“The hair on my face,” she says. “Also shaping my eyebrows. Do you think they just look like this naturally?” While Midge has natural beauty, there are a lot of things that she does to make herself look this good. At least she’s let Jaskier see her without makeup.
“I would like that,” she confirms. Despite seeing Lenny’s name in the book from a previous jam, she’s not expecting to know too many people here, certainly not anyone who would report back to her parents. At this point, would her parents even be surprised anyway?
“I’ll be sure to walk around and see what other people are doing as well.”
"No, I thought you shaved! Or plucked! You put hot wax on your face?!" A gasp. "Do all women put hot wax on their faces?!" He sounds horrified. "Fuck. Remind me to tell Yennefer about this. Surely there's an easier solution."
Another big, warm, sincerely happy smile. The idea of writing while cuddling someone is so appealing, he can't wait. Usually, he doesn't like the idea of someone bothering him while he writes, but Midge has earned that trust. He hasn't done this since Essi, he realizes, and he wishes she could've met Midge.
At the mention of walking around, he nods. "Please do. I invited you because I like having you around, but also because I think you can genuinely enjoy the experience. I want you to have fun, to let your spark grow. Make some friends, mayhaps? I think other girls will find your story empowering."
He gets ready to go back inside, but seeing the box makes him freeze. "Fuck, I almost forgot! Look, Midge, look! They're finally ready!"
Jaskier takes out two business cards from the inner pocket of his vest. One has a guitar with buttercups on it, and with a delicate font, it promotes Jaskier of Oxenfurt - Musician, Singer, Poet, Composer, Chronicler. The other card is black and white in a gothic style. The front promotes Yennefer of Vengerberg (potions, spells, curses) and Geralt of Rivia (monster hunting and relocation, exorcisms). Jaskier's name and number are on the back, mentioning him as the spokesperson.
“I pluck sometimes, but the wax is easier.” She shrugs. “It doesn’t hurt that much. Plucking can be worse sometimes. With waxing, it comes off in one fell swoop.”
Midge steals another kiss from him. “And here I thought you invited me because we’re going to the Midtown apartment afterwards.” At least she thinks they are. “You think I’m empowering?”
Turning the cards over in her hands, she smiles. “Ah, welcome to capitalism. I see that you are officially Geralt and Yennefer’s spokesman now. Very smart.”
Kisses are always welcome, and obviously, he kisses her back. Jaskier laughs at the mention of the apartment - her assumption is correct. "Ah, you've uncovered my secret kidnapping plan! What shall I do now!" Her question gets a nod. "Of course! I bet so many women may find independence scary and intimidating. I think you're a wonderful example that it's possible. It's tough, but possible."
He throws both cards in the box (even if the gothic one doesn't apply here) and offers his arm to Midge again to guide her back inside. People are already starting to line up by the book and Perdita has sat at the front desk with a huge pint of beer to do the welcoming.
"Thank you, thank you. Now I get so many more texts from clients. I keep getting excited at every little ping because I think it's you, when it's actually some really idiotic question."
She gasps dramatically. “You were going to kidnap me? Good thing I had planned for it.”
They go back inside the club and Midge scopes out areas where she might settle for the evening.
“Independence can be scary and intimidating sometimes,” she continues, “especially if a woman doesn’t have a family to help her or financial means. Women stay in bad marriages for reasons like that.”
It’s sweet to hear that he gets excited about her texts; she gets excited about his too.
There’s a corner with a comfy-looking couch that Midge points out to him. “I’ll probably be over there for most of the night.”
"I know. I was terrified when I left home, too, seeking independence. And I didn't have it as half bad as others." He had an education and some money to get started. "I don't blame them for staying in bad marriages; there's a reason why I've always tried to give them at least one day of happiness," he says without thinking. He's become too damn comfortable around Midge. "That doesn't mean you shouldn't be an example, an inspiration. Planting little seeds is how it starts. Mayhaps they won't get a divorce, but they'll seek a hobby or a job. To own their free time, at the very least."
