#the sandman netflix

[honeybeezgobzzzzz]

𓅨 The Endless’ Adventure with Animal Control: Chapter Two

The Endless’ Adventure with Animal Control: You are being courted by Morpheus, one of the seven Endless. Then you get stood up on your date, and find out the shocking reason why.

Warnings: None.

To Note: Morpheus x Reader, Destiny = Russian Blue, Death = Sphinx, Dream = Mainecoon, Desire = Bombay, Despair = Exotic Shorthair, Delirium = Bengal.

Word Count: ~4.1k

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It's chaos. The moment you get home, you release the Endless into your house and instantly regret doing so. Instead of having a civilized conversation between one mortal human and six Endless, Desire picks a fight with Dream. As they start hissing and clawing at each other, you chase after them to break it up. In the mean time Delirium bounces off the walls and tears across the carpet, investigating every inch of your living room with exuberance. The only ones behaving are Destiny, Death, and Despair, who simply sulks where you had placed her.

“Would you two knock it off!” you shout at the two hissing cats, grabbing their scruffs and pulling them apart in a mess of claws and pulled cat hair. “You are Endless beings, act like it!”

Desire goes limp in your hold while Morpheus turns his eyes to you and gives you the most pitiful kitten gaze you have ever seen.

Beloved…

“Don’t you ‘beloved’ me, Morpheus,” you grouse at him. “I have six Endless in my home on top of a missed date!” At the mention of the missed date, Morpheus' ears droop and he too goes slack from where he half dangles, half sits on the floor, despair taking over his body as he remembers that he missed your date. You were left waiting for him, only to need to come and help him yet again!

Desire snickers and you shoot them a glare that quickly shuts them up and has their golden eyes looking away from your narrowed ones.

You drop both cats back to the floor and lean back on your shins, running your hand over your head. Desire begins to lick their ruffled fur like nothing happened while Morpheus sidles up to you to grovel for his folly. His large form brushes against your legs, his eyes wide and remorseful.

Forgive me, beloved, he says with every piteous look and excessive nuzzle. You sigh, reaching down to scratch between his ears and feel your frustration ebb away slightly. It’s not like he intentionally ditched you and turned into a cat.

“I know it’s not your fault, Morpheus,” you murmur, letting your fingers trail through his thick fur to smooth the places Desire bit at. “I just wasn’t expecting to play cat sitter for the entire Endless family today.” Then your eyes turn to look around the room.

Delirium has found a ball of yarn from the basket of abandoned crocheting projects and is batting it around with wild abandon, tangling herself up in the process. Despair lounges on the sofa, her expression one of mild disinterest. At least they haven't gotten into anything you’re aware of.

Destiny sits regally by the window, his tail twitching as he seems to gaze into the distance. How exactly? He’s an eyeless cat? Death, ever the calm presence, has settled herself in a sunny spot on the floor, watching the proceedings with a twitching nose.

"Matthew's going to have a field day with this," you mutter, imagining the raven's reaction when he finds out that you took all of them home. But what else were you going to do? It’s not like you were just going to leave the Endless cats at the rescue shelter. "Okay, let's try to make the best of this."

I will assist, Morpheus meows softly. He follows closely as you move to scoop up the now thoroughly tangled Delirium. The young Endless purrs loudly, oblivious to the mess she has made of the yarn.

“You’re a handful, you know that?” you say, gently untangling her. She gives you a look with those mismatched eyes and you can’t help but smile. “Okay, everyone, let’s try to settle down. It’s been a long day.”

You set Delirium down and turn your attention to the rest of the room. “Desire, please try not to antagonize your brother. And Morpheus, stop letting them get under your fur. Death, Destiny, thank you for behaving, you are exemplary guests and I am honored to have you in my home. Despair... just try to keep doing whatever it is you’re doing.”

Desire gives a lazy stretch and saunters over to the corner, looking bored but no longer in the mood for a fight. Morpheus stays by your side, his eyes still full of apologies and pitifulness. You move to the kitchen, Morpheus padding after you.

“Let’s get some food in all of you. Maybe that will help calm things down.” In your kitchen, you grab six bowls and line them up on your kitchen counter before grabbing your large mixing bowl and filling it with water. You have no idea if they’ll want or need to eat, let alone drink water, but having something to do makes you feel a little more in control of the situation.

So setting the water bowl down, you go to your fridge and open it up, slowly realizing that you don’t own a cat and therefore don’t have cat food. Would they even eat cat food? Probably not? Your eyes spot the Tupperware full of the shredded chicken you had pulled from the rotisserie chicken you had picked up from the market the prior day and you grab that. Chicken is better than nothing you suppose.

As you prepare a meal for your unexpected guests, you can’t help but marvel at the absurdity of it all. Here you are, a mortal human, trying to manage six of the most powerful beings in existence—currently in cat form. It’s almost laughable. Almost.

With chicken in each of the six bowls, you set them down on the floor as one by one, the cats approach. Delirium, of course, makes a game of it, batting her food out of the bowl before finally eating it. Desire and Despair eat with an air of disinterest and great reluctance (though the reluctance mostly comes from Desire), while Destiny and Death remain calm and composed. They simply sit and eat like normal cats.

