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To Overcome

Chapter 4: Lunch With the Boss [AO3]

Summary: The semester is almost over and the summer is coming quickly. Jennifer Acker needed to figure out what she was going to do for a job. Thankfully, her cousin calls and offers her one. Not as fortunate, she'd be helping design the props and rooms for his upcoming horror house based on all the myths and legends surrounding a particularly notorious failed restaurant chain. Despite her easily frightened nature, she accepts and is brought into a whirlwind of mystery surrounding the bloody past of Fazbear Entertainment.

Welcome to Fazbear’s Frights, where the scares are fresh and the rabbit is out to get you.

A FnaF 3 AU, inspired by said game as well as FnaF: Security Breach

Genre: Adventure, Angst, Family Angst, Found Family, Horror, Mystery, Humor

Character(s): Springtrap/William Afton, Henry Emily, Charlotte Emily, The Puppet, Marionette, Foxy, Golden Freddy, Crying Child, Evan Afton, Ballora, Jeremy Fitzgerald, Original Character(s)

Word Count: 6k

The next morning came and went like a breeze. Harrison had been surprisingly very happy to go meet the Emilys and had even demanded the front passenger seat when Quinton had driven over to pick them up.

The boy in question was cackling to himself as he struggled to click in the seatbelt, much to the amusement of the other two. The laughter had dwindled down to irritated grunts as the buckle refused to click in place.

Jennifer enjoyed her poor younger brother's struggles as she calmly slid into a backseat and easily snapped in her own belt. She gave him a look of sibling superiority when he glanced back to glare at her. He went right back at it with more frenzy, to which Quinton gracefully intervened and helped him click it in.

Harrison huffed and crossed his arms in response, a grudging "thanks…" muttered from his lips. His cousin chuckled and patted his head.

"Sorry, kiddo. This old girl has some issues regarding the front seat belt locks. Nothing on you, I'm sure you don't have nearly as much trouble in your mom's car."

"I don't." Harrison sniffed, nose upturned. Though his embarrassment was still running hot as an iron, burning into his cheeks. This time Jennifer gave out a little laugh and his cheeks turned brighter.

In an effort to save Harrison from any further humiliation, Quinton turned on the radio and found a station playing some fun oldies from the 70s. Fitting, considering who they were going to see.

Shifting into the correct gear, they were off. The sun was shining and blue skies as far as the eye could see. It wasn't too hot outside either. A perfect day to go to lunch out in the countryside. It didn't stop Jennifer from messing with the hem of her shirt as her mind filled possible terrible scenarios. Some things stemming from bad experiences in the past but mostly just what her imagination could bring up.

"I can't wait for you guys to get there and meet Henry and Charlie." Quinton suddenly said and knocked his cousin from her thoughts. She wondered if he had noticed. Although one glance at him showed her that he had his eyes squarely on the road ahead. "They're just the neatest people. Oh! And not to forget, there's also Marionette that you get to meet."

"What?" Harry blinked and then narrowed his eyes at his cousin. "You're not going to make us watch a stupid puppet show right? Cause that stuff's for little kids and babies."

"Ha, no. I mean the animatronic that Henry built to keep his property safe. Her name is Marionette and you'll see why once you get there." Quinton gave the younger boy a sly glance. "And for the record, she actually looks pretty creepy. You'll be impressed, I'm sure."

Jennifer could feel her heart rate sky rocket and she clenched her shirt's material at her chest, right over her heart. She knew this was a bad idea. There was a walking, scary-looking robot on their property? Sign her off. Shred the paper and incinerate it, cause she was going to spontaneously combust.

"W-why didn't you mention this before?" She choked out with a shaky breath. Quinton had enough sense to look guilty.

"Because I knew that if I had told you, it'd be like dragging a cat into the bath to get you out here."

She couldn't deny that that was a good representation. She eyed the door and out of the window, at the trees to gauge just how fast they were going. She could possibly make it if she jumped out, right? Then she could just walk home… provided she didn't break every bone in her body.

"C'mon, squirt. Where's your sense of adventure?" Her cousin goaded, in the hopes of sparking some courage. "It's just one little robot. And eventually you're going to have to deal with some, if I ever succeed in convincing Henry to make a bot or two for Fazbear's Frights."

