Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"Out of the way, out of the way!" Hob shouted, shoving past another dock worker with an apology barely out of his lips before he ran, stretching his legs to the fullest extent, sprinting for the on-ramp to the ship that he could see now.  His bag was bouncing against his back painfully, but the ticket was clenched in his fist and the ticket was all that mattered.  He ran harder, sweat running down his face as he made his way to the ship and didn't hesitate to shove the ticket at the crewman at the base of the ramp before he sprinted up it the rest of the way.  

He'd made it.  

He was on the Titanic.  

Hob let out a delighted laugh and immediately began to make his way through the crowds that were gathered out on the decks of the ship to watch it pull out and into the open sea.  When he'd heard that the Titanic had planned to dock at Queenstown, he'd thought that getting a ticket was absolute folly, only to find himself in a poker game with a ticket as the stakes.  He heaved in a desperate breath of the sea air and bounced on his toes excitedly.  

Now, bound for the Americas, the freshest air on his face, and a ship larger than any that had ever sailed under his feet, Hob wanted to dance, even as he grinned up at the sunshine.  There was nothing, absolutely nothing that could make this trip better than what it was already.  He found an empty spot of railing near the bow of the ship and stepped up onto it, lifting himself up and above the crowds, waving frantically at the shoreline, taking his cap off to tilt his head into the sunshine properly, the wind whipping at his hair.  

The gigantic horn sounded, and then the ship was slowly being tugged out of her berth and into the open sea.  He'd made it, by mere minutes.

Hob laughed again and lingered by the bow for far longer than everyone else, even as he turned to watch some of the richest prigs he'd ever seen in his life saunter by, scowling like his mere existence offended them.  He smirked and even blew a kiss at one particularly offended mother.  The daughter had to hide a giggle behind her fan and that was more than worth it.  

Of course, then he saw him.  

Hob froze, his eyes widening, as a man, wearing a suit that had been tailored to fit every inch of him, turned and met his eyes.  They were ice-blue, bluer than the ocean beneath them, and condescending.  He was milky pale, the kind that only the richest in England could ever be, with skin that must have been softer than satin for how unblemished it was.  He didn't look away and instead kept the gaze up, watching as the condescending look shifted to confusion and then, if he wasn't mistaken, a faint hint of amusement.  

Because he was himself, Hob blew another kiss, pointedly, keeping eye contact, and watched those eyes widen and narrow.  He smirked, but it was either the sun or his kiss that had caused the lightest dusting of pink on those cheekbones and he had the feeling that the prig wouldn't have let it be the sun.  He gave a jaunty wave and turned back to the water, watching the shoreline begin to disappear.  He'd have to, eventually, find his bunk, and focus on getting himself settled, but right now, he didn't need to do anything other than savor all of the wind on his face and the fact that he'd made some posh aristocrat blush.  What a world it was.  

~!~

Several hours later, after a dinner that had stuffed him to the gills and back, Hob decided that the only way he'd be able to sleep without indigestion would be to take a long walk (several times around the ship if he had his way), so he made his way to the upper deck and started to walk.  He made sure to wave to the crew members, making friendly comments as he went, and staying out of the way of all the fancy folk.  Despite his flirting earlier, he knew damn well that he was far too lowborn for any of them to look at him, let alone do more than that.  He whistled happily and let himself enjoy the exercise on the most expensive boat currently sailing the sea.  

It was on his third lap (if he was also using his walking to get a feel for the place and where everything was, that was on him, this place was enormous after all), that Hob noticed someone lingering at the back of the boat.  He paused, because they were clearly standing just out of the range of the lights, their black silhouette almost invisible against the night sky, except for the outline that he'd clocked in seconds.  He frowned and took a step closer, being careful to be quiet.  

When the man straightened up from his leaning position and lifted one long leg over the gate, Hob's heart slammed against his ribs, fear shooting through him.  He moved forward, decisively, and barely had a second to recognize widening ice-blue eyes before he was straddling the railing with his back to the ocean, mimicking the pose of the stranger beside him, ready to jump.  

"You jump, I jump," Hob said, his mind racing far beyond logic, beyond anything that made a rational lick of sense.  When the man frowned at him, Hob repeated himself, because if he was going to be in for a penny, he was going to be in for a pound.  "You heard me," he said, glancing toward the ship, but there was no one there.  "You jump, I jump."  

"What are you doing?"

Hob tightened his hand on the railing and reminded himself that it would be a very bad time to ruminate on just how attractive that voice was and how pretty it could sound moaning out his name.  "What does it look like I'm doing?  I'm giving you a reason not to jump, you ninny."  

The stranger clenched his eyes shut.  "Get away from me.  I don't need you to stop me."  

"Yeah, but that's not how this works," Hob said with a shrug, swinging himself out a little, keeping his arms locked.  He didn't miss the way the stranger's eyes widened in fear.  "If you decide to take a jump, you're as good as killing me, not just yourself.  And while you might not want to live, I certainly do."  

"Then what the hell are you doing?" The stranger snarled.  "You don't know me, and I certainly don't-"

"Name's Robert Gadling, but you can call me Hob.  Son of a dock worker, not that you give two shits, and been on my own since the day I left home to seek out my fortunes elsewhere."  He shrugged pointedly.  "I'm thirty-four, I've been living in Ireland for more than two years, and when I won the ticket on the Titanic earlier today, I grabbed everything I could and ran to catch the boat before it left the harbor."  

The stranger scoffed.  "So eager to try your fortunes in the Americas?"  

Hob shrugged.  "Not particularly.  But finding and chasing the next adventure isn't a bad way to go through life in my experience, and I certainly don't mind.  It's how I stay one step ahead of death, you know."  An odd sort of stillness came over the stranger and Hob met his eyes happily.  "Now, come on, I can tell you more about my fascinating life when we're not dangling over frigid water.  What do you say?"  

"You're a fool," the stranger scoffed.  "Leave me be."  

"Afraid I can't do that, dove.  You jump, I jump.  Either we both climb back on board, or we're taking a swim I would much rather avoid.  Your choice,” Hob shrugged again.  “Besides, you so sure that life isn’t worth living?” He waited, watching the stranger’s tense arms and hands, ready to grab him and shout for help if the bastard did decide to let go.  

“Why the hell do you care?” 

Hob stared at him for a long moment and let go of the metal bar to reach out and touch one of the tense arms next to him.  Icy eyes glared at him again, but Hob could see the tears gathering in them and he squeezed, gently.  “Because I care, sweetheart,” he said, his voice softening.  “Anyone who is desperate for this painful a death, and you know it’d be painful, don’t deny it, is desperate for someone to care.”  

Hob watched the stranger take a heaving, desperate breath, even as a tear streaked down his cheek.  

“I, I do not need-"

“It’s not about need, is it?” he interrupted.  “It’s about wanting.  We don’t need much, and can survive with even less.  But wanting?  Wanting is the dangerous thing.  Wanting is when we crave more than we deserve, than we earn, and most often, than we can have.  I want you to live.  I guarantee I want you to live more than you want to die.”  

A scoff.  “Why?”  

Hob smiled faintly.  “Because you’re beautiful, and it’d be an utter shame if I don’t get to kiss those lips of yours at least once.”  He shrugged.  “And because it’d be a shame to ruin a tuxedo that I know costs more than I have made in my entire life.”  That, at least, earned an ugly snort of laughter, and Hob gave his arm another squeeze.  

“Come on, dove,” Hob coaxed.  “Back over the railing.  No one’s seen us yet.  No one needs to know, I’m sure as hell not going to tell anyone.”  He met the confused eyes of the stranger, but then there was the tiniest of nods, and in a fluid movement, the stranger was standing on the other side of the railing.  Hob let out a gusty sigh of relief and climbed back over in a second, grinning at the stranger again, even as he caught him looking out at the black ocean.  

Hob waited a few more seconds.  “Wanna talk?”  The scowl he got in return made him snort and he shook his head.  “Oh very well.  Want to walk with me up to the third deck?  There’s a few nice corners, and a bar I’m relatively sure no one else knows about.  I’ll pinch a bottle of their best wine and we can find a spot to drink.”  That, at least, got him a surprised blink.  

“I could buy any bottle on this boat.”  

Hob shrugged.  “You can, but I can’t, so we’re going to go steal a bottle of booze, I’ll tell you some of my life story, try to make you laugh until you do, and then you can go back to your posh suite and pretend this night never happened.”  He smiled and started to walk, noting that the stranger fell into step with him within seconds.  They took the long way to the deck, and when he got there, the bar was deserted.  

A quick leap over the counter, a grab for a bottle that he knew would please the posh git, and two glasses, before they were back and walking down the deck.  

“You’re a rather accomplished thief.  Should I be worried for my belongings?” 

Hob snorted.  “I hopped a counter.  If you call that accomplished, you’re more sheltered than I thought.”  He turned another corner and found a cozy alcove that they could settle into, gesturing for the stranger to sit down beside him.  He poured them both glasses of whiskey and settled back against the chair.  “All right, come on.  Drink that, and then tell me why you wanted to jump off the back of a boat when you have more money than god.”  

Hob watched, and waited, as the stranger took a long sip from his glass, far longer than would have been acceptable in polite company.  He smiled faintly and waited as he finished off the glass and then put it to the side of him.  He raised an eyebrow, pointedly, and waited.  

“You said…” 

The hesitation was obvious and Hob relaxed his posture, reaching for his glass before taking a long sip of it.  “I said a great many things.  All of which I meant.”  

“Including the one about kissing me?” the stranger asked, his eyes piercing and demanding.  

Hob let out a hard breath and huffed out a laugh.  “Course I meant that.  Have you seen yourself?  Those lips are begging to be kissed and kissed properly.”  When the stranger blinked at him, Hob raised an eyebrow.  “That’s definitely diverting from my question though.”  

“I…” The stranger frowned.  “I am being pressured into a marriage, for sake of my two children.”  His eyes flickered up at the sharp intake of breath.  

A shudder ran up Hob’s spine and he moved so his side was pressed against the stranger’s.  A line of warmth.  He’d seen far too many kids grow up without their parents and to know that two more kids in the world could have ended up like that… well, if he hadn’t been proud of his deed tonight, now he certainly was.  “Why?”  

“I have a ward.  I took her in when her parents died.  She is…” he paused and smiled.  “She is a younger sister to me, and I love her dearly, but she is of age now, and I have expressed no desire to find another wife, so she has been suggested, strongly, by my family.”  He paused again and reached out for the bottle, pouring himself another drink.  

“That’s not an uncommon situation,” Hob observed.  

“No,” the stranger agreed.  “It is not.  However, what is uncommon is that she is in love with the woman I hired to care for my children.”  

Hob’s eyes widened.  “Oh.”  

“If I were no longer in the picture, she, my ward, would inherit a large portion of my estate, as well as custody of my children.  She would be able to keep on their caretaker and they could be together.”  He paused, staring down at the drink he had poured himself.  “They could, perhaps, find a measure of happiness together, like that.”  

Hob swallowed and watched the stranger stare at the liquid in his glass as though it held all of the answers to the world that he was entrenched in.  “Are they unhappy now?”  

“No, but they do not enjoy hiding.”  

“No one does,” Hob agreed, finishing off his glass as he leaned back.  “Still don’t know why you decided to jump off the boat.  Surely faking your death or something would be much easier.”  

The stranger raised an imperious eyebrow.  “Do you truly not know who I am?” 

Hob shrugged.  “Nope.  I introduced myself, but you weren’t in a place to introduce yourself back, but if you’d like to rectify that now, I wouldn’t say no.”  

“My name is Morpheus Endless.” 

Chapter Text

It took Hob a few long moments to clock the name.  Endless.  That family.  Like the Astors.  The ones with more money than god.  He let out a whistle and took the bottle back from Morpheus Endless, pouring another finger for himself.  “You weren’t kidding about being able to buy every bottle on the boat.”  The man blinked back at him and he grinned.  “So you got a nickname, or does everyone go around actually calling you Lord Endless?”  

There was a long, pointed pause, and Hob stared at him.  “Come on, I saved your life tonight, if you’ve got a nickname, I earned at least that, didn’t I?”  

Dream opened his mouth and paused.  “The nickname my siblings use is Dream,” he answered, and then frowned at himself for the admission.  Would he allow this random man the same level of familiarity as his family, his loved and hated siblings?  What was he thinking?  

“Dream,” Hob answered, smiling.  “Now that suits you.”  He raised a glass to toast Dream.  “To living, even when we might not want to, or even when it is not an easy or convenient thing to do.” Their glasses clinked together easily and Hob sank back against the wall, sipping at his drink.  

“To living,” Dream echoed, looking down at the drink again before he took a long sip of it.  He glanced out at the dark sea and shivered, imagining being trapped out there as the Titanic sailed far and away.  He glanced at his savior and found himself being studied, scowling immediately in response.  “Stop staring.”  

Hob shrugged and gave a helpless smile.  “You’re beautiful.  Forgive me for admiring that which is beautiful.”  

Dream blinked.  “Beautiful.”  

“Beautiful, otherworldly, gorgeous, take your pick of words love, I’ve got plenty,” Hob said, lifting his glass to toast Dream.  He smiled.  “Your turn to ask me a question, since I can see you don’t wish to speak of your situation and everything it entails further.”  

Dream looked at the man across from him for several long, extended seconds.  “Why did you come over the side of the ship with me?  Why did you not pull me back?”  

Hob hummed and shrugged.  “Well, I have a feeling if I tried to grab for you, you might have let go.  So, instead, I did something that would surprise you, get you talking, and make it easier for me to grab you if you decided you did want to jump.” 

Dream tapped the sides of his glass, before nodding once.  “I see.”  He looked out across the ocean, taking in the inky blackness before leaning his head back against the wall.  “Lucienne is far better with the children than I will ever be.  Jessamy, as well.”  

“Well,” Hob started.  “Far be it for me to give advice where it isn’t warranted, but I think they all would have been devastated to lose you.  How old are your children?”  

“Orpheus is seven, and Robyn is four,” Dream answered.  What was it about this man that made him so absurdly easy to speak to?  He should not be discussing such.  “They are precocious, exuberant children.”  

Hob grinned.  “Children tend to be those things, yes.”  He bumped his shoulder against Lord Endless’ and let out a small laugh.  “I bet they look quite adorable in all their fancy dress clothes for travel, don’t they?”  That, at least, got him a twitch of a smile, and a nod of agreement.  

A long moment of silence stretched out between them and Hob debated suggesting they go somewhere else when Dream, sitting beside him, gave a very obvious shiver.  A look to the side showed that he wasn’t wearing more than a thin dinner jacket, so Hob leaned forward and shrugged out of his overcoat, and gave Dream a quick elbow.  “Lean forward,” he ordered.  

Dream turned to him and frowned.  “I don’t need-” 

“Shut up, you’re cold, I can feel you shivering,” Hob ordered, draping the jacket over both of their shoulders, tucking it in as best he could.  It meant that the man was pressed up against him tightly, but if it kept them both warm, it was worth it.  “There, that better?”  He didn’t get an answer, not that he expected one, but a head slowly drooping onto his shoulder was unexpected, to say the least.  

“Lord Endless?” Hob asked.  

“Dream,” he corrected, despite his earlier misgivings.  “You saved my life.  You may call me Dream.”  

“Dream,” Hob repeated, unable to keep from smiling.  “Are you all right?”  

Dream was silent for several long moments.  “You care.  Despite never having met me before, despite making no demands of a reward which would be well within your rights, and asking for nothing, you… you care.”  

Hob clenched his eyes shut for a brief second, the agony of that statement lancing through him.  “Do you have so few people who care for you in your life?”  

“I am responsible for and care for others,” Dream answered.  “My children, Jessamy, even Lucienne.  They are under my protection.”  

“Sounds lonely,” Hob observed, shifting so he could rest his cheek on top of Dream’s hair.  “Is it?” The lack of an answer was more than enough proof that he had guessed correctly.  He sighed and shifted a fraction, reaching out to wrap an arm around Dream’s waist, tugging him in that much more securely.

“I do not need to be cared for,” Dream said, enunciating the words as best he could through his gritted teeth.  

Hob hummed and shrugged, but not hard enough to dislodge Dream and how he was resting.  “Need and want are two separate things.  Sounds to me like you might want someone to care about you.  Maybe even need, considering what happened earlier.”  Dream bristled, going tense at the insinuation, but Hob held on, and waited him out, until the tall man was sagging against him again.  

Dream closed his eyes and let himself relax into the warmth that seemed to be radiating off of Hob Gadling.  When was the last time he’d felt warm?  Or felt comforted by someone other than one of his children?  “Anyone who gets close to me, they have the risk of doing so much damage to those I hold dear.  Better to keep them away, keep them safe.”  

“You can’t protect them from everything,” Hob pointed out.  “They’ll have to grow up, eventually, and make their own mistakes in numerous ways.  Shielding them now only means that they’ll be less prepared for what might come afterward.”  

Dream considered that for a long moment and leaned into the arm that was holding him close.  “They would like you.” 

Hob’s eyes widened and he let out a quiet laugh.  “Do you think so?  I do tend to be good with kids, having had as many younger siblings as I do, but I suspect yours are another animal altogether.”  

“They’re still children,” Dream answered.  “They would enjoy you.”  After a moment’s hesitation, Dream offered.  “Would you like to meet them?”  

“I am reasonably sure that your Lucienne would disapprove heartily,” Hob said, smiling from where his cheek was resting on top of Dream’s head.  “But I appreciate your offer.”  He paused and let out a small chuckle.  “Sounds like what you really need is someone to distract you from all the horrible people around you trying to encourage you to be with Miss Jessamy.” 

Dream let out a slow exhale, his lips twitching at the insinuation.  It was not incorrect, and the mental image was amusing enough.  "Are you offering?"  

"If I thought I could get within a hundred meters of first class, I would in a heartbeat," Hob said, giving Dream's waist a small squeeze.  He took another sip of his whiskey.  "But you and I both know that they wouldn't let me near the place, no matter what I try to do."

Dream sighed, because that was the truth.  He finished off the rest of his drink in a slow gulp and set the glass to the side.  "Thank you, for wishing to help, even if you cannot."  

"Course," Hob said, staring at the bar ahead of him, but his mind was racing with plans, and all sorts of things that he could manage.  He knew that if he let Dream, who was  Morpheus Endless, he'd heard whispers about him amongst the staff on the boat, go, after tonight, they'd never see each other again.  

"You think loudly," Dream complained.  "What occupies you?"  

Hob managed a laugh and turned to press his face to Dream's hair again, relaxing into the touch.  "I was just thinking.  That if you were willing to throw some money down in the name of a good bit of chaos and getting your family off your back... I bet we could."  

Dream tensed.  "In what way?"  

"Well," Hob drawled.  "I'd need a dinner outfit.  One of those fancy suits.  And I know damn well at least two different businesses are catering to you all on this boat that would do."  

Dream blinked, lifting his head a fraction.  "That... is true."  

"And I imagine," Hob continued.  "I'd spin up an easy lie.  New money, made in mercantile.  I know it well enough to speak to it.  They'd all hate me.  Would even be fitting if my suit wasn't perfectly tailored."  

A plan was taking shape rapidly between Hob's musings and Dream could feel a rush of excitement shooting through him at the idea.  "You would truly do this."  He paused.  "My family are not... pleasant."  

Hob laughed, his head falling back against the wall as he turned to look at Dream Endless, who was blinking curiously.  "I would have the adventure of a lifetime.  And since I have nothing to lose, and there is nothing they can do to me, I can be as rude and abrasive as you want me to be.  Steal you away from them again and again."  He finished off his drink and put the glasses down, standing up, holding his hand out to Dream.  "So what do you say, mister richer than god?"  

Dream stared at the hand in front of him.  It was reckless, and he should not.  To bring this man into his life was to risk everything that he protected, everything that he did his best to keep safe.  But the idea of being the protected one, of having someone actively work to protect him, for once?  It was a siren call that he did not want to resist, that he couldn't resist, not when it was offered so freely and easily.  He took Robert Gadling's hand and allowed himself to be pulled upright, sliding the jacket Hob had wrapped around his shoulders off and offering it to him.  

Hob bounced on the balls of his feet and grinned.  "Oh, this is going to be so much fun."  

Dream's lips twitched and he gave a silent nod, turning his attention to the interior of the ship.  The full force of his name and influence would need to be brought to bear.  “Come with me," he ordered.  "We have a great deal of things to buy for you in a very short period of time."  

Hob fell into step beside Dream as they walked deeper into the ship.  It didn't escape his notice that Dream seemed to know precisely where they were going as they stepped through the first class gates without a look.  Dream stopped the first staff member he saw and rattled off so many orders that Hob's head spun, but there was an exchange of bills and the man was off like a shot.  He let out a whistle and ignored the look.  

"Come," Dream ordered, taking his next left, and leading them deeper into the ship.  "The place will be unlocked for us as we wait for the owner to join us."  

Hob winced.  "Hope we aren't waking him."  

"I am paying him five times his normal rate.  He will be awake, regardless," Dream answered, stopping in front of a gold and glass storefront with a nod.  There was another steward, already in the process of unlocking it, before it was held open for them.  Dream gave him a single nod and stepped inside, striding for the jackets on the rack.  "We will not have time to do more than tailor an existing suit for your needs, and you will need two travel, and two dinner, at minimum."

Hob blinked in surprise, his eyes widening.  "Dream, I don't need-"

Dream turned to look at Hob, silencing him with an eyebrow.  "Evening gloves, a drinking jacket, ties..." he paused when a tinkle of the bell over the door rang and gave a nod as the owner hurried in, locking the door behind him.  

"Lord Endless, how unexpected.  How might I assist you this evening?"  

Hob wasn't surprised when the man didn't bother to look at him for more than a second.  He wasn't fit to be standing in this shop by the man's standards, but that wasn't what mattered, what mattered was that Dream was going to make magic happen.  He bit down a laugh when Dream gestured to him and folded himself into a seat in front of a three-way mirror.  

"He will need a full wardrobe.  For the remainder of the voyage."  

The shop owner sputtered, his eyes widening.  "He will need what?!"

"Beginning with a proper suit for the day we are having tomorrow," Dream continued, settling back into the chair.  "We may use off-the-rack options and have them tailored to his specifications.  I will expect a single suit and dinner ensemble ready by tomorrow, with the remainder to be delivered to my quarters when finished by tomorrow evening.  Now, what colors do you recommend?"  

Hob watched the owner take in those orders, imperious as they were for a few precious seconds, and had to bite down a laugh when he saw the shop owner look to the ceiling before nodding.  Probably remembering just how much five times his usual pay was for this sort of extravagance.  The owner excused himself for a moment and Hob stepped in front of Dream and put his hands on his hips.  "A full wardrobe is too much.  And I'll have no use of it after this trip."  

Dream sat forward in the chair and frowned down at his hands.  "A man is always in need of a well-made suit," he corrected.  "Perhaps it can be used to help you find your fortunes in the Americas.  It is a thank you.  For what you did tonight."  

Hob swallowed and looked down at the floor at the first mention of it and stepped closer, crouching down in front of Dream.  "You don't have to thank me for that.  I'd do it again in a heartbeat.  Your kids deserve to grow up with their father."  

Dream's eyes closed and he exhaled hard.  "I... yes.  Thank you."  

Hob reached out and gave Dream's knee a squeeze, standing when the shop owner approached, measuring tape in his hands.  He stepped in front of the mirror and smiled at the man.  "Let me know how to stand and I'll try to make this as painless as possible for you." 

Hob spent the next two and a half hours being poked, prodded, and shoved into position as item after item of clothing was put on him, taken off again, marked, and then the process repeated again and again.  Every once in a while, Dream would offer a quiet recommendation from where he was sitting and watching, either colors, to a specific cut, and Hob shivered under the weight that was growing in those ice-blue eyes.  

By the time the owner had stepped away, several pairs of pants and shirts draped over his arm, Hob let out a huff and shuffled, glad that he could at least pull his trousers back on for the time being, even if he left them unbuckled.  He looked up at Dream and offered a small smile.  "Not worth all this expense.  I saw some of those price tags."  

Dream waved it away.  "It doesn't matter.  You're doing me a service that has no price tag."  

Hob shrugged.  "I guess that's true."  He stretched up on his toes and lifted his hands above his head, stretching himself out, before he relaxed again.  He knew that he wasn't mistaking the heat that was growing in Dream's eyes.  "Do we have anything left, or can I put my shirt back on?"  

Dream hummed and stood up slowly, his eyes trailing down the corded muscle of Hob Gadling's neck, his strong arms, the thick chest hair that begged for him to bury his fingers in it, and the teasing smirk on his lips that meant Hob knew where his thoughts had wandered.  "One final thing.  But it requires your shirt."  He leaned down and picked up the simple cotton shirt and stepped in close to Hob, holding it out to him once more.  

"Right," Hob said, swallowing as he took his shirt and carefully pulled it over his head, tucking it into his open trousers, before he realized that Dream had stepped away from him and was at one of the mannequins in the window.  He frowned as the jacket the mannequin was wearing was stripped and his breath caught at the sight of it.  The black material seemed to swallow any light, and it shimmered in the candlelight, and screamed expensive in a way that nothing else he had tried on tonight had.  

"Smoking jacket," Dream said, holding it out to him.  "Try it on."  

Hob went to take the jacket, but Dream kept it spread and the message was clear.  Swallowing hard, he slid one arm into the sleeve, and then the second.  The others had been a size big on purpose, to allow the tailoring, but this jacket, as Dream settled it carefully onto his shoulders, this jacket felt as though it had been tailored for him.  He swallowed as Dream turned them both, and he lowered his arms, watching as the jacket hung in a way that made him look like he could belong in first class, right beside Dream.  

"Dream," Hob breathed.  "I can't-"

"We'll take this as well," Dream said, his voice raised as the owner returned from the back.  "Bill to my room, and add a twenty percent tip for yourself for the inconvenience."  

Hob swallowed, blinking away the tears that threatened as he turned away from the mirror and slid the coat carefully off his shoulders before he handed it to the owner, the fabric feeling liquid against his rough hands.  He'd never touched a garment so soft, let alone worn one, and now he was to have a whole wardrobe of similar things.  It was utter madness, and yet, Dream didn't hesitate.  

"Very well, Lord Endless.  Is there anything else I can do for you tonight?"  

Dream shook his head.  "That will be all.  Ensure the requested pieces are delivered to my rooms first thing.  I expect them."  With that, he made his way to the door and held it open for Hob, gesturing to the empty hallway of the deck they were on.  

Waiting until the door was closed, Hob looked up at Dream.  He managed a small smile, even if he felt completely in over his head at this point.  "Where to, now?"  

Dream raised his eyebrows.  "My rooms."  

The heat that had dissipated came roaring back in a second and Hob cleared his throat, looking away from Dream.  "And why might that be?"  

"You will hardly be able to make your way back to first-class to procure your garments in the morning, so you will need to spend the evening in my suite.  There are multiple rooms that you can choose from, and they are all well-appointed," Dream stated and turned, leading the way back from where they'd come.  "You will likely meet my children in the morning."  

Hob swallowed nervously as he followed behind Dream and fell into step with him again.  "I doubt Lucienne will approve."  He managed a grin.  "Though I bet that your kids will like me.  Like I said, good with kids."  

"Lucienne..." Dream let out a small breath.  "Lucienne will understand when I explain to her that you are meant to be a distraction to prevent further attempts of my marriage to Jessamy."  He smiled faintly.  "If you still feel up for the task, of course.  I know you wish to kiss me, but it is possible that continued exposure will make you feel far less charitable toward me."  

Hob blinked, his nervousness fading away at that matter-of-fact statement, as though it had been something Dream knew was going to happen, or had happened before.  "I... what?"  He frowned and shook himself.  "Of course I'm going to help you.  You need the help, and I'm not going to suddenly decide not to after I've said I would."  

"You would hardly be the first to decide they no longer wished my presence upon them after prolonged exposure," Dream pointed out, turning down another hallway, before stopping at a corner room, pulling a key from his pocket.  He unlocked it and held the door open, waiting for Hob to step in, before closing it behind him.  He stripped off his necktie and tossed it on the nearby couch, followed by his jacket, and headed straight for the fire.  

Hob watched Dream as he stepped deeper into the room without hesitation and looked around at the wide, spacious rooms.  He spared a thought for his belongings in third class, but he could always sneak back to get them tomorrow, there would be no concerns about him not bunking here this evening, what with the celebrations of their journey going late into the night.  

"Are you going to have any questions about another man staying in your rooms?" Hob asked, approaching the chair where Dream had sprawled himself.  Like this, he almost looked like a king of shadows, each one of them longer than the last in the light of the fire.  "I can try to be subtle, and head back-"

"It would be easier if you were to remain here for the rest of the voyage," Dream said, his face twisting in a grimace.  "Of course, that is provided you still wish to help me after experiencing my family tomorrow."  

Hob raised his eyebrows and sat down on the couch.  "How bad are they?"  

Dream steepled his fingers and let out a quiet breath.  "Let us say, that depending on the family member you ask, I have received inquisitions as to why Jessamy is not already with child, and why I continue insisting on raising my children under the hand of someone so far beneath them."  

Hob flinched and let out a low whistle.  "Holy shit."  

Dream's lips twitched.  "They are... my family.  But there is no better caretaker than Lucienne, and Jessamy is, as I said, a sister I hold most dear in my heart."  

"So," Hob said, starting to grin.  "We've got a couple of days, right?  Maybe I'll have to see about punching a few of your relatives if they keep those comments up.  Blame on me being nouveau riche and they can't say a damn thing."  

"As satisfying as it would be to watch you do something of that nature, I would much rather have your continued company," Dream admitted, closing his eyes as he leaned back in the chair.  He shivered again, the reminder of the biting cold earlier making him curl in on himself.  "Things do not feel as bleak when you are here."  

The loneliness in that statement alone made Hob's heart ache and he reached out, putting a hand on Dream's arm, offering a small squeeze of consolation.  "I'll try to cheer you up as best I can.  And if you need me to make a quick exit and get the both of us out of there, we'll find a way to make that happen, too.  You don't deserve to be miserable just because your family is here." 

Dream scoffed.  "You do not know me.  I have done terrible things."  

Hob looked at him and shrugged.  "So what.  Doesn't mean you deserve to have your family trying to force you to marry someone."  

"I could be terrible to my children," Dream pointed out.  

"You're not," Hob shot back.  "A man who cares as much as you do would not have been forced to the lengths you were tonight."  

Dream tightened his hands on the arms of the chair.  "What would you know?  You met me tonight."  

"You're right," Hob said, meeting Dream's eyes when they flew to his.  He managed a small smile.  "I did only meet you tonight, and I don't know you well enough.  But I know that you care enough not to marry someone who loves someone else, that you smile when you talk of your children, that you take care of everyone around you save yourself, and that you are lonely."  

Dream's nostrils flared.  "You dare..."

"Course I do," Hob said with a chuckle.  "I'm going to dare a whole hell of a lot more, too.  I think you need it.  You wouldn't have dropped as much money as you did tonight if you didn't think so too, at least a little."  

Dream pressed his lips tight together and stood up from the chair.  "I am going to bed.  Avail yourself of any of the facilities."  He gestured to the room and turned for the bedroom.  

Hob watched Dream go and slam the door shut behind him, smiling faintly and shaking his head before he made his way to the room on the other side of the suite.  It was bigger than his entire room in steerage, and filled with an unreasonable amount of gold filigree and things that he would dirty with his touch.  Taking advantage of the attached bathroom, he washed his face and took a few minutes to stare into the mirror.  There was a tub in the center of the room, clearly meant to be used, and a cord that would let him summon someone for hot water.  He shivered and tightened his hands on the edge of the sink.

Perhaps Dream would take a bath tomorrow and he would be able to use the leftover water.  It would be a high improvement on the rooms available to the entire floor in steerage.  Hob pushed his hair out of his face and stared at himself.  "Careful now, Hob," he warned himself.  "You're here to help him, and for one reason only.  Don't start thinking about anything more, no matter how he looked at you."  

Easier said than done, but Hob gave himself another firm nod, stripped off his clothes, and climbed into the softest mattress he'd ever laid on, his eyes fluttering shut.  He smiled and buried his face in the pillows with a happy groan and drifted off to sleep much faster than he would have, the sound of gentle waves coming in through the open patio window outside his room.  

Chapter Text

When Hob woke, the sky was still black, but something had awoken him.  He frowned and sat up, sliding out of bed to grab his trousers and slide them on, before looking out into the main room.  The fire was mostly embers, now, and Dream's door was still firmly shut.  There was no sign of anyone else, but...

He looked around the room once more and blinked at the sight of the door out to their personal patio was open.  A chill wind swept in and panic raced through him.  Hob was stepping out and into the cold wood in seconds, only for Dream to blink up at him in surprise from the couch.  "Fuck," he swore, pushing his fingers through his hair.  Hob stared at Dream for several long seconds and managed a small smile.  "Stay there," he ordered.  

When Dream blinked once more, Hob went back into his room and grabbed the goose-down comforter off the bed, bundled it up in his arms, and marched back out to the couch that Dream was sitting on.  With a flourish, he spread the blanket out and over Dream, before reaching down to tuck the blanket in along his left side, before sliding under the still-warm material himself, leaning up against Dream, tucking the blanket in on his side, pulling it up to their shoulders.  "There."  

"What are you doing?" Dream asked, even as he melted into the heat that he was immediately enveloped in.  

"You were cold," Hob answered.  "What's it look like?" 

"I did not want company," Dream answered, growling.  

Hob yawned and closed his eyes, resting his head on Dream's bony shoulder that was in nothing more than a simple white shirt, now.  Bastard was freezing, despite the blanket.  "That's fine, I'll be asleep again shortly.  But now you won't be a popsicle tomorrow morning."  

Dream blinked at the quiet pronouncement and considered shoving Hob off of him, of going back to his solitude, of staring out at the night sky and contemplating all of the things that had changed in the past few hours.  

But...

Hob was warm.  

Dream closed his eyes and sank a little deeper under the blankets, his eyes fluttering shut as he shifted closer to Hob, sinking into the warmth of him.  Hob was not wearing a shirt, and his skin was so warm Dream wanted to crawl into him and never leave again.  "You're warm."  

"I've always run hot," Hob mumbled, yawning again.  "You going to get all huffy on me if I warm you up properly?"  

Dream's eyes snapped open and his mind and heart raced at the implication of what, exactly, that meant, when all of a sudden he was tugged a few feet over, until he was sprawled in a warm lap, the blanket still tucked around him, and a firm arm holding him in place.  He blinked and pressed a hand to Hob's chest, his fingers twitching with the urge to burrow into the hair there.  "You take many liberties."  

"Yup," Hob agreed.  "But now you'll warm up instead of shivering."  He closed his eyes and settled back against the couch.  "Still got a few hours til dawn, but at least the sunrise will be pretty."  

Dream said nothing.  Instead, he tucked himself a little closer into the circle of Hob Gadling's arms, his eyes falling shut as he let his head fall to rest against his collarbone, his nose pressed to the cord of his neck.  Hob was so warm, and it radiated off of him, keeping the blanket just as warm.  Like this, he barely felt the bite of the air around them, and it was a little bubble, so far away from anyone and everything that was worrying him.  

A small yawn escaped him and Dream took a deep breath, letting himself relax into the easy hold that he was wrapped in.  When was the last time he had been the one held instead of the one holding others?  How long had it been?  Had he ever had this?  Ever?  Dream shifted and pressed both of his hands to Hob's skin, savoring the warmth, and let himself doze off under the quiet noises of the ocean around them.  

~!~

Dream awoke a few hours later to twin shouts of "Daddy!" before there was a small form barreling into the blanket pile he and Hob made on the couch.  On reflex, he managed to catch Robyn and help him climb onto the couch and was relieved to see that Hob had done the same for Orpheus, even though the child was clearly confused at the gentle hand that was keeping him in place.  

"Hello my darlings," Dream said, smiling at them.  "You're early this morning."  

"Why are you sleeping out here, Daddy?" Orpheus asked, yawning and shifting closer.  "And whossat?"  

"Who is that," Dream corrected gently.  "This is Robert Gadling.  He saved me last night, and needed a place to stay."  

Robyn's eyes went wide and he lifted his head off the couch.  "You saved Daddy?"  

Hob swallowed at the awestruck eyes, something twisting tight in his chest as he offered the small child a grin.  "I did.  And your Daddy was so kind that he let me stay here in return."  His eyes darted up to the two young women who had just stepped onto the patio with them and cleared his throat for Dream.  

"Jessamy, Lucienne," Dream rumbled, opening one eye to look at the both of them.  Jessamy's eyes were wide and shocked, but Lucienne's were far too knowing for his own good.  He cleared his throat.  "Did you bring the package in from outside the door?"  

"I did, Daddy," Orpheus said.  "I put it on the table like Miss Lucienne asked."  

"Perfect, my darling," Dream said, reaching out to comb his fingers through Orpheus' hair, smiling as he cuddled closer, making note of the careful hold Hob still had on his son to make sure he didn't fall.  "Well, you are clearly up before Hob and I.  Perhaps Miss Lucienne and Jessamy can start your lessons while Hob and I get ready for the day."  

Robyn's eyes were wide.  "Is he going to spend the day with us?  Will he play with us?"  

Hob felt Dream tense, clearly unsure of how to answer, so he smiled at the little boy.  "If it is okay with your Daddy, I would love to.  And I would love to play with you.  Whatever games you want."  

Both Robyn and Orpheus cheered, and raced back into the rooms, Jessamy following behind them with a quiet voice, and Dream watched them go, unable to keep from smiling, before he looked up at Lucienne.  

"Lord Endless," Lucienne began.  "Far be it from me to suggest that any lifestyle choices you make are inappropriate-"

"We're both clothed," Dream interrupted, looking at her.  "I couldn't sleep, and Robert refused to allow me to be cold.  And I am not lying about the service done for me."  He lifted his chin.  “The package, take it where Robert spent the night, they are clothes for him, and more will be arriving."  

Hob carefully helped Dream to his feet and seeing Dream wearing a shirt and pants clearly did much to alleviate the concern that had been growing on Lucienne's face.  He kept the blanket wrapped around his shoulders, but he knew she caught sight of his bare chest and gave a small shrug.  "Please, call me Hob," he said.  

"And will... Robert," Lucienne paused.  "Be staying with us for the remainder of the trip?"  

"If he wishes to," Dream answered.  He met her eyes.  "In his own room, Lucienne."  When she gave him a firm nod and turned back into the cabin, his shoulders sagged.  "I am sorry for her questioning, she only worries about the children."  

Hob stepped up beside Dream and gave him a small nudge with his shoulder.  "Sounds like he's the perfect kind of caretaker then.  I'm glad that you have someone else looking out for you.  Should tell them I know about her and Jessamy though, so they don't feel the need to hide around me."  

Dream turned and pressed his forehead to Hob's shoulder, breathing in deeply.  "I shall.  Call for a bath for yourself for whatever ablutions you require, and if you need a shaving kit, I have one."  

"I'll take you up on that," Hob said with a laugh.  "Mine didn't make it into my bag when I packed in a hurry to make the boat."  Dream pressed into him for a second longer before he stepped away.  There were happy shouts and clamoring from the children and Hob hurried through the bath that he ordered, shaving when he borrowed the kit from Dream,  before looking at the clothes that had been delivered.  He carefully put the outfit for dinner to the side and trailed his fingers over the fine gray fabric he'd tried on only a few hours ago.  

Slipping on the clothes, and the shoes that had been provided, Hob looked into the mirror and didn't recognize himself.  He looked completely different and he took a deep breath, buttoning the jacket, before he stepped out into the main cabin where the others were clearly waiting to head down to breakfast.  He spread his hands for Dream's approval and spun on his heel.  “Pinch me, because I think I’m dreaming!” he joked.

Dream stared at him for several extended seconds before nodding.  "Shall we head down to breakfast?"  When both his children shouted, Dream smiled at them and gestured for the door.  "Come, I'm sure that your aunts and uncles are waiting."  

Hob stepped up beside Dream as Lucienne took charge of the children and began to lead the way with them.  "Did you tell them about the plan?" he asked, keeping his voice low.  

"Yes," Dream answered.  "They both think me mad."  

Hob managed a laugh.  "Oh, you are, no doubt, Dream.  But the best kind of mad.  And I promise that we will have fun, because you deserve to have fun on a voyage such as this!"

The withering look Dream gave him had him fighting down a laugh and Hob walked side by side with Dream as they followed after Miss Lucienne, Miss Jessamy, and the children.  Their precocious shouts were echoing in the corridor, but Lucienne kept them well in hand, even as they dashed forward.  He glanced at Dream, with his eyes focused on his kids, and had to fight down the urge to grin even wider.  

"Your kids are adorable."  

Dream's lips twitched.  "I am often told that I spoil them.  And that they will be unruly as they grow up."  

Hob scoffed.  "Children aren't dolls, of course they should be running and shouting.  That's what being a child is.  Goodness, you'd think the people around you don't want them to be children."  They stepped out onto one of the decks on the way and Hob glanced up at the ceiling.  An idea grew and he grabbed Dream's hand, tugging him forward.  "In fact.  C'mere."  

Hob pulled Dream closer to the kids and stepped on the other side of Orpheus and looked down at him with a grin.  "Would you like to ride on my shoulders?  Or your Daddy's?"  

Orpheus' eyes widened and his head swung around to stare at his father.  "Can I?"  

Dream's lips pursed and he narrowed his eyes at Hob Gadling, who looked ready to burst into laughter.  "It is-"

"Daddy," Robyn interrupted, tugging on his pants.  "Can I ride on your shoulders if Orpheus is on Mr. Hob's?"  

Hob's heart turned over at the soft nickname and blinked hard to dispel any possibility of tears as Dream obviously melted on the spot.  He paused, and behind them, he could feel Jessamy and Lucienne staring at them, and the eyes of several dozen other people on them.  He raised a challenging eyebrow and watched Dream straighten his shoulders and pick Robyn up, lifting him up on his shoulders in an easy motion.  

Hob laughed and looked down at Orpheus, holding out his hands.  "Ready?"  The boy ran into his arms almost immediately and with a quick heft, Hob had the boy straddling his shoulders, holding him into place easily.  He winked at Dream and began to saunter along the deck as he went along, Orpheus' hands tangled into his gelled hair.

It turned out to be a useful position, as Robyn and Orpheus started asking questions about the boat, and Hob found himself in the position of being able to answer all of their questions.  When Dream's eyes widened at his knowledge, Hob gave a small shrug and explained the need for the rigging and the lifeboats on the side of the ship.  Question after question came and Hob relaxed into answering as many of them as he could.  

Dream was aware, as they approached the other end of the ship where they would break their fast, that Lucienne was stepping up beside him.  Both of his boys burst into laughter at a joke that Hob had made, and he shifted his attention just a fraction, to turn to her.  "Yes?"  

"Where did you find him?" Lucienne asked, her voice soft.  She narrowed her eyes.  "He is not my replacement, I would hope."  

Dream shook his head.  "I could never wish to replace you, Lucienne.  He is... a friend.  Who wishes to help."  He tightened the hold of his hand on Robyn's knees and took a deep breath.  "He prevented me from making a mistake last evening that would have hurt all of you, and I find myself in his debt, unable to repay the kindness he showed a stranger."  

Lucienne's eyes softened and she reached out to touch his arm and squeeze it.  "He makes you smile," she said softly.  "And if he is here to be the shield you need against your family, I find myself eager to hear more of the fallout."  

"I suspect," Dream said with a nod, turning another corner, before continuing.  "We will be spending much more time with the children than I had originally planned, so please be prepared for that."  He looked up at Orpheus, who had his arms spread wide as Hob spun around in a circle.  He mimicked the spin for Robyn, who squealed with delight and brought his attention back to Lucienne.  

Lucienne nodded her head once.  "As you wish, Lord Endless."  She stepped back to stand side by side with Jessamy.  

"I have never seen him like this," Jessamy whispered, looking at Lucienne.  "Have you?"  

"No," Lucienne said, watching as her lord stepped in closer to the man walking side by side with him.  A few quick and shared words and they were both laughing, before spinning again in tandem, the boys shouting with glee.  They were attracting a tremendous amount of attention, but they didn't appear to care, having eyes only for each other.  "I have never seen him so happy.  Even when married to Lady Calliope."  

Jessamy lifted her eyes back to them, even as Hob and Dream carefully slid Orpheus and Robyn down to the deck of the ship once more.  "I see."  She smiled at both the boys as she and Lucienne held their hands out for them.  "Shall we go get breakfast and we'll see if we can finish your lessons early so you can be ready for more playing with Mr. Hob later?"  

Robyn and Orpheus cheered and waved frantically to Mr. Hob through the window as they were tugged toward another room.  

Hob waited until the boys had stepped around the corner and grinned, turning to look up at Dream.  "Who knew that a few years sailing would come in such handy.  Maybe we'll have to take them on a proper tour of the full boat, and I can tell them about the rest."  

"You would do that?" Dream asked, nodding to the porter who opened the door with a nod to the both of them.  "You need not.  I know their questions can be a great deal to handle."  

"I don't mind at all!" Hob said, grinning and bumping their shoulders together.  "Besides, from what you've said, they're going to be better company than your family and I'll need the break from the lion's den that I'm walking into."  He waggled his fingers.  "Now, come on, into the fire."  

Dream nodded once and straightened his shoulders.  "I will apologize in advance for the comments they will make about your commonness.  It is not how I would have you treated."  

Hob shrugged.  "Guarantee I've been called worse by people I cared about more.  Now come on.  I am starving."  He gave Dream another grin and they turned the corner into a wide and spacious dining room that was full of quietly clinking silverware.  One look at the place setting showed at least three forks and Hob wanted to laugh as he considered slipping several of them into his pockets.  Unfortunately, the staff would probably be blamed and that was the last thing he'd want.  

"Mother, Father, siblings," Dream said, pausing beside a large table.  "Good morning."  

"And there you are, Dream, goodness, lying abed until this hour of the morning, we'd nearly sent out a search for you!"

"The children-"

"Always with the children," the older woman scoffed.  "I do not see why you insist on seeing them in the morning, Dream.  They can wait in the nursery with that maid of yours until you make time for them."  

Hob felt Dream stiffen beside him and blinked at the viciousness of that comment and smiled blandly at her.  Dream was clearly already off on the wrong foot, so it was time to be a rude bastard and bring all of the attention to him.  

"Well, that's a hell of an introduction if I do say so!" he said, well aware that every eye at the table, including Dream's, had swung to him.  He grinned and waved at the group before giving a quick bow.  "Robert Gadling, I would say it's a pleasure to meet all of you, but with opinions about ignoring your children, that remains to be seen!"  He winked and gestured to the chair in front of them.  

"That aside though, I'm starving, so shall we sit?"  Hob pulled out the chair next to Dream's for himself and fell into it, ignoring the thinly veiled horror of everyone looking at them, especially when Dream sat down next to him.  "Who do I have to bribe for a coffee?" 

Thankfully, his question was enough to have a coffee placed in front of him seconds later, and Hob took abject pleasure in dumping milk and sugar (far more than he preferred, but it was worth it for the older man, who had to be Dream's father, whose face twisted in disgust with every addition) into it before stirring with what was clearly the wrong spoon.  If he wasn't mistaken, he could see Dream fighting down the urge to smile, or perhaps even laugh, and if he had that right, then his mission was most certainly accomplished.  

Taking a sip of the milky concoction that was nowhere remotely near a cup of coffee, Hob looked around the table and turned his attention back to Dream.  Formality or no...  "So, my friend," he said, waiting for Dream to meet his eyes.  He smiled and drank more of his coffee.  "Want to introduce me to the family?  I know I already introduced myself, but."  He waved a hand.  "Meredith has been trying to teach me proper manners, but once a working man, always a working man, and I've made it this far through life perfectly fine."  He winked at the table and looked to Dream with raised eyebrows for his next cue.  

Dream cleared his throat and schooled his face into impassivity.  His entire family, save Death and Delirium, were staring in horrified fascination at the man sitting beside him, obnoxiously slurping his coffee.  He wanted to burst out laughing, and he had not done that in who knows how long.  He nodded once and gestured to his parents.  

"My parents, Lord, and Lady Endless."  Never mind that his father had already passed him the title, but he insisted on the formality from all who knew him, knowing that he would never give it up.  "Then my elder brother and sister, who, since you know my nickname, are both Destiny and Death-"

"Dream," Lady Endless gasped.  "You would treat him with the familiarity as family?  Such... a person?"  

Dream turned to look at her and raised both his eyebrows.  "Next to Death, is Delirium, and beside her, the twins, Despair and Desire."  

Hob let out a whistle and looked at Lady Endless.  "Six kids, huh?  Bet you're glad that they're all grown up now."  If he wasn't mistaken, he heard a snort of laughter muffled into a teacup from Death and grinned as he took another sip of his coffee.  

Lady Endless' eyes flared.  "How rude."  

Hob shrugged nonchalantly.  "I'm sure you think it is, but if any other woman told me they had six kids, I'd make a much cruder comment than that."  He grinned at her over the edge of his coffee mug and saluted her with it.  "Just be glad, I suppose, that it wasn't seven."  

"Actually," Dream said, unable to keep from smiling.  "We do have one brother who is not with us on this voyage."  

Hob barked out a laugh and shook his head.  "Goodness, I'd heard of the heir and a spare mentality, but that's taking it a few steps too far."  A burst of wild giggles from Delirium on the other end of the table only egged him on and he settled back into his seat as several servers came forward to take their orders.  Hob kept his eyes on the group, darting between them.  

He was starving, especially after all of the walking that he'd done last night, and then running around the ship with Dream, so it was easy to order a large amount of food with the intent of devouring all of it, and as much coffee as he could beg from the waiter.  Hob glanced over at Dream and tried not to blush under the admiration shining out of those bright blue eyes.  Dream knew that he wanted to kiss him, but like this, it was almost impossible to resist.  

"So, Mr. Gadling," Lord Endless started, scowling.  "How is it you come to be in... with more elevated company?"  

Hob shrugged and leaned back in his chair in a way that was clearly rude, based on the posture of the rest of them.  "Made my money in mercantile, figured out y'all have money to burn, and rubbing elbows with the lot of you is the best way to take advantage of that money you throw away like it means nothing."  He smiled and raised his eyebrows.  

Lord Endless narrowed his eyes.  "Gadling, hm?  Not a name I recognize."  

"With good reason," Hob said, letting his grin go a little darker, a little more dangerous.  He sat up in the chair, shifting his posture just a fraction, squaring his shoulders, resting his forearms on the table.  "After all, I've learned that men are just as vicious no matter how rich their upbringing."  He tilted his head a fraction.  "There's always more money to be made in the world, and you wouldn't be the first to threaten me with ruin."  

"I have-"

"A great deal of power, I have no doubt," Hob interrupted, just to watch the man flush with anger, his eyes widening.  He kept his voice low, a clear threat.  He had no doubt where most of the pressure Dream was feeling about Jessamy was coming from, and it was right in front of him.  "As well as connections, and informants, and a whole host of access to people on the wrong side of the law that can do whatever money allows in this world."  He raised his eyebrows and leaned in a fraction closer.  "None of whom can stop me.  Consider that for a second, Lord Endless.  I don't fear you, and never will.  In fact, I can guarantee it would be nothing more than a waste of your time."  

Lord Endless shoved himself back from the table in a rush, silencing the entire breakfast room, and Hob kept his eyes on him, his eyebrows raised challengingly.  "Try me."  

"Dream," Lord Endless snarled.  "I expect you to associate with far better men.  Whatever insanity made you bring him to breakfast, leave it at the door, and him with it."  He held out his arm.  "Nyght, we are leaving."  

Hob watched Lady Endless stand and take his arm, the two of them making their way out of the breakfast room.  His lips twitched with a grin and once they were gone, he turned back to Dream, well-aware that everyone was watching him.  "Well, maybe we can enjoy breakfast now!"  A fresh cup of coffee was poured for him and Hob only added the faintest amount of milk, sipping it with relief.  

"I don't think I've ever seen Father turn that color of red," Death said, standing up from her spot to move closer to Dream and Robert Gadling.  "He is not an enemy to be made, though, I fear I must warn you."  

Hob shrugged at her.  "Perhaps not.  It is a worry for another day.  Today, I wanted to be able to enjoy my breakfast and I wasn't going to do it with him here, making those sorts of comments."  

Death laughed and looked at Dream, taking in the utterly smitten look on his face, and hid a smile.  "I do like him, Dream.  Thank you for bringing him to breakfast."  

Dream let out a shaky break and shifted to press his foot against Hob's.  "You're welcome.  I did think you'd like him."  He glanced at Hob, but the man still seemed completely unworried about the threats that he had just made, as though he didn't have a care in the world.  "And he saved me, last night," he added, his voice soft.  "Saved my life," he clarified, when she looked at him with wide eyes.  "Breakfast was the least I could do."  

Death's eyes widened and she looked between them.  "You are well, Dream?"  

"I am," Dream reassured.  "But when I explained the situation with Jessamy and our parents-"

"I offered to come in and turn up the rudeness dial," Hob said, keeping his voice low to keep their conversation from the rest of the table and the ones around him.  "I assure you, I do have some semblance of manners, even if I don't know what all these forks are for."  Both siblings burst into chuckles at the admission and Hob grinned at how the atmosphere of the room had finally started to ease back into something relaxed.  

"Brother!" Delirium said, reaching out to give him a hug from behind.  "I have to go rest, but you're going to be bringing Mr. Gadling to dinner, right?  Please?  Oh please?  I was so tired of mother being mean to you."  

Hob watched Dream's eyes flutter in pain at the statement. Had his whole family been watching him be abused by his parents and doing absolutely nothing about it?  How was this what had been happening?  How?  Did they have no loyalty to each other?  It seemed impossible to imagine, but that was precisely what they were saying.  He frowned and took a deep breath and looked up at the young woman draped over Dream's shoulders.  

"I'll be here," he promised, his words quiet.  "If they stay focused and angry at me, I have no doubt they won't have time to even think about what's going on with Dream."  

Delirium smiled and hugged Dream tighter.  "I like him, brother.  He's good!"  She gave Dream one last squeeze and took the arm of an older woman standing beside her, following her out of the breakfast room.  

Chapter Text

Hob glanced down to the twins, who were still sitting together at the other end of the table, eating their way through breakfast and speaking together.  He frowned when one of them looked at him, their eyes flashing golden in the bright light of the room.  He raised his eyebrows and was surprised when it garnered a laugh and turned back to his food that was at last being delivered.  

"Proper food!" Hob said, digging in immediately as dishes were placed in front of him and Dream.  A few minutes of eating his way through the massive plates in front of him, Hob relaxed and finished off his second cup of coffee, reaching for his water.  "So, what do we get up to next?  We can do anything we want."  He shrugged.  "Could explore the ship some more if you want."  

Dream looked down at the food in front of him and took another bite, considering it.  Lucienne and Jessamy would be cross if he visited the children before lunch and they had time to do some of their more basic lessons.  He tapped his fingers on the edge of the table and considered.  Normally, he would take the excuse to retreat to his rooms and take the time by himself.  

"Hey, Dream," Hob said, knocking his foot against Dream's, ignoring the way Death was clearly attempting to ignore them.  "You don't have to spend the entire day with me if you don't want to.  You can go do your thing and I can do mine."  

"Well, I think that's my cue to leave," Death said with a laugh, bumping her shoulder against Dream's.  "Try not to get into too much trouble before I see you both at dinner."  

Dream watched her go with a faint smile and took a deep breath, refocusing on Hob Gadling in front of him.  "I would like to continue to keep your company, if it is all right."  

Hob softened immediately and pressed his foot tighter to Dream's.  "Of course it is.  Do you want to take a walk around the ship?  Explore some more and find another corner?"  

Dream nodded once.  "I believe that I would enjoy that."  

"And you can use the sun," Hob teased, smiling at him when Dream's bright blue eyes met his.  The air between them relaxed once more and Hob finished off his breakfast, realizing belatedly that the other two, the twins, had left without saying goodbye to Dream and frowned.  He rolled his shoulders and stretched, following Dream out of the dining room, and they stepped into the fresh air once more, inhaling deeply.  

"You should not have made my father that angry," Dream said, stepping up beside Hob.  "He has many connections."  

Hob chuckled.  "So you didn't pick up on what I was doing either, did you?"  When Dream looked at him in confusion, Hob shrugged.  "I didn't buy my ticket, I won it in a poker game.  There's no record of me on this ship, Dream.  Not a single one.  I'm the son of a dock worker, and I know at least two other people with similar last names to mine, none of whom are going to be worth his attention."  

Dream's eyes widened.  "You've sent him on a chase."  

"Exactly," Hob said with another shrug.  "He thinks I've hidden myself well, so I'm sure he'll have someone follow me around here, if he can find one, and then try to hunt down this empire of mine.  But he'll find nothing.  He'll simply waste resources and money, and I'll disappear.  I know how to do it."  

"Do you?" Dream asked, his voice wistful as he stared out at the ocean, walking along the edges of the ship, trailing his fingers along a railing.  "For what purpose?"  

"I've done things of questionable legality.  Needed to get out of a tight spot more than once in my life.  And sometimes I just want to start fresh in a new area and see what happens.  You never know who you could meet, what you could learn, who you'd fall in love with," Hob smiled and bumped their shoulders together.  "Life is endlessly rich, my friend, and I have plans to savor every single bit of it that I can."  

Dream looked up at the bright blue sky, even as Hob led them toward the bow of the ship.  The sun was bright overhead and he could see a few others taking a stroll as they were.  "I admire your ability to do that.  But I have my duties."  

"Eh," Hob said, rocking back on his heels.  "Maybe makes it harder to disappear for you.  But you could still do it.  Takes a name change, a hair cut, and a new set of clothes.  After that, you're gone."  

Dream allowed himself to imagine it, following Hob off into an unknown world where no one knew him, there was no one else save him, Hob, his children, and perhaps Lucienne and Jessamy.  A family who truly cared about him, that would protect his secrets, that he would be able to keep safe.  "I wouldn't know what to do with myself.  Would I work?"  

"There's lots of kinds of work out there these days," Hob pointed out.  "It'd be very easy for you to find something that even a posh bastard could do.  You'd have to leave your name and title behind though.  Good amount of your money too.  Take enough to care for the kids and then run."  

"A fantasy," Dream said, closing his eyes.  "I cannot run from my responsibilities, my life."  

Hob stepped in front of Dream and stopped their progress, meeting surprised blue eyes when they snapped open.  "May I tell something you will likely not enjoy hearing?"  

Dream frowned.  "What thing?"  

"If your life, your responsibilities, are what led you to me finding where you were last night, it's a matter of time before they kill you, love," Hob said, his voice soft.  "I'm only trying to make sure that they don't.  I don't want to read about your obituary in the papers in a few years, Dream.  If this is what's killing you, you need to get out."  

Dream clenched his hands into fists.  "You overstep."  

"As I told you before," Hob said, keeping his voice gentle and kind.  "I am going to overstep a very great deal over the next few days.  But I care.  I see how much you care for your children.  For Lucienne and Jessamy, for your sister."  He reached out and touched Dream's arm and gave it a small squeeze.  "They all want you to be here.  And so do I."  

Swallowing, Dream turned his face away and looked out at the ocean.  "I cannot abandon them."  

"Who said you'd have to, huh?" Hob asked.  "Far as I'm concerned, those are the ones you take with you when you run, and fuck everyone else, leave them to their own devices."  He smiled at Dream.  "That's life, you know.  Fuck the bad pieces, leave them in the dust, and keep all the good ones that you can."  

Dream said nothing, only stepped around Hob and began walking, closer to the bow of the ship, the wind whipping at his hair and at his clothes.  He tilted his face up toward the sun, savoring the feel of it.  There was far too much truth to those words, and he could feel them in his bones.

Dream had no idea how long he stood there, his face tilted into the sun, but footsteps came near him and left, and after what had been so many minutes, he had no doubt that Hob had left him alone in his solitude.  Turning away from the sun at last, Dream took a deep breath and ordered himself to focus.  The fantasy that Hob painted for him, was just that.  A fantasy, no sort of reality, and certainly not one that was within his reach.  

He blinked at the sight of Hob standing a few feet away, leaning back against the railing, his face tilted into the sun, just like Dream's had been.  Like this, his hair shone like mahogany and looked so soft Dream wanted to see it fall over his fingertips like water.  Hob's lips were curved in a faint smile and the reminder that Hob wanted to kiss him, that Hob was warm and had held him tight and close to his body all night to keep him warm had him moving and stepping into the sunlight cascading down on the man.  

Hob's eyes blinked open slowly, widening slightly at his proximity, and Dream's breath caught at the way his eyes shone in the sunlight.  He leaned in closer, their cheeks brushing together so he could whisper in Hob's ear, his whole body trembling with how much he wanted.  "You said that you wished to kiss me."  

"Yes," Hob breathed, his voice hoarse, even with Dream pressed this close, it felt like a confession ripped from his very soul.  "Yes, Dream, I do."  

"I wonder," Dream breathed, turning his face just a fraction, his lips brushing against Hob's ear.  "If that is all that you would wish.  For I find myself longing for far more than the simple brush of your lips against mine."  

Hob shuddered, his mouth falling open in a quiet gasp.  "Careful, love."  

"Why?" Dream demanded.  "You would encourage caution now?"  

"No," Hob corrected, his voice firm and insistent.  "Not caution.  I would simply tell you that if you push, I'm going to play for keeps."  

Dream's breath caught and his eyes flew open, heat washing over him in waves.  "What?"  

"You heard me," Hob breathed, turning to speak into Dream's neck.  "I'll play for keeps, Dream.  Especially if it's you."  

Dream clenched his eyes shut.  "I can't."  

"You can," Hob corrected, his voice soft.  "You just have to let it."  

"How," Dream snarled, angry at the temptation Hob offered, like this.  He pulled back to stare at the knowing brown eyes, and the understanding in them made him want to rage stalk away with his own shame.  "You do not understand."  

Hob smiled sadly.  "Letting yourself be loved in return is the hardest part of loving anyone.  And I have a feeling that is something you are, in fact, rather terrible at."  He reached out and pressed a fingertip to Dream's cheek.  "If you start this, you're going to learn, Dream."  

"Hob."  The word felt torn from him, and his entire body was trembling.  The sun was hot overhead and he was aware of the people promenading not far from them.  None of them were watching that he could see, but they were in public, they were visible.  

Hob's lips twitched and his expression twisted into something teasing.  "You jump, I jump."  He repeated the words from the night before and watched Dream's eyes widen.  "You decide if you're going to take that leap."  He stepped back and put his hands behind his back and gave Dream a small bow.  "In the meantime, shall we visit your children, Dream?  Unless you want to explore more of the ship?"  

Dream had to reign in the desire to yank Hob to him once more, to have the heat of his body close and curled around him, protecting him in the way that nothing else could.  He cleared his throat and nodded once.  "Come, I'll take you to them.  I'm sure they'll be eager to see you again."  When Hob smiled at him once more, none of the heat and intensity in his eyes, Dream found himself missing it already, even though it was for the best.  

~!~

Hob's heart was still racing, even as Dream led him into the ship and through corridors that he'd somehow already memorized once before.  He took a deep breath and smiled when Dream looked at him again in concern.  Turning and stepping away from Dream, from the man who'd nearly kissed him in broad daylight, had wanted it by every possible indicator there was, it had been nearly impossible, but he'd managed it, somehow.  

When Dream stopped in front of a door and gave a slow knock, Hob ordered himself to focus and stepped into the room after Dream.  

"Mr. Hob!"  

"Daddy!"  

The twin shouts had Hob grinning happily as both boys shouted for them and waved from the table where they were drawing together.  Hob glanced up at Jessamy and Lucienne who were sitting at the other table, side by side.  When they both moved to rise, he waved at them and turned back to the boys who were already hugging Dream.  He stepped closer and looked at the art, grinning at it.  

"S'not very good," Orpheus said with a frown, looking up at Mr. Hob.  "I like music better than art."  

Hob settled down on the floor, sitting beside Orpheus, taking a piece of paper and one of the pencils on the table.  "Yeah?  What kind of instrument do you play?"  

"I'm learning several," Orpheus said.  "I'm the best at the violin, and at the flute."  He paused and glanced at his Daddy, but he was distracted by Robyn showing off his drawing.  "But I love the lyre," he whispered.  "Mommy used to play one, and I love it."  

"Well," Hob said, swallowing hard.  "I am sure she would be very proud of you for playing it so well."  He glanced up at Dream, but it was clear that the other man hadn't heard the quiet words.  He took a deep breath.  "What are your favorite songs to play?"  He tilted the paper a fraction and began to draw as Orpheus launched into an explanation of his favorite songs to play and how difficult (or easy) they were and which ones he loved playing the most.  

It was rather adorable, and Hob had to fight down a smile as he kept talking, only to pause with a gasp a few minutes later.  He froze and brought his full attention to Orpheus.  "Is something wrong?"  

"Is that Daddy?" Orpheus asked, reaching out to touch the paper.  "How'd you do that, Mr. Hob?"

Hob glanced down at the paper and flushed when he realized that it was Dream and very obviously so.   The sight of Dream with his head tilted into the sunshine, his lips parted the faintest amount, almost like he was waiting to be kissed.  He looked down at Orpheus and smiled.  "I learned how to draw when I lived in France a few years ago.  A few friends taught me.  I'm not very good but-"

"That picture would say otherwise," Dream said, looking across the table.  "What do you think, Robyn?  Does that look like me?"  

"Yes!" Robyn said, throwing his hands up.  "Daddy looks so happy in that picture, Mr. Hob!"  

Hob swallowed and looked back down at the picture.  Content, happy.  That was how Dream looked in the picture, and he wanted to see it again, wanted to make him that, if he could.  He smiled and signed his name on the bottom before offering the picture to Dream.  "Here," he said, his voice only a little hoarse.  

Dream flushed and took the paper, looking down at the picture in front of him.  Was that how he looked?  No overly pointed nose, no sneer of anger on his face, but happy.  Relaxed.  When was the last time he'd truly felt relaxed?  He cleared his throat and focused on both his boys once more, who were grinning at him.  

"Mr. Hob and I were wondering," Dream started, raising his voice enough so both Jessamy and Lucienne could hear.  "If you would like to explore some of the ship with us.  He promises to answer many of your questions if you are well-behaved."  

Both boys cheered immediately and Hob had to swallow at the hug that Orpheus gave him immediately before launching himself at his father.  It was almost too easy to picture this being something that they did, where he could be the shelter for Dream when he needed it, and another support for the kids who wanted for nothing.  There was very little that he could offer them, but hell if he wouldn't try.  

Hob stood up and took Robyn's hand when the younger boy toddled over to him and lifted him up on his hip easily, answering the questions he had while Dream walked over to Lucienne and Jessamy and spoke with them for a few minutes.  It was clear that their questions were pointed and Hob didn't miss the looks they were both giving him.  At Robyn's urging, he moved over to the window and with a quick re-adjustment, had Orpheus up in his arms as well, all three of them looking out at the ocean.  

It was easy to talk about the last time he'd gone sailing in the Mediterranean and all the fish that he had seen, the vicious storms that he had sailed through.  The boys gasped in all the appropriate places, cheered when he made it home safe and answered their questions about any storm that they might run into here.  After a few minutes, there was the sound of a shutting door and Hob looked up to see that Lucienne and Jessamy were stepping out together and his eyes flew over to Dream, softening immediately.  

"Ready for our adventure?" Dream asked, stepping up beside Hob, reaching out to take Orpheus immediately.  "Then afterward, it will be time for a nap, and there will be no arguing.  Understood?"  He nodded when both boys nodded and watched Hob put Robyn down carefully, both boys standing between them.  "Lead the way then, Mr. Hob."  

Hob took a deep breath, his heart aching at the little family that was trusting him to take them on a proper adventure.  One that wouldn't hurt them, but would be something they'd enjoy.  He grinned and decided on where he was going to take them.  "Come on, would you like to see how the ship is steered?" Wide-eyed shock and awe were on their faces a few seconds later, so Hob made his way to the door and held it open.  

