Alex's P.O.V.

He raised the gun to her head, not sure if he could do it. Alex's hand trembled in cold fear. Time was running out. The machine activated and his mother let out an agonizing scream. All Alex could see for a second was blood before his eyes snapped open to a much more pleasant looking wall.

His breathing was labored as he forced his heart to calm down and he took in his surroundings. He found that he was on the bed with a blanket draped over him. It was one of those cheap blankets as the sheets on his old bed wouldn't fit a bed this size. Josh had a similar issue. Alex would be grateful to buy them both decent sheets.

Alex turned to his brother. The beds were adjacent to each other in the bedroom. There were actually two bedrooms but they moved one bed here just to make Alex feel better. He knew he was being a bit overprotective but it was going to take him a while to get around to the idea of giving Josh his own room.

Since it was Saturday, Alex knew to let Josh sleep in. There was still time before the interview and he needed to talk to Mrs. Smith. She was an elderly lady that immediately took a liking to Josh. He hoped that she would be willing to look after him until he found a more permanent baby sitter. Alex sat up. They didn't even have a television, so there was not much he could do to cure the boredom. Alex stood up and got himself dressed, hoping that Esmond wouldn't think he was dressed for him. Esmond had always been weird like that. When they were together during Alex's high school years, Esmond had the unhealthy assumption that everything Alex did was to gain attention. And he would get very jealous if he thought Alex sought out anyone else's attention but his own. Josh had always hated his possessive boyfriend and now Alex understood why.

After dressing and speaking with Mrs. Smith, Josh was still fast asleep. Alex left to catch the city bus and a few minutes later he was at his destination. It was a history museum that Esmond proposed he worked at. Esmond always had luck with money and Alex wasn't surprised to learn that his family owned one. He made his way to the reception and let them know he was here. He only waited a minute and a half before an adult Esmond came into view.

Alex could tell it was him by the short blonde hair and blue eyes behind square glasses. Esmond was wearing a dress suit like Alex always imagined him in. He had always known that Esmond would grow up in business. Esmond seemed more than happy to see him.

"Alex! Glad you could make it."

The shook hands. Alex glanced at him cautiously. Perhaps Esmond forgot all about the night of their break-up and how terrible it was. That or Esmond simply didn't want to reopen old wounds. Esmond led Alex to a very nice office. It was spotless, something that had been a rare sight for Alex to see ever since the whole incident with the Order. The chairs were cushioned with what appeared to be leather and had an odd embroidery design on them. There were even curtains on the windows. Alex sat in one chair and Esmond the other. The unemployed man tried not to fidget. Esmond looked at him with almost intense eyes that Alex wondered what he was searching for. When Alex looked at those eyes, he felt a chill from the past. At least the Boogeyman never did that to him.

"Tell me, Alex. Why are you looking for a job?" Esmond asked.

He appeared very business like. Maybe this wasn't another trick. Maybe he really was over his obsession with Alex. Alex felt himself relaxing a bit.

"My brother and I recently moved and I need money to support him." He knew that Esmond knew this already. How Esmond found out was still a mystery.

"I heard about the funeral. I'm sorry," his ex offered.

"Don't worry about it."

Alex gave Esmond a warning look. One that silently pleaded him not to ask what happened during his return to Shepherd's Glen and how his parents met their fate. Thankfully, Esmond took the hint. He produced some papers from his desk, stacking them up.

"I really want to help you and I know you're good with combat. You'd make a perfect security guard. All you would have to do is make sure people don't touch what they're not supposed to touch, leave when they're supposed to leave and make sure the doors are locked during closing hours."

It sounded too good to be true. Alex wanted to believe there was no catch but after all the hell he'd been through, he'd be damned to fall for any trick so easily.

Yet Esmond seemed legitimately sorry when he spoke of his parents. Maybe Esmond really had change and this was his way of repenting? If Alex knew one thing it was the importance of forgiveness.

"I would be up for the task," he answered.

"Just be sure on the off chance someone does try to sneak in, you'll keep your cool and take care of the problem."

"I don't scare easily." Wasn't THAT the truth?

Esmond was pleased with this answer. He had Alex sign a few papers before shaking his hand once more.

"Welcome to the team. You'll start tomorrow morning at 9."

"Thank you, Mr. Anderson."

