Yes, I know it has been a long while since I last updated. I apologize. Last week, all my extra energy was poured into making my costume for my first ever anime convention. I tried to replicate the Misa Amane costume she wears while singing "Misa no Uta" in the anime Death Note. If anyone is interested in seeing the completed work, it's uploaded on my DeviantArt account under my name: AmberAmethyst.

Thank you to everyone for all your fabulous ideas for future chapters. I plan to use a few of them.

As always, I want to thank all you amazing reviewers. SonderManatee, Yosni, Energy witch, I'mnotaguestanymore, Insert Name Here, Gu3t, Anon-Chan, TheEvil4ssHole, DiamondLuna2, Bee's Best, Ella Le Hissy, Triangle Gal 8, Fro For President, Catwildes, Gravity Pal Gal, Tainted Rainbow, Soooo High, 555abby5551, EagleEyedHawk, Furcats, and the five Guests-thank you all so much.

There is a somewhat disturbing/scary scene in this chapter.


"I don't like fishsticks," Bill whined for the third time.

"Bill, you have to eat something," Ford argued.

Bill glared at the human. "Sixer. I. do. not. like...FISHSTICKS!"

Stan, Wendy, and Soos had cleared out of the room half an hour ago. Once it was known that Bill was awake, Boyd contacted the nurse to get him some food. She provided Ford with a menu, but the task proved to be harder than it should've.

"Then will you eat a burger?" Ford asked. Seeing the patient wrinkle his nose, he sighed and added, "They don't all taste like that greasy slop Stanley tried to feed you."

"I want chicken nuggets," Bill insisted.

"That's not on the menu for today," Ford said for the fifth time. He was getting tired of repeating himself.

"There's a McDonald's down the road," Bill replied.

Ford dropped his arms by his side and let the paper containing the meals available in the cafeteria for the day all to the floor.

"I'm not driving to McDonald's when you have decent food here," Ford snapped.

"Then I'm not eating," Bill decided. He crossed his arms and blew a raspberry at Ford.

Ford took a deep breath and let the air slowly escape his mouth. He wondered if he should've left the dream demon in the Mindscape after all.

"They're not going to let you go until you eat," Ford finally said.

Bill groaned. He picked up his phone off the table beside his bed. He pressed the screen and selected one of his contacts. Humming to himself he sent a text then put the device back on the table. He then leaned his head against the pillow and smiled up at the ceiling.

There came a knock at the door. The knob turned and in walked the nurse. She smiled at the two men inside.

"Have you made your decision, Bill?" she asked, smiling sweetly at the patient.

Bill smiled at the brunette and said, "Chocolate pudding." He gave her a wink then stuck his tongue out at Ford.

"Bring him a cheeseburger, please," Ford instructed.

"Nope, don't like burgers," Bill said.

The nurse giggled then hurried off to complete the task.

"Doctor's orders, Bill," Ford said. He sat down in the chair next to the bed. "You want to leave, you need to eat something."

Bill groaned. "I can't believe they're keeping me here overnight," he whined. He kicked his legs, nearly knocking the blankets off the bed. He pouted and made eye contact with Ford. "I'm healthy enough to leave."

"Apparently you're not," Ford replied. He leaned back in the chair. "You just came out of a coma."

Bill shrugged.

"And how many days without eating?" Ford asked.

Bill glared at Ford. "What'd you want me to do? I had no money for food. You kicked me out."

Ford sighed. He looked away from Bill.

"I'm sorry," the author said. He looked back at the demon. He could see the sincerity in Ford's eyes. He reached over and took Bill's hand in his. "You should've told me."

"What? My old friends were harassing me, and would only leave me alone if I..." Bill stopped when he remembered what they wanted to do. He trembled and ripped his hand from Ford's. "I couldn't do it."

"I know," Ford replied. He paused then added, "I saw it in your memories."

Bill smiled. It soon faded when Bill asked, "If I had told you...what could you have done?"

Ford sighed. He didn't even know the spell he recently used even worked until he and Bill accidentally stumbled upon it. He pulled out the journal and flipped to the page he used to enter the Mindscape. They lucked out that Bill fell into a coma, as they would not have been able to enter his mind unless he were in a deep sleep.

