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Chapter Text

Michael Afton zoned out as the heap of metal named Ennard as it called itself forcefully moved his own body. Michael rarely moved his own body anymore as he had lost most feeling in his nerves and muscles- A large factor being he couldn't feel for as long as he could remember since the scooping. He felt the wires twist and pinch against Michael's bones and remaining rotting flesh, slithering around as Michael took in his surroundings once more. It was an office, he came to this place after hearing about his Uncles reappearance and opening this place. He initially thought he could find Henry loitering around but after checking there was nothing, just this seat, and cameras. The same type of boxy screens and tablet he has used to defend himself within most of the Fredbears buildings and complexes. Truthfully, it did sadden him but this new place could be a closer step and a new clue to finding his father... William Afton. A cruel and disgusting man that found it amusing to murder children under people's noses. Force their mangled bodies into the creations he and his old friend, Henry, built. Letting the animatronics with children inside still perform, filling the room with a rotting smell, a scent Michael Afton is all too familiar with.


  Michael had a common routine to wake up either early or even late at night to get up, ignoring the screaming metal grinding underneath his flesh to then tidy up said rotting flesh. Honestly, it was disgusting but then again Michael lost all feeling besides a constant throbbing throughout his being, scooping maggots, bits of metal, beetles out of his stomach, and deformed muscles. It was traumatizing at first, of course, then Michael could still faintly feel pain and howled as he tried to salvage his slowly decomposing body. Michael stared blankly at a camera, meeting his eyes with an almost melted appearance. It was Chica the chicken, or Susie. He swallowed dryly having lost the ability to produce saliva long ago, a pang ran through him, and even a sense of duty, one he's always had ever since he had the unfortunate pleasure to be shown all of his father's plans work inside the basement. The strings attaching their pictures to the suits they were entrapped in, William smiling with glee as he explained all he did and even saying how unfortunate it was that Elizabeth. The middle child of the Afton household got caught up in his plans. He remembers that day clearly. William left and Michael called Henry in a panic, only for the stable father figure in his life to disappear leaving a large check for Michael to remind him. He was alone, of course, he had his mother, Sunny, that did her best but.



The eldest Afton groaned, stretching his joints and ignoring the pops and scrapping noises that came from the action. He was tired and he was only at the 4-hour mark, no clues were turning up either. Suddenly a voice broke the silence the man had found comfort in. The voice belonged to one of the many spirits possessed inside of Ennard, he didn't even know if they remembered their birth names, even his little sister. "Something doesn't seem right." Michael groaned as he flipped through cameras, he didn't like talking to the thing residing in his body. After all, it hollowed him out and stole his identity, why SHOULD he like it? Kicking his feet up on the desk, deciding to feel like he had some control of his body for the night he croaked.

"What do you mean something doesn't seem right, of course it doesn't, a bunch of killer robots everywhere and seems to have all the fucking franchise in here." He looked at his arm moving without his permission, it points to one of the many screens set out in front of Michael.. There was a bright mass flickering and spreading fast. He squinted at first and then quickly noticed, that the building was set on fire- of course, he was very familiar with the sight of fire. As he was the one to set multiple Fredbear locations on fire with a smirk plastered on his face. His brows furrowed as he looked through more cameras, the fire was everywhere. Spreading alarmingly fast as well, for a split second Michael thought about running. He saw almost all the creations William and Henry made inside of here, did Henry execute his plan to fix it all? A small smile grew on his face as he felt himself relax, did that bastard do it?


"Michael we have to go," The small voice inquired but the Afton ignored it and continue to smile to himself, the disembodied voice started again only to be interrupted by a speaker turning on... Through the speaker an alarmingly similar voice spoke, his eyes widened as he looked up in the corner of his room towards the speaker.


Connection terminated.

"I'm sorry to interrupt you, Elizabeth. If you still even remember that name.

But I'm afraid you've been misinformed.

You are not here to receive a gift. Nor, have you been called here by the individual you assume. Although, you have indeed been called."


The Afton couldn't believe it, his uncle's voice, he hadn't heard it in years. His voice sputtered as he struggled for words, his beloved uncle's voice continued talking.


You have all been called here. Into a labyrinth of sounds and smells, misdirection, and misfortune.

A labyrinth with no exit. A maze with no prize. You don't even realize that you are trapped. Your lust for blood has driven you in endless circles. Chasing the cries of children in some unseen chamber, always seeming so near.
Yet somehow out of reach.

But, you will never find them. None of you will.

Michael got out of his chair, finally getting his raspy voice to say a solid word, "Henry!" his body quaked as the only thing keeping him upright was the weaving and twisting metal wires inside of his frame. However, Henry didn't seem to notice his voice desperately calling out.

This is where your story ends.

