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@spiritofaperture
Greetings.
Hello to the Internet I made this blog to pre-occupy myself, as I have nothing to to in the place I am in so, I may as well lay down some rules to this blog. Any form of Discrimination (Racism, Homophobia, Transphobia, etc.) will not be tolerated on this blog No Proshippers No Zoophiles I am aware of the actions of those type of people and it disgusts me.
(Gray couldn’t take it anymore.
Maverick surely hated him. And everybody just wouldn’t stop bothering him. All he wanted was to be alone and deal with this himself, but he was met with person after person trying to talk to him. And at a time when Maverick hadn’t been giving him any attention, as opposed to everyone else’s behavior… it was too much.
He curled up in the bed and started sobbing.)
(Ghosta had been walking around old Aperture as usual, they heard the sobs coming from Grey's room, they hesitated to approach, but upon recognizing his voice they gently knock on the door)
...Hello? Gray? Are you.. alright?
(Their voice was as quiet as ever.)
(Gray was about to protest, but he recognized that voice from a while ago.
Ghosta. The one singular person who actually understood him, somewhat.)
…y-yes… I’m… fine…
(Ghosta is silent for a moment)
...you don't sound fine, gray I can hear your sobbing..
I-I SAID I’m-
(Gray immediately realized he was about to yell, and he himself didn’t want to be yelled at (it was definitely nothing to do with Maverick having trauma involving yelling), so he nervously stopped himself.
…He ruined everything again, didn’t he.)
…I- I-I’m… sorry…
Hey- Hey- it's alright.
(Ghosta paused, not sure how to approach the situation next)
...you must be dealing with a lot..huh?
…
S… sort… of…
(If Ghosta was lucky, Gray might actually let someone into his room for once…)
I'd uh..I'd offer up a hug.. but I'm not sure If..I'd provide any warmth..what I can offer is..well comfort, is..that alright?
(Ghosta was basically asking if Gray wanted a hug, they knew in situations like this, a person or in this case, a phantom needs comfort)
(Gray's voice became noticeably shakier, as if just the thought was making him even more emotional. He didn't know Ghosta all that well, sure, but words from anyone he trusted would be perfect right now.)
...P-please...
Can I..come on in?
(Ghosta asked, trying to Gauge if Gray was comfortable with people In his room)
(Ghosta was lucky.)
…o-okay…
(There was a sound of clicking and clanking from the other side of the door. This went on for about 30 seconds, before a sound like something hitting a bed was heard, followed by a blanket-like one.)
(Ghosta slowly entered the room looking for Gray)
Where- oh..
(Assuming Ghosta spotted Gray on the bed they sat beside him)
(Gray felt the bed bounce, but didn’t respond. He was trembling quite a lot, with his back turned to Ghosta. He didn’t know whether he wanted them to say something, or for them to just stay quiet and have the two of them sit in silence. The latter would be awkward, but the former meant Gray would have to reply to something, neither of which he wanted at all whatsoever. Although, he’d admit that the former was slightly more tolerable, as he craved affirmation that his boyfriend DIDN’T hate him. But who was Ghosta to say that? Maverick didn’t really talk to many people outside of he and Glados, and Ghosta seemed to be in a similar boat as Gray most of the time, so the chances of them actually knowing each other personally were extremely low. It would just be empty words of comfort. Still, though…)
(Ghosta sat in silence for a moment, thinking of what to do in order to comfort gray in this situation)
. . .
(They hesitantly put a hand on his shoulder, not sure if he needed physical contact)
I think you'll be ok.
(they spoke softly)
(Gray had not accounted for the physical contact part. However, Ghosta’s cold, dead hand just wasn’t the same as a, well, alive hand - at least, that was Gray’s stance for now. Rather than flinching, he just sighed shakily, and turned over slightly, but not enough to fully look at Ghosta.)
How do y-you know…?
(Gray wasn’t trying to be sarcastic, or passive-aggressive. He was asking a genuine question. Best case scenario, Ghosta actually managed to talk to Maverick somehow. Worst case scenario, Ghosta was lying. Absolute worst case scenario, Maverick had told Ghosta that it hates him, and Ghosta was lying to him about what really happened.
He didn’t want to think about that last thing.)
That's the thing, I don't know gray, I'm just... (Ghosta paused)
I hate seeing you upset, so..please, let me say this things may look bleak right now...I don't know what's going on..but I think you'll be ok... I hope.
…
(Ghosta… hated seeing him upset?
They’d only known each other for so long, and barely talked. What was Ghosta doing caring about him so much? Did Ghosta like him or something? No, that was impossible. Was Ghosta just… caring about him because they genuinely wanted to be his friend…? But… why? What was so appealing about Gray, if not even the love of his life could stay with him for long?
Gray started shaking a bit more as these thoughts overwhelmed him. He instinctively took Ghosta’s hand with both is his, just for some form of further comfort. If Ghosta wasn’t confident in the idea of hugging, then this was the best he could do.)
(Ghosta could feel Gray shake, they did actually want to be his friend, they just don't know how to express it.) Hey..shh... (They held grays hands with their other hand, trying to soothe him, even though they know they have the body temperature of a corpse) I care about you.
(He couldn’t understand why exactly he was doing this hand-holding thing.
His mind flashed back to the times he would get upset around Maverick, and they would do this to help comfort Gray. Logically, this should only be bringing back now-painful memories - yet, as Ghosta held his hands, he felt an odd sense of… relief? He should be upset, yet some instinct made this comforting for him.
But he still couldn’t pinpoint why they were doing this. So he asked, even though his voice was wavering more and more and his ring was threatening to do the gross dripping.)
W-why…? Why do you… c-care about me… what d-did I do…
(He had to earn the approval of others, not randomly just gain it. And he was very bad at earning approval… was Ghosta in their right mind…?)
Because you're the only other person here in Aperture I seem to have many things in common with, The only other person I can seem to connect with that isn't from some...other universe for once, and- you're actually so nice...you didn't talk to me out of Pity or just because I was in a terrible emotional state, I was just..Standing there and you You make me feel like a person, gray, basically and I wanted to give that same feeling to you (Ghosta explained)
(It was just because Gray was nice…?
How? That one time when they first met, that was just him being blindly hopeful that he had found another phantom. If anything, Ghosta was the nice one for actually answering his questions.
Yet, it made him trust Ghosta even more.
He started shaking even harder, but this time, he suddenly crawled into Ghosta’s arms, clinging tighty onto them and sobbing.)
(Ghosta tensed up a bit, not expecting the sudden hug
Then they slowly wrapped Their arms around gray, holding him gently as to not squeeze him, they rub circles into his back to comfort him in a way
They didn't say anything in that moment, because they didn't know what to say
But they did know that gray needed comfort)
(This reminded Gray of those times with Maverick so badly that he should have been hating this, yet he found himself oddly comforted by it. The touch was soothing, and Ghosta's cold skin wasn't much of a problem at the moment, since Gray was already wrapped up in around 10 heavy blankets.
Despite all logic, he found himself calming down a tiny bit, and leaning into the hug. Deep down, he felt guilty, as if he shouldn't be doing this when his boyfriend was gone.
And yet, he needed the comfort.)
I got you...I'm here.
(Ghosta mumbled reassuringly as they continue to hug gray, they wanted to help him calm down at Least
They don't know what Gray is going through yet they're here.)
(Once Gray calmed down, he slowly pulled away from Ghosta, not wanting to make this go on any longer in case they felt uncomfortable.)
S-sorry if that was... w-weird... I just...
(He sighed, and grabbed the small penguin plushie that had been next to him, holding it gently - seemingly for some sort of further comfort.)
No.. it's alright I understand, you're upset, I don't know why but..That wasn't weird at all
(Ghosta continues to keep their voice mumbled, they really didn't want to seem loud, or obnoxious)
No- no, it… it was. You don’t just… hug someone you barely know…
(He remembered the times when he would hug Grady and everything, completely uncalled for. God, that must have made him even creepier… it’s a miracle that Maverick even tolerated it.)
I just… (sigh) I’m… sorry for d-dragging you into all of this, Ghosta…
(He was now sitting up, toying with the plushie’s wings.)
It’s just that, lately… no, n-nevermind…
(Ghosta is confused by Gray's hesitation to open up)
Hey...you don't have to tell me what's going on, but..it'd help me understand why you seem so upset..is that ok?
…
(Lucky for Ghosta, Gray was much better at opening up than his blue-eyed counterpart.)
…O-okay…
(He took a deep breath, and held the plushie close to him. He didn’t look at Ghosta once.)
It’s… kind of a, um, s-silly reason to be so worked up, h-heh… but…
…my boyfriend hasn’t been… paying me much attention lately, and I… I was worried I upset him in some way, o-or did something… horrifically wrong…
(He stopped talking at that. There was a faint unsteadiness to his ring, one that seemed to particularly grivitate downward…)
(Ghosta could feel a feeling they haven't felt in a while...
They know gray wouldn't want them to go after maverick
But they can't help being.. slightly enraged by this, not at Gray but at Maverick)
That's not a Silly reason at all.
(they start)
Sure..He may be busy but I don't think that means he's mad at you, maybe he's just swamped with work.. whatever work what used to be a Disembodied voice would have anyway
(Their anger showed a bit)
H-hey! He does a lot of work!
(Gray usually wouldn't mean to get mad, but something about Maverick being even a little bit insulted made him feel, well... pretty angry. Even if Maverick wasn't even here right now, and he would never know about this conversation.)
Sitting there all day and talking... reading from a script- W-what if he messes it up? Everyone in the facility would hear...! There's a... a lot of p-pressure he has to go through, you... you know...
(His voice got quieter as he suddenly realized that he... really didn't know much about what Maverick actually did besides talking. But he did work hard! Probably...!)
(Ghosta realizes what they said may have been offensive to Gray, and Maverick
They were much less sorry about offending Maverick)
Ok, yes He does that, but even then there's not much to announce! So there's not many chances to mess up, not to mention he HAS made time for you before I just-
(Ghosta cleared their non-existent throat and they return to mumbling after realizing how annoying and entitled they must sound)
.. Apologies.
Nono, it's fine, it's just... It- It must be cleaning or something! Yes! He must be... cleaning...
(He looked down as he had a crushing realization.)
...Oh, god... h-he really does h-hate me... doesn't he...
No...nonono! I don't think he hates you..!
(Ghosta started)
I don't know how..erm relationships work, But..I'm pretty sure a lover not giving the other that much attention because of work is not automatically Hatred..
But how do we know it's because of work...? I-I'll admit, I... don't actually know what he does aside from, er, talking...
(He started gently petting the plushie. He considered it a miracle that Ghosts hadn't commented on it, given how childish having something like this with him was.)
...Maybe he could start a radio show...?
Radio sort of..died down after the Great Depression, I think you're referring to it's sort of.. modern day Equivalent, a podcast.
It's not one I'd listen to, but I'm sure you'd love it
(Ghosta teased, trying to lighten up the mood)
That's an adorable plushie, by the way.
Heh, I probably would... Ooh, maybe he can even have me on it- A-actually, maybe not...
Oh, th-thank you... I-I actually gave this to Maverick a while back, he said he'd love it as much as he loves me... ehe... I-I'm just... taking care of it.
(He definitely did not steal that from Mav's room so he had some comfort.)
Well that's sweet of you to do..
So Maverick may not be here with you..but you have the plushie you gave him..you have at least something that you remember him by..
I wouldn't know.
I suppose...
Y-you know, I was actually supposed to, er, move in with him shortly before this... but... that never quite came to be, heh...
Oh..
(Ghosta thought over their next words for a moment)
...that's a bit..rude, of him...
(they clear their throat again)
I'm sure it'll happen soon though, have hope, gray.
I-I don't think he's rude, he just needs time to get everything ready...
(He motions to the uncountable blankets on the bed.)
It must take, um q-quite a bit of time, heh...
(Ghosta sighs)
..I can imagine, I mean..moving from down here to.. wherever you two are moving in together must be..a long process to say the least.
...Actually, he lives right next door.
What.
Yeah, he… well, neither of us had a place before, m-mostly because Maverick used to just be a, well… voice, but the entire point was for us to be neighbors!
(He seemed completely unaware of just how concerning this is.)
..us?
As in you and Maverick?
Yeah… I-it was actually how we had our first kiss, heh… we just got really close out of excitement, and… yeah… Neither of us really knew what is was, but it felt very… nice.
(His voice became softer, yet somewhat less distressed, as he recalled those happy times with Maverick. It was such a sweet memory… any memory of the two of them being romantic like that, he wanted to replay over and over.)
Oh, that's actually really sweet..glad to know you and Maverick have good memories to look back on.. despite your situation..
…y-yeah…
(Gray went quiet.
There was something that Gray didn’t want to admit. The way he had been wording the recent events was a bit… off. “Hasn’t been paying much attention to me” was an… understatement, to say the least. Gray just didn’t want to talk about the truth. Hell, he didn’t want to think about it. He’d prefer to live in this fantasy where Maverick had some care left for him, where he still received some love…)
(Ghosta didn't comment on Gray's Silence and stayed silent themself.)
(Eventually, he spoke.)
…Ghosta, do you… think he m-misses me…?
I do think he misses you.
What kind of partner would he be if he didn't..
(Ghosta replied)
Y-you're right...
A-again, I'm v-very sorry for dragging you into all this... relationship drama of mine... b-but could you maybe try talking to him when you get the chance...?
..I'm not too sure about talking to him, Last time me and him even interacted was when..gray wasn't having a good time at all
W- What??
(The way Ghosta was wording it, it sounded like Mav had been… rude to them? But that was impossible! Maverick had never been rude to Gray, why would he be rude to anyone else? He was perfect!)
W-what do you mean? What did he say…??
It's more of my fault, really.
The er..Central core was offline..it was in the middle of when Grady was... having issues, to put it lightly I bought up points of.. forgiving and Apologizing to Grady and Wheatley because the central core did cause their corruption, two Humans got involved at some point
I just happened to talk to Maverick at the time...back when he wasn't how he was now.
Oh, Grady…
(Ah yes, Grady. The reason for his excuse of an existence. The past victim of the most awful unrequited love to exist. The lover of his true self. He was never told what happened that day - all he knew was that Grady did something truly awful. He would ask Ghosta about it, but what really caught Gray’s attention was what they said about Maverick…)
W-what do you mean, “wasn’t how he was now”? Was he different? R-rude? Or… s-something else…?
Well for starters, he still had that uh- bloop sound effect after everytime he said something, I'm pretty sure he also wasn't... what was the term...? emotionally sentient. Also I had to say "Please hold" after saying what I had wanted to ask. That's what I remember.
…Oh…?
(Gray found that… strange. He remembered the blooping, but… no emotions? He was literally Maverick’s ex-boyfriend, how could it have no emotions?…
…Actually… he preferred not to think about that too much. Especially not in this state.)
I-I see… that’s… t-too bad… then…
(He started to shake again, his voice beginning to waver. He’d never know if Maverick hated him… and that was terrifying.)
(Ghosta immediately noticed his shaking)
..are you ok?
(Before he could say anything, Gray let out a pained sob. Eventually, after a few moments, he finally spoke in a soft, weak voice.)
…H-he promised… he s-said he’d n-never… l-leave me…
(From the looks of it, Gray was finally coming to terms with the “reality”(?) of the situation, and he wasn’t taking it very well.)
Gray..I don't think he's left you..if he did I'm sure he would've said something at least- or-
(Ghosta was trying to think rationally instead of leaving Gray to cuss out maverick)
If he left you without saying anything that would make him an absolute coward.
W-well...
(He wiped a nonexistent tear.)
O-oh, what if- what if h-he's hurt?? Oh no, that w-would- Oh, Ghosta, you really need- n-no, get someone else to check on h-him...
Oh now why would I need to go get someone else to check up on him Gray? I'm sure I'd be able to just fine..
(Ghosta is trying to hide their rage at Maverick so much by keeping a calm demeanor yet inside they absolutely SEETHING)
I'm sure he's fine though besides I don't think there's anything that dangerous with his Job.
He just speaks while reading off a script.
B-but didn't you say...
...HEY! Th-that's not ALL he does...! I- I think! I've seen him do it, Ghosta, it's not always a script... He makes things up on his own too! And they're very funny. To be clear.
(Offending Gray has somehow distracted him from the Horrors. Whatever works.)
(Ghosta took deep breaths to help themself calm down..)
Sorry if I offended you, Gray.
My anger got hold of me, you're right.. maybe it is best to send someone else to check on him.
(Gray couldn’t take it anymore.
Maverick surely hated him. And everybody just wouldn’t stop bothering him. All he wanted was to be alone and deal with this himself, but he was met with person after person trying to talk to him. And at a time when Maverick hadn’t been giving him any attention, as opposed to everyone else’s behavior… it was too much.
He curled up in the bed and started sobbing.)
(Ghosta had been walking around old Aperture as usual, they heard the sobs coming from Grey's room, they hesitated to approach, but upon recognizing his voice they gently knock on the door)
...Hello? Gray? Are you.. alright?
(Their voice was as quiet as ever.)
(Gray was about to protest, but he recognized that voice from a while ago.
Ghosta. The one singular person who actually understood him, somewhat.)
…y-yes… I’m… fine…
(Ghosta is silent for a moment)
...you don't sound fine, gray I can hear your sobbing..
I-I SAID I’m-
(Gray immediately realized he was about to yell, and he himself didn’t want to be yelled at (it was definitely nothing to do with Maverick having trauma involving yelling), so he nervously stopped himself.
…He ruined everything again, didn’t he.)
…I- I-I’m… sorry…
Hey- Hey- it's alright.
(Ghosta paused, not sure how to approach the situation next)
...you must be dealing with a lot..huh?
…
S… sort… of…
(If Ghosta was lucky, Gray might actually let someone into his room for once…)
I'd uh..I'd offer up a hug.. but I'm not sure If..I'd provide any warmth..what I can offer is..well comfort, is..that alright?
(Ghosta was basically asking if Gray wanted a hug, they knew in situations like this, a person or in this case, a phantom needs comfort)
(Gray's voice became noticeably shakier, as if just the thought was making him even more emotional. He didn't know Ghosta all that well, sure, but words from anyone he trusted would be perfect right now.)
...P-please...
Can I..come on in?
(Ghosta asked, trying to Gauge if Gray was comfortable with people In his room)
(Ghosta was lucky.)
…o-okay…
(There was a sound of clicking and clanking from the other side of the door. This went on for about 30 seconds, before a sound like something hitting a bed was heard, followed by a blanket-like one.)
(Ghosta slowly entered the room looking for Gray)
Where- oh..
(Assuming Ghosta spotted Gray on the bed they sat beside him)
(Gray felt the bed bounce, but didn’t respond. He was trembling quite a lot, with his back turned to Ghosta. He didn’t know whether he wanted them to say something, or for them to just stay quiet and have the two of them sit in silence. The latter would be awkward, but the former meant Gray would have to reply to something, neither of which he wanted at all whatsoever. Although, he’d admit that the former was slightly more tolerable, as he craved affirmation that his boyfriend DIDN’T hate him. But who was Ghosta to say that? Maverick didn’t really talk to many people outside of he and Glados, and Ghosta seemed to be in a similar boat as Gray most of the time, so the chances of them actually knowing each other personally were extremely low. It would just be empty words of comfort. Still, though…)
(Ghosta sat in silence for a moment, thinking of what to do in order to comfort gray in this situation)
. . .
(They hesitantly put a hand on his shoulder, not sure if he needed physical contact)
I think you'll be ok.
(they spoke softly)
(Gray had not accounted for the physical contact part. However, Ghosta’s cold, dead hand just wasn’t the same as a, well, alive hand - at least, that was Gray’s stance for now. Rather than flinching, he just sighed shakily, and turned over slightly, but not enough to fully look at Ghosta.)
How do y-you know…?
(Gray wasn’t trying to be sarcastic, or passive-aggressive. He was asking a genuine question. Best case scenario, Ghosta actually managed to talk to Maverick somehow. Worst case scenario, Ghosta was lying. Absolute worst case scenario, Maverick had told Ghosta that it hates him, and Ghosta was lying to him about what really happened.
He didn’t want to think about that last thing.)
That's the thing, I don't know gray, I'm just... (Ghosta paused)
I hate seeing you upset, so..please, let me say this things may look bleak right now...I don't know what's going on..but I think you'll be ok... I hope.
…
(Ghosta… hated seeing him upset?
