* SUMMARY: You work the night shift at a run down gas station. When arnold comes up short on his late night pick-me-up, you decide to cover him.
* RATING: General Audiences
* WORDS: 1,046
* A/N: Originally posted on AO3 (i go by the same user there). I don’t see Arnold getting much love, so here’s a small writing blurb. Could also be read as platonic.
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
10:13pm, November 1979
The slight stench of mildew and bleach seemed to give you a blistering headache each time you took a shift longer than eight hours. Your head lay dormant in your arms atop the chipped countertop—two more hours and you’re out of this dump.
The jingling of the tiny bell above the door made your head raise slightly, the white fluorescent lights blinding you for just a second. The blurred silhouette of a person passed by as you made an attempt to rub the eye floaters out of your vision.
You let your head fall back into your arms, a silent sigh escaping your lips. You were supposed to greet every customer that entered the building, but the types of people that came in at this hour didn’t give a damn either way.
With this gas station sitting about a mile off of the interstate, you get a mixed blend of truckers, nomads, and those in the middle who have sold themselves to the road. Conversations never usually hold long this late at night—it gets too hard for people to keep up their fronts.
You followed the footsteps of the stranger with your ears, noting the opening and closing of a drink cooler as well as the sound of plastic crinkling. You finally decided to properly sit up as the footsteps began to approach your counter. You cleared your throat before bringing your eyes up to the man on the other side of you.
The first thing you noticed was how utterly exhausted he looked. With eye bags bigger than you’ve ever seen on a person, you almost wanted to apologize to him. However, you spew out a greeting that sounded friendly enough.
“Hey man, your night been okay?”
“Oh, yeah, I’m alright.” He definitely didn’t sound alright. He wasn’t chasing sleep, it was chasing him. You could tell he was lying but you figured he wouldn’t want to talk about it. Not to a gas station clerk, anyway. “Do you guys offer coffee by chance?”
You winced at his question as you began to ring up his items. “Ah, no, sorry. Wish we did. There’s a super nice truck stop off the next exit on the interstate that does though.” You paused for a second. “If you’re going that way, that is.” A small chuckle left your lips and he returned a similarly friendly one.
“That’s okay, I’m sure I’ll be fine.” He rubbed the back of his neck. He was smart to layer up, it’s supposed to snow soon. You just hoped it wouldn’t start until after you get home.
“That’ll be a dollar and twenty cents. Need a bag?” You noticed his mixed expression of confusion and shame almost immediately.
“A dollar twenty? Are you serious?” You could tell he wasn’t mad at you, just at the prices.
“Yeah, I’m sorry. Inflation has been crazy recently. A lot of people have mentioned it the last few weeks.” You felt awful as his head bowed slightly, his lips pursed as he thought of his next move.
“Agh, it’s fine. I’ve got a drink leftover in the van. Sorry to waste your time,” he sighed out before picking the items up and bringing them back to where he found them.
You experienced what felt like a sucker punch to the heart. You’ve had people put things back before but this time it just seemed to eat away at you more each second that passed by. Maybe it was because of his unchanging expression of a puppy that just got kicked.
You didn’t exactly have a lot of money yourself but you felt too awful to just not do anything. You made an attempt to catch him before he left.
“Hey, can you come back here for a second?” You leaned over the counter to hopefully catch his attention. You saw the brim of his hat turn towards you, to which you immediately felt a small wave of shyness.
“I, uh.. I can cover you,” you said much quieter this time. “Bring back what you wanted.”
“Oh, god, no.” He almost laughed in a morbid sense. “I can’t let you do that.” His hands raised slightly. You simply weren’t gonna let him leave without taking something with him.
“Oh, come on. I’d be a heartless bastard to let you run off empty handed,” you left the counter and began walking back to the drink cooler, searching for the can he had just taken out.
“I really appreciate that, but—“ you quickly spoke up to interrupt the stranger.
“No buts, you’re obviously exhausted and need something to hold you over.” Your fingers reached for the chip bag before retreating back to the counter.
You received a pitiful chuckle from the man. “I feel nothing short of pathetic.” He held his head in one hand, elbow resting on the counter. You proceeded to re-ring the items back up before paying with your own cash.
“Don’t worry about it,” you tried to console him. “It’s nothing, alright? I’ve been there, too.” You put each item in a plastic bag before pushing it over to him and offering a friendly smile.
“Have a good night, Arnold.”
His confusion made you laugh, arms folding. “Your name tag.” You pointed slightly to the rugged little rectangle that hung on his jacket. He let out a small chuckle himself.
“Oh, right, yeah.”
He grabbed onto the bag, pulling it down to his side. “Thank you, you really didn’t have to.”
