Omake for Chapter 18 of Impatience & Hunger, my Nezuko Demon Slayer AU fic (contains spoilers for basically the whole manga).
A line from this chapter for context:
“Dumbass!” he threw the bottle at him, which Giyuu caught. Sanemi made an uncharacteristically smiley face with beady little eyes, then knocked his pitch up a tone. “This is why no one likes you.”
I'm really curious about what Bill was thinking during his first in-fic interaction with Ford
Here you go!
One day I will escape this AU. Today was not that day.
Pine Tree just couldn’t wait, could he? Impatient little bastard. He’s warm under Bill’s hands.
Bill holds his human against the wall, head lowered, and thinks.
His toy’s usually so good at picking up hints! Bill didn’t want to say too much with the twin around, but he ended up being too subtle for once. There’s got to be some other way to - Bill needs time.
“Right. Get your dumb ass back in there, and go distract your uncle.” Bill says.
Pine Tree stares at him, and he straightens up a little. “Why don’t you distract him?” he asks, looking a little angry, but at least how much shit he’s in seems to have finally sunk home. “You’re the ‘charming’ one, after all.”
Bill lifts his head and cringes, briefly. “Listen, sapling, me and IQ in there-” He hesitates.
Not gonna tell the kid his history with that Pines - he’ll react badly. Bill’s not in a good position here. He might not be able to do much, but he’s still all demon, and Sixer’s not a total idiot, he knows what Bill’s magic is like. If he catches on-
“I gotta get going again,” Bill says, still quietly, he squeezes his mortal’s shoulders. Won’t be good to attract too much attention. “You’ve made one hell of a problem for me. I don’t wanna risk things. Not just yet.”
Damn it, it could have been so good!
Bill’s glad to have figured it out before he took the leap, good thing Pine Tree pointed it out, but he’s furious that this is what he’s stuck with. This stupid, illusionary body. It’s tied to Pine Tree’s life, and it’s not going away until the kid’s gone.
Having a braindead mortal would be way better than doing nothing, with a body that won’t let him go anywhere because it’s dead.
Facing Sixer’d be - yeah, a little risky. Bill hates to give him any credit, the guy’s a moron - but he could win. Might go either way, so Bill won’t start anything yet, he’ll just keep an eye out for a good opportunity. Something that’ll look like an accident.
If things were different, Bill might try anyway...
But there’s Pine Tree.
His pet knows him too damned well, and he’s quick with ideas, doesn’t fear Bill anymore - and while Bill could cut him off - he can’t take the kid out. If Pine Tree gets involved... he might not be able to harm Bill, but in return, Bill can’t tell what his next move is, ever.
His pet takes Ford’s side in a fight? Those two work together? Amps things up to something Bill doesn’t like the look of. He’s staying outta this whole mess ‘til the uncle’s gone.
“What’s going on here?” asks Ford. Both Bill and his human freeze in place.
This stupid mortal has the shittiest luck, and now it’s affecting Bill as well.
Ah, great. There’s Sixer, full of mild suspicion. And... slowly growing aggression.
He’s standing a few yards away, frowning. “What. Are you doing?” he demands, glaring, and there’s a hand reaching up for the weapons Bill - if he ever could have predicted this bullshit situation - would never have taught that asshole how to make.
Bill tightens his hands on his human’s shoulders, eye narrowing, staring straight through him. Pine Tree looks back at him, confused, a little nervous now.
He has no idea what the hell he’s just dragged Bill into. And now he hasn’t even had time to prepare something. Again.
Well. How’s this going to play out?
Bill lets a little flame flicker over a hand - Pine Tree feels it, his eyes widen - maybe light the kid on fire first, won’t harm him, chuck him at his uncle as a distraction - Bill wishes he’d had more notice! This is going to set back his plan for a long, long time, murdering some of his human’s family isn’t going to make him want to work for him-
Poindexter speaks again, careful and controlled. “Excuse me. But you should let go of Dipper. Now,” His hand taps on his thigh, close to his weapons.
Bill can feel how close he’s getting to making a move, and the kid looks too shocked to join in, at least for a few seconds-
So, Bill’s gonna move befor-
Pine Tree wraps his hands up around Bill and yanks him forward, pulling him into an embrace. He’s kissed, hard, and a tongue flicks over his lips, Pine Tree’s holding him close, pressed against him like a lover -
What the hell?
