Little Dream - Dream Of The Endless Imagine (The Sandman)

Little Dream - Dream of the Endless Imagine (The Sandman)

Title: Little Dream

Pairing: Dream of the Endless X Reader

Word Count: 1,015 words

Warning(s): poor attempt of flirting (on the writer's part)

Summary: After learning of Desire's interference in Unity Kincaid's life, a dream goes between realms in the hopes of protecting their home.

Author's Note: This has been written and deleted so many times. I don't think I posted it, but at this point I can't remember.

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I shouldn't have gone to see Desire on my own.

It was one of the most reckless things I had ever done, but I could only prove my theory by getting them to confess to it.

So, no matter how stupid, I walked into Desire's realm.

"Hello..."

I turned around in the all-red room. Desire was sitting on the opposite side of the room, grinning at me.

"You're a long way from home, little dream," they said, leaning forward in the seat.

"Like you were when you found Unity Kinkaid," I asked.

"Ooo, that was fast," they replied.

"What did you do to her?"

"Why are you so convinced it was me?"

"I only know two beings that are known for having golden eyes," I explained. "I am almost certain that Crowley is a little busy with his angel to worry about matters of the dream realm."

"You are a smart one, huh," Desire stood up and walked over to me. "Was that a trait my brother gave you or did you earn that one all on your own?"

"What did you do to Unity?"

"I didn't do anything to her," they shrugged. "With her... that's a different story."

"You impregnated her."

"Sounds so... scientific when you say it like that. Where's the passion?"

"She was going to be the Vortex."

"Was she? Well... lucky I was there."

"It just moved on... moved to family blood. You... You want Morpheus to draw family blood."

"Aw, why would I want that?"

"I don't know. Why don't you tell me?"

"Or... you could forget all of that."

The world around me went dark. I furrowed my eyebrows, spinning around. I froze, hearing steps behind me. I still couldn't see anything.

"You could just stay here."

My heart almost stopped. It was such a distinct voice. Not Desire's, but Morpheus's. I closed my eyes even though I couldn't see them anyway.

"You could stay here," the breath of the voice brushed my skin. I felt lips find the skin of my neck. "You could stay with a version that wants you as much as you want him."

I bit my lip, fighting the urge to get lost in the deep voice and the tempting kisses.

"Just say the word-"

"No."

In that instant, the lips were gone. I opened my eyes to see myself in the dream realm again. I had no idea if I had sent myself back here or if Desire had taken care of that.

I loved Morpheus. I had for so long that it almost felt as natural as breathing. But it would be selfish to indulge that wish when the realm needed my help. I would sacrifice such happiness to protect him.

"Lord Morpheus!"

I had interrupted Lucienne and Morpheus talking in the throne room when I ran in. Morpheus had just been worrying about the Vortex. I knew that I was being a nuisance by interrupting them, but I didn't have another choice.

"My lord," I said as I made it to the pair. "I have something important to tell you."

"I cannot discuss this right now," he immediately waved me off. "There are more pressing matters at hand."

"I know-"

"Please, Lucienne and I are in the middle-"

"It's about the Vortex, so please shut up and let me tell you what I know."

Lucienne looked more shocked than Morpheus did. I had shocked myself. I was never one to be so blunt, but it was the only choice I had in that moment.

Morpheus's back straightened up when I spoke.

"I'm sorry, my lord," I muttered. "I have information regarding the Vortex situation."

"Which is?"

"The Vortex is family blood," I said. "Your family blood."

"How do you know?"

"Because I confronted Desire and they confessed to seducing and impregnating a woman named Unity Kincaid, who was stuck in the dream realm while you were imprisoned."

"You confronted Desire on your own?"

"It's your family," I explained. "I was worried about accusing them of something like this without proof or a confession."

"That was dangerous," he stepped forward. I looked down for a moment. "Very dangerous. I think you should go."

I looked back at him.

"I cannot kill the Vortex without spilling family blood. I need another solution."

