Chapter Text
Gregory hit the floor, gasping for breath. Scrambling to the side, he pressed his back to the couch and sat still, while he struggled to tame the rapid gusts rushing from his lungs. She was near; he could tell she was.
“Okay,” he whispered to himself with a sense of determination. “I can do this. Just one more shot.” No. He had to do this. Blowing a breath out, he peeked around the corner of the couch. His heart thudded, and his eyes flicked back and forth, peeled for any signs of his opponent. I know she’s close, he thought, jaw clenching tighter. She has to be! The uncertainty left him even more rattled. How was he supposed to do this? What if she got him first?
“Okay. It’s now or never.” Gregory grabbed the corner of his weapon—a blanket—and lifted it. Deciding to take the risk, he rolled out from behind the sofa. His eyes shot around the large living room. In an instant, he jumped out of his skin when she darted past. “Now!” He lunged, tossing the blanket forward, and—
A meow of annoyance rose when it landed perfectly on the fleeing kitty. A grin spread across Gregory’s face. “Culprit captured!” He crawled over, then quickly bundled the squirming blanket into his arms, barely holding it due to the shortness of his missing one. “It’s to the cat slammer with you!” Lefty stilled, settling comfortably in the blanket and her boy’s grasp. “Good, you’re accepting it this time.” He got to his feet, doing so with difficulty, since both arms were busy holding his captive. The moment he stood, though, his grasp slipped just enough for Lefty to wiggle out. He gasped in dismay as she landed on her paws, swiftly darting for the doorway.
“No, no! Stop in the name of the law!” He charged after her, blanket raised and flying behind like a banner. She sprinted through the kitchen, Gregory in hot pursuit. Too focused on the chase, though, he did not notice the man standing at one of the counters. As he passed it, a sudden arm easily swept in front of him. Gregory squeaked, lifted through the air and slung gently over someone’s shoulder. The action made his head spin, and it took him a moment to register what had happened, hanging slightly over the person’s shoulder. His blanket dangled limply in his grasp while he was carried towards his bedroom.
“Wait…” Gregory growled and began to squirm. “Dad!”
“Catching Lefty the thief can wait.” Amusement layered Michael’s voice. He carried Gregory to the doors of his room, holding him like a sack. “I told you to get ready for bed ten minutes ago.”
Gregory pouted, releasing the blanket. He rested his elbow against Mike’s back, propping his arm enough to put his chin on his wrist. “But we were having an epic chase,” he grumbled.
“You need to at least wind down.” Michael passed into the crowded room. “Can’t chase her around if you’re not well rested.”
“Look who’s talking.” Was Gregory’s sassy reply. With a scoff, Michael gently slung Gregory back off, dumping him onto his bed. He let out a squeal, which quickly turned to peals of laughter, for Mike began to mercilessly tickle his sides.
“Go. To. Bed,” he said, laughter in his own voice as he watched his son squirm and giggle.
“O-okay! Okay!” Gregory gasped out, kicking and wiggling. Mike withdrew his hands, and Gregory took a moment to recover, breathy giggles and snickers still slipping out as he blinked back tears. “That…that wasn’t fair.”
Mike just smiled and sat on the edge of the bed. “Ha,” he said, tone light. He tucked back a strand of Gregory’s hair. “Gremlin defeated.”
He huffed, tempted to swipe at Mike’s hand. He didn’t though, letting him play with his hair a little. “I’m never defeated. Never!”
“Mm, I suppose that’s true.” Michael gave a soft nod. “So did you brush your teeth like I asked?”
“Uh-”
“Go brush your teeth.”
“But I didn’t even finish-”
“I can already tell you didn’t.” Mike rose. “Dad senses.”
Gregory fought a smile, glaring at him. “Curse your dad senses.”
With a roll of his eyes, Michael chuckled and exited the room. “I’ll be back once you’re actually ready for bed.”
“M’kay.” Gregory sat up, eyes running along the length of his room.
Yes…his room.
That thought was still one that brought him an incredible sense of warmth. He gazed after Mike, watching him disappear around the corner and into one of the halls, a smile gracing the young boy’s lips. Only one week of being back with his dad, back where he belonged, and he already felt so much lighter and freer, more like himself. It was, well, how he’d started to feel with Mike, before the Fredbear incident that broke them apart. Just when their life started to turn around. Now it was actually here, their new life. And Gregory still struggled—they both did—but this past week was the best he’d had in forever. In fact, he might even say the best he’d ever had.
Gregory made his way in the direction Michael had gone, heading down the hall then to the left. He entered the bathroom to find Lefty sitting in the middle of the tight room. She peered up at him with a mew. He put his hand on his hip, chin tipping up. “Oh, don’t look so smug. I’ll catch you tomorrow.” Lefty squinted, then simply strolled out, a proud air about her. He giggled and rolled his eyes, shutting the door. He’d definitely missed that cat.
