Who: Dream and Jonathon What: A tour and a chat When: After Christmas Where: Around Madison and then Madison Valley Coffee and Tea Co. Rating: Low Status: Closed; Completed Gdoc
Indeed, it had been a fascinating day for Dream. Jonathon had escorted him around Madison Valley, introducing him to some of his favorite places in the small town. At each stop, Dream had listened to Jonathon’s explanation, including any information about the location and why he liked it in town. Despite disliking Madison Valley, Dream found the experience piqued his curiosity and that, by the end of it, he’d learned something about his new “home.”
The two had come full circle so to speak and found themselves back at Madison Valley Coffee and Tea Co. As customers entered and exited the building, Dream would smell the scent of brewing coffee and baked goods. He briefly watched the interaction for a moment, idly wondering if he could ever be mundane like that, before turning his steely gaze on Jonathon once more.
“Thank you for escorting me around town today and introducing me to your favorite places here,” Dream replied in his normal, deep, raspy voice. “I have learned much and I have much to think about as well.”
In truth there weren't a lot of places in Madison that Jonathon would call his favorite besides a couple, but there were a handful of places he liked, so he shared those with Dream. Their first stop had been the animal shelter. It was his favorite place in the town. He'd often stop by and play with the puppies, dog. cats and kittens and the folks who ran it were really nice. They'd stopped the florist, movie theater, Homebrew, the ice rink and The Holodeck. All places he'd been and enjoyed. Along the way he pointed out more "normal" businesses to let the other know where he could get the usual services and supplies. And he couldn't not show him the club and music store he worked at as well.
All in all it was a good time. It was nice to get out in the fresh air and maybe the outing would help him view Madison Valley a little bit more as home. Though it would truly never be home.
"You're welcome," Jonathon smiled. "I hope you enjoyed it and learned a little about this place." He recalled how unsettled he felt when he'd first arrived. More so because he'd had no one here. He was glad Dream had his sister. It would help. "I know you don't need food or drink, but would you like to go to sit for a bit and talk? I could use some warming up," he grinned. He had no idea if Dream had other plans, but it was fine if he did.
The places Jonathon showed Dream were new to him. Many such establishments Dream had only read about in stories, but never witnessed in life. He appreciated the other man also showing him where he received his supplies and services. Such places would prove useful to Dream and his sister in the coming months of their stay in Madison Valley…and maybe longer. After visiting the club, he felt as if he might be able to go see Jonathon play there as well. He wasn’t a fan of being in close quarters with many people, but it was a comfortable atmosphere and Dream enjoyed music even if he didn’t play himself.
Yes, it was a good time, but Dream was unsure if this place could ever truly be home. As wonderful as some of the places were here, it could never be the Dreaming. Dream nodded. “I did. I will speak with my sister about what I have seen today.” Perhaps his sister and himself could explore together. He knew Death enjoyed a walk and the possibility of indulging in human fare when she could. “I do not have other plans at the moment. It is true that I do not require human food or drink, but I could speak with you for a little while.” Dream didn’t expect the additional invitation, but perhaps it would prove a learning opportunity and Dream knew he had to learn as much about this place and the people as possible.
Jonathon just smiled and nodded before heading into the shop. It really was nice to get out especially since...well, it was just nice. Warmth washed over him when they stepped inside and felt so good. He chose a table and took off his scarf and coat, draping them over the back of his chair. "I'm going to go order me a hot chocolate. I'll be right back." The place wasn't that busy so it wasn't long before he was back and sitting across from Dream.
"Do you like horses? They have stables here. One of these days I'm going to see if riding a horse is like riding a bike." The whole you never forget thing. Growing up they'd had neighbors who had horses and there he'd learned how to ride one thanks to his friend Adam, but hadn't been on one since his late teens. He gave his cocoa a stir and brought it to his mouth, but one small touch to his lip told him it was still too hot.
"Did you end up doing anything for Christmas with your sister?" Jonathon was sure he already knew the answer, but was curious. "What did you think of the cookies?" To be honest he was truly interested in what someone who'd never had cookies thought of them.
