[ Oh geesh. Today was supposed to pass just like any other. The significance of it wasn't lost on Tech, but it's not his day and there's no reason to make a big deal out of something fabricated, right? Because it's not his actual birthday. Because he doesn't have one.
But when Kate's text rolls in, fuck. He can't help but get a little misty-eyed at that. Must be allergies. That he doesn't have either... ]
did you make the cupcakes?
But when Kate's text rolls in, fuck. He can't help but get a little misty-eyed at that. Must be allergies. That he doesn't have either... ]
did you make the cupcakes?
Not cupcakes but I hope you'll like them just the same.
[ She hadn't been nervous when sending the initial text but now she is. What if he doesn't like them? Maybe she should have tried her hand at them. But cupcakes are tied to a fake memory. Whatever this is, she'd like some part of it to be real. ]
[ She hadn't been nervous when sending the initial text but now she is. What if he doesn't like them? Maybe she should have tried her hand at them. But cupcakes are tied to a fake memory. Whatever this is, she'd like some part of it to be real. ]
[ So maybe those eternal flowers hurt a lot when she first got them, but she thinks she can find a good use for them--or at least one of them.
While she'd love to hand-deliver this herself, she doesn't want to risk running into any number of people that might not be happy to see her prowling around his room, so she has a demon do it. Whether it's handed to him or he finds it sitting in front of his door, her small gift will be inside an impeccably white box, tied up in a blue ribbon that matches his eyes. There's a small card slid in under the ribbon, one side with Happy Birthday? written on it, and on the other, a short poem:
Maybe our love didn't blossom like a rose.
Still, it lives ever on, no matter the prickle of its thorns.
I give another piece of me to you
To remind me that I am incomplete
But I am more whole
Than I ever would've been.
-- Monika ♥
And inside the box? One of those eternal roses, soft and delicate as ever, resting on satiny fabric. Perhaps he'll remember its origin. Perhaps not. Either way, she'll feel better knowing that, even if only for a little while, a piece of their past will be with him. ]
While she'd love to hand-deliver this herself, she doesn't want to risk running into any number of people that might not be happy to see her prowling around his room, so she has a demon do it. Whether it's handed to him or he finds it sitting in front of his door, her small gift will be inside an impeccably white box, tied up in a blue ribbon that matches his eyes. There's a small card slid in under the ribbon, one side with Happy Birthday? written on it, and on the other, a short poem:
Maybe our love didn't blossom like a rose.
Still, it lives ever on, no matter the prickle of its thorns.
I give another piece of me to you
To remind me that I am incomplete
But I am more whole
Than I ever would've been.
-- Monika ♥
And inside the box? One of those eternal roses, soft and delicate as ever, resting on satiny fabric. Perhaps he'll remember its origin. Perhaps not. Either way, she'll feel better knowing that, even if only for a little while, a piece of their past will be with him. ]
[ It's not something he expects -- receiving a gift. It's bad enough Kate went to all the trouble to make him cookies, but the gift and the poem from Monika brings a special kind of sting made worse when he sees what the gift itself is. Fuck, fuck, fuck.
He immediately sends Monika a text. ]
fuck. monika. i'm sorry. i didn't mean to have those delivered. with so much shit going on, i forgot to intercept the demon.
you can like burn them or something
or i guess if they really are eternal, they're probably indestructible, too
He immediately sends Monika a text. ]
fuck. monika. i'm sorry. i didn't mean to have those delivered. with so much shit going on, i forgot to intercept the demon.
you can like burn them or something
or i guess if they really are eternal, they're probably indestructible, too
and what do YOU think?
[ He doesn't know Geralt beyond what Jaskier mentioned, doesn't know his talents or abilities -- if listening to him would be the right call. All he knows is Yennefer is the spellcaster and the one afflicted by Mammon's bullshit. So the next move should be on her. ]
[ He doesn't know Geralt beyond what Jaskier mentioned, doesn't know his talents or abilities -- if listening to him would be the right call. All he knows is Yennefer is the spellcaster and the one afflicted by Mammon's bullshit. So the next move should be on her. ]
Edited 2022-04-06 13:11 (UTC)
[ Monika's done everything she can with her limited technology skills to make this private as heck, but just to be sure... ]
hey, i want to tell you something.....
can you use your super tech god encryption first???
hey, i want to tell you something.....
can you use your super tech god encryption first???
[Attached are two files. One is a text file detailing a brief list of parts, some with very specific, advanced specs. The other is a .png showing the custom Allmate's current progress of its inner build.]
after this, time to build the frame that houses everything. what do you want it to look like? something with 2-4 legs or that hops is easiest for me to code if you want it mobile.
unrelated but you were right about a science project being enough
after this, time to build the frame that houses everything. what do you want it to look like? something with 2-4 legs or that hops is easiest for me to code if you want it mobile.
unrelated but you were right about a science project being enough
[ Ohhh. Excellent. He takes a moment to study the list of parts and internal workings before responding. And you best believe Tech is smirking a little at that part about being right. ]
heh. called it 😉 don't ever claim your god steers you wrong.
but uh idk? can you do a bird i guess?
