"Finally!" Chica exclaimed, stretching out her arms, fleshing them slightly and shaking her head as she stepped out of the cylinder. "That took a tad longer than I had expected. Especially having a small wiring issue in my fingers, explains why they slipped on the keys a little at the end of the show." She shrugs and turns to face Freddy with a smile. "Alright, Freddy Bear, time for your maintenance."
Saphira giggled a little when she heard Chica refer to Freddy as Freddy Bear, she thought it was cute. Freddy himself had frowned slightly at Chica, it seemed he was not fond of that nickname, but he said nothing as he did not want to fall for the bait of Chica calling him by that nickname. Saphira wondered how long Chica has been using it, probably many years.
Cliff was chuckling lightly as he has heard that multiple times. "Indeed. Okay Saphira, we will be oiling Freddy's joints as well after giving him a full check over to ensure nothing is strange. We always give their joints and other moving parts oiling after the main shows, those are the times they use them the most. And when Monty starts his private performances, he will get it regularly as well."
"Very well." Saphira walked over to the computer monitor, she glanced into the cylinder as Freddy was already on the seat and waiting patiently. She logged into the system to start the maintenance log and walked inside with a smile. "Now that we are here, anything to report?"
"Not really. My system and body seem to be functioning correctly as normal. While on stage, I was able to dance smoothly and my singing did not fail. So as far as I am concerned, I am fully functioning." Freddy gazed at Saphira as she pulled down the monitor to begin scanning his body for any errors. "This maintenance should not take very long."
Although if he was honest, Freddy did hope that it would take longer just so he could gaze at Saphira. She hummed softly as she looked at the screen, waiting for the scanning to be complete. So far, she was seeing all green on the small screen and that was a good thing. When she saw he was completely clear, she reached up to get an oil can to begin oiling the joints.
"He's got the all clear Cliff." Saphira turned to look at the man as he waited with an oil can on the other side of Freddy. "I suppose we go from the ankles up to the head?" He nodded and she smiled, pressing a few more buttons to remove the leg casings.
Saphira breathed in deeply, stepping closer to the massive feet to get a closer look at the parts. She could see the small joints, springs and discs keeping the leg and foot together. She moved the tip of the can to the toes to squeeze gently to oil. She had a cloth in her hand to wipe any excess oil on the endo, the last thing that was needed was for the joints to work properly because of too much oil. She frowned a little, because the endo was black and it was hard to see, so she pulled out her small flashlight to turn on and put the end of the flashlight in her mouth to focus on her task. It might seem like an easy job, but she still had to be careful. She moved the tip carefully from toe to toe, she thought about asking Freddy to move them to see how they would move. But as the final part of the routine was to test the endo movements anyway, it was not necessary.
Freddy gazed at Saphira silently, he could see the focus in her eyes and the care she took to oil the joints. He could feel the slick fluid on his joints, and the fact she took time to ensure it was not too much or too little showed how much she cared about working on the bots. But, he was not just gazing at her to see how she was working. She had her back turned towards him slightly, and Freddy found himself glancing at her backside. He had not really taken much notice before, like for every thing else regarding the human shape, but he was taking in every angle of Saphira's body. The arch of her back, he wanted to run his hands along the arch, would that even feel good? He has seen humans hug before, he has seen when people hug rub the other person's back. Did it feel feel good? If it was soothing, but would Saphira feel comforted even from Freddy? Especially since she was still flinching around the animatronics. Sure, she was hugging Freddy without flinching now, if he moved now she would definitely be startled. Maybe the next time they hug, he would do that and see how she reacts. He blinked a little, glancing at Cliff, he was oiling his ankle joints as he was a lot quicker than Saphira due to having more experience. He did not gaze at him for long, he felt the tip of the oil cannister Saphira was holding move to his ankle to oil and his eyes returned to her body again. The gentleness of her touch, and he could not help but feel like a spark was moving through his endo from direct contact with his inner body. That feeling alone made Freddy feel like he was in paradise, and it was a privilege in his mind to even watch Saphira.