They’d only known each other for so long, and barely talked. What was Ghosta doing caring about him so much? Did Ghosta like him or something? No, that was impossible. Was Ghosta just… caring about him because they genuinely wanted to be his friend…? But… why? What was so appealing about Gray, if not even the love of his life could stay with him for long?
Gray started shaking a bit more as these thoughts overwhelmed him. He instinctively took Ghosta’s hand with both is his, just for some form of further comfort. If Ghosta wasn’t confident in the idea of hugging, then this was the best he could do.)
(Ghosta could feel Gray shake, they did actually want to be his friend, they just don't know how to express it.) Hey..shh... (They held grays hands with their other hand, trying to soothe him, even though they know they have the body temperature of a corpse) I care about you.
(He couldn’t understand why exactly he was doing this hand-holding thing.
His mind flashed back to the times he would get upset around Maverick, and they would do this to help comfort Gray. Logically, this should only be bringing back now-painful memories - yet, as Ghosta held his hands, he felt an odd sense of… relief? He should be upset, yet some instinct made this comforting for him.
But he still couldn’t pinpoint why they were doing this. So he asked, even though his voice was wavering more and more and his ring was threatening to do the gross dripping.)
W-why…? Why do you… c-care about me… what d-did I do…
(He had to earn the approval of others, not randomly just gain it. And he was very bad at earning approval… was Ghosta in their right mind…?)
Because you're the only other person here in Aperture I seem to have many things in common with, The only other person I can seem to connect with that isn't from some...other universe for once, and- you're actually so nice...you didn't talk to me out of Pity or just because I was in a terrible emotional state, I was just..Standing there and you You make me feel like a person, gray, basically and I wanted to give that same feeling to you (Ghosta explained)
(It was just because Gray was nice…?
How? That one time when they first met, that was just him being blindly hopeful that he had found another phantom. If anything, Ghosta was the nice one for actually answering his questions.
Yet, it made him trust Ghosta even more.
He started shaking even harder, but this time, he suddenly crawled into Ghosta’s arms, clinging tighty onto them and sobbing.)
(Ghosta tensed up a bit, not expecting the sudden hug
Then they slowly wrapped Their arms around gray, holding him gently as to not squeeze him, they rub circles into his back to comfort him in a way
They didn't say anything in that moment, because they didn't know what to say
But they did know that gray needed comfort)
(This reminded Gray of those times with Maverick so badly that he should have been hating this, yet he found himself oddly comforted by it. The touch was soothing, and Ghosta's cold skin wasn't much of a problem at the moment, since Gray was already wrapped up in around 10 heavy blankets.
Despite all logic, he found himself calming down a tiny bit, and leaning into the hug. Deep down, he felt guilty, as if he shouldn't be doing this when his boyfriend was gone.
And yet, he needed the comfort.)
I got you...I'm here.
(Ghosta mumbled reassuringly as they continue to hug gray, they wanted to help him calm down at Least
They don't know what Gray is going through yet they're here.)
(Once Gray calmed down, he slowly pulled away from Ghosta, not wanting to make this go on any longer in case they felt uncomfortable.)
S-sorry if that was... w-weird... I just...
(He sighed, and grabbed the small penguin plushie that had been next to him, holding it gently - seemingly for some sort of further comfort.)
No.. it's alright I understand, you're upset, I don't know why but..That wasn't weird at all
(Ghosta continues to keep their voice mumbled, they really didn't want to seem loud, or obnoxious)
No- no, it… it was. You don’t just… hug someone you barely know…
(He remembered the times when he would hug Grady and everything, completely uncalled for. God, that must have made him even creepier… it’s a miracle that Maverick even tolerated it.)
I just… (sigh) I’m… sorry for d-dragging you into all of this, Ghosta…
(He was now sitting up, toying with the plushie’s wings.)
It’s just that, lately… no, n-nevermind…
(Ghosta is confused by Gray's hesitation to open up)
Hey...you don't have to tell me what's going on, but..it'd help me understand why you seem so upset..is that ok?
…
(Lucky for Ghosta, Gray was much better at opening up than his blue-eyed counterpart.)
…O-okay…
(He took a deep breath, and held the plushie close to him. He didn’t look at Ghosta once.)
It’s… kind of a, um, s-silly reason to be so worked up, h-heh… but…
…my boyfriend hasn’t been… paying me much attention lately, and I… I was worried I upset him in some way, o-or did something… horrifically wrong…
(He stopped talking at that. There was a faint unsteadiness to his ring, one that seemed to particularly grivitate downward…)
(Ghosta could feel a feeling they haven't felt in a while...
They know gray wouldn't want them to go after maverick
But they can't help being.. slightly enraged by this, not at Gray but at Maverick)
That's not a Silly reason at all.
(they start)
Sure..He may be busy but I don't think that means he's mad at you, maybe he's just swamped with work.. whatever work what used to be a Disembodied voice would have anyway
(Their anger showed a bit)
H-hey! He does a lot of work!
(Gray usually wouldn't mean to get mad, but something about Maverick being even a little bit insulted made him feel, well... pretty angry. Even if Maverick wasn't even here right now, and he would never know about this conversation.)
Sitting there all day and talking... reading from a script- W-what if he messes it up? Everyone in the facility would hear...! There's a... a lot of p-pressure he has to go through, you... you know...
(His voice got quieter as he suddenly realized that he... really didn't know much about what Maverick actually did besides talking. But he did work hard! Probably...!)
(Ghosta realizes what they said may have been offensive to Gray, and Maverick
They were much less sorry about offending Maverick)
Ok, yes He does that, but even then there's not much to announce! So there's not many chances to mess up, not to mention he HAS made time for you before I just-
(Ghosta cleared their non-existent throat and they return to mumbling after realizing how annoying and entitled they must sound)
.. Apologies.
Nono, it's fine, it's just... It- It must be cleaning or something! Yes! He must be... cleaning...
(He looked down as he had a crushing realization.)
...Oh, god... h-he really does h-hate me... doesn't he...
No...nonono! I don't think he hates you..!
(Ghosta started)
I don't know how..erm relationships work, But..I'm pretty sure a lover not giving the other that much attention because of work is not automatically Hatred..
But how do we know it's because of work...? I-I'll admit, I... don't actually know what he does aside from, er, talking...
(He started gently petting the plushie. He considered it a miracle that Ghosts hadn't commented on it, given how childish having something like this with him was.)
...Maybe he could start a radio show...?
Radio sort of..died down after the Great Depression, I think you're referring to it's sort of.. modern day Equivalent, a podcast.
It's not one I'd listen to, but I'm sure you'd love it
(Ghosta teased, trying to lighten up the mood)
That's an adorable plushie, by the way.
Heh, I probably would... Ooh, maybe he can even have me on it- A-actually, maybe not...
Oh, th-thank you... I-I actually gave this to Maverick a while back, he said he'd love it as much as he loves me... ehe... I-I'm just... taking care of it.
(He definitely did not steal that from Mav's room so he had some comfort.)
Well that's sweet of you to do..
So Maverick may not be here with you..but you have the plushie you gave him..you have at least something that you remember him by..
I wouldn't know.
I suppose...
Y-you know, I was actually supposed to, er, move in with him shortly before this... but... that never quite came to be, heh...
Oh..
(Ghosta thought over their next words for a moment)
...that's a bit..rude, of him...
(they clear their throat again)
I'm sure it'll happen soon though, have hope, gray.
I-I don't think he's rude, he just needs time to get everything ready...
(He motions to the uncountable blankets on the bed.)
It must take, um q-quite a bit of time, heh...
(Ghosta sighs)
..I can imagine, I mean..moving from down here to.. wherever you two are moving in together must be..a long process to say the least.
...Actually, he lives right next door.
What.
Yeah, he… well, neither of us had a place before, m-mostly because Maverick used to just be a, well… voice, but the entire point was for us to be neighbors!
(He seemed completely unaware of just how concerning this is.)
..us?
As in you and Maverick?
Yeah… I-it was actually how we had our first kiss, heh… we just got really close out of excitement, and… yeah… Neither of us really knew what is was, but it felt very… nice.
(His voice became softer, yet somewhat less distressed, as he recalled those happy times with Maverick. It was such a sweet memory… any memory of the two of them being romantic like that, he wanted to replay over and over.)
Oh, that's actually really sweet..glad to know you and Maverick have good memories to look back on.. despite your situation..
…y-yeah…
(Gray went quiet.
There was something that Gray didn’t want to admit. The way he had been wording the recent events was a bit… off. “Hasn’t been paying much attention to me” was an… understatement, to say the least. Gray just didn’t want to talk about the truth. Hell, he didn’t want to think about it. He’d prefer to live in this fantasy where Maverick had some care left for him, where he still received some love…)
(Ghosta didn't comment on Gray's Silence and stayed silent themself.)
(Eventually, he spoke.)
…Ghosta, do you… think he m-misses me…?
I do think he misses you.
What kind of partner would he be if he didn't..
(Ghosta replied)
Y-you're right...
A-again, I'm v-very sorry for dragging you into all this... relationship drama of mine... b-but could you maybe try talking to him when you get the chance...?
..I'm not too sure about talking to him, Last time me and him even interacted was when..gray wasn't having a good time at all
W- What??
(The way Ghosta was wording it, it sounded like Mav had been… rude to them? But that was impossible! Maverick had never been rude to Gray, why would he be rude to anyone else? He was perfect!)
W-what do you mean? What did he say…??
It's more of my fault, really.
The er..Central core was offline..it was in the middle of when Grady was... having issues, to put it lightly I bought up points of.. forgiving and Apologizing to Grady and Wheatley because the central core did cause their corruption, two Humans got involved at some point
I just happened to talk to Maverick at the time...back when he wasn't how he was now.
Oh, Grady…
(Ah yes, Grady. The reason for his excuse of an existence. The past victim of the most awful unrequited love to exist. The lover of his true self. He was never told what happened that day - all he knew was that Grady did something truly awful. He would ask Ghosta about it, but what really caught Gray’s attention was what they said about Maverick…)
W-what do you mean, “wasn’t how he was now”? Was he different? R-rude? Or… s-something else…?
Well for starters, he still had that uh- bloop sound effect after everytime he said something, I'm pretty sure he also wasn't... what was the term...? emotionally sentient. Also I had to say "Please hold" after saying what I had wanted to ask. That's what I remember.
…Oh…?
(Gray found that… strange. He remembered the blooping, but… no emotions? He was literally Maverick’s ex-boyfriend, how could it have no emotions?…
…Actually… he preferred not to think about that too much. Especially not in this state.)
I-I see… that’s… t-too bad… then…
(He started to shake again, his voice beginning to waver. He’d never know if Maverick hated him… and that was terrifying.)
(Ghosta immediately noticed his shaking)
..are you ok?
(Before he could say anything, Gray let out a pained sob. Eventually, after a few moments, he finally spoke in a soft, weak voice.)
…H-he promised… he s-said he’d n-never… l-leave me…
(From the looks of it, Gray was finally coming to terms with the “reality”(?) of the situation, and he wasn’t taking it very well.)
Gray..I don't think he's left you..if he did I'm sure he would've said something at least- or-
(Ghosta was trying to think rationally instead of leaving Gray to cuss out maverick)
If he left you without saying anything that would make him an absolute coward.
W-well...
(He wiped a nonexistent tear.)
O-oh, what if- what if h-he's hurt?? Oh no, that w-would- Oh, Ghosta, you really need- n-no, get someone else to check on h-him...
Oh now why would I need to go get someone else to check up on him Gray? I'm sure I'd be able to just fine..
(Ghosta is trying to hide their rage at Maverick so much by keeping a calm demeanor yet inside they absolutely SEETHING)
I'm sure he's fine though besides I don't think there's anything that dangerous with his Job.
He just speaks while reading off a script.
(Gray couldn’t take it anymore.
Maverick surely hated him. And everybody just wouldn’t stop bothering him. All he wanted was to be alone and deal with this himself, but he was met with person after person trying to talk to him. And at a time when Maverick hadn’t been giving him any attention, as opposed to everyone else’s behavior… it was too much.
He curled up in the bed and started sobbing.)
(Ghosta had been walking around old Aperture as usual, they heard the sobs coming from Grey's room, they hesitated to approach, but upon recognizing his voice they gently knock on the door)
...Hello? Gray? Are you.. alright?
(Their voice was as quiet as ever.)
(Gray was about to protest, but he recognized that voice from a while ago.
Ghosta. The one singular person who actually understood him, somewhat.)
…y-yes… I’m… fine…
(Ghosta is silent for a moment)
...you don't sound fine, gray I can hear your sobbing..
I-I SAID I’m-
(Gray immediately realized he was about to yell, and he himself didn’t want to be yelled at (it was definitely nothing to do with Maverick having trauma involving yelling), so he nervously stopped himself.
…He ruined everything again, didn’t he.)
…I- I-I’m… sorry…
Hey- Hey- it's alright.
(Ghosta paused, not sure how to approach the situation next)
...you must be dealing with a lot..huh?
…
S… sort… of…
(If Ghosta was lucky, Gray might actually let someone into his room for once…)
I'd uh..I'd offer up a hug.. but I'm not sure If..I'd provide any warmth..what I can offer is..well comfort, is..that alright?
(Ghosta was basically asking if Gray wanted a hug, they knew in situations like this, a person or in this case, a phantom needs comfort)
(Gray's voice became noticeably shakier, as if just the thought was making him even more emotional. He didn't know Ghosta all that well, sure, but words from anyone he trusted would be perfect right now.)
...P-please...
Can I..come on in?
(Ghosta asked, trying to Gauge if Gray was comfortable with people In his room)
(Ghosta was lucky.)
…o-okay…
(There was a sound of clicking and clanking from the other side of the door. This went on for about 30 seconds, before a sound like something hitting a bed was heard, followed by a blanket-like one.)
(Ghosta slowly entered the room looking for Gray)
Where- oh..
(Assuming Ghosta spotted Gray on the bed they sat beside him)
(Gray felt the bed bounce, but didn’t respond. He was trembling quite a lot, with his back turned to Ghosta. He didn’t know whether he wanted them to say something, or for them to just stay quiet and have the two of them sit in silence. The latter would be awkward, but the former meant Gray would have to reply to something, neither of which he wanted at all whatsoever. Although, he’d admit that the former was slightly more tolerable, as he craved affirmation that his boyfriend DIDN’T hate him. But who was Ghosta to say that? Maverick didn’t really talk to many people outside of he and Glados, and Ghosta seemed to be in a similar boat as Gray most of the time, so the chances of them actually knowing each other personally were extremely low. It would just be empty words of comfort. Still, though…)
(Ghosta sat in silence for a moment, thinking of what to do in order to comfort gray in this situation)
. . .
(They hesitantly put a hand on his shoulder, not sure if he needed physical contact)
I think you'll be ok.
(they spoke softly)
(Gray had not accounted for the physical contact part. However, Ghosta’s cold, dead hand just wasn’t the same as a, well, alive hand - at least, that was Gray’s stance for now. Rather than flinching, he just sighed shakily, and turned over slightly, but not enough to fully look at Ghosta.)
How do y-you know…?
(Gray wasn’t trying to be sarcastic, or passive-aggressive. He was asking a genuine question. Best case scenario, Ghosta actually managed to talk to Maverick somehow. Worst case scenario, Ghosta was lying. Absolute worst case scenario, Maverick had told Ghosta that it hates him, and Ghosta was lying to him about what really happened.
He didn’t want to think about that last thing.)
That's the thing, I don't know gray, I'm just... (Ghosta paused)
I hate seeing you upset, so..please, let me say this things may look bleak right now...I don't know what's going on..but I think you'll be ok... I hope.
…
(Ghosta… hated seeing him upset?
They’d only known each other for so long, and barely talked. What was Ghosta doing caring about him so much? Did Ghosta like him or something? No, that was impossible. Was Ghosta just… caring about him because they genuinely wanted to be his friend…? But… why? What was so appealing about Gray, if not even the love of his life could stay with him for long?
Gray started shaking a bit more as these thoughts overwhelmed him. He instinctively took Ghosta’s hand with both is his, just for some form of further comfort. If Ghosta wasn’t confident in the idea of hugging, then this was the best he could do.)
(Ghosta could feel Gray shake, they did actually want to be his friend, they just don't know how to express it.) Hey..shh... (They held grays hands with their other hand, trying to soothe him, even though they know they have the body temperature of a corpse) I care about you.
(He couldn’t understand why exactly he was doing this hand-holding thing.
His mind flashed back to the times he would get upset around Maverick, and they would do this to help comfort Gray. Logically, this should only be bringing back now-painful memories - yet, as Ghosta held his hands, he felt an odd sense of… relief? He should be upset, yet some instinct made this comforting for him.
But he still couldn’t pinpoint why they were doing this. So he asked, even though his voice was wavering more and more and his ring was threatening to do the gross dripping.)
W-why…? Why do you… c-care about me… what d-did I do…
(He had to earn the approval of others, not randomly just gain it. And he was very bad at earning approval… was Ghosta in their right mind…?)
Because you're the only other person here in Aperture I seem to have many things in common with, The only other person I can seem to connect with that isn't from some...other universe for once, and- you're actually so nice...you didn't talk to me out of Pity or just because I was in a terrible emotional state, I was just..Standing there and you You make me feel like a person, gray, basically and I wanted to give that same feeling to you (Ghosta explained)
(It was just because Gray was nice…?
How? That one time when they first met, that was just him being blindly hopeful that he had found another phantom. If anything, Ghosta was the nice one for actually answering his questions.
Yet, it made him trust Ghosta even more.
He started shaking even harder, but this time, he suddenly crawled into Ghosta’s arms, clinging tighty onto them and sobbing.)
(Ghosta tensed up a bit, not expecting the sudden hug
Then they slowly wrapped Their arms around gray, holding him gently as to not squeeze him, they rub circles into his back to comfort him in a way
They didn't say anything in that moment, because they didn't know what to say
But they did know that gray needed comfort)
(This reminded Gray of those times with Maverick so badly that he should have been hating this, yet he found himself oddly comforted by it. The touch was soothing, and Ghosta's cold skin wasn't much of a problem at the moment, since Gray was already wrapped up in around 10 heavy blankets.
Despite all logic, he found himself calming down a tiny bit, and leaning into the hug. Deep down, he felt guilty, as if he shouldn't be doing this when his boyfriend was gone.
And yet, he needed the comfort.)
I got you...I'm here.
(Ghosta mumbled reassuringly as they continue to hug gray, they wanted to help him calm down at Least
They don't know what Gray is going through yet they're here.)
(Once Gray calmed down, he slowly pulled away from Ghosta, not wanting to make this go on any longer in case they felt uncomfortable.)
S-sorry if that was... w-weird... I just...
(He sighed, and grabbed the small penguin plushie that had been next to him, holding it gently - seemingly for some sort of further comfort.)
No.. it's alright I understand, you're upset, I don't know why but..That wasn't weird at all
(Ghosta continues to keep their voice mumbled, they really didn't want to seem loud, or obnoxious)
No- no, it… it was. You don’t just… hug someone you barely know…
(He remembered the times when he would hug Grady and everything, completely uncalled for. God, that must have made him even creepier… it’s a miracle that Maverick even tolerated it.)
I just… (sigh) I’m… sorry for d-dragging you into all of this, Ghosta…
(He was now sitting up, toying with the plushie’s wings.)
It’s just that, lately… no, n-nevermind…
(Ghosta is confused by Gray's hesitation to open up)
Hey...you don't have to tell me what's going on, but..it'd help me understand why you seem so upset..is that ok?
…
(Lucky for Ghosta, Gray was much better at opening up than his blue-eyed counterpart.)
…O-okay…
(He took a deep breath, and held the plushie close to him. He didn’t look at Ghosta once.)
It’s… kind of a, um, s-silly reason to be so worked up, h-heh… but…
…my boyfriend hasn’t been… paying me much attention lately, and I… I was worried I upset him in some way, o-or did something… horrifically wrong…
(He stopped talking at that. There was a faint unsteadiness to his ring, one that seemed to particularly grivitate downward…)
(Ghosta could feel a feeling they haven't felt in a while...
They know gray wouldn't want them to go after maverick
But they can't help being.. slightly enraged by this, not at Gray but at Maverick)
That's not a Silly reason at all.
(they start)
Sure..He may be busy but I don't think that means he's mad at you, maybe he's just swamped with work.. whatever work what used to be a Disembodied voice would have anyway
(Their anger showed a bit)
H-hey! He does a lot of work!
(Gray usually wouldn't mean to get mad, but something about Maverick being even a little bit insulted made him feel, well... pretty angry. Even if Maverick wasn't even here right now, and he would never know about this conversation.)
