I'm finally moved into my new house! For almost two weeks we didn't have Wifi so I couldn't write :( Our stuff arrived a couple days ago though, so for the next few weeks things should be pretty normal aside from the unpacking.

So i'm posting a sweeter chapter after all the drama. Expect fluff between the guys in this chapter. They deserve some time together after all those obstacles, anyway.

Here's chapter 62 of "Welcome Home"!

"You're not putting that in my mouth." Bill grumbled with folded arms.

"Bill, please... after the chilled temperature conditions you were exposed to, I need to check you for any cold symptoms." Ford insisted, holding the thermometer in his hands as he sat beside Bill.

Within the past hour they had all returned to the Mystery Shack. Ford had fetched Bill his typical clothes which the blonde was unopposed to dressing into. The slightly dirtied white jacket and blue-purple jeans reminded him of nothing but all his recent suffering. Stanford had decided on escorting Bill to his old room where the smaller man could rest up on the red couch after his examination. Ford had come in with a medical kit to check his temperature and for any injuries as Bill was seated on the couch. Bill knew that his boyfriend's intentions were good, but he just couldn't help but grow slightly annoyed at the overprotectiveness.

Bill sighed. "Get it over with." He mumbled. Ford gave a nod and began inserting the thermometer into his mouth. Bill turned his attention to Stan who he noticed standing in the doorway.

"You idiots need anything?" Stan asked.

Ford turned to look behind him to see his twin standing there. "Another blanket will do." He requested. Stan scratched his side before walking off. He returned his attention to Bill when he heard him coughing, clutching at his throat and spitting the thermometer out of his mouth. Ford gave him a look of concern.

"Oh Bill, I'm terribly sorry." Ford apologized, not realizing until now that he had never actually let go of the thermometer.

"Stars, Sixer," Bill groaned, followed by another cough. He folded his arms and looked at the scientist. "If you're trying to choke me, just do it with your hands, not some gadget." He said, rolling his eyes.

Ford's breathing hitched at this, and a blush quickly formed. When the shock from the comment wore off he scowled at the smaller man. "No, no. That isn't- that's not what I was-" He started, stumbling over his words and only pausing when he stopped to wonder if the other knew what type of scenario he was inquiring. He raised an eyebrow. "Bill Cipher, where in the world did you pick up such a thing?" He asked.

"Wen-diddle's friends say some... interesting things." Bill responded, saying 'interesting' with a smidge of unease.

Ford shivered and straightened his posture. He grabbed the end of the thermometer. "Alright, will you give it another chance?" He asked.

Bill narrowed his eyes at the gadget, then at Ford. "Very well." He replied, taking the thermometer away from the scientist's grasp and putting it in his mouth himself. He folded his arms and looked out the colored window. Ford waited one minute before removing it, looking at the temperature. He sighed in relief at seeing average results. Still though, he figured it wouldn't hurt to warm Bill up a bit better.

"Stan should be back with another blanket soon," Ford said.

"I can get it myself." Bill grumbled with a huff.

"You're exhausted and malnourished, I don't think it's smart to push yourself." Ford stated.

Bill waved his hand. "I'm fine." He dismissed. He went to stand up to prove his strength and Ford quickly stood and pushed him back down. Bill glared up at him.

"And we're not trying that again." Ford added.

Bill frowned. "It's not fair." He mumbled, laying himself along the couch and resting the side of his face against the pillow.

Ford sighed. "I know," He said, sitting back down beside Bill who lay on his side. Ford extended his hand. The six fingers wove themselves into the blonde hair, giving the other a gentle hair ruffle.

"I just don't get it, Ford..." Bill continued, running his own hand through his hair and locking hands with the scientist behind his head. "If I can't defend myself, if I'm not a threat with or without my magic, without my power," He continued, a saddened look forming. "Then who am I?" He asked softly, crossing his arms around himself.

Ford frowned down at the man. "Oh, don't say that," He began. "You were in a tough situation there. No one expected you to get out of something so difficult." He said.

"I did." Bill grumbled.

Ford sighed. "That's exactly what I said." He muttered.