Saphira was glad none of the joints would slip as she continues to oil the endo. The cylinder was silent except for the breathing from her and Cliff, and the clicking of the oil can buttons to oil the joints. She began to hum a little as she moved to oil the kneecap, and Freddy's ears twitch when he caught the tune. It made him smile as it was the tune of the show, and he was very happy Saphira seemed to enjoy it enough to hum it. And hearing her hum, it really was music to his own ears. It was gentle and it made him feel special to hear her humming. Freddy actually began to feel like it was just Saphira and him in the cylinder, Cliff was not here in his mind, just her. That idea alone…he wished he could express himself to Saphira. He wanted to tell her what he felt for her, with no other ears about. But he doubted her feelings. Freddy did consider waiting to know if she has feelings for him, but he actually had no way of knowing considering his lack of understanding of human romance. He is often sidetracked with children and teenagers, making it hard for him to observe how adults interact. Observing them became a task for Freddy, one that he would not make too obvious to the staff. He did not want to be put into his room for malfunction, even when it was by his own choice to observe adult humans.
Saphira sighed loudly suddenly, bringing Freddy out of his thoughts and he feels her patting his thigh parts. She smiled and looked at Freddy. "Your legs are done." She leaned back slightly, stretching her back and wiggling her shoulders a little. "Hmm, a wheeled chair would do wonders in here I think."
Cliff chuckled lightly at Saphira. "If it were safe to do so, of course we would do that. But you should know these delicate procedures are time consuming, and straining. Plus, you probably had a lot of physical work already, which would not help."
"Yeah, you are right." She smiled and turned to the console, pressing a few buttons to put the leg casings back on. She glanced at the plate around the hips. "Are their parts around the hip joints that need oiling?"
"No, not there." Cliff shakes his with a smirk that seemed a little teasing to Saphira. "His chest and arms are next." She raises an eyebrow at him curiously. "Do not concern yourself Saphira. The joints that need oiling are inside the stomach hatch anyway. Not in the hip area."
Saphira shrugged, pressing some more buttons to remove the casing around Freddy's chest and arms. She widened her eyes slightly to the parts that needed oiling. "Wow…I expected the face to have a lot more…you really made the endo torso to be full of parts."
"Not me, I didn't design them that way. But yeah, it is." Cliff began to oil Freddy's fingers, focusing on the task while not looking at Saphira. "The only think I have noticed so far, Freddy's endo seems to be warmer than usual."
"Oh? I have not noticed." Saphira touched the arm curiously, yes it was very warm and Freddy himself was a little worried about that. "It does feel warm, but it does not burn. His body has always felt warm to me. Is there something about that we should be concerned about?"
"Not really. You are right, their bodies are always warm, but Freddy is warmer right now. Bonnie and Monty's bodies heat up like this when they are…" Cliff paused and glanced at Saphira who frowned slightly in surprise. He smirked at her. "Well, you know. Like how we are turned on."
"Oh…" Saphira frowns more and glanced at Freddy, he was frowning with confusion at Cliff's words. "I don't suppose you could explain that Freddy."
He glanced at Saphira and opened his mouth to speak when Cliff cuts him off. "Freddy would not know about it. But do not worry, they do learn about it if they explore it enough. Bonnie and Monty have, so Freddy will too. Though I don't know what has him interested. He and Roxy stopped their relationship a long time ago."
She tapped her finger a little on Freddy's arm before she shrugged and leans to focus on Freddy's finger and hand joints. She did ponder on Cliff's words though. If Bonnie and Monty's bodies heat up when they are either intimate or flirting with each other, that meant they were essentially feeling lust. Maybe they did not know the term, but that is what Saphira could think of. But…what could Freddy possibly be feeling that for? Unless…Saphira wondered about the individual Freddy has mentioned to her before. Was it really another staff member Freddy was attracted to? Maybe it was not actual lust, but rather love filled attraction to the other person. However…Saphira was a new employee here, and has spent a lot of time with Freddy so far. She frowned and turned her head to look at Freddy, he blinked slightly in surprise as if he had just been caught with something. She observed him quietly before she felt her cheeks heating up and glanced down very quickly.
He couldn't…he couldn't be attracted to me? Could he…? But that isn't…he hardly knows me though! This has got to be a joke! He's known me for only five nights!
Seeing Saphira's cheeks turn pink again made Freddy smile, seeing that on her face was a joy to himself. However, seeing her looking at him with curiosity and pondering made Freddy wonder what she was thinking. Now, she seemed to be flustered and she was moving a little faster with oiling his joints. He did not really know the reason why she was acting this way. He could not help but hope it was not because of what Cliff had said. He did not want to Saphira to shelter away from him simply because of that. After all, Freddy wanted to go with her back into the dark areas of the pizzaplex to ensure she was safe and not terrified of the dark.