Dream fell into step beside Jonathon. The two entered the shop and despite the winter chill in the air, found a table quickly. While Jonathon took off his scarf and coat, draping them over the back of his chair, Dream remained in his own black leather duster. Changes in temperature did not affect the Endless. He nodded when Jonathon said he was going to order a hot chocolate. Dream settled in the seat across from the one that would be Jonathon’s and folded his hands on the table, gray eyes taking in the faces of those that occupied the space while he inhaled the scent of coffee beans and sweets.
It didn’t take long for Jonathon to return and settle into the seat across from Dream. His hot chocolate smelled sweet and delicious even if Dream had no desire for human fare. The Endless briefly considered the question. For the most part, animals didn’t tend to have too much of a problem with Dream. Though, he always had a preference for ravens.
“I do not mind them. Though, it has been sometime since I have had a need to exercise my riding skill,” Dream replied, watching as Jonathon raised the cup to his lips for a sip and then changed his mind. No doubt because it was hot. “I teleport everywhere.”
No, Dream had done nothing for Christmas. Endless didn’t celebrate holidays. Still, he indulged Jonathon’s curiosity all the same. “I did not celebrate, but I did try your cookies.” Because Dream felt that Jonathon’s kindness deserved repayment and it was a gift. Even Dream knew that to not try the cookies was a sign of disrespect. “I found them delicious.” He’d polished off two of them which was more food than Dream normally consumed in any given moment of his existence.
“Same, but I love horses. They’re beautiful and kind animals. Or at least the ones I’ve encountered.” His thoughts went to his youth and lingered a few moments, but he quickly pushed those thoughts away. It made him sad to think of his family and the fear that he may never see them again. The dreams he’d been given helped and he would always be grateful for them, but they couldn’t banish that fear.
He tried taking another sip of his drink and was able to drink a couple small ones. He loved homemade hot chocolate. Jonathon wasn’t sure why, but there was a slight sadness in knowing that Dream had not celebrated the holiday. Of course there were many people who didn’t, but still the feeling was there. His face lit up at the mention of the cookies. There were still many leftover from their baking. “I’m glad you liked them. If you’d ever like more you need only ask.” Not that he thought the other would, but he wanted to put it out there.
“They are exceptionally smart, graceful, and, as you said, beautiful.” Even if he didn’t ride often, Dream could appreciate their positive attributes and beauty as he could appreciate those of the raven.
Though Dream tended to be oblivious when it came to human emotions and feelings, he did notice the brief flicker of sadness in Jonathon’s eyes. It oddly tugged at his heart. Perhaps because Jonathon was being kind to him. The man had shown him no malice, no hatred, and showed him around his new “home.” He’d been generous and Dream rarely associated such a trait with humanity. Jonathan deserved Dream’s empathy. As much as Dream was capable of offering anyway.
“When I locate a way to leave Madison Valley, I will take you with me. Back to your home.” Dream didn’t know why he said it. Jonathan could be upset about anything, yet Dream felt it was not something as trivial as his hot chocolate being too hot to sip. He wanted to help. Change. It scared him, but he was changing. Even if he wished it not to be so. Offering something so generous was proof of that.
Dream found himself strangely pleased when Jonathon’s face lit up, the sadness extinguished from his gaze once more. “Perhaps once we finish the others,” he offered. His sister enjoyed human food and Dream liked to make Death happy even if happiness was not something he ever could truly grasp himself.
There were no words to be found when Dream spoke of taking him with him when he located a way to leave Madison Valley. The thought of home was bittersweet. He tended not to dwell on such a thought because it felt so hopeless especially after having been there for over nine months. Even more so because he'd learned there were those who had been in Madison for many years. It all made his heart squeeze and he swallowed thickly. "I know you would and I appreciate that." It wasn't even that Jonathon found the statement strange or any such thing. Quite the opposite. He fully believed the other and more importantly believed him to be a man of his word.
