[ Yes, she's assuming his cane is a miracle and unquestionably attracts fish.
Inej isn't surprised by his dismissal of Wylan. While it may be presumptuous of her to suggest that he wants to spend time with her and her alone, as much as she loves Wylan, she wants to spend this time with Kaz. Assuming he'll truly make time to fish.
[ Inej is certain she could talk to him for hours before she realises that she's tired. That's something she doesn't wish to share. Kaz isn't easily spooked by much, but give him an inch and sometimes he does flee in his own way. ]
It varies, he's got a handful of favorite sleep spots. Window ledges are popular, something you two have in common. There's a rug in the kitchen he likes to frequent when Nina's cooking. Right now he's on my desk. Probably I'm the only one still awake so I'm the best option to feed him if he wakes.
[ So, he does feed him. Inej smiles, liking that Kaz has either purposefully confessed while trying to make it sound like he's been cornered into doing so or hasn't realised what he's admitted at all. ]
He can sleep on my preferred window ledge if he wants. Maybe he can keep the crows company for me while I'm gone.
[ She considers telling him the cat can sleep in her room, but she's not quite sure if the room is still hers and if it's been given to someone else. It'd be in Kaz's best interests to repurpose it to someone who'll be there every day to use it. ]
It's nice that you feed him. I'm sure he appreciates it.
More likely one is lulling the other into a false sense of security before a proper strike.
He’ll be safe. And fed. Spoiled probably by the rest here, so fair warning.
[He shall neither confirm nor deny on the petting.]
[There’s a knock at his door.]
Come in. What is it?
Hi, yes, I’m having a lovely evening, thanks for asking. Quick question, I…
[Jesper’s voice trails off. Kaz is seated at his desk, bad leg propped up on a stool and books and papers arranged around him on the wood surface. It’s a common enough sight, minus their new furry friend of the past few weeks using a ledger book as a bed, and Kaz using the Durast communication device he and Wylan created together. For obvious reasons they’ve kept it tightly under wraps for use only among those they trusted, which means that there’s only a very small handful of people whom he might be speaking with at this ungodly hour.
He shouldn’t tease Kaz. Only he should. Companionably he sits on the edge of Kaz's desk and Kaz doesn't flinch, trusting him being so close. Reaching over he pets the cat's head while tilting his head to try and look at the phone.
Working hard, or hardly working? [He gives a nod at the phone.] Now I know why you never want to come drink. Frankly, I was getting a little hurt…
[Kaz rolls his eyes, placing the phone facing down on the desk and lightly covering it with his hand.] I’m working.
Mmm. [Liar. With a small smile, he uses his Durast abilities to bring Kaz’s phone over into his hand - because he’s not going to risk touching Kaz. He might want to annoy his friend but there are lines he won’t cross. He switches the phone to audio.]
Hello, WORK. Being productive, are you? You must be a BIG PROJECT to take up so much time.
[Jesper darts to the other side of Kaz’s bed as the other man rises with a look that could kill.]
Inej, I need you to take down my last will and testament because Kaz is about to murder me. Please let it be noted I died looking dashingly handsome. Also, hello, how are you?
[Kaz blew out an annoyed, exhausted sigh.]
That isn’t how a last will and testament works, you podge.
I prefer to think that wills and testaments work for me. Nej, he looks really miffed, what dastardly thing did you do to set him off?
[ Inej can't help but laugh. It's so easy to imagine the scene back home: Jesper leaping about on his long legs and Kaz scowling as he watches him. She wonders if Kaz is trying to swipe the communicator back from him or if he's simply relying on looks being murderous. ]
'Nej'. Really, Jes?
[ As far as nicknames go, it's probably not the worst, but Jesper can never know that. There's a distant sound of the ocean roaring, but with her tucked inside of her quarters, it's dulled somewhat. It's almost as if the True Sea wishes to say hello, too. ]
I did tell him that he needed to be nicer to you about your hats. Is he frowning? Is it the deep frown or the very deep frown? You know there's a difference between the frowns, Jes.
It’s a good nickname. Like a mix between a nudge and a sound a horse makes.
And people complain about my compliments.
It’s all in the tone, Kaz.
[Jesper simply backs up when Kaz approaches, stepping onto and over his bed to just switch sides.]
