Chapter Text
Music.
When exactly did music become a huge part of his identity? His reason to strive an impossible pathway to be musician? Despite being told its downsides and that he should be thinking a more long term career path if he’s expected to work in the real world.
For Bonnie, he used to watch whatever was broadcasting in the TV living room. Especially after coming home from school and when his parents were out for errands or work. Within a few hours of his day, he gets to put on anything that caught his eye.
On one particular night, he had the gull to stay up late, sneaking through the living room and made sure the tv volume was low and surfed through multiple programs to watch, but nothing struck a cord of interest. Up until he flipped to a different channel all focused to music exclusively, a Live Show of a popular rock band just began playing their set as huge crowds roar in excitement. His long rabbit ears becoming attuned to hard, grindy wave of their instruments blending a symphony of adrenaline. Keeping his eyes glued close to the screen, bopping his head to the rhythm as each song enthralled him deep to the core of his soul.
Eyes shimmering in awe the entire run until the Band had finished its epic closure, screaming out to the crowd in thanks for coming to their show. Seeing the camera switch to multiple crowds of people cheering and looking like they could faint by pure radical fun until it zoomed out to the entire stage.
He stared blankly once the program switched to a commercial break, and uttered out a promise to himself.
To become a musician, and perform to the biggest crowd enthralled by his music.
And ever since, Music became everything to him. He collected cassette tapes and CDs of bands he loved, gathering resources of self taught books or once in a lifetime guitar lessons, along saving up money in his early teens to get himself a bass guitar and start looking for people who might be interested in forming a band.
He was on a pretty good start to make his life-long purpose a reality. Joining in a band in high school who urgently were looking for a bass player, and blended in with no issues. He knew that realistically, it was going to be a lot of work to get their music recognized in some shape and form, especially for independents in more obscure spots. But what mattered to him is to let his instrument play out all his emotions, and enthral people who connected their souls through that low, lively tune. Music is a universal feeling, a sound irreplaceable by man-made creations to reach people’s emotions and pleasant melodies in a vast range of different, unique beats.
Never second guessing his choice, no matter how much berating from others can change his mind.
But, like life itself, not everything will always turn out the way you hoped.
He ran off home and left to college instantly after a heated argument with his parents, later dropping out after someone he knew had ruined his mental capacity to keep going. Plucking out strings that made him feel more uncertain of his future, and whether going into the music industry was really the right calling.
Returning to the very home he claimed he didn’t wanted to set foot on again, sulking on his parent’s porch with tired eyes and dried tears. Later reconciled with them after the rough shape he was in. He stayed at their place for a few months to take time for himself, until he received enough money to afford a place in a city, finishing his post secondary education at a different institution and find a job. Which is exactly what he did.
Bonnie may have given up music as a life long career path, but it didn’t meant he gave up playing music as a whole.
He wouldn’t dream of getting rid of an integral skill. but it had completely shifted his view on the though it if can last a life time, since he yearned to have a comfortable life
It took him a while to understand some ways in life are just not meant to be, and he made peace with the knowledge of it, content that his dream couldn’t become a reality. He’d rather keep playing to his own tune than be told by higher ups to dictate his taste to compliment the mainstream’s hottest sound.
And yet, even though he accepted that part of impossibility. He still can’t pictured what he’ll do with his life in the long run.
Bonnie swings himself up and rubbed his eyes, hearing the muffled, loud ringtone going off somewhere underneath his bed covers. Hands searching through it in random spots, until padding a spot more rigid and solid and finally picking his phone off, turning off the alarming ringtone for good.
He pushes himself away from his bed and began doing some of his stretches to prevent his joints from getting stiff. Now bright eyed and awake, he took a look at his phone, pulling up his schedule to find a marked highlight for his shift today.
He’s been expanding his hours lately, since he needed a lot more savings during the spring season.
Which reminds him, a certain retired captain needs to get out of his cove if he’s going to make up on certain payments.
Before he does, Bonnie shuffles through a worn sliding closet that had inconsistent piles of clothes all buried together, rummaging out a clean pair of pants and his 80s styled bowling work uniform. He puts them on and buttons up his shirt, combing out the splint ends of his fur and remedy it with some gel, and quickly took a look at himself on a small mirror. Well, once his wakes up his roommate that is.
