#established geraskier

“Why, pray tell-” Jaskier dropped his voice and raised an eyebrow, “-am I a fool?”

“You’ve decided to love a monster... And I fear I’m too selfish to send you away.” Geralt meant it, every word, but the giggle his lover gave him in response wasn’t what he expected.

“Yes, of course,” Jaskier rolled his eyes, pulling Geralt’s hand close enough to kiss his knuckles as he mocked Geralt thoroughly, “Horrible monster. Big scary mutant. Heartless beast. How could one be so foolish?”

A tired but still fond smile graced Geralt’s lips and only spurred Jaskier on. 

“It’s almost as if-” he paused at each word to kiss the tips of Geralt’s fingers, “you’re the kindest, smartest, funniest, bravest, most honorable man I know?”

“A tall tale. More of your embellishments…” Geralt mumbled, blushing despite his argument. 

Jaskier’s face fell just a little, dropping into something Geralt would hesitantly call worry as he trailed his hand up over Geralt’s ribs and shoulder to cradle his cheek, “I never have to embellish the important parts. Never. Geralt, I need you to know this. You are a good man.” He paused to search Geralt’s eyes, what he found Geralt had no idea, but Jaskier seemed even more determined, “You may be a bit of a dick sometimes, but you are. When it counts you always are.”

“Jaskier-”

“The words you’re looking for are ‘thank you, I’ll try to believe you’,” Jaskier interrupted, placing a quick kiss to Geralt’s forehead. 

He sees a man who gave up a life of fancy, wealth, and perhaps even power, to travel a harsh and unforgiving road with a man who'd spent years pushing him away. Jaskier, who taught Geralt what it felt like to love and be loved, who made every life brighter that gave him the chance, who got Vesemir to dance with him in the Kaer Morhen when the Witcher was deep in his cups. Jaskier who found a way to help Eskel smile without turning his head away, who'd insisted that Lambert bring Aiden to the keep and love without hiding. His beautiful, bright Jaskier.

He'll thank the gods with each breath that Jaskier was given a long life. It's too often that the most precious of people are taken too soon, but Jaskier, who attracted danger more than he attracted married women, continued to spread his wit, his fire and warmth throughout the continent for decades.

No, Geralt can't find it in him to be scared of his slowing or curse the times he needs to ease the aching out of his fingers, all he can think is to be grateful. If this one gift, one glorious thing he was given in life is Jaskier growing into a rickety, useless old man then that's more than he could ever want for.

"An hour? Love take it easy on me, I'm older now. I long to be twenty-five again, walk alongside you and Roach for hours without tiring. I wish I could be that man again," Jaskier breaks into Geralt's thoughts easily, if he could hear all that Geralt thinks of his age he would surely quit his longing to be younger. Until tomorrow when he has to wake up before lunch again at which point he'll long to be eighteen.

Perhaps not today, Geralt thinks as he places a gentle kiss on Jaskier's forehead, he'll find a way to let all these words out before Jaskier is too gone in the ears to hear them, but not today.

"Once this contract is filled, we'll go to Kaer Morhen until winter." Geralt decides without hesitation. Once upon a time, he'd have never even looked in the direction of the keep before the snow had fallen without melting the same day, but now, only mid-spring he assures himself that the continent will make due without him until his Jaskier has slipped away somewhere familiar, warm and full of people who he loves. Kaer Morhen will due nicely, for the year, then when winter rolls around they'll travel to the coast so Jaskier doesn't hurt or shake. They'll spend the winter holed up in a small hut, a hearth roaring daily, an inn close enough to feed Jaskier's need to perform, and the sea dancing on the shore just outside their window.

"I wouldn't ask that of you, my love, I'm happy to wake up when there are still stars out if it keeps me here with you,"

"I know. But you don't need to ask me to care for you. We've lived my life for all of yours, the world won't stop spinning if you take your well-earned comfort for the rest of it," Geralt spoke simply. He could taste Jaskier's poetic ways rubbing off on his tongue, his words coming without pause or thoughts, and with far more flourish than they needed. After these many years he feels half-Jaskier, and it's the part of him he hopes carries to the grave.

