#then again Morpheus is the king of bad decisions

[local-redhead-bookworm]

I still have questions about the robe thing Morpheus was wearing in episode one. Was he just walking around in a giant blanket? Because that would make some sense but it seems like a really bad decision

[ultimateissuessimp]

Lost and Found

Chapter 1 - Time for a hunt

Word count: 1,491

Warnings: descriptions of gore (will be marked with = at the moment it starts and with = when it ends), mentioned death of a character, trauma, bad writing

Genre: Angst, fluff, hurt/comfort

Notes: All dividers that I use are made by me (If you see art that I have used, but not credited - please notify me), you might notice that even though it says "featuring Team Free Will" there's not a lot of them there as one would think. In fact they are not even mentioned by their names which was intentional ince the sotry does not focus on them but the reader and Morpheus, they're the ones that matter the most after all.

The young man was pacing around in his living room. Thoughts running tons of kilometers a second as he tried to think through everything that was said to him a minute ago. He couldn't believe what he just heard, in fact he thought that he has misheard what he was told, but the truth was that his hearing was working perfectly, it was just the fact that the information was so shocking it was hard to believe. He never would've thought that THIS might happen. Yet here he was, finally stopping his frantic walking in front of the raven haired man. He wanted to make sure one last time.

-So you want to tell me that Valgrat is wandering around somewhere here in The Waking? - the hunter asked looking with bewilderment at the powerful being standing before him. The information still not really coding in his brain. That is so not what he expected to hear first thing in the morning, not before even having his first cup of coffee to start the day.

-Yes, Y/N, I wouldn't be here if it wasn't urgent and I didn't need your help with bringing him back to The Dreaming - said the anthropomorphic personification of dreams as he looked ahead through the window in the hunter's apartment. He had no other choice but to come and ask the man for help. He was desperate. His creation wandered into the human realm and caused a bunch of chaos, not to even mention his decision of having some humans as a late night snack. He had to bring him back, but he couldn't find him. He was hiding very well, his ability to shape and take face of anyone he wanted making everything harder. So who else if not a certain Nightmare Hunter with whom he had shared some history could help him in finding his lost Nightmare?

The immortal started pacing once more, furthermore annoying the Endless. Dream grabbed Y/N by his arm making him stop in his tracks and pulled him to himself, so they were face to face. The hunter's eyes widened as he stood so close to the Dream Lord, swallowing hard the saliva that gathered in his mouth, feeling his dry throat finally get some lubrication. He wasn't used to being so close to someone, even though both him and Morpheus shared some past together. But that's what their situationdhip was - a past, so standing so close to him now was sending his heart into a cardiac arrest. Clearly he couldn't still feel something after so long? But oh god, what if he was? This simple thought made a blush appear on the man's cheeks. The Endless raised an eyebrow wlhen he saw it, but said nothing, making a mental note to ask about it after all of this is over.

-Please, help me find him and I won't bother you again - said Morpheus. His heart had a different opinion on this matter than his brain. It was screaming at him to never leave again. To fix what was between them, because surely something was still there. He could feel it, yet he didn't know what to do in this situation. Morpheus didn't want to appear as if he was in need of the hunter's affection and attention, his ego oh so ever present. He was an Endless for the sake of all that is present. He had his duties, he was a King, he was as old as the need to sleep and dream was. So why did he feel helpless and his "soul" feel like it was yearning and longing to reach the man's in front of him? Why did it feel so freeing and good to be in his presence? As if his whole body was singing.

-Okay... I'll help you - Y/N nearly added that Dream didn't have to feel like he was bothering him. That he doesn't have to leave, that he could stay and he wouldn't mind. He wanted him to stay. He felt the need to plead Morpheus not to leave him again. But he didn't say it. His own pride blinding him and not letting him say those words to not appear as if he was begging and craving for the raiven haired man's love. Begging was not "in his style". So he stayed silent. Words caught in his throat.

-Thank you, lo-Y/N - Morpheus quickly stopped himiself from making, in his perspective, a mistake. He coughed and took a step back.

He couldn't do it. Not again. Not after what happened last time. He couldn't repeat his mistakes, no matter how tempting it was. Y/N's eyes widened visibly, shocked at the Endless's little slip up, his heart skipping a beat. This couldn't be happening. Not now. Not after so many years. Why now? After he fially made peace with all of it? Or at least he thought he did. A thousand questions swirling around in his mind. A thousand questions that want to spill out of his mouth and engulf Morpheus, suffocate him wanting to get answers. But he didn't let them. He kept his lips tightly shut as he slowly nodded and turned around, his back now facing Morpheus.

-Yeah, uh... No problem, after all that's what I do, isn't it? - He said, still slightly flusttered. - So, do you have any idea where Valgrat might be? Just a general area? I can start digging from there on - the hunter announced, a shiver going through his whole body as he felt the gust of cold wind slip through the cracked open window of his apartment. He didn't even remember when he had opened it. But it didn't matter as Morpheus went up to it and closed it, seeing Y/N's reaction. He thanked Dream quietly, bashful because of the Endless's action.

-Indeed, I do. It appears that he wandered to an American state called Kansas. I don't know the name of the city he might be in now, but I know the name of one that he was in when he first showed up there - Morpheus said, walking over to the big world map displayed on one of the hunter's walls. He got close to it, searching for a certain name and when he found it, he pointed to it and said its name out loud. - Beloit.

-Then I guess I need to pack my bags and catch a last minute flight to America - Y/N said. - Kansas, here we come! - he exclaimed with mock excitement as he moved from his spot to walk to his bedroom and take out his bags.

He started throwing some different types of clothes into the bag, not really knowing what weather to prepare for, so he just put in a bit of everything. When he was done, he put the bag filled with clothes on the floor, close to the doors and reached of the second one. This one is gonna be so much more fun to fill. Y/N went up to his closet and pushed aside some of the clothing hangers, revealing a wooden wall behind them. He tapped the right upper corner two times with his fingers and the left lower corner three times, performing something like out of Harry Potter. Which wouldn't be far from the thruth because the wooden wall started to push back further into the wall and splitting in the middle, two side going into different directions to finally reveal something that shouldn't be seen by normal people. A hunter-worthy arsenal of weapons. Y/N's little heaven. He had all kind of weaponery in there. From different types and sizes of knifes, machetes and swords to multiple guns. Bigger or smaller, heavier or lighter, small damage or big damage. Take your pick. Hell, even a whip. He packed everything he thought of as needed and closed the bag, taking it into his hand and walking up to the door to pick up the second bag into his other hand.

-Alright. I'm done packing. Do you want to meet already on the spot or...? - a question about having some company with him on the journey to America appearing in his mind, but he stopped himself from asking it.

He thought it would be weird and that surely Morpheus would politely decline, saying that he has business of his to take care of, so it would mean that they would meet on spot. He didn't expect Morpheus's answer in the slightest though.

-No, I can take us there now - the Endless said before walking up to the hunter, pulling out his bag of sand and throwing some around them, then wrapping his arms around the man as if to protect him from any danger while traveling.

Both of them knowing that it was unnecessary, yet neither of them saying or doing anything about it. And then they dissapeared in the small tornado of sand. Direction: Kansas, Beloit!

[hoodievixen]

With My Own Eyes - Part 7 (Dream of the Endless x OC)

Based off of this

Summary: Morpheus just wanted to keep his soulmate safe. She just wanted to make her own decisions. Doesn't help that he doesn't show her his face.

Words Count: ~ 2 K

Warnings: swearing, mentions of blood, witchcraft, bad grammar and even worse spelling, !Comic Spoilers!

A/N:  Ya know what, f*ck it! I'm writing the parts I want to, no more filler I don't want to write.

Tag List:   @intothesoul @  poemfreak306  ​

Master List

Lily was walking beside Morpheus as they walked between locations. She looked over to the horizon, looking at the sun set. It had been a long day, and it wasn't even done yet. And she was so appreciative for it. "Thanks," she said to Morpheus through the familiar science.

"For what?" he asked, genuinely unaware of what she was greatful for.

"Not treating me any different," Lily answered. "Usually when people learn about my chronic pain, they treat me like something fragile, like I need to be taken care of. But you didn't. Like we're out here walking around just like we did my second day here. I wouldn't know what to do if someone else constantly took care of me. Like I'm not glass, I won't break that easily."

Dream paused to watch her. She wore such a sweet genuine smile ad her face was lit up by the sunset. He felt so guilty. That was the exact reason he brought her with him today. He didn't want her to leave his sight, incase something happened. Dream did not want her to experience any more pain, but incase she did, he wanted to be there. But since he could not abandon his own duties, he brought her along, where she showd to be helpful.

-----

Lily couldn't get the dumb smile off her face. She loved today. It was like she ha been a kid again. It all started with her jumping off the bridge to the castle to the lake below. It was the world of dreams, with the king at her side, there was nothing she needed to be afraid of.

She and Dream walked back into the palace long after the sun had set. "Please," she pleaded with him. She held up her reaction, dropping quire few flower in the process. "I made it for you," she said about the flower crown. Lily was already wearing her own.

"And it is quite lovely," he assured her.

The two had quickly made their way to the throne room. "There you are my lord," Lucienne commented, "Did he two of you enjoy your day."

"Indeed", Dream answered.

"It was fun," Lily gave a fraction more of detail.

The librarian smiled, "I am glad to hear that."

Her expression returned to that of business. "My Lord, might I have a word with you in the library?"

Lily was quick to pick up when she wasn't wanted. "I'll get going," she assured them, "I should get some him in my stomach." The witch walked out, still doing so him with the collection of flowers in her arms.

"What is it Lucienne?" the dream lord asked, already haven taken of his helm.

The librarian gave him a look of disamusement. "You still refuse to show her your face?" she wondered in a way that was more closer to scolding than asking. "Clearly things are going well. If you want to proceed with this relationship, you are doing to need to take that step."

"I don't not wish to risk anything," Dream reminded her, "She'll see my face when the time is right."

-------

Dream wasn't sure what to think I the smile Lily wore. It was muh loer to a smirk. How ere the blush on her cheeks was a good sighn. "Never durst a poet touch a pen to write," she tried to disregard all that was in his hear dealt letter with the quote.

"Until his ink was tempered with love's sigh," He finished the quote for her.

He hel onto her hand lowering his head to her. "It has a precious seeing to the eye: A lover's eyes will gaze an eagle blind: a loves ears will hear the lowest sound." Whole it was not the same quote it did one from the same source material.

Sibyl snorted, "So you know Shakespeare."

"Hes more of a business aquantence than anything, we did have a deal or his insperation," Dream commented nonchalantly.

"What!?" she dramatically yelled in disbelief. "You can't just say something like that without an explanation!"

------

Sibyl thought she was being clever. She really just wanted to see his face. It felt off relation all these feeling of fondness toward a mosquito like face, knowing there was so thin else beneath it. She had already done portraits for Lucienne and a handful of others who were will. To it for a sketch. Sue they wee enor masterpieces, but Sibyl quite liked the collection he was a assembling. Of course a collection of portraits of a royal ourt would be nothing without a portrait of it's king.

Dream still reused to take of his helm, saying that there was no rush to do his painting, as there were still many castle residences that she had yet to do.

Lily came up with a compromise. She grabbed a sketch book as well as pencils. "How about you tell m what you look like, and I try to draw you," she offered, "Sorta like a police sketch."

Dream said nothing.

Sibyl wasn't sure what that meant so she started to ask questions. "What color is your hair," she asked hesitantly, wanting to jot down notes of colors.

"Black," he softly answers, "And my eyes are of stars."

That was all she was able to get out of him.

------

Lily sat on the stairs near Dream. While she had a sketchbook beside her, she wasn't drawing in it, to distracted by the pain in her lower abdomen, and the counsil the king of the realm was giving to his subjects.

"Thank you my lord," the dream said, containing excitement. They bowed to Dream before turning to Sibyl. "My lady."

Her eyebrows quirked, but the dream was already rushing out before she could say anything. It took her long enough to get Lucienne to stop calling her that all the time, she didn't want to with every other resident of the Dreaming. "Why do people call me that?" she complained.

"It is the most common form of respect they can give," Morpheus explained, "Do you wish for them to call you something different? Just say the word, and it shall be so."

Sibyl leaned back against the stairs, somehow both relevwainf ache and causing more. "Can't they just ya know, use my name," she pointed out, "I'd even accept Miss Crow, it's what my students call me."

"Lily," Dream called out calmly, "They dare not disrespect you. After all we are fated." He gestured to her arm. She had recently worn shorter sleeves more often so it was viable there amongst her tattoos, Dream of the Endless.

Lily rubbed the heel of her palm against it as if trying to rub it off. "But it's not like we're married or anything," she pointed out. "... What even is our relationship..?" Her voice was soft, barely a whisper.

Dream intertwined his fingers with hers, holding her hold before she found something else to occupy her fidgety fingers. "I have expressed my intent to court you since you arrived in the Dreaming," he pointed out, "Might I point out you've been returning such actions recently as well."

