Chapter Text
In the Christmas market, the Pizzaplex, 10 mins later ...
Vanessa hummed as she browsed through the Christmas merchandise at one stall; calculating the cost, and what Gregory liked best.
So much stuff, so little time ... and definitely not access to endless money.
The security guard sighed, and then suddenly frowned as a familiar boy ran past her.
What?! Gregory? But I thought that he was with Cassie?
Vanessa thought, as she watched said boy stop at a nearby stall to look at the plushies there.
He was facing away from her, clutching a Fazbear plushie that she'd not seen before. A golden Freddy toy, which reminded her a bit of Cassidy's other form.
"Gregory, what are you—" the security guard began ... only for the boy to quickly whirl around and back away from her.
It was NOT Gregory.
Before Vanessa could apologise or try to calm the child, she heard an amused chuckle behind her.
The security guard saw a dark-haired young man in a 'Foxy' t-shirt coming towards her.
Something about him seemed familiar, though she'd never seen this chap before.
'Not-Gregory' obviously knew the young man, because he quickly dashed over to the latter ... and hid behind him.
The 'Foxy' chap chuckled again, and patted the little boy on the back.
"Woah, calm down there, little man. She won't hurt you", he said soothingly, and then turned back to Vanessa.
"My apologies for that, ma'am", the young man said. "Evan's my little brother, and he just gets a little ... shy around adults he doesn't know."
The security guard just nodded and smiled, while holding out her hand in greeting.
"It's okay, don't worry! It's happened to me before", Vanessa replied, with a wink. "My name's Vanessa. I work as one of the guards here."
"Pleasure", the chap stated, shaking the security guard's hand firmly. "My name's Michael by the way, but you can call me 'Mike' if you want."
Vanessa smiled at Mike. He seemed like a decent chap, and evidently a good brother.
"So ... are you here for the festivities, Mike?" she asked, giving Evan a side smile. The little boy gave her a timid one in return.
"Yeah." Mike nodded. "Well, just a casual visit, really. Me, Evan, oh ... and my little sister: Lizzie."
The young man glanced back the way he'd come as he spoke.
"She ran off to look at cosplay stuff at another stall 5 minutes ago, so we're just waiting for her to get back."
Vanessa hummed in thought, making a quick, mental note to check the time herself.
"I see. Are your parents here too?" the security guard asked, and immediately saw Mike and Evan both stiffen and flinch.
"No", Mike said in a clipped tone. "Our mother's at home, and our father ..."
The two brothers shared a secret, grim look with each other ... one that Vanessa couldn't decipher.
"We don't really talk about him anymore", the young man continued, tersely.
"To put it lightly ... our dad was an egotistical, obnoxious, abusive twit who loved machines but didn't care for us at all."
Vanessa's expression changed to one of sympathy and compassion.
"I'm so sorry, Mike." She reached out hesitantly, and patted Mike on the back. "Sorry that you and your siblings had to go through that."
The security guard then grimaced.
"I hate to say it, but I know what it's like to live with an insufferable, arrogant jerk", she confessed.
Mike raised an eyebrow at her words, smiling wryly.
"Really? He must be pretty awful then, huh?" Vanessa chuckled softly, returning the wry smile.
"Oh, you don't know the half of it!!"
———
Outside the Daycare, at the same time ...
"Afton", Cassidy's voice was quiet and suspicious. "May I ask why we are walking here?"
The two ghosts were casually strolling around the walls of the Superstar Daycare, which from a distance looked like a miniature version of 'Santa's Grotto'.
The staff had evidently gone to a lot of trouble to decorate the Daycare for the event ... even down to plastic imps placed at random points on the floor.
William was looking at the walls to his left rather pointedly, as if he could see through them. Cassidy didn't like the thoughtful smirk on his face at all!
"Well, my dear Cassidy, it's refreshing to actually walk around and see the sights", the purple-suited chap quipped, gesturing around with an arm.
