Chapter Text
Triss, to put it quite frankly, was in love with Yennefer.
In fact, she was pretty sure she fell the moment she first laid eyes upon Yennefer. By pretty sure, Triss was positive.
The only thing was Triss wasn't sure how to tell her friend. They've grown closer ever since Geralt set back onto the path. Not too long ago, Yennefer and Geralt decided it was better if they stayed friends, still raising Ciri together.
Words couldn't quite explain how much it hurt to see Yennefer with him, even if it was only for a short while. Although, Triss believed she wasn't the only friend who felt that way. The bard seemed to share the same pain, but it was for a opposite person.
Deep down, she was happy for Yennefer at the time. Yennefer deserved to be happy, but Triss still wished it was her with Yennefer, not Geralt. Triss felt slightly guilty for her joy when she heard they were no longer together, but Yennefer didn't seem that hurt over it.
Triss thought she was being quite obvious about it. Yennefer was one of the most observant people she knew, so it was puzzling that Yennefer hadn't put it together by now.
Jaskier, who Triss had only met twice, seemed to pick up on it right away. It was back when Yennefer and Geralt were still together.
They had a conversation about it over a bottle of wine, bonding over their, at the time, unrequited love.
Seeing it work out for the bard and the witcher gave Triss the courage to finally confess.
So it wasn't that she lacked the courage, she just didn't know how. How does one even confess to their best friend that they've been in love with them for years?
"How would I tell her even if she wasn't with Geralt?" Triss said.
They had just finished the bottle of red wine, the bitter taste still on her tongue. They were laying beside each other on the floor.
"Oh, trust me, dear, I understand where you're coming from." Jaskier turned to his side, leaning on his elbow, "I think I've tried telling Geralt more times than I can count on my own two hands. He is the most dense person I've ever met, and I've been around for quite a while."
She laughed lightly with him. Triss still didn't quite know why Jaskier would give up a life as a mage to become a bard.
Jaskier continued, "Tell her in a way you'll both, hopefully, understand. Do something that's your specialty, for lack of a better word."
"And how's that working with your songs?"
"Ouch, you wound me, my dear sorceress." Jaskier put a hand over his heart, but his tone was joking.
Specialty, Triss thought. She perked up at the idea, making a mental note to thank the bard the next time she saw him.
If Triss was going to do this, she'll do it right. She wants to prove to Yennefer that she was the right choice.
She walked from her room and out to the garden in the back. Yennefer had moved into her cottage after Sodden, but she never moved out. Triss was forever thankful for that.
The garden in the back, because of Triss, had practically ever flower. The hard part was deciding which to pick, which one was right.
The first flower to catch her eye matched her feelings perfectly. Sunflower, she thought, adoration and loyalty.
She smiled brightly, lightly picking the flowers. She stood up, getting ready to leave the garden before she saw another flower. Purple hydrangeas.
Not only did they remind Triss of Yennefer's eyes, but they also signified a desire to want to know someone deeply.
Triss believes she knows Yennefer pretty well. Triss knew that she liked the tarts that were extra sweet, she liked slow, sappy songs, and she liked watching the sun rise in the morning, especially if she had someone to watch it with.
Triss knew all of this, even if the other sorceress would never admit it. Despite that, Triss was still left wanting to know more.
She finished picking the flowers and went back inside.
"Triss!" She heard Ciri exclaim.
She placed the flowers lightly on the table by the door, leaning down ever so slightly to hug Ciri.
"Where's Yennefer? I didn't realize you were coming so soon." Triss said, pulling back.
Ciri spends time with both Geralt and Yennefer. They each had their dedicated time to her, and they almost always stuck to their schedule.
"She should be back soon. She's still talking to Geralt." Ciri said, "Both Yennefer and Geralt thought I should start my training early."
Triss understood where they were coming from. The older Ciri got, the more powerful she got.
"What are those for?" Ciri pointed to the flowers.
Triss felt her face heat up ever so slightly, "They're for Yennefer, actually."
"They're beautiful. Sunflowers and.." Ciri trailed off.
"Purple hydrangeas." Triss answered.
Ciri had a knowing look on her face, "She's going to love them. Would you like a piece of cloth to hold them together?"
Triss nodded and pointed to a drawer, "They're in there."
Ciri opened the drawer and pulled out a black one. Triss smiled at how fast Ciri got to know the other woman.
Triss laid the very thin piece of cloth out on the table, placing the bunch of flowers on top of it. She pulled the two ends together, tying them together.
"Triss," A voice that Triss easily recognized as Yennefer said, "I was wondering where you went."
Triss turned around to see the other woman smile. She felt her own heart beat faster at the sight of her.
Yennefer continued, "I came back to ask you if it was okay that Ciri came here early, but I couldn't find you."
"I was out in the garden, but you never have to check with me first. Cirilla is always welcome here." She smiled to Ciri.
"A gift for someone, I assume?" Yennefer asked, looking at the flowers.
Triss felt her face flush, heat rushing to it.
Ciri laughed before immediately closing her mouth, slapping a hand over it, "Well, I'm quite tired from the...everything. I'll be off."
Yennefer shot her a confused look as the girl left the room, "It's the middle of the day."
Triss shrugged, looking away from Yennefer.
"So, who are they for?" Yennefer asked, taking a seat a next to Triss.
"They're for you, actually." Triss picked them up, handing them to the other woman.
Yennefer took a deep breath, smiling widely as her eyes met Triss', "I love them. No one has gotten me flowers before, so apologies for not knowing exactly how to react."
"Well, I say your reaction was perfect." Triss said, "It's a mix of sunflowers and purple hydrangeas."
"Is there a special occasion I missed?" Yennefer asked jokingly.
Triss laughed, "No, there shouldn't be any special occasion for you to be treated well and receive gifts."
There was something in Yennefer's eyes that Triss couldn't quite decode.
Yennefer cleared her throat, breaking eye contact, "I better go put these in water. Thank you again, Triss."
As soon as Yennefer was out of sight, Triss slouched back into her seat, sighing. Of course the other woman didn't pick up on what she was trying to say. It was just Triss' luck.
Or maybe Yennefer did know, but she didn't feel the same.