Esmond frowned at the formality. He said nothing, however. Alex bid him adieu and left, feeling excited. Esmond would pay him so incredibly well for what seemed like an easy job. He couldn't wait for morning to come.

x

Henry's P.O.V.

He winced at the harsh light. It was hard to get used to waking up while you were dead. It seemed like the sun's rays hurt his lids more than when he was alive. But Henry groggily got out of his bed with a yawn. He was surprised at himself when his thoughts turned to Alex. It was like he was a lovesick teenager, constantly thinking about his crush. He had a few crushes in the past but none of them made him this flustered. Just thinking about Alex made it feel like he was alive again and his blood was pumping furiously. What was worse was the fact that Henry didn't even know the guy. Sure he was cute but Henry felt like he was taking this crush too far already. For one thing, Alex was alive. And Alex would never be able to see him.

Henry shook the thoughts out of his head and left his bedroom. He noted Little Walter cuddling up to the couch fast asleep. That was his way of cuddling up to his 'mother.' Henry didn't believe that there was anything maternal about this room but he knew better than to voice such an opinion.

He figured he would talk to Eileen about Alex. She would understand. Henry walked out of the door, pausing immediately. Just in front of him was his killer holding a gun. Why did he still need that anyway? Henry's eyes were glued to the weapon.

Walter stared at him blankly for a very long time. Henry finally snapped himself out of his trance. Whatever was going on in Walter's head, he didn't want to know. He wordlessly began walking away until he noted that Walter's footsteps were following his.

Taking a gulp of air, Henry willed himself to turn around. Maybe if he was civil, nothing bad would happen.

"Hello," he greeted his murderer awkwardly, "Was there something you needed?"

He half expected Walter to shoot him just for fun. But instead the gun stayed by his side.

"He told me you got the toy back."

"Yes."

"The boys?"

"They won't bother him anymore."

Henry couldn't tell if Walter was satisfied with this answer. The mad man came a few steps closer, threatening to breech the line of Henry's personal space.

"Where are you going?"

Henry was stunned. Why was Walter so curious about what he was doing now of all times? It wasn't like Henry could ever permanently escape this world.

"I was going to look for Eileen."

"What for?" the question sounded as innocent as a child's.

This was becoming more and more strange for Henry. Walter didn't appear to notice his discomfort. Before he could think of a reply, Walter asked another question.

"Are you two….together?"

Henry nearly fell back in shock. The other ghosts had asked him that before. But this was different. This was Walter Sullivan asking! Why would he care? Did he like Eileen? Was he becoming jealous?

The photographer shook his head.

"No. She and I are just friends."

Was it just his imagination or did Walter appear nervous about something? It seemed he had yet another question but couldn't voice it. Henry knew that if he wanted to avoid feeling any sort of pain, he would have to wait patiently for as long as Walter wanted him to stay.

And was Walter coming closer? Too close. Henry instinctively took a step back. The murderer paused like he just realized how uncomfortable he was making his final victim.

"Why are you going to go look for her?" he repeated the previous question.

Henry was saved from answering by another presence coming toward them.

"Henry. Walter," Eileen greeted.

Henry turned around and gave her a grateful smile. He had no idea how to shrug people off, especially those as intimidating as Walter.

Eileen had marks on her bare shoulders but otherwise looked just like she did before Walter's first attack on her. She smiled at the two males.

"What are you guys up to?"

"I was just looking for you," Henry tried to hide the relief in his voice.

He heard Walter's footsteps walking away. Eileen called out to him.

"Hey. Where are you going?"

Walter didn't answer but instead disappeared through the wall. Eileen huffed. She wasn't as afraid of Walter as she should be. Henry was still considered to be the bravest around the murderer but it seemed that Eileen was slowly developing a bigger sister attitude towards Walter. It astounded Henry to think so.

Yet Eileen seemed to harbor no ill feelings toward Walter like the other ghosts did. Henry could somewhat understand. It wasn't like he was vowing vengeance or anything himself. What was done was done. And besides, in a dark, twisted way Henry almost felt pity for Walter.

"What's with him?" the woman asked him.

Henry shrugged.

"I don't know. Hey, Eileen. I was wondering if I could get your advice on something."

Eileen tilted her head.

"Sure, Henry. Let's go to my room."