And to you, my brave volunteer, who somehow found this job listing not intended for you. Although, there was a way out planned for you, I have a feeling that's not what you want. I have a feeling that you are right where you want to be.

I am remaining as well. I am nearby.


Michael sobbed out a cry, oil dripping from his hollowed eye sockets as he frantically looked around deciding to dive down one of the vents in his office's side. His uncle was near, he said so, Michael desperately wanted to find his beloved godfather even if for one last time he wanted to see the person that truly loved him. The voice continued to talk, but Michael tuned it out as he sprinted around the halls and dodged the killer animatronics. Ignoring their melting appearance and glitched voice boxes crying out after him. Ennard didn't seem to try and stop Michael and force him someplace safe, to save their skin suit. He would've been hyperventilating if he needed to inhale oxygen anymore, forgetting long ago how to breathe and lost the habit of consuming items to get rid of hunger pangs as those soon faded away too.

His voice was strained and desperate as his head whipped around looking down hallways, "UNCLE HENRY!!!" his screams were hoarse. He soon ran down another hallway finally catching another statement through the speakers.

Although, for one of you, the darkest pit of Hell has opened to swallow you whole. So, don't keep the Devil waiting, friend.


Michael stopped in his tracks at the words, father was here?.. He felt himself run cold, despite not having nerves mentioning his father being near was always able to break the limits of Michael's body. Freezing him to the core, something that was built into him from an early age. Obey your father and fear him. Afton shook his head and tears fell more as he heard Henry speak softly in the speaker towards his daughter, Charlie, Michael's cousin, and childhood friend. Sliding around a corner he froze at the figure at the end of the hallway, Foxy, or Fritz. A short-lived friend that his father stole away to be a part of his twisted studies. However, when Fritz noticed Michael he didn't move or sprint at him, he only stared a moment before looking back towards the fire spreading near him. Was he accepting fate or knew the choice of escaping wasn't even there?

Michael glanced once more at his past friend before sprinting off in another direction, his feet landing heavy and echoing out a mechanical sound with each step- However, it quickly came to a stop once a support beam inside of the room came crashing down, pinning the walking corpse on the black and white tiling. Metal inside of Michael wheezed and twisted out of openings to try and remove the beam off of its suit but Michael stared blankly at the end of the hallway. Perhaps it was a sign just to give up on finding his uncle and be freed with the rest of the souls he tried so hard to free himself. Metal wires stopped as Michael didn't show any effort or interest in getting out from underneath the beam. He was tired. He wanted to go to sleep and see his family again, all well and alive. To have an Afton siblings weekend when mother and father were away, they'd sneak ice cream into their tummies and watch boring shows on the TV. Laughter filled the room as the siblings bonded and reassure each other about the things they were watching and when their parents would return. Hanging out with Emily's on nights Michael was too young in Henry's mind to watch his siblings. He stifled a sob and laid his head down softly, closing his eyes and accepting defeat and peace.


If I could. Michael thought I'd like to do it all over again. And fix it all so this never happened. This hell never happening.. He smiled softly before he noticed the heat encasing him, noticing how the clump of wires not pulling away but also deciding to go down with Michael. It was time to rest...

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Michael opens his eyes weakly, lazily taking in his surroundings. He was at the pizzaplex still. Though it was cleaner, his body didn't feel heavy under the beam any longer but he was still sprawled on the cold tile. Mike suddenly become on alert, he wasn't where he was before this isn't the same. Ennard isn't near him nor can he feel anything moving inside of him. Afton slowly got up, his limbs shaking and feeling heavy from the lack of internal metal support he was used to, his head spun. Where was he now?

Chapter Text

  Michael sat up straight. The first thing that he noticed that worried him was the fact the place was too clean to be where he was before he woke up. There was no soot, smoke, or even burned-up animatronics scattered near him. He glanced down at his hands, worried about where Ennard had been since he didn't see stray wires covering the floor or even feel the abomination slithering under his skin. He was tanned. Not purple, tan. White scars littered his knuckles and fingers, some trailing up to his forearms. Michael was in shock- He had been a corpse for god knows how long so why was he suddenly full of color now? Was it a trick by Cassidy?.. Sure Cassidy had frightening powers but nothing akin to a god, he hoped so at least.

 A pain quickly blossomed inside of Mike's chest, was Ennard there? Trying to break out of his remade body..? He stared expectantly down at his torso waiting for a nightmarish scene to unfold as wires ripped his stomach apart to be free but... Nothing happened and the pain kept getting worse, even his vision was blacking out and Michael didn't understand why. His body shuddered, instinctively exhaling and inhaling sharply. Michael coughed violently and had to slowly relearn how to do the simplest of tasks that even a baby knew fresh out of the womb. His chest moved slowly as he calmed down and got the hang of this breathing thing again letting himself look back around to where he was.

