Chapter Text
Hob was busy pulling chairs off the tables and humming to himself when he heard a knock at the door of the New Inn.
"We open in an hour," he called out, not bothering to look up. The knocking grew more persistent until he glared at the glass door with a scathing look. His expression shifted to apologetic, wide-eyed shock as he quickly hurried over to unlock the door.
"I'm so sorry to bother you Hob," Dee quickly said.
"No apologies needed, except from me for the look I just gave you," Hob replied feeling his cheeks burning, "Wasn't expecting my favourite, but long time missing, doctor to drop by. "
"Favourite?" Dee asked with a surprised smile.
"Absolutely! You saved a patron's life," Hob said as he ushered her into the warmth of the pub, "That doesn't just get you an endless free tab. I'm so happy to see you, I've been worried about you." Hob continued as he shut the door behind her. Dee took a deep steadying breath.
"That's why I'm here," Dee started gravely, "Do you remember that concert pianist who went missing six months ago?"
"Certainly, it's all anybody was talking about for a while," Hob remembered it well. It was all over the news, then when he was rescued from being kidnapped the story simply disappeared, "I've often wondered what happened to the poor man. Is he a patient of yours?"
"He's my brother," Dee said, her voice cracking. Hob gasped.
"I'm so sorry Dee," Hob replied as he pulled her into a tight hug. He could feel her breath hitching as he held her.
"I forgot how good your hugs are," Dee said with a weak laugh when she begrudgingly pulled away.
"Let me make you a tea," Hob said as she wiped the tears from her eyes, "Unless you want something stronger." That earned him a much more natural laugh as she followed him to the bar.
...
Never in his life had Hob been more grateful to have such an excellent manager for his inn. Lucienne had stepped in, taken one look at Hob and Dee sitting in a tucked away nook, sent Hob a quick text to confirm she should find a replacement bartender, and had then taken over everything. Which was good because Hob was silently crying for a man he'd never even met and was completely beyond taking care of patrons today.
Dee had filled him in on the tragedy that had befallen her brother. Dream Endless had been a celebrated concert pianist, playing professionally for about 10 years when he was kidnapped by Roderick Burgess. Roderick's eldest son, Randall, had also been a professional pianist and had studied at the same institute Dream had studied in an earlier year group. Although Dream never knew Randall, Randall knew him. In earlier days they had often taken many of the same piano auditions but, Dream always seemed to be the one to get the part.
Although Randall did not seem to mind and had found his own fulfilling path, albeit less glamorous, Roderick had always secretly held it against Dream that his son hadn't become the success he'd hoped for. Tragically, when Randall was leaving a performance of his own, he'd been mugged and killed on his way home. His father had reasoned that if it wasn't for Dream, his son would have never been where he was that fateful night and would not only still be alive, but also be a greater success.
Fuelled by hatred and grief, Roderick kidnapped Dream, smashed his left hand and kept him in the basement of his manor until the police found him eleven days later. Dream had gone through multiple surgeries, months of rehabilitation and although he'd regained a great deal of movement in his injured hand, he would never be able to play like he could before.
"I can't imagine what he's been through," Hob said once Dee had finished.
"Respectfully, I disagree," Dee said gently, "The truth is, I think you've been through much worse."
"Something I've learnt about grief and loss is you should never compare depths, it's completely irrelevant when you're drowning" Hob replied, "Losing Eleanor was... unfathomable. But I still can't imagine what he's been through. And at least I've always had Robyn to get me through, what on earth does your brother have?"
"Music," Dee said with a warm smile, "Despite everything, it's still music getting him through. Which is actually why I've come here."
"Oh?" Hob replied.
"I know Dream wants to play somewhere, but he wants to be incognito. The idea of there being any expectation, being measured against his former self, is just too much. Plus he can no longer play the type of music he's known for, he needs to try something new and different," Dee bit her lip and took a breath, "So I was hoping he could try to stretch his wings here." Hob gaped at her.