Bill turned his head and raised an eyebrow. "What?" He inquired.

The scientist returned the glance. "When we were there to retrieve you, I was alone trying to find where you were being kept like Stan was. I ran into a swarm of security guards and expected of myself that I could get through them all. But there were just too many, and they... they kicked me out." He said, muttering the last bit. "I was too sure that I could take them without considering losing. I expected I could get through them." He said.

Bill shrugged. "You did the best you could." He said.

"Did I?" Ford asked. Bill furrowed his brows slightly. "I just feel like I could have done more to fight back. I can't help but feel odd about Stan coming to your rescue, and..."

"Not you?" Bill finished.

Ford was taken aback by how easily the blonde finished his sentence. He looked away and folded his arms in his lap. "I suppose that sounds silly." He muttered. Bill stared at him with a glimmer of sympathy in his eyes, shaking his head.

"Sure it does," A grumbly voice said. Both men turned to the door, seeing Stan enter with a blanket. He scowled at his brother. "Ya' can't always be a knight in shining armor, Ford." He chided, pointing at his brother as he walked past him. "Just be grateful your little boyfriend's outta' there." He spat, unfolding the blanket and handing it towards the blonde.

Ford's eyes widened at the label, and he looked at his twin. "My wh-"

"Eugh, it's orange." Bill complained, sneering at the color of the blanket.

"Just shut up and accept it, blondie." Stan grumbled, setting it overtop Bill's face. Bill gasped and moved his arms and legs at the sudden darkness before grabbing the blanket and ripping it off his face. He scowled up at the con man. Ford took the blanket and laid it atop Bill, watching his brother leave the room as he announced that he was retiring early for the night.

Bill waited until Stan left the room, only to grab the blanket and drop it onto the floor. Ford watched the exchange and scowled.

"Bill," Ford chided.

"I don't like orange, Sixer." Bill stated.

The scientist sighed. "It's a blanket. Just use it."

"No." Bill muttered.

Ford rolled his eyes at the blonde's picky behavior. He grabbed the typical blue blanket and picked it up along with the orange blanket. He put the orange one atop Bill, putting the blue one over top it to hide the orange color.

Bill narrowed his eyes and threw the blankets off him. Ford groaned.

"I can still see the orange, you're not fooling me." Bill grumbled.

"It's a color, Bill. Stop being foolish." Ford chastised.

Bill folded his arms. "I don't want that blanket." He announced.

Ford sighed. "Fine," He complied, picking up the blue blanket instead. "Then will you at least take this one?"

Bill squinted his eyes at the blanket, pursing his lips. "Very well." He decided, allowing the man to lay it onto him. Bill snuggled the side of his face into his pillow and let the blanket settle to warm him. Ford sat back down beside him, laying back on the couch. Bill squirmed twice and scrunched his nose, throwing the blanket off of himself with a frustrated exhale.

Ford held in the urge to snap and clenched his fists, looking down at his legs. "What is it this time?" He asked.

"The blanket's all scratchy on my skin." Bill complained. "It's uncomfortable." He said.

At least he's not whining about the color. Ford thought to himself. He stood up and took the blankets from off the floor, setting them at the other edge of the couch where they couldn't reach Bill. The blonde seemed satisfied with the tacky blankets bring taken away from his sight.

"We're not going to try and find you another blanket." Ford said.

Bill shrugged. "That's fine." He mumbled, keeping his arms crossed and shutting his eyes as he surrounded his face with the comfortable pillow. Ford looked down at the other and sighed. He figured that even if he had found another blanket, Bill would have complained about it just the same. He removed his lab coat off himself and placed it over Bill. The blonde shifted and glanced at the warm garment, then up at Ford.

"Does this work?" Ford asked.

Bill nodded. He clung to the coat and kept it close to himself.

"Good," Stanford said. "Now would you like some tea?" He offered.

Bill nodded again. "Orange tea." He requested.

Ford scowled. "I thought you didn't like orange."

"I don't like the color." Bill clarified. "The tea's good." He said.

Ford gave him a blank look for all but a second before nodding. "In that case, I'll put some on the stove." He said.