Saphira felt a light layer of sweat on her forehead, she realized her heart was racing right now and she needed to relax. She breathed in and out deeply, she had to focus or she was going to make a mistake on Freddy. She did not want to do that. She knew it was because of wondering what Freddy felt. But if he has never felt those kind of feelings before, she did not know if he would understand what they were. His actions towards her has always been something a friend would do. But being friends is usually the first step. And Saphira has never had a boyfriend before, so she herself didn't really know much in terms of a good relationship. Although she has intended on avoiding being in one during to fear of being in a similar situation as when she was with her family, she did have someone who was not like that right now. And Saphira would feel rather awful if she had to push him away.
Get a grip on yourself! Freddy's a nice animatronic, he has already been the best thing in your life so far. Time to let someone in.
Saphira hoped telling herself that would maybe open herself up to that idea. But…she sideeyes briefly towards the plate around Freddy's hips and crotch. She knew there was a hidden flap that could be accessed. What would she find under there? Chica's already admitted to what she has, but the boys would not have that. She was not sure. But she doubted Freddy himself would actually know. She shakes her head slightly, this was not the time for dirty thoughts. In fact, she has not actually explored dirty thoughts before, so it was semi-uncomfortable territory.
"Alright, Freddy is almost done." Cliff's voice startled Saphira and she realized he had finished Freddy's right arm, shoulder and side. He smiled at Saphira, gazing at her work. "You are doing a very good job Saphira. Top notch! Next time you'll be faster no doubt."
"Oh yeah, definitely. I just want to be sure I don't overdose on the oil." Saphira smiled at him, glancing back down to squeeze oil on the stomach hatch joints. "There are a lot more joints to oil on the animatronics than the robots I've worked on. So this is definitely a task in itself."
"Most definitely it is, but I would consider it the easiest part of this job. When we need to replace stuff or add something new, it always takes a bit longer since we have to test it with the console to ensure the animatronics are functioning properly."
"I can imagine that. I assume Monty's new claws took a little bit to put on him." Cliff nodded. "Removing the old and replacing with the new…hmmph! Making sure the joints and wires are connected properly, then testing for errors, tweak some more and test again…it is a lot of fun. But definitely it is time consuming."
"I can see you've experienced that before. Well, at least you will have the patience for it. A few of the technicians don't have the patience that they should. Which tends to be annoying to say the least."
"Yeah. Although, it was for a small, humanoid robot. That took several months to calibrate properly, but that was an assessment of mine as well, so that process took longer for that reason. Because, you know, college." Saphira glanced at Cliff with a knowing smirk and he nodded in agreement. "If it was not an assessment, probably would take less than a day to do properly."
Cliff lifts his hand to his chin to rub a little and smiled. "Hmm, I think you should see system for the staff bots honestly." She glanced up in surprise when he told that to her. "The staff bot room is actually in the Fazcade area. There is a back area full of arcade machines that are either new, broken or being repaired, and a smaller area where the staff bots are repaired, built and…part of the main system is. The mainframe for their system is above Monty Golf."
Saphira was shocked, she did not know there was another area of Fazcade due to no cameras there, and she also did not know about the mainframe for the staff bot system either. She guessed it was necessary because the system was delicate. She wondered if there was a mainframe for the animatronics, but given their individual personalities, she assumed maybe not.
"And you trust me with that?" Saphira asked uncertainly. "I mean…this is my fifth night here…umm…I feel it's too soon for that. Don't you think?"
Cliff shrugs, moving his head slightly with amusement. "To be honest Saphira, given how humble you are, that is the exact reason why I am giving you access. You might even be able to crack the code on the map bots. Who knows?"
A surge of excitement filled Saphira and she grinned, the fact he trusted her enough with the bots was great! "Thanks Cliff, I promise not to let you down."
"Congratulations super star," Freddy said, Saphira flinched slightly as his voice was a little loud in her ear and she grinned at him. "I think that is fantastic! You'll be able to make the bots nicer for you."
"I doubt that. They're still creepy." She also thought about the bot from the shift before with it's face paint and behaviour. If she did get to see the system and find out about rogue bots, that would be very interesting and if she could stop or destroy it. "I like them only for the fact they clean, and they also intimidate guests when I need a security bot."
"Yeah, especially since you can give an order and send that through with a remote. Even if it is an order for a cleaner bot, they will do it." Cliff glanced down as Saphira finished oiling the last of the joints and she stepped back, wiping her forehead and he leaned down slightly. "I should get a flashlight like that. That has to be the best job I've seen, even better than my own hand. I think you can do Freddy's face on your own."