Sitting there all day and talking... reading from a script- W-what if he messes it up? Everyone in the facility would hear...! There's a... a lot of p-pressure he has to go through, you... you know...
(His voice got quieter as he suddenly realized that he... really didn't know much about what Maverick actually did besides talking. But he did work hard! Probably...!)
(Ghosta realizes what they said may have been offensive to Gray, and Maverick
They were much less sorry about offending Maverick)
Ok, yes He does that, but even then there's not much to announce! So there's not many chances to mess up, not to mention he HAS made time for you before I just-
(Ghosta cleared their non-existent throat and they return to mumbling after realizing how annoying and entitled they must sound)
.. Apologies.
Nono, it's fine, it's just... It- It must be cleaning or something! Yes! He must be... cleaning...
(He looked down as he had a crushing realization.)
...Oh, god... h-he really does h-hate me... doesn't he...
No...nonono! I don't think he hates you..!
(Ghosta started)
I don't know how..erm relationships work, But..I'm pretty sure a lover not giving the other that much attention because of work is not automatically Hatred..
But how do we know it's because of work...? I-I'll admit, I... don't actually know what he does aside from, er, talking...
(He started gently petting the plushie. He considered it a miracle that Ghosts hadn't commented on it, given how childish having something like this with him was.)
...Maybe he could start a radio show...?
Radio sort of..died down after the Great Depression, I think you're referring to it's sort of.. modern day Equivalent, a podcast.
It's not one I'd listen to, but I'm sure you'd love it
(Ghosta teased, trying to lighten up the mood)
That's an adorable plushie, by the way.
Heh, I probably would... Ooh, maybe he can even have me on it- A-actually, maybe not...
Oh, th-thank you... I-I actually gave this to Maverick a while back, he said he'd love it as much as he loves me... ehe... I-I'm just... taking care of it.
(He definitely did not steal that from Mav's room so he had some comfort.)
Well that's sweet of you to do..
So Maverick may not be here with you..but you have the plushie you gave him..you have at least something that you remember him by..
I wouldn't know.
I suppose...
Y-you know, I was actually supposed to, er, move in with him shortly before this... but... that never quite came to be, heh...
Oh..
(Ghosta thought over their next words for a moment)
...that's a bit..rude, of him...
(they clear their throat again)
I'm sure it'll happen soon though, have hope, gray.
I-I don't think he's rude, he just needs time to get everything ready...
(He motions to the uncountable blankets on the bed.)
It must take, um q-quite a bit of time, heh...
(Ghosta sighs)
..I can imagine, I mean..moving from down here to.. wherever you two are moving in together must be..a long process to say the least.
...Actually, he lives right next door.
What.
Yeah, he… well, neither of us had a place before, m-mostly because Maverick used to just be a, well… voice, but the entire point was for us to be neighbors!
(He seemed completely unaware of just how concerning this is.)
..us?
As in you and Maverick?
Yeah… I-it was actually how we had our first kiss, heh… we just got really close out of excitement, and… yeah… Neither of us really knew what is was, but it felt very… nice.
(His voice became softer, yet somewhat less distressed, as he recalled those happy times with Maverick. It was such a sweet memory… any memory of the two of them being romantic like that, he wanted to replay over and over.)
Oh, that's actually really sweet..glad to know you and Maverick have good memories to look back on.. despite your situation..
…y-yeah…
(Gray went quiet.
There was something that Gray didn’t want to admit. The way he had been wording the recent events was a bit… off. “Hasn’t been paying much attention to me” was an… understatement, to say the least. Gray just didn’t want to talk about the truth. Hell, he didn’t want to think about it. He’d prefer to live in this fantasy where Maverick had some care left for him, where he still received some love…)
(Ghosta didn't comment on Gray's Silence and stayed silent themself.)
(Eventually, he spoke.)
…Ghosta, do you… think he m-misses me…?
I do think he misses you.
What kind of partner would he be if he didn't..
(Ghosta replied)
Y-you're right...
A-again, I'm v-very sorry for dragging you into all this... relationship drama of mine... b-but could you maybe try talking to him when you get the chance...?
..I'm not too sure about talking to him, Last time me and him even interacted was when..gray wasn't having a good time at all
W- What??
(The way Ghosta was wording it, it sounded like Mav had been… rude to them? But that was impossible! Maverick had never been rude to Gray, why would he be rude to anyone else? He was perfect!)
W-what do you mean? What did he say…??
It's more of my fault, really.
The er..Central core was offline..it was in the middle of when Grady was... having issues, to put it lightly I bought up points of.. forgiving and Apologizing to Grady and Wheatley because the central core did cause their corruption, two Humans got involved at some point
I just happened to talk to Maverick at the time...back when he wasn't how he was now.
Oh, Grady…
(Ah yes, Grady. The reason for his excuse of an existence. The past victim of the most awful unrequited love to exist. The lover of his true self. He was never told what happened that day - all he knew was that Grady did something truly awful. He would ask Ghosta about it, but what really caught Gray’s attention was what they said about Maverick…)
W-what do you mean, “wasn’t how he was now”? Was he different? R-rude? Or… s-something else…?
Well for starters, he still had that uh- bloop sound effect after everytime he said something, I'm pretty sure he also wasn't... what was the term...? emotionally sentient. Also I had to say "Please hold" after saying what I had wanted to ask. That's what I remember.
…Oh…?
(Gray found that… strange. He remembered the blooping, but… no emotions? He was literally Maverick’s ex-boyfriend, how could it have no emotions?…
…Actually… he preferred not to think about that too much. Especially not in this state.)
I-I see… that’s… t-too bad… then…
(He started to shake again, his voice beginning to waver. He’d never know if Maverick hated him… and that was terrifying.)
(Ghosta immediately noticed his shaking)
..are you ok?
(Before he could say anything, Gray let out a pained sob. Eventually, after a few moments, he finally spoke in a soft, weak voice.)
…H-he promised… he s-said he’d n-never… l-leave me…
(From the looks of it, Gray was finally coming to terms with the “reality”(?) of the situation, and he wasn’t taking it very well.)
Gray..I don't think he's left you..if he did I'm sure he would've said something at least- or-
(Ghosta was trying to think rationally instead of leaving Gray to cuss out maverick)
If he left you without saying anything that would make him an absolute coward.
(Gray couldn’t take it anymore.
Maverick surely hated him. And everybody just wouldn’t stop bothering him. All he wanted was to be alone and deal with this himself, but he was met with person after person trying to talk to him. And at a time when Maverick hadn’t been giving him any attention, as opposed to everyone else’s behavior… it was too much.
He curled up in the bed and started sobbing.)
(Ghosta had been walking around old Aperture as usual, they heard the sobs coming from Grey's room, they hesitated to approach, but upon recognizing his voice they gently knock on the door)
...Hello? Gray? Are you.. alright?
(Their voice was as quiet as ever.)
(Gray was about to protest, but he recognized that voice from a while ago.
Ghosta. The one singular person who actually understood him, somewhat.)
…y-yes… I’m… fine…
(Ghosta is silent for a moment)
...you don't sound fine, gray I can hear your sobbing..
I-I SAID I’m-
(Gray immediately realized he was about to yell, and he himself didn’t want to be yelled at (it was definitely nothing to do with Maverick having trauma involving yelling), so he nervously stopped himself.
…He ruined everything again, didn’t he.)
…I- I-I’m… sorry…
Hey- Hey- it's alright.
(Ghosta paused, not sure how to approach the situation next)
...you must be dealing with a lot..huh?
…
S… sort… of…
(If Ghosta was lucky, Gray might actually let someone into his room for once…)
I'd uh..I'd offer up a hug.. but I'm not sure If..I'd provide any warmth..what I can offer is..well comfort, is..that alright?
(Ghosta was basically asking if Gray wanted a hug, they knew in situations like this, a person or in this case, a phantom needs comfort)
(Gray's voice became noticeably shakier, as if just the thought was making him even more emotional. He didn't know Ghosta all that well, sure, but words from anyone he trusted would be perfect right now.)
...P-please...
Can I..come on in?
(Ghosta asked, trying to Gauge if Gray was comfortable with people In his room)
(Ghosta was lucky.)
…o-okay…
(There was a sound of clicking and clanking from the other side of the door. This went on for about 30 seconds, before a sound like something hitting a bed was heard, followed by a blanket-like one.)
(Ghosta slowly entered the room looking for Gray)
Where- oh..
(Assuming Ghosta spotted Gray on the bed they sat beside him)
(Gray felt the bed bounce, but didn’t respond. He was trembling quite a lot, with his back turned to Ghosta. He didn’t know whether he wanted them to say something, or for them to just stay quiet and have the two of them sit in silence. The latter would be awkward, but the former meant Gray would have to reply to something, neither of which he wanted at all whatsoever. Although, he’d admit that the former was slightly more tolerable, as he craved affirmation that his boyfriend DIDN’T hate him. But who was Ghosta to say that? Maverick didn’t really talk to many people outside of he and Glados, and Ghosta seemed to be in a similar boat as Gray most of the time, so the chances of them actually knowing each other personally were extremely low. It would just be empty words of comfort. Still, though…)
(Ghosta sat in silence for a moment, thinking of what to do in order to comfort gray in this situation)
. . .
(They hesitantly put a hand on his shoulder, not sure if he needed physical contact)
I think you'll be ok.
(they spoke softly)
(Gray had not accounted for the physical contact part. However, Ghosta’s cold, dead hand just wasn’t the same as a, well, alive hand - at least, that was Gray’s stance for now. Rather than flinching, he just sighed shakily, and turned over slightly, but not enough to fully look at Ghosta.)
How do y-you know…?
(Gray wasn’t trying to be sarcastic, or passive-aggressive. He was asking a genuine question. Best case scenario, Ghosta actually managed to talk to Maverick somehow. Worst case scenario, Ghosta was lying. Absolute worst case scenario, Maverick had told Ghosta that it hates him, and Ghosta was lying to him about what really happened.
He didn’t want to think about that last thing.)
That's the thing, I don't know gray, I'm just... (Ghosta paused)
I hate seeing you upset, so..please, let me say this things may look bleak right now...I don't know what's going on..but I think you'll be ok... I hope.
…
(Ghosta… hated seeing him upset?
They’d only known each other for so long, and barely talked. What was Ghosta doing caring about him so much? Did Ghosta like him or something? No, that was impossible. Was Ghosta just… caring about him because they genuinely wanted to be his friend…? But… why? What was so appealing about Gray, if not even the love of his life could stay with him for long?
Gray started shaking a bit more as these thoughts overwhelmed him. He instinctively took Ghosta’s hand with both is his, just for some form of further comfort. If Ghosta wasn’t confident in the idea of hugging, then this was the best he could do.)
(Ghosta could feel Gray shake, they did actually want to be his friend, they just don't know how to express it.) Hey..shh... (They held grays hands with their other hand, trying to soothe him, even though they know they have the body temperature of a corpse) I care about you.
(He couldn’t understand why exactly he was doing this hand-holding thing.
His mind flashed back to the times he would get upset around Maverick, and they would do this to help comfort Gray. Logically, this should only be bringing back now-painful memories - yet, as Ghosta held his hands, he felt an odd sense of… relief? He should be upset, yet some instinct made this comforting for him.
But he still couldn’t pinpoint why they were doing this. So he asked, even though his voice was wavering more and more and his ring was threatening to do the gross dripping.)
W-why…? Why do you… c-care about me… what d-did I do…
(He had to earn the approval of others, not randomly just gain it. And he was very bad at earning approval… was Ghosta in their right mind…?)
Because you're the only other person here in Aperture I seem to have many things in common with, The only other person I can seem to connect with that isn't from some...other universe for once, and- you're actually so nice...you didn't talk to me out of Pity or just because I was in a terrible emotional state, I was just..Standing there and you You make me feel like a person, gray, basically and I wanted to give that same feeling to you (Ghosta explained)
(It was just because Gray was nice…?
How? That one time when they first met, that was just him being blindly hopeful that he had found another phantom. If anything, Ghosta was the nice one for actually answering his questions.
Yet, it made him trust Ghosta even more.
He started shaking even harder, but this time, he suddenly crawled into Ghosta’s arms, clinging tighty onto them and sobbing.)
(Ghosta tensed up a bit, not expecting the sudden hug
Then they slowly wrapped Their arms around gray, holding him gently as to not squeeze him, they rub circles into his back to comfort him in a way
They didn't say anything in that moment, because they didn't know what to say
But they did know that gray needed comfort)
(This reminded Gray of those times with Maverick so badly that he should have been hating this, yet he found himself oddly comforted by it. The touch was soothing, and Ghosta's cold skin wasn't much of a problem at the moment, since Gray was already wrapped up in around 10 heavy blankets.
Despite all logic, he found himself calming down a tiny bit, and leaning into the hug. Deep down, he felt guilty, as if he shouldn't be doing this when his boyfriend was gone.
And yet, he needed the comfort.)
I got you...I'm here.
(Ghosta mumbled reassuringly as they continue to hug gray, they wanted to help him calm down at Least
They don't know what Gray is going through yet they're here.)
(Once Gray calmed down, he slowly pulled away from Ghosta, not wanting to make this go on any longer in case they felt uncomfortable.)
S-sorry if that was... w-weird... I just...
(He sighed, and grabbed the small penguin plushie that had been next to him, holding it gently - seemingly for some sort of further comfort.)
No.. it's alright I understand, you're upset, I don't know why but..That wasn't weird at all
(Ghosta continues to keep their voice mumbled, they really didn't want to seem loud, or obnoxious)
No- no, it… it was. You don’t just… hug someone you barely know…
(He remembered the times when he would hug Grady and everything, completely uncalled for. God, that must have made him even creepier… it’s a miracle that Maverick even tolerated it.)
I just… (sigh) I’m… sorry for d-dragging you into all of this, Ghosta…
(He was now sitting up, toying with the plushie’s wings.)
It’s just that, lately… no, n-nevermind…
(Ghosta is confused by Gray's hesitation to open up)
Hey...you don't have to tell me what's going on, but..it'd help me understand why you seem so upset..is that ok?
…
(Lucky for Ghosta, Gray was much better at opening up than his blue-eyed counterpart.)
…O-okay…
(He took a deep breath, and held the plushie close to him. He didn’t look at Ghosta once.)
It’s… kind of a, um, s-silly reason to be so worked up, h-heh… but…
…my boyfriend hasn’t been… paying me much attention lately, and I… I was worried I upset him in some way, o-or did something… horrifically wrong…
(He stopped talking at that. There was a faint unsteadiness to his ring, one that seemed to particularly grivitate downward…)
(Ghosta could feel a feeling they haven't felt in a while...
They know gray wouldn't want them to go after maverick
But they can't help being.. slightly enraged by this, not at Gray but at Maverick)
That's not a Silly reason at all.
(they start)
Sure..He may be busy but I don't think that means he's mad at you, maybe he's just swamped with work.. whatever work what used to be a Disembodied voice would have anyway
(Their anger showed a bit)
H-hey! He does a lot of work!
(Gray usually wouldn't mean to get mad, but something about Maverick being even a little bit insulted made him feel, well... pretty angry. Even if Maverick wasn't even here right now, and he would never know about this conversation.)
Sitting there all day and talking... reading from a script- W-what if he messes it up? Everyone in the facility would hear...! There's a... a lot of p-pressure he has to go through, you... you know...
(His voice got quieter as he suddenly realized that he... really didn't know much about what Maverick actually did besides talking. But he did work hard! Probably...!)
(Ghosta realizes what they said may have been offensive to Gray, and Maverick
They were much less sorry about offending Maverick)
Ok, yes He does that, but even then there's not much to announce! So there's not many chances to mess up, not to mention he HAS made time for you before I just-
(Ghosta cleared their non-existent throat and they return to mumbling after realizing how annoying and entitled they must sound)
.. Apologies.
Nono, it's fine, it's just... It- It must be cleaning or something! Yes! He must be... cleaning...
(He looked down as he had a crushing realization.)
...Oh, god... h-he really does h-hate me... doesn't he...
No...nonono! I don't think he hates you..!
(Ghosta started)
I don't know how..erm relationships work, But..I'm pretty sure a lover not giving the other that much attention because of work is not automatically Hatred..
But how do we know it's because of work...? I-I'll admit, I... don't actually know what he does aside from, er, talking...
(He started gently petting the plushie. He considered it a miracle that Ghosts hadn't commented on it, given how childish having something like this with him was.)
...Maybe he could start a radio show...?
Radio sort of..died down after the Great Depression, I think you're referring to it's sort of.. modern day Equivalent, a podcast.
It's not one I'd listen to, but I'm sure you'd love it
(Ghosta teased, trying to lighten up the mood)
That's an adorable plushie, by the way.
Heh, I probably would... Ooh, maybe he can even have me on it- A-actually, maybe not...
Oh, th-thank you... I-I actually gave this to Maverick a while back, he said he'd love it as much as he loves me... ehe... I-I'm just... taking care of it.
(He definitely did not steal that from Mav's room so he had some comfort.)
Well that's sweet of you to do..
So Maverick may not be here with you..but you have the plushie you gave him..you have at least something that you remember him by..
I wouldn't know.
I suppose...
Y-you know, I was actually supposed to, er, move in with him shortly before this... but... that never quite came to be, heh...
Oh..
(Ghosta thought over their next words for a moment)
...that's a bit..rude, of him...
(they clear their throat again)
I'm sure it'll happen soon though, have hope, gray.
I-I don't think he's rude, he just needs time to get everything ready...
(He motions to the uncountable blankets on the bed.)
It must take, um q-quite a bit of time, heh...
(Ghosta sighs)
..I can imagine, I mean..moving from down here to.. wherever you two are moving in together must be..a long process to say the least.
...Actually, he lives right next door.
What.
Yeah, he… well, neither of us had a place before, m-mostly because Maverick used to just be a, well… voice, but the entire point was for us to be neighbors!
(He seemed completely unaware of just how concerning this is.)
..us?
As in you and Maverick?
Yeah… I-it was actually how we had our first kiss, heh… we just got really close out of excitement, and… yeah… Neither of us really knew what is was, but it felt very… nice.
(His voice became softer, yet somewhat less distressed, as he recalled those happy times with Maverick. It was such a sweet memory… any memory of the two of them being romantic like that, he wanted to replay over and over.)
Oh, that's actually really sweet..glad to know you and Maverick have good memories to look back on.. despite your situation..
…y-yeah…
(Gray went quiet.
There was something that Gray didn’t want to admit. The way he had been wording the recent events was a bit… off. “Hasn’t been paying much attention to me” was an… understatement, to say the least. Gray just didn’t want to talk about the truth. Hell, he didn’t want to think about it. He’d prefer to live in this fantasy where Maverick had some care left for him, where he still received some love…)
(Ghosta didn't comment on Gray's Silence and stayed silent themself.)
(Eventually, he spoke.)
…Ghosta, do you… think he m-misses me…?
I do think he misses you.
What kind of partner would he be if he didn't..
(Ghosta replied)
Y-you're right...
A-again, I'm v-very sorry for dragging you into all this... relationship drama of mine... b-but could you maybe try talking to him when you get the chance...?
..I'm not too sure about talking to him, Last time me and him even interacted was when..gray wasn't having a good time at all
W- What??
(The way Ghosta was wording it, it sounded like Mav had been… rude to them? But that was impossible! Maverick had never been rude to Gray, why would he be rude to anyone else? He was perfect!)
W-what do you mean? What did he say…??
It's more of my fault, really.
The er..Central core was offline..it was in the middle of when Grady was... having issues, to put it lightly I bought up points of.. forgiving and Apologizing to Grady and Wheatley because the central core did cause their corruption, two Humans got involved at some point
I just happened to talk to Maverick at the time...back when he wasn't how he was now.
Oh, Grady…
(Ah yes, Grady. The reason for his excuse of an existence. The past victim of the most awful unrequited love to exist. The lover of his true self. He was never told what happened that day - all he knew was that Grady did something truly awful. He would ask Ghosta about it, but what really caught Gray’s attention was what they said about Maverick…)
W-what do you mean, “wasn’t how he was now”? Was he different? R-rude? Or… s-something else…?
Well for starters, he still had that uh- bloop sound effect after everytime he said something, I'm pretty sure he also wasn't... what was the term...? emotionally sentient. Also I had to say "Please hold" after saying what I had wanted to ask. That's what I remember.
…Oh…?
