The day after went by, the next morning after the morning before. Freddy seemed to be preparing more eagerly than usual, his microphone twirled between his fingers as he listened to the beat of the tune.
He knew of your behavior, your determination to take the night and day shift consecutively is not something that he can prevent, it's not something that he could convince you not to take. At least, if that's what you want, then, best he makes it less stressful than usual.
"Freddy, show starts in five minutes. They're getting us in position." Chica spoke, seeing that Freddy seemed lost in his thoughts again.
"I understand, get the rest ready in position." He replied, gripping on the microphone he held and walked forward to the circular platform, just by parts and service. The circular platform will elevate the crew up to the Main Atrium stage, just in time for performance.
It was about 3:00 P.M. almost, well, five minutes until the time comes.
Soon enough, he stood at the front-center area, with Chica on his left, Roxy on his right, and Monty just behind him. He estimated around three more minutes until the elevating platform rises, leading them to the main stage area. He could vaguely hear the youth scream his name; the names of others are heard as well.
As time goes by, the lights around the elevated platform lit up in an array of golden bulbs, the elevating platform trembled before it was lifted. The tremor of a feeling was brief before it faded to nonexistence. Only the smooth movement that elevated them from the basement area of parts and service.
Alas, bright lights almost blinded his vision, colorful arrays of lights flooded his line of sight as the cheers of the crowd grew wilder. The crowd consisting of teens and kids of all ages, adults and grown-ups alike held a smile, the glee of trying to entertain oneself was present through the upcoming performance.
Every three-hour mark is when they perform, starting from 9:00 A.M., down to the very last performance at 6:00 P.M., a four-instance routine done at a daily basis, not unless they are under maintenance which happens every one in three months. Their self-maintaining systems aids in keeping their systems in-check, letting unnecessary repairs to be self-assessed and repaired by default.
"Finally, the one you've all been waiting for. The one and only, Freddy Fazbear and the band!" The voice from the intercom rang, like a pre-recorded message that it was, the tone and style of speaking never changed since the first administration began.
The initial entrance song began, the same music for so long played. The song was programmed onto his system, even if he doesn't do anything, he can allow his systems to go autopilot in performances. But the smiles and glee of children and adults alike prevents that, the smiles they give made his servos flutter, making him more eager to perform in front of crowds such as this.
It makes him feel emotions that he never knew existed, it made him feel warm, it made him feel more human.
Lights of various warm colors were glaring from various areas, music from other attractions mixed with his music was evident, yet his voice was overpowering.
Halfway through his performance, he stopped briefly, around a two-second delay when he saw you in the crowd.
Just as you promised that night, you appeared in the crowd, your security uniform making you easy to spot from a distance, as Freddy's visual recognition is beyond fathomable. A smile could've appeared by his expression if only he could move his lips.
His systems inwardly rejected the ongoing playlist that he was supposed to perform, as he had another thing in mind to perform. His systems synced with those of Roxy, Chica and Monty, his commands being more superior than the programming which is pre-installed in their systems by default. The beating to the tune came from Monty's tail, swinging and tapping on the ground as his foot tapped along the platform.
Smooth guitar began playing as Monty followed the coded instructions given to him, Roxy's keytar taking a low and soothing turn in adverse to her usual tune, the same tune being synched with by Chica. The crowd went wild, where it was the children's turn to quietly watch, teens of the relevant age took interest.
"I had a feeling that you're holding my heart, and I know that it is true." Freddy's voice was low, soothing, just like his voice that night when he took you to the planetarium of an observatory the night before. The rest of the band went in synch with the music Freddy coded in their shared system, no questions asked, just follow, they understood.
"You wouldn't let it be broken apart, 'cause it's much too dear to you." He continued, teenagers of various age groups began crowding the front area of the stage, something they didn't usually do for obvious reasons. The children enjoyed, although they could barely decipher the song being played.
"Forever we'll be together, no one can break us apart. For our love will truly be, a wonderful smile in your heart." A brief silence followed as Roxy tapped on a few keys down her keytar.
"When the night comes, and I'm deep in your arms. How I feel so much secure." He continued, his voice sending most female customers among the crowd squealing in sheer delight.
"You wouldn't let me close my eyes, so, I can see you through and through." He sent a wink throughout the crowd, only the crowd entirely. It was like a live concert with your favorite band, the lead singer standing out like a twinkling star amongst others.
"You're a sweet tender lover, we are so much in love. I'm not afraid when you're far away, just give me a smile in your heart." Then, his eyes met yours, it was like the world stopped turning, the sheer excitement of the crowed grew deaf on their ears. Their eyes met, and there was nothing blocking the trance of a connection between you and Freddy. It was like you own the world, even if that fact was unbelievable, and considered to be a little bluff that you long heard from various personalities.
"You brighten my day, showing me my direction. You're coming to me, and giving me inspiration. How can I ask for more, from you, my dear? Maybe just a smile in your heart." his eyes though half lidded showed such expression that you couldn't fathom. What is this? Admiration? Simple attraction? Despite being a robot, his tone, the effect he's giving.
It felt so human.
You felt your chest lightly throb, like something was moving deep inside though there was nothing. Butterflies? A grave understatement, a zoo? Not even close.
Could it be possible that... you feel love?
"I'm always dreamin' of being in love, but now I know that this is true. Since you came into my life, it's true love that I had found."
Such an emotion you never felt was possible, an emotion you feel towards a robot. No matter how much you remind yourself of what you believe that Freddy came to be, your heart won't stop throbbing whenever his electric blue eyes met your (E/C) ones. It was like a trance that you couldn't break, an emotion that you never bothered to understand. Love, such a powerful emotion, could it be?
"I pray that you wouldn't leave me, whatever may come along. But if you do, I won't feel so bad, just give me a smile in your heart."
Love... could you possibly love Freddy? No, this may be just simple attraction, or admiration even, but how denial can you be? An emotion that you couldn't help but feel, an emotion that you try so hard to counter, but still could not.
"You brighten my day, showing me my direction. You're coming to me, and giving me inspiration. How can I ask for more, from you, my dear?" his gaze kept towards you, his eyes not leaving yours. His gaze was loving, his gaze had a mist around them, it was like he was still in a trance, but not a spectacle could block his vision from yours. "Maybe just a smile in your heart..." it was like a whisper, his voice was low, and you were numb from the noise produced by the crowd.
"Give me a smile in your heart..." the final part, it wasn't like as if he was singing—no, he wasn't singing. It was as if he was speaking as he normally does, his eyes still locked into yours.
You couldn't help but let the smile to appear from your amazed expression, a smile that appreciates his gesture.
And so, he smiles as well, the expression much different from the one earlier. The crowd cheered in delight, though it sounded as if that song was merely for you. It wasn't entertainment, it wasn't just for show.
It sounded so sincere.
The performance soon ended, their only time of duration to perform together lasts only around 30 minutes, wherein they are free to wander wherever they want until their next performance hour. Animatronics could be seen entering their own attractions or the attractions of others, interacting with children or doing additional tasks such as hosting birthday parties or assisting children that needed help.
You were told to continue on with your duties which includes, guarding the area in Bonnie Bowl, as teenagers are mostly making a fuss in the area. Freddy got off the stage from the short flight of stairs by the left side of the stage, his friends following him from behind.
The red velvet rope was still preventing the crowd from going rampant into approaching the animatronics, it should give them enough time for themselves before they disperse and entertain, as they are made solely for that reason.
"Really, Freddy?" Roxy questioned, crossing her arms and raising a brow in question. Their instruments along with them, which will be given to one of the stage staff for safekeeping.
"It's about time we change our genre of music every now and then. I noticed that less than half of the population in the Pizzaplex are teenage girls, therefore, I figured that they'd enjoy music such as that." He excused, although, he was well aware that his companions will most likely choose not to believe him at the moment.
"Right, let's have it that way." Monty rolled his eyes, choosing not to pry onto the obvious. All of them noticed you in the crowed, your uniform making you easy to distinguish. The only decent woman in the crowd, in adverse to the flashy chic clothing and jewelry worn by most girls that they ignore.
He wanted to meet up with you, however, you already disappeared in sight. He figured that you're probably busy scouting the area, as there are quite a few teenagers choosing to cause trouble every now and then for fun.
Perhaps, he'll come meet you tonight.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The night came, and still, not a single vision, not a voice, nor a dream could be heard of. It has been so quiet the last few days, could Glitchtrap be aware of what's been happening? Aware of the fact that you're being seen as suspicious by Freddy already? Is that why he hasn't been making his presence known these past few days?
Nonetheless, you agreed meeting with Freddy by the show stage earlier this morning. Although, you're taking both day and night shift, you went home for a few hours of a nap before returning just an hour before midnight. The instances of child disappearances are decreasing, there hasn't been a report this week. Could it be, that Vanessa's words were actually true to begin with? That the disappearances involve Freddy? Well, you've been hanging out with him almost all the time during your night shift, he wouldn't be able to get a kid even if he tried if he's constantly around you, or you'd find out.
Why did you job become more complicated than you assumed in the first place? It doesn't make any sense.
In the show stage at the Main Atrium, that's where you agreed to meet with him. You did some of your tasks before midnight came, and you headed up the elevators as the timer chimed midnight. The ride was as usual, the tune of Freddy's song now stuck in your head for all of eternity.
As the elevator doors opened, you were met with the warm ambience of the area. More or less, Freddy was the first one you laid eyes on, his frame just sitting on the show stage's platform, his legs almost dangling on the ground if only they actually reached there in the first place. His dull yet blunt claws lightly tugging on the varnished wooden guitar which he used back at the planetarium just a few nights ago. It seems, either he is provided with the instrument or he personally owned it in the first place.
"Hey..." you waved to catch his attention, he seemed to have heard you, as your voice was the only feminine sound that could be heard in the area.
"You're quite early." He commented, smiling which his eyes clearly show. He sets the guitar aside and beckoned for you to come closer, which you did.
Walking up to the stage was a slight hassle, it took you a while to dodge the staff bots and walk across the large atrium to get to the stage. Eventually, you walked up the short flight of stairs from one side of the stage and sat on the front edge, right beside Freddy, opposite to where the instrument laid.
"So, you're going to play the romantic role in the band now?" you teased, smiling as you pointed to the guitar on the other side.
"Well, as the band leader and main singer, I need to learn to adjust to the genre of the higher percentage in terms of the customer population. If not, then, not many would enjoy." The same excuse he used, although, it seems his explanation seems feasible which makes sense.
"Are you sure? I don't think you play if I'm not around." You assumed, lightening the mood with a little joke.
He looked at you for a brief moment and shook his head. "That's ridiculous. If you're not around, you wouldn't be able to know whether I play such genre or not." He replied, glancing back up front where he grabbed his guitar and did a few strums with his blunt claws. His claws were rounded almost at the very tip, which was not enough to cause damage, but enough for him to play an instrument. It was slightly different from Monty's claws, since Monty is a guitar player, it will be much easier to play with sharper claws.
"If you say so, though, why the guitar again?" you asked, still looking at the instrument in his arms. The varnished wood easily caught your attention, being the only varnished material in the entire place, the color was something you wouldn't fail to notice considering the area was in a purplish array of colors.
"I happen to be fond of playing nowadays, I take the time to learn different songs." He replied, making a strum at a C# cord.
You only looked up on the brown bear's eyes. "Oh? Don't you just program the song into your system and let the system take over?" you questioned, isn't that usually how the things go? Like the initial song, it's programmed in their system to perform, is it not?
"Technically, yes, you are correct. The thing is, I find it quite a leisure to learn things by my own accord, not by my systems which is automatic." He explained, making a series of combination of chords to play a simple tune.
You found yourself smiling. "If you learn each and every song in that way, then, it will probably take days to learn one song. I mean, I'm no expert but I heard that it's difficult." You commented, remembering your first time of touching such instrument in the past.
"I do not want to comment on your statement, lest I alter your opinions and beliefs. It's different per person, especially, the fact that I'm a robot. My sentience allows me to learn anything I want, and my systems allows me to expedite the learning process." He explained, his strumming was soothing, it reminds you of a certain animatronic back in the original location.
As a young child, you could vaguely remember how Bonnie would play the guitar, a soothing tune when they have no performances up ahead.
The tune sounds so similar, it made you feel a sense of nostalgia.
"Something on your mind?" Freddy questioned, pausing his movements before glancing back at you, concern in his electric blue eyes.
You shook your head. "Oh, nothing, just remembered something, that's all." You reasoned, it was true anyways, but you wouldn't want to explain further.
Who knows if he's familiar with the event? After all, it's not impossible that he's aware of Bonnie from the original location years ago.
You missed him, Bonnie. He was your favorite among the four animatronics in the past. Usually, the only reason why you even bothered to go a long distance just to visit the old Pizzeria was not because of the food, but because of the purple bunny animatronic.
You miss sitting by the edge of the stage, listening to him play to entertain the kids. He didn't need to sing; his tune was enough to lull children to calmness.
"If I had to live my life without you near me, the days would all be empty. The nights would seem so long." Freddy's soothing voice pulled you out of your thoughts, the strumming of the guitar released a tune of a comfortable ambience.
"With you, I see forever, oh, so clearly. I might have been in love before, but it never felt this strong." Freddy continued, not bothered by the fact that you're watching him. His fingers over the fret in various positions that you found familiar, his strumming alongside his claws plucking the strings.
"Our dreams are young and we both know; they'll take us where we want to go. Hold me now, touch me now, I don't want to live without you..." he continued, his eyes glued to the instrument he's playing, his legs dangling over the tiny space between his toes and the floor.
His gaze locked with yours, there was something in his gaze, it was alluring, it was warm. It was like a loving gaze that locked sight with yours. "Nothing's gonna change my love for you, you oughta know by now how much I love you. One thing you can be sure of, I'll never ask for more than your love." He continued, his voice was luring you in. if it weren't for the fact that he's an animatronic, you'd think he's some kind of siren.
"Nothing's gonna change my love for you, you oughta know by now how much I love you. The world may change my whole life through, but nothing's gonna change my love for you." He continued, his eyes lit up like a smile, half-lidded yet sincere.
He paused after so, noticing your gaze towards him. He had this feeling, the feeling that he couldn't really decipher. His nonexistent heart was throbbing, he suddenly had this urge to lean down and wrap you gingerly in his arms, he doesn't know why, though.
Love, it's something that was never encoded in his systems in the first place. It was something that he could see in various forms from humans that spend time in the Pizzaplex, but he himself doesn't know how it feels to have that emotion, that feeling.
It was strange, yes, he isn't knowledgeable enough to know what love truly is, and how he can project or experience love.
But whenever he looks at you, whenever his eyes meet yours, he feels... love? He doesn't know, but somehow, it's as if he's being lured by your innocent (E/C) eyes. He doesn't know if it's rightful to call it love, or if it's even love to begin with.
Only thing he knew is that he needs you in his sight, he wants you to be around him.
He wants to see you by his side, he wants you to stay by his side.