#naowrites

Jaskier couldn’t quite hide his smile when he approached the two of you, bowls of oatmeal in his hands. He placed them on the ground in front of you, Ciri lunging for one as you stood and made your way over. She ate quickly, headbutting the bard as a silent ask for more. You ate more slowly, continuing to ignore Geralt as he watched you from across the clearing. Once finished, you caught Ciri again, cleaning the extra food off of her before releasing her to go explore. You watched her until she disappeared into the trees with Yennefer, off on another magic lesson. You made your way over to Jaskier, sprawling out on the ground next to him. You lay there, eyes half-lidded as you watched him play. You could see Geralt out of the corner of your eyes, saw him approach, a hesitant look on his face. You closed your eyes again, not wanting to have to interact with him.

“Geralt!” You winced when Jaskier’s clear voice rang out through the clearing. “Come, sit! Join us on this lovely afternoon.”

You could almost sense his hesitation, before he moved toward the two of you, sitting with his back against the log Jaskier was on. You didn’t move, letting Jaskier’s music soothe you into a daze, the sun warm against your fur. You let yourself drift, only coming back to yourself when you realized Jaskier had stopped playing. You opened your eyes to see him stand, panic flashing through you at the thought of being left alone with Geralt, to have him reject you once more.

“Well, Yen said something about needing a victim to help Ciri with her spells, so I’m just going to go join them. Enjoy the quiet while you can.” With that, Jaskier turned and sauntered out of the clearing, humming a tune as he went. You forced yourself to relax, loosening the muscles that had tensed at Jaskier’s departure. Sitting, you busied yourself with your paws, cleaning the dirt that had gathered between your toes. You stilled as a large hand entered your vision, grasping the foot you were working on.

“Let me,” Geralt’s voice was soft, his hands gentle as he picked at the leaves that were tangled in your fur. You stayed motionless as he worked, allowing him to lift your other paw when he finished with the first. Setting your paw on the ground, he gently placed a finger under your muzzle, lifting your head so that you were looking at him. You could see an apology in his eyes, remorse clear on his face. You sighed, pushing your nose into his palm, bringing a sad smile to his face before it dropped off again.

“Can I hold you?” At your nod, he gently wrapped his hands around your middle, lifting you into his arms as he sat back on the log. He kept you against his chest, face pressed into your head as he exhaled, a shaky breath that warmed your fur. “I’m so sorry, Y/N.”

You whimpered, pushing back against him as you closed your eyes. You knew he hadn’t intentionally tried to hurt you, but he did, and he had to know that. Sighing again, you dug deep, submerging yourself into the pool of magic as you let yourself shift. You found yourself sitting on Geralt’s lap, your back to his chest as his arms tightened around your waist. A small smile came to his face at the sight of you in your human form and he pressed a kiss against the back of your neck before resting his chin on your shoulder, his presence warm on your back. You let yourself relax against him, relishing in the feel of him against your skin.

You didn’t rest long though, pushing away from the Witcher to stand a little bit away, your back to him as you hugged yourself. You heard Geralt stand and take a step towards you, freezing when you spun around to pin him with a glare. “You can’t do that, Geralt, it’s not fair!”

He stared at you, a guilty look on his face. His hands came up as if to reach for you before he fisted them as he crossed his arms across his chest. “I know, I’m sorry, I really am.”

“You can’t just keep saying you’re sorry, you really hurt me. Every time I try and get close to you, you push me away. I feel like you don’t want me around.” He flinched at your harsh tone, face falling as what you said registered.

“I do want you around, truly. I’m trying Y/N. I want to have a relationship with you, I just...I don’t know how.” His voice was pleading, desperate to make you understand. He took another step towards you, you retreating in response. Anger flared through you, frustrated that he wasn’t understanding.

“Then talk to me, Geralt! We need to be able to communicate. You can’t just run away whenever I ask a hard question. You need to be an adult and actually talk to me.” You were panting, your outbreak draining your energy.

“I know, I will try, I promise. I want to learn, I just need you to be patient with me.”

“Geralt…” You sighed, turning away again. You thought back to Yennefer’s words, Don’t give up on him. Your shoulders drooped, posture slumping as the fight drained out of you. 

His voice was tentative, fear lacing his tone. “Y/N?”

You spoke tearfully, soft voice trembling, threatening to break. “Just… hold me, please.”

He was quick to step towards you, spinning you towards him as he pulled you against his chest. You pressed your face against his tunic, your tears staining the fabric as you wept silently. Geralt’s hand came up to run through your hair, his other hand pressed between your shoulder blades. Your own hands came up to fist in his shirt, clinging to him as you cried. He shushed you, gently rocking back and forth. 

You drew back and looked up at him. “I just want to go to bed.”

He nodded, a hand coming up to wipe a tear from your cheek before leading you back to the tent. Once you were changed and settled, Geralt climbed into the bed behind you, pulling you against his chest. You let yourself drift, the heaviness of sleep overcoming you as warmth enveloped you.

**~*~*~*~**

You tried to give Geralt another chance, you really did. Yennefer had said that he would come around, and after the talk you two had, he was better for a while. He was attentive to you, making sure that he gave you attention throughout the day. He would brush a hand down your arm whenever he passed you, drop a kiss on your hair. You were happy, basking in the glow of this little family you were slowly being welcomed into. 

You noticed Geralt was still avoiding your questions, though. You wanted to get to know him better, but he would dodge your questions, suddenly remembering something he absolutely needed to do then. As much as he was giving you physical affection, he was still emotionally distant from you. 

You spent most of your time basking in the sun, almost fully recovered from your ordeal. Quite often Ciri would join you. As you were mostly healed, you started teaching her your trade. You would explore the forest, teaching her the names of various plants and herbs as well as what they would be used for in healing. She took to it like a moth to a flame, quickly able to recall various healing qualities when asked. Maybe when you passed a town you could pick up some supplies and teach her how to make potions. 

You had noticed that Geralt and Yennefer would often disappear during the day. You had gone into the tent a few days earlier to see the two of them huddled together over a map. You had asked Jaskier about it later that day.

“Oh, they’re still worried about the sorcerer. He got away from us when we went in to grab you. They need to come up with a way to contain him when we finally find him again, and we’re waiting for him to resurface so that we can go after him.”

You had felt a sharp flare of panic pierce through your chest, your breath accelerating at the thought of your captor still being out there. You hadn’t realized he had gotten away, hadn’t even thought to ask. Jaskier stared at you, worry clear in his gaze. You managed a tight smile for him, face pale. “I’m okay, I just...I hadn’t thought about it.”

“You’re sure?” he made to stand, but you shook your head to stop him. 

“Yes, Jask, thank you. I just need some time alone.” He still looked unsure, but nodded, prompting you to head towards the trees. You wandered below the branches, continuing to take measured breaths as you forced yourself to stay calm. You were healed, you were fine. Your pack would never let anything happen to you, Geralt would never let anything happen to you. Lost in your thoughts, you didn’t realize there was anyone else in the forest until you heard voices. You froze, not wanting to alert the two to your presence.

“We need to find Astarion, Geralt, there aren’t many more days left in the spell I cast. He’ll have his magic back soon, and we need to have him contained before that.” Yennefer’s voice was tense, urgency clear in her tone. 

“We’ve been tracking him for months, Yen, why is now any different?” Geralt sounded disinterested, mumbling in response to the mage’s points.

“Because of Y/N! Did you not see his research? He’s going to want her back and he’ll do anything to get her. You can’t tell me you’re not worried about her.” The disbelief was clear in the woman’s voice. You felt like you had been doused in ice water, the thought that you might end up back in that cell causing your breathing to accelerate once more. 

“She’ll be fine so long as she sticks around here, she just can’t go running off into the woods like she did last time.” The disinterest in his voice stung, your heart clenching at his words.

“And who do you think caused that, hm? If a certain someone would just admit their bond, then she wouldn’t have gone running off. You’re the one pushing her away.” Sarcasm was clear in the words, you could almost picture the accompanying eye roll, had you not been full of terror.

“She’s an adult, she can make her own decisions. It’s not like I forced her into the forest.” Geralt’s tone was tense, the words said as if through gritted teeth.

“Stop being an idiot, Geralt!” Yennefer’s was starting to sound annoyed, her tone harsh as she reprimanded the Witcher. “You have to accept this relationship, otherwise it will harm you both.”

“There is no bond to accept, Yen, you’re wrong. Yes, I care about Y/N, but that’s it, there’s nothing else there.” You froze at the mention of you, struggling to understand what Geralt was talking about.

“There is, Geralt! Why are you being so stubborn? You’re just going to hurt her!” You could almost see the two of them. You could picture Yennefer, standing with one hand on her hip while she gestured with the other. Geralt would have his arms crossed a scowl on his face. “Mating bonds are sacred, you need to honour it.”

“There’s no fucking mating bond, Yen! She’s just someone I met, it's a coincidence that she’s even a shapeshifter! Just stop harassing me…” His voice seemed to fade into the background as his words registered. She’s just someone I met. You turned, blindly racing away as tears blurred your vision, spilling hot down your cheeks. You didn’t hear the conversation behind, the low fuck from the Witcher followed by a harsh stay here.

