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Sun and Moon had always been a bit different from the other animatronics in the Pizzaplex. Neither of them knew why, only knowing that there was some unspoken difference between them and the Glamrocks.
Freddy always tried to include the daycare attendants in whatever activities were going on, but nothing ever broke that invisible barrier between them.
So they kept their distance. Sun remained in the daycare, content to spend the night with his Moon, if he happened to stay in that night.
Moon made an effort to spend time with Sun during the night, but liked to wander about the Pizzaplex, finding new ways to amuse himself.
However, his love of wandering made Moon more of a target to the other Glamrocks, particularly Monty, who seemed to take great delight in teasing him.
Moon always seemed to be the one singled out, often cast aside because the others found him particularly creepy and weird.
Monty liked to poke fun at Moon's odd mannerisms early on, often purposely seeking him out, even when Moon tried to avoid him.
The gator animatronic always seemed to find him, no matter how hard Moon tried to avoid him. Sun had no idea that any of it was happening. He kept quiet, not seeing the point in complaining.
…
Moon creeps through the halls, the bells on his jester suit ringing softly as he slinks through shadows.
This part of the Pizzaplex is fairly empty, likely left that way for any future attractions. Yet despite the isolation, a familiar chuckle is heard, followed by heavy footsteps.
“Well look at that.” Monty says with a grin. “Looks like we meet again, Loony Moony.” He says, using the nickname Moon hated so much.
As Monty begins walking alongside him, Moon sighs. “What do you want, Montgomery?” He asks, his frame tensing.
“What, I can't hang out with my best bud?” Monty replies with fake sweetness. “Figured you'd want some company since that Sun guy doesn't leave the daycare.” He continues, shrugging his shoulders.
Moon grits his teeth as Monty continues walking too closely. “Say, I've always wondered…why do you walk like that?” Monty asks, watching as Moon walks on all fours.
Moon feels embarrassed, suddenly self conscious about the way he walked. But he refused to walk ‘normally,’ not wanting to give Monty the satisfaction.
“Seriously, though. You probably scare all the kids with the way you move. Maybe you should act like the rest of us, and maybe you wouldn't have so many kids avoiding nap time.” Monty continues with a shrug.
The way he said it was casual, but the words cut deep. Monty always liked making jabs at Moon's appearance and mannerisms, always finding some way to critique him.
Monty laughs, and from the smirk on his face, Moon knew that his tiny flinch had caught the gator's eye. “Oh, come on. Don't take everything so personally, Moonie.” Monty says, mocking the nickname he'd overhead Sun using.
“I'm only trying to help you. You really should take my advice. You could certainly use a few inprovements.” Monty continues, waving a hand.
Before Monty could say anything else, Moon leaps up to scale the nearby wall, squeezing himself into a tiny gap that leads into the ventilation.
Monty’s voice grows distant and far away, and Moon feels only a small amount of relief. Monty might not have been able to follow him through the vents, but Moon knew the gator bot would find him later.
He always did.
…
Moon drops down from the vent, only a few meters away from the daycare. As much as he wanted to continue to roam the Pizzaplex, he knew he'd run into Monty again.
He stops in front of an empty recharge station, checking his reflection, ensuring that Sun wouldn't be able to tell that he'd been crying.
However, he takes the moment to more closely examine himself.
Moon studies his bright red eyes, reaching up with a clawed hand to place a hand on his cheek. His lips stretch into a strained smile, showing off his razor sharp teeth.
Nothing about him seemed child friendly. Unlike Sun, who had rounded rays and rosy cheeks, Moon was all sharp edges and a rough, raspy voice that frightened many children.
He'd never been the same after the virus, his appearance and personality shifting so drastically. Whatever the corruption was, it amplified his insecurities and anger, creating someone he no longer recognized.
Through the glass, Moon watches as Monty walks up behind him, that smug look still on his face. Moon drops his hand by his side, clenching his fists to prevent himself from lashing out.
“There you are. I've been looking for you, buddy.” Monty says, the cheerful tone in his voice laced with poison.
Moon stares at Monty's reflection, his temper bubbling. “Stop following me.” He says through gritted teeth.
A large hand clasps his shoulder, and Monty pulls him close. “Aw, come on. I'm just trying to hang out with my best bud!” He says. “Gosh, don't be such a snob. You're just as bad as Sun.” He continues.
Moon angrily breaks away, and turns to face a smirking Monty. “Don't talk about Sunny that way.” He snaps, his voice angry.
