Triss is a rare person. Everyone who has ever met her likes her, including the harshest of the Brotherhood. And Geralt.
[ There is a touch of sadness in his smile but he doesn't let it overtake him. Triss is well at home, at least to the time point that they know, and with Yennefer and the other survivors. He holds onto that even if he is not with them. She will do great things with them.
Any lingering thoughts of that are swept away when Jaskier touches him and his eyes widen slightly, color streaking across his cheeks. The beard hides most of it but Jaskier is close enough to probably see it. He is who he is, a grown man who blushes under the right scrutiny, and Jaskier's gaze is definitely that. He likes the intimacy of the moment and leans into the touch. ]
I'm glad I had some practice in the ballroom then, so as not to put you off.
[ Istredd was in fine form that night because he felt confident in himself without anyone being able to see him. He usually carries himself more certainty when he feels sure of himself. He reaches out to caress Jaskier's cheek with the back of his fingers. It feels very natural, strange enough. ]
I knew her long before that was true. It's part of what she hates about me. [ When they were both young and in many ways still innocent, despite how they were raised. Istredd saw her then, as no one else could, and that will be true of the two of them until the day they die. But he's not with Yennefer right now. ]
But perhaps that's something the two of you have in common. Turning men into fools with just a smile.
[ Istredd can be very good with his words too, given the chance. And it's all with the air of absolute sincerity that follows him everywhere. ]
[Oh, he sees it, even on Istredd's pretty skin. He was looking for it, even. Jaskier's partners are so often as experienced as him, and plenty willing to indulge in his favourite intimacies, but they have lingered so long that he's missed the intricacies of a newly blossoming thing. How even a man who's lived more than a normal lifetime can still be surprised. How he has so many new things to learn about Istredd's specific reactions to just the right touches.]
You had plenty to offer beyond dancing skills.
[And still do. Jaskier's smile twitches; mostly because of Yennefer (and his memory of a girl with wider eyes and less venomous words), but also because Istredd's touch is so soft, it's as if the bard may break.
Jaskier moves his hand to Istredd's leg, driving it up along his thigh.] And do you feel very foolish right now?
[ Istredd's said it himself, he tends to fall into relationships, and he loves them, that much is clear, but there wasn't much wooing to speak of beforehand. Jaskier is a unique experience in multiple ways, including Istredd intentionally pursuing him. He's putting himself out there on purpose, trying to gain the bard's affection and interest by actions, not by existing in his space waiting for something to happen. This is a choice with action involved, and he's thrilled by it, and by Jaskier's easy, warm response. ]
All I have to offer is yours, if you want it.
[ And he is fairly certain that Jaskier does considering their intimate closeness and then the feeling of the bard's hand on his thigh. He clears his throat, flushing even darker at such boldness in public, but in no way against it. He feels internally a need to match that bravery, to encourage Jaskier in all his whims. ]
No, I feel like this may have been one of the smartest things I've ever done.
[ He asked Jaskier here, after all, he made the gesture, and it's working out splendidly for him. Istredd smiles at him, shy but sweet, and brushes his fingers into Jaskier's dark hair. ]
You are so beautiful up close, Jaskier. Your eyes, your lips. I'm sure you hear it all the time, so I hope I am not sounding too cliche.
A bold declaration. [He smiles but doesn't quite laugh, because he understands Istredd fairly means it, and the bard does not take such declarations lightly. How easily it feels that they've done such steps in this dance before, and yet it feels as if his first attempt at it.
Perhaps it is as simple as Istredd's common origin. They lived vastly different lives, but they both understand the sort of people the Continent births. Why they are the way they are. Why Jaskier loves people like Geralt, and why Istredd loves people like Yennefer. There's a pure, easy understanding. It gives him some footing to lean back on.]
[ Jaskier and Istredd came from different backgrounds but he feels like despite that, they do understand each other, and they have common ground to pull from. It has felt truly easy with Jaskier since he met him. Their first meeting was bizarre, but it was simple afterward to move in sync and get to know one another with warmth that isn't always easy for Istredd.
It must be Jaskier himself, he thinks, who makes it feel so simple. And he's grateful. Grateful he gets something that can be his, separate from all the responsibilities and worries of his day to day in Thorne. He hopes that he can offer something similar to the bard. A refuge, of a kind. ]
I think it best or we may be in danger of public indecency if you keep looking at me like that.
[ He leans in to kiss Jaskier's cheek very gently, concerned he may lose all reason if he attempts even a chaste real kiss at this juncture. He slides out of his seat to stand and sets the key down for the room. ]
I'll get the food and meet you up there.
