Vincent

"Dad! Dad look! The bear's alive." Vincent gasped frantically grabbing his father's hand.

"Not quite Vincent, It's an animatronic. Kind of like that toy robot you have." His dad smiled down at him.

"Oh, ah robot." he said still in awe as the yellow bear started to move around the restaurant, serving food and waving at costumers. Vincent's hazel eyes followed the animatronic at first, studying it's movements. Not being satisfied he scurried towards it to follow in its large footsteps.

"Wow, he's really into that thing."

"Told you didn't I? Never met a kid that didn't like Freddy."

"You named it after yourself dad?"

"I didn't plan to, but Sydney insisted." The older man chuckled, his aged hand patting his wife's back.

"Well you can't deny that Fred's always been like a big teddy bear," she laughed. "The older that thing gets the more it creaks and groans like him too." The trio shared a laugh as Vincent puttered around the restaurant, occasionally his small hand reached up and rubbed across the golden fur as the bear stopped to serve a table. The older couple were still joking when he finally returned anxiously tugging at his father's pant leg.

"Hmm Vincent. What is it?"

"When I grow up I wanna be an animatronic too!" He beamed a toothy grin.

The adults had long since gone away, back into the boring parts of the restaurants. He sat patiently, his legs swinging as he waited for his meal. Freddy he had been told was the bear's name had gone back into the closet after about fifteen minutes, the normal waiters reappearing. Vincent eyed the door he had left through eagerly. He wanted to see him again. His thoughts were disrupted as a little boy popped up next to him.

"Hi." the boy whispered, large chocolate brown eyes staring up at him.

"Um...hello" Vincent hesitated, he wasn't used to talking to strangers when his dad wasn't around but it was just a kid after all. The kid just stared at him as if he had nothing left to say. Vincent started to feel awkward.

"You gotta go." The boy spoke finally. Vincent cocked his head to the side at the remark.

"What?"

"You gotta go, my brother won't like you." Before Vincent could say anything an older kid pushed his way out of the bathroom, his eyes immediately locking on Vincent's. His stomach dropped suddenly, why am I so afraid? The older boy marched straight for him and the kid.

"Tommy what are you doing talking to this freak?" His voice was deeper than Vincent's and his body bigger. Still he looked to be about the same age. The kid just looked up at his brother with a blank slate.

"I'm not a freak," Vincent protested his brow furrowing.

"Any kid who likes that gross bear is a freak! And freaks don't talk to my little brother." Vincent's anger bubbled inside making him want to yell back, this feeling died when a plate slide down his vision.

"Here you are, your burger and fries." The waiter said a hesitant glance at the two standing beside the table. After adding a cup and some napkins he left without saying anything else.

"You know what freak, I'll let you go this time. Thanks for the food." His meaty hands grabbed the plate pulling it to his chest where he didn't hesitate to shove a handful of fries in his mouth. Vincent leaned forwards reaching out for his meal.

"Hey that's-" His words were muffled as a large hand pushed his face away, the sweaty palm uncomfortably warm against his skin.

"Not anymore. It's payment for sitting in our spot and unless you got more you better scram." His thumb jutted behind him pointing at the door.

"Will…" The kid named Thomas pulled at his brothers shirt. Without breaking his gaze with Vincent he plucked out a few fries and held them out for his brother who took them eagerly. Vincent held back tears as his eyes briefly flickering to Tommy. The young boy looked at him with confusion as if this was the most normal thing in the world. With the cushion squeaking in protest Vincent slid off not looking back as he ran for the kitchen. Struggling with the door he pushed his teeth into his bottom lip. Don't cry...DON'T cry. He ran to his father's side after spotting him. His dad's hand patted his head silently acknowledging his presence while continuing to talk to his Grandparents. Troubled eyes stared at the floor where he knew he could hide the water that brimmed at the edges. Big kids don't cry. He never spoke of what happened to anyone and he never sat at that booth again.

Vincent squinted as the rising sun glinted through the windows of the diner. He held in a groan as he watched his father talk to his grandfather. After a few minutes he came back his face unreadable.