 It seemed like he was in a bathroom of some sort. It wasn't familiar to him at all as he glanced toward the automatic paper towel dispenser and mirror hanging above a sink. Michael took a deep breath as he forced himself to stand, quickly gripping the corner of the sink to keep himself steady. Staring at the reflective glass he could finally get a good look at himself. He was young, brown shaggy mullet dangling over his shoulders, icey blue eyes meeting his own in the reflection. Some whitened scars aligned his face, he prayed it was from fucking around and finding out, not from his father. His lips parted as he studied himself in shock. No holes aligned his tan-colored skin, no stitches or staples that held his mummified corpse together... No wires were pointing out of his body. His clothes were of a uniform, a Fazbear uniform, and the tag pinned onto the red and yellow stripe shirt was ' Michael A. '... So he used his real name.


 Emotions hit Michael like a train. His eyes quickly watered and sent hot globs down his face. Slowly sinking to the floor his sobs and breathing got more sporadic as Afton tried to wrap his head around what has happened. He couldn't probably think or make sense as his thoughts flashed in his brain. Was father here? Is Evan dead? What about Elizabeth? Why is my real name on my tag? Where am I? Where's Ennard? What about the fire? Where's Henry?

His fingers laced through his hair before tightly gripping the strands. Chest heaving as his panic attack worsened. His ringing ears blocked out the voice on the other side of the door, barely feeling the vibrations of the knocks. Michael was folded in himself on the floor, staring ferally up at the door knob.

Who would want to see Michael Afton? A murderer. Why was I even given this chance? I pray it's just a fucking nightmare. I want Henry, I want to go back to sleep and not wake up. He pried his eyes off the door so he could bury his head into his knees, trying to muffle the growing noises more.

 The door was ripped open after a struggle, the motion causing Michael to tighten more into the ball he had bent his body into. A thud rang out in the room before hands landed on Michael's shoulders, shaking him gently as a voice called out his name. Michael resisted the hands that tried forcefully to uncover his face, he didn't want to see anyone... He didn't want to see all his mistakes replay again. Soon the stranger was victorious and made Michael stare up at the other, a shaggy blonde with amber eyes, the face was familiar. Painfully familiar. Michael shoved the man away and desperately shuffled to the toilet, he had felt the bile slowly bubbling and climbing up his throat, and seeing the blonde in front of him was just the thing it needed to set off. The contents of Mike's stomach filled the bowl as he heaved and got ready to empty his stomach more. The comforting hand rubbing his back only makes Michael feel worse.

Jeremy Fitzgerald. A friend Michael had in his past life, had died before Michael due to Mangle removing his frontal lobe. Michael wasn't there fast enough in time to push Jeremy out the way or even warn his best friend. He had failed Jeremy as he did with the other children. Just remembering the state his friend was in when Mangle's jaws were pried off of him was enough to get Michael to spiral- let alone the other five children.

Michael was taken from his thoughts as his ears finally stopped ringing and he could hear Jeremy speak, it made his heart twist and hurt. "Holy shit dude! Are you alright? What the hell even happened man?" Mike's dry heaving had calmed down enough to let the boy exhaustingly look at the Blonde. Jeremy's brows were furrowed as he nervously smiled down at his coworker, still rubbing circles on Michael's back. "I thought you came in here to go to the bathroom, not explode;;.. Should've told me you were overwhelmed man, I can handle the kids the rest of our shifts if you want.;;"

Afton slowly shook his head as he flushed the toilet, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. "It's fine.. Just.. Bad Pizza."  Mike's voice shook as he spoke and was hoarse, after all, he did have a panic attack on the floor of Freddys. Pushing off Jeremy's hand he slowly stood, stumbling a little as he took ahold of the handicap bar installed on the side of the toilet. The concerned look on Jeremy's face stung his heart once more, he could tell the other didn't believe him- He did see Michael sobbing and not just vomiting. Hopefully, he could get his friend to just forget it. "I'm fine. Stop it with that look." His eyes narrowed as he tried to be firm and show that he didn't want to be pried on about it.

That seemed to have done the trick as Jeremy sighed and shook his head- getting up off the floor and dusting himself off. "Jesus dude, you scared the shit out of me. And I'm guessing the whole 'I'm fine' is you aren't gonna tell me shit?"  Michael gave a stiff nod and Jeremy groaned but understood and respected it. "Alright, Alright.. Just know I'm here if you want to open up about it." He shot Mike a warm smile, a smile that never failed to make Michael feel better, even now it helped him melt his worry away. "Are you calmed down enough to go back out?" Michael sighed and nodded once more- walking out of the bathroom and Jeremy followed giving an offended 'hey!' from the male not answering his question vocally.

