citylogs | [closed] catch-all log for December

[ 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. ]

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.

[ 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. ]

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. ]

[ 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. ]

[ he frowns at Hob's expression. ]

... Is it not to your liking?

[ 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. ]

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

Then what troubles you, my friend?

[ 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.

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

[ 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.

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

[ 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.

Because of our previous argument?

[ A nod. ]

Yes. It took a long time, you know?

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

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

[ For all intents and purposes. ]

For more than one.

[ Hob smiles and looks down at his bowl again. It's going to get cold at this rate. He's not about to presume Dream cares for him in the same way he cares for Vanessa, of course. It's enough that he cares at all. ]

You know, after the attack, it felt like I was drifting out of my own body. And I thought.. maybe this is what it's like, to die. Seeing you this way now compared to how things used to be, I think, if something were ever to happen, I think I could be at peace.

Not that I expect to go anywhere.

[ He adds as he starts to eat again. ]

Have you not experienced such things before? Especially during your soldiering.

[ Hob chuckles softly at the part Dream decides to latch on to. ]

Oh, I've had more than a few close calls. This felt different.

[ Maybe because Dream was there. Or maybe because the idea of letting go didn't bother him as much as it used to. It's like knowing something you care about is going to be okay, even if you're gone. That it's not going to be alone. ]

Ah, I'm tired. [ And since he very much still likes living, he doesn't want to think about the subject of dying anymore right now. That was enough. ] I'll go back to bed, now. Thank you for the soup.

[ Dream's expression shifts for a moment, looking like he might say something more, but Hob's change of subject quells it, and he gives a nod instead. ]

Very well. Do you need assistance to return to your bed?

[ Hob turns to move off the stool and winces slightly, placing his hand against his abdomen. After sitting in the same position awhile, he feels a bit stiff. ]

If you wouldn't mind. But no carrying me like I'm your bride.

[ He was mostly passed out, but there was at least a moment where Hob realized what was going on when Dream brought him home. ]

[ like his—oh. well. Dream's face does a thing, a thing he's not sure he's even fully aware of, but it's there an gone, his stoic expression smoothing it over soon enough. ]

It was ... an expedient method.

[ but he's moving over to Hob to help him down from the counter. ]

[ Hob accepts the help, a hand on Dream's arm as he's helped down from his stool. ]

Sure it was. You were just trying to embarrass me. Well, I am not easily embarrassed.

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