#merytsetesh

[cuubism]

Okay but AFTER Dream dramatically storms into Desire's realm yelling "WTF did you do to Hob" I can't imagine Desire just...ignored that. They 100% had to go check out this human and see what is so interesting that Dream is all twisted up in knots over him. Can very much picture Desire swanning into the New Inn in their craziest Lady Gaga outfit already drinking a cosmopolitan and introducing themselves to Hob. Because Desire realises that rather than plotting Dream's downfall they can fuck with Dream INFINITELY more by bothering his immortal crush. It's the sibling instinct.

oh. they DEFINITELY will. and like. eventually dream explains his whole thought process, and the fact that desire has fucked with him in the past (hob: dear god why is your family so fucked up), and dream is basically like: DO NOT. ENGAGE WITH DESIRE. IF THEY TRY TO TALK TO YOU. just call me (he still does not have a phone so unclear how this will work) and i'll kick their ass.

critical point: dream did not in any way tell hob how to IDENTIFY DESIRE.

---

The person who struts -- it's really the only word Hob can think of -- over to the bar at the New Inn makes him uneasy, though he can't say why. Hob is not made uncomfortable easily, he's lived too long and been in too many scrapes to feel intimidated in his own pub, of all places.

But something about them makes his hackles rise. The eyes, maybe. They're too cunning.

But he's not in the habit of throwing people out on looks so he just offers a tight smile and says, "Get you something?"

He's tending bar himself, today. Gives him something to do between terms. And he finds himself strangely grateful to have the bar between him and his strange customer as they slide onto one of the bar stools.

"Cosmo, please," they say, voice like sugar halfway to caramelizing, a bit of pop and smoke in the smooth glide.

This is a bit of an odd drink selection for eleven in the morning, but Hob has, at various points in his life though thankfully no longer, done lines of cocaine before even having breakfast, so he really has no pedestal from which to judge.

"Coming right up."

The bar at the New Inn is well-stocked nowadays. Used to be, they served mainly beer and wine, nothing fancy. Then Hob made the horrible mistake of promising his students an end of term cocktail-making class if they came to all the exam review sessions -- because he does actually know how to make drinks, he's been alive for six centuries, thanks very much -- and now it's become a thing and he's stuck doing it forever.

Then Dream took to his drinks, and alcohol is no substitute for food but getting Dream to eat or drink anything is a bloody miracle, so if that anything is the bougiest mixture of alcohols Hob can come up with, well--

Actually. Actually that might be worse than nothing at all.

Makes Dream happy though, so what is Hob to do? Keep ordering luxardo cherries and elderflower liqueur until he outlives them, that's what.

He finishes shaking the drink under the heavy gaze of his guest and pours, sliding it across the table to them.

Hob feels like he's being sized up by a predator as they take a long, delicate sip. The color of the drink matches the pink of their blazer. Hob is struggling to recall if said blazer was actually pink when they arrived.

"Ah. You mix a good drink, Hob Gadling," they say, propping their head on their hand, looking a him from under their lashes, and, ah, so that's what this is.

Hob leans on the bar. "What sort of... entity are you, then?"

Their whole face brightens in what Hob thinks is delight. "Oh! So you are a perceptive one. Get a lot of entities in here, do you, Robert?"

"'Bout as many as can be expected. That's not an answer."

They pout. "Neither is yours. And can't a being just pop by the local speakeasy for a drink without being interrogated?"

"Seems a little unfair that you know my name, and I don't know yours," Hob points out. "Names have power, and so on, isn't that the thing?"

His guest studies him. "You are both far more normal and far less normal than I'd been expecting. Fascinating."

Um.

Before Hob is forced to respond to that, the door swings open to reveal Dream, shrouded in darkness and nighttime and vibrating with electrical fury. Shadows crawl up the windows. All the lights in the inn flicker out.

Oh boy.

"I," Dream says, each word a thunderclap, shining gaze fixed on Hob's guest at the bar, "Explicitly. Forbade. You. From. Interfering."

"What are you going to do, hit me?" taunts the other entity, leaning back on their stool, drink balanced in one hand.

