g/t blog

“Yes, sir!” 

David Harrison raises an eyebrow, still not so much as glancing away from the screen. “And did you make a list of things I need to order?” 

“I did!” Fritz points above him at the giant register a few feet away. “It’s on the counter!” 

The business man finally looks away from his phone to spot the list in question. The giant then takes a few catastrophic footsteps to grab it, making the teenager take a few steps back out of respect. And maybe from a slight worry about the shoes capable of crushing him like a bug getting too close. 

It’s almost funny how David doesn’t question how the restaurant’s only human employee manages to count money from a register where he could be mistaken as a coin, or how someone so small could write using a pen twice his size. And yet the giant constantly grumbles about Fritz almost always managing to end up underfoot, as well as the fact he’s essentially useless since he can’t complete tasks like cleaning tables or serving food. 

At least the worst thing David can say is just how useless having a human working at a giant only restaurant is. Fritz has yet to be anything but useful, even if it is annoying for everyone to watch where they step. 

Not that David always watches. Fritz honestly can’t tell if the giant actually knows where he’s currently standing as the list being held is asked a question. “We’re already out of party hats?” 

“We’ve got half a box left,” Fritz explains, nervously twisting the strap of his backpack in his hands. “That’s why I put a note saying to order it Friday, so we have enough for next week after the all the parties scheduled for this weekend.” 

At least, he’s pretty sure Lefty wrote that part down for him. Not that he wasn’t part of the process! He doesn’t just ask the animatronics to do his job for him. Ask for help walking to the storage room that would have taken him a whole hour just to get to, yes, but Fritz wouldn’t order someone to check the supplies and make a list. There’s just a possibility Fritz was distracted, either because the pen was used to chase him across the paper, or because one of the other animatronics demanded for his attention. And if he’s distracted, then Lefty takes advantage and ‘accidentally’ forgets about what he’s doing. 

Honestly, Fritz should stop trusting the animatronic bear so much. Not when the last time Lefty forgot they were supposed to go to David’s office and ended up at the prize counter where Fritz was labeled as only being worth 400 tickets. The worst part is even Orville agreed! 

Thankfully Lefty did write the part about ordering the party hats Friday. If he hadn’t, David wouldn’t be typing on his phone instead of lecturing Fritz about wasting precious time, that if he said to do something then it better be done correctly, or else- 

The phone in David’s hand suddenly ringing admittedly makes Fritz jump. He then tenses as his shoulders hitch up in a poor attempt to cover his ears, prepared for the yelling guaranteed to come during the call. One of the many habits the giant refuses to change despite having a human employee who’s eardrums could burst and where a misplaced step could be fatal. 

There’s no stopping a sigh of relief when David immediately turns to walk back toward his office as the phone is answered. Which means his hearing survives another day! And he can clock out without getting in trouble! 

“Mr. Smith?” stops Fritz a second time, his finger hovering over the button to end his shift. 

The teenager pulls his hand away, turning to see Mr. Hippo standing by one of the tables, the animatronic hippopotamus holding a box of crayons. Which means Fritz completely forgot about his promise to help pick out what pictures to have for the coloring station. “Oh, I’m sorry! Did you need help setting up your station?” 

“Oh no, I have it covered,” Mr. Hippo smiles. “I just wanted to ask if you were aware that it’s currently snowing.” 

“Snowing?” comes the immediate chorus of the other three animatronics repeating it together, with Happy’s excited cheer much louder than Orville’s bewildered murmur. 

“Snowing?” Fritz finds himself repeating as well, needing a moment to process what was being said. It doesn’t truly click until he turns to the door to the outside, staring out at the streetlight working hard to keep the darkness away. 

A wide smile spreads across his face at the sight of snowflakes falling past the light. Realizes what snowing means. That his walk home is going to be cold but anything except boring. Maybe he’ll even be lucky and it’ll snow enough to make a snowman! Or he can convince Mike to-! 

Oh, wait, Mike won’t be walking him home. Because there’s no Freddy, Bonnie, and Chica at this location. The giant night guard doesn’t come here for his shift, meaning he won’t be coming in early to help Fritz navigate through the snow. 

Which is fine, Fritz’ll be fine! He’s walked through the snow without a giant to help flatten the path before. It just means less worrying about slipping and more work to trudge through knee high snow. Even though it looks like it won’t stop snowing anytime soon, it shouldn’t get too deep by the time he gets home. 

He just wishes he had a proper snow jacket, but he’ll be fine! “Think Mr. Harrison will let me have the day off tomorrow?” 

Lefty snorts. “And here I thought you finally learned never to give him such credit.” 

“Wish me luck getting here on time!” Fritz waves as he finally clocks out for the day. “See you guys tomorrow!” 

“Mr. Smith!” Happy calls, giving Fritz a good excuse to shut the door after the wind sent a freezing shiver down his spine. “Didn’t Mr. Harrison promise to walk you home if it snowed?” 

Oh, had the business man made a promise like that? No offense, but it doesn’t sound like something David would say. If he had, then it would’ve been something Scott had to forcibly gotten an agreement for. 

Wait, he remembers now! Specifically David’s annoyance and Scott’s anger when the man came to restaurant last month to demand that Fritz wouldn’t walk through the snow alone. Because this is a giant only restaurant, meaning this location is a lot closer to the giant side of town then all the other ones, which means the weather is a bit different. 

Fritz shivers at the memory of having to face the rain shortly after he transferred to this location. Distinctly remembers how much it hurt when a droplet the size of his arm slammed into his back. It only got worse when it made him fall face first onto the sidewalk, ending with him having a decent sized scrape on his cheek. That was one of the few times he agreed to the animatronic’s insistence he didn’t go home, even though he was right about David lecturing him about this being a restaurant not a hotel the next day. 

As for Scott, he was much more upset about the scab that covered half of Fritz’s face. Truthfully, the teenager’s pretty sure James was hired part to make sure Mike doesn’t bleed out, and part to ease Scott’s mind concerning certain teenagers. 

Suddenly, the snow seems a lot more daunting than before. And as Fritz watches it falling, he realizes each flake is at least the size of his hand if not bigger. He can also hear the howling wind as it races past the windows. 

To be honest, he would genuinely be grateful if a giant walked with him, just to make sure he didn’t get buried by snow. Even if they only went as far as needed to get to where the snowflakes are small enough to sit on his finger instead of as big as his head. 

David had promised to walk Fritz home if it was snowing. The business man wouldn’t be too upset if he was asked to follow through on it, would he? 

Except...he would. Fritz can perfectly picture the glare of someone dare interrupting him during an important call. Interrupting him period even if it’s not necessarily ‘important’. Would wave his hand if he listened to Fritz’s request and tell the teenager to figure it out himself. There’s better things for the giant to do then escorting some lowly human home. 

It’s times like these when he regrets agreeing to transfer locations. 

Fritz glances back at the hallway where he can hear David’s yelling despite the office door being closed. Looks outside at the ground slowly being covered by snow. “I-I don’t want to bother him. Besides, it doesn’t look that bad!” 

Happy and Mr. Hippo share a look of concern as Lefty shrugs. “It was certainly a pleasure knowing you.” 

"Lefty!” 

“Orville, even you can agree he won’t last five minutes by himself.” Fritz wilts as the bear turns away, walking back to the stage. “But it is his decision to make. Unless you would like to forcibly keep him here.” 

“As unwise as it would be you walk home alone,” Orville begins. “We wouldn’t keep you here against your will, Mr. Smith.” 

“But we are going to highly suggest you ask Mr. Harrison to walk you home,” Happy adds. 

Fritz does appreciate how considerate the animatronics are to not grab him without permission or to force him to do something he doesn’t want. They’ll take advantage of the fact he’s no bigger than a speck to them to tease him, like taking a very long detour to get to David’s office. But they don’t just pin him down or snatch him off the counter like all of his coworkers do. Or completely avoid picking him up because it feels too weird having someone sitting in your hands. 

He wouldn’t be upset if they did force him to stay, though. Might even prefer it since it’d give him a good excuse why he didn’t go home. Maybe...maybe he can go ask David to walk him at least until the snow is human sized. 

And get berated the entire time. Or get completely ignored and either get left behind or nearly stepped on several times. Get told this is yet another reason why he despises humans, how hard can it be to walk home in the snow? 

…he’ll be fine going home alone. How bad can it really be! Sure the snowflakes are giant, but they’re also really light. Rain is just pure water falling to the ground as fast as it can, but snow gently drifts down unless the wind blows it away. It also doesn’t look like it’s been snowing for long, plus it takes more than thirty minutes for the streets to collect a full inch of snow. He’ll be safely away from giant snowflakes by the time it gets that bad. 