 Morpheus stays close to you, eating quickly before returning to your side and once again, rubbing his cheeks against your shins. Clingy much?

“Did you even taste that chicken?” You ask your boyfriend as he weaves between your legs.

While I appreciate the sentiment you have to provide sustenance for us, we do not need to consume food, beloved. Morpheus responds, tilting his head up so you can see his starry gaze staring into your soul. Even as a cat you can’t help but be enamored by his eyes.

“This isn’t for you, it’s for me,” you say, shifting your weight. “Treating you as cats makes me feel less insane about this.”

Leaving the kitchen you head back to your living room and collapse onto the couch, feeling the full weight of the day finally come crashing down on your shoulders. While you try to clear your mind, Morpheus jumps up beside you and promptly makes himself home on your lap with a contented purr. You stroke his fur absently, your mind whirling with everything that happened.

Missed date. Six Endless Cats.

Your eyes flutter open to look at the cats filling your home. Delirium has finally exhausted herself and is now curled up in the ball of yarn, looking every bit the picture of innocence. Desire lounges in the corner, eyes half-closed, while Despair and Death share the fading sunny spot on the floor. Destiny has returned to the window, his unseeing gaze distant and contemplative.

"You know," you say softly while running your fingers along Morpheus’ spine, "when I imagined meeting your family, this isn't exactly how I pictured it."

Be at ease. Destiny speaks, turning his head to set his sightless, and eyeless, gaze on you.

"Easy for you to say," you mutter, though the corner of your mouth twitches into a reluctant smile.

We appreciate your hospitality, Death adds. She stretches out luxuriously in the minimal sunbeam, her eyes half-closed while she soaks in the dying sunlight.

Despair's eyes flick toward you briefly before she resumes her blank stare. It's not often we are all together like this, she says morosely. Her voice carries an undercurrent of sorrow that tugs at your heart. She is Despair, after all.

"Yeah, well, next time let's try for a less chaotic gathering," you reply, scratching behind Morpheus' ears. He leans into your touch, his purring growing louder. "Everyone is going to think I'm crazy and wonder why I don't have absorbent amounts of cat shit in my garbage. It would be chaos trying to explain that."

Delirium perks up at the mention of chaos, her eyes bright with mischief. But chaos is fun! she exclaims, batting at a stray piece of yarn. We should do this more often!

Desire rolls their eyes but says nothing, clearly uninterested in the conversation. Instead, they focus on grooming their sleek fur with meticulous arrogance.

"You all have such... unique personalities," you observe. "It’s fascinating… but also very exhausting."

Morpheus nuzzles your hand affectionately. They are my family, beloved.

"Yeah, I get that," you say softly. "And I’m starting to understand why you’ve been so secretive about them. It's a bit overwhelming, I wish we could have met under different circumstances.”

Destiny tilts his head, his expression inscrutable as his nose twitches. You handle this well for a mortal, he notes.

"Well, I've had some practice," you reply with a chuckle. "Morpheus isn’t exactly low-maintenance and one of my best friends is a talking bird."

I heard that. Morpheus’s tone is playful and you can’t help but giggle softly.

“You were meant to,” you respond, trailing your fingers between his ears. “Anyone up for a movie night? I need a distraction.”

Delirium's eyes light up with excitement. Ooh! I love movies! Can we watch something colorful and weird?

"Sure thing," you agree, reaching for the remote. "How about 'Alice in Wonderland'?"

As the credits of "Alice in Wonderland" roll, you stretch and stifle a yawn. The Endless cats are sprawled across various parts of the room. Delirium is still curled up in a ball of yarn, her eyes half-closed in contentment after chattering all through the movie in happiness. Death and Despair share a quiet corner, Desire once again grooms themself. Destiny has returned to the window perch, lost in thought.

You rise from the couch, feeling exertion tugging at your mind. "I need some alone time," you mutter, extracting a grumbling Morpheus from your lap and making your way to the bathroom. The prospect of a long, luxurious bubble bath sounds like heaven.

Morpheus follows you, once again refusing to depart from your side with Desire in your vicinity. Beloved, where are you going?

"I need a break," you reply, trying to keep your voice light. "Just some time to unwind."

But... His eyes are wide and imploring. Pleading.

"Not this time, Morpheus," you say firmly, closing the bathroom door behind you before he can blast you with the full power of his starry kitten eyes. You hear a soft thump as he settles outside, clearly displeased with being locked out. He scratches at the door halfheartedly but once again, you pretend not to hear him.

Ignoring his protests, you turn your attention to the bath. You run hot water, adding bubblebath until the air is thick with fragrant steam. The tub fills quickly and soon you have a steamy oasis of calm waiting for you.

Slipping into the warm water, you let out a sigh of relief. The tension in your muscles begins to melt away as the bubbles envelop you and pop against your flesh. You lean back and close your eyes, trying to take what solitude you’ll get in the next few days.

A soft rustling breaks through your reverie. You open your eyes just in time to see Morpheus' sleek form slipping through the slightly ajar door. How did he even open it? Then your eyebrow rises when he ensures to shut it behind him with his paws.

"Seriously?" you exclaim, sitting up slightly and feeling hot, bubbly water splash your body.

