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blametheeditor · 11 months ago

Note

Just read the perfume/smell stories and all I could think about was either “you didn’t wear deodorant today/you haven’t showered, have you?” Or someone shrinking and just getting hit with hella enhanced smell like imagine getting shrunk and being face to face with a shoe. That’d smell horrid. One of the added challenges of tinies, especially newly shrunken tinies. Or like they shrink and you finally notice the amount of perfume David wears, and almost dying.

Anon, I am so sorry I took so long with responding to this!

I took some creative liberties, there was a literal tug-of-war, but I hope you enjoy it because I genuinely loved the idea and I hope it shows! Thank you for sharing!

The Finer Things

Content Warnings: Cursing, treating those as lesser than, mentions of dehumanization. Mentions of threats and violence

Not me writing for a week and walking out covered in blood, sweat, and tears

____________________________

Scott learned that every human has a distinct smell to them.

The first time he told Vincent his revelation, his best friend immediately began to endlessly tease him about it. And yes, looking back, it was a slightly weird thing to just announce. Of course Vincent didn’t hold it against him or make a giant deal about it, but did the older really have to constantly lean over to quietly ask the smells of anyone who walked by as well as random inanimate objects?

Vincent would say yes. He would also say it’s because of him that Scott realized that while humans do have different scents, it was only able to be noticed when Scott shrank.

Because of course Scott is a size shifter. And of course he didn’t know how to control it to keep from randomly shrinking and growing. He’s just thankful Vincent had been the one to walk into the backroom when he shrunk down to just under three inches tall in the middle of his shift. Because anyone else would have snatched up off the ground to look him over, or put him in a pocket to take home, or even crush him. Instead all Vincent did was slowly sit on the ground in front of the door to keep anyone from barging in as he laughed.

“This is how you keep disappearing on me, Scotty?”

That moment had been filled with terror and relief. But the main thing that stood out was it was the first time Scott was shrunk while around a human who knew he was. A trustworthy one who smelled like a fire burning fresh maple wood in a chimney.

Then information just started pouring in. The realization he could smell the solution they use to clean the tables and reheated pizzas made of nothing but chemicals as they clung to Vincent’s uniform. That while humans are loud, their voices also rumble through the air like thunder rather than just boom. And he knew just how big they were compared to him at that size, but nothing prepared him for the undeniable fact he didn’t even stand as tall as Vincent’s first finger.

The most important take away however was to never give Vincent another opportunity to have a dubbed ‘pocket Scotty’ in his possession again. One that Scott miserably failed at. Especially once a certain someone found out that leaping out from behind corners at the end of their shift to scare the shorter was a sure way to earn a shrunken Scott to take home.

“It’s called training, Scotty. It’s not my fault you’re not taking the lessons to heart!”

“Th-The only lesson is to avoid corners and certain j-j-jerks, Vince!”

Vincent might��ve been grabby, clearly enjoyed it when Scott would shrink down, but he knew when to keep his hands away. Didn’t bat an eye when one day his scaring tactic didn’t acquire a form that had been pocketed numerous times before, he instead had to look up at a giant hunched down to keep from accidentally destroying the hallway.

“So it is tied to emotions.”

“Vince!”

Scott should have known there might have been something more going on based on such a comment. It was too on the nose, and it almost sounded like the older was researching him. But he had been a little panicked someone would find out he could become a giant at any moment to really think about it. Didn’t question why Vincent’s first priority was to make him take deep breaths. Could only focus on the genuine relief as he managed to get control of his shifting enough to stay at 5’ 7”.

Surprisingly, there was actually a period where Vincent stopped scaring him after that. Instead of appreciating the break for however long it was going to be however, he only felt trepidation. Fear that his best friend was actually afraid of him due to the incident. Worried it just dawned on Vincent how dangerous it is to be friends with a size shifter.

Either Vincent was a mind reader, or he had Scott down to a science, because the day the thought he might’ve scared off his best friend was the day the routine of getting scared in order to have Scott shrink got reinstated.

“What do I smell like again?”

Scott looked down from where he stood on the back of Vincent’s couch, heart racing at amber eyes locked on him from where the taller laid. Did a once over to locate where the hands that had a habit of snagging him were until he spotted them being used as a makeshift pillow, safely tucked under Vincent’s head and therefore unable to grab him with total surprise. Knew he was safe with this particular human, but there were times when his instincts demanded he run away as fast as possible.

“Are you, uh, g-going to tease me about it?”

A Chesire grin immediately spread across Vincent’s face. “Me? Tease you? Scotty, I am clearly above such childish things.”

“Clearly,” Scott snorted. “You’re like...a fireplace. And d-don’t say a word.”

