I Write Stuff

“I suppose not,” He says, pulling out his sand. “Now hold onto me.”

“Oh here we are with the ordering again,” Y/N steps closer to the dream king, as if she could get any closer. “The ordering around is..”

“Yes?” He wraps an arm around her lower back and abruptly pulls her to his chest. The breath was almost knocked out of her. There was a subtle smirk on his parted lips. “Now, hold on so we can leave.”

Cautiously she slips her arms around his back. She rests her head on his chest and takes in a quiet breath. He always smelt of fresh air and the atmosphere before the rain would fall. Somewhat like spring Flowers and winter pine needles.

“Mister Morpheus may I be bold for a moment?” Y/N asks, looking up at him again.

“Nothing has stopped you before, yes you may.”

“I believe this is what I miss the most,” Y/N says, pressing her hand flat against his back. She closes her eyes, in pretending. “Being in your arms, it was such a natural feeling and I would feel so protected. It oddly felt as if I was holding onto the whole world. My world. How strange to know it was the whole world.”

“It was comforting to hold you, as if I was holding all of humanity and in a way I was.”

“At least we can have this moment,” She whispers.

There was a subtle hmm from him. “Or I can.”

The two land In what Y/N thought was a waste land. The air was thick with a sulfurous smoke that created a thick fog. Y/N was slightly apprehensive about letting the dream king go.

“Y/N,” He whispers, releasing her gently, her hold becoming tighter, holding him to her. “Nothing will harm you here while with me.”

Y/N slowly releases her arms and looks up at him, his expression was too much like the ones from her past, almost loving. She did not want to let him go. He gives her a nod. She fully unlatches from him and gains a better grounding of her surroundings.

“I don’t like how this place feels, it’s painfully heavy,” Y/N says, pulling her coat together. “I’m still at a loss that this place even exists. I’m not a believer.”

“No one is fond of how this place feels, it’s supposed to elicit this feeling.”

Morpheus gently nudges her forward and the two walk until a rusted gate appears in a wicked structure. At her own free will she stands close to the dream king. A large looking man opens the gate.

“Follow me.”

The two walk through and start their trek to Lucifer. Y/N stares up at the trees, attached to the bark were what appeared to be burnt human bodies. With every step they would move slowly with pained expressions. Y/N stops at one of the trees and looks up tears, forming in the corners of her eyes.

“Please stay by my side,” Morpheus grabs her hand and pulls her to him. “You do not want to get lost in these woods, all sorts of creatures and entities lurk in the Smoky fog.”

Morpheus does not let her hand go, instead he keeps a grip between her fingers. To prevent her from wandering off and getting lost. They ascend steep, narrow steps, passing different people locked away.

Y/N witnesses Morpheus stopping at a window, and a woman appears briefly. The two have a short conversation and then Morpheus continues forward.

“Who was that?” Y/N asks. Morpheus looks at her and continues walking forward. “Morpheus, who was that?”

“Not now!” He says sternly, but composed.

“Must be someone important.”

The two arrive at a large wall, instantly it opens up, leaking what looks to be blood at their feet. Morpheus drops Y/N’s hand.

“Morpheus, what a pleasant surprise,” A tall figure wearing all red, turns around. “And guest?”

“Dream king,” A woman says, nodding her head. She turns to the side and exposes that she was missing half of her face. “And guest.”

“Mazikeen.” Morpheus greets.

“What a great pleasure, Morpheus? Are you ready to join realms?”

“Lucifer, I am here to collect my helm, I was told a demon has it.”

“Is that right?” Lucifer says. “Guest, come here and let me look at you.”

Morpheus nods his head giving the okay. Y/N furrows her brows, releases her hand and cautiously approaches the evil one. Lucifer extends a hand and presses a finger beneath her chin. She moves Y/N’s face side to side, and an evil smirk curves up on her lips.

“Have you brought me a gift, Morpheus, is she to be traded for your helmet?”

“No, she is my assistant.” Morpheus’s voice turns low.

“That is too bad, a pretty one,” Lucifer releases Y/N chin. “Hmmm she is a nonbeliever, now tell me girl do you believe in hell now?”

“I’m here aren’t I?” Y/N says flatly. “It’s all a bit camp, don’t you think. The wings and the fire.”

“Y/N,” Morpheus says.

“But I have so many questions,” Y/N says, taking a step forward. “Like why do you take on the human form? And why have such a kind face? Are there not better ways to…”

“Y/N, stop talking.”

Y/N nods and walks away from the entity.

“But you are asking the right questions, my dear,” Lucifer says. “A human form to make it all more terrifying, my subjects, the demons below my kingdom, not so much.”

“As I’ve seen.”

“And the wings, an Angel that fell. I supposed.”

“For an assistant, you talk a lot out of turn.”

“I’m a scholar, naturally curious.”

“Morpheus, can we please get to your troubles?”

“Y/N!”

Morpheus pulls out his pouch of stand, he pours some in his hand and begins blowing at it. The grains float up and whirls around everyone. The sand whirls towards a corner in the room and a green demon appears holding a helmet.

“Chorozon, a duke of hell.”

A challenge between the dream king and Lucifer begins, for the helmet.

“Dream king, this is the real prize isn’t it?” The duke asks. His spiked hand slices across Y/N’s face before she was able to duck down. The blow flings her to the ground. The duke starts a round of cackles. “This must be the misses? I haven’t heard of her yet.”

Y/N’s body was sprawled across the shiny obsidian floor, across her face was a nasty wound. Welting and bleeding. Morpheus was crouched on his side in pain, taking a blow from Lucifer. His eyes were fixed on Y/N on the floor with Mazikeen dipping down to check on her. The demon who had challenged Morpheus for his helm had a game of his own.

Mazikeen looks at dream weerly, she touches the side of Y/N’s face and reveals blood coating her fingertips. She wasn’t supposed to get hurt. She wasn’t supposed to get hurt at all.

“Y/N,” Morpheus tries to say. “Y/N!”

He stands up and continues the game. “This was not part of the deal.”

“The duke gets bored, shall we continue now to make sure she can be taken to safety? I think the duke may have found his new duchess.”

“He cannot have her. She is mine.” He says gaining strength. He stands up. “She is mine!”

“Yours, hmmm?” Lucifer says, cocking their head. “She’s a bit rough around the edges for a king don’t you think?”

“Get on with the game.”

Mazikeen stands in front of Y/N as if to protect her. The duke laughs in the distance.

“If my lord wins,” the duke says. “I get two prizes no, no three, your helm, you, and your misses.”

Morpheus was lying on the floor, skin graying and turning frail. He looks out at y/n, unconscious. He couldn’t let her down. He stands back up. And completes the challenge.

Morpheus runs over and drops to the floor beside Y/N. The girl was out cold, unconscious, almost stiff. He pulls her onto his lap and presses his fingers to the gash. It was hot and needed mending.

“Y/N,” He whispers. “Can you hear me?”

He presses her to his chest.

“This was not part of the battle, Lucifer, “ Morpheus says. He scoops the girl up easily and presses her to his chest, to rest the unmarked Side of her against him.

“Well you are in hell, Morpheus,” Lucifer says lazit tossing their hand. “Demons will be, well, demons.”

