New Beginnings (Zombie and Exellda) [18+]

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

My character:

 

 

 

 

Name: Jonathan Brooks

 

Age: 35

 

Proffesion: Unemployed after recent divorce.

 

Sexual Orientation: Demisexual.

 

Romatic Orientation: Biromantic.

 

Personality: Protective of his friends and loved ones, however has extreme problems with alcohol. Thanks to that, his wife left him with their two children. From then, Jonathan appeared as a broken man, got into rehab and didn't really let anyone close to himself anymore.

 

---

A heavy hand landed on his broad shoulder. Jonathan rose his eyes up, facing the man he saw five days a week now. In a way, he was sick of seeing that face, but he did help him a lot. Even with that fake, small smile on his face. Jonathan never replied with a smile of his own - these days, he barely smiled or laughed anymore. Although he was left so long ago, he still wasn't over it. At least he tried to get his problem under control... He was proud to say he hadn't drunk a single bottle of beer in over a month.

 

"It's time to go, I'll see you tomorrow." The man said in his usual, slightly pitying voice. Without an actual verbal response, Jonathan nodded, then slowly rose from his seat. He felt weak, even now. It was weird, how he looked and how his mind was really clashed - while he appeared to be big and strong, his mind was fragile and weak. It was just enough to get him through life without ending it too soon. After all, he still had hope that someday he would get back to his life as it used to be. He really missed his little girls...

 

As he walked past the door, Jonathan found himself staring at the ground instead of in front of himself. That was something he was suggested to change - while it wouldn't necessarily help him with the alcoholism, it was supposed to make him more confident. He forced his gaze up, his eyes barely showing emotion as he walked through the halls of the rehabilitation center. He wanted to go home and resume searching for a job... That he still had hopes for as well. He was trying to get better, but the people who thought of hiring him seemed to dislike the fact that he'd been a heavy alcoholic before. Like that, deep in his thoughts, Jonathan slowly walked towards the exit. While he was indeed looking in front of him, he didn't really see what was there. His thoughts occupied his mind completely.

[Exellda]

My Character:

 

 

 

 

Name: Daniel Alexander

 

Age: 26

 

Profession: Pianist at the downtown bar

 

Sexual Orientation: Demisexual.

 

Romantic Orientation: Bi-romantic.

 

Personality: Daniel is easy going, confident and mischievous. However he does have some insecurities about his blindness. Daniel's blindness was an accident cause by a medical failure that ultimately killed his mother. Ever since that day, Daniel's father blamed him for her death. Throughout life Daniel's father became more abusive, both physically and mentally, despite the fact that Daniel was blind. As a result, Daniel has a hard time getting romantically involved and he is afraid to get close to anyone, fearing that he'd be abused. Daniel doesn't like to ask for help even if he desperately needs it, even if it is related to his blindness.

 

---

 

 

With a tap of his cane Daniel took another step towards his destination. He was use to walking alone, in fact he sort of enjoyed it. Over time he had memorized the route he was currently walking. Again his friend, Tony, forgot a lunch. But that was okay because he didn't mind 'seeing' his friend. He didn't have many friends in this area to begin with. Luckily Daniel could cook a couple things. He didn't let his blindness stop him. He found different ways to compensate for his lack of sight.

 

If there was one thing he respected about his friend, it was that Tony got to help people every day. Daniel sometimes wondered how different his life would be if he wasn't blind. Would he be helping people like Tony did? In all honesty Daniel couldn't fathom how a blind person could help anyone, when they could barely help themselves. Maybe that's why Daniel never volunteered to help people. He felt like a burden. If he could, Daniel would throw away his canes and walk like a free man. Blindness restrained him. Defied him in anyway it could. He had to find ways around his disability.

 

So finally when he arrived, he tapped his cane, listening for the difference in the floor boards. Tony had called out his name before he could even make it to the desk. "Daniel, over here." Daniel cocked his head towards the sound of his friends voice. "I'm glad you made it safely."

 

Daniel replied with a hum and then said, "Just be lucky I brought you something." he then smirked, handing over a sack lunch.

 

"Thank you." Tony said with a little laugh, "I'm sorry for making you do this for me."

 

"It gives me something to do." Daniel said, waving his friend off. "The weather's nice and I had a decent walk, no worries and no problems. Besides, I can't let my friend starve, now can I?" After he said his part, Daniel turned on his heal, tapping his cane. "See you around, have fun at work." After Tony said his good-bye, Daniel made his way towards the exit.

