Chapter Text
When the trio finally arrived at Alton's main “home”, they entered into the elevator, pressing a different button other than the main office and waiting until the elevator dinged.
As the doors opened, the sight of a VERY construction themed room. Cluttered messes of small traffic cones, boxes and caution tape scattered in the room. As William and Misty walked into the room (while William is still carrying Alton in his very tired arms), they slowly noticed how only certain spots were not as cluttered as others.
They both quickly noticed the fact that his bed was so attentive and neat. It was heavily decorated in things he loved most, most of which were shockingly colorful stuffed animals. One thing to note was that it wasn't random stuffed animals; it was all foxes.
Red foxes, arctic foxes. All kinds of that one animal.
One of the stuffed foxes in particular was covered with a few small fabric patches, all construction themed and had also adorned a black and yellow striped collar.
Misty walked up to the bed and picked up the stuffed red fox. She felt the soft yet worn down fur on the animal, each fabric patch a whole new texture. She turned the push to look at the collar. There was a name tag on it.
“Willy.” That was the plush toy’s name. William felt confused by the same he heard. Willy was WAY too close to being his own damn name (yeah no shit Sherlock), and he was not OK with the fact he understood it well. Regardless, he swallowed down his fears and walked over to lay Alton down on his rightful bed.
Alton must've been a heavy sleeper, the poor guy was out like a light bulb. Even so, the restricting feeling of work clothes began to make Alton whine a bit and started to slowly become restless because of it.
“Oh,” Misty began.
“We might need to get him in a more comfy outfit, maybe he has something around that we can change him into..”
William mentally groaned inside, but knew that it was for the better that someone told him what to do just this once. After all, thinking of just leaving Alton alone just like that made his stomach drop.
“There we go,” Misty whispered as she took a single article of clothing from the closet nearby. It was one of those footed pajamas you'd usually see a young, small cog wearing..just in an adult size.
The adult sized pajamas were a simple cow splotchy pattern. A cream white coat with the occasional splotch of black and brown decorating it. It was even made with the softest fabric that only would be meant for a literal baby, not an adult. No matter, it was the closest thing they could find amongst the many suits that remained in the closet.
They both worked together to change Alton out of his work uniform and into his cozy and soft pajamas. Work outfit now sent aside in a laundry basket, Misty and William slowly sighed in relief when Alton gave a big cat-like stretch and gently curled up back into a semi-fetal position. William suddenly remembered something; the plush!
William looked to the plush that laid on a nearby bedside table, walking over and gently picking it up. He looked at the plush intently, noticing the details he didn't notice before; how the plush’s fur was more of a golden brown than red, how the eyes are almost a vibrant emerald green, how the subtle oil stains were on parts of the plush.
He couldn't help but imagine how much Alton must've held this thing close to him. How many times he would cry when he felt helpless, struggling to do the best for an already corrupt corporation. He couldn't imagine how much Alton tried to hide this for so long.
It was probably his only escape. But why the name ’Willy’? Out of all names, why that?
He must've felt really dumb when it finally hit him. The plush, clothes and behavior wasn't just the only escapism for Alton.
The plush was meant to represent him.
He was Alton's safe escape.
His thoughts were cut off when Alton began to whine, the tall cog croaked and huffed as he tried to feel around for a stuffed animal to hold. But he always got more upset when it wasn't the right one. William, now realizing everything, quickly took the plush fox and carefully placed it in Alton’s grasp.
When the plush came into contact with Alton's hands,the tall cog took a slow exhale and gently pulled the plush close, his discomforting whines now a distant memory.
William and Misty looked to each other, their mental exhaustion being perfectly read by both minds.
“Hey, uh..” William mumbled.
“Thanks for helping me with this. I don't think I would've ever known any of this without you.” he said, rubbing the back of his neck in exhaustion and embarrassment.
Misty softly giggled.
“Your welcome, Willy.”
William paused and looked at Misty with a death glare.
“Uh,” Misty sweated.
“Too soon?”
William glared.
“Get out.”
(BONUS SHIT UHHH HERE'S A DRAWING I DID A WHILE AGO FOR THIS FIC)