He had no doubt that Dream, by the weight of his name alone, would be granted access to see anywhere he wanted on the Titanic and this was no exception.  He took his time bringing the boys there, walking them past the lifeboats, explaining how the pulley system worked and how they would lower into the ocean if anything happened to all of them.  Halfway to the bridge of the ship, even as Hob kept up casual chatter with the boys, Hob realized two things.  

First, there were not enough lifeboats for all of the passengers on the ship.  Maybe not even enough for half, and the thought sent a chill down his spine as he frowned at all of them.  He shook himself and managed a smile when Dream sent him a searching look.  The second thing was that they were most definitely being followed by someone he didn't recognize.  He stepped closer to Dream and brushed their shoulders together.  

"We're being followed," he said, keeping his voice soft.  "He's about forty meters back.  He's keeping his distance, but he's been following us for a while now."  Hob turned a corner and led them closer to the captain's bridge which had its door shut.  A quick gesture and Dream stepping aside to speak with a porter ensured they were ushered into the space a few minutes later, both of the boys carefully in their arms to ensure they weren't underfoot.  

Hob stepped closer and showed the different mechanisms for steering and speed and explained all of the different settings and how they worked with the engines.  He could see that both boys were starting to get tired as their questions got slower and slower, but they were still trying to stay awake.  Dream took a second to press a few bills into the hand of one of the hands at the helm and they made their way out of the bridge and back into the first-class cabins.  Not long after they'd stepped into the hallway, the sound of the door shutting behind them made him tense.  

"My father's manservant," Dream said, a scowl on his face.  "Likely observing us after what happened during breakfast."  He frowned and looked at Hob.  "You are going to need to remain with me for the rest of the trip, otherwise I cannot guarantee your safety."  

"I'll need to get my things from third class," Hob said, keeping his voice low as he adjusted Robyn against his shoulder, the boy drooling steadily with his fist tangled in Hob's jacket.  "But I can do that.  Not that I couldn't take him if push came to shove."  He watched Dream look at him worriedly and smiled.  "Don't worry.  We'll sneak down tomorrow and get them then.  There's nothing in there that I can't replace if I need to."  

Dream nodded once and turned another corner, knocking on the door to the boy's rooms and stepping inside.  Jessamy and Lucienne were both smiling, clearly happy at the time alone they had been given, and he watched Hob lay Robyn down as though he were the most precious burden possible.  He glanced back at the door behind him and took a deep breath, before thanking Lucienne and Jessamy and promising to see them before dinner.  

"Ready?" Dream asked, under his breath.  "You're going to be confronted."  

"I got this," Hob promised, his voice just as soft.  "Just be ready to go all haughty Lord Endless if I need help.  You'll know."  

Dream nodded once and opened the door, scowling at his Father's manservant.  "Clyde, can I help you?"  

Clyde frowned and took a step back from the doorway, allowing them into the hallway.  "Lord Endless would like to request an audience with Mr. Gadling."  

Hob grinned.  "You can tell him that Mr. Gadling happily declines the request.  I have no interest in meeting him now, or ever.  And you can deliver that message, as far as I'm concerned."

"Lord Endless will meet with you," Clyde repeated.  

"It was a request," Hob said, his voice hardening.  "That leaves me the option to say no.  I am saying no."  

"Lord Endless is not one you simply say no to."  

Hob barked out a laugh.  "Silver spoon shoved so far up his arse you'd think he was choking on it with that kind of talk.  He's about to get a hell of a life lesson now, then.  If you'll excuse me."  He gave a mocking shallow bow and turned to walk away.  

"Mr. Gadling-"

"Enough!" Dream snarled, grabbing Clyde's arm before his hand could come down on Hob's shoulder.  The two of them remained frozen as Hob spun to look at him, and where he was straining against the weight Clyde was trying to put into the motion.  "My father may use the title Lord Endless, but I am the one who is Lord Endless in name and right, and it is the title you once chose to serve.  I command you to return and deliver Mr. Gadling's message, Clyde."  

The anger in his voice was enough to send Clyde scurrying away and Dream took a deep breath, sagging immediately.  His father was going to have them followed for the remainder of the trip, and who knew if he would try to do something more unsavory to Hob, who had now put himself in danger by interacting with Dream.  He straightened his shoulders and forced himself to take another deep breath.

"Apologies," Dream managed, the word rough and aching in his throat.  He wanted nothing more than to try to explain to Hob what was going on, why his father insisted on this, but it was a source of pain and aggrevation and he was hesitant to bring it up when his time with Hob was anything but.  

"You don't have to apologize to me, love," Hob said, his voice soft.  "Come on."  He took Dream's hand and tugged him down and deeper into the ship.  It was a matter of a few minutes, but he finally made his way into second class, and into one of the decks far away from prying eyes that would belong to Dream's peers.  Once there, he found them a secluded little corner and made sure no one was in the immediate vicinity before he reached out to wrap his arms around Dream into a hug.  

Dream's eyes snapped open and he froze, even as Hob Gadling held onto him, just as carefully, just as tight, as though he was breakable.  Tears gathered in his eyes and he reached out, his hands sliding under the gray jacket to wrap around the other man tight, letting himself be held.  He trembled and tried to breathe.  He should have told Hob to bring him back to his rooms so he could fall apart in peace.  

"None of them are going to find us here," Hob promised, his voice soft.  "We're in second class, right near the entrance to third class.  They won't come down here.  And there's no one nearby, it's time for dinner for the lower classes."  He squeezed Dream again, keeping his hold tight.  "I thought they might guess you'd go to your room and follow you there, try to come in."  

Dream shook in a way that he knew had to be absolutely ridiculous.  It had been a confrontation he'd had more than a dozen times over, and yet each time, it left him more shaken than the last.  Pulling rank in that manner was not a permanent solution.  "I have brought you into danger," he said, his voice soft.  "I am sorry."  

"Then I'll go get my knives out of my bag in steerage," Hob said, his voice soft.  "I'll start carrying them if you're worried about my safety Dream.  I'm going to be okay, I can take care of myself.  I'm more worried about you."  

Dream wanted to stiffen, straighten up and inform Hob that he would be all right, that he always would, but Hob's words from before haunted him.  The idea that this life he was living was killing him.  "My former wife.  Calliope.  The mother of Robyn and Orpheus.  She, she left.  She could not stand the expectations of my father and my mother.  We tried.  We tried so hard.  But it was destroying her.  She had to leave."  

Hob tightened his arms around Dream, keeping him cradled close, the two of them tucked into an alcove, hidden from view of anyone who might walk by.  He leaned in and pressed a kiss to Dream's hair.  "I am sorry that she left you alone to deal with this.  That wasn't fair to you.  Or the children."  

"They miss her," Dream breathed.  "But she has no intention of returning and has informed me as much.  I do not..."  he shuddered and tightened his hold on the fabric of Hob's vest.  "I am an insufficient parent, and they-"

"They know their father loves them, and will spend time with them, and will play with them," Hob corrected softly.  "That is more than a great many children ever get in this world.  They do not go hungry, they are warm, and have safe and comfortable beds, Dream.  You have given them everything, and they know and love you for it."  

Dream swallowed and leaned in, pressing his forehead against Hob's shoulder.  "Yes."  It was the truth.  The boys did have everything that they needed, that they wanted.  

"What about you?" Hob asked when Dream had, at last, started to shake a little less.  

Dream kept his eyes shut, allowing himself to take comfort in the tight hold around him.  His wants had never mattered.  Had ceased mattering as soon as he had followed his heart to marry a woman named after a goddess, who had given him two beautiful children before leaving them behind.  Who had understood that Jessamy was a little sister, and that Lucienne was a perfect teacher for the children.  And now... now it was all that he could do to keep that small group of people safe.  

"I don't matter," Dream said, the words ringing with truth.  

"You matter to me," Hob offered, the words gentle.  

Dream pulled his head back from Hob's shoulder to look up at him, blinking in shock.  The words had been soft, almost a caress with their truth and there was a shiver running down his spine at the certainty in them.  "You have known me for barely a day."  

"And yet," Hob said, smiling wryly.  "I will never forget you, for as long as I live, Dream.  I will remember your smile, your laugh, every single piece of you that I have seen is burned into my very soul."  

Dream's lips parted and he stared at Hob Gadling in shock, his heart pounding wildly in his chest.  "You are a ridiculous man."  

Hob's smile grew into a grin.  "Oh, without question.  Especially to bait your father as I have, and to plan to do something similar at dinner, and also for the next several days."  He reached out and cupped Dream's cheek in his palm.  "I told you I play for keeps, Dream, if anything happens between us.  But I'm not going to sit back and watch you be abused by your family.  You deserve the same care that you offer to others."  

Dream's eyes fluttered shut and he leaned into the rough palm cupping his face, the calluses rough and tantalizing against his skin.  What would they feel like, dragging across his body?  "I need to keep them safe."  

"And I need to keep you safe," Hob added on.  He stoked Dream's cheek and swiped away a tear that began to fall, trailing down the sharp cut of those cheekbones.  "You're trying so hard to hold yourself together, you're ready to shatter from the wrong blow."  

Dream swallowed.  "You are wrong."  

"Am I?" Hob challenged.  "Am I, truly?"  

Dream wanted to answer that he was not fragile, that he was not in danger of falling apart if Hob looked away for a second, but the sound of the ocean behind him was a reminder of where he had been the night before.  He let out a rough breath and leaned in once more, pressing his face against Hob's neck, the beat of his pulse too comforting for words.  

"I'm going to take care of you," Hob promised.  "Even if it's only for these few days, even if it's just to make sure that you have some fun around a family that does nothing but pick at you, I'm going to do my damnedest to take care of you."  

"Why?" Dream asked, his voice croaking.  "I have done nothing to deserve such loyalty and such kindness.  Even if I were to pay you with, with a kiss, you-"

Hob pressed his thumb to Dream's lips and silenced him, waiting for ice blue eyes to meet his again.  "You don't have to pay me with anything.  Not even a kiss.  As much as I wish to kiss you, it will be because we both want to, not because you are indebted to me."  He smiled faintly.  "I am helping you because you need help.  It truly is that simple."  

"Nothing is that simple," Dream said, his voice a low growl.  "I may be ignorant of some ways of the world, but I know enough that I know that."  

"You are ignorant of kindness without need for reciprocity," Hob said, reaching up to stroke through Dream's hair.  "We live in a transactional world, and this top shelf of society is one of the worst possible examples of it.  But I expect nothing, Dream.  I want nothing, save the pleasure of your company.  That's all.  I want to help you, because you need help.  There is truly nothing more."  

Dream let out a shaky breath.  "You are a singular creature, Hob Gadling." 

Hob drew Dream back into his arms and hugged him tight, glad when Dream didn't fight him this time, just sagged against him, breathing hard against his neck as they stood together for several long minutes.  He pressed gentle kisses into Dream's hair and continued to hold him and cradle him carefully as they remained together.  After several long minutes, Hob began to talk, telling Dream stories of his life.  Growing up on the docks and in the dockyard, his trips to France and the continent, his truly atrocious French, anything and everything he could think about.  

Hob poured all of himself, all that there was, out for Dream, to try to give him a distraction, even if only for a few minutes, from the world that seemed so determined to strangle him.  When a loud gong from deep within the ship sounded, Hob let the words trail off at last as he felt Dream sigh against his neck.  "Dinner, I'm guessing."  

"Dinner," Dream agreed.  "And we need to change."  He pressed his face tighter against Hob's shoulder.  His feet were aching faintly from having stood in the same place for so long, but he wouldn't give up this position for anything.  

"You let me know if you want to make a quick exit," Hob offered, his voice soft.  "No questions asked, you tell me you want to leave, we'll go, manners be damned."  

Dream shuddered, biting down a whine.  He was far too old for such longing.  "My parents will not abide by that rudeness."  

"Yeah, well, your parents are utter cocks, and I'm ready to further anger them," Hob said, light and conversationally.  "Then we can go tell your children stories and tuck them in before sharing a well-deserved drink that you've actually paid for this time."  

Dream snorted, leaning back and out of Hob's arms in careful increments, even though he was instantly cold.  "We need to get changed for dinner."  His eyes flicked up and he started to smile.  "And I... perhaps have an idea."  

Hob raised his eyebrows.  "Now that's a level of mischief I can already tell I am going to love on your face.  Come on, I'll lead the way back and you tell me precisely what you're thinking in that pretty head of yours."  

Chapter Text

The route back to Dream's cabin (thankfully lacking any attempted shadowing by a certain manservant) was quick, and Hob hurried to get changed into the outfit that he had laid out on the bed earlier that day.  His eyes traveled to the large package that was waiting on the table and reached out to bring it with him, unwrapping it with care.  His breath caught as Dream stepped into his bedroom as he was putting on his vest, already dressed to perfection for dinner.  He shook himself and focused on the clothes in front of him.  

"So what's this plan of yours, hm?" Hob asked, glancing over at Dream.  He raised his eyebrows when Dream lifted his hand, something held in his palm.  He slid the jacket on and made sure it was settled properly on his shoulders before turning to face Dream.  

"A statement," Dream answered, his voice soft.  "One not even my parents would dare deny, but one that, perhaps, you..." he frowned.  "I will understand if you do not wish it."  

Hob raised his eyebrows and looked down at what was held in Dream's hand.  The rose, made of a mix of rubies, emeralds, and diamonds, made his eyes widen and his breath catch.  He had no doubt that the pin was real and he reached out to touch it with shaking fingertips.  "What..."  

"The sigil, of my branch of the family," Dream said, his eyes darting up to meet Hob's.  He gestured to the rose he was wearing, a black one, the black diamonds shimmering.  "It is a statement that cannot be denied by any who would see it."  He reached out and carefully stroked his fingers along Hob's lapel.  "There are those who might make certain... assumptions if they see you wearing it."  

Hob wanted to choke at the word assumptions, while the rest of him was completely swarmed with the idea that Dream, of all people, wanted people to be thinking that by having him wear it.  "You are okay with that?"  

"It will keep you safe," Dream answered, carefully positioning the rose for maximum effect before carefully pinning it into place and securing it.  

"Dream," Hob managed, his voice coming out rough.  "Are you all right with them making that assumption?"  When Dream hesitated, he reached out and took Dream's hands in his.  "Dream, I won't have you sacrificing yourself for me.  Not when you do it already for everyone else that you have in your life.  Not for me, and not like this."  

Dream frowned and looked down at the rose, stroking his thumb along the shining gems.  "It is a declaration of partnership.  Of trust.  Of... of perhaps more, in the eyes of some.  It is an explicit statement without words."  

Hob swallowed, tears springing to his eyes at the soft hesitancy in Dream's voice, and he brought Dream's fingertips to his lips, kissing them, soft and gentle.  "If you are sure..."  He took a deep breath.  "Then it would be the greatest honor of my life to wear this rose for as long as you will allow."  

Dream's breath caught and he leaned in, pressing their cheeks together in a mimic of their positioning on the deck of the ship earlier that day.  The dinner bell sounded once more, and he had no doubt that the dining room would be filling up quickly.  But he didn't move, instead keeping himself pressed as close as he dared to Hob Gadling.  

"You honor me, Hob Gadling," Dream whispered.  "First you save my life, and now you fight a battle that is not yours for no reason other than you have deemed it the right thing to do."  

Hob turned just a fraction and pressed his lips to the cool skin of Dream's cheek, smiling against him.  "And you honor me with your trust, Dream Endless."  He let out a shaky breath and kissed Dream's cheek once more, before stepping back and offering him a low bow.  "Now, shall we head to dinner?  I'm eager to see just what kind of comments this is going to garner." 

Dream turned, and quickly, pressed a kiss to the corner of Hob's lips.  "Come," he said, taking Hob's gloved hand to lead him out of the room and toward dinner.  Though he had to drop Hob's hand, they did walk side by side through first class, down the elegant staircase, and toward the dining room.  At least a dozen people had clocked the rose tucked lovingly on Hob's lapel, a mirror to his own and Dream had to fight down the smile when he saw Death waiting for them outside the door.  

"Sister," Dream said, giving her a nod, moving to hold the door open for her.  

"Thank you," Death said.  "I wanted to warn you that Father has called in allies."  Her eyes darted to Hob's jacket and she snorted.  "However, it's not going to hold a candle to that particular declaration, Dream."

Dream cleared his throat.  "I thought it pertinent."  

"It is," Death agreed.  "However, you will find that we do not have a seat open for Hob.  Father has ensured the seating arrangements are such."  

Hob hummed.  "I could be uncouth and drag a table over."  

"You could," Death said, watching as the entire table turned to look at them.  "But what you truly should do is eschew sitting with the family entirely."  

Hob bit down the urge to laugh as Dream's eyes widened.  "Oh, I like you," he breathed, as they stopped beside the table and Death's seat.  Dream deposited her in the seat, and without a word to his family, Dream turned to him and offered his arm.  Hob took it, grinning wide, and together they spun to find another isolated table at the other end of the room.  There was an indignant clearing of throats behind them, but Hob let Dream lead them until they were sitting at a table for two near one of the windows.  

He sank into the seat with relief, unable to keep from chuckling as Dream did the same, his legs stretching out under the table.  "On a scale of one to ten, how angry will your Father be with that display?"  

"Since I have no doubt that he saw the rose you are wearing, perhaps a twenty," Dream allowed, nodding to the waiter who offered wine, glad when his glass was filled most of the way, Hob's as well.  He straightened his shoulders and leaned back against the chair, turning to look out at the water.  

"Maybe you'll actually eat, now," Hob said, glancing at the menu.  "Want to order for me?  I have no idea what half of this is, it's in French, and like I said earlier.  Mine isn't that good unless we're on the docks."  

Dream nodded once and glanced at the menu.  "I find it difficult to eat with my parents censuring me every moment."  A quick look to the table that they had left staring after them showed most of them were still staring, a mix of shock and admiration on his sibling's faces.  He rolled his shoulders and settled back against it.  "It is an exhausting dance to attempt to maintain, and yet it is required of me."  

"I can't imagine."  Taking a sip of his wine, Hob looked out at the dark ocean.  The chill from outside was growing enough that he wanted nothing more than to enjoy far more than a simple glass of wine.  "You know, for all the decadence, I guarantee that no one here is half as happy as the folks in steerage are."  His eyes darted over to Dream.  "In fact.  How about we spend the evening there, tomorrow?  We can bring the children, and Lucienne and Jessamy."  

Dream blinked, his attention swinging to Hob Gadling.  "What?"  

"There's a party every night," Hob said, grinning at Dream.  "Drinking, dancing, both kids and adults, all of them playing together and celebrating."  

Dream frowned.  "We would not be welcome."  

"You would, if you went with me," Hob said, his eyes twinkling.  "Your children would have a chance to play and dance with other children.  Jessamy and Lucienne could dance together without being looked at twice.  You and I..."  he shrugged.  "Well, I'm guessing you don't dance, but we would be able to be there without censure and without pressure."  

Dream's eyes fluttered shut.  "It is dangerous."  

Hob shrugged a fraction.  "As dangerous as a dinner with your father where he spends the entire time threatening me?  Or you?  Or heaven forbid, Jessamy and Lucienne?"  

Dream pressed his lips tighter together, clenching his eyes shut as he lifted his wine glass and took a long sip.  

"I wouldn't take you somewhere dangerous, Dream.  And I would never put your children in danger," Hob said solemnly.  "I swear on my life.  I mean them no harm.  But a night where you are all able to let loose and relax, away from all of this-" he gestured around him.  "-away from the pressure of all of it.  Will be nothing but good for each of you."  

Dream blinked his eyes open slowly.  "And then what?  We return to our beds and pretend it has never happened?"  

Hob smiled faintly.  "Maybe.  Who knows what happens the day after that?  All we have is today, right now, together.  Every moment counts, every moment could be our last.  We have to make it count, Dream.  No matter what, this is the only life we get."  

Dream swallowed and looked down at the table for several long moments, ordering when a waiter came over to the both of them.  "It is safe for children?"  

"Since we won't stay drinking until the wee hours of the morning, yes.  I can even promise there will be other children there," Hob said.  

Dream nodded once and drank the rest of his wine down in a single gulp, staring at the empty glass.  "Make it count, you said.  Because we have one life to live."  

Tense at the weight Dream gave that statement, Hob nodded.  "Yes."  

"Then after dinner, I would like to take a walk with you around the boat once more.  And if you are amenable, I am going to kiss you under the stars," Dream said, his eyes dropping to the rose that Hob was wearing and the way it shone in the lights.  

Hob sucked in a hard breath, staring at Dream with wide eyes.  "My promise hasn't changed, Dream," he cautioned.  

"And I think," Dream said, pausing slowly.  "I will enjoy seeing what playing for keeps means to you, Hob Gadling."  He lifted his eyes as another glass of wine was poured for him and the porter stepped away and to another table.  "It has become clear to me that you will ask for little and have the desire to show me reasons to remain here.  Are you, yourself, not one of those reasons?"  

Hob was glad that his free hand was under the table because it was shaking like a leaf at the pointed questions from Dream.  "I suppose that will remain to be seen," he managed, voice rough.  "But I would like the chance to show you, love.  To treat you right, to take care of you."  

Dream's eyes fluttered and he let out a low breath.  "I believe I would enjoy that, very much."  

Hob nodded once and took another mouthful of his wine, tasting none of it, especially when Dream's eyes darkened and dropped to the bob of his throat.  "Then I will do exactly that," he promised, leaning back in his chair.  "But first, putting your children to bed, and then a walk for us."  

"Yes," Dream agreed, sipping his new glass.  He grinned and settled back in the chair.  Something in him felt eager, nipping at his heels.  Remembering what it felt like to be wrapped in Hob Gadling's arms for a few hours that afternoon assured himself that he would love being pulled close by similarly possessive hands.  Perhaps he would be permitted to take without fear, and to give in return. 

"Dream?"  

Dream's attention snapped up to Hob, snagging, not for the first time, on the rose that Hob wore proudly, attracting tremendous amounts of looks from those around him, but his eyes had not wavered, were still on him.  "I beg your pardon, my mind was-"

"Hey, no," Hob soothed, reaching out to press their feet together.  "No, no, it's fine.  I just wanted to make sure you weren't upset.  Didn't recognize that expression, that's all."  

Dream let out a small breath and he gave a nod.  He glanced to the side and was aware that most of his family was observing him in some fashion and scowled at the sight.  "I am quite all right," he offered, even as he picked up his wine glass, and, after hesitating, switched it for water.  "I was..." he trailed off and frowned, looking out at the ocean beside them. There was the thinnest sliver of moonlight reflected on it.  

"I am not a person of moderation," Dream said, his voice soft.  "I never have been.  It has nothing to do with my wealth, or that I expect lovers to lavish me with gifts."  A small exhale as he looked down at the table.  "But I do put demands on their time.  On their attention.  Calliope-" he tensed, before glancing at Hob.  "The boy's mother."  He offered, before continuing.  "She informed me that our relationship dissolved, amid various reasons, but at least partly due to my need to dominate her time and she no longer felt that she was her own person, only mine, which had not been part of our agreement."  

Hob blinked and settled back in his chair, continuing to watch Dream.  Why he was being told this didn't make any sense, but Dream clearly had a point that he was building to, simply by the set of his shoulders alone.  "And?" he gestured, when Dream said nothing further.  "Does something go along with those statements?"  

"I..." Dream frowned.  "I thought it prudent.  To ensure that you knew precisely what you were getting into.  If you were to pursue without hesitation and to play for what you would consider keeps."  

All at once, Hob knew what this was about and his very heart ached, because the pain that was on Dream's face spoke of dozens of cuts that had sunk much deeper than he had ever let on.  "So let me see if I understand you clearly."  He paused as a waiter delivered their food and he spent a few seconds salivating over it before he dug in.  "It has been a problem for your past relationships that you want their attention all the time."  

Dream nodded gravely.  "Yes."  

Hob took a thoughtful bite of what Dream had ordered for him and managed a beaming smile.  "All right.  Did you... restrict them to the house?"  

Dream blinked.  "What?  No, of course not."  

"Did you control their social calendar, prevent them from keeping friends?" He continued.  

"I, there were always events we needed to attend together, but beyond that, her time was always her own," Dream said, thrown by the question.  "She expressed a wish to visit her family, so we all made a three-month trip to Greece to spend with them."  

Hob shook his head and stared down at the table before he gave Dream a wry smile.  "So, you gave her a tremendous amount of financial freedom, you had social engagement requirements, which she would have known upon marrying you, and you didn't try to keep her from her friends, family, or own interests.  Do I have that correct?"  

Dream swallowed, the picture Hob was painting making him want to squirm.  "That was the intention, of course, but she felt-"

"How she felt was how she felt," Hob said, interrupting him.  "But that does not mean the fault rested with you.  I've seen husbands cut their wives off from any and all acquaintances and friends until they show up looking so much worse for the wear that they are not the same person.  I've seen husbands give their wives no financial freedom, making them a slave in their own house."  He shrugged.  "She may have felt trapped, and you may feel that you were overbearing on the demands of her time, but you were not by any definition I know."  

Dream pressed his lips together and stared down at his food before taking another, pointed bite.  He acknowledged it with a nod, focusing on the food in front of him as the silence stretched.  It was clear that Hob was waiting for a response, but what there was further to say he didn't know.  He tapped his hand idly on the edge of the table.  "You are suggesting I was not immoderate in my wants."  

Hob smiled faintly.  "I'm saying that her marriage to you might not have been what she wanted - but that didn't mean there was something wrong with you.  Frankly, your undivided attention, time to spend with you, and time to spend doing the things I love sound like heaven."  He shrugged at Dream's wide eyes and took several more bites, lighting up at the potatoes.  "A person should be so lucky as to receive that kind of attention from you, you know, Dream."  

"You, you are biased," Dream said, clearing his throat, reaching for more water.  His heart was pounding uncomfortably and the thought that Hob could be correct, that he was not monstrous in his desire.  That there could be someone who would not only not hate him for such wants and needs, but would thrive under them.  

Hob shrugged and nodded.  "Maybe," he agreed.  "But even still - we are all different people with different needs in relationships and that is no exception here.  You've yet to show me any part of you that I would consider a true detriment beyond a tendency to attempt to glare everyone into submission when you're displeased."  

Dream scowled, narrowing his eyes.  

Hob laughed, despite himself, and gestured to Dream's face with his fork.  "Yes, precisely like that," he said.  "But truly, Dream.  You don't seem like someone who would put unfair demands on the time of another.  You seem lonely.  And I'd like to see if I can make you feel that way a little bit less."

Dream looked down at the remainder of his food.  His urge to eat the rest of it was rapidly evaporating under the weight of Hob Gadling's eyes on him and he cleared his throat.  "Then you would still pursue this... desire to play for keeps?"  

"More than ever," Hob agreed with a smile, resting his chin in his palm as he leaned forward.  "It is a strange thing, to want so much that you begin to believe your want a monster.  I'd like to see how truly monstrous it is, and show that it is not, it is simply how you are, and you need someone who can match you."  

"Do you think that someone is you?" Dream asked, before he could stop the words from escaping his lips.  

Hob shifted and put his elbow on the table, dropping his chin into his palm as he smiled at Dream.  "I think I'd like to find out," he answered, his eyes locked on Dream's. 

Dream shivered at the heat in Hob's eyes, and the promise in his words.  He cleared his throat and focused back on dinner, glad when Hob took the hint for what it was and began to speak of some of his sailing adventures.  It was easy to fall into conversation with him, asking how he had known some of what he had told the boys, where he had sailed to, and some of what he had seen.  

He was so willing to share, so willing to give up parts of himself without hesitation that Dream could have listened to him for hours.  The dining room was almost empty when they at last reached a point where Dream knew that he had to go say goodnight to his sons.  He stood up and watched most of the men say goodnight to the ladies to head to the smoking room.  

Hob raised an eyebrow and looked at Dream.  "Are you headed to the viper den?" he asked, glancing at Dream's father heading into it with an entourage.  "Or can you just make an appearance?"  

His Father's eyes met his across the room and Dream lifted his chin a fraction.  "Give me your arm, Hob," he instructed.  

Hob blinked and shifted, doing exactly what Dream had ordered, glancing between them before he waited for whatever they were about to do.  "What are we-"

"We," Dream said, turning their backs on the smoking room.  "Are going to put my children to bed.  I'm sure they will demand several stories from us."  

Hob swallowed, his chest remarkably tight as he led Dream out of the dining room and back toward the first-class cabins.  There was one person following them, and Hob glanced back to see them only once, before they melted away and into the shadows.  He stopped outside the door as Dream knocked and then opened it, closing it behind them both.  

It was only once the door was closed that Hob realized Dream was shaking.  He shifted and carefully pulled Dream into his arms, wrapping one arm around his waist and placing his other hand on the back of Dream’s neck to hold him up as he shook harder.  "Hey, hey, Dream, are you all right?  Are you okay?"  

Dream took a shaky breath and pressed his face against Hob Gadling's neck, reaching out to bunch his fingers in the fabric of his dinner jacket.  "Why is it so easy to be brave when you are standing beside me?  Why is it only afterward that I remember who he is and what he could do to my family if he so wished?"  

Hob's eyes drifted shut, and even though he knew the answer - it was devastating to try to talk about it.  "Because this is the first time someone has stood beside you to try to fight him.  Who is willing to fight him for you, not just with him, love," he breathed, his words whisper-soft against Dream's hair, even as Dream trembled harder.  The sound of a door opening ahead of them showed Lucienne stepping out with a small smile and Hob met her eyes for a second before returning all of his attention to Dream.  

"I told you, you gotta make today count, and you're doing that, truly, for the first time.  It's terrifying.  It's the scariest thing you'll ever do," Hob murmured again, keeping his voice soft.  "It's the scariest thing to keep doing as you go through life.  I won't hide that."  

Dream swallowed, taking another slow inhale of the cologne nestled amongst Hob's scent as he kept himself pressed close.  The indulgence of several more long and pathetic moments curled here, in arms that were strong enough to hold him was something that Dream would allow himself.  For now.  At least for now.  

"Come on, Dream," Hob coaxed with a gentle squeeze.  "Your kids wanna see you, I have no doubt, and you need to say goodnight to both boys."  

"Yes," Dream agreed, steadying himself with another deep breath.  Hob was correct, of course, he needed to say goodnight to both Robin and Orpheus, and, if he wished, he would have another of those embraces if he were but to request it.  What heaven a thought like that was.  He pulled himself back, hesitantly and glanced at Hob.  "I do not..." he paused and frowned.  "Come with me?"  

The quiet pleading was not something that Hob was ever going to be able to deny, but knowing that it was Dream, wanting him around his children was enough to tell him that he would not come out of this with his heart intact.  But it would be worth it.  It would be worth it to make sure these boys left the ship with a father who would be a presence in their world for the rest of their lives.  "Of course."  

Dream led the way to the boy's rooms and leaned in the doorway, taking in the sight of Jessamy sitting next to the bed where the boys were sharing.  When she kissed them each on the forehead and whispered to them, making all three of them laugh, he smiled indulgently.  She truly was the perfect elder sister for them, and they adored her in every possible way.  "Is it time for a proper bed time story?"  

Three delighted faces grinned up at him.  

"Yes, papa, please!"  

"Yes, yes!"  

Hob followed Dream's gentle tug into the room and he settled onto the covers, where the boys had made room with their feet, before they both turned to face their father where he was sitting in Jessamy's chair.  He grinned.  "So what story are we hearing tonight?"  

Dream reached for the book on the bedside table, pulling it in front of him.  "You choose boys, which story would you wish to hear?"  

There was a moment of quiet and hissed debate that Hob watched with amusement before the boys appeared to reach a decision.  

"We want to hear the next chapter of the Prince of Stories!" Orpheus pronounced, crossing his arms over his chest.  "It's been ages since you told us what was happening with him."  

Hob watched Dream flush a fraction before he thumbed lovingly at the storybook that he was holding.  "The Prince of Stories?" he asked, glancing at the book.  

"The Prince of Stories is one of my own," Dream admitted.  "A story I have written.  I have been reading it to the boys to gauge their interest in such a thing."  

Hob's eyes widened and he scooted closer to Dream.  "Sounds like the perfect story that I also want to hear, Dream, please?"  Both the boys cheered and Hob ignored the pointed look that Dream gave him.  He might have deserved that, but that was okay.  

Dream took a deep breath, rubbing his thumbs over the cover of the book himself.  "Very well.  Where we last left the Prince, he was trapped in the Valorian Forest, with creeping vines capturing his feet and others ready to make sure he never saw another sunrise.  Remember?" 

Hob found himself completely and entirely enthralled within a matter of minutes.  He gasped along with the boys, spun along the story that Dream was telling the three of them, his voice a low hum in the room that had taken on an otherworldly quality.  He could almost see the world Dream painted in his mind's eye, fantastical and bursting with life, and possibilities.  A pang went through him at the thought that Dream would have never been able to finish the story for his boys had he not intervened.   He blinked hard and gave Dream a watery smile when the man looked to him.  

Shortly after, Dream wound the story to a point that would leave the boys desperately groaning for more and Hob had to laugh when they both gave sleepy, yawning protests.  He stood up and moved to the other side of the bed, making sure Orpheus was tucked in properly.  "Since your father told you a story, would you like me to sing you a traveler's song?"  Twin sets of eyes, sleeping and already drowsing, met his and Hob glanced at Dream for a smile and nod of confirmation before he cleared his throat.  

He started out with a quiet lulling hum, let it resonate and fill his chest.  Normally, this sounded better the more who could hum it, but he would manage.  "Far over the misty mountains cold, two dungeons deep, and caverns old..."  He sang the words quietly, softly, keeping his voice as low and deep as he could manage, and watched both of them almost immediately close their eyes.  He kept singing the song, short as it was, soft for the boys, drawing it out with a few more spaces of humming, until it was clear that they were both asleep.  He finished off the song and let it trail off with one final bit of humming.  

When Dream gestured for him to follow out of the room, and bid a quick goodnight to Lucienne and Jessamy, he worried that he had done something to offend Dream and winced, reaching out for him.  "Dream, I didn't-"

Dream whirled on Hob and pushed him up against the hallway, glancing around quickly.  "Take me outside, now," he ordered.  

Chapter Text

Hob's eyes widened at the desperation that was present in Dream's eyes and reached up to comb his fingers through his hair that was coming steadily ungelled.  "Okay.  Okay dearheart, give me a moment."  He glanced around and clocked where they were and took Dream's hand and pulled him forward.  It took several twists and turns, but thankfully, they weren't being followed that he could see, and they made it onto the upper decks after slipping by a crewman.  

"Gonna be cold," Hob warned, his voice soft.  He opened the door, bracing against the chill, and held his hand out for Dream.  "C'mon."  

"I suspect you'll keep me warm," Dream said, taking Hob's hand to follow him out onto the secluded deck.  A quick glance around showed no one and he frowned, blinking pointedly.  "Where are we?"  

Hob gestured up and at a nearby ladder.  "Base of the crow's nest.  Boys up there are on the night shift, doubt we're going to see them any time soon, and no one is going to come up here."  He tugged Dream toward the shadows cast by the large structure, and into the lee of it, out of the harsh wind.  "There," he said, looking at Dream with a smile.  "About as much privacy as I can manage, now, what's-"

Whatever Hob had suspected Dream's lips would feel like, they were nothing like this.  Faintly chapped lips pressed against his, desperate and eager, pulling him closer, pulling him in, until he was pressed entirely against Dream.  It was easy to fall into the kiss, matching Dream's intensity, until, at last, he fell back, panting.  Hob looked at him and reached out to stroke along his jawline.  "What was that for, hm?"  

"I wished to," Dream said, surprised with how much he meant that with the very depths of him.  He did.  He'd wanted to kiss Hob so badly that his entire body had felt ready to be set on fire with it.  After watching him tuck in Orpheus and sing to his children, lulling them to sleep... He leaned in and pressed his lips to Hob's neck, dragging them over the stubble he could feel there.  "I wish to," he corrected, breathing out against the pleasurable texture.  

"Well," Hob said, reaching out to cup Dream's neck in his palm, pulling him in, until there was no space left between them.  "Far be it for me to stop you from kissing me, Dream.  Just keep my promise in mind."  

Dream nodded once against Hob's neck and pressed another kiss there, leaning into the warm arms that were wrapped solidly around him.  "I find myself..." he breathed out.  "Captivated.  My sons adore you.  My sisters, the ones I care for, both find you fascinating and good for me.  Even Lucienne."  He trembled and leaned in for another kiss, a hard, rough press of their lips together.  "Who are you, Hob Gadling, and what have you done to me?"  

Hob's heart turned over in his chest at the look Dream leveled at him, searching and desperate, as though there truly was an answer to such a question.  He smiled sadly and cupped Dream's face, staring at him.  "Nothing, Dream.  Nothing, other than care for you as you have always deserved but have perhaps never been granted.  I wish to give you everything I can, even if I do not deserve it, or your touch.  Any part of you."  

"You," Dream growled, sealing their lips together with a rough kiss.  "Are more worthy, of my touch, than any that has come before you.  You, who saved a man who was at his wits end for no reason other than it was the right thing to do.  You, who have offered to protect one who does not need protection.  You are singular.  You are exceptional.  I have never met anyone like you," he declared, pressing their foreheads together as he panted. 

Hob wanted to protest, wanted to tell Dream that he was simply so unused to kindness that the first brush of it was addicting to him in a way that nothing else was.  Wanted to tell him that he was wrong, that Hob was nothing special, and all Dream needed to find was someone who was far better for him than Hob could ever be.  He tilted his head a fraction, the urgency of their kisses fading into something that was slower, deeper, and far more drugging.  Kiss after kiss, the cold wind biting at their cheeks, the two of them pressed desperately together, Hob wanted to laugh at how glorious it all was.  

“The first day I saw you,” Hob whispered against Dream’s lips, combing his fingers through that barely tamed hair once more.  “Standing up on that deck, the sun on your face, I’d never seen anyone so beautiful in all my life.  I thought so then and there.”  He stole another kiss, a soft, savoring touch, and smiled at Dream.  “I never imagined that I would see you again, let alone find myself here, sharing this with you.”  He swallowed and reached up with his free hand to stroke at Dream’s cheek.  “I want to take care of you, Dream.  Will you let me?”  

Dream swallowed, shakily, exhaling hard.  “What does that mean?”  He lifted his eyes to look at Hob, at his kiss-swollen lips and eyes that shone in the dark of night.  He swayed forward, almost into another kiss.  “What do you mean when you say such things?”  

Hob leaned in to kiss Dream again, slow and teasing.  He took his time, coaxing Dream’s mouth open until their kisses were heated and Dream was making soft and desperate noises against him.  Until he could slide the hand down Dream’s back and over the line of his hip, and along his back, under his jacket.  “It means I wish to touch you.  To give you pleasure.  For you to enjoy yourself without the worry of requiring reciprocation.  To allow yourself to be worshiped by one who would, and to just savor that attention.”  

“I would not…” Dream frowned and cleared his throat as Hob watched him, carefully.  “Leave you wanting, after you have given me those things.”  

“Let me show you,” Hob whispered, a desperate sound building in his throat as Dream stared at him with that enigmatic look in his eyes, as though he still didn’t understand.  “Let me take you back to your room, to the couch on your balcony, the both of us wrapped up in each other.  Let nothing more than the ocean hear the quiet sounds of us together while I take care of you, please, Dream.”  

Dream shuddered, his hips bucking as he gave a hard grind against Hob.  His whole body was trembling and he was more aroused than he could ever remember being from some simple, soft kisses and the weight of Hob Gadling against him.  “This is what you wish for?” he breathed, panting softly against the curve of Hob’s jaw, staring at him.  “Your desire?”  

“And to hold you after,” Hob said, sliding his hand around Dream’s neck to his jaw, cupping it easily, pulling him in for another deep, devouring kiss.  “Let me.  Please.”  

The blatant and desperate longing in Hob's voice, the heat that he could feel pressed against his hip, and the promise in those words had him pushing Hob off of him with a grunt.  There was a surprised and worried expression for a second before Dream kissed him, hard and determined.  "Go," he ordered.  He took Hob's hand and led the way, the immediate biting cold of the air enough to dim his arousal so that he would not embarrass himself.  

They made their way back to the cabin, their strides long, their hands brushing together every few minutes, a subtle zing of heat with each brush.  Dream was eager, and he could not remember the last time he felt eager like this.  The chance to let Hob do whatever he liked, to not be in control, to focus on feeling good and nothing, it appeared, except that was intoxicating.  It felt too good to be true, and perhaps it was, but he would, at least, have it for this moment, and that was what mattered to him.  

The trip back to their rooms was circuitous, and Dream hated it, hated that it was necessary, that they needed to dodge and evade anyone who was following them, but at last, they were at the door, and Hob was a promising line of heat next to him as he fumbled with the key.  Dream managed, at last, to get the door open and shut it behind them, locking it before he looked at Hob with a deep breath.  A shiver of anticipation raced down his spine and he licked his lips.  

"Let me take care of you," Hob coaxed, reaching up to cup Dream's face in his palm once more, tugging him in for a kiss.  "But first, I think I need to give this back."  He reached out to carefully unpin the priceless rose, offering it back to Dream.  

Dream swallowed and shook his head, closing Hob's fingers around it.  "Wear it tomorrow.  Keep it with your things.  The declaration must continue to be clear.  That you are under my protection, that we are, you are not to be touched."  

Hob let out a low growl, deep in his throat, and pushed Dream deeper into the cabin, and back against the door to his room.  "I rather like you being possessive over me via fuck off jewelry," he teased, leaning in to kiss the arch of Dream's neck.  "And perhaps tomorrow, when we are exhausted from a proper party, I will lie you out in front of the fire and make love to you for hours."  

Dream shuddered, a low whine escaping him as he leaned into Hob's embrace.  "Please."  

"Tonight is about taking care of you," Hob said, easing him into another soft kiss.  "Meet me out on the couch.  Wear as little or as much as you like, but no shoes."  

"Will you-" Dream paused, hesitated, and looked at Hob.  He wanted, and his fingers itched to explore and be pressed against warm skin.  He wanted everything that Hob offered.  Everything and yet still more.  It seemed impossible to imagine, but it was what he wanted, needed, even.  "Will you wear what you did last night?"  

Hob's eyes glittered.  "Yes.  Now meet me out on your balcony, you gorgeous creature," he ordered, stealing one last kiss before he was striding across the room and into his bedroom, leaving the door open for Dream to be able to tease himself with the sight of him if he so wanted.  

Dream watched him go and his breath caught as the jacket, waistcoat, tie, and shirt were removed with all due haste before Hob's eyes flicked to his, a hint of a smirk in them.  Heat raced up his spine and he turned, removing his socks and shoes, his gloves, jacket, and other items, laying them out on the dresser.  The knowledge that he would be putting himself entirely into Hob's arms tonight was terrifying, however, he had no doubt that it was what he wanted, desperately.  

He took a deep breath and put on his sleepwear from the night before - the fine silk pants, and looked at the button-up shirt in his hand for several long, pointed seconds.  It would be easy to wear it, not to be as stripped bare as he had been last night.  But the thought of not feeling Hob's bare skin against his own was more impossible.  Dream put the shirt to the side and took a deep breath, squaring his shoulders, before glancing at himself in the mirror.  He studied his figure for a few precious seconds, before he turned to the door of the room and made his way over to the balcony.  Hob was already there, wrapped in a blanket and clearly waiting for him.  

"There you are," Hob said, looking up at him with a grin.  "You must be freezing, get under here with me."  He lifted up a corner of the blanket and stared at Dream pointedly, raising an eyebrow at him, waiting.  "Come on," he coaxed.  He waited a few extra seconds for Dream to climb into his lap, carefully settling him with those long legs draped along the couch, and his ass firmly in the cradle of his hips.  He adjusted the blanket a fraction and tucked it back around them.

"Hob-"

"Before," Hob started, leaning in to kiss Dream's cheek softly.  "Before I do what I've promised."  He slid his fingers slowly up the length of Dream's thigh under the silky pajamas.  "Tell me why you slept out here last night?"  

Dream swallowed, his eyes fluttering shut, the sound of the ocean behind him making him relax further, sagging into Hob's arms.  "I know I worried you, when you found me here last night."  

"Damn right you did," Hob said with a huff.  "That's why I want to know."  

"It relaxes me," Dream said, letting out a breath.  "The sound of the ocean, the sound of the water against the ship, with all the stresses in my life, sitting here, like this, those are sounds to savor, because they mean, at last, for a few hours, no one has expectations of me, no one has needs of me.  I am simply here, and I am listening."  He shifted and tucked his head against Hob's shoulder, pressing closer to him when the arm around him tightened easily.  "It is soothing."  

Hob hummed and smiled.  "I understand that.  I'm glad that you found something that is that for you.  Even if you have to freeze off your bits to do it."  

Dream rolled his eyes and snorted.  "I do not feel the cold.  Not when..." he paused.

Hob waited a precious few additional seconds, but Dream didn't seem to have anything to add to the sentence that he'd started, so he leaned in and nuzzled the pale column of his neck, teasing him with brushes of his lips.  "Not when, what, gorgeous?"  

Dream shuddered, his mouth falling open with a gasp, squirming in Hob's lap.  There was something about the truly easygoing nature of falling into Hob's arms, his care, everything about him that had him wanting to do nothing more than melt and let himself be taken care of.  He tilted his neck back for more of the soft press of Hob's lips and the rasp of his stubble, shifting to hold onto Hob where he could.  

"I am not cold with you," Dream admitted, his eyes fluttering shut as Hob's lips paused and there was a harsh exhale against his skin.  He pressed his fingertips tighter to Hob's chest and fought down the urge to panic.  Hob had asked, he'd wanted the answer, he'd insisted, and yet-

"Beautiful," Hob whispered, nuzzling Dream's neck again, shifting to tilt his jaw so Dream was facing him, before kissing him, slow and deep.  "You're gonna shatter me into thousands of tiny pieces before I even get a hand on you."  He kissed Dream again, sucking at his bottom lip until Dream was moaning into the kiss, his whole body squirming with every moment that went on.  

The tension that had started to grow in his shoulders abruptly bled out of him in a single moment, and Dream shifted to wrap his arms around Hob's shoulders, bringing the blanket to him, pressing tighter into him.  "Not before you keep your promise," he breathed, the words a whisper and a tease.  He wanted what Hob had promised, what he had asked for, and his mind was captivated at the idea, unable to let it go, even for a moment.  

Hob laughed into the kiss and pressed his forehead against Dream's, breathing out slowly, rubbing his hand up and down the length of Dream's thigh.  "All right, think I can manage that for you.  One last time, now that we're here, and I promise it's all right if you say no.  May I touch you?  Bring you to the very heights of pleasure?"  

Dream shuddered, rolling his hips just enough to press where he could feel Hob, hard in his pajamas beneath him, toward the teasing hand on his thigh.  "Please.  Please, Hob."  Dream turned to scrape his tongue over the rough skin and promised himself that no matter what happened after this, he would have this moment, savored and loved in the arms of someone who cared, even when it was not to his advantage to do so.  

"All right darling," Hob breathed, continuing to rub his hand up and down Dream's side, sliding it closer and closer, until the tips of his fingers were brushing against where Dream was straining in the pants he was wearing.  Every motion seemed to force a rough breath out of Dream, where he had curled up, damp air being breathed against his skin again and again.  At last, he moved over the final inch and cupped Dream's cock in his hand, just to watch him stifle a cry into the blankets.  

"That's it," Hob whispered, giving him another gentle squeeze.  "There's no one but me and the ocean here, sweetheart.  No one wants to freeze out here.  Enjoy yourself, let yourself just feel."  He rubbed his thumb across the damn tip, just to feel him shudder and gasp out a soft moan.  Whatever pleasure Dream had once found with his wife, it had never been something that he was simply allowed to receive, that much was clear.  

"Hob," Dream gasped, shuddering as rough fingers slid under the waistband, teasing lower and lower, but not touching him where he wanted it the most.  "Hob, please, please, cease with your teasing."  He clung tighter to Hob's shoulders, squirming and trying to spread his legs wider, to get his hand, his fingers closer.  

Hob chuckled and pressed another kiss to Dream's cheek.  "Relax, love.  I'm not going to keep you held back from the edge, or make you wait.  Just let yourself feel good.  That's all I want.  I want you to feel good."  He wrapped his hand, gently and carefully around the burning heat of Dream's cock and spread the precome down the shaft, stroking slowly, muffling another cry with a kiss.  "That's it, just like that," he soothed.  He took his time, teasing out every proper reaction that he could.  What made Dream gasp, whine, and moan, full-throated and deep.  He devoured every single reaction as he worked Dream over, again and again.  

Had it not been precisely what Hob had professed to want, Dream would have been embarrassed by the way he simply began to fall apart in Hob's arms, awash in simple, adoring pleasure.  It was overwhelming, how much Hob continued to give and give, until he was ready to shatter apart with it.  Hob was as hard as he was, but it was clearly a secondary thought, something to not be given any focus in the wake of his own pleasure and his body was on fire with it.  Hob denied him nothing, not kisses, not his demands for more, and not his greedy, grasping hands that pulled him closer under their blanket. 

“Stop fighting so hard, sweet thing,” Hob breathed against Dream’s lips as he panted and whined, his head falling back as he squirmed, bucking into his hand as he stroked him steadily faster.  Dream clearly liked a firm grip, but he did like to be teased between slower and faster speeds, keeping him steadily rising by the flush climbing up his neck and to his lips.  “Let yourself go, let me take care of you, I promise it’s okay.”  

Dream turned his head and couldn’t help sinking his teeth into Hob’s shoulder, crying out against the warm press of his skin as the quiet order to let go rocketed through him.  Hob worked him through it, stroking steadily until he was gasping in oversensitivity, before at last pulling his hand away.  A brief blast of cool air had him frowning before his eyes widened as Hob lifted the hand, messy with rivulets of spend, and began to lick it clean.  He shuddered and groaned.  

Hob chuckled and licked up what he could before grabbing the handkerchief he had brought with, wiping off the rest before tossing it onto the floor beside the couch.  They could pick it up later.  He had more important things to focus on, such as the man currently boneless in his lap.  “Beautiful,” he praised, wrapping his arms tightly around Dream once more, cuddling him in close.  “How do you feel?”  

Dream hummed, low and deep in his throat, his eyes drifting shut.  “That you should have allowed me to pleasure you in return and not kept all of that to yourself,” he murmured, licking his lips as he relaxed against Hob.  

Hob snorted and pressed a kiss to Dream’s temple.  “You’re acting like I am stopping you from touching me, Dream.  I’ve said no such thing, only that I wanted to focus on your pleasure.”  

Dream blinked and lifted his head a fraction, before shifting enough to press one palm to the thudding heartbeat of Hob’s heart.  “Why?”  

“Told you,” Hob whispered, leaning in to kiss Dream’s cheek softly.  “You always take care of everyone else around you all of the time.  Even me with that fancy gem-filled rose of yours.  I wanted a chance to do the same for you.”  

Dream swallowed hard and pressed his hand harder to Hob’s heart, curling himself in closer. "And your own pleasure?  What of that?"  

"That's what I have a hand for," Hob said, smiling against Dream's skin.  "Now, stop and allow yourself a few minutes to enjoy how good you feel.  I promise it's all right."  

Dream shifted just a fraction and shivered at the hard press of Hob's cock against his thigh and shuddered, even as he tried to relax into the warm arms around him.  "And if I want..."

Hob chuckled, low and deep in his throat.  "What do you want, Dream?  Tell me that."  

Dream groaned, his mouth entirely dry as he imagined a whole host of activities.  Between imagining their hands, mouths, the hard press of another body against his, being pinned down and kissed until he could no longer remember a name, there was so much, and he wanted all of it.  He groaned and pressed his face tighter against Hob.  "You make it impossible to articulate."  

Hob hummed and continued to rub up and down Dream's back gently, doing his best to avoid rutting up against him like the teenager he felt like.  "Let's try simpler then.  Even if I tell you that you need to do nothing and I'm comfortable staying like this, you want to touch me?  Yes or no."  

"Yes," Dream breathed, pressing his face to Hob's neck, exhaling out hard against him, nuzzling once more into his warm skin.  "Very much."  

"Eager," Hob teased, keeping his voice gentle so Dream was not frustrated by it.  "All right.  How do you want to touch me?  With your hands?"  

Dream flexed his fingers where they were curled, one against Hob's chest, and the other tangled in the hair at the nape of Hob's neck.  He didn't wish to move either of them, but this would be the easiest option if he wanted to touch.  "I... yes."  

"That didn't sound as sure," Hob pressed another kiss to Dream's cheek.  "What's going on in that pretty head of yours, Dream?  Talk to me."  

"I do wish to touch you.  But I also do not wish to move," Dream admitted, sighing as he sagged back into the warmth that only seemed to get stronger as time went on and they remained curled together.  

Hob couldn't help the chuckle that broke free, and he reached out, tilting Dream's jaw up so he could kiss him again, slow and deep, until Dream was rolling his hips down to grind against him.  "That's the best kind of reason for hesitation," Hob breathed against those tempting pink lips.  "Now, let's try this.  Do you want me to find release, here, with you?" 

Dream's breath caught and he exhaled harshly against Hob's neck.  But hearing it spoken so plainly, as though it were not a duty or an expectation, but pleasure, nothing but pleasure for the both of them, was intoxicating.  His eyes fluttered shut and he nodded, keeping his face pressed close, even as he shifted once more in Hob's lap.  "Yes.  I do."  

"All right," Hob said, shivering as Dream wiggled once more, the knife-edge of friction enough to have him wanting to squirm until he found an angle that worked for them both.  "That leaves us with a few options, and all of that depends on what you want to do with me."

"I wish for you to feel as good as I do," Dream said, lifting his head to look at Hob, pulling him in for a kiss.  "For you to feel this way."  

Hob gave a helpless smile and a small groan into the kiss.  "I already do, just by virtue of having you here, in my lap like this, but I understand what you mean."  He let out a shuddering breath.  "Okay.  Either you give up one of your hands and manage to get my breeches open-" he gasped as the hand in his hair tightened and leaned back into it.  "Or we move somewhere else where that isn't necessary, and we can be as close as we want."  

Dream hummed.  Those did sound like tantalizing options, but perhaps...

"May I offer an additional option?" Dream asked, tilting his head back to look at Hob.  "If it is not a pleasing one, I am happy to pursue either of those."  

Hob raised an eyebrow and chuckled.  "What's your option, love?"  

Dream shifted a fraction until the hard, hot press of Hob's cock was firmly against his thigh and shifted until his lips were brushing Hob's ear.  "I was once very reliably informed that I had a voice made for the bedroom.  And that, under the cover of an opera, I was able to bring a partner to near completion with my voice alone."  

Hob moaned, his whole body shivering, unable to keep from bucking against Dream's leg, spreading his wider to try and get more friction.  "Christ, fuck, you, really?"  

"Mmm," Dream agreed.  "While it did apply to a female partner at the time, I believe that you are amenable to such an attempt?"  

"Fuck," Hob swore again, his head falling back, even as Dream dropped his lips back to his neck and nuzzled into his skin there.  "Probably had her soaking wet and squirming for you."  

"We did make excellent use of the intermission time, yes," Dream agreed, his lips quirking.  "But I would rather speak now of you, and see if I am able to drive you to similar heights.  I did have slightly more experience at the time than I do here."  

"Trust me, Dream," Hob said with a hoarse groan.  "You're going to manage perfectly fine here, even if you don't have experience with it.  I can pretty much guarantee it."  He shuddered and lifted his head back up, feeling Dream settle into position once more.  He tightened one arm around Dream and lifted the other to rest on his thigh.  "Begin at your leisure, my good Lord Endless."  

Dream chuckled and nipped at the lobe of Hob's ear, letting his eyes fall shut.  "You need not call me such titles, Hob.  You have a name that I grant to precious few, and it is all the more dear falling from your lips than it has been from almost any other."  He dragged his lips across the rough line of stubble from the day and hummed happily.  "I find myself obsessed with the way you say it, the adoration that is clear in each syllable.  I have never heard my name said thus, and I would hear you say it in every way, as often as I can."  

Whatever Hob had expected of the talk Dream had promised, this tender assault on both his heart and his prick, all at once, disarmed him and left him completely open to anything that Dream wished to do to him.  "Often as you like, love, promise.  Dream.  My beautiful Dream.  Will say it as often as you want.  Dream."  

"Yes," Dream moaned the word into Hob's ear, pressing his thigh tighter against him, riding out the quick buck of Hob's hips easily.  "Like that.  Just like that."  He breathed out harshly, panting into Hob's ear.  "You say that you were captivated by me from the first, and I was with you as well.  You saved me, with no hesitation, and little thought to your own well-being, and since, you have done nothing save help me at every possible turn, going above and beyond any possible limits."  

Hob groaned again, clenching his hands against Dream's skin, drawing him closer, his prick throbbing, trapped against Dream, eager, wanting so much more. "Dream."  

"And then," Dream growled.  "Then I heard you sing to my children."  He let out a shuddering breath.  "I have found myself attracted to you numerous times over the course of this day, but then?  Those moments?  I had to have you.  I needed to have you in whatever way you would allow, as close as possible.  I needed to touch you, to have you touch me.  I burned, Hob.  The sound of your voice, like that, caring for them the same way I did.  A fire was lit in me and it is a fire that seems ever-burning in your presence."  

Hob's whole body shuddered and he bit down another moan, unable to stop his hips from churning, desperately seeking out the faintest bit of friction that was there for him with the press of Dream's thigh.  If Dream kept this up, he wasn't going to last long at all, from the fantasy to everything else.  

"Your lips are the finest ambrosia, and I wish to sip from them as long as you will allow," Dream breathed, shifting to brush his own lips against Hob's ear.  "I would see them red from passionate kisses, I would see the shape of them as you moan my name, and I would hear you sing, just for me, in passion."  

Hob swore again, moaning as Dream painted the picture for him, flowery as it was, but in the low timber of his voice, it felt as though his very soul was being pulled out and put on display for Dream.  He wanted, he wanted so much that his entire body ached with it.  "Anything, anything you want, Dream, please."  

Dream hummed again.  "I would have you offer this freely, not in gratitude, but in pure desire alone.  I would have you want me, as much as I want you, and I would have us lose ourselves in that want.  Drown together, breathing only from each other's lips as the only possible succor from the storm around us.  A safe harbor that we can only find with each other."  

It was an impossible story, drawn for him with the heaviest tones of desire, and if Hob had any doubt that he would be spending every single moment of this voyage with Dream for as long as he would allow it - it was gone.  He would stay until Dream ordered him gone, would love him until Dream demanded he stop, and would take care of him until he no longer could.  "Yes, please, Dream, please."  

"If you want me, I will have you," Dream breathed out the promise, his whole body shivering, his own cock twitching at the promise in it.  "If that is what you desire, I will have you and you shall have me in return.  Together, we will burn, and find in each other, what we have always been seeking."  

"Dream!"  Hob sobbed out the word, clinging to him desperately, leaking in his pants, his whole body ready to fall over the edge, suspended there by Dream and his words, the picture that he painted.  "Please."  

"Let me feel you," Dream ordered, his voice a low promise.  "Let me feel you Hob, let me feel how much you want me, and how much you feel.  Show me.  Show me, now."  He punctuated the order with a bite to Hob's neck. 

Hob barely managed to muffle the shout that escaped him into Dream's hair, his whole body shaking as he obeyed that growled order into his ear, shaking as the orgasm swept over him in waves that seemed never-ending until, at last, they crested and he was able to sink, with relief, back against the couch, his chest heaving.  "Well," he managed, feeling Dream smirk with satisfaction against his neck.  "I have made an utter mess of myself."  

Dream hummed.  "So you have."  Yet he had no regrets whatsoever about the heights of passion they had allowed themselves to explore.  He shifted himself and leaned in for another kiss, this one softer and gentler.  "Perhaps we should both change and return out here?"  He wanted to curl up and sleep in Hob's arms once more.  

"We can do that," Hob promised, rubbing their noses together briefly.  "If that's what you want."  

"It is," Dream said with a nod, stealing one last lingering kiss before he slowly removed his hands from Hob's hair and chest, the tips of his fingers tingling with the desire to touch him once more.  It was heartening, at least, that Hob took just as long in releasing him, and allowed him to slide off of his lap and back into the suite, glancing back at Hob, who had retrieved the cloth they had dropped to the side earlier.  

Hob gave Dream a quick wink and made his way back into his room.  He registered the several other packages that were spread out on the bed and took a few seconds to find a nightshirt and undergarments to wear before making his way back to the couch where their blanket was still spread out.  He settled back against the couch and on a whim, shifted to stretch himself out.  Perhaps Dream would not object to a change in position of how they had ended up last night?  

"Am I meant to be your blanket?"  Dream asked, his lips quirking in a brief smile at the sight of Hob Gadling stretched out bodily on the couch.  "You would make a far better one."  

Hob bit down a laugh.  "I want you breathing in the morning, so I'm going to pass on blanket duties.  But I think this'll be far more comfortable.  Especially when your boys join us in the morning."  He lifted up one end of the blanket and gestured for Dream to climb on top of him.  It took a few moments of positioning and wriggling to properly tuck them both under the large comforter, stretched out on the couch, but manage it they did, and Hob's heart did several somersaults at the gentle smile Dream gave him once they were properly settled from his chest.  

"Comfy?" He managed to ask, reaching up to comb his fingers through Dream's hair, pushing some of it out of his face, massaging at his scalp.  "And all right?"  

Dream let out a hum and slid his hand through the slit in the nightshirt to press it against Hob's bare chest and into his chest hair, pressing his cheek to the strong heartbeat he could feel beating away.  "I do not think I have ever been more comfortable," he admitted.  With Hob Gadling's arm secure around his waist and one leg wrapped firmly around his, not only was Dream ensconced in warmth, but in care, and he closed his eyes, yawning widely.  

"Just wait til I get you in a bed," Hob teased, pressing another kiss to the top of Dream's head, lifting his free hand to rub at his back.  "But until then, sleep.  I'll take care of you."  When Dream did nothing more than hum in response before dozing off almost immediately, Hob closed his eyes and leaned his head back against the arm of the couch.  He was already a goner, and he'd never been more aware of it than he was right now.  He had fallen head over heels in love the second their lips had touched for the first time and now there was no hope for him.  All he could do was support Dream as much as possible during this voyage and hope, by the end of it, that he would be strong enough to let Dream go, no matter how much it hurt to imagine.  But that was what he was meant to do, and what he would do.  

Thinking too much on it would do none of them good, and Hob had no doubt that they would have an event-filled few days to try and avoid the Lord and Lady Endless as much as possible.  He pressed another kiss to the top of Dream's head.  "I'm going to protect you as best I can.  I promise.  Whatever I have to do, I'm going to do it to make sure you stay safe and here for your children.  I don't care what I have to do."  

It was a promise to Dream, and the family that he had made for himself.  He would do everything in his power to take care of them and make sure they made their way through this.  And, with a little luck, remind Dream of all the reasons he had to keep living.  Hob yawned once and let himself drift off, imagining pulling Dream into a proper dance the following night, where they could dance together and no one would care, not here, not on the Titanic.  

Chapter Text

This time, knowing it was coming, Hob heard the sound of the boys coming into the room and was able to give Dream a faint rousing shake before both Orpheus and Robyn were climbing on top of them both and into the nest of blankets on the couch.  Hob gave them both a tired grin and a wink when they shouted his name in greeting.  

Dream, for his part, had burrowed deeper into the blankets, much to the delight of the boys who were trying to tug the blanket off of him while Hob laughed at the sight they made.  Lucienne was watching from the doorway and Hob was sure that he didn't miss the approving tilt of her mouth at the sight of his nightshirt.  Even if it was still a bit improper, they weren't lounging naked on the couch for the boys to find.  He gave her a nod and stretched under Dream, helping the boys, at last, pull the blanket off of him.  

"Good morning, Daddy!" Robyn crowed.  "Did you sleep well?"  

Dream gave Robyn a lazy smile and cuddled both him and Orpheus close.  He glanced up at Hob, but the man had given no protest to the additional weight, so he didn't say anything further.  "I did, my darling.  Better than I have in a very long time, I think."  

Orpheus' eyes widened.  "Did Mr. Hob sing you to sleep as well?"  

"He did," Dream said, feeling Hob laugh under him as he reached out to touch Orpheus as well.  "And that reminds me.  If Miss Lucienne and Miss Jessamy would allow it, I thought it might be good to give them some of the day off.  Would you like to spend it with us?"  

Hob's heart clenched at the obviously unrivaled joy in both boys' faces at the proclamation.  Leaving this family behind when the time came to disembark was going to be agony.  How long had it been since he'd had a family like this, someone who was so excited to spend the day with him, despite the very large differences in their upbringing?  

Dream shifted himself enough to look over at Lucienne and Jessamy, at how close they were standing together, and raised an eyebrow at them.  "With your permission for the boys to miss their daily lessons, of course."  

Lucienne pressed her lips tighter together.  "I do believe that they have both done an excellent job of keeping up with things the past few days, despite the travel.  A day off for everyone sounds like a lovely plan, my lord."  

"Fantastic," Dream said, looking back down to the boys.  "Hob and I will go have a quick breakfast, and then we will meet you in your rooms and we'll do whatever you want for the day.  How's that sound?"  

Hob grunted as a small child's knee dug into his thigh as both boys scrambled off of him and toward where Lucienne and Jessamy were waiting for them, grinning ruefully.  "I think they might be a tad excited.  What do you think?"  

Dream carefully lifted himself off of Hob, using the fall of the blankets to press a quick kiss to his heart before he stood upright and held out his hand.  "I believe that we are going to have to find a way to entertain two very inquisitive young boys for the better part of the day."  

Hob grinned at him.  "Lucky for them, I'm a bit of an inquisitive boy myself, so I suspect we'll be able to find something without issue."  It was the truth, and even if they didn't, he had fallback plans.  Growing up with younger siblings had long taught him how to make sure that they didn't go stir crazy and he wouldn't hesitate to employ every technique he knew to make sure that both Orpheus and Robyn had a good day.  He stood up and folded the blanket, bringing it inside with him and watching as Dream headed into his room before moving into his own.  

Using hot water for his bath felt like an excess, but sinking into the water and scrubbing the salt from his skin felt glorious.  Hob took his time washing and drying his hair before he got dressed for the day, undoing the rest of the packages and picking out another simple day suit, this one in a darker forest green color.  He rubbed his fingers over the fabric and deposited the day's clothes from before into the small hamper in the corner of the room and studied himself in the mirror.  Still looked like he didn't belong, but perhaps not as obvious as before.  

He straightened his shoulders and smiled ruefully.  "Gotta remember you're not from his world, Hobsie," he ordered himself in the mirror.  "Gotta remember that after this he's going to walk back into his world and far away from you."  Hob nodded once to himself, even though he knew that he was already in far too deep, and met Dream's eyes with a smile as the other man stepped out of his room.  Jessamy and Lucienne had already removed the boys, which left them alone.  

"This color suits you," Dream said, stepping closer, reaching out to adjust Hob's collar a fraction, smoothing the lapel of the suit down, luxuriating in touching him.  He paused, feeling Hob tense under him, and looked up at him with a frown.  "Would you prefer-"

"Shut up," Hob ordered, leaning in for a kiss, wrapping his hands around Dream's waist, tugging him in, deepening the desperate kiss until they were both panting hard into it.  "Don't even bother trying to finish that sentence," he ordered, shaking his head.  "I wasn't expecting you to still want, when it's day, to..." Hob cleared his throat and shrugged.  "You know."  

Dream hummed and cupped Hob's face in his palms and pulled him in for a kiss.  "Alone?  Always.  With full permission.  Less so in front of the boys, perhaps, as they will ask many questions.  In front of Lucienne and Jessamy?  Yes."  

Hob shuddered and nodded, wrapping his arms around Dream's waist to pull him in close and nuzzle into his neck, just above the line of his collar.  "Does it please you to know that you were the one who picked out these colors and dressed me like this?"  

Dream shivered.  "It pleases me that you still appear yourself in them, that you are confident in them, and that you are aware of how well you look."  He reached up to tangle his fingers into Hob's still-damp hair.  "It pleases me that the clothes suit you well, and it will please me, even more, to remove them from you later."  

