IC/Overflow Post

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Random messages and thread continuations welcome here!

Comments

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I have singed mine from time to time, but I'm very careful. Still got all my fingers for a reason. It sounds like your crew is having fun.

[agile]

[ Inej hums loudly before she takes off, inspired by Wylan. She keeps her feet light on the wooden planks but still purposefully loud so both of them can hear her. When she opens the door to her quarters, the singing's louder.

And once her crew spot her, they cheer. Some of them are a little drunk, but Inej doesn't have it in her to scold any of them. The night's pure black, but it reminds her nothing of the suffocating Fold. ]

Wylan's here—

Hey, Wylan! [ And there's an uproar of warm laughter. ]

And Kaz.

Kaz! [ Thankfully, his short name hasn't inspired a series of chants as it had when Specht had mentioned him on a rather drunken night like this. There's no risk of blushing, either. ]

Wouldn't it be great if he could compose us our very own song to sing when we're not drunk?

[ Her proposal's followed by cheers and a loud insistence that they're not drunk at all. Not unless it's on life and the sea. ]

What do you think, Wylan? Every pirate has a song, and we don't have one at the moment. No one's going to take us seriously without one.

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Oh, um… hi, everyone. [That welcome was louder than he’d anticipated. Wylan is used to not being the center of attention. He glances over at Kaz, who remains quiet. Which isn’t surprising. Wylan’s come to know that Kaz doesn’t talk much when he’s not around a select intimate few. Even when he's around the Crows, he's not the best gabber like Nina and Jesper. It often takes directly talking to him to get an answer, otherwise he simply observes. Kaz has turned to face the table, looking over the lock project they've been working on together. Wylan knows though that he's listening. There's no time of day that Kaz isn't hanging on Inej's voice, even when he's annoyed at what she's saying.]

Oh, no, no I don’t think I’d be very good at that. My songs aren’t that good. I could, um. I could ask around Ketterdam, though. There are some very talented musicians and artists in the city.

[Wylan sidles up closer to Kaz, respectfully not touching, and whispers.] Watch your fingers. That latch is so small it might be tricky even for y-

[A click is heard, cutting through his warning. Seeing Kaz's face he adds wryly.] You don't have to look so smug about it.

I can't help always being right.

[agile]

Your songs are good, Wylan. We'd love it if you'd do it for us. Otherwise, it's just going to be some song where we sing "Aye" over and over, and that's not very good.

[ Take pity on them, Wylan.

It's a little difficult to hear them over the noise of her crew, which has grown louder since she'd first heard them singing in her quarters, but Inej stays outside, liking the light breeze against her face. She likes that there's a possibility Wylan's lab's window is open, and they're glancing at the same night sky as she is.

Inej sighs heavily, although when she speaks, her voice is fond. ]

He's away from the food, isn't he?

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You’re very sweet. … let me see if I can put something together that’s worth singing. [He’s very hard on himself so it will likely take many comforting words and cuddles from Jesper and others for him to not throw every version into the fire.]

Ah, yeah… he’s, um… helping me. He’s being very helpful? [Wylan is a terrible liar but he’s trying not to get his boss in trouble with his… Inej.]

I’m not fiddling with potions.

... chemicals. [Technically.]

Formulas. [Kaz shoots that back with such spite after the correction that Wylan has to laugh.]

You two teaming up together is a menace, you know.

[agile]

It's not teaming up if we're asking for two different things!

[ Although, she supposes Wylan's right. He's so fun to tease, too. He takes it in stride and seems to enjoy it, even if she suspects he's blushing. ]

Although, Kaz, you really shouldn't be touching the potions and chemicals. What if you actually do lose your eyebrows?

[ Knowing Kaz, he hardly cares about that. ]

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I’m not touching any potions, chemicals, or formulas. I’m touching my requested prototype to make sure it’s working. [The lock mechanism, he’s not going to specify it though when there are other people around who might hear him. Even if they are busy drunk singing in the back.] I do need to test it to ensure it’s functioning to my standards.

And is it?

There’s no such thing as perfect Wylan, which means there can always be improvements. … it’s not bad, though.

[agile]

That means it's good, Wylan.

[ Not perfect, even though Inej suspects it's close to being as much. Kaz has never been one for encouraging words. Tough love is his way, and it'd taken Inej a long time to begin to understand he layered his softer declarations amongst the prickliness. ]

Not to speak for Kaz, obviously. I know nothing about locks.