Don’t walk on my bed!
I don’t have shoes on! Why do you still have your shoes on in your bedroom this late?
It’s my office.
[Jesper gives him a look that says ‘there is so much wrong about how you choose to be’ and raises his hands to protect himself as Kaz uses his cane to hook and send a book on his bedside table flying at the other man. It’s not sent quite as hard as Kaz could have.]
Ouch, okay truce. I just want to talk to my friends. And talk about my hats. I would say… it’s only the deep frown, yes. We’re probably safe for now from permanent damage. [He once again settles on Kaz’s desk, kicking over the stool near the bed for Kaz to sit and rest his leg. He makes a point of lying Kaz’s phone on the desk and removing his hands from it, hoping Kaz will just relax for a minute to talk.] Thank you for defending my hats, they do have feelings, too. You must tell me all about the ones you find on your travels, are the styles very different? Is it raining there too or is that the normal ocean sound? Ketterdam’s having one of those nights where it’s trying to make itself an ocean.
[He rambles and rattles away at anything and everything, content to be among two of his favorite people once more even if one’s remote. Kaz doesn’t sit yet, but when he limps closer he just picks up his fallen book and doesn’t end the call.]
[ While Inej is certain if she asked Kaz why he tolerates Jesper bumbling about in his space that his answer would be because she was on the other end of the communicator, she knows he likes it. Jesper's stuck around long enough to be a loveable thorn in his side. ]
The hats look like hats, Jes. I'll bring you a couple so you can decide if they're pretty enough for you.
[ On the other end of the line, she hears a warm chuckle and amused sound. ]
If you're picking them for me, then they must be pretty enough.
[ Always the flatterer, but she's thrown a few ugly hats in the mix to properly stir him. It's not fun if Jesper gets everything he wants, after all. ]
But that's the ocean. [ And if she sounds wistful, it's because she is. It's a sound that she's come to adore. Ketterdam had been just as loud as the ocean, but its melody is different. ]
What's he doing now? Hopefully you're still not walking on his bed, Jesper. Only I'm allowed to walk on his bed; he hardly ever notices.
[Kaz does care for Jesper, very much, even if his way of showing it is often chiding Jesper on his gambling and drinking and trading quips and insults. He holds Jesper to a higher standard than the other man probably likes, but in that way they help balance one another out a little. Kaz tries to keep him in check, and Jesper tries to nudge Kaz out of his comfort zones on occasion.
The fact that Inej wants to track Kaz’s movements from afar, just like she always has from the shadows, makes Jesper wipe his mouth to hide a grin.]
Oh, you walk on it, too? Well, it’s not like he uses it for sleeping. I am sitting on his desk wondering when he has time to dust. This room is freakishly clean. He’s cuddling the cat. Oh my goodness, it’s adorable. Kaz, speak up, we want to hear those sweet nothings you’re telling our little mascot.
[Jesper is, of course, entirely lying. Kaz simply gives him a long side eye as he sets the book on the table with a thump and pointedly moves the stool back away from the bed to sit in his desk chair rather than get comfortable. He does allow his bad leg to rest on the stool, his one concession to the weather.
Inej wants to hear Kaz’s voice, Jesper knows that’s part of the teasing. Raising his eyebrows, he makes a ‘come on’ gesture with his hands. Curious. He’s never known Kaz to be at a loss for words or shy about speaking.]
I’m sitting down questioning many life choices at the moment.
That requires drinking. Inej, love, find something to drink with us. Last person with a drink in their hands is the first one who has to make a toast.
[ She scrambles to the other side of the room to grab a glass. There's a sound of water sloshing around. It doesn't matter to her that exclaiming they wait is against Jesper's proposal. She's at the loss here, having to rely on her hearing and only her hearing. Once she's happy with her glass, Inej returns to her desk, quietly sitting and not at all opting for the desk chair instead of the edge of her bed to parallel Kaz. Doing the same thing as him doesn't mean anything, even if it makes her feel utterly silly and like she's a young girl again with a crush. ]
It's water. Don't say a thing, Jesper.