“Oh, go on, now. Before I change my mind and eat it in front of you.” He seemed to appreciate your joke, head craning down slightly as he laughed. He turned his back towards you and walked to the door. Before he left, he stopped and gave you a small wave. You returned it, before watching as he retreated to the only car parked outside other than yours.
You hoped the best for Arnold, maybe even hoping you’d cross paths again on another cold night.
| aight im just posting it here because it’s not showing up on AO3 and im this close to breaking my bones also I like this gif |
Prologue (skip to the next line jump if wanted as you won’t be mentioned till then)
“Hey buddy! This is dispatch with Fazbear Entertainment. How are you feeling?”
“Well, since you asked, I just finished a 36-hour shift… been struggling to stay awake. Frankly, I tried to tell my manager I couldn’t work like this anymore..”
“Awesome to hear. Well, listen, we need you to take in one more shift got us since you’re the closest technician in the area.”
"Wait.. What? I can barley keep my eyes open.."
"I know, the grind is exhilarating, isn’t it? And we’re so happy to have you on the Fazbear team! You can’t fool me though; you’re just trying to snag one of those $25 gift certificates at the end of the year for outstanding performance.”
"What? No! I’m just doing it because you guys keep on threatening to.." he paused for a moment, his voice slightly lowering. "Dock my pay and repo my truck…"
“Ha! I love that enthusiasm! So anyways, this will be a piece of cake.
“We had this contractor named Edwin Murray; he was developing some tech for us but he’s gone quiet. As per his contract, everything he’s been working on for us is now legally ours, so we’re sending you to get it.
Our motion sensors indicate someone is still inside the building moving around - although the signal is a bit erratic, we don’t expect any kind of conformation.”
"We’ll follow up with more instructions soon. For now; just follow these instructions and find your way into that building!”
"I hate you.." Arnold grumbled through his teeth.
“Amazing. Thanks for being part of the Fazbear Team! Dispatch, out!”
______________
Your eyes fluttered open as you heard that stupid dispatch guy talk to Arnold again. You fell asleep on the tiny, clustered desk that held Arnold’s bills and your playing cards by a thread. Again. You were pretty grateful Arnold could handle himself when you’re knocked out.
You just wish you could do the same for him at times.
“Over and out.” Dispatch dismissed before the other side of the line when dead. You looked up to see Arnold carrying one of those Data Drivers used to access.. Murray’s Costume Manor? It was strange to see one again after you’ve left the company, but you didn’t pay much mind to it as your eyes drifted slowly to his face: he looked tired. The dark circles and deep lines etched into his face from working at Fazbear 24/7 without breaks..
No wonder why his wife left him.
Arnold was about to open the van door but paused when he noticed your eyes looking directly at him. "Oh. I didn’t.." He started, in that classic exhausted voice he seemed to hold. "..know you were awake. Uh.. work called in again to collect something since I’m ’the nearest’. It’s bullshit.. anyways, you don’t have to go in with me-"
"I’ll come." you said. You knew how much it could be a pain to work by yourself. Well, you didn’t. When you worked at Murray’s Costume Manor, it was kinda scary to be there after hours; even with other people it made your skin crawl. Some things just seemed… off, and as much as you knew it was a costume Manor - there were WAY too many costumes in there for your comfort.
You just hoped that Fazbear Entertainment wouldn’t become as creepy as what Edwin’s made for other companies to advertise to children and stuff.
"… alright. You can go back anytime, but thanks, dear." He gave you a weak smile before taking a deep breath and leaving the cramped Fazbear van, you followed behind and stretch as soon as possible. Staying that hunched back position wasn’t ideal for your back.
You took in the full dark grey clouds that just overall made Murray’s company building seem even more melancholy than it already was before. It was sad to see it had gone out of business or something, there were still so many good ideas. Mainly when Edwin Sr was in charge but still.
“Let’s go, y/n.” Arnold was already at to the front of the building and pressed a red button at the front. You decide push your worries down and head to the front of the building like Arnold.
“.. temporarily closed. For all deliveries and work inquires, the ‘Client and Deliveries entrance’ is located around the side of the building.”
You and Arnold made your way to the side of the building but the entrance was barred. Fortunalty, Arnold had found a small opened section at the metal bars - it seems like it had been pulled open from the inside. “That’s weird..” You muttered to yourself as you followed Arnold behind. Who would do that?
“This is the entrance, right?” Arnold asked glancing over towards you, and you nodded in response before walking over to the doors - which automatically opened as you headed near it.
The inside was painted in a dark red, hemmed with oak wood and lightens by warm yellow lights. Which was a bit of a surprise: seeing how it was running out of business, a good idea would be to close after hours. But Edwin stopped having good ideas a long time ago.