(Gray found that… strange. He remembered the blooping, but… no emotions? He was literally Maverick’s ex-boyfriend, how could it have no emotions?…
…Actually… he preferred not to think about that too much. Especially not in this state.)
I-I see… that’s… t-too bad… then…
(He started to shake again, his voice beginning to waver. He’d never know if Maverick hated him… and that was terrifying.)
(Ghosta immediately noticed his shaking)
..are you ok?
what do you mean by Forever?
You know because I'm not human, I've never been human at all.
Sorry, can I ask your age?
Sometime in my early 30's, forever.
Do you have any hobbies?
No, because I'm not human.
can I ask? What's your favorite food?
not much I can consume, I'm not human after all.
(Gray couldn’t take it anymore.
Maverick surely hated him. And everybody just wouldn’t stop bothering him. All he wanted was to be alone and deal with this himself, but he was met with person after person trying to talk to him. And at a time when Maverick hadn’t been giving him any attention, as opposed to everyone else’s behavior… it was too much.
He curled up in the bed and started sobbing.)
(Ghosta had been walking around old Aperture as usual, they heard the sobs coming from Grey's room, they hesitated to approach, but upon recognizing his voice they gently knock on the door)
...Hello? Gray? Are you.. alright?
(Their voice was as quiet as ever.)
(Gray was about to protest, but he recognized that voice from a while ago.
Ghosta. The one singular person who actually understood him, somewhat.)
…y-yes… I’m… fine…
(Ghosta is silent for a moment)
...you don't sound fine, gray I can hear your sobbing..
I-I SAID I’m-
(Gray immediately realized he was about to yell, and he himself didn’t want to be yelled at (it was definitely nothing to do with Maverick having trauma involving yelling), so he nervously stopped himself.
…He ruined everything again, didn’t he.)
…I- I-I’m… sorry…
Hey- Hey- it's alright.
(Ghosta paused, not sure how to approach the situation next)
...you must be dealing with a lot..huh?
…
S… sort… of…
(If Ghosta was lucky, Gray might actually let someone into his room for once…)
I'd uh..I'd offer up a hug.. but I'm not sure If..I'd provide any warmth..what I can offer is..well comfort, is..that alright?
(Ghosta was basically asking if Gray wanted a hug, they knew in situations like this, a person or in this case, a phantom needs comfort)
(Gray's voice became noticeably shakier, as if just the thought was making him even more emotional. He didn't know Ghosta all that well, sure, but words from anyone he trusted would be perfect right now.)
...P-please...
Can I..come on in?
(Ghosta asked, trying to Gauge if Gray was comfortable with people In his room)
(Ghosta was lucky.)
…o-okay…
(There was a sound of clicking and clanking from the other side of the door. This went on for about 30 seconds, before a sound like something hitting a bed was heard, followed by a blanket-like one.)
(Ghosta slowly entered the room looking for Gray)
Where- oh..
(Assuming Ghosta spotted Gray on the bed they sat beside him)
(Gray felt the bed bounce, but didn’t respond. He was trembling quite a lot, with his back turned to Ghosta. He didn’t know whether he wanted them to say something, or for them to just stay quiet and have the two of them sit in silence. The latter would be awkward, but the former meant Gray would have to reply to something, neither of which he wanted at all whatsoever. Although, he’d admit that the former was slightly more tolerable, as he craved affirmation that his boyfriend DIDN’T hate him. But who was Ghosta to say that? Maverick didn’t really talk to many people outside of he and Glados, and Ghosta seemed to be in a similar boat as Gray most of the time, so the chances of them actually knowing each other personally were extremely low. It would just be empty words of comfort. Still, though…)
(Ghosta sat in silence for a moment, thinking of what to do in order to comfort gray in this situation)
. . .
(They hesitantly put a hand on his shoulder, not sure if he needed physical contact)
I think you'll be ok.
(they spoke softly)
(Gray had not accounted for the physical contact part. However, Ghosta’s cold, dead hand just wasn’t the same as a, well, alive hand - at least, that was Gray’s stance for now. Rather than flinching, he just sighed shakily, and turned over slightly, but not enough to fully look at Ghosta.)
How do y-you know…?
(Gray wasn’t trying to be sarcastic, or passive-aggressive. He was asking a genuine question. Best case scenario, Ghosta actually managed to talk to Maverick somehow. Worst case scenario, Ghosta was lying. Absolute worst case scenario, Maverick had told Ghosta that it hates him, and Ghosta was lying to him about what really happened.
He didn’t want to think about that last thing.)
That's the thing, I don't know gray, I'm just... (Ghosta paused)
I hate seeing you upset, so..please, let me say this things may look bleak right now...I don't know what's going on..but I think you'll be ok... I hope.
…
(Ghosta… hated seeing him upset?
They’d only known each other for so long, and barely talked. What was Ghosta doing caring about him so much? Did Ghosta like him or something? No, that was impossible. Was Ghosta just… caring about him because they genuinely wanted to be his friend…? But… why? What was so appealing about Gray, if not even the love of his life could stay with him for long?
Gray started shaking a bit more as these thoughts overwhelmed him. He instinctively took Ghosta’s hand with both is his, just for some form of further comfort. If Ghosta wasn’t confident in the idea of hugging, then this was the best he could do.)
(Ghosta could feel Gray shake, they did actually want to be his friend, they just don't know how to express it.) Hey..shh... (They held grays hands with their other hand, trying to soothe him, even though they know they have the body temperature of a corpse) I care about you.
(He couldn’t understand why exactly he was doing this hand-holding thing.
His mind flashed back to the times he would get upset around Maverick, and they would do this to help comfort Gray. Logically, this should only be bringing back now-painful memories - yet, as Ghosta held his hands, he felt an odd sense of… relief? He should be upset, yet some instinct made this comforting for him.
But he still couldn’t pinpoint why they were doing this. So he asked, even though his voice was wavering more and more and his ring was threatening to do the gross dripping.)
W-why…? Why do you… c-care about me… what d-did I do…
(He had to earn the approval of others, not randomly just gain it. And he was very bad at earning approval… was Ghosta in their right mind…?)
Because you're the only other person here in Aperture I seem to have many things in common with, The only other person I can seem to connect with that isn't from some...other universe for once, and- you're actually so nice...you didn't talk to me out of Pity or just because I was in a terrible emotional state, I was just..Standing there and you You make me feel like a person, gray, basically and I wanted to give that same feeling to you (Ghosta explained)
(It was just because Gray was nice…?
How? That one time when they first met, that was just him being blindly hopeful that he had found another phantom. If anything, Ghosta was the nice one for actually answering his questions.
Yet, it made him trust Ghosta even more.
He started shaking even harder, but this time, he suddenly crawled into Ghosta’s arms, clinging tighty onto them and sobbing.)
(Ghosta tensed up a bit, not expecting the sudden hug
Then they slowly wrapped Their arms around gray, holding him gently as to not squeeze him, they rub circles into his back to comfort him in a way
They didn't say anything in that moment, because they didn't know what to say
But they did know that gray needed comfort)
(This reminded Gray of those times with Maverick so badly that he should have been hating this, yet he found himself oddly comforted by it. The touch was soothing, and Ghosta's cold skin wasn't much of a problem at the moment, since Gray was already wrapped up in around 10 heavy blankets.
Despite all logic, he found himself calming down a tiny bit, and leaning into the hug. Deep down, he felt guilty, as if he shouldn't be doing this when his boyfriend was gone.
And yet, he needed the comfort.)
I got you...I'm here.
(Ghosta mumbled reassuringly as they continue to hug gray, they wanted to help him calm down at Least
They don't know what Gray is going through yet they're here.)
(Once Gray calmed down, he slowly pulled away from Ghosta, not wanting to make this go on any longer in case they felt uncomfortable.)
S-sorry if that was... w-weird... I just...
(He sighed, and grabbed the small penguin plushie that had been next to him, holding it gently - seemingly for some sort of further comfort.)
No.. it's alright I understand, you're upset, I don't know why but..That wasn't weird at all
(Ghosta continues to keep their voice mumbled, they really didn't want to seem loud, or obnoxious)
No- no, it… it was. You don’t just… hug someone you barely know…
(He remembered the times when he would hug Grady and everything, completely uncalled for. God, that must have made him even creepier… it’s a miracle that Maverick even tolerated it.)
I just… (sigh) I’m… sorry for d-dragging you into all of this, Ghosta…
(He was now sitting up, toying with the plushie’s wings.)
It’s just that, lately… no, n-nevermind…
(Ghosta is confused by Gray's hesitation to open up)
Hey...you don't have to tell me what's going on, but..it'd help me understand why you seem so upset..is that ok?
…
(Lucky for Ghosta, Gray was much better at opening up than his blue-eyed counterpart.)
…O-okay…
(He took a deep breath, and held the plushie close to him. He didn’t look at Ghosta once.)
It’s… kind of a, um, s-silly reason to be so worked up, h-heh… but…
…my boyfriend hasn’t been… paying me much attention lately, and I… I was worried I upset him in some way, o-or did something… horrifically wrong…
(He stopped talking at that. There was a faint unsteadiness to his ring, one that seemed to particularly grivitate downward…)
(Ghosta could feel a feeling they haven't felt in a while...
They know gray wouldn't want them to go after maverick
But they can't help being.. slightly enraged by this, not at Gray but at Maverick)
That's not a Silly reason at all.
(they start)
Sure..He may be busy but I don't think that means he's mad at you, maybe he's just swamped with work.. whatever work what used to be a Disembodied voice would have anyway
(Their anger showed a bit)
H-hey! He does a lot of work!
(Gray usually wouldn't mean to get mad, but something about Maverick being even a little bit insulted made him feel, well... pretty angry. Even if Maverick wasn't even here right now, and he would never know about this conversation.)
Sitting there all day and talking... reading from a script- W-what if he messes it up? Everyone in the facility would hear...! There's a... a lot of p-pressure he has to go through, you... you know...
(His voice got quieter as he suddenly realized that he... really didn't know much about what Maverick actually did besides talking. But he did work hard! Probably...!)
(Ghosta realizes what they said may have been offensive to Gray, and Maverick
They were much less sorry about offending Maverick)
Ok, yes He does that, but even then there's not much to announce! So there's not many chances to mess up, not to mention he HAS made time for you before I just-
(Ghosta cleared their non-existent throat and they return to mumbling after realizing how annoying and entitled they must sound)
.. Apologies.
Nono, it's fine, it's just... It- It must be cleaning or something! Yes! He must be... cleaning...
(He looked down as he had a crushing realization.)
...Oh, god... h-he really does h-hate me... doesn't he...
No...nonono! I don't think he hates you..!
(Ghosta started)
I don't know how..erm relationships work, But..I'm pretty sure a lover not giving the other that much attention because of work is not automatically Hatred..
But how do we know it's because of work...? I-I'll admit, I... don't actually know what he does aside from, er, talking...
(He started gently petting the plushie. He considered it a miracle that Ghosts hadn't commented on it, given how childish having something like this with him was.)
...Maybe he could start a radio show...?
Radio sort of..died down after the Great Depression, I think you're referring to it's sort of.. modern day Equivalent, a podcast.
It's not one I'd listen to, but I'm sure you'd love it
(Ghosta teased, trying to lighten up the mood)
That's an adorable plushie, by the way.
Heh, I probably would... Ooh, maybe he can even have me on it- A-actually, maybe not...
Oh, th-thank you... I-I actually gave this to Maverick a while back, he said he'd love it as much as he loves me... ehe... I-I'm just... taking care of it.
(He definitely did not steal that from Mav's room so he had some comfort.)
Well that's sweet of you to do..
So Maverick may not be here with you..but you have the plushie you gave him..you have at least something that you remember him by..
I wouldn't know.
I suppose...
Y-you know, I was actually supposed to, er, move in with him shortly before this... but... that never quite came to be, heh...
Oh..
(Ghosta thought over their next words for a moment)
...that's a bit..rude, of him...
(they clear their throat again)
I'm sure it'll happen soon though, have hope, gray.
I-I don't think he's rude, he just needs time to get everything ready...
(He motions to the uncountable blankets on the bed.)
It must take, um q-quite a bit of time, heh...
(Ghosta sighs)
..I can imagine, I mean..moving from down here to.. wherever you two are moving in together must be..a long process to say the least.
...Actually, he lives right next door.
What.
Yeah, he… well, neither of us had a place before, m-mostly because Maverick used to just be a, well… voice, but the entire point was for us to be neighbors!
(He seemed completely unaware of just how concerning this is.)
..us?
As in you and Maverick?
Yeah… I-it was actually how we had our first kiss, heh… we just got really close out of excitement, and… yeah… Neither of us really knew what is was, but it felt very… nice.
(His voice became softer, yet somewhat less distressed, as he recalled those happy times with Maverick. It was such a sweet memory… any memory of the two of them being romantic like that, he wanted to replay over and over.)
Oh, that's actually really sweet..glad to know you and Maverick have good memories to look back on.. despite your situation..
…y-yeah…
(Gray went quiet.
There was something that Gray didn’t want to admit. The way he had been wording the recent events was a bit… off. “Hasn’t been paying much attention to me” was an… understatement, to say the least. Gray just didn’t want to talk about the truth. Hell, he didn’t want to think about it. He’d prefer to live in this fantasy where Maverick had some care left for him, where he still received some love…)
(Ghosta didn't comment on Gray's Silence and stayed silent themself.)
(Eventually, he spoke.)
…Ghosta, do you… think he m-misses me…?
I do think he misses you.
What kind of partner would he be if he didn't..
(Ghosta replied)
Y-you're right...
A-again, I'm v-very sorry for dragging you into all this... relationship drama of mine... b-but could you maybe try talking to him when you get the chance...?
..I'm not too sure about talking to him, Last time me and him even interacted was when..gray wasn't having a good time at all
W- What??
(The way Ghosta was wording it, it sounded like Mav had been… rude to them? But that was impossible! Maverick had never been rude to Gray, why would he be rude to anyone else? He was perfect!)
W-what do you mean? What did he say…??
It's more of my fault, really.
The er..Central core was offline..it was in the middle of when Grady was... having issues, to put it lightly I bought up points of.. forgiving and Apologizing to Grady and Wheatley because the central core did cause their corruption, two Humans got involved at some point
I just happened to talk to Maverick at the time...back when he wasn't how he was now.
Oh, Grady…
(Ah yes, Grady. The reason for his excuse of an existence. The past victim of the most awful unrequited love to exist. The lover of his true self. He was never told what happened that day - all he knew was that Grady did something truly awful. He would ask Ghosta about it, but what really caught Gray’s attention was what they said about Maverick…)
W-what do you mean, “wasn’t how he was now”? Was he different? R-rude? Or… s-something else…?
Well for starters, he still had that uh- bloop sound effect after everytime he said something, I'm pretty sure he also wasn't... what was the term...? emotionally sentient. Also I had to say "Please hold" after saying what I had wanted to ask. That's what I remember.
(Gray couldn’t take it anymore.
Maverick surely hated him. And everybody just wouldn’t stop bothering him. All he wanted was to be alone and deal with this himself, but he was met with person after person trying to talk to him. And at a time when Maverick hadn’t been giving him any attention, as opposed to everyone else’s behavior… it was too much.
He curled up in the bed and started sobbing.)
(Ghosta had been walking around old Aperture as usual, they heard the sobs coming from Grey's room, they hesitated to approach, but upon recognizing his voice they gently knock on the door)
...Hello? Gray? Are you.. alright?
(Their voice was as quiet as ever.)
(Gray was about to protest, but he recognized that voice from a while ago.
Ghosta. The one singular person who actually understood him, somewhat.)
…y-yes… I’m… fine…
(Ghosta is silent for a moment)
...you don't sound fine, gray I can hear your sobbing..
I-I SAID I’m-
(Gray immediately realized he was about to yell, and he himself didn’t want to be yelled at (it was definitely nothing to do with Maverick having trauma involving yelling), so he nervously stopped himself.
…He ruined everything again, didn’t he.)
…I- I-I’m… sorry…
Hey- Hey- it's alright.
(Ghosta paused, not sure how to approach the situation next)
...you must be dealing with a lot..huh?
…
S… sort… of…
(If Ghosta was lucky, Gray might actually let someone into his room for once…)
I'd uh..I'd offer up a hug.. but I'm not sure If..I'd provide any warmth..what I can offer is..well comfort, is..that alright?
(Ghosta was basically asking if Gray wanted a hug, they knew in situations like this, a person or in this case, a phantom needs comfort)
(Gray's voice became noticeably shakier, as if just the thought was making him even more emotional. He didn't know Ghosta all that well, sure, but words from anyone he trusted would be perfect right now.)
...P-please...
Can I..come on in?
(Ghosta asked, trying to Gauge if Gray was comfortable with people In his room)
(Ghosta was lucky.)
…o-okay…
(There was a sound of clicking and clanking from the other side of the door. This went on for about 30 seconds, before a sound like something hitting a bed was heard, followed by a blanket-like one.)
(Ghosta slowly entered the room looking for Gray)
Where- oh..
(Assuming Ghosta spotted Gray on the bed they sat beside him)
(Gray felt the bed bounce, but didn’t respond. He was trembling quite a lot, with his back turned to Ghosta. He didn’t know whether he wanted them to say something, or for them to just stay quiet and have the two of them sit in silence. The latter would be awkward, but the former meant Gray would have to reply to something, neither of which he wanted at all whatsoever. Although, he’d admit that the former was slightly more tolerable, as he craved affirmation that his boyfriend DIDN’T hate him. But who was Ghosta to say that? Maverick didn’t really talk to many people outside of he and Glados, and Ghosta seemed to be in a similar boat as Gray most of the time, so the chances of them actually knowing each other personally were extremely low. It would just be empty words of comfort. Still, though…)
(Ghosta sat in silence for a moment, thinking of what to do in order to comfort gray in this situation)
. . .
(They hesitantly put a hand on his shoulder, not sure if he needed physical contact)
I think you'll be ok.
(they spoke softly)
(Gray had not accounted for the physical contact part. However, Ghosta’s cold, dead hand just wasn’t the same as a, well, alive hand - at least, that was Gray’s stance for now. Rather than flinching, he just sighed shakily, and turned over slightly, but not enough to fully look at Ghosta.)
How do y-you know…?
(Gray wasn’t trying to be sarcastic, or passive-aggressive. He was asking a genuine question. Best case scenario, Ghosta actually managed to talk to Maverick somehow. Worst case scenario, Ghosta was lying. Absolute worst case scenario, Maverick had told Ghosta that it hates him, and Ghosta was lying to him about what really happened.
He didn’t want to think about that last thing.)
That's the thing, I don't know gray, I'm just... (Ghosta paused)
I hate seeing you upset, so..please, let me say this things may look bleak right now...I don't know what's going on..but I think you'll be ok... I hope.
…
(Ghosta… hated seeing him upset?
They’d only known each other for so long, and barely talked. What was Ghosta doing caring about him so much? Did Ghosta like him or something? No, that was impossible. Was Ghosta just… caring about him because they genuinely wanted to be his friend…? But… why? What was so appealing about Gray, if not even the love of his life could stay with him for long?
Gray started shaking a bit more as these thoughts overwhelmed him. He instinctively took Ghosta’s hand with both is his, just for some form of further comfort. If Ghosta wasn’t confident in the idea of hugging, then this was the best he could do.)
(Ghosta could feel Gray shake, they did actually want to be his friend, they just don't know how to express it.) Hey..shh... (They held grays hands with their other hand, trying to soothe him, even though they know they have the body temperature of a corpse) I care about you.
(He couldn’t understand why exactly he was doing this hand-holding thing.
His mind flashed back to the times he would get upset around Maverick, and they would do this to help comfort Gray. Logically, this should only be bringing back now-painful memories - yet, as Ghosta held his hands, he felt an odd sense of… relief? He should be upset, yet some instinct made this comforting for him.
But he still couldn’t pinpoint why they were doing this. So he asked, even though his voice was wavering more and more and his ring was threatening to do the gross dripping.)
W-why…? Why do you… c-care about me… what d-did I do…
(He had to earn the approval of others, not randomly just gain it. And he was very bad at earning approval… was Ghosta in their right mind…?)
Because you're the only other person here in Aperture I seem to have many things in common with, The only other person I can seem to connect with that isn't from some...other universe for once, and- you're actually so nice...you didn't talk to me out of Pity or just because I was in a terrible emotional state, I was just..Standing there and you You make me feel like a person, gray, basically and I wanted to give that same feeling to you (Ghosta explained)
(It was just because Gray was nice…?
