#vampire!morpheus x reader

[roguelov]

Crimson Stained Petals (Chapter 4)

Summary: Set in the 1880s, rumors and mysteries swirled around a quaint town, mostly about a lord tucked far into the woods. Arriving in town, you could not deny your curiosities, but you were not here to stay. Or so you thought. Low on funds, and a job for a live-in servant advertised in the paper, you now found yourself in the home of Lord Morpheus - the source of all rumors. Passions and tensions will grow. Questions will be answered, but may come at a hefty price. And a promise may be broken. But, is Lord Morpheus, and those few residents, truly as scary as they seem?

Words Count: ~3.4k

Reader: Fem

Warnings: minor angst (dealing with nightmares and depression), mostly fluff, pining, blood (reader gets minor cut)

Chapter 3 and more chapters to come!

Over the few days, Morpheus had noticed a dreary cloud forming and seemingly growing over your head. It casted its gloom and rain dampening your radiance. Your smile was not quite as bright, it barely reached your now sullen eyes. Your presence was no longer felt in every room. Your laughter, your occasional humming, your musical-like steps were gone. You were a shadow, a husk. And big by bit, you retreated from him; you actively avoided him, or so he believed.

“Lucienne,” Morpheus asked one evening.

The pair was in the study. Papers littered all over the desk along with uncapped inkwells and used fountain pens. They poured and poured over the dull necessities of maintaining the bookshop - going over profits, bills, shipments, and new orders.

Lucienne peered at her lord over her glasses quizzically. “Yes?”

“Have you spoken with our dear mortal recently?” Morpheus still stood over the desk and continued to scan over documents, trying not to look bothered by his inquiring question or your sudden change.

“No, I haven’t.”

A tension set in his jaw. “I see.”

Lucienne quickly picked up on Morphues’s displeasure. A smile tugged on the corners of her lips. She was not oblivious to her lord’s far more chirper attitude since welcoming you into the manor. “May I ask what brought up this question?”

“Curiosity,” he replied nonchalantly.

Lucienne hummed, unconvinced. “Curiosity? Or concern?”

Her question stirred a reaction out of him. Morpheus whipped his head, now facing Lucienne directly. “And if I am, is there anything wrong in worrying about her?” His question was one of concern for you, yet his tone in which he spoke was biting - what exactly was Lucienne implying?

Lucienne’s smile only grew. She calmly responded, “No, sir.”

Upon seeing Lucienne’s calmness, Morpheus’s shoulders instantly dropped. His anger was misplaced. All the fight was drained from him, and soon the truth spilled out. “She -“ he sighed - “she does not seem happy and … and I do not know if it is because of living here or because of troubled nights.”

Lucienne thought of how there was an easy solution to his conundrum: he should speak with you. However, she held her tongue this time and instead opted to ask a question regarding you. “Troubled nights?”

“The other night, she spoke of having a nightmare.” Morpheus’s eyes shone with a heavy sorrow. “She … she was utterly frightened, Lucienne. Her fear nearly choked me.”

Lucienne frowned. “I was not aware, but a nightmare is a nightmare. There is not much one can do.”

Morpheus sighed, dropping into his chair. He tipped his head back and stared blankly up at the high ceiling. His heart - ancient and heavily barricaded - ached to see you smile. Just once more, just for a moment. In such a brief period, you had invaded his thoughts. He did not realize he craved it, sought it out, until it was taken from him.

Taken.

It seemed many things were taken from him in recent years. He pushed aside those thoughts and painful memories. He ran his hands over his face then through his tousled hair. Such complex feelings swirled inside his chest and constricted his heart.

“You care for her.” Morpheus lifted his head, looking towards Lucienne. She continued, “Which is never a bad thing, sir. She has brought new life here.”

And in you, she thought.

“I care for all of you,” he answered, dismissing her comment.

“You do, and we appreciate it.”

He raised an eyebrow at the weighted pause at the end of her sentence. “But?”

She smiled to herself. “I believe the care you feel for us and her are different.”

Morpheus frowned. Was he truly so easy to read? Did he truly become enamored with his housekeeper so quickly like a tale of forbidden romance? Did he truly want a partner … or did he want something else? He turned his head away, grumbling to himself.

Care? If one could call it such.

Does a farmer not care for his slaughter? Care, hunger, desire, it all can twist together. They can form into complex knots, making it impossible to tell where one may begin or end.

“For you, my lord.”

A beautiful picturesque rose dripping in a passionate red appeared in front of Morpheus’s face. He was working tediously in his study, and surprisingly failed to hear him. He just appeared, a magical and strange habit of his.

Morpheus blinked, gently taking the rose out of his hand. “Oh, uh, thank you.”

He smiled warmly like a sunny day. His wondrous new grander had already made such a change in the once dismal manor. Colors of all sorts were injected into the very foundation. Flowers bloomed wildly and freely, life blossomed with a new fever. “I thought you might like it, sir. Red suits you perfectly.”

”How do you do it, Lucienne?” Morphues whispered softly, changing the conversation. His voice was filled with sorrow as memories resurfaced. Sweet, painful memories, ones he wished he could forget yet also wouldn’t trade anything in the world for they were more precious than any gold or jewelry.

“Meaning what, sir?”

”To be close to her, to not be affected by her?”

Ah.

”Well, someone taught me control.” Lucienne slowly organized papers. “Someone had once found me in an awful state and was able to bring me back to my senses. Now, part of me cannot bare the smell of human blood without my stomach twisting into disgust.”

Morpheus’s eyes softened.

Lucienne gathered up the papers, ready to part of the night. “A solution to your problem: perhaps you can try to talk to her and cheer her up, sir. I’m sure she would appreciate the gesture.”

He raised an eyebrow. “And how would I do that?”

She chuckled, almost in a knowing way, and strolled out of the study. “I believe you will figure it out, sir.”

The soft click of the door echoed in the now quiet, lonely space. Morpheus peered over to the window with its curtains drawn. Even drawn closed, the setting sunlight streamed through the cracks trying to warm the earth in its last moments. Tilting his head, he saw the surrounding woods fade in the dying light. As his gaze darted around taking in the surroundings, it landed on a corner of dark greens and deep reds. Lucienne’s words replayed in his head. He was on his feet, already looking for you before he fully understood it himself. His feet carried him downstairs towards your room, however he stopped in the dining room. Looking ahead, he instead saw you sitting in the sun room. You were on the couch with your back to him and your head bowed. He immediately changed course.

Quietly, he opened the door. The potted trees and fauna stretched its shadows and created unique jagged shapes. A soft orange bathed over the room. The fractured soft light shone through the glass and casted you in an ethereal halo of twinkling gold.

You were a goddess of light.

As he walked towards you, you did not stir. You had heard him by the high pitched squeak of the door and the faint clacking of the heels on the tile floor. He stopped by your side, peering down at you. “I see you are still reading that book from before.”

You laughed, a quick huff through your nose, and closed the book in your lap. You glanced up at him with a forced smile. “Trying and failing, sir.”

His eyes swept over your face. Gaunt was the first word to come to mind. You appeared gauntly and ragged. Bags were carved under your eyes, and your skin had lost its glow. He pushed on, trying not to dwell and stare at your new appearance. “And what has your mind occupied this time?”

The other night. The nightmares. An unpleasant past. You.

“I suppose a lot of things,” you answered with a heavy sigh.

Morpheus frowned slightly. Yet, he quickly wiped it away, replacing it with a small endearing smile. He extended his hand down towards you. “I know a place to help clear your mind, would you care to join me?”

Your eyes flickered up. His dazzling blue eyes - contrasted against the golden dazzling air - only showed kindness and a hint of concern. You should refuse, you should stay or perhaps return to your room for the night, but … but how could you say no? Not when he looked at you in such an alluring way, and not since he piqued your deep rooted curiosity. You carefully set the book aside on the plush cushions, and placed your hand in his. “I would love to.”

Morpheus’s smile grew as he drew you up to your feet. “Wonderful.”

He hooked your arm through his and guided you forward. Together, you walked out through the back entrance of the sun room, heading directly for the rose maze. The sun had dipped below the horizon, however its last bits of rays faintly colored the sky. Oranges and pinks still stained the vast canvas known as the sky. They desperately clung behind as rich purples, dark blues, and an all consuming black began to drip down coating all corners. The moon, perfectly sliced in half, already shone in the dimming sky. Its companions, stars, began to twinkle and fill the empty space for the moon was never alone. The rose maze, under this changing light, was mysterious. The greens almost appeared black, while the reds were embers of a dying fire. Excitement buzzed across your skin. Your heart flipped, nearly dropping into your stomach. It was all so thrilling to finally set food inside, and to be by Morpheus’s side as your guide.

Even if you shouldn’t, even if a logical part scolded you.

Morpheus drew you close as you approach the entrance of the maze. “Now, stay close. At night, it can be tricky to navigate.”

There was a hint of humor in his voice as if he was trying to spook you. You chuckled, shaking your head, “Really? Is that your plan? To take me in and do what you want without anyone seeing?”

He laughed, a deep rich laugh that vibrated in your own chest. “You have me figured out.”

You smiled, a true genuine smile. It returned as if it never truly left. It was nice to be joking and laughing with him. It was surprisingly so easy, like two friends and nothing else.

No titles, no past.

Stepping into the maze was stepping into another world. The maze hedges were easily seven feet tall and two or three feet wide, it fully blocked out the world the further you walked in. The hedges were cut and trimmed to perfection. No branch stuck out, only roses. And the roses? Gorgeous with no flaws. There were full roses with their petals spread out to greet you, there were buds still closed waiting for their time, and there were roses in every stage of blooming covering almost every inch of the hedges. The sweet floral aroma tickled your nose and filled the air.

You hummed, pleased by the scent.

Morpheus peered over at you, taken by your wide curious eyes. Your eyes darted all around, fascinated by it all, memorized by its beauty. Strolling further in, he followed the correct path leading to the center of the maze. His stride did not hesitate, but only slowed when your eyes longingly lingered back on all the passing flowers.

Best of all, and to your surprise, there weren't only red roses.

No, the deeper you walked the red stayed, yet yellows, pinks, and whites were slowly incorporated into the mix. A beautiful blend, and various shades, of warm inviting colors. It was like a storybook, a scenery plucked from a far off prosperous kingdom. Tempted by their beauty, you reached out, running your fingers along the soft petals. It was fine silk, or like a cloud.

“Careful -“

You hissed, stopping in place. A thorn had pricked your thumb.

Morpheus instantly frowned and moved in front of you. He carefully took your hand, examining your thumb. It was nothing to be concerned about. An insignificant prick, no worse than a paper cut. A small dot of blood began to well up. The dot sparkled like a certain ruby pinned to his tie. Before he could stop himself, Morpheus brought your thumb up to his lips. His lips - soft and gentle - pressed into the pad of your thumb kissing it.

Your heart flipped in your chest.

Morpheus’s eyes glanced up, locking with yours. A look flashed across his eyes, a look which could only be described as hunger. He nearly knocked the wind out of your lungs by such a simple look. He pulled away and dropped your hand. Turning his back to you, he mumbled, “Apologies for my behavior.”

He licked his lips, tasting the tiniest bit of your blood. He had to suppress a groan. It was truly addicting, like a newly discovered liquor he could happily get drunk off of each and every night.

“I have an older sister who used to do such a thing if any of us were injured. It’s a habit I unknowingly picked up,” he explained.

No, not explained but excused. It wasn’t necessarily a lie. However, it was a lie he told himself and you, rather than admit the aroma of your blood tempted him to act.

“It’s okay,” you muttered, feeling your heart skip in a way you had never felt before. “I should have known better.”

Morpheus wanted to say something, wanted to do something. He wanted to draw you close, he wanted to wrap his arms around your waist, he wanted to nuzzle his face into your neck, he wanted to hear you say his name over and over, he wanted to -

“Please,” he cleared his throat, “I would refrain from running your fingers over them. The thorns are quite sharp, and we needn’t any more accidents. Come, the center is up ahead.”

He walked - no, marched - ahead, and did not bother looking back to see if you were following.

Your lips thinned in thought. You silently followed him as this bizarre tension hovered in the shared space. The only sounds were the crunching of both of your shoes against the pebbled path. You eyed Morpheus’s back curiously and with some trepidation. He had once again pulled away from you. He showed you such kindness, yet almost scared by something he backed off. Why? What frightened him? What thoughts floated around in that head of his?

Why do you care, a voice called out.

You tensed a little. Why did you? It was so pointless and idiotic, especially when -

“We’re here,” Morpheus said. He rounded a corner and disappeared from sight.

Skirting around the hedge, you let out a small gasp. The pebbled path opened up. The space was carved into a perfect circle, with patches of lush full grass that tempted any tired feet to rest. One could lay and gaze up at the stars, or have a picnic in the high sun. However, most would turn to the concrete benches that surrounded the showstopper: a fountain at the very center. The fountain - smaller than the one in front of the house, yet had four tiers compared to the three - had dozens upon dozens of rose petals floating across the surface. Peering up, the moon looked back down at you in this secret oasis smiling. Its light rippled in the water, scattering its reflection. With the various colors from the roses, and the moonlight’s, it glittered here like a treasure trove.

It was breathtaking.

Morpheus glanced over his shoulder back to you. His heart lurched forward. You looked so beautiful under the moonlight. You slowly approached the foundation, dipping your fingers into the cool water. You picked up a petal, admiring it before setting it back into the water. A smile never left your lips. Any issues, any problems from before, were gone. Each of you solely existed in this moment. Morpheus felt his heart being drawn to you, bound to you. Anything you wanted, anything to keep you smiling, he would do.

What a frightening and thrilling feeling, so familiar yet so foreign to him.

You moved and sat down on the bench, watching as the water spilled over the tiered edges and as petals spun and danced on top of the water. The sounds of the water splashing, and trickling, was hypnotic and soothing. You sighed dreamily and murmured to yourself, “What a beautiful place.”

