Archive of Our Own ^beta

Lord Morpheus, Dream of the Endless, among many other names and titles, was feeling frustrated.

To be fair, frustration, along with indifference, seemed to be his default emotion.

His last trip to the waking world had left him in a reflective mood. He decided the optimal way to deal with this mood was to spend some time alone. His plan after that would best be described as meditation. He sat on his throne with his eyes closed and posture as relaxed as he could get, which is to say if someone startled him he would spring up like a cat.

His attire differed from his usual vestments. At one point Matthew had noted how “uptight" the Dream King was. He'd jokingly suggested that if his boss ever put on, for example, sweatpants, it would be assumed he'd been replaced.

If Matthew ever learned Morpheus had taken his advice it would entail a level of smugness that the Dreamlord refused to contemplate.

Dream was indeed wearing sweatpants. They were paired with a simple t-shirt. Both in black, of course. He'd draped himself in his cloak as if it would offset the causal clothing underneath. If anyone could see him they might have likened his appearance to someone that tossed a housecoat over their pajamas.

He took a deep breath, the air technically unneeded but centering for his human form, and focused on nothing. He could feel the Dreaming around him, part of him, and resisted reaching out for it. His frustration very gradually melted away as he continued. He wanted to think about his connections to the waking world. The people he knew and the few beings he called his friends. He needed a clear head.

Thus the dreamlord meditated on his throne, tuning out the world around and inside him.

In the waking world, meanwhile, plans were being finished. They'd begun months ago and finally the time had arrived to execute them. Finding the grimoire pages had been difficult. Finding a translation even more so. Making sure the runes were correct had taken a week by itself, with another spent double checking. Now the supplies were gathered and the incantation practiced. All that was needed was a little more waiting.

“Alright everyone, that's time for today. Next time we'll cover chapters ten to eleven in your books.” Hob Gadling announced to his class. The students in the lecture hall had already begun putting their papers away before he spoke.

“Will we get another rant about Shakespeare?” piped up one student.

“Only if everyone does their work and we have time.” Hob said. He watched everyone file out until only five students remained. One of them walked over to his desk.

“Mr. Gadlin? You're sure we can stay late for this?” he asked. The student was dressed in all black with shocking red eyeshadow. He was the textbook definition of goth. He also happened to be one of the students struggling the most in the class and, unbeknownst to Hob, was the mastermind of the aforementioned plan.

“Noah, I will always make time for anyone doing extra credit.” Hob assured him. Noah smiled a little.

“Thank you, sir.”

“We really appreciate it.” added another boy from behind him, a blond named Jonah. Hob believed the others called him a jock. He excelled in sports but his grades were far below average. The rest of the impromptu study group were an interesting bunch.

Apollo spent many lessons doodling in their notebook but always pulled through at exams. They were currently sporting a blue undercut alongside novelty earrings.

Lilith had adorned herself in several crystal necklaces and a wide brimmed black hat, despite being inside. She was a self proclaimed witch and Hob was often grateful Lilith lived in a time where such a statement wouldn’t get her killed.

The last of them was his top student, a young man named Saul. He had come from India on the colleges international program and excelled in his studies. Hob assumed he would take up a tutor role for the others.

“Alright you lot, you have an hour before security kicks us all out. I’ll be down the hall in my office tortured by paper grading if you need me.” he said. The statement earned him a few laughs. He gathered up his bags and left them alone in the hall. They were good students and he knew they wouldn’t cause any trouble.

As soon as he was out of earshot the trouble began.

“Okay, let’s do this.” Noah said. He clapped his hands together in the hope it would hide his nervous trembling. “Jonah, move the desk against the wall. Lilith, the candles. Apollo, runes. Saul, the book.”

“You'd need to be as generous as a saint to call this a book.” Saul grumbled. He pulled two pages stapled together from his pocket. Noah took them and unfolded them gently. Saul sighed. “Why couldn’t you have just printed the whole thing?”

“Because I don’t need more mystic shit on me than necessary, okay?” Noah said. He gave a hopeful look at the now empty floor in front of him. “We only need this.”

“I still think it wouldn't have hurt to have a few more spells on hand.” Lilith commented from where she was placing candles. She moved aside to let Apollo continue sketching chalk runes in a circle.

“Maybe a better visual guide too? I don’t wanna fuck these up.” they added.

“Lay off him, guys.” Jonah said. He stood beside Noah with a supportive stance. “This is important.”

“Thank you, Jonah.” Noah said. He looked down at the papers he held. If this didn’t work… he didn’t know what he'd do. He watched as the others finished the preparations. They sat around the runes, the ones described in the grimoire as a binding circle, and raised their hands.

“I feel so stupid.” Saul grumbled.

“What happened to your academic interest?” Apollo said.

“At least I’m not here just because my girlfriend asked nicely.” Saul said. Apollo stuck their tongue out at him.

“Okay then, teacher's pet.” they said.

“This teacher's pet is why we got the room.” Saul said.

“I bet Mr. Gadlin wouldn’t be this accommodating if he knew about your conspiracy theory.” Apollo said.

“I’ve told you, it's the only thing that makes sense!” Saul snapped.

“Do you think every history teacher is immortal or is this just because you're his favorite?” Apollo smirked.

“Quiet, let Noah focus.” Jonah said. The others obeyed, some reluctantly. Noah took a deep breath.

“This is it. One ritual, one favor, and the nightmare is over.” he whispered. He then raised his voice. “Here in the darkness.”

“Here in the darkness.” The rest of the group echoed.

In the dreaming, something stirred.

“I give you a story, never to be told.” Noah said. He placed a folded letter inside the circle.

A ripple spread through the dreaming like a stone dropped in a pond.

“I give you a feather, from a raven free to roam.” Noah said as he placed a black feather down next.

The ripple grew into waves.

“I give you dreams forgotten to time. I give you a poem broken in rhyme. I give you words to tell your tale and I give you sand from place sun paled.” Noah continued. A small plastic bag of sand joined the other objects in the circle. He'd taken it from his mothers island trip souvenirs. He only felt a little bad about that. He cleared his throat and concentrated. “Here in the darkness.”

“Here in the darkness.” repeated his friends.

Dream felt a sickeningly familiar pull begin to tug at him. He scowled and doubled down on his efforts to clear his mind. It must be bad memories, he reasoned, flaring up when he didn’t want them to.

“I summon you, Nightmare King. I summon you, Lord of dreams. I summon you, Ruler of Sleep, I summon you and bind you to me.” Noah said. His voice had risen to a shout without noticing. He was in too deep to stop now. The words spilled out of him without even a glance to the paper. Inside the circle things were happening.

The letter had burst into flames and curled up as it burned. The feather hovered a foot above it all and as he watched it too became a flash of bright fire. The sand tore its way out of the bag and swirled just inside the confines of the runes.

“Here in the darkness!”

Dream sat on his throne with a pained expression. He knew his imprisonment would impact him, affect his emotions. He couldn’t stop the feeling now. On a whim he decided to lean into it. Perhaps facing his problem would prove to be the solution. It wasn’t like anyone could have the power to capture him again.

“Here in the darkness!”

The chant continued as the flames grew. They morphed into a roiling ever changing shape of oranges and yellows. It thrashed above them as if it had a mind of it’s own.

“Here in the darkness!”

The runes glowed brightly.

“Here in the darkness!”

The plan was working.

“Here in the darkness!”

He'd made a mistake.

Dream cursed himself as he felt the spell take hold of him. He should have known. The feeling was too strong, too true, to be merely a memory. It was different from last time.

He had been weakened then and the incantation had not been meant for him. Now he was strong but distracted. This magic was too specific to not be directed at him.

Someone was summoning Dream of the Endless and didn’t much care for how he felt about it.

Yelling for help wouldn’t do anything now. He'd instructed everyone to leave him alone until he called for them later. He desperately pushed against the call. It persisted. With a resolve steeled by a century imprisoned Dream abruptly stopped his struggling.

If someone was calling him they would get him. He would not be trapped this time. Not again.

Never again.

Hob wasn’t sure what he was expecting when he opened the door to the lecture hall. Disorderly students to discipline, perhaps? He’d heard the shouts but they didn’t sit right. He knew these kids and they weren’t the type to cause a fuss. Maybe a fight had broken out and he'd need to stop it. Then again he'd seen this group argue before. They never escalated to screaming matches. Had someone from outside gotten in and attacked? Campus security made it unlikely.

That last point made it all the more shocking when he walked in the room, mouth half open with a noise complaint, and saw a huddled mass of black surrounded by his students. They sat as if they'd been trying to crawl away but only made it around a foot. All of them stared at the new arrival. Hob took a step closer.

The black shifted. He noticed it was circled by some kind of runes. Lilith must have uncovered a bit of real magic. A stranger rose from the floor. He paused halfway, resting on his knees. Hob took another step.

The stranger looked towards him.

Hob felt as if ice water had been dumped in his veins.

That was his stranger.

Without thinking he ran. When he got to the circle he ignored the panicked cries of his students and scratched a rune away with his boot. His stranger visibly relaxed.

“What did you do?” Hob said. The question was directed at the cowering young people around him.

“You- you broke the circle.” Lilith said numbly. She adjusted her glasses as if it would change what she saw.

“What. Did. You. Do.” Hob repeated slowly.

“It worked… I can’t believe it worked." Saul muttered.

“We didn’t want to hurt anyone, honest, Mr. Gadlin.” Jonah said.

“It was Noah's idea.” Apollo chimed in. They'd raised their fists on instinct earlier, now frozen in place but ready to fight if needed.

“Noah. Explain.” Hob said.

“I – I just wanted it to end. All the nightmares. Please, I just want it to stop.” Noah stammered. He was shaking like a leaf in a storm. His eyes were fixed on the stranger in the circle.

“Why him?” Hob said. He looked to his stranger and noticed he was slouching slightly. Hob stepped past the now ruined binding circle and knelt next to him. “Are you alright? I don’t know what they did or why you’re here but if you're hurt-"

“Hob?”  

The voice was deep but lacked its usual confidence. Hob frowned. He tentatively reached out a hand and let it rest on his stranger’s shoulder. The being flinched slightly but didn’t pull away. It was almost imperceptible but Hob could tell the man was shivering.

“My friend, what's happened to you?” Hob whispered.

“Mr. Gadlin.” Lilith said. Her gaze had been locked on the stranger before but now she looked at him with equal fear. It pained Hob to see a student scared of him. She motioned to his stranger. “You're friends with him?”

“I knew it. I knew something was off.” Saul mumbled.

“You think teach is immortal.” Apollo pointed out. Hob turned to look at Saul.

“Really?” he asked. Saul nodded. Hob sighed. At this point hiding anything from them would likely make the situation even more confusing. “No wonder you’re top of the class.”

“I- wait, you mean I’m right? You’re immortal?” Saul said. His eyes lit up despite the truly frightening situation he was in.

“We can talk about it later, okay?” Hob said. He looked back at his stranger. “Please, tell me if you’re hurt.”

“No. I am not.” said his stranger. His usual inflection had returned. He rose to stand and Hob removed his hand from his stranger’s shoulder. The man, holding his black cloak close to his body, glared at Noah. “You dare to summon me here, to capture me.”

“P-please, I didn’t have any other options. I’ve tried everything.” Noah said. Tears streaked his mascara down his cheeks. “I just want the nightmares to stop. That's all.”

“Instead of facing your fears you deign to drag me here and force me to obey you?” said the stranger. His voice was deeper than usual. An undercurrent of rage flowed through it. Hob recognized his tone. It was the same one he'd heard directed at himself a hundred and thirty three years ago. He quickly tried to step in.

“Look, I don’t know what's going on here but I will not have fighting in my classroom.” he said.