How? That one time when they first met, that was just him being blindly hopeful that he had found another phantom. If anything, Ghosta was the nice one for actually answering his questions.
Yet, it made him trust Ghosta even more.
He started shaking even harder, but this time, he suddenly crawled into Ghosta’s arms, clinging tighty onto them and sobbing.)
(Ghosta tensed up a bit, not expecting the sudden hug
Then they slowly wrapped Their arms around gray, holding him gently as to not squeeze him, they rub circles into his back to comfort him in a way
They didn't say anything in that moment, because they didn't know what to say
But they did know that gray needed comfort)
(This reminded Gray of those times with Maverick so badly that he should have been hating this, yet he found himself oddly comforted by it. The touch was soothing, and Ghosta's cold skin wasn't much of a problem at the moment, since Gray was already wrapped up in around 10 heavy blankets.
Despite all logic, he found himself calming down a tiny bit, and leaning into the hug. Deep down, he felt guilty, as if he shouldn't be doing this when his boyfriend was gone.
And yet, he needed the comfort.)
I got you...I'm here.
(Ghosta mumbled reassuringly as they continue to hug gray, they wanted to help him calm down at Least
They don't know what Gray is going through yet they're here.)
(Once Gray calmed down, he slowly pulled away from Ghosta, not wanting to make this go on any longer in case they felt uncomfortable.)
S-sorry if that was... w-weird... I just...
(He sighed, and grabbed the small penguin plushie that had been next to him, holding it gently - seemingly for some sort of further comfort.)
No.. it's alright I understand, you're upset, I don't know why but..That wasn't weird at all
(Ghosta continues to keep their voice mumbled, they really didn't want to seem loud, or obnoxious)
No- no, it… it was. You don’t just… hug someone you barely know…
(He remembered the times when he would hug Grady and everything, completely uncalled for. God, that must have made him even creepier… it’s a miracle that Maverick even tolerated it.)
I just… (sigh) I’m… sorry for d-dragging you into all of this, Ghosta…
(He was now sitting up, toying with the plushie’s wings.)
It’s just that, lately… no, n-nevermind…
(Ghosta is confused by Gray's hesitation to open up)
Hey...you don't have to tell me what's going on, but..it'd help me understand why you seem so upset..is that ok?
…
(Lucky for Ghosta, Gray was much better at opening up than his blue-eyed counterpart.)
…O-okay…
(He took a deep breath, and held the plushie close to him. He didn’t look at Ghosta once.)
It’s… kind of a, um, s-silly reason to be so worked up, h-heh… but…
…my boyfriend hasn’t been… paying me much attention lately, and I… I was worried I upset him in some way, o-or did something… horrifically wrong…
(He stopped talking at that. There was a faint unsteadiness to his ring, one that seemed to particularly grivitate downward…)
(Ghosta could feel a feeling they haven't felt in a while...
They know gray wouldn't want them to go after maverick
But they can't help being.. slightly enraged by this, not at Gray but at Maverick)
That's not a Silly reason at all.
(they start)
Sure..He may be busy but I don't think that means he's mad at you, maybe he's just swamped with work.. whatever work what used to be a Disembodied voice would have anyway
(Their anger showed a bit)
H-hey! He does a lot of work!
(Gray usually wouldn't mean to get mad, but something about Maverick being even a little bit insulted made him feel, well... pretty angry. Even if Maverick wasn't even here right now, and he would never know about this conversation.)
Sitting there all day and talking... reading from a script- W-what if he messes it up? Everyone in the facility would hear...! There's a... a lot of p-pressure he has to go through, you... you know...
(His voice got quieter as he suddenly realized that he... really didn't know much about what Maverick actually did besides talking. But he did work hard! Probably...!)
(Ghosta realizes what they said may have been offensive to Gray, and Maverick
They were much less sorry about offending Maverick)
Ok, yes He does that, but even then there's not much to announce! So there's not many chances to mess up, not to mention he HAS made time for you before I just-
(Ghosta cleared their non-existent throat and they return to mumbling after realizing how annoying and entitled they must sound)
.. Apologies.
Nono, it's fine, it's just... It- It must be cleaning or something! Yes! He must be... cleaning...
(He looked down as he had a crushing realization.)
...Oh, god... h-he really does h-hate me... doesn't he...
No...nonono! I don't think he hates you..!
(Ghosta started)
I don't know how..erm relationships work, But..I'm pretty sure a lover not giving the other that much attention because of work is not automatically Hatred..
But how do we know it's because of work...? I-I'll admit, I... don't actually know what he does aside from, er, talking...
(He started gently petting the plushie. He considered it a miracle that Ghosts hadn't commented on it, given how childish having something like this with him was.)
...Maybe he could start a radio show...?
Radio sort of..died down after the Great Depression, I think you're referring to it's sort of.. modern day Equivalent, a podcast.
It's not one I'd listen to, but I'm sure you'd love it
(Ghosta teased, trying to lighten up the mood)
That's an adorable plushie, by the way.
Heh, I probably would... Ooh, maybe he can even have me on it- A-actually, maybe not...
Oh, th-thank you... I-I actually gave this to Maverick a while back, he said he'd love it as much as he loves me... ehe... I-I'm just... taking care of it.
(He definitely did not steal that from Mav's room so he had some comfort.)
Well that's sweet of you to do..
So Maverick may not be here with you..but you have the plushie you gave him..you have at least something that you remember him by..
I wouldn't know.
I suppose...
Y-you know, I was actually supposed to, er, move in with him shortly before this... but... that never quite came to be, heh...
Oh..
(Ghosta thought over their next words for a moment)
...that's a bit..rude, of him...
(they clear their throat again)
I'm sure it'll happen soon though, have hope, gray.
I-I don't think he's rude, he just needs time to get everything ready...
(He motions to the uncountable blankets on the bed.)
It must take, um q-quite a bit of time, heh...
(Ghosta sighs)
..I can imagine, I mean..moving from down here to.. wherever you two are moving in together must be..a long process to say the least.
...Actually, he lives right next door.
What.
Yeah, he… well, neither of us had a place before, m-mostly because Maverick used to just be a, well… voice, but the entire point was for us to be neighbors!
(He seemed completely unaware of just how concerning this is.)
..us?
As in you and Maverick?
Yeah… I-it was actually how we had our first kiss, heh… we just got really close out of excitement, and… yeah… Neither of us really knew what is was, but it felt very… nice.
(His voice became softer, yet somewhat less distressed, as he recalled those happy times with Maverick. It was such a sweet memory… any memory of the two of them being romantic like that, he wanted to replay over and over.)
Oh, that's actually really sweet..glad to know you and Maverick have good memories to look back on.. despite your situation..
…y-yeah…
(Gray went quiet.
There was something that Gray didn’t want to admit. The way he had been wording the recent events was a bit… off. “Hasn’t been paying much attention to me” was an… understatement, to say the least. Gray just didn’t want to talk about the truth. Hell, he didn’t want to think about it. He’d prefer to live in this fantasy where Maverick had some care left for him, where he still received some love…)
(Ghosta didn't comment on Gray's Silence and stayed silent themself.)
(Eventually, he spoke.)
…Ghosta, do you… think he m-misses me…?
I do think he misses you.
What kind of partner would he be if he didn't..
(Ghosta replied)
Y-you're right...
A-again, I'm v-very sorry for dragging you into all this... relationship drama of mine... b-but could you maybe try talking to him when you get the chance...?
..I'm not too sure about talking to him, Last time me and him even interacted was when..gray wasn't having a good time at all
W- What??
(The way Ghosta was wording it, it sounded like Mav had been… rude to them? But that was impossible! Maverick had never been rude to Gray, why would he be rude to anyone else? He was perfect!)
W-what do you mean? What did he say…??
It's more of my fault, really.
The er..Central core was offline..it was in the middle of when Grady was... having issues, to put it lightly I bought up points of.. forgiving and Apologizing to Grady and Wheatley because the central core did cause their corruption, two Humans got involved at some point
I just happened to talk to Maverick at the time...back when he wasn't how he was now.
(Gray couldn’t take it anymore.
Maverick surely hated him. And everybody just wouldn’t stop bothering him. All he wanted was to be alone and deal with this himself, but he was met with person after person trying to talk to him. And at a time when Maverick hadn’t been giving him any attention, as opposed to everyone else’s behavior… it was too much.
He curled up in the bed and started sobbing.)
(Ghosta had been walking around old Aperture as usual, they heard the sobs coming from Grey's room, they hesitated to approach, but upon recognizing his voice they gently knock on the door)
...Hello? Gray? Are you.. alright?
(Their voice was as quiet as ever.)
(Gray was about to protest, but he recognized that voice from a while ago.
Ghosta. The one singular person who actually understood him, somewhat.)
…y-yes… I’m… fine…
(Ghosta is silent for a moment)
...you don't sound fine, gray I can hear your sobbing..
I-I SAID I’m-
(Gray immediately realized he was about to yell, and he himself didn’t want to be yelled at (it was definitely nothing to do with Maverick having trauma involving yelling), so he nervously stopped himself.
…He ruined everything again, didn’t he.)
…I- I-I’m… sorry…
Hey- Hey- it's alright.
(Ghosta paused, not sure how to approach the situation next)
...you must be dealing with a lot..huh?
…
S… sort… of…
(If Ghosta was lucky, Gray might actually let someone into his room for once…)
I'd uh..I'd offer up a hug.. but I'm not sure If..I'd provide any warmth..what I can offer is..well comfort, is..that alright?
(Ghosta was basically asking if Gray wanted a hug, they knew in situations like this, a person or in this case, a phantom needs comfort)
(Gray's voice became noticeably shakier, as if just the thought was making him even more emotional. He didn't know Ghosta all that well, sure, but words from anyone he trusted would be perfect right now.)
...P-please...
Can I..come on in?
(Ghosta asked, trying to Gauge if Gray was comfortable with people In his room)
(Ghosta was lucky.)
…o-okay…
(There was a sound of clicking and clanking from the other side of the door. This went on for about 30 seconds, before a sound like something hitting a bed was heard, followed by a blanket-like one.)
(Ghosta slowly entered the room looking for Gray)
Where- oh..
(Assuming Ghosta spotted Gray on the bed they sat beside him)
(Gray felt the bed bounce, but didn’t respond. He was trembling quite a lot, with his back turned to Ghosta. He didn’t know whether he wanted them to say something, or for them to just stay quiet and have the two of them sit in silence. The latter would be awkward, but the former meant Gray would have to reply to something, neither of which he wanted at all whatsoever. Although, he’d admit that the former was slightly more tolerable, as he craved affirmation that his boyfriend DIDN’T hate him. But who was Ghosta to say that? Maverick didn’t really talk to many people outside of he and Glados, and Ghosta seemed to be in a similar boat as Gray most of the time, so the chances of them actually knowing each other personally were extremely low. It would just be empty words of comfort. Still, though…)
(Ghosta sat in silence for a moment, thinking of what to do in order to comfort gray in this situation)
. . .
(They hesitantly put a hand on his shoulder, not sure if he needed physical contact)
I think you'll be ok.
(they spoke softly)
(Gray had not accounted for the physical contact part. However, Ghosta’s cold, dead hand just wasn’t the same as a, well, alive hand - at least, that was Gray’s stance for now. Rather than flinching, he just sighed shakily, and turned over slightly, but not enough to fully look at Ghosta.)
How do y-you know…?
(Gray wasn’t trying to be sarcastic, or passive-aggressive. He was asking a genuine question. Best case scenario, Ghosta actually managed to talk to Maverick somehow. Worst case scenario, Ghosta was lying. Absolute worst case scenario, Maverick had told Ghosta that it hates him, and Ghosta was lying to him about what really happened.
He didn’t want to think about that last thing.)
That's the thing, I don't know gray, I'm just... (Ghosta paused)
I hate seeing you upset, so..please, let me say this things may look bleak right now...I don't know what's going on..but I think you'll be ok... I hope.
…
(Ghosta… hated seeing him upset?
They’d only known each other for so long, and barely talked. What was Ghosta doing caring about him so much? Did Ghosta like him or something? No, that was impossible. Was Ghosta just… caring about him because they genuinely wanted to be his friend…? But… why? What was so appealing about Gray, if not even the love of his life could stay with him for long?
Gray started shaking a bit more as these thoughts overwhelmed him. He instinctively took Ghosta’s hand with both is his, just for some form of further comfort. If Ghosta wasn’t confident in the idea of hugging, then this was the best he could do.)
(Ghosta could feel Gray shake, they did actually want to be his friend, they just don't know how to express it.) Hey..shh... (They held grays hands with their other hand, trying to soothe him, even though they know they have the body temperature of a corpse) I care about you.
(He couldn’t understand why exactly he was doing this hand-holding thing.
His mind flashed back to the times he would get upset around Maverick, and they would do this to help comfort Gray. Logically, this should only be bringing back now-painful memories - yet, as Ghosta held his hands, he felt an odd sense of… relief? He should be upset, yet some instinct made this comforting for him.
But he still couldn’t pinpoint why they were doing this. So he asked, even though his voice was wavering more and more and his ring was threatening to do the gross dripping.)
W-why…? Why do you… c-care about me… what d-did I do…
(He had to earn the approval of others, not randomly just gain it. And he was very bad at earning approval… was Ghosta in their right mind…?)
Because you're the only other person here in Aperture I seem to have many things in common with, The only other person I can seem to connect with that isn't from some...other universe for once, and- you're actually so nice...you didn't talk to me out of Pity or just because I was in a terrible emotional state, I was just..Standing there and you You make me feel like a person, gray, basically and I wanted to give that same feeling to you (Ghosta explained)
(It was just because Gray was nice…?
How? That one time when they first met, that was just him being blindly hopeful that he had found another phantom. If anything, Ghosta was the nice one for actually answering his questions.
Yet, it made him trust Ghosta even more.
He started shaking even harder, but this time, he suddenly crawled into Ghosta’s arms, clinging tighty onto them and sobbing.)
(Ghosta tensed up a bit, not expecting the sudden hug
Then they slowly wrapped Their arms around gray, holding him gently as to not squeeze him, they rub circles into his back to comfort him in a way
They didn't say anything in that moment, because they didn't know what to say
But they did know that gray needed comfort)
(This reminded Gray of those times with Maverick so badly that he should have been hating this, yet he found himself oddly comforted by it. The touch was soothing, and Ghosta's cold skin wasn't much of a problem at the moment, since Gray was already wrapped up in around 10 heavy blankets.
Despite all logic, he found himself calming down a tiny bit, and leaning into the hug. Deep down, he felt guilty, as if he shouldn't be doing this when his boyfriend was gone.
And yet, he needed the comfort.)
I got you...I'm here.
(Ghosta mumbled reassuringly as they continue to hug gray, they wanted to help him calm down at Least
They don't know what Gray is going through yet they're here.)
(Once Gray calmed down, he slowly pulled away from Ghosta, not wanting to make this go on any longer in case they felt uncomfortable.)
S-sorry if that was... w-weird... I just...
(He sighed, and grabbed the small penguin plushie that had been next to him, holding it gently - seemingly for some sort of further comfort.)
No.. it's alright I understand, you're upset, I don't know why but..That wasn't weird at all
(Ghosta continues to keep their voice mumbled, they really didn't want to seem loud, or obnoxious)
No- no, it… it was. You don’t just… hug someone you barely know…
(He remembered the times when he would hug Grady and everything, completely uncalled for. God, that must have made him even creepier… it’s a miracle that Maverick even tolerated it.)
I just… (sigh) I’m… sorry for d-dragging you into all of this, Ghosta…
(He was now sitting up, toying with the plushie’s wings.)
It’s just that, lately… no, n-nevermind…
(Ghosta is confused by Gray's hesitation to open up)
Hey...you don't have to tell me what's going on, but..it'd help me understand why you seem so upset..is that ok?
…
(Lucky for Ghosta, Gray was much better at opening up than his blue-eyed counterpart.)
…O-okay…
(He took a deep breath, and held the plushie close to him. He didn’t look at Ghosta once.)
It’s… kind of a, um, s-silly reason to be so worked up, h-heh… but…
…my boyfriend hasn’t been… paying me much attention lately, and I… I was worried I upset him in some way, o-or did something… horrifically wrong…
(He stopped talking at that. There was a faint unsteadiness to his ring, one that seemed to particularly grivitate downward…)
(Ghosta could feel a feeling they haven't felt in a while...
They know gray wouldn't want them to go after maverick
But they can't help being.. slightly enraged by this, not at Gray but at Maverick)
That's not a Silly reason at all.
(they start)
Sure..He may be busy but I don't think that means he's mad at you, maybe he's just swamped with work.. whatever work what used to be a Disembodied voice would have anyway
(Their anger showed a bit)
H-hey! He does a lot of work!
(Gray usually wouldn't mean to get mad, but something about Maverick being even a little bit insulted made him feel, well... pretty angry. Even if Maverick wasn't even here right now, and he would never know about this conversation.)
Sitting there all day and talking... reading from a script- W-what if he messes it up? Everyone in the facility would hear...! There's a... a lot of p-pressure he has to go through, you... you know...
(His voice got quieter as he suddenly realized that he... really didn't know much about what Maverick actually did besides talking. But he did work hard! Probably...!)
(Ghosta realizes what they said may have been offensive to Gray, and Maverick
They were much less sorry about offending Maverick)
Ok, yes He does that, but even then there's not much to announce! So there's not many chances to mess up, not to mention he HAS made time for you before I just-
(Ghosta cleared their non-existent throat and they return to mumbling after realizing how annoying and entitled they must sound)
.. Apologies.
Nono, it's fine, it's just... It- It must be cleaning or something! Yes! He must be... cleaning...
(He looked down as he had a crushing realization.)
...Oh, god... h-he really does h-hate me... doesn't he...
No...nonono! I don't think he hates you..!
(Ghosta started)
I don't know how..erm relationships work, But..I'm pretty sure a lover not giving the other that much attention because of work is not automatically Hatred..
But how do we know it's because of work...? I-I'll admit, I... don't actually know what he does aside from, er, talking...
(He started gently petting the plushie. He considered it a miracle that Ghosts hadn't commented on it, given how childish having something like this with him was.)
...Maybe he could start a radio show...?
Radio sort of..died down after the Great Depression, I think you're referring to it's sort of.. modern day Equivalent, a podcast.
It's not one I'd listen to, but I'm sure you'd love it
(Ghosta teased, trying to lighten up the mood)
That's an adorable plushie, by the way.
Heh, I probably would... Ooh, maybe he can even have me on it- A-actually, maybe not...
Oh, th-thank you... I-I actually gave this to Maverick a while back, he said he'd love it as much as he loves me... ehe... I-I'm just... taking care of it.
(He definitely did not steal that from Mav's room so he had some comfort.)
Well that's sweet of you to do..
So Maverick may not be here with you..but you have the plushie you gave him..you have at least something that you remember him by..
I wouldn't know.
I suppose...
Y-you know, I was actually supposed to, er, move in with him shortly before this... but... that never quite came to be, heh...
Oh..
(Ghosta thought over their next words for a moment)
...that's a bit..rude, of him...
(they clear their throat again)
I'm sure it'll happen soon though, have hope, gray.
I-I don't think he's rude, he just needs time to get everything ready...
(He motions to the uncountable blankets on the bed.)
It must take, um q-quite a bit of time, heh...
(Ghosta sighs)
..I can imagine, I mean..moving from down here to.. wherever you two are moving in together must be..a long process to say the least.
...Actually, he lives right next door.
What.
Yeah, he… well, neither of us had a place before, m-mostly because Maverick used to just be a, well… voice, but the entire point was for us to be neighbors!
(He seemed completely unaware of just how concerning this is.)
..us?
As in you and Maverick?
Yeah… I-it was actually how we had our first kiss, heh… we just got really close out of excitement, and… yeah… Neither of us really knew what is was, but it felt very… nice.
(His voice became softer, yet somewhat less distressed, as he recalled those happy times with Maverick. It was such a sweet memory… any memory of the two of them being romantic like that, he wanted to replay over and over.)
Oh, that's actually really sweet..glad to know you and Maverick have good memories to look back on.. despite your situation..
…y-yeah…
(Gray went quiet.
There was something that Gray didn’t want to admit. The way he had been wording the recent events was a bit… off. “Hasn’t been paying much attention to me” was an… understatement, to say the least. Gray just didn’t want to talk about the truth. Hell, he didn’t want to think about it. He’d prefer to live in this fantasy where Maverick had some care left for him, where he still received some love…)
(Ghosta didn't comment on Gray's Silence and stayed silent themself.)
