction, something bad happened?” Kaeya said as he followed behind Diluc who sat on a chair with another sigh.

“Her mother came here to pick her up.” Diluc said in an exasperated tone.

“Ah, that was what that was.” Kaeya mumbled as a frown formed on his lips. “So, you weren’t able to show her?” Kaeya sounded quite upset.

“Why do you sound more upset than me?” Diluc playfully retorted as he crossed his arms over his stomach.

“I went through all that trouble to distract our father.” Kaeya glared at his brother as he crossed his arms over his chest. “You weren’t even able to show her what this was all for. Jean’s mother is too much!”

Diluc stared at his brother who was obviously fuming in anger and laughed.

“It is alright, there are still more chances to see her.” Diluc looked at Kaeya, whose anger was slowly dissipating.

“Have you done your training for today?” Diluc inquired and Kaeya shook his head.

“Then, get your sword and let’s go out and train.” Diluc then stood up. “I will go and inform father.”

“Alright.” Kaeya replied as Diluc walked out. “I will follow in a bit.” Kaeya took a peek from the window and noticed the pair of blondes climbing onto a carriage with the Gunnhildr crest.

But on that day Diluc was gravely mistaken, he had thought he would see Jean again, unfortunately it would take three months to be able to see each other again. He had attempted to see her, but the security and Frederica would not let him through. He did not expect that she would go this far because he had forced Jean to ditch her lessons for a few hours.

Diluc’s mood had soured when he realized in the third week that Jean’s mother would drag this out. She might even use this opportunity to cut off ties. He was quite angry.

“Diluc,” Kaeya got no response. “Brother?” Kaeya called out a little louder in worry as he saw his brother’s expression turn dark.

“Brother!” Kaeya shook Diluc and the latter stared at his brother and sighed.

“I’m sorry I’m making you worry.” Diluc said, resting a hand on Kaeya’s shoulder.

“The Winery hasn’t hosted a party in a while. Your birthday is coming up.” Kaeya said matter-of-factly and Diluc raised a brow at Kaeya, catching on to what he was implying. “And a festival in Monstadt will soon follow, I’m sure something could be arranged.” A warm smile appeared on the red boy’s face.

“Yes. You are right.” Diluc agreed, recalling a memory from two years ago.

“A Party.” Diluc said and Kaeya couldn’t help but be charmed by his brother’s smile. One day, he too would have such charisma.

Have fun with this! Don’t forget to tag with #BeiKazu2021

1 Rule:

No ship wars

You can write or draw using paper or electronics!

Hi there! I live for your SoC fics. You’re such a talented author and I love all of your work. Thanks for everything you do for the fandom! Could you please write something of Kaz playing with Inej’s hair? Thanks so so much 💕💕💕

Hey, lovely! Thank you so much! I hope you don’t mind that I mixed your idea with some others, I think they fit quite well.

***

he’s tired, she can tell

Kaz has the stamina of a hero in a story

but Inej knows that he’s far from invincible

Kaz is human - too human, at times

and she now sees the strain of his shoulders, the tension in his jaw, the dark rings under his eyes

he should be triumphant now, celebrating a job well done

a job they both won

but as he walks beside her along the canals, Inej knows he has not slept for days

he’s limping more

he sees her watching his leg and turns his cane to his other hand

with his other one, he holds hers

gloves on gloves

but still

they’d gone through so many layers already

Inej looks up at him as they move through the shadows and dark alleys

though they have on ear on the streets, listening for any trouble that might come their way, they allow themselves to pay attention to each other, for just a little while

Inej smiles softly as his fingers slip through hers

a silent reassurance - I’m fine

she says to him, “I miss home.”

and it’s like someone struck him across the face

Inej raises her brows at the surprise flashing in his eyes

she understands why

Inej believes that Kaz, try as he might, will always have a difficult time trusting when she says that she found home with him - on his father’s farm, that they rebuilt together

it stuns him everyday - that that’s their permanent home now

and that Ketterdam is now just a place they go to not as often

to do their job - what they promised each other they would do

after a moment, Kaz says, “We can go back tomorrow, if you wish.”