I wasn't going to. [ Although, she waits for it, the gentle insult that he always hurls toward her when she's tripping over her own feet in the ways he never has. He pauses dramatically and if it wasn't for the gentle crackling, she'd fear she's lost them both. ] Although, water? Really? You're Captain of the True Sea and you're drinking water? That's quite boring. Don't you think, Boss?
[ Inej imagines Kaz has no opinion whatsoever, as he often seems to when Jesper's trying to rile one of them up by using the other. But Inej listens intently, wanting to be able to imagine the scene of them in Kaz's room. Kaz's scowl, Jesper's smile, and Kazzle slumbering undisturbed by his new family's antics. ]
[Kaz didn’t move from his seat, but Jesper knew how to navigate the space and nimbly found a bottle of whiskey that Kaz kept tucked away in his desk, along with a water glass beside the water carafe. He poured Kaz a not inconsiderable amount in the water glass before handing it over, opting to simply drink from the bottle himself. At Kaz’s eyebrow raise he gave a helpless shrug, it’s not his fault Kaz only has one drinking glass around.]
I think she wants to stay sober in case you end up asking to play a drinking game.
Mm. I suppose that is clever even if not as fun. We’re going to have to drink twice as much, Kaz.
One day we really need to remedy your lack of mathematical training. [A beat.] Though I do think we won and were faster. Pretty sure I heard that water sloshing after a drink was in my hand. [He can’t help but perfectly picture the indignant scowl that might bring out of her as he takes a sip from his glass to hide a smile. A proverbial pigtail pull.]
[ Although… well… how can she prove it? Did Kaz already have a drink in his hand? Did Jesper? Had they gotten theirs while she was scurrying across the room to pour her own? A lesson she's learned from this is that the next time they're on audio, she'll request them to describe everything that they're doing to prevent such embarrassing losses as this. ]
My floor isn't as straight and grounded as yours! It's harder to move about!
[ The ship sways gently as if to protest. Not even the True Sea wishes to be on her side. ]
Excuses, excuses. [ Jesper sighs and shakes his head as though he's disappointed. He looks at Kaz and tips his glass toward him. ] Think we should make the captain give the toast? It was part of the rules, after all.
[ She gasps indignantly and does her best to try and hide her laughter. ]
You know who’d protest that they weren’t the last to get a drink? Someone who was last to get their drink.
Jesper, can you make this device able to record conversations? I want to playback our acrobat saying she had trouble walking. Maybe she’s having water now because she started other beverages earlier.
Hm. Rather rude of her to drink without me around.
Maybe an apology to you should be part of that toast she owes us.
[It’s good Nina’s not around or she’d be giving him that knowing look whenever Inej laughs and what it does to him. Admittedly though, even getting to banter with Jesper after being embroiled in work details all day is relaxing him. As much as Kaz can ever relax.]
Right, go on, then Captain Nej. Give us a real inspirational tearjerker of a toast.
Edited (Spelling, due to lack of coffee and not too much of whatever Inej clearly had earlier. ;)) 2023-04-15 11:09 (UTC)
[ It's not meant to be audible over the communicator, but Inej has never truly been one to quieten herself around her friends. She likes being seen and heard by them. It makes her feel less like a ghost.
Less like a clumsy ghost, it seems. Nothing ever gets past Kaz, not even when he can't see her. Although, she doubts he knows she's blushing. She hopes he doesn't know that. ]
Fine.
[ She clears her throat as she quickly considers her toast. She even holds her glass up, expecting Jesper to at least follow along without knowing. ]
I'd like to make this toast to the best person I know. This person is kind and generous and insanely funny and incredibly good-looking.
[ Inej can imagine Jesper preening to Kaz now as though she's speaking of him, and perhaps she is… She can't imagine Kaz reacting to anything in her toast. Inej ensures to pause dramatically, wanting Jesper to grow impatient with her. ]
[Jesper does indeed raise his glass, with Kaz having his resting on his thigh. Honestly, he enjoys simply hearing her voice, but having it come at Jesper’s expense is an especial treat. Her toast and Jesper’s subsequent mock gasp that follows earns a snort from him, a hair shy of a laugh. Inej can be incredibly clever and best the best of them sometimes, and he loves when it happens.]
I’d like it noted I’m also drinking to the look on Jesper’s face right now. Nicely done.
