Dream [009] Lucid Dreaming

[scientize]

Warnings: None!
Dream Effects: A sense of real happiness

Comments

[stoicism]

Moving on... [He softly murmurs these words to himself as he looks down to the screen of his Dreamberry, watching the dream as it flickers to a close. He recognizes himself - his future self - quite well by this point. To see Naomi so joyful in the dream though, even as he casts her away is a confounding sight - but perhaps that's what the doctor wanted most of all? The words he spoke, were they what she's longed to hear from him?]

Is that what you must do in order to achieve happiness?

[scientize]

[And there he is.

Naomi's happy mood continues even as Frank calls her in regards to her dream. It seems quite strange to have him comment so questioningly on something he had indirectly said to her so long ago, but she's already prepared herself for this conversation.]

In most cases, yes, I do believe it is. You can't move on into the future of your life if you are stuck mourning over or obsessing about the past.

[stoicism]

[He pauses for a moment, appearing as though he's considering his words carefully.] Though I am incapable of speaking for my adult self, in the time I have grown to know you here in Somarium, all I have found myself wanting is for you to be happy.

[scientize]

[Of all the things Naomi had expected the young boy to say to her, that most definitely had not been it. She's touched to know he cares that much for her even if their relationship is completely different than the one she remembers. How can the woman even begin to show how much she appreciates hearing those sweet words from him? ]

I'm happy to hear that, Frank. Your happiness is all that I've ever cared about.

[And really, how can she be upset any longer that he's moved out of her home after saying that? It's ridiculous to force the blame on Danny when Frank has always made his own decisions.]

[stoicism]

Even though I am not the man you recall from your past, I remain grateful to know that your care for me extends beyond the basics of a doctor and patient.

[He cases his gaze away for a moment, contemplating asking this or not. She seems content, she's smiling at him, regarding him with such light. Her expression, soft and welcoming, should be all the indication he needs that his next question is unnecessary.

...But he needs to hear it from her.]

If you intend to move on and grow apart from the tragedies in your life... Where does this leave me? Am I to cease contact with you from this day forward?

[scientize]

[A question like this would have brought about a near horrified expression from the woman during any other previous conversation between them, but Naomi manages to give the young man a light, airy chuckle before shaking her head.]

Don't be ridiculous, Frank. I've already moved on from my past. I've been doing so for years. Nothing has to change between us.

[She may not have been completely aware of the change after her brother's real death, but Naomi has since moved on with her life to the best of her ability. Even with the difficult obstacles she's had to face along the way before arriving to Somarium, it's clear the dream world really has been her second chance at living happily.

Naomi would like to believe that Frank would be genuinely pleased to see where she's ended up.]

[stoicism]

[Though the adult version of Frank is not here to state how proud he is of how the woman has grown up, the sentiment is still tangible in the eyes of the boy. He respects and trusts Naomi a great deal - he allows her to provide him with his medication, to examine his body and cure his malady. He doesn't shy from her touch and he feels at ease in her presence. Although decades apart, though the woman has not even been born yet in Frank's own timeline, the bond he feels with Naomi is something very real.]

...I'm grateful.

[And he truly is. Her words provide him a sense of comfort that goes unmatched by anything he's felt in a very long time. Though he will not openly state this, nor is it visible across his features or in his tone, he's deeply thankful to have Naomi in his life.]

And I intend to remain by your side for as long as you will allow me.

[scientize]

Good. You should plan to stick beside me for quite some time, then. [If possible, the woman's soft, beaming smile grows even happier. The feeling of trust and respect is completely mutual between them. Though Frank may not be the same man she grew up with, he is no longer the scared, wild child she had met two years ago upon his arrival to Somarium. The growth in his character alone is beyond astounding and she's never been more proud of him.

Naomi finally poses the question that she's been far too stubborn to ask since the boy moved out of her home so unexpectedly.]

Have things been going well at Danny's place?