#the waitress checked my id and then gave me the dreaded oh we went to highschool together

[drearyd0ll]

my happy place really is $14 cocktails and soup of the day on a patio

[darling-clemmy]

A Feeling We Don’t Know//Clouis Highschool AU--Chapter One

A/N: Welcome to the first chapter of my highschool AU! I will try to update this regularly, and I hope you enjoy the first part :)) also huge thank you to @missdaisymayrio , without her I could not have written this. 

Summary of Story: After the first night, it seems impossible for them not to run into each other. Though, neither the boy with dreads nor the girl with curls can complain about that.

Summary of Chapter: Clementine had never liked parties--until she realized that some of them aren’t so bad, thanks to one dark haired boy.

Word Count: 3,670 words

CHAPTER ONE: PARTY FAVOR

The rain beat down against the overhanging glass of the bus stop, creating a repetitive pattern that was starting to get under Clementine’s skin. She’d much rather prefer to hear his cheery voice right now, speaking reassuring words into her ear, or the muted radio as they kiss in the backseat of his car. But that couldn’t happen now, or possibly ever again.

She pulled her oversized yellow raincoat closer to her body, although that would only relieve the shaking due to the cold, and not due to her silent cries. I’m so stupid, Clementine thought, forcing more tears out of her eyes. Yet, under the heavy rain, they were barely noticeable.

A car with blurry headlights zoomed past her, causing roadside rain water to splash up and hit her ankles. She was too numb to care about anything, much less a little bit more water on her already soaking clothes. Her head lifted at a realization—that car was playing their song. She could recognize that beat anywhere, having listened to it nonstop months ago. How silly it was to think that it held any meaning. She knew now that it was all a mistake. He was a big, heart shattering mistake.

Clementine checked her phone once more for whatever reason, as the same picture of a low battery came up again. She sighed, her entire being feeling so crumbled that it was useless to have any hope for herself anymore. So, with no other choices, she stood up from the cold bench, lifted her hood over her curls, and began stomping through the wet, cracked sidewalk back home, leaving him and all of their memories behind her.

—

7 MONTHS EARLIER:

Ding!

Clementine blinked in surprise as the bell signifying an order was ready rung. She removed her hand from beneath her chin and looked at the plate. 

One large blueberry pancake, four scrambled eggs, and six pieces of bacon with a coffee that might as well just have been milk. Kyle, Clementine guessed, rolling her eyes at the fact that she’d have to bring it out to him. 

Tightening the stained white apron that was tied around her waist, she picked up the chipped plate by its bottom and held the mug’s handle firmly. 

The diner was especially busy today, as it was every Saturday. Besides, Everett’s was the only place other than Bee Joe’s to get breakfast in the small town of Wareham, West Virginia. Because of this, probably around half the population came in between 7am and 2pm, consisting of young children with their mothers, a group of loud old men who split the check in eighths, and Clem’s own teachers at school, who, no matter how much they come in, were always surprised she works there. 

After maneuvering through the clustered tables and booths, she finally made it to the table marked “H,” where, of course, none other than Kyle was sat. 

“Here’s your food,” Clementine choked out through a forced toothy smile. “And your coffee. Do you need anything else today?”

Kyle slumped back in his chair as he eyed the food suspiciously, before returning his gaze back to her silently. 

At his uncomfortable stare, Clem cleared her throat and gripped the hem of her stupidly stiff baby pink uniform skirt.

“Nah, nothing that I can order off the menu, anyway,” he nearly slurred out, making Clementine wonder if he was already high or if he was just sleazy. 

“Okay, well, let me know if there is.” By now, she was smiling so tightly and fakely that it was beginning to hurt. Before he could get another word in, she spun on her heel and rushed back to safety behind the counter, away from the college boy.

Once there, where none of the customers could really see, she threw down the order notebook with a huff. Looking up at the red LED clock, she counted the minutes to when she’d be allowed to leave. 275 minutes. 16, 500 seconds. It’s a lot, but she hoped that maybe she’d be able to just wash tables until then. 

“Dumb day?” A southern-twanged voice asked from beside her. 

Clem sighed in relief that it was Brody, and not her supervisor scolding her for not being “sweet and accommodating,” as she’d always say.

“It wasn’t too bad until Eric, you know, the new cook guy, spilled bacon grease on the floor and I had to clean it up. And Kyle’s here and you know how he always is and of course I’m his waitress.” Clementine complained as she lowered her head in closer to Brody, like preteens gossiping. 

“Ugh, he shouldn’t even be allowed in here. He’s such a creep,” Brody agreed. “I had to wait on the Yorks and all eight of their kids, who all wanted chocolate chip pancakes in the shape of Disco Broccoli. Omar’s a good cook and all, but how is anyone supposed to do that?”

Clem chuckled thinking about Disco Broccoli and his Chive Talkin’ Friends. She was surprised kids still watched that show. “I think customers think we’re Gordon Ramsay.”

“Sorry, we’re actually just a bunch of 16 to 25 year olds and their 40-something year old manager.” The auburn hair girl replied, scribbling down her tipped wages. “On a lighter note, are you doing anything tonight?”

