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A long evening with his colleagues, celebrating the end of the semester, finally ended. Well, ‘finally’ was a harsh word. It had been about six hours of greasy food, drinks and karaoke. A lovely evening, but he actually started feeling old, since only shortly after midnight he had found himself so tired, he could barely follow their conversations. So he had excused himself for the evening and left the bar, left the young ones celebrate.Took him a little while to actually grasp his surroundings. Now, that it was the middle of the night, the street looked so different from the brought daylight in which he had arrived. He had never been here before, the place had been his co-worker’s suggestion, and her pulling a few strings had gotten them a great discount. But well, now that he was looking around... The area did seem a little... Shady. Yes, that was the word he was looking for.Located in one of the darker side streets he had to walk through some dark alleys to get to the main street to grab a taxi. Yes, an actual taxi. Not an uber. A real, actual cab. He was too old for this, he admitted willingly.Though not yet forty, he often felt like an old man, like he had left the six hundred behind years ago. Well, to be fair, he was a literature professor, teaching on medieval texts – and occasionally the Victorian era, but that was rather a hobby of his – mostly about the fourteen-hundreds. So well, yes. He often felt like his brain somehow got stuck in the past.He did own a smartphone, thank you very much! Since almost four years now! Had finally given in to peer pressure, but when he needed a ride, he would call a taxi. Talk with a person. And not just digitally book whatever.It was fascinating, what technology could do nowadays, indeed, but he did have the tendency to always be at least ten years behind. ‘An old soul’, they had always called him. Sometimes meanly, but Ellie, his beloved Ellie, had always said it in such a fond way, it still made tears sting in his eyes, when he heard that phrase nowadays. Even after almost ten years.He had married young. Had had a son with her, had loved them both so much but then, after they had waved at him and got in the car, his pregnant love and his son, off to visit some distant relatives, he had never seen them again. The car crash had been so severe, they had not let him see them before the funeral. And even though the mortician had tried her best, he had to bury them in closed coffins. One for his Ellie, a small one for his beloved robin and a teeny-tiny rose-coloured one for their never-to-be-born daughter.It had been hard, after that. Still was occasionally. But had become better. He even had a social life again! Hung out with his co-workers and even still had one precious friend who had to put up with his bullshit for years. Had been the one to drag him out of his mourning, back into the world. He had almost quit teaching back then, though he had just started. But his university, the head of his department, to be precise, a wonderful Lady called Lucienne, had been very understanding, given him the whole year off, so he could get things sorted out.And then, life had started again. Kind of. All different, but still the very same. Just... Lonely. In his too big apartment he had not been willing to give up on, after all, they had spent all of Ellie’s inheritance on it! Well, it was not that big any longer, he had almost convinced himself by now. It just had two rooms he never actually used. One turned into a lovely guest room – okay, that one got used by Jo occasionally when he was crashing at his for whatever reason – and the other one... Well, a store room full of memories he had not entered in eight years.Neglectable. He had ‘his shit together’, as Jo liked to phrase it. He was employed, had some kind of social life, a good income and, well. Yes. Enough food on the table. Though, mostly takeaway. He had never been a good cook. And though he was capable of producing edible pasta with tomato sauce, his skills were barely beyond that. But he could afford it.And there was no one to cook for, anyways. Had not been since. Though, Jo had told him ‘to finally get laid’ constantly. Almost started every phone call with the question, whether he finally had gotten. But no. No need for that.He had not tried to get attached to anyone since. He knew himself. Was aware, that when he fell, he fell hard. With Ellie it had been only days. Love at first sight. And then, she had just stayed. The few relationships before had always been more one-sided investment on his expense. So he had been glad, she had not only accepted, but loved his too much and too fast. Had not been, for them. Had been just right....He sighed out loud, stepping in an even darker alley, but at the end he could see the bright lights of the main street. Stepped towards them, until he was interrupted by a group of people, pressed to the sidewall if the alley. No, now that he focussed his attention on them, he could see that it was three guys crowding a fourth one against the wall. Quite a different situation.They were obviously threatening guy number four, who was talking to them. Robert Gadling, called Hob, thank you very much, could not understand what the man was saying, but he heard his low, dark voice, a little raspy and paused. Stilled in his movements. All senses focussing on the melodic string of words.And then one of the three guys laughed, pushed his shoulder against the wall firmly. And those were clearly insults. Slurs. Oh. So a bunch of drunk homophobes, when he grasped the situation correctly.One of the three raised his fist. Aiming for number four’s face and suddenly Hob was getting very close, very fast. Grabbed the guy’s fist, before he could cause any more harm with it and politely harrumphed, in case they had not noticed him, yet.Now that he was directly in front of them he could see more than just silhouettes. The three guys were probably barely old enough to still be outside that late, probably still teens, but maybe already in their twenties. He was not that good at assuming people’s age. If one asked him, his students all had to be not older than eighteen, though some were in their late twenties already. So, well, back to the scene.The three guys had turned around to him, staring at him. Yes, he definitely knew that look. Rebellious teenagers very much. So, high time an adult got involved.“Excuse me? May I help you, gentlemen?”, he asked in the most polite and posh voice he could manage. He was not that drunk! Had only had two beer and a fancy cocktail, sine he was not one for drinking any more, had overdone it in the months after his loss and mostly refrained from it nowadays.“Fuck off, that’s none of your business!”“Just teaching that faggot some manners!”“Let go!”He nodded. So he had grasped correctly.“I see. But is it not very hard to teach, what you yourself are not capable of?”, he asked, still holding that fist in his.He was not impressive by size alone. Not some muscular giant with brought shoulders, but he did work out regularly. One had to cope for all the rubbish he was usually eating! So he could stand his ground.“What are you? Some kind of gay Batman?”, one of the guys laughed.“Going to save that tart?”“I do not require saving...”, number four, the one with he dark, melodic voice said. Then, using the confusion to his advantage, freed himself and kicked one of the guys into the stomach. Which left all three stunned. And then, well, the just exchanged a look. And took off. Obviously deciding they were not up for an actual fight.Leaving Hob and number four alone in the dark alley. Which gave him the chance to finally take an actual look at him. Young. Very young. Hair hidden under a hoodie, just like most of his probably slender form. He was apparently only wearing this and a very tight fitting jeans. Just as black as the hoodie. His pale face was almost glowing in contrast. Featuring observant eyes, highlighted with mascara and red lips. Redder than they naturally were, because he had definitely taken a blow, lower lip split at the side, bruising.Hob just stared at him. For a long while.. without saying a word, because... Well, because that man – was he even a man? – was beautiful. Not handsome, straight out beautiful.“You got a bed at yours?”, he asked. Voice still so low, deep. So otherworldly. Definitely not fitting that slender body, but at the same time he could not imagine any other voice that would fit him.And Hob was awestruck. Nodded. While still processing the content the melody had delivered to his ears.“Great. Take me there, then?”, the boy, man, person, whatever asked. And Hob was not sure, whether that actually really was a question. Or a request a demand. Or just a statement of fact. Because, well... He would probably take that guy-shaped entity anywhere.He swallowed. Then nodded again. Thought. Words. Words were a good idea weren’t they? Communication. Like, well, like expected from someone teaching literature. Right?“I was about to get a taxi, home”, he said. Still lacking words.“I see...”“I... Need to get over there. Main street...”“Yes...”Hob took a breath. Then, before he could actually tell his body to turn away, to face the dim light of the main street, the person walked past him, a few steps towards the light, then turned. So elegant graceful, his brain supplied. Not very helpful at all.“Are you coming?”, the pale-faced asked. And yes, yes of course he was coming. Wherever he – he supposed it was a he, he was talking to – wanted him to come. He was.... Mesmerized.So they both stepped out of the dark alley, into the streetlight. And Hob had to blink a few times to adjust. Suddenly it was loud and bright and there were cars and people, despite the late hours, but it was a Friday night, so this was to be expected, he supposed. He did not regularly go out, but we’ll, tongs were, as they were.He waved at a vacant taxi and the driver pulled over. Looked at the mismatched pair, but did not as much as bat an eye. Just unlocked the door, so both of them could get inside, and nodded, as Hob told him his home address.And then they were alone in the back of the taxi. Silence heavy upon them. At least to Hob it felt that way. So he harrumphed again.“Soooooo...”, he eloquently started the conversation.The black-clothed looked at him. But did not reply. Just tilted his head slightly. Implying that he wanted him to continue.“Yeah, hi. I’m Hob. Robert Gadling, but, you see, friends call me Hob...”, he tried again. This time actual words were coming out.. forming almost coherent sentences. What the actual fuck was wrong with him, an imaginary Johanna Constantine called out on his mind. Because, well.. obviously there was something wrong with him, because he was in a taxi, on his way to his home with a probably still underage guy who expected him to, to... He did expect him to have sex with him, did he not? He was almost certain this was, where this was going.“Do you wish to imply, we are friends?”“Nah, technically we are still strangers, I guess? But I don’t like my full name...”, he tried. Aiming for casually.“I see, Hob Gadling...”“Do, do you have a name?”, he heard himself asking and felt so very stupid. Because, well, of course this beautiful being had a name. Was he really an actual professor? He felt like he had never as much as touched an actual book in his life, let alone had a real-life conversation with an actual human being.“I have a name, indeed...”“Care to share?”“For tonight, you can call me Dream...”, the stranger told him. “He/him, by the way...”“Same. I mean. Not Dream, but, yes, well, hi?” Hob was certain, this was not his actual name, but he had something to call him.“Hello...”, Dream replied with the hint of a smile. That appeared to be a mistake, because he hissed in pain and brought his hand to his bruised lip.“You’re bleeding”, Hob informed him. Well, very helpful. He scolded himself, but then reached out to examine the injury. Nothing severe, he could seem even in the bad lighting.“I noticed...”“I’ll have to disinfect this, once we get home. Don’t worry, I’ve got training”, he told the stranger. With a smile. Because, that was true. Thanks to his teaching job he had access to regular first-aid training and was in possession of an actual kit. Never used it, after his boy had passed, but he kept it up to date, just in case.“Then I will rely on your experience...”They went silent again. The ride was taking long. But he did not exactly know, what to say. What do you say to a stranger, who had invented himself over, to spend the night? Well, he could try the obvious?“Those guys... Was it them?”, he asked, pointing at the injury.“Picked the wrong ones, I suppose. Did not appreciate my offer...”, Dream just shrugged. And something dawned to Hob.“Are you... A sexworker? Not that I mind, I just... You see, I...”“I do not request money in exchange for sex. A bed for the night and a shower, maybe breakfast, if you are gracious....”“Oh...”, Hob just replied. Okay, at least not a sexworker. He was way too young to be one, anyway. Was he? Was he inviting a minor into his bed? Fuck! “How old are you?”, he blurted out, eyes wide with panic.“I am twenty-two. So not a minor in any country, I am aware of... Though you have to believe me, since I do not possess an ID-card...”, Dream admitted.“You look younger...”, Hob mumbled. But... He believed him. That answer indeed as shady as fuck – Johanna’s words again – but this guy did not strike him to be one to just lie. Something about him seemed... Well, he was trusting him. For now.“I am aware. Always have....”, Dream told him. And something on his face darkened... There was something about that statement, that alarmed Hob. He could not point out, what, but... Had there been a bitterness in the dark voice? A sour note?“You... Don’t have a place to stay?”, Hob asked, carefully. Not sure, if he was avoiding the sore topic, or diving in head first.“Yours, for tonight. Or for as long as you will have me...”, the stranger replied. Matter-of-factly.“I see...”Finally the taxi pulled over in front of the building complex Hob was living in. He paid and they both got out. Walked towards the entrance and then, the elevator.And Hob could not stop staring at the man he had brought. Literally picked up from the street, though, technically, Dream had invited himself... Like a cat, Hob’s brain supplied. Which was... In fact very fitting. Because he moved like one, just as well. Elegant, sexy, determined. Giving off an air of superiority. Though he was only wearing a black hoodie and those way too tight jeans. How could someone be elegant in these?Hob briefly wondered, whether Dream had a hard time finding places to sleep. With looks like these, anyone would gladly take him in. And he found himself disliking the idea. Not because he wanted to judge anyone’s life choices, but because... Well, somehow that did not seem right. Like this was not a lifestyle fitting Dream. No, he could rather see the young man being catered, being spoilt, leisurely sprawled on some kind of giant couch, than in a dark alley offering sex for a place to sleep...But then, he did not know him. Had no idea, whether Dream just actually liked sex very much and was content just like that!“Here’s mine. Make yourself at home”, he told the young man, as he unlocked the door to his apartment and let him in.They both took off their shoes and he lead him into the spacious living room with the barely used kitchenette.“Please, sit. I’m going to the bathroom, fetching the first-aid-kit”, he told his guest and left him alone for the time being. As he checked the bathroom closet for the small box, a thought suddenly came to his mind. What if Dream would try to rob him? Steal his possessions, while he was trying to help. But... He dismissed the thought. Because Dream did not seem the type. His perception was not the best, but he usually was right with his guesses on people’s motives, at least.And really, when he returned with the box, the young man sat exactly where he had left him. Carefully examining his surroundings from the spot. Cat. Definitely cat.“Hey, I’m back. Found it “, he said, as he approached. Because, well, he did not want to startle the kitten. Though, Dream flinched upon hearing his voice. Almost not noticeably, but he did. Posture stiffened slightly. He seemed to have a high self control.What had happened to him? Hob had no idea, but he really wanted to find out. Because... That man was fascinating. He wanted to learn more, all about him. Which was... New. So very new to him. He was not generally disinterested in other people, but... He was barely ever fascinated by people. Especially not upon just meeting them. Not since Ellie...“Does it hurt?”, he asked gently, as he sat next to him – with proper distance of course – pointing at the bruised lip.“Have had it worse...”“Oh...”, he just replied. Not sure, what to say. He had about a million questions going around in his head. But none would probably come out right. And he did not want to overstep. So he held back. Opened the kit and searched for the disinfectant.“Can I touch you?”, he then asked... Which was a strange question, considering the premise that brought them here together. But he just had to ask. Could not just simply touch, Luke Dream was his, like he had bought him. He would not!Dream looked at him. Confused. Like he had not expected the question. Like he was wondering, whether he had not understood correctly. So Hob corrected himself.“I need to clean that. Don’t want you to get an infection. For this, I will need to touch your face. Your head. Is that okay?”, he explained.And Dream tilted his head. Now definitely resembling a curious cat. Watched him closely. “You may...”, he finally replied. And it sounded like a song, a sweet melody. So dark and powerful, despite the quiet tone.“Good. Could you... Take off the hood? I think, I can work better without it...”His guest nodded. Still obviously wondering over him. Then he took it off and exposed a shock of wild, deep black hair. So dark, it appeared unnatural, but something told Hob, this was natural. It just fit so very well. Matched the pale skin.He was well aware of tropes. Of concepts of beauty. And according to all concepts he knew, this one was beautiful. Slightly more female, and he would have been a perfect fit for the snow-white trope. Mesmerising. Absolutely beautiful.“Touch!”, Dream commanded. And Hob remembered, what he had been doing before he had been so utterly and completely distracted. So he shook his head to come back to the present, the situation on hand and started cleaning the injury properly.“Well, patching you up probably won’t work, given the spot, but I could apply some spray to cover it? That fine with you?”“Spray?”, Dream asked, suddenly very cautious, while he had not even flinched, when Hob had applied the disinfectant.“This one. Covers the wound. Dries quite fast and keeps the bacteria out”, Hob explained and passed him the small spray bottle, so he could read the label.Which, as he did. Thrice. Before nodding. Handing it back to Hob. Granting permission, to apply it.“So, all done. Looks better. It’s waterproof, but you shouldn’t rub over it too much. Any more spots that need fixing up?”, the brunette asked, aiming to lighten the mood. But missed the target by a few miles, judging the expression on the stranger’s face.He did not get an answer.“Are you hurt?”, he asked more directly, now. Eyebrows raised.“Not recently... Aside from this...”, Dream replied carefully touching his lip.This left room for interpretation. And Hob did not like it. Bit his lip, subconsciously, while carefully looking him up and down.“Would you show me? I mean, I might be able to help?”, he asked, carefully.“No. You can not help...”, Dream told him, but despite his words, pulled up his hoodie and the clothing underneath and exposed... Well. Skin. Beautiful pale skin, covered in dozens of small, fresh scars. Probably a month old? Maximum two. The wounds were healed, but the skin was still thin, like the scab had just fallen off.He stared at them, mouth agape. Not sure, what to say.Dream pulled the fabric back down. Arms crossed in front of him now. Defensively. Like he was trying to protect himself.“Oh...”, Hob made. Not at all helpful.“Nothing you can do. Disgusting, right?”, the raven-haired said. “Will you let me use the shower, before I leave?”, he then added. Without emotion in his voice. Still it sounded so beautiful, though his words were cruel.“You want to leave?”, Hob replied, still lacking words.“I... Do not look pleasing to the eye. So I assume, you will not take me to bed tonight... If you still demand compensation for your time, I could use my mouth to-““Stay!”, he interrupted him. Finally beginning to understand where he was coming from. What he was trying to say. And no! He would not make him leave, if he did not want to!He really wondered, worried, what had happened to this beautiful man. What had it been, that made him think so low of himself? Who had done that to him?Dream stared at him. Face blank. He had flinched, upon the shout – which Hob regretted instantly – and now just looking at him. Like he was trying to figure him out.“Please. Stay. As long as you like. I have a spare room. Just cleaned it a few days ago. Don’t leave. If you don’t want to”, Hob told him. Tried to explain himself.“I will. Stay, then...”, Dream nodded. Still observing him. Still sitting there, making himself small.“Good”, Hob sighed in relief. Flashed him a bright smile. An earnest smile. “Are you hungry? Thirsty?”, he then asked.Dream seemed to think. Consider. Then pressed his arms against his stomach, as it made an unambiguous sound.“Both, I guess?”, Hob smiled, then got up and walked over to the kitchenette. Started roaming his fridge. Well. He had bread. Jam. Three yoghurts, blueberries and some vegetables. Oh, and some eggs, but he was not sure, how long they already lived in the fridge. Aside from that, he probably had some emergency cans somewhere hidden on the shelves. He did not have much. Mostly lived off of takeaway, anyway. But he supposed, this late no place would still deliver. None, he trusted, at least, and he really was not up for food poisoning, first thing on his break. And he would not want to harm Dream.“I could make you a sandwich. Or, do you eat yoghurt? Can fix you some with blueberries and granola?”, Hob suggested, looking over to the sofa.“I... Eat Yoghurt...”“Good. Great! Just give me a sec!”, he smiled and hurried, to prepare a big bowl, using all three yoghurts, the blueberries and the still closed box with granola.“There you go. Help yourself. Want to drink something? Beer, wine, tea, coffee? Or tab water. Don’t have much in stock...”, he shrugged apologetically.“I do not drink alcoholic beverages. Or coffee....”“I see... Tea, then?”“Water will suffice...”“Fine... Whatever you like, duck, just a sec!”, Hob beamed, sprinted back to the sink and filled a glass for him. A second for himself. Brought it to him and placed it in front of him.Dream was still examining the food he had created.“It’s edible. I swear. Want me to try it, before? Won’t poison you!”, Hob had meant to make a joke. But Dream stirred his bowl and then actually held out the spoon towards his host without a word.“Okay, fine”, the brunette shrugged and opened his mouth. Emptied the spoon, chewed and swallowed. “Hmm, will buy the Greek yoghurt again, next time but it’s fine. Ordinary stuff. Sorry, I can’t cook...”, he explained, then drank from his water.Dream nodded. Then started eating. At first two careful spoons, then he actually dug in, greedily. Like he had been starving.While Hob watched him. Wondered. Again. What had happened to this beautiful man? Why was he this cautious? Like, like he was actually afraid, someone might poison – or rather drug, drug was so much more likely, Hob realised – him. Colour left his face upon his realisation. Someone had drugged him. Had hurt him. Was the reason, why Dream seemed so on guard, so startled. Someone had inflicted these scars to him!Dream paused. Gaze shifting from his now mostly empty bowl over to Hob. Examining him. He had noticed the change in his posture, there hob was certain. Of course!“It’s okay. You can eat more, I was just in my head a little. Just wondering, what happened, you see?”, he explained. “You don’t have to tell me a thing, though. Was just a thought!”, he added, not wanting to make him feel obligated to enlighten him.“I want to take a shower...”, Dream replied. Dropped the spoon.“Okay, fine. Yes. Please! Bathroom’s over there, second door. Just take the towels you need from the shelf above the washer. Key’s next to the mirror. I don’t usually lock, but feel free to take all the privacy you like. Want me to borrow you something to sleep in?”, Hob explained.And again was looked at in a strange mixture of wonder and confusion. For more than a minute. Then Dream blinked. Cat. Definitely a cat.“I... Will not need clothes?”“You sure? Oh, please, I insist. I’ll just fetch you something comfortable. Want me to wash your stuff in the meantime? Mine’s a washer-dryer. Will be ready in the morning”, Hob suggested. And Dream again took his time to think, to evaluate.Then nodded. And rose, walked over, into the small hallway, searching for the bathroom. Opening every door. Hob followed. He would clean up later.“This door is locked...”, Dream said, having opened all the doors, standing before the last one, that was definitely not the bathroom.“Should have given you a tour, sorry. Bath’s over there, that’s my bedroom, office, guest room and that’s for storage....”, Hob explained, pointing at all the now opened doors.“It is locked...”, Dream said again.So Hob just sighed, walked past him and grabbed the key that was lying on the doorframe. Unlocked it and opened it. Closed his eyes.“I... Haven’t gotten to sorting this... So I just... Keep things that way...”, he admitted, not looking at his baby boy’s former room. Still filled with toys and clothes and a car-bed and Ellie’s stuff. The things he had just brought here, not being able to look at it. He did not need to look at it. The the bags with clothes, the sewing machine, the art supplies. All dusty, but still in place.He gave Dream some time to look. Then, without looking, he closed the door again. Locked it.“Not hiding any corpses or prisoners here, just... Memories...”, he explained. Placed the key back onto the doorframe.“I... See...”, Dream mumbled. Voice a little softer.“So, help yourself to the bathroom, I’ll bring you things in a moment, okay?”, Hob said. Still with a smile, but now it looked a little forced. He tried to push away the memories. It had been so long.Dream walked towards the bathroom. Entered it. And Hob walked into his bedroom, searched his wardrobe for some stuff. Found a shirt, sweatpants that did not fit any more – had bought them after he lost more than a little weight due to his loss – and a double package of brand new underpants he had not yet been able to return and probably never would, after he had bought them two sizes too small. And a pair of socks. Because he did not know whether Dream would sleep with or without socks. All in black. Very fitting for his guest.He brought the pile over to the bathroom door and knocked.Dream unlocked it and opened it. Looking at him. Through the opened door he could see the bathroom closet he had turned into his medical cabinet door was still open, as he had left it, but someone – Dream – had searched it. Definitely. So... Had he misjudged? Was he an addict, searching for something useful?“What?!”, he asked, looking at the mess.“You are not keeping anything capable of manipulating the conscience...”“Yes. I guess?”“You keep children’s cough-syrup that is overdue for eight years....”“Do I?” He kept his first-aid-kit up to date, but he had to admit, he had neglected his medicine. Since he barely ever needed any. Ibuprofen was probably the most potent stuff he had.“You do...”“Do you need any medication, or, or...”, Hob asked. Very unsure.“I do not take any form of medication. I... Just checked...”“Whether I keep something strong enough to knock you out?”, he finished that thought. Because... That seemed so much more likely than Dream being an addict searching for something to get high on. Oh. Oh!“I will shower now...”“Yes, yes, here. Take those. Just put your stuff into the machine. Do you know, how to...”“I am capable...”, Dream said, took the clothes and locked the door.“Toothbrush is next to the mirror! Second compartment!”, Hob told the locked door, then stared at it for a long time, until he heard water running, then he returned to the living room, cleaned up, certain, Dream would not rob him. Half an hour later – Hob had turned on the TV in the meantime – Dream re-entered the living room, now wearing new clothes, hair still wet. He had washed off the mascara, but that hardly made a difference. His eyes were still so sharp.“Feeling refreshed?”, Hob greeted him. Tried to ignore the healed cuts that covered his now exposed arms, just as well.“I do....”, the black-haired replied. Walked over to the bookshelves covering most of the walls. Examined the covers with interest. Like he had settled in, at least a little. Gotten more comfortable. Not just sitting, where he had been left. “You read a lot...”, he noted, stroking over the spines of the books.“I do. I am teaching literature, you know? Mostly medieval stuff, but I do read more modern works...”, Hob explained. Turning the TV off. Full attention on Dream.“I... Like reading...”, the young man admitted.“Figured...”“You did?”, he asked, tilting his head again.“The way you speak. Like you read a lot, not like you picked it up on the streets...”, Hob told him.“Oh... I... Had a lot of time to read. Classics, as far as I am aware...”“What do you like?”, he asked with a smile. Full of honest interest.“I... Have read a lot...”“What stuck?”“I... Still remember most of Jane Austen’s works, though I enjoyed reading Shakespeare, just as well...”Hob huffed. “I am with you on Austen, but I actually despise Shakespeare... Absolutely overrated...”, he told him.“You think?”“I’m certain. Trying to ditch Lucienne’s demand for a lecture on that prick since I started the job. And I will continue to fight it with all I have!”, he announced with a cheeky grin.Dream tilted his head once again. Wondering.“Oh, yes, Lucienne, she’s the head of lit department at university. Lets me get away with it. So? Your opinion on pride and prejudice?”The black-haired thought. Considered. “Healthy...”“Can see, what you mean...”“But... It does not appear very realistic to me... Though, it is to be expected from a work of fiction...”“Guess so...”They chatted a little more, until Hob caught his guest suppress a yawn.“Want to go to bed? It’s almost four... Some people get up at that time!”, he suggested with a look at the clock.“Yes. I suppose...”, Dream agreed. And got up from the sofa. They both walked over, into the hallway. Then Hob grabbed the handle of his bedroom door and smiled.“If you need anything, you can just call me, I usually do not sleep too deeply. Key’s on the nightstand, so you can lock the door anytime. Good night, Dream...”, he told him, then opened the door and got inside. Closed it behind him and took a deep breath.What the fuck had he gotten himself into, his inner Johanna Constantine asked him, well pretty much shouted at him. Why was his inner voice a rude, Barely civilised woman, anyway? Since when? Well, he supposed, since she had been the one dragging him along to all kinds of things, making sure he got out of the house, went to appointments, kept his job and ate... Okay, so that was an easy question. Regarding all the others....What he had gotten himself into? What had happened to this beautiful man? Who had done that? And... Why had he not just walked away? After he had chased those bullies off, of course, he did have a sense of justice. But he just could have declined that offer. That...oh, yeah... There still was that offer in the air. He had almost forgotten.He sighed. Shifted to the lighting of the bedside lamp, switched into his flannel pyjamas and got under the covers. Picked up the pair of reading glasses – one of five pairs he currently knew the location of – and his book and started, where he had left of yesterday, well, the day before yesterday, considering the time. He could not focus. Not at all. Was already about to put the book away, when he heard a knock on his door.Then the door opened, before he could say a thing, and a figure slipped inside. Closed it again and stepped towards the bed. He looked at Dream over his lowered glasses. Mouth open to speak, but his voice died in his throat. He stared. Blinked.Dream was wearing the t-shirt he had given him. And only the t-shirt. He could see his pale, slender legs, all bare, reflecting the light of the lamp. And he walked. Came closer. Approached.“Hello, Hob Gadling...”, he whispered in that so very dark voice and invited himself into the bed. Under the covers. Taking the opened book out of Hob’s hands, peeking at the title. “Alice?”, he asked, probably amused.“Yes?”, the brunette replied carefully. Trying to regain his composure.“I liked that one, as well. But... I would have stayed...”, Dream told him. Then closed it – bookmark in place – and reached over Hob, to place it on the nightstand.“You... You don’t have to, you know? I’ll let you stay, anyway. You don’t need to feel obligated...”, the older man tried to explain, because... What else was this going to be?“I always pay my debts. I will not owe you, Hob Gadling”, Dream told him, still leaning over him. Looking him in the eyes.“You don’t... It’s fine, really, you...”, Hob tried to tell him, but then soft, warm red lips were on his and he did not know, how to form words. Was briefly considering pushing him off, shoving him away, but... Something held him back. Made him just pause. Not give in completely, but let Dream have his way. For now.Partly, because it felt good. Heavenly, to be precise. He had not been kissed in... Well, if he ignored that one single one-night-stand he had had around the first anniversary of his loss, he had not kissed, since Ellie. And he had really, really liked kissing. Still did, he realised.“Fuck me”, Dream told him, as he pulled back. Just for a moment, then he sealed his lips again. Crawled over him, so he was straddling him, without interrupting their contact.He definitely was naked under that t-shirt, Hob realised. Gasped into the still very tame kiss, eyes opened wide.“You really should not, Dream....”, he sighed, as he himself ended the kiss. Tried to focus on the matter on hand. Well, not too much, because he was weak and this was so very tempting but he did not want this. Did not want to take advantage of it. Of him.“You... Don’t want...?”, the black-haired asked. In a small voice. Visibly slumping down. Retreating.“Dream, I do not want to use you. Do you understand this?” The last thing Hob had imagined for tonight was having to use his patient-teacher-voice. But it was, how it was. A rather instinctive choice.