The author glanced over at Bill again to see how much that time he spent on his own had affected him. He had lost a few pounds. Thanks to the coma, he didn't look as sleep deprived, but he still looked weak.

"I haven't done a good job of protecting you, have I?" Ford asked.

Bill chose not to answer.

A few minutes later the door opened revealing the nurse again. She pushed a cart into the room. Atop the cart was a plastic tray that contained the food meant for Bill. Ford moved the bed table into place.

The plate was set on the tray. Bill sneered at the flat cheeseburger that looked overcooked in between a lukewarm, torn bun. Next to the entree were a helping of dried up carrots and browning apple slices. The only somewhat appealing item was the pudding cup off to the side and a carton of apple juice. Ford thanked the nurse who nodded and left the room.

Bill picked up the burger. He poked at the rubbery meat. The blond glanced over at the other man who nodded for him to eat. Bill wrinkled his nose and brought the cheeseburger to his mouth. He leaned over and "accidentally" lost his grip on the sandwich. It bounced once it hit the tiled floor.

"Oops," Bill said in too cheerful a voice.

Ford glared at the blond who was more focused on opening up his pudding cup. He licked the lid then dug into the chocolate with his spoon.

There came another knock at the door. Without waiting for permission, Soos entered with a fast food bag in hand. Ford opened his mouth, but chose not to speak. He glared at Bill who smiled at his approaching food.

Soos handed the McDonald's bag to Bill.

"Thanks, Question Mark," Bill said and dug into the bag.

Bill pulled out his container of nuggets. He dunked the chicken into the chocolate pudding then shoved it into his mouth.

"Oh, dude, I'll have to try that sometime," Soos said with a laugh.

Bill dipped another and handed it to the other man. Soos' eyes lit up and he tried the new treat Bill had created.

"Oh, that's good," Soos said.

"Isn't it?" Bill asked with a laugh.

Bill took another bite of the nuggets. He licked the remainder of pudding from his top lip. He then picked up the soda off the tray and downed half of it in one go. He made a comment about being thirsty and burped causing Ford to wince.

"You didn't have to do that," Ford said to Soos.

The larger man laughed then replied, "I don't mind." He motioned to the food the hospital tried to feed their friend. "I couldn't just let him eat that."

"I owe you one, Question Mark," Bill said with a mouth full of fries.

Ford stared at Bill. He smiled, showing off those dimples. Without knowing, Ford smiled. Soos caught him in the act which made the scientist blush and turn away.

"Okay, now that you've got some food in you, we need to discuss something," Ford stated.

Bill looked up at the author while munching on the finger food.

"In the Mindscape," Ford began. He sat down across from Bill and made sure he had the other man's full attention. "Kyrpots mentioned starting a second Weirdmageddon."

Bill nodded and consumed the last of the chicken nuggets. He leaned against the pillow.

"You didn't look surprised," Ford commented.

Bill shrugged. "I already knew." He sighed when he noticed Ford's glare. "Look, I've been in contact with Pyronica for a while now."

"And you never thought to tell me?" Ford asked.

Again Bill shrugged. "I didn't think it important," he confessed.

"You didn't think it important?" Ford repeated, just to make sure he heard correctly. Ford stood from his chair. "You didn't think telling me that one of the creatures who helped you unleash hell on earth wanted to do the same thing again was important?"

Bill winced at the rising volume in Ford's voice.

"Okay, I made a mistake. Yeesh, relax, Sixer," Bill said.

"This isn't just a mistake, Bill!" Ford yelled.

"Mr. Ford, don't yell," Soos said.

Ford realized where he was and calmed his voice. He took a deep breath and felt some of the heat within to diminish.

"Did you think I wouldn't find out?" Ford asked.

"I didn't care," Bill replied.

Ford clenched his fists. He suddenly wondered if it was a mistake to bring Bill back into reality.

Bill continued, "How would you like being trapped somewhere you don't belong, someplace that doesn't want you, that would never bring you happiness?"

"I did," Ford retorted. "For thirty years I was."

"And didn't you try everything in your power to get back?" Bill asked.

Ford was stunned into silence. No matter what he'd try to say, he finally knew how Bill felt. Some from other dimensions might even claim that Ford's methods to return home weren't as pure as he had intended.

Bill looked up at the ceiling. "It doesn't matter, I can't talk to her anymore."

