You think you're safe without a care
Ciri bolted between the trees, ducking under branches, trying to catch up with Jaskier. Geralt was a few feet ahead of her, his long legs allowing him greater strides. It had shocked Ciri that Jaskier was somehow faster than Geralt.
Geralt shot off to the right to Jaskier off. Ciri winced at the thud that sounded when the two hit the ground, Geralt tackling Jaskier. They rumbled for a few moments, Geralt pinning Jaskier by his wrists.
"I'm not letting you go again. We talked about this."
"Let me up, Geralt."
"Promise you won't leave again." Geralt's voice cracked.
Jaskier struggled. He didn't know if that was a promise he could keep. They--Geralt and Jaskier--were doing well. They were closer now than they'd ever been. What would happen now Ciri was thrown into the mix? How would things go for Ciri if he stayed? The future of Cintra rested on this girl's shoulders. He wouldn't be a hindrance to the one person strong enough to protect her.
"It's safer for her if I go."
Geralt sat up, pulling Jaskier with him. He didn't let go of Jaskier's wrists. "Horse shit. You just saved her from a fucking bear. You're one of the best archers I've met. You know her better; you know more of girls her age because of your sister. We both need you."
Jaskier tried to tug his wrists free but Geralt held him. He looked over Geralt's shoulder to Ciri who almost caught her breath. "Do you want me to stay?"
"Yes." She quickly nodded.
Jaskier, his wrists still in Geralt's hands, pointed at Geralt with a firm finger. "If I fuck up once , I'm gone."
Geralt didn't like the sound of that at all. Fear in his gut told him Jaskier was going to be harsher on himself than Geralt ever was.
"Take it or I leave now." Jaskier snapped him back to the present.
Hesitantly, Geralt let go of Jaskier's wrists. He was already brainstorming ways to change Jaskier's mind.
As soon as Geralt stood, Ciri ran to him and wrapped her arms tightly around him. She let go Geralt and threw herself against Jaskier, hugging him just as tightly.
"Hello again, Princess." Jaskier ran his hand through her tangled hair. "You're safe."
The trio didn't go too far throughout the day. Ciri was clearly exhausted. For the short distance, Ciri slept on Roach, curled into Jaskier's chest who rode behind her. Geralt, as always, led Roach.
Anytime Ciri would stir, Jaskier hummed a song and pulled her closer to him. Geralt kept glancing up at the two to make sure both were safe. He knew they were. It was too surreal to really be happening. Nothing ever worked out for him the way he wanted.
"Are you really leaving?" Ciri whispered.
"I don't know yet. Don't worry about that now. Rest."
"Why did you try running?" Her giant eyes were searching his face for something.
"It's a long story," Jaskier dismissed.
"I don't want you to leave." Ciri curled smaller against Jaskier.
The man made the mistake of looking down at Geralt. The Witcher was already looking at him. The molten eyes clearly conveyed he agreed with the young princess. His pleading was unsaid but heard nonetheless.
"Your leg hurt, Jaskier?" Geralt asked.
"No."
"You hurt your leg?" Ciri frowned.