“You... Resent me. I... Understand that...”“Hey, no, no, definitely not. Look at me, Please?”, Hob told him reaching out with his hand, to place it on Dream’s cheek. Encouraging him look at him.“You... Do not want me...”, the black-haired mumbled. Barely hiding his troubled expression. Was he panicking?“Dream, you are beautiful. I definitely do not resent you. You are the most beautiful being I have ever seen, but...”“You don’t want me...”“I do want you. I was awestruck the moment I first saw you, but you can’t just, we can’t just have sex, you see? I am not one for meaningless stuff, you see? It really is a bad idea!”Dream was trembling. Why was he trembling? He looked so lost, so small, so helpless, though he was still straddling him. And Hob felt a sharp pain in his chest.“Make it... Meaningful, then?”, the young man tried, voice barely more than a whisper. Shaking.And, well, yes, Hob had fucked this up. Definitely. But he had to do something. Had to comfort the poor kitten. And, fuck, he was not a saint! And as far from a trained therapist, as he could get, but, but he needed to do something!So he guided the poor thing closer. Hand still on his cheek. And kissed him gently. Almost immediately he felt him relax. Breath out in a sigh. And he carefully moved his lips against his still bruised ones. Thumb stroking over his soft skin. It was so achingly soft. Smooth, like warm velvet. So beautiful. This cocky playwright would probably have written sonnets about his cheeks alone. Would have filled a whole songbook with just descriptions of this beauty. And upon touching he would have sang the filthiest hymns, praising him.“You want meaningful, then?”, he dared to ask against his lips.“Don’t send me away...”, Dream just breathed.“I won’t. Stay in my bed. In my home, as long as you like....”, he assured him. Planted more kisses on his lips, then trailed down, pecking his chin, noticing that his neck also featured a few scars. Less obvious, but definitely there. So... His whole body was probably covered in them. Again he wanted to know, who had done this. Was getting angry on Dream’s behalf“Just... Fuck me...”, Dream rasped, as he kissed down his neck, over all the cuts. Gently. With meaning. And he knew himself best. So he was fully aware, this was not a good idea. He was utterly fucked, as an imaginary Jo stated inside his mind. But since he really, really did not want her in his bedroom, he pushed away those thoughts, and with them the last bit of reason, that was trying to keep him from making a grave mistake. For he was well aware, he was one to fall easy, fall hard. And crash and burn himself even harder. But for now Dream really seemed to need this. To be held. To be loved to be... Well, fucked.“You are... Beautiful. So very beautiful... And smart. Not just looks, but obviously brains as well...”, he told his guest, gently nibbling at the side of his neck, right above the hem of the shirt collar. “Can I lay you down? Want to explore you...”, he asked. Then retreated, to take a look at the young man’s face.“You can do, as you please, Hob Gadling...”, Dream said in that deep voice of his. Now, back in his element – Hob supposed with another sting in his chest – the black-haired seemed calm again. At least calmer, than before. No longer shaking. Was sex something familiar to him, something he was confident in, something providing comfort, Hob briefly wondered. Not yet ready to explore what that might indicate.“I want to get to know you Dream. What makes you feel good?”, he asked. And again, Dream looked at him in wonder. Tilted his head. Expression quizzical. Like he did not quite understand that question.“Fuck me...”, he told him. Again. Like this was the answer to every question. And Hob did not really want to go deeper, into the idea, that this might be a trained response. Not now. He would be a good, reasonable, responsible adult in the morning. He promised.Now he would be as far from this as he could get, give in to Dream’s wish, making it meaningful, though. He would hold him.So he carefully spun them around, bedding Dream onto the mattress, kneeling between his opened legs. And immediately the young man spread his legs wider, gave him more space, presented himself. In an obscene, but definitely not unappealing way.“Very endearing indeed. But relax for now. I want to explore you. Want to learn about your body, my Dream...”, Hob explained leaning over him to kiss his lips again. “Can I touch?”, he then added. Because he really wanted to. If he was allowed.“You may...”, Dream granted permission. Again this look of wonder in his eyes.“If you don’t like me doing something, just tell me. I want you to feel good. Got that?”, Hob smiled, kissing his cheek, towards his ear, gently nibbling at the earlobe, getting rewarded with a sharp intake of breath.“I... Understand...”, Dream answered, upon breathing out.One hand resting on the mattress to hold him upwards, he used the other one to feel. To rest on Dream’s chest, taking in his heartbeat for a moment. Then started caressing him through the thin fabric of the t-shirt. Let his finger slide over his chest, over the already hard nipples. Sensitive, he noted, even through the fabric. Made Dream’s breath hitch, when he touched them.“Can I take off your shirt?”, he then asked, leaning back, to watch his guest.“Do as you please...”, was the reply. Dream raised his arms over his head, but did not react otherwise. Just lay still. Very still.Hob nodded. But when he leaned back on his knees, used both hands to slide under the fabric, shoving it upwards, he paused. Watched his face. The way, the young man stared at the ceiling, arms still up, so he could pull the shirt over his head, and Hob shook his head.“Makes you feel uncomfortable?”, he guessed from what he saw. Well, Dream did not give away much, but he really did not look like he was enjoying this at all. “Want me to stop?”“No! Fuck me!”, the black-haired demanded, eyes searching Hob’s. “Please…”“Fine, fine. Just… Tell me, when you don’t like things. Of course you can keep the shirt o, if you don’t want to be naked…”“I… Am naked for sex. It does require…”“No, no, no. nothing is required here. Want to keep the shirt on, keep the shirt on. It’s that easy. Nothing required, just… Enjoy?”, Hob told him.“Sex does not require me enj-”“I want you to enjoy. You told me to make it meaningful. And for me that is making you feel good. So? What do you like?”, he interrupted his very strange and very beautiful guest.“I… Do as you please…”“Will you tell me to stop, when you don’t like something?”, he sighed.“I...Will…”, Dream mumbled. Blinked at him. “Proceed…”“Romantic…”, Hob huffed. But did. He pulled the shirt down, slightly, so only his belly, up to the nipples was exposed. Then leaned down to press a gentle kiss on each of the dark buds. Took in the sight. And found him absolutely beautiful. Despite the small cuts. Or maybe because of them? Dream was pale, slender, almost fragile and his body reacted to his touch, to the attention he gave him.He kissed over his chest, covered every centimetre with his lips, while gently caressing the rest of the skin with his fingertips. Not yet paying attention to the lower parts of his body. He was focussed on his skin, his sensitive nipples and when he took one in his mouth to suckle on it, he paused again.“Did you wear a piercing?”, he wondered.“Yes. But they have been removed. Do you wish me to wear…”“I did not wish for a thing like that. Was just wondering. Want you comfortable…”, he sighed again. And then, as he was met with silence, resumed to what he had been doing. Got rewarded by a small gasp.He briefly wondered, what Dream was used to. If he liked things rough, but… He did not want to go there. He was well aware, what this implied and tonight he just wanted him to feel good, to make him not think about whatever had happened to him in the past, whatever had left him this… No, not broken. Just… Cracked? Yes, something had cracked him. Had made him that way. And Hob felt the strong wish, to undo it. To just…Well, what was he doing? Why was he even doing this? He was well aware, that he should not do this. Should not touch this beautiful being. Should not taint him further, but… Dream had panicked, when he had refused. And did not panic right now, did, in a very strange way relaxed. At least his body was. For actual emotions he probably had to try searching his face.He kissed down, around his bellybutton, feather-light and soft and as Dream sighed, he saw that as a small victory, dwelled in the feeling of having done something he liked. Kissed even lower, gently stroking his sides and finally paid attention to his groin. Without a hint of hair. And he wondered. Had Dream shaved in the shower? No, he knew how freshly shaved skin looked. This was… Natural? Well, not actually naturally, he was definitely too old to not have grown hair down there, it rather looked like he had had some kind of treatment…But he would ask later. Maybe. He wanted to know, but he did not want to ask. So for now he just kissed every pore, his pubic area, then down his inner thighs and back up, ignoring the hard prick for now. He just wanted to shower him with kisses, with attention, with affection. And the small sighs he managed to draw from Dreams lips mad his heart swell, made him proud and giddy and…“Hnn…”, the black-haired breathed out, as Hob’s wrist accidentally brushed over the tip of his hardness. Okay, so much for ignoring that part for now. Change of plans. Caressing his thighs with his hands, feeling the small cuts under his sensitive fingers, he started kissing down his groin again, along the shaft and up. Lips brushing against the already wet glans, still mostly hidden under the foreskin. He tasted almost sweet, Hob noticed, sticking out his tongue, to taste.“Do you like it?”, he whispered against it, and was delighted to see the member pulse in response. So he kissed it some more, open mouthed now, nibbling at the soft skin with only his lips, coaxing more quiet sounds from his lips, though not a verbal response.So Hob had to figure it out himself. Stroked and caressed and felt, explored more of his skin, lips focussed on his hardness, but not yet opening them enough, to take it in. It twitched in obvious impatience. And then, as he let his hands slide along his inner thighs, Dream opened his legs further, bending them, spreading them apart widely, exposing his just as hairless perineum, leading to a small, pink butt hole, taking Hob’s breath away for a moment. He had to look. To stare, to be precise. Because… He was so very beautiful, the soft thighs melting into perfectly shaped butt cheeks, forming a sharp creek, hiding the twitching hole.Breathtaking.“Proceed…”, Dream told him. Opening his legs even wider, exposing himself.“I want to explore you some more. That okay with you?”, Hob asked, swallowing hard. Still mesmerized by the picture in front of him. By the stranger’s beauty.“...Do, as you please…”“I want to do, what pleases you…”, he reminded him again. But did proceed in a way. He placed his palm on Dream’s hard shaft and pressed against it gently, then took him in hand. Feeling, fingers just resting there, while he observed the raven-haired’s expressions.“Do you want me, to make you come?”, he asked, moving his hand up slowly. Then back, down.“Fuck me…”, Dream told him, once again, but his eyelids fluttered, as he sighed.“Fine, but I’ll need to prepare you, you see?”, Hob explained and stroked up and down again. And for the first time since all of this had started, was reminded of his own predicament. Of the hard dick tenting his pyjama trousers. But, no, not yet. He could not just fuck him, as Dream had demanded.He took a long breath, then let go of him, looked him up and down once more. So very, very beautiful.Then he crawled over, reached for the bedside drawer to take out his supplies. Well... If one could call it that. He did possess a bottle of lube and some condoms. Not expired, luckily, because he was lonely and he had urges and he did not always want to make a mess of things, thank you very much! He was way too old to just stick his hand up his underpants, jerk himself to completion and just fall asleep without caring about the mess!He grabbed two packages and the lube and returned to his former position. Grinning at Dream, who was staring at him again. With this strange look of wonder.“Don’t have much, but I’ll make it good for you. You... Don’t have an allergy, do you?”, he realised then.“No. I do not have an allergy to anything I am aware of...”, Dream told him. “Do you find pleasure in stalling, Hob Gadling?”“What?”“You seem to do a lot of unnecessary things in order to delay fucking me...”“It’s not unnecessary! I want you to feel good! Is that so hard to understand? I don’t want to harm you!”, Hob sighed, trying to hide his exasperation. Leaned over him to gently caress his cheek. “You deserve to feel good, you see?”“Then fuck me already. With meaning. I insist...”“Can I kiss you, then? With meaning?”, he replied. Still tried a little smile.Dream nodded. And Hob leaned down to kiss his lips once more. Gently, because he did not want to hurt him. Then he parted his and carefully licked over Dream’s lower lip.Immediately the black-haired opened up to him and let his tongue in. Started sucking on it. And then met it with his own.Hob gasped in surprise. And then they actually kissed. For real. With meaning and all. He slowed his eager tongue down a little, caressed it, explored it, invited it to an intense dance. And dwelled in the feeling of heat rushing through his body. He had not felt this for so long, so it was a little much, almost overwhelming. And though his lower body had reacted to this beauty before, now he was completely into it. Still caressed Dream, where he could reach him.And without noticing at first, he pressed his groin against Dream’s hard prick. Moaned into their kiss.“Fuck... Me...”, the black-haired demanded again, without letting go of his tongue. Which made the whole procedure more difficult, than he must have realised at that moment. Because like this, Hob could hardly just shove his pants down and... Well, technically he could. With one hand. But he was not a complete moron. He would not just fuck him bare without any preparation or lube. This, he would probably never forgive himself. A sin he, even in his youth would never have committed. And he had been reckless back then.So he enjoyed their kiss a little longer, then pulled back. Licked his lips, because he could.. briefly checked the bruised lip, but the spray still seemed to fulfil it’s purpose.Then he got to work. Opened one of the condom packages and pulled it’s content over Dream’s hard dick. Stroked the shaft up and down a few times, then leaned down, to take it in his mouth. Suck it deep into his mouth. He was not a fan of the taste of condoms, but did appreciate the warm hardness in his mouth. Wanted to explore that sensation further, but postponed this for now, since Dream was rocking his hips. Spreading his legs apart obscenely wide.“Yes, yes, I’m getting to it. Won’t neglect your beautiful little entrance...”, Hob smiled, as he let go. Not without pressing a kiss against the tip.“Fuck me already...”, Dream demanded.“I won’t hurt you. And... I always play safe. So you need to bear with me a little longer...”, he told his guest. Kissed his inner thigh. Then grabbed the lube from the mattress, opened it and squeezed some onto his fingers. “It’ll be a little cold, is that okay?”“I do not mind...”He nodded, then spread the slick substance around Dream’s butthole with two fingers, circling it, then carefully pushed inside, just to be met with barely a resistance. Which was... Hot. Appealing. But in a way concerning. He would have to think about a lot of things in the morning. But luckily it was the weekend. And the end of the semester just as well. So he would have time for that. Hopefully, Dream would still be here, then. Would stay a little. Or a while. Because he really did not want to let him go like that. Ever. If he was being honest. He did not want dream to roam the streets. There were people out there. Not so nice people. And Dream... Well, Dream did not seem quite used to dealing with people. He barely seemed capable of self-preservation!“Ahnn..”, Dream’s moan snapped him out of his thoughts and his full attention was back on his beautiful guest. Who was taking the two fingers inside him not only well, but still seemed so soft and ready for more. Which was why he added a third and spread them, watching with a strange fascination, how easy that still was.“You’re...”“I told you that I would not require your preparation. You can fuck me without further ado. I am used t-““Fine. Okay, you are really, really okay with that? I could still just finish you off with my hand?”, Hob interrupted him. In a wave of desperation he did not quite want to place at this moment.“Fuck. Me.”He sighed. Then pulled out his fingers and wiped them on the sheets. He really should have replaced that tissue box a few weeks ago. Then he finally took his own hard member out, pulling his pants down to his knees, and reached for the other condom. He put it on, then used some more lubricant and finally lined himself up.Why was he doing this again? This was a bad idea. A very bad one, indeed. Probably the worst one he had had in years. Dream could still be a minor, lying about his age. And he definitely did not seem to be in a mental state where he could actually really consent to this. Hob was aware! He knew that what he was doing here was... Problematic. But something about Dream was definitely messing with his brain. Like he was not real. Not entirely. Some otherworldly being, with that dark voice and the pale body. Like some fae creature, captured by man. So beautiful and fragile.“Yesssss....”, Dream sighed in his melodic voice, as he slid inside. Filled him with his hardness. And Hob had to actively restrain himself, because he felt himself torn between fucking into that tight warmth surrounding him and just coming on the spot. And he wanted neither. He wanted to make Dream feel good. Wanted him to relax. To soothe him in that very unconventional way.“Oh shit, fuck, you’re... You feel wonderful...”, he mumbled, not really knowing where those rude words had come from. Usually he despised that way of talking – barely tolerated it in his best friend.“Fuck me, Hob Gadling...”“Give me... A moment. Don’t want to come right away. You deserve so much better than this...”, he replied, looking up, at Dream’s face. Searching for an emotion. For anything.“I... Deserve to be used to provide pleasure. Take from me, what you desire...”, Dream demanded.“Nonsense! I want us both to feel good!”, Hob hold him with a firm head shake. Then leaned over, tried to ignore his urges, the desperate want in his lower body, to kiss him again. Because he had seemed to like kissing.Dream let him kiss him. Kissed him back, actually. Which seemed like a good sign. And felt good. Very good. They both remained in that position, barely moving and the black-haired seemed quite content like this. At least, he did not demand any proceeding.“You like kissing...”, he observed, as he broke the kiss for air.“I... Have not done it like that. Before...”, Dream admitted. Head raising from the pillow. Demanding another kiss. And Hob was gladly providing it. Because he also liked kissing very much. And had not done it in a long time.Only after long minutes had passed, Hob actually started moving. At least a little. Wanting to make Dream feel good. Slowly, very slowly pushing into him.“More....”, was the black-haired’s demand, as he broke the kiss again, to find a better angle. To move more freely and maybe be able to touch his hardness with one hand, leaning onto one elbow next to him.And somehow he actually managed all of this. Moved his hips to push into him, stroked Dream’s shaft between their lower bodies and sealed his mouth with his in a tender kiss. So soft. So sweet. So... Meaningful. Hob definitely was not just having sex here. He knew himself too well for this. This was definitely feelings.After a while – Hob had completely lost the track of time – Dream’s breath hitched and he opened his mouth in as moan. Obviously surprised. And then a shudder ran through his body, his prick started twitching and the hot walks surrounding Hob’s dick suddenly came so much closer, tightened around him. And pushed the older man over the edge just as unexpectedly. And he had no idea, when the last time was, that he had come this hard.As they both collapsed, bodies relaxed after a way too intense orgasm, Hob tried his best to pull of both condoms, but failed to tie proper knots to keep them from leaking. In a whim he decided, he did not care and just threw them out of the bed, aiming for the bin.Unwilling to let go of the soft body beneath him, he reached for the bedside lamp to turn off the lights. Pulled Dream into an embrace, stroking his back under the t-shirt. Gently scratching with his fingernails until the monotonous movement lured him into sleep.He had been tired for hours now. Time to give in. And tomorrow... Tomorrow he would try to face the consequences of his actions. He was a responsible adult after all, not just three insecurities in a trench coat. And maybe, maybe Dream would be willing to... Well, whatever. Tomorrow. Tomorrow. Or, well... Whatever time it would be after he had slept.He felt himself drifting of to the soft sound of even breathing next to him. A sound he had not heard in forever.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The morning after – for it always had to be a morning, despite the actual time – Hob blinked in the dim light coming through the half lidded blends. A look out of the window did not help him with assuming the time, so he actually gazed at the alarm clock on his bedside table. Blinked again and took another look. Half past three. Oh. That was late.He sat up straight in bed, looking around. His hair an absolute mess. But he did not care for now, because... Had that all been a Dream? With capital D, because that was, what it seemed, for he was alone in his bed. He looked around. And was almost relieved to see the two used condoms in the bin. So, he had hit his target when throwing them. So this whole night had been real!He was up and out of the door within seconds. Suddenly full of panic. Where was Dream?! Had he left? He did not want that! They needed to talk! Sprinting into the hallway and into the bathroom. The washer-dryer was open and empty. The guest room door was also open. Bed unused. Well, for obvious reasons.His office did not seem likely, so he tried the living room with the small kitchenette next, heart pounding heavily. He hoped, begged, prayed that Dream had not left. Was not back out there all alone. And as he stepped inside, he sighed in relief, because there, by the kitchenette, actually stood the beautiful man. Dressed again in the tight jeans and a just as tight fitting shirt. He was holding a bowl in his arm, whisk in hand and at the sound of Hob’s footsteps flinched and spun around. Looked at him like a startled cat caught sneaking into the kitchen“Good morning!”, Hob greeted him with a smile. An honest smile, because he was so very relieved, to see him. Wanting to lighten the mood, as he took in the situation. But... “What are you doing?”“I am making food. You do not possess many things, so I use, what is available. I need to eat, before I leave....”“I see? What’re you making?”, he wanted to know. Curious. Ignoring the implication on leaving.“You have toast, milk and eggs, so I decided on French toast. I intended to make enough for you. And then, I will leave you to you-““Stay. No hurry, I mean. Take your time. I won’t throw you out. You can cook?”“I... Have not in a long time, but I have read books on cooking”, Dream told him. And continued whisking what was in the bowl. Carefully watched him coming closer, examining what was going on.“I see. Feel free to use whatever you want. It’s all yours, if you’re comfortable with the limited supplies. Actually I wanted to go shopping today. And order takeaway for dinner, but...”, Hob admitted, hand stroking through his hair. “Well, I slept longer, than I thought...”“I am interfering with your plans...”“No, no! You’re not! Makes it sound, like you’re a burden. You’re not. It’s great to have you here. Can I help you with anything? I can’t really cook, but I was told, I’m a great assistant!”, he told his guest. Tried to assure him.“You want to... Help?”, Dream asked, again tilting his head in this curious way.“Of course! I don’t know, what you’re doing. Tells me, you know what to do. So let me assist? What can I do?”“I... Will need a frying pan. I did not find one, yet...”“Ah, yes, I keep it up there. Hardly ever use it. Usually I just microwave stuff...”Dream looked at him. Raised one eyebrow, like he was actually questioning his sanity. And this gesture was so human, so normal, it made Hob laugh, as he actually got him the requested pan.“Sorry, sorry. I told you, I’m bad at it!”, he explained, as he handed him the pan.“How old are you?”“I’m thirty-nine!”“How did you survive this long?”, Dream mumbled, apparently mostly to himself, as he extracted the toast from it’s bag and threw three slices into his bowl with whatever was inside there.“Takeaway. But mostly I just eat at the cafeteria during the semester. So it only ever becomes a thing in the breaks. I hardly really eat breakfast at all, basically live off coffee and spite until noon”, he told him, as he watched with interest.Dream just nodded. Soaked the toast in the crème coloured liquid, while heating up the pan. Then he transferred the slices into the hot pan and poked at them with the spatula Hob was not even aware, he still possessed.“Are you a breakfast type?”“Huh?”“Do you eat breakfast? If so, what do you like?”“Why do you want to know?”“So I know, what to buy. You don’t drink coffee, if I remember correctly. But, do you only drink water or also tea? Do you like lemonade? Coke? Tell me”, Hob insisted, still watching the toasts.“You... Want to buy me things?”“Not things. Supplies. I’m used to living alone, but since you’re here, I want you to be comfortable. I might be old, but I’m willing to make compromises. Except if you put on the toilet paper facing the wall. Then I’m not willing to deal with that!”, he told him and mid-turning the slices, Dream stilled. Looked him straight in the eyes.“What do you expect?”“Expect?”“You want me to stay here. So, what is it, you want me to do?”“Nothing? Just... I think, it’s dangerous out there, when you don’t have a place to stay. I mean, I get it’s strange, just staying with someone you barely know but I really, really don’t mind. I don’t expect anything, you see?”, he clarified. “But if you don’t want, of course you could call a friend? Family? Someone? I, I would feel bad to just send you back to the streets...”“I... Do not have friends....”“Oh..”“And I have not had contact with my family in six years. I do not think, they would welcome me...”“That’s bad...”, Hob mumbled. Then calculated, as Dream turned his focus back to the toasts. “You’re twenty-two, you said? Haven’t had contact with your family since you were sixteen?”“This... Is accurate....”“And right now you don’t have anyone you could call? You’re on your own. Without an ID without a wallet and without a phone?”, he voiced his observations so far.“You are correct...”“Where did you come from? You can’t tell me, you spend the last six years out there. You don’t look like... Well, you don’t look like a street kid. Or so...”“I... Did not spend six years on the streets. It had been two weeks, I assume...”, Dream admitted and placed the toasts on a plate. Then soaked three more and repeated the process. Very focussed. Poked the slices. Silently.“I see...”, Hob just said. Staring at him. Decidedly not asking the obvious question. Where had this beautiful man been in the past six years?! What had happened to him, there? And... How did he end up in that alley? He could not just ask this, could he?! “You... You’ve been through things, haven’t you?”, he finally mumbled.“I... Have made experiences...”“Do you... Have any sort of plan? I mean, what are you going to do for the foreseeable future? You can’t just ask dudes to sleep at their place. That’s dangerous!”“I... Do not have a long-term plan. For now my goal is shelter, food and basic hygiene...”“I can provide all of that!”, he hurriedly told him.Dream did not reply immediately. He turned the toasts. Then poked at them some more.“Will I be allowed to leave the house?”, he asked then.“Err, of course? I can give you a spare key, if you like?”“Will I be allowed to keep the key to the room assigned to me?”“Yes! Of course!”“How often do you require payment?”“Not at all?! I told you, its fine! I wouldn’t charge you a thing! You can demand whatever you want, I don’t need a thing from you!”“I... Want to wear my clothes...”That statement left Hob speechless for a moment. In this strange negotiation he had expected a lot, but not... What?! “Hell, yes! I mean, what else? I see, you don’t like my clothes, but I guarantee, the ones from yesterday were fresh! So, if you don’t want those, we could get you some. Ones that actually fit!”, he then replied. Because he did not quite understand. Again assuming the worst, picturing someone keeping Dream locked up somewhere, all naked and miserable. For years! But... That was definitely too absurd to be close to the truth.“You... Want to purchase clothing for me?”“You only have those, right? So if you don’t want mine – which I totally get, don’t get me wrong – you’ll need to get something to wear!”“That... Sounds reasonable...”, Dream said. And turned the power off. Placed the slices onto the plate. “Lunch is ready...”“Rather an early dinner, I suppose. Shall we eat, then?”, Hob smiled.They sat down at the small table with the plate and two forks.Ate. Dream filled a glass with water for himself in the meantime.“Do you want to go out today, shopping, I mean? Tomorrow’s Sunday. Will be hard to get you clothes then...”“You are serious?”, the black-haired asked, blinking at him. Unsure, like he was still trying to find out, what was the catch.“I am. I’ll need to go out for the groceries, anyway...”“It is reasonable...”“Good. Then it’s decided. Then I still need to know, what you like”, Hob smiled warmly. “Those are great, by the way! You’re amazing!”“I...”, Dream mumbled and stared down, at the toast. Was he blushing? “I do not think, I have preferences...”“Fine, we can still see about that in the store. Give me half an hour, then we can leave”, the brunette suggested.“I will wait for you, then...”Hob grabbed his clothes from his bedroom, then went into the bathroom take a fast shower. He would shave tomorrow. But he wanted to wash up. Which he did, trying not to think about all the things he had learned and assumed about his visitor so far. About this beautiful, strange man. Not really knowing what to think about all of this.But well, he had made his decision already, had he not? He wanted to help him, keep him, cherish him. As long, as Dream would allow it, of course. He would never force him, quite the opposite! He wanted to make sure, nothing bad would ever happen to him! At least to a reasonable extend.When he returned to the living room, hair tied into a loose bun, he caught Dream sitting on the sofa, book in hand. He seemed quite absorbed, so Hob knocked at the doorframe, to catch his attention, before just walking up to him, startling him again.“Hey, I’m done”, he smiled, as Dream’s eyes flickered up, looking at him, like he had been caught doing something again. “You can finish the paragraph, if you like? No need to hurry...”“You... Do not mind?”, the young man wondered.“What? No. The shops won’t close within the next hours, and I hate, having to interrupt a good book mid-sentence, so, I’ll just do the dishes, while you finish...Oh”, Hob told him and turned to the kitchenette, realising, that he had nothing to do. Everything was clean again. “Thank you!”, he smiled then.“I... Finished the paragraph. We can go...”, Dream informed him, reached for his hoodie, that had rested on the sofa back, and pulled it over his head.“Great. We’ll take the car. I think, that’s easier, when we’re going to do all the shopping. The mall should be about twenty minutes...”Yes, Hob owned a car. Because he did not want to give it away, yet. And because the apartment came with a parking space, anyway. And, because every once in a while he actually did need it. For driving Jo and her wife around. Or sometimes for his job. But mostly he just owned it and hardly ever did anything with it. The small old beetle was hardly a vehicle used to transport great amounts of whatever. The luggage compartment hidden under the bonnet was rather a suggestion and the back seats did not have much space to offer, either. And the electric sunroof was no longer electric and not at all easy to open. But it had been Ellie’s first car and he loved it for it. Just could not sell the light blue traffic obstruction.Dream paused, as he showed him the slightly dusty vehicle. And then started laughing. Not just chuckling, but straight out laughing. And it sounded terrible. Dark voice making it seem like someone was trying to cut metal. Without much success and it was a beautiful sound. So absolutely not matching the beauty of the man, but so natural. And therefore just perfect.“This is your car?”, the black-haired asked, still smiling.And Hob needed a second to remember, how to breathe. Then nodded. “Yes. I don’t use it much. But I keep it maintained. Usually I just take the underground or bus or get a taxi... But every now and then, I drive”, he explained. Petted the bonnet fondly. “Had been my late wife’s first car. I think, I’m obligated to use it every now and then...”“Oh... My condolences...”“It’s been ten years... Get in?”, he sighed, then forced a smile. Unlocked the car.Dream got in and fastened his seatbelt. Stayed silent.So Hob decided, to just tell him about it. Because he had the feeling, the younger man felt bad for bringing up the topic. And he did not want him to feel bad.. it’s been ten years after all. He should be able to talk about it!“She bought it with her first own money. Met her shortly after. She drive us around, a lot back then. Was a poor student, so, well... Was quite fancy. She died in an accident. Not in this car! She had taken mine, because it was bigger. Was with our son that day. Ready for a short trip, before things got too serious. She was eight months pregnant, you see, and then, well... They never found out, what exactly happened. Just, a pretty serious crash. They....did not suffer, as far as I know...”, he explained. Just grabbing the steering wheel a little tighter. Focussing on the traffic.“I... Am sorry...”“I should be over it. Been ten years. And well, I mostly am. Couldn’t drive for three years after that and still rarely do. But I do cherish the car and the memory, so I kind of have to take it for a ride every now and then...”“You are not obligated to tell me this.”