“Nope. AJ’s parents don’t need me to babysit tonight and my parents are both working late again.�� She furrowed her eyebrows before continuing, “Why?”

“Marlon’s having a party tonight and I was wondering if you’d like to come!”

“Brody—“

“Shush, before you say ‘I’m not a party person, Brody,’ it’s not as big as his other ones. There will only be, like, 30 people there, at most.” Brody chastised, placing a hand on her hip.

“Why so small?”

“It’s for his best friend. He just got back from a music camp or something,” she explained. 

Clementine sighed, realizing that she and Brody had never really hung out outside of work before. They may not have been best friends, but Brody had always been there for her, so maybe she owed it to her to go to a party or two.  “Okay, I’ll go. At least for a little bit.”

“Really?” Brody squealed, making some customers’ eyes gather on the girls. “Thank you, Clem! I promise you’ll have fun.”

Clementine laughed, “Who’s his actual best friend anyway?”

“His name’s Louis. Has dreads, writes music and plays piano, his family lives in that really big house down on Charlotte Lane,” Brody described, hoping to jog Clem’s memory. 

Really, she didn’t need to. Everyone in Wareham knew Louis Hastings and his parents. With his high economic standing and the fact that he was a major social butterfly, everyone had talked to Louis at least once. He was well liked, too, so it was no surprise to Clem that a welcome home party was being thrown with him as the guest of honor. 

“Well, I’ll make sure I’m there,” Clem promised with a grin. 

The door opened and hit the ear-ringing bell above it. The girls looked over to it to see an old couple, dressed in button up shirts with matching patterns. 

“Oh, look, Mr and Mrs Carlton. I’ll go get them a table,” Brody recognized with fond smile, as the couple often came in for their usual English breakfast tea and raspberry scones. 

Clementine watched as Brody left her side behind the counter before returning her eyes to the clock that seemed to be ticking slower as it went on. 260 more minutes.

Might as well start washing those tables, Clem thought before grabbing the soapy bucket and the old rag and getting to work. 

—

“You really know how to make the guest of honor feel special, Marlon,” Louis criticized, shoving three more packs of red solo cups into the grocery cart that had an obnoxious squeaking wheel.

“Don’t be mad. You should be happy I’m bringing you along to shop for food, since you’re such a picky eater and all,” Marlon rolls his glacier colored eyes in response.

“I’m not a picky eater,” the dark haired boy began. “I am a refined one.”

“Chicken tenders and french fries are real refined, Lou.”

“Everyone likes chicken tenders and french fries.”

“Vegans don’t.”

“They make fake chicken tenders, you know,” Louis informed, scrunching up his nose at the sour cream and onion chips that Marlon threw in the cart. “Are you buying all of this?”

“I’m not that bad of a party host. You really think I’d make you buy your own party supplies?” Marlon asked incredulously. 

Before Louis could respond, he felt his phone vibrating in his back pocket. He could tell by the personalized pattern that it was his dad calling him. He frowned.

“Hey, Dad,” he greeted blandly. 

“Why aren’t you home yet?” The older man interrogated with a harsh tone.

“I’m out with Marlon,” Louis explained. “I’ll be back later tonight.”

“I can’t believe you sometimes, Louis. You really can’t even be bothered to have dinner with your parents after being away for two months?” His father questioned.

“Look, Dad, I—” Louis began, only to be cut off.

“Just don’t, Louis,” his dad interrupted harshly. “Just—if you have the time, text your mother. She’s missed you a lot.”

“Yeah, I will.” He already had two hours earlier.

His father gave no goodbyes before hanging up the phone, leaving Louis to listen to a dull humming.

“Is everything okay?” Marlon asked.

Louis remained silent as he shoved his phone back into his pocket.

“I know how tough your dad can be—“

“Do you still have your fake?”

Marlon’s eyes widened. “ID? Of course.”

At his words, Louis picks a large box of beer out of the cooler and slides it onto the bottom rack of the cart. 

“That’s the spirit, Lou!” Marlon hit Louis’ back roughly.

Louis chuckled, but still, the feeling of disappointment in himself remained in the pit of his stomach.

—

Clementine was late. 

Thankfully, not excruciatingly late. Not so late that it’d be rude to show up now. Just late by thirty minutes or so, since she had spent twenty more minutes than expected trying to figure out what to wear to her first party and another ten getting lost on the way there. 

But, still, she was late. And she hated being late. It was embarrassing.

She walked up the steep steps to Marlon’s front door, the newly setting sun casting her shadow down in front of her, surrounded by a yellow-gold. She was already gnawing on her bottom lip in anxiety, thinking about how lonely she may be here. Yet, Clem still knocks on the door before lowering her hand and wrapping it around her other wrist.

Marlon opened the door, a navy blue can in his hand. “Oh, hey, Clem. Brody said you’d be coming tonight.”

She grinned bashfully. “Yeah, she thought it’d be good for me to get out more.”

