[She says at his little joke as she gets down plates for them to use as well as grabbing napkins. She then goes into the fridge and brings out a bottle of craft beer for each of them.]
[He pauses, the pulled pork in hand, to examine his glass of beer. Not that he really doubted her, but he's curious what she found appealing in the one she chose. He set down the meat and lifted up the glass to sniff it, inhaling the aroma. He follows it with a small sip, letting the balance of bitter and sweet and spice roll over his tongue.]
I suppose your record of not betraying remains intact.
[It does taste quite good. He then gestures for her to help herself to the food first if she wishes. He can certainly wait, and while it's a trifle old fashioned, he would rather see her help herself first than dive in ahead of her.]
[He does eat and drink regularly, or regularly for him, but he opts more for wine when it happens. The drink hasn’t any effect on him but he enjoys the taste. He doesn’t dislike ale though when it’s brewed well, and this one clearly was. Once Dawn has helped herself he takes a place and puts upon it a small portion of the many items. Following her lead to sit on the sofa, he sets his drink and plate on the coffee table before sinking down onto the soft cushions. It’s much more casual than eating at the dinner table. He can’t even remember the last time he sat on a sofa in the Dreaming.
He picks up the biscuit first and takes a measured taste, followed by the chicken. It does indeed have a complex balance of savory, sweet, and smoky. It reminds him vaguely of Renaissance food during banquets that often mixed meats with fruit when cooking.]
You can taste the time someone has put into it. The drink and the food.
[Which, for Dream, is quite a high compliment.]
What made you think of having it? Or was it a craving whose origination is hard to discern?
[Dawn meanwhile digs into her food with none of the measured nibbles that Dream has, she is hungry and ever since he walked in with the food she's been almost drooling over it. The smell of it reminding her of her craving and when he compliments it she just smiles and happily takes another large bite.]
Mmmhmm.
[She agrees that you can taste the time that was put into the meal, the slow cooked pulled pork and the smoked chicken especially and she makes sure to swallow and dab her mouth with a napkin before answering his question.]
I made the mistake of watching the food network on TV and they had an episode all about bbq.
You’re the third person who’s brought up this Food Network to me.
[Death, Hob, and now Dawn. It amuses him the variety within that spectrum, from Endless to immortal to mortal. Apparently, this television network and its offerings was quite a uniting factor among beings.]
You’re all going to make me hungry when you collectively dream about it.
[A teasing joke, but in truth, if he didn’t hold himself in such a disciplined state the emotional toil of everyone’s subconsciousness would impact him. Sometimes it still did in small ways, which he cared about less than larger ones that would impact his ability to function.]
[She asks as she pops a piece of cornbread into her mouth.]
Well seeing how you were so nice to satisfy my craving in the flesh I'll try to dream about something different tonight so you are safe from having to eat it twice.
My sister Death and an old friend. Though they did not bring up barbeque in particular on the network. Their shows were baking and competition ones.
[At seeing her eating the biscuit he offers her the half that is left of his.]
I appreciate your restraint. Though redundancy in dreams doesn’t bother me. It is the subconscious mind working through something if it lingers. I’m able to hold myself apart from your experiences most of the time, or at least at enough of a distance. Sometimes though a dream will remind me of something, I suppose like your barbeque shows can inspire.
What did your mother enjoy baking? And that might have been the show Death mentioned. It sounds familiar, but I'm not positive. I'd get in trouble admitting that.
[He can remember every being who dreams but not the show his sister talked about. Sibling vibes are a universal constant. He leans back a little against the cushions, contemplating her question. His arm rests against a pillow, index finger gently rubbing against the edge's crease.]
In the beginning, oh yes. When dreams were new; when I was new. I felt everything. So much joy and grief people brought with them. It was... overwhelming, until I could properly sort it out. And honestly, dangerous for the dreamers until I did, too. I had to protect myself from being consumed, so I could protect them from it.
She mostly enjoyed baking cupcakes and simple cookies, small things we could have with our tea.
[Dawn sips at her beer as Dream explains what things were like for him in the beginning, it's such a strange thing to be hearing about and she takes a moment to really digest the idea of it. Being there when everything was new.]