He picks up his keys and wallet before leaving his room, trailing down to the decayed painted hallway up until he’s met with a hickory brown door scribbled with a paint sign that had written ‘ Pirate’s Cove ‘, below had a piece of white paper with a poorly drawn ship with a red fox’s large head and his hook in view, yelling “Don’t Disturb me Peace! Arrrrrrg!!!”
Bonnie rolled his eyes, never taking it seriously with this sign in his life. He knocks on the door a few times, hoping it would be his roommate’s cue to wake up already and get dressed, but received nothing in response. He tries again, and confirmed his suspicions as predicted with another moment of silence. Not helping his roommates’ case once he heard the loud, audible drag of a snore seeped from his bedroom walls.
Alright, intervention it is then.
He quietly opens the door, hit with a whiff of an unpleasant smell once he’s welcomed with scattered junk and old vintage props that compliment his friend’s pirate life style. Most of it came from his former job that linked to his persona, half of it made by hand to entertain kids in a family friendly establishment that relied on actors with different themes. At least how he remembered where he got all his stuff from. He didn’t really have that many upbeat stores with working upper management, but the kids loved it at least.
Bonnie stepped carefully around the room until he was close enough to the sleeping Fox’s bed, jaw slacked open and his body uncomfortably contorted as he snoozed away. The Rabbit darted to the shiny iron of Foxy’s detached hook on his bed stand, whipping his head to the other corner of the room to see he still had some rope attached to the dangling pulley, somehow managing to stay stable despite the amount of tape and additional rope to hold it up for so long. But it did formed a mischievous idea.
Bonnie grabbed the hook, dodging the obstacles left on the floor to get to the pulley and wrap around the connected rope around the dark metal base. He then returns to the bed, wrapping the hook around the ankle of Foxy’s leg before turning back and smacked the handle as it spung around in seconds. Pulling the fox in an instant and dragged off from the comforts of his bed to be slammed down to the floor, a few of his possessions pricking his body and groaned back into life. Lifting his head up and finds his smirking roommate amused.
”I figured ye were gonna use me cove’s treasures against me.” He said.” to think ya were trying to make me lose a foot.”
“And lucky you didn’t. Can’t keep sleeping on the job y’know” Bonnie said, unwrapping the hook and detached the rope, bringing it into clear view for the Fox to see.” Besides, our rent’s not getting any cheaper these days. Just be lucky I’m the reason you don’t miss work.” He grinned, returning his hook to him.
Foxy rolled his eyes and takes it, twisting it around the wrist socket and pulled himself up from the cluttered floor.” A’ight lad, ye made yer point. But if ya do make me lose a foot, yer paying for the peck.” He grinned back.
”If you paid off half your rent this time, maybe I’ll take that responsibility.” Bonnie chuckled, his eyes catching a familiar uniform on top of a miniature stage set and plucked it off from the cardboard, tossing it to Foxy.” But change first. I’m pretty much set to head off, and just to be nice, maybe we’ll grab breakfast on our way to work. Does that sound like a worthy bargain?”
”Can’t argue with free food.” Foxy shrugged, taking the garment.” I’ll be ready in a few minutes and we’ll sail off. So all bunnies must head out now.” He pushed the rabbit’s back and turned him around to the way at his door, hearing Bonnie trying to contain his laughter,
”Okay okay, I’ll let you be.”
He leaves the room, giving his friend the time to change as he followed into the Main room; A conjoined kitchen and living area with some rough edges, nothing really noteworthy other than having basic furniture, a small TV, and all the kitchenware they need on a day to day basis. They’ve been quietly saving some money to schedule a renovation for the place, since their landlord wasn’t doing any favours, and much to Foxy’s abysmal track record of wasting his money.
Bonnie turned a corner where a hang coat stood, taking a bag and stuffed his wallet and keys inside, joining in with a pair of headphones and ensure his phone is in his shirt pocket. Foxy made it to the living area and is layered in his uniform, briefly noticing a small bag case on what he already predicted would contain.
His boss was certainly not going to appreciate the same stunt again.
With all their necessities at hand, they took off immediately and locked the door behind them.
“Two breakfast sandwiches. One with sausage and one with bacon and no cheese. And one medium Mocha?”
