[Kiri steps back and Jaskier winces, already knowing he's fucked up. That thought gets confirmed when her natural voice seeps out again to drop some very depressing news - she had told him some of her story in the past, but he never heard about this little detail. Fuck.

He still feels he can't do this, that she deserves better... her hug, her faith in them is both flattering and nerve-breaking. He's being handled something fragile - it fills him with pride and affection, but also fear of breaking it.

There's one thing he and Geralt agree on, though: no matter how this makes them feel, they aren't going to leave her. She's part of their life now. And if when the witcher picks her up and holds her on hip something in Jaskier's chest flutters, well... who is he to deny such warm feelings, regardless of how complex and intimidating they are?

It feels nice. It feels... well, not completely right, but not as wrong as he would've expected it to feel.

Wait. Maybe they can do this? Huh.]

It's true. You have us. [He says as he comes closer to kiss her temple and pet her head some more, since Geralt has the hug covered. He considers adding more, but a promise doesn't sit right with him considering the nature of this realm and its bad habit of sending people home without asking. Rude.] You can count on us, my little lady. We like having you around, teaching you and spoiling you rotten. I just ask you to be patient with us. That word you used for us... we aren't exactly... [He gulps.] Father material. It's hard for us to come to terms with it.

[What is "having a good dad"??? Do you eat it?]