It was exactly thirty minutes before midnight when you tapped in for the night shift, having slept from four in the afternoon to ten at night left you feeling refreshed despite the hours lacking in sleep. Still, you firmed the resolute of sleep being meant only for the weak.

It was quiet in the Pizzaplex, with the same ambience of Rockstar Row to be heard from the entry turnstiles. You didn't need to take a peek to see that the animatronics are nowhere near Rockstar Row, rather, they must be in the Main Atrium. It was a routine for them to gather at the Main Atrium should they be absent from Rockstar Row at this hour. It was no longer do they wait the first hour after midnight before leaving their greenrooms, they already felt secured enough to roam free with nighttime security guards in any case.

You took the first flight of stairs from there, fixing the buttons of your blouse which was matched incorrectly as you were in a hurry. You had to visit the laundry shop before you got here, considering that you're out of clean uniforms to use. You were simply in luck that dry cleaning exists.

The elevator was already open, which allowed you to enter and ride the way up to the Main Atrium without much of a hassle. The same jingle was heard, every single tune of which you already memorized were in sync with the song played in your mind.

When you got there, you were in no surprise that the holographic lights and spotlights were turned off, or else, too much electricity is wasted. Something tells you that they're probably at Bonnie Bowl, since its Bonnie's attraction, and he's the hot topic of the night.

While walking up the escalator and to Bonnie Bowl, you recalled your conversation with Bonnie earlier, feeling slightly guilty of how you reacted towards him. Sure, you missed the big fella, you were a visitor of the Pizzaplex when he used to play with Freddy in the past. You already accepted the bitter fact that he's gone, decommissioned and no longer found but apparently, some nutjob hid his parts at a relatively convenient place left forgotten for months.

The more you thought about it, the more of unease you felt, you should've been a little bit nicer at least, right? Maybe you're just shocked?

With a makeshift smile on your face, you approached the milkshake bar near Bonnie's small stage, already hearing the distinct voices of the animatronics conversing there. As expected, Vanessa was absent from the group, but Monty is nowhere to be seen as well.

Freddy was the first to notice you and gave a brief wave. "Greetings, I hope you are well rested." He spoke before leaning his back on the counter in a relaxed manner, his behavior getting less formal in action as time passes by.

You merely took a seat on one of the nearby stools, having been a bit exhausted from all the walking from your apartment to the laundry, then here. Not to mention that the Pizzaplex is huge. "Six hours' worth of sleep, I guess you could say that." In less than a moment, you called a staff bot to order another kind of drink, a hot beverage of your favorite comfort drink this time. It's a good thing that the milkshake bar is not restricted to serving only milkshakes.

"I presume you've met Bonnie already, am I correct? He mentioned meeting you here earlier." Freddy gestured towards Bonnie who waved at you with cheery emotion in his eyes, Roxy just sat on the counter which surprisingly remained sturdy enough to carry her weight.

"It's as he said, I guess." You replied, taking a sip of your beverage, thinking of ways on how you can change into the onset mood.

"As management told me earlier, I'll have my own greenroom. I'll temporarily stay on Bonnie Bowl but once they sort out the paperwork, I'll play with the band." Bonnie continued just what he was telling previously, answering a question which Roxy must've asked, considering how he's facing her way while speaking.

"Sounds like management alright. It won't take long, none of us really stay in our attraction." Roxy replied, leaning against the counter while sitting on the stool. At first, she was fond of her Raceway before management decided to seal it off months ago for construction work. It has been opened but not yet at full capacity. The salon is still closed off for repairs until now, you just can't trust robots with scissors yet.

"Hey, where's Monty and Chica?" you decided to ask, noticing how two notable animatronics were absent—well, you thought Chica was here but apparently, you must've thought wrong.

"Chica is in the kitchen, she offered to make us some pizza. As for Monty, he said he had some commitments to take care of." The animatronic in orange replied, his eyes glued to you for a moment. "Are you sure you're alright, though? You look quite tense." He questioned, already having understood some of your behavioral actions to assume your state.

You simply gave him a smile. "I'm fine, I'm just honestly shocked. I've always looked up to Bonnie when I wasn't working here in the past, his decommissioning broke some of the fans—including me." You looked towards Bonnie who seemed intrigued in you. "I've accepted the fact for so long, it shocked me to see you back."

Despite the permanent expression on their faces from their animatronic casings, Bonnie gave you a smile, as indicated in his eyes. "I'm flattered to hear you're a fan. I didn't know what happened as well, all I know is that management found my pieces and put me back together." He laughed to himself, "Get it?"

