Work Text:
THUMP
THUMP
The driver let Jaskier’s suitcases fall down next to him. “Well then, Master Julian, have a nice stay.”
Jaskier turned to him to ask what’s with the sarcastic undertone but the other man was already back in the car. “Hey, won’t you help me carry them up the stairs?” he called after him but the driver started the car and turned it around to vanish into the dark. “Rude.” Jaskier huffed and grabbed his suitcases to stomp up the few steps to the large entrance portals of the old building.
The heavy portal creaked as he threw his whole weight against it to push it open. Jaskier dragged his suitcases into the cozy lit entrance hall. Three people stood around a reception desk, talking to each other in hushed voices but looking up as Jaskier took a few careful steps into the hall.
The tall, middle-aged, severe looking woman straightened her back, smoothed down her perfect fitting suit and approached him with three big steps. “Good evening, Mr Pankratz, I assume.”
Jaskier swallowed and nodded. “Yes, uhm, hello.” He was already out of breath from the stairs and his nervousness did the rest.
The corners of her mouth twitched into a short half smile. “I’m Mrs Fritton, the principal of St. Winchester Boarding School. I welcome you to our house. Unfortunately you arrived too late for dinner. Mr Marx here volunteered to give you a short tour and show you to your room. Everything else can be discussed tomorrow. I’m sure you will find your way around here.” The boy behind her nodded and smiled at Jaskier and he sheepishly smiled back. “Mr French, our porter, will bring your luggage to your room. The curfew is in an hour. Good night, gentlemen.” And with a short look to her watch she turned on her heels and walked away.
The porter came from behind the reception desk and picked Jaskier’s suitcases up while the pale, blonde boy approached him with an outstretched hand. Jaskier shook it. With his other hand, the boy clutched a thick folder to his chest. “Hi, my name’s Valdo. It’s nice to meet you, Julian.”
“Hi, please call me Jaskier,” he automatically corrected the other boy.
Valdo blushed and his eyes widened comically. “Uh, ok. Come on, follow me.”
They walked through seemingly endless corridors and Jaskier already felt utterly lost. He would never remember where everything was, even if it wasn’t that complicated. There was a dining hall for breakfast and dinner, recreational spaces, computer rooms, study rooms and bathrooms with communal showers. Jaskier felt a shiver running down his spine at the sight of them. He already missed his private bathroom at home but he had gambled away this privilege for the time being.
He sighed and kept following Valdo who glanced at the folder in his arms. “Your room is number… oh, number 101. Hmm, so your roommate is Geralt.” The other boy fell silent.
“What about him?” Jaskier felt tired and nauseous because he skipped dinner.
Valdo giggled nervously. “Oh, hmm, where to start? I think this was the only free space ‘cause he always scares away his roommates by seducing them and then breaking their hearts.”
“I thought this was a boys school?” Jaskier asked bewildered.
“It is, indeed.” Valdo glanced at him and blushed. “He eats twinks like you for breakfast. Believe me, I wrote a song about it.”
What the hell is a twink? Jaskier thought but instead asked: “A song?”
The blonde puffed out his chest. “Yeah, I’m in the school band. I play the bass guitar. Are you interested in music?”
Interested was an understatement. “Yes, I play guitar and sing.”
“Well, we’re not looking for a new member at the moment but you can come and watch us play some time if you want.” Valdo smiled at him and Jaskier tried to not look too disappointed. Making music with others would have been a nice distraction from his misery.
“Sooo… here we are.” Valdo pushed the door to room 101 open and let Jaskier step inside first. His suitcases stood at the foot of the bed to the right. This half of the spacious room was empty, safe for the bed, a small desk and a wardrobe.
The other half of the room wasn’t really decorated either. There was a poster of a metal band above the bed, framed by what looked like hundreds of written sheets of paper. The wardrobe door hung half open, black clothes spilling out from it on the floor and the desk looked like a mess.
Jaskier let himself fall on the free bed with a heavy sigh. He didn’t want to think too much about his current situation and how he got here in the first place. It was his own fault, after all.
Valdo came into the room and shoved the folder he was carrying into Jaskier’s arms. “Here. There’s everything important you need to know about the school, the house rules and your schedule written down, a map of the whole campus and one of our house. Not to forget the text of our school anthem. And here…” he opened the wardrobe, “is a set of the school uniform for you. You can try it on tomorrow and then get more sets of your size. Shall I pick you up for breakfast in the morning?”
“Yeah, that, uh - would be nice,” Jaskier answered overwhelmed. “Thank you, Valdo.”
“You're welcome. Good night, Jaskier. In ten minutes we’re not allowed outside of our rooms anymore. See you tomorrow.” The other boy left the room and closed the door behind himself.
Jaskier let himself fall back onto the unmade bed. “Fuck,” he whispered, though he really wanted to scream. He had to pull himself together. His new roommate would be here in less than ten minutes. He wondered if he really was that bad. At least he won’t be able to seduce me or whatever else Valdo said.
He pulled his phone out to check for new messages - but nothing. Frustrated, he started to make his bed and distract himself by unpacking his few belongings while he waited for Geralt.