[ He's just been on a roll with this whole bird motif in things lately. Only seems right to have it apply to this, too. ]
maybe like a baby chick if it's gotta fill some kinda cute quota. not expecting it to fly either. can just hop around like your little rabbt.
heh. called it 😉 don't ever claim your god steers you wrong.
but uh idk? can you do a bird i guess?
[ He's just been on a roll with this whole bird motif in things lately. Only seems right to have it apply to this, too. ]
maybe like a baby chick if it's gotta fill some kinda cute quota. not expecting it to fly either. can just hop around like your little rabbt.
text; un: sandpiper (mildest of nsfw bc. well. i got no explanation for him.)
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
bardicdisaster
2022-05-05 12:52 am (UTC)(link)
Darling, the most awful thing has happened! I know they say it happens to everyone eventually, but it doesn't happen to ME. Oh, I don't think that I shall ever recover. My confidence is utterly shattered! 😟😟😟
Tech, I think you're the only person who can help me with this little problem. But you have to swear to not tell another soul lest you bring my reputation to absolute ruin. 🥺
Granted, my reputation here is still growing and isn't quite what it was back home, but I would still be devastated to have it destroyed before it's even had a chance to begin! Just thinking about the humiliation, the possibility that I could be perceived as being just as lackluster and impotent as any other, lesser bard brings me to complete, unending despair! Even admitting it to you is mortifying...
But I trust you, my love, with everything. Including this secret! The truth is...
I'm STUCK.😤😤
No matter how many variations of this song I've written, I cannot seem to make it work. And I do think every now and again to set it aside, to write something else to return with a fresh perspective, but I cannot seem to do so. It needles at me constantly whenever I try to write anything else and I think until I have elevated it to its most perfect form, I shall never know peace.
So, what do you say? Will you help me? 😘
Tech, I think you're the only person who can help me with this little problem. But you have to swear to not tell another soul lest you bring my reputation to absolute ruin. 🥺
Granted, my reputation here is still growing and isn't quite what it was back home, but I would still be devastated to have it destroyed before it's even had a chance to begin! Just thinking about the humiliation, the possibility that I could be perceived as being just as lackluster and impotent as any other, lesser bard brings me to complete, unending despair! Even admitting it to you is mortifying...
But I trust you, my love, with everything. Including this secret! The truth is...
I'm STUCK.😤😤
No matter how many variations of this song I've written, I cannot seem to make it work. And I do think every now and again to set it aside, to write something else to return with a fresh perspective, but I cannot seem to do so. It needles at me constantly whenever I try to write anything else and I think until I have elevated it to its most perfect form, I shall never know peace.
So, what do you say? Will you help me? 😘
[ What in the fuck did he just read? It's certainly a journey. But aren't all conversations with Jaskier? And even in spite of Jaskier's "plight," when Tech sees those emojis come out to play (and used correctly!), he can't help the small swell of pride. Aw, his bard is learning. And learning quick.
Well. Not his bard. Geralt's bard.
But at the end of that preamble, Tech smiles and shakes his head. This absolute doofus. ]
you gonna be able to play anything at all after that nonsense you sent me? your fingers gotta be tired, songbird 😜
DW DW, i got some time to hear your song. can help you workshop it. i'm sure whatever the problem is, it's just fine and you're being hypercritical. but who am i to question a bard and his process? 😉
where you wanna meet?
Well. Not his bard. Geralt's bard.
But at the end of that preamble, Tech smiles and shakes his head. This absolute doofus. ]
you gonna be able to play anything at all after that nonsense you sent me? your fingers gotta be tired, songbird 😜
DW DW, i got some time to hear your song. can help you workshop it. i'm sure whatever the problem is, it's just fine and you're being hypercritical. but who am i to question a bard and his process? 😉
where you wanna meet?
[It's been awhile since they last spoke, but... things happen so much in Hell, it can make things hard to keep up with at times. Still, he figures he should take a moment to check in on things all the same.]
Did you ever find what you needed on that spell, or are we back to zero on that score?
Did you ever find what you needed on that spell, or are we back to zero on that score?
hey, man
don't have great news on the spell front.
dude who had that one half ported out.
been trying to see if he left anything with his brother
but loki was notoriously and frustratingly guarded so it's unlikely 😩
at least we're not all the way at square one, tho
we know the spell exists. we know barbas has that half of the spell.
don't have great news on the spell front.
dude who had that one half ported out.
been trying to see if he left anything with his brother
but loki was notoriously and frustratingly guarded so it's unlikely 😩
at least we're not all the way at square one, tho
we know the spell exists. we know barbas has that half of the spell.
[ Every day, she'd try to send something to him in a text. The gradual breakdown of Hell had made that impossible at times, but whenever she could, he'd get something. Some kind of random thought. A snippet of poetry. A desperate plea for his return. Anything to feel connected and to assure herself he was still out there with her somehow, because as long as it went through, he was still surviving. Somehow, he'd come back.