“Well, I can assure you that my parties are the best reason to do so,” Marlon boasted. “Come in. Brody’s in the kitchen.”

Before she could say another word, he’s shut the door behind them and ran off to speak to somebody else in his living room. Clementine huffed and raised her brows, analyzing the inside of the house, trying to find the kitchen.

In front of her in the entryway was a rack of coats, hung up high on the grey wall. Clem didn’t bring a jacket, as it was nearly 85 degrees out, so she moved past it and walked into the main area. To her left was Marlon’s living room, accompanied by a few boys she vaguely recognized from school drinking and playing some video game on the large flatscreen. Not wanting to have to talk to them, she quickly walked straight and into the kitchen. 

“You made it!” Brody jumped off from her seat on the granite counter and skipped over to the tan girl to hug her tightly. “I love your outfit.”

Clem looked down at her cuffed blue jeans and form-fitting rosy shirt. Although she was receiving a compliment, she crossed her arms over her chest. “Oh, thanks. It only took a billion years to pick out.”

Brody grinned softly. “Let’s go out onto the patio! That’s where most everyone is.”

The slightly taller girl grabbed her by the arm and pulled her out through the sliding glass door and onto the rocky terrain of Marlon’s patio. To her right was a porch, which you could step up onto and enter an above ground pool. There were pretty, golden bulb lights strung across the entire backyard, glowing down on a little over a dozen teenagers. Music from a nearby speaker played loudly, as Marlon didn’t have any close-by neighbors that would file a complaint.

Brody dragged Clem up onto the porch and over to a few of their classmates who she recognized: Violet LaCasse, Sophie and Minerva Wilson, and Mitch Gray. She had never really talked to any of them, except Mitch once for chemistry homework. But she knew that Brody was really good friends with Sophie and Mitch (surprisingly) especially, so she stayed put.

“Hey, Clementine, right?” Minnie asked as Clem sat down on the metal chair, her arm loosely around Violet’s shoulders.

“That’s my name,” Clementine joked tight-lipped.

“You want a beer?” Mitch chimed in, already reaching for the cooler beneath them.

Clem’s amber eyes widened. “Ah, no, thank you. I’m driving back home tonight.”

Mitch shrugged. “If you wanna’ have real fun tonight, then you drink. I’ll drive you home after.” He gave a cheeky grin.

“You’ve already had three beers in the past 40 minutes, dumbass,” Violet objected, running her finger around the lid of her water bottle.

Clementine remained silent, her eyes furrowed together. Instead, she simply shook her head at his offer. As she looked to her left, she saw how Brody’s lips were set in a slight pout, her fingers wrapped tightly around themselves.

Once the auburn haired girl noticed Clem’s concerned stare, her expression did a complete 180, returning back to her usual welcoming grin. 

Sophie tugged on Brody’s sleeve. “Did Marlon say where Louis is?”

“You know, I don’t—“

As if on purpose, Marlon busted through the sliding glass door, his arm around a slightly shorter, darker skinned boy. A cuter boy, Clementine admired. Louis Hastings.

“Look who’s fuckin’ back and better than ever!” Marlon roared, clearly already tipsy, stumbling out onto the patio.

Practically everyone grinned and cheered, the screams of the teenagers echoing into the forest behind them. The rest of the boys who Clem saw inside also came outside, all thrilled to see their favorite friend back home. After a few minutes of the rowdy boys yelling and pushing each other, Marlon and Louis made their way up the porch steps and over to the table.

Marlon kissed the side of Brody’s head, her nearly flinching at the touch. “You smell like alcohol, babe.”

He kissed her again, despite her protests, as Mitch and Louis did that awkward side hug-back-hitting thing guys did. 

Louis’s eyes scanned the table, nodding a simple hey, good to see you again to the blonde and the twins before his tawny brown eyes met Clementine’s.

He knew her face from around school, but didn’t really know her too well since she was a grade below him and almost everyone else, except for Mitch. All he really knew her by was the fact that she won a state photography prize for their school last year and that she sometimes wore her hair in two cute pigtails tied with purple ribbons. And that she was pretty. Really pretty.

Louis held his hand out towards her across the table. “Why, hello. I’m Louis, to formally introduce ourselves.”

Clem’s cheekbones flushed vaguely before the corners of her mouth lifted up. “Clementine.”

“I’m glad you could make it. The more the merrier, right?” Louis preached. “Oh, wait, that sounds bad. Uh, nevermind.”

Clementine giggled softly, not caring about the slightly confused stares from the rest of the group.

“Alright, you two, stop flirting,” Marlon interjected, waving his hand around. “C’mon, Lou, let’s go talk to Luke.”

“Okay, okay,” Louis said, turning back to look at her. “See you all later.”

The group said their chorus of goodbyes to the two boys and watched as they walked down the wooden steps, Louis holding up Marlon so he doesn’t fall. Clem’s stare lingered on the boy with dreads, even after they walked across the yard to a group of boys kicking around a soccer ball. 

Brody leaned over the arm of her chair and whispered into Clem’s ear, “You’re welcome for inviting you.”

