[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

[100more]

[ Hob has only managed a couple of spoonfuls of his meal when Dream appears from his room, of all places, which surprises Hob, since the Endless doesn't often use the space. For a second, Hob is concerned. Did Dream overdo it with his powers and require rest? ]

I got a bit hungry.

[ That's not an answer to Dream's question, but it's a reason. He's slow to respond at first, but when Vanessa steps to Dream's side, Hob gasps softly. ]

Vanessa! My God, are you alright? What--

[ No, he shouldn't assault her with so many questions. Ones he's probably not going to get an answer to. Hob slips carefully off the counter stool and moves into the kitchen area, letting the island serve as some support as he walks. ]

Do you want something to eat?

[ He'll search for another bowl. There's plenty of soup left in the pot on the stove. ]

[hypnagothic]

[ he frowns when Hob gasps, but then glances to his side. ah. yes, he's realizing now that he probably should have asked Hob if it was okay to bring her to his apartment, though he has been repeating that it's Dream's too.

well, she's here now. and she probably could benefit from something to eat. he holds a hand out to her, ready to escort her closer to the kitchen. ]

A warm meal could help you regain your strength, my lady.

[ he glances at Hob briefly, seeing how he starts to close the distance between them. ]

You should remain seated, Hob.

[matermali]

[ The caution with which he moves furrows her brow, traces of guilt still lingering in her gaze when she glances back to Morpheus and takes his hand to follow, watching in case she is needed to help.

Vanessa had eaten a little bit at Heine's once her nerves had settled, after he had reminded her not to eat too much after going without for so long. No matter how hungry she may actually be, the thought of eating anything twists at her insides.

She doesn't know which answer would be ruder, so she remains quiet, acting more uncertain of herself and how to proceed than she ever has before. ]

[100more]

[ It's not that Vanessa isn't allowed. Quite the opposite. This is Dream's home, as Hob said, and any of Dream's guests are welcome here. Hob just did not anticipate Vanessa was here and had already been found.

At the concern, Hob passes Dream a reassuring smile. ]

I'm alright.

[ Luckily, in their current state, Hob figures he and Vanessa are on the same warm, soupy diet for awhile. Nothing like a little chicken noodle soup to bring a person back to life, right?

The sight of her is concerning; Hob's never seen her look like that before. He spoons some soup into a bowl and puts it on the counter in front of a stool for her. ]

Here. Try to eat a little. Should I call the doctor?

[hypnagothic]

[ his hand tightens in Vanessa's, anticipating her reaction to that suggestion by holding her steady and still drawing her forward to the food. ]

Not at this time. But thank you, Hob. I believe rest and recuperation are in order, as is the same for you.

[matermali]

[ Though about to shrink away at the suggestion, she's already being guided toward the table before she can manage. Still uncertain, but also not wanting to be rude, she shuffles just near enough to technically reach the bowl, but sidesteps the chair to remain standing with a bit of a lean against the table's edge.

That isn't like the cozy chair Heine had talked her into resting in. That chair had looked and felt different enough that she could be convinced, but her muscles bunch again at even being near this one.

Did he make this soup while still recovering? ]

...Thank you.

[ She should say something more, to be social, but she can't think of words now. Not any good ones, at least. ]

You should not go to so much trouble in your condition.

[100more]

[ Hob doesn't think there's a need for her to be social now. Not while she's in such a state. ]

My condition? I've had worse.

[ Worse must've been pretty awful, though. Hob has at least gotten some of his color back. He probably looked like death when Dream treated him. Luckily, he doesn't die.

Hob steps away to give Vanessa a little room, leaning against an opposite counter with the use of his hand. ]

I'm glad you're back safe. Rest here as long as you need to.

[hypnagothic]

You have had worse, perhaps, but that should not diminish the seriousness of your current state.

[ if she declines in sitting, then Dream will set in close beside her, close enough to almost seem crowding but more that he's helping to support her as she stand, able to lean against him if she wants. hopefully a comforting presence.

it's probably odd for Hob to see, Dream always seeming so aloof. ]

[matermali]

[ She has never really had a reaction to his intense proximity beyond maybe moving closer, so she doesn't look up, she just keeps staring at the soup and willing herself to eat it so as not to make a scene while they talk.

Eventually, she'll tug her sleeve over her hand to pad it and pick up the bowl to drink some of the broth. ]

[100more]

[ It is a little unusual to see Dream act with such care and comfort toward anyone, but Hob saw similar behavior when he had been injured and Dream tended to his wounds. Hob knew what happened, though he couldn't actually witness it, but seeing Dream's actions now puts a smile on Hob's face.

Seeing Vanessa drink some of the soup also pleases Hob. She'll need to eat to get her strength back, even if it's difficult at the start. ]

Um, we could ask someone to bring some of your things for you, if you'd like.

[ So she can wear her own clothes, if she'd prefer it. ]

[hypnagothic]

That is a fine suggestion, though I believe lady Vanessa cannot yet recall were her recent residence is located.

[ not to answer for her so much as he's answering because she's sipping the soup. ]

[matermali]

[ She wasn't excited to admit that out loud twice, anyway. Though her mind is already clearing up a bit since first arriving, the exact location is still not very clear. This might not have been such a problem if she hadn't insisted on living like a stray cat for the last five months.

