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seanfalco · 4 years

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(More Than Just) Travel Partners - Part III

Fandom: The Witcher Pairing: Jaskier x f!Reader Word Count: 3.1k Rating: M (for now, will ramp up to E in later parts) Warning(s): Implied past assault/non-con a/n: okay so, I promise this is a reader insert. There is a plot relevant reason why the reader is introduced with a name, you just have to find out why. :3 Oooh we’re getting closer to the climax if you know what i mean

[ Masterlist ]

——

Almost two months.

Almost two months now spent on the road with Jaskier and though you felt happier than you had in living memory, every day that passed it became that much harder to keep the truth from him.

The truth about what you were running from, the terrors that haunted your dreams.

The truth about your identity -- if only to hear him call you by your real name and not the latest alias you’d had to adopt.

By now you knew he would want to help you in any way he could… if he knew.

If you let him.

And you wanted so badly to let yourself trust him. To let him in.

You often found yourself wondering just how much he’d managed to guess at on his own. He wasn’t an idiot, no matter how some people tried to paint him as one. He was sharp. He noticed things.

So what had he noticed about you?

Chewing your lip as these troubling thoughts circled your head and churned your stomach you barely noticed that Jaskier had stopped singing, his hand going still on his lute, and had asked you a question; Swift still plowing along stolidly beneath you.

“Aev?” he repeated, glancing over his shoulder at you; the adorable flower crown you’d made for him earlier still perched jauntily on his head.

“Hmm?” you hummed, jarred from your dark thoughts.

“What do you think about that line? Too much, right?” he asked, pulling a face.

“Which line?”

“Only the one I’ve been agonizing over for the last half hour,” he sighed. “Haven’t you been listening?”

You grimaced as you answered truthfully. “I’m sorry. I kinda got lost in thought... and wasn’t paying attention.”

You waited for him to crack a joke or tease you about spacing out, but were met with silence. “You know… if something’s troubling you, I’m always here to listen.”

The worry that laced his voice tore your gaze to him and upon glimpsing the serious set to his face white hot guilt seared through you and you felt sick. In that moment it took all your willpower to keep from spilling every secret you’d been carrying.

The temptation to share your burdens with someone else nearly out won your better senses, but by the time you’d taken a deep breath you had it under control once more. You couldn’t burden Jaskier with this. It was already enough that your very presence could potentially put him in danger as well.

“It’s nothing important, really. Just got caught up thinking about the past.”

You were surprised at how even your voice sounded and Jaskier caught your eye over his shoulder, studying you for a moment before he nodded.

“Alright, well, my offer still stands anytime. I know it might not seem like it, but I am a good listener,” he said, his usual grin slowly returning, “and an even better shoulder to cry on.”

The smile that tugged on your lips in return wasn’t forced and you huffed a small laugh.

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

The mood back to normal, you gave Jaskier your full attention. “Okay, so what’s this lyric you’re stuck on?”

——

Not less than an hour later the imposing walls of Tretogor loomed ahead and you firmly tamped down the flutter of worry that was attempting to worm its way back into your gut. Cities were dangerous for more than one reason, and a capital even more so, but Jaskier had asked for this destination specifically, and you couldn’t say no.

“So where is this friend you need to meet?” You asked as Jaskier helped you down from Swift’s back.

“Well, he’s less of a friend and more of a uhhh, friendly rival,” he explained, adjusting the strap of his lute case over his shoulder.

“So he’s another bard?” You asked, raising a brow.

“Well, yes. He usually hangs around the tavern, the Radiant Rooster, but you don’t wanna go there,” he quickly added, frowning slightly.

“Are you trying to get rid of me, Jaskier?” you asked, half teasing, unsure what to make of the fact that didn’t seem to want you to accompany him.

His blue eyes widened. “Noononono, that’s not it,” he was swift to assure, raising his hands defensively. “It’s just… how do I put this nicely? He’s kind of a dick. And I didn’t want—”, he sighed, cutting off, his eyes flitting away anxiously, not quite meeting yours.

“Didn’t want what?” you prompted taking a step closer and tilting your head to catch his gaze.

