Work Text:
DJ Music Man was a very simple bot. He spent all his days in the lower levels of the Pizza 'plex. He'd sit at his turntables and play whatever song he was in the mood for. But that can only get so interesting before you get restless. So he also started trying to compose or remix music himself to see if that would lead anywhere.
Of course, music wasn't his only hobby. He'd enjoy watching people play on the arcade machines. He'd try it too, but he's too big for the controls. He'd also crawl around his tubes and chat with the staff bots and humans. The humans didn't really understand his way of speaking, only able to interpret his gestures. So mostly, those conversations were very one-sided with him just listening to them talk.
He loved it though. After all, it's what he does best. He listens to music and plays it for the guests to enjoy. He listens for problems and takes care of any troublemakers. And after hours, he listens to people talk to him about a little bit of everything.
It was kinda his window to the rest of the world. He couldn't explore on his own, so he loved hearing people talk about things.
Especially relationships.
Not just the romantic kind. All kinds. Friendships, family bonds, rivals, enemies, co-workers and just interesting people you meet in your life. It all fascinated him. He loved loved loved just laying down on his stage and hearing someone prattle on about funny situations with their friends or venting about awful people. He could laugh along or comfort them as needed.
It always brought his life some excitement.
*~*~*
One day in particular, DJ was just enjoying a day of relaxation, trying to cobble together a chill lo-fi beat to eat pizza to. Ya know, for the memes. The dance floor had been closed off for… some reason. Honestly, Music Man wasn't listening at that time, he was listening to heavy metal. But, at least it gave him time to compose a bit.
He was humming softly as he listened to the backing track he had, thinking up a melody, until the sound of heavy footsteps alerted him.
He turned and looked towards the archway to find Freddy standing there, starting to approach the stage.
"Hello, DJ Music Man. How are you holding up?"
DJ tilted his head before beeping lightly, sounding rather chip-tune like and cheery.
"That's good to hear! And I can tell you're enjoying the new arcade machines, judging by your voice."
He laughed and nodded, waving a hand dismissively.
"You should try to compose something game like sometime. You seem to enjoy those types of sounds."
DJ again waved his hand around, as if trying to nonchalantly excuse why he had never attempted it before. Freddy chuckled and moved to stand beside the stage. The large animatronic made a questioning sound as he looked down at Freddy.
"Ah. Sorry. I guess dropping by unannounced does deserve an explanation. Well… you see. I had an unfortunate situation yesterday. It's about Monty."
DJ bleeped at him and leaned in smugly.
"Sorry. I know. But I just… I don't know how I'm supposed to connect with him. It all just goes sideways and I just make it worse, whether I'm being strict or friendly! So… I just have a lot to vent about regarding him I guess."
Music Man nodded and played a gentle flute noise, folding his front arms and resting his head on them.
"Well… yesterday, things were… weird. It all started with the show. When it was starting, I tried to sing the song like usual, but… my voice cut out for a little bit. Everything was fine before, but it just cut out so suddenly, which made me panic. But before staff could stop the performance, Monty shoved me out of the way and started playing something entirely different from what was planned. He showed off and posed, making all the teens go wild.
After his little stunt, I had to tell him off. That was totally uncalled for and he could have really upset the customers if they weren't so receptive to it. He was completely ignoring me and looking very proud of himself, so I just gave up and went back to work. The guests were all very enamored by him from then on, flocking around him. I really don't want to encourage that behaviour, but I just left and let it be."
DJ was listening intently to Freddy, nodding and beeping every once in a while to show he was paying attention. Sounds like Monty got to have a bit of fun and it went well. Probably wouldn't next time, but that's for him to experience.
"But later, when I had managed to compose myself again, I went back out there. I found Monty storming out of his room, looking extremely upset all of a sudden. Some guests were trying to talk to him, but he dismissed them and swore right in front of them."
DJ made a surprised gasping noise, lazily putting a hand to his mouth to feign shock. Freddy didn't appreciate that, but continued nonetheless.