Bill smiled, but hid it in the other man's coat so he couldn't see. "You're so good to me." He mumbled.

Ford could still see the grin in his eyes, and he too offered a small smile. "You make it hard to." He teased. Bill scoffed, but couldn't stop a snicker. After all he knew it was true. Ford rubbed the top of his head before walking off to start the tea.

Bill watched his boyfriend leave and let the warmth the coat gave surround him. He nuzzled his face into the lab coat and took in the scent. The coat smelled of treesap and the typical scents nature brought in the forest, along with a slight burnt smell as though he had been around burning wood or a fireplace. It was nice.

Bill pulled the lab coat closer to himself and sighed. He wondered how long Ford would let him keep it for. Perhaps he could play hooky if only to stay in the tender care. Then again, he didn't want to seem weak for staying in the scientist's hospitality for too long. Bill figured he could use his stubbornness to keep it for a while longer than Ford intended him to.

For a moment Bill wondered what would have happened had the Pines not come to his aid. He felt a small bit of gratefulness towards Stanley for being there in time to return him to Ford, but would never admit his appreciation. If Stan got the satisfaction of hearing it, then it would be a topic he would never hear the end of. Everyone knew how much Stan liked to brag, and this was a topic he'd rather just forget. He hoped Stan would drop it.

Bill was pulled out of his thoughts when Fiddleford rushed into the room. He looked at the engineer, confused at seeing his cheerful expression. Bill scrunched his nose at the shirt he wore.

"Did ye' see it yet, Cipher? Did ye' see the shirt I got?" McGucket eagerly asked, gently tugging part of the fabric forward to show him.

"I saw." Bill mumbled.

Fiddleford grinned down at it and contained himself from squealing. "I still can't believe alla' this. An' so much happened in just one day!" He squeaked.

"Good for you." Bill responded, lacking enthusiasm.

"Ain't it?" Fiddleford beamed, not noticing the tension from the other. "I got to meet all five of em' up close! They were talking to me, listening to me a-an' my directions!" He continued.

Bill folded his arms and looked down at the floor beside him. McGucket carried on.

"I got to save em', too! All me, and it worked! I was so excited and so sad to see the fellers go, but they all gave me a big hug before they escaped to the forest. Oh, and later Chris gave me this shirt I've been a'wearin', and he already knew when I told im' he was my favorite, and-"

"Stop talking!" Bill demanded in a yell. He coughed for a moment after his sharp examination before turning and glaring at the old man.

McGucket jumped at the sudden change of tone, his eyes wide as he was met with a glare from the blonde. Bill seemed upset now, a mix of anger and hurt apparent in his stare. Fiddleford wondered if perhaps he had said too much, or if he had spoken too soon about the events of earlier.

Bill calmed himself and released a heavy sigh, laying back down and bringing the coat back close to him. "I don't wanna hear about any of them." He stated.

Fiddleford frowned and regretted what he had said. He put his hands behind his back and looked away in thought. After a bit he hesitantly turned to look back at Bill. The blonde noticed the glance and looked back at him.

"When... when you were there," McGucket hesitantly started. He paused for a moment, unsure about asking questions. Bill gave him a nod to proceed. "The boys, they... they didn't treatcha' wrong, did they?" He asked, his attention being drawn to a bruise on the side of the blonde's face.

Bill paused for a moment before shaking his head. "Not exactly," He said. "I got some insults, but they didn't know. I mostly used them if I needed. Those three didn't much matter." He continued.

"Three?" Fiddleford inquired.

Bill shrugged and looked away. "Legs was alright." He muttered.

McGucket gave a nod. A moment of silence went by. McGucket fiddled with his hands and looked back at the man. "Creggy seemed te' recognize Stanford," He revealed. Bill looked at him after the mentioning of Ford. "Not by face." He clarified. "I guess word must'a gone around about 'im, eh?"

"Something like that." Bill mumbled. "Creggs brought him into an argument. I got upset and we fought." He said.

Knowing Bill, Fiddleford could only assume that it had been physical. "Is... is that why you were...?"

"Taken away?" Bill finished, the all too familiar word slipping off his tongue. McGucket scratched the back of his neck, but gave a slow nod. "Basically." Bill answered.