“Oh, quiet. He was just being nice,” she insisted, tucking a curl behind her ear.

“Whatever you say,” Brody sang.

--

Clementine stood awkwardly by the side of the house as she watched the rest of the party-goers dancing and talking. She wraps one of her hands around the opposite arm in an attempt to warm herself up. She wished she had brought a coat now, the early autumnal cold night air surrounding her in an aura of blue. When she lifted her head to look up at the stars, she hoped that the far away heat from them would transfer to her body. Sadly, it didn’t.

Since she was scuffing her white shoes against the ground, she didn’t notice the presence of a body next to her. She was too focused on an ant crawling through the caverns between bricks and a new dirt mark on the tip of her shoe that she accidentally ignored the kind boy.

He cleared his throat, alarming her and making her look up.

“Sorry,” she apologized flustered. “You were pretty quiet.”

“I don’t know if this will surprise you, but pretty much no one else has ever said that to me,” Louis told her, leaning against the tan house as well.

“Well, you did make quite the entrance,” Clementine complimented.

He shrugged. “Marlon and his alcohol made quite the entrance.”

“Right, right.”

“So, um,” Louis began. “I got you a drink.”

Clementine raises an eyebrow. “Why?” 

“I noticed you didn’t have one at the table. I can’t let a pretty girl go thirsty at my party,” Louis explained, his dark eyes twinkling like the stars above them.

She eyed the red cup suspiciously then gazed back at him. “You seem nice enough, Louis, I just don’t know if I wanna’ take a random drink from you.”

“What? I--Ohh!” Louis’ face dropped at what she was implying. “There isn’t anything--It’s just water with ice. I hope you like ice--Ah, okay, this is a really bad first impression.”

Clementine giggled and bit the inside of her lip. “Then, how about you make a good second impression?”

“Yes! Yeah, yeah,” Louis agreed. 

“Can you walk me to my car? No offense to your party, but I don’t really think I’m needed here.” Clementine joked, but her solemn undertone spoke a different narrative.

He smiled wordlessly and opened the glass door for her, following her once she stepped inside. They made their way through the simple layout of the bottom floor and to the front door. Louis once again held it open for her, and her heart felt warm for the first time tonight.

The walk down the long dirt driveway and to the main street that Clem had to park on was silent, since the two teenagers didn’t know anything to talk about and didn’t really mind the comforting quiet that was only filled with chirps of crickets and nearby music from the party. Once they reached Clem’s silver sedan, she paused in front of the driver side door.

“Well, this is me,” she announced, pulling her keychain out of her back pocket. “Thanks for the walk.”

“I’d feel too bad to let you walk down here alone in the dark,” he reasoned with his hands shoved into his jean pockets. “But, you know, I don’t know if our short walk made up for the whole four hours of the party where you looked miserable.”

“What? I was having fun. So much fun,” she promised dramatically, but at his incredulous stare she gave in. “Yeah, fine, it kind of sucked for me.”

Louis sported a small grin. “And I take no offense to that. Besides, I didn’t really throw it.”

“Even if you did, it’s not like my opinion on it really matters. Everyone else looked to be having fun,” she responded.

“Your opinion matters to me.”

Her lips went into a confused pout. “We just met.”

“So? You still matter, and I still feel kinda’ bad that you were dragged here,” Louis empathized with soft eyes.

Clem sighed. “Can you still say thank you to Brody for me? And make sure she gets home safe? I know she doesn’t drink it’s just….”

“Yeah, yeah, of course,” he assured, opening the car door for her. He cleared his throat. “Have a nice night, Clementine.”

She smiled and slipped into the car, closing the door after her, but her window remained open. “You too, Louis. Welcome home.”

“Yeah, you too,” Louis said before realizing his mistake. “Wait, no. God, I’ve messed up my second chance, too, haven’t I?”

The tan girl laughed. “No, no, you haven’t at all. Goodnight, Louis.”

“Goodnight,” he waved weakly before stepping out of the way for her to drive off.

He watched her car as she drove down the curvy road like he was watching her herself. When she braked, turned on her blinker, and took a left off of the street, Louis sighed to himself with a blissful smile. She really is something else, he pondered, bringing his hands up to feel how warm his face had gotten during their interactions.

He wondered if she was feeling the same joy in the pit of her stomach, too, or if it was simply one-sided. 

What he did know, though, was that he’d definitely have to thank Brody for inviting her. 

[nyrandrea]

The Night Shift

Sorry for the longer wait but here’s another chapter! The whole story so far is also available to read on ao3!

Mike managed to survive the night, but what’s he gonna do now? Go back? Surely not....

Small warning for swears and mention of blood.

Chapter 3 - The Fresh Start

This was the only time when he felt truly calm.

No stress, no anxiety. Just a cocoon of warmth, dark and protection keeping him safe from the outside world. With a small smile of content, he snuggled in to his side. If only this could last forever…

A shrill beeping brought everything back to reality.

With a small moan of protest, Mike slowly opened his eyes, wincing when the bright rays of the sun blinded him through his window.

