Thank you to Whiteling, Energy witch, ImpossibleJedi4, DarknessLegends, Berrybanana05, Ella Le Hissy, Mosaic Mouse, Dum Dum, and Firefox for your reviews on chapter five.
The log circle located in the center of the forest was seen by many who hiked through the woods closest to the Mystery Shack. However, this bright morning two sets of legs dashed away from that formation.
Ford jumped over a boulder in his path. Bill used his magic to quickly levitate over the large rock formation. He landed on his feet behind Ford then glanced over his shoulder to see the creature swiftly approaching.
They heard their assailant before they saw. The ground rattled with each quick step. His shadow covered them, causing both to look up expected to see its livid face staring back.
Ford grabbed onto the branch of a tree then turned to face their approaching foe. He flipped back the beige fabric of his trenchcoat to reveal the holster snapped to his hip. Bill grinned, hands engulfed in flames, ready for a long overdue battle.
"Of all the nymphs, you had to flirt with that one?" Ford scolded.
"Are you jealous?" Bill teased.
"No, but he is," Ford countered as the monster came into view.
Ford reached for his laser gun and aimed it at the the figure not twenty feet from where he stood. The laser gun wasn't as powerful as the raygun that had been destroyed in the battle with Sol at the Sanderson carnival. Thus far Ford hadn't had the chance to rebuild one.
Bill moved into a defensive stance.
Even with the consequences Bill felt the affectionate passes were worth it. The cherry-haired nymph with matching, full lips begged for his attention, and offered him plenty in return. How was he to know that particular friendly one was already engaged to a hotheaded fifty-feet tall monster who now wanted to squash him like a pesky cockroach.
Without warning the giant reached for the two. They jumped out of the way in time. Dirt and debris from the now shattered section of earth scattered around. In its wake lie a fistprint, ten feet wide.
Bill landed atop the boulder. The giant turned, glowering at the creature that dared to flirt with his intended. He struck at Bill, who dodged. The blond snapped his fingers causing all the branches from the nearby trees to encircle the giant. The giant screamed and struggled against the restraints.
Within seconds he freed himself, but it gave Bill and Ford a chance to recover.
"For your information, Sixer, she made passes at me first," Bill said when he leaped down next to his boyfriend.
Ford lifted his gun for the creature who broke the bonds. The splintered branches fell like toothpicks by his gargantuan body.
"You didn't have to flirt back," Ford argued. He shot, sizzling the monster's thigh.
Bill focused a wave of energy then released it at the giant's knee beneath the area Ford injured. The flesh seared. The creature lost balance, landed his weight on the injured leg which sent a painful roar through the woods.
Furious, the giant grasped for the human still in his reach. Bill grabbed a hold of his boyfriend then jumped out of the giant's way. One of the jagged nails slit the back of Bill's arm. The two landed about six yards away from the creature who surveyed the land for his prey.
"How could I ignore her? Not only was it rude, but that kind of free attention doesn't come often," Bill defended himself. He turned to catch Ford's glare. "Oh, boy, you're pissed 'cause I was giving her attention."
"How would you feel if I decided to flirt with some pretty creature?" Ford retorted.
"I'd probably burn him to a crisp," Bill replied with the knowledge that depending on the creature, he might not have the magical abilitites to do so. "Oh," Bill said. He clapped Ford's arm. "Don't worry, Sixer, I wasn't gonna do anything with her, it was just mindless flirting." He flicked Ford's nose. "You're the only one gettin' my love."
"That's not the point," Ford snapped and grabbed hold of Bill's hand.
At that moment Ford noticed the blood on Bill's sky blue shirt. He stepped around back to see the scarlet soak and ultimately ruin the fabric.
Just then the two looked up to see the nymph's lover towering over them. Bill grinned. He charged right at the creature with his fists ablaze. Against Ford's warning he punched the monster in the eye, temporarily blinding him. The giant stepped back with his hands over his eyes. As he backed up he tripped over a root causing him to fall on his back.
"Now's your chance!" Bill yelled.
Ford stared at the monster for a few seconds. Technically they were the ones in the wrong and he didn't feel it was fair to kill a creature that acted the same way Bill would had someone hit on him.
"What are you waiting for?" Bill yelled.
Ford jumped onto the uninjured leg, then dashed across the long torso until he reached the area in line with the monster's eyes. The giant opened his bloodshot eye to see Ford stood atop his chest with the laser gun aimed for his face.
"Leave us alone and never come after us again, and I'll let you live," Ford offered.
