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... hiiiiiii ... i cannot see which number 'm dialin ... so no tellin who i just called ... but i just wanna know if you could help me get outta a hospital that might have evil doctors? ...

*ford pauses, frowning a little*

I... who are you? I know you must be a version of Bill, but I'm not quite sure which. You're... unusually quiet.

*he pauses again*

...what do you mean "hospital"? What happened?

... 'm nester ... i don' wanna have to be this quiet ... it's annoyin ...

...

... theraprism ... is the verrrrryyyy short version ... longer version includes starvation, overmedication, tongue got cut out, got vivisected without agreein to it, got my eye ripped out and replaced with a large metal balll, and then hench decided to go runnin around in my body when i convinced him to body swap for a bit so i could, y'know, not be in pain for a bit ... and he tore up some muscles in my legs ... so now everythin hurts worse ... and i can't see ... or move ... or do much of anythin really ... but scared the doctors'll be evil there ... dunno whatta do ...

*ford just stops upon hearing who it is. he stares at his desk in silence, contemplating his options here. finally, he sighs*

I suppose I could try to help you, if I could even find you in the first place. But...

*he hesitates, and you can hear in his voice that hed really rather not say this*

...but I need you to do something in return if I do.

... i dunno where i am apart from frying pan said hospital ...

...

... if it's about the mini ... i haven't been anywhere near the kid for months ...

Hm... well, guess I should start looking if that's all you can give me...

It's... kind of about him. I...

*ford stops, struggling to find a way to word this. it pains him to say this, even to nester*

If I get you out of that hospital, wherever it is, you have to promise you won't ever come back to my children's home. It's meant to be a safe space, and even if you've avoided Billy, as long as you have an active presence in my home, he feels unsafe.

... ...

...

... ... ... i live with muse ford ... might take a bit till i'm healed up enough to go back there ... but i only stayed at your children's home cause the drunk idiot was bein real annoyin bout gettin that one pregnant and i had to leave for a bit ... and had nowhere else to go ... cause frying pan was still too made bout that joke to let me stay with him ... and i couldn't think of anywhere else ...

Oh.

*the relief in fords voice is almost palpable. then comes the guilt right behind to take its place*

I'm... I'm sorry. I simply... I...

*he takes a deep breath to calm himself*

Anyway, I'm glad you have somewhere to go. And I'm... glad my home could serve as a safe space for you, however short lived that was.

...

... unless he's changed his mind bout keepin that deal he made with me ... but frying pan doesn't seem mad bout the joke anymore so he might lemme stay with him if necessary ... i don't got many safe spaces ... ( )-)

Hm...

*ford hesitates for a moment, then shakes his head firmly, though nester cant see it*

Well, I hope one of them lets you stay with them, because unless you have literally nowhere else to turn, I don't want you coming here. I'm sorry, but I have to think about my family.

... r drhs r szw z uznrob ...

...

... ... thanks for offer i gueesssss ...

*ford tries his hardest to ignore the guilt thats threatening to overwhelm him in this moment*

Of course. It's... it's the least I can do without upsetting my sons. Or my brother.

*he sighs*

But... if you'd like to talk sometime, I'm always willing to. Just... as long as it's not here in my home.

... that's great ...

...

... ... i might do that ... just ... closest i've gotten to havin a home was the nightmare realm ... and that was constantly decaying ... and full of criminals ... never had a safe place ... always learned to kill first or i'd get killed quick ... ( )-)

*ford sighs*

Yes, that... sounds about right.

*he falls silent again, thinking hard*

...I might see what I can do to, uh... to find you a more permanent safe place. Again, it definitely won't be here, but I'll see if I can work something out.

*a note appears in front of Ford*

*the note reads "help, TT has been clinging to my hand for hours"*

- 🦊

I...

*ford stares at the note with a small frown*

...what do zey expect me to do when I don't even know where either of them are or how to communicate with them?

wellcome-to-chaos

*zey send a picture via text of TT's arms wrapped around zeir hand, in the background is a hospital bed and TT's axolotl plushies*

#make yourself at home #mystery fox anon

Wha-

*ford frowns in concern and texts zem back*

What happened to him? Why is he in a hospital?

*a note appears in front of Ford*

*the note reads "help, TT has been clinging to my hand for hours"*

- 🦊

I...

*ford stares at the note with a small frown*

...what do zey expect me to do when I don't even know where either of them are or how to communicate with them?

#visitors are welcome here #mystery fox anon

... hiiiiiii ... i cannot see which number 'm dialin ... so no tellin who i just called ... but i just wanna know if you could help me get outta a hospital that might have evil doctors? ...

*ford pauses, frowning a little*

I... who are you? I know you must be a version of Bill, but I'm not quite sure which. You're... unusually quiet.

*he pauses again*

...what do you mean "hospital"? What happened?

... 'm nester ... i don' wanna have to be this quiet ... it's annoyin ...

...

... theraprism ... is the verrrrryyyy short version ... longer version includes starvation, overmedication, tongue got cut out, got vivisected without agreein to it, got my eye ripped out and replaced with a large metal balll, and then hench decided to go runnin around in my body when i convinced him to body swap for a bit so i could, y'know, not be in pain for a bit ... and he tore up some muscles in my legs ... so now everythin hurts worse ... and i can't see ... or move ... or do much of anythin really ... but scared the doctors'll be evil there ... dunno whatta do ...

*ford just stops upon hearing who it is. he stares at his desk in silence, contemplating his options here. finally, he sighs*

I suppose I could try to help you, if I could even find you in the first place. But...

*he hesitates, and you can hear in his voice that hed really rather not say this*

...but I need you to do something in return if I do.

... i dunno where i am apart from frying pan said hospital ...

...

... if it's about the mini ... i haven't been anywhere near the kid for months ...

Hm... well, guess I should start looking if that's all you can give me...

It's... kind of about him. I...

*ford stops, struggling to find a way to word this. it pains him to say this, even to nester*

If I get you out of that hospital, wherever it is, you have to promise you won't ever come back to my children's home. It's meant to be a safe space, and even if you've avoided Billy, as long as you have an active presence in my home, he feels unsafe.

... ...

...

... ... ... i live with muse ford ... might take a bit till i'm healed up enough to go back there ... but i only stayed at your children's home cause the drunk idiot was bein real annoyin bout gettin that one pregnant and i had to leave for a bit ... and had nowhere else to go ... cause frying pan was still too made bout that joke to let me stay with him ... and i couldn't think of anywhere else ...

