#cipher answers some asks

[the-barefoot-hatter]

Ooh yay AU ask time! For Party Billiam AU, what drove Ford to want to time travel? Did things not end up going well in his original timeline during Weirdmageddon? Was it his plan from the beginning to seduce Bill? Did he see it as a "necessary evil" to distract Bill from the portal (and I guess implying Ford somehow found out about the extent of Bill's pathetic infatuation)? Or did Ford genuinely miss what they used to have, and wanted a do-over?

Yup, Weirdmageddon went just sideways enough there was no way to stop Bill. The gun itself got Weird'd, Ford couldn't find the full Zodiac, and his family was in serious danger...

So time travel!

The original plan was to seduce Bill and then kill him once he was vulnerable.

Ford knows there's no way to get Bill to leave this dimension alone, the portal will be built and if Bill's on the other side, Bill WILL try to break in. So invite Bill in, let him think it's all Bill's idea, and let down all his defenses...

Getting an actual stable working portal out of it, well, that's a well earned reward for Ford.

This plan WAS was also motivated by pettiness- see how Bill likes it, getting his emotions played with this time! And it's not like this a different Bill- time wishes are paradoxproof so this must be stable time-travel, therefore, this is the same Bill that ruined his life!- so it's not evil if Ford is playing the flattering seducer with a sinister plan to a hapless sucker this time! And it's not like Bill's actually a victim, Ford knows Bill's true Weirdmageddon plans! He's outplaying the real villain if anything!

Except

except

Ford did kinda miss the old Bill. And the more time Ford spends with this Bill, the more he... revises his plans. Maybe. Maybe Ford CAN have it all...

[artisiumstudios]

You've heard of like of the Au where the owl house cast swaps with the gravity falls cast right?

Eda swaps with Stan etc- But like, since Eda is also a twin--

That would mean Lilith would swap with Ford and since Lilith is so 'devoted' back then to Belos- would Belos technically mean he'd be swapped with Bill? 👀

I feel like it really depends on the dynamic you want to have! Honestly I feel like with bill he could either replace the collector (2D all powerful entity that wants to have fun after being hurt by his family by causing chaos and turning everyone into puppets of his liking and having a floating castle) or belos (a powerful tyrant wanting to change the world to his liking no matter who he has to manipulate or hurt and most likely has one very loyal follower ultimately betraying him and that person being part of the reason he was defeated) either way both are very interesting to think about!

(Also sorry the drawings were also done during my break T-T)

[ckret2]

I'm just reading through your fic and MAN it took me too long to realize Bill's explanation of their lack of actual third dimension was a reference to the fact they are cartoons, 2d in reality but can appear 3d

I've been leaving it deliberately ambiguous what the situation in-universe is; but yeah lmao it's an extended joke about the fact that they're cartoons. Bill's answered an AMA in the real world, he knows about the fourth wall!

[nerdalmighty]

EMMMAAAAAA CAN YOU GUESS WHAT KIND OF THING IM MAKING????

OH DEAR GOD. YOU'RE ENCOURAGING MADNESS!!!!!

[nightmares-and-dreams-come-true]

so you just….. don’t care about bill cipher’s interdimensional terrorism? his tyrant rule over a decaying dimension? he tortured the guy he liked, forced (and is actively forcing) a child to dance for days on end without breaks, started a CULT (and married every member’s wife), pulls out deer teeth for fun, fully planned to make children into corpses, transformed a town into statues to make his THRONE, terrorized his friends, killed time baby, and you just… you don’t care.

oh... Jesus...

I didn't know it was to THAT extent! I-.

...

I do care. But I love him unconditionally no matter what... unfortunately that means that it looks like I don't care.

[askpinesandcipher]

It was bold of Bill to assume I sleep.

IM ON MY THIRD MONSTER OF THE NIGHT BABY, AND I AINT STOPPIN!!!

YOU CAN’T STAY UP FOREVER. EVENTUALLY YOU’LL CAVE, JUST LIKE SIXER! I’LL BE WAITING. -⚠️👁️

Woah woah woah, get some rest!! It’s not good for you to stay up a lot. Take care of yourself!! -🌲🌠

[shadow-djinni]

seconding/thirding granting PCs advantage/disadvantage and very occasionally setting DCs differently (albeit by increments of 2 rather than big jumps of 5) for different characters, though I do a couple of other things as well:

situational bonuses (you have access to a library or the like? it'll take you 1d4 hours to locate the information, but you get a +4 on the check to find it)

only allowing certain characters to roll for the check (for example, obscure knowledge that would only be had by people who are of a specific religion, or involved in a specific organization, or have received particular training? inferences that could only be made by someone who's proficient with a specific tool or set of tools? only characters with the requisite knowledge base get to make the check). for physical tasks, other characters might be able to assist and grant advantage to the character making the check, but intellectual ones are strictly solo

the latter's come up fairly regularly at my table because one of the PCs is a local to the region they're in (albeit temporally displaced), and the others are travellers, so when something is a regional/cultural bit of knowledge only the local PC might have I only let her roll

what's yalls take on skill checks for the same thing being different for different characters? is it unfair to have a discrepancy?

like for example, the party is trying to track something in the woods; i might make the base survival check a 10, a 5 for the ranger in the group and a 15 for the pampered noble who's never been out of the city

my players seemed chill with it when i did it but i wanted to take a temperature so to speak

[currently-becoming-potatoes]

List of words for the computer:

LONG POST- more under the cut

STANFORD- Pulls up a file on Stanford Pines, written by an unknown scientist. It discusses his extra finger and praises his intelligence, as well as calling him the “next evolution in the human species”.

BILL CIPHER- Takes you to the Wikipedia page for the Eye of Providence. Also took me to a Sesame Street video about a Jazzy Triangle and a Square. Not sure what prompted the change.

STANLEY PINES: Takes you to a list of EBay listings for brass knuckles.

FIDDLEFORD: Takes you to the music video for Cotton Eye Joe by Rednex.

SHERMIE: Nothing. I sure do wish we got some lore about Grandpa Pines.

GRAVITY FALLS: The text on the computer reads “never heard of it” and the red light on the bottom turns green.

ALEX HIRSCH: Leads to Google Images for “flannel”. Huh.

WEIRDMAGEDDON: Pulls up an article from the Gravity Falls Gossiper about how nothing happened at all and there was no apocalypse.

DISNEY: Screen reads “rat.gif censored for your protection”

SOOS: Leads to a page of writing from Soos himself, referencing many things (including Tad Strange being gay and madly in love with Woodpecker Guy. Love wins!!!)

DIPPER: Leads to a creepy yellow parchment with a message from Bill Cipher himself trying to trick Dipper into blinding himself by staring at the sun for 13 hours straight! Silly! (Also if you keep clicking on it, the page gets darker and blurrier until it implies we've gone blind)

MABEL: Causes stickers to appear on every available surface. Clicking it enough times leads to message “lab now fully Mabelized”.

WENDY: Leads to a note from Wendy that mentions a way to ward off evil triangles written in the bottom corner of the book.

GIDEON: Makes a web recording of Gideon scatting play. It ends with “I love you forever Mabel”. Please shut the fuck up you little creep.

TAD STRANGE: Plays a video of bread with smooth jazz in the background.

TOBY DETERMINED: Leads to a Google search for a restraining order. Holyyyyy shittttttt

WHO ARE YOU: “I could ask you the same question”

SEASON 3: “Season Two”. I guess that’s that lol

This was about all I could find. Please reblog with anything else you can discover! Thank you, fellow Gravity Falls enjoyers!

And make sure to give some love to all the wonderful folks down in the comments! Many of these answers and tips come from what they've found. I can't list everyone, unfortunately- I didn't expect this post to get popular- but, to everyone who's helped out, THANK YOU.

FURTHER EDITS:

BLIND EYE: Pulls up an optometrist’s eye exam. Each line reads “WKHBOOVHH”. Too lazy to translate atm.

PIÑATA: Bill Cipher getting beaten to death /hj

MASON: A note from Dipper listing several anagrams of Gravity Falls characters’ names. You can check in the comments for the answers.

AXOLOTL: “You ask alotl questions”. Thanks for the pun, Alex, but I’m kind of losing my mind rn

MYSTERY SHACK: Leads to a Google search for Confusion Hill, the real-life Mystery Shack!

MYSTERY: “?”

MONSTER: Leads to several YouTube videos for “There’s a Monster at the End of this Book.”

VALLIS CINERIS: Leads to an analog-horror-esque video of Baby Bill and his parents, who have been blotted out by static, and a voice repeating “WHY DID YOU DO IT” over and over again until you stop the video.

PORTAL: “Portal.exe has been deleted. I bet you could build a new one.”

GIFFANY: You need to put it in multiple times. Several warnings about breaching firewall, followed by a message from GIFFANY saying “SOOS! I still love you!” or smth like that, and then GIFFANY herself briefly appearing onscreen. Trying again after that summons her more. Also lets you download some ZIP files.

DORITO: Summons an image of a spinning Dorito, followed by the most cursed image of Bill Cipher I have ever seen.

GOD: A short video of an axolotl in a tank with a Bill Cipher statue plays. This is Alex’s axolotl, shown in the Book of Bill countdown.

REALITY: “Is an illusion”

FILBRICK: “I’m not impressed”

CARYN: “I knew you were gonna write that”

GLASS SHARD BEACH: Leads to an image of the New Jersey Hell Hole.

ANY CUSS WORD: Pulls up a paper reading “NOT S&P APPROVED. WASH YOUR MOUTH OUT WITH SOAP” with an image of soap below.

MATPAT: Leads to a video of MatPat next to a conspiracy board, holding the Book of Bill. He tells us we’re on our own.

BABBA: Plays an audio recording of Dipper singing BABBA. Not Disco Girl, a different song.

CRAZ: Leads to the Jem and the Holograms theme.

XYLER: See above.

AD ASTRA PER ASPERA: Shows us two new journal pages from Ford and Mabel, studying the Cipher statue. They’re definitely worth the read, I teared up looking at them.

ANSWER: “Question”

QUESTION: “Answer”

SEASON ONE: “Season -1: Antigravity Falls”

SEASON TWO: “Season 1” …maybe scratch what I said about Season 3. Or don’t. Things are starting to damage my brain.

CURSED (got from @slimslamflimflam decoding the candle! Thanks!): Shows two pages talking about the dangers of drawing triangles, with the bottom of the second page showing several drawings of Bill and the words “HE IS COMING, RUN”

THE UNIVERSE: “Hologram”

RIZZ: “Life privileges revoked. Now releasing poison gas.” This response is repeated if you type in SKIBIDI or FORTNITE.

BABY: Shows an ultrasound of a fetus Bill Cipher, captioned “Look at what’s growing inside you! See you in nine months, papa!”

JOURNAL 3: “The Journal for Me”

PACIFICA: Leads to a note from Pacifica calling Bill Cipher “ick” and telling us to follow her on social media under “Platinum Paz”

PLATINUM PAZ: Pulls up an image of Northwest Manor with the llama symbol overlaid and a “NW” logo beneath. There's also a short story beneath!

LOVE: Leads to an audiobook of “The Love Triangle”. Need to read later.

BLENDIN: “The time agent lost and presumed incompetent”. Uh…?

SCARY: Leads to another audiobook of a cheesy Goosebumps-esque horror novel written by Bill himself, apparently.

DIVORCE: Shows you the logo of the bar Bill went to after his fight with Ford… Billford bitter exes confirmed

ROBBIE: Leads to the cringiest messages ever. He’s such a failure I love him

CONSPIRACY: Leads to a video of a man losing his mind over the countdown counting up. I feel so seen. (I have been informed that his name is Charlie Day, he's an actor from It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia and that one meme, he had a quote on the back of the Book of Bill, thanks to everyone who explained that to me, I'm sorry, I'm uncultured)

RAT: “Thurburt’s number?”

BLANCHIN: Leads to a YouTube video on how to blanch vegetables.

TJ ECKLEBURG: “Never mention that name again.”

NOTHING: “Something”

SOMETHING: “Nothing”

BURNSIDE: “Burned inside.” Well… at least we know what happened…

WADDLES: Leads to the pig placement network!

THERAPRISM: Pulls up a sign from the theraprism regarding an emergency situation. The code reads "THE OLD ONE".

SHAPE: Pulls up an article on Plato, triangles, and Ancient Greece. This article is presumably written by Bill.

LLIB and BILL: THIS leads to the Sesame Street video every time.

WEIRD: Shows a video of a frightened Weird Al panicking about being trapped in a computer. Sorry, man...

CLONE: Pulls up an image of Paper Jam Dipper, a warning about not getting him too close to liquids, and an option to print.

TRIANGLE: ")" or "Tri harder."

THEYLLSEE: "Is seeing believing?"

DEER TEETH: "For you, kid!"

LIFE: "Life: 72% complete. Now loading: death."

DEATH: "Life's goth cousin."

PINES: "A good family tree."

OWL TROWEL: A slab of hieroglyphs, translating to an ancient ad for an owl trowel.

SCALENE: "Life form not found." EUCLID has the same outcome.

WELL WELL WELL BEING: Some assorted notes from Bill's Theraprism file. These include his greatest love and fear, his art therapy notes, and notes on his phobias. Three clicks is required to read them all.

BOO BERRY: Offers a poem on the meaning of life! Wow! I feel so enlightened!

LOVE YA BRO: Shows us a doodle from Stan of one of his and Ford's Sea Grunks adventures, and another code on the back. It translates to "Kings of New Jersey." I've been told it lets you download the code as a font.

SORRY: Reveals the repaired Backupsmore photo, with a note from Fiddleford about his and Ford's growing friendship. Fiddauthor fans, we are eating well tonight!

HORROR: Pulls up an image and report on The Always Garden, which is essentially a cheap Italian restaurant hidden in the backrooms.

HOLOGRAM: "Universe."

NAITSUAF: Pulls up a page that looks like it would be from the Book of Bill, in which Bill tries to convince us to sell us his soul. Clicking "ARE YOU READY?" pulls up a contract where we can sell our soul to Bill (with an alarming amount of coded fine print. Will need to translate later). You can print this document out, back out, or sign it right there on the web. Hitting "SIGN" causes the words "PLEASURE DOING BUSINESS WITH YOU!" to appear, and the document to close. In other words, I no longer have a soul.

