#or whatever form of fun downtime silly things that make you smile before you get back to other stuff

[spacecasehobbit]

Fighting back against oppression is not the same thing as committing oppression, and it is not hypocrisy not to tolerate intolerance from others.

That is not what a lot of supposed activism on this website actually does.

Guilt-tripping total strangers based on unfounded assumptions about their lives and experiences? Demanding attention and validation from strangers, as a way for said strangers to prove that they aren't Bad People, by demanding that what amount to personal vent posts be treated as meaningful educational resources on incredibly complex and serious issues? Trying to claim moral high ground over the fictional interests of strangers based entirely on some people's feelings of disgust as the only evidence of harm?

Wanting people around you to feel angry, or small, or ashamed, with no goal besides making someone else feel bad when it makes you feel better about the unfair hurt you've endured?

These aren't examples of activism or progressive ideology. They are examples of hurt people lashing out at easy targets with misidirected anger. They are examples of people engaging in the cycle of harm, when someone has made them feel small, and they chose to look for someone else they've decided should feel smaller as a way to make themselves feel big again.

I'm sure most tumblr users can think of at least a few posts they've seen like this, if not dozens or more.

Not just isolated posts, either, but posts with hundreds to thousands of notes worth of validation from other strangers.

That shit is harmful. Absolutely no one is ever obligated to engage with guilt-tripping, directionless anger that focuses mainly on punching down at one's peers, regardless of the source which originally inspired that anger. No matter how sympathetic someone's pain might be, it is not kindness to validate random cruelty as an outlet for genuine pain.

Engaging in meaningful activism is hard work. Hurting easy targets in the name of righteous causes is easy.

Being a decent person means being willing to ask yourself which one you're doing, and then being willing to step back and disengage not only when the answer is, "causing more harm," but also when the honest answer is, "I don't know."

Activism is not the same as causing harm. The corollary to that is that causing harm is not the same as activism, either.

[timeforelfnonsense]

Between Heaven & Hell

Astarion x Dafni

Rating: M (no spice but its mentioned) 

Ao3

Inaleth Sweet is a D&D oc belonging to one of my dear friends @ladyofthelatke from one of our old games. We were talking about Dafni liking romance novels and realized she'd be a fan of Inaleth. A fun little easter egg! The name of Dafni's book was also brainstormed by our D&D party! I don't know that I love the ending but meh!

Sunshine & Starlight: My on going bg3 series 

Downtime for Dafni had become rare and fleeting in the past few days. Not that she mined being busy! She’d never been much good at sitting still. Her mind moved from thought to thought as quick as a hummingbird’s wing. A life of adventure rather agreed with her breezy disposition, that was a silver lining among the mess at least. But she found herself road-weary and overextended. Perhaps it was the tadpole or the fact she’d been in more battles in two days than she had in the last year. She couldn’t be sure. Either way, a little idle time would be good for her.

She was lounging on her belly in a grassy patch on the river bank, idly flipping through the dog-eared pages of a novel bound in soft pink leather, Between Heaven and Hell scrawled across the cover in faded gold lettering. It was a rather risqué account of an amours elf torn between the affection of her aasimar and a tiefling suiters. The first in a series penned by one Inaleth Sweet of Waterdeep -  A fellow eladrin and personal favorite author of Dafni’s. She’d read it dozens of times but it never failed to enchant and intrigue her. 

She’d always enjoyed reading. It was the only time she could bring herself to be (mostly) still. She could lose herself in the colorful whimsy of her imagination. She’d always been a romantic. Her headful of silly daydreams of love and adventure from a tender age. She had spent days on end in her village imagining what the world might be like beyond the shelter of Peleira and the familiar forests and shores of Faerie-Gwynneth. Books provided her wanderlust an outlet in the years before she crossed into the Material.

A pale hand snatched the book from her hands pulling her back to reality. Astarion glanced down at her with a mischievous grin, raising a singular angled brow. She clumsily fumbled to her knees attempting to reclaim it from him but Astarion simply raised the novel out of her reach. 

He looked almost ethereal, shrouded in the soft, peachy glow of sunset as he flipped through his stolen prize. His loose undershirt was unbuttoned almost to his navel showing off his lanky feline-esque physique. It was completely unfair for him to be that gorgeous! Somehow he managed to mix boyish charm with noble dignity. She imagined Astarion was very much the kind of man humans pictured when they talked about the peerless beauty and grace of the elves. 

“My, my, Daffodil, I never pegged you as a consumer of salacious novels. Aren’t you just full of surprises?” He said through a chuckle as he began to thumb through the pages, “You fold the corners of your books? And I thought I was despicable!” 

He might have been from the Material Plane but he had that spark of mirth common to those hailing from her homeland. It was a welcome change of pace. She’d found he could be quite charming (when he wasn’t being surly or aloof). He’d taken to treating her with teasing endearment as of late.  He would refer to her by little diminutives such as darling or dear. That was when he wasn’t calling her by that twee pet name, Daffodil. She knew that the majority of his doting was little more than suave twaddle but she couldn’t help but be won over by him.

 There were things about himself he’d clearly chosen not to disclose. She was never one for secrets but she could hardly begrudge others for having them. Astarion’s omissions were likely connected to whatever had made him so prickly in the first place. She was curious of course but she wasn’t going to press him for anything he was unwilling to give.  Dafni understood relationships much the same way she did gardens. Both required patience and dedication in order for something beautiful to flourish. She earnestly hoped a genuine friendship could blossom between them but that meant allowing him to open up to her in his own time no matter how badly she wanted to bombard him with a-million-and-one questions. 