Hob looks back and forth between them, wondering if he should fetch a weapon. He keeps a cricket bat here somewhere, surely...

"Dream, love," he says, once he's decided it's better to try to deescalate the situation rather than introducing further weaponry, "your usual?"

Dream nods, stalking over to the bar. His gaze flits briefly to Hob, softening, before snapping right back to the other being.

"I see you remain incapable of heeding a warning," he says, all ice.

"It's not really part of my nature," they say. "I see it, I like it... well, you get it."

Oh. Oh no.

Cautiously, Hob slides his drink over to Dream. Without breaking eye contact with... Desire? it must be, and thanks, Dream, for the complete lack of description, Dream picks up his drink and downs the whole thing in one long swallow.

Ooooooh boy.

"Desire," Hob says, and they perk up at his realization of their name, looking over at him, "might be better if you were going now."

Desire lets out a frustrated huff. "Ugh, of course. I certainly don't want to upset 'ole Nightmare here."

"You certainly don't want my fist in your jaw," Hob says, more audible threat in it than he intends -- but he remembers Dream's halting confession, about how often love had turned out to be manipulation, and he thinks he should be congratulated on his restraint, actually.

Desire just laughs, and-- ah, Hob is starting to see that there's no winning with this one. Even and especially when you haven't agreed to the game.

"I suppose I'll be going then, before the fists start flying." They slide out of their seat and glide towards the door, waving. "Nice meeting you, Robert! I'm sure we'll be seeing each other again, soon."

I don't doubt it, Hob thinks.

They take their drink with them. Hob's not feeling particularly inclined to chase down that glass.

Dream still hasn't moved. He stares after Desire, empty glass about to crack in his grip.

"Dream?"

"I said that you should call for me," Dream says, the ghost of words.

With what means, exactly? Hob thinks. Damned enigmatic shadow of a man. "You didn't tell me who to look out for."

"Oh." Dream finally snaps out of his daze. "Yes. I apologize."

"Come sit down."

Hob fetches a glass of water and drags Dream over to their usual booth, pushing the water into his hands. "Drink that."

Dream stares down at it. "Why?"

"Because you just chugged a drink you usually sip for hours. Drink."

"I will not get drunk unless I choose to," Dream says.

"Have you tested that?" Hob asks.

Dream's brows furrow. "...No."

"Then let's not do that now. Drink. Come on."

Dream sips at the water. "I am sorry," he says, slowly, "about Desire."

"And I'm sorry I didn't actually punch them," Hob says, making Dream look up at him in surprise. "Well. Sort of. Wouldn't want to make it worse."

A smile tugs at Dream's lips. "You would... defend my honor?"

"Always," Hob vows. "I'd defend you. Don't care if the devil himself has it out for you."

"That may well happen," Dream says.

Hob stares at Dream. Dream stares back.

"Oh," Hob says, or maybe just hopes, "you're making a joke."

"No," says Dream. "Lucifer and I are on poor terms at the moment. She may seek revenge."

Hob keeps staring at him. Dream meets his gaze evenly.

Hob scrubs his hands through his hair. "Lucifer and you..."

Why was it always like this?

When he looks up again, Dream is smirking at him. "You're a menace," Hob tells him. "One day, you're going to give me the full rundown of everyone who has beef with you so I can be prepared."

"That will be a long list," Dream says.

"Of course it is," Hob sighs.

Dream takes his hand as if he can comfort Hob through all of the insane interactions he's sure to have with strange beings in the near future. The worst thing is, it works. Hob squeezes his hand and immediately remembers why he's willing to do anything for him.

"I'd go to Hell for you," he says. "I'd prefer not to, though, if it's all the same."

"That is my preference as well," says Dream.

There's a lot Hob would do for Dream. It's probably unhealthy. But what's the point of living six hundred years if you're going to spend it all being healthy, anyway.

"Why do so many people have problems with you, anyway?" Hob asks.

Hob knows. Hob fucking knows why.

Dream pouts. "Matthew tells me my social skills are 'less than adequate.'"