[He does raise his glass and drink, feeling the warm alcohol burn from his throat to his belly but is followed up with a rush of warmth.]
I see how it is. Well, I am drinking to my incredible patience in dealing with two children. And I’m trying to booze Kaz up so he’s more reasonable when I ask him why my boyfriend is working throughout the night.
Wylan told me that if he did he could have my project done by morning.
[Jesper sighs and takes another drink.]
Right. Inej, how does one point out to him that a normal human’s response would be ‘sleep and finish it by afternoon’ instead?
[ Was that a snort? The butterflies flutter around in her chest at that sound. She really wishes she could see Kaz's face, but perhaps it's for the best that she can't. He sometimes clams up under her scrutiny; he acts like he knows she's watching him. At least with her somewhere else, she can catch the signs of him enjoying himself. Jesper, for all that he's good at, isn't the most astute person. ]
You don't.
[ It's as simple as that. Kaz is a workhorse who doesn't know the meaning of sleep. And neither does Wylan. ]
But you have to remember that Wylan wouldn't be up working at this hour if he didn't want to. He's almost as bad as Kaz sometimes. He can never say no to solving a problem.
[ And she says it with affection. For all of his gentleness, Wylan is smart and persistent and a force to be reckoned with. She thinks that's why Kaz likes him, regardless of his family name. He's similar to Kaz in ways Inej isn't sure either man understands.
Jesper mutters, ] I really hate it when you're right. [ Then, much loudly, he says to Kaz, ] Don't you just hate it when she's right? It's absolutely annoying.
[Kaz thinks Inej is mostly right, but not entirely. He’s asking a lot of Wylan, and he knows that Wylan’s loyal enough to go above and beyond not just for his own problem-solving desires, but also for Kaz. It isn’t that Wylan doesn’t know how to do what Kaz is asking, which is a different situation and yes, he can’t stand not figuring something out, but it’s simply a matter of finishing it as fast as possible. Wylan likely would have been willing to work on it at a more leisurely pace if Kaz hadn’t simply accepted that it could be done so fast and demanded it, because it suits Kaz’s plans not to wait.
Kaz is fine keeping this to himself though, that it’s not something new that Wylan is working on, because he can indeed be a bastard.]
What I find annoying is that you’re going to finish the last of my whiskey tonight.
We are going to finish it.
Either way you’re going to replace it for me.
Fine, it’s not like you care what brand I’d get you, anyway.
As long as the job gets done. [Honestly, if he's drinking in his bedroom, likely all he's caring about are the effects of the drink rather than the taste. As long as Jesper doesn't replace the bottle with water it's fine.]
[Jesper wishes that Kaz would care a little more about the simple joys in life, rather than end results.] Life isn't one long job, you know.
Sure. It can be a series of smaller jobs, too. [Kaz doesn't need a cane to deftly sidestep Jesper's point.]
[Jesper sighs and leaves it be for now. At least Kaz is sitting and drinking and talking with them for the moment. He knows he has Inej in large part to thank for that.] Did you know we got a cat on the crew now, Inej?
Edited (Forgot Jesper's jazz hands italics in the last line.) 2023-04-15 12:42 (UTC)
[ If Inej was to close her eyes, she could easily imagine herself sitting on the windowsill watching the two of them bicker. Jesper's lips would be curved up in a tentative smile, something that he'd try to control even though he wished to smile wider and laugh, and Kaz would tug his brows together as though he was being hindered by Jesper's mere presence. Both of them enjoy the company, even if only one of them would ever admit it while being under duress and her scrutiny. ]
I do.
[ She hesitates for a moment, making it a point to sip her water loudly as she considers whether she informs Jesper of the cat's name. But she can't trust Kaz to inform the crew and ensure the cat learns it. For all she knows, Jesper's looking to name it after himself. ]
Kazzle's waiting for me to come pick him up and take him for a treasure hunt for gold.
[ Jesper's quiet on the other end of the line, scarily so. She can imagine his face: the incredulity, the arched brow at Kaz, and his gazing at the cat and Kaz.
And then he laughs a big belly laugh. ]
Kazzle!