Vincent made a show of snapping his mouth shut before he offered a curious look. “When do you smell it?”

“Uh, right now?”

“Just right now, or anytime you’re around me?”

Scott couldn’t help having taken a few steps back from the questions. “W-Why do you want to know?”

Up until that point, Vincent hadn’t pried too much into the details of Scott shrinking or growing. He asked when there were genuine protests about too tight grips or getting lifted up too quickly. There were questions on if Scott felt okay or if he needed anything, but those were asked long before the reveal he was a size shifter.

That day was the first time it felt like an interrogation, and Vincent immediately winced.

“My mechanic side is showing, isn’t it?”

It took Scott a moment to realize it wasn’t an interrogation. Because his best friend did always ask questions about something he didn’t know on the biases of wanting to know how it worked. When that didn’t get him what he wanted, then Vincent would resort to taking whatever peaked his interest completely apart because he’s a mechanic through and through.

Of course Scott was safe from last resorts, but it left Vincent needing to rely on questions. And that realization made him relieved on how and why his best friend had picked up on so much due to observation. Though it was guaranteed he’d start avoiding screws and wrenches at all costs in the future.

“How long have you been suffering?”

“Every day, Scotty. This entire month has been agonizing.”

That was why he trusted Vincent. And Scott hoped that maybe having his best friend in the loop would make things easier for him. At the very least possibly gain a few pity points that could earn him a few ‘scare-free day’ cards to use as he saw fit.

“Alright, st-start at the top.”

“Explain your theory on why people have individual smells.”

“I guess I really only notice when I shrink, but I, uh, a-also notice a lot of things when I’m at this size. Like the reason you hate the coffee you make here is b-because there’s burnt grounds stuck in the machine.”

He was blinked at for a few moments until the dots connected. “You only tell me this now! You explored the kitchen weeks ago!”

“You’d use me a-as a bloodhound! And I was mad at you f-for trapping me under a cup!”

“Damn straight I will, and I’ll trap you again!”

Vincent didn’t, both using him as a bloodhound and trapping him under a cup. If anything he got better at being a giant, keeping his voice soft even when they got riled up. Assumed correctly being three inches tall means getting cold easily. But what Scott will always be grateful for was his best friend converting everything into odorless products both for personal use and around the restaurant. Scott never realized how much the scent of bleach mixed with chemicals meant to smell like lemon made his head feel foggy.

Then it all...disappeared.

He lost his best friend. Afton got a hold of Scott. Over ten years passed, and Scott was completely on his own when it came to shrinking or growing while in public, though it only happened once a month if ever rather than the previous minimum of once a week.

Afton was never told Scott was a size shifter. He figured it out, of course he did, but Vincent wasn’t the one who gave away such crucial information. Didn’t write down all of the data he collected over the years into a nice file to send for Afton to do whatever the hell he wanted with. And maybe that was why there weren’t many...experiments when it came to his abilities. Or maybe he was using a new tactic and wanted to wait to see how he could use it to his advantage without making it obvious.

Because there was no way Afton didn’t know. Just because they never discussed it doesn’t mean the cruel man doesn’t already possess full knowledge.

But through it all Scott is...grateful for what Vincent did in the short amount of time the man acted like his best friend. It had been fun while it lasted.

And then the guards came into his life.

There hadn’t been any, he’ll say, bumps in the road when it came to Scott’s emotions getting the best of him. He wasn’t sixteen years old anymore, Afton did a number on him, so he was just numb. Unaffected by everything around him. Almost as unemotional as Vincent.

Who knew someone like David would make his temper flair up immediately? And who knew Scott would’ve immediately grew multiple inches because it had been years since such an emotion ever rose up in him.

Scott didn’t, David certainly didn’t, that meant the newly hired owner of Fazbear Entertainment Center had an upper hand over his ‘supervisor’. One he constantly dangled over Scott’s head to get things he wanted but would previously receive too much resistance for.

But it wasn’t just David. Mike standing toe-to-toe with the animatronics who would kill him as soon as they got the chance had Scott also growing to yank the young man away from certain death. Eggs pulling a Vincent by jumping out from behind a corner made Scott lose several notable inches because his mind needed a few moments to fully register the blond hair and blue eyes.

It got so bad Vincent noticed. Somehow brought out the man he once knew before everything. It wasn’t perfect, Scott knows he’ll never get his best friend back, but there was a spark of life hiding within the deadpan voice that greeted him to state the purple man was joining in the routine inspection.

“When was the last time you shifted, Scotty?”

“It doesn’t matter, I’m fine.”

“Me hearing about Eggs planning something big for you tells me otherwise.”