”That’s us!” Exclaimed the purple rabbit, quickly taking their breakfast and handed one of the sandwiches to Foxy.
Both of them leave the small cafe, and continued off to their typical route as they pass by the swarms of people filling up the streets, maneuvering through as they simultaneously eat what’s left of their breakfast. Picking up their speed as they pass through a variety of tall buildings and independent shops.
On the right at the corner of their eyes revealed their workplace, The Bowling Pin Sign being an obvious indicator: Bowling Lanes Centre. Exterior of the building wasn’t much to look at, but the interior however is an exception. Really popping out the old school feel of the 80’s look.
They walked inside, being greeted with the floors all covered with black carpet littered of neon colours of shapes and confetti, it’s shiny lanes and comfortable seating areas, all accompanied with different stations where the main counter desk and the food court were placed. And of course, other vacancies for their customers.
Speaking of which, their boss appeared from the counter that wore a similar uniform, the only differing detail being a golden pin attached to its shirt pocket, opening the counter door with a pleased look on his face.” Ah, right on time you two!”
”Hey boss.” Both of them exchanging a slight wave.
“Got a list of tasks for us today?” Bonnie asked.
”Nothing out of the ordinary, just polish the place and keep everything organized along with a few reservations booked for today. So you boys know what you need to do.” He said. Though, his smile left and furrowed his brows as he saw the bag Foxy is holding.” And Foxy, just please for once stick to your hand prosthetic when you arrive to work? You know how I feel with your hook—“
”Aye, I remember boss. But y’know it’s always a rush in the mornings. But I’ll keep that in mind for next time.”
Their boss sighed.” Alright, better hope you mean it since we have safety cautions for a reason. We’ll open our doors in half an hour once your other colleagues get here. And if you need me, just come by the office if anything.”
“Alright, will do.”
”Aye Aye, boss.”
They head over to the Staff break room, in its irritating fluorescent glory and cramped space, but passable thanks to having comfortable seating and a high range of snacks and drinks to accommodate them. They reach for their lockers, swapping their personal items and getting their pass cards, Bonnie took his phone out and kept his work keys in hand, all while Foxy twisted out his hook in replacement of bionic hand. He used to wear a silicon one a few years back, and it certainly didn’t leave him a lot advantages. So he had it upgraded when it was completely shredded, got something more articulated.
Though, he had to make an expensive payment to receive a bionic prosthetic. So he needed to be mindful by its usage, since they weren’t cheap either on repairs.
”You really need some other tricks if you’re really planning on pissing him off.” Bonnie said, closing the locker door shut.” He doesn’t need to forget your hook every time we have a shift.”
”Oh, he likes me hook as it is. It wouldn’t hurt to burn it in his memory, I sure would.” Foxy grinned, lifting his hook and kissing the shiny iron in a playful jest. Earning an eye roll and a soft laugh from the rabbit across him.
”Sure, you keep believing that.”
They take out cleaning supplies behind the door between the lockers and the kitchen counters, retrieving washing cloths and a disinfectant spray bottle and returned to the Booking Counter and cleaned off any surface over the tiniest grime leftover. Two of them chatting whatever comes to mind.
”So, planning to go to the good ol’ studio once we’re finished?” Asked the Fox.
”Yeah, pretty much. Kind of been working on something original, so I need to get the flow going before I keep forgetting it this week.” Bonnie replied, scrubbing off a touch spot on the counter and whipping the cloth off as he turned his gaze to the fox.” So you’ll have to deal with leftovers while I’m gone. Though, why ask me this time? It’s been my ritual for what, how many years since I found you laying in a dump somewhere?”
”Hold yer trigger there mate, tell yer hobo jokes another time.” Foxy briefly held his hands up, and returned leaning on the counter before making his claim.” You’ve just been more…enthused with playing yer musical skills lately. It’s nice to see. But it did leave me wondering if you’re ever gonna get yourself out there and land a gig, y’know bars still look for anyone to play music.”
Ah, so that’s where he’s going. Bonnie pressed his lips tightly, shrugging and ignoring the nice suggestion.” Thanks, but I’m more content with private shows for myself than playing for an audience back in my teens. I just like making music for the sake of music, you know that well as much as I do.”
