WEEK 6

[grimgrinningghosts]

[Another week has come and gone, and three more people are dead. Nearly half of the guests are dead in a little over a month. The ghosts are still not reacting, and with Demyx's execution one has to wonder if the ghosts are even here anymore.

In the very least one more floor has been opened up: the trophy room, a shooting gallery, and a bathing room.

... Maybe keep Kiara out of the trophy room.

14 guests remain.]

[ SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY ]

{OOC: Don't forget to fill out your Week 5 Activity Check!}

Comments

[aboyandhiscar]

[PRETEND I SAID FORD UP THERE IN BRACKETS jeezus, mixing up brothers. For what Mike doesn't grasp from Bill's appearance on screen, Ford's expression more than makes up for it. He rubs at the back of his head.]

. . .alright then, ringing loud and clear. But you said you destroyed him, yeah? So there's no problem.

[sixfingeredstan]

[TECHNICALLY YOU'RE NOT WRONG.

Ford's mouth presses into a miserable line.]

Theoretically, that's correct. But in practice...there's a possibility he exists in another dimension.

[aboyandhiscar]

Well, sure, we're in another dimension right now. But, but that same crazy logic, it means you could definitely take it down again, and since you did before, it probably doesn't know how you did it! [does that make sense? Mike's got no idea.]

So there's nothing to sweat about, yeah?

[sixfingeredstan]

...Except I don't have the required tools to do it a second time, you see.

[It's for the best, it really is, but...he'll be sorely missing that memory gun if he does end up needing to defeat Bill again at some point.]

[aboyandhiscar]

. . .well! Maybe you need different tools to do it, cuz different dimension. Dude, you whipped up a flamethrower out of, what--a lighter and some kitchen utensils?

I think if you ever need a tool, you can make one, no matter what.

[sixfingeredstan]

It's not quite that easy. And besides...I'd be putting someone I care about a great deal at risk by attempting to create another one. Hell, it wasn't even my invention to begin with.

[aboyandhiscar]

Technically said cared about person would be in more danger by that triangle dude being let loose, right?

So whether it's your invention or not, it doesn't matter! What DOES matter is, whatever they throw at you? You can handle it, I know it. You gotta have more faith in yourself, dude.

[sixfingeredstan]

I...it's a tricky situation, Mike.

[Ford shakes his head, looking conflicted. Sorrowful. His voice lowers so only Mike can hear.]

If you were friends with a recovering heroin addict, and you had a chance of saving the day by introducing heroin into the environment, would you do it? Even if you knew it would likely mean your friend would relapse and start taking the drug again?

[aboyandhiscar]

[jeezus that got dark

Mike frowns, gaze flickering here and there as he thinks it over for a moment. The closest scenario he's been in to that is with Chuck and his boosters and. . .yeah, he wouldn't want his bud to ever think he needed those again.

But still. . .

Another beat, and he answers quietly.]

. . .

This about McGucket?

[sixfingeredstan]

[Ford's gaze drops, and he gives Mike a tiny nod of confirmation.]

Please. Don't mention this to anyone.

[aboyandhiscar]

[Mike gives him a slight elbow nudge.]

You know I won't.

But. . .

He's your best friend, yeah? You should have some faith in him, too.

[sixfingeredstan]

[The nudge earns Mike a humorless little 'heh' of a laugh. He nods.]

I know. And I do. I have so much faith in him, but also...he's the most important person here to me. And I'm terrified of doing something that could hurt him.

[aboyandhiscar]

Yeah, and that's what makes you a great friend, man.

It's hard, I know. But you know what? I'd bet you money that he's afraid of holding you back. Like he's just a burden.

[a little sigh.]

Hopefully you won't have to deal with it at all, but I know a middle ground's there. He knows you wouldn't do anything to hurt him deliberately. Don't think you could have stayed friends this long if he thought otherwise.

[sixfingeredstan]

[Ford wants so badly to believe Mike's words, to let himself be placated, but he knows the truth far too well to settle for that. He gives the boy a grim smile.]

It's not quite that simple. I've not exactly done right by him in the past, which is why it's so important for me to do right by him now.

[He shakes his head, as if to clear it, and throws up his hands.]

This is all theoretical, of course, because I'm not letting myself be tricked into thinking this is anything more than an empty threat.

[aboyandhiscar]

[Believe in Mike who believes in you, Ford!! He concedes though, not wanting to overstep his boundaries on their personal matters.]

Well, you'd know more than me, yeah? [a light laugh.] Just--keep it in mind. You'd be surprised what some friendships can last through. Or maybe you wouldn't, since it's looking like you've guys have been through three or more of my life times already.

[He isn't sure how old they are, but they're old enough to know better, he figures. A little shrug.]

Yeah, you're too smart for that. But I know those "what ifs" have a bad habit of creeping into folks' heads. Keep your head above water, yeah?

[sixfingeredstan]

We've certainly known each other a good long while.

[Longer on Ford's end, of course, but still. Between them they've got fifty years. You learn a few things about each other.

He gives Mike a thin smile, but a genuine one.]

Will do. And you too, okay? Not that I think you have any trouble with that. [Always level-headed, that's Mike.]

[aboyandhiscar]

You know it. [easy to stay level headed when constantly funneling that anxiety into helping others EEEEEY]

But let me know if you guys need anything, okay? But til then, my lips are sealed.

[sixfingeredstan]

I will. And I very much appreciate that. I know I can count on you to be discreet.