After no word for weeks, Inej's letter was a savior. He poured over the letter, searching for every trace of her within her sentences.

She was coming home. Inej would be home soon.

He had a day to prepare. A day until she would settle back on his windowsill and feed the birds.

A day until everything went back to normal.

Or maybe not normal. Not when Kaz searched deep within himself for some small bit of courage.

And if he couldn't tell her how he felt, he would fall to his knees and beg.

Hours later, when the night chill chased the children inside, Kaz made his way to the docks without his gloves.

He dressed in a white button-up shirt and a pair of black pants.

Snowflakes dappled his hair and his eyelashes, pleasant and soft. A chilled wind rushed in from the ocean, swarming into the city to blow unwanted trash along the roads.

Kaz waited, though. Waited until a slim ship docked in the harbor.

His whole world was on that ship. His whole world was about to walk into the cold air, walk to him.

If only he didn't fear to touch her. If only he could wrap her in his arms, embrace her, hold her.

She emerged among a few sailors, bidding them quiet goodbyes before she started scanning the docks. A smile slid onto her face as she beheld Kaz waiting for her.

"Kaz," she whispered as she arrived at his side.

"H-hi," he stuttered, ducking his head at his own embarrassment. She looked so beautiful, illuminated by the cold moon. A silver aura surrounded her, making her shine brighter than the many stars in the clear night sky.

"It's been a while," she murmured, sitting beside him. She sat closer than a mere friend would.

"We should go home."

He finally lifted his gaze, meeting her beautiful brown eyes.

"Home," she whispered, turning over the words.

"Yes."

So they returned to the Slat in silence, walking up to his room without saying hello to anybody.

When they were alone, Inej perched on the edge of his desk while he leaned against the wall.

"How have you been?" She asked.

Kaz met her gaze again and he was helpless. He was drowning in his want for her, his desperate, desperate want.

Without thinking, he stepped towards her. She stretched up on the desk, her shoulders straightening.

"I've been well."

Inej smiled and said, "Jesper and Wylan?"

He took another step forward, her knees brushing his. "Good."

She tilted her head back, her unbound brown hair rustling with the movement. "Kaz."

"Inej."

Was Kaz prepared for this? Prepared for this moment with her?

Every emotion he'd locked away since he was nine roared in his ears, threatening to suffocate him, bury him.

Her eyebrows raised in a silent challenge and Kaz sucked in a deep breath.

Then she smiled that beautiful smile. Kaz's mind emptied of everything except her and he leaned down.

Their lips brushed and it seemed as if sparks were igniting. They were standing in a blazing fire, a whirlwind of beauty and danger. Kaz loved it, yet feared it.

He stepped closer, Inej's legs around his waist. His hands held her cheeks, her arms looped around him.

Inej's skin didn't make his stomach turn over or recoil. No, all he wanted to do was feel her against him.

They broke apart, taking in as much air as they could. As soon as they both regained their breathing, Inej stretched up and connected their lips once more.

She tasted like cinnamon and maple syrup, so sweet and irreplaceable.

The kiss ended and Kaz hated admitting that he wanted more. But he wouldn't push her into any situation that would remind her of her time at the Menagerie. No, Kaz would not hurt her in that unforgivable way.

He didn't realize he was crying until she wiped a tear from his cheek. "You're alright."

"I know," he murmured, resting his face in her hand. She stroked his high cheekbones, her thumb warm and comforting.

They stayed like that for a while, holding each other in a perfect, wonderful silence.

And for the first time in years, Kaz smiled a pure, blissful smile.

Inej met his gaze and did the same.