Chapter Text
Wylan woke up yet again to cold water splashed in his face. “I hope you are ready, boy! It is almost time for the big meeting.” Jan said setting the bucket down, Wylan could barely keep his eyes open, he felt so dizzy and like his whole body was on fire. He held out the hope that Inej had given him that they were coming to save him, that is what he survived on.
“Tell me boy, tell me about your life in the barrel, tell me what you know about Kaz Brekker.” Wylan stayed silent. “What did I say about answering me when I'm talking to you!?” Jan screamed as he punched Wylan, he saw the black spots dancing around again. He wasn't purposely trying to ignore his father but it hurt to talk, actually it hurt to do everything.
He just started crying softly which made his father more mad and he started laying in more punches into Wylan.
—
They all met in front of the slat anxiously waiting to get Wylan back in their care. Kaz began telling them about how Inej and Jesper would go down and get Wylan. While he and Nina took care of the rest, and then they started their journey to the Van eck estate.
When they arrived Inej had Jesper follow her, she paused and listened to the vent again. They heard Van eck speaking to Wylan, they heard Wylan groan and then a smack. Jesper held himself back from walking in there and shooting Wylan's father right then and there. They heard the door slam and soft crying.
Inej led Jesper to the stairs and they both were armed as they walked to the door again. Inej opened it slowly so as to not scare Wylan. As soon as Jespers eyes landed on Wylan he wanted to cry, but he couldn't; he had to be strong for Wylan. Inej squeezed Jesper's hand. “You comfort him and I'll get him out of his binds.” Jesper shook his head and walked over to Wylan and cradled his face.
Wylan was covered in sweat and he was very hot. “Hey love, open your eyes please.” He pleaded with Wylan and brushed his brown curls out of his eyes. Wylan slowly opened his eyes. They immediately filled with tears. “You came.” Jesper shushed him and put a hand through his hair but stopped when he found a knot on Wylan's head that made him wince. “Of course we did treasure.”
Inej got Wylan free and Jesper helped Wylan to his feet. “Can you walk darling?” Wylan shook his head but winced at the sudden movement. “It's okay, I can carry you.” Jesper looped his hands under Wylan's legs and picked him up bridal style. They walked out and Wylan saw Miggson and Prior tied up outside. Kaz walked up to him.
“Are these the men who took you, Wylan?” Wylan couldn't look at them anymore and slowly nodded. Kaz gave him a small nod and told Jesper to take Wylan home.
“Wait.” Wylan said softly. Kaz paused and looked at him. “What about my father?” Kaz smiled. “Hes been taken by the stadwatch, he will never hurt you again.” He gestured to Miggson and Prior, “These two wont either when im done with them, they will be unrecognizable when im done.”
Wylan nodded and Jesper walked him home. Wylan began to close his eyes but was stopped. “Hey love, I know you're tired but I want Nina to check you out before you sleep, we should also clean you up a bit, so keep those pretty brown eyes open for me please?” Jesper brushed the curls out of Wylan's eyes.
When they arrived at the Slat Jesper took Wylan to their room and laid him on the bed where Nina was waiting. “Im not a healer, but im going to do my best to take the pain okay, wy?” Wylan shook his head again and reached out a hand for Jesper, he took it hesitantly and squeezed Wylan's hand.
After a few hours of work Nina did what she could and said “That should be good, the rest of the healing has to come on your own. Which means lots of rest, lots of water, and we will go easy on food because I can't tell you haven't had a good meal, so get cleaned up and sleep and when you wake I will have food for you, okay?” she smiled at Wylan. He smiled back “Thank you Nina.” She just waved him off and walked out of the room shutting the door softly.
“Well, let's get you cleaned up hm?” Jesper said standing up, he helped Wylan up and led him to the bathroom where he ran a bath for Wylan.
When it was ready Jesper helped Wylan climb in and began cleaning him, making sure to touch lightly on the spots that were injured the most.
When Wylan was all cleaned up Jesper helped him into some clean clothes and then led him to the bed and sat in the chair next to the bed.
Jesper cleared his throat. “I'm sorry.” Wylan whispered. Jesper looked up at him stunned. “Youre sorry? Why?” Wylan covered his eyes with his hands. “I lied to you, I should've told you who I was but I was so afraid of him finding me, everytime I received a letter I would run but he would find me every time, I was terrified.”
Jesper was silent for a moment. “Wylan, I should be the one apologising, I shouldn't have gone off like that, I should've let you explain, when you ran I should've gone after you. It's all my fault this happened and I'm so sorry you went through that Wylan, I've been beating myself up over it since you disappeared.” Wylan brought a shaking hand up to Jesper's cheek and Jesper leaned into the touch.
“I don't blame you.” Wylan smiled softly. “Now will you come lay with me please?” He begged. “I don't want to hurt you, Wy.” Wylan patted the spot next to him. “All I want is to lay with you right now, please.” Jesper couldn't ignore those big brown pleading eyes and eventually climbed in with Wylan, as he giggled.
“You know I can't say no to those eyes of yours.” Jesper laid down and let Wylan settle himself on Jesper's chest. “I know.” He giggled. He knows what he's doing to me, thought Jesper.
Kaz walked in before Wylan could fall asleep and said, "Your father will have a trial against him, he's been discovered for embezzlement and kidnapping, they would like you to speak when you are ready.” Kaz paused. “They are also talking about giving you the business if he is found guilty, this is something we can talk about when you are better but I wanted you to know.”
“Thank you Kaz.” Wylan said tiredly, Kaz gave him a soft nod and walked out, slowly shutting the door.
Jesper didn't sleep until he heard the breathing of Wylan slow down, thinking Wylan was asleep. Jesper kissed his forehead and said “I love you Wylan, you're safe with me, I'm never letting someone hurt you again.” Wylan smiled softly and they both fell asleep.
Happy and content in each other's presence, and maybe it helped jesper sleep with the thought of taking Jan van eck down.