Chapter Text
The rest of the rehearsal week went by in a blur. Those days were always long and intense and an ordeal for everyone involved, but Jaskier’s sunny mind made them brighter and worth all the hard work when he cheered them on or complimented them on their progress.
Geralt already had a good time at the theatre and in the nice little town. They were taken good care of by the whole team and the cast spent the vast free time together in cafés or in one of the bigger apartments, watching movies or playing games.
As much as he yearned to spend some time alone with Jaskier, he made some new friends with the other artists as well.
On the day of the premiere, Geralt finally felt this familiar tingle of excitement. Though he knew he should rest as long as he could before the show started, he went outside to take a walk in the park of the little palace.
When he excited the theatre's backdoor he saw Jaskier standing there, bathing his pretty face in the late autumn sun.
The artist turned his head as he heard the door closing. "Oh, hey there, darling. What're you up to this early?"
Geralt smiled at him. "Can’t sit still anymore. Wanted to go for a walk. Do you want to join me?" His heart jumped in his chest at the thought.
And then it almost stopped beating at all at Jaskier’s answer.
"I'd love to, but I'm waiting for my boyfriend. He's going to watch the premiere tonight and will arrive soon. I'm so glad, haven't seen him in a while."
Oh. Geralt felt like he got punched on his solar plexus. Jaskier tilted his head to the side and his smile faltered. At his questioning look, Geralt noticed he said the "Oh" out loud. He rushed to say something else to cover the pain in his voice and stammered, "Er… see you then… later, uhm, tonight."
He turned around on his heels and left a confused Jaskier behind, trying to hold his feet back and not start running away.
Geralt turned left and right until he found a big enough oak tree where he could hide himself behind, sinking down on the ground cause his legs almost gave up beneath him and leaning back against its cool, rough bark.
He took a few shuddering breaths to clear his head and fight down the panic. He was acting ridiculous! Why was he hurt at finding out this perfect, beautiful man of his dreams had a boyfriend?
It's not like Jaskier has ever shown interest in him or encouraged him to fall in love with him.
Geralt had a stupid crush on him and fooled himself into believing that he would ever have a chance on Jaskier’s heart, when said heart already belonged to someone else. What a lucky bastard…
He stayed a bit longer under the tree, meditated to get some intrusive thoughts out of his head, trying to seal his heart so he would function tonight. He had to perform, to act. That was his life.