Hob groaned and pressed another hard kiss to Dream's lips.  "Don't forget, we're all going to the third class party tonight.  Then you can have your wicked way with me, as much as you like."  He grinned and kissed Dream again and pulled him in close.  "Want to get those fancy roses of yours and we can be on our way to breakfast?  I'm ready for the next round of insults from your father."  

Dream sighed.  "I am sorry about my family and the strife that they will cause."  

"I'm not," Hob said with a grin.  "He needs someone to teach him a bit of a lesson and I'm not afraid to do that."  He paused and let his grin fall.  "I only want to make sure that I have not crossed a line in your eyes."  

Dream shook his head and left to pick up the two priceless broaches and brought them back out to Hob, pinning his own into place, before lifting the red rose to Hob's lapel.  "I will agree with you that he has lessons that he does need to learn and it is long past the time that he should learn such things.  Your attitude toward him is pleasing in the fashion that he does not know how to handle your irreverence."  

"I know," Hob said, stepping close to Dream again once the rose was in place.  "But I don't want you to walk out of here with him treating you worse than before, Dream.  I don't want that for you, and I don't want that to be what this is about."  

Dream paused and let the fingertips of both hands linger against Hob's chest, pressed into the firm muscle there.  "Have you yet considered that I cannot imagine worse?  Pressured in every conversation to wed a woman I consider a sister?  Demands why I do not have her with child yet, despite my two very healthy sons?"  He shuddered.  "He does not have the title, and I have long since assumed control of my own portion of the family fortune for my own pursuits separated from his.  There is little true control he can excise over me."  

"Then why do you let him do those things to you?" Hob asked, agony lancing through him at the idea that Dream could have broken free at any time, but had been unable to do so, trapped in a cage that he had not built.  "Why do you not just leave him behind?"  

"I..." Dream paused and looked out the window at the ocean.  "I had not conceived of a world in which it was possible for me to do such a thing.  Who I am, his son, has always been who I am, before all other things, Hob.  Who I am outside of that, is not something that has ever mattered to me, beyond that it allows me to protect those I care about."  

Hob swallowed and reached out to tilt Dream's face back toward him.  "You know that you are so much more than just his son, right?  To me, and to your children.  To Jessamy and Lucienne.  You know you are more than that."  

"I am..." Dream paused and let out a shuddering, heavy breath.  "I am learning this.  With your help.  That to defy him means that I lose nothing I have not already lost or cannot stand to lose."  

Hob let out a quiet chuckle.  "It is a wild man indeed who realizes just how free he truly is when all the restraints are removed."  He leaned in and stole a soft kiss, then another, because he could, and Dream had said he was allowed.  "You know that I will be with you, every single step of the way that you allow, right?"  

Dream reached up and pressed his fingertips against the rose that lingered, in its place of honor on Hob's lapel.  "I know this, and I am beyond grateful for it.  For your help, and for your desire to make sure I understand where I could not before."  He leaned in and stole one more kiss as the bell at last rang for breakfast.  "Come, I imagine that you are hungry."  

Hob nodded and stole one final kiss, a bracing against whatever they were about to face, and made his way out of the room, side by side with Dream.  All it took was the briefest of brushes of his shoulder against Dream's and a gesture behind him to know that they were being followed, but at the moment, it did not matter.  He would make sure that later, they would lose anyone following them and have a few precious hours of freedom together.  They would want that, and even need it.  

"Do you think your father will have gotten over his anger to be present at breakfast?" Hob asked as they stepped into the first-class dining area.  One of the stewards bowed at him and Hob smiled and waved it off.  There was no need to stand on ceremony with him and it was the last thing he wanted.  He didn't belong here, after all and he needed to make sure he didn't forget it.  

"Unlikely," Dream said, smiling faintly.  "But now that he knows I will not hesitate to remove myself from the family in the event that there is no room for you, I suspect we shall see a different tact taken this morning."  

"Looking forward to it!" Hob said with a grin, humming happily as they walked down the grand staircase, tilting his head back for the brief flash of sunshine before they made their way into the dining room proper.  As Dream had guessed, there were two seats, and Hob laughed when he realized what today's attempt was.  The seats were at opposite ends of the table and when Dream slowed his walk in indignation, Hob chuckled.  

"I'll take the seat across from your parents.  You go sit with your younger siblings, and if you need to leave, stand up and I'll go with you," Hob said.  "Got it?"  

"Only if you promise me the same courtesy.  Do not endure his cruelty on my behalf, Hob.  He is not worth it," Dream said.  "Please promise me this."  

"I promise that if he gets to be too much, I will walk away," Hob agreed.  "But I plan to make him do the walking away once more.  Told you.  I'm not scared of him.  I know you are, but I've got my fair share of unsavory contacts just like he does and I know how to disappear."  

"Please be careful," Dream murmured, allowing himself one faint brush of his fingertips against Hob's arm before he turned and moved to sit down by his sisters, settling himself into the seat easily, giving them each a nod in turn.  Their eyes were wide and surprised, and Dream had no doubt they had expected the opposite in their seating arrangement.  He fought down a grin as Hob once more boisterously introduced himself and settled into his seat, calling eagerly for coffee.  

"He is a fascinating find, brother dear," Desire said, leaning forward over their breakfast.  "Wherever did you find such a man?"  

Dream turned to look at them and smiled, faintly.  "He found me, unexpectedly, when I needed company.  Since then, we have become close friends."  

"He makes you smile!" Delirium said, clapping her hands together.  "It's been so long since you smiled around someone other than your children, Dream.  I am happy for you."  

"Thank you, Del," Dream said, reaching out to squeeze her arm gently.  "Will you tell me about any art that you've been working on?  I've been thinking about sketching again myself, and I was wondering if I might borrow some of your supplies?"  

"Oh of course, Dream!" Delirium said, grinning widely.  "I recently started working on this one piece..."

~!~

Furious silence was the name of the game, and Hob couldn't stop grinning as the two Endless parents stared at him, disdain so clear in their faces.  It was also true of their eldest son, though Hob had yet to hear him do more than speak his name at their initial introductions.  If he remembered right, there was a reason that the title had passed to Dream, but he wasn't about to go looking up gossip.  There would be a time for that in the future, if he wanted.  

Well, if they weren't going to talk, he certainly wasn't going to bother keeping the conversation up.  So instead, he turned to Death, who was offering him a sunny grin, and saluted her with his coffee before taking a long sip of it, leaning back in his chair.  If they were going to eat breakfast without saying a single word to each other, then so be it.  They'd break long before he would.  He winked at Dream's father and watched his lips nearly disappear with how hard they were pressed together.  

He passed his order on to the waiter and took his time enjoying his coffee.  This far down the table, though he couldn't hear the precise conversation Dream was having, it was clear that he was engaged with his siblings.  In fact, what he could most definitely spend his time on was thinking about what activities they could do with the boys.  They could spend more time exploring the ship while Hob offered more stories to them about his time sailing, and maybe if they were to go out later in the evening, he could give them a lesson in the stars.  That'd have to be something for later in the trip, at least for now.

They could always make their own fun, perhaps find a free room to enjoy tag or some exercise in, or a place where children would be welcome to play games.  He knew there were dozens of children aboard the Titanic, but many of them were not traveling in first class, or spending most of their days with teachers.  Maybe they would go deeper into the ship and see if they could find something fun to do together like that.  It might be worth it.  

His breakfast came and with it, another cup of coffee that Hob took with relief, smiling widely.  He rolled his shoulders and dug into his food with gusto, glad that he could see Dream doing the same further down the table.  Clearly, he'd worked up an appetite.  He bit down a grin at the thought and focused on his food in front of him.  He was preoccupied enough with remembering just how they'd both worked up an appetite that he nearly missed the loud throat-clearing in front of him, but the father of the family would clearly not be deterred by something as an errant mind.  

"A-hem!"  

Hob blinked and brought his attention back to the former Lord Endless and raised an eyebrow.  "Hm?"  

"Are you planning to take advantage of his generosity the entire trip?  Or are you going to bed back with the commoners where you belong?"

Hob grinned, feral bright, exposing too many of his teeth.  "He has offered his kindness, and I am far too greedy of a man not to accept it when it is offered to me.  So of course I will be continuing to dine and stay with him.  As he, himself, has said - he has the room for me to do so with no stress on him."  

"Your company is..."

Hob bit down a laugh when the man had to pause, clearly searching for a proper term to describe how horrible he was and how much of an infraction he had been upon the family.  Impressive in its own right, he supposed.  

"Abhorrent, and your manners non-existent!"  

"Dream disagrees," Hob said with a shrug.  "And as he is Lord Endless, good sir, I believe it is, as commoners would say, his word that matters in this situation."  He winked over the cup of his coffee and heard Death snort into her tea.  He took another bite of his eggs and hummed happily.  "So you shall have to tolerate my presence for the remainder of the trip, or forgo his, as you discovered last night."  

"You are trying to take advantage of him, and I will not allow it!"

Hob snorted.  "If by 'advantage' you mean convincing him to invest in my textile business, I suppose you are correct there.  But is that any different from what you all do in the smoking room once you have retired from dinner?  Are not the same deals brokered in that space?"  He leaned forward and raised his eyebrow.  "You are not the first who has thought I am too low to brush elbows with them, good sir, and you will not be the last."  

"You are an insult to the gems you wear!  You would label yourself his, his-"

"Whore?" Hob offered idly, the word making several people nearby gasp.  He raised his eyebrows and fought down a smile.  "Is that the word that you could not bring yourself to say?  What I have supposedly marked myself as, by proudly wearing this?"  

He leaned forward, his eyes dark and intent as he pushed his chair back and stood up in a slow motion.  "What does that say then, Mister Endless, since your son wields the title, about the person meant to wear this rose?  Who wore it before me?  Did you bestow on them the same insult?"  He raised a pointed brow and moved, pushing his chair back in.  He saw Dream making his excuses and standing in the corner of his eye and smiled.  "Careful what you insinuate, Mister Endless.  It'll come back to bite you."  

Hob looked to Dream as soon as he stepped worriedly closer, and took his arm, leading them both out of the dining room.  His heart was pounding hard and wild in his chest, and he knew that his cheeks were flushed.  "Did..." Hob paused and cleared his throat.  "Did you manage to get something to eat?  Or do I need to find a-” 

“Hob,” Dream interrupted.  “Are you all right?”  

Hob pressed his free hand deeper into his pockets and dug his fingers into his thigh, breathing out hard as Dream led them out of the first class area and to one of the decks that were still in shade this time of the morning.  They were going to spend the day with the kids, he had to get himself together, had to find a way to-to-

“Hold on,” Dream ordered.  

Hob tried to give a token protest, to remind Dream that the boys were waiting for them, that they needed to be there, not wherever Dream was taking him.  A slam of a door had him flinching back, but Dream held him fast, and there was the low murmur of Dream’s voice, another quiet order, and then the door was shut behind them.  “Dream, we can’t-” 

“Shhh, I’m here,” Dream whispered, hesitating for only a moment before reaching out to draw Hob into his arms, bringing him in close.  “We’re safe.  We’re alone.  It’s okay.  Whatever happened, I’ll make it right, Hob.”  

Once more, Dream was being forced to take care of someone else, to keep them safe and protected, and Hob bit down on his lower lip, trying to bring his mind back from the spiral it had fallen into.  He was not supposed to be someone that Dream needed to protect.  There were enough of those already, he would not be one more!  

"Shhh, I have you," Dream coaxed, holding onto Hob tighter, stiff and non-responsive as he was.  It was clear that whatever had happened, it had been a deeper hurt than Hob had been prepared to face.  "I am sorry for whatever he said, Hob.  I promise you don't need to face him again, I promise.  You won't need to go near him again.  You're safe.  You'll be safe."  

Blinking back into full awareness of where they were felt like a tidal wave crashing around his head and Hob sucked in a desperate breath, reaching out to cling to Dream, hauling him in closer with a frantic breath.  "I, fuck."  He clenched his eyes shut.  "Fuck.  Hasn't happened since the last time I fought."  He shook himself hard.  "I'm sorry, give me a minute, I wasn't..."

"Whatever he said, he'll pay for it," Dream promised.  "I will swear that to you, Hob.  Whatever it was that my father-"

"He didn't say it," Hob managed.  "I said it, before he could.  I took the clear implication and said it."  He shuddered and clung just a little tighter to Dream.  Here he was, standing in clothing that Dream had purchased, his lips stinging from Dream's kisses, his body well-rested from Dream's rooms, and his belly full thanks to an association with Dream.  It had been as good as true, even if it hadn't been quite that transactional.  "Took the power away from him."  

Dream reached up and combed his fingers through Hob's hair, the same way that Hob had done for him.  "I am sure that you angered him, as has been your desire.  What was it that he wished to call you?"  

Hob shuddered and clenched his eyes shut, resting his forehead against Dream's shoulder, glad that they were still pressed close together.  "Your whore," he admitted.  "Not that we were simply together, or two men enjoying each other's company.  No, that, I think, he could have only looked at you askance on.  But me?  No, he guessed and then implied, heavily, what I was."  

"You are not," Dream said, his voice vicious and vehement.  "You are not, Hob Gadling, you hear me?"  He tilted Hob's face up and waited until Hob looked at him.  "You saved my life.  You are the only reason I am still here.  The clothing you are wearing was your idea.  You are staying in my rooms for your safety.  You could walk away now, and there is nothing that would stop you."  

"That's not true," Hob murmured.  His heart would stop him.  His heart would scream at him with every single agonizing step away from Dream, away from whatever this, whatever they were now with this hot mess of feelings tangled between each other.  "I don't want to leave.  That would stop me."  

Dream took a shaky breath and kept Hob tugged in tight against him, and pressed him up against the wall once more.  "You do not have to leave, but you are not beholden to me.  If anyone is in debt to the other, it is me to you, for you keep..." he swallowed.  "You continue to remind me of things I have forgotten and to return all sorts of joy to my life.  You are a light I have been seeking for so long, and the last thing I would wish is to smother you with my life."  

Hob sighed and dropped his forehead to Dream's shoulder.  "What are we doing, Dream?"  

Dream hummed quietly and kept his arms wrapped around Hob.  "I do not rightly know.  I was hoping that you could tell me, as you are the one playing for keeps, as I seem to recall."  

"Backfired spectacularly from what I can see there," Hob muttered.  Because it was the truth.  He'd tried to make it seem like it would be impossible for Dream to keep from falling in love with him and he had made the cardinal mistake of falling harder and faster than Dream ever could.  He took a deep breath and pressed his nose against the column of Dream's neck.  "You're not a prize to win, Dream.  You're a person.  I care about you, and I only wanted to know that I was not alone in my care.  But that was not fair to you.  I should never have assigned such a requirement to how you feel."  

Dream sighed and kept Hob wrapped against him.  "When I met my former wife, Calliope," he started, keeping Hob close.  "The first time I saw her, it was across a faire.  She was dancing and laughing, with two of her sisters.  She was gorgeous, and I loved her instantly."  He closed his eyes and pressed his nose into Hob's hair.  "That has traditionally been my downfall.  To fall too hard, and too fast, for any romantic partner I come across.  It is why my family has been so insistent on Jessamy as my future wife."  

Hob took a precious few seconds to process that, trying to understand.  "I don't..."  

"So you see," Dream continued, his voice softening.  "When you told me you would play for keeps if I began this between us, I understood, or believed I had.  That you are of a similar mind, lacking all moderation, committing the heart long before is advisable, to the detriment of the future without caution or hesitancy."  

Hob swallowed and took a deep, shaky breath.  "Dream."  

"You said you would play for keeps," Dream whispered, pressing a slow kiss to Hob's neck, still keeping him pressed up against the wall, as much of his body as was possible.  "I found myself faced with a man who I not only wanted, but wished to fall into the arms of, without needing to hold myself back.  If he wished to keep me already, would he find my own possessive ardor attractive in its own right?"  

Hob managed to lift his head from Dream's shoulder to look up at him and stare at him, blinking away the last of the tears that had trailed down his cheeks.  The picture that Dream was painting, what it meant for them...

"You asked me what we are doing," Dream continued.  "I have taken you at your word that you are playing for keeps, and I have approached you in the same way I would have any other partner that I wished for.  I am not a moderate person, Hob.  I have seen what I want, and I wish for.  But I need to know that you understand this."  

"Dream, we're from completely separate worlds," Hob said, blinking hard, trying to focus on the impossibility of what was being offered to him.  "We don't-"

"You care about me.  You care about my children.  You are unbothered by Jessamy and Lucienne.  My sister loves you.  What other cares would I have?" Dream challenged.  "You do not need to give me an answer now, or ever, but if you are playing for keeps, Hob Gadling, know that I would be kept, at the end of this."  

"I can't offer you anything," Hob protested.  "Dream, I'm the son of a dock worker, and-"

"And," Dream interrupted.  "You are the first person to look at me, truly look, and care for me, in longer than I can remember."  He leaned in for a soft kiss, a simple brush of their lips together.  "Let us discover what this can be.  We can take this time for us."  He paused and swallowed, flicking his eyes up to Hob.  "Please."  

"Fuck," Hob swore, pulling Dream tight against him and into another kiss, then another, hungry and deep, until they were both panting as they broke apart from the kiss.  "All right, you mad bastard.  Yes.  Yes to, to all of it.  Anything you want.  Everything."  He let out a rough breath and reached up to push his hair out of his face.  "But for now, let's focus on the rest of today.  Where do you want to take the boys?" 

Dream pressed his forehead against Hob and let out a rough breath, trying to bring himself under a modicum of control so he did not have Hob right here, in this room he had paid to be emptied a matter of minutes ago.  He let out a rough breath.  "I may have to defer to your expertise.  What would you suggest?"  

Hob hummed and let out a small breath.  "Well, if we want to have them go down for a nap before the party tonight, why I don't I bring them down to introduce them to a few more kids?"  

"That sounds pleasant," Dream agreed with a small nod.  "Where are we going?"  

Hob took a deep breath and looked up at Dream.  "We're going to go visit a few families that I met in third class.  You up for that?"  

Dream gave a firm nod.  "Yes.  Let us go."  He reached out and squeezed Hob's hand.  "Come, let's collect the boys."  

"There's a promenade that I know several boys have taken to playing on," Hob continued.  "Ours isn't anywhere near as large as yours, nor does it have the multiple levels, but children will always find ways to play."  He leaned into Dream for a few more seconds before he gave Dream a gentle push to get himself upright and to clean off his face as best he could.  One more firm nod and a smile, and they were ready.  

Hob looked around the empty room with a raised eyebrow, but when Dream avoided his eyes, he shook his head and followed him back out into the deserted hallway.  They took their time going to the boy's room, and he suspected that was more for his benefit than it was for Dream's.  Knocking on the door, they were almost bowled over by the boys and something in Hob relaxed.  He could do this.  He knew how to do this.  

"Are you both ready to go on an adventure?" Hob asked, kneeling down to look Robyn and Orpheus in the eye.  "I think you'll have a lot of fun, and we're going to meet a lot of people."  

Holding his hand out in a mirror of Dream, he beamed when Robyn stepped forward and took his hand, cradling it carefully.  Hob looked over his shoulder at Jessamy and Lucienne and gave them a wave.  "Have fun you two!" he called, before stepping out of the room with Dream, Orpheus, and Robyn.  

He took a deep breath and let himself settle as they started walking down the hallway.  "All right, boys, we're going to go have some fun with other kids.  You need to be kind with them, though.  They might not speak english, so no making fun of them."  

Orpheus lit up.  "What languages do they speak?  I, I might know a few."  

"As would I," Dream said, looking at Hob with a faint smile and a raised eyebrow.  "I suspect that we will fit in perfectly well.  Lead the way, Hob."  

Despite his worry and concern, Hob grinned and did exactly that, leading the small family deeper into the ship and down to the lower decks that were just above the water line.  It was a mix of second class and steerage, but it was perfect, because he could see the parents with children all out and about after their own breakfast.  Hob could see the tension draining out of Dream's shoulders, despite how they clearly did not fit in, the boys were so excited, it eased any concern over their presence.  

Turning the corner to lead the boys out to the large promenade, Hob laughed when they immediately drew attention from almost everyone present.  Several of the children were outright staring, so Hob gave both Robyn and Orpheus a nudge.  "Give me your jackets, boys," he ordered.  Both of them obeyed, and were near vibrating in place.  With a quick glance at Dream, Hob gave them one more nudge.  "Go, make some friends."  

Within a few seconds, both boys had bolted toward the other kids, and Hob tucked their jackets over his arm and watched them go.  Orpheus had taken him at his word, and after saying hello, proceeded to do so in three separate languages, making at least two of the other little girls in the group light up and chatter excitedly.  Within a matter of a minute, Orpheus and Robyn were running with the group, all of them chasing each other excitedly.  

"See," Hob said, giving Dream a nudge with his shoulder.  "Now they'll wear themselves out, and at minimal effort to us."  Thankfully, though they were still being stared at, it was much less judgmentally, and several of the women were giving approving nods.  Hob shrugged off his own jacket and moved over to the railing, leaning back against it with a happy sigh, gesturing Dream forward.  "Come on, Dream.  Can watch them better from over here."  

Hob didn't hesitate to press his leg and arm up against Dream as soon as they were side by side once more, a clear and blatant claim on anyone who would dare come close.  He turned his attention back to the boys and watched as they took turns thundering up and down the deck with the other children. 

After several long moments, the normal activity on the deck resumed, when it was clear that he and Dream weren't going to cause any sort of scene, and Hob let himself fully relax with a happy sigh, savoring the shade.  Dream hadn't taken his eyes off the boys, but it now looked like he was enjoying the sight of them wearing themselves down in exhaustion.  Especially since he could hear Orpheus panting in a language he didn't exactly recognize.  

"Is that Greek?" Hob asked as Orpheus shouted in glee once more, Robyn echoing him with a pleased shout.  

"Calliope was from Greece," Dream answered.  "It is his native tongue.  He has insisted on teaching Robyn to help him practice.  He also practices with me when he needs to."  He smiled faintly.  "I speak six different languages fluently, and Greek is one of them."  He glanced beside them and turned his attention fully to Hob.  "I suspect those around us did not realize as much as many of them have made a handful of less than flattering comments."  

Hob's eyes sharpened and snapped to Dream.  "Anything we need to be aware of?"  

"No, mostly insults to the, ah."  Dream cleared his throat.  "To my clear upbringing.  You, much less so.  I believe a few of them recognize you.  But as we have done nothing but let the boys play, the comments have ceased."  He leaned against Hob a little heavier, before making a decision and sinking down to the deck, the railing at his back, his legs stretched out in front of him.  The position was comfier than he expected and he lifted his arms over the railing to balance himself properly and to lean.  

"Look at you," Hob said with a laugh, sliding down to sit beside Dream a moment later, mimicking his pose, leaning up against him with a happy sigh.  "Seems like all that rigidity built into your spine leaked right out," he teased, letting his eyes fall shut.  Like this, comfortable, safe as they could be, and with the sounds of the ocean and the kids playing, it would be easy to doze off.   

"Rest," Dream encouraged, reaching out to comb his fingers through Hob's hair, stroking slowly.  "I'll keep an eye on the children and those around us.  After earlier, you could likely use a few minutes to yourself."  

Hob hummed and nestled a little more into Dream's shoulder properly with a happy sigh, nodding.  "Let me know if the boys come back and we need to head back upstairs.  I'll wake back up in a moment."  

Dream hummed in agreement and felt Hob slump against him, his whole body sagging moments later as he drifted into a light doze.  It was easy to keep up the gentle petting of his hair to ensure that he remained relaxed.  After more than an hour of continuous play, Dream smiled when Robyn, rubbing his eyes and clearly exhausted, stumbled over to them.  He was about to invite Robyn into his arms when the boy climbed straight into Hob's lap and into the arms that sleepily shifted to accommodate him, as though they'd known.  

Dream swallowed and let his eyes flutter shut for a moment, breathing out hard, even though he reached out and combed some of Robyn's hair out of his face so he could settle properly against Hob.  He gave Orpheus a small wave and watched as his son went back to playing with the other kids.  How long he spent playing, Dream didn't know, but when there was a bell that echoed, clearly for lunch in the lower classes, he cleared his throat.  "Orpheus."  

Hob blinked and stirred, lifting his head off Dream's shoulder, his arm nearly asleep after how long he had been sleeping, only to find that he had a rather precious bundle spread out on his lap.  His eyes softened and he stared down at Robyn, settling him much more carefully.  "Have we been sleeping long?"  

"No," Dream said, shaking his head.  "But it is time for lunch, so we should take the boys back to get them food as well, and then they can go down for an afternoon nap of their own."  He stood up carefully and offered Hob a hand, tugging him upright as Hob carefully held onto Robyn.  The sight made something tight clench in his chest.  

"Sounds like a plan," Hob said, adjusting Robyn in his arms to carry him easier as Orpheus at last came over to join them, handing him his jacket back.  The boy was a mirror image of his father and Hob fought down the urge to grin when he mimicked smoothing down his jacket in the same way that Dream always did.  

Hob took a moment to let one of the ladies near the door know that they would be coming by that evening, just to partake in the celebrations, and smiled when she gave them a reassuring nod.  He took a deep breath and followed Dream back up through the bowels of the ship, well aware of the precious cargo he carried as Robyn slept on against him.  He carefully pushed some of his hair out of his face and stepped into the elevator after Dream, letting it carry them upward.  

The trip to the boy's room was almost short by comparison, and when Dream and Hob had at last gotten them inside, their jackets stripped off once more, and encouraged into bed, Hob's heart felt fit to bursting.  He let out a rough breath and made sure they were tucked in and comfortable before he felt Dream take his hand, tugging him out of the boy's room, and into the living room again.  

"Come," Dream coaxed.  "Back to our room now, and we can have some time of our own to rest.  We'll order lunch in if we are hungry."

Despite the nap that he'd just taken, the idea of being able to rest with Dream once more sounded heavenly and Hob nodded, leaning into Dream as they made their way upstairs.  He kept glancing behind him, but whether he had been scared off, or wasn't following them at the moment, there was no sign of Clyde, or anyone else for that matter.  Hob sagged in relief when Dream opened the door and led him inside.  A quick glance to make sure they were alone and Hob turned into Dream's arms, pressing in close.  

"I know," Dream breathed, his voice soft.  "I know, Hob.  I know.  Come, let's lie down."  

The idea of laying down with Dream was one that defied imagination, but even still, Hob followed the faint tugs and quiet urging words until his shoes, jacket, and vest were all stripped, and then he was urged onto the bed, on top of the comforter.  Hob yawned and sank back into the pillow, his eyes blinking slowly.  One of his attacks always left him exhausted, and he did want to sleep for another few hours.  He held out a hand to Dream.  "Sit with me.  Can read or whatever, but just, want you close?"  

Hob sighed in relief as Dream removed his shoes and both their broaches a moment later before climbing into bed with him.  He'd lost his jacket and vest as well at some point, and there was a tantalizing curve of pale neck exposed now.  He leaned in and pressed a kiss to it, humming happily as he wrapped an arm around Dream to hold him close.  He yawned and buried his face in the back of Dream's neck, curling up against him.  "This okay?"  

"It is very all right," Dream agreed, reaching down to comb his fingers through Hob's hair once more.  "You did this for me last night, and now it is my turn to return the favor for you."  He leaned down to kiss the top of Hob's head and felt him start to settle and sag almost immediately.  He did envy Hob's almost instant ability to fall asleep, where he was trapped in his own thoughts, but like this, comfortable, wrapped in the arms of someone who cared for him, it was easy to let himself doze.  They could find something to eat later, they did not need to brave his family for lunch, not this time.  

Chapter Text

When Hob woke up, he yawned against the pale skin that was so tantalizing it couldn't help but kiss it once, then again, then again, dragging his lips down the tempting column.  Was there a better way to wake?  Ever?  He hummed again and shifted, just a little, pressing a kiss to the underside of a jaw, before undoing the button at the neck, baring more skin to his lips, pressing hot and lazy kisses there as well.  He could spend hours just savoring the skin beneath his lips.  

"Hob."  

Dream's voice was a moan and the realization of who he was in bed with had him pausing, fear of overstepping before long fingers sank into his hair and pulled him closer.  He groaned and pressed his lips to Dream's skin once more, making quick work of the buttons of Dream's shirt, shoving the ends off his chest and baring his skin.  "Beautiful," Hob praised, dragging his lips along a pretty pink nipple, teasing it with his tongue just to hear Dream's surprised gasp.  

There was something so tantalizing about taking care of Dream, of making him feel good despite himself and Hob took his time teasing him, moving from one nipple to the other until they were hard and pebbled in the cool air of the cabin.  He lifted his chin and let it sit in the middle of Dream's sternum, looking up at him with a raised eyebrow.  "You were too beautiful, resting here, I couldn't keep my hands to myself.  Can you blame me?"

Dream scoffed, reaching out to comb his fingers through Hob's hair.  He gave it a gentle tug, just to watch Hob moan against his skin and smirked, raising his eyebrows.  "Would you, perhaps, be willing to kiss me properly?  Since you used me as a pillow?"  

"You enjoyed being used as a pillow, don't give me that," Hob muttered, even though he shifted and carefully straddled Dream, pushing him back into the mound of pillows, leaning down to kiss him, gentle, careful, and soft.  It was easy to take his time devouring Dream's lips, nipping and biting at them until Dream was groaning for him, and his hips were churning in clear need.  

"Now, I suspect," he breathed, leaning down to nuzzle Dream's neck again, rolling his hips down to give them both the friction they were craving, rocking his hips slow and easy.  "It is frowned upon in the silver spoon circles to tup your partner in the middle of the day, where anyone could tell what you had been doing?" 

"Hob," Dream growled, reaching up to tug impatiently at his hair.  

Hob chuckled and pressed another wet kiss to Dream's neck, scraping his teeth along the length of it, resisting the urge to bite down and leave his mark on Dream.  Instead, he shifted lower, to an area clearly hidden by his shirt (and nightshirt) and sank his teeth in there, hearing Dream shout beneath him as he sucked on the pale skin until there was a livid mark there, proof that he had managed to touch Dream.  

"It is a good thing for you," Hob breathed, rolling his hips down, pointedly, once more, feeling Dream throb against him.  "That I don't give a damn what your circles think, and I..." he paused pointedly and looked up at Dream.  "I want you.  Right now.  Like this.  I want to go to dinner with you knowing that I spent the afternoon kissing your lips, tasting your skin, and hearing you absolutely lost to pleasure."  

"Come here," Dream growled, reaching out to grab Hob and drag him closer, pulling him in for a desperate kiss, deep, hot, and slick, losing himself in a kiss that only seemed to grow hotter and hotter as Hob pressed against him.  "Off," he added, tugging at Hob's shirt, pulling it up.  "Off, Hob."  

"Yes, my Lord Endless," Hob teased, sitting back on Dream's hips to strip off his shirt and to help Dream out of his own before stretching back out on top of him to lean in for another kiss.  Dream's hands slid up his belly and along his chest, teasing and exploring every possible inch of him until they were cupping his cheek.  He leaned into one of those smooth palms and pressed a kiss to the center of it.  "Tell me what you want?"  

"Hob," Dream growled, rocking his hips up harder, rubbing against him.  "Must we-"

"We must," Hob said, interrupting softly.  "I am afraid that we must indeed, Dream.  I want to make sure you have everything you could ever want and then more still."  

Dream stared up at him, and reached up to comb his fingers through Hob's hair.  "Would you let me take my time with you?  Discovering you?"  

Hob shuddered, his breath coming in rough pants as he stared down at Dream, shivering at the idea of Dream's gentle exploration, and swallowed.  "On one condition," he said, his voice gruff.  "You let me get my mouth on that pretty cock of yours.  What do you think?"  

Dream shuddered and let out a rough breath.  "I would be very amenable to such a thing.  If that's what you wished."  

"Nothing I want more," Hob promised, leaning down to kiss Dream again.  "But if you want to explore me, of course you can."  He took a deep breath and rolled them over in the large bed and spread his arms out, putting himself on display for Dream.  "Touch me however you want, however much you want.  No limits, Dream."  

"If you perhaps knew the full scope of my want, you would know that that is an unwise offer," Dream breathed, trailing his fingers down Hob's sides and along the muscles of his chest.  Without the shirts and jacket, Hob was slimmer than he'd expected, but the muscles there spoke of a life that involved work, and not nearly enough leisure. 

Hob laughed and leaned back against the pillows, lifting his arms behind his head.  "Is that so?  And here I thought I was the one of us with experience.  But if you want to visit all of your terrible wants on me, I promise that I am game."  He winked at Dream and raised an eyebrow.  "Gonna tell me what you think is so terrible?"  

Dream leaned down and pressed his lips to the curve of Hob's throat and scraped his teeth against the spot.  "You were kind enough to mark me where others cannot see.  I do not wish to be so kind.  I wish to leave not one mark, but dozens, so all may know that you are spoken for, that you are taken."  He breathed out roughly and dragged his teeth lower.  "I want to hear you beg for me, for my touch, for me to bring you pleasure, and when you do, I wish to deny you, only so you will beg all the sweeter afterward."  

Hob moaned, shuddering as Dream pressed another wet kiss to his neck, and trailed his hands down lower, combing through his chest hair.  "Dream, you can do all of that, and more, promise I don't mind.  I'm not one of your people, remember?  I don't give a damn if you mark me."  

Dream growled, low in his throat.  "A dangerous offer," he breathed, leaning up and pressing a soft kiss to the pulse point.  He trailed his lips a fraction lower and bit down on the spot, teasing it with lips and tongue, until there was a purpling mark there.  It would be right at the top of Hob's collar, a hint of what they had done, and how thoroughly Hob had been marked as his.  "And what of the other things?"  

"Sounds like a good time," Hob managed, laughing as his head fell back.  "You planning to take my pants off too?"  

"Yes," Dream promised, reaching down to undo the small hooks at the mention of them, shoving them and his smalls down in a single push.  "All of it.  I would have you bare before me so I might admire you, so I might admire you, might kiss you."  

Hob let out a laugh and obligingly spread his legs for Dream.  "Pretty sure you're going to realize very quickly that I'm not like you Dream."  

"And this is pleasing to me," Dream countered, shifting to lean down and rub his face along the trail of hair leading to Hob's prick, where it was hard and red against his thigh.  He pressed his lips to it, and after only a moment of consideration, sank his teeth into the soft skin of Hob's thigh, sucking a dark mark, then another.  The prick near his mouth jumped, a pearl of spend gathering at the top, and Dream did not hesitate, leaning down to lick it away, to savor the taste with a groan.  "You are not the first man I have lain with though my experiences have been... spare.  But you are the first I have wanted in this way."  

Dream dropped his hands to Hob's thighs and spread them wider, settling between them easily, leaning down to nuzzle against the soft hair on the inside of his thighs.  "I am intoxicated by you.  Overwhelmed in every way.  You are warmth and comfort, you are desire, and you are everything I could imagine wanting."  

"Christ," Hob swore, his head falling back as he kept his legs spread.  "You weren't kidding about that whole going at a normal pace were you?"  

"No," Dream agreed, smirking as he sank his teeth into Hob's unmarked thigh, just to hear him cry out, watching his whole body tremble.  He did it again, leaving a dark and purpling mark, shuddering as Hob's fingers sank into his hair, making him groan.  "I want to put my mouth on every single inch of you, I wish to have my tongue inside you, I wish to see you split open as you ride me and make me yours."  

Hob cursed, panting hard, combing his fingers through Dream's hair as that voice went above driving him to complete and utter distraction.  He breathed out hard, panting, trying not to squirm, even though he wanted nothing more than to press into the touch of Dream's hands and his mouth.  "We can do that, love, all of it.  Promise.  Want to see me ride you?  I can do that."  

Dream hummed, pleased, and shifted, pressing a finger behind Hob's sac, rubbing at the tender skin there, just to watch his entire body jolt, before it slid further back still, teasing at him.  "I do," he agreed, his voice soft.  "I have never been with another in that way.  But I wish to see you do that for me.  To see you take your pleasure from me, to admire you as you do such a thing."  He licked his lips and leaned down pressing his nose up against the hard line of Hob's prick, inhaling the scent of it, before licking away the steadily leaking mess.  

"There are so many things I wish of you, I find myself completely frozen with the uncertainty of what to do next," Dream admitted, continuing to rub and tease and press his fingers against Hob.  "I wish to bring you pleasure.  I wish to see you shout my name.  I want you to be taken care of, as you did for me."  He paused and licked his lips.  "How might I do that for you?"  

"Since, ah," Hob moaned, rocking back on the soft press of Dream's fingers, swallowing.  "Since we don't have time for that right now, what about keeping your hand right there and using your hand and mouth on me?  Do you want that, sweet thing?"  He shuddered as Dream pressed his finger harder against him, making a wave of pleasure shoot up his spine at the firm touch.  

"I would enjoy that," Dream agreed.  "And you would use your mouth on me?"  

Hob huffed out a laugh.  "Any way that you wanted, Dream.  I would, I would make you feel so good, love, promise.  Even if you don't do this."  

Dream considered, for a long moment, and shifted so he could grab a pillow with a free hand and pushed it under Hob's hips, allowing him to continue teasing Hob with firm presses of his fingers.  He bent down low, sucking the tip of the prick in front of him into his mouth with a quiet groan.  He moaned around the taste and teased along the tip with his tongue, savoring the shout of pleasure that Hob gave seconds later.  

Hob was careful, as careful as he could be, not to pull on Dream's hair, to tug him down and fuck his mouth, as much as there was a temptation there.  But Dream did it all on his own, sucking him down, bit by bit, taking his time, all the while never stopping his assault with hard presses of his fingers making him squirm.  He was leaking steadily, and Dream's lips were red and stretched around him, and his bright eyes were half-shut in bliss.  

"Oh love, Dream, you've gotta..." Hob sucked in a desperate breath, trying to gather his wits around him, trying to warn Dream about just how close he was.  "I don't, I won't last much longer."  

Dream hummed and let his eyes fall shut, focusing down on giving Hob as much pleasure as he could, alternating the presses of his fingers with the sucks of his lips until Hob was rocking up into his mouth, his body shaking, sweat on his brow and trickling down his neck.  He was breathtaking, he was beautiful, and Dream wanted to see him let go, wanted to see it properly, and to taste it, this time.  He pulled back and sucked on just the tip, sealing his lips around it, just to hear Hob shout a final warning, before his mouth was flooded with spend.  

Dream coughed and tried to swallow what he could, but it was not all of it, and he left Hob rather a mess, staring down with a frown of disappointment.  

Hob gave himself a few moments to pant, his mind utterly blank and blind with pleasure, the image of Dream's lips around him seared into his mind for the remainder of all history.  "Stop looking so mad at yourself, that was perfect."  

"I wished to swallow all of you down," Dream said with a frown, leaning down to lick a stripe up, before wrinkling his nose.  He didn't enjoy that as much.  He looked up at Hob.  "You are not... disappointed?"  

"Of course not," Hob said, rolling his eyes.  He reached for his shirt that was still hanging on the other side of his bed and wiped off the rest of the excess easily enough and tossed the shirt away.  "That sort of thing takes practice, and besides, everything about you was wonderful, so come here and kiss me, Dream."  He reached out and hauled Dream into his arms, burying his fingers deep into messy hair, and kissed Dream, not letting him protest for one second longer. 

Hob kissed Dream until the tension was melting out of him and he could feel Dream wiggling closer, clearly wanting more.  He smiled into the kiss and pulled back to rub their noses together.  He wrapped an arm around Dream's waist and held him close, even as Dream squirmed and tried not to rock against him.  "Gonna let me have a turn having you now?"  

Dream shuddered and felt himself twitch at the question.  Seeing Hob lost in pleasure, thanks to his touches had been particularly arousing.  It would not take much to bring him over the edge.  He let out a shaky breath and opened his eyes to face Hob.  "I would," he agreed, leaning in for another kiss.  "How would you like me?"  

"I'll show you," Hob promised, rolling Dream back onto the bed and spreading him out against the blankets.  "I want to get my mouth on you.  But I suspect we don't have time for me to take you apart properly."  He pressed a kiss to Dream's heart and then another to his neck before nuzzling into the soft chest hair on him, humming happily.  "But I think we have more than enough time for this."  

Hob took his time leaving a handful of marks along Dream's belly, just to feel him squirm and to watch his prick leak fluid steadily, leaving a growing mess against his pale skin.  Dream's hands had taken up residence in his hair and his whole body was bucking, desperate for more and however much he could and would be given.  He licked his lips and slowly, carefully, licked up the mess, only brushing Dream with his tongue once, just to hear him cry out.  

"One day," Hob promised, glancing up at Dream, licking his lips again as he wrapped his hand around the base of Dream's cock, giving it a slow stroke.  "You'll have my tongue in you and I'll have you finish just like that.  Everyone should know how that feels at least once in their life."  He smirked at Dream's wide eyes and leaned down, nuzzling against his cock, just like Dream had done to him.  "Should have known that you would be just as pretty here."  

Dream managed a choking noise in protest, but it only encouraged a further chuckle from Hob until he was, at last, being swallowed down by eager and hot lips.  He whined, his back arching, tugging hard on Hob's hair, gasping in a breath of air as Hob took him in, bobbing his head in easy, steady motions.  He gasped, moaning loudly, as Hob did not stop, did not ease himself off for further teasing, only took him into his mouth again and again, rough friction applied via his lips and tongue.  

Dream was breathtaking, and Hob would have spent hours on his knees, just like this, in order to see the picture that was presented in front of him.  Dream was flushing, his pale skin turning a gorgeous rosy pink, his mouth had fallen open and he was moaning, squirming, his hips trying to thrust up for more where Hob was holding him down with one hand.  He was magnificent, coming completely undone from Hob's mouth alone and he wanted to ruin Dream, to ensure that no other would have him like this, would bring him to the same heights of pleasure.  

"Hob, please, please!" Dream gasped, trying to buck his hips up, only to find himself prevented from doing exactly that.  It was torture, the worst kind of it, and he wanted nothing more than to lose himself, to completely let go, to fall over the edge that Hob was drawing him toward.  Hob wanted that for him, but, but...

Hob drew Dream straight to the edge and kept him there, slowing down every bob of his head, and pulling his mouth completely away to watch Dream pant, his cock glistening with saliva and pre, his chest heaving on the bed.  He smiled and looked up at him.  "You are the most beautiful thing I have ever seen," he praised, meeting Dream's pupil-blown eyes.  "I could watch you like this for hours, bringing you to the edge and over again and again, Dream."  

Dream's next sob was wordless as Hob lowered his head and took as much of Dream into his mouth as he could, swallowing around him before bobbing his head as deep as it would go.  Above him, Dream managed two small bucks before his whole body stiffened and Hob was eagerly drinking him down until he started to tremble with aftershocks, shaking as he fell to the bed.  He licked his lips and pulled his mouth away, grinning brightly as he climbed back over Dream and pressed a kiss to his neck.  

"Will a kiss bother you?" Hob asked, brushing another kiss to Dream's neck.  "Not all men-"

Dream yanked Hob into a kiss with a growl, pulling the man down on top of him with a happy sigh, devouring him with a deep kiss, sinking into it again and again until they had to break apart for air.  He kept his hands wrapped around Hob's face and stroked over his cheekbones in slow swipes of his fingers and leaned in to kiss him once more.  "Magnificent," he praised, softly.  He kissed Hob again and kept him close, wrapping his arms around him.  

"It'll feel even better if we're cuddled under the blanket," Hob teased, poking and prodding Dream until they were both in Dream's bed, before tugging the other man back into his arms and cuddling him close.  He pressed a soft kiss to Dream's nose and then another to his forehead.  "You feel all right after that?"   

Dream hummed happily and curled tighter into Hob's arms.  "It has been a very long time since I allowed myself to seek solace and comfort in the arms of another."  He closed his eyes and relaxed into the hold that had not loosened and only seemed to draw him closer the longer he was there.  "I do not want to move."  

"Well, we'll have to move eventually," Hob said with a small chuckle.  "But I promise, we don't have to move yet."  When Dream let out a relieved breath against his shoulder, Hob rubbed his back up and down in slow motions, trying to get him to go boneless once more.  "Good thing we did this now.  I bet you'll be too tired after the party," he teased.  Dream scoffed and made a grumpy noise against his shoulder, but it was the truth.  Like this, there was no one else outside the tiny family that they needed to worry about.  It could be just them, as they were, with no need for titles, overbearing family, or expectations, just them.  

It was a dream.  But it was a sweet one, and Hob let himself indulge in it as Dream became steadily more boneless in his arms, continuing to sag against him until he was breathing slow and deep.  "My turn to stand watch," he whispered into Dream's hair, keeping him pulled close.  And tonight they would go to a party.  Dream wouldn't dance, he imagined, but Jessamy and Lucienne would, and of course the children would.  That would be enough, because of course it would be.  It was more than he deserved and more than he had ever expected. 

Hob pressed a kiss to the top of Dream's head and clenched his eyes shut.  Dream was going to take a large part of his heart with him when they parted ways in New York.  He had already guaranteed that he would need to disappear to escape from Dream's father, and he knew how to go about doing that, but Dream wouldn't be able to get away like that.  He'd burned that bridge, more thoroughly than he ever could have imagined, and it was worth it, because it was for Dream.  Maybe if he were lucky, he would have a few more moments like this in order to tide him over, memories that he would keep with him on cold and lonely nights.  When he could remember the impossible daydream that his trip on the Titanic had become.  

Hob let himself doze until he heard the clock in the main room starting to toll.  Which meant they needed to begin getting ready for dinner.  They'd put in an appearance, eat quickly and early, and then make their way down to the party.  Hob let out a shaky breath and shifted, just a little, leaning down to press a kiss to Dream's forehead, the smooth slide of skin against skin enough to have him wanting to forgo any plans to remain in bed.  But he wouldn't do that.  No, they wouldn't.  

"Dream," Hob called, keeping his voice soft and gentle.  "We need to get up so we can get ready for dinner."  It was easy to soothe him carefully awake, even as tired blue eyes blinked up at him, still hazy with sleep.  He took advantage and leaned in for a soft kiss, rolling Dream under him with a small chuckle, pushing him back into the bed.  "You make me want to keep you right here, and take you apart all over again," he confessed, his heart aching with how true it was.  

Dream hummed and reached up to comb his fingers through Hob Gadling's hair, giving faint tugs on it as he stared up at him.  "I would love nothing more," he confessed.  "But we do have plans for the evening."  He leaned up for a kiss.  "Good ones, even, you have assured me."  

Hob nodded again and let out a breath, grinning at Dream, giving him another kiss in addition to the one that he had asked for.  "So we do," he agreed, pushing himself upright before climbing out of bed and stretching before scratching at his belly. He picked up his clothes that had been scattered across the room and gave Dream a wink.  "I'm going to go make use of the wash basin in my room, and then I'll meet you back out there when I'm changed?"  

Dream lazily let his eyes trail down Hob's form, now that it was no longer restricted from his gaze, and let out a pleased hum.  "An acceptable answer.  I shall do the same.  If we eat early enough, we'll have time to bring the boys down to the party for a while."  

Hob nodded and swallowed hard under the blatant appreciation from Dream before he turned and made his way back to the room, the heavy weight of that gaze prickling on his back the entire walk to his room.  Hob looked at himself in the mirror and the marks that were littering his neck and chest and had to fight down a grin.  He got himself scrubbed down quickly and then found another of the outfits that Dream had had made for him.  He was getting more used to wearing the variety of layers now, and had managed to dress in half the time.  

After that was finished and he looked at himself in the mirror, Hob turned and reached out to press his finger against the mark that was peeking over the collar on his left side.  He poked at it and shuddered, letting out a breath.  He grinned and let the shudder run up his spine before he made his way back into Dream's room.  "You still have my shoes," he called, stepping into the room, even as he heard Dream splashing water on his face.  Hob picked up his shoes and glanced over at Dream, only to swallow hard at the sight of him without a shirt, the blooming purple mark on his chest a tease that had him wanting to sink his teeth into that pale skin all over again.  

Hob cleared his throat and caught a faint hint of a smirk as he saluted Dream and managed to scramble back out of the room to put his shoes on.  He shifted the jacket that he'd worn last night (thank goodness they reused at least some of their clothes, it was horrifying to consider otherwise), and studied himself in the mirror once more.  Maybe he could ask Dream to make the mark bigger, more visible?  It would certainly be a color to compliment the rose that he was going to be wearing.  

"Here," Dream said, stepping out of his room, his own rose already affixed in place.  He stepped in front of Hob and took his jacket, situating the rose in a few deft clicks, before his eyes drifted to the mark on Hob's neck, his breath catching.  He reached out to press a single fingertip to it, feeling setting a blaze within him.  He wanted to make the mark bigger, to have it more obvious, so everyone knew precisely what it was, tucked under a fraction of the collar like that.  "Ready?"  

"Aye," Hob agreed, his neck throbbing under the press of Dream's finger, which he had no doubt had been done at least a little on purpose.  A quick glance at the clock showed that it was another twenty minutes before dinner was summoned and Hob didn't let them delay any further.  Instead, they both hurried down to the dining room that only had people beginning to drift into it.  They found themselves another table, tucked away in a corner, and ordered quickly.  

It was strange, to eat with the charged atmopshere between them, sharing secretive smiles, not trying to avoid the eyes of Dream's family, their roses a blatant claim and declaration on their jackets.  It felt like more.  It felt like what Hob's heart ached for every moment he spent with Dream, but despite the past two days, it was not for him to keep.  He was not going to be able to keep this, and he had to reconcile that with himself.  That was for him to deal with, not for it to become another burden for Dream.  

"Will the boys have had time to finish dinner?" Hob asked, taking a small sip of his wine before abandoning it for water.  There would be stiffer drinks at the party below if that was what they wanted, and he would allow himself perhaps one.  Maybe Dream would have one too, and he could convince Dream to dance with him.  

"Yes," Dream said with a nod, taking another bite of his food before he cleared his throat.  "You are certain that we'll be welcome?"  

Hob nodded.  "I let one of the mothers know, when we were down there earlier," he said, smiling.  "She's very charmed by Orpheus and the fact that he was speaking every language he knew to all of the kids."  He grinned and finished off his asparagus.  He didn't want to be too full, he had every intention of seeing if he could convince Dream to dance with him on it.  "Do you think I can convince you to dance with me?" he asked, wistful and half-teasing.  

Dream frowned and looked down at his plate.  "I don't dance."  

"And up here, around them?"  Hob gestured to the rest of the room which was slowly filling in.  "I understand.  I wouldn't want to dance in front of them either.  Not when you would be under a microscope the entire time.  But I want you to dance with me, with my people, where no one knows the steps and no one cares."  He smiled wistfully.  "It's okay if you don't - I know that can be scary.  Forget I asked."  

It had been a silly dream, to want to dance with him.  Instead, Hob did what he did best and changed the subject, grinning at Dream.  "Very well, then I will insist you help me convince Jessamy and Lucienne to dance together.  That shall be a minimum requirement."  

Dream's lips twitched.  "I imagine I can attempt such a feat, even if Lucienne will not approve."  

"Even without the great Miss Lucienne's approval, I think we can convince her to dance," Hob said with a grin.

Dream shook his head and stood up from the dining table, taking Hob's arm when it was offered, the both of them turning toward the exit, only for the rest of his family to choose that moment to walk in.  He tensed, but Hob continued to drag him forward.  

"Follow my lead, okay?" Hob muttered.  "Don't want him to get any ideas."  

Dream barely had a moment squeeze Hob's hand in recognition of the order before they were stopped in front of his entire family.  He flushed under the proud gaze from his elder sister and the knowing look she sent their arms twined together.  He lifted his head and met his father's gaze.  

"Dream, what is this?  You're skipping dinner?  Come, sit.  Have a drink.  You wouldn't want to do further damage to your reputation," Lord Endless said, lifting his chin.  "If your company must go, I am sure you can do without him for a few hours."  

"Actually," Hob said, grinning as everyone in the family looked at him.  "His company is dragging him away for some much-needed rest.  We had a very tiring afternoon with the boys, and I'm sure you can appreciate being run ragged by children, Mr. Endless."  He winked.  

"It is Lord Endless!"

Hob raised an eyebrow at Dream's father and made a show of looking between him and Dream.  "And here I thought your eldest son had abdicated and that burden had fallen to Dream."  He smiled faintly.  "I'm not going to call you by a title you no longer carry, sir, no matter the demands you make of those around you.  Your son is the only one I'll call by that name, and he has asked that I forgo it."  

With another pause to watch the anger over that statement grow, Hob chuckled and looked between all of them.  "And you wonder why we'd prefer to have dinner alone and then retire for the evening."  He shook his head, tightened his hand on Dream's arm and sidestepped all of them, and walked toward the other exit, ignoring the call of Dream's name behind him.  "Now we're going to have to put on a little show before we go to the boys," Hob whispered.  

"What show?" Dream asked, scowling as he caught sight of Clyde following behind them.  

"Your father is going to want confirmation that I am bringing you back to the room to ravish you," Hob said, keeping his voice low.  "Whatever purpose he has for that, that's what he wants.  So, we're going to pretend."  He winked.  "You can ravish me later if you're not too tired, but we have somewhere to be tonight."  

Dream growled under his breath.  "This is becoming tiresome," he snarled.  "Whatever he wishes to do-"

"Hey," Hob soothed, rubbing at Dream's arm as they took another left and moved toward the elevator.  "Don't worry about it.  I'm focusing on what you think about me, not what he does.  That's what matters to me, all right?"  He gave Dream's arm a squeeze and smiled at him as they headed down the hallway for their room, stepping into it once Dream unlocked it.  "He's not going to wait long, trust me."  

Dream nodded once, his jaw clenched as he held the door open for Hob and stepped in after him, shutting it.  Hob winked at Dream once more and smirked, slamming his back against the door with a gasp, arching his neck as he groaned, long and low.  "Someone's eager," he teased, gasping as Dream stared at him in shock.  Hob winked at him once more and moaned again.  "Want me on my knees for you again?  I'll do that.  Even let you pull my hair this time."  

Dream drifted closer, his eyes widening at the show Hob was making against the door.  And, in the faint halo of light around the edges of the frame, he could see a figure approaching closer.  He gave another encouraging nod and leaned in to nuzzle Hob's neck, just to hear him moan eagerly again.  

"Think I'm fucking addicted to your hands, love," Hob gasped, whining, spreading his legs wider, and rolling his hips in a way that made the door shake.  "Those long fingers of yours.  Gonna get them inside me tonight?  Could show you how good it feels to fuck me, if you want."  

There was a disgusted sound on the other side of the door, and Dream grinned against Hob's neck, even as his fingers trailed down Hob's front and teased at the waist of his pants, sending a shudder through him.  It was rather fun to tease when Hob was putting on a show for another.  Especially when nothing could come of it.  

"That's it, fuck, gonna be so good for you.  Make me take it, just like I want," Hob gasped, moaning again, loud and obscene, making a low sucking noise with his mouth that had Dream shuddering in memory at the feel of Hob's mouth.  The sound of footsteps leaving, in a hurry, had him smiling, and Hob let the noises trail off, pretending to push himself off the door and stumble toward the bedroom.  He grinned, putting his hands on his hips to smirk at Dream.  "And, we just lost our tail," he added, giving Dream a wink.  "They'll expect you to rouse in an hour or so to see the boys, and will likely come back then."  

Hob took Dream's hand and opened the door a fraction, glancing out, before he tugged Dream.  "Now come on, we don't want to be spotted by anyone, so we're going to run."  He didn't let Dream get another word out before they were sprinting down the hallway toward the boy's rooms, knocking on the door to be let in in a hurry.  Explaining that they were sneaking out late for another adventure had both boys agreeing to be quiet and a quick whispered explanation from Dream had Lucienne and Jessamy nodding in agreement.  They would get to the elevator quick, and then they would be safe.  

Chapter Text

Hob waited a few minutes to make sure they hadn't been followed back to the boy's rooms, but when it was clear no one had come to watch, he bundled them all out and directly into the elevator.  Once they were down in second class and could make their way into steerage, they were home free.  He grinned and held onto Robyn's hand as the boys walked between both of them.  "Are you two ready for a proper party?"  

"Yes!" They chorused.  

Hob tilted his head and listened and was able to catch the faintest hint of music.  "And that's where we're heading!" He said with a firm nod. 

"Lead the way," Dream ordered, looking back to Lucienne and Jessamy with a nod.  "I met many of them earlier.  We will be welcome."  He reassured them with another nod and looked to Hob.  

Hob smiled at all of them and did exactly that, chattering to Orpheus and Robyn about all the different places he had danced during his travels, keeping them laughing and relaxed.  Once they turned a corner and found the large gathering room that was currently doubling as a ballroom, he grinned.  "Forward!"  

He urged the boys forward with Dream and stepped into the heat and chaos of humanity and dozens of languages being spoken around him, sighing in pleasure.  He stripped off his jacket and vest immediately, stuffing his tie into his pocket and undoing the first button on his shirt, taking the jackets from the boys so they didn't get too hot.  Hob could see several children up on the raised dance floor, all of them dancing together.  "Wanna go up there?" he called, raising his voice so they could hear him over the music.  

Both of them shouted their agreement and Hob laughed, lifting up first Orpheus and then Robyn to the chest-high dancing area, letting them go with their friends from earlier, all of them immediately shouting greetings.  He turned to Dream with a brilliant smile and found wide blue eyes watching him.  "See!  All fine!"  He promised, reaching out to grab Dream's hand and squeeze.  He went to go pull his hand away, but Dream didn't let go, so Hob adjusted his hold and twinned their fingers together.  He looked over his shoulder at Jessamy and Luciennne, grinning at them, with Jessamy already starting to bounce to the upbeat music as they all watched the boys dance.  

Hob let himself be swept up in the absolute insanity around them, watching the boys dance until they nearly dropped from exhaustion, before desperately drinking as much water as they could before diving back into dancing once more.  Dream was still watching them, and wherever Jessamy and Lucienne had danced off to (after much convincing on Jessamy's part and a small, tentative nudge from Dream), they were off enjoying themselves.  Hob spared himself a small twinge of sadness that he couldn't be dancing with Dream, but that was all right, he was here, they were holding hands, and that was more than he had expected.  

"I will return in a moment," Dream said, leaning down to speak the words into Hob's ear, pressing a kiss to the soft skin.  "Wait here."  

Hob glanced at Dream, but he was already blending into the crowd and melting away from them, so he brought his eyes back to Robyn and Orpheus.  The two of them were clearly getting tired, as were the rest of the children, and the music was beginning to get louder and more upbeat, and Hob was tapping his foot to it before he registered Dream coming to stand beside him once more, this time holding two dark ales.  He lit up and accepted it happily from Dream, knocking back several swallows with a happy sigh.  It burned in the way the pure alcohol in first class did not and he loved it.  

He glanced to Dream, about to tease him about the quality of alcohol, and found Dream more than halfway done with his tankard, swallowing eagerly.  A shiver went through him at the sight and he bit down a groan that threatened.  When Dream finished it off and put the tankard down on a nearby table, Hob wanted to kiss the smirk off his face.  

"Did you think we never learned to drink?" Dream asked, narrowing his eyes.  "I shall prove you wrong."  

Hob couldn't help it, he shook his head and laughed, knocking back the rest of his own drink, before leaving his empty glass next to Dream's.  The bright look in Dream's eyes that he got in return was enough to have him ready to float away.  He really was obsessed with being seen by Dream in any possible way.  

Dream leaned in close once more, taking the opportunity to move far closer to Hob's body than he should have.  "When I first met Calliope.  It was at a fair.  I refused to dance with her then, despite knowing the dance."  

Hob frowned and pulled back to look at Dream, confused, tilting his head to the side, even as he noted the current song winding down.  He shrugged, trying to convey that he didn't understand what Dream was getting at.  

"I will not make a similar mistake, now," Dream breathed, shifting his hold so Hob's waist was held firmly in his hands.  "It is similar to a Reel.  It is fast.  Hold on."  

That was all the warning Hob had as the music rapidly kicked up and Dream tugged him onto the dance floor among the other couples.  There was a shout of eager joy that went up at the sight of them and Hob laughed, throwing himself into it as Dream spun them around and around again, despite the tight quarters, he never lost his balance and never seem to not be going precisely where he intended.  It was breathtaking, and during all of it, Dream's eyes were shining and his lips were inches away.  Hob couldn't look away from him, never wanted to.  

When the song, at last, finished, Hob collapsed into a chair with a laugh, tugging Dream into his lap when there wasn't another one free.  "C'mere, you earned this," he said, grabbing one of the waters and offering it to Dream as they both heaved, trying to catch their breath.  In the corner of his eye, he could see Lucienne and Jessamy gathering up the boys and pointed to them, glad when Dream saw the same and gave them a small wave together.  

"I," Dream swallowed the water eagerly.  "I had more fun than I expected.  Dancing with you.  There was no one watching us, only themselves."  

"Yeah, love," Hob said, laughing.  "That's the benefit of coming down here.  No one is looking at you down here, they're all looking at themselves.  There's no expectation to be who you are here, just yourself, and not a harm to others, that's all."  

Dream nodded and tipped his head back, heaving in another slow breath as he looked around.  "The anonymity is... comforting.  Unexpectedly so.  It is this crowd you know how to disappear into?"  

Hob nodded and reached out to rub up and down Dream's back, leaning to press his lips up against Dream's ear to explain earlier.  "Told you.  All it takes is a haircut.  Change of clothes with one of the people here, give them my fancy stuff.  Add some charcoal to fake a beard, keep my head down, walk like my bad knee is bothering me, and no one will look twice."  

Dream gave another solemn nod and put the empty container down on the table once more, before curling up tighter into Hob's arms, pressing his face to Hob's neck with a hum.  "It is... noisy here.  It is not quiet.  I do not feel alone."  

Hob tightened his arm around Dream and held him close, tipping his head just enough to read Dream's ear.  "You are not alone here.  Not if you do not wish to be.  I'll be here, right here with you.  And wherever else you would bring me with you."  

Dream shuddered and nodded, standing up on shaky legs, only for there to be a shout at a nearby table, two men arm wrestling.  He paused and tilted his head, looking at them as they shouted best two out of three.  He stepped forward and cleared his throat, getting their attention.  He reached into his pocket and put money on the table, gesturing to the seat.  "Beat me." 

Hob burst out laughing as one of the men almost fell out of the seat for Dream and he watched Dream settle into the seat and remove his jacket before rolling up his shirt sleeve in pointed motions.  He shook his head.  "They're going to enjoy emptying your wallet, Dream," he called, laughing as the crowd around him began to jostle.  

Dream narrowed his eyes.  He planted his elbow on the table and held up his hand.  "If you can't beat me, I'll double that, until I don't have more cash on me, until someone does."  There was a gasp around the table and he nodded to the man in front of him.  He shifted his position and held out his hand and gestured to it.  "Come on then."  

Hob bit down on his lip and waited for Dream to be beaten, despite his confidence.  Perhaps it was some sense of pride that Dream thought he could beat these men who used their-  

SLAM!

Hob blinked, his eyes wide as he stared at Dream and the man in front of him, and where Dream had securely, almost instantly, slammed his hand to the table.  He laughed, his head falling back as the man across from Dream stared in shock.  "Oh fuck, love, you're brilliant."  

Dream smirked and reached into his pocket, opening his wallet, pulling out another bill, and putting it down on the table.  "Next!" he ordered.  He waited as the men across from him jostled for position and straightened his shoulders, waiting, before he placed his elbow on the table.  

Hob narrowed his eyes, resolved to watch much more closely this time to see precisely what it was that Dream was doing.  It didn't look like he was cheating, he was counting down as proper.  And yet, once more, after only a split second, there was another hard slam of the man's hand to the table and shouts in the crowd around him.  He kept his eyes on Dream as he dispatched opponent after opponent.  He'd been in his fair share of matches, and there was something, clearly, in the very specific way that Dream was sitting and how he held himself, but it wasn't cheating.  

It wasn't until the tenth man was dispatched that Hob saw Dream's fingers and hand flex a tad in the grip before he sucked in a hard breath as abruptly, as the hand came down on the table.  That was what he was doing, the sneak.  Hob laughed again and stood up, drawing the eyes of everyone who was watching, and gestured for the man trying to sit down across from Dream out of the way and fell into the chair across from him.  

Dream narrowed his eyes.  

Hob took in the bright flush on his cheeks, the way that his lips were bitten red and his hair was slowly returning to the wild state that it preferred.  He settled into the seat, squared his shoulders, and watched Dream assume the same position.  The pile of the bills between them was large enough, now, that he knew they had the attention of almost everyone at the party.  He licked his lips and settled his arm down on the table and smirked at Dream.  When he felt Dream go to adjust his grip, Hob held him fast and saw Dream's eyes widen.  

On the countdown from the crowd, Hob flexed, at the exact same time that Dream did, and this time, there was no immediate slam.  The crowd began to shout, and with a grunt, and a rough heave, Hob had Dream’s hand pinned back to the table.  There was a loud, raucous shout from around them and Hob brought Dream's hand to his lips to kiss the back of it, before he stood up and swiped up Dream's money, passing it out between each of his opponents fairly.  

Thankfully, sharing of the winnings diffused any tension in the room and the music sprung back up, as bright and loud as before, but now with much more drunken fumbling.  Hob turned to Dream, who was looking at the table with a faint smile curved around his lips.  He held out his hand for Dream and tugged him upright.  "Ready to leave?" he asked and kissed Dream on the cheek when he nodded, slipping their jackets back on.  

Hob gave a wave to everyone and tugged Dream toward the opposite exit.  When Dream looked at him, confused, Hob lifted his hand once more and kissed it.  "I thought that I would stop by to get my things," he explained.  "Since we're down here already."  Hob didn't wait for Dream to agree, just took him deeper and further into the bowels of the ship, knocking twice before he opened the door to the room.  Thankfully, his bag was still in the corner where he'd shoved it, and by the looks of things, it hadn't been touched.  Hob slung it over his shoulder properly and turned to Dream, tugging him in for a kiss.  

"I'd offer to put my mouth on you here," Hob breathed.  "But the carpet in your room is much more forgiving and the bed far more so.  Shall we head back?"  

Dream swallowed and leaned in for another kiss, pressing in close to him.  "You figured out what I was doing to win."  

"Whoever taught you that is very, very good," Hob said with a grin, brushing their noses together.  "Took me at least ten rounds to figure it out.  What was the grip you were doing?"  

"It's a brief alteration of their own hold.  It keeps them from having leverage beyond the wrist.  When they go to flex their arm, there is no strength behind the hold, only their wrist, so I am able to beat them instantly," Dream explained, stepping out into the hallway as Hob held the door open for him.  "It is not cheating, but it is a way for me to win when it appears that I would not.  All within normal bounds, of course."  

Hob laughed and tugged Dream in for another kiss, not giving a damn if anyone saw them in that moment, before they started to make their way back upstairs.  He and Dream looked like they had either been fucking or at a wild party and when the elevator porter took one look at them, he had no doubt which one he assumed.  Stumbling back to the room, exhausted, his whole body aching in the best way, Hob wanted nothing more than to curl up with Dream and fall asleep for as long as he could.  He yawned.  

"You know, far be it for me to tell you what is comfortable," Hob said, stepping into the room after Dream, locking the door behind him.  "But I would commit murder to be able to sleep in the bed tonight.  What do you think?  Can you give up the ocean if we sit out there for a little while tonight?" 

Dream paused and looked out at the ocean and shivered, imagining the chill that would sink into his very bones, but Hob would be there to warm him, just as he had been for the past few nights.  Pivoting slowly, he remembered the comfort he had found in Hob's arms in the bed, how easy it had been to rest.  He turned to walk outside, bracing himself against the cold as it hit his chest, robbing the very air from his lungs with the chill.  He let out a breath, staring at it in the wind.  

"Dream?" Hob called, trailing out for him after he had put his bag down beside his room.  "You know I was teasing.  I would be happy to sleep out here if you-"

"It hurts," Dream said, tightening his hands on the railing.  "The, the cold.  It feels right that it should burn."  He closed his eyes and hung his head.  "I've been greedy, asking you to spend the time out here with me, keeping me warm, taking care of me, and-"

"Hey," Hob coaxed, stepping up beside Dream, covering one of Dream's hands with his own, pressing their sides together.  "I know the cold hurts.  Makes your nose and throat hurt with it.  Makes me worry about you.  I know you like the sound of the ocean, but-"  

Dream shook his head, the rapid change in temperature making his body feel too tight, and the reminder that what he’d had tonight was fleeting, oh-so fleeting.  A thought to keep him warm at night in the future when Hob left him far behind.  "I am a failure," he snarled, clenching his hands around the railing.  "I failed my father as a son, as an heir."  