Mazikeen takes the helmet and places it on Morpheus’s head.

“Y/N,” He whispers. “We are going home.”

Morpheus arrives back to the throne room and places Y/N on the ground. He removes his helmet and places it one the ground.

“You should be healing,” He says resting her head on his lap. He raises his voice. “Lucienne! Lucienne!”

Lucienne barges into the throne room and sees the scene in front of her. There was blood pooling on the floor.

“What has happened, sire?” She asks.

“She isn’t healing,” Morpheus says, pressing his cool hand to the side of her face. He looks up at the librarian with genuine fear in his wet eyes. “She is an extension of me, she should be able to heal.”

“You need to tell me what has happened.”

“She was attacked by a demon while in hell.” He clenches his jaw and takes a breath in. “I shouldn’t be, I mean there are other pertinent matters, but there is blood, she is bleeding, my realm is still falling apart.”

“Which demon sire?” Lucienne asks.

“The duke…”

“I will look him up and see what is happening.”

“In the meantime I will be taking her to my room for rest and…” He looks at the girl again. “Lucienne I, I’ve been so terrible.”

“Sire, everything will be alright, we will find out what is happening.”

“I lied to her,” He swallows hard and a tear releases from his eye. He looks up at Lucienne with an expression on his face that was so new. “I told her I could protect her, but I could not. I wanted my helmet more, I needed it. To save this realm and the world.”

“My lord,” Lucienne shakes her head. “She knows, even in her pain she knew that there was something so much bigger than her.”

“She was so scared to be there, Lucienne. She put on a brave facade for me and I let her down. She even physically attempted to fight him. My promises hold no weight, I have continuously hurt her since the day we met.”

“Sire you are tired and you need to rest and eat.”

“Lucienne, I killed her,” He swallows hard again. “I killed her and I was the one she trusted the most when she was alive.”

“Sire you did what you had to do and you’ve given her another chance at life here, she will make her way in this realm. Find happiness and whatever else she is searching for. It comes with time.”

“It was so difficult to do, I did not want to take her from the waking world, I wanted to stay there with her.”

“Sire, please go get some rest.”

“That is the truth, Lucienne,” Morpheus says and stands up with Y/N limp in his arms. “I wanted to stay with her, get married, and be a professor at the university.”

“But sire she is here and not human, you made her immortal.”

“I can't, I can’t,” Morpheus begins to walk. “I hate how she makes me feel human, makes my emotions come out of the shadows. Love never ends well. It didn’t end well. It’s too late. I’ve hurt her too many times.”

“Your tired sire, that is all,” Lucienne assures. “And how do you know all is lost? Remember there is alway hope. And possibly she has it in her to forgive you.”

“Yes, I am,” He looks down at the girl. “She is too.”

“But, please take care of her. I believe you do owe her that.”

“She will not leave my side,” He says to Lucienne. “I will give her what she wants when she awakes.”

Morpheus enters his chambers. He lays Y/N down on his bed. The blood was dry against her temple. He walks off to grab a towel to dab at her skin..

“Can you hear me?” He says closing in to her face. “Wake up, I have no control over this unconsciousness.”

Morpheus always views himself to be a gentleman, but he knew that Y/N would need to be changed into something more comfortable. Without even thinking, he props her up and gently pulls the cardigan off her body. He then rips the T-shirt from her body, exposing a simple purple silk bralette, much like the undergarments worn when she was alive. He stares at her exposed skin, missing its soft texture, and how her body felt against his. He squeezes his eyes shut, hating himself internally. The feelings has never left, but were covered up by anger and fear. He pulls her shoes off and easily tugs her pants off.

Morpheus sits on the side of his large bed. He leans across her and examines her face. So peaceful, but gone. He presses the towel to her temple again cleaning the remaining blood. .

“Come back to me,” He whispers gently, he was alone. “Please come back to me. You can have anything you want, I’ll take you to the waking world.”

He gently presses his forehead to hers with closed eyes. Tears trail down and fall to her cheek.

“i'll take it all away,” He whispers. “Please come back to me.”

It was all too similar to when he cared for her all those years ago. It was a pleasure to tend to her. He did not like that she was sick, but that he could spend time with her. She was so appreciative and kind to him after. She had made sure to gift him things and allowed him the first pick when new novels arrived.

All of it was sweet, but Y/N did not have to repay him at all. It was that he felt like the only man safe enough to help her.

Morpheus was tired, in fact he had been tired since he came back. He pulls his shirt off and pants and joins her on the other side of the bed. He turns on his side to face her.

Then he sees her eyes moving in rem sleep. She was dreaming.

“Yes, don’t take this the wrong way but you look like you’ve had a rough night. Wouldn’t want someone dressed super cool to be down!” He says. He grabs a paper cup and pours dark liquid into it. “Any flavoring you would like to be added?”

“Flavoring?” Y/N asks. “Surprise me, what’s your favorite?”

Y/N walks up to the counter and looks around. The chalkboard behind was a menu written in beautiful cursive handwriting. The man squirts in a flavor and stirs the coffee with a spoon.

“Here you go!” He says excitedly. “Now I don’t have to waste it! Hey, are you new at the university? I haven’t seen you around.”

Morpheus catches up to Y/N and appears by her side. He watches as she picks up the coffee. The man behind the counter looks at Morpheus’s brooding face.

“I’m not a student here, I wish.”

“We need to leave,” He says. “We will be back.”

Y/N looks at him with happy eyes.

“Really?” She asks. He nods with a warm smile. “I’m sorry that I’m leaving, but thank you for coffee. I left my wallet at home.”

“It was free, your smile is enough of a payment.” He says blushing. She blushes.

“You’ve got a nice smile too.” Y/N looks up between her lashes.

Morpheus slides his arm around her shoulder and leads her towards the door. He quickly turns back to look at the man at the counter. He nods his head at him and turns to face the front.

“You’re not lying about saying we can come back?”

“You haven’t seen your niece yet. You will have to drink that here, traveling with hot liquids would be quite disastrous.”

“He was really kind,” Y/N says, basking in the glow of fresh compliments. “And the coffee, who knew modern people could be so nice.”

“It was very nice of him to give you a drink.” Morpheus says, looking away.

“Wouldn’t it be great if I saw him the next time I’m here.”

“You really shouldn’t make such connections here.” He locks his eyes on her.

“Why? It might end up like you with me? Or are you jealous, mister Morpheus?”

“I’m not jealous of a mere mortal,” Morpheus says lightly, he chuckles. “The endless does not get jealous. There would be no competition.”

“Wow. I can’t say that I’m not surprised at your comment, sir,” Y/N say blowing at the hot drink. “But as I recall that is simply untrue. I recall the first party we danced, I spent quite a bit of time with Alex. We didn’t even talk much then.”

“I was not jealous.”

“Right, you were just keeping an eye on the vortex.”

“I didn’t like how he was looking at you, he kept biting his bottom lip as you spoke with him.”

“Oh mister Morpheus, I can assure you we both wanted it at the time. Very much wanted it. Would you like the first sip?” She asks, looking at him from the side. Catching his pursing lips.

“You should enjoy it ,” He nods, trying to shake the anger he had for Alex. It also wouldn’t be a big deal if they shared. His lips have been on hers and other places. Her lips have been on his and other places.