“I know. I’m sorry, I tend to overshare, when I... Well, whatever... Just tell me, when I make you uncomfortable, okay?”“You... Are not...”“Thanks for telling me. We’ll be there, soon, so? Do you have any kind of clothes you prefer? There are several shops...”Dream thought. At least, he took the silence as him thinking. And then, as he was about to say something again, the younger man actually opened his mouth. “I... Prefer black...”, he informed him.“Thought so... Somehow...”, Hob chuckled and turned, driving into the shopping centre’s car park. Half an hour later, Hob was sitting on a plush chair in front of the changing room. Dream had disappeared there with a large pile of clothes. Mostly picked himself, but as the brunette had noticed, where this seemed to be going, he had grabbed a few simple shirts, tees and trousers, as well. Just to be sure. Not to force his own sense of fashion on Dream, but....“Does this please you?”, Dream asked, as he stepped out of the small box, presenting an outfit, he had picked.“I, errr....”, Hob made, searching for words. Trying to keep his eyes from looking him up and down, lingering on his revealed belly button. “I really, really don’t mind you wearing whatever you like, but don’t you think, this is a little....”, he tried then. Breathing. Staying calm. Well, at least trying to.Dream tilted his head. Then he turned to look at the big mirror. Looked at himself. Face blank. He placed one hand on his arm, rubbing his elbow, as he looked at his reflection.“You don’t look comfortable. If you want to wear that, of course, you can have it, but... You really don’t look happy in this...”, Hob told him. Stood up to step behind him.“Do you not find me pleasing?”“You look beautiful. Stunning, but you don’t have to wear things just to please me. I’m very pleased when you’re happy, you see?”“I... Think, those clothes might be... Revealing...”“Maybe a little...” Well, how else would one describe a short top with more holes than fabric and a dark black mini skirt? Yes, Dream looked absolutely stunning in these, but... Not, when he felt bad.“I... Do not feel comfortable, showing these flaws...”, Dream admitted, rubbing over the scars on his arms. Still looking at Hob through the mirror.“Then don’t. Wear what you like. It’s okay...” Hob smiled at him. And then, Dream took a step forward and closed the curtain behind him in one fast but elegant movement.After that, he shoved about half the pile out of the small cubicle. Hob picked the items up and put them back, onto the hanger at the side. Waiting for the next outfit.Which consisted of a pair of jeans, less tight, than Dreams original ones, but well fitting. And a simple black long sleeve shirt. Simple, but elegant. More fitting. Especially, since Dream’s face looked more relaxed now.“You look better in this”, Hob noted with a smile. And sat down again, watching. Dream nodded. Turned around, looking into the mirror.Then he tried some more outfits. All just as black. Some t-shirts, but mostly long sleeved stuff and long trousers. And he seemed comfortable in most of them. A few times Hob had to fetch things in a slightly larger size and some just did not look right on Dream no matter, what he tried, proportions just were off in a way. But in the end he had about ten outfits on the ‘acceptable’ pile, when Hob just smiled and nodded once again. Had done that a lot in the past hour.“Great. So? I know, It’s practically summer, but don’t you also need some kind of coat? At least a proper jacket?”, he asked, as he transferred the whole pile into the wheeled shopping basket. It was mid of July, but actually some of the nights were still chilly and just the hoodie would barely suffice… Also, in his experience a summer in London could mean pretty much everything between ten degrees and rain and thirty-fife degrees beaming sunshine. Usually exactly what one had not dressed for, despite watching the forecast.“This sounds… Reasonable…”, Dream mumbled, looking at the basked with a slight frown.Hob took this as closest to a ‘yes’ as it would get, and walked over to the section with the jackets and coats. Still mostly unbothered by the staff. He had, as soon as they had arrived, told the eager young woman that they knew what they were doing, as he had seen Dream flinch when she just had popped up next to him, asking if they needed any help.“Please, feel free to choose”, Hob smiled at the younger man, brightly.“They are… Expensive…”, Dream replied, looking at the price tag of a long black coat. Letting his hand slide across the fabric. The hint of a smile on his lips. Almost invisible.“Try it on. Please.”“I do not require a coat for this time of the year…”“Technically you don’t require clothes at all, in order to survive, but I insist. Try it, at least. There’s a mirror”, Hob smiled brightly and pointed next to his almost-stranger.“I do not… Fine…”, Dream replied, then resigned, with a sigh, and took the coat from the hanger. Put it on, without buttoning and turned. Looked at himself in the mirror. The almost ankle-length coat left open, framing his slender silhouette perfectly.Then he nodded at himself. Visibly pleased with the sight.And for Hob the decision was clear. He would buy this coat, even if Dream protested. Because, well… This was him. With this coat he looked, he looked absolutely mesmerizing. So beautiful, majestic, elegant. He admitted, he just stared at him. Longer, than possible without having to deny it later, but he did not care.And then Dream turned around. “I… Like this coat…”, Dream admitted. In a very small voice. Not looking at him.“Good. Put it in the basket. We still need some kind of jacket, too, would you check those out?”, Hob smiled, still a bit fascinated by the view. By the expression he had seen, though for only a moment.And so they checked out some more coats and jackets and decided on a suit jacket and a deep black vest. Well, Hob decided, after watching his guest closely. Then Dream got some underwear, not the fancy, very revealing one – Hob told him to be comfortable in his clothes again – thank you very much. And after, they went over to the register to actually buy all of the items. Yes, this would hurt Hob’s bank account, he was well aware, but it was worth it. Also: they were not designer pieces, so of course he could afford them, they did not cost half his income, each!“Thank you, Sir! Can I do anything else for you and your... Companion?”, the woman at the check-out smiled brightly. Definitely using this specific customer service smile. But she definitely looked Dream up and down. Barely able to hide it.He politely declined. For a moment – while pressing his card onto the device – he wondered, what she was thinking. And then, as she thanked him once again, he two shopping bags over to him, pretending that Dream was not there, he was struck with a realisation. Well... If one had watched them in the past hour one might have come to that conclusion.Gentleman he was, Hob still grabbed both bags and left the shop. Not able to hide an amused huff.“What is amusing you, Hob Gadling?”, the black-haired wondered, as they made their way back to the car, to store their purchases.“That woman. Found it funny, what she was thinking. Though it’s not exactly fair...”“Elaborate. Please?”“I’m about fifteen years your senior. I’m buying you a load of clothes. I watch you try them on and if you don’t get close, you might come to the conclusion, I chose what you wear... What do you think, she thought?”“Probably that I would let you fuck me in return...”, Dream said matter-of-factly, and Hob tripped, almost fell over and had to grab the closest thing to steady himself. Which happened to be Dream’s arm. As he found his balance again, he stared at his guest in pure disbelief, because, he could not just say that! Well, obviously he could. But...“Yes. No. I mean, don’t just say things like that!”, Hob told him, still holding his arm. Really just holding. Not grabbing. There was no force involved. He just had his hand on Dream’s lower arm, shopping bang dangling on his wrist.“It is accurate, though...”“Yes. I mean, she definitely thought, I was your sugar daddy, but I’m not. And I don’t expect any of that! Just... Don’t say things like that in public. That’s indecent”, the literature professor told the otherworldly being. No, well, Dream was definitely human, but... Judging from the way he had behaved so far, he definitely did not know much about how to human.“I see. I will refrain from direct mentions of sexual intercourse...”Maybe he was an alien? Or actually a fae creature, like he had already suspected? Or he had just a pretty shitty past and did not know shit about actual human interactions?“You did grow up amongst people, right?”, he could not hold himself back from asking, as they entered the car park, looking for Hob’s car.“One could phrase it that way...”“Enlighten me. You’re not stupid. And pretty literate... Must come from somewhere. Where’d you go to school?”, the brunette wanted to know.“I did not attend a school. Instead, I had educators...”, Dream told him with a shrug.“Educators? You mean, like private teachers? That cost a fortune...”“My parents would not allow to have any of their children uneducated...”“Okay? So you learned stuff?”“I am well educated on history, languages, maths and several other subjects...”“Talking with regular people doesn’t seem to be a thing, they thought you...”“I am able to communicate...”“I see... So, those parents you haven’t met in six years, that paid for private education... Did they treat you well, at least?”, Hob dated to ask, as he closed the bonnet slash luggage compartment again, leaning against it. Once again, he looked Dream up and down. He got him talking. That was a good thing. But he was afraid, he might overstep. Ask too much. Because... There has been a lot. He was very sure, there was so much going on.“I hardly saw them. So I can not answer that question honestly...”“Oh. Sounds bad...”“I do not have an opinion on that... In fact I am quite indifferent...”“Hm. That’s why you won’t call them?”“I agree, that this is an aspect...”, Dream mumbled, biting his lower lip. Not the side with the bruise, luckily.So, this talk was over, Hob supposed. Not wanting to go too far.“So? Shall we take care of the groceries, now?”, he asked, putting on the brightest smile he could muster. Pushed himself off, away from the bonnet.“You are not demanding more information?”, Dream wondered, walking next to him, as they made their way out, back into the centre itself.“I’m dying to know it all really, honestly. I’m curious. Want to know all ab you. But you’re not obligated to share. Tell me as much as you feel comfortable to. I won’t demand more. And in case, I ask too much, just tell me to shut up, okay?”“You... Are indeed a strange man, Hob Gadling...”, Dream mumbled.“So I’ve been told...”The grocery shopping went more or less uneventful. Dream felt uncomfortable to pick and choose what to buy at first, but soon was in his element, filling the cart with fresh fruit and vegetables, actual bread, basic supplies. Shaking his head more than once, when Hob told him, he had never cooked with an ingredient.“I asked you already, how you survive, but I can not believe, you look this healthy, when your diet only consist of highly processed food…”, Dream told him at the check-out. Looking him up and down.“I do work out! I run on minimum two evenings a week! On regular Saturdays I even go to the university’s pool in the evening! And I sometimes do those strange work-out routines in front of the TV in the living room to embarrass my self!”“This indeed sounds embarrassing…”“Want to watch?”“This might be amusing…”, the black-haired admitted, as they went back to the car, storing their grocery bags in the back, because the luggage compartment was already full.Then they got in and Hob drove them back, home. “It’s late. Anything you like?”, Hob asked, presenting a large pile of assorted menus from several different places, he ordered regularly. Yes, he was one of the people still keeping flyers and actually calling the place, not just ordering online! A thing Jo usually made fun of, whenever she was around.“You… I am still sorting the groceries and you want to order unhealthy food?”, Dream asked in disbelief, cucumber in hand.“Well, I already had a home-cooked meal today? Cannot force you to cook for me, can I? Just because you’re here, doesn’t mean, you have to!”, Hob defended himself, placing the flyers on the kitchen counter. “Here, this one’s healthy. All kinds of bowls and salads! And this one’s sushi, that also counts!”“I… Have not eaten sushi…”“’Have not’ as in never? You’ve never actually eaten sushi?”, Hob asked, now himself staring, not believing.“I am familiar with British, French and Spanish cuisine, as far as I am aware, but I have never eaten Asian meals, so far..”“No Sushi, no Ramen, no Pho, no Phad Thai? What about curry dishes?”, he wanted to know, indignantly. Because, how could someone just not know about this?“I am familiar with curry dishes. I suppose?”“Okay, we’ll try sushi. And some soup. Think they also have gyoza. Does raw fish anyhow put you off?”“I do not see, why. It is not unusual to consume raw meat in several cuisines…”“Fair point. So? Any idea, what you want?”“Since I have no idea, what it will taste like, I can hardly choose…”“Another point. So I’ll just order and you try?”Dream nodded. And continued to store the things they had bought. Meanwhile sorting through some neglected cans.And Hob ordered their food. Deciding on a big plate for two, a big variation of starters and some desserts. He was not a dessert-type, but when Dream had never tried them, he wanted to take his chance.About an hour later, they sat at the table, loaded with way too many things. Maybe Hob had overdone it a little? But he did not want his guest to stay hungry. Back, when he was a poor university student, living in his very first own one-room apartment, he did not have a lot of money. He had starved. Together with his limited cooking skills, it really had been a hard time. Never again, he wanted to go hungry. Or have anyone in his care starve. So, well… He tended to go a little overboard, when ordering for more than himself….“You really plan on eating… All of it?”, Dream asked, tilting his head once again.“We plan to. The fish is critical, but the other stuff can survive in the fridge”, Hob just shrugged.As it seemed, the fish really was not a problem. Dream tried everything, but actually stuck to the salmon and tuna mostly, licking his lips after every piece he ate. And to Hob he seemed more feline, than ever. A black stray cat he had taken in.When they had actually finished the miso soup, the summer rolls, gyoza and most of the sushi, Hob stored the leftovers in the now unusually full fridge and placed another bag on the table.“What is this?”“Dessert. No ice cream, but some cakes and mochi and dango stuff… You got a problem with sticky food?”, he told him.“Not at all…”Dream watched him curiously, as he unpacked a serving of pretty much all they had, that did not melt right away. And hob explained to him, what he had ordered, like he had done with the other courses, before.“Those are almost like the dango, just filled with paste. That one’s red bean and those must be sesame”, he told him, but the first piece was already gone. To his delight, Dream seemed quite pleased with the desserts, as well. He devoured all of them and for a moment the older man really wondered, where exactly they went. But then… He had no idea, how exactly Dream had survived in the past. He assumed, he had grown up in some wealthy household and then… Well, then not any more. Something had happened when he was sixteen and now he was here…“I do not feel, like I can eat any more…”, the black-haired admitted, rubbing his belly in a very human gesture of contentment.And Hob smiled at him, felt his heart warming. Seeing Dream like this did things to him. He really, really wanted to see him happy.“Do you want to watch telly? Or maybe read a little?”, he asked, nodding to the direction of the sofa.“I… Do not mind. Will you do your embarrassing work out?”“Did not plan to… Actually, I’m way too full to do anything at all…”“I see…”They moved over, to the sofa, Hob reaching for the remote, but he paused, as he noticed, Dream’s gaze wandering to the bookshelves.“Not interested in the telly, then?”, he guessed.“I… Have never watched much television. I prefer books, anyway…”“Well, there’s noting interesting up, most of the time, anyway… Mind, if I turn on some music?”“No, I do not mind…”, Dream told him and walked over, to the shelves, again scanning the titles.“Take whatever you like! I’ll fetch mine from the bedside table”, he smiled, as he connected his smartphone to the speakers and put on his playlist – a thing Jo had insisted on because literally no one used CDs nowadays, she had informed him – before leaving for his current book.As he returned, Dream was sitting on the sofa again, now leaning against the armrest and headrest on one side, book in hands. He looked so much more relaxed, than he had done yesterday.“I’m back”, he still announced, because he was usually not a loud person in his own flat and did not want to startle his cute stray cat. Not that he actually thought Dream was his, like in he owned him, no, never. He was the person he took care of. He was not keeping him or owning him in any way!“I like the music…”, Dream told him, as he made himself at home at the other side of the sofa, curling in comfortably to enjoy a few more chapters, before he would go to bed. It was late already, anyway. And he somehow should at least try to maintain a normal sleep rhythm during the semester break. Otherwise he had a big problem when the lectures would start again around October. This had happened to him more than once and he could not risk being a sleep deprived mess in the first new week of the semester!“I like it, too…”, he replied. Which was a stupid answer, he noticed. But Dream just huffed and turned the page.They sat there in comfortable silence for two chapters, then he actually yawned.“Fine, I give up. I’ll go to bed. Stay up, as long as you like. Make yourself at home, I’ll see you in the morning”, he announced with another yawn and stretched, before he actually stood up.Dream looked up from his book. Looked at him. Tilted his head once again.“You… Go to sleep?”“It’s late. I don’t want to sleep in tomorrow. Want to go running, before it gets too hot”, Hob told him. “You see, doing something about that unhealthy lifestyle, you are so certain I must lead….”“You will retire?”“Yes?”“I… You purchased a lot of goods today…”“Yeah, I know. Really don’t wanna look at my bank account, but it’s fine. Absolutely worth it. Won’t have that every day, you see?”, he told him with a bright smile.“You… Spent a high amount of money. On me…”“I spent a lot of money on things, I enjoy. No obligations”, he said, smile fading. He had an idea, where this train of thoughts was heading. And he did not want to go there…“I… Do not know, how to repay you…”, Dream admitted. Grip around the cover of the book tightening. Hob had not expected the already pale knuckles to turn even whiter, but they did.All of a sudden, Dream’s whole posture changed from relaxed to panic. Skipping ‘unsure’ in the process.“You don’t have to repay me in any way”, Hob told him in such a very soft voice. Shifting into protective mode.“I owe you…”“It’s fine. Dream, you do not. I bought those things, because I wanted to. You don’t need to repay me. Just, just wear them, okay? That’s enough. Makes me perfectly happy…”“Not enough. This is too much. I owe you, Hob Gadling…”, Dream whispered, now definitely panicking, eyes wide with fear.“You don’t, Dream, you don’t”, Hob assured him, abandoned his book and knelt down in front of him. Placed both hands on his knees and looked up to him. “It is alright. Really…”“No. nonono. You are supposed to, to let me thank you!”“Hey, it’s okay, you thanked me already…”“I need to pay you! Please, please, I…” And then again, there were tears in Dream’s eyes. And Hob was lost. He had no idea, what he could do. He could feel his guest shaking, trembling. Becoming desperate.“It’s fine, everything is alright..:”, he tried again, gently caressing his thighs. “Shush…”“I can repay you. I am not, I… I can!”“I know you can. I really do. You’re very capable. But you don’t have to….”“Not worth that, then?… I, I am not…”“Hey, you’re definitely worth a lot! Don’t start with this…”“No. You despise me, I…”“No one said that! I told you, you’re very beautiful. And capable. And smart… I definitely do not despise you…”“I, you reject me!”“I don’t! Don’t reject you. Hey, I just don’t want you to feel obligated, you don’t have to”, Hob soothed him, still looking up to him. Dream was definitely crying now. Eyes wide open, face blank, but tears running down his cheeks. And fuck, he had no idea, how to deal with this! The day had been fine, great even, Hob was sure, he had had fun! And now…“Please, I need to repay, I, I am, I can make it good?”“Fuck, I, I have no idea, what to do. How can I make it better, Dream? What do you need?”, he asked. Hoping. He was overwhelmed by the situation. Did not want Dream to feel like that, to be like that. But he had no idea, how to help, besides... Well. That...“I have to... Make it up!”, Dream whispered. Voice so small and desperate. And Hob placed both his hands on his cheeks, wiped the tears away with his thumbs.“Fine, fine. I’ll let you make it up. Will that make you feel better?”Dream nodded.And Hob carefully pulled his face down, so he could kiss his lips. Gently. “Let me make you feel good, yes? I want you to feel good...”“Use me, as you please...”“We’ll work on that...”, he decided, kissing him again. And again. Just small pecks. Soothing him. Attempting to calm him, while still caressing his cheeks. Dream nodded in return. But did not reply. Just let him touch him.So Hob touched. Caressed, kissed. Still kneeling on the floor. And well, it was not that comfortable, if he was being honest. But he was reluctant to just let Dream go, since he still did not seem anywhere close to calm. He thought. What could he do, to resolve this without taking advantage of the younger man. Without just taking from him. Using him, when that was exactly what Dream seemed to need at this moment. He has no idea, just somehow had to go along with the logic. With what Dream wanted.“Dream....”, he whispered against his lips, drawing his attention. “I want you to do something for me. Can you do that? Let me use you the way I want?”Dream nodded. Sighed. Relaxed into the familiar terrain. Hob realised this with a stitch.“I will get up now and take a seat. Then I want you in my lap, so I can take, what you owe me...”, he told him, pulled away to look at his face.And Dream nodded again. Eyes no longer wet. Hob felt the strong urge to curse and maybe torture – just a little of course – someone. Preferably the one who was responsible for this. The one who had hurt Dream. Who had made him this, this... No, not going there now. For now he would somehow – however – make it better. Make him comfortable. The only way that came to his mind. The only way Dream seemed to accept in this moment.So Hob stood up and sat on the sofa, legs spread, then made a gesture with his hand, Dream understood and followed. The black-haired crawled over. Draped himself over Hob’s legs.The brunette helped him finding the position that seemed most fitting for what he intended, arms around his neck, sitting on one thigh, legs over the other one.“That’s good. Great. Just like that. Let me kiss you some more, yes?”, he cooed and Dream let him. Kissed him. Less innocent this time. Hob licked over his lower lip, carefully, then entered his mouth, searching for his tongue. Meanwhile his hand stroked over Dream’s thigh, higher and under his shirt, so he could stroke over his belly. Decidedly keeping the shirt down, to keep him covered.“What do I do?”, Dream asked, as they interrupted the kiss to breathe. Definitely calmer. But now determined to pay him back.“Are you comfortable in that position?”“I am, but... What do I do?”“Nothing at all. You want to repay me with your body. So let me enjoy it, yes?”, Hob smiled at him, before resuming to kissing him. And Dream kissed him back eagerly.The older man sighed, continuing to stroke his belly and his sides. Then he let his hand slide lower, over the fabric of the very tight jeans. Feeling for his private parts. And Dream sighed again, leaned into the touch. Getting hard.Hob was not sure, whether his guest actually enjoyed it, or whether it was just a pavlovian response to his touch. He hoped for the best and opened his flies. Without interrupting the kiss, he somehow managed to pull the trousers down far enough, to reveal his underwear. Stroking over the way thinner fabric now.Another sigh left Dream’s lips, was taken in by Hob’s, while he still touched him. Felt his warm skin under his other hand.“I can... Undress...”, Dream offered, rocking his hips slightly.“No need. Let me...”, Hob replied and finally shoved his hand inside his underpants, touched his hard prick directly, now.“Hhhhnn”, the black-haired took a sharp breath.“Vety good, just stay like this. I enjoy this very much...”“Ahhn!”, Dream then moaned, as Hob wrapped his hand around the hard shaft and started stroking him. The grip of the arms around his neck tightened. Dream was holding onto him, as he increased his pacing, moving his hand up and down, demanding another kiss his guest was willing to give. Eager to.And it did not take long, for Dream to start wiggling, then actually shaking in his lap. And then he spilled. Came in Hob’s hand, coating it with his seed, as his body slowly went limp in his arms. All tension leaving him. Now his head was resting against Hob’s shoulder. And he was breathing heavily.With his clean hand, Hob was gently caressing his lower back over the fabric of his shirt, not yet sure, what to do with the other one. A very perverted and very reckless voice in his head was demanding him to lick it clean, but in the end, he just wiped his hand on his own shirt. Then he let out a deep sigh and closed his eyes.It took a while, but eventually Dream started shifting in his lap.“Are you alright?”, Hob asked in a soft voice.“You...”, Dream replied in his dark voice.“I enjoyed this. Thank you for letting me do this...”, the brunette smiled. Assuring him.“You... Are not finished, yet...”“I’ll take care of this later. Are you okay?”“Let me. Please?”, Dream insisted, looking up. Directly into his eyes. Now not desperate, but determined. And Hob was weak. So very weak. And definitely not a wise man. And his erection tenting his trousers did feel inconvenient. And it would be easy. Offered so willingly. And, and...“Just your hand, okay?”“You could fuck me?”“Just your hand. I don’t keep condoms here...”“You... Are considerate, Hob Gadling... I will.”“You can’t be sure, I’m safe, so anything could be dangerous without...”, Hob told him while his guest rearranged himself, then unzipped Hob’s trousers, taking care of him, the same way the older man had done.“This is correct. I... Can not be sure...” “Have you done it without?”, Hob asked, after Dream had stroked him to completion, still sitting in his lap, staring at his come stained hand with fascination. Looking more cat-like than ever.“Intercourse?”“Yes. I mean, I don’t mean to just assume, but....”“Since I was able to leave, the men taking me in always used protection...”“And... Before?”, Hob asked, carefully. Not sure, whether he really wanted to know the answer. But somehow, he had to. He... Well, he was probably an idiot. Naive for assuming Dream had been treated with respect and dignity wherever he had been all this time.“Medical examinations. It was required, that I am healthy, so I assume, protection had not been necessary in this predicament...”, Dream admitted.“Oh...”, Hob made, not sure, what else he should say. He was a literature professor, why did this man render him speechless? More than once, so far. Quite frequently.“Does... It disgust you?”, the black-haired asked, trying to pull away, but Hob held him close.. shook his head.“No, no. Of course not. Just... Whatever must have been horrible. Kinda sounds like you were kept like a slave...”“This... Is not far away from the truth...”“Oh no, my poor duck!”, he gasped, wrapping his arms around him tightly, until Dream let out a pained sound. So he loosened his embrace a little. “Are you... Alright? Not in general, I mean, specifically... Did I hurt you?”“My upper back hurts...”, Dream admitted. Again in a small voice. Insecure.“I’m sorry! Didn’t mean to!”, the older man told him, trying to caress his shoulder blades apologetically, but Dream flinched. Took in air.“That hurts...”, he admitted.“I’m sorry. Sore muscle? Or was I too much?”“Neither...”“Oh. Not good. I, err, may I see? Your back, I mean. Maybe?”, Hob asked, far from certain, as he let go of his upper body completely.“You may...”, Dream granted him. Then turned, so he was kind of riding his thigh, back facing Hob.So the brunette carefully pulled up the shirt, making sure as much as possible of his chest was covered. And then he stilled. Emotions oscillating between anger and worry, because, because... What the fuck?! Obviously Dream’s back was covered in those small scars, too, but less obviously three of those cuts did not look good. All on his upper body, between his shoulder blades. Two surrounded by an angry red ring, one definitely not just irritated skin, but definitely sporting a fully grown infection. The area around that cut was swollen and the cut itself yellow-white on the edges.“Fuck...”, he just made. A little speechless, how he had not noticed before. How Dream had not!“I assume, I am insured?”“Did you not notice? This looks bad. Doesn’t it hurt?”, Hob asked.“It does...”“You didn’t say a thing!”“It was bearable....”“I assume, you don’t have any health insurance?“, he just sighed.“I can not verify my insurance status, no...”“I’m gonna make a phone call... Could you....?”He did not need to say more, Dream got up, pulling his shirt back down, then he straightened his clothes and sat down, next to Hob, as he fetched his mobile phone.He was not really familiar with this rollercoaster of emotions. Had not had that many at once in years! Dream really was something. Someone. A very special someone. And not saying a thing about his pain really seemed such a Dream-like thing to do! That poor little kitten!But he would do, what he could, to make it better. It was not just some bruise he could easily treat. This needed a doctor. A professional.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