Ford took a deep breath. "Well, it would've saved you a lot of grief if you had just been honest."

"I learned my lesson, Sixer, you don't have to keep scolding me," Bill replied. He let his gaze fall on the scientist.

Ford stopped himself from saying something he would later regret.

The author composed himself and cleared his throat, changing the subject. "Kryptos mentioned starting a second Weirdmageddon." He paused, fighting from inquiring how long Bill knew about their plans. Instead he asked, "Is it something we need to fear?"

"Don't know," Bill answered. "Kryptos is smart. If Pyra said he found a weakness, it's a possibility." Bill smirked and added, "Let's face it, Pinetree's not exactly a great wizard."

Soos sighed and Ford shook his head.

Bill continued, "Pyra said it would probably be summer before they break through." His eyes locked with Ford's. "But after today's humiliation, Kryptos is gonna work even harder."

Ford sighed and leaned against the back of his chair. "I had hoped we were finished with this."

Soos smiled at the man in the bed. "At least Bill here can tell us all his friends' strengths and weaknesses."

"They're not my friends," Bill snapped. Soos stepped back with his hands protectively in front of him. Bill lowered his gaze to his knees covered by the thin blanket. "Not anymore."

"In any case, I'm going to need you to be entirely honest from now on," Ford stated. He offered Bill a smile and patted him on the shoulder. "But for now, rest up."

The trash was removed from the tray, and the tray itself taken down. Ford fluffed Bill's pillow and helped him into a more comfortable position.

As Ford went to reach for the blanket, he felt Bill's hand atop his forearm. Ford looked over to see Bill simply staring at him.

With his other hand Bill grabbed the collar of Ford's shirt and pulled him down so that their lips touched. Ford yelped in surprise, but as the kiss deepened, he shut his eyes and placed one hand behind Bill's head.

They parted and Bill leaned against the pillow with a large grin. "I've missed you, Sixer," he said with a chuckle.

No matter how Ford might try to deny it out loud, inside he knew for sure that he too had missed Bill.


Three hours later Ford jumped when he felt a heavy hand pat him on the back. He sat up. A large red mark was left on his face where he had leaned on his arm.

He picked his glasses up off the table and threw them on. He pushed his bangs back and looked up to see his twin brother standing over him.

Ford turned his gaze to stare upon a sleeping Bill. He hoped that the blond only saw pleasant things in his sleep after a week-long torture.

"Look at you, Poindexter," Stan said with a shake of his head. "Go home and get you some real sleep." He tossed the keys to his twin.

Ford stretched his stiff back. Again he found himself looking upon Bill.

"I can't just leave him," Ford said.

"I'll look after him," Stan said and pulled his brother out of the chair.

Before Ford could argue, Stan took his previously occupied seat. Stan leaned back with his arms behind his head.

"Go get some rest," Stan ordered.

Ford looked up at the clock. It was after one. He looked back at his brother who entertained himself with a book of crossword puzzles he stole from the supermarket.

"Don't let him out of your sight for a moment," Ford instructed.

"I got this, Poindexter," Stan replied. He pointed to the door with the eraser side of his pencil. "Sleep. Now."

As soon as he heard the door click, Stan put down the book and walked to the door. Through the slit he watched his brother board an elevator. Certain Ford wouldn't be back anytime soon Stan moved back to the chair.

He stared over Bill. It was hard to believe something so fragile was the cause of so much destruction and nearly everyone's death not four months ago.

"You got it bad, you smart, little idiot," Stan commented to his invisible brother. He took a quick glimpse at the door then back at the sleeping blond. "Don't mess this one up."


Two hours later Bill stirred. He mumbled something incoherent and tossed. He brought his fingers in and thrashed beneath the blanket. He gritted his teeth as sweat poured down his face.

"No!" he screamed and his eyes shot open. Bill sat up and curled his legs closer to himself. He wiped away some of the sweat from his brow with the side of his arm. Even if they no longer had access to torment him in his dreams, he unfortunately still had the ability to see them in his nightmares.

He looked over to see the chair Ford had sat in earlier vacant. Stan had stepped out to use the restroom and grab himself a cup of coffee.

Bill's bare feet dangled over the side of the bed. The urgency of a current need forced him from the bed and into the bathroom. Two minutes later he exited, with the torn papertowel in hand. He tossed it at the trashcan. The wet cloth bounced off the edge and landed on the floor. Bill chose to just leave it.

