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Chapter Text

Maybe getting inside a nine-foot robot bear wasn't the best idea he's ever had, but he was too stubborn to take back his formally genius idea. The security guard was still looking for him and he would rather be stuck inside the furry deathtrap than be caught by her. She gave him the creeps. All he had to do was-

"Showtime already? I am experiencing a malfunction."

Great now the thing was on and talking. Rather loudly. The dumb thing was going to blow his cover.

"The recharge cycle is not complete-"

"Shh! Will you shut up?!" He hissed. He was not going to get caught like this.

"Who said that?" He asked not bothering to lower the volume at all much to his annoyance. He rolled his eyes and scoffed under his breath.

"I did. I'm down here," He muttered looking warily at the wires crisscrossing his vision. He really did not want to get crushed in here.

"Down where? I still don't see you," The robot moved slightly causing the child's breath to hitch in fear of being jostled.

"Okay, listen," He rushed out causing the robotic bear to still again. He heaved a small relieved breath and looked up again. "You were sleeping and I opened your stomach hatch and crawled inside," He explained hurriedly. God, he did not have time for this.

" Stomach hatch?  That is a space reserved for oversized birthday cakes and pinatas. It is  not  a play area!" As if he didn't already know that? He did not come to this place to play around. His thoughts were cut off when the hatch suddenly opened, causing him to fall out with an undignified squeak. He grunted as he hit the ground and scrambled to move away but was stopped once more by the bear's large hands. "There you are!" Freddy exclaimed in relief and quickly scanned his face. He shoved back just as it finished. "How odd... Your guest profile is unknown to me..." He muttered. The child looked away with a scowl. Of course, he wouldn't have a guest profile. Did he look like the type of person who could afford to get into this place for a party? "Who are you?" The animatronic asked with a tilt of his head.

"Ranboo," He answered shortly, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Ranboo... That's a rather strange name," The bot commented. The young male's scowl deepened and he glared up at the bear. 

"More original than  Freddy ," He snapped back. Freddy didn't seem affected by his remark, merely humming to himself as his eyes gazed at something Ranboo could not see.

"I will notify the main office," He said as if to comfort the boy but Ranboo only rolled his eyes again and looked around the room with thinly veiled amazement. He would never verbally admit it but this place was cool. Kind of sad that he needed to sneak in just to check it out. Though that was proving to have been more of a bad idea the longer the night went on. Freddy made a confused noise, drawing Ranboo's attention to him once more.

"Network error? I seem to be unable to connect to the main network," 

"I could've told you that," He mumbled.

"What do you mean?" Freddy asked. Ranboo peeked through the curtain covering the large display windows. This just kept getting better and better.

"It's because of her. She cut you off from the network. She's not going to let you call for help until she finds me," He explained quickly and pulled the curtains shut before turning to the bear. "I was planning on staying here for the time being but that obviously didn't work out," He grumbled bitterly and shot a withering glare at the massive robot.

"Who? Your mother?" Freddy asked and Ranboo's shoulder's hunched unknowingly at the questions. He quickly hissed a warning and waved at Freddy to quiet down.

"Shh! I hear footsteps," He darted to the window and peered through the curtain again before quickly letting it fall back in place. He looked between the bear and the window feeling panic bubble in his chest again.

"That is Venessa, the security officer. She can help," Freddy reassured moving to place a hand on his shoulder but Ranboo shoved it off and backed away from him. 

"No!" He cried before slapping a hand over his mouth and looking to the window with wide eyes. He inhaled deeply through his nose before lowering his hand. "No. I don't trust her," He whispered.

"Why not?" Freddy asked  still in the same volume as before . Ranboo fought back a groan and ran both of his hands roughly through his hair, rocking back and forth on his feet.

"One, I don't know her and I'm not dumb enough to follow some stranger, badge or no badge. And two, she's been chasing me down all night, and isn't there some other way for you to communicate with me  besides  talking so loudly?!" He hissed, pointing a finger at the loud bot. 

Freddy at least had the gall to seem apologetic and nodded before looking around the room and snatching up something from a shelf. Ranboo quirked a skeptical brow when the robot extended his hands to him.

"It's a novelty Freddy Fazwatch," He explained, causing Ranboo to snort at the name. He really shouldn't have been surprised considering the guy's face has been on nearly all surfaces he's seen so far. Ranboo shook his head but accepted the watch anyways. Just as he fastened it around his wrist it beeped. 

"What was that?" He asked, squinting at the small screen. It lit up suddenly and beeped again.

"I am sending you an encrypted message," Freddy almost sounded proud and Ranboo couldn't fight the smile that slowly stretched across his lips. Maybe this dumb robot wasn't so bad after all.

After a few heart attacks and close calls later Ranboo finally managed to get Freddy out of his room. Ranboo quickly scrambled into the stomach hatch hissing under his breath when one of the edges nicked his arm.

"Hey, you better be careful with me in here. I'm not looking to become a human pretzel anytime soon," He snapped as Freddy took off down the stairs. 

"Apologies, I will be more careful," Freddy whispered thankfully. Ranboo huffed and hugged himself as he brought his knees closer to his chest. He allowed himself to be lost in the rhythm of Freddy's steps, the movement rocking him slightly. It was nearly soothing enough to forget he was inside the stomach cavity of a singing bear. "My sensors are picking up that you are broken somehow," Freddy's voice broke the calm silence and Ranboo's heart stuttered for a moment. His eyes narrowed as the robot's words sunk in.

"I am  not  broken," He hissed, hackles raised. "I'll have you know I am a  whole boy ," He snapped and glared at the hatch door from over his knees. Who did this dumb bear think he was? 

"I will take you to the nearest first aid station," Freddy continued as if he hadn't heard Ranboo. Heat flooded Ranboo's face as he realized he misinterpreted the animatronic's words.

"I'm fine," He mumbled weakly but slid out of the hatch easily when Freddy opened it. He glared weakly up at the bot who stared down at him with a blank expression. "What are you, my therapist?" 

Freddy didn't give him a response, only nudging him behind the curtain and allowing the boy to look around the shabby first aid station. He froze at the sound of new footsteps, not daring to breathe.

"Freddy? You're supposed to be in your room!" Venessa's sharp tone called out and Ranboo covered his mouth. He peered through the curtain and watched Freddy stumble through an excuse. Ranboo pitied the bear. He hadn't meant to potentially get him in trouble. Freddy had proven to be the only one he could trust so far. Something was going on with the other machines. He didn't know what but Freddy was worried and Ranboo couldn't help but be worried too.

"Can you hear me, superstar?" Freddy's voice came from the other side of the curtain, knocking Ranboo from his thoughts. He shook his head and quickly snatched a roll of gauze before shoving the curtain and exiting the small station. He fixed Freddy with a narrowed gaze.

" See?  I told you she was after me," He huffed and walked to the robot. Freddy stared at him blankly and Ranboo sighed, lifting his arms and making grabby hands so the bear would get the hint. He flushed and looked down when Freddy chuckled and helped him in his stomach hatch once more.

"I will get you out of here, Ranboo," Freddy reassured softly as they continued forward, the boy's name coming out awkward as if he still didn't believe that could be a name. Ranboo found himself smiling again despite the annoyance the action normally brought.

"Freddy! Freddy! Freddy! Freddy!" Ranboo darted around the arcade machines. "Freddy, please!" His voice cracked embarrassingly so but he was too busy fearing for his life to care much. He nearly burst into tears as the familiar stomping neared him. The golden bear knelt quickly, his hatch opening for Ranboo to readily climb into. Freddy stood, proud and tall as Chica rounded the corner. The other animatronic stared impassively at the bear before turning around and going back the way she came.

"Are you alright, Ranboo?" Freddy asked softly. Ranboo released a breathy laugh and buried his face in his knees.

"Y-yeah, I'm fine. That was just-" He inhaled shakily and squeezed his eyes shut. "That was too close,"

"You need to be more careful," Freddy replied in the same ever-steady tone. Ranboo hated and loved the fact that he always seemed to be calm. It was grounding during the scariest of moments but annoying when it felt like he was talking to a brick wall. Ranboo gave a jerky nod even though he knew Freddy couldn't see him. "Do not worry, you will get out of here," Freddy added after a momentary silence. Ranboo hummed tiredly in reply but didn't have the strength to say more.

"This way," Ranboo dragged the large bear by the hand. Freddy easily followed with a chuckle as the child led him into the elevator. Ranboo eagerly pressed the button and rocked on the balls of his feet as the doors closed. 

The familiar cheesy tune filled the small space and Ranboo didn't bother to stop his head from bobbing lightly along to the beat. If he had to pick a favorite place in this freakshow, it would probably be the elevators. Even the maintenance one carried the cheery music and with the doors closed it felt like a very secure place to be.

Ranboo looked up at Freddy with a wide grin as an idea sparked in his mind. It was childish for sure, but he still had the excuse of being a child so he didn't think it mattered much. With little hesitation, the boy grabbed Freddy's large hands and stood in front of him. The animatronic stared at him in clear confusion and tilted his head in silent question.

"Dance with me," Ranboo ordered with a wry grin. Freddy still looked confused but allowed Ranboo to swing his arms back and forth in tune with the music. Ranboo swayed left and right and nearly lost his balance but Freddy tightened his hold gently and kept him upright. He jumped up and down lightly, mindful of the elevator still in motion. Freddy laughed softly and lifted Ranboo by his hands. The child laughed in delight as he dangled a few feet off the ground and was swung around. 

Freddy was careful with the boy in his grasp, allowing him to swing like a monkey from his arms. It wasn't anything he wasn't used to, considering he dealt with much more destructive children in his time and Ranboo had proven to be nothing like them. At least, not with him. He'd heard the child unleashing hell upon Chica several times after getting that laser gun. He liked to think that was the survival instincts talking. He watched as Ranboo laughed again and swung forward, his legs swinging over to hook on the bot's elbows. Another sound of joy rang out through the elevator as Ranboo threw his head back with a giggle. Freddy watched the child play fondly. He wished he could've met the boy under better circumstances. He wondered if Ranboo would've appreciated his performance.

The elevator gave a warning sound and Ranboo easily landed back on the ground with a breathy laugh. He looked up to Freddy with a smile full of teeth and rosy cheeks. If he was able to make any of this easier on the boy then Freddy would be happy. Whether it be protecting the child from the new horrors ahead or simply dancing with him to elevator music he didn't care.

"We can take that truck," Ranboo pointed at the nearest vehicle and rushed forward with Freddy hot on his heels. Thankfully the bot didn't question him much when he slid into the driver's seat and gestured to the passenger seat. Sitting down, Ranboo realized he couldn't quite reach the pedals. He cursed his shortness and scooted to the edge of the seat before inserting the keys into the ignition.

"Are you sure this is safe?" Freddy asked warily as Ranboo fiddled with the parking brake.

"Safer than that place," He snapped with a gesture to the pizzeria. Freddy nodded and held tightly onto the door handle as Ranboo slammed on the gas, the car peeling out of the lot with a loud squeal. Ranboo took a deep breath as he rode along the empty road and imagined he was in a large go-kart. Yup. He was in the go-kart just about to run over that jerk bot, Roxy- wait that's a billboard. "Crap!" He shrieked as the car sailed through the welcome sign at the very end of the road. The car shuddered and the boy winced as it landed roughly on the road once more.

