Chapter Text
Wylan has been hovering at the bottom of the stairs to Kaz’s office for close to ten minutes. Every time he starts to ascend, he finds himself frozen in place by the beat of his heart and the pinch in his brow.
He could totally do this, it’s just Kaz.
It’s not like he needs to be afraid or anything. He’s known Kaz for years. Besides, the worst he can do is say ‘no’.
Nevermind how much that would hurt.
Rolling back his shoulders, Wylan once again started up the stairs, refusing to back down again. Determined, he arrived at Kaz’s door and knocked.
This was a terrible idea.
Before he can flee, he hears the soft “come in,” and knows he is left with no choice.
Kaz doesn’t look up from his work as Wylan enters, but he does gesture to the chair across from him, which Wylan carefully takes.
When he doesn’t say anything, Kaz looks up with a glare, faltering when catching the look on Wylan’s face.
“You asked to see me?”
Wylan’s heart somehow manages to beat faster, but he made it this far.
“Yes, I did,” he takes a deep breath, “I have a request, or I guess it’s more of a favor.”
Kaz quirks an eyebrow, gesturing for him to continue. Wylan looked down, twisting the band that now sat on his ring finger.
“Jesper and I have begun the whole process for wedding planning.” At this Kaz simply nodded. Wylan continued, “We think we’ll do a small ceremony, only with the people closest to us and then a more public reception.”
“That sounds reasonable.”
Another deep breath, “Yes, we wanted to make sure our friends can feel comfortable attending, even the ones who may not be the best with crowds.” That is to say, the vast majority of those attending their ceremony were for some reason or other wanted by the Stadwatch.
“Jesper and I have been discussing some of the details. You know, where it will be, who exactly is attending, the wedding party, all that.” He was rambling now, unable to fully stop himself as he kept his eyes solely on his ring rather than on Kaz’s face.
“Wylan, did you schedule this meeting to discuss wedding planning?” At this his eyes flickered up, though only briefly. Kaz didn’t look angry, but he did look confused, and the slight furrow to his brow hinted at a bit of concern. Wylan steeled himself, finally making eye contact with the man he had come to admire since he was sixteen.
After a long pause, Wylan finally spoke. “So, we both know that my father…isn’t the best.”
“I assumed that was clear given his current residence in Hellgate.”
Wylan huffed a laugh despite himself.
“Yes, and Jesper and I decided that we’re both going to be escorted down the aisle. He’s having Colm escort him.”
“I’m assuming your mother will be walking you?”
“No.” At Kaz’s look, he continued, “I love my mother, but she is still recovering from her time in Sainte Hilde, and she’s missed so much of my life. I don’t think it makes much sense.”
“So who?”
It was now or never. He may very well die of embarrassment, but at least he won’t die a coward.
“I was hoping you would walk me down the aisle. I know you’re not that much older than me, but you’re the closest thing I have to a father. You’ve always believed in me, despite my…inabilities. You saved me from my father. Not to mention I just look up to you. So, I was hoping you would be willing.”
He was met with silence.
A terrifyingly long silence.
Wylan began to stand, mumbling apologies through the lump in his throat as he scrambled for the door.
“Yes.”
Wylan froze, hand already on the doorknob, unsure if he heard correctly.
“Yes I will walk you down the aisle.” Wylan turned around to see Kaz staring at him, not smiling, but far from the angered look Wylan had expected.
“You will?” His voice was small, barely above a whisper.
“Yes. I should hope that in your time in the dregs you’ve come to recognize that you are cared for here.” He made firm eye contact, not proceeding until Wylan held his gaze, “It would be an honor, Wylan. Truly.”
Wylan nodded, unsure how to respond. Eventually, he managed a soft “Thank you,” before opening the door to leave, stopping when Kaz called to him.
“I’m very happy for you and Jesper. And Wylan,” he paused, ensuring he had the demolitionist’s full attention, “I’m very proud of you.” At this, the man simply turned back to his work, allowing Wylan to stand in shock before rushing out the door and down the stairs, heart beating out of his chest.
But he wore a wide smile and felt lighter than he had in years.
Unbeknownst to Wylan, approximately a month earlier Jesper had stood in from of Kaz’s door, palms sweaty and feeling far too much like he was walking to his doom.
When he entered, Kaz was clearly waiting for him, his constant pile of papers neatly stacked to the side so he could keep his gloved hands folded in front of him, looking every part the Bastard of the Barrell.
He can do this. The worst he can do is say no.
Actually, considering who he's asking, the worst that can happen is he dies. Jesper could picture his pretty face beaten and bruised because he made a bad bet on Kaz Brekker’s kindness.
“Jesper,” Kaz said, interrupting his plans for his inevitable demise, “if you’re not going to sit and tell me what this is about, then get out.”
“Good to see you too, Kaz,” he said, trying to sound casual as he threw himself into the chair across from Kaz. Has this chair always been this hard? It’s not unlike what he imagines would be used in an interrogation room, but maybe that’s the point.
“Jesper, why are you here? I’m busy.”
“Yeah, no no I get that. I just have something to ask you.”
“Then get on with it.”
He knew that look, Kaz was suspicious and he did not look to be in a giving mood.
Jesper reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, square box, opening it to reveal a ring, before setting it on the desk between them. He steeled himself, trying to read Kaz’s stony expression.
“I’m flattered, but as you know my one true love is Kruge, so I will have to refuse the kind offer, Jesper,” Kaz deadpanned. Jesper barked a laugh, feeling some of the tension slip from his shoulders.
“First of all, we both know your ‘one true love’ in Inej, don’t even pretend it’s not. Second, I’m planning on proposing to Wylan.”
Kaz rolled his eyes at the first statement, but his eyes betrayed his cool demeanor.
“Congratulations. I trust you and the merchling will be very happy together. Why are you sharing this with me? I trust you can figure out how to ask him yourself without coming to me for help.”
Jesper rubbed the back of his neck, feeling his anxieties rise again.
“I was hoping you would give me your blessing.”
There was a long pause before Kaz spoke again.
“What?”
“Look, you’re really important to Wy, he looks up to you. I’m not about to go ask his bastard of a father, but I want to know that you support this and all. That you want this for him.”
“So you’re having me stand in for his father?”
“Exactly!” He didn’t miss the incredulous tone Kaz used, but it was the truth. Kaz may be the same age as Wylan, but for all intents and purposes, he might as well be the kid’s dad. A scary, mildly evil dad, but a dad all the same.
Kaz waited a moment to speak, and when he did his voice was hoarser than usual.
“The decision is his. But if this is what he wants, then that’s that. You two are good together. You,” he paused and took a deep breath, and when he spoke, he almost sounded as though he couldn’t believe the words that were leaving his mouth. “You have my blessing.”
Jesper smiled so wide his face hurt and he stood, as did Kaz. Jesper held out his hand for Kaz to shake and, after a brief moment’s hesitation, he did. Before he could break the handshake, Kaz tightened his grip, just enough to pull Jesper a bit closer.
“Treat him well.”
Tears sprung to Jesper’s eyes, and his smile only seemed to brighten.
“I will.”