Modern AU in which Geralt and Jaskier meet in kindergarten, Geralt being the quiet child with socialization issues, shy and grumpy. Jaskier is a charming boy who loves singing and is overly curious.
Their friendship surprised parents and teachers alike. Surprisingly, however, they made the perfect duo. Geralt protected him from bullies, and Jaskier was always there to rescue him from tedious encounters and to simply be his friend. Both grow up in the same neighborhood, so their friendship lasts for many years. Geralt goes to college to study history (or whatever). Jaskier follows suit by enrolling in another degree program at the same university. His parents pressured him to pursue a traditional degree instead of enrolling in Oxenfurt's prestigious music program, which is why he made this decision. It was either that or end up on the street, it was either that or lose Geralt.
Jaskier began developing a crush on Geralt in elementary school, which turned into love by middle school. Jaskier didn't tell him that, of course. Geralt had never shown interest in anyone, let alone someone of the same gender. Besides, Geralt'd never notice him. They were best friends, but nothing more.
Geralt is the captain of the rugby team when he meets Yennefer, an exchange student from Aretuza. They become the most envied couple on campus. After all, Geralt is gorgeous, and although Jaskier finds it hard to accept, Yennefer is beautiful and lethal.
Jaskier finds it hard to accept that he is no longer the most important person in Geralt's life, except for his brothers, with whom Jaskier has always gotten along very well. One day, Eskel commented that he wouldn't be surprised if the two ended up together. Geralt ignored the comment, but it filled Jaskier with hope.
So Yennefer's arrival fractured their friendship, Jaskier went home alone more often and endured his parents' abuse without Geralt by his side to appease his frustration at being the disappointment of a son.
Geralt was clearly happy, even when their relationship was pushing the boundaries of toxicity. Geralt loved her. Oh, and Jaskier was jealous, of course he was, but it didn't matter.
Feeling lonely at a university that did not suit him, he began planning to apply to Oxenfurt, at his parents' expense, he confessed this to Geralt. He told him that of course he would get in and that it was time for him to pursue his dreams.
Although it felt more like a reproach than support, he let it go.
One day, Geralt and Yennefer start arguing about something concerning their destiny, but Jaskier doesn't quite understand the context. The argument escalates to the point where they have to go to the back of the bleachers to hide from the prying eyes of the other students.
They exchange hurtful and unfair words until, finally, they end the relationship. Yennefer leaves.
Jaskier does the stupidest thing he could have done: he tries to defuse the moment with a stupid joke, which puts a target on his heart.
Geralt turns to look at him with hatred in his eyes, his posture tense, and as he points a finger at him, he says
“Why are you here? You're always here when bad things happen. I'm sick of you, of your love, I don't want it. If life could give me a blessing, it would be to take you off my hands.”
Geralt leaves Jaskier rooted on the ground with a broken heart and shame consuming every thought.
On Monday, Geralt arrives at the university thinking about finding Jaskier to make amends for what he said; his cruelty was unjustified.
They tell him that he didn't attend classes. Later, Geralt sees Jaskier leaving the principal's office without his backpack. The next day, Geralt learns that Julian Alfred Pankratz has dropped out of college. He tries to call him several times but is useless.
When Geralt finally mustered the courage to look for Jaskier at his house, his parents informed him that their ungrateful son no longer lived with them. Jaskier has moved out, but they don't give Geralt his new address; they probably don't even know it.
Eventually, Geralt returns with Yennefer, and the rift with Jaskier fades into the background for a while. However, not a day goes by that Geralt doesn't remember Jaskier's face—the shock and pain. He wishes he could turn back time and take back his words.
He works full-time at a convenience store and lives in a crappy apartment downtown while preparing for the Oxenfurt entrance exam, which is nothing less than a two-stage practical exam in which Jaskier has to give the performance of his life.
Geralt moves in with Yennefer to an apartment near campus. When he looks at the calendar, he sees a date marked months ago when his friend told him he would apply for Oxenfurt. "Jaskier´s Exam" it reads.
Geralt grabs his keys and gets in the car. Maybe if he hurries, he'll make it on time.
Jaskier leaves the auditorium with a huge smile on his face. He did well, excellent, the professors seemed pleased with his presentation.
Then he senses a presence beside him. When he turns around, he sees Geralt. His smile fades, and his heart freezes mid-beat from the shock.
Geralt says something, it sounds like congratulations, but Jaskier doesn't hear him, he's in too much pain to concentrate on anything other than overcoming his own breakdown.
2087
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