You ran until you couldn’t anymore, doubling over as sobs tore their way out of your chest, your breathing harsh as you gasped for air. All you could hear were those words repeated over and over; just someone I met, just someone I met, just someone I met. You were a fool, thinking that there might have been something there. Everyone must have been laughing at you this last week, watching as you pined for Geralt, made an absolute idiot out of yourself. You jumped when you felt a hand on your arm, not having heard anyone approaching. You looked up to see Yennefer, concern clear in her violet eyes.

“Oh Y/N,” she murmured, pulling you against her in an embrace. Her hand came up to cup the back of your head, pressing your face against her shoulder as you clung to her, tears staining the cloth of her dress. You were so tired of this, you had cried more in the last few weeks than you had in years. It was an emotional rollercoaster, trying to keep up with Geralt. One minute he was kind and caring and the next it was like you didn’t exist. You just couldn’t keep up.

“I- I thought he- he cared for-for me.” You were in shambles, heart shattered to pieces at the realization that the man you deeply cared for, maybe even loved, didn’t return even the vaguest of feelings your way. “I’m a fool, I can’t believe I let myself think there was something there.”

“There is, I promise you, Y/N.” Yennefer pulled back to look at you, sympathy in her eyes. “Geralt is just being an absolute idiot. The mating bond just makes this even worse for you, and he’s the fool for not being able to see the absolutely wonderful partner you would make.”

“Ma- mating bond? Geralt said something about it being a soul bond, but I don’t understand. Yennefer, why does it hurt so much?” You had calmed slightly, the human touch having helped to soothe you, though tears still ran down your cheeks. The mage guided you to a large tree, supporting you as the two of you slid down to sit on the ground, backs against the trunk.

“Yen, please. You’re a part of our pack now, everyone calls me that.” You managed a small smile at that before it faded, another sob forcing its way out of your throat. Yennefer took your hands in hers, a serious look on her face as she met your gaze.

“A mating bond is one of the most sacred connections our people can make. Our gods gifted them to us after our kind was slaughtered by humans out of some misconception that we were dangerous. One half of a couple was struck down, and the other begged the gods to save them. They did, forming a soul bond between the two of them to be able to.” Your gasps had turned to hiccups, as intent as you were listening to the mage.

“What does it do?” you whispered, eyes locked on to the violet gaze across from you.

“It changes depending on the pairing, but there are a few basic qualities that span every mating bond. You are able to feel each other’s emotions, especially the strong ones. If the other is in danger or in pain, you will know. When there is an incredibly strong bond present, you can sometimes speak to each other in your minds. Each pair is different, but they are all destined by the gods to be made, regardless of who you are.” She glanced back in the direction of the campsite, hesitation clear on her face. “I really shouldn’t be the one to tell you this, but obviously he won’t, and it’s just hurting the two of you because of it.”

You stared at her, confusion and a little bit of fear building inside of you. Had they formed a bond these last few days? Is that why Geralt had rejected you so harshly?

“You and Geralt have formed a mating bond. He started it before he left your home the first time, and completed it while you were in captivity. That’s how we knew where you were, Geralt was able to find you through the bond.” You were stunned at Yennefer’s admission before the fear that had been festering inside of you suddenly spilt over, hot rage accompanying it. You pushed up off the ground, stalking a few meters away.

“No! I don’t want this! Why does he keep treating me like shit if we’re mates? Whenever I try to talk to him, he shuns me. What do I have to do to get rid of it?” You spun back around, seeing Yennefer stand as well, brushing her dress off as she shook her head.

“You can’t break it, it can be severed only through death or the gods. There are rumours of shapeshifters pleading with them to have their bond severed, but I don’t know that they are true.” You were panicking again, breath coming in short gasps, the world spinning as you became lightheaded. Yennefer seemed to sense this, grabbing your arm and helping you back to the ground, tucking you into her side. You curled up into her warmth, desperately trying to control your breathing. You felt Yen’s gentle hand push your hair away from your face before moving to your back, rubbing circles as you fought yourself.

“I know it seems bad right now, but I promise it gets better. Mating bonds are such a precious gift, those who have one are so lucky. If you lose your mate in death, the world is a little bit darker; you should do anything you can to keep them.” You could hear the sincerity in her voice, but you refused to acknowledge her reasoning.

“It hurts too much, I can’t take it. Please Yen, tell me what to do.” You were almost begging at this point, needing to do something to stop the pain that you were in.

“I had a mate once.” You started at that, not having expected the woman to share. “I was in love, we were thrilled when we discovered we had formed a bond. We did everything together, it was rare that you would see us apart. My world was full of laughter, full of hope.”

Quieting, you shifted so you could see her face. Yennefer had the gentlest expression you had seen from her yet, her eyes cloudy with a distant memory. “My world shattered the day my bond broke.”

A single tear rolled down her cheek as she continued. “It had been a rare moment that we were apart, I had stayed back in our community to help heal a young child while they went on patrol. It was supposed to be routine, we occasionally get information on a new shapeshifter and will send a group out to either train them or bring them back. My mate was one of the best at calming our young. It was a trap though; some humans had given us false information to lure us in.”

Her voice broke, mouth working as no words came out. She sighed, looking at you once more. “No one made it out alive. I felt when my mate died, as if we had a string connecting us and it just snapped. No more thoughts, no more emotions, I could feel nothing. There was a black hole in my heart where my bond used to be. It’s still there today, even though it’s been years. I don’t think it will ever go away. I don’t think I will ever be totally happy again. A part of me died with them.”

You could feel fresh tears running down your cheeks, prompted by the agony that ripped through her voice. “Don’t ever lose that, Y/n, promise me. You have to keep trying, because the alternative is worse than death.”

You nodded silently, at a loss for words. You had been so wary of her at first, thinking she hadn’t wanted you in her pack when in reality she was scared of getting hurt again. Surprising both of you, you leaned forwards, wrapping your arms around the other woman as you pulled her into a tight embrace. She went willingly, arms going around you as she returned the hug, pressing her face into your shoulder, breathing ragged. The two of you stayed that way for a while, content to sit in the silence of the new bond you had just created. Finally, Yennefer pulled back to look at you with a sad smile. 

“I need to leave tonight, to go to Aretuza to confer with other mages about how to contain the sorcerer.” You shivered involuntarily at the mention. Seeing this, Yennefer reached up to cup your cheek.

“Nothing will happen to you, I promise. The pack will protect you. You have nothing to fear from him any longer.” You closed your eyes, leaning into her hand as your own came up to press against hers.

“Be safe,” you finally got out, voice rough from crying. She nodded, standing as she pulled you up with her. Making a sharp gesture, a ring of light appeared in front of the two of you, showing the tent from the camp. She stepped forward, tugging you along with her. As you passed the circle your stomach jolted, sending you staggering. The mage helped you to the bed next to you, pressing a hand against your forehead as she muttered something under her breath. The nausea immediately dissipated and you looked up at her in silent thanks.

“Sleep in my bed tonight, I’m going to be leaving as soon as I say goodbye to the others.” Exhausted, you nodded, making your way over to the chest where you stored your clothes to pull out a nightgown. You quickly changed before climbing into the bed, pulling the covers over you. Yennefer finished packing her bag, stopping next to you to offer you a tight hug.

“Good luck, and be patient. I’ll be back soon.” You smiled at her, reaching out to squeeze her hand before releasing her, watching as she left the tent. You curled onto your side, the exhaustion from today’s events finally making itself known as you closed your eyes, allowing sleep to pull you under.

**~*~*~*~**

Yennefer felt a rage come over her as she watched Geralt saunter back into the clearing, looking like he hadn’t a care in the world. Striding over, she grabbed his arm and pulled him to the side. “What the fuck do you think you’re doing?”

He startled, looking down at her in shock. “Yen, what-”

She cut him off, voice hissing through the air, “You are tugging that poor girl around enough, Geralt. You need to fix this, fix your relationship or you may kill her yet.”

He scoffed, “I don’t know what-”

“Now you listen here,” she jabbed him hard in the chest, hard enough to send him a step backwards as he regained his balance. “You know as well as I do that when there is a strain on a mating bond, the shapeshifters suffer. Especially when the other does nothing to fix it. Now, I am going to Aretuza to speak to Tissaia about containing this sorcerer long enough to question him about his research, and by the time I get back you better be a happy couple, or I swear to the gods I may just help Y/N find a way to break this bond.”

She took a deep breath, exhaling harshly through her nose in an attempt to calm herself. “I know just what it feels like to have a broken bond, Geralt, and I will do anything I can to prevent someone else from feeling like that. But this? You’re destroying her, and I don’t know which is worse: What you’re doing to her or a broken bond. Don’t make me find out.”

With that, the mage spun on her heel with a sharp gesture, opening a portal to Aretuza. She stepped through, turning back to spare Geralt one last vicious glance before raising her hand to close the portal. As the circle shrunk, she glared at the Witcher before saying one last time, “Fix this.”

Geralt sighed as she disappeared, running a hand over his face. Cursing under his breath he made his way back to the tent, freezing in the entrance. You were asleep in Yennefer’s bed. Slowly he made his way over to you, heart sinking as he saw the tear tracks on your face. He reached out to wipe them away, stopping just shy of your skin. He swallowed harshly before clenching his fist, withdrawing his hand before turning and making his way to his own bed. Sleep didn’t come easy to him that night, every conversation the two of you had had playing over and over in his mind before he finally drifted off into darkness.