 

While he certainly was paying attention to what he was doing. He didn't expect what happened next. At first Daniel thought he tripped over something, but then he realized; it was more like bumping into someone. As if he crossed paths with someone. Everything happened so fast, a blur. A gasp passed his lips as he fell. One second he had his cane, the next second it was gone. There was a snapping sound, probably the sound of his cane breaking or denting... maybe hitting the floor? He couldn't tell. But that was background noise to Daniel once his knees hit the floor. For a moment, time seemed to stop as he tried to recall what had just happened. His lack of vision restrained him to actually see what happened.

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

Jonathan genuinely didn't see the other in front of him, causing them to bump into one another. For a moment, he seemed confused, as whatever he'd bumped into was just... Gone. Surely, it didn't take him long to see someone on the ground, with a broken cane next to them. "Oh... Sorry." He muttered softly, his voice gentle, soothing even. The man crouched down, carefully picking up the pieces of the cane, lightly tapping the other's leg with one part. "You dropped it." He added, tilting his head to the side slightly. Man... He made a blind guy fall. What a great way to end the session.

 

"Do you need help standing up?" Jonathan asked, holding his hand near the other, almost enough to touch him. He stood up himself, in the meantime going over the other's appearance. His haircut was kind of punk-ish, but his face didn't seem even remotely close to that. No, the other seemed rather gentle, actually... Jonathan usually had a rather good idea of what a person would be like when he first met them; most of the time it was correct, although some people surprised him nevertheless.

[Exellda]

At first Daniel was a little upset that someone had ran into him. How could someone just walk into him? He wanted to snap at the person who knocked him down. However, when he heard a voice, a man's voice stating his apology. Daniel could hear the guilt in the man's voice, he also heard something else... But he couldn't quite decipher it at the moment. He sighed. There was no reason to yell at someone who seemingly sounded guilty. "Huh? N-no... I'm fine, really. Accidents happen."

 

He dusted off his hands quickly, "If you're offering a hand, you know I can't see it, right?" Daniel said, trying to lighten the mood. His sense of humor was a little wack. Nevertheless, after hesitating a moment Daniel lifted his arm until it hit the back of the other's hand. Once finding where the other's hand was, Daniel reluctantly took it. After all, this man had knocked him down. If there was any way to describe the way his hand felt, it would be the equivalent to the tone of the other's voice. Warm, gentle, soothing in a unique way that words couldn't describe.

 

Daniel wished he wasn't blind. Then he could see who had knocked him over. Well, he also could have avoided the guy to begin with...

 

Allowing the other man to help him up, Daniel noted the probability that this man was taller than him. If there was one 'benefit' to being blind, it would be that Daniel was more aware of touch and hearing. He relied on those sensations due to his lack of sight. "Thank you..." His brows furrowed, staring blankly with his crystal blue eyes at the man standing in front of him. His eyes were leveled, not looking at anything yet seemingly starring straight ahead as if he was attempting to see. "Where's the cane?" Daniel didn't like to refer to the cane as his even if it was. He hated the stupid stick that was apparently this color known as white.

 

What did white even look like?

 

"Did it break?" If it did, Daniel would be okay with that because he didn't like it anyway... He also had a spare at home... However, if it was broken, that would be a problem. How the heck would he get home? Guess he'd have to ask Tony?

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

Jonathan didn't smile nor laugh at the other's "joke". It didn't seem all that funny to him - a disability was never funny to him, no matter what it was. Instead, he just moved his hand towards the younger's, gently grasping it to pull him up. It was nice to hold someone's hand, even if just in these circumstances. With his eyebrows furrowing the slightest bit, Jonathan reached with his other hand, gently brushing off some dust off Daniel's shirt. He wasn't exactly sure if the other wanted him to let go of his hand, so he just relaxed his grip, allowing him to choose what he wanted himself.

 

"I'm sorry, it seems it broke." He answered quietly, lightly pressing both parts of the broken cane into Daniel's free hand. "Do you have how to get home? I could help you, if you don't mind." Jonathan offered softly, without any hesitation. Helping people in need was never something he had to decide whether he wanted to do or not. He just had to. The idea that if he was good, the world would be good to him as well was planted into his head at a very young age, and it just stuck with him. Besides, there were many examples that showed him that was true. Like, when he started drinking, he lost his job, his family and most of his friends. Now, however, that he was really trying to get better, he found people that understood him, he was finding happiness in the little things again... Life was slowly turning from grey back to colorful.

 

"Are you sure you didn't hurt anything? I'm really sorry I made you fall." Jonathan apologized once more, trying to see if there were any bruises or something of the sort. What he hated most was hurting people. Whether intentionally or not, if he was the reason for somebody's pain, it just felt incredibly wrong.