“It is.” You turned your head, looking up at Morpheus. His eyes were directly on you as he spoke, you always seemed to get his full attention. He smiled softly. He produced a rose from behind his back - a pure white rose that glittered like snow under the moonlight. He sat beside you on the bench, “May I?”

“Yes.”

He leaned forward, tucking the roses behind your ear. As he drew back, his nimble fingers skimmed along your jaw. His eyes softened. You truly were a fresh change in his life, a well needed change. You had taken his heart in the short time you worked here with your humor, your wit, your curiosity, and your kindness. He was smitten for deep in his heart he was a hopeless romantic.

He turned away from you, looking to the fountain. Your heart skipped. His touch burned across your skin. You reached up, touching the soft pure white petals. A smile crossed your lips as you stared at the multifaceted lord.

“I suppose I have to admit I do have an ulterior motive for asking you to join me,” he began.

“Oh?” You titled your head. “And what would that be?”

To see you smile again, he thought.

“I have a question to ask, a request, and I did not want anyone else to listen in.”

You leaned forward, silently waiting.

He bowed his head, and dare you say appeared to be almost shy. It surprised you to see him in such a way. He peered up at you with a cluster of unreadable emotions on his face. “I would like to ask if you would join me to attend my dear friend’s party.”

“What?” You breathed out.

“I want you to accompany me to Hob’s party, if you so wish to join me.”

“I … I am unsure. I am just taken back by your offer.”

“Do you truly find it so surprising?”

“Given my employment to you, I suppose I do,” you joked lightly.

“If you wish, think of it as a bonus for your wonderous upkeep of the manor.” He searched in your eyes hoping to find his answer. “So? Do you accept?”

You smiled softly, “How could I pass up such generosity? Yes.”

Lucienne was right. Morpheus knew exactly what to do.

Shortly after his surprising offer, Morpheus explained he will take care of anything. He will find a dress for you for the night, and pay all expenses - you reluctantly agreed after much arguing.

Soon, arm in arm again, he guided you out of the maze, and towards your room for the night. He paused in front of you, hovering slightly as if something weighed on him, as if he wished to say something else. His lips parted, but he just bowed his head. “Goodnight, I hope you have sweeter dreams tonight.”

“Thank you,” you bowed your head.

Say something, do something.

Instead, you just simply smiled. “Goodnight, sir.”

You twisted around to go into your room when a hand latched around your wrist. You suppressed a shiver at his cool hand. You peered over your shoulder looking down at the hand then slowly your eyes trailed up to see Morpheus’s wondrous blue eyes.

“Please,” he whispered softly, “when it is just us, call me Morpheus. No need for such formalities.”

Your heart fluttered, like a hummingbird. “Of course. Morpheus. Goodnight.”

His eyes twinkled, utterly overjoyed. A smile spread over his lips. He gently let go of your wrist and stood back with perfect posture. He bowed his head again, “Goodnight, (Y/N).”

You turned, finally stepping into your room. You gently shut the door as a giddy feeling washed over you. Morpheus’s footsteps soon faded away. You sighed, dreamily. Taking the rose from behind your ear, you floated over to the nightstand by your bed. You gently laid it down. Your fingers traced over the petals, unable to stop smiling. Maybe later you will get a cup and water for it. Your eyes, however, soon caught a folded piece of paper on the stand. Your smile faltered. Picking it up and unfolding it, your mother and father smiled back up at you. You folded the picture again. You tucked it under the beautiful white rose.

Just a little longer, you thought. I promise.

[milkluvr333]

Not pleased with the lack of new fics for my fav characters (hyper fixations) lately. The withdrawals are eating me alive

[lady-phasma]

Requests open for Daemon Targaryen, Feyd-Rautha, and IWTV. Asks open for all listed and Doctor Who.

✧︎ Interview with the Vampire ✧︎ Feyd-Rautha ✧︎ Daemon ✧︎ Aemond ​✧︎ Other ✧︎ WIP Masterlist ✧︎ HotD Headcanon ✧︎

Fangtober 2024 Prompt List - follow the tag ‘Fangtober 2024’ or check out my IWTV masterlist

Spotlight:

Fangtober Day 5 - Impact play - Lestat x fem!reader

New Fangtober Day 4 - Bondage - Armand x fem!reader

Fangtober Day 3 - Ejaculation - Rockstar!Lestat x fem!reader

Fangtober Day 2 - Body mod - Lestat x gn!reader

Fangtober Day 1 - Blood - Lestat x fem!reader

New A Quiet Night In - Armand x Benji x Sybelle x gn!reader (fluff)

Armand N$FW Alphabet

cross posting from Lady_Phasma on AO3

Doctor Who asks and stuff masterlist

Side blogs: @elaenya-targaryen: for my HotD oc and House Velaryon aesthetics @uncledaddy-mattsmith: for Matt Smith confessions @the-five-oh-deuce for MotA, Band of Brothers, and The Pacific @asteria-and-oneiros for all other random fandom stuff

[dervampireprince]

ASMR | The Sandman - Dream x Listener SFW Migraine Comfort From Dream

[M4A] [Established relationship] [Migraine comfort] [Sleep aid] [Left ambiguous enough you could imagine Hob in the listener's place] [Oops accidentally rambled about empathy and my frustrations with people's misconceptions of low-empathy = uncaring (which it doesn't) and made Dream autistic]

Based on a Patreon request, MyeDarling asked "I’m in love with your migraine comfort video that you did with Astarion; would you consider another headache/migraine comfort audio? Any character that works for you, though I do have a soft spot for the boys with slower/more echoed voices, such as Dream, Orpheus, and Erik."

Got asked if I'd keep voicing Dream given the Neil Gaiman allegations. I want to make it clear that I do not support Gaiman. I personally am comfortable still voicing Dream as of right now, but I don't want everyone else to be uncomfortable he if pops up occasionally on my channel. I don't want my voicing of him to be seen as promoting Gaiman or supporting him, and I don't want to make others uncomfortable, though I still get requests to voice him. I don't know what to do, and I don't know what you guys would want me to do. But I wanted to at least get it out there that I do not support Gaiman.

.

Old public spicy audios on sound gasm (link in pinned post). 2 Exclusive spicy audios on Patreon every month. I also stream on Twitch every week @ dervampireprince . [minors + ageless blogs dni. this blog is for 18+ only.] [do not repost/reupload/edit any of my content]

[procrastinatingacademic]

Updated Masterlist

Started: 28 February 2025

Last updated: 11 June 2025

Total works: 36

Angst💥; Fluff💫; Suggestive themes🔥

I don't write smut. All fics are 'x Reader' unless stated otherwise. I strive to mostly write gender-neutral Reader-characters, and I don't use Y/N.

DC Comics

The Scarecrow/Dr. Jonathan Crane

Ongoing series - There's nothing to fear when I'm with you (Jonathan x female OC)

Fighting boredom

John Contantine

Ongoing series - Restless: A Constantine/Good Omens Crossover (currently on hiatus)💫🔥(No Reader-character)

The Riddler/Edward Nygma

Starlight is for dancing🔥

Black Mask/Roman Sionis

We were together, I forget the rest💫🔥

The Sandman

The Corinthian

(The lesser of) two evils💥💫🔥

Life is the flower for which love is the honey💥💫

Morpheus/Dream of the Endless

To see a world in a grain of sand (Blind!Reader)

Grishaverse

Kaz Brekker

Stay💫

It is lightning that does the work💥💫

Nikolai Lantsov/Sturmhond

A mother is the truest friend we have💥💫 (Mother Figure!Reader)

Two ships in the night💫

The Hunger Games

Haymitch Abernathy

The Survivors 💥(Haymitch x female OC; slow burn) (Ongoing series)

Criminal Minds

Dr. Spencer Reid

Experience💫

Your song💫

Kidnapped for the vibes💥💫 (UnSub!Spencer Reid)

Interview with the Vampire (2022)

Armand

Would you like to be?💥💫

House of the Dragon

Larys Strong

Darkness shared by two💫🔥

Marvel

Dr. Stephen Strange

A little less awkward💫

Daredevil/Matt Murdock

Heard melodies are sweet, but those unheard, are sweeter 💫🔥

Greek Mythology

Apollo

Apollo - Autism💥💫 (No Reader-character)

Hermes

Hermes - Kleptomania💥 (No Reader-character)

Hades

Hades - Separation Anxiety Disorder💥💫 (No Reader-character)

Hypnos

WIP: Hypnos - Narcolepsy

Potterverse

Newt Scamander

Hold me close💥💫

Sirius & Regulus Black

The best way to make children good is to make them happy💥💫 (Parental Figure!Reader)

Supernatural

Lucifer

Wings of snow💫

Eyes of fire🔥

Gabriel

WIP: Run away with me, mon amour

Arcane

Viktor

Memorise you💥💫🔥 (Blind!Reader)

The Witcher (Netflix)

Jaskier

Sing a song only you can hear💫

Untitled WIP

Critical Role/The Legend of Vox Machina

Percival "Percy" de Rolo

While the music lasts💫

Prodigal Son

Malcolm Bright

Shut your eyes and see💥💫 (Blind!Reader)

Sherlock (BBC)

James "Jim" Moriarty

The world is boring for boring people💥💫🔥

Good Omens

Ongoing series - Restless: A Constantine/Good Omens Crossover (currently on hiatus)💫🔥(No Reader-character)

Various

The Three Musketeers (Anderson, 2011)

Aramis/René d'Herblay

Be kind, aim for my heart💫

Le Comte de Monte-Cristo (de La Patellière & Delaporte, 2024)

Edmond Dantès/The Count of Monte Cristo

Count your blessings

Amsterdam

LA by Night/Vampire the Masquerade

Robert Garrick

All your tomorrows start here💫

[dalivanmagritte]

NCT FIC REC : LEE JENO

back to the nct fic rec

Jeno fic rec part.2

favs

lionheart (fav, smut, fluff, royal!au, knight!au, monarch!au)

premium boy-toy (fav, smut, stripper!au)

step on a crack, dr.lee's gonna break your back (fav, smut)

wanna know what it's like (fav, smut)

yours to tame (fav, fluff, smut, knight!au, princess!au, royal!au)

koi no yokan (fav, smut, abo!au)

slick pup (fav, pervert!au, smut)

prince of wolves (fav, smut, werewolf!au, vampire!au)

i suddenly realize my archnemesis is hot (fav,fluff, angstish, demigod!au, mythology!au)

pride & prejudice (fav, fluff, angst, smut)

no smut

rainfall (fluff)

the deal (fluff, college!au)

cigarettes after sex (fluff, angstish, suggestive, college!au)

do you even know how to have fun? (angst to fluff, badboy!au)

classics (smut)

secret (smut, fluff, sub!jeno (kink discovery))

sweet lies (smut, angstish, ghost!jeno!au)

heatstroke (mechanic!au, smut)

tattooist!jeno (fluff, angst, tattooist!au, florist!au)

himbo (smut, himbo!jeno)

cute little intern (smut, ceo!au, intern!au)

mine only (smut)

possessive dad! (smut, pregnancy!au, soon to be parents!au)

ridin' club switching lanes (smut, streeracer!au)

sweet fury (smut)

hit the breaks! (serie, smut, streetracer!au, mechanics!au)

rich purity (serie, smut, virgin!au)

possessive jeno (smut, roommate)

a different kind of exercise (smut, personal trainer!au)

the rock of gibraltar (smut)

jeno uses his strength against you (smut)

the bat & dove (smut, fluff, mafia!au, racer!jeno)

banana (smut)

guardian gloves (smut, angstish, boxer!au)

teddy bear (smut)

strong jeno (smut)

codename : monster (smut)

his order (smut, ceo!au)

sli(ck-p)up (smut, perv!jeno)

fireproof (smut, brotherbf!au, college!au)

size kink (smut)

only 'til dawn (smut, badboy!jeno, goodgirl!reader)

day6: overstimulation (smut)

day19: pet play (smut)

little wifey (smut, husband!au)

hard dom! (smut)

wrapped around your fingers (smut)

my first and last (smut, college!au)

summer hair = forever young (smut, fluff)

perv!jeno (smut, roommates!au, perv!au)

monster in hiding (smut, stalking!au)

can't take it? (smut)

alternate universe (magics, gods, royalty, etc...)

my sunset is yours (fluff, hogwarts!au)

helping hand (fluff, hogwarts!au)

transfiguration spell (smut, fluff, angstish, hogwarts!au)

sinking ships (smut, sailor!au, mermaid!au, horror!au)

change in you (smut, vampire!au, georgian-era!au)

puppy (smut, supernatural!au, werewolf!au)

sunshine (fluff, angst, mermen!jeno)

the lucky one (fluff, angst, demigod!au, mythology!au)

son of morpheus (fluff, demigod!au, mythology!au)

son of apollo (fluff, demigod!au, mythology!au)

son of shadows (part of elysios serie, fluff, demigod!au, mythology!au)

the tale older than time (fluff, demigod!au, mythology!au)

late night company (fluff, comfort angst, demigod!au)

scream (smut (dirtyyy smut), halloween!au, ghostface!jeno)

why dying my hair was the best decision of my life (fluff, soulmates)

take my breath (smut, abo!au)

puppy pound (smut, abo!au)

jealous (smut, abo!au)

sos x jaemin (smut, abo!au)

destiny (smut, abo!au)

stepbro alpha jeno (smut, abo!au, stepbro!au)

pretzel (smut, abo!au)

phone fuck me (smut, ghostface!au)

incubus!jeno (smut, incubus!au)

ascention to the throne (serie, smut, royal!au, prince!au, political!au)

with another member

just so you know x jaemin (smut)

i'm a mouse duh! x jaemin (smut)

they're roommates x jaemin (smut)

the sequel x jaemin (smut, ghostface!au, halloween!au)

cookie jar x jaemin (smut, stepbrother!au)

can you handle it? x johnny, jaehyun, jaemin (smut)

morally gray (and tw)

baby trapping (smut, sugardaddy!au)

shameless (smut, stepson!au)

undone (noncon, smut)

teddy bear -> our sick story, thus far x haechan (dubcon, smut)

stepbro!jeno part.2 (DUBCON, smut, stepbrother!au)

behind closed doors x haechan (smut, slight dubcon, stepbro!au)

the walls are thin x jaemin (DUBCON, smut)

shoplifter x mark (dubcon, smut, bodyguard!au, stepfather!au)

switch -> chain x johnny (dubcon, smut, neighbour?au)

arcade (continuation of switch/chain, smut)