“I will not-"

“No, listen to me. Whatever’s happened, we can fix this without hurting anyone.” Hob cut him off. He braced himself against the flash of anger in his strangers eyes. “You are my oldest and truest friend but these are my students and under my protection. You can leave if you want, for another century even, but don’t hurt them.”

“I'm sorry.” Noah’s voice came haggard and halting, interrupted by sobs. “I'm so sorry. Please.”

“… you test my patience, Hob Gadling.” said the stranger. Hob barked out a laugh.

“You have patience now? That's an improvement.” he chided his stranger. He focused his attention on his students. “Right. All of you, my office. Now. I’m going to talk to my friend in private and then I’m going to talk to you. Got it?”

A small chorus of “yes sir" ‘s came from the students. They left with fearful glances at the stranger, Jonah supporting Noah as they walked. Once they'd left Hob turned back to his stranger.

“So. Are you going to tell me what the fuck just happened or are you gonna leave again?” he asked. His stranger gave him an odd look. It was still upset, pained even, but there was something else there.

“I won't leave.” he said quietly.

“Alright then. And the explanation?” Hob said. His stranger looked away.

“I think, perhaps, that your students can tell you more than I.” he said.

“I'm never getting anything out of you, am I? All these years and I still don’t know your name.” Hob sighed. His stranger said nothing. “Fine. Just promise me you’re not going to hurt the kids. Even you must be able to tell they meant no harm.”

“… I will not hurt them." His stranger said after a moment of silence.

“Thank you.” Hob said.

“Nor will I help them.” his stranger added.

“That’s…. okay. So long as you don’t do anything…  bad, to them.” Hob said. He started to walk out of the room. He was surprised to find his stranger falling into step beside him. He didn’t question it. Whatever his stranger's reasons for acting the way he did Hob was sure he would keep his word.

They reached the office fast and entered to find every student staring at them. Hob closed the door behind them and leaned against it. His stranger stood motionless next to him.

“So. Who wants to go first?” Hob said.

“Is he gonna…?” Jonah trailed off as he looked at the stranger.

“He won't hurt you, any of you. I made him promise.” Hob said. Lilith got up from her seat and, rather confusingly to Hob, bowed deeply.

“I apologize most sincerely to you, Lord of Dreams and Nightmares, for the part I played in bringing you here tonight. Please, bear no hatred towards my loved ones and spare them your wrath.” Lilith said.

“Bit formal there, babe.” Apollo said, walking over to place their hand on her arm. Their pleading expression matched Lilith's. “But yeah, same here. I’m so sorry. We didn’t- I didn't think it would work.”

“We honestly didn’t.” Saul added. “Noah was the one who organized all this.”

“Don’t blame him! We all agreed on it.” Jonah said. He looked at the stranger. “And we are all very sorry about it.”

“You are children, trying to command forces beyond your control.” said the stranger. “I will not hold that curiosity against you.”

“Alright, apologies all around.” Hob said. “Now does anyone want to tell me exactly what is was you did?”

“Sir, you're immortal and you're friends with him.” Saul said. “And you… don’t know?”

“No, I don’t. What I do know is that a group of my students have done something apology worthy to my friend.” Hob said.

“I haven’t slept properly in a year. I keep having nightmares.” Noah whispered. His voice was cracked and his eyes red from crying. “I tried different meds but they didn’t work. Nothing worked. I wanted it to stop so bad I… when I saw stories online about a… a lord of sleep, I had to try. So I did and now… I’m so fucking sorry. I didn’t want to hurt anyone, I just want to sleep without being so fucking scared.”

“Lord of sleep?” Hob said. He glanced at his stranger. The man's expression hadn’t changed from his usual pout.

“The King of Dreams.” Lilith said. She sounded both fearful and full of awe. “Ruler of the Nightmare realm.”

“And we summoned him here.” Saul added, shocked at the reality of it all. “We tried to capture a being with unknowable power so he would fix Noah's nightmares.”

“Okay, I think everyone needs to go home and get some rest. Myself included.” Hob said. “Can you all get back to the dorms safely?”

“Yes sir. We'll be fine.” Jonah said. Noah simply nodded. He was the first to approach the door. He looked at the stranger with a mix of desperation and fear.

“Nightmares are given for a reason and I will not take yours from you. “ said the stranger. “Face them, your fears. You will find you do not need my assistance.”

“Thank you.” Noah mumbled. The other students followed him out, Lilith giving another brief bow. Saul paused before leaving to stare not at the stranger but at Hob.

“Sir, if it would be alright, could I maybe stay late next class and… learn? About your life? About being… immortal?” he asked.

“I guess so. Can't exactly make you forget about it, can I?” Hob said. Saul’s face broke into a smile. Hob grinned back. “Hell, bring the others if you want. Immortal teacher support group.”

“Thank you, sir!” Saul said. He left with a wave. As soon as the room was empty of students Hob sighed.

“That could have gone worse.” he said. His stranger said nothing. Hob went to his desk and sat down. He fully expected his stranger to be gone when he looked up. He wasn’t.

“… are you sure you're not hurt? Even if it's not physical, are you okay?”

“I will be fine.” said his stranger.

“Good. I can't imagine being summoned feels very nice.” Hob said. His stranger turned away.

“It does not.” he said. After a few moments he looked to Hob again. “I must take my leave now.”

“Right then.” Hob said. He stood back up and walked up to his friend. He extended a hand hopefully. “Next century then?”

“Is that what you wish?” asked his stranger. Hob lowered his hand.

“Um, honestly I'd like to see you more often.” he said. He smiled. “It's always something I look forward to.”

“…. As do I.” said his stranger. Hob's smile grew wider. Getting his stranger to admit they were friends had been a big step. He was glad to hear him say out loud that their meetings weren't a chore for him, as Hob once feared they might be.

“Sooner than a hundred years then?” Hob said. Taking a longer look at his stranger he finally noticed the rather informal attire under his robe. His smile turned into a smirk. “Maybe next time without dragging you out of bed? I’ve never seen you this casual.”

“… I was not expecting to be called anywhere.” said his stranger. “But, yes. I think we will meet again soon.”

“That's all I could really ask from you, my friend.” Hob said.

“…… Hob?”

“Yeah?”

“Thank you.”

The gratitude caught Hob off guard. As such he was even less prepared for what happened next. His stranger took a step towards him and, in a flash, pulled him into a short hug.

It lasted all of one second and was rather stiff but it was still the first contact his stranger had ever initiated with him. He didn’t have time to register it was happening, much less return it, before it was over.

“Anytime, stranger.” Hob said slowly. Oh, he was going to spend hours thinking about this later. His stranger had a very rare smile grace his features.

“Not a stranger, Hob Gadling.” he said. His eyes seemed to twinkle for a moment. “Morpheus.”

“Morph- is that your name? You’re finally telling me your name?” Hob said. His stranger, no, Morpheus, smiled a little more.

“I have many names. All of them are equally true.” he said. “I am Dream of the Endless, Lord Morpheus, King of Dreams and Nightmares.”

“Should've realized you’re royalty. You certainly act like it.” Hob said. It was all he could think to say. He was feeling rather overwhelmed by the evening.

“Farewell.”  Morpheus said.

“Sweet dreams.” Hob said. The quip earned him one more small grin before Morpheus disappeared. Hob went to gather his things while his brain tried to catch up on everything that just happened to him.

His stranger, his friend, turned out to be an entity that controlled dreams. His students had summoned said friend to them with a spell that would have kept him bound there. Hob had barely managed to diffuse the situation and keep everyone safe.

As he left the building he felt a warmth bloom in his chest. He smiled at the stars and imagined they smiled back. They reminded him of the eyes of his stranger. The rare joy of his friend. One revelation Hob held above all others.

His name is Morpheus.

The King of the Dreaming returned to his realm consumed by an unfamiliar mix of feelings.

There was embarrassment. A close cousin of shame, not quite as powerful, and a rare emotion in his repertoire.

He'd now been captured not once but twice by humans. The second time was even more amateur than the first. When Burgess ensnared him he had been weakened, on his way home. This time he had nothing to blame but himself. He had even dismissed the idea that the summoning was legitimate. Never again.

Next was fear.

It is easy for one to assume that an entity with such monikers as “King of Nightmares” and “Shaper of form” would have nothing to be afraid of. In truth the Endless are not bereft of fear. They are capable of every emotion and have felt every emotion countless times before the world we know now even existed.

Morpheus hadn't thought fear would come to him again so soon after the vortex incident.

Yet it did.

He found himself afraid of capture, of leaving his realm and those he held close without warning again. When he closed his eyes he could clearly see the sickening orange glow of the runes, hear the chanting that echoed in his mind long past when it ended, feel the cold wall of glass that held him captive for over a century. When he’d been pulled into the students circle the icy grip of dread had engulfed him.

Third in his internal maelstrom was, strangely, relief.

It started when he felt the circle break. When he felt the hand on his shoulder. He hadn’t stayed trapped this time and the one who came to his aid was a friend. It was strange to think he had only recently realized what his relationship with Hob meant to him.

The human had been right, all those years ago, when he'd said Dream was lonely. Dream was still loathe to admit he desired companionship, especially that of a mortal, but even he couldn’t deny the happiness he felt when he listened to Hob ramble on about humanity’s accomplishments. The man had no doubt seen the worst of humankind in all his time and still he held true to his drive for life.

It was admirable, anyone could see that. Hob was a person who, even with all his faults, strove to see the best in everyone. He’d forgiven Dream for being late to their meeting without asking for any explanation. He had no idea what his friend was, who he was, but met him with the same kind demeanor and playful ribbing whenever they crossed paths. He treated Dream as an equal.

One of the last emotions that rose to the surface, while Dream sat silently on his throne, was one that confused him. He had felt it before, was more than familiar with what it could entail, and had tried his hardest not to feel it lately.

It had been what pushed him to finally tell Hob his name. It had driven him to embrace the man, however briefly. It had flared up as soon as he'd felt the human touch him when he was in the circle. It first sparked when he saw Hob smile at The New Inn.

Dream stood, waving a hand to alter his clothes to his usual, and walked towards his library. There had to be an outside force, something, anything, causing this. He knew it would make him weak if he admitted to it and there were several reasons for others to wish him weak. It put him and Hob in danger the longer it went on.

He would put a stop to this.

He had to.

For an Endless to love a mortal always ended in pain.

For an Endless to love an immortal?

He didn’t want to find out what kinds of hell that could bring.

“So you just stopped aging with no explanation in thirteen eighty nine?”

“Stopped aging and didn’t die from things that definitely should’ve killed me.”

Saul scribbled down more notes. Hob wondered if the boy was going to run out of paper. The next class following the incident Saul and the others insisted on staying later to listen to Hob. Saul specifically asked to hear everything about his teachers life, even from before the day he became immortal. It had taken a solid half hour to get to the moment he realized he couldn’t die.

“God, that must have been terrifying.” Lilith commented. “I mean, everyone else is dying and you’re not? Outliving all your friends? It sounds terrible.”

“Way to be sensitive, love.” Apollo said.

“It's fine. I'm adjusted to it by now.” Hob said. He didn’t mention that it still hurt each time. He didn’t want his students worrying over him.

“Well, you’ve got one friend that stays, right?” Saul said. He lowered his voice to what may have been an attempt at a stage whisper. “Morpheus?”

“That's true. Every hundred years I'd be at that tavern and he'd show up the same as always.” Hob said.

“Did he make you immortal?” Jonah asked.

“He's the king of dreams, Jonah, not life.” Saul said. “I doubt he can do something like that.”

“Maybe it was someone related to him.” Lilith suggested. Everyone looked to her. “Some of my research mentioned family. Other beings that personify concepts. Like, Desire or Destiny.”

