Mable: Enjoy!

Going Home in a Box

Chapter Thirty-Eight

When Freddy got back from charging, Gregory was quick to inform him of what happened during his absence. Needless to say, Freddy was rather concerned and swore that he was going to stay close to both him and Foxy. Which he did.

Because after that point Foxy realized that he especially had to be more careful. Gregory was now under his immediate charge, so they couldn't handle these blackouts all willy-nilly. They had to stay on guard and keep an eye out.

…For about four more hours.

…

2AM:

"Welcome to Fazer Blast!" Freddy introduced as they walked into the neon-lit lobby. It wasn't too different to how he introduced it to Foxy, with the same awe and grandeur.

"Wow. This place is actually kinda cool," Gregory admitted as he looked around. "It's not like a kiddie place like the daycare or Kids Cove."

"That is because Fazer Blast is a high-intensity space combat simulation. It is only recommended for children seven and up. It is super cool! Foxy and I play together all the time!"

"Eh, I wouldn't say 'play'. More like we take turns shootin' each other in the face," Foxy chimed in. Freddy gawked at him.

"That is not true! I only shot you in the face on one occasion!... Err, except for that accidental second occasion earlier… My apologies," he said sheepishly.

"I lift me patch fer two seconds," Foxy mock lamented.

"It was my fault. I should have been more careful… However, you probably should not have ducked down right then."

"Fazer Blast is like laser tag, right? Can we play?" Gregory asked. He actually seemed excited about it, much to Freddy's dismay, who suddenly regretted playing up the game so much.

"Er uhm, I am sorry, Superstar. I do not think it is a good idea. Not only would you have to play alone- I am not allowed to play with guests. Human guests, that is- but it may draw attention to you."

"Oh..." That excitement deflated instantly.

"But we can play in the arcade! There are many more options than just Street Skate Superstar! And if you collect enough points, perhaps I can calculate the amount of tickets you would have won and we could get you a prize from the Prize Corner," Freddy offered temptingly.

"Sure… Are you sure I can't play one game? You and Foxy were playing it. I could just tag along," Gregory suggested.

Freddy briefly glanced up from Gregory and past at Foxy who gave a noncommittal shrug.

"…Maybe later," Freddy hesitantly said. Gregory's face fell flat, realizing that was just him trying to say 'no' without saying it. Freddy covered it up quickly and gestured to the arcade cabinets, "How about you choose the first game?"

Realizing he wasn't getting anywhere, Gregory quickly decided that limitless arcade games was better than nothing and decided to go ahead and pick one.

He supposed he was a lucky kid. Anyone else would've died for the chance to play arcade games with Freddy Fazbear. Which Gregory initially thought was a little weird. Up until he met Freddy, he didn't think he was a person at all. Just some robot that pretended to sing and made everybody happy. He looked pretty cool, but he wasn't like a real rockstar or anything.

Things were different now, but he still didn't exactly feel starstruck by Freddy. Probably because Freddy didn't act like a rockstar. He was friendly and goofy, and a little embarrassing. Even if he was still pretty cool.

Still, he didn't feel weird about Freddy Fazbear playing games with him.

He just wasn't sure why Freddy Fazbear wanted to play gameswith him.

…

3AM:

When Freddy had mentioned prizes, Gregory assumed he meant the little corner of merch in the Fazer Blast lobby. It turned out that was just a gift shop and the actual Prize Corner was much bigger than he could've ever imagined. He hadn't seen so many toys in one spot, or dolls as big as the biggest Freddy ones.

Foxy got one look at the place and had no idea how Marionette got through here without having a complete meltdown. Though then he noticed a section of counter that was emptied out. The shelves were bear save for some prizes on the lowest one and there was a large laundry tub behind the counter overfilled with stuff. Apparently, they still had yet to recover from Monty's meltdown. That made Foxy smirk.

Gregory had his attention elsewhere and was currently eyeing a line of action figures displayed in glass. They weren't the only action figures displayed, but this case showed the entire lineup: Freddy, Chica, Monty, Roxy, Sun, and Moon. For so many animatronics who were a pain, they actually made neat action figures. Though he supposed he was too old to play with toys. He couldn't even remember the last time he played with an action figure.

"Gregory, check out these shirts!" Freddy suddenly said.

Gregory quickly turned away from the display and towards Freddy who was facing a colorful wall of various shirts.

"Which one do you like best, hmm?" the bear asked.

"I don't know. Uh… That one, I guess."

He pointed to a green one with orange trim and long sleeves. Compared to the other it was a lot simpler of a design and lacked big goofy faces plastered on the front. Instead, it just had the words "Freddy Fazbear" framed by two blue outline lightning bolts. It also looked like it would be warm.