Oh.

*the relief in fords voice is almost palpable. then comes the guilt right behind to take its place*

I'm... I'm sorry. I simply... I...

*he takes a deep breath to calm himself*

Anyway, I'm glad you have somewhere to go. And I'm... glad my home could serve as a safe space for you, however short lived that was.

...

... unless he's changed his mind bout keepin that deal he made with me ... but frying pan doesn't seem mad bout the joke anymore so he might lemme stay with him if necessary ... i don't got many safe spaces ... ( )-)

Hm...

*ford hesitates for a moment, then shakes his head firmly, though nester cant see it*

Well, I hope one of them lets you stay with them, because unless you have literally nowhere else to turn, I don't want you coming here. I'm sorry, but I have to think about my family.

... r drhs r szw z uznrob ...

...

... ... thanks for offer i gueesssss ...

*ford tries his hardest to ignore the guilt thats threatening to overwhelm him in this moment*

Of course. It's... it's the least I can do without upsetting my sons. Or my brother.

*he sighs*

But... if you'd like to talk sometime, I'm always willing to. Just... as long as it's not here in my home.

... hiiiiiii ... i cannot see which number 'm dialin ... so no tellin who i just called ... but i just wanna know if you could help me get outta a hospital that might have evil doctors? ...

*ford pauses, frowning a little*

I... who are you? I know you must be a version of Bill, but I'm not quite sure which. You're... unusually quiet.

*he pauses again*

...what do you mean "hospital"? What happened?

... 'm nester ... i don' wanna have to be this quiet ... it's annoyin ...

...

... theraprism ... is the verrrrryyyy short version ... longer version includes starvation, overmedication, tongue got cut out, got vivisected without agreein to it, got my eye ripped out and replaced with a large metal balll, and then hench decided to go runnin around in my body when i convinced him to body swap for a bit so i could, y'know, not be in pain for a bit ... and he tore up some muscles in my legs ... so now everythin hurts worse ... and i can't see ... or move ... or do much of anythin really ... but scared the doctors'll be evil there ... dunno whatta do ...

*ford just stops upon hearing who it is. he stares at his desk in silence, contemplating his options here. finally, he sighs*

I suppose I could try to help you, if I could even find you in the first place. But...

*he hesitates, and you can hear in his voice that hed really rather not say this*

...but I need you to do something in return if I do.

... i dunno where i am apart from frying pan said hospital ...

...

... if it's about the mini ... i haven't been anywhere near the kid for months ...

Hm... well, guess I should start looking if that's all you can give me...

It's... kind of about him. I...

*ford stops, struggling to find a way to word this. it pains him to say this, even to nester*

If I get you out of that hospital, wherever it is, you have to promise you won't ever come back to my children's home. It's meant to be a safe space, and even if you've avoided Billy, as long as you have an active presence in my home, he feels unsafe.

... ...

...

... ... ... i live with muse ford ... might take a bit till i'm healed up enough to go back there ... but i only stayed at your children's home cause the drunk idiot was bein real annoyin bout gettin that one pregnant and i had to leave for a bit ... and had nowhere else to go ... cause frying pan was still too made bout that joke to let me stay with him ... and i couldn't think of anywhere else ...

Oh.

*the relief in fords voice is almost palpable. then comes the guilt right behind to take its place*

I'm... I'm sorry. I simply... I...

*he takes a deep breath to calm himself*

Anyway, I'm glad you have somewhere to go. And I'm... glad my home could serve as a safe space for you, however short lived that was.

...

... unless he's changed his mind bout keepin that deal he made with me ... but frying pan doesn't seem mad bout the joke anymore so he might lemme stay with him if necessary ... i don't got many safe spaces ... ( )-)

Hm...

*ford hesitates for a moment, then shakes his head firmly, though nester cant see it*

Well, I hope one of them lets you stay with them, because unless you have literally nowhere else to turn, I don't want you coming here. I'm sorry, but I have to think about my family.

... hiiiiiii ... i cannot see which number 'm dialin ... so no tellin who i just called ... but i just wanna know if you could help me get outta a hospital that might have evil doctors? ...

*ford pauses, frowning a little*

I... who are you? I know you must be a version of Bill, but I'm not quite sure which. You're... unusually quiet.

*he pauses again*

...what do you mean "hospital"? What happened?

... 'm nester ... i don' wanna have to be this quiet ... it's annoyin ...

...

... theraprism ... is the verrrrryyyy short version ... longer version includes starvation, overmedication, tongue got cut out, got vivisected without agreein to it, got my eye ripped out and replaced with a large metal balll, and then hench decided to go runnin around in my body when i convinced him to body swap for a bit so i could, y'know, not be in pain for a bit ... and he tore up some muscles in my legs ... so now everythin hurts worse ... and i can't see ... or move ... or do much of anythin really ... but scared the doctors'll be evil there ... dunno whatta do ...

*ford just stops upon hearing who it is. he stares at his desk in silence, contemplating his options here. finally, he sighs*

I suppose I could try to help you, if I could even find you in the first place. But...

*he hesitates, and you can hear in his voice that hed really rather not say this*

...but I need you to do something in return if I do.

... i dunno where i am apart from frying pan said hospital ...

...

... if it's about the mini ... i haven't been anywhere near the kid for months ...

Hm... well, guess I should start looking if that's all you can give me...

It's... kind of about him. I...

*ford stops, struggling to find a way to word this. it pains him to say this, even to nester*

If I get you out of that hospital, wherever it is, you have to promise you won't ever come back to my children's home. It's meant to be a safe space, and even if you've avoided Billy, as long as you have an active presence in my home, he feels unsafe.

... ...

...

... ... ... i live with muse ford ... might take a bit till i'm healed up enough to go back there ... but i only stayed at your children's home cause the drunk idiot was bein real annoyin bout gettin that one pregnant and i had to leave for a bit ... and had nowhere else to go ... cause frying pan was still too made bout that joke to let me stay with him ... and i couldn't think of anywhere else ...

Oh.

*the relief in fords voice is almost palpable. then comes the guilt right behind to take its place*

I'm... I'm sorry. I simply... I...

*he takes a deep breath to calm himself*

Anyway, I'm glad you have somewhere to go. And I'm... glad my home could serve as a safe space for you, however short lived that was.