Her head snapped back to her cousin, eyes wide and wild.

"What do you mean by that? You— you want some of those things roaming around the halls of the attraction?"

"Yes. What, did you think that people would be startled by the props alone?" He raised an eyebrow.

Both of them ignored Harry's mutter of "that's so cool!"

"I don't know. I just figured that you'd have people in costume. There's people out there that can make some pretty neat robot costumes." Jennifer threw her hands up. "I just figured this would be like a normal horror house."

"Since when have I ever done anything "normal"?" Quinton snorted and gave her a look through the rearview. She blew out some air.

"Never. Couldn't even get ready for the day normally."

"Hey now! That's hurtful."

"I remember that you used to be convinced that brushing your hair while swinging upside down would give you the coolest hairstyle, or whatever."

That caused Harry to laugh and their older cousin to groan.

"Look I was young and stupid—"

"And now you're old and stupid."

This time he glared back at her. Jennifer only raised an unamused eyebrow. His look turned contemplated and it slowly dawned on him to her actual worries.

"You don't think that the myths are true, right? Those robots weren't on a murdering spree. Or if they did hurt someone, it wasn't for revenge or whatever."

"No, of course not." She answered back, perhaps a little too quickly. With a sigh, she rubbed the bridge of her nose. "Purposeful or not, there is still some level of danger. There were some injuries that did take place and one confirmed death that we know of. Maybe due to some error or bug in their programming but it still happened. Still a possibility. You can't ignore that."

"And I'm not!" He blurted out, shoulders raised. The look of startled surprise on Harry's face shook him out of his frustration. He took a deep breath. "Just... trust me, Jenni. Please. Give this a chance."

His words caused her own anger to melt and she slumped down into her seat. Honestly, she should have known he'd push for something like this. Should have been obvious. He was always the one unafraid of anything. Always ready and willing to face the next challenge head on.

Using animatronics designed to run around their horror house to scare the ever living daylights out of people? That was exactly the type of blood pumping, nerves rattling thing that he'd be into.

The car stayed quiet for the rest of the trip. Jennifer deep within her thoughts. Thinking over the pros and cons of having actual animatronics for the attraction. There weren't very many pros she could think of.

She'd only ever heard of terrible tales about having these things around. All the accidents and injuries and stories…

And Quinton wanted to bring one within arms reach. What a magnificent idea.

"We're here." Her cousin announced as they turned off the main road and onto a well-worn dirt road. The siblings looked around in awe at the beautiful and big property.

It was a brilliantly green clearing of wild-growing grass surrounded by beautiful trees. There was a main dirt road that led to the garage and house. A small fork just before the house had a smaller, less trodden road leading off to a worn down barn in the distance. The smaller road was made up of two trails with tufts of grass in between leading to the barn, which suggested it was worn down by car tires.

The barn itself wasn't painted in the typical red but was a dark brown accented with a lighter brown. There was a sign lifted up on the side that faced towards them which proclaimed Fredbear's Family Diner. The sign was in clear disrepair. In fact, the entirety of the building was in forgotten shambles. Green vines were overtaking one side of it and growing slowly to the other. There was something both foreboding yet special about it. Despite it's dark history, life was still yearning to reclaim it.

Jennifer bit her lip and brought her attention to the house that was steadily coming closer as Quinton drove on. Her eyes roamed around it in search of the dreaded robot that she'd just learned patrolled the property. It wasn't in sight. She wasn't sure if she was relieved or concerned.

The car came to a stop right in front of the white-painted garage doors and Quinton turned his head to smile at the others.

"Alright! It's time to meet the Emily's. You're gonna love them." He smiled and got out. Jennifer's adrenaline spiked as she realized she'd have to get out in the open. In its domain.

She gaped and reached out when Harry just as happily slid out of his own seat and closed his door with a slam. She watched as he walked over to their cousin and simply stood next to him, giving her a raised eyebrow as they waited.

It took a couple of halting tries but she opened her door and stiffly got out. Eyes not once leaving their surroundings. There wasn't going to be any surprise attacks on her or her family, no sir.

Quinton locked the car with a loud honk which made her jump and yelp. He patted her shoulder in both concern and amusement.