McGucket frowned. He hadn't been aware of just what had happened with Bill, and was certain that this was only part of the story. He assumed that even Ford didn't know much of it yet. They all figured it would be easier to ask questions another day after letting him rest.

"M' hoping this tea knocks me out," Bill mumbled, laying down on his side and curling up into the coat. With a sigh he nuzzled against the pillow.

Fiddleford laughed. "Whatcha' gonna do layin' like that, drink it from a straw?" He joked.

"Good idea," Bill replied. Fiddleford stared at the unexpected response to his sarcastic remark. "Get me a straw." Bill requested.

With a sigh McGucket took his leave. "Walked right inta' that one." He mumbled to himself. He turned the corner and nearly smacked straight into Ford, who was headed towards the room. The author stepped back and caught the plate in one of his hands before the contents fell to the floor. McGucket apologized with an awkward chuckle and passed by him, headed up the stairs to the living room.

Ford shook off the surprise and proceeded. When he looked into the room he gave a light smile at his boyfriend curled up peacefully and quiet. He remembered how cute the blonde could be when he was vulnerable- which wasn't often.

"Comfy?" Ford asked to catch his attention before entering.

Bill looked up and over at the door at the voice. He nodded, eyes immediately being drawn to the tea that was held in front of him. He sat up, grabbed the mug, and blew on it before taking a long sip, downing half the beverage.

"Stan insisted I bring you some of those pancakes he makes," Ford said, looking down at the pancakes in slight distaste. He picked off a random stray hair poking out of the food. Bill's eyes darted to his other hand, his eyes widened. He shoved the tea back at Ford before snatching the plate out of his hand and grabbing one of the two pancakes stacked up on each other. Ford cringed at the way Bill held the syrup-coated food in both his hands, taking greedy bites from the pancake as the syrup seeped through from the pancake and around the tips of his fingers. He paid no mind to it.

"I brought you some..." Ford started, holding out a couple of utensils.

"I von neef 'em." Bill replied through bites. He finished off the rest of the first Stancake and hastily started on the other one.

Ford scrunched his nose. "I look forward to your behavior after getting proper rest." He grumbled in a quiet tone. He pulled out a paper napkin from out of his pocket and held it out towards the other man. "Will you at least use the napkin?" He asked.

Bill shoved the remains of the pancake into his mouth and reached for the napkin. He looked at it for all but a second before going to shove it in his mouth. Ford looked on speechless and took Bill's hand away from his already full mouth. Bill looked at him with a scowl.

"Use it for your hands." Ford groaned, squeezing the bridge of his nose and releasing a sigh. Bill rolled his eyes and wiped the syrup off his hands with the napkin, dropping it beside him after. Ford grabbed it before it fell to the floor and scowled at him.

"There's no need to act so foolishly," He started. "We still have more of those in the fridge."

Bill coughed after choking on a piece of the pancake and swallowed the remains to speak. "I'm okay now." He rejected.

"You just tried to eat a napkin." Ford reminded with an unamused look.

"And what of it?" Bill snapped with a glare, shoving the coat off himself. Ford took a step back at the tone. The blonde gave a frustrated huff before calming, folding his arms. "I know I've been acting weird lately, and I don't like it either," He said. "I've been in a complicated place. It all messed with me." He added in a mutter.

"Right..," Ford replied, extending his hand slightly before awkwardly looking away. He had nearly forgotten in the moment to take that into account. "I didn't mean any-"

"It's fine," Bill stopped. He took the tea back and sipped it, gently swirling the mug around in his hand before drinking the rest of the beverage. He handed it back to his boyfriend who set it down on the dresser by the door. He returned to see Bill staring at him.

"What is it?" Ford asked.

Bill gave a slow shake of his head. "Nothing, just-" He started, only stopping himself after playing his request in his head. "I missed you, that's all." He stalled.

Ford appreciated the confession, but knew better than to believe that was all he had to say. "Bill, what's going on?" He asked hesitantly, taking a knee. He placed his hands on Bill's shoulders, giving him a firm but patient look as the blonde let his legs dangle off the side of the red couch.