"Are you sure that's a good idea," he whispered as he leant forward, "I mean, most people here wouldn't know the difference between Debussy and Bach, he'll probably be completely ignored which-"
"Would be perfect," Dee interrupted as she enthusiastically mirrored Hob leaning across the table.
"Will he feel that way?" Hob asked.
"Definitely, in fact, that's exactly what he's looking for," Dee replied, "Despite Dream's professional success, he's most happy tucked away, inconspicuously adding to and changing the atmosphere of a room."
Hob leant back in his chair, silent for a moment while he tried to find the source of his surprise. "But why here?" he asked.
"Because I trust you," Dee said with a vulnerable shrug, "I trust that if he's in a shitty mood, you won't hold it against him. If he's emotional, you'll know what to say. If he has a flashback-" Hob gave a hollow bark of laughter, "You'll understand." To that Hob nodded with a subtle frown staring off for a moment.
"Is he okay with kids?" Hob asked. Robyn had only just turned seven but since losing his Mum he had been very shy, sensitive and clingy.
"Kids like Robyn," Dee smiled warmly, "Bring out the best in Dream. Worst outcome is he starts teaching him how to play the piano."
Hob was already ninety percent on board, but with that, the deal was done.
"I suppose I'll have to get a piano then," he said with a smile.
"Not at all," Dee replied, "Dream will sort that out. Also, you won't be paying him, those are his only non-negotiables." When Hob went to object Dee continued, "Our family is ridiculously rich, his trust fund alone would provide for ten lavish lifetimes."
"At least let me feed him while he's here," Hob replied.
"Good luck with that," Dee said with an eye roll.
"Oh I do love a challenge," Hob replied, a cheeky grin spreading across his face.
"I'm counting on it," Dee said with a warm smile.
"When do I get to meet him?" Hob asked.
"When are you free for dinner?" Dee replied.
...
Dream was busy playing Prelude and Nocturne Op.9 by Scriabin on the grand piano that took up most of his living room when he heard a knock at the door. Knowing Dee would greet their guests, he did his best to ignore it, trying to focus on finishing the composition written specifically for the left hand. His concentration on the expressive piece was shattered when he heard the voice of a small child.
"Dad, I thought you said he couldn't play very well."
Dream froze. So did Hob who nearly died on the stop as piercing blue eyes suddenly turned upon him.
"I never -" he said to Dream, then turning to his son, "Robyn Gadling, I said he couldn't play as well as he used to," Hob continued in a correcting yet gentle tone, crouching down to the small boy who clung to a black soft toy cat. Dream looked up to his sister, who could bearly contain her muffled laughter, and arched his eyebrow. Dee simply shrugged in response.
"I think he sounds beautiful," Robyn whispered very loudly to his Dad.
"Me too," replied Hob, who could feel his face burning, so much for first impressions.
"Well, let me introduce everyone," Dee said brightly, "Dream, this is Hob and Robyn. Hob and Robyn, this is Dream." While Dee spoke, Robyn made his way towards the piano with a shy smile. Dreams couldn't help but soften towards the small child who approached with uncertainty yet determination.
"Hello," Dream said with the shadow of a smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
"Hi, I like your piano," Robyn replied quietly, hesitantly lifting his hand to touch it.
"Robyn?" Hob said with gentle surprise.
"It's quite alright," Dream said glancing up at Hob. Instead of a stern look on the father's face, there was one of surprised wonder which fascinated Dream. Normally parents were quick to chastise their children in situations like this. Yet Hob looked upon it with joy.
"Can I touch it?" Robyn asked. Dream nodded. He reached his small hand out and struck a key, then jumped as the deep booming sound filled the room. With wide eyes and a gaping mouth, he looked up at Dream who chuckled. That won him a bright and delighted smile from Robyn who turned to the piano and started hitting more of the keys towards his end of the piano. Robyn's joyful laughter filled the air.
"It sounds like thunder," Robyn yelled above the noise.
"I can't believe what I'm seeing," Hob whispered, he could feel a gentle tear roll down his cheek.
"Neither can I," Dee replied in quiet awe as both Robyn's and Dream's laughter filled the air. The pair stayed rooted to the spot as they watched Dream teach Robyn Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.