“Did you finally get laid?!”, he was greeted at the phone.“I... Err, well...” He should have expected exactly this. This was how Jo always greeted him on the phone, yet he was completely taken off guard. Could not quite reply, carefully looking at Dream, sitting next to him on the sofa.“Oh fuck, you finally did! Congratz! It’s been ages, Robert Gadling! Shall I get the party started?”“No! I mean, hi Jo. I’m not calling about this…”, Hob sighed. He really should have guessed…“’kay? Sound serious. Something going on?”, Jo asked through the phone and Hob could hear her eyeing her smartphone suspiciously.“Kind of. You’re still dating Rachel, aren’t you?” Since they have been together for six years and married for two, this question was actually quite stupid, but he had no way of thinking clear right now, he was very worried all of a sudden.“Of course! She’s my world! Wouldn’t ever mess shit up with her!”“Great!”“Hell, yes! So what’s up? Need any help? Who’s ass do I need to kick?”“No one’s so far, just… Could you maybe use your persuasion skills on your girlfriend and help me with a thing?”“Spill the beans, I’m all ears!”With a long look at Dream, who had grabbed the book again and was apparently deep into it already, ignoring him, he took a deep breath. And then he described the situation on hand in short, pointed statements. Leaving out as much, as was possible.“So? You picked up a stray?”, Jo concluded after he had finished his short story.“Something like that. So, would you help me? Please? I mean, I would take him to the ER, but they would probably ask questions. And I don’t think, that’s a good thing here…”“Yes, yes… Fine, I’ll talk to Rachel, she’s in the shower right now. Do you need to come by right away, or is tomorrow morning fine with you? How bad is it?”, she wanted to know.“I… I don’t think, a few hours of sleep will make anything worse…”, he sighed. “Wait a moment, please…” With this, he placed his phone on the table and turned to Dream. “Hey, I’ll need you here with me for a second”, he gently told him. And the black-haired blinked. Looked up, from the book, tilting his head once again.“What is it?”, he asked in his low, dark voice and Hob once again was mesmerized. Needed a moment to gather his thoughts.“Oh, yes, I… Your back really looks bad. Do you think, you can sleep like that? I mean, I would really like to have it cleaned and properly patched up, but it’s late already and… Shall we go, see a doctor right now?”, Hob asked, not feeling like an actual literature professor at all. Where was all his eloquence when dealing with Dream?“I slept every night so far. I will probably not decease in my sleep tonight…”, Dream deadpanned. Looking at him.“Oh. Yeah, yes. But… It does hurt!”“It does. But it is late. I assume, regular people go to bed at a time like this…”“Yes?”“So it is reasonable to let the doctor rest. I will be fine…”“I… Well, if you say so…”, Hob sighed, not at all thinking that Dream will actually be fine. But well… He did not think rushing over to Jo’s place or Rachel’s office in the middle of the night would help anyone, so…“I will go with you in the morning, if you are this insistent on treatment…”, Dream gave in, which sounded a lot like ‘I do not want help at all, but if you shut up, I will go’ to Hob’s ears…“Fine, fine…”, he sighed, picked up the phone again. “Hey, can we come by tomorrow?”“Course. Rachel’s a morning-person anyway. I’ll text you the time, after talking to her. Make sure to bring breakfast. And coffee!”Well, then it was decided. They both took a shower – separately of course – and then went to bed. Which meant, that Hob escorted Dream to his door, wished him a good night and left for his own room. They would need to get up early, since Rachel expected them at eight. With all sorts of sandwiches and coffee cups from the bakery close by, Hob rang the doorbell to Dr. Rachel Sleeper’s office. Yes, that was her actual name that she had refused to change, even after marrying one Johanna Constantine. And no, she was not an anaesthetist, just a regular doctor, dealing with the regular stuff. Well, not today, for it was Sunday. But still, the door opened and a very tired and very displeased looking Johanna Constantine – mentioned spouse – let them in.“Coffee?”, was her only greeting, as she fetched the tray with the four cups and walked into the practice.They followed her, passed the counter and the waiting area, directly into one of the two treatment rooms.“Coffee?”, Rachel greeted them with a bright grin, much more awake, than her girlfriend.“Yes, and breakfast. Jo said, you’d need it?”“Of course! Haven’t eaten so far. Was just going through the drawers…”“We’re not messing with your weekend plans?”“Yes, you are!”, Johanna grumbled, taking a seat in one of the chairs.“Of course not! I’m up since six! Just Jo’s a bit moody”, the dark skinned woman smiled. “So, you’ve brought a patient?”“Yes, that’s…”, Hob started. Then paused. Looking at his guest. Could he just introduce him as ‘Dream’? Or was that impolite? Was that his alias for those kinds of interactions only?“Please call me Dream, doctor”, the black-haired relieved the burden by just introducing himself.“Great. Drop the formalities, please. I’m Rachel and that moody bitch over there’s Jo, my wife. And definitely not a morning person”, Rachel smiled at him.“I’m not moody!”, Johanna grumbled and examining the four extra large cups, decided on the black one with sugar. Extra strong. Because reasons.“Oh yes, you are, darling!”, her girlfriend countered, then turned her attention back to Dream. “So? What’s bothering you?”“I am in pain. As it seems, a cut on my back got an infection…”“Three… But one’s pretty bad…”, Hob corrected him.“I see. Could you take off your shirt then?”Dream’s face tensed. Just for a moment. Not immediately replying, but otherwise appearing unbothered.“Can he just pull it up, on the back?”, Hob asked, noticing the slightest change. Well, he was getting experienced, here.“I see…”, Rachel mumbled. Shooting a gaze at both of them, but then nodded. “Would work for now. Hob, could you and Jo put the breakfast on the counter outside? I don’t like that stuff in here during examinations…”“Of course!”, Hob replied, taking the bags with the sandwiches.“Do I have to?”, Jo mumbled.“Yes.”So the two of them left doctor and patient alone for a moment and Hob was sure, he heard Rachel asking Dream, if he really was comfortable around him and whether he wanted her to make something up, so he could be alone.He did not hear the answer, but the fact that Rachel stuck her head out of the room two minutes later, to ask him to come back inside, gave him hope.“Actually looks pretty bad. How long exactly are you having the pain?”, she asked, while Johanna guarded the breakfast. And probably drank all the coffee. But that was the price to pay. She at least would not drink Dream’s hot chocolate, for he had emptied the cup in the car already.“I… Do not quite recall, for how long…”“Yes? No need to be shy. Tell me all I need to know, I won’t judge…”“I… Have felt quite a lot of pain in the past two weeks, for I… I was suffering from the effects of withdrawal…”Hob had trouble keep8ing a straight face, but he did not say a word.“I see. Could you tell me, what it was, that you have consumed?”“Opium, as far as I am aware…”“How often did you consume it?”“About two times a week. And in a lower dose, after I have been injured…”“I see. And then, you stopped?”“Yes. And I do not wish to consume any substances altering my perception of the world around me”, Dream explained, facing the wall, while Rachel was still examining his back. He had his arms wrapped around his front, to keep his shirt in place.“He doesn’t even want to drink coffee!”, Hob supplied, connecting the dots. Well, at least the ones he had figured so far. There was still so much, he did not yet understand. Somewhere in the back of his mind, the revelation of Dream having taken drugs shocked him, but then… He was aware that Dream probably had not taken them because he enjoyed them. He did not seem the type.“I see. This will make things a bit difficult… I will need to reopen the wound to let out the pus, before I can stitch it back up again. Otherwise we might get a sepsis and that one will be bad”, Rachel explained. “I will need to sedate you or at least use a local anaesthesia…”“No. I do not require any medication for the treatment!”, Dream assured her, grabbing his shirt tightly.“You’re kidding, right? I will actually have to cut that thing open. And then I’ll need to pinch it to get all the substance out. You can’t be serious!”“I do not refuse your treatment, but I will not take any medication”, Dream clarified and Hob was torn between finding him insane and understanding where this must come from.“I… Can we do anything, Rachel? I mean, I see his point. He’s been drugged for quite a while, so it’s his right, to refuse…”, he tried, carefully. And only realised, what he had voiced out loud, when he saw Rachel’s head doing an almost 180 degree turn to just stare at him.“What?!”, she snapped at him.“I, err, sorry, no, what I meant was…”“I will take the pain, Rachel. Please just treat my injury…”, Dream interrupted his stammering, voice firm, determined.“I can not just ignore, what Hob said! Have you actually been drugged?!”, she asked him directly now.And Hob once again saw his grip tightening, knuckles turning white and he really wished, he could do something, anything. He wanted to help, make it better, whatever, just not have him sit there in the bright light of the lamps, all alone and uncomfortable, exposed.“I… Have chosen that predicament out of my own free will, but as my consensus changed, the predicament did not. I left it behind and would like to move on, now. So, are you willing to help me?”, Dream asked, head turning, so he could look at the doctor directly.“I should report this. As a doctor I have to encourage you to report abuse…”“I do not wish to report anything. I just wish to ensure, Hob Gadling does no longer worry.”“Hey, this isn’t about me! It’s about you, Dream! You’re in pain! And that thing’s actually dangerous, you know? A sepsis is lethal, you know?!”“I am aware of the danger of blood poisoning. This would be inconvenient to you…”“Shut up! It’s not inconvenient to me! You should be worried about yourself! I care, you see? I don’t want you to suffer, why don’t you yourself want the same? You deserve so much better!”, Hob exclaimed. Voice raising for the very first time in a long while, he was usually far from short-tempered, but this, this was messing with him, with his head, his emotions!And Dream stared at him, eyes wide. In shock. Mouth slightly opened, like he was speechless.Hob sighed and walked around the treatment table, then crouched down, so he was much smaller than Dream.“Can I have your hands?”, he asked carefully.Dream nodded and held them out, so Hob could take them in his. “You are in pain. And I don’t want you to be. You shouldn’t want that, either. Not because of someone else. Self-preservation, Dream. I know that you don’t completely lack that skill, so...”, he told him in a gentle voice, caressing the backs of his hands with his thumbs.“I already told you, I will have the treatment. I just will not take any form of sedative…”“Fine. We’ll figure something out…”“We can do the seventeen-hundreds version of this. Biting stick and hoping the neighbours won’t complain? Guess, the whiskey’s off the table, as well?”, Rachel huffed, after having observed their very strange interaction.“Fine.”“You serious?!”, Hob exclaimed, after Dream just agreed. Still holding his hands.“I already said, I am fine with the treatment. I will be able to deal with the pain…”“Fine. Fine, whatever. I’ll do it without. But I won’t be able to just stop in the middle, got that? You’ll need to get through the full thing without any pain meds! I’ll have to use an ice spray, though. It will numb the area around it, not getting into your body. If that’s fine, we can do it?”, Rachel said, just rolling her eyes. As a doctor she probably had seen all kinds of very special patients, but Hob was sure, Dream was a case. So he highly valued her decision, to do it his way.“Yes. That seems reasonable…”“Good. Then I’ll need to pull the shirt up a bit higher and get things ready. Why don’t you tell me, how you got those beautiful marks? They must be all over your body…”Dream nodded. Grip around Hob’s hands tightening. But he took a deep breath and actually started talking, while Rachel gathered her tools and disinfected everything.“I have been in an accident, one could call it. A glass bowl, I was residing in, broke and I fell onto the floor, glass scattered all around me. I protected my face, but the rest of my body got covered in these…”“I see. And the other ones healed properly?”“As far as I am aware. I assumed, they all just scarred….”“You don’t have eyes on the backside. So I guess, you didn’t realise…”“That is correct…”“The other two are more or less fine, I’ll start with cleaning them, but the big one’s pretty bad. Here, I actually got bite blocks in stock, so you’ll actually have to bite down on that one. We don’t want you to literally swallow your tongue, right, sweety?”, Rachel told him, pressing a blue rubber block against his lips.“Fine…”, Dream replied and opened his mouth. Took it between his teeth and breathed. Then Rachel applied the spray.And then, well, then a very painful procedure began. Dream tried his best to keep quiet, gripping Hob’s hands as tight as was possible, focussing on his breathing, while Rachel used the scalpel to open the wound and then extracted the pus. Hob did not pay much attention to her, he was focussed on Dream and his expression, not knowing, how he could make things better, so at some point, he just started talking. Telling him about his job and the kind of literature he focussed on, then he started reciting medieval poems, while Dream’s eyes were fixed on his lips. While he actually listened. Paying close attention to his every word. “Finally! Took you ages! Did you cut his whole back open, honey?!”, Jo complained, as the three of them finally were done and she was allowed back, inside the room. With the breakfast. And the coffee. She had only drunk her own and Hob’s coffee, so she handed the last full cup to Rachel.Dream was lying on his belly on the examination table, head turned to them. Arm with the small patch at the crook from the blood sampling Rachel had insisted on to make sure, he was fine, dangling off the table. He looked tired. Had definitely been in pain during the whole procedure. Hob was gently stroking through his hair.“We had things to discuss. But he’s fine now”, Rachel explained and emptied her cappuccino in one go. Then turned back, to the men. “The patch is waterproof, but you still need to be careful with water. For today and tomorrow, no shower at all. And after that, I still recommend, wiping that area with a wet wash cloth, but you can rinse the rest. You’ll need help with the cleaning, though…”“I can! I mean, I will take care of that, if that’s okay with you?”, Hob volunteered, looking at Dream.“Fine…”, his guest mumbled in a weak voice. “He will need some rest for now. Pamper him. Give him all the candy he demands”, Rachel told him. And well, that was official doctor’s advice, so he would definitely do, what she told him.“I am not a child”, Dream whined. And Hob continued to stroke his hair.“I know. But I’m sure that hurt like hell…”, the older man told him.“It was far from comfortable....”“You did great, Dream. You really deserve this. For now, stay like this for as long as you like, no rush. The blood results will take the whole day, anyway. Can I get your phone number or mail, then I can send it to you?”, Rachel smiled warmly, then started examining the bags with the sandwiches in them. “Did you get me avocado and egg?”“I did, and....”“I do not possess either...”, Dream mumbled, then searched for Hob’s eyes with his.“Will it be okay, if you send it to mine? I promise, I won’t peek?”, the brunette suggested.“Is patient’s data security a thing you’ve ever heard of?”, Rachel asked as she unpacked her sandwich, shot him a disapproving glare.“He’s not a patient, is he? I mean, not officially... You won’t keep his data, will you?”“He is a patient, just because I won’t charge you, doesn’t mean, the rules don’t apply...”, she informed him.“I consent!”“Hm?”, she made, turning her attention away from her sandwich, to Dream. Surprised.“I consent to you sending my personal data to Hob Gadling!”, Dream specified.“Ah, I see, when the patient agreed, out of their own free will, then it’s fine, of course!”, she smiled. And then bit down, into her sandwich.“You’re kidding, right? Not? Well, okay. At least it’s settled now....”, Hob sighed rolling his eyes, then he turned his focus back to Dream. “Do you also want to eat? You haven’t so far...”, he offered.“I... Do not feel hungry...”“Would you like some water, then?”“Yes...”So Hob got him a glass of water, at least. And Dream sat up again to drink. And after about half an hour, he actually managed to convince him – with blessings from Rachel – to take a few bites from a sandwich.After that, Rachel would let them leave, handing Hob a bag with supplies needed to take care of the freshly stitched wound. Jo made her friend promise, to call her in the evening threatening him with spilling all his secrets to Dream, if not.And then Hob drove them back home. Carefully, so that Dream would not have to lean against the backrest. And he realised, that he had probably driven more kilometres in the last twenty-four hours, than in the last two months, but it was definitely worth it. Back home, he placed Dream on the sofa and piled the five books up in front of him, that he had taken the most interest in so far. Just in case. To make sure he would not have to get up.“Just rest. I’ll, err, I’ll go cut some vegetables to nibble on...”, he told him, then searched his frequently reorganized kitchen and gathered, what he found and knew how to use. He cut half a cucumber, mini-tomatoes and a bell pepper and placed the plate with his results and the leftover vegetable sushi from yesterday in front of Dream, before sitting down himself.“I’ll order something later, just rest...”“No.”“What?”, he asked, looking up from his book, he had just grabbed, straight at Dream, who was staring at him, like he just threatened him with, with something very disgusting. He did not come up with a good comparison at the moment, but he was not working, so he did not have to, thank you very much.“You will not order again. I will cook dinner...”, the black-haired decided. Matter-of-factly.“You just got your back cut open! Without anaesthetics! I really don’t think that’s a good idea!”“I will not have you in the kitchen and ordering every day is neither healthy, nor sustainable. For lunch we will have this creation of yours and for dinner, I will make a fast chili con carne. Until then, you can do your workout. You said, you have a routine?”, Dream told him. Or rather, decided. And who was Hob to talk back to this beautiful young man, when he was finally coming out of his shell?“Fine. Fine to all of this. Want me to go running or will you watch me embarrassing myself in front of the telly?”, he asked, barely able to hide a smile.“While I do want to watch you doing compromising workout positions, I assume, you could use some fresh air...”“Just say, you want to get rid of me!”“I...”, Dream’s face froze. Careful, almost alarmed all of a sudden.“Hey, that was just a joke. You’re allowed to throw me out, if you want some alone-time. Or you can retire to your room, when I’m annoying. Or send me to my office. I need to check my work emails soon, anyway... It’s fine”, Hob assured him. And for a moment, Dream just stared at him. And then closed his eyes and breathed out.“You are a strange human, Hob Gadling...”“I know. So? Anything to demand? I’ll do it all!”“Strip.”“What?!”“You said, you would do it all. So, strip.”“I... Okay?”, Hob replied. Confused. But then got up from the sofa and started taking off his clothes. While Dream watched him. Over his book.When he was standing there, just in his underwear and socks, he looked at his guest, hand stroking through his long hair.“Completely, or is this okay?”, he asked then.“This will suffice. Now kneel down and feed me the sushi”, Dream demanded coldly. Eyes on him. And Hob nodded. Got in his knees and reached for one of the sushi pieces. Held it towards the black-haired and waited. Patiently.He had absolutely no idea, why. This was hilarious, but he just wanted Dream to feel comfortable. He was not a danger! And he wanted to show this to the stray cat that was staying for now. And... It did not feel too bad...Dream opened his mouth, took the sushi piece in and chewed. Still looking at him. Then he swallowed.“You are bigger than me...”, he observed.“We’re almost the same size. Less than five centimetres, at most?”, was Hob’s reply.“You’re broader than me...”“I told you, I work out. At least a little...”“You are older than me...”“Can’t deny that...”“You are stronger than me...”“Workout?”“You are... In possession of power...”“Am I?”“You provide shelter, clothing, food, medical help...”“Can’t be helped, but I really don’t want a thing in return!”“You are in a position in which you could easily take advantage of me...”“I am, but I wouldn’t !”“Yet, you kneel for me. I do not understand you, Hob Gadling...”, Dream said, like he had just been ignoring all of Hob’s replies. Which... He probably had done.“I want you to feel save. And comfortable. You see, I know, you must have seen a lot of bad things, but I just don’t want you to have more of that!”“What kind of man are you, Hob Gadling?”, Dream wanted to know.“Just a regular man...”, Hob shrugged. Still kneeling in front of him.“A regular man would have locked me in his bedroom. Or thrown me out, as soon as he found out, I was not pleasing him...”“Never! I mean, I wouldn’t!”“I am aware... Feed me another maki piece”, Dream told him and Hob did, what he was told. Carefully held the sushi piece out to him. Offering. Not just pressing it against his lips. Waiting for Dream to take it. Not really knowing, what to say. Still kneeling in his underwear.“I do not understand you. You do not want sex. You do not want to show me off. You do not want to use me...”“No.”“Then, what do you want?”“Don’t know, actually. I mean, I probably just want you to be happy”, Hob just shrugged. Not sure, what to say.“You are a strange one, Hob Gadling...”, Dream said, once again. And then stretched out his hand to place it on Hob’s head. Touching his soft, brown hair, that was mostly tied together in a messy bun.Hob did not reply. Just closed his eyes. So far, Dream had not touched him casually. This was new. And he had to say, he liked it. A lot. The hand, the fingers felt warm, comforting.“You... Had a family, once. Are you lonely?”, Dream asked, apparently deep in thoughts.“I... Sometimes. I loved Ellie with all my heart. And my little Robin was my everything. He would be a teenager today. I miss them. And the daughter, I never met. But I have friends. And colleagues. And I like my job. So, most of the time, I have things to do, so I don’t. I don’t feel lonely, when I’m busy...”“Are you lonely at the moment?”“I... Don’t think so....”“You are honest...”“Why should I lie?”“You do not even know my name. You can not even be sure, I have not lied about my age...”“Have you?”, Hob asked, without moving.“No. I really am twenty-two years old. My birthday is the second of February...”“I believe you...”They went silent. And Dream actually started stroking his head. Like he was a dog. But he did not mind. He let him do, as he pleased, because it felt good. He had not been touched like that in a very long time.“Morpheus....”, Dream said after a while. Without stopping what he was doing.“Hm?”, Hob made. He had heard, but did not quite understand. Opened the eyes he had closed at some point in this process.“My name. It is Morpheus...”“Really?”“My parents had interesting ideas, when it came to naming their children...”“Hm. So Dream’s not that far off?”, Hob mumbled. With a small chuckle.“No. I am not that creative, when it comes to finding names. In fact, I only chose it, because that was, what the person setting me freel, had called me...”“Oh... I see...”“You are not going to ask?”“I won’t pressure you. I want to know, but if you don’t want to share....”“This is a story to be told under a blanket, with a hot mug of cocoa and sweets...”, Dream told him, still caressing his head.“Okay. Okay....”, Hob mumbled. Eyes closed again. Enjoying the touch.“I do not understand you...”“Me neither...” They somehow finished their meal in the position they had taken, then Hob changed into his running clothes and waved Dream goodbye. Left him alone for almost an hour, as he ran down the street, his regular route around the park. And at some point his phone rang and he picked up, using his headphones.“So? Who the fuck is that guy? Rachel doesn’t want to say a thing!”, Johanna asked him directly inside his ears. And he turned the volume down, before answering.“Dream. He told you, himself...”“Yes! But who is he? He’s way too pretty to actually be some street kid!”“Yes?”“So, what’s going on?”“Nothing at all. He doesn’t have a place to sleep, so he’s staying in my spare room for the time being...”“You said, you can’t go to the ER? So? What’s wrong with him?”, she inquired further.“Nothing’s wrong with him. He just hasn’t got his wallet on him. Shall we talk about the jobs you still take up every now and then?”, Hob tried to redirect the conversation.“No. But please tell me, he’s at least legal! He looks so young! So fragile!”“He’s twenty-two.”“How can you know?!”“Because he didn’t lie. Jo, just, just stop it! I do not question your lifestyle either, so just leave him be!”“Does he at least have a real name? Or does he only go by his stripper name?”“Jo~?!”“Tell me. If you don’t even know that, I’ll so make sure, to get people involved!” This actually was quite the threat, because Johanna Constantine indeed knew people. All kinds of people. Including some, one would rather not get to know. While she had quit university to take over her grandma’s antiques shop, she was well known to be involved in things. Hob did not know details. Just that she happened to know many people. The kinds of people, one just did not meet on the street or in a dusty shop that was only open thrice a week.“Fine. His name is Morpheus. And he’s gone through pretty shitty things. I’ll take care of him. So just keep your nose out of this!”“I’m worried about you...”, Jo admitted with a sigh. She did not often admit things like that. But he knew, she was. She had been the only one to worry about him, after Ellie had died. And she still did.“I know, Jo.”“What if he’s taking advantage of you? I know, you’re a good guy. But what if he isn’t?”, she tried to explain patiently. Patience was not get strong point, actually, but she managed to sound relatively calm.“He’s not. He could have robbed me about a dozen times so far...”“He’s taking advantage of your kindness, isn’t he? Admit it. You’ve bought him this, haven’t you? I know you!”“I pretty much forced some clothes on him. He didn’t want to accept. He insisted on paying me back with sex, after I just bought them. He didn’t want me to!”, Hob told her, still running through the park, glad early Sunday afternoons in summer were not the time for so many people to be outside. The families had already packed up and were heading for dinner and the teens and young adults were not out yet.“He, what?! Oh, Hobsy, don’t tell me you took in that kind of guy?”, she sighed.“He’s not ‘that kind of guy’, Jo. He, he just doesn’t know better. We’ll work on that...”“I’ll read that test result. Even if I have to hack Rachel’s PC. And if there’s anything wrong with him, I’ll drag him to the police or foster care or whatever! Any trace of drugs or STDs or whatever and he’s done for! Please tell me, you at least used a condom!”“Jo, you won’t! And yes, I used a condom. I’m not an idiot. And I wouldn’t want him to feel unsafe, so...”“It’s not about him, Robert Gadling! You should be safe here! He’s a hustler, a hoe! From the street!”“Jo! Stop it!”, he interrupted her. “I am fine. He will be fine. He’s a good one. I just know it!”“Like you knew with that Cory-guy you hit it off with after Ellie? Didn’t that one go to jail for murder? Hobsy, I really love you, but I’m not trusting your instincts here....”, she told him exasperated.“I do. Please, Jo. Just trust me on this. I know what I’m doing...”“You’re an absolute idiot, you know?! Don’t come back, begging on your knees, after that guy’s done messing with you!”, she threatened. And then just hung up. About half an hour later, Hob unlocked the door to his apartment. He had run much faster, than he had originally planned, just to get Jo’s words out of his head, so his clothes were drenched in sweat. His hair had partly escaped the loose braid and was just as wet. He was breathing heavily, as he took off his shoes, taking a glimpse at the black boots on the floor. Relieved. Dream was still here. Morpheus. He was called Morpheus, he reminded himself.“I’m back!”, he called out loudly. In case he had not heard the door.When he did not get an answer, he stepped into the living room, to look for his guest and found him on the sofa. Nose in a book, almost half through already. Apropos nose, his caught a pleasant smell. So he sniffed again and turned towards the kitchenette. On the stove there stood the largest pot he owned, lid half opened by a wooden spoon.“You cooked?”, he asked in disbelief.“I wanted to ensure, that you would not be tempted to order, again. It is not healthy...”, Dream informed him without looking up from his book.“I’ve been running on takeaway and food orders for ten years now and my last check-up was just fine! It won’t kill you!”, Hob justified his lifestyle.“As far as I am aware, there are people out there who were smoking tobacco for all their life and still ended up healthy. But do you want to argue about the benefits of tobacco consumption?”“No. That’s definitely bad for your health. But...”“Try. Go and try the chilli. It is a thing, I learned from a chef...”“A chef?”, Hob asked, wondered, but walked over, got a spoon and actually tried what Dream had whipped up from scratch. And... It was delicious. He was sure, he had mostly used canned vegetables, but... That was amazing! How could he just throw things together and end up with something that delicious?!“Her name was Hattie. She was the cook in the house I grew up in. I... Do not know, whether she is still alive. She had already been old, when she had taught me...”, Dream explained.And Hob swallowed. Suppressed his need to voice his delight, his enthusiasm for the food, and got serious. “Oh...”, he just made.“I... Was bored a lot. There are only so many books to read and my siblings all had their own business to mind, so I often followed her around and she taught me...”, Morpheus told him with a fond smile.“I really hope, she’s fine. Must be a fine woman...”“Oh, she was absolutely mad. If my parents had known, they would have dismissed her from her services years ago. But we liked her. So we never said anything about her swearing and complaining and talking absolute nonsense... My youngest sister had been pretty much raised by her alone and I do not think, that was a good thing, but... It had been nice...”“Youngest sister?”, Hob asked, casually. Walking over to him, sitting down on the other side of the sofa. Well aware, that he was still sweaty, but he was interested. He wanted to know more. And the chilli had been great! He wanted to tell him, to praise him, but right now Dream was talkative. And he was eager to learn more.“Mania. She is the youngest of us. I suppose, she must be around seventeen nowadays. As far as I am aware, she had been calling herself Del or Delly, when I went away. She is a sweet child, but had always been what people might call mad. Hattie had raised her, since our parents have never been around, since she could walk. My oldest brother had moved out already and my older sister left, when Del was five... I was too young to take care of her and Jassamy had enough trouble with the twins...”, the black-haired explained.“That... Are a lot of people...”, Hob admitted, trying to follow his tale. But he did not actually understand much.“Del is the youngest. After her, our parents decided, they had enough children. Born before her, were the twins. Epithumia and Aponoia. I am aware, that my parents had a strange taste in names....”, Dream said, interrupting his own explanation.“I see. Please? Go on?”“They always were very... Lively. Mischievous, one could say. They are three years younger than me. Between them and me, there is another brother, but... He had left long before I did. I have not heard of him, since I was thirteen....”“Okay. And he has a strange name, as well, I assume?”, Hob tried to keep the mood light a d Dream talking.“Olethros. He had always been... Strong. And one day had just decided, everything was too much for him. So, he had left, after an argument with our father. I... I think, there had been a time, I have been looking for him, but... Never found him...”“That’s... Harsh... ““I guess...”“Did your parents search for him?”“If they had done, people would have talked....”“Oh...”“I am not aware, whether the ones my parents socialize with even know, how many children they have...”“Oh...”“My oldest brother is close to them. He went to university and is most likely working in one of their firms. My sister went a similar route, as far as I am aware. She visited us every now and then, but she had started a life on her own, when we were still too young... For the rest of us... I assume, we have never officially been introduced, so failure would not be obvious...”“Fuck...”, Hob mumbled. Which was not his usual choice of words, but he could not think of anything else.“I... Assume, you have grown up differently?”“Guess so. I didn’t have the best relationship with my parents and sisters, but... Well, I guess your situation is different. They stopped supporting me, as soon as I started university, because they didn’t agree with ‘my filthy lifestyle’, as they had called it...”, he shrugged. A tale for a tale, story for story. He had to give dream something in return for these precious words.“Filthy? I assume, you are not referring to your culinary skills?”“Hardly. A ‘real man’ doesn’t cook. So that one’s a thing they would have been proud of...”“This... Sounds conservative.... In a negative way...”“That’s an understatement. When they found out, I’m bisexual, they disowned me. Only every tried to contact me, when Robin was born. But I never let them meet my sweet boy. Ellie was with me on this. She hated them without ever meeting them. So, I had been on my own, during my university years. Met Ellie then and just fell pretty hard. She had been more of a family to me, than mine ever was. Her parents were lovely, too, but they both died within two years... They had already been old, when they had her, bit at least they met their grandchild, before passing... They made sure, we could live a decent life. Bought the flat with the money, Ellie inherited. Well, yes... And then the accident happened and Jo had to swipe me off the floor...”“May I as, how you came to know Johanna? She seems... Different from you...”“She is. Met her at university. She was studying history for a few semesters, but dropped out, when her grandma got sick and she took over her store. She’s selling all kinds of antique or just very old things. I have no idea, how she made it to university, I mean, she’s not stupid, but... You’ve met her...”, Hob shrugged. “Can hardly imagine her ever taking an exam...”“I... Think, I know what you mean...”, Dream replied with the hint of a smile.“She’s a good person. Most of the time. But you shouldn’t ever get on her wrong side...”, Hob told him.And Dream nodded.Then, they fell silent. Until Hob was already about to get up, to take a shower, when he remembered one more thing.“Who’s Jessamy?”, he wanted to know.“Huh?”, Morpheus made, tilting his head. Then he seemed to remember, he had mentioned the name. “Jessamy was the housekeeper. She took care of our appointments, the house, the staff and... I think, I was convinced, she did everything. Including buying our Christmas presents in our parents’ names...”, he then explained.“I see. So, there were people, who cared?”“The whole matter is complicated, Hob Gadling....”“I’m sorry...”, Hob mumbled, lowering his gaze. He had overstepped with that statement.“You do not have to apologise. Things are... Complicated....”“I see... Maybe we can touch upon this matter later? I think, you mentioned something about blankets and hot cocoa?”, the brunette suggested carefully.“This... Sounds appropriate. Shower. Then, we will eat...”“Yessir!”, he smiled and tried a poor excuse for a salute, before getting up and leaving for the shower. Under the lukewarm stream of water, he let his thoughts wander. Sighed. Tried to put together all the things he had learned so far. About Dream. Morpheus. And he really, really wanted to know what had happened to him. Why he had become like that. So far he had figured, that he had not exactly come from a loving home. Then, something had happened that had lead to him being... Imprisoned and drugged and... Well, probably sexually abused. Not just probably, but he did not want to think about this too hard. Did not want to imagine, what people had done to the beautiful man. How he had learned how to... Please.No, no, he did not want to know this! Not like that. Well, he wanted to know. Not imagine. He wanted to find out, have Dream tell him, and then, maybe then he would have a talk about this with Jo and her connections...Yes, this was a thing, he would do. Or he would personally go wherever and beat up whoever did that to him! Even though that was a thing, a university professor should not do. But he would not care. Not in this case. Because someone had hurt Dream! Someone had broken – no not broken, just cracked – him! Someone had done those ugly things to the beautiful, smart man.And that made him angry. He wanted to protect him. Cradle to him. Take care of him. Make sure, nothing bad would ever happen to him. Never again! He did not deserve this. Dream deserved so much better. Dream deserved to be loved! To be cherished! He deserved, whatever he wanted. He deserved the world!Damn. Hob was ‘utterly fucked’, as Jo might have phrased it. He was way too far gone already. He was in love. He loved this so very strange, otherworldly man. Found him beautiful and fascinating. Witty, smart, smug at times. There was so much underneath the surface that he wanted to get to know, to explore, to learn. He wanted to see him smile, hear that awful laugh again and well... Maybe they could have... Could be... Maybe Morpheus could like him? Actually like him? Not just feel obligated? Maybe they would have real sex. With actual meaning. With feelings. Would just cuddle, hold each other close? Maybe he could caress him, just feel him. Make him feel good? Make him enjoy all of it. Have him feel comfortable. Have him like it, want it, because he actually wanted, not because he felt like he owed this to Hob...This would be wonderful. Have him in his arms. Have him cheekily demand, what he wants. What he needs. Maybe even order him. Hob was definitely up for that! Whatever Morpheus wanted. He would make him feel good, feel loved, desired, worshipped. He would give him the world...