@grimsmuses ( continued from here! )
[Gregory's words struck the bear immediately; his goal throughout the night had been to save this boy, no matter the risk to himself ( had he been caught by the likes of Officer Vanessa, who'd threatened to decommission him if he'd been involved ) or his growing attachment to the kid, knowing that he'd have to say goodbye in the end. Once Gregory left, he could never come back. It would never be safe for him here. If he ever returned, he would be putting his life in jeopardy, and Freddy...didn't want to see that happen. He didn't know if he would still be here, should Gregory return, and that possibility terrified him. Even he himself had a heavy heart as he insisted that the boy leave, but...]
[Hearing that he wanted to stay...that he would never leave Freddy...stirred up a well of emotions in the bear that he could not describe. He could not cry, but he felt his eyes sting as though he was on the brink of tears. He thought of Gregory as his own child by this point...even though he'd desperately wanted what was best for the boy's safety, he secretly hoped ( against his better judgment, perhaps ) that Gregory would stay, that he would want to stick by Freddy's side. Knowing that the feeling was mutual made him happy, but it also tore him apart. This would be a move that would indefinitely put Gregory in harm's way. But...there was a pleading look to Gregory's eyes; there was more to this than Freddy realized.]
[More of an explanation from Gregory's end followed, and Freddy watched with sympathy as he described his home life ( or lack thereof ); this whole time, the animatronic had made assumptions, believing that there was a life Gregory needed to return to. A loving family, one that he himself could not replace ( as much as he might want to ). Once it reached 6AM, for Gregory to be protected, he would need to go back home...but how safe would it really be if there was no home ( or life, really ), for him to return to...?]
[Freddy, already kneeling down just to have this conversation, gently wrapped his arms around Gregory and held him in a warm hug. He hadn't known the full extent of Gregory's situation...but now that he did, he couldn't simply make the boy leave. There was no safety for him either way. At least here, he would have somebody who would look after him and care for him no matter what...so long as they were around.]
❝ I am...sorry, Gregory. I did not realize. You do not have to leave, and I will continue to keep you safe. Always. ❞ [Freddy squeezed the boy just a bit tighter ( as much as he could without hurting him ), then backed off and tried to smile reassuringly.] ❝ In a way, I am...happy. I would have missed you very much, Gregory. ❞