That forced Scott to remember why hiding his abilities was so important. David might not know that if he pressed the rights buttons he’d have Scott literally in the palm of his hand, but Eggs does. And it sent a shiver down his spine thinking what the younger man’s end goal is.

“...it’s been a while.”

“I suggest you practice a bit this week and brace yourself. Mikey did say he’d like to see you pin Eggs down, though.”

That was all Scott was given. Because Vincent knew he wasn’t trusted anymore and any offer to join on a shifting night would be denied firmly and immediately.

He’ll admit, it might’ve been entertaining to watch Eggs’ attempts to make him shrink get foiled. The best part is that it wasn’t even because Scott held a tight grip to keep himself from shifting. Mike caught onto the blond’s plan at the restaurant he guards and cleaned it up when it was only halfway complete. David didn’t hear any excuses for why buckets of water were lying in wait on select doors after Fritz pointed them out and issued a nonnegotiable ban until further notice that even Eggs knew better than to try and challenge.

Scott should’ve known he would’ve been his own undoing. Should’ve paid more attention to how much sleep he was getting, how distracted he was, and how attached he was getting to the guards.

But no, he’s an idiot. One who can’t help himself growing to ten full feet when Mike admitted that instead of helping Jeremy defend against the toys how it’s normally done, the man apparently thought punching Marionette in the face was the best idea.

“Michael!”

“Phone Guy, you should’ve heard the shit he was saying! The bastard was fucking asking for it!”

“And he would’ve happily killed you!”

Mike hadn’t responded back. And somehow Scott knew it wasn’t because of an overwhelming fear of what the giant could do in retaliation. It felt like he was talking to Vincent, growing with every word because he was upset and couldn’t control it. As if Mike understood this wasn’t a threat and instead a literal representation of his anger and terror.

He was more than happy to put his hands in his pocket, the perfect picture of nonchalance, silently encouraging the lecture to continue. But without Mike wanting to defend himself and only admitted he was at fault in his own little way, Scott felt nothing but exhaustion. Couldn’t help but glare at the ceiling getting too close for his liking. He can only yell for so long until he’s forced to hunch over. The dining area’s clearance might be tall but not that tall.

“I swear, Michael, you are going to be the death of me.”

Mike smirked when it was clear he’d only be receiving a warning this time. “Could just fucking pocket my ass and solve all your goddamn problems.”

“Don’t tempt me.”

“Is this a bad time to ask what would constitute being pocketed?”

Scott felt his heart skip a beat at Eggs’ voice. Whipped his head around to stare at the blond looking up at him with wide eyes. Had done a terrible job of hiding his fear as he stayed within the safety of the hallway.

There was no stopping his drop from ten feet all the way down to just under three inches. Not when he could picture Eggs running to everyone to say Scott was a monster. Give Afton the proof he was waiting for before trapping him underground for the rest of his life. aybe even Vincent would finally agree he’s too dangerous to treat like a human being.

But shrinking the smallest he could only made it so, so much worse.

“Fuck he shrunk!”

Scott crumbled to the ground at the loud shout that shook the very ground, clamping his hands firmly around his ears in the desperate attempt to keep them from ringing. Couldn’t help but instinctively flinch away when trembles began to announce someone was getting closer and closer, everything screaming for him to run but unable to make his limbs obey. Gasped for air not just from blinding terror he was about to be crushed, but from the nauseating wall of chemicals slamming into him from when the floor was mopped a few hours ago.

It had been too long since he shrunk around humans, in a place not meant for those like him, and this time Vincent wasn’t there to save him.

“I’ve got you, asshole.”

Scott couldn’t grasp the words, his mind racing too fast and in too many different directions to even comprehend someone spoke. But he did smell what could only by alleyway sludge. Felt warmth wrap around him. Became completely frozen at the smell of chamomile tea.

It was so sudden and unexpected his eyes opened in time to see fingers curl underneath him before he’s lifted up to quickly, his stomach protesting as vertigo crashed into him. Tried to move away from the thumb that rubbed his side. Realized that was where the smell was coming from.

“You okay, Phone Guy?”

Scott stared up at Mike, the only comprehensive thought that managed to gather was never expecting the young man and chamomile to go together. Eggs then appeared in his line of sight looking frantic. “You didn’t fall from that height did you? You just shrank down to where you stood?”

That should’ve made him feel better. That instead of accusations shot toward him, there was only concern. But that didn’t ensure he wasn’t going to be kept. Or that he wouldn’t be passed around for everyone to give him a piece of their mind. Or the questions were only asked out of guilt for possibly being the reason why he got hurt.

Scott couldn’t find the words his was looking for. Didn’t even protest as a finger nudged his leg and arm. “Doesn’t look like shit got broken.”