[trinittyy]

fic recs

just a little assortment of my favorite works to keep track of them and also show love to the respective writers.

note - a majority, if not all, of the following works contain dark content that some could find triggering. tread carefully.

divider by @firefly-graphics

toxic affection - @love-toxin

warnings: harassment, bullying, some violence, forced relationship

pairing: yandere!bakugou x reader

literally unashamed to say that BNHA fanfiction is what brought me to Tumblr

but this was one of the first I found and it's epic

what's your escape - @gotnofucks

warnings: obsession, possessive behavior, non-con

pairing: dark!sherlock holmes x reader

the man is disastrously down bad for the poor reader

she was so witty and clever but in the end, he got what he wanted in the most satisfying way

infatuation - @darkficsyouneveraskedfor - masterlist

warnings: mentions of stalking, obsession, non-con

pairing: dark!clark kent x reader

poor girl didn't have a clue or a chance in the world to escape this man

sidenote: I can't add Roo to the recs without mentioning just how talented she is. She was the first proper introduction to dark fics in the Marvel fandom and I've been hooked ever since. The amount of detail and dedication that goes into her work is noticeable and she's a talent that deserves recognition. It's one thing to make me like a fic or two of my favorite Marvel men but another to have me thirst over shit I didn't think I'd like.

naughty ransom holiday tales - @jtargaryen18

warnings: kidnapping, non-con, dub-con

pairing: dark!ransom drysdale x reader

guilty pleasure series

hate to love ransom but I can't help it

what the king has - @sincerelythedarkside

warnings: dub-con, character death

pairing: soft!dark steve rogers x reader

royal au

love me a good jealous steve

plot twist shocked the shit outta me

smut was out of this fucking world

love bites - @cherienymphe - masterlist

warnings: character death, jealousy, non-con

pairing: dark!steve rogers x reader, peter parker x reader

modern vampire au (what's not to love there)

this actually made me cry like a bitch

ongoing series

sidenote: Seeing as Cherie will be on this list many times, I have to say it's difficult not to add every piece of work on this list because while some writers have a magnum opus, everything she writes is a work of art. Her range and the backstory she puts in her characters make each story feel like a movie I just can't get enough of. Will forever love her writing.

kryptonite - @cherienymphe

warnings: non-con, obsession

pairing: dark!bruce wayne x reader

the build-up and tension gave me actual chills

trailer park babydoll - @mypoisonedvine

warnings: dub-con, infidelity, age gap

pairing: wayne munson x reader

guilty pleasure fic

absolute filthy smut

wrath of the dragon - @straywords

warnings: non-con, chasing

pairing: dark!daemon targaryen x reader

yet another down bad man

overdue - @darkficsyouneveraskedfor

warnings: creepy curtis, non-con, obsessive behavior

pairing: dark!curtis everett x reader

there's little to nothing i love more than a good ole broody man with attachment issues

anxious - @syntheticavenger

warnings: stalking, kidnapping

pairing: dark!peter parker x reader

tasm peter

cutest in a way lol little fic

the dream that got away - @dotieeee

there's not nearly enough dark fics ft my fave peter so I love this one

warnings: dub-con, non-con, manipulation, controlling behavior, obsession

pairing: dark!morpheus x oc!mera

probably the first dark fic about morpheus

each chapter was a masterpiece

and i still haven't seen the show lol

thanks for the invite - @syntheticavenger

warnings: non-con, bitchy friend behavior, implied drugging (i think), oral (f receiving), slight bondage

pairing: dark!lloyd hansen x reader

a funny little unhinged lloyd fic

rsvp - @syntheticavenger

warnings: dub-con, hide and seek, exasperated bodyguard, exhibitionism (a bit)

sequel to the fic listed above

lloyd is still unhinged and reader is still suffering

[honeybeezgobzzzzz]

🐦‍⬛ The Cold is Never Violent: Epilogue - The Cold is Never Domestic

The Cold is Never Domestic: The tools are recovered, Lucifer is (mostly) a bad memory, and the Dreaming is settling back into starlit normalcy… except its king keeps stealing your fuzzy constellation socks and brooding on the balcony. One late-night confrontation spirals into cuddle negotiations, pirate-duke slander, and the beginning of A Chronicle of Quiet Moments—Morpheus’s private record of every ridiculous, tender thing he never wants to forget.

Warnings: Mild Angst, Fluff and Humor, Brief Mentions of Hell and Demonic Violence, Reference to Imprisonment, Light Innuendo, Canon-Typical Supernatural Elements, Emotional Vulnerability.

To Note: Morpheus/Dream x Reader, Reader has Hair (For Plot) Pour Vous @melancholypancakes 😘

Word Count: ~2.8k

Previous | Masterlist

The Dreaming is quieter than usual tonight—quiet enough that you can hear the hush of distant nightmares curling back to sleep and the soft creak of pale moon-iron hinges as one of the high balcony doors drifts in the breeze.You nudge the door open fully with a toe and step onto warm, star-dusted stone. The sky above the palace is a spill of aquamarine shot through with slow-moving constellations; a few stray dream-whales breach through clouds that look suspiciously like peach sorbet. Beautiful, yes—except this balcony is supposed to be empty at this hour, and it is not.

You find him on the balustrade, brooding. Again.

He’s leaning forward, elbows braced on cool marble, jaw resting on steepled fingers—picture-perfect Gothic gloom. And because the universe has a sense of humor, he is also wearing fuzzy ankle socks with tiny embroidered constellations—the star-stitched ones he made specifically for you after the Hell fiasco. They peek out beneath immaculate black trousers like two mischievous night-skies trying to escape from his admittedly majestic shins.

Which wouldn’t be a problem if he weren’t also ruining the aesthetic by dangling them perilously close to a pot of moon-ivy. One stray vine and your socks will be devoured for plant nutrition. Unacceptable.

“I know for a fact,” you announce, arms crossed, “that those were not custom-woven for your icy man-ankles.”

Morpheus doesn’t turn. Of course he doesn’t. Brooding protocols forbid acknowledging intruders before the moment is perfectly dramatic. His voice drifts back, deep and unfazed:

“They were cold.”

“My socks?”

“No,” he says, still gazing into the cosmic nothing beyond the parapet. “My feet. The realm. My… heart.”

You blink. Then you stare at the back of his absurdly perfect, windswept hair. “Did you just say your heart was cold so you stole my socks?”

A pause. Then, quieter, as if the confession might shatter reality: “They are soft.”

Heat prickles your cheeks—half amusement, half oh-my-god-he’s-cute annoyance. “You’re lucky you’re cute,” you mutter, sweeping past him to reclaim the other stolen item in this crime scene: his coat—your coat now—carelessly draped over the railing like a vampire cape having an existential crisis. You shrug it on with dramatic flair; the cosmos-lined interior billows and sparks tiny meteors as it settles on your shoulders.

“Is this what our immortal love has become?” you demand, spinning on a heel to face him. “Sock theft and balcony sulking?”

“I do not sulk.”

“You’ve sulked twelve times today.”

He finally deigns to glance over a shoulder, eyebrow arched. “Cataloguing my moods is not an act of love, Y/N.”

“Says the Endless who counted exactly how many marshmallows I put in my cocoa last night.”

“One must monitor sugar intake.”

“Mhm. Totally not sulking.” You lean against the rail beside him, angling your body so moonlight picks out the faint smile tugging at his mouth. “You’re just mad because I told Lucienne you nearly cried during the movie.”

“I did not nearly cry.”

“You got misty.”

“That child’s dog was unjustly taken,” he huffs, eyes sliding away—caught!

You grin. Victory tastes like cocoa with three marshmallows.

A feathered shadow flutters overhead, then drops onto the railing between you with a clack of claws. Matthew ruffles his wings, eyes darting between you both like a sports commentator at a boxing ring.

“Oooh, are we doing Relationship Fight Night?” he croaks. “Should I get popcorn? Do we have popcorn in the dream pantry?”

“We are not fighting,” Morpheus mutters, glowering at the raven. “We are conversing.”

“Uh-huh. Conversing.” Matthew leans closer to you in alleged whisper. “That’s Endless for domestic spat. Quick tip: he caves faster if you threaten to withhold back scratches.”

“I heard that,” Morpheus says without looking.

You pat Matthew’s head. “It’s fine. I’ve got bigger ammunition.” You point at the fuzzy socks. “Those are mine. You will surrender them, my lord, or face unspeakable consequences.”

Morpheus exhales, long-suffering. “Name your price, little nightmare.”

“My price? For socks you pilfered from my personal drawer?”

“Yes.”

“Hmm.” You tap your chin. “I want… an apology, three hours uninterrupted in the library’s romance section, and—”

“Throw in a foot rub,” Matthew suggests brightly. “He gives great foot rubs! His hands are like silky buckets of warm sand.”

Morpheus closes his eyes. “Matthew.”

“What? I’m helping.”

You bite back a laugh. “Actually, not a bad idea. Apology, library time, foot rub.” You hold out your hand. “Deal?”

He studies your extended palm as if it’s a contract with the Fates. Finally he slides one hand from the balustrade and slips his fingers through yours. His skin is strangely warm—maybe the fuzzy socks are effective.

“Deal,” he says. “Though your library time shall be extended indefinitely, as the entire establishment is technically yours already.”

“Flattery doesn’t nullify sock theft, Morpheus.”

“I would never presume.” His gaze softens. “Nor would I truly deprive you of comfort. I merely—”

“—wanted to feel close,” you finish, voice gentler now. “You could’ve asked, y’know.”

“I am asking,” he murmurs. And if the realm itself were capable of a reverent hush, it would echo this moment: starlight dims, distant dream-whales pause mid-breach, the moon-ivy stills.

You squeeze his hand. “Then take them with permission next time—preferably while I’m wearing them. That way my feet stay warm.”

Matthew pretends to gag. “Gross. Get a balcony.”

“We are on a balcony,” Morpheus notes.

“Our balcony to be exact,” you add dryly.

“Yeah, so go get another one!”

You laugh, and the tension cracks open into something light and comfortable. Morpheus reaches down, peels the fuzzy socks from his feet, and slides them back onto yours with almost ceremonial care. The fleece hums with impossible starlight as it stretches over your toes.

“There,” he declares. “Restored to rightful ownership.”

“I’d knight you Sir Sock-Returner, but that title’s dumb.”

“Agreed.” He straightens, slipping an arm around your waist to draw you flush to his side. “I much prefer Keeper of Your Warmth.”

“Keeper of My Warmth,” you repeat, nose scrunching. “That’s worse.”

Matthew flaps up, settling on Morpheus’s shoulder this time. “I vote for King of Cozy. All in favor?”

“One raven does not a quorum make,” Morpheus states, deadpan. “Besides, if titles are to be redistributed, perhaps we should address your new role.”

“Oh?” you ask.

He lifts your hand to his lips and presses a quiet kiss to your knuckles. “Guardian of Endless Hearts.”

Heat blooms beneath your skin. Matthew fans himself with one wing. “Okay, that’s actually sweet. But I’m still going to get popcorn.”

Matthew fluffs himself into a round, affronted puffball. “Yeah, well, I’m out. The lovebirds have spoken. I’ll, uh, go help Lucienne alphabetize the dream-grimoires—anything less nauseating.”With one last theatrical shudder the raven launches skyward, muttering about “mushy mortals” and “Endless with no shame” until he’s a fluttering silhouette against the sorbet-cloud moon.

Silence settles—soft as spun sugar, heavy as midnight velvet.

Morpheus’s fingers are still threaded through yours. He turns fully at last, hip resting against the marble rail. Now that he’s facing you, the half-smile you spotted earlier unfurls into something shy and radiant.

“You truly mind the socks?” he asks.

“I mind the larceny,” you tease, stepping closer until the star-flecked toes of his pilfered footwear brush yours. “But I suppose I can forgive a first-time offender.”

He tilts his head, dark hair falling like spilled ink. “Offender, am I?”

“Mm-hmm. Grand theft hosiery. Punishable by mandatory snuggling.”

A low, delighted hum vibrates in his chest. “Then I had best surrender myself to justice.”

You reach down, tugging lightly at one fuzzy cuff. “Sit.”

He obeys, folding onto the warm stone with surprising grace for seven feet of infinite melancholy. You drop beside him, knees touching.

“Restored,” he murmurs.

“Good.” You wiggle your toes in triumph, then scoot until your shoulder slots beneath his. The borrowed coat drapes over both of you in a shared constellation.

A fragrant breeze lifts shiny strands of his hair against your cheek. You tuck a few behind his ear; he shuts his eyes as though that single touch is a benediction.

“Library time?” you prompt after a beat.

“Later,” he says, drawing your legs across his lap so you’re half-reclined against him. Strong thumbs begin kneading slow circles into your arches—silky buckets of warm sand indeed. You release a scandalously contented sigh.

“Trying to bribe the judge,” you accuse, voice drifting.

“Fulfilling the terms of our bargain,” he corrects. Another deliberate press of his thumb along the sore place beneath your toes makes your head tip back. You glimpse the sky: constellations rearrange themselves into something that looks suspiciously like two figures holding hands.

Show-off Dream-Lord.

