Chapter 9: New Year, New Experiences!
BUZZ!
I groggily woke up in my bed looking over to the night stand that had my phone and Fazwatch. To be honest, I thought it would be just be my phone that went off. I almost fell over the side of the bed I was on when I noticed that I had also gotten a message on my Fazwatch!
"It's from..Monty?" I whispered to myself.
I looked back at the other side of my bed. Gregory was still asleep, despite all of the noise I had made.
Phew. I thought to myself.
It's been a week since finding Gregory as an orphan in the Pizzaplex on Christmas. Today was January first, New Year's Day. Between then and now, January 1st, it's been busy. After the first day of Gregory staying with us at my two-story apartment, it has been very eventful. I had to go prove that I'm capable of being Gregory's new and legal guardian in court. On top of that, Gregory and I had gotten pulled into the investigation of Gregory's dead family. It's been rough for the little guy, but I'll always be there to support him whenever he needs me. It's also been quite hectic at the Pizzaplex as well. Speaking of people at the Pizzaplex, I looked at Monty's message.
Monty: Hey sweet princess. If you're not busy today, can you come stop by this sexy gator's room this afternoon?
I blushed so hard after reading that.
"Sweet princess?" I muttered under my breath, rereading the message to make sure I hadn't imagined it.
There was no mistaking it. Monty's flirty tone was unmistakable, and he wasn't exactly subtle. My fingers hovered over the reply button, but what could I even say? My brain was running a mile a minute, yet no coherent thoughts came out.
I glanced back at Gregory, who was still blissfully unaware of my internal panic. I needed a moment to think, so I slipped out of bed and tiptoed to the kitchen.
While the coffee machine hummed to life, my thoughts raced. Monty and I didn't always see eye to eye, especially when it came to how he interacted with the others at the Pizzaplex. But recently, we'd been… well, closer.
Monty's charm could be overwhelming at times, but there were moments when he let his guard down. Those glimpses of vulnerability made me see another side of him—one that wasn't all bravado and swagger. Still, a part of me wondered if his flirting was just part of his act or if there was something genuine beneath it all.
The coffee machine beeped, pulling me from my thoughts. I poured myself a cup, trying to calm my nerves. My Fazwatch buzzed again, and I glanced down.
Monty: Don't leave me hanging, princess. You know you want to see me. ;)
I groaned, burying my face in my hands. This gator was going to be the death of me.
"Alright, Monty," I muttered, taking a deep sip of coffee. "Let's see what you're up to."
I sent him a message back on my Fazwatch.
Me: Yeah, yeah. I'll be over there soon, mister.
Walking back upstairs, I quietly started to change out of my pajamas and head into the shower. I noticed that the twins were now sleeping by Gregory in the bed. I shook my head and quietly laughed. As the warm water cascaded over me, I tried to shake off the lingering blush from Monty's messages. Once I was done, I picked out a cute outfit inspired by Monty—a green top paired with black jeans and some accessories that gave off a bit of his bold flair. I couldn't help but smirk at how fitting it felt.
As I finished getting ready, I noticed the sounds of movement from my bed. Sure enough, when I peeked out from my walk-in closet, Gregory was sitting up, rubbing his eyes. Not far behind, Scarlett's twins, Ryan and Reagan, were already awake and giggling quietly as they played with one of Gregory's plushies.
"Morning, sleepyheads," I said with a grin, leaning against the doorframe.
"Good morning, Elijah!" the twins chimed in unison, their energy already at full blast.
Gregory stretched and gave me a small smile. "Morning," he murmured, still groggy.
"Breakfast?" I offered, and all three of their faces lit up.
"Yes, please!" Gregory said, his voice more awake now. The twins nodded enthusiastically.
I headed downstairs with the kids trailing behind me and whipped up some pancakes, bacon, and scrambled eggs. As they devoured the food, the kids began to chatter excitedly.
"Can we come with you to the Pizzaplex today?" Ryan asked, his eyes sparkling.
"Yeah, please!" Reagan added. "Mom's still asleep, and we'll behave, promise!"
Gregory looked at me hopefully, his big brown eyes making it impossible to say no.
"Alright, fine," I said with a chuckle. "But you all need to get ready quickly. Monty's waiting, and I don't want to keep him waiting too long."