"Haha!" He yelled triumphantly as he steadied the car again. He looked over at Freddy with a proud smile that faltered when he noticed the bear leaning to the side with lidded eyes. "Freddy?"

"Ranboo... My battery..." The bot's eyes dimmed before closing completely. Panic shot through Ranboo's heart like a fierce arrow. Tears formed in the corner of his eyes and he instinctively reached out for Freddy but stopped short when he remembered they were in a car.

"Freddy!" He called despite knowing he couldn't hear him. He cursed under his breath and glared back at the road. In a quick moment, he decided to pull over into the forest lining the right side of the road. Thanking the angles above for his luck as he maneuvered around trees and large rocks.

Getting Freddy out of the truck proved to be more work than he anticipated but he managed to lug the large bear out in the end. He headed to the back of the truck and dug around desperately before laughing wetly as he found what he needed. Ranboo sobbed weakly, taking the cables back around quickly and latching them onto Freddy's ears. He prayed for it to work. He couldn't let Freddy down. He didn't want to be alone again.

He ran back to the car and connected the wires he'd seen those old men do during the winter when their cars wouldn't start. Once satisfied, he clambered into the truck and started it up. He couldn't see much from where he was but the second he saw a small movement he shut off the engine and jumped out before darting around the vehicle. He fell to his knees with tears of joy as Freddy looked up at him with glowing eyes.  Glowing, they're glowing again. He's alive. He's ok.

"Hello, Ranboo," He greeted and the boy laughed before launching himself at the bear.

Ranboo hummed under his breath and looked at the sunset with tired eyes. He was free from that place and so was Freddy. He turned to his new companion and smiled widely when the robot returned his gaze. Sure, he was still homeless and food was scarce but with Freddy there to help he was sure he'd make it. Maybe they could build a house in the woods. It was far from the city and with the right shelter, they'd be safe from animals and the elements.

Yeah, he could make it.

Chapter Text

He's burning. 

The flames wrap around his form, trapping him within their scalding heat. He doesn't bother trying to fight against it. He's tired. So very tired. 

"Isn't it enough, Father?" He whispers into the inferno.

The flames reach higher and he watches with lidded eyes. The cries of his siblings and father ring loudly in his ears.

"Isn't it enough?" He begs softly.

Between the roaring fire and the anguished cries of the countless victims burning around him, he couldn't make out his own thoughts. His head throbs and his body continues to break but none of it compares to the pain in his heart.

He failed him. He failed them all.

"I told you I didn't want to go, Micheal! I told you it was too scary!"

"I only wanted to play with her! This is all your fault!"

The screams continue. Overlapping one another. It's overwhelming.

"Don't leave me like this, Micheal!"

"Micheal, stop, please! It's too scary! I don't wanna go!"

"You're no better than him,"

"You left me, Freddy,"

His eyes widened at the sound of the new voice.

"You left me with her. I screamed for you to help me but you never came," The voice scoffs and suddenly the fire grows silent, the flames slowing down until they're nothing but mere embers. The room went dark. He looks around with wide eyes until he finally sees it.

A small child stands in front of his mangled body. Where he expects to see brown hair, black is seen instead, curling around a bloody brow. Empty white eyes stare down at him in askance, black tears dripping from narrowed eyes.

"Where were you when I needed you?" The child spat.

"There we go!" A young voice chirped and suddenly he was awake once more. "It worked last time... So hopefully- Freddy? Can you hear me?" His eyes opened and took a moment to catalog his surroundings before moving to view the short figure standing in front of him.

Ranboo stared up at him with wide, green eyes.  Green not empty white.  Freddy met his gaze silently and watched fondly as the boy tilted his head to the side, awaiting an answer.

"Hello, Ranboo," He greeted. The child heaved a relieved sigh, falling backward with a small grunt. Freddy raised a questioning brow. "Is something the matter?" Ranboo rolled his head to the side so he could look at him from his new position on the ground.

"You took longer to recharge this time," He stated in a small voice. "I got worried," 

Freddy stared at the child, taking a moment to realize what this meant. Was he breaking down? Did he have some form of internal damage his systems were somehow unaware of? That didn't make sense. 

"I think the truck's battery is wearing down," Ranboo interrupted his thoughts and unknowingly put him at ease.

"That is not good," Freddy decided on saying. Ranboo rolled his eyes and sat up. A few pieces of dead grass and leaves stuck out from his black curls. His blue shirt was tattered and stained and was sadly, all the child had on him along with his red shoes and tan shorts. If Freddy wasn't so noticeable he'd get the boy some new clothes. It was getting colder and soon winter would be upon them.

"I'll figure something out," Ranboo muttered and looked down as he began to pick at the grass.

"I do not doubt that," Freddy added in hopes of encouraging the child. Ranboo had so much to bear already it was only fair that Freddy take some of the load when he could. The downside of Ranboo being the only human of the pair meant that he was the only one who could get supplies without drawing attention to them. Though Freddy did his best to deny the mechanical supplies Ranboo insisted on when he saw something in town, the boy was nothing if not stubborn and often came back with the occasional metal polish or even a few screwdrivers and other tools. Freddy wished he put more of the time he spent in gathering machinery into getting food and other human resources.

Ranboo's gaze soften and he smiled to himself but had yet to look up. Fredd knew by now to count that as a win. He looked around and noticed the sun was at its highest point, meaning it was roughly noon. He wondered briefly just how long Ranboo had spent the day trying to recharge him.

"Have you eaten yet?" The bear questioned softly. Ranboo hummed in reply and looked up from the grass finally. Freddy met his gaze as he waited for the boy to answer. Ranboo's eyes widened as his brain caught up with what he'd been asked of him. Ranboo laughed nervously and rubbed the back of his neck as pink dusted his pale cheeks. If Freddy had more facial mechanics he would certainly be giving the child an unamused frown. Ranboo seemed to sense the sentiment either way and ducked his head in shame.

"I was working on recharging you all morning, so it kinda slipped my mind," He mumbled with a shrug. Freddy shook his head as his voicebox rang out with an airless sigh. Ranboo's head sunk lower.

"I am not mad," Freddy reassured. "I am grateful for your assistance, however, it is also important to fulfill your own needs as well," He explained. Ranboo nodded along to his lecture but Freddy sincerely hoped it was actually sinking in. "It will be alright if I power down at some point. I will not die and I have faith you will find a way to recharge me,"

"I know you won't die, that doesn't make it any less scary," Ranboo argued and crossed his arms over his chest.

"You are more than capable to take care of yourself-"

"I shouldn't have to be!" Ranboo snapped. A tense silence befell the two and Freddy was once again at a loss of how to proceed. Communicating with Ranboo was full of trial and error. He knew enough by now that Ranboo did not mean it when he snapped like that. In a way Freddy understood. No child should have to go through what he did and continue to live through such harsh and demanding conditions.

"I am sorry," Freddy finally said. Ranboo's shoulders sagged and he looked up again with watery eyes. He shook his head and wiped his eyes harshly.

"It's not your fault," Ranboo croaked. "I should get some stuff to eat. Will you alright till I come back?" He asked, quickly changing the subject and rising to his feet. Freddy allowed him to do so.

"I will keep watch and remain on low power mode until you return," Freddy said giving a salute that made Ranboo giggle. The bear moved to stand in front of the truck they had used to escape and had been living in for the past few weeks. Ranboo rummaged around the front seats until he was able to retrieve the small pack he'd taken to using when he collected supplies.

Ranboo stood in front of Freddy with his bag securely on his back and met his electric blue eyes. The bear held his gaze, patient, as always, and waited for the boy to make the first move.

"I'll be back in an hour or so at least," He informed the bot who nodded at his words. "You guard the fort while I'm gone, ok?" Ranboo smiled wryly at the phrase he always used when heading out. Freddy chuckled and saluted playfully again.

"Yes, sir," He responded, sending Ranboo into another fit of giggles.

Once he calmed down again, Ranboo met his eyes once more. Freddy watched as so many emotions swirled within the deep emerald and continued to wait. It was best to let the boy go at his own pace. Sure, enough his patience was rewarded when Ranboo surged forward and wrapped his arms around Freddy's legs in a tight hug. The now-familiar but still strange warmth coated Freddy's circuits as he bent down to ruffle Ranboo's hair. The boy back away with a half-hearted smack to the offending paw and smiled at the bear before turning and waving over his shoulder as he disappeared within the treeline.

Freddy watched him go and waited a few moments after he fully disappeared before entering his low power mode, completely unaware of two pairs of blue eyes watching him from the nearby shrubs.

Ranboo liked to think he was responsible for his age. He knew how to manage food and money of the off chance he was lucky enough to have either one. He knew what was worth taking and what should be left behind if he was pushed to the point of stealing. Sure, having a few action figures would be nice and all but was it worth the risk? Ranboo was proud to admit that he often found himself answering that inner question with a solid no.

So he searched the usual places for food and then snuck in and out of stores for needed supplies. It was routine at this point. Familiar in a sad way. He didn't mind though. He liked it this way. He was in control of what he could or couldn't do and that was good enough.

He avoided any adults who tried to charm him with their Good Samaritan act and any aggressive-looking ones as well. Adults were a no-go. That was probably the only rule Ranboo forced himself to follow. All adults were the same. They acted like they knew everything and demanded respect even if it wasn't rightfully earned. It was, frankly, a load of bull. Ranboo could care less what some stuck-up thought of him. He didn't need adults before and most certainly didn't need them now.

His mind unwillingly went back to his earlier conversation with Freddy. He wouldn't deny that living like this was unfair. He hated the fact that he'd gotten used to it. He hated having to steal and fight for a morsel of food. He hated being so untrusting. He hated being the way he was.  He hated being the only one who survived.

Once his bag was reasonably full the young boy heaved it over his shoulder once more and made his way through the streets. It wasn't long before concrete bled into yellowed grass and orange leaves. A sharp gust of wind sent shivers down his spine but he forged onward. 

Things weren't so bad anymore. He had a suitable place for shelter, which was more than he'd ever had before. He also had a companion in the form of Freddy Fazbear himself. Freddy wasn't like any adults he'd ever come across. Ranboo didn't even know if he counted as one considering he was a robot after all. The boy was glad for him staying by his side either way. Sometimes he wasn't sure if he deserved it or not but no matter what happened so far, Freddy had yet to abandon him and that was way more than anyone had ever done for him.

Ranboo liked to repay the bear by bringing occasional gifts. He was lectured every time about how his "human needs" were more important than some unnecessary maintenance. Ranboo never fully listened during Freddy's monologues and secretly loved annoying the bear in the form of gift-giving. No matter how exasperated he was, Freddy always eventually accepted it and gave the child his thanks.

Moving around a fallen tree- courtesy of his excellent driving skill, Ranboo opened his mouth to call out his greeting but fell short when he was met with an unexpected sight.

Two boys stood in front of Freddy, admiring him with open awe in their eyes. Ranboo couldn't stop the shiver that ran up his spine at the sight of children his age. Though, not as dangerous as adults, children could be  brutal . One of the boys turned to look his way, blue eyes framed by brown bangs staring back at him in surprise. The shock slowly ebbed away and in its place, angry fear took over. Who were these kids? Were they going to get Freddy taken away? 

No. He wasn't going to let that happen. 