"The offer will always be there. And if you ever want to try any other food or beverage let me know and I'll make it for you or if it's something I can't or don't know how to make I'll take you somewhere you can try it." It was the least Jonathon could do for a new friend who had been so kind to him. He drank more of his hot chocolate which by now was much easier to do so. "Can I ask you a personal question? You of course don't have to answer if you don't want to." As he was still getting to know Dream he didn't know his boundaries or what he would or wouldn't consider a personal question. "What do you do with your time since you don't need sleep? Ever since we met and I learned that about you I've found myself wondering what I would do if I didn't need sleep and how my life might be different."
The Endless could hear the emotion in the other man’s voice and he simply offered a nod in return. He was capable of cruelty; his past was littered with examples. Yet, when he gave his word, he kept it. If he ever succeeded in finding a way home for himself and his siblings, he would take Jonathon with him.
Again, the man’s generosity astounded Dream. His kindness was unlike anything the Endless had ever experienced. “Thank you,” he replied simply. He was unsure if he would ever take Jonathon up on such a kindness, but it was something he would remember all the same. Then again, he was changing too. Maybe human food would become more to his liking, especially if he ended up trapped here for so much longer.
No, Dream refused to think that himself and his sister would be struck in Madison Valley forever. They would find a way out. They had to.
Jonathon’s words pulled him from his depressing thoughts and Dream considered his question.
“I read mostly. Walk,” Dream finally answered. However, the last part of Jonathon’s statement played over in his mind and he cupped his chin between his two fingers, studying the other man a moment.
“Would you like that experience?” He inquired.
“You’re welcome. You just have to ask. Sometimes I think that’s very hard for people to do and not just when it comes to help.” His own kindness was not to be mistaken for weakness. Jonathon knew how to take care of himself, knew how to defend himself and those he cared about. Kindness was something the world desperately needed more of.
A small smile played over his lips as Jonathon stared at him. He wondered what Dreamr was thinking, but that didn’t last long. “You can do that?” He asked in awe, the words tumbling right out of his mouth without any thought. They were quickly followed by a number of rapid fire questions that shot through his mind. “Would there be side effects to a human doing something like that? I won’t keel over afterwards or feel the need to sleep for three days straight would I?” It was fascinating to think about and contemplate. Those were his main concerns. Also, was it something Dream would want payment for. As interesting as it might be he couldn’t really afford to pay for it after the money he’d already given him, his donation to the animal shelter and Christmas having just passed. If that was the case he’d politely decline and hold no ill will toward the other.
“I am not well versed in humanity by any means, but I do think you’re right.” Regardless of the situation, people did tend to find it difficult to ask for help. Even Dream found it difficult to ask for help. When Lucienne mentioned that he could ask his siblings to help rebuild the Dreaming, Dream had outright refused. Then again, none of them had come to his aid during his century-long imprisonment either. The Endless were a complicated lot, but Dream knew humanity could be equally so.
Jonathon’s curiosity earned him a rare smile from Dream. The Endless pondered the questions a moment. No, he wouldn’t make Jonathon suffer the consequences of such an experiment nor would he ask for payment. Jonathon could consider it a gift. A belated Christmas gift even. Besides, Dream was curious as to what the other man could potentially accomplish with no sleep for three days.
“I manipulate anything related to sleep,” Dream replied. “You would not suffer any adverse side effects from it. I would ensure that. Think of it as a Christmas gift if you will. I’ll give you three days where you don’t require sleep. You can do whatever you wish during that time.”
“I saw that, Dream.” Jonathon returned the smile and thought even if it was a small smile Dream had a nice one. He should do so more often. Of course he wondered if there were things that had happened in his life to keep his smile away. For now he focused back on the topic at hand of being given the ability to not sleep. He wasn’t sure why he was once again being given such a gift. He wanted to believe it was because Dream liked him and was starting to see him as a friend and someone kind. There were other parts of him that thought there had to be others more worthy of such a gift who could perhaps do more with it.
“Can you read people’s thoughts or just what they dream about?” Now there was something Jonathon didn’t think he’d want to be able to do. Knowing the thoughts of others would most likely scare him, upset him and give him more anxiety than he would know what to do with.
“I accept your offer of three days with no sleep. Thank you.” He finished off his hot chocolate, thinking for a moment. “Would it be okay to start it on Friday? That way I have the weekend off from work the chance to get more done.”
