Date: 2025-07-05 04:59 pm (UTC)
hawk_shot: by piffles (unsure)
From: [personal profile] hawk_shot
It spoke more than words could.

Had Dream ever touched her like that? Kate had never held back and had shamelessly hold onto his arm while walking together, that had never been an issue. But, painfully, she realized this might have been the very first and last time she'd feel his hand. His touch. Unrequested, given freely. It was a strange sensation. Like being a child again and climbing on a statue made or marble. Pretending it was alive and talking to it.

This time, it spoke back to her, Kate realized as a sad little smile spread on her lips. She leaned into Dream's hand before he took it away.

Not all would be lost. But she would still miss him.

"Any dream?" That meant, something she could no create on her own, perhaps. Of course, her thoughts wandered towards asking him to spend another day in the waking world, like they had in the past. If this was their last time meeting each other, shouldn't they both enjoy it to it's fullest?

No. This couldn't be a real goodbye. Perhaps he simply didn't know how long he'd be gone.

Kate braced herself, looking away in the distance. Lucky.

Matt.

...

It was the one, unique thing she would never be able to do on her own.

"Is it...?" God, was this even allowed? Maybe she was crossing boundaries. But then, would he hold her against it? They had joked about it before, Kate had a vague memory of it. "Can a living being walk into someone else's dream?"

Date: 2025-07-05 05:37 pm (UTC)
hawk_shot: by sousaphone (time to get serious)
From: [personal profile] hawk_shot
Guilt crept up upon her as Kate wondered if she was making the wrong choice. Maybe she should request more time. Or answers on how to eventually find him, once the time came for his sister to finally meet Kate. All that, as natural as it seemed, felt morbid at a time when she returned home covered in bruises and thankful to be laying back in her bed.

These days, even at the darkest of hours, Kate had found new reasons for the world to feel brighter.

This request of hers? It wasn't purely selfish. He was there, too. In a way. That figure, at the distance? Him, who Lucky had gone to greet like it was the most natural thing in the world? Lately, he was a comforting presence. Both during the waking hours and sometimes, even in Kate's dreams.

"Would a person, someone who cannot walk in my world," Kate licked her lips, considering how to word her question. "I know it's probably a dumb question, but, can they walk in the Dreaming?"

She remembered flying in her dreams once. She had been a child back then.

Maybe even the blind were able to see in their dreams.

Date: 2025-07-05 06:04 pm (UTC)
hawk_shot: by piffles (kinda smug)
From: [personal profile] hawk_shot
Reaching blindly towards the stone railings Kate knew would be within her touch, she moved to lean with her backside against it. The sunset was beautiful but, it was Dream's words that finally brought a much needed comfort.

"Does that mean that, even if that's not the real you, I might still meet you in my dreams?" It was a tricky question, she knew. "A Schrödinger's dream," she chuckled, finally meeting that hope in the horizon.

Sucking in her lips, she looked down at her own feet, those combat boots that suddenly it wasn't too hot to wear.

"Yeah, I think I'll take that amulet then, if you're cool with giving it to me." There was nothing broken with Matt, nothing that needed to be fixed. But she would be lying, if she never admitted that sometimes she wondered how he'd react if he could actually see her face with his own very eyes. Maybe in his dreams, would she be able to be surprised by seeing the world the way he does?

There was too many questions. And perhaps this was a little selfish on her behalf. But she wouldn't forgive herself if she wasted this chance.

Speaking of Matts...

"Do you think that Matthew can come and say hi from time to time? And what about Lucienne?" God, that one would probably be harder. "Look, someone needs to remind Lu to take a break from time to time."

Date: 2025-07-05 06:42 pm (UTC)
hawk_shot: by hypoplasias (your hero is proud of you)
From: [personal profile] hawk_shot
Like a marble statue. Sometimes, getting answers out of dream was a request met with incredible kindness, patience and riddles full of ancient wisdom. Other times? It was like trying to squeeze answers out of a rock.

Still, that was part of his charm.

Kate watched with fascination as Dream held out his hand and fabricated the necklaces. With her mouth agap, she almost forgot to thank him as she carefully brought the necklaces towards herself, pinching one by it's silver chain and holding it up for a closer inspection. The sand, it shifted inside. It blew her mind, to think something so simple could, at the same time, be so powerful.

