citylogs | [closed] catch-all log for December

[ he takes his time and care in opening each layer, though his hands pause when he finally gets to the gift itself, just for a few seconds. then he reaches out to touch the blanket, lifting it to feel it and see the sheen in the flat's lightning. ]

A bedding cover?

[ Hob chuckles softly. ]

It's for comfort. I know you don't get cold.

[ It's not like Hob forgot. He gestures for Dream to stand, and if he doesn't mind, Hob will help remove the blanket from the box and unfold it. ]

I know you're not people, either, but when they read, people like to be... cozy. Now that we have books again, I thought this would add a bit of comfort to the couch for you.

[ And if Dream doesn't object, Hob will unfurl the blanket, then step closer to reach around Dream, an arm on each side, nearly an embrace as the blanket is opened behind him and the sides are pulled over his shoulders like a cape. ]

There. Like a warm hug, isn't it?

[ he stands at Hob's encouragement, frowning in confused curiosity. he remains still as Hob unfolds the blanket and leans in close to wrap it around his back, Dream watching Hob's face from those bare inches away. only when it's pulled around his shoulders does he look away from him, glancing down as it's pulled in close, is hands raising to hold it as well, fingers curling into the fabric near Hob's. ]

... A most thoughtful gift.

[ With Dream taking hold of the blanket, Hob sets his hands on Dream's shoulders, feeling the warmth of the blanket there, and takes a step back to look at his friend. ]

It's silly. Not like you need anything, but, it's a holiday tradition, you know?

[ Giving gifts to friends and family. Upholding some traditions here does make it a little easier to be away from home. ]

[ he probably looks a little silly, the tall and proud Dream King with a blanket tucked over his shoulders. but he's looking at Hob with a sincere expression. ]

It suits your generous spirit, as well.

[ The compliment makes Hob feel a touch bashful. He runs his hands over Dream's shoulders a couple of times, as if the blanket required fixing, then lets him go. ]

I'm just glad you like it.

[ He wonders if Vanessa got Dream a gift. Perhaps she did. Hob will deliver Loki's gift to him later. ]

I would give you a gift in return, Hob.

[ as Hob drops his hands from Dream's shoulders, only then does he start to shrug the blanket off, gathering it in his hands. he looks thoughtful as he does, like he's considering what would be appropriate.

then, just for a moment, his hands still, and he looks back to Hob's face confidently; he's thought of something to give him. ]

But to give it to you, I would require something of yours.

[ Hob is both surprised and curious. Dream doesn't have to give him anything, but insisting upon that won't change Dream's mind, he's sure. ]

All that is mine is yours, old friend. What do you require?

[ it would not change his mind now that he's decided on it, no. ]

Some bauble or trinket that you would not mind parting with.

Hm.

[ Hob doesn't keep many baubles or trinkets. Nothing like jewelry. A thought brings him over to the bookcaase where he keeps a few things for his guitar. When he returns to Dream, he offers a guitar pick. ]

Will this do?

[ he takes it, laying the blanket on the back of his chair for now, his thumb rubbing it while he holds it in his palm. ]

Yes. You've held this while in both focus and contemplation, infusing it with your thoughts.

[ his other hand closes over the badge, covering it completely. Morpheus says ... something ... and it feels like it's something Hob should know, like if he listens more closely he can parse the meaning of it. before he can catch it though, Morpheus's hands separate, now holding a chain with a pendant hanging from it. the pendant has a design of a yew tree in the center surrounded by some sort of wording that's difficult to read? or to understand? translate?

Morpheus holds it out to Hob. ]

Edited 2023-12-27 17:01 (UTC)

[ Hob watches with total fascination. He hasn't seen Dream perform magic quite like this before. He can't quite make out the words, but then it's done and Dream is holding out a pendant, instead.

Hob has to resist the urge to applaud. ]

Oh, it's fantastic. Thank you.

[ He accepts the pendant and holds it in his palm to study the markings. ]

What does it say?

"Standing the test of time."

[ he drops his hands once Hob takes the necklace. ]

It will allow me to locate you, should you be in danger. If you are ever in need, hold the pendant with your hand, and call for me. I will come to you.

[ Hob smiles at the words and at the true purpose of the necklace. Given what occurred only a month ago, he thinks it's a great idea. ]

Thank you, Dream. This gift is invaluable.

[ He looks down at it again, running his thumb over the etching, then lifts the necklace by the chain and places it over his head so it can hang against his chest. ]

[ he watches Hob put it on, only his eyes moving as they flick up as it goes over his head then down as it settles against Hob's chest. he gives a subtle nod when he sees it there. ]

I would ask that you keep its purpose to yourself, of course.

Of course.

[ He looks down at the pendant and holds it in his hand, as though to protect it. ]

Could I... tell Loki it's for protection?

[ A weak smile. ]

He gets a bit jealous, I think. Of you.

[ as he holds it, Dream's posture straightens a little more, like something just caught his attention. his eyes remain fixed on Hob's though. ]

Ah ... yes. Perhaps it would be best that he was made aware of its presence rather than finding my influence on you by his own power.

Thank you for understanding.

[ He hopes Loki won't be jealous that Hob received a gift, but he thinks the god will appreciate that it's meant to protect him.

As Dream's posture changes a bit, Hob blinks and looks down at the amulet he's clutching. ]

Oh, sorry. Did I activate it or something?

Not as such, but as close as we are in this moment, I am sensitive to your focus on it while being held. A different sensation to that than if you had actually called for me but felt nonetheless.

[ then Dream's eyes flick down to the pendant in his hands briefly, then even more briefly catch Hob's eyes before focusing back on the necklace. like he's suddenly hesitant about something. ]

Was he accepting of the other ... incident? I presumed as much, only you had never said after you went to explain.

I see.

[ He had better be careful about playing with it, then. To ensure he doesn't, Hob takes the amulet and drops it down into his shirt so it rests against his chest.

When Dream mentions the 'incident', Hob flushes a bit and nods. ]

Yeah, everything's fine. He saw what happened, and it bothered him, but I smoothed things over.

[ And got a hell of a kiss out of it. ]

I see. Was that the source of his jealousy?

Yes, but I reassured him, and everything is fine now.

[ What else would the source be? ]

I suppose it hasn't come up between you and Vanessa. Loki has such strong emotions. I think he could be easily hurt.

[ So naturally, Hob will take care to ensure that doesn't happen. The mistletoe was out of his control. ]

It has not, as I do not believe she was witness.

[ who knows what else the source could be, man, he seemed to have a problem with Dream before so. but he tilts his head just slightly. ]

Easily hurt?

Edited 2023-12-28 05:22 (UTC)

[ Hob can only hope that whatever has Loki on edge about Dream is starting to fade, at least a little. He did agree to get help from Dream, which is a huge step. ]

He may have a reputation, and perhaps he hasn't always made the right choices, but he has a tender heart. I don't want to hurt him.

[ that actually causes Dream to frown lightly, for some reason? ]

Are you aware of his ... status?

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