“I like her,” Midge replies, cocking her head towards Perdita.
She helps him pick up and organize the papers, but lets Jaskier or one of the band members decide its fate. All the revisions are part of the creative process; she’s scrapped and rewritten sets several times over.
Midge happily greets all of the band members. “You sound great. I’m sure Leah’s going to love you guys.” Bitch that she is.
“I liked it,” she tells Jaskier. “You’re trying for a more contemporary sound, I see.”
Perdita beams when Midge says she likes her, and keeps working with a big grin on her face.
The band thanks her for the compliment, explaining how hard it was to find their sound but also how happy they are that they finally have it. Jaskier gets even bouncier at Midge's words, if that's possible.
"Yes!" he exclaims with lots of excited hand gestures. "We'll do covers for the radio and all, but-- fuck, Midge, it feels so fucking good to finally have a local style that I like and can compose to. And I owe it to them." Everyone except Dick goes awww at his comment. "You want to hear more? We really need to practice with an audience." The band actually agrees with that. "Go, go, take a seat, let us serenade you." After kissing Midge's cheek again, he cries out-- "PERDITA! A MARTINI FOR THE LADY!" before running back to the stage.
This time, Jaskier doesn't sit on the box, he stands in front of the stage with his guitar by the microphone stand, which still has his jacket on it. The song is upbeat but still very romantic, and Jaskier looks at Midge while he sings the whole thing, adoration clear in his blue eyes.
Usually, Jaskier makes love to his whole audience, but now Midge is the only one so she gets all his attention. Or that's the excuse he tells himself anyway.
Midge sits down at a table near the stage, looking up at Jaskier and the rest of the band. Maybe she shouldn’t be taking the words that he’s singing so literally, but it’s hard not to when he’s looking right at her. She’s so entranced that she doesn’t even notice when Perdita puts the martini down on the table in front of her.
The song ends and Midge claps for the band. “You guys sound great,” she says before taking a sip of her martini.
Midge feels flushed. Despite all of the other people in the room, the way that Jaskier sang that felt very intimate.
The band thanks her for the compliment, and so does Jaskier. He's grinning from ear to ear and he can't stop looking at her. It really did feel like a very nice serenade for just the two of them, and his heart is beating pretty fast.
"If you're gonna fuck, at least take her backstage," Dick says from behind the drums. None of them is shy, but everyone still turns to him to scold him for ruining the moment.
"We can't even do dirty songs," Molly complains.
Jaskier turns to Midge again, nodding. "Leah told me to keep it clean. Which is fucking ironic considering she was getting her panties wet just by thinking about elves." Molly laughs while the twins complain at Jaskier. "What, I thought the moment was already ruined!"
"Do you think your family will catch on to metaphors?" Molly asks Midge before playing a few notes on her sax.
Jaskier immediately recognizes the song and chuckles before singing: "♫ I'll take you to the candy shop / I'll let you lick the lollipop / Go ahead, don't you stop / Keep going until you hit the spot ♫"
Midge bursts out laughing at Dick’s comment, though she also turns red.
“Yeah, Jaskier,” she says. “At least buy me dinner first.”
She shrugs and nods. “It’s a wedding. Nobody really wants dirty songs at a wedding. I see you went for Elven minors in the band so that Leah won’t be tempted.” Speaking of being tempted, Midge can’t wait to make jokes about her cousin apparently wanting to fuck Elves.
There’s another laugh at the lyrics to that song. “I feel like the metaphors there are not very subtle.”
Midge is so cute when she blushes; it makes Dick's comment worth it. She's right about the metaphors of the song not being subtle, and Molly and Jaskier are only joking around. They'd love to continue teasing her with dirty lyrics, but now their attention is on something else.
The entire band laughs when Midge calls the elves minors.
"Alright, everyone!" Jaskier announces with open arms. "Time to play 'how old are these fuckers'! Midge!" He points at her. "We'll give you a second chance, and if you do well, I may let you play with Perdita, too. How old are the twins?" He tilts his head as his hands rest on his hips, grinning in anticipation.
The band laughs again while Jaskier's face softens.
"Oh, darling... I feel like I'm torturing you now." After seeing some fantasy books in the library, he thought some myths would be better known. Obviously, he was wrong.
Jaskier puts down his guitar and jumps off the stage to move behind Midge, leaning over her shoulder as he points at the twins. "153 - that's the equivalent of a college student in human years." Then he points at Perdita, who is going to the front door to finally open the bar. "82 - she's a young adult in her culture. Like you." He kisses Midge's cheek as an apology. "Geralt is a little over 100, too. I just realized I never told you that."
“Jeez,” she replies. “Well, they look too young for Leah to lust over, but maybe she knows more about the lives of Elves than I do.” She takes another sip of her martini. “Geralt looks good for his age.”
Midge turns her eyes up to him. “And you, plain old human? I think you said 42, right?”
The band leaves the stage to make their way to the reception, since none of them signed the book. However, they still let out a big oooooh with clear amusement when they hear Midge's comment. The reason soon becomes obvious: Jaskier is gasping and stepping back with a hand on his chest.
