The White Werewolf || Season One: Ties That Bind

Chapter Seventeen

"She's my traveling companion, so she's my responsibility," Geralt finally clarified. "A fact you should also start to consider. I tend to invite trouble without even trying."

Jaskier glanced between both of them suspiciously. "You really expect me to buy that? You were ready to throw me through a window just for hugging her, Geralt."

The bard wasn't wrong. In that moment, the thought of someone else having something special with Robin had made him feel pushed aside, even though he'd already known that he was her first lover. Now, he couldn't even articulate exactly who he'd assumed Jaskier could be. He should have guessed that he was her brother right away, considering what she'd told him, but all he'd been was consumed and disheartened at the idea of her taking another partner.

Because he knew that he would lose if she ever had better choices than him. For now, she had a mission and he was useful, and she didn't mind the perk of having him as a bedmate. But when that was over, she'd be able to go anywhere and do anything she wanted, and then he'd be alone again.

He already wasn't looking forward to it, and the thought of it happening sooner rather than later frankly terrified him.

Still, he should try to keep a lid on the jealousy, especially if it was so easy to notice. He wasn't going to apologize for being angry when people tried to hurt her, though. She'd already been through enough with her master, and she didn't deserve more of that kind of treatment.

Jaskier pursed his lips when Geralt remained silent and wisely let it go for the moment. He wasn't a complete fool, after all. Robin finished cooking and started making plates for everyone.

Geralt took his gratefully and once again contemplated how he'd gotten himself into this mess. Robin was an exceptional traveling companion, but he certainly hadn't planned on picking up another. At least she made food and invited him into her bed.

Not that he wanted the bard to do that. He was far too upbeat. And annoying. And he sang all the time, although Geralt supposed he had to be forgiving about that, considering that it was his job.

"This is good," Jaskier complimented her. "Do you two always eat this well?"

"When we can," Robin hedged. "I don't want to make any promises."

They ate. Geralt helped Robin clean up after and Jaskier went back to his lute.

Geralt might have chastised him, but he wanted some time alone with her, and he wagered he could only get it if the bard was distracted.

"There's a small pond nearby," Geralt murmured to her. "Join me?"

"Of course." She turned to ask if Jaskier would be all right on his own, but he was clearly lost in thought, and she didn't want to disturb him. "Will he be all right?"

"I'll hear it if he gets in trouble," Geralt reassured her.

She nodded, so he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and led the way. She glanced up at him a little shyly.

"What is it?" he teased her affectionately.

"I'm just not sure how to act with Jaskier around," she admitted. "Not that I don't want him here. But he's obviously making more of this than he should, and I don't want to encourage him and embarrass you."

Geralt shook his head. "You're not going to embarrass me, Robin. Just act how you want to act. How you've been acting. I... like the way you act," he admitted. "I like our... familiarity. As long as you're okay with it. I know our relationship is just friendly."

She grinned and leaned up to kiss his cheek. "No harm in making it as friendly as possible, then."

He hummed appreciatively. "None at all."