noreasonneeded | IC/Overflow Post

I was not the last to get a drink!

[ 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. ]

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)

Ugh.

[ 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!

[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.

Edited 2023-04-16 10:07 (UTC)

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.

I don’t know, Inej. I think Kaz still wins in the scary department. Little Kazzle though can take second place and be terrifying to whomever he wants as long as I can keep scratching between his ears. [The cat is smart and useful, at least at mouse catching, and definitely a survivor. All traits that Kaz shares. He’s nicer than Kaz is though, or at least, he likes being in rooms with other people and tolerates Jesper and Nina’s physical affection after they earned it. He even purrs from time to time.]

I’d be more afraid of the hats she’s bringing back. [Kaz has very rarely cared in the past over what people thought of his appearance in terms of attractiveness. Imogen had made him want to straighten his collar, and smooth his hair. Years later now he feels an instinctive urge to reach a hand up and run it through his hair now, even though she’s not here. Even though Jesper is watching him more keenly than usual, so he fights the urge and instead takes another drink, slower this time. There’s nothing in his belly but booze right now and he doesn’t want to tip over into getting drunk.] Thoughts weigh heavier when they’re coupled with actions that stem from them.

No, nope, we’re not doing that. No deep thoughts, only deep drinks. No true crime theorizing, either. I know what you two do when you think nobody else is around and honestly I’m embarrassed for you.

Edited 2023-04-16 10:51 (UTC)

You're just jealous, Jesper. [ Inej purposefully sighs in exasperation. ] There's nothing wrong with trying to solve crimes. It's actually very good for you.

[ Jesper deadpans, ] Don't tell me, it exercises your brain.

It does, actually!

[ Jesper makes a noise of amusement and shakes his head in pity. Inej doesn't need to be there to know he looks at Kaz as though he can commiserate with him before realising that Kaz isn't Wylan… not that Wylan would join him. Nina's his best bet in joining his attempts to embarrass them. ]

Kaz and I have fun, Jesper. [ Her voice sounds pitchy as though she's exclaiming it—and she is. She's a little protective of their time spent trying to solve crimes that remain unsolvable. It's a time when Kaz opens up to her in a way that he doesn't to anyone else. But Jesper doesn't need to know that.

Instead, she goes for a different tack. ] If we drank, there'd be nothing left for you to drink. We're doing you a favour being embarrassing.

[Kaz hears the elevated note in her voice, the defense of their time spent together. He doesn’t even have to say anything, but his gaze goes to the phone in quiet contemplation. The fact that it means as much to her as it does to him makes his stomach do a small flip, makes him feel warm in a way that isn’t just the alcohol smoothing over prickled nerves.]

I suppose I can still keep you both around then, as long as you know it’s embarrassing. [It’s gentle teasing he then backs up from, not wanting to actually upset her. Them. He glances over at Kaz, noting the other man just staring at the phone as though he could see through it right into her face. He takes a long pull from the bottle and leans over to pour more into Kaz’s glass.]

Kaz is having a staring contest with inanimate objects, but I think I can speak for him in saying he feels the same.

[That draws a familiar look snapped in his direction.] She’s right. I didn’t have to say anything.

Just making sure we didn’t lose you. Right then, no conspiracy theorizing. Inej, did he tell you how our new staff is working out? The girls we’ve now got on the wait staff?

[ Did she hear Jesper correctly? Of course, she did. Jesper is nothing if not loud and domineering. Even in a fierce storm, he'd fight thunder and lightning to be heard.

Inej doesn't respond immediately as she readjusts in her seat, letting one of her legs hang over the armrest. Kaz not telling her everything isn't new. Sometimes she liked to think he kept some things purposefully from her to see if she'd eventually uncover them. Most of the time, she believed he didn't tell her things because he didn't want to. The reasons varied depending on her moods. ]

No.

[ She clears her throat after realising that one small word came out entirely too soft. ]

Although, I wouldn't put it past you, Jesper, to irritate them. Has Kesh tried to get you back yet for annoying her?

[ She assumes it's Kesh. Who else would Jesper be referring to other than her friends from the Menagerie, the very girls she recommended Kaz trust? ]

[He didn’t tell her. He didn’t say that now that he has Pekka’s money, he bought out every indentured servant he could. That Kaz had rolled over his fortune once again on those who needed a hand in the dark, because he felt assured he could afford it right now and because he was more than his bark implies. Of course he hadn’t, because it’s never been about impressing Inej. It’s about not rolling back on a promise to people who Ketterdam needed as an anchor. This is only the start.

Jesper sees Kaz’s little head shake, and he changes tactic, keeping the focus on himself rather than Kaz.]