‘Ugh…how long have I been asleep…?’

He lazily turned his head to look at the alarm clock, which was still beeping away. It was 4pm in the afternoon, still early.

Resisting the temptation to roll over and doze, he forced himself to get up from bed and stumbled throughout his apartment. The space was pitifully small, with his living room and kitchen being literally combined and his bedroom and bathroom were so small that even a mouse would feel claustrophobic.

But hey, beggars can’t be choosers. At least it was clean and comfortable.

Mike went through to the kitchen to pour himself a glass of water before dumping himself onto the couch, taking a long drink. His strained throat was incredibly grateful.

With a satisfied sigh, he set the glass down and rubbed his temples, he finally had a moment to properly think.

What…what happened last night?

‘Went to work, checked the cameras as usual, things went south, animatronics came after me, the door wouldn’t work and…’

Mike’s eyes snapped open.

The whole incident was a blur and he couldn’t remember much, but he could recall how the fox animatronic towered over him, the glint of his hook in the faded lights. Mike tried to fight back but…somehow, the robot started talking.

Mike knew that he was incredibly lucky even to just be sitting here, instead of being stuffed into one of those backstage Freddy suits, probably gutted and slowly bleeding to death. He instinctively shuddered at the thought.

‘Yeah…probably shouldn’t think of that.’ Mike reminded himself.

But it did make him think. Somehow, he had managed to convince one of those things not to kill him. Just by talking to it.

Well, lying would be the more accurate term. He honestly didn’t think it would have even worked.

But what about tonight?

He may have managed to fend Foxy off but that was only on the terms that somehow he would talk to Freddy.

Mike never thought he would dread such a…goofy sounding name.

But alas, Freddy was the leader of the group. According to Foxy, his word meant law in that pizzeria, and right now he really wanted Mike stuffed into a suit.

‘I have to convince him that I’m not an endoskeleton, otherwise I’m dead.’

Though there was still the option of just…not going back at all. Why was he even questioning this?

Mike frowned, there was always this niggling presence at the back of his mind that beckoned him to go every night, despite the horrors that awaited him. It was like…he had unfinished business there or something. He needed to go back.

‘God, I’m such a dumbass.’ Mike thought to himself as he covered his face and let out a defeated sigh.

He wasn’t sure how much more of this he could take. This was only his third week and he had already had a complete mental breakdown. During the day he would flinch at the slightest of noises, jump at moving shadows.

He was an absolute wreck.

To further prove this point, he nearly leaped from the couch when there was a light knock at the door.

“Mr. Schmidt?” A small voice called out from behind the door, “Mr. Schmidt, it’s Aaron.” There was a small pause. “I um…think I left my ball in your apartment. Mister?”

Mike was taking a moment to comprehend what was even going on before it dawned on him.

“Shit…” The guard quietly swore as he scrambled to get up from the couch before turning to the door, “J-Just wait a moment, I’ll…go look for it!” He shouted as he practically started to run towards his bedroom to get some pants and a shirt on.

Aaron lived just a few rooms down in the apartment complex, kid was about…eleven or twelve? Mike didn’t really know, but he was young.  He had moved in not so long ago with his mother who…was quite another story altogether.

As soon as Mike looked decent enough, he looked around his messy flat for the spherical toy. How it managed to get in here was beyond him…

But lo and behold, there it was. Sitting in the corner of the living room/kitchen.

The guard frowned but decided not to question it as he picked the ball up and moved to the front door, opening it up to the little boy, who beamed when he saw the object in Mike’s arms.

“You lookin’ for this, champ?” Mike jested as he lightly tossed it to the kid, who caught it with ease.

“Oh man, thanks Mr-“

“Mike.” The guard interrupted, “Mister makes me feel old….”

Aaron stopped but nodded.

“So uh…how’s things…?” Mike started.

“Fine.” The child bluntly answered, switching his gaze down to the ball as he dropped it to the ground and rolled it around with his foot.

Mike gave him a sympathetic look. He had sort of took to looking after the kid every now and then, taking him out to play soccer or to grab a bite to eat. Aaron always asked hm to take him to Fazbear’s but he refused.

Always.

In a way, he had sort of become like a discount big brother figure. But it wasn’t right. None of it was. He just didn’t know what to do. And with work becoming more of a problem for Mike, he just couldn’t be around to look out for the kid all that much anymore, and he was worried about the consequences it could bring.

He decided to at least ask, maybe get more of a grasp of what was going on.

“How’s your…?”

“She’s fine.” The boy curtly answered again, before asking, “Hey, do you wanna hang out later?”

Mike frowned but quickly covered it up with a smile, he decided not to push the topic further.

“Sorry champ, but I have to drop into work today.”

“I thought you worked at night.” Aaron said, his tone dropping to one of disappointment.

“Paperwork to sort out, just boring adult stuff.” Mike lied, though he would have taken paperwork over dealing with homicidal robots any day.

“Oh…” Aaron trailed off with a thoughtful expression.

Oh God, Mike knew that look.