"I went to tell him off for that too, but he tried to scratch me, then shoved me to the ground. He then yelled about going to see Sun and that I shouldn't stop him. After that he just ran off and left all of our patrons confused and concerned. I was quite scared myself."
The big robot nodded, looking understanding as he reached a hand out and patted his back carefully. He then made a suggestion for what might have happened.
"No. No, I don't think that's possible. From what I've seen, the two are very close and Sun is a very careful person. He most likely wouldn't do anything to upset Monty. At least not intentionally. Think he might have done it by accident?"
He looked away in the distance and rubbed his chin thoughtfully. Then he chimed quietly.
"What do you mean? You think… Sun was the one upset?"
He nodded and raised a finger as he explained.
"What??? Why would that happen? Sun is such a joy to be around. Sure, a little overbearing, but a delight nonetheless!"
He let out a heavily bit crushed sigh and motioned his hands around like he was explaining to a child.
"Oh. I… never noticed. He always seemed like such a kind robot. I just… assumed most everyone enjoyed his company just as much."
DJ pinched his nose with another sigh and pushed himself up, moving to stand on the floor instead. His arms were getting a little stiff.
"Sorry, but I'm not sure I understand. I mean… If Sun really is perceived as annoying, why would Monty grow so attached? And why would he be so upset by people not enjoying his company?"
DJ put a hand to his shoulder and moved closer so they were pretty much eye-to-eye. He explained carefully.
"What?! He has… anxiety? But he's so cheery and energetic! That sounds a little out of character. And why has this never come up before if that's the case?!"
The robot shook his head and tutted at him with a cymbal sound. He then went on a long explanation as to how anxiety works and how it presents itself in Sun.
"Ah, I see. I always assumed anxiety to be something more obvious. That it represented itself as a more introverted personality. That was ignorant of me. I'm sorry."
DJ just flicked his wrist at him and chimed, showing him that it was fine. But he then got down closer to him, leaning against the stage as he spoke.
"You think Monty found something in him that we didn't have? Hm… I guess Sun is a very unique individual from us Glamrocks, and Monty seems to struggle with having a relationship with any of us. It would only make sense. And him being so aggressive, I can really see how that would turn into protectiveness."
DJ beeped in agreement and nodded understandingly.
"Maybe… I should try to get on better terms with Sun and Moon. I have not been as familiar with them as I probably should have. Plus, if Sun really has such a severe issue, having more friendly connections might make him feel better."
Music Man let out a cheerful jingle, very much agreeing with that idea. Then he looked at Freddy with a cocky energy, bleeping softly.
"Ah… yes, I do suppose that would be a good way to get on better terms with Monty too. Thank you, DJ Music Man. You truly are wiser than people give you credit for."
He just laughed and made an 'oh you' gesture at him. They talked for a little while longer before Freddy had to leave, but he left looking a lot more sure of himself. DJ felt content with that conversation. It was great to see Sun and Moon get some more appreciation.
Though, he was still dissatisfied with the part of Monty storming off. What had happened to make his mood shift so suddenly? What was wrong with Sun? So many questions.
*~*~*
Naps were always nice. Music Man liked to take naps frequently. Not for any particular reason other than they felt wonderful with a bit of music as background noise.
The only bad thing about naps was being woken up from them so rudely. Of course, that was exactly what happened as he slept on his stage.
"Music Man? Muuuuusic maaaaan!"
Maybe if he just ignored it, he'd slip back into sleep.
"MUSIC MAN~!!!"
He shot up straight and let out a distorted rising tone. He ended up hitting his head on the roof and then made a displeased damage sound effect.
He looked down towards the source of the noise, spotting Chica who looked like she had been caught stealing pizza.
"Oops. Ha ha ha ha! Sorry about that, M.M.!" She apologized with a nervous laugh, shifting a little.
Music Man sighed and moved down towards her, making a questioning tone.
"Ah! Well… I'm bored and wanna talk to someone! I tried to talk with Roxy, but she shut me down immediately when I started telling her what I saw yesterday!"