“Argh...”, Hob grumbled, as he washed his body. Because he could hardly ignore, that a part of his body had taken interest in that train of thoughts. Was literally up for it. Because, well... He was not an honourable man. He never claimed to be virtuous. And he did desire his guest. Dream. He really wanted him...He really should not do this, but... Since he was already more than half hard now... It would not make much of a difference, would it? He was a bad person, anyway. He was taking advantage of Morpheus in one way or another. So, he could let his thoughts wander some more... Could just stroke himself a little more, thinking of that pale, slender body, of the smirk he desperately wanted to see more.Imagined, how he was kneeling in front of Dream. Not in his underwear, but naked and completely hard. How the black-haired was watching him, observing him. And he would stroke his shaft under his gaze. Would grab himself hard. Would feel his eyes on him.And then Morpheus would tell him to come. Would say something like ‘you may...’, in this deep, dark voice of his and then...“Ahnnnnn...”, Hob moaned as he came. Whole body shaking, while he coated the floor of the cubicle with his semen.And after the last waves of his orgasm washed over him and past him, the guilt came up. Did not just wash down the drain, but remained. And he cursed silently. Jo would have been proud, hearing what he had learned from her.Then, he hurriedly washed up and left the shower. Only then noticed, that he had forgotten to bring clothes into the room. Cursed, then dried himself and hurried into his bedroom, a towel around his waist, to get dressed. Looking at the time and the fact that he did not plan on leaving the house any more, he put on his pyjamas, before he re-entered the living room, towel still around his wet hair. Well, it did not dry as fast, as Morpheus’ short, messy strains and he did not want to get his clothes wet.“Hey...”, he greeted his guest, upon entering.Dream was again – or probably still – sitting on the sofa, reading. He did not flinch. Which was a good sign. He just looked up, looked him up and down and then closed his book.“You took your time...”“Yeah, sorry. I like long showers. Tend to get lost in thoughts...”, Hob smiled with a shrug. Which was close enough to the truth. He would not tell him, he had just relieved himself thinking about him.“Your phone has made a sound, while you were gone...”, Morpheus informed him.“I see... Well, lets eat, first. You haven’t had anything proper all day...”, Hob decided, as he walked over to the stove. The pot was still warm, so he just filled its contents into two bowls and brought them over to the sofa.“I have eaten, what you fed me...”, Dream told him matter-of-factly. And took the bowl without moving much. Stretching his arm out fully, probably hurt, since the wound sat between his spine and right shoulder blade.“But that’s hardly enough. Don’t want you to go hungry...”, the brunette told him, as he sat on his place, on the other side of the sofa.“I am not starving...”, Dream told him. And then started eating. Dug in, like he really had not eaten all day. And Hob could not help it. He found him. After a few spoons full of the most delicious chili he had ever tasted in his whole life, he remembered his phone and picked it up from the table. Briefly noticed, that his guest had already started his second book.“Ah, it’s Rachel. She send your report...”, Hob announced, seeing the message with the title ‘do not read this, Gadling’ and the attachment.“Ah...”, Dream made. Finished his meal with concerning speed and then held out his hand.Hob passed him the phone with the message already opened.And when the black-haired just started at it, tilting his head again, Hob realised a thing. “Err, you need to click on the document. Then it opens...”, he told him.And the mysterious fae creature that called himself Dream tapped onto it and then started reading. Then he nodded and passed the phone back to Hob.“You can read it. I am in no position to keep secrets...”, he informed him.“Of course, you are. If you don’t want me to read it, I can just delete it. I won’t demand anything!”, Hob told him, decidedly not looking at the screen.“I... Want you to read it. Rachel has been thorough...”“Fine. If you really want that, I will!”“I do!”Hob sighed. Then looked at the screen and started reading. The report mostly consisted of diagrams, numbers and formulas. But luckily at the end, there was a resume. In normal people’s English. So he learned, that there were no traces of drugs found in the blood, also no other scores. His inflammatory factors were high, but that was normal, considering the infection and he seemed to be mildly malnourished. Which also did not seem uncommon.Another paragraph informed him, that no diseases, including STDs could be detected. So, Dream was actually perfectly healthy under the given circumstances.And then, there as a sum up of the analysis of Dream’s hair sample, Hob could not even remember Rachel demanding. Well the results matched, what the man had told them. That he had been drugged with an opioid regularly. And... It made him angry. If the report had been on paper, Hob would probably have crumpled it in his fist. But he could not do that to a smartphone. So he just placed it back onto the table and looked at Dream.“You’re healthy. That is good...”, he mumbled. Bit his tongue.“I am...”“You... You really were drugged...”, he sighed. Not able to keep silent. He had tried. Really! But the words just spattered out.“I was...”“Cocoa?”“Yes...”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Half an hour later, Hob had his guest in his bed. A thing he had not quite expected, but Dream had insisted. Had found the sofa insufficient. So a thermos with hot cocoa and two now empty mugs rested on the night stand and Hob was sitting up, leaned against his pillow on the wall. Dream was cuddled up, next to him. Lying on his side, head resting on Hob’s chest. And surprisingly, the mood was quite relaxed. Dream was relaxed. Almost like a cat curled up next to him, eyes closed.“After I lost my wife and son… I did quite a few things, I’m not proud of. I drank too much and had a few hook ups. Nothing I remember much. Or want to remember. One one-night-stand was quite memorable, though…”, Hob started after a while of comfortable silence. Because, they had to start somewhere.“You… Do not seem the type to drink much…”, the black-haired mumbled.“I don’t, any more. For good reasons. I was pretty down back then. Almost lost my job and well… Lets just say, I didn’t value my life at that point. That one guy I got involved with… Well, he’s in jail right now. Apparently he killed most of his partners… That experience did help, getting things together a little. He almost killed me and I didn’t even realise… I didn’t drink for two years after that, and now only rarely and not to get drunk. To be honest, the beer and wine I keep are mostly for when Jo comes over. She tends to get in heated arguments with Rachel every now and then and likes to get drunk and complain about everyone and their mother…”, Hob explained.“That… Sounds realistic…”, Dream mumbled. “That person attempted to kill you?”“Yes. I mean, I really didn’t notice. Was very drunk and went with him into this hotel room. We did it and in the morning, when I woke up, I didn’t see him, so I just grabbed my things and left. Apparently he was in bathroom preparing his… Well, tools. Only found out a few weeks later. Jo forced me to tell the police, though I really didn’t know much. Well, after that I was pretty much cured form a lot of things…”“So you encountered an actual serial killer and survived?”“Lucky chance…”, Hob shrugged, caressing Dream’s lower back absent-mindedly. “I suppose, I might not even have minded, if that bastard had tried to kill me… Lets just say, nothing about my lifestyle was healthy back then…”“Were you trying to kill yourself?”“Not actively… But can’t deny, the thoughts were there…”“You did not…”“Otherwise, I wouldn’t be here…”“You… Found a thing to live for?”“Lets just say, there’s too much to leave behind…”“I… See…”“Jo would probably master necromancy, just to bring me back and kill me herself…”, he chuckled. “And, well… I do like teaching. And wouldn’t want to burden Lucienne with finding a new professor that suddenly. Mathew might be able to step in for my lectures, when I get sick, but he can’t just replace me…”“I see… That sounds reasonable… Not wanting to burden others with your decease…”“Actually it sound’s quite sad. Pathetic…”, Hob corrected him.“That… Also is true…”“But I manage. You see? Jo’s there for me and I’m there for her. And I like my co-workers and my job and my students and my TA and my boss and all….”“Does this… Make you happy?”, Morpheus asked. And Hob did not know, how to reply. So he just remained silent. Hand still caressing his lower back. Thinking about that.They did not speak for a little while. Dream did not seem to actually expect an answer.“I… Thought about those things as well… About just not being any more. And I did find the idea comforting…”, he then, finally said. “I never considered, doing a thing to end my existence, but I would not have minded…”“I… I see…”, Hob mumbled. Because he saw, he understood.“When I was sixteen, I was… I was never what anyone would consider a rebellious teenager, but I was not content with my circumstances. I wanted to go outside. Learn about the world. I wanted to see my younger brother again, but… Things did not turn out the way I expected them…”, Dream told him. Voice low, but Hob understood every word. The strange melody vibrating through his body.He did not reply, just waited for more, still caressing.“I met a man. Much older than me. Old. He invited me in. I was cold and hungry and naive. So I went with him. Started living with him. And when I could not pay for the food and shelter he provided, he demanded sex. This I could provide. He taught me, how. And when the deed I paid did not suffice any longer, he started offering me. He held gatherings twice per week. Altered my body, so it would please his guests… At some point I did not want this any longer, so… He made sure, I did not resist. That I was relaxed for the people I entertained…”“He drugged you…”, Hob croaked. His throat felt so very dry all of a sudden. He could imagine, what had happened. Could picture it in his mind. And it hurt so very much to imagine this.“He did. I was much more compliant in that state… He often kept me inside a glass bowl, naked or with revealing underwear, for everyone to see. Put me on display until…”, Dream whispered. And then his grip fastened. He held Hobs pyjama top tight, scratched him with his fingernails, but did not seem to notice and Hob did not actually mind. He had different things on his mind right now. Like refraining from attempting murder for example. Or not scaring Dream with suddenly shouting out his anger. So he forced himself to stay still, relaxed.“He had a son, you must learn. Older than me. Older than you. That son was the closest to nice, as anyone would get. Sometimes he brought me books and in return he demanded favours. But he never actually had much time with me alone…”“…”“He… He damaged the glass bowl one evening. On purpose, but he claimed it an accident. The glass scattered all around me and I fell to the floor. Hurt. Then I was brought to the infirmary. They did not provide clothing, but I was no longer locked away. So Randall could enjoy my services undisturbed…”“Fuck…”“He did. Which elongated the healing process. It made Roderick impatient, but it could not be helped... But then, one day, something unexpected happened… Randall had a younger brother. I hardly ever met him, because he did not participate in these gatherings and… He was not quite like them. One night he sneaked into the infirmary, gave me clothing. And he set me free. I thanked him properly and left… And then, things got a bit blurry, to be honest…”“So… You escaped…”“I did. And I was in pain. Not because of the wounds, but because my body had grown used to the substances given to me. Someone took me in for a few nights. I… Do not know much, but I paid him. And then I was out, on the street again, looking for shelter… After some time, the pain subsided. Became dull… More an ever present pulsing, than the sharp pain in every muscle. I slept in some alleys for a few nights, then searched for shelter again…”“And then, one night, you approached those guys?”“Not the first time, people did not like, what I had to offer… I would have been able to deal with them…”“I see… Well… That’s pretty shitty… Not just those homophobes, I mean the whole… Everything…”, Hob said. Not really knowing, what he should say. But committing every small detail to memory. He would have Johanna look into this. Use whichever connections she had. He would, he would definitely make sure, no one would ever dare to hurt Dream again! And if they suffered, it only severed them right!“It is far from ideal….”“Hm…”“I… Do not want to rely on others. I… Really should not bother you with my baggage. With everything….”“You’re not thinking about leaving, are you?”“I…”“Stay. I mean, I won’t ever lock you away, but, please, don’t just go anywhere, when you don’t even know, where you’re going. The nights are still cold and people are bad…”, Hob mumbled, in a soft voice. “I won’t demand anything. Nothing at all, just… Be safe?”“You are a strange man, Hob Gadling…”, Dream whispered against his chest.“Nah, just some reclusive university professor with too much time and too big of a helper’s syndrome on hand…”“You… Are a person, people take advantage of…”“That’s Jo’s biggest fear, to be honest. That this will be how I end up...”“Your friend is wiser, than she looks...”“She is...”“Some day, someone might use you. Your kindness. It might break you, Hob Gadling...”“I know. But I don’t mind. What’s the point of living, when there’s no risk it might hurt? Every now and then, things like that make you feel alive... Remind you, that you’re not already dead...”“You said, you would not mind, being dead...”“I would not. Because things would be over for me, then. But it’s not all about me, is it? Others would hurt. And I don’t want that. Also... There are still glimpses of light in the dark. Nowadays I see that. And I can feel that. Feels good, to be kind. To earn an honest smile. To see someone’s happiness... I’m talking nonsense, aren’t I?”, Hob sighed, with a sad smile.“No. No, you are not. I... I understand. I think, at least...”, Dream replied, lifting his head for the first time in what felt like hours. Looking into his eyes.“Thanks...”, Hob smiled at him.Then, they fell silent again. Just looked at each other. Hob’s hand still placed on Morpheus’ lower back, but now just resting. Unmoving. Just warm.“What will you do now, Hob Gadling?”, the black-haired asked after a long time. The silence had not felt uncomfortable, but Hob still enjoyed hearing his low voice.“Hm? Probably sleep, soon. Drink another cocoa, maybe?”“No. I mean what will you do with the information provided to you”, Dream rephrased.“Oh. Think it over, I guess. Probably a lot. If you’re okay with it, I would have Jo look into things. Later. I want to understand... I mean, that’s a lot...”“It is six years of my life. Barely more than one quarter of it. Less, in a few years, if I make it that long...”“You will! I mean, you want to, right? Wouldn’t want to die, right?”“I would not actively chase death, but one can not be certain. Maybe the next tomorrow would never come, for me?”“Please, stay safe. I mean, you don’t have to actively risk a thing, right? Can just take it slow for now? You’re healthy, after all, according to the test. Dodged the bullet. You can just do, what you want? What you like, maybe?”, Hob suggested. Pleaded. Eyes full of worry.“What... I like?”“Yes. What do you enjoy? To pass your time, just profanities. Or meaningful things. What have you always wanted? Any dreams to pursue?”, he asked.“I do enjoy reading....”“Then read all the things you like. All the books. I’ll make sure, you can!”“That is... A nice thing to do, Hob Gadling....”“You can do, what you want. Really. I mean it!”“Then... I want to leave...”, Dream told him and upon feeling the body half under him tense up, he sighed. “I want to leave this room now. Go to bed and sleep...”“Oh, yeah. Yes. Of course! Please!”, Hob replied, dumbstruck. Of course his guest could leave the room! He could even leave forever! It would just maybe scatter his heart a little, but it would be fine! Of course it would be!“Good night, Hob Gadling...”, Morpheus said, then disentangled from the blanket and just left the room. Just... Like that. Because he could. Because he wanted. It was his choice. He could do, whatever pleased him, for fucks sake! He was his own person!So Hob turned around to turn off the light, then he closed his eyes and fell asleep. Because that talk had been tiring. Do much more tiring than he had ever expected. And it had not even been a long one. When he woke up, in the morning, to the lovely sound of his alarm clock, he noticed, though, that he had not stayed alone. Against his expectations, he found a black, slender figure curled up next to him, still fast asleep.He briefly wondered, when exactly Dream had come back. Snuck up, into his sheets, to cuddle. Because this is what this looked like, to him.But he would not wake him up to inquire on this matter. No, he would let him sleep. So he got dressed as quietly, as possible and took only keys and phone and a few coins to go outside. Running. Because he did not have to go to work in the foreseeable future and still wanted to hold up at least some kind of routine.He would take a little run, then pick up breakfast from the bakery. He was not a breakfast person, but Dream was, as far as he was aware. Also, it would already be late enough, when he was out of the shower. Ten, maybe? So, he might be willing to try having breakfast together with his guest. After all, they now had cheese and jam and peanut butter at home and he had to do something with this.Right after his purchase, he found his phone ringing and picked up the call. It was Jo. Which was almost impossible, given the time. She would not open her shop before eleven and thus not get up before ten on a regular day. So, he was curious.“So? You hacked Rachel’s PC?”, he greeted her, walking down the road. There were not many pedestrians on the street, given the time. Who worked, was at work, who could sleep in was at home and since the students had no classes at the moment, they would definitely not be out without a severe threat to their life or grade.“Didn’t have to. She let me see...”“So much for data security and stuff?”“Accidentally left it open... You know, things are never one hundred percent...”“Yes, whatever. So?”“Your boy’s clean. Congratz. So I won’t have to involve the cops or the youth welfare office... Wouldn’t have any effect, anyway, I guess...”, she grumbled.“What do you mean? Don’t talk in riddles, before twelve, you’re not a morning person...”, Hob told her.“Fuck you, Hobsy!”“So? Actual English?”“You’ve given me a name. Spent the whole night doing some research and, well... Not that easy to come by, but I think, that boy’s someone...”, she explained.“Okay, this explains your mood. But well, yes, if course, he’s someone. He exists...”“Fuck off, idiot! I don’t mean it like that! I see that he’s real and stuff! But I mean, that the name as real! I mean, there aren’t many people out there, who name their son fucking Morpheus!”“I know, right? The other siblings also have names from Greek mythology!”, Hob chuckled. Still not quite sure where she was going with this.“Ah. Okay, so I was right. Fuck. Doesn’t make a thing better... Spit it out! Gimme names!”, Jo demanded.So Hob told her. Because, why not? Dream had allowed it, right? He had not told him, not to. That was as good, he hoped.“Hmmm, yes, this could work. Gimme half an hour, then I’ll have it!”“Yes, okay fine? Will I be allowed to go back home and shower, or will you call me again?”“I’ll text you! Like a civilised person. But you don’t usually read texts! I mean, I pretty much have to call you, or you’d never respond at all!”, she accused him. And was not wrong. When it was not an email, he would barely read or respond to any form of text.“Touché. I’ll read and respond...”“You better!”, she grumbled. And then just hung up on him.So he went back home, placed the bag with the bread rolls on the kitchen counter and took a shower. Realising too late, once again, that he should have brought clothes. He could not walk around naked any longer! He was not alone! And he knew about public decency, unlike Johanna who would walk around in his home butt naked, without shame, after taking a shower!So with his towel dutifully wrapped around his hip, he tiptoed into his bedroom, because he had not heard a noise and was pretty sure, Morpheus was still asleep.Which was true, but as Hob put on the last item of clothing, the pile of blankets stirred and from it there emerged a night black nest of hair.“What time is it?”, the owner of what could barely called a haircut, asked in an even deeper voice, raspy from sleep. And Hob could not suppress the shiver going down his spine at the sound.“Errr, some time past ten by now?”, he assumed, because his smartphone was still lying on the kitchen counter, next to the bag with the breakfast. But last time he checked, it had been around ten.“Then... I should make breakfast...”, Dream mumbled. Still so very sleepy and dishevelled and beautiful and... Fuck, he looked like a black cat, as he stretched luxuriously, only stilling for a second, apparently noticing the wound on his back, before emerging from the bedsheets, like he was owning this place.“I, err, I was at the bakery earlier. Brought some bread rolls!”, Hob supplied helpfully. Because, he was obviously staring at his guest. Flatmate? Co-resident?“Thank you”, the black-haired answered with the hint of a smile. And Hob was gone for. No, he had been for a while now. He was absolutely smitten. Awestruck. Gone for this beautiful man.“You’re welcome?”, he tried for an answer.And just followed Dream, who was still wearing his sleep clothes, into the living room and the small kitchenette. There the black cat started preparing coffee, without a further word. Boiled water to make himself a tea and just went on, preparing breakfast, like he was living here already. And Hob so hoped, he would.Absent-mindedly he checked his phone, still mostly staring hat Dream, before he noticed, that he actually had a text from Jo.<That boy’s a fucking Endless?!>, was the content of the message.And Hob had to read it thrice, before deciding, he had no actual idea, what that was going to mean. So he just frowned. “What the heck is an Endless?”, he mumbled at the screen and the plate, that was about to be placed in front of him, just fell down, onto the table and scattered.In shock, he looked up, into Dream’s startled face. No, startled was not the correct word. The man looked absolutely horrified. And was staring at him. At Hob. White as a ghost. Like all blood had left his face.“Hey, hey...”, Hob tried to soothe him with his most gentle voice. Held up both hands, wondering what had just happened.Morpheus’ gaze dropped. From his face, to the pieces of the plate on the table. And tears started welling up in his eyes.“Fuck, no. Please, don’t cry! It’s fine. Whatever it is, it’s fine!”, Hob whispered gently. Trying to figure out, what was happening.“I...”, was the only answer he would get. A strangled notice, barely a word.And in an instant he was up and at the other side of the table.“Can I hug you?”, he asked, arms already stretched out, only centimetres away from Dream, as he realised, what he was doing. Stilled. Waited for an reaction. And actually the black-haired gave him the smallest of nods. But it was enough. It was permission.So Hob wrapped his arms around him and pulled him in, gently. Started caressing his back and his hair with both his hands, whispering sweet nonsense. Told him that everything was alright, no one would hurt him and that that had just been a plate that could easily be replaced. Because he had no idea, what was going on in that head of his.And after a while, Morpheus actually started relaxing in his arms. Placed his forehead on his shoulder and took long, deep breaths.Then, he finally pulled back slightly.“I... Am fine...”, he mumbled.And Hob loosened his hold, so he could step back further, whenever he wanted. “Okay, I see. I’m sorry. I really am...”, he explained, not sure, what he was apologising for. But it felt, like it all was his fault. At least somehow.“You... Startled me...”“I, I’m sorry, I had no idea. What, what have I done?”, he wanted to know. Because whatever it had been, he never wanted to repeat this.“You...”, Morpheus mumbled. “I did not expect you to mention my family name. That... Was unpleasant, so, in reaction, I dropped the plate. Which then reminded me if scattered glass and... I think, I overreacted...”“Oh no, no, it’s fine. I’m sorry, I... Wait, your family name?”, Hob repeated soothingly, only now realising.“Yes...”“So... Err... You’re...?”, he asked. Not very sure, how he should ask. What he should ask. When did he mention a family name?“An Endless. I was born into the Endless family....”, Morpheus told him. Voice restrained. But he was not tensing, shivering. he was just standing there. Still so very close to Hob. Still more or less in his arms.“Oh...”, the brunette made, as things clicked together. Yes, that made sense. He had asked himself aloud. Had spoken the name thoughtlessly. “I’m sorry, I startled you...”“This... Is your concern?”“I made you feel uncomfortable. So yes. Don’t want you to feel bad”, he explained.“You... Do not recognise the name?”, Dream asked. Obviously surprised. Again full of disbelief. But he knew that tone already. Had become so familiar with it, that he had to actually think. Endless? The Endless family? Where had he heard that name? Something in the back of his mind told him, that he did. That he knew. Something at least.“Oh...”, he made then. Upon realising, where he had heard the name. Or rather read it. “Your family donated most books for our library. Literally. About eighty percent. Lucienne told me. And the big, almost ancient looking stone tablet in the entrance hall of the library. Hard to miss, really...”, he realised. In shock. Because... THE Endless!“That... Sounds familiar...”“Sorry, I didn’t realise. Sorry for just casually mentioning that name. Guess, you rather won’t be associated with that family?”, Hob guessed apologetically. He was really sorry. Had not wanted to remind him of his past. Of a family that had... That had just made him want to leave.“You... I do not understand, what you are apologising for...”, Dream admitted.“For reminding you, when you would probably rather forget?”, Hob suggested.“You... Are strange....”, the black-haired sighed and let his head fall forward. On Hob’s shoulder. Rested it there and took a deep breath.“So I’ve been told... Mostly by you, though...”, the older man chuckled and gently ruffled his hair. “That okay?”“Fine...”So he continued to hold him, embrace him. Taking deep breaths. Just enjoying the proximity.“Why... Did you mention the name?”, Morpheus asked after a while. Now fully relaxed against him.“Remember, I told you, Jo knew people? She texted me something like ‘he’s an Endless’ and I had no idea, what she mean, so I just said it aloud...”, Hob admitted.“So... She found out?”“Probably. Shall I tell her to forget, she ever heard that name?”, he suggested.“No. I assume, she will not reach out, to my parents?”“Why should she? You’re an adult. And she’s not too fond of rich people. Rather the Robin Hood type, just a little more violent and less about actually stealing... Back in university she was into a few riots against rich people patronising their offsprings. I think she burnt a car, once....”, he chuckled fondly. Remembered the furious dark haired girl with face paint dragged off by the police. He had to bail her out more than once. Or at least inform her grandmother.“She... Did not seen violent...”“Oh, she’s pretty tame nowadays. But she can be quite the force. Don’t want her against you. Though, she’s not a bad person in general... Are you okay for now?”, he asked gently. Trying to move away a little, to give him space.“Do not go...”, Dream demanded. One hand reaching out for the fabric of his shirt. So Hob stilled. Just stayed like this. Continued to stroke his messy hair.“Fine. We can stay like this. For as long as you like..or we can cuddle on the sofa. Whichever you like...”“Cuddle?”, the black-haired asked. Unsure. Like he was not very familiar with the texture of the word.“Cuddle. As in ‘just lie there together and have physical contact without any other motives’. Just like that...”, Hob explained.“I... Might like that?”, was the reply. Just as uncertain.“Wanna try?”A nod was all, he got. But then, he did not expect much else. Dream did not seem the very communicative type so far. So he gently moved them both over, to the sofa – breakfast temporarily forgotten – and lay down, the slender body resting mostly on top of him. He resumed to caressing his scalp and lower back, careful not to put pressure onto the freshly stitched up wound.“This... Is pleasant...”, Morpheus mumbled, head resting against his shoulder.“Good. If anything changes, just tell me...”“I will...”He would not. Because they both remained in this position for almost an hour, before Hob’s phone forced them to disentangle.A now almost sleepy Dream got up and walked over to. The kitchenette. Resumed preparing the breakfast. Which meant boiling new tea water for himself and pouring a cup of coffee for Hob, while the older man picked up the constantly ringing torture device. He really should have never let Jo convince him to buy a smartphone. But well, she just would have used the landline otherwise, so it would have hardly helped anyway, since she was the one, calling“What?!”, he greeted her, sounding mildly annoyed. But well, she had interrupted a lovely time right now.“You didn’t reply. So? Did you at least read the news?”, she barked at him through the phone.“I did. We talked about this already...”“And you didn’t reply?! Dude, that’s important! Can’t leave me alone with that information! So, did he admit to it?”“He did?”, Hob told her, looking at Dream, who probably could hear every word she was shouting, because Johanna Constantine was not a reserved person. Or a quiet one.“For fuck’s sake, just say so! Then he really is a rich prick?! I mean, being the third son of THAT family, and stuff?!”“He... Is not in good terms with his family...”, he told her, and gently placed his hand on Dream’s , as the young man placed the coffee in front of him. The black-haired looked at him without expression. But stilled and let him touch him. Now definitely listening.“Or so I guessed. Do you have any idea, how hard it was, to find out anything about that guy? It’s like he and his siblings are invisible to public! Only found stuff about the CEO of one of their companies being the oldest son and about the oldest daughter ‘not wishing to pursue a career in the family business’ and shit. They’re pretty reclusive for being that filthily rich!”, Jo explained.And Morpheus, having listened, just nodded. Grabbing the handle of the cup a little tighter, so Hob caressed his hand with his thumb.“I see?”“Good thing, their former housekeeper’s a regular at my shop, just grabbed her and gave her a very, very generous discount on an antique lamp. Didn’t spill much, but confirmed what my internet researches told me. So, at least you’re really fucking an adult...”, Jo told him and Morpheus looked up. Actual interest clearly visible on his face, as she mentioned the housekeeper.So Hob just put her on speaker and placed the phone between them.“The housekeeper?”, he asked, hoping he guessed correctly.“Yes. Nice woman. She retired about five years ago, she said. Comes to the shop regularly, to buy nice things. Or just to chat... Told me that Morpheus ran away six years ago and that’s pretty much it. No word. His parents must be real assholes, when they won’t even look for him!”“I... Do not disagree...”, Dream mumbled and Hob just got up, around the table, to wrap himself around him again. To make him feel safe. Because that topic was... Well, a topic. And he could see the shift in expression clearly for once.“Oh, you’re there? Hi, Dream! Sorry, to insult them! But, well, they are shitty parents!”, Jo said, as she realised he was listening.“I do agree. So you know Jessamy?”, he dared to ask, while leaning into Hob’s embrace.“Ah, yes. That’s her! Lovely old Lady! Didn’t tell her about you, but if you like, I can tell her, you’re fine? I mean, you’re with our Hobsy, that’s as close to fine, as one can get!”, she grinned through the phone.“That... Would be good. Please tell her, I am... Fine?”, he mumbled, apparently not sure, whether he actually was. And leaned his head against Hob’s shoulder. So Hob continued to stroke his hair to provide as much safety and comfort, as possible.“I will. She’s a nice person. I mean, she loves cats. You can’t be a cat Lady and be bad!”, Jo told him.“She does... I remember, she had owned a cat, before she started working for the family...”“Now she owns about six or so. Shall I try to get her contact?”Dream nodded. But did not reply. Closed his eyes and sighed.“Yes, if she’s willing, to hand them out. No pressure! I’ll text you about some more things later, Jo! For now, I think, we should finally eat breakfast?”“Breakfast? It’s past noon! You’re taking a slow day, Hobsy?”, Jo laughed.“Something like that. Lucienne doesn’t expect me back in my office for the next week, maybe even weeks. Should get the first essays anytime soon, rather later, I know my students, until then I have actual free time. I remember someone bullying me into actually taking time off and do things for myself?”, Hob told her.“Yeah, but you never actually did! I’ve been telling you for years, that you don’t have to bury yourself in work outside the lecture periods... You probably have classes prepared for another six semesters at least! In addition to your actual translation work!”, Jo accused him. And well, she was not too far off. Actually Hob had lectures on over ten different topics researched and prepared, that he could easily turn into a seminar, any time. Given that he usually had two seminars and a lecture every semester, would mean he had minimum three semesters fully prepared and several more outlined. But he would not tell her this. Because this would only confirm her suspicions.“Yes? So? I was up early and even went out, running! You can hardly complain here!”“I’m not complaining, just... That boy might be a pretty good bad influence on you?”, she told him.“A good bad influence?”“Yes. I mean, you’ve always been so deep into work or the next bottle, it surely wasn’t healthy any more!”“First: I don’t drink any more and second: I live a very healthy lifestyle!”, Hob replied in mock offence.