Every night, Asa meets Kam in his dreams and they explore his dreamscape. According to Asa, every dream is precious, and fulfilling. Kam knows it’s true. Asa’s happiness projects from his smile, and now Kam can remember it. Even as the rest of Kam’s memory from the dreamscape fades, Asa is remembered. He memorizes the details of his face, the disappointed pout he has when he is scolded, and most of all, his fervent need for Kam. Nightmares are an ever persistent threat, but Asa performs his role as Kam’s guardian angel with glee and they begin appearing less frequently. 

With each passing day, Kam falls more in love with Asa. He used to believe it was an impossible crush, but now his heart pounds as he lays in bed waiting for sleep. Being consumed becomes his rapture. But at the same time, their relationship in the real world stays frustratingly the same.

They share a bed most nights, but not for the reason Kam wants. “The closer we are, the easier it is to enter your dreams,” Asa says one morning as Kam slowly opens his eyes fresh from being eaten. Asa likes morning chatter.  “It’s why I hate away games without the band.” Asa pats Kam’s head. “And I told you. Time works differently in your dreams. I’ll always wake-up first.”

Kam groans, scoots, and leans into Asa’s body. “Is it so bad without me,” Kam replies, hoping Asa will show something, anything, beyond platonic affection. 

“I’m mostly hanging with the team, you know. Honestly, I feel terrible entering your dreams from miles away. It’s like waking up with a cold.” Asa pet Kam’s head. “It’s much nicer having you next to me.|

Kam whines. “Wouldn’t you just eat someone else’s dreams when you traveled?”

He sits up. “I promised.”

“Yea, but before then.”

“I did a few times, but Dream Eaters are territorial.” Asa stretches wide. The morning sun beams through his hair. “Not only would I need to fight them off, but we’re stronger in familiar dreamscapes. I remember my parents asking for permission from other Dream Eaters when I was a kid so I could try other dreams out.”

This opened a new line of inquiry. “So your parents were Dream Eaters too?” Despite being childhood friends, Kam only met Asa’s parents once and his memories from back then are blurry. 

“Yea. I’d rather not talk about them.” 

Kam facepalms. Great, bring up the murdered dead parents first thing in the morning. “But there are other Dream Eaters then? Are there a few around here?”

“Yup.” Asa turns around with a mischievous grin. “I’ve had to deal with him once or twice, but I got what I wanted.

Oh. He got me. Kam’s heart flutters.

Asa’s grin turns into a wicked smile. “Wanna meet him?”