[ And he doesn't stop laughing. It's a sound that's better than anything Inej has heard over the last few days. ]
[Left to his own devices, Kaz absolutely would not share the name Inej picked out for the cat. He knew it wouldn’t remain a secret however, so once he hears her say it and Jesper’s subsequent laugh, he merely lets out a knowing long sigh and takes an equally long drink.]
Brilliant. A part of me wishes we’d saved that nickname for the larger one.
The larger one has bigger claws.
Let me guess, you object to being called anything else but Kaz because the additional syllable added is useless time wasted.
Dirtyhands has plenty of syllables.
[Jesper picks up the snoozy cat and looks him in the eye.] What do you think, Kazzle? Hm? I think our furry friend likes it.
You shouldn't underestimate Kazzle. [ Who she's speaking to will remain a mystery, but both of them could learn to take the cat seriously. They'll need to if they wish to survive Captain Kazzle of The Wraith. ] He might be fluffy and cute, but he has very sharp claws and teeth.
[ And he's much like his namesake, she presumes. She can't imagine Kaz taking to a cat that isn't like him in nature: sharp, distant, and very smart. ]
Also, Kaz doesn't look like a 'Kazzle', Jesper. His hair isn't fluffy enough and he's not as cute.
[ He's not what Inej would describe as "cute". He's handsome in a striking way. Jesper's handsome in a boyish way; the way he confidently holds himself draws everyone's eyes to him. Kaz's handsomeness is quieter than that—at least to her. Bright eyes, sharp nose, nicely shaped lips.
Jesper lets out a low whistle. ] Wow. [ He glances at Kaz before looking at Kazzle and scrunching his face at the cat. Definitely nicer than Kaz. ] No holding back there, Nej. The True Sea's made you a little meaner. I'm almost afraid of what you truly think of me.
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noreasonneeded) wrote2024-03-25 08:40 am
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[ Yes, she's assuming his cane is a miracle and unquestionably attracts fish.
Inej isn't surprised by his dismissal of Wylan. While it may be presumptuous of her to suggest that he wants to spend time with her and her alone, as much as she loves Wylan, she wants to spend this time with Kaz. Assuming he'll truly make time to fish.
She has a feeling he will. ]
Why don't you join them just once?
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If they come ask, maybe. Are you getting tired?
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[ And it is because she said so! ]
Are you?
[ Inej is certain she could talk to him for hours before she realises that she's tired. That's something she doesn't wish to share. Kaz isn't easily spooked by much, but give him an inch and sometimes he does flee in his own way. ]
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I don't need much sleep.
[He'd just been giving her an out in case her nudge for him to join Wylan and Jesper had indicated she wanted one.]
Your new cat does all the sleeping for me.
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[ Please say his room. ]
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He can sleep on my preferred window ledge if he wants. Maybe he can keep the crows company for me while I'm gone.
[ She considers telling him the cat can sleep in her room, but she's not quite sure if the room is still hers and if it's been given to someone else. It'd be in Kaz's best interests to repurpose it to someone who'll be there every day to use it. ]
It's nice that you feed him. I'm sure he appreciates it.
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I just don’t want to deal with everyone crying over a cat carcass.
[He clearly had other reasons for having to feed it that have nothing to do with the goodness of his heart.]
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[ The cat and crows could be friends!
But it makes her laugh that he thinks the crows would win. Of course, he would. He has to stick to his brand. ]
Keep Kazzle safe for me so that I can at least meet him.
I bet he has the softest ears. Does anyone rub his belly?
[ AKA Do you? ]
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He’ll be safe. And fed. Spoiled probably by the rest here, so fair warning.
[He shall neither confirm nor deny on the petting.]
[There’s a knock at his door.]
Come in. What is it?
Hi, yes, I’m having a lovely evening, thanks for asking. Quick question, I…
[Jesper’s voice trails off. Kaz is seated at his desk, bad leg propped up on a stool and books and papers arranged around him on the wood surface. It’s a common enough sight, minus their new furry friend of the past few weeks using a ledger book as a bed, and Kaz using the Durast communication device he and Wylan created together. For obvious reasons they’ve kept it tightly under wraps for use only among those they trusted, which means that there’s only a very small handful of people whom he might be speaking with at this ungodly hour.
He shouldn’t tease Kaz. Only he should. Companionably he sits on the edge of Kaz's desk and Kaz doesn't flinch, trusting him being so close. Reaching over he pets the cat's head while tilting his head to try and look at the phone.