"Plain?! Plain, she called me plain! Oh, my vicious lady, what have I done for you to insult me so?" At least, he doesn't sound offended. Just dramatic. "Is my age such a deterrent?" So she got that number right, and under the dramatics, Jaskier is glad.
She grins slyly at his reaction. “How insulting of me. I’m so sorry. In comparison with the Elves and dwarfs and witchers though, we both seem pretty plain.”
Taking her drink and her purse with her, Midge stands up from the table.
“Your age isn’t a deterrent at all,” she continues, “because you don’t look your age either.”
"I don't think you're plain at all. With pointy ears, you could pass off for an elf." He shakes his head in fake disappointment. "Tsk, tsk, such comparisons. You're thinking about Geralt's dick again, aren't you?"
The silly grin turns into a more sincere smile when she says he doesn't mind his age. He already knew this, but it's still nice to hear. Jaskier makes an exaggerated gesture to confirm they're alone and leans in to kiss her softly on the lips.
"Had to check. No deterrent at all indeed." He winks. "Missed you. Thanks for coming, truly. It's great having you here."
She laughs at that image. “I’m far too short to be an elf,” she replies. “They’re all… tall and willowy and blonde. Like Swedish people.” Her eyebrows go up again. “I think you’re the one thinking about Geralt’s dick.”
Midge wraps her arms around him and returns the kiss. She doesn’t mind the PDA as much in a place like this, as long as he’s okay with it.
“I missed you too. And when I said you didn’t look your age, I meant that you actually look 52 and that I have a thing for much older men.”
Willowy makes him laugh. "Mayhaps you're half elf, half dwarf. We just need to get you a beard." Jaskier likes to tease Midge about Geralt because he knows she thinks the witcher's attractive, but it isn't as fun when it hits too close to home, even if he doesn't think about that dick nowadays. Luckily, he has an honest answer to throw back. "I'm actually still thinking about the whole Goldilocks thing."
It's always at the back of his mind, even if it had been a silly joke. There's something special about being just right for someone.
PDA is always welcome in Jaskier's book, he's just more careful about it with Midge since she isn't as open about their relationship. He lets her choose where to express it.
"Ah, of course." He tries for a serious nod, but he's laughing. "You want those centuries - like your cousin." He hears some noises in the kitchen - it seems the cook and the waiters have arrived. "Things are getting started, so I should sign the book, too. Walk with me?" He offers his arm.
“Do you think I’d look cute with a beard?” Midge asks. “I could always stop waxing. Yes, you and your Goldilocks cock.”
Just right for her. It’s not lost on Midge that Jaskier is just right for her in a lot of ways, even if he isn’t Jewish. She’s feeling warm and loving tonight after his sweet serenade. Chances are, she’ll be touching him a lot.
Putting her hand on his arm, she accompanies him to sign Perdita’s guest book. “I’ll probably try to find a quiet corner to do some writing. What are you planning to do tonight?”
"You look cute in everything." He frowns a little bit in confusion. "What have you been waxing, exactly? Your shoes?" Yeah, he hasn't caught up to that part of female 'cosmetics' yet.
She'd better touch him a lot! He promised he wouldn't pick up anyone in front of her, and he plans to keep that promise. So being around so many creative, pretty people tonight? She'll be his outlet. He surprises himself by not minding that too much, she's always been great at keeping up with his affection.
"I don't make real plans, honestly. I like being spontaneous, seeing who comes and how they inspire me. Jump from table to table, mingle a little. Hear stories. We'll jam with some other musicians for sure - hopefully, a few dancers will attend too. But I do like the idea of cuddling with you on a booth and writing together. Would you like that?"
Once the last band member is done singing, Jaskier writes a little poem of his own and signs his name with a little buttercup doodle next to it.
“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.”
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She helps him pick up and organize the papers, but lets Jaskier or one of the band members decide its fate. All the revisions are part of the creative process; she’s scrapped and rewritten sets several times over.
Midge happily greets all of the band members. “You sound great. I’m sure Leah’s going to love you guys.” Bitch that she is.
“I liked it,” she tells Jaskier. “You’re trying for a more contemporary sound, I see.”
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The band thanks her for the compliment, explaining how hard it was to find their sound but also how happy they are that they finally have it. Jaskier gets even bouncier at Midge's words, if that's possible.
"Yes!" he exclaims with lots of excited hand gestures. "We'll do covers for the radio and all, but-- fuck, Midge, it feels so fucking good to finally have a local style that I like and can compose to. And I owe it to them." Everyone except Dick goes awww at his comment. "You want to hear more? We really need to practice with an audience." The band actually agrees with that. "Go, go, take a seat, let us serenade you." After kissing Midge's cheek again, he cries out-- "PERDITA! A MARTINI FOR THE LADY!" before running back to the stage.
This time, Jaskier doesn't sit on the box, he stands in front of the stage with his guitar by the microphone stand, which still has his jacket on it. The song is upbeat but still very romantic, and Jaskier looks at Midge while he sings the whole thing, adoration clear in his blue eyes.
Usually, Jaskier makes love to his whole audience, but now Midge is the only one so she gets all his attention. Or that's the excuse he tells himself anyway.