"Daddy, Daddy did you hear that!" Robyn called out bouncing up and down. Hob quickly wiped the silent tear off his face.
"I did! You sound wonderful Robyn!" Hob replied as his son ran over to him, with the biggest smile, into his father's outstretched arms. Dream picked up the black cat and wandered over.
"Do not forget your friend," Dream said gently handing the toy over.
"Morphy," Robyn said joyfully at the sight of the stuffed cat as Hob stood up again.
"Let me take your bag," Dee said taking the backpack from Hob, "Do you want to see the fish pond?" she asked Robyn with an outstretched hand. The two headed out to the small terrace garden. Hob tried to quietly sniff, frantically wiping his face.
"Would you like a tissue?" Dream asked a bit awkwardly, Hob waved it off
"No, and sorry about this," Hob said taking a steadying breath.
"There's no need to apologise," Dream replied.
"He was in the car when the accident happened," Hob said, "Stuck in there with his mother's body for hours and, well, he's never been the same since."
"Understandably," Dream said feeling as though an icy hand had clenched inside his chest. He looked out the window as Dee pointed to the fish while Robyn clung to her hand with a shy, quiet smile.
"But just then, at your piano," Hob continued, "It was like before everything. That delight and joy and... Maybe I do need that tissue," Hob said with a shakey laugh, Dream was grateful for something to do as he tried to settle the storm of emotion within. The hell that small child had been through stirred a beast within that wanted nothing more than to protect Robyn from all the monsters of this world.
"Thank you," Hob replied when Dream returned with not just a tissue but the whole box. "The magic of music hey?"
"Indeed," Dream said with a deep, grounding breath, "I've often found music opens a door in my soul that would otherwise remain closed." Dream tensed the moment the words tumbled out of his mouth, normally he kept his thoughts to himself until he truly knew someone. But Hob simply smiled watching his son.
"I'm starting to think it's the same for Robyn," Hob replied, "He'll often ask for music or for me to sing, to everyone else's dismay. I've tried to get him into music classes but he always clams up once we're there." Dream nodded thoughtfully as Dee and Robyn came inside.
"Dad, are you okay?" Robyn asked nervously.
"Yeah," Hob replied with a smile picking him up and kissing his forehead, "These are happy tears."
"Dream, can you help me with drinks?" Dee asked.
"Certainly," he said following his sister. Once they were out of earshot, Dream leant towards her, "Did you know Robyn was in the car accident that killed his mother?" he asked, voice thick with emotion. Dee nodded with surprise. "I wish you had told me."
"I didn't think it would come up," she muttered as she observed Dream.
"That poor child," he said taking a couple of deep breaths.
"Actually, Robyn reminds me a lot of you," Dee said fondly, “Thoughtful and quiet, yet also passionate and animated.
"I do not think I would have managed as well as him, given what he has been through," Dream replied.
"He does have a much more loving father," Dee said.
"Definitely," said Dream as he busied himself pulling out wineglasses, "Though that is not a difficult achievement."
"I bought wine," Hod called having heard the clink of the glasses. Dream froze and shot Dee a sharp look. Dee laughed.
"You can definitely trust Hobs wine knowledge and taste," she said. Hob chuckled as he pulled a bottle out from the backpack, as well as putting drawing supplies for Robyn on the dining table.
"I interrogated your sister about your taste and I think you'll enjoy this," Hob said showing Dream the bottle. He was rewarded by seeing those attractive, sharp features rearrange from doubt and distrust into pleasant surprise.
"Penfolds Shiraz," Dream said reading the label.
"Remember that red I got you for Christmas?" Dee asked. Dream couldn't contain the moan of longing that escaped him, a sound Hob found left a warm feeling pooling in his stomach, "Hob Gadling," Dee concluded triumphantly.
"That was for Dream?" Hob said with delight. He was rewarded with Dream's eyes fixing on his own, imploring him playfully with a tilt of his head. Hob looked away and tugged at his ear as that warm pooling feeling descended becoming butterflies. "Then I'm sure you will enjoy this too."