Hrmn. Yeah I guess that would be overwhelming very quickly, having everyone's dreams and feelings just sort of thrown at you.
I had thought at first such sizes were a dream exaggeration, but indeed not. Though I suppose if people take some home for a second meal, it makes more sense to me. Either way it isn’t what has baffled me most about humanity.
[At the light tickling of her fingers against his hand, he turned it over, palms upwards, to twine fingers together with hers.]
A fair reminder. I suppose it is as easy for me to focus on what might be improved than on what is done well. Particularly when the stakes are as high as the ones in which we both deal. Thank you though, for the compliment.
Oh? [She raises an eyebrow at him.] What has baffled you most about humanity then? Wait, let me guess....our obsession with cat videos on the internet?
[His fingers are so elegant and when they twine through hers she smiles.]
That might be a close second. Or third, behind the large portions.
[He takes his time to consider the answer, because it is more layered than a casual offhand might imply.]
No, in seriousness the human connection with animal companions doesn't baffle me. Nor does the desire to read into animal behavior, ascribing to them human characteristics in joking form that barely mask a wanting for greater understanding.
I suppose what does sometimes perplex me... and it is not a characteristic ascribed solely to humanity... is self-sabotage. Maybe due to it not being limited to humanity. It is a complex concept, and perhaps worth a measure of mystery as that leaves it open to individual scrutiny rather than sweeping judgement.
[She makes a small noise when he mentions self-sabotage, nodding a little to herself.]
It's a very complex concept and there's a disturbing number of ways that someone can do it to themselves, mentally and physically. And I would be hard pressed to explain the reasons why people do it because there can be so many factors that go into it.
Indeed. There is no easy answer to understand or amend it. It is one I have puzzled over for a very long time. And have seen only too often. [And perhaps he isn't immune to it either, at times.]
Apologies. I didn't mean to add a heaviness to the evening.
I am also very perplexed by the socks that have individual toes on them.
[Given he knew he was the cause of the heaviness in conversation, there is a measure of satisfaction that he's able to redirect it. Hearing her laugh is a welcome sound that draws out a small smile of his own.]
They don't look especially comfortable, or appealing. I fail to see what regular socks lack that they provide. It is a human invention that does indeed baffle me.
The shoes are real? I thought them a subconscious manifestation...
[He's being entirely serious that time. His light tracing of the creases in the pillow cease on one hand, as his other hand begins to gently do the same. This time instead it's his index finger gently trailing over her knuckles and fingers as he loosens it from their hold, the small movement exploratory yet soothing to him.]
All right, I suppose it's your turn. What about the Endless baffles you? Or the topic can be broadened to bafflement in general, not merely my kind.
They are real and they are just as confusing as you think they are.
[The feeling of his index finger traveling over her knuckles and the fingers sends a tingle through her entire body and she's so focused on the feeling that at first she doesn't seem to realize he's asked her a question.]
Hrm? Oh! [Her cheeks go a light pink.] I don't know if I'd say that there's anything that baffles me about the Endless, especially since I'm still learning about all of you, but there's certainly a lot of things that intrigue me and make me curious.
[He might look a little pleased at having been able to distract her, a small smile curled on his face as he notes the reddened cheeks. Slowly he reaches out to brush her hair back from her face.]
A very diplomatic response. Me, I find my family constantly baffling, but I suppose that is common enough. I will accept that at least I am not dull to you.
[She says, a statement that is made even more true by the pulse of excitement that goes through her again when he reaches out to brush back her hair. His fingers grazing her cheekbones for just a moment, but even that's enough for her heart to start beating faster and her body to become hyper aware of his.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2022-09-13 11:59 pm (UTC)[She says at his little joke as she gets down plates for them to use as well as grabbing napkins. She then goes into the fridge and brings out a bottle of craft beer for each of them.]
Non lumpy beer, as promised.
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Date: 2022-09-14 12:10 am (UTC)[He pauses, the pulled pork in hand, to examine his glass of beer. Not that he really doubted her, but he's curious what she found appealing in the one she chose. He set down the meat and lifted up the glass to sniff it, inhaling the aroma. He follows it with a small sip, letting the balance of bitter and sweet and spice roll over his tongue.]