“You are one of the few,” Dream replied. One would say that it was easier for Dream to display negative emotion than positive. Perhaps it was because he was rarely happy. Truly happy. Or because he had a strange fascination or addiction to misery. In any case, Jonathan had managed to coax a smile from the Dream Lord and it was no small feat. Dream shook his head. “I can only see what they dream.” In many ways, it was like reading their thoughts. After all, dreams were capable of revealing humanity’s deepest secrets. Their fears. Their darkness. At least Dream could filter what he saw from humanity. He may have gone insane if he couldn’t.
The Endless was pleased Jonathon accepted his offer. It was as much of a gift as it was to satisfy Dream’s curiosity. “You’re welcome and yes, it will begin Friday so that you may have the weekend. I want you to be able to fully utilize this time for yourself,” Dream replied. He wanted to see what Jonathon could create and discover about himself in those three days.
“I could just tickle you to make you smile and laugh,” he teased with a grin. He wouldn’t do that to someone he didn’t know well though. “I hope you find more things and people to make you smile. It’s good for you.” He left it at that. While Dream did give off a little bit of a more serious vibe he knew there was more to him.
“I’m going to make a list of things I want to get done.” There was one specific task he wanted to see if he could accomplish that he’d already started over a week ago, but there didn’t seem to be enough time to complete it. “It’s going to be interesting and you’re one of the most interesting people I’ve met in a long time. I wish I could give you something to properly thank you for what you’ve given me.”
At the comment, Dream looked momentarily confused and then, as if a literal lightbulb went off in his head, he nodded. “Ah. A joke,” he replied and there was even another smile. Jonathon was oddly positive for a human. Dream found it oddly refreshing.
“My sister often succeeds where others fail,” Dream said. In fact, his sister was often the one to make him smile. It was a rare feat for anyone else to accomplish it. Perhaps it was proof that Dream was starting to like Jonathon. Starting to enjoy his company for the sake of merely enjoying it.
Dream had been paid his share of compliments over the centuries, but Jonathon was among the most sincere he’d experienced. “Your words are appreciated because you are sincere,” Dream replied. “If you wish to repay me, you can show me something you’ve accomplished after those three days. It can be anything you choose.”
“I never said I was a comedian, but you smiled again so that’s a win.” There was the mention of his sister again. “Is your sister like you? I mean, does she also control dreams in some way?” Maybe it was a family thing. Jonathon had no idea. He didn’t even know there was someone who did that and all the other things Dream had shared with him. He’d always thought dreams were just the brain mixing up and spitting out events of your day and life.
“I don’t know any other way to be,” Jonathon smiled. “My parents raised me well and I wouldn’t want to disappoint them.” That wasn’t him saying he was perfect because he certainly wasn’t. “They taught me to treat others how I’d want to be treated and to do my best to listen and try to be understanding of others.” Such talk made thoughts of his family rise up momentarily. He sighed quietly and let them slip away.
Dream steel eyes shined briefly with amusement. Yes, it was rare anyone could make him smile; Jonathon should count it as a win indeed.
“No, my sister is different. She has other responsibilities.” All the Endless held different roles in their universe. Dream’s sister, Death, was the one in charge of leading those whose lives were ending into the next world. Wherever or whatever that may be. She was that guiding hand and friendly face. It was why she seemed to fit in better with them. Because her responsibilities made it so that she had to spend more time with humans. Dream’s did not entail the same needs.
“Your parents were good people then.” From the way in which his companion fell silent, Dream could tell how much he missed his parents. His family. Jonathon was making the best of his entrapment in Madison Valley, but that did not erase what he lost. Dream empathized with him and that was a rare thing for Dream to be able to do.
Given that Dream didn’t specify what his sister did Jonathon didn’t ask. It wasn’t his business and he respected the privacy of others. Perhaps he would meet her one day. The change in subject brought a smile to his face. “They really are the best parents anyone could ask for. They’ve always been supportive of me. Always been there for me no matter what.”
Jonathon looked down at his empty mug and sighed quietly. “I should be getting home and I don’t want to take up your time either. But it’s been fun hanging out. Maybe we can do it again sometime,” he smiled.