8A/N: So, I decided to add on to this story. I definitely have plans to add more chapters to this story in the future. I highly recommend that you follow this story, so you're updated whenever I add on to this. I will be writing more, but I won't be updating regularly. I hope you enjoy!
Jesper P.O.V.
Jesper sighed as he made his way up the stairs. It wasn't like Kaz too still be in his room at this hour. Usually the leader of the Dregs was up much earlier, already getting things done. But today was different. Today, Inej would be leaving, and Kaz was convinced that she wouldn't be returning. She had explicitly told all of them that she would visit often, and Jesper believed her. Kaz didn't.
Ever since the whole Jurda Parem issue had been solved, Jesper had noticed Kaz's behavior changing. He seemed more open to friendships and just less miserable in general. In fact, Kaz had even apologized to Jesper, and they had formed a strong friendship.
Jesper had a strong suspicion that Inej was responsible for this change. The two of them weren't actually together, but it was obvious that they were in love. It was almost painful for everyone else when the two of them were in the same room. It was like stretching a rubber band. The farther back you stretched it, the more the anticipation grew. Once it was stretched to the limit, it would either go flying, or the rubber band would snap. Those two had to be the two most oblivious people in the whole world. Kaz was the smartest person Jesper knew. The most cunning person in all of Ketterdam. But romantically? He was clueless!
So, Jesper knew that as sad as he was today, Kaz must be feeling ten times worse. Therefore, Jesper, being the good friend he was, had a plan. He was going to take Kaz out to get drinks. Normally, Kaz would never risk getting drunk, but Jesper had a feeling that today would be very different.
And Jesper also knew that Kaz would be insufferable today. He would insist that he was feeling fine. Thankfully, Jesper had brought backup: Nina Zenik. Nina was, to say the least, very talented with words. She was so good at lying, it was scary. She also had a way of getting what she wanted out of people. Jesper knew that if anybody could convince Kaz to come get drinks, it would be Nina.
But when the two of them finally reached Kaz's room, nothing could've prepared them for what they saw when they opened the door.
It was Kaz. And Inej. In an armchair. Together. At the sound of the door opening, both of them tried to spring up at the same time. Unfortunately for the lovebirds, this resulted in Inej hitting her head on Kaz's chin Both of their faces were completely red. It took less than a minute for Kaz to regain his composure.
He opened his mouth, but before he could get any words out, Nina squealed, "Are you two together now?!"
Inej looked away, her cheeks still tinged with red. Finally! Jesper thought.
Before he could think better of it, Jesper exclaimed, "Finally! You owe me some waffles, Nina!"
Nina sighed, but agreed.
Kaz, on the other hand looked about ready to murder someone. "Get out." He pointed to the door. "And Nina, you're getting all of us waffles. In an hour. We'll sort everything out then."
Jesper nodded, and smiled over his shoulder, "I'm happy for you two." Kaz continued to scowl.
Nina nodded her agreement. She must've had a death wish, because as she walked out the door, she winked at Kaz and Inej.
Kaz looked like he was moments away from bashing Nina over the head with his cane. "Get out."
Jesper quickly yanked Nina out of the room.
Nina P.O.V.
Nina followed Jesper and Wylan into the restaurant, Matthias's arm around her shoulders. Her boyfriend was shooting glares at anyone who so much as looked in her direction. To be honest, she thought it was kind of cute.
Unfortunately for her, the one who would be paying, this was one of the more expensive places in Ketterdam. But her friends had refused to go anywhere else. Nina supposed it made sense. She would rather go home without a stomach bug. She and Jesper had a bet about Kaz and Inej. She had claimed that they would cluelessly flirt with each other for all of eternity. But Jesper, who'd had more faith in his friend, had betted that they would eventually get together. So here she was, paying for everybody's waffles.
The four of them found Kaz and Inej sitting at a table in the corner. They made their way over to the lovebirds. Nina was slightly disappointed that the two of them weren't holding hands or anything like that. But she knew that Kaz had a problem with physical contact. She had tried to hug him once, but the moment she brushed his skin, he had gone pale. But she wasn't going to pressure him into opening up. He would when he was ready.