Freddy seemed to perk up at this and gave a fond, "D'aww!"

"It's not because it's yours. It's because I like green," Gregory quickly excused, now thoroughly embarrassed. Unfortunately, it was too late. He could tell Freddy was not convinced.

"I see ye have a Music Man," Foxy grumbled as he walked up and leaned forward on the counter beside Freddy. This got the bear's attention on him, much to Gregory's relief.

"Music Man?"

"That spider lookin' thing with eyes blacker than the depths of a seabed trench."

"Oh, you mean the DJ! Yes, he is stationed up at the West Arcade. I only met him once, but he was very welcoming."

"There's another arcade?" Foxy asked dryly, side-glancing at Freddy.

"Indeed, there is. The West Arcade houses many more arcade cabinets but the main draw would be the electronic dance floor and private karaoke rooms. It is already a hot spot for the older Pizzaplex crowd!... Unfortunately, this has already led to some rowdy patrons. I heard that they were considering implementing a bouncer."

"How d'ya 'implement' a bouncer?" Foxy asked suspiciously.

"I am not sure. Perhaps it has something to do with the Staff Bot network," Freddy answered honestly.

"Hey, Freddy," Gregory interjected. "Do I have enough tickets for that backpack?"

He pointed to one of a few of backpacks hanging up on the wall. The one he chose was small and black, with the Pizzaplex logo on it- the cartoonish one above the entrance- along with yellow and blue lightning bolts dotting it. The pouches were outlined with a purple pink that was supposed to give the illusion of neon. Freddy could understand why Gregory would choose that one- he thought it was very cool.

"A backpack! That is an excellent idea, Gregory!" he agreed. How responsible of Gregory to choose something that was both very cool and useful. While he did not nearly have enough ticket to exchange for a prize of that tier, Freddy supposed that they could bend the rules considering that he had been technically locked in twice- and considering that Freddy's face was on that Pizzaplex logo. "Sure thing, Superstar. But it will cost all of your tickets."

"That's okay," Gregory said without hesitation.

Freddy let himself around the back of the counter and pulled the backpack down. Gregory reached for it, but the bear gestured for him to spin around. The boy gave him an unenthused look and a little groan before turning around as instructed and letting Freddy put the backpack on him.

"Look at all these pouches. There should be plenty of room for your school supplies!"

"Yeah, I've got a lot of stuff," Gregory said sarcastically. He felt Freddy still tugging at the straps. "What are you doing?"

"Adjusting the shoulder strap size so it will fit you better," he explained. "…There we are! Not too tight, not too loose. How does it feel?"

"Feels fine."

"That is great! You are now in possession of an official Freddy Fazbear Mega Pizzaplex licensed backpack! I am sure all of your friends will be very envious, but all in good fun," Freddy said happily.

Foxy looked at the backpack as Gregory turned around and chuckled a little. "Remind ya of anything, Freddy?" he asked.

"Yes, it does…" Freddy said somberly. Foxy lifted his patch and set a quizzical look at the tone. "…It reminds me of that dreadful night… when the Pizzaplex was raided by the Masked Painter. Legends foretold of his arrival, but we were ill prepared for the sheer awesomeness. A spray can in each hand- err- in one hand and a look of mischievousness and artistic freedom being expressed through civil disobedience in his eye."

By the end of it, Foxy had already slumped onto the counter, partially with exasperation. He genuinely couldn't understand why he was still willingly hanging out with Freddy. He was going to drive him insane.

The chuckles shaking his body were a sign he was going in that direction.

…

4AM:

Foxy had been waiting for this moment for ages. Freddy had his guard completely down and his back was fully exposed to the pirate as he slowly crept through a passage of neon walls. Not realizing that he had been silently stalked for the last few minutes since he came down from the second floor. Foxy could've taken his shot now, but then he would be corralled in this passage and Freddy would surely get a shot in.

No, Foxy wanted to have his cake and eat it too. He wanted to get a sudden shot in and still have a clean getaway, and he was just about to get it. Freddy was non-the-wiser as he went to the right and left a clear escape route to the right.

Foxy aligned his Fazer Blaster with Freddy's back and steadied his aim.

"Freddy, look out!"

Foxy would've still fired off at Freddy if it wasn't for the glimpse of a red light out of the corner of his eye, to which he promptly ducked down and shielded his face to avoid yet another eye shot. He could see the light on his hoodie that signaled he had been 'shot' by none other than Gregory, who was standing above them on one of the bridge and still wearing the helmet Freddy made him put on- even if it wasn't on.

