-----

-----

Geralt considered Regis for along moment as the man spoke, as he lounged beneath the shade of the tree, taking a little time to enjoy the coolness after the heat of the sun. He looked so alive. It was still quite startling after Regis had been nothing more than a dark smear against stone.

"Lets hope we've just about exhausted that level of trouble. Normal levels of trouble and monsters would make a nice change."

His voice was gruff, a little rough around the edges as he responded to the playfulness though a part of him wouldn't be the least bit surprised if that wasn't the case. There was probably still some trouble lurking for them out there, but he could do without the 'end of the world' bit for a while.

"You think?" He asked, not always so certain himself, but he tried and he supposed that counted.

⸻

"Oh? Is that so?" asked Regis, teasing in response to his compliments. "If that's the case, then why have I only seemed to lure in an old maid? Surely, I could have done better... Not that this town seems to offer better..."

When Geralt continued, mentioning the dangerous life he led, Regis leant back against the shady tree's trunk. He felt rather lazy this afternoon. He set his satchel aside, placing it down in the grass beside him.

"I daresay we're a terrific combination, you and I, Geralt. I'm more than capable of taking care of you. Hopefully, this time around, the outcome of future situations will be better than our other past ones. Whether it's me being driven to the brink of madness, dead in the eyes of others and a mere pool upon the floor and a shadowed outline against a crumbling column, or as recently as a few years ago—having to end the life of the man who saved me—let us pray that things will be different. We've earned it, my friend. Don't you agree?" He paused for a moment, eyes softening as he glanced in Geralt's direction. "I'm looking forward to this chance. To see her, to know her, to see the easy familiarity and joy in your eyes when you talk to her. You are a good father."

-----

"Well you keep coming back, so who's more ridiculous?" He asked dusting his hands idly as he moved across the little room to peer out of the window and into the street below. "Besides, if the attention of a certain lady are anything to go by, you still have a bit of something. Marlene is still sweet on you, she asks about you a lot, you know?"

He turned back toward Regis, resting back against the edge of the window for a moment before he moved, tugging off his gloves before beginning on the fastenings of his armour and sword straps. He didn't need to be suited and booted while he was inside like this.

"Still not sure I'm really built for laziness." He mused, reverently standing his swords against the edge of the desk.

There was the barest hint of a smile pulling at the corner of his mouth at just how doting and caring Regis was naturally. He said things so thoughtlessly, so easily and he always meant it. It was astounding, really. Surprising and refreshing. The world needed a little bit more of Regis.

-----

"That's the spirit. We all have to make the occasional sacrifice for the greater good." Gealt responded with a sharp little grin.

He followed as Regis led the way, getting the boxes up the stairs and into the little room that Regis had been renting. It wasn't a bad little spot, truth be told, he'd certainly seen worse. It was cosy and clean and that's all anyone could ask for.

He set the boxes down next to Regis and made a low sound in his throat, a sound of agreement. "Well, if we're tagging along together then it isn't so bad, you'll be there to fix me up anyway."

-----

As Regis approached Geralt pushed himself off of the wall, moving forward to close the space between them. He greeted Regis warmly, with a rare hug -which despite his exterior he quite enjoyed in the right circumstances.

"We should both count ourselves lucky, it's good to see you, Regis."

With a light pat to the other mans back he slowly relinquished his hold, but didn't back all the way out of his personal space. There was something incredibly comforting in being that close so why not make the most of it while he could? There was no telling how long this encounter would last.

"Home," he rumbled thoughtfully. "Still somewhat of a new concept, not used to it. I was in town to see Ciri, thought I'd treat myself to some new gear and stock up on some herbs while I was here."

He eyed the other man. "What brings you here? This where you're calling home at the moment?"

There were always plenty of people that needed help in Nilfgaard and that was where Regis thrived.

⸻

He worried away for a moment, a hand moving through his hair and eventually clutching at his satchel's strap. Geralt's words were soft but he'd heard them so clearly. His ears perked up. He had missed that voice. For a moment, the ghost of a smile appeared on his lips before fading as a heavy ache settled deep within him. It was the weight of sorrow that more often than not accompanied a long-awaited hello. They met this way, fleeting moments in one another's lives. But could there be a hello after no goodbye had ever been given? He wasn't so sure. He suddenly regretted never bidding him a fond farewell at the cemetery, however hard it would have been.

He wandered over, dark eyes lingering on the man as he relaxed in the shade.

"My old friend," he called to him, waiting for him to rise for an embrace. He curled a graceful finger and its claw at him, silently asking him over. "It's been such a long time since we've crossed paths. I should count myself lucky that I happened to be in the town square this afternoon. What brings you here? You should be home, no?"

-----

It wasn't just the peaceful night that had Geralt sleeping reasonably peacefully -for a change- it was the bitter, herby concoction that Regis had given him that had smoothed the way. The sleep was deep enough that every sound didn't interfere with his rest, but light enough that he didn't feel endangered. Regis was a miracle worker like that, truth be told.

