Chapter Text
Dreamer smiles in immediate recognition, as the gyrfalcon finishes its descent and lands gracefully on their leg. They carefully pet its head, stroking a finger along its feathers. “I guess Theo must be on my mind if I made you.” They murmur, admiring the soft mix of brown and cream feathers running down the proud creature’s back.
After it indulges in their petting for a little while, Dreamer feels the same tug on their magic they did when the bird first arrived. The falcon shakes its feathers, and flutters over to a tree branch a few paces away, directing an inquisitive caw at Dreamer, tilting its head to watch them patiently; as if waiting for something. Curious, they stand up and move towards it - as soon as they get close enough it hops away to another branch. With a giggle, they follow again until it takes flight and they find themselves running through the woods after it.
They watch the bird as they sprint, no care for where they’re going, feeling their magic spark with every step. They’re so engrossed, in fact, that they completely miss when the dreamscape moves from soft woodland soil to drab McKinley carpet; and their foot catches on a snag sending them flailing towards the floor. They brace for impact but none comes as they feel arms wrap around their waist, catching them at the last second.
“Woah! Careful there.” Theo teases as he steadies them on their feet. “Are you okay?”
“Ah yes.” They reply breathlessly, clinging to his arm, the falcon now nowhere in sight. “Thank you for catching me.”
“You’d think for a dreamwalker you’d remember that you can control things to prevent accidents.” He teases.
They huff, folding their arms defensively. “I seem to recall you saying you couldn’t do much more than a yawn, so give me a break bird brain.”
He lets out a loud goodnatured laugh. “You’re right, you’re right.” He pauses before looking them over. “You are… you aren’t you? Not a figment of my imagination?”
“Why do you often dream of your sexy fellow reporter falling into your arms?”
It was Theo’s turn to be defensive now. “I was just checking!”
Dreamer reaches out with their magic, confirming the truth, this was the real Theo. It was a useful trick James had taught them to help keep them grounded in reality in dreamscapes. “Well, you were clearly thinking of me enough to call me here.”
Theo’s eyes widen, and he scratches the scruff along his jaw bashfully. “I was just thinking about the other day at the Media club meet up and you wanting to be a reporter. It was more interesting than the paper I was writing. I can’t say I’m disappointed to see you again.”
Dreamer finally takes in their surroundings, looking dubiously at the lone desk piled high with various library books and articles. “Were you dreaming about studying?”
“...Maybe.”
“Oh you poor tragic creature. So tortured are you by your studies.” They say dramatically, patting his shoulder.
“Ha ha.” He rolls his eyes, but is unable to completely hide his smile. “I refer back to the aforementioned yawn comment in regards to my dreamwalking capabilities. What would you have me do in my dreams?”
“I don’t know, something fun.” They add quietly. “Dreams should be nice.”
“...I could take you flying?” He offers shyly, wanting to offer a distraction, noticing their discomfort. “That way the dream isn’t too taxing on you to control, and it’s something we wouldn’t be able to do in the real world.”
Their eyes instantly light up and they grab his hand pulling him towards the door, “that’s perfect. Let’s do it!”
“Oh, right now! OkaAAY!” He half stumbles as they drag him out the classroom, and finds himself on a blissfully empty expanse of beach. “Woah…” Theo stares at the scenery in awe, the sun slowly sinking behind the vast expanse of sea.
“I figure this way, if we fall, it’s into the ocean.” They say, fidgeting with their sleeve. Gaze solidly fixed on the ocean. “Is this okay?”
Theo nods emphatically. “It’s perfect.”
He watches as Dreamer lights up, and he tries to ignore how the sight of them glowing in the warmth of the sunset makes his heart stutter.
“Are you ready to fly?” He asks softly, still watching their face, enchanted.
“Ready.” They whisper back.
On their confirmation Theo leaps into the air, twisting his form into a proud gyrfalcon. He gives a triumphant cry and flaps in mid air, waiting anxiously for them to join him.
Steeling themselves, they try to mimic the same motion. It’s a little more clumsy, but soon enough they’re transformed alongside him, and let out a pleased shriek as they soar past him. Theo instantly takes off along the shore, with Dreamer in tow; the pair dancing through the sky, as the sun paints the clouds pink and orange in a never ending sunset.
Eventually Dreamer settles on the shore transforming back, Theo lands behind them and runs up scooping them into a spinning hug overjoyed. Dreamer shrieks with laughter as they’re caught off guard, and for the second time tonight they topple to the ground but this time they land on their back with Theo on top of them. His face is flushed and hair ruffled by the wind but he looks so… free. They can’t help but admire him as the gentle rays of the sun cradle his face.
“I’ve never gotten to share that with anyone before.” He says breathlessly, finally looking down at them and seeing their expression; he freezes, lost in their eyes. “Ah whoops sorry.” He chuckles, noticing their position; and awkwardly rolling off of them, flopping on the sand beside them.
“Don’t be sorry. This was nice.” They turn to him, ignoring the pang of loss they feel at his absence.
“Yeah.” He turns to look at them again. “Really nice.”