He was in the third establishment. Kids were running everywhere with prizes in their hands from the prize corner, sauce stained around many of the children's mouths and clothes. The toy animatronics moving and singing on stage, Mangle sprawled out near the doorway of Funtime cove. All sorts of trash and food littered the floor from the party that filled the whole room. Just from the sight, he guessed he was near 1987.. Near Jeremy's death. His back shuddered before shaking his head, not able to stop himself from glancing back to the blonde- only to see him already gone across the room, bent down smiling at a child. The sight calmed Michael down... No... He shouldn't lower his guard at all, his father could be here. He needs to figure out what the hell is going on. Starting with searching the building for any more clues, he couldn't just leave his shift to walk home to see if his siblings were there. He swallowed dryly before strutting off towards the security office, a place he and his siblings frequented in their younger days when father brought them to work.

Chapter Text

Michael's converse squeaked against the greasy tiles as he ran down the halls. He didn't remember when he started running but he didn't blame himself at this moment, making an effort to slow down though before he slammed into Parts and Service. Shocked to notice the lack of smell leaking out of the door- he could check it out another time, right now it's the security office. He stopped abruptly at the lack of hallway door in the small room, there were children there. Their giggles stopped once Michael came near.

A head popped up behind the desk in the middle of the disgusting room, lighting up with joy before running over to the Afton, "Mikey! Me and Elizabeth found these cool toys in here!". Evan..? Mike's head became lightheaded again when he saw his youngest sibling. Scars lined the younger boy's bright expression, most laid all over his face. The most noticeable scars are the layout of Fredbear's metal inner jaw. Michael dropped to his knees with a disgusting pop of his joints before he embraced his brother, the latter giggling and hugging his brother back with the same amount of eagerness. He smothered himself in his brother's presence and scent. So Evan survived the bite. Does this mean William never went off the deep end?

There was a revived giggle in the room as a young ginger girl walked over to the boys, " Mike! Daddy said to go watch the animatronics and not us! Besides Charlies here. I'm gonna tell daddy you're running away again!" Elizabeth huffed as she crossed her arms and stared down at her older brother, doing her best to copy their father's stance and glare. Not nearly as threatening as the parent figure managed and has mastered.

Michael shook his head in disbelief, his heart was pounding once more as if he was going to spiral into another attack. A hand wrapped firmly around his shoulder as another voice spoke. "Hey Michael, you alright? You look like you've seen a ghost or something." A darker-skinned girl with lovely black curls tied back into a bun stared nervously down at the eldest in the room. Charlie. She was much, older than Michael had ever seen her. She was grown up, the same as his siblings- She smiled shyly at Michael's flabbergasted expression, his jaw agape as he stared at the girl- no... Young woman. "You still have an hour of your shift right? Don't worry, I'm keeping my promise of watching your demon siblings for you for work remember?" Charlie erupted in laughter as Elizabeth shot her wrath at her, Evan smiled at the two and gripped onto Michael's shirt for comfort.

They were all alive?... Michael was stunned and couldn't properly regulate his expression as his mouth stayed wide open. Looking down at Evan who giggled at Mike's face and smiled at him. Evan wasn't scared of Michael?

He shut his mouth slowly, swallowing dryly. Calm down, Michael... Don't freak them out just cause you feel like you're tripping balls. His joints popped once more as he stood up, letting go of the youngest and sighing deeply. Everyone looked expectantly at him from the sigh- The attention making him fluster slightly, "S-Sorry- I just had a Uhm..." Mike bit his lip before clicking his tongue, "Bad dream last night!;; Was just.. Chewing at the back of my mind, sorry if I spooked you guys." He nervously patted his pockets before diving his hands into them. Noting the packet of gum hitting his hand.

Charlotte smiled at Michael and smacked his back- Michael rewarded her with an 'oof', " No worries! I've been having weird dreams lately too, must be because Jeremy's nonsense finally infects my brain." More laughter came from Charlie as Elizabeth smacked her legs from the comment of Jeremy.

Evan nodded and found his hand gripping onto Michael's pant leg. "Me too, Scary things keep popping into my dreams. But it's okay! I'm brave like Charlie!" The nine-year-old smiled up at Mike, not reacting to the hurt expression Michael had given his younger brother at this information.

Michael opened his mouth to speak- Jeremy's voice called down the hall before Michael could speak, shocking the teen, "Miike! I can't handle these twenty kids by myself! They are threatening to hold me down and draw on me, man! Come back!!" Jeremy's voice made everyone in the room giggle as Mike batted his eyes and turned around.

Charlie shot him a smile and rubbed Michael's back, "Go on, I'll keep them safe for you. Wrack up that money!" She lightly pushed Michael out of the room, her smiling only getting bigger as the male stumbled to keep his balance.

