Memorial Day

A/N: Hello everyone, this one-shot I found to be a little difficult to write. My family has served in the Armed Forces for many years. I will admit this one is very hard for me to write, but I hope that you'll be able to enjoy it regardless. I only own Leo, the kits, and Crackers. Everyone else belongs to Scott Cawthon. I'm hoping to get in touch with those who helped me with Devotion (though still ongoing), and see if they would like their characters to make Cameo's once more. I hope you enjoy.

Silence seemed to consume the table as Mike, Jeremy, and Leo tried to enjoy a nice family meal during Jeremy's day off. The day had started well until Jeremy got a call from the office saying that Fazbear Entertainment wanted the animatronics to be part of the Memorial Day Parade in town. After getting Freddy on the call, it was decided that the restaurant would be closed for the day, and that the animatronics would take part in the parade. On top of that Mike had dropped the bombshell that once he turned 18 he was planning on enlisting with the armed forces, something that really crushed Leo. Jeremy could recall the hurt in Leo's eyes, and how Mike tried to stop the boy before he ran down the block.

Mike and Jeremy spent hours looking for Leo, only to find him hiding out in the Prize Corner of Freddy's and being comforted by a concerned Mari. Which now lead them to the unsetting silence that consumed the room as they ate. Mike deciding he couldn't take the silence anymore spoke up and looked towards his little brother, "Leo, you didn't hear everything before you went running off."

"You can't go!" Leo started to sound upset again.

Jeremy set his fork down, "Leo, please just listen. Mike and I talked about this while we were looking for you. By the way for that stunt you're grounded."

"But-" Leo started.

Jeremy shook his head, "No buts, I was terrified that something happened to you. You know that people from all over the country drive through this area during the weekend. We'll discuss that later though…."

Leo nodded weakly and turned to Mike who looked just as upset, "Mike?"

"I planned on enlisting in the reserves Leo. I know that you're worried if I did anything else that I would be sent off to war, and that I wouldn't come home." Mike responded gently, "But I am with Jeremy on this one, what you did was reckless."

"What's my punishment then?" Leo looked remorseful.

Jeremy leaned against the table as Mike started to take care of the dishes, "You'll be walking in the parade."

"What!? No way!" Leo stood up, "There is no way I'm doing it!"

"It's either that, or no Doctor Who for a week…..No make it a month. Also I won't take you with me when I work the nightshift." Jeremy responded.

Leo looked angry, "They'll just complain!"

"Actually, we're on Jeremy's side for this one Leo." Goldy responded appearing in the dining room, "Jeremy we have everything ready for tomorrow."

Jeremy nodded, "Alright, thanks Goldy. Does anyone have any concerns?"

"We are concerned about Bon considering there is going to be a large amount of people." Goldy responded, "However, Bonnie said he'll be keeping an eye on him and staying close to make sure nothing happens."

"That's good" Mike responded, "I'm surprised Freddy even agreed."

Goldy shrugged, "Even we want out every now and then. It's a good chance as well, besides it gives us something to do to honor those who paid the ultimate price."

Mike nodded, "Our dad used to be a huge supporter, he actually served himself. Was a proud member of the Air Force, that's actually how he met our mom."

Goldy listened intently, but noticed that Jeremy seemed to be a little uncomfortable and left the room. Leo noticed as well and decided to follow their adopted father out into the living room, in a way hoping to make amends for what they had done earlier. Leo knew he was in the wrong, and he knew that Jeremy would be furious. Part of him realized that if Jeremy was mad though, that meant he truly cared. Since the time Mike had been hospitalized Jeremy had done everything to make sure he was taken care of. If anything, Leo really saw him as a father figure, more so than his biological one.

"Something wrong?" Leo finally asked noticing Jeremy was looking at an old photo.

Jeremy turned and looked at him, "Not really, I know that you and Mike will never really see me as a dad…. I mean how can I compete with someone who served this nation?"

"I don't really remember them to be honest. I had amnesia after the accident, but I do remember the most awesome dad in the world though. He took us in when we lost our way, he protected my big brother from the law, and no matter what he's been there when we needed him." Leo smiled and looked towards the photo, "Mike may not say it much, but he sees you as a dad too. He's just conscious about it, and is never sure on how you would respond to it."

"Really?" Jeremy asked rather surprised.

Leo nodded, "Uh huh, and is walking in the parade really my punishment?"

"Yeah, it is. If you do something like that again I might have to have Freddy stuff you in a suit or something." Jeremy teased causing Leo to laugh.