"Hey, it's going to be okay, squirt. I won't allow anyone or anything to get you, alright? You and Harry are both perfectly safe here." His words didn't seem to do much in soothing her. He sighed, taking a hold of her hand with one of his own and using his other to tilt her head up so their eyes met. "Hey, do you trust me?"

She searched his eyes, brows furrowed. She nodded firmly, having perhaps found what she needed. He let go and gave her nose a pinch.

"Good. Because I'll be the first to bat off whatever comes our way, okay? We're a team. Family. Ohana."

That last word caused Jennifer to slip out a tiny smile. Lilo & Stitch had always been her favorite movie. Her go to, when she needed to relax away from some of life's struggles.

"Okay…" She sucked in a deep breath. "Let's get in there and get this over with."

"Hey, maybe by the end of this you'll have a robo-bestie? Y'never know." He sneered when he heard her scoff. With a shove to her shoulder, he booked it for the front door. This caused Harry to laugh and follow, as Jennifer gave chase.

All three were laughing and being overall menaces to each other once they reached the door. Though Jennifer had sobered up once her cousin had rung the door bell. Her hands clasped tightly together as they waited for a response.

The door opened with a creak, slowly revealing an older man. His hair was red with white intertwining at his temples and speckling his facial hair. He had round, old fashioned glasses and plenty of laugh lines. He looked exactly like how Jennifer would expect a warm, loving grandpa to look.

She didn't know whether to feel relieved or suspicious. So, she simply settled for following Quinton's lead. For now.

"Hello again, Mr. Bixby!" The older man gave a big smile and clasped one of Quinton's hands between his own. He gave it two shakes before releasing it.

"Hello yourself, Mr. Emily." He gave his own brilliant smile. "It's good to see you again, sir."

"Come now, if I remember I told you to call me, Henry. None of that formality."

"Then please call me, Quinn."

"Well, all right. If you insist, my boy." The older man chuckled. His gaze went beyond Quinton and he took a good look at his other two guests. His smile never faltered. "Ah, you two must be Harrison and Jennifer Acker. It is wonderful to finally meet your acquaintance."

He went ahead to shake their hands as well before inviting them inside.

Jennifer's eyes roamed the beautiful mahogany furniture that filled the living room. There was a cream colored cabriole couch set that went along with the matching material that sat on top of the flat surfaces. The pillows that sat on the seats looked very fluffy and comfy.

The group walked through the room before she could get a good look at what was in the tall display cabinet she spotted in the corner.

As they moved down the hall, she noted various pictures that were framed and hung onto the walls. Many seemed to feature Henry and a tall man with dark features. Two held a woman, who wore a ballerina outfit in one and a gorgeous wedding dress in another.

His wife?

The majority of them were of the same three children. Two boys and a girl. Jennifer figured the girl was Charlie, but who were the two boys? Did Henry have more than one kid? Her brows furrowed.

That couldn't be right. She'd have remembered if Quinn had mentioned him having more than one child.

The sight of the kitchen shoved all previous thoughts aside for the time being. It was the absolute opposite of the living room. From the pots and pans to the seating area, everything was mismatched. Even the colors weren't of any similarity. Yet there was still something congruous about it. It was even rather homey. It made the living room feel superfluous and showy, which was probably the point.

"Please, don't mind the mess. I didn't have any time this morning to clean up." Henry gave a nervous laugh. "Living out here, there's always something in need of fixing or being rebuilt. Then there's the company, of course…"

"We don't mind. Our place can get pretty messy too, sometimes." Harrison spoke up, happily making his way through the room. He looked perfectly at home. Henry's expression softened, a warmth filling his gaze as he looked at the boy.

"Is that so? I bet you're the one who probably makes the most messes." There was a spark of mischief that filled the older man's eye. It made him look so much younger.

Harrison stiffened, half way through reaching out to touch a salt shaker in the shape of a smiling elephant. He looked over to Henry with a guarded pout.

"I don't have any idea what you're talking about." The boy evaded, looking away. Henry chuckled and mercifully let it go.

"I just need to grab a couple of things here. If y'all want, you can go right out that door. Charlie's already out back, making up some dogs and patties. Figured you can never go wrong with a good old barbeque." He pointed to the door at the other side of the kitchen. It was open, with only the screen closed to keep out the bugs.