Saphira was very happy about the compliment she had received. She had done a good job. She was surprised she would be given the reins to oil the face joints on her own. She glanced at Freddy for a moment, his blue eyes were watching her. It almost seemed like they had never left her. And something about those blue optics, she blinks quickly and glanced at the monitor to put the chest and arm covers back on. With that done, she pressed buttons to remove the face coverings. It was always strange to see just his eyes left. It was a little creepy in a way, especially seeing those teeth. She knew Mr Hippo's issue was his jaw. She wondered if she would get to do anything with him to try and get him repaired. Saphira leaned down to begin oiling his jaw, angling the flashlight in her mouth to aim it so she could see. Cliff was leaning over Freddy, watching Saphira quietly to see how she worked and to take notes. Especially as he sometimes squeezed slightly too much oil onto the joints.
Freddy himself felt Saphira's breath on his endo. He realized it was warm, it was hard to feel due to feeling temperature was different to him. But he could feel it. It was gentle, light, and her lips were just inches away from his mouth. If his coverings were back on, kissing her would be nearly impossible to resist. They were glossy again tonight, he could see the skin closer. The lips appeared to be soft and fragile, he would need to remind himself to be careful if they do get to kiss. They could not flex their lips like humans could, but that did not mean that Freddy would not kiss her. Her also glanced at her hair, the ponytail was leaning on her left shoulder, wanting to touch it with his fingers right now…he couldn't…Cliff was right here, and so were Bonnie and Chica watching outside the cylinder. And the risk of scaring her and causing an accident was too great. Freddy could only enjoy being this close to Saphira's face for a short time. He did close his eyelids slightly when she oiled the tiny discs each end of the eyes, but she did not take long with that and they did not feel comfortable. He winked at her to let her know they felt fine and she smirked slightly at him while finishing his head by oiling the ear parts.
Saphira stepped back as she had finished and she lifts the oil can up for the arms to remove it. She wiped the cloth on her hands as there was a little oil on her fingers. "Alright. Time for the diagnostic procedure."
She grabbed the console to put Freddy's face plates back on. She realized she was actually tense as the endo inside Freddy was scaring her. She relaxed and took a deep breath before she began to run the diagnostics, watching Freddy's fingers, toes, limbs and head twitch to ensure they were functioning properly. No errors show up on the screen, and she smiled as it was a complete success. She wondered if she would get to do maintenance on the bots on her own soon. Especially since Cliff was giving her access to the staff bot system. While she was excited about that, she also was a little nervous. Especially the fact they could be given an order by someone, and they would do it. They had no conscious to make decisions, so…if someone gave them an order that could keep their fingers clean of a mess, that was possible. Saphira hoped this was not the case for the disappearances.
"Well done super star! Thank you!" Freddy sat up as the maintenance was finished and she glanced at him with a smile. He curled his fingers and stretched them out. "They feel better already. You might get the task of doing this on your own tomorrow."
Saphira chuckled and turned to walk out of the cylinder to finished the log. "We shall see Freddy. That is, if Cliff can handle the slow process of it of course."
"We are used to it. Besides, you will eventually be doing the maintenance on your own anyway. So it is good practice, and you'll get quicker at it in no time. But for now, it is done. We can have a break." Cliff watched Saphira finished the log and Freddy walked out of the cylinder. "I guess you will be heading the darker parts of the facility now?"
Saphira glanced at Cliff and glanced at her Fazwatch to see it was two thirty. "Oh, yes. It might have to be a quick one though. It takes a lot of time going through that area." She looked up at Freddy with a smile. "You will be tagging along with me yes?"
"Of course. And, we can go through my room. It will be a much quicker way to get to the utility tunnels than going back up to the atrium." He was not wrong, and Saphira nodded in agreement, stretching her arms and Freddy was surprised to hear the sound of cracking from her wrists. "What was that?"
"Don't worry, just me cracking some bones. They are not broken, just a way to relieve strain." Saphira turned to Bonnie and Chica. "Thanks for hanging around guys, and I am glad to finally see the show. I look forward to seeing it again."
Chica smiled and turned to look at Cliff. "Hey Cliff, is there a chance we could do private shows when the pizzaplex closes by any chance?" He looked at her in surprise, blinking a little as she had never asked that before. "I love being able to sing and dance with my new friend."
"Well…uhh…that is nice Chica. But…no. No you can't." She looked down slowly, saddened that Cliff denied her request. "You are free to practice as much as you want, but you cannot go onto the main stage when it is not showtime. You know that. Besides, Darren will have a fit knowing that you lot decided to put on a show and Saphira will get into trouble."