[Exellda]

Daniel was surprised by this man's actions. The guy even dusted off his shirt. Okay, now that was incredibly nice... Daniel wasn't use to people doing things for him because he had made so much effort to stabilize his independence. He didn't like being reliant on anyone or anything... When people helped him, or offered to help him, a part of Daniel felt weak and worthless while another part of Daniel was happy that someone would lend him a hand... It was hard to do certain things by himself.

 

When Daniel heard the other's reply about the cane being broken he couldn't help but to frown slightly. Daniel acknowledged that the other was offering to help him... He had always felt conflict on whether he should accept someone's help or not. So Daniel pondered the thought while his free hand touched the cane, feeling where it was broken. The cane was no longer smooth. "I hated this thing anyway..." Daniel never did like his canes. "And I'm fine... I'm not hurt anywhere so don't worry about it." It's okay...

 

Should he ask Tony? No, he was at work... But was it really wise to accept help from someone he didn't know? Well Daniel didn't know many people in this town anyway... and what were the odds he'd meet this guy again... He seemed nice... "Haven't you heard of stranger danger?" Daniel mused yet he made no attempts to move away from the guy. It was weird, he felt he could trust the other, at least to walk him home.

 

"Daniel..." Daniel stated, seemingly out of the blue, but then continued, "My name is Daniel and I would like to know the name of my escort..." If there was one thing Daniel did know, it was that they couldn't be strangers if they knew each other's name. Besides, it was either this or he'd have to ask Tony... Which he'd rather not take his friend out of work.

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

Jonathan's lip twitched slightly. It sounded like the other was lying about being okay, with how persistent he was. He found that often when people lied, they tended to repeat the lie several times, and, in cases like this, ask the other person to forget. Daniel's words didn't sound honest for these reasons, but perhaps he was just reading into it too much.

 

"I don't believe in stranger danger." Jonathan replied, for once managing a small smile, even though Daniel couldn't see it. Perhaps that was a plus when speaking to a blind person. His facial expressions would remain unknown; at least he didn't have to wear a mask like this.

 

"I'm Jonathan. It's nice to meet you, although I wish the circumstances were a bit different." The man said, offering his hand again - this time, he let his fingers rest on top of Daniel's hand, waiting for him to grip onto it as he seemed best. "Shall we go then? Do you live far from here or can we reach your house by foot?" He asked, with his other hand taking his phone out from his pocket, ready to find the shortest way when he got the address. He would prefer walking, although it wasn't for him to decide. Jonathan tried to walk in fresh air as much as he could, as he found it helped him clear his mind and lifted his mood up in general.

 

After all, with what happened in the past, he'd lost his driver's license and, until he was cleared by the person in charge of his rehabilitation, he could not even try to retake the driving test. Still, it was something he looked forward to. For now it was probably his goal; he was happy to say that he had a goal. It meant he wasn't giving up completely, even if a big part of his life was gone.

[Exellda]

Daniel noted that the man's name was Jonathan. "Nice to meet you too." He said as felt Jonathan's hand brush his which made Daniel hesitate. "Umm, say, you wouldn't mind if we linked arms instead would you? That's not a weird request is it?" He pondered out loud. He didn't want to make the other man uncomfortable... "It's just... I feel more stable that way..." In this case, that was true. Having someone sturdy to hold on to... In a unique sense, made Daniel feel like he was walking normally despite the fact that he was latching on to someone. He walked with Tony places. He had never once tripped, fallen, bumped into someone...

 

It was like he could see... Although someone else was his eyes.

 

Reaching out, Daniel lifted his arm for Jonathan to grab. For some reason Daniel felt a smile form on to his lips. "I wish I could drive, but I can't sadly. I walk wherever I go... Personally I don't think it's too far, about 30 minutes... maybe? I hope you don't have to be anywhere, sorry." Completely unaware that Jonathan was getting out his phone, Daniel pulled out his own phone. It was an older phone and not a touch screen. He could feel the buttons and type with them. Daniel made a humming noise. "I haven't memorized my address yet because I moved here about a month ago. My friend programmed my address in here if I forgot."

 

Typing blindly into his phone, Daniel unlocked it, and found the contact menu. His name and contact into was indeed programmed into the device. "Do... you know where to find this?"

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

"Not at all." Jonathan assured the other rather quickly, linking their arms when Daniel lifted his own. He was glad, in a way, to have found the other like this. At least now he had something to do, instead of going home, back to the emptied rooms to try to get his life back in order. No, this was a lot better.