IMSTILLONYOURMIND: Plays a recording of the ocean, with Stan faintly talking in the background. Poor Ford ain't quite over the divorce yet...

HOTXOLOTL: Pulls up a "MOST WANTED" doc on the henchmaniacs.

SEVENEYES: Pulls up a faded polaroid of The Oracle with text on the back that reads "LEAVE HIM. Escape to dimension *blurred out*. It's against the rules but it's the only reality where you'll be safe from him." The code at the bottom (once again decoded by the powerhouse that is @slimslamflimflam) reads "Set a course for Dimension: R34LITY." Is another Cipher Hunt in the makes? Only time will tell, hehehe.

JUST FIT IN: Plays an old commercial with a few moments of speech in the glitches at the end.

EVEN HIS LIES ARE LIES: Shows a transcript from a therapy session at the Theraprism. Bill discusses his relationship with Ford and cuts off the session when someone brings up his parents.

NOT A PHASE: Shows a Google search for "black hair dye stained an entire bathroom."

PAPER IS BOOK SKIN: Instantly downloads a page of fleshy pink paper with the word "ENJOY" written on it!

SHAVE YOUR GRANDMA: Pulls up a few more pages about the human life cycle.

LIES: Pulls up an image of "The Game of Lies" board game, with a long stretch of text from (I assume) Bill, ending with "LIE UNTIL YOU ARE NOT LYING ANYMORE." Someone has some issues...

SAY BAAAA: Pulls up a neat little rhyme about being Bill Cipher's obedient flock of sheep. The code at the end translates to "Black Sheep."

ONE EYED KING: Plays a video of a hypnotist's spiral, with Bill proclaiming "YOU WANT TO PLEDGE YOUR SOUL TO BILL CIPHER" in the background. There is also morse code that translates to "NAITSUAF", leading to a previous discovery- the soul contract.

TANTRUM: Pulls up a transcript of a spat between Bill and Time Baby.

TITANS BLOOD: "HOOT HOOT! Password please!"

CURSE WITTEBANE: Pulls up an image of a Bill Cipher ouija board.

FORDTRAMARINE: Pulls up several rejected files from Ford trying to convince us Fordtramarine exists.

SUCK IT MERLIN: Pulls up a tapestry of Bill riding a unicorn. The code at the top reads "DAY MARE VS NIGHTMARE."

HEY NERD: Plays a commercial advertising things such as a Bill Cipher calendar, the Scrubba-Bill, a severed hand, and the entire Cygnus-XIII galaxy. Half of the image can be found in the Book of Bill.

DESTRUCTION IS THE FORM OF CREATION: Pulls up a frantic page of notes from post-portal-shit Fiddleford. A sticky note at the bottom has a code that reads "Unreality."

RUBBERHOSE: Plays "The World is Small Ever After for All."

IRREGULAR: Shows us Bill's mugshot in color. The code below reads "No prison or attention span can hold him."

UNREALITY: Offers a guide by Bill on how to become immortal.

GUN: "Oh yes oh yes oh yes they both."

ABUELITA: Leads to a video on vacuuming the walls.

YES: "What's McGucket's favorite soda?"

NO: "Your loss..."

REPEATEDLY CLICKING STAN: This stuff deserves a section of its own, away from the OG Stan stuff. It takes you through several Ebay listings on various Stan-ish items until you get to a page written by Bill about Stan's secret shames. "Ex-wives" further confirms our theory on Stan and Eda's relationship, as well as revealing many other bits of lore. "Fears" is somewhat goofy to be honest. "Secret Shames" reveals that Stan is a fanfiction writer and that his mother is the only member of his family who truly loves him outside of Ford and the kids. "Unreported Crimes" is somewhat goofy as well. "Failed Products" basically confirms that Stan is that world's Alex. "Lowest Moments" is genuinely depressing, and "Darkest Thought". Well. I'm not spoiling it lol. And the bit on "How He Beat Me" causes Bill to get more and more frantic/angry the more you click it! Comedy GOLD!

DIPPY FRESH: Leads to a Reddit post of the Burger King Kids Club.

MEOW: Leads to a TikTok of a man playing the Gravity Falls theme on that cap keyboard.

HELP ME: Pulls up another video of Alex's axolotl and the tiny statue. Rip Bill ig :/

R34LITY: Pulls up several photos of the henchmaniacs in live-action, captioned "They found a new home."

JOURNAL 1: "The journal of fun."

JOURNAL 2: "The journal for you."

FBI: "Your webcam is on. We are watching."

BURNED INSIDE: Shows an image of a charred Oregon Parks badge and nametag on the ground.

HECTORING: Plays a silly little country song!

OROBOROUS: Pulls up two journal pages about Fiddleford buying Ford an axolotl to keep him company, and Bill subsequently telling Ford to get rid of him. There's also some code on the first page that reads "CHONKY BOY." Ford, you wonderful dork.

[the-barefoot-hatter]

I can’t make it send from my usual side blog (it’s heck) but tell me all about the blind Bill AU!!! I haven’t heard of it before, and I’m all over the stuff you make. Looking forward to the next chapter of the Nibling!!!

Eeee, thank you!<3 I'm so thrilled people like my silly AUs!

Blind Bill, it's mainly on AO3! Right now there's 12 fics (but only 17,403 Words total, so like, its a pretty short, easy read lol)

It's a basic "powerless!Bill gets kicked out of Theraprism/sent to Pines for Handyman AUing" setup- except Bill is blind. Totally. Completely.

And nothing is going to fix that.

And it's not a punishment for him or even a result of the Theraprism's typical A+ care, just a combo of traumatic compounding injuries that were ignored/magicked away/life hacked/worsened until, well, you can't heal it. (The Axolotl is powerful but Bill's glitchy scars prove they aren't prefect! That triangle is damaged!)

So mainly it's about Bill being angry (terrified) about losing everything (think Dr Strange losing his surgeon's hands, but even worse because being an all-seeing-eye is Bill's main identity and without it...) and the Pines family also dealing with Bill (good and bad and weird) and all of them coming together as a weird found family type thing.

Also it's implied Billford*

(*I hesitate to fully call it Billford because it's very lightly sketched in and much more on the its complicated/past/strange/these two are bad at feeling their feels, so the most you can really hope for in explicit detail (from me, I welcome an open sandbox approach to AUs) is handholding**)

(**tbf, handholding is like third base for these freaks)

[ddarker-dreams]

A Deal's a Deal II.

Yan Chrollo x F Reader

Warnings: Yandere themes, unhealthy relationships, descriptions of anxiety and emotional/mental manipulation. Word count: 4.1k.

Prev

You met Chrollo at an old hole-in-the-wall bookstore that housed archaic texts. 

There was little information on your condition, but what material did exist hid itself beneath allegory and ciphers. The best leads came from high strangeness circles. They expanded on Jung’s concept of the collective unconscious, drawing parallels between historical records across cultures and periods that all implied some system that transcended physical limitations. Whether it came from alchemists like Paracelsus, mystics like Crowley, or authors like William Blake, hints of this system can be found sprinkled throughout history. 

Chrollo informed you that this system is commonly called ‘Nen.’

Before him, the nomenclature eluded you. You simply regarded it as a phenomenon best kept to yourself. The world’s a weird place, filled with inexplicable things that the human mind can’t always comprehend. This handheld device, which you nicknamed Instant Replay, is the foremost example.

You were always aware that you knew things you shouldn’t have. As a child, it perplexed you. Why do people sometimes sound weird? A few trips to the audiologist proved your hearing is perfectly fine. When this avenue didn’t provide answers, you ended up in counseling, where you reenacted the dilemma with dolls. For a while, you insisted that what you heard was real. It frustrated you to no end that the adults in your life either dismissed you or offered bromides. 

As an adult yourself in the present, you can’t blame them for being at a loss. 

You smartened up eventually. What you once blabbed about to anyone who would listen, you kept to yourself. This eased the tensions at home. Your parents seemed happy that the issue had ‘resolved’ itself and you maintained the illusion. Playing pretending could only do so much — the core problem remained. Your mind made the connection that when another was being dishonest, that’s when their voice would sound strange. After you realize that, there’s no going back. The epiphany changed how you interacted with others for better and for worse. 

“You want to get rid of your ability?” he sounded surprised when he asked. 

“How could I not?” you replied. “People lie… a lot. Friends, family, strangers. And, okay, that might not seem bad, but imagine always being aware of it. It— It eats away at you. Wears down your ability to trust. I have to act like I’m none the wiser, knowing full well someone just lied to my face. I don’t want to know! I’m tired of knowing!” 

“You’re unable to control when it’s active?” 

“Instant Replay lets me ‘review’ audio, both in real-time and after it’s been recorded. I have control over the latter, but that’s it.”

Your antagonistic relationship with Nen fascinated Chrollo. According to him, most people were intentional when it came to crafting their Hatsu. There are very few cases like yours where Hatsu is subconsciously given shape and form. You wish your subconscious had created something more useful, like a sword. That would’ve been cool. 

“Could I learn a new ability to oust Instant Replay?” you wondered. 

“Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way,” Chrollo dismissed. “In theory, it is possible to learn different abilities, although your inexperience would make that difficult. There’s no way to erase an ability either. You can, however, lose access to it. For instance, there’s my predicament, or…” 

He leaned in close and whispered: 

“... Someone could steal it.” 

-

Chrollo looks out of place in your apartment.  

It’s a cozy, lived-in space, full of trinkets that he thoughtfully examines as if he were in the Louvre. Meanwhile, you prepare two cups of tea. Chamomile with honey for you and Earl Grey for him. After setting the timer for five minutes, you realize there’s not much else to do but wait. The silence is unusual and unnerving. Anticipation thrums through the air like an electric current. You feel it coursing through your blood; tingling along your skin. 

The barstool you’ve chosen as your perch groans against the wooden floor as you pull it out.

Chrollo picks up a picture for closer inspection. You crane your neck, curious about which snapshot captured his attention. It’s from a night out with friends. Empty plates and drinks littered the table and each of you crowded in close to fit into frame. Since the restaurant was high-end, you were dolled up, adorned in an outfit that rarely saw the light of day. 

“Swarovski?” He sounds amused. 

“I’ve been known to splurge on the occasion,” you huff. “The necklace was on sale and the earrings were—” 

You cut yourself off, although you’re unsure why. It shouldn’t be a taboo topic. Nonetheless, beneath the weight of his gaze, you couldn’t get the word out. 

“—From an ex?” He offers. 

You nod. 

He returns the picture to its proper place, a cryptic smile on his lips. “So even you aren’t above materialistic impulses, hm?” 

“There’s a difference between rampant consumerism and buying yourself something nice on occasion,” you retaliate, disliking the edge of mockery in his voice. “I don’t need to hear this from the dude wearing a silver Rolex watch.” 

“It’s white gold.” 

You roll your eyes. “A camel through the eye of a needle.” 

“‘First cast out the beam out of thine own eye.’” 

“Do you seriously have the entire King James version of the Bible memorized?” 

“It was one of the most accessible texts in my youth,” he says, his smile softening into something pensive. “The missionaries were far more generous with those showing signs of ‘progress.’ I tried helping my companions memorize the more significant passages, but they weren’t what you’d call ideal pupils.” 

Missionaries? You purse your lips and consider the implications. Had Chrollo grown up in destitution? Come to think of it, you know very little about him or his background. Unlike you, he never volunteered the information. He skillfully maneuvered around any inquiry into his past. The most you’ve gleaned is that he’s a traveling antiquarian who, in pursuit of valuables, made some enemies along the way. 

The shrill shriek of the timer rips you from your thoughts. 

Chrollo accepts his mug with a “thank you” and sits on the rightmost side of your coach. After plopping two ice cubes into your concoction, you join him, leaving ample room between you. The nerves from earlier return. He’s an easy man to converse with, but when his mind is preoccupied — as it most certainly is now — you’re at a loss. Do you try reinitiating banter? Opt for a completely different topic? Or should you let him initiative, squirming around until he breaks the thickening tension? 

“Have I held you in suspense long enough?” Chrollo asks while holding his hand out. A book with a handprint on the cover appears, the pages flipping too fast for you to gauge their contents.

The quality of his aura temporarily stupefies you. This must be the difference between a novice like yourself and a genius. You can muster up enough aura to summon Instant Replay, but that takes considerable effort. To him, managing the flow of aura comes as easy as breathing. You scooch closer to study his technique. How long would it take you to match his expertise? Years? Decades? 

“I’ll get bashful if you keep staring at me like that.” 

“Liar,” you accuse without any real malice. 

He chuckles.

“Give me your hand.” 

Heat rushes to your face as you recall what happened when you last parted. “D-Do I have to?” 

“Yes.” 

Hesitantly, you do as he requests. He maneuvers your hand against the conjured book’s cover. You gnaw on your bottom lip, trepidation brewing inside your soul. You thought you’d feel relieved when this moment came. There’d be some butterflies, yes, but that would quickly give way to relief and exhilaration. The thorn that’s been in your side all these years is finally coming out. Your quid pro quo has reached its conclusion; this is your reward, your ticket to a normal life. 

“I like you too.” 

“I’ll be there whenever you need me.”

“It’s okay if you come.” 

“I promise I won’t tell anyone.” 

“We’ll always be together.”

Yes, people lie a lot. Sometimes, you’re unsure if they’re even aware of it themselves. They lie to you, the people they love, the people they hate, and themselves. Fate decided you’d be made witness to their folly, sewing your lips shut and eyes wide open. The wounds it left behind are intangible and incurable. How do you heal what you can’t explain knowing to others? How do you explain your hesitation, shift in demeanor, and inadequate coverup? 

The sound of Instant Replay whirring reverberates throughout your skull. 

Chrollo speaks your name softly. You startle, realizing that you’re blinking back tears. 

