All Moishe heard was ‘spiders in the walls’. Midge had to elaborate a bit on what exactly that entailed in this case. Then he understood much better.
She grins at Jaskier’s reaction to her brisket. “Just invite me over to make it for you,” she tells him.
Abe and Rose glance at each other. They’re not buying the ‘friends’ story, but they won’t press for now. It’s obvious to them that Midge and Jaskier’s relationship is heading for something more than friendship. They know their daughter well enough.
“What sort of monsters do you usually hunt?” Abe asks. For what it’s worth, neither of her parents looks disturbed, though Rose makes a face at the words monster parts.
"I'll make the arrangements," he promises. He does want her to come, because he wants her to get along with his family but also because Yennefer needs friends.
"I'm afraid we aren't doing creams yet, just potions - however, we do offer things for the ladies too. Our potions for period cramps and menopause pain are much more effective than those pills they sell here. And our birth control potion doesn't mess with a woman's hormones."
Jaskier takes another bite of his meat to make sure he doesn't look at Midge when he says that, but he can't help grinning a little. He then turns to Abe.
"All kinds of monsters! If they exist, we may take care of them! Giant spiders, werewolves, ghouls, wyverns, there's nothing Geralt can't stop. We found a kraken in that big lake in the north, that one was quite a mess to clean. The locals insisted they wanted to cook the tentacles as if it was octopus." He wrinkles his nose.
Both of her parents nearly choke on their meat when Jaskier mentions birth control so openly. Midge averts her eyes. She’s not sure if she’s looking forward to the conversation that will happen after Jaskier leaves.
“All of those things are here?” Abe asks. “I’ve never seen any of them. Have you ever heard of a dybbuk?”
Those reactions make this entire night worth it. And to think he held back on mentioning the potion that helps a man get his dick working again, that was a mistake. Jaskier glances at Midge when he's wiping his mouth with his napkin, secretly smirking at her.
"I believe they've been arriving with otherworlders, so it makes sense that locals may not have seen them before." He tilts his head at Abe with genuine curiosity. "I have not, but my ears will always be itching for a good story. Care to share?"
Her glance back is less smirky, more concerned. So far, her parents seem fine with Jaskier, but her parents are very polite.
“It’s a demon from Jewish folklore,” Abe explains. “I had an aunt possessed by a dybbuk.”
Rose groans and Midge rolls her eyes. “Papa, not the Aunt Bina story again.”
“Miriam, you know that I am not a man who subscribes to most folklore,” Abe continues, “but that woman hated everyone.”
“She did used to scare me as a kid,” Midge admits.
“Until the day she died - may her memory be a blessing - I came this close to asking the rabbi to perform an exorcism on her. Even if she wasn’t possessed maybe it would have at least improved her attitude.”
"That much hate can keep a soul from moving on," Jaskier agrees. Sorry, Midge.
Before Jaskier can stop himself, he reaches inside his jacket to get his notebook, because of course he carries that everywhere. You never know when you may get an interesting story, and this proves him right.
"Dybbuk, you said? How do you spell that?" He writes down every detail. "I'll look into it; Geralt may be interested as well. Many a myth from this world do match my world, others not so much. It's been fascinating to learn the differences." He puts his notebook back before returning to his meal. "That said, if you ever change your mind, we offer exorcisms as well." An awkward pause. "Magic exorcisms." As opposed to religious, he means. But he's not about to bring up the r-word, that will only end in disaster. "But effective all the same."
“Aunt Bina’s long dead,” Midge says, “which means that she might now be a dybbuk herself, off possessing someone else.”
Abe nods in agreement and even Rose can’t argue with that. While Abe spells the word for Jaskier, Midge brainstorms about other conversation topics, things that her parents and Jaskier might have in common. There isn’t much. She’ll settle on singing his praises for now.
“Anyway, he and Geralt came right away after I texted him about what was going on at the factory. Geralt does most of the actual fighting, but Jaskier was pretty brave too.” Midge smiles at him. He didn’t hesitate to run in when Geralt got hurt. “Oh, that reminds me! Moishe gave me some dresses for Ciri.”