Freddy spun around on his heel with his Fazerblaster in both hands, but Foxy managed to get a shot in at his chest before hightailing it around the corner, just skirting the laser from Freddy's own gun. Both ducked for cover, back to the wall.

"Foxy! I should have known!" Freddy called over.

"Yer lucky, Fazbear! I suppose it WOULD take a two-on-one to keelhaul Captain Foxy!" Foxy snapped back.

Freddy seemed to take particular offense to this. "Two-on-one? No, Gregory and I are not on a team. He just saw the perfect opportunity and took it!"

Gregory couldn't tell if it was Freddy's comment or Foxy's, but he suddenly realized that he had a very clear shot right now.

"You should never let your guard down. You never know-." There was a quiet noise and Freddy noticed a red light on his chest. He looked down, then up in shock to see Gregory with his blaster aimed. "Gre-Gregory, did you just shoot me?!"

"Sorry, Freddy, but he's got a point- and like you said, you shouldn't let your guard down," Gregory said matter-of-factly.

"The betrayal! Well, if that is how it must be, then I have no choice… but to show you my full potential!" Freddy announced.

"Ooo, ya done it now, Lad!" Foxy called from the back. Then proceeded to sneak off somewhere.

Gregory hunched a little, expecting Freddy to take a shot at him, but the bear didn't. The bear did much worse- suddenly bolting off into the maze somewhere. Signaling that the game was truly on.

Freddy's heavy footsteps should've been a dead giveaway, but eventually he stopped running and it became impossible to pinpoint him. Foxy was just as bad, with Gregory occasionally hearing quick bursts of sprinting and knowing it was him. Gregory chose his own tactic: keep the high ground and take advantage of the little hiding shelters scattered around, as he was the only one who could fit in them.

Eventually, his luck ran out. He was in the process of moving down the bridge to one of lower platforms when he noticed one of those sprinting bursts that just didn't stop. He turned and bolted back up to where he came from, but he could hear the footsteps closing in.

But Gregory was just good enough at dodging and weaving that Foxy couldn't yet get a clear shot. Unable to get enough time to hide, he headed straight through the upper platform and started across the second bridge. He got through the platform and out onto the ramp to lead to the floor, only to look up and see Foxy standing on the bridge with his Fazerblaster aimed.

"I've gotcha now, Lad!" he called. Finished with a dramatic, pirate-like cackle.

It wasn't like Gregory was in actual danger. The only thing that would suffer if he was shot was his point count, still being the only one who hadn't been hit. That was enough to make him decide that the ramp wasn't that high from the floor.

It wasn't until he turned that Foxy realized what he was about to do- "No, don't-!" -but was unable to stop Gregory from jumping off the ramp. He was fully prepared for a slightly uncomfortable landing.

Only to suddenly have all the oxygen yanked from his lungs as something grabbed him around the middle and he found himself caught between Freddy's arm and side. Left to dangle like a sack of potatoes, Gregory looked up at him. Freddy had a rather stern look on his face.

"Uh… Thanks?" Gregory tried. A guilt smile creeping onto his face.

Freddy was not amused. "Gregory, you are now under arrest."

"For jumping?"

"For impersonating a space officer! Who knew you would be a spy the entire time!" Freddy tutted. "…That was a joke. Jumping off the arena equipment is a very serious matter and can be very dangerous. Do not do that."

"Let the kid go, Fazbear! This is between ye and me!" Foxy called down.

Freddy turned and aimed his Fazerblaster with one hand while still toting Gregory under the other arm.

"If you want him, then come and get him," the bear challenged. Then he raced out of the way, dodging Foxy's incoming shot.

Thus, the rivalry of Freddy Fazbear and Captain Foxy was rekindled once again.

Gregory got stuck along for the ride.

…

5AM:

Foxy wasn't asleep but he felt as close as he could get. He was reclined on Freddy's couch with one arm leaning on the tie-shaped pillow and a leg propped up on the table. Gregory was no better. At first, he was boredly propping up his head on the other side of the couch but in the matter of a few minutes he slumped down onto it and might've fallen asleep. It was probably hard for him to pull an all-nighter like this.

But considering that he had had stayed awake this long, Foxy couldn't help but wonder how frequently Gregory was pulling these late nights.

While he was thinking this, the power returned to the building and the overhead light turned back on. Foxy almost winced from it and shielded his face with his arm. Gregory groaned and dragged himself up from the couch.

"…Ya know, if yer gettin' tired we can just chill in here," Foxy remarked.

"I'm fine," Gregory quickly deflected.

