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Jaskier remembers the first time he stepped onto campus. 18 years old and full of enthusiasm and excitement for everything that was to come. 10 years later and he still feels full of enthusiasm but this time there are a lot more nerves and a little more skepticism mixed in. He has been invited back to Oxenfurt to teach classes on music theory and non-traditional story telling (which is a bullshit title for a class since people have been telling stories through song for centuries). He was surprised when we got the invitation. He took the adage work hard, play harder seriously when he was an undergrad. He did well enough academically but was no star pupil. He assumes his minor fame in recent years after his song “The Woodsman” went viral and his last album did well in certain markets was the main motivation for the school. Whatever the reason he was excited to share his love of music and composition with eager young minds.
But first he had to get through the beginning of the year faculty mixer. Hopefully most of his old professors had either retired or would remember the “work hard” part of his earlier time here.
He takes a deep breath, puts on his most charming smile, and opens the door to the conference room.
The room is about half full with people dressed as if they are going to be presenting at a conference later in the evening. His red leather jacket might stand out a bit but he has never been one to compromise on fashion. As he looks about he notices another stand out in the sea of tweed. A woman in a form fitting purple cocktail dress with waves of black hair down her back is talking with a group across the room. Jaskier is debating the virtues of hitting on one of his new colleagues when the woman turns and he realizes he recognizes her. “Oh shit” he gasps.
“What?”
He jumps and manages to keep from screaming as he realizes a young girl had come up beside him.
“Sorry I didn't mean to startle you. Are you alright? You look like you have seen a ghost”. The girl is probably in her late teens with blond hair so light it is almost white.
“Um yes, I am fine. No ghosts but I might have seen a witch. An old professor I wasn't expecting to see. She hated me when I was a student.”
“You went here as a student? Are you teaching here now?”
“Indeed, I have returned to my illustrious alma mater to pass on my exceptional knowledge to impressionable young minds. Julian Pankratz, but you may call me..”
“Jaskier! I love your last album. I am signed up for your story telling class!”
“Excellent! My first young mind to mold.”
She giggles and looks about to ask him a question when he hears a voice growl “Ciri.” From just behind him.
Jaskier slowly turns and looks into the face of someone he didn't think he would see again. He has wondered over the years if the face he remembered was really that attractive in real life or if his memory had painted over the details. It hadn't, if anything in person it was more attractive then he recalled.
“Dad have you met..”
“Jaskier” Hearing his name in that deep voice brought back memories of hikes through the woods, rafting down the river, and youthful longing.
“Geralt! I didn't know you still worked here.”
“Wait, Dad, do you know each other?”
“Jaskier was a student, when I was first getting the outdoors program started.”
“Wait, did you call him Dad? How old are you? Geralt, were you hiding a small child years ago?”
“I'm adopted.” Ciri explains. “Geralt and Yen adopted me when I was 13.”
“Yes, so don't fill her head with your nonsense.”
Jaskier jumps again and does let out a little scream this time as Yennifer comes up behind him.
“Mom! Don't scare him”
“Too late for that, I still have nightmares about chemistry class” Jaskier says with a shudder.
“Good. You couldn't remember basic formulas but at least healthy fear stuck.”
Yen slipped her arm around Geralt's waist as she took a sip of her wine and appraised Jaskier.
“I hear you are going to be teaching this year. When did you get your PhD again?”
“Yes, haha. The silly musician is here to teach his silly music. I will have you know I am very well respected for my musical theory and many more people have heard my work then have read your incomprehensible papers.”
“Hmmmm…” Yennifer says with a quirk of her eyebrow.
“Mom, don't be a snob.” Says Ciri as she turns to Jaskier. “When did you get to campus?”
“I just got in last night, they have me set up in some horribly bleak campus housing. I am supposed to meet someone to show me my office tomorrow.”
Ciri nods and turns to ask Yen a question. Jaskier wishes he had a drink or something to do with his hands as he observes this little family.
Geralt seems more relaxed than he ever remembers seeing him. Back when he was a student here Geralt was working hard to prove that his outdoor education program would be worthwhile for the college. He had been in his mid twenties then, just out of a masters program and building the program from scratch. He had been good at the hands on part and getting the students engaged but his grumpy demeanor and one syllable communication style did not lend itself to the academic political environment. That is where Jaskier had come in. It started as a project for a marketing class and eventually he became a TA for Geralt. He helped to tell the story of why the program was important and sell it to the college. Jaskier had believed in the value of the program and in Geralt's way of teaching. He also happened to have a massive crush on teacher.
He had also taken a single chemistry class with Yennefer and she didn't find him charming at all. That had been one of the hardest semesters of his undergrad and he still believes she relished in his misery.
Seeing them together seemingly happy and with a daughter no less made an ake form in his chest. He had spent the last 6 years hustling, singing at dingy open mics, touring, and building his career. He was finally getting somewhere but he was also craving stability. That is part of the reason he accepted this job. Seeing two of the most standoffish people he has ever known, who had seemed to be in a perpetual on and off again relationship, settled, filled him with longing.
“Ah, Mr Pankratz, so good to have you on board.”