... hiiiiiii ... i cannot see which number 'm dialin ... so no tellin who i just called ... but i just wanna know if you could help me get outta a hospital that might have evil doctors? ...

*ford pauses, frowning a little*

I... who are you? I know you must be a version of Bill, but I'm not quite sure which. You're... unusually quiet.

*he pauses again*

...what do you mean "hospital"? What happened?

... 'm nester ... i don' wanna have to be this quiet ... it's annoyin ...

...

... theraprism ... is the verrrrryyyy short version ... longer version includes starvation, overmedication, tongue got cut out, got vivisected without agreein to it, got my eye ripped out and replaced with a large metal balll, and then hench decided to go runnin around in my body when i convinced him to body swap for a bit so i could, y'know, not be in pain for a bit ... and he tore up some muscles in my legs ... so now everythin hurts worse ... and i can't see ... or move ... or do much of anythin really ... but scared the doctors'll be evil there ... dunno whatta do ...

*ford just stops upon hearing who it is. he stares at his desk in silence, contemplating his options here. finally, he sighs*

I suppose I could try to help you, if I could even find you in the first place. But...

*he hesitates, and you can hear in his voice that hed really rather not say this*

...but I need you to do something in return if I do.

... i dunno where i am apart from frying pan said hospital ...

...

... if it's about the mini ... i haven't been anywhere near the kid for months ...

Hm... well, guess I should start looking if that's all you can give me...

It's... kind of about him. I...

*ford stops, struggling to find a way to word this. it pains him to say this, even to nester*

If I get you out of that hospital, wherever it is, you have to promise you won't ever come back to my children's home. It's meant to be a safe space, and even if you've avoided Billy, as long as you have an active presence in my home, he feels unsafe.

... hiiiiiii ... i cannot see which number 'm dialin ... so no tellin who i just called ... but i just wanna know if you could help me get outta a hospital that might have evil doctors? ...

*ford pauses, frowning a little*

I... who are you? I know you must be a version of Bill, but I'm not quite sure which. You're... unusually quiet.

*he pauses again*

...what do you mean "hospital"? What happened?

... 'm nester ... i don' wanna have to be this quiet ... it's annoyin ...

...

... theraprism ... is the verrrrryyyy short version ... longer version includes starvation, overmedication, tongue got cut out, got vivisected without agreein to it, got my eye ripped out and replaced with a large metal balll, and then hench decided to go runnin around in my body when i convinced him to body swap for a bit so i could, y'know, not be in pain for a bit ... and he tore up some muscles in my legs ... so now everythin hurts worse ... and i can't see ... or move ... or do much of anythin really ... but scared the doctors'll be evil there ... dunno whatta do ...

*ford just stops upon hearing who it is. he stares at his desk in silence, contemplating his options here. finally, he sighs*

I suppose I could try to help you, if I could even find you in the first place. But...

*he hesitates, and you can hear in his voice that hed really rather not say this*

...but I need you to do something in return if I do.

#visitors are welcome here #nester

... hiiiiiii ... i cannot see which number 'm dialin ... so no tellin who i just called ... but i just wanna know if you could help me get outta a hospital that might have evil doctors? ...

*ford pauses, frowning a little*

I... who are you? I know you must be a version of Bill, but I'm not quite sure which. You're... unusually quiet.

*he pauses again*

...what do you mean "hospital"? What happened?

Billy? May I… speak to you?

-@papafords-childrenshome

as long as it stays through the phone. i've got guards now! :)

Ah.

*theres silence for what feels like a long time. when ford speaks again, its a little muffled*

I suppose it's too late to ask you to come back, then. I...

*he falls silent for a short moment and speaks uncertainly*

I... hope you feel safer wherever you are. I'm sorry i couldn't provide that safety...

yeah! i'm wayyy safer now. no way for jerkface to find me in here... i am a bit worried though... they let somebody else in here a bit ago and... ... ... no, no, it has to be fine, it has to... uh... anyways, i've got a bed in here, and some little fruits, annnd a wine making setup thingy, so i've got everything i could ever need!

[He pauses.]

... i do miss you, though. and liam. and edwin... even muffin... but... it's safer this way... i just hope jerkface doesn't try to hurt you guys...

. . .

... oh no... the turkey... y-you didn't kick out the turkey, right...?

*theres another long stretch of silence, before ford clears his throat and attempts a light-hearted chuckle*

N-no, of course not. Liam would be furious if I did. He's... he's already upset enough...

*ford must be having a hard time thinking of things to say, because hes fallen silent once more. theres a strange muffled sound from fords end of the call, and the sound of the phone being put down. after another moment of silence thats only broken by that weird muffled noise, ford audibly takes a deep breath and chuckles forcefully*

I'm glad you're safe, Billy. Uh, I... I hope you're happy where you are.

oh, that's good!

[He can be heard shuffling in the bed awkwardly, speaking up when he hears the phone put down.]

... hello...?

... o-oh! uh... y-yeah. very safe. nowhere in the multiverse could possibly be safer...

... oh, of course i'm-! ... ... ...

[More awkward shuffling can be heard.]

... uh... it is a bit boring, and i'm not really sure how long i've been in here, but... i'm... as happy as i can be, i suppose...

That's- that's great.

*ford takes another deep breath, but it sounds very shaky and uneven*

Billy, I- I want to apologize to you. I-I had no idea he would stay, and I... I never meant to make you feel unsafe in my home.

. . .

[He shuffles again.]

... it's okay. i... he would have found me anyways... he can show up anywhere, anytime, and i... if he was there once, he can show up again later... i'm sure of it... i just...

. . .

... i'm gonna miss what it was like, but... i guess it was never as safe as i thought... it's not your fault, though. it's... him...

. . .

... you sound... sad...

*ford pauses, then sighs shakily*

I am, Billy. I thought this place could help children like you, but so far, all I've done is welcome a dangerous monster in and scare you off...

*he trails off, and his voice grows hoarse and quiet*

Perhaps this children's home was a bad idea after all...

... ... ... i...

[He's silent for a while, though no shuffling can be heard.]

... it's... it's okay... he... he might not attack anyone else? and... it was really nice before... almost like home again...

... ... ... i ruined it again, didn't i...

... uhhh... i don't blame you, dadguy. he... he tricked me too...