 “What have I done to deserve this roguery?” 

“Roguery?” Astarion snickered.

“Roguery.” She repeated. “Now find your own way to pass the time and give me mine back!”

Her brows stitched, her lower lip forming that perfect little pout of hers. She was trying very hard to appear cross but her eyes gave her away. They were sparkling with impish delight as she made another valiant effort at retrieving the silly thing. Despite her tilt towards clemency, Dafni was a bit of a puck. 

“This is my way of passing the time. I can only wander among the trees so many times before the novelty wears off. Besides, making you blush is far more entertaining.” 

Dafni snorted a blite smile forming at the corners of her plump lips, “You are incorrigible, you know that right?”

“So I’ve been told.” 

“Well, I suppose if you are that bord I could read to you?” She yanked the book from his hands, clutching it to her chest smug and victorious. Reaching out with her free hand to tap a finger on the tip of his nose. “But, I’m skipping all the dirty bits!” 

“Spoilsport.” 

“It’s that or walking around the woods for the hundredth time.” 

“You do raise an excellent point.” He sighed carefully arranging himself on the grass beside her, “Very well, I’ll agree to your stipulations.” 

“Just be glad I’m not going to make you read for one of the characters! And because I’m just so sweet I’ll even start from the beginning for you.” 

He listened intently as Dafni delivered the tale as if she were performing a one-woman play. Her face was adorably expressive as she changed her voice with each new character. Messy curls bouncing with every animated gesture. Occasionally she’d trail off feigning horror at the ‘dirty bits’ as she called them.

 What would lewd words have sounded like in her lilt voice? Part of him wanted to find out right then. That wasn’t the first time such musings had crossed his mind. Dafni had made a few appearances in his private thoughts since their meeting. She had a coy, maidenly allure that conjured up all kinds of tempting images. These were nothing more than flights of fancy but fun nonetheless. Just another benefit of keeping her around.

He found himself lingering around her almost on instinct. The joy that followed her was tangible and warm as the sun on his skin. When she was near his mind felt quieted and the fear that gnawed at him would soften just a tad. He had grown to genuinely enjoy her company. He’d expected her to be dull and overly pious. Instead, he found she was rather amusing, coquettish even. She was witty and observant, always having a playful quip at the ready. The sort of whimsical woman whose effortless charm drew people in. She would have made an excellent vampire if not for her ridiculous soft heart.

Her compulsive need to care for every living thing  with a sob story was somewhat vexing but he could hold his nose and deal with it most days. He’d make a comment here and there but really that was for her own good. She was painfully naïve, always seeing the best in people. It was clear to him Dafni’s life had been gentle. Free of hardships that might have taught her to approach others with such little skepticism. 

A part of him was grateful for her lack of suspension.  He knew gaining the trust of at least one of the members of the party would be crucial if he intended to enjoy the benefits of traveling with a group long term. Her friendship and propensity for peace making provided him with no small measure of safety. Still, that safety was at risk if she continued to offer herself up on a silver platter to every soul with even the smallest tale of woe she came across.

He glanced over at her, a found (begrudging, but found nonetheless), smile on his lips. The last rays of the setting sun casting its light on her lovely cherubic profile. While his motivations for befriending her had been far from altruistic having her near made his life provable better. When they’d first met he’d assumed her kindness would come at a price but she had surprised him, wanting nothing but his company in exchange. Without thinking he reached out cupping her cheek in his hand. The freckles, sage skin was unbearably soft  and warm against his cool palm. Her heartbeat quickened bringing his attention to the tantalizing, wildflower sent of her blood.  She leaned in close her eyes fluttering closed- 

“We should head back to the others, it’s getting dark.” Astarion muttered, pulling back from her.

“I- Ha, of course. It’s late…” Her lower lip was caught in her teeth, her eyes darting ever so quickly from his mouth back to his eyes. 

As tempting as she might be he was already in too deep with her. If he kissed her, he’d only want more. Any change to the current dynamic could disrupt the fragile safety he’d acquired. He couldn’t put himself at risk for the temporary happiness she might have brought. Perhaps when things were more settled. When he knew he could afford the risk, he would know the taste of her lips. For now though, he would have to resist. 

[amazingmsme]

Geralt’s Clotpoles

AN: This was a collab I did with @im-absolutelee-ticklish​ & we had a blast writing this! Hope you all enjoy this! & the song Jaskier sings is to the tune of The Farmer in the Dell. Now on with the fic!

They had been traveling for quite a while between missions, spending more downtime camping in the woods and training Ciri to use her abilities. Geralt was pleasantly surprised when Jaskier and Ciri became quick friends, though he figured he shouldn’t be too shocked. Jaskier was friendly and likable, bringing joy wherever he went. And Ciri was a kind and curious soul, eager to learn and help where she could. He was happy that they got along so well and took comfort in knowing it was one less thing he needed to worry about. But like everything, it came with a downside. 

It was a nice day. The sun was shining and the day was warm, but not too hot. And there was this noise, this incessant chattering that buzzed like a fly in his ear. Ciri and Jaskier had not stopped talking since they had left the camp earlier that day. Geralt had chosen to ignore it most of the time. As the day wore on it became more and more difficult. They weren’t even talking about anything interesting. First, it had been gossip about people they apparently despised, then they had moved on to singing. Jaskier was teaching Ciri different singing techniques and they didn’t always make her sound as sweet as she was. Besides, he didn’t need two singer/songwriters in their party of three. The bard was plenty enough. Fortunately he was able to tune them out for a while. That was until he heard something that made his ears twitch. 

