His dreams are quiet and dull, something he's used to happening around times like this. It seems even his melancholy ebbs into his subconscious. Hob slowly opens his eyes into the grey fabric of the sofa. It's darker out than it was before, though much of the light is still blocked by how far tucked-in his face is.
Hob wonders, briefly, if Dream can tell something's off with him. He'd told him last they met—about a month ago now—that he was moving, that he'd spent too long in this life and had to leave. He wonders if Dream even realized he's moved. Time works funny where he's from Hob had been told. S'why he doesn't get too upset if he doesn't see his friend for months at a time (though he prefers the times when he'd see him a few times a week).
It's a week later when he gets his answer.
Hob had been living off cheap take-out and coffee from the café across the street as he tried to work up the energy to do anything, really. He managed to unpack one box that held some cups and silverware, though half of it just rests on the kitchen counters, waiting to be put in a new home. Most of the daytime, he'd spent setting up his new phone and his (albeit minimal) digital footprint and then proceeded to watch the endless amount of cheap entertainment the internet provides.
He did finally watch that Netflix special that Joan had told him to watch multiple times. Too bad he can't call her up and tell her how much he enjoyed it. Which, after realizing that, sent him into another mop session that ended with him staring blankly at the other side of his shower as he sat in the stream of water until it got cold.
Hob counts it as a win that he showered. Technically.
When Dream shows up out of nowhere, as he is want to do, Hob doesn't flinch from his spot on his bed but does think he probably looks a right mess for his friend, though he doesn't have much energy in him to care.
"You have spent much time in my realm as of late. More than is common for mortals."
Hob shrugs, staring up at the ceiling. "Maybe I just enjoy your realm. S'quite nice."
From the corner of his eye, he can see Dream frown. The dark figure walks closer until he's at the edge of the bed, leaning over it as his eyes rake across Hob's face.
"Something troubles you."
Hob doesn't reply immediately. He just sighs, debating whether or not it's worth trying to explain the heaviness in him and the why of it. But he also knows his silence is an answers in itself.
"Hob," Dream says. Tilting his head much like he's seen Matthew do before. Hob angles his head on his pillow to look up into the star-filled eyes above him. "We are friends. As such, if I can be of assistance, you need but ask."
Hob smiles weakly. "I'll be okay, Dream. Just . . . need a bit of time to settle in, that's all. It's always like this after a move. Don't fret over me."
Dream frowns further. "You are unhappy."
Hob huffs. "Kinda. Yeah."
Dream stares down at him for a while as if he could peel back the layers of Hob's mind and pluck the sadness right out of it. Hell, maybe he can somehow. It feels like everything he talks of himself, Hob learns about a new power of his.
Then, with only a shallow nod of his head, Dream slides onto the bed beside Hob with ease. He's pulled against Dream's chest, a strong and lithe arm Curls around him. Hob's got his face pressed right against the dip of his collarbone. It's the closest he's ever been to him before. He's so close he can smell him, what little scent there is.
"Dream?" His heart races in his chest and he knows without a doubt Dream can feel it.
"I apologize," Dream says. Hob can feel a nose nuzzle into the top of his head. "It had been a brief daydream, one I had not intended to see. But it was clear and refined even in its brevity. You have thought of this often."
Well. Hob wasn't about to lie about it.
"And does this make you feel happier?"
"Then rest, Hob Gadling. I will stay here as long as you wish me to."
Tears prick at Hob's eyes, but he blinks them away. "Be careful what you offer. I might want to keep you here with me forever." He feels Dream's grip tighten and a kiss is placed upon his forehead.
