THE WITCHER one shots

Another F*cking Bard (Geralt x Reader)

Tumblr request: What about Geralt with a bard s/o? :0

Geralt x Reader (gender not specified)

I'm not sure if this is exactly what you were going for,  but the idea struck me so I had to run with it! I hope you enjoy!

Warnings: language, nothing you wouldn't hear in the show! Bit on the shorter side, as well, sorry!

Quick note: HOW THE HECK ARE WE AT 14K READS ALREADY THATS CRAZY OMG

•••

"Wow, we get to stay at an actual inn tonight?" Jaskier whistled, following his large Witcher friend through the streets of this small village.

"For one night, yes," Geralt said, trying to ignore the sound of the bard behind him strumming his lute.

But, that wasn't his bard friend's lute. It wasn't his bard.

"Not another fucking bard," Geralt grumbled, founding a corner.

He was greeted by the sight of a large crowd gathered around a single bard, their back to him and Jaskier.

"They've gathered a larger crowd than you do," Geralt jabbed, smirking at the sound of Jaskier stuttering in offense.

Then, the bard started singing.

Geralt stepped forward, mesmerized by the sound of your voice, as the crowd around you was.

"Bit off-key," Jaskier sniffed, crossing his arms.

Geralt ignored him, watching as the bard entertained the crowd, only the top of their head visible above the people as they danced around, expertly playing a melodious tune.

***

You entertained the crowd with three more songs before giving a gracious bow, picking up the bowl you set out for coin.

"Are you just going to stand there?" You asked, not turning as you poured the contents of the bowl into your coin purse.

"Might I offer a bit of criticism?" The shorter of the two men said, stepping in front of his friend. "Maybe if you—"

"Jaskier."

"Yes?"

"Shut up."

"Right, sorry."

You squinted your eyes at them, settling the strap of your lute over your shoulders. "Can I help you two? You're obviously not from around here."

"We're looking for the inn."

"Right around that corner. I'm heading there for some supper actually, if you'd like to accompany me."

"I think we can find i—"

"That would be appreciated, thank you."

Jaskier's mouth flopped open and closed like a fish as he looked up at Geralt in shock.

"So," you started, sitting down at a table with the two travelers. "What are your names?"

"Geralt. Of Rivia."

You quirked a brow. "The Witcher?"

He grunted, taking a sip of ale.

"And I'm Jaskier, the bard that sings the tales of his mighty monster-slaying adventures."

You looked directly at Jaskier, a bemused expression on your face. "So you are the bard responsible for that awful Toss a Coin to your Witcher song, huh?"

Geralt hid his smile behind his tankard of ale.

Jaskier spluttered, face flushing. "Awful? Awful?! How dare you— how— that's— It's a good song!"

You rolled your eyes. "A deaf and blind man with no hands could write a better song in his sleep."

Jaskier's jaw dropped as he gaped at you like a fish out of water. "Well I never."

Just then, a loud voice erupted from across the tavern. "Bard! Sing us a song!"

Jaskier gave you a smug look as he went to stand from the table. "It would be a pleas—"

"Not you, you dunce. The talented one!"

"Well, fellas," you spoke, rising from the table as Jaskier sat back down dejectedly. "Duty calls."

You sent Geralt a sly wink as you turned away, making sure you gave an extra sway to your hips as you walked away, strumming your lute.

"The talented one? I'm talented! I'm talented, right?"

Geralt ignored him, opting to eat his supper instead.

And then you started singing.

Geralt had heard your voice earlier, but not as clearly over the sound of the crowd you had gathered on the street.

Jaskier watched jealously as Geralt lowered his food back to his plate. The Witcher's eyes followed you as you twirled through the tavern, strumming your lute, singing a song that had the whole tavern dancing along with you.

Geralt watched amusedly as you jumped on top of a table, stomping your foot to the beat. You caught his eye over the crowd and winked at him.

Towards the end of the evening the tavern was empty, only Geralt and Jaskier the annoying bard remained, sitting in the darkened corner. You walked over, giving Geralt a sultry smile.

"So, Witcher," you started, placing your hands on the table and leaning forward. "You have a room?"

"Yes, we—"

"Gods, yes," Geralt said, standing. Jaskier gaped after him as he led you up to the room he was supposed to be sharing with Jaskier.

Jaskier crossed his arms and slumped down in his seat, pouting like a child. "Guess I'm sleeping down in this dirty tavern tonight."

He sighed, disrupting the silence around him. "Who would've thought, honestly! Geralt, the broody Witcher— Butcher of Blaviken! — Catching feelings for a bard of all people!"