The head of the music department says approaching, shaking Jaskier from his dour thoughts. “I see you have met some of our colleagues from other departments. Let me introduce you around to some of the other music staff. You might remember some from your time here, but we have lots of new faces.”
Over his shoulder as he is led away Jaskier says “Geralt let's get lunch soon and catch up!”
Geralt just gives one of his grunts that Jaskier interprets to mean “Fine, if I must”. Which coming from Geralt was basically jumping up and down with joy.
A week into the semester and Jaskier finally pins Geralt down for lunch. They meet at a sandwich shop just off campus. The place is packed with hungry undergrads but Jaskier manages to talk two students into giving up their table. It was definitely his charm and not Geralt glaring behind him that got them to move.
As they start to eat, Jaskier starts flinging questions at Geralt about how the program is going. Did he manage to get the adaptive sports component going? Do they still do the over nights? Any big injuries? Jaskier had basically forced his way into being Geralt's TA after his marketing project had finished. During the project he had seen Geralt's passion for outdoor education and believed in his vision for the program. He also discovered Geralt was not the person who could get the school on board. So Jaskier had taken it on himself to help make the vision a reality. This did mean he spent much more of his undergrad years, wet, cold, and sore then he had planned, but it had been one of the most rewarding parts of his time at Oxenfurt.
Geralt answered his question in typical Geralt fashion, with minimal details and just sticking to the facts.
However when Jaskier asked “What is Ciri planning to study?” Geralt couldn't suppress a small smile. He then proceeded to talk for the longest period Jasker had ever heard. He told him how she was debating between chemistry like Yen, but she also really was interested in Kinesiology. He doesn’t want to influence her decision but also wants to make sure she is going to be set up for life. He wants to make sure she is going for things she is actually interested in and not just what she thinks himself and Yen would want. He is also worried about her living in the dorms knowing some of the things that happen on campus. He knows she can take care of herself but is worried about what could happen if he isn’t there to watch over her.
Jaskier sits back stunned. “You're a father” he says in a kind of disbelieving way. “I mean I know you are a father, you have a daughter, but I just never would have thought I would see this side of you. If you are really worried I can help keep an eye on her. She is in my story telling class and the students are more likely to talk around me since they aren’t scared shitless.”
Geralt gives an assumed grunt and says “Thank you Jaskier. I would appreciate that.”
“Of course.” Jaskier reaches across the table and puts his hand on top of Geralts. “You were a big part of my life while I was here. The least I can do is make sure Ciri has as good an experience as I had.” Geralt gives another grunt and glares at Jaskier’s hand but doesn’t pull his away.
Later that day Jaskier is just finishing up a class and is packing his bag when someone comes up behind him.
“Jaskier”. He gives a little scream and jumps as he turns around.
“God damn it Yennifer are you trying to give me a heart attack?!”
“If I wanted to kill you, you would be dead, and I wouldn’t need to be anywhere near you.”
“Well on that unsettling note, can I help you with anything?”
“I heard you are going to help keep an eye on Ciri around campus.” she pauses “Thank you.”
“It is the least I can do for old friends.”
“Geralt has been particularly worried and I can see he is already more relaxed knowing there are more people looking out for her.”
“Oh well, of course. She is a great kid, and I am sure will be fine but I know how young boys can be, having been one myself.”
She gives him an appraising look. “You’ve grown. You are not the same little shit you were back then.”
“Well yes that is how aging works. That is also what being broke and struggling to make it will do.” Now it is his turn to give her an appraising look. “You are still just as scary, but.” He pauses “the way you and Geralt interact now, and the way you are with Ciri you seem, I don't know, more content maybe.”.
“Geralt and I had talked about having kids back then, I wanted them, he didn't. I thought that would be what finally ended us for good. Then we met Ciri, a scared angry little girl, and she stole our hearts. She was the piece of the puzzle we had been missing all along.” She shook her head and straightened as if she just realized she had shared more than intended.
“Anyway, if you tell anyone I am anything but a cold hearted bitch I really will kill you.” She then turns on her heel and leaves. Jaskier can’t decide if he is just intimidated or a little turned on as he watches her stride from his classroom.
A few days later Ciri comes up to him before class.
“Is the Woodsman song about my Dad?” she asks right as he is taking a sip of coffee.
Jaskier chokes, and just manages not to spill coffee all over himself.
“What, why, what?”
Ciri holds up her phone and shows him an Instagram post. It looks like someone took a picture of Geralt and himself at lunch at the other, his hand is on top of Geralts and he can’t deny his face is showing what he knows is concern but out of context could look like other emotions. Under the picture they had posted some of the lyrics from the Woodsman and ended with the question. “Is Professor Pankraz getting wood from Professor Rivia?”
“Everyone is saying you are in love with my Dad.”
“Ciri, I can guarantee there is nothing going on between me and Geralt. If nothing else I am too terrified of your mother to do that, but also your Dad doesn’t um, swing that way as far as I know. As for my lyrics, I take inspiration from many sources.”
“You describe the woodsman as thick as an oak with hair of silver.” Ciri looks at him with skepticism.