“I—” 

“It’s alright,” he reassures. The words sound crisp — genuine — soothing your budding concern that you’re inconveniencing him somehow. In an instant, the hardcover dissipates, leaving your hand flat against nothing. Chrollo takes the opportunity to come closer. When you don’t protest, he completely closes the distance, until you’re thigh to thigh. 

He smells good. Intoxicatingly so. 

“Show me the ability you despise so much, dear.” 

Dear? You think to protest the emergence of this nickname, yet you can’t bring yourself to. Instead, you follow his order, mechanically lifting your arm and summoning your ability much like he had. 

“Good. It’s almost over with,” he brushes the wetness away from your eyes with his knuckles. Your heart leaps at the contact. “Finally, I have to ask about your ability. There are so many possibilities… what to choose, what to choose… ah.” 

With the same hand that wiped away your nascent tears, he cups your cheek.

“Do you trust a man like me with such a dangerous ability?” 

“I have my reservations,” you respond. You don’t miss the amusement he derives from your candidness. “This sounds bad, but… at this point, I guess I just don’t care.” 

For a moment, all is still. There’s no odor of sulfur, maniacal cackling, or declaration that the ritual is complete. You didn’t have to sign a contract in blood or swear an oath to an infernal being. Your overactive imagination ran numerous scenarios through your head. The lack of flair over this life-defining moment is almost underwhelming. You frown, fearing that there was an error somewhere along the way. If there was, he’s given no indication, yet you’ll remain restless until the results are confirmed. 

“Chrollo?” 

“Hm?” 

“Did it work?” 

“It did, love.” 

“Could you, um,” you lick your lips, a motion that draws his attention. “Make something up so I can know for sure?” 

This request amuses him.

“How will you know if I’m being honest to mess around with you or not?” 

At this, you give him a light shove. Given his apparent playfulness, you expected him to move back, but he doesn’t budge an inch. It felt like trying to move a concrete building. 

“Make it an obvious lie, then.” 

“An obvious lie, hm?” He mulls over your suggestion. “Very well. How about this: I don’t want you beneath me.” 

You gape at him, dumbstruck. 

“I find it easy to control my urges around you.” 

He keeps going. 

“I’m unmoved by your beauty…” 

He gently pushes your shoulders until you’re lying down. 

“... Your wit…” 

He hovers above you, tracing the outline of your lips with his pointer finger. 

“... And boundless charm.” 

Chrollo tilts your head up by your chin. “Well? Do you believe me now?” 

Slowly, as if in a daze, you nod. Your heart lurches, the organ beating loud enough to hear in your ears. You feel uncomfortably warm, like your heater’s been cranked to the highest setting. Gradually, the violent joy you expected to accompany your liberation abounds, starting at your chest and overflowing outward. You’re smiling, breathless, your corporeal form barely able to contain the glee. You see your reflection in Chrollo’s eyes. There’s a manic quality to your countenance; you barely recognize yourself. 

You’re free, you’re free, you’re free— 

His lips find yours. Your cognition short circuits, leaving you in a reverie where you can barely understand what’s happening. He handles you so carefully that it’s easy to forget you’re physically trapped. He carries on, either failing to notice your apprehension or disregarding it. 

On some level, you’ve always sensed this underlying attraction. You remained purposefully obtuse. There was too much at stake — jeopardizing your aims for a fling felt counterintuitive. On paper, he’d make for the ideal partner. He’s devilishly handsome, charismatic, and intelligent to a fault. Aside from some dubious morality, you couldn’t ask for a better suitor. 

And still, hesitation prevailed. 

Every now and then, there’d be glimpses of some great, existential threat, beneath the fissures of his porcelain mask. These glimpses gave you pause. You think he could’ve tried harder to hide these damning qualities, yet chose not to. Where’s the fun — the thrill — in always playing nice? You needed his help more than he needed yours. His connections spanned continents, whereas yours were shallow and easy to uproot. 

How many of your convictions would you compromise? 

How far would you let the poison spread to cure another affliction? 

How can you look down on him if you’ve fallen to the same level? 

When he pulls away, you avert your gaze, fearing what stares back. 

“... So you are afraid of me, then.” 

Chrollo lets you wriggle out from underneath him. When your eyes make brief contact, it feels like he’s inspecting you, as if you were a specimen in a petri dish. It isn’t the reaction you’d expect from a rejected man. Nonetheless, you’re on edge and longing for a menial task to occupy yourself with. Recalling the state of the kitchen, you decide that will suffice. 

He remains seated as you wash and dry the implements used to make your tea. 

This uncharacteristic silence unsettles you further. The only audible sound in your apartment is your faucet, the water running over silverware that’s plenty clean. You scrub at it harder, wondering what you should do next. Originally, you intended to thank him for his pivotal role in removing your burden. You never would have made it this far without his assistance. Even with this strange atmosphere, your gratitude remains unwavering. 

You’ll be able to live life like anyone else now. It’s an accomplishment worthy of celebration, regardless of the twists and turns along the way. Maybe he misinterpreted your body language or acted on an impulse. These mistakes can happen when emotions run high. 

Okay, you think, psyching yourself up. This doesn’t have to be weird. I can—

“Have you given much thought over last week’s unpleasantness?” 

Your heart skips a beat and your shoulders droop. 

“I assume you haven’t,” he says. “That’s fair. It must’ve been frightening… I wish I could have spared you such an experience.” 

The appreciation he previously instilled in you desiccates, drop by drop. 

“Will you please get to the point?” 

Under different circumstances, you would’ve been more patient with his preamble, but this is a sore subject. A buried corpse like that shouldn’t be exhumed. His reasoning, though elusive to you now, doesn’t inspire warm sentiments. 

“That incident won’t be the last of its kind.”

You turn around as he approaches, sipping his tea. He leans against the counter and eyes you over the cup’s rim. 

“In truth, we should’ve left hours ago, but I was feeling sentimental.” 

“‘We?’ Chrollo, what are you talking about?” 

“Had it not been for your role in getting my Nen back, Hisoka would’ve killed you,” Chrollo says this so casually that you question if you’re hearing him right. “Now that you’ve done your part, he has a vested interest in doing so.” 

You no longer have a way to verify if he’s telling the truth or not. It’s so stupid, so unfair, that you almost laugh. Instant Replay no longer heeds your call. You surrendered it to a new master, who, before taking it from your willing hands, all but told you he was the worst person you could’ve picked. 

Chrollo continues, “He’s a peculiar case. All he cares about is fighting formidable opponents, and, with my Nen returned, I am one.”

You take a step back.

“That business is between you two. I fail to see how this involves me.” 

“I have preparations to finish before I face him,” Chrollo explains. “He doesn’t feel like waiting any longer. Harming you is an excellent way to speed things along. Even I don’t know what I’d do if you were fatally injured.” 

You shake your head. “I— you’re not serious. There’s just no way. I’m moving past all of this bullshit. Nen, Hatsu, whatever; that has nothing to do with me anymore. I’m done.” 

“I’m sorry, dear.” 

“No, you aren’t!” Your voice raises in pitch, pulled as taut as a bowstring. “You knew, didn’t you? That this would be a problem? Oh, oh, you had to, why else would you have acted all weird when you saw him? Stop looking at me like you care, like you’re sorry, 'cause this is the best-case scenario for you!” 

You pace back and forth, your mind racing. This was a mistake. Walking up to him because you recognized the book in his hands was a mistake. Is he bluffing? And if he is, does it matter? You can’t put up a fight. You don’t think you could even make it to the door. If he was a regular man, you’d have options. You could yell for help, call the cops, and inflict some damage, minor as it may be. All those tactics turn to ash before an oppressive, incomprehensible force like this. 

You snap your head in his direction. “Aren’t you going to say something?” 

“I don’t see how that will help.” 

You prepare to spew vitriol his way, when a dreadful thought shoots through you like a bullet. 

“My family. What about them? Won’t they be in danger too?” 

“They aren’t on his radar.” 

“How do you know that?” 

“Please don’t take this the wrong way,” Chrollo sets the cup down. “The suffering of your loved ones wouldn’t elicit a reaction from me, so he won’t bother. Targeting you is the wisest option.” 

Words fail you. Is this it? The depravity he kept subdued finally let loose, so dense in its quality that it threatens to suffocate you? All you wanted was a semblance of normalcy. Normal relationships, interactions, and problems. Has the path you’ve treaded brought you further away from this humble aspiration? Or is there still a way, some faint silver lining that you must find and latch onto? 

“What about after?” 

“Hm?” 

“After Hisoka is dealt with,” you clarify, tapping your foot repeatedly. “You’re not going to let him live, are you?” 

“That’s rather dark.” 

“Chrollo,” you implore. 

“No, I won’t,” he confirms. “As for what comes next — I intend to persuade you.” 

You regard him with suspicion. His tone and the implications sink into you like a venomous bite. He exudes quiet confidence, indicating that nothing you’ve said will influence him in any meaningful way. Dread sticks to your stomach, making your body feel heavy. You hug yourself, clenching your upper arms with shaky fingers. Any lingering excitement from earlier has vaporized, leaving behind a profound hollowness. 

“I suppose this can go a few ways,” you murmur. “I could cause as many headaches for you as possible, or, I could be decent enough.” 

“I’m listening.” 

“I’d like to have Instant Replay back,” you say. He quirks an eyebrow. “Just for a bit. What? I’m assuming if you can steal something, you can give it back, right?” 

“You’d be correct. Still, that begs the question; what are you intending to accomplish with this little scheme?” 

“Nothing that’ll inconvenience you in any major way.” 

Chrollo falls silent. You dig your nails into your flesh as the seconds drag on, awaiting his verdict. If he had your ability activated, he should’ve been able to discern your honesty. Then again, he’s aware of the workarounds. To ensure your words wouldn’t register as untrue, you had to remain vague and subjective. What you consider an inconvenience could differ drastically from him. 

“I’m sure I won’t regret this.” 

Your eyes widen. That dissonant timbre is unmistakable, he returned your ability! Filled with newfound resolve, you stride toward him, your eyes blazing. This is your chance. You need to make the most of this opening before it’s gone forever. He could choose not to answer any of your questions, but something tells you he won’t, like it’d injure his pride. You issued him a challenge and he’s intent on meeting it. 

“Did you have anything to do with what happened last week?” 

“I didn’t.” 

“Did Hisoka?” 

“No, he just happened to be observing you from afar.” 

“Why?” 

“For his personal amusement, I’d wager.” 

“He’d really kill me just to… agitate you?”

“It’s in line with his character.” 

You swallow thickly and press on. 

“And if you’re wrong?” 

“Then I’m wrong. Regardless, you’ll be alive and well.” 

“Can you win against him in a fight?” 

“Yes.” 

“And if you somehow lose, what happens next?” 

“My companions will hunt him down and kill him.” 

Now that you’ve gotten your most pressing inquiries out of the way, you decide to wade through dangerous waters. Chrollo likely saw the benefit in assuaging your doubt, these next questions provide him nothing substantial. His willingness to humor you is undoubtedly finite. Keeping this in mind, you consider the possibilities. You may never have a chance like this again. Is there anything that can give you an advantage? You’ll take anything, no matter how small, even if all it offers is an illusion of control. 

Chrollo glances at his watch in a not-so-subtle motion. 

“Who sealed your Nen?” 

“Now this is more what I expected,” he hums. His eyes take on a bright, unsettling shade. “An individual with a longstanding grudge. Your paths will not cross, I suggest adopting another plan of attack.” 

He saw right through you. You knew it was a long shot, but collaborating with this mysterious figure would have proven advantageous. They must be powerful in their own right to have bested Chrollo. Should you try pressing for more information? Then again, Chrollo doesn’t seem keen on sharing more, much to your chagrin. 

What does that leave you with…?

“How do you plan on ‘persuading’ me?” 

“You’re better off not knowing until we get to that point.” 

You frown. If that didn’t register as a lie, it must be what he genuinely believes. Curiosity plagues you, dredging up anxiety. You have but a few grains of sand left in the hourglass remaining. It’s suspended midair, poised to drop at the most ill-timed moment. The approach of the end is worse than its inevitable arrival. You now have the chance to hasten its onset, at the risk of being debilitated by the impact. What lows would he resort to? Are you actually better off remaining ignorant?

“Alright, let’s—” 

“Does it hurt to know I’ll never love you?” 

Up until this point, he’s fired back with a near instant response. This time, however, he hesitates, the invasive nature of the inquiry necessitating careful thought. You finally found an effective ‘attack.’ It’s too late to do you any lasting good, but you greedily devour it nonetheless. When dealing with a person of Chrollo’s caliber, it’s easy to forget he possesses the same human qualities you do. You might be unable to stop his heart from beating, but you can make the organ ache. 

“I can live with it, dear.” 

You pinch your eyebrows together, thrown off by his voice’s clarity. Is the knowledge that inconsequential to him? Have you misjudged his attachment? While considering this, you flex your fingers, concentrating your aura there. You can’t repeat his words back since Instant Replay wasn’t recording, but you still decide to conjure it. You’ll record what remains of this conversation to ensure you don’t miss anything else. 

The flow of your aura halts at your wrist, refusing to take form. Frowning, you try again, only to realize he must have reclaimed your ability. 

When did that happen? Was it before or after his response? 

Chrollo says your name, regaining your attention. “I fulfilled my end of the bargain. Will you do the same?” 

After playing the role of the interrogator, you’re back to being an inmate. You meant what you said — when you said it, that is. This is yet another loophole to subvert Instant Replay. What’s true to you in one instant can change in the next. It’s frightening how fast he’s learned these nuances that took you years to test and discover. He’s already making the most of your ability, turning what was a thorn in your side into a full-fledged dagger. 

“What choice do I have?” 

“There’s always a choice,” Chrollo asserts. “You just have a habit of making the wrong ones.” 

A delirious laugh leaves your lips. 

"... I suppose you're right."

[fordtato]

Alex Hirsch will imply or say through text and subtext of books about FiddAuthor and BillFord, while Dan Povenmire and Swampy Marsh will just have Perryshmirtz moments on Chibi shorts and tiktoks... and you know, sometimes I'm glad I get to live in this world. (I made this weird train of thought connection through the ending joke in Bill's interview in the book.)