"Get away from him," He hissed with narrowed eyes and stalked forward. The other boy, a blonde, jumped at the sound of his voice. Blue eyes, matching those of the first boy glared back at him but he didn't back down. He did not spend an entire night facing off blood-thirsty robots to be scared of some privileged kid.

"Who the hell are you to tell us what to do?" The blonde snapped back. Ranboo wasn't having it and moved to stand in front of Freddy's legs.

"You're not taking him away. He's not going back there," Ranboo went on as if he hadn't heard the other child. The blonde's glare deepened and Ranboo stared back as if daring him to make the first move.

"Look, we're sorry for intruding," The other boy piped up, causing Ranboo to briefly glance at him before going back to glaring at the blonde. He was annoyingly an inch or two taller than him but Ranboo knew size didn't matter in a fight and if he was right about these kids being privileged, there wasn't a shadow of a doubt he could take them both on. 

"Then leave," He ordered lowly. 

"Why don't you make us?" The blonde asked in a haughty tone. Ranboo's eye twitched in annoyance. He was not one to take the first swing but this boy was proving to become the first exception.

"We were just about to," The brunette intercepted the two by stepping in front of the blonde, raising his hands in a placation gesture. The blonde looked close to arguing but one look from the shorter boy seemed to shut him up. Ranboo crossed his arms over his chest and raised a brow, signaling them to move along.

The blonde kept muttering to the other boy as he was dragged back into the forest line. Ranboo stood still for about ten minutes after they left before sinking to the ground and leaning his back against Freddy as he curled into himself. A few clicks and hums had him looking up and smiling tiredly at Freddy's curious expression. How'd the robot had not woken up during the confrontation was beyond him. Ranboo mentally noted to himself to tell Freddy about the two strange boys he'd just met. Hopefully, this would be a one-time thing and he'd never have to see them again.

Chapter Text

It had been a week and thankfully Ranboo had seen no sign of those boys. Ranboo had yet to bring it up to Freddy but he was sure the bear knew he was keeping something from him. As grateful for the other's patience it only served to make him more guilty. But if Freddy didn't feel the need to ask then Ranboo didn't feel the need to tell.

The days passed as normally as they could for a child living alone in a forest with an animatronic bear. He was still paranoid of those boys showing up again but with adults, hellbent on taking Freddy away from him.

He shook his head to rid himself of those thoughts and nearly got shoved by a woman rushing down the street. He scowled over his shoulder as she cursed at him under her breath. Ranboo rolled his eyes and continued down the street, hunching his shoulders as if that would help defend him against the cold. He really should look into a jacket. If not to keep himself warm then to get Freddy off his back about his health and wellbeing. He appreciated the sentiment but it was still weird being treated with such care and he wouldn't deny it made him uncomfortable.

Ranboo looked around the streets before ducking down an alley, he knew this path like the back of his hand. The restaurant's dumpsters held loads of good enough food considering the buffet inside was dumped regularly to make way for fresher product. Setting his bag on the ground and dragging a crate to the tall container, Ranboo eagerly began to dig through. He'd long since given up being embarrassed about digging through the garbage. Survival of the fittest was the cliche saying that came to mind.

Going through the motions and humming to himself, he managed to come out with a few containers of cold fries, some chicken strips, and some crumbling brownies. He considered this a victory and tossed his findings in a take-out box before tucking it away in his bag. He didn't need anything else so he'd luckily make it back to Freddy at what he'd like to assume to be four pm. As long as he was back before dark he wouldn't have to worry and neither would Freddy. Ranboo didn't feel like sitting through a worried monologue slash lecture if he could help it.

Just before he passed the train tracks leading to the suburban part of the city he heard a sudden shout. Now, Ranboo had his fair share of witnessing streetfights and muggings alike but all of those involved adults or teens to which Ranboo was smart and looked the other way. What was an eight-year-old supposed to do against a full-grown man? Sure, he was nine going on ten years old now but he knew when to pick his battles.

So, he was understandably confused when his heart throbbed at the shouting, and his body instinctively ran  toward  the danger. Turning sharply around a building and peering into the alley he was met with the sight of a man towering over someone smaller than him. Ranboo scowled and looked around before snatching a discarded soda can and chucking it at the stranger's head. It bounced off with a dull clang and the boy would have laughed under different circumstances. Eyes, glazed over with alcohol and god knows what else this creep was on, landed on Ranboo and narrowed dangerously. Ranboo surprisingly didn't feel afraid.

"Leave them alone or I'll call the cops," Ranboo demanded in a level tone. The man snorted and turned his whole body to face the child.

"I should be the one calling them, considering you just assaulted me," He barked back. Ranboo rolled his eyes so hard he was sure they nearly fell to the back of his skull.

"Oh, please," He scoffed. "Should've known a pansy like you would fall to a tin can of all things," Ignoring the indignant cry at his words Ranboo looked over his shoulder for any passerby. Of course, there was no guarantee anyone would help. Ranboo wasn't dumb enough to believe any of them would help some lowlife. "Listen, just do us all a favor and go bug someone else-" He was cut off by the man grabbing his hair and yanking him forward. He hadn't realized the guy has moved.

Ranboo hissed in pain and quickly kneed the guy between the legs before punching him across the face for good measure. The man fell to his knees and toppled over with a pained grunt and Ranboo shoved him away with one last kick before looking past the man. He saw victim to the drunk's rage and his eyes widened in surprise before another glare overtook his features.

"Just my luck," He grumbled staring down the same two boys he'd caught snooping around Freddy. He closed his eyes before sighing heavily. "You should get out of here before he recovers," He advised and turned away, ignoring the two sets of footsteps following him.

"Tubbo, what are you doing?!" The voice Ranboo recognized as the loud blonde's called out just as one pair of footsteps slowed to match Ranboo's pace.

"Thank you," The smaller boy said but Ranboo merely shrugged and moved faster. He did not have the time or brain capacity for this. "I mean it," The voice insisted and Ranboo sighed again.

"Sure you do. Now if you don't mind, I have places to be," Ranboo hissed and pushed past the kid when he stood in front of him as if to try and stop him.

"As if," The blonde scoffed behind Ranboo. "Aren't you homeless? Where the hell do you have to be that so important?"

"Tommy!"

"What?! We were both thinking it!"

"Yeah, but you can't just say that to someone," The shorter of the pair hissed. 

"You're right," Ranboo interrupted without turning around. "I don't have anywhere to be but that doesn't matter. What does matter is the fact that you can't take the hint and leave me the hell alone," He snapped and stepped off the sidewalk. 

"Wait! Please, I'm sorry for Tommy," The brunette pleaded as he followed him dutifully across the street. "We just want to help-"

"I don't need your pity,"

"At least let us pay you back," Damn this kid was persistent. Ranboo stopped and fully turned to the other boy.

"I don't need your help, okay?" He leaned closer and practically spat in the other's face. "I don't need it now and I certainly won't in the future,"

And with that, he pivoted on his heel and left the boy standing stunned in the street until his companion pulled him in the opposite direction. He watched as the homeless boy's form grew smaller the further away he got.

He wouldn't be able to explain the pulling sensation that led him there. He'd passed the Pizzaplex several times and has always wanted to see what all the hype was about but he knew there wasn't a chance he'd get in without being seen.

He couldn't recall ever wanting to go there that day. It had not crossed his mind. But, he here was.

It was loud, bright, and crowded. If he were in a more clear state of mind he might have felt overstimulated at one point. Kids passed him without a care in the world, dragging along guardians or parents toward whatever attraction they had set their sights on. He might've felt envious but that wasn't his priority.

The back karaoke room. Over there.

He watched a figure gesture for two kids to follow her, the children following with excited chatter. He swallowed thickly but forced himself to move faster. The kids hurried inside, the figure moving to close the door behind them.

And lock them away. Theyregonnadiedosomethingmovefastertheyregonnadie-

Red eyes pierced into his soul. He froze as if his feet were glued to the and could only stare helplessly. The figure brought a finger to their lips, the promise of death should he speak of this to anyone. He couldn't breathe.

You need to move.

He sucked in a harsh breath before spinning on his heel and running away. He didn't know where he was going and didn't care as long as it was far away from that room. 

He felt tears gather in the corner of his eyes. He failed them. He could've done something. He couldn't have stopped them. They didn't have to die. He was a coward. Nothing but a sniveling coward.

Screams burst through the heavy fog that threatened to settle over his brain, causing him to jolt in surprise. He spun around wildly looking for the source and finally took notice of the steady thrum of a bass beat. The sound was so loud he could feel his bones vibrate.

Before he knew it he was moving again. Toward the noise. He was shoved and shoulder checked by more kids than he could count but none of it registered in his mind. He moved numbly into what seemed like an even larger room, with high ceilings and even flashier lights. The music was beating against his eardrums like a mallet and the crowd's volume seemed to rise along with it.

He stopped short of joining the crowd, his mind catching up to him. Those kids. He needed to tell someone about what happened! He needed to-

Look.

A phantom hand nestled between his shoulder blades and gave him a firm push. His eyes were staring straight ahead, wide with fear and confusion.

Neon blue eyes met his gaze and for a moment he felt calm. A strong sense of reassurance overtook him. Where was this coming from? He didn't understand.

A crash. More screaming and chaos.

The rest is history.

Chapter Text

Ranboo dropped a newspaper on the floor just as Freddy's eyes lit up. The bear made a questioning noise, a staticky hum echoing as he moved to pick up the paper. A glance to his charge showed the boy was in a sour mood if his deep scowl and crossed arms were anything to go off of. 

"What is this?" The bear asked as he brought the paper closer to his face. Skimming it briefly he paused at a picture of a few familiar faces. It seemed to be an article concerning the Pizzaplex. The picture showed his friends put back together and performing as usual. Freddy did his best to ignore the sudden pang that rippled across his circuits at the sight of them and instead focused on the new face standing a bit behind Montgomery. It appeared to be a new animatronic, a hippo.

"They replaced you," Ranboo whispered from where he still stood with a stormy expression. Freddy sighed heavily, the sound uncannily human but one that Ranboo had gotten used to. He set the paper down and turned his full attention to the small boy. Ranboo refused to meet his gaze, opting to burn holes into the paper resting against the dry grass.

"It was bound to happen sooner or later," Freddy stated as if resigned to his fate. "I am not indestructible and would have broken down one day," He added.

"Of all things, it had to be a  hippo ?" Ranboo sneered and kicked the paper. "He's not even close to being as cool as you," He grumbled as his head hung low. 

If Freddy could smile he knew he would be. It was touching for Ranboo to be angry like this on his behalf. Unfamiliar but not unwelcome. He chuckled and moved to rest a hand on the child's shoulder. Ranboo peered at him shyly through his bangs with red cheeks.

"Thank you, superstar," He watched his amusement as Ranboo's face grew redder at his words. He shoved off Freddy's hand weakly and scoffed.

"It's just facts. I mean, come on," He looked the bear up and down. Freddy let him go on with amusement glittering in his eyes. "You're  literally  the face of the company! Have been for who knows how long! And they just write you off like that?!" Ranboo threw his hands in the air wildly. 

"I am glad to hear you think that," Freddy nodded along with his charge's ranting and for a moment it was easy to forget. Forget all he left behind. His friends. The children who would come to see him every chance. As much as he thought about it he knew would never change a thing. Ranboo had appeared to him from seemingly nowhere, needing help. Needing  his  help.  Needing him.  