"Alright Vincent, Gramps is willing to let you train today, after that you'll be a full time employee."

"Dad…" Vincent mumbled his eyes falling to the floor. There were crumbs everywhere and something that looked like it could be mouse poop.

"Vincent you're old enough now to pull some weight around the house and since I can't trust you alone at home you'll have to help out here. Got it?" Vincent nodded numbly. The last time he had been allowed at home alone Will had come over and spray painted the house. Nothing he said or did could convince his dad he had no part in it.

"Dad I'm only fourteen do I really-" a chirping sound interrupted him as his father's phone went off.

"Vincent I don't want to hear it right now," focusing solely on the device he watched as his eyes narrowed and jaw clenched. He answered the call his feet already carrying him away from Vincent.

"What is it now Janet? You fucking left me and now I'm getting a call every other day. Do you not understand how this works?!" Vincent continued watching as his father stormed outside, his hands flailing around as he continued to shout. Thanks for listening. He sighed out loud. He was about to move to his grandfather's office when he spotted the all too familiar animatronic walking around. They brought him out less and less as the years went by. He scowled at Freddy feeling deep down that somehow the bear could feel his hatred. It seemed every time the bear showed his face Vincent's life got more and more miserable. He felt something twist inside him as he looked around the dull restaurant, his eyes lingering briefly on a lone booth in the corner his frustration seething. I'll get you back one day Will.

Vincent tripped on his own feet as he was shoved into darkness. Palms slammed into the cement floor tearing open his skin. The only light in the room came from the three inch crack in the door where Will had left it. He couldn't beat him in total darkness after all. Vincent shifted slowly standing. He didn't dare move for the door he had learned the hard way last time that trying to escape was a bad idea. William grinned his fist jutting out for Vincent's face. Flinching back he never felt the blow. Instead Will laughed loudly amused by his fear.

"Two for flinching." Vincent felt as hands grabbed his shoulders shoving into the wall. He let out a gasp as the wind was knocked out of him only to be followed by a sharp jab to the stomach. His knees buckled, hands flying around his stomach. He didn't try to stop him. He knew the more he spoke the harder he was hit.

"You're just a waste of air." Vincent said nothing his head still down cast. He could already feel the tears pooling. Not yet. He heard Will scoff at his silence before his sausage fingers dug into his hair wrenching his head back.

"Why do you even exist? It's not like anyone cares about you. Your old man doesn't even know you're alive anymore. Probably trying to pretend he never had you as his kid." Not yet. Will laughed at his own torment. As long as he wasn't angry it would be okay. It'll be over soon. Vincent tried to convince himself. He just had to stay quiet. Had to stay still. Will lifted a knee and pushed it against his chest holding him to the wall. Vincent's heart raced as he released his hair only to clamp his hand over his mouth. His other free hand pinching his nose.

"Let's see how long you can hold your breath." He felt his lungs start to burn as the air pushed inside begging to be let free. Stop. Please. A malice grin spread across Will's face. Vincent lay still trying to calm his mind. He'll let me go. Time continued to tick on, the fire eating his lungs on burned hotter. Time felt frozen, the longer he waited the more pressure built up. Vincent started to squirm closing his eyes as his body contracted screaming for oxygen. Breaking his own rules he started to struggle against him. His hands shook as he pulled at Will's wrists hoping to create even the smallest of gaps between the sweaty palm and his mouth. Will was always bigger than him, stronger. Part of the reason he never could fight back. Even now as he saw his vision darken and his mind jostled in panic he couldn't muster the strength to defend himself. Finally what felt like an eternity the grip on his nose and mouth released. He choked trying to take in and let out air at the same time. Doubling over he felt his lungs convulse as he heaved deep breathes of fresh air. Faintly he could hear William laughing again. Dammit. Vincent balled his fists as the tears finally leaked out. Why am I so weak!