“You manipulated the stars,” you murmur.

“I did not,” he replies, though the sparkle in his eyes says otherwise. “They rearranged of their own accord. Stars appreciate romance.”

“Mm. So does this mortal.”

He leans forward until his forehead rests against yours. Breath mingles—cool night air and the faint sweetness of marshmallow cocoa.

“I wronged you,” he says quietly. “In Hell… after… I believed distance would shield you from danger, when in truth it only harmed you.” The hand on your foot stills, fingers trembling the tiniest bit. “I misjudged how integral you have become to my existence.”

Your heartbeat thuds in your ears. “I’m not porcelain, Morpheus. I just want to be beside you—danger, nightmares, cranky ravens and all. Could do without the spike-headed roach…”

Morpheus’s entire aura goes brittle at the mention of Choronzon—moonlight icing over obsidian. His fingers pause mid-massage, and the constellations overhead shiver back into strict, orderly rows.

“I would prefer,” he says, voice flat as polished marble, “never to recall that creature in your presence.”

You can almost see storm clouds gathering behind his eyes—equal parts protectiveness and offended dignity. The sudden grumpiness, paired with bare ankles and stolen socks, is so hilariously on-brand that a tiny giggle escapes before you can smother it.

He narrows his gaze. “You find this amusing?”

“A little.” You bite your lip, shoulders shaking as the giggle turns into full laughter. “You’re pouting again, my love.”

“I do not—” He stops, realizes, and exhales through his nose like an indignant cat. “Choronzon is unworthy of your thoughts, let alone your breath.”

“Then consider him banished.” You slide a hand to his cheek, thumb smoothing the faint frown line. “Sorry, Your Majesty of Cozy.”

The corner of his mouth twitches despite himself. “King of Cozy,” he corrects softly.

“And the cutest brooder in all realms.” Before he can protest, you surge forward and press a kiss to his downturned lips.

At first he’s startled—tense shoulders, wide star-dark eyes—but the surprise melts as your warmth spreads. He sighs into the kiss, fingers resuming their gentle kneading at your arches, as if conceding the point: kisses > nightmares.

When you finally pull back, breath mingling in cool night air, you whisper against his lips, “Better?”

His reply is a quiet hum—something between agreement and contented surrender. Then, with newfound playfulness, he flicks a glance at your feet. “May I borrow the socks again?”

You grin. “Ask nicely.”

He leans in, brushing another kiss to the corner of your smile. “Beloved, may I—temporarily—share your warmth?”

You giggle, slipping one fuzzy-socked foot up his calf. “Only if you promise more of that.”

His eyes darken, silver flecks shimmering like mischief caught in moonlight. “Then I shall dedicate myself to the task with singular devotion.”

“Oh? Singular devotion? Sounds serious.” You trail your sock-clad foot higher along the inside of his calf. “What if I demand quarterly progress reports on cuddle output?”

He arches an imperious eyebrow. “Very well. First report: one kiss, two foot rubs, and”—he slides his palm up your shin to your knee—“ongoing heat redistribution.”

You laugh, but a pleasant shiver skates up your spine. “Acceptable metrics so far, Dream-Lord. I’ll need charts next time—pie charts, preferably.”

“Bar charts,” he counters, lips grazing your jaw. “Pie charts are for Hob’s pub ledger.”

“Fine. But I want them color-coded.” You hook a finger in the lapel of his coat—your coat—and tug until he’s nearly off balance. “Now get up. Library hour officially begins, and you still owe me romance-novel commentary.”

He makes a low, dramatic sigh but obeys, unfolding his endless limbs. “I question the literary merit of Pirate Duke’s Forbidden Governess,” he says as he helps you stand.

“That’s because you stopped at Chapter Two.” You poke his chest. “You missed the part where the governess teaches the pirate duke to knit socks for orphans.”

His mouth twitches again. “Knitting… socks?”

“Incredibly soft ones.” You give him a pointed look. “It’s practically your memoir.”

A reluctant chuckle escapes him—small but bright. “Lead the way, Guardian of Endless Hearts. And if the socks slip from your feet in the stacks…”

You narrow your eyes, though the grin ruins your severity. “Then the King of Cozy can carry me back to bed and continue his quarterly cuddle quota. Deal?”

He bows—ridiculously elegant, fuzzy socks and all. “Deal.”

Morpheus leads you through the grand arch and into the hush of the library, but he doesn’t veer toward the velvet chaise you expect. Instead, he guides you deeper—past polished ladders and miles of illuminated manuscript—until you enter a small octagonal alcove you’ve never noticed before. Its single window frames the night like a portrait; moonlight paints the marble floor in silver angles.

On a low rosewood table rests a solitary volume bound in midnight-blue leather. You glance at him, questioning. He releases your hand, brushes dust from the cover, and opens to the ribboned page. No theatrics, no quips—only that grave, quiet focus that is undeniably Dream of the Endless.

“I wished,” he says softly, “to share this with you when the time was right.”

The book’s title, inscribed in delicate silver: A Chronicle of Quiet Moments. You flip to the first leaf—blank except for a line of fresh ink that coils like constellation dust:

Entry One: The night she stole my brooding.

Heat pricks your face. “You—wrote this? Tonight?”

He inclines his head. “This volume records… us. Not grand quests or cosmic games. Hours. Breaths. The small weave that binds eternity.”

You trace the next entry—his elegant handwriting curving into another vignette:

Entry Two: She returned my warmth, and the stars applauded.

The sincerity is staggering; it settles every lingering flutter in your chest. “Morpheus, you don’t have to chronicle—”

“I desire to,” he says, a quiet finality. “There is power in naming what matters. And you matter.”

Canon Morpheus seldom indulges in banter, but when he does, it folds back into solemn truth. Now he closes the book, slips it into your hands, and meets your gaze with that vast, star-deep solemnity.

“I will continue the chronicle,” he vows, “with your permission—entry by entry, whenever a moment is worthy.”

You swallow, overwhelmed, and manage a whisper. “Every moment with you is worthy.”

A faint, genuine smile lifts the corner of his mouth—rare gold. He takes the volume, sets it aside, and extends an arm. When you settle against him, his coat drapes around you both like a silent nebula.

“No pirate dukes tonight?” you murmur into his shoulder.

“Tomorrow, perhaps,” he answers, fingertips absently brushing your hair. “Though I remain skeptical any so-called duke who misplaces both ship and socks could truly lay claim to nobility.”

You snort. “Be nice—he learns to knit for charity.”

Morpheus gives a soft, regal hum. “When he masters purl stitches without tangling himself in the yarn, perhaps I shall elevate him to baronet.”

Laughter shakes your shoulders; his low chuckle rumbles in reply, rare and precious. Outside the alcove window, a single shooting star arcs past—punctuation to the quiet joke.

You tuck closer beneath his coat-galaxy, heartbeat steady against the endless dark.

Morpheus summons a quill with a faint flick of his fingers—raven-feather black, tip already inked—and angles the book across his knee. You watch, amused, as he pauses, seemingly weighing how much dignity an Endless can safely sacrifice to humor.

At last he writes:

Entry Three: She laughed so hard the atlas of nightmares rattled on its shelf.

I have concluded:

Her mirth is stronger than dream-fire.

Pirate dukes are unfit to wear fuzzy socks.

I, however, remain eminently qualified.*

He adds a tiny, perfectly rendered doodle in the margin: a stick-figure duke tangled head-to-toe in yarn while a smug, sock-clad stick-Morpheus stands victorious.

You clap a hand over your mouth, failing to stifle a snort. “You drew fan-art.”

“I documented empirical evidence,” he corrects—though the upward tilt of his lips betrays him.

You nudge his shoulder. “Add footnote four: Endless caught doodling by mortal girlfriend.”

He arches a brow, but dutifully appends:

4) Evidence recorded under duress of Guardian’s request.

Quill vanished, book closed, he murmurs, “Satisfied?”

“Utterly.”

Date Published: 29/4/25

Last Edit: 2/5/25

Previous | Masterlist

Morpheus | Sandman

[dreamaturgy]

all the ashes in my wake・゜✭

CHAPTER ONE. ☆ dream x fem!reader (original character) ☆ when a vampire unwittingly bites the dream lord in her sleep, she gets roped into helping him investigate why dreams are mysteriously dying/disappearing. what starts as a reluctant partnership turns into something more as they chase night hags around faerûn to save both the dreaming and the waking world. OR: a sleep-deprived vampire just wanted a nap and inherited dream's problems instead. ☆ warnings: blood, mild horror ☆ note: nine chapters planned. third pov. ratings will 100% go up. and yes i poured my thirst for astarion into this oc don't @ me. ☆ comments, kudos, likes and reblogs are loved ❤

☆ snippet (read the full chapter on AO3):

The dream in his arms flickers, gossamer-thin as it struggles to breathe — as much as a dream can. This shouldn’t be happening. Dreams don’t fucking die, and Morpheus presses his knuckles against its emaciated cheek, swallowing past the lump in his throat. Around them, grass and leaves rustle mournful. “Have I displeased you, my lord?” it asks, somewhere between a rasp and a whimper, and Morpheus shakes his head, the knot between his brows stunned and crestfallen. But it’s not entirely uncalled for. Gault comes to mind — among other things — and briefly he closes his eyes, red-brimmed. “This is not my doing,” he tries to reassure — to soothe a guilty conscience from past errancies, maybe — but it doesn’t matter. The dream fades, regardless of the forces behind the uncanny circumstances, of his own strength and essence poured into its weary soul. “You have served well, and you will serve again.”

He’s never felt so uncertain before, so… disquieted, watching his realm and its folks and its guests succumb to an unknown sickness. And he’s utterly powerless to help them. The dream shudders one last time, its body mirroring the stars above, pinpricks of light winking out one by one like dying fireflies. A dream, gone. Against his will. And it dies smiling, so quick to trust him, to heed his promise and believe. There was a time when he lamented the lack of faith of his subjects. As if he would abandon them. As if it were in his nature, to forfeit his responsibilities. As if he had no heart. That smile should comfort, and cheer, and embolden. Instead it only manages to perturb him. “Something’s wrong, boss,” Matthew announces the obvious, a new frailty in his voice that itches on Morpheus’ cheek; he wipes it off. “Dreams aren’t supposed to die.” “No,” he agrees quietly, sounding so weary all of a sudden. “They are not.”

READ THE FIRST CHAPTER ON AO3.

[roguelov]

Crimson Stained Petals (Chapter 5)

Summary: Set in the 1880s, rumors and mysteries swirled around a quaint town, mostly about a lord tucked far into the woods. Arriving in town, you could not deny your curiosities, but you were not here to stay. Or so you thought. Low on funds, and a job for a live-in servant advertised in the paper, you now found yourself in the home of Lord Morpheus - the source of all rumors. Passions and tensions will grow. Questions will be answered, but may come at a hefty price. And a promise may be broken. But, is Lord Morpheus, and those few residents, truly as scary as they seem?

Words Count: ~6.1k

Reader: Fem

Warnings: fluff, pining, heated makeout, bloodlust, some angst

Chapter 4, more chapters to come!

With a single exhale from the universe, days flew by on the breeze. Your once tense nerves for the party suddenly formed into bubbling excitement. Yet, before you could stew in such emotions, the day of the party arrived. As the sun slowly descended, you began to get ready and luckily Lucienne happily offered to help.

“You look stunning,” Lucienne commented as she finished up the final touches.

Your hands ran over the fine material. A bashful smile curled over your lip and you muttered, “Thank you.”

She smoothed out the dress once more. She stepped back, smiling at you. “Now go, you don’t want to be late.”

You stumbled out your thanks as she ushered you out of your room. You laughed then walked towards the front door. From the front entrance, Morpheus heard your footsteps and sweet melodic laughter. His back faced you, yet as you rounded through the corner he peered over his shoulder. In a single look, you revived his ancient heart.

You were draped in a matching color: an inky midnight black. The neckline plunged rather far, a revealing cut. Thick, velvet, straps looped over your shoulders with fine silver fabric mimicking tassels draped and swayed over your bicep at every fraction of your movement. The dark corset delicately cinched your waist, elongating your figure. Silver embroidery - swirls, spirals, with floral accents - trailed across the top of the corset. The same pattern was added onto the skirt, winding down the side and along the bottom. A single slit ran up the dress revealing the dark ruffling underskirt - or so the illusion. With every movement, a small train behind you swished. The final touch were silk black gloves pulled up past your elbow.

It was elegant, it was expensive.

It was also a gift from Morpheus for this special night.

Morpheus slowly remembered how to breathe again as he fully turned around taking you all in. “You’re beautiful.”

You bowed your head, feeling a heat rise to your cheeks, “Thank you.” It was such a simple compliment, yet coming from him it meant the world to you. “And you look handsome as well.”

Morpheus wore a pristine three piece all black suit. A notable design was the similar swirling, floral pattern on his vest, however it could only be seen up close. It was black on black, and still striking. His pale skin glowed against the void of color. His eyes sparkled like gems, blue topaz seen dangling from high society ladies’ ears and necks. He was the epitome of night, not an ounce of color on him this evening, not even his usual ruby.

“Thank you,” he smiled softly. He extended his arm out to you. “Shall we?”

You easily returned his smile, and looped your arm through his. “Yes.”

Morpheus led you out to the carriage, and the awaiting driver. He kindly opened the door for you and helped you in. For a moment, you were royalty. And you secretly indulged in the fantasy of riches and glamor. You were from wealth and not a lowly worker. You were about to have an evening of adventure and fun with your date -

Date?

Plopping down into the seat, you stewed in such thoughts as Morpheus joined you. He slid into the seat across from you and asked the carriage man to please go. It would be a long ride and it was best to start now. The sun had already set, leaving hints of its warm light still clinging on the horizon. Yet, neither of you panicked. It was a ‘midnight gathering’ per Robert Galding’s words.