Today, she's chosen a poem she came across while going through all the books she'd brought with her. Hopefully it'd mask how worried sick she was, because it'd been over a month. What if he'd gotten sent back to the burning hell they left behind? What if he was left there, broken and alone, suffering the wrath of another unforgiving god? What if--no. She'll choose to hope. It's all she can do. So off her message goes:
here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart
i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)
With that done, she moves on to another impulsive distraction, finding herself in one of the rooms full of instruments, supposedly lying in wait for the twins's amusement. After placing down the sheet music and sitting on the piano's bench, she takes a moment to stare at her normal hands, down at the tail no one else can see wrapped around her, scar after scar no longer there. The glamor's been disturbing her as much as it's brought relief. Who is she anymore, now that she appears just as she should?
Shaking her head at herself, she opens the book, turning to a selection she'd heard and wanted to learn. One last fleeting glance at her hands, then she experimentally begins to play. Because just like those messages, having music helped her feel like he was there next to her. Like they were still connected.
Everything she did, it was all for him. Somehow, he'd find his way back to her again. ]
Today, she's chosen a poem she came across while going through all the books she'd brought with her. Hopefully it'd mask how worried sick she was, because it'd been over a month. What if he'd gotten sent back to the burning hell they left behind? What if he was left there, broken and alone, suffering the wrath of another unforgiving god? What if--no. She'll choose to hope. It's all she can do. So off her message goes:
here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart
i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)
With that done, she moves on to another impulsive distraction, finding herself in one of the rooms full of instruments, supposedly lying in wait for the twins's amusement. After placing down the sheet music and sitting on the piano's bench, she takes a moment to stare at her normal hands, down at the tail no one else can see wrapped around her, scar after scar no longer there. The glamor's been disturbing her as much as it's brought relief. Who is she anymore, now that she appears just as she should?
Shaking her head at herself, she opens the book, turning to a selection she'd heard and wanted to learn. One last fleeting glance at her hands, then she experimentally begins to play. Because just like those messages, having music helped her feel like he was there next to her. Like they were still connected.
Everything she did, it was all for him. Somehow, he'd find his way back to her again. ]
[ He had received all of Monika's messages. And at times, when he had the energy, he would respond. More so at the start. Somewhere toward the middle, his replies fell off. The messages would still go through, of course. He was still in this place physically, but mentally he wasn't -- whether that being because it had been a particularly rough day or because his mind had literally been removed and needed to regenerate. Whatever the case, Tech wound up ghosting. He continued to ghost at first because he kept his phone off to spend solitary time with Jaskier. And later when it became clear Ava had 'gone home' -- he didn't have the time to focus on much of anything else except his rage.
But once the anger burned itself to dust as anger often did, he found himself numb. Despondent. Seeking something to feel something again. Right now, it's the call of music -- music that isn't forcing some feeling on him, whether that's calm or amorous as seems to be the main theme of the mansion. Tech wanders the hall to investigate before coming across her room. And when he appears in the doorway -- what he sees almost takes his breath away.
It is recognizably Monika, but in a way he hadn't seen her for a very long time. Without the horns or a tail or clawed fingers. She's just a girl and Tech feels like he's stepping in the villa again -- walking in on the ivory piano. Just Monika and her little white dress. When he walks over the threshold, dressed in fine silks from Mammon's land (because he hadn't packed enough of his own clothes and now probably lost them all to the fires) -- it's like stepping into the past. Love lost but also love remembered. A first love and all of its excitement, thrill and newness.
With tunnel vision, Tech doesn't see anything but Monika and as a result knocks into a stand. A book falls from it with a dull thud, dust bursting from the leather bound cover. Prometheus Bound by Aeschylus. Ironic, it being Aeschylus. Even more ironic it being about Prometheus -- the god Tech sometimes wished he was. A god who could so selflessly gift fire to the humans and suffer endlessly for it. He had the suffering down to a science. Just not the selflessness. Tech stoops to pick up the play and right it on the stand. ]
Sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt. That's a new piece. Did you learn it here?
But once the anger burned itself to dust as anger often did, he found himself numb. Despondent. Seeking something to feel something again. Right now, it's the call of music -- music that isn't forcing some feeling on him, whether that's calm or amorous as seems to be the main theme of the mansion. Tech wanders the hall to investigate before coming across her room. And when he appears in the doorway -- what he sees almost takes his breath away.
It is recognizably Monika, but in a way he hadn't seen her for a very long time. Without the horns or a tail or clawed fingers. She's just a girl and Tech feels like he's stepping in the villa again -- walking in on the ivory piano. Just Monika and her little white dress. When he walks over the threshold, dressed in fine silks from Mammon's land (because he hadn't packed enough of his own clothes and now probably lost them all to the fires) -- it's like stepping into the past. Love lost but also love remembered. A first love and all of its excitement, thrill and newness.
With tunnel vision, Tech doesn't see anything but Monika and as a result knocks into a stand. A book falls from it with a dull thud, dust bursting from the leather bound cover. Prometheus Bound by Aeschylus. Ironic, it being Aeschylus. Even more ironic it being about Prometheus -- the god Tech sometimes wished he was. A god who could so selflessly gift fire to the humans and suffer endlessly for it. He had the suffering down to a science. Just not the selflessness. Tech stoops to pick up the play and right it on the stand. ]
Sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt. That's a new piece. Did you learn it here?
