Thorns

444

Darkness.

It surrounds him like night with no stars or moons. He's in unfamiliar territory.

But he has an experienced guide right beside him.

Vik looks over at JJ waiting for him to speak or do something. JJ remains still with his eyes closed as clouds form around his hands. Perhaps Vik is supposed to close his eyes too.

"You're going to need me every time you wish to come here." JJ speaks suddenly. Vik jolts, opening his half closed eyes. "Welcome to the dreamscape of Harry's mind."

It's very anticlimactic compared to what Vik had expected. One minute him and JJ stood next to Harry as JJ did his thing and then they were suddenly in here; In an empty black void.

"Where is-? Why is it so... Empty? Shouldn't there be dream things and weird stuff?" Vik questions.

"The mind doesn't constantly have dreams while at rest. A new dream should be starting soon." JJ answers. "Since this is your first time taking part in anything like this, we'll just sit and watch for a bit before leaving."

"This isn't your first time?" he looks at him. "You aren't sixteen yet, I thought you couldn't go in any dreams until your final test?"

"Well, I haven't been in any actual dreams. Only very realistic simulators." JJ explains.

Walls start to form around them. People suddenly appear and walk by. JJ keeps talking, not minding it all.

Vik spots Harry arriving in his dreams. He looks exactly the same only healthier. The blonde looks around at the school like setting. The two make eye contact for a breif second before a figure takes Harry away in a conversation.

The two super humans watch as the dream tells its story. The setting shifts to different areas and many things that don't make sense take place. They aren't extravagant and crazy but rather calm and are normal in this universe. Some is amusing. Some is confusing. But all is fascinating although Harry seems to often get distressed throughout the events which makes Vik tense until he remembers this isn't real.

"I think that's enough for now." JJ comments. All of the sudden him and everything start to slowly fade away. Vik panics, unclear of what is happening. He can almost feel something pull him but fights it out of fear. He tries to call for JJ but he wouldn't reply. He is gone.

Vik is left alone. He's unsure of where everything went. Whatever was pulling him has stopped.

"Vik!" A hand grabs his arm and forcefully pulls him against his will.

Vik finds himself back in Harry's hospital room before he can scream. He sees JJ's hand still on his arm.

"What just happened?!" Vik shouts in confusion.

"You got stuck in the dreamscape. You have to be careful when Harry wakes up! That can happen if you're not prepared." JJ scolds him. Vik glances over at Harry who is now waking up. A small grin appears on his face when Harry's eyes are unveiled. "That's how headaches are formed; Anything that gets stuck after the dream has subsided can cause pain to the dreamers brain. You have to let yourself fade into the background." JJ tells him.

But Vik doesn't want to be background noise to Harry.
~
Josh has discovered that hanging out with Simon is like walking a dog. Simon will easily get distracted by whatever beauty he finds in nature (which is everything), and it's up to Josh to pull him away and keep him moving in the right direction.

The flowery boy skips along in his minty green skirt and white long-sleeve shirt. Josh follows from behind in a leisurely fashion. His hands are tucked away in his pockets, occasionally coming out to run his fingers through his hair.

Amber waves of grass gently brush against Simon's bare legs. The daisies dance in the wind alongside the gangly boy. Even Josh gets caught up in this moment of purity.

Simon stops mid-twirl to pick a flower. He spins around to face Josh.

"Here you go, Joshy." He extends his arm out. Josh looks at the colorful foreign thing in Simon's hand. Then Simon himself and his shining smile.

"Thanks." The least Josh can do is take it. So he does. Unfortunately the delicate plant dies in his hands.

"Now why did you do that?" Simon puts his hands on his hips.

"I didn't mean to I swear!" Josh cries out. That's never happened before. Not since he was a kid. These powers are supposed to be under control.

"I know you didn't, silly." A butterfly flutters past the diamond orbs. Simon's attention instantly diverts to the winged bug. He mindlessly follows it up the hill.

Josh follows him, a small smile tugging on the corners of his lips. He straightens his mouth only for him to subconsciously smile anyway.

Simon prances his way to the top of the hill. The sun sits high, at the top of the sky. Josh's eyes shift from Simon to the scenery behind him. Josh notices Simon approaching a cliff.

"Simon!" he shouts. Josh sprints towards his lost puppy who did not hear their owner calling their name. Simon takes a step on the last available space before the edge.

Josh instinctively wraps his arms around Simon's waist, pulling him away from the cliff and against Josh's stomach. They stand still for a moment as Simon returns to reality.

"Oh?" Simon finds comfort with Josh's arms securely wrapped around him. "Hell~o." his voice shutters. A smile melts onto his flawless face.

Josh releases him.

"You're creeping me out with, that." Josh motions at Simon's smile. Simon stops grinning and covers his mouth. "How about we just sit down and you can make a brand new flower crown." he suggests.

"Oh yay! Maybe I can give it to you?" Simon asks, sounding hopeful.

"Uhh, no. Daisies kind of clash with black." Josh politely declines.

"Alright. Suit yourself." Simon turns his nose up.

No carnations. No daisies. Probably not roses or orchids. There has got to be a flower crown out there for Josh. And Simon will find it.