 

"I don't have anywhere to be, you don't have to apologize. It's my fault this happened, anyway." Jonathan said with the faintest of smiles, he watched curiously as the other picked his phone out of his pocket and found his address. The man copied it into his own phone quickly and in merely a few moments the whole way was clear for him. "I can find that." He said with a smile and began walking, making sure to lead Daniel properly, making sure he didn't make the younger man bump into anything. Once they were outside, Jonathan took in a deep breath of fresh air, instantly feeling a bit more relaxed. "So... Do you work somewhere?" He asked softly, trying to strike up a conversation. If they were to walk for half an hour together, silence was not something that he wanted. Work was what people usually talked about, although he himself realized a little bit too late that if the question returned to him, he would have to admit his unemployment.

[Exellda]

Daniel was pleased that the other male didn't seem offended. He didn't like asking for help... But Jonathan offered it... Plus he was right, it was his fault that Daniel fell in the first place. Hooking arms was also a welcoming feeling, not to mention comforting... It allowed Daniel to sense the other males' motions. He could anticipate when the other would stop, go, move around something... It was this strange empowerment for Daniel.

 

Out of any form of receiving help, Daniel would more than likely say yes to an escort every time. However, almost everything else Daniel pushed himself to do it alone. He could get lost in thought while Jonathan lead him, or anyone in general while they escorted him. Daniel didn't have to constantly stress about whether he was going to bump into something or not. His escorts were his eyes.

 

It was a blur for him until he heard Jonathan speak, asking about his profession. Daniel hummed in thought, "I play piano mostly. I go to different gigs, even some concerts, play a little and get some decent pay. I taught myself how to play the piano. I find it to be soothing and relaxing. Classical, I would say is my favorite kind of music. It's a decent living I guess... Although sometimes I have been cheated out of money... It's not hard to switch a hundred dollar bill with a five." Then Daniel added sarcastically, "It wouldn't be such a big deal had I not have to pay rent or for food."

 

"However, I really do enjoy the piano... Money means nothing to me. I could care less about being rich... Other than playing piano, I don't really know what job I should be looking for... Not everyone wants to hire a blind guy, you know?" Daniel found himself babbling to this new guy he just met. It was a nice day, and they were walking together... Plus walking in silence would have been awkward. So Daniel didn't mind talking, even if he had to ramble a bit. However, he also wanted to know a little about the other male as well, since he was asking about him.

 

"How about you? Where do you work, Jonathan?"

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

Jonathan was a bit surprised to hear Daniel was a piano player. He frowned slightly as the other spoke about people cheating his payment. "You should get someone else to pick up your money, that way you can be sure you actually get the right amount. Like... Maybe a volunteer from somewhere." He suggested, gently tugging the other towards himself when they needed to turn. It made him sad to think that people took advantage of people with disabilities. Life wasn't fair to them already, why did people have to make it even worse?

 

Jonathan found himself relaxing as the younger man continued speaking, stopping before crossing the street as the red light lit up. However, the following question immediately turned his mood to worse. "I... I'm unemployed at the moment." He answered quietly, silence following after as he stared at the traffic light. He tried to think of some question, but his mind was blank, aside from the self-pity that had suddenly enveloped him whole. He disliked feeling this way, but there were times he really couldn't stop it.

 

So, he stood silently, beginning to walk once the green light lit up. He was tense, silently begging for Daniel to not ask why he was unemployed. He was sure he displayed his anxiousness rather greatly at the moment. Anyone would, if asked such a question while in this situation...

[Exellda]

"I would... But I don't know many people who live here... And I am not sure who to ask because usually I get paid on the spot." Daniel shrugged and then tilted his head, raising a brow, "Wait, they have volunteers for things like that? Huh. Where do I get one?" Daniel hummed, "I guess that would be nice... Although I'd feel bad for not paying them... I wish I wouldn't even have to consider looking for someone else to help me..."

 

As they came to a stop Daniel could feel Jonathan physically tense up when he asked about his profession. And then it was quiet as they walked across the street. Daniels brows furrowed and his lips pursed. He knew the faults of being unemployed... But there was no reason for Jonathan to get all tense about it. Daniel couldn't see how anxious Jonathan was...

 

Suddenly, Daniel pulled on Jonathan's arm, pulling it towards his own body, "Hey- No need to tense up. I'm technically unemployed too and I'm still making it. I'm sure you'll find a job, so why fret?" After he said that, he relaxed and loosened his grip on Jonathan's arm. "Sorry, I hope I didn't hurt you... But anyway- Don't feel bad for being unemployed, it happens to everyone at some point in their life. I myself haven't been able too keep down a job. So keep your head up..."