“Too bad,” She takes a sip. Morpheus watches as she closes her eyes in pleasure. “Wow this is really good, he added a flavor to it, it tastes like chocolate. Are you sure you do not want to try it “

“You should have this one simple pleasure for yourself,” He says with a warm smile. “But I’m sure the caffeine will keep you up now.”

“Better to keep you out of my dreams.” She mumbles.

“You need to try to get some rest before we leave.”

“Am I to really go with you to hell, that sounds like an awful idea.”

“It’s not, you have to trust me.”

“Thank you for this.” Y/N says. “Even when the dream realm is at stake you have allowed me to come here.”

“I owe you some relief.”

“And this is great that we can talk with each other like colleagues, maybe old friends. The things I want to tell you!”

“And your expectations of me listening…”

The memories were stinging his mind at this point, it was almost too much being in the very library that he, a king of dreams, the nightmare realm, the endless, began falling for a simple mortal woman. But she wasn’t so simple, no not simple, captivating and so bright. So bright that he could compare her to the sun.

Even more harmful to his being was witnessing Y/N back at the library wearing a men’s suit so similar to the ones she’d wear in the lecture hall. Suit he’d so gently remove from her feverish skin and spend all night long making love until she fell asleep. Morpheus smirks at remembering how hot her skin was and how flushed it would get when he touched her. How hot it felt against his lips.

Morpheus breathes in deep and pinches the bridge of his nose. He was sitting in the throne room trying to allow Y/N some rest before venturing into hell. She was right, it was not a good idea to bring her with him, but he wanted her by his side.

His mind wanders back in time when the two of them snuck into the library at closing time. How he would press her against the library door and passionately kiss her, catching her off guard every time.

Specifically the first time they had shared a bed, at their limits of restraints.

“Can I have you tonight?” Morpheus whispers against Y/N’s lips. “I’ll be gentle.”

Y/N grabs Morpheus’s hand and pulls him towards her bedroom. Inside she closes the doors and locks it. There was a craving for him, to be pressed against him to have him inside of her even though she had no clue what that was like.

Spinster.

She continues to pull him to her bed, his mouth finds hers and moves to her cheeks, he presses his lips to her jaw, he opens his mouth a sucks gently at the skin below her ear. Y/N feels excitement between her legs and she grabs him to bring their bodies closer.

“I want to leave marks all over your neck, but remember I’m a proper gentleman,” He chuckles against her skin. “I can leave marks in secret places we only know about.”

“Please,” She breathes out taking his face in her hands. “I want your lips again.”

“Where would you like them?” He boldly says.

His fingers fumble with the buttons on Y/N’s vest and Y/N goes for his vest and clumsily pulls it off. They both stood in their white shirts tucked in their trousers.

“You're so handsome,” He says, hands in her hair.

“No you are.” She blurts back.

“Sire,” Lucienne breaks his mindless stare on the hard floor. “Is everything alright? I am glad you were able to retrieve your sand. And I am proud of you for taking Y/N to visit her family.”

“Proud?” Morpheus asks, uncrossing his legs. He stands up. “Do you think so poorly of me Lucienne?”

“No Sire, you know I trust your judgment and heart,” Lucienne says. “I just know how you get focused on one thing at a time.”

“I recognize that Y/N needed some relief. I needed to give her that at least. It was also not bad seeing the library again, the one she worked at.”

“Please do not take her to hell with you.” Lucienne practically begging.

“Lucienne, trust me.” He looks at her.

“It’s not me who you should be worried about trusting you.”

Y/N went to bed even if it was for a short while, her comforters were the softest and the fluffiest they had been. It was as if they were hugging her. She was worn out and even though she kept fighting sleep. She drifts off into a dream.

The ground was wet beneath her bare feet as she wandered through a thick wood. In the distance, early morning light was breaking the navy night sky. The path was illuminated before her, leading her down into a meadow.

Bright flowers grow in a line on the pathway, in blues, purples and even pinks, almost glittery in luminosity. There were trees covered in moss and tall grasses. Large moths flying around. It was beautiful and familiar.

Morpheus stayed hidden watching Y/N continue forward down the path he had created. There was a smile across his lips as she kept getting distracted by the flowers and plant light.

“Now if I pick you would that be terrible?” He hears her asks the flowers. “You’re beautiful therefore you deserve to stay in the ground.”

Morpheus tries to hold on a chuckle, even in dreams she was the same.

“So familiar.” She says standing up and continuing down the path. She takes a twirl around in the mist, the long night shirt and that is when she sees it. “A pond!”

She breaks out into a jog and stops right before she almost falls in. Y/N crouches down and touches the water. It wasn’t cold to the touch. She looks to the left and right and pulls off the night shirt she was in. She flings it and steps in. It was clear, so clear that she could see her feet at the bottom even in the fresh morning light.

Morpheus’ breath hitches at his throat at the scene before him. She appears to look like a fairy or woodland nymph. His eyes trail down her wild hair to her bare backside, then down her calves.

“It is, but a dream,” He says and gets an idea. “She needs rest, interfering even further may cause her to wake.”

His fingers squeeze into fists and then fan back out desiring to touch her skin. To swim with her. His clothing changes, a simple loose fitted white button up and linen pants. He quietly pads his way to the pond.

“I was wondering when you were going to show up, this is the only time my father would not catch me leaving the library, Mister Morpheus.” Y/N steps further into the water until it hits her waist.

“Miss Y/L/N please forgive me, I could not help but stare at your beautiful form,” Morpheus says, easily slipping back into himself from a century ago. He steps forward and finds himself pulling the white shirt from out of his pants. “Are you sure this swim is alright?”

“Are we not two consenting adults?” She asks, diving into the water to take cover from the gentleman before her.

The water begins to glow a blue green and Y/N’s eye light up, as she treads. She looks up to see a shirtless Morpheus. Her cheeks blush hot, seeing him stand there. She quickly turns around to give him privacy.

“It is alright if you watch, you were bound to see my body at some point.” His voice was slow and so soft.

“Is that right Mister Morpheus.”

“I would hope,” He confesses. “It comes with our adventures.”

“Does it now? Are we going to adventure into new territory?”

The water behind her splashes. This was a memory, Morpheus recalls, one of the first dreams they had shared. Before Y/N truly had gotten to know him. He swims up to her hair slicked back, face clear enough to study. He wants to kiss her, touch her, make her smile. He already was.

Morpheus extends his hands to the sides of her face.

He presses his lips to hers boldly. She pulls back.

“Mister Morpheus, I only have met you through passing and you just kissed me.”

“I could not help it, your lips needed to be kissed.” Morpheus confesses. “Please let me kiss you again.”

“You may, but a chaste kiss,” She whispers. “Needed to be kissed?”

“Yes.” He breaths and smirks to the side.

He presses his lips back to her and gently moves them. How soft her lips were against his and how he wanted to relish the feeling.

“Shall we hold our breath and explore the depts of this pond, it is clear enough.”

“If we do that we will see each other nude Miss Y/L/N.”

