Chapter Text
Walking into the Pizzaplex one morning, you envisioned a standard day for yourself as the junior robotics assistant. Tinker with a few of the staff bots, ensure all machines are up and operational.
Most notably, stare longingly at the four rockstar animatronics you were strictly forbidden to tamper with. It was one of the first rules your manager had driven into your brain.
“No touching the big four. I don’t need some newbie costing the company thousands of dollars in repairs cause she considered herself a big shot. Just stick to minor maintenance issues and you’ll work out just fine.”
At the time, you hadn’t thought much of it. You were ecstatic to even have landed this job in the first place.
But as the weeks rolled by, your ambitions got the better of you and you found yourself eager for a challenge. You would look for any opportunity to catch even a glimpse of the four rockstar animatronics. You never had the chance to communicate with one, nor even be within touching distance. But as you watched from afar, you found yourself wondering just how advanced the AI was.
The main four seemed so… life like. The way they moved, spoke and even seemed to process emotion was baffling to you. Never in all your years had you encountered anything like it.
You found yourself watching the star of the show in front of his stage from across the atrium. Freddy Fazbear himself. Or was it Glamrock Freddy? You could never remember.
The 7ft bear was interacting with a group of children, following their final show for the night. He was crouched down to a knee, presumably to be somewhat eye level with the kids. The excited crowd gushed endlessly to the ever-patient bear, who would listen contently with a smile, offering kind words of encouragement. It was no wonder he was the favourite. The kids adored him to pieces, and from all accounts, Freddy adored his fans. Big and small.
Your curious eyes roved over his form, searching for even the slightest giveaway to the genius. There had to be a trick. A speaker connected to another room, possibly even remote control operation. Or somebody inside? You received the briefest run down on their operation when you first started the job, but it was all vague and clearly not actually to teach you about the animatronics. It was a courtesy, and that’s all.
As closing time neared, and the crowds of people began to dissipate, Freddy appeared to be finishing up with the last of his fans. He must have signed hundreds of autographs, and interacted with thousands of fans throughout the day. And yet there was no sign of run down. The bear just kept going, as energetic with the first as he was the last.
At some point, the drip would have to stop. After time, even the staff bots became rough and sluggish. And at that point, they were cast aside and replaced with newer versions.
Just how many Freddy Fazbears were there, you wondered.
As if he could read thoughts, the bear looked in your direction. Luminous blue eyes met yours, and you suddenly became very interested in the mop bot beside you. You fiddled absent-mindedly with the machine, checking it over for the third time that evening.
The ground seemed to tremble as a thunderous form approached you. You gulped. You hadn’t exactly been subtle in your staring, but how observant could the bear be?
A shadow cast over you from behind. A bead of sweat trickled down your forehead and a pit formed in your gut. Your manager would filet you if he spotted you even conversing with the animatronic. No less the star of the show. Slowly you turned, and looked up at the great hunkering beast before you.
“Hello Superstar. Are you in need of assistance?”
You frowned. His voice wasn’t what you’d anticipated. You had expected robotic monologue and specific pre-programmed lines. To your surprise, his deep rumble of a voice sounded eloquent and genuine.
It occurred to you that you were staring slack jawed at the bear. Composing yourself, you cleared your throat and spoke.
“No…no, I’m fine. Goodbye!” You wasted no time attempting to scurry off to the nearest exit.
However, before you could make your hasty retreat, a firm hand planted itself on your shoulder. Your legs turned to stone, and you had the sudden pressing urge to pee.
You looked over your shoulder. Freddy’s face was unreadable, but his eyes expressed a kindness you didn’t expect. And suddenly, the blue of his eyes flashed a pale yellow glow, and his face turned blank. The shining light emitted from his eyes passed over you, and you couldn’t help but tense under his scrutiny. He was scanning you. Just what would it tell him?
“You are (Y/N) (Y/L/N)? A junior robotics assistant?” he asked. You nodded, and the emotion returned to his face. He smiled, and removed his hand from your shoulder, a hand you just now noticed was fitted with several sharp claws. They flashed under the glare of the light.
“Forgive my caution, (Y/N). I saw you watching from across the room. I thought you were a guest lingering and attempting to stay past closing.”
Your frown deepened. You looked down to your clearly uniformed shirt, with the company logo stitched into the breast. Looking back to Freddy, you raised a brow. He seemed to make the connection.
“Unfortunately, this would not have been the first time guests have attempted to blend in among the staff. Though fortunately, that is not the case here,” he said.
A silence passed between you both, and when it became clear Freddy was done, you took a cautionary step backwards. “Well, I appreciate the security concerns, err… Mr Fazbear. But I’d better get back to work.”
Freddy chuckled, and it’s sincerity surprised you. “Please, (Y/N). Call me Freddy.”
You quickly nodded, and without another word you scurried off for the exit. And potentially to find a bathroom.