"I love you  more than you'll ever be able to fathom, I love you in a way I can't believe." Jaskier's eyes begin to well with tears as he speaks. He's more emotional these days, but Geralt knows these tears don't carry sadness, and when he wipes them away with his thumb he lets his hand rest there on Jaskier's cheek.

"How is that?" He asks, just to listen to Jaskier's voice when he replies. He's far past needing the reassurance of his love, though he'll never get tired of hearing it.

"I love you because I want to," Jaskier answers after a moment of thought, creases between his eyebrows giving away how he's sorting through words and plucking the perfect metaphors out of his memory.

"I fell in love, don't get me wrong, and I would love you even if I learned this was all a dream and you were naught but a figment. But loving you is all I want Geralt. As well as music and the occasional glass of honeyed wine," Jaskier smirks but turns to kiss Geralt's wrist.

"I find myself at a loss for words my love,"

"There's a first for everything," Geralt quips, his fingers unconsciously flowing from Jaskier's cheek to the back of his neck, resting just above his shoulders.

"I mean to say, that I'm happy because I love you, and it's so normal and effortless that somedays I forget to let my heart race and mind stutter to a complete stop when I realize that this is the life I want. I have what people like to tell you is impossible, I am endlessly happy because I love you more than I dislike anything. It all pales in comparison because you love me, dear." Jaskier's chin wobbles as he speaks and Geralt has no lack of tears to wipe away, his own hand beginning to tremble with the weight of something he's so used to.

"I love you Jaskier," He sits up, Jaskier still on his chest leaning all of his weight on Geralt. He turns Jaskier so their chest to chest and holds him close. One hand in Jaskier's hair, the other wrapped around his shoulders to keep him pressed to his chest.

"I love you," He whispers, the hand on Jaskier's shoulder tightening to keep him close, while the one in his hair stays lax and soft.

"Julian," Jaskier closes his eyes, resting his head on Geralt's shoulder and holding onto the back of his lover's tunic just tight enough that he won't slip away.

"Julek," He pressed a kiss just behind his lover's ear.

"Jaskier," The soft curve of his cheek.

"Bard," He speaks with a chuckle deep in his chest, placing a kiss on the bard's eyebrow.

"I," A soft kiss on his hairline,

"Love," The top of his head

"You," Then his forehead, where shifts to rest his own, letting his eyes fall closed as Jaskier holds his face, hands soft on his cheeks.

"I won't ever stop loving you," Jaskier whispers, his voice shaking, and just a bit deeper than it had been once. Geralt notices the difference once again, as he notices so often how his love has changed and become through time.

The last words made Geralt comply. They'd had conversations like this before, especially when they'd not been in a relationship, when Jaskier had tried to help him and he'd refused this help. After some time, Jaskier hadn't backed down anymore, had even picked up this and that to be able to really help him. He'd learned about Geralt's potions, so that he could pick the right one in an emergency. Right now, he would hopefully not need them, but he couldn't be sure right now.

“Take the boots off ,” Jaskier commanded, earning him a smile from Geralt.

“Bossy,” he commented, but took off the boots and put them aside.

“Don't pretend that you don't like that!”

Meanwhile Jaskier got to work on Geralt's armour so that he could carefully take it off his body. Later on, he'd have to patch it up as well, but right now, he had to take care of Geralt's injuries. The tunic, he was still wearing was drenched in blood, but it wasn't only Geralt's - at least a little relief.

“Sit down!”

Geralt did what he was ordered to do, before he raised his arms over his head so that Jaskier could take off his tunic as well. His eyes were cast downward, as Jaskier got to work. Ever so gently, he touched the wet clothe to Geralt's face to clean that first, before he moved further down his body, taking his time. He knew that Geralt wouldn't break, that he didn't have to be so careful, but he wanted to, wanted to treat him the same way Geralt treated him when he was injured.

“You know, you don't have to be so gentle,” Geralt reminded him, slowly looking up.

“I know.” Jaskier raised his hand with the cloth again and dabbed at Geralt's shoulder, careful not to touch it directly to the biggest cut he'd found yet. “But you always take such good care of me, so you deserve the same treatment.”

He did that because Jaskier was more fragile than he himself was. He was human after all, and Geralt couldn't stand to see him get hurt. Whenever Jaskier got badly injured, he nearly freaked out. It was like he was working on autopilot, not really realising what he was doing, it was just automatic what he did.