All three guests perked up.

"Hot dogs sound really amazing, actually." Jennifer said, surprising herself. She didn't expect to already feel as comfortable as she did. The man hadn't been at all what she thought he'd be. Not that she'd spent any time actually dwelling on it. Even still, he was a stranger. People were always more than they seemed on the surface. It wasn't yet time for her to let her guard down.

"Agreed." Quinton echoed, giving Jennifer an approving squeeze to her shoulder. "My mouth is already watering at the thought of a homemade cheeseburger."

"Food." Harrison rubbed his belly. "Food is always good. Unless it's broccoli."

The adults laughed.

"Well good. Now, go ahead and make your way out then. If you'd be so kind as to introduce Charlie to your cousins, Quinn?"

"Will do, boss." Quinton gave Henry a mock salute with a crooked smile. He went ahead and corralled the others outside.

It was much the same as the front of the property, with wild grass surrounded by a ring of trees. However the treeline was closer here. It was a peaceful area. With fresh air and twittering birds. If Jennifer listened hard enough, she could even hear the babble of a small river or stream.

Closer to the house, there was plenty for one to entertain family and guests. Off to the left was a fire pit surrounded by logs and camping chairs to sit on. In front of them was a picnic table, with some disposable plates and cups sitting beside a folded plaid cloth. Finally, to the right of them was where the grill was situated, and in front of it was a woman. No doubt, she was Charlotte Emily.

Said woman looked at them from over her shoulder. Ponytail whipping around with the movement. A smile graced her face upon seeing them.

"Well, hello there!" With one more quick glance to the grill, she turned herself a little more towards them. "It's so good to see you again, Quinn. I tell you, Pa was so glad that you agreed to come back for another visit."

"Glad to be back. This place is a heck of a lot more charming in the daylight than it is during the night." His words caused the woman to giggle.

"Too true. I won't deny it gets a bit spooky out here, come sundown."

Jennifer shivered at the admission. Bringing up her hands to rub at her arms. She noticed that beyond Charlie and the grill was an old, decently sized shed. Vaguely she wondered what was in it.

Then her eyes caught the other woman's and she offered up what she hoped was a smile.

"Why, hello to you both as well." Charlie gave a little wave. She was just as warm and charismatic as her father.

"Ah, yes. Charlie, meet Jenni and Harry. Guys, meet Charlie Emily." Quinton happily presented everybody. The siblings offered their own greetings to their second host. Then the young man looked around. "Where's, uh, Mari at?"

"Oh… around. She knows how creepy she can seem to people not acquainted or used to her." Charlie idly flipped a patty. Then she rolled her eyes up in thought. "You know, I think you're the first person who met her and just immediately accepted it. Outside of the family, that is."

"Well, I have to say. I've seen many weird things in my travels. An artificially intelligent robot puppet isn't too far out of the realm of possibility to me." Quinton shrugged and moved to take a seat at the table. Both Acker siblings continued to stand awkwardly near the screen door.

Jennifer knew that this was because Harry was waiting on her and wanted to see what she would do. It was just so paralyzing to hear her cousin and this other woman talk about a robot so familiarly. Like it was just another living being, living their life.

Maybe she was simply biased and had seen too many movies that warned of the dangers of AI. Because apparently the robot had AI. That had been some new information that she would have appreciated to know beforehand. She had simply assumed it had maybe some simple written parameters about keeping the family safe. Like a metal guard dog. Not think for itself. If AI was even that advanced in real life.

Had the animatronics from all the horror stories been AI, too?

Feeling her skin begin to crawl and knowing that she needed to push her mind out of thinking about the implications of potentially sentient machines, she looked back to the unfinished table supplies. She looked over to Charlie.

"Would it be okay if I helped set the table? It feels odd that I'm just standing around while you're doing all the work."

"You don't need to do anything you don't want, dear. You are the guest." Charlie looked back over with a smile. Though her face fell into understanding when she could see the anxiety practically wafting off the other girl. "I would appreciate the help, if you're offering…"

"Thanks." Jennifer slumped in relief and quickly got to work.

"No, thank you. I apologize that we weren't able to get everything done before you got here. Everyday seems to always present a new challenge for us Emilys." Charlie gave out a laugh, using a spatula to pick up some of the dogs and patties. She swiftly sat them inside a tinfoil carrier. There were a few more still cooking.

