Chapter Text
As expected Dixie won his second duel, too, but Valdo also made it to the third round (Jaskier wondered what he threatened his opponent with this time) which meant they would’ve to sing against each other in the next round. But first it was time for Jaskier’s second duel.
Jealousy, turning saints into the sea
Swimming through sick lullabies, choking on your alibis
But it's just the price I pay, destiny is calling me
Open up my eager eyes, 'cause I'm Mr. Brightside
He sang his opponent from the stage.
To everyone’s satisfaction Dixie won hands down against Valdo in their duel and Jaskier could enjoy his second last duel, which he also won.
Don't you ever say I just walked away
I will always want you
I can't live a lie, running for my life
I will always want you
I came in like a wrecking ball
I never hit so hard in love
All I wanted was to break your walls
All you ever did was wreck me
Yeah, you, you wreck me
He was so fucking happy he made it to the finale but that also meant that he had to sing against Dixie now and the song got picked for them. Jaskier was nervous, his body full of endorphins. He took a deep breath and looked at Geralt who’d not left his spot in the first row and smiled proudly at him. “You’ve got this, Jask,” he mouthed.
The music started and soon Dixie and him found their tune.
I used to bite my tongue and hold my breath
Scared to rock the boat and make a mess
So I sat quietly, agreed politely
I guess that I forgot I had a choice
I let you push me past the breaking point
I stood for nothing, so I fell for everything
It was really fun to sing with the other boy, his voice had a similar colour as his own and one could almost forget that they were supposed to sing against each other, so much they compliment each other.
You held me down, but I got up (hey)
Already brushing off the dust
You hear my voice, you hear that sound
Like thunder, gonna shake the ground
When they burst into the chorus it was as if the whole room exploded. The crowd couldn’t hold back anymore and Jaskier felt bold with how much emotions rushed through his veins.
I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter
Dancing through the fire
'Cause I am a champion, and you're gonna hear me roar
Louder, louder than a lion
'Cause I am a champion, and you're gonna hear me roar
At the end of the song Jaskier was panting and sweat beaded on his forehead. He felt incredibly good and buzzed with happiness while Dixie and him enjoyed their applause.
Eskel came onto the stage and stood between them. “Wow, what a finale! That was incredibly close. I think the audience has to determine the winner.”
That sobered his hopes a little bit. Dixie was very popular and the longtime leader of the school band. He could already see his chances slipping away when Eskel asked the audience to clap for him and the noise was just deafening. Dixie bowed at the edge of the stage and beamed at him. Jaskier smiled back sheepishly.
Then it was his turn. Eskel asked the crowd again to cheer up for him and Jaskier couldn’t believe his ears. It was close but this time the cheering and clapping was even louder and one particular, deep voice from the front row was the loudest.
“Alright, the winner of this year’s karaoke competition is,” Eskel threw his arm up, “Jaskier!”
His heart almost stopped. He won!
Jaskier was overwhelmed by the applause. Without thinking he ran to the edge of the stage and jumped into Geralt’s arms who caught him with ease and spinned them around, laughing boisterously.
“Thank you!” he whispered into his ear as Geralt let him back down. They beamed at each other and Jaskier just wanted to lean in when he felt a hand on his shoulder.
He turned around to see Dixie behind him. “Congrats, Jaskier! That was fun. Why didn’t you apply to join the band when you got here?”
Jaskier frowned at him. “Valdo told me you weren’t looking for new members back then.”
The singer raised an eyebrow at him. “Did he, now? That jerk… you know, Valdo’s only in the band because his father sponsored a few new instruments and we gave him the bass, so it wouldn’t stand out too much if he fucked it up.” Jaskier just gaped at him. “Well, you should stop by the rehearsal room in the next few days. Enjoy your prize. See you around, mate.” Dixie winked at Geralt and disappeared in the crowd.
Jaskier turned back to his roommate who still smiled at him. “Hey, wanna go somewhere else to properly celebrate your victory before Lambert and Aiden start to scream their traditional Wannabe ?”
He looked back to the stage where the two lovers were just about to pick up the mics, mischievous glints in their eyes, and nodded. Geralt took his hand and led him out of the stuffy room into the quiet hallway.