The Afton shook his head as he jogged down the hallway, his unkempt mullet flying around with his movement. Charlie said he only had one more hour of being in this place, that's fine. That's great he can do this and fake himself- How does he even react in a world where all his siblings and childhood friends are alive?..

Jeremy brightened at the return of his coworker, "Welcome back dude, help me recollect Mangle's parts- Everyones running around with his parts and I can't keep up with the hellspawn."

Michael nodded and soon got to work scoping out the children with metal pieces in their grubby hands. It took about thirty minutes to recollect all of Mangle- A child even managed to be walking around with Mangle's head, to which the animatronic didn't seem to mind as it looked up at Michael curiously... Michael already knew what he was gonna do with Mangle, get rid of those damned teeth. They were terrifyingly sharp and he didn't understand why it was allowed around children with such a dangerous maw. Mike held Mangle's head adjacent to his, scowling at the hunk of metal in his hands. "I hope you know I hate you."

The child that gave Mangle's head to him whimpered before scampering off. Michael didn't know if he wished the kid took it personally or knew he meant it at The Mangle. Shaking his brown locks he placed Mangle's head under his armpit as he dragged his free hand through his hair. Thirty more minutes until it was over. He could do this, Michael could do this- The doors open with a flashy purple-suited man strutting in. Okay, Maybe Mike couldn't do this.

Chapter Text

An expensive purple car pulled up a few minutes ago, engine idling. Purple-suited arm dangling out the window with a burning cigarette loose hanging between the driver's fingers. Anyone in the neighborhood could tell by a quick glance who this was as the Afton was always flashy and wanted to be recognized as a man in power. Though owning a few restaurants in the small town of Utah Hurricane wasn’t very remarkable.

William Afton, co-owner of Fredbear and Friends alongside his college friend, Henry Emily. It was Henry’s idea to go into the children's entertainment industry along with animatronics, sure wasn’t per se Will’s kind of taste but it had a lot of potential so he helped his old pal start it off. He had his eldest son near the beginning of Fredbears opening and his daughter and son a few years after Fredbears had opened.

In fact In present-day William was sitting in the third establishment place in Hurricane, Utah. His eldest, Michael Afton, was now 16. Elizabeth Afton, 12 as well as Evan Afton 9. His and Hen’s company has grown and still has lots of room to grow, he was proud of how far they have come.

However Will wasn’t very cheery at the moment, in fact, he was grinding his teeth as he stared at the road his parked car faced. He had a problem, one he had to shut down quickly if he wished for the company to stay less problematic than it already has been. His heir- Michael, was frankly being a pain in his ass lately. He wasn’t fixing and working on the animatronics as he was ordered to and never bothered listening to his father explaining engineering on the robots. This obviously pissed off William but he has done his best not to act out at his son. After all, the boys in high school, bad crowds, and even a rebellious phase are upon him. William has only rarely hit his eldest but most of the time it was verbal in fights, he knew that Michael wasn’t dumb enough to start a fight with his father anyways.

William had to shut his son’s behavior down and fast- Today. Today he would. The businessman quickly exited his newly washed purple car, slamming the door before stomping his cigarette into the asphalt. He prayed he wouldn’t have to cause a scene in the restaurant as his eldest loved to do and be able to keep this talk small and quick but effective.

The man strutted up to the doors, fixing his appearance before pushing the doors open. Grease and cheap pizza quickly hit his face, truly he hated American traditions but it brought the money in. Kids were wild and mostly ignored the Afton, the robots on stage rocking their bodies to the song blaring through the speakers as they lip-synced to the ever-popular songs. He continued to scan the room to make sure everything was in place before landing on his son, Michael.

Michael seemed paler since the last time he saw him, it had been a week since the teen ran and hid at Henry’s after he was tired of getting the consequences of sneaking around and getting into things he shouldn’t have. Michael almost looked timid. As if one step from his father would make him shatter… Surely he was not that hard on him to cause this kind of reaction? Hell, he hadn’t even seen him in a week- he couldn’t have done anything.

William cocked up a questioning eyebrow to the boy, glancing down at Mangle’s head under his arm. Wanting answers from his son.

Michael didn’t answer, which wasn’t unusual so William just walked over. Holding his hand out for the animatronic head.

The boy still didn’t budge, though he held tighter onto Mangle. Michael was shaking- why was his son shaking? William looked down at Michael, his brows furrowing as he quickly took in Mike’s appearance again- Nothing was astray from what he could see. “Mich-“

“Father!— I-I mean,, Father..” Michael took a step away from William, the boy's eyes boring into the white and black titles below the two. His voice was quiet and shaky, William always knew his son to be loud and attention seeking so what was this? Did Henry dig into him about his attitude? It wasn’t particularly unlike Henry to fix wrongs.