“Do you think he knows Death?” Apollo said. “Seems like the most likely suspect.”

“Tell you what, I’ll ask him whenever I see him.” Hob said.

“Will you need to wait another century for that?” Saul said.

“We'll all be dead by then!” Jonah exclaimed.

“Don't worry, last time we talked he said he'd try to come by more often.” Hob said. “Probably making up for nineteen eighty nine.”

“Why? What did he do?” Apollo asked. They leaned in with a mischievous grin. Most of the other students did the same. Ah, thought Hob, it's time for gossip. He leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms.

“To put it simply, he stood me up.” Hob said. The statement earned a few gasps. “We'd had a fight the last time we'd met and he stormed off. It was my fault, really. It hurt when he didn’t show, although part of me expected it.”

“But you're still friends with him now.” Jonah said. “What happened?”

“He was late. Came to The New Inn about thirty years after our usual arrangement. Actually apologized for it too. He’d ‘heard it impolite to keep ones friends waiting.’ First time he called me his friend.” Hob said. He smiled at the memory.

“I'm sorry for what we did to him.” Noah said quietly. It was the first he'd spoken all night.

“Noah, it's alright. You already apologized-"

“No, it's not alright.” Noah cut off Hob's reassurance. “He's literally an undying, all powerful, dream controlling being and I thought we could force him to do what I wanted.”

“You were desperate.” Jonah said. “And we care enough about you that we helped.”

“Maybe we should write a more formal apology. He's royalty, right?” Saul said.

“If he held a grudge against teach for over a century I’m not sure us apologizing will do much.” Apollo said.

“Maybe he didn’t have a choice.” Noah said. “If we could trap him… so could someone else.”

“Lots of magic users tend to try summoning larger powers.” Lilith said. “In ninteen sixteen the ‘demon king' Rodrick Burgess supposedly trapped the devil in his basement.”

“Hang on, ninteen sixteen? That's when the encephalitis lethargica epidemic started.” Saul said. He sighed at everyone else's blank stares. “The sleepy sickness? All the comas and stuff?”

“I think I saw something about that in the paper a few months ago. The last survivor woke up, though she died pretty recently.” Lilith said.

“Do you think it's connected?” Noah said. “If we'd actually trapped him… would the same thing happen again?”

“It'd explain why he missed his date with Mr. Gadlin.” Jonah said. Apollo held back a snort of laughter. Most of the others tried not to smile.

“Alright you lot, I think that's enough learning for today.” Hob said. He didn’t need a bunch of twenty somethings speculating about his current affairs, much less his love life. He also needed to think. They'd brought up a good point regarding the missed meeting.

His students complained but complied. He bid them good night and headed home. On the way he resolved to ask next time he met Morpheus. Why had his friend been late for their appointment?

That night he went to bed with his head full of questions about Morpheus.

Perhaps he'd get some answers soon.

The Dreaming’s royal library was an infinite collection of everything that ever had and ever would be written. It had complete records of every living things life experience. It contained countless sources of knowledge and enough stories to outlive the planet they came from.

Currently, it was a mess.

Dream sat at one of the many ornate tables surrounded by some truly impressive stacks of books. They were so haphazardly balanced the barest gust of wind would have caused collapse. From behind this impending disaster the librarian approached.

“My Lord?” Lucienne said. She stopped a few feet away from the potential danger zone. “Is there…. anything I can help you with?”

Dream only indicated he’d heard her with the barest tilt of his head. Lucienne held back the desire to sigh. It would only upset him further, however warranted it might feel, and had the slight chance to knock over the pillars of books. She clasped her hands behind her back and stood at attention. Often times Dream took several seconds before he saw fit to reply to anyone.

“I had been hoping to handle this alone.” Dream said after a substantial amount of silence. He placed down the book he'd been holding. “I admit it has not gone as well as I expected. Perhaps your assistance would prove useful.”

“What do you need from me, sire?” Lucienne said. She smiled a little. Only in recent times had Dream been willing to admit he needed help. It felt good to know her lord, her friend, trusted her with whatever had gotten him to this point of disarray.

“I need to know if there is any chance, no matter how slim, that an outside force could manipulate the feelings of an Endless.” Dream said. He stood and turned to face her without elaborating. Lucienne took a moment to think.

“May I ask what brought this about?” she asked. Dream looked away.

“Recently I find myself…. weakened by certain emotions.” he said.

“And which ones would those be?” Lucienne said. Dream glanced at her with dark eyes.

“Admiration. Vulnerability.” he said. He looked away again. “… love.”

“I see.” Lucienne said quietly. It wasn’t like Dream to admit so readily to such things. He must have been very disturbed indeed to bring it up. “When did this start?”

“I was summoned. This past evening when I was… distracted. A group of students found the correct magics to call me to them.” Dream said. Lucienne frowned.

“Like before?” she said.

“No, not quite. Their binding circle was specifically for me. I doubt I would have escaped easily." Dream said.

“Yet you are here now.” Lucienne said. Dream nodded.

“I am.”  

“What happened?”

“… a friend. They were his students. He freed me immediately after I was brought there.”

“Shall I presume this human you've befriended is the same one with the book that's been updating for the last several centuries?” Lucienne said. “Hob Gadling, I believe?”

“Yes. Him.” Dream said. Lucienne caught something different in his tone as soon as he spoke. She took a few steps forward.

“Is he also the one to whom your… feelings, are directed?” she asked.

Dream finally met her eyes and she knew he didn’t need to say anything else.

She fought the urge to comfort him, to try to lessen the quiet desperation he showed without knowing. Instead she began scanning the nearby piles of books Dream had accumulated.

“It seems you've already read through all of our relevant material.” she said.

“Are you sure, Lucienne?” Dream said.

“Yes sir.”

“….. I shall be paying a visit to Desire shortly.”

“Might I ask why?”

“I know full well that they wish to see me fall. This… thing, I am feeling. These desires. If I allowed myself to indulge in them it would weaken me. It would create an opportunity to hurt everyone involved. I cannot allow that to happen.” Dream switched to a whisper so faint Lucienne could barely hear him. “I will not put him in harm’s way.”

“I understand, sir. May I make a suggestion?” Lucienne said.

“What?”

“See him again. Visit him, or even just watch his dreams. It could be that your gratitude towards him is affecting your emotions. If you go back to him and they persist…” Lucienne trailed off her sentence. She personally didn’t believe anything was affecting Dream aside from himself. The idea was all she could do to nudge him towards realizing it.

“…. Very well. I shall do this and, if nothing changes, I will go to see Desire.” Dream said. Lucienne gave him her best supportive look.

“Best of luck, my lord.” she said. Dream nodded once and vanished.

Lucienne set about returning the books to their proper places. No doubt rumors would be spreading through the Dreaming soon. She had seen Morpheus love before and seen what happened when that love ended. She had never seen him scared to try. Once her library was back to proper neatness she picked up a rather thick volume from a shelf. The name of Hob Gadling was written down the spine.

Dream hadn't touched it. Lucienne wondered why.

It wasn’t often that Hob dreamed of Morpheus.

Of course thoughts of his stranger, later his friend, had crossed his mind before. Especially after their meeting in the eighties was missed. Yet overall his unconscious mind paid little attention to the Lord of Dreams.

This was why he was surprised to find himself inside The New Inn that night. He knew he was dreaming, somehow, and didn’t try to wake up. He'd certainly had worse dreams before. He scowled at the papers on his table, the words illegible. He thought his reunion with Morpheus had gone well. Sure, he still had plenty of questions but he never pried too hard when it came to his friend.

“Did you build this place?”

Hob's head snapped up. He was surprised to see Morpheus standing in front of him. The same way he had been when he'd finally shown up for their drink. Hob couldn’t help but smile.

“I only paid for it. Decided it would be easier to keep my name unattached. Place will last longer that way. Besides, I needed somewhere to wait for you.” he said. Something about Morpheus was different from the rest of the dream. He felt more… real. “Tell me, is this just me dreaming? Or is this… you?”

“This is your dream but, if you are asking if I am part of that dream, I am not. The Dreaming is my domain. It is as real to me as your waking world is to you.” Morpheus said.

“King of Dreams, right.” Hob said. He put down his pen and leaned back in his chair. “So, what brings you here then?”

“You were dreaming of me. I thought I should investigate.” Morpheus said.

“You can tell? Do you check in like this for everybody?” Hob asked.

“No. Not all of them.” Morpheus said. He sat down in the seat across from Hob.

“Alright. What can I do for you?” Hob said. He grinned. “Maybe I can dream us up a drink?”

“You have questions you did not ask when we met in waking hours.” Morpheus said.

“Oh, of course, I always do. You've never been one to answer much so I didn’t bother ruining the moment.” Hob said. He was pleased to find that when he focused a mug of ale appeared in his hand. He thought up a second one and pushed it across the table to his friend.

“Not this time.” Morpheus said. He lifted the mug but didn't drink. “There is much I have kept hidden from you in an effort to not influence your life, your experiences. I realize now that perhaps doing so might lead to harm.”

“I've always gotten myself into harm plenty, you've nothing to do with that.” Hob said. He took a sip of his ale. The taste was faint, like a long forgotten memory. He frowned slightly.

“That was the past.” Morpheus said. “I do not wish to hurt you in the future.”

“Well, isn’t that sweet of you.” Hob said. He realized quickly that Morpheus wasn’t kidding. “You're serious? If I ask you something you’ll actually tell me a proper answer?”

“I am and I will.” Morpheus said. He sniffed at his ale, scrunched up his face, and put it down.

“Alright then.” Hob said. “Do you have any family?”

“Yes.”

“Would any of them happen to be Death?”

“… yes.”

“That explains my state then.” Hob said. He didn’t mention his students had been the ones he asked for. He'd promised, after all. He took a deep breath and hoped he didn’t scare off his friend again.

“Why didn’t you show up? In nineteen eighty nine? Was it because of what I’d said?”

“No. It was not because of that.” Morpheus said.

“Really?” Hob said. Morpheus nodded. “Then, why didn’t you come?”

“I was… unavoidably detained.” Morpheus said.

“Can I ask what that means? When I told my students you missed that one they started guessing that someone captured you, like they did. Something about a demon king and sleeping sickness being connected.”

As soon as the words left his mouth Hob knew. He saw Morpheus look at him with a pained expression and he knew. The kids were right. Someone imprisoned his friend, forced him to miss their meeting. Morpheus hadn’t stood him up on purpose.

“…. Fuck.” Hob said softly. He took a deep drink of his shitty ale and swore a few more times. “If I'd known where you were-"

“Don't. It doesn't matter now.” Morpheus said.

“Yes, it does! I could have helped you, helped someone else find you, done anything!” Hob exclaimed.

“There was no way for you to know. There is nothing you could have done.” Morpheus said.

“How long?” Hob said. “How long were you trapped?”

“A bit more than a century.” Morpheus said. “I escaped some months ago.”

“Fuck, that’s…. I can’t imagine.” Hob said. “Wait, does that mean you came to see me right away?”

“Not immediately. I had urgent matters to attend to first. Once I had settled them… my sister suggested I find you.” Morpheus said.

“Who's this sister then, so I can thank her?”

“Death. She asked me to tell you that she says hello.”  

“Oh.” Hob tried another sip of his drink. Had it improved or was that just wishful thinking? He supposed that in a dream it didn’t matter. He put down the mug and looked at his friend. “So, King of dreams, huh? How did that come about?”

“Since the first being capable of dreaming did so. I have existed, in one form or another, since the beginning and I shall be here, in some way, when all is over. I contain the entire collective unconscious. The Dreaming is my realm to create and control.” Morpheus said. His eyes gleamed. “I am Endless.”