“Yes, well, one of the sources might have been your father, but that doesn’t mean it is about him.”
Ciri just looks at him.
“Just how many people are talking about this?”
“Everyone.”
“Oh well, I am sure it will blow over quickly. There is a sports ball game this weekend isn't there? Everyone will be talking about that soon.”
Ciri looks at him doubtfully.
“I just hope that hasn’t made things awkward for you with your fellow students.”
“The other students can go suck a dick. I just want to know if anything is going on in my family.”
Jaskier chokes on his coffee again.
“I assure you again nothing is going on. Now run off to your seat so we can get started.” Jasker waves her off nervously. Then attempts to teach a lecture about telling stories based what you know.
The next day Yennifer catches him as he is leaving the music building. She stalks towards him as he backs up and hits the wall of the building.
“Now Yennifer, I assume this is about that silly instagram post going around. I can assure you….”
She walks right up into his space and cuts him off.
“Dinner at our place Friday night.”
“I’m sorry. Is that an invitation or a demand?” She stares intently at him.
“Jaskier.”
“Yes, yes, of course, whatever you want. I would be delighted.” he says nervously.
“Good” she says as she pats his chest, and lets her hand linger for just a moment.
As she stalks away this time he is definitely scared, and also very turned on.
Over the next few days Jaskier notices he is getting a few more stares and whispers then he has before now. The novelty of his minor fame seemed to have mostly worn off after the first few weeks of school. He assumes this new interest is due to the Instagram post. He is used to the online rumor mill but he knows Geralt values his privacy, and he doesn't want to cause marital strife for him.
He assumes Yen's dinner invite is to clear the air,...or to poison him.
His phone dings with a notification as he walks across the quad, when he pulls it up he sees he has been tagged in a new post. This one shows Yennifer cornering him with her hand on his chest. The caption reads, “is @jaskierthebard two timing prof. Rivia with prof. Vengerger? 😂🧐”
“The little cretans are tagging me in their rumor mongering posts now?!”
“This is slander! Use your snooping skills to find a real story!” He shouts out as he turns in the center of the quad. Groups of students look his way and giggle.
“Which one kisses better!” Someone shouts.
“Wouldnt you like to know! Respect your elders!” He shouts back as he stomps off to his office.
By the time Friday rolls around he is a nervous wreck as he walks up to Geralt and Yen's house. He rings the bell and Ciri opens the door.
“Jaskier!” She shouts happily
“I believe it is professor Pancratz to you miss”
She giggles and steps aside to let him in.
'I thought you were staying in the dorms?’ he asks her.
“I am. But I come over for family dinner every Friday. Dad makes much better food than the dorms.” She says as she leads him into the kitchen.
The sight of Geralt stirring something on the stove with his sleeves rolled up makes his mouth go dry.
Yen walks over and hands him a glass of wine.
“Glad you could join us Jaskier”
“Not like I had much choice” he says under his breath as he takes a gulp of wine.
Yennifer lifts an eyebrow in amusement as she walks over and gives Geralt a kiss on the cheek.
“Food will be ready in just a minute. Ciri show Jaskier to the dinner table” says Geralt as he takes the pan off the stove. Jaskier has missed the sight of Geralt's forearms while he is lifting something. He didn’t realize how much until just this moment.
As they all sit at the table Geralt goes to start serving himself and Jaskier clears his throat in a pointed way. Geralt lets out an exasperated sigh and puts down the spoon as he says,
“Go on Jaskier, if you must.”
“Oh you know I do. Have you ever known me to pass up a chance for a toast?”
Jaskier raises his wine glass “To old friends, and new students” he gestures to Ciri with his wine glass, “May we all enjoy watching Geralt squirm as I tell embarrassing stories from his twenties to his daughter” Jaskier takes a drink as Geralt growls “Jaskier” warningly and Ciri shouts “Here, here!”.
It turns out to be a very pleasant meal. Jaskeir tells the story about the time a group of sophomores capsized a raft and Geralt had to pull each one of them individually out of the river while swearing the entire time.
When Ciri is telling them about something that happened in her intro to kinesiology class, Geralt laughs. His face lights and the corners of his eyes crinkle. Jaskier stares at him in shock.
“Geralt! You laughed!”
“I laugh when someone actually tells a funny story.” He says with a smirk.
“I am wounded!” Jaskier gasps while clutching his chest.
Ciri giggles as she yells “Dad, be nice!”
“Yes, listen to your daughter! She is obviously the smartest person in this household.”
Yen pours more wine, and the evening meanders on.
When there is a break in the conversation Ciri says “I need to get going. I am meeting Mistel and some others to hang out.”
“Where are you meeting them? Are you going anywhere else?” Geralt asks with a serious face.
“Dad, relax. We are just going to a party” she says exasperated.
“What party?” he says with a scowl.
“Oh, are you going to the Rat house party?” Jaskier asks with interest.
“Yes.” Ciri says, looking surprised.
“A number of them are in my music theory class. I think Giselher said he is DJing. It should be good music and dancing. They are good kids” he says, looking pointedly at Geralt. Geralt looks back, and nods.
“Just be safe” Geralt says to Ciri.