“Whatever you see of me, think of it for scientific reasons.” Y/N dives down and opens her eyes to look up at Morpheus. Just as his face was beautiful, almost ethereal, his body was just as unreal. He seemed to glow. Her eyes land on a certain appendage and she turns around. The first time seeing a man naked. The first time seeing…

Y/N wakes up to the sound of rain, it was raining in the dream realm. She sits up feeling more rested in a while. She had fallen asleep and even though she had dreamt of Morpheus it seemed to be a real dream. She climbs out of bed and walks to the kitchen to make a cup of coffee. On the table in the middle of the kitchen was a book.

“I don’t remember leaving a book out yesterday, let alone reading in a few days,” She approaches the table and grabs it. “The world of quantum mechanics. Wait it’s the book from Constantine’s place.”

She presses the book to her chest and smiles. Something so simple.

“I don’t believe she will miss it or even realize it is gone.” Morpheus says walking out of the shadows. “I suppose you’ve slept well and will be ready to leave soon.”

“Mister Morpheus I believe we should set some boundaries,” Y/N says, turning the stove on to start her coffee. “I do appreciate the book, a very pleasant gesture.”

“Boundaries?” He asks crinkling his nose.

“Like the ones back in London when I was alive and there were these rules put in place where men shouldn’t just show up at a woman’s home unannounced.”

“But….”

“Mister Morpheus please,” She almost begs. “Some illusion of solitude, sir. The day I don’t dream about you I will find definite solitude.”

“Ah you had a dream about me.” He asks slyly, he leaves his lips slightly parted.

“You already knew that.”

“I did, the pond was an interesting choice for your mind to recall. And I kissing you.” Morpheus walks out from the shadow he was hiding in. He approaches the kitchen counter and leans against it.

“I must ask you to leave, sir, I cannot control what I dream about anymore, but I know you can.”

“I did not interfere, Miss Y/L/N. I allowed you to dream freely.”

“Please leave Morpheus,” Y/N breaks her formalities. “Let me get ready. And do not return to my home when I am asleep. I beg of you.”

“Do not wear anything you don’t want to get destroyed.” He regains his rigid stance.

“I don’t like the sound of that.”

“Where we are going there are no guarantees.”

“No guarantees? I’m already dead.”

“But you’re not, you’re very much alive in other realms which means you can be harmed.”

“Then it is a bad idea to take me.”

“You need to trust me.”

“I want to, I do.”

“The dream was nice by the way,” Morpheus say and walks away. Y/N is left dumbfounded.

“Morpheus?” Y/N calls out chasing after him. He vanishes. “Coward. Always a coward.”

“You had fire in you to explore, it kept me entertained.”

“Oh.” Her hands start to shake and her entire being feel as if it could collapse. “I find it fascinating you can speak so freely. Very well then.”

The two approach a tall, black, rusty entry gate to the cemetery. Y/N takes in a painful long breath that seemed to burn her lungs. The entryway opens to the large piece of land housing the dead. Y/N looks to Morpheus as if she was asking for permission. He nods and walks forwards.

“It is quite an eerie sight to see,” Y/N says, taking in the rows of headstones, the rows extending as far as her eyes can see. There were old and new markers. “Is it not Mister Morpheus?”

“There is a definite sullen tone to the place,” He says looking around. There was a thick mist floating above the ground. It was nightmare material. “The deepest of sleep.”

“This place, it feels different from the last time I was here, so dark and angry,” Y/N trails off as she continues down the main path. She looks at Morpheus with eyes of worry. “It almost hurts. As if something is pressing against my lungs. I don’t like it.”

“When I was gone,” Morpheus says so softly to not wake the dead. He looks focuses on the step before him. “So many caught what the waking world called the sleeping sickness, most died from lack of nourishment and dehydration. They simply could not wake.”

“Yes,” Y/N says, breathing heavily. She looks down at the puddled ground. Her leather shoes were caked in fresh mud. “That sounds agonizing to watch, all of those poor people who could not live their lives. Selfish men, like Roderick Burgess, of this world are the problem, Mister Morpheus.”

“Miss Y/L/N,” Morpheus says. “Selfishness is in the very nature of humans, though yes the men I’ve encountered have outweighed in numbers than the women.”

“I’ve endured the selfish ways of men.” Y/N says and starts walking off again, she quickly passes the 10th row to find a family plot of four. “My father and mother, my brother and his wife. My brother, he married!”

The heart within Y/N’s chest begins to beat excitedly, she reads his grave marker to see he lived a long life. At the top of his marker read “To explore and have knowledge is to truly live”.

“I told him that!” Y/N yelps and places a hand over her mouth. The corner of her eyes begin to water and goosebumps rise. The tears fall in streams.

Morpheus walks over to the family plot. There was an urge to cry, he was feeling everything that Y/N was feeling and more. It was indeed a heavy place. If only Y/N knew how difficult it was to be around her with being so in tune with her emotions and body.

“I suppose it made sense for it to me in the end,” Y/N says gazing down at her father’s grave before her. She bends down and drags her fingers across the headstone, removing the overgrowth of vines and moss. The happiness had been sucked from her tone. “Though by chance, it is better that I had no real ties to this earth. My father and brother was all I had. If it had been a mother or father or someone’s child, that would be devastating. Someone’s lover or bride.”

The thick brows on Morpheus’ face furrow together as he squeezes his eyes shut. Y/N was someone’s child. Y/N was someone’s lover and was someone. The thoughts circulate around his already busy mind. His, Y/N was his. Willingly his. And he had been willingly hers. He failed her and was continuing to fail her.

“He lived a long life, made it to 85!” She says with delight.

Y/N stands up and takes a small step to the right where her mother’s grave is laid. She crouches down and pulls at the dry grass around it. The tombstone was more weathered than her father's with worn out lettering. Y/N presses her hand to the marker, she closes her eyes and breathes, remembering what she could of her. So very little, so many years ago.

“Knowing my father and mother are buried beside each other gives me relief,” Y/N swiftly looks up at Morpheus standing beside her, he swiftly turns his head away from her hiding his physical reaction to the situation. “They are together in death, wherever that may be.”

Y/N yanks at the weeds around her mother’s grave. Her ripping becomes angry, pulling even at the tall grass around it. She lets out an angry, tearful sob.

“I’m alright mother, I believe I am alright,” She whispers, but Morpheus can hear. “But it’s so lonely where I am, but beautiful. You would enjoy wandering there with me. But it also feels confined.”

There were tears falling down the king of dreams' cheeks as he was listening to the breaking voice of Y/N. He recalls meeting her mother so long ago, only in passing as she brought fresh flowers to her. Y/N had jokingly introduced him to her, lightheartedly to prevent him from feeling awkward. But he knew it was deeper than that.

The atmosphere around them was getting colder and there was the scent of rain notifying it was about to pour. It had been a heavy night of retrieving and remembering.

Morpheus spots a particular grave behind the mothers, he needs to get her away before she sees it. Her grave, she had been buried. It was another reminder of the sacrifice he had made.

“My family, know that I never stopped loving you and thinking about you, now I can love my nieces and grandniece. How exciting to know of their existence.”

“We should move onto the library,” Morpheus suggests. “It may still be open if we hurry.”

“A library open this late at night?” Y/N questions. “It has to be around 10.”