He laughs at that. "I'll keep an eye out for her grouchy soul, then."
Her compliment makes him genuinely smile, and he can feel his heart getting giddy over it. Jaskier isn't always the bravest, to be fair, Geralt getting hurt just activates the stupidity button. But he's always happy to make a good impression.
The mention of a gift takes him by surprise. "He did? That's-- incredibly kind of him." Does that mean Joel didn't speak ill of Jaskier, or his father didn't take him seriously? Both possible explanations intrigue him. "I'll take them with me tonight, then. Send him my gratitude."
He takes a sip of his wine while wondering how the subject of Ciri came up at all. Midge promised before that she'd talk to the man about it, but he just worries about the Joel context. "That reminds me, I need to go shopping for the wedding. Between gigs, rehearsals, composing, hunts, and the typing classes--" And fucking multiple people, including Midge. "--my days have been busier than usual." An indirect way to show that he's more than a wandering musician. "Have you ladies picked your dresses yet?" he asks Rose and Midge before turning to Abe. "I'm guessing you're sticking to a black suit."
“I will.” Midge interceded on Jaskier’s behalf. Even though he and Geralt got paid, she felt he deserved a little extra. Thankfully, Moishe acquiesced.
Abe looks back at him blankly. “What other color would I wear?”
“Miriam, the next day you’re free we need to go dress shopping,” Rose says.
“Neither of you already have a dress that would be appropriate for this wedding?” Abe asks.
“No.” Both mother and daughter answer in unison.
“I’m still trying to decide which color I should wear, since it’s a summer wedding,” Midge says. “Maybe lilac?”
"Any color you want, sir." The blank stare is better than judgment, so Jaskier will take a chance with it. He remembers a phrase he heard recently. "As they say, it's a free country, after all."
He can't help but snort around his next bite of meat at both Abe's question and the women's answer. Honestly, this man should know better by now.
"How about teal?" He leans back in his chair, swirling the wine in his cup. "To match the waves of the coast - soothing yet strong."
Ok, he has to laugh pretty hard at that. Hopefully it isn't taken the wrong way. "It doesn't have to be a suit like mine at all! It would be curated to adquately match your skin, your age, and your style. Think about it - what a stunning couple you and your beautiful wife would make, dressing as sharply as your mind."
See, Abe, there is a reason why Midge likes this guy. Jaskier can't help but wink at Rose with a grin, hoping she appreciates what he's doing here.
The grin turns into a sweet smile for Midge. "I haven't chosen yet, and all ideas I've been discussing with the band have been for the stage." It seems someone else will be packing a lot. He tilts his head. "Do you want us to match? Light teal dress, dark teal suit?"
Jaskier tenses and looks around, feeling like a fish out of water. He isn't sure what just happened to the conversation.
"...do what? Go to a tailor?" Then Midge asks her question, and it finally sinks in. He can't stop a little fuck under his breath. So much for manners, all the hand gesturing comes out now. "Oh, no- I meant regular clothes, but chosen accordingly? Accessory well, pick fabric colors that go with your skin tone, and a style that fits a certain presence." A little sigh. Real Jaskier has come through, so much for all the effort he's put in tonight. "A child and a middle-aged man shouldn't be buying the same suit. A musician and a professor shouldn't be buying the same suit. Yet I get the feeling that's what all men do here. They just buy a black suit."
The worst part is, he could ask Yennefer for something for himself, maybe for Midge, but definitely not the whole family. So it feels extra weird.
“Oh!” Midge replies. Clearly she and her parents had both misunderstood what Jaskier was suggesting. For Midge, she had assumed that he meant using Yennefer’s magic like they did for the dress she wore home from his house.
She hopes that neither of her parents heard his muttered curse.
“Most men don’t like a lot of vibrant colors in a suit,” Midge says. She and Jaskier have had this conversation before.
Abe nods. “I’ve had tailoring done when I need it but… eh, it’s a lot of hassle, isn’t it?”