“Welcome, potential buyers, to Edwin Murray’s Costume Manor,“ Edwin’s prerecorded voice greeted. “The leading powerhouse to comes entertainment and carnival game technologies. Woo. Come in and see what Murray’s can do for your carnival, amusement park, midway or funfair.”
“Well, I’ll make sure to bring my money next time.” You tried to joke, Arnold let out a pathetic ‘ha’ but it seemed like it was just for your amusement. Either that, or he was just too tired to give a proper reaction. Most likely both.
hey, mod beep, a bit of an odd request, but is it possible for something about Arnold with an S/O who likes to travel?
bro. No request!! Is too weird or odd!! I’ve seen little to no content for this lil bastard so send in all the requests for him!!And I’m SO sorry this took so long to get out!! I was in a bad spot for a bit but I’ve managed to find some time to work on all the requests I’ve gotten!!
You will get
ONLY the best deals if you mean traveling as in taking vacations to different countries and such
Best hotel, best cuisine, best attractions
Also he could snatch some exotic goods to bring back for the Banzai Blasters >:3
But he’ll make sure you won’t find out about that, after all, this trip is all about you!
Only the best for his S/O!!
If it’s more so hiking and going camping, he can help get equipment and whatever else you may need, but it will definitely take some bartering for him to come along
He isn’t a huge fan of going out in the wilderness, but look
He is so weak for his S/O it doesn’t take much negotiation
If you guys do go camping out in the middle of no where, you’ll get to see..
A different side to him. Softer. Maybe even more insecure, telling you his worries as you two lay side by side in a small tent as you snuggle up inside the sleeping bag.
After that he’ll really want to do more camping, he see’s it as great bonding time with you!
Arnold, after getting pulled out of the wreckage of his car by firefighters, quit Fazbear's and opened his own mechanic shop
Due to his encounters, has a few small scars, and a few burn scars. He also has problems in his left hip because of his fall, leading to him having a limp in his left leg.
Arnold has PTSD from his encounter and does not like going to carnivals or the circus, and tenses up around fire. He also doesn't like being in the dark for long, and hates animatronics (and clowns).
Arnold owns a german shepherd and an irish setter. He also owns a male calico cat named Fonzie.
He was drafted into Vietnam at one point, but never saw actual combat
DATING HEADCANONS:
You worked at Fazbear's as well, and now work at the diner-gas station connected to his mechanic shop (you two live in a building on top of the diner and mechanic shop)
Arnold liked you before the events of SOTM, and, after his near encounter with death, decided to stop being a doormat (and gain more confidence), and he eventually asked you out
He doesn't think he deserves you
He would like to have kids (but understands if you don't want any)
Shows you two watch together include The Streets of San Francisco, Barnaby Jones, Room 222, The Bugs Bunny Show, Uncle Croc's Block, and Happy Days
Arnold likes making dinner for you
Dates include hiking (occasionally), taking walks around the local park, playing frisbee at the local park, going out to eat, roller skating, playing cards with the neighbors, going to the drive in theater, or going camping
| gonna post part two on here aswell but don’t forget it’s on my AO3 which I’ll post on more earlier! :3 |
After a whole musical number and a shit ton of colorful kids and prototype costumes, you both managed to reach the Security Zone. Arnold used his Data Driver to open the Security door and you both were immediately welcomed by-
“Just follow the soothing sound of my voice.” If anything, you wanted to turn away from it(yes I DO find Andy Field’s voice attractive 🤑)but you followed Arnold, regardless, heading inside the room before noticing one of those upgrade, clearance machines..
The Data Driver Update Machine!
Well, It didn’t look like it changed a bit since you left. You thought, since you guys were going to be here to collect something, you might as well give Arnold some clearance to start with. Might make the job easier for you both.
“Hey, Arnold,” Arnold pauses, his hands midday from the answer button on the receiver but it’s clear as day, well not this day, that you got his attention more than anything. “you should put your Data Driver in here, it’ll give you another clearance for different areas.”
“Oh..” He glanced down at his Data Driver then back at you. “That’s helpful, thanks, y/n.” Arnold handed you over the Data Driver for you upgraded it for him. Doing that little track game was pretty fun anyways.
“Would you believe me if I told you I used to have Creator Clearance when I worked here?” You rhetorically asked as your eyes were focused on the track. To be honest, you were really proud of yourself for getting up that high, it took moves to move up spots - plus a lot of hard work, you were this close to becoming Admin and sometimes you wondered what could’ve been if you just stayed a little-
“No, not really.” He responded a bit too bluntly for your liking but you shrugged it off.