“Ts....”, Dream chuckled against his chest. It was this awful excuse for a laughter. The one that made Hob so very happy and very proud, when he had made him do it. And again, he felt a moment of pure bliss upon hearing the sound of scraping metal.“What?!”, he asked with a fond smile. Already half forgetting, that he was offended.“Your lifestyle is far from healthy, Hob Gadling. You have not eaten anything by now and probably would have just ordered some unhealthy junk, if you were alone!”, Dream informed him. The word ‘junk’ did not sound right, coming from him, but it clearly showed his opinion on processed food.“But I’m not alone...”, the brunette told him. “You forced me to eat healthy home cooked food, yesterday and I guess, you probably plan to do this, today either...”“I did want to make a vegetable lasagne today...”“You see? Living very healthy!”“You gotta be kidding! You let that kid cook for you?!”, Jo asked through the phone. Utterly stunned.“What? No! I’m not making him or so!”, Hob defended himself.“I decided to take up this task by myself. I need to eat, so I cook”, Morpheus told her in his stern, deep and so very melodic voice.“Sounds reasonable! Wouldn’t trust that guy to cook anything for me, if my life depended on it!”, she huffed.“Hey! I can cook pasta!”“My eight-year-old niece can cook pasta, Honey! That’s hardly a flex! Your self-preservation skills are nonexistent!”“I live! Survived until today! And now I’m fed with healthy food, so what’s your complaint?!”“You can’t tell me you stayed that bad at cooking because you were hoping, some stray with remarkable cooking skills would one day show up at your doorstep and solve all your problems?” Hob could hear her raised eyebrow.“Yes, Jo, yes... That was exactly my plan... Very conspicuous of me...”, he then sighed. Using as much obvious sarcasm, as possible, to make sure, Dream would not accidentally take him seriously.“I really have no idea, who needs protection from whom in this... Fuck, Hob, you do realise that whole thing is utterly fucked up?”, Jo informed him.“I do not require protection...”, Morpheus told her, still in Hob’s arms.“I think, we’re mostly fine, without you protecting anyone? However, did you want anything else?”“Just wanted to check in and make sure, the rich kid didn’t murder you!”, she laughed.“Well, I’m pretty much alive. I even read your text! But I still want my breakfast now!”, he informed her.“Text me. Or I’ll send people to check on you, next time!”, she threatened. And Hob was sure, she really would. After all, she knew ‘people’.“Fine, whatever...”, he grumbled, nestling into the nape of Dream’s neck. Just for a second. Because he smelled good. And he had not pulled back, so far.They remained like this for a few more minutes, then the black-haired actually started moving.“We... Should really eat. It is long past noon...”“You’re right. It’s high time, to get your belly filled!”, Hob chuckled and pulled back, smiled at him and then, his face fell. Because the look in Morpheus’ eyes was that of pure shock. His face was stiff, eyes full of fear, whole body tensing up.“Fuck! No, not like that! I didn’t mean it that way!”, Hob whisper-shouted as he realised, what he had actually said.“Would you want to get my belly filled?”, Dream asked, tilting his head. His eyes still looked so scared. But his body did no longer give away a thing.“With food. See? Bread rolls. Maybe we could put them in the oven? Put some cheese on them? Drink some more tea?”, the brunette suggested. Reaching for one of the buns to wave with it.“You... Do not wish to fill me up?”“Fuck... We had this conversation. Morpheus, really. You’re beautiful very beautiful. And I would be lying, if I said, the idea wasn’t getting me all worked up, but you haven’t eaten all day, you’re injured. Please, eat. We can do whatever, after. Yes? Just for now?”, he pleaded. Still waving the roll.“You... Do not reject me?”“Of course not! Let’s just get a quick breakfast done, and then we can do whatever you want?”, he suggested with a cautious smile. He should really watch his mouth. He really should. This thing here was entirely his fault. He really could have phrased that differently.“That... Sounds reasonable...”, Dream admitted. Closed his eyes. Breathed.“I’ll just cut those and put some cheese on them, okay? We can even eat on the sofa, if you want? We could cuddle again. Or just keep our distance, whatever you need, yes?”, Hob told him, already fetching the knife to cut the bread rolls in halfs. Still keeping a close eye on his guest, he walked over to the fridge, got the cheese and turned on the oven. This much, he could do. The very affordable student version of pizza. One could dip in into ketchup and almost had a thing called meal!Dream stood there, breathing. But after a while, he opened his eyes and looked at him. Observed, how he placed the rolls on the tray and put the cheese on them.“You are...”, he tried with an almost horse voice. Like it was hard for him to actually speak at the moment.“I am?”, Hob repeated, as he shoved his culinary masterpiece into the oven.“...A horrible cook...”“Definitely! Never claimed otherwise! But I made it through my student years! Didn’t even have a proper oven in the small room. Did you know, that most microwaves have a Grill-function?”, he smiled at him, aiming for casually. Just trying to play it over, to not go too deep into what this had been going to become. Dream seemed okay. For now, at least.“Microwave....”, the black-haired repeated, like it was a very filthy curse word.“Yes! It’s so handy! It warms up cold food, it can actually bake things, there have been actual cookbooks around in the 90ies teaching people, how to cook with a microwave!”, Hob told him with a smile.“People used to cook with pots emitting poisonous substances... Just because there are cookbooks on a topic, dies not mean, you should actually cook a thing...”“Okay, fair point! No complaints from me on this! I am familiar with the use of arsenic in makeup and medicine.... So? Not a big fan of microwaves, I guess?”, Hob chuckled. Actually amused.“I am able to cook. I have no need for these abnormalities...”“Fine, I get it. Won’t ever force you, to use a microwave! So... You said a thing about lasagne before?”, he redirected the topic, because he did not have more to say and did not want Dream to have time, to actually let his thoughts wander to that very stupid misunderstanding.“Yes. There still is a leftover chilli, that I would just put into the sauce and then use vegetables and lasagne plates. It is not good, to just throw away leftovers...”“That’s true. I hate that, actually. I mean, just throwing away food. I sometimes eat things for three days straight, when I order too much. Can’t really just let things go to waste”, Hob agreed.And then their makeshift pizzas were ready, already and he placed them on a large plate, leading them towards the sofa.“I want to feel you...”, Dream told him, as Hob sat down, looking down at him.“Please, eat. We’ll do whatever you want, right after!”“No. I want to feel your skin. I can eat, while doing so.”“Err, yes? I suppose... So, you want me to undress?”, Hob asked, not sure, if he got that right.“Yes. And then lie down. Like before.”“Okay?”, he just shrugged. Then pulled off his shirt and trousers. “Everything?”, he wanted to know, then.“That will suffice...”, Morpheus told him. Then he grabbed one piece of pizza and placed himself between Hob’s legs. Lay down, mostly on top of him, against his chest. And started eating.“You’re crumbling into my chest hair...”, Hob noted, but did not push him away, instead just wrapped an arm around him and grabbed one roll himself.“You... Do have chest hair...”, the black-haired just mumbled and started sliding the fingers of his free hand through it. And the crumbs. Not minding at all. Curious.“I do. Don’t like it? I can shave, if you want?”“No. Keep it. It feels... Natural...”, he just said, nestling further into it while chewing. Which was... Strange. Unusual. But somehow comfortable. Hob could not recall to ever having spent time on the sofa eating crumbly food while cuddling. Or whatever Dream had in mind right now. Like he had said, he was amendable for pretty much everything.“Does it?”“I... Did not have much body hair, when I was younger. And when it started growing, it got removed... I... Do not even have a beard...”, Dream told him, as he finished the first roll. Letting his hand slide over Hob’s three-days-stubble. Reminding him, that he should probably shave soon.“Oh... Do you regret it? I mean, would you want more hair?”, the brunette asked carefully.“It can not be removed. I am aware, it is permanent and I do not grieve the loss. Just... It feels nice....”“Feel free to touch, whenever you like. Want me to grow a beard?”, he suggested. Completely serious. If Dream wanted to touch his beard, he would grow one, without a second thought!“You should not feel obligated to please me...”“I don’t mind! Really! I like pleasing you. Would that make you happy?”, he offered.“You... Always want to please me. Why is that?”, Morpheus wondered.“Why not? I mean, who would not want to? You’re just so very lovable, it comes so naturally. I really want you happy!”“Lovable?”, he repeated, looking up. Both hands now on Hob’s chest, so he could look at him. Puzzled.“Very. I mean, I just want to care for you, if you let me. Just... Make you feel good. In every way, not just... Like that. You deserve that, you see? You deserve all the love and care in the world...”, Hob told him, carefully placing a hand on his cheek.“I... Am not a pet animal...”“I’m aware.. you’re a human. A person. You can do, what you like. And you can want, what you like. I... I just don’t want you to feel bad any more...”“You... Really are a strange human, Hob Gadling...”“Might be...”, he just shrugged.“You... Will not just take a thing from me?”“No! Never!”“No matter how much you desire it?”“No! If it doesn’t make you feel good, I won’t ever take a thing!”“And... Are you willing to give, then?”, Dream asked.“Give? Yes, of course! Whatever! Just take it!”“Then, I want you to....”, he started, then hesitated. Looked into Hob’s eyes. “I want you to give me control.”“I... Of course! All yours!”, Hob replied, very unsure, what he was getting himself into. But very up for it. Whatever it was, Dream wanted him to give, he would give. Without doubt. Without hesitation.“Good...”, Morpheus nodded. Then leaned closer. Let his lips glide over his stubble, feeling the poky hair with them. And Hob did, what he was asked to. He gave him control. Let him do, what he wanted. Whatever he wanted. Much later that day, when Morpheus was in the kitchenette, preparing the lasagne, Hob grabbed his phone and texted Jo. Asked her to find out more about a probably rich old guy called Roderick and his son Randall. Also told her that there might be a third son. And with that information, she started investigating. Did not ask, why he wanted to know.And it took her two days this time, to come up with an actual result. But she has been thoroughly investigating, so Hob did not only get a surname, but a whole family history, including pictures of his mansion, the guy and his son. And, to his personal delight, he leaned that Roderick Burgess had died about a week ago, after a few days in hospital. Apparently an aneurism had killed him and since he had refused most treatment, it had been a very painful death.Johanna must have expected that the man was not a nice fellow, since she had dug up a lot of dirt about him, even without knowing much about his relationship to Morpheus.According to her, he had run his own sect, declaring himself the big Magus, chosen one to reveal the secrets of the world or so. His followers were mostly wealthy men, since women had – according to him – no right or even ability, to reach wisdom. That was a whole lot of bullshit, Hob found. No fantasy author he knew, would attempt to write a story about that, because that was all so very far fetched. How did people believe that guy?Well, Hob supposed, it had to do with drugs and sex. Sex with Morpheus, he added with a bitter thought. Because it started to make sense. That guy had taken him in, used him as a sex toy for himself and his followers and just found himself oh so smart and powerful. Until Dream had been able to leave. Finally. Only days later, that prick had been emitted to hospital and then, just died.He had absolutely no idea, how Jo had even gotten medical records from that hospital stay, but there had been some in the large attachment he was working through right now, sitting in his office, originally checking his work emails. Actually the first two students had send their work to him already. Most of them took their time until September to hand in their essays.But he did not care about work or students at the moment. He was too busy finding out what kind of man the one abducting, imprisoning and raping this beautiful fair creature had been and whether or not he should go and spit on his grave. He would. This was more of a rhetorical question. He would definitely spit on that man’s grave. And then see, if he could punch his son in the face. Just like that. Because he had hurt Morpheus, too. He was the one who caused all these wounds on him. And he had also taken advantage of him. Had used him. So he pretty much deserved a proper beating!Or worse. Hob was definitely up for worse. Fully prepared, to go to jail for this. But... Then Dream would be all alone. He could not just leave him here, in his flat, all by himself. Still this, this... Well this cracked. He really should not be on his own. He was so, so needy, so desperate for warmth, for actual touch, for love. He could not just leave him alone.So, beating up Randall Burgess was not an option at the moment, but he kept it in the back of his mind, as he continued reading about these men. The ones who had done this to Morpheus!Morpheus was starved. Desperately craving for gentle touch, human warmth, for just being caressed. Fir being taken serious. For being allowed to want things, to make decisions, to set boundaries. To just be. How could anyone do this to him? He was so loveable, so wonderful. So very smart and witty at times. He was well read and he could cook and clean – which he insisted on, since he was living here for now and Hob did not want him to pay him back with physical favours – and knew all kinds of things! And he do just wanted to be cared for! To be cuddled up in front of the TV, to have his head caressed in passing.Now that Dream had warmed up to him, that Hob had decided to give him what he wanted, what he needed, namely control, he was actually quite touchy. More like a cat, than ever before. He was even fine with bring naked around hob. Hat least for a short time. When Hob was washing him in the bathroom, because for now the patch on his back was not supposed to get wet. He even let him change the patch yesterday. And after that, had cuddled up, mostly on him, without his shirt.Things were getting... Better. At least, Hob hoped that. As long as Dream could have tings his way, things seemed to work. Without any serious flashbacks or falling back into patterns.They were starting to establish something like a routine. One in which Hob would gently kiss him goodnight, then go to bed alone, just to find Morpheus curled up next to him in the morning. Mostly still asleep but when he had woken, he had demanded, to touch Hob’s body. He seemed to like to play with his chest. Run his fingers through his chest hair, watching his own actions closely.Hob let him. Let him be in control. Let him touch, all he liked. Demanding nothing. And, well, after he was content, getting up to make breakfast, Hob had stayed there a moment longer. Quietly taken care of the problem, that had occurred, when being touched in this way by a beautiful person. But he had not let Dream know, though he would surely be willing to help. Would insist on it. But Hob did not want that. He wanted his guest to feel safe!“Dinner is ready”, Dream told him, standing in the open door. He had left it open, just to show him, he was always welcome, even when he was working. Still, Hob was caught by surprise and almost dropped his mouse.“Ah, yes! Right there!”, he replied, closer to a heart attack, than he might be willing to admit.“Are you... Alright?”“Yes. Mostly. Nothing bad, but I’d rather tell you after dinner...”“You are not obligated to share...”“I want to. And you want to know. Otherwise you wouldn’t have asked. So? Dinner?”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
After dinner, Hob told him. About Burgess. And the cult. And that he died. Carefully.. while caressing him gently. Watching for every small movement. Every hint of fear or returning memory. But Dream just remained still in his arms. Took in all the information provided. And finally sighed.“So... He is dead?”“He is. Didn’t suffer enough, if you’re asking me, but the thing sure had been painful...”, Hob explained.“That... Is good. I think. Things are over...”“Probably. I’d still love to have that son of his take some special treatment in jail, but I guess, you won’t call the police on him?”“No. I just want to forget, rather than being reminded again and again...”, Dream told him. And had a fair point.“I see... Sorry, I can’t just make you...”“Make me?”“Make you actually forget all the things they did to you. Everyone did to you. You deserve so much better, than those memories....”“Do I?”“You do. You deserve to be worshipped. To be admired, prayed to, like a god, you deserve love, devotion, kindness. All that. Not to be stared at like an animal, to be used, like everyone wants. Your wants matter. You should decide. One should kneel before you, kiss your feet, not have you down on your knees!”, Hob explained, full of honesty. Because he meant every word. Every syllable. In exactly this constellation.“Would you worship me?”, Morpheus asked.“Of course!”“Would you kneel in front of me and kiss my feet?”, he continued.“Done that! Of course, I would as well!”“Then show me?”“What?!”“Show me, that you worship me. That you would be at my feet. I demand.”Hob just nodded. Because he could not just refuse. Because he was serious. And he had promised to give Morpheus control. And of he actually demanded this, Hob would gladly obey. Show him, he was not just making things up. That he really would go that far. And that Dream actually deserved this!So he extracted himself from under him and slid down, onto his knees, as Dream sat up on the sofa, watching him closely.“I worship you...”, he told the black-haired, before gently grabbing his ankle. Just holding it, lifting it a little, so his foot was right below Hob’s face. “I really do. You deserve it...”, he mumbled, lowering his head, placing a kiss on the back of his foot.Morpheus’ breath hitched, but he did not reply. Or pull back. So Hob placed another kiss onto his foot. And another one, starting to shower it with attention and sweet kisses.“You deserve it all. All the devotion. Just the very best...”, he told him. Kissing and kissing and kissing. Every single toe, up to his ankle and back down, then the underside. So very carefully, gently, while murmuring sweet praised, proclamations of devotion, until Morpheus pulled away. Just slightly.He let him. Waited patiently. But Dream did not want him to stop, ad it seemed. He just changed his feet, so Hob could shower the other one with just as much attention. Feel the soft skin on his lips, while telling him, how beautiful he was, how lovable.“Will you lick my feet?”, Morpheus asked after long minutes of kissing and sweet praises.“If you wish....”“Show me”, he demanded. And Hob nodded. And opened his mouth. Licked over the whole length, pressing a kiss to the ankle, before moving back down, circling each toe with his tongue, then taking each into his mouth, when he was done. He licked every centimetre of the foot, coated it in his saliva, showing his devotion, without the slightest hesitation.“So very beautiful, so sweet...”, he dared to mumble against his wet skin. Not stopping, though he had licked all of it.“Now the other one”, Dream demanded, this time not moving at all. So Hob gently sat down the already well loved foot and took the other one in his hand. Showering it with just the same attention. Licking every part, sucking his toes into his mouth, playing with them.“So very, very beautiful... You deserve the world...”, Hob whispered, licking and kissing the very sensitive bottom part of his foot. “Deserve it all...”“You did very well, Hob Gadling. You pleased me...”, Dream told him after a while and carefully removed his foot from his hand, placed it on the floor, next to the other. Then looked at him.Hob’s mouth was still open, tongue sticking out. His lips and chin were wet with saliva and he did not match his gaze. Just started at where his foot had rested, moments before.“Would you wish to be of further service?”, Morpheus inquired.“I would love to....”, was Hob’s reply.“Will you kiss and lick not only my feet, but my whole legs?”“Of course! I mean, if you want that....”“I wish to be touched by your mouth...”, Dream told him. And then just pulled down the very soft pair of trousers he had worn until now. Pushed them off his legs, so they were completely bare. And just sat back down, legs now opened, so Hob could...“Of course...”, the brunette replied and took one of his legs in his hands. Started kissing at his ankle, moved higher, up to his knee, then back down again. Proceeded, like he had done with his feet. After kissing both lower legs, he started licking them. All, while telling him, how beautiful he was, how lovely, how smooth his skin was, how much he deserved all this, how much he deserved to be taken care of, to be loved, to be kissed, tasted.And then he gently placed both feet back onto the floor and came a little closer, now fully kneeling between them. His mouth was still wet from all his saliva and his lips redder than usual. But he did not stop. Did not want to stop. So he started kissing one knee, up his thigh, to the hem of his underwear and back down. Kissed the sensitive inside with extra care, before lifting the leg, so he could pay every part attention.And Dream sighed.A very brief look showed Hob, that he had closed his eyes and looked utterly relaxed. Comfortable. But he did not interrupt his ministrations long, he had another leg to love, to show affection to, to worship.“Hnnn...”, Morpheus sighed as he licked over the insides of his thighs, very close to his groin. And Hob was not sure, how to proceed. Was that a good sound? Was he allowed, to do this again? He placed an open mouthed kiss on the soft skin and tried to look up again. To search for his guest’s eyes.“What do you want, my Dream?”, he whispered against the wet skin. The sensitive wet skin. He could feel the muscles in Dream’s legs move. Just slightly.“I wish for you... To please me...”, Morpheus replied, voice breathy. Raspy and so very dark. It made Hob shiver with anticipation, though there was nothing to anticipate at all. Or? Was there? This situation was different, from everything they had done before.“How shall I please you?”, he dared to ask, lips still mostly pressed against his inner thigh.“Use your teeth on me. Worship my body with your hands and mouth, Hob Gadling”, the black-haired demanded, spreading his legs a little wider, giving him more space.“As you wish, Milord...”, Hob replied, not sure, what to say. But this was, what came to his literature-loving mind. And the younger man did not seem to mind. At least. So he resumed the kissing, then remembered, what had been asked of him and let his hands slide over Dream’s legs. Then he gently started nibbling at the pale skin. Just to tease, not to hurt or even leave a mark. He would not want to mark that perfect skin.“Hnnn....”, Morpheus sighed, obviously pleased by this. So Hob went on. Now encouraged by the lovely sounds. He wanted to hear more of that sweet noise.“So lovely, so very beautiful, perfect. You deserve it all, my love, my beautiful, fair god, my precious....”, he mumbled, as he gently bit down to his knee and back up. That skin was so sensitive!“Hob Gadling...”, Dream made, then actually placed a hand on his head, fingers entangling with his long hair.“Yes? Yes, love? What can I do? What do you need?”, the brunette wanted to know, then licked over the skin.“Will you pleasure me with that mouth of yours?”, Morpheus whispered, grip tightening. And Hob looked up into his eyes. Searching for anything. Everything. A hint, a confirmation, that he was serious. That he really meant it. That Hob had understood correctly.“I will pleasure you in every way you demand...”, he replied, rubbing his face against the inside of his leg. Gently scratching his skin with the stubble if his beard.“I want you to touch me. And kiss me. Suck me. Will you do that for me?”“As you wish...”, he mumbled, lowered his head in a bow, before letting his hand slide up his legs, to his underwear. “Will you allow me, to...”“Yes...”, Morpheus interrupted him and raised his lower body from the sofa, just enough, so Hob could pull the underpants down. He gently slid them over his skin, before actually taking it off completely. Followed it with his lips, down to his ankles and then bit his way up again. Now not stopping, for there was no more fabric to mark the line. He kissed and licked and bit up and down his hip bone, over his belly button, then did the same to the other side. Poured all his feelings, his affection into his actions. And Dream let him. Hand resting on his head without moving. Without guiding him. It was just there.“You are perfect, my Dream. So very perfect... You deserve so much more, more than I could ever give. I would hang the stars for you, the moon, everything...”, Hob whispered against his skin, then licked over his hairless pubic area, lower, between his legs, cheek brushing against his just as hairless scrotum. Then his tongue licked over his butt cheek, brushed against the small hole, and then he licked upwards, the other side. Did not want to impose. Just wanted to worship.“Suck me, Hob Gadling”, Dream commanded, as his head emerged from between his legs. And for a moment, Hob was stunned. But then, he did, as he was told. Placed both hands on Morpheus’ thighs and pressed a kiss on the head of the hard dick right in front of him.“You’re so very beautiful, so smooth...”, he told him, then licked the wet drop off the tip. Tasted it.“You find me beautiful?”“Yes, yes, so very beautiful! Most beautiful. Perfect. Your cock is so very smooth and hot, you taste divine...”, he mumbled, before he actually opened his mouth wide enough to do, what Dream had demanded. He sucked him in. Licking down the shaft with his tongue and thus was unable to pursue him any further. At least with words. But he wanted him, to feel it. To feel loved, worshipped, admired, adored! So he showed him. With his mouth. Closed his eyes, to focus on the task, to take him in all the way, to dwell in the feeling.“Hnnh....”, Morpheus moaned, as he swallowed him down, worshipped him, pleased him.Which encouraged Hob even further. He wanted him to feel good. So very good. So he started caressing his thighs, while he moved his head up and down, circling the tip of his penis with the tongue, then sucking him in again.“Hob... Hob, Hob....”, the black-haired groaned, voice so raspy, so erotic. And he was chanting his name, like a prayer. Hand grabbing his strands tightly. Like he was holding on to him. The other one was buried in his black shirt.“Hrnn....”, Hob made, nodding his head, while still sucking him. Trying to encourage him to use his hand. To lead him, without letting go, stopping what he was doing.But somehow, Morpheus seemed to understand. Dragged him almost off his hardness, before pushing forward, shoving his penis back into his mouth. Deep into his throat. And Hob hummed in delight, trying to suppress the urge to gag.“Hob, Hob, yes....”, the black-haired moaned and pushed him even further, as his whole body started shivering.Hob felt it in his body before he tasted it in his mouth. Dream came. Whole body trembling, as he released in his mouth, still holding him tight, making it to breathe, but Hob could not care less. This was beautiful. Wonderful. Dream felt good. So very good. And this made Hob feel good.“Thank you...”, Morpheus sighed and went limp. Let go of him and leaned back. A very happy puddle of Dream sprawled across the sofa.Hob wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. Still kneeling on the floor. Looking up at him. Lopsided grin on his face.“Can I touch you?”, he asked carefully, voice hoarse. But well, he had had a penis in his mouth just seconds ago.“Yessss...”, Morpheus whispered, tongue heavy. He really seemed relaxed. Blissed out.So Hob smiled at him. Stroked through his hair. Caressing his cheek.“You are so beautiful...”, he whispered. “So very lovely.... Perfect...”“You... Really do think that...”“Of course!”“You... Worship me?”“I do. I will. In every way you wish...”, he told him.“You really are a strange person, Hob Gadling...”, Morpheus mumbled. Leaning into the touch.“I know...”“Will you need to relieve yourself?”“I... It’s fine. I’ll go into the bathroom later. It’s not urgent”, Hob assured him with a smile.“You... Can do it now. I want to watch you...”“Okay? You sure?”“I want to watch you...”, the black-haired repeated. Looked at him. Still relaxed. Curiosity in his eyes.“Yes. Fine. Like that, or do you want me to undress?”“Take off your shirt...”“As you wish...”, Hob smiled and pulled off his shirt immediately. Then opened his fly and took out his very hard, almost aching prick.“Show me, how you do it...”, Morpheus demanded.And Hob did. Smile still on his face, he wrapped his fingers around himself and stroked up and down. Leaned back slightly, so Dream had a better view.While he pumped his own dick with one hand, while he used the other to stroke his chest, let his fingers run through his chest hair, blue eyes following the movement. Mesmerized.“What do you want, love? What should I do?”, Hob asked, feeling his own orgasm already approaching. But he held back. Waited for, for whatever. For Dream.“Come. Coat your chest with your emissions...”, the black-haired demanded and Hob just did. He moaned out loud and came. Grabbed his penis tight, as his sperm emerged, covered his chest and caught in his chest hair.Breathing heavily, smiled up to his guest. Morpheus leaned forward. Head tilted. He reached out with one hand and stroked through his chest hair. Collected his sperm on his hand, before pulling back, looking at his now wet hand. Obviously still captivated by the view.“Well, sorry. Guess, you expected more?”, Hob asked, apologetically. Watched him.“No. You were perfect...”, Dream told him, then brought his hand to his face and licked it. Cleaned it from his semen, like a cat liking its paw. Thoroughly and unexpectedly content.“Fuck, you’re so beautiful...”, Hob just whispered. Not sure, what else to tell him. Unable to take his eyes off him.“I... Like it this way...”, Morpheus said, still licking his hand.“You can have, whatever you like....”“I want control. And I like you serving me. It feels good, to be adored...”, he told him. Finally dropping the now clean hand. Then he stretched. And Hob’s mind just supplied ‘cat, cat, cat!’ in a very loud, repetitive voice.“I can do that. Have it. Let me adore you, I’ll even worship you. You deserve all that...”“I want to cuddle...”“Yes, just a second...”, Hob replied immediately, already on his feet, to righten his trousers, then he started looking for his shirt. Not sure, whether he should wipe himself clean or just put it back on.“Stay like this. Just come here. I want to lick your chest...”He had no idea, where that had come from, but who was he, to complain? Dream wanted this and of course he was willing to give. He was healthy, according to recent test results, and Dream was, too. So, he could not care less, when he wanted to lick his semen off his chest. So he got back onto the sofa and immediately Morpheus was lying on him, cheek rested against his chest. In his wet chest hair. And then, the black-haired started licking through the hair, absent-mindedly. And Hob suddenly was very certain, that he wanted this. Whatever this was. Or would become. Just this. Just lying here, having Morpheus with him. A few days later, Hob got an unexpected call, just as he was replying to one of Lucienne’s emails regarding a meeting coming up in a few days. He was sitting in his office, while Dream was sprawled across the sofa in the living room, book in his hands, quiet music playing in the background. Just the way he had come to like it.“Jo?”“Hey, can you two come to the shop? Like, now?”, his friend greeted him.“Yes? Probably. Why?”, he asked. Confused.“Jessamy came by and I’m just offering her a cuppa. Maybe you want to join? She’s not in a hurry?”“Give me half an hour!”“I got biscuits. So, move your ass, I’ll entertain the old Lady”, Jo said, then just hung up on him. And suddenly the email was so utterly and completely irrelevant. Hob was on his feet on an instant, then left the room.“Morpheus?”, he called out, then scolded himself. Too loud, too panicked. So he toned it down. “Hey, could you finish the book?”, he tried again, more gentle, as he stepped into the living room.“What is happening?”, the black-haired asked, staring at him. Torn between confusion and panic. But not with that horror in his eyes.“You want to meet Jessamy?”, Hob asked, barely hiding his excitement.“Yes!”, Dream gasped. Panic turning into mild shock. That was better. Safer.“She’s at Jo’s store. Are you ready to head out?”“I... Yes!”, he replied with a nod, closed his book and placed in on the table. Then he got up. “I want to meet her.”“Good. We’ll need to hurry. Are you okay with that?”“Yes. I can manage”, Dream said. Twenty minutes later – almost ten spent alone on finding a free parking space – both men entered a dusty old store, building itself just as antique, as its interior.“Jo?”, Hob called out, as the doorbell announced their arrival. He was excited. Could barely restrain himself from fidgeting, but Morpheus looked nervous. Insecure. So he held back. Tried his best, to just be calm, to calm him.“Took you quite a while!”, Jo’s voice called over from somewhere being the counter. From the backroom. Because, well, every slightly shady antique shop had to had a backroom. “Did you bring the boy?!”“He’s not a boy!”, Hob corrected her, gently holding Morpheus’ hand, as he walked around the heavy wooden counter with the old register – probably survived minimum one war, he suspected – to get to where her voice was coming from.Well, the backroom was not as shady, as anticipated. Actually it was a quite cosy room with two old plush sofas and an armchair. Small table places between them. Right now carrying two cups of tea, a kettle and a bowls with biscuits. An old fashioned foldable walker standing next to the occupied sofa. Johanna Constantine was sitting in the armchair, like she owned that place – well, she did! – and smiled brightly, as she noticed them entering.