The market was not busy as it wasn’t a popular hour for shopping. Yet most of the shopkeepers dutifully put out their goods and promoted their wares hoping for some buyers.
“What’s the first thing on her list?” Kaz inquired.
“Carrots,” Inej said, quickly checking the list she had stored in her pocket.
They both looked at one another, unsure of where to go.
Unfortunately, there usual help was sick and couldn’t make it in today, leaving Kaz to do the shopping. Hoping for some help, he’d recruited Inej to join him.
“Well, let’s start searching then,” Inej directed. Kaz followed her, large basket in hand as they scanned the stalls lining the street.
They came across potatoes, breads, and meats before they reached a wide cart boasting farm fresh fruits and vegetables.
“Oh, strawberries!” Inej exclaimed, taking up a handful of the bright fruit and bringing it to her nose. “I might just have to get some for myself since we’re out here.”
Kaz watched her eyes alight with joy at such a simple pleasure. He liked seeing her this way, unburdened, happy. In these small moments, they could forget their troubles.
“There on me,” Kaz said. Scooping a handful into a small bag for her. Inej looked at him in surprise, but did not protest.
“Thank you, Kaz,” she said, smiling brightly up at him, just as he had hoped she would.
“Think nothing of it,” Kaz replied.
“Would you like one?” Inej offered.
Kaz considered a moment before nodding. Inej reached into the bag and pulled out a fresh, large strawberry and brought up to his mouth. It was Kaz’s turn to look surprised, but he obliged and bit in to the plump, red fruit. He savored the taste, mouth now wet with its juice.
“Simple pleasures are best shared,” Inej said, smiling up at him now with desire in her eyes.
Kaz licked his lips clean. “Agreed.”
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the
Organization for Transformative Works
She’s more driven than anything right now. She has her freedom, she has a place that she’s going to, she has her brother to save, she has the money, she has the crew. So, I think that’s where she’s gone off.
turnnoffyourmind
theartofmadeline
areudirty
blakekathryn
stormborns
