For @prodigalmess

[youngestrose]

 Merry Christmas, Malcolm!

Box 1

Box 2

Comments

[prodigalmess]

Merry Christmas!

Gift 1

(And I'll reply again with some more things.)

[youngestrose]

Oh, I love it! It's something I can wear every day, not just on special occasions.

[prodigalmess]

Glad you like it. I love the watch. The book is curious... you trying to get me to lucid dream?

Gift 2

Gift 3

[youngestrose]

[Immediately puts on the scarf.]

I think it's fascinating and something you might want to consider trying. I was listening to this podcast a few weeks ago about it and I thought of you.

[prodigalmess]

[ He smiles. ]

That looks good on you.

I've tried it before... it didn't work. But maybe I'll try it again. For you.

[youngestrose]

[She beams. Of course it looks good - it's lovely.]

Maybe you weren't ready then. I imagine it takes an enormous amount of strength to confront your nightmares. But I know you can do anything you set your mind to. Just imagine what it might mean, to be able to talk to your younger self. To comfort him, reassure him, tell him he's done nothing wrong.

Maybe the one person he'll finally listen to is you.

[prodigalmess]

It'd be kind of strange... but maybe you're right.

[ Malcolm's still not sure if it will work, but he can give it a try at least, for Margaery's sake. As they grow closer in their relationship, the fact that they might never be able to sleep in the same bed looms as a problem. ]

[youngestrose]

It's worth a try, right?

[She'd settle for being in the same room. The same bed seems like a bridge too far.]

And if it doesn't work you can burn the book and I won't be mad about it.

[prodigalmess]

[ He nods and takes her hand. ]

I wouldn't burn it, as I don't burn books. It'd probably be better to give it to a used book store.

[youngestrose]

[There he goes again, being practical when she's being dramatic.]

The watch is designed to do more than just tell time and match your favorite suit. You can set it to vibrate every hour, so that you get in the habit of looking at it. Then when you're in the dream, and you see it's not on your wrist, you'll know you're dreaming.

[prodigalmess]

I've used that strategy before. Looking for the watch, not the vibrating part. That's new. Maybe it'll help.

[youngestrose]

Maybe. I hope so. That's what I really want to give to you, dearest. Peace. And a good night's sleep.

[prodigalmess]

[ He leans over and places a soft kiss on her lips. ]

I'm not sure if you'll ever be able to give me that, but I love you for wanting to.

[youngestrose]

[This feels like a good stopping point, agreed?]

[prodigalmess]

[ Yep! ]