Michael quickly adjusted Mangle in his arms to clasp his hands together for comfort, something he picked up from his Mother. “Father,, I have an um..” His blue eyes quickly evaluated the room, never landing on William. “I’d.. Like to work on Mangle,, To uh- Like maintenance and stuff like.. that.”

Something was definitely wrong, this shy and weak character was completely out of place with the outgoing and bratty Michael he raised. And his son even wanted to actually do the job assigned to him… William’s ever-calm expression twitched before speaking smoothly,” Michael.” He saw the way the teen stiffened and squeeze tighter in his intertwined hands.. William truly wanted to tear into Michael right then and there but something wasn’t right, so,, “Is something wrong?”

He was surprised to see Michael look up after processing what was said, finally making eye contact with the older Afton but giving him a dumbfounded look. What was so weird about worrying for his son? Henry a few days ago suggested checking in with his kid’s emotions so why not start now? Although he rather it be at home and not in public but Michael's behavior called for it.

“What’s wrong, Michael?”

Chapter Text

Michael was in shock, this man in front of him in the iconic purple suit and yellow tie couldn't be his father. William Afton doesn't care, William Afton would never have an interest in the eldest's feelings so why would he ask? Maybe Michael fell way too hard when he slipped on a kid's melted ice cream, yeah that had to be it. 'Are you okay?' was a phrase Michael had guilty prayed and hoped for in the past that his father would ask, to get some attention out of the man when he was a teen. Yet like this- This is too much.

Michael stuttered again, "I-I'm- ..." He bit his lip as he took a quick breath. This isn't how new him would act, everyone was weirded out by his behavior. He cleared his throat, "I'm,, Fine Father." He had to work on masking his feelings again if he was going to seem normal. His voice this time was monotoned and quiet, it was a drastic change from just a few seconds ago- Michael cringed at how much he stuttered and shriveled under just the look from his Father. Truly pathetic.

William hummed at Michael's reply, Mike did his best not to run when he saw the elder examine him over once again- "I see...You said you wanted to work on Mangle. Go ahead, try not to break it even more." He could tell his father had zero faith in him but at least he was given a green light, he wouldn't have to break in at night to try and work on the robot. The Afton stared down his child, taking long steps towards the security room- Most likely to see Michael's siblings.

Michael sighed aloud when the purple man was out of sight, he could work on Mangle. That was a huge win for Michael at the moment, he could save Jeremy. He started to smile before realizing... Michael doesn't have any tools. In the past times he worked on the robots it was the establishment's equipment but Michael didn't particularly fancy finding out if the Toy animatronics have their face recognition ruined. He clicked his tongue in annoyance, holding Mangle normally in his hands as he made his way to Funtime Cove. He'll just have to see if borrowing the toolbox here would be okay, after all, Mangle truly was a mess.

Once he entered the cove he was greeted happily by Jeremy who was doing his best to piece his favorite robot back together. "Hey, dude! Oh nice, you have her head! Fuck man these kids are ruthless- Wish he wasn't all busted like this." The blonde huffed, he snapped a joint in place, continuing to find another stray part to lock in the many empty joints.

Michael hummed in reply, coming in more to place Mangle's head onto the neck peg. "Things a serious hazard.."

Jeremy sat back, his arms propping himself Up "... Mr. Afton doesn't wanna fix them though since the kids seem happy as it is, less of a cost if it's not causing trouble." They sat in silence for a moment before Firtzergerald groaned aloud, "I don't want to fucking close up, last time I lost the keys during the day and it was the worse.. Had to dig through the garbage for the damn things."

Michael cocked an eyebrow, staring down at the latter," How'd they even get there- And lock up? Isn't Joana coming?" He didn't worry too much about watching the children in the stage room, it was much quieter than it was when he first came to. The sun was starting to set so it wasn't surprising for parents to get their kids. "Isn't there a night shift?" He dug his hand into his pocket and popped a slab of gum into his mouth- Watermelon flavor.

Jeremy rose his brows and looked up at Michael, he couldn't tell if the expression was surprise or amusement. "Night shift? Nah dude the robots roam around themselves, Mr. Aftons said something about knowing shit from the criminal database or something. Things scan your face and if you're a worker there at night they fuck off."

Afton batted his eyes- So night shift wasn't a thing, Toys still roamed... "Are they aggressive?"

He flinched when Jeremy laughed, " Aggressive? What do you mean? They just scan you and if you're not supposed to be here they alert the right authorities. No horror shit- Though I will admit some of them are creepy."

"R-Right.. My bad." Michael sighed- What even was the quickest way to figure out how to act like this newer self.. Did he even go to school? Fuck that was something he did not miss from childhood... Was he still friends with the kids with masks?...

"You've been pretty off today buddy, something going on?" Jeremy asked as he stood up, dusting his butt off as he glanced toward Michael.

