Outside

Chapter 5: Nothing is that Simple

Stacy typed up the back-up article, focusing on things that would turn would-be explorers away. So far it was bad structural integrity and recently used needles all over the place, with a dash of rabid rats crawling in the shadows. She'd have Will read it over later, make sure it was good enough to drive people away without attracting them. He was usually pretty good at that sort of thing, having helped her with it before.

Speaking of Will, she looked down when her phone dinged, a message flashing on the screen.

"am prking now be up soon with the goods"

"Good news Scout! Will's just parked and is on his way up. And he brought pizza!" She announced, getting up and heading into the kitchen area. "I'll go get some plates set up."

There wasn't an answer, and to be honest Stacy didn't expect one. She wondered, briefly, if maybe she was moving Scout along too fast, but dismissed the thought. 'It's only two more people, and then nobody else until next week. Surely she should be okay with that?'

She put the plates on the table, then peeked over at the couch, which was now completely empty save for the two large pillows. The corner of one pillow moved slightly, and Stacy had to suppress a snort. 'Great hiding spot there, Scout. Wouldn't ever know you were there.' She turned back to the table, placing two paper plates on opposite sides of the table, and a smaller plate beside where she would sit. As she got down a couple of cups, she heard a knock on the door. Setting the cups on the counter, she rushed to the door and unlocked it.

"Will!" She greeted, taking the bottle of Mountain Dew from him. She moved away quickly so he could enter, closing and locking the door behind him.

"Hey babe." He put the pizza box on the table between the plates, then turned to look at her, doing a double take. "What the hell happened to your mouth?"

"Long story." Stacy told him. "I'll tell you all about it after you meet Scout. Wait a second while I go get her." She went over to the couch and moved one of the pillows to see Scout ducked down, glaring up at her.

"I am not coming out!" She hissed out, trying to squeeze in behind the other pillow. "You can't fucking make me!"

"Come on, you'll like Will." Stacy insisted quietly. "He's like Sammy, but, y'know, cooler."

The Puppet just shook her head, drawing back further into the little fabric cave she'd made. Stacy simply moved the pillow and picked her up, ignoring her struggling as she brought her over to her boyfriend.

"This is Scout!" She announced, holding her out to Will. Scout stayed limp in her hands, letting her head loll to the side and keeping a blank stare on her face. Stacy felt her smile fall, but was unsure of what to do. Will leaned in, examining the Puppet.

"Ew." He said. "It's a gross, old puppet." Stacy frowned and opened her mouth, but was cut off by Scout suddenly snapping upright.

"Fucking excuse you?!" She yelled. Stacy flinched at the tone. The last time she sounded that angry had been when she'd threatened to kill her.

"OH FUCK!" He drew back, arms up like she would try and jump at his face. "It's a haunted gross old puppet!"

Scout made an offended noise, and Stacy quickly pulled her back. "Don't be rude, Will! She just hasn't had a bath yet." She looked away, unsure of what else to say. 'Should I tell her off, too?'

Will glanced from Puppet to Host, an increasingly worried look on his face. "I have to talk to you. In private. Right now." He then turned and went straight to the bedroom, not even waiting for an answer.