“Mhh,” he simply gave as an answer and let Jaskier continue.

Once the blood and dirt was washed away from Geralt's body, Jaskier could assess the injuries. It wasn't as bad as he'd first thought, but still not a pretty sight.

“I need to stitch that cut on your shoulder. Everything else will heal in no time, but this is a little nasty...”

Jaskier turned around to grab his equipment before he set to stitching Geralt up. By now, he was rather good at it. He'd taken the time to get taught about this, just like he'd done with a couple of other things that came in handy when he was travelling with Geralt.

“There... all good now,” Jaskier said, conjuring up a smile. He couldn't hide the worry on his eyes, but he could try to lighten the mood a little bit. Geralt was safe now, he was here with him, and nothing would happen right now. “Let me just wash all that out of your hair and then we can go lie down. You need a lot of rest.”

Jaskier had picked up on Geralt's laboured breathing, on the way his hand had snapped up to cover his ribs every now and then. Once in their room, Geralt could get to his potions, and Jaskier had some oil that helped with the bruising, because he could just see where his ribs had been injured.

“I can-”

“-do that myself, I know, Geralt. I know you're that big guy that can and will do everything himself, but just...” Jaskier let out an exasperated sigh, not wanting to lecture him again, tell him that he could help.

“Alright, alright... I'm sorry, Jaskier.”

“Will you let me wash your hair now?”

“Yes...”

No more protesting, no more word, he simply followed Jaskier's lead and sat down again on the chair next to the bathtub and leaned back over it. Jaskier used a bit of the fresh water to rinse Geralt's hair, get most of the dirt and blood out. Then he reached for the soap he'd brought in here as well, lathering up his hands, before he started to put the soap into Geralt's hair. His fingers started gently massaging Geralt's scalp to help him relax at least a little bit, and it worked. The content sigh that left Geralt's lips was proof enough, making Jaskier smile to himself.

With the soap he got rid of the rest of the dirt and blood in Geralt's hair. He finished up with a bit of hairoil, which Geralt never thought necessary, but Jaskier was the one in charge right now, so he'd have to do with that.

“Trousers,” Jaskier said once they were finished with Geralt's hair.

“What?”

“Take them off, clean your legs, and I'll get you some fresh clothes.”

That was something he let Geralt do himself. Not that he didn't want to help him, but he knew that he wouldn't keep his hands where they were supposed to be and that wasn't a good idea looking at the state that Geralt was in right now. So instead, Jaskier went to their room and came back with a change of clothes for Geralt, so that he could get dressed again.

“Good, now that you're clean and smell heavenly, you can come back to our room,” Jaskier said with a grin. Of course he would have taken Geralt with him no matter what, but it was nicer this way.

Without waiting for a response, he took Geralt's hand in his, interlaced their fingers, and led him up to their room, where they had some peace and quiet. Well, as far as quiet went with someone like Jaskier around, but he would try his best to not talk too much, since Geralt needed some rest.

Once the door was closed behind them, Jaskier made his was to the bed, arranging the pillows so that Geralt could lie there as comfortably as possible. When he turned around, Geralt was still standing by the door.

“What is it, dear heart?” Jaskier asked, concern clouding his face as he approached Geralt again.

“How can you deal with all this?” Geralt asked shaking his head. He'd been on the road with Jaskier for years now, but ever since they'd been a couple, he'd asked himself that question. What did Jaskier see in him? How could Jaskier love him? He was a monster, just like people said, and he couldn't understand, why Jaskier apparently looked past all this.

“Because I love you.”

It was a simple and as complicated as that. He'd told Geralt before that he loved it when he didn't understand a reference Jaskier made and that little frown on his forehead appeared. That he loved the way Geralt smiled when he talked to Roach about what had happened while they'd been away. All the little bits and pieces. Still, he understood where Geralt's question was coming from. People still looked at Geralt like he was an abomination, and he'd been treated like that most of his life. Being genuinely loved by someone that wasn't his family was something he wasn't familiar with.