Monty throws his head back and laughs. “Look at you, Sun's knight in shining armor.” He exclaims loudly. Moon glares at the gator bot, his internal temperature rising along with his temper.
“I can talk about Sun however I'd like. He's just a wimpy little daycare attendant that plays with kiddies all day.” Monty continues, leaning his face close. “And what are you going to do about it, anyway?” He taunts.
Monty feigns surprise and fear. “Oh no! Are you going to put me down for a nap? Oh, how will I ever cope?” He asks, his hands on his cheeks.
He then gives Moon a toothy grin, the amusement clear on his face. “Lighten up, Moonie. After all, you're just a nap time attendant. You should just stay in the daycare where you belong.” He says, leaning even closer.
Moon is suddenly pushed back, but it's not by Monty, who looks both smug and amused at the sight of Sun standing between them, his arms outstretched at his sides.
“Don't you dare talk to Moonie like that!” Sun shouts angrily, his rays spinning. “You are so banned from the daycare.” He says.
Monty rolls his eyes. “Oh, however will I cope?” He responds sarcastically, crossing his arms. “You two really need to chill out.” He says.
Sun scowls at Monty. “I'm telling Freddy.” He says. Monty's smug expression wavers a bit.
“And what's he going to do? He's not going to care.” Monty replies, his voice a little quieter now. Moon studies him closely, picking up on the nervousness in his voice.
Sun takes Moon's hand. “You're about to find out.” He says, and pulls Moon along, who can only follow helplessly.
“Let's just go home, Sunny.” Moon hisses, his voice low. “Freddy doesn't need to be bothered with my quarrels.” He says.
Sun doesn't look at him. “Freddy will stop him. You don’t need to let Monty treat you like that.” He says.
“I was handling it. I'm fine. I've dealt with that oversized alligator before.” Moon replies, scoffing.
As he says this, Sun's hold on his hand tightens. “We're talking about this later.” He says sternly.
When he realizes that Sun wasn't joking, Monty quickly begins to follow the pair, his smugness gone.
“Oh, come on! Moonie and I were just messing around.” He stammers.
Sun stops and whirls around, pointing a finger at Monty, his face furious. “You don't get to call him that.” He snaps. “Only I do.” He says, stunning Monty into silence.
It was unusual for Sun to be this stern, usually having seemingly endless patience with even the most difficult children.
Monty looks fully scared now, especially when they get close to the Glamrocks quarters.
“Oh, come on. We're all friends here!” Monty sputters, his voice rising in pitch. “Can't we just let this go?” He asks.
Sun marches right up to Freddy's door and knocks on it without hesitation. Monty falls silent, his gaze anxiously darting between the two daycare attendants.
Freddy's door opens, and Moon tenses immediately. He'd always been intimidated by the bear, despite his eagerness to include him and Sun in things.
“Sun! Moon!” Freddy exclaims warmly, looking between them. “How nice of you two to visit!” He says. He then looks up, noticing Monty standing behind them.
Freddy is silent for a moment, and his smile slowly drops when he takes in the scene before him.
Sun looks at Monty for a moment before turning his attention to Freddy once more. “Freddy,” he begins, his voice calm. “Do you want to know what Montgomery said to Moon?” He asks.
Freddy's eyes narrow. “Go on.” He says, his voice quiet.
“He told Moon, that he should, and I quote, ‘stay in the daycare where he belonged.’ And apparently, this wouldn't be the first time something like this has happened. Isn't that right, Moon?” Sun explains. He looks at Moon directly now, his expression firm.
Moon looks at Monty, then at Sun, and finally, at Freddy. He drops his gaze, refusing to look him in the eye. “Yes. He often follows me around the Pizzaplex.” He admits.
He glances over his shoulder. “He seems to find it funny to make little jabs at my appearance and habits.” He adds, narrowing his eyes at Monty.
“I see.” Freddy says. His voice is calm, far too calm. “Monty, is this true?” The bear asks, looking directly at Monty, who sputters out an excuse.
“W-we were just messing around. Nothing to make a big deal out of.” Monty stammers, putting up his hands.
Freddy narrows his eyes. “I don't ever want to hear about you mistreating either of them ever again.” He says, his voice soft, but angry. “You will treat them with respect.” Freddy continues. “Do you understand, Montgomery?” He asks.
“Uh, yeah. Sure. Definitely.” Monty replies before scurrying off, going on about needing to check on Gator Golf.
When he leaves, Freddy turns his attention back to Sun and Moon, and removes his top hat, his ears drooping.
