Who: Dream and Jonathon What: Jonathon gives Dream a gift. When: Mid-January Where: Dream and Death's place Status: Closed; Complete Rating: PG-13 at most.
There was a great comfort in Jonathon still having dreams of his family beyond the holidays. It wasn’t as good as the real thing, but it did him good and warmed his heart. He could never thank Dream enough. It was for that reason and the latest deal…favor…(he wasn’t sure what to call it) they had agreed upon that he decided he wanted to get him a gift to show his appreciation. At first he wasn’t sure what to get. He’d gone to a few shops and found nothing that he thought the other would like. Then he found it. It was perfect. At least to him it was. It practically screamed Dream's name. He had to buy it.
Jonathon made his way inside the building and to Dream’s door. He carried a large bag that concealed the gift he’d purchased. He stood there for a few moments not knowing why he felt a little nervous. Silly, he told himself, shaking his head. He raised his hand and gave a couple of knocks on the door then stood waiting.
As promised, Dream ensured he was at the apartment at six in the evening. He’d gone out earlier in the day for fresh air and to explore. Eventually, he’d have to locate employment of some kind, but the Endless had no clue where to start. Being that he didn’t require the same necessities as humans, funds were depleting far slower than they would be for a human, but Dream knew it was only a matter of time before both of the siblings had to seek out work. He wasn’t looking forward to it.
The Endless was idly skimming through his phone, reading the network and anything else he could find, when he heard the knock at the door. Setting down the phone, he made his way to the door and, without checking the peephole, opened it. Regardless of what lay on the other side, there were very few beings Dream could not defend against.
“Hello,” he greeted. His eyes briefly dropped to the large bag Jonathon grasped as he stepped aside and gestured for the man to enter. “Please come in.”
Once Jonathon was inside, Dream shut the door, but didn’t lock it. There was no need. He turned to the young man. “I am afraid my sister isn’t here, but perhaps you will meet her at some other time. Can I get you anything to drink?” There was only water to offer, but Dream thought he would offer it just the same. “We can have a seat in the living room.”
"Hi, how's it going?" Jonathon smiled then walked in and briefly looked around. He'd only been in an apartment a short time, but it looked much like his had. "That's disappointing, but maybe another time. No, thank you. I'm good." He followed Dream to the living room and took a seat on the couch. "This is for you." He held the bag out.
"I hope you like it." He really hoped because if he didn't it would be very awkward and he would feel awful. Why was he so worried? Most likely because Dream was a new friend and he didn't know him as well as he knew others. The gift was wrapped in some plain brown paper and as nervous as Jonathon was, he was looking forward to seeing the others reaction. “Another time.” Jonathon declined the drink so the two made their way into the living room. Dream took a seat beside Jonathon on the couch. The man held out the bag, declaring it was for Dream and the Endless studied it briefly before accepting it. He was curious as to what lay within the bag. It was rare Dream received gifts and rarer still that they were of the human world.
Dream was not particularly good at reading human emotion, but he could tell Jonathon was nervous. The Endless did not know if he could reassure him either because, after all, he could very well dislike it.
He reached inside the bag, immediately deciphering it was a picture at the shape of the object, and withdrew the gift. Setting down the bag, he held the picture in both hands, studying the image. It was a raven painted on the canvas. It reminded him of Matthew. The sight truly tugged at Dream’s heart. He set the painting down on his lap and finally looked over at Jonathon.
“You need not worry. I like it. Very much,” Dream said.
Jonathon felt his nerves grow a little when the bag was taken and Dream pulled the gift out and simply stared at it. Did he not like it? Was he upset? Was it the wrong thing to get for him? Self doubt began to take over along with how he would apologize because he had no doubt that Dream wasn’t the type to keep it to himself if he didn’t like something
It seemed an eternity before Dream looked at him and spoke. Relief washed over Jonathon like an ocean wave and he let out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding. “I’m so glad you like it. I remembered you mentioned liking ravens,” he smiled. “ I saw the painting and thought it would be something you might like.” Was he glad the other did. It would have been far too awkward if he hadn’t. “Are there a lot of ravens in your world?”
If Dream didn’t like something, he did not keep it to himself. Depending on the discretion, his wraith could be limitless. In this case, Jonathan had nothing to fear. Dream liked the painting; it was beautifully done and reminded him of his friend, Matthew. Yes, it pained him because Dream missed his raven companion, but it also made him feel closer to the friend in which he might forever be separated.
He nodded. “It is something I like. As I said, there is no cause for fear or worry.” His gaze shifted to the painting and a pale finger traced the wings. “I like it very much,” he added softly. He care for very few things in the world, but Matthew, his raven, was one of those precious few things. He missed his friend.
Jonathon’s question prompted him to look up once more and he met the other man’s gaze. “My companion is always a raven. I can not be everywhere within the Dreaming or outside of it; my raven is my eyes and ears. The raven reports back to me. He is also my friend.” Dream studied the picture once more upon his lap.