(Eventually, he spoke.)
…Ghosta, do you… think he m-misses me…?
I do think he misses you.
What kind of partner would he be if he didn't..
(Ghosta replied)
Y-you're right...
A-again, I'm v-very sorry for dragging you into all this... relationship drama of mine... b-but could you maybe try talking to him when you get the chance...?
..I'm not too sure about talking to him, Last time me and him even interacted was when..gray wasn't having a good time at all
(Gray couldn’t take it anymore.
Maverick surely hated him. And everybody just wouldn’t stop bothering him. All he wanted was to be alone and deal with this himself, but he was met with person after person trying to talk to him. And at a time when Maverick hadn’t been giving him any attention, as opposed to everyone else’s behavior… it was too much.
He curled up in the bed and started sobbing.)
(Ghosta had been walking around old Aperture as usual, they heard the sobs coming from Grey's room, they hesitated to approach, but upon recognizing his voice they gently knock on the door)
...Hello? Gray? Are you.. alright?
(Their voice was as quiet as ever.)
(Gray was about to protest, but he recognized that voice from a while ago.
Ghosta. The one singular person who actually understood him, somewhat.)
…y-yes… I’m… fine…
(Ghosta is silent for a moment)
...you don't sound fine, gray I can hear your sobbing..
I-I SAID I’m-
(Gray immediately realized he was about to yell, and he himself didn’t want to be yelled at (it was definitely nothing to do with Maverick having trauma involving yelling), so he nervously stopped himself.
…He ruined everything again, didn’t he.)
…I- I-I’m… sorry…
Hey- Hey- it's alright.
(Ghosta paused, not sure how to approach the situation next)
...you must be dealing with a lot..huh?
…
S… sort… of…
(If Ghosta was lucky, Gray might actually let someone into his room for once…)
I'd uh..I'd offer up a hug.. but I'm not sure If..I'd provide any warmth..what I can offer is..well comfort, is..that alright?
(Ghosta was basically asking if Gray wanted a hug, they knew in situations like this, a person or in this case, a phantom needs comfort)
(Gray's voice became noticeably shakier, as if just the thought was making him even more emotional. He didn't know Ghosta all that well, sure, but words from anyone he trusted would be perfect right now.)
...P-please...
Can I..come on in?
(Ghosta asked, trying to Gauge if Gray was comfortable with people In his room)
(Ghosta was lucky.)
…o-okay…
(There was a sound of clicking and clanking from the other side of the door. This went on for about 30 seconds, before a sound like something hitting a bed was heard, followed by a blanket-like one.)
(Ghosta slowly entered the room looking for Gray)
Where- oh..
(Assuming Ghosta spotted Gray on the bed they sat beside him)
(Gray felt the bed bounce, but didn’t respond. He was trembling quite a lot, with his back turned to Ghosta. He didn’t know whether he wanted them to say something, or for them to just stay quiet and have the two of them sit in silence. The latter would be awkward, but the former meant Gray would have to reply to something, neither of which he wanted at all whatsoever. Although, he’d admit that the former was slightly more tolerable, as he craved affirmation that his boyfriend DIDN’T hate him. But who was Ghosta to say that? Maverick didn’t really talk to many people outside of he and Glados, and Ghosta seemed to be in a similar boat as Gray most of the time, so the chances of them actually knowing each other personally were extremely low. It would just be empty words of comfort. Still, though…)
(Ghosta sat in silence for a moment, thinking of what to do in order to comfort gray in this situation)
. . .
(They hesitantly put a hand on his shoulder, not sure if he needed physical contact)
I think you'll be ok.
(they spoke softly)
(Gray had not accounted for the physical contact part. However, Ghosta’s cold, dead hand just wasn’t the same as a, well, alive hand - at least, that was Gray’s stance for now. Rather than flinching, he just sighed shakily, and turned over slightly, but not enough to fully look at Ghosta.)
How do y-you know…?
(Gray wasn’t trying to be sarcastic, or passive-aggressive. He was asking a genuine question. Best case scenario, Ghosta actually managed to talk to Maverick somehow. Worst case scenario, Ghosta was lying. Absolute worst case scenario, Maverick had told Ghosta that it hates him, and Ghosta was lying to him about what really happened.
He didn’t want to think about that last thing.)
That's the thing, I don't know gray, I'm just... (Ghosta paused)
I hate seeing you upset, so..please, let me say this things may look bleak right now...I don't know what's going on..but I think you'll be ok... I hope.
…
(Ghosta… hated seeing him upset?
They’d only known each other for so long, and barely talked. What was Ghosta doing caring about him so much? Did Ghosta like him or something? No, that was impossible. Was Ghosta just… caring about him because they genuinely wanted to be his friend…? But… why? What was so appealing about Gray, if not even the love of his life could stay with him for long?
Gray started shaking a bit more as these thoughts overwhelmed him. He instinctively took Ghosta’s hand with both is his, just for some form of further comfort. If Ghosta wasn’t confident in the idea of hugging, then this was the best he could do.)
(Ghosta could feel Gray shake, they did actually want to be his friend, they just don't know how to express it.) Hey..shh... (They held grays hands with their other hand, trying to soothe him, even though they know they have the body temperature of a corpse) I care about you.
(He couldn’t understand why exactly he was doing this hand-holding thing.
His mind flashed back to the times he would get upset around Maverick, and they would do this to help comfort Gray. Logically, this should only be bringing back now-painful memories - yet, as Ghosta held his hands, he felt an odd sense of… relief? He should be upset, yet some instinct made this comforting for him.
But he still couldn’t pinpoint why they were doing this. So he asked, even though his voice was wavering more and more and his ring was threatening to do the gross dripping.)
W-why…? Why do you… c-care about me… what d-did I do…
(He had to earn the approval of others, not randomly just gain it. And he was very bad at earning approval… was Ghosta in their right mind…?)
Because you're the only other person here in Aperture I seem to have many things in common with, The only other person I can seem to connect with that isn't from some...other universe for once, and- you're actually so nice...you didn't talk to me out of Pity or just because I was in a terrible emotional state, I was just..Standing there and you You make me feel like a person, gray, basically and I wanted to give that same feeling to you (Ghosta explained)
(It was just because Gray was nice…?
How? That one time when they first met, that was just him being blindly hopeful that he had found another phantom. If anything, Ghosta was the nice one for actually answering his questions.
Yet, it made him trust Ghosta even more.
He started shaking even harder, but this time, he suddenly crawled into Ghosta’s arms, clinging tighty onto them and sobbing.)
(Ghosta tensed up a bit, not expecting the sudden hug
Then they slowly wrapped Their arms around gray, holding him gently as to not squeeze him, they rub circles into his back to comfort him in a way
They didn't say anything in that moment, because they didn't know what to say
But they did know that gray needed comfort)
(This reminded Gray of those times with Maverick so badly that he should have been hating this, yet he found himself oddly comforted by it. The touch was soothing, and Ghosta's cold skin wasn't much of a problem at the moment, since Gray was already wrapped up in around 10 heavy blankets.
Despite all logic, he found himself calming down a tiny bit, and leaning into the hug. Deep down, he felt guilty, as if he shouldn't be doing this when his boyfriend was gone.
And yet, he needed the comfort.)
I got you...I'm here.
(Ghosta mumbled reassuringly as they continue to hug gray, they wanted to help him calm down at Least
They don't know what Gray is going through yet they're here.)
(Once Gray calmed down, he slowly pulled away from Ghosta, not wanting to make this go on any longer in case they felt uncomfortable.)
S-sorry if that was... w-weird... I just...
(He sighed, and grabbed the small penguin plushie that had been next to him, holding it gently - seemingly for some sort of further comfort.)
No.. it's alright I understand, you're upset, I don't know why but..That wasn't weird at all
(Ghosta continues to keep their voice mumbled, they really didn't want to seem loud, or obnoxious)
No- no, it… it was. You don’t just… hug someone you barely know…
(He remembered the times when he would hug Grady and everything, completely uncalled for. God, that must have made him even creepier… it’s a miracle that Maverick even tolerated it.)
I just… (sigh) I’m… sorry for d-dragging you into all of this, Ghosta…
(He was now sitting up, toying with the plushie’s wings.)
It’s just that, lately… no, n-nevermind…
(Ghosta is confused by Gray's hesitation to open up)
Hey...you don't have to tell me what's going on, but..it'd help me understand why you seem so upset..is that ok?
…
(Lucky for Ghosta, Gray was much better at opening up than his blue-eyed counterpart.)
…O-okay…
(He took a deep breath, and held the plushie close to him. He didn’t look at Ghosta once.)
It’s… kind of a, um, s-silly reason to be so worked up, h-heh… but…
…my boyfriend hasn’t been… paying me much attention lately, and I… I was worried I upset him in some way, o-or did something… horrifically wrong…
(He stopped talking at that. There was a faint unsteadiness to his ring, one that seemed to particularly grivitate downward…)
(Ghosta could feel a feeling they haven't felt in a while...
They know gray wouldn't want them to go after maverick
But they can't help being.. slightly enraged by this, not at Gray but at Maverick)
That's not a Silly reason at all.
(they start)
Sure..He may be busy but I don't think that means he's mad at you, maybe he's just swamped with work.. whatever work what used to be a Disembodied voice would have anyway
(Their anger showed a bit)
H-hey! He does a lot of work!
(Gray usually wouldn't mean to get mad, but something about Maverick being even a little bit insulted made him feel, well... pretty angry. Even if Maverick wasn't even here right now, and he would never know about this conversation.)
Sitting there all day and talking... reading from a script- W-what if he messes it up? Everyone in the facility would hear...! There's a... a lot of p-pressure he has to go through, you... you know...
(His voice got quieter as he suddenly realized that he... really didn't know much about what Maverick actually did besides talking. But he did work hard! Probably...!)
(Ghosta realizes what they said may have been offensive to Gray, and Maverick
They were much less sorry about offending Maverick)
Ok, yes He does that, but even then there's not much to announce! So there's not many chances to mess up, not to mention he HAS made time for you before I just-
(Ghosta cleared their non-existent throat and they return to mumbling after realizing how annoying and entitled they must sound)
.. Apologies.
Nono, it's fine, it's just... It- It must be cleaning or something! Yes! He must be... cleaning...
(He looked down as he had a crushing realization.)
...Oh, god... h-he really does h-hate me... doesn't he...
No...nonono! I don't think he hates you..!
(Ghosta started)
I don't know how..erm relationships work, But..I'm pretty sure a lover not giving the other that much attention because of work is not automatically Hatred..
But how do we know it's because of work...? I-I'll admit, I... don't actually know what he does aside from, er, talking...
(He started gently petting the plushie. He considered it a miracle that Ghosts hadn't commented on it, given how childish having something like this with him was.)
...Maybe he could start a radio show...?
Radio sort of..died down after the Great Depression, I think you're referring to it's sort of.. modern day Equivalent, a podcast.
It's not one I'd listen to, but I'm sure you'd love it
(Ghosta teased, trying to lighten up the mood)
That's an adorable plushie, by the way.
Heh, I probably would... Ooh, maybe he can even have me on it- A-actually, maybe not...
Oh, th-thank you... I-I actually gave this to Maverick a while back, he said he'd love it as much as he loves me... ehe... I-I'm just... taking care of it.
(He definitely did not steal that from Mav's room so he had some comfort.)
Well that's sweet of you to do..
So Maverick may not be here with you..but you have the plushie you gave him..you have at least something that you remember him by..
I wouldn't know.
I suppose...
Y-you know, I was actually supposed to, er, move in with him shortly before this... but... that never quite came to be, heh...
Oh..
(Ghosta thought over their next words for a moment)
...that's a bit..rude, of him...
(they clear their throat again)
I'm sure it'll happen soon though, have hope, gray.
I-I don't think he's rude, he just needs time to get everything ready...
(He motions to the uncountable blankets on the bed.)
It must take, um q-quite a bit of time, heh...
(Ghosta sighs)
..I can imagine, I mean..moving from down here to.. wherever you two are moving in together must be..a long process to say the least.
...Actually, he lives right next door.
What.
Yeah, he… well, neither of us had a place before, m-mostly because Maverick used to just be a, well… voice, but the entire point was for us to be neighbors!
(He seemed completely unaware of just how concerning this is.)
..us?
As in you and Maverick?
Yeah… I-it was actually how we had our first kiss, heh… we just got really close out of excitement, and… yeah… Neither of us really knew what is was, but it felt very… nice.
(His voice became softer, yet somewhat less distressed, as he recalled those happy times with Maverick. It was such a sweet memory… any memory of the two of them being romantic like that, he wanted to replay over and over.)
Oh, that's actually really sweet..glad to know you and Maverick have good memories to look back on.. despite your situation..
…y-yeah…
(Gray went quiet.
There was something that Gray didn’t want to admit. The way he had been wording the recent events was a bit… off. “Hasn’t been paying much attention to me” was an… understatement, to say the least. Gray just didn’t want to talk about the truth. Hell, he didn’t want to think about it. He’d prefer to live in this fantasy where Maverick had some care left for him, where he still received some love…)
(Ghosta didn't comment on Gray's Silence and stayed silent themself.)
(Eventually, he spoke.)
…Ghosta, do you… think he m-misses me…?
I do think he misses you.
What kind of partner would he be if he didn't..
(Ghosta replied)
(Gray couldn’t take it anymore.
Maverick surely hated him. And everybody just wouldn’t stop bothering him. All he wanted was to be alone and deal with this himself, but he was met with person after person trying to talk to him. And at a time when Maverick hadn’t been giving him any attention, as opposed to everyone else’s behavior… it was too much.
He curled up in the bed and started sobbing.)
(Ghosta had been walking around old Aperture as usual, they heard the sobs coming from Grey's room, they hesitated to approach, but upon recognizing his voice they gently knock on the door)
...Hello? Gray? Are you.. alright?
(Their voice was as quiet as ever.)
(Gray was about to protest, but he recognized that voice from a while ago.
Ghosta. The one singular person who actually understood him, somewhat.)
…y-yes… I’m… fine…
(Ghosta is silent for a moment)
...you don't sound fine, gray I can hear your sobbing..
I-I SAID I’m-
(Gray immediately realized he was about to yell, and he himself didn’t want to be yelled at (it was definitely nothing to do with Maverick having trauma involving yelling), so he nervously stopped himself.
…He ruined everything again, didn’t he.)
…I- I-I’m… sorry…
Hey- Hey- it's alright.
(Ghosta paused, not sure how to approach the situation next)
...you must be dealing with a lot..huh?
…
S… sort… of…
(If Ghosta was lucky, Gray might actually let someone into his room for once…)
I'd uh..I'd offer up a hug.. but I'm not sure If..I'd provide any warmth..what I can offer is..well comfort, is..that alright?
(Ghosta was basically asking if Gray wanted a hug, they knew in situations like this, a person or in this case, a phantom needs comfort)
(Gray's voice became noticeably shakier, as if just the thought was making him even more emotional. He didn't know Ghosta all that well, sure, but words from anyone he trusted would be perfect right now.)
...P-please...
Can I..come on in?
(Ghosta asked, trying to Gauge if Gray was comfortable with people In his room)
(Ghosta was lucky.)
…o-okay…
(There was a sound of clicking and clanking from the other side of the door. This went on for about 30 seconds, before a sound like something hitting a bed was heard, followed by a blanket-like one.)
(Ghosta slowly entered the room looking for Gray)
Where- oh..
(Assuming Ghosta spotted Gray on the bed they sat beside him)
(Gray felt the bed bounce, but didn’t respond. He was trembling quite a lot, with his back turned to Ghosta. He didn’t know whether he wanted them to say something, or for them to just stay quiet and have the two of them sit in silence. The latter would be awkward, but the former meant Gray would have to reply to something, neither of which he wanted at all whatsoever. Although, he’d admit that the former was slightly more tolerable, as he craved affirmation that his boyfriend DIDN’T hate him. But who was Ghosta to say that? Maverick didn’t really talk to many people outside of he and Glados, and Ghosta seemed to be in a similar boat as Gray most of the time, so the chances of them actually knowing each other personally were extremely low. It would just be empty words of comfort. Still, though…)
(Ghosta sat in silence for a moment, thinking of what to do in order to comfort gray in this situation)
. . .
(They hesitantly put a hand on his shoulder, not sure if he needed physical contact)
I think you'll be ok.
(they spoke softly)
(Gray had not accounted for the physical contact part. However, Ghosta’s cold, dead hand just wasn’t the same as a, well, alive hand - at least, that was Gray’s stance for now. Rather than flinching, he just sighed shakily, and turned over slightly, but not enough to fully look at Ghosta.)
How do y-you know…?
(Gray wasn’t trying to be sarcastic, or passive-aggressive. He was asking a genuine question. Best case scenario, Ghosta actually managed to talk to Maverick somehow. Worst case scenario, Ghosta was lying. Absolute worst case scenario, Maverick had told Ghosta that it hates him, and Ghosta was lying to him about what really happened.
He didn’t want to think about that last thing.)
That's the thing, I don't know gray, I'm just... (Ghosta paused)
I hate seeing you upset, so..please, let me say this things may look bleak right now...I don't know what's going on..but I think you'll be ok... I hope.
…
(Ghosta… hated seeing him upset?
They’d only known each other for so long, and barely talked. What was Ghosta doing caring about him so much? Did Ghosta like him or something? No, that was impossible. Was Ghosta just… caring about him because they genuinely wanted to be his friend…? But… why? What was so appealing about Gray, if not even the love of his life could stay with him for long?
Gray started shaking a bit more as these thoughts overwhelmed him. He instinctively took Ghosta’s hand with both is his, just for some form of further comfort. If Ghosta wasn’t confident in the idea of hugging, then this was the best he could do.)
(Ghosta could feel Gray shake, they did actually want to be his friend, they just don't know how to express it.) Hey..shh... (They held grays hands with their other hand, trying to soothe him, even though they know they have the body temperature of a corpse) I care about you.
(He couldn’t understand why exactly he was doing this hand-holding thing.
His mind flashed back to the times he would get upset around Maverick, and they would do this to help comfort Gray. Logically, this should only be bringing back now-painful memories - yet, as Ghosta held his hands, he felt an odd sense of… relief? He should be upset, yet some instinct made this comforting for him.
But he still couldn’t pinpoint why they were doing this. So he asked, even though his voice was wavering more and more and his ring was threatening to do the gross dripping.)
W-why…? Why do you… c-care about me… what d-did I do…
(He had to earn the approval of others, not randomly just gain it. And he was very bad at earning approval… was Ghosta in their right mind…?)
Because you're the only other person here in Aperture I seem to have many things in common with, The only other person I can seem to connect with that isn't from some...other universe for once, and- you're actually so nice...you didn't talk to me out of Pity or just because I was in a terrible emotional state, I was just..Standing there and you You make me feel like a person, gray, basically and I wanted to give that same feeling to you (Ghosta explained)
(It was just because Gray was nice…?
How? That one time when they first met, that was just him being blindly hopeful that he had found another phantom. If anything, Ghosta was the nice one for actually answering his questions.
Yet, it made him trust Ghosta even more.
He started shaking even harder, but this time, he suddenly crawled into Ghosta’s arms, clinging tighty onto them and sobbing.)
(Ghosta tensed up a bit, not expecting the sudden hug
Then they slowly wrapped Their arms around gray, holding him gently as to not squeeze him, they rub circles into his back to comfort him in a way
They didn't say anything in that moment, because they didn't know what to say
But they did know that gray needed comfort)
(This reminded Gray of those times with Maverick so badly that he should have been hating this, yet he found himself oddly comforted by it. The touch was soothing, and Ghosta's cold skin wasn't much of a problem at the moment, since Gray was already wrapped up in around 10 heavy blankets.
Despite all logic, he found himself calming down a tiny bit, and leaning into the hug. Deep down, he felt guilty, as if he shouldn't be doing this when his boyfriend was gone.
And yet, he needed the comfort.)
I got you...I'm here.
(Ghosta mumbled reassuringly as they continue to hug gray, they wanted to help him calm down at Least
They don't know what Gray is going through yet they're here.)
(Once Gray calmed down, he slowly pulled away from Ghosta, not wanting to make this go on any longer in case they felt uncomfortable.)
S-sorry if that was... w-weird... I just...
(He sighed, and grabbed the small penguin plushie that had been next to him, holding it gently - seemingly for some sort of further comfort.)
