They say, "You clean up nice just like a dead man"

[ghoulserrand]

♥ Who: Teo and you?
♥ Where: Around Havenwell
♥ When: After the apparitions have gone but before Eggs. (Very early November.)
♥ What: Going mask off. Doing a little dreaming.
♥ Rating: PG-13?

It feels like a screwed-up parody of a Christmas carol. Him, opening the windows wide for what he thought he just heard and calling out to ask the native outside if it's true, if the apparitions are really gone. He doesn't know if they saw what he wrote on the network. He doesn't know if he wants more people to have seen. But the bot says it's true and he waits a while to check with others, to check with Faust (who would probably doublecheck on his behalf, possibly without even being asked), and then a little more still to come to terms with the reality. He doesn't have to hide here forever. And then, with that, comes an even bigger, scarier thought. Now that everyone knows what he is...

He doesn't have to hide at all.


A - Out of the Tomb

He usually only wears the clothes he bought (thanks to a mysterious anonymous gifter of dora) when his normal clothes need a wash. He'll have already resigned himself to the house at that point so it doesn't matter if he's exposed or not-- for a given amount of exposure when he'll be wearing the layered torn shirts underneath his hoodie and jacket or another sweater to better cover his bite and body and let him wash those shredded old things. They were due for it, between his biting Tai, getting singed, and then whatever disgusting black tears stained the things after. The gaiter in particular needed the wash though he's not sure it will even survive that. In any case, he could wait until they're dry and ready. He probably should. Just because it seems like people have accepted what he is, it doesn't mean they'll like the look of him. He doesn't even like the look of him.

But for the first time in his new life, he doesn't have to hide. It's that that prompts him on. He leaves his letter where Faust will find it, along with a newly written note stating that he's going out for a walk. He almost reads the letter before taking off but for some reason, he hesitates. Does he want to be reminded of a world that was never going to let him in when he has a world, and a love, that's different now? He hesitates just one more time at the door, afraid to step out with his bare face, his torn face. He takes a breath. If he had a pulse it might be racing, so it's good thing he doesn't. He steps outside. The light makes him wince for a good few minutes before he gets used to it.

He's drawn to the cafes, the ones that actually serve drinks most of all. It's probably a weird choice for his first venture out uncovered, but it's another thing he doesn't need to restrict himself with. He listens to the poetry for a little while, then moves along. People-watching, that's what he's doing. Like the old days, only now the winter scenes are actually pleasant and the only thing that makes him jumpy enough to glance around is the thought that an apparition might appear-- but so far, nothing. Could he actually be safe? Did he really walk out here without knowing if the answer was yes?

In any case, it's very easy to catch the eye of those he might actually know. He shrinks a little on himself, (already shrunken in that red sweater and more casual shoes) but otherwise tries to stand firm, offering a faint, raspy, "Hey..."

He can be found later on a park bench, scribbling away on synthetic paper. He uses the back of the tablet to support his scrawling away. His new letter is long overdue and he has much to say, about Faust, himself, and everyone else he's come to know. This time, he won't leave himself in the dark.


B - Sweet Dreams

It's within days of realizing he might actually be welcome in this world that he feels his powers open up. As if, all this time, they'd been waiting for permission. He blinks when he finds himself in that old diner and his heart lifts. He doesn't spare amazement for his whole and living self this time, he's already off and out the door. The world outside is a little different this time, more of a foggy and nebulous space than an open expanse of water and ice, but he's not deterred. He starts walking until he can find a parting in the fog, where he might glimpse the dream of another playing out in their most sacred and loved places, unaware of him until, perhaps, they catch him waving through the veil and invite him in.

Comments

sweet dreeeeams

[honestgirl]

[Things are a touch bit more tense in the city than she remembers from her past, very brief visit, so it's even more important that she hide in her free house, peering out the window and at the network, try strange robot food, and pass out from stress hugging a little bunny.

It's much calmer in her dreams. She's back home and a few years younger, not that it makes her look different. She can hear the occasional reminder of someone else in the house wandering about and knows with a warmth that fills her from toes to top that her mom is close. Being in the same space as her again is so nice.