They were talking quietly enough to where most of the conversation was mumbled vowels and consonants, but he was able to decipher a few words. One of those words being his own name. He strained to hear what they were saying, but even with his enhanced hearing, it was near impossible. He turned to look over his shoulder, watching Jaskier lean down to whisper something in Ciri’s ear, cupping a hand over his mouth. Whatever he said made her giggle, and they both cut their eyes his way. He quickly turned his head forward like he had just made a glance back and not as if he was staring at them. This caused them to both let out a few giggles as they went back to whispering. Finally, Geralt had had enough. 

“We’re stopping here.” He said in his usual gruffness. Ciri and Jaskier stopped and went silent just staring at him.

“In the middle of the road?” Jaskier asked. Geralt only gave an annoyed grunt in response, leading Roach off the path. They stood on the road just watching Geralt for a while before a grin started to appear on Jaskier’s face. As he followed the witcher he began to sing one of those silly little songs he had come up with earlier that day. 

“O’ the witcher is a dad, the witcher is a dad.

Geralt’s now a father,

With his daughter of surprise!” The song was peppy and catchy, and he swayed from side to side as he strummed. Ciri followed close behind giggling and clapping in time with the song. 

“That one is a fun one, don’t you think so daddy?” Ciri playfully teased running up and hugging the back of his leg. Geralt smirked down at her from where he sat atop Roach. He used his boot to gently nudge her away. 

“No. It’s flat.” Jaskier gasped.

“I’m flat? I’m … Now when have I ever been flat?” 

Geralt found himself smirking even more, an uncharacteristic streak of mischief rearing its head. “Since the day we met.” Now it was Ciri's turn to gasp as she backed up and looked between Jaskier and Geralt. Jaskier stood, mouth agape; he was trying to figure out if he had heard correctly.

"What?"

"You heard me." 

Jaskier’s mouth hung open, his hands on his hips. “You have some nerve!” 

"I do? Well, I guess that makes sense with hunting monsters and all." Jaskier crossed his arms with a huff, stomping off to stand near Ciri. 

“Smart ass,” he mumbled. Ciri gave him a sympathetic look, patting his arm. 

“There there, your voice is very lovely,” she comforted. Geralt started to grin, he just couldn’t help himself. 

“Now don’t go giving him false hope Ciri, that does nothing for him. Only makes it harder in the long run.” He got off Roach and started setting up what would be their camp for the night. 

“Don’t listen to him. He’s just grumpy because you have the voice of an angel and he can’t sing even one note in tune with a cricket. Let alone put together enough words to form a sentence.” Ciri continued to comfort Jaskier as she turned and scowled at Geralt, sticking her tongue out at him. He just so happened to turn around just then, and she immediately stuck her tongue back in her mouth and turned back around. 

“Hey Ciri,” he called, gaining her attention. She whipped around to look at him, her hair fanning out with the motion. He stuck his tongue out at her in retaliation. She couldn’t help but giggle. 

“Real mature.” He shrugged, going back to work as he spoke.

 “What can I say, you’re rubbing off on me.” Ciri rolled her eyes and turned her attention back on the sulking bard. 

“Hey Jasky, don’t be sad.” She paused for a moment trying to think of something to cheer her friend up. “Let’s race to see who can find the prettiest rock.” Jaskier couldn’t help the smile that was playing on his lips. Ciri was just too sweet and adorable. 

“Okay pumpkin.” He wrapped an arm around her. “Ready?” 

“Ready!” she exclaimed. Jaskier was sitting on his knees, ready to bolt. 

“Go!” They set off in search of suitable rocks for their playful competition. Geralt just rolled his eyes and started putting together what would be their meal. In a few minutes both of them had collected a good handful of rocks, they sat down beside each other and started sifting through what they had. All of a sudden out of the corner of her eye Ciri saw a shimmering rock in Jaskier’s pile. He hadn’t quite sorted that far. Sneakily Ciri reached over and grabbed the rock, placing it in her pile. A short while later he had finished sorting his rocks, looking at the ground in confusion. He swept his hands in the grass, feeling all around in search of his last rock. 

“I could’ve sworn I had another one,” he wondered aloud. His eyes landed on the shimmering rock that he definitely remembered picking up. “Ciri. What are you doing with my rock?” He leaned over to grab it but Ciri snatched it up first. 

“It’s in my pile! What are you trying to do with my rock?”

“Ciri, c’mon. You know it’s mine, give it back.” He said growling at her playfully. She held the rock close to her chest.

 “No, it’s mine,” she insisted.

“Ciri…” Jaskier warned. 

“No!” she squealed starting to stand up. Jaskier grabbed at her arms quickly pulling her onto him as they fell back. His hands found her sides and he started squeezing them lightly and quickly. A loud shriek pierced through the air followed by bubbly giggles. She thrashed in his hold, batting at his hands weakly. She was curled in a tight ball and Jaskier’s skilled fingers wormed their way underneath her arms. Geralt had finished setting up and preparing their food, he sat there watching them. 

“Are you going to give me my rock back?” he asked in a teasing voice. She shook her head, mouth hanging open, her laughter free flowing. “No? Well I guess you just want to get tickled to death,” he said casually. He formed his hand into a claw, hovering it over her belly. 

“NOOO!” she screamed, rolling slightly in the grass trying to get away. “Geralt! Help me!” Geralt smiled at her from where he was. 