"Yeah, well I ain't. Gives me an excuse to stay put." His ear twitched at the sound of thumping in the next room. "Sounds like Freddy's comin'."

He half expected Gregory to say something smart, but he either decided not to or didn't get a chance to before the door opened.

Ironically, both hopped up pretty quickly once that happened. Neither wanting Freddy to notice.

…

The rest of that night felt like it had gone by rather quickly. Even though Foxy was feeling the effects of a whole night on the edge, there wasn't really a dull moment. He was almost a little disappointed when Freddy led them back downstairs, through the same kitchen, and out to the loading docks- and not just because the loading docks were also huge and triggered his inferiority complex.

It was about time for Foxy to head out. The plan being for him to leave about fifteen minutes before six and being long gone before anyone showered up or came out. Which Freddy agreed with, but Foxy noticed that he was becoming increasingly more antsy the closer they got to that time, and the closer they had gotten to the loading docks.

"Gregory, would you like to call your mother?" Freddy suggested.

"I will," Gregory agreed. He said it without much obvious emotion. He willingly walked over to the desk, picked up the same familiar phone, and began to dial. He peeked over his shoulder, but Freddy hadn't followed him.

Freddy had, instead, turned to Foxy as soon as the boy approached the desk. He gave the pirate a subtle waving gesture for him to come with him. Foxy looked quizzical but followed along. The bear led him towards the corner of the room, between another door and a passageway that was blocked off by fencing. Freddy kept halfway turned towards Gregory to keep an eye on him as he addressed him.

"Foxy, there is something I need to talk about, and you are the only one I can tell."

Foxy was taken aback. It wasn't the first time Freddy directly called him by his name, but he had so frequently called him "Captain" tonight that it was jarring. It made him well aware that something was up.

"Go ahead. I'm all ears," he assured.

Freddy finally pulled his eyes off of Gregory long enough to look down at Foxy and his worry was apparent. It wasn't like the worry about whether he would strain himself or the risk of getting caught; it was something much more solemn.

"It is about Gregory… I have been having some concerns and I am not sure if I am imagining them or not… About his care," Freddy confessed.

"Yer not. I'm noticing 'em too," Foxy revealed. Freddy looked a little surprised before his face fell again.

"Did you notice how small he is?" he asked. "Gregory told me that he is eight years old. He should not be this height and weight…"

"He's eight?" Foxy asked. He made no effort to mask his surprise. "…I noticed the bruise, and his hair's a bit scuffed."

"That bandage on his cheek is the same one I put on days ago. No one has replaced it," Freddy said worriedly. After a long pause he turned fully towards Foxy once more, this time lowering his head and his voice. "I do not believe Gregory is calling his parents. I believe he is only pretending to call his parents."

"What makes ya think that?" Foxy asked. Not doubtfully, if anything more concerned than doubtful.

"…Because that is what he did last time. He pretended to call his parents and then left the building. I do not know where he went or who took him home. He does not know that I know and I am unsure if I should tell him," he said quietly.

Foxy's shock returned and he stole a glance at Gregory. That probably explained why his phone conversation sounded so odd, which he only noticed listening now. Gregory was talking like it was a casual conversation, like his parents weren't reacting at all to the news that their son just disappeared and stayed overnight at Freddy's. Or like a kid who was pretending he called his parents.

"I do not know what to do. I cannot tell Vanessa… Not if there is something that he is hiding from."

Foxy knew what Freddy was implying even if Freddy himself didn't realize it. The long and short of it being that he was coming here as an escape. Foxy knew that form of escape well; he still remembered those nights sleeping in that tent in the backyard, scared and cold but rather being anywhere than inside the house. If there had been a place like this he would've wanted to be here too, and he wasn't sure the scary robots would've ran him off.

"He wants to stay until six? Let him stay until six," Foxy suggested.

"I will."

"You've got yer work cut out fer ya, Freddy. Wish I could stick around an' help…" Foxy looked up at Freddy knowingly. "But I'll keep an eye out. Trust me on that."

Freddy noticed the look nodded with silent understanding. The two didn't have to wait much longer for Gregory to finish up with his phone call. Him hanging up the phone signaled them to come back over.

"Okay, she's going to come get me, but it's going to take her a while to get here," he told them. It was clear that he hadn't heard them talking.

"That's alright. You are welcome to stay as long as you like. Or need to," Freddy assured him. He then turned to his pirate companion. "Unfortunately, Captain Foxy cannot. He is due back at his pizzeria."

