Dream ♠ o11

[defector]

Warnings: Spoilers for Anemone and Dominic's backstory, if that even counts as spoilers?
Dream Effects: [Optional] Some pity mixed with a bit of nervousness, which turns into embarrassment and panic, and then mostly warm and fuzzy feelings from then on out.

A small girl sits on a medical bed, hooked to an IV, surrounded by the emptiness of the room. On her face is an emotionless expression, as she stares into nothing.

The silence is broken by the sound of shoes against tiles. Dominic, barely older than her, walks towards her, carrying a tray of food. Today's not going to be like every other day, though, he knows. Admittedly, he's a bit nervous about it, but not necessarily in a bad way.

"... Morning!" he says. Balancing the tray with one hand, he puts the other in his pocket, where he can feel the object sitting in it. "So today, I, um... what I've, um... what I've brought is something I really like. I know you can't go outside, so I thought maybe you hadn't seen..."

He withdraws his hand, revealing a wilted flower that he gives to her. She accepts it.

"Oh."

It's then that he realizes the state of the flower, as he suddenly looks as flustered as he feels. "Oh no, it's all banged up... What can I...? I'll bring you a better one next time, I swear! I'm so sorry! I had it in my pocket, but..."

So much for his gift--he didn't think this through very well, did he? It's too late to take it back now, though, so all he can do is wish that he didn't mess up as badly as he did. In contrast to him, the girl's face hasn't changed at all. She stares at the flower for a few moments, before taking a sniff. And then, she speaks.

"The smell, it's... wonderful." At this, Dominic ceases in his panicking. He can't come up with any words for a second, awed by the sound. Even though he's seen her many times before, she's never spoken to him, any more than a word.

"Oh, wow... so that's how your voice..." he says, his voice trailing off. At least she doesn't seem bothered by the flower's condition. There's a pause, before he continues. "Um... is it okay, from now on, if I just call you 'Anemone?' "

" 'Anemone?' " she repeats.

"Uh-huh," he replies, nodding. "It's the name of that flower, so..."

She finally takes her eyes off the flower and turns to him. "Yes, I... think that's okay."

With her response, he's delighted, and it shows. "You do!? Really? Wow!"

He whirls around, before he runs off. "Okay! So then... just wait a sec!"

It doesn't take him long to reach the door, which he opens and then slams behind him. A few seconds pass before he opens it again, this time smiling brightly. It's nothing more than a name, but after going for so long without having anything to call her by, he's happy with it.

"Morning, Anemone!"

In return, she stares at him, before looking away. At this, Dominic's smile fades--did he do something wrong?

--But then she smiles, her face turning pink, and Dominic can't help but think that it's beautiful.

---

[Dominic's smiling upon waking up, before he notices the pink glowing--and then the message that appears on the Dreamberry screen.]

What...?

Comments

[charientisms.livejournal.com]

[He doesn't comment on the dream yet.]

Have you filtered this from Mister Vincent yet, or would you prefer he have more information on you and on Anemone?

You saw nothing.

[unfearful.livejournal.com]

I did. Let's just hope it works.

<33 Nothing at all.

[charientisms.livejournal.com]

We shall see, I suppose.

[He pauses, smiling for a long moment into the screen.]

Now tell me, what was so unusual about the Dreamberry this morning that you were so surprised by it?

[unfearful.livejournal.com]

Have you ever seen the words 'Dream converted' on the screen before?

[charientisms.livejournal.com]

[...Interesting.]

Why, I do not believe I have. Though certainly you would know far better than I if this is an unusual occurrence, for you have been here far longer, correct~?

[unfearful.livejournal.com]

That would depend on how long you've been here. But you're right--I've never seen this before.

[charientisms.livejournal.com]

For a shorter time than you have, of course~ Do keep up!

[He chuckles.]

I see. Yet another unknown from this charming world.

[unfearful.livejournal.com]

[A twitch, as he resists the urge to retort to the first comment.]

The Dreamberry was also glowing, if that means anything to you.

[charientisms.livejournal.com]

Was it? My, what a vague statement. Glowing how, might I ask?

[unfearful.livejournal.com]

Softly, pink, and for a few seconds. It was when it faded did the words appear on the screen.

[charientisms.livejournal.com]

I see. Well, I am most certain we shall see what it means eventually, though hopefully not too late~

[unfearful.livejournal.com]

[He nods]

Yeah...

[ghost-profe.livejournal.com]

[Labrador watches for a while, and smiles, rather gently.]

She's very precious to you, isn't she?

[unfearful.livejournal.com]

Huh? Ah... yes, she is.

[At this point, he's probably talked more about Anemone in the past month and half than he has in his entire life. The topic is losing its awkwardness.]

can I say that the noise kinda messes with her memories? just in terms of how strong they are... >:a

[buymeacake.livejournal.com]

I... [FFFF she's all flushed.] I had almost forgotten about that! How long did you carry that flower around?

Fine by me! o/

[unfearful.livejournal.com]

[Aaaand this dream just became infinitely more embarrassing. He smiles awkwardly, because it's incredibly difficult to honestly smile when she's still like this, sob.]

Ah... a while.

[ghost-profe.livejournal.com]

You're very lucky to feel this way.

[unfearful.livejournal.com]

[Okay, that just made it awkward.]

T-Thank you... I know.

HEADCANON, IT IS MY LIFEBLOOD

[buymeacake.livejournal.com]

[Well, she can smile enough for him! She might not be herself, but at least she seems happy about it.]

That's so sweet! I'm not sure if I ever thanked you for it, Dominic.

[ghost-profe.livejournal.com]

[Staaaaaare.]

Please don't ever let go of that care for your friends.

[unfearful.livejournal.com]

Y-You don't need to, really...

[unfearful.livejournal.com]

[Maybe a little unnerved by that, but he nods.]

I won't.

[bookishlion.livejournal.com]

[She takes this in, letting the emotions from Dominic's dream calm down before she ventures a reply.]

Dominic? If you're all right, might I inquire about the girl on the bed?

[unfearful.livejournal.com]

I'm fine.

[Silence]

... I can't guarantee that I'll answer, but go ahead.

[It's nothing personal--he simply feels that it's not his right to give Anemone's life story to everybody. That's her own business. Still, Hermione is someone that he trusts, at least.]

[bookishlion.livejournal.com]

[It's her thirst for knowledge all the time and an almost annoying curiosity that prods her to ask.]

What was wrong with her? That girl.