**~*~*~*~**

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He had found himself in a small restaurant, perusing a menu as he debated what his next move was. Geralt sighed into his beer, knowing he had to find somewhere to stay until the paths cleared enough that he could get up to his house. Maybe a hotel? That would be expensive, but it’s not like he couldn’t afford it. He just hated staying in hotels any longer than he had to, they always felt so impersonal. As he flagged the waitress down, asking for a second pint of beer, he heard a familiar sound. Perking up, he scanned the room before his eyes landed on a figure that he hadn’t seen in a couple of years. 

He remembered the last time he had seen you, a somber parting as the two of you went your own ways. The two of you had been dating for a few years, the talk of engagement having been thrown around. Geralt had even recruited your best friend to go ring shopping with him, trying to get ideas of what you might like. That all changed when he had been headhunted by the company he was with now. It had been his dream job, a senior architect at a construction company. The only hitch had been that the company was in Europe; they had seen some of his work and wanted his input on the design of their new corporate building. If they liked his work, there was the guarantee of a long term contract overseeing multiple projects within the company.

You had debated going with him, teaching being fairly mobile. Just as you had decided to go with him, you were offered the position of curriculum consultant. You had just finished your Masters in Education, so this was a huge step for you, being able to get out of the classroom and share your expertise with other teachers. It had been too big of an opportunity for you to pass up, and after a series of fights and disagreements, the two of you had tearfully agreed to end your relationship, neither person able to give up the advancement in their career. Geralt had moved to Europe, slowly working his way up through his new company while you stayed back in Canada.

A small smile appeared on his face at the sight of you, a warm feeling flaring in his chest even after three years. He still thought of you sometimes, even though he knew nothing would come of it. You seemed to sense his gaze on you, looking up only to freeze when you met his eyes. A light blush came over your cheeks as you stared at him before you excused yourself from the group you were with, quickly making your way over to Geralt’s table before dropping into the chair across from him.

“Geralt!” you exclaimed, pinning him with a brilliant grin. “It’s so good to see you again!”

“Y/N,” he offered, “How have you been?”

“I’ve been good, busy. I’ve been researching a new teaching method, just working on writing my thesis to get my PhD.” Your passion was clear to see, bubbling over into any interaction you had. Geralt smiled gently as you continued telling him about the specifics of your research, you had always talked about moving away from the classroom into pedagogy and continuing your education. Anyone else would have been horrified to see you launch right into your conversation, totally disregarding the time apart, but Geralt just chuckled, it was so you.

“But enough about me, what have you been doing? How did the new job go?” You focused your attention on him completely. As Geralt met your gaze it felt like the sun had appeared from behind the clouds, like there had been a fog drifting through his life that had been burned away now that you were back.

“I’m Project Manager now, I was in town for the week for meetings, talking with the client to see what exactly they wanted. I’m enjoying it, I’m challenged every day, and the work is constantly changing, which has been exactly what I needed.” It felt natural, talking to you again, as if the three years you had spent apart had never happened. You had propped your fist under your chin, giving him all of your attention, jumping when the waiter came by to take your orders. The two of you had quickly requested your meals before continuing your conversation, Geralt telling you about all of the different buildings and projects he had been overseeing. You had chatted a while longer, silence falling when your food was placed in front of you. The silence that fell wasn’t awkward, it was easy, right, to be sitting with you once more. 

You had grinned at him when Geralt had ordered dessert, he knew you had a wicked sweet tooth. As the dish was placed in the middle of the table, the conversation picked up. You settled your arms on the table in front of you as the conversation changed to relationships. You told him about the wedding you had attended a year ago, a mutual friend of yours getting married. Geralt could feel his heart clench as you mentioned marriage, though you didn’t seem to notice. You looked up at him, seeming to hesitate before you asked, “Have you been seeing anyone?”

He swallowed hard as he looked away, unable to get the words out of his mouth. Swallowing again, he managed to force his mouth to work. “No.”

Sensing the tension, you quickly changed topics, “Are you here long, Geralt?”

Relaxing now that the conversation was moving away from dangerous territory, he shook his head as he answered, “I was supposed to head up to my winter house a little ways out of town, but the snow’s changed those plans. The roads don’t get cleared so once they’re blocked I have to ski or snowshoe in, but I store them up there over the summer and haven’t had a chance to go pick them up. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to get up there right now. Might have to wait for the snow to melt a bit.”

A furrow appeared between your eyes as you frowned at him, “So what are you doing if you can’t get up there?”

Sheepishly, he rubbed the back of his neck, “Ah, I hadn’t gotten that far. I’ll probably just stay in a hotel until the snow clears up or I can figure out a way to get up there.”

You looked down at your hands, playing with your fingers as you stole glances up at him. He waited, lips quirking up at the sight of your nervous mannerisms. They were still adorable, even after all this time. You glanced up at him, eyes darting away when you met his gaze. He sighed, leaning forwards as he reached for your hands. You stilled under his touch, lips parting as you met his gaze. “Out with it, mouse, you know you can tell me anything.” His voice was soft, and you visibly relaxed at the old nickname.

The blush on your cheeks reappeared, “Ah, it’s not very big, but if you wanted, you could stay at my flat? My couch is a pullout, I would just have to put some sheets on it.”

“No, no, I couldn’t impose on you-” you cut him off with a hand on his arm. Your eyes were gentle as you smiled at him. “I insist, Geralt. Really, it’s no trouble.”

He hesitated, not wanting to be an inconvenience but not wanting to leave you again so soon. You must have seen the indecision on his face because you squeezed his arm gently, saying “Besides, I missed you. It would be nice to have some more time to catch up.”

At your admission his resistance melted, a wry grin coming to his face as he accepted. A bright smile lit up your face at his words, a warm feeling overtaking Geralt’s chest at the sight. You flagged the waiter down, asking for the bill. When it was placed on the table, Geralt smoothly snatched it up from underneath your hand as he tucked his credit card into the pocket. He chuckled as he saw your pout, “Don’t worry, mouse, it’s just my thanks for letting me stay with you.”

You left the pout on your face but didn’t argue, still glaring at him as he paid and thanked the waiter. Standing, he tugged your coat from the back of the chair, helping you slide your arms into the sleeves. He quickly donned his own coat, smiling down at you as you tucked your hand into his elbow. The two of you left the restaurant, you gently guiding him down the street towards your flat. His heart swelled as you stared at the sky, getting lost in the stars that decorated the sky. You had always loved them, spending hours staring up at the sky when you get the chance. You were never able to see them back in Canada, the city where you had lived had too much light pollution, but the small town was perfect to let you see the beauty of the stars.

It was a short walk to your place, you letting go of his arm to insert the key into your door as you unlocked your house. The two of you quickly entered, happy to be out of the cold. The hallway was narrow, a small closet set in the wall. You handed him a coat hanger before hanging your own coat up. He toed his shoes off as you locked the door behind him. He waited patiently, curious to see the rest of your place. “It’s not much, but it’s home. I, uh, can’t afford much on my salary right now. I get a little bit from working with the school board, and I have grants from the university, and I make it work, but this is kind of it.” You looked sheepish as you spoke, almost as if you were embarrassed that he was seeing your home.

Unable to stop himself, Geralt reached out to brush a strand of your hair behind your ear. You froze, staring up at him as he blushed, his pale skin colouring under your gaze. “Sorry, I-”

You stopped him with a gentle smile, “It’s okay, Geralt.” You placed a gentle hand on his arm as you slipped past him. He followed you into the main part of the small flat, curious gaze roaming the walls. The room was small and messy, but in an organized chaos kind of way. There were various textbooks and scientific charts scattered around a desk while a small kitchen on the other side of the room was piled with used dishes. The tv was paused in the middle of some sort of video, calculations and diagrams decorating a whiteboard next to it.

You turned pink as you watched him glance over the room. “It’s a little dirty, I know.”

“It’s you,” Geralt turned to face you, a grin on his face. “Your office always looked like this when we were-” living together. He cut himself off before he let the words slip. You paused as well, staring at him with an odd look on your face. He couldn’t read you as well as he used to, having spent three years apart. “It’s very homey, about what I’d expect from you.”

You flushed harder as you smacked at him, “Geralt!” 

He chuckled as you flopped onto the couch, pout clear on your face. He followed you, sitting down on the opposite side of the couch. He frowned at you as realization dawned on him, “Wait, why are you here? Why do you have a flat in town?”

“Oh! Yeah, I guess I didn’t mention it, I live here now. I was offered a research position at the university in town, and once I finish my PhD I’m going to be teaching there as well.” You bounced as you spoke, clearly excited at this new prospect in life. Geralt had stopped listening, mind fixated on the words “I live here now.” Hope bloomed in his chest before he viciously quashed it. Don’t go there. Having broached the subject, the floodgates opened as you continued telling him about your research. He smiled gently as his mind caught up to the present, watching you softly as you gesture wildly, telling him a story about one of the classes you were working with in the local highschool.

“Do you want a beer?” He startled at the question, having gotten distracted as you giggled at yourself. You grinned as you realized what happened, the man sputtering out an answer to your question. Your soft laugh filled the air as you stood, Geralt watching your hips as you walked towards the kitchen. You stumbled as you returned to the couch, laughing at yourself. Handing him a beer, you dropped back onto the cushions, closer to the man than you had originally been. You took a sip from your own drink before laying your head back, “I maaay have started drinking before I saw you, I’m a few drinks in.”