 

"Which reminds me, how... tall are you, if you don't mind me asking?" Daniel nudged Jonathan in a curious manner. He also brought this up because it seemed that Jonathan didn't want to talk about his lack of employment.

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

"I could help you find someone." Jonathan offered, as he knew of some clubs, so to say, where people came to find volunteering jobs. They worked even with people like him; of course, only the ones that were unlikely to be violent. Jonathan had never been a violent person. Instead, he was more depressed, and sometimes, on his bad days, found it hard to find a single reason to keep trying. Those were the times a volunteer came in handy. The people occupied him with nice thoughts and various activities. Most of the time he really looked forward to another visit from them.

 

As he was suddenly pulled to a stop, Jonathan looked at Daniel in confusion, only to be disappointed. Their situations weren't the same, but this was not a topic he wished to continue. As he began walking again, the brunet looked up at the sky, a faint smile on his face when he heard the next question. Thank God, he just hoped Daniel wouldn't come back to the previous topic. "I'm around 6'1." He answered, slowly relaxing his shoulders. "I'm... Not sure if this is too personal, but have you been blind from birth? I'm sorry if this is not something you wish to share." Jonathan said softly, slowing down his steps a bit. "Careful now, there are some stairs." He informed the other, gently leading him up the stairs.

[Exellda]

"Perhaps you could volunteer then, instead going out to find someone else?" Daniel suggested, it was supposed to be sarcasm but by then end of the sentence, he found himself asking. "I mean, there's not really a way to tell what bill is what bill... I can feel the difference with coins though." His head turned away as if he was looking at something, but of course he wasn't, after another second he was facing forward again. It was unlike him to ask for help, but when it came to money... even if Daniel didn't want to admit it, it was important. Mostly for living purposes, nothing more. "You seem like a person who likes to help people, so I guess that wouldn't be a bad idea..." Daniel thought out loud, wondering how that would all play out.

 

And when Daniel learned of Jonathan's height, he huffed, "Not uh, 4 inches. Man..." Daniel complained. "That means I'm shorter..." But he wasn't too upset, he was shorter than a lot of people he knew. He considered himself lucky that he wasn't 5'4". Cause he would have felt like a midget to this guy. Although from the very beginning Daniel had assumed that Jonathan was taller. So this wasn't too much of a surprise.

 

It seemed that Jonathan was happy to move on to another topic, which Daniel didn't mind either. However the topic was changed to that of his biggest insecurity... Why he was blind. "Oh..." But then he braced himself for the stairs by slightly squeezing Jonathan's arm. Stairs were not fun to fall down on. "Well," Daniel started to say as he took one step at a time. "I don't mind talking about it, I suppose." He just wouldn't be too specific, not that Jonathan would know the difference anyway. "I was born blind. I've never seen any color in my life." Daniel shrugged softly. "I was told it was a medical failure. My mother died giving birth to me and I was born blind. Kind of sucks, you know..? Cause I never got to meet her..."

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

Jonathan only smiled, humming slightly in response. He didn't really want to volunteer himself, honestly... He didn't trust himself enough to do such a job. It involved money, and besides, Daniel didn't know yet about his "problem". He could bet that the other wouldn't want to offer such a thing after learning why he was unemployed and in the rehabilitation center.

 

"It's unusual for me to find people who are taller, honestly. I've been called a giant so many times..." He ended with a quiet chuckle, gently pulling Daniel closer to himself as they began going down the stairs. He was careful to lead the man properly, stopping after each step to make sure the younger was able to set his feet down safely.

 

"Oh... I'm sorry, it must be hard." He muttered softly, glancing at the other carefully. "Right, you said you played the piano? I'd love to come and listen sometime... When's your next performance?" Jonathan asked, trying to steer the conversation away from such personal matters. He had to keep the conversation light, he didn't want to make a bad impression... After all, he was trying to turn his life around, back to normal. Daniel, too, seemed like a nice person - Jonathan honestly wished he got to spend more time with him. He was easy to be around, somehow. Perhaps that was the reason he asked for his performance date?

[Exellda]

By now they finally reached the bottom of the steps. Daniel hardly realized it due to the conversation he was holding up with Jonathan. This man was more than polite. From what Daniel could tell, he was strong as well as caring. Relief flowed through Daniel when the conversation was shifted from his blindness to his passion: the piano. If he could, that would be what he would be doing almost all the time.

