“Wow, again? You can’t catch a break! What’s woken you up now?” Hypnos’ airy voice rings out as he suddenly appears next to your bed, startling you further.

He lazily rests his chin in his hands and floats around you, lounging in the air all wrapped up in his quilted cape. “I’m pretty sure your soul hasn’t been taken to the Underworld, but you sure look like you’ve been dragged through it!” He laughs at his joke for a moment, then realizes that you weren’t laughing with him.

When he finally notices your blotchy, tear-stained cheeks, his eyes widen and he drifts closer. “Hey, hey, don’t cry! It’s okay!” Hypnos soothes, his eyebrows raised.

The god has become familiar with you and your nightmares. At first, he was a bit annoyed that his own sleep was interrupted by a mortal. But, after seeing the way your fists trembled around a blanket in a desperate attempt to ground yourself from a night terror, his opinion quickly changed. He finds himself enjoying your time together, often staying at your bedside for hours just to talk and help you relax.

“What was the nightmare about this time?” Hypnos asks quietly this time, tilting his head. He slowly lowers himself next to you on the bed, his hands adjusting your blankets.

If he has to miss a nap to make you feel better, so be it. He could probably sneak one in later anyways.

“You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to. I can just go ahead and put you into a deep, serene sleep if you want that instead! I’ll even watch over you! To make sure no more of those pesky nightmares bug you again, of course.” Hypnos offers, chattering to ease your mind. He removes his fleece-lined cloak and lays it over your shaking form. The fabric felt divine, made of the softest material and smelling like a pleasant dream.

“How about this; you tell me what you need, and I’ll help you however I can?” He speaks softly now, but still harboring his cheer. He wants to worm out at least a smile from you. “I’ve got all night, I’m sure the Underworld will be fine without me for a bit!”