One single look at the couch and he nods with a grin. "Perfect. Get comfortable, darling. Be right back." He kisses her cheek before disappearing for a moment. In just a few minutes, he comes back with his satchel, plus a pint of beer for himself and a Martini for Midge.
Jaskier puts it all down on the table in front of the couch before joining Midge on the couch, sitting as close as possible for those promised cuddles. People are slowly coming in and setting up their things, too.
"Just give it a few minutes, soon this will get crowded and loud." His voice says he's looking forward to it. He sips his beer before searching for his notebook in his satchel. "Would you be up for dancing later?"
He had money, education, and he was a man. That, unfortunately, makes a huge difference.
Midge is able to put two and two together in her mind and come to the realization that Jaskier has slept with married women before. Ultimately, she’s not that surprised. Maybe the idea of cheating should bother her more. Midge has to presume that many of these women were in arranged marriages and that their husbands kept mistresses anyway. In that sense, she almost supports it, in the interest of equality.
When Jaskier returns, she gets her notebook and a pen out of her purse. Midge is an extrovert and enjoys mingling with people, but it’s hard to actually get any work done while doing that. Even if she doesn’t get many jokes written tonight and she just walks around to see what other people are doing, that’s fine by her.
"Any kind of dancing that comes up." He pokes her nose. "Stop planning things. I want you to relax and let the energy guide your night." He then buries his nose in her ear. "Be a good girl for me, Miriam - enjoy yourself and I'll reward you later."
Jaskier decides to work on some of the corrections the band discussed instead of starting something new. He keeps an arm around Midge while he writes, only moving it when he wants to keep drinking beer. It feels really nice, and he wonders if they could just have breakfast like this one day, just them in their robes enjoying each other's presence while they're in the zone.
The bar starts to fill up and many people come to say hello to Jaskier. He's an extrovert too, so even if he's been here a few months, he's made friends in various bars. He's happy to see everyone and he always introduces them to Midge - most of these people recognize her name just from his stories. But since everyone is a gig hunter here, Midge may find all kinds of artists that she's seen before in other bars, especially The Gaslight. There are lots of elves, too, but the only dwarves are Perdita's husband and son. If Midge asks around, she'll learn that the dwarves prefer to stay in the mountain mines. The normal clothing, for once, is a minority - artists use the night of being among weird peers to take out their fun threads. Lots of alternative looks and crazy makeup - friends of Dorothy don't hide it as much either.
Soon Jaskier is leaving the couch to mingle, but he carries his notebook with him, writing down stories and whatever comes to his mind when he sees other people's work. He stares at amazing sketches and pretty paintings and lets them inspire him, something he writes a few poetic words under them if the creator lets him. Artists sit on tables and the floor, philosophical debates kick off. Drink glasses and ashtrays spread everywhere, and everyone claps when they have the first person of the night accidentally drinking from a paint water cup.
A few dancers have come, so Jaskier runs to join his fellow musicians for a little jam session, jumping from song to song just to admire the way these dancers can improvise moves on the spot. Since there are so many instruments now, eventually he's able to put down his guitar and asks for a few tips. A couple dances with Jaskier and teaches him a few things, the three of them giggling all the while.
Dancing with lots of people is natural during parties, even for those who are taken. So Jaskier doesn't feel bad when another girl asks him to dance and he accepts. When that girl tries to make a move, though, he kisses her hand and apologizes. He gave Midge his word, and he plans to keep it.
Speaking of... Jaskier goes looking for her, hoping to dance with her too. He grins when he finds her. "Having fun, darling?"
A shiver runs down her spine at his words. He knows exactly what to say to get her riled up. Even after that comment, the two of them are able to work quietly together for a little while without distracting each other. Midge looks up at each person that comes over to greet Jaskier. It’s a little surprising how many of them know of her. Jaskier must be talking about her more than she realized.