I dislike being separated from you, beloved. His tone is unapologetic as he pads over to the edge of the tub and sniffs the air.

You roll your eyes but can't help a small smile. "Fine, but you're staying on that side. I am not drying you if you get wet.”

So Morpheus sits dutifully by the tub's edge, his eyes never leaving yours. Or your beautiful body, he can take solace in his current situation that he at least get’s to spend intimate time with you now.

"You're impossible," you murmur, sinking back into the bubbles. But there's no real annoyance in your voice—just a resigned affection for this stubborn Endless cat who refuses to let you be alone for even a moment.

And as the warmth of the bath seeps into your skin and Morpheus’ steady gaze remains fixed on you, for once today everything feels... okay. For now. Damn it mind!

You soak in the tub until the water starts to cool, then decide it's time to get out. You stand and reach for a towel, wrapping it around yourself as you step onto the mat. Morpheus watches you with those unblinking eyes, still perched by the tub. You dry your hair as best as you can before moving to the sink counter where your sleep clothes wait.

“Morpheus, will the Dreaming be alright while you are gone?” You ask him while pulling your underwear on followed by your sleep shorts. Morpheus blinks at you before jumping down from the edge of the tub and brushing his cheek against your bare leg, his whiskers ticking your skin.

Matthew will have informed Lucienne of my current situation and that I am in your hands. Do not worry, beloved. As Morpheus finishes speaking, you pull on your sleep shirt and let out a sigh. That’s one worry taken care of.

“Okay, we’ll just make sure that everyone stays safe and is taken care of until you turn back into your usual forms.” You softly muse, rubbing your cheek. “I can do that, I can do that.”

Morpheus bunts his head against your arm with a purr and run your fingers over his silky head one last time before turning around and leaving the bathroom. Stepping into the hallway, you notice that the house is still quiet, the other Endless seemingly settled for the night. You head towards the living room where they are scattered about.

“Okay everyone,” you announce softly. “I’m going to bed. If you need anything, that’s where I’ll be.”

Death looks up from her spot on the floor and gives you a little chin lift with a twitch of her nose and twinkling eyes. Rest well.

Desire barely acknowledges you, too busy grooming their fur. Delirium is already fast asleep in her yarn cocoon. You’ll leave that mess of yarn until she is back to her normal form, she seems to like playing with it. Destiny offers a solemn nod from his place by the window and Despair merely blinks at you.

You turn to head to your bedroom with Morpheus on your heels. Thankfully, he doesn’t risk your wrath by weaving around your feet in reverence.

Pushing open your bedroom door you step inside, eyes zeroing on your bed. The bed looks inviting, like a treat after such an eventful day. You pull back the covers and let Morpheus jump up onto the bed before sliding in after him. You settle in, pulling the covers over your body and curl on your side as Morpheus turns in a circle by your chest before plopping down. His purring starts up almost immediately and the vibrations helps ease any remaining tension from your muscles.

“Goodnight, Morpheus,” you murmur, closing your eyes and stretching your arm around his large body to snuggle him against your body.

Goodnight, beloved his thoughts brush gently against yours as he nestles closer. The rhythmic sound of his purring lulls you into a peaceful state, and it takes mere seconds for you to slip into the dreaming.

You wake up to the sensation of being smothered by warmth and fur. As your eyes flutter open, you find yourself surrounded by a pile of feline bodies. But it's the low growl that catches your attention.

Turning your head, you see Morpheus baring his teeth at Desire, who has draped themselves lazily across your legs, their eyes half-closed in smugness. Desire’s fur brushes against your skin as they shift slightly, completely unbothered by Morpheus’s hostility.

“Morpheus, what's going on?” you whisper, trying not to disturb the delicate balance of cats sprawled around you. Destiny is loafing perfectly, ignoring the growls of Morpheus, Death is curled up in a ball surrounded by bunched blankets, even Despair is lounging without a care.

Desire oversteps, Morpheus growls through the bond you share. His hackles are raised

Desire looks up. Relax, brother. I'm just enjoying the warmth.

Morpheus' eyes narrow further, his growl deepening. “Hey, both of you,” you say softly but firmly. “Let’s keep it civil. No cat fights on my bed, my home is Switzerland, capisce?”

Desire purrs softly and stretches out further, making themselves even more comfortable. See? They don’t mind, they say with a smirk.

Morpheus' fur bristles slightly, muscles still taught, but he doesn’t move or growl any further. You reach out and gently scratch behind his ears, hoping to soothe him. He leans into your touch, but his gaze remains locked on Desire.

“Come on, Desire,” you sigh. “There’s enough room for everyone. Stop intentionally picking a sight, please.”

Desire yawns dramatically and finally shifts off your legs, moving to a different spot on the bed with exaggerated grace. Fine, they say with a hint of amusement in their voice. I’ll let Morpheus have his precious space with you.

You feel the tension in Morpheus ease as Desire settles elsewhere. You can't help but shake your head at the absurdity of it all—navigating sibling rivalry among the Endless in cat form is not something you ever expected to be doing. But who does?

With Desire now at a safe distance and Morpheus calming down beside you, you let out a relieved breath. You close your eyes again and slump back against your sheets. It is going to be a long day.

