#(( im gripping william’s shoulders GIVE THIS KID A BETTER BIRTHDAY RIGHT NEOWWWWW ))

[runelocked]

IF EVAN HAD NEVER BEEN THIS SCARED, WILLIAM HAS NEVER BEEN THIS ANGRY. At least hasn’t felt fury this way in a long time: rocking his entire body, unable to think clear. The look on Michael’s face as William had entered the room is one he’ll never forget.

…And neither is Evan’s. It’s only his youngest son’s terror that cuts a sharp line through the bloodied veil of anger that has descended — William had followed, of course he had, and could only watch helplessly as Evan had stumbled, staggered, and started sobbing. That all-encompassing anger won’t leave, but with the absence of Michael and the clear fear from his younger boy, all he can think to do is place a hand on Evan’s back, at a loss for any words that would help.

He’s never been a fantastic parent. His biggest failure is attempting to parent what his wife often said were his four children: Evan, Liz, Michael, and the diner. Spending more time away from home or locked up in his studies immersed in his work has brought his real children more troubles than he’ll ever admit: while he’s too stubborn and proud to say it, even he can’t quite ignore the shame gnawing like a dog with a bone at his heart.

“You’re safe with me,” are the only quiet, intense words he can muster at first, “you’ll always be safe with me. I wouldn’t ever let anything bad happen to you.”

What about the relentless teasing? The bullying? The tears he knows his son has been shedding for days if not weeks leading up to the party? Discarding his own guilt, William crouches down awkwardly, right next to Evan, very gently drawing him a little closer. His own heart is racing, like it might burst from his chest in rage and upset: if this is how he’s feeling, he can’t imagine Evan’s emotional state. The thought makes his voice soften again, lowering, and casting aside his pride and disappointment to speak:

“You’re more important to me than this place, little bear. And more than the animatronics. No matter how much love I have for them, you’ll always come first.” William presses his lips together, uncomfortable with his own gentleness. He pushes on stubbornly. “You’ll grow to like them in time—” (He’s sure of it!) “—but from now on, I’ll keep you away from them. You don’t ever have to come back here until you’re older.”

The hand on Evan’s back shifts to his shoulder, squeezing. Offering a little solidarity.

“I promise.”

@slaughterlocked sent: ❛  hey … it’s okay now. you’re safe here.  ❜ [ for the birthday boy :(<3 ]

soft angst sentence starters

michael was being mean to him. michael was always mean to him. and evan would always just take it, would never tattle on him to their father (he's busy enough as it is) -- but today. evan got lucky today. lucky that someone had gotten his father; lucky that he intervened when he did. evan's never been that scared before.

he'd ran off crying after michael and his friends had put him down. he didn't get very far, barely managing to stumble out of the front entrance before collapsing. and here he stays, curled up in a ball and sobbing, leaned up against the wall near the door. he barely registers his father coming out until he speaks.

❝ i'm not, ❞ evan insists through tears, ❝ i HATE IT here! he knows i hate it here, he knows i hate those stupid robots! ❞ he isn't looking at his father as he almost shouts the words out, only managing to curl up further into himself. whatever look is on william's face, evan doesn't want to see it. this place is his father's crowning achievement, and evan hates it. probably the only child in hurricane that does. that's how it feels, anyway.

❝ they were gonna put me in fredbear's mouth. ❞ the words come out in a whimper. it's only now that he lifts his head slightly, face wet with tears, eyes puffy and bloodshot. it almost looks like he's been crying all day. he has. ❝ i thought i was gonna die. ❞

happy birthday, evan.