“Should we tell James we might’ve given him a heart attack?”

Scott felt like he had been electrocuted by the suggestion. Both to tell others about his abilities, and willingly handing him over to a doctor. Yet he still couldn’t say anything. He couldn’t even breathe.

He felt betrayed, and overwhelmed, and for the first time in a long time he wished Vincent was there even if it did end up having him land directly into Afton’s hands.

He didn’t remember passing out. It just seemed like in one instance he was in Mike’s hands as Eggs made the air rumble, and the next he was blinking up at James’ soft smile.

“Hey, boss. Heard these two gave you a heart attack.”

“You said we didn’t!”

“Don’t fucking tell Purple Guy.”

Scott could only feel dread settle over him like a blanket. Aware they were at Fazbear Fright. Flinched when he realized James smelled sterile.

He tried to scramble away, because that could only mean receiving a treatment reminiscent of Afton. Hesitated when he felt something course on his skin and looked down to see he was on a towel of all things. Glanced back at James who held his hands up and a safe distance away where it’d be hard to make a sudden grab.

“Mike was the one who checked for broken bones. I just made sure nothing would require a visit to the hospital. We won’t be handling you anymore.”

“Well, unless you say-”

Scott actually felt better at Eggs’ comment making it clear they were curious. Even more that Mike elbowed the blond to make him shut up.

But he still hunched in on himself when James slowly lowered his hands where they couldn’t be seen. “How do you feel, Scott?”

Confused. Hopeful. Genuinely worried what happened in the time he was out considering Mike and Eggs carried him all the way to James. “F-Fine. What, what did they tell you?”

“That if we step out of line we might receive more than just a whack on the head.”

Scott waited for the accusations. The questions. The demand of answers to why he kept something like that from them when clearly he’s a danger to them.

They didn’t come. Yet he knew better than to fully trust them. Trust himself to be a good judge of character. “Are you g-going to keep me?”

James made a soft, almost sad sound. “We're not keeping you, Scott. And no one will be under our watch. I still need someone to sign my paychecks.”

He couldn’t help but smile at that being the reason he now had three allies who might even be willing to ensure David isn’t able to get within grabbing distance. He wanted this to have been a one time thing, but knowing his luck, it was almost guaranteed that wasn’t the end of it.

Especially not when Eggs inched his way closer in order to give a little too harsh of a poke. “About the whole ‘getting pocketed’ thing.”

“One poke earns you one hour.”

“Lame rule, unfair, boooo.”

“That was a bit of a cheap shot. We should all get one freebee.”

“Can you pocket Jerber’s ass even if he doesn’t fucking do shit?”

Because his employees were all problem children. Despite James being a widely respected doctor, and Eggs managed to earn Afton’s respect. Because of course they were.

Thank God he was able to grow to his normal height after Mike’s question, but of course it didn’t stop there. Eggs wasn’t satisfied until he had a complete list of what would guarantee earn him having to deal with a giant. James asked a few questions regarding if shrinking or growing took a toll on him and if there were certain things that would help. Mike said he was walking Scott home whether his mentor liked it or not. At least they all swore not to tell anyone else about him being a shifter.

But that was the only time they really pestered him about it. The only change in Eggs’ behavior was a small hiatus from pranks. James didn’t ask about his abilities again. Mike had only demanded to walk Scott home that one night.

It was odd not having one or more of them trying to make him shift sizes. Not make a single comment unless they were completely alone and wanted to make a jab. In all honesty, it was...nice. To have those he, for the most part, trusted to watch where they stepped if he suddenly disappeared.

He knew it wouldn’t last forever. They were only three of the six who he’s in charge of and foolishly got emotionally attached to. Though when it came to David it was mostly rage and annoyance. It was only a matter of time all of the guards knew and he’d be unable to dodge questions strictly from the need to keep it secret.

Scott wasn’t prepared for that, not in the slightest. So he watched how much he slept. Didn’t take the risk of going too long without shifting.

Yet he didn’t take into account the sure-fire way to make him shrink had always been surprising him, making something as simple as someone ‘appearing’ around a corner to make him let go of control just long enough to have devastating consequences.

Pair that with the fact he never enjoyed being at David’s restaurant for multiple reasons, there should have been a shifting incident long ago. And not one where he only grew or shrank just a few inches.

The worst part was that it was a good day. Not to mention that ever since David won the argument over getting Fritz transferred over to his restaurant, there was no longer an obvious amount of distain directed toward Scott. They finally seemed to agree they were fairly even, with Scott technically being a supervisor, and David knowing he’s not entirely human. They had a balance.