Lowering the bowl back down, she'll reach up to pull her hair over one shoulder with her voice low and soft. ]

As soon as I can recall, I can see to it myself...thank you. I realize that I...do not appear my best, at the moment.

[100more]

[ That gets a curious look from Hob. ]

You don't remember where you live?

[ The look is passed to Dream, as if to ask, 'is that normal'? Not like Hob would know if it is normal for Vanessa.

When Vanessa suggests she does not look her best, Hob smiles. ]

Nonsense. There's a store nearby, if you should need a few things. One of us will fetch them for you.

[ Even Hob will do it (if Dream would let him out the door). ]

[hypnagothic]

[ not on your immortal life, buddy. but the look is caught by Dream, and he all but shrugs with a mild expression that seems to say something along the lines of "what can you do?"

but he glances back down to Vanessa at the suggestion of the store. ]

That includes not only clothing but anything else that you may find that you need, no matter how trivial.

[matermali]

[ She doesn't want anything, not anything at all, but she knows that she can't go wandering about dressed like this. However, she can feel any credible need slipping away when under the pressure of their attention, and there's a blank spot where her answer should be.

After a moment of staring at the soup bowl, she remembers again, though is reluctant to look up with them both waiting. She'll probably forget again. ]

...A dress, I suppose.

[ She can't picture Morpheus dress shopping. He wasn't interested in it before, but of course that hadn't been urgent. ]

[100more]

Of course. After you eat a little, you should continue to rest.

[ Hob glances to Dream again, clearly concerned. The woman looks practicaly shell shocked. He remembers such blank looks during and after the great war. ]

I can go and get you one while Dream watches over you.

[ Hob may not be fit to make it up and down the stairs, but his determination won't let that stop him. ]

[hypnagothic]

[ he catches his look again, his chin dipping down as if nodding in agreement. it is a concern. but his next words are a flat command. ]

No. You need continued rest as well.

[ although ... he tilts his head a bit. ]

Perhaps you might call upon Loki. Do you think he would agree to complete an errand asked of him?

[ as he speaks, he reaches for Vanessa, his hand pressing to her back for support and for comfort. ]

[matermali]

[ Loki? That draws her away from her weak attempt at drinking soup once more. What in any realm does Loki have to do with any of this? ]

I would— rather not burden someone else with my...state, but—

[ It's difficult enough for just them to know, but then she also can't think of a better solution other than handling it herself. In which case several more people might spot how poorly she's doing, and she would rather...not. ]

If we must, then why Lord Loki?

[ She has nothing against him, but they aren't exactly close. ]

[100more]

[ Would Loki complete an errand if Hob asked it of him? He's sure the answer is a resounding 'yes' without hesitation. Though Hob would not want to bother Loki with a task like shopping, he's sure Loki would agree with Dream that he should not be out and about so soon. ]

Yeah, I'll ask him.

[ Hob takes his device from the kitchen counter and starts working on a text, only to pause briefly at Vanessa's question. ]

Oh, well, Loki and I are seeing each other. I'm sure he wouldn't mind.

[ Once the message is sent, Hob smiles at Vanessa. ]

And he has great taste, so I'm sure he'll find you something suitable to wear.

[ooc: Lex agreed and Loki will drop off some appropriate options in a reasonable amount of time. o.ov ]

[hypnagothic]

[ the fingers pressing against her back rub gently when he feels the tension rising in her at the suggestion. ]

And while I would not speak for him, I doubt that he would se it as a burden.

[ not if Hob was the one to ask him. he'd probably bend over backwards to do it. ]

[matermali]

[ The touch is enough to remind her that nothing disastrous is likely to happen in the next hour, at least.

'Seeing each other' is not exactly a phrase she's familiar with in this context, but she can quickly deduce what he means. She can't help her surprise, but if anything it begins to draw out something of a smile, first with a glance up to Morpheus and then back to Hob.

If there is one good thing about this city, it is that their captor doesn't consider openly expressed love to be a crime. London could not make the same claim. ]

How wonderful to hear. Have you...known one another for long?

[100more]

[ Hob was not prepared to talk about himself and Loki, but perhaps it will distract Vanessa from more unpleasant thoughts for a short while. There's an almost embarrassed smile as he sets his device down. ]

About six months? [ That would put both of them in the first group of arrivals. ] We only started dating recently.

[ It still stuns Hob that Dream started seeing someone before him. ]

[hypnagothic]

It was shortly after the events in October, was it not?

[ right around the time he and Vanessa become a thing. ]

[matermali]

[ It's difficult to believe that was only a month prior. How has so much happened since then? ]

I think it's lovely...that you've discovered one another.

[ Even if Loki is quite doomed outside the City. She felt his death herself.

Unpleasant. ]

I suppose there has been much in recent weeks to draw some of us closer together.

[100more]

It was.

[ Hob didn't expect Loki to confess his feelings at the Halloween party. He also didn't expect Dream to spend the night elsewhere. Ahem!

Vanessa's remark puts a sheepish smile on Hob's face. ]

Thank you. Yes, things have been hectic lately.

[ Hob is reminded of the haunted house and also of what happened with Ethan. Unconsciously, he rests his hand against his abdomen where the discomfort lies. ]