"What? Oh! Yeah, I'm alright.. Just.. Confused I guess." He laughed nervously, chewing the gum harder, and ran an anxious hand through his hair. "I can help you lock up if you want, I don't think I have anything else to do."

"Oh for real? Thanks, dude, could you start in the party rooms? I'll work in the stage and cove place." Jeremy gave a goofy smile to Michael, one Michael honestly missed. Jeremy was an easy guy to hand around and talk to. One of those kinds of friends that even sitting in silence with was comforting. "Shouldn't be closing up right now but it's like.. 20 minutes left, and barely anyone here so screw it I guess."

He replied in a quick nod, saying a quick goodbye to Jeremy before heading to the party rooms, they were near the security office and almost prayed that William had only visited for a quick checkup. Honestly, he can't act like some pussy in front of his father- He could only imagine what he was going to act like when he sees Henry again, he almost loathed the thought of it. He sighed, he'll work on it in due time. One thing at a time, and right now it's cleaning up the party rooms. One glance into the security office he saw William talking with Charlie and the two younger Aftons, they seemed to be doing fine. They didn't notice Michael when he slipped into one of the four-party areas. Michael was quick to pick up the garbage and refill the line of party hats on each clothed table. Being lost for a moment as he tried to remember the layout of the janitor's closet to clean up puddles and spills.

The whole cleaning process was rather therapeutic and helped him calm down fully. He hummed quietly as he threw a trash bag into the dumpster behind the building. The sky was a lovely shade of orange and pink, the parking lot empty of all the customer cars and it was quiet. Michael did love his childhood town, as much as a rundown small population neighborhood could be loved that is. Not to mention the trauma Michael got from this town as well. What high school did he even go to again, didn't he drop out before?... Maybe looking through his room would help him get his bearings on the year and other questions.

His thoughts were broken by the backdoor being open, William walking out mid-lighting a cigarette.. Strange, Michael remembered him drinking more than ever smoking. The older man seemed surprised at seeing Michael, the expression quickly being hidden away by a neutral one. Smoke came out of William's mouth as he replaced the lighter back into his coat pocket. "Hello Michael.. Wasn't expecting you to.. Be working." 

Confused Michael only hummed.. He was still incredibly terrified of this man but the small peaks of outer-worldly behavior were much more powerful. Michael wanted to learn more about this new William, especially if he fell off the deep end like his past father. So let's try with a question.. "Father.." Michael waited for a reply but William hummed.. He took that as a yes for permission to speak. "Could I work on Mangle with Fredbears' tools?"  He waited eagerly for a reply, doing his best to suppress his urge to clasp his hands. It took a few minutes of William smoking his cigarette to care to answer.

"I suppose.." He puffed out smoke," Michael, why did you suddenly decide to want to work on the animatronics? Are you going to bust things up again?" The older Afton shot an icy look towards Michael, who tensed.

"N-No Father... Mangle-- Uh..." He inhaled, clasping his hands and looking away from his father. "Mangle isn't safe- For people to be around.. To be around the kids. Her jaw is too, Sharp." Swallowing a knot in his throat he glanced towards father, who was leaning against the wall with crossed arms. He was looking directly at Michael now.

William flicked his cigarette and hummed- He sounded amused almost. "Are you finally starting to care what you did to your baby brother? Don't want it to repeat because of your impulsive behavior?"

Michael wasn't expecting that, he was stunned for a second. What was the right answer? What wouldn't further piss off his father?.. He opened his mouth but no words came out, another shock was how William relaxed with a sigh.

"I'm--... Sorry Michael, just frustrated. You haven't helped around the establishments and go around with your group, it's hard to not get angry at you when I need your help... I know you didn't mean to hurt Evan.  I apologize." William looked away as he apologized, his fingers without the smoke tapping against his forearm. "Do what you wish with Mangle, try to fix them." With that, William pushed off the wall and headed to his shiny purple car sitting in the parking lot. Leaving Michael to digest what was said.

Chapter Text

Michael sighed as he tossed a wrench to the ground. He stayed at the pizzeria, of course, he didn't want to be there after hours but William didn't seem too keen on letting him join the drive home. Charlie and the others were gone so he assume William took them. And admittedly Michael didn't remember the way back to his house from the diner all too well. He didn't fancy getting lost near midnight in Hurricane. Mike looked around the diner for a while and even looked in the parts and service room, where he is now with Mangle. The room didn't stink as bad as it did before nor were their blood stains on any of them- except Fredbear, but he was stuffed back in the corner so Michael couldn't see him. Oddly enough sitting in the room with the former killer robots was calming to him, they weren't haunted anymore from what it looked like. Of course, he was still on edge as he worked- constantly checking Bonnie for his red pupils to glow. They never got up though, they were just empty suits and robots. Hell, even SpringBonnie was in there rotting with Fredbear this time, William hadn't worn the suit or fixed it up at all.

