The Witch in the Woods (Bill Cipher x reader)

Chapter 5

    “I have a question for you.” This is not how you expected the conversation to start off, but you are glad of the fact that Bill doesn't seem angry. In fact, his expression is one you can’t really make out. “Ok, what?” You didn’t mean for your voice to come out as snippy as it does but you ignore it for the moment. You really just want to sleep this all off and wait until tomorrow to deal with any repercussions. 
    Bill sighs and takes a few steps closer to you. “Earlier, you mentioned that you would rather have me stayed dead.” You tense slightly. You do vaguely remember saying that, but then again, everything was still a bit red at that point. “So I want to know why you decided to help me if you hate me just as much as everyone else.” You are so focused on his words that you don’t realize that he is right in front of you until a moment later. Only about half a foot away from your face. You imagine him standing so close to your face is a scare tactic so you don’t attempt to move away. 
    It takes you a second to fully recognize what he is asking and you are at a loss for words for another moment. “Hate is...a strong word. I don’t think I hate you. More of slightly dislike.” Bill raises a brow, crossing his arms and waiting for you to continue. You struggle to find the right words, trying to figure out how to explain it properly. You take a deep breath. “Ok, look, two things Bill. One, I didn’t even know who you were when I helped you so I helped you just because I can. Two, even if I did know who you were at the time, I would have...still helped you. Call it a habit I guess but I can’t stand to see anyone, or anything really, in pain or injured. Even after finding out who you are, I still helped you because I want you to get better. Speaking of which, I need to check out those burns soon so we can see how they’ve developed.” From what you can see of his burns, which still populate his face, they appear to be healing up though you’d like to do a more thorough check when possible.
    “Don’t try to change the subject.” You blink. That isn’t what you intend but Bill has a point. “Ok, then let me answer your question with another question Bill. If I did hate you, do you think I would have helped you as much as I have?” He pauses and his arms slacken slightly. You can tell he’s thinking because of the distant look that appears in his eyes like a fog falling over a forest or maybe fog falling over a graveyard, considering this is Bill you’re talking about. Either way, it seems you gave him a little too much to think about because about five minutes pass before you figure he’s gone into a web of thoughts he won’t get out of alone.
    “Look, Bill…” Bill’s name brings him to attention and he blinks while coming out of a stupor. “I know this isn’t exactly the best circumstance for either of us considering what we’re getting into, but if we’re going to do this then we might as well get used to each other. I don’t want to have to yell at you every hour because you say something that rubs me the wrong way, and I’m sure you don’t want to get yelled at or get your pride hurt because of something I say.” You give a break in your words in case Bill wants to say something, and because you’ve been talking a lot in the past few minutes, but he remains silent.
    “So what I’m trying to say is I’m sorry for what I said earlier. As long as we don’t try to step over each other, I’m willing to get along with you. I won’t try to hurt your pride or reference the past or whatever as long as you promise not to tell me my job is stupid or a waste of time or insult me.” As a final act of goodwill, you stick your hand out and give him a slight smile. “Deal?” He gives you a slight look of contempt before it’s washed from his face and replaced with consideration. The fog returns to his eyes as a sign of his thinking, and you only just start to think you might have to break him out of it again before he suddenly shakes your hand. 
    “Deal. And I’m...sorry, I guess, for what I said.” You pull your hand away and a large grin spreads across your face. You could tell Bill had some difficulty saying that and you appreciate it at least a little bit since you figure he isn’t used to apologizing. “Ok, now I’m going to bed and since you’re technically human, you should probably do the same. Don’t leave the house.” You turn and pull the covers back on the bed. Bill looks confused and a little bewildered, but he leaves the room either way and you figure he could probably sort himself out.