After some careful consideration the giant agreed to the human's terms. Ford moved to the creature's knee that had not been damaged by Bill's magic.
"I think Bill has something he'd like to say," Ford said and turned his head towards his boyfriend.
"What do I gotta say?" Bill spat.
The giant growled which caused Ford narrowed his eyes and wrinkled his nose. While Bill found that expression to be adorable, being in a relationship with Ford didn't guarantee he wouldn't be spared from that gun.
With a sigh Bill approached the giant. "Look, big guy, I'm sorry I made passes at your girlfriend, sheesh," said Bill.
A few seconds passed until the giant accepted the demon's apology. Ford jumped off the monster. Careful not to put any weight on his damaged knee, the giant stood, towering over the two. He nodded at the human, frowned at Bill, then turned away dragging his leg behind him. His footsteps echoed for the next quarter of a mile.
Bill turned to Ford to see the human still wore a frown. Without a word Ford turned his back and led the way back to the shack they both called home.
"Oh, now you're gonna give me the cold shoulder?" Bill cried with his hands above his head. "It meant nothing, Sixer." He swung his hand in a horizontal manner. "Absolutely nothing."
Ford turned and pressed his face close to Bill's. "That thing could've killed you," he snapped. "All because you chose to be flirty." He stepped closer to Bill forcing him to back up. "You were supposed to be asking questions for research."
"As handsome as I am can you blame her?" Bill argued. "Didn't you see the way the two you spoke with were undressing you with their eyes?"
Ford slightly blushed. All he had done was compliment their dance and song they had stumbled upon during their morning hike to further explore the supernatural of their town.
In hindsight he figured he should have noticed the way the nymphs fluxuated certain words, and felt the need to touch him more than necessary. Though to be fair, he hadn't noticed it the first time he encountered the nymphs in his younger days. Now it made sense why Fiddleford never wanted to accompany him for a second meeting.
"Well, perhaps that mannerism should be included in the journal entry," Ford concluded.
"All I'm saying, Sixer, is take a page out of their book. It wouldn't hurt you to call me hot, or handsome, or beautiful every once in a while," Bill said.
"I thought you didn't like insincere flattery," Ford replied.
"Oh, no, she meant it," Bill countered. He then noticed the smirk on the human's face and frowned. "Oh, you're hilarious, Sixer."
"Consider it payback for all the flattery you tricked me with over the years," Ford said with a chuckle.
"I meant every word," Bill responded with his hand against his heart.
"Of course you did," Ford argued.
He looked at Bill and the stain on the back of the smaller man's sleeve reminded him they needed to book it back to the Mystery Shack.
Twenty minutes were needed to return to the house that doubled as a business. They entered through the back door. As they strolled through the kitchen and by the living room they heard the noise associated with a typical business day. Bill and Ford left before Stan opened for business, so he was likely to be annoyed with both the instant he laid eyes on them.
Ford would be unable to access his lab, so he instructed Bill to have a seat in the kitchen and remove his shirt while he located one of their many first aid kits. With Bill in the family bandages and peroxide ran out like candy.
The blood dried, pasting the shirt to Bill's skin. He took a deep breath and ripped it off, chuckling at the quick sting it left in its wake. Ford walked in shaking his head at his boyfriend's reaction to pain. As long as it wasn't anything severe or prolonged, he seemed to enjoy it.
Both clips flipped open to reveal the various items possibly needed to treat one of his or Bill's numerous injuries. Those gold eyes lit up at the sight of the rubbing alcohol bottle.
"Please tell me you're gonna disinfect the cut," Bill practically begged.
"You don't deserve it, but I don't want you to get an infection," Ford replied.
"Oh, the many reasons I love you," Bill squealed.
Ford soaked a cotton ball then instructed Bill to slightly lean over the table with the front of his arm down on the surface. Bill obeyed and was rewarded with a satisfying sting. Bill howled in delight and pleaded for the other man to clean his wound a second time for good measure.
Against his wishes Ford granted Bill's request, but he wiped the alcohol away quickly so as to remove most of the pain which caused his boyfriend to frown. Fortunately the giant's unusually long fingernail didn't get the chance to cause further damage. Still there was enough risk involved with a possible infection. Ford applied a generous amount of antibiotic cream to the injured area then slipped on an extra large bandage.
Bill stood up once the procedure was completed. He took hold of Ford's face with both of his hands and leaned in for a deep kiss. Ford jerked away and pulled himself out of Bill's reach.