 

He also fancied talking about playing the piano as well. The piano was his sweet spot... So when Jonathan asked him when his next performance was, Daniel was more than happy to inform him, "This weekend actually. Although, sadly it's sold out. There will be other performers there too..." Daniel squeezed Jonathan's arm quickly, smirking slightly, "But... Maybe if you ask nicely I could give you one of the two spare tickets I have. As a performer I get two tickets I can give away. I usually don't use them anyway, well, unless my friend wants to go."

 

 

Daniel decided that Jonathan didn't seem like that bad of a guy. If first impressions meant anything, then Daniel thought he could actually befriend this guy. It wouldn't hurt to have another friend. "And if you want to hear me perform so badly," Daniel said, being mischievous as well as amused, "Take me out to eat sometime and I might consider giving you a private performance." Then Daniel laughed softly, squeezing Jonathan's arm again, "I have a keyboard at home. It's not as awesome as a grand piano, but it will do."

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

Jonathan was rather upset to hear the tickets had been sold out. However, Daniel's next words sparked some hope. "Really? Well, in that case, I would really like to come and see you play." He smiled, looking around cautiously before stepping into the street, as they needed to cross again. "I don't have where to go most of the time, so... I'd really appreciate it." He added, his voice softening. He'd wanted to play the piano since he was a teenager, but he never actually got to it. And who would want to teach a grown-up man how to play an instrument? However, he always used the opportunity to listen to someone play...

 

"Take you out to eat?" Jonathan asked, a small smile on his face. "It'd be easier if you agreed to have dinner with me at my house... I promise, I can cook food that's actually good to taste." He said jokingly, a quiet laugh slipping past his lips. "But, if you prefer eating out, I can do that. Anything to hear you play." Jonathan added, a bit of dreaminess in his voice. He didn't realize how he sounded - somehow, he was able to relax with Daniel, almost as if they had been friends for a long time. It was uncommon for him to find people like that, but the ones he did find, he treasured.

 

"How long have you been playing? Since you were a child or is this something you started when you got older?" He asked, hoping to keep the conversation mostly about Daniel. After all, he found a topic the other seemed to enjoy talking about, so why change it?

[Exellda]

Daniel felt a sense of happiness that someone actually wanted to hear him, specifically, play the piano. It was like this guy wanted to get on his good side, which, Daniel had to mentally applaud him because he was doing well by mentioning his passion. He wouldn't mind sharing his passion with someone else... Jonathan had no idea how happy piano made Daniel. After everything ha had been through it was his way to escape...

 

Just recently Daniel learned that Jonathan could cook, something that Daniel wished he would do better, but because of his obvious disability he had many difficulties. "You can cook?" Daniel gasped lightly, slightly impressed and a little envious, "Then by all means. A home cooked meal means more to me..." Daniel smiled softly. The way Jonathan talked, he sounded so enamored, so... dreamy. As if piano had been a passion for him at one point. And the home cooked meal... It honestly sounded like a date to Daniel. That was kind of Jonathan, very sweet he had to admit... "Say, you're not asking me out on a date are you?" Daniel teased, "If so, that better be one awesome meal." But of course Daniel didn't literally mean it...

 

It had only happened a couple times, but it was rare for Daniel to be hit on. Many times he would shoot them down right there. These people didn't know Daniel, and he wasn't the type to just say yes to who ever asked him. It also seemed that no one these days take the time to get to know the other before even committing themselves to the other. Daniel couldn't do that. He didn't work that way... And if that meant he would be single and lonely the rest of his life then so be it. But of course Daniel did want to find someone one day... He just needed someone who would actually get to know him... Someone who wouldn't abuse him...

 

It was interesting that he could be so laid back with someone he just met. Jonathan didn't get squeamish when Daniel wanted to link arms. He didn't make fun of his lack of vision nor his passion for piano... he seemed very caring and easy to be with or to get along with. Jonathan was a swell guy it seemed. Daniel found himself glad that this guy wanted to hear him play piano and also that Jonathan would actually cook for him... It gave him an excuse to see him again. Perhaps they could become friends.

 

"I started in middle school when I was randomly playing around in the music room after school one day... I was, at first, pressing buttons just to do it. But then I thought it was kind of cool that if I position my hand, just so, I can play." As Daniel spoke his free hand came up, as if he was placing it on the keys himself. His lips formed a happy curve as he recalled, "I thought of a simple tune that I knew, say, 'Mary had a little Lamb' and I would find the notes on the piano. Within five minutes I could fully play the song. It made me happy that I could do something so well, by myself. Well..." His hand went down and moved towards Jonathan's arm. Daniel allowed his hand to rest there. "The music teacher caught me playing the piano- and lets just say after that I got braille music."