Bill shifted before starting. "You'll stay with me, won't you?" He asked, a hint of hope apparent in the tone. He looked down at the floor and away from the other's eyes. "In case I need anything, ya' know." He muttered.

"Right," Ford replied. He decided against explaining to the blonde how he had already intended on staying with Bill. He wouldn't want to leave him by himself after they had just gotten him back. And he did miss his company, even if he was still a little off. He also didn't mind sleeping somewhere that wasn't his lab. It had been a while since he'd slept in his old room, but that was because either he had to look after a humanized dream demon, or go to bed after working. Eventually it had become a habit to sleep down in the basement.

Bill went silent for a short while, but Ford was patient. Eventually he looked at the human with a gleam of softness in his eyes. "Would you... would you hold me?" He requested in a near whisper, looking down at his hands that were folded in his lap.

Ford gave a nod and wrapped his arms around Bill's middle, leaning into him and keeping him close. Bill was taken aback by the misunderstood gesture, but still gently ran a hand through the human's fluffy, grey hair.

After a moment he cleared his throat. "Not like that," Bill started, looking down at the author as he pulled away. "Hold me how you used to." He clarified.

A light blush appeared on Ford's face at the request. "Oh, I-I see now." He awkwardly replied, rising up to stand. Bill put his legs back onto the couch and watched his boyfriend join him as he grabbed his coat. Ford folded it around his arm before placing the garment beside Bill.

Bill relaxed himself and leaned on the other man's shoulder when he laid down beside him. He shut his eyes and welcomed the gesture when the author ruffled his blonde mess of hair. He opened his eyes and gave a small gasp when Ford pulled him close against his chest, but adjusted himself and indulged the warmth.

"How's this?" Ford inquired.

Bill looked up at him and gave a faux thinking expression. "You forgot something." He replied.

Ford furrowed his brows slightly. "What did I forgot?" He asked.

The blonde grinned. "Figure it out." He teased.

"I won't know unless you tell me." Ford stated with an unamused look.

Bill's grin widened. "Figure it out." He repeated.

Ford sighed. He looked at his arms and wrapped them around the other. He looked down at him in unsureness. Bill snickered and shook his head. Ford rolled his eyes at the childish behavior. He continued though, lifting his arm and using a hand to gently stroke through the blonde's hair.

Bill pursed his lips slightly. "It feels nice, but no." He stated.

"You're being ridiculous." Ford said.

Bill folded his arms. "You forgot my kiss." He pouted.

"Your kiss?" Ford repeated.

"Yes, my kiss." Bill whined. "Gimme." He commanded, even though his eyes showed desire.

"Very well," Ford complied. Bill grinned. The scientist tilted his chin up towards him and brought his face down. Bill shut his eyes and waited for the other's warm lips. His eyes shot open and he glared at his boyfriend. Ford brought his head back against the pillow after giving the blonde a mere peck on the cheek.

"Hey!" Bill complained.

Ford smirked. "Don't blame me, you never specified." He said.

"You know what I meant." Bill grumbled.

"Yes, I do." Ford admitted. He felt satisfied with his revenge and granted his boyfriend what he desired by giving him a peck on the lips. They parted and Ford offered him a small smile.

"I'll admit," He started, "I missed that." Ford muttered. Even after they parted he could still feel the other on his lips. He was tempted to continue.

"I missed you." Bill replied, looking away and feeling awkward after the second confession of his longing for Stanford.

He just smirked down at the blonde. " You must have if you're telling me twice." He teased, running two fingers along the blonde's jawline and tilting his head up slightly.

Bill cheeks flushed red from embarrassment, and he glared up at him. "S-Shut it, braniac!" He commanded.

Ford was partly dazed as he glanced at the other man's lips. "Good idea," He murmured before putting both hands on Bill's face, leaning down and stealing his mouth with his own.

Bill's eyes widened at the sudden contact, but put his hands on the scientist's shoulders when he was pushed down onto his back. Ford crawled overtop Bill and moved his hands up from the blonde's face to his hair, gently tugging it back and pushing his head further into the couch. The kiss deepened, and Bill gasped as the other man's mouth took over his own, his submission to Ford's kiss offering him affection and lust and for just a moment he could hardly breath.