I nodded. "Thank you for your time, my lord."

Lucienne grinned at me as I walked away. I grinned back at her.

All I could do after that was wait. Continue my work with humanity and wait for the situation to be resolved.

I only knew it had been handled when I was called to see Lord Morpheus.

"My lord," I called as I walked into the throne room. Morpheus was standing at the bottom of the steps, staring up at the stained-glass windows. He turned to face me. "You sent for me?"

"I owe you a thank you," he explained. "I confronted Desire. They confessed."

"I was just doing what was right," I said, grinning at him.

"Desire also told me something that I have been hesitant to believe," he continued, stepping toward me.

"About me," I asked.

"Yes," he replied. I swallowed a lump in my throat as I watched him move closer to me. "Do you have feelings for me, (Y/n)?"

I almost felt like I choked when I heard his question. I must've paused for a moment too long.

"You have no reason to be ashamed if you do."

I scoffed.

"Especially when your feelings are returned."

My eyes went wide as I looked at him. There was a small grin pulling at the edge of his lips. I let out a shocked chuckle as I smiled back at him.

"May I kiss you," Morpheus asked.

I nodded.

Morpheus leaned in and gently pressed his lips to mine. It was quick and soft. It was a few moments before he pulled away again.

I looked down for a moment, feeling how warm my face got in that matter of seconds. I felt another kiss get pressed to my forehead.

I could get used to feeling like this.

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New Beginnings | Sandman imagine

Summary: After Calliope’s cry for help, Morpheus goes to her rescue and the muse finds out her former lover has moved on.

Pairing: Morpheus x Reader

Request: Yes

When Morpheus heard Calliope’s calling he was quick to attend and free her from her imprisonment. Out of respect and honoring for the love and grief they shared, Morpheus wouldn’t be capable of lying to himself, as Calliope was undoubtedly a huge part of his story and once was the mother of his child, he couldn’t just sit around and do nothing.

He still felt an immense love for her, and it made his blood boil to find out about her confinement in the hands of Richard Madoc, so he made sure that he would get the right punishment for his atrocities, the man didn’t deserve mercy. Men such as him were rats, cowards who had to be taught a lesson.

For the first time in ages Calliope was free and while she was grateful to Oneiros she was also wondering if he still had feelings for her, out of the wrath he depicted when he imparted justice and the immense tension that filled the room when Morpheus was alone with her.

No matter how much time they spent apart, Calliope still knew her former lover like the back of her hand, and they still couldn’t bring up the subject of their son. But knowing how apprehensive the Endless was, she highly doubted he even acknowledged his pain and grief.

Seeing as he almost walked out that door and it would probably take ages for her to see Oneiros again, she dared to speak.

“May I visit you in the Dream Realm sometime…” His dark blue eyes fixated on her, shining with indescribable emotion. “So that we may finally talk about our son?”

Morpheus opened his mouth to speak, finally understanding the closeness of Calliope was a demonstration of her restraint love, a love maybe she wasn’t even aware that was still there…

But before he could say something female voice he knew very well filled his ears and draw his attention along with Calliope’s.

“Bubs?” A thin woman was outside, just a few feet away from where Morpheus was standing, she was radiant and beautiful, looking at the eternal man with love, when looking carefully at his expression Calliope could see how Morpheus’ face lighted up at the side of you, his whole face changed.

The muse’s heart shattered quietly, the bit of hope she had in Oneiros still loving her died right there. Suddenly, two little kids not older than three years old came out from under your skirt, the toddlers ran in Morpheus direction and he welcomed them with open arms.

You walked over to Morpheus and he was quick to grab you by the waist and kiss you softly. You grabbed your arms around his neck, smiling.

“I’m sorry, love. They insisted”

“It was a very nice surprise” Dream said, picking his daughter up. While your son had his eyes fixated on Calliope who’s eyes watered at the sight of the raven haired boy, he was the living image of Oneiros and her heart ached as she was reminded of the son she lost centuries ago.