 

This whole time Daniel had been speaking he had lost track of where they were. He kind of didn't want the conversation to end. He also felt comforted having an escort... "May I ask if you have any passions? If you don't I recommend the piano." Daniel smiled, eyes seemingly gazing up at his taller escort.

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

Jonathan let out a quiet chuckle, a sense of relaxation flooding over him. "I'll be happy to cook you something." He said softly, before Daniel voiced out the thought of it being a date. The thought of dating scared him. "I-... No, sorry, I can't." The man muttered, tightening his arm around the other's a bit. He wasn't ready for another romantic relationship yet. He still had feelings for his ex-wife, he would feel like he was cheating if he started dating someone else. It wouldn't be fair, and it would be wrong.

 

He still hoped he would be allowed to spend some time with his girls, though. Jonathan didn't dare go to their school, and since the divorce, he hadn't even spoken with his wife. It was weird to have such an important part of his life gone, he felt like a part of himself was gone. While it probably would've been healthy for him to try entering a new relationship, he didn't feel ready yet. Perhaps someday, when he was more comfortable with talking about what happened to him, about his previous life, perhaps then he would finally let himself start something new.

 

He found himself smiling while Daniel explained how his passion for the piano started, carefully maneuvering them both so the other didn't trip over a crack in the pavement. "Oh, me? I mean..." Jonathan paused for a few moments, lightly nibbling on his lip. "I don't think I have any passions. And the piano... I don't know. I've sort of wanted to learn how to play, but I never started, so now's probably too late." He ended with a somewhat sad tone, moving his free hand up to gently push his hair behind his ear. "I mean, I'm thirty-five. Pretty much all of the opportunities have gone by now." He chuckled lightly, glancing at his phone only to see they were nearly at their destination. He didn't really want to end the conversation, though.

[Exellda]

Daniel acknowledged what Jonathan said about the dating things he mentioned. He did know that he was joking, right? There was no way in hell that Daniel could ever be bold enough to ask anyone out, nor even suggest it. Sure he could joke about it, but initiating... No, that wasn't for Daniel. So he decided to drop it because neither of them really seem to like the idea of dating as of right now. Plus, the recently just met. That was not something Daniel was into.

 

This also brought a brief question to Daniels' mind, was Jonathan homophobic? That would be a bummer. It wasn't that Daniel was straight, or gay... He was more of the type to date someone he knew well... Or comfortable to be with. Gender, well that didn't matter to Daniel. He didn't really care about the gender as long as he liked them and they liked him back. Daniel wanted a relationship that was both meaningful and long lasting. And also because of his lame excuse for a father made him nervous to place trust in anyone like that...

 

Finally, when it came to Jonathan's passion, Daniel discovered that he had none but had considered piano. "Oh, Jonathan you have no idea. Age doesn't matter, I mean, I'm 26, so what's the big deal? The piano is timeless and you can learn at any age. Everything deserves a second chance, so why not give the piano another try? Perhaps if you really wanted to learn, I could show you some basics. Maybe a couple of cords... I know, I could teach you a basic song. You don't have to love it, but I think you should be open to trying it." Daniel laughed softly, "Although, if you somehow become better than me, I better get some credit, at least a thank you."

 

And then for a moment Daniel was quiet, smiling and tilting his head up as if he was gazing at the sky. A thought came to him, "Say... What does the sky look like? Describe it to me, please?"

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

Jonathan had never been homophobic, nor any other kind of -phobic that should not have been called a phobia. Even as a child, he never really understood what was so wrong with two people of the same gender loving one another. He was told it wasn't natural, but when he asked why, no one had an answer. Apparently, it just was that way.

 

"That's not the point. You started in middle school, and young people in general are better at learning new things. People my age, though... Learning something new is hard, and I'm not sure if I'm really fit for playing the piano." He spoke quietly, shrugging his broad shoulders slightly - the motion was probably felt by Daniel, as, surely, his arm moved along. "I could try, I guess, but I'd rather stick to just listening." He let out a small smile, slowing down his pace slightly before putting his phone back into his pocket. They were here.

 

"The sky? Well..." Jonathan paused for a moment, looking up with a faint smile still lingering on his face. "Right now, at least, it's clear. Without any clouds, it looks really... Smooth, I guess. It's vast, endless... I think if it was touchable, it would feel like water, but softer. You know what I mean?" The man asked with a small chuckle, turning to walk Daniel towards his house. "And... We're here." He added, feeling a bit of disappointment that their walk had ended.

