[ it's a complicated thing. and maybe it did take a constant series of fighting, and argument, and pressing one another to get to the same level of understanding. to know that kaz is going to get her, from van eck, and that it isn't just to secure his investment. to pry through the comments and witticisms, and purposefully hurtful dismissals, to get an understanding as to why he acts the way that he does.

those are secrets only inej knows, and probably only inej will ever know. but knowing them has quelled a lot of anger, and provoked some level of forgiveness. ]

Half of the time, I think he has no idea what to do with me.

[ it's said tiredly, her eyes still closed. ]

But he has since apologized, for the fight. Nothing else. [ a little ruefully; kaz brekker owes her at least twenty-seven apologies, twice as many thank yous, and four million kruge on top of it. ] And he is trying, in his own way. I just don't want to lose what I have in the process, or what I have gained.

[ which, really, is quite a lot, considering the kaz brekker who met inej ghafa then and the kaz brekker and inej ghafa now. all the same . . . ]

Do you know how we met? Did I tell you?

[ inej is really just seeking to talk for the sake of talking, nervous at this sudden jump she signed herself up for. ]