Mullen Institute, Dublin
10 May, 2011
01:01—N'Dour's Perspective
:-:
Something has the apprentice N'Dour out and about.
He can't sleep. Perhaps there's something in the air this morning.
"The doctor said I should get some rest, but…
—geez… What's wrong with me?"
Since he can't sleep, N'Dour feels the need to grab something to drink. Thus, it's onward to the kitchen he goes.
It'll take a bit of a walk, but he knows the institution, so it's an easy trip.
As he passes by Stuart and Dawnavan's room, he hears humming… A melodic sound that halts him in his tracks.
~… … …~
Beautiful…so inspiring…
"Is that… They're up at this hour?"
Curious by nature, the apprentice plants his ear against their door.
I know it's rude to eavesdrop, but…I can't help myself.
Whoever's humming this tune…
~… … …~
This song gives him visions of a peaceful world. A place where the seeds of hatred are a distant memory.
He says nothing. N'Dour can only close his eyes and drift away into his thoughts.
~… … …~
If he could, N'Dour would accompany this song with a special skill of his: The piano.
He was classically trained by a friend of his family. Thus, he is proficient; N'Dour can play by ear and by sheet.
This would be a great way to strengthen their acquaintanceship.
It's Dawny… I can tell by the quality of his voice; a handsome medium tone.
When I can, I'll ask him… No, what am I saying? That would be rude.
He can't help it. Aside from his desire for peace, N'Dour has a passion for music.
~… … …~
Should he leave, he would probably miss out on something. Capturing the beauty of this song is top priority at the moment.
"You can come in, nosy."
"—!?" N'Dour is frozen where he stands.
Dawnavan knows he's standing behind the door.
"It's alright. Come in, the door is unlocked."
Well, this is awkward. But since he's inviting me in…
N'Dour opens the door slowly, since it's still rather early in the morning.
"Be quiet though, Stuart's asleep."
Dawnavan says with hushed tone, and N'Dour obliges… Once the door is opened well enough, he takes the same ginger approach in closing it.
"Can't sleep?"
N'Dour turns to his acquaintance, a little nervous about showing up so early in the morning. He scratches his head…making Dawnavan titter.
"I *was* sleep for a little while, but then I woke up.
I was on my way to the kitchen…before I heard you humming." N'Dour's response is honest and straightforward.
Dawnavan closes his eyes, smiles and turns his attention to the sleeping Stuart. N'Dour approaches with light feet, slowly and charmingly.
"I love him…"
He is halted in his tracks by Dawnavan's sudden statement.
"Him? You mean Mr. Bennett?"
"Yes, with all my heart.
I normally sing that song to him when he's feeling down. But since I have a loud voice, I hum at night to refrain from disturbing anyone."
"…Would you…marry this man?"
N'Dour's question earns Dawnavan's attention in an instant. He says nothing in response… But his actions… Dawnavan's unsure how to answer something like that.
"I'm sorry… That was rude of me."
Dawnavan shakes his head, pardoning N'Dour's inquisitiveness.
"No, it's alright. It was meant to be asked.
I…should really start thinking of an answer…because…"
He says nothing more.
Perhaps the thought of marriage is hard on him at the moment.
Something is stifling his response… I wonder what it is.
No, I won't ask him. I've intruded enough.
"—I can't say 'no' to this man."
Dawnavan finally speaks up for himself, surprising N'Dour.
"You…'can't say no' to him? Why?"
"…We've heard enough of that word in the past. So, if I refuse something or think differently, I turn my back to him.
I never say 'no' to this man…because… It's complicated, but it's for a good reason."
Stuart turns in bed and lays his head next to Dawnavan's leg… Dawnavan runs his fingers through Stuart's silky, curly locks, lightly petting him.
N'Dour blushes, confessing innocence without saying anything at all.
Dawnavan notices his mannerisms.
"Fufu… Have you ever been in love before?"
"No, I haven't… I was a shut-in for most of my life. My family lived in constant fear of the church, so I never had the chance to make friends.
But I wanted to… Making friends. Finding someone special."
N'Dour lowers his head, feeling as if he just shrunk a hundredfold in size.
"Sounds like you're in-between steps 2 and 3." Dawnavan lifts N'Dour's head, having surprised him a bit.
"In-between steps?"
"Yes. You're no longer a shut-in, and you're making friends. I'm more than sure you'll find that special someone very soon. You're a nice guy, N'Dour.
I know, I know… The saying goes, 'Nice guys always finish last,' which is a good thing: The faster you finish, the quicker you get your heart broken. It's best to take your time when a life-partner is concerned.
It took years of sorrow and heartache before I met this mannish Brit. And now that I think about it, some of my better days were spent in his company.
I'm not wishing pain or hardship on you. But as far as happiness goes, I wish you this, security, contentment, and longevity."
He's so kind… If he's happy with Mr. Bennett, then he must be a kind man as well.
N'Dour approaches the couple and kneels at their bedside… He immediately notices Stuart's facial expressions: They seem resolute, resilient and decided. Stuart's also smiling, which means he's reached a positive stage in his dreams.
"Whatever he's dreaming about, it must be nice."
Dawnavan nods agreeably.
"Has he ever slept this peacefully before?"
"No, this is the first time."
"Do you…think it's a personal effect?"
"Perhaps, but I wouldn't say that's where it ends.
Stuart has found something to 'dream' about… When we were younger, I oft-told him to seek something positive: A person, a place, or a thing.
Tonight is the night. He's found his 'something,' and I'm glad."
It sure seems that way… And I'm glad for him, as well.
Congratulations, Mr. Bennett.
Dawnavan hums his song once again, as he caresses his lover's head.
~… … …~
Stuart's smile widens a little, making N'Dour giggle with admiration.
"Aww, he likes it."
Dawnavan nods, and continues humming.
~… … …~
N'Dour is a bit jealous of what he sees, but in an inspired way.
I'll find someone special, too, just like Dawny and Mr. Bennett.
It's nice to have friends that believe in you.
But about Mr. Bennett… I wonder what he's dreaming about.