That's one way to phrase 'you act like an arrogant dick 85% of the time.' Matthew should receive a medal for his tact.

Hob loves that arrogant dick, though, God fucking damn him.

"All the more reason to get me that list, then," Hob says. "Maybe we can prevent you from creating an interdimensional incident."

"Will you accomplish this by threatening to punch them in the face?" Dream asks, completely neutral.

"Okay, you know what? Fair," Hob admits, and Dream chuckles. "Perhaps neither of us is cut out for diplomacy. The point, though, is: of course I'd defend you. I love you."

Dream kisses the back of his hand. As if he's only just now realized what he's done to Hob's pub, the lights all flicker back on.

"Thank Christ, I thought I was going to have to replace all those bulbs."

"Do you think I would do that to you?" Dream says with a tiny smile, Hob's hand still pressed to his lips.

You've done worse than that to me, Hob thinks. Better, too. So much better.

"No, love," he says, "I know you wouldn't."

[cosmic--static]

self-indulgent meet-cute drawing. going to call this an aquarium au with merfolk performer dream and (the wonderful addition by @academicblorbo ) marine biologist hob. pretty tail "finspiration" (and pun!) from @merytsetesh

[trudemaethien]

WIP TITLE TAG GAME

rules: in a new post, post the names of all the files in you wip folder regardless of how non descriptive or ridiculous. let people send you an ask with the title that most intrigues them and then post a little snippet or tell us about it. and then tag as many people as you have wips

I have been tagged for this by @valkeakuulas @mamuzzy AND @coinin so imma dewit

but i have too many wips to type out so yall get screenshots, and this isnt even all (or even half!) of them, just the top twenty i may theoretically work on soonish

ask me about any!

can i tag twenty ppl? *maniacal laughter* no pressure tho, have fun: @fox-trot @brokenphoenix99 @bright-thorn @mapleowl18 @sexysmeagolshitposting @blackat-t7t @ossidae-passeridae @come-chaos @huttbones @posstrophe @nightfall-1409 @merytsetesh @sinnotalone @elfiver @mid-nighttiger @minisunset @rexsterss @notthestarwar @bitebackbaby @carverly

[that-disabled-princess]

“But your reasons for engaging with the violent facet of your personality have changed, have they not?”

They have. They started changing in the 1500s with the smile of his beloved Eleanor. They changed further with the squalling cry of a precious babe in his arms. Hob had wanted to protect Robyn from any sort of violence, and as such neglected to teach him how to fight. To fight like you had nothing to your name and everything to live for. 

A mistake he carries with him to this day. Though it isn’t as heavy a burden as it was centuries ago.

No, he doesn’t fight for selfish reasons anymore. Not since being scolded for participating in something as dark and disgusting as the slave trade. He will never make amends for the pain he was party to. And he doesn’t deserve to feel better about the mistakes he’s made. He just chooses to keep learning and doing better day by day. 

“I fight for those who can’t.”

--In These Violent Days, I’ll Be Where You Are, @bazzybelle

Belle!! Happy happy birthday, my dear friend 💖 I'm shit at sappy friendship speeches, but you are a wonder and a light in my life, and I genuinely do not know where I'd be without you. I am forever grateful for you helping me through one of the darkest years of my life these past several months. Wishing you all the good food and pretty nail polish and bunny cuddles today 💖💖

Quotes from @merytsetesh que_lla and @yellobb!

[ao3feed-corintheus]

Pygmalion

Pygmalion by Merytsetesh Dream of the Endless makes the reckless decision to shape a dream lover for himself. It becomes his greatest work. It is also a complete dissapointment. In which the Corinthian is Dream's failed experiment, and making a nightmare with free will was bound to backfire. Words: 2827, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English Fandoms: The Sandman (Comics), The Sandman (TV 2022) Rating: General Audiences Warnings: Major Character Death Categories: M/M Characters: Dream of the Endless, Dream of the Endless | Morpheus, Dream of the Endless | Daniel, The Corinthian (Sandman) Relationships: The Corinthian/Dream of the Endless | Morpheus, The Corinthian & Dream of the Endless | Morpheus Additional Tags: Pre-Relationship, Unrequited Love, Power Imbalance, The Sandman (Comics) Spoilers, Spoilers for The Kindly Ones, Canonical Character Death, but there is a loophole!, Reincarnation, Hopeful Ending, Ambiguous/Open Ending