You would've replied but the cheery voice of Chica caught your attention.

"Hey, guys! Sorry it took too long; the staff bots are really hard to convince these days." The white yet colorful themed animatronic placed two boxes down on the countertop. Apparently, when kitchen automated staffs are still active, they tend to shoo Chica away—to be fair, the lady is quite messy in the kitchen, much less her favorite thing to do is eating.

You helped yourself to a slice, having forgotten to eat earlier before taking up the shift. "Don't mind if I do." It just so happened that Monty's Mystery Mix is an interesting flavor, the toppings mixed together and greens overpowering the meat, a good alternative for those who are avoiding too much meaty fat.

"I hope the greenroom prepared is to your liking, it still has your things—most of them. Management couldn't find the rest and changed a few things." Freddy explained, it seems that Bonnie's accommodation was the topic of earlier.

"I thought you didn't know anything about the anniversary surprise?" you couldn't help but ask, since you could have sworn, he knew nothing—but why does he sound like he was accommodating everything from the start?

"I must've forgotten to mention. As the band leader with highest protocols, I have access to all data concerning the other animatronics. The main office added Bonnie into the network days ago but sealed my access to ensure that the surprise remains a surprise. After Bonnie's performance, the seal was lifted and I gained access to his data, which also includes the information on his accommodation." His lengthy explanation was thorough and detailed, yet still pretty much understandable for the likes of you to still understand.

"Huh, no wonder." You took a bite of your slice of pizza, finding the comfort of food much more important. "Though its good to see you all together again, just like the old times."

"Indeed, I found myself in great delight to have the band together again." Freddy's response was soft, elated almost. However, they're not really complete yet.

You were aware of the conflict that arose from Bonnie's previous decommissioning, everyone has been pointing fingers at Monty before the situation died down peacefully.

"What does Monty say?" you couldn't help but ask, making every animatronic in the area to fall silent while looking at you, as if mentioning a taboo topic, Freddy seemed to clear his throat.

"I'm in no position to assume what Monty thinks about this, however, he left a moment ago before we rounded here." Freddy seems to hide the fact that Monty was at the very least, uncomfortable with Bonnie's meeting. However, he definitely can't cast out Bonnie for the sake of Monty.

Maybe, he'll talk to Monty later?

"It's understandable, really. Monty and I were buddies in the past, but only now was I able to understand the surrounding conflict when I was decommissioned. To be frank with you guys, I cannot recall what happened before, but I know I was attacked. I don't want to think its Monty who did so." Bonnie interjected, casting his gaze aside for the moment of his response before looking back at Freddy, then at you.

Roxy, who seems to be quiet for some time, released a sigh. "I saw Monty go to his greenroom before I got here, that's probably where he is." She then casted her gaze towards you. "I don't think we should force him to interact with Bonnie for the time being. Let him move in his own comfort."

"It's fine, I'll go see him." You finished your slice of pizza and drank your beverage before hopping off the tall stool, the rest of the animatronics watching you but didn't dare tell you to stop.

"I'm sorry that my return is... not that favorable." Bonnie couldn't help but apologize, after all, he can't control what the other animatronic thinks, but his unannounced return made it quite unprepared for.

"Bonnie, don't say that..." Chica frowned and gave Freddy a look. "I'm sure he'll come around; he just needs time." She knew that at some point, Monty will be okay.

Its just that he's unprepared, that's all.

"Well, I'm still going to see him. After all, he might need a friend." You gave them one last look before turning around to leave.

All the while, Freddy didn't say anything. Perhaps, his situation is a lot more complicated since he needs to deal with both the conflicting animatronics in peace.

After occasionally looking around, you left Bonnie Bowl and took in the scenery of the Main Atrium. At first glance, Bonnie seemed nicer than you expected up close. Maybe, you just got used to the newly formed band.

You headed down the escalator steps and rode the elevator to the Main Lobby, only staff bots were roaming around and cleaning tonight, not an ounce of humans anywhere in sight. It didn't take long before you vaguely see Monty's graffiti lights on top of his greenroom window, the green curtains drawn shut, and a very familiar noise could be heard.

It sounded like a roar of his just emitted from the walls of his greenroom, and things being thrown around in a barbaric phase, you could already guess what's going on.

You were hesitant, as this phase of Monty is... difficult. Regardless of whether he's easy enough to handle, you took in a breath and brought your hand up to knock on his door. The noise seemed to die down, silence following. It didn't take long for Monty to open his own door; the lights inside were turned off.