As you leaned forward to reach for the remote, Geralt saw a flash of smooth skin as your shirt hitched up. He quickly tamped down on the urge to reach for you, to run his hand over the smooth skin he saw in the break in fabric before slipping under your shirt. He focused on the tv as you closed the video on it before opening up a streaming service, handing him the remote. “I probably won’t last the movie, you pick something you like.”

Geralt just sighed and shook his head, taking the remote from your hand before picking your favourite movie. “You remembered,” your voice was soft as you realized what film he put on.

“I remember a lot of things, mouse.” You offered him a shy smile at your old nickname, a shiver running down his spine as you tipped sideways to tuck your hands around his arm, head against his shoulder. 

“Geralt?” Your voice was hesitant as you softly called his name. He hummed in response, looking down to see you staring up at him, Y/E/C eyes swimming with emotion. He swallowed as he gazed at you, daring to reach his hand up to push that wayward strand of hair back behind your ear, brushing his fingers against your cheek. You closed your eyes as you turned your head into his hand, breath warm against his palm as it left you in a rush. You pressed a shaky kiss to his palm before opening your eyes, meeting his gaze. Geralt had frozen at the movement, hope flaring in his chest. 

“You said you weren’t seeing anyone, I can’t but hope…” your voice trailed off, hesitation clear on your face. Geralt responded by reaching for your other hand, lacing your fingers together as he prayed he was reading this situation correctly. That action seemed to give you the confidence to finish your sentence, taking a deep breath as you continued. “Would you consider trying again? Trying us?”

The knot in his chest burst at your words, a burning feeling rushing through his body, starting where his skin met yours. He leaned forwards, sliding his hand from your cheek to the back of your neck, tangling it in your hair as he pressed his lips against yours. You were frozen for a moment, making Geralt wonder if he had overstepped. He started to pull back, shame blooming in his chest before your hands were fisting in his shirt, pulling him towards you as you kissed him back. He relaxed into you, the shame being replaced with a different feeling, something he hadn’t felt since the last time he had seen you.

The kiss itself was messy, filled with a passion that had been missing from his life. He chuckled when the two of you bumped teeth, prompting you to squeak in indignation, licking into his mouth as his laugh gave you access. His chuckle quickly turned into a sharp inhale, the feeling going straight to his groin. Finally, you pulled back, Geralt leaning his forehead against yours as you both tried to catch your breath. You giggled, looking up at him with shy eyes.

“I take it, that's a yes?” At the sight of your eyes shining with happiness, Geralt let out a low growl, reaching to grasp your hip as he pulled you towards him, seating you in his lap as you straddled him, almost chest to chest. You gasped at the sudden movement, hands going to his shoulders to help stabilize yourself. You stared down at him, mouth forming an ‘O’ at the surprise of his movement. He couldn’t help himself, reaching up to tug you against his chest. One hand tangled itself in your hair as the other went around your waist. He could feel you relax into him, your own arms wrapping around him as you nestled into him. 

“It’s almost like you never left.” The sentence was quiet, murmured as if you were on the edge of sleep, but the meaning made Geralt go cold. He stiffened, quickly forcing himself to relax underneath you before you could notice. Did you blame him for the end of your relationship? It didn’t work though, and you were quickly leaning back from him as dismay came over your face.

“No, I didn’t mean- not like that- I would never-” Geralt quieted your stuttering with a gentle kiss, the knot that had tightened in his chest releasing at your frantic words. He pushed a strand of your hair behind your ear, smiling at you in an attempt to soothe you.

“I didn’t mean it that way, Geralt, I never blamed you for the end of our relationship. If anything, I blamed myself. I was selfish, I put myself before us. Some days I wonder what would have happened had I gone with you.” He tried to catch your eye but you wouldn’t look up, playing with your fingers. Geralt raised his hands, catching your fingers between his, causing you to still, though you still wouldn’t meet his gaze.

“I never blamed you, Y/N. I don’t think I would have forgiven myself if I had asked you to give up your career, your dream for me. You wouldn’t have been happy had you gone with me, you were never one to play housewife.” He drew a small smile out of you at that, your fingers twisting to intertwine with his own.

“I could have, if it meant staying with you.” Geralt growled low in his throat at your words.

“I wouldn’t have let you.” You looked up at him, shock clear on your face. “You would have regretted coming with me, you were so excited about your new position. Mouse, would you have let me turn down my job to stay with you?”

Silently, you shook your head, squeezing his fingers. “Then don’t think it would have been any different for me. You wouldn’t have been happy, staying at home or teaching. You wanted to help people, to train other teachers, and that’s what you got to do.”

Tugging you closer, Geralt kept one hand wound with yours as his other hand came up to stroke through your hair, causing you to melt into him. “Besides, we came back to each other, that’s all that matters right now. And I’m not planning on going anywhere anytime soon. I’ll stay as long as you’ll have me.”

You relaxed further, leaning your head against his chest as your free hand came to rest on his hip. You absently rubbed at the tight muscles there, fingers loosening knots as Geralt let out a low groan at the feeling. You whispered quietly to him, the man almost missing your words. “I want you forever.”

A fire lit deep within Geralt, all of the happy memories the two of you had together finally coming to the surface. He had locked them all away when you split, not wanting to miss you, not that he had been successful. It felt right, having you laying against him, to be able to just sit with you in silence. He felt at peace, something he hadn’t felt in a long time. 

Eventually you shifted, Geralt feeling you yawn against his chest before pulling back to look at him with sleepy eyes. He hid a chuckle in a cough as he looked at you, a feeling of fondness welling in his chest at the sight of you in front of him. “Bedtime?”

“Course,” he murmured, placing a gentle kiss on your forehead before helping you off his lap. You stumbled a little bit, leading him to the bathroom where you handed him a new toothbrush. He brushed his teeth as you washed your face, switching once you were done to allow him to do the same. The two of you fell into a routine, almost the same as it had been so long ago. Finished, you led him to your bedroom. He paused in the doorway, not sure if you meant for him to sleep in your bed with you. He surveyed the room, seeing the cluttered bedside table, your vanity littered with various items, pausing when he saw the pictures on your dresser. There were a few of your family, some of your friends, and one that made his heart stop. It was the two of you on your third anniversary of dating. Geralt had surprised you with a picnic in the park, your favourite dinner paired with wine while you watched  a movie on a big screen he had set up earlier that day. He smiled as the memory left him, watching as you moved towards your closet. Mind made up, he decided he would stay with you, unless you said something. The two of you got ready for bed in silence, Geralt pulling a pair of boxers out of his suitcase as you changed into sleep shorts and a tank top. You shuffled towards the bed, sliding under the covers before patting the bed next to you in encouragement. He made his way to the opposite side, lifting the covers to allow him access as well. Once he was laying down, you shuffled towards him so that your back was against his chest as his arms went around you. He pulled you closer, nestling his nose into the crook of his shoulder as he closed his eyes and inhaled your scent. 

He never wanted this moment to end, he wanted to stay with you in his arms forever. Screw the rest of the world, screw his job, screw his responsibilities. You were all that he wanted, just to hold you in his arms. He was finally able to relax, finally able to shed the weight he had been carrying ever since he had walked out of that door and left you behind. You sighed in front of him, cementing the decision that had been floating around in Geralt’s mind ever since you had said that you lived here.

“Stay with me, Y/N.” his quiet voice broke the silence, you stirring slightly at the sound.

“What?” your voice was sleepy, bringing a smile to Geralt’s face.

“Come with me, rest for the winter; you have all your research collected, take a break for a little bit and stay with me. You could even wear my jumper, you know I like to see you in my clothes.” He cursed himself as he heard the pleading in his own voice, body tense as he waited for your answer.

“Are you British now, calling it a jumper?” He could hear the teasing tone of your voice as you shifted in his arms, struggling to turn over to face him. He helped you move, arms tightening around you as you slotted a leg between his. You smiled gently at him, your hand coming up to cup his cheek as you laid your head against his arm. Geralt held his breath, waiting for the answer to his request.

“I’d love to.” He let his breath out in a rush, squeezing you against him until you squeaked, smacking at him to let you breathe. You giggled as he let you go, a huge smile on your face. 

“I want to see this ‘winter house’ as you call it. I can only assume it's huge, knowing your taste. You were always fond of having lots of space.” Geralt grinned, not even your teasing could pop the bubble he was in, ecstatic as the thought you were back in his life now. 

“You just can’t decorate a house that big to save your life. This apartment is tiny, and you’ve already messed it up.” You glared at him, poking his ribs to show your displeasure. Geralt just smirked at you, swallowing your protests as he brought his lips to meet yours. You melted into him, hand coming up to tangle in his hair as you held him against you. Drawing back, he gazed down at you gently before pulling you close, the two of you melting into each other. You relaxed against him, breathing slowly evening out as you fell asleep, Geralt following soon after, chest filled with hope at the beginning of his future.

**~*~*~*~**

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Geralt was tired. He had been on the road for days, having heard of a long term contract with a significant reward. When he had finally reached the castle where the contract was based out of, he was told to wait in an antechamber until someone would meet with him.

He had been pacing for at least half an hour when you finally slipped into the room, gently closing the door behind you before looking up at him.

“Sir Witcher, how kind of you - Oh! Geralt!” Geralt could see a flush come over your cheeks when you realized it was him. Relaxing slightly now that it was someone he knew, Geralt allowed a small smile to grace his lips.