He’ll be fine! 

“I’ll be okay, I promise!” Fritz calls up to the three remaining animatronics, giving as confident of a smile he can manage. “I’ll see you all tomorrow!” 

He’s quick to walk through the door before anyone can say anything else, maybe even get David themselves. Unfortunately, a snowflake lands on his arm not even a second later, immediately soaking through his jacket. It makes his teeth chatter as he’s chilled to the bone, making him want to do nothing more than to walk right back into the restaurant. 

But he can’t. Not unless he wants to get yelled at for wasting David’s time. He’ll take the cold walk home alone in the dark over that any day. 

Fritz wraps his arms around himself tightly as he begins to make his way home. Yelps when snowflake touches the back of his neck, the teenager scrambling to pull the hood of his jacket he completely forgot about over his head. Unfortunately, he only manages to make things worse as the action puts the snow on top of his head, a shiver wracking his body as it melts and leaves him trembling like a leak as the wind only makes him colder. 

He’s only five steps away from the restaurant, not even one step from a giant’s perspective, and he’s already miserable. 

Shaking his head, Fritz continues walking, hunkering down into his jacket to keep himself as warm as possible. Even though he’s freezing, his ears and nose are protected. And hey, the wind might be cold, but it’s blowing from behind to give him a boost forward! 

There absolutely won’t be any stops during this walk, though. Not when there’s no giant around to help him warm up after building a snowman. Normally he doesn’t have to worry about when the snow inevitably soak through his gloves, not when Mike always swept him up once his fingers went numb. It’s completely unfair how the night guard never needs gloves himself, even while holding a deemed ‘Irish Jig popsicle’. 

It’s also unfair how a single step for a giant is twenty steps for a human. If Fritz was a giant, he most likely would already be away from the snowflakes slowly but surely weighing him down. They won’t hurt when he manage to land on his head or back, but they’re a lot heavier than expected. And despite the fact he has barely any body heat compared to giants, each one melts too quickly for him to brush them off in time. 

He’s actually a little concerned with just how soaked his jacket is. The ice cold water had long since melted through the long sleeve underneath, but he doesn’t see an end to the storm anytime soon. No, if anything, it seems to be getting worse. 

Fritz pauses for a moment to look behind him. Stares past the streetlight towering over his head at the faint glow of the restaurant, the glowing letters of Fazbear Entertainment Center too far away to properly read. To be honest, he hasn’t gotten that far down the sidewalk, but he’s gotten far enough away it wouldn’t be worth going back. 

The teenager ducks to keep a snowflake from smacking him the face. The wind is definitely getting a bit stronger, but it’s still blowing against his back if he keeps walking home. Which means he should continue going. Especially now that the sidewalk is slowly but surely getting covered in a thin layer of snow. 

He turns away from the restaurant. Forces himself to put one foot in front of the other, even though he can’t feel his toes. Or his fingers. Or his face. 

It’s fine, he’ll be fine! It takes about, thirty minutes for snow to be an inch deep? He’ll be out of giant weather long before that. And he can even stop by Mike’s location for a bit! Fazbear’s Pizzeria is on the way home, and the night guard is guaranteed to come in early. He would also never say no to Fritz coming inside to warm up before continuing on his journey. 

Actually, maybe he can ask Mike to walk with him. Or just carry him the whole way home. The giant wouldn’t mind, right? He’s never minded before, and maybe he misses the tradition just as much as Fritz does, and- 

His thoughts are cut off as the wind nearly sends him face first into the snow. Fritz quickly pinwheels his arms to stay upright, gasping in pain as the biting cold attacks his fingers. Even though he sees he’s wearing gloves from the streetlight's orange glow, he can’t help but think there’s nothing on his hands to keep them warm. He protectively pulls his arms in close, quickly moving to take another step forward, only to find his foot is stuck. 

Looking down, Fritz trembles at the sight of snow piling up around him. Feels like yet another snowflake landed on his shoulders as a shiver races down his back at the realization he made a severe miscalculation. 

Oh no.

No, it’s fine, he’ll be fine! He’s been walking for a while, so he has to at least be close to where the snowflakes are smaller than the tip of his finger. He’ll get somewhere warm before the snow gets too deep. There’s no need to panic, he’ll be fine, it’ll be fine. 

Even as every single inch of him trembles from the cold, unable to see his breath in the air anymore, a single step forward almost impossible to take. 

He doesn’t notice when he trips before falling into the snow. 

“-and I thought I explicitly told you to-!” 

David cuts himself off mid-sentence as his phone rings once again for the fifth time in a row. Briefly moving the phone away from his ear, he sighs at Scott calling him yet again despite the fact he’s sent every previous call straight to voicemail. Apparently the man can’t take a hint. 

“Please excuse me for one moment,” is all David offers before pausing the rather trivial conversation in order to answer the incessant ringing. “And what is so important you had to call me five times?” 

“Did Fritz get home safely?” comes the most idiotic response he will ever hear. 

It’s times like these where he genuinely regrets making such a fuss over having Fritz transferred to the location he owns. Even he can admit the kid had lived up to the unanimously positive accounts of just how much of an asset he is to have on the team. No one cared to tell him just how annoyingly protective Scott is over the runt. Nor did someone think it would be important to make the words ‘human’ a little bigger to not make David look like an absolute dumbass requesting such a tiny thing to work at a giant only restaurant 

What’s done is done, though, and what’s done is his apparent ‘superior’ abusing the fact David can’t hang up on the man less he gets written up. 

The business man pinches the bridge of his nose. “And this is my problem why?” 

“He’s not answering my calls-“ 

“I wonder why,” David huffs with an eyeroll. 

“-and since it’s snowing I wanted to be absolutely certain he made it home safe,” Scott continues, not even pausing to acknowledge the very not so subtle dig. “So can you please confirm he did?” 

It’s the word ‘snowing’ that pulls David up short, a memory trying to pull at him for attention. He almost ignores it, waves away this entire conversation to say he isn’t Fritz’s mother, where the kid is and what happens to him isn’t his responsibility. 

Except it is. As annoying as it needing to be careful watching where he steps in his own restaurant is, he made that decision. Fought long and hard with Scott to have Fritz work here instead of some rundown building with idiotic managers who have no idea how to use such an employee. 

Snowing, why does that sound so familiar? And why does Scott almost sound like he’s panicked? 

“Give me a moment.” 

Surprisingly, Scott doesn’t make a fuss about not getting an immediate answer, the man eerily quiet as David stands up from his desk to walk to the main room, glancing down to make sure no miniscule figures end up underfoot. 

He sees no sign of Fritz, and a look out the window sends an unexplainable twist to his stomach at the sight of steady snowfall. 

He turns the phone away from his face as he catches Orville’s attention. “Where’s Fritz?” 

Instead of the elephant immediately tattling on Lefty for keeping the kid past clock out time, the animatronic manages to force its permanent smile into a look of worry. “He left thirty minutes ago.” 

“Fuck!” comes a genuinely panicked curse from Scott before David can full process what that means. “I can’t believe you, David!” 

The business man sputters. “What did I do?” 

“You let a human teenager go out into the snow alone!” Scott yells, and David is never admitting he had to hold the phone away from his head or else risk his eardrum bursting. “After you promised you would walk him home!” 

He remembers now. Of Scott standing on the ground next to David’s desk, lecturing the uninterested business man who was contemplating how much trouble he could get into if he put Scott in a jar to shut him up about the difference between weather made for giants vs humans. Distinctly remembers the moment Scott realized he wasn’t being listened to. 

”David, I swear to God. If Fritz ever dies on your watch-”

”Aren’t you being a bit dramatic, Scott?”

”I don’t think you understand just how dangerous it is for him. It’s almost like you want him dead.”

”Okay now you’re being dramatic. I don’t want him dead, I just don’t think something like snow is as dangerous as you’re making it out to be.”

Now that David’s actually looking at the snow, he realizes the snowflakes are easily half of Fritz’s size. Starts to understand why Scott assumes he wants the kid dead. 

“God damn it, David! I trusted you! Now the poor kid’s either frozen or about to be all because you couldn’t be bothered!” 

“In my defense,” David murmurs as he quickly grabs his coat, tucking his phone against his shoulder to pull his gloves on. “He didn’t come to the office to tell me it was snowing.” 

“I texted you,” Scott growls lowly, his voice quivering. “Twice about there being a storm tonight.” 

David remembers the text. Remembers making sure he brought a scarf and gloves with him. He also remembers rolling his eyes when he spotted Fritz’s jacket that was made for anything but the snow. 