[cannibal-rat]

I really enjoy your Ghost art, so I wanted to request something. Since I saw your 900 followers post I've been thinking the past couple days about what I'd like, and what I'd really like is something to go with a fic I've written. In it Papa III is alive, but disguised as a ghoul, so maybe a bust of a ghoul removing his era 4 mask to reveal Papa III underneath? If you don't feel like filling this ask no pressure, but it would blow my mind.

Devil in Disguise

[tache-noire]

@merytsetesh

i mean tbh i reblogged that cause floppy giant extendo dick bludgeoning a soldier to death is hilarious

but i’d be lying if i said i wasn’t curious about the tomfuckery happening in the metal gear series. it’s wild from what i hear.

[cuubism]

Just started following you, did not know you had a Dreamling playlist in the works, link pls??? Also I've been listening to Losing My Religion on repeat for 6 days because it is PEAK Dreamling, if you haven't already added it to the list. Lyrics for evidence:

"Consider this Consider this the hint of the century Consider this the slip That brought me to my knees, failed What if all these fantasies come Flailing around Now I've said too much

I thought that I heard you laughing I thought that I heard you sing I think I thought I saw you try

But that was just a dream That was just a dream"

i do it is a playlist made up of songs people are sending me 😂 it is EXTREMELY chaotic as apparently everyone has very different tastes in dreamling songs. i have to refine it and then i shall post links

i will add this as well :)

[windsweptinred]

@merytsetesh yes! 😆 Honestly that's pretty much how I see their 'rivalry' right up to 2022...Even then, Hob's still just living his best normal human life. While Shadwell's convinced he plotting the downfall of humanity. 🤣

Hob's adventures with Sergeant Shadwell

The 60s

Has absolutely no idea he has entered into a life time commitment of being someone's arch nemesis. Happily going about his life. Still manages to outwit Shadwell at every turn because Shadwell is Shadwell.

The 70s

Finally catches on... After few years of hyper vigilance realises he's got as much to fear from Shadwell as a ham sandwich. Indulgently plays along. Once led Shadwell on a merry chase to Scarborough just so the bloke could have a little holiday.

The 80s

Leans into it like the little sh*t he can be. Keeps dropping hints when and where he's holding infernal revels of the most heinous kind. Watches as Shadwell crashes one Tory party conference after another.

The 90s

Sends Shadwell a Christmas and birthday card every year. It's important you treasure the connections you've still got right... Sniff. Dear Adversary... I hope this card finds you well. The infernal harolts and I (cough his collection of stray cats cough) have been up to much devilment. We've even started a new business venture! Anyway, wishing you a merry Christmas and a happy new year. See you soon on the field of battle. Your greatest foe. X

The 2000s

Learns Shadwell helped to avert the Apocalypse. Is so damn proud! Sends him a gift basket and an anonymous donation to the Witchfinder Army to go towards that retirement cottage.

Present day

Hob: Ohhh, look DREAM, look it's Newton! Wait, could you momentarily make me appear like a huge knight with antlers... I want to go demand he finds me a shrubbery.

Dream:....

Hob: What?

Also...

Shadwell: (Points THE Finger at Dream) Stand back you seductive starry eyed strumpet of the night! Ye can't save yer master this time!

Hob: Ooo that was a good one... You should add that one to your list of offical titles.

Dream:... When you're done playing with your friend, I shall be over there with the harlots. (Goes off to chat with the stray cats).

London, The headquarters of the Witchfinder Army. Witchfinder Sergeant Shadwell is currently inducting his newest trainee, Newton Pulsifer.

Shadwell: Have I told you of my greatest foe laddie? They call him the Witch Knight. The most dread and fearsome beast to walk these hallowed isles. Lord of Satan's floosies his is! I've been hunting him since the 60's, but he's always managed to stay one step ahead. But mark me, I'll get him one day! They say he makes the most abominable trades of worldy riches with beings beyond our comprehension... For powers unimaginable! It doesn't doesn't bear thinking of!