The kids cheered and bolted upstairs to change, leaving me to clean up the kitchen. I couldn't help but smile. Today was already shaping up to be an adventure.
With the kids bundled up and ready to go, we piled into my car and started the short drive to the Pizzaplex. Gregory and the twins were buzzing with excitement, and their chatter filled the car.
"Do you think Monty will let me play his bass?" Ryan asked, his voice full of curiosity.
"Maybe if you ask really nicely," I said, glancing at him in the rearview mirror. "Just remember, Monty's bass is his pride and joy. Don't touch it unless he says it's okay."
"What about Freddy? Will we see him today?" Reagan chimed in.
"I'm sure Freddy will stop by," I replied, smiling. "He loves spending time with you guys."
Gregory stayed quiet for most of the ride, staring out the window. I could tell he was deep in thought, and I made a mental note to check in with him later. For now, I wanted him to enjoy the day.
When we arrived at the Pizzaplex, the kids practically bounced out of the car. The towering neon sign above the entrance lit up the cloudy morning sky, and the familiar upbeat music playing from the speakers instantly lifted my mood.
We made our way inside, and the kids' eyes widened as they took in the colorful displays and animatronics roaming the main floor. Monty's message buzzed on my Fazwatch again, and I glanced at it.
Monty: Where are you, princess? Don't tell me you got lost.
I rolled my eyes but couldn't hide the smile creeping onto my face.
Me: I just got here. On my way to your room now.
"Come on, guys," I said, motioning for the kids to follow me.
As we navigated through the Pizzaplex, we passed by Freddy, who waved warmly. "Good morning, Elijah. I see that the superstar and the twins came with you today!"
"Yeah," I said, motioning to the kids. "Can you watch them for me real quick? Monty wanted to see me for a bit."
"Yes of course superstar!" Freddy smiled brightly, "Do you three want to help me with a game of Fazerblast for a birthday party?"
"Yes!" All three of them cheered in unison.
I chuckled at their enthusiasm, "Okay you guys, stay by Freddy and stay out of trouble, okay?" I ruffled their hair on all three of their heads, and they just giggled at it.
"Okay!" Ryan beamed.
"We'll stay out of trouble", Gregory softly smiled.
As Freddy led the kids toward the Fazerblast arena, their excited chatter faded into the lively background noise of the Pizzaplex. I took a moment to watch them go, a small pang of guilt tugging at me for leaving them even for a little while. But Monty had been persistent, and I figured it was best to humor him before he stormed through the Pizzaplex looking for me.
I made my way to Monty's room, weaving through the crowds of families and flashing lights. Monty's green neon nameplate lit up his door, and as I stepped inside, the sharp bass of a guitar riff greeted me.
"About time, princess," Monty said without looking up, his claws effortlessly plucking at the strings of his bass guitar. "Thought you ditched me."
I leaned against the wall, crossing my arms. "You know, for someone who's always calling me dramatic, you sure know how to overreact."
Monty snorted, finally setting his bass down on its stand. "Yeah, yeah. Had to make sure you weren't gonna bail on me again like last week."
I raised an eyebrow. "You mean when I had to cover Scarlett's shift and keep the twins from climbing into Freddy's chest cavity? Sorry if that wasn't convenient for you." Scott gave Scarlett the day security management position ever since the Christmas party.
He smirked, his sharp teeth gleaming. "Excuses, excuses. Anyway, now that you're here."
Monty locked the door to his green room with a satisfying click, the sound muffled by the plush carpet beneath their feet. He drew the heavy blackout blinds shut, dimming the neon glow from the Pizzaplex outside. With practiced ease, he adjusted the room's lighting to a soft, ambient glow—just enough to cast warm shadows over the sleek metallic walls and his eclectic décor. I knew nobody else would've wanted to see what was about to happen next.
I settled down on the wide, faux leather couch in the corner, sinking into the cushions with a contented sigh. "You've been looking forward to this all day, haven't you?" I teased, watching Monty adjust the old-school projector at the far end of the room.
Monty turned, smirking as he swaggered over to join me. "What can I say? I like my downtime… and my company."
I chuckled as Monty dropped onto the couch beside him, pulling me close with one muscular arm. I had leaned into him, resting my head on Monty's shoulder. The faint hum of the projector filled the room as the opening scenes of a classic action movie flickered to life on the far wall.
