doesntsing | open post

Multiple people have informed me of that when I introduced myself. Apparently my accent sounds like that place as well.

Did you now? Did anything they said impact you? Were they well-liked by the students?

They're different shades of red. Carnadhiel means scarlet. Tarathiel doesn't have a direct translation; it's usually associated with dried blood.

Yes, it does. Geralt’s as well, and I’m presuming the rest of your family.

Oh yeah, we all loved him. English Lit, Professor Bernard. He challenged us to be free and independent thinkers.

As much as my favorite color is red, I’m not sure if I want to name my boob after something morbid like dried blood.

Yes, they do. I think it's been helping me and Cirilla blend in because we don't sound like otherworlders, but there isn't much we can do about Geralt's and Yennefer's eyes.

He sounds wonderful. I'm glad to hear you still think of him years later. It's powerful to leave an impact on someone's life.

Dried blood, like scars, can equal survival. A celebration of pushing through. But I understand.

Does Yennefer know who Elizabeth Taylor is? She’s an actress. People say her eyes are violet, but I think they’re really just a unique shade of blue. Yen’s are much more bold.

As for Geralt, not much he can do about that color, other than to argue that it’s a shade of hazel. A beautiful one.

And before you protest, yes, Jaskier, your eyes are beautiful too.

Anyway. Maybe someday you’ll get to go to England. The United States used to be an English colony.

You really like those names, don’t you? Is it because my favorite color is red?

I'll look the name up, but yeah, Yennefer's are truly violet, not just a trick of light. Heads up: don't shorten her name, only Geralt gets to do that.

I wasn't going to protest against a compliment I agree with. However, I will protest about your choice of shade. They're amber! Like a black cat.

I'd love to travel around this whole world, too. I want to get on those plane things. Flying must be such an amazing experience.

Oh, it wasn't about the names, they were just a random idea. It was about our perception of "morbid".

Thanks for the advice. Probably saved me from being turned into a frog.

First a wolf, now a black cat…

Flying is great. Just don’t get on a plane with Susie or you’ll never know peace. She’s terrified of flying.

I guess we could always dive more into our perceptions of morbid, Professor Jaskier…

There’s a long pause where the three dots appear on Jaskier’s device, indicating that Midge is typing. Finally, she continues.

But not right now, I guess. The kids are torturing each other. I’ll see you tonight?

I like the sound of Professor Jaskier. We may revisit that in the future.

Good luck with the Great Pants War. See you tonight.

Arguing with a bunch of old men is as frustrating as he expected it to be. Perhaps even more, because they're bigots even though they don't know what a witcher is. It's insane. The thought of performing tonight and seeing Midge is what keeps him moving through the day.

He gets the second spot at Elftown, and it's a success as usual. The local elves have quickly taken a liking to him thanks to the songs defending their people he'd written back in his world. Some experiences are universal, and that's very poetic, but at the same time, it's depressing that the experience happens to be a race war.

All in all, he's in a great mood, and he wants to share this high with his new friend. He decides to do a little extra spending to keep the night going, and instead of taking the subway, he pays a taxi driver to go a little faster than allowed. Which turns out to be almost as fun as Geralt's bike.

He makes it to the jazz club right as Midge is walking on the stage, thank goodness. As much as he'd love to see her up close, he's afraid he may distract her, so he sits at the back and asks for a glass of wine. On the chair next to his, he drops his leather satchel, his lute, and a bouquet of roses - mostly pink and red, but also one blue and one black in the center, courtesy of certain witch's magic.

The blue suit is on - it's supposed to be a date, after all, and she seemed to like it so much. He's put on a yellow tie and bought a yellow pocket square to match. Both have gold touches for that extra spark. His hands have a few rings as usual, and he's added a button closure chain to the suit jacket as the final touch. The eyeliner Midge recommended frames his eyes, which currently follow every move of hers.

Susie can tell that Midge is fidgety before her set, though she doesn’t know why. Midge doesn’t give her any hints. It’s been a busy day. After finally managing to get her kids to act civilized, she went out to complete her errands, which included a stop at the store where a lot of the girls from The Wolford get their costumes. A few purchases were made and then dropped off at the Goldbergs’ apartment along with other necessities for the evening and a bottle of wine. Planning complete, Midge went home, did the handoff of the kids to Joel, and then got ready for her gig.

She’s wearing the new magenta Dior dress that she got yesterday. Susie grumbled something about it not looking good with the lighting but Midge shushed her. She keeps looking out into the audience for Jaskier, though it’s dark and crowded. There’s a gnawing feeling in the pit of her stomach. What if he stands her up? Midge hopes that he’s the type of man who keeps his word, otherwise whatever this is between them will end before it really even starts.

When Midge takes the stage she puts all of that aside. She’s electric, as usual, trying out a few new jokes that go over well. About 5 minutes in, she finally notices Jaskier at a table in the back and grins. Then, she’s all professional for the rest of her 30 minute set.

After taking her bow, she meets Susie over by the bar. Nerves grip her again. She knows that Susie and Jaskier are about to meet for the first time. Maybe she should have told him to wait until Susie left before approaching her. Midge can see him walking towards her with a bouquet of flowers.