“I’m sure he’s fine,” David lies as he quickly walks to the front of the restaurant, pointedly ignoring Lefty’s stare promising his death as he unlocks the door. “I’ll text you once I find him.” 

“And call James,” is all Scott says before hanging up the phone. 

David doesn’t bother to give an explanation to the person still waiting on the other line, ending the call as he steps outside. Looks down at the pitiful amount of snow currently covering the sidewalk. Takes a moment to briefly lift his shoe to see the imprint left behind. 

It’s not enough snow to even warrant snow shoes. But considering the fact Fritz doesn’t even stand as tall as his ankle makes it enough to be quite a chore for a human to walk through. He chalks the reason his heart is beating rapidly against his chest to the cold air making it hard to breathe. 

“Fritz!” 

David hesitates to choose a direction to walk. He’s never bothered to ask the kid about his commute to and from work, not when there’s never really been a reason to care. It might’ve come up in a rant the business man didn’t pay attention to, again not having a reason to care unless something infuriating was said, such as Mike’s or Eggs’ name. 

Though there was that one time Fritz mentioned stopping by the location Mike work at, something about it being on the way home. 

It’s not perfect, but it’s the best he’s got, meaning David makes a right as he quickly walks down the sidewalk, watching every step he takes. 

“Fritz!” 

That absolute dumbass. David knows that Fritz got the exact same lecture about the weather from Scott. He remembers the kid getting two lectures, one concerning the rain and how he could literally get swept into a drain if he’s not careful. Fritz will stay the night at the restaurant if it rains, but he won’t stay when it snows, or at least ask the giant tasked with keeping him safe to walk him home? 

Contrary to belief, David doesn’t want the kid dead. Scott’s a different story, but despite it being annoying needing to check under his feet before so much as standing up, the giant still checks. Comments about how he wishes someone steps on Scott or a kid turns the man into an action figure to take home and keep forever, but it won’t be his shoe or his hand putting the tiny thing in the lost and found bin. 

“Fritz!” 

Once he finds Fritz, he’s not letting the kid out of his sight for a week. Seriously, what kind of idiot walks into a snowstorm where the snow is bigger than them? Not to give Eggs any credit but even that thing would be smart enough not to walk through it alone. Honestly how has Fritz even survived this long? 

A shiver runs down David’s spine as his search continues to come up empty. He’s seen firsthand just how fast humans walk despite only being two inches tall, but Fritz couldn’t have gotten too far even with a thirty minute head start. There should at least be some sign he’s going the right way, like microscopic footsteps in the snow or a lopsided snowman sitting under a streetlamp. Unless doesn’t take the sidewalk and uses some offroad trail through the trees. But even Fritz would know that’s a stupid idea. 

“Fritz!” 

He’s beginning to grow a little worried. Despite there being snow on the ground, it’s not enough to make a loud crunch whenever he steps, meaning he should at least be able to hear a soft yell to acknowledge the kid’s name being called. That’s if Fritz can yell, though, and if David picked the right direction to walk. 

There’s also the possibility David did go the right way but he passed the kid. He hasn’t looked up from the ground once, but with the snow blowing all around him and it being pitch dark between the streetlamps, it’s possible he might’ve accidentally missed a misshapen lump in the snow. The wind might’ve covered a quiet yell as David walked right past the buried form. 

Fuck. “Fri-!” 

His yell is silenced at the sight of something red sitting in the snow under the next streetlamp. Keeping himself from running toward it, David carefully checks where he’s stepping, making sure he’s not ignoring anything else that might be buried. Finally, he reaches the circle of light, kneeling down to get a better look. 

“Fritz,” David breathes, staring at the sight of the kid curled up in a tight ball, half buried in snow and not even twitching at the sound of his name. 

That’s far from a good sign. But first things first, Fritz needs to be taken away from the snow. Which would have been infinitely easier if the human was standing and walking on his own, but he’s not, meaning David has to pick him up. 

Pick up an unconscious figure smaller than his finger when he can’t remember the last time he held a human. 

It’s not that David’s afraid of holding them. It’s more so the principle he has absolutely no idea where they’ve been, and he certainly doesn’t want someone walking over his hand when they just trampled through the mud, or through soda that was split on the floor. 

To be honest, Fritz is most likely covered in twenty different species of germs considering the kid works in a children’s restaurant and walks across counters that have God knows what covering them, but that’s not what has him hesitating. It’s the fact Fritz looks so small, like he’ll break at any moment if he’s so much as breathed on. 

David takes a deep breath. Leans down as he reaches a hand out to carefully try and brush the snow off the kid’s back. Sighs in relief when there’s no scream of pain from a rib being broken. 

Honestly, how hard can it be to pick up a human? Mike does it all the time, and if that can handle not snapping Fritz in two, then so can David. 

Steeling himself, the business man slowly scoops his fingers into the snow. It’s almost pathetic just how small the pile is, yet it was enough to completely cover the kid if the wind was blowing just a little harder, meaning it’s also enough for David to slide his hand underneath Fritz before lifting his hand. 

Great, he picked the kid up without crushing him. Now what does he do? 

Well, it’d be a good idea to see if Fritz is even alive. 

David freezes at the realization he can’t say for certain the kid is breathing. Even as he holds the absolutely miniscule thing, he can’t see or feel a single shiver, and his gloves make it impossible to tell if there’s a heartbeat. 

Ignoring his own pounding heart, he’s quick to take a glove off before delicately placing a finger over Fritz’s chest. David nearly jumps as the kid almost immediately latches onto him, curling around the thumb longer than he is tall like his life depends on it. Though in Fritz’s defense, it does. 

David’s relief is covered by anger at getting jump scared. “You dumbass, why didn’t you tell me you were awake!” 

There’s no response, not even a twitch saying his words were heard. His thumb is simply hugged tighter, a pitiful heartbeat beating against his fingerprint to prove the kid is alive. He’s also freezing, a shiver running up David’s arm as it becomes clear a living ice cube has claimed his finger. 

But at least the kid’s alive. 

With both hands occupied, it takes David a moment to try and brush as much snow off of Fritz as possible. And despite the fact the kid is so cold it hurts to touch, the business man doesn’t have the heart to pull his finger away, which means he carefully moves the literal icicle into his ungloved hand, hissing in pain once the transaction is complete. 

Hoping to keep his fingers from going numb, David unbuttons his coat so he can tuck his occupied hand against his chest, surrounding the kid and his hand in warmth. 

David isn’t confident this is what he should be doing after finding someone nearly frozen in the snow. But what matters is he found Fritz, the kid is alive, and he’s no longer in the cold, slowly warming up. It might not be perfect, but it’s enough for now. 

Carefully standing up, David shoves his extra glove into his coat pocket before grabbing his phone as he starts walking. It takes him a solid five minutes just to send a single text to Scott saying Fritz is fine with only one hand free, and the other making him paranoid Fritz’s heart skipped a beat and focusing on the kid instead. At least it only takes a few seconds to pull up James’ number to call. 

“You found him?” 

“I take it Scott already told you,” David growls. 

“He did,” and at least the doctor respects him enough not to give an ‘I’m not angry, just disappointed’ act. “Is Fritz okay?” 

“The runt’s fine, his heart’s still beating.” The business man glances down at the figure still hugging his finger as they pass under a streetlamp. “I’ve got him in my hand inside my coat so he’s out of the wind.” 

“Good. You will need to keep holding him until his temperature’s back to normal.” 

David gives a flat look to the darkness. “And how long is that going to take?” 

“As long as it needs to,” James replies evenly. “He’ll get warmer faster if he’s wearing dry clothes and drinking something warm and sweet.” 

David bristles. “And how am I supposed to make him hot chocolate with one hand?” 

“I’m sure you’ll figure something out.” 

"Don’t patronize me.” 

“Not patronizing you,” James smiles he can hear the smug smile. “I’ve seen you make coffee and text at the same time. But as long as Fritz is awake, you can set him down for a moment, just not for too long.” 

“Fine.” 

“You did a good job finding him, David,” brings the business man up short from the sincerity. “If you need any help just give me a call, but I know he’s in good hands.” 

David hangs up before James can decide now would be the best time to chew him out for letting this happen and calling about what do if the kid stops breathing necessary. Scott’s content to just text that they’ll be talking about it later, but for now he’s being left alone with the assumption he’ll be busy making sure Fritz doesn’t die or end up with a cold. 

He doesn’t know how long it took him to get to his house. The only thing he does know is his ears and nose have gone completely numb, Fritz is still alive, and he wants nothing more than a cup of coffee. 