“I love you just like this,” Jaskier said, reaching for Geralt's hand, bringing it up to his lips to press a kiss to Geralt's knuckles. “I love you when you touch me gently like no one else ever has.” He turned Geralt's hand in his and kissed his wrist, looking up at the Witcher. It was true, he'd had many lovers, but none of them had touched him like Geralt did. “And I love you when your hands are bloody and your knuckles are bruised.”

Jaskier raised his free hand to cup Geralt's cheek, run his thumb over it.

“I love you, Geralt. All of you!”

With that, he pulled Geralt towards himself and sealed his lips with his own. Finally, Geralt relaxed beneath Jaskier's touch, because of this kiss and because of the words that had soothed his aching soul.

Once they parted again, Geralt couldn't help but smile, feeling at ease all of a sudden.

“Anything else you want to ask me?” Jaskier whispered against Geralt's lips, resting his forehead against Geralt's.

“No... no more questions.”

“Good, then get in bed. I'll just go and grab us something to eat. You need it.”

Trusting that Geralt would follow his orders, Jaskier turned to head out the door, but Geralt stopped him with a hand on his wrist.

“Wait...” he said before he pulled Jaskier back against his own body and kissed the air from his lungs.

“What... was that for? Not that I'm complaining.” Jaskier felt a little light-headed, but couldn't keep the goofy smile from his lips.

“For being you,” Geralt simply said.

“Mmhhh.” Jaskier mimicked Geralt with his reaction, causing both men to chuckle.

“Get some rest, dear heart. I'll be back in a minute.”

This time, Geralt didn't hold him back, and instead went to lie down on the bed. A sigh left his lips, when his back hit the pillows and he closed his eyes. Replaying Jaskier's words in his head, he could only smile. The same goofy smile he'd seen a moment ago on Jaskier's lips.

His hair could, though... Perhaps, if he had an excuse to ask Jaskier for help...

A plan began to form, and Eskel spent the next several months implementing it.

---

“Eskel!” Jaskier declared, grinning widely as he stepped into the keep. His cheeks were glowing, a healthy human pink, and Eskel felt his own cheeks attempting to heat up. “Your hair is so long and lovely! Please, oh pretty please will you let me braid it later?”

“I was,” Eskel cleared his throat, “I was actually hoping you could teach me how to properly care for it? It keeps getting tangled.”

“Oh my darling,” the bard’s eyes widened dramatically and oh-so-sweetly. “I’d love to help! Let me know when you’re taking a bath next and I’ll be right there with my bag of goodies!”

Geralt shot his brother a knowing look and smirked. Go ahead, the expression said. And good luck.

---

Geralt let a low purr rumble through his chest as Jaskier worked the lotion through his hair, pulling the smooth strands between his fingers. “You’re so lovely, my gorgeous Moonbeam. My Star, my guiding light in the darkness.”

“Hmm.”

“Eloquent,” Jaskier retorted, splashing his Witcher gently with his leg. Geralt captured his ankles in either hand and held them still. Eskel watched from his own corner of the bath, eyes flicking between them and the walls.

“I can smell your jealousy from here,” Geralt murmured. “Come join us, Eskel.”

“Yes! Let me wash your hair, next,” Jaskier demanded, pouting so adorably that both Witchers felt their hearts clench violently in their chests. Eskel nodded dumbly and joined the other two men on their side of the pool, sitting inches away from Geralt that felt more like miles. “We see the way you look at us, you know.”

“Uh...”

“It’s okay,” Geralt added softly, reassuringly. “You’re allowed to look. You’re allowed to join, if you’d like.”

Eskel blinked and glanced back and forth between them, making sure this wasn’t some sort of joke. He didn’t smell any lies. No falsehood to be found. Just fondness and Jaskier’s gently floral soap. He let a slow smile spread over his face, scar and all, and it only grew when Jaskier smiled back.

“Alright, give me your hair, darling. It’s a total mess and I cannot wait to braid it away from those gorgeous eyes of yours. It’s getting shaggy, too. You’ll have to let me shape it-”

Jaskier continued to babble, as he always did, but Eskel let himself relax. Geralt held his hand beneath the water and squeezed every once and awhile as if reassuring him of his place between them. With them. 

Eskel smiled again, and let his head fall into Jaskier’s capable hands. 