‘Don’t ask to come. Don’t ask to come. Don’t ask to-‘

“Can I come with ya?”

‘Damn it.’

“You know why I can’t do that.” Mike sighed, crossing his arms.

“Because it’s work.” Aaron sarcastically drawled out with a roll of his eyes, “But c’mon, just say I’m your like…. apprentice or somethin’!”

“You’re eleven.”

“Twelve!” The boy corrected, not looking best pleased.

“I can’t.” The guard tried to change the subject quickly, “But I can bring back a pizza, yeah? Then we can hang out.”

“…Fine.” Aaron pushed up his massive glasses and gave Mike a determined look, “But all the other kids get to go there.”

Mike chuckled, a little in amusement, mostly in nervousness. Oh, if he only knew.

Actually, he took that back. No child should witness the horrors of that place.

Before Mike could say anything else, Aaron kicked his ball down the hall and chased after it, “I’ll be at the park so get me there!” He shouted, before adding, “And bring pepperoni!”

Mike gave a light sigh, “Right.”

Closing the door behind him, he glanced down at his watch, it was nearly 5pm. The place would be shutting soon. If he was going to return tonight, he was going to need help to somehow get Freddy’s attention without getting himself killed. Foxy seemed to be his best option, but was he even operational during the day?

Mike took a deep breath.

“Ah, screw it.” The guard mumbled as he quickly grabbed his coat, “I’ll take my chances.”

Besides, he did promise that kid a pizza.

As he pushed the large glass doors open, he was met with nothing but absolute chaos.

Children were running and screaming everywhere, food and toys flew across the restaurant. It was difficult to avoid being hit and not trip up over the hyperactive kids, but Mike managed nonetheless.

A few of the parents seemed as though they were trying to calm their own children down, but most of them were either outside smoking or were sitting at the tables, just…not bothering. Mike slowly managed to get through to the dining area, where he noticed exhausted looking staff trying to keep up with the amount of orders they were receiving. The waitresses struggled to manoeuvre their way through the crowds while balancing steaming hot trays of pizza on their hands.

Huh. Maybe his job wasn’t so bad after all.

“Excuse me, sir?” A bored voice called out to him. Mike looked around until he saw a slim, blonde woman, looking roughly in her thirties coming towards him with a stern, scrutinised look.

“Sir, I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask you to leave.”

“What? Why?” Mike asked, a little surprised. He hadn’t done anything, had he?

“Adults must be accompanied with a child to get a table.” She paused as she looked him up and down, almost like she was judging him for even existing.

“Oh, no, no. You don’t understand. I work here. I’m the Night Guard, my name’s Mike Schmidt.” He explained, hoping she would at least be a little friendlier, now that she knew he was part of the staff.

But that didn’t seem to be the case, as she sighed and held out her heavily manicured hand.

“Your ID, please?”

‘You’ve gotta be kidding me.’ Mike thought with a frown.

“Michael?” A new voice called out, “Michael Schmidt?”

A tall, rounded man with greying hair came up from behind her, his blue suit and red tie could be easily spotted from a mile off, even in this crowd.

“Mr…Mr. Hastings…!” Mike called back in a wavering voice, his lips upturned in a nervous grin.

Shit. Why was the manager out on the floor? He was usually holed up in his office during the day.

“It’s alright, Julie. He’s with us.” Hastings said with a dismissive wave to the woman, who simply shrugged and walked off, not really seeming to care all that much.

Mike swallowed as the older man turned back to him.

“What on earth are you doing here during daylight hours, son?” He asked before his smile turned into a sour frown, “You’re not quitting already, are you?”

“N-no sir…I was just passing by.” He answered as he gave a quick glance towards Pirate’s Cove. The curtains were shut, he wondered if Foxy was even active right now.

“Ah. Good.” Hastings let out a small sigh of relief, “We’ve lost too many guards already…”

‘Gee. I wonder why.’ Mike bitterly fought the urge to roll his eyes.

“Well, I best be moving along. The paperwork isn’t going to sort itself out, eh?”

Mike forced a fake smile, “Right.”

Mr. Hastings gave the guard a small nudge on the shoulder and motioned towards the stage, “The show’s about to start, you should stick around, Michael. Get a discount on the food while you’re at it too. Enjoy!” With that, his boss walked off.

Mike finally managed to drop the smile and sighed. He never really did like that man, there was always something…off about him.

His thoughts were interrupted as the lights suddenly dimmed down and the room went silent, all eyes turned to the show stage. A bright spotlight focused on the curtains and a booming voice called out through the surrounding speakers.

“Greetings Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls! Welcome to Freddy Fazbear’s Pizzeria! We hope you’re enjoying your pizza and are having tons of fun today!”

The speaker paused for a moment as if he were waiting for a huge uproar of cheers and such, but the only noise was that of a few children arguing over a toy, and their parent scolding them. After an excruciating prolonged silence, he continued.

“Now you’re all in for a special treat, because a certain bear wants to come out and meet you!”

Mike couldn’t help but flinch at that.