“Why should I help you? Didn’t you cheat? And steal? And lie?” There was a playful edge to his voice. He got up and walked toward them. Once reaching them he stood there thinking. “Hmmmm." He grunted. Then a smirk appeared on his lips, looking down and with a teasy voice. "Okay, I’ll help you.” 

“What?!” Jaskier exclaimed. Geralt ignored him and he reached down grabbing her under the arms gently. Using his thumbs he wiggled them in her armpits. She squealed and tried to get out of his grip. 

“This is what happens to little girls who get caught.” Geralt teased. Jaskier grinned and came up in front of the squealing girl. He looked up at her as he lifted her shirt, giving her a wink before blowing a huge raspberry right in the middle of her tummy. She had no choice but to lay there and take it. Her legs kicked out and she tossed her head from side to side. 

“Maybe you’ll think twice before cheating,” Jaskier said. He reached up, wiggling a few fingers under her chin. She slammed her head down, trapping his fingers while she bit her tongue to try and suppress her giggles. Geralt reached down, squeezing her hips causing her to buck and double over in hysterics. 

“Okay!” She shrieked in laughter. “I’ve lehehearned!” Jaskier looked up at Ciri, then Geralt. He waved at Geralt to stop and give her a breather. 

“Hmmmm, I don’t think you’ve learned quite yet. Just one last thing and then I know for sure you’ll have learned.” He grinned. Ciri caught her breath as she tried to glare at Jaskier. 

“Nohoho mohohore,” she pleaded. Jaskier grinned at her and bopped her nose, making her scrunch up her face adorably. 

“Only one last thing, whiny! You can handle that, can’t you?” he teased, knowing her sense of pride would outweigh the need for it to stop. She shrugged as she caught her breath, “I mean I guess-“ Jaskier giggled with glee. 

“Alright. Close your eyes.” Ciri frowned and stuck her tongue out at Jaskier before doing so. Jaskier started a countdown knowing that would really get to her. “Fiiiiiiiive, Fooooour.”

“Noohooooo, doohooon’t” Both Jaskier and Geralt grinned. Geralt put his arms around her, hugging her close to him to keep her from squirming and to hold her close, to let her know he had her. 

“Threeeeeee, twoooooooo.” Jaskier’s hands found Ciri’s thighs and started squeezing like mad. Her reaction was immediate, a loud shrill screech echoing through the air. Her legs drummed on the ground and she smacked a hand on Geralt’s knee. A bright blush made its way on her face as her mouth hung open in frantic laughter that soon became silent. After a moment of her silent laughing Geralt told Jaskier to back off. 

“She’s had enough.” Jaskier gave one last squeeze before letting go. He ruffled his hand in her hair affectionately. It didn’t take long for Ciri’s laughs to come back and she slowed down to giggling between breaths. 

“You’re a meanie Jasky.” 

“Next time don’t cheat and this doesn’t have to happen.” He grinned and winked. Fluttering his fingers in her neck as he passed by moving toward the little campsite. “Mmmmmm, this smells good, what are we eating tonight?” Ciri squealed and scrunched her neck as Geralt slowly released her from his hold making sure she wouldn’t fall over. Then he turned around, taking Ciri’s hand they walked and took a seat around the fire. 

Jaskier had a smug look as he sat on a log and grabbed his lute. He idly plucked at the strings and hummed the tune from earlier. Ciri glared at him playfully from where she sat next to Geralt. He shot her a wink in return. When Geralt rolled his eyes with an annoyed huff, Jaskier used his other eye to wink at him. 

“Hmm.” At that, he winked again, this time much more exaggerated and opened his mouth, making it very obvious what he was doing. Geralt tilted his head, “You’re being a real clotpole.” 

Jaskier chuckled, “Why thank you for the heartfelt compliment.” Geralt growled in response. 

"You know that wasn't a compliment." Jaskier winked back and had a smug grin on his face. It was then that Ciri had an idea and she leaned over and whispered into Geralt's ear. Jaskier could see as Ciri was talking a grin started to appear on the witcher's face. He was starting to get a little nervous now. Even more so as they both looked at him with smug grins and eyes that looked like they were going to eat him for dinner. Jaskier cleared his throat nervously and gave them a small smile. 

"Well this sure looks good. You've really outdone yourself this time Geralt!" He chuckled nervously. "Should we eat?" 

"Yes, we should." That time Geralt made very clear that he was not talking about the food he had prepared. Rather a lanky, annoying bard would be on the menu tonight. 

“Right. Uh, I’ll get us some dishes,” he said, keeping an eye on them as he grabbed some discs and cutlery from Roach’s saddle bag. They all helped themselves to the food and ate in mostly silence. Every once in a while Jaskier would see Ciri lean over and whisper in Geralt’s ear, making a sly smirk appear on his face as he glanced over at him. Or Geralt would lean down to tell her something that made her grin from ear to ear. Frankly, it put the bard on edge. Jaskier was finishing his food quite quickly. But it seemed like the other two were taking their sweet time. In the meantime Jaskier tried to work on a song but his nerves were getting the better of him and he wasn't able to focus properly. This did not go unnoticed by the others. 

Ciri tilted her head, a sweet smile plastered on her face with something sinister hiding underneath. “What’s wrong Jaskier? You seem… nervous.” He let out a string of chuckles to mask his growing fear and anticipation. 

“What? Me? I’m not nervous.” Geralt raised a brow and glanced at his leg, which was bouncing up and down rapidly. “I’m just trying to figure out the tempo for this song,” he said, pulling an excuse out of his ass. 

Geralt hummed, “Fast song.” Jaskier nodded, lips pressed together thinly. 

“Mhm. Very energetic.” He nodded as he spoke, as if to convince himself of the lie. 