“My raven’s name is Matthew.” Any fear or doubt Jonathon had about the painting had disappeared. It was obvious by how Dream kept looking to it and then almost lovingly traced over the wing of the raven that it pleased him and he was happy with it. It was obvious just how important they were to him, but more specifically, his companion, his friend, Matthew. That Dream was missing him pulled a bit at his heart strings and made him wish his friend was in Madison. He knew all too well the ache of missing family and friends.
Jonathon met his gaze and gave him a sort of sad smile. "I'm sorry you're missing, Matthew," he said, briefly placing his hand over Dream's hand before removing it. "He sounds like a good and close friend." He wanted to say that he might show up. After all, he'd read where people had pets from their world show up. Not that he was calling Matthew a pet. No, he'd never do that. He was Dream's friend. Many people saw and treated their pets as a friend, part of the family including Jonathon himself.
Dream was unsure if he wished the fate of Madison Valley upon any of those he considered friends back home. Being trapped, caged in a way, was a fate no one should ever have to contend with and yet, gazing at this picture, Dream selfishly wished for Matthew all the same. For anything that was from the Dreaming. He was grateful for Death and, while he despised Desire, he found he could appreciate Desire’s presence because it was familiar. Yet there remained an ache for his friends of the Dreaming,for his home.
“Thank you.” Dream was mildly surprised at the hand Jonathon placed over his pale one, but the Lord of Dreams did not pull away. He was familiar with gestures of comfort and understood that was what Jonathon was offering now. It was appreciated and, most importantly, Dream could sense the sincerity behind the moment. “He is. An unexpected friend, but a good one all the same.” Originally, Dream had pushed Matthew away, saying he did not wish to travel with a raven anymore. Losing Jessamy cut Dream deeply and he didn’t want to place another raven in danger. Matthew, however, was persistent and after their trek to Hell, proved himself to be a true friend. A true partner.
“You’re welcome.” Hearing Dream speak of Matthew only showed how beloved a friend he was and how he missed him. “If you…ever need someone to talk to or just listen I’m here. I know my first months here were kinda lonely. I was out of sorts, upset and missing home terribly. I didn’t have anyone here. I know you have your sister and I’m glad you do.” Jonathon paused and looked down, feeling his emotions growing. “I know what it’s like when you’re missing home, your family and friends. Sometimes it’s nice to have someone to talk to or just be with.” He lifted his gaze and looked at Dream, giving him a small smile. He liked to think they were becoming friends, but he could not know if Dream saw it that way or if he even wanted them.
“I hope you will see him again some day and your home.” It was the wish of most in Madison Valley. He didn’t think he could ever really think of this place as home. “Where do you think you will hang the painting?” He wanted to lighten things a bit.
“Friendship” was not necessarily a foreign concept to Dream, but it was certainly not a word one would use in conjunction with the Endless often. Still, Dream was starting to consider Jonathon a potential friend. Slowly. It would take time. “Change” and Dream were not often compatible, but he’d taken steps to change that over the last few months. Passing more responsibility to Lucienne and trusting in Matthew were proof of such change. Helping free Calliope was another. Neither thought they would ever speak to each other again and yet, Dream could not bear to see her captive because he knew what it was like. Because he still cared about her despite the animosity between them in the wake of their son’s death. Yes, Dream had started to be more adaptable, more flexible, it was just…a process.
Dream’s gaze met Jonathon’s and he nodded. “I appreciate your offer and your words, Jonathon. You have shown me that you are capable of great kindness and sincerity. The fact that you share it with me only proves how selfless you are.” While not as fluent in humanity as his sister, Dream had seen enough to know that Jonathon was a rarity among humans. Such kindness was something to be celebrated and appreciated.
“I hope you are right. I wish the same for yourself. I hope you see your family again too.” Because of the dreams he’d granted Jonathon, he was aware of how much the other missed his family. It was a sentiment Dream could share given he too was far from home and those few he considered family too.
But where to place the painting? Dream scanned the living room. Though, if he was honest, there was plenty of wall space anywhere in the condo. He trained his gaze back on Jonathon once more. “Perhaps in my bedroom. So I can look upon it often. Though, there is plenty of space in here as well.” His sister may indulge in decorating, but Dream had little desire to do so.
A blush almost came to Jonathon's cheeks, but thank god it didn't. That would have been embarrassing. "Thank you, Dream. I can only be me. I don't know how to be anyone else. I do my best to live by the golden rule, treat others as you'd want to be treated." Such a simple rule, but one many seemed to have trouble with.
If only wishes came true. He gave a small smile and nodded. He looked around the room briefly. "Yeah, those are both good places for it. I'm sure you'll find the perfect spot for it." Jonathon got to his feet. "I should be going. I don't want to take up anymore of your time. Enjoy the rest of your night."
“You’re welcome.” Dream did not dole out compliments freely; he’d meant every syllable of what he’d said to Jonathon. He silently hoped that the man would never change. There was far too much darkness in the world and unkindness. It could use more people like Jonathon.
He nodded and stood as well. “You as well, Jonathon.” Dream walked him to the door and held it open for him. “Thank you again for the gift.”