For the first time since you arrived you looked at Calliope and she looked back at you, smiling lightly with nostalgia.

“I’m sorry, I’m Y/N. Queen and wife to Morpheus” you reached out your hand to her, she shook it and was reminded of the time she was his as well.

“Calliope” she replied, you nodded slightly, something in your eyes changed, it was some sort of acknowledgment. Of course you knew who she was.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you”

“Likewise” you turned to Morpheus.

“We should leave now, darling it’s getting late” your children whined, protesting.

“But we want to see the Waking World, mama!” the older twin spoke, pouting and batting his long eyelashes at you.

“We’ll have plenty of time to see it, Acanthus” Morpheus told his son, kneeling before him and pinching his nose lightly, making the boy giggle.

“You promise, papa?” Now his daughter spoke, he nodded.

“I promise, Roseann. Now please go back with your mother to the Dreaming. I’ll join you shortly” both of his children complied his command and said goodbye to their father and Calliope before vanishing with you to the Dream realm.

Morpheus looked at Calliope once again, the whole atmosphere changed when getting a glimpse of his new life. The muse now understood that was the tension she felt earlier, the nervousness from a kept secret and not an unexpressed love as she believed at first.

“A rose and a thorn…” Calliope murmured, making Morpheus smile weakly, imagining how she must felt at this specific time.

“One cannot exist without the other, and being twins… it seemed fitting. Y/N suggested it, actually” the muse giggled.

“Of course” there was a minute of silence after that. “You have a beautiful family, Oneiros. I’m happy for you” he smiled, Morpheus was truly happy now, after centuries of grief and pain and he wished the same for his former lover. But all he could say was two simple words.

“Goodbye, Calliope”

“I will never forget this. Fare you well”

Then, Morpheus disappeared in a swirl of sand, leaving Calliope standing all by herself under the moonlight, but being left with another important thing…

Freedom.

TOM STURRIDGE 2022 | Spyros Rennt ph. for Interview Magazine

Same girl same

requesting morpheus fic prompts. please im obsessed

Ok I'm loving the stories about Jake aaaaaaah

Uncomfortable Questions - Jake Imagine (Sweetbitter)

Title: Uncomfortable Questions

Pairing: Jake (Sweetbitter) X Reader

Word Count: 2,097 words

Warning(s): PLEASE READ WITH CAUTION, mentions of grooming

Summary: (Y/n)'s relationship with Jake leads to many questions about his past. Specifically, his past with Simone.

Author's Note: This is kind of a long one. I had a goal for this. Please read with caution because this mentions some heavier topics. I tried not to dive into topics that I might not have a grasp on. [I also have softer imagines for this character coming up because I hated questioning myself so much when it came to posting this]

[@true-queen-of-mischief asked to be tagged; also, huge thank you to her for confirming my suspicions about certain aspects of Simone and Jake's relationship that I needed confirmed]

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Going on a date with Jake was scarier than it should've been.

Mostly because of Simone.

Jake and I had been friends for a couple months because we worked together. As guarded as he was, he was the only one that didn't make me feel like I didn't deserve to be there. It was nice.

When Jake asked me to dinner, I knew very little about his and Simone's relationship. I knew that there was a sexual aspect to it, but that was it. No one really befriended me at work and Jake was reserved. He didn't talk about his past much.

I wanted to go out with him. He was charming and handsome. The quiet brooding type that I had seen for years. The only problem was his relationship with Simone.

I spent the entire day before our date stressed over how I was going to bring this up.

It wasn't until I was driving to the restaurant that night that I made my decision. I couldn't pursue anything if they were involved.

Did I feel like a dick? Absolutely. Was I going to do everything in my power not to budge on what should've been a healthy boundary? Absolutely.

Jake and I met outside and found our table together. After getting seated, we had a little bit of time with the menus. I thought it would be the easiest time to talk about this. I was probably wrong, but I never claimed to be the smartest person in the world.