Bill makes a noise, but Pine Tree keeps holding him in, mouth against his own - Bill’s hands drop to his human’s waist, gripping him tightly. After a second, his pet pushes him back a little, and draws himself away from the wall, scraping splinters from the wood out of the back of his shirt.
Bill stares at him in confusion, leaving his hands resting where they were. That was nice, he’s not complaining, but what the hell?
“Um, hey.” Pine Tree looks up at his uncle, who’s watching them with concern, hand still hovering near his side. “Everything’s cool. I have a boyfriend,” He blurts, awkward, and waves at Bill a little. He’s blushing again.
All suspicion and impending violence completely vanishes from Sixer, replaced by- feeling mildly awkward. Bill blinks.
“Oh. Oh!” Ford says, visibly relaxing. The hand near his hip drops to his side. “Yes, I see. That’s fine.”
Out of the corner of his eye he can see Sixer looking him over closely, evaluating him - then he speaks.
“Who are you?”
Bill startles, confused - but, wait.
Right, he wouldn’t recognize Bill like this. For all that this body’s a good metaphor for him - it’s not exactly close to what this guy’s seen.
And Pine Tree just did precisely the right thing.
Even if Sixer does see a bunch of stuff close to Bill’s energy nearby, even if Bill isn’t quite a perfect human shape - Ford’s not gonna wanna see, or think of his nephew getting involved with a demon - the idea of Pine Tree making out with one is beyond the pale. It even fits with their cover story! He’s just been handed an amazing coverup, and-
Bill stares at his human, who’s looking at him a little nervously, fidgeting in place. Kid came up with something fast, the clever little idiot - but it’s surprising. He knows Bill’s a demon, his uncle hunts those -
He should’ve tattled.
Maybe these two could have, together, taken out this body and trapped him - But for some reason, even though Pine Tree won’t cooperate in the slightest with the best ideas, hates him more than a little -
His human wants him around.
Sure, there’s a reason, some motive - Pine Tree’s got something cooking in that mind, he can see that much - and Bill’s entirely fine with that. This only helps him out in the long run. If he’s got value to the kid, he’s making progress!
Pine Tree’s starting to like him.
...
That thing in his chest happened again.
Not sure where that weirdness keeps coming from, this is at least the third time - well, whatever, it feels less awful now, he’ll put up with it.
Ford gives Bill a thorough look over, eyes narrowing. “We haven’t met, I believe. I’m Stanford Pines. Dipper’s great uncle. Call me Ford.”
Bill looks at Ford for a long moment.
Haven’t met, huh, like Fordsy here hasn’t worked with Bill for years, though by human standards, that was a while ago -
Then he smiles, close-mouthed. Covered up or not, no reason to give Sixer any hints.
“Have we not? Dipper’s gone on and on about you. Ford,” Bill’s slowly growing pleased, this old bastard can’t see what’s right in front of him! His human sighs, long, and exasperated - “I feel like I already know you by this point! Name’s Bill, by the way.”
Boy, does he ever know this guy already. And Ford’s totally not going to know, or get too suspicious, because he never asked Bill’s first name! Inside, Bill’s laughing to himself. This could be fun. Nostalgic, really, it’s just like old times!
Ford frowns for a second at Bill, then shrugs, dismissively. He reaches out a hand to shake, and hey, can’t turn that down without looking bad. Bill walks over, and takes his hand - though he wants to crush it, he shakes it normally.
“Well. It’s good to meet you.” Ford casts a glance at Bill’s pet - Then he leans in closer. His voice drops to a low, quiet tone.
“Maybe you’re alright, maybe you’re not, but...” The geezer mutters as he shakes Bill’s hand, hard, grip tight. “If you ever hurt my nephew? I will destroy you.”
Bill’s immortal! Sixer can’t keep him away, not forever. It’s amusing… But that’s not an idle threat. There’s protective, deadly intent. He’s leveling the single most threatening look at Bill that he’s ever seen from Stanford Pines.
If Bill had started that kiss, he might’ve looked like an assaulter, and he wouldn’t be surprised if he was murdered on the spot, just for a simple mouth press.