When he goes off to explore, Midge does too. It really is a nice atmosphere in the club, reminding her a bit of her college days, when everyone was more laid back and free. Some of the writers in the room have had stories published. Midge sees herself as more of a performer than a writer, but it’s interesting to learn about that process. One poet gets down on his knee and composes a poem to her beauty right there on the spot. Midge laughs and blushes, wondering if Jaskier can see them.
When Jaskier comes to find her a bit later, she’s talking to a tall, slim man wearing a suit. “I am,” Midge replies. “Jaskier, this is Lenny Bruce. He’s a comedian too.”
Lenny stretches out a hand to Jaskier. “Nice to meet you.”
“We’ve known each other for a few years,” she continues. “Bailed each other out a few times.”
Jaskier does see the poet and doesn't interrupt him. He watches from afar, enjoying the way Midge blushes and the fact that she's allowing someone else to flirt with her a little, even if it's just an artistic performance. He wishes he had brought his camera.
There's a bit of a rumpus when, apparently, someone famous enters the bar. Jaskier is in the middle of his dance so he doesn't pay much attention.
That changes when he goes looking for Midge and notices her talking to a tall, handsome man - the big name, apparently. But what gets his attention is the way they look at each other. Midge said she'd only been with two guys, and when the name Benjamin was dropped later, Jaskier assumed that was the second one. He's starting to wonder if he made a mistake.
Consider his curiosity piqued. His hormones, too, because damn - the guy is really cute. Charming in that very specific artist way that makes it hard for Jaskier to tell if he walks the rainbow road or not.
"Lovely to meet you," he replies with his best charming smile as he shakes Lenny's hand. A few years, huh? He seems important, yet Midge never mentioned him before. Interesting, very interesting.
"What is a little jailtime among friends?" he asks with a chuckle. "I'm happy to see more people joining us with the 'unusual' arts. Midge was skeptical when I called her an artist." He nudges her playfully before tilting his head with that perfected innocent puppy face that actually means he knows exactly what he's doing. "I'm not interrupting anything, am I? I was looking for more people for the dance floor, and well--" He looks between them. "If there's a song you two would like to share, we're open to requests."
Again apologies for probably a horrible portrayal on my part lol
Lenny is exceptionally charming - and handsome. And filthy. Jaskier would love him. He’s also married to a woman, even if it’s complicated. Lenny is able to come off as effortless and cool, despite many things in his life being deeply complicated.
“You as well,” Lenny replies with a smile that may or may not be flirting. “If you’re here with Midge tonight, I’m happy to make myself scarce.”
For once, Midge doesn’t have a quick response to that. “Oh, we’re… I guess we are here together, but we’re not…”
Lenny puts a hand up. “Say no more. Enjoy your dance. I’ll come find you again later on tonight.” He nods at Jaskier. “Again, nice to meet you,” he says before turning to go make himself busy elsewhere.
no worries at all, I'm just popcorning at all this
He just dropped the perfect opening for them to dance together and yet-- they aren't taking it? Jaskier is extremely confused.
"I'm also playing, so she can dance with whoever she pleas--"
Welp, nevermind, handsome and charming is gone. Jaskier stares for a second at his back (those pants are very well fit, damn) before turning to Midge with a mix of confusion and frustration. Curiosity and questions will take over soon, but for now-
"What the fuck was that?" He throws his hands in the air, clearly bewildered. "I served you the opportunity on a plate! Why didn't you ask him to dance?"
Midge looks at Jaskier, confusion in her eyes. “I thought you were coming over here to ask me to dance.”
He’s still trying to set her up with other men, which is a little bit hurtful to her. Midge had thought they were getting closer, that maybe he wouldn’t want to do that anymore.
“I’m here with you tonight,” she continues. “It’s only fair for me not to pick anyone else up either. Not that I was trying to pick Lenny up. He’s married. And it’s not like that.”
"I was, then I got closer and noticed how you two were eye-fucking."
