#angst excessive pining miscommunication and confessions of mutual affection after we've been put thru the ringer?

[youknowwhoiam3490-blog]

Aggressive positivity and intense compliments are my love language and I'm glad you're receptive to it.

I'm excited to read more from you especially now that I'm braced for the emotional ramifications of doing so.🥲

"Wait... are you Geralt's soulmate?"

The look on Ciri's face tells too much. Of course Geralt hasn't told Ciri, hasn't told any of them.

“Yes, I am” Jaskier offers her his biggest sincere smile though he thinks he might be grimacing.

Ciri in her charming petulant way says "Wow" and then proceeds to turn around towards the stairs. Jaskier tries not to feel insulted. He is aware of who he is. The contrast between him and Yennefer (Geralt's true love) is painfully immense. Sometimes he wonders if destiny was wrong about him or maybe she wanted to play with him, a mere pawn on Geralt's destiny. The bridge that'd bring Geralt and Yennefer together. But, if that's the truth, if Geralt wasn't meant for him why did he fall in love?

Alone on his cold room he decides he's going to tried, one last time, to be what Geralt wants, needs. So he throws away his colorful clothes and puts on a pair of black pants and a plain black blouse (borrowed from Cöen). He tries to be as useful as possible, quiet, focused, regal, smart and a good company for anyone that wants to talk to the strange bard, he's a good performer after all, the best there is. At least Vesemir doesn't scold at him that much anymore and Lambert is more willing to tolerate his presence. He still sings, in a cellar on top of the main tower, the echo is divine. He writes and sings about heartbreak, hoping, waiting, wanting, and letting go.

Geralt notices of course, he can see the way he holds himself. Like he's hurting. Maybe he is. Ciri asked him a few weeks ago why he didn't tell anyone about Jaskier being his soulmate.

She also tells him about the disappointment in the bard's face at finding himself stranded in Geralt's destiny.