“Times have changed, Y/N,” Morpheus extends a hand to help Y/N up. She hesitantly places her hand in his, squeezing her eyes. “University libraries are open late for students to study. It’s quite amazing, you’ll find that both women and men attend the university.”

“They do?” Morpheus pulls her from the ground and she is beaming with the biggest smile. “That is fantastic! I’m speechless.”

“And…” he says, trying to make her sadness go away even further. “Professors can have any gender, especially at the university your father taught at.”

“You’re telling me, Men are no longer the only ones who can teach? And at my father’s university?”

“Yes!” He smiles knowing she would love knowing the progress all those years had made.

“They did it! Women, they did it!” Y/N jumps up and throws her arms around him, her damp cheek grazes his. Morpheus’ body freezes feeling the warmth of her and smelling her skin. He cautiously slides his arms around her back feeling the relief of her embrace, his muscles relax and he lets a relieving breath out. They stand in each other’s arms loosely, being close finally. He does not push her away, there is a desire to press her tighter to him. To feel her cheek against his. To wrap his coat around them.

“I’m sorry, Mister Morpheus, my apologies,” she says, releasing him. Immediately Y/N pulls at the tweed vest to fix it, she then quickly swats off any dirt that may have clung to her garments. She steps back waiting for a negative response. “We should get going.”

“No apology needed,” He says with a subtle smile. “I know how important that is for you.”

“I forgot you could do that,” Y/N laughs pointing at her smile. “Better get back to your solemn expression before your face cracks.”

“I smile,” He says looking to the side trying to hide a larger one growing on his cheeks. “I do.”

“Just not to me, you used to have the biggest smiles especially when things would go clumsily wrong in our adventures. At least they were entertaining.”

“Like falling face first into the marshland,” He turns his head to see her lifting her upper lip into a snarl. Her face softens and she nods. “That was an interesting day.”

“Only because I had to strip naked and change into the nice shirt I had packed in my bag. Which I’m sure you got your fair share of seeing me nude.”

Morpheus smirks while shaking his head. He begins to walk towards the entrance of the cemetery, hands in his pockets. He quickly recalls Y/N dressed in a pair of black trousers and navy Henley. The two were almost matching in dress that day, casual and prepared for a hike. It was a wet spring morning with cracks of early sunlight illuminating their way.

They had gone wandering looking for animal life to sketch and document along with identifying with the book she had brought from the library. The marshland had drawn her in.

“You’re going to fall into these muddy waters, Miss Y/L/N, please be careful,” he calls out watching her taking large steps on the muddy ground, the mud already sticking to her tall boots. “And I'm quite sure you will not enjoy it.”

“Mister Morpheus, I assure you that I am not afraid to get a little mud on myself.”

Morpheus walks out of the cemetery chuckling. Right after he had told her she tripped over a root and fell face first into the water with a loud smack. She splashes around trying to get her footing, looking like an unidentifiable creature. This particular section of marshland had been a little deep. She stands up and mud meets her waist, it cakes on her hair and shirt.

Morpheus was laughing in the distance.

“I blame you for this, Mister Morpheus,” She shouts, trying to get out of the mud. She slips and falls back. Angrily she slings the gunk from her arms. “I’m going to have to take a dip in the lake now! He better be happy that he’s a handsome fellow or I would.”

“Would what?” He asks, extending his clean hand. She jumps looking at his handsome face.

“Well, I’d pull you in here with me,” She blushes, slinging more mud from her hands. “And I’d have a fine time making you as muddy as myself.”

“I think a dip in the lake wouldn’t be too bad of an idea for you. You’re starting to look like one of the creatures from the library book.”

“Now, Mister Morpheus!” She pouts, grabbing his hand.

Morpheus laughs again and Y/N meets his side outside of the cemetery gates. She crosses her arms, squinting her eyes.

“I’m thinking about you covered in mud.” He says.

“Should have pulled you in that day.”

Y/N walks ahead of Morpheus. Which gives the dream king time to think more into the memory. He remembers seeing a particularly nice, bare bottom attached to a fine pair of legs, hiding behind a tree pulling on her rung out trousers. She did a poor job trying to keep herself hidden. Morpheus was definitely enjoying the scenery.

“You weren’t peeking at me, were Mister Morpheus?” Y/N asks, walking out from behind the tree. On her person what a more feminine top, loose around the chest.

“I would never peek, Miss Y/L/N,” He laughs. “I’m a gentleman, a proper one in fact.”

A bottom that didn’t hate being spanked, he laughs again. Or squeezed. One that was very soft against the palms of his hands.

“Ah Mistet Morpheus, are you thinking mischievous thoughts?”

“No, miss Y/L/N.” He says, regaining his rigid exterior. She turns back around and his eyes land on her backside, looking quite good in her trousers. He smiles again with parted lips. At least her spirits had been lifted.

“Cheeky, cheeky.” Y/N whispers.

The two wander down the streets until it begins to look familiar. Y/N begins to run, leaving Morpheus’s side out of excitement. He quickly catches up and snatches her wrist before she turns down the block where the Library would be located.

“Please,” He says breathily. “Miss Y/L/N, my side.”

“You’re afraid aren’t you?” She says, stopping to look at him, he did appear startled. “You’re afraid of losing me or you’re afraid I’ll leave you.”

Morpheus releases her wrist and stands close to her.

“You are!” Y/N shouts, her eyes popping open wide. She looks to the side, raising her brows in amusement. “I knew it.”

“You are a great addition to the dream realm,” He says, raising his brows. “And I don’t want to lose you, though the circumstances we are facing, you by my side still feels right.”

Y/N’s heart begins to pound and stomach flutters. The two stand in silence, studying each other.

“I won’t leave you,” Y/N assures. She holds up her arms and twirls. “What else could I do with my eternity. If I cannot have what I want, I might as well be a very sharp, large thorn in your side.”

“That wouldn’t be anything new.” Morpheus admits walking away towards the library.

“And you a…”

“What am I to you?”

“An embedded splinter, long and deep in the skin, not even a knife could did you out, I have to wait until it’s rejected from my skin.”

“Always had a way with imagery.”

“I was thinking what if I was to take revenge against you!” She shouts and jogs up to him. She grabs her damp hair and throws it up in a bun. Pieces release and fall down to frame her face. “It’s crossed my mind a few times, well quite a bit actually.”

“That would be interesting, just make sure it’s after I retrieve my tools.” He says playfully.

“That wouldn’t be fair, dream king.” She says matter of fact.

“You already have an advantage, Miss Y/L/N.” He says. And walks down the block ahead of her again.

Y/N stares at the building lining the block, the same brick building were still there except windows and doors were different. In the windows of the shops were large colorfully lit signs that blinked the word Open. She walks over to one and watches it for a few seconds then looks into the glass behind it. It was a restaurant, serving flat circular breads.

“Pizza?” She asks. She breathes in. “Oh that smells really good.”

“Miss Y/L/N,” Morpheus calls out.

Y/N steps away from the restaurant looking up at the strands of lights crisscrossing across the way.

“Beautiful.”

Morpheus shakes his head and loops his arm around Y/L arm. Standing as they would in the past, strolling down the street. Y/N blinks aggressively and holds in a chill.

“I don’t find this appropriate, dream king.” She lies.

“It is the only way to assure that we will be in an out of here. Remember I need to retrieve the rest of my tools.”