You jerked in your seat as the carriage lurched forward.

Date? You thought again. Is that what you truly were tonight? Were you his date or was this a simple act of kindness? Yes? No? Somewhere in between? No, you were a simple employee who struck gold with such a generous employer.

Or, so you continued to tell yourself.

Even if a part, deep down, wished otherwise. A part of you with a voice so small and neglected over the years. If it could just speak, if it could just have this for a moment. But, perhaps it was best to not indulge in such dizzying fantasies. He was your boss and -

“Are you okay?”

Jolted by his voice, you snapped out of your thoughts. You blinked, staring wide eyed at him. “I’m sorry, what?”

Morpheus offered a soft lopsided smile. “You seem … lost in your thoughts I suppose, are you okay?”

You laughed nervously, pushing aside your previous thoughts. “I guess I’m a little nervous. I haven’t had much experience in parties.”

If any.

“I’m sure you will do well. It will be fun, a nice change of pace,” he offered.

You nodded. “I’m sure it will be.”

Hopefully.

He smiled, leaning back into his seat. “Relax, we have a long journey ahead.”

Your eyes dropped down as his leg gently bumped into yours, a small reassurance. Your heart flipped then quickly settled. His calm aura, his charming smile, the way his head tilted back further into the seat, how his eyes softened as you stared, you were spellbound by him.

His calmness radiated, making you calm.

In a few short hours, you arrived at an extravagant home - a mansion. Warm light oozed out of every window and opening. Soft chatter and laughter of people enchanted your senses.

Morpheus stepped out, graciously took your arm and guided you to the front entrance of the home. Standing inside the main hall, a man talked with a woman. His laughter was so loud and so contagious. His smile radiated. He was a dash of sun during these dark hours. His chestnut hair, flecked with grey streaks on his temples, was slicked back and nearly touched his shoulders. His chin was stubbled with a faint beard, a certain ruggedness to his otherwise soft appearance. His suit was a fine charcoal grey, soft and subtle, like the color of a rain cloud blowing away on the wind revealing the sun behind it, or grey found in the pebbles of a riverbed full of fish and life. He was a breath of life, and you were instantly in awe of him.

The woman giggled then shuffled off into the ballroom off to the side. The man’s warm eyes swiveled, locking onto the pair of you. His eyes instantly lit up. “Morpheus,” he greeted, smiling ear to ear.

“Robert,” Morpheus said with a far more reserved smile. Morpheus turned his head addressing you. “This is my dear friend, Robert Gadling. Robert, this is my company for tonight, (Y/N) (Y/L/N).”

Robert reached over, taking your hand and politely kissed your knuckles. “Pleasure, and do please refer to me as Hob most of my friends do.”

“Pleasure, Hob. You may simply call me, (Y/N).”

Hob smiled, beaming and bright. “So, how do you know our dear dark friend?”

“Oh, well, I’m actually one of his employees,” you mumbled, slightly embarrassed. “I’m a live-in servant. I mainly do house chores.”

“She is my plus one,” Morpheus interjected. “And that is all I wish to hear from tonight.”

He didn’t need, nor want, more gossip.

Hob glanced at Morpheus with a certain flint in his eyes and nodded. He glanced back at you, still smiling, “Well, I do hope you enjoy yourself tonight.”

“Thank you.” You returned the smile.

Morpheus led you into the room. He greeted a few others and introduced you, but you quickly forgot their names. It was a bit overwhelming. He steered you to a table filled with refreshments. Picking up two filled glasses, he passed one to you. You both silently cheered before taking a sip. A sweet wine coated your tongue and down your throat. You hummed, thankfully for the alcohol hoping to settle your nerves.

Morpheus leaned into you. “I am going to speak with Robert, will you be okay by yourself?”

You couldn’t deny the quick douse of fear over your heart. Your eyes darted to the other guests who laughed loudly. However, you simply smiled at him. “I believe I will be, I’m more than capable of handling some social interactions.”

He chuckled lightly. “Good, I will be back shortly.”

He strolled off to Hob, who stayed by the ballroom entrance to greet any other late guests. You eyed the crowd, sipped your drink for a boost of courage, then decided to try to talk with others. You hadn’t spoken to many on your way in, you might as well see what these fine folk are like.

Morpheus slid up beside Hob. His eyes were still on you as you made your way to the crowd of people. Hob followed his line of sight and snickered under his breath. He turned to look at his dead old friend with his ever charming smile. “So, a mortal?”

Morpheus did not respond initially.

”Although. I did specify not to bring Lucienne, you still somehow managed to bring an employee of yours.”

”Is there a point you are trying to make?” Morphues tore his eyes away from you.

Hob continued to smile, one that was endearing and kind. “I’m simply glad you came.”

Morpheus was slightly taken back.

”It’s good to see you out again. You haven’t visited me in years, and had declined my other invitations so I’m happy to see you are doing well.”

Morpheus’s gaze slowly peered back at you amongst the crowd. Your smile was wide and beautiful, and your laughter was still the most wondrous melody he had ever heard. “I am, better than I have been in years.”

“Good.” Hob pushed himself off the wall. “I do believe it is time we start the party, I hope you don’t mind what I am about to do.”

Unaware, you laughed as a woman recounted her lively escapades with countless partners.

“Excuse me?” You twisted around to see the host, Hob, with his hand reached out to you. “May I have the honor of dancing with you?”

“Oh, um,” you hesitated, seeing how Morphues was nowhere to be seen. But, you couldn’t be rude to the host of the event. You carefully placed your hand in his, “Yes, you may.”

Hob smiled and led you over to the dance floor. It was nerve wracking. It wasn’t the honor of dancing with him, but also the first dance of the night. Your nerves must have been apparent because Hob joked, “You don’t have to worry, if anything I should be. I have two left feet.”

A smile tugged on your lips as your nerves settled. Hob gently spun you around and instantly the musicians - who eagerly waited - began to play a beautiful melody. Hand in hand, arm on waist and shoulder. hob led the two of you in a circle to the heart of the song. Quickly, and thankfully, others began to join. The dance floor was filled with a sea of people and a cacophony of noise.

“So,” Hob began as he twisted you around, “how did you come to know our dear brooding friend?”

You laughed once. “It’s not an exciting story, quite plain actually.”

”Tell me, if you can.”

”Well,” you sighed, “I travel often, and wanderer I suppose, never in one place for too long. I was in town and saw an advertisement in the local paper for a live-in servant to do housework. I was low on funds and decided to take a leap.”

Hob nodded, “I see, so happenstance?”

”Correct.”

”And I hope you do not mind me asking, but why haven’t you set roots somewhere? I understand the need to see the world, I also don’t stay still for long.”

“Like you said, to see the world and sometimes my feet are already moving before I can hear the call myself.” Your smile turned somewhat sorrowful. “I am always looking for something. I’m not sure what it is, but I’ll know it once I see it.”

Hob’s eyes softened. “And I hope you find what you are looking for.”

Suddenly, Hob’s eyes flickered behind you. A knowing smile curled on his lips. A new hand tapped on your shoulder and a familiar voice asked, “May I have this dance?”

Looking behind you, Morphues stood in the moving sea of spinning people with his hand offered out. You glanced back at Hob, and he gave a small nod. You can go, it said. You faced Morpheus smiling widely, “I would be honored.”

You placed your hand into his and instantly the world faded away. Taking your hand, he spun you around almost as if he was showing you off. He brought you close as his free hand landed carefully on your waist. Despite the layers you adorn, you still felt it.

“I hope Hob wasn’t too much for you,” he asked, leading the dance.

You laughed lightly. “No, not at all.”

“Good.”

Dancing with him, the world melted away. It was you and him, nothing else. Two hearted pounded in unison as feet echoed the chaotic beat. If others were watching - and they certainly were - you did not care. Sparks flew. Words needn’t be said. Each of you were utterly entranced. You danced and danced, pulling and pushing each other. The gap between the two of you seemed to shrink and shrink with every step and turn.

He was so close.

So tantalizing close.

Morphues spun you around, bringing your back to his chest. His hand laid flat against your stomach. His other hand held your wrist still leading the dance. He dipped his head, his hot breath fanned across your ear.

“Care to join me for a breath of fresh air?” He whispered.

You tipped your head back, and hummed, “Yes.”

Off the dance floor, and your arm looped through his, Morpheus led you away from all the commotion. Through the pair of double doors, he stepped outside onto the terrace. On the lawn, there was a cobblestone path leading to a fountain with an assortment of bushes and flowers lining the path. It was open, and freeing, with its rolling hills surrounding the property. You could see to the farthest home with its lights still aglow inside. You could imagine picnics in the sun, or tumbling down the hills like a child. It was gorgeous, yet the hills brought a silence unlike the constant chatter of the forest.

Morpheus guided you down the cobble path and around the fountain to a bench. He sat down, his back to the fountain and manor. It was a miser of privacy, but he was willing to take it. He needed the fresh air, he needed just a moment alone with you. He gazed up ahead at the twinkling stars and crescent moon. You carefully sat down beside him, however you did not look uo. Instead, you looked at him. He was the night. The color of his hair plucked from the dark corner of the night sky, his skin bathed in starlight, and his eyes were like two moons brought to life from legends.

He was a god of night.

Stunning, lovely, and frightening all at once. He was dangerous, you knew that. A man of power, and a man of prestige. And yet, you could not stop your heart from fluttering in his presence, you could not stop yourself from constantly seeking him out, you could not stop thinking about him.

Delusion, such blind delusions.

He was dangerous and charming, a wicked combination.

But, for a moment, you allowed yourself to live in these dizzying emotions. If just for a single night. Let me have this, let me pretend, let me dream. You leaned over, with your heart in your throat, and pecked his cheek. “Thank you for bringing me,” you whispered. “Even if I was your only choice.”

Morphues whipped his head. Surprise and confusion battled in his eyes. You were so close. He could hear your wild heartbeat, and he knew his own matched it. He could smell your impossibly sweet blood coursing through your veins igniting his courage while also driving him to near insanity. Your soft breath hitched, your lips parted, and your face under the moonlight beckoned him - like a moth to a flame.

Or a predator to its prey.

Your words finally broke through his stupor. “Only choice?” He repeated those words, almost unsure he heard you correctly. “My dear, it was never a choice. I brought you - I came here - to show you a good time. If anything I should be giving my thanks that you agreed to join me.”

”But, you didn’t have to, even if your friend heavily suggested -“

”If I did not wish to come, I wouldn’t be here/ And you have been so kind and wondrous with your stay. I wanted to repay your kindness.”

He didn’t have to. He didn’t need to say a thing to you, yet he constantly sought out your options and checked in on you. “Why?” You asked.

Why me?

“Because I wanted to, is that so wrong?”

”No, no, it’s not,” you shook your head, “I just cannot fathom that a man of your stature acts the way you do.”

It doesn’t make sense.

“Should I ignore you? Scold you? Treat you poorly so that you hate working for me?”

”No, I -“

He leaned forward, his hand rested on top of yours. All you saw and felt was hime. His hand sparked a fire across your fire and burned its way into your chest. ”Please, stop questioning my generosity. I do what I do because I want to. I wanted to bring you here, I wanted you to meet my friend, I wanted to dance with you, I wanted you to be here with me.”

You couldn’t breathe. He stole your breath, your thoughts, and any sane reasoning. Don’t. Don’t do it. Your logical side urged you, it was here to protect yourself. However, you could not hear it over the sound of your own heart, a heart full of want and blinded by rose colored glasses. You couldn’t hear it over Morpheus’s voice that sang sweetly in your ears. You couldn’t see reason when he was directly in front of you, and how his soft lips tempted you.

Damn everything for just a moment.

In a flash, you closed the gap and kissed him. It was short, a quick peck on the lips. You may have gathered the courage to act, but you didn’t want to overstep. You pulled away - a small sliver of space to breathe and collect your thoughts. Opening your eyes, you were met with the most beautiful blue imagainable, a blue which haunted your dreams. You leaned away as an apology formed on your tongue.

However, Morphues was a viper.

His hand shot out and wrapped around the back of your neck, bringing you back to him. His lips collided with yours. This time he wanted to savor it, he had a tasting and it wasn’t enough to satisfy him. He eagerly parted his lips, begging for entrance. And why would you deny him? It was messy, it was intense, and you wouldn’t want it any other way. You were set on fire by him, consumed by him.

He tilted his head, and slipped his tongue inside. Instantly, you moaned, unabashedly and surprised by how easily he pulled out such a sound by you. You gave yourself over, letting him learn how to make you sing.

And sing you would.

His tongue swirled around, making your skin flush. You grabbed the front of his jacket, pulling him closer. Your bodies flushed together like puzzle pieces. A hum rumbled in the back of his throat. His lips were impossibly soft and addictive. The touch and taste seared into your mind, a memory to always look back on. A hauntingly sweet memory.

More. He wanted more.

He gently lowered you down on the bench. His hands landed on either side of your head. He finally broke the kiss, staring down at you - you who was somewhat sprawled out so lovely on this stone bench. You looked delectable, you looked ravishing, you looked like a goddess he was ready to drop to his knees and pray to. Your chest heaved frantically. He could hear how your heart raced, and how it raced in tandem with his ancient one. You had brought new life back into this immortal.

Staring up, Morpheus was casted in the moonlight. An angel of mythos or the devil of temptation, you couldn't decide. However, in this moment, you frankly didn’t care. Salvation? You never cared for it, especially now. Under the moonlight, his eyes almost seemed to glow, unnaturally so. A trick of your drunk mind - drunk on alcohol, sin, and love. You reached up, caressing his face. He immediately leaned into your touch. He turned his head and kissed on top of your glove on the inside of your wrist.

A flare of desire and hunger swirled inside of him. It was deadly to play with them, but he couldn’t leave this moment yet. He weaned to savor every possible second until the clock struck.

Or before the monster called.