000000000xxxxxxxx00000

You sit on the living room floor, gently working a brush through Morpheus' long, silky coat. He purrs softly, eyes half-closed in bliss from your attention and ministration. Beside you, Death lounges on the couch, her hairless sphinx form relaxed as she watches you work.

There's this little diner downtown, Death says, her voice thoughtful. They have the best pancakes I've ever had. The cook puts a hint of vanilla in the batter.

"Sounds delicious," you reply, carefully untangling a knot in Morpheus' fur. "I’ll have to check it out sometime."

Death smiles. You should. And there's a coffee shop nearby that makes amazing lattes. The barista is an artist with foam.

You laugh softly, shaking your head in amusement. "I'll add it to my list."

Morpheus shifts slightly under your touch, his purring growing louder as you continue to brush him. His fur is a never-ending cascade of midnight black, soft and luxurious under your fingers. He is just so damn pretty.

"Alright, I think we're done here," you say, setting the brush aside and giving Morpheus one last pat. He stretches out lazily before hopping off your lap and finding a sunny spot to sit in. You turn your attention to Death, who watches you with an amused glint in her eyes.

"Your turn," you say, rising to your feet and grabbing a towel from the nearby chair.

Death tilts her head slightly, a curious expression on her face. What do you mean?

"You need a bath," you explain gently. "Your skin needs some care too. Your breed needs a bath once a week because you don't have hair to keep your body oils from spreading everywhere and stinking. Or at least that is what I read. Worry not, I have bought you a shower cap."

You scoop Death into your arms, feeling her warm body relax against you. She doesn’t protest as you carry her to the bathroom, her eyes glinting with mild curiosity. The other cats watch with varying degrees of interest and amusement.

Setting her down on the bathroom counter, you turn on the faucet and let the water warm up. Death sits calmly, her eyes following your every move.

“Alright, let’s get you ready,” you say, reaching for the cat shower cap you bought just for her. It’s a soft lavender color with tiny flowers on it—adorable and practical. “It’s bad for cats to get water in their ears, this should prevent that.”

Death tilts her head slightly as you gently place the cap over her ears, securing it snugly around her head. Her whiskers twitch, but she remains still.

“There we go,” you tell her with a smile. “Ready for your bath?”

She blinks slowly in response and nods.

You carefully lift her and lower her into the sink, letting the warm water run over her skin. She purrs softly, clearly enjoying the sensation.

Oh this is quite nice. You chuckle softly as you pour water onto her back with a cup while rubbing her velvet skin. Once she is fully wet, you reach for the gentle cat shampoo and lather it into your hands before massaging it into her skin.

Death’s purring grows louder as you work, your fingers moving in slow, soothing circles. The scent of lavender fills the air, mixing with the steam from the warm water. You rinse off the shampoo, making sure every bit of suds is gone before turning off the faucet.

Grabbing a fluffy towel, you wrap Death up and lift her from the sink. She looks up at you with those wise eyes as you gently pat her dry. The shower cap stays in place, adding an endearing touch to her appearance.

“You did great,” you say softly, rubbing the towel along her back and sides. “All clean and fresh, and hopefully not demeaning for an Endless”

Death purrs contentedly as you finish drying her off. It is an honor to receive such care from a mortal, Y/N, thank you.

“You’re under my care while in cat form, no problem,” you tell her before reaching up and carefully removing the shower cap. She stretches luxuriously, her skin twitching as she moves.

You find yourself sitting on the living room floor, eyes locked onto Despair. Her gray, matted fur and somber eyes reflect her namesake, while Desire’s sleek, immaculate coat glimmers with an otherworldly sheen. You feel a twinge of tension from Morpheus as you extend a hand towards Despair.

“Hey there,” you say softly, scratching behind her ears. She leans into your touch, her purring low and almost mournful.

Desire watches with an amused expression, their eyes half-lidded. It’s rare to see someone willingly spend time with Despair, they muse, their voice smooth as silk.

“Everyone needs a little comfort,” you reply, glancing at Morpheus. He shifts slightly, his gaze narrowing. “And despair is a part of life. I wouldn’t be human without it.”

How noble, Desire purrs, stretching out lazily. Perhaps you’d like to spend some time with me next? I promise I’m much more entertaining.

You hesitate for a moment before nodding. “Sure, Desire.”

Despair’s eyes flicker with a hint of sadness as you move your attention to Desire. You reach out and run your fingers through their sleek fur, feeling the soft warmth beneath your touch. All that grooming does pay off it seems.

Morpheus’ agitation grows palpable through your bond. He stands up and starts pacing back and forth, his tail flicking in irritation. Flashes of blazing starry novas emerge in his gaze every so often.

“Relax,” you murmur to him, trying to soothe his unease.

Desire purrs louder under your touch, their eyes gleaming with satisfaction. See? Isn’t this much better?

“It’s different,” you admit, glancing at Morpheus again. His restlessness tugs at your heart. This has to be so hard for him.

Despair shifts slightly closer to you once more, silently wanting more attention and pets. You humor her. Morpheus finally stops pacing and sits down heavily beside you. His frustration is clear in the way he huffs softly but he doesn’t say anything.