"Just watching them through cameras or computer screens can get so dreary."
"I still don't know how you managed the last one", the ghost girl muttered ... grimacing at the reference.
The whole 'Glitchtrap' escapade had been extremely embarrassing and ego-shattering for Cassidy ... to William's delight.
The evil spectre turned to glance down at the girl, with a very crooked smirk.
"Ah yes, it was a good plan, wasn't it?" William drawled. "One of my finest, even if I do say so myself? But you don't see that way, do you, Cassidy?"
The ghost girl glowered at him, but said nothing and folded her arms.
"A bit hypocritical, I dare say?", the purple-suited man suggested, smirking.
"You call me a 'rash and overconfident twit' ... when in fact, you are the exact same thing, my dear!"
He laughed as Cassidy slowly got redder and redder.
"It got you killed the first time, and completely humiliated in front of the 'old crocodile' the second time!" William stated, abruptly leaning down and flicking Cassidy on the nose.
"Try not to keep it up, okay?"
The murderous ghost chuckled and picked up his pace, leaving a very disgruntled Cassidy behind.
The ghost girl quivered with rage as she raced after him, momentarily shifting to her 'Golden Freddy' form and back.
As William and Cassidy approached the Daycare's doors, they saw the latter opening for a couple with a toddler in a stroller.
William suddenly darted forward, slipped behind the couple, and into the Daycare ... ignoring Cassidy's outraged scream!
"AFTON!!! Afton, you slimy, despicable—"
———
Inside the Daycare, seconds later ...
As the doors shut behind the furious ghost girl, William felt the air tingle around him ... and groaned.
*Tingle* POP!
William mentally cursed as he fell to the floor, thrashing around with his furry paws.
Eventually, the evil ghost managed to get out of the pile of clothes, and hop some distance away.
It was then that William realised ... every nearby child was staring at him with wide eyes!
"Bunny!"
William froze, as one girl calls out, unsure of what to do. This, unfortunately, seemed to set off the others!
More and more voices joined in, as a mass of children started to rush towards the bunnified chap.
"BUNNY, BUNNY, BUNNY!!!"
William's ears flattened.
'Oh no.'
———
Back at the market, seconds later ...
Vanessa let out a huge sigh of relief as she handed money over to the latest stallholder, and took the wrapped plushie.
"Finally ... the last one", she breathed.
The security guard adjusted the small, but substantial heap of packages that she was carrying ... just to make sure that she didn't drop any of them.
Vanessa hoped that Gregory would like his extra presents (and also that he wouldn't want any more!).
A smiling Mike stood beside the security guard, with Evan on his left. The latter shyly but curiously glanced at Vanessa every few minutes.
She pretended not to notice, but inwardly smiled to herself.
Mike, as it turned out, had proved himself to be an invaluable help when it came to choosing Fazbear products.
He always knew the right quality to get; the right type, the specific styles ... it was slightly spooky actually.
When she asked how he knew so much about the Freddy Fazbear franchise, Mike had laughed and said that he knew it 'like the back of his hand'.
The security guard smiled, then sighed deeply ... her smile fading.
"I hope that Gregory will like the presents we've chosen for him", Vanessa murmured quietly, her expression turning pensive.
"You see, I only adopted him some months ago ... under unusual circumstances."
Mike turned and raised an eyebrow at the security guard at that, which she returned with a wry smile.
He'd never believe it. Who would, lol!
"We're doing okay, but sometimes ..." Vanessa sighed again, and looked down at her clothes.
"Sometimes I wonder whether I'm the right person to be a mother ... especially to Gregory."
In her mind's eye, the security guard momentarily saw the white bunny suit again ... a regular feature in her nightmares.
Then she blinked, and the terror was gone ... as Mike's comforting hand patted Vanessa on the back a few times.
"Hey, hey ... it's all right", the young man whispered reassuringly. "From what it sounds like to me, you seem like a pretty good mother!"