“Now, everybody give a big welcome to…”

An exaggerated drumroll sounded out and several coloured lights started swivelling around the room. Kids gasped in amazement while the parents chuckled in amusement. Mike could only raise an eyebrow.

“Freddy Fazbear and the gang!”

The curtains shot open and the spotlight focused on the restaurant’s famous mascot, while two more shone upon Bonnie and Chica, who were to the right and left of him. The dining room went into utter chaos again as children shouted, cheered, clapped and cried. Mike wasn’t exactly sure if they were ecstatic or terrified.

He was the latter.

Thankfully, the noise eventually died down and Freddy held up his microphone. His jaw lowered ever so slightly before a deep but gentle voice resonated from him.

“Hello there children and welcome to my pizzeria, the best in town! I do hope you’re all enjoying yourselves today?”

As he lowered his microphone to the audience, there was a chorus of “Yeah Freddy!” or “We sure are, Freddy!” The animatronic bear nodded in approval.

“My, my…we sure do have a lot of talented young people in here, don’t we Bonnie?”

The violet bunny turned his head to Freddy before jerkily nodding, “We sure do, Freddy! There’s a ton of great guys and gals and I can’t wait to play with you all! We’re all gonna have lots of fun!”

Bonnie’s voice had a slightly higher pitch and an almost gravelled tone to it. Guess it was to fit the whole ‘Rockstar’ personality he had to go along with the red guitar he carried.

“Of course, we are!” A feminine voice added, with a slight accent to it. Chica held up her cupcake prop and waved to the crowd, before adding, “And remember to eat plenty of pizza, after all, mine’s the best in the entire world!” She cheered.

“They sure are, Chica.” Freddy nodded, “Nobody would doubt that!”

For once, Mike had to agree. Those pizzas that she apparently cooked and left for him at the start of his shifts were pretty damn delicious.

“Now, how about we sing a song for these lovely ladies and gents? Would you like that, kids?” Freddy asked as he put a mechanical paw up to his ear and leaned forward, cheers and shouts answered him.

Bonnie readied his guitar prop and Chica held up her…cupcake, while Freddy raised his microphone.

“Alright gang. Hit it!”

The three animatronics broke out into a number of cheesy songs about friendship and pizza. Mike had to stifle a laugh at how stiff and jerky they were, it was a stark contrast compared to how swiftly they moved at night.

With the staff busy and his boss out of sight, this was his chance.

Mike slowly made his way to Pirate’s Cove, trying not to look too suspicious. All the while, he kept an eye on the animatronic band still playing on stage, half-expecting them to suddenly jump off the stage and charge straight for him.

Luckily, they didn’t seem to even notice him as they kept singing and entertaining the children. As Mike reached the out of bounds stage, he opened a slit in the curtains and slipped through. Though as soon as he did, he was hit with complete darkness.

Squinting, he started to make his way through the empty show area, cursing his stupid ideas.

‘Damn, it’s dark. And quiet. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea.’

He turned around to go back, only…he couldn’t even see the way back, there was no light to guide him. Mike held out his hands, hoping to feel for the curtains or even a wall to guide him back to the dining area, but to no avail.

How big was Pirate’s Cove? Mike had only thought it was a mini show stage or something, but right now it just seemed like a never-ending black abyss. Panic was starting to set in now…

Finally, he came across something. It felt…soft, so it wasn’t a wall. But it was too solid to be the curtains.

‘Oh God.’ Mike thought as his eyes widened. ‘Please tell me he’s offline.’

“Arghh…who be there?” A soft but gruff voice asked.

The guard immediately jumped back as a single yellow eye shone through the darkness and looked directly at him. Mike had to hold up a hand to shield his own eyes against the blinding light.

“Uh…” He started, wondering if now would be a good time to start running, “It’s Mike…w-we talked last night…?”

The eye blinked for a moment, “The endo’ who’s not an endo’?”

“Right…”

Did Foxy not remember his name? It hadn’t even been 24 hours yet.

“Ye ain’t ever been in during the day before.” The animatronic replied. The eye gained height and there was a sound of metal scraping together, Mike presumed he must have been standing up.

“Well…guess I’ve never really had a reason to before.” Mike reluctantly answered, panicking when the eye seemed to be turning away, leaving him in complete darkness once again.

That didn’t last long though, as a click suddenly brought all the lights back to life, illuminating the room. Mike had trouble adjusting his eyes for a moment, but he did manage to see Foxy standing nearby, his metal finger hovering over a switch.

“So what be yer reason now then, eh?”

“I…well…”

His mind stopped working for a moment as he looked around the now lighted area in awe. He had no idea there was a whole pirate themed room behind the small show stage. There were foam pirate swords stashed in a box, balloon palm trees and treasure chests and even a large wooden ship smack bang in the middle, carved out so it could act as a play area for children.

It was a kid’s paradise.

Despite the space being neglected for what Mike presumed were years, it was still immaculate. Did that mean Foxy was doing the housekeeping? He doubted it was the cleaning staff, nobody was allowed back here after all.

“Damn…this place is huge…” Mike muttered.