"I have something serious that we need to talk about," I said.

"That's never good," Jake muttered.

I chuckled nervously. "I know."

"What is it?"

"It's... wow, shit, this is difficult... it's about you and Simone," I took a deep breath. "If we're going to move forward past this, then I don't feel comfortable with you two being involved."

Jake didn't respond. He just shifted in his seat like he was suddenly understanding the weight of this conversation.

"I'm not gonna force you to completely cut her off because that would be kind of out of line and I don't know everything about your relationship, but if we're going to be involved, I would like you to not pursue her sexually or romantically or however you two were pursuing each other."

I felt like I was going to throw up. I was waltzing in here and changing things, but this was a healthy boundary for me. I would feel worse for pursuing this relationship while watching those two do... whatever they did.

When Jake didn't speak up, I assumed the worst. I took another deep breath.

"I can't force you to do anything," I continued. "I can go. I'm sorry-"

"Don't," he muttered as I went to push myself out of the booth. I furrowed my eyebrows. "Stay."

I relaxed back into my seat again. Jake reached out and grabbed my hand. I grinned at him.

"Okay," he added. "I'll do it."

"Seriously?"

I hated to doubt him, but Simone had years on me. He had no reason to choose me over her.

"I want to be with you," he replied. "If that's your condition, then I'm okay with that."

"You're sure," I asked. "You're not doing this in the moment? I don't want this to be a split second-"

"I've waited months to get you to give me a chance," he cut me off, very clearly trying to get rid of the tension. "I'm not screwing that up now."

I bit my lip to keep my smile from looking completely ridiculous.

"Alright," I nodded. "Cool."

There was a pause.

"I only brought that up now because I was going to feel really stupid if I waited for us to order food and then you said no and one of us got stuck with the bill," I said. He chuckled and shook his head at me.

"How long did you spend overthinking it," he asked.

"All day," I confirmed. "And is it overthinking if it's my normal state of being?"

"Do you want a real answer to that?"

"I'd rather not."

He chuckled again.

The rest of the night was really nice. It was like we didn't have anything to worry about. All of my hesitancy from the last few months was just forgotten.

Jake walked me to my car at the end of the night.

I was prepared to walk away with a simple goodnight when he leaned over and pressed a kiss to my lips. After a few moments of shock, I used one hand to cup the back of his head while my other hand touched his side. His hands touched my sides, pulling my body closer to his.

When he pulled away, he leaned his forehead on mine and I let out a chuckle.

"I am so happy that I said yes to going out tonight," I muttered. He laughed quietly and pecked my lips again.

"I'll see you at work," he mumbled as he stepped back. "Let me know that you got home safe."

I nodded. "I will. See you."

I got into my car and covered my face in my hands. Holy crap.

The next few months felt almost like a blur.

Work was a little awkward at first. I had to learn how to scoot around Simone at times. She seemed... upset. To say the least. She didn't actually confront me for anything. No, that'd be too easy. She had taken to passive-aggressive comments that were meant to make me look like an awful person. Or just an idiot.

Jake seemed set on letting it not get to me. He started helping me with my clever escape plans. Some people on the team saw it. They found it funny. It helped me a lot. I allowed myself to be happy regardless of how Simone tried to interrupt us.

I knew in my gut most of her resentment was because she couldn't have control over it.

I got to see a different side to Jake than those at work. He was more relaxed, affectionate. I just felt comfortable. It had taken me so long to find someone that made me so happy.

We were getting more serious as time went on.

Jake even moved in with me after some time.

Going to bed later that night felt so much easier. Waking up that morning was so much nicer. He had a fresh bag packed for the night, so it was calmer. Quieter.

"Morning," I mumbled as Jake opened his eyes to look at me. His grin made my stomach do a few flips.

"Hello," he replied.

I pressed a kiss to his palm. I heard him sigh, so I moved forward and kissed the inside of his wrist. He hummed before leaning in and kissing me properly.