"Come on, Sixer, you're not still mad, are you?" Bill cried.
"Put on a clean shirt, I'm sure Stan wants you at the register," Ford said. He gave Bill a small smile to prove he no longer felt any anger towards him.
Bill rolled his eyes, but complied with the other man's wishes. Ford headed in the direction for the living room to record the morning's events in his journal. Meanwhile Bill threw the soiled shirt atop the laundry basket then pulled a clean shirt out of the dryer.
Back in the Mystery Shack Stan waved goodbye to his customers. As they walked out on the front lawn a red Porsche pulled into a vacant parking spot. Stan's eyes lit up when he saw the expensive car and the quality of the woman's clothing. Her heels clacked against the steps and Stan's smile fell when he recognized the face from the hospital after Bill woke from his coma.
"Mr. Pines," she said and adjusted her glasses. With her bag against her hip she stared into the eyes of the conman. "I don't know if you remember me. I am Dr. Caroline Avery and I'm with social services."
"Oh, I remember," Stan said, narrowing his eyes.
Caroline kept her firm gaze. "I'm here to see Bill Cipher."
"He's getting dressed for his shift," Soos replied as he approached the two.
The handyman caught Stan's glare too late as the social worker pushed her way into the gift shop.
"She's with the government," Stan whispered.
"She came last week," Soos said. "I told her you should be back sometime this week." He looked over at Caroline. "Though I didn't think she'd be back so soon."
"And you waited 'til now to tell me?" Stan hissed through his teeth.
"Is something wrong, Mr. Pines?" Caroline asked.
Stan laughed. "Soos here tells me you came by earlier, but we were out of town." He brought his hands together. "I'm just shocked to hear my second in command neglected to give me the important news of your visit."
Caroline nodded. "A family vacation then?"
"Our brother's funeral," Ford answered as he walked into the room. His eyes met with Caroline's. Ford tensed and frowned while the redhead stood calm with a slight smile on her features.
"Oh, I'm sorry for your loss," the social worker said with a slight bow of her head.
Ford sensed the insincerity of her words. Had Soos told her the reason for their leave, she was a good actress to not show any recollection of that bit of information in conversation.
"What brings you out here?" Ford asked.
Since he learned how to properly make the healing potion Bill had not been checked into any hospitals. There was no proof to further her suspicions of any ill treatment towards Bill.
"It's been a while since I spoke with Bill, and I decided to conduct a home visit, just to check up on him," Caroline stated.
The three men stood speechless. The twins exchanged glances which only caused Caroline to hum in suspicion.
"Is there any reason you don't want me to look in?" asked Caroline.
Stan cleared his throat. He stepped forward and said, "These are business hours."
"I see," Caroline replied. She looked around the empty gift shop then peered out the grand window to see no customers in the lawn, nor any cars approaching. She looked over her shoulder at the owner of the tourist trap. "Perhaps you can close an hour for lunch?" she suggested.
Ford nodded at his brother then tilted his head to the right. Stan left the shop (and the social worker) in Soos' charge while he and Ford stepped through the "Employees Only" door that led to the living room. Ford checked his twin's clothing and hair for any sight of a microphone, or microchip.
"Something's not right," Ford said once he was certain he and Stan were alone. "I've handled all of Bill's injuries. There's no reason for her to suspect."
"What are you saying?" Stan asked.
"Either someone's tipped her off about Bill's wounds, and she wanted to see for herself why he didn't get treated professionally..."
The only one outside their family who knew of Ford's methods for treating Bill's injuries was Dr. Boyd. However, there was the slim possibility another of the hospital staff overheard a bit about the healing potion.
"Or?" Stan asked.
"Or there's another reason she wants to see the shack," Ford concluded.
"If she wanted that she can come anytime of the week," Stan argued.
"She's invited herself in for lunch, she wants to see more than just the tourist areas," said Ford.
Both looked up to see Bill dressed in his employee shirt. He noticed the tension in the air and let his frown match theirs.
"What's going on?" Bill asked.
"Your friend is here," Stan grumbled.
"I'm glad we caught you," Ford continued. He put his hand on Bill's shoulder. "That social worker has come for a visit. Don't say or do anything suspicious."
"Give me credit," Bill replied with a roll of his eyes. "I mean who here tricked the smartest man in the world from six different time periods?"
Despite the bitter taste Bill's words put in his mouth, Ford nodded. The three walked back into the gift shop where Caroline talked with Soos. The handyman finished his story on how he won the last laser tag competition.