He'd learned so much during that long night. So much was wrong with the Plex and so much had gone wrong all under his nose and not once had he noticed. Was he supposed to? Was he even supposed to be able to define what was right and what was wrong? When did he start feeling  different ?

"Do you want to go back?" 

Freddy looked back at Ranboo confused when dark brown stared up at him instead of the usual green. A blink and it was gone, steely green back in place.

"To the Pizzaplex?" Ranboo nodded, his lips pressed in a thin line and expression guarded.

"I mean, I wouldn't blame you considering I kinda stole you away from your life and all. I'd want to go back if I were you so I'd understand if you-you'd want to go back," Ranboo's voice cracked at the end of his sentence, and Freddy's non-existent heart throbbed. He grabbed the boy's trembling hands and held his gaze. The child's eyes flitted across his face, waiting, searching for any sign that Freddy held ill intentions. He hadn't looked at him like this in so long and it pained Freddy to have to witness it once more.

"Ranboo," Freddy paused, partly to make sure he had the child's full attention and also to gather his thoughts. He didn't want to say the wrong thing. Ranboo was depending on him to say the right thing, to make things better and he'd be damned if he wouldn't try. "Listen very closely, superstar," He instructed softly and Ranboo nodded weakly. 

"I miss the Pizzaplex just as anyone would their own home. It was... where I was created, born even so it is rational thinking to see it as my home. I had friends there, family even. I did what I was created to do and enjoyed it immensely. But meeting you and helping you has never once crossed my mind to have been a mistake," Ranboo's eyes grew glassy but he held Freddy's gaze. "I cannot lie, you were just like any other child in the beginning but throughout the night, you proved to be different. I became what I believe you would describe as  attached ," Freddy chuckled and shook his head. "I saw that you needed me but somewhere down the line, I believe I grew to need you just as much. As much as I would love to return to the Pizzaplex I recognize you need me more and so I shall remain here, with you," He concluded and waited patiently for it to sink in. 

Ranboo's mouth opened and closed as he struggled to formulate a response. Freddy saved him the trouble of doing so by maneuvering him gently into his lap and holding him tenderly against his chest. Ranboo leaned his forehead against the cool metal and inhaled shakily, fighting a losing battle against the urge to cry.

"You won't leave?" He croaked, voice thick with unspoken emotions. 

"That is correct," Freddy answered as if Ranboo was silly to think otherwise. And maybe he was but he didn't think the lingering doubt would leave anytime soon. Maybe he had time for it to lessen. Maybe he could get better.

"Promise?" His voice came out so small mirroring exactly how he felt at that moment. He felt so small and insignificant wrapped safely in Freddy's arms. 

"I promise,"

Ranboo sighed softly and gave another weak nod. His eyes closed and he let his body relax. 

"Where have you been?"

"Nowhere," Tommy snapped and plopped heavily on the couch. Tubbo rolled his eyes and kicked his boots off by the door before making his way to the kitchen.

"Probably out looking for that bear again," Another voice piped in with a snort. Tommy sat up quickly, fire in his eyes as he launched a throw pillow at the teen sitting on the chair across from the couch. 

"What? A bear?!" 

"He's not real, dad. It's just the boys' imaginary friend," Came a muffled response as the teen shoved the pillow off his face. 

"He's  not  imaginary!" Tommy snapped and crossed his arms over his chest, leaning back with a huff.

"Right," The older boy hummed and turned back to his book.

"He's really not," Tubbo added as he entered the room with a bag of chips in hand. He looked up at the man still standing. 

"I'm sure he's real, Tubbo," The blonde man sighed and patted the boy's head. Tubbo scowled and watched as he retreated to the kitchen with narrowed eyes.

"Which is code for "I don't believe you"," The brunette scoffed and plopped on the couch next to his brother. Brown eyes, glowing with mirth met his as their owner laughed softly.

"I'm not judging you guys for still having imaginary friends," The older brunette said with a wry grin.

"Not imaginary," The younger males said in unison but their older brother went on as if he hadn't heard them.

"I think it's cute you still do that," He added.

"I'll show you cute, you prick-" Tommy hissed and lunged at the older boy. They fell to the floor with a heavy thud and soon became a tangled mess of lanky limbs, pulling hair and scratching at every vulnerable surface. Tubbo watched with lidden eyes and stuffed a chip in his mouth. He looked up when their father came around the corner and stared in exasperation as his sons fought like deranged cats. He looked back to Tubbo, feeling his gaze, and sighed heavily before lowering himself to sit next to him.

"He really is real, you know," Tubbo insisted. The man nodded and laughed awkwardly.

"Where did you say you found him?" He asked, seemingly deciding to humor the boy.

"In the forest," Tubbo answered simply and raised the bag of chips to get the rest of the crumbs. "He was by an old truck, I think it was from that pizza place in town,"

"The Pizzaplex?" 

"Mhm," Tubbo hummed and crumbled the paper. He frowned to himself as he thought of the kid that apparently lived in that truck. He felt bad leaving him there like that but there wasn't anything he could do about it. Not when the strange kid didn't want his help. "Someone was living in the truck. A kid," Tubbo continued as he tossed the crumpled ball from hand to hand. "He got angry when we got close to the bear," He looked back up to his dad who was now sporting a worried expression. "We actually saw him in town again a few days ago,"

"The bear?" Tubbo shook his head.

"No, the kid. He helped us get away from this drunk guy. I tried talking to him but he wouldn't listen to me," Tubbo huffed and blew a piece of his hair out of his eyes.

"Did you catch his name?" Tubbo raised an eyebrow in confusion as he shook his head. His dad nodded to himself and stood up once more. Tubbo watched him go with increasing suspicion. A particularly loud screech drew his attention back to his brother's as they continued to squabble.

Chapter Text

Ranboo stared with tired eyes at Freddy's limp form. He really should be surprised they made it this long. The truck's battery was going to die sooner or later and there was nothing he could have done to prevent it with Freddy still being on his short-term battery life from his malfunction during his last performance. Ranboo had often wondered if he was the cause of that but never had the time to dwell on it for long. Now that he didn't have Freddy to distract him from his self-loathing he found himself easily spiraling. He tried his best to remember what Freddy told him before. The bear would be okay, just sleeping in a way- that he wasn't able to wake up from-

Ranboo shook his head and sighed heavily, dragging his hands down his face. Where the hell was he going to find some random working car? It was a miracle he managed to get the pizza truck this far out in the woods without killing himself and damaging Freddy further.

No, it was fine. He could work something out. Maybe hotwire a car, even if he had little to zero knowledge on doing so. He upgraded a robot by himself for crying out loud! Maybe comparing all of his problems to that night wasn't so healthy but facts were facts and he's be stupid to not try.

The boy huffed and looked around his makeshift campsite before pulling a tarp from the back of the truck and draping it over Freddy to protect him from the elements as well as prying eyes. He wouldn't be gone too long, just take the time to look around for any vulnerable vehicles and come back as soon as he got one.

Groaning to himself, Ranboo bent over with his arms covering his head and eyes shut tight. He knew he could do this, he had to do it. For Freddy. It was the least he could do after all he'd dragged him into. The animatronic bear had been nothing but supportive no matter what Ranboo had done. His cause was a noble one but stealing a whole car was vastly different than nabbing a few snacks and supplies from a display case.

His breath came out in a small cloud in front of his face and the boy shivered, recalling the now freezing temperatures. He really needed to stop putting off finding some warmer clothes. Being in only short and short sleeves was like asking for death by winter. But that wasn't important right now, Freddy was. A voice sounding suspiciously like the mentioned robot argued against that statement and Ranboo sighed again.

Freddy would be fine. As long as Ranboo found a power supply at some point, he'd be able to come back. He wasn't leaving him again. He promised.

The boy pressed the heels of his palms against his eyes and counted backward from ten. He breathed in deeply through his nose then released it through his mouth. Letting his hands fall and rising to his feet once more, Ranboo forced his thoughts to simmer down. He shook his arms out and rocked back and forth on the balls of his feet for a moment before nodding once to himself. He looked back at the lump leaning against the truck with a glint of determination in his eyes then pivoted on his heel, making his way through the woods and back to the city.

Food and clothes. Food and clothes. Food and clothes.

Ranboo repeated the words like a sacred mantra in his head to keep his mind from wandering from his current tasks. He kept his head low and moved swiftly around the bodies surrounding him. The streets were packed with everyone bustling about from store to store. Ranboo guessed the holidays may be right around the corner considering the crowds. He could care less either way. The crowds however worked in his favor, making it easy to be overlooked and giving him plenty of opportunities to snag some loose change off of a few unsuspecting people. He had about ten dollars at this point and was rather happy with that amount. 

He snuck into a department store behind a woman and made sure to stick to the edges of the insides. Green eyes surveyed the room, locating the cash register and any employees milling about. He only saw two, one manning the cash register and another that seemed to be busy with a family of three perusing the dress section a few aisles down.

Perfect. 

The child worked swiftly and silently, placing his bag on the floor and taking his shoes off. He stuck them inside and seized a pair of orange winter boots that were lined with faux fur. He was sure they were meant for girls but he didn't have time to be picky. Ranboo made quick work of tearing the tags off and shoving them on his feet before ducking into the next aisle.

A teenager was sifting through some hangers and Ranboo held his breath, hoping he wouldn't be noticed. The other looked for a few more seconds before seeming to find what they'd been searching for and leaving. Not wasting another second more, small hands latched onto a red hoodie and pulled it off the hanger. It disappeared into the backpack to join the sneakers as well as a gray sweater with dolphins lining the bottom. Ranboo gave up questioning fashion a long time ago and could care less either way. He pulled off a large purple puffer jacket and was soon rid of the tags and on him in the blink of an eye.

He peered around and saw the second employee was now helping a man just a few feet away but seemed distracted enough. A look at the cash register proved they were being swamped by customers. Ranboo tightened the straps of his bag and took a deep breath before stepping out of the aisle. Keeping his head down and eyes ahead, he moved at a natural pace as if he wasn't in the process of stealing from a store. Just before he reached the door he saw the second employee spot him and wasted no time before lunging for the glass door.

Ranboo shoved the door open and bolted down the street like the devil was hot on his heels. He heard a few shouts from behind him but didn't dare look back, darting between people and shoving past anyone who was in his way. He ducked into an alleyway and ran past dumpsters and stray cats not stopping until he was sure he was far enough and hadn't heard a single shout for a while.

With his heart in his throat and chest heaving, the child slid down the wall, trying to catch his breath. His hair clung to his sweat-slick brow but he made no move to push it away. Ranboo tilted his head back and closed his eyes for a moment and just let himself breathe. 

That had gone well, all things considered. He was surprised he'd lucked out and gotten this far. With a weak smile, he pulled his bag onto his chest and decided to take a better look at his goods. The puffer jacket was a tad small but not insufferable to wear. The hoodie and sweater made up for it being a size too large and thankfully not too large to hinder his movements. The boots went up to his calves leaving just his knees exposed to the cold air. Overall, he was pretty happy with his catch of the day, and with the extra money he had, he would be able to get something warm for himself before gathering some more food.

Ranboo got up with a small grunt. With food in mind, he carefully stepped out onto the street again, dusting himself off. The crowds were still around and he managed to grab a few more dollars worth leading him with fifteen bucks some cents when he finally stepped into the supermarket.