For the next several minutes, Gregory prepared for bed. He relieved himself and brushed his teeth quickly, even flossing and using mouthwash which he admittedly liked to skip sometimes. However, he hesitated after this, caught in a long pause. He now stared at the bottle of pills in his hand, gripping it tightly. His eyes narrowed as pressure spread behind them and in his head. With a growl, he slammed it down on the counter.
“It’ll help with your nightmares, dummy,” he mumbled, grabbing then filling his bathroom cup. His eyes fixed on the running water, watching it fill the cup, till it overflowed and ran over his hand into the basin of the sink. He didn’t stop it, staring. He didn’t know why; he just couldn’t stop. His vision swam with tears, but just as it did, a light knocking tapped the door.
“Almost done in there?” Michael’s voice came through. “I’m hearing an awful lot of running water. It’s getting late.” He sounded amused. “No stalling, alright?”
Gregory hastily set aside the filled cup and turned the faucet off, swallowing hard. He blinked back the tears and spoke with a voice he hoped wasn’t shaking too much, “I’m not! I…I’m almost done!”
“Alright.” The sound of Mike’s retreating footsteps followed his reply.
Gregory breathed out shakily. Scolding himself, he took the pills, then finished up in the bathroom. He tried to take his mind off everything and keep focusing on the good stuff he’d been pondering, while he headed back to his bedroom. There, he shut the doors and the curtains covering them, for his bedroom still had double glass doors. He figured Mike gave him the bedroom for that very reason, and Gregory liked it. He had requested the original, dull curtains be replaced by ones covered in stars, and it gave the outside of it a cool effect. He couldn’t wait to start decorating the glass with stickers or window clings of some sort.
With a heavy sigh, he hastened to change into pajamas. He selected a comfortable matching set, though he soon wished he hadn’t, for he struggled with the buttons of the shirt. Growling and grunting, he tried to get those tiny, annoying things into the proper holes. Only having one hand and not being good with them to begin with, though, he found himself either not getting it at all or repeatedly unbuttoning and rebuttoning.
He practically jumped out of his skin when Mike knocked. “You about ready for bed?” he called.
“Um…” Gregory looked down at himself. Only a few were sloppily buttoned, the rest completely undone. With a groan, he dragged himself closer to the doors. “Yeah. Can you come in here?”
“Hm?” Michael opened one and stepped in, pushing past the dark blue curtains. A fond smile formed when his glowing eyes fell upon Gregory. “Ah. Buttons again?”
“Uh huh.” He huffed, watching Mike get down on his knees in front of him. He carefully unbuttoned what Gregory had done, then buttoned it up more efficiently, from the bottom to top of the shirt. “They’re so annoying.”
“I know.” Michael gave a light chuckle, slipping the last one into its hole. “There you go, bud.” He stood back up. “Ready?”
“Mhm.” Gregory scurried to his bed and hopped on, causing the mattress and plushies to jolt. As Mike walked over, he climbed under the covers and settled against his pillows, fighting a sigh.
Smiling, Michael sat on the edge. He tucked Gregory in just a little more, speaking with that deep, soft voice Gregory always found so soothing, “Now, remember, if you need me don’t hesitate to come.”
“I know.” Gregory nodded. “I’m gonna try and just stay here though.” He’d already slept in Mike’s bed with him four out of the six nights he’d been here. He couldn’t help it, really. The nightmares were terrible, and finally having someone there to help him through it was a more than welcome change.
“Alright.” Mike took a breath, eyes flitting around the bedroom. He opened his mouth, then shut it again.
Gregory tipped his head, recognizing that expression. “What is it?”
“Hm?” Michael’s gaze rested on him. “Oh, just, um…” He cleared his throat. “Now that we’ve had a week to start settling in, do you…think you would be alright with meeting Henry officially?”
“O-oh, um…” Gregory picked at and fidgeted with the edge of his blanket. Adults still scared him; he couldn’t bring himself to see them in any other light, other than Michael obviously. But Henry did help them a lot, and he was close with Mike; someone from his childhood, even. That meant he had to be fine. “Sure,” Gregory said, trying to sound confident, though he doubted he did. “Why exactly?”
“Well, he was worried about you too, bud.” Michael adjusted Gregory’s fluffy hair again. “He’d be happy to actually meet you, especially now that we’re together again.” He tilted his head. “You know, I told him a lot of good things about you. Though he might also be expecting a little terror.”
Gregory blinked. “What?” He gave a slight giggle. “What did you even tell him to make him think that?”
“Maybe all the little disasters and mishaps you got into.” Mike smirked at him.
He huffed, sinking into his blankets. “I didn’t do that much.”
“Mmm…” Mike squinted at him doubtfully.
“Shut up.” Gregory giggled again with a roll of his eyes.
“Oi.” Michael booped his nose. “Kind words.” All he received was a tongue stuck out at him. With a snort, Mike ruffled his son’s hair. “Well…” He let out a breath. “You’re alright with that, then?”
Gregory’s good mood tapered again. “Uh, yeah. Just, um…” He lost track of his words.