Unfortunately it’s a chore to simply get through the front door. Reaching around to his opposite coat pocket to find his keys, fumbling to circle through the ring with one hand until he can jam the right key into the lock. And then there’s taking his coat off, something that’s meant to be a simple task turned into a multistep process of taking his arm out of one sleeve, removing his other glove, moving Fritz blissfully unaware of the problems he’s causing to the other hand only after bribing the sleeping figure with another thumb to latch onto, until finally the coat can be put on the rack. 

David can’t help but pause a moment to glare down at something so small and yet it causes him so much trouble. 

He wouldn’t be surprised if Scott put in an emergency request to transfer Fritz to another location, one where he won’t freeze death while walking home. The man will also hold this over David’s head for as long as they work together, constantly bringing up the fact the so called ‘superiority’ giants have over humans means letting someone almost die under their watch. 

Again, in David’s defense, Fritz should’ve come to him before walking home alone. The business man will take some responsibility, but it wouldn’t have happened if some dumbass of a teenager didn’t think they could survive snow where an inch deep is over a foot to them. 

He’ll berate Fritz once the kid’s awake. For now he needs coffee and to check if he has ingredients for hot chocolate. 

David finds himself flexing his hand as he walks to his kitchen, trying to warm it up after holding a sentient ice cube for so long, glad his finger could get a break before it got too numb. Of course that means his other hand is currently in agony, but there’s nothing he can do about it now. 

After setting his coffee machine up and pressing the button to give him the largest cup possible, David stands by the counter, watching the steam rise up from the hot drink. Finds himself looking down at his occupied hand as Fritz seems to twitch in his sleep. 

Under his bright kitchen lights without having to worry about the wind and the snow, David’s hit once again with just how small Fritz looks. Curled up in a ball, hugging a finger that could easily smother him, lying in a palm like it’s the most comfortable bed imaginable. The best part is the thumb being curled around is almost twice Fritz’s size. 

All of his fingers are taller than the kid. His hand just seems to swallow Fritz whole. He won’t say it’s adorable, but he’ll definitely say it’s entertaining. 

It’s also entertaining just watching something that small exist. It’s weird being able to feel the soft heartbeat against his thumb and watch as the tiny chest lifts up and down for every breath. He can’t feel Fritz shaking in his hand, but he can definitely see a distinct shiver. 

...hold on. 

David brings his hand closer to his face, staring at what is definitely a shiver. Which can’t be a good thing, not when they’re inside a house where the heater is currently running while being held by a giant. 

D- Is shivering bad?

J- Was he shivering before?

David blinks at James’ text. Looks back at Fritz who he swears have shivers that are getting stronger. 

D- I don’t think so.

J- Then it’s a good thing. It’s better for him to shiver then to not be if he’s still cold

Well the kid is definitely still cold. David’s been holding him for at least half an hour, and yet it doesn’t seem like he’s any warmer than before. But if James says it’s a good thing then they won’t go to the hospital just yet. And if James is wrong, then David can tell Scott he trusted the doctor to know what he’s talking about. 

Tucking his phone away, the coffee machine beeps to remind him there’s a cup waiting. Snagging the mug, David moves to walk to his office, intent on finishing what he was working on at the restaurant. Fritz might think that eight o’clock is a little late for leaving when the building closes at six and everyone else is home by seven, but the business man has rarely left for home before ten. 

The business man hesitates at the hallway. Looks down at the human he’s holding at the reminder he can’t exactly put Fritz down, at least not until the kid’s awake, meaning he would have to place orders and update spreadsheets with one hand. 

Just another thing to add to the list of grievances. The things he does for the ungrateful pest. 

Sighing, David turns to the living room, carefully sitting down on his couch as to not jostle Fritz too much. Can’t help a glare as he turns on the TV, finding a random movie that’s already halfway over. It didn’t matter what he watched, the only thing he wanted to do was work, not listen to amateur actors reading a script that never should’ve made it past a rough draft. 

He could call James and demand the doctor take care of Fritz himself. It’s David’s mess, but it’s a bit careless to leave someone who most likely has hypothermia in the care of anyone who isn’t a certified health professional. Isn’t it more important that Fritz wakes up then teaching David a lesson? 

Despite the clear right answer, he doesn’t pick up his phone, only glares at the TV and occasionally rolls his eyes at the tenth cheesy one liner in a row. Keeps an eye on Fritz as the kid starts to shiver enough for David to notice. Enough that his hand starts to ache from holding an ice cube that never melts and never dethaws. 

Placing his mug down, David begins to tedious process of somehow getting Fritz to latch onto his other hand. Instead of needing to all but pry the kid away, he’s surprised when the offered thumb is immediately grabbed, almost as if drawn to it and going so far as trying to climb into the hand himself. 

David raises an eyebrow as he nudges the shivering figure. “Are you just pretending to sleep?” 

There’s no response, not even a guilty wince for getting caught. Nothing but the kid desperately trying to absorb all the precious heat David only just managed to get for himself. 

Wait. 

Glancing at his coffee mug, David carefully transfers Fritz to the hand that’s been subconsciously claimed for himself. Once it’s done, he wraps his numb fingers around the warm mug, able to actually feel the cold melting away. After a moment, he then sets it next to Fritz, the kid flopping over without hesitation to snag the thumb he only just got feeling back in. 

It’s not adorable, but this is certainly much more entertaining then whatever is on the TV. 

David doesn’t try to hide the smirk on his face as he continues to play the game of chasing warmth with Fritz. It is thoroughly amusing to watch the tiny limbs that could easily be pinned down or pulled away move on their own volition simply because one hand is warmer than the other. It’s almost like having a living magnet. 

D- Is it bad if he moves around too much?

J- Define ‘too much’

D- Aren’t you the doctor?

J- If he’s moving around on his own volition, it’s a good sign 

J- If you are the cause of him moving ‘too much’, I suggest limiting such movement

David looks down at the human in his care. Decides James knows absolutely nothing about what he’s talking about. He does length the time between each switch, however, only because he doesn’t know how much longer his hands can take holding an icicle doing a terrible job of getting warmer despite all his efforts. 

Actually, should he be worried? It has been ten full minutes since they’ve been at his house, and Fritz seems to be just as cold as before. He can’t exactly give the kid something warm to drink if he’s not awake, but being inside a heated house while being held by a giant should at least be helping. 

David takes a moment to hold Fritz closer to his face, eyes narrowing as he looks the kid over. Hesitates when he realized the kid’s jacket is completely drenched, and apparently he’s been wearing a backpack this entire time. 

No one’s allowed to blame him for missing that. The kid’s tiny, and again he’s not an expert of taking care of someone with hypothermia. It’s also not his fault for completely forgetting what exactly James told him on the phone. 

David stares for a moment at the microscopic backpack straps around Fritz’s shoulders. Scowls at the jacket zipper he can’t even see. 

Wrapping his hand around his mug, the business man coaxes the tiny thing to let go of his thumb before delicately pinning down the arms smaller than toothpicks. 

...never mind, he’s cutting the straps and jacket off. 

When Fritz wakes up, it's to the smell of coffee and warmth. 

At first he’s confused, not able to remember falling asleep. The last thing he does remember is trying to clock out on time, only for David to ask him to check inventory. And then Lefty helping him, and someone saying it was snowing, and- 

Oh! That’s right! He was walking home in the snow, and then he got really, really cold. 

Opening his eyes, Fritz finds himself lying in a dark cave. A very familiar one where the ground moves up and down, and a fingerprint bigger than his head sits close by. 

He sighs in relief at the realization he must’ve made it to Fazbear’s Pizzeria. Or he was at least close enough for Mike to find him on the way to work. Hopefully he was at least awake when the night guard first found him and didn’t make the giant panic too badly. Well, it’s impossible to make Mike panic, worry might be a better word. 

Despite being surrounded by warmth, there’s no stopping a very sudden and almost violent shiver from wracking his body, making Fritz curl up tightly to try and keep what little body heat he has. He no longer feels like he’s frozen, but he feels sore, and tired. Wants to do nothing more then go back to sleep. Wishes he wasn’t wearing wet clothes that are cold to the touch. 

Suddenly, the hand above him lifts away, making Fritz yelp as he tries to shield his eyes from the bright light. 

“Are you finally awake?” 

Fritz goes so still he stops breathing. Because the voice booming around him isn’t Mike’s. 

Trembling, the teenager slowly lifts his head, blinking rapidly against the light to try and see his surroundings. Feels his heart begin to pound when he doesn’t see the uniform for Fazbear night guard's, and instead spots a handkerchief big enough to act as a blanket sitting in an all too familiar suit pocket only a few feet away. 

Mike wasn’t the one who found him in the snow, David did. 

All Fritz can do is stare up at the giant in terror as the rumbling voice shakes the air. “It’s about time, I was starting to think you weren’t ever going to wake up. But now that you are, we need to make you something warm to drink. Do you have extra clothes in your backpack?” 