She had told Matthias about the events of this morning, and he hadn't been able to stop laughing. He and Kaz pretended to hate each other, but they were actually friends. Not as close as Jesper and Kaz, but there were days where Kaz and Matthias wouldn't try to murder each other. It was miraculous!
Kaz, who had been watching them since they had entered, was glaring at all of them. Apparently, his pride hadn't recovered from that morning. Nina was relieved to see Inej smile at her, looking slightly apologetic. It was never a good thing when both of them were mad. Inej was actually more levelheaded than Kaz. Her temper was basically nonexistent. Well, that is until someone tries to hurt someone she loves. It was terrifying when Kaz was angry. He could probably burn down the whole city with his temper. But when Inej got mad? She could burn down the whole world.
The four of them sat down, and they all ordered waffles. It was Matthias who spoke first. "So, you two finally got together?" He said, smirking slightly.
Kaz looked about ready to murder him. He gritted his teeth. "Yes. This is not funny or amusing."
Nina choked on her water. "It is very funny and amusing! You two are perfect for each other! And this proves that Kaz Brekker does have feelings!"
Nina immediately regretted saying that once she saw Kaz's face. She felt bad. Kaz hadn't come here for them to pick on him. His dark brown eyes were burning with fury. She knew he wouldn't hurt her, but she was still a little scared. She mentally cursed herself. Kaz was misinterpreting their intentions. She hadn't meant to offend him!
Seeing the conflict, Wylan rushed to restore the peace. "Wait, Kaz! We don't mean it that way! All of us are really happy for you two!"
Inej nodded, and slowly placed her hand on Kaz's knee. He seemed to be okay with the contact. His clothes probably worked as an effective barrier. Her touch seemed to calm him. She smiled slightly, and Kaz relaxed again.
All this time, Nina was mentally squealing and cooing. Those two were perfect for each other! Like two pieces of a puzzle! She was the calm to his storm. Like–
Her line of thought was cut off as Jesper broke the silence. "Um, okay. So, is Inej still leaving?"
Kaz and Inej looked at each other, and Nina could've sworn that Kaz's lips twitched upwards. It was Inej who answered. "Well, we thought that maybe Kaz could come with me, and you guys could take care of the Dregs. Is that–"
"Yes! We'll take care of everything!" Nina squealed. Imagine how good it would be for their relationship! All that time together on the ship!
Jesper nodded, "Of course we can help! You two have fun. Relax!"
Inej smiled gratefully, and Kaz did that almost-smile thing again. Inej looked at all of them and her smile grew. "You guys are the best!"
Nina smiled back. Her smile grew when she saw the expression on Kaz's face. He was looking at Inej like a lost puppy, with this lovesick look plastered on his face. Nina had to refrain from squealing out loud. Jesper and Wylan had noticed too, and even Matthias's lips twitched upwards.
Then Wylan, blushing madly, asked, "So, um, where will Inej be sleeping?"
Jesper burst into laughter. Matthias just raised his eyebrows at Kaz. Not even slightly embarrassed, Inej met Kaz's eyes. Nina was interested as to what they would decide. Of course, she was interested in their relationship. But she was also curious about Kaz's problem with physical contact. And given Inej's history, their relationship might be a little bit complicated.
Kaz and Inej seemed to come to a silent agreement. "I'll stay at Wylan's with everyone else." Just like she had expected. Wylan nodded, his cheeks still pink.
The six of them sat there, eating waffles and chatting for another hour. Soon, Kaz had to go deal with some stuff with the Dregs. Nina begrudgingly payed for the food and followed everyone out. This had been fun. They were all so busy, and it was nice to sit down and catch up. As Nina exited the restaurant, Matthias's arm around her shoulder once more, she took a moment to appreciate her friends. All six of them had hard pasts, but they had all found family within each other. For the first time in her life, Nina Zenik was happy.
A/N: Please review this! Reviews really motivate me to write more often! And I have a couple questions:
Should I include Kanej arguing, or should I avoid angst?
Do you know any interesting Kanej headcanons that I could possibly include in this?