"Officer (Y/N)? What are you doing here?" Monty asked, mentioning your title salutation before your name.

You ended up looking away for a moment, you always told them not to use that 'officer' title when addressing you, otherwise, you'll feel the grave distance between you and the animatronics. "I didn't see you at Bonnie Bowl, so, I thought I'd check on you." You reasoned, trying not to look rude when you chanced a peek in his greenroom.

"I'm totally fine, you don't have to check on me—I'm just... well, working out, I guess..." he seems to have run out of excuses, most of which you've heard already. He cleared his throat and stepped aside for a moment. "Do you want to come in? Can't really have you stand there the whole time." He added, switching the lights on.

You didn't hesitate to enter, yet what met you was quite a scene for your human eyes.

There were debris on the ground, the Vanity's glass was shattered with its glass shards scattered on the desk and flooring. His plush dolls were everywhere, and the couch was flipped over. The curtains were shut, but behind the calm blinds is a storm currently paused. You could only observe the area, thinking on what you could do to clean the mess later, but your eyes ended up casting towards Monty who had already shut the door, avoiding your gaze.

Months ago, you never dreamt of ever entering this animatronic's greenroom, yet where are we today?

"How about this, can you help me put the couch back where it should be? We can talk after." You offered, one of the most notable things you'd usually say after Monty gets into a fit.

The animatronic wordlessly obliged, easily flipping the couch back in its usual position at the side and gently placed it back down. He also picked up several plush toys of himself and tried to arrange them on one side of the couch as much as he could.

Of course, you went to the back area of his greenroom to look for the broom and dustpan which was always near his charging station, the staff left it there since Monty's room was high maintenance due to his behavior. You found it briefly as you entered the backrooms and retreated back in order to begin in cleaning the glass shards.

Monty noticed and placed the plush dolls down for a moment and approached you. "I'll do it, I broke it after all. You should just sit at the couch." He already snatched the broom and dustpan from you before you could reply.

You could only sit at the couch and not retaliate anymore, watching earnestly while the enormous animatronic struggle in using small cleaning materials, but at least he managed to sweep most of the glass—the big ones. He threw the shards at a nearby dustbin and went to the backroom to return the things in their rightful spot. There were numerous more things needed to be cleaned, but you thought you'd do it later since you only have very few things to do tonight as per task list.

"Do you want to say something?" you asked, patting the large area of the couch beside you. Compared to Freddy's, Monty's couch was bigger to accommodate his large build. The animatronic didn't hesitate to sit beside you, but also ensured that he wasn't crushing you in any way.

"I'm sorry I lost my cool, it's just, everything's too sudden." He lets out a frustrated sigh, not even sure how he's going to explain it all.

You gingerly placed a hand on his shoulder, patting twice to calm him down. Through the months you've been with the animatronics, you've found ways to help them in their sentient emotions. Of course, emotions that humans understand. "Remember what I told you before? Just start from what you feel to how you think." You reminded him, a small tip you use whenever you're at a loss yourself.

"Well... uh..." Monty thought for a moment, still unsure. "I feel frustrated, I don't know what to feel about Bonnie's return. People still thinks I destroyed him, he's like a ghost that's haunting me whenever I hear his name. Now, he's back in the metal, what would happen now? Will people see me differently again? Will he replace me?" he began letting out how he felt about Bonnie's return, each sentence from him lies deeper in his own insecurities.

You were aware of how insecure Monty is due to Bonnie's decommissioning, he was slowly recovering now that Bonnie is slowly being forgotten by many. However, his re-appearance only resurfaced the animatronic's self-doubts and insecurity.

He feared of being cast aside and hated again, that's what you understand. It's all pulling him down into total insecurity.

"No one's replacing you, and you're just as shocked as we all are. Trust me, I was with Freddy when the surprise came in, even Freddy was shocked to silence." You kept patting his shoulder to hopefully console him. Because of these animatronics, you learned that even robots are sentient enough to feel emotions. "Give it some time, no one's forcing you to accept him immediately."

"Well... I think I just need more time to get used to him, that's all." Monty took a deep breath and released it. Animatronics do not require breathing, but the act of doing so helps in calming down, to literally 'let off some steam' from their servos. "I feel better, actually." he smiled to himself.

"Glad to know you're back in shape, it's quiet without you, you know?" you joked, giving him one of your signature smiles that seems so contagious-- even Monty couldn't help but reciprocate.