Will she get to keep the necklaces once her wish was granted? It was a silly question, wanting a keepsake, and so she did keep that to herself.

She did, however, grin smugly as he called her out for her will to still hold onto this bond they shared. And he, once again, granted her with another little gift. At least, hope that her feathery friend would stop by. Would Kate keep an eye open whenever a raven crossed her path in the park? It wouldn't be the first time that she'd a bird if they had met before or if they were being shy.

"Have a safe journey, Morph." Blinking a couple of times, Kate realized her gaze was slightly watery. This had been so unexpected, after all. Young and distant as Dream looked, there was something that had always felt primal and familiar about him. Unsettling, but in an alluring way. Like speaking to a long, lost relative and then finding out that your great grandfather actually looks like a cousin.

She was going to miss him.

"Please take care of yourself."

Date: 2025-07-05 09:28 pm (UTC)
hawk_shot: by piffles (youre joking)
From: [personal profile] hawk_shot
It had been nothing but torrential rain these last three days in New York City and honestly? Kate felt like few torments in Hell could compete to the absolute boredom she was enduring. She wasn't even looking forward to patrolling tonight. Because sure, she wanted to see Matt already and possibly meet with Peter too. But unless there was a sudden change of weather? The forecast promised they would spend a few hours looking stoic while they shivered the fuck out of their costumes.

And there was something just sad about being a wet superhero. Out there in public, pretending you were wet down to your underwear when even bad guys knew better than to be commiting crimes in nights like these ones.

With her folded arms over the desk working as a pillow of sorts, Kate sulked as she tried to come up with an excuse to go home early. She still had a meeting later in the afternoon, some urgent paperwork that needed to be signed (everything was deemed urgent when it came to paperwork) and--

"Yeah?" Normally, Kate didn't always pick up the phone this quick. But this was further proof of just how bored and sleepy she was feeling today. Not even playing games in her phone was working as they were making her feel a little drowsy. A total backfire.

However, picking up the phone had turned to be possinbly the best decision she'd made all week.

"WHAT???!!"

Her voice echoed through the office, heads turning towards her door before Kate slammed it open and ran down the hallway and between cublices, apologizing on her way as she almost tackled down a few workers. Soon, she was standing by the reception, her eyes growing wide.

"Morph?!"

If Dream had been caught by surprise the last time Kate hugged him, this time he sure would have left wondering if the way the young woman crashed against him would have left him out of breath. If he breathed, of course.

"Matthew! Morph! It's so good to see you guys!"
Edited Date: 2025-07-05 09:29 pm (UTC)

Date: 2025-07-05 10:34 pm (UTC)
hawk_shot: by piffles (pleeeease)
From: [personal profile] hawk_shot
Realizing she almost knocks Dream down, Kate stepped back to allow him stand more upright. To give the all-powerful entity a little more dignity. It was the least she could do, she realized, excited as she was to see him again.

At least Matthew was so much more open to affection. As he perched himself on her shoulder, she beamed as the bird gave her some nuzzles. Wasting no time, Kate's fingers threaded carefully through those pitch black feathers as she caressed the raven.

That is, until the bird so casually mentioned Hell.

"Wait, what?"

It was Dream who, ironically, drew her back to reality and the current state of the office. Because even though everyone was still pretending to be working, there was no doubt that most of the eyes surrounding them were set on the trio. Honestly, Kate could not blame them. After all, their boss had just ran across the office, yelling and meeting some emo guy and had a raven on her shoulder.

If they were on the streets there would already be a bunch of cellphones aimed their way.

"Uh, yeah, thanks Maddie." She addressed the receptionist before turning to the crowd. Holding her hands up, Kate cleared her throat. "Sorry, everyone! I didn't mean to distract you! Humm. I know you work very hard and, speaking in the name of the company? I really -- We really appreciate what you're doing. Every single day. But today? Lunch is on me."

She turned to face Maddie again. "Hey, could you take down everybody's order for me? And if you want dessert too, let me know. You totally deserve it. You're a life savior, I swear!"

Dumbfounded, Maddie could do little but stare as Kate, who had given her no time to reply, guided Dream and Matthew towards her office.

