Chapter Text
He really has sunk to an all new low if he was actually considering scrolling through Craigslist of all places to search for a new job. After being fired from his last gig, Finn (Ft. Foxy), was currently in need of a job. He couldn’t live off of his last couple paychecks forever. Currently he was lounging halfheartedly across his couch, that was a little too small for the tall, lanky, flexible actor.
Scrolling on social media before seeing yet another advertisement for employment at some local movie theater. He glared at his phone like it personally offended him and sighed heavily. It was like his algorithm had some sort of vendetta against him. He clicked off his phone, tossing it on to the coffee table. Hearing it clatter he ran a hand through his naturally white hair. It grew out white while he was still in high school. (He had dyed his hair pink at the ends despite all the critiques he’d get about it.)
After a groan to no one in particular, considering he resided in an apartment by his lonesome. He sat up on the couch he was laying across and rubbed his hands into his eyes in an attempt to rejuvenate himself and gain energy he did not currently possess to deal with life right now. Reaching for his phone that he just discarded to the side carelessly, he grabbed it and made his way to Safari, starting his job searching while he laid back on his couch. After scrolling through endless listings, his eyes finally caught on to something on Craigslist that just had to be too good to be true.
One of the job listings under the gigs event section was listed as Circus Baby’s Pizza World, they needed an actor for some kid friendly skit. The pay wasn’t terrible, 25 bucks an hour and 5 days a week. It must have been some new place they put up down by that one street that was under some construction for the past couple months. Tempted by the listing he ended up clicking on it for more details. It looked decently legitimate, going on to list off times and expectations.
He was greatly pleased to notice the dress code was able to be loosely interpreted. “If you own one of your own costumes you are allowed to bring in for Afton Entertainments to inspect and decide if it fits the theme and agenda of the Party place. Otherwise show up in all black and a costume will be designed and assigned for you within 1-2 business days, after completing the interview process.”
Feeling the thrum of excitement at the opportunity course through him, he decided to apply for the job. He blazed through the application process which was surprisingly quick, deciding to ignore the concerning and oddly specific form he had to complete about the liabilities and risks that Afton Entertainments were not liable for. After completing the application process he got up from the couch and stretched his arms over his head with a yawn. It was only midday, about 2 o’clock in the afternoon, yet he found himself still tired and rather groggy from spending all morning and afternoon so far, on the couch like a bum.
After stretching and breezily making a speedy breakfast of cereal and a side of some scrambled eggs, he heard the email chime from his phone go off, if he had animal-like ears they would've twitched toward the sound. He swiveled his head around from where he was in the kitchen to spot the phone on the coffee table in the living room. He slid the scrambled eggs off from the pan, onto a plate, and clicked off the stove before wiping off his hands on a rag and made his way into the living room to grab his phone and click it open. There was no way they replied already, right?
Well, they must’ve been pretty desperate because there it was in his notification center ‘Aftons Entertainments’ email reply. Intrigued by the quick response he made his way back to the kitchen while he unlocked his phone. Grabbing his bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios’ he opened his email and skimmed the contents.
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Finnian,
We are pleased to inform you, you meet all of the correct requirements for the position listed in our Craigslist ad!
We would love to see you on the following Saturday,
November 7th at 7:30 A.M.
Thank you for your application and good luck in the interview process with Mr. Afton.
Remember Afton Entertainments is not liable for the following risks under our FAQ Liabilities & Risks form.
Regards,
Afton Entertainments LLC.
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The email appeared to be an automated response, which was to be expected but regardless, it seemed things were going smoothly for once. Saturday was just tomorrow. He still had a good portion of the day left to prepare. He could work on the fly. He felt a new sense of excitement course through him, beginning to push away the groggy state of mind that numbed him all early afternoon. He continued eating his cereal, enjoying the cold and tasty treat, the cereal sitting in the milk for just a bit, had made the milk gain a sweet taste. They would make such good money if they’d sell cereal milk. He ate the last bite of his cereal before drinking the milk out of the bowl. He stood up and made his way to the sink, rinsed his bowl, placed it away, and grabbed his semi-forgotten plate of eggs. He began eating and walking in the direction of his room to go inspect his closet.