His eyebrows go up when Midge says it's not like that, and he snorts. "You can't possibly expect me to believe that." There's something behind all this, and Jaskier is dying to know the full story. His hands fall on his hips, his head tilts again. "Where have you been hiding Tall And Handsome anyway?"
Midge is taken aback when Jaskier says he doesn’t believe that she and Lenny are just friends. “Why would I lie about that?” She asks. “I’m not hiding him. We run into each other sometimes at different clubs. Look, do you want to dance with me or not?”
She doesn’t want to have this conversation out in the open. The dance floor is a more intimate place to talk. Otherwise, she’s going to retreat back to the couch to regroup.
He hadn't been using hiding literally, but before he can clarify, Midge gets a bit... snappy at him. Well, damn. Eyebrows raising again, Jaskier takes a step back, unsure of what to make of this. He knows he's bumped into something big and important, yet he's having trouble putting the pieces together.
"I do," he replies. He offers his arm out of habit, but he still can't help but add-- "I'm not sure you do, though."
He doesn't sound angry or judgmental, just a tiny bit wary. The way she asked gave him the vibes of someone just putting up with the idea, but he may be reading too much into things. Jaskier is unsure of how to read this Midge.
“I did. I do.” Midge takes his arm and sighs deeply as they head to the dance floor. After getting into dance frame, Midge leans in closely so that she can speak quietly to him.
“As I said, he’s married. I don’t go out with married men.” Hopefully Jaskier won’t take that as a slight on his activities with married women, as it isn’t meant that way. “Is there something there? I don’t know. We’ve never explored it, but I also can’t. He’s in the comedy scene, and he’s more successful than me. If I’m going to be successful in this business, I want it to be on my own merits, not based on who I’ve slept with. I won’t go out with anyone who’s a comedian, or an agent, or a scheduling manager… no one. I don’t want anyone to ever accuse me of not earning whatever success I have.”
If she sounds vehement, it’s because she feels very strongly about this.
That sigh says a thousand words. Jaskier still doesn't know what he did, but that sigh kills him, so he holds her close while they dance and makes sure to listen to every word. He still snorts when she asks if there's something there - how can she not see it?
"I think you deserve all the success you have. I think you deserve more," he immediately answers, because he means it. "Agents and managers, I understand. And respect it - it's a laudable personal policy to have. But other artists?" He shakes his head, baffled by that one.
His mouth opens only to close again, realizing there's no point in poking too much at this if Lenny is married. Jaskier falls silent after that. He knows that sooner or later, he'll lose Midge (as a lover, at least) to another man, and that's okay - he'll miss her, but he wants her to be happy. However, the idea that he could possibly lose her just by getting a big contract bothers him a lot.
“Other comedians,” she clarifies. “I would never want someone to feel obligated to book me because of who I’m fucking.” If she slept with someone as famous as Lenny? She would automatically become ‘Lenny’s girl’. His less funny girlfriend. She would fade into the background.
Midge sighs again and decides that she probably ought to be honest. “I like him. We play off of each other well. His marriage seems strained…” She shakes her head. “We’re better off as friends.”
She tentatively lays her head on Jaskier’s shoulder, wondering if he’s going to tell her to pick it up. “You were so quick to send me off with him.”
"And you don't think bookings out of obligation would happen with other famous artists?"
His tone isn't accusatory, just baffled. He just can't follow her logic. At least she admits she likes Lenny, Jaskier was starting to feel insulted by her denying it. He can't help but wonder if she really thinks they're better off as friends, or it's something she tells herself to avoid heartbreak. Gods, divorce is such an useful thing, why do people avoid it so much?
Her head on his shoulder doesn't bother him (the opposite in fact), but her comment does. The conversation outside her apartment echoes in his mind. Can you?
"You two were eye-fucking," he replies as if it had been the most obvious thing in the world. "For a minute I thought he could've been your second instead of Benjamin."