The library was emitting a warm yellow orange light into the street. It was an inviting light that casts large shadows onto the pavement. These shadows were created by two large potted plants.

Y/N wraps her fingers around the handle and walks in. Morpheus trailing behind her. Both shaking and on edge of the memories that made it somewhat awkward at the moment. The two proceed to walk forward when the smell of fresh coffee is whiffs around their noses. Y/N accidentally turns her head and peers up at Morpheus almost lovingly. He looks down at her almost matching her expression then drops it instantly. She turns her head in front of her.

The library was full of book, rows and rows, walls had been taken down to expand the space.

“Oh wow I love your outfit, it’s totally vintage and like totally different,” A woman says walking out from one of the rows of books. “Do you care if I take a photo for my fashion blog?”

Morpheus clenches his jaw.

“Thank you, vintage?” Y/N asks.

“Yes, what shop did you purchase it from?”

“I bought it out of a catalog,” She lies.

“A catalog, I didn’t know people still ordered from catalog, I know my Gran does.”

“I’m sorry, but we are in a hurry. You can take your photograph.”

The girl pulls out a large black camera and Y/N’s face shoots back.

“My god, what is that?”

“A camera.” The woman holds it up. “Leah against one go the book shelves, you’re going to reach such a large audience. Whats you insta?”

“Insta?” Y/N ask standing near a bookshelf. She leans against it, shoving her hands in her pockets. “Instant what?”

“Y/N,” Morpheus greets the woman, yes almost the exact same outfit his. Black coat, black pants, and shirt. “I appreciate that you have shown up.”

“Lucienne, good evening.” Y /N greets the librarian with a warm smile. She gives a simple nod to Morpheus.

“These waters are very dark,” Morpheus says as he gestures for Y/N to stand beside him. “You will not let go of my hand nor will you try to swim away. Once I have opened this portal it will be dangerous. For you and for me.”

Y/N nods and meets his side.

“You’re not wearing your suit.” Her says a softer than usual expression on his brows

“You told me not to,” Y/N says flatly. “I don’t want to create conflict.”

“Very well then,” He dips down and sprinkles in what little power he has left. The water begins to glow bright and churn. He stands up and extends a hand out. “Do not try anything, keep your hand in mine. If you let go you may be lost forever.”

Y/N’s eyes light up with an idea.

“Forever,” He says clenching his jaw, eyes red from stress. “That is a fact, that has been tested.”

“I won’t let go, I promise,” Y/N slowly outstretches her hand towards his then quickly snatches it back. “But, you have to promise me that I can do what I need to while in the waking world.”

“You have my word,” He says with a nod and then extends his head up. “I promise on all that remains of the dreaming realm.”

A smile slips from Y/N’s lips, once she catches Morpheus looking at her agreeably it drops. She quickly extends her hand and Morpheus’s soft fingers glide in between hers. A touch she has missed.

Morpheus and Y/N shiver at the same time. The image of the dream king resting on top of Y/N’s nude body beneath covers flash in their heads. Morpheus was gazing down at her with parted lips and slightly closed lids, heavy with desire. The two watch as his fingers lace with hers. Y/N’s hand slams against the pillow behind her head aggressively. Then there was a thrust, Y/N’s head shoots up with the sounds of pleasure escaping her mouth.

Y/N rips her hand from Morpheus, shaking and breathing with short breaths. To prevent tears she squeezes her eyes into a pained expression. Lucienne furrows her brows and takes a step forward.

“Is everything alright?”

Morpheus also squeezes his eyes shut for a brief moment.

“Do not ever do that again!” She shouts, showing rage much like when she had found out he was back. It hurts seeing images from so long ago. Her tone falls to something sad. “Please.”

“I didn’t mean to, I need to get this realm cleaned up and my tools back. My abilities will…”

“Do what my lord,” Lucienne asks in confusion. “What has happened?”

“Just a shared memory between Y/N and I.”

Morpheus snatches Y/N’s hand and pulls her to the edge of the dock with her shoulder colliding with his. He looks at her apologetically, but it was not enough. Morpheus leans down and is pulled in. Y/N is yanked towards the water.

The water was different this time, it wasn’t water, it was a whirlpool of images of different places and people. Y/N watches a Morpheus collects strange objects needed. But the object that was the most fascinating to her was an egg. It had been taken the moment after the snake had been captured in Morpheus' coat. He had gazed upon it almost lovingly.

“It is a gargoyle egg,” He informs her. “You were not with me at the time, but I had to take back a gift I created for two of the remaining people in my realm. To collect enough sand to collect what is needed.”

“You killed it?” Y/N asks, staring at the large egg. “That is very heartbreaking.”

“I did not want to kill the creature I created, I was forced to. It was a painful decision,” He says, placing the egg gently into his coat. It disappears into what looks like a galaxy. “Painful decisions have to be made for the greater good.”

Y/N keeps quiet, her own pending worth was slowly decreasing in her head and heart. The greater good. She still couldn’t find herself to forget that very decision. Morpheus tilts his head in knowing that she was thinking about the decision for her death. He knows she is not selfish for these internal thoughts.

“We should leave.”

Y/N nods.

Morpheus, Lucienne, and Y/N arrive at a beach. In their hands were the gifts needed to call upon the fates.

“Do not speak to them,” Morpheus orders. “There are only three questions asked and answers given. Go stand with Lucienne.”

“You need to work on your tone, sire.” Y/N says and rolls her eyes.

Morpheus looks out to the ocean not sure if he like Y/N calling him Sire. It was a way for her to mock him.

Y/N walks over and meets her side. Morpheus says a couple of phrases and the three fates appear. A gasp leaves her mouth, this was real. Of course it was. The women turn their heads and glance at her. She lowers her head.

“This one is new,” One of the women states. “But the feeling is familiar, the path is the correct one for my child.”

Y/N shoots her head up and meets the eye of the women.

“Yes, a correct one.” Another woman says.

“Your destiny is not complete.”

“Morpheus you always seem to find the interesting ones.”

“Interesting indeed, a vortex she once was, but perhaps the ability remains?”

“Something remains deep down.”

“ladies,” Morpheus gains their attention. “I have summoned you for three questions.”

“And what have you brought us.”

Morpheus presents two gifts, he opens his jacket releasing a snake. The eldest woman takes it in her mouth and swallows. Y/N watches curiously.

The women give Morpheus his answers, but they were not specific, specific enough to pinpoint the exact place of their whereabouts. With this information Y/N now knows that she will have to travel to hell, if she is to go with him.

The three arrive back at the castle, immediately Morpheus turns to look at Y/N, body language is rigid, but he was appearing nervous. He swiftly approaches her and in reaction she jumps back.

“We have to go to London. And it will be near your library, your old home. Is that where you wanted to go? To see?”

“Of course it is, Morpheus,” She says, dropping her head. “I need to see it, to know if it still exists.”

“It does,” He assures her and places a finger beneath her chin. He gently lifts it upwards. “I can now offer you solace, it exists and is still in your family. Your great grand niece is now running it.”

Y/N eyes perk up and tears fall against her will. A warm feeling flows through her and she smiles.

“Still exists? I knew it would thrive in that spot near the university!”