Once more he looked at the empty chair. Bill glanced down at the tubes connected to his arm. He walked over to the bed and placed his hand atop the mattress. Bill smirked and pulled the IV tubes from his arm.

He tiptoed over to the door and slowly opened it. He peered out to see the coast clear both ways. With a smile he dashed out the door and down the hallway.

He pressed the button for the elevator. After a few minutes of waiting Bill decided to take the stairs. He carefully made his way down, cursing himself for not at least opting to put on socks when his bare feet collided with the cold steps.

He opened the door when he got to the ground floor. He found himself in an abandoned lobby. The lighting was dim and the muffled sound from a television screen played in the background. A total of one doctor and two visitors were seen the entire two minutes he spent in the lobby.

To his left was a small kitchen. Bill snuck inside and opened the freezer to find an assortment of miniature ice creams. He selected a vanilla and peeled off the lid. He used the wooden stick to bring the sweet treat to his mouth. It had been so long since he was allowed the taste of frozen dairy and he planned to enjoy every second of it.

Bill allotted himself two more ice creams before his belly told him that he had enough. The trash was deposited into the trashcan. Bill patted his stomach then decided it would be best if he got some fresh air.

Bill looked down at himself. Clad in only pajamas he was certain to get a few stares and questions.

He waited by the door until two nurses walked by. Once he was in the clear he slowly made his way out. If he was caught he could always feign sleepwalking.

Over in the corner he noticed a lost and found box full of random items, including articles of clothing. He smiled upon seeing a brown jacket inside. He pulled the garment over his arms then threw a pair of slippers on his feet. Both items were too large for him, but it was better than nothing.

Bill headed for the door. He planned to have a walk downtown before making his way back to the hospital before visiting hours began. If Ford showed up before he arrived, he would consider it payback for just leaving him alone in the hospital room.

The automatic doors opened and Bill ran into the chill of the night. He shivered and tightened the coat around his tiny frame.

He walked the path through the knee-length brick wall. In the center was a small fountain. The water had been drained due to the freezing weather and forecast for snow.

Another gust of wind blew past him. Bill gritted his teeth and shoved his hands into his pockets. His heels were starting to burn from the cold.

With a sigh Bill decided a stroll through the hospital would be more fun that facing hypothermia outside.

With little ease he was back inside the warmth of the hospital lobby. Bill felt the urge to fall to the ground and let himself bask in the heat. He decided against it and moved on into the hallway.

By the elevators he saw the hospital directory. His room was on the third floor. Not really hungry, he didn't care for visiting the other kitchens or cafeterias. Even he knew better than to walk into quarantined rooms.

One room caught his eye. Two floors beneath him in the basement was the morgue. Bill had witnessed (and been the cause of) dead bodies for centuries, but never had he had only ever seen one up close. Bill drummed his finger against his chin then smiled as he hurried for the staircase just as the elevator next to him opened.

Bill wiggled as he turned the knob that would lead him to the stairwell. He looked down at his other hand and wondered if he still could perform necromancy.

A heavy hand clamped on his shoulder. Bill spun around with a shriek.

"And just where are you going?" Stan asked with his hands on his hips.

"Who me?" Bill asked, pressing his finger against face while wearing a huge smile. "Oh nowhere." Bill snapped his fingers. "In fact, this isn't even happening. It's all a dream." He wiggled his fingers in front of Stan's face.

The other man stared at him with a lifted eyebrow. "Yeah," he said and took hold of Bill's wrist. He started to drag him back towards the elevator. "All you're gonna do is get your butt back in that bed."

"Come on, I'm bored," Bill whined.

He tried to pull away, but Stan wasn't letting go. Bill forced air from his nostrils. He looked up to see the elevator slowly descending to their floor. Behind him stood the stairway that led to a room more interesting than one that smelled like disinfectant with only stale television available for the next six hours.

Bill's eyes widened along with his smile. He nudged Stan and shouted, "Hey, look! A dollar!"

"Where?" Stan yelled and released his grip on Bill.

Stan frowned upon seeing no currency lying on the ground. He turned back to fuss Bill out only to see him missing. The conman looked ahead to see the door to the staircase closing.