Sibyl looked at him, pressing her lips together. Everything was so much weirdsd cause of him helm. It would be so much easier to accepted it, if there wasn't a blatant sign he didn't trust her. But there was little denying it, "I guess we're dating."

-------

Sibyl had fallen asleep in the library. Across the table before her were grimores of old, as well as her notes of them. So many of the witch stories have been lost to time and man, he was glad there was at least one person left to find the meaning and uses they hold.

Dream reached out a crossed her check. She let out a little mumble, but stayed asleep. She wasn't likely going to walk back to her own chambers. Still Dream did not wanting her to wake up more sore than she already would be.

Lily was weightless in his arms as he carried her to her room. She continued to sleep, curled up against him, breath tickling his neck. It had been quite warm in the Dreaming that day, and Sibyl had dressed as soon, with much skin on show. He knew she was still rather modest in modern standard, but he had not been there for the development for those standards. So of course it would be hard for him touching the bare skin of the woman he loves.

The way she grips onto him as he set her down is aching. He gives into her tugs, laying down next to her. She looked so peaceful asleep, her mind dreamless. How he'd love to fill her mind of the sweetest dreams, but dare not risk her safety with her physically being in the Dreaming.

There was however another way he could bring her pleasure.

-----

Lily woke up with a groan. Not from her stubbornness of wanting to stay asleep. It was more so brought about by the sensation of lips kissing the inside of her legs. But still with her eyes open she saw nothing but darkness, as there was a had over her eyes.

"You can go back to sleep, Love," a soft voice cooed before a light kiss was pressed against her jaw.

"Morpheus," she declared, in both confusion and excitement. To kiss her he had to remove his helm, meaning if he were to remove his hand she be able to see his face. That's all she wanted.

She reached up to grab at his hand, but she felt the hand on her face stiffen. "Stop," he demanded.

Lily moved to sit up, something not quiet easy with Morpheus looming over her. He returned to placing kissing in her neck, going lower to her chest and lingering close to her shirt's neckline. She felt his hair tickling at her cheek and jawline. Sibyl slowly reached out in the direction it came frem, wanting to run her hand through his hair, or cup his cheek, just to touch him. She resisted a smile at the thought of how romantic it would be, already in love, but the night she would first see his face filled with said love and passion.

His other hand came up and grabbed at her wrist. He placed a lingering kiss to the corner of her mouth, before Morpheus moved down once again, to where he had been when she first awoke.

"Stop," she pleaded. Still he continued. Lily forced her legs together, "Morpheus stop!" Any sleep or amusement had left her voice. If anything she was a bit angry.

Morpheus listened to her, though he was confused on why she wanted that.

Sibyl let out a quick sigh of agrivation. "You expect me to trust you with my body, while you do not trust me to know your face," she pointed out, "You have to see the hypocracy in that."

Morpheus open his mouth to speak. Even though she couldn't see it, it was like she knew he was going to reaspond. "I don't care about what excuse you're going to say," she scolded him calmly, "Trust is a two way street, and I feel like your not even acknowledging it's existence. Now either remove your hand and let me see you, or this needs to stop."

Lily had enough. She had been patient long enough, but if her wanted the intamancy of lovers, he'd need to have more trust in her than that of a stranger.

She did not expect him to actually leave.

------

They both needed time to calm down. So Lily waited until morning before going to find Morpheus. He was in the throne room, the most common place she finds him. Sitting upon his head, once again, was that stupid spine trunked helm.

"We need to talk," she told him calmly. She did not hesitate to approach him, even if he was just silently watching her. "And not just me talking to you. We need to have dialog back and forth."

"There is nothing we need to talk about," he said simply.

Lily huffed, crossing her arms across her chest. "Morpheus I was serious about what I said last night," she told him. "I feel you do not trust me. I have gone against common sense and have learned to trust. Despite the fact you kidnapped me, refused to let me go home, and continue to not show me your face.

I want to presume a relationship between us, but I can't with out knowing you trust me." Clearly she was angry, but she waa staying calm, pleading with him to be reasonable.

"Lily," he sighed, stepping a single step closer for her to be in reach. "There will come a day that I will."

Sibyl took another step, standing in front of him. She reached up placing her hand on his shoulders. "Why can't it be today?" she stressed.

Morpheus didn't answer. He couldn't answer. How would one explain that the mere knowledge of his face may cause her to leaving him. Dream wouldn't be able to live if that were to happen.

Sibyl grew frustrated with his silence. Slowly she moved her hands to his neck. She slid her fingers under the helm.

Lily fell onto her bed. Her bed in her flat in London. She let out a scream of frustration, kicking at her mattress. He sent her out of the Dreaming, ending it it all with her.

[xmalereader]

Lord Morpheus X Male Reader

-

|| Masterlist ||

-

Authors Note: The whole Grumpy x Sunshine reader is starting to become my favorite for lord Morpheus and decided to make another God of happiness shot! Enjoy this wholesome!

Summary: Morpheus has reached the point of wanting to court the God of happiness after knowing each other for a few years, wanting to create something serious between the two.

Warnings: Fluff, siblings, mentions of endless family, Mentions of death and delirium, Gods of happiness and darkness, bonding, slight kissing, courting, marriage proposal.

Word count: 2.5K

—

—

The God of Darkness is glaring at the Dream Lord, Dream of the Endless, King of Dreams and Nightmares, Lord Morpheus. He’s looking deep into his soul as he hissed out again.

“No.”

Lord Morpheus held his head up high with his hands behind his back. “Void, i’m not asking—I'm simply telling you.”

“And I’m telling you no.” Void fights back as he takes a step forward, challenging the Endless. “You will not be courting my brother and I will not allow it.”

“It’s not your choice too decide his fate.” Morpheus reminds the God as he growls in anger, turning around in spot as he frowns. “You will not be courting my brother, endless or not. He won’t be by your side.” He warns Dream of the Endless, giving him one last look before disappearing into the darkness. Sunny’s older brother had taken notice of Lord Morpheus courtship towards his brother. As much as he cared for his little brother he wasn’t going to allow an Endless to take his innocence away.

The King of Dreams himself had fallen for the God of Happiness after years of knowing each other. Since the day he first saw his bright smile he was able to feel that familiar tug In his heart, the same feeling he had for Nada and Calliope. He didn’t expect himself to experience that again but with Sunny he would allow such feeling.

The god of happiness was perfect as a husband and partner. He got along well with all of his siblings and the hall adored him, not matter how bad some could usually be, Y/n is always able to work his way inside their hearts. Death already accepts him as a little brother that she adores and loves to be around with. His joy and happiness is contagious, not only to humans but to the endless too.

The news of his courting had reached the rest of siblings, earning them a very interesting conversation during the dinner together with Dream sitting on one end of the table while the rest of his siblings settled. It’s Death who bring up the conversation of his courting. “Rumors tell me that you’ve started courting someone.” She wiggled here brows in a teasing way as Morpheus rolls his eyes.

“Really? Another poor soul to get hurt and abandoned just like the rest.” Said Desire as they leaned back in their seat, legs crossed as they asks. “Who is this new creature you’ll be courting?”

Morpheus adjusts his seating, locking eyes with his sibling as he answers. “The God of Happiness, Sunny, Ray of Sunshine, Y/n.”

Desire froze on spot, his eyes widening in surprise but then slowly darkening. “As much as I am happy for you, brother. I can’t allow you to go after Sunny. You see he’s far too like-able and knowing you, you’d probably hurt his heart.”

Morpheus knew that his last relationships didn’t work out and that he’s made mistakes before but Sunny was a lot different than the rest. He made him feel whole and because of him he can be someone new, someone who can make great changes to himself and his realm. He appreciated Y/n’s presences and even found himself surprised when we the small God challenged him if Morpheus were to over step any boundaries. Everyone knew that he wasn’t one who easily fell in love, but this god has caused such stir inside of him to want to start courting.

“I appreciate your concern, sibling. But, I can assure you that Y/n can make their own decision. If he refuses to accept my proposal the I will not force him nor will I leave his side. I’ll continue to be a friend of his—that is if he wishes.”

“Of course, he’d say Yes!” Death was obviously the happy one for her brother. “I see the way he is around you and he really likes you. You just wait and see.” She gives him a wink, causing a small smile to spread on his lips before the silence is broken by their younger sister Delirium.

“Sunny.” She starts, getting Dreams attention. She sat on the far left side of the table next to Destiny as she asks. “If he says yes, could I meet him?” Both Endless and God had many similarities and she wished to meet him someday.

Dream eyes his younger sister, the two never had a close bond like he did with Death. He was sometimes cautious around her after she changed but he was willing to give their relationship another chance before giving a small nod. “Of course.” His younger sister smiles, turning back to focus on her own doing as she kicked her legs happily. The spent their rest of their family dinner catching up with each other and knowing about their own duties.

—

From the Waking world, the God of happiness roams happily as he walks in a park, a skip in his step as he hums a soft tune that his sister, Love, had sung to him once. For some reason he felt happier than usual, feeling something good coming today. He had fulfilled his duties and had met manny new people that enjoyed his company, his little meet up with Death had to be missed due to her family dinner which he understood. He too, sometimes joined his own family dinners in order to reconnect with his sisters and brother who’ve been busy on their ends.

He didn’t mind being on his own, he’s been used to it for many centuries and could last a few more. He was lost in his thoughts that he doesn’t sense his brother, Void, appear next to his side. “Brother.” His voice startles him, causing him to trip over his own feet but Void is able to grab his arm on time and hold him upright before he falls to the floor.

“Oh, Void! I didn’t expect to see you here, what brings you to France?” Y/n cheerfully asks, straightening himself and fixing his clothes as his brother. God of Darkness, Ruler of chaos, asks him a question. “Have you ever fallen in love?”

Y/n is caught off guard by his brothers question, opening and closing his mouth as he tries to find an answer. “A few times, many years ago actually.”

“And now?”

The god shuts his mouth, face growing red at the thought of falling in love again. Lately he has been growing feeling for the King of Dreams but nothing has been confirmed to know of Morpheus felt the same. If not, he didn’t want to ruin the close friendship they’ve created after a few years of knowing each other. “I—no.” He lies, turning around quickly to avoid his older brothers protest as he continues to walk forward.

“Your a terrible liar.” His brother says, following after him as Y/n tried to get himself distracted or come up with an excuse to avoid his brothers questions. “What about you? Haven’t you ever fallen in love?” He shot back while Void frowns. “Never.” Is his response which breaks Y/n heart a little, hearing his older brother admit to never falling in love. “Really?” His own voice is soft and perhaps full of petty but his brother isn’t bothered by it. “Who would love the Ruler of Chaos and Darkness? No mortal or immortal would.”

“You don’t know that.” Y/n frowns. “I bet their is someone out their who would love you and believe me brother when you find them or when they find you, you’ll soon start to get that fuzzy feeling inside whenever your around them. You’ll want to be around them and get to know their likes and dislikes—Oh! The best feeling of falling in love is knowing that they love you back!”

Void can’t help but smile at his brothers reaction towards love. He expected this conversation more with his sister, Love. But, his little brother was an acceptation. Just the sound of his voice growing excited at the mention of love is enough for him to know that his little brother has fallen hard for the King of Dreams. As much as he hates the idea of the two courting their isn’t much he can do to stop it. If love makes his brother react this way then he couldn’t possibly ruin the happiness he is to receive soon.

“One day I’ll be able to experience that feeling but, right now you can give yourself the time to fall in love. Just, don’t tell Love that I said this you know how she gets.” He groans out. If his sister found out about their conversation it would be chaos for the two.

“I won’t!” Y/n chuckles, standing close to his brother as the two walked together down the park in France. He was soon to leave to London and start his new duties there before visiting the Dreaming. He hears Void sigh deeply and say. “I care for you, you know that right?”

Y/n stands in front of his brother, stopping him in his steps as he raised a brow. “Why does it sound like your dying or something. Did you do something wrong?” His eyes widen. “Did you kill someone?” He whispers this time, voice quiet.

Void rolls his eyes. “None of the above, i’m simply letting you know that I care for you and wish you joy and happiness.” His voice drips with sarcasm now. “Enjoy our moment or else I’ll make you cry again.”

Y/n pouts, giving him a glare. “Maybe you should ask for advice on how to be kind to your family by Love. She can give you some good tips.” He jabs his finger against his brothers chest, “or else I’ll tell her about our bonding moment.”

The God of Darkness froze, eyes hard as he glared. “You wouldn’t dare.”

The God of Happiness grins. “Try me, brother.”

—

When Morpheus returns back from his family dinner and duties he is informed by Lucienne that all was well in the realm and that a guest had arrived to see him. Morpheus didn’t have many guests visiting him but upon hearing Sunny’s name he can’t help but smile a little.

He was told that he’d left to walk around the Dreaming and to explore for a bit with Matthew by his side. His trusty raven watching over the god of happiness as they roam around Fiddlers green.

“—he did that?”

Morpheus can hear Y/n’s voice from a distance as he continued to walk further into Fiddlers green.

