CHAPTER FIFTEEN - 'After Show'

The hours leading up to ten o'clock were pitiful. You took a detour home and showered, feeling as if you wanted to wash away every memory of Freddy Fazbear's Pizzeria. Everything about that place was a nightmare and you just wished that you hadn't decided to get the job in the first place. Maybe if you'd just... No, you tell yourself forcefully, amazing things have happened there!

This time, your arrival at Freddy Fazbear's is the most terrifying in ages. Luckily, families are rushing in and are hysterical. You wondered whether anyone knew what had happened here, what happened at night.

"There you are." Mike breathed, appearing at your side. His uniform is still on and his hair is ruffled and messy. "I've been waiting for-"

"Don't you ever go home?" You ask, exasperated. "Or change out of your clothes? Shower or eat? Mike, last night was tough."

"Every night's tough." Mike groans. "And my parents work all the time. Oh, and I'm a high school dropout, so my parents constantly pretend that my existence is a huge and utter joke."

"Don't think like that." You almost growl and sidle up to a table, sinking into the seat. Mike sits opposite, waving a waitress over and ordering two coffees. 

"You nervous?" Mike guesses, quickly thanking the woman, who hurries away. "I know I don't usually admit to things like this, but I'm scared."

You nod. "Heck, you ought to be, Mike. This is Freddy we're talking about here." You sip at the coffee, savoring the taste. You'd need it.

"Ditto." Mike sips at his as well. "I've worked here a few days longer than you, but we've had the same experience. And by experience, I mean complete and utter nightmare."

* * * * * * * *  *

Moments before the end of the band's second show, you and Mike watch from the sidelines. Chica's grinning hysterically, ignoring you and Mike's presence and genuinely having a great time. You wonder how she does that. Bonnie's watching you both worriedly, and though no one notices, his eyes flick towards Freddy every now and then. And then there's Freddy, who regards you through narrowed eyes.

The show finishes and a tight knot forms in your stomach. You want to flee right there and then but know that Freddy will get you, one way or another. 

With apprehension, you both head backstage, where you find Freddy and Drusilla waiting. Drusilla smiles weakly. "You okay?"

You nod slightly. "I suppose." You pause, eyes lingering on Freddy's aggressive posture. "Are we-are we in trouble?"

"Yes, yes you are." Freddy steps forward stiffly. "What were you seriously thinking? Haven't you learned yet that Gold could kill you in the blink of an eye? So can I, so can Bonnie and so can Chica, if she really wants to."

You gulp, staying silent as he rambles on. "We're all dangerous! And with Marionette on the loose, there is no reason for you to risk your lives by seeing Gold! Have I made myself clear?"

"Yes." You and Mike murmur, avoiding Freddy's eyes like school students.

"Good." Freddy grins, a grin that sends terrified shivers up your spine. He makes to walk past but stops beside you, leaning close. "Don't ever do that again, or I will take care of both of you myself, got it?"

*** * * *  * *

Sorry for the shorter chapter! But there wasn't much I could fit into this one, really. I've got it all planned out and it just ended being shorter than was intended. Oh well!

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Kisses,

Nat 

(( I am alive, I swear!))