Desire chuckles softly. Looks like someone’s feeling left out.

“Come here,” you say gently to Morpheus, patting the spot beside you.

He reluctantly moves closer until he’s nestled against your side. You can feel his tension slowly easing as he presses into you for reassurance.

Despair continues to lean into your touch on one side while Desire purrs contentedly on the other. Morpheus finally relaxes completely against you, his earlier agitation melting away as he finds comfort in your presence amidst his siblings.

Date Published: 11/20/24

Last Edit: 11/20/24

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[writing-for-life]

The Corinthian—Bran Rockey

[upon-the-snow]

I can’t believe it took me this long to draw her!

[daniilune]

Dream of a Thousand Cats

[junkokiu]

Just watched the first episode, and I gotta say The Sandman universe doesn't disappoint. Neil Gaiman doesn't disappoint-

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~ Please, do not edit or repost my art ~

[moncuries]

brains and brawns, allegedly

[lichanicksstuff]

Volume 1 Dream, you will always be famous.

[notallsandmen]

[twobitzz]

i know it's true that visions are seldom what they seem

[karalynlovescake]

After having the conversation multiple times about how many people (myself included) had stopped writing for years until the Sandman on Netflix came along and grabbed us by the neck.

And after watching the screaming reactions to Good Omens season 2, (and all the meta and analysis and thoughts about plot structure, and suggestions for what makes sense for season 3.)

I have decided that Neil Gaiman's secret agenda is not the screaming or the angst.

I think his secret agenda is to make us all WRITE.

[honeybeezgobzzzzz]

𓅨 The Endless’ Adventure with Animal Control: Chapter Three

The Endless’ Adventure with Animal Control: You are being courted by Morpheus, one of the seven Endless. Then you get stood up on your date, and find out the shocking reason why.

Warnings: Nudity.

To Note: Morpheus x Reader, Destiny = Russian Blue, Death = Sphinx, Dream = Mainecoon, Desire = Bombay, Despair = Exotic Shorthair, Delirium = Bengal.

Word Count: ~3.7k

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The sun filters through the curtains, casting a warm glow on the room. You glance at the clock and realize it's time to pick up some new toys for Delirium. Her boundless energy always needs an outlet, and you want to make sure she stays entertained.

After a quick trip to the pet store, you return with a bag full of colorful cat toys—feather wands, jingle balls, and plush mice. The moment you walk through the door, Delirium's eyes light up. Her fur seems to shimmer with excitement as she bounds over to you.

What did you bring? Her voice dances with curiosity.

"Just a few surprises," you say, setting the bag on the floor.

Delirium doesn't wait for an invitation. She dives into the bag, pulling out a feather wand first. With a gleeful yelp, she bats at it, her movements erratic and joyful. You grab the other end of the wand and wave it in the air. Delirium leaps and twirls, her agility mesmerizing.

Catch me if you can! she giggles, eyes wide with exhilaration.

You laugh, flicking the wand higher. "Think you can keep up?"

Her response is a blur of motion as she pounces, paws swiping at the feathers with surprising precision. You can't help but marvel at her energy. The room fills with her infectious laughter and your own chuckles as she finally captures the wand between her teeth.

Got it! she exclaims triumphantly.

Next, you pull out a jingle ball and roll it across the floor. Delirium's ears perk up at the sound, and she races after it, batting it around with enthusiastic paws. The ball skitters under a chair, but that doesn't deter her. She stretches out, pawing at it until it rolls free again.

Never give up, she mutters to herself before resuming her playful pursuit.

You sit back on your heels, watching her with fondness. Delirium's joy is infectious; it lifts your spirits just being near her. You toss another toy—a plush mouse—into the mix. She pounces on it instantly, tossing it into the air before catching it again.

The afternoon melts away in a haze of laughter and play. But you catch Morpheus brooding and moping off to the side, as if he was jealous of you spending your time playing with Delirium instead of him. Most likely. So you pick up a laser pointer and start flicking it around the room as you take a seat on your couch.

Morpheus saunters over, his movements graceful and deliberate. He eyes the laser pointer in your hand with a keen interest, tail flicking with anticipation, but then completely ignores it. Without hesitation, he jumps into your lap, his weight settling comfortably.

You can feel the subtle rumble of his purring, a low vibration that soothes and reassures. "Missed me?" you ask, giving him a gentle scratch behind the ears.

Always, he purrs, leaning into your touch.

You aim the laser pointer at the floor, creating a small red dot that darts across the room. Morpheus's eyes lock onto it, pupils dilating. He hesitates for a moment and you can feel his muscles straining. Then he is springing into action, leaping off your lap with surprising speed.

Delirium pauses her play to watch him chase the elusive dot. Her curiosity piqued, she joins in the chase. The two cats move in perfect synchrony, their bodies fluid and agile as they pounce and swipe at the tiny light.

The room is filled with their playful energy. You can hardly keep up with their rapid movements, but you try your best to keep the dot dancing just out of reach. Morpheus lets out an excited chirp as he nearly catches it, only for it to dart away at the last second.

You think you can outsmart me? he challenges.

"Not a chance," you reply with sarcasm, a grin plastered to your lips.

