Minerva's Fanfics - Blog Posts

romanticizing-writing

1 month ago

A Game of Pretend

Prologue

Ford was a fraud of a muse that wanted to use him to accomplish...whatever corrupt plans he had. Bill was aware of this from the start in an instinctual way he couldn't quite place his finger on. The routine felt familiar to him, as if it was something he was destined to experience, and yet so distant at the same time. Like he had only been left with a phantom whisp of a trace to go off and use in picking up the pieces. Off.

Not that he'd never met some scheming, manipulative puppeteer who attempted (emphasis on attempt; he was no easy target) to trick and exploit him before— No, Bill was well equipped with the type and how to handle them. It was just that this time felt... different.

...

He wasn't sure what to think about that.

...

So, he wouldn't.

Ford claimed to be a benevolent god bestowing wisdom upon those living their lives in ignorance. Clearing the fog that blinded their eyes and enlightening them with knowledge previously beyond their comprehension. A muse.

What he wouldn't say was that he was liar who was barely managing to hide his ulterior motives with every breath he took. Bill didn't care nearly enough to tell the guy, though. He'd let him have his fun as long the egomaniac got the memo that the painter wasn't interested in whatever con he was selling and left to go pester the next potential puppet. After all, he was a busy guy! He had perspectives to shatter with his breathtaking — totally original — art; stars to gaze at; etcetera, etcetera. You get the idea.

As he had previously stated (and was proud to declare), he knew how to deal with scumbags like these: Beings striving to play the long game to reel you in to a false sense of security where all they have to do to pull the strings is a simple lift of a finger, and — BAM! — they have someone, either entirely out of their will or out of pressure, capable of doing their bidding.

It never got to that part for Bill, though. He wasn't one to brag (he very much was so, depending on who he was talking to), but he had a natural talent for spotting out shapes — and more — like them. He stopped them before they even had the chance to play their games. He learned the best tip was to ignore them. It usually took a while, sure, since they were persistent to get their way, but as long as you were as well, they would give up.

So, that was what he had decided to do with the confusing higher being. Any attempts at conversation from his behalf would be met with utter silence from the Euclidean triangle, whom acted like he couldn't see him. That's how most of their interactions were...in the beginning.

Hey! A shape could only be so patient before something — or someone — got on their nerves! So, eventually, Bill snapped. He started yelling at the six-fingered person, cursing him out. This only seemed to amuse the supposedly 'superior' being, though, which got on the painter's nerves more. He acted oh so better and greater, all because he could float and do...er...other things Bill couldn't remember at the moment.

In the end, he caved in to the god's desires, deciding that his irritating efforts would diminish if the triangle played along ever the slightest bit.

They began to hold genuine conversations where they learned about one another. Ford began to seem less like some far-away, untouchable being who was created into existence just to annoy him, and more like an actual person with feelings and thoughts. Who knew! And — here's the real kicker — Bill was starting to like him.

Behind that arrogant, all-powerful persona was someone who listened to him, emphasizing, understanding. He truly was intelligent and shared ideas that the painter would have never considered on his own. They taught each other things, and instantly developed a kind of chemistry and dymanic that only that one person can create with you. He was funny, charming, charismatic...

...

But, still manipulative. Still trying to rope Bill into becoming some kind of puppet he could utilize for whatever plots he has in mind. He hadn't forgotten that, nor did Ford get any better at masking it.

He knew that he should cut him off, stop things now before they began to spiral into something worse he couldn't return from. But, he was hesitant to because Ford was the only other person capable of understanding him. Because Ford filled that gaping ache of missing companship. Because he was so starved for any other kind of connection he could have after a childhood of being alone, outcasted by his society for being different. Because Ford was the only other person who was just as much of a freak as him. Because Ford could not only tolerate his weirdness, but even like it. Because Ford was the only other person who knew what was like to see the stars...

...

He didn't want to lose that. Didn't want to lose his muse who showed him wonderful things he never dreamed of seeing before. Didn't want to lose his love.

And, besides, he was curious to find out what Ford's plans were and his curiosity was one that was rarely left unfulfilled.

So, for the first time ever, Bill would entertain this manipulator. Allow himself to go along with whatever ulterior motives he has planned. Engage himself in a game of pretend.

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The "Euclydia Rises" AU was created by @orxinus . Thank you for reading! 💖

Next Chapter:

(Currently being worked on)