Two have even made their way into the kitchen as assistants to the chef. The food and drink pairings have never been better. Delia’s become quite the artistic pastry chef while someone in the room’s been helping her find patronage as a painter. Tareen uses a lot of booze in her cooking so you know she’s become one of my favorite additions to the club. Kaz, we should look at investing in restaurants.

I have thought about it. Greater diversification in my businesses, that is. I’d tell you the long term plans but I’ve been banned by you from talking business tonight. [Right now all he knows is that his stomach is growling at the kitchen mention and he rubs it for a moment.]

Right, no business, just thoughts on getting some pastries next time to go so I can make Inej jealous while I eat them.

I'm already jealous!

[ It warms her to know that her friends are being looked after. And not just that—that they've been given a second chance. If anyone deserved one, it's them, the girls in the too-small cage. Inej doesn't think to tell Kaz thanks; she knows he doesn't want it, wouldn't accept it, and would possibly be mad that she even felt the need to utter it. But she's grateful that he'd made good on his promise to look after everyone who has been left to die in the gutter in the Barrel.

Her mission may be to strip the Barrel bosses of their dignity and fortunes, but she had been adamant from the start that not all Barrel bosses were made of the same stuff. He's proof of it. ]

You'll eat some of it for me, won't you? Delia's so creative, and Tareen likes to have a good laugh. You'll have to make sure you charge what her food is worth, Jesper. It's good even without the booze.

Yes, yes. [ Jesper sighs like Inej is telling him everything he already knows—and that only warms her even more. She wonders what else he knows about them. Knowing Jesper, he's already befriended them and created inside jokes. ] It's fascinating how you're still so pushy even at a great distance.

[ Although Inej chuckles, she's too excited. ] Is Milena there? You have to make sure she sees Zofia. The mistress down by the corner. It's where I take all my clothes that need fixing.

[ Jesper deadpans and rolls his eyes, although what he's about to say is an utter lie. ] I know who Zofia is, Inej.

Milena's really good. You should give her some of your hats. She'll fix them perfectly. They'll be as good as new!

[ Jesper chuckles. ] Did I forget to mention that you've grown exceptionally bossy while you've been gone?

[Kaz hasn’t done it for Inej, but that doesn’t mean that he doesn’t take some pleasure in hearing her excitement. Kerch is his home, and Ketterdam flows within his blood. He takes ownership of what transpires within her borders, he’s made himself the boogieman that frightens other criminals who seek to silence any who might cry out in pain. He’s used his profit and power to create a protective shield around those that he’s gathered into his care, and targets are planted on those who exist outside it. He’s only just started on his mission, and in all honesty, what’s on his docket now extends beyond Ketterdam’s borders too, but he’ll always be first and foremost her guardian. He’ll just exact the price he’s owed for it.

All those plans though easily are left in his mind as listens to Jesper and Inej talk to one another. They seem content, so he simply reaches over and pulls a pile of papers towards him from his desk that he begins to look over.]

[ Now that Inej has confirmation that her two worlds, the one that had been dark and dreary and the one that had given her purpose and a promise of the future, have collided, she can't stop thinking about all the possibilities. The girls might not become crows, but she knows that they'll be able to unfurl their wings and learn to fly without a peacock's feathers blocking their way. ]

And Ivanna, you have to let her talk to Wylan. She loves music. He'd be able to teach her so many things, Jes.

[ Jesper makes a noise of amusement. ] Why do you assume that I gatekeep Wylan from anybody?

Because you do. I couldn't even speak to him during my second last week without you hovering by his side.

I was not hovering! [ Jesper pauses and clears his throat, looking at Kaz pointedly. Then he says quietly, ] Think we lost him, 'Nej. Two very good-looking, audibly attractive people are conversing in front of him and he loses interest. [ He scoffs. ] Typical.

[ Inej smiles. Her voice is fond, ] He's doing paperwork, isn't he?

Yep. [ Jesper ensures to pop the p. He waves long fingers in front of Kaz's face. ]

[Kaz doesn't actually need any figures written down to remember them, he can balance books in his head, but paper trails have other uses. He's keeping an ear out for them as he works, so it's not entirely surprising when the fingers appear. Still, he jerks his head back away from them and looks up with a raised eyebrow.] I heard what you were saying.

[ At least he hasn't left. Inej doubts he'd do so without saying goodbye, especially when none of them knows when she'll be available next to talk. Tomorrow night could see a tumultuous sea, and the next could be even worse. Inej loves the unpredictability of the ocean, but she also likes it best when she knows what she's walking into next.

Jesper cocks his brow, glancing at the communicator as though Inej can see it. It's unfortunate she can't; she'd mimic his stance and plant her hands on her hips, too. ]

Alright, then. Quote us back.

Make sure he does the voices right!

You heard the Wraith, Kaz. Do our voices.

I'm not doing voices. You were talking about the new hires' talents and you gatekeeping. Ta-da.