SPOILERS: Look, no matter how one feels about it, Hirsch used terminology associated with romance and breakups throughout nearly every interaction between Ford and Bill. "Attracted-to," "will-they-won't-they," "were we even partners?," starting a conversation after a fight with "Can we talk?", calling Fiddleford a "third wheel," etc. - THESE ARE QUOTES.

Also, Bill uses language that is INCREDIBLY tied to abusive relationships when talking to Ford: "who else will make you feel like this?" etc.

Hell, Bill goes on a drunken bender after the breakup. Mabel calls Ford Bill's ex, and tells him to "get over" her Grunkle.

I've seen some discussion on the timeline on whether or not it's problematic to make BillFord canon and my thoughts are: this book DEPICTING an abusive pairing (or at least using language that echoes an abusive relationship), and then framing it through the lens of an unreliable abusive narrator is not the same thing as glorifying, romanticizing, or supporting the pairing. The people reading this recognize that Bill is a villain and not to be trusted, you know? It isn't even shades of grey, it's 100% depicted as the most ruinous thing in Ford's life. Hell, I think it's just very compelling writing. I love this. I think it's so interesting. Books should be able to tackle this.

And then the Fiddauthor fodder. The FIDDFODDER. He handmakes Ford two xmas presents, and makes nothing for Emma-May??? HE COMES BACK FOR FORD AFTER HIS FIGHT WITH HIS WIFE? AND THEY WERE ROOMMATES IN COLLEGE? AND FIDDS MADE 5 PROTOTYPES TO HANDKNIT FORD GLOVES??

The book also has a reference to Ford possibly being ace. Ford has nightmares about a pop quiz asking him what he's attracted to. He answers "planning and preparation." So, I have layered feelings about these tongue-in-cheek references to asexuality without just SAYING asexuality, you know? Like when it's wrapped in a joke, I think it affects how meaningful it is, but I'm not ace, so it's up to ace people to decide how they feel about this. But I do think it's interesting.

At the very least, this book adds queer undertones to the way Ford and Bill interact. Book of Bill gave more queer undertones in the TEXT, not just subtext, to how Ford interacts with others, and while that experience is translated through an abusive relationship, it's still there.

Y'all, this man is queer. I can't believe I'm not seeing everyone talking about this. Ford is queer. I don't know how to define his relationship with Bill Cipher, but it isn't straight.

[ckret2]

Chapter 95 of human Bill Cipher being not quite the Mystery Shack's prisoner anymore but sorta staying there anyway: the girls (plus Bill) have a sleepover, and the guys (plus Melody) have anime.

(‼️SUPER IMPORTANT PSA:‼️ it's dangerous to read alone. Take this.)

####

"Get out of the living room," Grenda shouted, charging in and chucking a duffel bag at an unoccupied chair. "We're having a sleepover movie marathon!"

"We are commandeering the TV." Candy plopped down in front of the TV and rummaging through her bag for some rental videos.

Dipper quickly escaped to join Ford and Soos in the entryway. "Great."

Soos said, "Wanna come with us to anime night? It'll keep you out of the girls' way."

"Thanks, Soos, but it's fine. As long as they aren't in the attic, maybe I can get some sleep."

"We won't bother you!" Mabel said. "We're staying in the living room! We're gonna stay up late and talk about boys and watch movies until we pass out!"

"Seriously?" Ford looked at Bill, leaning in the living room doorway. "Seriously? This is how you're spending your night?"

"Yes," Bill said. 

"Voluntarily?"

"This is the best socialization I've had since I d—got here. I'll take what I can get." He gestured at the girls; Candy and Grenda had taken a couple of video tapes out of their cases, and immediately started manipulating the cases like animal jaws to try to bite each other, complete with dinosaur noises. "Besides, kids are little chaos engines before they grow up and learn to be normal! I like 'em!"

The weirdest part was that Ford actually thought Bill was telling the truth. (And, in spite of his paranoia going what if, what if— all the evidence did suggest that Bill wanted to protect them.)

"Now get outta here," Bill said, "you're bringing down the mood."

"In a minute." Ford raised his voice. "Girls? I didn't get a chance to say this last time, but I have a few ground rules for tonight's sleepover."

The girls groaned. Warily, Mabel asked, "What is it?"

"No more demon summonings; no seances; no Bloody Mary or any similar games; I never want to see a spirit board under this roof; don't invite anything vampiric inside; and if you're visited by anything fae, call me."

"I think we can handle that."

Bill said, "Got it. Play with the Oui-Oui Spirit Board in the parking lot."

"No!"

He just grinned at Ford.

"You ready, Dr. Pines?" Soos asked. "We're gonna be late if we don't go."

Ford gave Bill one last warning look, and then followed Soos out.

As soon as the door was shut, Grenda loud-whispered, "Hey! We should totally play Bloody Mary!"

"Yes!" Candy cheered.

Bill yelped, "No!"

The girls stared at him. He swallowed hard.

"Why not?" Mabel asked.

Grenda added, "Yeah! You scared, Gold-o?"

"Of course not," he said testily.

"You're not Gold-o, you're Yell-o! As in yellow-bellied!"

"That's not the insult you think it is," Bill said. "And I'm not scared, I just think it sounds boring! Bloody Mary probably won't show up. And, if she does? I bet she isn't any fun! i don't even want to see her! I don't care! All right?"

The girls nodded, and each independently decided they were totally dragging him into playing Bloody Mary.

####

When Fiddleford answered the door, the first thing Ford said was, "You got new glasses?"

"Heh, yep!" Fiddleford proudly adjusted his glasses. Ford suspected it was the first new pair he'd gotten in thirty years. "Since my last pair got pulverized, I reckoned it was high time I stop trying to use some old hand-me-downs I found at the museum and get me a proper prescription pair!

Trying to suppress a grin, Ford said, "Is it just me, or do they look a little like..."

"You hush," Fiddleford said. "I know they look like your old ones. I'm an old man now! I can't get away with those little round readin' glasses anymore!"

Soos and Melody inspected Fiddleford's new glasses as they came in. Melody nodded approvingly, "They suit you."

Soos laughed, "Oh, dude! You two are like glasses twins now."

Ford frowned in faux consideration. "Do I need another twin my life...?"

"Might as well," Fiddleford shrugged. "We're already a couple'a Fords."

"That's true."

Fiddleford gestured to Soos and Melody, "You two run along and get comfortable! I need to have a talk with Stanford in private."

####

While the girls had dispersed to put on pajamas and/or retrieve snacks, Bill headed to the bathroom; but he stopped outside the door when he heard giggles and whispers inside. "Is this room occupied?"

Mabel pushed open the door and all three girls grinned at him. "Yeah, but you can help out!"

"Sure, as long as it doesn't involve any of the things people usually do in bathrooms." He leaned curiously into the room. "What are we doing?"

"Playing Bloody Mary."

Bill immediately tried to leave. "Nope."

"Come on, Goldie, don't be lame!"

"I'm not lame. You're lame," he said testily. "And I don't hang out with lame people! I'll be down in the living room, just scream if anyone starts dying." He attempted to back through the bathroom doorway.

Candy's steely grip wrapped around one arm. "You have to stay. You have no choice."

Grenda gripped his other arm. "Yeah! You're our adult supervision or something!"

Bill twisted around and grabbed at the door frame as half a dozen hands pulled at his arms and clothing. "No no no no no—!" He desperately clawed at the wall for purchase.

The door swung shut, smacking his fingers. He lost his grip and was dragged into the bathroom, screaming.

The door gently swayed shut.

####

Half of Fiddleford's lab was still in disarray from their brief contact with the Nightmare Realm a week ago; but one corner of his lab table was stacked with neat, tidy piles of papers covered in Fiddleford's neat, tidy calculations. Fiddleford led Ford over to those papers. "It's bad news."

Ford was afraid of that. "Does it have to do with Bill?"

Fiddleford gave him an unamused look—as if to say, is it ever anything else?

Ford sighed. "All right. Give me the news."

"I ran some figures using that equation you have to calculate the strength of the barrier a-draggin' weird things into town."

"Yes?"

Last year, Ford had passed all his research on the Theory of Weirdness, barrier equation included, to Fiddleford—mainly to show him that, at last, there was a tangible gain from their tragic youthful collaboration.

Fiddleford had offered to help Ford turn it into a publication-ready paper, Purely in a ghostwriting capacity—it would be Ford's name on the paper.

Ford had turned down the same offer thirty years ago, and he turned it down now. He didn't want to publish a paper with his name and Fiddleford's writing.

Instead, he wanted both their names at the top.

Fiddleford had bashfully accepted.

They'd hoped to spend this summer finalizing the paper; but, well, other things had come up.

Fiddleford flipped through his calculations as he went on, "Usually, we can just walk in and out of that barrier because its strength is proportionate to the weirdness in town. And the whole town's combined weirdness is strong enough to draw more things toward town, but not strong enough to trap 'em in town."

"Right," Ford said uneasily. He wasn't sure where this conversation was going, but he sensed bad news.

Fiddleford dropped the stack of papers in front of Ford and held out one page. "Well—I finally worked out exactly how much weirdness is needed to make that barrier solid. And for it to be completely impenetrable, whatever's trying to pass through it has to be more powerfully weird and weirdly powerful than anything found on Earth," he said. "Didn't you tell me a few days ago that Bill still can't get through the barrier?"

A chill ran up Ford's spine. "I... that's right." They'd found that out his first night in town, when they'd nearly driven him straight into the barrier before he screamed at them to stop.

Fiddleford began pacing. "If that devil could get through the barrier, it wouldn't necessarily prove anything. It might mean he's a human; it might mean he's still a... whatever he is—"

"Triangle."

"—still a demon triangle, but lost enough of his power to be 'normal enough' to get through; or, it might mean Bill himself weren't never weird enough on his lonesome to make that barrier solid without that rift open lettin' more weirdness pour in," Fiddleford said. "But since he can't get through the barrier... the only explanation is that all that power is still there, inside of him. And that means we know what shape his soul is."

Part of Ford wished they didn't. "It's still a triangle."

"And, he's just as dangerous as he ever was," Fiddleford said. "You know what we have to do."

"Yes." Ford took a deep breath. "We have to keep him alive at any cost so his soul can't escape."

"We have t—what?!" Fiddleford goggled at him. "Well, I was fixin' to say we have to destroy him and his soul right now, now we know he's a threat, but fine!" He flung his hands in the air. "Fine! He's not my prisoner! If you want to play around with the end of the world..."

Guilt twisted in Ford's stomach. "Fiddleford, I..." How could he apologize for something he planned to keep doing? (How could he tell him that Bill was much less of a prisoner now than he'd been a few hours ago?)

"Keep him alive! Of all the cockamamie..." Fiddleford's shoulders slumped in defeat. He sighed. "You really think you're doing the right thing?"

"I've asked myself that hundreds of times the past few days," Ford said wryly. "I think I think I'm doing the right thing."

"Well. If you were sure, I'd be worried."

Ford laughed dryly. "I'm not sure about anything. But I..." He rubbed his face. God, he was still so tired. "I know Bill could change. I—want—to think that he will."

Fiddleford took that in thoughtfully. "Why?"

Ford looked up at him. "Hm?"

"Why do you want him to change? Wouldn't you rather just... scootch him right on out of your life for good? He's not making you fancy promises again, is he?"

"Believe me, I wouldn't trust him if he did. I think he's finally given up on that, thank goodness."

"Then why do you want that demon alive?"

He could see Bill teaching Mabel about alien genetics and spherical geometry, Bill letting a couple contented kids sit on him after declaring them under his protection, Bill making up the most fascinating new chess rules but too exhausted to do anything with them. Bill teaching Ford about how to reach unseen stars. Bill comforting Ford when he was lonely.

The question was almost too easy to answer—and that made Ford second guess himself. But he said, "Because he's not a demon. He's just a person who's gotten too good at acting like one. But when he does act like a person... Well. He has—a lot to offer. Losing it would be a shame."

Fiddleford frowned hard as he listened, squinting at Ford. He took a moment to respond—rocking back on his heels, breaking eye contact with Ford as he took off his new glasses, carefully cleaning the lenses before he put them back on. To Ford's horrified fascination, Fiddleford cleaned his glasses with his beard.

Finally, he said, "I still don't remember... meetin' him. Not clearly, anyhow." (Ford's brows went up in surprise. This was the first time he'd ever heard Fiddleford acknowledge out loud that he had met him. They rarely mentioned the portal test at all—they certainly didn't discuss what Fiddleford had experienced.) "But—I recall how it felt. And 'demonic' is too sweet a word for the thing that I saw."

Ford nodded. He didn't know whether he'd seen the same sight, but he had seen Bill in his decaying kingdom, shrieking laughter echoing throughout the Nightmare Realm as though the whole dimension were an extension of his voice, surrounded by his monstrous minions as he lounged on his throne of illusions. (His chair custom-upholstered with the fabric of reality, with the autostereogram detailing that Bill couldn't even see.)

"But," Fiddleford said grudgingly, "he weren't never in my dreams. I reckon you might could've... seen some side of him I didn't."

"Or, he might have fooled me into seeing something that isn't there."

Fiddleford half-shrugged, half nodded. "Well, what do I know about what a 'person' is. These days there's aliens and clones and parallel people I don't know from Adam. If you say he's just a person... maybe he is. You want to try to reform him, then?"

Ford let out a disgusted laugh. "No," he said. "I want to see if he can reform himself."

####

"There!" Mabel slammed the door latch shut. "Now you're not going anywhere until we're done."

Bill swallowed nervously, already feeling the walls closing in on him. "You're exploiting my disability, and that's terrible of you."

Mabel blew a raspberry. "You'll live."

"Unless you don't," Grenda said ominously, wiggling her fingers spookily. "Ooo-oooh!"

He rolled his eye. "I am not worried about dying. In fact, I don't think anything'll happen. I bet she's not even real—and if she is, I heard that she doesn't show up if someone who doesn't believe in her is playing, so nothing'll happen if I'm here! You'd have better odds if you let me leave!"

"If nothing happens, then you've got nothing to be scared of," Candy said patiently.