“A haute couture suit is very expensive,” Rose adds. “That’s a lot to spend for Leah’s wedding.”
“Miriam still gets her discount at B Altman,” Abe says.
Midge looks at Jaskier. So much for encouraging her parents to make daring fashion choices. Off the rack it will be. Honestly, Midge plans to hopefully find something off the rack as well.
When Midge looks at him, Jaskier mouths sorry at her. He feels like he's put her on the spot.
"This suit is from B Altam," Jaskier clarifies. "Miriam has guided me to learn about the local fashion, and I've found many clothes that fit my tastes." With a bit of whining, Midge probably remembers, but details. "It doesn't have to be vibrant or tailored. Dark red or dark green would fit you well, sir. Copper red would be very academic and fitting for your age."
The conversation has gotten weird and Jaskier doesn't know where he's standing now, which he hates. He's supposed to know how to navigate these situations. At least they don't seem to actually dislike him? So it's something? Better than outright hating him, which is what he expected - but that's because he's been curating what to show.
After emptying his glass (he needs the alcohol now), he smiles at Midge. "I trust your taste, and you know how I dress. Pick the color you want for your dress and I'll match accordingly. Is there something else I should know? I believe you mentioned the whole weekend?"
“Thanks…” says Abe. This conversation has indeed gotten weird. “I… think a black suit is more appropriate for a wedding.”
“It is a summer wedding though,” Rose adds.
Noticing that everyone has finished eating, Midge takes the opportunity to rescue Jaskier. “Jaskier and I will clear the table,” she says, standing up. “We can discuss what other clothing you’ll need for the weekend when we’re in the kitchen.”
After they pick up the plates, the two of them escape to the kitchen. “I thought maybe you needed a minute,” Midge tells him in a low voice before turning on the sink to drown out their conversation.
"The lady is right," Jaskier says to back up Rose. He actually thinks colors are a year long thing, but he'll use any argument available to change Abe's mind.
As soon as Midge mentions clearing the table, Jaskier stands up to help. He can tell what she's secretly doing, but he would've helped anyway. It's what he does when Geralt cooks at home.
The kitchen door is closed, he notices. So as soon as their arms are free of plates, Jaskier wraps his around Midge and buries his face in her neck.
"Indeed I did. Thank you, darling." He takes a second to take in her perfume. "I didn't get you in trouble, did I?"
Jaskier clings to that kiss for a second, and pulling back is incredibly hard. He just wants to drag her to the couch and cuddle. He hadn't been kidding about how busy his days have become.
"I don't even know anymore," he answers with a chuckle when she asks about what. "Ah, but you expected them to get suspicious, right? And we're doing so well denying it by hiding in the kitchen. Alone." His tone is teasing, and before he can stop himself, he kisses her again. "Missed you."
“Yeah. Maybe not so subtle.” She can’t really bring herself to care. “I missed you too.” After another kiss, she extricates herself from his arms and starts to rinse the plates.
“We can use this time to come up with some topics that might lead to good conversation with my parents. You’re an intellectual.” Of sorts. “What are some topics that interest you?”
He whimpers when she leaves his arms, but he can't blame her. Gosh, the urge to kidnap her is getting stronger. After taking off his jacket, he rolls up his sleeves and grabs a towel to dry the dishes that she rinses.
It reminds him of dinners at home, and he realizes this is... kinda domestic. The thought hits him like a truck, and he almost panics. Thankfully, Midge has a topic of conversation, and it allows his mind to get distracted.
He chuckles when she calls him an intellectual. "There are many a topic I like, but I'm worried that if we get engaged in philosophical debate, it may turn into an argument. As intellectual debates often end up." He thinks about it for a second. "I'll ask him about the piano. Since I don't know the instrument well, yet, I can't get angry at what he says about it." Jaskier winks. "And he seemed to like the lute. What did you think of the song, anyway? It was one of Leah's requests."
Midge would probably allow herself to be kidnapped by him without much protest. She’ll come up with whatever excuses she has to.
“The piano’s a good topic,” she replies with a nod. “Do you know much about classical composers in this world? Honestly, if you don’t, you could just let Papa tell you about them, because he will.