*ford goes silent for a very long time, so long it almost seems like he might have accidentally hung up or something. he finally speaks, his voice heavy with emotion*

I'm sorry it can't be home anymore, Billy. Liam... All of us miss you dearly.

*ford lets out a soft, broken chuckle*

Even Muffin, surprisingly.

*he pauses, but its not as sad of a pause as the previous ones*

If you'd like to visit the Mystery Shack, you will be more than welcome. It's far enough from the children's home that I don't think Nester will ever see you, and my brother wouldn't dream of letting him near. If you do decide to visit... let me know so I can tell Liam.

[He can be heard flopping on the bed before Ford speaks again- at which point he stays silent, listening intently.]

... that... sounds nice... but... i don't know if i can even leave this room... would the guards let me out? would they let me back in? do i ask for permission? will "drunky" ever show up again so that i have the chance to ask...? ... and how would i find my way to the mystery shack...? and then... how would i get back here if something goes wrong...? ... ... ... uh... b-but if i do, i'll... i'll give you a call, yeah...

... ... ... really wish i had something to do in here...

Hm...

*ford is grateful to have a logical problem that doesnt much involve his feelings*

So that's who you're staying with, huh? Well, I suppose if I see him anytime, I could talk to him about it.

... that sounds good... i'd like that... if you could do that, that would be great! ... m-maybe also ask if he could put some toys in here or something? i don't have anything to bite... or play with...

I will, Billy.

*he pauses*

...What would you like Liam to name the turkey? He refuses to consider anything without your input.

[He's silent for a while.]

... georgie. the slayer of kings and keeper of secrets.

*ford laughs, and this time its genuine*

I'll let him know. I think he'll like the name. Both Liam and the turkey, I mean.

[He giggles a bit.]

... i hope so... but i guess if georgie doesn't like it, he'd keep it secret too! hehehe... i really hope liam likes it, though...

. . .

... ... ... you know what sucks? i haven't slept since... siiince... the last time i was asleep back there. i keep trying and it just doesn't work anymore...

Hm. Well, I...

*ford hums thoughtfully*

I'm not quite sure why that is. I don't know that I have much advice for you on that.

*he pauses*

Perhaps it's because you felt so welcome here.

... aw... i hope that's not why... but... i dunno... i try just staring at the ceiling but all i can think about is him... everything that he did... and whenever i manage to get my brain to shut up about it, i still can't sleep, b-because i keep randomly thinking about other stuff instead, and... yeah, it's better, but it isn't sleep! like... like my parents, or drawing, or... bah...

. . .

... ... ... anyways... uhhh... i'm... i'm pretty sure i don't need it, so it's fine.

Whether you actually need it or not, you've grown used to sleeping, no? Your body and mind have grown accustomed to that sleep and they may not react well without it.

*ford pauses, and his voice softens*

When I was a child and had a hard time falling asleep, whether because I was worried about something that scared me or I just couldn't stop thinking about something I enjoyed, I liked to talk to my brother. Talking to him always helped to calm my mind. He always said the most ridiculous things that made me laugh hard enough to exhaust me.

*he chuckles just thinking about it*

If you'd like, I can have Liam call you. He's... I believe he's out Christmas shopping with Edwin, so I can't have him just take my phone to talk right now. But as soon as he gets home, if you'd like to talk to him, I'll have him do that.

... oh... i guess that makes sense...

... i think that would be nice... p-please do. it's nice talking to him... and if it helps me sleep, then...

... aw man, i'm gonna miss out on christmas, aren't i...? ... i guess it's good that i don't really get it much yet, then...

*ford hums*

Hopefully not. I'll see if I can talk, ah, "Drunky" into letting you come to the Shack for Christmas. I'd love to have you here if possible.

Billy? May I… speak to you?

-@papafords-childrenshome

as long as it stays through the phone. i've got guards now! :)

Ah.

*theres silence for what feels like a long time. when ford speaks again, its a little muffled*

I suppose it's too late to ask you to come back, then. I...

*he falls silent for a short moment and speaks uncertainly*

I... hope you feel safer wherever you are. I'm sorry i couldn't provide that safety...

yeah! i'm wayyy safer now. no way for jerkface to find me in here... i am a bit worried though... they let somebody else in here a bit ago and... ... ... no, no, it has to be fine, it has to... uh... anyways, i've got a bed in here, and some little fruits, annnd a wine making setup thingy, so i've got everything i could ever need!

[He pauses.]

... i do miss you, though. and liam. and edwin... even muffin... but... it's safer this way... i just hope jerkface doesn't try to hurt you guys...

. . .

... oh no... the turkey... y-you didn't kick out the turkey, right...?

*theres another long stretch of silence, before ford clears his throat and attempts a light-hearted chuckle*

N-no, of course not. Liam would be furious if I did. He's... he's already upset enough...

*ford must be having a hard time thinking of things to say, because hes fallen silent once more. theres a strange muffled sound from fords end of the call, and the sound of the phone being put down. after another moment of silence thats only broken by that weird muffled noise, ford audibly takes a deep breath and chuckles forcefully*

I'm glad you're safe, Billy. Uh, I... I hope you're happy where you are.

oh, that's good!

[He can be heard shuffling in the bed awkwardly, speaking up when he hears the phone put down.]

... hello...?

... o-oh! uh... y-yeah. very safe. nowhere in the multiverse could possibly be safer...

... oh, of course i'm-! ... ... ...

[More awkward shuffling can be heard.]

... uh... it is a bit boring, and i'm not really sure how long i've been in here, but... i'm... as happy as i can be, i suppose...

That's- that's great.

*ford takes another deep breath, but it sounds very shaky and uneven*

Billy, I- I want to apologize to you. I-I had no idea he would stay, and I... I never meant to make you feel unsafe in my home.

. . .

[He shuffles again.]

... it's okay. i... he would have found me anyways... he can show up anywhere, anytime, and i... if he was there once, he can show up again later... i'm sure of it... i just...

. . .

... i'm gonna miss what it was like, but... i guess it was never as safe as i thought... it's not your fault, though. it's... him...

. . .

... you sound... sad...

*ford pauses, then sighs shakily*

I am, Billy. I thought this place could help children like you, but so far, all I've done is welcome a dangerous monster in and scare you off...

*he trails off, and his voice grows hoarse and quiet*

Perhaps this children's home was a bad idea after all...

... ... ... i...

[He's silent for a while, though no shuffling can be heard.]

