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[doesntsing]

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[doesntsing]

“Oh! God. Hi…” There are a lot of women dressed like Susie surrounding her right now, offering to buy her drinks. It’s very flattering, and Midge actually blushes a bit. She’s never received this kind of attention from other women.

Eventually, she’s able to politely extricate herself from the gaggle of women and make her way to where Jaskier is at the bar. She thanks him for the offered martini and takes a sip.

“So, I think that went well.” Or at least it did to a certain population of women who are sorry about Midge’s divorce and wonder if she’s interested in trying something different.

[treblemaking]

By the time Midge is coming over, Jaskier can't hold it anymore and bursts out laughing. How is that for a new experience, he can't help but wonder.

"Well? It was fantastic. Congratulations." His expression softens. "And thank you. People here... they need the laugh."

[doesntsing]

“Thanks for helping me get on stage.” Midge was glad to do it, and glad that the crowd had enjoyed her jokes.

Rising to her toes, Midge kisses Jaskier on the cheek, but that’s as far as she goes with physical intimacy. She’s not sure what’s expected of her here, as she’s trying to respect the fact that Jaskier is looking for a man tonight. He probably doesn’t want Midge hanging all over him. Still, it feels so strange after last night.

“I’m glad I got to meet Yennefer,” she says. “I think she begrudgingly tolerates you.” Midge’s tone makes it sound like that’s a positive thing.

[treblemaking]

He wouldn't mind her getting affectionate at all - people here know he does things casually, and those who don't, well- they should learn it sooner rather than later. Still, he understands what she's doing and respects it. Appreciates it, even.

He snorts at he comment. "It's alright, you can say she hates my guts." He winks, clearly joking. "She's a bitch, I'm a bitch, it was bound to happen." He grins as his tone grows in teasing. "I'm glad you liked her. Here I thought you'd be jealous of her makeup."

[doesntsing]

It isn’t entirely selfless. Midge is holding back. If he doesn’t want to go home with her tonight, then she doesn’t want to cuddle up to him here. He doesn’t get to have her like that.

Midge shrugs. “Her makeup looks good. I like mine better. A bit more subtle.” She sips her martini. “She and Geralt seem well-suited.”

[treblemaking]

"You truly think so?" He's genuinely surprised by her comment, and he can't help but turn around to look at the couple at the table. They have come a long way and are in a good place now, but as someone who has seen all the steps in the middle and the judgment coming from third parties, Jaskier is still surprised by positive comments like this.

"To think I used to rant to Geralt about how she was ruining his life," he says with a chuckle. "Her people weren't happy either. A fine lady supposedly deserves better than a wild man." He pauses as he wonders if Midge's parents have commented on the flowers. "They sorted things out before we came here, but I admit I was worried war would tear the family apart. So I'm glad this place has given them stability." He tilts his head at Midge. "Not many people see that."

He's happily impressed - she has a good eye.

[doesntsing]

Midge follows his gaze back to the couple. She’s only seen them together for this short amount of time, but she thinks they work well together.

“They certainly look good,” Midge replies. A fine lady and a wild man. He could be describing the two of them, couldn’t he? “They balance each other out, his humility and her confidence. And it’s clear that neither of them are social butterflies.” Midge shrugs again. “It probably works for them. Imagine if one of them were wildly social and the other one wasn’t?”

Thank goodness she and Jaskier are both extroverts.

[treblemaking]

Humility? More like self-hate, but Jaskier isn't about to say that. The last part, though - he has to laugh pretty hard at that. Sweet, sweet irony.

"You're just describing twenty years of me dragging Geralt to places," he replies between chuckles. "Yennefer can be more social, but only if it's with people who can keep up with her. She appreciates good conversation, but she has 'no time for idiots'." He signs the quotation marks to indicate that's what Yen said. "I bet you could handle her."

Jaskier thinks Yennefer needs to get a bunch of female friends, but it's been hard to achieve that here.

[doesntsing]

“I probably could,” Midge replies casually. “She’s a little intimidating.”

More than a little, but as soon as Midge can stop feeling like she’s about to get turned into a frog at any second, they should be fine.

“It’s a strong personality. Most women aren’t like her.” Surely Jaskier has noticed that. She glances up at him. “Should I invite her for coffee or something?”

Midge can take the initiative if Jaskier thinks Yennefer won’t.

[treblemaking]

"Only a little?" His tone is amused. "Wow, she's been holding back, then."

Indeed, Yen's very different, and Jaskier likes that - he likes strong personalities. Of course, it took him years to appreciate it, but that's a different matter.

He beams when Midge considers befriending her. "You truly are interested? That would mean a lot." He glances at the table before looking back at Midge. "Let me chat her up during the week before I give you her number, does that work for you?"

[doesntsing]

“Sure,” Midge says. “I guess I could use some friends too.” It’s been difficult maintaining friendships after the divorce, since so many of her friendships involved being part of a couple. She still has Imogene. And Susie? “How fickle is she about using magic against people?”

Her eyes soften as they meet Jaskier’s. “You were really great tonight,” she tells him quietly. “The crowd here loves you.”

Yen would hate Imogene lmao

[treblemaking]

Another chuckle. "As long as you don't do anything that angers her, you'll be fine. Worry not, my lady - as a fellow woman who is trying to make it in a sea of pompous dicks, you've already earned sympathy in her eyes. She'll agree to all the things you say on stage."

