THERE WAS ALWAYS whispers about the children of hypnos, the powers they held and just how strong they could be, how their house was one of the most dangerous to enter due to the instant drowsiness that could overcome you. shiloh wasn’t foreign to the whispers, but something else she’d heard about her in particular was how she was this seemingly calm in the storm. the way she put people at ease, calmed them down with little to no effort, was always so baffling to her. how could someone with such a storm in her own mind, have the effect to ease others? still, there was something comforting about being someone’s safe space, and she offered ricky a gentle smile, “yeah, it’s scary, but life can be scary. as long as you have people around to take the edge off, that makes it all worth it.” she noted with a slow nod of her head towards him, nose scrunching up as her smile widened, “of course i care about you, you mean a lot to me ricky, i really appreciate you.” shiloh assured him with a run of her fingers through his locks, only slightly messing them up before laughing a bit under her breath, eyes scanning his face as she shrugs, “i guess if the people around me are happy and taken care of, that just makes me….happy? it gives me purpose, makes me feel of value, if that makes sense?” her whole life was a battle of being worth something, to feeling important to those around her for reasons deeper than surface level. her smile falters for a moment at his question, and it hangs in the air for a few beats, shiloh going back and forth on what to say, how to say it, before settling on a little nod, “yeah, i mean, sort of. it’s a mess to be honest, we’re close but i don’t enjoy it?” she offered with a purse of her lips, nuzzling into him more as she sighed, shiloh had never been the best at talking about her own feelings. “sleep is tricky, it’s complicated, but there’s peace in it somewhere. my dreams aren’t always sunshine and rainbows, but with my abilities, i’ve been able to fight them better. i would only leave dreams if i’m overwhelmed, but sometimes if it’s people i care about, i’ll stay and battle the demons with you. you aren’t alone ricky, not as long as i’m here.” sighing at the feeling of his fingers burying in her golden locks now, her eyes fluttered closed, “i’m not just saying that, i mean it. i wouldn’t say something like that unless i truly meant it.”
“ life is terrifying . that’s why I hate being sober . I don’t even think people can help with my trouble , shiloh . if they do , well , I don’t want to burden them . ” a mournful fact , one he had pondered many nights . eventually , he came to the conclusion that no one had the capabilities to aid him . he was a lost case in which everyone should only try to minimise the damage . it was difficult to live with , but ricky didn’t allow the sadness to show on his face . lashes fluttered as he tried to maintain little emotion . even as she showered affections over him . it was hard to believe , ricky was simply , unworthy . “ I haven’t done anything for you to appreciate . but maybe , one day , I will . ” the honesty slips from his mouth with ease . ricky realises he has little control over his words here , as relaxed as he is . with shiloh’s fingers tangled in his curls , his mind isn’t occupied with dark thoughts as it usually is . instead , he fantasises over the future , despite the slim chances of happiness . it’s a little dream of his , resting deep beneath his chest , kept for the most sacred of secrets . he just didn’t know how to make it happen . “ that makes sense . I just hope there’s someone there to return the favor . does someone take care of you ? keep you happy ? ” he could only hope there was someone being held responsible . someone to hold her heart .
the explanation of her relationship with her mother was as complicated as expected . ricky’s eyes sparked up in delight , a soft laugh to erupted from his lips , the sweet sound filling the air . “ I think that sounds nice . why don’t you enjoy it ? ” ricky wondered if shiloh struggled when voicing her own feelings , just as he did . “ I can’t remember a time where I slept peaceful . maybe it’s just not meant to be for some people . ” the thought was sad , but alas it was the only conclusion ricky could reach . “ your dreams aren’t always sunshine and rainbows ? that’s a con . ” a lighthearted jest , ricky’s jaw dropped as he pretended to be shocked . a soft sigh left his lips as he brought the palm of his hand pressed to hers . ricky took a moment to admire the size difference . “ I think you’re brave . but I would never want that for you . my demons are too ugly to burden you with . ” his fingers lightly caressed her arm in a back and forth motion . mind clearly drifting off before coming back . “ you aren’t alone either . I’m selfish , and I mess up a lot but ... I can try . try to be good for you . try to be there . ” ricky offered up , voice growing quiet and unsure . he dared a glance , meeting her blues . despite all the odds against him , he would struggle through keeping that promise . ricky would be there for her , if she asked .