Yesterday? Could it have to do with the Monty incident? Did she see him attempting to hurt Freddy? He leaned against one hand and blipped curiously.
He knew Chica was big on rumours and drama. She loved talking about everything going on in the facility and being in the know about all that happened.
She was actually scarily good at snooping. She wore the nickname 'Sleuth Queen' with pride.
"I know! She's usually fine with me telling her the latest news. She even told me it's one of her favorite parts of the day! I don't get why she'd be so rude about it all of a sudden."
DJ just stared at her in a deadpan way. He then let out a flat note.
"Oh! Right! The news! Well, you gotta promise me that you won't go telling everyone! I just want to figure out what's going on, not my usual gossip, alright?"
That was surprising for Chica. But, of course, he agreed and leaned in closer to her.
"Alright. So… I was just heading back to my room, right? I heard about what happened to Freddy and got curious about how Monty was holding up. I noticed his curtains weren't completely drawn, so… I may have taken a peek."
DJ made a series of bleeps and tapped her head lightly in a berating manner. She chuckled awkwardly, embarrassed about her invasiveness.
"I know… I shouldn't do that. But I was worried! I swear! Anyways… I did see him there and he looked fine! But… he wasn't alone!"
Music Man shifted in surprise, then moved in even closer to show she had his full attention.
"I know! I saw him in sleep mode on the couch with Sun also sleeping beside him! He was leaning all over him and Monty had his arm around his waist! His waist, Music Man! "
He remained in place, not moving an inch for the longest time. Then he tilted his head to the side with a confused noise.
"What do you mean 'So'??? The waist is a clear move! A shoulder hold is whatever! Around the back is nothing! Around the waist? That's practically a married couple right there!"
That was… quite the logical leap. It might have just slipped down. Or it was just a friendly hug and nothing more. And he made sure to say as much to her.
"No no no! You don't get it! We're not talking about a patron here! We're talking about Monty! Montgomery gator! The guy who doesn't even let me pat him on the back!"
He told her that maybe he just didn't like her touching him.
"No. It's definitely a personality trait."
Not that he disagreed, just very flawed reasoning.
"He's not a touchy feely guy! Trust me! But… apparently he is very touchy with Sun. And only Sun. And besides, seeing him in his room at all is suspicious all on its own!"
Now that was something DJ could agree with. Monty, though friendly to him, was the most private of the Glamrocks. He'd be up for talking, sure, but not about himself. Any question was dodged. He actually knew quite little personal information about the gator.
For him to not only let Sun into his personal space metaphorically, but literally too, is a pretty big show off trust.
Not sure about the marriage part though.
"Soooo… what do you think? Think there's something going on between them? I'm really not too familiar with Sun, so I don't know if he's usually so casual about touch."
The giant hummed delightfully and nodded at her.
"Ok. So he is a hugger. Sure. But literally sleeping together is a little beyond friendly, don't you think? That's like… the honeymoon phase of a relationship!"
He gave her an incredulous look and strongly disagreed, saying she was starting to sound like a conspiracy theorist.
"I know Monty, alright? This is something more and I can tell! Trust me!"
DJ groaned in a bass sound and laid his head down near where she sat on his stage.
"Because… I just want to know if anyone else sees it too! Like, now that I think about it, a lot of things I've heard about them seem so romantic. You really think that there's absolutely nothing going on between them?"
He was getting tired of this brick wall discussion. Clearly she just came here to have her suspicions validated, not challenged. He sighed and closed his eyes, making some buzzing noises akin to snoring.
"... Well if you wanted me to leave, you should have just said so!"
He cracked an eye open and chuckled softly, earning a laugh from her as well.
"Alright. I get it. Big baby man wants his nap. Well you go on ahead and do that, I'll go bother Freddy about pizza toppings. Bye!"
She waved at him as she walked off. DJ waved back and grinned in amusement. Then he let out a soft yawn and laid his head down again, getting ready for another little nap.