”That I do. I’m just saying it wouldn’t hurt ya to give it a try. Ye got the talent and stage presence to be an appealing bassist. Didn’t ye tell me since day one ya wanted to accomplish something groundbreakin’ in your life? Spread resonance for souls to be as aspiring?” Foxy said, his amber eyes witnessing the slight bit lip and stuck inhale on the rabbit’s chest. Ceasing his scrubbing against the counter.
Bonnie finally exhaled and propped his crossed arms on the edge of the counter, trying to brush the off topic in hopes they move on to a more palatable subject.” That was a long time ago, Foxy. Some things I thought were possible was just…not meant to be. it’s not stopping me from enjoying what I do, and I at least got a few people inspired in music. But I have to keep my options open so the rest of my life can work out fine and pay off the bills, that’s what I should be doing.”
”Is that what ye want? Or what the wicked witch tells ya to do after callin’ every week to rub yer ears off?”
“C’mon man, you promised not to call my mom anymore names. That’s like, the seventh name now.”
”But I ain’t wrong. She nags you everytime to change jobs stuck in cubicles for the rest of their lives, and yer the last bunny they’d consider for dull paperwork or manual labour.” He points his finger at him, all while Bonnie deadpans at him.” Wow, that sounds encouraging.”
”Okay, that’s a wee bit strong, but my point still stands. Yer not the kind for an office job, no matter what yer folks tell ya, you’re the one who can decide what life ye want.” He explained, his tone a bit more considerate.” If what ye want to do feels right, just go for it. That’s all I’m saying.”
A silent pause lingered from the rabbit, a small huff escaping his lips and darted his eyes back towards the fox. Tucking a grin at the corner of his mouth.” I’ll consider the thought. Maybe for later if I’m out of options. At least you think I’m not a corporate drone is a reassuring one.”
At least he didn’t brush it off, but he wanted a different reaction for the rabbit to finally see his true potential in this life. Can’t say he didn’t try.
”Anytime, Mate. Anytime.”
After both finished cleaning up, greeting their coworkers clocking in their shifts, and unlocked the front doors for opening hours, they pretty much got themselves occupied with work. Bonnie currently tending to a family to register their reservation and give them the essential gear.
He didn’t hate working here. Pay’s decent enough to pay off rent and make his continuous trips to the local rental studio, he had manageable coworkers, enough time off to relax and play his bass whenever he want, and best of all; he didn’t have to worry with having so many eyes on him in a prosperous city.
However, his mind echoes back from what Foxy had told him earlier. Is he really satisfied where his life currently stands?
A faint hollowness of that reminder waved through him. Realizing he did want something more to come out of it, especially being in his late twenties now, and still indecisive what kind of life he should really have. None of the alternatives his mom suggested brought that much appeal to be worth life long memories, hating to perish the very thing that made him feel alive and inspired to keep going forward.
In the end, it’ll be up to him where he can conclude that path. So for now, he’ll wish for another day for something miraculous to happen. Even if it happened overnight.
A crowd of fans screamed at the top of their lungs, all of them harmonizing to the final outro as a famous trio on stage went all out. The entire stadium shook in pure joy once they finished their song, waving their goodbyes and sending off their thank yous to their fans despite the large proximity of thousands of faces blended around them. The stage lifts them down, as colourful smoke shrouded the set as the whole band descends below.
All three of them slammed open the doors and finally took out a breath, all mixed with exhaustion, relief, and the undeniable thrill still pumping through their veins.
One of them, a white chicken who held tight around her drumsticks, Chica, couldn’t contain herself and squealed.” Oh my god! We killed it out there! I think that was the most packed stadium we ever had in our entire lives!”
” We pulled off another incredible show out there! Everyone did great!” beamed the one and only, Freddy Fazbear. Finding a bucket filled with ice cubes and water bottles submerged in them, pulling a few out and passed them around his band mates.
The youngest band member lifts a smug grin.” Oh it was damned packed alright. The crowd had been screaming and singing along for the entire set, People loved us! But god, I am so ready to go home and never heading outside again until our break is over.” She groaned.
“Oh Roxy, you can’t be that tired to hibernate for an entire month, but I get it, I’m all tired out from touring place to place for the past month.” Chica said.