"Aye. I be in fer a late mornin' tomorrow," Foxy said honestly and tiredly. He started to pull his hood over his head the best that he could and offered a low hand. "Take care, lad. Hope the wind's at yer back and yer seas be calm."

"Err, okay. I hope your… morning's not that late?" Gregory said, not sure what that meant. He did return the low five however.

"We'll work on yer pirate talk next time we run aground together," Foxy playfully assured. He gave a little salute with his hook. "Take care, Lad. An' stop by Pirate's Cove if ya get the chance!"

He made his way to the door with Freddy close behind him, with the bear stopping at the first set of doors while the fox continued on.

"I had a very good night tonight! I hope you did too," Freddy said pleasantly. His tone a sharp contrast to their conversation earlier.

"Aye. Yer a good host, Mate… When ya ain't runnin' fer the head," Foxy retorted. The bear chuckled at the comment. The fox, however, found himself slowing down as he started to push open the second set of doors. He paused there for a moment and stared out at the night revealed between the gap.

"…Captain?"

"I suppose it's only fair to offer the same invitation to ye. Dunno how the bloody 'ell you'd get there, but if yer ever in Hurricane… Drop by me ship. It ain't as regal as all this, but it's good. It's the best I've got."

Freddy caught on quickly. "I would be honored! I… Someday. I will find a way. You found a way here; I should return the favor!"

Foxy gave a scoff, an audible smirk, before heading through the doors. Deciding to put an end to the mushy display. "I'm shovin' off."

"Be careful! I will call you tonight about tomorrow!"

Foxy stared ahead as the door shut behind him. Did Freddy just imply that he expected Foxy to come back tomorrow? Well, that wasn't happening. He wasn't sure if he would be back at all. He always was when he left, normally while crawling through the uncomfortable vent feeling like a scoundrel, and not in an adventurous or exciting way. Now walking around the building under the starry sky, he felt strangely melancholy. Maybe because of Freddy. Maybe because of Gregory.

Maybe Freddy would find a way to Foxy's. Maybe Foxy would come back to Freddy's. It seemed like Foxy somehow always did wind up back at a Freddy's, so it wouldn't be anything new.

Maybe he was getting a little too attached to someone he had a bad feeling wouldn't stick around long. Wouldn't be anything new.

For the last time of the evening, or morning considering what time it was, the power went off throughout the Pizzaplex. It would be six o'clock in only a few short minutes and the nighttime protocols would be over. The front doors would open, Officer Vanessa would leave, and it would only be a matter of time before the Pizzaplex was abuzz with life once more as guests flooded the lobby.

Freddy thought of it fondly as he made his way through the darkness of the basement towards the recharge station. After a long night like this- which had been plenty of fun, but equally worrisome in its own rights- performing on stage felt like an escapist fantasy. Along with being able to tell the technicians that he had practiced Fazer Blast and was ready to get back in the game. Foxy was right, he could make that say for himself.

"And where might you be going~?"

Freddy looked up abruptly and was startled to see a white glowing face with a wicked smile staring back down at him. It was Moon. At first, he wondered how he hadn't heard him, if he had been that lost in thought, but then realized that his typical ticking had quieted until right after he revealed himself. He had been being quiet on purpose. Moon ambushed him.

"Moon… I am going to my recharge station," Freddy said. His hesitation from nervousness over dishonesty.

Moon hummed and began to climb down along the wall. His wide smile stayed aimed at Freddy even as his body rotated to slowly crawl down the wall, palms and feet sticking to the side. His bells slightly tinkling with every slow movement. He took his time and reveled in the way that Freddy was staring at him.

The jester turned over, going from legs above his head and backwards to lowering into a poised crouch on the floor. The motion smooth, showing off just how capable he was to get wherever he wanted.

Moon giggled sinisterly as he raised from his hunch and slunk towards the bear. His motions were delayed and slow, uncomfortably so, and Freddy straightened up as the jester suddenly and quickly slipped beside him. He got in close, his face turning to the left and right as he studied the bear's own. Freddy made a noise akin to clearing his throat.

"I should be going," he said. He turned and started to walk away. Only to have a hand clamp around his arm and pull him right back into place.

"Not ssso fassst," Moon hissed.

Freddy couldn't do anything but look helplessly at the blue glowing hand. While the slender arm it was connected to didn't look like much, there was an amount of considerable strength behind it. He looked at the crescent face with questioning.

The jester hummed and tilted his head slowly in one direction before taking a step behind him and out of sight, his head following a millisecond behind the rest of his body. He released Freddy, but that didn't mean he was letting him go. If anything, the way he stalked behind him made him feel even more trapped.