“Yeah! I tell you, kid. Lucifer was not happy after their defeat by the boss himself.” Matthew responds back to their small conversation as they sat underneath a tree. Y/n humming to himself as he pulls his legs up to his chest. “I think one only met them once.” He blurts out, at startling the raven in surprise. “You’ve meet Lucifer?! The King of hell, are you crazy?”

Y/n shrugs his shoulders. “I met them when they were first banished from Silver city. They were actually my first.” He confessed. “They were alone and sad and I guess I was there during the right time. I brought them some happiness during our first meeting and they have always respected me. Lucifer wouldn’t cause me any trouble.” He turns to Matthew who said no words, far too shocked at the idea of Lucifer being his first victim of happiness.

“That is impressive, who would have thought.” Matthew flaps his wings, ruffling them as he puffs his chest out, causing Y/n to stroke his feathers, giving them a light touch as Matthew leans into it. The two not noticing Morpheus standing near by as he watched and listened. The story between Sunny and Lucifer was something new to hear, he didn’t think the god of happiness was powerful enough to bring slight happiness to the Ruler of Hell themselves.

As they continued to converse, Morpheus takes his time on reveal himself from the shadows. Approaching the two as Y/n looks up from Matthew and a wide smile spreads on his lips. “Hello, Dreamy.” He calls out, coming to a stand as he brushed off any grass on his legs and standing in front of Morpheus.

“What happened to Morphy?” He questions at the sudden name change. “Oh! I’ll still call you Morphy but today your Dreamy.” His face goes red when he noticed the way it sounds. “Wait no, I mean—your dreamy as in Dream because your the king of dreams—I mean you are dreamy but—actually—“ He continued to ramble not really knowing what he was saying anymore as Morpheus steps up. “Relax.”

He whispered, finally getting the god to calm down and let out a deep sigh.

“Sorry.” He sighs out, rubbing the back of his neck nervously. The tension between them grows until Y/n gasps in remembrance. “I almost forgot!” He reached into his own pocket while saying. “I got you something during my travels in the waking world. I was visiting an old friend and they helped me make you this.” He holds out a golden necklace with a blue circled stone with raven engravings carved into it, he shyly hands it to him and clears his throat. “I thought you’d like it—“ Dream gently takes it from his hand, thumb grazing over the stone. “—figured you’d accept it as a courting gift.” He bounced on his toes nervously. His hands behind his back as he takes notice of Morpheus’ frozen state.

His reaction is causing Y/n to panic, perhaps this wasn’t a good idea. Maybe asking for courting was something Morpheus didn’t do, the sudden panic was causing him to doubt himself. “If you don’t wish too accept that’s also fine!”

“I do accept.” Morpheus cuts in, holding the necklace in his hand as he smiles softly at the small god. “Strange how I was going to ask you the same question, didn’t think you’d beat me to it.”

Y/n can’t believe his words as he laughs, not thinking that the two were thinking the same thing about the other. “Dream of the Endless asking to court me? Now, that is surprising.”

Morpheus chuckles, stepping forward to place a hand on his waist and pulling him close. “Does an Endless surprise you?”

“A little.” He chuckles. “Don’t forget, if you wish to court me you Matt provide me a gift.” He lightly swats Morpheus’ hand from his waist as the Lord laughs at his actions. “For you, I’ll give you the world.”

Y/n hums. “How about starting small?” His eyes roam Fiddlers green before landing on Matthew. “How about Matthew?”

“Wait what—?” The raven is standing on a branch and confused.

Morpheus puckered his lips. “Debatable.” He responds, “Unfortunately, Matthew isn’t a gift I can provide.”

“Very well, then I give you twenty four hours to think of something.” Y/n leans forward to peck his cheek, smiling against his skin before pulling away. “Twenty four hours and then you can come find me.” He whispers to the Dream Lord making him weak on the knees. “Of course, my ray of sunshine.”

[igotanidea]

Over the top: Morpheus x reader

request by @shadowhunterwolfie-blog : I was thinking overprotective Morpheus x short reader. My scenario idea was, these two being together, y/n getting frustrated with Morpheus after a fight and disobeying some king of order (like going somewhere she is not supposed to ect) and Morpheus having to get her out of some kind of trouble and all of this ending in a fluff

I am so sorry, it took me literal ages to write. I changed the fluff part a bit, but hope you'll still enjoy it :)

“I am not a child!” I exclaimed forgetting I was in the middle of Dream’s throne room and the echo of the empty space multiplied the sentence.

“You are not” Dream Lord himself was unbothered and did not even care to raise his head and look at me.

“Does that need clarification?” Matthew joined in the conversation a bit confused about my behavior.

“Yes! Apparently! Some ….. people believe that being short is equal to being a kid.” I shot a glance towards Dream.

“To be honest you do get into trouble really often and that is not really adult-like.” Matthew said cautiously.

“Oh, come on Matthew! Who’s side are you on?”

“No one’s. I don’t want to get anyone’s bad side here. I think I’m gonna go and let you figure it out by yourselves.”

“That is wise decision” Morpheus finally decided to take the floor

“No! You stay here!” I commanded him at the same time leaving poor Raven torn between two completely opposite requests looking at me and Morpheus.

“Leave, Matthew. I shall talk to her alone.”

“Sorry, my friend. I’d rather keep away from boss at the moment” Matthew cawed taking off

“Well, you and me both” I muttered “what is it Dream? You know I didn’t mean to hold words against you?” I took a few steps towards the throne.

“And yet, you did.” He raised and much to my displeasure towered over me.

“You did it again” I pointed out trying to stand as tall as I could but it was for nothing “you can change your appearance and high so can you please not make me feel so small next to you?”

“I am an Endless. You are smaller than me.”

“Well, thanks for making it clear!” I crossed arms over chest. I should have known better than that.  He was always resistant to any mentions of making someone feel better.

“That was barely stating the fact.”

“Ok, fine. And you are cruel and emotionless. That is a fact too.”

“I don’t understand your annoyance” he frowned

“You are so resistant to hints, you know.” He went silent and that was a sign he still didn’t have a clue what I meant “I feel bad about my height and I…. I just wanted you to make it better. Stupid thought, now that I said it out loud.”

“You worry about your height?” he asked “that is …. Irrational.”

“Oh, look who’s talking!” I yelled

“Keep quiet.”

“No, you know what I won’t. I believed you to care more. And you are just a hypocrite! You mock my fears while you care so much of how you look and present. Eyeliner, Dream? You dark clothes. Oh and I now about the dark leather you showoff used during the battle with Lucifer.”

“Who told you?” such stupid question giving the fact that Matthew was his only companion in Hell.

“Irrelevant.” I shook my head “the point is you have no right to mansplain me….”

“Mansplain?”

“Um, personificaition-splain me?” I grimaced. This was too hard to put into words “How would you act if  you were shorter than everyone else?”

“I don’t understand the point of this discussion.”

“I tell you how you would act. Moody, broody, vengeful. Doing your best to intimidate the higher one. And speaking of that was not Lucifer higher than you? How did that feel?” I smirked even if I  knew I was in the dark area now.

“I’m warning you Dreamer. “ Morpheus descended from the steps, still higher than me looking down at my figure with glistening eyes and cold expression.

“That is not fair, you are using leverage right now. I’m gonna go.”

“You won’t leave.” He grabbed my wrist gently pulling me into him “little one.”

“Let go of me, Dream! I need to find Lucienne. I promised her some help with collecting book from the highest shelves in the library.”

“I don’t think you can help with that.” He said, once again with indifferent face.

“Oh, ha, ha, very funny. Have you been studying comic books of late? Well, let me tell you your education is not really fruitful.”

“You will not speak to me like that. I am the King of this Realm.”

“Yes. Yes, you are. Now you enjoy it by yourself.  I’ve had enough.” I turned away leaving the throne room. Or trying too since he appeared in front of me.

“You will stay.” he said coldly.

“Make me.”

“I will if I have too.”

“No doubt about it. But I’m still asleep and I need rest so maybe you could just let me out of the palace. I would like to explore your realm, Dream. Please?”

“No.”

“Why not?” I whined

“You are short. You will get in trouble.”

“Again?! Will you ever be done with it? I want to wake up.”

“You make no commands here. And I shall keep my eye on you. make sure you are safe and nothing hurts you.”

“I hate you” I plumped onto the stairs knowing well enough it was no use to continue this conversation. Dream, being himself would never understand what I was going through. After all, he could change every aspect of his appearance so this was no problem to him. But it did hurt. So I decided to give him silent treatment for the rest of my visit in the Dreaming. However, what was a punishment in my mind, seemed like a blessing to him.

Something snapped inside my mind when I woke up. I was not sure whether it was sudden urge to prove to Morpheus that being short does not give anyone, him included, right to mock me or was there another reason but it was my best intention to act upon that.

“I’ll show you.” Ok, so subconsciously I admitted it was the former. Wheels in my brain started to turn as I was wondering about the things that short people are usually not supposed to do. Swim in the deep pool, reach for the high shelves, play basketball…. This was all lame and boring and was not good enough to spite Dream. But…..but there was something more. And luckily I was fully capable of doing this. I already had a plan formed in my mind.

Two hours later I was walking through the fair, towards the biggest rollercoaster, wearing my highest hills and longest pants to hide that little trick. The rule was quite simple – no one below certain high was allowed to ride it and those special shoes were my only pass through. I’ve never been on a rollercoaster before and I was really, really excited. The screams and terrified faces could not stop me from what I was going for. As the line was getting shorter I was actually more nervous, wondering whether this would work. It took all I had in me to not start biting my nails. Terrible habit, truly. However, it all worked out perfectly. The ticket collector let me in and I couldn’t be more happy. That lasted when I got into the bogie, fastened the belts and all the safety barriers and the rollercoaster slowly started its ride. At first, there was a big  and long way up. It was also painfully slow and as soon as we reached the peak I understood why. Shit! Before I could even say a word we feel down with unimaginable speed that made my hair flow back and my eyes to water. I would never make fun of the rules, again,  I promise! Can someone please, get me out of here? I want down, down! On the Earth. Like now! I closed my eyes but it only made me feel like vomiting so I opened them again trying to focus on steady breathing. Funnily, there was not really enough air to catch up here and I felt overwhelming panic. Maybe being short was not so bad after all. Maybe it was a way to avoid getting into trouble like this. Maybe….. fuck it, maybe making the decision of sneaking through the controller was a mistake. When will this ride end? At the same time I wanted it faster and slower, going absolutely crazy. And then, out of nowhere the big dipper stopped.

“What just happened?!” I heard the girl next to me yell in terror

“Don’t worry, babe, it’s all part of the show” her partner reassured her “it will resume soon.”

And so we waited. What else can you do being so many feet above ground? We did not exactly had Netflix to pass the time. And what was worse, no one had a watch so we could not really tell the time. Was it 10 minutes of this inertness? Was it half an hour? A week? All the time started to flow in the different manner. After a while people started to get nervous, realizing that this was not planned.

“Oh my god, I had a nightmare about this once.” Hmm, extremely creative, Morphues “It’s happening”

“Everyone just stay calm!”

“What’s the procedure?”

“Stay fucking calm!” ironically the guy who was trying to make people relax was freaking out the worst.

I just focused on the breathing, once again. In and out. In and out. No one was coming on the rescue, so I decided to be my own hero. Don’t listen to those people. Breathe, breathe, this will be over soon.

“YN.” Was I already brainwashed or was someone calling my name? I turned my head and much to my surprise I was on the ground, the whole rollercoaster was, people were getting out with relief, everyone completely safe. “YN.”

“Matthew?” this was strange “what happened? How…. How…..? Oh, no, where is he?”

“Who?” the Raven titled his head slightly

“Morpheus.”

“Not here. He just send me to keep you sane. What the hell were you thinking getting here, kiddo?”

“Don’t start this again!”

“ You are a kid. And it has nothing to do with the height. It’s about the actions.”

“I know. And I am sorry I made you worried, Matthew. But I still don’t understand how could Dream possibly get me down? This is not within his power to affect reality to this level is it?”

“No. But you are safe now and it’s all that matters. And now, open your eyes and wake up.” Last two words seemed like they were said in Dream’s dark, silky voice but he was nowhere around.

“What?” I frowned.

“Wake up!” I felt hand on my arm shaking me awake “wake up, miss! It’s over now. Did you really fall asleep being stuck in the rollercoaster?”

Well thank you very much for making me numb, Morpheus.

“What?” I took the crew guy offered hand and carefully stepped feet on the ground immediately becoming dizzy “of course not. It’s all the stress and emotions. I guess I must have fainted.”

“Right….” He did not seem convinced “anyway, we are all terribly sorry. One of the controller got distracted. Apparently this idiot got despaired upon getting notice of his wife abandoning him for her lover and instead of watching the track we found him half-numb, half-awake in his cabin.”

“Why are you even telling me this ….. wait, despaired?” At least, now I knew who was interfering. Dream’s younger sister almost gave a hell lot of work to another endless sibling. I could not help but wonder what would happen if someone really died there because of heart attack or some other complications. Would it made Death angry?

