Fluffernutter
Jester has a word for these sorts of situations, the ones that seem like great ideas and then don't go according to plan. She likes to call them fluffernutters. And she's got herself in a bit of a fluffernutter now.
It was mostly Veth's fault. Last week, Jester had asked Veth what to do about Beau. Maybe Veth was just a little short on patience that day, trying to concentrate on the alchemical contraption she was building. And maybe Jester had been gushing just a little bit too much, and not paying attention to the fact that Yeza was still far away in another city, and Veth probably missed her family.
So Jester was spouting about Beau, and her tattoo, and her scars, and her hands and her smarts, when Veth said, "Why don't you marry her then?" Which had made perfect sense.
In retrospect, Veth's words were probably meant to be dismissive. But here they are now, Jester with an engagement ring burning a hole in her pocket, and Beau kneeling in front of her, cupcake held out, with a ring of her own peeking out from the frosting. Fluffernutter!
Part of her wants to scream, clap her hands, jump up and down, kiss Beau. Another part of her is terrified, because even though she practiced exactly what to say, this is not how it was supposed to go. Jester blinks, tears in her eyes and her heart pounding. Her mouth is moving, but there are no words, and Beau is asking for salvation.
But then a blue hand comes out of a dress pocket, and in the palm is a diamond ring. Jester drops to her knees alongside Beau, wraps her in a crushing hug. But their hands are moving, exchanging bands so that they are wearing each other's rings.
The tiefling looks down at her own finger, where small gemstones are streaked with cupcake frosting, and she loves it even more than she thought possible. When their eyes meet, Jester smiles, a perfect beaming smile underneath her tears. And Beau laughs, whether from stress or relief, Jester isn't sure. Because even though Jester still hasn't said a word, they both know this is "always".
Resurrection
The time they resurrect Jester, Beau can't find any words. Caduceus starts the ritual, and Fjord is the first to speak on Jester's behalf. Fjord talks about faith, and friendship, and family, and fate. Then Caleb steps up, and his words are just as perfect. His words are powerful, emotional, and they all feel like there aren't enough tears left.
When Caleb finishes, he looks towards Beauregard, expectant. And Beau doesn't know what to do. Beau doesn't know what to say. She is frozen. Because everyone loves Jester, and Beau doesn't feel special enough to deserve this.
So Yasha is the one who saves her. Yasha is the one stepping forward to talk about the mural in her room and how she still hasn't found the hidden dick yet, so of course Jester can't leave them.
And it works. The magic swells around Caduceus, the laughter of the Traveler echoes in their ears, and Jester breathes. Beau breathes again too.
When Jester sits up, Beau collapses next to her, and wraps her in an endless hug. And Beau knows that she can't ask for this, that she can't possibly deserve Jester, but the whisper escapes her regardless. "Can I stay with you?"
Fight
Jester has always imagined that Beau loves the same way she fights. Because Beau used to be brash and stubborn, charging into battle without a thought, putting herself on the line. She used to dive right into the fray, try to show off, and go down swinging. But she looked so good doing it, that Jester was always excited.
Nowadays, Beau is wiser, and so much more patient. She is cautious and measured, focused and fluid. Watching her though, Jester is just as exhilarated. Beau feels the ebb and flow of the fight, then applies her skills in just the right place, strong, fast, and decisive.
And Jester doesn't know exactly what that means for Beau's love life, but sometimes she thinks she'd like to find out.
Love Stories
"I forgot I even had that," Jester says, tossing out her copy of Tusk Love. She keeps digging in her pack though, chasing that elusive last donut she's sure she had saved for later (now).
Beau picks up the book, flips through it absently. She knows she's told Jester that real life isn't like those love stories. There's no prince or rugged warrior who will come sweep her off her feet. Real life is messy, never quite that simple, and maybe just a little bit embarrassing. Because Beau is in love with Jester, and it's not at all like Tusk Love. It's like some of those other books which Beau has read, but Jester has not - books about falling in love with your best friend, books about fear and doubt, about yearning and decidedly not platonic love.
So when Jester screams success, holds up the donut, and shakes the bag triumphantly, Beau is giggling. They are dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon, sweet fragrant glitter that clings to their hair and clothes. And Beau knows that Expositors shouldn't laugh at silliness, but she can't help it when it's Jester. Jester's antics are funny, and cute, and Beau gets so awkward because sometimes it feels like she's melting inside.
The tiefling takes a big bite before offering the pastry to Beau, but the monk shakes her head. "Why did you stop reading this?"
"I used to read those romance books to feel in love, but now I don't think I need them anymore."
And Beau finds that strange, because Jester deserves all the love, and there's no reason she wouldn't want that. "Why not?"
"Because you're right here with me," and Jester kisses her on the nose.