(it's a little while after talking to jaskier that she reaches out to tech, that she's ready to reach out to someone who she knows probably won't judge her if he knew what she had done. she's been trying to give him space and be there for him when he needs guidance, but -- well it's been hard keeping what she knows now to herself.)
have you ever experienced the phenomenon of waking up with new memories here?
cw: references to suicidal self sacrifice and child sacirifce.
bottle
- 2022-08-22 14:15 (UTC) - Expand[It was easily assumed God's assault on everything in Penance had come to an end at some point, but who knows what caused Him to stop? It could have just as easily been because he burned it all to ash as it was that he realized no one was there to suffer it any longer. And that meant although they could take an educated guess, they didn't really know what they would be walking into. There could be ruins, but there could be nothing but ashes.]
[Neither Tech nor Jaskier spoke about it much on the journey back. Knowing there would be some degree of a charred husk likely waiting for them was a heavy weight for the both of them even if Tech likely felt it more acutely than Jaskier. That meant a small amount of hope needed to survive that perhaps something could be pulled from the wreckage and keep the full extent of grief at bay. Something that would be meaningful and important and good. But speaking about the destruction left behind in God's wake, that possibility that nothing could or would be found threatened it. So, it was better to hold onto that spark of hope than to extinguish it until absolutely necessary. Jaskier didn't stray from Tech's side even once. Whether opting to occupy his lap, simply hold his hand, or make use of his shoulder as a headrest, Jaskier was always near, always finding some way to touch. It was a quiet reminder that no matter what was gone or left, Jaskier was still there. And he always would be.]
[And once they arrived, Jaskier didn't follow the majority of the crowd off back to the hotel. Instead, he held onto Tech's hand and followed him to Hellburbia. Hope, fragile as it was, began to blossom when it appeared Hellburbia was untouched, but it didn't settle into relief until they were inside Tech's house and saw everything exactly as it had been.]
[Well. Most everything. The kitchen hadn't had much left in it by way of food when Tech left for Mammon, but it hadn't been entirely emptied. Jaskier left that particular task for Tech to manage, but in exchange for having Tech dispose of the science experiments, Jaskier opted to return to the hotel to get supplies to restock the kitchen while also getting Calanthe settled back in his room. Jaskier doesn't dawdle with his task, scrounging up and nicking what he can from the hotel once Calanthe seems fine with the change in scenery.]
They didn't have much, [he calls out, uncertain where Tech has settled in the house when he doesn't see him in the living room. Jaskier closes the front door behind him with his foot with his hands and arms otherwise occupied by the small load of food he's brought with him,] but this should last for us for a few days!
[He heads off into the kitchen to put it all away.]
I'll poke around again before we run out and see if there's anything better.
[Neither Tech nor Jaskier spoke about it much on the journey back. Knowing there would be some degree of a charred husk likely waiting for them was a heavy weight for the both of them even if Tech likely felt it more acutely than Jaskier. That meant a small amount of hope needed to survive that perhaps something could be pulled from the wreckage and keep the full extent of grief at bay. Something that would be meaningful and important and good. But speaking about the destruction left behind in God's wake, that possibility that nothing could or would be found threatened it. So, it was better to hold onto that spark of hope than to extinguish it until absolutely necessary. Jaskier didn't stray from Tech's side even once. Whether opting to occupy his lap, simply hold his hand, or make use of his shoulder as a headrest, Jaskier was always near, always finding some way to touch. It was a quiet reminder that no matter what was gone or left, Jaskier was still there. And he always would be.]
[And once they arrived, Jaskier didn't follow the majority of the crowd off back to the hotel. Instead, he held onto Tech's hand and followed him to Hellburbia. Hope, fragile as it was, began to blossom when it appeared Hellburbia was untouched, but it didn't settle into relief until they were inside Tech's house and saw everything exactly as it had been.]
[Well. Most everything. The kitchen hadn't had much left in it by way of food when Tech left for Mammon, but it hadn't been entirely emptied. Jaskier left that particular task for Tech to manage, but in exchange for having Tech dispose of the science experiments, Jaskier opted to return to the hotel to get supplies to restock the kitchen while also getting Calanthe settled back in his room. Jaskier doesn't dawdle with his task, scrounging up and nicking what he can from the hotel once Calanthe seems fine with the change in scenery.]
They didn't have much, [he calls out, uncertain where Tech has settled in the house when he doesn't see him in the living room. Jaskier closes the front door behind him with his foot with his hands and arms otherwise occupied by the small load of food he's brought with him,] but this should last for us for a few days!
[He heads off into the kitchen to put it all away.]
I'll poke around again before we run out and see if there's anything better.
So long as you got flour and eggs, we're aces.