***

 “How was the ride, kiddo?” much to my displeasure the night had to come and therefore I was inclined to fall asleep after the day’s revelations. Of course, neither Dream nor Matthew was going to let the situation go and most likely I was up to some serious preach about safety. Starting from the Raven who greeted me at the castle’s gates.

“Exhilarating” I mocked “ Inimitable. Once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

“I get the point” he cawed with a tone similar to human laugh

“Shouldn’t you already know how it went. You were there!”

“I wanted to hear it from you.”

“Lightening the atmosphere before Morpheus start on at me?” I shuddered

“Something like that.”

“Is he angry?” I scratched my head

“Not more than usual.”

“That is not helpful at all Matthew…aaah!” holy shit I would never get used to Morpheus appearing and disappearing without notice. “Hello, Dream, um…. How is your day?”

“My dreamer.” He spoke. My? Since when was he so open in someone presence?

“I’m leaving. Good luck, kiddo.” The Raven left me alone with the Dream Lord, absolutely unable to read Morpheus’s expression and unsure what to say and how to act.

“Um…..” I hesitated “thank you, Dream. For… you know, making me asleep for most of the time in that hanged rollercoaster. Otherwise I would probably become a victim to your older sister.”

“None of us would want that” he muttered looking straight at me, making me feel vulnerable and small again. Seemed like I learned nothing “Are you all right?”

“That is baffling expression coming from you.” I frowned “but yes, I think I am. And I definitely learned my lesson.”

“I find it appalling that something so insignificant as your stature made you do such unwise thing. Are all mortals like that?”

“We can be petty when it comes to our insecurities, I guess. You should know how that feeling first-hand” I grinned at him and he put on his faintest smile.” But I am not using it against you.”

“Neither do I against you.”

“Sorry?”

“Dreamer. I do not focus on the outlook. I do not notice it most of the time.”

“Oh…. I see” I looked down.

“It is not important. What I focus on is the way you help the dreaming. The way you make me …. grow” he almost spit the last word but quickly regained himself. “It’s worth having you around and I would not want you hurt.”

“Is that so? So, are saying that we are friends or what?”

“Careful, Dreamer.” He warned but this faint smile was still there.

“Sorry, sorry. I surrender” I raised my hands.  “But we will get there, you’ll see. Now, can I go find Matthew? He’s probably worrying you send me into darkness.”

“You may leave” he said and as I turned around he muttered to himself probably believing I did not hear “we are way past being friends, dreamer. I will have you for my own. Soon…..”

Holy shit! Matthew where the hell are you!?

@pinksirensong @somest1

[thenightling]

Differences between The Sandman graphic novels and The Sandman audio drama

Besides the obvious fact that one version of the story is told with pictures and written text while the other is told as an audio play here are some of the actual differences between The Sandman graphic novels and The Sandman audio drama.  

This list does not contain every difference between the comics and audio drama but it contains all the ones I can recall over a month later after having listened to The Sandman audio drama.

At this point I have listened to the whole thing all the way through once, Sleep of the Just (Chapter 1) twice, Imperfect Hosts (Chapter 2) three times, and bits and pieces of the rest over again.   

As we proceed, know that each chapter of the audio drama usually correlates with an issue of the original Sandman comics.   

I do not mind most of these changes but I did feel that they were worth noting.  

1.  (This one was apparently a mistake). Though the importance of the binding circle was described in the audio drama, as was Alex’s wheelchair, the description of Alex’s wheel accidentally breaching the binding circle around Morpheus’ crystalline cage was not described in the audio drama.  This impacts the story in that either we are to just assume the circle was broken at some point “off camera”, lost its power at Roderick’s death, or never really was part of what was containing Morpheus at all.  As I am a bit of a purist I choose to pretend it just happened “off camera.”  I wish a little narration was inserted to correct this though. I’m being petty...

2.    At least twice in the first chapter of The Sandman audio drama we are told that Alexander Burgess and Paul McGuire are lovers.  In the original comic this was only heavily implied and not out-right confirmed until The Sandman: The Kindly ones.  This is definitely a positive change.  

3.   The Sandman audio drama quite specifically tells us that Doctor Destiny (John Dee) is actually the son of Roderick Burgess and not Ruthven Sykes.  Sykes is listed as his father on the DC Wikia.  I always had a suspicion that he and Alexander Burgess may have been brothers but thought my math was poor.

4.    The story that introduces Hob Gadling (Men of Good fortune, issue 13 of the comics) is moved to Chapter 10 of the audio drama. This is another change I actually appreciate as I happen to love this story and like that now it stands alone instead of interrupting The Doll’s House.  I never minded the interruption but now it seems to flow better.

5.   The story of Elemental Girl (Facades) is issue 20 of the comics but moved to chapter 19 instead so that the audio drama could end on A Midsummer Night’s Dream.  Personally I was never a big fan of Facades, it’s probably my least favorite stand-alone Sandman story but I love A Midsummer Night’s Dream and I think that’s a much better spot to end on.   This was the right decision, in my opinion.

6.   Small details are changed at The Serial Killer convention.  Nothing that changes the story too drastically but make it slightly more palatable to modern readers / listeners.     

7.  There is a new scene of one of The Corinthian’s victims realizing that none of them can see (and they are still quite alive) and The Corinthian announces that he is eating their eyeballs.  It is sincerely disturbing, perhaps more so than any of the original illustrations.

8.   The T. S. Elliot line “I will show you terror in a handful of dust” that was used on original 1988 advertisements for The Sandman gets used seamlessly in the story as early as the first issue.  Needless to say, I liked this.  

9.   Virtually no one directly calls Morpheus The Sandman in the audio drama.  This is a little odd but not necessarily bad.  He is called Lord Morpheus or Dream of The Endless.  In fact the original scene of Alex finding Morpheus listed in the Paginarum Fulvarum (Yellow Pages) is altered to accommodate this change of using Lord Morpheus and Dream of The Endless in place of some other titles. In that scene in the comics he was originally “Kinge of Dremes.”     

10.  Some accidental subtle changes to Death’s characterization.  Death comes off as more distracted while Morpheus is trying to tell her what he has just done and been through.  I realize this was partly to describe to the reader that she was picking a flower and playing with it but it unfortunately impacted how her personality came out. It was like she just didn’t care.  And Death, herself, takes over the narration, including some rather cruel sarcastic narration commentary during the scene where the stand-up comedian dies.  This is a bit of a criticism but sometimes changes like that influence how you see a character.  Also why did she sound slightly disgusted when Morpheus asked where they were going next and her reply was New Jersey?  It’s a common joke for those of us who were raised in New York but it doesn’t really fit Death.

11.  Between chapters 5 through 8 I could pretty much sense DC corporate overlords looming overhead and determining how certain canon characters must be described or not described.   Even in chapter 3 there is a change with John Constantine, a small one, but it’s there, nevertheless.   This is one scene that was changed for the audio drama.  The story ended with Morpheus agreeing to deal with Constantine’s nightmares for him in the comic but I guess since Constantine having nightmares became a thing in later comics by different writers they had to acknowledge that Morpheus couldn’t get rid of them forever somehow...     

12.   Morpheus is now given a little magick word to say when unlocking a door.  It’s used twice.  I believe it’s  "âpreté."  This is added for obvious reasons.

13.   This is one that bothers me a little bit.  Jed Walker’s foster parents are referred to as his “step parents.” This is a common mistake.  A step parent is someone who marries your biological or legal parent.  A foster family is not a step family.  Foster parents are often temporary and are paid by the government to look after the foster child.  Foster parents have not legally adopted the child.  Sometimes the lack of official adoption is solely because the birth parents are still alive and have not relinquished the rights as parents. Most foster parents do have good intentions.  Foster parents are often NOT evil abusers but much like the negative literary depictions of orphanages (which lead to America renaming most of them “Group homes” instead of actually improving the bad ones...) it has become a common trope in fiction writing.   

In misusing “Stepfather” I see this mistake often in comics, such as in Marvel where Odin has been called both Loki’s Foster Father and Step Father.   He’s Loki’s adoptive father.  Laufey wanted nothing to do with him. And Odin is not being paid by the government to look after him.  Nor has Odin married one of Loki’s birth parents.  He adopted him.  The distinction can be very important to many people.  

Similarly I got annoyed by the 1999 DVD and VHS re-release of Labyrinth because the back of the box called Toby Sarah’s step-brother.   Canonically Toby is her half-brother, not step-brother.  A half-brother means he is her brother by the genetic biology of one parent. A step-brother means he is her brother because his parent married her parent and there is no genetic connection.  It is an annoying and common mistake.  Yes, you can have a deep emotional bond with step-family but the terminology matters to many people.

  And there you go.  All the changes to The Sandman that I can recall from comic to audio drama.  Most are petty, some are good, some not so good.  But unlike the many articles claiming it’s a word for word transfer, I’m obsessive enough to have noticed the differences. 

[alittletournesol]

Kingdom Of Jinju {MinKey} part 13/33

Chapter 13 : To celebrate you

The streets of Jinju were calm, as only the moonlight was lighting the way between the small habitations. The General walked past the houses and discreetly glanced here and there to check if there wasn’t anyone seeking trouble. They had returned from their trip to Dongjeo only a few hours before, but the King had been warned by his mother that during his absence, a riot had begun — or tried to. According to some witnesses’ statements, it had appeared that the perpetrators had been sons of some of the Royal Council members.

It was needless to say that Minho and Kibum hadn’t had the time to rest and been busy at the palace, summoning the Council to settle this intolerable issue. Jinki had been in the room with them, listening to the arguments and excuses coming from a few seats and trying not to grab the culprits by the neck to throw them in a jail. It would have been a bigger mess, the King’s words already falling on deaf ears as some men refused to admit they had planned a revolt.

It had been all thanks to the Prince that things had started to be sorted out. He quite rightly despised the members of the Council — the old ones at the very least — thus he had proposed the best solution to prove the truth : to summon witnesses from the people. Evidently, his idea had been welcomed with a nascent chaos but he had immediately reduced everyone to silence just like he had done once : his sharp and firm authority had proved his worth once again. When a Lord had even tried to question his position since he had dared to abandon the kingdom, it had been Minho’s turn to step in.

Jinki had then been commanded to escort this man outside and go as fast as possible to the village to summon some trustful persons. The General had done as told and thanks to his King’s getaways in Jinju, he perfectly knew which people he had to bring. After hours, it had been decided that the six members of the Council that had pushed their descendants to start a riot, would be dismissed from their post and have their titles annulled. 

Once everything had eventually been resolved, Minho had asked his old friend to escort the members of the people to their place and to ensure their safety on the way. This was how Jinki was now walking in the streets after he had accompanied the last person to their home. During his mission, he had carefully listened to what the women behind him were saying, and he still felt dumbfounded as he realized they hadn’t recognized the young man who sometimes visited them.

But it was for the best, so he didn’t complain. He was supposed to head back to the palace where his presence must be needed, but he felt the need to check on something before. Or to be more precise, on someone. His steps were leading him through the village, making him soon reach the school that was, obviously, empty at such a late hour. He wondered if the young teacher was sleeping already, but he remembered that when he used to live near his students, he had quickly been known as being a night owl.

It was curious, but also funny how this coincided with the actual owl around his neck, the simple yet gorgeous pendant notifying about his status. Of course Jinki had seen this symbol before, for the simple fact that Minho had received an education from the best private tutor in the realm. Though it was extremely surprising to have such an as young man as Jonghyun wearing it.

When he finally reached the building, the soldier stopped to raise his head, checking if there was light coming from the first floor where the other man lived. But there was none, and he couldn’t make out any movement behind the window either. Disappointment caused a sort of pinch in his chest, and he cleared his throat. Should he still try to knock at the door ? After all, it wasn’t an usual hour for Jonghyun to be in Morpheus’ arms, if he kept his sleeping habits from the time he had lived at the palace.

Jinki slowly raised his closed fist, ready to hit the door… but he didn’t make a move. He was trapped between two decisions : the one urging him to notify the teacher of his presence in front of his house, and the one trying to reason and make him go back to his duty. He remained like this for a few seconds, because the actual situation in his own mind was troubling him more than ever. As a soldier, he had to choose reason over feelings, always. 

But he wanted to see Jonghyun, he wanted it so bad. He couldn’t explain why but he had sort of… missed him ? When seeing one as often as he saw him, none could remain cold and indifferent. Jinki had never had real friends outside Minho, because he was seeing the King every day ; it wasn’t the same with his soldiers because he was their leader and had to keep authority over them. In a way, the young teacher was the only other person he was seeing this frequently.

And by remembering the words the latter had whispered to him on the day he had left to Dongjeo… he wanted to show him that, indeed, he had been well.

“So, will you knock before you get a cramp ?”

Jinki got startled and his reflexes made him jump with surprise and unsheathe his sword on the same time he turned around. The threatening tip of his blade was aiming at a young man with his mid-length blonde hair tied in a bun, his hands raised and an eyebrow cocked. 