Bill made it down one story before he heard Stan shouting for him. Bill quickened his pace. The slippers he wore were not made for running and he tripped and fell down a few steps, landing on his stomach. The edge of the step pushed into the center of his chest.

Bill sat up and rubbed the sore area. He hissed in pain then let out a laugh. He lifted his pajama shirt to look upon the forming green bruise. Stan stopped just behind him.

"That's what you get," the human grumbled.

"You're so kind," Bill said. He grabbed the handrail and pulled himself up. They could both only hope for minimal injury for neither wanted to face Ford's wrath in the morning.

Stan looked down the steps that led to the basement.

"Come on, let me have just a little fun," Bill begged. He folded his hands and with the sweetest smile he could muster said, "Pleeeeease?"

"Bill, you're not sneaking off into an unauthorized part of the hospital," Stan said. Bill narrowed his eyes. Stan's mouth switched into a smile. "Without me."

Bill smiled then turned. The two made their way down the staircase. They stopped in front of the door that led to the morgue. The door required an staff badge to allow access.

"Allow me," Stan said. He produced a badge he stole off a nurse earlier to give him entrance to the break room where the good coffee and snacks were kept.

The reader beeped and the door unlocked. Bill turned the handle and held it open for his companion. The two walked inside. The automatic lights turned on.

"Why'd you want to come down here anyway?" Stan asked as he and Bill looked around.

Bill shrugged. "Something to do."

"Good enough for me," Stan replied. He pocketed the badge in his jacket.

Bill opened one of the cabinets to find it empty. He closed it then moved onto the next. It was heavier. The tag read Meredith. He opened the bag to stare upon an elderly woman who had died in a car accident earlier that morning.

The blond turned to see Stan looking over his shoulder. Bill moved out of the way as Stan removed the fez from his head and placed it over his chest.

"Did you know her?" Bill asked.

"I took her to the movies once," Stan replied. He lowered his head. "We never made it passed acquaintances, but she never showed any resentment." He put on a weak smile. "I was invited to her wedding a few months ago, but didn't go."

"Oh man," Bill said. He stepped back to allow the other man the time he needed. He wondered if perhaps he shouldn't have let Stan come inside the morgue with him.

Bill turned and opened the cabinet next to the deceased woman that caught Stan's attention. A man named Clem, with the same last name as Meredith rested in that one. He figured Clem was the husband Stan referred to.

"They were good people," Stan said when he caught eye of Meredith's husband.

Again Bill chose to remain silent. He considered bringing Meredith back from the dead for a few minutes to give Stan the chance to say a proper goodbye. His hand glowed blue. He looked over at Stan and decided against the idea-he didn't want Stan to be even more upset when it was time for her to go again.

"Well, I've seen more than I want to," Stan finally said. He gently pushed Meredith back into the cabinet. "Come back to your room when you're done."

Bill lifted a hand and called after him, "Wait, I'm com..."

He stopped when he heard a groan. Bill spun around to see Clem sitting up. His eyes were blank, but stared at the blond nonetheless.

Stan turned having missed what Bill said. His mouth dropped.

"Cipher," Clem hissed in a voice that wasn't his.

Bill's eyes narrowed.

Stan looked around for something he could use as a weapon. He spied a broom over in the corner by the door and rushed for it.

"What do you want?" Bill hissed.

Clem laughed. "I've a message for you." He pointed a finger at Bill. His grin increased. "Don't get cocky 'cause what your human did for you today."

Bill clenched his fists and let the flames engulf them. He moved into a defensive stance then felt his stomach twist. He looked down at his finger to see the markings glow blue. Bill let the flames vanish.

The deceased laughed again. "This is rich."

"What do you want, Pacifier?" Bill growled.

The puppet stopped laughing. Instead he only grinned. "Leader said-"

"Kryptos," Bill interrupted. He then spit on the floor if only to rid his mouth of that other demon's foul name.

"Right," said the corpse. "He said he'll break the barrier sooner than he expected. By the first of June we'll be seeing you again."

He gripped Bill by the throat. Bill clutched at Clem's fingers. With each struggle he felt the vomit forcing its way up.

The puppet leaned closer and with a smirk taunted, "When we see you again, expect worse tortures." Bill gagged at the rancid breath. "What your nightmares let us do will pale when we show you our reality."

