[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]

[ 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.

[100more]

[ 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. ]

[hypnagothic]

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

[100more]

[ 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.

[hypnagothic]

[ 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?

[100more]

[ 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. ]

[hypnagothic]

[ 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. ]

[100more]

[ 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.

[hypnagothic]

What would be the point of embarrassing you?

[ but his arm is held out for Hob to take or lean on, walking him back to his bedroom. ]

[100more]

So you can laugh about it later, obviously.

[ Because Dream laughs so much. ]

Or brag about how you did it to your girlfriend.

[hypnagothic]

You believe I would do something so uncouth?

[100more]

I never imagined you'd find a girlfriend in a place like this, so yeah, weirder things have happened.

[ He gives Dream's arm a squeeze, hoping his friend isn't taking him too seriously. ]

[hypnagothic]

And you? That you would also find a companion?

[100more]

I've had far more companions than you.

[ Hob takes a seat on the bed and eases back to lie down. ]

[hypnagothic]

[ he helps him lean back onto the pillows. ]

I was referring to Loki.