Who: Jonathon Black & Dream What: Hanging out & talking Where: Town When: February 16th Warnings: None Status: Completed Gdoc
At present Jonathon was sort of pacing through the cottage feeling a bit restless. He needed to get out and get some caffeine and walking around town for a bit seemed like it would do the trick. Or at least he hoped it would. He was currently waiting to hear back from Dream whom he'd texted about meeting up at Starbucks.
Suddenly there was meowing and then Nimue was rubbing against his legs. "You don't fool me, baby girl. There's still food in your bowl and you have fresh water. Or did you just want some attention?" He bent down to pick her up and cuddle in his arms. She started purring as soon as he began to pet her. "That's what you wanted," he smiled. "Maybe I'll get you something while I'm out." Whether Dream could meet up or not, he was going out.
After the spectacle that was ‘speed dating,’ Dream had spent as much time as he could in solitude. That was far more social interaction than he was accustomed to in such a short amount of time. Surprisingly, it had been far less terrible than he’d predicted, but certainly not something he was eager to repeat.
He received Jonathon’s text as he was flipping through the pages of a book. Setting it down, he opened the text and typed out a quick response. Despite being unfamiliar with this technology, Dream had adapted rather quickly to utilizing it. He agreed to meet Jonathon at Starbucks. He enjoyed spending time with the other man and talking with him. He could tell Jonathon was a kind soul and Dream knew how rare those were nowadays.
A text came through and Jonathon sat Nimue down to pull the phone from his pocket. He read it then quickly replied before pulling on his coat and grabbing his keys. He made a portal to the coffee shop. He wanted to go ahead and get his coffee in case there was a line. At this time there really wasn’t though. Once his beverage was in hand he went back outside.
It wasn’t too long before Dream approached. “Hi,” he smiled, “thanks for meeting me. I needed to get out of the house. Shall we?” Jonathan began walking, glancing over at the other. “How’ve you been? You settled in yet? Well. as much as any of us can settle here.” No matter how long he was here this place would never be home to him.
Once Jonathon confirmed he would meet Dream there, the Endless utilized his sand to teleport to the Starbucks. His arrival, a dark figure momentarily encased in a mini tornado of sand, earned him a few stares, but Dream pointedly ignored them. Instead, once the sand disappeared, returned to the bag within the folds of his black jacket, Dream made his way over to Jonathon.
“Hello, Jonathon,” Dream said. “I needed some fresh air as well.” After speed dating, Dream had remained inside, recovering from the strenuous act of socializing with so many people during speed dating. However, he was glad Jonathon had reached out, giving him a reason to step outside once more. He nodded and fell into step beside the young man. “I’ve been okay. My sibling, Desire, signed me up for speed dating and it was far more socializing than I was currently ready for. But I think I am starting to settle in.” He looked over at Jonathon.”How are you?”
Jonathon took a deep breath as they walked then slowly exhaled. The cold air felt good mixed with the light of the suns. He really needed to get out for more than just work. “Oh, did she?” He tried to imagine Dream doing speed dating. It was a little amusing. “I’ve never done it, but it seems like a lot.” Jonathon much preferred to meet others on his own terms instead of awkwardly being thrust at people where you really didn’t have enough time to make much of any connection.
“I’m glad you’re starting to settle in.” How was Jonathon? “I’m okay. Working a lot as usual. I’ve been thinking about quitting the music store and finding another part time job. I’d thought about giving piano and guitar lessons, but I don’t think there’s a great need for that here.” At least not enough for him to earn a living from it. “Where did you end up hanging the raven painting?” He’d been curious about that.
“They did,” Dream replied, looking sullen at the memory. Dream preferred to meet people on his own terms. Not thrust into a situation where he only had five minutes to have conversations. It was awkward and impossible to learn anything about anyone. “It was a lot. I did not enjoy it.” Which was probably obvious given his expression and tone of voice. He was sure Desire did enjoy it; his sibling had the audacity to inquire as to why Dream did not think they’d changed. Their actions alone spoke louder than words.
Dream shifted his hands into the pockets of his long black coat. “Perhaps you could start by inquiring on the network if anyone is interested in lessons. You may end up with more potential clients than you thought.” If not, at least Jonathon tried and wasn’t that what counted the most? “People enjoy art, but most are too intimidated to try and create something. Your offer to show them may be the path they are looking for.”
The inquiry about the painting brightened Dream’s expression. “I placed it in my bedroom so that I may look upon it often while I read. It feels as if Matthew is there.”
It was more than obvious that Dream had not enjoyed the event. "I don't think I would enjoy it either. I prefer spending quality time with someone and getting to know them." He didn't know what he would do if anyone had ever signed him up for speed dating. Not that he had many friends here who would have done that.