“I always am” she says as she gives him a kiss on the cheek.
“Bye mom. I will see you Sunday for lunch.”
“Bye my dear.” Yennifer says. Jaskier notices she slips what looks like a small thing of pepper spray into Ciri’s hand as she gives her a kiss.
“Bye Jaskier, you should come to dinner again. I want to hear more stories of Dad and Mom.”
“I could never turn down an invitation from you my dear.” he says as he waves goodbye as she heads out the door.
When he turns back to the table Geralt and Yen are sharing a look that he can’t interpret, which makes him nervous.
Yennifer leans back in her chair and takes a sip of wine.
“Jaskier, would you care for some dessert.”
“Yes” he squeaks, then clears his throat, “yes, please”
Yennifer gets up and as she rounds the table to go to the kitchen she runs her hand across Jaskiers shoulders.
He feels a heat start low in his belly. He looks at Geralt and sees him staring intently.
“You know the kids who are hosting the party Ciri is going to?”
“I am familiar with them. They are good students if a little rough around the edges. She is definitely better off there than any party hosted by the Nilfgardian house.”
“Those kids are shits.” Geralt says in agreement.
“Thank you, for helping to keep an eye out for her, Jaskier.” Yen says as she brings a fruit tart to the table. “I won't lie, I didn’t think much of you when you were a student but you are growing on me”
“Thanks?”
Yen places a slice of tart in front of him. She places a hand on the side of his neck and starts caressing with her thumb.
Jaskeir feels his pants start to tighten. “Geralt? What is happening?” he glances over at his friend to see him sipping his wine and watching intently.
Yen tilts his face back to her “I think you know, Jaskier. You don’t think I didn’t know you have wanted him for years. You wrote a love song to him, and I have seen the way you have looked at him since you have been back.”
“Yen, I swear..” he starts.
“Relax Jaskier. I can’t fail you anymore. If you still want him, you can have him.”
Jaskier gulps, and feels himself harden even more.
“But you can’t have him without getting me. What do you say?”
“I um…gods, this is a lot. I have had many, many flings over the years. But I don’t know if I can do that with you….with him. I want….”
“Go on, Jaskier.” Geralt says in a low voice. “What do you want?”
Jasker looks right at him, “You” he says, “I want you. But not just for a night. Not just as a play thing for you and your wife.”
“Oh Jaskier. If you play nice we are going to keep you.” Yen whispers in his ear.
Jaskier lets out a groan, “fuck it” he swears as he puts his hand on the back of Yennifer’s neck and brings her in for a searing kiss.
He feels Geralt come up behind him and tilts his head back. As Geralt leans down and kisses up his neck he lets out another groan. Yen grabs a handful of his shirt and pulls him to his feet.
Geralt presses into his back and he can feel how aroused he is. Yen gives him another kiss. “Lets see if our bed is big enough for three” She says as she takes his hand and leads him away with Geralt following behind.
Jaskier slowly wakes up. His body is deliciously sore, there is an arm around his waist holding him again a warm body. One of his hands lays on a smooth stomach and the other is tangled in a mass of black hair. He holds his breath as memories of last night flood through his brain. How did this happen? Is it going to happen again?
“Breath Jaskier.” A low voice says into his ear. He takes a big breath and relaxes back against Geralt's broad chest. Yen stretches and yawns.
“I am going to take a shower” she says as she slips out from under Jaskier’s hands.
Once Jaskier hears the shower turn on he turns over in Geralts arms to face him.
“Geralt, what is this?” he asks, feeling more vulnerable than he has in years.
Geralt looks at him softly as he brushes a piece of hair off his forehead.
“Against my will, you wormed your way under my skin years ago. Your enthusiasm was intoxicating, and confusing. I was your professor and had to keep you at arms length but that doesn’t mean I didn’t feel it. Then you went off into the world. We found Ciri, and she needed us. Yen and I sorted our shit out so we could take care of her. Having her changed us and just made it work. It wasn’t until you showed backup here that we even realized something was still missing.”
“What are you saying? Geralt, I need to know what you want.”
“I am saying you feel like a piece we didn’t even know we were missing.”
Jaskier feels a lump forming in his throat.
“But Yen…”
“Wants this too.” He looks over and sees Yennifer standing in all her naked glory in the bathroom door.
“But why?”
“What can I say I have a thing for annoying little shits.” She says with a pointed look at Geralt. “Plus you are a much better conversationalist than my dear husband.” She climbs back into the bed and lies down next to them.
“Besides love doesn’t need to be limited, how is more of it a bad thing?”
“Yen, that was almost poetic. That is my job.” Jaskier says with a shaky laugh. He is still feeling unsteady from all of the revelations and changes that have happened in the last 24 hours.
“And to think I was worried you were going to chew me out over the social media rumors.”
“It is good to leave the students wondering. It heightens my mystery and keeps them on their toes.” says Yen. “Geralt, go make us breakfast.” she says as she kicks Geralt with her foot.
“Yes, wife” Geralt says and rolls out of bed.
Yen puts her head on Jaskier’s shoulder and says “wake me, when it is ready.” Then closes her eyes as her breathing evens out.