I suppose your record of not betraying remains intact.
[It does taste quite good. He then gestures for her to help herself to the food first if she wishes. He can certainly wait, and while it's a trifle old fashioned, he would rather see her help herself first than dive in ahead of her.]
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Date: 2022-09-14 03:58 am (UTC)I'll take that to mean you like it?
[She quips at him with a grin as she begins to load up her plate with a bit of everything.]
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Date: 2022-09-14 03:31 pm (UTC)[He does eat and drink regularly, or regularly for him, but he opts more for wine when it happens. The drink hasn’t any effect on him but he enjoys the taste. He doesn’t dislike ale though when it’s brewed well, and this one clearly was. Once Dawn has helped herself he takes a place and puts upon it a small portion of the many items. Following her lead to sit on the sofa, he sets his drink and plate on the coffee table before sinking down onto the soft cushions. It’s much more casual than eating at the dinner table. He can’t even remember the last time he sat on a sofa in the Dreaming.
He picks up the biscuit first and takes a measured taste, followed by the chicken. It does indeed have a complex balance of savory, sweet, and smoky. It reminds him vaguely of Renaissance food during banquets that often mixed meats with fruit when cooking.]
You can taste the time someone has put into it. The drink and the food.
[Which, for Dream, is quite a high compliment.]
What made you think of having it? Or was it a craving whose origination is hard to discern?
no subject
Date: 2022-09-14 06:11 pm (UTC)Mmmhmm.
[She agrees that you can taste the time that was put into the meal, the slow cooked pulled pork and the smoked chicken especially and she makes sure to swallow and dab her mouth with a napkin before answering his question.]
I made the mistake of watching the food network on TV and they had an episode all about bbq.
no subject
Date: 2022-09-15 12:55 pm (UTC)[Death, Hob, and now Dawn. It amuses him the variety within that spectrum, from Endless to immortal to mortal. Apparently, this television network and its offerings was quite a uniting factor among beings.]
You’re all going to make me hungry when you collectively dream about it.
[A teasing joke, but in truth, if he didn’t hold himself in such a disciplined state the emotional toil of everyone’s subconsciousness would impact him. Sometimes it still did in small ways, which he cared about less than larger ones that would impact his ability to function.]
no subject
Date: 2022-09-15 06:41 pm (UTC)[She asks as she pops a piece of cornbread into her mouth.]
Well seeing how you were so nice to satisfy my craving in the flesh I'll try to dream about something different tonight so you are safe from having to eat it twice.
no subject
Date: 2022-09-15 07:52 pm (UTC)[At seeing her eating the biscuit he offers her the half that is left of his.]
I appreciate your restraint. Though redundancy in dreams doesn’t bother me. It is the subconscious mind working through something if it lingers. I’m able to hold myself apart from your experiences most of the time, or at least at enough of a distance. Sometimes though a dream will remind me of something, I suppose like your barbeque shows can inspire.
no subject
Date: 2022-09-15 08:46 pm (UTC)Oh I love baking competition shows, especially the Great British Bake Off. It reminds me of my mother.
[She takes the other half of his biscuit and pops it into her mouth, chewing on it thoughtfully while he explains.]
Have you ever experienced a dream from someone that pulled you in? That you couldn't hold yourself apart from?
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Date: 2022-09-15 11:13 pm (UTC)[He can remember every being who dreams but not the show his sister talked about. Sibling vibes are a universal constant. He leans back a little against the cushions, contemplating her question. His arm rests against a pillow, index finger gently rubbing against the edge's crease.]
In the beginning, oh yes. When dreams were new; when I was new. I felt everything. So much joy and grief people brought with them. It was... overwhelming, until I could properly sort it out. And honestly, dangerous for the dreamers until I did, too. I had to protect myself from being consumed, so I could protect them from it.
no subject
Date: 2022-09-16 02:29 am (UTC)[Dawn sips at her beer as Dream explains what things were like for him in the beginning, it's such a strange thing to be hearing about and she takes a moment to really digest the idea of it. Being there when everything was new.]