Foxy tilted his head.

“Ye act like ye’ve never seen it before. Didn’t ye say ye came here when ye were a wee lad?”

Shit, he forgot about that.

“Yeah, yeah I have. It’s just….” The guard nervously smiled, “Never realised how big it really was, y’know?”

Thankfully, Foxy seemed to buy it.

“Well, it be this pirate’s lair. Though it was…really for the kiddies…”

The animatronic’s ears drooped slightly. Mike couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy, despite his unease.

“How’s it so clean? Do you have a hoover back there or something?” He joked, hoping to lighten the mood somewhat.

“I like ta do a bit o’ dustin’ every now and then, keep it tidy for the wee ones.” Foxy said, brushing off a stray bit of dust from a prop.

“So…wait…you still put on shows in here then?” Mike asked, a little confused. He could have sworn that this place was off limits to…well, anyone.

“…No.” The fox shifted slightly, looking a bit embarrassed, “They put me out of order, they did.” There was an obvious hint of bitterness in his mechanical voice, Mike couldn’t help but feel a bit more on edge.

“Ok…well…place looks great.” Mike decided to get back to his original plan, “I actually came here to ask for your help.”

“Oh? This be about ol’ Freddy, I suppose.” Foxy stated, giving the guard a look.

“…Yeah.” Mike said with a sheepish grin, “Look, I really don’t want to have to fend for my life anymore and if…we can convince the others that I’m human-“

“Ye don’t get stuffed.”

“-I won’t die.”

Foxy let out a garbled equivalent of a sigh, he looked unsure.

“Look, ye seem like a nice lad, but I don’t see why-“

“Please.” Mike interrupted, desperation taking over him now. Foxy looked at the human with slight surprise, before curiously studying him.

“…Why don’t ye jus’ leave this place? That would probably solve yer problem.” There was a hint of sarcasm in the animatronic’s voice.

“I uh…” He really didn’t know how to word this, “I just have to. It’s my job.”

There was a beat of silence as the fox seemed to mull it over.

“…Yer a strange one.” Foxy finally said.

God, even the robot thought he was stupid.

“I could try, mate. No promises they’ll listen though. They be a stubborn trio.” The animatronic said with a shrug before tending to another one of his props, turning his back completely to the guard.

Seemed as though this was the best he was going to get. At least he actually had a bit of a chance now, albeit a small one.

“Um…well…thank you.” Mike awkwardly said as he slowly backed off towards the curtains, “I’ll show myself out, yeah? S-see you tonight.”

He could feel himself start to get jittery, so he quickly turned and made his way back to the dining area.

As soon as he touched the purple curtains, a cold metal hand grabbed his arm and pull him back. It took absolutely everything in him not to scream like hell.

“What are you-?!” Mike was cut off as the hand let go of his arm to clamp around his mouth instead, a little too tightly for his liking.

“Jus’ wait a wee minute!” Foxy whispered as he pulled the young man back into Pirate’s Cove before finally letting go. Mike rubbed at his sore face, he was lucky his damn teeth didn’t break.

“The fuck is wrong with you?” Mike angrily asked, though he suddenly regretted it as he remembered he was speaking to a seven-foot robot who could easily kill him without a moment’s hesitation.

The animatronic looked down to the floor for a moment, almost in shame.

“S-sorry…I shouldn’t have grabbed ye like tha’…”

“It’s…It’s fine.” Mike nervously crossed his arms, “What’s suddenly so urgent?”

Foxy continued to look down at the floor before sheepishly fiddling with his hook.

“Ye wouldn’ mind…stayin’ for a while, would ye? Can’t remember the las’ time I interacted with a human. This ol’ fox be a bit…lonely sometimes.”

Mike blinked in surprise, he certainly wasn’t expecting…this.

Even when he was being hunted, he had noticed that Foxy just seemed so…isolated from the others. Mike could relate to that, somewhat.

Plus, if he got this machine to trust him. It would help him in the long run, especially with tonight.

“Well, I…” He smiled slightly, “Suppose it couldn’t hurt to stay for a little while.”

Foxy’s look of shame quickly turned into a joyful, toothy grin that looked all the more unnaturally wide due to the slackened jaw. Even with the lights on, it was still terrifying. But Mike managed to swallow back his fear and nervously grinned back.

“Great!” Foxy said, excitement in his tone, “But we should probably keep our voices down, eh? Don’t want anyone else comin’ in.”

Mike swallowed.

“Right.”

“Now how abou’ a story? I’ve got a ton memorised on me hard drive!”

Before Mike could even respond, the animatronic launched them into a tale about how he single-handedly took down the most feared pirate captain that ever sailed the Seven Seas; Blackbeard.

As Foxy rambled on, Mike decided to sit down on the floor cross-legged, after a while he couldn’t help but start to get engrossed in the stories. Foxy was certainly good at his job.

He almost felt like a kid again.

Looks like Foxy might have a new BFF eh? :p

Let me know what y’all think!

Buy me a coffee~

Chapter 1 - The Attack

Chapter 2 - The Misunderstanding