Michael’s expression softened. “I know, sweetheart.” He brushed his fingers through Gregory’s locks, making him relax. “Henry’s a good guy, and he’s very gentle, too. He’s not like the people who hurt you.”
“I know, otherwise you wouldn’t trust him.” Gregory breathed a sigh. “I…I just can’t shake the feeling. You know?”
Michael nodded in understanding. “I do. Unfortunately, I’ll need some sort of babysitter for when I go back to work. So...something like this is necessary.” Gregory cringed. He’d forgotten about that. Michael currently had leave from work, due to the fact he’d adopted Gregory, but it wouldn’t last forever. An intense weight pressed down on Gregory’s chest, threatening to suffocate him. He battled the feeling off, trying to maintain the strength in his expression, not wanting to let the cracks show. This wasn’t something to get worked up over. This was something inevitable, and it wasn’t that bad. He already knew that, even now, he couldn’t be with his dad all the time.
“I know.” Gregory forced a smile.
Mike didn’t smile back, his eyebrows drawing together. With a gentle sigh, he went from stroking Gregory’s hair to cupping his cheek. “Remember, you can tell me if something’s bothering you. Alright? In fact, please tell me. That’s what I’m here for; we’re going to get through all of this together.”
Gregory averted his gaze, then swallowing hard, shifted his eyes back to Michael’s. “I…I know,” he repeated. “I just, um…the…the thought of, like, not being with you is still really scary. A-and, like, meeting people and finally having a…a normal life.” His eyes burned, and he hastily tried to shoo away the urge to cry. “M-maybe normal life scares me? Maybe not, I don’t know. That’s stupid. Ignore that.”
“Stupid?” Michael quickly shook his head. “Oh, bud, no. Why would that be stupid?”
“Well, be…because…” Gregory swallowed, close to losing the fight against crying. “Because my entire life, I-I’ve faced really, really bad stuff. Being afraid of, like, normal life is…is stupid, after all that. I should want it. And I do! But it’s also just, um, stuff like babysitters a-and friends or school or…or stuff like that, I-” He broke off, clamping his mouth shut as a lump rose in his tightening throat. “I don’t know,” he just barely managed to whisper.
Michael rubbed his thumb against Gregory’s cheek, catching a tear that leaked out. “I know,” the man said, practically whispering. “I know, sweetheart. I…honestly feel the same way about some things. But like I said, we’ll get through this together. Just like we always have.” He smiled, hope and warmth lingering in his face. “Isn’t it also a wonderful thought? Finally living normally? We don’t have to worry about getting separated or…or me dying or anything breaking in through the basement. It’s just you and me, happy.”
“J-just you and me,” Gregory repeated, voice trembling. “And…and Lefty.”
Michael’s smile grew a touch. “And Lefty.” He withdrew his hand from Gregory’s cheek with a sigh. “I love you, Gregory. Remember that, alright?” He took Gregory’s hand in his own, clasping it firmly. “We can take on anything together. Even stupid jobs and babysitters.”
“And Exotic Butters,” said Gregory, beginning to brighten.
“What?” Michael let out a surprised laugh.
“I…I don’t know, I just wanted to say something funny.” Gregory gave a halfhearted smile, which grew warmer when he said, “I love you too, Dad.”
Michael leaned in and kissed Gregory’s forehead. After giving Gregory’s hand a light squeeze, he withdrew and stood. “Think you’ll be alright now?”
“Mhm.” Gregory snuggled into his bed more, peeking out of the blankets, which now half covered his face. “Goodnight, Dad.”
Mike chuckled at the cute sight, heading for the doors. He stopped there and reached for the light switch. “Goodnight, Gregory,” he said with a final fond smile, then he turned out the light and exited. As per Gregory’s request, he left one door open a crack, giving him the sense of security that they could get to each other easily if something happened. Or, well, simply if Gregory needed him.
Temporarily feeling a good deal better, Gregory rolled onto his side and cuddled farther into his comfortable surroundings. His eyes fell shut while he thought over what this new life could hold for him. Living with Michael and Lefty again was already the best thing ever. What else though? He was going to meet Henry…that was strange. Michael had a job at a mall, and that also felt odd, since Mike had been unemployed and struggling when they were together before. And it was intimidating. Babysitters? No way. And what about friends? Gregory’s thoughts drifted to Tony, the only other person he’d formed an actual bond with. He doubted he could ever see him again; Gregory didn’t even know where he lived. But was Tony proof that Gregory could make friends?
The unwanted pressure tried to return, crushing his chest. He took a few deep breaths and diverted his attention to thoughts of what he had now, not what he would have to face later down the line. He was with his dad. That was what mattered. He had a proper home, where he was loved by the best person ever and had an adorable pet kitty who even let him chase her around. Gregory smiled to himself, tears misting behind his eyelids, happy tears this time.
Yes, it was scary, but finally Gregory had the life he wanted. His fate as the unwanted child, forever alone, was wrong. Despite the challenges and the scary things, honestly…Gregory couldn’t wait to experience what it was like to live an actual life.