oracle | bill cipher

part iv. | dreams and screams

It's getting late. The sun had set a while ago. Outside, the sky is a canvas of black, showered in tiny, glittering stars. You and Bill are still in your house, however. He seems interested by the various clutter decorating your home. You're still wary of him.

How are you supposed to react when your best friend confesses he's a Dream Demon? There isn't exactly a handbook for this kind of thing. It's been a couple hours since his reveal, but your hands are still trembling as you try and tidy up your house a bit, making it more presentable. Bill doesn't appear to mind the mess - he's too focused on your snowglobes, eyeing them with a sort of child-like curiosity.

"You have a place to stay?" You ask, throat still a bit sore from your earlier panic attack. It's getting late. He should probably head home soon.

Come to think of it, does he even have a home? You don't see him around town much. Not unless he is at the library. You frown at the thought.

He scratches behind his neck. "... I've been staying in a cave for a while."

Your eyes widen, jaw dropping. "... A cave?... Fuck, Bill. Why didn't you say anything? There's no way you're sleeping in a cave tonight… why don't you just stay here?" The offer leaves your mouth before you even know it.

"You mean it?"

"Yeah, I mean it!" The plan slowly starts to come to light, the cogs in your head turning. "I mean, I don't exactly have a guest room-" your house is far too small for one "-but the couch has a pull-out bed. I mean, it's not much, but it beats sleeping in a cave at night."

You wish you had more to offer. Your house isn't exactly that big - it's what you can afford for working off a rather small salary. However, a pull-out couch is better than a cave floor.

Bill eyes the mentioned couch. A slow smile spreads across his lips. His eyes dart up to look at you. "Yeah… yeah, Curator. I think we can make this work."

_____________

"You've got everything you need?"

"I'm fine, Curator!" Bill waves an arm over the top of the couch. "Stop worrying and get your beauty sleep!"

You roll your eyes in amusement. Bill sounds sure that he can handle himself, but you still can't help but feel nervous. Do Dream Demons even need sleep? You're not prepared to handle this kind of houseguest - or any houseguest, really. You just don't want to be a terrible host.

Fiddling with the strings of your sweats, you cast your gaze downwards. "Remember, extra blankets are in the hall closest - and I'm sure you know where the bathroom is now. If you need anything, I'm-"

"Just down the hall," Bill finishes for you. "Yeah, yeah, I know. Go on, now. You humans need your sleep. Just think of this as - what do you humans call it?" He snaps his fingers as the answer comes to mind. "A sleepover! Yeah! Just imagine it's one of those!"

With a laugh, you lean against the wall, going to turn off the lights. "Goodnight, Bill."

"Goodnight, Curator."

You stalk off to your room, sock-clad feet shuffling around in the dark. Once you get into your bedroom, you quickly race into the bed. You waste no time in pulling the covers close to your chin. Trying to relax, you let out a shaky exhale.

Today has not exactly been the most normal of days. Your heart is still pounding a few beats faster than normal, fingers still humming with energy. You can't seem to get that picture of Bill out of your mind.

In all honesty, he was terrifying when he was taking down those gnomes. He was so calm he almost looked bored. You didn't like that - Bill was a very expressive person. It was unsettling to see him so unenthused about something. The whole situation was giving you the creeps.