vrdantwind | IC Inbox

[Claude continues to read him like a book, and Jaskier finds himself throwing the gear in the snow before rising the collar of his cloak to cover his mouth and yell right into it. It's during moments like this he actually doesn't mind Geralt having lost his witcher senses, because he doesn't know where he would even start to explain this.

He watches him from afar for a moment, smiling at how cute he behaves with Lambert - Geralt has always had a soft spot for animals. How could anyone be afraid of him?

Flirting for fun, especially when innuendo is on the table, is something Jaskier is extremely familiar with. Of course he can appreciate that, but the current discussion doesn't have him thinking clearly. All the other things Claude said are making him dizzy. Him seeing something strong enough to make him back up from a potential conquest... Him seeing something strong to make him think they could be fucking exes..

Something strong enough to make him think there's hope. Jaskier had been there once...

I walked the Path for six fucking decades before you and never brought anyone along. Just you.

Then he looked through a broken window.]

A never was, and a never will be.

Hope was crushed many a year ago. Don't bring it back, I beg you. Don't be so cruel.

[They make it to Goldenrod early in the morning, and honestly? They should rest - it's been hard to camp in the snow. But this month they actually have plans for their new lives, so they need to get busy asap! After visiting Kirishima's bar for lunch, Geralt goes to find work and Jaskier works on his busking and getting his plans set up, including being very interested in that contest announcement. This will be a busy week!

So he decides to start it with a bang - quite literally.

He sends Claude a quick message to meet at a café, hoping things go smoothly and the subject of Geralt is never brought up again. Thankfully Claude doesn't say anything about it - in fact, he says he has a surprise for Jaskier. His mind immediately goes to the gutter, obviously - they've agreed they would be shopping and experimenting today, has Claude gotten something in advance? The wait is going to kill him!

When Claude arrives, Jaskier is sitting by the fireplace of the café with a mug of hot chocolate in his hands. His blue cloak is draped over his chair, and he's wearing the red doublet set he arrived in.]

There you are, my dear. I was starting to think I'd have to eat these all by myself.

[He winks as he indicates the plate with macarons waiting for them on the table.]

[They remind Claude of himself... that's a little worrying, not least because Grant knows Chip reminded him of himself at first, and he sure knows why that was. He's certainly got a few questions about Claude's upbringing now.]

That would be right - and I honestly appreciate that you trust that I wasn't the one who did this to them. Frankly, Chip was treated very badly by their birth family; getting them comfortable with new people is usually something of a process.

Oh, Jaskier.

I understand what you're saying, but I can't say I quite follow your logic. Hope can be cruel enough, it's true, but is it crueler than hopelessness? Than bleakest despair? I wouldn't say so.

Also, declaring something hopeless and its actually being hopeless aren't synonymous. People can lose heart long before a battle's actually decided. There's a terrifying seductiveness to accepting defeat when the path to success isn't obvious, even though giving up guarantees your failure. We lose sight of long-term reward in exchange for escaping short-term effort and pain, as though slowly withering away amidst the dust of our forsaken dreams is preferable to the ache of uncertainty or even the sudden sharp pain of reaching a definitive dead end.

We also sometimes don't see as much from our own perspective as others can see from theirs. You two acted too much like you were already a couple for me to believe there's actually nothing there. The signs weren't just on your end. Geralt doesn't strike me as a man who'd keep anyone's company unless they meant the world to him.

I do trust you, but it's not even really trust that led me to make that call - it's just observation. You're a good dad, Grant. And you love Chip. It's pretty much impossible for anyone with even the most basic grasp of common sense to believe you could've been the cause of whatever issues and fears they have. I don't have to take it on faith.

That's awful, though. I'm glad they're with you now. I wouldn't think any kid deserved that, but they're a good kid who especially doesn't.

You're right, I do recognize the signs. I HAVE seen Geralt of Rivia in love before - she only needed to step through the door for his world to stop.