[ Of all the things she can break into, a lock still holds her up. ]

Thank you. Even if you don't know anything about locks. [ Wylan's quick to add, clearly to Kaz: ] And you... knowing about locks. Uh, if there's anything I can do to change it to better meet your standards...

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I need... [Kaz raises his hand, making the universal gesture of writing to indicate he requires paper and pencil to jot down suggestions.]

Oh, right! ... did you forget the word for pen and paper just now? [He can't resist asking as he rummages around to hand over the items to Kaz. It's strange to even think of Kaz having human moments like that, and Wylan isn't sure it actually happened just now. Still, it's funny to imagine.]

I most certainly won't forget you asking me that. [Maybe. He'll take it to his grave, though.]

Yes, boss. [His tone is twinkling as he slides the paper to Kaz. Kaz doesn't write out but draws what he wants from Wylan. He's not a terrible sketcher, so it's become a system that works for them.] So Inej, visit any exciting new cities lately?

[agile]

[ Kaz definitely forgot the words. Inej covers her snicker. ]

We went to Udova. We picked up a couple of people from a ship who'd been stolen from their homes there. They didn't want to come to Ketterdam, so we took them home.

[ "Picked up", like her crew didn't save them from a life of slavery. Sometimes Inej prefers to use softer language, and it's not because she's speaking to Wylan. Sometimes she needs to use it for herself.

The singing grows softer as Inej closes the door to her quarters. While she much likes being out on the deck, speaking about this requires some tact. It feels too private, and it's not something she wishes to incidentally sour the mood of the crew. ]

The people there are really nice. I think you'd like it. There was a flautist with the prettiest flute. One of the villages really loves to tell their stories with songs.

Sable got word that there was another slaver ship that had left a few days before we arrived. I don't know if we'll catch them, but we might on their way back. We might visit Ivets, just in case, and then come back to Ketterdam.

[ Inej is very aware that Kaz is listening, and given their conversation about him having business outside of Ketterdam, she supposes this is his unofficial word that she'll be returning soon. ]

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[Kaz does make a mental note of the rough timeline she’s given, so he can try to work his business around it and not miss her.]

That does sound lovely. There’s actually a music festival coming up in Ketterdam in a few weeks now that it’s near summer. [Wylan doesn’t fully trust that half-smirk that comes to Kaz’s scheming face when he mentions it, but thinks better on pressing that for now.] I’m going to try and make Jesper go with me. [A beat, then because he’s figured out that one has to actually address Kaz to get him to talk and not wanting the man not to be included…]

How your hands handle locks, Kaz, you should try picking up an instrument sometime. I bet you’d be great at the piano, or string instruments. Music’s like math, it’s a great hobby.

I don’t need another hobby.

That would imply you have a hobby to begin with. Work doesn’t count, right Inej?

[agile]

[ Warmly, ] It doesn't.

[ But that won't stop Kaz from trying to prove them wrong. She knows that he has hobbies, though. His magic tricks for one. She thinks he's starting to collect hats, even though he'd pass that off as a Jesper thing. ]

I hope we can make it in time. I think we had to work through the last music festival. But Jesper will go with you! He'll pretend that he doesn't want to, but he loved dressing up at the last one and I do remember him leading a dance.

Jesper danced? [ Wylan chuckles incredulously. A part of Inej wishes Jesper was there to dispute the fact, but perhaps it's best Wylan have this little secret to use for his bidding. ]

Don't tell him I told you his secret.

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My lips are sealed. I'll dance with him as long as it's not in the center of the dance floor. [He doesn't want that much attention.] I haven't heard whether it'll be a work date or not. [He looks at Kaz for that.]

It will be.

And you were going to tell us when?

When the time was right. Otherwise I'd spend the coming weeks answering all the questions you'll come up with in the meantime.

... Fair. I did have follow up questions. I'm still going to enjoy it with Jesper, though. Plan in dance time for us.

After you do your part you two can waste time however you want.

[agile]

Having fun isn't wasting time, Kaz.

[ Not that that's going to persuade him to look at the music festival as anything but a cover. Sometimes Inej wishes that he'd let himself take pleasure in things, but she can understand why he doesn't. Dirtyhands can't show vulnerability and can't risk being seen enjoying himself. ]

We'll dance, Wylan. Whether it's during the festivities or at the end when they're packing up. And if I'm days late, we'll have our own music festival. Jesper can sing.