Delirium leaps over Morpheus in a graceful arc, trying to intercept the dot mid-air. She lands softly on her paws, missing by inches but unfazed by the near-miss. The two of them continue their spirited chase, working together yet competing for that elusive prize.

You find yourself laughing at their antics, feeling a lightness in your chest that only moments like these can bring. He was going to get so pissy with you after this but right now you were enjoying yourself far too much to stop.

You glance at the clock and realize it's almost dinner time. You reluctantly put the laser pointer down, and both Delirium and Morpheus halt their chase, turning their curious eyes towards you.

"Alright, you two. Time to eat," you announce, heading towards the kitchen.

Delirium trots after you, her tail held high with anticipation. Morpheus follows at a more measured pace, his regal demeanor intact despite the playful chase moments before.

As you open the cupboard to retrieve their food bowls, Delirium jumps onto the counter, her nose twitching as she sniffs the air. She gives you a playful nudge with her head. Hungry, she murmurs.

You open the cupboard and pull out six bowls, each one with a unique design representing one of the Endless. Why you had spent so much time selecting them was beyond your comprehension. Setting them on the counter, you fill Delirium’s bowl first. She nudges your hand, her whiskers brushing against your skin as she purrs loudly.

"Patience," you say, filling the bowl with her favorite fish mix. You place it on the floor, and she immediately digs in, her tail swishing contentedly.

Morpheus watches from his perch on the windowsill. You prepare his meal next, a special blend of turkey and rice that he loves. He saunters over, graceful as ever, and begins to eat with measured bites.

Next, you move to prepare Despair’s dinner. Her bowl is somber gray, matching her melancholic aura. You fill it with a hearty stew that you know she prefers on these colder nights. She appears quietly by your side, her presence heavy but not unwelcome.

"Here you go," you say softly, placing the bowl on the table where she often sits alone.

Desire's bowl is next—a shimmering gold with intricate designs. You fill it with a rich pate that matches their refined tastes. Desire slips in with a mischievous grin and a glint in their eye.

"Always the best for you," you remark, setting their bowl down with a flourish.

Finally, Destiny’s bowl—simple yet elegant. You prepare a meal that’s balanced and nourishing, just the way he likes it. He approaches quietly, his presence almost ethereal.

"Dinner is served," you announce as he takes his place at the head of the table.

With all six Endless fed and contented, you turn back to the kitchen to fix your own dinner. The scent of roasted chicken fills the air as you prepare a simple but satisfying meal for yourself. You glance back at the table where they all sit—each one absorbed in their own world yet connected by an invisible thread.

You set your plate down at the counter and take a moment to appreciate the scene before digging into your meal. You take a bite of your roasted chicken, savoring the rich flavor. The house hums with a comfortable quiet, broken only by the soft sounds of the Endless eating. Suddenly, a soft tapping at the window catches your attention.

You look up to see Matthew perched on the sill, his beady eyes peering through the glass. You rise from your seat and cross the room to let him in.

"Hey, Matthew," you greet him as you open the window. "What brings you here?"

"Just checking in," he caws, hopping onto your shoulder. "Thought you could use some company."

You smile at the raven's familiar voice. "Perfect timing," you say, closing the window behind him. "Dinner's just wrapping up."

Matthew looks around the room, his eyes taking in each of the Endless as they finish their meals. He flaps his wings and settles comfortably on your shoulder.

"How's everyone doing?" he asks, though his tone suggests he already knows.

"Same as always," you reply with a shrug. "Delirium’s playful, Morpheus is brooding, and Desire’s... well, being Desire."

Matthew lets out a soft chuckle. "Sounds about right."

You walk back to your plate and take another bite of chicken. Matthew shifts on your shoulder, his feathers brushing against your cheek.

"You've been busy," he observes.

"Always," you admit, a hint of weariness creeping into your voice.

"Well, take a break," Matthew suggests. "You've earned it."

You finish your dinner, enjoying the comfortable presence of Matthew on your shoulder. He shifts slightly, making himself more comfortable as you place your fork down. The raven's familiar weight is a reassuring reminder of the world beyond the walls of your home.

"How about some tea?" you suggest, moving towards the kitchen.

"Sounds good," Matthew replies, his beady eyes gleaming with interest.

You fill the kettle and set it on the stove. The hiss of boiling water soon fills the room, mingling with the soft hum of contentment from the Endless as they finish their meals. You pull down two mugs—one for yourself and a smaller one for Matthew, who always enjoys a sip or two. Which is weird because he's a bird now.

You pour the hot water into the mugs, the steam rising in gentle curls. Matthew shifts on your shoulder, his feathers rustling softly.

"Here you go," you say, handing him his smaller mug. He grips it with his talons and put's it in front of him before taking a sip.

"Thanks," he murmurs, savoring the warmth.

You settle back at the counter with your own mug, the aroma of chamomile soothing your senses. The room is calm, the earlier energy of play and dinner now a gentle hum. You and Matthew share a companionable silence, each lost in your own thoughts.

Matthew takes another sip before speaking again. "Lucienne's been asking about you," he says casually.

"Has she now?" you respond with a hint of curiosity. "Anything in particular?"

"Just making sure you're keeping up," he replies, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "You know how she worries."