Dream started fishing around in a drawer for a bottle opener. Hob seized the moment to breathe, Dream needs a safe place to build his confidence , Hob thought, Not a horny mess of a human being.
"I don't suppose you could assist me?" Dream asked with the mildest blush tinting his pale skin, "Although I have recovered a lot of dexterity in my hand, it lacks strength." Hob saw the wine bottle with the opener half buried in the cork in Dream's extended hand.
"Certainly," Hob replied, "Anything you need."
"Did you just ask for help Dream?" said Dee as she wandered over with a plate of nibbles.
"I am attempting to learn," Dream replied, the colour in his cheeks deepening.
"Besides, when the pay-off is this good," Hob said with a pop of the cork, "It's definitely worth it." He held the bottle out for Dream to smell and was rewarded with another delighted moan, which did nothing to calm those butterflies. Dee leant in for a sniff.
"God, that's incredible," she said as Hob poured three glasses, "How do you find these?"
"Eleanor always had a bit of a love for all things Australian," Hob replied, "Once we discovered Aussie wines it became a favourite of ours."
"G'day mate!" Robyn piped up from the table, "She'll be right." Dee and Hob laughed, Dream moaned and mockfully buckled his knees as he had his first mouthful.
"Holy fuck," he said once his mouth was empty, giggles erupted from the table.
"Dream," Dee scolded as she whacked his arm. Hob was suddenly the victim of startled wide blue eyes locked on his own.
"Sorry," Dream said.
"Don't worry about it," Hob replied. You can have anything you want, he thought. Dream went and sat at the table next to Robyn looking at what he was drawing, which was good since Hob needed another moment to catch his breath.
"Is that us at the piano?" Dream asked Robyn who gave him a shy nod. "It's amazing, you are quite the artist." This earned Dream a most delighted smile from Robyn, and it was at this moment Hob realised he was going to fall head over heels in love with Dream. He took a fortifying mouthful of wine.
"Is that where the evil mother fucker hurt you?" Robyn said innocently, pointing at the scars on Dream's hand. That mouthful of wine erupted from Hob's mouth all over the cream rug under the table as Dee and Dream gasped.
Through a fit of coughs Hob managed to say, "Robyn, what have I told you about swearing?"
"That I can do it at home?" Robyn replied slightly confused, "This is a home."
"It's not our home," Hob wheezed. Suddenly the air was filled with a snort of loud laughter. Dream's head was thrown back and only the slightest hint of blue was visible through his crinkled eyes.
"Yes," Dream got out between laughs, "That is where the evil mother fucker hurt me."
"That's what Dad called him!" Robyn declared pointing at Hob. Dream looked across the room at Hob, who was bending with his hands on his knees still coughing as Dee rubbed his back. She was laughing so much she was crying.
"I'm so sorry about your rug," Hob continued. Dream looked at the splattered wine stain and waved it off. No doubt it would improve his mood every time he saw it. "We're not really making a very good impression are we."
"Quite the opposite actually," Dream said as he got up to fetch Hob a glass of water, "If it's not like this every time I play at the Inn, I'll be sorely disappointed." Dream was rewarded with a bright smile as he passed Hob the water.
"I haven't seen my baby brother smile so much or laugh this freely since, well, ever," Dee said wiping tears off her face.
"If a swearing seven-year-old is what you need, you came to the right place," Hob said.
"Does that mean I can swear here?" Robyn asked hopefully. Dream leaned on the table to look Robyn in the eye.
"My little friend," Dream said, "You can swear as much as you like around me."
"Fuck yeah," Robyn whispered, Dream hung his head as he started to laugh again.
"Fuck yeah!" Robyn called out, and Hob was too delighted to see the unexpected confidence in his son to chastise him.
Over dinner, the conversation turned to music. It turned out Dream was looking forward to playing different types of music than what he was previously employed to play.
"Practically speaking, I need to play pieces that are not too demanding on my left hand," Dream explained, "But, for me, chords are well within my capacity."