Inej had bought herself a nice little apartment in one of the nice buildings of East Stave

of course, when all her neighbours were concerned, nobody moved there

not that Inej was intent on hiding anymore

she had a reputation

but still - it was nice to be anonymous 

it is to that nice little apartment that they walk to now

Kaz stayed every so often

most days, actually

well, most nights

days were busy for the Wraith

but the nights were for both of them

when they get there soon enough, she makes tea, and Kaz stares off into space, leaning against her kitchen counter

Inej pauses what she’s doing, a spoon of sugar hovering in the air

she tells him, “Go take a bath, Kaz.” she puts the spoon in her mouth. “You need to relax, and rest.”

he’s silent, his eyes focusing

he doesn’t look at her when he says, “Take one with me.”

Inej almost drops her spoon

he looks at her then. “You asked me back home - if I would ever... if we would ever be capable of it.” He runs his fingers through his hair, looking away as if he’s shy. “We could try, if you’re alright with it.”

Inej pauses

would she?

Kaz had seen her bare more times that she could count

he’d pushed down her barriers, one by one

not like punching bricks, hoping they’d come apart eventually

but more like removing satin curtains, pushing them gently out of the way

she did the same for him

but this - this was something that maybe he wouldn’t be able to go through

still, Inej nods, and says, “Get the water running. I’ll be right there.”

without another word, he grabs his cane and makes his way to the bathroom

Inej knows that it took Kaz years to be able to bathe in a bathtub

even that was difficult

step by step, brick by brick, he got there

back home, Inej sometimes sat by him in the bath, tea in her hand, chatting with him as he laid there, bubbles on his chin

Inej waited a minute, finishing her tea, and then she trudged to the bathroom, to see him undressing from the doorway

she smiled at the contours of his back, the muscles of his shoulders

“Oggling much?” He says over a shoulder

Inej shrugs, turning her eyes to the water filling the bathtub

steam already clung to her brow, to the mirror atop the basin

the last piece he removes before getting in the tub is his gloves

Inej says, “You have not complained about my oggling since we have been married.” She crosses her arms, leaning against the doorway. “Nor before.”

Kaz sinks into the water, watching her with dark eyes. “Who says I’m complaining?”

“Exhaustion makes you cheeky,” Inej points out

Kaz leans back. “You have not complained about my said cheekiness since we have been married,” he throws back. “Nor before.”

“Clever,” she taunts

he gives her a too-modest shrug

Inej closes the door to keep the warmth in

she undresses fast, methodically

Kaz is very still

“We can do this some other time,” she says to him

“It’s fine.”

but she can see the tension in his jawline

Kaz puts his elbows on the edge of the tub, swallowing down, as if bracing himself

he looks conflicted, but-

not afraid

“Let me,” he requests

Inej steps in, and allows him to undo the laces of her pants. “You know,” Inej begins to say. “I meant what I said back there.”

“You say a lot of things, treasure, I need you to be clear.”

Inej pulls down her pants, the rest of her clothes

she is bare in front of him without a hint of worry

how long did it take her to get here? so long

how many times would she still succumb to the fear? too many

but it was progress

and she took it gratefully

“When I told you I missed home,” Inej says. “I miss the farm.”

she loved the feeling of freedom - the journeys she took through the seas

but she loved to come back home - to him, as well

Kaz’s dark eyes flash with emotion, but he says nothing

she can see it though - joy in his eyes

hesitating, Inej steps in

the tub is not huge

she begins by sinking down opposite to him

her legs to her knees

Kaz watches her like he’s trying to think of nothing else but her

“Do you want to try to touch me?” she says

“Not yet.”

“Okay.”

steam curls his hair

Inej leans back, no part of her touching him

she knows that talking is good

for both of them

so she says, “I was thinking...”

“Do tell.”