“Y-Yes, sir,” Fritz quickly responds, turning to grab the mentioned backpack only to realize it’s nowhere to be seen. 

“I had to cut the straps to get it off your back,” sends a shiver down the teenager’s spine. Before he can ask how or why, a hand cups around him right before David sits up. 

Fritz can’t tell what’s shivers from being cold or shivers from fear as he tumbles into the waiting palm. He doesn’t try to say or do anything except curl into a protective ball as the giant then stands up, leaving his stomach far behind. And then he’s being jostled by heavy footsteps as he’s carried somewhere. 

Please don’t drop me, please don’t crush me.

Suddenly the giant stops, and Fritz barely holds back a shriek of fear as something nudges him. “Will you freeze to death if I leave you alone for five minutes while you change?” 

The shiver wracking his body is one from the cold at the thought of being anywhere except near a giant’s body heat. But Fritz doesn’t dare do anything except shake his head, trembling as he meets David’s unimpressed stare. “No, s-s-s-sir.” 

The moment the hand is set down, Fritz scrambles off the warm palm, almost immediately regretting it as his entire body starts to shake from the cold. He doesn’t say anything, though, just wordlessly watches as his backpack is dropped in front of him. 

“I’ll be back in five minutes,” the giant says, walking away before receiving a response. 

Fritz doesn’t hesitate to start digging through his backpack, though it takes a moment for his numb fingers to cooperate in grabbing the zipper. By the time he unzips it, his teeth are chattering and he’s already exhausted. There’s no stopping a relieved sigh when he grabs the clothes he wore to school though, ones that managed to stay dry despite his entire bag being soaked through. 

Once his Fazbear uniform is stuffed into his backpack, Fritz immediately curls into a ball as he hugs his knees, already feeling so much better than before. His hands and feet are still numb, and there’s no keeping his shivers at bay, but it’ll be better once David comes back. 

The thought of the business man has the teenager tensing at the reminder just who found him in the snow. Not that he isn’t ungrateful! There won’t be a single day where Fritz won’t thank David for saving him. 

But he knows what’s coming. He’s surprised David’s held back this long before lecturing Fritz about how stupid it was to walk home alone. About the trouble he’s caused, that it’s his fault the business man has to listen to Scott’s yelling, that the teenager’s fired and good luck getting hired at any of the other locations because who’s going to want to be responsible for some useless human who can’t even walk through the snow- 

“You didn’t freeze on me again, did you?” 

Fritz jolts at David’s words, scrambling to his feet as he shakes his head. “No, sir.” 

A hand isn’t offered, the business man simply watching him with an unimpressed look. “That’s what you wear to school?” 

The genuine terror Fritz felt at the thought he won’t be held anymore is replaced by uncertainty as he looks down at his clothes. They’re definitely not a full piece suit or a button up with slacks, but he didn’t think wearing baggy pants with a colorful t-shirt over a black long sleeve wasn’t the worse thing possible. “Um, sometimes?” 

“And I thought Scott’s wardrobe was bad,” David murmurs. 

A hand is finally offered, and Fritz runs to the warmth radiating off the giant. Can’t help himself from curling in the center of the palm his numb limbs slowly start to dethaw. Even though David must be furious, he appreciates the giant willing to push aside his anger enough to help Fritz stay warm. At least until he’s no longer at risk of hypothermia. 

As the giant begins walking, Fritz takes a peak at his surroundings. Feels the blood drain from his face at the sight of an elegant house surrounding him. Can’t seem to swallow the lump in his throat at the realization he’s inside David’s home. 

Getting buried in the snow would be better than whatever the giant has planned for him. 

“You’re supposed to drink something warm and sweet,” David rumbles, making Fritz flinch from the borderline annoyance in the business man’s tone. “However, I don’t have any human sized dishes or utensils.” 

The teenager’s heartbeat skyrockets as he’s then stared at with of impatience, one that is all too familiar and means that this is Fritz’s problem. And if his problem, then he needs to fix it. 

“Do you, uh, m-m-may I borrow a piece of aluminum foil?” Fritz asks as quietly as possible while still being loud enough for the giant to hear. Despite having made the request after being told something was made specifically for him, he’s still surprised when David immediately opens a drawer before passing over a piece as big as his arm. 

“You better not waste it.” 

The teenager quickly nods his head in agreement, his hands trembling as he begins to bend the foil into the vague shape of a cup. At least he tries to. He’s never actually done something like this before and he hadn’t realized just how hard it is to bend when made for a giant. 

In the end, Fritz beams as he somehow manages to make a seemingly functional mug. There’s even a small handle! A misshapen one, but it works! 

Even David seems impressed as the foil mug is presented. “I take it you've done this before.” 

“I actually just read about it in a book,” Fritz admits. “It’s about humans living in a world made just for giants, but apparently they use aluminum foil for almost everything, and I’ve always wanted to try it-!” 

He cuts himself off when David simply stares at him with a silent question of ‘are you done yet’. He shuts his mouth with an audible click, offering his mug for the giant to take. Silently stares down at his hands until an impatient throat clearing has him look up to see the mug being offered back, this time filled with something that smells distinctly like chocolate. 

Fritz quickly accepts it, protectively pulling the warm drink closer. “Th-Thank you.” 

“You were an absolute dumbass tonight,” David growls overhead. “What the hell were you thinking? I know for a fact Scott had discussed that under no circumstances were you to go home alone if it’s actively raining or snowing.” 

Scott had. Even reassured Fritz that if David was to refuse to walk him, he was to call the older man who would in turn make sure the giant keeps his promise. Except that would only make things worse. A reluctant David is better than a furious David that Fritz dared to tattle on him to Scott. 

Fritz only nods his head in agreement to show he’s listening, that he also agrees. He would’ve taken getting berated the entire walk over landing himself in David’s literal hands to be punished however the giant sees fit. 

“From now on until the end of winter, I will be walking you home every night.” 

...wait, what? 

David rolls his eyes at Fritz’s shock. “I can’t have my only competent employee getting buried in the snow. And Scott has another thing coming if he thinks he’ll be transferring you back to that shithole of a so called restaurant.” 

He’s, he’s not being fired? Scott isn’t banning him from working at any Fazbear location? 

“Scott and I will find a punishment we fell is fit for pulling such a reckless stunt,” has him flinching as the giant walks out of the kitchen and into the most lavish living room Fritz will ever see in his entire life. “But that’s something we will discuss at a later date. Until then, we’re going to make sure you don’t freeze to death.” 

A shiver shakes his entire body as if to prove that despite how warm he feels, there’s still barely any feeling in his limbs, and he’s pretty sure that if he checked the mirror his lips would look blue. But even as David sits down on the couch, turning until he’s lying with his chest at an angle, the hand he’s sitting on doesn’t try to deposit him somewhere he can’t bother the giant. Isn’t left downstairs in a pile of blankets while the business man goes upstairs to sleep in a bed that’s just as ornate as the rest of the furniture. 

Fritz is gently set down next to David’s pocket, the hand that carried him settling down close by. 

“You aren’t going to put me in a jar?” 

He nearly slaps a hand over his mouth. But even as David’s mouth twists into a cruel smirk, the business man makes no motion to stand back up. “I’ll suggest it to Scott.” 

That does nothing to calm Fritz’s terror over what’s going to happen to him regarding a punishment. If anything it makes him absolutely terrified thinking about what David might do in the future if the business man randomly decides that even if Scott didn’t agree to put him in a jar this time, then what’s stopping him from doing it at some point. 

But Fritz doesn’t hesitate to move closer to the hand that automatically cups over his head, careful not to spill any of his drink as he lies down, taking a deep, long breath before sighing in relief as he’s completely surrounded by warmth. 

Because even though David constantly calls him a pest, the business man went looking for him in the snow. Took him home and kept him warm. Cared about him enough to go through all that trouble just to make sure he was safe. He trusts the giant won’t do anything to hurt him, not tonight or any other night. 

Fritz is almost asleep when he sneezes. 

He’s still in the kitchen of Fazbear Entertainment Center, all too familiar with the layout he changed around after signing paperwork that made him the sole owner of this franchise restaurant, as well as the faces of those he hired who were competent enough to keep their jobs for more than a week. He had opened the door a few feet away only a few seconds ago. 

And yet, somehow, everyone and everything currently tower over him. David couldn’t move the door a single inch now no matter how hard he tried. A rolling counter has wheels that are as tall as him and easily provides a place for him to hide. Chefs and waiters seem more like skyscrapers than people he signs paychecks for. 