“It’s been too long, Y/N. It is good to see you again.” At the sound of his low voice, you flushed further before gesturing at a small table in the corner of the room. Geralt knew there was a map on it, having examined the room while he waited, but followed you over nonetheless. Leaning against the table slightly, you began to speak, telling Geralt of the monsters that had been attacking various villages in the kingdom. 

“They had just been attacking the outskirts of small towns, taking livestock and supplies originally. Lately, though, they have been taking people. There have been seven villagers killed in attacks, and countless more injured. There are several people missing as well, we don’t know if they have been taken or if they have been- oh!” you were cut off as another man in armour entered the room and came up behind you, grabbing your waist and spinning you around harshly before pinning you to his chest as he kissed you.

He released you, allowing you to stand beside him, though keeping a hand on the small of your back. You offered Geralt a tight smile as you wiped your lips with the back of your hand. “Geralt, I would like you to meet my husband, Sir Livialli. We were married last year.”

As the man smirked at him, Geralt felt a flash of hot something go through him with the news. “I offer you my congratulations,” he ground out. You thanked him politely, the lines around your eyes getting harder with the phrase. 

Sir Livialli turned to you, dismissing Geralt. “You have informed him of the contract, yes? Discussed payment? Told him what is expected?”

“I-” you tried to reply.

“Good, good. Well, don’t forget that you will be serving dinner for the both of us in my quarters tonight. I have spoken with the cook and he is expecting you to pick up the tray at dusk.” With that, Sir Livialli pivoted sharply and left the room, not waiting for a reply.

You sighed, turning to Geralt as you pasted a smile on your face. He could tell that it was forced, you looked tired under your facade. He frowned at you, silently asking a question.

Dropping into a chair along the wall, you ran a hand over your face before looking up at Geralt as he moved to the chair next to yours. “He means well, he’s just used to having servants. We are just staying here, this isn’t our manor. The king has asked that my husband help out with the monster problem as he is a proficient knight.” You rolled your head so Geralt was in your gaze. “You will likely be working with him at some point.”

Geralt grunted in response as you fell silent. Observing you, he could see the underlying exhaustion in your posture, could see the stress lines that had gathered on your face. You looked so different from when you two had first met several years earlier.

Geralt looked up sharply as the door to his room opened before you stepped in, a tray of food and medicine in your hands. You smiled brightly at him, ignoring the scowl that appeared on his face at the sight of visitors.

“It’s time for your medicine, Geralt.” you almost sang, “I need to check your bandages as well.”

You flounced over to his bed, setting the tray down on the table next to it as you gestured for the man to sit up. Gently, you peeled the layers of cloth back, clicking your tongue when the wounds were revealed. “They are almost healed, love, you’ll be back on your feet and out and about in no time. There is no bleeding either, so I won’t have to change them just yet.” You quickly and efficiently wrapped the bandages back around his torso, your fingers gentle and your demeanour holding no fear.

You stood from where you had sat on his bed to check his bandages, turning to regard him once more. “You are too pale, Witcher, you should get some sunlight.” Pursing your lips at the lack of reply, you shook your head before turning and heading for the door.

“Wait.”

The low voice stopped you with your hand on the doorknob. You turned your head slightly, regarding the man out of the corner of your eye.

“If it would be ok with you… I would appreciate- that is, if you didn’t mind..”

“Spit it out, Geralt, I won’t bite.” You turned to face him fully, a small smile on your face to sharpen the blow of your words.

“I have been in bed for a while, I would appreciate it if you wouldn’t mind helping me outside. To the gardens maybe?” Geralt looked unsure at his request, wondering if he had taken your comment for what it was meant to be.

A smile split your face, lighting up the room and causing Geralt’s heart to speed up slightly. You practically floated back over to the bed, swiping his shirt from a chair as you went. “I thought you would never ask.”

That day was the first of many ventures out to the garden and beyond.

The two of you had met while he was recovering at a Temple of Melitele where you had been studying healing. You had been one of the only healers who had been comfortable around him, and eventually the only one he trusted with his care. A fragile love had blossomed between the two of you that consisted of walks, stolen nights, and soft whispers in the mornings. You had agreed to part ways when he was healed, as you would soon be heading back to your family and Geralt back out into the hunt. There was an unspoken if at your parting, a small hope that you might see each other again.

It seemed that fate was a cruel mistress though, bringing the two of you back together sooner that you could have hoped, but ensuring you couldn’t be together through your marriage. 

Geralt came back to the present with a frown on his face, which only deepened as he compared his memories of you to the figure in front of him. “How have you been? Since you left the temple?”

You sighed again, shaking your head with a strained smile. “I have been good, Geralt. I learned much, and have been lucky enough that Sir Livialli allows me to continue working with our people. I have been able to heal a great many of the king’s subjects with my knowledge.”

Squinting his eyes at you, Geralt nodded, although he didn’t believe you. As if you knew he didn’t believe your words, you stood, brushing your skirt off. “Well, if you will excuse me Geralt, I have many matters that I need to attend to. Perhaps I shall see you in passing while you are here.”

Geralt stood as well and took a step towards you, frowning when you flinched and took a small step back. Slowly, he reached for your hand, something releasing in his chest when you relaxed and allowed him to lift it to his lips, flushing when he pressed a soft kiss to your palm. “I hope to see you around, my lady.”

A small smile graced your lips as you gently withdrew your hand, ducking your head as you left the room. The softness in Geralt’s face slowly melted behind your back, upset that seemed so tired in such a short time, confused that you flinched away from him when you never had before, dismayed at the prospect that you had already moved on from him. He resolved to seek you out again, to make sure that you were ok with the life you had now. 

**~*~*~*~**

After you left, Geralt met briefly with the king before he asked to be pointed in the direction of the most recent attack. Seeing the late hour, the king said that he would have Geralt escorted to the scene first thing tomorrow morning, but suggested that he get some rest this evening. Annoyed, but seeing the reason in it, Geralt retreated to the rooms he had been given for the duration of his stay. 

Once there, he lay down in bed, closing his eyes to try to go to sleep, but his mind kept returning to you. He kept comparing the memories of the bright, young woman he remembered from the temple to the worn down person he had met today. He couldn’t reconcile what had happened to you, what had been done to make that excitable healer into what he had seen today.

You flung your arms out the side, narrowly missing Geralt’s face as you collapsed backwards into the soft grass. He allowed a rare smile to grace his lips, amused with your antics. Rolling to your stomach, you lifted your head to peer at the Witcher. What started as a chuckle turned into a full blown laugh as he saw the pieces of grass stuck in your hair. Scowling, you swatted at him in retaliation. Gently, he brushed you off, reaching to pull the pieces of grass from your head.

Settling, you tugged on Geralt’s hand, pulling him down next to you, snuggling into his side once he was settled. “I can’t wait to be out in the world, to be able to explore and see all of the sights. And to help people! I’ll be able to use what I learned here to help my people, no one will suffer a hurt if I can help it.”

Nosing your hair, Geralt smiled down at you. “And what a wonderful healer you will make.”

You had been so excited about leaving the temple. You had been sad to see him go, but the two of you understood that your lives were headed in very different directions. There was always that underlying hope that you would see each other again, that fate might have more written for you. It seemed that she did, though not in the way either of you had anticipated.

Rolling out of bed, Geralt shook the memories from his mind. Realizing he wouldn’t be getting any rest that night, he attended to his gear, checking his armour and sharpening his weapons in anticipation of morning, falling into a slight meditation as he focused on the repetitive actions.

A knock roused him from the light trance he had fallen into, a servant with a tray of food and the message that a guide would be by to retrieve him in half an hour. It was a quick trip to the village, Geralt being left at the scene of the attack as the guide quickly left him, glancing nervously around him as he guided his horse back towards the castle.

Dismounting and tying Roach to a nearby stand, Geralt surveyed the town. It was deserted, houses locked and dark, streets empty of people. Hearing voices, he moved further into the town, following the low murmur towards a large house in the centre of town. As he walked, he could see evidence of the attack. Blood splatters stained walls, weapons littered the ground along with anything else the villagers had been carrying when the monsters attacked.

He could see the claw marks on the walls, the creature obviously very violent. He needed to see the bodies of the victims, needed to determine just exactly what was causing this much damage. Reaching the source of the noise, he was surprised to see you there. You were directing various healers, organizing the chaos, a bloodstained apron covering your front. Your sleeves were pushed up past your elbows, blood staining your hands, hair falling from where you secured. The beds behind you were full of people, some more injured than others. The healers worked frantically, trying to save as many as they could. You looked harried as Geralt approached you, directing a young healer to go boil more water.

“Y/N.” you jumped at your name, spoken in the low voice you still heard in your dreams. Turning, you saw Geralt standing behind you, dressed in full armour. 

“Oh, Geralt.” you glanced behind you as your name was called. “One moment!” you turned back to the Witcher in front of you. “What did you need?”

“I need to examine the bodies to determine what did this.” He felt his chest tighten as your face fell. You wiped your hands off on your apron, catching another healer as he went past. 

“I am going to show the Witcher the bodies, I will be back in a moment.” the frazzled healer nodded, before continuing in the direction he had been going. Turning, you led Geralt back out of the door of your temporary hospital. You turned and headed towards the edge of town, the sounds fading the farther away you got. Geralt trotted after you, content to remain silent, knowing you needed it after the harried morning you were sure to have had. 