"Action again?" I asked with a playful pout.
"Hey, you picked the rom-com last time," Monty shot back, feigning indignation.
They settled into the movie, Monty occasionally tossing out sarcastic commentary about the protagonist's lack of muscle or the villains' questionable fashion choices. I laughed, relaxed and warm in Monty's embrace. It felt nice knowing that I get to see a side of Monty that nobody else sees behind closed doors.
At some point, the film became background noise. Monty's hand found its way to my waist, drawing lazy circles against my side. I shifted, turning to face Monty fully, my legs swinging over to straddle Monty's lap.
"Well, this is a nice surprise," Monty rumbled, his voice low and teasing.
I leaned in, my hands sliding up Monty's chest as our lips met. The kiss deepened quickly, Monty's claws grazing my back as he pulled him closer. The world outside the green room faded away, leaving only the two of us and the electric tension between us.
I gasped softly, breaking the kiss as I had felt something firm pressing against my ass through Monty's lap. Monty froze, his smirk faltering for a brief moment. Before either of us could address it, my Fazwatch buzzed insistently against my wrist.
"You've got to be kidding me," I muttered, pulling away slightly to glance at the message.
Monty sighed, leaning back against the couch. "What now?"
The message was from Scott, summoning us both to Parts and Services below. I showed it to Monty, who groaned dramatically but stood anyway, helping me to my feet.
"Guess date night's over," Monty grumbled as he opened the door.
"Rain check," I promised the handsome gator, stealing one last kiss before we headed out.
When we arrived in Parts and Services, the room was already bustling with energy. Scott stood at the center of the space, looking uncharacteristically excited, while Freddy, Gregory, Ryan, and Reagan chatted nearby. Glamrock Chica and Glamrock Bonnie were exchanging guesses about what was happening, while Roxy leaned against the wall, pretending not to be curious.
"You two finally made it!" Scott called out, clapping his hands together. "Alright, everyone, gather 'round. I've got something big to show you!"
Freddy stepped forward, his eyes bright with curiosity. "A new addition to the Pizzaplex, perhaps?"
"Not just one addition," Scott said, grinning. "Three."
He stepped aside, revealing a large curtain draped over a bulky shape. With a dramatic flourish, he pulled it away to reveal a sleek new animatronic with a swashbuckling design. I heard slight gasps from around me.
"Everyone, meet Glamrock Foxy!" Scott announced.
The animatronic stepped forward, his movements smooth and confident. His vibrant red-and-gold design gleamed under the fluorescent lights, and his hooked hand clicked against the floor as he raised it in greeting. I couldn't believe my eyes! He definitely looked the part of a glamourized pirate
"Ahoy, mates!" Glamrock Foxy said in a deep, charismatic voice. "It's a pleasure ta join the crew!"
The room erupted into applause and cheers. Freddy shook Foxy's hand, which didn't have a hook, enthusiastically, while Chica clapped her hands together in delight. Even Roxy offered a rare smile.
Scott raised his voice to speak over the commotion between us. "That's not all. We're adding two new attractions to the Pizzaplex to celebrate Foxy's arrival. First, Foxy's Log Flume ride—an exciting water adventure designed with all the thrills of the high seas."
Gregory's eyes lit up. "That sounds awesome!"
"And second," Scott continued, "The Superstar Bumper Cars, located near the West Arcade. Perfect for families and friends to blow off some steam in style."
Ryan and Reagan exchanged excited looks, already making plans to race each other.
"And finally," Scott said, a mischievous twinkle in his eye, "we're opening a bar on the first floor of the Fazcade. We're calling it The Mangled Web. It's got a sleek, edgy vibe with drinks and live performances for our older guests."
Damn. That's a lot to add to the Pizzaplex! I was surprised by all of the additions.
Monty let out an approving whistle. "Now that's my kind of upgrade."
We all spent the next hour exploring the details of Foxy's design and listening to Scott's plans for the new attractions. Excitement buzzed through the air as everyone around me shared ideas and suggestions.
As the meeting wrapped up, I couldn't help but glance at Monty, who caught my eye and smirked.
"Guess the Pizzaplex just got a lot more interesting," I said softly.
Monty chuckled, slinging an arm around my shoulders. "Yeah, but I still owe you that rain check."
Oh what am I going to do with this gator?