[ Tech calls back from upstairs. After a few moments, he comes back down -- although there's definitely been a change of clothes. Tech didn't necessarily have his own clothes when he got back and had been stuck wearing fine silks from Mammon's land. But what he has on now isn't entirely Tech's style either. He's dressed to the nines in a fine suit, the blue vest Jaskier had liked makes a resurgence beneath the jacket with a matching tie. And when he approaches Jaskier, he plants a hand on the side of one cheek to draw him in and kiss the other.
There's a certain poise he carries himself with as he draws back to eye the loot, helping in the process of putting it away. For a tiny while he carries on as though everything is all normal. And after eyeing a few of the spices, he finally answers the unspoken question -- not even looking up. ]
I know what you're thinking, canary. You're wondering if something strange is afoot. And it is a fair concern given the environment.
[ He stops what he's doing to look at Jaskier again before shaking his head. ]
But no. This is me. A little less future, but still relevant thank you very much. And definitely still dizzy with a fella who croons like the best of them.
[ There's warmth in his dimpled smile as one hand rests against Jaskier's chest, pressing for emphasis. It's reassurance -- reassurance that he still remembers Jaskier. He still loves Jaskier. And even if things are a little different, a little hard to comprehend in the immediacy, that his love is unwavering across the many lives he's had and only now starting to remember. ]
[ Tech calls back from upstairs. After a few moments, he comes back down -- although there's definitely been a change of clothes. Tech didn't necessarily have his own clothes when he got back and had been stuck wearing fine silks from Mammon's land. But what he has on now isn't entirely Tech's style either. He's dressed to the nines in a fine suit, the blue vest Jaskier had liked makes a resurgence beneath the jacket with a matching tie. And when he approaches Jaskier, he plants a hand on the side of one cheek to draw him in and kiss the other.
There's a certain poise he carries himself with as he draws back to eye the loot, helping in the process of putting it away. For a tiny while he carries on as though everything is all normal. And after eyeing a few of the spices, he finally answers the unspoken question -- not even looking up. ]
I know what you're thinking, canary. You're wondering if something strange is afoot. And it is a fair concern given the environment.
[ He stops what he's doing to look at Jaskier again before shaking his head. ]
But no. This is me. A little less future, but still relevant thank you very much. And definitely still dizzy with a fella who croons like the best of them.
[ There's warmth in his dimpled smile as one hand rests against Jaskier's chest, pressing for emphasis. It's reassurance -- reassurance that he still remembers Jaskier. He still loves Jaskier. And even if things are a little different, a little hard to comprehend in the immediacy, that his love is unwavering across the many lives he's had and only now starting to remember. ]
Edited 2022-08-28 04:59 (UTC)
[While spending time in the kitchen putting food away and after a little debate on what to do, Jaskier takes the opportunity to send a discreet text message.]
So, I found Yennefer starting to wander outside. I have her at the house. She's fine and safe, but she doesn't know who I am. 😟😟
And I suspect that might not be the only thing she's unable to remember right now. I don't know yet. I need to talk to her some more. I'll text you know how much it is she's forgotten.
Speaking of, I know you don't like texting as much right now, but I didn't want to potentially upset her by calling you right now and I didn't want you coming home to any surprises. You don't need to come home right this second, just keep an eye on your phone.
So, I found Yennefer starting to wander outside. I have her at the house. She's fine and safe, but she doesn't know who I am. 😟😟
And I suspect that might not be the only thing she's unable to remember right now. I don't know yet. I need to talk to her some more. I'll text you know how much it is she's forgotten.
Speaking of, I know you don't like texting as much right now, but I didn't want to potentially upset her by calling you right now and I didn't want you coming home to any surprises. You don't need to come home right this second, just keep an eye on your phone.
[It was disorienting the first time Jaskier arrived in Penance. Upon his arrival, he couldn't help but wonder and fear that perhaps something went further awry with Voleth Meir and perhaps things hadn't reached their end after all. So, instead, he buried himself in that childish instinct that it was all just a dream. Something that he could jolt himself awake from and find himself safe and sound (albeit likely a bit cold) in Kaer Morhen with everyone else... Well, claiming the witchers, the child surprise, or the sorceress were all really hale and hearty might be a bit of a stretch. But they were at least all in one piece in the end even if there was a great deal yet to do and troubling matters to navigate between one another. But those sorts of impulses and attempts at delusion never really hold fast against reality when one's mind remains woefully intact. Thus, Jaskier soon had his feet under him.]
[But this time is a bit different. It's different because it's not the first time Jaskier's found himself in this place, arriving the manner he has, and he's entirely aware of that fact as he's greeted by the familiar sight of the hotel lobby. Jaskier draws a breath to steady himself, trying to quell the panic he feels rising into and constricting his throat, and swallows hard. They had been in Mammon's domain last he remembers it. Fled there because of yet another attempt on Lucifer's life or some other such nonsense. (For as much as the demon lords of this place seem to like to present themselves as superior, Jaskier cannot help but see how painfully [and almost disappointingly] similar they are to their human counterparts.) Standing there a moment, he tries to summon up the last of what he remembers to as much clarity as he can.]