He kissed down your arms. You hummed, craning your neck. You threw your arm over his shoulder, not wishing him to leave. He nuzzled his face into your neck, inhaling your scent. He groaned.

Dear lord -

His lips traced over the vein in your neck. Your blood called out to him. He could feel the pulse by his lips, beckoning him. He tentatively kissed the crook of your neck. Hearing you sigh in delight, he continued. He trailed butterfly kisses up and down your neck, feeling you squirm under him. He slowly placed an opened mouth kiss on your neck and you shivered. Desire surged through him. His teeth grazed over the unblemished skin, and he thought it a crime to not tarnish it.

Part of him, lost in the moment, wanted others to see. He wanted them to know you were his. No hands shall touch you unless they want repercussions. He began to nibble on your skin. You breathed out a moan, drawing him closer. You didn’t dare let him leave now.

He could imagine countless nights tangled together. He could imagine you laid out on his bed, on his silk sheets. He could imagine how you called out his name like a prayer. He could imagine mapping out your body with his lips. He could imagine how your back would arch under his touch. He could imagine how your eyes would droop in lust and want. He could imagine himself begging for a taste. He could imagine you smiling and turning your head to reveal a faint scar where he already fed before. He could imagine how sweet you would taste and how the pain brought ecstasy. He could imagine -

His incisors lengthened, beginning to poke at your skin. Unaware, and drowning in bliss, you hummed softly. Morpheus slowly began to apply pressure. His once playful intentions were replaced with something more sinister. Pain and pleasure mixed. Morpheus could not, and would not, stop. He had you in his grasp, and all he wanted was a taste. Just a mere taste. Back in the garden, it wasn’t enough. You lingered on his tongue constantly all day and all night.

More. Just a little more, a voice growled in his thoughts.

However, pain grew to discomfort, it was no longer pleasure. You hissed. He felt it. He felt your heartbeat jump, not out of lust but fear. He smelled the surge of concern wash over you. It was bitter. He instantly lurched back. He hovered over you. You opened your eyes, meeting his. His eyebrows furrowed together as sorrow stained his eyes. You tried to say something - anything - to calm him, to keep this going. But, he was gone. He muttered under his breath, then ran off.

It happened all so fast, like in a blink. One moment he was drawing out such desires, the next he vanished. Like a mirage, a dream. Now, you were left on your back, breathless, trying to claw at the fleeting memory. You wanted to savor, to hold it close to ensure it was reality and not some fantasy of the night.

“I’m sorry.”

That was what he said. The two words finally caught up to your ears. He was sorry, but why? Why would he be apologizing? Was it you? Was it -

You sighed, deeply. The fantasy, the allure of the night, had finally washed away. You shouldn’t be delving into such delights. Not with him. You sat up, and ran your hand over your neck. You winced slightly under the tender flesh. You glanced back at the light of the manor, to the cheers of people and music. Now, you had to walk back and pretend to others as if they did not know what happened, as if the signs were not slowly forming on your neck.

You walked away, not daring to glance back at the space which held a new secret. It was best to get back to the manor, best to get back to reality. You shouldn’t mix yourself with him, you knew better. Slipping back inside, you scanned the room. No one paid any mind to you, perhaps too drunk to care. However, you did not see Morpheus, no signs of the regal dark king.

The idea of the ride back, those long few hours, weighed on you. The tension, the awkwardness, and the obvious confrontation was going to be unbearable. Yet, you continued on your search because you wanted to go back, you were done with this silly dream, done with your delusions. You only needed Morpheus to return back with. If you can find him, which was somehow proving to be more difficult.

You did, however, find Hob. He was leaning on the wall near the doorway to the main foyer and ballroom. He was watching over his guest ensuring they were still enjoying themselves.

You approached him, “Excuse me, Hob?”

Hob, who was enjoying a moment of solitude with a drink, smiled at you. “Yes?”

You glanced around once more, yet still no Morpheus. You sighed deeply, addressing Hob. “I’m sorry to bother you, but have you seen Morpheus?”

“I’m sorry, I have not.” Hob frowned, “Has something happened?”

“No, I just wish to go home now.”

“Oh, I’m sorry to see you go. But, I will keep an eye out for him. If I see him, I will tell you straight away.”

“Thank you, Hob, I appreciate it.” You turned and fell into the crowd, moving through the crowd of people trying to find him.

Hob sighed and leaned his head against the wall. “I suppose you heard that.”

On the other side of the entrance, Morpheus was pressed against the wall hidden in the edges of darkness. Yes, he heard it all. And, it pained him greatly. He ran his hand over his mouth, still feeling your lips and skin on his lips. Most of all, he felt his incisors still out seeking your blood.

“I did,” Morpheus mumbled.

“You should talk to her.”

“And do what?” Morpheus hissed. “I nearly killed her tonight, Robert. And I can still feel myself being pulled in by her.”

“And what should I do?”

“I’m not sure. I simply can’t be alone with her, for I am afraid I will hurt her gravely.”

Hob sipped his drink. “I understand.”

A silence hung over the pair. Hob watched as you circled the party still looking for Morpheus and even asked a few others. Meanwhile, Morpheus was only a few feet away.

“I’m surprised you brought her.” Hob whispered. “A mortal and one in your care, it’s just like -“

“Do not speak his name.” Morpheus’s tone was cold, and intimidating. Hob was crossing a line, one neither spoke of but knew existed.

Hob, however, quickly brushed over Morpheus’s threat. He wouldn’t speak his name, but he would warn his friend. “I worry about you, Morpheus. That is all, we all do. I just hope you understand what will and what always happens to mortals.”

“I am very aware of their lifeline, Hob.” More than most realize, he bitterly thought.

“… I … I just don’t want to see you hurt again.”

Morpheus frowned at Hob’s gentle tone. Hob was truly his closest, and only, friend he had. He trusted him without a doubt. “I believe we both know pain is permanently ingrained in our long lives.”

Hob snorted, taking another sip. “Yes, I cannot disagree with that.”

“Please,” Morpheus mumbled, completely broken. “Tell her I fell ill, or that I already left. Send her away in our carriage, and I will find another transportation home.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, I can’t be near her now.”

“Okay.”

That was all Hob said, before he pushed himself off the wall and walked towards you.

Morpheus peered out from behind the wall, and watched. Hob smiled as he approached you, only for his smile to drop like a well timed act. He told a lie, and said to take a carriage home. Your face dropped, but before sadness could take hold you smiled. You thanked Hob, and wished him the best and to hopefully see him again. You held yourself high, and buried your emotions deep. You would not break, at least not now in public.

Morpheus’s heart squeezed. To think he caused this, to think he brought heartache upon you, it nearly ruined him. And in a way, he believed he deserved it. Was he not a monster after all? Did he not almost lose himself and try to kill you?

Hob, taking your arm, led you out. While, Morpheus slinked away into the darkness, into halls unseen. Like the monster he was. Hob walked you outside and saw you out. With a flick of the reins, with a whine of a horse, Morpheus now knew you were safely away from him. When Hob returned, he headed directly towards Morpheus casted in his shadows.

“She is gone.” Hob stated.

“I know.”

“And so how will you get home?” Hob asked.

“I have my ways.”

Anger and discontent roared inside Hob. “What will you do? Run the whole way? Ride a carriage and pray the sun doesn’t touch you? You are not even wearing the charm I gave you, how will you protect yourself now? You think you are faster than the sun, or do you want the sun to catch you? Or do you think my magic can do such great feats of sending you away in a blink or stopping the sun from rising?”

Morpheus’s lips thinned.

Hob sighed heavily, dropping his shoulders. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I am just worried for you.”

Morpheus’s expression softened. “I know and I appreciate your concern. But, I can see myself out.”

“Morpheus, please -“

“I will be fine, I assure you.”

Hob wanted to argue more, but Morpheus had been set in his ways. “Okay, but do make it back alive. If not for my sake, but for her sake.”

Morpheus blinked, then sighed. “I will. Thank you for inviting me, Robert. I do apologize for the inconvenience I thrusted upon you.”

Hob waved him off. “Nonsense, it makes for an exciting night, just keep in contact more.”

“You have my word.”

Morpheus was out the door before Hob could properly say goodbye. Outside under the moon, Morpheus tipped his head back, exhaling deeply. He opened his senses allowing the world to flood through him once again. Hob’s comment about running home was partially true. Perhaps if he was in his younger years, and if he had fed properly recently, he could have surpassed you in the carriage. However, he was older and muscles had not been used in so long. He had resigned himself to a chair and desk, dealing with stories and business. Instead, he could make it home before sunrise, but not before you. No, you would walk into an almost empty manor with questions and thoughts he could not answer.

No, not until tomorrow. Or if he had the courage to do so.

He looked towards the direction of home, towards you in the carriage vanished from sight. Inhaling, he turned then stepped once then twice then sprinted away. One moment he stood in the driveway of Hob’s home, the next Morpheus was gone. All that was left behind was the sounds of wiping wind, and regret.

Meanwhile, you stewed in your thoughts. Hob had lied. You knew that. It was evident on his face. Morpheus was not sick, he was hiding. But, why? Why the lies? What happened by the fountain? What changed?

And why did you care so much?

You closed your eyes, and rubbed your temples as a headache slowly formed. To think tonight ended in such an unbelievable way. You nearly wished to go back in time and warn your younger self. But, you couldn’t. So, instead, you sat here with bitter thoughts and a confused heart.

When you arrived at the manor, in the dead of night, you quietly thanked the carriage driver. He said nothing, only rode off. You slowly approached the door, and it dawned on you: you had no key. You internally groaned, but knew one person was home. Ringing the bell, you winced at how long it resonated throughout the silence. You, thankfully, did not wait long. The door swung up revealing a slightly disheveled Lucienne. Her glasses gone as she blinked trying to get her bearings.

“I am so sorry, Lucienne,” you apologized. “I truly didn’t wish to wake you, but I didn’t have any choice.”

Lucienne’s eyes landed on you, then darted behind you. “Where is Lord Morpheus?”

“Still at Robert Gadling’s. He had fallen ill, and insisted I go without him.” You so easily spewed out the lie you were told.

Her eyes widened, “Is he okay?”

“I believe he is, he is under Mr. Gadling’s care that I see no reason to cause concern.”

Lucienne nodded. “Right, well, I do hope he comes home soon.”

You didn’t respond to her statement. “May I come in?”

“Oh, yes, of course.”

Lucienne stepped aside and allowed you through. She shut and locked the door behind you. Turning towards you, Lucienne asked, “Are you okay?”

“What?” You spun around.

“Are you okay? Traveling alone and for so long, not to mention having to leave Lord Morpheus, I suspect you might be in some distress. Which is unfortunate after what I hope was a lovely evening.”

“Oh, yes, well the night was fun, certainly unforgettable.”

Lucienne smiled, softly. Her eyes were clearly tired.

“I should let you go,” you said. “You must be tired, for I know I am.”

She chuckled lightly. “Of course, goodnight.”

The two of you started to parts way, but Lucienne froze halfway up the stairs. “Oh! Before I forget, there is a letter for you.”

“There is?” You glanced up at her from the bottom floor.

“Yes, I went to the post office this morning and the worker there asked me to give it to you. I placed it on your desk in your room.”

Your eyes darted to the hall, to your room. “Thank you, and again I apologize for waking you.”

“Nonsense, it soothed me knowing you made it back okay. Maybe we can talk more tomorrow about your adventure,” she smiled, making her eyes crinkle.

“Yes, maybe.” You returned the smile, despite it not being as genuine as hers.

“Goodnight,” she hummed sleepily.

“Goodnight, Lucienne.”

Walking into your bedroom, you first started the task and annoyance of undoing the corset and peeling off the layers. You sponged yourself off, then threw on a nightgown and robe. You nearly crawled into bed, utterly exhausted when you remembered the letter. You changed course heading towards your desk. Picking it up, the sender was titled: Alvin Sheng. A pen name you recognized. And instantly, you were greeted with relief and dare you say some nerves. Opening up the letter, you moved to the window using the moonlight to read it.

My Dearest,

I hope this letter reaches you well while on your new chapter of your life. In your previous letter, you spoke of your new job - one you implied of utmost importance. I am impressed to say the least, but I do hope you know what you are doing. If anything - and I do mean anything - arises please do contact me. But, as you are like myself, I know you will accomplish what you set out. I just implore you to be cautious. So, all I want to say is I wish you luck, and I hope to hear - or to ease my old heart, see - from you soon.

Please write again soon.

Much love and sincerely,

Alvin Sheng

To you Alvin Sheng was your loving uncle, to most he was a nobody, however to the hidden dark world lying beneath it all he was a legend: he was Van Helsing.

[canadiankazz]

Fanfic meme I got from @laurenthemself . It's long, so it's under a cut. :) I'm not going to tag anyone, so do this if you want to!

1. How many fics do you have on AO3? 78

2. What’s your total AO3 word count? 406,987

3. What fandoms do you write for? LA by Night, NY by Night (and Vampire the Masquerade by association with those two), Sandman and Good Omens. Back in my ff.n days, I wrote a lot of Doctor Who fic. Also Pirates of the Caribbean, Constantine, League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and X-Men. Those fics haven't made the journey to Ao3, but I might clean up some of my Doctor Who fics to put onto Ao3.

4. What are your top five fics by kudos?

Do Not Lose Hope - My Good Omens/Sandman cross over about Aziraphale becoming imprisoned alongside Morpheus.

Processing a Broken Arrangement - My first good Omens fic ever and also the fic I wrote the day after seeing Good Omens Season 2 for the first time to try to process my emotions. I think I posted this at a prefect time for others who were also in emotional turmoil to read.

Cosy Preening - A Post-canon Good Omens once shot about Aziraphale preening Crowley's wings.

Not Like Other Angels - My Good Omens Big Bang fic from last year. Aziraphale saves Crowley from a demon hunter in a blizzard.