You nod, understanding Lucienne's ever-watchful nature. "I'll make sure to check in more often."

Matthew finishes his tea and sets the mug down gently. "Well, I should get going," he announces, flapping his wings slightly as he prepares to take off. "Lucienne will be waiting for my report."

"Take care, Matthew," you say warmly as he takes flight and heads towards the window.

He gives you a final nod before disappearing into the night sky. You close the window behind him, feeling a mix of gratitude and lingering solitude.

Turning back to the kitchen, you start cleaning up after dinner. The clink of dishes and running water fills the space as you methodically wash each bowl and utensil. Once everything is neatly put away, you head towards the bathroom for a well-deserved shower.

You step into the shower, the warm water cascading over your tired muscles, washing away the day's stress. Steam fills the small bathroom, creating a cocoon of warmth. You let out a sigh, feeling the tension melt from your shoulders. The scent of lavender soap mingles with the steam, soothing your senses further.

After a few moments of blissful relaxation, you turn off the water and step out, grabbing a fluffy towel from the rack. You wrap it around your body, feeling its comforting embrace as you dry off. The cool air outside the shower sends a slight shiver through you as you move to your bedroom.

Your room is dimly lit by the soft glow of a bedside lamp. You walk over to your dresser, pulling out clean clothes for the night. As you let the towel drop to change, a prickle of awareness runs down your spine. You glance up and freeze.

Morpheus sits on the edge of your bed, his eyes fixed on you with an intensity that makes your heart skip a beat. His gaze is unflinching, his dark eyes capturing every detail of your bare skin.

"Uh... Morpheus?" Your voice comes out hesitant, uncertain how to break the charged silence. Morpheus, in his sleek cat form, remains on the edge of your bed, his dark eyes drinking in every inch of your bare skin. You feel a heat rise to your cheeks, not just from the steam of the shower but from the intensity of his gaze.

You have a certain...radiance tonight, he purrs, his voice smooth and measured. It's almost as if you are a dream yourself.

You clutch the towel a bit tighter around you, feeling vulnerable yet strangely flattered. "Morpheus, this isn't really the time," you murmur, trying to muster some semblance of modesty.

He jumps gracefully from the bed to the dresser, closer now. Beauty is timeless, he continues, his eyes never leaving yours. And tonight, you shine with an ethereal light.

His words send a shiver down your spine that has nothing to do with the cool air. There's something about his presence—both comforting and disconcerting—that makes your heart race. You reach for your clothes, feeling the need to cover up under his intense scrutiny.

As you slip on your shirt and pants, Morpheus remains silent but attentive, his tail flicking lazily as if he has all the time in the world. When you're finally dressed, you turn back to face him.

"Happy now?" you ask with a mix of exasperation and amusement.

Content, he replies simply, though there's a glimmer of something deeper in his eyes.

You can't help but chuckle at that. "You're impossible."

And yet, he says softly, you wouldn't have it any other way.

You shake your head, a small smile tugging at your lips despite yourself. "True enough."

Morpheus leaps back onto the bed and curls up comfortably. His eyes half-close but still watch you with that same unwavering attention.

"Shall we call it a night?" you suggest, feeling both exhausted and oddly invigorated by the evening's events.

For now, he agrees, his voice a gentle whisper in the quiet room.

You turn off the bedside lamp and crawl under the covers, feeling Morpheus's warm presence beside you. His purring fills the room as you close your eyes, letting the events of the day fade into a comfortable darkness.

You wake up slowly, the haze of sleep lifting as you become aware of a cool, solid presence next to you. As your eyes flutter open, you find yourself wrapped in the arms of Morpheus, who has reverted to his normal form. His skin is smooth and cool against yours, his breathing steady and calm.

Rather than feeling frazzled by the sight of him naked beside you, relief washes over you. He's back to normal, his familiar presence grounding you in a way that nothing else can.

You gently lift your head from his chest and look at him. His features are serene, a stark contrast to the intensity he often carries. His dark hair falls softly across his forehead, and you can't help but reach out to brush it away.

Leaning in, you press a soft kiss to his lips. It’s a gentle gesture, filled with gratitude and affection. Morpheus stirs slightly, his arms tightening around you as he wakes from his deep inner thoughts.

His eyes open slowly, meeting yours with a softness that takes your breath away. "You're awake," he murmurs, his voice low and filled with warmth.

"Yeah," you reply softly, still close enough that your breath mingles with his.

He studies your face for a moment before pulling you closer, burying his face in your hair. "Good morning," he whispers against your ear.

"Good morning," you respond, feeling the tension of the previous day melt away in his embrace.

For a moment, neither of you moves. You simply savor the quiet intimacy of the morning, wrapped in each other’s arms. The world outside can wait; right now, all that matters is this moment with Morpheus.

Finally, he pulls back slightly to look at you again. There's a question in his eyes, an unspoken need for reassurance.

"I'm glad you're here," you tell him sincerely.

He nods slowly, a small smile playing on his lips. "As am I."

You shift slightly, adjusting to face Morpheus fully. "Are the others back to normal too?" you ask, concern lacing your voice.

He meets your gaze, his eyes a serene abyss. "Yes," he replies, his tone reassuring. "They have all returned to their realms."