"Everything's so easy with you," he muttered. "For the first time, things are changing and I'm alright."

"I didn't know you had problems with change," I replied.

"I don't know... I just... I used to kind of cling to Simone, I guess," he shrugged as he rolled on his back. "She took care of me when I was younger. After my mom's death. She just... protected me. She just never shook that habit."

"Oh?"

"I found it easier in life when I stayed by her side."

"Because she protected you?"

"Yeah."

It felt like sirens were suddenly switched on in my head. I knew about his mom and Simone taking him in, but this felt like another level. What I thought was just a possessive friends with benefits situation suddenly felt like so much more.

"Jake... how old were you when you two first got together?"

"Looking for dirty details-"

"Were you a minor?"

The joking tone in his voice fell off when he saw the look on my face.

"(Y/n), what is it?"

I took a deep breath. I didn't know what to do here. I had never been taught the right way to go about this, but I didn't feel like I had time to look.

"Jake, there's not an easy way to ask this question and I'm sorry for that," I muttered. "Jake... Is it possible that Simone... groomed you?"

He scoffed, "What? No."

There was a pause. I saw his face dropping before he rolled out of bed.

"I have to go."

"I'm sorry, Jake," I sat up as he did. "Please, just wait. I shouldn't have asked. That was stupid. I'm sorry-"

"I'll see you at work."

He grabbed his stuff and ran out to the bathroom. I just listened to the different doors slamming until I knew he had left the apartment.

What had I done?

I wouldn't know until he came back. I had gotten home earlier than him. He was frantic and worried.

"Jake," I said. I'm not gonna lie. I didn't actually expect him to come back that night.

"We need to talk about what you said this morning," he explained. "We... We really do."

"I shouldn't have said anything," I shook my head. "It's not my business. She took care of you when you needed it and me trying push some narrative with that-"

"I need to talk about it," he cut me off. "I... I don't know if you're right, but you might be and... I don't know what to do."

"Okay," I nodded. "Alright."

He just nodded back.

That night was the longest night of our relationship. He broke down every event. I barely spoke. I didn't want to lead him into some box or conclusion. I just let him explain everything.

And it broke my heart.

This man had a warped view of love and sex and affection. He didn't understand healthy relationships. Not really.

It was work after that.

But it seemed worth it.

He was getting happier. He seemed more comfortable.

I was happier watching him feel better.

It was going well.

The two of us went out after work one night after changing. We thought that we had found a nice bar that was far enough that no one from work would find us. We needed the escape.

I offered to get the first round.

Apparently, we hadn't gone far enough.

"Hey."

I looked over when Simone leaned on the bar.

"Hi," I replied, forcing a grin. Don't start a fight. It's not worth it.

"I feel like we never talk outside of work-related things," she said like she had no idea why that could possibly be. "Jake is the same way. Like he was convinced of something."

"Well, that's too bad. Any idea what could've happened with you guys?"

She sighed. "Listen, can I just offer some advice? I am the only person he's really had. I've known him a lot longer."

"I'm sure I'll be fine," I said as the bartender handed me the drink that I'd ordered.

"Let me help," Simone stepped in front of me. I let out a sharp exhale through my nose.

"Listen, I would take your advice, I really would, but I just don't need it," I shrugged. "Especially because there is one very important difference between you and me."

"Which is?"

"Well, I didn't groom someone in order to keep them in some kind of long-term relationship," I replied. Her mouth fell open slightly. I gave her a sickeningly sweet smile full of pure condescension and tilted my head a bit. "You have a great night."

I walked back over to the table where Jake was waiting. He looked tense as I set his drink down and went to sit across from him. He grabbed my hand, pulling me to sit on the same side of the booth as him, arm resting on the back of the seat behind me.

"What are you-"

He leaned over and pressed his lips to mine. I let out a small noise of shock before relaxing into the kiss. I pulled away a few moments later, smiling at him.

"I saw Simone, are you alright," he asked quietly.

