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Geralt had never wanted a best friend. He’d been content all through his childhood to be alone. He had his stuffed toys, later on his cat called Roach, even later on his horse of the same name. He found people difficult and they never seemed to understand him, so he stayed with his animals and his imagination, telling stories to Roach when he was brushing her down or sneaking her treats.
He had thought he’d been happy.
He’d been surviving. He had never noticed the ache of loneliness until Jaskier had come along, declaring himself to be Geralt’s best friend in the whole wide world. Geralt had snorted derivatively at that. Adults didn’t have best friends, it was childish, but Jaskier didn’t care. He’d strolled into work at the shop on his first day and taken a shine to Geralt. Geralt hadn’t had much choice, but now if he were to choose then he would choose Jaskier.
The way his face lit up whenever he saw Geralt, it was addictive. He had a friend, a best friend, and he never wanted to lose him. It had taken Geralt a while to get used to the physical affection that Jaskier just loved to lavish upon him, little touches to his arm, hand, shoulder, cheek, and hugs that felt like they lasted for days. After almost a year of working together Jaskier had suggested they move in together, he spent half his time round Geralt’s flat anyway so it did make sense, and they would save money.
So it began, Jaskier making Geralt his favourite food at the end of a particularly bad shift, shoving his feet under Geralt’s arse when they watched a documentary together. Little touches throughout the day that showed how much Jaskier cared, without expecting anything back. He knew when Geralt didn’t want to speak, letting him know that he was there with brief touch to his back. It was nice, familiar… warm.
“Jaskier?” Geralt asked one evening when they were snuggled up on the sofa together watching a romantic comedy of Jaskier’s choosing.
“Yes, darling?”
“Have you ever been in love?”
Jaskier laughed, melodically and quite beautifully. “Yes, quite frequently. Nothing that ever lasts though.”
“Hmm.”
Jaskier prodded him with his feet. “Why do you ask?”
Geralt paused, considering the question. He never really enjoyed these movies, he felt like there was something he was missing, that he didn’t quite understand. He’d never seen someone from across the room and felt… whatever it was that they felt. “I don’t think I have, is that weird?”
Jaskier picked up the remote and stopped the film. He sat up straight and cupped Geralt’s cheek. Soft cornflower blue eyes gazing up at him with such adoration that Geralt wanted to look away. “Of course not. Not everything is like the movies. Romantic love is bullshit anyway.”
Geralt frowned, that’s not what the films seemed to say.
“I’d rather be your best friend than have that, any day. You’re important to me.”
Geralt smiled faintly, resting his forehead against Jaskier’s. “You’re important to me too.”