*~*~*
It was very late. Music Man should be off and charging. But he ignored that in favor of finishing his music track. It sounded great! He had really leaned into the Lo-fi feel, making it as cool as one of their solid frozen slushies. He also decided to sample some of the main Glamrocks' themes. It fit surprisingly well.
As he was just chilling and mixing, he heard a very familiar sounding noise. The sound of jingling bells. He looked at the time and had his suspicions confirmed. Yep, that was definitely Moon.
"What is someone like you doing alone in the dark? Don't you know of the creeps and freaks that lurk in the shadows at night~?"
Typical Moon. Every time he came to visit, he'd first have to sneak around and try to scare him. Honestly, Music Man loved it. It was hilarious to him how hard he always tried to creep him out.
It never worked. What a goofy jackass.
"Scared? You should be~. Because… I'm the creeps and freaks."
DJ resisted to laugh and instead sang out a wavering note, trying to sound scared. But not too scared. Didn't want to inflate Moon's ego anymore.
"That's right~. Who knows what I could do to you? I could kill you. I could torture you. Dismember your arms, one at the time. Or-"
Alright. Moon's had his fun. DJ quickly located where the sound came from and grabbed him, pulling him off the wall by his waist and holding him in the air. He beeped in amusement as he was glared at by the daycare attendant.
"You're no fun, ya know that? At least pretend to be scared of me."
He chimed out in the sound of a flute.
"Well you're a terrible actor then."
They both laughed and Moon was gently placed down into another one of his hands. He huffed and crossed his arms.
"Don't patronize me like this! I don't take kindly to people grabbing me, like Sun does! I might go through with my threat~."
DJ laughed even harder at that and put a hand to his head, attempting to speak through his synthesized giggling fit. Moon immediately looked offended and gasped, putting a hand to his chest.
"WHO ARE YOU CALLING A LIAR!?! I'LL BUST THOSE PIANO-KEY-TEETH RIGHT IN FOR THAT, YOU BIG DUMB-"
Before the lanky animatronic could finish, he was brought in closer to DJ, who used a free hand to cup him against his cheek. He gave him a nuzzle while still laugh-talking.
"H-H-H-HEY! STOP THAT! BAD TOUCH! BAD TOUCH! SECURITY!!!" Moon started shouting as he feebly kicked his feet and tried to push against the bigger and stronger robot.
He just hummed teasingly and continued the nuzzle.
"THIS IS ASSAULT! RULEBREAKER, RULEBREAKER!!! PUT ME DOWN!!!"
He simply chuckled again and looked at Moon thoughtfully. He then let out an 8-bit cat meow and purr, earning a furious growl.
"ARE YOU CALLING ME A CAT?!? THAT'S IT!!! YOU'RE FUCKING DEAD YOU ASSHOLE!!!"
Then the two stayed in that position for a few more seconds, Music Man blipping curiously at him, wondering if he was planning on killing him or not. Moon just huffed and looked away from him, seemingly embarrassed.
"... I can't move…"
The DJ burst out laughing again and gave him one last nuzzle for good measure before putting him down on the stage. He just grumbled and crossed his arms like an indignant toddler.
"... Cats are a wonderful animal. For your sake, I'll consider that comment a compliment."
The large robot rolled his eyes and just hunkered down beside him, looking at him happily. Moon was always fun to be around. No wonder he's so good with kids. He decided to break the silence with a conversation starter.
"Oh you know… the ush'. Kids are great, adults are crap, Sun won't shut the FUCK UP about Monty. Same ol' same old."
Music Man raised a brow at that before groaning, mentioning how they've been brought up in conversation a lot recently.
"Yeah no shit, Sherlock. They have been acting all weird ever since they got close! It only got worse once Sun realized he's i-" Moon came to a very abrupt halt as he cut himself off mid sentence, shooting up straight and tensing up harshly.