"I'm fine," I replied. "I can handle myself."

"I didn't know she would be here."

"I didn't think you did," I promised. "I refuse to let her dictate what I do or don't do. If she can't get over herself, then that's her fault."

A grin formed on his face. "I like that plan."

"Thanks, I overthought about it all day," I joked.

He chuckled. "I love you."

I don't think I would ever truly get used to hearing him say those words. I leaned over and kissed his cheek.

"I love you too."

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Author's Note: This is how I see Simone and Jake's relationship based on the facts that I have. I just have trouble not seeing those red flags when it comes to those two. It doesn't sit right.

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; However Long the Night [ i ]

Dream x gn!Dawn!reader (no use of y/n)

summary: with dawn comes waking, and with waking comes the end of dreams. perhaps that’s why you and Dream work so well together. usually, at least.

word count: 1.5k

(note: i do not do tag lists, and my blog and fics are 18+)

gif from this beaut set

The Dreaming is always there to welcome you; even after centuries, and no matter how long your absence, the sun brightens and the flowers bloom along the path you walk towards the heart of this realm. This is not your realm, but it always feels like coming home nonetheless. Jessamy welcomes you, soaring overhead and dipping playfully now and then, so you know your appearance will come as no surprise to the King of Dreams.

He is waiting just beyond the doors of his palace, hands tucked behind his back and expression unreadable.

The smile you offer as a greeting holds the warmth of every sun you have ever lifted into the sky. “Dream.”

In return, his head dips but his eyes stay on you. He will not bow to another in his own realm. You return the formality, bending at your waist to acknowledge his sovereignty as he responds. “Dawn.”

This is how it has always been. The both of you have many names, but with one another you each settle for your first. Failing that, the Greeks of old created names for you that in turn became your favourites outside of The Dreaming: Morpheus and Eos.

You waltz through the entrance of the palace of The Dreaming as though you belong there; with no realm of your own to govern, you flit between others so long as you are welcome, but there is none you like so much as Dream’s. He starts walking, and you follow him towards the library without another word. He often brings you here, and he knows you’re following without looking over his shoulder.

“You interrupted one of the dreamers this morning,” he tells you, though his tone is far from accusatory. He stops at a desk, and watches you from the corner of his eye while you continue to drift through the library as though in search of something.

You laugh, light and teasing, fingers skimming over book spines as you walk. Not all dreamers wake with first light, but the ones who do are your favourites. They are the ones who most appreciate your work, more often than not. “The sun must rise, Dream. There will be questions if it doesn’t.”

A smile threatens the corner of his mouth. He fights it. “You disappointed The Corinthian.”

“The Corinthian ought to get used to disappointment,” you answer, “You’re too proud of him.”

It isn’t untrue. The Corinthian is Dream’s masterpiece, and by his very design he is a source of torment for humanity. You like him well enough, charming smiles and honey-voiced, but you loathe his purpose; you’ve always been bad at hiding your fondness for humanity. Even the first humans sat in awe of the sunrise, depicted it in their art, wove it into their stories by the fireside. You have loved them ever since. The Endless think you’re more protective of them than you have a right to be.

You glance at your old friend and must remind yourself, as always, that Dream does not only govern dreams.

“He serves his purpose,” Dream reminds you.

“His purpose is cruel.”

A pause.

“Then perhaps you should consider it fortunate that sunlight was enough to wake the human.”

“I do.”

There’s a moment in which he watches you with quiet interest, as he so often does. You’ve stopped, scanning the books in front of you before you turn back to him; he is long past his concern at being caught watching you, and if he feels much of anything while he does so you cannot tell from looking at him.

He opens his mouth, and you sigh preemptively. You know what’s coming. It’s a line you’ve heard a thousand times.

“Nightmares are as necessary as dreams to the mortals,” he says, voice low and steady, “There cannot be one without the other.”

You smile at him. “Then perhaps I should consider it fortunate that I am here to wake them.”