"If you want something, just let me know." She told the pair, "I have snacks in my office, anyway. Matthew, do you like peanuts?"

Can ravens be allergic to peanuts?

Date: 2025-07-05 11:18 pm (UTC)
hawk_shot: by hypoplasias (narrowed eyes)
From: [personal profile] hawk_shot
"I'm ordering lunch for us too, don't worry about it." Matthew's babbling was often underappreciated by those around them, Kate knew. Dream's passive-aggresive lack of patience was proof of it. But if you asked her? It was often one of the most reliable sources to figure OUT the King of the Realm of Dreams.

Circling her desk, Kate pulled the second drawer to her left, already knowing that an assortment of snacks in different sizes of packets would be waiting there. Pulling out a small bag of peanuts, she teared it open and, after pouring a few on her palm, she held it out for Matthew to have a go at them.

"Are you kidding me? You totally made my day with this visit!" Even though her gaze had landed on Dream, she quickly cocked her head and leaned a little closer to the raven, her tone full of warmth. "The both of you. I missed you guys so bad and, I swear. If you had come here an hour later? You would have found me in the Dreaming instead."

Gesturing at Dream to take down a seat if he wished, Kate rolled her own chair towards herself as she continued holding her hand out for Matthew to eat from it.

"So, what's this thing Matthew mentioned about you going to freaking Hell?"

Date: 2025-07-06 08:06 am (UTC)
hawk_shot: by piffles (im worried about you dude)
From: [personal profile] hawk_shot
"I'm sorry, storm nightmares?" She asked as both Dream and his feathery companion continued, ironically, brainstorming about what was going on.

At the very least, Kate had grown used to some of Morpheus' moods. His so very expressive face. Right now? That stoic look was probably a good sign. One in which he was in no hurry to get a job done and instead he could encourage his bird to have a snack instead.

"Oh, so a quick visit to hell, nice. To fix a mistake." What kind of mistake could someone like Dream do? Kate's attention fell again down on Matthew as she dropped a few more peanuts from the packet straight to her hand for the raven to enjoy. "What did he do? Forced the devil to dream about Jojo Siwa's songs in repeat?"

Whatever it was, it sounded like Kate had not been mistaken when she worried for his life. His existence. Whatever it was that tied an Endless to the universe. Even Matthew had clearly been hurt as they were left behind.

"Everyone cared," Kate spoke more firmly. "Dream, taking accountability is awesome. I mean, shit, I wish more people in the world would understand that. But leaving everyone? You don't have to do things alone." What could she do for him in Hell though? It pained her, knowing she had no place in his fights. But surely someone, out there, among his siblings or other powerful beings, must be there for him.

In the Dreaming or in Hell's Kitchen, some fights were all the same.

"Shit, Dream. I woke up with freaking tears in my eyes. You know how worried I've been about you?" She knew it might be something, he must feel something. They were friends. Close enough for him to watch over her. Close enough for him to come say goodbye. And now, close enough for him to be true to his word. "Please, don't ever leave on your own again. You? You look after a whole sleeping universe. Let at least one person look after you, too."

Date: 2025-07-06 03:49 pm (UTC)
hawk_shot: (profile)
From: [personal profile] hawk_shot
She had to give it to Dream. Considering that gods were not known for taking criticism all too well in many stories? Not only he had taken Kate's words like a champ, but he did genuinelly seemed apologetic.

This wasn't the time to guilt trip him, was it? If anything, he'd gone to Hell itself to fix some mistake. That? It was huge, Kate reminded herself as she briefly focused on stroking Matthew's feathers. "Of course I care. We're friends. Just like I know you do. You wouldn't be here if you didn't."

Dream's question, however, surprised Kate.

"Humans? Well, I do know that even monsters can love." Fisk came instantly to mind. Matt had told Kate about Vanessa, his wife. The lenghts Fisk had gone to, to marry the woman and to make their marriage work. She was his everything. But was that love?

"Or maybe it's their twisted perception of love," she mused outloud. "I don't know if everyone is. Like, I know there's narcissists who lack empathy and their relationships tend to be pretty messy." Were they not capable of any kind of love, though? "Why?"