“I am sorry that he troubled you, Moon. It will not happen again.” He says, looking directly at Moon, who can only nod.
“Please tell me if he bothers you again.” Freddy adds. “He's always picking on other animatronics. I hate seeing it.” He says.
Sun nods. “We will.” He promises, and squeezes Moon's hand gently.
“And don't be afraid to visit every once in a while. You two are always welcome here.” Freddy says with a warm smile.
…
It's a silent walk back to the daycare. It's only when the doors close does Sun finally break the silence.
When Moon tries to walk off, Sun grabs his wrist. “Why didn't you tell me he was bullying you?” Sun demands.
He doesn't sound angry. Just frightend. Upset. Moon sighs. “It didn't matter.” He responds quietly. “I deserve it, anyway.” He adds under his breath.
Sun's rays spin rapidly. “What? Why would you say that, Moonie?” He exclaims. When Moon doesn't respond, Sun's eyes widen. “Its because of the virus, isn't it?” He asks.
Moon pulls away. “I deserve it. We all know it.” He snaps impatiently. “I should have fought harder against Afton. But I didn't. And I hurt people.” He says.
Before tears can fall, Moon turns away from Sun, his arms crossed as he hugs himself tightly, as if it would keep him from falling apart.
“Maybe he's right.” Moon says, his voice unusually soft. He'd been unable to be vulnerable after Afton's virus, something Sun said could be a trauma response.
It never used to be like this. It used to be simple. But now everything was messy and complicated, and Moon felt utterly hopeless.
“I scare the children. Even before the virus, so many would hide away in fear from me. All because I was designed like a…freak.” He says, his voice breaking.
It was a common name for Monty to call him, all with a smirk in his stupid face. “You're not a freak, Moonie.” Sun replies, on the verge of tears.
Moon rolls his eyes. “Just look at me, Sun. Face it. Nothing about me is child friendly.” He says, turning around and gesturing at himself.
“Claws…teeth…glowing red eyes. It's no wonder they fear me.” Moon continues, his voice bitter. “But you…” He gestures at Sun, his scowl softening.
“You're their shining star. You're sweet…kind…patient, and I'm just the stern nap time attendant that ruins all the fun.” He says.
Moon looks away. “It was so much easier to ignore back then. But now…they'll never forget the things that I did.” He says. “I'll always be a monster in their eyes.” He exhales softly, his eyes shine with tears he refuses to let fall.
Sun's rays shrink back. “Do you really think that about yourself?” He asks quietly, tears rolling down his cheeks. “Oh, Moonie…”
He pulls Moon into his arms, hugging him tight. “You're none of those things. You're beautiful and kind…none of the things Monty said are true.” Sun says.
Moon shudders in his hold, finally beginning to break down. He grasps Sun tightly, curling his joints in so that he wouldn't hurt his partner with his sharp claws.
His claws. Moon hated them, yet was terrified to part with them. He feared accidentally hurting a child with them, but feared being defenseless even more.
Moon looks over Sun's shoulder, seeing an old plushie on the desk. It had been made before Afton's virus had corrupted Moon, and showed him with his red and blue eyes.
He liked to think that his heterochroma had made him a little more likeable back then, and despised the bright red eyes he had now.
Some of the older children liked to tell the younger ones that Moon's red eyes meant he was evil, scaring them and encouraging them to run away from him during nap time.
Sometimes things would be thrown at him, in an effort to ‘defeat’ the monster they were fighting against. Other times the bolder children would steal his hat, keeping him distracted while others hid from the terrible monster.
Moon hated that game. But he avoided reacting to it, not wanting to add fuel to the fire, or let his temper get the better of him.
Sun holds him tight, cradling him in his arms. “I won't let Monty hurt you anymore. And I won't let you hate yourself anymore.” Sun promises.
He then pulls back for a moment to hold Moon's tear-streaked face in his hands, looking him in the eye. “You're my Moonie. Nothing is going to keep me from loving you. I promise.” Sun says, wiping away Moon's tears.
Sun pulls Moon into a kiss, still tenderly cradling his face in his hands. When they part, Sun presses their foreheads together, wrapping his arms around Moon's waist.
Moon lets out a low frequency purr as Sun holds him. It's a sound he rarely ever made, and reserved it only for Sun, who smiles when he hears the sweet sound.
“I love you, Moonie.” Sun says quietly, holding Moon closer.
There's a small moment of hesitation, as doubts begin to creep into Moon's mind. He pushes them aside for now, wanting to savor these tender moments.
“I…love you too.”