“What’s the song about?” Ciri asked, scooting closer to the edge of the log. Jaskier’s mouth hung open in thought, head tilted back and eyes squinting slightly. 

“Not sure yet. Just working on the beat.” By now both Geralt and Ciri had finished eating and set their discs aside. Jaskier was quick to find something else to busy himself. He knew they were planning something, and he was pretty sure he knew what it was. “Why don’t I wash these up?” He didn’t wait for an answer, jumping up and gathering the discs to clean them in the nearby river. 

Ciri looked at Geralt, clearly amused and trying to suppress her laughter. “You think he knows?”

“Now what possibly gave you that idea?” Geralt joked. 

"Oh I don't know. Just look at him!" She was talking loud enough for him to hear. "He's all jumpy, and blushy and when does he ever want to do the dishes or help out?" she teased. Jaskier dropped the disc he was washing.

“Hey now, I do the dishes all the time!” he yelled over his shoulder. 

"Is that why we always need to get new ones? Because you get too flustered and you drop them all so they either break or get lost?" Geralt teased evilly. Jaskier flushed pink and turned his back to them, focusing on cleaning the unbroken dishes. He grumbled to himself, mocking his tone of voice. Pleased with his work, he stood to his feet, spinning on his heels. He gasped when he was face to face with Geralt and stumbled back, losing his balance on the river bank. Geralt reached out and grabbed him by his shirt, pulling him back to safety. Jaskier couldn’t help but notice just how close he was pressed against Geralt’s chest and felt his mouth go dry. 

“Mhm- uh, th-thanks for that,” he said, patting a hand on his chest a bit awkwardly. He tried to walk away, and frowned when Geralt still had a grip on his shirt. "Uhh, Geralt? You can let go of me now. I'm not in danger of falling in anymore." He chuckled nervously and tried to walk again. 

"Just where do you think you're off to?" Geralt asked gruffly and with a sly smirk on his face that made Jaskier gulp and squirm where he stood. 

“Yeah,” Ciri piped up, suddenly at his side, “Did you think we’d let you go after earlier?” Jaskier was smiling nervously now as he looked down at her. 

“Well a man can hope, can’t he? Besides, that’s in the past now,” he tried to reason. Ciri looked at Geralt who raised an eyebrow. 

"Hmmmm, let me …" Ciri started as Geralt looked at her and started to slowly release him. A spark of hope hit Jaskier as he felt the grip loosening. Then "NOPE!" and Geralt had him pinned on his back with his arms over his head in a few seconds flat. Jaskier didn't even know what hit him. He stared at them wildly before he burst into giggles as Ciri was clawing at his torso. 

“Nohohoho! I’m sohohorry!” he yelled, unable to hold in his laughter. He kicked his legs out and rolled back and forth in the grass, but nothing alleviated the sensations. 

“Aw that’s nice, but I’m not looking for an apology,” Ciri said as her fingers climbed up his ribs. Jaskier's laugh got a little squeakier as her fingers continued to climb. 

"Ciri! Pleeheeeease!" Ciri looked up at Geralt, her fingers scratching just underneath the ticklish bard’s armpits. 

"You hear that Geralt? He's asking nicely for you to help me!" 

“I AM NOT!” he all but screamed. Geralt knew all of his worst spots and was completely merciless. Ciri tickling him was driving him mad, but if he joined, Jaskier knew he’d die. Geralt tilted his head in thought. 

“Hmm. I don’t know, I think I have to side with Ciri on this,” he said. Switching his grip to one hand, he used his other to scratch his blunt nails along Jaskier’s neck. He squealed and scrunched up like a turtle, trying to protect himself. Ciri who had now moved her fingers into his armpits, grinned and giggled. 

"Awwww, is this too tickly Jasky? Maybe next time you shouldn't be so mean." She teased, using his tone and similar words from earlier. "Maybe next time you'll learn." Jaskier was laughing too hard to respond. She moved to his stomach, poking all around his belly rapidly, not giving him the chance to get used to the feeling. 

His laughter jumped an octave, becoming higher pitched and breathier as he tried to dislodge her attacks. Between every few giggles, his entire body would jolt with a hiccup. The jittery, jumpy sounds leaving his mouth made Ciri beam down at him as her fingers continued their onslaught. 

“Awww that’s so cute!” Upon hearing the compliment, Jaskier flushed a deep shade of pink. Ciri met Geralt’s eyes, “Isn't it cute?” she asked rhetorically. 

Geralt looked away, “Mm.” A man of few words, as always. Ciri giggled with her tongue between her teeth. Her fingers continued their journey across his torso, slowly moving closer to his hips. 

“Fuck! No Ciri please! Nohohot thehehere, Geralt doho something!” 

Geralt moved his hands down to Jaskier's lower ribs effectively holding him down with his knees while massaging his fingers into them. He nodded at Ciri to go for it. Ciri giggles before diving in her little thumbs, drilling into those sensitive hip bones making Jaskier scream.

“Shihihit!” He bucked wildly, but was unable to get away or lessen the sensations. His legs drummed on the ground, managing to dig little ruts into the soft earth. 

"Wow, he certainly is ticklish. Aren't you Jasky? Have you had enough? Or do you need more before you've learned your lesson?" Her fingers didn't lift up for even a milisecond. She had the biggest grin on her face. Looking up she saw that Geralt was enjoying this just as much. She loved it when they were all happy and having fun. 