“They were ravaged, Geralt.” He jumped as you broke the silence, before frowning at your defeated tone. “The monsters’ claws cut through skin and muscle like paper, so many people died just from their wounds.” Your voice dropped to a whisper. “We also found some bodies drained of blood. Mainly young males. Their bodies weren’t as bad, but they were emptied. I think it's some sort of vampire.”

“It sounds like it, I would still like to see the bodies and confirm. The best would be to see the creatures, but that would require another attack and we don’t want one anytime soon.” Geralt’s frown grew as you shrunk in on yourself, stopping a few meters away from a dark house just outside the treeline. Realization dawned on him when he could smell the scent of blood coming from the house. He glanced back, seeing that the town was out of sight around the bend they had just followed, in the hopes other villagers would not wander across the dead.

“We haven’t had a chance to bury them yet.” You wouldn’t look at him, tears in your eyes as you fought to control your emotions. Shaking yourself, you went to the door and lifted a lit torch from its holder before entering, lighting more torches as you went. Geralt followed you, observing the various pallets that held sheet covered bodies.

Pulling one back, he winced as he saw the face of a young woman frozen in a scream, her chest cut open revealing the layers of muscle and bone. After examining the wounds, Geralt recovered the body, moving to the next pallet. This one held a young male, mostly uninjured. The white pallor of his skin betrayed the cause of death, the body had been drained of blood. Looking closer, Geralt could see a bite mark at the base of his neck, sharp teeth marks deep in the skin.

Standing, he turned to face you who had retreated to the doorway, gazing out into the forest. “It’s definitely a vampire, although of which grade I am not sure. It might be a bruxa or a higher vampire. Do you have any victims who would be willing to talk to me, to tell me what they saw?”

You glanced over your shoulder at him, refusing to turn and look at the bodies, postured rounded under the stress. “There may be a few, some people we are treating were on the edge of the attack and not injured as extensively. I can ask when we go back.”

Nodding, Geralt approached you, gesturing for you to lead the way back to the hospital. The walk back was silent, Geralt glancing occasionally at you. As you reached the bend, Geralt stopped suddenly, you taking a few steps before realizing he was no longer beside you.

“What-” you stopped speaking, seeing Geralt tense, staring at the trees on the side of the path. You realized the forest had fallen silent, no birds singing or animals calling for their mates. Unconsciously, your hand drifted to the short sword you had strapped to your waist, thankful that you had insisted on silver. Your husband had protested, saying you wouldn’t need it, but you fought for it, one of the fews things you didn’t back down on.

Suddenly, a dark figure with wings leapt out of the trees, knocking Geralt to the ground as you shrieked. “Run Y/N!” he growled, throwing the figure from him and rolling to his feet, unsheathing the silver sword on his back in one fluid motion.

Turning, you started in the direction of town, stopping quickly when three more figures dropped down in front of you. You stumbled back towards Geralt, drawing your sword from its sheath, gripping it in both hands. The lead creature flared it's dark wings, opening its mouth to release a screech, displaying a mouth full of sharp teeth. The creature was pale, long dark hair covering its shoulders, ending at halfway down the humanoid’s chest, ribs on display. Wrinkled skin covered every inch, dried blood covering its chin and chest.

The creature screeched again, darting at you with a hand ending in a claw raised to attack. You ducked under the strike, bringing your sword up to slash its ribs as it went past you, pivoting on your heel and back away to keep the two sets of creatures in your sight. You could feel Geralt approaching your left side, sword held out in front of him.

“Stay close to my side, we need to keep them in front of us.” Geralt’s voice rumbled out next to you, making you jump at the abruptness of his voice. Breathlessly, you voiced your agreement before dancing to the right, stabbing up at the creature's chest as it lunged at your pair, as Geralt brought his sword down in a chopping motion, severing its head from its body.

Pulling your blade out, the two of you moved clear of the body, turning back to back as the three remaining monsters separated, two moving to flank you on either side as the third remaining motionless, tilting its head to observe you.

You felt Geralt shift his weight behind you as you watched the two creatures to either side of you, dodging as you heard the man behind you roar “left!”

You moved, the monster to your side attacking, claws swiping at your body. You slashed as it passed, cutting into its arm, leaving the limb hanging useless at its side. You could hear the dying screech of Geralt’s creature, feel him move to stab the creature that just passed you. The monster backed away from Geralt towards you, you swiftly moved out of its way, losing the protection Geralt had provided at your back.

As you moved, you suddenly became aware of the fact that there had been four creatures attacking. You and Geralt had dispatched two and he was occupied with a third, so where was the fourth? Spinning at the feeling of a presence behind you, you desperately brought your sword up to block the claws that were striking in your direction. You managed to catch the arm and redirect it slightly, but it wasn’t enough to keep you entirely unharmed. 

A wave of hot pain washed over you as the monster’s claws bit deep into your arm and side, blood blooming on the cloth. You released a shout at the feeling, switching your sword to just your right hand, ducking and stabbing at the humanoid as it rushed you again, feeling your sword strike true.

Releasing the hilt, you staggered backwards, clutching at your side as your head spun with the pain. Geralt was quick to grab you as you swayed, he must have dispatched the other monster without you noticing. His hands frantically roamed your body, searching desperately for the source of the blood. You swatted his hands away, staggering a few meters to sit on a nearby rock. Not that the pain was setting in, it was like a wave of cold water flowing over you, clearing your mind briefly. You knew you had minutes before the shock set in.

Reaching to the pouch you kept at your waist, you ripped it off and handed it to Geralt who was hovering anxiously, hands outstretched to do what, you weren’t sure. Reaching down, you ripped the bottom of your tunic off before pressing it against your side, Geralt doing the same with his outer layer, having stripped his upper armour to get at it. You swayed again, Geralt lunging at you to keep you upright.

“There are herbs in my bag, they will help staunch the bleeding.” Leaving Geralt to scramble through the pouch you’d handed him, you peeled the ripped cloth away from the wounds on your arm and your side, wincing when you saw the torn skin. Looking more closely, the wounds weren’t too deep, they just bled freely. A broad hand entered your vision, holding the herbs to help stop the bleeding. Taking them with a murmur of thanks, you began pressing the herbs against your side to staunch the bleeding, watching as Geralt moved away to examine the bodies. 

The world spun around you as you pressed the cloth back over the herbs, seeing the bleeding slowing. All of a sudden, Geralt appeared in your vision again, crouching in front of you with a concerned look on his face. You could see his lips moving, but couldn’t make out what he was saying. Focusing hard, you finally made out what he was saying. “We need to get you out of here, get you somewhere safe.”

Dazed, you nodded absently, hand reaching up to grip Geralt’s shoulder to help you stand. His arm snaked around your side, replacing your hand as he put pressure on your side. You staggered slightly, leaning on the large man next to you for support. Slowly, the two of you made your way back to town, you insisting on stopping at the hospital to check on your patients.

When you got there and your fellow healers saw your state, your quick check-in turned into an extensive medical check as they cleaned and stitched your wounds before finally allowing you to leave with Geralt after bandaging your arm and your side. You half-led, half-stumbled to a house nearby, mumbling that one of your patients told you to use their house. Geralt was almost hauling you at that point, carrying you through the door before settling you down on to the pallet in the bedroom. You blinked up at him, shivering from the blood loss. As he retreated, you reached up to grab at his hand, stopping him. “Stay, please?” you asked softly.

Geralt stopped, hesitation on his face. You tugged on his hand again, and he went with you, laying down next to you as you shuffled backwards into his chest. His arm came around to hold you against him, cognizant of your injuries. You sighed, body relaxing into him as the two of you succumbed to sleep.

**~*~*~*~**

The next morning, you slowly rose to consciousness, aware of a large, warm weight pressing you down. You shifted, and then winced as your movements caused sharp pain to shoot through you. “Are you awake, mouse?” a deep voice rumbled from above your head.

Slowly opening your eyes, you took stock of your surroundings as the memories from the previous night came back to you. You smiled at the nickname, remembering the secret nights that gave you your nickname. Rolling stiffly so as to avoid agitating your injuries, you turned to your other side to face Geralt. His golden eyes gazed at you softly, “How are you feeling?”

You sighed, “I’m sore, but not in too much pain. I will be fine in a few days.”

He nodded, “Good.” His arms tightened around you briefly before releasing you as he stood up and left the bed. You sat up slowly, wincing as you stretched your arm. Geralt returned to the bed, handing you your pouch of herbs. You thanked him silently, searching for your painkillers.

“The monster was a bruxa.” You glanced up at him as he started speaking. “We knew it was a vampire, now we know which grade. They can only be killed by silver.” he glanced at your sword leaned up against the wall. “Which thankfully you had.”

You sighed, “A bruxa. And it looked like there was a pack of them.”

Geralt watched you as you rolled your shoulder with a wince before standing and striding to the wall and strapping your sword back on. “I should let the king know, he will be interested in what monster is plaguing our kingdom.”

Geralt watched your slow movements with an intensity you couldn’t interpret. “I missed you.”

Your head shot up, not expecting an admission like that from him. You stared at him, watching as he moved closer to you. His hands came up to cup your face, your own latching onto his wrists as you stared at each other. “I missed you as well,” you whispered. “It was so hard to leave, not knowing if I was going to see you again.”