“Hey, you made it!" Dispatch’s voice came through a small speaker at the desk that was behind you, giving you a small heart attack. You swear, he would be the death of you..
"I knew you would! No one doubted you for a second, and those who did are out $20..” He joked, but all Arnold let out was a little grumble whilst you remained somewhat stoic - you were sort of used to the snarky remarks made by your other employers at Fazbear Entertainment.
"It’s a good thing you didn’t tell anyone about your plus one or someone you know would be out of $40.. haha, all jokes, for legal reasons, of course." His cocky attitude was starting to piss you off again.
"Now, it’s very important that you update the Data Diver whenever you find an access station. This is not optional. Now go find that power room. Over and out."
When Dispatch tuned out, you take the Data Driver from Arnold and put the Data Driver in the machine and it turned on.
The words “H.E.L.P.E.R” illuminated on the screen before cutting to a menu and digital Mr Helper that had a text bubble next to it.
“Recover The Fazbear Property.”
“Find the Elevator to Manager’s Office.”
”Reset The Power.”
Doesn’t seem too hard to complete. But what caught your eye was parachute.Exe - despite all your time working at MCM, you’ve never seen one of those options whenever operating these machines.. but it has been a while since you’ve left. You try pressing on it but it says you need ”Executive Clearance” to open it.
Arnold noticed your obvious disappointment. “Hey, don’t worry about that. Considering we need to find the Fazbear Property, maybe we’ll need Executive Clearance and then you could try it out.” You were glad Arnold tried to make you feel better but sometimes you wished he wasn’t so understanding.
”You’re right.” You replied, feeling a bit embarrassed that you got so disappointed over something called “Parachute.Exe” that you didn’t even have Clearance to, as you took the Data Driver out the machine and gave it back to him.
You and Arnold headed not too far from where the Security Zone was, and now with Security Clearance, you guys could get into the power room; which was just as dirty as any of the otherwise clustered room in this building. There was a dusty “Birthday Puppy” costume on the floor in the corner, and one of your greatest enemies: The Overflow System.
The Overflow system was never your strong suit.. that’s why you mostly stuck to literally everything else. Looking back, you wondered why you moved to such a low position just for Fazbear.. right. The money.
Arnold, who was just as cautious with the machine as you were, noticed your hesitation and placed a reassuring hand on your shoulder. "I don’t mind doing this one, I think I’ll get the hang of it pretty quickly." He offered, and, of course, you let him giving a small nod as confirmation.
As he got to work, you looked around the chilling, although temperate, room a bit more. Fazbear made their technical employees wear layers of clothing and it wasn’t really helping you right now. And there wasn’t much else to note: the Overflow system, a few cobwebs here and there, the sleep-deprived yet cute man, the slumped-over “Birthday Puppy” costume on the ground covered in flies.
As you got a closer look, there were flies around it?? Did someone-
“Dear, are you okay?” Arnold asked - his gloved hands on your shoulder as he turned you to him and tired to get your attention, but your eyes were still someplace else.
His gaze from your face following to your staring at the doggy costume that sat on the floor with a.. more realistic clothed human arm on the side with “Recovery Team 12” written on a white band around it.
“I-I’m fine, Arnold,” You finally said whilst putting your hands on his wrists to push him off. “I just need some space, it’s hot in here.” You released yourself from his hands and took a step back to near the door where you could’ve sworn you saw someone - or even something at this point - move away from the corner of the tinted and dirty windows that showed to the hallway.
It might have just been you being lightheaded, or a bit delirious..
You felt like you were going to faint but the speakers in the room turning on made you pause. “Testing testing..” Arnold didn’t pay as much mind to it as he got you back in his hands - his hands cupping your cheeks to make you look at him.
”Y/n, just take deep breaths, okay? Everything’s fine-“ Arnold tried to reassure you, but Dispatch got in the way of his words as he talked over him.
"Great news! Power has been restored to this wing of the building. Overhead paging works. Come on back to the security office for further instructions…” it felt as if his words sort of just trailed off from there into gibberish as you tried to set your mind straight.
There was a small pause, as if Dispatch was waiting for a response and Arnold opened his mouth. “Uh, actually..-“ Arnold tried to speak up but, once again, got interrupted by Dispatch.
"Great! Head back to the security office and I'll give you more instructions on what exactly we need you to retrieve for us."
lowkey thought there wasn’t enough Arnold x reader rn so I decided to do my own work on it 🤑 I’m posting it on AO3 rn but I might post it on here as well tbh if anyone’s interested :)
The AO3 link to my acc: https://archiveofourown.org/users/Mik_OvO/profile
idk if the story is up rn cuz I just posted it and nothings popping up 😭 it’ll Polly show thou after I post ts