[ And she can avoid missing out. It's the one thing she resents about being at sea. She misses them. ]

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It is when you see the way Jesper dances.

We'll push the tables back to ensure nothing gets knocked over when he gets going.

[agile]

He'll find a way to knock things down… He always does.

[ With those long limbs, it's bound to happen. But Inej waves her hand, not that either of them can see. ]

It doesn't matter. Let Jesper dance on his own. We'll dance together. You can teach me one of your best moves and then I can be the second best dancing Crow.

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I can't promise I have GOOD dance moves, but it'll be fun. [He likes anything to do with music, including dancing. He glances over at Kaz, realizing he's taken on the role of including him in the conversation.] There are some really good dancers at the Club now, too. Right, Kaz?

[They don't actually want him to enjoy himself. Or at least, that's what Kaz believes. All of his crew sigh that he doesn't, but he's seen how they react when he's lowered his walls even slightly. Off kilter. Off balance. Like there's something wrong. It's not really what they want. He can't fault them for it. It's likely not a good look on him, to be vulnerable. ] There's a lot of talent in Ketterdam. Might as well make use of it.

It looks fun though to audition people, although I think I'd have a hard time telling someone no.

[agile]

[ Does Wylan even know how to say "no"? The idea of him rejecting someone brings to mind someone kindly dancing around the one syllable. Inej would pay good money to see that. ]

Maybe that's something you can do if the Crow Club needs new performers. Isn't it, Kaz? It saves you from having to do anything… and we all know Jesper's tone-deaf. He can't appreciate good music even if it hit him on the nose.

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He just admitted he'd hire everyone.

Perhaps we could use them all for a chorus line. [He's joking. Mostly.]

Or you practice learning how to say no. You could start by telling Inej to stop enabling you.

I would never say no to Inej. ... and by logical deduction, that means I've just said no to you! [He looks delighted until he recalls just whom he's said no to.] I mean... it was less a no and more... I think you were joking, anyway. [He stands up to Kaz on rare occasion but it's still not a position he enjoys taking.]

Inej is the joker among us all. You should hear hers sometime.

[agile]

No!

[ Saints, don't set her up to fail again, Kaz! The wound is still so fresh. ]

No. [ She sounds less frantic then, even as she tellingly clears her throat. ] I wouldn't want to upstage Kaz. I can be quite funny. It makes people feel bad about themselves.

[ It doesn't because she always messes it up.

You know what she's going to do? Try and turn this back onto one Kaz Brekker. ]

It's good for Kaz to hear that word sometimes. Someone needs to say 'no' to him while I'm not there.

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I don't like saying no to him.

Smart boy.

No, I don't want to hurt your feelings. [Off Kaz's look at that] You put a lot of time and effort into your plans. They're like your songs. I only say no when I think you're missing something. [Like a conscience.]

... [He as never met anyone like Wylan before, and in moments like this, Kaz is reminded of that fact.]

Hear that, Inej? My plans are symphonies. [Yes he's ignoring the feelings part.]

[agile]

Ugh.

[ Although, she's very much smiling. Wylan has his own way of standing up to and complimenting Kaz. At least she only needs to worry about Jesper. ]

Does that mean you're going to sing? I bet you're awful.

[ Kaz Brekker needs to be awful at something. ]

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[She's heard his raspy speaking voice, which is like if graveled rock rubbing against itself could talk. He doesn't sing but it for sure wouldn't sound pretty. There is no carrying a tune, it's dropped down a hole six feet under with Kaz Brekker.]

Singing's not needed in a song if the orchestration and arrangement is done properly.

[So no, can't sing, won't sing.]

@ravkas

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[OOC: Continued from here.]

It’s more you seem the type who’d be keen to try your hand at it, after reading so many.

It depends. Not all secrets find the highest value in being sold.

That sounds like the start of your new novel.

[ravkas]

i think i'd be good at it. better than poetry, which i did try my hand at during university. turns out i'm an abysmal poet, though i wonder less these days about death and the unknown than i did back then.

i imagine some secrets are better held close to the chest, coddled and nurtured like a newborn until it's ready to spread its wings and ruin a life. but you wouldn't know anything about it, being the upstanding kerch citizen you are.

i'm not quite ready to write my memoirs just yet. do you believe the rumors of my parentage?