Taking a deep breath he met your eyes. “I know how he can be with women, and I didn’t -- I don’t want him to hit on you.”

“Oh.” You couldn’t seem to form any other words for a moment and Jaskier flushed endearingly. “That’s… that’s very sweet of you Jaskier, but you know I can handle myself.”

“I know that,” he replied sheepishly. “To be honest, it’s more for my benefit than yours.”

“Oh.”

Now it was your turn to flush and look away. “Alright then,” you said, deciding to cut him some slack and honor his wishes, “I’ll go check out the market while you’re at the Radiant Rooster and I’ll... meet you in about an hour?”

Jaskier sighed with relief and handed you Swift’s reins.

“Perfect! I won’t be long!”

“Oh, wait!,” you called, lunging forward to grasp the cuff of his doublet before he took off.

“What is it?” Jaskier spun back around to face you, his eyes briefly flicking to your hand at his wrist.

“You, uhm, you’re still wearing the flower crown,” you explained, pointing to his head while trying to hide your grin.

Glancing upward Jaskier grimaced, reaching up to delicately remove the chain of daisies and buttercups you’d weaved for him earlier. “Ah, no wonder the guards were staring at me strangely,” he sighed before a grin flashed across his face moments later. “Oh well, it’ll probably look better on you anyways,” he announced, placing the flowers over your hair and stepping back to admire you, his gaze tender. “Yep. Absolute perfection.”

Your heart in your throat you reached up to gingerly brush the flower petals with your fingers, waiting for your voice to return. “I dunno,” you said weakly, “I thought you looked rather lovely yourself.”

“Flatterer,” Jaskier whispered, leaning close to your ear before grasping your hand and squeezing. “Don’t get into too much trouble while I’m gone.”

“I should be the one saying that!” you called after him, not quite able to stop smiling.

——

The market was bustling and to kill some time you peered at some of the stalls with little interest before moving on, weaving through the dense crowd. One stall, however caught your eye and you stopped, ducking under the awning to linger over the wares; your fingers brushing over the small trinkets on display. One small silver brooch in particular seemed to call to you and you couldn’t help but think how striking it would look pinned to Jaskier’s lapel. After a moment’s hesitation you purchased it, exchanging a few coins with the shopkeep and slipping it into your belt pouch to surprise him with later.

After circling the rest of the market you picked out a spot off to the side with a good view of the mouth of the street and stood, stroking Swift’s velvety nose while attempting to both stay alert and block out the majority of the noise pressing in on you. Several minutes elapsed as you watched the people around you, your sharp eyes checking each face that passed; always on the lookout, before you felt someone bump into you hard from behind and stumble to the ground at your feet.

At first glance you could see it was a wizened old crone and you hurried to help her stand; grasping her arm to pull her up.

“Are you alright?”

“‘m fine, fine,” the old woman mumbled, straightening as much as her bent back would allow. However, when her deep cowl turned toward you, you nearly stumbled back in fright at the sight of her large milky eyes staring straight through you until you realized, feeling rather foolish, that she was merely blind. Her hand on your wrist tightened painfully though as she continued to stare, bringing you to wince.

“T-that hurts --”

“Be wary child,” her voice rasped urgently; the rest of your words dying on your tongue as she pulled you closer. “He hunts you still and he is closing in. Nowhere is safe. Not until he draws his last breath. You cannot run forever.”

Unable to speak you merely stood frozen as her bony fingers bruised your skin; fear enveloping you as a mirthless hollow laugh rang in your ears, magnified by the sounds of the market, voices overlapping; too loud in your ears. Too loud. Suddenly the crone was gone, disappeared into the swell of the crowd and you whipped your head around, searching the street for her, her warning taunting you until it was all you could hear.

Out of the sea of people a face suddenly swam into view and you flinched back as it moved straight toward you as if in slow motion -- the face that haunted your dreams nearly every night, and suddenly it was if you had never left; emotions rolling over you, threatening to pull you under.