"It's no problem. I entirely understand the feeling. Just got let out of my latest semester of college. There didn't seem to be a time where I wasn't swamped with something."

"Oh, college! What are you majoring in, if I may ask?" Charlie's question presented a wonderful distraction from previous musings. Jennifer was happy to switch to thinking about future career possibilities and what she may want to do with her life. This subject was exactly what they stayed on as the two women worked on getting lunch ready as the boys occupied themselves.

Henry came out not too long after with some salad, veggies for the burgers and dogs, and some condiments. He'd also haggled the boys into helping him set up a foldable table to set next to the grill and bring out all the buns.

Once everything was ready, everyone grabbed their plates and got to work in filling them up. They all choose their seats at the table and Jennifer found that she didn't feel awkward at all about sitting right next to Charlie.

The other woman had insisted on sitting next to her, teasingly stating that girl's had to stick together. She also didn't find it too hard to smile at Charlie for it.

It was rare for her to feel so at home in an unfamiliar setting. There was just something that felt safe about this place. No wonder families had been so okay with coming to the original Fredbear's. She supposed that no one could have ever foreseen that a child would get their head bitten off by one of the robots. Speaking of the old restaurant, it had been unexpected to find that it had been on their property.

Jennifer looked over at the worn down converted barn with curiosity as she munched on her hot dog.

"She was our pride and joy at one point." The voice in her ear made her jump. She twisted around to see that Henry had scooted down his bench until he was sitting across from her at the end of the table. His hands were clasped and he looked on at what was left of the diner in nostalgic wistfulness. Slowly, his brilliant green eyes turned to look over at her with a soft smile. "Though, like all good things, it came to an end."

"I'm sorry about what happened. I know that what that boy and his family went through must have been so terrible. But it's also awful that you had to shut down your restaurant over it. You seem like such a wonderful and kind person." Jennifer was surprised at how much she meant that. She truly felt remorseful that such a person like this kept befalling upon such dreadful circumstances.

Henry hummed and stroked at his beard, his gaze going back to the diner. His eyes seemed to harden at whatever he was remembering.

"What happened in '83 was a tragedy. It was also a sign that I should have quit while I was ahead." He sighed as he took in the confusion that glittered across her face. "In my youth I was devastated. For them. For myself. For my restaurant. I wasn't yet ready to let go. But what happened to Evan— later to William's sanity or lack thereof… I should have just let go. Moved on. Perhaps followed my father's footsteps and just took over the ranch."

All these vague allusions only made Jennifer more perplexed, as she looked on to the diner. She was honestly becoming more curious as time went on. With Quinton's excited ramblings and now Henry's reluctant mutterings. She knew there was something more to this. To what had happened and perhaps what is happening now. Scary things may not have been her forté, but mysteries? She always loved a good mystery.

"Well, in the end, you're here. With your family and seem to be doing just fine. In my book, that seems pretty good." Jennifer gave Henry a warm smile. He smiled back, though it hadn't reached his eyes. She was starting to realize why Quinton had stated he was a kind yet sad man. There seemed to be something that'd happened to him in the past that he couldn't let go of. Something that needed closure. She wondered about what it could be.

Another last glance at the diner and Jennifer moved to get up. She'd finished her lunch and wished to clean up, though Henry stopped her before she could.

"Would you and Harry perhaps like to take a look?"

"I'm sorry?" She blinked. Henry chuckled.

"Of ol' Fredbear's? I can ask Charlie to give you both a little tour of the grounds while your cousin and I talk out the fine details."

"O-oh, um…" Her previous anxiety began to spike as thoughts of the Marionette animatronic suddenly glittered through her mind. Moving around and away from the house probably gave her a higher chance to run into the thing. She didn't think she was at all prepared for that.

Unfortunate for her, Harrison had overheard and eagerly came over.

"Oh, wow, Mr. Emily! I'd love to see what's in there. Maybe we'll see some ghosts." He wiggled his fingers in the air, with an exhilarated grin.