Merlin jumped slightly when the door to Arthur’s chambers burst open. He gave a worried look at Arthur when he noticed there was blood dripping from the corner of his mouth.

Without conscious thought, he walked over to Arthur. His hand stopped shy of Arthur’s face. “What happened?” Merlin’s mind raced slightly.

“Uther.” Arthur was tired. He didn’t want to use violence to overthrow his father, but his gut told him that it would be the only way.

Merlin grabbed a clean rag and he gave Arthur a look when he got closer. Arthur just nodded, allowing him to clean the split lip.

“What did you tell him?” Merlin asked, pulling away slightly.

“That it was time for a change, that he was busy hurting Camelot and her people.” Arthur trailed off. Those were probably not the best words he could have used.

Merlin snorted slightly. “Maybe next time don’t be so blunt.” It wasn’t even a suggestion. They both knew that there was no time left for talking.

“I don’t want to use violence.” The words were muttered. Arthur pinched the bridge of his nose.

“Then don’t. The council is tired of Uther's rule. They will pledge their loyalty to you, Arthur.” Merlin gave him a tired look. Some days, his softness of heart made him question if Arthur would be able to make tough decisions when the need arose.

“We both know that even with the council behind us, that Uther won’t accept it. In the end, it would evolve into a sword fight for the throne.” Arthur could only resign himself to that fact.

“Come, I think it is time you meet Kilgharrah.” Merlin slipped past Arthur. He checked himself before he grabbed Arthur’s hand.

Arthur was silent as he followed Merlin down to the caves.

When they got there there was only silence, and for a moment it felt like he would be the butt of a joke. Suddenly, there was a whooshing sound. The dragon landed on top of a rock, just looking at them.

“About time.” His voice was dry as he looked at the princeling. This was what the faiths had raved about for so long. Kilgharrah almost puffed a breath of warm air onto them in his amusement.

“Leave, Merlin.” The command was clear. Merlin merely raised an eyebrow before he turned around and left the cave.

He was in no mood to try and solve the riddles of the dragon.

“Arthur Pendragon, are you going to right the wrongs your father has made?” The question almost sounded rhetorical.

But Arthur nodded. He would do his best even if he had no idea how. Kilgharrah looked at Arthur intently.

“You, Arthur Pendragon, have a great destiny which you won’t be able to fulfil if you don’t work with the other half of the coin.” Kilgharrah snorted. Arthur felt for a moment as if he would melt from the sudden heat.

“And who is the other half of the coin?” Arthur could feel his heart beating, trying to climb out of his chest.

For a moment  Kilgharrah looked taken aback, as though he was thinking to himself — why am I dealing with this?

“Merlin!” The name was snapped out. How idiotic could this princeling be?

Arthur felt a slight blush rising against his cheeks. Kilgharrah saw it but didn’t bother to say anything more.

For a moment there was silence in the cave as both looked at each other.

“Why are you chained up?” Arthur asked with some hesitation. He glanced slightly behind him, making sure that there would be time to duck and dive and get out of the situation if needed.

Kilgharrah just looked at Arthur. “I was meant to be an example for other magical beasts.” There was a sadness to him that made Arthur’s heartache.

“How long have you been trapped down here?” The question was almost quiet in the cave.

“Since the purge, Princeling. It does get lonely down here.” Kilgharrah settled down properly again, and it looked like he was ready for a long and winded talk.

Arthur was silent, his mind racing. “Would I be able to free you?” Arthur hated that he sounded so unsure of himself.

“Yes, you would be able to do it once Uther Pendragon is dead. For his death is the only way I won’t burn Camelot down to the ground.” Kilgharrah flapped his wings and went back up in the cave.

Two months ago, they'd gotten married, and now, they were finally on their honeymoon in the middle of nowhere. Geralt's choice of course. Ciri was staying with Yennefer, and it was the first time they were spending a week apart from each other. At the end of the week, Ciri would join them, for some family time, but Geralt and Jaskier needed some time to themselves.

It was beautiful out here, no other people around, just the sounds of nature, a house and a lake all to themselves. Jaskier wasn't usually the quiet type, but after some exhausting weeks, that he'd spend mostly in the studio recording his new album, even he needed a break and some peace and quiet. Therefore, he was standing out here without headphones, enjoying the view.