“We will stop by,” He says, removing his finger. “But we should make it brief.”

“Brief?” She asks.

“Yes.”

“Do you truly think they will satisfy me?”

“Brief, because there are more pertinent matters.”

“Is this not strange to you at all?” Y/n asks crossing her arms. “Being able to just mention the. Library and allowing me to go there like it’s nothing?”

“We need to be preparing to leave for the waking world.”

“Preparing how? All I need to do is leave. What do you have to do? Change your black T-shirt? Mess up your black hair?”

Morpheus purses his lips and begins to walk away. He heads down a hallway and Y/N runs after him. She snatches his coat, it slips through her fingers. She darts out her hand again catching his arm, gripping her fingers aground him.

“I’m not just some pathetic human, no excuse me I don’t know what I am anymore,” She shouts pulling him back. “I know you don’t think about it, but if I am to accompany you still, give me this, grant me this closure to be of sound mind.”

Morpheus turns and snatches her by the wrist and pulls her to him. Y/N loses her breath, looking up at his terrifyingly calm demeanor.

“You are still mistaken, believing I’m the man you knew all those years ago, but I am not,” He says, face closing in, his nose was inches from hers. “I do not want to hurt you, but I am not. Your expectations of me to speak freely of the past are irrational. I am only taking you there to ensure you will stay with me by my side.”

“You killed me,” Y/N says, struggling in his tight grasps. Her eyes turn hard with an expression Morpheus had yet to see on her face. This was new. “And you expect me to just get over that? I’m being forced to work with a man I once loved, who killed me, dropped me in this strange world to figure all of this on my own. And you won’t even take that away.”

“I don’t want to,” He whispers, looking at her lips for a moment. His hand around her wrist, gently thumbs across her soft skin on the back of her hand. His eyes appear wet. “I don’t want you to forget just yet, I cannot decide if it would be better for you to be mindless of what has happened between us or for you to feel this pain.”

“Why do you want me by your side in the waking world? I don’t understand that. I do not possess these powers the fates say that I have.”

“We work well together, we did work well together and I can at least give you the relief of knowing your family is alive.”

“Can’t you just take the feelings I have for you away?” She asks, tears streaming down her cheeks and dripping off her chin. “How is that a century has passed and I still feel some type of way, it is faint, but still here.”

“It’s not that simple,” He says, releasing her. “It’s never that simple. Such as killing you, it was not that simple.”

“It would have been,” She says, pulling at her coat. “You know that. And for that you are cruel.”

Morpheus knows she is right, it would have been more simple if he hadn't meddled with her life and even introduced himself. If he had not kissed her so many times or bedded her so many times, exchanged smiles, banter, and even jokes with her so many times. It had been a game, no not a game. It was more.

“Be ready to leave tonight. We will be looking for Constantine.” He says and starts walking away.

“Would it have been any different if you hadn’t been taken, wouldn’t it have been worse? Who are you trying to fool Morpheus? Me? Yourself? I’m not a fool.”

He stops and slightly turns, then continues his walk down the hallway.

“Johana Constantine,” Y/N says to herself in front of a large mirror in her house. “Constantine, constan-teen, a definite interesting last name.”

Y/N adjusts the gray tweed suit vest over her white button up top and stares at the reflection. It was as if time was frozen. On her body was another usual mens suit she’d wear around town, hiding as much of her face with a scarf. She pulls a black cap over her hair.

“Handsome, “ She says, turning to the side, the reflection a wink. “Dashing and dapper.”

She grabs her coat and makes her way to the castle, it was evening in the dreaming. Dark and cold, the weather was so eerie here in the realm when Morpheus was caged.

She enters the throne room and is met with Lucienne and Morpheus having a conversation.

“Please take a raven, my lord.” Lucienne requests.

“I do not need a raven,” Morpheus says. “I do not want one since Jessamay.”

Morpheus turns his head slowly and purses his lips. Blank eyes gaze upon Y/N, scanning the suit, he quickly turns back to Lucienne.

“Not since jessamy.”

He walks away from Lucienne and heads towards the door, leaving the two in the great throne room. Lucienne follows after him, gesturing for the suited woman to follow.

“I will be sending a raven, look for its arrival, I know the dream king means well, but it is the waking world and he will need all the help he can get.”

“I won’t tell him.” Y/N assures.

“Y/N may I speak frankly with you?”

“Yes Lucienne.”

“This may come off as rude, but the intent is not that,” The librarian begins. “I know you are hurting and I know you want answers and closure, but Morpheus is under a tremendous amount of pressure right now.”

“I understand.” Y/N says quietly. “I have been selfish.”

“No not selfish, it’s just the timing. I do not mean to put your pain aside.”

“No I understand Lucienne.”

The two women walk out to meet the darkness of the night. Morpheus, whose was now dawning a coat with a shorter tail, was standing looking at the sky.

“Morpheus.” Y/N says flatly.

He turns his body slightly and holds out his hand. Y/N looks at it unsure about touching his skin. Unsure about what could happen. His flat face transitions into slight annoyance with parted lips as if he was about to say something. Y/N cautiously slides her hand into his and braces herself for what may happen.

The front door of the library opens as Y/N was running to back to change into a skirt. She turns around and rushes back to the front, she was such a forgetful woman. She scurries to the front desk. There in the library was the new assistant professor for the university, he was slowly strolling through the rows of books for check out. He glances at a display of scientific book showcasing different types of flower. He picks up a dying rose laying on the table and examines it. He puts it to his nose and breathes in, his eyes flicker up to see Y/N.

“Mister Morpheus,” Y/N greets with a nod. Her voice is oddly low. “Welcome in!”

“Mister?” The man struts up to the front desk.

“Mister Y/L/N,” Y/N says, looking down avoiding eye contact. “My father is a professor at the university.”

“Yes, Dr. Y/L/N,” he says smoothly. “A professor of social sciences.”

“Yes,” Y/N says, lifting her head excitedly. A mistake, she meets the soft eyes of the man before her. Handsome, very handsome he was. She has never seen him this close. Her face goes warm. His lips turn up in a subtle smile.

“I’ve seen you around, sitting in the back, scribbling away,” He says warmly. “You’re very quiet.”

“Mister Morpheus you have not been here long enough, I can guarantee it can be quite hard to get me to be quiet on occasion.”

“Then I look forward to knowing your thoughts in future discussions. I must be off now, I was only curious about this library I saw in passing.”

“It was nice to finally meet Mister Y/L/N.” Mister Morpheus extends a pale hand forward. “Let's have a chat sometime.”

“It was nice to meet you too, sir,” Y/N says, placing his hands in his. Morpheus gives it a firm shake. “And yes that would be nice.”

Morpheus and Y/N squeeze their eyes. They look at each other and even though Y/N wanted to remove her hand from his she does not. He squeezes it and brings her close to him. An arm wraps around her and then the two start floating. Y/N looks down and shakes slightly, the ground was gone, all there was beneath their feet was sand. Her hat falls off her head and releases her hair. It disappears in the whirling sand. Morpheus presses her to his chest, and wraps his other arm around her.

“If you fall…” He whispers in her ear.