"I won't tell the published writers you were chatting with earlier that you said that." His tone is clearly teasing. Except for Lenny, nobody here is big. Those writers got their first book published and are just starting, or have self-published.
Jaskier sighs. Back to the denial it is, huh? "He's married, I get it, alright? There's no bringing him to the apartment, as lovely as that would've been." He would've loved a piece of that. "You're still allowed to enjoy a dance with him. Or anyone here. I'm not 'sending you off'."
Midge is going to guess that he means the Midtown apartment, not her apartment. She’s not going to comment on that because she doesn’t even want Jaskier to get that idea in his head. Because honestly, Midge’s worry is that if Lenny was asked if he wanted to have a threesome with them, his answer might actually be yes. Midge doesn’t want to have a threesome, especially not with two men that she has feelings for. She’ll never be able to fully divorce sex from feelings like Jaskier is able to do.
“It felt like it,” she murmurs, then picks her head up off of his shoulder so that she can look at him. “If he asks me to dance, I’ll probably say yes. It’s just a dance. You just… seemed so eager to be rid of me.”
It was like whiplash after how loving he seemed earlier when it felt like he was singing love songs just for her.
Jaskier stares at her for a second and sighs again. This isn't connected to their usual talks, not technically, yet it feels like it.
Can you?
Like they're always dancing around the same subject and cowardly pushing it away.
Can you?
Just like he was patient for years with Geralt, he reminds himself to repeat the process here, considering what Joel has put her through. He kisses her forehead and nuzzles her hair, hoping it provides comfort.
"I believe I said it multiple times, and I'll keep repeating it: I don't keep around anything or anyone that I don't like. If I had wanted to get rid of you, you would've known. I don't. Your texts brighten my day. What I'm eager about is seeing you go out there and enjoy life. I wish I could've taken a picture of you blushing at the poet on his knees. It was very cute."
The physical affection does give her some comfort and she doesn’t feel as bereft as she did. Midge knows what he said earlier about keeping people that he likes around. Sometimes she wonders what he likes though - her or the sex.
A smile crosses her face when he mentions the poet. “That was sweet. I wasn’t expecting anything like that.”
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“I would like that,” she confirms. Despite seeing Lenny’s name in the book from a previous jam, she’s not expecting to know too many people here, certainly not anyone who would report back to her parents. At this point, would her parents even be surprised anyway?
“I’ll be sure to walk around and see what other people are doing as well.”
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Another big, warm, sincerely happy smile. The idea of writing while cuddling someone is so appealing, he can't wait. Usually, he doesn't like the idea of someone bothering him while he writes, but Midge has earned that trust. He hasn't done this since Essi, he realizes, and he wishes she could've met Midge.
At the mention of walking around, he nods. "Please do. I invited you because I like having you around, but also because I think you can genuinely enjoy the experience. I want you to have fun, to let your spark grow. Make some friends, mayhaps? I think other girls will find your story empowering."
He gets ready to go back inside, but seeing the box makes him freeze. "Fuck, I almost forgot! Look, Midge, look! They're finally ready!"
Jaskier takes out two business cards from the inner pocket of his vest. One has a guitar with buttercups on it, and with a delicate font, it promotes Jaskier of Oxenfurt - Musician, Singer, Poet, Composer, Chronicler. The other card is black and white in a gothic style. The front promotes Yennefer of Vengerberg (potions, spells, curses) and Geralt of Rivia (monster hunting and relocation, exorcisms). Jaskier's name and number are on the back, mentioning him as the spokesperson.
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Midge steals another kiss from him. “And here I thought you invited me because we’re going to the Midtown apartment afterwards.” At least she thinks they are. “You think I’m empowering?”
Turning the cards over in her hands, she smiles. “Ah, welcome to capitalism. I see that you are officially Geralt and Yennefer’s spokesman now. Very smart.”
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He throws both cards in the box (even if the gothic one doesn't apply here) and offers his arm to Midge again to guide her back inside. People are already starting to line up by the book and Perdita has sat at the front desk with a huge pint of beer to do the welcoming.