For the rest of the night the three humans settled in and tried to get ready for what would be happening tomorrow morning. They would be up early, and would be heading to the Pizzeria to get everyone else ready. Meaning Jeremy would have to get the restored models clean, make sure the toy models were functioning well, and make sure that the kits understood that running off would not be tolerated. That was the part he was dreading the most, Faye and Morgan being the youngest ones often got excited, and this was the first time they would be allowed out of the Pizzeria without being damaged.

While the three humans slept Freddy's was much abuzz about the upcoming event they would be taking part in. The kits weren't fully understanding the concept of Memorial Day though, and thankfully Fredbear was there to take the helm and explain it to the kits the best he could. Everyone listened and watched as the kits sat on the older bear's lap and try to make sense of why the holiday existed. Once they understood it was to honor those who had died while serving, and those who served but had since passed they became more solemn about the whole idea.

"Then why do people treat it like it's no big deal!?" Morgan asked finally understanding what some of the employees and even parents were talking about, "Why do people think it's a day to barbeque and get drunk!?"

"Because, not everyone truly understands little one." Fredbear sighed and looked towards his room in the building, "The person who created me served, so the holiday does resonate with me."

"Mike and Leo's father also served from what we found out." Toy Freddy spoke, "I'm sure the holiday hits home for them too."

"I could believe that" Fredbear sighed and got up setting the kits down, "Let's just hope everything goes well and without a hitch."

Everyone nodded but noticed that Bon had apparently slipped out of the room when no one was paying attention. Toy Freddy looked disheartened and went to look for his friend. He had overhead the concerns about allowing Bon to be near that many people since he still seemed uneasy even around the employees. Chica had suggested that Bon stay behind in the building, but to her surprise Freddy was against the idea. It was either they all walked together, or no one was going anywhere. As the toy bear continued to search he heard the faint sound of a familiar music box tune and followed it until he found Bon curled up in a corner, "Bon?"

"She was right though….I shouldn't be out there. What if I hurt someone?" Bon barely spoke above a whisper.

Toy Freddy sat down next to his friend, "If any of us should be walking about there among the vets it's you Bon. You can understand the trauma they carry from your own experiences. Besides you won't be alone we'll be there too, and you know Bonnie is always watching your back."

Bon nodded and leaned against the wall, "A day to honor those who died protecting what they loved most. I know I can relate to that….I'm kinda excited to know we'll be allowed outside of the building, and even have a day off."

"That's the spirit" Toy Freddy chuckled, "Why don't we head back? We've still got a lot to go over and 9 AM is going to be here before we know it."

The toy rabbit nodded and they returned to the others and started to go over what would be done for the parade. Freddy had already picked out a few songs for them to sing from each era. When the toy models heard the restored bear sing, they remembered why he was usually called the "star" of the show. Everyone worked together to figure out what parts would work best for them to sing, and what parts would be best as silence. After a few hours they had everything settled, and everyone had gone to do their own separate thing. Freddy, Toy Freddy, Goldy, and Fredbear continued to discuss the parade and how they thought it would be best to have everyone lined up. Before they had even realized it morning had come and Jeremy came rushing in with a tired Leo and Mike in tow.

"Morning Jeremy" Freddy spoke as the manager started doing the usual rounds.

Jeremy nodded heading towards the supply closet, "Morning guys! We've got a lot to do and not a lot of time."

Goldy chuckled, "You don't need to worry about that the toys helped clean us up before you got here!"

Jeremy peered through the hall opening, "Oh?"

The toy models nodded and even pointed to the bucket they had used. Though Leo was still half asleep he had found the whole scene before him rather amusing and started to laugh. However, that laughter stopped when he felt someone place a hand on his shoulder. Mari kneeled down looking at them square in the eye, "You look well rested for once."

"I slept like a rock." Leo smiled sheepishly.

Mari nodded, "Good, you needed to. I take it you'll be walking with us?"

The boy nodded, "Mike is too. Though I'm having to as punishment for running off yesterday and ending up here."

"Sounds fair if you ask us." Freddy responded, "Alright everyone let's get ready!"

Jeremy was rather surprised, "Well then guess I didn't need to rush here, did I?"

"Not really, but since you're here have a seat and a cup of coffee." Freddy motioned towards a table and thanked Chica as she brought a few cups out.

Jeremy nodded and listened to the plan that Freddy, Fredbear, Goldy, and Toy Freddy had come up with over the night. The manager nodded listening intently and agreeing with everything that the bear had gone over. While he started to finish his coffee he noticed the time and everyone nodded understanding it was time to go. Nothing made Jeremy more happy that the parade was lining up just a block from the building, meaning that everyone could walk there with ease. Without even having to say anything everyone lined up and followed him to their starting point in the parade. He noticed that each restored model stood next to their toy counterpart with the exception of Fredbear, Mari, and Goldy. Instead the three of them took to the rear of the group while Freddy and Toy Freddy took the lead. He then turned his attention to Mike and Leo, who were both at his side, "Ready?"