Once in room 303, Eileen was sitting on her bed and Henry on a chair close by. He fidgeted. He had been in her room a couple of times but he still felt nervous for whatever reason. Maybe it was because Eileen found out about the hole. Henry had been flustered and quickly went to list every excuse in the book. From "I'm not that kind of guy" to "Just trying to make sure you were still alive."

But Eileen had shocked him. She wasn't angry at all. Henry let it slip that he was gay and she informed him to let her know if he needed help with any guy. Henry had been flustered. Did all women like the idea of helping a gay male friend find love?

"What's up?"

Henry took a moment to figure out how to reply.

"I…well. I have a crush on someone….I think."

"Really?" she exclaimed with eyes shining in excitement, "Is it Richard?"

"No no. The reason I need to talk to you is because….he's…well…He's not available."

Eileen was thinking of who would fit such a description, Henry could tell.

"Unavailable? Who could that be?"

"You don't know him," Henry admitted, "The thing is...well...he's alive."

The woman's eyes widened in shock, her mouth forming a tight o shape. Henry looked down in shame, admitting something like this was hard enough without getting that kind of reaction. Finally, Eileen found her voice.

"I see. That might be beyond my range of expertise. I mean, if he can't see or hear you, there isn't much we can do."

Henry fell silent, his heart sinking like the Titanic. Of course she would say that. It was obvious that there was no way Henry could ever introduce himself.

Eileen took in her friend's expression. A small frown tugged her lips, before her eyes softened and the frown turned into a slight smile offering itself as a means of comfort.

"But you know. There might be a way after all."

Henry did a backtrack.

"What? Really? How do you know?"

"You know how you learned some things automatically right after you died? You learned how to go through walls and such? Well, as the Mother Reborn, I figured out how to communicate with the living."

"You can do that?! I thought only Walter could!" Henry was ecstatic. Could he really introduce himself to Alex?

Eileen shook her head.

"As far as I know, Walter is the only one who can show himself to living beings any time he wants. But you and I can let them see us while they're asleep. We can appear in their dreams."

Henry had no idea that could happen. How could he do that? Did he just go inside Alex's sleeping form? That seemed a bit perverse in a weird sense.

A thought occurred to him and the small bubble of hope burst.

"I think he's getting a day job, though. He will only be asleep at night. And I can't leave here at night."

He couldn't even go through the walls of 302 for some reason. He was a complete prisoner in his old room the moment that the sun set.

"Then maybe you should talk to Walter. He might be willing to let you go if you really wanted to meet this guy."

Henry nearly laughed but stopped himself when he noticed that Eileen wasn't joking.

"Walter's not..."

How could he put it delicately? Walter wasn't his friend. The mad man wouldn't care if Henry had a crush on anyone.

"I think he would like to be our friend. Yours and mine, I mean. It always seemed that we were his favorites."

"What are you talking about?"

"He doesn't like the other ghosts much. But he liked me ever since I gave him my favorite doll. And I know he likes you too. There's no harm in at least asking him, is there?"

Henry supposed he couldn't argue with that. There was a sudden knock on the door. Eileen went to answer it, leaving Henry to his thoughts. He didn't have long to contemplate, however, as a small hand took hold of his.

Little Walter gave him an eager smile. Henry blinked in silence and allowed the child to say whatever was on his mind.

"Can we go to the park?"

The request wasn't all that unusual. Little Walter liked it when Henry took him places during the day. They would walk around as ghosts, safe from any notice, and do things like watch ducks at the pond and play on the swings. Henry could only guess that the swings somehow didn't appear to be moving by themselves as living beings never took any notice. Henry still couldn't figure out why that was. He had a theory that something about the toy train being part of this ghost world was why people would notice it floating by itself for a few seconds. Why that was...

Well, Henry was still working on figuring that out. As sad as it was to think of, Henry had an eternity to figure things out.

Would he be beyond bored after a few centuries of being dead? Henry took a minute to think.

"Please Henry," the child pressed.

"Alright. Let's go. You want to come with us, Eileen?"

The woman looked at Little Walter, who stared back at her. The child seemed to catch on to a silent question of hers.

"You can come if you want," he said.

Eileen smiled.

"Alright. Let's go."

X

Alex's P.O.V.

"Mr. Shepard, right?" a gruff male voice startled him out of his thoughts.