He noticed that weird reaction and looked over at him curiously. He stayed quiet while trying to guess how that sentence would end. 'Once Sun realized he's i…mensly happier after befriending Monty'? 'Realized he was i…ntolerant to peoples bullshit'? 'He was i…n love…'? Wait… no… oh hell no. Chica was right???
"DJ?! DJ WHAT IS THAT LOOK FOR?! I DIDN'T SAY ANYTHING WEIRD, OK?!? I WAS JUST RAMBLING ABOUT BULLSHIT! THAT'S IT!"
He looked back at the now panicking naptime robot, who looked like he was about to kill Music Man to make sure there would be no witnesses left to talk. He raised his hands placatingly and started trying to assure him that he wouldn't say anything.
"I-I-I… I… damn it. So fucking stupid. I wasn't going to tell anyone. I just fucking ruined his trust with my stupid stiff mouth!"
DJ leaned down to him and put a hand over his back, assuring him it would be ok and that he wouldn't tell a single soul. He wouldn't even talk about it if he was to be threatened with being scrapped!
"... Promise?"
He crossed over his chest where his heart would have been and then laid himself right beside him. Moon let out a sigh of relief and leaned against him, staring at the dimly lit neon lights here and there on the dancefloor.
"Good. I just… I don't know how to deal with this. The problem is… I… I don't trust Monty! Logically, there is no reason not to. He's constantly proving how kind and thoughtful he is with Sun, but… his anger issues… his violent tendencies… his rude behaviour towards others and general lack of self-control. It's all just… It makes me scared for Sun. What if he gets hurt… and I couldn't help him because he was too blinded by love? What if… he'll pick Monty's side over mine if we have an argument? What if… he'll pick him…?"
DJ brought him in closer and switched his voice to something more gentle. Harp would do fine. He then tried to help comfort him and lessen his worries.
"You don't get it! You haven't seen what I have! He's… he's not right! How can a well adjusted person completely demolish his own room? How could someone nice just hate the guts of a big ol' friendly bear who just wants a good relationship with him? I… … … …"
… … …
He asked if that was really the issue.
"Huh?"
He wondered out loud if it was at all possible Moon was… jealous? Or maybe scared of becoming a third wheel in a relationship he has no option to exit.
"... … … … … …"
DJ moved yet another hand and gave him a proper hug, feeling how his body was shaking slightly.
"N-no… that's not it… because… if it was… … I'd be selfish. I'd be a narcissist who'd ruin his best friend's love life because he can't deal with losing his attention. Only a truly self-absorbed, awful, h-heartless machine would get upset o-o-over that…"
The big spider-like bot held him firmly yet softly, rubbing a thumb over his back while assuring him that that wasn't true at all. It was perfectly reasonable for him to feel like that, especially with his unique situation. Him and Sun are stuck together and Moon can't just go and hang out with someone else while Sun's out.
Plus… can't be easy watching your friend grow closer and closer with someone you don't like.
Moon let out a pained sniffle and covered his face. He didn't seem very assured.
"B-but… I'm already an asshole as is to him! If I cross this line… he might never forgive me… and settling him with the responsibility of my happiness at th-the expense of his crush… I couldn't live with myself if I…"
DJ hushed him and pulled back so they were face to face, giving his night cap a rub with his index. He played a couple of sweet notes, comforting him and telling him it would be fine. Sun was understanding. They would both figure something out.
Moon nodded and slowly dove back into the embrace, feeling much better from it.
DJ knew that, when it really got rough or he got real tired, Moon would absolutely melt into any sort of physical comfort. Be it blanket or bot, he would feel better either way. This was the most he's ever indulged in a hug, so he wasn't about to ruin it with a quip or a misplaced word.
He took a chance and offered his own assistance to help them both, if they needed it.
The daycare attendant, fortunately, gave him a quiet nod in response and just relaxed a little into the surprisingly soft hug.
He beamed at that and hummed, pleased. He then decided to put on some music, as they might be there a while if Moon decided as much. The night time robot appreciated it and quietly thanked him with a pat to the cheek, letting out a relaxed sigh.
That was a good sign.