Kicking open his slight ajar door with his foot, he made his way through his room, walking over his pink fluffy rug and with his free hand opened his closet. Once the door was open he resumed eating with one hand and holding his plate with the other as he surveyed his closet. After a bit of research earlier when applying for the job he noticed it was very circus themed. While, he didn’t own many circus centered clothes. He did own a couple clothes that used very fun and childish designs or patterns, like one of his pink vests that had stars along the bottom of it. Which, he usually paired with the matching white button-up under shirt that had star cuff links and a star pattern along the sleeves.
While the outfit he was aiming for was more clown-like, most of his clothes were much too fancy. So it seemed the excessive star design was the best option. With the time it took to mull over his decisions he ended up finishing up his eggs and setting it aside on his vanity. He grabbed the vest and button-up from the hanger in his closet. After getting it on he surveyed himself in his standup mirror, deciding that he didn’t look half-bad, the next problem was what to wear for pants. After a couple minutes of internal debate he ended up choosing some white pants that were easy to move in yet still looked okay. He also had to be somewhat at terms with this outfit getting dirty considering the place was a kids entertainment place. While the thought of any of his stuff getting ruined greatly irked him, he decided if one outfit HAD to be sacrificed, it would be this one.
After admiring himself in the mirror for a bit longer, it was settled. He had his outfit planned out with little left to do. Maybe set a couple of alarms and drive over to the place just to get a lay of the land. But that seemed extra. With the rest of his afternoon free and adrenaline thrumming through his veins, he glanced back at his phone noticing it was 4:45, already. He swore it was just 2 o’clock. He neatly put away his planned outfit and made his way into something more casual. Well, as casual as he could without it being pajamas. Slipping on a pair of white sweatpants and a loose pink shirt, he usually wore the shirt to bed because of the soft material, but it doubled as a presentable shirt too.
He didn’t really have much to do these days, with his sibling being a full time influencer manager, and most of his friend groups from school had grown apart. The promises of staying close long since forgotten over the years. It was in between quick gigs like this that he began to realize that he really was essentially alone. Him and Lolbit were still decently close but Lolbit was a very busy person nowadays. However, somehow they always managed to pop up at the most random of times, one time even visited Finn at 2 a.m. in a 7-11 and another time in the middle of a movie theater. He missed them and he missed having friends. Maybe this place could turn his social life around? Surely not everyone there is rude or lacks a sense of humor.
He just hoped the other people working there weren't complete idiots. Then this whole job would certainly be unbearable. He really wasn’t asking for much, just a job that wasn’t too exhausting or annoying, and people who followed the same quota or expectations.
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After getting off the phone with his father, he set the phone down with a light slam onto the receiver, ending the call sharply. Michael sighed heavily, a hand coming up to run through his unruly brown hair before he heard the office door open with a slow creak and the light from the outside pizzeria cast its way across the dark room. His brown eyes flicked over to his little brother who stood awkwardly in the doorway, fiddling with his thumbs.
“Was that Dad?”
Evan was clutching one of his plushies, Fredbear. Mike sighed standing up from his office chair without much flourish. He nodded stiffly, crossing the small room leisurely and answered with a softer approach than the tone he used on the phone with a… notably unpleasant person. He was trying to be a better brother, not proud of who he was in the past, though it has been several years since then. His hand ruffled Evan’s hair as he replied.
“Yeah.. But it’s nothing you have to worry about, Bud. It’s just sum new performer coming in tomorrow.”
Mike moved past Evan, making his way out of the dimly lit office. Evan’s eyes widened at the news, quickly trailing after his older brother. Their relationship has noticeably improved over the years after Mike snapped to his senses when he was in his junior year. Evan grabbed Mike's hand as he followed after him and pressed for more about the new person.
“new performer..? do you know their name..?”
Mike glanced down at his brother, holding back a sarcastic remark with a sigh. He flicked his gaze back up and continued walking through the noisy pizzeria, explaining to Evan softly before some irritation from speaking to their Father over the phone just a few minutes ago bled through his tone.