Jaskier was quick to answer between laughs. “Yes, yes, I hahaha, Ihi’ve learned okay? Quihihihit!” Geralt finally showed mercy and let him go. Jaskier immediately curled in on himself, falling to his side as he batted Ciri’s lingering hands away. Ciri giggled and put in a few final pokes and squeezes before stopping and allowing him to calm down. Once Jaskier had regained his composure and started to sit up he tried to glare at the pair. Ciri threw herself into him, hugging him tightly. 

Jaskier couldn't help but to return the hug. “I swear you two are just trying to kill me,” he muttered into her hair. When she giggled at him, he pinched her cheek. “I mean it. You’re lucky I’m still here,” he teased, fixing Geralt with a hard but playful glare from over the princess’s shoulder. Geralt rolled his eyes. 

“Always so dramatic. You’ll be fine, I assure you.”

"Pardon me if I don't take a witcher's assurance of being fine seriously." Geralt raised an eyebrow and a hand with wiggling fingers in response. Jaskier squeaked and hid behind Ciri as much as he could as Geralt chuckled and sent him a wink. Ciri rubbed his back gently to try to help him relax. 

"It's okay Jasky. I'll keep you safe." She grinned and let out a yawn. 

"Ahhh, I think it's bedtime." Jaskier sang softly. Turning her in his arms so she was laying in them like a baby. He started to sing a soft lullaby to her. She snuggled closer to his body, able to hear his still slightly rapid heartbeat begin to slow. A hand softly ran through her hair, and she closed her eyes with a smile. The gentle vibration that echoed through his chest added an extra comfort that helped lull her to sleep. Jaskier glanced up as he sang and caught Geralt staring at them fondly. Something akin to love burned in his golden irises. Jaskier smiled sweetly as he finished his song. Leaning back against a tree he too closed his eyes and hummed himself to sleep.

Geralt watched as they slept soundly and he smiled as he thought about the day they had had. Yes, they had been annoying and had gotten on his nerves. But there had been laughter and fun as well. He would rather have all the frustration of having them around if he got to hear their beautiful laughs, see their beaming smiles, and feel the love and care they had for each other and for him. Yes, they were both clotpoles. But they were his clotpoles. And that was more than he could ever ask for.

[calpalirwin]

Choices

Summary: Ashton Irwin thought he had everything he needed in life in the form of his daughter. Funny the difference a choice can make.

A/N: I have 7 completed chapters of this baby to share with y’all. Two chapters today because I probably won’t post fic stuff tomorrow. Y’all ready for more Nashton?! Of course you are! What a silly question, Bri, we’re always ready.

Content: Nothing too crazy/out of the norm.

Word Count: 2.7K

And away, and away we go!

Chapter 2

“Oh, c’mon Cal. It’s Sunday night,” I said into the phone.

“Just come out with me, Ash. I met this girl. She has friends. It’s just a small hang. Nothing major.”

“A small hang actually makes it worse, Cal. That means I’d have to interact with people.”

“Good! Less chance of you moping in the corner all night. Get dressed. We’re doing this.”

“I don’t mope…”

“Yes, you do. Look, can’t Lauren watch Cass for the night? She watched her last week.”

I rolled my eyes. “Alright,” I caved. “If Lauren’s free to watch Cass I’ll go. But only for a bit.”

“Wait, for real? Alright!”

About an hour later, we pulled up in front of a house. Music poured out from the back yard and I could hear noise of conversations, laughter, and the splashing of the pool. “You ready?” Calum asked me as we walked up.

I adjusted my hat on my head and let out my breath. “I guess.”

He turned to go towards a girl who was waving at us and smiling. “Have some fun for once, yeah?”

I looked around, watching him go off with some girl. I spotted where the drinks were and made my way over to see what they had: cheap beer, tequila, and water. I groaned and settled for a water. It was probably best if I didn’t drink anyhow.

I maneuvered through the crowd, trying not to spill my drink or theirs as people brushed past me without a care in the world. I took a deep drink from the water. “Mmm, shit! Sorry,” I quickly said as I almost collided with a girl.

“Ash?” Nic asked, clearly surprised to see me.

“Hey,” I said, trying to hide my own surprise. “Wanna drink?”

“I’m good,” she said, holding up her own water.

I half-smiled, “Cool.” I rocked back and forth on the heels of my feet trying to figure out what to say. I’d been avoiding her in the halls at home, trying to push her from my mind as best I could. But, every time I tried to sleep I just remembered the way her lips had brushed my cheek, and how badly I wanted to feel her lips on my skin again. Nic didn’t need to become attached to someone like me. I knew I was too busy to give her the kind of attention a girl like her deserved. And she was building a life for herself. She needed someone who was building a life for himself too, not some guy raising a kid. That didn’t stop me from wanting her though.

“Hey… um… you left your jacket,” she told me.

“Oh, is that where it is? Cool.”

“Yeah… um… is everything okay?”

“Yeah.”

“Oh… cuz you seem a little…”

“Nah, just busy. Sorry.”

“Okay… Well, it was good seeing you, Ash.” She smiled and walked off to find her friends.

I squeezed my eyes shut and pinched the bridge of my nose, cursing myself. “Whoa, who was that?” Calum asked, appearing by my side.

“Just some girl.”

“Some girl… isn’t that the girl from the bar?”

“Yeah.”

“Go talk to her! Make something happen!”

“Cal… she’s… I’m… it’s…”

“What?”

“She deserves someone better than me, okay?”

“So?”

“So, I can’t do that to her. I’m not gonna waste her time when I have literally nothing to give her.”

“Ash. For once in your life, stop doubting yourself. You have more to offer her than anyone else here. And more than that, you’re actually a damned good guy. Go. Go!”

