oracle | bill cipher

part iii. | insert tragic backstory

Bill looks over at you with a blank expression. His face suddenly softens, and he scrunches his nose up, wiping his face with his hands. He looks as if he has a headache forming. The blond lets out a small groan before letting his hands fall to his sides, looking at you.

You sit there on the ground, terrified. You watch his every movement, scared of what he might do next. Whatever he is, he's most definitely not human - not after what you just saw.

He looks hurt at your expression. He reaches a hand out towards you. "Curator-"

In an effort to get away from him, you try scooting backwards. Only, there's no place for you to go. The back of your head hits a tree. You freeze, like a deer caught in the headlights. He tries to get closer, but you shoot a hand out, stopping him.

"Stay-" You manage to wheeze out, teetering on the verge of a panic attack. "Just - don't move….I-I need a minute-"

"Okay," he says calmly. His voice is quiet, and he's acting surprisingly gentle with you. He keeps his distance, squatting down to sit on the ground in front you. "... Take all the time you need, Curator. And just breathe."

You nod furiously, too overwhelmed to say anything else. You wrap your arms around your knees. Trying to stable yourself, you squeeze your eyes shut, focusing on your breathing. You're positive that you don't look a pretty sight - ragged breaths and red-rimmed eyes. You're definitely a mess right now.

It takes a minute for you to even get to a point where your breathing is somewhat normal. Even then, you're shaking, body shuddering with stuttering inhales. You manage to open your eyes, and when you do, Bill is still the same distance away from you as before. You can't help but exhale in relief.

Bill frowns. "You good, kid?"

It takes a moment for you to answer. You blink rapidly, trying to get your vision to focus. Eventually, you settle with a quiet, "I wanna go home. I don't wanna talk about this right now."

"Alright," he agrees softly, getting to his feet. "Alright, let's get you home."

The blond goes to help you to your feet, but you ignore him, using the tree as assistance instead. Your heart is still pounding against your chest furiously as you stand. You cast a quick glimpse over at Bill. There's concern in his eyes - or at least the one not hidden by an eyepatch.

He goes to link arms like you normally do, but you try and push him away. You try and take a step on your own only to wince as your knee throbs. You look down seeing a nice hole in your jeans, bloody and bruised skin poking out from it. Must've been from when you were fleeing the gnomes.

Bill once again extends a hand, and you reluctantly accept it, using his help to begin the journey home. Your face contorts in pain as your knee begins to sting. Small tears prick your eyes and you sniffle.

"You'll be fine." Bill looks over at you, giving your hand a squeeze. "We can fix that. It's nothing severe."

Still, you can't help but let out a small cry. It's not just pain that's making you tear up, it's frustration and fear too. Here you are, relying on someone who may not even be human to help you get home. You let yourself give small sobs. Bill stays silent, but he bites his bottom lip in what might be an admission of guilt.

The walk home is silent except for the sound of you crying. Bill doesn't try to console you anymore - he's done enough damage.

_____________

"I'll be honest, Curator. I didn't think this would be the reason why I got to see your house for the first time."

You manage a small laugh, rubbing at your red-rimmed eyes. You open the door, motioning for him to come inside. "Welcome home, I guess… just… give me a minute. I'm going to go change."