He smiles softly in return. "Thank you. I admit it's my favorite place to perform. No need to hide anything here." He looks at the crowd, admiring all the people who have finally found the freedom to flirt. "I know there have been one or two comments about otherworlders, but they aren't common. This is a non-bigotry space." He nudges Midge playfully. "If you wish to perform here again, let me know and I'll get the manager's card for Susie. Most performers avoid it to 'protect their reputations'. We could do with the extra support."

she absolutely would

[doesntsing]

Hopefully Yennefer isn’t hot tempered. This friendship might end before it gets off the ground.

“Ironically, Susie might be the one who doesn’t want me to perform here,” Midge says, sipping her drink. Her manager might see it exactly as that - putting Midge’s reputation at stake. Or she might think that it’s not high profile enough for her. “Do Hollywood types come in here?”

[treblemaking]

Jaskier wonders why Midge calls it ironically. It's because he knows about Susie, or because of her manager policies? Since he isn't sure if Susie is out, he decides not to ask.

"I heard stories of actors and musicians coming in disguise because they keep the truth from the public. But they're simply that - clients. They don't perform. And I don't think talent hunters come around either."

[doesntsing]

Maybe Midge is assuming, because she’s never said it out loud, but Susie is a lesbian. So, no, she’s not out, at least not to Midge. Still, it’s ironic that Susie wouldn’t want Midge to perform in a gay club.

“She won’t like that,” Midge replies. “But, not every performance that I do needs to go through her. I’m allowed to take the gigs that I want.”

[treblemaking]

He smiles proudly at her. "I agree. And good to know, too. I've been trying to get used to the way this world works, but I must admit - having someone telling me what to do with my art sounds... controlling." He wrinkles his nose. "Like witches assigned to be royalty advisors."

[doesntsing]

She hums in her throat. “Susie’s the whole reason I’m a comic. She told me that I could do this as a career and that she wanted to represent me. I don’t think she’s ever done this before, but there’s no denying that she knows the New York comedy scene. She’s a fierce negotiator, way better at it than I ever could be. It’s easier to let her deal with the bookings and payements. I trust her enough to do right by me. I still have to sign the contracts.” So far, everything has seemed aboveboard.

“Witches are assigned to work for royalty where you come from?”

[treblemaking]

"And I am grateful to her for putting you out there. Her knowledge alone is worth gold. The concepts just--" A shrug. "--bothers me." An awkward pause. "Although I suppose I'm a manager for my family, in a way."

He nods at her question. "If by 'work for' you mean 'they pretend to be advisors when actually they're manipulating the kings to control the realm from the shadows', then yes."

[doesntsing]

“If you’re managing yourself alright, then I guess you don’t need to pay anyone to do it.” For her, it makes sense. Susie has made herself invaluable.

Midge smiles wryly. “Honestly, if I could turn people into toads my control would probably be out in the open. I can’t see Yennefer bowing to a king.”

[treblemaking]

For the first time around Midge, he feels kind of awkward and he looks down at his feet. "Yeah, I guess I don't."

Is he managing himself alright? He isn't sure. This "industry" has been a hell to navigate. What does success look like here anyway? Jaskier never thought that something could give the Continent politics a run for their money.

He looks up again with a snort. "And that's probably why she didn't last long in the job. But don't ask her unless she brings it up first. Even I don't know all the details."

[doesntsing]

“What’s wrong?” she asks. The shift in his mood is evident. Was it something that she said?

“I won’t. So what you’re saying is that the magic users actually control everything where you come from?”

Magic users and non-magic users have clashed on Earth since the beginning of time. It’s only recently that they’ve finally started to put their differences aside.

[treblemaking]

Usually, he's the one telling Geralt to open up, share his troubles so they can work on them. Talking about your feelings is important! Right now, though, he doesn't want to ruin the mood. And being unsure about his career is one of the few insecurities he has, which he isn't proud of.

"Just frustration about feeling like an eighteen-year-old again. Don't worry." It's not a complete lie, at least. He does feel like a little bird newly out of the nest again.

"I wouldn't say everything, but they're indeed one of the main groups of power. But don't include Geralt in that. Sorcerers may be fine, but witchers are seen as the lowest of the low." He kinda growls that last part, forever angry at the bigotry.

[doesntsing]

Midge could push, but she won’t. Jaskier will hopefully tell her in time. This industry isn’t easy. It takes a long time to get anywhere, and having to start all over again must be agonizing.

“That’s what he is? A ‘witcher’?” Midge turns her eyes towards Geralt. “Seems like he performs a pretty important function for everyone. And looks hot while doing it.”

Yennefer is well out of earshot. Midge thinks she’s safe.

[treblemaking]

He has to laugh at that, even if he does agree with it.

"Next time he comes back covered in monster guts, I'll make sure to stop at your place so you can have a good sniff." He pauses and taps his chin, pretending to think hard about the subject. "Although I don't know if I want you to talk about his tits instead of mine."

Talking about Geralt's tits is his job!

[doesntsing]

She nods seriously. “It’s true. I might end up working them into my act. I haven’t even seen them and I’m sure they’re impressive.” Midge eyes Jaskier. “Yours aren’t so bad either.”

Despite the fact that she’s trying to remain aloof tonight, flirting with Jaskier is like breathing. Midge does it naturally without even thinking about it.