#they're learning

understanding object permanence with- WHERE DID MAMA GO •< •< •< •<

I imagine Inej sitting on Kaz's desk as he finishes the day's paperwork, rebraiding her hair. Her eyelids are heavy and her fingers lack their usual grace, she doesn't even tease him when he stares at her. Maybe it's the faint scent of the sea on her, maybe it's the way the light of the setting sun dances on her skin, maybe he's just feeling brave that day, but Kaz takes off his gloves. May I? he asks as he reaches for her, palms up and slowly. Inej blinks a few times, surprised but not frightened, not hesitant per se... thoughtful. After a moment, she nods and Kaz breathes deeply. She follows his hands as he touches her hair, gently unraveling the loose plait to start again. He combs her hair briefly before parting it, his fingers moving with confidence. Focused, he watches her closely for any sign of discomfort, and she watches him in return, anchoring herself in the moment by the softness of his gaze upon her before her eyes flicker shut with a deep sigh. How did you learn? she asks, and his answer rolls off his tongue before his brain can filter it. I watched you. He had seen her do it a hundred times, memorized it since the second time. Inej blushes and he clears his throat, Who would have thought that these lockpicking hands could be used for something else? he snorts bitterly, but I did, she says quietly, and if he blushes, no one has to know.

(Moments before this happened.)

2023.12.20 Santa tell me if you're really there 🎄

I mean, not good enough. I’m still blocking you as spam. But I appreciate the effort.