Colm:

It had been 2 months since I had taken Kaz in. He still hadn't talked to us much, but he had started replying with "Yes, sir" and "No, sir" to me. I found it concerning that a city boy would be using those kinds of manners. Sure, he had grown up on a farm, but he had been living in the city for almost 8 years.

I was concerned to say the least. So I decided to do something I had vowed not to ever do. To look into his file, and basically stalk his past. It was the only way to help him.

I looked through the file, deciding to start at the beginning. The darkness from the night sky added to the eyre mood. I grab the file out of the cabinet, it's at least 30o pages, which is a lot considering Nina's was about half a thick.

(Forgive me I have no idea what's in these, I would appreciate it if someone would correct me.)

The first page starts out with his name, Kaz Reitvield. Why would he change it? It also gives some information about his early life. A mother, father, and a brother. No wonder Kaz had gotten close to Jesper, he was like a surrogate brother.

Jordan "Jordie" Reitvield. (Deceased) pg. 137

What happened must have something to do with why Kaz is so angsty.

I flip to page 45, and start to read.

Kaz Reitvield was found 20 days after his brother's death. They left Lij and lived on the streets after being conned by Jacob Hertzoom as Kas recalls. Losing all of their fortune and being left to the Plague. Jordan and Kaz were thrown into Reaper's barge, both thought to be dead. But Kaz uses a body to get back to shore. And to reinvent himself and Kaz Brekker.

After effects of the Trauma including damaged vocal chords from the Plague, and inability to touch others without panic. Recommended to go into a rich home with the tools and kruge to get a therapist.

This was worse than I expected. No wonder Kaz was the way he was. I was barely halfway through the file, there must be more. Something that explains his trust issues. I flip through the pages, finding some of his homes. One including Pekka Rollins. I thought I had heard the name before, wasn't he what they called a Barrel boss in Ketterdam?

I quickly flip to the page to only be met with horror. Allegedly Kaz had made an attempt on Pekkas life, after being almost starved and beaten to death. When the social worker asked if I had wanted him even though he's dangerous, I assumed that he wouldn't be of harm to any of us. She hadn't told me that he had tried to murder someone before. I felt so bad for the boy, he was given a crappy hand, and would be playing with it for the rest of his life.

I go back and read the entire file. Finding out Kaz was involved in an "accident" where his leg was hammered until it was shattered, then forced to do work while it healed for a gang called "the dregs". Which he was eventually taken away from and put here. It was the longest he'd been in a foster home, and he was there for only a couple years.

This child had gone through so much, in so little time. That's the moment I decided that this would never happen to him again. I was going to adopt him.

-

The next day I sent a letter requesting an adoption form from Kerch. About 2 weeks later I receive the form, and fill it out as soon as none of the teens are near. I had adopted Nina 2 months after meeting her, so I hadn't waited much longer with Kaz, mostly because the form took so long to send.

I call a family meeting, wanting to break the news to them all at once. I also allow Nina and Jesper to invite Inej, Matthias, and Wylan. "So, I've decided that Kaz has been a good fit in our household." I say with some amount of authority.

"We agree!" Nina and Jesper say, probably having it figured out by now, after a few glances between the group, Kaz looks up and nods his head.

"So, to act on that," I push the papers towards Kaz. I can see the shock in his eyes, and can't place whether he is exited or scared. He looks down then back up at me, and continues the motion. "What do you say Kaz, do you want to be part of the family?" I ask.

He looks at Jesper, who is nodding encouragingly. Then around at the rest of the "crows" as they call themselves. I start to notice that Kaz is getting overwhelmed. It was a lot to put on a kid, especially considering his past. "Can I have a moment alone with Kaz?" I ask, well, tell the kids to leave the room. Which they all obey.

"Hey, Kaz, if you don't want this it's ok, you have every right to deny." I say supportively. Obviously I would be disappointed if Kaz didn't want to sign the papers, but it's not like I would treat him any different.

"I want to be." Kaz says, gradually getting quieter as the sentence goes on.

"What?" I say, wanting to verify.

"I want to be part of the family." Kaz says more confidently.

Instead of replying I just grin, hand him a pen and the paper and point to where he has to sign. "If you sign here you agree to get adopted." I informed him.

Kaz signs it with an immaculate signature. Then gives me a small grin that you wouldn't notice unless you knew him. "Shall we go tell the others?" I ask, and get a nod in reply.

We walk into the kitchen, greeted by 5 pairs of eager eyes. "So?" Jesper let's out.

"I no longer have 2 children, I have three!" I say excited. This is something to celebrate. At Least now I can truly help Kaz heal from his trauma, and take care of him. And he'll finally be safe.

Kaz:

I guess I'm adopted now. I figured the Fahey house seems like a nice place, I haven't been hurt, and Nina and Jes treat me like their own brother. Which I am now. I'm not an emotional person, actually the opposite, but I think I actually am truly happy that I said yes to Colm's offer.

I get an air hug from Nina and Jesper and soon after them practically jumping and screaming in joy. Matthias is smiling behind and watching Nina, Wylan starts jumping around with Jesper. And Inej starts to walk over to me.

"So are you exited to be adopted?" She asks me.

I give her a thumbs up and continue not taking my eyes off my new siblings. It was so surreal.

"I'm glad, I should be going, tell everyone I went back home for me?" She tells more than asks me.

I nod and then head to the fridge to get some water. I think to myself everything is going to be alright for once.

(Not the last chapter, thanks for reading,

-Cheerio)