“Did she actually just fall back asleep?” Jaskier asks Geralt in amazement.
“I don’t know how she does it but yes she did. At least this time I am not the one stuck under her.” He says as he pulls on a pair of boxers.
“Are pancakes ok for breakfast?” he asks Jaskier.
“Um, yes, that sounds great.”
Geralt nods and walks out of the room. Jaskier just lays there with Yen half on top of him as he contemplates how he got himself into this.
It is a Saturday and none of them have any where pressing they need to be. Ciri had texted when she got back to her room late last night, which obviously relaxes Geralt. Somehow they just insert Jaskier into their weekend routine. Jaskier and Yen do the weekend crossword while Geralt goes for a run. Geralt and Jaskier play gwent while Yen reads a book. When they go to the grocery store, Jaskier brings up going back to his place. Geralt just scowls at him and throws a tooth brush in the shopping cart. Jaskier thinks this might just be the sexiest kidnapping he has ever heard of. There is also lots of sex. Fucking his wife while Geralt watched wasn't exactly what he had pictured when he was young and horny, but it was good.
He spent Saturday night at their house as well. Using his brand new toothbrush. Around lunch time Sunday he insists he does actually need to go back to his place. He needs clean clothes that actually fit him (Geralts are too big, and Yens are too small). He also needs just a little bit of space to process everything that happened.
He has had three somes before and has friends who were in polyamorous relationships. He knew the amount of communication needed to make them work was huge. He had some real doubts that Geralt would be able to handle that level of expressing his emotions. But it is true what Geralt had said, they had all grown a lot in the last 6 years. It is also true he had never pictured Yennifer in any of his younger day dreams, but Yen and Geralt have also always felt like an inevitability. And Lord knows he has always found her attractive even when he was scared to death of her. Is it too much to hope that this could actually work? Would he survive it if it didn't? If he was left alone and they still had their family?
But what if it did work? What if he got to see Ciri graduate not just as a supportive friend but part of something more? What if he came back from a tour to a full house and a warm bed instead of his one bedroom apartment? Was the risk worth it?
He finally fell asleep in his bed by himself pondering these questions.
He wakes to a notification that he has been added to a group chat created by Yen called, Two dipshits, and a queen.
He smiles as he types “Yen thank you for calling me a queen, but I don't think you are a dipshit. 😜”
He gets a notification that the group name has changed to a grump, a deadman, and Yen.
He responds “😂”
Geralt : I am taking a class up bald mountain today, I probably won't have service most of the afternoon. Jaskier are you coming over tonight?
Jaskier: I have a department meeting that says it will be over at 5 which means it will actually be over around 6, but then I am free.
Yen: Good, you can come over and help me grade exams.
Jaskier: I almost failed your class, should I be grading things?
Yen: it is all multiple choice, it is easy there are just a fuck ton of them. The quicker they are done the quicker we can get to more fun things.
Jaskier: I will bring my best red pen! 😉
Geralt: bring some extra clothes too, then you can spend the night.
Geralt: I will clear you a drawer.
Jaskier :.......
Yen: Geralt, don't scare him away so soon.
Garalt: What? It will make it easier if he just has some stuff at the house so he doesn't have to worry about going home.
Jaskier: but really, is this a kidnapping?
Geralt: No
Yen: Yes
Jaskier: Ok then, that really clears that up. See you both tonight.
He does end up bringing some things to the house. None of his best pieces, that feels like too much. But some basic clothes and pjs.
He still spends more than half his nights at his apartment, but it feels good to know they want him in their space.
After a few weeks they have settled into a bit of a routine. They haven't explicitly told Ciri anything yet. They want a little more time to figure it out amongst each other before letting her know anything has changed. She does seem to take Jaskier being at most Friday family dinners as normal.
Midterms are just around the corner. Yen had to leave early for a meeting and Geralt was out for a run. Jaskier is sitting in his boxers on their deliciously comfortable couch having his coffee and trying to work up the motivation to get dressed when he hears keys in the door. He assumes it is Geralt coming back but Ciri comes through the door.
She looks up and jumps “Fuck Jaskier! You scared the shit out of me, what are you doing here?”
“Ummm….”
She looks him up and down and takes in his half naked state.
“Wait. Are you fucking my Dad?”
“Ummm…..”
“Fuck Jaskier, I can't handle this. I won't keep this a secret from Mom so don't even ask me to.”
“Ummm actually….you don't have to. Keep it a secret that is.”
“What are you saying? Does she know?! She wouldn't be ok with Dad sleeping around on her.”
“He isn't, not really, I mean, she is too. Fucking me, that is.”
“What!?”
“Um, I am not sure how to put this, I don't think I was supposed to be the one to have this conversation with you….”
“Just spit it out Jaskier”
“Well we are kind of…all together….what do the kids call it these days? A thruple.”
Ciri sits down heavily on the couch.
“A thruple? So you are dating both of my parents?”
“I feel like I should put on pants before we get further into this conversation but yes I am.”
“Were they planning to tell me at any point?”
“Yes of course, it is just kind of new, and I think we wanted to make sure it was something before making something of it.”