The First Time - The start of my "Feeds From" Jasper/Annabelle LA by Night series. Annabelle feeds Jasper after the events of Season 1.

5. Do you respond to comments? Yes. Every single one gets a thank you, except for those that are replies to those "thank yous."

6. What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending? A Worst-Case Scenario - Which is just a little no-plot angsty scene of Aziraphale and Crowley at war I wrote for a prompt list.

7. What is the fic you wrote with the happiest ending? Probably Not Like Other Angels.

8. Do you get hate on fics? *touch wood* No, not yet.

9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind? Yes. I've written a lot of vampire smut.

10. Do you write crossovers? What’s the craziest one you’ve written? I don't write a lot of them, but there is this Good Omens/Sandman one I've mentioned already. Do Not Lost Hope

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen? Not that I know of.

12. Have you ever had a fic translated? No, but if anyone would like to, I'd definitely be keen!

13. Have you ever co-written a fic? Kind of. More than one fic came about through vampire RP with @cravatfiend.

14. What’s your all time favourite ship? Jeva (Jasper/Eva)

15. What’s a fic you’d like to finish but don’t think you ever will? I've finished all the fics I've started so far.

16. What are your writing strengths? Dialogue, keeping characters in character. (Maybe smut?)

17. What are your writing weaknesses? Action/fight scenes

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language in a fic? I try to avoid it because I don't want to make any mistakes.

19. First fandom you wrote for? Technically, Sleepy Hollow, though that fic is at the bottom of ff.n.

20. Favourite fic you’ve written? I have several.

Not Like Other Angels Because I had a lot of fun writing it with the Ineffable Idiots Big Bang crew and getting art for it made by @crowleyholmes (here) and PaulPaul .

Do Not Lose Hope Because I'm really proud of how this one turned out and it got a great response from readers.

I Don't Know What Happens Next My favourite Fix-it-fic.

Year One This was my favourite for a long time, and though it's very much been Jossed by canon. (I got basically everything I guessed about Jasper's backstory wrong lol) I still got Alex Ward to read it and he enjoyed it.

[fastlikealambo]

the invitation.|| a vampire!dream of the endless x black fem!reader fic sneak peek

summary: too kind for your own good, you release a trapped man in your boss's basement and strangely enough forget all about it.

one year later, you're invited to his wedding as a thank you for saving his life. as your memories of that fateful night start to return and things go bump in the night, you realize there's something very strange going on.

where is the bride?

a vampire! morpheus fic inspired by the movies the invitation and crimson peak. heavy on the gothic romance and melodrama.

18+ only, ageless and blank blogs will be ignored.

sneak peek

A year of blood and yearning.

For each hour Dream had spent imprisoned, he would take his due in blood. That was a thing about the wealthy, they loved legacies, held the luxury of well recorded bloodlines, not that he needed that. 

Every single Burgess and Burgess adjacent mortal was drained of blood, an avenging feast of retribution for their crimes against him.  He drank his way through cousins and uncles, he sipped on acolytes and jailers,  dined and dined till his supper of punishment left him full.

And after that, the vampire yearned.

For you.

You were what saints should pray to.

The vampire was not a religious person but he would tear the devil in two for a single chance to dip between your brown thighs and drown.  

For that reason alone, Dream had work to do.

No throats to sink into or ravenous revenge to distribute, this was completely different, this was the crescendo of his immortal life’s work and it was all for you.

The vampire of dreams was taking a wife. 

And what a beautiful bride you’d make. 

@pinksirensong 

@xasement

@morpheus-helm 

@darkfairy102190 

[dervampireprince]

ASMR | The Sandman - Dream x Listener SFW Calling To Dream When You're Regressed

[M4A] [Established platonic or romantic relationship] [Regression comfort (left vague as to whether it's age regression or pet regression)] [Left vague enough that the listener can you or Hob]

I'm so happy Dream was finally requested again, I love doing his voice so much, something about voicing him just makes me excited and perhaps gender euphoric. Based on a Patreon request. Not That Eli asked "I would love to see a Dream regression audio, whether little, or puppy, or kitten (hello, king of cats!)". AceofHearts asked"A regression audio with Dream 💞 I bet he could make the listener feel so small and safe if they were regressed in the Dreaming."

.

Old public spicy audios on sound gasm (link in pinned post). 2 Exclusive spicy audios on Patreon every month. I also stream on Twitch every week @ dervampireprince . [minors + ageless blogs dni. this blog is for 18+ only.] [do not repost/reupload/edit any of my content]

[kpopgirlbtssvt]

Are there any Sandman (Netflix) stans out there who also love The Vampire Diaries/The Originals?? It would be so interesting to see those worlds collide!!! Like imagine this pairing- Morpheous with the youngest Salvatore (vampire) sister?? Dream ends up going to Mystic Falls where he meets Y/n Salvatore (present day), Damon and Stefan’s younger sister (of course the characters would need to be aged up… Maybe she would be 20, Stefan 21, and Damon would still be around 25??). It would be sooo interesting seeing him with Y/n, who is a vampire and a Salvatore!! Imagine her personality being somewhat of a mix between Damon and Stefan- The sweetness of Stefan and the mischievous, sarcastic, teasing personality, of Damon… Dream would have his hands full haha, like she’d probably remind him of Desire, just without the plotting against him stuff. But omggg what if Y/n and Desire got along (as friends), Dream would be like “?????”. Lolll Omg also, her relationship with Death would be interesting considering she is technically “dead” since she’s a vampire??

[th1s1smyw0nd3rland]

Vampires Dream Too (Part 1)

Sandman x TVD crossover 

Morpheus x reader! Salvatore sister

Uses fem!Y/N and third person POV, minimal description of Y/N just cause she’s a Salvatore so she’s gonna look similar to Stefan and Damon 

Word Count: 2378

next part

(( inspired by a post by @kpopgirlbtssvt ))

“Hello, brothers,” a voice said, making Damon and Stefan stop their bickering, turning towards the balcony doorway. There stood a young girl, hair color in between of the two brothers at a very dark, mahogany brown and eyes as piercing as a diamond. She had her arms crossed at her chest, a smirk on her lips as she looked at the two young men who stared at her in surprise.

“What’s going on?” another voice asked and the girl’s eyebrows raised as Elena walked in. The two girls stared at each other for a moment, silence piercing the room before Damon let out a dramatic sigh before making his way over to the girl. 

“Welcome home, Y/N,” he said, his arms opening and Y/N smiled, quickly moving to meet him halfway, her eyes closing as she wrapped herself in his hug. She took a deep breath, taking in his scent before they pulled away slightly, Damon smiling as he pushed a piece of her hair behind her ear. 

“Well?” Y/N asked, turning to Stefan who shook his head, chuckling as he moved to give her a hug as well, his chin resting on head. “Oh yeah, this feels nice.” “It’s good to see you, Y/N.”

“It’s good to be back. Although..” She stepped away from Stefan, leaning her hips against a desk nearby and she leaned her hands back, her head tilting as she looked at the two men. “I have to say how ironic it is that when I left all those decades ago, I left you both bickering and decades later, I found you both…bickering,” She looked at the familiar girl with long brown hair and those sad, sad brown eyes, “And also how ironic it is…that it’s over the same girl.”

“Y/N, please,” Stefan cut in and she turned to look at him, “It’s..” 

“Don’t you dare tell me this is different, brother,”

“Wait…” the girl said, “Brother?” Y/N rolled her eyes as she turned to look at Damon, who gave his signature side smile.

“Fine, I’ll play nice,” Y/N sighed and she pushed herself off the desk, walking up to the girl who reminded her so much of Katherine Pierce. “Nice to meet you, girl who looks like Katherine. My name is Y/N. Y/N Salvatore. I’m Damon’s and Stefan’s younger sister.”

“Uh…Elena. Elena Gilbert,” Elena said before turning to look at Stefan, “You have a sister that I’m just now finding out about?” Stefan sighed but nodded, running a hand through his hair. 

“When she left, she wasn’t too happy with us,” Damon said, giving Y/N a shove and she rolled her eyes, giving him a shove back. 

“I’m still not happy with you two,” She said, her eyes looking at Elena and she began to slowly walk circles around the girl, her arms crossing over her chest. “I left Mystic Falls all those years ago because I couldn’t stand watching my brothers bicker over the same woman who turned them both into vampires who then turned me into a vampire and I come back to Mystic Falls to find my same stupid brothers fighting over yet another woman who is not the same but has the same face and happens to be recently turned into a vampire instead of being one from the get go.” Elena’s eyebrows furrowed as she listened to the youngest Salvatore, her eyes looking questioningly at Stefan. “I have to say Katarina handled vampirism a lot better.”

“That’s because she’s Katherine,” Stefan sighed, “And this is Elena. She never wanted to be a vampire.”

  “And whose fault is it that she is?” Damon cut in and Y/N eyes widened in annoyance as the brothers began to bicker once again.

“Enough!” she ordered, getting in between her brothers and she pushed them both away from the other, the veins appearing under her eyes as she glared at them. “I didn’t come home all these years to watch you two fight all over again. Let it go or walk away. You’re seriously fighting over who caused what when it comes to vampirism? It is ridiculous.”

“Y/N…”

“I don’t really want to hear it, Stefan,” the youngest snapped before turning to Elena, who looked uncomfortable on the sidelines of the altercation, “Whatever has happened leading to this, matters not, brothers. Elena is a vampire whether she wanted it, whether either of you wanted it, whether a higher being wanted it. It literally doesn’t matter. What matters is making this immortal existence bearable, yes?” Both Salvatore brothers seem to contemplate her words before they looked away, a silent agreement to end the argument though only for the moment. Stefan took Elena’s hand and led her out of the room, leaving Y/N to turn to her eldest brother, a smile similar to his adorning her lips as he met her eyes.

“Care to give your darling little sister a tour of the town?” Y/N asked and Damon scoffed but the smile was evident as he moved to wrap his arm around her shoulders, the two walking out of Salvatore residence. 

“Darling would be the last thing I would describe you,” Damon said, side eyeing her and she gave him a shove, giggling as he immediately pulled her back, “It’s good to have you back, little sister.”

“I suppose it is good to be back though you have a lot of explaining to do,” She said and he groaned, his head leaning back as they made their way into town. As Damon and Y/N sat at the bar of Mystic Grill, the oldest telling his little sister everything that has occurred since their return to their hometown. Stefan and Elena were out in the woods, trying to subdue the new thirst that now plagued Elena’s mind. Both parties preoccupied, a new entity stood at the border right outside of town. A black raven perched itself on the ground next to him, the entity’s eyes glancing at it for a moment. 

“What exactly are we doing here, boss?” The raven asked, his head bobbing back and forth and the entity let out a sigh, the sun bright against his crystal blue eyes.

“One of the Dreamers has died…” the entity said slowly, “However, I could still see her dreams as she slept.”

“How is that even possible?”

“You are a raven of the Dreaming and you question the possibility for a Dreamer to be able to dream after death?”

“Good point. Do you think it is one of your siblings’ doing?”

“No, but Death should not be far from this place. I have always been curious to see how she handled a death like this.”

“A death like this?”

“You shall see soon, Matthew. Come,” The raven let out a caw as he flapped his wings, following close behind his master as they walked passed a sign, “Welcome to Mystic Falls” written on it. Nobody seemed to pay any mind to the man adorning a black cloak, a raven in tow and they walked the streets of the small town before stopping in front of a green building, Mystic Grill placed at the center above the door. 

“Did you do it?” Elena asked, moving to the chair next to Damon, interrupting his conversation with Y/N and the younger sister rolled her eyes as she took another sip of her drink. 

“You must have claimed a lot of lives for so many to assume it was you who started this fire, brother,” Y/N said and Damon shot her a glare, making her giggle as she held her hands up in mock surrender, “I’m just saying. First the sheriff and now Elena.”

“Well, like I told Liz, no,” Damon emphasized, “And if I did, why in the Hell would I bother hiding it? When have I ever hidden my body count?”

“Okay, ew,” Y/N scoffed, shoving her brother’s shoulder before his attention was on Elena, hearing her as she nervously explained her struggles with the animal diet Stefan was trying to put her on. Y/N raised her finger for another drink, the newly vervain free bartender pouring her another glass of whiskey. The younger sister turned a blind eye to her older brother and her other brother’s girlfriend sneaking off towards the bathroom, letting out a sigh as she whirled the drink around in the cup. 

“Moved to second place once again,” she mumbled to herself before taking another swig, placing her glass down only for it to instantly be filled once more. She continued to drink in an attempt to swallow her annoyance when the sound of a caw caught her attention, her eyebrows furrowing as she glanced to the side, a raven casually stood on the bar. She looked over both her shoulders, noting how no one seemed to pay any mind to the bird inside the building and she turned back to the raven, its head twitching back and forth. Damon uses crows, not ravens, she thought to herself, letting out a noise of surprise as the raven unfurled its wings, flying out of the building. A mix of suspicion and curiosity, Y/N got up from the bar, leaving the tab for her generous older brother before making her way outside. As the door closed behind her, her eyes squinted against the bright sun as she tried to pinpoint where the raven had gone, taking a moment to try and weed through all the sounds she was hearing. The distant sound of its wings flapping caught Y/N’s attention and she turned towards the forest, quickly making her way into it. 

“Interesting,” a deep voice said and Y/N whirled around, her eyes frantically looking around to find the source of the sultry voice, “In all of my existence, I have merely heard of your kind’s existence. I have yet to see one like you outside of your dreams.”

“Who are you?” Y/N asked, her eyebrows furrowed and her body was tense, ready to defend herself if needed. 

“Easy, girl,” another voice said but this one was feminine, more friendly, “Excuse my brother, he doesn’t play well with others.” Y/N turned towards the rustling of leaves, her body ready to run with her vampire speed but she immediately let out a breath of relief when a familiar face appeared, her body relaxing.