“No clue, Father was quite persistent that he would just send an email later today with all the information instead of wasting his ti-”
Mike stopped abruptly glancing down at Evan quickly, noticing his crestfallen look and swiftly corrected himself in that tone people usually used to try and cheer up a sad or disappointed child.
“Wasting his time over the phone so that he can finish his work super quick so that he can come see us super duper fast.”
Evan didn’t seem to believe his cheap sloppy cover up but he did manage a small smile as though he wanted to. Michael felt a twinge of guilt stab in his chest at his brother's halfhearted smile. He rubbed the back of his head with his free hand before letting out a sigh. His eyes flicking down to his little brother he tried again. But a smidge more honest.
“Look, Evan. I think we both know I maaay have been skewing the truth a tad bit, but to be fair, who needs the old man? You got your fun eccentric annoying sister Liz, your crazy cool older brother to protect you, and Mom at home once my shift’s over.”
Evan giggled at his super ‘accurate’ descriptions of his siblings. In exchange, Mike feigned mock offense, pressing his free hand to his chest as though clutching his pearls and gasping dramatically.
“What are you trying to say, Evan??? That I am not totally super cool and radical?”
Evan giggled a little harder at that, his grip on Fredbear and Mike's hand loosening significantly. He glanced back his smile more earnest this time, Mike's antics clearly working in excellent succession of cheering him up. Evan amusedly replied back.
“Well, maybe crazy was more accurate-”
Mike cut him off with a gasp, unable to keep up the act though as a smile broke across his face at Evans laughter. He let go of his hand and squeezed his face as he snarked back jokingly.
“You stinker!! How dare you! I am not crazy.”
The boys laughed and playfully bantered in a way that wouldn’t stir up any old wounds or scars too new to be poked and prodded without bleeding yet. Evan followed Mike around for most of his shift before he joined Elizabeth and Cassidy in watching the circus performance going on while Mike continued working. Evan’s favorite performance was the blind ballerina act. Mainly because their Mom had loved to dance before she got sick.
Once Mike finished closing up the family owned establishment he waited by the main stage for the band of misfits to arrive. He had asked each of them backstage before or after their last performances to come see him by the main stage when he was done closing.
While Evan and Elizabeth stood by his side. Liz was already impatiently pestering her older brother.
“Why are we still here? Miiiiike..Mike. Mike, what are we doing? Hey. Mike.”
She tugged on the sleeve of his security guard uniform and Mike tried to ignore her and at least wait for one of the performers to show up before addressing her. But she just continued on and on.
“Mike. Hey. Are you going to turn off the lights so we can leave? Mike. Michael. Mikey. helllllooOOoo. Brother.”
Michael internally cringed at the “title” she addressed him with and flicked his eyes down to her clearly irritated. His eyebrow raised in disgust and he finally answered, cutting off her chattering.
“We’re waiting for the Funtimes. And don’t call me that.”
Elizabeth laughed at his disgust and pried further despite knowing exactly what he was talking about.
“What? Brother?”
Mike shot her a glare before rolling his eyes and silently sighing through his nose. He shot back, his patience clearly wearing thin.
“Yes. That. It sounds weird. Like one of those cheesy coming of age movies.”
Elizabeth laughed louder at that, Evan even cracked a smirk and a light snicker came out of him. Michael looked back around, still no sign of the Funtimes so far. He understood there was cleaning to be had backstage, but there was no way it was THAT messy, right?. Liz must have taken notice of Mike glancing around again and piped up.
“Where are the Funtimes, anyways?”
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“Hey Bon-Bon, do ya think our act is getting a little old? Should we work on new material over the weekend?”
Funtime Freddy, or commonly known as Fred amongst his friends, asked Bon, his best friend since Elementary, who just peaked his head out from behind the comically large box of props they had backstage. Most of the props in there have never even seen the spotlight before. Bon laughed as though what he said was absurd and replied.
“Work on a weekend? Have you hit your head or something, silly?”