Geralt had left in the early morning to go fishing. He'd woken Jaskier up with kisses to say goodbye to him, but before he'd left, he'd prepared breakfast for his husband, so Jaskier had immediately smiled as soon as he'd walked into the kitchen. There had even been a little note that said: “See you in a bit. Love Geralt” - he'd even drawn a little heart next to his name. And then people said that Jaskier was the cheesy one of them. If only they knew...

His eyes landed on the ring Geralt had given them at their wedding. They hadn't wanted matching wedding bands, but they choose one ring specifically for the other. While Jaskier had gotten Geralt a silver ring with the soundwaves of him singing “I'll love you for eternity”, Geralt had gotten him a simple silver ring with a dandelion engraved on the inside, his nickname for Jaskier. It was the sweetest, most personal thing Jaskier could think of. In addition, his wedding band was completely different from all the other colourful, flashy rings he wore, and he loved it all the more for that.

“Everything alright?”

Jaskier turned around to the low voice, that belonged to no other than Geralt. He'd been so lost in thought that he hadn't even heard him come back. Apparently, he'd already put away the fish he'd caught – Jaskier was sure he'd been successful, since the rod and everything else were gone as well – and was now ready to take a shower.

“Perfect. It's just so peaceful out here.”

“That's why I chose this place.” Geralt walked up to Jaskier, wrapped his arms around him and leaned in for a chaste kiss. “You need some social detoxing.”

“Oh look at you with your fancy words,” Jaskier said with a smirk, stealing another kiss. “But you're right. I haven't even looked at my phone all day. The last time was yesterday evening when we asked Yennefer about Ciri.”

“Good, I'm proud of you. You've been working non-stop ever since the wedding, so you need to not think about work and everything that had to do with it for these two weeks.”

“But-”

“No buts. You need to relax.”

“And you need a shower. You smell like fish!” A laugh followed Jaskier's words, but it turned into a squeal when Geralt picked him up and threw him in the lake. The look on Jaskier's face when he came up for air made Geralt laugh in turn

“I said YOU need a shower, not me!”

“Well, in that case...”

In one swift motion, Geralt stripped off his shirt and jumped after Jaskier into the water. The sun was still high in the sky and it was hot, the days still long, so that they could enjoy some time out here. Now, that they were both in the water, there was no rush to get inside.

Geralt pulled Jaskier back into his arms, brushed the wet hair from his face and smiled down at him.

“Looks like you'll need to take a shower with me then...”

“Do you really think I'd object to that?” Jaskier chuckled, wrapped his arms around Geralt's neck and pulled him in for another kiss, but this time not a chaste one, but one that lingered a little longer, that held the promise of more.

After spending some more time in the lake, they enjoyed their shower together. For dinner, they had fish of course, and Geralt was rather proud of what he'd caught. Hence, cooking was Geralt's task for the evening. Usually, they cooked together, but tonight, he'd sent Jaskier outside with a glass of wine. Most of the time, they were both busy, but the last couple of weeks, Geralt had stayed at home to take care of Ciri while Jaskier had hardly been home at all, so he definitely needed the rest.

Sitting outside on the deck, overlooking the lake in the evening sun calmed his soul, but it also inspired him, gave him some new song ideas. Not today, though, no, he wouldn't pull out his notepad and write something down. He had a couple more days to do that, but tonight was just for the two of them.

“Beautiful,” Geralt said when he places the plates on the table and sat down opposite Jaskier.

“Isn't it? I could sit here for hours and never get tired of it.”

“I wasn't talking about the lake,” Geralt said with a smile before he refilled Jaskier's glass.

“Oh...” Jaskier didn't manage anything more. His cheeks turned pink due to the compliment. Usually, he loved compliments, couldn't get enough of them, but with Geralt... it had always been different. It wasn't some superficial compliment to get what he wanted from Jaskier, he really meant what he said, and that made all the difference.

Over dinner, Geralt told him about his fishing trip, and Jaskier listened with a smile. It was wonderful to hear Geralt talk about something that he enjoyed. He wasn't a man of many words, but sometimes, he went all out, and Jaskier just let him talk. He didn't know a lot about fishing, but he loved listening to Geralt talk, no matter what he was talking about in the end.