"As ready as we will be" Mike responded with a weak smile.

Leo nodded, "It's to the cemetery right?"

Jeremy nodded, "That's right. Well everyone it seems that we're moving, let's go!"

Everyone nodded and followed the three humans down the designated route for the parade. What really had Jeremy floored was both Fredbear and Freddy asking that people stand if they were able to while the veterans walked by. Much to his surprise many people did, and everyone took notice. As they continued down the route Freddy and the others sang various tunes including the anthems of each branch of the military. When everyone started to sing "Anchors Aweigh" Jeremy had to compose himself. It had brought back memories of his grandfather who had served in the Navy for many years. Once the group had finished singing they had already made it to the cemetery, meaning the parade was over once the 21 gun salute was completed.

"What are they doing Papa?" Morgan asked quietly.

Foxy looked down to the kits, "It's an old tradition called the 21 gun salute. It's a practice they have to honor those who passed. That's all I know though, Fredbear could probably tell you more."

The kits nodded understanding and winced some as seven guns were fired off 3 times in unison. They turned to Bonnie and Bon noticing that they had winced as well, and figured it was probably due to their sensitive hearing. As everyone left the kits watched as Mike lead Leo to a small memorial at one part of the cemetery while Jeremy seemed to linger near another.

"So this is where mom and dad are?" Leo asked kneeling in front of the stone.

Mike nodded, "Yeah, I can't help but think that one of the reasons Jeremy got us involved with the parade is so that we could come here."

"Maybe, I think it's sweet of him though." Leo responded tracing his finger across the engraved letters, "He looked pretty shaken when they started singing that one song though."

"Wonder why…" Mike responded and looked around for their adoptive father.

Meanwhile Jeremy stood in front of a simple white stone bearing his family's last name, "It's been awhile huh, Grandpa? You were the only one besides Val who actually supported me for following my dreams. I finally became a manager and take care of the building that's close to here. I keep forgetting to tell Freddy that you were his favorite though. So much has been going on, more than anything I wish you were here. Oh, I shouldn't forget this, but you have two grandkids now. Remember those two boys I told you about? I ended up taking them in at first, and then actually adopting them. They're both good kids, their father is on the other side of the cemetery….I'm trying to be the best dad that I can, but I know I'll never really be able to compare."

While Jeremy continued to spill out what was on his mind to his deceased grandfather the animatronics started to roam around the cemetery to pay their own respects. Fredbear stopped at every marker that had a flag and removed his hat, standing there in silence. Bonnie and Bon had found a few trees and rested under them while gently strumming at their guitars. Chica and Toy Chica went about fixing up some of the graves and replacing flowers that had gotten knocked over by the wind. Mari and Goldy looked around the cemetery fixing small things here and there, but mostly watching over everyone. Sensing it was time to leave soon they started to gather up the other animatronics, but left the humans alone.

"There's Jeremy!" Leo wiped his forehead some, "He looks upset…"

Mike nodded, "Well let's go fix that."

Leo nodded and followed his brother towards the stone that Jeremy was standing in front of. Noticing the name he figured that perhaps it was a grandfather or something to Jeremy, "Who's this?"

Jeremy nearly jumped out of his skin, "This is my grandfather. He served in the Navy."

"So that's why you were tearing up at Anchors Aweigh" Mike rubbed his neck and smiled as Leo kneeled in front of the stone excitedly telling it about himself, "Leo slow down a little."

Leo smiled, "I want to tell him everything though!"

However, the boy soon got up and turned towards the stone as they started to leave, "Hope to see you again soon great-grandpa!"

Mike nodded, "We'll be sure to visit more."

As they approached the gate they noticed that Freddy and the others were waiting for them. For the rest of the day they crashed at Jeremy's and enjoyed a small party just for them. While Leo and Mike set up the table in the back yard they left a spot open with an empty plate across from Jeremy.

"What's this?" Jeremy asked.

Mike smiled, "We're leaving a spot for our great-grandfather. After all, we want him to be proud of his grandson's boys."

It took the manager a moment, but then he realized what Mike was going on about. Smiling faintly he pulled both the boy's into a hug, "I couldn't be prouder of you two. The head of the VFW called and wanted to say how impressed he was with everyone. He was very impressed with how mature the two of you."

Freddy started to smile and laugh a little, "You've raised them well Jeremy."

For the rest of the day everyone enjoyed their day off, but didn't forget the reason on why the day existed. It was a day to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice to their country, and they wouldn't let it go to waste.

=End=