“Or unfortunate,” he counters as you start back towards him, “That you take them from dreams prematurely.”

You hum, and stop to perch yourself on the edge of the desk by his side. You tilt your chin up at him, searching for any ill-intent, and he raises a brow.

You find nothing but a playful challenge, so you answer: “Only some of them.”

Dream smiles at that - as much as you’ve ever seen him smile, at least - and any threat of tension between the two of you is broken. What’s left is a fondness you both stopped hiding centuries ago.

Peering down at you through thick lashes, he changes the subject. “Why have you graced my kingdom with your presence today, Dawn?”

“Should I have an excuse to visit my favourite among Night’s children?”

He tilts his head. “Death is your favourite of my mother’s children.”

He says it so matter-of-factly that you’re not fast enough to stop the laugh that escapes you. He doesn’t look as amused as you, and you wonder how Death and Destiny managed to get nearly every ounce of common sense within their family between them.

“Ah, yes,” you answer with feigned thoughtfulness, “That’s why I spend all of my time in The Dreaming when I can go anywhere I choose.”

“Then it is The Dreaming you are visiting, not I. Or Lucienne,” he thinks for a moment, “Fiddler’s Green, perhaps?”

He knows you too well.

“Well, it is my favourite of your creations.”

“Do not allow the others to hear that,” he scolds gently, “They are much too fond of you to face it.”

You bite your tongue against the question that sits upon it, and instead jerk your head towards the door. “Will you join me, Dream Lord, or have I disrupted you enough for one day?”

“It has been some time since you last disrupted me so,” he reminds you, though he makes no further mention of the years-long space since your last visit, “I think I may be able to hear it a while longer.”

You’ll take it. Dream has always been bad at admitting a desire for companionship; instead, he shows it through quietly seeking it out and never speaking more on it. You’ve never made the mistake of mentioning it: he’s proud, and that pride is easily wounded which in turn can give way to a wrath you don’t want to be on the receiving end of. But it does bring another question to the front of your mind, and you voice it as you walk beside him out of the palace:

“Didn’t you visit that mortal friend of yours recently?”

You’re three strides ahead of him before you realise he’s stopped completely, and turning to him you can tell you’ve made a mistake. A storm has settled over him, a hardness set in his features and his shoulders rigid. You’ve struck a nerve, and immediately wish you’d kept quiet.

“Dream-”

“Friend is not the word I would use.”

You quirk a brow at him. “You’ve met this man every century for, what, five hundred years? Why do that if you don’t consider him a friend?”

“He is an insight into humanity, nothing more.”

You tut at him, and he narrows his eyes at you. It’s an effort not to roll yours in return.

“The need for companionship is not a weakness, Dream. The desire for it isn’t. You’d do well to remember that - you’ll be better for it.”

He steps towards you, stopping only when you are toe-to-toe and forcing you to look up at him. A cold anger passes across his features, and in that moment it’s hard to remember a time he looked upon you any differently. He will not be lectured by you: he has seen countless more universes and lifetimes than you, knows more horrors of existence than you. Who are you to lecture him on matters such as this?

His voice is low and menacing as he speaks. “And you would do well, Dawn, to remember your place when you are in my realm. I am Endless, and my existence thus far has prospered despite solitude. I am not in need of companionship.”

You’re reminded of when you first met him. He was hard and distant, and duty came above everything for him. It still does, but he has cracks in his cold exterior now through which your sunlight pours. Here and now, your light fails and his cracks close up and close you off from him.

Outside, clouds form across the sky of The Dreaming that the sun struggles to pierce through.

He doesn’t mean it, you tell yourself, you’ve simply struck a nerve. Still, he isn’t the only stubborn one here.

“Of course, Dream Lord.” You step back, and smile sadly at him despite yourself, “Then I am sorry for burdening you with mine for so long. Forgive me, for making the mistake of thinking us friends.”

You’re gone before he can think to open his mouth and protest.