Chapter Text
It was a relatively quiet evening in the Van Eck mansion. Wylan was out running errands and Jesper was home alone. Or he would have been, if Kaz had not stopped by shortly after dinner. It was now late evening and the two were deep in an intense game of cards. Both were excellent gamblers, but Kaz’s luck–or skill at stacking the deck–was putting the evening in his favor.
“Saints. Hope the next hand will be in my favor.” Jesper sighed as he tossed his latest losing hand on the table. He struck a pose, one hand at his breast and a dramatic expression. “For “even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise.’”
Kaz tilted his head back slightly. A small line appearing between his brows. He paused, and then turned his attention to gathering the cards, apparently deciding to ignore Jesper’s eloquent contribution to the conversation.
“Oh, come now.” Jasper cajoled. “Have you not an appreciation for Hugo? I would’ve thought you’d love the extensive ramblings on the inner workings of a city? Or did the very mention of faith and religion repel you?”
If it were anyone else Jesper would have accompanied the teasing with a slight shove or elbow to the ribs, but this was Kaz, so he stuck to bemoaning and leaning against the table in front of him. He liked his fingers attached, thank you very much.
“Don’t know him.” Kaz grunted, collecting the cards for the next round. “He someone you met at the university?”
Jesper gaped, for once in his life entirely forgetting about the game.
“Meet Victor Hugo in Ketterdam University?!” Jesper laughed, “By the Saints what a chance that would be.” He fantasized about the theoretical meeting before crinkling his face at Kaz across the table. “Do you really not know who he is? I mean he’s only one of the most famous authors of the day.”
Kaz rolled his eyes, deftly dancing the cards between his gloved hands
“The Bastard of the Barrel does not have the luxury or time for reading novels, Jesper.” He scoffed. “I doubt I’ve read a single book assigned in your coursework.”
“But how–” Jesper made to push the issue, but paused, noting the tenseness in Kaz’s shoulders and unnecessary focus he was putting into shuffling. “–then when you do find the time, you’re always welcome to borrow any of my books. They’re upstairs on a shelf in the hall. I’m sure you can sneak in without me even noticing.”
Kaz nodded, and the next game began without further comment on the subject.
Later, after several more rounds of cards and no more mention of Victor Hugo, Jesper almost thought he heard a small “thanks” from the Barrel Boss as he made his way out the door. Of course, it must have been his imagination.