I sighed, took another drink, and walked over to Nic. “Hey,” I said, interjecting myself in their conversation. “Can I talk to you?”

“Yeah, sure,” she smiled and followed me to a quieter part of the house. I was acutely aware of the eyes on us and the jealousy. “So, what’s up?”

“I… uh… I was wondering if you… uh…. wantedtogooutsometime?” I rushed.

“Go out? With you?”

“Yeah…”

“Sure. I’d love to.”

“Great. How’s Friday? Or whichever day works best for you.”

“How about now?” she asked coyly.

I nodded my head fast. “That works.” Then, “Did you want to get out of here? Maybe get some real drinks?”

“Yeah, sure. Are we walking?”

 I laughed at the joke, “I actually drove this time, so we can take my truck if you want.”

“Awesome. Let me just tell the girls I’m leaving.”

Yeah, I gotta tell my friend, too. Meet you out front in five?” She nodded then walked back to her friends while I scanned the crowd for Calum. “Hey, Cal. I’m leaving.”

“What? Ash…”

“It’s not like that. I got a date.”

“What? Ash!”

“Yeah, so you're good?”

“Yeah, I’ll find a way home. Have fun on your date!”

I laughed as I made my way out of the house and found Nic on the porch. “Ready?” I asked, offering her my arm.

She wrapped her arm around mine, our fingers brushing together as we interlaced them. “Yeah,” she smiled. “You know, you had me worried there for a minute. I thought I had scared you away.”

“Nah, I don’t scare easy,” I told her as I opened the door for her. We let go of each other as she got in the front seat. I gently closed the door before making my way into the driver’s seat, saying a silent prayer that I had left Cassidy’s car seat with Lauren.

“Can I ask what happened then? I mean, it’s okay if you don’t like me. Or aren’t interested in me that way or whatever.”

“No. I like you, Nic. It has nothing to do with you. I’m just…”

“Just what?”

“Alright… I’ll just put this out here and you can make your choice. I’m not good enough for you. You’re a girl who clearly has a bright future ahead of you. And I… well… I’m just… I have a five year old.”

“What?”

“I’m a single dad. I have sole custody over my daughter. So, if you’re looking for something serious, I’m probably not the guy to get serious with. That’s all.”

“And are you looking for something serious?”

“Honestly, I’m not sure what I want. But I know that I like you. And I’m willing to see where that goes.”

“Okay.”

“Okay what?”

“Okay, I’m also willing to see where this goes.”

I smiled and started driving. “So, tell me about yourself. I don’t know much about you besides your name and that you moved here for grad school.”

She let out a small laugh. “Well, I’m Nic. It’s short for Nicole. I grew up in Atlanta. I went to college there. Moved here for grad school. I needed a chance of pace.”

“Nicole… Pretty. What are you going to school for?”

“Rehabilitation medicine.”

“Wow… so like sports injuries and stuff?”

“Hopefully.”

“So, do you like sports?”

“Sort of. My dad’s more of a fan than I am. But I know enough, I guess.”

“So are you more into baseball or football?”

“Both, I guess. Football is easier to follow for me, but baseball’s more exciting.”

“Well, yeah, it’s easy to follow a team that only plays 1 game a week.”

She laughed, “That’s why I like it.”

I laughed too. “That’s cool though. So, you’re an Atlanta fan?”

“Yep,” she nodded. “And you’re a…” she looked at my hat which was my Seattle Mariners cap. “Seattle fan. Go figure.”

“I could say the same, Miss Atlanta,” I teased.

In a swift motion, she took my hat off my head, flipped it frontwards and placed it on her own. She flipped down the visor and stared at her reflection, posing here and there. “Hmm… the blue’s kinda nice.”

I looked over at her, my hat low on her head. “Looks good on you,” I told her.

“Oh, now you ruined it! I can’t look good in a Seattle hat!” She laughed loudly as she handed me back my hat. I quickly flipped it backwards and slid it on. “There, much better. Although, you look good without the hat, too.”

“Yeah?” I looked at my reflection in the rearview mirror. I looked like I always did. I took off my hat and ran my hand through my hair, giving it a ruffled, “rolled out of bed” look. I shrugged. To me, hat or no hat, I looked like I always had.

“So are you just one of those guys that always looks good?”

I laughed, “I guess. Going from a high school athlete to the police academy to keeping up with a five year old will do that to a guy.”

“Well, you look amazing.”

I laughed again, feeling my cheeks turn red. “Thanks. You look amazing too. Stunning, really.”

“Well, it’s hard to help with rehab if I’m not in shape myself. Plus I was a dancer.”

“Dancer?”

“Yeah, I was on my high school and college dance teams. Did cheer and gymnastics too.”

“Wow… that’s actually really hot,” I admitted. “So what do you do for fun? Like in your downtime?”

She shrugged. “Typical stuff. Read, watch TV, listen to music. Nothing weird or super cool I guess. Why? Do you have a cool or weird hobby?”

“Kinda? I play music.”

“Like instruments? What kind?”

“Little bit of everything. Mostly guitar and drums though.”

“That’s cooler than what I do.”

“Oh, c’mon. There’s gotta be something cool you do.”

“I mean, I draw.”

“See? That’s cool! Just doodles or…?”

“Doodles mostly.”

“Very cool,” I said as I pulled my truck onto a gravel road and stopped. I shut off my engine, but left the radio playing. “This is my favorite place,” I admitted, not really sure why I was telling her that or why I took her here.