“Fuck, I was already stressed enough and now I have to hear about my parents apparently more adventurous sex life then I ever wanted to know, from their boyfriend who's midterm I still need to study for.”
“Hey, just take a few deep breaths. I am going to put on pants and pour you a coffee. Then you can tell me about all the non-family things causing you trouble.”
Fully clothed and caffeinated, Jaskier hears about how Ciri's friend Mistel from the Rat house might be more than a friend, and the Nilfgard house are being dicks and trying to get the Rat house shut down for supposedly breaking campus policy about taking money at parties. Which apparently isn't true but they don't know how to prove it. Plus midterms are next week and she is really struggling in chemistry but doesn't want Yen to be disappointed in her, but she is liking her kinesiology classes a lot more.
“Fuck, I forgot how complicated being 18 can be.” says Jaskier.
Ciri just chuckles exhaustedly.
“Why haven't you told your parents any of this?”
“I don't want to worry them. I am supposed to be independent and figure it out on my own.”
“So first off, they will worry regardless, your father is one of the most over protective people I have ever met. They also wouldn't want you struggling on your own. One of the best parts of having close friends and family is being able to let them know what is going on in your life, good and bad. Sometimes they can help but sometimes they can just be there to listen. My family cut me off when I wouldn't go to medical school. Maybe I would have handled my own school issues better if I had someone to talk to about it.”
“What were your issues?”
“Well I fell in love with a professor, then spent a lot of time sleeping around to try and get over it, which didn't work by the way. I had at least two sororities and one fraternity ready to kick my ass due to a few too many people realizing I was sleeping around with other members.”
“Jaskier!? Were you a slut?”
“And proud of it”
“Wait, you were in love with a professor? Was it my Dad?”
“He had me at his first grunt”
“Haha”
“But yes, I fell pretty hard. He was always professional and no lines were ever crossed. But I got very good at pining.”
Ciri goes quiet and looks thoughtful
“So this thing now. Is it real? Or just prime slut behavior?”
Jaskier gives her an eye roll. “It’s real. Scary real. I am trying not to get my hopes up in case it all blows up in my face but I think it really could work.”
“Well I guess that is good.”
Just then the door opens and Geralt walks in covered in sweat from his run. He calls out
“Jaskier want to shower with me?” Then stops dead when he sees Ciri and Jaskier sitting on the couch.
“Ummm” he says looking kind of panicked.
“I already found Jaskier lounging around in his underwear, and he explained the situation. Mazel tov. I have had enough emotional conversations for the day so I am going to just leave.” She picks up her bag and walks past Geralt to the door. “See you Friday for family dinner.” She says with particular emphasis on the word family. As she walks out the door.
Ciri texts Yen Friday afternoon to say she isn't going to be able to make dinner because she needs to spend all weekend preparing for midterms.
“It is probably true, she said she was really stressed when she was here the other day.”
Jaskier says as he takes a bite of Geralt's lasagna.
“She told you she was stressed? She hasn't mentioned anything to me.” Says Yen in a somewhat accusing tone.
“Yes well I think the shock of seeing me sitting on her couch in my boxers may have lowered her guard. I told her she should talk to you two about what is going on.”
“Well, she hasn't. What did she say? What bothers her?”
“Some drama about the Rat house and the Nilfgard house, some relationship stuff.”
“Relationship stuff? She is in a relationship? With who?” Geralt growls.
“Woah woah woah, that is her sorry to tell.”
“Jaskier we are her parents you need to let us know what is going on” snaps Yennifer.
“And if I thought she was in danger I would, but it is her choice whether to tell you or not.” He wasn't about to out Ciri to her parents even if they wouldn't care.
“That is not your call to make.” says Geralt.
“Look I am well aware I am not her parent, but she is also 18 and is perfectly capable of deciding which parts of her personal life she wants to share with you. It is not fair to use me as some kind of snitch for your daughter.”
“Jaskier.” Geralt says warningly.
“No Geralt, you can't just scowl and get your way. I am not her parent but Ciri is the most important part of your lives and if you want me to be a part of your lives you need to realize her and I will also have a relationship. Some kind of fun uncle maybe, I don't know. But this isn't something we should decide without her here to have a say. Don’t make me feel like some fourth wheel who isn't part of your lives. Either I am involved or I am not. So call your daughter, talk with her. Then let me know when you have figured out if you really want me to be a part of all this.” He stands up from the table. “I am going to spend the night at my apartment.”
“Jaskier don't storm out.” Yennifer says annoyed.
“Yen, I need some space. I will talk to you later.”
Jaskier says as he walks out.
He has too much energy to just go back to his apartment. He knows there is a bar just off campus that does karaoke on Friday nights. He briefly weighs the pros and cons of doing karaoke at a student bar and decides he needs to just sing out some of his feelings. The students will just think they are getting a free Jaskier The Bard performance.
The floors are sticky and the crowd has a raucous energy of students who know they should probably be studying but would rather get drunk. He is the oldest person in the bar besides the bartender who asks him if he is someone's Dad. This makes Jaskier snort derisively, as he takes a shot.
