hold them closer [jaskier x reader]

Chapter 14

The local tavern was the smallest you had ever seen. There were only about four tables, one of them being occupied by you, Jaskier, and Geralt. The owner of the tavern, who was much nicer than you'd expected (she gave you free drinks just because you were there before noon), sat behind the bar cleaning cups that were already practically sparkling in the little light that came into the building. Even in the small size of the tavern, there seemed to be enough room for a little performance area, which Jaskier had been eyeing since the three of you got there. But with all this, the small building seemed so large to you. Or, you felt really small.

Geralt placed his cup down, wincing at the taste of the drink — though you all thanked the tavern owner kindly, the free drinks were nothing short of awful. Either way, you all drank them down — mostly because you didn't know what else to do. Jaskier was too busy looking around the room, then back to you; Geralt was less subtle, staring you down like you were about to run off again; and you, trying to slow the rapid beating of your heart, stared down at the table in front of you.

It was only the other night that you went off to kill the group of bandits. You closed your eyes at the memory, halting the shaking of your leg to let out a deep breath. Even sitting still in the tavern, your body ached. You won that battle, physically and mentally — but every battle created its scars.

Geralt's voice jolted you out of your thoughts. "What time did she say?"

Jaskier looked over at you, then back to Geralt. "She didn't give one. Just said it would be earlier."

Geralt nodded, his eyes falling on you once more. "I'll leave you here, then. I have a sword with the local blacksmith." You nodded, partly grateful that he wouldn't be watching you with his narrow eyes. Before he left, he looked at you once more. "Good luck."

You nodded to him and watched him leave the small tavern, making it even bigger in your eyes. Jaskier seemed to notice your eyes grow wider, because he placed his hand on top of yours.

"Are you ready?"

"No." You answered immediately, but you put your other hand over his. Even though you were freaking out on the inside (and out), you wanted him to know that you appreciated him being there for you, again and again.

Jaskier smiled, so you did too.

Still, the sound of the tavern door opening made your face fall immediately. Never in your life had that sound made you so devastated, made your stomach twist in ways it never had before.

You whipped your head to the door, eyes meeting Theo's as she peered into the tavern. Her eyes met yours, lighting up as soon as she saw you. She smiled and sent you a thumbs up, turning to Jaskier and jutting her head to the opposite side of the tavern.

Your stomach flipped as Jaskier patted your hand, placing a swift kiss on your cheek before whispering, "You got this."

You blinked, barely even listening to him. Your eyes were on the tavern door, then on the window beside it, then back on the tavern door. You didn't even notice Jaskier join Theo at one of the further tables, already talking in low voices to each other. You didn't even notice the tavern owner drop one of the cups she was cleaning, or the curses that fell from her lips afterward. You kept a stiff back, a stiff face, only blinking when you absolutely had to.

When she came through the door, you immediately stood up. Her hands were shaking, you noticed, but your eyes quickly rose to her own. It was as if the whole world stopped, as if no sound was being made within a thirty-mile radius. Your mother was here, in front of you, and this time, she knew who you were.

There were a couple of seconds of silence as you two looked at each other. The door had closed behind her, but the noise was lost to either of you. She blinked — once, twice — before finally rushing over to you, her arms wrapping you tightly against her.