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The song ends and Midge claps for the band. “You guys sound great,” she says before taking a sip of her martini.
Midge feels flushed. Despite all of the other people in the room, the way that Jaskier sang that felt very intimate.
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"If you're gonna fuck, at least take her backstage," Dick says from behind the drums. None of them is shy, but everyone still turns to him to scold him for ruining the moment.
"We can't even do dirty songs," Molly complains.
Jaskier turns to Midge again, nodding. "Leah told me to keep it clean. Which is fucking ironic considering she was getting her panties wet just by thinking about elves." Molly laughs while the twins complain at Jaskier. "What, I thought the moment was already ruined!"
"Do you think your family will catch on to metaphors?" Molly asks Midge before playing a few notes on her sax.
Jaskier immediately recognizes the song and chuckles before singing: "♫ I'll take you to the candy shop / I'll let you lick the lollipop / Go ahead, don't you stop / Keep going until you hit the spot ♫"
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“Yeah, Jaskier,” she says. “At least buy me dinner first.”
She shrugs and nods. “It’s a wedding. Nobody really wants dirty songs at a wedding. I see you went for Elven minors in the band so that Leah won’t be tempted.” Speaking of being tempted, Midge can’t wait to make jokes about her cousin apparently wanting to fuck Elves.
There’s another laugh at the lyrics to that song. “I feel like the metaphors there are not very subtle.”
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The entire band laughs when Midge calls the elves minors.
"Alright, everyone!" Jaskier announces with open arms. "Time to play 'how old are these fuckers'! Midge!" He points at her. "We'll give you a second chance, and if you do well, I may let you play with Perdita, too. How old are the twins?" He tilts his head as his hands rest on his hips, grinning in anticipation.
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“Just by looking at them I would say 14, but I guess I’m way off.” She sighs. This is going to be a complete stab in the dark. “35?”
She knows nothing about Elves.
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"Oh, darling... I feel like I'm torturing you now." After seeing some fantasy books in the library, he thought some myths would be better known. Obviously, he was wrong.
Jaskier puts down his guitar and jumps off the stage to move behind Midge, leaning over her shoulder as he points at the twins. "153 - that's the equivalent of a college student in human years." Then he points at Perdita, who is going to the front door to finally open the bar. "82 - she's a young adult in her culture. Like you." He kisses Midge's cheek as an apology. "Geralt is a little over 100, too. I just realized I never told you that."
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Midge turns her eyes up to him. “And you, plain old human? I think you said 42, right?”
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"Plain?! Plain, she called me plain! Oh, my vicious lady, what have I done for you to insult me so?" At least, he doesn't sound offended. Just dramatic. "Is my age such a deterrent?" So she got that number right, and under the dramatics, Jaskier is glad.
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Taking her drink and her purse with her, Midge stands up from the table.
“Your age isn’t a deterrent at all,” she continues, “because you don’t look your age either.”
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The silly grin turns into a more sincere smile when she says he doesn't mind his age. He already knew this, but it's still nice to hear. Jaskier makes an exaggerated gesture to confirm they're alone and leans in to kiss her softly on the lips.
"Had to check. No deterrent at all indeed." He winks. "Missed you. Thanks for coming, truly. It's great having you here."
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Midge wraps her arms around him and returns the kiss. She doesn’t mind the PDA as much in a place like this, as long as he’s okay with it.
“I missed you too. And when I said you didn’t look your age, I meant that you actually look 52 and that I have a thing for much older men.”
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It's always at the back of his mind, even if it had been a silly joke. There's something special about being just right for someone.
PDA is always welcome in Jaskier's book, he's just more careful about it with Midge since she isn't as open about their relationship. He lets her choose where to express it.
"Ah, of course." He tries for a serious nod, but he's laughing. "You want those centuries - like your cousin." He hears some noises in the kitchen - it seems the cook and the waiters have arrived. "Things are getting started, so I should sign the book, too. Walk with me?" He offers his arm.
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Just right for her. It’s not lost on Midge that Jaskier is just right for her in a lot of ways, even if he isn’t Jewish. She’s feeling warm and loving tonight after his sweet serenade. Chances are, she’ll be touching him a lot.
Putting her hand on his arm, she accompanies him to sign Perdita’s guest book. “I’ll probably try to find a quiet corner to do some writing. What are you planning to do tonight?”
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She'd better touch him a lot! He promised he wouldn't pick up anyone in front of her, and he plans to keep that promise. So being around so many creative, pretty people tonight? She'll be his outlet. He surprises himself by not minding that too much, she's always been great at keeping up with his affection.
"I don't make real plans, honestly. I like being spontaneous, seeing who comes and how they inspire me. Jump from table to table, mingle a little. Hear stories. We'll jam with some other musicians for sure - hopefully, a few dancers will attend too. But I do like the idea of cuddling with you on a booth and writing together. Would you like that?"
Once the last band member is done singing, Jaskier writes a little poem of his own and signs his name with a little buttercup doodle next to it.
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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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Again apologies for probably a horrible portrayal on my part lol
no worries at all, I'm just popcorning at all this
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