“I know.” his breath brushed against your lips as he brought his face to capture you in a kiss. You melted against him, body relaxing into his broad chest, eyes fluttering shut as a warm feeling came over you.

You sighed into Geralt’s mouth, savouring the feeling that you had missed, that you had longed for. His hands left your face, arms coming to wrap around you, holding you close to him, your hands resting on his chest as you parted, leaning your head against his shoulder, content in each other’s presence.

As you relaxed further, you realized what you were doing. You ripped yourself away from him, panic and fear taking over your being. You stumbled, flinching when Geralt’s hands came out to steady you, backing away further. You tried to ignore the hurt that flashed through his eyes before a stony mask came over his face.

“I’m sorry, so sorry, I can’t, you, we can’t, I have to go.” You turned to rush for the door, being stopped by Geralt’s hand grasping your wrist. You tugged, trying to free yourself, refusing to meet his eyes.

“Why? What did I do?” He asked of you, trying to understand what had changed.

“I have a husband, Geralt, I must be faithful.” You replied wearily, ignoring the hurt that went through you at the sound of his voice.

“He doesn’t treat you the way you deserve, mouse, please.” His voice was ragged, pleading with you to stay. Your heart clenched at the use of your nickname.

“You don’t understand, I don’t stay for me.” With that, you wrenched your arm out of his grasp and fled, hot tears running down your face.

**~*~*~*~**

Geralt tried to speak to you after the incident, not content with the explanation given. It had felt right to have you in his arms, he had the most restful sleep that he had had in years with you. He didn’t understand what had changed. You had loved each other and you very clearly were uncomfortable with your husband. Why you had married him in the first place, he had no idea.

The first couple of days Geralt barely saw you. You would leave the hall when he entered, you wouldn’t come down for meals, and he heard whispers that you had taken ill. He didn’t have a chance to seek you out, spending his afternoons and nights hunting for the pack of bruxa in the forest and sleeping through the mornings to recover. You began to spend more time in court, but he was still unable to find a time to speak to you.

He would see you across the hall, speaking with other ladies of the court. You would look up and see him, sending him a sad smile when your eyes would meet, but whenever he tried to approach you you would disappear, making excuses to the women you were with. They would always apologize to him for you leaving, saying that you had something to attend to, but there was an underlying sadness when they spoke.

Geralt didn’t understand, normally he was met with hostility and distrust, never with this gentle sadness and understanding. The women never shied away from him, but would approach him and make conversation whenever he would try to speak with you, allowing you an escape. Finally, frustrated with being unable to speak to you for days, he asked one of the ladies he often saw you speaking with.

“She can’t talk to you dear,” the lady explained, glancing around as she dropped her voice. “Her husband was furious when she didn’t return to the castle that night, even though she was injured. He has said they will be returning to their manor as soon as the monsters are taken care of, dreadful things. The poor darling was so distressed after the attack she rarely left her room for days.”

Realizing it was your husband preventing you from speaking to him, Geralt felt a shallow hope ignite itself in his chest. You clearly didn’t love your husband, he could offer for you to come with him, leave this life. You had always wanted to travel, and this could be your opportunity. With this resolve, Geralt renewed his effort to speak to you. For all his efforts, you had suddenly disappeared, and even the ladies who had been so kind to him wouldn’t say anything. When asked their faces would drop and they would shake their heads, but refuse to speak of you. He decided that if you wouldn’t go to him he would just have to come to you.

**~*~*~*~**

You closed your balcony doors behind you, allowing yourself a reprieve from the man in your chambers. Walking to the railings, you slumped against them, posture tired. You pulled your shawl tighter around your shoulders as you lost yourself in your thoughts. You didn’t hear the sounds of someone climbing over the edge until a hand entered your vision, resting itself on your arm. Frightened, you spun away, mouth opening to scream for help, before freezing as you realized it was Geralt. 

Folding in on yourself in defeat, you dropped into the chair next to you, Geralt coming to kneel beside your feet. “You have been avoiding me, mouse. What has happened?”

You can’t be here, it's not safe.” You whispered, refusing to meet his eyes. “You need to leave, Geralt, before he finds you.”

With a growl, you sensed him send a glare at the closed doors. “He poses no danger to me, I could care less if he sees me here. I am visiting an old friend, what is so wrong with that.”

Exploding out your chair, you dropped the shawl as you strode away before spinning back to pierce with Witcher with a glare. “It is not you who is danger, but me! He does not want me seeing you, Geralt, just leave! Before you do any more damage!” 

Geralt froze as your shawl fluttered to the ground, revealing what you had been trying to keep from him. He thought back to the previous week, remembering that even though the days had been warm, you had dresses with long sleeves and high collars while the rest of the women wore less. He remembered the gentle way they had handled you, no one coming up from behind you, making sure they always approached you from the front.

His eyes raked over you as your thin nightgown revealed the bruises, handprints around your wrists and throats, your arms covered in blotchy black and blue. A growl erupted from his throat as he strode towards you, his mind registering that you didn't flinch away from his approach. Gently, he took one arm, a shiver running through you as he gently brushed his fingers over the wounds that adorned you.

“Why?” his voice was broken when he asked, eyes full of despair at your situation. Tears ran down your cheeks as you shook your head, unable to find the words to answer that question.

“Love, you can’t stay with him if this is how he treats you. Come with me. The contract is almost done, we have a general idea of where the nest is, once I have disposed of it I am free to go. I could take you anywhere you wanted. We could travel, see the world. I could set you up as a healer in an apothecary. Anywhere but here, mouse, you know you can’t stay.” 

Geralt caught you as you collapsed into his arms, sobs wracking your body as the dreadful sounds forced their way out of you. Gathering you, he settled himself into the chair you had vacated, arranging you on his lap as you cried, your body shuddering with the force of your grief. He let you, just holding you, supporting you as you released the emotions that had been building up, unable to release them to anyone. Shushing you, he stroked your hair as you quieted, exhausted from your outburst.

Wiping your tears, you squirmed, trying to sit up. Geralt helped you, releasing a grumble when you stood and turned to the railings, out of his reach. Standing, he followed you, but didn’t touch as you shifted away from him.

“I can’t leave, Geralt.” Your voice was tired, defeated. “There is something that keeps me here, something I need to stay for.”

“What are you staying for?” He was starting to get agitated, upset at the thought of you being with that monster any longer. “You have no family here, your husband abuses you, what could possibly be so important that you can’t leave him?”

You refused to look at him, again shifting away as he reached for you. The movement filled him with rage.

“Or is it that I’m the Butcher of Blaviken, the Witcher with no feelings?” He hissed, ignoring the flinch that his words drew from you. “Have you forgotten the months we spent together at the Temple, the love that we had? You can just say you despise me, you have no feelings for me. Don’t lie to me, Y/N, if you have turned against me as well.”

You came alive at that, spinning to face him, eyes flaring with anger. “You don’t understand,” you spat, “I don’t stay because I want to, I stay because I have to. I have to protect what’s mine. You don’t understand the position I am in, you could never understand.”

You sighed, closing your eyes at the expression of disbelief on Geralt’s face. “Just- just leave me, Geralt. Please.” Your voice broke. “I will be fine, just… go.” 

With that, you turned and entered the room behind you, leaving Geralt stunned on the balcony.

**~*~*~*~**

Your words bit deep, saying that he could never understand what you were going through. If anything, Geralt thought he was one of the only ones who could understand, having been torn from his family and forced to endure the abuse that came with the trials and training to become a Witcher. He didn’t seek you out for days, still angry that you wouldn’t explain what was going on.

He spent his nights hunting the bruxa, disposing of them with a brutal efficiency that even he was shocked at. On his way back in the mornings, he would stop and stare at your balcony, hoping to catch a glimpse of you. He tried to ignore the whispers about you in court, saying that you no longer left your rooms, you pleaded sick when anyone asked you to join them. He ignored the glances of pity the women sent his way, filled with something he didn’t understand.

It was days before Geralt saw you again, you were walking through one of the gardens in the court grounds, accompanied by one of the maids. As he approached, he could see you leaning on the woman next to you, pale and out of breath. Again, you were wearing a long sleeved, high collar dress.

You glanced up at his approach, and seeing him, quietly spoke under your breath to the woman. She frowned at you, asking a question back. You smiled softly, squeezing her arm as you nodded, before she seemed to acquiesce, staring at Geralt as she let you go. She stopped next to Geralt as she passed him, glaring up at him. “You take care with her, Sir Witcher, make sure that she doesn’t tire herself out.” She spoke before continuing, disappearing out of sight as she turned a corner on the path.

Geralt turned back to you, rushing forwards as you swayed, offering you an arm to lean on. You patted his arm, breathlessly pointing out a bench a few meters away. As he moved the pair of you towards it, Geralt examined you with a frown. He could see the edges of a bruise peeking up over your collar, and you were paler than before, highlighting the edges of a black eye that you had tried to cover with makeup.

“How are you, Geralt? Have you been able to take care of the bruxa? I haven’t been able to make it back to town to see how my people have been doing.” You spoke softly, unable to catch your breath to finish a full sentence.

He stared at you in disbelief. “You are worried about your people? What about you, Y/N? He is killing you, you can’t stay!”

You ignored his question, again asking about your people. Geralt assured you they were fine, that they were healing before returning the subject to you. “Even the ladies in the court are worried. A few of them asked me if I had spoken to you. You need to care for yourself, not just your people.”