” Nonetheless, we did an amazing job! and I couldn’t be any more prouder!” Freddy exclaimed, raising his water bottle in the air.” Once we finish our break, we’ll give it our all for the summer before our biggest concert happens yet!”
Both women exchange looks at each other, simultaneously growing wide grins and raised their water bottles.” Well, we can toast to that.” Roxy said.
”Yes! And we’ll give them the best performance they’ll ever have!” Chica beamed.
They were quickly intervened from their celebratory toast until a familiar man bursts in, his timed clapping causing their heads to turn.
“That was a stellar performance out there you guys! You had the entire stadium hollering for the whole city to hear! Now that’s top chart excitement we hadn’t seen in ages!” Praised the man, their one and only manager/agent, Mr. Mick Wave.
“Thank you! We were all about to get our things and take off soon.” Freddy tells him.” Everything confirmed with the Label with our time off?”
“Oh I got everything covered, so you’re all guaranteed your nice sabbatical until we get back to work on that new album for June!” He confirmed, bringing huge relief among the trio.” Though, before you all head off home. There’s something really important to discuss now that the Glamrocks is becoming a bigger name these days.”
All their eyes widen from the sudden news, sharing glances at each other and dragged their attention back to their manager, leaving Freddy to initiate the matter.” Certainly! We’d be happy with whatever you have in mind.”
”Perfect!” Mr. Wave said, tucking out his phone.” With your popularity skyrocketing to new heights, me and the Recording Label approved a welcoming change to keep your momentum up ahead of your next concert. Did a lot of convincing to ensure all of you get full autonomy to decide whether it’ll improve the band or not. But we submitted a tasteful poster looking for a new bassist to join the band! And all of you will get to host and be responsible with submissions to decide Who that Bassist will be!” He concludes with little jazz hands.
“A new band member!” Chirped Chica, knitting her hands together with overwhelming joy spread across her face.
“A new band member?” Freddy says, taken back by surprise.
”Ugh, great. We’re looking into adding another band member? Don’t we have Elijah to cover for bass?” Roxy questioned. Receiving stares from her bandmates, receiving a rough nudge from Chica and gave a judgmental stare.
The manager chuckles in response.” Well, Elijah has his own endeavours to explore Roxanne. Besides, the band should benefit having another member in the long term, and we already cast out an open spot online and fliers in some venues! Of course, it won’t hinder your entire break, you don't need to immediately dive into auditions just yet. But I recommend for all of you to find your bassist within the two month timeline before getting the new album recorded.”
”So we have the power to look through every submission, and schedule any auditions we see fit?” Freddy asked.
”Absolutely! And with a big name like yours, the amount of submissions is definitely going to be overwhelming. But know that no one knows the band better than the band itself! But make sure you relax, and take advantage of all the time you have before coming back. And what else…?” Mr. Wave thinks for a moment, a dragging pause lingered until he finally recalled something.” That’s right! One more thing, when you find a bassist to join the band, I may need all of you to follow one simple rule: make sure to keep their identity as low profile as possible. In order to bring more anticipation for the concert, we think it would be best to reveal your new bandmate as part of a new era for The Glamrocks to the biggest venue for the entire year! The People will love it as long as he or she fits the right criteria to be part of the band.”
” Wow, okay…but what happens if we decided that no one we find is worth being in the band?” Blurted Roxy. Chica attempted to send another look to her, but felt her shoulder squeeze from Freddy’s hand, shaking his head to not let it bother her.
” And not to say it isn’t a bad idea. But that sounds pretty drastic to reveal a new band member, it might be a problem if who we find a bassist that might not be used to performing for huge crowds before.” Freddy said, conveying his concern.
“ Okay, those are great questions: If the band doesn’t get a suitable bassist, then no harm done! Things will remain as the way they are.” He answered, bringing some relief to Roxanne.” As for the concert, you're more likely need someone with good presence to overcome that issue. If not, just try to give them a rundown on how this all works out and get them comfortable in the music scene. You’re allowed to be picky to get the best band member to overcome these obstacles. So, you think three of you will put in your best interests to handle this?”
Everyone gave a look at each other, all differing from one another. It was so sudden to think after all these years getting their songs to reach around the world, they would finally get a fourth band member to contribute! Not to mention nearing the summer season. But it was definitely going to reach some downsides, especially how complex things are going to turn out if everyone included couldn’t agree if this was a welcoming change or not, but it was certainly a needed one.
