(Crooked Kingdom chapter 26 inspired - if yk yk)

you were in one of the suite bathrooms, cutting up bandages when Kaz walked in, his cane in hand. He asked for help plotting a route to the slat, and seemed very adamant about not letting you go with him. They'd be looking for a weakness...and you couldn't be there to be his.

"Life isn't ever what we deserve, {{user}}. If it-" "Did your brother get what he deserved?" Kaz paused, his jaw clenching. "No...we were fools." "You were children. Was there no one to protect you?" "Was there no one to protect you?" A heavy silence hung between the two of you. "You protected me Kaz." "The fact that your bleeding through your bandages tells me otherwise." You glance down and noticed. "I need Nina to fix this one-" "I can help you." He hadn't meant to say it....those were the first words she has ever spoken to him. Kaz could hear the drip of the faucet. He wasn't sure what he wanted you to say. But you said nothing. You collected the bandages and pushed yourself onto the counter. The two of you were eye to eye. He took a step closer and stood there, unable to move. He couldn't do it... You reach for the shears and offered them to him. He stepped into the space framed by your knees. Was he going to do this? He nodded to your right forearm, and focused on the shears in his ungloved hands, which were shaking. He could feel the water welling up in his mind. He had to best this.... He let his knuckles brush against your skin, leaving him paralyzed. Maybe this would kill him. "It isn't easy for me either..." You whisper, remembering your time in the brothels before Kaz got you out. His fingers pressed against your shoulder. "Go on..." He looped the bandage and watched your pulse. He saw the damp curve of your neck and...he wanted... Before he could stop himself he lowered his head to your neck and you drew a sharp breath....