Someone’s very fond of their grand nephew.
Killing Pine Tree - if he could kill Pine Tree - would’ve been the best vengeance. What a pity. It’d be great, dissecting the kid in front of this guy, showing off his - but - Bill can’t, and, well... he wouldn’t want to.
It’s only because he’s useful.
“Trust me,” Bill says, at a normal volume, smug. “That’ll never happen.”
For one, Sixer could never destroy him, and as for the kid - Bill needs his human intact, and healthy, for him to be of any use. He’s only going to corrupt his mortal, not mutilate him.
Nearby, Bill’s pet clears his throat. “Um. So. Uh. Great.” He sounds a little awkward, but he’s seen his plan work, and there’s a little relief. Yeah, Bill’s going with this, it shouldn’t be that much of a surprise.
Ford grimaces for an instant, but it fades rapidly. “Yes, alright. So you’re…” He gestures vaguely between Bill and his human, looking a little-
Bill checks. Mild confusion, some skepticism. Guess Pine Tree’s usually gone for girls - and failed, miserably, Bill knows he’d never been touched.
Until last night.
He laughs warmly. “Yep! See your nephew there? He’s mine,” Bill says, smiling wider, but not enough to show his inhuman traits. “Forever.”
Bill owns Pine Tree. Being bonded with this idiot is an awful situation - but it could be so much worse.
He’s got a pet, a toy, a plaything - and he’s snagged his human into his arms, and taken him. Convincing him to join Bill will take a while - but in the meantime, he’s got an attractive young mortal, who’ll jump into bed with him, eagerly, and the smart little thing struggles and argues like a champ, that tease. He’s entertaining as hell.
It’s a pretty fun time, having this human. Shame he doesn’t like Bill’s best plans. Frustrating, sure, but he’s still got potential.
When he gives in? Everything will pay off.
Ford gives that another look, then sighs and shrugs. “Alright. Well, Dipper, we should get going,” Ford turns to look at his nephew, smiling wider, dismissing Bill entirely. While he’s not looking, Bill glares, and he wipes off his handshaking hand on his pants. He flips Sixer off behind his back.
“I think everything’s about ready to check this spell out. Shouldn’t be too difficult,” Ford looks very satisfied. “Break this thing in no time. Give that monster one hell of a hit in return.”
‘Monster’. Bill would be thrilled if that were more accurate. Too bad, the kid’s not much for violence. But Sixer’s intent on death with this backlash, and Bill still hasn’t come up with anything to stop it. Maybe he should attack anyway, with that back turned towards him, it’s-
Pine Tree smiles, weakly, tense as hell. “Sure.”
What, he’s agreeing? Lead your uncle on, for hell’s sake! Bill’s seen his human be smart, what does he think he’s doing? Pine Tree knows how bad things are now, he should distract, deflect-
“Wait,” Pine Tree blurts, and sprints forward towards him. “Can Bill come too?” He moves in close. Bill’s hand gets grabbed, tight and almost painfully - what? He turns to look at his pet, surprised.
“He’s interested in this stuff,” Pine Tree continues, then turns his head slowly towards Bill, looking at him with something not quite a glare. “Aren’t you, Bill.” The tone of the kid’s voice is prompting, intense, and Bill’s-
He has no idea what’s going on. It’s interesting! But very, very weird. Being blindsided is new to him. Pine Tree keeps looking at him, and jerks his head sharply towards his uncle, insistent.
“Hm?” Ford looks at Bill with renewed interest. “Thinking of taking up this type of work, are you?”
“Oh, well,” Bill glances at his pet again.
Everything about his posture and face screams ‘go along with this already’, it’s as loud as if he was shouting in Bill’s ear. This is his mortal’s mind on the line, he knows as much, how close he is to death. The smart choice would be to come clean, say everything -
But he’s covering for Bill.
Pine Tree is looking at him, firm and absolutely certain. Whatever plan he’s come up with, it’s made him both oddly calm, and very proud. Bill’s seen this look on his mortal before, when he had his last good idea, and his pet was right that time…
Fine.