He wasn't sure what he'd get. He knew if Freddy were here he'd tell him to get something nutritious and filling. Ranboo never cared for what he ate normally. As long as it was edible and safe to consume he was grateful to have something fill his stomach. 

It wasn't surprising to have found himself staring helplessly at a shelf lined with packaged pastries. Dozens of different kinds, covered in a frosting of all the different colors of the rainbow. He knew to the average shopper it wasn't that impressive but to some homeless kid who has had nothing but restaurant trash for the past few months, it was heaven.

"You should get the Hos hos, they're quite good," A voice startled the boy out of his thoughts causing him to give a full-body flinch. He whirled around and made contact with a wide set of familiar blue eyes. A scowl settled deep on his face as he registered who stood in front of him.

"Sorry! I just-" Tubbo gestured frantically at the sweets in front of them, then at Ranboo. "You looked overwhelmed and I wanted to help," He explained lamely. 

"I wasn't overwhelmed," Ranboo lied with red cheeks as he turned to face the shelves again. He pointedly ignored the soft giggle that came from the boy next to him. He exhaled sharply before making the quick decision to grab the Ho hos despite denying over and over in his head that it was because of Tubbo's suggestion. He just didn't know if the other were good and he always favored chocolate.

"Um- So, how have you been?" Tubbo asked warily as Ranboo eyes the price labels of the other items surrounding them. The shorter winced at his wording of the question. "I assume you and you're friend are still in the forest?" He watched warily as the other boy froze at his words and internally cursed at himself.

Ranboo bit the inside of his cheek. Was he doing well? Being homeless should answer that question enough but he had Freddy to keep him company. To comfort him when the nightmares came or when things seem too heavy to bear. But with his makeshift guardian temporarily out of commission, how was he fairing? Today had been fine so far but anything could happen. What would he do then? If he got caught during a supply run who would return to help Freddy.

Cold dread washed over him at the thought of his friend being left in that clearing. Alone to wast away as nature overtook his frame and roots wrapped around his joints. Ranboo gritted his teeth and shoved the mental image away. He needed help he knew that. He wouldn't be able to last much longer without Freddy. There was no telling how long it'd take for him to find a new power source for the bot.

"He's not doing very well," Ranboo wasn't sure why he spoke much less said that. He couldn't bring himself to look up from where his gaze had fallen to the floor, his fists clenching at his sides.

"O-oh..." Tubbo stuttered quietly as if he hadn't been expecting the other to answer him. "Did something happen?" He braved another question.

"The battery I'd been using to charge him died so he doesn't have power right now," Why was he explaining this to some random kid? Why was he talking so easily like this? Maybe he was more tired than he thought...

He was tired of fighting alone.

"I need your help," He whispered, his eyes shut tight. It was silent for a moment and he finally gathered the courage to look up just to make sure Tubbo was still there. The brunette was staring at him with wide eyes, his mouth was open slightly in evident shock. "Please,"

Tubbo's expression softened and a small smile overtook his face. Ranboo was surprised to not feel anger towards such a look being directed his way. He didn't feel the need to accuse him of pitying him.

"What can I do to help?" Tubbo asked.

Ranboo's shoulders sagged in relief.

Chapter Text

Ranboo kept his head low and mouth shut as Tubbo dragged him along the aisles. Tubbo chatted aimlessly as if to fill the awkward silence and Ranboo was happy enough to let him talk enough for the both of them. He tried to mentally prepare himself for the inevitable meeting with the other boy's guardian. He did not want the help of an adult if he could help it but he was doing this for Freddy. He could suffer through the usual interrogation if it meant getting help for his friend.

"Are you okay with my dad knowing?" Tubbo asked, catching him by surprise. Ranboo blinked dumbly before looking up and meeting the other's gaze.

"What about him?" He raised a skeptical brow and Tubbo laughed sheepishly as he turned around to lead him once more.

"I already told him about you before but-"

"He knows about Freddy?!" He hissed angrily and yanked on Tubbo's arm to get him to stop. He pulled his hand out of the other's grasp as if he'd burned him. "You told an adult about him?!"

"He thinks he's imaginary!" Tubbo hurriedly said, holding his arms in a placating manner as if corralling a wild dog. "He didn't believe me and Tommy when we talked about him but he showed some concern when we mentioned you," Ranboo's glare deepened and Tubbo waved his waves again. "It's okay though! He's a nice person and will want to help,"

"I don't need help," Ranboo spat instinctively. "Freddy does," He corrected with warm cheeks and looked away.

"Right," Tubbo agreed, thankfully going along with the other boy. "I'm gonna help Freddy, but to do that, I need some of the grown-ups' help. You're going to have to work with me on this, okay?" The brunette stared him down, his expression open and sincere. Ranboo hoped it was sincere.

He bit his lip and popped his knuckles before flapping his hands lightly at his sides. He didn't know if he could do this. What if Tubbo was wrong? What if Ranboo was wrong about Tubbo and he'd backstab him the second he got a chance? So many things could go wrong. He should be used to taking risks like these. Hiding inside of Freddy could've easily led to premature death, but it hadn't and happened to prove to be his saving grace over and over. He could do this. For Freddy.

He sighed heavily and wrung his hands together. Tubbo waited patiently for him to answer and soon enough Ranboo nodded his consent. Tubbo's expression softened and he smiled before slowly reaching his hands out again, wordlessly asking Ranboo for permission. Ranboo nodded again and allowed himself to be dragged along once again. He stayed behind Tubbo partially as he called out to his father and brother who were at the end of the produce aisle with a full cart. Ranboo suddenly was reminded of his empty stomach and the fact that he still hadn't gotten food today. 

A man with similar features to the other boy, Tommy, if he remembered correctly, looked down at them with wide blue eyes. His blonde hair was cut short to his scalp around his ears but not very much longer towards the top and he wore a simple black winter coat with dark green boots adorning his feet. Tommy stood at his side with a bright red coat and hat matching Tubbo's green ones. The other young male instantly scowled the second he registered who was cowering behind his brother but Ranboo elected to ignore him for the time being. It would do no good to fight with the son of the man he needed help from.

"Tubbo," The man greeted and peered questioningly at the child behind him before moving his eyes back to his son. "Friend of yours?" He asked in a calm tone, the sound grating against Ranboo's ears as his nerves fought to get the better of him.

"He's the kid I told you about," Tubbo explained bluntly. Ranboo stared hard at the floor, not seeing the man flinch at his son's words and sober up immediately. Tommy, thankfully stayed silent, watching the exchange from the sidelines like a hawk. "He needs help with something and I offered to help but I can't do it by myself," Tubbo explained. Ranboo peered up through his bangs and watched as the man mulled over the kid's words carefully. He begged any deity willing to listen that he didn't ask questions and just agreed. The faster they got this done the faster he'd be out of their hair and long gone.

"We'll discuss the details of this later then, shall we?" He finally sighed out. Tubbo beamed at him and nodded excitedly. "For now we should head back home. I'm just about finished so we can head to the checkout now," He directed the kids to follow him to the cashiers, the three of them trailing along like ducks. Tubbo didn't let go of Ranboo the whole time at check out and Ranboo wasn't sure whether to consider it annoying or relieving but held on either way. 

"What's he want anyway?" Tommy asked with a weak glare as they waited for the adult of the group to finish putting the groceries in the trunk of the car. Ranboo was watching the boy's father with narrowed eyes in case he decided to pull a fast one on him. He didn't bother to give Tommy the reaction he wanted, keeping his gaze solely on the man before them. "And why is he glaring Phil down like that? What's he think the old man's gonna do, stab him?"

"He might," Ranboo fired back without looking away from the man, Phil as Tommy called him. Was it normal for children to refer to their parents by their names? To each their own he guessed.

"As if," The blonde scoffed and moved past the two and pulled on the door handle before huffing in annoyance to find it still locked. "The man's too soft for stabbing kids,"

"I'm not too soft to give you a good beating should you need it," The mentioned man snarked back as he closed the trunk. "And since you want to give so much sass, why don't you go put the cart away for me?" Tommy opened his mouth to seemingly argue but Phil beat him to it with a smile and small thanks in the form of a pat on the head. Tommy grumbled under his breath as he stomped away. Phil chuckled before looking back to Ranboo who fidgetted under his gaze. "I'm not gonna hurt you, mate," He reassured with a small laugh. "I'm Phill by the way, shouldn't be taking you anywhere without even telling my name first," He joked. Ranboo merely nodded and looked down again. Tubbo squeezed his hand and he hated how it made him feel a bit better. "Not one for jokes, huh? That's alright," He fished his keys out of his pocket before unlocking the car door and opening it. He gestured inside before walking to the driver's door and doing the same.

"We can talk more once we get back to our place. I believe a few explanations are in order," He smiled softly. Ranboo nodded curtly and waited for Tubbo to pull him towards the car.

"See? We told you the bear was real," Tommy said smugly and leaned back against the couch with a proud smirk on his face. Ranboo glared at him but his attention was pulled back to the adult in the room sighing heavily.

"So you have a stolen animatronic from the pizza place downtown that you've been powering by a stolen truck?" When he put it like that it seemed like the short version of what Ranboo had basically done but it still rubbed him the wrong way.

"I didn't steal him," He replied weakly and rubbed his arm slowly. "He came with me willingly after he helped me," He added quietly suddenly feeling very insecure. "Look, if you're not gonna help I'll just go-" 

"Woah, Woah, kid, calm down," Phil urged and held his hands out as if he expected Ranboo to pitch forward at any second. Ranboo wouldn't be surprised if he did. He was running on fumes at this point and with his lack of a cohesive sleep schedule, he was pretty low on energy as it was. "I never said I wasn't going to help, this is just a lot to take in all at once,"

"Well, try living it then," He grumbled and crossed his arms. A low whistle followed his retort from the other couch in the room. He glared at the other two kids he'd been introduced to when he came in.

"I'm still reeling at the fact the bear is real," Wilbur, the second brunette commented as a clear jab to his younger brothers. Tommy nearly rose to the bait but was stopped when their father raised his hand to stop him. He stared at Ranboo with an expression that Ranboo couldn't put a name to.

"We'll help you," Ranboo perked up in surprise before raising a brow.

"But?" He asked and the man nodded as if agreeing with Ranboo's assumption there was more to this now.

"You have to agree to stay here for the time being afterward," Ranboo opened his mouth, hackles raised but was cut off before he could begin speaking. "It's too cold for you to go back to wherever you've been staying and even with all your layers you can still catch your death out there," He pointed out bluntly and Ranboo flinched. He gritted his teeth as he realized the man was right. It was only a matter of time before it snowed and then he'd really be out of luck then. "I know you don't trust anyone here but please believe me when I say it's in our best interest to help you," Ranboo looked down at his lap and gripped and pulled at the hem of his shirt as he agonized over the words being spoken to him.

"You won't take Freddy away?" He whispered. 

"No, we won't," Tubbo spoke up this time. His father made an aborted noise but when Ranboo looked up at him quickly with wide, fear-filled eyes he fell short. 

"Please don't take him away, he promised to stay with me and I promised him I'd take care of him. Please, I'll do anything you want just don't take him away, he's the only one I have. They'll scrap him if he goes back, she said so," He choked out, pulling at his shirt more harshly now. He couldn't be alone again. He didn't want to be alone again. He stared Phill down with glassy eyes.

