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Watching Jaskier perform was always a treat. Sitting there, your tankard of ale forgotten, you cheerfully sang along to the words you now knew by heart. The music was intoxicating, encouraging you to sway to the rhythm.
When the last note coming from his lute echoed in the tavern, your eyes met. Gazes locked, Jaskier dedicated you a smile from the other end of the room. Immediately upon finishing the song, the bard made a beeline for where you were sitting.
“Great job, Jask” You smiled at him as well, suddenly remembering about the ale in your hand and deciding to take a sip. “I really enjoyed it”
“What was that I saw over there?” He asked you instead, cocking an eyebrow.
“What was what?”
“Were you singing along?”
“Well, yes… you know how much I enjoy your-”
“I’ve never heard you sing” Jaskier excitedly interrupted you. “Care to do it again?”
You blushed, opening your eyes wide and glancing around you. The tavern had nearly emptied, but even if you were alone with Jaskier… The thought of singing in front of someone was mortifying.
“I can’t” You quietly told him, avoiding his eyes.
“Why not?” He sat in front of you, piercing you with his gaze as an eager grin appeared on his lips. “Please, Y/N, it would make me the happiest!”
“I-I can’t sing…” You whispered, even if it was an understatement. In truth, you hated the sound of your voice. Quite sad, since singing was one of the greatest joys of your life.
“Surely you can!” Jaskier tenderly held your hands, shaking them a little. “I’m certain that I rubbed off on you, how can you possibly not sing then?”
“Jaskier…”
“Please?” You glanced at him, which was a mistake. Jaskier was staring at you with those big puppy eyes. “Sing… for me?”
As much as you wanted to, you just couldn’t resist him. Taking a last glance around, you checked that there was no one else. Once done, you took a deep breath.
“Alright” You gave in, slightly flustered by the loving look he dedicated you in response. “But please be kind…”
Jaskier opened his mouth, perhaps to drop another joke of playful comment. In the end, though, he pursed his lips and kindly nodded his head.
You closed your eyes, clinging on to his hand and hoping it would give you the courage you needed. In spite of the warm touch, you pretended like you were alone. It was just like the times you sang at home, distracted by a mundane task that improved tenfold as you accompanied it with music.
“The golden one with the golden rules” You timidly began, keeping your eyes shut and pouring all your passion in the sang words. “Two warrior belles with all the tools…”
Suddenly, you weren’t in the tavern anymore. Your mind had traveled to the setting of the song, to an exciting adventure full of mystery and peril. Letting yourself get carried away with it, you continued singing and enjoying every second of it.
When you were done, you took a deep breath and opened your eyes. Jaskier was still sitting across from you, holding your hands, and you were still at the tavern. Leaving the song and the images it evoked behind, you stared at the bard in expectation.
“Wow…” He breathed, heaving an awed chuckled. His voice was genuine and adoring. “That was absolutely lovely, Y/N… T-The passion with which you sing! Oh, you could rival even me, it was incredible!”
“Do you mean it?” You squeezed his fingers, begging for an honest response. “Or are you just saying that, Jaskier?”
“I absolutely mean it, love” He gingerly put your hair behind your ear. “I would love to hear you sing again if you’re ever comfortable to do it”
You smiled, feeling yourself blushing. Patting him, you averted your gaze and laughed in utter happiness.
He meant every word he said. What you didn’t know, however, was that he wouldn’t have cared either way. Even if you had been the worst singer in all of the Continent, which wasn’t the case, he would have fallen in love with your voice and passion nonetheless.