[ He's still the one who set up the date so he's going to be gentlemanly and get what they need. There's a thrill in his veins and the heat of anticipation.]
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cointosser) wrote2021-04-12 08:58 pm
no subject
[ There is a touch of sadness in his smile but he doesn't let it overtake him. Triss is well at home, at least to the time point that they know, and with Yennefer and the other survivors. He holds onto that even if he is not with them. She will do great things with them.
Any lingering thoughts of that are swept away when Jaskier touches him and his eyes widen slightly, color streaking across his cheeks. The beard hides most of it but Jaskier is close enough to probably see it. He is who he is, a grown man who blushes under the right scrutiny, and Jaskier's gaze is definitely that. He likes the intimacy of the moment and leans into the touch. ]
I'm glad I had some practice in the ballroom then, so as not to put you off.
[ Istredd was in fine form that night because he felt confident in himself without anyone being able to see him. He usually carries himself more certainty when he feels sure of himself. He reaches out to caress Jaskier's cheek with the back of his fingers. It feels very natural, strange enough. ]
I knew her long before that was true. It's part of what she hates about me. [ When they were both young and in many ways still innocent, despite how they were raised. Istredd saw her then, as no one else could, and that will be true of the two of them until the day they die. But he's not with Yennefer right now. ]
But perhaps that's something the two of you have in common. Turning men into fools with just a smile.
[ Istredd can be very good with his words too, given the chance. And it's all with the air of absolute sincerity that follows him everywhere. ]
no subject
You had plenty to offer beyond dancing skills.
[And still do. Jaskier's smile twitches; mostly because of Yennefer (and his memory of a girl with wider eyes and less venomous words), but also because Istredd's touch is so soft, it's as if the bard may break.
Jaskier moves his hand to Istredd's leg, driving it up along his thigh.] And do you feel very foolish right now?
no subject
All I have to offer is yours, if you want it.
[ And he is fairly certain that Jaskier does considering their intimate closeness and then the feeling of the bard's hand on his thigh. He clears his throat, flushing even darker at such boldness in public, but in no way against it. He feels internally a need to match that bravery, to encourage Jaskier in all his whims. ]
No, I feel like this may have been one of the smartest things I've ever done.
[ He asked Jaskier here, after all, he made the gesture, and it's working out splendidly for him. Istredd smiles at him, shy but sweet, and brushes his fingers into Jaskier's dark hair. ]
You are so beautiful up close, Jaskier. Your eyes, your lips. I'm sure you hear it all the time, so I hope I am not sounding too cliche.
no subject
Perhaps it is as simple as Istredd's common origin. They lived vastly different lives, but they both understand the sort of people the Continent births. Why they are the way they are. Why Jaskier loves people like Geralt, and why Istredd loves people like Yennefer. There's a pure, easy understanding. It gives him some footing to lean back on.]
You know what? I agree. [That it is a very smart thing, indeed. And bold that he must have asked that lover of his for permission to branch out.] Clichés are so used because they hold reoccurring truths, universally acknowledged. And who am I to shirk the bold words of a mage? [He leans into the touch, the hand. If they weren't intending to eat (though Jaskier has mostly forgotten), he would already have Istredd in a bed. Or against a table. No, scratch that; he should have Istredd holding him against the table. Possibly even using magic to do so.] You know, I think the same of you? [He drags a thumb over Istredd's lower lip, teasing.] I would love to explore these in particular. What do you say to bringing our meal upstairs?
we can wrap here or on yours, up to you, this is very cute :)
It must be Jaskier himself, he thinks, who makes it feel so simple. And he's grateful. Grateful he gets something that can be his, separate from all the responsibilities and worries of his day to day in Thorne. He hopes that he can offer something similar to the bard. A refuge, of a kind. ]
I am very, very lucky that you do.
[ His words may be cliché but they come from the heart. For right now, he believes Jaskier does feel that way about him. away. He wouldn't be here otherwise. His insecurities seem very far away with Jaskier so close to him. He kisses Jaskier's thumb at his lower lip and laughs quietly. ]
I think it best or we may be in danger of public indecency if you keep looking at me like that.
[ He leans in to kiss Jaskier's cheek very gently, concerned he may lose all reason if he attempts even a chaste real kiss at this juncture. He slides out of his seat to stand and sets the key down for the room. ]
I'll get the food and meet you up there.
[ He's still the one who set up the date so he's going to be gentlemanly and get what they need. There's a thrill in his veins and the heat of anticipation.]