He puts his name in the karaoke list and suffers through two very off key renditions of Jonas brother songs before it is his turn.
When he takes the mic he says “Right you didn't think you would get a lesson tonight, but myself and Mrs. Whitney Houston will now show you how karaoke is actually done.”
He then commences to give a top tier cover of RESPECT.
Multiple students have their phones out, no doubt live streaming. When he finishes he gets an enthusiastic round of claps and cheers. Some one shouts “another!”
“Now, now we must respect the sacred rules of karaoke and wait our turn.” He says as he steps off the tiny stage.
It feels good to perform again, he has been so focused on classes and this thing with Yen and Geralt he forgot how much he needs performance to help get himself centered.
A number of students offer to buy him drinks which he declines, but does order a giant margarita for himself while he waits for his next turn.
There are one or two promising performances in the next round then it is his turn again.
Both the crowd and himself are a lot drunker at this point so he decides to keep it simple.
Jaskier decides he should probably switch to soda at this point so he doesn't end up doing something incredibly stupid, like sing a Maria Carey song.
By the next time it is his turn the bar is jam packed, and he can feel the energy getting a little rowdy. He decides to bring it down a little with a slower ballad to take the edge off the crowd.
The ability to control the vibe of the room with his performance is intoxicating in its own right.
As he is finishing up he notices a large group of very drunk looking students enter the bar. He recognizes some of them as belonging to the Nilfgard house.
As he comes off the stage he keeps an eye on where they are going in the room. They seem to be making a beeline for the back corner where he now notices Ciri and her friends from Rat house. He has a sinking feeling in his stomach. One of the Nilfgardians gets right up in Giselher's face and starts yelling and shoving at him. Jaskier starts trying to shove through the crowd to get them. This could get bad very quickly with this many drunk people in the crowded bar. He takes out his phone and calls Geralt.
“Jaskier”
“Geralt the Old Rooster Bar, get here, Ciri could be in trouble.”
“I will be there in 5 minutes” says Geralt then he hangs up.
Jaskier keeps pushing through the crowd as he sees one of the Nilfgardians make a grab at Ciri’s friend Mistel. Ciri grabs his wrist and has his arm twisted behind his back in a blink.
At this point all hell breaks loose.
Nilfgardians start throwing punches and the Rats give it right back. All the other students nearby start shoving to get out of the way of the brawl.
He is pushing forward trying not to get swept up in the rush of students trying to get away. He is closer than any of the bouncers. He sees Ciri leap into the back of a Nilfgardian who is about to take a swing at Asse and put him in a choke hold. He gets there just in time to shove back a Nilfgardian who was about to take a swing at her back.
“Everybody just calm down!” He shouts to no avail. He is trying to separate two of them when he gets an elbow right to the face that has him stumbling back. Over the din he hears a crash that sounds like the front door smashing in.
He feels an immediate sense of relief, Geralt is here.
He looks over and the sea of bodies seems to just part around him as Geralt strides towards the fight.
A few of the Nilfgardians see him coming and start to make a run for it. Geralt grabs one by the arm and the other by the back of his shirt. He shoves them into the wall.
“Stay. Jaskier, watch them.” He growls.
Jaskier goes to stand by them so they can't run away again as Geralt wades into the fray. He pulls people apart and throws them to one side or the other. The number of Nilfgardians Jaskier is watching grows. One of the larger Nilfgardians actually gets a punch in on Geralt as he is pulling a Rat off someone. Geralt turns and glares at him while pointing at Jaskier’s group. “Go” he growls. The Nilfgardian cowers and slinks off toward his fellows. Finally it is just Ciri and Geralt still standing in the center. Geralt gives her an appraising look. “We will talk about this later. Go stand over there” he says as he points to the group of Rats who are being watched over by two of the bouncers.
At this point the rest of the bar has about a quarter of the number of people in, and those that are there all have their cameras pointed at Geralt.
A bouncer shows two police officers over.
“What is happening here?” One of the officers asks. Both groups of students start yelling and pointing at the other.
Geralt somehow scowls deeper and says “Shut the fuck up.”
He looks at Jaskier, “I need to call Yen to tell her Ciri is alright. Are you ok for the moment?”
“Yes, of course.”
Geralt steps to the side and pulls out his phone.
Jaskiers turns to one of the police officers and says “I saw most of the start of it.”
“Good, we will start with you then. The rest of you” he says pointing at the two groups of students. “Stand along the wall there. We are going to want to talk to all of you.”
By the time the police are done taking statements from everyone. It is well past 2 am. The bar owner wants all of the students no trespassed from the bar. None of the students actually want to press charges, so they are all going to be written up with disorderly conduct. They let Ciri be released to Geralt but decide to take the rest to the police station to cool off and sober up.
Geralt doesn't say anything as they all walk to his car. He holds the back door open and tells Ciri to “Get in”.
She keeps her head down and sulks into the car.
Once the door is closed Geralt turns to Jaskier. His shoulders slump and he wipes a hand down his face.
“Fuck, Jaskier. When you called I was so scared I didn't know what I would find.”