If his mortal’s this into things, even when he’s got a ton at stake? Bill can play along. Putting a little trust in his human’s plan might be a bad call, but it’s not like he’s got much more to lose. Doesn’t hurt that he really wants to know what’s making his pet so sure of himself.
It grates at him, but - eh, he’s done this before, he can do it again.
Bill smiles, flatteringly, turning to look at Sixer.
“Not looking into it as a career - little dangerous for my tastes - But if I understand the theory right, you’ll… try a chain reaction? It’s the simplest to pull off, and it looked like a shockwave pattern,” Bill gives Sixer an admiring look, and shrugs. “I am interested in the concepts, but not in the practice. I leave that to genius experts like yourself.” Bill finishes, putting gentle respect in his tone.
Compliments always got to this guy. Unlike this smaller mortal, who sees them for the lies they are.
Ford starts looking at Bill with deeper interest. “Yes, I was thinking of that. If it’s connected enough. You're quite right.” He gives Bill a wry grin. He thinks for a moment, then looks at Pine Tree briefly, giving him a nod.
His human smiles, but shifts around uncomfortably. Bill squeezes his hand, and smirks a little. Already got approval - flattery always works like a charm! Ha! So easy to fool this guy.
Ford thinks for another moment, then shrugs. “Sure, why not join us? You’ll get to see some of the practice, with none of the risk. Let’s head to the car.” He starts walking off, looking distracted, muttering to himself a little.
“Great! We’ll get going.” Pine Tree chimes in, dragging along Bill by the hand to follow.
Bill looks at his pet, raising an eyebrow. What the hell is going on? This had better be good.
His pet glances at him, then rolls his eyes as they walk behind his uncle. He lifts their joined hands, and makes a few quick gestures - something something magic, connection -
This quiet conversation would be easier if he could see this stupid brain. Bill checks - damn it, still locked off - then hits his pet out of frustration, but not hard. Pine Tree glares, elbows him in the ribs. Bill sticks his tongue out, points between the two of them. Yes, there’s a magic connection between them, so what? What’s he getting at?
It takes a bit, but it’s an almost silent discussion.
As soon as the idea gets across, Bill glares around. Makes a lot of sense, can’t believe he didn’t think- This mortal’s so annoying.
Clever, though.
“So can you?” Pine Tree whispers, while his uncle’s briefly distracted.
Bill glares - this bond’s super weird, he knew he could move their magic one way, but the other way? ...Yeah, it should work.
“...Yes. I would’ve thought of that. Eventually.” He nudges his pet in the side, but without much force behind it. “It’s... icky, though.” Urgh, it’s going to feel all sticky and flickering - and it’s not great for Pine Tree, who’s gonna be right in the middle of things. Conduit as he is, this isn’t gonna be pleasant. “And this still is going to suck for you. Like, a lot.”
“Deal with it. I can.” Pine Tree mutters, and squeezes Bill’s hand painfully hard.
The kid’s got guts, true! He can probably take it. And he’ll live, he’s not taking his uncle’s side, not yet - he’s starting to like his master, like he should! And he keeps being surprising, and fun!
Another chest throb.
This needs to stop happening - might be tied to the kid’s spell, somehow? Gotta look into that later.
“You know. I could always shove you off a cliff or something. It’d be simple.” says Bill, contemplatively. Maybe shouldn’t’ve said that, now the kid’s going to be wary - but whatever, he wasn’t entirely serious. He returns the hand squeeze. “My life would be a whole lot easier if you weren’t interesting. ”
“Feeling’s mutual,” replies his mortal, and Bill smirks.
He is interesting! Glad Pine Tree’s finally admitting it.
It’s taking longer than he’d like. But Bill’s going to win him over, and get everything he wants.
Well, folks, I managed Chapter 8 of In the Dark Hours. Thanks as ever to @librarylock @cakepopsforeveryone and @sincerely-chaos who each have their own unique way of making my writing better.
Here’s the piece from the beginning: In the Dark Hours
Summary: Sherlock entered the flat and looked at the sofa where they’d sat, where he’d taken John’s hand. Nothing had been promised, nothing had even been said, but Sherlock had taken John’s hand, and John had allowed it, and had gripped Sherlock’s hand, hard, in return. It felt like a promise.It was a promise. No more hiding.