Mike rubbed a hand through his hair as he spoke.
"Look, Vanessa ... you've already shown that you care for your son, and that you only want the best for him", the chap stated.
"That's practically a mark of someone trying ... and trying is a lot better than not caring at all."
Mike smiled sadly.
"Take it from me, I've experienced bad parenting ... and it's nothing like what you do", he said, and then winked at the security guard.
"You're a wonderful parent, Vanessa, trust me."
The aforementioned woman smiled back at the stranger, feeling a lot better about her previous worries.
"Thanks, Mike", Vanessa said, sincerely gratefully for his words.
Vanessa's security radio suddenly crackled to life, instantly drawing the trio's attention to it.
"Security Guard Vanessa, report to the Daycare", Moon's cold, matter-of-fact voice spoke through its speaker.
"Urgent response needed. Security Guard Vanessa, do you copy?"
The aforementioned woman nearly jumped out of her skin at hearing the Moon's half-monotone, half threatening voice ... almost dropping her packages in the process.
"Copy that!" she stammered into the radio, before turning it off.
"I'm so sorry, Mike ... I have to go now", Vanessa said to the young man beside her, with a wry smile. "My job calls."
Mike gives her the same kind of smile, and rolls his eyes with a sigh.
"Don't worry, it's okay. All of them do that", the young man quipped cheekily. "I hope that you and Gregory will have a wonderful Christmas!"
"I wish that you and your siblings have a great Christmas too!" Vanessa replied. "Goodbye, Mike!"
The aforementioned woman rushed off as fast as she could, narrowly missing a red-haired little girl ... who was running towards Mike.
"Mike, Mike! I've just seen the most awesome hair clips a couple of stalls back!" the girl said, stopping in front of the young man. "Can we get them?"
She started tugging at Mike's sleeve, and giving him begging glances.
"Please ... pretty, pretty please!"
To the young man's consternation, Evan unexpectedly started doing exactly the same thing.
"All right, Lizzie ... as long as they're not clown-themed ..." Mike replied, muttering the last part under his breath.
The three siblings walked off together, their minds on toys, treats, and excitement for the other festivities that the Pizzaplex had to offer.
———
Inside the Daycare, a few minutes later ...
Vanessa burst into the Daycare, feeling on edge and anxious! She carried her torch, since the lights were off in the Daycare.
Bumping into Moon in the dark was not advisable for anyone, including the staff!
The packages for Gregory had been hastily thrown in the nearest staff locker, just outside of the Daycare.
The security guard immediately saw a bunch of children ahead of her: not sleeping, wide awake, and all surrounding a creature on the floor.
They were cooing, petting, and holding out bits of carrot to it. The creature was, of course, William ... once again in bunny form.
The furry murderer was flopped out, utterly relaxed, and leaning into the petting and stroking.
Cassidy was standing nearby, trying and failing not to laugh. Vanessa's mind went 'momentarily' blank.
Out of all of the most stupid, idiotic, reckless ...
"What? WHAT?!" the security guard finally spoke, her voice rising in volume and pitch.
"Shhhhhh ..."
Vanessa would not admit afterwards that she yelped like a little girl, as Moon silently floated down onto the desk beside her.
"This animal was found wandering around in the Daycare not long before naptime."
The Daycare Attendant gestured to the bunch of children.
"It has no chip or name tag. Do you know who the owner is? It is DISTURBING naptime!"
Judging from the iciness of Moon's tone, Vanessa knew that the Daycare Attendant was not at all happy about the disruption of his 'naptime routines'.
William raised his head, caught Vanessa's stressed gaze, and winked smugly before lowering it again.
A muscle under one of Vanessa's eyes started twitching.
"What."
———
In Vanessa's car, on the way back home, 30 mins later ...
"Seriously?!" Gregory asked, his voice choked with giggles ... as he, Cassidy, and Vanessa all cackle with laughter in the car.