[He had opted to stay in a cottage with Yennefer, of course. He couldn't very well stand to be in the same place that Tech... And Yennefer. She couldn't really be on her own. Even if she didn't need Jaskier (or anyone else) around, Jaskier knew she'd be better for it. And he owed it to her after all the time and effort she put into keeping him from falling the fuck apart every night after Tech disappeared, which she never really stopped doing even well after Jaskier didn't need it quite as much. Geralt, too. Eventually. Likely when Geralt felt like he wouldn't fuck things up by failing to resist the temptation to have a sample of his boot leather mid-conversation because he spoke too bluntly or misjudged the tone of a conversation. It wasn't perhaps a terrible idea to give Jaskier his space and was oddly nice change of pace for the witcher to pay such consideration to the bard's feelings, but Jaskier didn't find it necessary in all honesty. Jaskier just didn't want to be left entirely alone and really couldn't have cared whether he was offended or had his feelings hurt at that point. At least it was something other than the grief. So, Geralt could have eaten his entire boot in the span of an hour and it wouldn't have made some terrible difference as the witcher likely thought it would.]
[But at least he came around. Eventually.]
[Nothing strikes Jaskier as an explanation of how exactly he came to be in this place again though as he thinks back. It's just as though one day he was in Mammon's domain, and the next he found himself dragged back into Hell exactly where it all began for him. And most disturbingly, almost exactly as it was, too. Jaskier sees so few traces of the previous destruction Lucifer had only managed to barely conceal from the occupants—sinners and demons alike—for a short period of time before everyone needed to flee yet again.]
[And so, with that unease coming from such a significant lack of explanation, Jaskier makes his way toward the front desk. He doesn't choose them first because the demons have ever been particularly forthright or altogether helpful when it comes to information historically, but it is a starting point. It's something.]
[Jaskier gets no more than a few steps of the way there though when something catches his eye and stops him immediately. Or rather someone.]
[Part of him feels a bit apprehensive to give in so quickly to what he sees without a bit more skepticism. After so much time in Hell, he should know better. He should know that seeing what you want to see is almost always a lie, and at best, one can really only hope it leads to merely disappointment rather than something far worse. But that's the part of Jaskier that possesses any semblance of sense and he's not quite so accustomed to wielding any of that with any great success for very long. The apprehension caves so quickly to the immediate swell he feels in the center of his chest and the blurring of his vision. It leaves Jaskier in the shape and form of Tech's name as he releases the breath he began to hold the moment Jaskier laid eyes upon him.]
[Jaskier's is voice all too quiet to be heard over the usual din of the hotel lobby even when he utters Tech's name again. The first time was weak, almost as though he were plagued by a lack of use to his own voice and uncertain how to make it louder. The second, he utters it in such a way, it could almost be mistaken for prayer. Be here, he pleads, silently and selfishly, all the while surrendering to the undeniable pull toward Tech and abandoning his original intention of trying to find his footing with the demons working the front desk.]
[Be here with me.]
Tech—
[It's the only bit of warning Jaskier can really offer Tech, particularly if Tech doesn't manage to see Jaskier on his approach in time. It's not very loud, Jaskier's voice choked and subdued by more emotion than even he knows how to express. Grief and longing intertwine and burrow themselves just as deeply as joy and yearning being brought to an end, removing any and all remote possibility of hesitation as Jaskier more or less launches himself at Tech. He can think of nothing more than to be in his arms and taste his kiss once more, eagerly seeking both without hesitation and regardless of whether Tech manages to successfully brace himself or if they spill onto the floor together. It doesn't matter because he's home. He's home. And it's that feeling that Jaskier's craved and ached and longed for for what felt to be so long and so deeply that he doesn't care if he should drown and suffocate right here while diving so recklessly into it. He just wants that feeling that he'd been without again, wants it affirmed more and more.]
[And so, somewhere amid his effusive affections, one of Jaskier's hands finds its way to the center of Tech's chest to sate that very want. At nearly the very first beat of Tech's heart against his palm, Jaskier breaks the kiss with a laugh. The sound is thin and light just as much from the ferocity of his kisses leaving him breathless as it is because it feels that were he truly to allow anything greater, a sob might take hold instead. Fortunately, it has no bearing on the smile Jaskier wears when he looks at Tech now even if it is a bit of a watery one.]
Hi, [he says before there's another bubble of relieved laughter, a bit stronger than the one that preceded it. Jaskier kisses the corner of Tech's mouth briefly, unable to resist the urge to start making up for all those lost kisses just as he had the first time they were separated. Jaskier's free hand caresses Tech's cheek like he is the most precious being in all the world because he is and for a moment, all Jaskier can do is simply look at Tech with such wonder. Jaskier rests his forehead against Tech's, nuzzling as he continues stroking his cheek with a thumb, and lets Tech in one of the most poorly kept secrets in the world as though it were the opposite.] I missed you.
[But this time is a bit different. It's different because it's not the first time Jaskier's found himself in this place, arriving the manner he has, and he's entirely aware of that fact as he's greeted by the familiar sight of the hotel lobby. Jaskier draws a breath to steady himself, trying to quell the panic he feels rising into and constricting his throat, and swallows hard. They had been in Mammon's domain last he remembers it. Fled there because of yet another attempt on Lucifer's life or some other such nonsense. (For as much as the demon lords of this place seem to like to present themselves as superior, Jaskier cannot help but see how painfully [and almost disappointingly] similar they are to their human counterparts.) Standing there a moment, he tries to summon up the last of what he remembers to as much clarity as he can.]