"I thought about asking on the network, but if I get a new job and a lot do want lessons, I would most likely have to turn some away." And he would feel bad doing that. "I've actually been wondering if I could teach music at the local college. I have a degree in music education. Lots of experience in music. I think I may inquire about it." The worst they could say was he wasn't qualified, but the more he thought about it, the more he wanted to do just that. There was always teaching at the high school, but he wasn't sure he wanted to teach that age.
Jonathon took a couple long sips of his coffee then smiled. "I'm glad it makes you feel as if your friend is there. That's a bit of comfort that's always welcomed here." He now had a few pictures of his family since his memory box had shown up and it was a comfort to see them hanging on the wall. Even if it made him miss them a little every time he looked at them.
Dream nodded. “I do not indulge in socialization with humanity often, but when I do, I prefer the opportunity to come to know those who I speak to. I left feeling as if I barely knew anyone I just spoke with.” He was unsure if he was upset by that fact. Dream enjoyed his solitude; being alone was not a burden in any way to him. Walking away from such an event without a potential friend was not an actual loss. Not really. Sad, but not devastating.
“Perhaps that is a better solution. You have the opportunity to teach and also a reliable source of income.” Dream knew he would eventually have to find work. The Endless still had no idea what he would do here. His purpose was sleep and the unconscious mind. No human employment could make use of those gifts. Plus, he wasn’t exactly social either.
It was comforting. Dream desperately missed his raven companion. Matthew was far more familiar with the human world than himself. An asset in more ways than just companionship. “It is.” He looked over at Jonathon and gave the other man a rare small smile. “I appreciate the gift very much. It was thoughtful and kind. It is such a kindness that I will never forget.”
"I'm definitely going to look into it. I believe it's time for some changes. Maybe it's the coming spring or just time for change." Jonathon wasn't sure, but there was that feeling in his bones, in his soul. It would be a year he was in Madison Valley in April. It didn't feel that long and yet it did. It was a strange feeling. It was time for some changes. He finished off his coffee and threw it in a bin they passed by.
"You're welcome." He was glad the raven painting brought Dream happiness. "You're sweet and kind whether or not you think you are, Dream." Jonathon smiled then looked at the park just ahead of them. "Come on, let's swing! I haven't done that since I was a kid." He grabbed Dream by the arm and practically drug him inside and over to the swings. Given the time of day and the colder weather no one was around. Jonathon sat in one of the swings, an almost goofy smile on his face before he pushed off the ground and began to swing.
“Spring normally signals a start of something new. A rebirth after a harsh, cold winter. Perhaps this is your rebirth so to speak. A reawakening,” Dream replied. While Jonathon seemed to embrace the concept of change, Dream tended to shy away from it. Oh, he’d grown in leaps and bounds where change was concerned, but habits of a lifetime were hard to break. Still, he could appreciate Jonathon’s hunger for something new. His burning ambition to start a new chapter in a way. It was rather inspiring; a concept Dream knew plenty about seeing as he tended to help others find it once and a while.
Dream looked mildly surprised at the comment. “You would be one of the few who believes so,” he replied quietly, watching as Jonathon tossed his empty coffee cup in the trash. Given some of his past actions, there were many that would believe Dream cold, unfeeling, and cruel. He could be those things. After all, he’d sentenced Nada to an eternity of Hell for refusing to be his goddess. His queen. An act he viewed as a transgression. No, Dream was not always kind nor sweet, but Jonathon had done nothing to warrant his wraith. His anger. In fact, the other man had been nothing but kind to Dream. Welcoming.
The look of mild surprise quickly shifted to one of shock as the other man suddenly grabbed his arm and tugged him towards the swing set in the park. “Jonathon-” Dream broke off, hurrying to keep up with his friend. They covered the distance to the swing set quickly and Jonathon released him in favor of taking a seat on one of the vacant swings. A goofy grin on his face, he pushed off the ground and started to pump his legs, moving the swing back and forth.
It was a rather endearing sight and, after a moment of watching, Dream took a seat beside him. He didn’t swing, but rather merely observed, saying nothing.
"Then I see what others don't." He paused then turned to look Dream in the eye. "Don't let your past or your past mistakes define you. They're only part of you not the whole you and they're in the past. Nothing can be done to change them." Everyone made mistakes, did things they weren't proud of and messed up. That was life, but to let your past define or haunt you was no way to live. Jonathon knew that from experience.
"No arguing," Jonathon said in a sing song voice. They were going to swing. Swinging was a little bit like flying. It felt like freedom gliding back and forth in the air. It gave him a tickling feeling in his stomach at first which made him smile.