Drop the subject, Claude, I shall beg you again.

[Claude smiles as soon as he sees Jaskier, striding across the café to settle in across from him at the table. There are many times he's already appreciated the similarities between the two of them and their tastes, and this is yet another instance; on a cold day, Jaskier's curled up indoors somewhere cozy with snacks and a warm drink. Claude couldn't agree more.]

Well, we both know the value of fashion, so how could I be anything but fashionably late? [He winks.] But no, really, I just hadn't expected you and Geralt to arrive so soon after we did. We only got here yesterday! So your message caught me a little off-guard. I was training with Felix, and he's not someone who likes cutting training short.

[He reaches out and filches a macaron, biting into it with a mischievous twinkle in his eye as though he'd stolen it through charm and guile rather than having been openly invited to have one.] Should I accept your thanks from saving you from such a cruel fate as having to eat these alone, or apologize for depriving you of treats?

Well, I'll go for that sriracha one, because it's a name I don't recognize. When the stakes are this low, why not make the blindest gamble possible, right? Although I guess if you're eating both, the consequences are on you...hopefully it's a good one, though.

Whatever he may have felt or shown for someone else doesn't mean he feels and shows nothing for you, Jaskier. And while I can't speak for this woman you mention, since I know nothing about her, I do know that many people have room in their hearts for more than one person. You and I, for instance. He could love this woman as the tide loves the moon, perhaps, but so what? That's hardly proof against his loving you. And twenty-two years says love to me, of one kind or another - love of the rarest kind. There's no language where it could mean anything else. And unless I've read Geralt completely wrong - and I'm not bad at reading people - then he's not a man to grant such love lightly, whether or not he ever puts words to it.

But I'm trying to get you to take heart, not cause you pain. I refuse to abandon you to thinking he's beyond your reach as long as you long for him, and as long as I think I see a way to your achieving your fondest wish, because that'd be piss poor friendship and you've earned better from me. But I also can leave the subject be, for a time, rather than overwhelm you with too much at any one moment. So if you need a break that badly from this, I'm happy to grant you a reprieve. Just know that it's a breather while you recover, not an ending. I won't make any false promises to abandon your hopes by the wayside while I see a way forward still, just because you have and you can't.

I don't know, some people put up a pretty good front - so I'll keep being glad that you realize that's not what this is.

Absolutely agreed. I think they might be working through it, a little bit at a time, but it's bound to take a while. It wasn't even that long ago that I adopted them, so they've got almost a decade's worth of garbage treatment to deal with. Sometimes I'm honestly amazed they're as stable as they are.

Maybe, but I'm also good at seeing through people trying to manipulate me. I'm pretty confident in my judgment of your character.

They're a good kid. And they'll only become better with a dad like you looking after them. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help them be more comfortable around all of us, okay?

[How did they get on the subject of Chip when talking about Grant potentially going out with Dimitri? Claude isn't sure, but in a way he's oddly grateful. Talking about this is actually...soothing some of the sting. It's reminding him how good of a guy Grant is, and how he deserves good things, and is helping him push his own selfishness aside. When he focuses on Grant, instead of on the (purely theoretical, in that Claude never had him to begin with) loss of Dimitri...it's easier.]

Sriracha shall be then~! I'll report the results of this experiment in a moment.

[Fifteen minutes later...]

I hate you.

[Jaskier hides his face in his hands and groans in frustration. So this is going to be a thing? Melitele have mercy. Had this been any other person, Jaskier would hope the subject is forgotten next time they chat. But if there's something he's learned about Claude in the short time he's known him is that he's determined to a fault.

This is going to be hell. Why can't a man have a fuckbuddy without any complications?]

All I'm hearing -or shall I say, reading- is that you're willing to leave the subject be, so let's do that. How is Sicily doing? I've meaning to ask you for a favor, if possible.