"We won't call anyone to take him back," Phil finally said. "Techno has been into robotics lately so maybe he can help look over your friend to make sure he works properly and all," He suggested and looked to his older son pleadingly. Ranboo followed his gaze and stared at the teen. The pink-haired male looked between the two nervously before caving and giving a wordless nod. Ranboo deflated with relief and wiped at his eyes hastily, feeling embarrassed by his whining.

"Okay," He relented, squeezing his eyes shut. He was beyond scared of what would happen now but he had to be brave. He could do this.

When Freddy awoke he didn't know where he expected to find himself. He had tried his very best to hold out for as long as he could but his battery eventually shut down. It was only a matter of time. He just hoped that Ranboo would forgive him for leaving him alone for a while. He had promised the boy he'd stay by his side but that proved to be difficult when he was still in low power mode and without a fixed power supply.

His eyes lit up before opening and scanning around the room he appeared to have nee transferred to. He wondered how Ranboo had managed to get him inside, considering the boy was rather small for his age. Freddy knew that had to do with his living conditions and often found himself wishing he could help the boy in that regard. A look around proved he was in some kind of garage and hooked up to the battery of a well-loved black station wagon. He turned his gaze downward and was met with a teary smile of his superstar. 

"You're awake again," He whispered and took a shaky breath.

"I am," Freddy confirmed, and a small scan of his internal readings proved he was still in stable condition. He gave a small once over of the child and was relieved to see him in good health as well. "I apologize for leaving you unattended for however long I was out of commission," He told the boy in a somber tone. "I do hope you took care of yourself during that time," He added and Ranboo nodded with a wet laugh as he moved forward to wrap his arms around Freddy's torso. Freddy indulged the boy's affection and held him close. "Where are we? I do not recall a place like this," Ranboo back up and his nervous energy returned. Freddy waited patiently for the boy to answer him.

"I had to ask someone for help," He uttered and Freddy's jaw fell slack for a moment before he hastily composed himself.

"Oh, Ranboo," He crooned gently and pulled the boy into his arms once more. "I know that must have been very difficult for you. It was no doubt challenging to reach out like that," Ranboo's head bobbed as he nodded in agreement to the bear's words. "I am proud of you, superstar,"

"Really?"

"Of course," He urged. Ranboo nodded again and let himself finally relax and fidgetted in Freddy's arms before finally getting comfortable. He stared up at the bear with lidded eyes and a small smile on his face. Freddy ran his claws gently through his messy hair, guiding the child into slumber. He was surely exhausted after all that and Freddy would gladly watch over his charge as he rested. With his soft touches and soothing whirs and clicks, Ranboo allowed himself to drift. He had not slept a wink in that house yet. It was all too new and scary for him. He didn't trust a single one of those people not to bring harm to him while he slept, plus he had to worry about Freddy charging properly.

Freddy looked up when the door leading into the garage opened, revealing another child a few years older than Ranboo. Freddy stared at him as the child stared back with blank eyes that soon fell to Ranboo's sleeping form.

"He wouldn't sleep until he knew you were okay," He stated from his spot in the doorway. Freddy noted how he didn't move into the room. "Insisted on watching over you so he'd be there when you woke up,"

"I see," Freddy hummed and looked down to the boy in his arms again. "Thank you for your help," He offered as he looked up once more. The teen nodded stiffly.

"I should get him a blanket, it's cold in here," He turned around before Freddy could even think to agree, appearing not a moment later when a heavy brown blanket. He walked up to the robot slowly as if expecting him to attack.

"Do not worry, I am not programmed to harm anyone," He reassured. The child snorted under his breath before throwing the blanket over Ranboo and tucking him in with practiced movements. He back up again once he was satisfied with his work.

"May I have your name?" He asked gently and the child snapped his gaze to the robot. Freddy took note of his striking pink hair and how it clashed with his baby blue eyes. Freddy thought maybe Chica or Roxy would appreciate such a style choice.

"Techno," He mumbled and the bear nodded.

"Thank you again, Techno. I am truly grateful," The boy seemed to be a bit flustered but quickly schooled his expression once more and nodded again.

"No problem," He said over his shoulder as he ducked out of the room. Freddy watched him leave with curious eyes before returning his attention to the child in his arms. He shifted himself into a more secure position before deeming himself safe enough to fall into low power mode.

Chapter Text

Ranboo groaned as he was ripped from his blissful slumber by voices flittering in and out. He blearily looked up from where he laid and took note of the fact that he was still in Freddy's arms, the bear still hooked up but most likely charged fully. He sighed heavily before shifting to sit up. The voices around him fell quiet, catching his attention.

"Good morning, Ranboo," Freddy chirped. Ranboo nodded slowly as he took in the sight of Tommy and Tubbo seated a few feet away from Freddy on the garage floor.

"Were you watching me sleep?" He grunted with a weak glare. Tommy bristled defensively while Tubbo only laughed behind a hand.

"No, we're not some creeps," The blonde argued.

"Could've fooled me," Ranboo snorted and looked back to Freddy, the bear meeting his gaze. "How are you holding up?" He asked looking at the clamps still on Freddy's ears. Freddy's eyes brightened as he did an internal scan.

"Perfectly functional and fully charged," Freddy confirmed, smiling with his eyes. Ranboo found it easy to smile back and reached up to pull the clamps off. Behind him, someone finally turned off the car they'd hooked the bear up to, leaving the garage in an awkward silence without the sound of the engine. Ranboo settled back with a small huff, he didn't feel like leaving Freddy's grasp just yet, and luckily animatronic bear didn't seem to mind.

"How long was I asleep?" Ranboo yawned and stretched his arms over his head. 

"Not for very long," Tubbo piped up and the other boy was suddenly reminded of the presence of the two. He looked at the other two with narrowed eyes. "Phil didn't want to turn the car off without knowing for sure it was okay so he told us to wait until you woke up again," Tubbo went on to explain, either ignoring the distrusting expression Ranboo was sending him or completely ignorant.

"Well, I'm awake now. You can leave," He mumbled as he looked away.

"Ranboo, that's no way to treat the ones who helped us," Freddy scolded the boy, causing his cheeks to darken.

"Yeah, we saved you. You should show us some respect," Tommy added in a smug tone. Ranboo shot a glare in his direction.

"Oh, shove it," He spat as the blonde cackled at his flustered expression. Tubbo snicked behind his hand, failing to hide his amusement, and wasn't spared from Ranboo's scalding gaze.

"So, how does Freddy work?" Tubbo eventually asked. Ranboo stared at him in confusion before raising his eyes to meet Freddy's.

"I dunno, I didn't build him," He shrugged and leaned back against the bear's chest. Ranboo reveled in the steady weight Freddy provided.

"What does he do?" Tommy questioned as well. Ranboo rolled his eyes and stared at the boys, unimpressed. Seriously, out of the three of them, who knew that the homeless kid was the only one to have gone to the Pizzaplex.

"I am programmed to entertain children. I can perform several songs as well as play many games," Freddy readily explained.

"I can hide in his stomach," Ranboo added. The other two boys' eyes widened at that and they seemed much more excited about that factor alone than any of what Freddy had said.

"What?!" They cried at the same time. Ranboo laughed at their shocked expressions.

"That's how he found me," Ranboo explained with a small smile. He looked up at Freddy who was shaking his head in fond exasperation that made Ranboo's smile widen.

"You had me frightened that night," Freddy told him and Ranboo laughed again. Freddy took notice of the other boys and thought maybe they'd like to hear a story, he glanced at Ranboo who still stared at him with a smile. It couldn't hurt. Freddy lowered Ranboo to sit on his knee and gestured for the other children to come closer. Tommy and Tubbo quickly scooted over and Ranboo only gave them a small glance before settling his attention back to the robot. "I had woken up after a malfunction during a show and suddenly heard a voice," Freddy began to explain. Tommy and Tubbo leaned forward with great interest and Ranboo leaned his head against Freddy's arm.

"Dad, someone's at the door!" 

Phil perked up at the sound of his son's voice and quickly moved from the kitchen to the front room. He opened the door and sighed heavily at the sight of the police officer outside.

"That was fast," He remarked as he regarded the man before him. He wore the same police officer cap over his short, dark hair. His face was scruffy with some facial hair but not quite a fully-fledged beard yet. He looked at Phil with kind, brown eyes.

"With all the disappearances lately, we can't be too careful," The man sighed out and gestured towards the house behind Phil. "If you don't mind," He prompted. Phil hesitated for a moment before allowing the man to enter.

"I don't think he's going to be happy knowing I've called police," The blonde warned as he guided the officer to the living room. Techno and Wilbur stood up as they entered the room, making eye contact with Phil before leaving for the garage. 

"You say he's been homeless for a while now?" The cop asked as he watched the boys leave. He looked back to Phil with worried eyes that the other man didn't think he'd see in an officer. He nodded to the man's question.

"He barely trusted me enough to help so I have a bad feeling he might react badly," He explained as he gestured for the officer to sit.

"I'll only ask a few questions for now. My main job right now is to access if he'd one of the missing children but if needed I can get you set up with a social worker," Phil hummed as he thought about the offer.

"Thank you," The policeman nodded in response. "I'll try and get him to come talk, but I don't promise anything," He warned one more time as he retreated further into the house. Phil held his breath as he approached the garage door.

"You called the police?!" He heard Ranboo's voice cry out. His voice was laced with fear masked by anger as he screamed. Phil didn't blame the poor kid. He didn't trust anyone of authority and the man didn't doubt it was for good reason. "You said you wouldn't call anyone!"

"Ranboo, calm down," Phil assumed that voice belonged to the robot the boy insisted they help. "I am sure they only wish to help,"

Opening the door did not help with the chaos at all. The boy-Ranboo, whirled around to meet his gaze. He glared hard at Phil but the man could easily see the raw fear in his eyes. He pressed himself against the bear robot, looking much like a cornered animal. The sight made Phil's heart clench with sympathy. His boys stood off to the side, seemingly waiting for him to do something about this.

"Mate, I need you to listen to me," He said slowly. Ranboo flinched at the sound of his voice and his glare somehow deepened.

"You lied! You lied to me!" He cried, tear pricking at the corners of his eyes. His breath hitched and he bit his lip hard. His hands fumbled behind him, feeling around for Freddy's hatch. He ignored the comforting touch of Freddy's hands on his shoulders, not taking his eyes off the man in the doorway. "You said you wouldn't call anyone! You said you wouldn't take him away!" He shook his head rapidly.

"Ranboo, you need to breathe," Freddy reminded gently, trying to coax the boy out of his panic. Ranboo tried to, he really tried to.

"I can't-" He croaked his hands flying to his hair and pulling harshly. His throat tightened and it felt like his chest was caving in. "Freddy-!" He gasped, scratching desperately at his stomach hatch. The bear wasted no time opening his hatch, allowing the boy to climb inside. 

Phil could only watch, helpless, as the robot hid the child away in his torso. He could still hear the boy gasping for air and sobbing in the small space. The animatronic was holding himself in a self hug position as if to further hold the child close. He looked at the floor blankly, whispering to the child. Phil ran a hand through his hair and sighed shakily, glancing at his children who were still staring at the bear with wide eyes.