"Dream, love," Hob coaxed.  "From everything I know about your father in the few brief interactions I've had with him, being a failure in his eyes is the greatest possible compliment."  He reached out and cupped Dream's cheek.  "Look at me.  Tell me what else you have failed."  

Dream inhaled, the sharp burn of cold air in his lungs making his eyes water, but it was right, it felt right.  Like he should have to suffer this to have the warmth of Hob in front of him.  "My children.  My family drove their mother away, and now they must grow up without her presence, despite how much they miss her."  

Hob nodded.  "That is not your failure. That is hers, and that of your family."  

"I, I could have done something, I could have protected her, or, or..."  Dream shook his head with a snarl.  "I, I nearly failed the boys and Lucienne and Jessamy when you, when I..."  He dug his fingers into the cold metal.  "How long until I fail them again, and this time in a way that I cannot come back from?"  

Hob sighed and reached out, carefully unwinding Dream's fingers from around the frozen metal, pulling him back from the railing.  Dream was stiff as a board, but Hob managed to bully him back into the suite, shutting the door to the outside behind him, shoving Dream back into his bedroom, shutting that door as well.  

Dream sat down on the edge of the bed, staring down at the carpet.  "Are you going to tell me all the ways in which I am not a failure?  That they are true successes?  That somehow they do not mean anything?"  He scoffed and tossed his head.  The stolen moments of the party tonight felt as though they were a fevered dream, so far removed from the reality of his life, the reality of everything that he had returned to here.  He envied them, so badly that his entire heart ached with it.  

"Of course not," Hob said, stopping in front of Dream with a sigh, reaching out to comb his fingers through Dream's hair.  "I think that your perspective on failure, especially as it relates to your family, is skewed, but it is still your perspective."  He leaned down and kissed Dream's forehead and remained close to him.  "All I can truly tell you, love, is that failures are not all we are.  Would you consider me a failure for being fired from a job?"  

Dream blinked and scowled.  "Of course not."  

"Even though I've been fired from more than one?" Hob challenged, looking down at Dream.  "How about if you knew that I had killed men in war?  If I had taken cowardly shots, done things that I will carry to my grave the weight of their shame, in order to survive.  Would you consider me a failure then?"  

Dream snapped his lips shut and looked away from Hob.  "No," he repeated, softer this time.  "I would not."  

"Would you consider me a failure for running away from my remaining family when all of my immediate family died due to a violent flu one winter?" Hob challenged, blinking hard as he stared at Dream.  "My sisters, my brother, and both my parents.  All of them, the same winter."  

"Hob," Dream's voice broke.  "No, of course not."  

"Then why," Hob said, turning Dream's face back to him.  "Would I consider you a failure for simply living the life you have been given?  You love your boys, Dream.  You love them with everything in you, and even if I knew nothing else about you, absolutely nothing, that would tell me the type of man you are.  You compensate men who work for you fairly, even when you make excessive demands.  You protect everyone around you to the best of your ability."  

Hob leaned in and pressed a kiss to Dream's forehead.  "Our failures, no matter how we see them, are not what define us, Dream.  Only we can do that.  If you believe your failures define you, then that is what will.  But those are not all you are, you are much more than that, and I would have you believe it with every part of you."  

Dream's eyes fluttered shut and a tear slid down his cheek as he took in a shaky breath.  "I do not know who I am outside of the roles I have been born into, Hob.  Who am I supposed to be?"  

"You are a father," Hob corrected.  "You are a friend.  You are a brother.  You will always be those things, even when tragedy strikes and worse times arrive upon you.  Those have nothing to do with your father, or the roles you have been cast into.  Those are the ones you have picked for yourself.  You own them, as you own your own stubbornness."  He smiled faintly and brushed their noses together once more.  

"And to answer your question," Hob said, keeping Dream facing him.  "It is anyone you wish to be.  You are not stuck as only yourself.  Tonight you were a dancer.  Tonight you were a man that is going to be a legend to everyone in the steerage.  Tonight, you made sure a great many families will be able to have more food than they could have dreamed of for the next few weeks."  

Dream's eyes fluttered in pain.  "Hob.  I am, I have not been a kind man.  I am, you..."  he shook his head and frowned.  "This was an exception.  I have not been... this.  I was not this."  

"What matters to me," Hob said, tilting Dream's head up by his chin.  "Is who you are, now, Dream.  If you have not been the best man, neither have I.  I mentioned being on the wrong side of the law more than once.  I am not afraid of whatever dark pieces you think will drive me away.  Do you understand?" 

Dream stared at Hob, at the fierce sincerity in his voice, his whole body shaking, even as Hob held him in the position, kept him held up and focused.  He swallowed and let out a shaky exhale.  "You cannot mean that," he whispered.  "You cannot.  No one ever does.  It is a pretty promise that-"

Hob growled, shoving Dream back onto the bed by the shoulders, straddling him, keeping him pinned down on the bed, glaring at him.  "Try me then.  Try," Hob ordered.  "Tell me how monstrous you are, Dream.  And see if I leave."  

"I would not-" Dream's breath caught and his lashes fluttered, a single tear falling down his cheek.  "I am selfish.  I do not wish to risk losing you.  Not, not when there is so much journey here left."  

Hob sighed and slumped, pressing their foreheads together.  "Tell me one thing, then.  One thing, and I shall tell you one of my own.  A cut for a cut.  I'll go first."  His hands shook and Hob swallowed hard, breathing in deeply.  "I've robbed innocents of their last coin.  Coin that would let them survive, without care for their own health and well-being.  I've used my charm, my looks, my body, all of it, to that end."  He shuddered and opened his eyes to look at Dream fiercely.  "Not any longer.  I have left that part of me behind, but when I left home and had nothing, and starved, I..." his voice broke and Hob shuddered.  

When Dream said nothing, only remained beneath him, breathing steadily, Hob felt something in his heart crack and he forced himself to look at Dream again.  "Will you send me away now?" he asked, fighting to keep his voice from trembling.  "Now that you know?"  

"No," Dream whispered, reaching up to cup Hob's face in his palm.  "I will not send you away.  You've carried a fortune's worth of rubies alone on your chest alone, and if you wish to take it after all this is done, I will consider it a worthy expense."  He stroked along Hob's cheekbone.  "I believe, if it were me telling you this, you would tell me that it is okay to feel shame for actions I took, but that they have made you who you are, and that, you cannot regret."  

Hob let out a shaky laugh, blinking hard as he turned into Dream's hand.  "Something like that, I'd probably try to manage, yeah.  Made me sound a lot more wise than I actually am though."  He let out a rough breath and looked down at Dream.  "Your turn for a horrible thing, whatever it is."  

Dream let out a breath and leaned back against the bed, staring at the ceiling.  He blinked slowly and tried to breathe.  "Calliope did not want to marry me."  He shuddered, dropping one hand to the blanket to tremble.  "She did want to escape her family and their expectations, and I offered her the avenue to do so.  She loved both our boys, she did, but she loved her freedom more."  He blinked and stared at the ceiling, a tear running down his cheek.  "I knew this when I married her.  I considered it a perfect solution, as we were aware coming into the relationship knowing this.  But then she had Orpheus.  She had Robyn.  She seemed so happy, and then..."  

"And why is that a failure of yours?" Hob challenged.  "Why is that a horrible thing you did?"  

"I helped to bring two children into the world that were not wanted by one of their parents," Dream whispered, his cheeks heating in shame.  "And I will live knowing that they are hurt by her absence every day for the rest of my life, Hob.  And know that it is my fault that they hurt as a result.  Because I did not believe she would leave them, that she would be able to do as she did."  

Hob's heart broke at the pain in Dream's voice and he curled himself on top of Dream, holding him as tight and close as he dared.  "I'm sorry," he whispered, pressing his face to Dream's heart, even as it beat under him, strong and loud.  "I am sorry that you went through that, and that the boys went through that."  

Dream trembled and shook.  "Since her departure, my father has tried to arrange more than a dozen marriages for me, and I have used the excuse of grief over her to stave him off.  Now, even the most strident mourning period has passed, and he wishes for me to wed Jessamy."  A tear slid down his cheek.  "It is as though he does not even see the boys.  I cannot remember the last time that he saw them and said a kind word to them.  They are good boys, Hob, how does he not... how can he not..."  

"I don't know, love," Hob soothed.  "I fell in love with both of your boys after less than five minutes with them.  They have me wrapped around both of their fingers, quite happily."  He kissed Dream's skin softly.  "I don't know how he couldn't love them, simply by looking at them and appreciating what amazing people they are growing up to be."  

"Why is that not enough?" Dream snarled, pressing his hands to his eyes.  "Why was taking the title when I did not want it, I had never wanted it, never wished it, when my brother gave it up, why was that not enough?  Why was my marriage to Calliope that gave me two magnificent children not enough?!"  He reached up and tugged and pulled at his hair.  "What must I do to be enough, Hob?!"  

Hob reached out and grabbed Dream's hands, tugging them out of his hair, pressing them back to the comforter, staring down at him.  When Dream struggled against him, Hob kept him pinned and kept their eyes locked, and didn't say a word.  At last, Dream collapsed as though his strings had been cut and Hob raised an eyebrow at him.  He smiled faintly and loosened his hold so Dream could move and flex his hands.  

"Nothing," Hob answered, after Dream's chest heaved for several long moments.  "There is nothing you can do to be enough for him.  Absolutely nothing.  You will fail at trying, because he will continue to move the line you must reach.  Again and again, he will move it on you, until you die trying to reach it, one final failure for him to poke at.  He's nearly pushed you there already."  

Dream flinched, inhaling sharply.  

"But on the same hand," Hob said, his voice softening again.  "The answer is nothing.  There is nothing you must do to be enough, because you are enough exactly as you are.  Every flaw and every scar that you carry, every part of you that exists and has existed and will exist.  Those are enough and they are always going to be enough." 

Dream trembled and stared at Hob, the words echoing in the room, and let out a rough breath, shuddering.  "I have ruined our evening," he said, softly.  "I am sorry."  

"Far as I'm concerned the only way you could ruin my evening is if you decided you want to jump over that railing," Hob said with a shrug, keeping Dream pinned where he was.  "Now, let me see if I've got this right.  You were sitting outside at night to punish yourself for not being good enough.  And when I showed up and made that okay, you felt belatedly guilty about it."  

Dream grunted and closed his eyes.  

Hob snorted and leaned down to nuzzle into Dream's neck.  "Self-sacrificing idiot," he breathed, his voice soft as he continued to nuzzle and kiss the skin.  "You do not need to punish yourself for the good things in your life.  For allowing yourself comfort.  You are failing the expectations of a man who does not want you to meet them.  He is torturing you to make you fit the mold he wishes for.  And it's going to cost you everything if you keep letting him do it."  

"I do not know how to stop," Dream said, his voice trembling.  "How might I stop?"  

"You walk away," Hob whispered.  "You take your children, Jessamy, and Lucienne-" he barely managed to cut off mentioning himself before he continued on, stubbornly.  "You do a cash withdrawal, and you run, Dream.  You walk away.  You pretend to be married to one of them.  You find somewhere to live, and you live quietly.  Happily.  You fall in love again.  You watch Lucienne and Jessamy be happy together.  You watch your boys grow up and fall in love themselves.  You find a life."  

Dream swallowed, clenching his eyes shut.  "You make it sound easy."  

"I've told you before, it's one of the hardest things you can do.  It will be even harder for you.  You might have to go without five different dinner jacket options," he teased, reaching out to stroke Dream's cheek.  "But it can be done.  It can be.  I told you.  I've done it.  I can even tell you a few people to talk to that'd help you out.  Make it happen.  Hide you, far from your father's influence."  

"And if he finds us?" Dream asked.  "If he finds us again-"

"You remember that there is nothing he can do to you," Hob repeated, softly.  "If you take your own money with you, Dream.  There is nothing that he can do to stop you.  He cannot.  All of the power he wields, he wields because it is granted to him by others.  That's why I called myself a whore instead of letting him say it.  That's why I don't let him get all of his words out before I interrupt him."  He stroked Dream's cheek again and tried to encourage him to open his eyes.  "I cut his legs out from under him.  He is used to commanding the room, he does not know what to do with someone else who keeps doing that to him."  

Dream blinked his eyes open slowly and stared up at the ceiling, his whole body tense as he remained pinned to the bed.  "I do not know how to do this.  How to be... be happy."

"I've seen you with your boys.  I would disagree," Hob said, challenging that.  "But if you're talking about in a life, happiness takes work.  It takes effort.  And it takes people helping you who care about you."  He smiled and leaned in to kiss Dream's cheek.  "But for now, you do not need to think about it further.  We have another five days of travel ahead of us and that is a lifetime.  Live that, and then worry about what comes next."  

Dream nodded once.  "We should sleep," he agreed.  He took a deep breath, his chest aching from the cold air before.  "In here," he added.  "Could we-" he paused, hesitated, and glanced at Hob.  "Could we have the porthole cracked open, perhaps?  So I could hear-"

"Yes," Hob agreed, leaning up to kiss Dream.  "Yes, love, we can have the porthole open so you can hear the sound of the ocean to fall asleep to."  He rubbed their noses together.  "Now, come.  Wash your face, I am going to go grab a nightshirt, you do the same, and then we can sleep."  

Dream nodded once and watched as Hob climbed off of him and made his way across the suite and into the other room.  He forced himself upright, sitting on the edge of the bed, looking around the room before he forced himself into motion, wiping the sweat from his face and neck, breathing in deeply as he changed, slipping on a nightshirt, before sitting on the edge of the bed.  The bed was still mussed from their earlier passions and the sight made him smile.  

"There's a proper smile," Hob said, stepping back into the room, putting the rose on the table beside its mate from Dream's jacket.  He reached up and tugged the porthole open, shivering at the blast of cool air.  But, exactly as they wanted, the sound of the ocean was immediately echoing in the room and he could see Dream's shoulders relaxing.  "Ready to sleep?"  

"Yes," Dream agreed, climbing up the bed, exhaustion weighing his limbs down as he struggled to get under the covers, relieved when Hob lifted the sheet and blanket up to help him into position, before climbing in himself.  Dream turned, curling up against Hob's chest immediately, burying his face in Hob's neck with a happy sigh, glad when Hob turned toward him and wrapped him up properly.  

"You're not a failure to me," Hob soothed, rubbing up and down Dream's back easily.  "Want to make sure that you know that.  You're brilliant.  You're a fantastic father, and you've been nothing but kind and rather perfect around me the entire time I've known you."  Hob kept the confession that rattled against his teeth locked firmly away.  That he was falling in love, that he had fallen in love, that Dream was one of the easiest people to fall in love with that Hob had ever met, that Dream was desperately lonely and all Hob wanted to do was make sure he knew that he would never be alone again.  

Hob hummed quietly and pressed a kiss to the top of Dream's head.  "You'll have to make sure to tell us what happens to the Prince of Stories tomorrow night," he breathed, the words whisper soft.  "But I think for tonight, I can sing us both to sleep."  He closed his eyes and started to sing, soft and quiet among the sound of waves in the cabin.

Chapter Text

Dream woke up to the brush of sun against his eyes and blinked slowly with a hum, turning to bury his face against warm skin with a happy sigh.  He didn't need to be up yet, he didn't need to face the sunshine and everything that came with it just yet.  He could stay buried, he could stay hidden, right here, in the warmth of Hob's arms.  He shifted and wrapped an arm tighter around Hob and breathed out slowly, letting himself luxuriate in the welcome touch.  

How he would manage after having this, he didn't know, but that was a problem for after they made it to New York.  After Hob disappeared, as he had promised, he would be left alone, nothing but Hob's advice, and his memory to carry him forward.  Dream let out a rough breath and pressed closer.  If only he could somehow convince Hob to stay, but... Hob had always been so careful not to mention himself in any of his future plans.  Had offered help, but not his own.  

A small tremble went through Dream and he was glad when Hob's arm around him tightened, and he clenched his eyes shut, breathing in deep.  He would have this, he was lucky to have this at all, let alone for the full week that Hob was going to allow him.  He didn't deserve this sweetness, the kindness, but now that he had it, he was not willing to let it go, not unless...

"You're thinking heavy thoughts this morning," Hob said, leaning down to nuzzle Dream's hair.  "You're awake before the boys are here, too."  

Dream managed a quiet hum, refusing to pull his face back to look at Hob, to let his every emotion be seen as though he were transparent.  "Apologies," he managed eventually, letting himself sag back into Hob's arms.  It was easier, almost, to want to tease and distract himself with how easily he was held, how comforted he was.  

Hob shrugged and kept rubbing up Dream's back in slow swipes of his hand.  "Don't have to apologize, love.  Your thoughts are your own.  I'm here if you want to talk, or if you don't."  He yawned and stretched a little before curling Dream close once more, smiling when Dream took the chance to press closer to him.  

"You are generous," Dream said, opening his eyes to blink against Hob's skin.  He leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to the curve of his neck, his clavicle, up to his jaw.  No heat, no desire for more, but the simple touch and drag along the stubble rough skin was enough to distract him from the growing thoughts in his mind.  "With your presence and your time."  

"Don't have anywhere else to be," Hob said with a shrug.  "If I hadn't ended up meeting you, I would have probably made friends with half the crew by now, just for someone to talk with."  He smiled and leaned back against the pillow with a happy groan.  "Really rather glad that I met you, more than I wanna admit.  This has been the most amazing adventure, as your boys would say."  

Dream chuckled and shifted a fraction, resting his chin on Hob's chest, and looking up at him.  "You consider being verbally abused by my father an adventure?"

Hob laughed and reached out to comb some of Dream's hair out of his face, cupping his cheek reverently before he went back to the gentle petting.  "That?  No.  He can go fall off the back of the ship as far as I'm concerned.  But you?  Taking care of you?  Meeting you, getting to spend time with you, with your boys?  Taking them around the ship, taking you all to the party last night?  Yes, that's all the best kind of adventure."  

Dream's breath caught and he could feel the sincerity in Hob's words and dropped his face down to Hob's chest, nuzzling him through the shirt as he sighed.  "As much as I may wish to savor you this morning, the boys will be here soon," he murmured.  

"Think they can survive seeing us kissing?" Hob teased, reaching down to wrap an arm around Dream's waist, hauling him up and against him, leaning in for a gentle kiss.  "Think they might have to," he whispered, kissing Dream again, slow and gentle.  "Just us here, for a little while longer," he promised, giving Dream another kiss, a steady press of lips together so the other man melted properly.  

By the time the boys burst into the room twenty or so minutes later, Hob had lost track of how many kisses they had shared.  But it was worth it for when the boys climbed onto the bed, laughing and shouting their names.  Hob wrapped Orpheus up in a hug as the boy chattered eagerly about the friends he'd made the night before and how two of them had been so excited that he spoke Greek and that he could talk back to them.  

Hob looked up at Dream, who was being regaled with his own stories from Robyn, the two of them talking over each other, and smiled, his heart melting at the idea that he would have this, for at least a few days more.  He turned his full attention back to Orpheus and reached out to hug him close.  "I bet that they appreciated that more than you'll ever know.  Sometimes it's hard when no one speaks your language around you."  

"It was amazing!" Orpheus said, his eyes wide and happy.  "Can we go see them again?  Please Mr. Hob?"  

"That'll be up to your Dad," Hob said, gesturing to Dream.  "But I think today, you will need to focus on your lessons since you had yesterday off.  But if you are good, I think we can most definitely go visit them again."  That earned him a fierce, but willing pout, and Hob laughed as Orpheus gave him another hug before going to crawl against his father with Robyn.  

Hob took his time watching as Morpheus hugged them both close, speaking to them softly and easily, the love in his eyes shining so obvious and bright that it made his heart ache to watch him.  When all three sets of eyes turned to him at once, curiosity clear, Hob flushed and cleared his throat.  "Sorry, I was woolgathering.  What is it?"  

"Go!" Dream said, pushing the two boys toward Hob, watching as they tackled him back to the sheets, making him laugh.  There was an immediate burst of laughter from Hob as both boys attempted a tickle attack and Hob fighting back against them with fingers that clearly knew how to have a tickle fight with children.  Dream watched them indulgently for several long seconds before he lifted his eyes to the doorway where Lucienne was waiting.  The lack of Jessamy made him frown and he made sure Hob was distracting the boys thoroughly before he stood up and made his way over to her.  

"What's wrong?" Dream asked, keeping his voice low.  

"Jessamy was summoned by Lord Endless this morning," Lucienne said quietly.  "She thought it wise to not refuse, not without talking to you first."  

Dream's back stiffened.  "What?" he breathed, anger surging through him.  "He dares..."

"I am afraid," Lucienne admitted.  "I got the boys ready as quickly as I could to bring them here, but-"

"I will go, now," Dream spun on his heel, striding to the dresser, quickly pulling out clothes.  "Hob, I need you and Lucienne to stay here with the boys."  He turned to look at him.  "Do not, under any circumstances, open the door for anyone that is not myself or Jessamy, do you understand?"  

Hob snapped to full attention at the seriousness in Dream's voice.  "Dream, what's-" he cut himself off and looked down at the boys, chewing on his lower lip before he nodded once.  "Do you need help?"  

Dream dressed himself as quickly as he dared, combing his hair back before looking at his sons and Hob on the bed.  His heart ached and he wanted nothing more than to return to them, to hide away from the world outside the door.  He strode over to the edge and cupped Hob's chin his hand.  "My father has requested to meet with Jessamy," he explained, watching Hob's eyes widen, before he leaned down to kiss his cheek.  "Keep my boys safe, Hob," he ordered.  

Hob nodded once, his jaw tight.  "Go, get her back," he managed, his voice rough.  "We'll be fine here."  He glanced at Lucienne.  "I'm sure that I can help with the boy's lessons, or maybe they can take a turn teaching me."  He could see the fear in Lucienne's eyes and it was growing by the second.  Dream's final movement was to grab the black diamond-studded rose to pin it to his lapel and he swallowed at the sight.  

"Dream," Hob called, as he strode to the door.  "I'll come for you if you don't come back."  He lifted his chin and met Dream's eyes, waiting for him to nod once before he spun to leave.  Both Orpheus and Robyn had gone silent and clearly scared, so Hob gathered himself together and took a deep breath.  "All right, darlings.  Your father needs to go rescue Jessamy, and I need to make sure you stay safe."  

With Lucienne's help, Hob moved one of the heavier couches in front of the door to make sure that no one would come in, even with the key, without their permission.  It was risky, but it would guarantee that they would stay safe, and they'd be able to move it to let anyone else in if they needed to.  It took even more effort, but eventually, Lucienne managed to get the boys working on their lessons, as she and Hob watched from a few feet away.  

"Why would he have summoned her, she's Dream's ward, isn't she?" Hob asked, keeping the question low, glancing at Lucienne.  "He has no control over her."  

"He is still the head of the family, and in these situations, that counts for far more than it should," Lucienne said softly.  "She would not have had bounds to refuse, as you would, as a member of that family."  

Hob bit down a growl and glared at the ceiling above him.  "You know him far better than I do.  What do you expect of him?"  

Lucienne pressed her lips tighter together as both the boys continued to write, the sound of their scribbling barely covered by the sound of the ocean.  "Nothing good.  Dream has refused to marry her, and while he cannot force Dream to do that, there are a great many other things that he can attempt to force."  

Hob tightened his hand into a fist and let out a small breath.  "If he doesn't come back by three, I'm going after him," he promised, looking at her.  "I don't care what it takes.  I will bring him back." 

Hob did his best not to worry the boys, to keep smiling, and to help them stay focused on their lessons as Lucienne instructed them over the course of the morning, but the more time that went by, the antsier that he got.  They moved the couch aside to order food for lunch, and thankfully, since it was to Dream's rooms, the request was not questioned. Hob paced across the room as the boys ate, taking a few moments to stare out at the sunshine while Lucienne got the boys set up in his room for a nap after lunch.  

Hob grit his teeth together, his mind racing as he thought about precisely what Dream could have been dragged into, what he could be facing on his own when rapid knocking came to the door.  He spun around and waited a precious few seconds for Lucienne's help to move the couch, only to pull the door open and relax in relief when he saw Jessamy standing there, her eyes wide and worried.  He let her in and looked around the hallway, his heart clenching when there was no sight of Dream.  He shut the door once more and moved the couch back as Lucienne and Jessamy embraced, the both of them speaking quietly.  

He waited as long as he could, for the two of them to share a soft kiss, before he cleared his throat and looked at Jessamy.  "What happened?" he asked.  "Where is Dream?"  

Jessamy swallowed.  "His father has..." he paused and hesitated.  "Has said that you've been drugging him to keep him compliant and allowing you to take advantage of him.  He agreed to be put under medical observation for the remainder of the trip if he would let me go."  

Hob let out a rough breath and grabbed the back of the couch.  "The remainder of the trip?" he asked, his voice hoarse.  "That's..."  he shook himself and let out a deep breath.  "How can he just-"

"He had me," Jessamy said, softly.  "Had already accepted three separate marriage proposals on my behalf if I did not do as he asked.  Dream, he... he did what he could."  

Hob tightened his fingers into the fabric of the couch and lifted his eyes to the door.  He'd promised to protect Dream and he'd failed.  He'd failed, but he wasn't going to keep failing.  He took another deep breath.  He looked back at the two of them, and they were doing their best not to be scared, just like the boys.  The former Lord Endless was about to find that he was a dog with teeth.

He stepped away from the door and gestured for Lucienne and Jessamy to follow him into Dream's room, shutting the door behind them so they would have as much privacy as possible.  "I am going to take the four of you to steerage.  I'm going to put you in the care of one of the women who ran the party last night.  They won't look for you down there.  They're going to expect you to stay here."  His blood was pounding and the urge to find a fight, to sink his fist into the smug Lord Endless' face was too damn tempting.  

"Then," Hob said with a deep breath.  "Once I know the four of you are safe, I am going to go get Dream back."  

"If you break him out-" Jessamy cut herself off when Hob looked at her and dropped her hand.  "You're going to confirm everything that they are saying about you."  

Hob let out a quiet laugh and looked at her, really let himself look.  "Did Dream tell you what happened?  What really happened?  How we met?"  

Both of them were silent, staring at him, and Hob gave a single nod.  "I thought not.  It's all right.  But I made him a promise.  And I am going to keep that promise, and to hell what the entirety of first-class thinks of it.  I am going to keep it."  He pushed his hair out of his face and took one final deep breath.  "He is learning that he does not have to be controlled by his father, and if you are all safe, then there is nothing holding him back from walking away."  

"You cannot..." Lucienne frowned and pressed her lips together.  "He will be devastated if he loses you.  You are already... important to him."  

Hob gave her a weak smile.  "I think he might be the most important person in my entire life," he admitted before turning back to the dresser.  He reached out for the rose, the match to Dream's, and wrapped his hand around it, before pinning it to his lapel.  A blatant, obvious claim.  He took a moment and snuck into the boy's room and grabbed his bag.  A few moments of rifling through his things, Hob had what he wanted, a few small weapons tucked across his person and he turned to look at the ladies.  

"Wake the boys," he ordered softly.  "We're going to get the hell out of here, and you might have to run to do it."  Hob wanted to be proud of them for how brave they were being when they both nodded and went to go get Orpheus and Robyn, who were rubbing their faces with sleep.  Hob knelt down in front of them and managed to give them a smile.  

"Your Daddy has done something very honorable to try to protect all of you," Hob said, looking between both of them.  "But I made him a promise that I would be the one to protect him, and I am going to keep that promise.  I can't do it if I don't know you are safe."  he looked at Orpheus.  "I am going to put you with the family who speaks Greek.  I need you to tell them your father will pay whatever they ask for their help, but they must, they must keep you safe.  Do you understand, Orpheus?"  

Orpheus nodded once.  "You're, you're going to bring him back, right?  You're both going to be all right?"  

"We will," Hob promised, reaching out to wrap the boys in a hug.  "Now, we're going to need to run.  Miss Lucienne and Miss Jessamy are going to go first, and I am going to go behind.  They know where to bring you if I can't come with you."  He could see the fear in their eyes and hugged them tighter.  "You're both so brave, and your father is so very proud of you, I promise you that.  He'll tell you himself later, okay?  And then we'll make him tell us about the Prince of Stories tonight."  They both gave wet laughs, so Hob gave them one more quick hug before he stood up and they moved the couch out of the way of the door, squaring his shoulders, Hob stepped out of the doorway.  

Clyde was waiting there, a smug smirk on his face, and Hob did not hesitate to step up and swing with all of his might, cold-cocking him and sending him spinning to the floor.  He shut the room behind him and looked at Jessamy and Lucienne, breathing hard.  "Move, now," he ordered, watching as they obeyed the order and proceeded to do exactly that.  Hob took a moment to frisk Clyde, removing his weapons, and, on a whim, his wallet, tucking them away on his person before he stood up and started to run after the ladies, stepping into the lift with them.  It would be a matter of time before Clyde was found.  

Hob just had to hope that it wouldn't be before he had a chance to find Dream and get him free.  He took a deep breath and hit the button for the lower steerage levels.  

~!~

Once the boys and Lucienne and Jessamy were safely tucked away in a cabin that was far too tight for all of them, Hob gave them one last smile and shut the door behind him.  He took a deep breath and pushed his fingers through his hair.  Several of the men were watching him, giving him nods, and he walked through them.  "Keep them safe."  He pulled out Clyde's wallet and tossed it at them.  It had been thick enough with bills that they'd find something in there.  "Keep what you want out of that and make sure no one finds them."  

He didn't wait for their response, and turned to jog his way to the lift on the other side of the ship.  Now to find where they were keeping Dream.  

~!~

In the end, it was easier than he expected to find Dream.  

Wandering the hallways of first class, he turned a corner and caught sight of two men standing outside another doorway and ducked back behind the corner before they caught sight of him.  He let out a hard breath and leaned back against the wall.  That had to be where they were keeping Dream, right?  If he was simply under house arrest and his father didn't want any sort of unpleasant rumors, keeping him in another room in first class was the best way to do that.  

Hob took a deep breath and rolled his shoulders.  His hand was aching from earlier, but it was a reminder of what he was about to do, and why.  He straightened his shoulders and rounded the corner, taking long strides, and by the time both men noticed him and turned to face him, Hob wasn't stopping.  He used every bit of his momentum to sink his fist into the stomach of the man stepping up to him, and ducked under the swing of the second man.  A quick twist and application of his elbow had the first man on the ground, groaning, and Hob gave him a solid kick to the balls for good measure and to keep him down, before he turned to the other guard.  He smirked and raised his eyebrows.  

"Lord, Lord Endless-"

"Is a bully," Hob snarled, stepping closer to the man.  "Who would manipulate his family for his own gains, would mold them into his image and hate them if they do not fit what that image is.  Who could not see the gifts he has been given by this life if he tried, and does nothing but push them further and further away."  

He took another step forward and watched the man stumble back a step.  "You run and take a message to Lord Endless, right now.  You tell him that this ends for the rest of the ship journey.  It ends, or I will make him end it."  Hob smirked, his eyes bright.  "No more.  Not a single step more.  No more escalation.  None of it."  

"Why would he listen to you?  Common trash!"  

Hob laughed and reached out to grab the man by the neck, pinning him back against the wall.  "Common trash I might be," he breathed.  "Whore in your eyes, I might also be.  But he should think, properly, about what it would mean to have those things exposed.  Right now, all his precious friends and associates think that I am far worse than a friend with bad manners.  Nothing worth more than mild gossip over."  

"Just think," Hob snarled.  "Just how much of his reputation I could so easily destroy with a few moments in the dining room.  How much shame I could bring upon his precious family and never look back."  He narrowed his eyes.  "You have pushed Dream into a corner, and he is going to punch back, now.  It either ends, or we will end it.  You take that message to him, and we'll be coming to hear his answer.  Understood?"  Hob tightened his hand and then let the man go, watching him turn to run down the hallway.  His chest heaved and he turned to the door, about to knock, when it opened, and Dream was there, staring at him with wide eyes.  

Relief flooded through Hob and he had stepped through and into Dream's arms before more than a second had passed.  He pressed his face to Dream's neck and held on as tight as he dared, squeezing him tight.  "They're all safe," he promised, keeping his voice soft.  "I promise that they're all safe, Dream."  

Dream trembled, his voice shaking.  "What are you doing here?  Why, why are you-"

"You fucking idiot," Hob growled, trying not to laugh through his tears.  "I told you.  I am going to protect you.  You deserve someone to protect you.  You think I was going to give up on that when it got a little bit harder?"  

Dream snapped his mouth shut and slowly lowered his face to Hob's hair, holding onto him tightly, even though he could feel the press of what were clearly knives against his back.  "My father-"

"This all stops now," Hob promised.  "It's going to stop, Dream.  We're going to make it stop."  He took a deep breath and looked up at him.  "We're going to walk away.  We're going to threaten him with us."  He reached up and cupped Dream's face.  "It's the only thing that'll work.  It'll shame him into leaving us alone."  

Dream shuddered, his arms tightening around Hob.  "You are not something to be ashamed of.  Not for your upbringing, or financial situation, or, or-"

Hob kissed Dream, cutting the words off, a firm press to keep Dream distracted as they slowly came down from the adrenaline rush and he smiled, pressing their foreheads together.  "Thank you," he whispered, staring at Dream, at the liquid blue eyes that hadn't looked away from him.  "As long as you believe that, that's all I need."  He gave another nod.  "Now, ready?  We're going to go confront him now."  

Dream nodded once.  "You are sure that this will..."

"I think your father would do anything to save face in front of his peers.  And I think calling a cease-fire while we are on the ship is his best bet to give him time to plan for something in New York."  Hob reached up and cupped Dream's face in his palms.  "You're going to have to disappear, love.  Whether you like it or not.  You're going to have to run, now.  Or this is only going to get worse."  

Another shudder rolled up his spine uncomfortably and he licked his lips.  "I, my sister, I, I have to-"

"We'll make sure she knows," Hob said, his voice soft.  "I'll make sure of it, Dream.  I don't know how yet, but we'll make sure that she knows, so she can find you and the boys again, I promise."  It was easy to promise the words as Dream melted into his hands and arms.  "But you're going to have to be ready to run, as long and as hard as you can."  

Dream took a deep breath and looked down.  "We can't stay in the Americas.  We'll, we'll have to go back to Europe.  I have, places.  Places there, that I can stay.  That my father does not know of.  I can sell them to buy another."  

"Good," Hob coaxed.  "We're going to be in the US when the Titanic touches down, but New York City is a large place to disappear into.  I can help.  I promise I'll help."  He smiled faintly and pressed their foreheads together.  "But first, let's make your family safe for the rest of this trip.  You ready?"  

Dream squared his shoulders and straightened up before nodding once.  "I am ready.  I am not going to allow him to control this any longer."  He reached out and took Hob's hand, giving it a squeeze before letting it go.  The comforting sight of the rose on Hob's chest was a reminder that they were in this together, and Hob was going to come for him, no matter what happened.  "Let's go."  

Hob followed Dream as he led the way through the first-class cabins to the other side of the ship.  The two of them kept pace, side by side, and when Dream stopped in front of a door and hesitated only for a moment, Hob watched him turn the handle and step through, closing the door behind him.  He turned to look at the room.  One main exit.  Another on the balcony if they had to.  Four men, and the former Lord Endless.  If Dream knew how to throw a punch, far from insurmountable odds.  

"Well, well.  And here I thought we had finished our conversation," Lord Endless said, settling back in the chair to stare at his son.  "Did you have something further to say?  Did you wish to grovel with an apology?  You are cowardly enough for such a thing, I imagine.  Makes me wonder if you are any son of mine.  And here I thought throwing you into boarding school would have taught you manners."  

Dream took a step forward.  "All of this is ending now.  I am not going to stay under your arrest.  I am of perfectly sound mind and body-"

"My doctor says otherwise," Lord Endless said, with a wave of his hand.  "You can't be blamed for not realizing you are under such an influence, Dream."  

Dream narrowed his eyes and frowned.  "I am not going to allow the opinion of a man on your payroll to keep me from my family, or from my freedom, not any longer."  He stood in the center of the room and looked around at them.  "Nor am I going to allow you to use Jessamy against me in such a way.  She is my ward, she does not answer to you."  

"She is a member of this family, she answers to me as you all do," Time said, dismissively.  "She should be happy with those matches I found for her."  

"She will not marry any of them," Dream reiterated, staring down his father.  "I will not allow it."  

"You..." Time paused and pointedly raised an eyebrow.  "Will not allow it?  How, pray tell, do you plan to stop it?" 

Hob let out a rough laugh as both Dream and his father turned to look at him.  He raised his eyebrows and crossed his arms over his chest, stepping up beside Dream, leaning against him.  "Easy," he said with a shrug.  

"Easy," Lord Endless said, frowning.  "How do you suppose as much?"  

Hob's smirk grew lazy and satisfied.  "So far, no harm has come to your family's reputation from my association beyond a poor choice in friends.  How difficult do you imagine it would be for me to bring all of that crashing down?"  He reached up and tugged faintly at his collar, loosening it, leaving the mark Dream had put on his neck on vivid display.  He raised his eyebrows as Lord Endless' face twisted.  

"Imagine both of us, walking into the remaining breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, covered in marks like this.  Unashamed.  Together," Hob bared his teeth in another, darker smirk.  "Imagine if I were to join your smoking room and hold his hand.  Settled into his lap while he talked business like the whore you suppose me to be?"  He licked his lips and raised his eyebrows.  "You couldn't stop me.  Couldn't stop us.  If we were to disappear, after the scenes you have made in our presence, well.  There would be concern for the children, wouldn't there be?  Where they have gone?  Who is caring for them?  Where their father is?"  

Hob adjusted his jacket a fraction and continued to stare at the man with the rapidly reddening face in front of him.  "I have no qualms whatsoever about making sure every mild acquaintance you have knows how well your son fucks me.  How loud I scream for him."  He licked his lips and snorted.  "If you think my current manners inappropriate, you have no frame for how poor I can make myself appear, Mister Endless."  He twitched his fingers and winked.  

"Dream!" Lord Endless snapped, standing.  "You will control your, your-"

"Call him that word again," Dream snarled, his hands tangled into fists.  "And I will make good on every threat that he has made here.  I will ensure that everyone knows.  That we are blatant, and obvious, and do not try to be discrete.  Everyone will know."  He stepped closer, partially in front of Hob.  "You dared to come after my family, Father.  You dared to come near them, and while you have always been allowed to censure them, you will not control them."  

Dream planted his hands on the end of his father's desk and leaned down to glare at him.  "What would be next?  Would you arrange marriages for my sons?"  

Time scoffed, rolling his eyes.  "Of course, it's only natural-"

"No!" Dream shouted, the word echoing in the room.  "You will not come near them.  You will not touch Jessamy, Lucienne, or Hob.  You will leave all of them alone, do you hear me?"  

"Or what?" Lord Endless breathed, leaning in.  "The threat you've delivered is a paltry one.  Difficult to weather, but not impossible.  What, exactly, could you threaten me with?"  

Hob hummed and rocked back on his heels, looking at the room where the men had drawn closer.  "How about some good old-fashioned bodily harm?" he said, grinning winningly.  He tapped the front of his foot against the wood of the floor beneath them and waited for them to draw closer.  They were going to try to grab him any second and they were about to figure out what a bad idea that was.  

"Tell your men, Mister Endless," Hob warned, his voice softening.  "If they try to grab me, I will fight back, and none of them are going to leave that fight entirely intact."  

"You will address me as-"

"Absolutely not," Hob scoffed and spun out of the reach of the man who grabbed for him, the knife already in his palm, only for him to slam the butt of it against the skull of the man, sending him crashing to the ground.  The other man was dispatched in a similar fashion, flipped over the fancy couch, crashing to the ground with a groan.  Hob grinned wildly when he saw Dream swing one vicious punch that sent another man spinning, and the fourth was kneeling over, clutching his stomach.  

Hob stepped closer and took his time knocking him unconscious before he turned to Lord Endless, holding out the knife.  

"Are you going to threaten me now?" Lord Endless scoffed.  "A no one?"  

Hob's eyes brightened and he stepped closer, rolling his hips.  "So you haven't found me yet, have you?  Looks like you're a little limited in resources here on the ship, hm?"  He licked his lips and smirked, settling into the chair in front of his desk, playing with the knife.  "Tell you what.  Since we know you're coming, and I'm not without buying my own allies that would put your hired help to shame," he stared.  "We call a ceasefire on the ship."  

"A ceasefire," Time said, his voice flat.  

"Mmmhmmm," Hob hummed, cleaning his fingernails with the knife, letting it glint in the light of the day that was still bright and hot.  "No more of this attempted kidnapping and leveraging of Dream's family.  We'll continue to be relatively discreet and act as business friends and associates, regardless of the meaning you ascribe to this rose," he gestured.  

"And in return?" Lord Endless asked.  "What do I get in return for giving you this?"  

Hob leaned in.  "You get a chance to find me and destroy me before we ever step foot in New York.  You've been trying, and you've failed.  I can tell."  The flare of his nostrils showed that he was right and it clearly rankled the man.  "You hate that no one here knows who I am, except that's a lie.  They just like me better than you and wouldn't dare tell you."  He barked out a laugh.  

"You might have allies and men who can learn to swing a punch, Mister Endless, but you're a far cry from someone who grew up on the other side of the tracks," Hob said, pushing his hair out of his face, still playing with the knife.  "So we call a ceasefire, you leave Dream alone, and you see if you can find me.  If you do, if you manage to track down me, or my businesses for that manner, well."  He shrugged with a smile.  "I'm certainly not going to stop you, am I?"  

Dream met his father's eyes when they swung to him and he raised his eyebrows.  "You have tried to hurt my family for the last time.  You will not see us again.  We will not take any meals with you, nor the family.  I will avoid you," he promised, watching the faint flare of surprise there.  "You may have forgotten, but I have not.  I do not trade on the family name alone.  I do not trade on only the respect of others.  My children are not, and will never be subject to the whims of you, or what this family requires, only their own."  

Dream stood, glad when Hob stood with him.  "If you forget that again, I will not remain quiet, Father.  Every business deal I am aware of, every circumvention of the law you have done in my presence, every single moment, transaction, and agreement I can think of.  I will go to the papers.  The chance to smudge you?  To smudge the Endless family?  They would jump at the opportunity."  

Time shook, standing as well, his hands on the desk.  "You would ruin your family, your siblings' chances at a good marriage, you would destroy everything we have built, that we have worked so hard for!  All for, for him?"  

Dream shook his head.  "No.  Not for him.  For my children, father.  For them, yes, I would destroy everything you have built without hesitation.  My sisters have dowries, and their own merits.  If they wish to marry, they shall.  I obviously wish them far more luck in the endeavor than I had myself."  He took a deep breath and offered a bow.  "If you approach or follow us again, Father, I will go directly to them.  He smiled faintly.  "And I will start with Molly Brown."  

Whoever that was had to be formidable to make Dream's father sneer like that, and Hob had to fight down the urge to grin at the sight of it.  He took a deep breath and turned on his heel when Dream did, the two of them leaving the room.  He tucked the knife away and relaxed a fraction when they shut the door behind them.  The hallway was silent, and Hob reached out to take Dream's hand.  "Come on," he urged, tugging Dream into an easy walk, as they headed back to Dream's rooms, holding the door open for him once they were there, shutting it easily behind him.  

When Dream stumbled and started to fall, Hob darted forward and caught Dream against his chest.  "Woah, woah, I got you, I got you, get your feet under you." 

"Hob," Dream breathed, clinging to him, holding onto him as tight as he could, his eyes clenched shut as the world kept spinning.  

Under Dream's weight that abruptly went near limp, Hob grunted and his knees hit the floor.  He managed to get himself situated so Dream was sprawled in his lap as he trembled, barely holding himself together.  He reached down and combed his fingers through Dream's hair.  "You're okay, you're okay love, you're okay," he soothed.  "You're free of him, for now.  You're okay."  

Dream let out another shuddering breath, tightening his fingers into Hob's clothes, the clothes that he had purchased so Hob could keep up this impossible charade that now felt more real than his life ever had before.  He swallowed and shifted just a little to press his face tighter against Hob.  

"I, I thought..."  he trembled.  "I did not know if I would ever see my children again.  I envisioned a world where he assumed control of them by saying I was incapacitated, or that he would, would..."

"Shhhh," Hob soothed.  "Your children are both fine.  So are Jessamy and Lucienne.  They've got a great many protectors looking after them right now, I promise.  I wouldn't let them come to harm, Dream, you know that, right?"  

Dream nodded once.  

"And you're not trapped in that room, no one is going to accuse you of not being in your right mind, right?  We're going to go to dinner, and we're going to spend it with someone else, so you can show you are of sound mind, so I can charm the pants off them, and spite him in the best possible ways," Hob soothed, keeping his voice soft.  "Then, later tonight, I'm going to take you out and kiss you under the stars and show you what they look like when you see them truly, the way you only can on a ship."  

"I think..." Dream let out a rough breath.  "That I would like that.  Very much."  

"So would I," Hob said, continuing to comb his fingers through Dream's hair.  "So here's what we're going to do.  You're going to stay here for a little while longer.  Take some time to yourself, sit out on the porch wrapped in a blanket.  I'm going to go let Jessamy and Lucienne know we're safe."  

Dream's shoulders shook as he forced himself upright.  "I can go with you."  

"You could," Hob agreed.  "But you're trembling like a leaf, and I don't think you're up for a sprint through third class if we need to lose anyone.  You just went through a hell of an adrenaline spike and crash.  Let yourself come down and take a few minutes.  I'll be back."  He leaned in and kissed the top of Dream's head.  "I'll bring your kids back so they can see you before they go down for a nap, all right?  And then we can handle dinner and time to ourselves this evening."  

Dream nodded once more and swallowed hard.  "We are, we will have to discuss at length how to-"

"Later," Hob interrupted, rubbing gently at Dream's scalp.  "Later, Dream.  We'll talk about it as much as you like, I promise.  Right now, take a few minutes for yourself."  

"All right," Dream agreed, letting Hob help him upright and out to the couch, immediately sagging with relief at the sunshine and the familiar couch.  When Hob bundled him up, he laughed and cuddled and curled up on the couch.  "Am I situated to your satisfaction?"  

"You are," Hob agreed, leaning down to give Dream a soft kiss.  "You look so comfortable that I don't want to leave, but I will.  We'll be back soon."  He stole another kiss and headed back into the bowels of the ship.  This time, there was no one waiting for him outside the door (though the carpet was still rumpled where Clyde had fallen to it earlier), and he smiled faintly.  

Taking a deep breath, he started to jog, and sagged with relief as it looked like no one was following him, exactly as they had demanded.  He made his way down to steerage and waved to someone who was clearly positioned to keep watch.  The relief on his face was clear and Hob gave him a nod and a hard pat on the shoulder before heading to the room where the kids were.  He knocked once on the door and caught Robyn the second he dashed forward, hugging him tight.  

"Mr. Hob, Mr. Hob, did you find Daddy?" Robyn asked, pulling at his pants frantically.  "Did you find him?"  

Hob let out a chuckle of relief and picked Robyn up and into his arms, looking up at Jessamy and Lucienne.  "Yes, I did.  I found him and he's back in his rooms.  He's resting, he's very tired.  Your grandfather upset him very badly, but he wants to see you and Orpheus more than anything else in the world."  

"We'll go see him right now!" Orpheus said, jumping out of his seat.  He paused and spoke quickly to the woman and two children next to him.  

Hob watched as Orpheus spoke Greek as though he had been born to it and gave the mother a relieved smile and nod, before he opened the door for them, holding onto Robyn just as tight.  The pair of thin arms wrapped around his neck made it clear that Robyn was not about to give up his spot for anything.  "All right boys, let's go see your Dad."  

Hob gave Lucienne and Jessamy warm smiles, relating the story to them in quiet words as Orpheus remained between them.  Robyn was already struggling to stay awake against his shoulder, but Hob kept rubbing his back, trying to encourage him to doze off.  Once they were back up to first class, he tensed, but the hallways were clear of any further influence and he relaxed once they were in front of Dream's rooms and Lucienne was holding the door open.  

"Daddy!"

Orpheus' shout echoed loudly in the room and it was enough to rouse Robyn, so Hob quickly put the other boy down and both of them raced for the figure that was out on the porch still wrapped in a blanket.  A moment later, Dream was hugging both of his boys fiercely and Hob felt his heart twist.  He took a breath and turned his eyes away from the scene.  No matter how much he wanted to be out there to be a part of those hugs and the reunion, it was for them.  He'd had his moment with Dream already.  

"Thank you," Lucienne said, her voice soft.  "I have no doubt that it would have been disastrous had you not intervened."  

Hob's eyes fluttered shut and he looked over at her.  "It's not going to be easy.  He hasn't picked an easy path forward.  But he picked the best one for his boys, the right one, in my eyes.  He picked them.  He picked you - over the family and their demands," he explained, keeping his voice soft.  Whether Dream would have done that without his influence was not something he was going to spend time thinking about.  

"We'll take the boys back to their rooms for rest, after all of this excitement, I think a night in is what they both need," Jessamy said.  "They need some normalcy after all of this."  

"I agree," Hob said with a huff.  "Dream and I need to make an appearance at dinner, but we'll be by to read-" he paused, realizing how easily he had insinuated himself into those plans before he cleared his throat.  "We'll be by to read the boys stories before they sleep."  In for a penny, in for a pound.  He was already in, this wasn't anything new to any of them.  

Lucienne nodded once.  "Take some time to yourselves.  What you did was dangerous."  

"He's worth it," Hob said, watching Dream tickle Robyn and then Orpheus.  "They're all worth it.  No matter what the cost is.  They're worth it.  Keeping them exactly like that, happy and together."  He ignored the look Lucienne gave them at that pronouncement and stepped forward, moving to stand against the railing as he looked at the pile on the couch.  

"Did the blanket monster eat you all?" Hob teased, from where Robyn and Orpheus had wrapped themselves up in the same blanket with Dream.  "It certainly looks like it!"  The boys broke into laughter, trying and failing to untangle themselves with much kicking and flailing of limbs all around the place. 

Hob felt his heart turn over in his chest as he moved forward to help them get sorted and get Dream untangled as well.  His eyes met Dream's and without thinking about it, he leaned forward to steal a soft kiss, tensing when both boys gasped.  He cursed briefly and pulled back to look at Dream, only to see him smiling.  Some of the panic bled out of him and he gave a rueful smile.  "Sorry," he offered.  

"Daddy!!  Mr. Hob kissed you!" Robyn said, bouncing eagerly.  

"So he did," Dream agreed, smiling down at him.  "I wanted him to, and I'm glad that he did."  

"Well thank goodness for that!" Orpheus said with a dramatic flop back against the couch.  "Miss Lucienne said you weren't kissing and I didn't believe her, because, because..." he huffed.  "Cause I thought you did."  

Hob muffled a chuckle and helped both boys upright.  "Well, Miss Lucienne was correct up until recently, so you don't get to crow too loudly, Orpheus.  Now, come on.  Your father and I are also exhausted, so we're all going to go take a nap."  

"Awww," Robyn said, yawning, rubbing at his eyes.  "Do we have to?"  

"Since you have had far too much excitement today, yes," Dream said, smiling down at him.  "But I promise to come tuck you in tonight with stories, and I'll see you in the morning.  I suspect you might even be able to have breakfast with Mr. Hob and I."

Chapter Text

That alone had them lighting up and Hob had to laugh at how easily they were herded by Lucienne and Jessamy out into the hallway.  Hob turned back to Dream and reached out for him, taking his hand and pulling him closer.  He chuckled and pressed his face into Dream's neck.  "Really do just want to curl up with you for a few hours.  Maybe make a proper mess of you.  Figure out dinner plans.  Problem is I haven't crashed from the adrenaline yet.  All hopped up from it."  

Dream hummed and tilted his head to the side for Hob's lips, keeping him tugged close.  "I do not believe I have objections.  Do you have a suggestion for how to, ah, allow yourself to relax?"  

Hob chuckled.  "Several, in fact."  He stretched and reached up to undo his tie the rest of the way, letting it drop on the chair beside him, followed by kicking off his shoes and socks.  Next, he lost his jacket and stretched, before undoing his vest.  That also fell along the back of the chair and he turned to glance at Dream, only to find him staring intently.  He raised his eyebrows.  "See something you like, love?"  

"I do indeed," Dream agreed.  "In fact."  He paused in consideration.  "Strip.  Lay on the couch.  Facing the fire."  

Hob blinked and shivered at the command in the tone and turned to look at the couch, swallowing hard, especially when Dream lifted up his tie and his jacket, removing the rose pin from it.  "Ah, sorry, didn't mean to be careless with-"

"Put this on," Dream instructed, holding out the tie with the pin now on it.  "Drape it over your shoulders.  Pin by your left shoulder, over your heart."  

Hob shuddered and bit down a groan, his cock stirring at the order in Dream's voice before he nodded once and took the tie, draping it over his shoulders before moving over to the couch.  He stripped quickly and shivered as he kept the tie carefully in place.  With another moment of consideration, he drew the couch back a few feet from the fire and then settled onto it, making sure the tie didn't fall before relaxing against it.  The sound of Dream's breath catching had his eyes flying open and he stared as Dream stepped out of his bedroom in what was clearly nothing more than a black satin dressing gown, chest hair clearly visible through the deep v in the front, holding a sketchbook.  

Hob gave Dream a lazy grin.  "Want me to draw you, love?" he offered, stretching on the couch, spreading his legs a little wider.  That would be an exercise in control, lovingly rendering every inch of Dream would require every bit of artistic ability he possessed.  "Might have to switch spots."  

"You have already rendered me," Dream said, reaching out to tug another chair into position before he folded himself into it, the robe falling off one of his legs as he crossed them, his eyes on Hob and where he was lazily sprawled on the couch.  "Now, I wish to draw you."  

Hob gasped, and shuddered, staring at Dream and the way his eyes flicked up to him, and then remained on him, taking all of him in, dragging down the full length of his body.  He shuddered and tried not to squirm under the look.  "Dream, I'm hardly-"

"You're perfect," Dream interrupted.  "It is everything for me to remain where I am and not to come there and worship every inch of you.  I shall, once I am finished." 

Hob swallowed and felt himself flush, glad for the warmth of the fire.  "Dream."  He squirmed a little, well aware Dream would see that he was getting hard under the force of those blue eyes trained on him, tracing over him again.  Dream was holding the piece of charcoal in his hands and had yet to move or draw a single line.  "This is going to kill me."  

"I would capture you as you are.  Relaxed.  Beautiful," Dream answered, his eyes flickering to the rose resting over Hob's heart on the tie.  "Claimed as mine."  He watched Hob moan, his neck arching back as his eyes fluttered, and how his body reacted.  "You're going to have to try to stay still for me."  

"You going to draw me like this?  Hungry and wanting you?" Hob asked, licking his lips as he stared at Dream.  He took a deep breath and relaxed into position once more.  The sound of charcoal dragging across the page was almost loud in the room between them.  "Hope you'll let me see when you're done."  

"After I've had my way with you," Dream promised.  "After I have traced my fingertips over the muscles and parts of you that I have rendered in charcoal, and followed them with my mouth, you may see what I have drawn."  He looked back down at the page and carefully drew the gentle curve of Hob's calf, up to his hip, and over the line of his shoulder.  Hob was breath-taking and he wanted to devour the sight of him like this.  

"Keep your eyes on me," Dream ordered, lifting his eyes to find that Hob had already obeyed the order, and chocolate brown eyes were trained, locked on him.  He swallowed and began to draw in earnest.  It had been far too long since he had picked up his sketchbooks, but the skill had clearly never left him as he traced muscle after muscle, smudging to add shadows when it was necessary.  

Hob managed a quiet laugh, shuddering under the weight of Dream's eyes on him again and again.  There was already a drip of pre sliding down the length of his cock and he had to wonder if that was something Dream would include in the picture he was drawing.  "You're amazing, you know that?" he asked, smiling when Dream glanced up at him, unprompted.  "Talented, too."  

Dream snorted and shook his head, focusing back on the page in front of him.  "If I were so, it would not feel impossible to be able to draw you."  He smudge another line and carefully drew the charcoal along the page to form Hob's jawline.  "All I see are places I wish to put my hands and lips.  Every inch of you, reformed under me."  

"Yes," Hob moaned, his head tilting back with gasp, squirming as he managed to keep his hips still.  He pulled himself back into position once more and didn't bother trying to avoid his panting.  He licked his lips and continued to focus on Dream.  "Yes, Dream."  It was torture to imagine it, but even then, it was something he burned for, eager and hot.  The reminder of why he was wearing the rose, that he was claimed, sent another bolt of heat through him.  

"I don't think." Hob started, his voice soft in the room as Dream kept sketching.  "That there will ever be a world in which I do not desire you with every part of my being.  In which I would not wear this rose with pride."  He shuddered again and took a deep breath, slow, trying to fill his spinning mind with oxygen.  "Even now, I am bewitched by the sight of your eyes on me, your lips as you work.  Your fingers, wrapped so carefully around the charcoal.  You are bewitching."  

Dream groaned and focused on the picture in front of him, scrubbing briefly across Hob's chest, and the hair there, eager to sink his fingers into it once more.  "As are you," he agreed.  He wanted to feel Hob's hands and mouth on his own chest, teasing out every reaction, taking his time, like he had that very first night.  "Lit by the fire like this, you are a private adonis, spread out for my taking."  He paused, and considered, before flicking his eyes up.  "Would you be taken?"  

"Fuck," Hob swore, biting down on his lip for a moment, his whole body throbbing under the weight of that question.  "Yes, Dream, of course I would, want it, been thinking of it."  

"And," Dream paused, carefully tracing over the shape of the rose hanging over Hob's heart, his eyes stuck on it as he drew it, tiny whorls of charcoal forming it in moments before he moved to smudge the line of hair trailing down to Hob's cock.  "Would you take me?"  

Hob sucked in a hard breath, his cock twitching at the question, bobbing against his belly, another bead of pre sliding down the full length of it.  It throbbed and he had to fight to keep from moving, from squirming as Dream clearly waited for an answer to his question.  "If that's what you wanted," he managed, nearly breathless.  "I would.  Would open you on my tongue, have you once like that, relax you, leave you hungry for it, and then take you.  Hold you, gentle and careful.  I would."  

Dream shuddered and the piece of charcoal snapped in his fingertips as he let out a harsh breath before he picked up another, swallowing hard.  "I would enjoy that," he agreed.  "I would enjoy doing it to you just as much."  

Hob whined, biting down on his lip despite his best efforts, straining to keep his hips down and pressed to the couch.  "We have time," he panted, his mind swimming with desire.  "We have time, Dream.  For whatever you want.  Anything that you want.  I'll take such good care of you, I promise."  

Dream smiled faintly and darkened in the faint shade of stubble on Hob's cheeks, before lifting his fingers up to his hair.  The shape of him was outlined, faint shadows for each muscle group drawn and rendered, but the rest, now, would take some more time.  He kept his touches light and gentle, measuring them again and again with his eyes.  

"You have already taken truly magnificent care of me and my family, Hob," Dream whispered, drawing a darker line along Hob's shoulder.  "You have been everything, from the moment you saved me, and have not ceased offering me comfort and support.  Anything that is in my power to give you is yours."  

Fitting then, that the one thing he wanted, the one thing he craved above all others, was the one thing Dream could not give unless he wished to.  Dream's heart would remain safely locked behind his breast for someone to treasure when the time was right for him.  "I don't need anything," Hob said, his voice rough.  "But things I want?  Oh, aye, there are a great many of those." 

"For me, as well," Dream said, his voice low and rough as he sketched, drawing in all the pieces he had left outline.  Hob's cock, hard and dripping against his belly, his hand trembling as he traced over it in charcoal, before trailing the piece further up to focus on his face and the intent look in those eyes.  "There are so many things I want.  It is impossible to have them all.  My want is a monstrous thing.  Better to be kept leashed."  

"And if I told you," Hob said, forcing himself to take a deep breath, his chest heaving.  "That I wanted to feel you unleashed?  If I wanted the full force of your want visited upon me, as often as you like?  In whatever manner you see fit?"  

Dream shuddered and clenched his hand around the charcoal piece, taking in a rough breath before exhaling hard.  "I would tell you that is unwise to offer.  And even more unwise to imagine.  I do not excel at moderation.  I told you this."  

"So you did," Hob agreed.  "And I want to know what it means.  I want to feel what it means.  Will you show me?  I want you to show me, Dream."  

Dream scowled and stared at Hob for several long seconds, his hand still clenched around the charcoal before he resumed drawing, careful to pull his fingertips away from the paper.  "Do you?  And what if my wants exceed yours?"  

"I find that hard to believe," Hob said, keeping his eyes on Dream when icy blue eyes met his again.  This time, the hint of the challenge in them had him straightening up and he jutted out his chin, determined to prove his point.  "Tell me what is so monstrous about your want.  How much you want?  The things that you want?  I was a sailor Dream, I highly doubt you can surprise me.  I've done my fair share of fucking in my day."  

"And if I were to tell you," Dream started.  "That I could have you three times in one night and only be satisfied then?  That I would have you take me again and again, not ceasing, until I cry and beg for more?  Would you not call me dirty for such needs?  For such desperation, for never being satisfied?"  

Hob growled and sat up a fraction until Dream glared and pointed at him.  He settled back down against the couch and continued to watch Dream as he kept focused on the drawing, barely glancing at him now.  "Who made you feel like those things made you a monster?" he asked, his voice a threat, a promise.  "Who made you feel as though those are not a gift, that you desire your partner in such ways?"  

"It does not matter," Dream said, dismissing it with a wave.  "I have learned to be satisfied with what I am given.  It is enough, and I keep that locked away deep within me, as I said."  

Hob narrowed his eyes.  "And if I told you I wished to have it unleashed upon me.  Knowing what it means now?  If I told you, I want you to do exactly what you described?  More than once?  If I told you I wanted to skip lunch every day for the remainder of the trip so you might keep me here, spread out on your bed, doing anything and everything you like?"  

Dream let out a rough breath and shook his head.  "I would say that it is a foolish fantasy.  That it does not..." he swallowed.  "That it cannot be a part of a reasonable relationship.  It is simply too much.  I'm simply too much."  He managed a rueful smile at Hob and shook his head.  "It is a fact I have long since been accustomed to.  I should not have told you."  

Hob watched Dream as he began to backtrack, to lock another part of him away.  This was not something he would be able to fix with words alone.  This would have to be fixed another way, but perhaps he could start them on the journey.  "Multiple times in one night, hm?  Three?  Or more?"  

Dream tensed.  "Hob, enough."  

Hob chuckled and raised an eyebrow at Dream.  "I'm only imagining.  I could have you bent over, have you spend in my mouth, then once more while I open you with my fingers and tongue, and then a final time while I am in you.  I wouldn't have to worry about easing you into it so you don't reach your peak.  I could bring you to it, again and again.  Until you were filthy and only thinking about getting more."  He hummed consideringly, licking his lips.  "Do you think that is something that you would enjoy?"  

"It is a fantasy," Dream growled.  "It, you cannot-"

"What, want that?"  Hob challenged, staring right back at Dream.  "I can assure you that I do, quite passionately, too.  I'd be happy to tease you over the edge again and again."  His eyes snapped open and he stared at Dream, watching him shiver where he was sitting upright, holding onto his charcoal with wide eyes.  "In fact, I would love to know if you could take me through two without leaving me?"  He shuddered and groaned.  "Oh, I can imagine that now.  You'd make a proper mess of me."  

"Hob," Dream moaned, bending over the page, and lifting the charcoal from it before he risked smudging it.  "You, you..."

"You've befriended a hedonist, I am afraid," Hob teased, managing a hoarse laugh.  "I have spent my entire adult life chasing all the pleasures that the world, that life itself offers me, and now you offer me one that I have never experienced, and not only that, but I am eager to share with you?"  He groaned and pressed his legs tighter together.  "If we did not have to put the boys to bed tonight, I would suggest that we begin the second you finish the drawing."  

Dream growled and focused on the drawing for another few precious seconds before putting the charcoal and the sketchpad to the side.  He left it on the side table and stood up from the chair, reaching up to undo the tie of the dressing gown in small, quick tugs of his fingers.  "And how would you have me have you?" he asked, stepping closer, kicking off his slippers.  Next, he let the gown fall open, showing Hob that he wore nothing beneath it, the silken fabric barely clinging to his shoulders as he moved closer.

Pausing in front of the couch, Dream shrugged once and let the fabric fall in a cascade down his back to a pile on the floor before kneeling beside the picture Hob made on the couch, reaching out to trace his fingers over warm muscles, leaving faint smudges now.  "What would you have me do to pleasure you, Hob?"  

"Let me touch you," Hob promised.  He shuddered when Dream pulled away the tie with the precious rose and then straddled his hips, stretching out over him.  He trailed his hand down Dream's neck, reaching out for him, pulling him down for a kiss.  "Let me bring you to completion, here, and then you may have anything and everything you want.  I want you to mark me as you are with the charcoal."  

Dream groaned and bucked against Hob's stomach, grinding himself down, leaning in until their foreheads were pressed together.  "It is not right, this, this want," he murmured.  "It is too much."  

"You are not too much," Hob growled, yanking Dream into a kiss, grabbing at his hips to force him into a grind, to tease out the pressure that he clearly wanted.  "Nothing about you is too much, and if this is your greatest fault, then I'm happy to tell you that you are magnificent in every possible way, love."  He tugged Dream into another grind and swallowed the gasp out of his mouth before continuing to press against him.  

"How," Dream panted into Hob's mouth, continuing to grind against the rough trail of hair on his belly, the faintest amount of friction enough to have him trembling.  "Tell me how you want me to have you.  How?  What do you wish for, Hob?  Let me give you what you want, for everything you did today.  Please." 

Hob groaned as Dream's hands slid up his chest to rest on his shoulders, keeping himself balanced as he kept up the steady rolls of his hips.  "Like this.  Want to feel you.  You said the rose claimed me, I want to be claimed like this."  His mouth was going to run away with him, but the desperate moan from Dream told him that it clearly wasn't minded.  "Then I want you in my mouth.  I want to taste you again.  Want you.  Then however you want me, in whatever way."  

Dream shuddered and bit down a whine, rocking down against him harder.  He was trembling, already so close to the edge, the rough feel of hair on Hob's belly and the tight clench of the fingers on his hips enough to have his mind stuttering as his hips gave more desperate little rocks.  "Hob, Hob, it's..." Dream let out a rough breath, groaning, trying to grind down against him harder.  "Need, I need-"

"Take me," Hob ordered, watching Dream tremble, his whole body shaking as he moved harder, until his entire body locked up and then there was the spatter of spend across his chest, leaving him marked and claimed by Dream, who immediately fell forward against him, as though all strings had been cut.  Hob curled him up close and chuckled, cradling him carefully as Dream panted through his peak and the comedown.  "There, how'd that feel?"  

Dream clenched his eyes shut and pressed his face to Hob's neck, grateful that he was being held onto so tenderly, or he would have perhaps fallen apart in an unseemly way.  As it was, a tear leaked down his cheek as Hob held him close and continued to soothe him in steady sweeps of his hand.  Hob wasn't demanding his own pleasure be reciprocated immediately, nor was he doing anything other than comfort and allowing him to enjoy the moment.  It was... everything he had perhaps ever dreamed of.  

"Hob," Dream breathed, lifting his head from Hob's neck, staring down at him, and swallowing hard before he cleared his throat.  "You, you have."  He blinked hard to prevent the tears that threatened, before leaning down to kiss him.  There was no possibility of being able to say the words, to beg Hob to stay, long past this journey, long past the moments they seemed destined to figure out together.  That he wanted Hob to protect him, far beyond just these few, precious moments here on the Titanic, but in a life where he did not always want to be the one protecting everyone.  