"Oh look what I found freak." Vincent lifted his head as other's shoes scuffled closer. Standing before him looking like he just won the lottery Will stood holding a head. The fur was matted and old but still held the faint golden coloring. There he was, mocking him with his fake grin and empty eyes. No more.

"Don't." He whispered. That was a mistake.

"Stop pretending you don't love this ugly bear Vincent. Everyone know's you're a freak who LOVES Freddy. That's why you work there so you can spend everyday with this hairy robot."

"I hate him! I hate him!" Vincent shouted feeling numb to his fear. Tears continued to trickle down his cheeks as he screamed at the hollow head.

"Liar." William stepped forward holding the head up planning to force Vincent to wear it. Vincent acted quickly grabbing the edges trying to hold the head at bay. Will was strong. So strong Vincent felt like he was trying to fight a lion with a toothpick. Yet somehow with his back pushing against the wall for support he was able hold his own at least for a little while. He felt his energy sapping as they struggled the opening to the head inching closer to Vincent's own.

"Stop! I don't want this." Vincent shouted as he clenched his jaw. He could smell the musty wet dog scent that floated from the hollow skull.

"What the matter Vincent? This is nothing compared to the suit you'll have to wear." Will chuckled his head motioning towards the completed costume hanging on the shed's wall. Vincent felt like he was suffocating as he imagined being trapped in there. No one would know he was in there, he'd be alone and forgotten. No one would care a dark voice in his mind whispered. Vincent's grip slipped as the head opening popped on him like a hat. He had clamped his arms over his head protectively making it too wide for it to slide over. He felt a sharp kick to his stomach as Will grew frustrated. He didn't move. Another kick and another but still he kept his fingers locked on each arm. It didn't matter what Will did, he just didn't want to see the world through Freddy's eyes.

Suddenly everything stopped. Keeping his eyes closed he waited for a bigger blow to come. No way was this over.

"Will…" He heard a soft voice speak up. Risking a glance he saw the crack in the doorway held a shadow now. Thomas, Will's younger brother stood staring at the scene.

"What is it Tommy?" Will said nonchalantly.

"I'm hungry," was all the boy said making Will sigh. He turned back to Vincent who froze in place.

"Looks like we're done here." His nose scrunched as he scowled at Vincent's cowering form. Without another word he dropped the head turned and left with his brother. Vincent could hear him promising to get him a hot dog and fries as the distance between them grew. Vincent didn't leave the shed for a while. If one were to walk in they would have found a boy curled in on himself, his face pressed into his knees. They would have seen his body rock back and forth as his shoulders shook. If they listened they would hear his whimpers. Soft howls of agony as he made promises to himself. Crying the same thing over and over, I'll kill you. I'll kill you. I'll kill you.

William never really stopped. It faded over time, some days worse than others. But Vincent had seen something that day. Something he knew he could use. Thomas. Will was always nicer when he was around like a spell had been cast over him, mellowing his temper. It didn't stop him by any means but it helped. Vincent started talking to Thomas more and more. He would bring him food or toys and make sure no matter what that the kid was there whenever Will decided to pay him a visit. Every once in awhile Thomas would ask in his youthful innocence why Vincent hung around.

"Because I'm your friend Thomas." Vincent would always respond. Vincent did this for a month before he asked for the last time.

"Why do you hang out with me Vinnie?" Vincent smiled a crooked grin.

"You know why don't you?"

"Because you're my friend" Thomas said before a grin spread across his face. It was the first time he had ever seen the boy smile.

Vincent curled against Penelope, her body warm against his. His teeth dug into his bottom lip and he squeezed his eyes shut. He let the images flow like it was yesterday. The boy she spoke of. Bo. He hadn't know or cared for his name at the time but now that he knew he couldn't deny it made his stomach twist with butterflies. He had been one of the smallest of the group, the quietest. Vincent couldn't help but smile into her stomach as his heart began to race. It was like he was back in that room. The lights flickering against the five of them as he lined them against the wall, a finger pressed to his lips telling them to keep quiet. It felt special. To put a name to that small confused face. To recognize those tear filled eyes and that messy brown hair. Bo. He breathed in letting Penelope's scent tickle his nose. She even smelled like him. How he wished he could relive every moment of it. He sighed softly. Her memories have to do. At least he could look forward to good dreams tonight, one free of animatronics and purple tears. Tonight he was sure he would dream of them.