“Since the beginning?” Hob said. “Of time?”

“Certainly, for this world.” Morpheus said. He looked slightly offput. “Time itself is the domain of my father, as is the Darkness for my mother. They are the first of the Endless.”

“Hold on, your dad is literally father time?” Hob said. He couldn’t help himself from a short laugh. “Just how many of our stories has your family inspired?”

“In a way, all of them. At the same time, none of them. We shape humanity’s stories as much as their stories shape us.” Morpheus said. Hob took a sip of his ale. His mind wandered back to a very old memory and then to one further past it.

“When we first met Lady Johanna, in seventeen eighty nine, you said you showed her old ghosts. You used sand.” he said. “When my Robyn was young Eleanor and I would tell him tales of a man who helped him sleep, gave him good dreams by sprinkling sand in his eyes. That's you, isn’t it?”

“As I said before, I have many names. One of them is indeed the Sandman.” Morpheus said. He had an odd look about him. It was as if he'd grown uncomfortable not with what Hob said but at his own silence. “When you told me of your wife and children's fate… I feel I did not offer comfort the way friends should. I am sorry, Hob Gadling, for your loss and your grief.”

“Don't worry about it. It was a very long time ago.” Hob said.

“It never stops hurting, does it?” Morpheus said.

“No. I suppose it doesn’t. Gets easier eventually. Then some days it hits you like it did the first time.” Hob said. He busied himself with his drink. It had gained a bitter edge.

“…. I understand your mourning, Hob.” Morpheus said. Hob was surprised to see him finally sip from his own ale.

“I bet you've seen plenty of dreams about it. Parents losing their children. People losing loved ones.” Hob said. Morpheus met his eyes and Hob realized just how close his friend looked to tears.

“I have seen the dreams. The nightmares.” Morpheus said. He lowered his head. “It is another thing to live it yourself.”

“….. shit.” Hob muttered. “You…?”

“She blamed me. After it happened. She left me.” Morpheus said. His voice had dropped to a rumbling whisper. “I saw her recently, answered her call. There is no hate left between us now. But… when she suggested talking about him… I could not.”

“What was his name?” Hob asked.

“Orpheus.”

“Like the myth- wait.” Hob felt a chill take hold of him. “The story…. It's true, isn’t it? The legend about Orpheus. He's…. He's your son. Shit. I’m sorry.”

Hob reached across the table without thinking. He placed a hand over his friend's. Morpheus did not recoil. Hob felt the slightest twitch of movement. Reciprocation, as much as he'd get.

“Calliope was right when she told me I'd changed. If I had been as I am now when we were wed… when our son was married…” Morpheus mumbled.

“We can't take back our mistakes, not entirely. Thinking about all the could have’s will only make it hurt worse. It's okay to grieve, to regret. I know I’ve done plenty. The important thing is that you learn and you try. You try to be better.” Hob said softly. Morpheus looked at him again and Hob's breath caught in his throat. His friend still looked to be on the verge of crying but it was different this time. He was smiling.

“Thank you, Hob. I have been… learning, or, trying to learn, as of late. Trying to.... do better.” he said. “Teaching truly suits you. I see now I have more to learn from you.”

“Be careful, I might give you homework.” Hob said with a grin. The attempt at humor widened the smile on his friends face. Hob realized he still had his hand over Morpheus’ and withdrew it. “Speaking of work, I’m sure you can't spend all night on just me.”

“You are correct. I have my duties to attend to.” Morpheus said. He stood from the table. “If you wish to meet again in dreams, or in the waking world, you need only speak my name aloud. Farewell for now, Hob Gadling. Until we meet again.”

“Goodnight then, Morpheus.” Hob said. His dreamscape seemed to sway and then his friend was gone.

He took one final swig of his ale.

It tasted sweet.

“Desire. I stand in my gallery and I hold your sigil. Talk to me.”

Within the threshold Desire grinned. They turned to their gallery and leaned against a wall.

~ What a surprise, Dream. What brings you to my domain so soon after your last visit? ~

Dream said nothing. He stepped through into the threshold without warning. Desire huffed and crossed their arms. Today they’d adorned themselves in swirling fabrics of sapphire and silver. The patterns rippled as they moved. Golden eyes flashed with annoyance.

~ I can see you're upset, big brother, but that's no excuse to forget your manners~  they said. Dream strode over to them.

“What have you done to me?” he said.

~Whatever do you mean?~ Desire said.

“You make it no secret that you conspire against me.” Dream said. Desire chuckled lowly.

~I do, although I would hardly call my little games conspiring~

“You intend to weaken me, to remove me.”

~Such strong words~

“We are family and as such you should not be able to directly influence my own state.”

~Influence you personally? Why, that's quite the heavy accusation~ Desire said. They perked up. Something was afoot. Their lazy smirk grew. ~Tell me, what makes you think I’ve done anything of the sort?~

“Do not lie to me, sibling mine.” Dream said. His voice carried an accusatory tone that Desire, despite being used to it, didn’t care for. They sighed, almost a light growl, and walked over to their lounge. They sprawled over it and propped up their head with their hand.

~I tell no lies, dear Dream. My last plan didn’t work and, as you made sure of, any others are still far away~ they said. Of course they had plans in motion, they always did, but they wouldn’t see them through for quite some time. Their brother's anger was misplaced, at least most of it.

“You truly expect me to believe you have no hand in this? That you haven’t used your power against me to cause its happening?”

~Oh Dream, I doubt you’ll ever believe me, no matter what tell you.~ Desire said. ~But for my own sake I shall say this. Whatever it is that's happened to you, what's made you this way, was not caused by me~

“Fine. I shall take my leave then.” Dream said. He turned to walk back to his realm.

~Come now Dream, you can't just waltz into my home and accuse me of such things.~ Desire said. They swiftly stood and moved to be next to their brother. ~If you are dealing with problems of desire, why not speak to me? Are you too proud to admit I may know more about these feelings than you?~

“…. I am not.” Dream said. He looked down at his sibling, dark eyes meeting gold. “My desires, however, remain my business.”

~Indulge me then, without specifics. After the way you came to me I can’t let you leave without learning more. At least reveal to me why you're so upset.~

“…... my desires have led me to ruin in the past, the suffering of both myself and those my feelings were directed towards.” Dream said eventually.

~That, I am well aware of. Share something new~ Desire said. Their grin was full of far too perfect teeth.

“I would not have it happen again.” Dream said.

~My, my, has the need for romance, for lust, for companionship, made you afraid?~ Desire said.

“I am afraid.” Dream admitted. Desire frowned.

~And you acknowledge it? You have changed, brother~ they said.

“That may be so.”

~You are afraid of your desires? So is everyone. There is always the risk that following them will lead you to the realm of my dear twin. Does that mean you ignore them? Never. Without desire we would never grow, never change.~ Desire said. After a moment of silence they continued. ~Would you think yourself above such things, Dream?~

“…. I do not. As much as it pains me to confess… you are right. A world without desire is a world unchanging, a life stagnant. I have been quick to blame you for what is ultimately my own.” Dream said.

~Is that an apology, big brother? How strange~ Desire said. Their voice was a purr. ~The desire for love has made you fearful indeed, if you're doing that~

“I never said anything about love.”

~Oh, you don’t have to. I can tell. When you're in love you're not exactly…. subtle~  Desire said. They let out a quiet laugh. ~Maybe this time you won’t send your lucky partner to Hell when you inevitably get in your own way~

“Hold your tongue.” Dream growled. Desire backed up but their expression remained smug.

~Don't let me stop you. Go on, decide what to do about your desires. See what your love will wreak this time~ they said.

Dream vanished back to his own realm. Desire continued smiling. They went over to the mirror that represented their own spot in their gallery. Golden eyes and red lips both tilted up at the corners. As they often did Desire spoke aloud to themselves;

~This will prove to be very interesting indeed~

Hob’s dream had changed.

He didn’t often dream of books. He had lived enough history and read enough stories that most written works paled in comparison to his lived experience. On this night he found himself wandering the halls of a great library. He was pleasantly warm, although he didn’t know if that was because of the library or the mug of ale he had finished while talking to Morpheus.

He wanted to reflect on their conversation, in his dream of The New Inn, but found himself distracted by the unending shelves of the library. He was looking for something but he couldn’t tell if what he wanted was even present.

“May I help you?”

Hob turned to see a woman in glasses standing nearby. Her ears came to a point as sharp as her coattails. She definitely wasn’t human but all the same Hob felt he could trust her.

“I’m not sure.” he said. He looked up at the current bookcase he was in front of. “I think I’m searching for something.”

“Most who end up in the royal library are.” said the woman. Hob paused.

“Royal? A royal library in a dream?” he said. Suddenly he smiled brightly. “I’m in the Dreaming then. The proper Dreaming, not my own dream.”

“… you are. How is it you know of the Dreaming?” said the woman.

“I know the guy who runs it.” Hob said. The woman's eyes widened.

“Would you happen to be Robert Gadling?” she asked. Hob held out a hand.

“That I am, my lady. Pleasure to meet you.” he said. The woman shook his hand with a smile of her own.

“The pleasure is mine, Mr. Gadling. I am Lucienne, the librarian.” she said. Hob grinned wider.

“Please, call me Hob.” he said.

“Very well, Hob. You are most welcome here.” Lucienne said. “If you're looking for Lord Morpheus I’m afraid he's stepped out for the moment.”

“It's alright. We just had a talk.” Hob said.

“How recently?” Lucienne asked.

“Um, earlier this evening? It was in a dream and I don’t think I've woken up between then and now.” Hob said.

“I see. Is there anything else you might be interested in finding?” Lucienne said, not explaining her question.

“I don’t think so. Not sure I want to wander around this place much either. It's beautiful but technically all of this is his and he doesn't know I’m here.” Hob said. “Does he?”

“No, I don’t think he does.” Lucienne said. “Would you like to sit and wait for his return? There's plenty to read. Everything ever written and everything still unwritten.”

“Uh, just sitting down is fine.” Hob said. Lucienne nodded and motioned for him to follow her.

She navigated the impossible maze of books like it was part of her. Soon they had reached a long table with numerous chairs pulled up to it. Hob took one and sat. He'd scarcely had time to relax when a large black bird abruptly landed in front of him.

“Oh, hello there.” Hob said. The bird tilted its head.

“How's it hanging?”

Hob briefly wished he had a drink to choke on rather than sit with his mouth gaping open. He recovered admirably fast.

“I take it you're a dream then?” he said.

“No, I’m a raven. Used to be a man but y’know, things happened.” said the raven. “Name's Matthew.”

“Nice to meet you, Matthew.” Hob said. He wished his voice wasn’t so weak. If he could be friends with the king of nightmares there was no reason a talking bird should phase him. “I’m Hob.”

“Hob? You're the immortal guy the boss was talking about?” Matthew said.

“He mentioned me?” Hob said.

“Well, not really, it was more of you being mentioned and him acting weird.” Matthew said. Hob furrowed his brow.

“Weird? Weird how?” he asked. Matthew and Lucienne shared a look.

“It's not our place to comment on his lordship's personal affairs.” Lucienne said.

“The whole of the Dreaming is full of rumors right now. At the very least we could ask the guy his side of things.” Matthew said.

“Rumors?” Hob said. “About me? Here?”

“C'mon, Lucienne, you know getting information out of the boss man is impossible.” Matthew said to the librarian.

“It's still an invasion of his privacy.” Lucienne said.

“Look, it's okay. You guys don’t need to ask me anything. I know Morpheus can be… frustrating to deal with. Hell, I only learned his name a few days ago.” Hob said. Both of the Dreaming residents looked at him.