"You've had quite a busy night, haven't yooou?" Moon drew out as he lurked behind him. The bells on his feet jingling with each slow step. "So far away from your room…"

"I was making pizza! You can ask Chica; she ate one of them," Freddy tried to excuse.

"Oh, Freddy…" Moon trilled. The pale glow from his face casting across Freddy's shoulder. "Did you really think I'd believe that?"

Freddy's hands tightened with embarrassment and dread. Moon must've noticed as he gave another low chuckle as he continued his circle around him.

"Such a silly bear…" he murmured. He sidestepped in front of Freddy, standing so close that the bear couldn't help but start to step back. "Ah-ah," Moon warned. Freddy halted in place. "Don't. Go. Anywhere."

Freddy wasn't sure what he was doing and gave him a look of confusion. It changed to shock and realization when Moon suddenly laid a hand on his chest right beneath his bowtie. He lifted onto the tips of his fingers and slowly walked them down the lightning bolt insignia towards the opening of his stomach hatch. All the while Freddy just stared in befuddlement.

Until Moon grabbed ahold of the divot in his mid-chest. Freddy flashed back on Sunny so easily pulling open his chest back at the daycare.

But that was not what Moon did. Instead, his hand turned over and hooked onto the bottom portion of the hatch and used that to pull Freddy down and close. His red eyes piercing into Freddy's pupils in a way that made his head itch.

"I know you're hiiiiding something, Freddy, and it's not just Foxy anymore. No, no. It's something much, much worse," Moon growled lowly.

Freddy gasped at the mention of 'Foxy'. That would've betrayed his guilt instantly if the other didn't already know. If anything, the jester tilted his head in a very smug sort of way.

"Huckle Buckle Beanstalk."

Freddy got a perplexed look that was promptly shoved from his face when Moon pushed him back, flipping over his hand, and yanking open his stomach hatch in quick succession. Holding Freddy by the chest so he couldn't draw away, he stuck his head in close until his glow illuminated the entire cavity and revealed what Freddy was hiding inside.

…Nothing.

There was nothing there.

"What?!" Moon hissed. He looked around the small space in disbelief. "No, no, no, I know you had him! Where is he?!"

Freddy knew he meant Gregory, who was still very much in the building at the loading dock. He tried to think of a quick way to defuse the situation and reached down to grab his shoulders.

"Moon…" he began.

Unfortunately, with how Moon was angled he couldn't see him past his open hatch, so he had to blindly guess where his shoulders were. Which wouldn't have been so difficult if the jester wasn't still moving around like the foot of space, he was searching was some sort of massive cavern. Freddy didn't even reach his shoulder when one of his claws grazed the slot in his head where his points were hidden away.

Moon squealed and tried to yank back but only succeeding in slamming the back of his head into Freddy's open hatch. He staggered back grasping the sensitive wires on the back of his head and Freddy wobbled before quickly reaching to steady the other animatronic by the shoulders.

"Are you alright?! I am sorry, I-I was not being careful enough. Here, let me grab your nightcap for you," Freddy apologized profusely. He quickly closed up his stomach hatch and knelt down to retrieve the fallen cap off the floor. He dusted it off to the best of his ability before standing and offering it with both hands, posed like he was planning on putting it on him.

Moon grumbled deep in his chest. One of his eyes only glowing halfway as though it was squinted in pain. Then he grabbed the cap back and quickly fit it back over his head. His motions no longer slow and methodical and instead just flustered.

He muttered and rambled under his breath as he did so, "Teh. Down here trying to get yourself scrapped. Such a rulebreaker."

"I know. I am sorry," Freddy apologized. Mostly for the accident than anything else. "…You look very nice tonight. Your colors glow handsomely in this lighting, or lack thereof. Moondrop? Well, consider me moonstruck."

Moon stared at Freddy seemingly dumbstruck before clasping a hand over his face. It would've seemed like a motion if exasperation if he didn't start pulling down his cap slightly with the tips of his fingers, even more flustered.

With a low grumble, the jester finally turned away, beckoning him with his hand as he did. "Come along."

"Are you taking me to the recharge station?" Freddy asked, cautiously asked.

"Yes," Moon said. "…Not that thirty seconds of charging will do anything."

Freddy followed along the short distance before they arrived at the recharge station. Moon had regained some of his previous demeanor and proceeded to watch him with an unblinking gaze to make sure he got into the recharge station. He stepped inside and turned around as the door slipped shut. Moon was still watching him so he gave a wave, which got the jester turning and hurrying off on his way. He watched him climb up a further wall and disappear.

