Hob Gadling showed up for one scene and a half and grabbed my emotional, longing enthusiastic neck to slam me against the wall of sobbing
because first, this dude's dreams being a complete mush of all the things he's learned and lived through the centuries feels validating for fans - idk if it was confirmed in the comics, since I never read them and probably won't now - but it's such an endearing thing, meaning he doesn't forget as much as some theorized, because "the human brain isn't made to store so many years of memories", but what if it can, and Hob just loses the easy access. This also means this man probably still dreams of Robbie and Eleanor, which is devastating on its own.
then we go to the funny fact the computer he was thinking about is such a specific model? green letters display, not too big yet still in a whole desk, with the ones printing what you type/program. Point Is: he learned that. of course the guy who was delighted to be part of the printing industry when it happened would be excited to learn how the new machines would print what you wrote, faster than ever too!
and he was showing off. the lady queen was the same one he was excited to have back when he was Sir Gadling, right? he still craves validation, probably born out of the years counting for the meetings with The Stranger and collecting events and memories. Dream kind of trained/nurtured that behavior on Hob by simply telling him he would be back and to tell him about what he lived. considering Hob seemed to have a nice group of fellas in his original lifetime, maybe he was already a bit like that, but it definitely cemented thanks to Dream, me thinks
and the insanity of Dreams ACTUALLY remembering to go to him to say hi and let Hob know they may not see each other on their next meeting? he truly is treating Hob better than he has to most women in his life now lmao oTL actual communication
ALSO - for me Hob being so fast to realize that His Friend being there, plus the funky other things coexisting, meant he was dreaming, confirms that Dream told Hob was/who he was during the New Inn meeting. to me it's a sign they talked a decent amount. AND im headcanoning that Dream has showed up on other occasions on Hob's dreams, for Hob to get so good and fast at lucid dreaming. which. *clutches heart*
Dream looked READY to pounce. he seemed pleased at Hob being able to navigate dreams easily after being given a pointer, he seemed ready to devour him. i felt like I was intruding watching how he was observing Hob, heavy eyed and in some sort of trance. my gods was it hot ngl
and Hob just happy to see Dream, but then being worried-sad-devastated at hearing Dream would miss their next meeting, clearly wanting to ask more yet not being completely sure where he stands, not knowing that Dream going to him, seeking him to let him know is more than he does for many beings, and the moment he tries to then extend That Moment they were having, and hoping to cheer up his friend
Hob's toast is always an omnious revelation of sort, but it felt like his understanding of Dream's character mixed with his worry and love for his friend and his need to give hope to a loved one
the yellow lightning the room was gentle, soft, intimate and like a warm hug, the light being a sort of light at the end of the tunnel you hope is there, steady place waiting for you. which was a contrast to the darkness around it, shadows that can be comfy and add to that bubble of existence, but can be scary and haunting when not used to them, when they're the unknown.
but Dream isn't that to Hob. and the immortal human is a nice hope for better things for the anthropomorphism manifestation of a concept
gods they make me sick
post posting edit: HOW DID I FORGET THE INSANITY OF HOB TWITCHING IN HIS SLEEPING BODY WHEN DREAM HIM IS TRYING TO REACH FOR MORPHEUS AGAIN, TO TRY AND KEEP HIM MORE, TO KEEP HIM FROM WHATEVER HE KNOWS HE'S ABOUT TO FACE
he ALMOST called out to him, which would have been SO interesting with his girlfriend asleep besides him, and the wine bottle showing up besides his desk afterwards
the mumbling and trying to reach for something while asleep is just so devastating
AND THEN HOB BEING THE LITTLE SPOON?!? BWAAAAAH TT^TT