Pain. Punishment. Anger. Bruises and wounds soothed by soft words and false promises, empty apologies, and poisoned professions of undying love. Fear; lingering, choking, festering. Always there, even in the good times. Always the fear of angering him, his mood darkening in the blink of an eye. Never knowing which version you would see from day to day, sometimes even hour to hour —the charmer or the monster. Hands at your waist, pawing at your clothes; alcohol drenched breath on your skin. No. No! Protests ignored, overpowered. Your duty. Tired of fighting. Close your eyes, wait for it to end.

“Aevryn!”

Strong hands grasped your arms and you struggled for a moment, panic flaring in your chest as you tried to push him away until you realized it was Jaskier.

“Hey, it’s me, it’s me! Are you alright? You’re pale as a sheet. It’s like you’ve seen a ghost.”

Closing your eyes you tried to ground yourself; focusing on Jaskier’s grip on your arms and the blue of his eyes. “Aev? Did something happen? What did that beggar say to you?”

“Nothing.” You shook your head, your pulse pounding deafeningly in your ears. “She just… startled me.”

The bard frowned, unconvinced, but he didn’t press any further. “Come on, we need to get you calmed down.” His hand slipped down to your wrist as he led you to the nearest tavern where he proceeded to order you both drinks, choosing a booth tucked into the corner, far away from the other handful patrons.

“Here, drink this. It’ll calm your nerves,” he said, pushing one of the mugs toward you.

You stared down into the mug of pale amber liquid in front of you for a moment before nodding and lifting it to your lips to take a long draw, swallowing the somewhat bitter ale thirstily. As you wiped your mouth with the back of your hand you noticed Jaskier watching you warily; his eyes worried and his usually grinning lips pressed together in a tense line.

You opened your mouth to try to explain, but he took a deep breath and spoke first. “Whatever you saw in the market, whatever you were experiencing, it wasn’t real. You’re safe,” he insisted, moving his hand hesitantly across the table, placing it over yours.

You didn’t move your hand away.

“Thank you,” you murmured, trying to sound as calm as possible, you even managed to look him in the eye though your pulse was still tremulous. “I’m fine Jask, really.”

He still seemed doubtful as you took another drink, searching for anything to say to distract him. The ale was starting to calm your nerves, and the warmth of his hand on yours didn’t hurt either.

“So, how did your meeting go at the Radiant Rooster?” you asked, grasping at the distraction.

It did the trick because as soon as you asked, Jaskier’s eyes lit up. “That’s right, I almost forgot!” he exclaimed, rubbing his hands together in excitement. “I have amazing news. So, how’s this for exhilarating? You and I are going to be performing at the palace tomorrow night for the King’s birthday celebration.”

“What?” you asked, gaping at him across the table, the incident in the marketplace all but forgotten for the moment. “Did I hear you correctly? We’re playing for the King? At the palace? How did you--?”

Jaskier merely grinned, basking in your amazement. “We’re not the only musicians that will be there,” he admitted, a touch sourly, “but I have it on good authority that we will be amongst the best there and that the party is going to be one to remember. Or forget, depending on how much wine is served,” he added with a shrug.

“Is your friend going to be performing as well?” you wondered, trying to imagine this man that Jaskier had been so keen to keep you away from earlier.

Jaskier’s grimace was confirmation enough.

“Unfortunately,” he grumbled, folding his hands around his mug. “But it can’t be helped, at least I’ll be able to enjoy watching the pompous ass’s face when we upstage him on his own turf.” He paused to take a drink, seeming to remember something else mid-swallow. “Oh! There is one more thing. Before tomorrow night we’ll need to upgrade our look,” he explained, picking at the worn silk of his open jacket. “My doublet’s seen better days and as lovely as you always look, I think something just a little flashier will be just the thing.”

“Flashier...?” Suddenly self conscious you glanced down at your dress. “How flashy?”

Sensing your trepidation Jaskier was quick to ease your worries before rambling on. “Trust me, I’ll make sure you look amazing, love. I’m thinking something colour coordinated. It’ll be costly to have something made at such short notice, but I know a guy--”

——

“So, what do you think?” Jaskier asked, pulling aside the curtain with a flourish and stepping out, his arms spread to show off his new outfit. As he approached he made a small 180 so you could see him at all angles before stopping in front of you and waiting for your appraisal.