“Ah, yes… never scare a soldier. My bad. Good evening to you too, Jinki.”

“B-By the Gods, I’m sorry, let me help you with those.”

The General immediately put his weapon back to its place and approached Jonghyun, who was laughing and crouching at the same time. In his quick movement to show he wasn’t armed or something, he had dropped a bunch of scrolls that were now all over the ground. The soldier hissed and cursed himself as he helped the other man to get everything back, blowing on the paper to eliminate any trace of dirt.

When he stood up, his eyes met the teacher’s and he eventually smiled back at him.

“Good evening.” He simply replied, still not fond of long sentences.

“It’s been a while, what are you doing here so late ?” Jonghyun asked without moving from his spot. “Wanted to see me ?”

“I was on duty, actually. Bad stuff happened at the palace, you know, I had to be an escort for people, in and out. I happened to be around so…”

“What a long excuse you got there. Anyway, I will take it. Do you want to come over ? I was about to drink something and work a bit but I can make space for you.”

“I don’t know… I mean, maybe I’m expected and—”

“This makes two rubbish excuses. Before I hear a third one, come in.”

Without waiting for an answer, the teacher walked past Jinki and opened his door, going inside without looking behind. As he went through the classroom to reach the staircase heading to his apartment, the General hesitated before he slightly smiled and followed his lead. Making sure to lock the door from inside, as a matter of safety, he headed upstairs. It was the first time he saw where Jonghyun lived and it somehow didn’t surprise him : bare necessities. 

A home just like its owner : all about simplicity and comfort, no unnecessary things and a big space dedicated to work. He waited in a small space that looked like a living room, with an armchair and a small bookcase, full to breaking point. There was also a small rounded table in a corner, with two chairs and a few papers resting on it. Standing there, Jinki didn’t know what to do and just watched the other man put his scrolls on the aforesaid table.

“Make yourself at home, the kitchen is downstairs.” Jonghyun said. “I’ll be back soon.”

No sooner said than done, the blonde head had disappeared, and the way the sound of his steps was so fast in the stairs made the soldier smile. The latter looked around him, wondering if he could sit, and if yes, where. After a few seconds, he decided that choosing the armchair would perhaps be too much, so he eventually sat on one of the chairs. As he waited, his eyes glanced at the papers, and especially the ones he had just helped to pick up.

He didn’t know where this curiosity came from, but he succumbed to it rather quickly and gently rolled out one of the scrolls. He expected to read something like an upcoming lesson for his students, but certainly not… drawings. The more he revealed, the more surprised he got : there on the paper, there were some rounded or not so rounded shapes drawn following each other to make a line. An incomplete line though.

It only took a few seconds for Jinki to understand what he was staring at : they were moons, or rather the same moon but with all its phases since the last new moon. The last drawn undeniably was the one he had himself seen in the night sky minutes before, and the shining aspect the pencil gave it proved that it had been drawn very recently. The soldier grew more and more curious and let his fingers reach other scrolls, discovering not less surprising works like sketches of plants and some words accompanying them like a… medicinal explanation ?

Naturally, some papers were preparations of classes but Jinki found in the middle of reading and writing lessons, a really long scroll filled with notes and drawings representing the whole beginning of the Five Kingdoms’ creation. He remembered that Jonghyun used to teach history to the Prince, it was certainly about it. The handwriting was really delicate, thin and straight, perfect to be taught to children.

“What’s your excuse this time ?”

The General jumped with surprise on his chair and raised his arms like an innocent man would do in front of a weapon, what made Jonghyun laugh. Once again, the soldier was a bit shaken by the sound of his laugh, low but so clear. He smiled as an answer and rubbed the back of his head before standing up to help the other man with the tray he was holding.

“Yah, yah, I’m not disabled.” The teacher laughed again. “I usually drink herbal tea to help me with my sleep, so I can only propose you the same.”

“It’s fine.” The soldier replied before sitting again, watching his host fill a cup for him. “I won’t stay for long if you need to sleep.”

“You’re welcomed whenever you feel like visiting me, Jinki. So, how was the journey ? Will I be in trouble ?”

“I knew you helped them. They never said it but it was so evident.”

“I suppose I can’t hide anything from the observant General you are ? How did you know ?”

“The King didn’t see it but I can only think of one person beside him that owns a map and a compass.”

“By the Gods, I got confounded.” 

Jinki smiled and a gentle sound escaped his throat, yet without passing his close lips. He took a moment to drink a mouthful of the hot tea before talking a bit about the trip to Dongjeo. Jonghyun listened carefully and almost panicked when he learned about the danger his young friends had put themselves in. But the General was quick to reassure him, and both expressed their gratitude towards the gardener, who literally saved two lives by denouncing them.

“See this is why it’s not a bother, teaching to kids now.” The blonde haired man sighed. “Even though they’re twenty and eighteen… they can’t listen to me.”

“You would be surprised to see how they behave at the palace now.” Jinki replied with a smile. “The Prince seems to enjoy his role more than just accepting it, what if I tell you that he’s able to shut the Council’s members up in a flash ?”

“Really, does he ? I hope the King doesn’t feel shadowed.”

“Not at all, it looks like he finds it funny. And I think he… admires him. Should I be saying that ?”

“I’m good at keeping secrets. So, admiration ?”

“Admiration. You know, my King is still young and I’m only five years older so we don’t always get along on some topics. But now that he has the Prince, who is of his age, it’s like he has someone else to rely on.”

“And you don’t feel burdened by that ?”

“Not really, I kinda admire the Prince too. But he keeps teasing me so I won’t say it too much.”

Jonghyun widened his eyes and laughed out loud, even harder when the soldier assured him that he was mistreated by Kibum, who took every single occasion to tease him about his good looks and all. He didn’t know how to react and it was a real issue ! But the teacher was having a hard time calming down and his laugh eventually became infectious, and Jinki laughed too. Quieter, but still. It wasn’t something usual.

“It looks like you’re afraid he might like you !” The blonde haired man ended up saying.

“Actually, I never thought of that…” The General suddenly grew pale. “Could he…”

“By the Gods, I’m kidding, Jinki. I believe he might have someone else in mind but is it my business ? No, so let’s talk about you : it’s still true that you’re a handsome man, so how come you’re not married yet ?”

“M-Married ?”

“Yes, married. Or maybe I missed something and Jinju’s General has a hidden wife somewhere ?”

“I… I don’t. Having an army to train doesn’t give much free time to, you know, meet someone, fall in love, all that stuff.”

“This is actually the most valid excuse you said since you arrived.”

“Thanks.”

Jinki smiled and focused on his cup, drinking a few times and directing his eyes towards the table where he had pushed the scrolls away. Jonghyun must have noticed it because as soon as he finished his tea, he grabbed one of them.

“You coming here is a perfect timing I must say, because I wanted to give you this one.” He said, rolling the paper out to reveal the history lesson the soldier had seen earlier.

“Give it to me ?” The latter asked, cocking an eyebrow. “I think I know everything I need to know about the history of the realm, you know, I’m a soldier so it has been part of my education and training.”

“I perfectly know that and I would never question your knowledge on the topic. No, it’s for Taemin. You’re still training him, right ?”

“Yes, I am. And he’s making great progress, if it can reassure you… well, I wouldn’t leave him defend someone alone again, for sure, but soon he will be able to properly defend himself with a sword. Still… he’s terrible at archery, whatever I try, he’s a hopeless case. I’m sorry.”

“No need to convince me.”

The teacher laughed and moved to show his side, rolling his left sleeve up until his whole arm was bare. Jinki frowned and leaned on to inspect the slightly tanned skin, not sure of what he should be noticing… until the faded pink scar a bit above the elbow appeared, blindingly obvious. His eyes widened and he grabbed Jonghyun’s arm, gently turning it to see the wound better. No way…

“Taemin did that ?” He asked, dumbfounded. “With an arrow ?”

“I might have shown up at the wrong place and time.” The blonde haired man slightly laughed. “He was practicing with Kibum, but well, as you said… he’s a hopeless case. You can let him focus on his sword abilities.”

“Do you allow me to use this information later ? As a matter of pure professionalism, naturally.”

“Naturally. But back to my business, I would like you to give this to him. He can’t become a soldier if he doesn’t learn history and I believe you’re way too busy to teach him everything since the beginning.”

“Wait… you wrote this especially for him ? You didn’t recycle your lessons for the Prince ?”

“No, because these two are extremely different when it comes to learn. Taemin needs something full of imagery, while Kibum is all about words and long sentences. I told you, I can’t sleep much so I keep myself busy with something useful. Here you only have the creation of the Five Kingdoms, I want him to know this perfectly before sending him something else.”

“I can be your accomplice, he will need to know all of this.”

“Perfect ! This will give you even more excuses to visit me outside my classes hours.”

Jonghyun offered one of his so sweet smiles to his friend, and the latter lost his words for a few seconds before he just mouthed a ‘yes’ and nodded with a bit more enthusiasm. Being teased by this young man gave Jinki a different feeling than when it was by the Prince, and he couldn’t explain why. It left him speechless in both cases, but although he pretended to be annoyed by Kibum’s teasing… he appreciated it, it was like a little bond between them. As for the teacher’s way to joke around with him, it felt even more amusing since they were seeing each other a lot outside the palace.

Even though he was on actual duty when he was at school, the soldier forgot about it pretty easily. He was even enjoying, somehow, to drop his guard around the kids and be sometimes — often — used by Jonghyun to get them to learn something. They had never called each other friends, never stated nor formalized it, but it had never been needed. They knew they were, and sometimes it wasn’t necessary to shout a friendship from the rooftops for it to feel truer. 

And Jinki felt beyond happy to have a new excuse to come around again, though he wouldn’t dare to admit it out loud.

It had been a few days since their return, and Kibum found himself missing the presence of the King. With the whole business waiting for him as soon as he came back to Jinju, his husband had immediately got busier than he had ever been, to the point he had skipped lunch more than once. If it hadn’t been for the Prince personally bringing him a tray, it would have become extremely negative for his health.

However, Kibum had never stayed more than a few seconds in the big office. He obviously didn’t want to be a bother and to waste Minho’s time in these times of crisis, when the latter still had to deal with protests from the Council’s member he had excluded. But it wasn’t the only reason. He was running away, not from the sovereign but from his own desires. As soon as they were in the same room, the memory of his dream and of all those nights sharing a mattress came back to his mind.

And the one and only consequence was the way his body reacted by heating up, the Prince almost finding himself in the same physical and mental state than this first morning in Dongjeo. Even though he had had his own quarters starting from the second day, the return trip had allowed him to go back to the King’s tent, sleeping so close to him. Unlike the outward journey, something had changed and he had struggled to sleep… because he had had to prevent himself from voluntarily move so his back could touch Minho’s.

He was craving touches. But he was so scared that his husband would find him disgusting, that he kept everything to himself. He didn’t want the King to start avoiding him, not now that they were getting closer as friends… despite he was wondering if he wasn’t needing… more ?

He hadn’t been able to talk to anyone, for he had been busy himself with the leading of the palace’s maintenance. He missed Minho’s few touches… but he also missed his friendship with Taemin. Since their return, the young boy had kept training with his new soldiers friends, and Kibum somehow felt jealous of them ; they understood his passion and supported him so much better than he ever did. 

Although he wanted to confess all his new feelings to his friend, he was trapped with his fear of Taemin thinking he was coming to him only when needed. Jonghyun was unreachable, because the Prince refused to do another getaway without the King. So many things were happening to him lately, he was facing even more trust issues. He needed someone. And since neither his husband nor his mature friend were close at hand, he had to get his companion and best friend back.

He let his steps lead him towards the training yard, where he could hear swords clinking against each other. Without announcing himself, he pushed the door and entered the space, making every soldier turn towards him and bow.

“Please, do not interrupt your training for me.” He said, smiling before he scanned the place until he found Taemin. “There you are. Once you are done, can you join me ?”

“Of course hyung, just give me a minute and I come !” The boy enthusiastically said, what warmed the Prince’s heart.

“Very well. Keep working hard, all of you.”

Soldiers shouted their thanks in unison, waiting for their sovereign’s husband to leave so they could start again. Kibum was such in the mood to care for his best friend that he asked the sentry to send Taemin to his quarters once he would come out. Without really waiting for an answer, he quickly headed back to the palace and called for a few houseboys. He commanded them to bring him a few buckets of hot water and while they were obeying, he walked upstairs to keep his door open.

As always when he wanted to take a bath, he pulled the tub from behind the screen to place it in a larger and more open space. Within a few minutes, a dozen of employees knocked at the door and entered, following each other as they poured the hot water into the awaiting container. When they left, they ran into Taemin, who entered frowning at his friend.

“Hyung ? You called me… for your bath ?” There was a hint of disappointment in the tone of his voice.

“Of course not, I bathed this morning, silly.” The Prince smiled before he tapped the edge of the tub. “It’s for you. Come on, it will cool down if you stay over there.”