Jaskier puts his hands on Geralt's shoulders. “She is ok now. She is safe.”
“Thank you.” Geralt says, looking straight at Jaskier. “That could have been so much worse if you didn't call.”
“Of course. Look, let's get her home and into bed.”
Geralt grabs Jaskiers hand “You are coming to.” Jaskier isn't sure if it is a demand or a question, but he nods.
Geralt pulls him into a crushing hug.
The drive to the house is silent. When they get there Yen is waiting at the door. She immediately grabs Ciri by the shoulders and looks her over, “Are you hurt? Do you need ice? Stitches?”
“I'm fine, just some bumps and bruises.”
Yen gives her a big hug. “Thank God. Did you make anyone else require stitches?”
“No. I kept it to blocks and choke holds.”
“That's my girl.” Yen says with pride.
Yen looks up at Jaskier, “Are you alright?”
“I might have a shiner tomorrow, I got a stray elbow to the face right before Geralt got there.”
Geralt puts his hand on Jaskier's lower back and starts to guide him inside. “Let's get some ice on it.”
Yen has her arm around Ciri as they go inside, “It's late, everyone should go to bed and we can talk about what happened in the morning. No one better try sneaking out before anyone else wakes up.” She gives Ciri a pointed look.
Ciri just sighs and gives Yen a kiss on the cheek. “I love you Mom, I will see you in the morning.” She looks at Geralt and says “I love you Dad, thanks for coming.” She then turns to Jaskier “Good night Jaskier.”
“Good night Ciri” they all chime as she walks down the hallway to her room.
Geralt goes to the kitchen and gets Jaskier an ice pack as he collapses onto the couch.
“Well this has been a much more eventful night than anticipated.” Jaskier sighs.
Geralt grunts in agreement as he hands him the ice pack. Jaskier winces as he puts it to his eye.
Yen comes and sits next to Jaskier on the couch. She puts her head on his shoulder. “Thank you Jaskier.”
“I'm just glad I was there.” He says.
Geralt sits on his other side.
“Why were you there? It's a shitty student bar.”
“A shitty student bar with a karaoke night.” Jaskier sighs. “I needed to burn off some energy, and it has been too long since I performed anything. It helps me get centered.” He pauses, then lets out a breath. “I'm scared. If this doesn't work out, you still have each other. You still have Ciri and I would just be left with nothing. At dinner I felt like you were pushing me to the outside, just some visitor in your lives.”
“Oh Jaskier” Yen says “it has just been us and Ciri for so long. When trouble happens we automatically close ranks. We want to close ranks with you but it might take us some time to adjust.”
“I get that, I just have been alone for so long. This has been a dream come true and I don't want to lose it.”
“You won't.” Says Geralt in a low voice. “We are all a bunch of strays that found each other. Which doesn't mean we won't get angry and fight.” Yen gives an amused huff.
“You remember what Geralt and I were like years ago. But we figured it out. We will figure this out too.”
Jaskier feels a tear slide down his cheek.
“Well this has all been a lot. I think I would like to go to bed now.”
Geralt stands and holds out his hand to Jaskier. Jaskier takes a minute just looking up at him then places his hand in Geralts large callused one.
The next morning Geralt makes pancakes and they all sit down to have a heart to heart.
Ciri tells her parents about all the things that have been going on in her life. Trying to find her own place on campus and not just be known as the scary professor's daughter. She tells them about her relationship with Mistel.
They tell her about Jaskier and how they hope he is here to stay. Jaskier explains he doesn't want or need to be another parent but can be another support in her life. They all hash out some guidelines about communication and boundaries.
After Ciri leaves to go back to campus. The three of them make some clearer guidelines for their own communication and boundaries as well as talk about their hopes for the future. It was all rather emotionally exhausting but at the end Jaskier felt good about where they were and where they were going.
“I am done talking” Geralt growls as he turns a heated look on Jaskier “now I am going to tie you to our bed post so you can't escape and fuck you until you can't walk away.”
Jaskier swallows and squeaks out “Yes, please.”
Geralt gives him a feral smile, grabs him by the front of his shirt and drags him to the bedroom.
Epilogue
They all decided to just sit in the audience instead of with the other faculty. This was Ciri’s day to celebrate all her hard work over the last four years.
When she walks across the stage to get her diploma Jaskier lets out an ear splitting whistle, as Geralt and Yen clap loudly and cheer.
After the ceremony they find her with Mistel and the other Rats. They were all hugging and taking pictures. When she sees them she runs over and they all envelop her in a big group hug.
“Congratulations!” Yen said as she gives her an extra tight hug.
“You worked hard. I am proud of you.” Says Geralt with an actual smile on his face.
“Well you certainly didn't get the work ethic from me.” Says Jaskier jokingly as Ciri rolls her eyes and gives him a hug.
“Ciri! Come on, we want to get a picture in front of the mascot!” Yells one of the Rats.
“I'll be right back,” she says as she runs off.
Geralt puts one arm around Jaskier and the other around Yen. Jaskier’s heart has never felt quite so full before.
A student whistles the tune of the Woodman as he walks behind the group. Jaskier flips him off but can't keep the smile off his face.