Inej distracts herself from her aching heart by pulling down on her braid, gently taking it apart

“We could have the others over one day, if you’d like,” Inej says, trying to weave her fingers through her knots, noticing Kaz watching every move. “They have yet to see the house.”

Kaz says, “Helvar will be immensily proud of his terrible painting skills.”

“Don’t be mean. He was very kind to offer to help us with the fence.”

“I’ve never seen so many different shades of white, that’s what I’m saying.”

Inej grins, and then laughs at him

the water shakes with her

Kaz finds himself smiling, too

“I guess I can bear their presence,” he says, shrugging

Inej smiles. “You miss them.”

“I miss you, and I’m next to you. I don’t have energy to miss any of them.”

“Hum,” Inej smiles, but she knows better

Kaz goes silent, wary

he says, “I can wash your hair.”

“Really?”

“Does it bother you?” Kaz murmurs

“I’m not sure, I’ve never had anyone wash my hair besides my mother, and that was a long time ago.” Inej pauses. “I’ll turn.”

Kaz nods, and he watches as Inej turns on the tub, still not touching him

though his legs are on either side of her

his knees so pale in comparison to her body

Kaz thinks of warmth

the warmth of her body sleeping next to him on their bed

the sun shining as she smiles when he brings her too-sweet tea in the morning

the gentle way she pushes back his hair from his face as he lies there on the pillow, her legs entwined with his

how different is that from this?

he grabs a bottle of her scented soap

places a small amount on his hands

he says, to take his mind off it, “I might have... something of a surprise when we go back.”

Inej goes very still. “What?”

“It’s a surprise, Wraith, that’s the point.”

“I don’t like surprises.”

“You’ll like this one.”

she looks at him over her shoulder, eyes wide. “Will I?”

“Why are you so suspicious?”

she raises her brows at him

and Kaz lets out a snort

Inej turns back around, but doesn’t tell him to get it over with

she waits, patiently, conversing with him like what they’re doing isn’t new. “Tell me.”

“I want you expectant,” Kaz tells her, “so no.”

He watches the waves of her long hair

it disappears in the water

Kaz takes in a breath, and gently places his hands at the back of her head, spreading the soap there before massaging her head

Inej doesn’t move, but he asks, “Inej?”

“I’m enjoying it,” she says, “perhaps a little too much.”

indeed - Inej shows him her arm, and the hair standing up there

“So you like me running my fingers through your hair,” he says thoughtfully, keeping himself focused on what he’s doing. “Noted.”

“I’d forgotten about it,” Inej says with a hint of sadness

Kaz swallows down, and says, “I like it when you do it to me.”

“I noticed that too.” He can feel her smiling

he grabs a bath cup and says, “Tilt your head back.”

she does

Kaz washes her hair slowly, running his fingers through her soft strands, and something like joy makes his heart jump when Inej gives a happy little sigh

“How is this, Kaz?” She asks seriously

“It’s fine,” he says, surprised at himself. “It’s actually fine.”

she looks over her shoulder. “I’m glad.”

not wishing to push himself or her, Kaz slowly leans in

Inej watches him

and knowing what he intends to do, she tilts her head to the side just slightly, explosing the side of her neck, her shoulder

Kaz takes a breath

how different is it, really?

than kissing the rest of her body?

than slipping his hands underneath her shirt to touch her back?

Kaz leans in, touching his lips to her shoulder

so softly

barely a brush of his lips

soap flurries around her, bubbles popping on her legs

as kaz removes his lips, but keeps himself close, Inej admits, because she know he’ll ask, “I like this with you.”

Kaz is silent for a moment watching her

then he softly says, so close she can feel his breath on her ear. “I like you.”

“Do you, now?”

“I’ll prove it to you, when we get back home.”

Inej sighs, “And I see my surprise?”

“You’ll like it,” he reassures her

Inej couldn’t possibly imagine what that was

but still

she touches his chin once, flicks his nose, and moves out of the bath

Kaz watches her as she places a towel around her and begins drying her hair with another. “Is it going to frighten me?”