Then they both burst into laughter like a couple of clowns. Well they were. They performed silly clown acts for the children, sometimes even blowing balloon animals in between showtimes, Funtime Freddy would blow it up as little Bon-Bon didn’t have the lung capacity for that. Then Freddy would pass the balloon over to Bon with the end pinched to not have it blow away for Bon to tie it and make it into whatever the kids had requested because Freddy in turn didn’t have the hands for. They were a great pair, working together almost in sync like they were one. They were rarely separated. Currently they both share a small apartment somewhere in the city. They met in Elementary where at the time and trauma bonded over bullying experiences, with Bon being the shortest in their grade and Fred’s hand was amputated at the wrist.
Freddy and Bon-Bon finished laughing into a wheeze. Freddy wiped a tear from his eye after laughing so hard and finished unbuttoning his clown top with his hand, continuing to talk like the chatterbox he was. Bon listened while continuing his rummage through the extremely large box with PROPs, scribbled on the front of it in bad handwriting with a sharpie. After a couple minutes, Fred just finished wiping off his make-up, the purple clown cheek marks and white foundation, dressed in his casual clothes, when suddenly Bon-Bon shot up and exclaimed, interrupting Funtime Freddy's rant about whether a hot dog was a sandwich or not.
“Shoot! Fred! We were supposed to be meeting at the stage with the other Funtimes! Mike called a meeting!”
Freddy without a missing beat just smirked and replied back cheekily.
“That's a bit sus..picious, do you think it was a self-report?”
Bon-Bon glared half eartedly and smacked him on the side. He quipped back exasperated, already hurriedly making his way to the exit of their changing room, talking while pulling open the door to leave. Freddy stood up and tossed his make-up wipe into the trash can by his vanity.
“Shut up, you oaf! C’mon we have to go!”
Freddy was already trailing after Bon-Bon, because even if he didn’t seem intimidating at the proud height of 4 '11, Bon-Bon was NOT pleasant to be around the few times he got angry. Fred chuckled.
“Fine, Fine. I'm moving, no need to rush me.”
Bon shot the bearish man a glare. He scoffed and muttered something under his breath while Funtime Freddy just smirked and suppressed a snicker. They made their way to the stage room in no time, they were the last people to show. Mike already seemed greatly annoyed from the pair being 15 minutes late. Michael was accompanied by his two other siblings as well, Elizabeth and Evan, Liz was chatting with Circus Baby, both of them laughing and talking at a fast pace that was hard to keep up with what they were even talking about. Evan looked bored and was eyeing each of the performers from where he stood close to Mike.
“Sorry we’re late to the party!”
Freddy announced, not sounding a bit remorseful at all. Bon rolled his eyes from next to him. The stage room was dimly lit, most of the lights in the Pizzeria that weren't necessary were already shut off probably at the courtesy of Mike. The flooring throughout the whole place was checkered and the red circus themed walls loomed in a way with the dim lighting.
Mike, who was already glaring at the tall man, just nodded stiffly at his arrival before clearing his throat, making the Funtimes divert their attention from Freddy to glance back at Mike.
“Anyways. Glad to see you finally decided to show up Fredrick.-
Damn. He was not in such a good mood. Freddy's amused demeanor quickly rubbed off and his smirk slightly faded, sobering up from his silly attitude. Mike continued on.
“Listen I need some of you all to show up to work tomorrow-
Mike was cut off by the sound of overlapping questions coming from the Funtimes, Not protests more so questions along the lines of ‘What??’ ‘Why?’ ‘What do you need us for?’ ‘Excuse me, Are we getting paid?’ Mike pinched the bridge of his nose at their onslaught of questions, before shushing them loudly. Letting out a sigh as he tried to answer the questions he caught and continue where he left off.
“Guys. Listen, My dad just sprung this on me. He called after lunch about how he put up a Craigslist ad for new recruit-
Mike was interrupted again by loud gasps and ‘Oooo’s’ but he quickly silenced them with a sharp glare, clearly out of patience already. A few scattered apologies, some muttered sorries followed quickly after, before Liz cut in.
“You guys are more dramatic than me.”
Mike shot Liz a stern look and chided his younger sister.
“Elizabeth.”
Liz put her hands up in mock surrender and rolled her green eyes, folding her arms across her chest like a petulant child. Mike refrained from sighing and just resumed his spiel.