“Finally! Get your ass over here, sit!”, she ordered them and Hob and Dream did. Sat down on the sofa. “Tea?”Hob nodded and she pulled two more cups from wherever – apparently out of nowhere – and placed them in front of them. The teakettle was standing over a small candle. She took it and poured him a cup. Then paused to observe Dream, who was sitting there, gate lowered, hands on his knees, not quite looking at the old Lady sitting opposite them.The brunette took a sip of tea. Swallowed it. Then passed his cup to his guest. Wordlessly he accepted. Now holding a cup, instead of his knee.“I’ll take another one”, Hob explained and Jo poured him one more cup, which he drank from again.“So, you’re cautious...”, she voiced her observation. “Always a good idea. You didn’t watch me preparing the tea, after all...”, she added with a smile. While shooting Hob a ‘what happened to him?!’ glare he could not quite answer without words. Well, she already knew a few things. So she could just put them together, herself. He would not just tell her everything.“It’s not too hot, thank you for your care, Jo. Oh, where are my manners, I am so sorry, Ma’am, my name’s Robert Gadling, Hob. It’s a pleasure to meet you!”, he then remembered his upbringing, well actually just basic manners, and introduced himself to the woman sitting on the other sofa, turning to her.She was not an ‘old Lady’, as Jo had called her. Maybe in her fifties, but if anyone would have claimed, she was still in her forties, no one would doubt that. She had a tired face. Not many wrinkles, but she did look exhausted. She wore a black scarf around her head, a white blouse and a black long skirt. Her skin was almost as pale, as Dream’s, but looked thinner. When he looked closely, he could see the blue vanes under her almost transparent skin.“Robert Gadling, is it?”, she asked. Her voice was a little hoarse and reminded him of a bird. A crow maybe? Raven?“Yes, Ma’am!”, he nodded. Suddenly feeling very nervous. That woman was probably as close to family to Morpheus, as things would get. And he wanted to make a good impression. He hoped, he had not screwed up, by now.“Just call me Jessamy. Everyone does. Always had. So you’re the young lad, that is currently taking care of young master Morpheus?”, she asked, looking him up and down.“Yes, Ma’a- Jessamy!”, he replied. And felt the black-haired tensing up next to him. The cup in his hand was shaking. His grip tight. So Hob gently took it from him and placed in on the table. Then he put his hand on top of his. Just so he could feel him. His hand was cold, unlike Hob’s own. He always had warm hands.“Do you want to leave?”, he gently asked the younger man. Because they were not obligated to stay. Especially not, when Dream was not feeling good. And he wanted him to be comfortable.“No... I just...”, the black-haired started talking. Slowly raising his gaze. Looking up, at the woman. “I am sorry....”, he told her. Then went silent again. Stared on his knees.“Morpheus, you... You don’t have to apologise to me, my boy”, she smiled at him, voice becoming even more fragile. Hob was sure, he saw tears well up in her eyes. “You didn’t do anything wrong. I, I understand, that you didn’t want to stay. Just... We never heard of you...”“Are you disappointed?”, Dream asked.“I am not. Or rather, I actually am. In myself. I should have gone, looking for you....”, she whispered, voiced her regret.“My parents did not allow that, I assume? Like they did with Olethros?”“I tried to ask around, but... I had to give up, as soon as they got word of it... I quit a year after you were gone without a trace, but I couldn’t do anything at all...”“I know already, you no longer work for the household...”Silence. For a moment, no one dared to speak. Morpheus and Jessamy just looked at each other. Well, Morpheus not quite, he just stared into the middle distance.“May I ask... What happened? You... You’ve grown....”, she forced herself to ask.“I... Was relocated, shortly after I left. There was no way, to just find me. And I only was able to leave this predicament a few weeks ago... I have been gone for six years. It is only natural, to change... You changed, too...”, Morpheus explained.“Oh, yes. Sorry, I didn’t explain. You know me looking quite different, I forgot...”, she told him with a sad sigh.“Your black hair is all gone. I assume, it must be a form of cancer?”, he concluded, now actually looking at her. Like, he finally could, when it was about her. Not about him.“You’re right. You’ve always been a sharp boy. Man. You’re a man now, I’m sorry. I’ve been diagnosed about a year ago. But it’s already too late. Hardly a thing I can do any more, you see? Ibid my farewell to your siblings already. I am glad, I could meet you, before... Before...”, she whispered. Now unable to hold back her tears. “I’m the one, who should apologise, Morpheus. I should have done so much more. I didn’t care enough, when you were still with us and could not bring myself to disobey your parents, when you were gone. I have no right, to seek your forgiveness, young master, but... But please know, I am sorry. I deeply regret, I left you alone...”, she added, voice broken.“You... Did as you were told. I can hardly hold you accountable for obeying orders. I do not think, there is a thing to forgive. Nothing you could have done, would have spared me from what I went through...”, Morpheus told her. Turning the hand under Hob’s, to properly hold the warmer, bigger, more comfortable one. To have his held.“Oh, young master, you... Thank you for trying to assure me, but, I know I messed this up. There are so many things, I shouldn’t have done. And things I should have...”“Stop it, Jessamy. It is alright. You need not have regrets, regarding my predicament... You can die without regrets”, he told her.“Thank you, young master....”, she sobbed and tried to wipe her tears with a handkerchief she had produced from one of her pockets. “Is there, can I do anything for you? Do you need something?”“Indeed I wish to acquire some information, Jessamy. Are you willing to tell me about my siblings? I understand, your information may not be recent, but... How are they?”, he wanted to know, apparently not touched by her emotional outbreak. By her tears. But Hob had the feeling, that was not true at all. That Morpheus indeed was deeply touched by learning his former caretaker was about to die. There was just no solution. Nothing he could do, to change it. So he had just accepted that fact. Like he had easily accepted anything he could not immediately change. Yes, that seemed likely. Like a very Dream-like thing to do. A thing, someone who held no power, no control, would do.“I, yes, of course, young master. I will. Tell you, all I know. Just, just give me a moment”, she explained.“Take your time. Drink some tea, if that calms you. I can wait until then...” Jessamy nodded. Actually emptied her teacup, while Hob and Jo just remained silent. It was not their conversation to have . They had no right, to speak up. Jo just quietly refilled all their cups. Which was very unusual, because getting her to shut up was usually almost impossible, as far as Hob was aware.After a pause, a long moment in which Jessamy collected herself, she actually started taking. She explained how most of his siblings had actually cut ties with their parents, only Potmos, the oldest of them still had a good and steady relationship with them, resulting in his distance to the others.Teleute, Dream’s older sister, had formally rejected the family’s inheritance and title and was running a quite successful funeral home, after finishing her pathology doctor’s degree. Jo noted, that she actually knew the young woman, since she also was a regular at her shop, then fell silent again.Epithumia and Aponoia had hit the road on their eighteenth birthday. Jessamy did not know much about them, only that they seemed fine, though she suspected, something shady was going on with the two of them. Rather from experience, than from actual knowledge.Del was a fully grown punk girl now, living in her school’s dormitory, after successfully demanding access to public education. She was currently not in London, but when she visited, she would stay at Teleute’s home. Jessamy chuckled, as she told them, that she preferred actual corpses to her home.Hattie had left the house, when Del had gone to school at age sixteen. No one knew exactly, what she was doing, but she always seemed to know, when Del was in town and invited her for tea, celebrating her unbirthday every time.“That sounds... Lovely...”, Morpheus mumbled, after Jessamy had ended her explanations, fallen silent again. Expecting his judgement. An almost smile was playing around his lips.“The Endless mansion is currently empty...”, the woman said.“It had been, even with all of us living there. Nothing much has changed...”, he told her.“You’re not wrong... Again, I’m very sorry. I should have done better. For all of you...”“You are neither a parent, nor a guardian. You have taken that responsibility upon yourself, though it was never yours to take...”, Morpheus explained to her.“Thank you. That’s very kind of you, young master. But I know, I have failed you...”“You have not, Jessamy. You have done your best. I do not hold a grudge against you...”“You’d have every right to...”“Though I do not. You can find your peace. I assume, you are spending your last months at home?”, Dream told her straight away.“Weeks. Rather weeks. The cancer has already spread through my whole body. I’m considered untreatable. Already got everything sorted out, to be honest. I’m actually quite surprised, I made it here today. It’s a good day for me...”, Jessamy admitted.“I am glad, too. You would have wanted to see me once more, I assume?”“Of course!”“They, you can rest in peace, when your time comes. For you need not have any regrets regarding my situation...”, he told her with what came pretty close to a gentle smile. And it felt like, he had given her absolution with his words.Hob did not know much about that woman. Actually nothing at all. Just heard a few sentences about her relationship to Morpheus, and yet he had the feeling, she was truly happy, hearing those words, cruel as they might sounded to an outsider.They fell silent once again. Quietly ate the biscuits and drank the tea. Then, Jessamy finally got up from the sofa, hands shaking as she sat up, reached for her walker, that was resting at the side of the sofa. Hob immediately got up with her, to help. He unfolded it and helped her, grab the handles. Now finally understanding, why Johanna had referred to her as an old Lady.“Shall I bring you around? I brought my car!”, he offered, as she made her first steps. She suddenly did not only seem pale, fragile, but actually years older, than her face would give away. Moving slowly, like he had only seen his late mother-in-law doing, shortly before her time had come. An unpleasant memory, but suddenly so vivid, like it had not been in ages. This really was a dying person. Not a sick one, but a terminally ill person.“Thank you, that’s very kind, Robert Gadling, but I want to walk by myself, as long as I can. I want to just take in the streets, once more...”, she smiled at him.“So, you won’t let me call you a cab?”, Jo sighed, looking at her.“I don’t need a cab, Ms. Constantine. I’ll just take my time. I’ve spend years hurrying, matching timetables and appointments, I think, I deserve, to take my time....”, Jessamy said.“Farewell, Jessamy....”, Morpheus told her, again with that strange smile. And Hob had the suspicion, that it really was a farewell. That Morpheus was aware. For whatever reason. He could not explain it with words, he just knew.Slowly, but steadily Jessamy walked out of the backroom. Jo followed after a while, exchanging a few more words with her. Then, she returned and just dropped herself into the armchair, with a loud groan. She lay there for a moment, then got up again, walked over to a cabinet opened it, took out a bottle of amber liquid. She pulled herself a gracious amount a d emptied it in one go, then she resumed her position.“I got questions. Actually I don’t even know, where to start...”, she complained. “What the fuck did you get yourself into, Hobsy?”, she then added, glaring at him, like the circumstances were his personal fault.“Jo, could you just, just keep your mouth shut for a minute?”, he replied, exasperated. Then turned his attention to Dream. “Will you be alright?”, he asked in his most gentle voice.“She will die. There is nothing to be done about that...”“I know. Usually people still grieve, though they can’t change a thing. Or maybe, because? Because you regret, that you couldn’t do a thing. You wish things to change....”“This would not change a thing. You said, you grieved, when you lost those most dear to you. What does it feel like?”, Morpheus asked. Honest interest in his voice.Johanna opened her mouth to interfere, interrupt their conversation. But did not. Because Hob raised his hand, gesturing at her to remain silent.“It hurts. It hurt a lot, when I learned, they died. And even more, when I could not tell myself any longer, that this had been a mistake, that is was not them. That the police confused the phone numbers or something. Seeing them both actually felt, like my chest got ripped open and my heart taken out. I cried. And did stupid things, just to not feel the pain. But... It didn’t really work...”“Did it... Stop? The pain...”, Morpheus asked, placing his hand on his chest. Over his heart.“Do you remember, what you told me about the aching from the withdrawal? How the pain became dull, but did not vanish? I think, it is like that. It still hurts to think about it, but it became better over time. I got used to it...”“Do you think, I will get used to having lost a person dear to me?”, he wondered, tilting his head in this now familiar way, like he was trying to understand.“She’s not yet dead, you know?”, Jo interrupted them, but was ignored.“Eventually. Everyone grieves differently. Some do not, at all... Some just go home, eat a ton of ice cream, watch a silly movie and curl up under the blankets. Some go and smash things. Totally different reactions to the same thing...”, Hob explained gently.“I... Think, I would like the ice cream solution...”, Morpheus mumbled.“Shall we go home, then? I think, we bought a big cup that one time? There is a quite okayish movie version of pride and prejudice, I happen to have on DVD?”, the brunette suggested. And the other man nodded. They both got up quietly, said their goodbyes to Jo and just left. It took her a moment, to process what had happened and Hob only caught parts of a one-sided phone call in which she described both of them as minimum mental. Probably absolutely crazy. But he did not care.He wanted to take care of Morpheus. Morpheus, who as carrying so many emotions, but did not show one at all. Who seemed cold, but actually had felt so much pain, that it had just turned into indifference at some point.He got them both into the car and drive them home. There was a sofa waiting for them. And maybe later or tomorrow or whenever he would reply to Lucienne’s email. It was nothing important anyway. Not even two weeks later, Jessamy was dead. Jo had called him, to tell him the news. She had learned, because all her furniture was given to her, to sell or keep or throw away. She had never expected for it to come that fast. But as Jessamy had told them, things had been taken care of. Her cats had new homes, her small flat already had someone taking over and even the transporter for the furniture had already been ordered.She told Hob the date of the funeral. And that they were invited. Jessamy had not had many friends, apparently. And, well, she also passed him the address of the funeral home, before just hanging up, once again, voice unusually restrained. So she was not only able to feel rage and exasperation.He passed that information to Morpheus. And again, they spent the whole day on the couch with sweets and cuddles. The black-haired did not shed a tear, but he expressed that he was sad. But glad that she had just died in her sleep, not feeling any pain at all. He did not wish her to suffer.“I... Want to see her...”, Dream expressed after hours of just lying on top of an almost naked Hob. He himself had remained fully clothed. But that was fine. When it comforted him, everything, anything was fine.“You want to go to the funeral?”“Yes. That, too. But I wish to pay my respect to her corpse...”, Morpheus explained.“Ah, I see. Yes, she should be laid out at the funeral home, until then. As far as I know, you could visit her....”, Hob tried to recall. Yes, he remembered, he had had the chance to see them again before the service but since there had not been much to see and the mortician did not have much chance to get his beloved presentable, he had not really seen them before. Not like that. Like in the movies.“I want that. Is that... Appropriate?”“I think, it is. I mean, she didn’t have any actual family. And you were living with her for years... That should count...”“Will you... Come with me?”“I... I think, it’ll be fine. Can do that. It’s, I mean, it’s not the same address as back then. I...”“Will it hurt you, to visit a place like this?”“I... Thought about it. But it should be fine. I mean, I visit them on the graveyard every now and then and... Yes, I’ll go with you. I’m a grown up man. I think, I can handle it”, Gob tried to explain. Not yet sure what exactly he was explaining.“Are you... Sure?”“Yes. Let’s go there, tomorrow. ‘Death and associates’ sounds like quite a nice place, to be honest. Usually they have more, well, more traditional names...”“I... See?” The next day, Hob drove them to the funeral home. A small business, located right next to a quite large cemetery, just outside the city centre. It was fairly easy to find a parking spot right in front of the building, so they stood in front of the doors unexpectedly early. They were closed. No actual doorbell visible, just an old door knocker in the shape of an gargoyle face, holding the heavy ring in it’s mouth. So, with a shrug, he used it. Knocked loudly, then waited, because he could not just try to open the door. That seemed impolite. Since there was no sign announcing, they were even open.They had to wait for almost a minute, then they heard a key turning and the heavy door opened.“We’re still closed. Dude, check the website, you should ring, before just showing up!”, a person, a young girl with wild hair featuring all colours of the rainbow and some more, informed him, as she opened.“I’m really sorry, Miss. I wasn’t aware. We would like to visit a, a customer of yours?”, Hob explained a little helplessly.“Usually our customers don’t expect visitors...”, she replied, yawning.“Oh, yeah, sorry, but, well, we really wanted to see her, you see?”“Usually you need to make an appointment, Mister...”“Then, can I make an appointment?”, he asked.“Yes. You can.”“Then, when could we come and visit?”“Uh, let me check the calendar...”, she said, pulling out her phone, scrolling down on the screen. “We have time, right now...”“Then, could we come in?”“You need to make an appointment first...”“What? Err, okay, then I’d like to make an appointment for right now. Does that work?”“Certainly. I just need to write down your information. Who would you like to see and what’s and name?”, she asked, still looking at her phone.“We would like to visit Jessamy Ravenfield. My name’s Robert Gadling”, he told her.“You said ‘we’. Who is with you on your ‘right now’ appointment?”“He. Errm, a family friend of hers”, Hob tried to explain gesturing at Morpheus, who was standing next to him, quietly observing their strange interaction.“I need to write down a name for our documentation, Mister. When the police asks, who was here, we need to be able to tell them”, the girl explained.“Hey, what’s taking you so long? Any problems?”, a significantly older female voice called from behind her and footsteps approached.“Not at all, sis, I just need to get that guy’s name, so they can visit Jessamy!”, the girl told the woman stepping up behind her. The big sister, as hob supposed. The older woman had a warm smile on her face and very curly black hair. Her skin was much darker than the pale girl’s freckled one.“Someone wants to visit Jessamy?”, she asked, carefully. Opening the door further, so she could properly see their visitors.“Ah, yes, sorry to show up unannounced. I didn’t know, we need an appointment”, hob explained with an apologetic smile. But she did not look at him. Instead, her eyes were fixed on this companion.“Morpheus Endless. To see you again, what a surprise....”, she addressed him.“Ah, so now I can write down th- wait?! Morpheus?!”, the girl mumbled, typing at her phone, before she actually flinched and just dropped the device, staring at the black-haired man.“I... Need to go...”, was Morpheus reply and he grabbed the hem of Hob’s sleeve. Tightly. Like he was holding onto it, for good.“Hey, okay, we can go. Right away!”, Hob reacted immediately, turning to him with a gentle smile.“Oh no! You won’t just run away, Morpheus! Get your ass over here!”, the older woman, probably a few years younger than Hob, and definitely a decade older than Dream, called out, stopping every attempt at movement, before they even could have gotten started.“I... Do not think, this is a good idea...”, Morpheus said, but did not move a millimetre.“Oh yes, it is. You just showed up at my doorstep after fucking six years of death silence! You’re coming in! Delly, go, fetch us some tea!”, the woman demanded. No, it was not a demand. It was an order.And in response, Morpheus nodded, still holding onto Hob’s sleeve, while the girl hurried inside, phone still lying on the ground. The woman picked it up and shoved it into her pocket, while shaking her head with a smile. Then she stepped aside.“Come in, please”, she said, now much gentler.And they did. Morpheus stayed half a step behind Hob, like he was attempting to hide, but followed. She lead them through an entrance hall, up the stairs and into a small, cosy office. The girl was already in there, standing next to a shelf with an electric kettle and a coffee maker on it.Morpheus was still holding onto Hob’s sleeve, as the woman gestured for them to sit down on the sofa. They complied.“I don’t know, what to say, actually. Where have you been, all these years?”, she asked, taking a seat opposite them.“I... Have been indisposed...”, the black-haired told her, after she stated into his soul for about two minutes straight.“Indisposed, my ass. I completely get, why you left, but couldn’t you at least have called or so? Just an ‘I’m fine’ would’ve been enough! I was worried to death!”, she told him.“I... Was not fine...”, he replied. And Hob felt him starting to shake. So he placed his free hand on his, that was still holding his sleeve, like his life depended on it. In attempt to soothe him.“You... Were not?”, the woman repeated, one eyebrow raised. “Elaborate?”“I... Have been held captive for most of the years. I was just recently able to leave my predicament...”, Dream told her. Voice calm, but Hob knew him, had learnt to read him. In the past weeks, so he was well aware, he was not calm at all. He was still figuring out, what was going on, but he had an idea. An assumption. Probably those two were Dream’s sisters? The mortician and the punk?“You, what?!”, the woman asked and her face turning into a grimace of shock, worry and disbelief, all at once.“I have been unable to reach out. And after six years, it did not seem appropriate, to contact you...”“Morpheus, are you serious? You’re an idiot, really! You could have, anytime!”, she replied, shaking her head. Now it was mostly worry on her face. “What happened?”“I do not wish to elaborate. I am able to choose my whereabouts freely right now and thus, would consider saying, I am fine”, he told her.The girl placed teacups in front of them, then sat down next to the woman, looking from one face to another.“Then, our brother is back?”, she asked, reaching out for one of the cups. Like the former conversation had not happened. Or she had not understood.“I am...”“Will you leave again?”“I do not intend, to...”“Where are you staying? Can I visit you?”, she wanted to know. Tilting her head curiously. It looked like the more open version of what he used to do.“I...”, Morpheus hesitated. Looking at Hob. Cautiously.“Of course. Your sisters can visit anytime. Ah, wait, my address, yes...”, Hob assured him, then noticed, that he had never actually told him his living address, they had always just walked there or driven, so he had never needed to say it out loud. And immediately, he felt bad for it. So he told it to them, where he lived. Where they lived.“So, he’s staying with you?”, the woman asked, one eyebrow raised. “And you are?”She was definitely younger, than him, but he felt her piercing gaze and shrunk into himself, feeling like a schoolboy, who got accused of cheating.“Robert Gadling!”, the girl supplied helpfully.“Yes, hi, nice to meet you. Robert Gadling, thirty eight years old, literature professor at the university, widower, in case you want to look me up. I had an unused spare room and offered...”“You just offered a room to my – I suppose – homeless little brother?”, the woman wanted to know. Sceptically. Like she did not believe a word he said. And definitely questioned his motives. Hell, he would do the same! This whole thing was suspicious and he definitely did not act as noble as he would have liked to proclaim.“I did!”, he just said, lamely.“Out of pure charity? From the depth of your heart? Without any, let’s and say, expectations?”“I offered my body to him. But he refused to let me pay for what he provided in that way...”, Dream stepped in. Explained their current predicament in short, precise words.“You, what?!”, the woman – supposedly Teleute – asked again, staring at her brother now.“Hob Gadling has been nothing but kind to me, since I first encountered him. I... Have done things one would not mention at a family gathering, but he never demanded anything from me, though I insisted”, he explained.“So, you trust him?”, she wanted to know, while the girl fished for her phone, that was sticking out of Teleute’s pocket. Managed to retrieve it and started staring at the display. Again not following the conversation, as it seemed.“I do.”“Okay? If you say so... So? You’re with him, now?”“I am...”“And, then? I mean, what do you wanna do?”“Heal...”, Morpheus just told her. Leaning closer to Hob. Like he needed to feel his warmth. Immediately the brunette turned towards him, so he could rest his side against his chest. Hob could not hide a smile, observing him feeling this comfortable. Upon hearing him sigh and feel him relax.“Heal? I see....”, Teleute mumbled.“Is it okay, if I say a few things, Dream?”, Hob asked carefully, not wanting to overstep. This was a family matter, after all.“Do so.”“I, I think, he really needs some time to settle. But I’m sure, he’ll find something to pursue, later on. He can’t just start a job out of nowhere, at the moment. He’s been gone for six years and doesn’t actually have any documentation on hand... Besides, right now there are still too many things going on...”, he tried to explain. “And he won’t go back living with you people...”“Us people?”, Teleute asked.“You left him alone. All of you. No one actually searched for him. And as it seems, when he was still living with you, no one really cared for him either. Just take a look at him, listen to him. He’s not your average young man!”, Hob tried to explain patiently. Because, well, he was angry. She was obviously much older than Dream. Had been an adult, when he left. She could have searched for him. He would have, no matter what, if he only had known, there was that little kitten caught in the glass bowl, hidden from public view. If only he had known! He would have come for him! He would have found a way to save him!“How dare you?!”, she said, glaring at him.But Hob did not care, because Morpheus was turning, leaning into him, against his chest and automatically, he wrapped his arms around him protectively. Held him safe and warm.“He suffered. All his life, he was alone. People didn’t care. Awful things happened. And you never did a thing to prevent it. And now you have the audacity to be angry at him for leaving? You dare to want to meddle with his life, only now? Where have you been this past twenty years?”, he accused her, voice much calmer, than he actually felt. But he had Morpheus in his arms. He could not startle him by shouting at her.“You? You have no idea, what you’re talking about! How long do you know him? What do you know about our family?!”, Teleute hissed at him.Del just minded her own business, captivated by her phone, like the whole conversation going on around her was not even happening.“I have absolutely no idea, that’s right. I have no idea, what’s going on in your sick family, but I see him. I see how he is. And this is not only six years, this is the result of lifelong negligence and abuse! He left, because he could not endure this any longer. And stumbled into even worse circumstances. Don’t you think, it’s been enough? Don’t you think, he deserves better? That he should just be happy?”, Hob told the older sister. Held Dream just a little tighter, gently stroking through his wild black hair.“You... Who are you?!”, Teleute demanded to know, once again.“I told you, already. Please, look me up. Use whatever connections you might have. I am Robert Gadling. And I just care!”She did not reply immediately. Just stared at him. At both of them. Morpheus’ face was buried deep in his shirt, while he took deep, steady breathes. Obviously taking in the physical contact, the warmth.“Say, Robert Gadling...”, she sighed after minutes of silence. Of just observing, just comforting.“Yes?”“Do you sleep with my brother?”, she wanted to know.He swallowed. Then nodded. Because he would not lie about that. Keep it a secret. Because that would make Dream a secret. A dirty little secret. And Dream was not. He was so much more. So much better! “I do.”“Thought so...”They fell silent again, while he caressed the black-haired. Gently soothed him with his body. With his warmth.“Do you love my brother?”, she then asked, once again.“I do.”“Fine. Seems like actually something good happened to my poor little baby brother...”, she sighed, lips curling up, into a smile, eyes still on the shock of messy black hair.“He deserves more than good...”, Hob whispered, and he meant it. Her smile went wider and she nodded.“He does. But are you sure, you can give it to him? You’re a university professor, you said? Can you actually give him, what he needs?”“I don’t know. But I try to give to him, what he wants...”“I see... So you’re here, because he wanted...?”, she inquired, now much warmer, friendlier, than before. Less hostile.“Jessamy. They wanted to visit Jessamy!”, Del announced, like she had followed their conversation. Had she? Hard to tell, actually.“Right. Dream wanted to see her, before the funeral...““You call him Dream?”, Teleute wanted to know.“He... Yes?”, Hob made, not sure, what to say. After all, that had been the name Morpheus had given him, when he had asked for shelter in exchange for sex. The name had just stuck. And the younger man had never voiced any discomfort upon being called ‘Dream’. Even after they had gotten closer than that.“That was his nickname, when he was still so small. Because he was always in his books, making up stories. Haven’t heard it in over fifteen years...”, she told him.“Oh... I didn’t know...”“I like the sound of it. You are allowed to continue calling me Dream...”, a muffled, but still very deep voice claimed from its spot on his chest.“Are you sure?”“I am. You can call me your Dream...”“Okay, if you insist...”, Hob smiled, ruffling his hair.“I really want to know, what happened in the past years. You don’t need to tell me now, but maybe one day?”, Teleute sighed. “Do you still want to see Jessamy?”, she then redirected the topic.“I do.”, Dream told her, still not leaving his spot.“I’ll bring you to her. You can take your time. If you’re done, you can just go. Or come back to the office. Whichever. Is that okay with you, Morpheus?”, she told him.“Yes.”“You’ll have to come with me, for this?”, she said. Implying, that he might rather leave his spot for now. But she was not demanding. Her voice was actually quite soft. Like she was talking to a cat. Hob knew that tone. Knew it very well.And Dream nodded. Reluctantly extracted himself from Hob’s arms and got up. The older man following right away. After Morpheus had just stared at the dead body for an hour, he had finally whispered a very small “I am sorry...” to her. Then, he had turned to Hob, who had just waited, a few steps behind him. And then, they had left. Without a word. Because for now Dream had no more words to say. And that was fine. Hob would not force him.At home, Dream had demanded to be served by him. To be loved. And... To be held. To feel Hob with every centimetre of his body. To have him on and around and in him for hours, just lying there. Just feeling. With no hurry, no primal lust, just the need to feel. To be held.And Hob gladly provided. Gave, what he was able to give. In every way, Morpheus demanded. Loved him, showed him, he cared, in a way, his body would understand. Because words were not enough. Words were never enough for Morpheus. He needed to be shown. He needed to feel.This, Hob had learned by now. And he would do, what he demanded in every way he could. In the past weeks, he had given him all the control he needed. Had let Dream do with him and his body, as he pleased. Had let him take him, use him all he liked. Let Dream enter him, feel him, subdue him. Had loved every second of it, so of course he would let him use him like a giant blanket for now. And if that blanket needed fill Morpheus’ insides, so he was content, then Hob would do this just as well. The funeral was not even a week later. And Dream went. With Hob. Aware, that he would meet his siblings again. Maybe more than just the two sisters. And his suspicions were confirmed at the service.There were not many guests. Some neighbours, Jo and... Well, and the siblings. Two more of the Endless family, that Hob did not know, but would guess, were the twins, Dream had mentioned before.One was female presenting and was crying all the time. She was almost twice the size of her twin though they were the same height. While both of them were blonde, they could not look more different. The other twin was... They were slender, objectively beautiful, though not really meeting the beauty standards of any gender.During the ceremony, they were shooting the pastor hot gazes, making the poor man blush more than once at very inappropriate times. Which was... Confusing.But Morpheus had enlightened him at some point, told him that Epithumia indeed had always been a very sexual person, as far as he remembered, even when they were still only thirteen. That he could very well imagine, that they had embraced that side of theirs even further in the past years. After they had buried Jessamy, the other twin, Aponoia, approached them, eyes still red from crying. An experienced look at her wrists, that she had covered with sweatbands under her long sleeves – a thing people did not actually do in the middle of August – told Hob, that she must have things going on.