Freddy sighed and finally relaxed. That had been close. He had considered bringing Gregory with him and it had been Gregory who decided to instead find a hiding spot in a nearby office. If they had gone alone with Freddy's plan, Moon would've found them out right then… Or at least found Gregory. It was clear now that Moon knew exactly what was going on, to very little surprise.

He looked down at his hand, the one whose claw had missed its mark and might've nearly landed Moon in Parts and Service, and then closed his fingers. He sighed and rested the fist to his chest, then closed his eyes and relaxed.

It could've very well been only thirty seconds before the lights kicked back on. The charging cycle didn't end, but he could feel a significant shift in the amount of energy flooding his body. He waited a few more minutes before stepping out.

Keeping an eye out for anyone else, Freddy made his way back to the kitchen, through a door on the left between the trash compactor and the loading dock door into another hallway, and followed that to a small office nearby.

Gregory was spinning back and forth in the office chair waiting, only stopping momentarily when he heard footsteps, but then doing so again when he recognized the footsteps and stopping once he got to the door. He hopped out of the chair.

"How'd it go?" he asked.

"…Err, it was… eventful."

"That doesn't sound good. Nobody followed you back, right?" Gregory asked. He squeezed between Freddy and the doorway- almost like a rock and a hard place- to peek down the hall and make sure.

"No, no. We are alone, and the others have likely already started heading back to their designated areas in preparation for opening," Freddy assured. His voice then fell with, "I am sorry to say, but… it is time for you to head home."

"I know," Gregory said solemnly.

"But that does not mean you cannot come back! I have something for you. Hold on one moment," Freddy said, quickly returning to an upbeat tone. He opened his stomach hatch and reached inside to reclaim the flimsy ticket he had pinned safely in his endo. He handed it over and Gregory recognized it as a Photo Pass. "I am sure you know what this is. Keep this in a safe place and the next time you come by you can join me in my green room. We can play games and eat pizza in between shows! I will have to leave every once and a while for parties and shows, but we will get plenty of time together, and nobody will be able to say anything. Not even Vanessa."

"Okay… Thanks, Freddy," Gregory said. He gave the bear a small, honest smile. "I-I'll come back. I promise."

Freddy smiled as well. "I hope you do. Now let us head to the exit and get you on your way. I am sure your mother is… She should be outside."

"Yeah."

Freddy willingly walked with Gregory through the kitchen and back to the loading docks. Back to the same door he had watched Foxy go through only fifteen or so minutes ago. He held the door open for him and watched as he stepped out.

"…You could continue waiting inside if you like," Freddy suddenly offered. He was starting to have second thoughts the moment he saw the dark parking lot behind the Pizzaplex.

"Nah, I've got to go," Gregory said. He didn't sound like he wanted to go but he did sound determined to. He checked his Faz-Watch and Freddy smiled a little, having noticed it earlier and pleased to see he was still using it. "So… I guess I'll see you later?"

"You can count on it! Until then, Superstar," he said kindly.

Gregory smiled before turning and starting to run off down the back of the building. Freddy stepped out as far as he could to watch him go, still holding onto the door so that it didn't count as him leaving. He only headed back inside after Gregory disappeared around the corner and didn't seem to be coming back. He still stayed in the loading docks for some time afterwards.

Gregory hurried around the outside of the building while keeping a close eye out for anyone watching. Thankfully the parking lot was almost entirely empty save a car here or there. The only one he got close to not having anyone in it so he walked past and made his way to the front entrance. The shutters that had been blocking the doors had now lifted and he could see into the lobby. He couldn't see any sign of the security guard.

He looked across the parking lot one last time before hustling through the automatic doors and back into the Pizzaplex. The doors shut behind him almost silently, like he was never even there.

Freddy wouldn't know. Officer Vanessa wouldn't know. Nobody had to know as long as he hid well enough.

…

…

"Well, blow me down. He ain't been gettin' himself trapped on purpose, he just never left."

What Gregory hadn't anticipated was that Foxy was a lot sneakier and a much less trusting than Freddy. Instead of choosing to believe Gregory and letting him leave the Pizzaplex alone, he and Jeremy decided to stay over long enough to see exactly who was going to come pick him up.

As Foxy had suspected, nobody was coming to get him. Gregory had just lied so he could get back into the Pizzaplex, and two witnesses could contest to that. Three if you counted the tiny white head peeking up over the steering wheel.

"That explains some things," Jeremy agreed.

"I had a feelin' somethin' was off… Think he might be a runaway?"

"Might be. But see, that's weird, because Natalie didn't say anything about that and if someone called about their kid running off into the Pizzaplex, wouldn't they tell the security guard?" Jeremy speculated. "That means something."