“Seriously? After, what, seven hundred years? Geez.” Matthew said.

“The point is, he comes to you when he's ready. Whatever he has going on right now I’m sure he'll tell you eventually.” Hob said.

“Oh, it's not that we don’t know. We wanna hear how far it goes.” Matthew said.

“Matthew…” Lucienne warned. Matthew shuffled his feathers and cawed once.

“Fine, fine. Whatever. Come back sometime, okay mister immortal? Dream doesn't exactly have many friends.” he said. He flew off into the rafters.

“He's right about one thing. You are welcome here whenever you wish.” Lucienne said. Hob smiled.

“Thanks, Lucienne.” he said.

“Hob?”

Both turned to look at the source of the sound. The ruler of the Dreaming had returned. He walked over to the table with a pleasantly surprised expression.

“Hullo, Morpheus. Nice place you've got here.” Hob said. His smile had grown exponentially since his friend appeared.

“You were able to find the palace on your own?” Morpheus said.

“Less finding it and more stumbling into it.” Hob said. He gestured to Lucienne. “Met your librarian. She's wonderful.”

“That she is.”

“Thank you my lord, and thank you Hob.” Lucienne said. Her posture implied that if she'd had feathers she would be preening them. It had been a long time since she’d actually had any but old habits died hard. “I take it your business went well, sir?”

“About as well as one can get with Desire.” Morpheus said. “I think that perhaps I should extend my inquiry to others in my family.”

“You said your sister was Death, right? If you talk to her tell her thanks for me. For everything.” Hob said. Morpheus returned his smile.

“I shall. Now, I believe it is time for you to wake up, my friend.” he said.

“Aww, just when things were getting good.” Hob said jokingly. He could feel the reality of the Dreaming fading around him. Before he left entirely he grinned. “You can give me a tour next time.”

“Next time.” Morpheus agreed.

And with that, Hob woke up.

“My lord? Is everything alright?”

Lucienne observed her boss with worry. Dream hadn’t said anything nor moved since Hob left.

“I will be going to consult my siblings. Ensure that I am not disturbed.” Dream said. After a pause he added- “Please.”

“Of course, sire.” Lucienne said. She walked swiftly out of the library.

Dream returned to his gallery and stood observing it for some time. After finally reaching some kind of conclusion he reached out.

He took the hooked ring and slid it on his finger.

“Despair. I stand in my gallery and I hold your sigil. Would you speak to me, my sister?” he said. A few seconds passed.

“ it is not often that you call on me, dream. ” said Despair. She had appeared sitting cross legged on the floor to his left.

“It is not often that I face the problems I am currently having.” Dream said. Despair picked at the skin around her nails, blood already welling up at the edges, and avoided his eyes.

“ i felt it. your presence at the edge of my realm. something is causing you to despair again. “ she said.

“Indeed. There have been times before when I would not be out of place in your domain.” Dream said.

“ so why summon me? why talk to me this time? how are things different? “ Despair said.

“This time I come to you with a question.” Dream said. He knelt down next to her. “Would you grant me an answer?”

“ a question? ask then, big brother. what knowledge do you seek from me? “ Despair said. She looked at him with morose curiosity.

“Does Desire have any hand in my current situation?” Dream said.

“ should you not ask them first? “ Despair said.

“I have spoken with Desire. However, they are rarely forthcoming with the truth.” Dream said.

“ so you except me to have it. a rational assumption. they are my twin, after all, the monarch of desire. “ Despair said. She raised a hand to her face. Her own hooked ring dug into her cheek, cutting a deep channel down when she pulled. “ no. desire plays no games with you at present. “

“I see. Thank you, Queen of Despair, for answering me.” Dream said.

“ it is my turn for questions. why is it that this time you call to me, brother? if you know desire plans with me why then have we not spoken before? “ Despair asked.

“I need to be sure this time, my sister, that these feelings are my own. I have brought despair to me and mine before because I was not cautious enough.” Dream said. Despair surveyed him with grey eyes. She cut a second line into her cheek next to the first.

“ how unlike you, dream. for one resistant to change you have done much of it. “ she said.

“I am… trying. To learn. It has not been easy.” Dream said.

“ i can only wish you luck then, king of dreams. my domain is always open to you. “ Despair said. With that slightly ominous offer she left.

Dream considered, for a brief moment, the empty space in his gallery. The Prodigal likely would have listened, had he been present, and not for the first time Dream found himself missing his younger brother. There was nothing to be done for it now. Destruction had left on his own terms and didn’t want to be found.

The first sigil, the book, he didn’t spend time considering. Destiny was not to be disturbed with such matters. He would know everything, of course, but wasn’t allowed to answer. There was no point in calling upon him.

The last sigil in the gallery shimmered and flashed with waves of rainbow color. Sometimes it would resemble a butterfly. Almost on a whim Dream reached for it. He doubted she would have anything resembling good advice but part of him wanted the distraction.

“Delirium, I stand in my gallery at your sigil. Will you hear me?” he said.

“Did SomeTHing BAd HaPpen, DrEAM?”

Dream looked behind him to face the young woman that had appeared in his gallery. She was wide eyed with curiosity, a mismatched blue and green stare. Her almost patchwork clothes and half shaved hair were a multicolored amalgam.

“A hard question, little sister.” Dream said. “Even I am unsure of how to answer.”

“Is IT someThing DANGERous?” Delirium asked. She tilted her head. “Like, an IDEA or thought that keeps coming BACK but yOu NEVER know where iT came From?”

“Somehow, that is almost accurate.” Dream said.

“REallY? Oh goody! MayBe let's  DANce aBout It?” Delirium said. She clapped her hands together in her usual unhinged glee. Several iridescent butterflies came into being. They fluttered in circles around her.

“No dancing. I have called to you in the hope that you may listen.” Dream said.

“WHat aBout ThE Others? Couldn’t they Do tHe listening? I’m nOt very good at it beCause I’m NoT always here when I'm supposed tO Be. sometimes I’m there inStead. Or i'm wheRe.” Delirium said.

“I asked the others but have found I no longer wish to be given advice in return.” Dream said. “I think perhaps… I simply need to talk. You need not reply.”

“HHHhmm… I GUEss i can Do That.” Delirium said. She flopped down onto the floor and twirled her finger in the air. The butterflies followed it.

“Thank you, Delirium.” Dream said. His sister stayed quiet, distracted by her creations. He took a deep breath.

“Recently, I have found myself harboring feelings of love towards a human. This has… not gone well for me, in the past. It is not the place of the Endless to love mortals and I have learned that lesson the hard way. However… a small spark of hope drives my emotions further. This human is not mortal. Our sister Death will not give him her gift, in part because of my own actions. Still, I know full well how love consumes me. He is… my friend. I do not wish to bring that kind of pain upon him, no matter how tempting the potential happiness seems.”

The gallery stood silent for a minute. Dream felt somewhat relieved. Finally speaking his feelings aloud had helped, at least a little. Keeping it all to himself had hurt almost as much as realizing it in the first place.

“sO, yOu'rE feeling aLL upSet beCausE yOu wanna lOve misTer HuMan bUt Loving hiM mighT Hurt him?” Delirium said eventually.

“Yes.”

“Are yOu Sure yOu'RE DrEAm? HE never aCts All doubty wHen he's in Love.” Delirium said. It took Dream a moment to realize she was teasing him. In his defense it was rather difficult to tell with Delirium. She grinned at him.

“LotS of pEOplE feel hurty WiTh Love. It drives them MaD sOmetimes aNd Then I gEt thEM. BuT not alwayS. They Love lOts of Things oR PeoplE. Do YoU knOw whAt the Word is FoR whEN the loving iS HurTing tHem? LOveSick. aRe yOu Sick, DREam? WoUld a FroG maKe you fEEl beTTer?”

A multicolored frog appeared in her raised hand and promptly jumped. It landed on Dream's cheek and stuck there. He picked it off gently and placed it down.

“I thank you for your concern.” Dream said. “And for listening.”

“thAnk YOU foR not Being aLL sHouTy ‘n Mad thIS TimE.” Delirium said. She got up from the floor. The place she had lay was populated by tiny mushrooms which, if one looked very closely, contained tinier mushroom people.

“Do yOu want mE to go Back nOw?”

“You may do as you wish, sister. I am going to think.” Dream said.

“oKiE. HaVe Fun tHinkin' ‘bout yoUr ThinGs.” Delirium said. She started walking towards her sigil but paused once she reached it. She looked back at Dream with concern. “DrEaM?”

“Yes?”

“If yOu gET too LoVesicky, ArE yoU goNNa leAve? LiKE oUr brother?” Delirium glanced at the empty gallery space. The air around her seemed to grow thicker and melt into the visible spectrum, like an oil slick halo.

“I miSS hiM. Are You gonna mAke mE Miss yOu too?”

“No. I will not abandon my realm again.” Dream said.

“Are YoU sUre?”

“Delirium, I promise I will not leave as the Prodigal did. You have nothing to fear.” Dream said.

“NotHINg cAn be sCarY.” Delirium pointed out. She caught his exasperated look and shrank back. “… I jUst wAnted to bE SUre.”

“You have my word.” Dream said. Delirium brightened slightly.

“yOur wOrd? CaN I haVe anyThing else?” she asked.

“Here.” Dream raised one of his palms. He focused his sand to it and conjured a very small dragon like creature. “Take this daydream with you. Should you need to call upon me, and find my sigil does not work, you may send it to locate me.”

“Oooohh, theY'Re vEry cUte!” Delirium said. She happily held the daydream close to her. “I tHink I ShaLL cAll yOu Barclay BARTholomew Bubbles!”

“Take care, little sister.” Dream said. Delirium giggled as the newly named Barclay Bartholomew Bubbles rubbed their tiny nose against hers.

“YoU too, DrEaM! I hoPe yoUR Lovesicky Gets BeTTer sOOn!” she said. With a flash of color she dissolved into a swarm of butterflies and flew back to her realm through her ever shifting sigil.

Dream knew he had one family member left who would answer. Given that the last time they'd spoken she had helped it was a promising option.

Then again, she’d also thrown bread at him.

He studied the sigil of Death, her Ankh, for some time. His eldest sister was probably the one he should have gone to first. The fact that he'd spoken to the others would no doubt be shared. He decided he'd had enough familial advice for the time being. He turned on his heel and walked out of his gallery.

A solid night's work would surely help his mind settle.  

Right?

“Are you sure he's just your friend?”

Hob sighed and put down the paper he was grading. The latest group study session his students had organized ended up devolving into gossip sooner then he'd expected. After Jonah's “date" comment last time he knew the topic would rise eventually.

“You know, I really thought you'd focus more on the immortality thing than my potential love life.” Hob said.

“Teach, I don’t wanna be mean but the love life of an immortal always has a sad ending. That's just how it goes.” Apollo said. “Since the king of dreams is obviously immortal too, and you’re already friends, there's potential.”

“I keep telling them it's pointless to ask.” Lilith said to Hob. “From my research, whenever an Endless takes on a human lover it ends badly.”

“I’m aware of that.” Hob said. “And, like I told you, getting him to admit we're friends took centuries. I’m not pushing anything.”

“But is there something to push? Do you have any feelings that skew more… romantic?” Apollo asked. They leaned over, chair squeaking. “Or sexual, no judgment.”

“Apollo! He's our professor!” Saul snapped. He put down his binders of notes, he was up to three now, and glared at them.

“That's also pretty private?” Jonah added.

“You're the one who called their meeting a date.” Apollo said.

“Can we just drop it?” Noah said. “I don’t want to risk making Dream upset.”

“C'mon we’re not speculating on his feelings. Just Mr. Gadlin's.” Apollo said.

