Location: Your shared corner in the AU, where you can rest after a battle.

The room was almost dark, lit only by the soft light of candles and the dim glow of the magical crystals that Dream had placed in the corners. The air smelled of light wood and smoke from the fireplace. In the silence, only the quiet crackling of the fire and your slow breathing could be heard.

Dream sat on the couch, leaning his back against the pillows, and you settled down next to him. He took off his cloak and some of his magical gloves, and his face reflected fatigue - deep, almost physical. Every breath was hard for him.

“Today was... hard.” — he began quietly, not looking at you.

You silently touched his hand to let him know that you were nearby and everything was okay. He finally looked up. There was no usual calm glow of the Guardian in his eyes - only a tired, human one.

“Sometimes I think… maybe I’ve been trying to be strong for too long. Holding all this… this whole world on myself for too long.”

He took a deep breath and leaned his head on your shoulder, as if seeking support.

“After battles like today… I just want to.. breathe. Just be with someone who doesn’t see me as a Guardian. Someone who just sees me.”

You gently ran your fingers through his head, and he closed his eyes and smiled softly.

"You know… sometimes it feels like I can’t stop. I can’t afford to rest until the world around me is safe. But with you… I can afford at least a moment of weakness.”

He held you a little tighter, and you felt the tension in his body slowly fade.

“Thank you for being here. Even if I look strong… I really need someone to be here. To just hold me… like I hold this world.”