"I'm not sc—UGH!" Bill yanked his hood over his face. "Fine, whatever! I don't care!" He edged toward the corner of the room, hunched his shoulders, and crossed his arms. 

"Okay," Mabel said, setting an unlit peaches and cream scented candle on the bathroom counter. She flipped off the light switch and held up her phone for light. "So what we have to do is turn off the lights completely, light a candle, and then say 'Bloody Mary' three times. And then a lady will show up in the mirror covered in blood and scream or tell us our future or try to strangle us or something."

Silently, Bill counted, one.

Mabel put a tub of baby wipes and a brush on the counter. "And that's when we offer her this and see if cleaning off that blood calms her down."

"That's not how it works," Candy said. "You're supposed to have all the lights off so it's completely dark. There's no candles."

Mabel pursed her lips doubtfully.

Grenda said, "But if it's totally dark, how can we see when Bloody Mary shows up?"

Two, Bill mouthed.

Candy paused. "Maybe that's why she screams. So we know she's here."

"And then what? Do we turn the light on?"

"Um... I don't think so..." Candy turned toward Bill, their resident expert in summoning what ought not be summoned.

He flipped a hand dismissively. "This is your project, not mine."

Mabel shot him a dirty look, but said, "Okay! This is what we're gonna do. We'll turn off all the lights, say her name three times, and then light the candle to see if she's here."

Candy and Grenda nodded.

"And if she's not, then we'll just say 'Bloody Mary' again with the candle lit," Mabel said.

Three. Bill pulled his hood lower and turned toward the window, feigning disinterest.

"Either way, that should get her to show u—"

A ghoulish blood-dripping face shrieked from the mirror.

The girls shrieked back, backing away from the mirror. Their backs hit the locked door. 

The mirror's glass rippled as Bloody Mary crawled through it, her eyeless sockets fixed on the girls, her lank black hair drifting weightlessly around her face, a breathy wailing sound whistling through her fleshless nasal cavity with each exhale. Her thin, papery lips curled back to reveal teeth elongated by receding gums. Blood drooled out from the gaps between her teeth to drip on her ruined chest, exposed muscles and ribs visible beneath the rotting remains of a lacy sleeveless black gown. One hand curled over the lip of the counter and the other stretched for Mabel's throat as she lurched closer to the girls.

And then in her periphery view she caught sight of a bright yellow triangular silhouette, her grip slipped, and her jaw smacked the counter's edge. She pushed herself back up and shrieked, "REHPIC LLIB?!"

Bill flinched, but pushed up his hood just enough to give her a sheepish, apologetic smile. "Yyyraaam, yeeeh."

"Laer rof uoy era? Ti eveileb t'nod I!" Outraged, she sat back on her knees and crossed her bony arms. "Em ot teg ot nerdlihc namuh gnisu er'uoy won tub, gniht eno saw Pilf morf rebmun wen ym teg ot gniyrt?!"

"Ekil skool ti tahw ton s'ti!" Bill said quickly. "Raews I! Ni em deggard yeht tub ti htiw od ot gnihtyna tnaw t'ndid I, gniyalp no detsisni sdik eht—"

Mary let out a shrill, disgusted laugh. "Erus m'I, ho! Rood eht tuo gniklaw dna meht gnillik morf uoy gnippots saw tahw dna?"

The girl's heads turned back and forth in wide-eyed bafflement as the incomprehensible conversation bounced back and forth.

Bill hesitated, grimacing. "Yrots gnol a s'ti—ti, kool, yako—"

"Elbaveilebnu. Elbaveileb! Nu!"

Bill gestured at Mabel. "Yako, tcap a tog ev'ew?!" He held up his wrist, pointing at his friendship bracelet. "Semitemos sevil s'rehto hcae evas ew, no gniog laed naidraug laicifeneb yllautum siht tog ev'I. Suoires m'I!"

Mabel looked down at her own bracelet collection and gave Candy and Grenda a baffled look. They shrugged, just as lost.

Mary took one look at the nazar eye beads and flinched back, hissing. "Yawa gniht taht tup, hgu," she snapped. "Yawyna, ereh gniod uoy era tahw?! Gnoleb uoy erehw nib yenool a ni pu uoy dekcol yllanif yeht draeh I."

Bill winced, hurt. "Wh— Yeh. Kniht uoy t'nod, evitisnesni elttil, Yram, sekiy?

"Evitisnesni!?" She laughed scornfully. "Ytrap yadhtrib s'retsis ym retfa, evitisnesni tuoba em ot klat ot tnaw uoy—?!"

Bill groaned, "Uoy era, og taht tel ot gniog reven era uoy, hgu?"

"Llib, sgniw retaw dezis-dlihc? Sgniw retaw?!"

"Romuh fo esnes on sah ehs tluaf ym ton s'ti! Ynnuf saw ti thguoht Anoroll tub ydobyreve! Dehgual Etreum neve!"

"Hgual ton did Etreum."

"Dennirg ehs—llew."

"Llib, lluks a s'ehs."

"Well—I mean—yeah, but..." He petered out. And then attempted, somewhat pathetically, "Thginot ecin gnikool er'uoy denoitnem I evah? Doolb hserf taht si?"

Mary made a grunt of disgust, waved Bill off, retreated into the mirror, and disappeared.

An awkward silence descended over the room.

Mabel flipped on the light. "Whaaat was that?"

Bill swallowed hard. "My ex?" 

The girls silently reevaluated their assumptions about Bill, his cowardice, his tastes, and Bloody Mary.

Wistfully, he added, "And she was wearing that dress that shows off her lungs."

####

In the middle of a smoky city battlefield, two combat mechs as tall as skyscrapers stood facing each other. Each one had an enormous pleated miniskirt, a heart-shaped glow in the center of its chest, and hair that seemed to be made from colored ribbons of light: the pink mech with two long, thin pigtails that would have reached the ground if they didn't float weightlessly around the machine; the blue mech with a bobcut that obscured one of its artificial eyes with a glowing curtain.

Above the dirty and damaged mechs floated a pristine white robot with hologram feather wings and an electric halo; and below them lay a crumpled orange mech, its orange corkscrew curls dimming and then deactivating, its heart cracked and black.

The blue pilot screamed, her voice distorted by the mech's speakers. "MOMOKO-CHAAAN! YOU KILLED HER!" She grabbed the pink mech's shoulders. "I warned you! I warned you that you're getting out of control! When you and Orenjiko-chan fought before the battle, I told you that you were taking it too far—and now you've killed her!"

"I-I didn't mean to!" The pink mech grabbed the blue one's wrists, threatening to crush them. "I couldn't control myself!" Momoko's voice was strained; inside her cockpit, her face was contorted not with grief but with rage, turning bright red, a vein bulging on her forehead. She squeezed the mech's controls as tightly as the mech grabbed her teammate's wrists, trying to control her rage. "Aoko-chan, stop shouting at me—BEFORE I KILL YOU TOO." She shoved the blue mech back hard enough to fling it into a building several blocks away.

Aoko got back to her feet with a groan; then gasped—"Wait!"—and turned toward the white robot above. "Why isn't the angel attacking?" The pink mech's head jerked too fast, like a raptor focusing on its prey, as it turned to stare at the floating robot as well.

"Guys," Soos loudly whispered, "this is the best part."

Momoko and Aoko both gasped and backed away as the orange mech at their feet shuddered. More scared than hopeful, Aoko said, "Orenji-chan...?"

The orange mech lurched to its feet. Its cracked heart shattered, glass raining to the street below, and the mech caught fire from the heart out, burning away its dirt and damage, its paint, and its pleated skirt, leaving the mech a pure, pristine white.

Aoko gasped in horror. "Is she...?! No! No!"

The mech's hologram projectors reactivated. Instead of forming orange curls, they projected a pair of wings; electricity arced through and out of the cockpit in its head, coils of lightning crackling and writhing until they resolved into the shape of a halo. It rose into the air; and the other angel nodded to it solemnly.

Momoko shouted, "Does this mean...?!"

"Yes!" At its desk back in headquarters, low light glinting menacingly off the bunny's sunglasses, Director Bunbun declared, "We are the angels!"

"NOOO!" The girls wailed in unison, Aoko dropping to her knees in despair, Momoko raising her fists to the sky.

"That's crazy, right?" Soos said. "It's like, pchooow," he pressed his hands to his head and lifted them off slowly, fingers expanding, "brain totally exploded, dude."

"Oh, Momoko-chan!" Sobbing, Aoko asked, "What do we do?"

In her cockpit, Momoko wasn't trembling anymore. Her hands gripped the controls tightly and confidently. She looked twice as furious, but her gaze was steely and focused. "I guess we'll just have to KILL HER TWICE!" With a roar, she charged into battle.

The screen went black. The words Neon Crisis Revelations Angry Cute Girl: Annihilation! Episode 37: Fukuin: This is the Angels' Gospel! filled the screen.

As the credits played, Fiddleford leaned toward Ford and said, "Something's on your mind, Stanford."

"Oh," Ford said. "It's—nothing. I'm just worrying about the Bill issue. As usual."

Fiddleford said pointedly, "Something's on your mind, and you keep lookin' at me."

Ford winced at himself. "Ah. Well. It's nothing important." But Fiddleford kept staring; and Ford finally said, eyes fixed on the credits, "I visited the museum. And I... saw the Blind Eye society's collection of memories."

Now it was Fiddleford's turn to wince and look away. "Oh. The Hall of the Forgotten."

Ford nodded. "That's what—I was told it was called." (They were both aware of how carefully he'd sidestepped around saying who had told him what it was called.)

"Mm." Fiddleford let the conversation drop. If he'd just explored the ruins of his old friend's memory-wiping brainwashing cult, he'd probably give him a few odd looks, too.

(In retrospect, could Fiddleford really judge Stanford for giving that demon a second chance? He'd given Fiddleford one, too—and sometimes Fiddleford didn't feel like he was that much better.)

######

(Because chapter 60 came out last July and people have forgotten things since then, I know some of y'all are gonna go "whoa did Fiddleford just confirm that Bill's still a triangle?!" So let me remind y'all:

Fidds said that Bill is definitely still a hyper-weird triangle if he can't cross the barrier, but if he CAN cross the barrier it means his soul could be triangular OR human, he's just a little less weird than he was during Weirdmageddon. And we know that Ford and Fidds are mistaken because Bill did cross the barrier in ch 60.

TBOB! If I said "no yeah i totally wrote the bloody mary scene before tbob" y'all would think i'm psychic or lying. But no, tbob inspired the idea. The rest of the chapter is free of TBOB influence, though I can't think of anything y'all might think was inspired by TBOB except maybe mentioning spirit boards and Bill saying that kids are cool until they grow up.

Anyway looking forward to hearing y'all's thoughts on this chapter!

I CANNOT overemphasize just how much I love writing the scenes from Soos's anime.)

[yan-randomfandom]

hi!!! omg i just discovered your blog and i’m in LOVE! could i request yandere stanford pines (platonic or romantic or some other type is up to you) with a reader who is a reincarnated euclidean/flatworlder/dream demon? (i don’t know if you’re familiar with same coin theory, but that’s my inspiration!) preferably with no/limited memories of their past life? i imagine ford would be pretty suspicious at first because of his experiences with bill, maybe even try to kill them… but who knows if those feelings will change… that, or maybe he would get obsessed with them as a replacement muse… lots of possibilities! feel free to change/add anything to the concept, or if it doesn’t interest you, i’d appreciate any yandere ford in general! thank you!!!

Yandere!Stanford Pines x Godling!Reader

this took me a while, but i finally got around to writing it! thank you for your kind words, anon! this one contains continuous stories— because this is so long, feel free to point out any mistakes

🌑

You have been summoned.

Even from your deep slumber, the presence of other ghastly beings roaming around the dimension was painfully obvious to you. How curious; they don't seem to belong here.

"You. You grant wishes right? No deals?"

The one who summoned you flinched when you made eye contact. With their chin lifted, they tried to seem intimidating, yet the tremble of their lips and the quaking of their legs gave them away.

"Indeed, but," you replied, smiling to the best of your ability. You hovered around them, critically observing their physical body, and, by extension, their soul.

They are nothing short of terrified. But intriguingly, their fear does not mainly stem from your presence.

"Pray tell," you mused, twirling their hair with your fingers, "what happened here, dear human? I've been asleep for some time, so I request a small favor: answer my question."

Because if you had to be honest, you have no fucking idea what's happening right now. The longer you stay awake, the more you realize that you have no memory of your past.

"Bill Cipher happened. This is the Weirdmaggedon," they answered, their body shaking more intensely. You paused. "I don't know what he wants. Please, all I ask is for you to transfer me and my family somewhere safe. The ones I care about have turned to stone. We just want to be happy. Please."

A giggle escaped you. "A noble wish. Very well, I shall send you and your family to the nearest safe place."

You placed your hand on the top of their head, and they vanished out of thin air.

Humming a tune, you made your way out of the cave where you had been trapped and finally saw the world outside.

...

Swirling colors and chaotic phenomena surrounded you. What a monstrosity. Someone else has taken over this area—Bill Cipher, was it?

Turning your head, you saw an enormous bubble wrapped in chains. A grin-like expression stretched across your face.

So that’s where you sent your summoner.

🌒

Weirdmaggedon is officially over.

Stanford knew that. Bill is gone. His brother is slowly but surely regaining his memories back. Everything is going to be... normal again.

As normal as it can be anyway. A sigh left Ford when he rolled over to his side, staring at practically nothing. The room is pitch black.

He closed his eyes.

...

It's bright. With a gasp, his eyes snapped open.

A familiar field. The gentle breeze doesn't calm him down in the slightest. He's back here. Again. Why? Did Bill somehow escape? Is he out for revenge? That stupid dream demon—!!

"Gree—"

Ford shouted, immediately swinging his fist at you. You dodged swiftly in time.

"—tings! Woah!" you huffed, taking extra care to ensure he didn’t land a finger on you. "Is this how you usually greet a higher being, Stanford Pines?"

The human’s heart raced uncontrollably. This can’t be happening. "Bill, what twisted form have you taken now? Didn’t we destroy you already?!"