“I am in the room, y'know.” Hob said. He got the feeling that if he didn’t change the topic soon he'd never hear the end of it. “By the way, Apollo, you were right. He is related to Death.”

“Seriously?” Apollo said, their previous line of questioning promptly shelved in favor of being correct.

“Why don't they come for you?” Jonah said.

“No idea. She's his sister so I assume it's some kind of bet.” Hob said.

“Maybe she’s trying to wingman him.” Apollo said. “For real though, his sister? Death?”

“Did you find out why he missed your meeting?” Saul said, cutting off any further remarks from Apollo.

Hob felt a lump forming in his throat. He remembered the look on Morpheus’ face when he'd asked the same question. The pain in his friends eyes was something he didn’t think he'd ever forget. Hob's hesitation said all that was needed.

“I was right, wasn’t I?” Noah said. “Someone trapped him.”

“I'll bet it was Burgess.” Lilith said. Her confirmation came in the form of her teachers expression.

“The sleeping sickness too? It's all because he was cut off from the world?” Saul said. Hob nodded miserably.

“Over a hundred years. They kept him there for more than a century.” he said. His voice came out as a shaky whisper. The anger he'd pushed aside on the idea came flooding back. He tried to fight it. He didn’t want the kids thinking he was mad at them.

“And then we tried to do the same thing.” Noah said. He put his head in his hands. “No wonder he was so angry.”

“I don’t blame him.” Apollo said. “I'd be pissed too.”

“Perhaps we should draft that apology letter after all.” Lilith said.

“It's fine. He's not coming after you or anything. Better to leave it be.” Hob said.

“Mr. Gadlin… how did you know his sister is Death?” Jonah said.

“Oh my God, we're past that.” Apollo sighed.

“It's a valid question.” Hob pointed out. “The answer is because he told me. We met up again, last night. Talked for a while. Drank some ale. Cleared things up.”

“Ale?” Apollo snorted. “What pubs around here sell ale?”

“Ones you dream of.” Hob said.

“He actually came to you in your dreams?” Lilith said. Her eyes gleamed with interest. “What was it like? How did it feel?”

“I knew I was dreaming, for one. I guess it just felt more… real.” Hob said. “It's different when you’re actually inside the Dreaming, capital D, since that's where he lives. That stuff felt as real as this does now. This desk? Just as solid as the library tables.”

“Library? Where exactly did you end up?” Jonah asked.

“I think it was his castle. I only saw the library but it was called a royal library.” Hob said.

“You got inside the palace of the Dream King!?” Lilith exclaimed.

“That's so cool.” Jonah said.

“I know, surprised me too.” Hob said. It was indeed very cool now that he thought about it. He was glad to have people he could tell. “The librarian was very nice and said I was welcome there anytime. Met a talking raven, which was a bit surprising. Then Morpheus showed up and I made him promise to give me the full tour next time.”

“Wow. He must really like you for an invitation like that.” Apollo said.

“Alright you lot, study time's over.” Hob said, making a show of checking the clock. Some of the group protested but eventually they all filed out, Hob following close behind.

When he finally got home he found his thoughts oddly focused on the things Apollo had said. They'd been messing with him, of course, by asking about his relationship to Morpheus. Something to make their friends laugh. So why was he still thinking about it?

“Okay, the facts.” Hob mumbled. He'd accepted long ago that talking to himself was just part of being immortal.

“He didn’t mean to miss the meeting. He's been through a lot, some things similar to me, and considers us friends. He's agreed to show me around his realm next time I end up there, which is very nice of him. Matthew did mention rumors… He said they wanted to know ‘how far it goes' which is… odd.” Hob said as he readied some tea. He watched the kettle boil impatiently.

“Morpheus did seem happy to see me there… I’ve never seen him smile this much. Meeting more than once a century is definitely an improvement.”

As he stirred his tea the face of his friend came to mind.

“Alright, objectively he's not bad looking. He's not human. He can look however he bloody wants. He's Endless.”

Hob sat at his table and stared at his drink.

“He can be a right bastard sometimes but he's trying. He's getting better at the whole friendship thing. He even answered my questions properly last time.”

Hob recalled the hug, the times when Morpheus hadn't shied away from his touch. He thought of the grins that were once rare but now commonplace. His mind replayed the moments of apology, of gratitude, and got stuck for a moment on the voice that said them. Deep yet soft, like a bedtime story. Words steeped in purpose. Sometimes his eyes would be dark, like a storm or the night sky, while at others they were a bright blue. No matter what color they gleamed with unnatural power.

Hob shook himself out of his spiraling thoughts and took a sip of his tea. Of course a being beyond the world humanity could fathom would draw people in. Then again…

He'd seen plenty of people avoid Morpheus. Were they scared, Hob wondered, or uncomfortable? He couldn’t imagine it himself. Sure when they had first met he felt Morpheus was strange, almost ethereal, but that hadn’t stopped them from growing closer over time.

Morpheus was Endless, powerful beyond measure, yet he was making simple human mistakes and attempting to learn from them. He'd been the one constant in Hob's life for centuries. He was Hob’s stranger, mysterious and dark. He was Hob's friend.

He was the man Hob had all but built an Inn for.

He was the man Hob was willing to wait for, over thirty years of uncertainty.

He was the man Hob was just now realizing he'd fallen for years ago.

“Fuck.”

A few dreamers that night, although they would not remember it, noticed odd happenings in their dreams.

A student reliving their memories of home found themselves lost when a familiar intersection went missing.

A young girl, her head filled with high seas adventures, escaped a pirate's hanging because the gallows disappeared.

A backpacker in the midst of a forest nightmare outran an impossibly large snake, the following silence in the bushes almost more foreboding than the serpent's presence.

Dream finished his trip through the waters of the Dreaming with heavier pockets than usual. He hadn’t consciously picked up the things he did, or at least that’s what he told himself. Nevertheless he had them. He considered using them. The Fates were normally a last resort, only to be called upon in times of dire need.

He envisioned the process, should he need it, and convinced himself it was an accident when the three-in-one appeared before him.

“Well now, what an odd happening this is.” Mother said.

“Odd indeed, and so soon after the last.” Maiden echoed.

“He can’t even admit he wanted to call us.” Crone added.

“Greetings, ladies. Your summoning here was indeed unintentional.” Dream said. Crone scoffed.

“Keep telling yourself that and you’ll never solve anything alone.” she said.

“He's nervous this time, look at his face.” Maiden said.

“What troubles you, dearie? What would you ask of us?” Mother said.

“I am conflicted over a personal matter. I am sure you know of which I speak.” Dream said. “My first question.”

“Yes?” Maiden said.

“I have done things in the past that left wounds. Will I reopen them if I proceed?”

“Betrayal runs deep, Dream King, and to forgive completely is beyond mortals. Your old choices set your future in stone.”  

“Next question.”

“Go ahead, love.” Mother said.

“I have forged a friendship unusual to my kind. Will speaking my feelings break it?”

“To lose faith in those you hold close is to lose all, Morpheus. When you fall they will fall alongside you.”

“Final question.”

“So well behaved this time. He must be desperate.” Crone said.

“I fear that by acting upon my desires I will bring ruin to us both. How can I ensure this will not happen?”

“Ruin awaits no matter which path you choose. You cannot run from your destiny forever. Deciding those that will run alongside you is the choice you must make.”

“You have asked your questions.” Mother said.

“And been given your answers.” Maiden said.

“Now be gone from our sight.” Crone said.

With a flash the one-in-three vanished, leaving the King of Dreams feeling confused and frustrated. He usually felt similarly whenever he spoke to them. This time it was tinged with regret. Asking the Fates had only served to make things worse.

With a huff Dream reached again into the waters of the Dreaming.

It shouldn't be that hard to find some bread.

“Mr. Gadlin? Professor? Earth to immortal?”

Hob snapped to attention. He hadn’t realized how distracted he'd been. Apollo had literally needed to get up and wave their hand in his face to make him notice.

“Yeah?” he said. Apollo looked at him incredulously.

“You haven’t said anything for like, five minutes. Are you feeling okay?” they said.

“Sorry, yeah.” Hob sighed. “I was thinking about some stuff.”

“What kind of stuff?” Apollo said.

“Promise not to gloat too much?” Hob said. The realization that spread across Apollo's face was answer enough that they were, indeed, about to gloat far beyond the acceptable amount. They began to laugh hard enough they needed to hold his desk for support. Lilith looked over at them with concern.

“What's happening?” Jonah asked. He’d been attempting to help Noah study their latest assignment. Between the two of them they might have been able to squeak out a passing mark.

“I told you so!” Apollo gasped between laughs. “I told you he has a thing for Dream!”

“Apollo! It's none of our business!” Saul said. He glanced at the teacher. “Right?”

“Right. My feelings are mine to know.” Hob said. “Unless your research had any advice on how to tell him.”

“Seriously? You wanna ask him out?” Jonah said, as if it was that simple.

“Are you sure, Mr. Gadlin?” Noah said.

“Unfortunately so.” Hob said.

“From what I’ve read, the Endless never have happy relationships with mortals.” Lilith said.

“Except he’s not mortal.” Saul said. He looked curious despite his best attempts to remain uninvolved.

“So, it's up to us to help Mr. Gadlin snag an dreamy immortal emo twink boyfriend.” Apollo said. Hob understood only a few parts of the sentence.

“It's not easy to ask someone on a date. Especially if you're already friends.” Jonah said.

“What if he does say something and it goes wrong?” Noah said.

“Thanks for the vote of confidence, Noah.” Apollo said.

“I'm just saying, if calling them friends caused a tantrum who knows what could happen?” Noah said.

“For anyone else I'd say it's a lost cause.” Lilith said.

“Babe, you too?” Apollo said.

“Let me finish. All the stories I’ve managed to dig up mention how the Dream King is unchanging. From what little we've seen of him in person he's different. He has changed. Part of that could be Mr. Gadlin's influence.” Lilith said.

“I say he should just go to him and tell him outright.” Apollo said.

“I will consider your advice, everyone.” Hob said, raising his voice to get their attention. “For now, how about we focus on that extra credit work.”

The students begrudgingly did so, the room quickly filled by pencils scratching and whispered debates. Hob attempted to focus on his own work. His mind wandered back to Morpheus anyways. His thoughts were occasionally interrupted by Apollo singing under their breath. He didn’t ask them to stop, although he was fairly certain the lyrics to their chosen song were not “man me a sand".

After another hour of failed grading Hob packed up his things and left. His students headed home, a few wishing him luck. As he walked out of the lecture hall Hob made up his mind.

Next time he saw Morpheus he would say something.

“Death, I stand in my gallery and I hold your sigil.”

“Hey Dream, what's going on?”

Death leaned on her gallery frame with a smile. Dream sighed and hoped this conversation would be the last related to his problem.

“Last we spoke, you said I should call on you if something were to happen. I am calling now, my sister.” he said. Death crossed her arms.

“The others said you'd been talking to them. Why am I the last to hear about it?” she said.

“I had wished to solve things without distracting you from your work.” Dream said. The excuse was partly true.

“You can always call me, you know that.” Death said.

“I also had the feeling that you would be… more direct, than the others.” Dream said. He reached into his cloak and pulled out a baguette. He handed it to her.

“What's this for?” Death asked, puzzled.

“In case you feel I am being, in your words, stupid and self centered again.” Dream said. Death grinned widely.

“You were listening.” she said. She used the bread to point at him. “Okay. What is it?”

“Recently, I have realized that my feelings towards a friend have turned to love.” Dream said.

“Really? It's not like you to hesitate for that kind of stuff.” Death said. She tapped the bread against the gallery frame. “Who is it?”