“What could I possibly take out of my pocket that could frighten you, Inej?”

she laughs. “Nina dressed as a clown.”

“Fuck’s sake.”

she sits on the edge of the tub and flicks his nose again. “Tell me.”

Kaz leans back, silent

“You’re going to make me wait a whole day?” Inej frowns. “Why did you have to tell me in the first place then? You could’ve just surprised me.”

“Maybe I like ruffling your feathers.”

Inej raises a brow at him. “You definitely need sleep.”

as Inej goes to her bedroom, laughter follows her - her own, and his

***

PART TWO HERE.

***

@mariamuses @acourtofabsandillyrians @lost-in-fictionn @faequeenaelin @mysweetvilllain @loysydark @lord-douglas-the-third @empress-ofbloodshed @city-of-fae @cwheart @sewingmonster @b00kworm @spyofthenightcourt @scarznstars @sleeping-and-books @fifth--marauder  @hizqueen4life

If you wish to be tagged for headcanons, let me know! <3

[Something blows up]

Jean: Klee, what did you do?!

Klee: my best.

i was cleaning up my procreate files and then i found this old digimon american high school AU (s1-s4) i made in 2022 and I never shared, I made this AU because i rewatched digimon in english dub (new experience since i grew up with indo dub and used to rewatch it in original japanese dub) and i was like “damn they’re so americanized here it’s funny” and then yeah i got inspired to draw this lol

i remember i had fun drawing these designs, but never really shared it, so i will just share them now, sorry i just drew adventure to frontier seasons, i haven’t finished the later seasons (except appmon but i think i hadn’t even finished appmon when i drew these)

[x][x] IMAGINE BEING KAZ'S LITTLE SISTER WHO HE TAKES CARE OF IN SECRET AND THE CROWS FIND OUT ABOUT YOU.

requested by anon

(Also contains Kanej/Kaz x Inej because jealousy is a good plotline + because originally, this was meant to be a oneshot but I couldn't make up enough content from a vague prompt)

--

There were a lot of things Kaz Brekker had left behind from his past. His name, his brother, feelings, kindness. But you weren't one of them. You were among the only things he had kept, and the only thing that had changed in between you was that he no longer could hug you or show you any physical affection. He hadn't told you the whole story about being the Bastard of the Barrel or Dirtyhands, and he made sure you wouldn't find out about who he truly was when he left your little home. You knew he ran a criminal gang and did heists, but you had still mostly a kind and loving picture of him, he didn't want it to be shattered by telling you what he had done to get revenge for Jordie and in a way, you. If Pekka hadn't taken all your money all those years ago, you would still be a happy family and Kaz wouldn't have to hide you.

You were the only one who remembered the time when he was just that sweet little boy who always protected you. The whole thing with Pekka and Jordie had scarred him for life, and for a long time, you were the only one he found a family within, who he cared about. You had changed your name too to protect yourself and lived in a nice house at the better side of Ketterdam. Kaz visited you late at night two times a week, and extra times if you needed it. You lived at the quietest part of the better area, but visiting you in broad daylight would have been far too dangerous, and Kaz wouldn’t do it unless it would be an extreme emergency. Fortunately that kind of a situation had never occurred.

He had made it clear years ago that you can’t come with him to the Barrel. He knew it would be dangerous for you - if anyone got to know that Dirtyhands had a sister… Kaz didn’t even want to imagine what could happen then. He had buried his feelings long ago, but with you he let Kaz Rietveld peek around the corner. You made him black coffee, and your way was Kaz’s favorite. He didn’t exactly know what you did with the coffee or if it was just the different type of beans. He stayed at your home for an hour or two at a time, checking everything is okay and just talking about how you’ve been. You could open up to him, and when you were sick, he dropped by more often. Kaz knew that there was always a risk of someone seeing him visiting you regularly, but he trusted he was being careful.