This could be an absolute disaster.

Jaskier sees that grin and winks. He isn't sure if she can see such a little gesture, but it's the thought that counts.

He's glad he's put on the blue suit, because she's left the black behind and is looking absolutely gorgeous in that dress. The "testing" they did at the mall in front of the mirror is becoming a reality, he realizes.

Midge is electric, feisty, honest, and absolutely hilarious. Jaskier laughs at every joke and is happy that "witty" has become his nickname for her, because she deserves it. Honestly, the act ends too soon - Jaskier is left wanting more.

He gives Midge five minutes with Susie before approaching her. Usually, he'd be understanding of post-show rituals, but they talked about sharing their mutual high, and he wants that for their date. (Besides, he wants to meet Susie.)

"Congratulations, my witty lady," he says as he gives her the flowers. "You were as hysterical as your reputation promised."

There’s color high in her cheeks and a grin on her face when Jaskier approaches. She tries to hide it for Susie’s sake, but it’s beyond her control.

“Thank you.” She takes the bouquet and lets her eyes rake over his outfit. He’s managed to take a modern suit and make it into something that suits his style without being outdated. He looks fantastic. “These are beautiful. Where did you find black and blue roses?”

Midge looks up and catches Susie’s eye. The other woman is silent, but the look on her face says it all: who the fuck is this?

“Jaskier, this is Susie Meyerson, my manager. Susie, Jaskier.” A beat. “We met in jail.”

Perfect.

Oh, look at those cheeks matching her dress. He has to use lots of self-control not to kiss them right there.

"Magic," he replies with a wink, wiggling his fingers.

Susie's look says it all, and if Jaskier had been younger, he'd find it intimidating. But after two decades of Geralt, Susie is nothing but a hissy cat. He still wants to make a good impression, though - mainly for Midge, but also because he needs contacts in the industry.

At the mention of jail, he can't help but shake his head as if scolding her, but it's clear he's just teasing, and he's amused by her comment.

"A pleasure," he replies with a bow. "Midge spoke highly of you - said you were the one to encourage her to pursue comedy. Allow me to express my gratitude, then, for sharing her with the world. You have a great eye."

Susie stares at him for a moment, taking all of him in. Midge doesn’t blame her. There’s a lot going on here. For Jaskier, that introduction was pretty subdued. He’s really reining it in.

“Seems like your eye’s on my client,” she replies. “She’s got a lot of gigs. I keep her pretty busy.”

“He’s a performer too,” Midge cuts in. “A musician.”

“Oh God,” Susie groans, then looks at Jaskier again. “Is that why you’re dressed like Liberace?”

"I don't know who that is, but if they dress like me, then I shall consider it a compliment." He tilts his head at Susie, raising an eyebrow. "Is it truly that surprising to see your beloved client befriending people who match her outstanding sense of style?"

Befriending sure is a way to put it. Jaskier winks at Midge as he leans against the bar. It's true, he's reining it in. Partly because of the whole "wanting to make a good impression" deal, but also because he isn't trying to hit on Susie. He doesn't think she's unattractive (she isn't!), he's just getting many Rainbow Road vibes in here.

"Midge and I have already discussed priorities, and ours happen to match: family and career. I just came running from my own gig, in fact." He puts a hand over his heart. "You have my word as a fellow artist that I want nothing but to see her shine. If she ever even thinks about missing a gig, I'll personally drop her on your lap through a magic portal."

“Boy, you’re a slick talker,” Susie replies. He may not be hitting on her (he probably knows he’s barking up the wrong tree there), but she’s sure that he’s completely dazzled Midge.

Of all the things Midge is, stupid isn’t one of them. Probably too emotional, in Susie’s opinion, and doesn’t always make the best choices when it comes to men, but still a smart woman. She’s allowed dalliances, and that seems like what this is. Susie can’t fault her for that.

“I get it,” Susie says to Midge. “You’ve got needs.” She turns her eyes to Jaskier again. Susie’s not sure if Midge has the right genitals to fulfill Jaskier’s needs, but there’s no way she’s bringing that up.

“He’s an Otherworlder,” Midge says in an attempt to explain. “He’s came here with people who can do magic.” She turns to Jaskier. “That portal thing sounds very convenient.”

“Fine,” Susie says. “I’m out of here. I’ll speak to you tomorrow.” Her eyes move back and forth between Midge and Jaskier. “Afternoon.”

Susie wonders where they’re going to go to fuck, but that’s not really any of her concern.

A chuckle. "That definitely is a compliment." He knows it isn't, Susie isn't impressed - but he'd rather keep the mood playful. Besides, he's proud of being a slick talker.

Honestly, it's cute how protective of Midge Susie is, and Jaskier is happy that Midge has someone like her. When Susie makes the 'needs' comment, Jaskier immediately laughs - and that laughter gets louder when 'afternoon' is added. Oh, he likes this woman already.

"A wise correction." He inclines his head as goodbye. "Have a good night, Lady Manager."

