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“You’re important too.” (#86)
“Maybe instead of seeing if this town has any jobs, we could take it easy?” Jaskier said. “The last hunt wasn’t easy. You’ve barely just got over the fever.”
“I’m fine,” Geralt replied. “Sides, we need the money.”
“I think we’ll manage to survive a few nights,” Jaskier tried not to sigh.
“I told you-”
“I know what you told me,” Jaskier interrupted. “And I’m saying it’s fine. It’s not a big deal, things happen.”
“It was your lute Jaskier,” Geralt shifted in his saddle.
“Do you know how many lutes I’ve gone through? Before and after I started traveling with you?” Jaskier asked. “One more isn’t going to make me start weeping.”
“Doesn’t matter,” Geralt told him. “I told you I would fix it and I will.”
“Well, maybe I don’t want you too,” Jaskier replied. “Maybe I don’t even want a new lute.”
“Jaskier-”
“Geralt, you’ve been running yourself ragged ever since it broke. It wasn’t your fault,” Jaskier interrupted.
“I started a fire,” Geralt pointed out.
“You were killing a monster,” Jaskier said. “A house literally almost buried you. My lute getting crushed is not a big deal.”
“But it’s important to you,” Geralt countered.
“You’re important too!” Jaskier looked at him. “I mean for fuck’s sake Geralt. Your life is far more important than my lute. Surely you’re aware of that by now.”
Geralt actually looked taken aback. “I...didn’t…”
“Well, then I’m telling you now,” Jaskier looked at him. “You are important to me Geralt. Far more important than any piece of wood. Lutes are replaceable. You’re not.”
“I mean…” Geralt started.
“Yes, yes there’s more than one Witcher running around, but there’s only one you,” Jaskier replied. “You’re one of a kind.”
“You’re important to me too,” Geralt said after a beat. “And I’d still like to help you get a new lute…if you’ll let me.”
Jaskier smiled. “If that’s really what you want, I won’t stop you.”
He’ll just tell Geralt that he already has one when they make it to Oxenfurt. Much easier than just going in circles.