"He was really chased? By ALL of those kids?!"
Cassidy grinned, her eyes sparkling with devilish delight.
"Yep!" she sing-songed.
"Helter-skelter, up into the structures and down, through the ball pit, around and around ... hahahaha, I haven't laughed that hard in ages!"
The ghost girl was nearly bent double with uncontrollable mirth as she struggled to get her breath back.
"Afton running for his life from a bunch of little kids ... AGAIN!"
This set off a fresh encore of giggling, as the target of the laughter sulked moodily in the back.
William Afton, back in human form now, regarded the other occupants with the same vehemence you'd aim at a stinging wasp.
"I might have had a bit of a STARTLE ..." the spectre said stiffly, trying to assert what was left of his dignity. "But nothing more than that."
William's expression then turned thoughtful, as his voice softened.
"I have to admit that my opinion of brats in general has changed a little, in light of this."
This caused Gregory, Vanessa, and Cassidy to all look at him with surprised and wary expressions.
"Really?" Vanessa asked, with heavy sarcasm.
"Yes, indeed", the purple-suited man said, nodding formally. "They may have other uses besides stores of remnant."
The others' expressions slowly turned to deadpan ones, as William went on.
"Children, as I've found out just now, are quite good at pampering and tending to one's every whim ... given the right motivation."
Cassidy rolled her eyes and turned away from her former victim in disgust.
"Yep", she muttered. "Purple Guy hasn't changed at all ... he's still the same snooty, pretentious, arrogant jerk as before. Just checking."
Vanessa quickly glanced back at Gregory (who was sitting next to William this time), shooting him a mischievous smile.
"Anyway, how did your time with Cassie go, Gregory?" she asked, skilfully changing the topic.
"Oh, it was awesome!" Gregory replied, grinning and gesturing to the gift bags at his feet. "We played lots of games, won a few prizes ... including this cracker!"
Gregory reached down and pulled a large cracker with the words 'Helpy's Holly Jolly Cracker' on it, out of one bag.
The young boy hummed thoughtfully. Vanessa was too busy driving to pull it. It was too difficult for Cassidy to pull it. That left ...
Gregory sighed, and turned to face the evil ghost next to him.
"Hey, old man ... would you like to pull a cracker with me?" the boy asked, holding said cracker out.
William Afton glared at Gregory, and folded his arms on purpose.
"No", he said, coldly. "Not with you, not with anyone else."
"Please ..."
The spectre made the mistake of looking back at Gregory ... and instantly got caught up in the 'sparkly eyes' begging glance that the young boy was putting on.
William sighed, grimaced, and then slowly held out a hand.
"All right, if it shuts you up for the rest of the day ..." the purple-suited man grumbled, as he took hold of the cracker and pulled!
BANG!
Said cracker exploded with the force of a small bomb, causing Vanessa's car to swerve dangerously on the road for a second.
A startled Vanessa manages to keep control of the car, as faint clouds of glitter float into the front ... from the back!
An equally bewildered Cassidy turns to look at the back ... and stares in shock at the scene before her.
William's too-calm, now-sparkly face twitches in barely-concealed anger.
The evil ghost's entire body, including his precious purple suit ... was covered in what looked like an avalanche of silver glitter!
Gregory was also covered in glitter, but much less than William ... who'd received the full brunt of it!
The startled, young boy looks down at the exploded cracker, and then saw some fine print ... just under the brand name.
'Joke Edition'.
'Oh, it's a prank cracker!" Gregory muttered, chuckling a little. "Sorry, my bad!"
Vanessa struggled to remain composed as she saw the scowling, sparkly murderer in the mirror.
Do not laugh, do not laugh, keep it together, Vanessa ...
*Tingle* POP!
That was it.
The rest of the car's occupants burst into fits of uproarious, uncontrollable laughter!
A perfect end to a perfect outing ...
Unless you're a very grumpy, glittery bunny!