His tongue clicked, searching the floor for the tools he threw all over, snatching up a screwdriver and continuing to work. Mangle was still active, his voicebox playing static as they looked around the room curiously. Michael glanced up at them as he unscrewed the voice box, sure he wanted to remove her teeth- But what was the harm in actually trying to restore them to what they were at first? He was pretty happy he could keep Mangle aware and on as he worked, normally he'd have to shut them off to work safely but Mangle was a gem. Watching quietly or inspecting the room, even collecting tools with their free limbs when Michael threw them too far away. It was nice, perhaps he didn't hate Mangle after all.

Working on them, however, was a pain. Endoskeleton tangled, wires, and the magnets that were placed for kids to dissemble them easier were getting in the way of fixing. He ran out of gum a few hours ago and resorted to chewing on a straw from the slushies. His leg bounced continuously as he popped off the voicebox, its static cut off from being disconnected. Michael groaned as he leaned over for the new one he found in a box, dusting it off with his sleeve he installed it inside of Mangle's chest. Mangle didn't talk to test it and Mike was fine with that since he was already removing the spare endo head on her. He did make good progress as he was lucky enough to find old casings to hide Mangle's endo. He hadn't decided if he should remove the magnets, he wasn't even sure if there were spare parts for limbs around to replace them with. Thinking about it, Michael didn't even know how much he wanted to repair Mangle. Sure it'd be nice to restore them completely but that was just impossible considering the kids loved ripping the poor thing apart.

He sighed, pressing his back against the wall- Lets just remove the teeth and call it good. Mangle crawled around for a moment, having more freedom to move as the extra limbs and wires were removed from their body. Michael hummed when she turned to look at him, he took it as a green light to pop off Mangle's head. The plastic yellow eyes blinked and studied Michael's features, not minding the small bolt cutters the man picked up. SNAP, SNAP.. Michael began cutting them off, he was going to replace them with either felt or some soft material. Not tonight as he was incredibly tired from working all night. The removed teeth piled between Michael's legs, and smaller bits of metal joined the pile as he rounded off the sharp corners. Michael held up Mangle's head, checking out his handy work before smiling to himself. That should do, maybe he can convince father to give Mangle another chance. William.. Right.


He set Mangle's head on his lap. Father apologized to Michael before he left, at the time he was shocked, from the harsh blow to the apology. He was used to being insulted and hit but- William Afton saying sorry? That was completely out of character, part of him was terrified he couldn't read this new William as much as he could with his past father. How was he going to get along with him?.. Another long groan of frustration came out of him. This was super annoying figuring things out. The Afton placed Mangle's head on gently with a small POP coming from the neck joint. He should get home, he did know where Henry lived which was rather odd considering he couldn't remember the way to his own house very well but knew his godfather's address. What time was it anyway?

Michael pushed the door open slowly, holding it for Mangle to crawl through before he walked towards the security office- He didn't see the toys moving but that didn't stop him from picking up his pace halfway down the hallway. Jeremy mentioned there not being a nightguard yet they still had the office. He bit his lip as he leaned over the computer to check the time, 3 AM. Shit, Would he be bothering Henry if he walked in?.. Surely he was asleep, he knew the man to sleep early but he and his father did stay up late working on the animatronics... It probably wouldn't hurt to try, besides if he went to Uncle Henry's maybe he could recall the way to his house.

Michael jogged back to Parts and Service, gathering the tools and placing them carelessly back into the toolbox. Picking up his jacket- Sliding it on as he walked out. Michael wasn't sure how smart these Toy animatronics were since they weren't murderous anymore. Afton was betting on making a run for the back door and praying they didn't chase him. After a deep breath, Michael ran to the stage area, not bothering to check the stage as he quickly moved around the tables to get to the door. A loud THUMP was heard behind him as he fiddled with the door. From how heavy it was he guessed it was Toy Freddy, he glanced back as he got the door open- He was right, it was Toy Freddy coming off the stage to go to him. He quickly exited, slamming the door behind him- He checked his work locker out before he started on Mangle, finding the building's keys and a few other goodies. He shoved the key into the door and locked it. Toy Freddy didn't hit the door or anything, maybe he just went back on stage?.. Michael hoped so.

He ran a hand through his hair, looking up at the sky to see the waxy moon. Few stars littered the sky which was normal for Hurricane, considering the street lights all around and places staying open late at night. The night breeze was refreshing and helped Michael to wake back up, the diner's parking lot almost looked foreign in the light- But the darkness didn't stop Michael from heading onto the road to walk to Emily's house, hopefully, no more eventful stuff would happen on the way. Michael can only take so many shocks in a day, he was readying himself on seeing Henry again after how many years.