[Jaskier has to laugh at that.] Who is sounding like a duke now? [He winks back, knowing Claude understands he's teasing. At the mention of Felix, though, Jaskier can't help rolling his eyes.] Maybe cutting his training short will allow his boyfriend to spend more time with him and let him find whatever it is he's got stuck up his arse.

[Look. All in all, Jaskier doesn't mind Felix. But the prickly jokes aren't stopping any time soon.

That mischievous twinkle makes him prettier than he already is (and Claude is damn pretty already), and Jaskier finds himself thinking he's missed the young man's company. Which is a funny feeling - unlike what happens with his friends at home, Jaskier can still chat with Claude while he's on the road thanks to the magic of those communicators. Some things screens simply can't replace, like the way his foot playful finds Claude's ankle and rubs it playfully.

At the question, he pretends to think hard about it while sipping more of his drink.]

Mmmh, neither. I shall thank you for falling for my devious plan in getting your mouth to taste sweeter than already is. [He leans in to give Claude a quick peck on the lips. The fact he can kiss a man in public is still an adrenaline rush.] Here, try this. [He hands Claude his big warm mug.] It's melted chocolate! They've made it a drink! [Is there anything chocolate can't do? What an amazing product.] It has a touch of honey and these fluffy little things they call marshmallows.

[Okay, Claude shouldn't, but he can't help laughing a bit at that contextless response.]

I take it my choice wasn't good, huh?

Oh, he's as good as ever. But for you to be asking after him specifically, should I take that to mean your favor involves him in some way?

Hey, I always sounded like a duke when I was one. It's not my fault people have preconceived notions about what a duke ought to sound like. [Claude grins as he takes another macaron.]

Mm, so Felix didn't take you favorably, then? Not surprising. He's pretty difficult...and downright nasty to people who annoy him for even the most minor reasons. It's because he hates people being fake, and he never acts fake himself...not even in the name of, you know, tact. So it's nothing against you personally; he isn't likely to like anyone who presents a specific, intentional version of themselves to the world. He essentially considers it frivolous, manipulative lying. [He smiles, lazily rubbing his leg against Jaskier's under the table.] I only snuck past his defenses because I helped talk him through some issues he was having with Sylvain. Once he realized I genuinely cared about him and had helpful things to say, he didn't care so much about whether or not I was holding things back. He felt like he knew the important things about me, and that was enough. He's a lot better past the prickly exterior...like Geralt, I'm sure.

[That little peck from Jaskier, plenty sweet in its own right, gets Claude smiling brightly again. Even more so when he's slid a warm, purportedly delicious drink! He lifts the mug to his lips and takes a careful sip, mindful of the heat.] Oh, this is nice. But I think I'd drink anything warm in winter, honestly... [He sips a marshmallow out of the cup and is delighted by its melty texture.] You talk about marshmallows as though you didn't have them in your world...we have them in ours, but they're pretty different from the kinds of marshmallows I've seen here. They were something of a delicacy people made fresh...but here, I've seen them sold by the bag.

[He grins over the mug at Jaskier.] You know, I should come to where you camp sometime...or bring you to ours. Grant's kid Chip showed me how to make a treat with chocolate and marshmallows over a fire, called s'mores. I think you'd love it. I'd like to say Geralt might like it too, but I don't know if a man so sour enjoys sweets.

here's riku's inbox

sorry it took so long to get back to you. i got busy finishing people's presents and i forgot until early this month and then the stupid snorunts ruined everything

they broke dirk's leg and stole mr solus' tree and send evil cats to steal things from cassandra and keep sending STUPID BATS after me

how is your month going?

Thank you - really. And I'll let you know if there is anything; so far, they seem to be adjusting pretty well, especially now that they're getting along better with Sylvain. Couldn't ask for a better group of old-timey nobility-slash-veterans to be traveling with.

Hey, it's fine! I'm glad you figured out how to reach me. I'm still learning this technology stuff, so.