Hob leaned up into the kiss, even as he felt two tears escape Dream and fall down his cheeks.  He reached up and cupped his face, wiping them away as he broke the kiss, keeping him gentle.  "Hey, look at me, love.  Look at me," he coaxed, waiting for Dream's eyes to open and meet his.  He smiled and pulled him in for another soft kiss.  "It's okay.  You're not a monster.  Not for wanting this, not for wanting like this.  It is okay to want.  It is.  I swear it."  

Dream managed a nod, leaning into the press of Hob's fingers on his cheeks, savoring the rough drag of his fingertips.  "You do not have to-"

"Stop that right now," Hob interrupted, shifting so he was sitting up on the couch.  With a quick motion, he hefted Dream into his arms and carried him to the bedroom, just to watch him stare in shock.  He grinned and winked, before putting Dream down on the bed.  He spared a brief moment to rescue the sketchbook to bring it into the bedroom before he winked at Dream and into the bed beside him.  "I want to.  I want to do anything and everything you need for pleasure.  Now, want my mouth?"  

"Please," Dream knew his voice was thin and thready.  "I, if you are not bothered..."

"Nope!" Hob said, grinning enthusiastically, shifting to roll on top of Dream.  "You think about what you want for both of us once I'm done with you."  He pressed another kiss to Dream's neck and nuzzled into his chest hair with a happy grin.  "As pale as you are, I love this."  He pressed his fingers through it, mouthing at the hair, brushing both his hands over pale nipples to see Dream arch.  "Beautiful.  Never want to take my hands off you, want to worship you."  He breathed the words and leaned down to nuzzle and suck at the trail of hair that led lower and lower, until it stopped at the base of his cock.  

Hob buried his nose there and felt Dream twitch, despite still being soft, and groaned, inhaling the scent of him before turning to press a soft kiss to the root of his prick.  "So good.  Smell so good, taste better.  Want to get my mouth on you.  Feel you like that again."  He licked a few times, slowly up the length of him, teasing his tongue across the tip in slow laps, watching as Dream hardened and squirmed on top of the blankets.  

"Perhaps tomorrow," Hob said, grinning up at Dream.  "I will have you like this, then again with my tongue in you, then once more with my cock.  What do you think, would you like that?"  

Dream moaned, digging his hands into the comforter, tugging desperately at it.  "Hob, please."  

"Someone wants me to stop talking, clearly," Hob teased and leaned down to suck the tip of Dream's cock between his lips.  He was half hard and growing harder by the moment, so Hob closed his eyes and lost himself in the feel of Dream hardening in his mouth, with every pass of his lips.  A quick reach for hands and then delicious long fingers were buried in his hair and Dream's legs were spread wide to make room for him, so he could take him apart.  Hob carefully cupped the pale thighs in his hands and when he needed to rest his jaw for a moment, he pulled his mouth back and put his lips to the soft skin there.  

"I think here will work," he murmured and looked up at Dream, at the pupil-blown eyes and bitten red lips.  He smirked and dragged his teeth along the curve of the highs.  He smirked once and kissed the spot before he bit down, alternating the biting and sucking to leave a vivid mark.  The shout of his name that he got in return was gratifying and Dream's hips bucked into the air, a silent plea for more.  He made sure that it had a matching mark on Dream's other thigh and nuzzled and kissed them softly once he was finished.  He would take his time making sure that Dream was marked.  

Dream was fully hard once more and already beginning to leak against his belly, but Hob wasn't done.  He sank his teeth in again, just above the first, and got a similar shout of his name, grinning.  If he could not leave marks in visible spots on Dream, then he would make sure that no matter how or where Dream moved, he would remember the press of Hob's teeth.  "Like that?" he teased, biting down in the same place as the first mark to darken it until it was a shining spot of purple, slick with spit.  

Dream fought down a sob, trying to spread his legs wider to get more, but Hob's mouth refused to leave his thigh, sucking and biting more and more marks until his whole body was thrashing against the sheets, desperate for just enough to finish him, but Hob seemed determined to torment him. 

Hob grinned up at Dream, at the way he was clearly straining and ready to fall over the edge, and shifted his position, pulling away from the numerous marks that now littered Dream's thigh.  "You know the best part about these?" he teased, raising his eyebrows at Dream.  "The best part about this, my Dream, is that anywhere you walk, the next few days, you will feel them.  Every brush of fabric, every movement.  You will feel them, and you will remember when my mouth was here and what it was doing."  

Without another word, Hob swallowed down Dream as deep as he could take him, burying Dream in his throat, his nose pressed to the coarse hair at the base of his cock.  He held himself there as Dream bucked and cried out, his whole body tensing once more as he lost control.  Eagerly, Hob worked Dream over, swallowing all that he had to give before he pulled his mouth away and smirked, looking up at Dream, wiping the last of the excess away with his knuckles.  Dream looked wrecked and wide-eyed, exactly as Hob had wanted him.  He grinned and carefully crawled up Dream, leaning in for a soft kiss.  

"Still think your want is monstrous?" Hob whispered, nipping at Dream's lower lip.  "Still think that there is no one who can keep up with you, who would wish to give you these things?  Maybe not every night, but they can be yours, Dream."  He smiled and nuzzled into his neck.  "Now, have you decided how you want me?  How would you have me?"  He pressed their foreheads together and smiled.  "Anything that you want."  

Dream flushed and cleared his throat.  "I..." he paused and glanced over Hob's shoulders before clearing his throat and trying to focus.  "Yes.  If, if you are amenable."  

"Think we've established that I want you any way I can have you, love," Hob teased, smiling at him.  "Haven't we?"  He waited for Dream to nod before he raised both his eyebrows and waited.  Whatever it was, the blush on Dream's cheeks darkened, so he took his time and waited.  

"I'd... for another time, I would like to have you in me.  Not this time.  But might I... could I be between your thighs?"  Dream paused and sighed, hanging his head a little in shame.  "I would, would like to bring you to pleasure while I take my own in that way."  

"Fuck," Hob breathed, reaching out to cup Dream's neck in his fingers, pulling him in for a hard kiss.  "Yes, love.  Yes."  He was leaking at the very idea, of Dream sliding that slim, pretty cock of his between his thighs, again and again, fucking him in a way that would be real in a matter of days, the hot drag of the length of him, and Dream's fingers wrapped around him, stroking him.  "Want that," he agreed.  

"You will enjoy it," Dream promised, kissing Hob once more.  "It will be easiest if you start on your hands and knees.  I have oil that will help."  

Hob cursed again, but shifted away from Dream for a moment, getting onto his hands and knees, his whole body hot, pre dripping down his prick in slow waves.  He'd been hard for what felt like hours and now he was going to feel Dream against him like that?  It was almost enough to set him off right then and there.  When Dream's long fingers returned as Dream climbed on the bed, Hob shuddered as oil, slick and obscene sounding, was spread on his thighs, making him gasp.  He could already imagine what Dream's cock was going to feel like.  

Dream settled behind Hob and ran a hand up his back and carefully got him into position.  "Will your knees be strong enough if I were to pull you up and back against me?"  

Hob whined and nodded.  "Might need you to brace my weight a bit, but yeah,"  he shuddered.  "Not, not gonna last long though."  Dream nodded once, pressing his face to Hob's shoulder, pressing a kiss there.  "I have no doubt that neither will I.  I cannot remember the last time I was... free to find my pleasure as often as I wished it in a single evening with someone."  

Hob whined again, but after a few soft presses against the back of his neck and down the arch of his spine, Dream's arm came around his chest and began to lift him up, bringing him back and against the firmness of Dream's chest.  He tried to balance himself, only to find himself pulled further back, until Dream's cock was sliding between his thighs, a hot throb, and he was entirely supported by the cradle of Dream's body.  He moaned, his head falling back to Dream's shoulder, grinding his hips back, desperately wanting more.  "Dream."  

"Beautiful," Dream breathed, one arm firmly around Hob to keep him braced, his other tracing down his neck and over one nipple, then another, combing reverently through his chest hair.  "Look at how perfect you are, putting yourself on display for me like this."  He hummed in pleasure, continuing to stroke over him, trailing his fingertips lower and lower in slow trails.  "I could take you like this a thousand times and never tire of it, the sight of you."  He scratched across Hob's belly, just to listen to him gasp and buried his face in Hob's neck, scraping his teeth along the tendons there.  "Perhaps I will have you carry my marks regardless of my father's desire, so all know that you are mine.  As though the rose is not enough to tell them all, to make sure they all respect it."  

Hob wanted to respond, he did, to the sweet talking Dream was doing, but then Dream rolled his hips once, and then began to fuck his thighs in earnest.  It was unbearably arousing, but also the worst kind of torment as Dream moved faster and more eagerly, and Dream's fingers were just out of reach, scraping down the length of his thigh, leaving welts and marks that he was going to cherish for as long as they could.  All he could do was moan and rock his hips back into Dream's thrusts between his thighs and hope that Dream would touch him soon.  

"Perhaps when I next have you like this," Dream breathed, panting hard as he fucked between the tight clench of Hob's thighs once more.  "Perhaps, I shall put you in front of the mirror in the corner.  So you might see yourself as I see you."  He trailed his fingertips up the length of Hob's cock, just to hear him cry out, and smiled against his skin, kissing and licking at it eagerly.  "So you might see just how beautiful you are in pleasure, how you appear when you are covered in what I have given you, and so you might see how I have taken you."  

"Dream, please, please," Hob begged, his whole body shaking as he tried to hold himself back, but Dream was talking in that voice, just purring into his ear, and after coming to it and the barest hint of friction once, it would not take much for him to do so again, even right here, right now.  "Touch me, please touch me, I want you."  

"Yes," Dream growled, wrapping his hand, at last, fully around Hob's cock, stroking him from base to tip, smearing the wetness that was there and had been leaking from him since he had begun his sketch.  Another loud cry was wrenched from Hob and Dream focused on stroking him in time with every single one of his thrusts, fucking his thighs eagerly, desperately, chasing the edge that was almost burning for how overwhelming it had felt.  How many other lovers had taken everything he had to give and then asked for more?  How many had driven him to the near edge, again and again, like this?  How many had wanted to give him this?  

Hob was on fire, and he was completely surrounded by Dream.  Any hope of holding his own weight, of keeping himself balanced, was gone, and all he could feel was Dream's hand around his cock, Dream's voice in his ear, and Dream's cock between his thighs.  It was all of it perfect, overwhelming, and everything he could have ever wanted.  He knew he was begging, that he was grasping at anything he could reach, fucking back and into every touch, demanding, wanting even more. 

"That's it," Dream coaxed, stroking him faster, watching as Hob cried out again and again for him, his whole body starting to tense.  He could feel it growing in his belly and wanted to see him. "Come for me Hob, let me see you, let me see you let go, let me feel you."  He felt Hob's thighs clench around him and sank his teeth into Hob's shoulder, shuddering through another orgasm, making a mess of Hob's thighs and the rest of him as Hob shouted his name and slammed his head back against his shoulder, arching as he came, stripes of come hitting his belly as Dream stroked him through it.  

All at once, the tension leaked out of him, and Dream managed a faint, tired chuckle as Hob sank to the bedsheets and flopped there, clearly disinclined to move.  He stood up and on shaky legs, made it to the basin, wiping himself off, shuddering under the cool touch of the water before he brought the cloth to Hob and cleaned off as much of him as he could.  Hob was staring at him dazedly and Dream managed a small smile at him before he tossed away the cloth and made his way back into bed, his heart turning over at the sight of open arms waiting for him.  

"C'mere," Hob ordered, glad when Dream didn't try to make an excuse for staying out of his arms and wrapped him up as close as he possibly could, nuzzling into his hair, his whole body relaxed.  Every part of Dream felt as though he was relaxed, and Hob couldn't stop himself from smiling proudly at the sight.  He'd done that, him.  He pressed another kiss to the top of Dream's head.  "How do you feel?"  

Dream let out a pleased sigh and curled even closer into Hob's arms, wrapping one around his waist to stay pressed as close as he dared.  The bell for dinner would wake them, but perhaps they would wake with the grandfather clock in the main room so they would have time to dress.  "Magnificent," he whispered.  "Your drawing is over there.  I shall show you when we wake up again."  

"Show me after dinner," Hob muttered with a yawn.  "Otherwise I am going to do nothing but tackle you back to bed, whether you want me or not."  

"I shall always want you," Dream promised, kissing the skin in front of him as he closed his eyes and let himself sink into the warmth of Hob's arms.  Beneath his ear, the strong heartbeat was lulling and it was almost too easy to sink into the satisfaction of pleasure and warmth to doze off.  He was safe here, he was protected here, and he was cared for, beyond all possible measure.  Hob Gadling's arms were a miracle and it was one Dream would have to give up eventually, but it did not need to be yet, and that was all that mattered to him.  Not yet.  Just not yet.  

~!~

Hob was glad that he didn't doze off for too long and stretched every muscle that was sore as Dream continued to snore, mashed into his chest, and smiled down at him.  He would be exhausted too, if someone had put him through the ringer like he'd done to Dream.  But they did need to make an appearance at dinner, and maybe even with a specific person if Dream could be believed about someone who might ally with them against his father.  He let out a small breath and kissed Dream's head, feeling him stir the faintest amount.  

"Time to get ready for dinner, Dream," Hob breathed softly into his hair.  "We should get up and get ready."  

Dream grumbled and kept his eyes clenched shut.  The last thing he wished to do was go to dinner to endure more insults to both himself and Hob when he could be here, instead, wrapped up in the heaven of Hob's arms and body.  "I do not wish to."  

"If you're going to try to tell me you aren't hungry after all of that, I'm not going to believe you," Hob teased, ducking his head down to nip at Dream's ear.  "Come on love, if you get up to get ready for dinner, I'll wear that jacket that looks like galaxies tonight.  The one that you insisted on picking up for me."  

Dream's eyes snapped open and the memory of Hob in a jacket that had been tailored, almost as though it had been specifically for him, was enough to prompt him into full wakefulness.  He nodded once and managed to stretch and carefully roll out of Hob's arms.  His body ached, but in a way that made him remember how good the soreness had felt, and he took a moment to splash fresh water on his face and nodded, before turning to Hob, who was lying in his bed, watching him, his chest and body on display as though he had no shame at all.  Dream wanted nothing more than to climb back into bed with him, to sink into his arms again, and let himself be loved until there was nothing but the two of them.  

"If you keep looking at me like that, we're never going to leave the room," Hob said with a chuckle, throwing the covers off, climbing out of bed, and stretching up on his toes.  His knee did ache a fraction, but not nearly as bad as it could have, considering what they'd been getting up to.  He'd be perfectly fine for the evening as long as they didn't have to do any more running.  He stretched it a few extra times for good measure and turned to look at Dream, who was now staring at him in turn, and raised his eyebrows.  

Dream growled.  "Out, before I throw you onto the bed."  

Hob laughed, his head falling back as he gave Dream a faint wave and didn't bother picking up any of his clothing before he made his way back to his room.  He would get everything sorted and picked up once he was dressed and there was less chance of them getting distracted.  He found the dinner jacket and the rest of what he could wear to dinner and changed once more, blinking as he realized that the clothes he had worn had already been laundered for him.  Soon enough he'd be returning to a world where he had to launder his own clothing.  He couldn't imagine having someone do it for him without even asking.  It felt like a magical, impossible thing, even like this.  

But once he was finished dressing, he looked at himself in the mirror.  He gave a firm nod as he admired the jacket and stroked his fingers over the fabric.  Unlike the other jackets, which clearly fit him, this one looked as though it had been made for him, and now that he had the other jackets to compare, he could feel the difference.  He straightened his shoulders even more and tilted his chin up.  Like this, wearing this, he felt worthy of being on Dream's arm at dinner.  

Without a word to his mirror, Hob made his way back into the main room, picking up his shoes and their clothing that had ended up littered all over and laughed, bringing them to Dream's room. Thankfully, Dream was dressed as well and in the process of taming his hair for the evening.  Hob held up the pile of clothes as an excuse and looked at the ruined bedsheets, his cheeks flushing.  He pushed his hair out of his face and wondered if he should take a minute to do what Dream was.  Slick it back and out of his face.  But he had a little too much hair for that, so no need to bother, at least for now.  

"So," Hob said, clearing his throat.  "I think you had a plan for dinner, right?"  

"Yes," Dream said with a nod.  "I suspect she will know what is going on the instant we join her, and that you will like her a great deal."  He smiled faintly.  "She, rather like the alias you have crafted for yourself, is new money, and her husband, well, husbands, have left her very wealthy and idle, and she hates to be idle.  But she grew up through trade, she learned to make money with work, and now she enjoys vexing those of us that grew up in privilege.  I have always enjoyed her humor, even if I cannot show it."

Hob grinned, bright and wide.  "Oh, I think I am going to adore her.  I don't have to worry about her stealing you away from me, do I?"  He narrowed his eyes as he took the rose from Dream and put it on his jacket with a proud smile.  "I won't be afraid to if I need to."  

Dream's lips twitched.  "Never fear.  She is currently married, and even if she were not, I would have no desire to be husband number four for her to outlive."  He reached out for Hob's hand and tugged him closer, running his fingers down and over the jacket he was wearing.  "It suits you.  It is beautiful."  

"You picked it out," Hob said, his voice low and hoarse as Dream smoothed it down and over his shoulders once more.  The reverence in the touches had him shivering and he swayed into Dream's space, his eyes fluttering shut.  "So we're going to dine with Molly tonight?  Avoid your parents completely?"  

"Yes," Dream said, breathing out slowly.  "Father will have no idea if I am telling her everything, or if we will tell her everything, and it will be sufficient to punctuate our threat.  We will also tell her what we are doing.  She loves this sort of conspiracy and indulging her will be to our benefit."  

Hob nodded, grinning.  "Love a good accomplice.  That sounds like a plan.  Are we going to sit with her for the remainder of the trip?"  

Dream nodded.  "Likely, yes.  And, as an added benefit, unlike my own parents, she would welcome seeing the children at breakfast, so they will be joining us."  

Hob lit up, laughing in delight.  "Oh that's wonderful, I would love to bring them to breakfast with us before they go off to lessons."  He leaned in and stole a soft kiss from Dream.  "You're rather brilliant, you know, you've thought of everything."  

"The plan is yours," Dream breathed against Hob's lips.  "I am merely finding additional ways to ensure that my father does not circumvent it to his advantage.  I am well-versed in doing so.  But it is your plan that we follow, and your threat that we make good on if he does not listen."  

"He'll listen," Hob promised, leaning up to seal their lips together once more before he pulled back with a rough breath.  "Now, come on.  Before I decide that you need to be on the bed once more wearing that outfit.  You would deserve it, all things considered."  He winked at Dream and stepped back into the main room, heading for the door.  He straightened his shoulders and offered his arm.  "To dinner, love." 

Dream nodded once and took Hob's arm, stepping through the door.  There was no one waiting for them, and the entire route to dinner, there was no sign of them being watched.  He let his shoulders relax a fraction and followed Hob down the staircase.  Their newest ally was waiting at the bottom of the stairs for them both with a broad grin on her face.  

"Molly," Dream said, releasing Hob's arm to lean down and kiss her cheek.  "Thank you for waiting for us."  

"Well, I had to say, when I got your note, amidst all this secrecy, I was downright intrigued.  What are you up to, little Dream?" She asked, grinning at him.  "Is this something to do with that new paramour of yours that everyone has noticed?"  She turned her attention to the man standing a few steps back.  "You, come here, let me get a proper look at you."  

Hob swallowed and bit down a chuckle, giving a small bow.  "A pleasure to meet you."  He held out his hand and grinned when she gave a firm handshake.  "Robert Gadling, though friends call my Hob."  

"Well, Mr. Gadling, call me Hob, I've heard you're making quite the fuss with the entire Endless family!"  Molly's grin brightened.  "In fact, I haven't had this much delicious gossip in months.  Those roses you've been wearing and the fact that no one has seen you far from each other ever since the voyage started!"  

Hob coughed and glanced at Dream, who was standing beside him with a smile.  He had a feeling if he tried to hide or obscure anything she'd catch him dead to rights.  So, honesty it was.  "Can you blame me?  I saw him once and had to get to know him better.  He's the most beautiful man I've ever seen."  

Dream cleared his throat and flushed.  "Ah, well.  Shall we head to dinner, Molly?  We both have a proposition to discuss with you and could use your help and talents."  

"My help and talents, eh?  Should keep those talents of yours to yourself," Molly said with an eyeroll, taking his arm.  "But yes, let's eat, I'm starving, and I have no doubt that boy of yours over there will enjoy a night in proper company.  Come along now!"  

Hob barely managed to muffle a chuckle and followed Dream and Molly into the dining room.  They were led over to a table wtih another man already sitting, and Hob was relieved when Dream deposited Molly beside their fourth member and then sat down.  Across the dining room, he could see the table the Endless family was dining at and had to fight down a smile.  

"Hob," Dream said, gesturing to the other man at the table.  "This is Thomas Andrews.  He is one of the Engineers responsible for building the Titanic.  I thought you might enjoy eating with him."  He offered a smile, before turning to Mr. Andrews.  "This is Robert Gadling, and he has experience sailing.  He gave the boys a tour of the bridge earlier in the voyage."  

"Aye, I heard," Thomas Andrews said with a nod, turning to Robert Gadling.  "What do you think of the ship so far?"  

Hob looked down at his plate for a moment and debated precisely how he wanted to answer that question, because this was coming from people that Dream truly enjoyed the company of, not men that he wanted to upset.  "How many are on the ship right now, Mr. Andrews?" he asked, thinking back to the lifeboats he'd counted earlier.  

"A few hundred over two thousand.  A full maiden voyage for the unsinkable Titanic," he answered proudly.  

Hob thought of the packed steerage berths and let out a breath as he tapped idly at the table before he offered up quietly.  "You have sixteen lifeboats.  Four collapsibles that I saw during my walking.  That accounts for barely half the passengers."  In the back of his mind, he had no doubt that it fulfilled the basic regulations, but to know that in the case of an emergency... "And if I am not mistaken, the rigging is set for double that number."  

Thomas Andrews settled back in his seat and stared at the man across the table, his eyes flickering to the other two who were clearly surprised.  "You're quite correct," he allowed, picking up his wine glass.  "It was... ah."  He cleared his throat.  "Recommended that the deck would be far too crowded if we were to have the second row."  

Another accommodation for first class, of course, wanting to have room over being able to ensure the safety of everyone.  

Hob nodded once and looked out the window.  Ice was gathering around the edges.  It was cold and they were sailing in the northern Atlantic, and he had no doubt that the ship had not slowed down, and had only increased in speed.  

"Hob, there is nothing to worry about, the ship is unsinkable.  Mr. Andrews here, designed her that way," Dream said, reaching out to squeeze his arm.  

"Every ship can sink, love," Hob corrected.  "It may take an extraordinary event.  But every ship can sink."  He turned to look at Mr. Andrews.  "Even Mr. Andrews, who has built the most extraordinary boat the world has ever seen, can't disagree with that statement."  

"As true as that might be," Molly said, butting in with a wave of her hand.  "Allow Mr. Andrews to tell you of the safety precautions.  It will set your mind at ease, I know it did mine!"  She laughed and relaxed back in her seat.  "We're all quite safe, Mr. Gadling, don't you worry."  

Hob managed a smile and looked out the window again, across the inky black darkness of the sea.  There was an itch crawling under his skin, an instinct that he'd learned to trust a very long time ago.  He'd have a hard time sleeping tonight, even wrapped up with Dream.  "I'm sorry," he managed, smiling at Mr. Andrews.  "I've survived a ship sinking, a little over a decade ago.  We lost several men from the crew, and two of her passengers.  You could say it's an issue that is dear to my heart."  

Mr. Andrews nodded once and smiled sadly.  "I understand.  Your concern is a valid one, but this ship will be fine."  

Hob let out a breath and relaxed when he felt Dream's hand rest on his thigh and give a small squeeze.  He turned his attention to dinner and let out a small laugh, turning to Dream.  "Okay, since we're not around your parents, can you tell me what I need three forks for and what I'm supposed to use them on?"  

That question, at least, broke the remaining tension at the table, as Hob got his first proper etiquette conversation with some of the best color commentary from Molly that he ever could have imagined.  He and Dream laughed their way through their meal, and if Hob purposefully used the wrong fork more than once, just to have Dream slapping at his hands playfully, well, that was his secret.  

By the time dinner was over, he could very easily say that it was one of the best nights he'd had on the ship, and the several dozen people who had come over to speak with Mr. Andrews and Molly were steadily becoming witnesses to Dream, and how he was of sound mind.  Their plan was working flawlessly, and when Mr. Andrews took a few minutes to step away, they explained the rest and begged for her help.  Hob laughed again when she declared them the most fun she'd had in years and agreed as long as they brought the boys to breakfast the following morning.  

Chapter Text

All told, his mind was buzzing with food, good wine, and pleasant company, and the press of Dream's foot against his for the entirety of dinner.  It was everything that they'd hoped to accomplish with this stunt, and more.  But now that it was finished, he wanted nothing more than to teach Dream to fly among the stars like he'd want to tonight.  When a servant arrived at the table, Hob tensed, fear shooting through him as he offered a note to Dream.  

Dream took it quickly and showed it to Hob.  "From Lucienne," he said, speaking quietly.  He flipped the letter open and scanned it before relaxing with a small, pleased nod.  He offered the letter to Hob before he turned to Molly.  "I'll explain tomorrow, Molly, but the boys have asked for us to see them before dinner.  They had a trying time this morning and I want to reassure them as much as possible."  

"Of course, of course, off with you.  I'll see you and those adorable boys of yours first thing in the morning, Dream!" Molly urged, standing up with her wine glass.  "Time to go make myself a problem for your mother, I think.  That was always one of my favorite past times!"

Hob snickered as Molly made her way off, loudly calling for Lady Endless across the room, and stood with Dream, holding out his arm for Dream to take, leaning in to whisper.  "Now I know very well that wasn't what the note said.  The note said that the boys had passed out and we shouldn't disturb their sleep."  

"Would you prefer I have not made an excuse to free us and to make sure that we could have as much time as we wanted together this evening?" Dream asked as Hob led him out and toward the deck.  "I could call her back, if you wanted."  

"Not on your life," Hob growled, laughing as he pulled Dream around another corner and into a soft kiss, humming at the taste of wine on his lips.  "I hope I didn't embarrass you in front of your friends.  I know that is the goal with your parents, but these people mattered to you."  

Dream shook his head and reached up to cup Hob's cheek, pulling him in for a soft kiss.  "You were perfectly acceptable, please don't worry.  Everything went well, and Molly is going to continue to help us with our plan."  It was better than he'd hoped for, and now he wanted to spend the rest of the evening thinking of nothing but Hob.  "Now, what should we do?"  

"I think..." Hob said with a quiet hum.  "I am going to teach you to fly."  

Dream blinked in surprise as Hob took his hand once more and began to tug him along the corridors.  They were headed a familiar way and he fought down a smile as they slipped past a porter once more and headed to the base of the crow's nest.  "They won't let us up there, you know that-oh!"  

"Oi!" Hob called as another porter jogged past him, a box held in his hands.  "What's the rush?"  

"Sorry sirs, but this is urgent!  Last watch forgot their binoculars, and we need to get them to them!  Captain's orders!" The porter waved and dashed off.  

Hob relaxed his shoulders a fraction and shook his head before turning back to Dream.  "That's for the best then.  You don't want to be without eyes this late at night.  Be far too easy to miss something."  He tugged Dream around another corner and the two of them stepped out into the biting cold.  

"I'll take you to where I want to so I can show you how to fly," Hob breathed against Dream's neck.  "But first I want a few minutes with you here."  

Dream's heart tripped over itself as Hob tugged him toward the base of the crow's nest.  He could hear the man climbing the ladder rapidly, but when he was pulled in close, and warm lips descended on his, he melted into Hob and let himself be swept away.  It didn't take long, like this, to lose any semblance of himself as their lips and tongues moved together.  If he could have melted into Hob, he would have.  He'd never be cold again, and the idea was intoxicating.  

"Easy," Hob teased, pulling back from the kiss with a small noise, leaning down to kiss Dream's neck.  "I'll keep you warm, don't worry," he promised, sliding his hands under Dream's jacket and around his back, leaning back against the metal behind him.  "But tonight we're going to fly," he whispered, holding Dream close as they shared another long kiss.

However long they stood for, trading slow, passionate kisses, Hob didn't know, but once he heard the sound of someone descending from the crow's nest, he managed to pull himself away from Dream's arms with a quiet, unwilling sound.  He wanted nothing more than to fall into kissing Dream again, but for now, this would be good enough.  

When the man was on the deck once more, Hob cleared his throat.  "Could I ask a favor?" he said, giving his best smile when the man looked at him with raised eyebrows.  

Hob gestured to the bow of the ship.  "Could you turn the lights on the very tip of the bow off for the next hour?  I want to show someone the stars proper."  He paused and smiled.  "I'd-"

"We'd make it worth your while," Dream explained, holding out a large bill to the man with a raised eyebrow.  When it was snatched from his fingers with a quick nod before the man ran off, Dream chuckled, leaning in to press his face to Hob's hair.  "While I have no doubt that you could have won him over with charm, Hob, this is far more expedient."  

"Can't argue that," Hob said with a laugh, taking Dream's hand, leading him back to the door.  "Now come on."  He tugged on him and brought him back down to the upper decks, leading him around the anchors and the huge chains wrapped around them before bringing him toward the bow.  Almost on cue, the lights around them were gone, and they were plunged into inky blackness.  

Hob squeezed Dream's hand a little tighter to reassure him and continued to step forward, reaching the railing.  "Ready to learn how to fly?" he asked, kissing Dream's cheek.  

"Yes," Dream said, his heart pounding as Hob brought him to the very peak of the bow.  

"All right," Hob breathed softly.  "I promise I won't let you fall.  But you're going to step up on that first railing.  Use that rope there.  See it?"  He pointed to Dream and waited.  "Use the rope to keep your balance, I'm going to be right behind you."  

Dream shuddered, but took a step forward, placing his foot on the railing as he grabbed onto the rope and balanced himself before bringing the other up.  A blast of chilly air hit his face and he shuddered.  "Hob-"

"Right here," Hob said, hoisting himself into position behind Dream.  "Right here," he reassured, pressing in close to Dream.  "Now, I want you to close your eyes for me.  I'm going to teach you to see the stars the way they are meant to be seen.  It won't be perfect, Titanic is too bright, but it'll be close."  

Dream took a shaky breath, but the firm warmth of Hob behind him made it easy to breathe, and now that he had relaxed, he could feel the press of metal railings against his thighs and hips.  He wasn't going anywhere other than back against Hob if he fell and that made it even easier.  "Then what?"  

"Now," Hob whispered, keeping himself steady and his side braced against the rope.  He reached out and took Dream's arms.  "Trust me, and spread your arms."  Dream moved slowly, almost molasses, but inch by inch, his arms were spread out, his hair flying wildly along his head.  "Keep your eyes closed, love, until I tell you."  He adjusted himself and spread out his arms behind Dream's.  "Breathe in deep, and when I tell you to, open your eyes."  

Dream nodded once and felt Hob tuck his chin along his shoulder, letting his body relax into Hob's as the wind continued to hit his face, stinging his cheeks.  He breathed in deep, over and over again, barely managing to blink his eyes open when Hob, at last, gave the order.  Above him, the sky was a sea of stars, twinkling brighter than he had ever seen them.  He gasped.  "Hob."  

"I know," Hob whispered, keeping Dream's arms cradled.  "And now you are a Dream floating through a sea of stars.  Exactly as you should be."  He pressed a soft kiss to Dream's neck and looked up at the stars himself.  "Seeing the stars like this is an opportunity everyone should have at least once in their life."  

Dream blinked hard, tears gathering on his lashes.  At least once, and here Hob was, giving it to him without hesitation.  No matter what happened between them, Dream would have this moment with Hob, the two of them flying among the stars.  He tilted his head back and hummed happily as Hob obeyed the request and kissed him. 

Hob melted into the kiss, even as Dream remained bent back to grant it to him for as long as he could, before he gently urged Dream to face the ocean once more.  "If you look carefully," he breathed, keeping his words soft.  "You can see where the sea meets the sky and see the stars reflected in it.  An endless sea of stars for you to drift in," he whispered.  "Look out at the sea of stars in front of you."  

He and Dream turned together and Hob felt the gasp in Dream's chest, and smiled against his neck, his eyes trailing across the horizon line, only to catch on an inky black gap in the stars.  Hob blinked, and frowned, narrowing his eyes as he focused on it.  It was small, at this distance, but it was distinct, all the stars gone from it.  Ice raced up his spine.  

Dream had felt the instant Hob went tense behind him and in a moment, they were off the railing and Hob was staring up at the crow's nest, his whole body as tense as a spring.  "Hob what's-"

"Come on," Hob snarled, looking over his shoulder and then back to the crow's nest.  "You've got to see it, you're looking for it, it's dead on our nose, come on!"  

"Hob," Dream snapped.  "What is-"

"Cover your ears!" Hob ordered, putting two fingers into his mouth to let out a loud, piercing whistle, and running back toward the upper deck.  He heaved in a breath and did it again, again, gesturing violently off the bow, praying that even if they hadn't seen it, that they would hear him and listen.  "Iceberg!" he shouted, running to the railing and jumping up on the top rung, grabbing at the rope.  It was getting closer by the second.  

Hob let out another whistle, loud, sharp, and shrill, and stared up at the crow's nest, taking another breath to let out another whistle when he finally, at last, heard one back and the alarm bell clang.  He kept his hands on the rope and stared at the approaching inky black mountain coming at them in the water.  

"Hob, what the hell is-"

"We are on a collision course with an iceberg!" Hob snapped at Dream and the several crew members that had gathered at his loud ruckus.  Beyond him, several people gasped and he leaned out over the water, cursing as he looked at the sailors.  "What are you waiting for, turn her!  Hard to Starboard!" he snarled.  

Hob shoved himself back and landed on the deck with a jump and protest of his knee, running for the bow of the ship once more.  The iceberg was getting larger and larger by the second, and the weight in his chest was growing.  "Hurry," he breathed, well-aware that Dream was standing behind him.  "Turn her, come on, turn her," he ordered, as the noise behind him got louder and louder by the second, more and more being awakened and the orders being given.  

"Christ above let me have seen it in time," Hob gasped, his chest heaving as he was able to get a better look at how large it was once a light was turned to it.  "Come on, girl, turn."  Panic getting the better of him, Hob turned to Dream and grabbed his shoulders.  "If we hit it, listen to me, Dream.  Do not hesitate.  Get the children, Lucienne, Jessamy, and Death, and get to a lifeboat.  Do not wait.  Do not.  Do not wait, there are not enough boats, do you understand?"  

"Surely," Dream swallowed, looking behind him at the sight of the bow beginning to turn away from the iceberg at last.  "Surely it won't-"

"All ships can sink," Hob reiterated.  "Promise me, you will get them and get out.  You hear me?  Promise me!"  Dream looked scared and shaken, but he managed a nod and that was going to have to be good enough.  Hob looked up at the deck and saw several officers shouting commands and several more with binoculars looking out at how much she was turning.  He cursed and shook his head.  Did none of them know the true danger?  

Hob turned and ran for the side of the ship, shoving past several officers, stripping off his jacket to toss at Dream, grabbing at the rigging, and pulling himself up on the railing again.  Two quick tugs at a knot and he had the excess line in his hand.  He looked to Dream and pointed at him.  "Get somewhere you can brace yourself!"  With that shouted order, Hob stepped off the top railing and let himself drop a dozen feet down to the next lower deck, standing at the railing there, holding the line firm in his hand as he tried to get closer to see what was going on.  

"Sir, what the bloody hell do you think you're-"

"Have passengers brace for impact!" Hob shouted, wrapping the line around his arm before he dropped himself down another ten feet.  He grunted at the hit to his knee, but now he could see the ice approaching and he could see just how big it was under the water.  But they were turning more and more by the second.  He glanced up for a moment at the sight of Dream leaning over the railing, watching him, and cursed, shifting his hold so he could lean out further, both feet braced on the railing, one arm wrapped in the rope, the rest of him dangling over the dark and inky Atlantic.  

"Impact incoming!" Hob shouted, whistling once more, loud and piercing as he watched the ice come closer by the second.  The top parts of it weren't going to hit them, but however large it was underneath the surface, that would hit the ship.  Reaching up with his other arm, he tugged himself up and over the railing and grabbed for it, just as the sound of ice meeting metal, violent screeching, echoed through the air.  The entire ship shuddered, but as soon as it had come, it was gone and Hob panted, leaning back over the water once more. A glance showed rough scrapes against the metal and he sagged a fraction and let himself fall back against the deck, letting the rope unwind from his arm.  His whole body was aching, and dozens of people were running past him, shouting.  

Hob felt dizzy, the conversation from earlier echoing in his mind as he took a step toward the first-class entrance a few feet away from him, stumbling faintly as he did.  Dream, where was Dream?  He'd left him, he'd left him up on the main deck, and had-

"Hob!"  

Dream's arms were around him a moment later and Hob sagged into them with relief, his whole body starting to shake.  "The damage," he managed, his mind swimming with too many memories, none of them good.  "We need to find out how bad the damage is.  She, she can handle the flooding of some compartments, but, I don't know how many..." he shook his head.  "Take me up to the bridge." 

Whatever he sounded like, Dream didn't argue, merely wrapped an arm around him and began to bring him toward the bridge, pushing through the passengers.  He did take a minute to wrap Hob's jacket back around him and he'd never been more relieved to have some semblance of warmth.  Alarms were ringing in his mind and all he could focus on was whether or not he would need to get Dream and his precious family bundled into one of the far too few lifeboats.  What about the passengers in third class, would he be able to get them out, would he-

"We are going to see the Captain," Dream snapped.  "Let me pass."  

"Lord Endless, I assure you that we more than have the situation in control-"

Hob blinked himself back into full awareness and managed to stand fully upright, giving Dream's arm a pat, his whole body aching.  "If," he cleared his throat, and the man's eyes, First Mate, if he had to guess, swung to him.  "If that was true, why did I have to sound the alarm?  Why did I see it first?"  

All the crew around him and Dream went silent, turning to him, one after another.  Hob straightened up under their looks and he took a step forward.  "I lost a close friend on the Valliant, sir.  I am a sailor born.  I was swimming before I was walking, and I am the son of a dock worker.  If you had everything under control, why were you going ahead full, into iceberg-laden waters, and a passenger had to be the one to spot the danger?" He was well aware that his voice had raised to a shout by the end, and that most nearby had been shocked into silence.  

"I will not keep you from doing your duty," Hob continued, his chest heaving as he looked around the room.  "But I want to know how many compartments are being flooded.  How many?" His eyes traveled around the room, but no one answered him and he clenched his hands into fists.

"I think," Dream said, his voice dropping to a low and deadly cadence.  "If this man saved every person on this ship as a result of warning before any of you saw that iceberg, he deserves whatever answers he can get.  Don't you?"  

The silence following Dream's question was heavy and Hob swallowed hard against it, glad when, at last, the Captain stepped on deck, and none of the sailors moved, all of them still staring at him.  Hob straightened and met the eyes of the Captain.  "How many compartments were punctured by the iceberg?"  

Captain Smith frowned.  "Sir, I can assure you-"

Hob held up his hand.  "I sounded the alarm. Had I not, the damage would have been much worse and you would not have been able to turn as fast as you did."  He lowered his hand and looked at the Captain.  "If anyone on this ship deserves to know, first, if we have to evacuate, it is me.  Now tell me, Captain.  How many compartments?"  

"Two," Captain Smith said, giving a nod.  "Two are flooding, and are being evacuated and the watertight doors have been shut."  

Hob nearly fell to his knees in relief and let out a shaky breath, the tension bleeding out of his shoulders.  Mr. Andrews had said she could handle four being flooded.  Four, not five.  They'd be all right.  Behind him, Dream was there, and Hob wanted to hold onto him and never let go, not ever.  He swallowed and nodded once.  "Thank you."  

"It appears we should truly be thanking you, Mister... ah, forgive me."  

"Gadling," Hob managed, his voice hoarse.  "A sailor born and bred, sir."  

"Well, it looks like we'll be arriving in New York a day later than planned, but we will arrive in one piece, no thanks to your intervention, Mr. Gadling," Captain Smith said with a nod.  "I will make sure Mr. Andrews and Mr. Ismay are informed of your contribution."  

"Right," Hob said with another wave of his hand.  "Thank you."  He turned back to look at Dream, turning his back on the crew, his whole body aching as he started to move once more.  The screeching sound of the iceberg hitting the Titanic was still echoing in his mind, and even now, he could picture it, the grandest ship ever to set sail sinking beneath the waves in mere hours, never to be seen again.  A shudder ran up his spine, and he was grateful when Dream took his arm and brought him back into the warmth of the first-class decks.  

Where exactly Dream was leading them, Hob didn't know, until he caught sight of the grand staircase and the clock, and then Dream was tucking him into a corner of the room and pressing up against him, hugging him tight.  Beneath him, he could imagine the men shouting and screaming, trying to evacuate, trying to get out of the compartment that would be shut and flooded.  Lives would be lost, but a fraction as many compared to what would have happened with the Titanic sinking.  

"Hob," Dream breathed.  "Look at me."  

Hob blinked slowly, trying to focus on Dream properly as he took one deep breath, then another.  The panic of what had happened, the adrenaline surge of fear that had flooded through him at what could have happened, at what had almost happened... He shook his head and swallowed hard, reaching out to tangle his fingers in Dream's jacket.  "How many..." He shuddered, clenching his eyes shut.  "How many could have died if we hadn't gone out to the bow tonight?  If they hadn't been alerted by me in time?"  

"I don't know," Dream answered.  "I do not know, Hob, but what you did tonight was extraordinarily brave.  You were amazing."  

Hob laughed, shaking his head as he leaned in and pressed his face against Dream's chest, glad that he was immediately held.  "I was terrified for you.  There aren't enough boats, Dream.  There aren't anywhere near enough boats, and you know, you know they would have prioritized the first class passengers, and... and..." he swallowed, some of the franticness, at last, easing.  

"You need tea," Dream pronounced.  "I am going to have some delivered to our room."  He looked up and with a quick gesture, ordered some and wrapped an arm around Hob once more, and brought him back to the room, at last shutting the door behind him.  He got Hob to the couch and settled him down on it, looking at him.  "Will you be all right?"  

Hob managed a small nod, kicking off his shoes.  "I, I will. I think."  He shivered, his mind filled with the image of the iceberg creeping closer and closer, ripping into the ship, into the third-class berths, flooding them, and killing anyone in them instantly.  He swallowed and looked at the fire in the hearth.  Around him, he heard Dream moving, but he focused on the flames.  One day late in New York City.  That's all they were going to be.  

There was a knock on the door, and Dream murmured quickly with whoever was there, and then another voice.  Hob didn't focus on them, instead staring at the fire in front of him, his heart still pounding at the thought that Dream could have lost his entire family tonight out of negligence.  Tea was held out in front of him and he managed a small smile as he took it.  The cup was warm against his fingers, and then he had Dream sitting on the couch next to him, nearly crawling into his arms.  

"You're going to be popular tomorrow," Dream said, turning to press his lips into Hob's hair.  "Everyone knows what you did, thanks to you yelling at the bridge." 

Hob let out a rough laugh and took a sip of his tea, leaning back against Dream.  "Well that's one way to make sure that your father doesn't do a damn thing against us," he said, managing a smile, turning into the gentle press of Dream's lips.  He drank more of his tea and leaned more heavily against Dream.  "Probably scared you, jumping off the railing, didn't I?"  

"You clearly and obviously holding onto the rope offered me a great deal of confidence in what you were doing, even if I wasn't sure precisely what that was," Dream said, shrugging.  "I was not worried.  You knew, and I could tell."  

Hob let out a breath and nodded.  "Thank you.  And I'm sorry that ruined our big romantic moment."  He chuckled and turned to press a kiss to Dream's cheek.  Any thoughts that he'd perhaps entertained about confessing to Dream that he was falling in love, well.  That was a sign from fate, if anything.  It would be better to keep those to himself.  He would have his time here with Dream, and then we would help them disappear to be safe again.  

"I still quite enjoyed the moment," Dream said, smiling.  "I wouldn't worry too much."  He reached up and combed his fingers through Hob's hair.  "I do wish to know that you are all right.  You didn't injure yourself?  You were struggling to stand upright for a few moments there."  

"My bad knee is going to regret that tomorrow after all the running around I did today," Hob said with a yawn.  He relaxed against the couch and took a bigger, longer gulp of his tea, before putting it on the side table, leaning into Dream.  "Let's have no dramatics tomorrow, how about that?  We can have breakfast with Molly and then-"

"And then we will come back here and spend the day reading together, in bed," Dream finished, turning to press his lips to Hob's hairline.  "Or find some other method of entertainment for ourselves, which I am sure we can manage.  I will take care of you."  

Tears, stubborn things, pressed against his eyelid and Hob managed a weak smile, even as he tilted his chin up and stole a soft kiss.  "I can take care of myself, Dream.  You know that."  

"I do," Dream agreed.  "But I also wish to take care of you on occasion.  It pleases me to think we could do this for each other.  Not just you for me, or I for you."  

There was a certain symmetry to that thought and Hob smiled, nodding as he rested his head on Dream's shoulder.  "Might have nightmares tonight.  I'll understand if you want me to stay in my own bed."  

"If you sleep in your own bed, you will leave me no choice but to join you," Dream said, giving Hob a disdainful sniff.  "I am no stranger to the concept of nightmares, Hob.  It will be all right, and tomorrow, we can tell the boys about our adventure, if you like.  Make it a story for them, and perhaps a little less harrowing for you."  

Hob let out a breath as he imagined Dream weaving the story for Orpheus and Robyn.  Spotting the iceberg, issuing the warning, racing to watch how close it got to the ship, waiting for her to turn, waiting, praying, hoping that she would turn fast enough...  "I think that it would make a magnificent story.  I'm sure that newspapers are already going to be printing the almost sinking of the unsinkable ship."  

"Indeed," Dream agreed, his lips twitching.  "And your name will be there, front and center, as it should be."  

Hob groaned, shaking his head.  "No thank you.  I can do without that.  At least no one has taken my picture here, or attempted to do so."  He let his shoulders sag, and reached out to sink his fingers into Dream's hair, turning him into a kiss, relaxing into it.  "Did you enjoy flying among the stars, even if it was only for a few minutes?"  

"It was the most magical moment of my life," Dream admitted, his eyes fluttering shut.  He reached out and slid his hand up and over Hob's thigh, up his belly, to rest against his heart.  "To be surrounded by the stars, wrapped up in you?  There is nothing that I could imagine to be better, and there are few things that will ever be."  

Hob swallowed hard, Dream's admission feeling like too much, too raw, too real, but it was the truth.  For a few minutes there, surrounded by nothing but the stars and each other, it'd be easy to forget that he was a third-class passenger playing white knight for Dream.  It was easy to imagine, to entertain the idea that they didn't come from completely different worlds that would never match up together, and Dream could fall in love with him.  

He'd warned Dream that he was playing for keeps and instead, he had fallen so hard that he had no doubt there would be three holes carved in his heart once they parted ways.  One for Dream himself, and then a smaller piece for each of his sons.  They would always be a part of him, and he would treasure the time he got to spend here, with them, protecting and caring about them.  

"Next time," Hob promised, his voice soft.  "I'll teach you the constellations.  And how the sailors learn to navigate by the stars."  He reached up and lifted Dream's hand, carefully manipulating his fingers until he held it up and lifted it up to the ceiling of their rooms.  "Like this."  He turned Dream's wrist a fraction.  "If you find the right stars in the sky and position your hand so, you will always know which direction you are heading in, no matter where in the world you are.  The stars will never steer you wrong."  

Dream looked at Hob's hand around his and nodded once.  "I would like that," he agreed, and continued to stare, even as Hob wrapped his hand around Dream's and gave it a gentle, pointed squeeze.  He shivered and took a deep breath, turning to press his face into Hob's neck.  "Hob?" he whispered.  

"Yes?" The cackle of the fire was the only noise in the room, the ocean shut off and behind the weight of the porch doors, and he brushed his nose against Dream's cheek.  "Dream?"  

Dream let out a shaky breath, nosing in closer to him, tightening his arm around Hob's shoulder.  "I'm done hiding."  He let out a breath and a small chuckle.  "I don't wish to hide anymore."  

Hob blinked, opening his eyes to look at Dream properly, but the ice blue color had shifted to something as deep and dark as the ocean, shining in the barely-there light of the room.  He stared at Dream, his mouth dropping open.  "Dream, I-"

"I am honored," Dream said, his voice soft, pressing their foreheads together.  "To be seen on your arm.  To have you seen on mine.  I will not hide you.  I will not be discrete if you allow it.  I warned you that I was not a creature of moderation, Hob."  He let out a breath and pressed another kiss to Hob's cheek.  

"Do you understand?" Dream asked, swallowing.  "Do you understand what I tell you, what I am asking?"  

Hob reached out and combed his fingers through Dream's hair and tugged him into a kiss once more, a slow, deep one that lingered, that shifted into faint bites along swollen lips, only to be soothed by the swipe of a tongue.  "You will be all right?"  

Dream smiled into the kiss and pressed his forehead against Hob's, staring at him.  "If I am truly to eschew the name Endless when all this is over, to give up my name and title, and to disappear, I wish for my last known act as myself to be true to who I am."  He kissed Hob once more, leaning up and into it.  "If you will allow me this." 

Hob's heart picked that moment, right then and there, to fall out of his chest and into the hands of Dream Endless.  Not the man that all knew, but to the piece of his heart that he'd been allowed to see.  Dream.  His Dream.  He nodded once, his throat tight.  "Anything," he promised, his voice hoarse.  "Anything I can give you, anything I can do for you, Dream.  I'll do it, willingly.  Again and again."  He pulled Dream in for another kiss and leaned into his arms.  

"Bed," Dream coaxed.  "Come to bed with me.  Let me hold you.  Let me have you tonight and for as long as you'll allow.  Please," he begged, staring at Hob, stroking his cheeks.  He would give Hob his heart without hesitation, would allow him in, to have him be a part of his family, to be another role model for his boys, to be another who would protect Lucienne and Jessamy should the need ever arise, and who would not hesitate to shield him just as quickly.  

"Yes," Hob answered, surging up and into another kiss, pushing Dream back into his bedroom, even though exhaustion was clearly dragging at both of them after everything that had happened today.  They both changed into nightshirts, exchanging lazy kisses after shedding each layer, and Hob's heart ached with how in love he was with every tiny smile that seemed to grow a fraction larger as Dream kissed him again and again.  

Crawling into the blankets together, pressed as close as they could be, Hob held onto Dream just as tightly as he was held.  Their legs were tangled together, and they shared kiss after kiss as they dozed, slowly, carefully, quietly, together.  It was enough, it was more than enough, and so much more than he had ever expected to be given.  Hob fell asleep, Dream's breath ghosting across his lips, unable to keep from smiling at the sight of Dream before he drifted off at last.  

~!~

Unlike the previous mornings, when both Robyn and Orpheus arrived to crash into their bedroom, Hob blinked at the sight of the boys still clearly in their night clothes.  It seemed early for their arrival, too.  Jessamy was standing at the door, an indulgent smile on her face.  "They wanted to know you were safe.  They are not due to wake up for at least another two hours."  

Hob wrapped an arm around Orpheus when the boy pressed in close to him and held him carefully, watching as Dream did the same with Robyn, his expression still exhausted and sleepy.  He looked up at her once more and nodded.  Cuddling Orpheus close, he turned back to Dream, his whole body curving toward the other body in the bed, as Jessamy shut the door to their bedroom.  All too soon, both boys had dozed off just as easily as before and Hob had a heart full to bursting.  

When he woke properly, fully, to the faint chiming of the clock in the main room, Hob took his time taking in the sight of Dream and both of his boys still asleep.  Robyn was drooling where he was flopped on Dream's pillow, and Orpheus was still attached to him in a fashion that clearly implied he never wished to be let go.  He smiled and reached up to gently pet Orpheus' hair, tracing his eyes over Dream's face as he too, continued to sleep.  

They were beautiful.  A family that was still healing from their pains, that was learning to be who they were, and he was going to help them disappear.  He pressed a kiss to the top of Orpheus' head and let out a shaky breath as he thought of no longer having wake-ups like this at some point in the future.  Of no longer spending cozy evenings with Dream in his arms.  His heart ached at the idea, but for now, this was enough.  Last night could have been a disaster, but it was not, and now the sun had risen on a new day.  They were all right.  

Dream dozed for another dozen minutes, but Hob watched as he slowly shifted and twisted his wake into wakefulness.  The haze in those blue eyes cleared almost immediately and Hob grinned at him when those eyes met his.  When Dream leaned in for a soft kiss above his boys, he couldn't help gasping into the kiss, surprise making him tense, but Orpheus only made a quietly grumpy noise and burrowed deeper into his arms.  He smiled and held him tighter.  

"Time to wake up, loves," Dream coaxed, rubbing at Robyn's back and then Orpheus'.  "We even have a surprise planned for you that I think you will greatly enjoy."  

"What surprise?" Orpheus mumbled against Hob's neck, rubbing his cheek against the soft fabric of his nightshirt with a hum.  "Cake?"  

Hob snorted and glanced up at Dream, unable to keep the smile off his face.  Of course one of the children would think of cake as the ultimate surprise.  Hob pressed a kiss to the top of Orpheus' hair once more.  "Sadly not cake, Orpheus.  But perhaps something fun.  We were hoping you would both like to come to breakfast with us."  

Orpheus sat up in a rush, his hair flying everywhere, his eyes wide.  "We can come to breakfast?"

Dream smiled indulgently, leaning back against the pillows, the still-burrowing form of Robyn unwilling to move from against him.  "Yes, you are both welcome to join us and our friend Molly for breakfast.  She would like to meet you.  She's rather like Mr. Hob.  I think you will like her."  

"Robyn!" Orpheus reached out and shook his brother.  "Wake up, we get to go to breakfast with Father!"  

Robyn's eyes snapped open and he sat up with a flail.  "Breakfast?"  he mumbled, rubbing at his eyes sleepily.  "We get to come to breakfast?"  

"You do," Hob agreed, smiling at both of them.  "You do need to change out of your nightclothes and into proper clothing for the day, though.  Miss Lucienne and Jessamy are waiting for you in the main room."  He gestured with his chin and they both catapulted themselves out of the bed, shouting for Lucienne and Jessamy.  He turned his attention back to Dream, who was still looking lovingly after his boys.  

"They seem to have bounced back well, after yesterday," Hob said, reaching out to brush some of Dream's unruly hair out of his face and away from his eyes.  Just like Orpheus before he managed to tame it in the morning.  "No worse for the wear, too."  

Dream nodded.  "Thankfully.  They are very resilient in that way."  He leaned across the gap made by the children and tugged Hob in for a kiss, humming against his lips.  "Now we must make sure the same is true of you."  He kissed Hob once more.  "Will you wear the gray morning suit again?"  

"I think so," Hob agreed, leaning happily into the kiss, his eyes fluttering.  "Why?"  

"Because I," Dream said, punctuating the word with a final kiss, before he stood up from the bed.  "Am going to dress to match." 

That simple announcement shouldn't have had Hob blushing like a virgin newly complimented, but, well.  He could feel it on his ears and his cheeks as Dream made his way over to his wardrobe and began looking through the clothing there.  He climbed out of bed and made his way over to Dream, pressing a kiss to his shoulder before he headed out into the main room (where the boys were making absolute chaos of getting ready) into his own room.  

Hob dressed quickly, unable to keep from smiling at the thought that Dream would be matching him, that they wouldn't be hiding, that he could lean into Dream when he wanted to, and that he could be more overt with affection.  Though, of course, he'd wait to see how far might be too far for Dream.  That would be an important line for him to be aware of at all times.  

Finishing dressing, Hob made his way back out to the living room and helped Lucienne finish wrangling both of the boys into their socks and shoes, grinning and teasing them as they went.  It was nice to hear their laughter after all of the fear yesterday.  It was grounding, and it had the rest of the tension falling out of his shoulders as he pressed Robyn into the couch, tickling him, making him squeal with laughter.  

"Shall you ride on our shoulders to breakfast once more?" Hob asked the boys.  "If your Dad is okay with it."  

"Of course," Dream called.  

Hob looked over at Dream and caught sight of him leaning in the doorway of the bedroom, clearly observing them with a small smile on his face.  He grinned and gave one last flex of his fingers against Robyn's ribs before he stood up.  If he'd thought that Dream's all-black ensembles were complimentary, it had nothing on the dove gray suit that was almost an exact match to the shade he was wearing.  He cleared his throat and stepped closer.  

"Will you?" Hob asked, looking down at his lapel pointedly.  He cleared his throat as Dream pulled the priceless rose from his pocket and stepped in closer, running his fingers along Hob's jacket.  The touch, innocent as it was, sent a shiver up his spine and he was helpless to smile at Dream.  

"Look at Daddy's smile!" Robyn whisper-shouted, hitting Orpheus.  

The blush that crept across Dream's cheeks at the comment only made Hob grin wider and he looked over his shoulders at the boys.  "I do think your Daddy is at his most beautiful when he smiles," he agreed.  He caught the widening of Dream's eyes and met them steadily.  Not hiding meant not hiding, not even here.  Even still, he was not ready for the kiss Dream surged up and into, wrapping him up in long arms that pulled him close.

There was a gasp behind them, but all of Hob's focus was on the kiss he'd been pulled into and how Dream picked him up and spun him around once before depositing him on his feet once more.  His eyes were shining and bluer than the ocean itself.  Hob wanted to drown in them and never surface again.  "Well, if that's the reaction I'm going to get to calling you beautiful, I'll have to do that as often as possible today."  

Dream gave him a look and Hob couldn't help smiling, rolling his eyes, even as he stepped back and turned to the boys.  His lips were still stinging, and Hob bit down on his lower lip so he could keep the sensation for a few precious seconds longer.  But they had places to be.  He turned to Jessamy and Lucienne and saw knowing smiles on their faces.  He coughed and turned to the boys. "Shall we?"  

"Mr. Hob?" Robyn asked, sliding off the couch.  "Can I ride on your shoulders, please?"  

Hob's heart clenched in his chest and he had a few precious moments of struggling to breathe before he nodded and picked Robyn up easily.  "Of course you can.  And, as a bonus, Daddy will tell you all about the adventure we had last night."  

"Adventure?" Orpheus asked, perking up.  "What adventure?"  

"Mr. Hob," Dream started, picking up Orpheus.  "Likely saved every single person on this ship last night."  When both boys gasped, he nodded seriously.  "He was very brave, as brave as any knight in your stories.  Shall I tell you what happened my darlings?  There are a lot of people who are going to come to speak to him about it today."  

Hob winced at the reminder, because that was true enough, but he could focus on Dream and the boys and that would be good enough for him.  When Lucienne held the door open for him, he nodded at her with a smile, and led the way out of the cabins and toward the deck, lifting Robyn onto his shoulders once they were free of the confining quarters.  The boy shouted and lifted his hands to the sun, and Hob gave Dream a grin as he saw him do the same for Orpheus.  

Once they were underway, he gave Dream a nod and listened to the man begin to tell the story.  To hear from Dream, it had been a moment of a hero jumping into action, doing everything possible to protect people and keep them safe.  And all Hob had been able to think of was the sheer panic that had gripped him during every single second.  Beyond a few questions the boys asked, he remained quiet, listening to the spun story.  It was far better than anything he could have managed to come up with.  

"Mr. Hob?" Robyn asked, giving a tug to his hair.  "Did you really jump off the side of the ship holding onto the rope?"  

Hob chuckled and gave Robyn's leg a pat.  "I did indeed.  I used to do that often when I was a sailor.  I can climb up the ropes much easier than a lot of men, so that was often something I needed to do."  He squeezed his knee reassuringly.  "I was never in any danger.  I knew what I was doing the whole time, but I was very worried for both of you, and Miss Lucienne and Miss Jessamy."  

"You were worried about us?" Orpheus asked, frowning.  

Hob swallowed hard and nodded.  "Yes, darlings, I was.  I was very scared for all of you.  A boat hitting an iceberg is very dangerous, even the Titanic."  He shuddered and cleared his throat.  "Thankfully, the Captain was able to tell us that we were safe, that the boat was safe.  We'll be a day late getting to New York, but that's all."  

He carefully slid Robyn off his shoulders as they came to the dining room and held his hand as they stepped inside, nodding to the porter as he did.  "But now we're all safe."  

"We're safe," Robyn repeated, before looking up at his Daddy.  "Daddy, we have to make sure we take care of Mr. Hob!"

Dream fought a smile as he watched Hob's eyes fill with tears at the declaration.  "Do we, Robyn?"  

"Yes!" Orpheus agreed.  "If, if he saved everyone, then we need to make sure we take care of him too."  He frowned.  "Could, could you maybe take the day off, Father?"  He looked up at his father.  "Spend the day with Mr. Hob while we have our lessons together?"  

Dream leaned down and kissed the top of Orpheus' head.  "That is exactly my plan, Orpheus.  And once we come back from dinner, we'll find out what happens next to the Prince of Stories, since I know how much Mr. Hob wants to hear the next part."  When the boys gasped in excitement, he glanced up at Hob and found him wiping his eyes.  He leaned over Robyn and Orpheus and pressed a soft kiss to Hob's cheek in view of the entire dining room as they made their way over to Molly's table and the additional place settings there.   

Hob was glad that Molly was clearly good with kids, insisting that both boys sit across from her so they could regale her with all sorts of tales of their choice.  It left Lucienne and Jessamy on either side of the boys, and Dream and Hob, side by side, on her side.  He relaxed and sank into the chair beside Dream, leaning in to press his forehead against Dream's shoulder.  

"Save me from the guests that we're about to have come by the table," Hob muttered.  "Please." 

"Unfortunately," Dream said, leaning in to give Hob's cheek a gentle kiss.  "You're going to have to survive the onslaught.  I can already see some of them planning to come over and speak with you."  

Hob bit down a groan and sighed, slumping in his chair.  He looked at Dream, who was smiling at him, so indulgently, so happily, that Hob wanted nothing more than to pull him in for a desperate kiss and make sure that everyone knew he was taken and forever would be taken.   "Kiss me for luck?" he whispered.  "If you want to?"  

Dream hummed and leaned in, kissing Hob easily, sliding their lips together.  There was a gasp behind him and he smiled, pulling back from the kiss before punctuating it with one more kiss.  Reaching out, he took Hob's hand and lifted it to his lips, kissing the center of his palm, then pressed another kiss to each of his fingertips.  "There," he breathed.  "That is as much luck as I can possibly gift you.  Will that do?"  

"I think," Hob said, his voice hoarse.  "I can take on the world, now."  Dream's quick grin at the words, before he turned back to the story the boys were telling Molly was enough to settle him back in his seat.  He reached for the fresh coffee that had been poured for him.  At least he would have coffee, and he wouldn't have to endure the intervention of the Endless parents.  

"Mr. Gadling."  

Hob relaxed a fraction and turned his attention to Mr. Andrews and the man at his side, raising an eyebrow when he recognized him, but didn't have a name to put to a face.  "Ah, yes, Mr. Andrews.  How are you?"  

"I should, perhaps, be asking you that question, considering your heroics last evening," he gave a nod.  "I wished to tell you that the ship is sound.  Two compartments are partially flooded, but they are being pumped to maintain the water level."  

Hob relaxed and let out a rough breath, giving a nod.  "Thank you for telling me."  He turned to the other man.  

"Ah, pardon me.  This is Mr. Ismay, the financier of the Titanic.  Mr. Ismay, this is Robert Gadling, the man who made sure your boat will make it to New York City," Mr. Andrews said.  

Hob flushed and cleared his throat.  "I, I'm sure-"

"Nonsense, no need to be humble!"  Mr. Ismay said with a wave of his hand.  "There was no need to test the unsinkable moniker on her maiden voyage after all!"  

Hob swallowed.  "Yes, agreed.  I'm glad that everyone is safe."  He spared a thought for the workers who would not have made it out of the sealed compartments.  Could they have been rescued?  How many would have been lost?  How many?  He managed another smile.  

"Now, with that, I wish to extend an invitation to visit my home in New York City so I can thank you properly.  I hear tell you are in the textile industry!  We shall have to discuss business!" Mr. Ismay nodded once more and strode away.  

Hob watched him go and let out a breath before turning to Mr. Andrews.  "Ah, sir."  He paused and hesitated, lowering his voice.  "The, the men, below decks.  How, how many were..."

Mr. Andrews paused and softened.  "Eighteen were trapped in the compartments."  

Hob flinched, tightening his hand on the arm of the seat.  "Are they trapped until we arrive?"  

"No," Mr. Andrews answered.  "The bulkheads stop at E Deck.  It's taking some ingenuity, but we are getting them out, slowly."  

A breath of surprised relief escaped him and Hob nodded once.  "How many were lost?"  

"Four, by the count of the foremen," Mr. Andrews said.  "Had you not seen the iceberg when you did, Mr. Gadling, I have no doubt that that number would have been multiplied many, many times over.  You have the thanks of the entire crew for your quick thinking on the alert."  

Hob managed a laugh despite himself.  "I definitely scared the hell out of everyone," he said, shaking his head.  

"We were lucky you were on deck," Mr. Andrews said.  "We were.  And-" he paused, looking behind him at Mr. Ismay, and cleared his throat.  "And I will ensure that the Titanic never has another voyage without enough lifeboats for her passenger list."  

Relief, thick and syrupy, flowed over him and he grinned at Mr. Andrews.  "Thank you."  He reached out and shook the man's hand, firm and easy.  "Thank you, Mr. Andrews."  With another nod, the man was gone and Hob quickly took a fortifying sip of his coffee.  Thankfully, the rest of the parade was much easier and satisfied with all superficial retellings of the events, and Hob was able to deflect them.  

Dream kept a careful eye on Hob as one after another, people came by to speak with Hob as the story of what had happened the night before continued to circulate the room.  On the other side of the room, his siblings and parents were sitting, stiff-backed, clearly doing their best to ignore the ruckus.  He leaned in and pressed a kiss to Hob's shoulder.  "You're doing well," he offered, softly.  "Make sure you eat something."  

"Would if I could get a break," Hob shot back, letting out a breath.  But it seemed the tide had, at last, subsided, so he managed to eat some of his toast and a few bites of his eggs.  He didn't have much appetite, but at least the boy's excitement seemed to be contagious, and they had a more than willing audience with Molly Brown.  It was a relief to see another human who was just as boisterous as he was.  

He leaned back in his seat and finished off his first cup of coffee.  The idea of going back to bed with Dream, curling up with him once more, the two of them wearing nothing for as long as they wanted, sounded like heaven, and if they were lucky, maybe they could sneak away to be able to do it.  

"So what's this I hear about you saving all of us, huh?" A teasing voice called.  

Hob opened his eyes and looked up at Dream's sister with a grin.  He turned to her properly and shook his head.  "I didn't do the work, I just saw it first.  Was enough time for us to turn by that point."  Hob glanced at Dream.  "Your parents won't be angry that you're over here?"  

"Oh they'll be furious," Death said with a shrug.  "I simply have decided I don't care.  I'm not going to let them take my favorite brother and nephews from me."  

Hob truly adored her and he knew this was why Dream refused to leave her behind, not completely.  He would have to find a way to make sure she knew where they were, wherever the boys went to go hide.  "Well, I'm glad to see that you are well.  And I am too, but absolutely exhausted."  He managed a small smile.  "Lost a friend on a ship to an iceberg, so it's a bit harrowing to have such a run-in."  

"I can imagine," she agreed, reaching out to take his arm and offering it a small squeeze.  "Don't worry.  You are the hero of the voyage, no one is going to argue that for the rest of the trip, that is certain."  She glanced over at Dream and reached out to touch his shoulder.  "And I can see how happy you make my favorite brother.  That matters to me, more than anything else."  Death gave them both a wink before she stood and made her way back over to the other table.  

Hob turned and immediately leaned into Dream, his eyes fluttering shut as a tender kiss was placed against his hair.  He made Dream happy.  That was more than he could have ever expected or hoped for, and here was Death saying that it was so obvious, she could spot it.  He swallowed hard and lifted his head to look at Dream, meeting his eyes once more.  They were crinkling at the corners, a hidden smile, just for him, and Hob touched Dream's chin, holding him still as he leaned in for a kiss.  No hiding.  Dream had promised no more hiding for Morpheus Endless.  

