Work Text:
The pizza 'plex was closed.
Not just closed, but temporarily shut down.
Apparently, that attack had caused… more complications than anticipated.
To start with, it was just the daycare being unavailable while Sun and Moon were being repaired, while also having to excuse Monty's absence with 'technical issues'.
But after that, it became a lot more complicated. Sun absolutely refused to leave Monty's side. He was practically glued to him and would have a nervous breakdown anytime anyone else tried to approach or touch him.
Monty, although understanding of management's duties and responsibilities, was very protective of Sun and would intimidate them if they seemed to not have his best interest at heart. Either way, he just couldn't make Sun leave him and, thus, became unable to do his work too. He also seemed to be avoiding work a bit, looking very uncomfortable with the idea.
Then this started to spread to the rest of the animatronics. Chica's enthusiasm decreased severely and she became kind of moody. Roxy was a lot more snappy with employees and would frequently skip out on work and sneak off. Freddy had noticed all of this happening and immediately went on strike. He refused to work until he had proof of the higher-ups taking steps to fix the issue.
But not only that, he had also gone directly to the board for a chat about the situation.
And wasn't he surprised to find Yosuke there, waiting outside while tapping his foot impatiently. And not just him, but Nelly too. Monty's main tech and the daycare attendants' most trusted one, both waiting for their opportunity to go off on these jerks.
Freddy talked with them and found out they also wanted to advocate for the robots in their charge. They said that Sun, Moon and Monty were their friends and hated seeing them all like this. They deserved better!
The bear could only agree and offered to join forces with them. With two humans and the face of the brand telling them off, they would have to take these concerns seriously.
Well they sure seemed willing to listen at least. And they assured that they would look into fixing this issue and helping the animatronics. Because not only would it be beneficial to the robots, but it would probably be a lot less hassle than to continue ignoring it and waste money paying for damages. It would only make sense for both sides to take this route.
That had Freddy more assured, but still with a healthy amount of skepticism.
But still, due to the decrease in performance, resulting in terrible customer experience, they had to close down to the public until the problem could be sorted out. They basically framed it as a vacation to the robots.
But it sure didn't feel like one.
Freddy had been checking in constantly on Sun and Monty to see how they were holding up. The answer was not well. They were calmer and more collected, but we're still in this gloomy mood.
Sun was barely talking. And when he did, it was so quiet and weak. He was always holding onto Monty. Whether hugging him or simply holding his hand, he never wanted to lose contact with him. Monty was also hesitant to let him go. His attitude had decreased severely and he was very reserved. Until he'd get angry that is. But it was at most a quiet growl and a death glare. No shouting or anything.
But he was cordial with Freddy at least. That made the bear feel more at ease, knowing he was allowed to support them both. He was even allowed to give them his signature big bear hug.
The girls had been much the same as him, checking on the two and making sure they were ok. But… they seemed to be having their own issues too. He had heard Chica in her room, crying and eating a lot. Roxy had become a bit more anxious and irritable, seemingly struggling with the idea of any of them being scrapped or reprogrammed.
Then… there was Moon.
Freddy hadn't… talked to Moon a lot.
He had tried. God had he tried. But Moon had become hyper focused on work whenever he was active. And, to Freddy's dismay, he had completely switched over to his other persona. He wasn't as much creepy and threatening as he was cold and dismissive. He didn't try to scare people anymore, just demanded they leave him alone and not disturb his work. Basically, nothing like the curious and humourous Moon he came to know.
He was desperate to help, but couldn't find any way to do so without angering him. It was heart wrenching.
And, of course, he didn't forget about DJ Music Man. He made sure to check in on him too. He seemed to be holding it together well. He expressed concern for everyone and anger about what happened. But other than that, he was handling things relatively well. Though the Glamrock had his doubts.
Honestly, Freddy just wanted to do everything in his power to help everyone with this awful event. Poor Sun, who was attacked and nearly killed. Harry had confessed to his plans of dismantling Sun and stealing his most valuable parts to sell. He had apparently planned to flee the state afterwards.
When Sun was told this news, for some god awful reason, he had gotten very quiet and was shaking uncontrollably. Monty looked horrified and had cradled Sun in his arms, like he was made out of glass. Freddy attempted to get Moon's feelings on the situation, but was very aggressively told off.