But the Crows had gotten curious about where Kaz disappeared at night. At first, Jesper was suspecting Kaz had a hidden partner, but he also saw the different closeness between him and Inej and had also suspected Kaz having a crush on her for years, so if he had a hidden partner... it wouldn't make really sense. Kaz wasn't a player, he fought with feelings overall so it felt unlikely that he'd have so strong feelings for two people.

So Jesper talked Inej into following Kaz, claiming that he still thinks that Kaz has someone special hidden away. The Suli girl was reluctant, but agreed eventually, she was secretly worried about Kaz having a partner too.

And when she saw Kaz knocking on a door of a small house at the better area of Ketterdam and a woman opened the door with a smile, her heart sank. But she also felt the black cloud of jealousy and the feeling of betrayal coming over. So all the things Kaz had made her read between the lines were either lies or he just wanted to play with her feelings?

But at the same time, her heart told her that Kaz wasn't like that. He wouldn't do that. But she still left the scene, going back to the Slat, holding back angry tears. And once there, she went straight to the bar counter and poured herself a shot, a confused Jesper beside her.

"What happened?" he asked, and Inej glared at him.

"You were right. Kaz has a girlfriend. Or maybe even a wife." she muttered, causing Jesper to frown as Inej downed the shot.

"I didn't say it- I said it just because I knew that it would get you to go check the situation." Jesper told her and from the corner of his eye, he saw Kaz entering the Slat. Inej looked like she wanted to slap the man.

"Storm coming..." Jesper muttered and made sure to keep his eyes on the glass in front of him.

"Why didn't you tell me about her?" Inej asked the man once he came close enough.

"Who?"

"That woman you meet two times a week."

Kaz looked at the Suli girl in visible confusion, but then it dawned to him. "You were following me."

Inej took another step towards Kaz. "I knew you're a liar and a rotten, lost cause but I didn't think you'd spin two women in between your fingers like this." Inej growled. "You know that I have difficulties in trusting people, and then-"

Kaz cut Inej off. "She's my sister."

"Your- what?"

Kaz sighed. "She's my sister. I visit Y/N so I know she's safe. I also give her money so she would manage. I just don't talk about her because she'd be in danger if people knew who she is, and she doesn't know about the Bastard of the Barrel or Dirtyhands and I'd like to keep it that way. And I don't 'spin' anyone in between my fingers, I don't have time for relationships, I thought you knew that."

The anger in Inej's heart subsided quickly and it was replaced with embarrassment. "I'm sorry."

Kaz nodded slowly, sighing again and making his way upstairs. Jesper came to stand beside Inej. "Well. At least you still have your man."

---

A/N: I know you requested a "fic" and probably waited for a longer piece but as much as I love Kaz, I can't keep breaking my own rules to make all my Kaz pieces long when the request is gif imagine-sized because otherwise I could burn myself out with Kaz because people would always assume long pieces even from the vaguest of requests and that would eventually also mirror itself on other characters I don't crush on. I'm sorry if I've disappointed you by not providing a oneshot.

Tags: @musicallisto @take-me-to-ny @mindofasupernova @lxncelot @xxxtwilightaxelxxx @someoneovertherainboww @vintagebitc @fandomstuffff @montsepliego @number-0-iz @just-a-new-start @kaqua @readingslumpfanfic @dancingwith-sunflowers @shadowhuntyi @rika90 @imma-too-many-fandoms @the-abyss-gazed-back @thereagles @kiwijulia @beatitlikeabongodrum @louweasleymalfoy @aliiiyyaaah @malfoys-demigod @aleksanderwh0r3 @gallysonegoodlung @maybe-potato @dustyjjumpwings @whatiswrongwithpeople @thegirlwiththeimpala @periwinklemax @lazyotakujen @bookfrog242 @mrs-brekker15 @notplutos @brekkersbane @subjecta13-thefangirl @datrie @hinagiku0 @brekker-zenik @ilovemarvelanne1 @statsvitenskap @janesofia7 @heyitsaloy @rqmanoff @mentallynotstableghost @katherinepetrovawife // send me an ask to be added to my Shadow and Bone taglist (or any of my other taglists!)

by アナ