[He had opted to stay in a cottage with Yennefer, of course. He couldn't very well stand to be in the same place that Tech... And Yennefer. She couldn't really be on her own. Even if she didn't need Jaskier (or anyone else) around, Jaskier knew she'd be better for it. And he owed it to her after all the time and effort she put into keeping him from falling the fuck apart every night after Tech disappeared, which she never really stopped doing even well after Jaskier didn't need it quite as much. Geralt, too. Eventually. Likely when Geralt felt like he wouldn't fuck things up by failing to resist the temptation to have a sample of his boot leather mid-conversation because he spoke too bluntly or misjudged the tone of a conversation. It wasn't perhaps a terrible idea to give Jaskier his space and was oddly nice change of pace for the witcher to pay such consideration to the bard's feelings, but Jaskier didn't find it necessary in all honesty. Jaskier just didn't want to be left entirely alone and really couldn't have cared whether he was offended or had his feelings hurt at that point. At least it was something other than the grief. So, Geralt could have eaten his entire boot in the span of an hour and it wouldn't have made some terrible difference as the witcher likely thought it would.]
[But at least he came around. Eventually.]
[Nothing strikes Jaskier as an explanation of how exactly he came to be in this place again though as he thinks back. It's just as though one day he was in Mammon's domain, and the next he found himself dragged back into Hell exactly where it all began for him. And most disturbingly, almost exactly as it was, too. Jaskier sees so few traces of the previous destruction Lucifer had only managed to barely conceal from the occupants—sinners and demons alike—for a short period of time before everyone needed to flee yet again.]
[And so, with that unease coming from such a significant lack of explanation, Jaskier makes his way toward the front desk. He doesn't choose them first because the demons have ever been particularly forthright or altogether helpful when it comes to information historically, but it is a starting point. It's something.]
[Jaskier gets no more than a few steps of the way there though when something catches his eye and stops him immediately. Or rather someone.]
[Part of him feels a bit apprehensive to give in so quickly to what he sees without a bit more skepticism. After so much time in Hell, he should know better. He should know that seeing what you want to see is almost always a lie, and at best, one can really only hope it leads to merely disappointment rather than something far worse. But that's the part of Jaskier that possesses any semblance of sense and he's not quite so accustomed to wielding any of that with any great success for very long. The apprehension caves so quickly to the immediate swell he feels in the center of his chest and the blurring of his vision. It leaves Jaskier in the shape and form of Tech's name as he releases the breath he began to hold the moment Jaskier laid eyes upon him.]
[Jaskier's is voice all too quiet to be heard over the usual din of the hotel lobby even when he utters Tech's name again. The first time was weak, almost as though he were plagued by a lack of use to his own voice and uncertain how to make it louder. The second, he utters it in such a way, it could almost be mistaken for prayer. Be here, he pleads, silently and selfishly, all the while surrendering to the undeniable pull toward Tech and abandoning his original intention of trying to find his footing with the demons working the front desk.]
[Be here with me.]
Tech—
[It's the only bit of warning Jaskier can really offer Tech, particularly if Tech doesn't manage to see Jaskier on his approach in time. It's not very loud, Jaskier's voice choked and subdued by more emotion than even he knows how to express. Grief and longing intertwine and burrow themselves just as deeply as joy and yearning being brought to an end, removing any and all remote possibility of hesitation as Jaskier more or less launches himself at Tech. He can think of nothing more than to be in his arms and taste his kiss once more, eagerly seeking both without hesitation and regardless of whether Tech manages to successfully brace himself or if they spill onto the floor together. It doesn't matter because he's home. He's home. And it's that feeling that Jaskier's craved and ached and longed for for what felt to be so long and so deeply that he doesn't care if he should drown and suffocate right here while diving so recklessly into it. He just wants that feeling that he'd been without again, wants it affirmed more and more.]
[And so, somewhere amid his effusive affections, one of Jaskier's hands finds its way to the center of Tech's chest to sate that very want. At nearly the very first beat of Tech's heart against his palm, Jaskier breaks the kiss with a laugh. The sound is thin and light just as much from the ferocity of his kisses leaving him breathless as it is because it feels that were he truly to allow anything greater, a sob might take hold instead. Fortunately, it has no bearing on the smile Jaskier wears when he looks at Tech now even if it is a bit of a watery one.]
Hi, [he says before there's another bubble of relieved laughter, a bit stronger than the one that preceded it. Jaskier kisses the corner of Tech's mouth briefly, unable to resist the urge to start making up for all those lost kisses just as he had the first time they were separated. Jaskier's free hand caresses Tech's cheek like he is the most precious being in all the world because he is and for a moment, all Jaskier can do is simply look at Tech with such wonder. Jaskier rests his forehead against Tech's, nuzzling as he continues stroking his cheek with a thumb, and lets Tech in one of the most poorly kept secrets in the world as though it were the opposite.] I missed you.