No.. it's alright I understand, you're upset, I don't know why but..That wasn't weird at all
(Ghosta continues to keep their voice mumbled, they really didn't want to seem loud, or obnoxious)
No- no, it… it was. You don’t just… hug someone you barely know…
(He remembered the times when he would hug Grady and everything, completely uncalled for. God, that must have made him even creepier… it’s a miracle that Maverick even tolerated it.)
I just… (sigh) I’m… sorry for d-dragging you into all of this, Ghosta…
(He was now sitting up, toying with the plushie’s wings.)
It’s just that, lately… no, n-nevermind…
(Ghosta is confused by Gray's hesitation to open up)
Hey...you don't have to tell me what's going on, but..it'd help me understand why you seem so upset..is that ok?
…
(Lucky for Ghosta, Gray was much better at opening up than his blue-eyed counterpart.)
…O-okay…
(He took a deep breath, and held the plushie close to him. He didn’t look at Ghosta once.)
It’s… kind of a, um, s-silly reason to be so worked up, h-heh… but…
…my boyfriend hasn’t been… paying me much attention lately, and I… I was worried I upset him in some way, o-or did something… horrifically wrong…
(He stopped talking at that. There was a faint unsteadiness to his ring, one that seemed to particularly grivitate downward…)
(Ghosta could feel a feeling they haven't felt in a while...
They know gray wouldn't want them to go after maverick
But they can't help being.. slightly enraged by this, not at Gray but at Maverick)
That's not a Silly reason at all.
(they start)
Sure..He may be busy but I don't think that means he's mad at you, maybe he's just swamped with work.. whatever work what used to be a Disembodied voice would have anyway
(Their anger showed a bit)
H-hey! He does a lot of work!
(Gray usually wouldn't mean to get mad, but something about Maverick being even a little bit insulted made him feel, well... pretty angry. Even if Maverick wasn't even here right now, and he would never know about this conversation.)
Sitting there all day and talking... reading from a script- W-what if he messes it up? Everyone in the facility would hear...! There's a... a lot of p-pressure he has to go through, you... you know...
(His voice got quieter as he suddenly realized that he... really didn't know much about what Maverick actually did besides talking. But he did work hard! Probably...!)
(Ghosta realizes what they said may have been offensive to Gray, and Maverick
They were much less sorry about offending Maverick)
Ok, yes He does that, but even then there's not much to announce! So there's not many chances to mess up, not to mention he HAS made time for you before I just-
(Ghosta cleared their non-existent throat and they return to mumbling after realizing how annoying and entitled they must sound)
.. Apologies.
Nono, it's fine, it's just... It- It must be cleaning or something! Yes! He must be... cleaning...
(He looked down as he had a crushing realization.)
...Oh, god... h-he really does h-hate me... doesn't he...
No...nonono! I don't think he hates you..!
(Ghosta started)
I don't know how..erm relationships work, But..I'm pretty sure a lover not giving the other that much attention because of work is not automatically Hatred..
But how do we know it's because of work...? I-I'll admit, I... don't actually know what he does aside from, er, talking...
(He started gently petting the plushie. He considered it a miracle that Ghosts hadn't commented on it, given how childish having something like this with him was.)
...Maybe he could start a radio show...?
Radio sort of..died down after the Great Depression, I think you're referring to it's sort of.. modern day Equivalent, a podcast.
It's not one I'd listen to, but I'm sure you'd love it
(Ghosta teased, trying to lighten up the mood)
That's an adorable plushie, by the way.
Heh, I probably would... Ooh, maybe he can even have me on it- A-actually, maybe not...
Oh, th-thank you... I-I actually gave this to Maverick a while back, he said he'd love it as much as he loves me... ehe... I-I'm just... taking care of it.
(He definitely did not steal that from Mav's room so he had some comfort.)
Well that's sweet of you to do..
So Maverick may not be here with you..but you have the plushie you gave him..you have at least something that you remember him by..
I wouldn't know.
I suppose...
Y-you know, I was actually supposed to, er, move in with him shortly before this... but... that never quite came to be, heh...
Oh..
(Ghosta thought over their next words for a moment)
...that's a bit..rude, of him...
(they clear their throat again)
I'm sure it'll happen soon though, have hope, gray.
I-I don't think he's rude, he just needs time to get everything ready...
(He motions to the uncountable blankets on the bed.)
It must take, um q-quite a bit of time, heh...
(Ghosta sighs)
..I can imagine, I mean..moving from down here to.. wherever you two are moving in together must be..a long process to say the least.
...Actually, he lives right next door.
What.
Yeah, he… well, neither of us had a place before, m-mostly because Maverick used to just be a, well… voice, but the entire point was for us to be neighbors!
(He seemed completely unaware of just how concerning this is.)
..us?
As in you and Maverick?
Yeah… I-it was actually how we had our first kiss, heh… we just got really close out of excitement, and… yeah… Neither of us really knew what is was, but it felt very… nice.
(His voice became softer, yet somewhat less distressed, as he recalled those happy times with Maverick. It was such a sweet memory… any memory of the two of them being romantic like that, he wanted to replay over and over.)
Oh, that's actually really sweet..glad to know you and Maverick have good memories to look back on.. despite your situation..
…y-yeah…
(Gray went quiet.
There was something that Gray didn’t want to admit. The way he had been wording the recent events was a bit… off. “Hasn’t been paying much attention to me” was an… understatement, to say the least. Gray just didn’t want to talk about the truth. Hell, he didn’t want to think about it. He’d prefer to live in this fantasy where Maverick had some care left for him, where he still received some love…)
(Ghosta didn't comment on Gray's Silence and stayed silent themself.)
(Gray couldn’t take it anymore.
Maverick surely hated him. And everybody just wouldn’t stop bothering him. All he wanted was to be alone and deal with this himself, but he was met with person after person trying to talk to him. And at a time when Maverick hadn’t been giving him any attention, as opposed to everyone else’s behavior… it was too much.
He curled up in the bed and started sobbing.)
(Ghosta had been walking around old Aperture as usual, they heard the sobs coming from Grey's room, they hesitated to approach, but upon recognizing his voice they gently knock on the door)
...Hello? Gray? Are you.. alright?
(Their voice was as quiet as ever.)
(Gray was about to protest, but he recognized that voice from a while ago.
Ghosta. The one singular person who actually understood him, somewhat.)
…y-yes… I’m… fine…
(Ghosta is silent for a moment)
...you don't sound fine, gray I can hear your sobbing..
I-I SAID I’m-
(Gray immediately realized he was about to yell, and he himself didn’t want to be yelled at (it was definitely nothing to do with Maverick having trauma involving yelling), so he nervously stopped himself.
…He ruined everything again, didn’t he.)
…I- I-I’m… sorry…
Hey- Hey- it's alright.
(Ghosta paused, not sure how to approach the situation next)
...you must be dealing with a lot..huh?
…
S… sort… of…
(If Ghosta was lucky, Gray might actually let someone into his room for once…)
I'd uh..I'd offer up a hug.. but I'm not sure If..I'd provide any warmth..what I can offer is..well comfort, is..that alright?
(Ghosta was basically asking if Gray wanted a hug, they knew in situations like this, a person or in this case, a phantom needs comfort)
(Gray's voice became noticeably shakier, as if just the thought was making him even more emotional. He didn't know Ghosta all that well, sure, but words from anyone he trusted would be perfect right now.)
...P-please...
Can I..come on in?
(Ghosta asked, trying to Gauge if Gray was comfortable with people In his room)
(Ghosta was lucky.)
…o-okay…
(There was a sound of clicking and clanking from the other side of the door. This went on for about 30 seconds, before a sound like something hitting a bed was heard, followed by a blanket-like one.)
(Ghosta slowly entered the room looking for Gray)
Where- oh..
(Assuming Ghosta spotted Gray on the bed they sat beside him)
(Gray felt the bed bounce, but didn’t respond. He was trembling quite a lot, with his back turned to Ghosta. He didn’t know whether he wanted them to say something, or for them to just stay quiet and have the two of them sit in silence. The latter would be awkward, but the former meant Gray would have to reply to something, neither of which he wanted at all whatsoever. Although, he’d admit that the former was slightly more tolerable, as he craved affirmation that his boyfriend DIDN’T hate him. But who was Ghosta to say that? Maverick didn’t really talk to many people outside of he and Glados, and Ghosta seemed to be in a similar boat as Gray most of the time, so the chances of them actually knowing each other personally were extremely low. It would just be empty words of comfort. Still, though…)
(Ghosta sat in silence for a moment, thinking of what to do in order to comfort gray in this situation)
. . .
(They hesitantly put a hand on his shoulder, not sure if he needed physical contact)
I think you'll be ok.
(they spoke softly)
(Gray had not accounted for the physical contact part. However, Ghosta’s cold, dead hand just wasn’t the same as a, well, alive hand - at least, that was Gray’s stance for now. Rather than flinching, he just sighed shakily, and turned over slightly, but not enough to fully look at Ghosta.)
How do y-you know…?
(Gray wasn’t trying to be sarcastic, or passive-aggressive. He was asking a genuine question. Best case scenario, Ghosta actually managed to talk to Maverick somehow. Worst case scenario, Ghosta was lying. Absolute worst case scenario, Maverick had told Ghosta that it hates him, and Ghosta was lying to him about what really happened.
He didn’t want to think about that last thing.)
That's the thing, I don't know gray, I'm just... (Ghosta paused)
I hate seeing you upset, so..please, let me say this things may look bleak right now...I don't know what's going on..but I think you'll be ok... I hope.
…
(Ghosta… hated seeing him upset?
They’d only known each other for so long, and barely talked. What was Ghosta doing caring about him so much? Did Ghosta like him or something? No, that was impossible. Was Ghosta just… caring about him because they genuinely wanted to be his friend…? But… why? What was so appealing about Gray, if not even the love of his life could stay with him for long?
Gray started shaking a bit more as these thoughts overwhelmed him. He instinctively took Ghosta’s hand with both is his, just for some form of further comfort. If Ghosta wasn’t confident in the idea of hugging, then this was the best he could do.)
(Ghosta could feel Gray shake, they did actually want to be his friend, they just don't know how to express it.) Hey..shh... (They held grays hands with their other hand, trying to soothe him, even though they know they have the body temperature of a corpse) I care about you.
(He couldn’t understand why exactly he was doing this hand-holding thing.
His mind flashed back to the times he would get upset around Maverick, and they would do this to help comfort Gray. Logically, this should only be bringing back now-painful memories - yet, as Ghosta held his hands, he felt an odd sense of… relief? He should be upset, yet some instinct made this comforting for him.
But he still couldn’t pinpoint why they were doing this. So he asked, even though his voice was wavering more and more and his ring was threatening to do the gross dripping.)
W-why…? Why do you… c-care about me… what d-did I do…
(He had to earn the approval of others, not randomly just gain it. And he was very bad at earning approval… was Ghosta in their right mind…?)
Because you're the only other person here in Aperture I seem to have many things in common with, The only other person I can seem to connect with that isn't from some...other universe for once, and- you're actually so nice...you didn't talk to me out of Pity or just because I was in a terrible emotional state, I was just..Standing there and you You make me feel like a person, gray, basically and I wanted to give that same feeling to you (Ghosta explained)
(It was just because Gray was nice…?
How? That one time when they first met, that was just him being blindly hopeful that he had found another phantom. If anything, Ghosta was the nice one for actually answering his questions.
Yet, it made him trust Ghosta even more.
He started shaking even harder, but this time, he suddenly crawled into Ghosta’s arms, clinging tighty onto them and sobbing.)
(Ghosta tensed up a bit, not expecting the sudden hug
Then they slowly wrapped Their arms around gray, holding him gently as to not squeeze him, they rub circles into his back to comfort him in a way
They didn't say anything in that moment, because they didn't know what to say
But they did know that gray needed comfort)
(This reminded Gray of those times with Maverick so badly that he should have been hating this, yet he found himself oddly comforted by it. The touch was soothing, and Ghosta's cold skin wasn't much of a problem at the moment, since Gray was already wrapped up in around 10 heavy blankets.
Despite all logic, he found himself calming down a tiny bit, and leaning into the hug. Deep down, he felt guilty, as if he shouldn't be doing this when his boyfriend was gone.
And yet, he needed the comfort.)
I got you...I'm here.
(Ghosta mumbled reassuringly as they continue to hug gray, they wanted to help him calm down at Least
They don't know what Gray is going through yet they're here.)
(Once Gray calmed down, he slowly pulled away from Ghosta, not wanting to make this go on any longer in case they felt uncomfortable.)
S-sorry if that was... w-weird... I just...
(He sighed, and grabbed the small penguin plushie that had been next to him, holding it gently - seemingly for some sort of further comfort.)
No.. it's alright I understand, you're upset, I don't know why but..That wasn't weird at all
(Ghosta continues to keep their voice mumbled, they really didn't want to seem loud, or obnoxious)
No- no, it… it was. You don’t just… hug someone you barely know…
(He remembered the times when he would hug Grady and everything, completely uncalled for. God, that must have made him even creepier… it’s a miracle that Maverick even tolerated it.)
I just… (sigh) I’m… sorry for d-dragging you into all of this, Ghosta…
(He was now sitting up, toying with the plushie’s wings.)
It’s just that, lately… no, n-nevermind…
(Ghosta is confused by Gray's hesitation to open up)
Hey...you don't have to tell me what's going on, but..it'd help me understand why you seem so upset..is that ok?
…
(Lucky for Ghosta, Gray was much better at opening up than his blue-eyed counterpart.)
…O-okay…
(He took a deep breath, and held the plushie close to him. He didn’t look at Ghosta once.)
It’s… kind of a, um, s-silly reason to be so worked up, h-heh… but…
…my boyfriend hasn’t been… paying me much attention lately, and I… I was worried I upset him in some way, o-or did something… horrifically wrong…
(He stopped talking at that. There was a faint unsteadiness to his ring, one that seemed to particularly grivitate downward…)
(Ghosta could feel a feeling they haven't felt in a while...
They know gray wouldn't want them to go after maverick
But they can't help being.. slightly enraged by this, not at Gray but at Maverick)
That's not a Silly reason at all.
(they start)
Sure..He may be busy but I don't think that means he's mad at you, maybe he's just swamped with work.. whatever work what used to be a Disembodied voice would have anyway
(Their anger showed a bit)
H-hey! He does a lot of work!
(Gray usually wouldn't mean to get mad, but something about Maverick being even a little bit insulted made him feel, well... pretty angry. Even if Maverick wasn't even here right now, and he would never know about this conversation.)
Sitting there all day and talking... reading from a script- W-what if he messes it up? Everyone in the facility would hear...! There's a... a lot of p-pressure he has to go through, you... you know...
(His voice got quieter as he suddenly realized that he... really didn't know much about what Maverick actually did besides talking. But he did work hard! Probably...!)
(Ghosta realizes what they said may have been offensive to Gray, and Maverick
They were much less sorry about offending Maverick)
Ok, yes He does that, but even then there's not much to announce! So there's not many chances to mess up, not to mention he HAS made time for you before I just-
(Ghosta cleared their non-existent throat and they return to mumbling after realizing how annoying and entitled they must sound)
.. Apologies.
Nono, it's fine, it's just... It- It must be cleaning or something! Yes! He must be... cleaning...
(He looked down as he had a crushing realization.)
...Oh, god... h-he really does h-hate me... doesn't he...
No...nonono! I don't think he hates you..!
(Ghosta started)
I don't know how..erm relationships work, But..I'm pretty sure a lover not giving the other that much attention because of work is not automatically Hatred..
But how do we know it's because of work...? I-I'll admit, I... don't actually know what he does aside from, er, talking...
(He started gently petting the plushie. He considered it a miracle that Ghosts hadn't commented on it, given how childish having something like this with him was.)
...Maybe he could start a radio show...?
Radio sort of..died down after the Great Depression, I think you're referring to it's sort of.. modern day Equivalent, a podcast.
It's not one I'd listen to, but I'm sure you'd love it
(Ghosta teased, trying to lighten up the mood)
That's an adorable plushie, by the way.
Heh, I probably would... Ooh, maybe he can even have me on it- A-actually, maybe not...
Oh, th-thank you... I-I actually gave this to Maverick a while back, he said he'd love it as much as he loves me... ehe... I-I'm just... taking care of it.
(He definitely did not steal that from Mav's room so he had some comfort.)
Well that's sweet of you to do..
So Maverick may not be here with you..but you have the plushie you gave him..you have at least something that you remember him by..
I wouldn't know.
I suppose...
Y-you know, I was actually supposed to, er, move in with him shortly before this... but... that never quite came to be, heh...
Oh..
(Ghosta thought over their next words for a moment)
...that's a bit..rude, of him...
(they clear their throat again)
I'm sure it'll happen soon though, have hope, gray.
I-I don't think he's rude, he just needs time to get everything ready...
(He motions to the uncountable blankets on the bed.)
It must take, um q-quite a bit of time, heh...
(Ghosta sighs)
..I can imagine, I mean..moving from down here to.. wherever you two are moving in together must be..a long process to say the least.
...Actually, he lives right next door.
What.
Yeah, he… well, neither of us had a place before, m-mostly because Maverick used to just be a, well… voice, but the entire point was for us to be neighbors!
(He seemed completely unaware of just how concerning this is.)
..us?
As in you and Maverick?
Yeah… I-it was actually how we had our first kiss, heh… we just got really close out of excitement, and… yeah… Neither of us really knew what is was, but it felt very… nice.
(His voice became softer, yet somewhat less distressed, as he recalled those happy times with Maverick. It was such a sweet memory… any memory of the two of them being romantic like that, he wanted to replay over and over.)
Oh, that's actually really sweet..glad to know you and Maverick have good memories to look back on.. despite your situation..
(Gray couldn’t take it anymore.
Maverick surely hated him. And everybody just wouldn’t stop bothering him. All he wanted was to be alone and deal with this himself, but he was met with person after person trying to talk to him. And at a time when Maverick hadn’t been giving him any attention, as opposed to everyone else’s behavior… it was too much.
He curled up in the bed and started sobbing.)
(Ghosta had been walking around old Aperture as usual, they heard the sobs coming from Grey's room, they hesitated to approach, but upon recognizing his voice they gently knock on the door)
...Hello? Gray? Are you.. alright?
(Their voice was as quiet as ever.)
(Gray was about to protest, but he recognized that voice from a while ago.
Ghosta. The one singular person who actually understood him, somewhat.)
…y-yes… I’m… fine…
(Ghosta is silent for a moment)
...you don't sound fine, gray I can hear your sobbing..
I-I SAID I’m-
(Gray immediately realized he was about to yell, and he himself didn’t want to be yelled at (it was definitely nothing to do with Maverick having trauma involving yelling), so he nervously stopped himself.
…He ruined everything again, didn’t he.)
…I- I-I’m… sorry…
Hey- Hey- it's alright.
(Ghosta paused, not sure how to approach the situation next)
...you must be dealing with a lot..huh?
…
S… sort… of…
(If Ghosta was lucky, Gray might actually let someone into his room for once…)
I'd uh..I'd offer up a hug.. but I'm not sure If..I'd provide any warmth..what I can offer is..well comfort, is..that alright?
(Ghosta was basically asking if Gray wanted a hug, they knew in situations like this, a person or in this case, a phantom needs comfort)
(Gray's voice became noticeably shakier, as if just the thought was making him even more emotional. He didn't know Ghosta all that well, sure, but words from anyone he trusted would be perfect right now.)
...P-please...
Can I..come on in?
(Ghosta asked, trying to Gauge if Gray was comfortable with people In his room)
(Ghosta was lucky.)
…o-okay…
(There was a sound of clicking and clanking from the other side of the door. This went on for about 30 seconds, before a sound like something hitting a bed was heard, followed by a blanket-like one.)
(Ghosta slowly entered the room looking for Gray)
Where- oh..
(Assuming Ghosta spotted Gray on the bed they sat beside him)
(Gray felt the bed bounce, but didn’t respond. He was trembling quite a lot, with his back turned to Ghosta. He didn’t know whether he wanted them to say something, or for them to just stay quiet and have the two of them sit in silence. The latter would be awkward, but the former meant Gray would have to reply to something, neither of which he wanted at all whatsoever. Although, he’d admit that the former was slightly more tolerable, as he craved affirmation that his boyfriend DIDN’T hate him. But who was Ghosta to say that? Maverick didn’t really talk to many people outside of he and Glados, and Ghosta seemed to be in a similar boat as Gray most of the time, so the chances of them actually knowing each other personally were extremely low. It would just be empty words of comfort. Still, though…)
(Ghosta sat in silence for a moment, thinking of what to do in order to comfort gray in this situation)
. . .