“It’s beautiful,” she admired, staring out the windshield towards Puget Sound, the sun starting to sink into the horizon.

“I like to come here when the world gets a little too fast for me. I come here and time seems to slow down.” Again, I had no idea why I was telling her these things.

“I can see why you would. I mean, yeah Atlanta is a city, but it’s still a southern town. So there’s stillness to it. Here? Well, everything seems so busy.”

I shrugged. “It’s home. Well, actually my mom and I moved here from Australia. But I was two, so I consider here home.”

“Australia?!”

I laughed. “Yup. But, like I said. I consider here to be home. Well, Monroe’s home.”

“Is Monroe far from here?”

I shook my head. “Bout a half hour drive.”

“And your mom’s still in Monroe?”

I nodded. “Yep. She’s still in the same house with my stepdad and little brother. Harry’s still in high school.”

“And your sister?”

“Lauren’s in Tacoma for college. So, she’s close too.”

“Are you close with your family?”

I nodded again, “Yeah, they help me a lot with raising Cass. My sister’s babysitting her now.”

“And Cass is your daughter? What’s that like? Being a single dad?”

“Hard,” I laughed. “Very hard. Her mom’s not in the picture, so it was hard both losing her and dealing with that on top of trying to raise a newborn. It was like hitting the jackpot on the worst possible luck.”

“That sounds rough, I’m sorry.” Her hand reached out to gently squeeze mine.

I shrugged, “It’s alright. I love being a dad. Just gets lonely sometimes.”

“You’re telling me you haven’t used the hot single dad thing to your advantage?”

I shook my head, “Not that girls haven’t shown interest, or that I haven’t been interested. It’s just hard to maintain anything real when I have to balance being a dad. And I’m not a one-night-stand kind of guy.”

“Maybe you just haven’t found the right girl.”

I shrugged. “It’s possible. But, from my experience, girls dig the hot single dad vibe until the phone rings and I have to break our dates because Cass got sick or had a nightmare. As if I could choose when and when not to be a dad. But Cass is priority number one; and they all think it’s cute until it’s not. It’s cute to be the devoted father until it ruins date night. Then it’s an inconvenience.”

“Well that’s their loss. Like you’re an adult. It’s both stupid and selfish to think that the world doesn’t exist outside the two people sharing the relationship. Outside priorities being what they are, I just want the guy to be loyal.” In the fading light, I could see her face blush red, as she ducked her head and bit her lip.

I felt my heart pick up a little speed in my chest and my own face flush. My next few choices were either going to be the best choices of my life or the worst mistake of my life. I took a breath and bet on it being the former. I gently cupped her chin in my hand, lifting her face to look at mine. “I can be loyal,” I breathed.

“Can you?” came the small murmured question as she looked deep in my eyes.

“Mhm,” I told her before kissing her. It was one of those kisses that started out soft, but turned fierce. With one hand still holding her chin, my other hand wrapped around her back, pulling her into my lap. With her straddling me, I reach for my shirt, tugging it over my head and tossing it to the side with my hat. Her fingers went up to run themselves through my hair before they traced paths across my shoulders and back. I shuddered at her touch, a touch so familiar and that made me hungry for more. It made me painfully aware of how long it had been since I had been with a woman, and how much I had missed this. One of my hands reached up her shirt to undo her bra and the other hand fiddled with the button on her jeans.

“Mmm… Ash… wait…” she said, pulling back, breathing hard.

“Everything okay?” I asked, pulling her back to me.

“I’m… I’m not ready,” she blurted, pushing herself off my lap. She bit her lip while she waited for my mind to catch up.

“Oh…” I looked at her face, half-scared that she had ruined whatever we were building, and probably half-scared she had almost hooked up with me in my truck. “It’s fine,” I told her.

“Really? It’s not because I’m a virgin or anything. Like I’ve had sex. I just… we… I’m not ready to do this with someone I barely know. Sex means something to me.”

“That’s fine,” I told her, pulling her towards me. “I like you for you, Nic. We don’t have to do anything we don’t both feel 100 percent comfortable with.”

“Really?” This time, there wasn’t as much fear in her voice as there was surprise.

“Yes,” I told her again, kissing her. “Honest. I’m fine.”

“Sorry…”

“There’s nothing to be sorry for.” In truth, I was a little glad she had stopped us. I was clearly more willing to put myself out there than I had been until today. But, I still wasn’t sure if I was ready for what came with having sex with someone, especially since the last time had left me with a broken heart and a daughter. I reached for my shirt and pulled it back on before fiddling with the radio. The music pumping through my speakers was the only sound as we watched the sun fade into the night. She scooted over the bench seat and rested her head on my shoulder. I wrapped my arm around her and kissed the top of her head, breathing in her smell. “So, you dance, right?” I asked.

“Yeah,” she answered.

“Dance with me,” I told her, opening my door and getting out. “C’mon,” I coaxed, holding my hand out for her.

She giggled and got out of the truck, taking my hand. I spun her in a circle before pulling her close and started swaying us side to side. She let out another giggle, “You’re ridiculous, y’know that? And you can’t dance.”

“All I have to do is spin you in circles,” I pointed out.

“There’s more to it than that,” she laughed.

“You’re the dancer,” I conceded. Then, “Just dance with me,” I begged, pulling her close. In the headlights of my truck, underneath the stars, we danced and sang along with the radio.

~~~

@goeatsomelife​ @flameraine @cashtonasff5sos @here-for-the-uproars @cxddlyash @1-irwin-94 @baldcalum @sparkling-chaos @tea4sykes @youngblood199456 @5-seconds-of-obsession