Fredrica's ch4 p3

The two humans, yourself and the squat little doorman, carefully open the door and step in. All four of the robots inside are silently looking at you. Bonnie looks like a wreck already even though you’re sure that the meeting hasn’t begun yet. Chica and Foxy seem to be holding on a little better, but not much. They’re know they’re in big trouble. Mama Bear greets you both.

“Gary, Michael, please take a seat,” She gestures to some rather ornate iron chairs. They weren’t there before, but since most of her furniture space was already taken up by the girls, you could understand their current presence. You both take a seat. Fredrica adjusts her black, silky dressing robe and props one of her legs on the opposite thigh, crossing her legs politely before opening the meeting.

“Ladies…” She pauses, “And gentlemen, I would like to first state that I love every last one of you. You are, after all, part of the Fazbear family, and as such, my kin and also my responsibility. However,” Her eyes dart to the two culprits, “It has come to my attention that certain parties present have started to become… Distracted from their prime directives. The most important rule at Fredrica’s All-Night Burlesque and Pizza Saloon, besides family, is…?”

Bonnie speaks up, “T-the show must go on…?”

Mama smiles warmly, “Yes, dear, exactly. The show must go on.” She glances at you and Gary. “Despite what they may say on the street, we are most certainly not some kind of seedy stripclub den of debauchery. Burlesque is an art, and we are artists. And since we are such, I, and especially Daddy, expect a certain level of professionalism.” Her eyes fall back on the chicken and the fox. “Tonight is not the first night in the last month that we have had performers getting on stage late or not at all, and that is unacceptable. We have made a promise to our customers for timely, scheduled entertainment. We have made all of these commitments weeks in advance and we have prepped and planned them for just as long. When you don’t hold up your portion of the weight, it falls on the rest of the family’s shoulders. Have I made myself clear?” You nod, despite knowing it wasn’t directed at you. But, you notice that Gary had nodded too.

The air in the room felt tense enough to cut with a knife. Everyone knew what was coming next was the subject of punishment. The eerie silence of the room nearly got to you as Mama dragged out the pause just enough to make the whole group uncomfortable. “I have spoken with Daddy, and he and I have come to a few decisions. First and foremost, there will be no more fraternizing while there is an audience to entertain. This goes for all employees, as well as our pizza party guests.” Chica huffs a little, but after a quick glare from Mama, holds it in. “Our repeat private customers have been informed and will now only pay scheduled visits, at least until we break some… Bad habits.” Chica looks upset, but Foxy seems the same level of tense she was when you walked in. Then again, she tended to have the emotional expression of a rock.

“Secondly,” the bear continues, “All non-animatronic employees, until further notice, are to only be on premises when scheduled. The girls need time to practice and prep, free of distractions.” You frown a little. These two new rules pool in the back of your head, making you put together that pursuing any sort of relationship with a certain bunny was now going to be VERY difficult. Your gut rolls a little at the realization. You look across the room and see Bonnie’s big pink eyes looking right at you. She looks away, her lip wibbling like she’s about to cry.

“And lastly, It has been 6 months since Bonnie joined our family, and both Daddy and myself feel that it is time for her to finally take to the stage. We have had many customers asking about her and wanting to see her do more than kitten work.” She addressed the purple one directly, “We will begin training you after closing this morning.” Bonnie buries her head against Chica’s shoulder and the chicken pats her comfortingly.

Gary, now that he knows the meeting had little to do with himself, speaks up. “Mama, if I may, I’d like ta suggest maybe letting Mike here help with Bonnie’s trainin. I mean, he don’t know much to nothing about our artform here, so it’d be teachin two birds with one stone. And I’m sure havin a friend along would with really help with her confidence.” You hold back your smile. Gary you magnificent bastard. Bonnie’s face is no longer plunged against the birdbot, instead her crying has paused, waiting for Mama’s response.

The shebear thinks, “I will discuss it with Daddy. Michael, would you be willing? These would be work hours, and as such, the usual rules would apply.” Your response is quick.

“Yes! Anything to help a friend,” you say happily. The bunny shoots you a little smile and you feel like you’re going to melt. For a second, you swear you saw Mama smiling too.

“I will let you know the decision by the end of your shift. You may go now, Gary, Mr. Schmidt.” You stand and thank her before leaving. The girls remain, probably to get more instructions centered only at pizza robot dancers. You and the little man leave the room.

Once out of earshot, you whisper to him. “I owe you,”

He laughs, “Na, ya don’t owe me shit. Just get that bunny on stage and you’ll have paid any debt ya could possibly rack up here.” He parts from you with that, heading back to the front door.

As you walk back to your office, you can’t help but feel more of that meeting was directed at you than it should have been for someone who it allegedly didn’t majorly concern. Was this a test? Probably, yeah. You crack your knuckles a little. You know what you have to do now. Hell or highwater, you’re gonna make sure Bonnie becomes a shining star in this dingy theatre.