[ His gaze stays on Dean for a few moments. He had not thought twice about showing up—if Dean's asking while Geralt's working, then it's important; why would he not come?—but Dean's gratitude suggests something about his expectations. Geralt senses it is not one that reflects on their relationship.

He gets it. It's difficult to explain—how it happens, when you learn from early on that you can rely on very few, when it isn't exactly a source of disappointment or a case of mistrust. It just is. People protect their own. And it takes a lot before it ever sinks in that maybe, for once, you happen to count as part of that.

There's a nod, the only acknowledgement of the depth of what Dean's saying, before Geralt makes a vague dismissive sound. ]

His turn on watch, anyhow. He can converse with the scorpions. [ Though it's true he shouldn't leave Sam alone too long. They're further out than usual, and Sam's not as familiar with the landscape.

Dean gets a hand on the shoulder as Geralt rises from his seat. ] If you've plans to wrestle a devil some time, do tell. I'll place a wager.