You shook your head. “You don’t understand. No one understands. I can’t leave him, I have to protect what’s mine.”

“Then tell me!” Geralt all but roared, before regretting his tone as you flinched. He softened his tone, eyes desperate. “Mouse, please, help me understand. If I don’t know what’s going on, I can’t help you. Please, let me help you.”

Your eyes filled with tears as you collapsed into his side, burying your face in his chest, his arms coming around your back to support you. He gently rubbed circles into your back, soothing you as you cried. You quieted down after a while, leaving your head resting on his chest as you spoke. “I have a daughter.”

Geralt froze, understanding flooding him at your statement. You shifted, struggling to sit up as he guided you with his hand. “We met a few years ago, he was kind and caring. My parents were thrilled, a knight!” You laughed hollowly. “He just wanted someone to play with. After a few months, we were out for a walk in the woods and he-” you cut yourself off with a sob, a hand coming up to cover your mouth.

Geralt growled at this admission, rage filling his chest. His hands gripped you tighter, pulling you into his side as if he could protect you from the world with that action. You took a deep breath, calming yourself as you continued.

“I refused to see him after that, my parents didn’t understand why I had suddenly cut off my relationship with him. Until I missed a cycle. I had always wanted a baby, just not that way. When my parents found out, they spoke to his father and arranged our marriage, not wanting to bring a scandal between the two of us. People had been curious, we had spent a lot of time wandering our town.”

You glanced up at him, frantic to make him understand.. “Once we were married, I thought it would be fine. He was kind to me while I was pregnant. It was only a few months ago that he started getting physical with me. But he started threatening her, my little Corinna, and I couldn’t let him hurt her! If he is too busy with me, he won’t touch her! Please Geralt, he can’t hurt her. I can’t leave, he’d kill her! She’s eight months old, she doesn’t deserve this.”

Again, you dissolved into tears, sobbing against his chest as his arms came up to protect you from the evils in this world.

**~*~*~*~**

You had been exhausted from crying, so Geralt had returned you to your rooms. The maid that had been with you at first was waiting by your door, sending Geralt a glare at your state until he asked her to keep Sir Livialli from the rooms, and that he would be back to collect you at the end of his contract.

“Oh thank you, Sir Witcher, thank you for helping her. She is so kind to everyone, we couldn’t stand that she was letting him do this to her.” She tearfully thanked him, saying that she would have some things packed for you when he came to collect you.

Geralt strode to his room, radiating anger as he dressed in his armour with cold precision, slinging his silver sword over his back. He went to the throne room next, requesting Sir Livialli to accompany him on his final attack on the bruxa’s nest. The king was delighted at this, offering further assistance but Geralt refused, saying that he only needed two, any more and the pack would know that they were coming.

The ride to the forest was silent, neither the knight nor the Witcher speaking to each other. The battle was vicious, Geralt sending as many bruxa at the knight as possible while still taking down the nest. There were six bruxa left, Geralt having exterminated many of them during his previous forays. Sensing the younger, male blood, four of the bruxa went after Sir Livillia while two went after Geralt.

He dispatched them quickly, keeping his back to a tree while parrying the slashes of claws and teeth. Putting his sword point down in the dirt, he leaned against the tree and observed the fight across from him.

The man was a decent swordsman, Geralt observed. He was keeping up for the most part, having killed one of the bruxa. Lifting his sword, Geralt stalked towards the group. One of the creatures saw him coming, turning and attacking. It was a short fight, Geralt slashing its arms before ending it with a thrust through its chest, turning to meet the second last bruxa attacking to avenge its fallen sister. Sir Livialli was slowing, Geralt noticed, as he was occupied with the last monster. 

He slowed his strokes, toying with his opponent as he observed the knight drop his sword after taking a slash to his arm. Geralt quickly disposed of the bruxa, stopping and watching as Sir Livialli fell to the ground, the monster having opened his back with its claws. He dragged himself through the dirt, reaching to Geralt for aid.

“Help… me…” he managed to groan, Geralt watching him with a piercing gaze. He didn’t respond for a moment, the bruxa stalking in for the kill.

Geralt stared at him with a cold face. “Why should I help you when you have hurt her?”

A look of realization came over Sir Livialli’s before the expression turned to horror as the bruxa leapt onto him, tearing his throat out with a jerk of its head. Geralt swung his sword, separating its head from its body while it was distracted with its kill. Cleaning his sword, he resheathed it and swiftly moved to mount Roach, turning her in the direction of the castle before taking off as fast as he could.

**~*~*~*~**

The castle was quiet when he returned, a somber mood in the air. Geralt quickly reported to the king that the nest was destroyed, but Sir Livialli had unfortunately lost his life in the attack. The king dismissed this, praising Geralt for his deeds and passing over his reward.

Having settled his account, he all but ran through the hallways, desperate to see you and to take you away from the hell hole that was this place. As he reached your rooms, he stopped, seeing some of your friends leaving with tears in their eyes. The maid he had spoken to earlier looked up at his approach, her face falling as she saw him. The door opened behind her, Geralt flinching as the copper scent of blood hit him. The colour drained from his face as he saw another woman hurry out of the room, a wad of bloody towels in her arms.

He entered the room, finding you lying pale and limbless on the bed, surrounded by women. Seeing him, the woman at your head gently prodded you, whispering something to you. At her words, you rolled your head towards him, a pained smile gracing your face. “Geralt.” you murmured. 

At your words, he padded forwards, scared to make too much noise. You raised a hand to him, and Geralt’s heart fell as he saw it shake in the air. Grasping it softly, he brought your hand to his mouth, pressing a gentle kiss to your palm as he sat on the bed by your side.

“You came back.” 

“I did. And I promise he will never hurt you or your daughter, ever again.” Geralt reached out, brushing a piece of your hair away from your sweaty face.

“That’s… good…” Your eyes fell closed. One of the women in the room beckoned to Geralt, drawing him to the side.

“What happened to her?” Geralt spared you a glance as you lay pale and motionless on the bed.

“He happened.” The woman spit. “He beat her to within an inch of her life, that bastard, and left her for dead. She’s lost the baby as well.”

Geralt froze. “The baby?”

She glanced at him, sadness in her eyes. “You didn’t know? You poor thing. She was four months pregnant, but she’s miscarried. We can’t stop the bleeding, I don’t know if she’ll make it.”

He looked back at you over his shoulder, you were tossing and muttering to yourself on the bed. “Go be with her.” He felt a gentle prod to his shoulder. Following the direction, he returned to the bed, gently sitting next to you and taking your hand.

You opened your eyes. “Geralt. I’m so tired.” 

“Shh.” he stroked your hair. “I’m here now.”

Tears ran down your face as you closed your eyes. “My daughter, my Corinna, you have to help her.”

“I know, I will.” He wiped your tears. “I will take care of her.”

“You always were my guardian angel, Geralt. You saved me from him. You’ll save my daughter as well.” Opening your eyes, you shakily raised a hand to his cheek. “I’m so tired.”

He felt a tear run down his face. “It’s ok. You can let go now.”

“Thank you.” You closed your eyes, head falling to the side as he heard your heart stutter, before stopping with a finality that sent a dagger through Geralt. He leaned down, pressing a kiss to your forehead before standing and turning away from the bed. The woman from earlier stood in the doorway, a bag over her shoulder and a bundle in her arms.

“Here.” She passed Geralt the bag, he slung it over his shoulder as she passed him the bundle. Settling it in his arms, he looked down to see a small face, eyes closed, nestled in the blankets. Gently, he raised a hand to stroke a finger down the little cheek. The babe let out a soft sigh, curling closer into Geralt’s warmth.

Looking up, the woman had a soft, sad smile on her face at the two of them “I know she will be well cared for. This is what she would have wanted for her.” He nodded, not trusting his voice.

She pushed him gently, “Go Witcher.”

Readjusting his grip on the child, he looked down once more, before turning back to her. “Thank you.”

As the tears in her eyes spilled over, “Be safe. You take care of her.”

“I will.” He turned and left the room, holding his bundle close. Reaching the stables, he secured the bag to his saddle before mounting, riding out of the castle.

He travelled for weeks, stopping frequently to feed and bathe the child. It was slow going, but Geralt didn’t care. The people that he passed gawked at the sight of a Witcher with a child, but he continued on, ignoring the stares and the whispers.

He finally reached the Temple of Melitele, the priestesses welcoming him. He hid the bundle under his cloak until he secured an audience with the high priestess. She had gasped when he revealed the child, reaching out to take her from him.

“Who is this little sweet?” she cooed, holding a finger out for the babe to grab.

“This is Corinna, Y/N’s daughter. She died saving her people.” Geralt answered, ignoring the look of shock that passed over the woman’s face. “Will you care for her? The road is no place for a child.”

Looking back at the child with a look of sorrow in her face, the priestess responded, “Of course. You will visit though? Don’t leave this child with no memories of her mother.”

“I will. And I will bring coin for payment as well.”

The priestess scoffed. “No need, Geralt. You have done enough to help us over the years, it is the least we can do. But I will be expecting you to visit.”

Geralt nodded. “Thank you.” The priestess laid the babe back in his arms. Geralt looked down as Y/E/C orbs blinked up at him. “I will miss you, little one.” He raised a finger to brush the child’s face. “You be good for the priestesses, and I will be back to visit soon.”

**~*~*~*~**

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