hold them closer [jaskier x reader]

Chapter 3

The euphoria you felt after...the kiss — it was electrifying. It coursed through your veins all night as the two of you were in the bed you previously thought would be an issue, but now were silently thanking the inn owner for. You and Jaskier spent the rest of the night just laying there, shifting in and out of sleep, every so often giving the other a lingering touch on their face or hands or arms. It was the best sleep you had in a long, long time.

But of course, this euphoria couldn't last.

As soon as you woke up the next day, you were determined. As exhilarated as you were from your kiss with Jaskier, your mind was occupied with another focus: your mother. After months of not having a real mission, or target, a familiar feeling coursed over you that you didn't quite realize you missed: you felt like you had a purpose again, and this time it felt even more powerful because it was a purpose you gave yourself.

That didn't mean it was easy. Weeks seemed to go by in a flash — weeks of you going page by page through Rauf's old journals and notes. At every new entry you were practically fighting the urge to rip the pages to shreds, or burn them, or hang them and use them as target practice. It was safe to say your memories of Rauf were tainted by his last moments, and even though you had nightmares every now and again, nothing could beat the disdain you had for the man.

The research was torture. Complete and utter torture.

But, even as you struggled to search for any sign of your mother's whereabouts, Jaskier was always there to distract you when you needed it. And distractions were something you needed a lot.

A distraction could come in many different facets. Training, drinks in the tavern, a walk in the woods. But it could also be slightly more...straightforward.

If you got too frustrated with Rauf's words hanging in your mind, you'd get up from your seat and rush over to Jaskier, who was usually practicing his lute. He'd move it out of the way in time for you to practically jump him; you'd let him grab your waist as you sat in his lap, not bothering to explain as you share a heated kiss. You two would move to the rhythm you had come to share, all before you removed yourself from him like nothing ever happened. By now, he was used to it — and neither of you were complaining. Again, it was one of the many perks to having him around while you were doing your research.

But even small breaks like that couldn't keep you sane for long. And Jaskier knew that —which is why he so giddily told you of a wedding banquet performance he landed.

It was no surprise that he got the job — you'd seen how easy it was for him to perform, and his talent was something you had grown to admire. But the surprise came in the suggestion after his good news.

Jaskier's lips straightened into a thin line before he grimaced, already knowing the words he would speak could be the death of him.

"I need a date."

You straightened in your spot, nearly disregarding the pile of papers in your lap. "Huh?"

"For the wedding banquet? The illustrious performance? I need a date. A plus one, if you will."

You deepened your frown. You, at a wedding? The only time you were close to a wedding was when you had a target who was an invite, and even then, you...eliminated him as he drunkenly stumbled just outside the banquet premises.

Now, you certainly wouldn't let Jaskier go alone to a banquet, especially one with such a gathering. The two of you still weren't sure if he was completely safe after your guild was destroyed, so even seemingly safe places were a risk. But for you to actually be present inside the party rather than lingering on the outside? That wasn't something you were ready to be apart of.