doesntsing | open post

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."

She quirks a smile at him and watches as he takes a drink.

“Did you think that I drink fruity drinks?” she asks. Midge enjoys a good mai tai every now and then, but her go-to drinks are a martini or old-fashioned, depending on how the night has been.

First dates are normally shallow. Getting to know someone. No religion or politics, especially after their disagreement yesterday. This isn’t really a date though, is it? Not a date that’s going to go anywhere anyway. Why not talk about philosophy?

“Do you feel like those are opposites? Morbid and vibrant?”

"Hey, fruity drinks are great."

He has a sweet tooth, and coming to this world has been a blessing. Everything has so much flavor! And chocolate? Mindblowing.

"That's actually a really good question." And he means that. He loves how smart she is. Good fucking isn't hard to find, but good companionship? That's a different deal. He munches on a pig-on-a-blanket while thinking about how to answer.

"I used those words because they came up in our conversation, so it was initially part of the teasing. But if we examine it closely, then-- it depends on the meaning we're going for. If it's only 'vibrant' as in the shade of a color, then no, they aren't opposites. Blood can be vibrant. The brightest green I've seen came from a monster." Not gonna detail what part of the monster, since it's disgusting and they're eating. "But 'vibrant' is also something alive, full of spark and energy. And in that case, then yes, it's the opposite of morbid. That said, a good story may have both. A good outfit may have a morbid touch and still be vibrant."

She smiles at his assertion about fruity drinks and then listens to his explanation while munching on a piece of rumaki.

“I think you’re right,” Midge replies. “That’s a good analysis. I guess the better question is if one is better than the other. Personally, I prefer vibrancy in most aspects of my life. There’s such a thing as having a morbid sense of humor, which I generally don’t think I have.”

"Oh, vibrancy is the superior choice, no question."

He tries the rumaki next, being his first time with that one. It's quite delicious, he'll have to ask for the name later.

"Geralt calls me a hedonist for a reason - I think enjoyment should always be the biggest part of our lives. And that's why I like you - because your vibrant preference matches mine. But that doesn't mean I completely turn down morbid. I have sad songs, infuriating songs. Songs about death and betrayal. Those matter too - we just need to keep an eye on the amount. Not let it take our happiness from us. Which is why people develop a morbid sense of humor."

A pause to sip his wine. "For the record, if morbid is the only humor someone has, then I shall agree with you - it's depressing. But being able to joke about the morbid is a useful skill. And I believe people in certain jobs develop it as a matter of survival. If they don't learn to joke about it, then the darkness will consume them."

Another pause as he looks at her, considering his options. "I'm not Geralt, but I can't deny that two decades on his side, in his line of work, have taught me that skill too. It's rare, since I turn to irony more than to morbid humor. But it may happen. And if it makes you uncomfortable, you just have to let me know".

Because Cirilla sure does like complaining about it.

A lot of what he has to say resonates with her. They really are more alike than Midge would care to admit, though she would like to think that her ego is not as large as Jaskier’s. Still, his confidence is attractive. It’s not all bluster.

“Morbidity and morbid humor has its place, and I think all of us have some of it inside of us. As annoying as it is when a person is depressed all the time, it’s equally annoying when they’re happy all the time. I’d argue that’s actually worse.”

Hunting monsters for a living means that Geralt has probably seen some horrible things. Midge supposes it must be like that for soldiers or cops who solve murders. Morbid humor at least injects some levity into a miserable job.

“I don’t mind if you’re morbid sometimes,” Midge says, “but if you start grunting at me I’ll have to snap you out of it.”

It's hard to find someone with an ego bigger than Jaskier's. And thank goodness for that.

"I don't know if I'd call it worse, but I do agree that the other extreme is equally bad. Having a good cry is as important as having a good laugh."

And speaking of having a good laugh: the mention of grunting makes Jaskier laugh pretty hard. Seeing people being comfortable around Geralt and even teasing him because they haven't learned witcher bigotry in this world is still amazing, and Jaskier loves it everything. Not to mention Midge is just a funny lady, obviously.

"Aww, but I make such a great impression!" He frowns in the most exaggerated way he can achieve, making his voice deep and raspy. "Mmmh. Jaskier, don't touch that. Mmmh. Stop putting your sausage in the wrong pantry. Mmh."

Fortunately, Jaskier comes off as so gregarious that his ego is seen mostly as confidence rather than bravado. Midge would like him significantly less if he was haughty and looked down on people.

She snorts a laugh at his impression of Geralt. “There’s a wrong pantry for sausage?” she asks.

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lmaooooo SUSIE PLEASE

:D

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