... it's... it's okay... he... he might not attack anyone else? and... it was really nice before... almost like home again...

... ... ... i ruined it again, didn't i...

... uhhh... i don't blame you, dadguy. he... he tricked me too...

*ford goes silent for a very long time, so long it almost seems like he might have accidentally hung up or something. he finally speaks, his voice heavy with emotion*

I'm sorry it can't be home anymore, Billy. Liam... All of us miss you dearly.

*ford lets out a soft, broken chuckle*

Even Muffin, surprisingly.

*he pauses, but its not as sad of a pause as the previous ones*

If you'd like to visit the Mystery Shack, you will be more than welcome. It's far enough from the children's home that I don't think Nester will ever see you, and my brother wouldn't dream of letting him near. If you do decide to visit... let me know so I can tell Liam.

[He can be heard flopping on the bed before Ford speaks again- at which point he stays silent, listening intently.]

... that... sounds nice... but... i don't know if i can even leave this room... would the guards let me out? would they let me back in? do i ask for permission? will "drunky" ever show up again so that i have the chance to ask...? ... and how would i find my way to the mystery shack...? and then... how would i get back here if something goes wrong...? ... ... ... uh... b-but if i do, i'll... i'll give you a call, yeah...

... ... ... really wish i had something to do in here...

Hm...

*ford is grateful to have a logical problem that doesnt much involve his feelings*

So that's who you're staying with, huh? Well, I suppose if I see him anytime, I could talk to him about it.

... that sounds good... i'd like that... if you could do that, that would be great! ... m-maybe also ask if he could put some toys in here or something? i don't have anything to bite... or play with...

I will, Billy.

*he pauses*

...What would you like Liam to name the turkey? He refuses to consider anything without your input.

[He's silent for a while.]

... georgie. the slayer of kings and keeper of secrets.

*ford laughs, and this time its genuine*

I'll let him know. I think he'll like the name. Both Liam and the turkey, I mean.

[He giggles a bit.]

... i hope so... but i guess if georgie doesn't like it, he'd keep it secret too! hehehe... i really hope liam likes it, though...

. . .

... ... ... you know what sucks? i haven't slept since... siiince... the last time i was asleep back there. i keep trying and it just doesn't work anymore...

Hm. Well, I...

*ford hums thoughtfully*

I'm not quite sure why that is. I don't know that I have much advice for you on that.

*he pauses*

Perhaps it's because you felt so welcome here.

... aw... i hope that's not why... but... i dunno... i try just staring at the ceiling but all i can think about is him... everything that he did... and whenever i manage to get my brain to shut up about it, i still can't sleep, b-because i keep randomly thinking about other stuff instead, and... yeah, it's better, but it isn't sleep! like... like my parents, or drawing, or... bah...

. . .

... ... ... anyways... uhhh... i'm... i'm pretty sure i don't need it, so it's fine.

Whether you actually need it or not, you've grown used to sleeping, no? Your body and mind have grown accustomed to that sleep and they may not react well without it.

*ford pauses, and his voice softens*

When I was a child and had a hard time falling asleep, whether because I was worried about something that scared me or I just couldn't stop thinking about something I enjoyed, I liked to talk to my brother. Talking to him always helped to calm my mind. He always said the most ridiculous things that made me laugh hard enough to exhaust me.

*he chuckles just thinking about it*

If you'd like, I can have Liam call you. He's... I believe he's out Christmas shopping with Edwin, so I can't have him just take my phone to talk right now. But as soon as he gets home, if you'd like to talk to him, I'll have him do that.

Billy? May I… speak to you?

-@papafords-childrenshome

as long as it stays through the phone. i've got guards now! :)

Ah.

*theres silence for what feels like a long time. when ford speaks again, its a little muffled*

I suppose it's too late to ask you to come back, then. I...

*he falls silent for a short moment and speaks uncertainly*

I... hope you feel safer wherever you are. I'm sorry i couldn't provide that safety...

yeah! i'm wayyy safer now. no way for jerkface to find me in here... i am a bit worried though... they let somebody else in here a bit ago and... ... ... no, no, it has to be fine, it has to... uh... anyways, i've got a bed in here, and some little fruits, annnd a wine making setup thingy, so i've got everything i could ever need!

[He pauses.]

... i do miss you, though. and liam. and edwin... even muffin... but... it's safer this way... i just hope jerkface doesn't try to hurt you guys...

. . .

... oh no... the turkey... y-you didn't kick out the turkey, right...?

*theres another long stretch of silence, before ford clears his throat and attempts a light-hearted chuckle*

N-no, of course not. Liam would be furious if I did. He's... he's already upset enough...

*ford must be having a hard time thinking of things to say, because hes fallen silent once more. theres a strange muffled sound from fords end of the call, and the sound of the phone being put down. after another moment of silence thats only broken by that weird muffled noise, ford audibly takes a deep breath and chuckles forcefully*

I'm glad you're safe, Billy. Uh, I... I hope you're happy where you are.

oh, that's good!

[He can be heard shuffling in the bed awkwardly, speaking up when he hears the phone put down.]

... hello...?

... o-oh! uh... y-yeah. very safe. nowhere in the multiverse could possibly be safer...

... oh, of course i'm-! ... ... ...

[More awkward shuffling can be heard.]

... uh... it is a bit boring, and i'm not really sure how long i've been in here, but... i'm... as happy as i can be, i suppose...

That's- that's great.

*ford takes another deep breath, but it sounds very shaky and uneven*

Billy, I- I want to apologize to you. I-I had no idea he would stay, and I... I never meant to make you feel unsafe in my home.

. . .

[He shuffles again.]

... it's okay. i... he would have found me anyways... he can show up anywhere, anytime, and i... if he was there once, he can show up again later... i'm sure of it... i just...

. . .

... i'm gonna miss what it was like, but... i guess it was never as safe as i thought... it's not your fault, though. it's... him...

. . .

... you sound... sad...

*ford pauses, then sighs shakily*

I am, Billy. I thought this place could help children like you, but so far, all I've done is welcome a dangerous monster in and scare you off...

*he trails off, and his voice grows hoarse and quiet*

Perhaps this children's home was a bad idea after all...

... ... ... i...

[He's silent for a while, though no shuffling can be heard.]

... it's... it's okay... he... he might not attack anyone else? and... it was really nice before... almost like home again...

... ... ... i ruined it again, didn't i...