Stepping up to him, a smile playing at the corner of your lips, you straightened his collar, your hands running over the slope of his shoulders, smoothing the silky dark blue fabric. “You look quite dashing,” you murmured, your fingers moving to fasten the topmost button he’d forgotten. “You look good in anything, but I think this colour suits you best. It brings out the striking blue of your eyes, and there’s just enough gold embroidery to draw attention without looking gaudy.”

Your gaze flicked up to find him watching you, smiling softly and you suddenly realized how close you were. Just a few more inches and you could easily tilt your head back and press your lips to his. Shaking yourself from this thought you quickly stepped back, slipping your hands from his chest to clasp in your skirts, your face heating.

Perhaps it was merely your imagination, but you could have sworn Jaskier’s grin faltered slightly, disappointment flickering across his face for an instant before smoothing as you stepped back. “I’m glad you like it,” he said, glancing down at himself as he ran his own hands over the fabric as well. “Now, it’s your turn,” he exclaimed with a grin, gesturing toward the changing curtain. “I’m excited to see how yours looks on you.”

Slightly nervous you slipped into the small changing area to find your new dress hanging there waiting for you. Jaskier had ordered it to his specifications and this was the first time seeing it with your own eyes. Running your fingers over the rich midnight blue velvet of the bodice with a soft gasp, you admired the intricate thread of gold embroidery around the neckline, thinning out into little starbursts as they trailed down toward the gauzy tulle of the skirt. You wondered how much extra Jaskier had to pay to have this made in a day and a half’s time. The embroidery alone had to have taken a considerable amount of time to apply and you felt kind of sorry for the poor seamstresses who had to work so fast.

Taking a deep breath you stripped and pulled the dress up, slipping your arms through the snug sleeves… there was only one problem you realized, reaching behind yourself… you could only tie the dress up halfway and there was no attendant to help you finish.

Taking a deep breath you called through the curtain, “Uhm, Jaskier?”

“Mhmm? Almost done?” His voice sang back. “I’m on pins and needles waiting here, please come out and end my suffering.”

“I uh, I need a little help…” Pulling back the curtain you stepped out reluctantly, holding the front of the dress tight against your chest so it wouldn’t slip down. “I can’t finish tying it up on my own.”

Jaskier’s eyes widened noticeably as they very obviously swept down your form and he swallowed. “Of-of course.”

You turned so he could tighten the laces, shivers racing up your spine as his fingers brushed against your skin. He fumbled a couple times, but soon he announced he was finished and stepped back so you could turn to face him once more.

“I was right. Absolutely breathtaking,” he murmured and you had to duck your head to hide your burning cheeks. “Do you like it?”

“I do,” you replied, arranging the skirt and swinging your hips to make it swish around your legs, a smile pulling your lips. “I feel like a princess in a fairytale,” you admitted with a laugh.

“Does that make me the prince?” Jaskier asked with a wry smile, offering you his hand. You glanced at it for a moment before taking it and he spun you, dancing without music.

You thought for a second and couldn’t help but laugh harder. “More like the court bard who constantly tries to woo me with song and sweet words; promises of running off into the sunset together to escape my imminent and unwanted betrothal.”

Jaskier’s brows rose and he chuckled delightedly. “Ooo I like that even better. Fits me to a t.” He hesitated for a moment and you came to a stop, his arm still wrapped loosely around your waist. “And do you?”

Somewhat dazed by the sudden stop you tilt your head in confusion. “Do I what?”

“Run away with the bard?”

“Jaskier…” Your voice dies away and you can’t seem to make it come back for several moments. “Thank you for the dress,” you finally manage with a whisper, avoiding the question. “We’re going to look amazing tonight.”

#jaskier x reader #jaskier x oc #jaskier imagines #the witcher fic #the witcher imagines #jaskier #julian alfred pankratz #the bard #fic: traveling partners #we have two parts lefttt!#my writing

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