He slowed down a little when he saw that Dream stood watching him then took a seat on one of the swings. "Dream...Hmm, I don't think you have a middle or last name so I'll just say, Dream of the Endless you start swinging or I'll...I'll sing show tunes!" He laughed and let his back and head dip back as he swung, his long hair falling from his shoulders. "I'm not kidding mister. Get those legs pumping." He was grinning, teasing the other, but did want him to join in the swinging.
Dream was quite certain others might argue that statement, but Dream merely held Jonathon’s gaze and nodded. The issue lay in the fact that Dream could change them; he’d just never had a reason to do it. Except for a few scattered moments, there was not much Dream would truly change about his existence. “You are certainly wiser than most,” Dream added. And he truly believed Jonathon was. While he didn’t make it a habit to mingle with them too often, he’d know other humans who were far less observant, far less thoughtful than the man before him.
“I do not have a middle name. It is merely Dream or, if you prefer, Lord Morpheus or simply Morpheus.” Dream had given himself many names over the centuries, but they did not tend to come with middle names. The Dream Lord awkwardly started to move his legs, gaining some momentum, though it was nothing compared to the height Jonathon had achieved, seated on his own swing. He looked happy; giddy, like a child, and Dream was honestly puzzled by the behavior for a moment. Perhaps it reminded him of his childhood? Given Dream did not actually have a childhood, he had little experience in swinging or any activity one does as a child. As it was, he could only imagine how ridiculous he currently looked to anyone passing by. A pale man in all black attempting to swing in combat boots. Still, his respect for Jonathon had him making an attempt. His curiosity to see if he could find joy in the same experience was also a major factor.
His expression remained impassive even as Jonathon teased him; though he was oddly enjoying himself if only because the man beside him seemed to be relishing in the experience. The and, despite the oddity of the gesture, it felt strangely freeing. “You do realize I do not see it as a threat that you would sing show tunes,” Dream replied, looking over at the other man. Despite his half-hearted attempts, he was actually starting to gain some momentum and the breeze tugged at his black hair.
"I have my moments." Jonathon felt his life experiences had shaped who he was and how he treated others. He was observant. Perhaps more so than he let on to most. He was cautious yet could throw caution to the wind as well. The tattoo on his back said it all; What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. It's how he'd dealt with the two biggest experiences in his life. Having the quote become his motto didn't happen overnight, but it was fitting for him. And maybe it had something to do with his 'reawakening' in some way.
"Lord Morpheus? Shall I bow to you My Lord?" He was still smiling. Swinging did pull on memories of his childhood, such wonderful memories, but it also brought back memories of his best friend back home. "There you go. You can do it!" Dream started gaining momentum. "It's like flying!" Jonathon could care less what anyone who passed by thought of him or them. Life was short and meant to be lived out loud. "It wasn't a real threat. I was teasing you. A lot of people don't like show tunes, so they'd be like okay, okay! Just don't sing!"
He closed his eyes and let his momentum keep him going, the cool air felt good and in that moment there was nothing else he would rather be doing. He opened his eyes and looked to Dream. "Look at you, you got this." He wondered if Dream had ever been on a swing before. He would ask later. For now he enjoyed more time swinging, living in the moment and having fun.
A little later his legs stopped pumping and he began to slow down until he was able to put his feet on the ground and come to a stop. "That was fun. We should do it again sometime." Perhaps Dream wouldn't want to, but that didn't mean he wouldn't ask. Dream followed suit and got out of the swing. "I hope you enjoyed it a little," he smiled. "I like spending time with you, Dream. We talk about interesting things and I don't know how to explain it. It makes me happy." For a few moments Jonathon stood there, staring at Dream before he leaned in to kiss him softly.
“More so than most,” Dream replied. Given how much time Dream’s sister spent around humanity, she was no doubt a better judge of character. Still, Dream liked to think that he knew something about them even if he tended to keep his distance.
“Some do.” Most in Dream’s circle treated him with respect and yes, some bowed. Those humans who were able to see Dream for what he was also bowed to him. Or, at least, showed respect. Some didn’t. It truly depended on the human. Dream would not expect Jonathon to bow. He’d shown Dream respect and that was enough for him. The Endless continued to pump his legs, feeling rather foolish all the while. Though, he was enjoying himself and he marveled at how much Jonathon was enjoying himself. Dream looked puzzled when Jonathon said it wasn’t a real threat. Certain things tended to go over his head and that had been one of them. “I do understand. Though, I would not have minded if you sang them.”
Jonathan was oddly encouraging and Dream continued to swing beside him albeit at a slower pace. After a moment more, Jonathan stopped and said it was enough for now. The two departed the swings.”It was an…interesting experience,” Dream replied honestly. No doubt his sister had experienced it plenty of times before, but for Dream, it was all rather new. Like most experienced with humanity.