That’s not the worst part. The sounds of people talking and food being made are so loud it makes his head feel like it’s going to split open. Simple actions such as walking within ten feet of him cause earthquakes that shake him to his core.

David can’t help but stare. He can’t look away despite knowing he could be killed at any moment if he doesn’t get to safety. Feels himself begin to tremble as it becomes harder and harder to deny what’s in front of him is real. 

Even though it’s impossible for someone to suddenly shrink, there’s no denying the proof before him. Unless he’s simply having an incredibly vivid dream, or hallucination, or something because this can’t be real. 

“Are those pizza’s done?” 

“Careful, how many times do I have to tell you-!” 

“Door!” 

David feels the hair on the back of his neck stand up, and in that moment dives under the service cart that stands beside him. Groans from his ungraceful landing before staring in horror as the door opens and someone steps directly where he had been only a  few moments ago. The thought of what would’ve happened, the idea this isn’t a dream and that could’ve been the end decides he’ll be treating this like it’s life or death. 

The business man tries to ignore his heart thumping painfully against his chest as he watches the bustling kitchen, catastrophic giants unaware of his presence. Reminds himself he can’t get stepped on while he cowers under the service cart. He’s safe, at least for now. Unless someone realized what happened and are searching for him. Or the cart gets moved. Or something gets dropped and- 

“Nope,” David murmurs as he closed his eyes to block out the world, clenching his fists to focus on something other than the constant trembles through the ground. 

Those kinds of thoughts are not helpful. He needs to think about finding a safe place, then figure out a plan on how to get his proper height of six feet. But safety’s first. 

...where the hell would he be safe at a size where shoes can crush him like a spider. 

Taking a deep breath in the attempt to calm his nerves, David opens his eyes one at a time. Forces himself to look at the layout down at the ground. Ignoring the fact everything that’s familiar is now deadly, just focusing on places he can run and hide without putting himself in danger. 

Going anywhere near the door is completely off limits. But if he travels further into the kitchen, there’s potential for a safe place to at least wait until the restaurant closes. Such as the toe kick space under the counters, though there’s not much depth to it and someone could spot him from the right angle. There’s small space under the ovens that goes as far back as the wall and seems to have the most cover, but he wouldn’t know if it’s too hot to stay down there. Out of everything, the pantry might be the best option, with plenty of shelves to hide under, and he’d be the farthest away from any possible incidents prone to happen in busy kitchens. 

With that settled, now he just has to figure out how to get there. There’s no cover between where he is now and the pantry door, just a full mile of open air in which he’d be completely vulnerable to dropped items, shoes, and being spotted. 

An involuntary shiver runs down David’s spine at the thought of someone seeing him. That would open an entire can of worms, especially if it’s realized he’s human instead of a pest. Getting killed is one thing, but there’s no telling what someone would do if they get their hands on him. It could range from making him pay for screaming at them because they weren’t doing their job right, to selling him to make a quick buck. 

A glance is sent toward the wheels of the cart he’s currently using as shelter. Because while this could be moved, it doesn't necessarily mean it will be. It had been put here for a reason. He can’t remember if this is normally here every other day, meaning it’s a toss up if it’ll get moved again. 

Which one’s better, then? Taking a chance out in the open, or hoping no one moves the cart? 

...what if he moves the cart? 

David stares at the large wheels for a moment before walking closer, willing to at least give it a try no matter how ridiculous the idea seems. If this actually works, he’ll take it. Though, he does hesitate to actually touch the wheel once he’s close enough to see just how filthy it is. Flinches when it dawns on him he’ll be covered in dust and dirt by the end of this ordeal. 

He sighs long and hard with the reminder of yet another earthquake it’s either this, or an almost guarantee of getting crushed. Grits his teeth and tries to shove at the wheel with all his might. Growls when doesn’t budge, changing his position only to end up with the same results. Meaning he did that for absolutely nothing. 

David looks back out at the kitchen. Narrows his eyes when he realizes the large island is closer to him than the pantry. And if he runs from the island to the counter...he’ll be covered for almost the entire walk. 

It’ll be a lot more work, and shoes are constantly walking between all of the counters, but it’s certainly safer. 

Now there’s three options. He doesn’t like any of them, but he hadn’t asked to get shrunk so these are the cards he’s been dealt with. As shitty as they are, he just has to make the most of them. 

Honestly, taking the long path to the pantry seems like his best bet. It almost seems like he’s been taking too long, so he needs to- 

His train of thought is lost when he sees a pair of shoes suddenly begin to walk toward him. And then words are booming through the air almost directly above. 

“Hey, is the cart claimed?” 

Fuck. 

David freezes. Almost screams when the wheel beside him is suddenly turning, scrambling to get a safe distance away. Feels his blood run cold when the entire thing begins to move. And then David starts running. 

He runs after the cart. If there was time to think, he might’ve recognized that as the worst thing he could’ve done, but adrenaline had taken control. The only thing he knew was that his only shelter was being taken away, and there was nothing he could do about it except follow. 

It could’ve ended with him getting caught under a wheel. With it stopping abruptly and him slamming into it. Getting left behind and ending up underfoot from someone walking past. 

None of those happen. Somehow by some miracle David stays with the cart before almost colliding with the underside of the counter. As soon as he hits the wall, he collapses, legs trembling so harshly it’s impossible to stay standing. Arms and chest aching after taking the brunt of the impact. 

But he made it. He made it and that’s all that matters. 

The business man pants, choking on air a few times. Takes a few minutes to slow his breathing and calm his racing heart. Makes the promise to fire every single person on staff for not realizing someone’s peril despite it happening right in front of them. It would be seen as unfair, and he could be sued for a lot of money considering he most likely wouldn’t be able to prove anything, but the thought makes him feel a lot better considering everything. It’d also be worth it. 

David doesn’t know how long it takes to recover, just that it’s dangerous for him to stay any longer. So despite the fact his limbs are still shaking, he carefully pushes himself to a stand. Absolutely refuses to take off his suit jacket even though that would make running easier and help keep him from overheating. Like hell he’s loosing an expensive piece of clothing. He might be shrunk and fighting for his life, but he still has standards. Would rather die with dignity over living with a tarnished reputation. 

Call him shallow and egotistical. The train of thought was able to calm him down, however. Distracted him from the thundering footsteps walking right past him as he walks under the cabinet's toe kick. Hoping its true purpose is rarely used. Unsure if he should be glad he’s short enough he doesn’t have to worry about hitting his head on the overhanging wood, or miffed that he’s shorter than four inches tall. 

The conundrum is forgotten as he turns a corner and becomes face to face with clog, one that’s not blocking his way, but the toe of the shoe so close David could walk forward and shove at it. 

Of course that wouldn’t do anything. The owner of the shoe wouldn’t even notice the attempt. With such a catastrophic object that he’s been terrified of ever since shrinking just staying in one place, it’s almost a slap in the face just how small he really is. He’s not even the size of a mouse that can easily clamber over the shoe. More like a large insect that would need to laboriously climb if it blocked his path completely. 

...he didn’t even think about that. Giants are terrifying, but what if he encounters animals at this size? There’s no shooing away a rat or crushing a roach beneath his shoe, they’re now threats to him instead of nuisances. 

Good news, as long as he doesn’t leave the restaurant, he should be perfectly safe. He ensured all pest had been eliminated on the first day, and has an exterminator on speed dial whenever someone reports having seen so much as a shadow creeping along the ground. 

As for the giants, he can hope he doesn’t have to interact with one anytime soon. 

“Is an oven finally open?” 

“Everything that was cooking the previous round is done. Did you forget to pull the pizza’s out?” 

Part of David wants to yell about how much those he hired are dumbasses to not check if something was left in the oven. The other part slumps in relief as the person standing at the island quickly leaves. The only condolence is the fact it doesn’t smell like something’s burning. 

He needs to focus. Forget about what’s happening around him, concentrate on getting somewhere safe. Fire everyone later. 

David looks across the vast distance from where he stands to the line of cabinets that connect to the pantry. This time, there isn’t a service cart to act as cover as he runs across. It’ll just be him, completely exposed. 

He already feels himself begin to shake at the thought of making such a risky move. His muscles protest at running the large distance in which the only time he’d be able to stop is when he gets to the other side. 

What if he doesn’t make it? What if someone walks by and never notices a miniscule figure? What if they do notice and trap him inside a jar? And what happens if he stays here? The toe kick is only four inches deep, that’s not enough space to guarantee safety. 

David steels himself before carefully leaning out from under the counter. Looks up to barely make out the timer’s on the oven saying there’s ten minutes left. Glances at his left where the pantry sits, door shut tight with the lights currently off. Checks his right to see this area of the kitchen void of stomping shoes. 

Go.