…
…
…
But he soon found out anyway. By pure accident.
One night, Freddy had gone to check on DJ, just to make sure he wasn't feeling down or lonely. He understood that the large robot wasn't exactly able to seek anyone out for company, so he thought it best to visit every day and chat with him.
But that particular night, the music bot wasn't alone. He was with Moon. The lunar animatronic was sitting on his stage and staring at the floor, not moving as DJ was begging him to tell him what's wrong. He was not being as careful about it as Freddy was. He was being supportive, but also very blunt.
Moon seemed to just sit there, not saying anything. DJ was rubbing his back and telling him that shutting everyone out is only going to make things worse for everyone. Freddy approached as quietly as he could while listening in.
Then Moon let out a pained sob and buried his face in his hands. He shivered slightly and pulled his legs up onto the stage. Then he cried louder and gripped his chest, his wails sounding so strained and like they physically hurt him.
"IT'S MY FAULT, DJ!!! IT'S MY FAULT HE GOT HURT!!! I COULD HAVE BEEN THERE TO PROTECT HIM! I COULD HAVE KILLED THAT SON OF A BITCH! BUT I WAS TOO BUSY TAKING A NAP!!!"
Freddy felt heartbroken hearing him say that. Hearing that he believed it was his fault Sun was attacked. He couldn't have known. No one could have known. It's not on him. It's on that horrible Harry!
"IF I DIDN'T WASTE ALL MY POWER ON TALKING ABOUT BOOKS, MAYBE I'D HAVE BEEN THERE FOR HIM!!! HE WOULDN'T BE MENTALLY BROKEN RIGHT NOW!"
The giant robot sighed heavily and pulled him in for a hug, rubbing his back and telling him that none of this is his fault. He just wailed louder and threw his arms around the big hand.
"I FAILED HIM!!! I WAS SUPPOSED TO BE THE STRONG ONE!!! THE ONE TO HANDLE DANGEROUS SITUATIONS!!! NOT HIM!!! I WAS MEANT TO PROTECT HIM AN-AN-AND I-I-"
DJ hushed him and kept assuring him that it wasn't true, he couldn't have known and Sun's safety isn't his responsibility. But Moon just cried more and buried his face in his glove.
That's when Freddy couldn't take it anymore and had to insert himself. He walked around to the front of the stage, immediately getting spotted by Music Man. His face, although not very expressive, gained a certain nervousness or panic. He looked between Freddy and Moon, as if figuring out his next move.
But the bear decided to act first.
"Moon…"
He immediately jolted to attention and stared in terror at him. Then he quickly tried to scramble out of the grip to, presumably, run away. But DJ quickly stopped him and pleaded with him to stay, with a few more back pats.
"I… I heard what you… said. I just need you to know that… what DJ Music Man is saying is true. It's not your fault. It's… it's… that scumbag's fault! And corporate's! Sun was made an easy target because of… of everyone looking down on him! You've told me as much yourself. You should know… it's not your fault. It never was…" Freddy spoke as softly as he could, walking closer to the stage so he could sit down too.
Moon shrank together in the hand on him, whining and sniffling as he tried his hardest to pull himself together. He clearly didn't want Freddy seeing him like that. But he just offered the attendant a gentle smile and held his hand out towards him.
"Don't worry. This will all be fixed. I've already talked to the board with Nelly and Yosuke about it. And, let me assure you, not gently. Those two sure have a rough language. But I also gave them a stern talking to. This will be resolved, if I have anything to say about it!"
Moon peeked up at him as he said that, eyes drifting between the extended paw and the bear's smile. It was so genuine and caring. He truly had this protective, nurturing energy about him, making it impossible to not get all soft. He sniffed loudly and pulled his arm out. Then he grabbed Freddy's paw and jerked him into the hug, letting out a soft sob before muttering, "Thanks, Freddy…"
DJ smiled at them both as Freddy reciprocated the embrace. He went to remove his hand, but was stopped as Moon forced him back down.
"AND WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU'RE GOING?! YOU'RE NOT DONE CONSOLING ME!"
He couldn't help but chuckle in his 16-bit sound effects and went back to the holding. Freddy also laughed and relaxed into the embrace.
"Of course. Anything for my friends."