“Ahem. So, in turn. He requested if some of you could come in a bit before 7 in the mornin’. It should end at the latest by noon. You would be on the clock, it’s just essentially picking up a weekend shift to show 'em around, maybe display some of your talents.”
The others exchanged looks, as though silently communicating amongst each other. Ballora frowned and shook her head at the proposition, her soft and melodic voice the first one to speak up amongst the other performers.
“I can’t, I’m truly sorry, dear. I’d love to, but I do have a Pre-K Ballet class to teach tomorrow, Mike.
Michael nodded in understanding then focused his intense gaze on the remaining 3 candidates. Freddy, Bon-Bon, and Circus Baby. Who was looking a little unsure about the whole idea. She scratched the back of her head, her usual ponytails free from their hair ties, her fiery ginger hair laying down flat on her back. She replied back to Mike with hesitance.
“I don't know… M’ Sorry, Mike, but I’m pretty sure I have a high school reunion by 11 or noon-ish. I think it would be cutting it a little too close. As much as I really want to see and welcome the new recruit, I don't think I can make it.”
Michael looked like he wanted to argue further but decided against it, looking towards Funtime Freddy expectantly. Freddy flicked his blue eyes from Christine (Circus Baby) over to Mike who was staring at him. Fred chuckled nervously before glancing down at Bon-Bon who was staring at him as though daring him to come up with some cheap lie. Freddy sighed before nodding.
“Yeah.. I can be there. But I do know that Bon-Bon can’t becau-”
Freddy was cut off by Bon-Bon clearing his throat loudly and interrupted Freddy who tried to talk for him. Freddy looked down at Bon-Bon with a sheepish and apologetic look. Bon reassured him with a smile and took over, answering for himself.
“It's fine, Fred. I can’t because I am meeting up with my sister Bonnet to hang out for the day.”
Christine, Laura (Ballora), and Elizabeth made sounds of surprise, while Mike nodded in understanding. All of them were aware that Bonnet lived out of state, so her coming to town was pretty important, Bon-Bon smiled warmly at their reactions and continued on with a light chuckle.
“I’ll let her know you guys said Hi, She’s coming down for the weekend.”
Circus Baby grinned her eyes lighting up, Bonnet was one of her friends when they were still in school. She looked to be the most excited out of the group, She quickly interjected before Mike could.
“Really?! That’s so awesome! She should totally come over for a girls night on Sunday. Only if she wants to, I don’t want to impose or anything like that.”
Bon nodded thoughtfully, before shrugging.
“I don’t see why not, but I’ll have to ask her about it and I will let you know what she says.”
Christy grinned and nodded thanking Bon before Mike interjected with an eyebrow raise directed at Freddy.
“So you’re cool with being the only one here tomorrow other than me and my siblings to meet the new person?”
Mike asked, not even trying to show his skepticism. Frederick would’ve been more offended, if he didn’t understand where Michael was coming from, Freddy was the last person that ever wanted to work on a weekend. He hated the idea, but he didn’t have any proper reason not to come in. He glanced around at the losers that decided to bail on him, Christina, Lora, and Bon Bon. Bon he knew about and saw coming but Circus Baby was almost always present for these kinds of things. It was a bummer that NONE of his friends would be there. He sighed, realizing he hadn’t said anything yet, he nodded and answered.
“I mean yeah, I don’t exactly have any actual excuse.”
Mike nodded at what he said as though it made sense in his books. Mike clearly didn’t want to be here much longer, his gaze sweeping over the other performers before landing on Freddy again and replied.
“Okay then. I'm going to lock up and shut off the lights. Thank you guys, see you Monday.”
Which was Michael for ‘Get the hell out of here, I want to go home but I have to do these last few things but I can’t if you bums are still here.’ The performers nodded and said their goodbyes to Mike and his siblings. Lizzy hugged Christina and waved enthusiastically goodbye to the rest of them, while Evan gave polite byes.
Freddy and Bon-Bon left the building, out in the parking lot Freddy groaned his hands coming up to run through his messed up hair. Bon-Bon smirked, glancing up at him as they walked towards their car, already aware of what Freddy was groaning about. Freddy crossed his arms across his chest as he muttered, Bon-Bon snickering at his pouting.
“I guess I am going to be working on a weekend…"