He doesn’t hesitate, knowing this might be his only chance, and sprints. Without a single look back to make sure no one’s coming. There would be nothing he could do, so he runs. Never slows down even as his legs burn from overexertion and his lungs send sharp pains through his chest. 

Then the ground starts to jump. David can see he’s already past the halfway mark, but cover is still too far away. He can’t turn around and go back because that wouldn’t be any closer. And even as terror races up his spine and he feels his adrenaline kick in, it’s not enough. He would be an idiot to ever think he could outrun a giant. 

He doesn’t stop. Though the footsteps growing closer and closer attempt to trip him with the earthquakes they bring. It’s a miracle they haven’t gotten to him. 

Until someone gives a small gasp. 

“Shit, there’s a bug in here.” 

“Are you serious?” 

David doesn’t stop. The counters are only ten feet away he’s almost there. 

“I can’t tell what it is, but I need to finish this. Can someone take care of it?” 

“I’ll get it, where is it?” 

Just a few more- 

The business man crashes into the counters at full tilt, not realizing he had actually made it. He swears he broke something this time. But he’s alive. He’s alive he made it he didn’t get crushed. 

“It’s under the counters by the stove.” 

It takes just a little too long for David to realize what that means. Stares out at the kitchen, almost confused why one pair of shoes is pointed directly toward him. Are taking steps toward him. Because he’s safe, he made it. 

It finally clicks. That even though he is somewhere he deemed to be ‘safe’, someone saw him, and they’re coming to take care of the pest infesting an area that needs to be sanitary. 

Once it finally processes David is far from safe, he scrambles to his feet even though he wants to do nothing more than to go limp. He doesn’t know what ‘take care of it’ means, but it can’t be anything good. Where is he supposed to go, though? 

If he was in the right state of mind, the idea of going for the pantry would’ve been recognized as the worst thing he could possibly do. Panic can do so many things, however, and the only thing he could think of was his original plan. Meaning it was the only logical thing to do. 

Yet just as he starts to turn and run in that direction, a hand grabs his wrist. Immediately has David turning to look at who it is, unable to remember why that shouldn’t be possible. 

A teenager stares up at David with wide eyes, tugging at his arm in the opposite direction than was previously chosen. “Follow me, hurry!” 

Any other time, David would refuse. This isn’t any other time, though. No, he was shrunk, had ran for his life, and is now being hunted down by a giant. So there’s not a single protest as he’s frantically led toward the ovens. Doesn’t hesitate a single second to continue following as he’s forced to hunch over to duck into the small area normally impossible to gain access to. Sends a look over his shoulder briefly to catch sight of someone searching all the wrong places for him. 

Then the entire kitchen completely leaves his sight, and he’s left with an alien landscape of metal over his head and a dusty floor. The worst part is how it gets dimmer and dimmer the further they walk. But David is now completely safe from becoming an exotic pet or being treated like an unwanted pest. The teenager who saved him from such a horrific fate never letting his arm go. 

That’s when everything starts to catch up with him. The terror of nearly dying. His limbs completely exhausted. No longer feeling dazed to finally process what just happened. 

“Wait,” David begins, breathless as he comes to a stop. As soon as he does, however, his knees buckle and he sits harshly on the ground. Sighs in relief he can finally rest without the threat of ending up dead. 

Instead of leaving him there, the kid immediately kneels down beside him. It’s almost impossible to make out features and expressions in the darkness, but a stranger wouldn’t be indifferent if the first instinct was to stay close. “Are you okay? Are you hurt?” 

David shakes his head.  “Not hurt. Just...ran for my life.” 

“That’ll definitely do it,” the kid murmurs, his voice never raising above a whisper. “I have a safe place we can go, but we can stay here for a bit. We just need to be careful that we don’t overheat.” 

...now that something was said, the business man realizes it is a bit hot where they are. Not burning, but definitely uncomfortable. Especially with the running he previously did and his jacket acting as the main perpetrator for making him overheat quicker than usual. 

But he can survive a few minutes. By then he’ll be able to at the very least stand up again. 

“Here, drink some water.” 

David hadn’t noticed any movement until something is being offered to him. At the promise of it being water, he quicky accepts it, hesitating at the odd texture as his mind recognizes the shape of a cup. Decides it’s not worth making a fuss over and simply drinks. 

It’s water, clean if a bit warm, but he can’t get over just what the fuck he’s using as a cup. “What, is this?” 

“The wat- oh! The cup, it’s just aluminum foil.” 

David stares at the shadowy figure for a moment. Glances up at the metal ‘roof’ above their heads to confirm they’re both only a few inches tall.  “Where did you get aluminum foil?” 

“Long story,” the kid says. “I can tell it to you later. Are you okay to start walking again?” 

David doesn’t want to go anywhere with a complete stranger until he gets answers. Who is this kid? Why does he have supplies? Why was he in the kitchen near the ovens at this exact time? 

It’d be a stupid idea to get on the kid’s bad side now. It was promised there is a safe place to go. So instead of earning himself a death sentence by being left here after making an enemy with the only person who can help him, David bites his tongue to keep from yelling. 

Instead, he carefully stands up, nearly hitting his head on the oven after forgetting there’s not as much space as there was under the counters. “Lead the way.” 

Out of everything, he was not expecting his arm to be grabbed again. “Just to warn you, it’s going to be pretty dark. But I know the way, and I’ve kept the path clear of rodents and insects, so it's not dangerous. Just, terrifying.” 

Wonderful. 

David has to grit his teeth to keep from sprinting in the opposite direction as he’s led to a fairly wide hole in the back of the cabinets. One that’s pitch black and promises a death worst than being treated like a roach. 

Yet the kid doesn’t even stiffen before walking through it. Which means the business man isn’t declaring he’s not going anywhere near it if some teenager is able to be that courageous. Meaning he allows himself to be led down the tunnel without any objection, secretly glad the grip on his arm gets tighter to promise he won’t be let go. 

They walk in complete silence. It amplifies the sound of their footsteps, but it also means they’ll be able to hear something making its way toward them. And then a faint glow appears in the darkness. Getting brighter the closer they get. David feels his chest get lighter when he’s finally able to see there’s a wall to his right, the wooden cabinets to his left, and absolutely no signs of eyes reflecting in the darkness behind him. 

It’s also revealed their destination was a piece of cardboard. 

“Come inside,” the kid encourages. Before David can demand what’s meant by inside, the cardboard is pushed open like a door. 

Admittedly put off by it, David warily walks through the apparent doorway. Finds himself standing in what he can only describe as a third grader’s shitty attempt to make a diorama of their house for a school project. Complete with a bed that’s nothing but a pile of fabrics, a plastic pizza saver repurposed as a table, and odd $1 prizes the restaurant gives away in exchange for tickets scattered across the room that could be interpreted as anything. And he can’t forget to mention candles meant to be put on birthday cakes acting as lamps. 

When he imagined a safe place, an odd hideout tucked in a corner impossible to access from the outside wasn’t it. Then again, what was he expecting? 

After taking in the room, David turns back toward the person who brought him here, finally able to get a good look at the kid now that he isn’t fearing for his life. Looks over the mop of red hair, bright green eyes watching him nervously, the numerous freckles decorating the nose and cheeks. Gives a glance at the patched up clothes so dusty it’s hard to tell what their true colors are. 

“I need answers, and I need them now,” David growls. “Who the hell are you?” 

“My name’s Fritz,” the kid offers quietly. “You’re David, right?” 

“Mr. Harrison,” is automatically corrected. But then the implication has him glaring. “Have we met before?” 

“Briefly,” Fritz begins. “I...h-here, sit down and I’ll tell you everything.” 

David isn’t given a chance to protest. The kid closes the poor excuse for a door before taking off a bag that wasn’t noticed previously to place it on the floor. A cardboard stool for the lack of a better term is then pushed toward him. 

Fritz then grabs an odd vase that looks like it’s made of metal. Untwists the top before extending a hand toward David. “Would you like more water?” 

He's confused, until he realizes he’s still holding the cup from earlier, one that looks like it’s made from the same material of the odd pitcher. Sighs as he hands it over to be refilled, it being abundantly clear Fritz is going to take his sweet goddamn time. David then carefully sits down, genuinely surprised the crude seat holds his weight. Begins to tap his fingers impatiently. Doesn’t think about how his legs appreciate the rest and how grateful he is for the water after such an arduous adventure. 

“When and where did you shrink?” 

David gives a look at the explanation starting with a question. “Not too long ago, about an hour or so. It happened right as I walked into the kitchen.” 

“The same thing happened to me,” Fritz reveals as he stares down at the table. “I walked into the kitchen to take an order out to a table, and then I just...shrunk.” 