“I believe when last we spoke you referred to him as my ongoing project.” Dream said. Death's smile grew.

“Well, that is interesting, little brother.” she said. “I didn’t expect you to admit you're friends with him, let alone in love with him.”

“I did not anticipate these feelings either.” Dream said.

“How did this come about then?” Death asked.

“A group of his students managed to summon me. He was there and broke the binding circle. He protected them from my anger while making sure I was unharmed.” Dream explained. “After I returned I felt… different. My emotions regarding him had changed.”

“And instead of accepting it you blamed Desire?” Death said. She caught his questioning look and shrugged. “They were complaining about it to anyone who would listen. Think they just wanted to gossip, really.”

“I did suspect them, initially. They have a habit of meddling in my affairs.” Dream said.

“Despair was to double check then?”

“Yes.”

“Makes sense.” Death said. “What about our littlest sister?”

“I asked Delirium if she would listen to me. She did. Her advice was… well meaning.” Dream said.

“And since Destiny can't answer anything, and the prodigal is still missing, you turned to me.” Death said. Dream nodded.

“I have.” he said. Death sighed and stepped through her gallery frame properly to stand next to him.

“At least you're reaching out this time, even if you're not doing the best job of it.” she said. She cocked her head and rested the baguette over her shoulder. “I felt something from over here earlier. Did you happen to see the Fates lately?”

“…. I hadn’t planned to.” Dream said. He shuffled on the spot, feeling a little awkward. “Their words did not help.”

“So why haven’t you told Hob about this yet?” Death said. “I mean, worst case scenario he doesn’t feel the same and you stay friends.”

“If that was the worst, I would welcome it.” Dream said. “I fear that pursuing these feelings further would risk bringing harm to us both.”

“Every relationship does that.” Death said.

“This is different. You will not give him your gift, my sister, and thus he is ideal for anyone wishing to hurt me through him. They would be able to put him through unimaginable pain without end in order to manipulate me.” Dream said.

“And you’d give in to stop it.” Death said. Dream nodded.

“Until now the space of time between our meetings has kept him safe. Should malevolent forces learn of the change it would only be a matter of time until they involve him.”

“This fear having nothing to do with any past experiences?” Death said. Dream looked away.

“I am aware I have… misjudged things before.” he mumbled.

“Dream, it's time to listen up again, okay?” Death said. Dream turned to face her properly. She placed one hand on her hip and used the other to wave the bread about.

“What you’re doing? It's self sabotage. You would rather talk to anyone else, would rather summon the fates, than just go to Hob and tell him? Pretending the risk is too much so you don’t have to feel bad when you do nothing? You're so scared of things changing that you make up reasons to stop it from happening. Being worried is normal, it's healthy, but this? This won’t help you or him.”

She reached out with the baguette and gently bopped him on the head with it.

“The only thing in your way is yourself. You need to decide what to do before you ruin things by overthinking them. Just talk to him.” she concluded.

“….. you truly think that?” Dream said. Death smacked him a little harder with the bread.

“Yes! So do it!” she said. She huffed and tucked the bread under her arm. “I have to go back to work now, okay? At least think about it.”

“I will… try. Thank you for answering my call.” Dream said. “Oh, and he says thank you, for everything.”

“Anytime, little brother.” Death said. She smiled and stepped back into her realm.

Dream stepped away from his gallery, wandered the library for a while, and eventually ended up on his throne. There he sat, thinking, for some time.

“What's up with the boss?”

Matthew ended the sentence with an involuntary caw. He was perched on one of the library's lamps watching Lucienne read.

“I believe Lord Morpheus is making a decision of some kind. The last thing he did was speak to his family.” Lucienne said.

“Do y'think it has something to do with that human?” Matthew said. “People are talking all through the Dreaming.”

“It's not our place to spread rumors.” Lucienne said. Matthew tilted his head to see the title of the book she held.

“But it is our place to read the guy's life story?” he said. Lucienne lowered the book.

“Hob Gadling holds interest to us simply because he's immortal. Our lord's personal feelings have nothing to do with it.”

“C'mon, if you're reading that now of all times you’ve gotta be interested.” Matthew said. He hopped off the lamp and onto the table. “This guy's known Dream for centuries and now that they’re actually friends the boss is acting all weird?”

“He’s not acting weird, Matthew.” Lucienne said. Before she could defend the Dream King any further another figure entered the room.

“Lucienne's right, he's not being weird at all.” Mervyn said. He leaned against a bookcase with his arms crossed. He looked about as grumpy as a pumpkin could get, which is more than one might imagine. “He's obviously in love again.”

“He's been like this before?” Matthew said.

“Okay, not exactly like this.” Mervyn conceded. He sighed and shifted his hands to what counted as his hips. “I've cleaned up after enough breakup downpours to know that this? This is the calm before the storm, my feathered friend.”

“Is he always this…. secluded?” Matthew said.

“Oh sure, he's always locking himself away in his chambers to boo-hoo it out.” Mervyn said. “The only difference is this time he hasn’t bothered to start the relationship yet.”

“Whatever Lord Morpheus is doing is for him to know.” Lucienne said. “Not us.”

“And you reading Hob's book is totally unrelated?” Matthew said. Lucienne pursed her lips and said nothing. Matthew gave a croaking laugh. “Knew it. You're just as curious as the rest of us.”

“Give it a rest, Loosh, it's not gonna help.” Mervyn said. He pulled a cigar out of his pocket and lit it up, ignoring the glare Lucienne gave him.

“What can we do? Could we… give him advice or something?” Matthew asked. After a moment's thought he puffed out his feathers with the air of someone who just came up with a great joke. “I could wingman him.”

“Very funny, bird brain.” Mervyn said. Matthew huffed. Merv chuckled and took a long draw from his cigar. “Nah, like any other natural disaster you gotta let this one run its course.”

“I’m sure it's not that bad.” Matthew said. He looked to Lucienne. “Is it?”

“Once again, it's none of our business.” Lucienne said. She noticed a distant shadow and moved her book aside. She grabbed a random one from a nearby pile and studied it as if she'd been doing so for hours. Matthew opened his beak to question her but then saw the movement himself. His beak snapped shut and he stood to attention.

“I'll say it's our business when it wrecks the place.” Mervyn said. His back was to the hallway so the approaching darkness went unnoticed. He gestured with his cigar.

“It's not like he doesn’t know this stuff happens. Drawing it out ain't gonna change nothing. If you ask me he just needs to man up and get the whole shebang over with. We all know it's gonna go down like a lead balloon so why not skip all the waiting and get to the heartbreak already? At least then I can get the repairs done without dreading whenever they'll be needed. It's just extra stress on top of everything else I already do here. It's honestly better if he never-"

“If I never what, Mervyn?”

Mervyn jumped and spun around. Morpheus stood behind him with his usual unreadable expression. Mervyn sputtered for a few seconds and hastily stubbed out his cigar.

“N-nothin’ boss! Was just saying how happy we are for ya! Better if you were never sad, y’know? Whelp, I’ve got construction to get to so…” Mervyn backpedaled out of the library as fast as he would without actively running.

“Uh, everything okay, sir?” Matthew said. Dream avoided eye contact with both of his subjects.

“I don’t think that matters, at this point.” he said quietly.

“Is there anything we can do for you, sire?” Lucienne asked.

“No.” Dream said. He didn’t elaborate.

“So, what’s up?” Matthew said.

“I will be making a journey to the waking world.” Dream said.

“When should we expect you to be back?” Lucienne said.

“I shall not be long.” Dream said.

“Do you want me to come with you?” Matthew said.

“That will not be necessary, Matthew.” Dream said.

“You're sure there's nothing wrong, sir?” Lucienne said. “If something's happened, or changed, you know you can tell us.”

“Thank you, Lucienne, but there is nothing either of you can do for me at the moment.” Dream said.

“You'll keep us updated though, right?” Matthew said.

“We shall see.”

“Alright, you can do this.”

Hob repeated the affirmation for the tenth time in as many minutes. He'd made it home from work and his previously found resolve had begun to waver the second he stepped inside. He was currently pacing back and forth in his living room. His cup of tea, made for his nerves, had grown cold, untouched. Hob sighed and dropped onto his couch.

“C'mon, just tell him.” he told himself. A task easier said than done and it was turning out to be really fucking hard to say in the first place. Preparing oneself for an admittance of romantic feelings, especially those directed at a friend, was difficult. Hob's mind ran through various scenarios.

“I could meet him at The New Inn again.” he mused. The notion was quickly discarded. “No, too public.”

“I could try to find his palace again.” he mumbled. He scowled. “That might be too presumptuous, especially when it comes to him.”

“Maybe… here? Never invited him home before.” Hob sighed again. “Nah, way too intimate.”

“Where does one meet the king of Dreams? Well, in your dreams, obviously, but interrupting his work like that wouldn’t be good. How the hell am I supposed to do this then?” Hob asked himself. He stared at the uncaring ceiling. Any suggestions his brain made were quickly vetoed by his common sense.

“What am I gonna do about you, Morpheus?” Hob whispered. He voiced the thought with no expectation of an answer. A rustling sound reached his ears. A breeze? No, he kept the windows closed. He raised his head to look at the source of the sound.

“Hello.”

“Shit!” Hob yelped. He shot up in his seat and only relaxed when he saw who it was. “I don’t think scaring me is gonna make me seek death any faster.”

“My apologies. I did not mean to startle you.” Morpheus said. He stood awkwardly in front of the couch. Hob gestured for him to sit. He'd expected his friend to take the other end cushion but Morpheus instead sat right next to him.

“What brings you to my place?” Hob asked.

“You called.” Morpheus said. “Although I already planned to speak with you tonight.”

“I called- Oh, your name?” Hob said. Morpheus nodded. Hob found himself fighting back several emotions he wasn’t ready to deal with due to his friend being so close. Usually there was at least one table between them. From this distance he could almost see the stars in Morpheus’ eyes. “Why did you wanna talk then? If you were coming anyways.”

“I…. have recently realized something important.” Morpheus said. He looked away. “All whom I asked suggested I tell you as soon as possible.”

“That big, huh?” Hob said. Morpheus nodded again. “Right then. Don’t let me distract you. Go ahead.”

“Before I came to see you for our delayed meeting I spent some time with my sister, Death. I accompanied her to her appointments. After seeing what she sees and hearing her words I found myself remembering my love for humanity. I had forgotten, during my imprisonment, the bond we Endless share with the mortals we serve.” Morpheus said. He paused for a moment.

“I have seen countless human lives over untold millennia and yet none like yours, Robert Gadling.” he said.

“Should I take that as a compliment?” Hob said. His humor fell flat in the silence that followed.

“If those brief moments before their journey to the sunless lands made me connect, made me want to help these humans…” Morpheus said eventually. He finally turned to face Hob. “If that was enough to remind me of my feelings then what about a human I have known for centuries?”

“You missed me then?” Hob said.

“We are friends. As such it is expected that I would desire your company.” Morpheus said. “I had indeed missed our meetings, your tales of humanity's best and worst. Yes, I missed you.”

“As much as I love hearing that, you already told me this isn’t just a social visit.” Hob said. Morpheus wasn’t breaking eye contact this time.

“I do not wish to lose your friendship, Hob. All the same I cannot hide from you that something has changed.” he said. “I only hope that telling you what that is will not end things.”

“I doubt it. I’m immortal and you’re Endless, remember?” Hob said. The cold grip of anxiety was beginning to make itself felt in his chest. Dread started to manifest in his thoughts. He pushed through it. “Things ending isn’t in our nature.”

“I suppose that is true.” Morpheus said.

“Look, just tell me what it is, alright? It's obviously upsetting you.” Hob said. “I promise, whatever it is, I’ll listen.”