"Thank you, thank you. Now I get so many more texts from clients. I keep getting excited at every little ping because I think it's you, when it's actually some really idiotic question."
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They go back inside the club and Midge scopes out areas where she might settle for the evening.
“Independence can be scary and intimidating sometimes,” she continues, “especially if a woman doesn’t have a family to help her or financial means. Women stay in bad marriages for reasons like that.”
It’s sweet to hear that he gets excited about her texts; she gets excited about his too.
There’s a corner with a comfy-looking couch that Midge points out to him. “I’ll probably be over there for most of the night.”
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One single look at the couch and he nods with a grin. "Perfect. Get comfortable, darling. Be right back." He kisses her cheek before disappearing for a moment. In just a few minutes, he comes back with his satchel, plus a pint of beer for himself and a Martini for Midge.
Jaskier puts it all down on the table in front of the couch before joining Midge on the couch, sitting as close as possible for those promised cuddles. People are slowly coming in and setting up their things, too.
"Just give it a few minutes, soon this will get crowded and loud." His voice says he's looking forward to it. He sips his beer before searching for his notebook in his satchel. "Would you be up for dancing later?"
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Midge is able to put two and two together in her mind and come to the realization that Jaskier has slept with married women before. Ultimately, she’s not that surprised. Maybe the idea of cheating should bother her more. Midge has to presume that many of these women were in arranged marriages and that their husbands kept mistresses anyway. In that sense, she almost supports it, in the interest of equality.
When Jaskier returns, she gets her notebook and a pen out of her purse. Midge is an extrovert and enjoys mingling with people, but it’s hard to actually get any work done while doing that. Even if she doesn’t get many jokes written tonight and she just walks around to see what other people are doing, that’s fine by her.
“Sure,” she replies. “Slow dancing?”
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"Any kind of dancing that comes up." He pokes her nose. "Stop planning things. I want you to relax and let the energy guide your night." He then buries his nose in her ear. "Be a good girl for me, Miriam - enjoy yourself and I'll reward you later."
Jaskier decides to work on some of the corrections the band discussed instead of starting something new. He keeps an arm around Midge while he writes, only moving it when he wants to keep drinking beer. It feels really nice, and he wonders if they could just have breakfast like this one day, just them in their robes enjoying each other's presence while they're in the zone.
The bar starts to fill up and many people come to say hello to Jaskier. He's an extrovert too, so even if he's been here a few months, he's made friends in various bars. He's happy to see everyone and he always introduces them to Midge - most of these people recognize her name just from his stories. But since everyone is a gig hunter here, Midge may find all kinds of artists that she's seen before in other bars, especially The Gaslight. There are lots of elves, too, but the only dwarves are Perdita's husband and son. If Midge asks around, she'll learn that the dwarves prefer to stay in the mountain mines. The normal clothing, for once, is a minority - artists use the night of being among weird peers to take out their fun threads. Lots of alternative looks and crazy makeup - friends of Dorothy don't hide it as much either.
Soon Jaskier is leaving the couch to mingle, but he carries his notebook with him, writing down stories and whatever comes to his mind when he sees other people's work. He stares at amazing sketches and pretty paintings and lets them inspire him, something he writes a few poetic words under them if the creator lets him. Artists sit on tables and the floor, philosophical debates kick off. Drink glasses and ashtrays spread everywhere, and everyone claps when they have the first person of the night accidentally drinking from a paint water cup.
A few dancers have come, so Jaskier runs to join his fellow musicians for a little jam session, jumping from song to song just to admire the way these dancers can improvise moves on the spot. Since there are so many instruments now, eventually he's able to put down his guitar and asks for a few tips. A couple dances with Jaskier and teaches him a few things, the three of them giggling all the while.