Alex noted an elderly man in uniform coming toward him the moment he walked into the locker room. Definitely a seasoned fighter in his day and probably still had some punch in him now.

Alex figured he would like this guy already. He seemed like the type to take on Silent Hill with a smile and those types more than anything always made Alex feel marginally more at east.

Or depending on their nature, they could be the type of people that Alex feared.

"Good morning," Alex greeted politely.

"I'm Guin Nordic," the man introduced.

Interesting last name but Alex figured he would refrain himself from commenting on it.

"I'm here to show you the ropes," Nordic explained.

Alex let him take him on the tutorial. The museum was much bigger than Alex originally thought. Even on the outside it didn't look nearly this huge. What was that one British show with the guy with a phone booth and the inside was bigger than the outside? Alex couldn't remember what it was called. But in any case, that was what this building reminded him of.

By the time they were finished, they were already two hours into their shift. Nordic let him watch the front while he made rounds. Alex felt a bit uncomfortable. Plenty of bored children were around with their parents and seeing the families stirred something unpleasant in his chest.

A few more hours passed and nothing exciting happened. Alex knew he was going to get bored of this job soon if it weren't for the promise of his paycheck.

Easy money was never something to complain about, especially when you needed money as much as Alex did.

His eyes shifted when he felt a looming presence. Esmond had his arm draped over a fragile looking guy. The man looked so weak that Alex wouldn't be surprised if Josh managed to kick his ass. From the way the man flushed at Esmond's touch, Alex knew immediately who the guy must be.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Anderson," he rehearsed just like he was taught.

Esmond motioned towards his lover.

"Alex. Meet my fiancé. This is Carl. Carl, this is my friend from high school, Alex Shepherd."

The two acquaintances shook hands. Alex couldn't help but smile in relief. He he was. Proof that Esmond was actually over him in the flesh. As long as Carl was around, Alex could feel reassured that Esmond had no alterior motives for hiring him.

Carl seemed just as pleased to meet Alex. He almost seemed close to winking which made Alex shift uncomfortably. He wasn't naive and he knew that he was gifted with looks most people find appealing. However, Alex (strange though it may seem)was always too bashful to flirt back. The reason he liked Ell so much was because she never made him feel uncomfortable even when they were teens and her crush on him was more than apparent.

He needed to call her soon to see how she was doing. Her recovery probably wasn't any easier than his and at least he still had Josh.

"Esmond told me so much about you," Carl informed.

Alex had no idea what to say. Esmond was talking about him? What was he telling this man? Alex was too afraid to even ask.

His ex saved him from having to respond.

"I told Carl a lot about your dad too. He was always into the soldier types."

Alex was struck silent once more. Please don't let him know if Carl liked them older. He didn't want to know if Carl would have found his dad attractive or not. Thinking that was just too weird for Alex.

Carl hugged his fiancé.

"I'm into you now. No reason to be jealous."

"I'm not," Esmond laughed humorously.

Alex endured watching the two display affection for each other. Should they be doing that in a public place like this? Alex knew it wouldn't be wise to say anything against his boss, so he kept his mouth shut.

Finally, they were done cuddling like kittens. Esmond turned his attention toward Alex.

"Anyway. We were both wondering if you wanted to come drink with us after work? There's this bar close by that-"

"Thanks but I can't," Alex interrupted, "I got to pick up Josh from his babysitter."

"Oh yes. Josh," Esmond responded as if he just remembered him. Was it just Alex or did his voice sound slightly bitter?

He told himself to keep calm, it was just his imagination. What did he think Esmond was going to do? Molest him in his sleep? Alex told himself that he was nervous for absolutely no reason.

"That's too bad. Maybe we can all go out to dinner sometime? We can bring Josh. Who is Josh anyway?" asked Carl.

"My brother. But I'm not sure if he-"

"I think that would be a swell idea," it was Esmond's turn to interrupt Alex. He smiled brightly, "Maybe tomorrow. It could be like a welcome dinner for Alex."

"You really don't have to," Alex argued feebly.

"Not at all. We would both be glad to have you with us. We would both like to get to know you better. Wouldn't we, Carl?"

"Yes," was that a blush on Carl's face? He was looking right at Alex, "It would be our treat."

For some reason, Alex had a feeling that declining wasn't an option.