Working hard, or hardly working? [He gives a nod at the phone.] Now I know why you never want to come drink. Frankly, I was getting a little hurt…
[Kaz rolls his eyes, placing the phone facing down on the desk and lightly covering it with his hand.] I’m working.
Mmm. [Liar. With a small smile, he uses his Durast abilities to bring Kaz’s phone over into his hand - because he’s not going to risk touching Kaz. He might want to annoy his friend but there are lines he won’t cross. He switches the phone to audio.]
Hello, WORK. Being productive, are you? You must be a BIG PROJECT to take up so much time.
[Jesper darts to the other side of Kaz’s bed as the other man rises with a look that could kill.]
Inej, I need you to take down my last will and testament because Kaz is about to murder me. Please let it be noted I died looking dashingly handsome. Also, hello, how are you?
[Kaz blew out an annoyed, exhausted sigh.]
That isn’t how a last will and testament works, you podge.
I prefer to think that wills and testaments work for me. Nej, he looks really miffed, what dastardly thing did you do to set him off?
[Yes he’s trying out another nickname.]
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'Nej'. Really, Jes?
[ As far as nicknames go, it's probably not the worst, but Jesper can never know that. There's a distant sound of the ocean roaring, but with her tucked inside of her quarters, it's dulled somewhat. It's almost as if the True Sea wishes to say hello, too. ]
I did tell him that he needed to be nicer to you about your hats. Is he frowning? Is it the deep frown or the very deep frown? You know there's a difference between the frowns, Jes.
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And people complain about my compliments.
It’s all in the tone, Kaz.
[Jesper simply backs up when Kaz approaches, stepping onto and over his bed to just switch sides.]
Don’t walk on my bed!
I don’t have shoes on! Why do you still have your shoes on in your bedroom this late?
It’s my office.
[Jesper gives him a look that says ‘there is so much wrong about how you choose to be’ and raises his hands to protect himself as Kaz uses his cane to hook and send a book on his bedside table flying at the other man. It’s not sent quite as hard as Kaz could have.]
Ouch, okay truce. I just want to talk to my friends. And talk about my hats. I would say… it’s only the deep frown, yes. We’re probably safe for now from permanent damage. [He once again settles on Kaz’s desk, kicking over the stool near the bed for Kaz to sit and rest his leg. He makes a point of lying Kaz’s phone on the desk and removing his hands from it, hoping Kaz will just relax for a minute to talk.] Thank you for defending my hats, they do have feelings, too. You must tell me all about the ones you find on your travels, are the styles very different? Is it raining there too or is that the normal ocean sound? Ketterdam’s having one of those nights where it’s trying to make itself an ocean.
[He rambles and rattles away at anything and everything, content to be among two of his favorite people once more even if one’s remote. Kaz doesn’t sit yet, but when he limps closer he just picks up his fallen book and doesn’t end the call.]
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The hats look like hats, Jes. I'll bring you a couple so you can decide if they're pretty enough for you.
[ On the other end of the line, she hears a warm chuckle and amused sound. ]
If you're picking them for me, then they must be pretty enough.
[ Always the flatterer, but she's thrown a few ugly hats in the mix to properly stir him. It's not fun if Jesper gets everything he wants, after all. ]
But that's the ocean. [ And if she sounds wistful, it's because she is. It's a sound that she's come to adore. Ketterdam had been just as loud as the ocean, but its melody is different. ]
What's he doing now? Hopefully you're still not walking on his bed, Jesper. Only I'm allowed to walk on his bed; he hardly ever notices.
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The fact that Inej wants to track Kaz’s movements from afar, just like she always has from the shadows, makes Jesper wipe his mouth to hide a grin.]
Oh, you walk on it, too? Well, it’s not like he uses it for sleeping. I am sitting on his desk wondering when he has time to dust. This room is freakishly clean. He’s cuddling the cat. Oh my goodness, it’s adorable. Kaz, speak up, we want to hear those sweet nothings you’re telling our little mascot.
[Jesper is, of course, entirely lying. Kaz simply gives him a long side eye as he sets the book on the table with a thump and pointedly moves the stool back away from the bed to sit in his desk chair rather than get comfortable. He does allow his bad leg to rest on the stool, his one concession to the weather.