Ryder stretches out across the couch like a satisfied cat in sunshine and goes to reach into the small, messy pile of books on the floor for something new to flip through. Her hand pauses when the noises signaling someone else seem to...double? And one is getting closer. In the comfort of her home, she doesn't feel embarrassed defaulting to the childish word. Yet.]

Mommy...?

[ghoulserrand]

[It's unexpected hearing someone who isn't a child refer to their mom that way, but if anything it makes him feel even more embarrassed to have intruded. But with it comes surprise. This is someone he's seen in Havenwell only every once in a blue moon, a drifter who can't quite stick to the world.]

Ryder?

[The fog parts further, offering him a greater view of the cozy living room and Ryder's place in it. It also offers her a window to him, some punk it's doubtful she'll even recognize, standing in the fog that's invaded her dream. He shuffles awkwardly.]

Sorry. Not your mom. Uh. Do you remember me by any chance? It's Teo. The guy with goggles?

[honestgirl]

[For a beat, all she can do is stare up at him, dumbfounded. Then a wave of shame or panic -- both? -- crashes over her, and the book she'd just brought up nearly slips from her fingers again. What the hell is some handsome guy doing in her house? Knowing her name and everything... What kind of dream is this supposed to be?

(Because certainly it wasn't real life, if a guy that looks like that knows her name. People that look like that don't talk to her. ...People don't talk to her at all, because she'd often rather jump out a window that talk to other people.)

Ryder very eloquently responds,] Um. ...Um.

[Then his words catch up to her brain, and her brain catches up with her mouth. Her eyes widen a little, and finally she scrambles to sit up properly.]

Oh! Yeah. The storywalker!

[...Though that again begs the question of...how real is this... She isn't stumbling horrendously over her words, but why did her brain make Mr. Apocalypse lowkey kinda hot when she doesn't even want to do anything with that information beyond abstractly appreciating? Or maybe he just -- ]

My story's time? You get around.

[ghoulserrand]

Oh. Uh... Sort of?

[It's similar, right??]

I'm dreamwalking. And I guess this is your dream. I didn't know you were here again... but it's good to see you! Have you... been here long...?

[In Havenwell. Where she might have seen a certain dumb confession. Oh that's a scary thought.]

[honestgirl]

Dreamwalking...

[It's a mumble of wonder, and she's leaning back into the couch to let it sink in all the better.]

Shit, that's cool... [Why is he so cool!!!!] Guess -- dreams r'stories. Mini ones.

[Anyway!]

Not long. Did my whole stress nap thing again.

[She gestures as if to say, "and now here we are!" because, uh. Here they are!!!]

Woke up for a -- bit to eat, then embraced unconsciousnn-ness again.

[ghoulserrand]

[That helps him smile. Even if she's put him on the spot at times, she's also made him feel more impressive than he actually is.]

It is pretty cool. This is just my second time, actually. I wasn't sure if I could still do this.

[He's glad he can. But anyway, stress napping.]

Welcome back. And also, sorry you're not home. Did you find your stuff at least? I remember you were worried last time.

Also, can I join you?

[He gestures approximately to the couch.]

[honestgirl]

[For a brief second, Ryder's eyebrow raises and her mouth opens, but she looks away to hide the amused smirk and to mentally scold herself for her bad joke about experience. Even if Teo was very forgiving of the stupid shit she said during the little run-ins they had so far, she doesn't need to subject him to more of it as long as she can help it. He was bound to have to deal with so much more that slipped past her.

Instead, she shuffles to take up less space and make more room for him, bringing her knees up and wrapping her arms around them. The book is tucked at her side.]

Mm. [Ryder nods in permission as well as affirmation.] Safe and sound. Dunno what -- happened last time, but. Kept safe by --

[Nope. Nope, nope.]

Chance. [Not Chancellor!] Llluck.

A-nyway, I'm home right now, at-at least. Sorta.

[ghoulserrand]

[Nice save, from Ryder Morris.

With an even bigger pleased grin, he steps out of the fog and into the dream. It seems to fade out behind him, restoring the dream's integrity. He hops onto the open spot of couch with a bright grin.]

True. It's a nice dream. Very cozy. Mine's an old diner.

[honestgirl]

Mhm. It's the best.

[She feels at home in her home, how strange. Her head tips to watch him better as he moves, resting the side against her knees.]

A diner? Always?