[Exellda]

Daniel listened to Jonathan's description of the sky, trying to imagine what he was describing, but due to never seeing any color in his life it was rather difficult as always. However, Jonathan described the sky in relation to the water and that made Daniel smile. So the sky was like water? No one had made a comparison like that before. It intrigued Daniel, but now that Daniel thought about it, when it rained it was basically water falling from the sky, wasn't it? That connection alone made Daniel feel happy. "Yeah... I guess it really is like water, isn't it?"

 

A frown made its way onto Daniels face when Jonathan declared that they were at his home. Time had certainly passed while he was enjoying himself with Jonathan, engaging in a decent conversation the whole time. "Well... Okay, I am content for playing the piano whenever you want to listen then." Daniel said in understanding, it was harder to learn new things with age... But that didn't mean over time Daniel could get Jonathan to try someday. Yeah, now that he thought about it, he wouldn't mind being friends with this stranger. Plus, Daniel thought it would be good to use this for his advantage...

 

"So with that being said," Daniels said as he pulled out his phone, "I would like you to put your number into my phone, please. You know, so I can invite you over when I'm playing the piano, if you really want to listen and also," Daniel smirked, "So I have someone to call if I need an escort, that is if you are interested."

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

Jonathan smiled, letting out a quiet hum in response to Daniel's words about playing the piano. He was glad the other wasn't pushing him to try it too much. He honestly disliked pushy people - ever since he was a teenager, if someone told him to do something, the need to not do it grew more and more. Some people told him that would just pass with age, but it never did. Perhaps he was just being stubborn, even though many times he either didn't show the need to go against what someone says, or just played it off calmly, smoothly refusing. He didn't like hurting someone's feelings, after all, and by refusing to do something they suggested, he often felt he did.

 

"Oh, sure..." Jonathan muttered as he took the other's phone, putting in his number along with his name. "There." He smiled as he gave the phone back and led Daniel to the front door. "Oh, wait, can you call me so I can get your number as well?" Jonathan asked, slowly removing his arm to lead the other's to the door handle. It felt a bit weird to let go, but they couldn't stay like that forever.

[Exellda]

Daniel felt relieved that he could have someone else's phone number, after all it wasn't good that he bothered Tony at work. It was harder for Daniel to make friends due to his blindness. He had to be cautious at all times, making sure that he didn't befriend the wrong people. Today he truly felt like he could have just made a new friend, or at least an acquaintance to call upon. Jonathan was really nice to help him home, not to mention he was very polite and could keep a decent conversation going. And for that, Daniel was more of less satisfied but over all happy.

 

After receiving his phone, Daniel nodded, knowing that their journey was officially over for today. He knew they were almost at his front door now. "Thank you and don't worry, I will." he said when Jonathan disconnected his arm from him. Now Daniel felt slightly awkward. No longer did he have the supporting contact of Jonathan It would be convenient for Jonathan to have his number too, now wouldn't it? So that's what Daniel did, he got to his contact list again, found Jonathan's contact easy enough and dialed the number. He heard the ringtone of the other's phone go off and as soon as Jonathan was able to answer it, Daniel ended the call, "There you go." He hummed, "I always have my phone with me because I like to use the GPS on it. Um," He shrugged, "So I guess you could call me if you ever needed to..." Though Daniel really didn't see why Jonathan would even need him for anything... It was evident that Jonathan was fully capable of handling himself...

 

But before he could let Jonathan leave him, he had to ask, "I want to thank you again for escorting me home, it was kind of you... Would you like the ticket now before I forget? Or should we meet up later sometime this week?"

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

Jonathan held his phone in his hand, a small smile showing up on his face when the familiar melody reached his ears. He didn't take long to put Daniel's name in, letting out a quiet hum in response to the other's words before pushing his phone back into his pocket. "I will." He promised, although he hoped he would never have to. There was nothing worse than falling into the dark pit of depression and having to call someone for help. He still tried to get better, but there was the feeling that he was using his friends... Often, just a talk helped him get back on his feet, yet there were times when he actually needed them to show up. Hopefully Daniel would never be a person he had to call to make himself feel better.

 

"Let's meet up later this week, I do owe you a meal." Jonathan chuckled quietly, gently ruffling up his hair as the wind blew through it. "When we meet, you can bring the ticket as well... Thank you, for doing this." He said softly, genuine gratitude in his voice. Having somewhere to go, having plans - it made his life have some sort of a goal, even if it was just a short one. No matter how bad things were, if there was even the smallest thing he could grab on to get back, he did it.