Inej wants to hear Kaz’s voice, Jesper knows that’s part of the teasing. Raising his eyebrows, he makes a ‘come on’ gesture with his hands. Curious. He’s never known Kaz to be at a loss for words or shy about speaking.]
I’m sitting down questioning many life choices at the moment.
That requires drinking. Inej, love, find something to drink with us. Last person with a drink in their hands is the first one who has to make a toast.
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[ She scrambles to the other side of the room to grab a glass. There's a sound of water sloshing around. It doesn't matter to her that exclaiming they wait is against Jesper's proposal. She's at the loss here, having to rely on her hearing and only her hearing. Once she's happy with her glass, Inej returns to her desk, quietly sitting and not at all opting for the desk chair instead of the edge of her bed to parallel Kaz. Doing the same thing as him doesn't mean anything, even if it makes her feel utterly silly and like she's a young girl again with a crush. ]
It's water. Don't say a thing, Jesper.
I wasn't going to. [ Although, she waits for it, the gentle insult that he always hurls toward her when she's tripping over her own feet in the ways he never has. He pauses dramatically and if it wasn't for the gentle crackling, she'd fear she's lost them both. ] Although, water? Really? You're Captain of the True Sea and you're drinking water? That's quite boring. Don't you think, Boss?
[ Inej imagines Kaz has no opinion whatsoever, as he often seems to when Jesper's trying to rile one of them up by using the other. But Inej listens intently, wanting to be able to imagine the scene of them in Kaz's room. Kaz's scowl, Jesper's smile, and Kazzle slumbering undisturbed by his new family's antics. ]
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I think she wants to stay sober in case you end up asking to play a drinking game.
Mm. I suppose that is clever even if not as fun. We’re going to have to drink twice as much, Kaz.
One day we really need to remedy your lack of mathematical training. [A beat.] Though I do think we won and were faster. Pretty sure I heard that water sloshing after a drink was in my hand. [He can’t help but perfectly picture the indignant scowl that might bring out of her as he takes a sip from his glass to hide a smile. A proverbial pigtail pull.]
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[ Although… well… how can she prove it? Did Kaz already have a drink in his hand? Did Jesper? Had they gotten theirs while she was scurrying across the room to pour her own? A lesson she's learned from this is that the next time they're on audio, she'll request them to describe everything that they're doing to prevent such embarrassing losses as this. ]
My floor isn't as straight and grounded as yours! It's harder to move about!
[ The ship sways gently as if to protest. Not even the True Sea wishes to be on her side. ]
Excuses, excuses. [ Jesper sighs and shakes his head as though he's disappointed. He looks at Kaz and tips his glass toward him. ] Think we should make the captain give the toast? It was part of the rules, after all.
[ She gasps indignantly and does her best to try and hide her laughter. ]
No! I didn't lose!
[ Saints, she's missed them both. ]
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Jesper, can you make this device able to record conversations? I want to playback our acrobat saying she had trouble walking. Maybe she’s having water now because she started other beverages earlier.
Hm. Rather rude of her to drink without me around.
Maybe an apology to you should be part of that toast she owes us.
[It’s good Nina’s not around or she’d be giving him that knowing look whenever Inej laughs and what it does to him. Admittedly though, even getting to banter with Jesper after being embroiled in work details all day is relaxing him. As much as Kaz can ever relax.]
Right, go on, then Captain Nej. Give us a real inspirational tearjerker of a toast.
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[ It's not meant to be audible over the communicator, but Inej has never truly been one to quieten herself around her friends. She likes being seen and heard by them. It makes her feel less like a ghost.
Less like a clumsy ghost, it seems. Nothing ever gets past Kaz, not even when he can't see her. Although, she doubts he knows she's blushing. She hopes he doesn't know that. ]
Fine.
[ She clears her throat as she quickly considers her toast. She even holds her glass up, expecting Jesper to at least follow along without knowing. ]
I'd like to make this toast to the best person I know. This person is kind and generous and insanely funny and incredibly good-looking.
