GRISHAVERSE X READERS

[KAZ BREKKER DRABBLE]

Prompt: D17. Smile

Word count: 590

After you had come back from Ravka from a mission which had been three months long, a party was held for you at the Slat. Nina had made a mountain of waffles, Wylan and Jesper had (tried) to bake a cake, Inej had decorated the place pretty and Matthias was helping Nina to serve waffles. It was a funny sight to see that big Fjerdan as a waiter, but you were happy to see how much they cared.

Kaz hadn't really done anything visible, but you knew he was overjoyed to see you. Even when his face had its usual, static expression. But he'd sat beside you all night, listening to your stories about the mission, drinking in every detail, his eyes shining with pride. He was always so careful not to show it in fear that it would be noticed, but Kaz loved you fiercely—more than he ever had before. He was so proud of you, and he didn't even need to say it. You had learned to read him over the years. You just smiled at him, your eyes bright as you excitedly babbled about the mission, how good it had went and how you had befriended people along the way, your friends with the Dregs and Crows coming up to hug you every now and then and Nina bringing you yet another plate of waffles and Kaz looked at you, looked at your smile, your laugh, and found himself falling even more in love with you if that was possible.

And Kaz smiled softly too - something he very rarely did, but somehow you had awakened something in him he thought he had lost, what he had dreaded to get back for so long, but still wanting to have it. If not for else, then for you. You were all that mattered now, and he wished you would stay with him, help him out of that sea for good.

He knew that you would succeed in saving him eventually, but this night wasn't about that. This night was about you, to make you feel loved and appreciated, welcomed back. He was so happy to have you back, always waiting for your letters and immediately writing a reply back. Your letters were strictly professional as Kaz wanted to protect your safety at all costs so you weren't revealed as Dirtyhands' girlfriend, but now when you were back, he could make up the lost words he had wanted to say in those letters. He didn't say things like I love you very often, but when you were gone for so long, he found himself wanting to say so much to you, often feeling bad that he hadn't even tried to hold your hand before you got on the ship, too afraid of getting his flashbacks and you having to be worried of him as you sailed away. But now you were back, and he got to make up all of it.

He slowly inched his gloved hand closer to yours under the table when you were laughing at Jesper and Wylan being silly, linking the tips of your fingers, and your eyes immediately snapped to your joined hands, before your smile grew even wider and you looked at him, biting your lower lip. Kaz felt himself smile a little again too as he looked at your hands, you curling your fingers around Kaz's lightly before he pulled away.

But even though the partial handhold lasted for just a few seconds, it was the best coming home-gift you got that night.