Pacifier looked up to see Stan charging at him with the broom. He released his hold on Bill and let the late human fall back on the metal bed.

He looked over at Bill and said, "This time no one can save you." With that he left Clem's body.

Stan shut the cabinet and leaned against the metal doors. He let the broom fall to the floor with a loud smack.

"I've had enough of the undead," Stan spat.

"That was Pacifier," Bill revealed. He let himself fall to the floor. "His specialty is possessing the dead."

"Can't you have normal friends?" Stan asked.

Bill shrugged then moved to his feet.

"I think I'm done with this room too," Bill said.

The two made their way out of the morgue and back into the lobby without being caught. Stan only hoped that no one would decide to randomly check security footage.

They stepped off the elevator and headed to Bill's room.

As they neared the door Stan smacked Bill on the back and said, "Just so you know, this is coming out of your paycheck."

Bill rolled his eyes then opened the door to his room.

The door shut behind Stan. Neither one saw the pair of green eyes watching them cross into the room. The woman smiled as she jotted down Stan's words to Bill.


"Stanley, I ask you to do one thing," Ford said as he pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Hey! If you ask me, we lucked out hearing that," Stan argued.

Ford sighed then turned to Bill. "Is that all he said?"

Bill nodded. "June at the latest, that I can confirm," he said.

"That doesn't give us much time," Ford said more to himself. "I'm going to need to know everything possible about those monsters."

"Believe me, I'll tell you everything I know," Bill promised.

There came a knock at the door.

Bill threw himself against the pillow and lifted his arms in the air.

"Finally!" the blond shouted. "They're gonna let me go!"

Ford chuckled then welcomed the visitor. The three were taken aback when it was not a nurse, or even Dr. Boyd who entered, but a woman in a business suit. Her red hair was tied back into a braid. She smiled at Bill with those green eyes fixed on him.

Ford looked from the woman to Bill. By the look on the smaller man's face, he knew who she was.

"May I help you?" Ford asked.

Dr. Avery scrutinized Ford then turned her head to examine his brother.

"I am here to speak with Bill Cipher," she said making sure to look each of the Pines twins in the eyes. When neither one moved she said, "In private, if you don't mind."

Ford looked over at Bill who gave him a nod. Ford put his hand behind Stan's back and guided his twin towards the door.

Once the brothers were out of earshot Caroline Avery grabbed a chair and sat down next to Bill. The demon groaned and kicked his legs.

"Do you remember who I am, Mr. Cipher?" Caroline asked.

"How can I forget?" Bill asked. "You kept me from leaving last time."

Dr. Avery's eyes narrowed, but she kept her voice calm. "Yes, your last visit," she said. She flipped through the paperwork in her binder. "No, our last meeting was in September." She looked at the paper then let her eyes meet with Bill's. "Your finger was caught in a rat trap." She tapped her notes. "And you mentioned a lab accident."

"Yeah, what of it?" Bill asked.

"Mr. Cipher, I'm not stupid," Caroline said as she removed her glasses. "No one is that accident prone."

"You shoulda' met Fiddlesticks," Bill mumbled.

Caroline pretended not to hear what she assumed was an insult to her. She put her frames back on her face then picked up a more recent document. "You came in malnourished, in an exhaustion coma, and having accidentally swallowed poison."

Bill twitched. "I-I thought it was something else," he said.

"Bill, you don't have to lie to me," the social worker stated. She stood up and placed her paperwork down on the chair. "Take off your shirt," she instructed.

Bill was surprised at her demand, but pulled the pajama shirt over his head anyway. The sudden pain in his chest reminded him of last night's event and he gasped when he noticed where she looked.

"This is recent," Caroline commented. "Not mentioned on yesterday's report." She tilted her head. "But found during an examination this morning."

"I-I-I fell, last night," Bill explained. "I tripped going down the stairs."

"With Mr. Pines?" Caroline asked.

"Yes..." Bill stopped. "Really, you don't think."

"You know what I think, Bill," Caroline said. "And that's because we both know it's the truth." She took hold of Bill's face and tilted his chin so that their eyes locked. "Please, Bill, you don't have anything to be afraid of. If you're hurting, please let me know. I can help you. But you have to open that door."

Bill jerked his face away from her hold. "Fordsy and his brother are not hurting me," he snapped.