But then his heart skipped a beat seeing Lefty helping Fritz balance on his shoulders in order for a broken stage light to be reached. Didn’t back down when he demanded the teenager join him in David’s office despite the bear making a big show of how annoyed he was that was where the line was drawn. Because apparently tall animatronics who could decide at any moment to just walk away is better than a sturdy ladder that should be watched by those more responsible.

“He promised I wouldn’t fall, Scott!”

“I don’t trust him as far as I can throw him.”

“...is that one inch or two?”

Scott hid his smile from the backtalk as he turned to whack the teenager who needed to choose better animatronics to trust his life with. The only issue was that he misjudged just how closely Fritz was following. Hadn’t expected for them to collide. Hadn’t noticed the door to David’s office opening directly behind him.

“Scott.”

The man in question jumped. Thought it was Lefty. Wasn’t able to grit his teeth in time when the feeling of falling enveloped him.

It was a miracle he wasn’t immediately stepped on, grateful Fritz’s first instinct was to back away. Caused the floor to shake as if there was an earthquake and therefore impossible for Scott to run to safety, but it gave him a moment to process the world around him. No immediate booming voices. The familiar odorless cleaner on the tiles.

But David wore cologne, and that left him stumbling back because admittedly Scott rarely encountered it when he shrunk. He would’ve been impressed by its potency if it didn’t make him forget his own name, none the less the fact he was going to get killed if he didn’t run.

“D-Did he just disappear?”

Fritz’s voice was what forced him to finally move. Had nowhere to go, but toward the wall is always a good option. Unable to do anything but pray.

A shoe landed directly in front of him, Scott barely able to stop himself in time to not collide with it. Stared for a good minute as he gasped for air until he concluded it wasn’t going to move.

“Don't tell me.”

Scott trembled at David’s voice. Wanted to do nothing more than sprint away from the sing-song tone stating he’s been caught. Couldn’t stop himself from following the expensive dress shoe up, past the towering slacks, locking onto hazel eyes watching him as if he’s a brand new toy to play with.

He couldn’t move as the business man knelt down before laughing. “I can’t believe it. You complete and utter dumbass.”

There was a lot said in that sentence. The confirmation Scott was going to pay for whatever David deemed was wrongfully committed against him. That he wasn’t going to get out of this alive.

Yet they both completely forgot about Fritz. “Scott, is that you?”

Scott’s head jerked toward his left, half expected a hand to already be grabbing him. He hadn’t at all expected the genuine worry, or the redhead hunched in on himself in the attempt to be as small as possible.

“It’s him.”

David grabbing him left Scott coughing as he was choked by the cologne, the smell invading everything. It didn’t help when the grip became too tight and he struggled to breathe from being crushed on top of everything else.

“Mr. Harrison!”

“How am I supposed to pick him up, he’s no bigger than a roach.”

“You’re hurting him!”

The last thing he heard was a scoff before he tumbled into what was unmistakably a hand, but one void of chemicals that made him wheeze. It also didn’t curl into a confining fist. That was all he needed to accept his fate and go completely limp. He should’ve fought harder, but he couldn’t think straight and anyone was better than David.

“See? He’s fine.”

“I wonder if Mike would agree...”

“If you tattle on me to that goddamn thing-”

It took too long for Scott to recover enough to fully process the world around him. He wanted it all to be a nightmare, but the distinct smell of baked bread that became stronger every time a finger stroked his back told him it was real. As well as his how his lungs protested due to what transpired.

He finally forced himself to sit up despite how much his arms shook. Looked up at Fritz looking even more concerned than before. “Are you okay?”

Scott opened his mouth only for a hacking cough to escape. He was quick to bat at the fingers that wanted to offer help but didn’t know how to. “N-Need a mi,i,inute.”

“Do you need us to get you to James?”

“Just...gi,i,ive me a few. I-I'll grow ba,ack soon.”

Scott felt like he was lying through his teeth, because there was no way he’d be able to calm his heart down enough to shift again with David within easy snatching distance. No offense to Fritz, but he was just a teenager. It was a surprise he had even won an argument in which Scott was forfeited. Who’s to say David won’t pull the ‘I’m your boss’ card and demand his rightful toy back.

“Told you he was fine.”

Scott didn’t have the energy to say he was anything but fine. He didn’t want to be carried between restaurants again, though.

He had missed the look Fritz shot at David. “Do you need any water or food, Scott?”

There was no missing the immediate reaction of the promise he’ll be taken far away from David’s office, the redhead offering a smile before he obediently turned to walk out the door.

“Where the hell are you going?”

“We’re just getting water, Mr. Harrison!”

They both heard grumbling and the sound of the chair being pushed away. Fritz might’ve heard David’s footsteps confirming they were being followed, but Scott could hear the distinct stomp indicating the tall man throwing a tantrum. At least there had been no yelling. And he stayed far enough back the cologne didn’t suffocate him.