Nice to talk when we don't have to pretend to be fighting, too! Man, I wonder if that actually fooled anyone. You were a real force to be reckoned with when it came to the real thing, compared to how easy you had to go on me...I don't know how convincing our act could've been.

Whoa, Dirk? This wouldn't be Dirk Strider, would it? Only he's the guy I had to get a secret Santa gift for. I've been wondering who he is. Sounds like he's been having a rough time, in any case...and I was told I ought to talk to that Solus guy awhile back, too, but I don't know him either.

Bats, huh? It really does sound like a lot of people are having bad luck this month. We've been getting mistaken for some band a lot...it's been pretty annoying, but honestly I'm handling it better than most of my friends are, so I can't complain too much. And my pokémon are doing a lot better than usual, for some reason...

[Yeah, Claude was one of the lucky people who got Great Fortune from the Snorunts, which has been translating into extra levels for his team. Feel free to resent him a little, Akane.]

I didn't realize it was all the Snorunts' doing, though. They can really make all sorts of weird things like that happen?

This little piece of hell is spicier than peppers themselves!

Correct! You see, I've looked into Deerling after seeing yours in action at the Gym, and I'm finding myself wanting to raise one of them. If it's alright with you, I'd be very grateful to be allowed to have Sicily for a day in order to get an egg.

[Claude launches a whole explanation on why Felix is the way he is -justifying him, pretty much- and Jaskier sighs, but he doesn't stop him. He knows he can be the same when it comes to Geralt, a comparison his companion wastes no time in making. Touché.]

Mayhap it's simpler than that and he's just teed off at me because I get to share your bed. [JUST SAYING. But there's something else Claude said that bothers him, and Jaskier watches the young man for a moment while munching on a macaron himself.] So you think I present an intentional fake version of myself? Is that how you see me? How you see yourself?

[It could be that Felix is just jumping to conclusions because of Jaskier's... well, everything; but the way Claude's explained it as if it was so obvious doesn't sit well with Jaskier.

He shakes his head at the comment about the marshmallows.] You're correct, we did not. Our worlds do match in that other aspect, however: fine pastries and delicate sweets like these were delicacies found only in courts, or make fresh by very talented bakers in big cities. Not the kind of thing you'd find in a little town in the middle of nowhere. This realm is rich with knowledge and resources, and makes them available for everyone. It's truly a wonder one doesn't want to leave behind.

[It's said as general commentary, but to be honest? It's true for Jaskier, he doesn't want to leave this place. It's only been a month but he's seen enough to know it's a hundred -no, a thousand- times better than his home world. And while he did have some friends he saw now and then, there was only one relationship he feels attached to strongly enough that could make him reconsider - and that relationship is here with him. What else could he ask for?

And speaking of the devil... Claude mentions Geralt again, and Jaskier waits for the subject of his feelings to come up again, but it doesn't. He doesn't believe Claude has forgotten about it - Master Strategist must be waiting for the right moment to strike. Still, Jaskier can't stop the sigh of relief that escapes his lips when the subject of conversation stays light, he just wants to have an evening of fun with a lover.]

He doesn't mind as long as the treat isn't overly sweet. Sensitive witcher tongue, flavors can't be too overwhelming. [Well, he has a human tongue now, but it's still not easy to get used to such strong sensations. It's one of the things Jaskier doesn't bother him about - in fact, he's always ready to help in case of sensory overload.] But you're right about the rest, it does sound delightful. Why should we wait for camp, though? Why can't it be achieved on those "burners"?

Spicy? Spicy chocolate? Interesting. I wish I'd been there to try it myself; I actually love spice.

I guess it was an appropriate choice...for me, that is. As something for me to eat, and not you. Sorry! But it's not like I had any idea! Sriracha's not a spice I've ever heard of...

[Which is because it's a spice blend, not a spice in itself, but Claude will learn that later.]

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