Freddy loved his band. Him and his friends have been putting their entire heart and soul in flourishing their debut over seven years ago, have their legacy born once their songs could finally reach to people. So much work had been made and sacrificed to reach where they are now, and ensure their fans can connect the heavenly sound they continue to create.
With determined eyes, Freddy lifts a reassuring smile and shakes Mr. Wave’s hand without any hesitation.” We’ll do our best! We can promise you that.”
They briefly discussed how they’ll organize and schedule when they call on auditions. Roxy had some mixed feelings over the whole ordeal, but promised she’ll be openminded to it without digging too deep in her ego. While Chica is all on board and feeling incredibly excited by the thought of a new face joining their band. Both of them took off separately to their shared home, bidding Freddy a goodnight once he got into his truck.
Freddy drives into a comfortable, quiet neighbourhood from the outskirts of the large city, yet close enough to reach a reasonable distance back on a day-to-day basis. He gets out of his car, swapping out his glamorous costume into a pale baby blue hoodie and a face mask to derive the unwanted attention from people immediately recognizing him.
He lived in an average bungalow, undoubtedly blue and contained two floors, though Freddy only managed to keep the entire first floor into use and treated the second floor as a secondary storage unit and had a couple of guest rooms furnished in case of anything. He was also lucky to have some nice neighbours who’ve kept his identity as low profile as they could. Of course, there is high security he had implemented a while back. He never really pictured himself a big mansion guy, preferring the familiarity of a nice, quiet neighbourhood home.
All of the tension Freddy had before has melted off his shoulders once he entered inside. splattered with nice furniture and the gracious blues that surrounded him. Some had red and orangish accents, as the wooden trims were covered in white paint.
He finds some mail left on the side table beside him, all of it packaged in a wide envelope. Freddy took it in his grasp and dropped the duffle bag containing his things on the couch, strolling down one of the hall ways until he reached a wide open room with not only a place could he can read and do his personal work, but a growing collection of memories glued to his walls. He takes out the packed envelope, and led to a wall with enough space that had several drawings, letters, and photographs throughout the years. Including a display that contained his most valuable items that mean so much for him.
All of the contents he found contained sweet messages, full support, and undying love from young aspired children to adults enamoured by their work. These mean a lot to Freddy, it proved how much of an impact they made over the course of their careers. It even makes him emotional when he thinks of it any further, and wants to continue making more memories and joy as long as he can keep going. He applies the next stash of letters and drawings conjoined with the previous ones, carefully pinning them without creating any damage to them.
He managed to put them into place perfectly, smiling at the growing snippets of love behold to him. Though, his attention soon drifted to the photographs on the other side of the wall. This one is more relegated to personal photos, him and his friends over the years along with memories captured way long back. His gaze darted at one particular photo, around seven years, he believes. It was before Chica decided to stick to having Snow White feathers and sticking to their bizarre, glamrock attire. There was another friend of is just beside them, he’s a bit older than them, but brought incredible wisdom and was the blueprint to the early years of their band. He couldn’t help but thank him for what the band came to be in result.
it’s a shame however, since they haven’t seen him since Roxanne had to take his place in prior of a massive injury. They stayed at the hospital for the last few days to make sure he was okay, resulting in losing his hand once they got to see him. Then a day afterwards, he disappeared off the face of the earth. No calls, or messages to give a clue on what happened to him. Roxanne broke down for days of his lost presence, while him and Chica felt their hearts bleed out sadness of their friend being gone.
At least, they initially thought so.
Freddy was able to find him on the rare occasion to get something from a shop he used to visit frequently. Surprisingly, bumping right into him and had a soft reunion with him. He kept his contact number and email, insisting that his friend has been doing fine and living with a nice roommate that gets his day planned out. He hadn’t revealed it yet to Chica or Roxy, since his friend did say to keep his word since he intended to surprise them soon enough.
Of course, Freddy constantly reminds him to do it like he promised. He can’t keep hiding from them forever.
Eventually, his exhaustion would catch up to him and made it fairly clear he should get some proper rest. So with one final glimpse of the old photo, he couldn’t help but cherish it, and easily slipped away to his bedroom.