"Daddy!" Robyn shouted, giggling.  "Stop kissing Mr. Hob, I wanna hear the story about how we were all rescued last night again!"  

Dream chuckled against Hob's lips and pulled back from the kiss to look at him, leaning in to nuzzle their noses together.  "What do you think, Mr. Hob?  Can you stand to hear the story once more?"  

"I think if you are telling it," Hob agreed softly.  "I can manage exactly that."  He pulled back and settled back into his chair, focusing on his breakfast as Dream began to regale Molly with the story of what had happened.  By the look in her eyes, he could tell she knew just how close the call had been. 

As breakfast was winding down, Hob was glad when Dream insisted the boys go off with Lucienne and Jessamy for their lessons and they had a few precious minutes together at the table.  He finished off his second mug of coffee and looked up, only to find Molly looking between him and Dream, her eyes narrowed.  

"You don't think we would have spotted it on time, do you?" she asked.  "Don't lie to me, son."  

Hob tensed and swallowed, thinking of how still the night had been, how quiet the water was, and how long it had taken for the crow's nest to confirm what he'd seen.  How much of a racket he'd had to make and how they'd still, even with that warning, scraped open two compartments.  He looked down at the table.  "No.  I don't."  

Molly let out a rough breath.  "Ismay ought to give you a reward for what you did."  

Hob shook his head.  "No, I don't want a reward."  

"Well you might not, but I-"

"No, no," Hob interrupted her.  "I, it's very kind, but I don't need it.  I don't."  He swallowed and held up his hand.  "If, if you want to advocate for something, I have one request."  

Molly Brown raised both her eyebrows.  "And what is that?"  

"Enough lifeboats for everyone on board," Hob said, his voice cracking on the words.  "You..." he paused and looked around the room.  "You know who would have gone into the water.  I know you do.  You know who would have been saved and who wouldn't have been."  

Molly settled back in her seat and stared at him for a long moment.  "How short were we on boats?"  

"The main deck should have double the amount that there are," Hob said, glancing out the window.  "Double, Molly."  

"Christ and all his angels above," she muttered, narrowing her eyes at him.  "Well, it sounds like I need to have some words with Mr. Ismay."  She pushed herself to her feet.  "You boys take it easy today.  It sounds like you need it.  I don't want to see either of you until dinner."  

Hob laughed and gave her a nod as she started to make her way through the dining room.  When Dream reached out to squeeze his hand, he squeezed it back and leaned into him again, letting out a rough breath.  "I can't stop thinking about it," he whispered.  "What would have happened, if I hadn't... if I hadn't-"

"But you did," Dream interrupted, turning to press his face against Hob's hair.  "You did.  You saw it, you stopped it, and now, all is well.  There were some injured, there were lives lost, but thanks to your intervention, we are all right."  

Hob nodded once and clenched his eyes shut, breathing out tight.  "Can we go?"  

"Absolutely," Dream agreed, standing up from the table, placing his napkin on his plate, holding his arm out to Hob.  "We'll take the day to ourselves.  No interruptions, not even the boys, until after dinner."  

Relief swamped through Hob.  As chaotically amazing as the last few days had been, a day of doing almost nothing sounded heavenly.  As did the thought of getting his hands and lips on Dream once more.  "That sounds perfect."  He lifted his head and smiled up at Dream, glad when they made their way toward the exit.  

Soon, they'd have nothing but themselves, Dream's stateroom and-

"Dream."  

Hob tensed, his hand clenching down on Dream's arm for a moment as he and Dream paused together.  The sound of Dream's father's voice had tensed both of them and they turned around, facing him together.  He raised an eyebrow when the man sneered at where he was holding onto Dream's arm.  He wasn't going to let go, not for him.  

"Can I help you?" Dream asked, raising an eyebrow.  

Lord Endless scowled and looked between them.  "Your discretion is lacking."  

Dream merely stared at his father and tugged Hob a fraction closer.  "I've decided to forgo any."  He turned and kissed Hob, soft and gentle, in front of his father, just to prove the point.  It was easy, from there, to turn to glare at him.  "I am unmarried, and while I am supposedly looking for a wife, there is nothing you can say to me on the subject."  

"He is beneath you," Lady Endless sneered.  "He is so far beneath us, Dream, you must-"

"He," Dream snarled, glaring at his mother.  "Is the only one besides my children, who has willingly put me first in my entire life."  He drew himself up to his full height and glared down at her.  "You are both beneath him.  You are not worthy to be scrapes on the bottom of his shoes, let alone someone who dares be an equal."  

He stepped closer and glared at them both.  "Know that everyone is watching.  He is the hero of the hour, and celebrated by everyone in this dining room."  Dream's eyes shone.  "In fact, one might say that I have made a fortunate judgment call in bringing him around to introduce to everyone."  

"Dream, you must, please-"

"I must do nothing, mother," Dream interrupted.  "Have you not thought how I would feel with your constant pressuring to marry Jessamy?  I have two sons, mother.  Beautiful, growing boys.  Brilliant ones.  And you have never taken a moment to ask if I want more children."  

"The boys need a mother, they don't need you acting like a woman over them," Lord Endless sneered.  "They'll turn out just like you-"

"Careful," Hob said, his voice a whipcrack as he stepped into Lord Endless' space.  "Those boys would be lucky to turn out like their father, Mr. Endless.  Beyond lucky.  But where your son might have allowed those insults to go without reaction, I will not."  He bared his teeth.  "I would burn every ounce of goodwill in everyone in this room for the pleasure of knocking a few of your teeth out.  Remember that the next time you insult Dream."  

Chapter Text

Hob took Dream's arm and spun them both, taking long strides out of the dining room, glad when Dream didn't hesitate to keep pace with him, the both of them making it back to Dream's rooms in a matter of minutes.  Dream's fingers were still tangled with his, and Hob watched him lock the door and put the bolt into place, smiling faintly.  There was something so satisfying about telling off Dream's father, especially when it put that kind of a smile on Dream's face.  

"I do not think," Dream started, stepping in front of Hob, reaching out to push some of his hair out of his face.  "That I will ever tire of seeing you do that to my father."  He leaned in for a soft kiss, and then another, his lips lingering as he pressed closer.  "Of defending me, defending my boys, my decisions."  

"Someone needs to," Hob whispered between the rain of soft kisses from Dream, releasing his hand to wrap his arms around Dream's shoulders.  "You are a brilliant father, love.  Your boys know it, and you know it.  I'm just here to make sure that everyone else remembers that too, okay?"  

Dream shuddered and wrapped his arms around Hob's waist, pulling him in close, leaning in to kiss him once more.  "I do not deserve such protection, nor such care."  

Hob laughed into the kiss, humming happily as he tangled his fingers in Dream's hair, before giving it a gentle tug.  "Now, that I know simply isn't true," he teased, when he was finally let up for air.  He pulled Dream into another kiss, this one deeper, groaning as Dream pushed him back up against the wall to their bedroom, his hands tightening in the black strands.  "You deserve everything, Dream.  Everything I can give you, and more."  

"As do you," Dream breathed out in a huff of air, growling as Hob pulled him into another kiss.  "And now I wish to give that to you.  May I?" 

"Yes," Hob breathed out the word, arching up and into Dream.  "Yes, love, anything that you want.  Anything.  Told you."  He kissed Dream again and shoved off the wall, pushing him back toward the bedroom.  "Want all of you, not the pieces that you think I'll take.  Want all of it, all the time."  He growled and slid his hands down Dream's chest and leaned in to suck a mark at his neck.  "Please."  

Dream shuddered and tilted his head to the side as Hob made quick work of his shirt and jacket, leaving them both in a pile on the floor, his fingers sliding up his ribs and through the hair on his chest, leaving him shuddering.  "Hob."  He was hoarse as Hob's rough fingers slid over his nipples and back down his chest again, his body already reacting to the stimulus.  "You..." he swallowed.  

"Told you," Hob promised, looking up at Dream, repeating the touch, just to watch Dream shudder again.  "Not afraid of it.  Want it.  You're not gonna scare me away, Dream. Now come on.  We have all afternoon to ourselves."  

"Would you..." Dream hesitated and looked down at him, before clearing his throat.  He took a deep breath and felt Hob touch his chin, tilting his face back up so their eyes could meet.  

"Tell me," Hob ordered, his voice soft.  "Tell me what you want, Dream.  Anything.  I will give you anything, I promise."  

"Would you take me?" Dream asked, squirming as he was held in place, his chin tilted up, put on display for Hob.  "Would you give me what I want?  How I want it?"  

Hob nodded and raised his eyebrows.  "If you tell me how that is, yes, love, I'll do whatever you want."  

Dream trembled and let out a rough breath.  "With care.  I, I do not want..." he clenched his hands into fists and reminded himself that this was Hob, that Hob had promised, more than once to take care of him.  He could say these words to Hob, he could.  He would. "I do not wish to be the one in control.  For once."  

Hob's heart broke at the difficulty for Dream to say those words and he leaned up to kiss him softly, taking his time until Dream relaxed for him once more.  "I've got you," he promised, sliding his hands up Dream's sides once more.  "You don't have to be in control, Dream.  I'll take care of you.  Do whatever you want and then more.  Give you everything you could ever need."  He smiled faintly and leaned up to kiss Dream's neck.  

"Please," Dream repeated, pulling Hob closer.  "I want."  

Hob chuckled and walked Dream back to the bed, pausing by the end, before he stepped back and stripped off his own jacket, shirt, and pants, leaving them in a heap on the floor.  When he looked back, Dream had removed the rest of his clothes and was standing before him, naked and shivering.  He swallowed, struck dumb by the sight of him.  He took a deep breath and nodded once.  "On the bed, Dream.  I'll take care of you."  

"There is oil in the drawer," Dream said with a gesture of his chin.  "I wish to have you in me."  

Hob bit down a groan at the quiet order and moved over to the dresser, pausing at the sight of the sketchbook Dream had used the other day.  He glanced at the bed and lifted it for Dream's perusal and waited for a nod, before he flipped it open.  Two pages in, and he was staring at himself.  His breath caught and he took in the picture, stroking over the corner, careful to keep his fingers far away from the charcoal.  Every part of him, so clearly lovingly rendered.  He swallowed and managed a laugh, even as his eyes filled with tears. 

"Do you not like it?" Dream asked, sitting up in bed.  "I admit, I am out of practice, and-"

"Stop it," Hob interrupted, unable to look away.  "I, it's magnificent."  He turned to Dream again and shook his head.  "I think you made me far more handsome than I have ever been."  With a deep breath, he carefully closed the sketchbook and turned back to his original purpose.  He grabbed the generous bottle of oil, putting it on the bedside table before removing the rest of the clothing and climbing into bed with Dream.  He was already reclining, pale limbs spread out on the stark white sheets and Hob leaned back on his heels to take in the sight of him, how beautiful he was, and how smug the smile on his face was.

"Had we forever," Hob whispered, leaning down to press a kiss to the curve of Dream's knee.  "I would ensure that no part of your skin went untouched by my lips."  He slid his fingers up the curve of Dream's calves, stroking at the soft skin there, peppering kisses on the soft, white skin.  "But since we do not, we will have to make due."  

Dream let his head fall back and groaned, spreading his legs, trying not to rock up and into the air to let Hob know how desperate he was already.  He could wait.  He could be patient.  He could.  He bit down on his lip.  "Do not tease."  

"Oh, too late for that," Hob said with a laugh, pressing another kiss to Dream's thighs, sinking a finger into one of the lingering bruises, just to watch Dream gasp.  "Far, far too late for that, I am afraid."  They were dark and purple, exactly as he'd hoped they would be, and he leaned down to kiss the first few, dragging his teeth over them.  "I am going to do nothing but tease you, I am afraid."  

It was an easy promise to keep, as Dream spread his legs wider, and Hob went above kissing each of the marks, darkening the ones who needed it, and leaving fresh bite marks littering his skin until Dream was moaning above him, his cock leaking steadily against his stomach.  Hob grinned at him and it was only when Dream's fingers had sunk into his hair, pulling him closer, that Hob stopped his assault on the pale skin of Dream's thighs.  

"Now, far be it for me to deny you my mouth," Hob said, smirking at Dream as he licked his lips, watching Dream's cock twitch and another bead of pre slide onto his stomach.  "But I think you will enjoy this."  

Hob tugged Dream forward and reached for one of the spare pillows, pressing it under his hips.  The moment of confusion on Dream's face was worth it when Hob yanked him forward and got both of Dream's legs over his shoulders.  The loud gasp and moan of his name was worth it as Hob leaned in and buried his nose behind Dream's balls, groaning at the scent of him.  "I promised you my mouth," he said, his voice rough.  "Gonna give you exactly that."  

Whatever Dream might have tried to say in response to that, because there was none, despite his efforts - there was only the wild wash of pleasure as his thighs tensed and Hob's tongue began to lick over him.  It was a slow, glorious assault, his whole body shaking as he was teased, over and over again, the faintest of presses, teasing him with more, only for Hob to return to tracing every bit of him with his tongue.  It was a torment and Dream hovered right before the edge, unable to fly over it.  

"Hob, please, please!" Dream begged, tugging on his hips, trying to roll his hips into the next press of tongue, but lifted up like this, it was impossible for him to get any sort of leverage.  He was at Hob's mercy, all of him waiting to see what he would do to be given pleasure.  "Hob!"  

"I have you," Hob promised, soothing the words against Dream's skin, against the marks that bracketed either side of his head as he held Dream's hips in place, lifting him that last fraction so he could press a kiss to his hole, listening to Dream sob his name in pleasure.  "I want you to let go if it gets to be too much.  Come, and make a mess of yourself if you want."  

With those words, Hob pressed his tongue into Dream and closed his eyes, falling into the role of doing nothing but giving Dream as much pleasure as he could by pressing his tongue in deep.  He'd brought the oil in closer, but for now, he took his time, teasing Dream open with repeated presses of his tongue as Dream got louder and louder, his voice echoing in the privacy of their bedroom.  He would take Dream apart, would make him remember this for as long as he lived and longer besides.  The gods would know how well Dream Endless had been loved.  

Dream had no hope of maintaining control, he'd known that from the first touch of Hob's tongue, but even his imaginings were nothing compared to the reality.  Hob held him in place in such a way that all he could do was take what he was given, forcing him to whine and moan as he was fucked with Hob's tongue, over and over again.  Which meant that there was no one thing that tipped him over the edge, only a litany of hungry growls, and a lover who never seemed to tire, despite his own needs.  

Dream choked on a moan, his back arching as one more faint scrape of teeth shattered him and he came with a shout, his legs tightening around Hob as he trembled and rode out the rough press of the tongue inside him until, at last, he started to relax and sag, going boneless as Hob laid him out on the bed.  "Hob," he managed, shuddering as his legs were carefully put down.  

"One moment, love.  Can't have you making a mess," Hob purred.  While Dream stared at him, wide-eyed and in shock, Hob leaned in and licked up the streaks of come in steady swipes of his tongue.  He smirked and nuzzled into Dream's chest hair, humming happily as long fingers sank into his hair, tilting his head back to look at Dream and the surprised expression on his face.  "What?"  

"You are..." Dream's voice shook.  "Utterly remarkable," he breathed out the words and shook his head.  "Do you understand that?"  

Hob snorted and rolled his eyes, leaning down to nuzzle Dream's barely soft cock, licking it clean just as he had his chest.  "Nah, just someone who is very dedicated to your pleasure, love.  And making sure you feel good without feeling bad about it."  He paused and looked up at Dream and smiled happily.  "Still want to have me in you?"  He reached for the oil on the bedside table, nodding to Dream when he was handed it a moment later.  

"Yes," Dream said, rolling his hips up.  "Please.  I would feel you as close as I can have you."  

Hob shuddered, shivering.  He licked his lips and looked up at Dream, pressing another kiss to his belly.  "You're going to have to return the favor for me, you know that, right?  I want to feel your fingers in me.  Feel your cock in me."  

Dream shuddered and groaned, biting down a moan as he looked at Hob.  "You would allow me this?"  

"Anything," Hob reminded Dream, settling between his spread legs once more.  "Anything I could give you Dream, I would, without hesitation."  He didn't let Dream respond as he poured oil over his fingers and took his time teasing Dream with one fingertip after another.  Though it was clear Dream had some level of understanding and experience with men, Hob suspected that he had never done this part before, so he took his time, a truly excessive amount, stretching Dream, one finger at a time, until he was crying out and rocking back against the three that he had pressed in deep.  

It was a vision, to see Dream like this, his hair wild and spread out on the sheets, his hands clenching the sheets, his lip bitten red, his pale skin coated in a sheen of sweat, and the sweetest moans escaping from his lips every few seconds.  He'd never seen anything so beautiful in his life and he never would.  That much was certain.

Dream desperately drew in a breath, his chest heaving as he rocked back against the press of Hob's fingers, feeling them twist in him until he was shouting once more, his whole body going tense at the waves of pleasure that washed over him.  It was too much and not enough all at once, and he wanted, needed more.  Needed Hob closer to him.  He held the sheets tighter in his fingers and heaved in a breath to try to make what he wanted known.  

"Hob, if you do not-ah!" Dream gasped again, arching as he cried out, the tips of Hob's fingers stroking over a spot that sent lightning rocketing through him again and again.  "Please!"  Dream tried to get more words out, but there were none, not under the waves of pleasure washing over him again and again.  "Hob, please!"  

"Forgive me," Hob said, slowing his fingers and pulling away from the spot inside Dream that was driving him to such distraction.  "You are beautiful, and I was getting carried away with watching you."  He stretched his fingers once more and pulled them out in a slow slide, using the excess oil that he poured into his palm to slick his cock up.  With a quick grunt, he nudged Dream up until he had a pillow beneath his hips once more and he was holding himself still with the tip of his cock pressed against Dream.  

"Make me a promise," Hob said, meeting Dream's pupil-blown and desperate eyes.  "If you need me to stop, you will tell me."  

Dream growled, scoffing.  "Hob, I will not-"

"Dream!" Hob snapped, glaring at him, his chest heaving.  "Promise me."  

Dream took a shaky breath, then another, before he nodded once, relaxing the tension in his shoulders.  "Very well," he agreed.  "Now, please."  

Hob smiled faintly and nodded, taking a deep breath before he began to push in, watching as Dream gasped, his mouth falling open as he arched.  It was breathtakingly beautiful, watching Dream cry out under him as he moved glacially slow, pressing into him only when he had given the nod that it was okay to do so.  However long it took didn't matter, but when he was, at last, seated as deep as he could be in Dream, with the man himself trying to breathe under him.  

"Keep breathing," Hob coaxed, his voice hoarse, rubbing at Dream's thigh.  Dream clenched down around him and he bit down a groan and managed a faint glare at Dream.  "Don't give me that, do as I'm telling you."  He rolled his hips, just a fraction, to watch Dream gasp, his eyes flying open.  "How's it feel?"  

Dream licked his lips, staring up at the ceiling, blinking hard to keep the tears from gathering in his eyes.  Hob was braced above him, keeping as still as possible, his eyes warm and kind and Dream wanted to fall into his arms forever and never leave them, never leave where they were right now.  He shifted, slowly, hissing as he did, wrapping one leg after another around Hob's hips.  

"Good," he managed, once he remembered that Hob had asked him a question.  Dream's eyelashes fluttered as he took another breath, allowing himself to register just how much he felt at that moment.  "Very good."  

"Glad to hear it," Hob said, smiling as he kissed Dream's chest, nuzzling at his chest hair once more.  "You tell me when you're ready to have me move.  It'll feel like a whole lot more when I do."  

Dream's mouth fell open, a small gasp escaping him as he imagined it, his body shivering.  "More?"  

"Yeah, love," Hob promised, smiling down at him.  "It'll feel like even more." 

Dream blinked and took another deep breath, reaching up for Hob as he did, tugging him down, pulling him closer.  "Want," he managed, his tongue too thick for his mouth.  "Hob, please."  

"I'll take care of you," Hob promised, rolling his hips a fraction, watching Dream arch and cry out, his eyes falling shut.  He repeated the motion once more, pulling out a fraction only to push back into him.  "You okay?  Need me to stop?"  

"Do not," Dream breathed out a snarl, his eyes falling open to stare at Hob.  "Stop."  

Hob managed a rough laugh and kissed Dream's chest again.  "All right.  Slow, then.  And don't feel like you have to hold back.  It'll be easier to move soon."  He kept up the slow and easy rocking motions, until Dream was relaxing the tight hold of his hips and his shoulders, moving back into every thrust he made.  He shifted his hold a fraction and wrapped his hand around Dream's cock once more, stroking him slowly, just to watch him cry out and shout.  

"That's it, beautiful," Hob coaxed.  "Doing so well for me, my Dream, do you feel good?"  

Dream nodded, his hair a wild mess around him as he tried to push back into each of Hob's thrusts, his body quaking with every movement.  He tightened his thighs and squirmed, shifting his hips to see if he could feel that same spot inside him as before while Hob pressed as deep into him as he could go.  On the next slide out, Dream shouted, slamming his head into the pillows, as his being was set aflame.  Hob had frozen, afraid that something was wrong, but that only kept the pressure right where Dream wanted it.  Two small hitches of his hips, grinding the pressure harder, deeper, and Hob's fingers still lazily wrapped around his cock was enough to have him shouting, reaching up to grab at his hair as he lost control again, clenching down on Hob, sobbing his way through his orgasm before slumping to the bed.  

Hob shuddered and took several seconds to run through his own mental list of things to keep from following Dream over the edge just yet after having watched Dream drive himself flying over.  He let out a hoarse laugh and dropped his hands to Dream's hips, keeping him still so he didn't hurt himself with too much stimulation, even as his body twitched through the last aftershocks of pleasure.  He grinned at the dazed blue eyes when Dream finally managed to blink himself back to awareness.  

"Now that," Hob said, grinning at Dream.  "Was the most gorgeous thing I think I've ever seen in my life."  He pressed a kiss to Dream's belly, at the mess that was there now.  Dream was still twitching, his hips rocking the faintest amounts, but now that he was relaxed, it was much easier for Hob to roll his hips and tease him with harder pressure.  "I was hoping that you would enjoy yourself enough to come like that."

"You," Dream managed, rolling his hips once more, sparks dancing up his spine as he gasped, repeating it to feel Hob slide just a fraction in deeper.  "You, now, Hob.  Want to feel you."  

Hob chuckled and kissed Dream's heart, helping Dream to stay right where he was so he didn't squirm too much as he pressed himself in deep.  "Trust me, love, I am not going to last long, not after that."  His breathing was rough and he kissed Dream's skin again.  "Just give me a second to get myself under control and I'll see if I can take you over the edge one more time."  

The thought of being given once more, three times to Hob's singular completion, had Dream shuddering, a whine escaping him.  No other lover had not called him selfish in his desires to have so much, but Hob, Hob seemed to delight in giving to him, again and again.  He sucked in a frantic breath and reached out to tangle his fingers in Hob's hair.  "I wish to, ah, ah, Hob, please."  He rolled his hips harder, whining when Hob still held him fast and kept him from moving too much.  

"Easy," Hob cautioned, though he did as Dream asked and pulled out further before pressing deeper into him.  "Easy, love.  I'll give you what you want, I promise, I'll take care of you."  He listened to Dream whine again, but he took his time, building up a steady and deep pace once more, watching Dream carefully as he worked him over, driving deeper into him until he was shaking, his cock hardening against his belly.  He nuzzled Dream's chest.  "Beautiful."  

"Beautiful," Dream scoffed, his eyes dropping to Hob's shoulders, the brown eyes that were locked on them, drowning in pleasure, the smile on Hob's lips that he wished to kiss, and the strength that, despite finding his own end twice, Hob still used to hold himself back, waiting, waiting again because he was everything.  He was perfect.  Everything Dream ever could have wished for and still more.  Shoving an arm behind him, Dream pushed himself upright and grabbed for Hob's neck, pulling him in for a rough kiss, moaning into it when Hob was forced deep into him once more. 

Hob fell into the kiss that Dream pulled him into, melting into it, even though Dream was bent at an awkward angle and he wasn't able to move.  There was a lingering desperation to it, and he carefully cupped Dream's neck, keeping some of his weight supported as they kissed, and kissed, and kissed.  When their lips finally parted with a wet, slick sound, Hob stared down at him and studied Dream carefully.  The desperation from before seemed to still be there.  "You okay?"  

Dream swallowed, biting back the confession that wanted to break free and arched, driving his hips down.  "Yes," he managed through clenched teeth.  "More, Hob, please."  

"I've got you," Hob promised, nodding once before carefully lowering Dream back to the sheets once more.  "One more time for you."  He helped Dream lift his legs up and around his waist once more before he draped himself over Dream and rolled his hips, driving himself deep.  Rather than pausing again, this time he shoved himself in deep and kept up a steadily deeper and harder rhythm.  Dream was coming alive under him again, his head tossed back, moans falling steadily from his lips as he shoved back into every hard press into him.  He was gorgeous, an ethereal creature that had decided to visit this plane, a fae, come to make a deal with him to steal his heart, never mind that he would give it willingly to such a person.  

Dream gasped and moaned again, as Hob did not stop once he began moving.  The fire that had been growing in the pit of his belly was getting stronger and stronger by the second, making him cry out as Hob drove into him, harder and harder.  His body was shaking, and his mind was awash in nothing but pleasure that he wanted to drown in.  Hob's arms wrapped around him, caring for him, taking care of him, again and again, without fear or concern, or even distaste.  He sobbed out another cry as Hob shifted him a fraction, making every nerve ending on his spine light up.  

"There, dearheart?" Hob asked, waiting for the frantic nod from Dream before he dropped his hands to Dream's hips and kept him positioned at that angle as he pushed in again and again.  Already Dream was thrashing under him, crying out, clearly desperate, eager for anything and everything that he could have, and he was beautiful.  Hob would never see such a sight again, he was ruined, his heart and body completely ruined by Dream Endless.  He leaned down to press a panting kiss to Dream's heart as he fucked into Dream harder.  He would do his best to bring him right to the edge, and then over.  

"Hob, Hob!" Dream chanted the name again and again, struggling to hold himself together as Hob continued to give all of himself, all of his focus to his pleasure.  Dream was aflame, he was going to burn up, and his body was going to expire under the weight of everything and all he could do was try to hold on as Hob moved in him, harder and deeper.  The desperation was catching up with him, and now, now he wanted Hob to come over the edge with him.  

"I have you," Hob promised, panting the words against Dream's skin, rolling his hips as he changed the angle again, watching as Dream shouted, loud and wordless, his whole body becoming one arch.  With a grunt of effort, he kept that angle and watched as Dream lost all control, shouting again and again with every deep drive into him.  Hob pushed himself until his own control was ready to snap and when Dream was hovering on the edge, just out of reach, Hob pulled out of him, ignored the shout of protest, and shifted on the bed.  

In seconds, he had two fingers pressed in deep and his mouth around Dream's cock, swallowing him eagerly, as deep down his throat as he could get.  Only seconds later, with a desperate cry, Dream lost control and Hob swallowed him down eagerly, rocking his fingers in him with every single pulse until, at last, Dream fell to the bed, his eyes dazed and his entire body wrecked.  He was beautiful and Hob barely managed to feel Dream's fingers wrap around him before he was following him over the edge, spilling and adding to the mess on Dream, his entire body shuddering through the climax that left him exhausted.  

Dream stared up at Hob, watching as he panted, the two of them silent save for the words that he didn't dare say.  He reached up and pulled Hob down, heedless of the mess between them, and into a kiss.  He felt Hob stretch out on top of him and Dream melted into the warmth and weight of Hob's body, holding onto him tightly, afraid to let go and lose him after all of that.  

Hob let Dream cling to him for several minutes longer before the practicality of their situation demanded he move.  He shifted, and smiled when Dream made a small plaintive noise, clinging to him.  "Just for a moment," he promised, his voice soft.  "Just for a moment my Dream, I promise."  Hob carefully climbed out of bed and took one of the spare cloths beside the basin and brought it back over to Dream, wiping him clean in slow, steady swipes of the fabric.  He removed as much oil and spend as he could from both of them before he climbed into the bed once more.  

Dream shuddered under the gentle touch of Hob's hands as he was cleaned, the soft look in his eyes enough to be his undoing.  When, at last, Hob returned to him in the bed and tugged him away from the spot where they had made their mess, Dream burrowed into his arms, his body aching in the best way.  His eyes fluttered shut and he imagined what it could be to have this regularly, to have someone who did not think him a monster for his desires, who was willing to please him, despite his needs.  Would it be this easy?  Or would Hob eventually tire of his desperation? 

"Love," Hob called, his voice soft, pressing a kiss to Dream's forehead.  "What are you thinking about?  I can feel you thinking from here."  He cuddled Dream closer, rubbing gently at his arm as Dream tangled their legs together, their bare bodies pressed together from chest to knee.  "I didn't hurt you, did I?  You're okay?"  

Dream ached, but he had had worse aches after a hard day riding, or playing polo, and nodded his head to reassure Hob.  "I am perfectly well.  Sore for the best possible reasons, but I am not hurt."  The words were easier than expected, and they were the truth.  His heart ached, but his body would recover easily.  

"You sure?" Hob asked, leaning in to nuzzle at Dream's hair.  "You can talk to me, you know.  I'm right here, and I'm not going anywhere if you wish to.  We've done a lot these last few days.  Is there anything that you want to talk about with me?  We can."  

Dream closed his eyes and imagined confessing to Hob.  Offering his heart, broken thing that it was, to a man who had ceased to do anything but give to him, again and again.  Dream swallowed hard and took a shaky breath, holding on tighter.  He did not want to give Hob up, even when he had to reinvent himself, to choose a new life.  He wanted Hob to join them in that life, but it was madness.  It was madness, and even Hob would say so. 

Instead, perhaps he could offer a smaller truth.  Still true, but not what weighed on him as much as his growing attachment to a man who was so determined to walk away from them.  Dream swallowed and cleared his throat.  "I am worried about the boys.  What will happen to them when we disappear.  I would not have them want for things."  

Hob let out a sigh and cuddled Dream closer, rubbing at his back.  "You'll be able to provide for them.  Jessamy and Lucienne are smart, and can help care for them.  Between the three of you, you will find a way to take care of them, I know it."  He tightened his arm around Dream and did his best not to imagine being a part of that group who would take care of the boys.  Working to make sure that they had every possible advantage in life, while staying safe.  Growing up around other families with children so they could have others to play with.  It would be so good for them.  

"They'll be all right," Hob offered softly when Dream didn't say anything further.  "They'll have you, and that's what matters most to them.  That they don't lose you.  They need you, and Jessamy and Lucienne.  As long as they have you, there's nothing that they can't survive."  He reached up and combed his fingers through Dream's hair.  "It's going to be all right, Dream.  I promise.  I'll help you.  It'll be all right."  

Dream buried his face against Hob's neck and let that reassurance wash over him.  He would be all right, Hob would make sure of it.  Even if Hob would not come with them, even if his boys would miss Hob more than he wanted to contemplate, they would find a way to be all right.  They would get back to Europe, and disappear.  He trembled and pressed in closer, listening to Hob's firm heartbeat, relaxing into his arms.  He let out a rough laugh and shook his head.  How pathetic was he?  

"What's so funny?" Hob asked, nosing into Dream's hair.  "Hm?  You laughing at me?"  

"No," Dream said, letting out a quiet sigh.  "I am not laughing at you.  I am just..."  he paused and trailed off, thinking about the sound of the ocean on the other side of the porthole and stared at it over Hob's shoulder, the sunshine coming through it.  "I am happy."  

Hob's heart clenched in his chest and stuttered through the next few beats as he continue to hold Dream close.  He smiled against Dream's hair and continued to rub his back as gently as he could.  "You deserve to be happy," he whispered.  "You and the boys, Dream.  No matter how we have to make that happen, we will.  Because you all deserve that.  You deserve to break free of this gilded cage."  

Dream nodded once and continued to hold onto Hob as tight as he could. "Later," he breathed, his voice soft as he nuzzled into Hob's chest hair, the texture against his chin making him hum happily.  "Later, we can break free of the cage.  For now.  I would like to rest."  

"Of course," Hob agreed, reaching out to take the blankets and pull them up and over them both.  "Let me know if you're too warm."  

"Not possible," Dream said, burrowing into Hob's arms.  "I am never too warm with you."  But he was tired, and his mind was slow, his body exhausted.  Hob had warmed him, and brought him over the edge again and again, and now he was ready to sleep.  "I had meant to take care of you, though."  

Hob clenched his eyes so the tears that were threatening didn't fall as he pressed his face closer and tighter to Dream's hair.  "You have, Dream.  You have taken such good care of me," he promised, swallowing hard before he closed his eyes and settled into Dream as he relaxed.  It was the truth.  The steadily growing panic from earlier, the growing worry that his charade would be discovered, the fear, all of it fell away with the precious man curled in his arms.  For now, no matter how soon the dream would have to end, he would let himself sink into it and pretend that it would last far beyond the rails of the Titanic.  

Chapter Text

Dream woke to the gonging of the clock in the main room.  Three tolls.  Still early afternoon.  He was wrapped up just as securely in Hob's arms that he had been before, only like this, now he had a chance to touch and explore.  He carefully stroked along Hob's arm and shoulders, admiring the golden color of his skin, the coarse hair there, smiling as he leaned in for a kiss.  Hob had said that he would spend hours exploring Dream's body, but he wanted the same.  He wanted to spread Hob out and kiss every inch of him, discover every part of him that there was, and what brought him the most pleasure.  

He wanted a lifetime of that, of waking up to spend time with his boys, of Hob laughing and loving them.  He wanted it so badly that he ached with it, which hurt all the more for the impossibility of it all.  Dream swallowed and kissed Hob's shoulder once more, letting out a rough breath.  Hob was here to keep them safe, to protect his boys, and then Hob would let them go to go live their lives.  And he would.  He had a duty to his sons, and to Jessamy, and even Lucienne, and he would take care of them.  That was what he had to do and he would do it.  He would not falter in his duty, not to them.  

But he would leave his heart in the Americas, with a man who would disappear into New York City, never to emerge again.  Dream tightened his arm around Hob and let out a rough breath.  It was April fifteenth.  They had three more days together.  Three more days, and he would treasure every moment, hoard it as though he were a dragon from one of his stories, and pray that it would be enough to sustain him when Hob disappeared from their lives.  

Dream let out a small breath and settled against him again, continuing to rub at Hob's back, tracing patterns against his skin.  Over and over again, in every language that he knew, he spelled out the words in his heart, well aware that he was being ridiculous, but perhaps Hob would have smiled had he known.  Love, devotion, care, adoration, all of it, language after language, again and again, he spelled them out.  Four days and he had fallen in love once more.  Four days, and he had lost his heart to someone who had seen him, and been unafraid, who had not walked away, who had rescued him and stood beside him despite everything thrown at them.  

He had no doubt that he would never find another man like Hob Gadling, and his heart ached with the knowledge.  He would love Hob for the rest of his life, and when the boys were old enough to understand, he would tell them.  However they grew up, whatever life they found, he would make sure they could marry for love, and when they did fall in love, they would be able to be with whoever that was.  He would make sure.  In Hob's honor, he would make sure of it.  Dream let a tear fall and pressed his face closer to Hob.  It wasn't over yet.  The dream wasn't over yet, they still had time.  They still had time.  

-

Hob woke in stages to the feel of a finger tracing patterns on his back and he smiled, giving a sleepy stretch against Dream before he sagged back into the decadent sheets with a grin.  "Mmm, someone's awake before me.  Did you sleep well?"  

"I did," Dream agreed, nuzzling into Hob's chest once more.  "I slept quite well, considering how well you took care of me."  He hummed.  "Yourself?  Did you rest well?"  

Hob let out a gusty, happy sigh.  "I don't know if I've slept that well in years."  He looked down at Dream with a grin and leaned in for a kiss.  "Gonna lay that thanks right at your feet, Dream."

Dream couldn't help the smile at Hob's positivity, leaning up and into the kiss that he was offered, letting it linger, breathing out against Hob's lips with a hum.  The first kiss turned into a second, and then a third as they slowly moved so he was spread out on top of Hob, sharing slow, languid kisses again and again.  He stroked his fingertips along Hob's jaw, melting into kisses that didn't go further than banked heat that seemed to simmer just below the surface.  At length, after dozens of kisses, he settled against Hob's chest once more, against his shoulder, sprawled on top of him.  It was comfortable, to feel Hob's body, naked and spread out beneath him like this.  

"I think I could stay like this forever," Dream admitted, looking at the dresser across the room.  He hadn't remembered to remove their roses, they were still on their jackets, and their jackets were on the floor.  He smiled, remembering their haste to remove each of them.  "But in lieu of that, may I ask you something?"  

"Anything," Hob answered, reaching up to comb his fingers through Dream's hair.  Maybe now Dream would talk to him about what was bothering him, whatever had the shadows lingering in his eyes, even as they kissed again and again.  

"When you have reinvented yourself before, what have you become?" Dream asked.  "I have told you I do not know what we would do, but I am curious to know what you have done."  

Hob chuckled and smiled.  That he could do.  "A pirate, was one of the first," he said, mostly to hear Dream chuckle.  Nevermind that he was telling the truth.  He had been.  "But that was not the first.  The first, was, ah, the print shop."  When Dream blinked against him, his head shifting, Hob gave him a wide grin.  "I knew how to make my mark, and knew my name, but I did not know how to read.  So the first life, when I left my home to make my way in the world, was to find somewhere to work that would teach me to read, but it took me a few years on the streets before I found the place."  

Dream brought his full attention to Hob, his eyes widening.  "Where did you go?"  

"London, 'course," Hob said with a smile.  "Found a small bookshop.  Odd fellow ran the place, but when I offered to do the heavy lifting around the place, he agreed to teach me to read."  He shrugged.  "I made up a story about my past, how I had had to run away from home before I finished my schooling.  Don't think he believed me, but he taught me to read anyway."  Hob closed his eyes and stared at the ceiling.  "I can still remember what the shop smells like.  Books hundreds of years older than me on the shelves, his tea, and his odd little laugh whenever I mentioned how odd it was that he never sold his books."  

Dream hummed.  "He never sold his books?"  

"No," Hob said with a laugh.  "I always thought it so odd.  But he was wealthy, one could tell, and if that was as eccentric as he could manage, I was lucky to work for him.  Paid well, too."  He hummed quietly and traced a design on Dream's back.  "But after a while, he needed to leave for an extended business trip, or so he said.  So he closed the place up, and armed with the knowledge that I could reinvent myself, that I had a skillset to fall back on, I went to do exactly that."  

From there, it was like Hob became a living story.  Year after year of his life recounted for Dream, the constant resets when his circumstances changed, the years he spent begging on the streets, desperate for food and anything he could find. Then his fortunes changed again in Paris as he found odd employment and jobs here and there.  Dream settled into listening to him tell story after story, his aching heart soothed by Hob's willingness to share himself again and again.  

When the sun at last started to dip in the sky, Dream turned to look at it.  They'd spent the entire day abed, and he could feel hunger gnawing at the pit of his stomach for having missed lunch.  Dream glanced up at Hob and offered him a rueful grin.  "Food?"  

"Food," Hob agreed.  "Can we call for something to eat before dinner?"  

"Yes," Dream agreed, reluctantly moving off of Hob and toward the wardrobe pulling out a thick dressing gown, wrapping it around himself before he moved to the main room, calling for a porter and ordering tea and a small meal for them both.  When he made his way back into the bedroom, Hob was still sprawled in the bed, the blankets tugged low on his hips.  Dream devoured the sight of him, even though he kept the robe on and cinched tight.  He would need to take the tea when it arrived.  

"Dream?" Hob watched him, and there was that melancholy in his eyes again.  He frowned and sat up in the bed.  "Come here, love," he ordered, holding out his hand.  Hob gestured for him to sit on the bed and reached out to take Dream's hand, pressing a kiss to his palm, holding onto it tightly.  Of course, he knew that sadness could not be fought back as easily as simply finding a man to share your bed, but he had hoped that he would not see that kind of sadness in Dream's eyes again before he had left.  "You know I care for you, right?"

Dream's breath caught and he swallowed hard, looking away from Hob, the reminder of his care, how much he cared, and how much of himself he was willing to give in the name of service to another before he nodded, once.  "Of course I do," he agreed, clearing his throat.  "Of course I do, Hob."  

"Okay," Hob agreed, kissing Dream's palm once more.  "I wanted to make sure that you knew.  Looked like you forgot for a second there."  

Dream gave Hob a withering look, but at the very least it made Hob brighten and laugh.  At the sound of a knock, he got up and paid well to ensure the porter would not disturb them again and brought the tea tray and sandwiches into the bedroom, glad when Hob twisted himself to lean back against the headboard.  When Hob took his own turn steadying the tray in order for him to climb into bed, Dream did, and stretched out beside him, watching as Hob began to prepare them tea.  

"How do you take your tea?" Hob asked, pausing as he poured Dream a cup.  

"A single sugar cube," Dream admitted softly, watching as Hob's fingers deftly picked up a cube and placed it into one of the cups.  The other was granted two sugar cubes and a small dollop of milk.  He accepted the cup from Hob and took a sip from it.  After everything Hob had shared, it seemed only fitting that he share some of his own secrets.  "The very first..." Dream paused.  "My very first relationship, we were engaged to be married, and I was young."  He let out a breath.  "Young, eager, and foolish."  

Hob shifted his attention to Dream and stared at him, waiting.  Wherever this confession was coming from didn't matter, he would listen for as long as Dream needed him to.  "I very much doubt you have ever been foolish."  

"I explained to her what would be expected of us.  This is before I inherited the title.  I was a second son, able to live a life of leisure.  I had wished to be a patron of the arts.  To work with a museum, perhaps," Dream confided, looking down at his tea as he took a sip.  "My fiancee, Nada, had been supportive of it, and encouraged me.  Though we were an arranged match, we seemed to suit.  I trusted her."  He tightened his fingers on the teacup.  "When I confessed to her that I was excited for our wedding night, she admitted she feared me.  That my hunger would be too much and  I would hurt her."  

Hob stared at Dream, his eyes widening in horror.  "She what?  Did she know you at all?"  

Dream smiled sadly.  "I had thought so, but no, she did not.  I ended the engagement the following morning."  He let out a breath and took another slow sip of tea.  "I learned to hide it after that.  I, I could not always.  Calliope, at least, was always kind about it when I... needed more.  She did not begrudge me those needs, though she never offered to, ah."  He looked at the teacup.  "It was simply my understanding of my needs.  They were either feared or something to be tolerated." 

Hob clenched his eyes shut and reached out to cup Dream's face in his hand.  "No, they're just you, Dream.  Just, who you are.  You can't control these things and-"

"But I can.  I simply ensured that my partners were cared for to the extent that they wished to engage and left it there."  Dream smiled faintly at him.  "It was enough."  

Dread shot through Hob in an instant as he realized something, staring at Dream.  "How..." he paused and let out a shaky breath.  "Dream, how many times have you been able to let go, fully?  To have yourself taken care of until you were satisfied?"  

Dream pressed his lips tight together.  "Outside of assignations that I paid for the privilege of doing so?"  He glanced at Hob and frowned.  "You are the first who has allowed and not feared such... attention."  

Hob heard his heart shatter all over again at the knowledge that no one had looked at Dream and seen everything that seemed so obvious at second glance.  A man being beaten down by his parents, trying to protect those he cared about, allowing pieces of himself to be ripped away and stomped down until there had been nothing left for him, nothing but inky black water beneath him as a last resort.  He pulled Dream in for another kiss, a tear running down his cheek, then another.  

"Hob?"  Dream blinked at the tears.  "Hob, what is wrong?"  

Hob managed a laugh, low and hoarse, reaching up to rub at his eyes, trying to wipe the tears out of them.  "You truly don't know, do you?"  He shook himself and finished off his tea, lukewarm as it was now, swallowing it in gulps before he took the tray and put it off to the side of the bed.  They could eat the sandwiches in a moment.  Next, he took Dream's teacup from him and put it on the bedside table.   

"Hob-"

"Listen to me," Hob ordered, straddling Dream's thighs, cupping Dream's face in his palms, his thumbs tracing over those cheekbones.  "Listen to me, Dream.  You listen and you listen good, and if you hear nothing else, truly, nothing else that I have told you over the past few days, you hear this, understand me?"  

Dream snapped his mouth shut, staring at Hob with wide eyes, at the barely banked anger in his face, completely at odds with the gentle stroking of his cheeks.  He wanted to answer, to agree, to promise that he understood, but he was completely arrested by Hob's eyes on him and the way he had been pulled in.  Tears were still making slow tracks down Hob's cheeks and he ached that he had made Hob cry.  That had never been his intention.  

"You deserve someone who will take care of you," Hob growled, staring at Dream.  "All of you.  Not the pieces that you are willing to give them.  Who will look at you and who will not be afraid of you, or think you are something that must be tolerated.  But who will look at you and love you with their entire heart, without hesitation.  You deserve that, do you understand me?"  

Dream swallowed blinking hard, dropping his eyes down to Hob's chest, managing a shaky breath.  In another world, perhaps, that man would be the one saying those words to him, would be the one who offer to be that man for him, would say that and then be exactly that for him.  But this was not that world, and it never would be.  He nodded, once, against Hob's hands and let out a shaky breath.  "I'm trying to."  

"Whatever faults you have, whatever mistakes you have made," Hob breathed, stroking over Dream's cheeks, watching the tears gather on his lashes.  "None of that, none of it, Dream, means that you do not deserve to be loved wholly, and as you are.  I promise.  I promise it doesn't.  Your wants and needs aren't monstrous.  They aren't something to be feared.  They are simply you."  

"I will..." Dream breathed and clenched his eyes shut to try to prevent the tears that were threatening to slide down his cheeks.  "I will do my best to remember your wisdom, Hob."  

"You'd better," Hob said with a hoarse laugh, leaning in to press their foreheads together.  He held Dream close, cradling him, because maybe if he kept Dream close enough, maybe if he proved to Dream that person did exist, that he was that person, Dream would believe him, even if that wasn't what Dream wanted.  "I'm not going to let you forget it, no matter how many times I have to say it to get it through your stubborn head, you got it?"  

A small chuckle broke free of Dream's lips and he managed a small smile at Hob.  "I understand," he said, reaching out to rest his hands on Hob's waist, savoring the feel of him this close.  He let out a breath and felt Hob lean closer, and took his time matching their breathing until they were in sync and the tears no longer felt as though they were going to break free any second.  

"May I," Dream's voice shook and he took another minute to steady it to the best of his ability.  "May I make a request of you, Hob?"  

"Anything," Hob promised, his voice hoarse.  "Anything, Dream.  If I can, I will.  I swear it."  

Dream nodded once.  "Will you stay?"  It was the coward's way to phrase the request, to not put a deadline on it, to test the waters with something like this, but then Hob was nodding and he was being kissed.  It was too much to believe that Hob would have meant longer than the voyage, but maybe, maybe he could imagine.  He could imagine Hob coming with him to whatever life they would build with Orpheus and Robyn.  Perhaps they could own a bookshop.  Hob had experience.  They could do that.  He could.  

"Aye," Hob breathed, kissing Dream once more, his accent slipping into the single word.  He could imagine forever in that single word, and he promised that with his kiss.  Until Dream walked away from him with his family, he would stay.  Every single step of the way.  He would not hesitate.  He shook and pulled Dream in for another kiss, slow and lingering.  Out in the main room, the clock chimed again, but he paid no attention to it, melting into kisses that were growing more passionate by the second.  

"Want me again, do you?" Hob teased, grinning as he nipped at Dream's lips, sitting in his lap properly.  "Going to tell me what you want, since the last thing you'll want is me in you again.  That soreness won't be fun for anyone, especially when the boys notice."  

Dream had to fight down a smile as he leaned up for another kiss, savoring the feel of Hob in his lap, all of their skin pressed up against each other as they kissed and kissed.  "Like this," he requested, reaching for the oil.  "Your hand.  I want your hand around us."  

Hob shuddered and let out a rough breath.  "Yeah," he agreed.  "Yeah, I can do that, Dream.  Gonna make you feel so good."  

Dream kissed Hob again, pulling him in for a hard kiss, letting the heat that grew between them steadily blaze out of control once more.  It was far too easy to chase that end together, despite the mess they had made of each other and the bed, he wanted more, he wanted everything Hob could ever offer him and then more still.  It was quick, and messy, and even as they panted into every kiss they exchanged, coming down from the peak together, Dream never wanted to have anything else.  And for now, he would have this.  

Hob nipped at Dream's lips.  "We should take a bath," he suggested.  "And you should call someone to change the sheets, because I'm not letting the boys back into this room for the rest of the trip otherwise."  

Dream snorted.  "I will call for them to be changed while we are at dinner," he promised. 

"Sounds good," Hob agreed, wrapping his arms around Dream to pull him in close, letting the heat of their bodies cool for several long moments.  They did need to get up and take a bath, clean themselves for dinner so they could be presentable.  And he would no doubt be inundated with more requests to regale people with the tale of what had happened the night before.  Maybe he could seduce Dream into staying in the room so he wouldn't have to-

"No, we have to go to dinner," Dream said, reaching out to comb his fingers through Hob's hair.  

Hob snorted, looking at Dream.  "Reading my mind, were you?"  

Dream's lips twitched.  "Taking an educated guess as to why you had yet to move us in the direction of the bath, despite your suggestion."  He twisted some of the strands around his finger as he looked at Hob, watching as it fell around his fingertips.  "You will have to survive everyone wishing to make you out as a hero."  

"No offense to the people that you spend most of your time with Dream, but I fucking hate most of them," Hob said with a snort.  "Your sister, Molly, and Mr. Andrews aren't bad sorts. The rest though?  They can go fall into the ocean."  

Dream laughed despite himself.  "I do not disagree with your assessment.  However, your plan still demands our actions and in order to keep my father on the backfoot, I know you will insist, despite your hesitancy."  

Hob groaned, falling back.  "You had to remind me that all of this was my bright idea, didn't you."  He narrowed his eyes at Dream.  "I see what you're doing you know."  He climbed off of Dream and stretched at the side of the bed, putting his full body on display for Dream, savoring the weight of his eyes.  "Now come on.  If you are still interested in more, I am sure I can be convinced to oblige you in the bath tub while it fills."  He winked at Dream and stepped into the en suite.  

Hob laughed again at the sound of flailing blankets behind him and turned around just in time to caught Dream as he came rushing through the door in a deep kiss as he turned the hot water spigot on.  

-

Bathing with Hob had been a special kind of agony.  

The kind that showed him the picture of a life that would never be.  The teasing flicks of water, fighting unnecessarily over towels, soft, wet kisses exchanged as the water cooled, and strong thumbs digging into a sore back after their earlier activities.  Things he wanted with an ache deeper than the Atlantic herself.  But it was not to be dwelled on, not for now.  

Dream looked up as Hob stepped into his room once more, wearing a dinner outfit, his hair still a little wet and curling at the edges, making him smile.  He stepped in close and combed his fingers through the strands, working out the last of the moisture as he adjusted the collar on his jacket.  "There.  Now you are not unruly."  

"You like me unruly," Hob teased, smiling at him as he leaned in for a kiss.  Dream obliged him, leaning into it happily, making his heart swoop the same way it always did now.  "But I was thinking while I was getting dressed.  We should go spend tomorrow down on the same deck we did before for the kids."  He shrugged.  "We need to make a few friends and have some people who are willing to help us.  Granted, they would regardless, because of your money alone, but I suspect at least a few of the families will help you disappear off the boat."  

Dream's breath caught as Hob mentioned the plan of disappearing and he swallowed hard, nodding.  "What do you think we should do?"  

Hob let out a rough breath.  "I think you pack all of the clothing you have with you, just as everyone else is.  Tidy the rooms to make sure they don't look as though someone has stolen anything.  And when the time comes to disembark, I sneak you down to third class.  You change outfits with someone there.  And then you leave with them.  While you might be missed - with your rooms tidy, no one will suspect anything, at least not immediately."  

Dream nodded slowly.  "Then, we make our way into the city."  

"You do," Hob agreed.  "I'm sure some of our new friends can recommend a private place for you to stay.  You'll need to stay far away from your usual fare until you can get south, since you need to find another boat to get back across the sea."  

"I understand," Dream agreed.  "I will need to correspond with a solicitor, briefly."  

"If you have one that you trust to not go to your father, that's who you need to use.  He might tell him later, regardless, but you're going to want to make sure your Will is updated and he sees you, in sound mind and body.  You can blame the iceberg as a reason for doing it."  

His mind was spinning as Hob continued, speaking about how he would need to withdraw money from a myriad of banks, not a single one, to make his steps that much harder to track, and to have Lucienne and Jessamy do the same where possible.  Once that was complete, hopefully in less than a day, they would need to leave again, heading as far south as they could make it without attracting attention.  

"What about you?" Dream asked, carefully unpinning the rose from last night's jacket and onto the one Hob was wearing now.  Hob was holding the black rose in his fingertips and Dream knew that he fully intended to be the one to put it on him.  "My father will be looking for you, hunting for you.  You have encouraged him to do so."  

"I'll hit the ground running," Hob said, giving Dream a running grin.  "By the time he even has his people start looking in the city for me, I'll be gone.  I'll stay away from major cities.  Go north.  There's plenty of quiet places to lay low up there.  I'll wait him out.  However long it needs to be.  Get papers made, and then figure out what I want to do next."  

Dream nodded, stepping closer to Hob so he could pin the rose into place.  "You are certain you will be safe?  He's, he will not be kind, and he will wish to capture you, to deal whatever punishment he sees fit."  

"Hey," Hob soothed, reaching out and tipping Dream's chin up for a gentle kiss.  "He's not going to catch me.  He's far more worried about the fact that he's lost you on his side and you're the one he's going to be worrying about.  Not me.  Now don't worry too much.  Tomorrow we'll make some friends, and then we'll solidify all of our plans the next day, and get the children ready and tell them what is going on."  

Dream felt his shoulders tremble and he was grateful when Hob pulled him in for a kiss, pressing his nose up against the warm skin of Hob's neck.  He reached out and held on tight.  He was becoming far too used to being able to lean on Hob, soon he would need to learn to do without him and figure out the mastery of a new trade on his own.  But he would manage it.  For his boys, so they had a proper life for themselves, even if not the one they had grown up with, it would be worth it.  

"All right, first.  Dinner, and reading to the boys tonight," Hob soothed, taking Dream's hand and giving it a squeeze.  "Come on, love, we'll be okay.  Let's try to enjoy the night, and then we can spend as long as we want with Robyn and Orpheus."  

'We.'  A singular word had never hurt so badly, but Dream smiled and allowed himself one more soft kiss, letting their lips linger together before he tucked Hob's hand into his arm and led him to the door, holding it open for him as they made their way to the dining room.  The dining room was nearly full by the time he arrived, but Dream led them straight past his parents and to the table for three that Molly was sitting at, relaxing into the seat with a pleased sigh.  

"Well, you two look far more rested, dontcha?" Molly said with a grin, lifting her wine glass at them.  "Better hurry up and order before the gossip vultures descend."  She gestured to them.  "And you should be holding hands on top of the table.  Might keep the worst of them away, especially your parents."  When they obeyed the order a moment later, she smiled and gave Hob a sunny grin.  "Shall I tell you about the lovely conversation I had earlier with Mr. Ismay about lifeboats, Mr. Gadling?"

Despite himself, Hob laughed and grinned as Molly launched into the tale of precisely how her conversation had gone earlier.  It was heartening to hear, at least, that she cared the same way he did and wasn't above making sure that things changed for the better.  Add to that, Dream's thumb rubbing across his knuckles in a steady swipe, Hob was able to relax for the first time in over a day in public and managed some real feeling smiles for her, even when people came over to congratulate him for his heroism.  

When Dream ordered for him again, Hob watched the way the French easily twisted off Dream's tongue and, for the first time in what felt like days, reminded himself that soon, he'd be far away from this world.  He'd likely never see it again, too.  Would never sit in a dining room where one of the forks was worth more than he made in a month, and food that he'd never get to taste again, and wine that he'd never bothered to ask the expense of.  He let out a breath and squeezed Dream's hand, relieved when he got a squeeze back.  He smiled at Dream, a big grin.  

"You know, you two keep smiling at each other like that, I'm going to start planning your wedding for you," Molly said, lifting her wine to her lips when they both turned to her with wide eyes.  Oblivious boys, couldn't even see what was right in front of them all along.  She shrugged.  "Only teasing, but you should focus on having some conversation and not only eyes for each other."  

"Apologies," Dream said.  "You have been kind enough to offer your help with our situation."  

"Pish posh," Molly said, waving her hand.  "Told you, this is the most fun I've had in months, and watching everyone squirm is just damned delightful."  She grinned and winked. "They all like to pretend how high above me they are, but when it comes down to it, they know I have every right to be here as much as they do and they hate it.  So, to spite them, I enjoy myself even more."  

Dream nodded to her and shifted back in his seat so a waiter could deliver their food.  "I wish that I had made your acquaintance much earlier, Molly."  

"So do I, sweetheart, but life doesn't work out that way sometimes.  Besides, you think you could have dealt with me before you picked up your own bit of rough there?" She gestured to Hob with a wink.  When both boys tensed, she laughed again.  "You didn't think I'd catch on that his story was a bigger pile of bullshit than what a stableboy shovels every morning?"

Hob coughed, reaching for his water glass, taking a sip.  "Molly."  

She shrugged and smiled.  "Figured it out right after I met you.  Obvious if you know what to look for, of course."  Molly winked at Hob.  "You hide it well, for the record.  Especially after the first day.  You've got enough fight in you that people focus on that and not the fact that you have no idea who to greet and how."  

This time, Hob laughed, leaning back in his chair a little in relief.  Having someone else who knew, who didn't mind, who didn't judge was a relief he hadn't been expecting to get, not after everything.  "Well, I'm glad it's not obvious.  Initially, I was just trying to piss Dream's parents off, but I didn't want to shame myself with you."  

Molly waved a hand.  "You've been a peach the whole time here, no one has blinked twice except when you were sitting with the Endless family.  Don't worry, I already took care of that."  

Dream raised an eyebrow as he took a long sip of his wine.  "You did?  How?"  

"You think the first-class rumor mills are vicious, little Dream?  They've got nothing on a sawmill rumor," she winked at him.  "You leave some of the chaos causing to me, seems to me you boys could use a rest while you plan out the rest of what you need."  She cleared her throat and paused, giving them a deeper look.  "If you need help, people will obviously suspect me, but I can recommend safe places to stay that can't be traced back to me."  

Hob smiled gratefully at her.  "If you could recommend somewhere the boys could be safe, Molly, I think that would be magnificent.  I don't have a way to confirm anywhere."  

She nodded once.  "I'll get them lodgings.  You worry about moving them," Molly gestured to Hob with her fork.  "Precious cargo.  I find out you've mishandled it, I'll be unmanning you with the smallest fork here."  

Hob winced and nodded willingly enough.  "You got it.  No plans to do anything of the sort."  And with that, another person, a countess, from what Dream said to him, approached with a wave and a heavy accent, pressing her hand worryingly low against his jacket, decided to come ask for the story of the night before.  

Dream settled back in his seat and watched Hob refuse to let go of his hand, even to fend off the advancements of the countess, all while trying to be as polite as possible.  It was wonderful to watch, and he couldn't keep the smile from reappearing on his lips, time and time again.  She made telling the story almost twice as long as others, and by the time Hob had finished, there was a crowd around him, eagerly listening to the story as he related it.  

"Heya, little Dream," Molly said, giving him a nudge with her foot.  

Dream turned his attention to her and raised his eyebrow, leaning in her direction, away from the conversation Hob was holding.  "All is well?"  

"You take care of him," Molly ordered, gesturing to Hob.  "Boy looks at you like you hung the moon and the stars.  You can make a life from that, so don't let it go.  You understand me?  I've had my fair share of love affairs, but I've never had that.  I know how precious it is.  Wanted to make sure you did too."  

Dream swallowed, his throat tight as he looked back at Hob, his eyes caught on the way his head fell back a fraction as he laughed.  He gave Hob's fingers a squeeze and his heart leapt when it was immediately returned.  Out of the corner of his eye, Molly was giving him a knowing look and Dream squirmed under it, trying to get away from the look in her eyes.  He finished off the last of his food, and a few more sips of his wine as Hob at last, after answering the same question for the third time, asked to be allowed to finish his meal.  The bluntness was enough to send the hangers-on scattering, and Dream watched as Hob dug back into his food with gusto, only releasing his hand from time to time to cut off pieces of meat.  

When Hob managed to finish his food and the clock chimed nine, Dream looked up at it and gave Hob's fingers a gentle tug.  Other men were standing around the room and Molly was packing up her things as well.  "Time to visit the boys."  He pulled out Hob's chair for him and stepped in to slip his hand into Hob's arm to leave the dining room when there was a loud clearing of a throat behind him.  

Dream took a deep breath and begged for patience before he turned and raised an imperious eyebrow.  His father, Mr. Ismay, and several other men were holding cigars and clearly bound for the smoking room.  

"Joining us, Lord Endless?" Mr. Ismay called.  "Several of us would like to discuss business opportunities with Mr. Gadling you know.  Can't keep him all to yourself, can you?"  

"Actually," Hob said, grinning happily.  "He can.  Quite willingly.  I wouldn't want to drink you all under the table, it'd be quite embarrassing for you, after all."  

Dream's father scoffed.  "Typical.  Cannot be bothered to spend time with real men, even when offered the opportunity."  

Dream looked to his father, his expression icy.  "While you may have been willing to relegate all child-rearing responsibilities for us to a Nanny, I am not.  I will be saying goodnight to my children.  There is no business I wish to discuss outside of that I have with Mr. Gadling."  He gave the barest of inclines of his head to the men in front of him and turned.  

"Pansy just wants to drag him back to his room and-"

Hob sighed, loudly, and dropped his hand out of Dream's arm, turning to look at him regretfully.  "He doesn't listen, does he?"  

Dream raised his eyebrows.  "It appears he does not."  

Hob spun on his heel, took two steps forward, and slammed his fist into Mr. Endless' jaw, sending him spinning to the crowd among the other men who shouted in surprise.  He crouched down and met the furious eyes staring at him with a grin.  "Warned you.  Told you, don't give a damn about impressions.  I care about your son, and that's about it, Mr. Endless.  You have a good night now."  He stood up and turned back to Dream, taking his arm. 

Hob allowed Dream to lead them out of the first-class dining area and toward the cabins.  His knuckles were stinging, but he'd thrown enough punches in his life to know that Dream's father would have lost at least one, if not two teeth and it was worth it.  It was so damn worth it to shut the man up, properly.  "He's going to have a hell of a bruise tomorrow.  I might even be barred from breakfast."  

Dream snorted and shook his head.  "I very much doubt they would dare considering I am with you.  He will raise a stink about it, but it will be nothing they can do at the risk of offending many others considering your heroics."  He stopped outside the door to the boy's room and leaned in for a kiss.  "Is it poor of me to thank you for punching him?"  

Hob couldn't help but laugh as he leaned up and kissed Dream again.  "Absolutely not," he whispered.  "In no way is it poor of you.  I would punch him a thousand more times for you, without hesitation."  

"That, is perhaps excessive," Dream admitted, even as he opened the door and stepped into the room.  Lucienne and Jessamy were sitting by the fire and Dream smiled at both of them before heading straight to the boy's room.  He was tired, and he wanted nothing more than to curl up with his boys and tell them stories.  

Hob followed Dream into the boy's bedroom and smiled at their excited cheers, glad when they made room for him to sit on the bed once more as Dream settled into the chair with the book that he had written.  Perhaps Dream could find a way to be an author for his next job, he truly had a gift for stories.  He leaned against the blankets and looked up to check and make sure Robyn and Orpheus were tucked in, reaching out to give them pats on the leg.  

"Ready for the stories whenever you are," Hob said, grinning up at Dream.  "I'm looking forward to seeing how the Prince of Stories escapes his latest predicament of his."  

"Yeah!" Robyn agreed, bouncing.  "He has to be rescued, right Daddy?"  

"Shhhh," Orpheus hissed.  "Let him read!"  

Dream smiled indulgently at them both before he cleared his throat and looked at the book.  "The Prince of Stories was trapped, no one nearby, and in front of him, no obvious escape.  Running low on time, he made the only decision he could..."

Hob could happily spend every evening for the rest of his life, listening to Dream read stories aloud.  They came alive in his voice, every one given the same gravity, the same depth, no matter their actions as characters.  Villains were that, but they had reasons, they were bad by choice, not because of other reasons and it was masterful storytelling.  Even more impressive, Dream knew how to keep each chapter almost a contained story within its own right, advancing the story forward, but not pushing the narrative so far as to back himself into a corner.  

By the time Dream wound down - the Prince of Stories once more safe and on his journey, Robyn and Orpheus were barely managing to stay awake.  As the book snapped shut, Hob looked down at them and reached out to give their legs a gentle squeeze as he moved and urged them back into position as he stood again.  Whether Dream wanted him to sing or not, he would, because they deserved to sleep well.  Hob took a deep breath and started to hum, nearly jolting in surprise when, after a few bars, Dream began to hum along in harmony.  

He shivered, but focused on finishing the song for them, watching both of their eyes fall slowly, pointedly shut.  It was hard to breathe afterward, his heart too full, watching them sleep together in bed, even when Dream stood up and slowly tugged him out of the room.  Once the door was shut behind them, Dream tugged him into his arms, and Hob melted into them with a small noise.  He loved those boys, and was falling in love with Dream, oh he'd made such a fool of himself with all of this.  And he was going to have to say goodbye, no matter what he did.  He couldn't even ask to come with them, he couldn't risk Dream's father finding them.  

Hob pressed his face tighter against Dream's neck, his arms around his waist, holding on as tight as he could, until Dream gave him a small nudge to where Jessamy and Lucienne were by the fire.  They needed to speak together, needed to plan, and he was an integral part of that, he needed to explain what they were about to do and... he let out a rough breath.  And he was going to help them, because it was the right thing to do and he wanted them all safe, no matter that it was going to cost him his heart.  It would be worth it, for all of them to be all right.  

"Let's speak with them now," Dream suggested, bringing Hob over to Lucienne and Jessamy.  It took several long minutes, but between both he and Hob, they had explained the tentative plan, and how they wanted to escape and get away from his family, to start anew.  He hadn't let go of Hob's hand, but he had not tried to pull away either, and Dream kept that knowledge close to his chest as Hob answered as many questions as he could.  However, there was one thing that Hob could not address that Dream knew he needed to.  

"Lucienne," he said, drawing their attention away from the more minute details of planning.  "I am not unaware that your reasons for staying go far beyond the fiscal.  And while I will take enough to ensure that the boys are cared for, that we can find housing, I am unsure if I will-"

"Don't bother finishing that sentence, my lord," Lucienne said, staring at him over the rim of her glasses.  "I will be coming with you regardless, and as long as I am able to receive housing, can see no situation in which I would leave any of you."  

Dream's shoulders sagged in relief and he smiled at him.  "You might have to get used to calling me something other than 'my lord'."  

Lucienne pressed her lips tighter together and frowned.  "I suspect I shall cross that bridge once we have come to it.  For now, of course we shall help you however we can." 

Had he not been so in love with Dream, Hob could have kissed her for now clear the sheer, instant relief her reassurance gave Dream.  It was almost agonizing to watch and he wanted nothing more than to hug them all, this small family who deserved to be who they were and to be happy, no matter what they had faced up until now.  He gave both ladies a smile.  

"For now, tomorrow, we're going to bring the boys down to the lower decks, with you.  We need to make some friends," Hob said, taking a deep breath.  "A day away from lessons is worth it to get everything taken care of, and we need to make sure they don't think anything is wrong."  

Jessamy nodded.  "That seems wise.  And it will also keep us away from anyone up here."  

"The exact other reason we're doing it," Hob said, nodding to her.  "We'll come down with you for part of the way, but the more you can stay away from where trouble can happen, the better."  He rolled his shoulders, stretching them as best he could, feeling the soreness from the night before.  "Then, after that, the day after will be planning your route."  