Ranboo didn't know how long it took before he could breathe normally again. He didn't bother speaking once he could, content to stay curled up inside Freddy.

"Ranboo?" He heard Freddy call for him, barely able to hum a weak reply. "Are you feeling better now?" Ranboo took a moment to think. Was he alright now?

"They lied," He said instead. 

"I am sure there is a misunderstanding," Freddy replied calmly. If Ranboo wasn't already exhausted he may have gotten mad at his guardian for taking their side. He was too tired for much of anything lately. When would he be able to rest? "Would you give them a chance to explain?" Freddy tried again.

"If they're lying you'll try to stay with me?" 

"Of course, superstar,"

"Okay,"

Chapter Text

Phil had expected Ranboo to panic, yell and fight back even. But that didn't make facing him any easier. He didn't question why he was so attached to the robot he'd brought with him nor did he question it when he hid away in the torso of the robot. He'd betrayed the kid's trust but it was necessary. They needed to be sure whether or not he had a family looking for him or if he was homeless on account of escaping a dangerous environment.

He had explained to the officer that Ranboo was not ready for questions. Luckily the man was patient enough to wait a bit longer just in case Ranboo changed his mind. Phil wasn't holding his breath though. He knew the chances of Ranboo coming forward were next to none. So he was rightfully surprised when the garage door opened slowly fifteen minutes later.

Both men perked up, neither daring to move as a small figure peeked around the wall. Narrowed green eyes glared at them, a small hand clutching onto the doorway as if it was the boy's lifeline. Phil racked his brain for something to say to the child. Words of encouragement? Praise? Ranboo was very different than his boys and he had no how to work with the boy.

"Hey there, little guy," Phil's shoulders sagged in relief as the policeman took the lead. Ranboo flinched at the acknowledgment but neither man called attention to it. Phil eyed the two warily, hoping to avoid another meltdown if he was able to. "No one is here to take you away. I just need to ask you a few questions, is that okay?" The other man spoke gently. Ranboo shot Phil a mean glare before moving on to the officer.

"You won't take Freddy away?" Ranboo all but demanded. Phil looked to the officer, about to explain just who Freddy was but was cut off by the man nodding in agreement with the child.

"That's not what I'm here for," He explained. Ranboo raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. "Only here for a few questions," He reaffirmed and held his hands in a placating manner. Ranboo glared for another long moment before slowly coming out from the hallway and standing a few feet away from the couch. No one pushed him to take a seat, grateful they had managed to get him this close. The officer took a moment to take in the full sight of the boy, causing him to shuffle nervously at the feeling of eyes on him. Clearing his throat, the man leaned back and folded his hands in front of him. Ranboo stared at his hands then moved his eyes to stare him down once more.

Phil found Ranboo's gaze to be rather nerve-racking to witness. Despite the obvious fear in his eyes, there was thinly veiled anger and something haunting swirling behind it all. He looked as if he had survived a war and that alone was worrying to think about.

"We'll start with something easy, okay?" The officer offered. Ranboo nodded curtly in response. "What's your name and age?" He watched as the kid seemed to debate answering before lowering his eyes to the floor.

"Ranboo. 'M ten years old," He muttered, shuffling his feet and twisting the hem of his shirt nervously. "What's  your  name?" He asked as if to prove he wasn't as scared as he looked. The man took it in stride, smiling kindly.

"You can call me, Sneeg," He replied with no hesitation. "It's what everyone at the station calls me," He explained when Ranboo shot a confused look at him. "Do you have anyone looking after you? Any parents or guardians?" His smile faltered when Ranboo shook his head in answer. Sneeg coughed awkwardly into his hands before nodding. "How long have you been on your own?"

"A while," Ranboo answered as his nervous energy faded, replaced by annoyance. A small scowl overtook his face as he crossed his arms over his chest defensively. "I'm not sure how long exactly," He explained when Sneeg gave him an exasperated look.

"Has anyone approached you or tried to take you somewhere?"

"Is this about those kids disappearing?" Ranboo asked suddenly catching both men off guard. Sneeg recovered quickly, leaning forward with a curious glint in his eyes.

"A bit, yes," He answered. Ranboo's eyes widened and he flapped his hands. "Do you know something about them?"

"The Pizzaplex," Ranboo blurted and Sneeg was stunned at the boy's sudden enthusiasm.

"The Pizzaplex?" Sneeg asked slowly, casting a glance at Phil who looked to be just as confused as him. Ranboo nodded fervently.

"Something is going on inside. I snuck inside for the night one time and got chased down by some creepy lady in a rabbit costume," Ranboo explained readily, unaware of the horror leaking into the men's faces. "Freddy was the only one who could help me since something was wrong with the others and they kept trying to kill me. We barely managed to make it out," Ranboo stared at the officer with wide eyes. The boy seemed prideful of his accomplishment of cheating death but Sneeg could only stare in shock at the child before him.

"Some lady tried killing you?" He asked dumbly. Ranboo nodded again. Sneeg sighed heavily and rubbed his eyes. "I'll have to look into what we've got on the company when I get back to the station," He wasn't sure who he was speaking to at this point.

"Am I done now?" Ranboo asked, glancing between the men. Phil looked back to Sneeg who nodded. The boy turned on his heel before they could change their mind, making his way to the garage once again.

"The Pizzaplex?" Phil asked quietly, breaking the silence. Sneeg sighed again as he stood up from the couch and cracked his back.

"That company has a rather shady background and a reputation for cutting corners. Years back they were the main center of several missing children's reports but no one ever found them or concrete evidence involving the company. Though that was around thirty or so years back," He explained. This was turning out to be much more than he expected. "The kid might not like it but he's our only witness, for now, so I'll most likely be back if I find anything," He informed the man as he made his way to the front door.

"What do I do until then?" The blonde asked carefully as he showed the man out. Sneeg looked over his shoulder and down the hall where the boy had disappeared.

"Keep him here, for now, take care of him. I'll do my best to take care of everything and look him up in the records," Sneeg sighed before walking out the door.

Phil watched him go before closing the door. He stood at the front of the house for a moment, staring at the door with vacant eyes. He ran his hands down his face, stifling a groan. He was not expecting to have gotten involved with something like this.

Chapter Text

When Ranboo scurried back into the garage Freddy welcomed him with kind words dripping with pride and love. Ranboo easily relaxed once back close to the bear and was highly grateful that no one else thought to follow him. He didn't have the energy to explain his meltdown to anyone and was glad Freddy never pushed him during those moments.

Ranboo sat in Freddy's lap, fiddling with the robot's large hands as he let his thoughts wander back to his conversation with the policeman. He didn't know if he could trust the man just yet and wasn't entirely sure why he told him about the Pizzaplex. Ranboo had wanted to continue searching the Plex but that idea was quickly shut down when it became obvious he might not survive if he had stayed any longer. It was a miracle that he managed to take Freddy along with him.

"I told him about Vanny," Ranboo whispered, staring ahead blankly.

"Did they believe you?" Freddy asked softly, his voicebox rumbling against Ranboo's back much like a human's would. Ranboo thought for a moment.  Did  they believe him? He didn't put it past adults to overlook some homeless kid's claims of a serial killer. Adults did that a lot.

"I'm not sure," Ranboo admitted after a moment. He sighed and let his head fall back against Freddy's chest. "It's not like they'll actually do anything about it,"

"We cannot be certain of that. They may want to help," Freddy offered but Ranboo scoffed, closing his eyes and sighing deeply. Much too deeply for a ten-year-old in Freddy's opinion.

"And then what?" Ranboo asked. "They help us stop Vanny and then take you back to the mall? They'll probably ship me off to some orphanage or something," The child grumbled. He squeezed Freddy's thumb tightly. "And then I'll never see you again," Ranboo closed his eyes tighter to push back the heat welling behind his eyelids. He cried enough for the day and was not looking to add another breakdown to the count. "I know they promised not to take you away but what if they're lying?"

"Perhaps they are not?" Freddy proposed but Ranboo shook his head.

"Everyone lies,"

"Not everyone, surely," Freddy's voice was quiet as if he was struggling to argue with the child in his arms. Ranboo's heart clenched and he opened his eyes to meet Freddy's gaze.

"Well, you haven't lied to me yet, right?" He asked with a tilt of his head. He wanted to believe that Freddy wouldn't lie to him but the worry wouldn't ever disappear fully. The animatronic certainly helped push it aside these past few months.

"Of course not, superstar," Freddy answered without hesitating. Warmth bloomed in Ranboo's chest and he smiled slightly. 

"Well, maybe there's still hope," The boy shrugged and let his eyes close again.

Sneeg sighed heavily, running a hand down his face as his lidded eyes scanned the copious amount of files surrounding him. The amount of stuff the police had on Fazbear Entertainment was ridiculous. He couldn't even count on both hands anymore just how many lawsuits he'd found against the company. Granted, some of it was rather absurd but he'd given up trying to understand it all three hours before.

Lawsuits aside, some of it was interesting. There were several accounts concerning the previous establishments catching fire because of faulty wiring or gas leaks. Those weren't the ones that caught his attention though. The strangest ones were the reports involving the missing children. They had torn apart the restaurant to find them or their bodies but came up empty. Months later there were complaints about the animatronics smelling foul and maybe it was unclear back then but it didn't take Sneeg very long to put the pieces together.

Those children had been killed and stuffed inside the robotic animals and their murderer got away with it. The familiar disgust burned the man's stomach. While it was his least favorite part of his job he wouldn't deny that this was the main reason he joined the police force. Granted, he'd long since grown out of his naive phase of wanting to be a hero. He knew by now that not every criminal gets caught. Not every story has a happy ending. It never stopped him from trying but it was very discouraging sometimes. Even if his hunch was correct and these kids were dead just like the ones from so many years ago the least he could do was bring their families closure. 

The tired man flipped through another file and skimmed over it. He didn't know what he was looking for yet but he knew there had to be something. Maybe this person was a copycat? There was still the chance of it being the same person from earlier cases? Wait- Sneeg dug through the files vigorously before pulling out another folder with a triumphant cry.

The main suspects for the original missing children case were the employees and the owners. A quick peek at the list showed that most of them were cleared, all but one. Sneeg hummed questioningly as he read over the name.

William Afton.

"Hey, you heading out yet?" A voice tore the man from his musings, causing him to jolt and whirl around in his chair. He laughed breathlessly as he gathered himself.

"I'm gonna be here for a bit longer, you can go on ahead," He waved the other off, turning back to the papers. His co-worker bid him farewell before leaving. Sneeg rubbed his eyes and took a deep breath before diving back into the papers.

William Afton seemed to have made it past questioning but was still a prime suspect. Without any concrete evidence, no arrest was able to be made and William was let go along with the others but was kept under watch until the case was declared a cold one. 

If Sneeg's math was correct then maybe William was still alive. Sifting through the report once more proved him wrong. Apparently, William went missing several years after the initial investigation and was declared dead.

"This is going nowhere..." Sneeg sighed, rubbing his eyes tiredly. He sighed again before forcing himself to sit up once more. He couldn't give up now. There was something more to this. He wasn't sure what it was but something was pushing him to keep going. A gut feeling, insisting he needed to keep searching as if he was close to a breakthrough.

He picked up the file that had William's name bolding printed on the top and opened it. It had basic information. Age, height, weight, etcetera. He skipped to the next page and noted the pictures clipped to the bottom. After William's disappearance, his house was searched. The police came out with quite the load of questionable items.

