What lies in the shadows~~~ Michael Afton x Reader

This chapter is shorter due to just getting the plot to the next sequence of events. Don't worry the next will be longer. This has been proofread as of 10/31/23, but as always let me know of any mistakes you see.

11/08/23 minor edits made.

~~~

All of us exit the daycare, not really in a rush, as everyone is still in the daycare. There isn't much to say other than listening to Freddy guide us through the place. I roll over all the possible exit points and what might be safest for Gregory. My train of thought is interrupted, though, by the watch going off. I check the messages just to see one from Freddy.

'Do you really trust this guy? He could be trying to help Vanessa. It's just strange to me.'

"I'd like to think he's not helping Vanessa. He doesn't even like her. He's always helping me. So, for now, I think we can trust.'

~~~

I recall that two days prior to tonight. Mike came flying into my office, absolutely fuming. This wasn't the first time, either. The day Vanessa first started acting strange. Mike had come into my office. He was not mad, though, but he looked extremely dazed. That was the first time Vanessa had ever snapped at him. That was the first day I noticed the change in Vanessa's attitude. Back to the story, though, Mike began ranting about how Vanessa was nothing but a bitch sometimes. Now, Mike doesn't cuss as often as you think he would, especially when talking about other people. So to hear him say that, I knew something awful had to have been said. And it really did turn out to be something quite cruel that was said.

"You know, slamming my door open may be a funny way to scare me to you, but-" I take my attention away from the voicebox I'm tinkering with to look at Mike. "I- Are you ok?" My voice trails off as I notice the anger and sadness radiating off of Mike.

"Vanessa is a bitch! I didn't even do anything this time. I didn't say anything; I didn't even look at her. She just snapped!" Mike rants, pacing around my office as he does.

"Hey, focus on me." Mike does as told. "What was said? I can't help you if I don't know." I place the voicebox down and give him all of my attention.

"She just started coming after me about my job. Telling me I don't even do anything to protect anyone. She told me that I couldn't protect anyone like I couldn't protect my siblings." I wish I could see Mike's eyes. See what he's really feeling now, but the dumb hat and mask block the way.

" I- I don't even know how she knows about them! I never told her." Mike's voice cracks.

Mike wasn't very open about his past. I don't blame him either. Just from the little bit I know, I wouldn't be too open about it either. For some reason, after a year of trying to gain Mike's trust and another some odd number of months after I gained his trust, he opened up to me a little bit at a time.

I stand, walking towards Mike. "I'm sure maybe she overheard us talking one day. We will just have to be more careful from now on when we talk. What she said was nowhere near right, but I don't think it's best to directly confront her. I think you need to file a report. I know it sucks, and you would rather deal with her some other way, but that's too much of a risk to your job. Just always remember, I'm right here in this office when you need me." I offer Mike a gentle smile.

Mike's shoulders slump as he lets out a sigh. I knew my words wouldn't be enough. So, I try something else.

"My sister used to tell me hugs were a cure for everything. Of course, my tiny, ten-year-old brain believed her. She used to hug me when our parents would fight or I was scared. I know it's probably odd to hear, but if you ever need one, I'm right here." I stifled a small laugh.

Honestly, when I offered him the hug and had my arms outstretched, I thought he would just find it funny and ignore it. I was wrong, though. Mike likes to surprise me a lot, and I was most certainly caught off guard.

I watch as Mike approaches me and wraps his arms around my shoulders. I quickly wrap mine around his waist. We stand there hugging for a few seconds before Mike places his chin on the top of my head and speaks.

"Thanks for this."

"Mhmmm! Anytime you need something, whether it be a hug or just to talk, you know where to find me." I offer him a close-eyed smile as we step back from each other.

"Hmmm... May just have to take you up on that hug offer more." Mike comments as he turns to look at the clock.

I feel my face start to burn at Mike's comment.

"I should probably head back to my office before Vanessa is on my case again... That's a nice cherry red color on your face. It really complements your eyes." With that last comment, Mike is out the door of my office and making his way back to his.

'That sly fox.'

~~~

My thoughts come back to the present. Freddy's voice snapping me back.

"I have identified two possible exit points. The main loading dock is located under the food court on the first floor. There is also a fire escape in the third-floor prize counter. Check your Fazwatch. I will mark both locations on your Faz Map."

"Wouldn't it be easier to go to the main loading dock?" Gregory ask.

"The loading dock is a bit of a maze, though. You'll need someone to navigate you." Mike suddenly speaks up for the first time.

"Gregory has a point, though. Vanessa may expect him to take the fire escape. So the animatronics may be up there." I state.

"So loading dock it is, then." Gregory decides.

"My concern is that even with a map, the loading docks are confusing to navigate. I can head up to my security station and guide Gregory using my cameras. It'll also give him an upper hand if there's an animatronic around. (Y/n) could come with me." Mike offers

Freddy's hesitance shows when he replies. "I- I guess this would be of help. I think it's best for (Y/n) to stay with us, though. I won't be able to be with Gregory until he gets to the exit of the laundry room."

I watch as Mike and Freddy go back and forth about what to do with me.

"Freddy, Mike may have a point here, while I'd love to be there to make sure Gregory gets through safely. It's just not logical. Gregory will probably have to crawl through the vents at some point, and we know I can't fit. I'm not a child. Plus, with this new bunny hopping around, I don't think it's very safe for one person to go alone. So it's settled. I'll go with Mike." I settled the debate. "I think we do need to get moving, though. We have wasted too much time. Freddy, take care of Gregory. I'll meet both of you at the laundry room exit."

With that being said, the four of us split into pairs. Mike grabs my hand and begins leading me to his office. We pick up the pace so we can get there quickly.

Something catches my eye. Something red. I turn to find the source. There in the dark corner of the pizzaplex, two red eyes catch mine. Within a blink, though, they disappeared as if I had been imagining them. I still yank on Mike's arm, though, telling him to pick up the pace.

~~~

little bit of a shorter chapter, but I hope you guys still enjoyed it. I do have some questions, though. How would y'all feel about a chapter here and there of Michael and (Y/n) interacting before the plot of security breach? Kinda like how this one is, but maybe more like a flashback, not (Y/n) recalling it. Or would y'all prefer an actual prequel book after I finish this one? Also, I have a few one-shot ideas. Would y'all like a book of just one-shots? Anyways, I'll see you guys in the next chapter! Much love to you! :)