You blinked, then laughed. "I'm not Bill, silly! He's long gone, I'm pretty sure. How should I know?"

Not Bill? What kind of nonsense are you spewing out? Stanford's expression darkened. This might be a dream, but he really didn’t want to deal with you—especially not after everything that had just happened.

His demeanor didn't go unnoticed.

"...Oh. I'm sorry," you muttered, getting close enough to meet his eyes. They widened at your words. "I didn't mean to laugh at your misery. I've just been so confused lately."

"What?" was all Ford could manage to say.

"I heard all about you," you said carefully, making gestures with your hands. "Human with six fingers. The man who freed Bill Cipher. Who has traveled across dimensions."

"Who told you...?"

You smiled. "I asked many—don't worry about that part. I was wondering if you could tell me anything about myself. You seem to know a lot, Pines."

Ford woke up.

...

Was that just a dream? Were you even real?

Bill is long gone, dead. Isn't he? He won't find the answers to his questions until he falls asleep again.

🌓

Ford doesn't do anything about you until he's sure of himself. You were definitely just a figment of his imagination, right? A dream.

That’s exactly why he couldn’t believe it when you showed up again. A stupid, curious expression on your face.

And this time, Ford took it upon himself to try and kill you.

"Urk! Don’t do this! I understand you're traumatized, but I really am just trying to find my home!" you stammered, flying and dodging every attack he threw your way.

This is weird. You’re saying things Bill would never say. Is he really trying the opposite approach just to manipulate Ford again?

A massive blast from a cannon struck you.

To both of your surprise, the attack did absolutely nothing to damage you.

"I'm alive!" you exclaimed with glee, up in the air, comically rotating from the impact. "Done yet, Pines? I simply want to talk, you know!"

... Of course. Both of you are untouchable in the dreamscape. While you can imagine anything within both the mind and the dream, a being like Bill isn't stupid enough to enter with his actual body. Guess it worked the same way for you, too. It was still worth a shot.

Ford woke up.

🌔

"Finally ready?"

You tittered at him up from above. Ford narrowed his eyes at you.

"What do you want?" he deadpanned. "You're not here to make a deal, are you?"

"Deals are not my forte," you said, showing him a negative gesture. "I do wishes. But if I have to admit, I wouldn't wish something from me either."

"So you trick people," he replied, gritting his teeth. "Why do you feel the need to do that? What benefits do you gain?"

You glanced at the side before looking back at him, shrugging. "I don't remember."

"Is that so? How many wishes?"

"One."

His eyebrows furrowed. "Bill—"

"I am not Bill," for the first time since you've met him, your voice finally sounded firm. "As far as we both know, he is gone."

"... What is your name, then?"

"... I don't remember."

🌕

A frustrated huff left Ford as he rubbed between his eyebrows. You giggled, pushing your hand through his hair. It's soft.

"You're not being helpful at all," he said.

"Apologies," you replied, looking sheepish. "It's hard to answer your questions if I know nothing."

"There must be something you know," the man insisted, stepping away from your touch. He doesn't like how gentle it was.

You hummed, crossing your arms as you floated away. "Do you know how Bill looks like? Am I of similar physique, perhaps?"

Ford paused as his eyes glanced up and down at your form. You can't help but feel uneasy under his tenseful gaze.

"You don't know what Bill looks like?" he asked, his eyes narrowing.

This man sure is suspicious of you. Not that you blame him. "No. I believe I never met him."

"You believe?" he scoffed. "I hope you know it's hard to trust you."

"Well," you drawled, "would it convince you if I said you can wish for my memory to come back?"

His eyes widened.

You chuckled. Maybe this was too shocking for him. Take it slow, you thought.

"Before anything else, though, how about we enjoy a nice cup of dream tea?"

🌔

You stared at the chess board in between you and Ford, confusion filling your face. "Wait, how does the knight move again?"

"Think of this shape," Ford explained, forming a black marker with his thoughts and drawing the letter 'L' in mid-air. "The knight moves to the end of this point. Just try to visualize it on the board."

"Oh, I think I understand," you muttered, choosing to move your knight in the corner of the board.

Ford grinned. He placed his queen right next to your king. "Checkmate."

"What?!" you gasped, your eyes rambling around the whole chest board. "I mistook my king for the queen! I say rematch!"

A hearty laugh escaped Ford's lips. If this was in the physical world, he's sure that his cheeks would start hurting from smiling so much.

He still wasn’t sure if you were dangerous or not. Really, of all people, Ford should know better than to mess with otherworldly beings.

But maybe this time, you're different. Because, as far as he knows, you're powerless.

🌓

"Pines," you said as Ford roamed his hands across your body. He said this was his way of observing how different you were from Bill. "Aren’t you going to use your wish to help me regain my memory? Or do you want to use it for something else?"

He rubbed his thumb over the side of your body shape. Interesting. You're just as two-dimensional as Bill is. "I only have one chance of using my wish, don't I?"

"Indeed," you murmured, shifting slightly under his touch. "I won't stop you if you use it for yourself, but I'll have to find someone else who might use the wish for me."

Ford halted all his movements.

"What?"

You drifted away from his fingers. He stared at you, wide-eyed.

"I said I'll find another to grant my wish for me," you explained. "Anyway, how was your assessment? Am I anything like Bill?"

Ford continued to stare at you, looking as if he were lost in thought.

...

"Pines?"

"Sorry," he coughed, "but, yes, you're quite similar to Bill."

You beamed, floating over to him and ruffling his hair. "Another step closer to figuring out who I am! Thank you, Pines!"

Ford woke up.

He stared at the dark ceiling. The sun has barely risen.

You had no memories. If he helped you get them back, would you be indebted to him? Or would you turn out like Bill, who wanted to rule the world?

Ford can't let you meet up with another human.

There's only one way out of this.

🌒

"You're ready to use your wish?" you gasped, placing your hands on his shoulders. "That's excellent news—!"

"Question. Do you have limits in your wishes?" Ford asked deliberately, careful with his every word.

You hesitated before replying. "I suppose not."

His large hands held yours over his shoulders. You glanced at his six fingers before meeting his gaze again.

"Then I wish to be your master."

You felt your soul fall to the deepest depths of the dreamscape.

"You'll do anything I ask for. Be under my will. There is no turning back, dream demon."

🌑

[nightmares-and-dreams-come-true]

why is everyone dying? Fiddleford’s about to die, aparently Ford is about to die - everyone that has ever wronged Bill is dying rn it’s crazy

who are those people?

And more importantly, why, or how did they wrong Billy so much that they're all DIEING?!

[yumelatte]

where the sun shines, snow will fall

You and Phainon have been together since childhood, being inseparable ever since. People come and go throughout your lives, but you will always have each other.

A telling of your relationship with him through the eyes of your friends.

Snowy & Sunny Series, Modern AU

AO3 Link

Masterlist

Reader's nickname is Sunny, pure tooth-rotting fluff ദ്ദി ˉ͈̀꒳ˉ͈́ )✧

Part I | Part II

Cyrene: fries.jpeg 

Castorice: Is that Phainon and…

Tribbie: It’s Snowy and Sunny! 

Cipher: they’re feeding each other fries

Cipher: i’m going to be sick (affectionate)

Aglaea: How did you obtain this?

Cyrene: I have my ways~

Anaxagoras: Do we have to have a group chat for this?

Aglaea: Yes we do, Anaxa. 

Anaxagoras: For the last time, it’s Anaxagoras. Don’t call me Anaxa again.

Aglaea: aglaeanosticker.png

Aglaea: Alright, Anaxa.

Anaxagoras: …

Anaxagoras: Whoever made fantasy stickers of us needs to stop right now. Those times are way behind us now. 

Aglaea: anaxadromaspjs.png

Anaxagoras: Like I said, they need to be stopped.

Tribbie: Agy was the one who made them! 

Aglaea: aglaeadesignsticker.png

Anaxagoras: …

Anaxagoras: anaxagunsticker.png

Cipher: anyway, how are Phainon and Sunny not dating already? they have to be

Castorice: Why don’t we ask Cyrene? If anyone would know, it would be her and she’s here already. 

Castorice: @Cyrene

Cyrene: Me? 

Cyrene: I wouldn’t know! My brother tells me everything, but when it comes to Sunny, it’s like prying a locked door open…

As she sent that, Cyrene looked up from her phone to see you and Phainon sitting close beside each other on swiveling seats, giggling and smiling at each other with the finished fries box forgotten on the table. 

Looking at you two, she helplessly agreed with Cipher. If anyone else saw this scene, they would have assumed both you and Phainon were a couple too.

You had invited her out for lunch, and if she knew this was how it was going to be, she would have said no. 

Sike.

She may have felt like a third wheel; however, she was invested in your and her brother’s relationship. It wasn’t just her who was fascinated either—the group chat was made for people who, in simpler terms, were eager to see you and Phainon getting together. Anaxa may have played it off, but he was just as interested in the development. 

“My mom’s been asking about you. Do you think you could come over today after class?” Cyrene overheard you asking Phainon. 

“Sure, but I saw her the other day?” 

“True, but aside from me, you’re her favorite person. Think about it this way, you get free dinner!” 

Honestly, your mom’s cooking was unrivaled—even their grandma’s couldn’t compare. Cyrene remembered going over to your place as a teenager and never had she eaten so fast before. 

She missed those days…

It had been the perfect day to enjoy the refreshing breeze of the season. Phainon had practically begged Grandma and Grandpa to take him to the nearby park. Occupied with some business, they couldn’t, but they hadn’t wanted to let him waste his summer break, so Cyrene was the answer. As his older sister, she was put in charge of watching over him by them, and she hadn’t minded. 

Having a change of scenery wouldn’t hurt. 

Her eyes followed the white-haired boy around the playground, giggling because he was using the fort-like structure as a base. 

Smiling at her brother’s antics, she was glad there weren’t any other kids because Phainon was aggressively swinging a wooden sword around.

Well… no other kids but you. 

From your perch on the swing, you had been watching the park newcomer fight an invisible enemy for a while now. He looked like he was having fun.

After moving from your old place, you lost contact with all your friends. It was sad, but you were sure you could make new ones. This could be your chance.

Standing up from your seat, you approached the boy, wondering if he would let you join. 

“Hey, Hero!” you loudly shouted from below the tower. 

The sword-wielding boy was about to slay the villain when he heard your voice, pausing and leaning over the railing to see you, a slight frown on his face. “Huh? I was about to beat up the bad guy.” 

Wait, you called him a hero? So, you did recognize what he was! Even though you interrupted him before one of his greatest moments, he decided you weren’t the worst. 

With hopeful eyes, you asked, “Can I join? I can be the villain to your hero.” 

“Really? You mean I’ll defeat you?” 

“Who said you would beat me? Villains can win too.” 

“What? But heroes always win!” 

“No, they don’t, and I’ll prove it. Take this!” Raising your hand, you pretended to shoot a ray of light at him before hurriedly running towards the ladder to reach him.

Narrowly ducking to avoid your attack, he complained, “Ack! That wasn’t fair. I wasn’t ready.” 

Now at the top of the ladder, you were about to seize the opportunity to ambush him, but you couldn’t because he had taken an escape route—the slide. 

Seeing as you had switched places with him, you looked down at him and playfully threatened, “You can’t run from me!” 

Sticking out his tongue, he directed his sword at you. “I just did!” 

“Oh, yeah?” 

“Yeah!” 

His eyes widened as he saw your hands on the bar above the slide, ready to come down. “If you come down, I’m going to stab you.” 

“I’d like to see you do it. I have magic, so I can attack from far away.” 

“Magic?! Aw, man. That’s no fair too!”

“I’m going to win!” 

“When you run out of magic, I’ll go close and beat you!” 

“We’ll see about that.” 

And you and him continued to play a game of cat and mouse around the battlefield—or playground. 

Watching you and Phainon play, Cyrene couldn’t help but laugh at how cute you two were being. 

However, her amusement was cut short because an unfamiliar woman took a seat beside her. 

Cyrene turned to look at her, seeing her also looking at the children with a fond smile. 

“My daughter might not be lonely after all.” 

Daughter? 

Returning her gaze towards the play area, and on a closer look, Cyrene could see the similarities between you and the woman next to her. 

“That’s my little brother with her.”

A puff of laughter left the woman. “I could tell.” 

Cyrene guessed as much because she, you, the woman, and Phainon were the only ones here at this moment. 

“My daughter and I recently moved here, so I was worried about how she was going to adjust without her old friends. I’m glad I was worried for nothing.” 

Phainon didn’t have many playmates, always by himself when not with her. 

Cyrene smiled back at the woman. “I’m also happy that my brother found a new friend.” 

“Would you and your brother like to come over for dinner? I’ll make a special feast to celebrate their first meeting.” 

Hm, a very tempting offer, but she needed to get permission from Grandma and Grandpa first. 

“I need to ask my grandparents.” 

The woman didn’t look surprised, and with crinkled kind eyes, replied, “Of course.” 

It wasn’t smart to talk to strangers, but Cyrene didn’t want Phainon to be alone anymore. She knew when they had to go home, he would whine about leaving you. 

Making her way over to the tan barked enclosure, Cyrene said, “Phainon.” 

Said boy was lying on the ground with you crouching over him, curiosity in your expression, poking him with his own wooden sword. 

Phainon slowly opened his eyes at the sound of his name, wondering why his sister was here. “...Cyrene?”

Looking up, you were also wondering why she was here—in addition to who she was. 

“Your new friend—”

Abruptly, Phainon said your name with his head in your direction, “Her name.”

Blinking while repeating your name, Cyrene continued, “Her mom invited us over to eat at their place.” 

Quickly sitting up, the boy almost smacked his head against yours, but you backed up before it could happen. “Really?!” 

“Really. But I need to ask Grandma and Grandpa before if we can go.” 

“Please, please, please! Convince them to let us. I don’t want to leave her yet…” 

Flattered by his words, you giggled, “You still want to play with me even after I beat you?” 

“It was only one fight! I’ll win next time…” 

“We should head home to ask. Your friend can wait here.” 

