#soaw

“J-Jaskier!” She reunited with him in one long stride, immediately taking him by the arm just as he stumbled. “What happened, my love? You’re hurt!”

“I...” He stuttered, too shaken up to utter any coherent words. All he did was take a deep breath and stare into her eyes.

“Come here, sit down” Nissa urged him, feeling her stomach turn with the look of helplessness he dedicated her. “Who did this to you, Jaskier?”

Once he was sitting down, it felt like the full weight of the world finally fell upon him and he broke down in sobs. The fresh memories of that traumatic event still haunted him, but at least he was home now. He was safe. He was with her again.

“Talk to me, please...” Nissa begged, taking him by the chin until he peered at her. “What happened to you?”

All he could manage was to shake his head. Noticing how his lip trembled uncontrollably and tears were at the verge of falling, he bowed his head down.

Despite his feebleness, Jaskier now made such a sudden movement that he startled her. Urgently wrapping his arms around her frame, he pulled Nissa into his lap and clung on to her.

“Jaskier...” She muttered, paralyzed when he shoved his face against her shoulder and sobbed there. Her voice was once filled with fear and concern, but now it was burning with anger. “Who the fuck dared do this to you?”

“L-Later...” He weakly whispered. His voice was hoarse and trembled. “Now... hold me, alright?” 

Nissa took a deep breath, forcing her unexpected thirst for revenge to subside. Jaskier was hurt, and some miserable son of a whore was responsible for it. But for now, he needed her help. He needed her comfort.

“Of course” Not losing another second, she delicately wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed him against her chest. “I’m here, Jaskier, it’s over now”

He sobbed again, clinging on to her tunic. Taking deep breaths, he focused on what she said, reminded himself that he was safe now. Jaskier deeply breathed in her scent. Lavender. It soothed his anguish slightly.

“Are you badly hurt?” Her voice acquired a rare tender tone that he only heard from her during the sleepy hours of the night. “Do you need me to heal you?”

“No...” He uttered another shaky whisper. “I think I’m... I-I’ll be alright”

Nissa paused, watching him and not knowing what to do. Jaskier kept his gaze down, now observing his hands in deep thought.

“Stay right here” She softly stood up. “I will be right back”

“Alright...” He uttered, sighing and rubbing his hands.

Rushing as much as she could, Nissa went to pick up a rag and soaked it in water. As soon as she did, she returned by his side and occupied her spot on his lap.

Jaskier remained silent. Although her mind burned with anxious questions, she let him shield himself in that silence. Instead, she gingerly pressed the wet rag against his skin, gently wiping the dried blood off his face.

“T-They’re after Geralt” Jaskier whispered, gulping and daring to look up at her.

“What?” Nissa stared at him in awe, halting her movements for a moment.

“This... man... h-he...” The bard took a second to breathe and push away the memories of his torture. “He was looking for Geralt and for his child of surprise”

She was now the one to remain quiet, not knowing what to say. Was it good that they hadn’t seen Geralt in so long after they had another falling out with him?

“Should we...” Jaskier held her hand, stopping her as she diligently cleaned his chin. “Should we warn him?”

He seemed lost, at least judging by the look in his eyes and the urgency of his grip. Even after Geralt broke his heart, Jaskier still couldn’t wish ill on the witcher. Because of course he couldn’t.

“I bet he already knows” Nissa reassured him, showcasing a comforting smile. “All you need to concern yourself with right now is resting, alright?”

“You’re right” He slowly nodded, holding her hand again, this time to caress it. “I love you, Nissa... I love you so so much...”

“I love you too, Jaskier, my stupid bard” She lovingly smiled, pushing the hair away from his eyes. “And I promise you, you’re safe now. Whoever even thinks about touching you again will taste my blade”

Jaskier breathed like he hadn’t been able to in so many long hours. He managed something resembling a smile, even through the exhaustion and blood.

On her side, Nissa was gritting her teeth. The way Jaskier had said ‘I love you’, like he had feared he wouldn’t be able to say it again...

Despite knowing it wasn’t the witcher’s fault, she cursed him for getting them in trouble once more. But yes, it wasn’t Geralt’s fault. If anything, he was in even more danger. She prayed that he remained safe wherever he may be.

For now, Nissa focused on her dear bard. She kissed his head and held him tight, patiently waiting until his sobbing completely subsided and his breathing evened. She kissed his fingertips, willing the chaos to heal them as they seemed to have been a big focus on whatever he was put through.

Without moving his head from its comfortable spot on the crook of her neck, Jaskier reached out to touch her face. Her soft skin, her silky hair. He breathed out once more, forcing scary thoughts off his mind.

Everything was alright, he was with Nissa now. He was home again.

Reblogs and comments are appreciated!! // Masterlist