"You're suddenly hostile," Caroline commented.

"Because you're being stupid," Bill cried. He threw himself back on the bed. "Just go away."

"Mr. Cipher," Avery tried again. "I promise, if they have threatened you to keep you from speaking out, I can protect you."

"Go!" Bill shouted.

The social worker nodded. She left her card on Bill's table.

"Please, Bill," she said. "If you ever feel threatened. If you have anything you want to report, please give me a call."

"If I agree, will you go?" Bill asked.

The redhead sighed then agreed. "I don't want you going back to that shack with them," she pressed. She picked up her items and walked to the door. Pity showed in her eyes. "Anything you ever want to tell me about the Pines, anything at all." She pointed to the card on the table.

Bill watched as she left the room. He snatched the card off the table and ripped it in two. He let the pieces fall on the floor.

About a minute later Ford and Stan returned.

"What was that about?" Ford asked.

Bill sighed. "She's from social services," he explained.

Stan shuddered at the word. "What's she want with you?"

"It's bad news for the two of you," Bill answered. "I've been in the hospital so much, and since we can't tell anyone the real reason, well..." Bill looked down. "She's convinced you two are abusing me."

"We're abusing you?" Stan asked.

Ford shook his head. "Surely you set her straight."

"Of course I did, Sixer," Bill replied. A part of him had wished he had lied as it would be perfect revenge for bonding him to his human vessel. "But I'm positive she doesn't believe me."

Ford turned to his brother. "We're going to have to be extra careful from now on," he said.

"Don't look at me, you two freaks are the ones hunting down monsters," Stan retorted.

Ford sighed and rubbed his eyes. He put the glasses back on then said, "As soon as I can perfect that healing potion, that'll reduce our visits here by alot."

"Good luck," Stan grumbled.

Bill nervously laughed. "Yeah, about that," he said. The twins stared at him. Bill ran a hand through his hair. "Now that we're being honest and all." He turned to Ford who stared at him with crossed arms. "You remember when I told you there was something I was still keeping from you?"

"You mean aside from your contact with the other demons?" Ford asked.

Bill gave a guilty smile if just for the cute effect. "I might have..." he waved his hands in a circle. "The recipe for that potion." He bit down on his bottom lip with a weak smile. "Back at the hotel."

Anger burned through Ford. He clenched his fists and whispered for Stan to give him a few minutes. Ford walked over to the sink and ripped a plastic cup from its protective wrapping. He filled the cup with water and downed it. He repeated the action twice more before splashing the remainder in his face. With a papertowel he wiped away the beads of water trickling down his face.

"I'm sorry, Sixer," Bill said once Ford finally calmed.

Ford took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

"Bill," he said. He turned to the mentioned and his eyes still displayed his disappointment. "I will forgive you-again." Bill winced at that extra word Ford felt the need to include. "But will you please promise me one thing? Right here and now."

Bill nodded.

"No more lies," Ford said.

Bill looked away. "I-I'll try," he said.

"No, you'll do it," Ford replied.

Bill's eyes met with Ford. "I give you my word I will try my hardest."

Ford sighed. After a lifetime of lying, it was the best Bill could offer.

"Very well," the author said. He paused for a moment and after some debate added, "But it's not fair to lie to someone you love."

Both Bill and Stan wanted to call him out as a hypocrite, but neither one did.

Another twenty minutes passed until the doctor arrived. A thorough examination was performed and only when he passed was Bill was given permission to leave. He hurried to the elevator and hopped inside the carriage as they were lowered to the ground floor.

The three walked outside. Specks of white fell from the sky. Some of the pathway was already covered with a good amount.

Bill looked up only for a fresh snowflake to land on his nose. The crystallized rain melted on his skin and leaked down his cheek. A few more landed in his hair and on his clothes as he was escorted to the car.

With Stan in the driver's seat the rest buckled their seatbelts. Stan had the wipers push away the collection of powdery snow from the windshield before taking off.

Bill smiled as the familiar trail that led to the Mystery Shack came into view. Never before had he been happier to see that joke of a museum.


I hope everyone liked this chapter. Again, sorry for the long wait.

I wanted to have a little bit of Stan and Bill bonding in this story, so they got to have a moment in this chapter.

The next chapter will be mostly fluff. After some heavy drama, fluff would be a nice change of pace.