A chill pricks across her skin and she swallows hard. His face was close to her, arms around her back. She looks away composing herself. The traveling becomes rough and she grabs onto him. Wrapping her arms around him. It was a terrifying and unstable, but a relieving feeling to be clutching his body. His arms wrap around her bringing her head to the crook of his neck, she rests there closing her eyes.

“I should have warned you about this travel,” He whispers and lets out a weak chuckle. “It can be quite rough, maybe a hand will not suffice. An embrace is better.”

Morpheus' eyes close and he wishes to cry, and wishes to talk to her about everything. About being caged about having this responsibility. If only they could be in the library jotting down notes or exploring the near by forest.

The two land on a walk way near a large church. It was sprinkling and cold enough for breath to cloud. Y/N cautiously releases Morpheus barely feeling stable enough to step away from him. Morpheus gently unclutches his grasp from around her back. Y/N tests a step, she trips and Morpheus steadies her.

“You’ll get used to it.”

“Will I?” She breathes resting her hands on her knees.

“As I said before you will not leave my side,” He orders. “I don’t want to have to punish you for it.”

“Dream king I bet you would love to punish me for it, just as you locked me away in the glass sphere.” Y/N responds standing back up. Morpheus couldn’t be cordial without going back to being stern. “Displayed for your eyes, and your eyes alone.”

“That should be a reminder of who I am,” he says and snatches the collar of her top. He pulls her close again, one more time. “Remember that I can torture you for eternity.”

“And I thought we were getting along, so you’re saying this isn’t torturous enough?”

Y/N punches Morpheus in the stomach. He feels like skin and bones against her knuckles. He falls backwards to the ground almost weak. A shock of fear zaps her through her body, but she takes a deep breath and endures. It was unexpected to see him fall so easily.

“Your threats hold no weight anymore dream king,” Y/N hisses. She looks at her reddening knuckles. “Just treat me like a student from now on. Don’t touch me, don’t order me around, we are in and out of here. I’m a colleague. A work partner if you will.”

He gets to his knees and she looks down at him feeling a flutter in her stomach. No one has physically harmed him in a while in this capacity. He gets to his feet and clenches his jaw, regretting his impulsive moves. Morpheus was angry, yet showing something in his eyes.

“Mister Morpheus it is,” Y/N says with a bow. “You know I hate violence, but you keep handling me in such an aggressive way. You’re a king for fucks sakes, act like one! Threatening to torture one of your subjects even if you do not follow through with it.”

“I remember you having a mouth and constantly speaking freely,” He says pulling at his coat.

“Something you were never disciplined for.”

“Sir, that is what I learned from men,” She smiles sweetly and curtsies. “Men speak freely all the time. It is my right to do so, free will and all.”

“Miss Y/L/N,” Morpheus matches her tone. His postures becomes straight and body language not so fluid. “We need to find my sand. Once we find the sand we can go visit your father and the library.”

Y/N becomes as still as a statue, her body turns cold a pain flares within her. Did her father find her body? Who did find it? Was he buried in the plot next to her mother? Her brother must have married for the Library to be still owned by the family.

“I did not mean for that to sound malicious.” He whispers.

“Let’s get this finished.” Y/N walks off on her own.

“I knew the sandman would be back!” A woman shouts in the distance. Y/N turns around to see an older woman with a cane. There beside her was brown haired woman and a smart white coat. The woman starts off laughing.

“Johanna Constantine.” Morpheus shouts.

“I told you he was back!” The woman shouts.

“The sandman?”

Later in the church A demon disguised as a man, bursts out of his skin. Y/N jumps with excitement, but feels the repulsion in her stomach. A tall large being stands before Morpheus. Johanna begins to read her chant louder and louder. The being catches fire and begs to not be sent back to hell.

“Constantine!” Morpheus shouts..

“This is impossible.” Y/N says astonishingly. She recalls the books in the library briefly. “But how?”

“Would you like to go to hell, pretty little girl?” The Demon struggles to ask.

“No.” Her eyes pop open wide as she takes a step back..

“Hmmmm.” The large demon stretches out his arm and before Morpheus could stop him, he grabs one of Y/N’s legs. She drops to the floor harshly, the demon drags her towards him. Constantine speeds up her words and the floor of the church opens up.

“Constantine! Stop, that is an order!”

Morpheus dives down and locks his arms around Y/N’s chest. Y/N kicks her kick attempting to free herself. The demon’s hand wraps around her ankle tighter, burning at her skin. She screams.

“It’s burning, how it is burning?”

“Let go!” Morpheus shouts watching the skin on Y/N ankle turn red. “Now!”

Finally the demon is sucked back to hell dragging the both of them until it completely disappears. The floor closes. Morpheus and Y/N drop to the ground. Morpheus’s arms remain tightly around her. He was slightly shaking and breathing in short shallow breaths. Y/N slowly turns her head to see his face pale. He looks exhausted. A single tear falls.

“Thank you.” Y/N breaths, just wanting to collapse into him. To bury her face in the crook of his neck and breath him in.

“I do not know what would have happened if you were taken there,” Morpheus says flatly, but softly. “I may not have been able to retrieve you.”

“We should go, she’s leaving.”

Morpheus closes his eyes and releases Y/N. The two stand up and start off towards her.

Constantine’s space was filled with all types of things. A very curious Y/N instantly snatches up a bone from a shelf, then grabs a book and opens its pages. She flips to the copyright dates.

“1989?” She says surprisingly. Her eyes shoot over to the title page. “Quantum mechanics. What is Quantum mechanics? Do you think she would be angry if I take this?”

“Stop touching things, you have enough objects as is in your home.”

Y/N places the book back and squats down to look at the other titles. She skims them and quickly stands up to move her exploring to the other parts of the room. Drawings lined the table tops along with carvings of wood. Daggers and bottles of powders. There in the corner were large crosses piled up.

“Isn’t that sacrilegious?” Y/N asks walking to it.

Constantine wakes up and Morpheus gets straight to the point.

“Where is my sand?” He asks.

“You have so many neat things, can I barrow this book?”

“Sure?” Johanna says, cocking her head in confusion.

Morpheus pulls the book out of Y/N’s hand and places it back on top of the shelf.

“I need my sand,” Morpheus says. “You were the last person with it.”

“Let me look around my office.”

Morpheus and Y/N follow behind the woman. Y/N was excited to see what hides in there. Her eyes open wide and a big smile curves upwards, almost eerily evil. Without asking, she begins to dig around in the piles and boxes of things.

“What is all of this?” Y/N asks out loud.

“Why do humans enjoy having so many things?” Morpheus asks.

“They do come in handy sometimes.”

“Oh yes I agree!” Y/N picks up a bottle of liquid.

“Don’t touch that!” Johanna shouts. “It can be dangerous!”

“I’m really sorry, I cannot help but to observe everything. I want to know what it’s like here!”

“And exactly who are you? Can’t be his ex girlfriend, I’m sure the old stiff wouldn’t be able to keep you entertained.”

“I’m Y/N the king of dreams’…me his ex girlfriend?” Y/N bursts out laughing looking at Morpheus.

“My assistant.” Morpheus introduces

“You’re right he is stiff, a bit of a bore these days too. Controlling even.”

Morpheus snatches Y/N’s wrist and gently pulls her to his side. He pulls out a photo of Johanna with a woman smiling.