The song you played was good. I guess Leah is going more traditional than I thought.”
"I've been listening to a few of them, I just haven't learned the details yet." He hums a bit of Ode to Joy. "That's actually an excellent idea - it's a topic I want to learn about anyway, so it's a win-win. Such a smart lady." He kisses Midge's cheek.
"I wouldn't call the party completely traditional. She asked for two specific songs for two specific moments. There's-- a dance in a circle? I forgot the name, but I swear I wrote it all down," he quickly adds. He doesn't want to seem like he isn't taking this seriously. "And another one for men dancing for the bride. Outside of those two, she wants regular music to dance to. Nothing dirty, however, so I won't be able to seduce you from the stage." He's teasing. "From what she told me, the actual ceremony will be more traditional, but I'll only be playing during the party. So I can sit with you and we can criticize all the suits together."
“Of course I am,” Midge says with a little smile. That settled, they can talk about the wedding for a bit.
“Hava Nagila,” she tells him. “I’m sure you’ll still try to seduce me from the stage. Most of the suits you’re going to see will be black. Probably 95%.” Midge hands him another plate. “Dark teal will stand out, but I think it would look very nice on you. It’ll bring out your eyes.”
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She grins at Jaskier’s reaction to her brisket. “Just invite me over to make it for you,” she tells him.
Abe and Rose glance at each other. They’re not buying the ‘friends’ story, but they won’t press for now. It’s obvious to them that Midge and Jaskier’s relationship is heading for something more than friendship. They know their daughter well enough.
“What sort of monsters do you usually hunt?” Abe asks. For what it’s worth, neither of her parents looks disturbed, though Rose makes a face at the words monster parts.
“Wrinkle cream?” Rose asks.
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"I'm afraid we aren't doing creams yet, just potions - however, we do offer things for the ladies too. Our potions for period cramps and menopause pain are much more effective than those pills they sell here. And our birth control potion doesn't mess with a woman's hormones."
Jaskier takes another bite of his meat to make sure he doesn't look at Midge when he says that, but he can't help grinning a little. He then turns to Abe.
"All kinds of monsters! If they exist, we may take care of them! Giant spiders, werewolves, ghouls, wyverns, there's nothing Geralt can't stop. We found a kraken in that big lake in the north, that one was quite a mess to clean. The locals insisted they wanted to cook the tentacles as if it was octopus." He wrinkles his nose.
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“All of those things are here?” Abe asks. “I’ve never seen any of them. Have you ever heard of a dybbuk?”
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"I believe they've been arriving with otherworlders, so it makes sense that locals may not have seen them before." He tilts his head at Abe with genuine curiosity. "I have not, but my ears will always be itching for a good story. Care to share?"
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“It’s a demon from Jewish folklore,” Abe explains. “I had an aunt possessed by a dybbuk.”
Rose groans and Midge rolls her eyes. “Papa, not the Aunt Bina story again.”
“Miriam, you know that I am not a man who subscribes to most folklore,” Abe continues, “but that woman hated everyone.”
“She did used to scare me as a kid,” Midge admits.
“Until the day she died - may her memory be a blessing - I came this close to asking the rabbi to perform an exorcism on her. Even if she wasn’t possessed maybe it would have at least improved her attitude.”
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Before Jaskier can stop himself, he reaches inside his jacket to get his notebook, because of course he carries that everywhere. You never know when you may get an interesting story, and this proves him right.
"Dybbuk, you said? How do you spell that?" He writes down every detail. "I'll look into it; Geralt may be interested as well. Many a myth from this world do match my world, others not so much. It's been fascinating to learn the differences." He puts his notebook back before returning to his meal. "That said, if you ever change your mind, we offer exorcisms as well." An awkward pause. "Magic exorcisms." As opposed to religious, he means. But he's not about to bring up the r-word, that will only end in disaster. "But effective all the same."