Ford stopped to catch his breath, a moan escaping him when he pulled away from the blonde. Bill still wore a blush, but this time it was result of the kiss as opposed to embarrassment. Then again though, he figured that if he could see how he looked after what had just happened he would be embarrassed regardless. Ford heard his little pants and widened eyes that looked up at him in shock.

His actions surfaced and Ford blushed. With a clearing of his throat he said, "I suppose I missed you more." He said in an awkward tone.

Fiddleford's face flushed in surprise as he witnessed the exchange. He looked at the dresser and placed the straw up on it despite the teacup being empty. He took a step back and rushed away.

"Let's... just call it a draw," Bill reasoned.

"Yes, that works." Ford agreed, awkwardly laying back down beside him. Bill hummed into the warmth of the other, and Ford pulled him back close beside him. He let the blonde rest his head on his chest, Ford stroking through his hair.

"Would you still like the coat?" He offered.

Bill shook his head. "I have you." He mumbled, relaxing in the other's close hold.

"And for the night, Button?" Ford asked.

"I have you." Bill repeated with a snicker. His focus on feeling the strokes through his hair nearly deafened the pet name in his mind. His snickering came to a sudden stop and he glanced up at his boyfriend.

"Button?" Bill repeated, a look of confusion present.

Ford's breath hitched slightly at the inquiry. "Oh, um... yes," He started, giving off a slight blush. "It's a name I came up with for you," He continued after noticing the other's obvious confusion. "Think of it like a nickname. It's a title you make up or use for someone you care about. More commonly a lover" He explained.

"Huh," Bill said, looking away and thinking on what he was told.

Ford got mixed signals from his response and cleared his throat. "I can change it if you don't like it-"

"No," Bill cut off. He took a pause before taking in a breath. "It's nice." He admitted, looking away.

"In that case, would you like me to use it more often?" Ford questioned.

Bill scowled up at him. "Don't push it," He warned, not wanting to be asked too many sweet questions. He sighed relaxed the side of his head back onto the scientist's clothed chest. "But yes." He answered in a muttered tone. Ford smiled and gave a nod. He wrapped an arm around the other's waist, keeping him close. Bill did nothing to stop him, allowing the display of affection.

Ford's hand twitched slightly when he felt a warmth cover it. He looked down at his hand to see the blonde's smaller hand atop his. Bill's thumb brushed over his wrist slightly. Ford bit his lip to try and keep back his laugh at the smaller hand's feeling on his. His attempt failed him and he laughed at the sensation.

Bill glared up at him with suddenly flushed cheeks. "Not a word, Sixer." He commanded.

Ford's laugh calmed but he still gave little chuckles. Bill's glare softened, and he partially smiled at the sound of the other's laugh. Ford moved his hand to fit around the blonde's smaller, winding his fingers between his own. He brought their hands closer to his face and gave Bill's hand a small peck in apology before putting their hands back down beside them on the long couch.

It didn't take long for sleep to take Bill in his boyfriend's warm hold. When he did Ford too felt a tiredness approaching him. He yawned and rested his chin on the top of the other's head. He would be taking more thorough care of Bill in the morning, as opposed to merely checking up on his nutritional needs and signs of a sickness. He was weakened, but it was also clear that none of it would be permanent. With Bill's typical attitude Ford assumed he would be bouncing off the walls within only a couple of days, regardless of if it was a good idea or not. In all Ford was just glad to have him back in the shack. Bill would be his main priority for the next couple days before he even thought about going back to work.

It felt nice to write a fluff chapter after so much hurt unfolded in their lives. They'll have more in the next chapter as well, but of course with Bill that will be a little strange. Sweet nonetheless though, so stay tuned on that.

Also, how do we feel about Bill's nickname? I'm curious about any opinions on it. I've never read any stories where he's called 'button', and I wanted to be original with the name idea. What do you think?

The next chapter should be up much earlier than this one now that the move is less of an obstacle for me. I hope you enjoyed the chapter!