[closed] catch-all log for December

[100more]

WHO: (100more) & Various
WHAT: May vary
WHERE: Mostly at Hob's home but can vary
WHEN: Late Nov - Dec
WARNINGS: Talk of werewolf attacks, injuries, possible affection?

Comments

[hypnagothic]

Is there anything that I can accomplish to aid in your recovery?

[ he says, still standing at the stove and stirring soup. ]

[100more]

[ The soup is probably done by now, but Hob lets him stir it a little longer. ]

Well, the soup does help, but you should focus on finding Vanessa, don't you think?

[ Nothing's going to happen to Hob at home. ]

[hypnagothic]

[ Hob just wants to memorize Dream looking domestic, doesn't he.

though the suggestion causes his expression to darken and close; the shift is subtle, but Hob is familiar enough with him to see it. ]

All the locations she has been known to frequent have been searched.

[100more]

[ It is really cute. ]

Maybe we have to search some new locations, then.

[ We? Does Hob plan to search, as well? If he must; stitches be damned. ]

[hypnagothic]

[ Dream picks up on that, too. ]

"We?"

[100more]

[ Hob blinks, having not realized the words he used. ]

Uh.. well. I think that soup is ready.

[hypnagothic]

[ oh. he glances down at the pot, probably close to boiling over by now. he turns off the stove since he saw how Hob turned it on, and he moves to find a bowl. ]

You require rest, Hob.

[100more]

[ Hob nods. ]

I know. And if you and her other friends can't find her, what could someone like me possibly do to help?

[ Nothing. He's better off trying to get well. ]

[hypnagothic]

You provide a different perspective.

[ he finds the bowl, carefully pouring the soup from the pot into it, all while speaking confidently and almost praising about him. ]

I am often surprised by human actions and choices, and those she is most familiar with may be limited by their knowledge of her, trying to anticipate her steps. Whereas you can provide an unbiased view, possibly remarking upon something the rest of us may have missed or failed to realize.

[100more]

[ Under different circumstances, Dream's praise would have cheered Hob up. Dream's opinion of him was always held in high regard. Hob often worked hard to try and impress the Endless like a child trying to get a parent's attention. Or.. some other object of affection.

Only a soft 'hah' under his breath is his response to the first part. It's the other that stands out a bit more, though. ]

Vanessa... is human, you say?

[ Hob sounds as though he has doubts. The sort that would probably remain, even if Dream confirmed it. ]

[hypnagothic]

For all intents and purposes, yes.

[ it's not a denial, but there's enough ambiguity for open interpretation. Dream finishes with the soup and brings the bowl and a spoon over to Hob. ]

[100more]

[ Human but also something else, maybe? That's all Hob can gather. ]

Hm. Thank you.

[ He accepts the spoon and waits for the bowl to be set down before dipping it in for a taste. There's still something a little melancholy about the way he stirs the contents around, though. ]

[hypnagothic]

[ he frowns at Hob's expression. ]

... Is it not to your liking?

[100more]

[ Hob looks up quickly and shakes his head. ]

No, it's perfect. Just what I needed. Thank you.

[ A quick smile and he spoons some of the soup again, having another taste. He's going to need to eat to get his strength back. ]

[hypnagothic]

[ he watches Hob smile and take another mouthful, but his frown remains. ]

Then what troubles you, my friend?

[100more]

[ Hob isn't sure how to answer. If only it were one thing he was feeling, but instead, it's like a swirl of emotions, none of which stands out as being a final answer. Sad. Angry. Aching. Lonely. None of it adds up to anything specific. Dream's concern is touching, though. It's nice to know he cares. ]

I must be tired, is all. I'll go back to bed when I've finished the soup.

[hypnagothic]

If that is truly all ... I can assist in returning you to rest, should you need it.

[100more]

[ Maybe that isn't truly all, but it's not something Dream can fix. Hob knows he just needs to get back on his feet; then, he'll feel like his old self again, he's sure of it. Until then, he still has the company of a good friend. ]

I appreciate that. I'm sorry to have put you through so much lately.

[hypnagothic]

You need not apologize. It is the least that I could do for a friend.

[100more]

[ Hob would do the same for Dream, of course. This time, his smile is less forced. ]

It's still surprising, sometimes, when you use that word.

[hypnagothic]

Because of our previous argument?

[100more]

[ A nod. ]

Yes. It took a long time, you know?

[hypnagothic]

It did. And I use such words with you because I was wrong at that time to deny it.

[100more]

And now, look how far you've come. Talking to others. Caring for.. another. And a human, no less.

[ For all intents and purposes. ]

[hypnagothic]

For more than one.