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Abe nods in agreement and even Rose can’t argue with that. While Abe spells the word for Jaskier, Midge brainstorms about other conversation topics, things that her parents and Jaskier might have in common. There isn’t much. She’ll settle on singing his praises for now.
“Anyway, he and Geralt came right away after I texted him about what was going on at the factory. Geralt does most of the actual fighting, but Jaskier was pretty brave too.” Midge smiles at him. He didn’t hesitate to run in when Geralt got hurt. “Oh, that reminds me! Moishe gave me some dresses for Ciri.”
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Her compliment makes him genuinely smile, and he can feel his heart getting giddy over it. Jaskier isn't always the bravest, to be fair, Geralt getting hurt just activates the stupidity button. But he's always happy to make a good impression.
The mention of a gift takes him by surprise. "He did? That's-- incredibly kind of him." Does that mean Joel didn't speak ill of Jaskier, or his father didn't take him seriously? Both possible explanations intrigue him. "I'll take them with me tonight, then. Send him my gratitude."
He takes a sip of his wine while wondering how the subject of Ciri came up at all. Midge promised before that she'd talk to the man about it, but he just worries about the Joel context. "That reminds me, I need to go shopping for the wedding. Between gigs, rehearsals, composing, hunts, and the typing classes--" And fucking multiple people, including Midge. "--my days have been busier than usual." An indirect way to show that he's more than a wandering musician. "Have you ladies picked your dresses yet?" he asks Rose and Midge before turning to Abe. "I'm guessing you're sticking to a black suit."
As boring as math.
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Abe looks back at him blankly. “What other color would I wear?”
“Miriam, the next day you’re free we need to go dress shopping,” Rose says.
“Neither of you already have a dress that would be appropriate for this wedding?” Abe asks.
“No.” Both mother and daughter answer in unison.
“I’m still trying to decide which color I should wear, since it’s a summer wedding,” Midge says. “Maybe lilac?”
“No, dear,” Rose replies. “It washes you out.”
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He can't help but snort around his next bite of meat at both Abe's question and the women's answer. Honestly, this man should know better by now.
"How about teal?" He leans back in his chair, swirling the wine in his cup. "To match the waves of the coast - soothing yet strong."
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Midge can’t help but laugh lightly at Jaskier’s use of the ‘free country’ phrase. He’s officially an American.
“That’s an idea.” She grins at him. “What color are you wearing?”
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See, Abe, there is a reason why Midge likes this guy. Jaskier can't help but wink at Rose with a grin, hoping she appreciates what he's doing here.
The grin turns into a sweet smile for Midge. "I haven't chosen yet, and all ideas I've been discussing with the band have been for the stage." It seems someone else will be packing a lot. He tilts his head. "Do you want us to match? Light teal dress, dark teal suit?"
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“I’d like that,” Midge replies. “I guess you’re suggesting garments made with magic?”
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"...do what? Go to a tailor?" Then Midge asks her question, and it finally sinks in. He can't stop a little fuck under his breath. So much for manners, all the hand gesturing comes out now. "Oh, no- I meant regular clothes, but chosen accordingly? Accessory well, pick fabric colors that go with your skin tone, and a style that fits a certain presence." A little sigh. Real Jaskier has come through, so much for all the effort he's put in tonight. "A child and a middle-aged man shouldn't be buying the same suit. A musician and a professor shouldn't be buying the same suit. Yet I get the feeling that's what all men do here. They just buy a black suit."
The worst part is, he could ask Yennefer for something for himself, maybe for Midge, but definitely not the whole family. So it feels extra weird.
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She hopes that neither of her parents heard his muttered curse.
“Most men don’t like a lot of vibrant colors in a suit,” Midge says. She and Jaskier have had this conversation before.
Abe nods. “I’ve had tailoring done when I need it but… eh, it’s a lot of hassle, isn’t it?”
“A haute couture suit is very expensive,” Rose adds. “That’s a lot to spend for Leah’s wedding.”
“Miriam still gets her discount at B Altman,” Abe says.
Midge looks at Jaskier. So much for encouraging her parents to make daring fashion choices. Off the rack it will be. Honestly, Midge plans to hopefully find something off the rack as well.