Bonnie pressed against the strings, stopping the flow of sound and lowering the wail of the amp’s pitch. He placed his cheery red bass down on the stand beside him, scooting across the floor until he reached onto his phone and pressed the recording button to turn off. he watches the recording he made, running through it a few times to determine if he needed to re-record it again, or if it’s good enough. Fortunately, he was pleased with the results.
He crops out the unnecessary footage, then switched it on a video platform to upload it on his channel. He’s not a big account by any means, and not every video he made and uploaded on there was anything to brag about, but he liked submitting his work. It created a nice catalogue for himself.
he felt a smile grew on his muzzle, and turned off his phone and resumed back to playing with his own chords and tabs. Let himself flow with the low tone of his instrument be on beat to the addictive rhythm.
After a while, a glowing red light caught his eye, giving him a signal that his time is up. He quickly gathered everything, and concealed his bass in in its case before he left the room. He exchanged goodbyes to the people lounging in the resting area and reception desk, and left wandering through the streets. The sky was already pitch black but the time he stood outside, as the fluorescent lights make it baffling as they completely cut out the thousands of stars waiting to burst out of that beautiful sky.
There side walks were found almost barren, receiving the much needed silence as he walked home.
Hearing the clicking of his steps echo in his surroundings until he spotted his apartment. He cranked his head up if any lights were on through the living room window, turns out there weren’t.
Bonnie leaped and tucked down the ladder of the wall mounted stair rails, climbing up and crossing each set of rusty metal steps guide him up to his apartment, keeping his key on hand. When he made it to the small balcony that led to the sliding door, the entire place is shrouded in nothing but darkness. He tried to be quiet with his steps as he sneaked to his room.
Eyeing at the counter as pulled out a few bottles of booze, previously made a detour to a liquor store since he made a promise to get Foxy his booze. He definitely has to pay him back for being his delivery man at this point. He walks quietly through the hallway, wary of the sounds he made; hearing faint, yet cobbled snores from the fox himself. Guess he was drunk before he got his booze.
Bonnie held out a breathe, and dropped his bag, lightly setting his case against the shelf, and pulled off the layer of jacket he wore. He puts away his folded uniform onto a hanger in his closet, and searched for a clean shirt and swiftly tuck out PJ pants before setting down.
Until his phone starts ringing.
Oh, that’s right. They had a scheduled phone call tonight.
He looks at his screen, holding out a deprived sigh than the last one he held. He taps on the green phone icon and reached it to his ear. Immediately recognizing a familiar voice.” Bonnibel?”
“Hey mom,” he replied.” How’s everything back home?”
” Oh, same old like last time. I was going to call earlier since your time zone over there is a few hours ahead, so I’m hoping I’m not calling too late.”
“ Not too late. Actually, you called on time.” He uttered, trying to unpack everything he left in his work bag.
”Ah, I see. Still working over at that bowling centre?” She asked, recognizing her tone shifting to a more stern one. Great, here we go again.
“Yes, very much so. But I’m still looking and applying for jobs, like you suggested last time. Didn't hear a word though, but something should come up in about—“
He heard her draw out a sigh, one met with disappointment.”Bonnie. For goodness sake, you told me you were going to transfer your new job soon before the middle of spring. Did you even looked at all this week for something you can work long term?”
”Okay well, I actually did apply a few positions this time. I mean it, with all the forms and resumes they need from me. They just offer so little chances, it's outright annoying—“
“Don't give me another rant with those job searching websites. I told you to go to official career pages for a better chance. You were suppose to take it seriously when you promised me you'd find a better job.”
”And I did. Especially jobs more based on skills I already have. It's a bit more narrowing since the hiring rate is thin here.”
A sigh escaped through the phone speaker.”did you at least try to network with people related to the jobs you applied for? or at least have me or your father to refer to?”
He resisted to unleash an agonizing groan, his fingers pinching between his brows.” No, and yes with you and dad's references.”
”I hope you’re not saying that if you used your roommate as a connection. A man with that lifestyle certainly can't be employed, and I have warned about the mooching.”
”And I thought you’d promised to talk about him more nicely after being fine with inviting him over for thanksgiving. And no, he has a job, and second, he’s the last person I would consider dating. We covered that before.”