“That is all I could ask of you, for this. To listen.” Morpheus said, mostly to himself. He sat up straighter and squared his shoulders. “Very well.”

“I have felt many things, every emotion in existence. I know what it is to love. To be in love. I have realized, my friend, that this is the change. You need not return these feelings but I must tell you of them. For my own sake if nothing else.” he said. He took a deep breath.

“I am in love with you.”

No one spoke. The room was quiet. Hob's mind raced to process what he'd just been told. All his agonizing over how to confess his feelings and this bastard beat him to it?

The silence was broken by a hysteric laugh. The sound bubbled up and out of Hob before he could stop it.

“You- you're serious? You're in… love, with me?” he gasped.

“This… does not upset you?” Morpheus said. Hob abruptly realized the Endless had been worried, observing him with an almost imperceptible fear.

“No! Not at all!” Hob exclaimed. He smiled so hard it hurt his cheeks. “I was going to tell you the same thing! About being in love. Just couldn’t figure how.”

“You feel the same towards me?” Morpheus said. The tension he held in his posture slowly dissipated. “For how long?”

“A few centuries, at least.” Hob said. “Only realized that's what it was like, yesterday. What about you?”

“At The New Inn, I believe." Morpheus said. A small smile appeared on his face. “Even after everything, you waited.”

“Course I did, you can’t get rid of me that easy. Especially now.” Hob said.

Morpheus reached out tentatively towards Hob's hand. Hob happily did the same, entwining their fingers. For a moment there was comfortable quiet, both of them holding hands and grinning with newfound confidence.

“It is not easy, to love one of the Endless.” Morpheus said.

“Nothing's ever easy. Just different degrees of difficult.” Hob said.

“Well said.” Morpheus glanced away and looked back with what could almost be called shyness. “You are sure of this?”

“As sure as I can be.”

“I have loved before. None have ended on good terms.”

“There's always a first time for everything, right?” Hob said. The smile Morpheus gave him made his heart skip a few beats.

“Very well. No more waiting, for either of us.” Morpheus said. Hob returned his smile.

“Is this the part where we kiss?” he suggested, half joking.

“If it is alright with you, perhaps later. I confess I am unused to physical affection as of late.” Morpheus said.

“Of course. Whenever you’re comfortable with it.” Hob said. The unspoken confirmation that such a thing was an eventuality made him a tad giddy. “What now then?”

“I left my kingdom without informing my subjects of the reason why. They will be wondering what has happened.” Morpheus said. “I shall return and tell them.”

“I'll see you later then.” Hob said.

“Do you not wish to come with me?”

“Can I?”

“You will always be welcome in my realm.”

“In that case, you promised me a tour.” Hob said.

“Very well.” Morpheus said. He used his free hand to draw his pouch out from his robes. As soon as he loosened the drawstrings Hob felt the fatigue hit him. He smiled and leaned back on the couch, eyes closed.

Hob opened his eyes. An enormous palace stood before him. Above the doors three beasts looked down at him. Any fear Hob might have felt was driven away by the feeling of Morpheus’ hand in his. He was safe here.

“What's this then, sire?” squawked a Griffon. He shook his feathers and tilted his head. “Why are you escorting a dreamer over our threshold?”

“Gatekeepers.” Morpheus said. Each beast stood to attention. Alongside the Griffon was a Pegasus and a Dragon. They stared at their master with intense curiosity. Morpheus returned their stares with one of equal weight. “This is Hob Gadling. He is permitted entrance to the palace at all times. Treat him well, and with respect, for it is he who currently holds my affection.”

“A new lover?” said the Pegasus. It snorted and stomped a hoof. “It will be as you command, my lord.”

“He is welcomed to the Dreaming.” added the Dragon. Hob could have sworn it grinned at him.

Morpheus held true to his promise of a tour. They walked through long hallways, under sweeping arches, and even stopped at the occasional tiny balcony overseeing the Dreaming. Hob was more than content to let Morpheus tell him about the palace. When they reached the library the Dream King paused.

“Something wrong?” Hob asked.

“I believe this to be where certain friends of mine are at the moment. Friends that may have figured out my feelings before I did.” Morpheus said. Hob gave him a supportive smile and gently squeezed his hand.

“Well, I’m sure they'll be happy to see us.” he said. Morpheus returned the motions.

“I suppose we'll find out.”

“What do you think he's doing out there?”

Lucienne regarded Matthew with the same tired expression one might direct at an impatient child.

“I’ve told you many times that it's not for us to speculate about.” she said.

“Okay, but, hear me out, what if he's talking to that human?” Matthew said.

“Matthew-"

“I’m just saying, Hob is a nice guy and the boss really needs more friends. If something happens and that changes-"

“Matthew, it is not our concern. Lord Morpheus will handle his affairs as he sees fit.” Lucienne said. She sighed. “We all care about him and hope for the best. That's all we can do.”

“I just wish he'd say something about it.” Matthew said. Lucienne was able to appreciate the sentiment. She would never say so out loud but she too wanted to know how their boss was doing.

“Lucienne, Matthew.”

“Boss! You're back!” Matthew exclaimed. He turned so fast he nearly tripped over his tail. Lucienne looked up to see their lord and, to her joy, the human known as Hob Gadling standing slightly behind him.

“Welcome home, sir. I trust that all went well in the waking world?” Lucienne said. “And, good to see you as well Mr. Gadling.”

“The matter has been resolved, Lucienne. I thank you for your earlier assistance.” Dream said.

“What exactly was being solved here?” Matthew asked. “I mean, there's rumors but…”

“All is well, Matthew.” Dream said.

“That didn't answer his question.” Hob pointed out. He stepped forward. Lucienne couldn’t keep back her smile as she noticed the two men were holding hands.

“Yeah, so what's- Oh! Oh, wow, really? You two are…?” Matthew said.

“Together, yes.” Dream said. “I assume the rumors were of a similar subject?”

“Oh man, wait ‘till Merv hears about this. Catch you next time, Hob!” Matthew said. He cackled and flew up into the rafters. Soon he was gone, no doubt to spread the word.

“I’m glad to see everything worked out.” Lucienne said. Dream gave a slight nod while Hob beamed.

“I should be thanking you for helping.” Hob said. “Not sure if he ever would have told me if someone else hadn’t encouraged him.”

“There’s quite a few someone’s for you to thank then. From what I’ve heard his family got involved.” Lucienne said.

“Can't wait to meet them then.” Hob said.

“Shall we keep moving?” Dream said, discontinuing the topic of his relatives.

“It's your place, lead the way.” Hob said. “Be seeing you, Lucienne.”

“Until next we meet, Hob.” Lucienne said. She watched the two leave with a grin.

It had been quite some time since she saw Dream in love with someone. An outside observer might have called his expression blank but Lucienne knew better. Dream was happy.

As they walked Hob’s euphoria of having his feelings reciprocated was starting to settle. He was still overjoyed, make no mistake, but an exciting uncertainty was growing stronger. What would things be like for them from here? The unknown had always been something Hob wholeheartedly embraced. As he held Morpheus’ hand he felt that pull the same as he’d had whenever he tried something new.

Eventually they reached the throne room. Hob stared in awe at the massive stained glass windows. Almost without realizing it he started climbing the steps the throne. Morpheus let go of his hand and followed close behind.

“I think it finally hit me that you’re a king.” Hob said once he'd reached the top step. “All this for just your castle? I haven’t even seen the rest of the kingdom yet. It’s …overwhelming.”

“The rest some other time then. We are both able to wait as long as is needed.” Morpheus said. Hob turned around to face him with a grin.

“Yet another reason to keep on living.” he said. He took Morpheus’ hand again. “That and you, of course.”

“Of course.” Morpheus said. He had a soft smile on his face. Hob hoped he'd never tire of seeing it.

“Y'know something?” Hob said. “Sometimes when I look at you I swear I can see stars in your eyes. Should’ve figured out how I felt sooner, huh?”

“That is correct.” Morpheus said. He must have realized how he sounded and quickly added “They are stars.”

“Seriously?” Hob said. Something about Morpheus shifted. Hob saw his eyes had changed from blue to pure black. When he looked closer he could see galaxies. Literal stars filled his vision.

“Is it necessary to stand this close?” Morpheus said. Hob noticed he'd unintentionally moved closer. He was practically breathing down the Dream King's neck. He gathered up every ounce of confidence he could muster.

“Maybe I like being this close.” he said. “Is that okay with you?”

“…. I do not find it entirely disagreeable.” Morpheus said. His smile had turned into a smirk. “I think maybe this is the “later" I was waiting for.”

“Is it now?” Hob said. Both of them had begun speaking in low tones. There was no need to whisper, the room was empty aside from them, but their proximity seemed to demand it.

“Yes. I believe it is.” Morpheus said.

“Well then, what are we waiting for?” Hob said. Morpheus, his dream, leaned in.

Their first contact was more smiling than kissing. Hob knew that, despite centuries of personal experience, Morpheus would know more about the act than him. He still had to suppress a giggle when they bumped noses. His love may be Endless but he was still nervous, still new to the relationship and fumbling his way through the first steps.

“Perhaps you would prefer for such things to take place in the waking world.” Morpheus said.  

“As long as I’m with you it doesn’t matter to me.” Hob said.

“A sentiment we share, then.” Morpheus said. He glanced around the room as if something would come barging in at any moment. “In practice, however…”

“I get it. My place then?” Hob said. He dipped forward for another kiss.

“Very well then.” Morpheus said, like he hadn’t been the one to suggest it.

Hob blinked and they were back home, standing next to his couch.

“That's handy.” he said. “Be careful, or I might start asking you to pick me up from work.”

“And my subjects would need to stop me from answering your call.” Morpheus said. He was the one to initiate things this time, finally relaxed enough to kiss Hob properly.

“You sure you don’t need to get back to work now?” Hob mumbled once they parted.

“Am I not working now, making dreams come true?” Morpheus said.

“I didn’t expect you to be such a romantic.” Hob said with a laugh.

“I am simply speaking the truth.” Morpheus said. He looked at Hob for a moment and then pulled him into a hug. Hob gladly returned the embrace.

“No one's hugged you in a while, have they?” he said after a few seconds.

“…. possibly.”

“Don't worry, there's plenty more where this came from.” Hob held him a bit tighter.

A stranger might look at Dream and assume, understandably, that he felt cold to the touch. It was true his skin could be akin to ice if he so wished. Currently, however, he was warm, a gentle heat best described as feeling like being tucked under a heavy blanket during the winter. Hob spent around half a second wondering about his own warmth level before deciding it didn’t matter.

“Might have to keep you around just for the hugs.” he said after a while longer.

“One could say the same for you.” Morpheus said.

“Aw, thanks love.” Hob said. Although he couldn’t see Morpheus’ expression he could feel the slight change in body language. “Too soon for pet names?”

“Maybe.” Morpheus admitted. “In the past my love burned fast and bright. I am… concerned, that the same approach here would result in the same end.”

“I get it. We can take things as slow as you need.” Hob said.

“Thank you, Hob.” Morpheus said. He pulled back from the hug with the gentlest look Hob had seen on his face yet. “I feel I must thank my sister for introducing us when next I see her.”

“Bring me with you so I can do the same thing.” Hob said. They shared a grin.

Although none would mention it in the coming days, that night many dreamers had a more pleasant time asleep than usual. Their time away from the waking world brought them comfort.

Inside the Dreaming itself the skies were clear and Fiddlers Green in particular shone with life. Word spread fast among the dreams and nightmares. While they may have had differing opinions on the outcome the truth was undeniable.

Lord Morpheus, Dream of the Endless, King of Dreams and Nightmares, was in love again.