The doctor smiled at Bill which only deepened his frown. For a moment Ford wondered if he needed to store the memory gun in his jacket pocket just incase.
"It's good to see you again, Bill," Caroline said as she slowly approached.
With his hands on his hips Bill scoffed. "Can't say the same for you, sweetheart."
Caroline frowned for a split second, but she returned her cordial smile and said, "I'm only have your best interest in mind, Mr. Cipher."
"Well that's kind of you," Bill said and clapped his hands.
Stan hid his laughter behind his hand. Caroline showed no signs of amusement, then turned her stare to the twins.
"Hey, uh, Mr. Pines," Soos interrupted. All eyes landed on the handyman who pointed with both index fingers at the window. "Tourists at three o'clock."
"Look, honey, I can't turn this money away," Stan said to the doctor.
Avery held out her hand. "Be my guest, Mr. Pines, I'll just stand over here and observe," she said.
"Won't that, you know, freak the customers out?" Soos asked.
"I'll pretend to be a browser," Caroline said. Her ruby lips curved upwards which caused Soos to shudder. She then moved her gaze over to where Bill took his spot at the cash register.
Stan took advantage of her temporary distraction. He snatched his eight-ball cane from where he left it by the door then leaned in at Soos' ear. "Keep her away from certain places," Stan instructed and pointedly stared at the vending machine.
Stan stepped outside to greet his customers while Bill tapped at the counter. He glared over at the woman he knew watched him. A part of him wished she wasn't a human being so he could squash her with one move.
Bill kept his cool as he felt that stare on him. Every once in a while he'd flash her a grin, which was more than Ford could manage. He sat on the stool next to Bill with crossed arms, never tearing his eyes away from the unwanted visitor.
Several minutes of quiet awkardness passed. Soos felt the urge to both vomit and urinate, but his promise to Stan kept him away from the bathroom. Bill exchanged glances with Ford five times to which Ford wondered why she hadn't called them out on the gesture.
They were finally spared from when the door opened to reveal the tourists into the opening of the junk museum Stan called his gift shop. Caroline frowned at Ford then pretended to mill around and take in the cheap merchandise the conman dared to sell.
The entire time Stan glanced over at Avery with hopes she had enough information and would take her leave. Unfortuantely the woman stayed until the last customer made their exit.
Caroline slowly made her way to the register where Bill worked. She sat a keychain of the shack on the counter.
"Let's move into the family room," the doctor said.
The five ate leftover chicken and rice warmed in the microwave for lunch. The guest picked through her food, but ate enough not to offend the hosts. For the most part the Pines brothers and Bill managed to keep the conversation away from themselves. However a lull made its way into their talking which allowed Avery to make her move.
"Bill, do you like working as a cashier?" Caroline asked.
"It's alright," Bill answered. "I meet some interesting characters."
Caroline laughed. "You do seem like the kind who'd make unusual friends."
Ford nearly choked on a mouthful of rice. He pounded his chest until the collected grains separated enough to allow him to breathe properly again. He stared into the green eyes of the social worker.
"I wanted to ask you if you prefer working in the lab?" Avery inquired.
Stan dropped his fork. It clanged against the plate, echoing in the silence of the kitchen. He blamed it on poor circulation and picked up the utensil, continuing to eat.
"At our first meeting you mentioned you were injured in a lab accident," Caroline reminded him. "You said you work two jobs, for each of the Pines." Green eyes darted from one brother to the other.
"Yeah, I think I like the lab work better," Bill replied.
Caroline hummed. She placed her fork down on the napkin then folded her hands under her pointed chin. "In that case, I would love to see the lab where you two work."
Soos barely caught himself before he gasped. Stan slowly swallowed the soda, the sound audible to everyone at the table.
"Oh, it's not here," Bill quickly answered.
"He's correct," Ford added. "We actually work with my old assisant, Fiddleford McGucket, at McGucket Labs."
Avery narrowed her eyes. Recent news of Fiddleford McGucket earning millions from several of his inventions had been on the local television and radio news, in the papers, as well as two national TV stations.
"Did you have anything to do with his inventions?" Caroline asked.
"No," Ford answered. "That's a pet project he worked on in his spare time." He looked over at Bill. "Although we are helping him with something new that'll be ready for testing probably by autumn."
Stan stared dumbfounded, not sure if they spoke the truth, or if it was a quick and clever lie on his brother's part. He figured Bill knew Ford's mind better than Ford himself and could follow along and jump in when needed.