"No, no. No more ghosts. They've all moved on for the most part— w-well, provided there were any in the first place." The older man stumbled, scratching the back of his neck with red tinted cheeks. He glanced over at the others, inevitably catching his daughter's watchful gaze, before relaxing upon realizing the still calm atmosphere.

"Aw, okay." Harrison gave a pout. Then seemed to get over it fairly quickly. He was still getting the chance to check out an old, semi-abandoned diner. Especially one that all his friends assumed was haunted. That'd score him some bragging rights for sure. "Can we go right now?"

"Well, first of all, I'm gonna need some help in picking up our mess." Charlotte butted in, an eyebrow raised playfully. Her arm had extended out to gesture to the remaining garbage and food left upon the outside table. Most especially, Harrison's own big mess.

"W-we can help you, Charlie." The boy gave out a nervous giggle, head ducked down.

"Well, if you're offering, then could you please pick up anything that needs to be thrown away? Jenni, if you'd be so kind as to wrap up all the leftovers and place them on an available counter space in the kitchen? Don't be afraid to move anything to make some space if needed." Charlie held up a roll of tin foil and handed it over when the other young woman came up to retrieve it. Both Acker siblings had eagerly gotten started, one ready to get it done fast and the other relieved for just a little bit more procrastination. Charlie nodded appreciatively before making her way past them. "If you two need anything holler. I need to go inside and see if I can find those old keys to the diner."

"Sounds good, Char. Thank you for being willing to occupy our guests while Quinn and I talk shop." Henry got up from his own seat, which prompted Quinton to do the same. Charlie waved it off and gave her father a warm smile. Then the older man perked up, having forgotten something. "Oh! And sweetie, while the youngin's are helping pick up, why don't you go see if those keys are working correctly. I recall having a hard time opening up that darn door the last time I had the place inspected."

"Way ahead of you, Pa." She gave him a mock salute, to which he gave out a small laugh.

"Inspected?" Jennifer looked up from her work, glancing over to them curiously.

"We surely don't want the place falling apart or becoming a health hazard, would we? Plus, it'd be a shame if all my previous hard work was simply left to rot." Henry shook his head. "It may have ended badly but old Fredbear's still holds a place in my heart. Plus, we occasionally use it for storage or some extra space for parties. The wide dining room makes for some good family get-togethers."

"Not that we have very many of those anymore." Charlotte rolled her eyes before finally disappearing in the house. Henry sighed sadly and nodded in agreement. He pushed any more of those melancholy thoughts away, before politely urging Quinton on.

"All right, son. Let's go on and head over to my office. I have all the papers and the sort ready for us there. We have much to discuss, I'm sure."

"Yes, let's. Thank you again for having us over..." Quinton's voice faded away as the two men made their way further into the house and out of view. It was both a blessing and a little strange to be left alone at a stranger's home. Helping clean up, as if they'd been there for years.

It also kind of felt nice. Like the Emilys already trusted them to be left to their own devices within their own personal piece of the world. Then again, they did have that robot bodyguard roaming around. Perhaps they just simply didn't feel any need to worry as much, thanks to it keeping a watchful eye on their land.

Or maybe they just genuinely enjoyed and felt comfortable enough around them.

Jennifer had a hard time believing that last part. Her mind couldn't fully wrap around just simply being at ease around one you didn't fully know. That's not to say you shouldn't be kind or polite. Just that one needed to be careful. She'd had one too many people walk all over her, in her younger years, to not have a guard up around people that weren't her family. Or Harper.

She wondered how her best friend was doing. All alone in her childhood home, as she tried to convince her cousin to house-sit for her. The brunette couldn't wait for her to fly over. She made a mental note to call her and catch up.

"Done!" Harrison's voice carried over to her from the fire pit. She looked over as he proudly looked upon his hard work.

"That's awesome, twerp. Why don't you come over here and help a sibling out? I just finished wrapping everything and I need to get it all inside."

"Aw, what?" The boy groaned. "Why do I always have to pick up the slack? All you old people are slow."

Jennifer's eyebrow slowly raised up. Had he seriously just said what she thought he said?

"Oh…?" She fully turned towards him, placing down the roll of time foil. He froze up as he took on her expression, realizing that he'd just bitten off more than he could chew. "I'm sorry, could you repeat that? I don't think I heard you correctly. Because from what I remember, the house was a pigsty when I came back home. Mom's been swamped with work and you've just been sitting on your butt playing mostly videogames when I got settled in. Have you been the one keeping things clean? Have you been the one making sure there's some proper meals on the table? So, again, could you repeat that?"