He had to admit, Fritz seemed to be taking it a lot better than Scott was. Ignored David’s glare as he went through the kitchen with one hand. The redhead satisfied when he found a bottled water and filled the cap up. Laid his hand on the counter so Scott could walk off on his own despite it being incredibly ungraceful.

He couldn’t help perking up when the coffee machine that was tucked away in the corner was turned on, though it had the opposite effect on David. “I haven’t finished my mug yet.”

“I always make him coffee when he comes in.”

“The dumbass won’t be able to drink a full mug at three inches tall.”

“He’ll finish it when he grows. Or if you finish yours before he does then you can finish it.”

Scott hadn’t realized just how experienced Fritz was at wrangling David. It had been a few months since he was transferred, plenty of time to learn about the business man’s habits, but this amount of knowledge was impressive. Made him feel a lot better there wouldn’t be any attempts to swipe him off the counter. Watched in awe as David growled before he stalked off in order to grab his unfinished coffee solely to spite Scott.

“Are you hurt? If you really need to see James, Mr. Harrison wouldn’t be able to catch up until we’re already there.”

That would guaranteed end with Fritz getting punished for leaving his station despite the fact the waiter should have been sent home along with the rest after the restaurant closed. It would also give the teenager a chance to pocket Scott to simply take home and they never make it to James. But someone wouldn’t keep him safely away from David and make him coffee just like he always had if the end goal was just to treat him like something to keep.

Scott didn’t know how to thank Fritz for the water that allowed him to speak without coughing anymore. “It was mostly his cologne that was suffocating me.”

The green eyes got wide with interest, clearly wanted to ask more questions. Opened his mouth before physically restraining himself. “I won’t let him pick you up, then.”

He didn’t know what exactly made his shifting level out, but Scott grew just in time to swipe the full mug of coffee away from the machine right as David reentered the kitchen. Looked quite upset he hadn’t managed to win the race of who would get to it first.

“Were you just being dramatic earlier?”

Scott glared up at the business man as he walked out of the room. Intended on pretending nothing ever happened in favor of getting the reports Afton requested so he could leave as quickly as possible. Made sure to tell Fritz he appreciated all the redhead did but didn’t hold back on his glares toward David.

The only problem was that wasn’t the end of it. He never expected it to be, but he wanted it to. Just because David saw the full extent of what he could do didn’t mean anything. The business man would just hold it above his head just like he had before. There was no reason to have a conversation about it.

If anything, Scott was upset that was the treatment he received. He wasn’t human, God no, but he was a person who deserved to not be treated like some pest despite being the size of one. It was as if David didn’t remember that anger made Scott grow. If he can shrink that small, then he certainly can grow much taller than the few inches he did during their first interactions.

He could take the degrading comments. Got better at dodging David’s questions when he was forced to physically go to the restaurant under Afton’s direct orders. Greatly appreciated that Fritz never pried nor let anything leak to the others despite almost everyone having knowledge of his abilities.

It didn’t matter that he became paranoid Eggs, Mike, and James had been planning on something in the time he was passed out. Refused to practice at home because it had only seemed to cause a larger shift than if he didn’t at all. Made sure he was never alone in a room with David now that he knew the hatred aimed toward him could turn fatal.

Vincent immediately noticed. Made another appearance while Scott was hunched over the desk at Mike’s location. He couldn’t even focus on the documents in front of him he was in so much pain.

“Scotty.”

“I’m fine.”

“I didn’t say you weren’t.”

It was the teasing ‘gotchya’ tone that made him look up to spot the purple man was watching him with the rare emotion of true concern. “...well I am.”

“When was the last time-?”

“It doesn’t matter.”

They both knew it did. That his mind and body couldn’t take the stress anymore. That his brain felt like it would explode and he constantly felt fatigued. Taking an entire week off and just sleeping would only make it worse. He needed to shift. But he couldn’t.

“Talk to me, Scotty.”

He wanted to scream at Vincent. To tell him he didn’t deserve to just waltz back in and pretend like nothing happened. That his trust hadn’t been betrayed. That the reason why Scott wasn’t okay was because of him.

“They think I’m a monster.”

Scott couldn’t hold it back. Not when he could clearly see Eggs terror from when he grew that night in his mind’s eye. Could picture David’s cruel smile when it became clear he really wasn’t human.

Vincent hummed as he thought. “Do they?”

Scott sputtered. “Of course they do!”

“You’re telling me they’ve been treating you like something to lock up.”

David did. There isn’t one exchange that doesn’t make it clear just what he thought should be done to someone who can become handheld in an instant.