Dream nodded at the other man’s words. “I do like spending time with you as well. I like talking to you.” The conversations were far more exhilarating than those he had with most humans. The Endless thought they would continue on, walking, but instead, Jonathon continued to look at him. Then, he leaned in and brushed his lips against Dream’s in a light kiss. He was so surprised by the action that he didn’t return it or think to do so. Instead, he pulled away and looked at Jonathon, confusion and smoldering anger in the depths of his eyes.
“Why did you kiss me?” Dream demanded. “ I did nothing to provoke such an action nor did I give permission for it to be done.” And he did not like things done without his permission, without his consent. It was only Jonathon’s previous actions of generosity and kindness that kept Dream from lashing out. “Do you not have someone you are with as well? I thought you did. What is the meaning of this?”
Jonathon wasn't sure he had more "moments" than anyone else, he was just an ordinary man. Yes, he was a magician and had abilities many didn't, but he was fairly down to earth and considered himself humble thanks to how he was raised. Dream was a Lord. It was strange to think of. He wondered if he had a kingdom where he was from, where he controlled sleep and dreams.
"I take it that was your first time on a swing," he grinned. "Most play on them as children. I had a swing set in my backyard when I was a kid. My brother and I used to see who could go the highest. My mother would always fuss about it, thinking we were going to get hurt." He'd give anything to see her and hear her fuss about anything.
The kiss was short, not returned and when Dream spoke Jonathon pulled away, taking a step back. The anger and confusion he saw in his eyes made his heart beat like a drum. He'd upset Dream. Offended him. That was the last thing he wanted to do. "I'm sorry! I'm so sorry, Dream. I shouldn't have done that." For so many reasons. The other hadn't asked for it, given permission or even given a hint it was wanted. Jonathon felt awful. What had he done? "I...I..." Fuck. "I got caught up in the moment." He looked down and squeezed his eyes shut before making himself look at Dream once more. "Forgive me. That was out of line. I...I...do have a boyfriend." He paused not knowing if Dream would understand or care at this point. "Things haven't been the greatest between us lately." For a while. "I let my emotions get the best of me in the moment. I really am sorry. I swear I wouldn't do anything to hurt or upset you on purpose. I was just stupid to do that to you, to my friend."
Dream did indeed have a kingdom. An entire world, a realm called the Dreaming. It was a home he’d just started to rebuild. Being brought to Madison Valley had changed those plans, disrupted them, and Dream was still angered by the thought of all he’d yet to finish at home.
The Endless nodded. “It was my first time. I have seen others play upon them, but never myself.” Because Dream did not have a childhood. He simply was. A being brought into existence to serve a purpose. For, out of all his siblings, he took his calling very seriously. He favored his responsibilities above all else.
He was terrible at reading emotion. At understanding humanity. Yet, even he could tell that Jonathon was upset that he’d potentially hurt Dream. Damaged their friendship. There was a large part of Dream that simply wanted to use his sand and disappear, return to his apartment and brood over what happened. But he forced himself to remain, to listen to Jonathon’s apology and the man to ask for forgiveness. If he hadn’t done that, it was uncertain if Dream would have allowed himself to feel sympathy at all.
“Because you have apologized and asked forgiveness, I will give it. If you had not done so, I would not have remained here. If you had not been as kind or as understanding in our initial meeting, I would not still be here,” Dream explained, voice quiet. His stance remained on edge, stiff, but his gaze softened slightly. “I know very little about human relationships. About relationships in general and thus, I am not in a position to offer guidance.”
After all, Dream’s relationships mostly always ended in disaster. It was for the best that Jonathon remained only his friend. Anything more could be putting the man at risk and, despite the unprovoked kiss, Dream did not wish anything to happen to Jonathon. He was a friend. “Perhaps speaking with him would be best. As I said, I know very little on how relationships truly work. All of mine have failed.”
That Dream accepted his apology and forgave him then and there genuinely shocked Jonathon. He didn't think there was a human that would do so. Most weren't so forgiving that quickly. "Thank you, Dream," he said quietly but sincerely. "I wasn't thinking straight and I was so inconsiderate. I truly value your friendship." And didn't want to lose it. "They're complicated and beautiful. I don't know that anyone knows what to expect at all times when it comes to relationships." It was much that way with life in general.
"I will talk to him." He knew it wouldn't go well. Just as he knew he may very well lose Quentin forever. He wouldn't blame him for that. He was a sensitive soul and would feel cut to the core, the heart. God, why had he been so stupid? His action risked him losing both Quentin and Dream as a friend. Jonathon took a shaky breath and let it out. "Thank you again for being...understanding. You're a good man." And I'm glad you're my friend. At least he hoped they still were, but he would understand if Dream no longer wanted to be friends. "I should head home. If you don't mind I'd like to walk back alone." He needed the time alone, to think, to possibly yell, to think.