Harrison had begun to sweat bullets halfway through her rant. He squirmed where he stood, frozen in the light of her frightening gaze. Honestly, throughout his life he was always more scared of angering his sister than his mom. That wasn't to say that he didn't respect his mother, just that she was never really good when it came to dishing out punishments and the like. He had always had an easy time getting away with stuff due to his mom's forgiving and gentle nature.

But his sister… she had taken up the mantle of being the firm hand in his life. A place where, supposedly, his father would have taken had he been alive to do so. The thought of disappointing his mother would be hard to swallow. The thought of disappointing his sister would be like choking and gasping for air. He wouldn't be able to live with himself if he'd ever lost their approval.

Jennifer had been there to all of his life's biggest moments. School events, sports games, and would always be willing to do something with him. Even if she found it boring and boyish. He could remember the many times she'd willingly wrestled in the mud with him. Thrown a baseball in a game of catch with him. Listened to him rave about the latest game coming out. Happily sat around and helped out in whatever crazy project he'd think up; from "improving" the toaster to fixing up his alarm clock when he'd accidentally broke it one morning.

He'd never willingly tell anybody this, but his sister did everything he'd assumed his dad would have done. Everytime he thought about his "dad", it'd always be in comparison to Jennifer. Which was weird cause she was a girl and most definitely not a dad.

"U-um…" He shifted in his place, twiddling his thumbs. "It was nothing. I think you're the bestest sister in the world. There's no one like you and you're very hard working and did I mention that I love you? Cause I love you lots—"

"Okay, bud. I get it, you don't have to slather it on so thick." Jennifer rolled her eyes with a smile, any irritation fading away. She loved her baby bro and would do anything for him. Not that she'd ever let him know that last part. He'd become power hungry and unbearable. "Get over here and help me, please."

He quickly stepped up and grabbed onto the nearest containers, earning himself a warning about being careful when he nearly overturned. With two pairs of hands, the job was done quickly and they sat down on a log that sat around the fire pit and waited for Charlotte to come back. They looked at the unlit cauldron-like bowl with wonder. Their home didn't have anything like this.

"I wonder if we can convince Henry and Charlie to let us come over again and roast some s'mores?" Harrison thought aloud, as he poked at the burnt remains within the bowl with a stick he picked up.

"I'm sure they would, they seem really nice. I honestly wouldn't mind coming back here. It's rather peaceful." She looked around the grounds with a smile on her face. They'd been there long enough that the sun was lowering on the horizon and shedding pretty warm colors on everything around them. It wasn't sunset yet. That wouldn't be for another couple hours more. She couldn't believe how quickly the time went. It truly flew when you were having fun. To which she did have fun.

"You wouldn't even mind it even with Marionette here?" Her brother's words caused her to dig her nails into the palm of her hands. Well, now her mood was ruined.

"You know, I could have easily gone the rest of the day forgetting about… that."

"Sorry." His apology didn't sound very true when paired with his grin. "I kind of want to meet her though. I'd love a chance to meet a robot. You think she can talk like you and me?"

"N-no!" She winced at her immediate response. "May-maybe? I don't know. I've only ever met animatronics at amusement parks. They only spoke in recorded voice lines. I want to say that I highly doubt it. Henry may be considered a "mechanical genius" by Quinn, but surely he couldn't have figured out how to create true AI before even most of the professional engineers."

"How do you know he's not a professional?" Harrison narrowed his eyes and crossed his arms.

"Why would a professional mechanical engineer choose to create a small diner for family entertainment? And not for a bigger, more beneficial job?" She gave him a sharp look.

"I don't know." He deflated when he didn't have a counter argument. She sighed and patted his shoulder comfortingly.

Then a loud bang coming from the diner reached their ears, followed by a rather loud screech. It sounded like something was mangling metal.

Jennifer shot out of her seat in a heartbeat and pulled her brother up with her. She pushed him behind her as her mind struggled to catch up to what she'd heard.

"What was that?!" Harrison squeaked out.

"I-I don't know but it came from the diner."

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