... uhhh... i don't blame you, dadguy. he... he tricked me too...

*ford goes silent for a very long time, so long it almost seems like he might have accidentally hung up or something. he finally speaks, his voice heavy with emotion*

I'm sorry it can't be home anymore, Billy. Liam... All of us miss you dearly.

*ford lets out a soft, broken chuckle*

Even Muffin, surprisingly.

*he pauses, but its not as sad of a pause as the previous ones*

If you'd like to visit the Mystery Shack, you will be more than welcome. It's far enough from the children's home that I don't think Nester will ever see you, and my brother wouldn't dream of letting him near. If you do decide to visit... let me know so I can tell Liam.

[He can be heard flopping on the bed before Ford speaks again- at which point he stays silent, listening intently.]

... that... sounds nice... but... i don't know if i can even leave this room... would the guards let me out? would they let me back in? do i ask for permission? will "drunky" ever show up again so that i have the chance to ask...? ... and how would i find my way to the mystery shack...? and then... how would i get back here if something goes wrong...? ... ... ... uh... b-but if i do, i'll... i'll give you a call, yeah...

... ... ... really wish i had something to do in here...

Hm...

*ford is grateful to have a logical problem that doesnt much involve his feelings*

So that's who you're staying with, huh? Well, I suppose if I see him anytime, I could talk to him about it.

... that sounds good... i'd like that... if you could do that, that would be great! ... m-maybe also ask if he could put some toys in here or something? i don't have anything to bite... or play with...

I will, Billy.

*he pauses*

...What would you like Liam to name the turkey? He refuses to consider anything without your input.

[He's silent for a while.]

... georgie. the slayer of kings and keeper of secrets.

*ford laughs, and this time its genuine*

I'll let him know. I think he'll like the name. Both Liam and the turkey, I mean.

[He giggles a bit.]

... i hope so... but i guess if georgie doesn't like it, he'd keep it secret too! hehehe... i really hope liam likes it, though...

. . .

... ... ... you know what sucks? i haven't slept since... siiince... the last time i was asleep back there. i keep trying and it just doesn't work anymore...

Hm. Well, I...

*ford hums thoughtfully*

I'm not quite sure why that is. I don't know that I have much advice for you on that.

*he pauses*

Perhaps it's because you felt so welcome here.

Billy? May I… speak to you?

-@papafords-childrenshome

as long as it stays through the phone. i've got guards now! :)

Ah.

*theres silence for what feels like a long time. when ford speaks again, its a little muffled*

I suppose it's too late to ask you to come back, then. I...

*he falls silent for a short moment and speaks uncertainly*

I... hope you feel safer wherever you are. I'm sorry i couldn't provide that safety...

yeah! i'm wayyy safer now. no way for jerkface to find me in here... i am a bit worried though... they let somebody else in here a bit ago and... ... ... no, no, it has to be fine, it has to... uh... anyways, i've got a bed in here, and some little fruits, annnd a wine making setup thingy, so i've got everything i could ever need!

[He pauses.]

... i do miss you, though. and liam. and edwin... even muffin... but... it's safer this way... i just hope jerkface doesn't try to hurt you guys...

. . .

... oh no... the turkey... y-you didn't kick out the turkey, right...?

*theres another long stretch of silence, before ford clears his throat and attempts a light-hearted chuckle*

N-no, of course not. Liam would be furious if I did. He's... he's already upset enough...

*ford must be having a hard time thinking of things to say, because hes fallen silent once more. theres a strange muffled sound from fords end of the call, and the sound of the phone being put down. after another moment of silence thats only broken by that weird muffled noise, ford audibly takes a deep breath and chuckles forcefully*

I'm glad you're safe, Billy. Uh, I... I hope you're happy where you are.

oh, that's good!

[He can be heard shuffling in the bed awkwardly, speaking up when he hears the phone put down.]

... hello...?

... o-oh! uh... y-yeah. very safe. nowhere in the multiverse could possibly be safer...

... oh, of course i'm-! ... ... ...

[More awkward shuffling can be heard.]

... uh... it is a bit boring, and i'm not really sure how long i've been in here, but... i'm... as happy as i can be, i suppose...

That's- that's great.

*ford takes another deep breath, but it sounds very shaky and uneven*

Billy, I- I want to apologize to you. I-I had no idea he would stay, and I... I never meant to make you feel unsafe in my home.

. . .

[He shuffles again.]

... it's okay. i... he would have found me anyways... he can show up anywhere, anytime, and i... if he was there once, he can show up again later... i'm sure of it... i just...

. . .

... i'm gonna miss what it was like, but... i guess it was never as safe as i thought... it's not your fault, though. it's... him...

. . .

... you sound... sad...

*ford pauses, then sighs shakily*

I am, Billy. I thought this place could help children like you, but so far, all I've done is welcome a dangerous monster in and scare you off...

*he trails off, and his voice grows hoarse and quiet*

Perhaps this children's home was a bad idea after all...

... ... ... i...

[He's silent for a while, though no shuffling can be heard.]

... it's... it's okay... he... he might not attack anyone else? and... it was really nice before... almost like home again...

... ... ... i ruined it again, didn't i...

... uhhh... i don't blame you, dadguy. he... he tricked me too...

*ford goes silent for a very long time, so long it almost seems like he might have accidentally hung up or something. he finally speaks, his voice heavy with emotion*

I'm sorry it can't be home anymore, Billy. Liam... All of us miss you dearly.

*ford lets out a soft, broken chuckle*

Even Muffin, surprisingly.

*he pauses, but its not as sad of a pause as the previous ones*

If you'd like to visit the Mystery Shack, you will be more than welcome. It's far enough from the children's home that I don't think Nester will ever see you, and my brother wouldn't dream of letting him near. If you do decide to visit... let me know so I can tell Liam.

[He can be heard flopping on the bed before Ford speaks again- at which point he stays silent, listening intently.]

... that... sounds nice... but... i don't know if i can even leave this room... would the guards let me out? would they let me back in? do i ask for permission? will "drunky" ever show up again so that i have the chance to ask...? ... and how would i find my way to the mystery shack...? and then... how would i get back here if something goes wrong...? ... ... ... uh... b-but if i do, i'll... i'll give you a call, yeah...

... ... ... really wish i had something to do in here...

Hm...