...Mike didn’t blink when Scott grew ten feet despite the anger being directly toward him. James didn’t bring him to the hospital while unconscious to trap him and see how he worked. Fritz saved him from David’s grasp and made coffee as if it was any other night.

“Did David find out?”

“I shrunk when it was just him, Fritz, and I a few weeks ago.”

Vincent winced. “That sounds like it was a disaster. How has he been since then, though?”

Scott was not going to give the egotistical asshole the benefit of the doubt. But he did start to become courteous. Stopped hounding him with questions after the fourth attempt with no answers other than the comment of being glad a certain someone didn’t get stepped up. And he did notice when the cologne started to only be applied to the neck instead of on both wrists.

“Not all of them have seen me grow. Not to mention Jeremy’s been left completely out of the loop.”

“And yet I have a feeling he still won’t use the word ‘monster’ when he does see you shift.”

When, not if.

Scott didn’t see the distinction as a bad omen. It was just the last nail in the coffin he built himself. And he felt his grip slowly but surely being lost. It didn’t help Vincent was right there and had used to mean safety. He wanted to do nothing more than collapse and let the purple man decide what was best while he couldn’t.

“Phone Guy?”

Mike was no more than a blurry shape as the younger man peered into the office. Scott hadn’t realized just how much time had passed, and couldn’t help but groan when his phone read 11:30pm.

“Sorry Mike, I’ll-”

A strong arm sat him back into the chair as blue eyes watched him. “You look like shit, asshole.”

“Scotty hasn’t been shifting.”

Scott wanted to whack Vincent for outing him like that to Mike of all people. But it was too late, the damage done as soon as it was figured out what exactly shifting meant in that context.

“Shrink right fucking now. I’ll pocket your ass and make sure Purple Guy doesn’t fuck with you.”

It wasn’t his choice when the world started to stretch around him. He didn’t even get to adjust to his surroundings when a hand swept him up. Would never admit he felt a thousand times better just allowing himself to shift after he held it in for so long. Didn’t struggle at Mike’s smirk as he gently lowered Scott into the chest pocket of his uniform.

Scott couldn’t help but completely relax when Mike and Vincent made the air rumble with soft voices. Knew he wasn’t supposed to think about the good things that could come from shifting without holding back when he was around the guards.

Yet he didn’t hesitate to think about growing in order to offer Jeremy a hand down when he got lost in the vents at Fazbear Fright and somehow managed to make his way into the ceiling. It left James concerned about tinnitus. David observed a fall would end in disaster considering the ceiling had a height of fifteen feet. They all knew there wasn’t a ladder for miles.

“Just go back the way you came!”

“I want to join him in the ceiling!”

“H-H-Help!”

Scott had only sighed as he passed his clipboard that Afton gave him about everything that needed to be inspected. Didn’t even glance at David’s confused look as he accepted it. “What are you-?”

He heard shouts and curses as he grew while taking a few steps forward so no one would get hit on accident. All that mattered was Jeremy squeaking as he ducked back further away from the opening they found him peering out through. “Sc-Sc-Scott?”

“It’s okay, Jeremy, I’m just going to get you down safely.”

Scott didn’t know what to expect. Possibly the kid would try his hardest to get away to get lost further into the ventilation system. Or the drama of the panels sudden fall to the floor and needing to quickly catch him.

There was hesitation, but then arms were shakenly raised to silently request help down. Curled into a ball as hands bigger than his torso carefully extracted him from the ceiling. Clung to Scott once he saw they were still fairly high. Didn’t want to let go until his feet were firmly on the ground.

“You were supposed to fucking pocket the goddamn Jerber.”

“No he w-w-wasn't!”

“If he tries to pocket anyone-”

Scott scoffed as he slowly shrunk back down. The snatch of his rightful documents from David left the business man speechless. “Step out of line and I really will pocket you.”

“Wait, Scott, put me in the ceiling!”

“Does this mean you’ll be growing around us more?”

It did. Especially with how noticeably quite David would become when Scott grew even just a few feet taller because Eggs decided to throw himself off something. Though surprisingly, the few times he found himself shrinking for one reason or another, most of them kept a respectful distance away.

Though that might’ve been because Vincent started making more appearances once it was clear Scott wasn’t going to force himself to not shift whenever it was after operation hours. Didn’t say anything except sit at the table Scott was deposited on by whoever snagged him first. The amount of time it took from being saved from the floor to being left to his own devices, though, was entirely up to the guard who found him.

At least there was a pattern on who earned him shrinking or growing. Knew to stay away from David because it was honestly a chance how he’d shift with the business man within proximity. Couldn’t help the genuine joy that there were never flinches when he grew or the appearance of malice intent when he shrunk.