"Plus he can sing," Dee added, "So don't be afraid to set up a mic. Although he may be a little shy at first, with some encouragement, and liquid courage, he'll be belting out songs beautifully."
"I would not go that far," Dream said with a mild blush, "Though put an exquisite wine like this in front of me," he said picking up his wineglass, "And I'll play whatever you like."
"Whatever I like hey?" Hob cheekily replied.
"Can you play the Sunday Clothes song?" Robyn asked eagerly.
"Sunday Clothes song?" Dream puzzled.
"Yeah! It's from Hello Dolly and Walle!" Robyn replied.
"How does a boy your age know Hello Dolly?" Dee asked.
"That would be my Mother's doing," Hob said. Dream noticed him tugging his earlobe again as a blush coloured his cheeks. He couldn't help but notice how endearing it was. Dream got up to retrieve his tablet to find the sheet music for Robyn's request.
"This one?" Dream asked Robyn.
"Yeah!" Robyn replied with delight.
"Well, how about once we are finished here, I can start playing for you?" Dream offered. The only reply he got from Robyn was a joyful squeal followed by him shoving food in his mouth. "Slow down please, I do not want you to choke," Dream said, alarmed at the speed Robyn was scoffing his food, "And the piano isn't going anywhere."
"Can you have dinner with us every night?" Hob said playfully, "It normally takes forever to get him to eat."
Robyn wasted no time moving everyone back to the living room as soon as possible.
"Dad you have to sing and dance with me!" Robyn declared.
"There's absolutely no need to subject everyone to that," Hob said with his cheeks ablaze, "Besides we don't have any hats."
"Dream, do you still have those hats we wore to Desire's birthday party?" Dee asked with a mischievous smile.
"No," Hob whispered turning to Dream. But Dream's face broke into such a glorious grin as he said yes. "Traitor," Hob muttered to Dream. Dream smirked, looking down his nose at him, and that warm pooling feeling was back in Hob's stomach. Dream leaned over and whispered something to Robyn that resulted in an expression of wide-eyed delight on the boy who was suddenly taking off his shoes, and was then climbing on top of the piano.
"Now you have a stage," Dream said to Robyn as Dee reappeared.
"You've got to be kidding me," Hob said as a delighted Dee handed Derby hats to both Hob and Robyn. Dream had set up his tablet with the sheet music and was sitting down at the piano. Hob gave a heavy sigh, "Well, in for a penny, in for a pound."
Dream had half been expecting Hob to put his foot down and say no, and was rather impressed by the fact that Hob was willing to go so far for his son's joy. He struck the keys playing the opening bars of the song and Hob rolled his eyes at him realising that Dream was going to make him perform the entire intro. And that was when Dream realised the danger he was in of falling for this madman who would act utterly shameless for the joy of those he cares about.
"Out there," sang Hob to Robyn with gusto
"There's a world outside of Yonkers
Way out there beyond this hick town Barnaby
There's a slick town Barnaby..."
Dream realised he was never going to forget this moment. He was grateful that his sister was filming it, since he'd never played this piece before he had to keep an eye on the sheet music. It was simple enough and certainly wouldn't be difficult for him to memorise. But he couldn't simply lose himself in it and enjoy the obviously well-practiced dance Hob and Robyn were doing, perfectly in sync with flourishes, flips of their hats, spins, and jump steps.
"Coz there ain't no Monday in your Sunday,
No Monday in your Sunday,
NO Monday in your Sunday clothes!" the father and son sang together leaning in so close their faces were only inches apart. The delight in Robyn's face, the way he so thoroughly lost himself in the music that all traces of the trauma were gone, made it obvious why this good-natured father would go to such lengths.
"Ermengarde, keep smiling, no man wants a little ninny," confidently sang Robyn,
"Ambrose, do a turn, let me see,
Mr. Hackle, Mr. Tucker, don't forget Irene and Minnie,
Just forget you ever heard a word from me.
ALL ABOARD!..."
