-----

-----

Regis' response to the whole thing surprised him. He'd said it, yes, but he hasn't expected Regis to respond like that, to accept it and embrace it, even. Usually, the conversation was met with a small hum, an acknowledgement rather than an agreement.

"Yeah," he agreed. Because that he did understand.

He suspected it was similar for Regis, they'd both been alive for a long time -Regis more so- both not quite belonging. Both, technically, different species in a world of humans or didn't always try to understand them. At least it was easier for Regis to blend in, but did he ever tire of that, Geralt couldn't help but wonder.

"Times are changing. Perhaps now is the time of peace and domesticity."

He scratched idly at his beard then lifted his mug, taking a steady sip, letting the ale sit on his tongue for a moment, feeling the steady pop of the bubbles before he swallowed.

-----

"Thanks, you're probably on your own in that thinking, but I appreciate it all the same."

Geralt shifted in his seat slightly, stretching his legs beneath the table, slouching against the wall, elbow propped on the table as he eyed Regis thoughtfully. That was, perhaps, the most considerate thing anyone had ever said to him.

"You already did that once," he replied at last, voice gruff and eyes fixed on Regis' face. "I'm not in any hurry to experience that again, thanks."

He exhaled and didn't respond for a long time, thinking about what Regis had said as he listened to the noise of the bar around them. It was so alive, people living and enjoying life. Drinking, laughing and talking, telling stories and singing songs. There were fathers and sons, friends, lovers. People from all stages and walks of life. There was something so... Calm about it all. Despite the rowdiness.

It surprised him, the level of confidence that Regis had in him. In every regard, really. The man had such faith and it was beginning to tell an entire story. One that Geralt felt deeply but wasn't sure how to respond to.

"You deserve peace too, Regis."

His eyes found Regis once more.

"You've done so much, continue to do so much. You deserve a little bit of peace, too."

-----

He acknowledged the little arm squeeze with a smile and the barest hint of a nod, briefly meeting Regis' gaze with his own. He cold read the gratitude in those eyes and he realised that perhaps the man didn't realise how special and unique he was.

Lifting his own mug of ale Geralt took a long, steady sip, letting it sit on his tongue for a moment before swallowing and exhaling slowly.

"I told you, you're incredibly charming."

He noted, flashing Regis a side eye as he took another mouthful of ale.

-----

"This is what makes you special," Geralt informed him when they reached the bar. He nodded his head to indicate the room and the people who'd greeted him so fondly and warmly.

"The way you have with people, the way you treat them and interact with them. They're all so fond of you and it's with good reason."

He turned to face the room, elbows resting back on the bar behind him as his eyes scanned the room. It was so warm, in every way it possibly could be. The people were smiling and laughing, chatting, singing, and just living the best lives that they could. And in the middle of it all was Regis. Right where you'd expect him to be.

"Following your lead, I feel it's important for you to know that."

There was more he wasn't saying exactly, but he thought perhaps that Regis would hear it all the same, he was clever like that. Knew how to read people.

"Not sure I'm as fond of you as your lady friend though..."

This he added with an amused little smirk.

Astronomy Photographer of the Year

l all via Royal Museums Greenwich l 2024

-----

"Well, you are tenacious and loyal like that," Geralt mused in response to Regis' words that he'd have found Geralt eventually. Truthfully, he was incredibly grateful for that, he was comfortable enough in himself to know that sometimes the volume of trouble he found himself in meant he needed the help.

He understood the ache that Regis was talking about, he knew that pain intimately himself, but he didn't know how to make it better for him. Other than to offer him company and a place, which he already had. Hopefully, that would be enough to dull the pain somewhat.

"No."

It wasn't a surprise that Geralt had never thought of a home or his own, Witchers didn't usually get that chance. And after Vesemir's death, Kaer Morhen just hadn't been home.

"It does feel good though, to know I have somewhere that's mine. A shelter I can offer to friends when they need it. After everything, I think we might all need that at some point."

He poured himself another ale and took a drink, setting his mug down with a little thunk and a half smile a Regis.

"Somewhere to make new memories, yeah."

-----

"Well, I'm glad at least you had faith that we'd meet again."

The words were gruff but he meant them all the same. People needed faith he knew that even if he didn't necessarily have any himself. It was something of a comfort, in fact. Especially in knowing how important he was to the other man, that was worth its weight in gold.

"Nowhere specific," he replied, idly scratching at the scruff along the edge of his jaw, not quite a full beard yet.

"I was thinking maybe I'd slowly make my way back to the vineyard, perhaps pick up a few contracts on the way. See where the Path leads me."

-----

"No," he agreed with a small smile, bordering on smirk, really.

A thoughtful sound escaped him at her question and he found himself rubbing his rough chin lightly against her fingers and her palm.

"Not sure, I think I like it though," he arched a brow at her, meeting that mischievous violet gaze.

"I think I could probably pull off a braid or two..."

Starter for @bloodandwhite

It was a beautiful morning in Corvo Bianco. Yennefer was really enjoying the quiet life with Geralt a lot more than she thought she would. Usually she liked to sleep in, but this particular morning, she decided to take a walk across the vineyard. The sorceress even came across some interesting herbs to experiment with. She had really been enjoying spending some time in the study as of late.

Coming back home, she immediately went downstairs to store away the herbs and noticed something was off. Some of the flasks were missing. Suspecting the culprit was a certain witcher, she went back into the house, where Geralt was sitting at the table. Seemed like he woke up not long ago. The raven-haired sorceress, put her hands on her hips. "Morning." she greeted the witcher, a wry smile on her face. From the tone of her voice, it was clear something was bothering her.

Crossroad Below The Milky Way