“You came back, brother”, she greeted Morpheus in a very monotone, unenthusiastic voice.“You... Do not look good...”, the black-haired just replied.“I know. I gained a few kilos again. And the other things... But Epithumia got me dressed and showered for this...”“That is... A good thing?”“It is. My therapist said, that every step outside is a win...”“I see. So, you are getting help?”“As much, as I can. I... I live with it, now. I even manage Epithumia’s website”, she explained. Rubbing one wrist with her hand.“You do?”“I do. I even keep track of their appointments. Having a schedule helps both of us...”“I see... Where...?”, Dream asked, looking around the graveyard, but was unable to spot his sibling. Neither did Hob. He had not seen them since the pastor had finished his speech.“They are probably having a good time with the pastor. They always had a thing for people of the church...”, Aponoia explained with a shrug.“Oh...”“At a funeral?”, Hob asked, not quite believing he had understood this correctly.“They are an opportunist. Maybe he will bring new cash? And if not, they had a good time...”“So... You both are doing... Fine? Given the circumstances?”, Dream wanted to know.“They are very fine. Having the time of their life. And the cash flows. We both want to try university next semester. We already applied. The therapist said, it’s a good idea, to see people. And if not, there are online courses, I can take. Epithumia plans on increasing their body count immensely on campus...”, the woman told him.“What’re you going to study?”, Hob asked, before he could hold himself back.“I applied for nutrition science and Epithumia is aiming for gender studies. Are you ‘our big brother’s little pet’?”, she said, looking at the professor.“I suppose, this is what Epithumia called him, upon learning from Teleute?”, Morpheus assumed.“Right. Is that not true?”, Aponoia asked, nervously rubbing the sweatband over her skin.“He is called Hob Gadling. He is... Someone dear to me...”, he then introduced Hob and the brunette could not help but blush. Hart skipping a beat at the description. Because, yes, he very much wanted to be someone dear to him!“I see...”, she replied with the hint of a smile, before she just walked off.“Is she... Alright?*“She will not end her life, if that is, what you mean. Her twin will ensure that much...”“Oh...” As the weeks passed and Hob’s schedule started filling more and more, he spent more time at the office at university. Sometimes he brought Morpheus with him, so he could explore the literature department’s library, while he was busy grading essays and working on timetables for the upcoming semester. Because the young man was starting to get bored at home and refused to just go out in his own. And he could not just ask Jo to watch him like some child.Lucienne was instantly smitten by that well-read young man and of course granted him access to all their books, upon learning, he was honestly interested in their contents, not just their market value. She even allowed him to read the facsimiles of the books Hob often based his lectures on.Mathew, Hob’s teaching assistant, was not too sure at first, what to think of the man around his age sneaking around in the department without supervision, but actually came to like him after a few minor differences got sorted out. So the TA could focus on timing his tutorials with Hob’s actual classes, instead of following Morpheus around. Shortly before the new semester formally started, a package arrived at Hob’s flat. The name on the address tag read ‘Morpheus Gadling’, which confused him slightly. But since he had not added ‘Endless’ to the name tag, mainly because Morpheus was not very fond of that family name, he could understand the choice.When Dream later unpacked the contents of the package, he was not so sure anymore. The black-haired presented to him a birth certificate, the actual thing with ‘Morpheus Oneiros Endless’ on it, a brand new passport under the name ‘Morpheus Gadling’, such as a health insurance card with the same name and a certificate of a name change, dated back two years ago. Also included was his graduation paper with excellent grades and a recommendation for university. And a bank card with a paper note claiming, that ‘this should be enough for now’.“What the heck?!”, Hob made, after staring at the documents for way too long.“I assume, my sister pulled a few strings, as you would phrase it?”, Morpheus explained.“Yeah, yes. I can see that... Well, looks like you got an actual identity now. So you won’t need to depend on my mercy any longer?”“Do you wish me to leave, now that I do not require your kindness?”“What?! No! Of course not! Just saying, you could, if you wanted...”, Hob admitted.“I... Do not wish to leave...”“Then stay. Please. As long as you like. Or forever. Whatever works for you?”, he dared to voice. To say out loud. Because that was, what he wanted. He wanted Dream to stay.. because he was hopelessly in love with him. And he supposed, the man knew.“I will consider your offer... Under one condition, though...”“Yes?”“The unused room. I want you to go through things together with me. To sort it out... Is this a thing, you can do?”“I... I think I can. It’s time to let old ghosts finally find their peace, I guess...?” Hob sighed. “Do we have to... Now?”“Not now. Any time is fine. And while we are at it, we might deal with my own ghosts, I assume?”, Morpheus asked, tilting his head. Curiously. Patiently waiting for an answer.“Yes. I think, we could do that. Together?”“Together, Hob Gadling...”“May I kiss you?”“You may...”, Dream allowed and Hob did.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
A cat. It was not the first time, Morpheus had heard that comparison. People whispering, talking about him behind his back, but he barely minded. The comparison was not that far off, in fact. If he had to compare himself to an animal, it definitely would be a cat. He had claws and fangs and was ready to use them, if anyone would ever try to approach him in an unsolicited way, but otherwise, he was just living his life, wanting to be left alone.He had formally started university just two months ago. In summer semester, which was unusual but not uncommon. Had started on literature and philosophy, not because someone expected him, to, but because he had wanted it. And still did.He had spent the whole winter semester mostly at university anyway. Already, had started feeling at home there, comfortable, so of course he would want it. Especially since the literature department had become something like his second home, his first being the apartment he had been taken to almost a year ago. Where he had just stayed. Not because he had wanted to, but because someone had created a home for him. Had taken him in. Had cared for the hurt little stray cat. And had made him want to stay.The one, namely Hob Gadling, professor for medieval literature at this very university, had been kind. So very kind.He was aware, their encounter, their whole relationship was not something, one should explain to one’s peers in detail, or even vaguely, because... Objectively speaking, it was a strange thing. Their whole relationship was. So he would not explain the whole predicament to anyone. Why should he? He was keeping his distance to his fellow students and usually ate his lunch together with Hob or alone, when he was indisposed. Every once in a while, his siblings would find him in the cafeteria and force their company on him. But he mostly ignored them. They were his seniors at university, having enrolled a semester before him, but he was not obligated to speak to them.During their lectures, he took notes and would not chat with others, so he was mostly left alone. Why should he deal with people he did not like? He did not want to make friends. He just wanted to read. To learn. Because he liked it. And it had made Hob smile, when he had told him, he wanted to study, to leave the house, to spend time among people, other than Hob’s friends and colleagues. Because even after months, Dream did not like to go out alone. It did not make him feel comfortable. He even waited with the grocery shopping, even when he only needed a few things.He had made it a habit, to go with Hob. Or drag him along. Mostly following him, instead of the other way round. He came with him, to work. Had his own chair in his office, his own pile of books. He had observed, part taken in his lectures and seminars. And when he could not spend time with Hob, he had spent it in the department’s library, reading or chatting with Lucienne. He had come to like her. And she liked him being careful with the books.As weeks had passed, he had spent more and more time without hob directly next to him. Had dared to walk the hallways of the building alone and had even accompanied Lucienne to the university’s library. Had fallen in love with the thousands of books there and had demanded, that Hob would loan books for him and had read more, than ever.And well, now he was officially a student. Wandering the hallways mostly alone. In the first week, Hob had been so kind and taken him to all his classes. Explained to him, where to find all the rooms, taught him the way back to his office, in case, he got overwhelmed. This, had not happened, so far. But it had been a close call, a few times. Especially at the beginning students had tried to talk to him, to learn things about him, to make him come to parties or events, and he had not been able to deal with it.So, he had just walked off. Back, into Hob’s office. Not panicked, not shaking, just... He had just gone there, read a little and had then prepared for his next lecture.He did not have many, this semester. Had taken seven courses in total. All three Hob offered and one, for freshmen, held by Lucienne herself. This was giving a more general overview over literature and especially focussed on how to work scientifically accurate. And then he had three more philosophy classes. All about topics he liked. Not about things, anyone required him to educate himself on. That felt nice.For the first time in his life, he actually felt, like he was free. Like he could make decisions for himself. And would get support from Hob, no matter what he decided on. Because... That was, how it was. He was living with Hob, he was taking care of the cooking and cleaning – not because Hob had insisted, but because he could. And he wanted – he was attending the classes he liked and no one would try to change that. Change him.He could decide to just move out of Hob’s flat. Could decide to quit university and just live on his own. Hob would not stop him. He would hate it and ask him, to stay, but he would not try to actually keep him from doing it.Because, he was nice. He was honest. And he was actually giving him, what he wanted, needed. Choice. Power. The ability to make decisions. To make demands. And by now Hob had fulfilled all his demands, well, whenever they were physically possible to fulfil. He would not just leave his own lecture to bring him a hot cocoa. But he would do it, afterwards. Would hurry to the cafeteria and then to his office, to hand him the still hot cup.Hob was a good person. A nice human being. Kind. And devoted. He would do anything possible, to make Dream feel safe. Which.... Had lead to a quite interesting predicament, when he was being honest... Because Hob took this very literal. He was doing everything to please him.When his current lecture about the philosophical approach on Sigmund Freud’s concept of morality was over, he packed his things and got up. The other students ignored him. They had learned, that he would not speak to them. That he only rarely ever spoke. And if, then mostly to the lecturer in charge. Rarely to his peers. To people his own age. Because he had nothing to say to them. They did not share his interests or experiences, so talking to them held no actual value.This had gotten him a... Reputation. He was not only called a cat – a way to be cat-called he was fine with – or a loner, his relationship to professor Gadling was also part of wild speculations and assumptions. Because he was always the last one in the room, always walking him to his office and some students seemed to have noticed, he had an actual key to the room.Some students were certain, he was a relative, after all they shared the same last name, other students assumed, he was his much younger husband and others just assumed, he was professor Robert Gadling’s sugar boy.Morpheus actually was mildly amused, by those speculations, because while some were not too far from the truth, none actually hit home. He was not some kind of sugar babe, taking advantage of the well situated older university professor. He was not dependent on him. Did not look for good grades or money, no, he had a bank account with quite a respectable sum, all to himself.While their whole relationship had started with an imbalance in power, Hob had done everything he could, to turn the tables, to give him all he liked, wanted, needed. Not to get anything in return. Not for sex, for company, for basic housework. No, he had not expected anything. Had given everything he had, instead. Just to please him. To make Morpheus happy. To make him feel good. To make him feel in control.He left the auditorium, ignoring the talk once again, and walked over to the literature department’s building. Well, it was a building. It had its own entrance and three floors. One mainly containing the library, the other two for the offices and a few classrooms. As far as he knew, there were three professors at the moment, Lucienne – classic literature – and Hob – medieval literature – being two of them. The third, an older woman in charge of modern literature and media, he had not yet met. They all had their assistant professors and a few TAs. So the department was usually always busy and it was no wonder, he met Mathew on his way.They exchanged a few words. Mathew was only two years older than him and currently working on his Master’s thesis. He was helping Hob with his classes, since he was pretty much done with all his own, by now. Hob had told him once, that Mathew was preparing for his degree for four semesters now and had not yet registered his actual thesis, though the whole paper was almost done for a long while already.Mathew had disliked him in the beginning. Actually straight out hated him. By now he had learned, that the man had assumed, he was just disturbing his professor and messing with the books, but by now he had accepted him being around. Had even started companionably teasing him by calling him ‘boss’, like he did with Hob. So they both were Mathew’s boss now, apparently.“I’ll need him in thirty, so don’t overdo it! There’s a staff meeting in an hour!”, he crowed at Morpheus, looking him up and down.“Pardon?”, the freshman asked, tilting his head.“Don’t try to fool me. I know that look on your face! You’re up to no good!”, Mathew accused him with a smirk.“I do not think, you are in a position to judge my behaviour...”“Ah, don’t try, boss! You’re crappy at basic human stuff! And he lets you get away with too much, anyway. Just watch the time, will you?”, the slightly older man sighed and rolled his eyes. But then did not elaborate any further. He just nodded and walked past him, around a corner.So Morpheus continued his path. Walked into the office without knocking and closed the door behind him. Locked it, because when Hob was there, he always left the key in the lock.Then he turned to the desk, looking at the man, sitting at his PC, reading glasses on – he had given in a few months ago and had actually started wearing them. He was leaning against the wooden door, head slightly tilted. Observing.“Hey, Dream. Done with your lecture?”, Hob smiled brightly, as he noticed him. His smile was like the sun, enlightening the whole room in an instant.“I am.”“So, you’re done for the day?”, he asked, turning his screen away, so he could look at him better, give him all his attention.“I am...”“Will you stay here? Or would you like to go home and wait for me? I still have a meeting later on”, he wanted to know. He really did. Was not just asking out of politeness, no, he really cared.“I do have plans...”, Morpheus told him with the hint of a smile playing on his lips. He pushed himself off the door and walked over, to his desk in slow, elegant strides. Determined.“You do?”, Hob wondered, rolling back slightly with his desk chair. Glasses still on.“Epithumia joined me for lunch...”“Did they? So, anything I need to discreetly inform the janitor about?”“Not as far as I am ware... But they did share some... Information...”“Did they?”“They did”, Morpheus told him, taking a seat on the desk, right in front of Hob, eyes still on him. Tip of his tongue sliding over his lower lip. He had not worn makeup since the night Hob had taken him in, yet his lips always seemed bright red against his still so very pale skin and night black hair. He was what some people might consider beautiful. Surely, Hob did so.“And, what now....?”“Lecture has been exhausting, Hob Gadling...”, he told him with a sigh, opening his legs to stretch them. Stretch his whole body luxuriously.“I see... What, what do you need?”, Hob asked, now about half a metre away from his desk – back almost against the wall – centimetres away from Dream sitting there, still eyeing him, like a cat would eye a canary. And he swallowed.“I need you to let me use you. Will you do that, Hob Gadling?”, he asked, tilting his head curiously.“I, I will. Tell me, what you want, please...”, the professor replied. Swallowed. Captivated.“I want your touch. I have not touched in hours...”, Morpheus demanded and in an instant, Hob’s hands were on his thighs, thumbs stroking through the fabric of his tight black jeans. And it felt good. Comforting. Hob’s touch always calmed him, grounded him, made him feel safe. Made him sigh contently.“Like that?”, the brunette asked gently, moving his hands over the fabric.”I want your lips on me, Hob Gadling...”, Dream told him, closing his eyes, taking in the feeling. Enjoying himself.“I’ll need to undress you for this. Can I? Or would you prefer to do it yourself?”“You are allowed to touch me...”, he reminded him, leaning back on the desk, steadying himself with his hands behind him.And Hob complied. Leaned forward to unzip his trousers, to open them completely, to pull them down – Dream lifting up himself – over his thighs, right below his knees. Then he placed his hands back on his thighs and started stroking them again. Letting his hand slide over the soft, pale, completely hairless skin.“Your lips, Hob”, Morpheus reminded him and opened his legs a little wider, as wide as his trousers and underwear allowed.And Hob nodded, placed a kiss on his knee. Started kissing his skin, his thigh, towards his middle and then over the other thigh. Hands stroking over his hip bones.“Hmm...”, Dream made contently. Eyes closed, head tilted up, so he was facing the ceiling.“You’re beautiful. My love, my darling, so very beautiful....”, Hob mumbled, as he kissed towards his groin, over his pubic area, making his member harden rapidly. It was a pleasant feeling. He knew, that he was in control. That Hob was doing, what he wanted and nothing more.“I want your mouth on my prick”, Morpheus told him. And Hob complied. Kissed over his now fully erect shaft. Up and down and then over his thighs again. Made him feel good.“Do you want me to make you come with my mouth ?”, the brunette asked between kisses.“No...”, Dream whispered in his deep, dark voice. And immediately his lover stopped. Looked up at him, hands still on his hips.“Then, what can I do? What do you want, Dream?”“I want to release inside you...”“Yes?”, Hob asked placing a kiss on the inside of his thigh.“I want to be aware, that you are walking, with my emissions inside you for the rest of the day...”, Morpheus told him. Slowly opened his eyes, looked down at the older man. Hint of mischief in his blue eyes.“You know, that I still have a meeting?”“I am aware. Will you let me fuck you or not?”, he wanted to know, fully aware, that he would get, what he demanded. Because Hob never said no. Never just refused him, no matter how silly his requests were.“Can I... Kiss you?”, Hob asked instead of giving him an answer. Looked up, so their eyes could meet.“You can”, Dream granted him and Hob got up from his chair, so they were the same size again. So their lips could meet. His lips were wet from his kisses, his skin stubbly. Hob was a normal man. He grew a beard, needed to shave regularly. Like most people. Morpheus liked the feeling. Liked Hob’s body hair. His hands. His lips.They kissed. At first gently. But then he demanded more, opened his mouth to lure Hob’s tongue inside. To play with it, suckle on it, until the older man was panting. Had to catch his breath.Morpheus liked that. The look on his face. The fabric of his shirt, that was rubbing against his hardness.“Will you let me fuck you, Hob Gadling?”, he asked again, pressing himself against Hob’s body. Face nestling against the nape of his neck. He took in a deep breath, inhaled his musky scent. Then he bit into the skin of his neck, right above the shirt collar. Not enough to actually leave a mark, but to underline his point. He even considered grabbing his necktie, because he was well aware, that Hob liked that. Liked to be manhandled, to be ordered around, to be reminded, who held the power in their dynamic.“Yes, yes! Dream, how could I deny you?”, Hob moaned out loud. Tilted his head to give him more space.“Then take my place, Hob Gadling. Remove your pants and show yourself to me...”, Morpheus demanded. And with a well aimed shove, pushed him away, so he stumbled and fell back into his chair, staring at the black-haired, who just elegantly removed himself from the desk and stepped aside.Hob took a moment to just stare, then caught up with what was happening and stood up again. Opened his trousers and pulled them down, together with his underpants and struggled to take them off completely without taking off his shoes. Almost lost his balance in his attempt to obey, but then actually managed and ended up with bare lower body, legs and penis exposed.Morpheus looked at him and smiled, as he saw his half hard penis. “Good...”, he commented, as he placed his hands on his chest and gently pushed him against the desk.“Dream...”, Hob sighed, but followed the attempts. Let himself get moved onto the desk, Morpheus against his chest. Leaning against him. Kissing him again. This time more straight forward. More aggressive. Their exposed penises were rubbing against each other, while Dream’s tongue explored his mouth.His fingers unbuttoned Hob’s shirt, stroked through his chest hair. He loved his chest hair. The feeling of his chest in general. His warmth.“Touch me, Hob Gadling...”, he demanded, rubbing over the now exposed chest and nipples.And Hob complied. Gently caressed his back, before letting his hands slide under the fabric of his black shirt. To feel his skin directly, well aware, how much Dream liked touch, his touch. Touch he could control.“Like this?”, he asked, before their lips once again met in a kiss.And Morpheus nodded, scratching over his chest, feeling the hair between his fingers. Sighing. He started moving his hips, rutting against Hob and his erection. Feeling the tickle of arousal welling up in his chest. A feeling he had once found a strange comfort, familiarity in, that had changed into something more, more… Just more. Something that did not just feel familiar, but, but actually good, warm. Like a thing, he could enjoy. Not just like what he once considered ‘home’, but actual, real proximity. ‘With meaning’, Hob had once called it. The way, he held Dream. And he had finally understood, what that meaning was. What it gave to him, made him feel.“I want you....”, he mumbled into their kiss, then started nibbling on Hob’s lower lip. Made him moan in delight. And yes, this was good. He was in control. Doing this to him. He was not just a tool for him to archive pleasure, no, he was the one actively inflicting this to Hob. Deciding, what he would do. And Hob would let him. Would give him all the control he needed. Everything.And maybe Morpheus had grown used to it. Had come to love it. Would not want to miss it and then, after a long day, after being in his own head for too long, he would just come here, would just feel, hold, demand, to be held or just... To find comfort in being inside of him. Spilling inside him. Leaving a part of himself with Hob, as he went home.And Hob would let him. Of course, he would let him. Because Hob was Hob. Hob was gentle. He was always spoiling him. And Morpheus was a spoilt brat, from time to time. An utter queen, demanding to be served, to be loved, no matter the moods he was in.And well, Hob’s love was unconditional. Hob gave and loved and took what he was doing to him and instead of break, crack him, like the fragile doll he himself had once been, Hob grew even more affectionate, more kind, more, more caring. He would enjoy being used by him. Being there for him. It was his way of showing his love.And Morpheus was willing to take this. To take, and take and take until there was no more to give, but strangely there was always more to give, more to receive. Because it filled Hob with joy to just be allowed to spoil him. To love him.And Hob was giving. He opened his legs, sitting on the edge of the desk, showing him, that he wanted him just as well, was willing to give himself.. his warmth, his love, his hole.So Dream removed one hand from his chest, reluctantly, opened the top drawer of the desk and started searching, without taking his mouth off Hob’s. Until he found, what he would need. They were not doing this for the first time. In fact this was a rather usual occurrence, now that Morpheus was spending his days at university. That he needed some time, just for himself and Hob, when there had been too many people, too many unsolicited touches, too much words spoken. Not because he was overwhelmed, but because it was helping him relax. Feel safe. And because Hob was offering.Sometimes only touches, gentle strokes, just sitting on his lap, while the professor worked, sometimes more. Often, more. And on some days, days like today, Dream just wanted to be inside him, to have him close, mark him as his. Because rumours were wild. And he needed a physical proof, that he was not just Hob’s sugar boy, but that he was having power over him. That he could fuck him, all he liked, make him walk around with his emissions in him for the rest of the afternoon.It would make him feel so safe. So loved. Felt so good. To know, that Hob was his. His alone. That he was in control that he could demand. And Hob would not mind. That he could be like a cat, stating his claims, marking his possession.So he opened the small bottle of lube with one hand and even managed to coat his fingers with its contents without making too much of a mess. Then he just dropped the opened bottle onto the desk and brought his hand between them. Between Hob’s spread legs. To coat his entrance, to circle his fingers around the small hole. Like he had done so many times by now. And yet, he was always surprised by, how tight Hob was. How carefully he needed to open him up, before sinking into him completely. So very different from himself.It had made him curious the first few times. Because it was so unusual. So very different. Just like the hair, the beard. Like his warmth. Something he had come to enjoy. Opening him up slowly. With one finger, then a second, pushing them in and pulling them out, spreading them only after a while. Taking his time to get Hob used to him. Even though, he was used, by now.“You are always so very tight....”, he whispered against his lips, as he spread the fingers inside of him. Prepared him. While rutting against his throbbing hard penis.“Can’t help it. Always gets like this again. I tried training, but... I’m sorry, you always have to do it like this...”, Hob apologised, suppressing a moan, as Morpheus rubbed against this very special spot inside of him. Shivered.“No, it is fine. It pleases me, to open you up. While I like you wearing a plug to stretch yourself for me, I actually appreciate it more, when you use it to keep the remains of my emissions inside of you...”, Dream told him, now intentionally rubbing against his prostate, enjoying to feel Hob shake against him, trying to stay composed, while he was tearing him apart. It was his doing. His. He was in control, doing it to Hob!“Oh, Dream, don’t just say things like that...”, Hob begged him, holding him tight, pressing himself against him.“Spread your legs for me wider, Hob Gadling...”, Morpheus replied and just pulled his fingers out of him. Brought them between their bodies to smear the remains of the lube across his own erection.It took Hob a moment, to deal with the loss, to comprehend, what Dream needed from him, but then he complied. Lower body fully bare, he could easily hold his legs with his hands and open them widely. Leaning slightly backwards, to not loose his balance.Morpheus looked at him. Took in the view for a moment, before reaching for the lube again. This time coating his erection properly. Then he lined himself up and slowly pushed inside. Bit his own lower lip to suppress a moan.“Oh damn, oh shit, Dream, I... Like that, yes....”, Hob whimpered, desperately, trying his best to hold still. To not move, to let him have him, let him keep control. But it surely was not easy. Not when Dream was spearing him on his hard prick.“So very tight, Hob Gadling...”, Morpheus breathed, sinking deeper only slowly. He could not just push inside. Well, he could. Hob would not oppose, but it would hurt Hob, would displease him. And Dream did not want that. He wanted to enjoy himself and that included Hob feeling good.“Yes, Dream, fuck, you’re... Shit...”, Hob cursed into his ear. He did not curse often. Usually he was a rather composed man, so him swearing like that was a sign, that he was loosing said composure. But in a good way. His erection was twitching between their now joined bodies. That was a sign of the pleasure this brought him.So Dream slowly started moving. Retreated, pulled out, until only his tip remained inside, then pushed inside again. And moaned out loud in his deep voice, making Hob shiver and twitch.“You feel good. So very good for me... You are so very good to me...”, he praised him, rocking his hips again. Starting to establish a steady rhythm.“Yes, my Dream. Wanna be so good. Please, take me. Take your pleasure, yes?”, Hob mumbled, as his pacing increased. As he rocked into him again and again, soon eliciting moans from his lips, words becoming less stringent, drifting into babbling, while he held him gently, arms wrapped around Dream’s back.“I am taking my pleasure. Your are making me feel so good, Hob Gadling. I will soon spill inside you...”, Morpheus told him, head resting against his shoulder, as he pushed into him. Felt his orgasm approach. And as he felt his own body giving in, shuddering and tensing in pleasure, releasing deep inside of him, he grabbed Hob’s achingly hard penis and started pumping it, up and down and it did not take long, in fact he was still not done, coating his insides with his semen, as Hob peaked and spilled into the inside of his hand.“Dream! Dream, Dream, Dream, ahnn....”, the brunette mumbled erratically, trying to catch his breath, while he was still shivering, obviously not fully over his orgasm.So Morpheus stilled, breathing heavily, and took in the scent of his very own fragrance mingled with the unique smell of sex. And he loved the combination. Because it was Hob’s. And Hob’s scent made him feel safe, feel good. And since he had not removed most of his clothing, he would carry that smell home with him. Would be able to enjoy it lingering on his shirt, while he waited for his love to come home. Knowing, he would carry the remains of their coupling inside of him for hours...Before Morpheus pulled out his softening prick, he reached for the top drawer again and felt for the small tool he had seen in there, placed in there a few times, already. It was really not big. Nothing remarkable. Outstanding. Nothing one would notice upon accidentally opening the drawer for whatever reasons, but since Dream was actually looking for it, he found it and raised it to his mouth. He was sure, he had cleaned it, before putting it in there a few days ago, but he wanted to be sure, so he took it into his mouth, licked it, until it was fully coated in his saliva, before bringing it down. Lining it up next to his penis, replacing his flesh with the small rubber plug, as he finally pulled out.“Ahnnn...”, Hob commented his doing, still mostly focussing on his breathing.“You are mine, Hob Gadling. Your purpose is to please me, to make me feel good, is it not?”, Dream smiled, kissing his collar bone through the fabric of his shirt.“It is! Definitely is. Love that. Pleasing you. Love you, Dream...”, the brunette mumbled, as his muscles twitched around the firm material inside of him. The older man started gently caressing his back again, fingernails scratching over his shirt, gently rubbing his back like that.“Hmm... Yessss...”, Dream purred contently. Relaxing in his arms. Resting against him.“You’re perfect. So very perfect. I will please you however I can...”“I am aware... You are so very good to me...”“Dream...”, Hob sighed.“I love you, Hob Gadling. You make me feel good....”, Morpheus admitted, rubbing his nose against his neck. Fifteen minutes later, Morpheus walked out of professor Gadling’s office, a smile playing around his face. Past Mathew, who was leaning against a wall, obviously keeping an eye on the door, while checking his watch again.“You guys...”, the TA sighed, rolling his eyes.“He will be on time...”, the freshman informed him.“I see, but he’ll be, he... Argh, he’ll be absolutely distracted for the rest of the day. I know you! I mean, I’m glad, you’re making the boss happy and all, but no need to be so smug about it!”“Do you not have a meeting to attend, Mathew?”, Dream asked in a very good mood.“You’re absolutely insufferable! If you weren’t such a smart kid, if you just weren’t so obviously good for that old man, I’d make sure, you’d be banned from this floor!”, the slightly older man told him.“Lucienne likes me....”“And you’re fucking the boss, I know, I know. Just let me dream!”“I will not deny you your dreams, Mathew...”, Morpheus smiled and then their conversation was interrupted by Hob Gadling leaving his office. The TA bid his farewell, then walked towards him. And Dream left. Because he had dinner to cook. And memories to dwell in.He was content. For the first time in his life he was actually content. Even after all the things he had experienced. Even carrying all the baggage from his past. With Hob Gadling he finally had the feeling, he was actually living his life. The end