Dream was beside himself with the transformation. Hob and his eyes locked and all Dream could do was shake his head with happy disbelief. This caused a swell of pride deep within Hob that was obvious to Dream. It was so obvious that Hob was thrilled that someone else was getting, to not only witness this beautiful transformation but truly appreciate it.
"And this, I'm positive of," they sang at the end of the song,
"That we won't come home,
No, we won't come home,
No, we won't. Come. Home. Until we fall in love!"
Dee and Dream erupted into applause at the end.
"That was amazing!" Robyn cried bouncing up and down.
" You were amazing," Hob said to his son, "And so were you," he continued turning to Dream, "I'm sure you're acutely aware of what you've lost, but to 99.9% of us laypeople you're absolutely incredible." Dream just blinked at him in stunned silence. "That must be a piece that you played before."
"Umm well," Dream spluttered, "No, that's actually the first time I have even seen the sheet music."
"No fucking way?" Hob gasped.
"No fucking way?" Robyn echoed. Dream was deeply grateful to Robyn because Hob turned his attention to his son with a scathing look, to which Robyn just giggled allowing Dream to gather himself after the intense and unexpected praise.
"Can I post this and tag the Inn?" Dee asked playing the video on her phone. In unison, Hob said no as Robyn cried yes.
"Merv will never let me live that down," Hob groaned.
"Dream, it looks like you have the deciding vote," Dee said, "You're in it too."
While Robyn launched into a chorus of please, Dream only had eyes for Hob.
"If you truly wish for it to not be posted," Dream said, "I'll say no." Hob looked at his son and sighed then turned back to Dream.
"As long you're fine with it, I'll say yes," Hob replied, "Though it will probably draw some attention to you, you sure you're alright with that." Dream simply nodded, deeply moved by Hob's unexpected care for him, this was something he was only used to receiving from Dee.
"And done!" Dee announced, Robyn started cheering and climbed off the piano to watch the video with her.
"We're going to have to head home soon," Hob said, to which Robyn began to protest. Dream felt his heart sink at the prospect of their absence and being alone in his house. "I know but it's going to take a while to get home, two trains and a bus."
"You didn't drive?" asked Dream.
"Robyn still struggles to get in a car," Hob whispered, "He's getting better but today has been a difficult day, I'm surprised he's done so well here."
"If you don't mind me asking, how long has it been?" Dream said.
"Nearly three years," Hob replied. Dream took a deep breath and shook his head. "He's getting better all the time but trauma is a fucking beast. But I'm sure he's going to love having you around, I hope you won't mind him following you about. I get the feeling you're going to be one of his favourite people."
"Robyn will be at the Inn?" Dream asked with a surprised smile.
"Yeah, we live upstairs," Hob said, "You're welcome to come up any time you like and equally welcome to stay away if you prefer. I may be a bit of an extrovert but I completely understand that not everyone is."
"Thank you," Dream replied.
Hob and Dream exchanged contact details then Hob started to pack up Robyn's drawing things. Much to Hob's embarrassment, Dream also found his Spotify profile and started following him.
"It's one of the best ways for me to get a feel for your taste in music," Dream said in response to Hob's obvious embarrassment.
"I know, just don't judge me too harshly," Hob replied tugging at his ear.
"I try to never judge anyone on their music tastes," Dream said gently, "We can not help what resonates with us any more than we change our favourite food." Dream's heart did a flip in his chest as Hob's face went from embarrassment, to surprise then settled into sunny delight.
"I'm stealing that," Hob declared, "As long as you don't mind."
"Of course," Dream replied with a blush looking down. He picked up Robyn's drawing of them at the piano, "May I keep this?"
"Certainly," Hob said. He watched Dream walk to the kitchen and stick it on his otherwise blank fridge. The longing in his heart for this beautiful man only deepened. Dream turned to him with a stunning true smile and they simply stared at each other across the room for a moment. Then Robyn and Dee came in and before they knew it they were saying goodbyes. Hob couldn't help but notice how much Dream melted into the hug Robyn almost tackled him over with when Dream crouched down to say goodbye. For days afterward Hob found himself thinking of how touch-starved Dream must truly be, and how he wanted to change that.