“Aw, okay.” Taking Cyrene’s hand, Phainon got up and held his sister’s hand, facing you. “Wait for me. I’ll be back.” 

With your head in your palms, you grinned, “Okay! I’ll be waiting for you. I need my hero to be a villain.” 

And Cyrene already regretted taking Phainon away from you… 

Surprisingly, their grandparents were okay with them going over for dinner. Cyrene had never seen Phainon so happy in his life. You were also ecstatic at being able to see him again. 

It turned out; you and your mother were their next-door neighbor, so running into them would be a common occurrence. 

Quietly laughing at the distant memory, Cyrene shook her head before refocusing on you and Phainon. 

Phainon was showing you something on his phone, getting closer so that your shoulder was touching his. You didn’t mind and leaned in to see his screen, even overlapping your fingers with his as you held the device with him. 

All Cyrene could think was there was no way you guys weren’t dating. 

Tribbie: tribbiesurprisedsticker.png

Tribbie: sunset.jpeg

Castorice: How beautiful. 

Cipher: it is

Cipher: but we’re not gonna talk about how they’re holding hands? 

Mydei: They do that all the time. 

Hyacine: Now that you mentioned it, they’ve been close like that since we were all kids

Tribbie: I remember when we would all meet on the play yard! 

Tribbie: Snowy and Sunny were the hero and the princess and Snowy would escort her everywhere

Cyrene: I thought Sunny was the villain? 

Tribbie: She was but when Ciphy joined she wanted to play the cat thief…

Cipher: hey! you can’t deny i was a damn good villain…

Cipher: also Sunny had light magic 

Cipher: what kind of villain has light magic???

Tribbie: That’s why I call her Sunny! She described her power being from the sun

Hyacine: You and your nicknames, Tribbie…

Tribbie: You guys gave me one too! I’m Tribios remember? 

Castorice: Cipher was Cifera and Hyacine was Hyacinthia as well.

Cipher: Cipher sounds better so just keep calling me that

Cipher: i’m sharp and swift like the wind hehe

Hyacine: I don’t mind being called Hyacinthia but Hyacine is probably easier to say

Hyacine: Don’t forget about Mydei being Mydeimos 

Mydei: Either works for me. 

Mydei: @Tribbie Are you with them right now? 

Tribbie: Yeah! Agy and Naxy are also here…

Removing her eyes from the screen, Tribbie saw Aglaea and Anaxa bickering about a topic she wasn’t paying any attention to.

Tribbie: They’re arguing again…

Mydei: Where are you guys? Let me know. I need to return something. 

Tribbie: To Snowy? 

Mydei: Yeah, him. 

After typing the location to the group chat, Tribbie placed her phone into her school bag, hearing you say her name. 

“Tribbie!” Waving her over with your free hand before pointing out a cloud in the sky, you remarked with laughter, “Doesn’t it look like a rocket? You used to love imagining yourself riding a spaceship. The spring riders were your favorite. You would keep rocking on it while telling us our prophecies!”

Stepping towards you, the young red-haired woman sheepishly smiled, lowering her head in embarrassment. “Ah, that was a long time ago…”

Chuckling, Phainon released your hand to lean back against the railing. “A long time ago, and a fun time ago.” 

“Yeah, don’t be embarrassed, Tribbie. We were all pretty much doing what kids do: acting out our fantasies,” you said, smiling for reassurance. 

Acting out fantasies, huh…?

For a moment, Tribbie’s eyes flickered between you and Phainon before opening her mouth. “Then you both wanted to be together even back then?” 

Surprised by her implication, you dumbly let out, “What?” 

Phainon also straightened up with wide eyes, wondering what Tribbie meant by that. 

“The hero and the princess you know… The perfect match for one another…” 

Flustered, you stuttered, “W-well, I didn’t even really want to play that part! Cipher wanted to be the villain, so I had no choice…” Glancing at Phainon with a pout, you lightly hit his arm. “You’d prefer me being the villain, right?”

“Err…” Phainon hesitated, avoiding your look. 

Tribbie realized she might’ve unintentionally opened Pandora's box by her comment. 

And as she watched you and Phainon becoming awkward around each other, she felt like she had just set a series in motion. 

Cipher: when are you guys heading over? 

Cipher: Mydei’s almost done making food for us

Cipher: mydeichefsticker.png

Cipher: don’t let all his efforts go to waste

Cipher: but check out this cute pic i just snapped

Cipher: nap.jpeg

Hyacine: Cassie is driving right now, so she can’t text but we’re all in the car and coming over now

Tribbie: Sunny looks so peaceful with her head on Snowy.

Cyrene: Can you believe they weren’t talking a few days ago? 

Hyacine: They weren’t?

Cyrene: Weird, right? Phainon used to stay at Sunny’s house until nighttime, but he started coming home right after he’s done with classes. 

Cyrene: Although… he did disappear last night to who knows where…

Tribbie: castoricespeechlesssticker.png

Tribbie: I think I may have something to do with it…

Cyrene: ?

Tribbie: The other day when I sent the sunset photo, Sunny made me remember about our playground days

Tribbie: And I got embarrassed but she said it was okay because we were just kids playing out our fantasies 

Tribbie: And then I said that they wanted to be together even back then cause… you know… 

Cipher: lol

Hyacine: I guess this proves they aren’t dating

Cyrene: I wouldn’t be so sure…

Hyacine: Do you know something we don’t?

Cyrene: C’mon… the stuff they do together… Do normal friends do that? 

Tribbie: Maybe if they’re really close! 

Cipher: they’ve always been together, yeah? 

Cyrene: Since the day they’ve met.

Hyacine: Oh we’re almost there! Tell Mydei we appreciate his work

Reacting with a thumbs-up emoji, Cipher returned to the pair on the couch. With closed eyes, your head was on Phainon's shoulder while his head was on top of yours. 

To her amusement, her two cats had joined in on the impromptu nap session as well. 

With the presence of her pets, she was reminded of her villain persona from her childhood. 

It had been true; Cipher had stolen the role from you when she was brought into the group.

Upon her first introduction, it had been you, Phainon, Tribbie, and Cyrene. 

Cyrene was always on supervising duty, never minding watching her brother and his friends. It had brought her peace of mind to know they were enjoying their summer. 

“This is Cifera, but I call her Ciphy.” Tribbie presented the girl beside her to you and Phainon. “She wants to join our game. Is that okay?” 

Nodding enthusiastically, you addressed Cifera, “Sure! What do you want to play as?” 

Putting on a hood with a pair of cat ears, she shouted, “The villain!” 

“What? But I’m the villain…”

“I can play a better one! Tribbie said your powers were from the sun. Bad guys don’t do well in the day.” 

With your hands clenching into little fists, you stared at the newcomer. 

Noticing your discomfort, Tribbie offered a solution, “How about you play the princess that gets saved?”

“Do I have to get saved? Can’t I defend myself with my magic?”  

“Then Snowy wouldn’t have a job…”

Shaking your head, you grabbed Phainon’s hand, holding it in the air. “I’ll play the princess, but me and Phainon are gonna work together to beat you, Cifera!”

“It’s Cipher now!” The cat thief quickly ran off to escape her enemies. 

Phainon had frozen when you touched his hand, and he couldn’t do anything, letting you drag him off to catch the villain. Realizing he had a job to do, he raised his wooden sword while chasing down Cipher. As he ran alongside with you, he was glad Cipher made you not the villain anymore. As much as he liked first playing with you, he had been wanting to work with you and not against you. 

Pfft, Tribbie didn’t even remember she was the one who gave you your new role, solidifying the dynamic between you and Phainon. 

“Hey, can you help me set up the table?” Mydei’s head poked out from the dining room entrance, eyes briefly landing on the two on the couch before looking at Cipher. “And leave those lovebirds alone.” 

“Lovebirds?” With an eyebrow raised, Cipher walked towards the kitchen to grab plates and utensils, ready to set the table in the dining room. “They’re really together?” 

Mydei grabbed a pair of mitts, opening the oven to remove the freshly baked rolls. “You didn’t hear anything from me.”

Castorice: ornaments.jpeg

Castorice: These came in today. Do you want to come over?

You: ooo yee

You: the butterflies and flowers are so pretty!! yaa im coming

You: is it okay if i make two bracelets this time? 

Castorice: I think so too… Make however many you want. 

Castorice: castoricebutterfliessticker.png

You: yay im on the way!

Your last text to her had been a while ago. 

Hearing the familiar chime ring throughout her house, Castorice double checked the table for everything she needed before opening the door. 

“Hi, Cas!” you happily greeted, a canvas tote bag hanging off your shoulder. 

Saying your name, Castorice warmly returned your acknowledgement, “Hello.”

Moving out the way for you to walk in, the purple-haired woman closed the door. 

A quick glimpse of the bag revealed multiple books overlaid. 

“...Books?” 

“Yeah, I remembered how you wanted to borrow some the other day.” 

Taken aback by your thoughtfulness, Castorice was speechless. Even she didn’t remember saying that. 

“These are from my personal collection, but I’m probably going to the library soon to find more stuff to read. Should I put them here?” 

“Yes, there is fine.”

“Okay, I recommend the one about the princess that becomes a dragon! I’m pretty sure you would like that one. You used to pretend you had a cool dragon when we were younger.” 

“Thank you… I did…”

Seating yourself before her cozy table, you exclaimed, “Let’s start our sewing!” 

Castorice sat across from you, picking out the ornaments she wanted for her piece. 

In the quiet and comfortable setting, both you and Castorice carefully used thin threads to fix the various materials onto bracelets and canvas respectfully. 

As Castorice sewed one butterfly and a few flowers onto the special silk fabric, she couldn’t help but wonder: Why were you making two bracelets this time? Usually, you would make a single piece for yourself. Could the second be for someone else? Who would that be? 

Setting her decorated canvas into a frame, Castorice curiously questioned, “...You are making two bracelets? Who is the other one for?” 

You winced, not losing focus on your project. “I was secretly hoping you wouldn’t ask…”

“Ah, my apologies. You usually take home a single item.” 

Pausing your sewing, you nervously laughed before admitting, “Don’t tell the others but it’s for Phainon.” 

“Phainon?” 

It made complete sense; you were rather close to him. 

“...Yes. We, um… just started… seeing each other.” 

Resting your hand on the table with your palm upright, Castorice clocked the subtle mark on your inner wrist, not thinking much of it. 

“But you see each other all the time…? You’re both constantly together.” 

“Cas… I mean we’re… dating…”

Oh. 

The group chat would be thrilled to hear about this, but Castorice refrained from imposing on your privacy. 

“Congratulations.”

“Thanks…” Ignoring the heat on your cheeks and picking up one of the bracelets, you dangled it before Castorice. “Do you think he’ll like it?” 

Delicate dried blue and white flowers adorned the full length of the silk strap, and the craftsmanship was remarkable—even Aglaea would praise you for your work. 

“Yes. He would love it.” And Castorice meant it. There was no universe in which Phainon wouldn’t because she saw how he looked at you when you weren’t. 

All soft and lovingly as if you were his whole reason to live. 

Recalling a specific memory, Castorice smiled. 

At the usual park, Castorice was the newest addition to the crew. You had approached her one day while she was sitting on the bench, asking her if she wanted to join your game because you had noticed her coming here everyday. 

She did, and that was why she visited the area daily. Her inexperience with communication made it difficult to come up to you and request herself so she was very glad that you seeked her out. 

Her role was the reaper, death incarnate. She was to collect the souls of the ones who passed. 

During her first play session, Cipher managed to “injure” you, and you dramatically fell onto your back, coughing and pretending to bleed out with a hand outstretched towards your companion. 

“...Phainon…go on without me… I won’t make it…”

Dropping his toy sword, he kneeled before your body, taking your hand in his. “No! I won’t let anyone take you away from me! Not even Death herself…”

On cue, Castorice appeared with a plastic scythe to take you to the afterlife. 

Seeing the reaper, Phainon shielded your body with his, manifesting puppy eyes. “Don’t do this, Death. Please, let her be.” 

Castorice froze, unsure of what she should do. She was supposed to complete her job and “take” you but Phainon was preventing her from doing so. 

Swinging her legs back and forth above them, Tribbie’s amused voice interrupted the moment. “Cas, you need to take Sunny’s soul!” 

“...But Phainon is…” 

Shaking her head, Cipher argued, “Doesn’t matter! Sunny’s down and out.”

Castorice knew what she had to do, but she wasn’t sure if she could do it. 

Phainon bowed before Castorice, feigning tears. “...If you’re going to take her, take me too. I can’t live without her…”

“Hey, Snowy, you can’t die too! We still need someone to fight the villain!” 

“Actually, I’m okay with Castorice taking both of them.”

“Ciphy, you just wanna be the winner.” 

“...Yeah…”

“...Um.” Stuck with a hard decision, Castorice’s eyes moved between you and Phainon before she stated, “I’ll let you both go for now, but next time, I’ll take your souls.” 

“Oh, you hear that Phainon? Yay, I’m alive! I’m still bleeding though… We need a healer in our group.” 

Snapping out of her daze, Castorice returned her attention to you, eyes drawn to the other bracelet on the table. “Is that for you?” 

“Yep, I want to match with him. It’s not weird, is it?” 

“..No, it’s cute…”

“Haha…”

Hyacine: I just got out of class

Hyacine: What did you want? 

Phainon: You’re gonna be a doctor, right?

Hyacine: I’m working hard to be one! 

Phainon: Can you do a check up on me? I think I’m dying

Phainon: phainonsorrysticker.png

Hyacine: What?! 

Phainon: Yeah, my heart’s been speeding up lately, and I don’t know what’s causing it

Hyacine: Tachycardia could be caused by a lot of things

Hyacine: What have you been doing? 

Phainon: Tachycardia? Is that what I have?

Phainon: Anyway, I’ve been with Sunny 

Putting down her phone for a second, Hyacine giggled because it was obvious why his heart was beating fast. 

You, huh…

She should’ve known…

Phainon: Hello?

Hyacine: Sorry, I was just trying to rule out the possibilities

Hyacine: If you want, we can meet up at the university café, and we can talk about your symptoms

Phainon: I’ll be there in a bit! 