(They hesitantly put a hand on his shoulder, not sure if he needed physical contact)
I think you'll be ok.
(they spoke softly)
(Gray had not accounted for the physical contact part. However, Ghosta’s cold, dead hand just wasn’t the same as a, well, alive hand - at least, that was Gray’s stance for now. Rather than flinching, he just sighed shakily, and turned over slightly, but not enough to fully look at Ghosta.)
How do y-you know…?
(Gray wasn’t trying to be sarcastic, or passive-aggressive. He was asking a genuine question. Best case scenario, Ghosta actually managed to talk to Maverick somehow. Worst case scenario, Ghosta was lying. Absolute worst case scenario, Maverick had told Ghosta that it hates him, and Ghosta was lying to him about what really happened.
He didn’t want to think about that last thing.)
That's the thing, I don't know gray, I'm just... (Ghosta paused)
I hate seeing you upset, so..please, let me say this things may look bleak right now...I don't know what's going on..but I think you'll be ok... I hope.
…
(Ghosta… hated seeing him upset?
They’d only known each other for so long, and barely talked. What was Ghosta doing caring about him so much? Did Ghosta like him or something? No, that was impossible. Was Ghosta just… caring about him because they genuinely wanted to be his friend…? But… why? What was so appealing about Gray, if not even the love of his life could stay with him for long?
Gray started shaking a bit more as these thoughts overwhelmed him. He instinctively took Ghosta’s hand with both is his, just for some form of further comfort. If Ghosta wasn’t confident in the idea of hugging, then this was the best he could do.)
(Ghosta could feel Gray shake, they did actually want to be his friend, they just don't know how to express it.) Hey..shh... (They held grays hands with their other hand, trying to soothe him, even though they know they have the body temperature of a corpse) I care about you.
(He couldn’t understand why exactly he was doing this hand-holding thing.
His mind flashed back to the times he would get upset around Maverick, and they would do this to help comfort Gray. Logically, this should only be bringing back now-painful memories - yet, as Ghosta held his hands, he felt an odd sense of… relief? He should be upset, yet some instinct made this comforting for him.
But he still couldn’t pinpoint why they were doing this. So he asked, even though his voice was wavering more and more and his ring was threatening to do the gross dripping.)
W-why…? Why do you… c-care about me… what d-did I do…
(He had to earn the approval of others, not randomly just gain it. And he was very bad at earning approval… was Ghosta in their right mind…?)
Because you're the only other person here in Aperture I seem to have many things in common with, The only other person I can seem to connect with that isn't from some...other universe for once, and- you're actually so nice...you didn't talk to me out of Pity or just because I was in a terrible emotional state, I was just..Standing there and you You make me feel like a person, gray, basically and I wanted to give that same feeling to you (Ghosta explained)
(It was just because Gray was nice…?
How? That one time when they first met, that was just him being blindly hopeful that he had found another phantom. If anything, Ghosta was the nice one for actually answering his questions.
Yet, it made him trust Ghosta even more.
He started shaking even harder, but this time, he suddenly crawled into Ghosta’s arms, clinging tighty onto them and sobbing.)
(Ghosta tensed up a bit, not expecting the sudden hug
Then they slowly wrapped Their arms around gray, holding him gently as to not squeeze him, they rub circles into his back to comfort him in a way
They didn't say anything in that moment, because they didn't know what to say
But they did know that gray needed comfort)
(This reminded Gray of those times with Maverick so badly that he should have been hating this, yet he found himself oddly comforted by it. The touch was soothing, and Ghosta's cold skin wasn't much of a problem at the moment, since Gray was already wrapped up in around 10 heavy blankets.
Despite all logic, he found himself calming down a tiny bit, and leaning into the hug. Deep down, he felt guilty, as if he shouldn't be doing this when his boyfriend was gone.
And yet, he needed the comfort.)
I got you...I'm here.
(Ghosta mumbled reassuringly as they continue to hug gray, they wanted to help him calm down at Least
They don't know what Gray is going through yet they're here.)
(Once Gray calmed down, he slowly pulled away from Ghosta, not wanting to make this go on any longer in case they felt uncomfortable.)
S-sorry if that was... w-weird... I just...
(He sighed, and grabbed the small penguin plushie that had been next to him, holding it gently - seemingly for some sort of further comfort.)
No.. it's alright I understand, you're upset, I don't know why but..That wasn't weird at all
(Ghosta continues to keep their voice mumbled, they really didn't want to seem loud, or obnoxious)
No- no, it… it was. You don’t just… hug someone you barely know…
(He remembered the times when he would hug Grady and everything, completely uncalled for. God, that must have made him even creepier… it’s a miracle that Maverick even tolerated it.)
I just… (sigh) I’m… sorry for d-dragging you into all of this, Ghosta…
(He was now sitting up, toying with the plushie’s wings.)
It’s just that, lately… no, n-nevermind…
(Ghosta is confused by Gray's hesitation to open up)
Hey...you don't have to tell me what's going on, but..it'd help me understand why you seem so upset..is that ok?
…
(Lucky for Ghosta, Gray was much better at opening up than his blue-eyed counterpart.)
…O-okay…
(He took a deep breath, and held the plushie close to him. He didn’t look at Ghosta once.)
It’s… kind of a, um, s-silly reason to be so worked up, h-heh… but…
…my boyfriend hasn’t been… paying me much attention lately, and I… I was worried I upset him in some way, o-or did something… horrifically wrong…
(He stopped talking at that. There was a faint unsteadiness to his ring, one that seemed to particularly grivitate downward…)
(Ghosta could feel a feeling they haven't felt in a while...
They know gray wouldn't want them to go after maverick
But they can't help being.. slightly enraged by this, not at Gray but at Maverick)
That's not a Silly reason at all.
(they start)
Sure..He may be busy but I don't think that means he's mad at you, maybe he's just swamped with work.. whatever work what used to be a Disembodied voice would have anyway
(Their anger showed a bit)
H-hey! He does a lot of work!
(Gray usually wouldn't mean to get mad, but something about Maverick being even a little bit insulted made him feel, well... pretty angry. Even if Maverick wasn't even here right now, and he would never know about this conversation.)
Sitting there all day and talking... reading from a script- W-what if he messes it up? Everyone in the facility would hear...! There's a... a lot of p-pressure he has to go through, you... you know...
(His voice got quieter as he suddenly realized that he... really didn't know much about what Maverick actually did besides talking. But he did work hard! Probably...!)
(Ghosta realizes what they said may have been offensive to Gray, and Maverick
They were much less sorry about offending Maverick)
Ok, yes He does that, but even then there's not much to announce! So there's not many chances to mess up, not to mention he HAS made time for you before I just-
(Ghosta cleared their non-existent throat and they return to mumbling after realizing how annoying and entitled they must sound)
.. Apologies.
Nono, it's fine, it's just... It- It must be cleaning or something! Yes! He must be... cleaning...
(He looked down as he had a crushing realization.)
...Oh, god... h-he really does h-hate me... doesn't he...
No...nonono! I don't think he hates you..!
(Ghosta started)
I don't know how..erm relationships work, But..I'm pretty sure a lover not giving the other that much attention because of work is not automatically Hatred..
But how do we know it's because of work...? I-I'll admit, I... don't actually know what he does aside from, er, talking...
(He started gently petting the plushie. He considered it a miracle that Ghosts hadn't commented on it, given how childish having something like this with him was.)
...Maybe he could start a radio show...?
Radio sort of..died down after the Great Depression, I think you're referring to it's sort of.. modern day Equivalent, a podcast.
It's not one I'd listen to, but I'm sure you'd love it
(Ghosta teased, trying to lighten up the mood)
That's an adorable plushie, by the way.
Heh, I probably would... Ooh, maybe he can even have me on it- A-actually, maybe not...
Oh, th-thank you... I-I actually gave this to Maverick a while back, he said he'd love it as much as he loves me... ehe... I-I'm just... taking care of it.
(He definitely did not steal that from Mav's room so he had some comfort.)
Well that's sweet of you to do..
So Maverick may not be here with you..but you have the plushie you gave him..you have at least something that you remember him by..
I wouldn't know.
I suppose...
Y-you know, I was actually supposed to, er, move in with him shortly before this... but... that never quite came to be, heh...
Oh..
(Ghosta thought over their next words for a moment)
...that's a bit..rude, of him...
(they clear their throat again)
I'm sure it'll happen soon though, have hope, gray.
I-I don't think he's rude, he just needs time to get everything ready...
(He motions to the uncountable blankets on the bed.)
It must take, um q-quite a bit of time, heh...
(Ghosta sighs)
..I can imagine, I mean..moving from down here to.. wherever you two are moving in together must be..a long process to say the least.
...Actually, he lives right next door.
What.
Yeah, he… well, neither of us had a place before, m-mostly because Maverick used to just be a, well… voice, but the entire point was for us to be neighbors!
(He seemed completely unaware of just how concerning this is.)
..us?
As in you and Maverick?
(Gray couldn’t take it anymore.
Maverick surely hated him. And everybody just wouldn’t stop bothering him. All he wanted was to be alone and deal with this himself, but he was met with person after person trying to talk to him. And at a time when Maverick hadn’t been giving him any attention, as opposed to everyone else’s behavior… it was too much.
He curled up in the bed and started sobbing.)
(Ghosta had been walking around old Aperture as usual, they heard the sobs coming from Grey's room, they hesitated to approach, but upon recognizing his voice they gently knock on the door)
...Hello? Gray? Are you.. alright?
(Their voice was as quiet as ever.)
(Gray was about to protest, but he recognized that voice from a while ago.
Ghosta. The one singular person who actually understood him, somewhat.)
…y-yes… I’m… fine…
(Ghosta is silent for a moment)
...you don't sound fine, gray I can hear your sobbing..
I-I SAID I’m-
(Gray immediately realized he was about to yell, and he himself didn’t want to be yelled at (it was definitely nothing to do with Maverick having trauma involving yelling), so he nervously stopped himself.
…He ruined everything again, didn’t he.)
…I- I-I’m… sorry…
Hey- Hey- it's alright.
(Ghosta paused, not sure how to approach the situation next)
...you must be dealing with a lot..huh?
…
S… sort… of…
(If Ghosta was lucky, Gray might actually let someone into his room for once…)
I'd uh..I'd offer up a hug.. but I'm not sure If..I'd provide any warmth..what I can offer is..well comfort, is..that alright?
(Ghosta was basically asking if Gray wanted a hug, they knew in situations like this, a person or in this case, a phantom needs comfort)
(Gray's voice became noticeably shakier, as if just the thought was making him even more emotional. He didn't know Ghosta all that well, sure, but words from anyone he trusted would be perfect right now.)
...P-please...
Can I..come on in?
(Ghosta asked, trying to Gauge if Gray was comfortable with people In his room)
(Ghosta was lucky.)
…o-okay…
(There was a sound of clicking and clanking from the other side of the door. This went on for about 30 seconds, before a sound like something hitting a bed was heard, followed by a blanket-like one.)
(Ghosta slowly entered the room looking for Gray)
Where- oh..
(Assuming Ghosta spotted Gray on the bed they sat beside him)
(Gray felt the bed bounce, but didn’t respond. He was trembling quite a lot, with his back turned to Ghosta. He didn’t know whether he wanted them to say something, or for them to just stay quiet and have the two of them sit in silence. The latter would be awkward, but the former meant Gray would have to reply to something, neither of which he wanted at all whatsoever. Although, he’d admit that the former was slightly more tolerable, as he craved affirmation that his boyfriend DIDN’T hate him. But who was Ghosta to say that? Maverick didn’t really talk to many people outside of he and Glados, and Ghosta seemed to be in a similar boat as Gray most of the time, so the chances of them actually knowing each other personally were extremely low. It would just be empty words of comfort. Still, though…)
(Ghosta sat in silence for a moment, thinking of what to do in order to comfort gray in this situation)
. . .
(They hesitantly put a hand on his shoulder, not sure if he needed physical contact)
I think you'll be ok.
(they spoke softly)
(Gray had not accounted for the physical contact part. However, Ghosta’s cold, dead hand just wasn’t the same as a, well, alive hand - at least, that was Gray’s stance for now. Rather than flinching, he just sighed shakily, and turned over slightly, but not enough to fully look at Ghosta.)
How do y-you know…?
(Gray wasn’t trying to be sarcastic, or passive-aggressive. He was asking a genuine question. Best case scenario, Ghosta actually managed to talk to Maverick somehow. Worst case scenario, Ghosta was lying. Absolute worst case scenario, Maverick had told Ghosta that it hates him, and Ghosta was lying to him about what really happened.
He didn’t want to think about that last thing.)
That's the thing, I don't know gray, I'm just... (Ghosta paused)
I hate seeing you upset, so..please, let me say this things may look bleak right now...I don't know what's going on..but I think you'll be ok... I hope.
…
(Ghosta… hated seeing him upset?
They’d only known each other for so long, and barely talked. What was Ghosta doing caring about him so much? Did Ghosta like him or something? No, that was impossible. Was Ghosta just… caring about him because they genuinely wanted to be his friend…? But… why? What was so appealing about Gray, if not even the love of his life could stay with him for long?
Gray started shaking a bit more as these thoughts overwhelmed him. He instinctively took Ghosta’s hand with both is his, just for some form of further comfort. If Ghosta wasn’t confident in the idea of hugging, then this was the best he could do.)
(Ghosta could feel Gray shake, they did actually want to be his friend, they just don't know how to express it.) Hey..shh... (They held grays hands with their other hand, trying to soothe him, even though they know they have the body temperature of a corpse) I care about you.
(He couldn’t understand why exactly he was doing this hand-holding thing.
His mind flashed back to the times he would get upset around Maverick, and they would do this to help comfort Gray. Logically, this should only be bringing back now-painful memories - yet, as Ghosta held his hands, he felt an odd sense of… relief? He should be upset, yet some instinct made this comforting for him.
But he still couldn’t pinpoint why they were doing this. So he asked, even though his voice was wavering more and more and his ring was threatening to do the gross dripping.)
W-why…? Why do you… c-care about me… what d-did I do…
(He had to earn the approval of others, not randomly just gain it. And he was very bad at earning approval… was Ghosta in their right mind…?)
Because you're the only other person here in Aperture I seem to have many things in common with, The only other person I can seem to connect with that isn't from some...other universe for once, and- you're actually so nice...you didn't talk to me out of Pity or just because I was in a terrible emotional state, I was just..Standing there and you You make me feel like a person, gray, basically and I wanted to give that same feeling to you (Ghosta explained)
(It was just because Gray was nice…?
How? That one time when they first met, that was just him being blindly hopeful that he had found another phantom. If anything, Ghosta was the nice one for actually answering his questions.
Yet, it made him trust Ghosta even more.
He started shaking even harder, but this time, he suddenly crawled into Ghosta’s arms, clinging tighty onto them and sobbing.)
(Ghosta tensed up a bit, not expecting the sudden hug
Then they slowly wrapped Their arms around gray, holding him gently as to not squeeze him, they rub circles into his back to comfort him in a way
They didn't say anything in that moment, because they didn't know what to say
But they did know that gray needed comfort)
(This reminded Gray of those times with Maverick so badly that he should have been hating this, yet he found himself oddly comforted by it. The touch was soothing, and Ghosta's cold skin wasn't much of a problem at the moment, since Gray was already wrapped up in around 10 heavy blankets.
Despite all logic, he found himself calming down a tiny bit, and leaning into the hug. Deep down, he felt guilty, as if he shouldn't be doing this when his boyfriend was gone.
And yet, he needed the comfort.)
I got you...I'm here.
(Ghosta mumbled reassuringly as they continue to hug gray, they wanted to help him calm down at Least
They don't know what Gray is going through yet they're here.)
(Once Gray calmed down, he slowly pulled away from Ghosta, not wanting to make this go on any longer in case they felt uncomfortable.)
S-sorry if that was... w-weird... I just...
(He sighed, and grabbed the small penguin plushie that had been next to him, holding it gently - seemingly for some sort of further comfort.)
No.. it's alright I understand, you're upset, I don't know why but..That wasn't weird at all
(Ghosta continues to keep their voice mumbled, they really didn't want to seem loud, or obnoxious)
No- no, it… it was. You don’t just… hug someone you barely know…
(He remembered the times when he would hug Grady and everything, completely uncalled for. God, that must have made him even creepier… it’s a miracle that Maverick even tolerated it.)
I just… (sigh) I’m… sorry for d-dragging you into all of this, Ghosta…
(He was now sitting up, toying with the plushie’s wings.)
It’s just that, lately… no, n-nevermind…
(Ghosta is confused by Gray's hesitation to open up)
Hey...you don't have to tell me what's going on, but..it'd help me understand why you seem so upset..is that ok?
…
(Lucky for Ghosta, Gray was much better at opening up than his blue-eyed counterpart.)
…O-okay…
(He took a deep breath, and held the plushie close to him. He didn’t look at Ghosta once.)
It’s… kind of a, um, s-silly reason to be so worked up, h-heh… but…
…my boyfriend hasn’t been… paying me much attention lately, and I… I was worried I upset him in some way, o-or did something… horrifically wrong…
(He stopped talking at that. There was a faint unsteadiness to his ring, one that seemed to particularly grivitate downward…)
(Ghosta could feel a feeling they haven't felt in a while...
They know gray wouldn't want them to go after maverick
But they can't help being.. slightly enraged by this, not at Gray but at Maverick)
That's not a Silly reason at all.
(they start)
Sure..He may be busy but I don't think that means he's mad at you, maybe he's just swamped with work.. whatever work what used to be a Disembodied voice would have anyway
(Their anger showed a bit)
H-hey! He does a lot of work!
(Gray usually wouldn't mean to get mad, but something about Maverick being even a little bit insulted made him feel, well... pretty angry. Even if Maverick wasn't even here right now, and he would never know about this conversation.)
Sitting there all day and talking... reading from a script- W-what if he messes it up? Everyone in the facility would hear...! There's a... a lot of p-pressure he has to go through, you... you know...
(His voice got quieter as he suddenly realized that he... really didn't know much about what Maverick actually did besides talking. But he did work hard! Probably...!)
(Ghosta realizes what they said may have been offensive to Gray, and Maverick
They were much less sorry about offending Maverick)
Ok, yes He does that, but even then there's not much to announce! So there's not many chances to mess up, not to mention he HAS made time for you before I just-
(Ghosta cleared their non-existent throat and they return to mumbling after realizing how annoying and entitled they must sound)
.. Apologies.
Nono, it's fine, it's just... It- It must be cleaning or something! Yes! He must be... cleaning...
(He looked down as he had a crushing realization.)
...Oh, god... h-he really does h-hate me... doesn't he...
No...nonono! I don't think he hates you..!
(Ghosta started)
I don't know how..erm relationships work, But..I'm pretty sure a lover not giving the other that much attention because of work is not automatically Hatred..
But how do we know it's because of work...? I-I'll admit, I... don't actually know what he does aside from, er, talking...
(He started gently petting the plushie. He considered it a miracle that Ghosts hadn't commented on it, given how childish having something like this with him was.)
...Maybe he could start a radio show...?
Radio sort of..died down after the Great Depression, I think you're referring to it's sort of.. modern day Equivalent, a podcast.
It's not one I'd listen to, but I'm sure you'd love it
(Ghosta teased, trying to lighten up the mood)
That's an adorable plushie, by the way.
Heh, I probably would... Ooh, maybe he can even have me on it- A-actually, maybe not...
Oh, th-thank you... I-I actually gave this to Maverick a while back, he said he'd love it as much as he loves me... ehe... I-I'm just... taking care of it.
(He definitely did not steal that from Mav's room so he had some comfort.)
Well that's sweet of you to do..
So Maverick may not be here with you..but you have the plushie you gave him..you have at least something that you remember him by..
I wouldn't know.
I suppose...
Y-you know, I was actually supposed to, er, move in with him shortly before this... but... that never quite came to be, heh...
Oh..
(Ghosta thought over their next words for a moment)
...that's a bit..rude, of him...
(they clear their throat again)
I'm sure it'll happen soon though, have hope, gray.
I-I don't think he's rude, he just needs time to get everything ready...
(He motions to the uncountable blankets on the bed.)
It must take, um q-quite a bit of time, heh...
(Ghosta sighs)
..I can imagine, I mean..moving from down here to.. wherever you two are moving in together must be..a long process to say the least.
...Actually, he lives right next door.
What.