“Scott!”

Eggs didn’t hesitate despite the look Vincent shot at him when the blond plopped into a seat. Only continued with delivering a gentle poke. “That’s why you came over here?”

He didn’t actually hate such a greeting. It came with the territory of hiring someone like the blond. And James. And David...but if he didn’t act offended they would assume it was the only viable way to say hello.

“Come on, you’re so pokable! Impossible not to.”

It was also impossible not to pick up on the distinct smell of cinnamon coming from Eggs. It was the first time he didn’t pick up the chemical smell of citrus he’d come to associate with their mechanic.

“Are you not wearing cologne today?”

Eggs hesitated before he leaned forward with interest. “Nah, I skipped it today. Why, did Harrison say he was gonna steal it? Because that’s my heist.”

Scott shook his head. “No, I just-”

“Scotty likes the way we smell.”

It was a miracle he didn’t blush from Vincent’s intervention. And that Eggs was too confused and focused on attempting to pick up the scent nonexistent to a human’s nose to register the opportunity to tease about it.

“What kind of smell?”

“It’s...unique. You smell like cinnamon, Mike smells like chamomile. I just can’t usually pick it up under the numerous odors everyone tends to wear.”

He was blinked at before Eggs grinned. “What does James smell like.”

“I couldn’t tell. He smelled as sterile as the hospital he works at.”

“...does that mean certain things, like, suffocate you?”

Vincent beat him to a response. “Yes. Every time he shrinks.”

“Why didn’t you tell us! I needed an excuse to commence Mission Steal Harrison’s Cologne!”

That wasn’t what he expected to come out of the conversation. Eggs bringing it up to James who then asked him about it a week later, that he expected. But it wasn’t for the reasons he thought.

“What also affects you when you shrink or grow?”

“Honestly it’s fine. I rarely stay on the ground for too long before someone picks me up.”

“Humor me.”

“...it’s mostly sounds that make my head hurt when I grow. Especially when I’m surrounded by all of you. It’s smells that hit me the hardest when I shrink. Though if you yell it’d guaranteed destroy my eardrums.”

He had not expected them to...care that much to change not only their interactions with him, but also their habits. David had changed how he wore his cologne, but the others had most of their products switched. Apparently Mike was sensitive to smells as well and had a few suggestions that were easily accepted. Not to mention Eggs no longer sprinted around when Scott grew because he apparently took it was a challenge. No more unnecessary shouts.

It was everything he ever wanted but knew he could never have.

Of course he could do without the demand to hold him. The demand he’s the one holding them. Questions of if he shifted, can they join on a shifting night, what kind of pranks can safely be pulled on him so no one’s in danger. He became a safety net when he was put on party decoration but the others said he’d need their help. The one who would retrieve items lost ideas from hard to reach places.

“Smell me.”

Scott never expected David to ask the question. James had when he had a day off at the hospital to establish he smelled of mint. Though after he immediately had a theory they didn’t actually have a ‘scent’ and Scott was only interpreting a non-tangible smell into something he’s familiar with, which did not end well when Eggs found out and ended with the doctor getting attacked randomly over a few weeks with spritzes of something that smelled like mint as retaliation. Jeremy asked about his own smell once he understood what happened and beamed at the proclamation of a chocolate shop.

But there was never a day David went without his cologne. Meaning it was impossible for Scott to pick up what the business man himself smelled like without the chemicals acting as a solid barrier.

Tonight was different. And one look at Fritz and Jeremy’s excitement told him there had been quite a bit off begging to get to where they were. Which was impressive, but Scott didn’t exactly enjoy the hand being held as if he was a dog needing to sniff someone and confirm they weren’t a threat.

“Please.”

That single word made his entire year. “You smell like warm clothes.”

David looked confused. “I what?”

Scott could only shrug. Up until then, he tried to keep the specifics out of how he described what scents the others possessed. Because it was hard to explain the distinction between chamomile and chamomile tea. One was just a flower while the other has warmth and a more calming feeling. It wasn’t just spearmint, but rather the wild kind that is sharper than it would taste. It’s not just cinnamon, but the spice that a topping to another drink that is always different and always sweet.

“Like clean clothes that came right out of the dryer.”

“Oh.”

It was one of the few times David didn’t have something to say back. Though it was the first time it was out of genuine intrigue.

And it was the first time Scott felt like he was finally home.

#thank you Anon!#and Happy Holidays!!#hope everyone has had a good week!#and those who celebrate did/are/will enjoy it!#seriously though #we're blaming how long this took on the guards deciding this was this hill they wanted to die on fighting over the story #g/t #giant #tiny #FNAF bois #BTE writing #cw #content warning

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