The young boy’s face lit up and he closed the door before approaching Kibum, who pinched his nose. It had been such a long time since he had last taken a bath with his friend next to him, and it was like a memory of their childhood was revived. It didn’t take less than a minute for the apprentice to get naked, his dirty clothes in a wicker basket, and to enter the hot water with a sigh of satisfaction.

The Prince widened his eyes when he saw his friend’s body : by means of many weeks of training, he had developed his muscles and it was like his image of a young and innocent boy had faded away. Taemin was becoming a man, and even though it scared him, Kibum eventually smiled with pride and emotion. He watched him submerge his own head to wet his long hair, and laughed.

“I think you need a cut.” The elder said as he grabbed a sheet and placed it on the floor, bringing the dressing table’s stool near the tub. “But first, let’s wash this mess.”

“Thank you hyung.”

The younger man was all smily, letting his best friend gently wash his hair like he used to do sometimes, back in Mongje. No word about their relationship was exchanged, as if this moment of peace and closeness between them had erased any beginning of a split. What made Taemin feel even better was when Kibum asked him to tell him about his training, how it was going and if he was feeling good in his new life.

This young lad had always been talkative, so he didn’t wait to be asked twice : he told everything, from his improving sword’s skills to his new friends within the latest recruits of Jinki. When the General was on his scheduled mission, it was them who helped him with his techniques and balance, and they eventually shared lunch and more, as long as Taemin wasn’t needed by the Prince.

“Do you feel… freer ?” Kibum ended up asking, his voice betraying his concern, as he gently untangled the now rinsed hair. “I know I had that terrible habit to always keep you with me, so…”

“I never felt overwhelmed with you.” His friend answered, smiling. “We both found our way here, right ? You’re the ruler, you have business now, and I’m lucky to learn what I’ve always dreamed of. It just makes me sad that we can’t be together as often as before.”

“Does it ?”

“Yes. But I didn’t want to bother you, since you’re very busy lately. I’m proud of you, hyung ! You’re a good Prince, and I’m sure the King is proud too.”

“Thank you, pumpkin.”

“Please don’t call me that. I’m almost a soldier !”

“So what ? You’ll still be my stupid little pumpkin, whatever you do. So keep quiet and please, don’t move. I’m cutting your hair now.”

“Not too long, I have to tie them in a bun.”

Kibum laughed at the command, but didn’t complain. This moment was so pleasant he couldn’t ruin it with his endless grumbling. Both men remained silent while the Prince was focusing on his scissors’ precise work, the younger lowering his head and not moving an inch. It didn’t took a lot of time, and once it was done, Taemin pretended to tie them before he thanked his friend for the perfect length.

The water was starting to cool down and before he could catch a cold, the elder made his companion get out, wrapping him in a huge size towel. The latter whined to ask him to let him be, laughing at the extra attentions he was receiving all of sudden. They laughed together and Kibum gave up, sitting on the couch at the foot if his bed while Taemin was drying and getting himself dressed.

“How come Sir Jinki is less and less present at your trainings ?” The Prince asked out of the blue. “I didn’t see him earlier.”

“He goes a lot to school lately.” The apprentice casually replied. “He seems to take his mission seriously, he always comes back with a smile. Really thin smile though, but still !”

“Does he smile ? I didn’t know he liked children that much.”

“He’s uncomfortable with children, actually.”

Kibum cocked an eyebrow at the innocent information he was just given. Beside children, the only other person at school was Jonghyun, so why would the General be smiling because of him ? It wasn’t like they were in good terms after everything that had happened, and it was pure professional visits. Nothing to be worried about. But still, something in the Prince’s chest seemed to hurt as he wondered if his former teacher could perhaps be interested in another man…

“By the way, how are things going with the King ?” Taemin spoke up once he was dressed. “You still don’t want to admit you’re seduced ?”

The oldest man was caught off guard and choked with his own saliva, making his friend laugh and sit next to him to tap his back. 

“There, there.” The boy said. “After all, it’s been a while since we talked about you two, and well… you weren’t really discreet in Dongjeo.”

“What are you talking about again ?” Kibum only replied after he got a grip on himself.

“Hyung, don’t try me. You arrive in another kingdom and immediately propose to sleep together since you don’t have a room. You tease each other, you even hit him ! Come on, you’re exchanging knowing smiles and stares… Come on.”

“Ugh, fine. Fine, we get along better than expected. That’s what you wanted to hear ?”

“No, it’s not enough. I know you, hyung, and it’s really noticeable that you’re hiding something. Spit it out, I’m not judging you.”

The Prince looked at his companion for a few seconds, and he sighed as he let himself fall on his back on the mattress. He took a deep breath and his his face in his arms.

“I think…” He started. “I think I might… like him ?”

“Told you. By the Gods, I knew it. You can’t hide anything from me !”

“But I’m not sure ! Taemin, it’s way too… new, and strange. I mean, I never felt so many things at once, and I know it’s not love because I already know what love is.”

“Can’t you put words on what you feel ? Maybe I can help.”

“I don’t know… it’s like we’ve become friends with time, very good friends. It’s not clumsy anymore, we’re at ease when we’re together and we talk easily, lightly. I… I talked to him about noona.”

“D-Did you…? Hyung, that’s a really big step, you never talked about her to anyone except…”

“Jonghyun and you, yes. I don’t know how I ended up talking like that, it just… came out ? He was there, I needed to talk, I talked. And he listened, he supported me when he wasn’t forced to. He seemed… concerned.”

“He never hid that he wanted to know you better, it must be so relieving to him that you’re opening yourself. But are you fine about it…? It’s not something trivial we’re talking about…”

“I’m… quite fine. I think if he hadn’t left when you arrived, I would have talked more. Way much more. He makes me feel comfortable, Taemin… but…”

“But…?”

“I really don’t know what it is. It’s like we’re friends like I am with you, but on a same time… I… I want him…”

Taemin frowned, not sure about the way to understand the last sentence he had just heard. He pondered it for a few seconds before he felt the need to say it.

“How do you… want him ?” He asked. “I mean… as a boyfriend or something…?”

“I don’t know… it’s like I feel towards him the way I feel… or felt… towards Jonghyun.” Kibum tried to explained, struggling with his words and starting to get angry because of that. “How to say it, by the Gods… I dreamed of him, Taemin. When we slept together in Dongjeo, I dreamed of him and… it wasn’t innocent, I dreamed he was turning me on.”

“Oh shit… for real ?”

“For real… and it was so disappointing to wake up, believe me… Thanks the Gods he didn’t notice anything, but since then, I can’t stare at him for too long without feeling this… this warmth inside me again. And the only times I felt this were when Jonghyun and I were making lo— having sex.”

“So… if I understand well… your feelings for the King are kind of a combination of the feelings you got towards me as a good friend, and the ones towards Jonghyun as a lover. Right ?”

“Yeah, yeah that’s it ! But it’s not love, right ? Love was what I felt with Jonghyun, and it really didn’t feel like that. I’m so lost…”

“Maybe… maybe you should start thinking of what Jonghyun hyung kept telling you, hyung.”

“What ?”

“He constantly repeated that what you were feeling for him wasn’t love, that you were fooling yourself. Maybe he was right, after all… I’m not assuming anything but… you should think about it. Because if he’s right, then you don’t really know how love actually feels. And what you feel for the King that’s so different… might be that ?”

Taemin’s words were followed by an awful silence, and he thought for one second that he might have hurt his friend by mentioning Jonghyun’s repetitive lecture. He realized Kibum had never talked about his relationship with the teacher anymore, after the latter was sent away from him. He didn’t know if the Prince had given up on his lover of olden times, and it was only now that he was understanding his friend had locked this part of his life in a form of mutism. On what purpose, he didn’t know.

Still lying on the mattress, the elder was gone. His eyes were attached to the ceiling, and he seemed lost in his thoughts after hearing his companion’s words. He was already so troubled by what was happening inside his body, inside his mind, but now it was even worse : more confusion had come. Taemin’s reflexion always amazed him, but this time it was more scaring him than anything.

What if it was true ? What if since the beginning, he never felt love for Jonghyun ? Before, he would have just denied and commanded whoever questioned his feelings to shut up. He would have forgotten any awful comment about his feelings being wrong, misinterpreted. But he had changed. It hadn’t been long since he had become the Prince of Jinju, the King’s husband ; yet, enough to think in a different way. 

Minho kept praising his analysis capacities, and he always thought he was just exaggerating. But now that was he was doing : analyzing his past, his acts and wills, his feelings and sensations. He was analyzing everything, and once something hit him, he sat up so abruptly it made Taemin slightly jump with surprise.

“What is it…?” The younger man asked, concerned. “Did I hurt you ?”

“I need to ask someone about love.” Kibum simply said, his eyes staring at his door. “But who ? Jonghyun doesn’t believe in it, no way I ask the King. You don’t know more than me, right ?”

“Very right. Loving someone… I like fighting more.”

“I can’t do that alone… I can’t learn about such a thing alone… I don’t know anyone else enough, except the three of you and…”

Taemin stared at him, waiting for what was coming next. In vain. His friend just slightly smiled, and let a loud laugh escape as he fell down on his back. While the boy remained dumbfounded and ignorant, Kibum was nervously laughing with his hand covering his eyes. He suddenly regretted teasing the General so much.

Meeting the General alone was the hardest thing the Prince had ever tried. The man was always busy ! Busier than the King himself, maybe busier than the Gods ! Either training his soldiers or at school, and when he was eventually free, he was privileging Minho. And of course he rested, and whenever Kibum had seen him taking a nap or reading at the library… he hadn’t dared to disturb him.

It had been a week and the opportunities kept becoming more and more occasional. But now, there was a small hope. To thank the loyalty of his people, who hadn’t followed the emerging riot and had been a great help to confound the culprits, the King had commanded to prepare a festival, exclusively open to them. He wanted to show them how worthy they were of his trust, and for the past few days, the palace had been animated by the preparations, even Kibum taking active part in them.

The day had arrived, and the Prince hoped he could find a moment to approach the General and pretend to need his help for an issue, so they could leave to a quieter place. Everyone would be way too busy having fun to notice a short absence. He was wondering if his project wasn’t completely vain, after all, how could he be sure that Jinki would have an answer ? Did a soldier actually care about love ?

He was drawn out of his thoughts by a knock at his door, and he opened it to find a maid asking if he was ready to go downstairs so she could empty the bath tube he had just used. Kibum nodded and kept the door open for her, before he left. He could already hear life outside the walls, the guards must have started to welcome the people and lead them towards the huge front yard.

The Prince went to a window and observed the scene : indeed, he saw a few dozens of persons already standing in the yard. They seemed marveled by the gardens surrounding the area, and of course, by the decorations. Since it wasn’t complete night yet, the countless paper lanterns weren’t lit, but their vivid colors caught everyone’s eye. A few garlands were hanging here and then, and an impressive buffet was waiting to be filled with quality food.

On Kibum’s advice, they hadn’t opted for sumptuous decorations, for it could have make the people feel unwelcome, or worse, unworthy. Thus, he had asked for something simple and that would bring them comfort and put them at ease. The goal of this festival was to feel accepted and trust by their sovereign, not to give a show of the royal luxury : humility. That had been the key word given by the Prince.

“Good evening, my Prince.” A familiar low voice surprised Kibum, who turned around to smile at the King coming to him. “It is my first time seeing you wearing yellow, I think ?”

“Indeed, you have a good memory.” The other man shyly blushed. “Good evening, my King. Our guests are slowly arriving, and they already seemed excited to be here. You had a really good idea.”

“I do not want them to believe what those old nobles can say to provoke riot. They deserve to see how humble we are, this festival is all for them. You did an amazing work with the preparations, once again, I feel really sorry to have left you do everything on your own.”

“Please, it was nothing. They do not have to know.”

“You are right. We will make our entrance soon, would you like to walk with me ?”

“Of course, my King.”

Smiling, Minho offered his arm to his husband, who stared at it with surprise and disbelief. This wasn’t an usual gesture, and it could be so much misinterpreted… but Kibum’s body reacted for him, and he accepted the offer by sliding his hand inside the King’s elbow. They started walking along the corridors, discussing the chosen theme and the planning of the evening.

For the purpose wasn’t to dishonestly treat the people like nobles, they had chosen to propose a buffet, even preparing one for the few children who had come with their parents. As they stopped to observe a bit their guests from another window, they noticed some families were represented by only one to two members. Minho understood it as a way to avoid showing themselves like profiteers, the lonely fathers often being part of a incredibly big family. 

Kibum was talking about how their clothes were really clean and suitable to this event, showing his enthusiasm, when a familiar face caught his eye. Frowning, he stopped in the middle of a sentence to focus on the short but tough silhouette with unique blonde bangs tied in a bun. The King smiled at his shock, and leaned on him.

“I thought it might be a good occasion to invite him.” He whispered. “He takes great care of the people’s children.”

“I can see that…” The Prince smiled as he noticed the sudden amount of children surrounding Jonghyun, happy to see him outside the classroom.