[ Inej can imagine Jesper preening to Kaz now as though she's speaking of him, and perhaps she is… She can't imagine Kaz reacting to anything in her toast. Inej ensures to pause dramatically, wanting Jesper to grow impatient with her. ]
That person is me. Toast. Drink up!
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I’d like it noted I’m also drinking to the look on Jesper’s face right now. Nicely done.
[He does raise his glass and drink, feeling the warm alcohol burn from his throat to his belly but is followed up with a rush of warmth.]
I see how it is. Well, I am drinking to my incredible patience in dealing with two children. And I’m trying to booze Kaz up so he’s more reasonable when I ask him why my boyfriend is working throughout the night.
Wylan told me that if he did he could have my project done by morning.
[Jesper sighs and takes another drink.]
Right. Inej, how does one point out to him that a normal human’s response would be ‘sleep and finish it by afternoon’ instead?
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You don't.
[ It's as simple as that. Kaz is a workhorse who doesn't know the meaning of sleep. And neither does Wylan. ]
But you have to remember that Wylan wouldn't be up working at this hour if he didn't want to. He's almost as bad as Kaz sometimes. He can never say no to solving a problem.
[ And she says it with affection. For all of his gentleness, Wylan is smart and persistent and a force to be reckoned with. She thinks that's why Kaz likes him, regardless of his family name. He's similar to Kaz in ways Inej isn't sure either man understands.
Jesper mutters, ] I really hate it when you're right. [ Then, much loudly, he says to Kaz, ] Don't you just hate it when she's right? It's absolutely annoying.
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Kaz is fine keeping this to himself though, that it’s not something new that Wylan is working on, because he can indeed be a bastard.]
What I find annoying is that you’re going to finish the last of my whiskey tonight.
We are going to finish it.
Either way you’re going to replace it for me.
Fine, it’s not like you care what brand I’d get you, anyway.
As long as the job gets done. [Honestly, if he's drinking in his bedroom, likely all he's caring about are the effects of the drink rather than the taste. As long as Jesper doesn't replace the bottle with water it's fine.]
[Jesper wishes that Kaz would care a little more about the simple joys in life, rather than end results.] Life isn't one long job, you know.
Sure. It can be a series of smaller jobs, too. [Kaz doesn't need a cane to deftly sidestep Jesper's point.]
[Jesper sighs and leaves it be for now. At least Kaz is sitting and drinking and talking with them for the moment. He knows he has Inej in large part to thank for that.] Did you know we got a cat on the crew now, Inej?
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I do.
[ She hesitates for a moment, making it a point to sip her water loudly as she considers whether she informs Jesper of the cat's name. But she can't trust Kaz to inform the crew and ensure the cat learns it. For all she knows, Jesper's looking to name it after himself. ]
Kazzle's waiting for me to come pick him up and take him for a treasure hunt for gold.
[ Jesper's quiet on the other end of the line, scarily so. She can imagine his face: the incredulity, the arched brow at Kaz, and his gazing at the cat and Kaz.
And then he laughs a big belly laugh. ]
Kazzle!
[ And he doesn't stop laughing. It's a sound that's better than anything Inej has heard over the last few days. ]
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Brilliant. A part of me wishes we’d saved that nickname for the larger one.
The larger one has bigger claws.
Let me guess, you object to being called anything else but Kaz because the additional syllable added is useless time wasted.
Dirtyhands has plenty of syllables.
[Jesper picks up the snoozy cat and looks him in the eye.] What do you think, Kazzle? Hm? I think our furry friend likes it.
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[ And he's much like his namesake, she presumes. She can't imagine Kaz taking to a cat that isn't like him in nature: sharp, distant, and very smart. ]
Also, Kaz doesn't look like a 'Kazzle', Jesper. His hair isn't fluffy enough and he's not as cute.
[ He's not what Inej would describe as "cute". He's handsome in a striking way. Jesper's handsome in a boyish way; the way he confidently holds himself draws everyone's eyes to him. Kaz's handsomeness is quieter than that—at least to her. Bright eyes, sharp nose, nicely shaped lips.
Jesper lets out a low whistle. ] Wow. [ He glances at Kaz before looking at Kazzle and scrunching his face at the cat. Definitely nicer than Kaz. ] No holding back there, Nej. The True Sea's made you a little meaner. I'm almost afraid of what you truly think of me.
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