*ford is grateful to have a logical problem that doesnt much involve his feelings*

So that's who you're staying with, huh? Well, I suppose if I see him anytime, I could talk to him about it.

... that sounds good... i'd like that... if you could do that, that would be great! ... m-maybe also ask if he could put some toys in here or something? i don't have anything to bite... or play with...

I will, Billy.

*he pauses*

...What would you like Liam to name the turkey? He refuses to consider anything without your input.

[He's silent for a while.]

... georgie. the slayer of kings and keeper of secrets.

*ford laughs, and this time its genuine*

I'll let him know. I think he'll like the name. Both Liam and the turkey, I mean.

Billy? May I… speak to you?

-@papafords-childrenshome

as long as it stays through the phone. i've got guards now! :)

Ah.

*theres silence for what feels like a long time. when ford speaks again, its a little muffled*

I suppose it's too late to ask you to come back, then. I...

*he falls silent for a short moment and speaks uncertainly*

I... hope you feel safer wherever you are. I'm sorry i couldn't provide that safety...

yeah! i'm wayyy safer now. no way for jerkface to find me in here... i am a bit worried though... they let somebody else in here a bit ago and... ... ... no, no, it has to be fine, it has to... uh... anyways, i've got a bed in here, and some little fruits, annnd a wine making setup thingy, so i've got everything i could ever need!

[He pauses.]

... i do miss you, though. and liam. and edwin... even muffin... but... it's safer this way... i just hope jerkface doesn't try to hurt you guys...

. . .

... oh no... the turkey... y-you didn't kick out the turkey, right...?

*theres another long stretch of silence, before ford clears his throat and attempts a light-hearted chuckle*

N-no, of course not. Liam would be furious if I did. He's... he's already upset enough...

*ford must be having a hard time thinking of things to say, because hes fallen silent once more. theres a strange muffled sound from fords end of the call, and the sound of the phone being put down. after another moment of silence thats only broken by that weird muffled noise, ford audibly takes a deep breath and chuckles forcefully*

I'm glad you're safe, Billy. Uh, I... I hope you're happy where you are.

oh, that's good!

[He can be heard shuffling in the bed awkwardly, speaking up when he hears the phone put down.]

... hello...?

... o-oh! uh... y-yeah. very safe. nowhere in the multiverse could possibly be safer...

... oh, of course i'm-! ... ... ...

[More awkward shuffling can be heard.]

... uh... it is a bit boring, and i'm not really sure how long i've been in here, but... i'm... as happy as i can be, i suppose...

That's- that's great.

*ford takes another deep breath, but it sounds very shaky and uneven*

Billy, I- I want to apologize to you. I-I had no idea he would stay, and I... I never meant to make you feel unsafe in my home.

. . .

[He shuffles again.]

... it's okay. i... he would have found me anyways... he can show up anywhere, anytime, and i... if he was there once, he can show up again later... i'm sure of it... i just...

. . .

... i'm gonna miss what it was like, but... i guess it was never as safe as i thought... it's not your fault, though. it's... him...

. . .

... you sound... sad...

*ford pauses, then sighs shakily*

I am, Billy. I thought this place could help children like you, but so far, all I've done is welcome a dangerous monster in and scare you off...

*he trails off, and his voice grows hoarse and quiet*

Perhaps this children's home was a bad idea after all...

... ... ... i...

[He's silent for a while, though no shuffling can be heard.]

... it's... it's okay... he... he might not attack anyone else? and... it was really nice before... almost like home again...

... ... ... i ruined it again, didn't i...

... uhhh... i don't blame you, dadguy. he... he tricked me too...

*ford goes silent for a very long time, so long it almost seems like he might have accidentally hung up or something. he finally speaks, his voice heavy with emotion*

I'm sorry it can't be home anymore, Billy. Liam... All of us miss you dearly.

*ford lets out a soft, broken chuckle*

Even Muffin, surprisingly.

*he pauses, but its not as sad of a pause as the previous ones*

If you'd like to visit the Mystery Shack, you will be more than welcome. It's far enough from the children's home that I don't think Nester will ever see you, and my brother wouldn't dream of letting him near. If you do decide to visit... let me know so I can tell Liam.

[He can be heard flopping on the bed before Ford speaks again- at which point he stays silent, listening intently.]

... that... sounds nice... but... i don't know if i can even leave this room... would the guards let me out? would they let me back in? do i ask for permission? will "drunky" ever show up again so that i have the chance to ask...? ... and how would i find my way to the mystery shack...? and then... how would i get back here if something goes wrong...? ... ... ... uh... b-but if i do, i'll... i'll give you a call, yeah...

... ... ... really wish i had something to do in here...

Hm...

*ford is grateful to have a logical problem that doesnt much involve his feelings*

So that's who you're staying with, huh? Well, I suppose if I see him anytime, I could talk to him about it.

... that sounds good... i'd like that... if you could do that, that would be great! ... m-maybe also ask if he could put some toys in here or something? i don't have anything to bite... or play with...

I will, Billy.

*he pauses*

...What would you like Liam to name the turkey? He refuses to consider anything without your input.

Billy? May I… speak to you?

-@papafords-childrenshome

as long as it stays through the phone. i've got guards now! :)

Ah.

*theres silence for what feels like a long time. when ford speaks again, its a little muffled*

I suppose it's too late to ask you to come back, then. I...

*he falls silent for a short moment and speaks uncertainly*

I... hope you feel safer wherever you are. I'm sorry i couldn't provide that safety...

yeah! i'm wayyy safer now. no way for jerkface to find me in here... i am a bit worried though... they let somebody else in here a bit ago and... ... ... no, no, it has to be fine, it has to... uh... anyways, i've got a bed in here, and some little fruits, annnd a wine making setup thingy, so i've got everything i could ever need!

[He pauses.]

... i do miss you, though. and liam. and edwin... even muffin... but... it's safer this way... i just hope jerkface doesn't try to hurt you guys...

. . .

... oh no... the turkey... y-you didn't kick out the turkey, right...?

*theres another long stretch of silence, before ford clears his throat and attempts a light-hearted chuckle*

N-no, of course not. Liam would be furious if I did. He's... he's already upset enough...

*ford must be having a hard time thinking of things to say, because hes fallen silent once more. theres a strange muffled sound from fords end of the call, and the sound of the phone being put down. after another moment of silence thats only broken by that weird muffled noise, ford audibly takes a deep breath and chuckles forcefully*

I'm glad you're safe, Billy. Uh, I... I hope you're happy where you are.

oh, that's good!