“ Bonnie, just listen. Please?” Her annoyed tone shifted to a solemn one, his ears kept perked up.” I understand you’re doing your best to take care of yourself, and I believe you on that. but geez my boy, it’s been seven years now! You should’ve been working at a job that pays you well and gives you benefits, not to mention to live in a house to leave behind that crummy apartment for good.” His ears deflate and fold behind his back, same talking point like before.
“ I don’t even know why you’re holding back. You’ve always been a smart boy that can tackle anything, you just seem to hesitate to move on. If you’re going to live comfortably, even on your own, then put the effort to get a suitable job just like I told you before. I shouldn’t keep telling you this again.”
A pause stretched out between them, building up the tension and numbness for Bonnie as he ran his hand over his face.
He was about to say something, until he heard a sigh coming from his phone.” Listen, I’m not trying to make you upset. I say this out of love, you know very well you do. I just want you to live your best life you could have, and you have incredible potential to make it work. I know you do. But it’s time to pull your weight and consider what to do with your life long term.”
He knew it was meant to be reassuring, his mom never intended to be antagonistic over his life. He gets that, but nothing seem to be drawn to him or in anyway unique. There is truth that he’s getting older and should’ve found a permanent job with good pay, but all the same problems and constant searching he has to make amends with.
He just doesn’t have enough fight left in him To argue any further, bringing the phone back to the speaker and told her.” Okay. I’ll actually try, I promise.”
” Good. I better get going, you take care now okay? Me and your father will call you again next week, and this time I’ll make sure he’s included. Have a good night, Love you.”
“ G’night.” the phone finally hangs up, and throws it on his bed as he crotched down and buried his face into his hands.
At this point, he didn’t want to think about it. He just can’t bring himself to be reminded constantly by every waking hour to tell him to get job he’ll hate, and a place he still couldn’t afford either. There’s just nothing out there to call for him.
He rolls onto his bed, wrapping his blanket around him and force himself to sleep and awake anew, or at least not to think. He’s tired, tired of hearing the same thing over and over again. It can’t be helped if he’s stuck in a limbo, all he could care now is to sleep his worries away.
Unbeknownst to Bonnie, a certain roommate overheard everything.
He couldn’t help but be concerned. He initially woke up once he heard Bonnie’s door shut, planning to see if he brought his booze until the call happened. Taking in every word, and could feel the shattered resilience the rabbit had molded over the years be torn by the same scolding. His ma’s never satisfied with his efforts.
And all the more to scare him away the very thing he’s should’ve focused on. He took pride choosing his own path, and still maintain that passionate soul waiting to strum out his bass in pure moonlight where little stars can watch. He wasn’t destined for some typical nine-to-five job, he’s supposed to thrive in a way that pulled people to connect with his detailed attention to sound. One that resonated with all emotions combined.
He’s grateful to consider Bonnie as a friend, despite offering back very little. But it seemed he had no choice but to return an actual favour.
If he remembered correctly, Bonnie left his unimpressive PC laptop in the living room. He only needed a few things to submit from there, as he looked at a post earlier on one of the websites where an old friend he knew is involved of a famous rock band. Particularly looking for a new bassist.
With courage, Foxy left the comforts of his room and tip-toed through the hallway into the living room. Quickly retrieving the laptop underneath a shelf and moved it to the counter, placing the laptop down firmly. He opens the screen up, finding it open in service of Bonnie’s account. He went to check into the folders, particularly any recent resumes or CVs, whatever he can provided to show his qualifications. Then reopened the window where Bonnie would post videos of him playing his bass, fortunately he had a lot to share with his musical talents.
He copies the link, and opened up his email in seconds.
God, he’s going to be pummelled off the plank once he finds out what he did. But he needed that push to prove that his dead dream is in fact, possible. At least offer him some good luck after dealing with everything.
He typed down the correct contact email address, wrote down a nice small message with the provided files and links in interest in wanting to participate the audition whenever it’s available. And with a final touch, typed Bonnie’s initials before hitting send.
Once that was done, Foxy decided to log into his email and saved Bonnie’s application email. Forwarding it onto his name, and typed his friend’s email contact. Using the final message as.
”Hey Freddy,
I may have found a good candidate to be your band’s bassist...
...Everything’s provided from below...
...You owe me a peg next time you see me.
Your washed up captain, Foxy.”