As soon as Susie has taken three steps away from them, Jaskier turns to Midge with a big grin and kisses her cheek.

"You were fantastic on stage," he says while offering his arm, intending to take her to his table. "But I wonder if the flowers were a good idea. They look ugly next to you."

Midge rolls her eyes, but she’s blushing again. Of course Susie was able to work out the exact situation between Midge and Jaskier in under 5 seconds.

She puts her hand on Jaskier’s arm and leans in to give him a kiss on the cheek as well. “Oh stop it,” she says, though she loves being complimented by him. “That suit looks incredible on you.”

Truly, the more she looks at him in it, the more aroused she gets.

As they walk to his table, Jaskier will probably notice looks from a few men in the club who thought they were going to shoot their shot with a beautiful comedian tonight. They weren’t expecting Jaskier of all people to block them and now they’re sulking into their drinks.

Edited 2025-07-01 02:36 (UTC)

"I look incredible in everything," he teases. "But for this one, you need to thank the lady who picked it for me. She has impeccable taste."

Jaskier steals a chair from another table for Midge so he doesn't have to move his lute and satchel, and she has a place to put down her flowers during their date. One thing that often bothers Jaskier about these clubs is the tiny tables. It's like being at shitty taverns again.

While Midge orders her drink and some snacks to share, he scans the crowd out of habit and notices all the sulking. He smirks, feeling rather smug.

"It seems some of your fans are rather passionate about you."

He puts the chair down very close to his. Wise man.

Midge looks up from the menu in surprise. She has fans? Then she realizes what Jaskier is talking about. “It’s amazing that some men can listen to me complain about men for 30 minutes on stage and then still try to buy me a drink and chat me up afterwards.”

Orders placed, she turns to Jaskier again. “How was your show?”

"Half of them think you were just joking and didn't take it seriously. The other half think they're different enough to make you change your mind."

Jaskier won't mention the fact he'd be one of those men if he had met her like this. He sips his wine while casually leaning back, putting an arm on the back of Midge's chair just to mock those guys further. Oh, how smug he feels.

He beams at the question. "It was wonderful! Elves make for a great audience no matter the realm, it seems. They like the songs I wrote for their people back in my world, but after tonight, I've been thinking of changing them up a little bit. A reprise to fit their local troubles."

Don’t think she hasn’t noticed, Jaskier. He’s laying it on thick, as usual. The bard is lucky that she’s not interested in any of these men, especially because they might have something to offer her other than friendship and sex.

Also lucky that she’s not looking for much beyond that right now.

“What changes are you thinking of making?” She’s sure the Elves have troubles, but Midge isn’t so involved with the community as to know what they are.

She pick up the bouquet and gives it a sniff, smiling at the sweet scent. “Why a blue one and a black one?” she asks.

"I'll need to study their history to answer that question properly, but the idea is to include local historical events to replace those from my world."

It may take a while, but he has time. The family has already decided they don't want to go home. Hopefully this world will feel like home soon.

"I wanted to do something different, and those colors don't occur naturally. But they're also dark, and I wasn't sure if you'd like a full bouquet of them. So I kept your favorites and only added those two as a little extra magical touch." His hand gestures a lot as he speaks. "Also I don't know how many I could convince Yennefer of making."

Midge gently touches the petals of the black rose. It feels just like any other rose. “They’re beautiful,” she says, “but you’re right. I prefer more vibrant colors. The black is a bit morbid for my tastes.” She glances up at him. “Guess we’re back on that topic, Professor Jaskier.”

The waiter brings her martini and a plate with rumaki, pigs in a blanket and deviled eggs. Midge holds up her glass to Jaskier. “A toast? To new friends?”

He laughs at the mention of the topic. "If you want a date filled with philosophical discussion, you have the right bloke."

The food looks amazing, and Jaskier is hungry. He came right after his performance, so he hasn't snacked on anything since teatime. But he's a man with manners, and he'll never say no to a toast.

"To new friends, and new experiences." He winks as he taps his glass against hers, then he takes a sip of his wine. "You called that one a Martini, right? What is it exactly made of?"

“That’s not what I usually talk about on dates.”

It does make Midge wonder why they’re on a date at all. He said he isn’t going to “court” her. Aren’t dates part of courting? Unless this is a friendship date of some kind. There probably ought to be another name for something like that.

“L’chaim,” Midge replies, clinking her glass against his and then taking a sip. “Gin, vermouth, a twist of lemon and an olive for garnish.” She pushes the glass towards him in case he wants to try it.

"Sharing your glass with a man on the first date? Oh my." Obviously teasing, considering the places they've already put their mouths on.

Jaskier recognizes only the olives and lemon, although the other things do ring a bell. He still takes a sip, because he's always open to trying new things. It's just a little sip, not wanting to take much from such a small glass.

"That's kinda bitter, isn't it?" His nose is wrinkling a little. "I wouldn't have expected it from you. Makes for funny contrast against our conversation about vibrant and morbid."

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lol my bad

nah, no worries, makes sense. Midge wouldn't know

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lmaooooo SUSIE PLEASE

:D

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