So when he woke to find himself alone in the cemetery with just the ash and embers and the empty bottles of their night together for company, he wasn't surprised. He always woke alone anyway, this time was no different he thought to himself as sat for a moment with the fresh cool breeze rustling the trees and the morning dew for company.

Despite their conversation he had hoped that Regis would change his mind and stay, it was a foolish hope but in his old age Geralt found himself being more foolish. Hoping for the ridiculous, wondering at a quiet life, retirement. All the stuff he shouldn't even have time for. Witchers didn't die in their beds after all and yet, some days, especially lately, he found himself thinking...

With a sigh, he pushed himself up, dusting the dirt from his trousers and fixing his armor over his chest.

"Well," he mused aloud, voice gruff. "Tell him to take care of himself." He told the ravens he knew were perched in the trees behind him. Hoping, once again, that if anything, his old friend would at least do that.

"And tell him it wasn't his fault."

This last he added as he shouldered his swords, rearranging the harness over his chest before moving out.

:: conversations in the dark // emiel regis x geralt of rivia // for @bloodandwhite ::

⸻

It was quiet here. There was a certain peace and tranquility that often accompanied time spent with Geralt in the evenings. Here in the Mère-Lachaiselongue Cemetery they would have to part ways, though. They knew as much, had said as much earlier while they chatted over a roaring fire and hooch.

While the witcher slept, Regis lost himself to dark and somber thoughts. He had to go. The loneliness bit away at him, eager to have him walking a different path so it could torment him relentlessly, no doubt. He loathed the way it made his stomach turn. It was time to leave. Toussaint was no longer safe for vampires. His thoughts inevitably turned to Dettlaff, disgusted with the way the entire situation had played out. Things could have gone so differently. He could have lived.

He cursed beneath his breath as he packed his things, daring to glance Geralt's way one last time. "Have a good life, my friend," he murmured quietly, thankful for the man's restful sleep, before misting away.

-----

"Now, don't sell yourself short, you could charm anyone if you tried. It's one of the many reasons people like you so much, Regis. You have a way with people."

There was the barest hint of a playful smirk tugging at the corner of Geralt's mouth as he teased his friend, but it was true all the same. Regis had this special way with people, he drew them in, helped them, healed them and made them feel safe. It was unusual and wonderful to witness.

"Well, my job is plenty dangerous so if you're sure you want to tag along, I'd welcome the company. And someone to help patch me up when things go wrong could be useful."

He cocked his head and looked over at the other man. He missed people when he was alone for too long, he was different to other witchers that way, this would be good for him, no doubt.

"I'm certainly lucky to have her at any rate. And I think she'll be pleased to finally be able to say thank you, for what you did for her."

⸻

"What you say is cute, teasing me so, I say is dastardly in return. Charming I am not, and now you're only making the situation worse. She's... a rather interesting woman. Round, short, and wild-haired. She's certainly not a woman, or even a being in general, that I'd ever be interested in."

He turned to send a pointed glare in Geralt's direction, all at once teasing and faux-mocking. An elegant brow rose upwards and he chuckled, unable to help himself.

"I'm not entirely sure where I would call home next, but..." He paused, trailing off as he turned his gaze on Geralt once again. "An idea has come to me, seeing you again. I daresay that trouble follows you. Perhaps I'll set off on the Path with you for a while, if you're in need of a bit of company. You're certainly injured enough. Would it help to have a doctor of sorts by your side, my friend?"

The proposition itself was certainly an interesting one. It filled him with warmth for the moment, comforting him to imagine them on new adventures together, helping people, solving mysteries, et cetera.

"I would very much like to see Cirilla again. I can only imagine how she's grown. She's lucky to have you, and to now have her freedom that she's craved for so long. It brings my heart some much-needed joy. If I was to travel with you, perhaps I'll finally have that opportunity."

-----

That was wholly true. People expected Geralt to be strong, his nature wasn't as easily hidden as Regis' and the man's current form gave off the impression of a certain wiry strength, but nothing significant.

Geralt had already caught the scent, but as Regis pointed it out he inhaled deeply, holding the wonderful scent in his lungs. He made a low sound in his throat, appreciative and thoughtful.

"Well, if that's true don't put her off too much, at least until after we've eaten. I can't remember the last time I had a really good meal and I'm keen to eat."

-----

"Well, good for him. I hope he's enjoying his retirement."

Despite what people may think of him, Geralt understood exactly what Regis was saying. He had the same feelings regarding Roach - each Roach that he went through. Though it seemed callous to think of it like that, in his line of work Roach didn't always fare well, despite his efforts- Traveling for so long with an animal like that as your only companion? It forged a bond after all.

After the boxes were packed up he was taking a moment to lazy stretch his back when Regis' comment made him arch a brow.

"Now we both know that you're stronger than me. Genetically gifted an' all that." He replied, though he did as asked and moved over to scoop up the stack of boxes Regis had indicated.