The lair of said dread Witch Knight... Who proceeds to trip over his own feet and spill coffee down himself.

Hob: Oh for fuc....Dream, Dream! Can you do the magic hand wavy cleany stain thing? I need to be in work in 15 minutes!

(Mumbles from the bedroom)

Hob: No I can't just put on another jumper.

(More mumbles)

Hob: Yes, where are all my other jumpers? Excellent question. You wouldn't happen to know would you?

(Sheepish mumbles)

Hob: No I'm not asking Destiny!... We both know they're piled up on your throne in a Shetland wool, Dream King shaped nest.

(Affronted mumbles)

Hob: Yes I do dare... Sod it I'll wear a shirt.

(Further mumbles)

Hob: Oh, you'll do it for a cup of tea will you!

[ghostbcfandomevents]

Prompt Week Masterlist

Don’t want to scroll through the whole blog to see all the fanworks? Well, look no further! Here is a post that will link you to every post from Angst and Fluff week! If you don’t see a post of yours here and you participated in the event, message me! For some of the usernames, Tumblr wouldn’t let me @ them correctly, so I’m sorry if you didn’t get a notification.

Angst Week

@ciriceart​ -  Aeternum Vale and  Emeritus Nihil and his son Emeritus the First

@leavethemessagesart​ -  “I didn’t want to do this. Why did it have to happen!?” and They’re just sleeping

@mackimillion​ - When A Raven Taps At Your Window

@merytsetesh - Monster Under The Bed

@mozartation - sonno / dannazione / vita

@retroillustrates​ / @retrocatastrophy​ - “Stop it! He’s dead!”

@siamo-con-dio - Fading Light, The First Choice, Faded Glory, The Moment Of Letting Go, and Due Punishment

Fluff Week

@just-here-for-copia​ - Cyrano, A Genuine Gift, and Finding A Name 

@merytsetesh - Missing Child Protocol

@retroillustrates​ / @retrocatastrophy​ - “When I grow up I’ll be a Papa, too!”

@siamo-con-dio - They Belong, A Sea of Stars, and Not So Shallow

@velzkorner -  Uno gets so intense, that the inner demons of the Papas tend to come out.

Thank you to everyone who participated!

[trudemaethien]

Last Line Challenge

Rules: in a new post, show the last line you wrote (or drew) and tag as many people as there are words (or however many you like)

tagged by @mapleowl18 (a while ago but I’m finally writing again!)

Bly sneaks one more kiss as he reaches for the comm.

no pressure tagging @elthadriel @seascribbling @merytsetesh @hidingaway1995 and anyone who would like to play.

[drivingsideways]

missisjoker replied to your photo: rain-hat: merytsetesh: really-saraleee: True ...

fifty shades should not even be on the spectrum because it was PURE GARBAGE, it’s an example of HOW NOT TO WRITE ANYTHING

I have never read the series, but I suspect you are right.

[athymelyreply]

@merytsetesh OH MY GOD YOUR TAGS BAHAHAHSHSJDJDJSJKSKSNSNSNS I CANT

#the sandman#dream of the endless#look at his feets#love his boney little ankles#also i feel like this art is very generous with his ass#he has whatever the opposite of cake is#wheat thins

WHEAT THINS! WHEWAT THINSS!! AAAA!!

Waters of the Dreaming

(Possibly finished, it depends on If I want to go back to it)

(Edit: gave him a hand)

[atricksterproblem]

Go read the thing, everyone. The author got Terzo’s voice perfect and the story is adorable. 

[selfmadesuperhero]

merytsetesh replied to your post: Happy 5 weeks post op to me! ...

I like how you talk about your nipples like they’re twin children and the left one is the evil twin.

yes

that's exactly what they are

Bad Nipple's troublesomeness shadows Good Nipple's perfect behaviour 

[ponyfication]

I do avoid the generator but this one REALLY does look like Sherlock Holmes from BBC's series Sherlock!