Dancing with lots of people is natural during parties, even for those who are taken. So Jaskier doesn't feel bad when another girl asks him to dance and he accepts. When that girl tries to make a move, though, he kisses her hand and apologizes. He gave Midge his word, and he plans to keep it.
Speaking of... Jaskier goes looking for her, hoping to dance with her too. He grins when he finds her. "Having fun, darling?"
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When he goes off to explore, Midge does too. It really is a nice atmosphere in the club, reminding her a bit of her college days, when everyone was more laid back and free. Some of the writers in the room have had stories published. Midge sees herself as more of a performer than a writer, but it’s interesting to learn about that process. One poet gets down on his knee and composes a poem to her beauty right there on the spot. Midge laughs and blushes, wondering if Jaskier can see them.
When Jaskier comes to find her a bit later, she’s talking to a tall, slim man wearing a suit. “I am,” Midge replies. “Jaskier, this is Lenny Bruce. He’s a comedian too.”
Lenny stretches out a hand to Jaskier. “Nice to meet you.”
“We’ve known each other for a few years,” she continues. “Bailed each other out a few times.”
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There's a bit of a rumpus when, apparently, someone famous enters the bar. Jaskier is in the middle of his dance so he doesn't pay much attention.
That changes when he goes looking for Midge and notices her talking to a tall, handsome man - the big name, apparently. But what gets his attention is the way they look at each other. Midge said she'd only been with two guys, and when the name Benjamin was dropped later, Jaskier assumed that was the second one. He's starting to wonder if he made a mistake.
Consider his curiosity piqued. His hormones, too, because damn - the guy is really cute. Charming in that very specific artist way that makes it hard for Jaskier to tell if he walks the rainbow road or not.
"Lovely to meet you," he replies with his best charming smile as he shakes Lenny's hand. A few years, huh? He seems important, yet Midge never mentioned him before. Interesting, very interesting.
"What is a little jailtime among friends?" he asks with a chuckle. "I'm happy to see more people joining us with the 'unusual' arts. Midge was skeptical when I called her an artist." He nudges her playfully before tilting his head with that perfected innocent puppy face that actually means he knows exactly what he's doing. "I'm not interrupting anything, am I? I was looking for more people for the dance floor, and well--" He looks between them. "If there's a song you two would like to share, we're open to requests."
Again apologies for probably a horrible portrayal on my part lol
“You as well,” Lenny replies with a smile that may or may not be flirting. “If you’re here with Midge tonight, I’m happy to make myself scarce.”
For once, Midge doesn’t have a quick response to that. “Oh, we’re… I guess we are here together, but we’re not…”
Lenny puts a hand up. “Say no more. Enjoy your dance. I’ll come find you again later on tonight.” He nods at Jaskier. “Again, nice to meet you,” he says before turning to go make himself busy elsewhere.
no worries at all, I'm just popcorning at all this
He just dropped the perfect opening for them to dance together and yet-- they aren't taking it? Jaskier is extremely confused.
"I'm also playing, so she can dance with whoever she pleas--"
Welp, nevermind, handsome and charming is gone. Jaskier stares for a second at his back (those pants are very well fit, damn) before turning to Midge with a mix of confusion and frustration. Curiosity and questions will take over soon, but for now-
"What the fuck was that?" He throws his hands in the air, clearly bewildered. "I served you the opportunity on a plate! Why didn't you ask him to dance?"
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He’s still trying to set her up with other men, which is a little bit hurtful to her. Midge had thought they were getting closer, that maybe he wouldn’t want to do that anymore.
“I’m here with you tonight,” she continues. “It’s only fair for me not to pick anyone else up either. Not that I was trying to pick Lenny up. He’s married. And it’s not like that.”
Again. It’s complicated.
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His eyebrows go up when Midge says it's not like that, and he snorts. "You can't possibly expect me to believe that." There's something behind all this, and Jaskier is dying to know the full story. His hands fall on his hips, his head tilts again. "Where have you been hiding Tall And Handsome anyway?"