Date: 2025-07-06 04:41 pm (UTC)
hawk_shot: by sousaphone (hair down)
From: [personal profile] hawk_shot
With Matthew now apparently satisfied over that snack, Kate patted her own hands clean of any pieces of peanuts before leaning forward on her desk. Over her folded arms she watched Dream as he clearly went through one of those internal debates of his. Kate could tell. She had grown used to him going silent before dropping a big philosophical bomb.

"I don't think you'd be here if you were not capable of love." Sure, maybe duty had taken him down to Hell, Kate didn't have any details. Perhaps, the same thing could be said about this visit. Dream had, after all, promised he'd let her know if he was fine.

"You wouldn't have come to me to say goodbye, last time you visited." He wouldn't have offered a parting gift either. Or put up with Kate pushing for more, unwilling to let go of him and everything he represented in her life.

Well, aside of the Dreaming itself.

"What you did for me? I think that was an act of love." Of friendship. "Love is not reduced to romance, I'm pretty sure you know that."

Date: 2025-07-06 05:24 pm (UTC)
hawk_shot: by sousaphone (lovely)
From: [personal profile] hawk_shot
"Hey, personally I think that following your instinct usualy can lead you the right way. Or maybe even thinking about the most obvious answer to that question." It shocked her a little, to realize that Dream perhaps wondered about his own capability to love. Or that he'd even come to her, trusting her with that question.

But in all honesty, the answer seemed too simple. He cared too much about others not to be able to love.

And speaking of love.

"Good, actually. Pretty good." Kate's whole demeanor became suddenly very optimistic, as her thoughts drifted towards someone that always made her days brighter. In a way, he made her glow.

"I'm, well, getting to know someone." Was that the best way to put it, though? They did know each other pretty well. Perhaps, it was more accurate to say she was getting to know him in other ways. "I guess you know about it if you've kept track of my dreams." Oh, God, spoiler culture is getting everywhere, isn't it? "His name is, hummm," her attention shifted briefly towards the raven. "He is a Matthew, too."

[ooc: No worries! It's all good! Thank you for taking time to tag back. <3]

Date: 2025-07-06 06:44 pm (UTC)
hawk_shot: by hypoplasias (inwards)
From: [personal profile] hawk_shot
Looks could be deceiving. In Dream's case though, there was something about him that left people hanging on uncertainty. Because he did look young and inexperienced, but then there was an aura about him that spoke of something ancient, something out of this world.

It was something Kate had never experienced before with another living being.

It was his words that often reminded her of unreachable wisdow. So much knowledge that he instantly accepted that there was always room to learn. "Yeah, you have a point. It's always easier to think we understand things when there's certain distance." She only hoped that, whatever it is that worried him, he would soon found answers to it. And that it would grant him peace.

At least now Kate could do little but smile at both her friends, eager to share with them more of what was going on with her life. "I don't always remember my dreams, but I'm pretty sure I've had a couple that match what's going on in this world." Her attention turned to Matthew then. "And trust me, he is a great guy."

Of course the raven would approve of the name, Kate was expecting that already.

"I hope I can introduce you guys to him sometime," Kate offered. "He... he was very thankful for the gift you gave us, Morph. It meant the world to us."

Date: 2025-07-07 08:50 am (UTC)
hawk_shot: by hypoplasias (your hero is proud of you)
From: [personal profile] hawk_shot
"Oh, I meant distance from someone else's problems," Kate was quick to clarify. And yet, Dreams words lingered with an unexpected truth. He did, as he did often, have a point there. Taking distance from our own hardships wasn't always the best of answers.

Was that why sometimes in her dreams Kate's legs felt so heavy and running, escaping, became a real challenge? What was she running away from? She didn't dare to ask Dream, tempting as it was. After all, she knew he would have the answer.

And, as she learned from what happened with her mother, truth is the one thing you can't ever run or hide from once it's revealed.

"It was a wonderful gift," Kate's gratefulness was something she wasn't shy to share. "It was so unique and--" Her hand found her chest, almost as if to stop her heart from swelling too much. "No pun intended but, something we could have only dreamed of."

Her attention turned to Matthew, as she remembered her promise to her staff. "Oh, right! Lunch! Humm, we can have anything you want, really. So, pancakes?" She looked at both the bird and his master. "I was gonna say, I know this place that makes the best sandwiches. Of course, we could always order pizza. And you can have pancakes too if you want, Matthew."

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