After dinner, Geralt didn't let Jaskier help with the dishes, but instead sent him outside to enjoy the last rays of sunshine. At first, Jaskier had tried to protest, but there was no use. So he found himself out on the deck again, glass of wine on hand. Slowly, he walked to the edge, took off his shoes and sat down to let his feet dangle in the water. There was no noise except for the casual splash in the water from a fish or some other animal. A complete contrast to the city, where he was constantly surrounded by noises, not all of them good. The longer he sat there, the more he felt the tension leave his shoulders, and he finally relaxed. He'd already relaxed a little earlier when he'd been by himself, but by now, he was completely at ease and happy with where he was. No noise, no music, no nothing. Just Geralt and him.

Geralt walked slowly towards him and sat down next to him silently, not wanting to disturb this peaceful moment. Jaskier immediately reached for Geralt's hand and interlaced their fingers.

“This was a good idea,” Jaskier eventually broke the silence, a smile on his lips, as he kept looking over the water.

“Mhm... I'm glad you think so.” Geralt turned to press a kiss to Jaskier's temple. He took a deep breath, before he continued. “You know... I never thought I could feel like this, like I'd never seen the sky before...”

Jaskier quickly turned towards him, a look of surprise on his face.

“Are you really quoting Moulin Rouge at me?”

“It's your favourite movie, I thought you might like that.”

“You're full of surprises,” Jaskier said with a love, before he pulled Geralt close to kiss him. He'd pleaded with him so often to watch that movie together, until Geralt had finally given in. His reaction had been a simple hmm and Jaskier hadn't expected anything else from him. But that he was able to quote Jaskier's favourite song from the movie now, made all the butterflies in his stomach turn into a storm again.

“There's something I need to talk to you about, though.” Geralt eventually broke the kiss, but kept Jaskier close. “It's nothing bad. At least I hope so.” So much for not worrying Jaskier. Geralt had tried his best to get Jaskier in a good mood, and he'd succeeded, but he was still nervous about this now.

“Okay... Spit it out, I'm getting anxious!”

Geralt could see it in his face, like he was expecting Geralt to tell him that marrying hadn't been a good idea or that he'd cheated on Jaskier. The truth couldn't be further from that.

“Ciri asked me something and I told her I'd talk to you about it before she gets here.” Geralt took Jaskier's hand in his again, ran his fingers over the wedding band, which was the only ring he'd kept on his fingers after the shower. “She wants you to be her Dad as well. Not just in the way you already are, but legally. Her greatest wish is that you adopt her.”

“She... what?” Jaskier blinked once, twice, and kept staring at Geralt.

“She wants you to become her Dad.” Geralt repeated his words, thinking about if he could make it any clearer somehow, describe it in an easier way, but his words had been pretty clear.

Without a word, though, Jaskier got up and walked back into the cabin, leaving a stunned Geralt behind. He needed a moment, before he got up as well and ran after his husband.

“Jaskier?” Geralt called after him until he found him in the kitchen, his head stuck in the fridge. “Jaskier, talk to me! It's absolutely fine if you don't want to, I'll just need to find a way to tell Ciri then.” His own heart was beating rapidly in his chest. He hadn't wanted to ruin their whole trip with this, but it was something that was important to Ciri and to him as well.

“Jaskier...” He was getting really worried now, and curious about what Jaskier was looking for in the fridge. When Jaskier finally closed the door again and turned to Geralt, there were tears streaming down his face.

“I was just...” he mumbled, holding up the bottle of champagne they'd gotten in their way here.

“Dandelion...” Geralt still wasn't sure what this meant, but his gut was telling him that it was a good sign.

“I couldn't be happier,” Jaskier managed, putting the bottle aside to wipe away the tears. “I want that! I just didn't expect that at all.”

“Come here,” Geralt said with a smile, opening his arms, and Jaskier didn't waste a moment. He threw himself into the arms of his husband and held onto him. Geralt's hands caressed his back, simply held him there for a moment. “So these are tears of joy?”

“Of course they are! I love that kid with all my heart.”

“I know... and she loves you as well. That's why she wants this so badly. She absolutely adores you.”