He was so appreciated, and his face was all lit up. Both sovereigns were about to start walking again when they noticed the General joining the teacher, and they widened their eyes at the bright smile they exchanged. If it wasn’t a surprise to see Jonghyun smile, they stood gaping at the way Jinki seemed especially happy at that moment. 

“They seemed to have become friends over all those months of working together.” Minho commented, his voice a bit shaky because of the shock. “I do not remember the last time I saw my General smile like this… perhaps was it when I got crowned.”

“Jonghyun smiles easily but I know his different smiles.” Kibum added, more for himself than for his husband. “There is no doubt, they are friends, good friends.”

“Well… these are good news ! It will do Sir Jinki good after all these years bearing with me only.”

The King laughed at his own words, but when the Prince didn’t join him, he got concerned. He looked at him and noticed the way his eyes couldn’t lie : he was feeling upset about what he was seeing. It somehow hurt the sovereign, who frowned a bit. He didn’t know if he had done well to invite the teacher in the end… he wanted to use this event to show how close the two rulers of the kingdom were, to entrust their people.

But now, it was like they were both miles away from each other, and Minho felt something pinch him. A combination of anger and worry about their relationship in the presence of, let’s say it, Kibum’s former lover.

And let’s also say it, the King was jealous. 

But he did his best to hide it, and proposed to his husband to go downstairs to start the celebrations. The latter agreed and they walked together again, still linked by one’s hand on the other’s elbow. Coincidently, their outfits were somehow matching, the bright yellow habit of Kibum balancing with the navy blue coat of Minho. When he made a remark, the Prince finally smiled and used his knowledge to inform the other man that yellow and blue were complementary colors.

He kinda stuttered on this specific word, what made the King smile. There, they were still fine. They had both got a grip on themselves when they were announced to the people, and when they appeared at the huge entrance door, they were welcomed by silence. But it wasn’t a bad, uncomfortable silence ; no, everyone was staring at them with big eyes. It was the first time they were seeing their rulers again, after the ceremonial parade after their wedding.

And they were amazed.

Just like Minho and Kibum had planned together, they stopped in front of the crowd and swept it with their eyes to see everyone. And then, surprising everyone, they elegantly bowed. Whispers were raised, dumbfounded, until both sovereigns stood up and smiled at them.

“Welcome to all of you.” The King said loudly, gently. “I thank you for accepting our invitation to this event prepared especially for you. As you know, our kingdom had known a rather worrying situation during the Prince’s and my absence. Fortunately, everything has been resolved and it has mostly been by means of your honesty and cooperation.”

“We decided you deserved to be thanked and rewarded for your loyalty, which moved the King and I a lot.” The Prince pursued, surprising everyone since it was the first time they heard his voice, and his soft and honest tone was delightful to listen to. “This festival is to celebrate you, we hope you will enjoy it. Please, have fun and do not feel pressured by our presence among you. Food will arrive soon, you are allowed to eat as much as you want, to dance, to sing if you want to. Be our guests.”

Their speech had its impact : they were applauded with a considerable joy and even screams chanting their names. When Minho and Kibum smiled at a few little girls, they got all shy and ran away to hide behind their parents’ legs. Within a few seconds, employees were bringing countless plates and filling the buffet, and even though the people seemed reluctant at first, a simple inviting gesture from their King convinced them.

The festival started, with the musicians maintaining a good and joyful atmosphere. No one was bored, no one left the yard to go back home. Some ventured their regret to have left their family at home, and if the Prince heard them, he proposed them to go and pick them up. The humility and kindness of their rulers moved everyone, and even the few elderly persons who had remained hostile eventually relaxed.

When he felt that the moment was the right one, Kibum excused himself to his husband and wove in and out to get an overview. In no time, he found of the General on a side of the yard, giving some more instructions to his soldiers. Taking a deep breath, the Prince made his way towards him, making sure not to lose sight of him. When he almost reached him, Jinki noticed him and turned towards his direction.

But then, his eyes caught sight of something behind him and in no time at all, he shouted to everyone to go to the ground and caught Kibum by the shoulders to entrust him to the soldier behind him. Himself started running towards the King, but when he grabbed him to protect him, the arrow had already been shot. Minho’s body jolted in his friend’s arms and before he could know what had happened to him, he saw the General leave him to a few soldiers while he was sprinting to climb over the outer wall.

The last thing he saw was the face of Kibum above him, and he felt his hands supporting his head before he fell unconscious, somehow unable to hear what his husband was yelling.

next

[hoodievixen]

With My Own Eyes - Part 3 - Waxing Crescent (2 of 2) (Dream of the Endless x OC)

Based off of this

Summary: Morpheus just wanted to keep his soulmate safe. She just wanted to make her own decisions. Doesn't help that he doesn't show her his face.

Words Count: ~2.5 K

Warnings: swearing, mentions of blood, witchcraft, bad grammar and even worse spelling.

A/N: I did it.

Tag List:  @intothesoul​ (sry I forgot on the last chapter)

Master List

_________________________

Sibyl woke up from the sun hitting her eyelids.  She just rolled over to cover her head with a pillow. She stayed in her awkward position of half falling off the bed as the fog of sleep was leaving her mind. Her first coherent thought of the day was of how she didn't remember going to bed. Her second was how she was not getting used to sleeping in jeans, and needed to figure that out come the next night. Her third jumped back to the first, figuring Morpheus had probably carried her to bed.

The last half of the prior day had been spent in her art studio. After getting over the awe, Sibyl was frantically going around swatching anything and everything she could. That had then turned to furious sketching, digging up ideas she had burred for the simple fact she didn't have the resources to do it. Morpheus had stayed with her for the most of it. Sibyl cringed into herself, remembering her terrible attempts at holding a conversation. Sibyl is prone to word vomit when focusing on something else. As well as rambling, but that's more of a constant than circumstantial. Not to mention the dream king wouldn't respond to something unless he saw in necessary, which lead to Sibyl just spew half coherent statements. "Can't you just shut up?" she questioned herself.

Needing to start her day she got up to change. Sibyl hadn't even taken a step before she heard something move beyond the door to the bedroom. It was a lot of shuffling and bumping into things. She did not know what she was going to find. With slow cautious steps she retrieved her knife from her jacket. She continued with the same precautions to the door out of the bedroom. Sibyl threw open the door, thrusting the knife in front of her.

"G'mornin' Sleeping Beauty," an unfamiliar character greeted her. Sibyl saw there was no threat and lowered the knife. There in the sitting room was once again Matthew, again in the same place. With him was the new person, if she could even call it a person. It was basically a living scarecrow with a jack-o-lantern for a head. He was in the process of hanging a large painting above the fire place.

"What is going on?" Sibyl asked in confusion. She knew she slept in late, so things would be happening, just didn't expect them to be in her room.

"Lord Morpheus told me to hang this up," the pumpkin grumbled. "Is it centered now?"

Matthew tilted his head to the side. "A bit more to the left."

Sibyl was just confused. Why would he do such a thing? Sibyl looked at the painting in a golden frame. It wasn't something profound, but she could find the beauty and meaning in it. The more she looked at it, the more it seemed familiar. The color tones, the brush patterns. "A Monet?" she questioned. While it was rather basic, Monet was indeed her favorite artist. She would put money down she shared that fact they day before, she just wasn't sure.

With his work being one she adored, Sibyl was familiar with almost all of them. However this one she had never seen before. It was of a forest path, a young couple walking together hand in hand, with long shadows cast from the twilight sun.

"You know your art M'lady," the pumpkin commented. "Doubt you've seen this one before. It's a Dreaming exclusive. He never got around to making it in the waking world."

Sibyl was in awe, taking in something no one has even seen awake.

With the picture hung, the pumpkin left. "See'ya around Mervyn," Matthew called after him. The raven changed his attention to the amazed human. "That was Mervyn he's sorta the handy man around her. A bit prickly, but he means well."

Sibyl's awe was quick to return to confusion. "Why would he give this to me?" she wondered. First the similar clothing, then the art studio, now this one of a kind masterpiece for her to have in her own chambers. She didn't feel like she deserved all of this, nor did he need to give her all of this.

"You think I know?" Matthew scoffed. "He's in my head not the other way around."

Sibyl turned her questioning onto the bird. She could see he was not joking. "That is mildly concerning," she confessed. "I'm gonna go... get ready..." Sibyl recognized the feeling of grease building up in her hair and wanted to bathe.

Returning to her bed room to head to the bathroom she paused. She had grown used to the smell of roses lingering in the air. It wasn't that the scent of flowers had disappeared, but had changed. In the vases in the room all the roses had been swapped out for larkspur. Bundles of white, blue, pink, and purple. Her favorite flowers. Again, her over sharing, and him doing unnecessary things for her. Though she could confess, she didn't feel too burdened by this one.

-----------

So many things are better taught through stories. One is more likely to remeber what happened in a series of events than a list of different necessaries. Sibyl knew this to be true with fabels, stories to teach moral reasoning to children. She learned it more so when deciphering her family's grimore. Fiction had made it so people believe that grimore are like a cook book, a collection of instructions and ingredients. But witch craft is more like cooking than baking, not so much reliant on exacts more so about what they make as a whole.

Witches of old knew stories would change as they were told orally, relying on the faulty of human knowledge alone. So they wrote down their stories, and so did the children, and their children's children, making a grimore. A collection of a family's stories of spells and what brought them to casting them.

When the full understanding of "every story ever written, and those that haven't been" settled in Sibyl's mind, she came to a realization. She could access all the grimoires ever written. Those lost to museums, or bloodlines died out, even the ones burned with the owner. All of them were head, and she could bring what has been forgotten into memory. The best thing of it all, they were in English. Oh the wonders of magical dream libraries.

Matthew had grown bored of her company as Sibyl lost focus in conversation instead for figuring out the spell's details in the stories. It didn't take long for the raven to fly off to find something more interesting. She wasn't sure how much time had passed, before a cool breeze stole her attention.

Sibyl looked away from her book to find Morpheus standing beside her. "Hello there," she greeted him, leaning back in the chair she was sitting in.

"You appear to be settling in well," Morpheus commented.

Sibyl shrugged. She wasn't much of a person to sit around all the time. She liked doing things. It keeps her mind and body busy.

"There is something I wish to give you," he informed her, reaching for the object in his pocket.

Sibyl let out a whine. "Another?" she complained.

Morpheus hesitated.

"I don't need anything," Sibyl continued, "I know you're just trying to be nice. But I don't want to receive gift after gift. It's one thing to get one occasionally, but not multiple in one day."

Morpheus lowered into the seat next to her. His previous partners enjoyed getting showered in thing. They'd never want for anything. Nor was it something he would struggle to provide. He could make them anything they desired. He could provide for them with ease.

"Have you even thought about how large the power imbalance is between us?" Sibyl wondered, "Your are the anthropomorphic personification of dreams, while I am a simple human. A healthy relationship is between two equals, where anything you do for me I should be able to do for you. With all the gifts I feel like I owe you something."

" You owe me nothing, "he assured her, "Your presence is all I'd ever ask for."

Sibyl let out a frustrated groan. "I didn't even want to be here," she reminded him, expressing her anger. "I'm not some item you can claim. You can't just appease me with things. I didn't ask for any of this." A few tears of frustration started to leak from her eyes.

Morpheus was frozen. He could understand he had done something wrong. He had believed she had gotten over his mistake with forcing her to come to the Dreaming without a choice of her own. After yesterday Dream had believe she had come to like it in the Dreaming, and possibly even him. But everything he was doing was just making her even more uncomfortable.

He wanted to reach out and wipe away her tears, but that wasn't a privilege he had earned yet. "I apologize," he started. "I must confess it has been a long time since I've courted anyone."

Sibyl let out a tired laugh. She reached up, wiping away her tears with the heel of her palm. "Well to start with, it's now called dating," she explained, "And it's more about getting to know eachother and earning trust than proving you can provide for the other person."

"Then would you do me the honor of allowing me to date you?" he asked.

Sibyl softly smiled and rolled her eyes. "I think I agreed to that a couple days ago."

----------

"Where do you want to go?" Morpheus asked Sibyl as the two walked out of the castle. He wanted to do what she wanted today.

Sibyl shrugged, "Like in general? Or what?"

"Anywhere that exists or dosen't," he clarified.

"Man that made it so much harder," Sibyl complained. Not that the options became too many, but more too few. Sibyl liked to love life. When she could, and something when she couldn't shed go to see the world. If she hasn't set foot in a country it's only because she had yet to think of a reason to do so. Then all the places in her head she puts down onto paper.

But there was one place she had come to miss. "Home," she mumbled, before laughing at the mistake she made. "Not like that," Sibyl sorta apologized. She hung it over his head for many days, she didn't need to any longer.

"I meant my childhood home," she clarified. "It's been so many years since I've seen the place."

That was no problem at all for Morpheus.

Much like you would suddenly be in a different place in a dream, they were no longer standing on the bridge leading to the Dream Palace.