Evidence was compiled but deemed irrelevant to the missing children.

"Evidence?" Sneeg muttered with narrowed eyes.

A locked crate was discovered in the basement of the house. Investigators believed there to be a child inside but upon further inspection, it was not human but an advanced animatronic. We didn't take the risk of powering it on and sealed it back up along with the rest of the evidence.

Sneeg abruptly stood up, shoving his chair back before racing out of the room. Several other people watch him go past with bewildered looks but none questioned him. After tearing through the building like the devil was on his tail, Sneeg stood in front of the evidence office. An officer was standing on the other side of the glass and eyed him as he approached.

"I need access to William Afton's belongings," Sneeg panted. The man raised an eyebrow at his haggard appearance.

"What case is this for?" The man asked slowly.

"The missing children," He stated. The man stared at him for another moment longer before nodding slowly and opening the door. Sneeg thanked him briefly before darting inside. He scanned the shelves with an almost mani energy about him. He couldn't explain his energy towards this investigation. It was as if something continued to push him along by a string, reeling him towards the answers.

About fifteen minutes later and just when he was about to give up he finally spotted what the file had mentioned. The crate was dark green and covered with black leather straps along its surface, two golden clasps held it shut. A tag was pinned to the top, labeling it with a number and case name as well as several other bags surrounding it. Sneeg sighed in relief and pulled out a spare pair of latex gloves before heaving the crate onto the floor.

With shaking hands, the officer unlocked the box and slowly opened its lid. He bit his lip, stealing himself for whatever he may find inside. The lid falls back with a dull crack against the back wall. Sneeg peered inside and felt his jaw drop.

"It's empty,"

What the hell was going on? 

Chapter Text

"Boys," Phil called out as he stepped into the living room. Only two of his sons were in sight, the two youngest looking up from the television. "I'm going to need you to go play in your rooms or outside in a little bit,"

"Aw, but dad-" Tommy started lifting his hand to point at the screen but was cut off by the man. Phil held his hand up and gave them both an exasperated smile.

"No buts," He stated firmly. "I have some important coming over and you don't need to be eavesdropping on our conversations," He explained and rubbed the back of his neck tiredly. The two boys shared a look before staring at their father again.

"Is that cop guy coming back?" Tubbo piped up. He turned around on the couch fully and leaned over the back of it as he waited for his father to answer. The visit from the police was a lot for the family to deal with. Ranboo had yet to come out of the garage for long aside from the usual bathroom trip. The two boys had taken to visiting him, Tommy mainly to tease the strange boy and Tubbo to try his best to be hospitable in some way.

Phil regarded his children with a critical eye. He knew they weren't stupid and could very well see the underlying tension in his expression but he preferred to keep them out of matter such as these for as long as he could. They were children after all and shouldn't be concerned with things such as missing person reports or possible serial killers on the loose.

"Yes, and it's important that you two stay out of the way for now," He finally answered with a heavy sigh.

"It's that kid, isn't it?" Tommy accused, squawking in surprise when Tubbo slapped the back of his head. Phil rubbed his eyes tiredly.

"Not technically," Phil conceded before shooing them off the couch and towards the back of the house. "Go play outside or clean your room," He suggested, laughing at the disgusted expression sent his way at the second option. Soon enough the two boys rounded the corner and were out of the man's sight. Phil allowed his shoulders to sag as the weight of the situation fell on him fully. He had not expected that taking in a child on need would lead to all this mess. He could only hope that things would end well and sooner rather than later.

It took only five minutes for the boys to get bored and devise a plan to sneak back into the living room after the return of the officer. Tommy was certain that the police coming back at something to do with the new kid and while Tubbo was still not as ready to agree he couldn't deny he was curious. It wasn't the first time they'd heard about the missing children's cases. With all the adults at school warier than ever, it was kinda hard to ignore it. 

And so that was how the two boys found themselves squished together against the wall just outside the living room. The two men conversed in low voices, the air around them tense. 

"I found the records on the original missing children's reports and started from there," The officer explained. Tommy shot Tubbo a confused frown. 

"I assume there was more than you were expecting?" Phil's voice sounded unsure and strained. There was a small hum from the other followed by the sounds of papers shuffling. The boys leaned forward in anticipation as the room fell into silence, their heartbeats loud in their ears. Just when they were beginning to consider blowing their cover to get answers they heard their father inhale shakily. 

"After Afton was proclaimed missing his house was searched and some of the things they found led them to confirm he had to be the one behind the murders of those children," The officer stated in a quiet voice that was thick with worry and straining from hidden emotions.

"What is this?" Phil asked quietly. He sounded faint as if he'd pass out at any given moment. Tubbo bit his lip and stared blankly at the floor, focusing all his energy on listening to the adults. Tommy's face had taken on a grim expression. They were beginning to wonder if they had bitten off more than they could chew. This new information was proving to be more than they were expecting and only served to raise more questions the longer they listened.

"I went to check the evidence gathered to see if I could find anything else but the case they brought in was empty,"

"But the pictures..."

Tubbo looked up at Tommy with furrowed brows as the other silently parroted their father. What were they talking about?

"I didn't take a look at them until after I noticed the case was empty but it does explain why there was nothing inside," The officer sighed heavily.

"I-"

"If you need a moment, we can step outside," More shuffling could be heard before footsteps retreated towards the front door. Neither one of the boys moved until they were certain the living room was empty. The children made their way to the middle of the room and approached the coffee table where several documents laid spread across the surface.

"What do you think that was about?" Tommy asked aloud, his voice practically a shriek compared to the stifling silence surrounding them. Tubbo shrugged helplessly and stared at the papers as if they were about to jump at him.

Tommy noticed the other's hesitance and scoffed lightly before reaching out and opening the first folder. It was nothing but a bunch of printed reports that he skipped over in favor of the pictures he heard the adults discussing beforehand. There were at least twenty photos. Tommy sifted through a few wearing a scowl.

"None of these are interesting, just a bunch of old junk and some creepy house," He muttered, dropping his stack. He looked at his brother when he didn't respond and paused upon seeing him staring with wide eyes at a singular photo he held tightly in his hands. "Tubbo?" Tommy whispered, concern growing at the stricken expression the other wore.

When Tubbo didn't respond the taller moved closer to peer over his shoulder.

Sneeg stared in disbelief at the empty crate. Nothing was adding up and he was growing increasingly frustrated. He leaned back on his hands and glared at the box. Why would a box just be left in evidence like this? If it didn't have anything in what was the point of taking it?

The pictures.

The man quickly shoved everything he'd pulled out back on the shelf, booking it back the way he came. He ignored the look of his coworker as he passed the window again. By the time he made it back to his desk, he was out of breath but still pushed forward. Tearing through the mess of papers he'd collected, he spotted the photos taken the day of the search paper clipped to another boring report.

He released a breathy laugh and slowly looked through each photo, careful to not let a single detail pass him by. Most of them consisted of full room shots of what seemed to be some garage or workspace. Riddled with tools and other supplies he couldn't see clearly. As he got further into the pile he saw when the investigators first found the crate.

Tommy peered over the brunette's shoulder and his eyes widened. The crate was open in the picture Tubbo held and something was inside, curled up in a fetal position. 

"Is that..?"

A small child was laying on his side, his eyes closed as if he was merely sleeping. He wore no clothes and was surrounded by what appeared to be severed limbs that had wires spilling out the ends.

Another report detailed how they thought it was a dead child but upon further inspection proved that it was a robotic replica of one of Afton's deceased children. Sneeg felt his breath catch in his throat when he looked closer at the child in the crate and felt like he was gonna be sick as he spotted a spare eyeball near the robot's head. It was a striking green just like the one that had glared at him from behind a wall.

"What does this mean?" Tommy finally managed to ask. Tubbo was silent still and didn't answer prompting the younger to look through the other papers with more energy than before.

"Tommy-"

"What are you two doing in here?" Both boys whirled around at the sudden voice. Tubbo quickly hid the photo behind his back as his father rounded the corner and approached them.

"Ranboo's a robot?" Tommy blurted causing the man to pause before sighing heavily. He looked back at the officer before staring at his children.

"You shouldn't be going through other people's belongings," Phil scolded weakly and reached forward for Tommy but the boy backed away with narrowed eyes.

"What's all this about, dad?" Tubbo finally asked timidly. His throat felt like it was closing and his head felt foggy. All of this was stressful and he wasn't even the one primarily involved. "Are they going to take Ranboo away because of this?"

"This is a delicate situation but all we know for sure is the kid knows more than he lets on," The officer interjected swiftly. Tubbo looked between the two men.

"Does he even know he's not human?"

"Tubbo-"

"He eats and sleeps just like us. He cries and feels things, there's no way he could've known about this?" Tubbo insisted, looking to Tommy for help. The blonde looked between his dad and brother before huffing and darting around them.

"Tommy, wait!" Phil cried after him as he realized where he was headed. His son ran to the back of the house and tore open the garage door, causing it to hit the wall with a loud bang. "Tommy!"

"What's going on?" Ranboo asked from where he had back himself into Freddy's side. He eyed the police officer as he came down the hall along with Phil and moved closer to Freddy. "What is he doing here?" He demanded with a pointed finger. 

"Are you human?" Tommy asked over him. The other blinked in confusion before raising an eyebrow at him.

"What?"

"Are you human or not?" Tommy repeated.

"What is he talking about?" Ranboo cried looking to the adults even if he knew deep down they wouldn't help him. He leaned more of his weight onto Freddy who was a silent presence behind him. It reassured him just a bit.

"Tommy, you need to slow down-"

"No, because you guys will keep on dancing around the topic and nothing will ever make sense at this rate," He snapped at his dad. Ranboo looked to Tubbo who appeared just as lost as him. "If any of those pictures are real then it should be proof enough that he was built by some murderer!"

"What?!" Ranboo shouted causing Tommy to round back onto him again.

"I should be the one asking the questions! Go on tell us your secrets!" He demanded coming closer to the child. Ranboo's eyes narrowed and he stepped forward as well.

"I don't know what the hell you're talking about!" He yelled back.

"Here," Another voice interrupted the argument. Both boys turned and saw Tubbo approaching with the photo in his hands. He extended his hand towards Ranboo. The boy looked between the picture and the boy in confusion and distrust before slowly taking it in his hands.

For a long moment, all was silent. Ranboo stared dumbfounded at the photo.

"Ranboo..." Freddy's voice pulled him away from the photo and he looked back to the bear with wide eyes.

"I-" He stumbled backward, dropping the photo as his hands reached up to grip at his hair. "I don't understand. Wha-" He stammered. What did that picture mean? Where had they gotten it? A hand on his shoulder caused him to look up in alarm but he relaxed some when he met Freddy's bright eyes. 

"Ranboo, it's okay," He said reassuringly. The boy shook his head.

"N-no, it's not. I-" A sharp sob ripped its way through his throat and his hands pulled at his hair. He didn't understand. Nothing was making sense. Why couldn't he just catch a break?

"Superstar, look at me," Ranboo looked up with tear-filled eyes and tried to stifle his sobs. Freddy stared at him as if he was the only one in the room, not paying any mind to the eyes watching their every move. "You're going to be okay. We can figure this out together,"

Ranboo felt his tears fall faster and he nodded mutely.