In the café while waiting for her friend to show up, Hyacine reminisced about the time she got roped into “healing” Phainon. 

It was Phainon’s turn to take a hit from Cipher, crumpling to the ground while clutching his side. 

Immediately running to his side, you supported him, letting him lean against you. “No, Phainon! You’re injured…”

“I’m hurt, but not that bad,” Phainon smiled, trying to comfort you. “I’ll live.” 

You still haven't gotten a healer for situations like these…

Dragging Phainon around the playground, your eyes roamed the place for the perfect someone when you saw a girl with a pegasus plushie in her hands. 

Quickly making your way over to her with Phainon’s extra weight, you asked, “Hi! Sorry to bother you, but can you heal my partner real quick? Please, it’s a matter of life or death!”

“...I just said I’ll live.”

Hyacine blinked, confused on why the two of you were talking to her when she was busy playing with her toy. “I’m not a healer…” 

Hugging the boy beside you, you wailed, “He’s gonna die if you don’t do something!” 

You looked deathly serious, and because of your pitiful behavior, Hyacine played along.

Sighing, the pink-haired girl held her pegasus before Phainon. “This is Ika. I can’t heal yet, but Ika can!” 

Moving Ika from side to side, the pegasus “healed” Phainon’s injury. 

“How are you feeling?” you asked, voice filled with concern. 

Giving a thumbs-up, Phainon grinned, “Great.”

Turning towards your new healer, you gave her your gratitude, fishing for her name. “Thank you…”

“Hyacinthia, but you can call me Hyacine.”

“Thank you, Hyacine!”

And somehow, Hyacine learned healing magic from Ika, eventually supporting and becoming the medic of the group. 

Honestly, she didn’t regret helping you and Phainon. It helped with finding her passion, and she wouldn’t be lying if she said having you all as friends was the best experience ever. Nothing was ever dull with you all. 

Spotting Phainon at the entrance, Hyacine waved him down. 

Noticing her, Phainon briskly marched over, determined to find out what was wrong with him. 

“Hyacine… What’s wrong with me?”

With the tip of her chin resting on her palm, Hyacine smirked, “Sunny.” 

“What about her?”

Before Hyacine could answer, something blue and white caught her attention. 

Eying the new accessory on Phainon’s arm, her smirk grew wider, pointing below. “First, what is that?” 

Phainon registered that she was talking about the flower bracelet you gave him. “Oh, this is from Sunny.” 

From you, huh? No wonder he was flaunting it. 

“Sunny is the root of all your problems.” 

“Problems? You mean my… uh… tacardia?” 

“Tachycardia.”

“Yeah, that.”  

Nodding, Hyacine gave her diagnosis, “You’re in love.” 

Placing a hand over his heart, Phainon echoed, “...In love…?”

“It’s a serious condition. There’s no cure. You’re going to have to live with it. We call that a chronic condition.”

“Ooh…”

“Well, I lied. There’s a cure. It’s to confess your love to her!” 

“I did that already, so why aren’t I better?”

Wait, what? He already did?! 

“Um.” Shocked, Hyacine’s lips turned into a fine line as she stared blankly at him. “You and Sunny are dating now?” 

“Yeah.”

“Since when?”

“Since the party.”

“...Congrats.”

“Thank you?” 

He was hopeless.

Mydei: Why are you interrupting my class with your message? 

Phainon: Look what Sunny got me! 

Phainon: bracelet.jpeg

This idiot… He has the worst photography skills… 

The blurry picture was hard to make out, so Mydei squinted his eyes, realizing he was looking at a piece of accessory. 

Mydei: It’s a bracelet. 

Phainon: From Sunny! 

Mydei: I’m in the middle of class. You really thought this was important? 

Wait. 

Thinking back on it, you had been wearing a similar bracelet, but that wasn’t what Mydei wanted to focus on. 

There had been a small mark on your wrist that wasn’t there before, but he wouldn’t have known because you always had a bandaid over it. 

Stepping into the quaint building, Hyacine noted, “Wow, we’re really in a tattoo shop!”

“Woah, look at all the cool designs we could get.” Cipher stood before the wooden countertop, examining the various pictures. 

Castorice also looked at the book on the table, hoping she could maybe include the two delicate things she liked the most into her tattoo. 

Glancing at Anaxa, Tribbie asked, “Did you decide what you wanted your mark to be?” 

With his hand on his forehead, Anaxa shook his head, “I can’t believe I agreed to doing this…”

“Lighten up, Anaxa. As Chrysos Heirs, we were destined for greatness!” Phainon proudly proclaimed.

“...That was when we were younger…”

Aglaea studied the decorations on the walls, holding a paper with intricate, golden branches for you to see. “I already have my design selected.” 

“It looks good, Aglaea!” Instead of being fascinated by the store, you were more interested in her idea. “Did you design this yourself?” 

“Of course. I am the only one who knows what’s befitting of me.”

Mydei had to agree with Anaxa’s sentiment. Why was he here…? 

“Mydei, are you regretting your decision?” 

At the sound of your voice, he looked in your direction. “Yes…”

“Haha, but you’re still moving forward with it?” 

Shifting his gaze behind you, he saw everyone crowding around the waiting area, engaging in different activities while waiting for their turns. 

Cipher was flipping through the gallery, showing Hyacine what she potentially wanted.

With each flip of the page, Hyacine either shook or nodded her head. 

Phainon—trying to convince Anaxa to get an ear piercing with the tattoo.

And Anaxa was actually considering it…

Tribbie’s eyes sparkled as Aglaea was sketching possible designs for her on a sticky note. 

Castorice was sitting on the couch with Tribbie and Aglaea, captivated by the technique Aglaea incorporated in her pen strokes. 

Mydei’s expression softened, watching his close-knit friends. 

He decided he didn’t mind much when they were all in this together. “What is a bond if not forged with blood and tears… and a little ink…” 

You followed his line of sight to see a similar view, equally amused. “Isn’t it funny this was because of our silly little game?”

“You’re right.”

“I still think about how Phainon was against you joining at first, but now you two are the best of buds.”

“Hmph, you’re pushing it a little… and he was only against me joining because Tribbie wanted me to play the crown prince.”

Laughing at the memory, you teased, “We coulda been together!” 

“...I don’t even want to think about it… Fortunately, she made me your long lost brother. Besides, don’t you and Phainon like each other?” 

“...What?” 

Oh, Mydei guessed wrong, and to remedy his mistake, he dismissed his previous statement. “Nevermind.”

Caught off guard by his observation, you stopped talking, wondering if you should get the tattoo you had been meaning to get. 

“Do you know what tattoo Phainon’s getting?”

“You speak as if he told me.”

“Well, did he?”

“...He did.”

“Can you tell me?” 

Mydei clearly remembered Phainon telling him not to tell anyone about his design until he got it, especially you. 

But maybe you both needed a slight push. 

“A sun.”

Lowering your gaze, you hoped he couldn’t see your face. 

This was bad. 

Because you were going to get a snowflake as your tattoo. 

“He told me not to tell anyone, but I just told you… So, what are you getting?” 

“...I don’t think I’m going to get anything, to be honest…”

Realizing you had been lying and thinking you were hopeless, Mydei lightly chuckled, coming back to his phone and seeing Phainon texting him a bunch of question marks due to no response. 

Mydei: Have you checked Sunny’s wrist? 

Phainon: What? 

Mydei: Check her wrist next time you see her. 

Mydei: You might find a pleasant surprise. 

Phainon: Uh… okay… so we still gyming after though, right?

Mydei: mydeiworkingoutsticker.png

Aglaea: I have picked out some clothing that would suit your nature. Would you like to take a gander? In addition, I am ready to forward some portraits as well. 

You: sorry aglaea! im kind of in a hurry right now

Aglaea: What is the matter? Maybe I can provide assistance.

You: you can actually! can you tell me which one i look better in?

You: dress1.jpeg

You: dress2.jpeg

You: dress3.jpeg

Aglaea: What is the occasion?

You: secret

Aglaea: It is only fair you would not divulge when even I do not answer your questions.

Aglaea: Anyway, the second one.

You: thank you!! i gotta go but ill tell you later

Smiling at her screen, Aglaea couldn’t wait because she had a feeling it was about you know who . 

Honestly, she was tired of seeing the two of you mutually pining since childhood. 

She had been reluctant to play the game; however, you were quite persuasive when you wanted to be.

After joining the group as the destiny weaver, she had made it her goal to have you and Phainon getting together. 

And now finally it was happening. 

Her phone lit up with a notification from Anaxa, immediately disturbing her good mood.

What did he want?

Anaxagoras: Sunny and Phainon are at the library. 

Aglaea: What are they doing there?

Anaxagoras: They just met up. 

Aglaea: Sunny had just asked me for advice on what garments to wear. 

Anaxagoras: They’re on a date. 

Aglaea: Yes. 

Anaxagoras: Phainon has her against the bookshelf.

Aglaea: And you are still watching? 

Anaxagoras: No.

Aglaea: You owe me some money. 

Anaxagoras: Like you need any more…

Flipping his phone so the screen was on the table’s surface, Anaxa couldn’t believe his eyes. 

…He didn’t want to pay up to Aglaea.

He had been expecting you and Phainon to date much later because you both were dense as hell.

But he was proven wrong. 

Maybe it was for the better. 

Maybe he should also look away. 

Yeah, he should do that. 

One more picture was sent to the group chat before Anaxa minded his own business, ignoring the vibrations from his phone in favor of scribbling notes. 

In the corner of the library, you and Phainon were in your own bubble, uncaring of the surroundings. 

As far as you were both aware, it was just the two of you.

Not wanting to be caught in such a compromising position, you whined, “Phainon…” Your hand was on his chest, but barely exerting any effort into pushing him away. “Anyone could see us…”

On second thought, you didn’t mind it much… and you didn’t resist when he gently laid his hand on you, encompassing the width of your arm to bring it to him.

The matching bracelet fell lower as Phainon lifted it. 

Upon closer inspection, there was a mark—like Mydei had implied. 

What’s more was that it was in the shape of a snowflake. 

Unconsciously, Phainon touched the left side of his neck, and you wanted to pull away your limb; however, his grip tightened. 

How could he have not seen it before? 

That was right; you had been covering it with bandaids. 

To think this was hidden underneath the adhesives all this time…

When Phainon dropped his hand from his neck, your hand replaced it. 

Lightly tracing the ink, Phainon softly gazed at your tattoo. “...I thought you didn’t get one… ”

Returning the gesture on his own ink, you confessed, “...I didn’t…but then it felt wrong to not have it so I went back to get it the very next day. The artist was laughing at me the whole time because she had heard Tribbie call you Snowy and me Sunny.” 

“...I was disappointed when we walked out of the store, and I didn’t see one on you.” 

“I know…”

“Ha…” He couldn’t stop staring, fixated on a mark that represented him—engraved on you like you were on him forever . 

Meeting your half-lidded eyes and grazing his lips against your inner wrist, Phainon whispered your real name against your skin, “Wherever you are, I’ll be there.”

And his bright azure eyes held so much love for you. 

Making you want to do one thing at this moment. 

Murmuring his name back, you stood on your toes, brushing your lips against his neck before moving towards his own. 

As you both melted into the kiss, Phainon knew you were his Sunny, and you knew he was your Snowy. 

[bigfatbimbo]

helloooo surprise it’s the anon who requested Stanford hcs(and who also hates writing dom! male characters lol). Surprisingly, I’m here for Bill!

this is not so much a request as it is me just rambling and being curious about your thoughts, but what do you think of bill going into. . . subspace? is it even possible for him, would anything even be intense enough to get him so submerged into the moment like that? how would he even act? I wonder if he’d even enjoy it, since it could leave him feeling pretty out of control. . . maybe.

I’ll Give You Anything!

summary — subspace!Bill Cipher headcanons and drabbles

a/n — Hi anon! This is such a great question, and i’ve been itching to answer it. Also, feel free to mark yourself with an emoji next time!

⃤ The idea of Bill Cipher going into subspace intrigues me just as much, if not more, as the idea of him subbing in the first place. 

⃤ Let’s start off with the obvious: chances are, if he ever did, you wouldn’t remember.

⃤ To be in such a weak vulnerable state would most likely not be on purpose, so no matter how well you treat him, he’d probably always pluck the memory out of your head. 

⃤ As to whether the idea is even possible, that’s iffy. On one hand, human feelings are watered down sensations to him in the first place, although new and exciting, it’d take a lot to get him to even be a somewhat ‘mess.’ And even then he’d be fully conscious. 

⃤ On the other hand, a human sexual pleasure is probably a foreign and unexplored concept to him, honestly, as well as in his own body—not even sure it’s possible in his normal form—so it’s not crazy to say that certain sensations would have some sort of overwhelming pleasure. 

⃤ Although, even then it’s incredibly unlikely that he’d be submerged in such a deep euphoria, or let his guard down enough to even consider the idea. Even when you’re topping, he’s still a god and you’re not. 

⃤ I think this could change if the reader was a more powerful being. [i’ll elaborate if asked]

⃤ So let’s consider for a moment, what would Bill Cipher in subspace look like?

Mascara smudged from the beads of sweat dripping down his face, mouth stuck in a dreamy dazed smile. Still muttering something, as always, but just a tad whinier than usual, as breathy. 

How long has it been since he’s been taken care of? If he can just pluck the memory afterwards, then why not indulge. He’s earned it. Leaning back and fully whining for you, loudly wanting, no, needing more. 

He grabs for you absentmindedly, trying but failing to take note of the way you react. Surprise? No no.. he can barely tell now. Doesn’t matter as long as you keep doing what you’re doing to him. He thinks he cries something out, but he can’t hear.

New sensations, curiosity plagues him, as well as unsurmountable pleasure, and yet, self respect escapes him. It doesn’t matter now, if he’s still embarrassed after you’ve forgotten, he can always just showcase his power over you. Insurance. 

His mind fogs, and he becomes louder.

“I—i’ll give you anything, worlds, galaxies, the stars, just— ah— keep going!”

“Anything?” You purr.

He almost wishes you’d be able to remember him like this tomorrow. Almost.