A wave of relief washes over you. "Good," you murmur, your body relaxing into his embrace. "I was worried."

Morpheus’s lips curve into a gentle smile. "There is no need for worry," he says softly. "They are where they belong."

You nod, taking in the comfort of his words. The chaos of the past few days fades into a distant memory, replaced by the quiet stability of the present.

His fingers trace soothing patterns on your back, grounding you further. "You did well," he murmurs, a rare note of praise in his voice.

You feel a flush of pride at his words. "Thank you," you reply, your voice barely above a whisper.

He leans in, pressing a soft kiss to your forehead. The simple gesture fills you with warmth and contentment. "Rest now," he advises gently. "You have earned it."

You nestle deeper into Morpheus's embrace, the warmth and steady rhythm of his breath lulling you into a sense of calm. "I agree," you murmur, letting your eyes flutter closed for a moment. The world feels safe here, cradled in his arms.

But then you remember the chaos of the past few days, and a small, determined spark ignites within you. "But just so we're clear," you say, pulling back slightly to meet his gaze. "I am not coming to the rescue the next time you or the others turn into cats."

Morpheus raises an eyebrow, amusement flickering in his dark eyes. "Is that so?" His tone is teasing, but there's a hint of curiosity there too.

"Yes," you insist, your voice firm despite the comfortable intimacy of the moment. "Do you have any idea what it's like to walk into an animal shelter to retrieve six cats who all got lost? They already think I'm a crazy cat lady."

He chuckles softly, the sound low and rich. "I can imagine it must have been quite the sight."

"Quite the sight?" You shake your head, a mix of exasperation and amusement coloring your tone. "It was more than that. I had to explain why one of them had eyes that looked like they were made of stars and another had this constant shimmer in them. Not to mention Desire's... unique behavior."

Morpheus's lips twitch into a smile. "Yes, I can see how that might have raised some questions."

"Questions?" You huff, though there's no real anger behind it. "They wanted to call animal control! I had to convince them that these were just very special breeds."

He nods thoughtfully, his fingers tracing gentle patterns on your back. "Your dedication is commendable."

You roll your eyes playfully but feel a warmth at his words. "Well, don't expect me to go through that again. Next time you're on your own."

Morpheus's gaze softens, and he leans in to press a kiss to your forehead. "Understood," he murmurs against your skin.

You sigh contentedly, letting yourself relax once more in his arms. The room is quiet save for the soft hum of morning sounds outside the window.

You lean back into Morpheus's embrace, the warmth of his body seeping into your own. The quiet intimacy of the moment is almost enough to make you forget the absurdity of recent events.

Morpheus's fingers trace gentle circles on your back, a soothing rhythm that matches the steady rise and fall of his breath. "So, what do you plan to do today?" he asks, his voice a soft murmur in the morning stillness.

You ponder for a moment, considering the options. "I think I'll take it easy," you say finally. "Maybe read a book, enjoy some quiet time."

Morpheus nods approvingly. "A wise choice."

You shift slightly, adjusting to face him more fully. "But you also owe me a makeup date."

Morpheus's fingers still on your back, and his expression shifts from relaxed to serious. His eyes, usually so enigmatic, now hold a depth of emotion that takes you by surprise.

"I owe you more than a makeup date," he says, his voice carrying an uncharacteristic gravity. "I failed you."

You blink, taken aback by the intensity in his tone. "Morpheus, it's just a date. We can always reschedule."

"No," he interrupts gently but firmly. "It is not just a date. It was a promise, one that I did not keep."

You feel the weight of his words settle over you, and you realize how deeply he values his commitments to you. "Morpheus, you were dealing with something beyond our control," you argue softly. "Turning into cats and getting lost wasn't exactly in the plan."

He closes his eyes briefly, as if gathering his thoughts. When he opens them again, they are filled with determination. "Regardless of the circumstances, I should have found a way to honor my word to you."

You hold Morpheus’s gaze, seeing the sincerity etched in his features. The weight of his words hangs between you, thick and palpable.

"Morpheus," you say softly, reaching up to touch his face. Your fingers trace the sharp line of his jaw, feeling the cool smoothness of his skin. "You didn't fail me. We both faced something unexpected."

He closes his eyes at your touch, leaning into your hand as if seeking solace in your reassurance. "Still," he murmurs, "I wish to make it right."

You smile gently, your thumb brushing over his cheekbone. "Then let's make today about us," you suggest. "No interruptions, no obligations, no cats—just us."

His eyes open slowly, a spark of hope lighting them up. "That sounds perfect," he agrees, a small smile lifting the corners of his mouth.

You nod, feeling a sense of contentment settle over you. "Good. Now, how about we start with breakfast?"

Morpheus’s smile widens slightly. "Breakfast it is," he concurs.

Date Published: 11/20/24

Last Edit: 11/20/24

Previous | Masterlist

[hannaloony]

for people who missed it - I have a whole Couch series

[ultrakeencollectionbreadfan]

The Sandman, "Calliope"

[densewentz]

and i thought 'Jealousy, but make it stupid'

[writing-for-life]

Morpheus—Amber Durran

[desm-doodle]

and here’s death again, the version from the show this time :)