[ghoulserrand]

[He smiles warmly at her. It's nice to see his friend so at ease. No place like home.]

I have other dreams. But, so far, with dreamwalking, it's the diner. Then if I want to see someone else I just go out the front door and start looking.

It's a nice diner though. There's the cushioned seats, good food. It's nice and quiet, just a low radio. And the sun's coming through the windows... I used to work there, I think. The waitress said so, anyway.

[honestgirl]

Ohh.

[That makes sense, and privately she thinks about how it would have been a disappointing superpower if it didn't let you experience the normal version of dreams, too. Even nightmares, as rough as they could be, were important in figuring out mental shit and for inspiration. They made good conversation pieces, too, for the very small number of people she was willing to share that sort of thing with.]

Mm. S'cool. [...] I wonder if it would be quiet enough... Places -- like that are always s-so stressful. Hated waitressing. Guess s'more important for you -- to like it, though. And -- what's dream food taste like?

[ghoulserrand]

[Faust, too, liked the quiet. It's not a desire he shares, but he's starting to get it more than he might have.]

It tastes amazing. I've missed real food so much.

[He's missed having a full sense of taste. He should've ordered something before heading out. Oh well.]

I could show you. Could probably make it quieter if you wanted, too. [He glances around.] Though, you'd miss out on home.

[honestgirl]

[Ah, right... No "real food" in an apocalypse, and any diner would be anything but cozy.

The offer to go with him is thrilling but dangerous, and has Ryder looking off to another part of her house as if she's thinking about raising her voice to let her mom know, or ask if she thought it was the right thing. People are weird in dreams, though, and the Mom in the other room might not act like how she's supposed to if she's not a real person like she is, and like Teo supposedly is.

Ryder only realizes she'd been holding her breath when she slowly exhales. She returns her gaze to the man and gives a stiff, juttered nod.]

The r-rrrobot kitchen shit's limited. Show me the -- dream food.

dreamin'

[relictus]

The scene in this dream is of a huge kitchen, well-stocked and well-kept. Though on close enough inspection it's clear that more modern appliances and amenities are missing, the technology closer to the Victorian era in that regard. A man with light blue hair is busy deftly chopping meal ingredients at the table, though two teens linger nearby, chatting with him... or something. The shorter dark-haired one is demanding the man make a lemon pie, while the handsome blonde who seems more timid is trying to chastise him for being so brash. The man doesn't seem bothered, his dialect a little rough as he tells them he was already thinking of making something sweet after this, so it's fine.

At first it might seem that's all there is to this dream... until it's apparent where the actual dreamer is, leaning against a wall off to the side with his arms loosely crossed, watching silently and with a faint smile as if he's as much a detached observer as Teo is.

[ghoulserrand]

The only hint he has about the owner of this dream is that he's able to walk in right away. It's as if he's being welcomed in, and what a sight it is, a grand and beautiful kitchen. There are things he'd wish to have to make it his own dream kitchen, but it's still pretty spectacular.

Even with the one kid's demands and the coarse tone of the cook, he can feel the warmth in this scene. This is a dream of fond nostalgia, making him hesitate to interrupt it. It's then, in looking for a spot to step back to, that he finds the dream's source. His smile warms further.

He moves to him, quiet. He'd thought he might joyously announce that he kept his dreamwalking power after all should he find Faust, but now he's just leaning against the wall at Faust's side, looking at him.

"You miss them, huh?"

[relictus]

He doesn't acknowledge Teo at first, whether absorbed in the dream, or the dream logic makes it normal for him to be there... but once he speaks he looks at him, quiet a moment as he seems to realize the shift. He looks back at the scene in front of him, feeling a little more distant from it than before.

"...I suppose I did get used to things being a little more lively, now and then."

The three continue their chatter, though it seems like the man glances their way once in a while, but he's subtle about it.

"So you can still wander into the dreams of others, it seems."

[ghoulserrand]

It's a little sad, in truth, to see that shift. It feels like the distance between Faust and those three has grown. He doesn't think Faust is happy for it.

He laughs softly. Faust saying that may as well be him saying that he was happy with how things were. He notices the blue-haired one glancing back. It's uncanny enough to make him doubt whether the man really is just a dream.