The doctor decided not to say anything more on the accidents, or Bill's employment with both Stanford and McGucket. She stood and the others, save Soos, followed her action. Avery mentioned she wanted to have a look at Bill's room as well as a few others in the house. Stan agreed and offered to show her the way.
Stan guided Caroline through the hallway that led to the parlor which he mainly used for special occasions and attractions, the rest of the time it served as a break room for his employees. Bill and Ford followed behind. Stan then showed her the storage room that also contained the washing machine and dryer.
Not interested in seeing the items put away for seasonal use, or to have parts salvaged for other fake attractions, Caroline turned away. Her eyes caught the glistening red on the sleeve of Bill's shirt at the top of the laundry basket. She quickly glanced over at Bill who stood in front of her. Beneath the hem of the shorter sleeve she saw the adhesive bandage poke through.
Stan placed his hand on her back as he ushered her through the door. Avery didn't mind as she had something new to discuss with Cipher.
At last they reached Bill's room. The redhead announced she only wanted Bill to follow as she wished to have a few words with him. The Pines brothers consented. Ford stared over his shoulder, but Bill confidently nodded giving him the strength to leave.
The blond turned to see the woman eyeing the books on his shelf. She wrinkled her nose at the discarded dirty clothes lying about the floor. The bed against the wall unmade and a few empty bowls and cups sat on the nightstand.
"Your room is spacious," Caroline commented.
"Even if it wasn't I don't spend much time in here," Bill said.
The social worker nodded. "What would you say is your relationship with Stanford Pines?" Caroline asked.
Bill pursed his lips. "Why? What have you heard?" Knowing some of the people in town it didn't seem strange that gossip concerning him would spread. In a way he felt flattered.
Avery smiled as she witnessed a few photographs lying on the table. The one on top was of Bill and Mabel making funny faces for the camera. Beneath that one was a picture Mabel asked a stranger to take of the group at the carnival. On the bottom was one of Bill smiling at Ford with one arm around him, while the human looked slightly annoyed.
She turned to Bill with that one photo in between her index and middle finger. "You're close with your boss," she said.
Bill snatched the photo from her grasp. "You have no right to go through my things!" the demon snapped.
Caroline crossed her arms. Her toe tapped against the floor. "Bill, if Stanford is treating you inappropriately..." she said.
"He's not," Bill replied.
"Forcing you to do something you're not comfortable with," Caroline pressed.
"You couldn't be more wrong," Bill interrupted.
"Causing you distress," she continued.
"If anyone's causing me distress it's you," said Bill.
Caroline frowned. She and Bill stared for nearly a minute until she finally broke away. Bill smirked then slipped his favorite photo of him and Ford into the closest book on the shelf.
"Bill," Caroline said in a quiet voice. "How did you get that injury on your arm?"
Bill stiffened for a moment. He curled his arm at the elbow and lifted the sleeve to reveal the large beige bandage that covered most of the back of his upper arm.
"I scratched it on a tree branch this morning when me and Fordsy were out for a walk," Bill said. It was halfway the truth.
"And I suppose Fordsy will confirm this story?" Caroline asked. Bill grimaced at the way she spoke his nickname for Ford. She grinned. "Is it possible it's his own story he ordered you to tell?"
"Look, lady, Stanford Pines is my boyfriend. He wouldn't do anything to hurt me, so I don't want to see you poking around here anymore," Bill snapped.
The news did surprise the woman. Once the shock wore off she smiled. If anything it only made the case more interesting.
"I see," Caroline Avery said.
She walked out of the bedroom with Bill following closely behind. The others watched her grab the bag she left over on the hook by the back door. Stan led her to the gift shop entrance where her vehicle waited on the lawn.
Dr. Avery turned to smile at her hosts. "Thank you both for lunch, I am satisfied with my visit," she said before taking her leave.
Four pairs of eyes watched her walk to her car. The lights flashed twice before the door opened. She glanced up to smile at Bill who looked through the window. He returned her grin with one of his own. The driver started the car then drove away leaving her lingering sweet scent as a reminder of her recent visit.
"I hope that's it with that," Stan grumbled.
"Actually, I don't think that's the last we'll see of her," Bill announced.
"For once I hope your intuition is wrong," said Ford.
It looks like they're off the hook...for now.
Credit for the inclusion of nymphs goes to Energy witch. I might add some more with the nymphs in a later chapter. As long as Bill doesn't get too flirty, they should be okay. Maybe.