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She doesn’t want to have this conversation out in the open. The dance floor is a more intimate place to talk. Otherwise, she’s going to retreat back to the couch to regroup.
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"I do," he replies. He offers his arm out of habit, but he still can't help but add-- "I'm not sure you do, though."
He doesn't sound angry or judgmental, just a tiny bit wary. The way she asked gave him the vibes of someone just putting up with the idea, but he may be reading too much into things. Jaskier is unsure of how to read this Midge.
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“As I said, he’s married. I don’t go out with married men.” Hopefully Jaskier won’t take that as a slight on his activities with married women, as it isn’t meant that way. “Is there something there? I don’t know. We’ve never explored it, but I also can’t. He’s in the comedy scene, and he’s more successful than me. If I’m going to be successful in this business, I want it to be on my own merits, not based on who I’ve slept with. I won’t go out with anyone who’s a comedian, or an agent, or a scheduling manager… no one. I don’t want anyone to ever accuse me of not earning whatever success I have.”
If she sounds vehement, it’s because she feels very strongly about this.
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"I think you deserve all the success you have. I think you deserve more," he immediately answers, because he means it. "Agents and managers, I understand. And respect it - it's a laudable personal policy to have. But other artists?" He shakes his head, baffled by that one.
His mouth opens only to close again, realizing there's no point in poking too much at this if Lenny is married. Jaskier falls silent after that. He knows that sooner or later, he'll lose Midge (as a lover, at least) to another man, and that's okay - he'll miss her, but he wants her to be happy. However, the idea that he could possibly lose her just by getting a big contract bothers him a lot.
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Midge sighs again and decides that she probably ought to be honest. “I like him. We play off of each other well. His marriage seems strained…” She shakes her head. “We’re better off as friends.”
She tentatively lays her head on Jaskier’s shoulder, wondering if he’s going to tell her to pick it up. “You were so quick to send me off with him.”
It hurt.
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His tone isn't accusatory, just baffled. He just can't follow her logic. At least she admits she likes Lenny, Jaskier was starting to feel insulted by her denying it. He can't help but wonder if she really thinks they're better off as friends, or it's something she tells herself to avoid heartbreak. Gods, divorce is such an useful thing, why do people avoid it so much?
Her head on his shoulder doesn't bother him (the opposite in fact), but her comment does. The conversation outside her apartment echoes in his mind. Can you?
"You two were eye-fucking," he replies as if it had been the most obvious thing in the world. "For a minute I thought he could've been your second instead of Benjamin."
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She huffs lightly. “I don’t think we were doing that, Jaskier. Even if I do like him, even if he did like me, it’s not that simple.”
Besides, Midge knows that she would rather be with Jaskier anyway.
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Jaskier sighs. Back to the denial it is, huh? "He's married, I get it, alright? There's no bringing him to the apartment, as lovely as that would've been." He would've loved a piece of that. "You're still allowed to enjoy a dance with him. Or anyone here. I'm not 'sending you off'."
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“It felt like it,” she murmurs, then picks her head up off of his shoulder so that she can look at him. “If he asks me to dance, I’ll probably say yes. It’s just a dance. You just… seemed so eager to be rid of me.”
It was like whiplash after how loving he seemed earlier when it felt like he was singing love songs just for her.
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Can you?
Like they're always dancing around the same subject and cowardly pushing it away.
Can you?
Just like he was patient for years with Geralt, he reminds himself to repeat the process here, considering what Joel has put her through. He kisses her forehead and nuzzles her hair, hoping it provides comfort.
"I believe I said it multiple times, and I'll keep repeating it: I don't keep around anything or anyone that I don't like. If I had wanted to get rid of you, you would've known. I don't. Your texts brighten my day. What I'm eager about is seeing you go out there and enjoy life. I wish I could've taken a picture of you blushing at the poet on his knees. It was very cute."
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A smile crosses her face when he mentions the poet. “That was sweet. I wasn’t expecting anything like that.”
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