"Seems so," Teo confirms. "Finally got back to that diner. Went out right away to see where I could go. And find you." He casts a meaningful look at Faust. "I know you like your dreams to stay yours though. Do you want me to go?"

[relictus]

That same diner... it must be a strong memory, whether all the pieces are there or not. He's quiet a moment before he answers, his gaze lingering on Teo and his living appearance.

"...No. You already know the sorts of things I might dream about... and this is hardly a personal dream. I'll let you know if I want you to leave. Though you aren't obligated to stay here, of course."

He's not sure how welcome he'd be in anyone else's dreams, but if he still has this power, he imagines he might want to explore.

[ghoulserrand]

He laughs again, shaking his head this time. Just like Faust to act as if there's somewhere else Teo might rather be.

"It's been ages since I could be with you like this. Over a year? Which is probably nothing to you but it's been a long time for me."

He slides closer along the wall. His hand immediately finds Faust's, glove-free, warm as if he's still alive.

"You know, for a while there, I thought this might be the only way I'd ever be able to touch you. Here, in dreams. Never mind whether you'd even want that."

[relictus]

His own hands bear his usual gloves, but he can feel the unusual warmth from him regardless as he easily allows his hand into his.

"Do I a seem averse to touching you when we're awake?" It's a bit of a dry question. He might not be handsy about it, but he doesn't shy away from contact with him these days. "Though a dream has its advantages, obviously... I imagine that's a much more comfortable form for you."

[ghoulserrand]

"I meant before. Way before. Like... before I bit you," He clarifies with a sheepish look.

But it is true, that there are advantages to the dream even now. Of course, he feels better. He feels alive. He doesn't feel the gnawing hunger within the dream. He just feels normal. And of course, he can speak clearer as well.

He shuffles closer until their arms are touching. He leans a bit into Faust.

"But no. You're not averse. You were the one to encourage me to do more. You'd help me with magic or other things."

[relictus]

"...Things were different then." To say the least. He lets Teo lean into him, just barely returning the gesture. It feels a little strange, to be doing this here- but it's only a dream.

Hey, Teach. You having dinner with us tonight? He's startled by the blue-haired man addressing him, yet he answers automatically enough. "Not tonight." Okay. I can bring something by your room later, maybe some wine too? "That's all right, Nero. Maybe some other night." Sure. You know where to find me if you change your mind. "..."

It's not a strange or awkward exchange, yet it certainly feels that way while he's standing here semi-huddled up to Teo...

[ghoulserrand]

He doesn't argue that. He simply smiles and revels in that slight difference in pressure.

He blinks a little when the other man speaks, addressing Faust. There's a little reminder that Faust is, in fact, a teacher. He watches the automatic exchange, knowing what it's like to go with the flow of the dream and not thinking twice about it. Though, as Nero offers private dining with wine to boot, he can't help lifting a brow. He looks from Faust to Nero and back again.

"... I think blue there just asked you out," Teo says after a beat. "Or in, I guess. Think I'm supposed to be jealous but I'm kind of just disappointed I didn't think of wining and dining you first."

[relictus]

He scowls sidelong at Teo, though there's a faint tinge to his cheeks.

"Hah? What are you talking about... we just drink together from time to time. I'm pretty sure he only offers to bring food when he suspects I'm skipping meals..."

Which he does, so it's not without merit.

"Anyway, it's not blue, it's Nero. That's Heathcliff and Shino with him."

He gestures with his free hand at the other two.

"We're all of the Eastern wizards chosen by the Sage. This is the kitchen at the manor for the chosen wizards. I'd offer to give you a tour, but seeing as this is a dream we might end up somewhere completely different partway through."

[ghoulserrand]

He holds Faust's hand a little tighter. His smile turns to something apologetic.

"Your students. Your friends." He bites his lip a moment. "Sorry. I didn't mean to put you on the spot like that. I just... it wouldn't surprise me if someone else was into you like that, and, you know, since we don't know if we're gonna be pulled apart one day... Anyway, it was a dumb thing to say."

It wouldn't be his business if that did end up happening in the future. It wouldn't be his business if it had actually happened in the past. Geez, now he really does sound jealous. He shakes his head.

"It's nice here. It's nice to see them all. I'd ask you to introduce me, but, dream and all. Um. I wouldn't mind seeing where we get from here though, if you're up for that."