“Have I not warned you enough about sneaking up on me, Death?” Y/N asked, a smile on her face and the Endless sister smiled back, shrugging her shoulders. 

“Sneaking up on you wasn’t the goal, I was just following Dream’s lead,” Death said simply, gesturing to her left and Y/N followed where her hand motioned, her eyes widening a bit. Stepping out into the open area stood Dream of the Endless, adorned in black like his older sister but he was pale, almost sickly so compared to her. His face was calm, his blue eyes following Y/N’s movement as they stared at each other. 

“Your little brother?” Y/N asked, though her eyes were still on Dream but she could see Death nod from her peripheral, “Dream of the Endless?” It was more of a statement than a question, Y/N had only heard stories of the King of Dreams and Nightmares, whether from fairy tales or whenever she seemed to cross paths with Death but Dream nodded once to confirm.

“What’re you even doing here, brother?” Death asked, “Have you not had your fill of the waking world?”

“I came because I witnessed this dreamer’s dreams...or nightmares, better put. I was curious. These creatures are the only ones that I allow to have control over the dreams of others yet I have not met one outside of dreams.”

“You were bored,” Death said and Dream’s lips seemed to turn up ever so slightly into a smile but Y/N caught it and it was safe to say that the sight wasn’t bad to see. 

“However,” Dream continued, ignoring his sister’s tease, “I see I was too late to see how you handled these types of deaths.” Death shrugged, her lips opening to respond once more when the sound of a voice rang through the forest, calling Y/N’s name. 

“Well, looks like they remembered my existence,” Y/N sighed, a side smile on her face but Death gave her a knowing look, which the vampire ignored, “It was nice seeing you, as always, Death and a pleasure to meet you Dream…if I can call you that? I don’t want to be too formal, you are a king after all.” Dream’s expression barely changed, no response being said and the vampire nodded awkwardly, hearing her name being called once more. She offered one more wave and smile, Death returning it as always but Dream didn’t move, only his eyes following as she turned to leave, calling after the voice as she walked towards it. The two Endless siblings stood together, hiding far enough to go unnoticed but close enough to watch as Y/N moved out from the shadows of the trees, a man who Dream assumed was one of the brothers she spoke about, looking at her with concern. Another girl was with them, Dream recognizing her as the dreamer whose sleep was filled with nightmares, her death being replayed over and over. Y/N and the man spoke for a moment at the edge of the forest before she looped her arms through his, all three walking into town. Dream’s eyes continued to follow Y/N’s disappearing figure, though he wouldn’t admit it as his sister took his attention, asking him if he were heading back because she had to continue with her appointments. 

“I will be returning to the Dreaming but I may travel back here,” Dream told her and she raised an eyebrow in question, “Curiosity,” he said simply, answering her unasked question and they bid their farewells, Death disappearing in the trees. Matthew landed on the ground next to the king who spared him a glance before turning back to where Y/N had disappeared. 

“With all that I’ve seen as your raven, boss,” Matthew said and Dream looked back down at him, “I thought nothing could surprise me but holy shit, vampires exist!” 

[dreamdaddymorpheus]

from dusk till dawn | morpheus x ancient vampire!reader

pairing: morpheus x ancient vampire!reader summary: Morpheus journeys to Hell to reclaim what is his...and his helm, he supposed. Lucifer is disgusted. warning: mentions of bl o o d, slight accidental d a ddy k*nk tbh, no beta we die like jessamy. a/n: also someone tell me why do I keep pairing Dream with unhinged women? lmao altho ngl this is giving brat tamer dream oopsie

“You have recovered your helm, dear Morpheus, I wonder why you linger still?” Lucifer Morningstar was arguably one of the most beautiful beings in existence – their graceful countenance marred only by the transparent derision they held for the King of Dreams and Nightmares. Or daughter-stealer as they would often call him in the privacy of their chambers. “I guarantee you safe conduct. You are free to return to your realm and sort your affairs, I’m certain there is much to do after…a century, was it?”

Morpheus merely smiled, ever serene and somewhat nonchalant, “You still yet possess another that which belongs to me.” He knew the result those words would bring, and he watched with slight amusement when black wings rippled with indignation. “I have also come to rectify that.”

“The gall.” The words came in a snarl through trembling lips and gritted teeth, laced with pure venomous intent. How this grim and fatalistic cradle robber succeeded in charming Hell’s progeny, the apple of their eye, escapes Lucifer even to this day.  “You overstep, Dream lord. What you claim to be yours is beyond that even of the Endless.” For you were not a small existence to be trifled with, even if you were foolish enough to give your heart to one so beneath you.

With pursed lips, Morpheus looked on coldly, “Do you intend to keep me from her, Lightbringer?” He challenged with a raised brow, tilting his head slightly to the side. “I assure you that would be unwise.”

Lucifer considered the Endless, watched with scrutinizing eyes for any sign of deception. Any sign of a ruse to lead him to you. “And pray tell, Dream of the Endless, why that would be?” They allowed a hint of amusement to slip into their tone, mocking almost. As if anything in the universe could justify such a reunion.

“Has she fed as of late?” The certainty in which those words were delivered, and the accompanying smirk startled the Ruler of Hell. No, no you have not.  You have refused all offerings and has secluded yourself in your palace, alone. This has baffled your progenitor to near madness for almost a century—

Morpheus watched the realization dawn on their face, his own smile widening at the very sight of it. One does not simply elude a child of the All-Mighty and to do so successfully was a high on its own. He shouldn’t enjoy it too much – especially when he intends to make a family out of Lucifer Morningstar yet. “Well, Lightbringer?” He mocked.

“What does that have to do you with you?” Gone were all false courtesies, replaced with such coldness it could very well freeze Hell over.

Morpheus dropped his smile then, features shifting to that of great solemnity, “We each took a vow. I pledged to surrender to her mercy, and she pledged to feed no more on innocent blood.” The explanation was simple, too simple,  but true, “It seems she has kept her word.” There was pride in his voice as well as affection, proud for what you have endured to keep your oath. He intends to keep his.

Lucifer couldn’t decide whether to rage at the fact that you have entered such a covenant or at the fact that you have not disclosed your hold over the King of Dreams and Nightmares to them. Foolish child. If only they did not adore you so. “You will right this, Morpheus.” They commanded in a tone that brokered no argument.

Dream of the Endless, accompanied by Lucifer themselves, followed the black marbled floors and cavernous walls of your palace. A quick glance through one of the lancet windows dotted along on either side of him showed the familiar sight of the eternal night of your realm with the moon perpetually high and full in the midnight skies.

At the end of this coiling halls was what seemed to be an ordinary wall adorned with a stained glass depicting the fable of Lilith, the rebellious first wife of Adam. How very fitting for you, indeed. He took a moment to ponder over an image of you as a rebellious wife and couldn’t stop the smile curling his lips. He was certain you would fight him tooth and nail over anything simply for the thrill of fighting him.

Lucifer to his side, however, could only roll their eyes at the Endless’ soft countenance. They didn’t need to be a mind reader to know his thoughts. “Make no mistake, Morpheus. You are here to end this juvenile accord with my daughter.”

Morpheus refused to acknowledge the warning and merely kept his eyes forward as they came to a stop before the decorated wall.

“Sanguis vita est.” As the commanding voice of the fallen divine filled the silent halls – a large, crystalized serpent rose from the marbled floors and slithered its way along the stained glass to form an arch and reveal an intricate set of doors that towered above them.

“I tire of your offerings, your grace.” Came a hoarse voice from behind the doors, dry and strained, before either could make their presence known.

Lucifer let out a resigned sigh at your usual display of indomitable will. It would have been admirable if they weren’t so anguished by your self-inflicted suffering.

Morpheus, on the other hand, felt himself freeze on the spot. There was a time when he thought he may never see you again and yet here you were with only a wall to impede your union. Without a word, he pushed open the doors to your chambers and allowed his eyes to wander –  slowly taking in the high ceiling and the enormous rose window facing the four-poster bed against the wall with red velvet covers and fluffy pillows haphazardly thrown here and everywhere. His eyes rest on the black velvet chaise situated in the centre of the room where he found you on your back, head hanging over the edge and your tresses pooling on the floor like a river, blood shot eyes staring directly at him.

You let out a derisive laugh at the sight of your unwanted visitors, “That,” You raised a finger to point at what looked to be identical to your lover, “is low, even for you.”

“That,” Mimicked your progenitor, “is not my doing.”

Morpheus watched you rise and turn to prowl with practiced grace, “The resemblance— is frightfully uncanny.” He noted the dark circles in the banks of your eyes, a stark contrast to the ghostly pallor of your complexion, but dare he say the way you purred could bring him to his knees. His eyes remained firmly on you as you leaned forward and audibly inhaled, moaning at the scent of him, “You smell just like him—” He could see the conflict reflected in the glassy sheen of your eyes, dry lips parted slightly as though drinking him in as your hands reached hesitantly for his face, pausing just an inch away.

Then you wrenched yourself away, crashing against the furniture in your way until you felt the cold, hard wall pressed against your back. “Leave!” You roared, angry and pained, sliding down to the floor and pulling your knees against your chest, “Take your temptation with you! I have no want nor need for it!”

He never once doubted you, but to witness the decisive rejection of the chance to quench what Morpheus could only imagine to be immense hunger left him feeling the true weight of his absence. To witness you in this state, so far from the proud, preening princess of Hell –- there was no pride or boost to his ego, just an ever-present ache in his chest.

Lucifer merely looked weary, like a parent forced to endure their offspring’s childish outburst. A tantrum.

Morpheus turned to address the winged being beside him, “Perhaps you should give us a moment, Lightbringer.”

Lucifer looked ready to challenge him at first, but a look of consideration flashed on their features before they rolled their eyes and made to leave, though not without another warning, “Do not test my generosity, Morpheus.”

Dream reached inside the darkness of his robes and produced an ornate dagger, “You have endured well, my stars.” He wrapped one hand around the blade while the other pulled the hilt in one swift motion, Endless ichor oozing and dripping from the wound. He dropped his hands to his side as he approached you, leaving a trail of his essence to drip behind him and fill the space with his scent, tempting you away from your defensive pose on the floor.

You recognized him then despite the haziness in your vision – his scent was singular, unlike any other, so much so you were willing to give up all and any but his. You longed to give in, to rush into his arms and devour him whole. A century, however, was not so easily forgotten.

Morpheus blinked only once before he felt himself thrown across the room, his neck held in a chokehold by a pale hand attached to his snarling lover, “You abandoned me!” You cried, launching him once more to the furthest wall. “You traitorous bastard!” His heart ached at the unadulterated hurt in your voice – though he didn’t have to wait long before your entire countenance shifted back to raging fury. He watched you break a post off your bed and could only dodge when you hurled it at him. “H-How could you—” Angry tears broke through your defences, your hands clawing at the spot where your heart should be until the skin there was red and raw, “I-I waited for you—like a fool! You—” and in a small voice, vulnerable and broken, you whispered, “—you never came for me.”

He murdered Roderick Burgess a hundred thousand times in his mind’s eye in that very moment, in the few seconds it took to watch you fall to your knees in utter devastation. His mortal death was not enough for this transgression -- he deserved the deepest, darkest parts of Hell that even Lucifer Morningstar themselves would not dare to thread.

Morpheus took slow, but sure, measured steps towards you, feeling his own eyes burning, “Do you truly believe I would forsake you so?” The pain betrayed the edge in his voice. “—that my love and devotion to you are frivolous? That I did not ache and hunger for you also?” He was angry, frustrated, with you, with himself, even with fucking Destiny – him and his stupid book.

Dream hardened his heart at the face of your stubborn refusal to look at him – obstinate as ever, he would take comfort in that at least. “Cease your childish tantrums. You have not fed for a century.” He pointed out coldly, retreating behind a callous exterior – a poor attempt, really, for the tender way he scooped you up into his arms soothed the sting of his words. He moved to sit down on the chaise you previously occupied and situated you on his lap so you would be straddling him, his arms tight around your waist. “Will you feed yourself or must I force you?”

You huffed petulantly, looking away momentarily before catching his gaze again just to blatantly roll your eyes. “I should have taken Desire up on their offer, I’m certain they’d quench my thirst well eno—.” You yelped in surprise when his palm landed on your bottom while his other hand pulled the roots of your hair until it was your throat that was exposed to him.

“I should like to see you try, my stars. I would very much enjoy making them watch me claim what they will never have.” His words achieved their intended purpose when he heard you let out a breathy moan. “Will you behave?” He growled against your throat, purring when you whispered a submissive yes. “There’s my princess.” He praised affectionately, releasing his hold on your hair to tenderly brush his fingers through them instead. Morpheus leaned back slightly, tilting his head to the side to present his neck to you.

Being this close to his warmth had your mouth quite literally watering, your insides clenching in anticipation for that first gulp. You leaned forward until the tip of your nose touched the tender flesh on his neck, ever so soft and unblemished. Your tongue darted out to blindly search for that special spot you knew would taste the sweetest, letting out a triumphant hum when you found it instinctively. You moaned his name, wanton and needy, before you bit down and ruptured the skin on his neck until you felt and tasted that thick, syrup-like substance.

He watched you curled over him, suckling softly at the wound while emitting a purr from the back of your throat. He may never admit it aloud, but he found you most beautiful in moments like these, when your hunger and desperation for him was at its highest. When you were so lost in his taste that you don’t even notice the slight rocking motions you made against him while sat on his lap.

This has always been an intimate act between you both, either resulting in making love or was the result of making love. To experience it again after a century, when he once thought all hope was lost, was simply euphoric. Morpheus made no attempt to hide his arousal, tightening his grip around you as he sinks further into the chaise, eyes drifting close to savour this moment, this feeling. There would be time for explanations and apologies later.

Meanwhile outside your chambers…

I may vomit, Lucifer thought.