Dream let out a shaky breath and was glad when Hob squeezed his hand tighter.  He would never have been able to manage all of this without him.  "Our goal," he picked up, looking at them.  "Is to come back to Europe immediately.  We'll head for France, first, as my father has never liked France and will not have expected us to return there, of all places.  Then, we move further east.  Italy, perhaps."  

Hob squeezed Dream's hand, stepping in close to press their shoulders again.  "I think Italy might be one to avoid, considering the political climate."  He leaned in and kissed Dream's shoulders.  "In fact, I would come back to the Americas as soon as you would deem it safe."  

Dream lifted his head to look at Hob and frowned.  "You would?  Despite-"

"I would," Hob said.  "Trust me."  He met Dream's eyes steadily.  "There's a war brewing.  Everyone's starting to feel it.  You're not going to want to be in Europe for more than a year.  It'll be tough on you, on the boys.  But you'll want to get out.  The United States is large. There are many places to hide."  

Another bolt of fear shot through him, but Dream nodded once more.  "I understand.  We'll factor that into our planning that we cannot make a permanent residence there."  

"It'll be okay," Hob said.  "We'll figure it out.  I'll help you plan as much as I can.  I don't want your family to go through more unrest than they have to, but I want all of you safe."  He leaned in and kissed Dream's shoulders.  "It will be all right."  

Dream nodded once more and turned to look at Lucienne and Jessamy.  "We'll see you both in the morning?"  When they agreed and turned to retire, he was relieved when Hob tugged him to the door, but not in the direction of their cabin.  Anywhere other than open air felt suffocating, so much of his life that he was going to rip apart in the name of keeping his sons safe.  

"Here, we're outside," Hob said, leading them toward the bow of the ship, keeping the first-class amenities at their backs.  Some of the warmth from outside was seeping into their bones and he relaxed, breathing in deep.  "Come here, love."  He drew Dream into his arms.  "I've got you.  You can fall apart here, just for a few minutes."  

Dream growled, even as his fingers dug into Hob's sides.  "Do you think me so weak that I cannot-"

"No," Hob interrupted.  "I don't think you weak at all.  I think you are one of the strongest men I've ever met.  But any man, who is about to leave his life behind and make his future very difficult, who is facing what you are, with four people who are going to depend on you would take a moment to himself."  

Dream clenched his jaw shut to bite down the words that he did not think he could do it alone, that he could do this without Hob.  He wasn't sure that he would be able to manage it, and even if he could, the points of failure were so many and were so extensive that it seemed an impossibility that they got away, that they found somewhere, somehow, to be safe.  

"I don't..." Dream clenched his hands tighter and tried to breathe.  "How am I going to provide for them?  How am I going to protect them, Hob?  I cannot, I can barely do so now, and-"

"Hey," Hob soothed, rubbing his hand up and down Dream's back, nuzzling into his neck.  "Hey, no, you're going to be perfectly fine.  Things are going to be a little tough, but Lucienne and Jessamy are tougher than they look.  So are your boys.  You are all going to be okay.  You will be.  I will do everything in my power to make sure."  He pressed another kiss to Dream's thundering pulse.  "We're going to figure it out.  You're going to get out, and away, and you're going to be safe."  

The reassurance helped, but Dream knew the pile of work in front of him was daunting, and felt far too big and far too heavy.  All of it felt too heavy and it felt like he was going to suffocate once more, without someone like Hob to pull him to the surface.  He managed another nod and let himself sag forward, taking the support and comfort for what it was.  Perhaps he was greedy to take one more thing from Hob, to demand this from him after everything, but it was the only thing still keeping him standing.  

"There is so much danger in the world, I want them to grow up safe," Dream whispered, shaking his head.  "Hob, where can I take them?  Where?  Where do we go where we will be safe?"  

"Small," Hob said, keeping his voice soft and low.  "You find a small community, love.  You find a place where the boys can build a home with you.  Where Lucienne and Jessamy can teach, or work in a local shop.  You find a home to buy and own.  You start gardening.  You, perhaps, write.  Or own a shop.  It will be so small to you, but you can do it.  You can manage.  You find a way to provide for them."  

Dream took in the words, the quiet reassurances, what he needed to find, what he would have to find for his children.  "How do we take enough to do that?"  

"I don't know," Hob admitted.  "I don't know yet, Dream.  But we're going to figure that out.  We're going to figure that out, and when we get to New York, we're going to be ready, you hear me?  I'm going to get you all out, and all of you safe."  He shifted and pressed a kiss into Dream's hair.  "Want to go back in and sit on our balcony?"  

Privacy, and the comfort of Hob's arms?  It was everything he didn't deserve and everything else that he desperately wanted.  "Please," he managed, his voice soft.  "That sounds wonderful.  And..." Dream hesitated, but plowed on.  "No more planning tonight?"  

"No more planning tonight," Hob agreed, taking Dream's hand once more, to pull him back inside the warm and heated halls of the Titanic first class cabins.  Getting him inside, undressed, and once more wrapped in a blanket on the couch, curled in Hob's arms.  He held onto Dream as tight as he dared, and let the silence of the waves curl around them.  A few more days of this, and then he would have to let Dream go, to hopefully find someone who would love Dream as much as he did, that would cherish who he was and not think he was too much.  

After a few minutes of Dream slowly starting to relax, Hob closed his eyes and started to sing, softly.  He might not have been good at French, but it wasn't the only language he knew how to speak, and a few others had always been easier for him.  So he took his time, singing songs to Dream, every sailor song he knew in every language.  Songs of longing and wistfulness, of love and desire, all of it, one after another.  He sang until Dream was at last asleep against him, curled up tight, the tension in his frame relaxed out of it by Hob's hold.  

Hob stared out at the inky oceans and the stars that were blurred by the lights of the cabin behind them and kept humming, quietly, as he held Dream.  The precious bundle in his arms, and his sons that he would never see again.  A tear slid down his cheek and dried almost instantly in the chill air, so Hob buried his face in Dream’s neck and rested his nose there, inhaling the scent of him, trying to memorize it while he still could.  He might not be able to sleep tonight, but that was all right.  He could keep watch for Dream, and that would be enough.  It would be.  He would make sure of it.  

Chapter Text

Dream woke to realize that Hob had held him all night, kept him cradled close, refusing to shift or move for his own comfort, and sighed, leaning into him further.  It wouldn't be long, now, before he would have to return to a solitary existence, alone, and taking care of his boys.  But they would be enough.  They would, and he would love them and whoever they grew up to fall in love with, and he would have a family, and only sometimes would he remember the man who felt like he was supposed to be a part of that family himself.  

This morning, the boys were quiet when they came out to the couch when Dream gestured to Hob who was still sleeping, and carefully helped them up and under the blankets, glad when they cuddled close.  Hob must have been exhausted, for he didn't stir, only tightened his arms around Dream and held him securely, as though, even in his sleep, he was determined to protect Dream.  

Dream combed his fingers through Robyn's hair, soothing him as they all remained pressed together and fought back the tears at the idea that soon he wouldn't have this.  He'd never feel it again, and Hob would disappear, never to be found again.  

"Daddy?" Robyn asked softly.  "Is Mr. Hob okay?"  

Dream felt Hob stir under him and leaned into the press of hands against him and smiled at Robyn.  "He is, I promise.  But he had a rough couple of days, and was very tired.  Today he got to sleep in and I wanted to make sure he could."  He leaned against Hob's shoulders and smiled down at Robyn.  "Would you like to go play with your friends from the other day again?"  

Orpheus gasped, sitting up on Dream's other side.  "Can we?"  

"Oh yes," Dream agreed, chuckling when Orpheus pressed up tighter against him and Hob, reaching back to reassure him with a faint touch.  "We're planning to spend time there for you both today, and I had hoped you'd be excited to see them again after the party."  

"Yes!" Robyn shouted, climbing into his Dad's lap, smiling up at Mr. Hob when he finally blinked awake.  "Good Morning Mr. Hob!"  

"Good morning," Hob said, his voice hoarse as he reached out to touch Robyn's soft hair, making sure that he was steadily balanced on Dream's legs, despite the folds of the blankets.  "Were you all letting me sleep?"  He squinted at the sunshine and glanced down at Dream, only to find himself kissed, humming into a moment later.  "Mmm, good morning."  

"Yes," Dream whispered against Hob's lips, tilting his face back to meet Hob's eyes.  "We were letting you sleep.  You seemed tired and have been working hard to keep us all safe these last few days."  He shifted and pressed his hand to Hob's skin under his nightshirt, letting out a sigh of relief.  "Robyn is not too much like this?  I can-"  

"You're fine," Hob promised, nodding to Dream, reaching out to put an arm around Orpheus and give him a small squeeze.  "You're all fine, and I'm more comfortable than I think I've ever been."  He smiled at Dream and closed his eyes, leaning back against the couch.  In fact, he wanted to stay right here, so he never had to be alone again.  He wanted this, wanted Dream, his boys, and his family so badly that his whole body ached with it.  But they had plans that they needed to begin putting into motion and they couldn't do that here, despite their best efforts.  

So Hob gave himself another few minutes as he listened to Dream tell Robyn a small story before he eventually gave Dream a small nudge and helped both boys off the couch and back into the cabin.  Hob folded the blanket on the couch once more and turned to look at Dream who was waiting for him, looking like an ethereal temptation in his black nightshirt.  He reached out to take Dream's hand and let himself be drawn inside, following in the wake Dream left.  He would follow for as long as Dream would let him before he had to let go and go back to being adrift.  

At least for breakfast, the shine on his heroics had worn off and Hob was only greeted by two people who sought to simply offer him thanks, and was able to focus on his food and watching the boys with Molly Brown as she told her fair share of stories.  Both the boys were entirely enraptured by her, and when she passed Hob a small slip of paper mid-conversation, he tucked it away in his pocket without looking at it.  There would be time for that, later, once they were ready.  

The Endless family, as a whole, did not make an appearance at breakfast, and Hob frowned, surprised as the large table went empty, and glanced at Dream, only to find a shrug in return.  He would need to see if he could find out what was wrong and if something had happened.  For all that they treated Dream horribly, if something was wrong in his family, he deserved to know.  Hob squeezed Dream's hand and as they finished up breakfast, he took the family on a roundabout route down to the second-class deck once more, where all the children had gathered to play in the cold air and sunshine.  

This time they were greeted, and Hob relaxed as a few cheers even came from the men who Dream had beaten in the arm wrestling contest.  They were all good people and Hob nodded to himself.  Their plan would work.  It would work.  He just needed to figure out who the right people to talk to were.  He leaned in to nuzzle Dream's cheek and glanced at Jessamy and Lucienne where they were keeping an eye on the boys.

"Come with me," Hob ordered softly.  "We need to talk to some folks."  When Dream nodded once, Hob began to walk through the crowd, making a few inquiries, until he started getting answers, all of them aided by Dream's willingness to offer money without hesitation.  A little over an hour later, they were sitting in front of a man who Hob had no doubt would be able to help them do exactly what they needed to.  

"Of all the people I've helped, can't say I expected one of your ilk to show up."  

Hob bit down the urge to growl, glaring at the man, Henri, and glanced at Dream.  It was clear he was exhausted by the tightness around his eyes, but he was doing his best not to show it.  "It became urgent, do I need to say that again?  Now, I hear tell that you like money, and there's plenty what's needed.  But they need the reassurance that they won't be caught."  

"And hows you expect me to do that, hm?  Reckon his father could cause a right fucking fuss if he wanted to," Henri said.  "Not ta mention, not like they'd know how to hide."  

"I'll teach them," Hob snapped.  "They'll do what they need to.  Now, either help us, or we'll find someone else who will, Henri."  

"Ain't no one else on the ship who can do what I can," Henri snarled, leaning in closer.  "So you'd best be polite."  

Hob tilted his head and narrowed his eyes.  "Now, Henri, we both know that isn't entirely true.  I could go visit your competition."  He smiled as Henri glared at him.  "So you going to give up on posh git money, or you gonna mark him up ten percent like I know you want to and get it done?"  

Henri scowled.  "Twenty percent."  

Hob growled.  "I-"

"Done," Dream said.  "Give me a final number, and you'll have it, half before and half after we receive the documents."  

Henri leaned back and studied the man standing in front of him.  "Yer desperate to get away from him, aren'tcha?"  

"Not for myself," Dream said, looking behind him.  "For my sons.  For them.  They need to get away."  He stared at Jessamy and the way she laughed with Robyn and his heart ached.  "They are going to be destroyed like I was and I won't do that to them."  

Henri grunted.  "A thousand.  Even.  I'll have your papers tomorrow.  And your route.  You're buying your own transportation."  

Dream nodded once and let out a breath.  He pulled out his wallet and fished out half the bills, shoving them at Henri, watching them be tucked away a moment later.  

Hob looked between Dream and Henri, before catching his attention once more.  "I will pick them up tomorrow," he said.  He wasn't going to risk Dream being robbed by someone wanting to take advantage.

"You got it, posh git," Henri said.  He snorted and shook his head.  "Think yer a fool for tryin' ta run.  You've got everything you could ever want."  

Dream didn't bother responding, turning away from Henri, making his way back over to Jessamy and Lucienne and where they were reclining in the shade while the boys played in the sun.  He looked at Hob.  "We cannot trust him."  

"Oh absolutely not," Hob agreed, keeping his voice low.  "But we need him to make the paperwork, and we're not going to take his route.  Molly's given me what I need for that."  He pat his pocket.  "We'll look at that tonight when we head back."  

Dream relaxed his shoulders and nodded.  "Clothes?"  

"Talked to our friends who were willing to help us the other night," Hob said with a smile.  "Gonna do some fun wardrobe trading.  They were more than willing to help."  

"Good," Dream agreed.  "Is that all for now?"  

"For now," Hob said, reaching out to take Dream's hand.  "Breathe, Dream.  You'll be all right." 

It was all overwhelming.  There was so much trust that needed to be extended, but even here, Hob had reassured him that he would be able to get proper papers made later, and would give him a contact or two for it.  This was temporary and would only get them out of New York safely, which was paramount.  It was what had to happen first, before almost anything.  Dream nodded and squeezed his hand, taking comfort in the rough calluses that didn't let go, even when he squeezed too hard.  

Tomorrow, they would tell the boys what was going on, and then the following day, they would disappear.  But he still had today.  That was enough, and then...

"Dream?" Hob asked, tugging on his hand, pulling Dream to face him once more.  His eyes had gone distant and unfocused, and with a glance at the crowd around him, Hob pulled Dream further out of them and turned so his own back was pressing against the railing, and Dream against him.  "Dream, look at me," he ordered softly.

Dream lifted his eyes to stare at Hob, to meet those worried brown eyes, and cleared his throat.  "You must think me incapable."  He shook himself sternly and cleared his throat.  "Apologies, what must we-"

"Hey," Hob said, leaning up for a soft kiss.  "Stop that."  He reached up and combed his fingers through Dream's hair, watching him soften and relax at the gentle touch.  "This is panic inducing.  It's terrifying.  You have four other people depending on you.  I understand.  That's why I'm here.  You've got me to lean on, right?"  

Dream bit back the remark that he would have Hob for another day and a half at the most and then he would be on his own and instead managed a nod and leaned in against Hob with a sigh.  "I am fearful I will not be able to keep them all safe."  

"You love all four of them with your whole heart," Hob said, kissing Dream's cheek.  "You're going to be able to do what needs to be done, I promise.  It'll be all right.  You'll keep all of them safe."  

"I wish that I had your faith in myself," Dream muttered, taking a deep breath, before nodding.  

Hob looked over at Lucienne and Jessamy and found them, both with the boys bundled up in their arms, more than halfway asleep, and grinned, despite himself.  "Come on.  Looks like we wore them out, and got what we needed so we can head back now."  He let out a breath and took Dream's hand, gesturing for the ladies to join them, reaching out to take Orpheus from Jessamy's arms, hiking the boy easily up against him.  

When Orpheus stirred with a grunt of annoyance, Hob soothed him with a low hum and brushed his hair out of his face, and looked as Dream settled Robyn into his arms.  He smiled and followed Dream back out of the second-class area and to the elevator that would take them back up.  All the while, Hob kept an eye out, but it didn't appear that they were being followed.  He let out a breath and nodded once more and was glad when they got the boys down and resting.  

Dream was waiting for him and looked exhausted.  Hob's heart ached, so he took Dream's hand.  "Come on."  He brought Dream back to the cabin and locked the door behind them.  He skimmed Molly's note quickly, before he tucked it away among his other things.  He'd share that with Dream later, when it mattered more.  With another tug and squeeze, he released Dream's hand and went to go get the oil out of Dream's room, and returned to take his hand again.  

"I do not think it is wise-"

"Not to use on you, on me," Hob said, bringing Dream to the other room, holding the door open for him.  He moved the pile of freshly laundered clothes and turned down the bed, before gesturing for Dream to strip.  "Come on.  You're dead on your feet, and you need to be at the top of your game.  This is for later, if we feel up for it."  

"Are you sure?" Dream asked with a frown.  "I would not put you at a disadvantage if my father were to-"

"I've fought with far worse injuries than a sore arse," Hob shot back, winking at Dream.  "Don't worry too much."  He stepped closer to Dream, standing in just his shirtsleeves, and kissed him.  He made short work of stripping his own clothes, hanging them over another of the chairs, before he climbed into bed and held out his arms for Dream.  "C'mere beautiful."  

Dream sighed and allowed himself to sink into Hob's arms, breathing out roughly.  Like this, the tantalizing press of skin against skin was enough to remind him of how much he wanted, and how much Hob had been willing to give him again and again.  "You are too kind to me."  

"Well I don't know how that could be possible," Hob teased, kissing the top of Dream's head.  "For you deserve every kindness.  You've had a rough life, Dream."  

Dream scoffed and scowled.  "Hardly.  I've lived in the lap of luxury, and to hear me describe my life as a struggle, the people we were with today would laugh, and would-"

"The kind ones would understand," Hob corrected, his voice soft.  "The kind ones would understand a father whose expectations you can never meet, who dictates your life and expects you to follow.  The kind ones would understand wanting to make your own way in the world to keep your family safe.  The parents who love their kids would understand doing anything, even the seeming impossible, for your children."  

Dream swallowed hard and held onto Hob tighter, glad when the arms around him tightened in turn.  He let out a rough breath and was glad when Hob did not shift and did not let go.  "I would never have done this if you had not stopped me that first night.  I would never have had the courage."  

Hob hummed.  "I don't think that's true.  I think you would have tried to get away, and you might not have been as successful as you liked.  But you would have tried to do this if you got pushed too hard, Dream.  I have no doubt about it.  To protect Jessamy, or to protect yourself?  You would have."  He stroked up and down Dream's back.  "But for now, you don't need to worry about that.  You don't have to do anything but relax for me.  And if you don't, I'll make you relax."  

Dream laughed despite the tension of the moment.  "And how would you do that?"  

Hob hummed in consideration.  "Probably use my mouth on you, bring you to completion, have you get those fingers in me, and then ride you.  Have you sit back and let me do all the work, just take care of you."  He chuckled and tightened his arms around Dream, and kissed his hair once more.  "If that was something that you wanted, of course."  

"I would," Dream admitted, softly.  "I do want that, if you would enjoy it."  It would be a fitting goodbye, a last chance to be together, to discover the heights of pleasure with someone who did not believe that he wanted, needed too much in a partner.  

"Mmm, yes," Hob said, unable to keep the chuckle out of his voice.  "Of course I would.  The chance to have you over and over again?  The chance to feel you in me?  Maybe even have you in me more than once?"  He shuddered, his head falling back, and despite his tiredness, and Dream's, he was halfway hard where he was pressed against Dream's warm skin.  

Any thought of rest, of allowing himself to sleep away some of the last few precious hours that he had with Hob, was gone from his mind, and Dream arched into the press of Hob behind him.  Hob was unafraid of his hunger, had done nothing but want and demand more at every possible interval.  He leaned up and kissed Hob, shifting against him, leaning into it with a happy sigh.  

"Giving up on rest?" Hob asked, teasing the words against Dream's lips.  He let out a breath and reached out to cup Dream's face.  "Promise that we'll rest after this?  You look gorgeous as always, but I can see your tiredness here."  Hob leaned in and kissed the corner of Dream's eyes.  

"I want you," Dream answered, surging up for another kiss, rolling Hob back into the sheets, kissing him roughly, pressing him back into the soft sheets, claiming him with a deep kiss.  Hob had said, again and again, that he was unafraid of Dream's wants, and how much he did want, so perhaps it was the proper time to show him what it meant when he saw something he wanted.

"And I you," Hob promised, leaning up into each of the harder kisses, feeling Dream straddle him, pressing in closer to him as the kisses deepened and went on longer and longer until they were panting into each other's mouths.  Any thought of rest was long gone, and Hob was thankful that he'd thought to grab the bottle of oil before bringing them both to his bedroom for this.  He settled under Dream and spread his legs, looking up at him, raising an eyebrow.  "How would you have me?"  

"Turn," Dream ordered, lifting himself off of Hob, gesturing for him to flip over.  "And hold yourself back."  

Hob groaned as Dream straddled his hips once more, his hard cock sliding over the curve of his ass, only to slide between, a drizzle of oil accompanying it.  When had Dream grabbed the oil?  He shivered and let out a rough breath as more oil was poured down his back.  "Dream?"  

"Your shoulders have been bothering you," Dream answered, reaching out to press his fingers through the oil, spreading it along Hob's back and shoulders, digging his fingers into the muscles.  "I would care for you, and perhaps..." he gave a roll of his hips.  "Would enjoy doing so."  

Hob groaned, muffling a whine into the pillow before he nodded and rolled his hips back, pressing himself closer.  "I think you're gonna kill me," he muttered, even as Dream's fingers started to work on his shoulders, pressing at sore spots that had him whining and moaning as the tension was removed in them, piece by piece.  "Where did you learn this?"  

"I was taught," Dream said, tracing his fingertips over the strong muscles of Hob's shoulders, taking his turn between rubbing deep into the soreness that he could feel, and gentle when the muscles themselves began to tremble.  Hob was moaning steadily beneath him, his hips hitching up to grind back against Dream, and he let himself fall into the desire to care for Hob for once.  He had given unceasing care, and now it was Dream's turn to return a small measure of the same.  

"Fuck," Hob swore, arching and moaning as Dream's thumbs dug in again, running down the muscles on either side of his spine, making his whole body shiver.  "Turning me into mush.  I'm going to be utterly useless if you want me riding you," he teased, opening one eye over his shoulder to look at Dream.  

Dream hummed in consideration and rolled his hips once more, shivering when Hob moved with him, grinding back against him, teasing him with the pressure.  "I suspect that, despite your saying as much, you will be able to perform more than adequately."  

"Adequate," Hob grumbled.  "I'll show you adequate after you've finished in me twice."  He shuddered and gasped as Dream gave a harder grind against him, swallowing hard.  "Want to feel you like this Dream.  First.  Please."  

Dream tensed, his fingers digging into Hob's back as he gasped, a tremble running up his spine.  He'd hoped to tease Hob with the thought of more, of having him where he was wanted, but he had not given any thought to having more, of asking for more.  "May I?"  

"Yes, please," Hob groaned, pushing back into Dream's next roll of his hips.  "Want to feel you, want you to pin me down and make me take it, just like this.  Can imagine you sliding into me, taking me like this."  

Dream moaned, shifting so he was stretched out over Hob's back, pressing his chest to Hob's back, leaning in to whisper against his ear, rolling his hips harder.  "Is that what you wish to imagine?" he breathed, hearing Hob moan again.  "Imagine me, sliding into you like this?  Taking you, fucking you, like this?"  

Hob sobbed, shuddering as Dream ground against him harder, biting down on his lip hard enough to keep focus, to keep himself from losing control like his body was threatening.  Like this, surrounded by Dream, pinned to the bed, it was so easy to imagine Dream filling him, giving him everything that he could take, again and again.  Dream taking his pleasure and not holding it back, giving it to him again and again.  

"Yes," Hob managed, when it was clear that Dream wanted a response.  "F-Fuck-" he whined, gasping, as Dream slowed himself and then rode the entire length of his cock up and down his crack, teasing at him, the scent of the oil cloying in the air.  "Can imagine it," he whispered, clenching down on the pillows as Dream started to move faster, chasing what was clearly his end.  "Can imagine you in me, and taking me over and over again.  Finishing as many times as you wanted,  using me for your pleasure.  Would take such good care of you, could use me as much as you wanted, I'd want it, and then even more still."  

Dream whined, burying his face in the loose muscles of Hob's shoulder, sobbing against his skin as he ground in harder, trying to chase his end.  "Hob."  The idea that Hob would welcome such an experience, would want him after that, in spite of it, it was intoxicating and overwhelming.  He was too much, he had always been too much, but perhaps, just like this, with this man, he was not, and here it was not one more failure to add to the list.  

"You like that?" Hob panted, whining as he felt Dream's hips stutter.  "Want that?  Want to give me that?  You can do that, Dream.  I'd feel so good.  Have you so deep in me, like this.  Want to?"  

Dream sobbed out another gasp, pressing himself fully against Hob's back as he managed two more rolls of his hips before he reached his peak, his entire body shaking as he worked himself through it, the oil making it slick and easy as he panted against Hob's shoulders.  That Hob would tease him with the idea, would sound so willing to do something so depraved, he was overwrought at the idea, and against his will, tears were gathering in his eyes at the thought. 

"Dream?" Hob reached back to awkwardly pet at Dream's side, reaching out for his hand, and taking it.  "Dream, talk to me. What's wrong?"  

"Nothing," Dream managed, but even he could hear the tears in his voice.  He shook his head.  "Nothing is wrong, Hob, I swear it."  There, that at least sounded a fraction firmer, but Hob was shifting, was carefully sliding out from under him and Dream wanted to cry with the loss, but at least he was being wrapped up in arm arms and pulled close.  He hadn't lost anything, not yet.  

"I'm here," Hob promised, holding onto Dream tighter.  "I'm right here.  And if that's what you want, we can do that, or something else, or nothing at all.  It's all okay, I promise."  

Dream could feel those traitorous tears threatening to fall down his cheeks again and it was only the fact that he was pressed up tight against Hob's chest that kept them from spilling.  He took one deep breath, then another, trying to wrangle himself under control.  He could not squander this gift, not when he would never have it again.  He swallowed and lifted his head from Hob's chest, looking up at him.  "Forgive me."  

"Nothing to forgive, love," Hob whispered, leaning in to kiss Dream's forehead.  "I didn't mean to upset you, wanted to tease you, not hurt you."  

"You did not hurt me," Dream repeated, leaning in so he could press their foreheads together after a few precious moments.  "I feel magnificent.  But I would not..." he paused and frowned. "I would not debase you in such a way."  

Hob raised his eyebrows.  "What part of me moaning your name near constantly and offering to give you more makes you think I felt debased?"  He reached out and brushed some of Dream's wild hair out of his face.  "Where is your head at, beautiful?  I want everything I offered.  Very much."  He paused and chuckled.  "Well, admittedly, I want your fingers first before you get your cock in me, but that's simple practicality."  

Dream swallowed, shuddering at the ease Hob spoke of taking him.  Against his will, his body reacted, especially still pressed up against Hob as he was.  He let out a rough breath and lfited his head to look up at Hob.  "You would... allow me this?"  

"Dream," Hob repeated, tilting his chin up.  "I am asking you to.  I want it.  I want to feel you fuck me so hard my body shakes with it, pinning me to the mattress so I can't feel anything but you.  Can I make that clearer?"  He waited until Dream met his eyes and kept his own on him, kept himself still and certain.  "Do you understand me?"  

Dream shuddered and nodded once, turning to kiss Hob's palm.  "You will tell me if it bothers you?  You did not..." he gestured and winced.  "Ah, finish in me."  

Hob snorted a little and pulled Dream in for a kiss.  "Courtesy, love.  Not because I didn't want to.  But unless you're willing to scrub yourself out afterward, you're going to feel that for several hours, and it can get messy."  

Dream's eyes widened and he flushed, clearing his throat.  "Ah."  

Hob winked and kissed Dream's nose and then his lips.  "Yeah, figured you hadn't thought quite that far.  I can handle that, so don't worry too much about me.  I want it, as many times as you wish to have me."  

"A dangerous prospect," Dream whispered against Hob's lips.  "For I do not think there is a limit to how many times I could have you, and feel you, and be eager for you once more."  He smiled and gave Hob a gentle shove back to the blankets, onto his back.  "I would see you readied like this.  Spread your legs for me."  

"Not going to complain about getting to watch you," Hob said with a laugh, spreading his legs wide with a grin, sprawling back against the pillows.  "Especially since I'm going to get to feel you in me, over and over again while you're pressed against me.  Yeah, I'll take that, happily."  

Dream shuddered and fumbled for the bottle of oil, pouring more onto his fingers as he moved between Hob's spread legs, leaning down to nuzzle at the hair on his belly, dragging his teeth through it.  "I would draw you again.  I would take my time rendering every inch of you with the finest tools money could buy and yet never capture the spark of you."  He teased his fingertips over the skin of Hob's thigh to press back against him, feeling the easy give of his muscles, sucking at his fingertip.  

Hob shuddered, licking his lips, his head falling back as he gasped, keeping his legs spread wide.  "Should let me take a turn drawing you in the all together, Dream.  Draw you with the marks on your thighs and chest, all those I've left and all those I'm going to leave on you."  He whined as Dream at last slid a finger into him, just barely, teasing him with the length as it moved deeper and deeper, carefully.  

"I would enjoy your eyes on me in such a way," Dream admitted, watching Hob carefully for pain as he worked a finger into him, the thick scent of the oil cloying around him as he sucked a mark into the skin of Hob's belly.  He left one mark, then another, then another.  "You seemed to enjoy the experience yourself."  

Hob laughed, his voice hoarse, his head falling back.  "If you mean that I've never been so turned on in my life, you'd be quite right," he agreed, grinning at Dream.  "The best kind of torture to endure, other than the one you're putting me through currently, of course."  He wiggled his hips and pressed back against the finger.  "Speaking of which, give me another.  Your fingers are thin, but they are long.  You know where to try to touch?"  

Dream nodded and carefully teased a second finger as he worked the first in and out of Hob's body.  "Gently, yes?"  he asked, doing precisely that as the second slid in almost as easily as the first.  He shuddered at the heat of Hob's body clenched around his fingers, fighting down a whine as he stared, unable to look away at the sight.  "Look at how well you take my fingers."  He twisted them a fraction and curled his fingertips, watching Hob's face carefully, flushed as it was with pleasure.  

"Can't blame, me, your fingers reach much deeper than I do and, ah!"  Hob gasped, his whole body tensing and shuddering as Dream froze, his fingertips pressed right where he wanted it.  "There, there, there, Dream, please," Hob managed to get out, shuddering and grinding back against it.  "Like that." 

"You are a miracle," Dream breathed, watching as Hob moved back his hand, so eager, desperate, clearly, for more, for anything that he could be given, and he wanted to give it to him, again and again.  "I would see you completely awash in pleasure."  He pressed his fingers in deep once more, just to watch him shudder and moan.  Dream bit down a groan of his own, already hard and desperate himself, eager to press inside the slick heat clenched around his fingers.  He spread his, working his fingers in as deep as they could go, all the way to the knuckle until Hob was shouting his name, arching on the bed, his belly smeared with pre.  

"Dream, I swear, if you do not get a third finger in me right this instant," Hob panted, and then let out a loud whine as Dream did precisely that, sliding a third in along the other two, making him shake as he felt full, breathing through the stretch, his chest heaving.  "Yes," he gasped, his eyes fluttering.  "Yes, like that."  

"Beautiful," Dream complimented, licking his lips as he stared at Hob, working him open slowly, steadily, until Hob was keening again, his whole body shaking under the impacts of being given precisely what he had wanted, what he had asked for.  "I have never seen anything so beautiful," he added.  "To see you want me, to see you ask for more, to see you find your pleasure as you do."  He leaned down and pressed his nose to the base of Hob's cock, inhaling the scent of him with a groan.  

Hob whined and clenched the sheets tight enough to hear the fabric tearing over the sound of their panting.  "Dream, please, I can't..."  He squirmed, shouting as Dream twisted his fingers and pressed the pads of his fingertips against that spot inside him and then proceeded to rub. Hob howled, thrashing on the sheets, his belly tensing under the weight of the pleasure shooting through him, until it began to threaten to crest, and despite himself, he grabbed at the base of his cock, pinching his fingers tight around himself.  "Dream!" he growled.  "I, ah, ah, fuck, please, wait!"  

Dream froze, his eyes widening in horror as he froze, moving to remove his hand, only for Hob to reach out and grab his wrist an instant later.  He stared at the panting picture Hob made beneath him, the flushed cheeks and his belly twisted with shame.  He'd pushed too far, too fast.  He should have-

"Stop," Hob panted, his chest heaving as he tried to bring his focus properly on Dream and not how badly he wanted to reach his end.  "Whatever, fuck, whatever you're thinking, stop it right now."  He gave Dream's shoulder a whack, and waited for ice-blue eyes to glare at him.  "Didn't want you to stop, just didn't want to finish right then.  Wanted you in me before I did."  

Dream blinked and stared at Hob, then down at his fingers, and where Hob was holding his wrist in place.  "You..."  

Hob growled and rocked his hips down on Dream's fingers, just to watch Dream gasp and shiver.  "I, want you in me.  I want your entire body pressed up against me as you slide into me, I want your chest against my shoulders, your hands over mine.  What I do not want..." He heaved in a breath and let it out, some of the tension fading from his shoulders.  "Is to finish before I get what I want.  You understand?"  

Dream nodded once and leaned down to kiss Hob's chest, just above his heart again.  "I do.  I am sorry for bringing you so close to the edge."  

Hob managed a laugh, gasping and shuddering as Dream slowly and carefully slid his fingers out.  "Don't apologize for making me feel that good, love.  It felt magnificent, and if I didn't have something I wanted more, trust me when I say I would have happily made quite the mess of myself for you."  He licked his lips as Dream carefully pulled away from him and gestured for him to turn over.  He paused and reached out to grab one of the pillows, putting it under him.  

"Can't stay up on my knees for long without my knees giving out," Hob explained, even as Dream carefully positioned himself and then pressed the rest of his body close.  He bit down a whine as Dream's noise pressed to his shoulders and long fingers tangled between his.  Every inch of him was surrounded by Dream, exactly as he had wanted, as he had craved, and he needed it, needed more than he ever could have expected.  "Dream, please.  Let me feel you."  He wanted it, needed something to take with him so he could never forget this, never forget that Dream had been a part of him, at least for one night.  

"Yes," Dream breathed against Hob's hot skin, nuzzling into him before he rolled his hips in a hard press, driving himself in deep with a slow grind.  Hob gave a muffled shout to the pillows beneath him, and it was everything he could do not to begin moving, to drive himself deeper into Hob's willing body beneath him.  "You are perfection," he whispered into the skin of Hob's shoulder.  "You are a painting, made flesh and blood, every exquisite line of you."  He rolled his hips, teasing Hob with the pressure to listen to him cry out.  

Hob whined into the pillows, Dream's fingers tightening around his hands.  He wanted, his whole body was shaking with how much he wanted, and he needed to give this to Dream, needed him to take everything that he could want, more than anything else.  "Ready?" he asked, licking his lips.  "Want you to give me everything, Dream.  Everything you have ever imagined letting go, I want all of it.  I won't be satisfied otherwise, you hear me?"  

Dream muffled a cry against Hob's shoulder, his hips jerking against his will at the command, at the demand that he take Hob as he had always wished to be able to do with someone.  "Hob."  The word was a plea and a prayer, all in one, as he pulled himself most of the way out and slammed back in, their twin cries echoing in the room.  

"That's right," Hob repeated, moaning as Dream did it again, and then again, setting a heavy, rough rhythm that was going to have him keeping no control.  "Take me, make me feel you, I want to feel you, Dream.  I want to feel all of you, as deep as you can be."  

Dream clenched his eyes shut, a tear escaping as he fucked in harder, driving himself deep into Hob again and again, listening to his moans only increase in volume.  For every time he pushed, Hob pushed back, demanded, wanted more, and it wouldn't take long for him to fall over the edge.  But even like this, even with Hob begging, there was the small part of him that wanted to hold back, that wanted him to protect his heart.  

"You must be sure," Dream breathed, tilting his head to groan into Hob's ear, moving faster in him, chasing his end, reaching back with one hand to yank Hob's hips up, to change the angle, only for Hob to shout in pleasure again.  "You must be sure, Hob.  If you want me to remain, to, to keep going."  

Hob shifted his hand around Dream's and clenched down around the fingers that were tangled with his and shoved his hips back.  "I'm sure, I want to feel you, want to feel you in me again and again, I want all of it," he promised, licking his lips, keening as Dream shoved into him once more and let himself go, warmth flooding him as Dream shouted into his shoulder, trembling against his back as his hips continued to move, tiny little rolls that sent aftershocks of pleasure straight through him. 

When Dream stilled at last, Hob was panting into the pillow beneath him, so close to the edge that he was sure that he would fall right over the edge before Dream even started fucking him again.  He squeezed Dream's fingertips between his fingers and leaned his head back to press it against Dream's, where he had become almost dead weight against his back.  "Feel good?"  

"You are..." Dream let out a rough breath into Hob's shoulder.  "Words do not exist for what you are, Hob.  How you feel.  How you hold me, how you cradle me so carefully."  He pressed a gentle kiss to Hob's shoulder.  In a way, Hob felt made for him, for his heart, for his body, caring for him, holding him, protecting him, and he ached soul-deep at the knowledge that he would not get to keep him.  "You are perfect for me," he managed to finish, breathing the words.  Even now, the hot clench of Hob's body around him was a tease, and the rough edges of too much stimulation were starting to fade.  

"I don't think I've ever felt this good," Hob said, and managed a hoarse laugh.  When Dream twitched inside him, and he gave the faintest roll of his hips, he moaned, long and low.  "Not gonna manage to last, fuck.  Feel so good, love, so good in me like this.  Feel all full of you, and want to give you more, want you to take everything you want from me."  

"You will be sore tomorrow," Dream warned, his voice soft.  "We will take a bath together, tonight and tomorrow.  You cared for me and I will do the same."  

"Worth it," Hob said, laughing once more.  "Worth every single second to have you like this, to keep you like this, and to give you what you need.  Give you anything and everything you could want, Dream.  Promised, and I will.  I want to feel you, want you to feel so good."  

Dream groaned, his eyes fluttering at the repeated promises from Hob.  "I do," he breathed, even as he rolled his hips once more, hardening in slow stages, his body feeling sluggish and well-fucked, thanks to everything that Hob offered him and more.  "But I would not hurt you.  I will go slow."  

Hob sobbed out a whine.  "If you go slow, I think you might kill me."  As he said the words, Dream pulled out a fraction and slid back in, the noise obscene in the quiet of the room, and he moaned, pressing himself back, even as every nerve ending felt too sore to do it again, because he was balanced on a knife's edge and it would take nothing at all for him to fall over it.  

Dream smiled against Hob's shoulder, and squeezed both his hands, kissing his shoulder, his tongue tracing the twitching muscles.  "No, no deaths for you, Hob," he promised, grinding into Hob once more, just to hear the sweet, thready moan escape.  He did it again, and then again, punching the noises out of him.  It was a chance, with the desperation over, to focus on driving Hob over his own end, his own edge.  He shifted a fraction, adjusting the angle, and slid all of the way out to hear Hob take in a gasping, sobbed breath.  He waited, precious few seconds, feeling Hob twitch around him before he shoved in deep once more, holding onto Hob as he shouted.  

"Dream, Dream, I can't-" The words were robbed from him as Dream fucked into him again, hard and desperate, and Hob barely managed to clench his hands down on Dream's in warning before he was tensing and finishing, shoving himself back against Dream to take him as deep as he could go, his whole body twitching as he painted the blankets beneath him with his release before sagging forward, his body too damn weak to move.  

"Hob!"  Dream's eyes widened and he chuckled, low and deep in his throat as he pressed in close, kissing at Hob's shoulder, feeling Hob twitch around him through the aftershocks of his own pleasure, his chest still heaving with every breath.  He pressed a gentle kiss to the trembling skin beneath his mouth and savored Hob's careful come down of the heights of pleasure and shifted to push himself upright, pulling out in slow increments.  

"Hey," Hob growled, grabbing Dream's wrist, and tilting his head back to frown at him.  "Where'you going, huh?"  He tugged Dream harder, pulling him back down until Dream slid into him again with a wet sound that had him shuddering.  "Mmm, s'better."  He shuddered and let his eyes fall shut.  He felt fucked out and satisfied, every part of him taken care of and worshipped.  "Had a plan," he muttered, after another few seconds.  "For you, for me.  Yeah?"  

Dream blinked and frowned down at him.  "No, you've already finished, and I would not ask you to take more when you don't-"

"You're not asking," Hob said, humming.  "I'm offering.  Feels good.  Think you're gonna make me a convert.  Just gotta go slow, yeah?  'm not in my early twenties anymore."  He lifted Dream's hand and pressed a kiss to the back of it.  "Told you.  Not too much.  Want it.  Want you."  To illustrate his point, Hob clenched down around Dream in him and both of them moaned together.  

"Hob," Dream begged, tears gathering in his eyes again.  "It will hurt."  

"Eh," Hob shrugged.  "S'not real hurt.  Like when you take fingers and haven't done it before.  It hurts, but not real hurt.  Just hurt you don't know."  He pushed his hips back.  "You feel good.  S'all that matters to me."  

Dream pressed another kiss to Hob's shoulder, letting his lips linger against Hob's skin as he nodded once, trying to gather his control.  Another kiss, his eyes trembling as he shut them.  If he had doubted his heart up until now, now he was sure.  He had fallen impossibly in love with Hob Gadling, a man who seemed determined to right every wrong he had experienced in his life and rewrite them with his presence and his memories.  Hob had rewritten parts of his life and shoved his own stories in there instead, and Dream would never forget him, not any part of him.  

"Slow," Dream promised, keeping the word soft as he ground into Hob again, rocking his hips slowly to gauge his reactions to the movement.  "Slow as I can manage."  And he would manage anything for Hob, for the gift that he was so willing to grant like this.  Both of them trembled together as he started to move again, drawing himself out, only to press in to where Hob was slumped against the bed, his hips still lifted thanks to the pillow.  

“Christ,” Hob snarled through gritted teeth as Dream slid out of him slowly, directly applying pressure inside him in the most delicious way.  “Do that again, and again, don’t stop.”  Dream only nodded against his shoulder, and Hob felt him as he obeyed the order, rocking in and out of him in steady, rolling motions.  Perhaps there was one other thing he could give Hob, as a thanks for the gift of his body despite how far beyond its boundaries he pushed it.  

“You are a marvel,” Dream breathed against Hob’s shoulder, his voice low and rough, punctuating the word with a thrust into him, just to listen to him muffle a cry against the sheets.  “You are magnificent, your body a wonder.”  Another slow roll of his hips, grinding in hard.  “Your kindness, an ever-giving gift.”  Dream kept his eyes shut so the tears didn’t fall.  “Your smile lights a room with its shine.”  

“Dream,” Hob sobbed the word, even as Dream kept up the quiet litany of compliments breathed against his shoulder.  The rough, teasing cadence of his words was tormenting, and the constant rubbing pressure inside him as Dream worked himself in over and over again had his prick hardening against the soft sheets, making him bite out another whine.  “So good,” he slurred, his eyes fluttering shut as he tried to push his hips back.  “You’re so good, love.”  

"And there are none who could hold a candle to you, my Hob," Dream breathed against Hob's shoulder, staring down at his fingers tangled with Hob's.  A tear slid down his cheek and he pressed his face to Hob's shoulders once more, grinding into him harder.  "You are everything," he whispered, breathing out hard as he moved faster, keeping the same angle to hear Hob sob his name again and again, chasing the end of the both of them.  

"You are incredible, brave, sweet, and loving.  You have reminded me..." Dream choked on the next word as Hob clenched down on him, making him cry out.  "You have reminded me of everything I thought I had once forgotten.  You have made me want to live, no matter how afraid I might be.  You, Hob Gadling," Dream growled out the words, sinking his teeth into Hob's shoulder, sucking a mark into the skin there, licking the sweat from it as Hob cried out and arched back against him.  

"The sun wishes she could shine as brightly as you do," Dream growled out the words, panting hard as he and Hob moved faster together, their bodies damp with sweat, the scent of spend and the oil curling around them again and again.  They were a mess, and yet he never wanted to stop, never wanted it to end, not ever.  "The moon desires your presence, for you make it shine all the brighter.  And the stars..." he bit down a sob of pleasure as Hob clenched down on him once more.  "The stars remake themselves in your image to reflect just how incredible you are."  

It was too much, it was all too much, Dream's low voice purring in his ear, the slow, rough drag inside him that lit him up, over and over again, his spent cock twitching against the soft sheets, and Dream, every bit of Dream around him, a Dream who wanted to live, who had realized he wanted to live and found that in Hob's arms.  Hob bit down on the sheets in front of him and muffled his scream only barely as his entire body went tense as he came again, unable to hold back under the onslaught of everything Dream seemed so determined to give him.  

Dream didn't try to hold himself back as Hob shouted out his pleasure and buried himself deep once more, grinding in hard and deep as Hob clenched around him, reaching his end once more, only to fall, trembling, on top of him, shaking as he tried to take in a breath.  His mind was fuzzy, and all he could feel, all he wanted to feel was Hob, Hob's skin, Hob's lips, his arms, it was all he ever wanted to feel ever again.  Dream pressed a kiss to the skin, and then another, and another, chasing the perfect tasting skin in front of him.  

Hob blinked himself back to awareness to the feel of kisses across his shoulders and bit down a smile as Dream carefully pulled himself back.  He groaned, low and deep in his throat, his back and hips twinging with pain, reminding him that he had, perhaps, overdone it, even if he had no regrets about it.  When Dream fell to the bed beside him, Hob ignored the heavier surge of pain and hauled a sweaty, mussed Dream into his arms, holding him as close as he could.  The urge to confess, to tell Dream that he held his heart, and always would beat at his lips, but Hob kept them hidden behind his teeth.  

Instead, he buried his face in Dream's hair and held him close, held him tight, and let the two of them breathe, their skin cooling slowly in the room.  He heaved in a small breath and felt tears prickling in his eyes as Dream burrowed deeper still into his arms, daring to press closer, wanting more of the tight hold.  Hob would give him anything, everything, his heart, his body, all of it to try and heal and fraction of the hurts that life had once offered him.  Together, like this, he let himself come down from all of those moments together.  

"I have you," Hob promised, his voice soft as he held Dream.  "I have you, Dream.  I promise I have you.  Rest.  I have you.  I'm here.  You can rest now."  He repeated the assurances again and again as Dream eventually went limp and dozed, continuing to rub and stroke over sweaty skin that was drying.  He would need to get up to take a bath soon, to clean himself, but for now, for now, Hob would hold him like this and would not begrudge them this moment together, where he could pretend.  He could pretend that Dream's words meant more than something softly poignant in the moment, and hoard them in the cavern of his heart that Dream had made a home in, whether he wanted it or not.  

--

Dream woke, aware that far more time had passed than he realized, and relaxed as he felt Hob's arm shift around him, pulling him closer.  He out a breath, and turned to suggest that they take a bath when he realized that someone had already wiped them both clean.  He frowned and looked down at himself and then at Hob, who was clearly still sleeping, his face mashed into the pillows.  Foolish man.  Dream leaned in to kiss Hob's forehead and curled against him again, holding him as close as he could.  

"Don't pout at me because I made sure we wouldn't be sticky," Hob muttered, opening one eye to smile at Dream as he leaned in closer, resting his head against Dream's shoulder.  "Didn't take a bath with you, just scrubbed some of the essentials and moved us out of the oil mess," he explained and yawned against Dream's skin.  "Took good care of us."  

"So you did," Dream agreed, humming happily as Hob smiled against his chest.  A glance outside showed a setting sun and he had to chuckle, leaning in to kiss Hob's forehead.  "You have turned me indolent.  Lying abed for the afternoon, wrapped in your arms."  

"Complaining?" Hob asked, opening one eye to look up at Dream with a chuckle.  "Thought this was what most of you uppity types did anyway.  Spend far too much time abed with each other, working toward making those heirs that are cared about so much."  

Despite himself, Dream laughed at the description and shook his head.  "Calliope and I never slept in the same bed.  She did not wish to, so we did not.  I visited her, and returned to my own chambers."  He kissed Hob's forehead and then the frown that appeared on his face.  "During the day, I often work, because, despite the impressions that others have of us, there are those of us that do attempt to put effort in for the rewards we reap."  

Hob smiled lazily and nodded, leaning up to kiss Dream gently.  "You like staying abed with me, don't you?"  He tugged Dream a fraction closer, and reached up to comb his fingers through Dream's hair.  "Could keep you here all day and just love every moment of it all."  

"I have never been with someone who wished to indulge in such a fashion," Dream admitted, stroking his fingertips down Hob's arm.  "And while I could not see myself doing this every day, the idleness would eventually frustrate me, I have enjoyed falling into your arms without fear of what I may be missing if I am not present."  He leaned in for another kiss, a teasing press of their lips together.  "Hence, indolence.  I want nothing but to remain here and do nothing but have you, again and again."  

"Mmm, well," Hob chuckled.  "If you're planning to have me in the future, it's gonna be hands, thighs, or mouth.  Arse is off-limits for now."  He stretched with a happy sigh and pointed his toes.  "Could we-"

"Are you in a great deal of pain?" Dream asked, frowning at Hob.  "You should have told me."  

"Hurt less than a knife wound," Hob said with a shrug.  "Hurts much less than starvation, or walking for three days straight to reach the next town and hurts less than sleeping on a bed of what feels like mostly rocks."  He leaned into Dream to kiss him again and fell back to the bed.  "I've been well-loved, Dream, and I have no regrets about it.  But you're not putting your cock in me until I can sit without trying to hide a wince."  

Dream snorted at the vulgarity and shook his head.  "Shall I fill a bath for us?" 

Hob grinned.  "Why yes, I would very much enjoy it if my Lord Endless drew us both a steaming hot bath.  He has loved me quite rigorously and it is the least he can do."  He heard Dream bark out a laugh, the noise grating, and honking before he moved to the other room across the cabin and smiled into the pillows once more, stretching himself out as he heard the sound of the water come on a few moments later.  He didn't know how long it was before Dream came back, but Hob blinked sleepily at Dream when a hand rubbed slowly up his back.  "Mmm, bath ready?"  

"Yes," Dream agreed, reaching out to carefully lift Hob in his arms, despite his brief shout of protest.  Despite his ease of lifting the boys around and the definition of muscles in his shoulders and back, he was slimmer than Dream would have thought and easy enough to lift.  "Hush," he ordered when Hob glared at him.  "I have apparently taken you... what did you say?  Quite rigorously, and therefore must take care of you," he teased.  

Hob snorted out another laugh as Dream brought them both into the bathroom before laying him in the tub, climbing in after him a moment later.  "Yes, something like that," he agreed, shaking his head in exasperation.  He pulled Dream close and into a soft kiss before tugging Dream into his lap while he leaned against the rim, the hot water easing every one of his sore muscles.  "I did enjoy said rigorousness, it must be said," he teased, nipping at Dream's lip, before he shifted and let his head fall on Dream's shoulder.  

Dream didn't say anything, only continued to hold him while the water filled the tub the rest of the way and Dream added a few drops of oil to make the water smell heavenly.  Hob melted into Dream's arms once more and let himself doze as he relaxed and only awoke again to Dream cleaning him off with a soft sponge that had been lathered with similar-smelling soap.  Hob stared at him, his heart turning over in chest uncomfortably.  "Dream-"

"Shhh," Dream shook his head and finished washing Hob's shoulders, making his way across his back, lifting one arm, and then another as he continued to clean every inch of Hob there was.  It was an intimacy he had shared so rarely, if he was to be given this time now, he would appreciate every second there was of it, despite Hob watching him as though he wanted to understand something.  "Let me," he said, when he reached for Hob's leg, carefully scrubbing him clean until his skin was shining before he pressed a soft kiss to the gnarled scar on Hob's knee.  He stroked his fingertips over it and looked up.  

"Not any special sort of story," Hob said, looking down at the scar tissue.  "Knife wound on an already injured knee."  He sighed and looked at it.  "Most days you'd never know that I had it, but after that happened, I could no longer be a sailor as easily.  Running about deck constantly would put me in pain bad enough that I couldn't walk."  He shrugged.  "Been between jobs since then, and figured I would try my hand at whatever I could manage in the Americas when I got the chance to come on the Titanic."  

Dream stroked over the scar tissue once more, before nodding.  "If it were not for this, we would never have met."  

Hob blinked and leaned back in the tub as Dream worked up his other leg.  "In a roundabout way, yes, that's correct," he agreed, letting out a breath.  "So I suppose I can't be too mad at it when it hurts during the winter and when it rains."  

"Perhaps you will have to find a nice warm place to live to avoid such aches," Dream suggested, finishing up with the sponge, only to eye Hob when it was stolen from him and Hob moved forward, reaching for him.  "Is that where you'd like to live, if you had the choice?"  

Hob hummed and shrugged.  "Probably not.  I like the chill in the air a little too much during the seasons.  It is a time of year made for spending with another.  I don't know that I could give that up for a knee that doesn't bother me all of the time," he answered, chewing on his lip again as he carefully washed his way down Dream's back and shoulders.  It was beautifully unscarred skin, compared to his own, and he stroked over it gently, even as he worked down one arm, then another, then on to Dream's legs.  

"I can understand that.  The boys love snow," Dream said, smiling faintly.  "The summer we visited Greece, we spent the winter in Switzerland.  I have never seen the boys enjoy themselves as much as they did in the mountains that year."  He shook his head.  "Perhaps I shall take them back someday."  

"That was one of the places I never did get to in my journeying around Europe, but I always wanted to," Hob answered, looking up at Dream.  "Maybe I'll get there someday.  I'd love to see it, especially knowing that your boys enjoyed it."  

The sound of the dinner bell clanging had Dream looking up and with a sigh, he pushed himself up, trying to steel himself for whatever would happen at this- He blinked when Hob caught his hand and held him still.  "Hob?  Are you all right?"  

Hob swallowed, looking at Dream's hand.  "I, I realize it's probably unspeakably rude, but could we... could we skip dinner?  Please?"  He frowned.  "If we need to go and you say so, we will, but I don't..." he shook his head and gave Dream a rueful grin.  "I'd like a few more hours to hold you, before we have to go to the boys and-"

"And," Dream interrupted, squeezing Hob's hand, reaching for the robe nearby, wrapping himself in it before reaching for the other, holding it out for Hob.  "I believe both Molly and the boys can do without us for a single evening."  

Hob's head snapped up and he stared at Dream, his heart squeezing painfully.  "No, Dream, I wouldn't want to break their routine, things have been-"

"I have no doubt," Dream interrupted with a finger on Hob's lips.  "That both of them will be far too exhausted to worry as long as we send them a note letting them know we are tired too, and will see them in the morning."  He smiled and pulled Hob in for a kiss.  "You have been acting as my protector for days on end without rest, Hob.  It is more than all right to wish yourself an evening of rest.  I think that is a fine idea."  

Hob leaned into Dream in relief, letting out a rough breath.  "Are you sure?"  

"If there are any that have seen us in the last two days that doubt my level of sanity, they are not paying attention," Dream answered simply.  "My father has no leg to stand on, and I will be free of him shortly thanks to your own actions."  He paused and reached out to comb his fingers through Hob's hair.  "And I would not be against spending a quiet evening with you."  

Hob nodded and wrapped an arm around Dream, pressing his nose against Dream's collarbone, reaching up to stroke at his chest hair, combing his fingers through it.  "Might we read in front of the fire?"  

"A magnificent idea,' Dream agreed, holding onto Hob.  "Shall we change?"  

Hob smiled and leaned up for another kiss.  "Yes, and then we perhaps don't need to move from there until we wish it."  

Dream nodded and hugged Hob once more before watching him walk back into his room, returning to his own to change after several long seconds, changing and slipping on a dressing gown before moving to the fire.  He sat down at the desk for several minutes and penned off a handful of notes, glancing out of the corner of his eye as Hob perused the bookshelf in the room, trailing his fingertips over the spines of books.  He called for a porter, and sent the letters off with a generous tip - an apology for Molly, an explanation for the boys, an order for dinner, and a note to Death not to worry, before he returned to Hob, who had found a book.  

"What are you reading?" 

Hob hesitated for a moment, looking up at Dream, before he lifted the book for his perusal.  "Looks like the ship got advanced copies of the century reprinting."  

Dream raised his eyebrows.  "Pride and Prejudice?"  

"I'm not judging your reading material," Hob shot back, huddling more into the side of the couch with a huff, tucking his feet under the edge of his dressing gown, looking up at Dream.  "What are you reading then?"  

"Apparently," Dream said, plucking the book from Hob's fingertips.  "Pride and Prejudice."  

Hob blinked, staring at Dream in surprise, before he found his feet lifted into Dream's lap and the man settling next to him on the couch, stretching out in front of the fire.  "Dream?"  

"Our dinner will be arriving in an hour or so.  Until then, I fully intend to read to you and allow you to doze if you so wish," Dream explained.  He paused, looking over at Hob.  "Unless you would prefer I did not?"  

Hob swallowed and settled back against the couch and tucked his feet under the edge of Dream's dressing gown, looking up at him.  "I would love to hear you read for me, Dream."  

Dream nodded once to him and opened the book, fingering the spine carefully.  "Then we shall begin."  

Just like the stories that he enjoyed telling to the boys, the characters came alive for Dream and Hob found himself entranced by the familiar story, falling into the dynamics of the characters the same way he would into an embrace.  When there was a knock on the door, he was startled out of his almost-doze by Dream rising to get their food from the porter, dismissing him with a word, and bringing the food over to him.  He huffed out a laugh and shook his head with a helpless smile.  He was so in love with Dream, and this quiet caretaking that he felt the need to do for everyone around him.  No wonder he was so exhausted all of the time.  

"I selected one of your choices from a previous night for dinner tonight.  I hope you don't mind, but I didn't want to wait to request a menu," Dream said, lifting the covers from the food.  

"Not at all, and it will be nice to not have to pretend I know what all the forks are for, despite you and Molly telling me," Hob teased, grinning as he and Dream tucked into their food, talking quietly.  It was different from every other meal they'd shared together, something quiet and intimate and it burrowed deeper and deeper into his heart, reminding him that when he lost this, it was going to leave a mark on him that he would never recover from, not ever.  

But it was perfect and he wouldn't give it up for the world, even when he nearly spilled his wine making an exaggerated portrayal of Mr. Ismay for Dream until he laughed, loud and proper, his ridiculous laugh echoing in the room.  Hob was so in love with him, and he could barely keep the words to himself as he leaned in for another kiss, even as Dream kept chuckling into the kiss.  It was perfect.  It was horrible.  He never should have allowed himself to get this close.  

Dream could not remember the last time he had taken a night to himself to simply relax and enjoy the presence of another.  To have dinner with them, to, to woo them.  To spend the time falling in love with them and doing nothing more than love being with them.  He closed his eyes and allowed himself to doze, continuing to watch Hob as finished his food and settled back along his side once more.  He shifted and wrapped an arm around him, tucking him close.  

"Shall we continue our adventure with the Bennet family?" Dream asked, turning to kiss the top of Hob's head.  Though Hob had clearly recovered from earlier, his energy levels returning to what Dream had been used to, he was loathe to break this gentle moment between them, wanting to extend it and keep it going for as long as possible.  There would be tomorrow for planning, for discussing routes, and informing the boys of everything that was about to happen, how their lives would change.  Tonight?  Tonight would be just for him, and for Hob.  

Dream leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to Hob's temple and lifted the book, studying the words in front of him.  "Then let us begin again."  

-

The last thing Hob had wanted to do was fall asleep, but Dream's voice had been a rolling echo that he could not help dozing to, despite his best efforts.  When he stirred, it was to Dream drawing him into his arms once more.  He chuckled and turned to rest his head on Dream's shoulder, yawning against his neck.  "Carrying me to bed, Lord Endless?"  

"Indeed," Dream whispered, kissing Hob's forehead.  "Bringing you to your rest, so you might be energized for the days we have in the near future."  He tucked Hob carefully into the clean bed and then climbed in after turning down the lights and opening the porthole, wrapping Hob in his arms once more, cradling him close.  He exhaled against Hob's hair and watched the strands ruffle under the press of air.  Tomorrow would be his last chance to have this, his only remaining chance to touch Hob with any intent, and he should be savoring that, should be doing everything he could to take what he could, while he could.  

But all his heart wanted was to hold Hob just a fraction tighter and imagine how it would feel to whisper how loved Hob was against the gray of his temple while he smiled.  It was a fantasy that carried him straight into the arms of his namesake, lulled by Hob's breathing and the sound of the ocean.  In another time, another world, perhaps, he could have had something like this forever.  He would consider himself lucky to have had it at all in this life.  It was a blessing and would stay with him for the remainder of his life, he had no doubt.  

Chapter Text

When Hob woke to the sound of the door opening, he was already aware of just how much they needed to do today.  The boys crawling into bed with them had a melancholy feel, as tomorrow there would be none of this. The room would already be tidied and emptied.  The dream, as it was, would be over.  He hugged Robyn and then Orpheus tight when both boys took a turn crawling into his lap and watched as Dream informed them both he needed to have a very serious conversation with them.  

Hob moved to get off the bed while Dream talked to his sons, but Robyn clung to his arm, and Dream's eyes begged him not to go, so Hob stayed, and held onto Robyn as Dream explained what was going to happen, and why they were doing things.  He could see how scared both of the boys were, and helped Dream to reassure them as much as he could.  The boys didn't deserve this, and that Dream was being forced into this was horrible, but it would be for the better for them in the much longer run.  

"Mr. Hob?" Robyn asked, rubbing his eyes as he blinked hard.  "You're... you're, Daddy didn't say you're coming with us, but you are, right?"  

Hob sucked in a pained breath and swallowed hard, closing his eyes for a moment as he pressed his nose to Robyn's hair.  "I can't," he whispered into Robyn's hair, especially when he heard Orpheus make a wordless noise of protest across from him.  "Your grandfather is going to be chasing after me, and I can't put any of you at risk.  He will be doing anything to find me, and I will need to lead him far away from all of you if I can."  

"But, but," Orpheus frowned when his Daddy put a hand on his shoulder and shook his head.  He bit down on his lip and felt tears fill his eyes, clenching his hands into his fists.  "Don't you want to stay with us?" he whispered.  

Hob felt his heart crack clean in two, a tear falling down his cheek.  "Oh, Orpheus," he whispered, reaching out to tug the eight year old into his arms, with a glance of permission to his father.  "You are both amazing, and I would love to stay and teach you about the new world you're going to explore.  But you need to be far from me and as safe as your father can make you.  I need you to stay safe."  He swallowed.  "And I need you to take care of your father, okay?  He's going to need help, and you're both going to help him, right?"  

"Right," Orpheus repeated miserably.  

Robyn sniffled and nodded.  "R-right."  

Hob felt a few more tears escape down his cheeks as he squeezed the boys once more.  He cleared his throat.  "Stay here with your Daddy.  I need to go get something for all of you.  I'll be back soon."  He wiped at his eyes and stood up, moving to the other room as Dream pulled both of the boys close and continued to speak with them in a low voice.  He yanked on clothes quickly, the expensive, tailored clothing feeling restrictive in a way that it hadn't in days.

"Mr. Gadling."  

Hob tensed at the sound of Lucienne and turned to look at her, where she was standing in the doorway, her arms crossed over her chest.  "I have to go to get their papers," he said.  "All of yours."  Dream had left the money for them on the dresser, beside the pin that Hob had clenched in his hand, debating on whether or not to wear it one final time.  His hand was trembling, but he put it into place, his heart aching at the sight of it.  

"I understand that, Mr. Gadling," Lucienne said.  "And we are grateful.  But you are doing yourself, Lord Morpheus, and his sons a disservice by leaving."  

Hob swallowed hard and took a steadying breath, looking up at her.  "They'll learn to move on without me soon enough.  You'll be able to help them.  So will Miss Jessamy.  It'll help.  And maybe Dream's asshole father will follow me for long enough that you'll all get away unseen."  He nodded again.  "It's, it's for the best, and-"

"And if he finds us," Lucienne said, her voice lowering.  "Do you think any of us know how to escape him again?"  

Hob clenched his eyes shut, gritting his teeth.  "You'll be all right.  You merely have to-"

"You have seen the pressure this has put on his shoulders.  He will rise to it, because that is what he does," Lucienne snapped.  "He will rise to any occasion to protect those he cares about, without fail, again and again.  And it nearly broke him once.  You saw this, I know you did."  

"Then you will have to find him someone," Hob said desperately, looking at her.  "Someone who, who can care about him, and love him, and help him."  

Lucienne raised an eyebrow.  "Someone like you, you mean?  Who loves his boys like they're your own?  Who cares for him and would defend him against even his father?"  

Hob clenched his eyes shut.  "Lucienne, I am the son of a dock worker.  I have been a thief, a soldier, a pirate, I am not-" he cut himself off and took a shuddering breath.  "Dream and those boys, you and Jessamy deserve everything.  Everything in the world, and I am going to make sure you get it.  Because if I am going to do one thing right in this bloody world," Hob heaved a breath and forced his eyes open, looking at her.  "It is going to be this, making sure all of you are happy."  

Hob nodded to her, his throat too tight to swallow, and stepped around her.  

"And if he needs you to be happy?" Lucienne called after Hob Gadling, watching him tense, before he kept walking to the door of the suite.  She sighed and clenched her hands into fists before breathing out slowly.  Stubborn, stupid man, who was going to get himself killed trying to protect them.  She put her hands on her hips and went to her Lord's room to begin packing his things while he continued to speak with his boys and Jessamy finished packing the remainder of their things.  

~!~

Hob shook his head, pushing his fingers through his hair as he made his way through the ship, down into the cavernous bowels of the Titanic, past crew members and people making their way upstairs to breakfast.  It took far longer than it should have to find Henri, but he did, eventually, shoving the money at him once he had the papers in hand and had confirmed the names in them briefly, his eyes skirting over the names.  He tucked them away.  

"Got yourself a taste for that posh bullshit now, never gonna let it go?"  

Hob looked back at Henri and scowled.  "Don't know what you're fucking talking about."  

"Sure, and you're walking with a limp that wasn't there two days ago," Henri said, saluting him with a middle finger.  "I ain't a fool, so don't take me for one."  

Hob didn't bother saying another word, making his way back upstairs.  He had one more stop before he returned to the boys and they finished planning out the next few days, and this was one that he hadn't told Dream about.  He lingered outside the breakfast hall, waiting for what seemed like hours before, at last, the Endless Family stood up to leave breakfast.  Hob let himself melt into the crowd and nudged Death's shoulder enough to whisper.  "B deck, bow, hurry."  Before he turned away and slipped down another corridor.  

It wasn't far, and hopefully, she would be able to make an excuse.  Hob tucked his hair under the tophat he'd stolen off a table and made his way to the area he'd told Death to meet him at and tucked himself into a corner that would let him see her step out of the doorway.  Less than ten minutes later, he saw her stepping out of the same door he had, looking around.  

"Stop looking so obvious," Hob called, just loud enough for her to hear, watching her freeze.  "Walk up to the Railing.  Admire the clouds.  I'm going to stand ten feet to your right."  She obeyed the order instantly and after a few minutes and another few couples walking by, Hob moved to stand a polite distance away from her.  He glanced around and made sure they weren't being watched.  "Dream's running.  He's going to disappear."  

Death gasped, tightening her hands on the rail.  "Does he-"

"He'll be fine," Hob said, interrupting her.  "He wanted you to know.  When he's safe, someone will tell you.  I don't know how long.  But you'll be told."  

She hung her head and looked down at the water, reaching out to steady her hat.  "You are going with him?"  

The question sent another lance of pain through his heart and Hob took a shaky inhale.  "No.  I have to send your father on a merry chase first, so they can get away.  Their safety is my priority."  He glanced around again.  "They'll find you.  Don't worry  It'll only take time."  