Vincent's hands trembled as he finished sharpening the knife, the metal blade glinted as he ran his fingers over it. He was careful not to let the blade bite him as he brushed his thumb across the edge testing it's precision. Deeming it worthy he plunged it inside feeling a satisfying crack as it snapped a rib bone. He let out a silent sigh as pressure was lifted off him, his soul feeling lighter. Vincent grinned as he twisted the knife slowly feeling the flesh tremble beneath his hand. He took his time relishing each cut and how it separated the flesh from the bone. His own blood raced as a pool began to form underneath the still body, soaking his hands in red.

"Vincent, that chicken ready yet?" The fry cook yelled over the noise of the kitchen.

"Almost." He replied quickly sliding the knife out of the raw carcass. He hastily separated the edible parts from the bone and fat and slide them over the side into the trash. He paused as the juices leaked over the counter, splattering against the plastic bag.

"Almost."

Vincent's permit was the last item on his checklist. The day he got it was easily a momentous occasion. At least for himself. At home his father grumbled about him finally being able to move out soon as he turned over the keys to his old car.

"There, now I don't have to drive you to work anymore. Make sure you put gas in it regularly because if you get stranded out there it'll be up to you to find your way back home." His father said swaying as he took another sip of alcohol. Vincent didn't care anymore, he knew how to avoid his father's fits and in all honesty couldn't wait to try and drive it. Agreeing quickly he rushed outside where his first car sat amongst the weeds. It was long and old, it's purple coat faded and chipped. Vincent grinned running through the overgrown lawn to the driver side door. It opened with a sharp creek that pinched his ear drums. Flopping inside he realized the seats used to be quality leather. Now they were aged and damaged from the rain. Vincent sighed breathing in the smell. My car. His grin widened as his palms gripped the steering wheel and his feet pressed down the pedals. It was too late to test drive now especially since he knew the headlights were broken. His grip on the wheel tightened as he accepted he would have to wait till tomorrow. In his mind he calculated that it would take a few days to adjust to the car and learn it's behaviors. Just a bit longer. He'd waited this long, what was a few more days?

Vincent watched from afar as William left Thomas outside as he entered Freddy Fazbear's Diner. Thomas had been banned from going inside last week when he was caught trying to steal a customer's purse. Vincent knew William had put him up to it but instead of blaming the real criminal they only found his brother guilty. Now Will would go in alone to commit the same deed. Vincent approached Thomas, the weight in his hand feeling unnatural. Stepping up from behind he placed a hand on Thomas's shoulder. The boy tilted his head up already knowing who it was.

"Vincent." His smile had a gap from a recently lost tooth. Vincent only grinned back his eyes soft. One...Two...Vincent's body tensed as he swung his arm in a sharp arch, the rock cracking against Thomas's skull. The boy went limp immediately catching Vincent by surprise. He didn't think he would be strong enough for the first blow to work. With him unconsious Vincent felt his nerves bubble up inside. His hands shook as he moved the boy on his back, a trickle of blood oozing from his head.

"Don't worry Thomas. This way you don't have to feel a thing." He smiled down at the face he had know for so long. Taking a breath he slid the blade out his back pocket. It was smaller than the knives he used in the kitchen but it was still long enough for this. Vincent positioned the knife carefully calling back all the practice he had done at home with stuffed animals and pillows. His brow furrowed. Thomas was much smaller than William, his measurements were further off than he first thought. He trembled as he placed the tip underneath the correct rib bone making the shirt and skin underneath dip down. Thomas lay still, not even a twitch. Good, Vincent thought as he took a deep breath trying to calm down. His hands were sweaty and his wrist ached as he tightened his grip on the handle. You can do this. Just like I practiced. He tried to reassure himself. Snapping his eyes shut he pushed using all his weight. One second the knife was there, the next it was gone. He felt it break through the skin like a tight string snapping, it went deeper only stopping when the hilt reached his chest. Thomas's body wrenched once stiffening with the metal inside him. Vincent held his breath his eyes glued to Thomas's closed ones. A moment passed and Thomas's lips parted letting out a breath, the pulsing in the knife ceased. Vincent gasped out loud as he sat back on his knees leaving the plastic handle jutting out of his now still chest. I did it. His anxiety turned to giddiness. I really did it.

Vincent inched his head upwards to peer into the window of his family's diner. He saw someone he hadn't expected but relished it nonetheless. Freddy. The bear stood mere feet from him, facing the family that sat in front of the window. Vincent's eyes bore into Freddy's as the bear looked blankly at him. This is all your fault. Vincent mouthed to the golden suit. Despite years of anger towards the useless bear Vincent felt content in that moment as he watched the animatronic he had loathed for years. The bear had walked in his nightmares and fuel his fear. One day the world see you for what you are. I'll make sure of it. Freddy turned, moving onto the next table his jaw gaping open in a smile. With the view clear Vincent got a perfect image of William snagging a man's wallet out of his jacket. He didn't have much time. His eyes focused back on Thomas, a circle of red darkened his shirt.

"Almost done Thomas, just hold on a bit longer." He stood racing to his dad's car. Throwing open the trunk he heaved out the mustard colored head. Holding it by its edge he closed the trunk and rushed back to Thomas who lay peacefully in the grass. Vincent's smile dropped as he saw his blade was still there, jutting out like a sore thumb. Kneeling next to him he yanked it out and placed it next to his body. Vincent took a moment to admire his work and knew once he added the head it would be complete. A master piece for the world to see. In reality he only cared if one particular person saw it. Placing the spare freddy head above Thomas's he shifted it on carefully not wanting to hurt him. Sliding it down to his shoulders he realized just how small Thomas was. The furry head was easily twice as large as his own.

"There you go Tommy." he whispered smiling at him. "Now wait here and surprise your brother for me." Vincent stood making sure he wiped the knife off first before running back to his car. Hopping into the old leather seats he only now noticed his hands had been stained, he would have to wash that out before going home. The engine roared to life and he began to pull away. The last noise he heard as he turned onto the street was the bell on the restaurant's door ringing sweetly.

Vincent woke to his phone vibrating in his pocket. He pulled it out squinting at the bright screen, he had set an alarm so he wouldn't be late for his shift that night. He lay still for a moment longer, feeling his head dip gently as Penelope let out a breath in her sleep. Her eyes flickered under closed lids as she dreamed. Her relaxed face was enough to tell him it wasn't a nightmare. Vincent's brow scrunched in curiosity as his heart shifted, a nervous beat sounded out against the normal rhythm. Suddenly he palms felt warm and sweaty where they held her side, his skin tingled where his leg brushed hers. He had made the habit of sleeping alone, working alone and living alone. He told himself he must not be used to it is all. What else could it be? The more he thought about it the worse it got. It felt as if someone was holding a flame to his cheek, or running their fingers up his spine. It was too much. Slowly unwrapping himself from her he was able to sit up on bed. He focused on getting his shoes on as the warmth left him, the familiar coolness returning. Much better. Penelope shifted suddenly beside him making him turn and look. She had resettled on her side her knees and arms pulled towards her chest. Vincent smiled as he pulled a blanket over her. She had offered him so much, so many memories it was almost overwhelming. He never thought such an encounter could exist. But it was more than that. She hadn't just given him Bo back, she had given herself as well. Something no one had ever bothered to do before. He felt conflicted as he stood to leave. She was special, the only one he could be himself around. Yet if she knew the truth she wouldn't look at him the same. Despite how different she was she was still one of them. Normal. And normal people didn't understand like he did. They were afraid of him. They couldn't comprehend the justice he served, the scum he cleansed. He would always be alone in that. But maybe, if he was careful. He wouldn't have to be alone in everything else.