hold them closer [jaskier x reader]

Chapter 1

Sunlight cascaded along the forest floor, little rays of light falling amongst the leaves that littered the ground. Despite the sun shining high in the sky, a nice breeze tugged at the air around you, making you take a deep breath. Everything felt calm. Quiet.

And then you heard a crunch.

You shifted on your feet, not hesitating before swinging your sword towards Jaskier. You couldn't help but notice the sunlight glint off the sharp edge as you purposefully slowed your movement.

Jaskier huffed, stepping back in time for it to whoosh just past his chest. His eyes sparkled with mischief as he looked back at you, but your face was stone cold.

You swung again.

This time, you didn't hold back. You jabbed the sword towards Jaskier, making him jump out of the way of your deadly weapon. With quick thinking, Jaskier used the trees around you to his advantage, rolling out of the way and using the tree trunks as a shield. He had just rolled around the side of one tree when you caught each other's eye.

Jaskier smiled. You quirked a brow. You had to admit, it was clever.

But fleeing wouldn't always work.

You grunted and lifted your sword so it would come straight down onto Jaskier, but he lifted his own just in time. The loud collision of steel practically made you giddy — sparring was not something you did often, but you really did enjoy it.

Except, Jaskier could be a bit distracting.

Your swords were still crossed when he winked at you. By now, you'd think you had grown accustomed to his advances, yet, there you were, losing your breath with just one of his gestures.

And then he got the upper hand.

He slid his sword out from your own, swinging it with enough force to take your whole head off. But as you lifted your own sword to stop the impact, another sound, other than striking steel, made you frown.

Jaskier's sword was sunken into the tree just beside you, where Jaskier was now tugging helplessly at its handle.

You let your shoulders drop, eyes narrowing in accusation, "You did that on purpose."

Jaskier focused on getting his sword out of the tree, "Did what?"

"Missed."

Jaskier jumped out of the way as you swung your own sword towards him, leaving his own weapon stuck in the bark behind you. He stood with his hands up, chest heaving, with the tip of your sword under his throat. With barely any effort, you reached behind yourself, and with one tug, the sword was in your grasp.

The two of you stared at each other a moment before you gave up, dropping your sword from his neck and holding his sword out towards him with a sigh.

"Your offense needs to be quick, sharp movements. Fast, so I don't know what's coming." As soon as he took his sword back, you pushed past him so he didn't see the scowl on your face, "And you need to stop hesitating."

By then, Jaskier had run up beside you, walking backward so he could see your face. Or maybe so you could see the smirk that was on his, "Only if you ask nicely."

Even though his smile was nearly contagious, you forced yourself into a frown, halting in your spot. "This is not a game, Jaskier. You need to know how to defend yourself in case—"

"In case we are in another life impending situation that tests both of our morals and inner demons? Yes, I am well aware." Now noticing your scowl, Jaskier relented. "We have been practicing nearly non-stop. I've been getting better, you said so yourself."