"It's okay Chica." Saphira guessed the animatronic was thinking of making Saphira more comfortable here in the pizzaplex. "A big party is not needed. Personally, I like having these kind of interactions. I get to get to know you more, and you get to know me more. It is better that way."
"Hmm…you are right. Silly me!" She giggled and twirled on the spot suddenly, Saphira stepped back as the animatronic had extended her arms and wanted to avoid being hit. "I like spending time with you too! But…that will have to wait of course." She giggled again and turned to head to her room. "Just make sure you're back early so we can spend a bit of time before you leave."
"Of course." Saphira had no idea how that animatronic was able to stay so cheery. If only she could catch that personality. She turned to Bonnie. "I suppose you are going to go to Monty?"
"I don't know. Monty might need sometime alone right now." Bonnie's eyes lower slightly, he was sad for his boyfriend, yet he wanted him to try get past the pain. "He's…he'll be okay."
"Yes he will Bonnie. Trust me, that kind of pain he went through never goes away. But it changes. It changes because it must in order to try and live in this world." She stepped forward to the rabbit bot, he twitched a little as Bonnie considered stepping back from Saphira to give her space. "Monty will eventually learn his pain cannot be projected onto every night guard."
"Yeah, unfortunately the incident is still too fresh." Mason said, he was finishing up to get ready to leave. "We are all being patient with him." He looked at Saphira, smiling at her as how she was handling Monty's attitude has been really good. "And so do you."
"I am. I…I intend on breaking the ice soon." Saphira looked back at Bonnie and placed a hand on his arm gently. "Would you maybe like to come with us to the basement? I think you might be look for some company."
He was surprised Saphira asked him to go with her and Freddy to the basement. He glanced up at Freddy, his friend was shocked as well, but as he smiled at him and nodded that meant Freddy was okay with him coming with them. Bonnie smiled at her and gently pulled Saphira closer to hug her, she gasped loudly in surprise, but she did not jump in fear.
"I have been pretty lonely lately…so yes, I would definitely like to go with you. Despite…errr…" Bonnie grimaced a little, he seemed to be embarrassed by something and Saphira looked up at him curiously. "Uhh…you don't like dark places right?" She nodded slightly, raising an eyebrow. "Well…I don't either…not the basement anyway. I don't like it. But with friends, it will be easier."
Being afraid of the dark was normal for lots of people. Being afraid of dark spaces was also normal. Especially basements. Saphira had thought the animatronics were okay with that. But Bonnie was not. That was interesting.
"You and I can be each other's encouragement. That sounds like a good idea." She grinned at Bonnie and he chuckled lightly with a nod. "And Freddy here…" She glanced back at him and he smiled at both of them. "He is great at encouraging. Or at least…he has a way with words."
"Do I? I never noticed. But I am glad you think that way Saphira." Freddy has not really taken account on what he says to people and how they affect humans. But he was happy that they were positive for Saphira. "We should go, otherwise we are wasting time."
Bonnie nods and stepped aside to allow Saphira past so they could go to Freddy's room elevator. "Don't forget to recharge before you go!" Cliff yelled after them like a parent reminding a child to do something.
Saphira chuckled and the bots realized that as well. Bonnie parts from them to recharge in his room, leaving Saphira to walk with Freddy to the elevator to his room. When they both stood in the elevator, Saphira glanced at him curiously, wondering about his feelings towards her. If he had any towards her at all. He has always seemed genuine in his approach to her without any prompting. Sure, he has had to admit to some strange things that she has already seen, and it was really hard for him to admit them. He did not want to hurt her. Him being that way towards her was probably to everyone. She sighed deeply. Maybe she was reading into it too much and Cliff was playing with her. But…she could not help but think that he was not.
The rest of the night goes on as with Bonnie and Freddy accompanying Saphira to the utility tunnels and basement after they recharged. The lights go out only once, again while they are in the tunnels, but Moon does not pay them a visit. Saphira witnesses Bonnie panicking, his body twitched slightly while waiting for the lights to come back on. They do not encounter any strange bot activity this time, much to Saphira's relief. She does hear a Music Man in a vent on the way back though, she ended up running out of the utility tunnels once she heard that. Freddy and Bonnie were somewhat amused, but they do not run after her. Running would scare her a lot more than walk. And with the week coming to a close, Saphira found herself glad she got the job. It was by far the most interesting job she has had before, she's made new friends and she was able to work on robots. But, stumbling into a dangerous mystery of the pizzaplex might also be the worst thing she will encounter in her life.
