citylogs | [closed] catch-all log for December

Frequently, yes, of all varieties of the winter celebrations.

[ he eventually accepts it, slowly taking it from Hob's hand like he's not quite sure it won't bite him. ]

[ Once Dream accepts the cake, Hob smiles once more and turns back to the stove to serve up his own hotcakes, giving them the same treatment, then turning off the heat before taking a seat at the counter. Some syrup is added, then it's passed to Dream. ]

So what were you doing last night that was somewhat productive?

Traversing dreams of all varieties of the winter celebrations.

[ he takes the second plate faster this time with a wry look to Hob. he brings it over to the dining table for them both. ]

I was once more examining the limitations that have been placed on me, trying to determine if they had relaxed or otherwise changed in my time here.

And have they?

[ With Dream assisting with the food, that allows Hob to pour himself a cup of coffee and bring it with him. For Dream, he sets down a glass of orange juice. Perhaps Dream will have none of the food, but Hob still goes through the motions. ]

As far as I can surmise, they are unchanged and I am still as limited as when I arrived.

[ he gives Hob a small nod when he brings the orange juice. ]

Thank you for making this morning meal.

You're welcome. It's alright if you don't want to eat it. I guess I was just in the mood to cook.

[ Given the abundance of ingredients they have to use, cooking is a decent past time, even if Hob is still no gourmet. ]

I'm sorry to hear you haven't made any progress. It must be frustrating. I wish I could do more to help.

Excitement for Christmas morning, perhaps?

[ another wry little smile. ]

Though my efforts have left me somewhat drained, as well. This meal and your efforts are most welcome.

Perhaps.

[ Another smile and Hob begins to cut his food with his fork. He's glad the food might help Dream regain his energy, if that's the case, but if Dream asked for something else to eat, instead, Hob would head right back into the kitchen. ]

How will you be spending your day?

[ Dream starts to eat as well, small bites and mostly staying clear of the whipped cream and chocolate bits to start with. ]

I have no definitive plans this day, other than to pay call to lady Vanessa. You seem to be well on the mend, yourself.

I am. Practically good as new.

[ That might be an over-estimate, but Hob is definitely getting there. ]

How is she doing?

Practically ... likely not.

She has improved, thankfully. Though ... I believe her recovery will take some time yet.

[ Hob frowns softly. ]

I don't really understand what happened to her.

[ Dream is quiet for a moment or two before he speaks again, his voice quieter. ]

I believe she was taken so that a punishment could be delivered upon her.

But why? What did she do wrong? Did she break a law of the city?

[ Ethan said he didn't hurt Vanessa, and Hob believes him, so what could it have been? ]

For actions she knowingly took upon another.

[ he doesn't elaborate beyond that, but Dream's usually not the type to engage in gossip or share about others. or himself, for that matter. ]

[ Actions she took upon another? Hob's expression becomes more grave. ]

Did she hurt someone?

Perhaps. I do not know of the details in full.

What?

[ That surprises Hob. ]

And if she did? That doesn't bother you?

[ he looks up from his partially eaten pancake to give Hob an curious expression. ]

We spoke of it, in part.

[ So Vanessa keeps things even from Dream? Hob tries not to worry, but his expression is full of it. No, he should put it out of his mind. This is not a conversation he should pursue today, of all days, and he knows Dream isn't going to give him any details.

He'll just frown at his Santa-cake instead. Dream didn't actually answer his question, did he. ]

[ not really, no. as much as he answers such direct questions.

he continues to look at Hob, watching his gaze drop down to the remains of his own breakfast. ]

... That does not satisfy you.

[ Hob looks up at the observation, which is accurate, but he can only smile in a melancholy sort of way. Satisfied or not, he'll get no answers, he thinks. ]

I have something for you. Wait here.

[ Hob leaves his plate and gets up to return to his bedroom. Might as well change the subject, right? When he returns, he's holding a garment sized box wrapped in festive paper and places it on the table. ]

Here. Happy Christmas.

[ his expression shifts to something more openly curious, at Hob's sudden change in subject as well as his apparent need to retrieve something. his eyebrows just rise further up his brow when Hob deposits the box near him. ]

... You procured a gift for me?

Yes, of course.

[ Why wouldn't he? Hob is certain he's not the only one to get Dream a gift. ]

You're very hard to shop for, you know, so you don't have to like it.

I am not one to typically receive gifts for the giving of them.

[ there's a pause as he eyes dart from the wrapped box up to Hob. ]

... I did not get you a gift.

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject