Chapter Text
Over the course of the next few days, four days to be expected. Vanessa had begun the process of taking care of everything. While the main animatronics were fine and repaired first.
The staff bots, dozens of them needed to be repaired. And Stuff in Monty Golf and Roxy Raceway did as well. So that needed to be taken care of before things could be settled with him.
After all..this is really complicated. Especially since he had to explain to Vanessa the situation.
"Y.. You're technically a child abuse victim? For fucks sake.." Vanessa was walking back-and-forth.
"Yeah..I am. What are we even supposed to do?" Gregory asked. He doesn't wanna go back, they haven't even tried to look for him after all.
"Well.. Obviously they can get sued if they're still alive. On many accounts, in fact. Gregory..I think it would be better if we do.." Vanessa placed her hand on his shoulder.
"Ness..Last I saw them I was eight..I'm almost twelve..I think? They have a small child, Ness! We can't just let him go to foster care!' Gregory may be jealous and envious of Zander. But that doesn't mean he wants him to suffer.
"Gregory..Who's to say they didn't do anything to him? I know people wanna believe someone like your mother can get help..but trust me..People like her are really good manipulators" Vanessa looked at him, sadly. He knew that they probably hurt him as well.
"I just don't wanna believe they hurt someone who at the time..was barely a few months old. They're more vile if they did.." Gregory didn't know if he should cry, be angry, or be both. He shouldn't have let his father abandon him.
"Gregory..You have every right to feel angry and sad..and I'm here to tell you that, I know people will say a lot of the times you have no right to feel that" Vanessa squeezed his arm in a comforting way, reassurance to him.
"What kind of sibling just lets this happen to their younger sibling, who had no idea what was even going on? I feel like I failed him.." Gregory whispered the last part. Tears now pooling out of his eyes.
Vanessa pulled him into a hug, he's sobbing onto her shoulder. And she's rubbing circles onto his back. Guilt is eating him right now, but Vanessa can only hope that nothing happened. And try to reassure her brother that everything will be alright.
She picks him up, holding him close. He's still sobbing hard, clinging tightly to her. She's whispering reassures and praise of braveness to him.
They're walking away now, she doesn't want him sad..and obviously they hurt him. She knows that he resents them. And She certainly does as well.
She won't forgive the people who did this to her family, her sibling.
"Gregory..Hey..I think we should tell the rest of them about this..after all..We all need to heal together as a family" Vanessa said, and Gregory grew a bit at that.
He stirred a bit, like he was uncomfortable. "Gregory?" Vanessa questioned. He turned his head, he was looking away from her face but his face was flat against her shoulder.
"I..I don't want them knowing..not yet at least" Gregory said. Vanessa frowned at him. Was he ashamed to tell them?
"I know it's selfish of me..but please Ness. Just..wait a bit longer when I'm not a mess" Gregory was gripping her clothing tightly now, and she only nodded. She'll respect his wishes.
They continued walking, she was gonna leave him with Sun for a while so he can relax and be at peace. At least..He can grow and be a teen. Vanessa was at least grateful for that.
That he can still make great memories, great school memories..none that she never had.
Of course, they didn't make that far to even get to the Daycare. When a voice spoke from her walkie-talkie.
"Vanessa.."
She placed Gregory down, holding his hand now as he was looking up at her curious. Taking hold of her talkie, pressing down on it to speak. "Freddy, What's up?" She asked. He doesn't just randomly radio her.
"Vanessa.. There's a family that entered the PizzaPlex..and We need your help, we're not sure what they're here for? They seem kinda lost.."
That was Freddy's reply. She let out a breath, Gregory squeezed her hand and she squeezed back. They were gonna be heading to the main atrium instead of the Daycare for now.
"Sorry kiddo..Looks like the Daycare is gonna have to wait a bit..I know you probably could go by yourself but.. we need to go over a plan about what's gonna happen" Vanessa stated, and Gregory smiled at her. Vanessa wishes she had a sibling growing up.
"It's okay..Ness, I don't mind waiting plus I like spending time with you. Siblings having a good relationship is important! I wanna spend a lot of time with you, My Big Sister!" He exclaimed, and Vanessa returned a small smile. She felt like she could cry to that statement.
"We're on our way to you" She replied to Freddy on the talkie. And they continued walking once again to the main atrium.
Vanessa was nervous, and she knew Gregory was nervous. After all this is the first time in a while he'll have made human contact with other people other than Vanessa.
She's nervous because it feels..odd. Strange that they seemed like they were lost and poking around to Freddy. But..Who is she to judge people?
She knows these nerves won't go away, so instead she talks with Gregory about their potential plan.
Asking him about if he wants just one on one sessions for therapy or group therapy, it would be good for him to know there are others who he can relate to..but she doesn't want him to be overwhelmed.
He agrees to one on one therapy. She can understand that..you wanna be on the journey but..you don't want other people hearing all the private thoughts you share.
After their main talk that happened a few days ago..they mostly spent their time on the second floor. It was the only floor that had a lot of quiet spots.
She realized the hard way that Gregory doesn't really react well to the color red on certain things..or grey. Red in dots, or in dark areas and grey in clothing.
She hates that she was the reason for it. It makes her nauseous, and she's glad that they'll be healing..there will be no more hurt.
They're in front of the elevator, to get to the main floor. Pressing the button to go to the main floor, they wait.
It passes by so quickly, and the elevator doors open. They both step inside and she presses the button to go to the first floor. And the doors close.
"Hey.. Gregory" She says, and he looks at her. "Yeah?" He asks, curious about what she wants.
"When I deal with this and it's over and done with..how about we all have ice cream..as one big family" She suggests, smiling. She hasn't really done anything with her biological family before so..this would be new to her.
"I'd really like that actually.." He states, he's smiling to himself. It can be a tradition to them all then.
"Great.." She can imagine a lot. How he'll grow into being such a kind and gentle person.. maybe being a smart ass though.
The elevator stops, and the doors open. Stepping out of the elevator and continuing to walk and then going down the stairs. Vanessa can see the animatronics..well mostly the Glamrocks and..Sun?
Sun doesn't leave the Daycare..not usually. It's surprising. They both made their way to them.
She taps Freddy on the shoulder, and Gregory is hiding behind her.. trying to avoid being seen.
"What's going on?" Vanessa asks. A family looking lost seems like a bunch of red flags.
"Vanessa..I do not know..They just walked in and I told them to wait for some help" Freddy stated.
"They're really fishy..I don't trust them" Monty chimed in. His glasses were hiding his glare.
"We know Darling..I'm not really sure about them either" Bonnie shared the same views as them..at least it wasn't just her.
"I know I of all people shouldn't be suspicious but please be very careful Vanessa.." Chica stated. That's really sweet of her.
"They're definitely strange.. happy but strangely happy? I can see that the mom's heart is racing" Roxy replied. Weird.. that's not normal..is it?
"I don't think we should judge but be cautious, Ness," Sun said. She nodded to him, and she placed her hand on Gregory's head.
"Stay here with them..I promise I will handle this" She said to him, and he nodded letting go of her as she walked away from him.
Sun had arms on Gregory wrapping around the boy in a hug, as he was holding onto Sun's arms. They were watching anxiously and cautiously.
She approached, where she cleared her throat. They turned their heads looking at her, a young boy with them.
"Hello! Welcome to Freddy's Mega PizzaPlex, How can I help?" She asked, she had to put on this nice little attitude. As much as she had wanted to show sadness, she couldn't.
"Ah, yes! We were um.. looking for our son. He ran away from home and we've been looking for him..and we think he's been here before so we just wanted to ask if you saw him?" The woman asked. She had her arms around her child, while the other man was holding her hand tightly.
"Did you file a missing persons report to the police?" Vanessa asked. It would be the most logical thing to do.
"Yes..we have. But before we always thought he'd come home..you know? Especially when we love him a lot" The man, who she assumes to be the Dad chimed in.
"Can I get a description of what he looks like?" Vanessa asks. She just has to do her job for now.
"Ah yes! U..Um..He's about this tall, has the hair color as me, and his eyes are darker than any of ours..and- Gregory?" The man says. And She knows they're looking past her, and she turns her head to look back.
Gregory is staring at them, complete horror running across his face. And the realization sinks in.
This is his biological family.
They're walking towards him, and Vanessa follows quickly standing in their way. Blocking them from getting closer to Gregory.
"What are you doing? That's our son!" The woman yells. She can't..She won't allow them near him.
Gregory's breath is harsh, and he can feel his vision turn blurry. He can tell Sun is trying to talk to him, but he can't do anything.
He can't speak.
He can't hear.
He can't see.
He can't speak to them.
He can't hear anything.
He can't even see anyone.
H E C A N ' T D O T H I S.
H E C A N N O T F A C E H I S F E A R S.
"Gregory?!' Sun is still holding him, but Gregory is hyperventilating. And Sun is now instead of behind him in front Gregory, holding onto his shoulders.
Chica and Bonnie by his side as well. Sun is walking through what he has learned when dealing with Panic Attacks. Breath counts, and hand counts.
Freddy also walked over to them, the clear distress and worry over his face.
Monty and Roxy had walked towards Vanessa. Who was dealing with the yelling of the mother.
"I need to get to my son! He needs me! Us, his parents" She yelled. Vanessa wanted to call her bluff. Lying to her face about her concern.
"He's like this because of you! Don't come at me saying you're concerned for him!" Vanessa yelled at her. She hates manipulation and abusers.
"We are..Just Please let us go to our son" The Dad said, much more calm than his wife.
"Over our dismantled bodies" Roxy and Monty were near her, the glares on their faces were clear. They did not want them near him.
"You can't keep us away from our son!" The woman continued to yell. Vanessa was biting hard on her lip.
"Riley..Please..I wanna see him too, but Yelling is not helping" He tried to calm her down. Riley..Huh? Vanessa still continued to be in their way.
"Lucas.. They're keeping us away from our boy! Our child..Do you get that?!" She shouted. Vanessa snapped at that.
"You have some damn nerve to say that! Cause last time I checked this is your fault and you're acting like victims?!" She's angry. This is exactly the same tactic her abuser did. She knew it..They would never change.
"Vanessa..What are you talking about? Who are these people?" Roxy asked, Monty was also curious.
She knew she was going against Gregory's wishes but it's better to say it.
"Meet Riley and Lucas..and their baby boy Zander. Gregory's Biological Family.. Who might I add? Abused and Neglected him and failed their duties as parents!" She yelled. That loud statement for them all to hear.
Their eyes were wide. And it's really clear now..They are not letting them near him. No matter how much they beg and plead.
"You can't just tell us that we can't go near him?! He needs to be with his actual family and home!" She shouted. Vanessa had her hands in tight fists, she really wants to punch this lady but she can't.
"Home?! Family!? Don't you dare even call yourself family, you are nothing of the sort! And home?! Home's should feel safe! Not like some place made of walls and sorrow!" Vanessa states. She won't allow this woman to just..act innocent. She's scum, vile, and that makes her even more enraged.
He's a kid..he loved them..and this is how they repay the person they were supposed to unconditionally love?!
"And What?! Who else does he have!? I sheltered him! I clothed him! I did so much for him! That was out of my love!" She yelled. Vanessa wants her to shut up. She made him this way..His dad made him this way..They both caused this.
Before Vanessa could say anything to that. Roxy stepped up. Vanessa looked at her.
"You are no mother..and I hope this guilt eats you away every day! You caused so much suffering to a mere child at that?! You have a lot of nerve, so much of it!" Roxy started, and Vanessa really wanted to add to it. But, she let her handle this.
"You say you're family? That he has no one else? Manipulation tactics to make your child bind to every command? Well..I am going to tell you loud and clear..As much as I want to give you severe scarring that you'll have to get multiple stitches. I am not gonna do that in front of that little kid" Roxy says, Vanessa has her hands folded. She stays silent to let Roxy finish.
"We're his family! Not you! He has many Dads who love him dearly, he has siblings who adore him dearly, A Grandpa who will give a lot of wise advice, an uncle who thinks he's amazing, and now..He has two mom's.." She's growling, and she can see the woman back away.
"You stay the hell away from my kid!" Roxy yells. Vanessa unfolds her arms, she knows abusers don't back down..they want the last word..scare.
"Oh Come on..You just tell a concerned mother that her child isn't coming home..I mean what am I supposed to say to Zander..You understand don't you? He misses his brother dearly" The woman really likes twisting the narrative huh.
"Let me say it, so it gets through your twisted head. This is Gregory's home and We are his family..That will not be changed" Vanessa is glaring at her, and the woman narrows her eyes at Vanessa.
"You really do not want to cross me, girl" The woman really wants to make Vanessa scared. She's not gonna run away, not like before. She's not gonna give up on Gregory.
He deserves to be happy. She will not allow his healing process to just be stripped away like this.
"He is coming home with us, and I won't allow anyone to say otherwise" Riley states, and Vanessa shoves her back.
'This is his home! And I won't allow anyone to dictate that for him!" Vanessa loves her family. This is her family.. Gregory's family.
Who are they to say otherwise!?
"Please..Just let us talk to him," Lucas said. Vanessa was glaring at him now.
"You of all people have a big nerve to say that..I know you're a victim..but that is no excuse for you neglecting him. For fucks sake! You listened to this narcissistic woman!? You gave that boy false hope that you'd come back for him..What kind of parent does that to a child!?" She wants to cry..she wants to break down on the spot. And she's so angry for Gregory.
Lucas grew quiet at that, and Vanessa only shook her head. A coward he is..he made a choice and he thought everything could be normal again..that woman put that idea in his head.
She really hopes that guilt festers with them..that it slowly kills them painfully. That when they try to be happy they become overridden with guilt for the happiness they stole from their oldest child.
As much as she wishes that she could release all these emotions by throwing punches..she isn't going to let a mere three year old see his mother get beaten badly.
"Leave..I'm not gonna allow you to taint our home" Vanessa states, her hand out to the direction of the front doors.
"But-"
"She said to leave! And if you ever come back and try to take my kid, I won't hesitate to take away your beauty" Roxy says, and Vanessa knows that is a promise.
"Fine..We'll leave" Riley states, and she turns her kid around, all three of them walking away from them. Until Vanessa can see that they left through the main doors.
Vanessa, Roxy, and Monty turn around and walk towards everyone else. Where Vanessa drops in front of Gregory and places her hands on his shoulders.
"I'm really sorry about that, Gregory.." She says, and Gregory gives a small smile.
"I'm also sorry..I choked and thought I'd never see them again" Gregory stated, and looked down sadly. It's not his fault..
"Gregory, don't apologize. It's not your fault, they shouldn't have come here and thought that everything would be okay..when it ever would be" Vanessa says to him, and tears start falling from his eyes. And she engulfs him in a hug.
She knows it was scary for him.. having to see the people who caused you the most suffering but you also loved at one point. It sucks..it definitely does.
"Hey..How about we go get that ice cream now?" Vanessa suggests, and Gregory does his best to dry his tears. Nodding in agreement.
"I'll go grab 'em and meet up with you guys in the main arcade, I know Foxy is there with DJ!" Chica says, smiling. And Vanessa smiled back. "Thank you, Chica" Vanessa says, and picks Gregory up to carry him there.
Chica splits from them, as they make their way to the arcade. The many complicated things with traveling through the PizzaPlex.
Continuing their walk, and the conversations between. If Vanessa didn't know better, she would've thought the Month and Roxy would bite the woman's head off..not that she would mind or care.
They made it to the Arcade and there the two were, talking and honestly having fun clearly with the conversation.
"Hi, Uncle DJ! And Hi Grandpa" Gregory waved, and the two turned their heads, smiles on them as they waved back. Vanessa set him down, and he ran towards Foxy hugging his leg. Foxy patted his head.
They walked towards, and all sat on the stage. And Chica soon joined them.
"I have the ice cream!" She exclaimed, and walked to them. Sitting on the stage as well.
She hands them all their ice cream, they're popsicles well except Vanessa and Monty..they have cones.
This is the first time actually..that..they both realize, Her and Gregory.. They're finally home. They both smile at each other.
"A toast..To making many happy memories as a family in this home" Vanessa raises her ice cream. And they do the same.
"To a huge journey of healing and being happy" Gregory says. And they click their ice creams. Vanessa pulled him into a side, as Freddy ruffled his head. They were all sitting by each other.
At least..This will always last..they won't allow it to end like before.