[He can be heard shuffling in the bed awkwardly, speaking up when he hears the phone put down.]

... hello...?

... o-oh! uh... y-yeah. very safe. nowhere in the multiverse could possibly be safer...

... oh, of course i'm-! ... ... ...

[More awkward shuffling can be heard.]

... uh... it is a bit boring, and i'm not really sure how long i've been in here, but... i'm... as happy as i can be, i suppose...

That's- that's great.

*ford takes another deep breath, but it sounds very shaky and uneven*

Billy, I- I want to apologize to you. I-I had no idea he would stay, and I... I never meant to make you feel unsafe in my home.

. . .

[He shuffles again.]

... it's okay. i... he would have found me anyways... he can show up anywhere, anytime, and i... if he was there once, he can show up again later... i'm sure of it... i just...

. . .

... i'm gonna miss what it was like, but... i guess it was never as safe as i thought... it's not your fault, though. it's... him...

. . .

... you sound... sad...

*ford pauses, then sighs shakily*

I am, Billy. I thought this place could help children like you, but so far, all I've done is welcome a dangerous monster in and scare you off...

*he trails off, and his voice grows hoarse and quiet*

Perhaps this children's home was a bad idea after all...

... ... ... i...

[He's silent for a while, though no shuffling can be heard.]

... it's... it's okay... he... he might not attack anyone else? and... it was really nice before... almost like home again...

... ... ... i ruined it again, didn't i...

... uhhh... i don't blame you, dadguy. he... he tricked me too...

*ford goes silent for a very long time, so long it almost seems like he might have accidentally hung up or something. he finally speaks, his voice heavy with emotion*

I'm sorry it can't be home anymore, Billy. Liam... All of us miss you dearly.

*ford lets out a soft, broken chuckle*

Even Muffin, surprisingly.

*he pauses, but its not as sad of a pause as the previous ones*

If you'd like to visit the Mystery Shack, you will be more than welcome. It's far enough from the children's home that I don't think Nester will ever see you, and my brother wouldn't dream of letting him near. If you do decide to visit... let me know so I can tell Liam.

[He can be heard flopping on the bed before Ford speaks again- at which point he stays silent, listening intently.]

... that... sounds nice... but... i don't know if i can even leave this room... would the guards let me out? would they let me back in? do i ask for permission? will "drunky" ever show up again so that i have the chance to ask...? ... and how would i find my way to the mystery shack...? and then... how would i get back here if something goes wrong...? ... ... ... uh... b-but if i do, i'll... i'll give you a call, yeah...

... ... ... really wish i had something to do in here...

Hm...

*ford is grateful to have a logical problem that doesnt much involve his feelings*

So that's who you're staying with, huh? Well, I suppose if I see him anytime, I could talk to him about it.

Billy? May I… speak to you?

-@papafords-childrenshome

as long as it stays through the phone. i've got guards now! :)

Ah.

*theres silence for what feels like a long time. when ford speaks again, its a little muffled*

I suppose it's too late to ask you to come back, then. I...

*he falls silent for a short moment and speaks uncertainly*

I... hope you feel safer wherever you are. I'm sorry i couldn't provide that safety...

yeah! i'm wayyy safer now. no way for jerkface to find me in here... i am a bit worried though... they let somebody else in here a bit ago and... ... ... no, no, it has to be fine, it has to... uh... anyways, i've got a bed in here, and some little fruits, annnd a wine making setup thingy, so i've got everything i could ever need!

[He pauses.]

... i do miss you, though. and liam. and edwin... even muffin... but... it's safer this way... i just hope jerkface doesn't try to hurt you guys...

. . .

... oh no... the turkey... y-you didn't kick out the turkey, right...?

*theres another long stretch of silence, before ford clears his throat and attempts a light-hearted chuckle*

N-no, of course not. Liam would be furious if I did. He's... he's already upset enough...

*ford must be having a hard time thinking of things to say, because hes fallen silent once more. theres a strange muffled sound from fords end of the call, and the sound of the phone being put down. after another moment of silence thats only broken by that weird muffled noise, ford audibly takes a deep breath and chuckles forcefully*

I'm glad you're safe, Billy. Uh, I... I hope you're happy where you are.

oh, that's good!

[He can be heard shuffling in the bed awkwardly, speaking up when he hears the phone put down.]

... hello...?

... o-oh! uh... y-yeah. very safe. nowhere in the multiverse could possibly be safer...

... oh, of course i'm-! ... ... ...

[More awkward shuffling can be heard.]

... uh... it is a bit boring, and i'm not really sure how long i've been in here, but... i'm... as happy as i can be, i suppose...

That's- that's great.

*ford takes another deep breath, but it sounds very shaky and uneven*

Billy, I- I want to apologize to you. I-I had no idea he would stay, and I... I never meant to make you feel unsafe in my home.

. . .

[He shuffles again.]

... it's okay. i... he would have found me anyways... he can show up anywhere, anytime, and i... if he was there once, he can show up again later... i'm sure of it... i just...

. . .

... i'm gonna miss what it was like, but... i guess it was never as safe as i thought... it's not your fault, though. it's... him...

. . .

... you sound... sad...

*ford pauses, then sighs shakily*

I am, Billy. I thought this place could help children like you, but so far, all I've done is welcome a dangerous monster in and scare you off...

*he trails off, and his voice grows hoarse and quiet*

Perhaps this children's home was a bad idea after all...

... ... ... i...

[He's silent for a while, though no shuffling can be heard.]

... it's... it's okay... he... he might not attack anyone else? and... it was really nice before... almost like home again...

... ... ... i ruined it again, didn't i...

... uhhh... i don't blame you, dadguy. he... he tricked me too...

*ford goes silent for a very long time, so long it almost seems like he might have accidentally hung up or something. he finally speaks, his voice heavy with emotion*

I'm sorry it can't be home anymore, Billy. Liam... All of us miss you dearly.

*ford lets out a soft, broken chuckle*

Even Muffin, surprisingly.

*he pauses, but its not as sad of a pause as the previous ones*

If you'd like to visit the Mystery Shack, you will be more than welcome. It's far enough from the children's home that I don't think Nester will ever see you, and my brother wouldn't dream of letting him near. If you do decide to visit... let me know so I can tell Liam.