Hrmn. Yeah I guess that would be overwhelming very quickly, having everyone's dreams and feelings just sort of thrown at you.
no subject
Date: 2022-09-16 11:26 am (UTC)and particularly in America the items looked enormous.
[At least compared to the past.]
It was a bit, yes. I won't pretend I served my function perfectly, then or now. Though I hope overall I've done a better job at it.
no subject
Date: 2022-09-17 04:11 am (UTC)[She brushes the back of his hand with her fingers.]
No one is perfect Dream, not even the Endless. You do your job very well, and I think you're allowed to be a bit proud of that.
no subject
Date: 2022-09-17 12:56 pm (UTC)[At the light tickling of her fingers against his hand, he turned it over, palms upwards, to twine fingers together with hers.]
A fair reminder. I suppose it is as easy for me to focus on what might be improved than on what is done well. Particularly when the stakes are as high as the ones in which we both deal. Thank you though, for the compliment.
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Date: 2022-09-17 05:33 pm (UTC)[His fingers are so elegant and when they twine through hers she smiles.]
You're very welcome.
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Date: 2022-09-17 08:32 pm (UTC)[He takes his time to consider the answer, because it is more layered than a casual offhand might imply.]
No, in seriousness the human connection with animal companions doesn't baffle me. Nor does the desire to read into animal behavior, ascribing to them human characteristics in joking form that barely mask a wanting for greater understanding.
I suppose what does sometimes perplex me... and it is not a characteristic ascribed solely to humanity... is self-sabotage. Maybe due to it not being limited to humanity. It is a complex concept, and perhaps worth a measure of mystery as that leaves it open to individual scrutiny rather than sweeping judgement.
no subject
Date: 2022-09-18 06:49 pm (UTC)It's a very complex concept and there's a disturbing number of ways that someone can do it to themselves, mentally and physically. And I would be hard pressed to explain the reasons why people do it because there can be so many factors that go into it.
no subject
Date: 2022-09-18 08:17 pm (UTC)Apologies. I didn't mean to add a heaviness to the evening.
I am also very perplexed by the socks that have individual toes on them.
no subject
Date: 2022-09-19 12:45 am (UTC)[She starts to say, her tone kind but then he mentions toe socks and she suddenly bursts out giggling. Lifting a hand up to cover her mouth.]
Sorry! What? Really?
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Date: 2022-09-19 12:55 am (UTC)They don't look especially comfortable, or appealing. I fail to see what regular socks lack that they provide. It is a human invention that does indeed baffle me.
no subject
Date: 2022-09-19 01:00 am (UTC)If you think those are weird you must be extra baffled at the shoes that are like that as well.
no subject
Date: 2022-09-19 01:21 am (UTC)[He's being entirely serious that time. His light tracing of the creases in the pillow cease on one hand, as his other hand begins to gently do the same. This time instead it's his index finger gently trailing over her knuckles and fingers as he loosens it from their hold, the small movement exploratory yet soothing to him.]
All right, I suppose it's your turn. What about the Endless baffles you? Or the topic can be broadened to bafflement in general, not merely my kind.
no subject
Date: 2022-09-19 01:39 am (UTC)[The feeling of his index finger traveling over her knuckles and the fingers sends a tingle through her entire body and she's so focused on the feeling that at first she doesn't seem to realize he's asked her a question.]
Hrm? Oh! [Her cheeks go a light pink.] I don't know if I'd say that there's anything that baffles me about the Endless, especially since I'm still learning about all of you, but there's certainly a lot of things that intrigue me and make me curious.
no subject
Date: 2022-09-19 01:36 pm (UTC)A very diplomatic response. Me, I find my family constantly baffling, but I suppose that is common enough. I will accept that at least I am not dull to you.
no subject
Date: 2022-09-19 05:17 pm (UTC)[She says, a statement that is made even more true by the pulse of excitement that goes through her again when he reaches out to brush back her hair. His fingers grazing her cheekbones for just a moment, but even that's enough for her heart to start beating faster and her body to become hyper aware of his.]
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