Instead it was a back yard covered in shade. Sibyl gazes at the back of the house with an amused smile. Thought she was not sure, she knew the back of this house didn't look like this anymore. Scilla wasn't there to keep the flower beds neat. The steps were making weird noises back then, you must need to skip over some now. Then rain, snow, and sun would have faded that blue paint of the house. Yet here the house stood, frozen in time. Before the weight of being an adult sunk onto her. Before the worries of the world.

Instead of stepping closer to the house she turned and head for the woods that surrounded them. The woods she knew so well, after all she grew up in them. Even with a single step past the tree line felt so much different. It felt like home.

With an in viable weight of her shoulders Sibyl started walking through the forest. She knew exactly where she wanted to go. She felt Morpheus' precense behind her. Despite the silence, she said nothing. If he wanted to get closer to her, he'd need to start conversations himself.

There up in the old tree with wild branches was what she was headed to. When her brother was a tween he and his friends found a shipping pallet behind the nearby grocery store. They lugged it all the way back here into the woods, tied it to the tree with some old rope they found in someone's garage. Then later on when they got a new rug in the living room, they brought the hold one out here to cover the pallet. It wasn't much of a tree house, but she loved it like it was.

With the added height and strength from age getting up was far easier than she ever remembered. Sibyl settled down in her favorite spot, where the pallet met an upturned branch. She was now to tall for the peculiar angle to be a proper back rest any more.

"You're welcome to come up," she called down to Morpheus. Already, she had out a sketch book and digging for the right pencil in the bag she brought.

The dream lord basically appeared before her, lounging proudly on the aging carpet. Sibyl rolled her eyes, far too regal to climb a tree. "What significance dose this place hold?" he wondered, gazing at the woods below.

"Spent a lot of time out here as a kid," Sibyl shrugged, "There's a lot of memories here for me."

"Like what?" Morpheus wondered.

Sibyl smirked, looking to the ground at the bottom of the tree. "When I fell off of here and broke my leg, my brother needed to carry me to the house. Or playing huge games of hide and seeks with all of our friends. Needed to stay between the tree that looks like it's screaming, the fallen down maple, the yard line, and the creek. We'd hide thing for the others to find. Sometimes their own things. I found a Barbie I lost when I was eight during my last year of highschool. I could go on... These trees are like an old friend. They hold so many secrets."

Morpheus hummed, taking in the story fragments as she told them. "You have siblings?" he questioned. It obviously was not a rare possibility, but it was a means of conversation of which he could relate to.

"Yeah," Sibyl sighed, leaning back more. "We don't see eachother much anymore. We all moved somewhere. My brother moved to New York City, my sister went to Boston, and I came over to London. It rare all three of us are together even for holidays. We still talk, but phone calls and texts only means so much."

He noticed a detail that didn't quite ass up to everything she was saying. "You had said 'brothers' as in more than one," he pointed out, "Did something happen?"

Sibyl's face grew solemn and her hand stopped moving. She started to run her thumb over the corner of the sketchbook, listening to the pages hitting eachother. "He died," she said in a soft tone. "He was fifteen at the time, I was thirteen. It happened out in this forest.

After that we didn't come out here much, and surely didn't go as deep as we once had. Never further than this very tree."

A still silence fell between them. "I lost a sister once," Morpheus confessed, "It was eons ago. Yet you never forget an event like that. Losing someone so close to you."

Sibyl finally looked to him, trying to make eye contact with him. "No, you really don't," she agreed pain hurried in her voice.

"If you don't mind my wondering," Dream started, "How did he pass."

Sibyl stated quiet averting her gaze. She did not wish to tell.

[thenightling]

NOPE BOOK TAG!

Tag creator (A BookTube Book) - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQt_…

1. NOPE Ending: A book ending that made you go NOPE either in denial, rage or simply because the ending was crappy.

This is a tough one.  I rarely hate how literature ends.  I’ll name a few comics and then move on the literature.

Novels: The Man who fell to Earth by Walter Tevis (Love this novel but hate the ending.) The Dresden Files: Changes The Frankenstein Papers by Fred Saberhagen (He writes Dracula so well but his Frankenstein Monster...  Spoilers, he’s a f--king alien with amnesia.  That’s the twist.  He just THOUGHT he was created by Victor Frankenstein.  It’s so... Stupid. The Last vampire by Whitley Strieber.   Lilith’s Dream by Whitley Strieber   On my Honor

Lolita.  WHY is this a classic?!?

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Comics: The Sandman: The Kindly Ones.  I know it’s a classic but out of all of the original Sandman this is the one I liked the least, loved the rest. The Dreaming (1990s to early 2000s version).   It’s just... awful. Madman & Monster (written by Steve Niles and published by IDW).  I hate the ending but like the premise.

Nineteen eighty-four by George Orwell.  Great novel, just very depressing.

Manga:

Return to Labyrinth.  The author (Jake T. Forbes) just wanted his cake and eat it too.  He establishes that Jareth is Sarah’s true love but at the same time decides that they can’t be together “For reasons” and has Toby give a “I learned something today” speech that lasts several pages to justify it.   No, if it’s true love, they’re supposed to be together.  Don’t try to placate both the shippers and the fans who want them to not be a couple, you won’t appease anyone if you try to appease both.    

Wolf’s Rain: It’s just so sad.   Why!??

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2. NOPE Protagonist: The main character you dislike and drives you crazy.

Novels: Miriam from The Hunger, The Last Vampire, and Lilith’s Dream by Whitley Strieber.   

The Vampire Armand from Anne Rice’s The Vampire Chronicles.   He’s too much of a Sadist.  I don’t understand the appeal.   Lolita.  WHY is this a classic?!

Comics:

Echo from The Dreaming (Late 90s / early 2000s version) 

Riri Williams, the current writing of the Captain Marvel comics,  actually pretty much all of Marvel at the moment... _______________________________________________ 

3. NOPE Series: A series that turned out to be one huge pile of NOPE after you’ve invested all of that time and energy on it, or a series you gave up on because it wasn’t worth it anymore.

Novels:

The Hunger book series by Whitley Strieber 

Anne Rice’s The Vampire Chronicles, most everything after Tale of The Body Thief and Tale of the Body Thief wasn’t that good... The Dresden Files.  I don’t know, my interest just kind of waned and also I came across a few unpleasant fans who legitimately believe women and men “talk differently” and “use different language” when speaking and told me a woman can’t write male characters and visa versa.   Mary Shelley begs to differ!    Comics: The current Sandman Universe comics...

Morbius: The Living Vampire (1990s run)

Manga:

Return to Labyrinth.  The author (Jake T. Forbes) just wanted his cake and eat it too.  He establishes that Jareth is Sarah’s true love but at the same time decides that they can’t be together “For reasons” and has Toby give a “I learned something today” speech that lasts several pages to justify it.   No, if it’s true love, they’re supposed to be together.  Don’t try to placate both the shippers and the fans who want them to not be a couple, you won’t appease anyone if you try to appease both.     

_________________________________ 

4. NOPE Popular pairing: A ship you don’t support.

I don’t really hate many pairings...

Oh, wait.  Lolita.  Do I really need to explain? Comics: Joker and Harley Quinn (original versions as created for Batman The Animated series.) Cain and Abel and their sister-wives in The Dreaming (late 90s to early 2000s comics).  That was just...  Oh, my God. Was that just to be edgy!?    For God’s sake, Abel’s fraternal twin sister was Cain’s wife and locked in attic!?   WTF?!? Lucien and Nuala (also in The Dreaming late 90s and early 2000s version).   Essentially “Hey, the people we’re in love with are dead.   Why don’t we hook up?” “Okay!  You’re good enough.  Let’s settle on each other.” 

Does Caitlin R. Kiernan have any concept of love, at all?  Steve and Bucky. Not because it’s a bad ship or because it’s gay but because the fans who support it are so rabid and if you suggest it’s not canon they immediately assume you’re a homophobe and send you hate.

SwanQueen (Emma Swan and The Evil Queen in Once Upon a Time) similar reasons as above.   ____________________________ 

5. NOPE. Plot twist: A plot twist you didn’t see coming or didn’t like.

The Frankenstein Papers by Fred Saberhagen.

(He writes Dracula so well but his Frankenstein Monster...  Spoilers, he’s a f--king alien with amnesia.  That’s the twist.  He just THOUGHT he was created by Victor Frankenstein.  It’s so... Stupid. _______________________________ 

6. NOPE. Protagonist action/decision: A character decision that made you shake your head NOPE.

Faust and his hornness for FOURTEEN-YEAR-OLD Gretchen and almost everything he did because of that horniness. 

7. NOPE. Genre: A genre you will never read.

I don’t think there’s a genre I’d never read. But I’m not a big fan of young adult romances or bodice rippers and torture porn.    I’m not into errotica or graphic violence even though I adore Gothic Horror.

8.  Nope format:

Umm....  I prefer hardcover to paperback but I don’t avoid any particular format.  I do hate when the new Barnes and Nobel classics call things like Edgar Allan Poe and H. P. Lovecraft, Mary Shelley, and Bram Stoker “Gothic fantasy” written across the cover.  It perpetuates the idea that horror is lowbrow and it angers me that we refuse to consider good quality horror to be horror anymore. 

Anne Rice’s Prince Lestat (when I read it with wet hands and the dust jacket off) the color on the cover started to turn my fingers dark blue.   I never want that to happen again.  

9. NOPE. Trope: A trope that makes you go NOPE.

Long lost child that the protagonist didn’t know they had because the mother (or in rare cases someone else) thought it would be best the child never know they are related to the protagonist because their life is too dangerous / cursed / ect...  I hate when parental rights are stomped on for plot, and especially when “it’s okay because it’s the mother who did it and the mother just wants whats best for the child.”  

10. NOPE. Recommendation: A book recommendation that is constantly hyped and pushed at you that you simply refuse to read.

I’ve never refused to read a recommendation but I have later thought “Why did you think I’d like this?!”

Twilight “Because you love vampires.” Oh, and Frankenstein’s Monster: A Novel by Susan Heyboer O’keefe.  Just because he looks like the version from the Shelley novel doesn’t mean he acted like it.  That as awful.      

  ______________________________ 

11. NOPE. Cliche/pet peeve: A cliche or writing pet peeve that always makes you roll your eyes.

Wasn’t this already number 9?  I thought we covered this with tropes.  Many tropes are cliches.   Oh, well...

Long lost child that the protagonist didn’t know they had because the mother (or in rare cases someone else) thought it would be best the child never know they are related to the protagonist because their life is too dangerous / cursed / ect...  I hate when parental rights are stomped on for plot, and especially when “it’s okay because it’s the mother who did it and the mother just wants whats best for the child.”    (Cough) Susan in The Dresden Files. (Cough.)

Oh, and “He’s blue collar so we’re going to use him as the serrogate racist / bigot now even though he wasn’t before.”  (Cough)  Merv Pumpkinhead in the new version of The Dreaming. (Cough.)

12. NOPE. Love interest: 

I thought we established this with the ship conversation?

I don’t feel like re-writing it, just re-read that one.  Same answers apply.   I guess I can add The Corinthian from Neil Gaiman’s The Sandman.  You know if it ever gets a film or TV series adaptation someone somewhere will find him attractive and start making errotic art and fan fiction about him...

13. NOPE. Book: A book that shouldn’t have existed that made you say NOPE.

The Dreaming Late 90s early 2000s version.   I don’t really like saying any book shouldn’t exist. But there are some that are really awful sequels or insults to an established lore because of how subpar they are.   ___________________________________ 

14. NOPE. Villain: A scary villain/antagonist you would hate to cross and would make you run in the opposite direction.

The Corinthian from Neil Gaiman’s The Sandman and pretty much any antagonist created by George R. R. Martin. 

15. NOPE. Death: A character death that still haunts you.

Morpheus in Neil Gaiman’s The Sandman.

And even Abel’s death even though he comes back later.

___________________________ 

16. NOPE. Author: An author you had a bad experience reading and have decided to quit.

Anne Rice.  She doesn’t even remotely write the way she used to . It feels vapid now.  And i have trouble reconciling myself that the angry bird aliens from Brevena and the Replimoids exist in the same universe as Interview with the Vampire.   

Also she’s been very cruel and unprofessional in her behavior to those who have criticized her work and “I didn’t know I was sicking people on anyone” shared negative reviews with direct links to pages on her Facebook over the years.  it got nasty.  She even dug up one of my old reviews for Blood Canticle that I wrote FIFTEEN years ago!   

And to a lesser extent, J. K. Rowling.   Her views of Americans and especially “Nomaj” (linguistically) just makes me cringe internally.  Americans are the more old fashioned with language, not hipster (i.e Elevator vs. Lift, Cellular phone vs. Mobile). Not to mention cloistered religious-style orders (like Catholicism) use the same terms from country to country.  This is also true with Wicca.  Linguistically the American terms in Fantastic Beasts do NOT make sense.   

@sorry-for-the-chocolate @thesaramonster @zal001 @missghostlymoonshadow @kaimaciel @endlessemptynight @deathlyendless @vagaryhexxx @thegreatvampirekiller @unnecessaryhorns @sweatyeddieandaliengoo