"You know, I was weary of you the first time you interacted with us, who knew you'd understand me more than the rest? No wonder Freddy gave you so much interest and attention." He commented, having recalled the slightest of the memory.

The animatronics were reset, but some of their memories gradually mixed into their memory chip that they began recalling some events before-- all except the exact event of that very night.

The night that no one recalls.

Evidently, you couldn't help but think of Freddy, the animatronic being one of the kindest towards you-- the security you feel from him was likewise of family.

Or maybe, something so much more.

"Silly Monty, I'm just glad I could help. Just know that if you are feeling frustrated or insecure, come find me. I'll always be open ears to listen." You slowly stood up, stretching for a moment. "So, want to clean up? Like, thoroughly clean up?" you offered, taking a look to remind yourself of what needs to be cleaned.

The animatronic nodded and stood as well, flexing his mechanical tail from sitting, since he rarely does so.

Monty went back to picking up small paper cups, debris, and other plush dolls to put them back in place while you went to help fix his vanity, which was out of place and damaged. Perhaps, you could ask management to fix it in the morning? The lights surrounding the mirror area was cracked, surely, tiny bulb debris are also scattered on the ground, right?

As impulsive as your mind is, you carefully placed your palm on the carpet below the vanity, pressing your palm on the carpet and swiped your hand around to feel for any sharp debris. This is one of the things that kids should not be imitating from adults, things that children should avoid getting ideas off. Because, just as you swiped your hand, you hissed and pulled your hand back, feeling something sharp graze against your palm.

You held your palm to yourself, checking for anything. There, you found a clear and thin line across your palm, and crimson was seeping through the wound. You clenched your hand to prevent anything from leaking on the carpet. It was hard to see, but there's definitely a small piece of glass on the carpet, and a small stain of blood was on the tip-most glass.

Yeah, you definitely should stop using your hand to look for debris, especially if you won't even know if it's safe to do so.

"Officer (Y/N)? Are you alright?" Monty asked in concern, as animatronics like himself are equipped with enhanced hearing, he heard you hiss. His red eyes observed you before drawing his gaze down at your palm which you held for a moment, the glass stained with your blood was visible in his vision now.

"I'm fine, just my intrusive thoughts, that's all." You reasoned, wiping your palm on your pants to get rid of the blood, which was a wrong move since you dirtied your pants with crimson. It's a good thing your pants are dark blue, but it was still fairly visible.

Perhaps you'd take a visit in the infirmary before continuing work.

"Fuck, Freddy's going to kill me." Monty immediately searched his tables for anything—a tissue box managed to reveal itself under his destructive searching which he snatched and hastily opened. He grabbed a handful of tissues and hurriedly came to you.

With a smile, you took the tissues he offered—crumpled though, and proceeded to wipe your wound clean. "Relax, it's no big deal. As long as you don't tell Freddy, we won't get into trouble." You nonchalantly threw the worry out the window and continued cleaning the wound.

Freddy is very keen in ensuring the safety of everyone that a small scratch will be enough for him to go berserk, either scolding you about your carelessness or dragging you to the medical bay while lecturing you of safety awareness. Actually, the most horrid thing is Freddy's scolding, since it will take an hour before he gets over it.

You roughly only have four hours before shift ends, you best not waste one just for Freddy to lecture you.

"That's what you said last time, and we still got caught." Monty sighed, trying to at least fix the tissue box from his large and rough hands, or rather, his claws.

You didn't reply and simply reached down to pick up the shard that injured you, casually tossing it into a nearby trash bin before standing up. "I'll have management clean up before opening hours, I can't see the other debris." You explained in instruction, taking one last look around the room before deeming it decent enough to say that nothing happened here.

Almost.

"I'll get back to work, will you be fine by yourself?" you asked Monty while picking up your tablet from your belt holder which has been there all along, only noticing it when you touched it.

"I should be asking you that, but I'll be fine either way. I guess I'll kill time by my golf course." He replied, opening the door to help you out. He himself finding a way to distract his mind from the whole fiasco.

"Well, enjoy the rest of the night. Just don't forget to charge for the morning, alright?" you reminded him before parting ways with the animatronic, briefly waving as you made your way out of Rockstar Row, a smile of triumph painting your expression. At least you managed to make Monty feel better than before, like the other times he's been hot headed.

You only have one task for the night, which involves staying in the security office and watching the cameras for any abnormality, sounds pretty boring to pass time.

Looks like your next four hours are going to be pretty stagnant in boredom.