"That means nobody's calling."

"…Yeah. That's a scary thought," he said with a sigh. "…Should we wait and tell her?"

"Nah. I gotta get to the pizzeria an' pass out."

"Sounds like you had a fun night!" Jeremy teased. "So, uh… Want to come home?"

"Nah. I don't want to crowd Michael. I'll just crash on me floor til Fritz pokes me with a broom an' tells me to dance."

"We used to do that with Toy Freddy too. Always worked like a charm," Jeremy joked. He tapped Daisy on the back. "Alright, Little Lady. Time to get going."

Daisy hopped down from the steering wheel, popped over into the passenger's seat, and tucked herself behind the already plugged-in seatbelt. Crossing her legs and wrapping her arms around the belt to make it work effectively.

Meanwhile, Jeremy looked back to Foxy questioningly. "Right?" Foxy looked down for a long moment before nodding slowly, and Jeremy turned on the car to leave.

While he didn't really want to leave this unresolved, especially knowing Gregory was in there on his own, it was about to be daylight. Daytime offered some amount of security at Freddy's. At least he hoped it still did.

Speaking of which-

"'Member that sun ye wanted to adopt?" Foxy asked.

"Yeah?"

"You ain't."

Jeremy quirked a brow even as he kept his eyes on the road. "That's for telling me."

"I'm serious. The bloke's a nut," Foxy dismissed. He wasn't the only one either. Chica definitely had a few screws loose. The way she snapped at Freddy suggested a whole bunch of soft spots under that shell, and not just pizza mush.

The way Freddy reacted to it… Foxy didn't ask because Gregory was there, but he did notice that he was rather quiet up until they got to Fazer Blast. Though that could've been because of his worry that they would get caught.

Either way, the whole thing made Foxy think. Until the point when he couldn't think anymore.

"Stop fer a second," he said.

They were on the road leading to the highway and hadn't pulled off yet, but Jeremy still came to a stop, unconcerned with someone driving up on them. He turned to Foxy, who gently reached forward to turn his head and gently pressed his mouth to his cheek. Giving the soft skin a little nuzzle in his version of a kiss. It was just as effective, with Jeremy eagerly pressing back.

"Thank you for doing this. You're always so good to me," Foxy mumbled to his cheek.

"Hey, don't mention it," Jeremy said. Pink flushing across his cheeks either from the compliment or gesture, or likely both. "You're worth it. Besides, it gives Daisy and me a little one on one time!"

Daisy's little nod and giggle signaled that she agreed.

"Good. I just want you to know that I notice. Love you."

"Love you too," Jeremy assured. He turned to give him a kiss before they continued to drive back to Hurricane.

Foxy settled into the backseat and relaxed for the rest of the ride, watching the lights pass through the window. He always found the back of that car to be surprisingly soothing. Either that or the feeling that Jeremy had his back.

He still noticed when they took a turn that they didn't usually take. Going past one of the roads to the Pizzeria and in the direction of the domestic section of Hurricane. He felt a slow dread when he realized where they were going.

"Think you might've blown off course…" Foxy casually murmured.

"Nope! Just, uh. Just going to drop off Daisy at home and then we'll head over to the pizzeria."

Oh. Oh. Never mind, he was more than fine with that. He could use the company.

And it wasn't that he didn't want to see Michael. He loved Michael, Michael was his brother and he cared about him. He would rather him just not see him in his hoodie with his trash bags having just came back from a night with Freddy and son.

They pulled up outside the house and Jeremy ran in with Daisy in his arms to go get her settled in. He wasn't planning on staying long obviously, what with him leaving the car on and the door open. Foxy stayed reclined in the back, not daring to let his eyes close but willing to let his body relax. Letting his mind stir up the information he ingested that evening and make it more palatable.

A quiet knock came from somewhere nearby and Foxy jolted upright from his position. Though caught himself in the last second and hunched back down so he could carefully peek out. It didn't take him long to see the source of the noise.

Michael was standing at the kitchen window. The blinds rolled up and the lights off, leaving him only partially illuminated in the glow from the television in the next room over. He looked positively terrifying.

He lifted up a notepad to the window and Foxy had to squint- not because of the pitiful lighting, but because he had decided to write it in pencil. It didn't take him too long to make it out: "Call me."

Foxy groaned and rolled his head back. Michael tapped the window a little more firmly and gave him an unamused look. Finally, Foxy gave a more serious thumbs up, finally sating him. It was about time they caught up, he supposed.

Though between Michael and Freddy, Foxy was going to have to unplug the phone just to get some sleep.