Freddy

The stairs to the basement led up into Grace's kitchen, which was exactly adjacent to her living room. She followed close behind me as I ducked through the doorways, a reminder that she could stun me at any time. I had no intention to act with aggression, however. I just wanted to be sure that Gregory was safe.

He was settled on the smaller of her two couches, curled up with a throw blanket and a furry blue toy. It's long arms were wrapped around his neck, dark eyes vacant, but with an unrelenting smile on its red lips.

Grace had told me the truth, and that was a massive consolation.

I approached with caution so as not to wake him, crouching down next to the couch. His sleeping expression was relaxed, but it was obvious that at some point he had been crying. Running down his face from his eyes were trails of bared skin, contrasting the dirt that covered the rest of him.

"Well done, superstar." I congratulated quietly. "Enjoy your rest, you've earned it."

Grace, who was still behind me, cleared her throat to get my attention. When I stood and faced her, she pointed with a thumb to the kitchen entryway. "Now that you know he's safe, you've got some questions to answer." She stated, voice lowered to nearly a whisper. "I'll close the door behind us so we don't disturb him."

I offered a nod of agreement, and we both made our way back into the kitchen. She gestured at a dining table on the far side of the room, setting her taser on the countertop. "Take a seat." Was her demand.

Obediently, I pulled out one of the chairs and sat down. We were now on the same eye level.

"What do you know about Gregory?" She began. "Aside from his name, I mean."

I glanced at the door, seeing the boy's heat signature through it. Of course he would still be there. What reason did I have to believe otherwise?

"There's not much I can tell you." I admitted. "He wasn't on our guest registry. I believe he snuck into the PizzaPlex before closing."

She tapped her fingers on the countertop, perturbed. "Where are his parents? Why aren't they looking for him?"

This was something I had wondered about many times before, and the conclusion my processing led me to was less than favorable.

"I...don't think he has parents." I finally answered, overcome with a sense of sorrow. "When we escaped the facility, he didn't mention a family, or a home."

Grace hummed to herself in contemplation. "Is it safe to assume that you and Gregory are the cause of the mall fire?"

I responded in the affirmative.

"Great, so...you two chose to burn down the PizzaPlex, then ran off without an idea of where to go afterwards. Am I understanding this right?"

Though embarrassed, I had to confirm. "That is correct."

She rubbed her face with her hands, pacing briefly on her side of the kitchen. "Well, like I said before. It's good that you found me first. I'll let the two of you stay until we come up with something better." A pause. "And you don't have to worry about Fazbear Entertainment coming to look for you." She added. "I settled out of court with them years ago, in exchange for an NDA." Upon revealing this, an emotion I couldn't place twisted her features. Perhaps regret? "They don't meddle with my business, so you should be safe for now."

Upon hearing this I was filled with a feeling of gratitude. "Your hospitality is greatly appreciated, Grace." I told her honestly. "This is surely an unfortunate situation for you, but we will do our best not to cause any trouble."

My declaration was met with no response, aside from her unwavering, scrutinizing gaze.

"Why...why are you looking at me like that?" I questioned. "Is there something wrong?"

She shook her head, but it was clear that she had a lot on her mind. "You're just so insanely different from animatronics I've dealt with before." She told me. "Upkeep is going to be tricky, but I'll figure it out later." That was when she pulled out a phone, swiping and tapping away.

"What are you doing now?" I asked.

"I'm getting some food delivered." She answered. "I left my breakfast at the shop and don't feel like going back for it, plus..." She eyed the kitchen doorway. "I'm sure the kid will be pretty hungry when he wakes up."

I returned my attention to the door as well, taking comfort in seeing Gregory's heat signature still there. "You're probably correct." I agreed. "He'll be pleased to have something to eat, especially after all he's been through."