[ He would like to think he would notice Jaskier anywhere -- and the truth is, undistracted and searching, he likely would. Right now, he's engaged in a conversation with one of the local demons. Or a better description would be an argument. Much of the equipment in Tech's home had become defunct and he needed replacements. There had been a lab here once with his fa-- with Fitz in charge and Tech needed access. This lousy demon didn't seem to want to give it to him, even though he was the one in charge. Reason being? The demon was one of the ones Tech attacked when Ava went missing. And at the edge of his frustration, Tech's ready to threaten him that he'd finish the job people held him back from the first time around if this guy didn't open the door. ]
Listen here you inconsequential motherfucking sack of absolute, shriveled up, geriatric coc--
[ He catches it out of his peripheral, far too late to react. Muscles tense as Jaskier plows into him and he's too stunned to answer, the end of his insult becoming a sound against Jaskier's lips -- swallowed into the kiss as they stumble back against the wall. But Jaskier's not here. He's not here. He wasn't here. And could Tech truly trust his mind? It was why he needed the computer parts. He needed to run a diagnostic. He needed to see if he's gone mad. He needed to see if a piece of him was missing. He needed to know if Folkmore was imagined and if not, he needed to get back there. Because that was the only Jaskier he had now. Because Jaskier isn't here....
Tech has yet to close his eyes, staring at this dream come true -- tasting his lips while his mind refuses to process what's in front of him. It had to be a trick. This place was always tricking the mind. This was an incubus, wearing the skin of his beloved. Or this was an illusion and if he caves into it, he'll find himself in bed with a stranger. Or a shadow, ready to suck out his soul through a kiss. Fingers curl into the bed of his palm, flexing and releasing -- fighting to keep his wits about him.
Then the hand comes to his heart.
It's no illusion. It's no fantasy. Tech's hand flies up to capture Jaskier's, to hold it there and press it taut.
Home.
The anger and confusion and skepticism all flee at once. Tears burn their way to the surface because this was all he had wanted for months. This was his Jaskier -- a Jaskier he thought about daily. A Jaskier he wrote to at night. A Jaskier he imagined. A Jaskier he wished the Jaskier he had could be. And one, he'd shamefully admit, he imagined that Jaskier was...in the dark of night while they made love.
Tech's hand captures Jaskier's other hand as it rests on his cheek, holding both of them in lingering disbelief. And then everything that seemed to be in slow motion comes back to real time. A laughed sob escapes him and he squeezes both of Jaskier's hands. It's a few weeks late. The date of their milestones have come and gone. But saying it late was far superior to the alternative of never getting to say it at all. ]
H-happy anniversary...
[ His lips quiver and the tears freely stream. Tech does little to hold them back now, launching himself forward to make up for his complete lack of response to the initial kiss by kissing Jaskier with fervor. ]
Listen here you inconsequential motherfucking sack of absolute, shriveled up, geriatric coc--
[ He catches it out of his peripheral, far too late to react. Muscles tense as Jaskier plows into him and he's too stunned to answer, the end of his insult becoming a sound against Jaskier's lips -- swallowed into the kiss as they stumble back against the wall. But Jaskier's not here. He's not here. He wasn't here. And could Tech truly trust his mind? It was why he needed the computer parts. He needed to run a diagnostic. He needed to see if he's gone mad. He needed to see if a piece of him was missing. He needed to know if Folkmore was imagined and if not, he needed to get back there. Because that was the only Jaskier he had now. Because Jaskier isn't here....
Tech has yet to close his eyes, staring at this dream come true -- tasting his lips while his mind refuses to process what's in front of him. It had to be a trick. This place was always tricking the mind. This was an incubus, wearing the skin of his beloved. Or this was an illusion and if he caves into it, he'll find himself in bed with a stranger. Or a shadow, ready to suck out his soul through a kiss. Fingers curl into the bed of his palm, flexing and releasing -- fighting to keep his wits about him.
Then the hand comes to his heart.
It's no illusion. It's no fantasy. Tech's hand flies up to capture Jaskier's, to hold it there and press it taut.
Home.
The anger and confusion and skepticism all flee at once. Tears burn their way to the surface because this was all he had wanted for months. This was his Jaskier -- a Jaskier he thought about daily. A Jaskier he wrote to at night. A Jaskier he imagined. A Jaskier he wished the Jaskier he had could be. And one, he'd shamefully admit, he imagined that Jaskier was...in the dark of night while they made love.
Tech's hand captures Jaskier's other hand as it rests on his cheek, holding both of them in lingering disbelief. And then everything that seemed to be in slow motion comes back to real time. A laughed sob escapes him and he squeezes both of Jaskier's hands. It's a few weeks late. The date of their milestones have come and gone. But saying it late was far superior to the alternative of never getting to say it at all. ]
H-happy anniversary...
[ His lips quiver and the tears freely stream. Tech does little to hold them back now, launching himself forward to make up for his complete lack of response to the initial kiss by kissing Jaskier with fervor. ]
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