Ok I'm Loving The Stories About Jake Aaaaaaah

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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TOM STURRIDGE 2022 | Spyros Rennt ph. for Interview Magazine

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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Perseverance | Sandman Imagine.

Summary: As an eternal being, love didn’t seem to be Dream’s friend, as he lost you, his one true love, but something told him you would eventually come back to him.

Pairing: Morpheus x Reader

Requested: Yes

It had always been a lonely existence as an Endless, Morpheus was mostly used to it and surrendered to the reality of his role. Love didn’t seem to fit in his world, that was until you came along.

You weren’t exactly human but you weren’t inmortal either… Morpheus fell in love with you centuries ago, and even when you perished, you would eventually reincarnate and come back to your loved one.

You had all types of appearances, bodies, but Morpheus would recognize you every single time, and every single time you had the same name.

Y/N.

The Endless tried to find an explanation to your existence but there was nothing, or at least nothing in concrete, the only thing he could find that was a very reduced answer to his constant question was that you had some sort of soul contract to the Lord of Dreams.

But this particular soul contract didn’t have an estimated time as to when will you be able to reincarnate and for what you told him, you had no control over it.

The reincarnation could take thirty or fifty years for all you knew, it could even extend to centuries and there was no true way of knowing when you came back, it was your duty to find him.

No matter how long you took, you would always make the most of your time together, because you didn’t know when you would see each other again, but every time you left at least, the King of Dreams had a new wave of memories to remember you.

You recently had died in 1755 at the Lisbon earthquake, he felt devastated but he was hopeful, because you would find him, just like every other time. So he waited.

But one day he was deprived from his freedom at the hands of an amateur occultist and he felt completely helpless.

It would be impossible for you to find your way to him now. He wanted to scream, curse, kick, anything that would ease his rage, but he remained silent.

Morpheus didn’t speak a word, even through the anger, frustration, he just waited for some opportunity to get out of that humid hell hole.

He was completely alone, cold. Until his ears buzzed as he heard a familiar voice… but it couldn’t be, could it?

Dream tried to listen with much more intent this time. He could hear footsteps fading in the distance and then it took a few seconds to hear the sound of someone coming down the stairs.

A chill ran down his spine.

You were there, somehow you were there. His beautiful Y/N, you ran to him, completely shocked and appalled by the sight of Morpheus completely bare sitting in some kind of prison bubble, he stared right into your eyes, forgetting about his imprisonment for a single minute.

For a single minute, the world ceased to exist. There was only you.

“What have they done to you?” You asked him, completely distressed. He put his hands at the sides of yours, and even when he could only feel the cold glass, he imagined for a second he was touching your hands.

“Y/N? How did you find me here?” It was the first words he spoke in God knows how many years, so his voice sounded raspier than usual. You smiled.

“I heard some whispers and I had to come close to Roderick Burgess to finally sneak in” you explained a little too simply.

Morpheus looked at you reluctantly, making you roll your eyes.

“We didn’t do anything Morpheus, maybe just a little kiss but that was it” you said, Morpheus arched a brow.

“A kiss?”

“Seriously, Morpheus? Don’t you think we have bigger problems than where were my lips?” He looked away, but he still didn’t feel comfortable with you kissing Roderick Burgess.

“I have to go, but I promise I’ll find a way to get you out of here” you said to him, before quickly leaving the place, the last thing you wanted was for Roderick to find you anywhere near his dungeon.

It had been ten years of his imprisonment and he trusted you to get him out of here, if there was anyone stubborn enough and intelligent enough to outsmart Burgess it could be you.

When you came back you were joined by Jessamy, his loyal raven. You had brought a wrench to break the glass, with your strength and repetitive impacts as well as Jessamy’s effort the polymer was starting to crack, the cracks were growing stronger and Morpheus’ eyes glowed with hope, you two shared a look.

He was going to get out of here.

But then, two loud bangs echoed through the room, the first full on impacting Jessamy, as her blood was spluttered on the cristal, you step aside from Morpheus, and he caught a glimpse of the wound you were putting pressure on, your hand was covered in blood, a few drops falling to your feet.

When you looked at him teary eyed, his heart shattered. You collapsed to the floor and Morpheus couldn’t keep his eyes off your lifeless body.

Alex Burgess was standing at the end of the stairs, his father asked him to get rid of the bodies as Morpheus sat back, feeling like his whole world crumbled before him as his loyal companion Jessamy and the love of his life Y/N died at the hands of a coward and scrawny young boy like Alex.

He couldn’t stop the tears that rolled down his eyes as they took you and Jessamy away… this wasn’t supposed to happen, you came back but this time he didn’t have a lifetime of memories to remember you by, you were brutally taken away from his side, and Jessamy as well.

With all your efforts he knew he could at least try and break free, but he didn’t. Morpheus sat in the cold of his cracked prison cell plotting his vengeance.

A century passed until he was able to punish Alex Burgess and now being regained his power he still felt a void within his soul, because nothing he did would bring you back. Only time could do that.

Present day, he sat on a park bench feeding the birds, replaying in his head your atrocious murder, he hated that was the last memory of you, how your eyes showed the fear and pain of dying too soon.

“Is the seat taken?” That voice he knew so well filled his ears, when looking up you stood before him, with a beautiful smile and the rays of the sun shining down on you.

“Y/N?” He asked, even when he could recognize you, it was unbelievable, you laughed and hugged him, he slowly pulled you in, taking in your scent, the texture of your skin, your eyes…

You sat beside him, holding his hand, he caressed your face, repeating to himself over and over that you were truly here with him.

“I’m sorry my love, I’m so sorry” he apologized, your eyes soften in sympathy with his affliction.

“No, Morpheus listen to me. The only thing I am sorry for is that I left you to deal with grief and anger, but I would do it all over again if I had to” you spoke sincerely.

“But you were murdered trying to save me and I saw how they dragged you like you were nothing. And Jessamy” he explained, bubbling with anger once again. You cupped his face in your hands, forcing him to look at you through his tears.

“I would take a bullet any day, for you. Jessamy loved you so much she risked her own life to try and set you free. Don’t weight yourself down with guilt”

You were so good to him and sometimes he felt like he didn’t deserve it.

Nevertheless, he did the one thing he couldn’t do all those years ago when he was trapped by Roderick Burgess, he kissed you. With so much intent, love and passion, the love of a man that had been waiting for you for almost three hundred years now, one lifetime was stolen away from you and Morpheus was determined to make up for the lost time.

He also promised that day, to find a way to free you from the ties of reincarnation, so you could finally be together for eternity and you could be free from the pain of waiting ages to be together for a limited amount of time.

Same girl same

requesting morpheus fic prompts. please im obsessed

; 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.