I'm pretty certain that doesn't count as a magic trick, but fair enough. I still protest the last part.

Kaz reaches for his cane before starting to get to his feet.]

Woah, woah, woah. Where do you think you’re going? You don’t escape a meeting with the captain without a proper excuse.

[Raising an eyebrow at being questioned, Kaz holds up his glass to show he’s been drinking. Ergo…] Bathroom.

Mm. I don’t know if we should let him, Inej. He could have slight of handed drinking somehow. He might be sneaking downstairs to work with Wylan. [Jesper taps his chin teasingly in thought.] You think he’d be too worried otherwise about us conspiring together to risk leaving us alone.

Edited 2023-04-17 09:58 (UTC)

[ Inej is grateful that Jesper clarifies whether or not Kaz is leaving. While she likes speaking to Jesper, she'd expected to spend the evening talking to Kaz until he declares it a night or she's forced to end the call and resume to her life on the sea. ]

We've been conspiring in front of him for years, Jesper. I don't think Kaz takes us very seriously when we're scheming.

[ Jesper sucks on his teeth. ] That's a damn shame. We're incredible schemers.

We learned from the best. [ Inej says it warmly, smiling. She doesn't know if Kaz is still there; she ensures her voice doesn't sound desperate, either. It'd been easier when she had been in Ketterdam, but it's harder to track him without being able to see him. ] Kaz wouldn't leave without saying goodbye, Jes. You have to keep me entertained while he goes and does Kaz things.

Kaz things. [ Jesper repeats it like he's trying that out for size. ] What makes a thing a 'Jesper thing', I wonder.

Hats. Long coats. Buttons. Anything slightly insufferable.

The bathroom is not a Kaz thing.

Well, you were the one leaving for it. [Silently Jesper points at the communicator, makes a little 'talking' pantomime with his fingers, then points to Kaz, as he exaggeratingly mouths in Kaz's direction 'SHE wants to TALK to YOU. Then loudly he adds] Oh look he's not in a rush and can wait.

[After a beat Kaz takes a seat again. He hadn't been lying, but it is also true that he'd rather wait than miss out talking to her.]

Your thing is being very bad at shadow puppets.

Those weren't - all right, you know what, it's her turn. Inej things... mistaking charm for insufferability.

Edited (It's Kaz so I had to clarify when he's not lying.) 2023-04-17 11:14 (UTC)

[ Furrowing her brows in amusement, she wonders briefly what signal Jesper had given Kaz. She imagines he hadn't wanted her to know about it, but Kaz being Kaz often ruins Jesper's attempts at being subtle, which are few and far between given he's often like a brick to the face.

Inej shakes her head and chuckles fondly. ] Jesper, let Kaz go. Stop being so charmingly insufferable.

Insufferably charming.

Charmingly insufferable. [ She ensures to make her voice sound whiny, ] And I was really kind in how I described you! You didn't even try, Jes.

You said buttons, a hat, and insufferable! You’re lucky you’re nearly as endearing as I am or else I might take offense. You didn’t mention my guns at all.

It isn’t your guns that impress. It’s the aim.

The two go together.

Only if you limit yourself. [It’s Jesper’s turn to shut up for a moment, as Kaz adds rocks to the mirth for weight, and both men back off from the sentiment before it can take hold.]

Go on then, oh man of words after whiskey, what have you to say of our Wraith? What to Kaz Brekker is an Inej Ghafa Thing?

[It’s not fair. Jesper’s playing with a loaded deck, and Kaz can’t swindle when it’s regarding her.]

Presence.

[She’s seen. Heard. By him. Always. If he was a sentimental man he’d claim he’d know if her pulse ever stopped beating from afar. But he isn’t. He just trusts her knives and motives to keep her alive. She’s present, not a ghost, and she’s making her presence known to those who should fear her.]

... okay. That’s definitely a choice. I was going to go with complicated but impressive hair braids.

Edited (On one hand, I html fail. On the other, I made a great dinner while tagging. I come out even. ) 2023-04-18 00:27 (UTC)

And you're complaining about me picking buttons and a hat!

[ Leave it to Jesper to always provide the possibility for a lighter tangent. Inej shouldn't be surprised by Kaz's answer. He's always been the one who's seen her. Even long before she became the Wraith, he saw her when the men who visited the Menagerie refused to. Sometimes she wishes he wouldn't and let her fade into the shadows, but it's in those moments where she's afraid she's lost herself that his being able to sense her lack of audible footfalls brings her back down to earth. ]

I can teach you how to do the hair braids if you sit still long enough and listen.

[ Jesper blows out a puff of air. ] I listen. [ He clears his throat. ] What did you say?

[ Inej rolls her eyes as she smiles. ]

See? Insufferable. My three choices were perfectly fine. Kaz would agree.

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