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"This suit is from B Altam," Jaskier clarifies. "Miriam has guided me to learn about the local fashion, and I've found many clothes that fit my tastes." With a bit of whining, Midge probably remembers, but details. "It doesn't have to be vibrant or tailored. Dark red or dark green would fit you well, sir. Copper red would be very academic and fitting for your age."
The conversation has gotten weird and Jaskier doesn't know where he's standing now, which he hates. He's supposed to know how to navigate these situations. At least they don't seem to actually dislike him? So it's something? Better than outright hating him, which is what he expected - but that's because he's been curating what to show.
After emptying his glass (he needs the alcohol now), he smiles at Midge. "I trust your taste, and you know how I dress. Pick the color you want for your dress and I'll match accordingly. Is there something else I should know? I believe you mentioned the whole weekend?"
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“It is a summer wedding though,” Rose adds.
Noticing that everyone has finished eating, Midge takes the opportunity to rescue Jaskier. “Jaskier and I will clear the table,” she says, standing up. “We can discuss what other clothing you’ll need for the weekend when we’re in the kitchen.”
After they pick up the plates, the two of them escape to the kitchen. “I thought maybe you needed a minute,” Midge tells him in a low voice before turning on the sink to drown out their conversation.
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As soon as Midge mentions clearing the table, Jaskier stands up to help. He can tell what she's secretly doing, but he would've helped anyway. It's what he does when Geralt cooks at home.
The kitchen door is closed, he notices. So as soon as their arms are free of plates, Jaskier wraps his around Midge and buries his face in her neck.
"Indeed I did. Thank you, darling." He takes a second to take in her perfume. "I didn't get you in trouble, did I?"
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“No,” she replies. “About what? I don’t think they hate you, Jaskier, though I’m sure they suspect that we’re more than friends.”
The two of them can’t hide their obvious affection for each other.
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"I don't even know anymore," he answers with a chuckle when she asks about what. "Ah, but you expected them to get suspicious, right? And we're doing so well denying it by hiding in the kitchen. Alone." His tone is teasing, and before he can stop himself, he kisses her again. "Missed you."
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“We can use this time to come up with some topics that might lead to good conversation with my parents. You’re an intellectual.” Of sorts. “What are some topics that interest you?”
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It reminds him of dinners at home, and he realizes this is... kinda domestic. The thought hits him like a truck, and he almost panics. Thankfully, Midge has a topic of conversation, and it allows his mind to get distracted.
He chuckles when she calls him an intellectual. "There are many a topic I like, but I'm worried that if we get engaged in philosophical debate, it may turn into an argument. As intellectual debates often end up." He thinks about it for a second. "I'll ask him about the piano. Since I don't know the instrument well, yet, I can't get angry at what he says about it." Jaskier winks. "And he seemed to like the lute. What did you think of the song, anyway? It was one of Leah's requests."
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“The piano’s a good topic,” she replies with a nod. “Do you know much about classical composers in this world? Honestly, if you don’t, you could just let Papa tell you about them, because he will.
The song you played was good. I guess Leah is going more traditional than I thought.”
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"I wouldn't call the party completely traditional. She asked for two specific songs for two specific moments. There's-- a dance in a circle? I forgot the name, but I swear I wrote it all down," he quickly adds. He doesn't want to seem like he isn't taking this seriously. "And another one for men dancing for the bride. Outside of those two, she wants regular music to dance to. Nothing dirty, however, so I won't be able to seduce you from the stage." He's teasing. "From what she told me, the actual ceremony will be more traditional, but I'll only be playing during the party. So I can sit with you and we can criticize all the suits together."
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“Hava Nagila,” she tells him. “I’m sure you’ll still try to seduce me from the stage. Most of the suits you’re going to see will be black. Probably 95%.” Midge hands him another plate. “Dark teal will stand out, but I think it would look very nice on you. It’ll bring out your eyes.”
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who could've guessed Rose and Geralt would give the same advice lol
they’re smart
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Midge should hear it all from her room lmao
yes