"Why can't I help them?  Why can't I go with them?" She demanded, scowling.  

Hob sighed and looked up at the sun.  "You would be one more person for him to protect and care for.  He has enough of those already.  He needs someone who can take care of him too.  Give him time to find that person."  

Death stared at him for a long moment before she turned back to the inside of the ship.  "I thought he already had."  

Hob listened to her walk away and clenched his eyes shut to fight the tears back and breathed in deep.  He wanted to stay, he wanted, more than anything in the world to be the one that Dream could lean on, could trust to protect his precious family, but he'd made himself into a target, and now he needed to keep that target far, far from Dream and the boys.  It was the only thing left that he could do, and the only thing he had to offer them.  He'd given Dream everything else.  

Taking air for a few minutes longer, Hob slipped back into the Titanic and made his way to the state room, losing the top hat, his steps heavy and exhausted.  When Dream yanked the door open and pulled him into a frantic kiss, another tear slid down his cheek and Hob leaned into it before he could stop himself, soothing Dream by stepping closer and shutting the door behind him.  

"What took you so long?" Dream hissed, staring at Hob.  "You were gone twice as long as you should have been.  I thought something had happened, or my father-"

"Hey," Hob interrupted, pressing a finger to Dream's lips.  "I am fine.  I took a much longer route back so I could make sure I wasn't being followed.  And I let Death know what was going on so she wasn't surprised, just like I told you I would."  

Dream pressed his lips tighter together and tugged Hob in closer again, leaning in to kiss him once more.  "You should have told me."  

Hob wanted to whimper at the quiet order, the worry that he could hear buried beneath it, so instead, he leaned into Dream, and pressed in as close as he could.  "I'm sorry, I wanted to make sure it was taken care of and now we can plan out the rest of the things we need to."  He rubbed at Dream's back.  "We need to finish getting ready tonight, and I'll make sure we're up in time for going down to third class." 

Dream swallowed and nodded, wrapping his arms around Hob.  Both Orpheus and Robyn had been almost inconsolable at the idea that Hob was not coming with them, and that they would never see him again after tomorrow.  All three of them had cried, and he ached, knowing that it was almost all over.  “You are right,” he agreed, closing his eyes with a sigh.  “We will still need to make an appearance at dinner, though.”  

Hob bit down on his lip and nodded, giving Dream one last squeeze before he stepped out of his arms.  “I should pack my things quickly.  In the meantime, bring a map, if you can find one.  We’ll start plotting your route properly with the places Molly recommended.”  When Dream nodded and stepped away, Hob felt the lack of his arms and took another deep breath before moving into the room where they had spent the afternoon in.  The bedsheets were still mussed and tears sprang to his eyes before he turned away from them and began to pack his things into his bag, including the clothes Dream had bought for him.  If those would be the only piece of Dream he carried away from this, it would be worth it.  

He slipped on his knives once more, unwilling to risk anything now that they were so close, and turned to look in the mirror.  The pale man staring in the reflection, with red-rimmed eyes was a fool, and well he knew it.  He took a deep breath and nodded once more, taking his bag to bring it out into the main room, tucking it into the corner, before stepping up beside Dream at the desk.  Hob helped himself to some of the breakfast leftovers that had clearly been brought up for the boys and looked over the map as Dream began, carefully, planning out the route.  

The initial hold up would be Dream hurrying around town on errands at various banks, but it would help him to disappear.  People would have seen him and wouldn’t question his disappearance on the ship.  And since he wasn’t emptying his accounts in their entirety, someone would likely assume gambling debts.  Hob didn’t argue any of the points that Dream made, merely nodded, and made notes for the journey as they went along.  Fleeing as far south as Virginia put them at risk of being caught, but it would be far enough that any searching around New York would not find them, and that was what mattered.  

Hob pointed to several of the houses that they could stay at along the way, as well as larger cities that would accept cash for being able to stay in a well-maintained but not first-class inn.  The amount of money they would be carrying on them would be dangerous, but as long as they kept up the ruse of a married couple with a governess and children, few would look twice at them, and Hob knew it.  He offered his advice, and a few cities that he recommended avoiding as Dream carefully, painstakingly planned out his route.  

It took the better part of the day, and when Lucienne and Jessamy put the boys down for a nap, Hob walked them through the plan next, and explained the most treacherous parts of it all.  Once they were aboard a steamliner on their way back across the Atlantic, they would be nearly free, and once they reached Europe, they could disappear properly, with the assistance of the men Dream had reassured him, repeatedly, who would help them.  

Hob pressed his fingers to the map as Dream made a final note and looked at him with a tired smile.  “Have you thought about what you want to do?” he asked.  “There’s a few things I think you could find enjoyable.”  

“I’m going to start a bookstore,” Dream answered, staring down at the map.  His heart ached, but it was the right decision.  It would be.  He nodded once.  “I am going to own and run a bookstore, and no matter where it is, I will make sure everyone who works there may learn how to read, even if I have to teach them myself.”  

Hob clenched his eyes shut and breathed in deep, tears threatening all over again.  There was no doubt in Dream’s voice, nothing but cool certainty, and his entire being ached with the reality of what Dream was saying.  Dream was going to run from his current life to one that was… was based around Hob’s own history.  He lifted his eyes to Dream and blinked hard.  I love you.  I love you.  I love you, Dream.  My Dream.  I love you.  The words beat at his teeth, threatening to escape from his mouth every second they stood staring at each other.  Hob leaned up and swayed into him, kissing him hard and quick.  He could not say the words, but he could pretend that he was.  With every kiss, every promise, he could say them, again and again.  

“I think that is a fine plan,” Hob said, his voice shaky.  “I think you will do magnificently as a bookseller.  Maybe you’ll even be able to start selling your own someday.”  

“Perhaps,” Dream answered, leaning in for another kiss, pressing their foreheads together.  “Thank you for the idea.”  He stroked over Hob’s cheek, keeping him close as he savored the closeness that they were going to lose soon.  “What do we have left to do?”  

“Finish packing your things,” Hob recited.  “Go to dinner and be seen one last time, laughing and happy.  Come back here.  Tidy the room.  Ensure the other room is tidy and clean.  I smuggle as much of your baggage down as I can, across a few trips.  Then we all take a case and go down when the hour is late, and get to the steerage room with the McKinnons.”  He let out a rough breath.  “Once there, swap outfits.  Rest while we can, and leave at first dawn with the rest of the steerage passengers.”  

Dream nodded once.  “Then head straight for the safe house I’ve been given,” he continued.  “Change once more. Contact Mr. Stevens, and make all the arrangements I can from there.  Visit all the banks I can.  Take the longest possible route back to the safehouse, ensure I am not being followed, and then leave that night on the overnight train.”  

“Yes,” Hob agreed, swallowing hard.  “And while you do that, I’ll be leaving with you, dressed in my first-class finery.  They’ll spot me among the crowd of Steerage folks in a second.  I’ll lead them on a merry chase across the city, keep them far from you.”  

Dream nodded, reaching out to take Hob’s hand, squeezing it.  “You’ll stay safe?”  

“I will,” Hob promised.  “They’re not going to catch me, Dream.  They won’t.”  He took a deep breath.  “And once your train has left, I’ll put my heels to the city as well and head north.  If they follow me, I’ll be able to lose them soon enough in the cities further up the coast easily enough.”  He smiled faintly through the tears and reached up to stroke at Dream’s cheek.  “Are you ready?”  

Dream shook his head.  “No, I am not.”  

Hob laughed.  “Me neither, no one ever is for this.  You’ll be all right.”  He tugged Dream into his arms once more and hugged him tight, squeezing him.  “You’re going to be okay.  All of you are going to be okay.”  When Dream trembled, shaking in his arms, Hob clenched his eyes shut and squeezed him tighter, holding on until his trembles had stopped.  It would be time for dinner soon, but at least for now, with Jessamy and Lucienne outside, and the boys asleep in the bedroom, there was no one but them to notice how hard they were clinging to each other.  

Dream knew it was weak to allow himself the moment to break apart in Hob Gadling's arms.  Once, he thought he had known what a broken heart felt like, but it was nothing like this, as though a piece of his very soul was being ripped out and ripped apart.  He took a deep breath and shook himself, trying to focus, even as Hob held onto him tighter.  Hob had broken Orpheus and Robyn's hearts earlier when he had told them he wasn't coming, and he needed to remember that.  Because if Hob had denied them, he would deny Dream asking him, begging him, even, to come with them.  It was for the best that he didn't try to press the issue.  

"I am worried for you," Dream admitted, because that was safe, that was allowed, Hob would not find that odd, and would not find that pressuring.  "My father is... he is very angry with you."  

"I know," Hob said with a small exhale, squeezing Dream once more.  "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little bit worried myself."  He managed a smile.  "But I'm going to be all right.  If anything, he's going to want me taken alive, because he's going to want to make sure that he can pay me back for that punch I gave him."  He kissed Dream's cheek and left his lips lingering there, breathing in the scent of him.  In the bedroom, he could hear the boys starting to stir from their nap and his feet were sore for standing as long as they had been.  

He glanced back at the room and looked up at Dream, cupping his jaw in his palm once more, staring into those blue eyes that he wanted to spend an eternity drowning in.  "I want you to know," he whispered.  "That I am never going to forget you for the rest of my life.  You, and your sons, are going to stay with me always.  You're always going to be a part of me.  I will never forget you, or them."  

Dream lifted his hand to press Hob's hand tighter against his cheek, a tear sliding down his cheek.  "And I want you to know that you saved me.  In every way that a person can be saved, Hob Gadling, you have saved me.  Over and over again without hesitation, you have given yourself to help me.  When we escape, when we find some place to settle, know that we will thank you each and every day."  

A small sob escaped Hob and he leaned into Dream's body again, kissing him hard enough to steal the breath from him.  It wasn't a confession, it was almost a goodbye, and he didn't know if that was worse.  Behind them, the door to their bedroom opened, with the boys spilling out a few minutes later.  He pulled back and stared at Dream, the regret in his eyes, and stole one final kiss, lingering.  "I'm going to go take the first of the baggage downstairs.  Two cases for each of you, and one for the boys," he promised.  

Dream wanted to pull Hob back into his arms, wanted to demand that he never let go, that he come with them, but he did not.  He managed a small smile as Hob slipped out of the door, two cases held in his hands, and sank down on the couch in front of the fire, hunched over and staring at his knees.  He wiped away another tear.  He had to be strong for his boys.  He could do this, and he would do this for them.  

"Daddy?" Robyn asked, stepping closer, climbing onto the couch with a grunt, curling up next to him.  

"Yes, darling?" Dream asked, turning to him, pulling his youngest into his lap, and cradling him close.  

"I think Mr. Hob loves you," Robyn said, looking down at his hands with a frown.  "Do you love him?"  

Dream let out a shaky breath, the innocent observation agonizing in how simple it was to him.  He pressed a kiss to Robyn's forehead.  "I care for him a very great deal, Robyn.  He is doing everything in his power to take care of us and protect us and-"

"That's not what I asked," Robyn said, reaching up to tug at his Dad's shirt.  "Do you love him?"  

Dream stared down at him before he smiled sadly.  "I do.  I do love him."  

Robyn nodded seriously.  "You should tell him.  You always tell me people deserve to know when we love them."  He reached out and gave his Daddy a hug.  "I love you, and Orpheus, and Miss Jessamy, and Miss Lucienne and..." he hesitated.  

Dream smiled indulgently, waiting for the addition of a favored stuffed animal, or aunt, as Robyn was wont to do.  "And?" he prompted.  

"And I think I love Mr. Hob too.  He makes you smile, Daddy.  He makes you laugh.  I've missed you laughing," Robyn said, reaching out to hug his Daddy once more before sliding off his lap to make his way over to Orpheus where the boy was sitting at the table.  

Dream stared after his youngest, even as Lucienne corralled them back into working on their lessons, reminding them that they would have none for the next few days, and turned to look into the fire.  He took a shaky breath and clasped his hands together.  Soon, they would need to get ready for dinner, but for now, he counted the minutes until Hob slipped back into the stateroom without a sound.  His heart leaped into his chest when Hob smiled at him and the gong for dinner went off.  

Dream winced and stood from the couch, making his way to the bedroom, moving to the only suits still hanging in the closet, one for each of them, hearing Hob shut the door behind him.  Only yesterday, they had spent the evening together, reading quietly, pretending as though the world did not exist.  He ached for the return to those moments in his soul.  Would it be so horrible to have them once more?  He wanted them.  He wanted a lifetime of them.  What would it take to convince Hob to come with them?  He turned to look at Hob and found him half-dressed, staring at the clothes he'd taken out of the wardrobe.  

"Something wrong?" Dream asked, wanting to reach out to him, to pull him close, comfort him.  

"Just thinking," Hob said wistfully, stroking his fingers along the fabric of the galaxy jacket.  "This will be the last time I ever wear this.  Or clothes like this for that matter."  He looked up at Dream and smiled wryly.  "Never spent a lot of time in clothes like this, and despite you sending me off with some, I don't see that changing."  He slipped the jacket on and buttoned up his vest, turning to look in the mirror one final time as he straightened the outfit.  

Dream finished putting his own outfit on and turned to help Hob's jacket rest perfectly across his shoulders, smoothing it out, the gorgeous fabric shimmering in the light.  He leaned down and pressed a kiss to Hob's shoulder.  "Gorgeous," he complimented quietly.  There was only one piece missing.  He looked down at the roses that were sitting side by side on the dresser.  Dream closed his eyes at the sight of them and moved closer to Hob, wrapping his arms around him from behind.  

"If I offered you the rose, would you keep it?" Dream asked, staring at it.  He could not imagine it on another person now that it had spent a week on Hob's lapel.  

"I couldn't take it," Hob said, tears filling his eyes as he looked at it.  "Not only would someone just think I'd stolen it, the risk of it being stolen off me would be astronomically high.  I, I'd love to," he paused and shook his head.  "But I think it's for the best that I don't."  Hob picked it up, running his fingertips over the gemstones, marveling at how tiny they were, that formed the stem and the backing.  "They're beautiful.  Have I said?"  

Their artificial beauty could not hold a candle to the beauty of the man in his arms.  Dream closed Hob's hand around the rose and squeezed it, once.  "You have," he mentioned, resting his forehead against Hob's shoulder.  "It means a great deal to me that you have worn yours without shame.  I know they are... ostentatious, and have a meaning that is inappropriate for you, considering our association, but it suits you." 

"The meaning has never bothered me," Hob said, lifting Dream's hand to press a kiss to the back of it.  "Not once.  I'm proud to wear it, Dream."  He managed a smile at Dream in the mirror.  He took a deep breath and turned around, presenting his jacket for Dream.  "One final time."  

"One final time," Dream repeated, pinning the rose into place, stroking his fingertips over it.  When Hob held out the black diamond rose, he nodded and allowed Hob to pin it in place.  He took another deep breath and leaned in for a kiss.  "Ready?" he whispered, brushing their noses together.  No more hiding.  He would not hide, not who he was, nor who he was going to become.  Dream Endless was in love with Hob Gadling, and whoever he would become, he would be just as in love with Hob Gadling, and he would not hide it.  Not any longer.  

"Ready," Hob confirmed, taking a deep breath as they turned to leave the bedroom, wishing goodnight to the boys and promising that he would wake them up when they were ready to leave and make their way down to third class.  He straightened his shoulders and kept his hand tucked carefully into Dream's elbow.  Everyone was dressed in their finest tonight, and champagne was being passed around freely to celebrate the end of the Titanic's maiden voyage, despite a bump in the road.  

Hob accepted a glass to be polite, but only pretended to sip it, keeping one hand tucked firmly against Dream.  No matter what propriety dictated, he would not be leaving Dream's side tonight.  Not for a single second.  He did, despite the man's best efforts, catch the eye of Dream's father, and the large bruise on his jaw.  The sight was enough to have him smiling despite himself and Hob couldn't help grinning as he saw it.  Well deserved, and everyone would know precisely what it was.  

When they finally caught sight of Molly, waving them over eagerly, Hob was glad when Dream didn't hesitate to lead them to her table, pulling the chair out for him, before settling into it.  He smiled at her, relaxing a fraction now that they weren't about to be accosted by anyone walking around.  

"You two look like you're going to a funeral, so sad the honeymoon is over already?" Molly teased, smiling at them.  "Don't worry.  I hear that you're about to have more business opportunities than you know what to do with."  

Hob felt the firm kick of her foot against his and a small twitch of her foot showed that several people nearby were doing their best to appear like they weren't listening in and he chuckled.  "That's correct.  After a day to recover from the journey, I believe I'll be visiting and staying with Mr. Ismay, as he's been kind enough to issue an invitation."  It was clearly the right thing to say as Hob saw the man immediately preen at the table near them to his peers.  

Hob was grateful when Dream reached out and gave his hand another squeeze and lifted their hands above the table in view of everyone in the dining room once more.  He reached for the water on the table and took a long sip of it, relaxing into the superficial conversation that Molly started up for their benefit, quizzing him more on the nitty gritty of his business.  It was the perfect cover, enough to make the eyes glaze over of people nearby, but those who knew him to be a businessman would respect the conversation.  Dream though, was silent, and Hob squeezed his hand, trying to reassure him as much as he could.  

As the final night of their journey, Dream was expecting the Captain to step up and make a speech, but Hob clearly, had not been.  When he was called upon to stand and be applauded for his heroism, Dream muffled a smile against his wine at how uncomfortable Hob clearly was with the praise, despite it being well-deserved.  After as much, the Captain kept the speech brief with an explanation that they would be the final ones to disembark tomorrow, and that they should take their time preparing to leave, and a farewell breakfast spread would be put out for those who wished to enjoy it.  

Dream heard Hob and Molly making plans to see how many sweets they could smuggle on their journey home, laughing together, continuing to provide a flawless cover as they sat together.  Behind him, Dream could feel the weight of his father's gaze on him, and it wasn't until his mother, of all people approached, that he bothered to focus on something other than the buzz of conversation around them.  

"Dream."  

Dream blinked himself to attention and looked up at his mother, who was standing without his father by her side, for once and frowned.  "Yes?"  Whatever it was that she wanted, she could have it, he wanted nothing to do with her, not any longer.  Not after how she had treated Hob and how she had helped find matches for Jessamy without his approval or her own.  

Lady Endless tilted her chin up, her lips quirking in an imperious smile.  "Have you forgone your plans to stay with us upon your arrival in New York City?  We haven't seen you since the journey began, and you have been so caught up in..." she paused, her eyes drifting to Hob.  "Business, that we have not spoken a word."  

Dream stared at his mother and tilted his head a fraction in confusion.  "Mother, you know that I'm traveling with Jessamy, Robyn, and Orpheus, as well as their teacher.  Of course we are still planning to stay with you.  Unless you require me to make other arrangements at the last possible minute?" he raised a pointed eyebrow at her.  "The boys are exhausted from the journey and we will take our time leaving the ship tomorrow, but I anticipate us arriving at the house, as planned."  

Lady Endless smiled, pleased.  "Excellent, I am happy to hear that."  She turned to the man beside Dream, her face going cold.  "If you were expecting accommodation, I regret to inform you we have other guests-"

"Don't worry, Mrs. Endless," Hob said, staring at her and the way she snapped her mouth shut.  "I had no intention of infringing on whatever concept you all would consider hospitality.  I have my own lodgings in the city.  You'd probably consider them in a rough part of town, but suits me more than well enough.  Dream and I can continue any further business associations outside of your home."  

"See that you do," she snapped, her eyes dropping to their hands.  "As it has caused more than a fair share of talk."  She spun on her heel and marched back to the family.  

Hob watched her go and gave Dream's hand a squeeze.  "Well done, Dream," he managed, keeping his voice low.  "Well, like I said, I can't say that I think I'm going to miss much with their hospitality."  When Molly gave a proper laugh at the joke, Hob winked at her and turned back to ask her another question about her work in Philadelphia and when she would be heading there, and if he could convince her to stay in New York for a further few days to talk about a few different business opportunities that she might like.  

By the time the men began to rise and head to the smoking room, Dream wanted nothing more than to escape all of it.  It was suffocating, and all he wanted was Hob's arms and the quiet of their own stateroom.  Thankfully, no one came to try to drag them along this time and he and Hob were able to say goodbye to Molly before heading to their stateroom once more.  The boys were asleep, and the last of the room had been put to rights and cleaned, their remaining bags by the door.  Dream tensed and let out a hard breath.  

Hob reached out and rubbed at Dream's shoulder and pressed his forehead to it for a second.  "I'll take the next set of bags down in an hour.  Two trips and we should be good to wait until after midnight to make our way downstairs.  A few more hours of rest and then we'll be scot free."  He glanced at Lucienne, who was sitting at the table where the boys had been working earlier.  "Is Jessamy with them?"  When she nodded, he relaxed and leaned into Dream again.  

Dream closed his eyes and wrapped an arm around Hob's waist, pulling him in closer, burying his nose in Hob's hair.  His heart ached in his chest, but they were hours away from escape now.  They didn't have much longer, so when Hob steered him back to the fireplace, the book from the night before on the small table in front of them, Dream allowed it.  Especially when Hob pulled him closer and into the circle of his arms.  He would let himself have this for as long as he possibly could.

When the clock chimed, Dream had to fight down the urge to make a noise of protest as Hob pulled away and made his way over to the bags, picking two of them up, and slipping out the door.  Dream watched him go, his heart aching, before he sank back down into one of the chairs.  

"You have to tell him," Lucienne said.  "You must.  Does he not know?"  

"I do not know how it is possible that he does not," Dream whispered, staring at the door.  "I have all but said the words, but he is... he is resolved to have us go in opposite directions, to never see each other again.  He said as much to Orpheus."  

Lucienne made a quiet noise in the back of her throat.  "Do you think, perhaps, he does not realize that staying with us is an option that he could exercise if he knew you would welcome it?"  

Dream sighed and let out a breath.  "If I asked it of him, I have no doubt that he would.  Because he has never hesitated to give himself in any way that I have asked for.  But if I did, then I would ask him to never leave.  And I would never know if it is what he truly wished, or simply something he felt he had to give to someone who needed it."  He stared at the door and wiped away a tear that fell down his cheek.  "I do not wish him to be beholden to me, Lucienne.  I cannot stand the idea."  

"He loves you," Lucienne protested, her voice soft.  "I see it every time he looks at you, my lord.  Every time you look at him.  You yearn for each other, you are two halves of a whole.  Please, you must convince him to come with us."  

Dream swallowed once more and took a shaking breath.  "I will not force him to do anything," he said, looking back at her.  "However, I will make sure he understands that I do wish for him to join us."  He managed a small smile at her sigh of relief and turned back to watching the door, glancing at the clock.  Hob would return soon for the final pieces of luggage they were daring to bring with them, and then they would be off, together, to leave everything behind.  

~!~

Hob was a good planner.  He was.  He knew how to do this, and he'd done it well.  More than once.  But there was an uncomfortable feeling in the back of his mind that he'd missed something.  But both trips down to third class, he had seen a few porters, but no one had looked twice at him.  He'd changed to be dressed well enough, but not excessively so, which meant they paid him no attention.  

Now, Lucienne and Jessamy were gathering the tired boys, and Hob's heart ached as he carefully picked Robyn up and into his arms, holding him tight as he made his way over to the door.  He looked at the others, the bags they were holding, and the room once more.  They weren't missing anything.  They would be all right.  

He peeked out the door and made sure the hallway was empty before he began to lead the way.  The procession was quiet as they made their way down staircase after staircase, until they were in the third class bunks, and safe away from the prying eyes who might wonder what they were doing.  Here?  No one wondered.  Hob knocked once on the McKinnon door and all of them squeezed into the small cabin.  

Hob got both of the boys changed and curled up on the bed with the other kids, giving them a little more room to finish the clothing change that needed to take place.  Like this, Lucienne, Jessamy, and Dream, looked like a poor second class family.  Exactly as they needed to stay under the radar.  He tucked Dream's hair safely under his hat and stroked along his cheek once more and gave him an approving nod, before pulling on his nice jacket once more, slicking his hair back.  

A glance at Dream's pocket watch told him they had a few hours to try and rest, and while Lucienne and Jessamy both found a spot to lean against the wall on the floor, Hob couldn't let himself lose the vigilance just yet.  They needed him to keep them safe, to get them on their way and to make sure that they were on to their new life without being caught.  A hand sliding into his had him looking up at Dream with a sad smile and he leaned against the other man as he stepped in closer.  The others in the room were dozing or outright sleeping, and there was no one to see as they leaned heavier on each other.  

"I will miss you," Dream breathed, his voice catching.  "I, must you... Hob..." he tightened his hand around Hob's, his eyes drifting down to the rose on his chest.  Hob was still wearing it, was still wearing the proof of his association that had gotten him called a whore.  "Would you not... consider..."

"Dream," Hob breathed, tilting his head up to look at him, to lean in to steal the softest of kisses.  He took one, and then another, then another when Dream did not let him up for air, did not move back, only remained in his space, kissing him again and again.  "I cannot put you all at risk.  I cannot.  I painted a target on my back with him, and I did it to keep you safe.  If I come with you now that target is pointed right at you." 

Dream clenched his eyes shut and nodded, pressing their foreheads together.  It was the truth, as much as he didn't want to believe it, didn't want to think about it.  It was true.  Hob had painted a target on himself, had taunted his father, over and over again to try to find him, to come after him, all with the intention of disappearing after it was over, but...

"The idea of never seeing you again..." Dream trailed off, stealing another kiss, this one slow.  "Hob."  

Hob swallowed hard and leaned up and into another kiss.  "I'm here," he promised, keeping his voice soft.  "I'm here, Dream.  I promise.  For now, I'm here.  And I might not be there in the future, but I'm here."  He reached up and pressed his hand to Dream's heart and smiled sadly at him.  "Just like you're here."  He touched his own heart.  

Dream's breath was a harsh exhale against Hob's lips.  "I wish you could come with us," he whispered.  "I want you to come with us."  

Hob's heart stuttered, stopped, and then jumped into doing double time as it leaped into the cool touch of Dream's fingertips.  He was going to leave his heart, for better or worse, in Dream's hands.  "I wish I could too," he whispered.  "I wish I could, too, Dream.  Please believe me when I say that.  But I have to keep you safe.  I have to.  It's the only thing I can give you all."  

"That's not the only thing you've given us," Dream corrected, reaching up to cup Hob's face in his palm, pulling him in for another kiss.  "It isn't.  You've given me so much, I can't..." He tightened his hold and breathed out harshly against Hob's lips.  "How, how am I supposed to..."

"Hey," Hob soothed, smiling sadly at Dream.  "One day at a time, love.  That's all you can do.  Take it one day at a time, keep them safe, and keep moving.  You'll be okay, I promise."  

Dream took a deep breath.  "I wish I had your faith in myself."  

Hob lifted Dream's hand to his lips and kissed his palm, the back of his hand, and each of his fingertips.  "You can," he promised, whispering the words into Dream's hands.  "You can, love, I promise.  I have faith in you.  I have so much faith in your ability to protect your boys and love them."  

"They don't want you to go," Dream said, his voice cracking.  "Hob, they, they don't-"

"I know," Hob interrupted.  He took a shaky breath and wiped away a tear as it fell, then another.  "I know, Dream, love, I know.  I know they don't want me to go.  I don't want to leave them.  But I have to keep them safe, and you safe."  

Dream pressed his lips tighter together and nodded miserably, reaching out to pull Hob into his arms, holding onto him tight.  "Let me hold you until we have to go?" he requested, keeping his arms tight around Hob.  

Hob nodded against Dream's shoulder, wrapping an arm around Dream's waist, pulling him in close, exhaling hard against the warmth of him, all wrapped around him.  One last embrace before they had to leave.  He closed his eyes and sank into Dream and imagined doing the impossible, staying with him, staying with the boys, being part of their precious family.  But that wasn't his place and never had been, never would be. 

Dream managed to stop the tears before it was time to leave, especially as he held Hob close and kept his face pressed up against him.  When the bell came, alerting them that they needed to be up and starting to move out of the ship, he clung to Hob for a few seconds longer, before they began to pull things together.  He took two of the cases and watched Hob shoulder his bag, and made sure the boys had their singular case each, and Lucienne and Jessamy had theirs as well.  

"Stay together," Hob ordered, his voice soft, watching each of them.  "Stay together, no matter what you have to do."  He leaned down and kissed the top of Orpheus' head and then Robyn's.  "You all have to stay together and do what your Father tells you."  When they both nodded, he smiled at them and opened the door, stepping into the hallway with the other families.  Slowly, piece by piece, they made their way up and out of the decks of the Titanic.  Shoved between people, Hob didn't draw much attention in his clothing, but he'd be able to melt away easily enough as soon as they were on the main deck.  It wouldn't take them long, now.  

The world felt like a fog had descended on all of it as they pulled into New York harbor and docked, the ship, at last, coming to a shuddering stop.  After days with the sound of the engines a background hum, hearing it shudder to a stop was a surprise and Dream did his best not to focus on it, keeping Robyn and Orpheus between he and Jessamy.  Hob was at the front of their small group, leading the way, making sure they had a way through the crowd, and the McKinnons were just behind them.  He'd pressed an extra dozen bills into their mother's fingertips, whispering his thanks to her before they'd left the cabin, his shoulders tense.  

But deck after deck, they climbed among the crowd and then into the bright sunshine of the city.  Dream looked at the gangplanks and managed to take a breath of fresh air to keep the threatening panic at bay.  He knew where they needed to go.  He knew how to get there.  No one would be looking for them until later.  They would be expecting him, and he would get his family safe, and then he would be stopping at banks.  He would keep them safe.  Hob had promised him that he could do this, and he would.  He would.  

"And this is my stop," Hob said, pulling them just to the side of the gangplank, smiling at each of them.  He glanced around, but the crowd was still obscuring them for the time being.  He looked up at Dream and touched his cheek once, before kneeling down in front of Robyn and Orpheus.  

"I am never going to forget you," Hob promised, looking between each of them.  "I want you to believe me when I say that.  I am never, ever going to forget you.  I am going to remember, and love you, for the rest of my life.  Understand?"  When they both sniffled, he pulled each of them into his arms and hugged them tight before standing up to look at Dream.  

Hob didn't say anything, only reached out to pull Dream into his arms, hugging him tight.  "Do me a favor," he whispered, holding onto Dream.  "When you can.  When you can afford it again.  Let Orpheus play the lyre, even if it hurts.  He wants to and he's afraid to tell you."  He pressed one final kiss to Dream's cheek and pulled back to smile at him through his tears, reaching out to tap Dream's chin.  "Chin up, darling."  

Reaching up, Hob unpinned the rose from his lapel and tucked it into Dream's pocket, before straightening his jacket with a nod.  "Time for me to go face the music," he teased, grinning.  "Good luck."  

Dream watched, almost through a daze, his mind spinning with Hob's last words.  Let Orpheus play the lyre.  He blinked, confused, and looked down at his son.  Orpheus had told Hob that?  Had been afraid to admit as much to him, but hadn't been afraid to tell Hob?  Had been able to tell Hob?  Dream shuffled forward with the rest of the crowd, his eyes on Orpheus, and on Robyn, who was crying, tears streaming down his cheeks.  Hob, who his boys loved, who he loved, who he was leaving to try to stand between them and his father, rather than standing together as they had been-

Dream spun around, even as the crowd pushed them forward, looking back at Hob.  He gestured wildly to Jessamy and Lucienne, watching as they grabbed the boys.  Hob, who was staring at him, his eyes wide with tears on his cheeks, who was staring at him like he had just had his heart broken and Dream took a step forward, reaching for him.  Together, they'd do this together, he'd convince Hob, they had to do this together.  

He managed a final step forward and just behind Hob, saw Henri, a smirk on his face, raising a gun.  Dream's eyes widened and he shoved Hob down, out of the way, right as the gunshot rang out, his shoulder bursting with fire as he stumbled back, leaning into the crowd, his eyes rolling back.  There was a shout of his name, and another gunshot, quick, and then there was screaming.  

"Hold on, hold on, I've got you, hold on."  

Dream tried to blink himself to attention, but his arm was on fire and he waved, trying to hit at the people carrying him away, moving away from the prone figure of Henri with sightless eyes, a puddle of blood growing beneath him on the deck of the Titanic, more and more shouts growing.  "Hob, I, where’s Hob, please..." Dream licked his lips, trying to ask again, but the arms pulling him away yanked at where he was injured and he shouted in pain, everything going black as he slumped.  

Chapter Text

"Move!" Hob bellowed, hefting Dream properly into his arms as he dashed down the gangplank, glad when people leaned out of the way and let him pass, racing to reach the boys, Jessamy, and Lucienne.  "Call a cab," he ordered them.  "We have to risk that, now.  Jesammy, get a shirt out of my bag."  When she reached into his bag and pulled out one of his new shirts, Hob immediately pressed it up against Dream's shoulder, watching as red bloomed under his fingertips.  He grunted and was glad when Jessamy yanked the rough jacket Dream was wearing off, relaxing a fraction when Lucienne managed to get a taxi summoned, and their luggage loaded on, before shoving them into the space.  

When the cab driver looked at them in alarm, Hob glared at him and held up his gun.  "A hundred dollars to take us to the other side of town and drop us off on a street that you are going to immediately forget."  The man didn't ask any further questions and immediately began to drive.  Dream gave a pained groan, his head lolling and Hob cursed, getting him onto the seat before he turned his full attention to Dream.  "Idiot," Hob snarled, his eyes filled with tears.  "Fucking fool," he breathed, pressing the shirt tighter against the wound. He yanked the shirt Dream was wearing away from the wound and clenched his eyes shut, his mind racing with plans.  

"What do we do?" Lucienne asked, her voice soft, holding the boys tight as they watched, scared.  

Hob heaved in a deep breath.  Think.  He had to think.  He had to keep them safe.  He shook his head and let out a breath.  "Your papers are compromised," he whispered.  "Endless must have gotten to Henri after we did.  Henri wouldn't have risked killing me in public otherwise."  He shook his head again and growled.  "Which means no train.  Nothing public."  

"Orpheus, Robyn, cover your eyes," he ordered, glad when they obeyed immediately.  Hob turned his attention to Dream and lifted the shirt off the wound, inspecting it for a brief moment.  He let out a small sigh of relief.  While the top of Dream's shoulder was ragged and bleeding heavily, there was no bullet hole.  "He needs stitches," he said, glancing at the two ladies.  "And a doctor to make sure there's nothing in the wound."  

Hob took another deep breath, certainty settling into him.  He looked over his shoulder at the cab driver who was studiously not paying attention to them.  "I need you to take us to Brooklyn," he directed.  "We're going to Mrs. Anderson's practice.  And you are going to get us there as fast as you can without attracting attention."  

"You going to wave that gun in my direction again?" The cab driver snapped back.  

Hob huffed out a small laugh.  "No, no I am not.  I am going to throw more money at you if you make it quick and take the rest of the afternoon off, though."  

"Gorgeous day to spend with my girls," The cab driver said in response, turning his attention back to the road.  

Hob nodded once and turned to look at Dream, reaching out to cradle his cheek carefully, before bringing it close as he kept his shirt pressed up against Dream's shoulder.  He looked down at both Robyn and Orpheus, his heart still pounding.  "You boys both okay?" he asked, keeping his voice soft.  

"Is, is Daddy going to be okay?" Robyn asked, his eyes filling with tears.  "He's going to be okay, right Mr. Hob?"  

"He's gonna be fine," Hob answered, smiling at him.  "He's going to have a lovely scar, and he might have a bit of trouble lifting you for a while, but he's going to be fine."  He glanced at Lucienne and Jessamy and nodded and kept Dream upright and the shirt pressed to his shoulder.  "Mrs. Anderson is an old friend," he explained.  "She'll help us."  And maybe tell him what the hell to do next, because Dream couldn't walk into a bank in this condition.  

The rest of the ride was silent, and Hob was grateful for it, even as Dream's eyes fluttered in pain.  He leaned in and kissed Dream's forehead gently, carefully.  "I've got you," he promised softly, keeping the pressure on.  "I've got you.  I'm going to take care of them.  I've got you."  He kept up the soft litany of promises as they made their way through New York, far from the docks, and toward Brooklyn.  It was a matter of time before they pulled into the private practice.  

"Jessamy," Hob ordered, looking at her.  "Go into the front door.  Tell her you are with me, and that I have a patient who needs to come through the side door.  She'll know what you mean.  Take the boys with you."  

Hob waited until she was gone with both boys in hand.  "Lucienne, I'm going to need you to unload the baggage."  He reached into Dream's jacket and pulled out his wallet, pulling out the money he'd promised the cab driver.  "You didn't see us," he said, looking at the man.  "For the sake of the kids.  You didn't see us."  When the cab driver nodded once, Hob carefully lifted Dream out of the cab and walked around the side of the house and to the door that was thrown open seconds before he reached it.  Without stopping, it was slammed shut behind him and he laid Dream out on the table.  

"Gadling, what mess have you brought to my door," Mrs. Anderson snapped.  "Who is this?"  

Hob looked up at her and hesitated, looking at where Lucienne and Jessamy were huddled with the boys.  The more people that knew of them, that knew who they were and what they were doing, the more likely they were to get caught.  "A friend," he answered her.  "Who can pay extraordinarily well if you can stitch him up and get him awake."  

She pursed her lips together and looked at the wound, pressing a bandage to it.  "Going to take time.  And we'll have to clean it."  

Hob winced, nodding.  Better than the infection they would have to travel with.  "Whatever you need to do," he agreed.  

"This friend of yours," Mrs. Anderson said, after she'd gotten the boys and girls settled in another room with tea and a quiet space for them.  "He wouldn't happen to be Morpheus Endless, would he?"  

Hob tensed, carefully putting a belt between Dream's teeth as she prepared to wash the wound.  "Of course not," he answered, his voice soft.  "That would be absurd.  And look at what he's wearing.  Wouldn't be an Endless with that."  

"Except he might," she countered.  "He might be the brother who cared enough to get his younger sister real care.  Who might have brought her to me, when all other doctors wanted nothing more than to drug her."  

Hob stared at her in shock and blinked, looking back down at Dream.  "Delirium," he whispered.  "He brought Delirium to you."  

"So you know all the family nicknames too," Mrs. Anderson said.  "You'll have to tell me how you met them," she said, gesturing for him to hold down Dream as she began to clean the wound, even as the patient under her began shouting with pain, even while unconscious.  

"Saved his life," Hob said, gesturing to Dream.  "Literally.  Spent the week falling in love with him, too."  

She shook her head and rinsed the wound twice more until the blood was running clean and she nodded, beginning to stitch it up slowly.  "You always did shoot for the moon, Hob.  But this one might be too bright, even for you." 

Hob thought of the way that Dream had turned back to him, the desperation and determination in his eyes, how he'd reached out and then shoved Hob out of the way when he'd realized what was happening.  The way that Dream had confessed that everyone had thought him too much, that he had never been good enough, just the way he was.  He let out a shaky breath and brushed Dream's hair off his head.  

"Maybe," Hob agreed, his voice soft.  "But he's stuck with me now, and I'm not going to leave him until he tells me to.  As it was, I wasn't entirely sure I could walk away from them like I needed to."  He shuddered.  "Now I need to figure out how the hell to have him walk into a bank without having him conscious."  

"I, perhaps," Lucienne said, clearing her throat.  "Can help with that."  

Hob looked up at her and raised his eyebrows, keeping Dream held down.  "Start talking, Lucienne, and hurry.  We don't have a lot of time before someone figures out where we went."  She obeyed, and as she outlined the plan that she and Jessamy had come up with, hope rose in his chest and he nodded, giving her the go-ahead for it.  They were going to need all of the help they could get, and this would work out well.  

~!~

Dream woke to a rough bump on the seat and a figure jostling against him.  He blinked awake, dazedly, his arm uncomfortably numb where it was propped against several pillows on the side of the cabin door.  He looked down to his right and found Robyn sleeping against him, cuddled up tight.  He lifted his head and blinked in shock at the sight of Hob sitting with Orpheus, the both of them reading as the train carefully trundled along.  He blinked again, but the image didn't waver.  On the other side of Orpheus was Jessamy, and Lucienne was on the other side of Robyn.  

"Welcome back," Hob said, giving him a small smile.  "About time you woke up."  

The last thing Dream could remember was a gunshot, and pushing Hob out of the way, and then, pain... He looked around and kept his voice low, though there was no one else nearby.  "Where, what happened?"  

Hob smiled at Dream and reached out to take his hand, squeezing it gently.  "Do you trust me?" he asked.  

Dream nodded immediately.  "I do.  Of course I do."  

Hob felt his heart tighten in his chest and let out a hard breath, holding out a glass of water and two pills to Dream.  "These will help with the pain.  Take them and rest as much as you can.  We've still got another few hours of train ride to Boston, and then a ride further north from there."  

"Boston," Dream mumbled out the word, blinking blearily at Hob.  "We're-"

"I had a contingency plan, just in case.  Few of them, actually," Hob said, giving Dream a faint smile.  "I'll tell you all about it once we're there.  But we're safe.  We're all right.  You'll lose some movement in your arm, but you'll be able to pick your boys up, and you'll be okay."  

Dream took a small, shuddering breath and nodded, looking down at the pills.  Now that he was aware of the pain, his shoulder throbbed harder than ever.  He took several sips of the water and both of the pills before he leaned back against the pillows, tightening his arms around Robyn.  He stared at Hob, at the way that he was being watched, carefully and blinked slowly.  "You're staying?"  

Hob smiled weakly.  "Until you tell me to leave, Dream."  

Dream nodded, humming idly as he leaned back against the pillows once more.  "Forever then," he slurred, but he suspected Hob didn't understand the words as he had intended them.  Sleep came for him once more with the reassurance that Hob had been able to keep his family safe, that they had made it out of New York, and somehow, in some way, they were all together.  

-

When the train stopped a few hours later, Hob carefully shook Dream awake and smiled at him.  "Come on.  Time to change trains.  We've got time to stop for food."  He gestured to Jessamy and Lucienne as they all carefully picked up their bags, and Dream noted that there were a few additional ones, of different styles, that were now slipped into Hob's much larger, singular bag on his back.  "Take Robyn," Hob said, glad when Robyn grabbed his father's good hand, and led the group off the train.  

The station in Boston was small and homey and Hob walked arm in arm with Lucienne, leading them to the area for food, ordering them a few meals for the boys and themselves, before they found a table they could sit at.  Hob made sure Dream was comfortable and that the boys were settled with food before the questions in Dream's eyes finally broke free.  

"How did we make it to Boston?" Dream asked, looking around.  "Did, did we get everything we needed?"  

Hob reached out and gave Dream's knee a small squeeze.  "We did.  Have everything that we need, Dream, I promise you that."  It was a matter, now, of finding a space for what they actually needed, with their family, but Hob had sent inquiries ahead, and he had no doubt that they would be able to find something in one of the river valleys near the mills.  He looked at the table in front of him.  "It was pretty harrowing for a little while there."  

Dream scowled.  "Tell me what happened," he demanded.  "I, you, Henri-"

"Henri was paid off by your father.  He didn't make it off the Titanic," Hob explained, his hand flexing and reaching to brush against the gun tucked at the small of his back that he had not been without since they had left.  "I realized that walking around town with Lucienne and Jessamy in your stead.  Once that was clear, I led them on a chase across the city and made them believe that I'd boarded a southbound train before I jumped the train and made my way back to the city.  We left last night, late, northbound."  

So he had been unconscious for less than a day.  "Who treated my wound?"  

"An old friend of yours, and mine, as it turned out," Hob said with a faint smile.  "Mrs. Anderson.  She was surprised to find you on her table, but she said she'd known you."  

Dream sucked in a surprised breath and looked down at the table, lifting up a piece of his food, eating it idly.  "I have not thought of her in a great many years," he admitted.  "But she was kind when few others were about my youngest sister."  

"Yeah, so, we got you patched up, she hopped you up on enough Morphine that we could move you and pretend you were a drunk friend getting your ass home, and have been keeping to ourselves ever since," Hob said, reaching out to tap his finger against Dream's hand.  "We're headed north, I know the area better and can hide us easier.  Think we need to forgo going back for now, if we risk it, they could find us.  Long as we're north of Boston, I don't think they'll chase us."  

Jessamy looked at Dream and smiled at him.  "Hob kept us safe the entire way," she reassured.  "Despite everything that happened, it's thanks to his planning that we have what we do."  

"Which is, even," Lucienne said, clearing her throat.  "Far more than expected."  

Hob's lips twitched.  "That's thanks to Lucienne more than it is to me.  Came up with a few ideas I hadn't thought of, and with your solicitor's help - you still need to contact him, by the way - and an explanation for the need of sending Jessamy on a shopping spree for proper society presentation, all of the banks she went to bent over backwards to cater for the young Endless heiress." 

Dream's lips twitched.  "Which, undoubtedly also assisted us in another way you may not have been expecting.  My father would have heard of such a visit and would have assumed that is how I was taking control of Jessamy's future.  If he was going to insist having someone marry her, I'd be able to stop it by presenting her to society, at least for a time."  He leaned back in his chair a fraction, shifting his arm, only to wince when it hurt.  

"It did buy us time," Hob agreed.  "Though your father is going to know I got away, at the least, with Henri dead.  So he'll be looking for me.  But I covered my tracks well."  He gave a small shrug.  "I'll make sure we're safe as soon as I can.  But he doesn't think you have all left yet.  He might even think that you're going to rebel a bit at my attempted shooting and stay in a hotel, away from them."  

Dream nodded once.  "Something that I would do."  

"All of which buys us more time," Hob said, keeping his voice low.  "And I suspect, once you have abdicated your title and fortunes through your solicitor, there will be much less of a chase for you.  There's no coming back from that, as your family knows."  

Dream let his eyes flutter shut and breathed out.  "We need new identification," he said, his voice soft.  "Since the papers made by Henri will no longer work for long."  

"Mrs. Anderson was willing to help with that," Hob said, reaching into his pocket to pull out the collection of passports, passing Dream's to him.  "I uh."  He cleared his throat.  "I hope you didn't mind.  They were less likely to look for a married couple than they were to look for four single individuals."  

Dream's breath caught at the sight of his name on the passport, running a fingertip over it.  Golding.  Hob had given him the last name Golding, so close to what his had been.  They matched.  But the first name... He raised an eyebrow.  "Daniel?"  

Hob shrugged.  "Dream and Morpheus were too identifying."  He gestured behind him.  "Vivienne and Jessica would agree, I believe."  He grinned at Dream and gestured to his own identification.  "Couldn't keep Robert myself, so I borrowed my brother's name.  Ferdinand, for the time being.  Golding’s a common enough name, so it won't raise any eyebrows.  The boys had to be changed, too."  

Dream rubbed his thumb over the name on the passport once more, a visual, and perhaps even literal claim of Hob on him in a way that was pleasing to the depths of his soul.  He cleared his throat.  "Where are we going?"  

"There's a bed and breakfast run by a friend - her husband was the close friend I lost when the Valliant sank.  I helped her set up the place, years ago now."  He nodded.  "She's got room, and she's in a small town north of Boston, just over the state border.  We'll be able to find another, more permanent place while we stay there."  

Dream shook his head and took another bite of his food, reaching out to sip the water that Hob pressed toward him.  "I do not think, had we been on our own, I could have been half so effective."  

Hob managed a small smile.  "I think you would have been fine."  He glanced around the table, his eyes lingering on the boys, who both gave him wide and sunny grins.  "But I am glad I'm here, too."  He gave Dream's knee another squeeze under the table and began to pick up their trash from the table, bringing it to the nearby bin before checking the status of their train.  It was leaving in less than twenty minutes, so he gathered everyone up once more and led them to the platform, making sure that Dream could lean against him for support.  

Dream could feel the exhaustion tugging at him and he was glad when Hob's hand dropped to his waist to steady him.  He wanted nothing more than to fall asleep for as many hours as he possibly could.  When Hob wrapped an arm around him carefully, Dream turned and allowed himself to cuddle against Hob's chest.  Never mind that he didn't know if Hob would still welcome such a touch, but he wanted the comfort for himself, desperately.  

"I've got you," Hob whispered, leaning down to press a kiss to Dream's forehead.  "I have you, Dream.  My Dream."  

Dream shivered, clinging to Hob tighter, even as the sound of the train arriving echoed around them.  Somehow, Hob kept them from being carried away in the crowd and they were able to find a private compartment to themselves.  The pain was coming back in slow waves, and Dream bit down a whine of it, well aware that he should be pleased that he could sit side by side with Hob without fear, and Lucienne and Jessamy could do the same.  Would he be asked to give this comfort up again?  Would Hob get them settled and then leave, move on to bigger and better things?  

"You know," Hob whispered, his voice soft.  "I love this area up here."  

Dream blinked himself a little more awake, trying to focus on Hob, even as the train blew its whistle and began to move.  The two boys were absolutely into the countryside as it rushed by, their faces pressed up against the window and he watched them, reaching out to touch their heads briefly.  "Do you?" he managed, shifting so he could rest his head against Hob's shoulder.  It made the skin at his shoulder pull in a way that hurt, but the comfort of it was worth it, especially when Hob shifted to make it easier.  

"Yeah," Hob said, carefully brushing Dream's hair out of his face.  "Always wanted to live up here someday.  S'why I said that I wanted to hide up here.  Wouldn't mind.  Beautiful winters, gorgeous summers, mountains within easy travel distance, community, even bigger cities like Boston if you want them."  He hummed again and pressed his face against Dream before clearing his throat.  

Dream tried to focus on Hob's quietly lulling voice as he continued to speak, almost as though a picture were being painted with soft words.  "It sounds lovely.  It sounds perfect."  

"It's where..." Hob hesitated, before continuing.  "It's where I always imagined having a family, if I ever wanted or ended up with such a thing."  He looked at Dream again, but his eyes were shut and his breathing was deep, making him sigh gustily.  Not yet, then.  Perhaps never.  "Rest," he urged Dream, kissing his forehead gently, making sure he was comfortable. 

Dream was aware, in bits and pieces, of the rest of their journey north, as Hob kept them quiet and together, getting them into another cab, explaining that Dream had had far too much to drink, making the cab driver laugh as they left the town for the outskirts and a large, welcoming, victorian home.  There was a woman waiting out front for them when they pulled up, and her voice was soft and kind.  Were people always this kind, or was it just because of Hob?  

Dream barely managed to say goodnight to both Orpheus and Robyn, hugging them tight with his good arm, before urging them to their room.  Lucienne and Jessamy were sharing their room, but had an adjoining room they could use for lessons, or for sleeping themselves if they wished, and it sounded wonderful as Hob explained it and slowly, carefully, brought him down the hall to another room.  He managed to hold himself up, blinking sleepily at Hob as his shoulder was unwrapped and re-wrapped, Hob inspecting the wound with a firm nod before a salve was put on it, making him hiss in pain.  

"I know it hurts love," Hob said, kissing the top of Dream's head as he continued to run it over the ragged, stitched-together skin.  "I know it does.  But this'll keep the skin from getting too tight and letting it heal.  It'll be okay."  Once he was finished, he wrapped it up once more and helped Dream get into a nightshirt that he had cut to accommodate the injury.  Hopefully, Dream wouldn't mind too much when he realized.  

He got Dream resting in the bed, propped up against pillows, and took a few long seconds to clean his hands of the last of the blood under his fingernails, and let himself shake apart a small amount as Dream slept on in the bed.  Hob looked over his shoulder at Dream from the wash basin and carefully put the bag down beside the bed, in Dream's eyesight, so he wouldn't wonder if Hob had left if he woke, and stepped out of the room.  

He made his way down to the main dining room and found May Mayweather sitting in her rocking chair, a pipe between her lips, smoking as she stared at the fire.  Hob cleared his throat and managed a smile at her.  "Thanks for being willing to accommodate me."  

"Lot more than just you showed up on my doorstep, Robbie.  How much trouble are you in?" She glanced behind him.  

Hob swallowed and sat down in the armchair across from her, letting out a heavy breath.  "Enough trouble that we need to hide here while we find a permanent place to stay.  We need to make sure that no one knows who we are, or where we came from.  And if anyone from out of town comes looking for us, that they don't find us."  

May barked out a laugh and took a deep inhale.  "Ask for something easy, why don't you."  

"If it's money you need-"

"Robbie, you know I don't give a shit about money," May shot back, shaking her head.  "What are they running from?"  

Hob chewed on his lip.  But if they were going to be staying here, she needed to know everything that he could tell her.  He took a deep breath and managed a smile.  "Ready for a hell of a story?"  

She raised her eyebrows.  "Go on."  

"I'll tell you the story of how I met, saved the life of Morpheus Endless, fell in love with him, prevented the Titanic from hitting an iceberg, and helped him escape a family life that was slowly killing him so he could be happy with his boys."  

"Fucking holy mother mary," May swore, staring at him with wide eyes.  "Robbie, you... what?"  She looked up.  "That's Morpheus Endless?  And his children?"  

Hob smiled ruefully.  "It is indeed.  Though, now, of course, you'd know him as Daniel Golding."  He winked at her.  

She groaned and rubbed her face.  "Start from the beginning.  Such as where you got enough money to get yourself on the Titanic."  

Hob took a deep breath and was grateful for the whiskey that she poured him and began to tell the story, start to finish.  From winning the ticket, to catching the ship, to seeing Dream, saving him, offering to help him, falling in love with his family, with him, saving the ship, and then planning to get out and away.  He talked until his throat was sore and he remembered he held a drink, and by the time he was finished, the fire had died down to almost embers.  When he was finished, he waited for her to say something, anything, but she puffed away at her pipe and stared into the last of the fire.  

"He love you back?" She asked, looking askance at him.  

Hob swallowed and thought of Dream turning back to him on the deck of the Titanic.  Of Dream asking him to come with them in the third class cabin.  Of them spending nothing but a quiet day together, reading, when Hob had been overwhelmed from how much everything had been for days on end.  "I... I think he might."  

May nodded once.  "Good.  I'll help these inquiries of yours.  There's a couple places 'round here that might work perfect.  You want me to pull that old account of yours?  I've taken good care of it."  

Hob's eyes widened and he stared at her.  "I gave that to you in case this place-"

"In case anything happened and I needed to make sure this place stayed standing," May answered, reaching out to pat his cheek.  "Lucky for you, I've a good mind for business, and I never needed to touch it.  Got it to do some proper growing too.  Doubt that husband of yours needs a dowry, but if he did, you've got a solid one beneath you."  

Hob cleared his throat and looked back down at the floor between them.  "May.  I-"

"Don't even try," She ordered, pointing the pipe at him.  "You helped me get this place set up and tore it to pieces with me before we built it up again and you went running back to England.  I owed you that, at least.  And it sounds like you have a family to take care of now."  

"I, I want to," Hob admitted, his voice almost too soft for the room.  "I want it so badly I think it might tear me apart with how bad."  

"Think you'd better tell that husband of yours that," she advised, tipping her pipe to him.  "Now get up there and make sure he's not missing you when he wakes.  I have a feeling those boys are going to wake up starving, and that means I need to be up early cookin' before my hired gals come in."  May waved a hand.  "And before you worry about them, both are here cause they got out of bad situations themselves.  Won't say a bloody word about your family."  

"Thank you," Hob said, smiling at her as he stood, leaving the mostly full glass of whiskey before making his way back up to the bedroom.  The lamp was still giving off a low amount of light, and it was enough for Hob to see that Dream's eyes were open when he shut the door behind him.  Hob smiled, despite himself, and shook his head, pointing at Dream.  "You're supposed to be resting."  

Dream stared up at Hob, at the way he began to strip, slow and methodical.  "I was afraid you would not return.  Or would return to take your things, and..." he trailed off and frowned.  "Did I imagine you promising to stay as long as I'd wish it?"  

Hob pulled on a rough nightshirt and let it slide down his body before he lifted the covers and carefully crawled in next to Dream, reaching out to take his hand and press a kiss to it.  "No, you did not imagine that.  I said that on the train, earlier today."  

Dream nodded tiredly.  "Where were you?"  

"Talking to May Mayweather.  She owns this place.  Had to tell her the full story so she can help us hide.  We can trust her," Hob promised, leaning down to kiss Dream's fingertips once more.  "We need time to find a place we can live, and something that we can blend in doing.  And we can get that time here.  She'll take good care of us in the meantime." 

Dream leaned in closer, every kiss to his fingertips the worst kind of agony, because would he be expected to endure this, only to lose it all over again?  To have Hob so close, but unable to stay with him, to stay with the boys?  If he was going to have to walk away once more, perhaps it would be best to start here, even if Hob had promised to stay close.  He let out a rough breath and leaned in closer.  But Hob was here, Hob hadn't left them, had kept them safe, had made sure they could get away.  

"I owe you everything," Dream whispered.  "I cannot repay you properly.  I cannot... everything you do for us, again and again, how am I ever to repay these debts to you, Hob?  It is impossible.  You have given so much, and I..." he clenched his eyes shut.  "What do I have to offer you in return?"  

"Love," Hob coaxed, watching Dream's eyes blink open, wet with tears, before he leaned in and kissed Dream softly, stealing the soft whimpering sound directly from them, then another, then another.  "You don't have to repay me anything.  That's not how this works.  I wanted to do all of this.  I promised to keep you safe, and this is me keeping that promise."  He reached up and stroked Dream's hair.  

"You didn't want to stay," Dream said.  "You wanted, want your freedom.  So you can, can travel the world, see new places, reinvent yourself again and again."  He sighed and leaned in closer, weak for more of the gentle touches from Hob.  "How could I ask you to stay when that is what you want?"  

Hob swallowed hard and moved a little closer to Dream under the blankets, continuing to watch him with a fond smile.  "Oh love," he whispered, reaching out to stroke a thumb along Dream's cheek.  "I've wanted to stay since the second day with you and I kissed you for the first time.  I've wanted to stay, wanted to be there for every moment since your boys wormed their way into my heart and refused to leave."  

Dream's eyes widened and his breath caught.  "You..."

"I thought you didn't want me to stay," Hob admitted softly.  "Until you asked, at the very end, and then, then it wasn't safe for me to."  

Dream clenched his eyes shut, a tear dripping down his cheek before he opened them again, staring at Hob.  "Hob."  

Hob laughed quietly, shaking his head, leaning in to kiss Dream once more, brushing away some of his tear tracks.  "Oh, Dream.  My Dream.  I told you.  I played for keeps.  But I tripped head over heels into love with you while trying to make you want to keep me."  

It jolted his shoulder and made him hiss in pain, but Dream yanked Hob into a kiss, a hard, desperate one, pulling him closer until they were pressed together as much as they could be in the bed, hidden under warm blankets. It was only when they had to separate for air that Dream pulled back enough to stare into the warm depths of Hob's eyes, unafraid of everything they offered.  

"I love you," Dream declared, his voice soft and fierce.  "I love you for how you care for my sons, I love you for how I am not too much in your eyes, and I love you for being willing to fight my family by my side, and no matter how cruel they were, you did not run."  He heaved in a breath and pulled Hob in for another kiss.  "I love you for your bravery, for your first thought being the safety of my family when there was a risk to the ship.  I love you for making me dance when I thought I had forgotten how, and for reminding me that I alone do not have to shoulder the burdens of my life."  

Dream heaved in a deep breath, even though it made his shoulder and arm ache, and kissed Hob once more, through the tears and pain, and was relieved when there was nothing but Hob's warm embrace waiting for him.  "I love you for loving me enough to keep me safe before all things, even when it meant I might never see you again."  He let out a breath and pressed his forehead against Hob's, more tears running down his cheeks.  "Though I am beyond grateful that I do not have to try to live without you.  I'm not certain I want to try."  

Hob bit down a sob of his own at the quiet admission and reached out to pull Dream into his arms, hugging him tighter while still trying to keep his shoulder from being hit.  "I knew I was leaving my heart with you.  That I would have a hole in my heart shaped like you, Orpheus, and Robyn for the rest of my life."  He managed a small laugh.  "I love the three of you so much, Dream.  I want to sing them to sleep for the rest of my life.  There's nothing I want more."  He cupped Dream's chin and pulled him in for a soft kiss.  

"I'll teach you to run a bookshop," Hob promised, staring at Dream.  "Because I love you.  And Lucienne and Jessamy can help us run it, if they want.  And your boys will be safe here, and so will you.  And we will be happy."  He kissed Dream again, softly, gently, savoring the touch of their lips together.  "We will be so happy that it almost won't feel real, my Dream." 

Dream nodded, breathing in deep, pressing his nose against the skin of Hob’s neck, relaxing against the warmth of him as had become habit over the past several nights.  “For the first time, in longer than I can remember,” he whispered.  “I am looking forward to tomorrow and what it might hold, as long as you are there beside me.”  

There was nothing Hob could do in response to that except tilt Dream’s face up for another kiss, a promise, and a declaration all in one.  He would make as many of Dream’s days ones to look forward to as he could.  

~!~ 

Two years, four months, and several weeks after the Titanic docked in New York City, a woman stepped into a bookshop in a small town an hour north of Boston.  There were several browsing customers, but no sign of anyone at the register, or elsewhere when she looked around.  She frowned, blinking at the address on the letter in her palm.  It was the correct one and she nodded, turning to look at the display by the window.  

The title of the book caught her eye and she gasped, stepping closer, her fingers tracing over the words.  The Prince of Stories.  

“I see you’re admiring the work of our resident author.  I’m sure he’d be pleased to know, especially since he hasn’t sold a book since yesterday.”  

Teleute Endless, known to her family as Death, spun to face a beaming Hob Gadling, his hands clasped behind his back as he grinned at her.  She reached out and wrapped him up in a hug, holding him tight.  “Where is he?”  

“He’ll be right down,” Hob said, glancing behind her.  “He insists on unloading stock, despite it bothering his shoulder and hurt himself rather badly this morning, so I sent him back to bed for rest before you arrived.  It will be fine, but he likes to overdo it, sometimes.”  He waved a hand.  “A monthly conversation I end up having with him.”  

Death fought down a smile and raised her eyebrow at the ring she could see on his finger.  A simple golden band.  “Found a partner, did you?”  

Hob held out the ring for her perusal and watched her inhale sharply at the sight of the engraved rose along the full band.  He winked.  “The boys will be home in a few hours.  Would you like a tour of the shop, or would you like to come see him upstairs, instead?”  

Death looked around and frowned.  “Can you step away?”  

“I can,” Hob said with a nod, clearing his throat.  “Vivienne,” he called.  “I’m going upstairs to check on him and make sure he is actually resting.  We’ll be down again later.”  Hob led the way to the staircase at the back of the shop and gestured her upstairs.  

“Yes, sir,” Vivienne called.  

Death stared at Lucienne and started laughing, covering her hand as the burst of giggles escaped before she waved and hurried after Hob, climbing the stairs.  She pushed open the door at the top and blinked at the sight of her brother, his hair wild and utterly untamed, and a grumpy expression on his face that melted away in seconds when he saw her.  

He had laugh lines.  

It was such a small thing to notice, the lines at the corner of his eyes that immediately deepened when he smiled at the sight of her, but it told her everything she needed to know.  She hurried forward and hugged him, being careful of his sore shoulder that he was clearly favoring.  “Dream,” she breathed, relaxing into him.  “You are all right.”  

“Of course,” Dream said, glancing at Hob with a nod as his husband moved into the kitchen with a whistle, clearly getting tea ready for them.  He looked back at her.  “As are the boys.  And Lucienne and Jessamy.”  He squeezed her hand.  “I am sorry I could not reach out sooner.  Father-” 

“I know,” Death interrupted, shaking her head.  “I know. I’m just glad you’re all safe and seem to be well.”  

“We’re happy, Death,” Dream corrected, unable to keep from grinning.  “We’re so very happy, and so are the boys.”  

She nodded, squeezing his hand once more as Hob brought out a tea tray for all of them, resting it on the table.  She raised her eyebrows when Hob leaned over and kissed Dream, slow and deep.  But the smile and the way Dream nearly glowed as Hob stepped away had clearly been the reason for such a kiss and she leaned back against the couch.  

“So, Mr. and Mr. Gadling,” Death teased, watching both of them light up at the name.  “Tell me about the wedding?  I’m sorry I couldn’t make it.  It wasn’t safe enough to risk it.”  

Death took a sip of her tea as Dream launched into the story, Hob supplying comments, additional tea, and cakes as the afternoon went on, interrupted, not long after, by the boys thundering upstairs and shouting her name and hugging her tight.  She couldn’t help the gasp as both of the boys referred to Hob as their father, and watched them go downstairs to do their homework with Lucienne, blinking back the tears.  

“I worried for you,” she admitted, reaching out to Dream.  “When you left.  When I’d heard that you’d perhaps been injured.  I thought the boys would be on their own with Lucienne and Jessamy, and then father was on the warpath looking for this one-” Death gestured to Hob.  “I was concerned and had no way to find out if you were all right.  Eventually, Margaret Brown let me know you’d made it somewhere safe.”  

“It took us some time to find this place,” Dream explained, giving her hand a squeeze.  “But we were able to settle in and there have been no whispers that any of our friends have heard of father looking for us up here.  Now that I’ve formally abandoned the title and abdicated the remainder of my inheritance to you - there’s nothing left for me to go back for.”  

Death gave him a wry look.  “Speaking of which, you could have warned me.”  

Dream shrugged and smiled at her.  “Or not.”  

She shook her head.  “Tell me what else you have been up to for the past two years, Dream.”  

Hob settled down on Dream’s other side, wrapping an arm easily around him as Dream relaxed back against him and kept up the excited conversation with his sister.  Though Dream was still stoic with strangers, amongst family and those he cared for, more and more of his gentle, excitable personality had appeared over time and it never failed to make Hob’s heart clench.  When the clock struck five, he looked up and hummed, kissing Dream’s shoulder.  “Shouldn’t linger too much longer,” he said to Death.  “Just in case.”  

She sighed and nodded.  “You’re right, of course.  I’ll stop by again tomorrow once more before I’m leaving town as I head up north.  May I see you on my way back?”  

Dream smiled and stood, hugging her tightly.  “I would love nothing more.”  

“Good.”  She cupped his face and smiled at him.  “I am glad you are happy, Dream.”  

“As am I,” Dream said, hugging her again.  “Now off with you, and I shall see you tomorrow.”  

Hob opened the door for her and turned to face Dream, smiling at him, taking in the expression on his face.  “No regrets?”  

“She looks older,” Dream whispered.  “The stress on her is heavy now, I imagine.”  He crossed the room to wrap his arms around Hob, leaning in against him.  He let out a rough breath and hugged Hob tighter, despite the way it pulled at his shoulder.  “But to answer your question, no.  I have none.  I am more certain than ever, I would not still be here if I had remained.”  

Hob tightened his arms around Dream and kissed his temple.  “I love you,” he whispered.  “I love you, my Dream.  From the first moment I told you I would jump if you did.”  

“You have never hesitated to jump with me when the situation has necessitated it,” Dream agreed, kissing Hob’s jaw.  “And I was giving thought, perhaps.  To something for the future.”  

“Hmm?” Hob asked.  “What’s that?”  

“After,” Dream said, his voice soft.  “After the boys have gone to college, what would you think of traveling together for a time?  Could we do that?  I think I would like that.”  

Hob smiled and pressed a kiss to Dream’s cheek and held him tighter.  “I rather like that idea.  Traveling wherever we want, spending days in bed with you, just like we did on the Titanic.  Spreading you out on fresh sheets for hours at a time…” 

Dream shuddered and huffed.  “You are teasing me.”  

“Always,” Hob whispered, kissing Dream’s neck.  “But also promising, dearheart.  I would love nothing more than to travel with you and spend my time making sure you are as relaxed as you can possibly be.  We’ve earned that.  And you know I love dedicating myself to your pleasure.”  

Dream turned around in Hob’s arms and carefully wrapped his arms around Hob’s waist, pulling him in closer, leaning up to kiss him.  “Can Lucienne and Jessamy manage the shop and the boys?”  

“I suspect,” Hob breathed softly.  “They are expecting that they have to.”  He swallowed Dream’s answering chuckle with a kiss and began to gently push him back toward their bedroom.  “And we have at least a few hours until dinner.  Sounds like I have more than enough time.”  

Dream raised an eyebrow.  “For what?”  

“You’ll see, beloved,” Hob promised.  “You’ll see.”