David freezes. So this is apparently a thing that just happens? How is that even possible? Have other people been shrunk as well? Why didn’t he notice employees disappearing? 

And why has Fritz stopped talking? 

A sigh is withheld at the teenager looking as if he’s remembering something unpleasant. “And when did that happen?” 

“A-A few months ago,” is barely said loud enough to be heard. 

...wait. Hold on. 

David wants to call bullshit. There’s no way someone only a few inches tall has managed to survive for a couple of months. David almost died within the first hour. Fritz has to be lying. 

Except, the kid can’t be. The pilfered items scattered around the room seems more than what could be collected in a single day, or even in a full week. Fritz also looks underfed and exhausted. The long term kind. Like he really hasn’t had access to proper care for a while. 

Suddenly, David feels sick to his stomach. At the thought someone could’ve been crushed under the sole of his own shoe, and he never would’ve known. At the realization that if Fritz shrank more than a month ago, and is still shrunk, then the business man’s future is bleak. 

“So you have no idea what caused this.” 

“Not a single clue.” 

Then he really is stuck at this size for the rest of his life. However long that is. 

David stares at Fritz. “What have you done during these past couple months?” 

The teenager shrugs, looking everywhere but at the business man. “Surviving. The kitchen wasn’t the worst place to end up since I have access to food and water. After a month I ventured out into the main area after the restaurant closed. I couldn’t really go far, though. The animatronics could spot me, or I wouldn’t get back to safety before someone came in for the morning shift.” 

A shiver travels down David’s spine at the thought of encountering the animatronics at this size. Quickly pushes the thought away for a different time. “And no one realized you were missing?” 

Fritz flinches at his question. Finally meets his gaze with glossy eyes. “Did you?” 

For the first time since he could remember, David feels remorse. For not knowing someone who worked for him vanished without a trace. A kid for that matter. Didn’t care because he fired people daily, what was one waiter out of the multiple he goes through in a single week. The worst part is that instead of someone going into debt or not being able to pay rent for the month, Fritz had been damned to this kind of hell. 

Even though David would never have thought someone shrunk, he should be able to say he at least looked for Fritz. Make a missing report, check the cameras. If he had, who’s to say he wouldn’t have found the kid. Because attempts were most likely made to get someone’s attention. If David had been looking, would he have noticed? 

David clears his throat. “I will not live like this.” 

Fritz shuffles nervously. “Um, is there someone you could call?” 

The business man almost scoffs before freezing. Because he does not like the idea at all. But it’s either call someone who can at least offer help, or live off of dropped crumbs in his own restaurant. And he’d rather die than take the second option. 

“How the hell would we call-” 

David cuts himself off. Doesn’t address Fritz’s confused look, too embarrassed to look the kid in the eye. Instead, he digs his phone out of his pocket. Blinks against the light much too artificial against what the candles emanate. Stares in disbelief he actually has service. 

“Does it-?” Fritz begins, voice filled with awe. There’s no response to his question. David allows the screen to turn off as he stares at it. 

Who should he call? 

David doesn’t trust a single person on this earth except himself. That means he would have to completely rely on someone he normally wouldn’t even at six feet tall. And considering just how small he is, trusting the wrong person could end with his demise, even if that wasn’t their intention. 

Alright, if he thinks about this logically, his best bet would be Scott. Because if anyone knows about dealing with the impossible, it’s the man who’s William’s lapdog. 

...fuck, William. 

David doesn’t know why it took him so long. His boss is a smart man, knows how to get what he wants. But he’s also created a monstrosity David wishes he never had the honor of meeting. And if William is capable of making something like a certain mutated grape he had first been told was a highly advanced AI, then shrinking someone wouldn’t be completely out of the question. 

Why the fuck did William shrink him! 

“Da- Mr. Harrison?” Fritz asks with a worried look at David’s hand clutching his phone like he wants to break it.  “Are you okay?” 

No, he is far from okay. Good thing he’s able to finally take his anger out. Scrolls through his contacts before selecting Scott’s phone number. 

It takes a few moments for the call to actually do through, but it’s picked up on the first ring. “Hello, hello, David.” 

“My restaurant, 8 o’clock sharp. William has given you quite the mess to clean up,” David snaps. Not in the mood for pleasantries. Even if Scott is a giant to him. 

“I’m not a dog,” the sandy haired man growls. “I would also appreciate a little bit more information.” 

“Come to the kitchen, watch where you step, and listen carefully. Is that enough information for you?” 

“David, are you serious? At least tell me what Afton apparently did.” 

“He apparently shrunk me so I’m shorter than four inches tall and currently hiding behind the cabinets,” the business man huffs. 

Scott suddenly goes silent on the other end. When a minute passes, David checks his phone to make sure the call wasn’t dropped. 

“I swear to God,” the older man breathes. “If you’re lying-” 

“I’m not,” David interrupts. “8 o’clock, kitchen, watch where you step.” 

“Stay safe until then.” 

With that, they both hang up. And David’s met with Fritz looking a mixture of horrified, hopeful, and another emotion he can’t quite identify. 

“I, I-I take it you know someone who can help?” the teenager asks. 

Right. Fritz doesn’t know anything about the truth around Fazbear’s. Granted, it took David a few months to have a proper initiation, but he’s not a small fry employee. He has a lengthy contract that ensures his safety while working for the company. The teenager, on the other hand, is as disposable as the other night guards. If he’s being honest, William might’ve assumed the kid would’ve died within a few hours. Might’ve used him as a guinea pig. 

Surviving multiple months at this size is something William would at least have to respect, right? Or, would that just prove the kid is a liability that needs to be silenced. 

Now David’s faced with a choice. Have Scott meet Fritz, and they both confront William on getting the kid back to his normal size. Or, they play it safe, and David promises to find and care for Fritz once the business man is at his proper height. 

One look at the resigned expression conquering Fritz’s face, and it seems like his thoughts were heard. 

“Th-There’s still a few hours until 8. Would you like to rest for a bit?” 

“You won’t leave this room, will you?” David finds himself asking. Not because he’s protective and genuinely worried for the kid who could get into trouble before help arrives. He’s certainly responsible over Fritz, though. Meaning he can’t let anything happen under his watch. 

Fritz thinks it over for a moment. Nods his head. “I’ll stay here.” 

David doesn’t say another word. He drinks the rest of the water, turns to the poor excuse of a bed, and flops heavily into it. Uncaring if the owner hadn’t meant to give him permission to claim it for a nap. 

And if there was any objections, the business man was already falling asleep before he could hear them. 

”You killed him.”

David whirls around to see Scott staring at him like he’s some kind of monster as they stand in a kitchen that’s all too familiar. 

Anger flairs up, and the want to punch the shorter man in the face rises like a tide. He’s being judged like he’s some kind of murderer? What about Scott being best friends to a literal monstrosity? What about him following the orders of someone like William? What about the night guards? 

“I haven’t killed anyone,” David snaps. 

“Oh really?” Scott growls. “Someone didn’t disappear during a shift inside your own restaurant?” 

The business man bristles. “How was I supposed to know! It’s not like I would’ve known he shrunk. And he’s a teenager, they always walk out without telling anyone and just refuse to show up for work the next day.” 

“Do you know how many times he tried to get your attention? Tried to ask for help? Do you know how many times you ignored him?” 

...is that true? Did Fritz make it all the way to his office at some point? Did David nearly crush him like an irate gnat? Unimportant and nothing but a distraction from his work? 

“What about you? Don’t act so high and mighty when you have actual blood on your hands. How many guards died because your recordings didn’t tell them how to survive?” 

“The difference,” Scott muses. “Is you feel guilty.” 

That’s an implication he doesn’t like for numerous reasons. The confirmation Scott doesn’t care people die despite it being his fault. The truth David is remorseful to not notice someone vanishing from his own staff. That he was close to playing a large part in William’s game without even knowing it. That his actions do have consequences. 

“I didn’t kill him.” 

“Don’t lie to yourself. He’s only alive because he fought for his life. You still pulled the plug.” 

“How was I supposed to know!” David shouts. “I didn’t ask for this! My job is to help the reputation of the company, nothing more! It’s not my fault William thrust this kind of responsibility on me!” 

“Neither did I,” Scott says so condescendingly David's fists clench automatically. “You don’t see me mourning every guard that gets killed, do you?” 

“You’re a sick bastard, you know that?” 

“And you’re any better? Tell me, David, what’s the real reason you don’t want to bring him to Afton?” 

“That’d be a death sentence.” 

“Or it’d be his only salvation,” Scott shrugs. “Let’s look at the savior complex you currently have. If you’re truly worried Afton would kill him to tie up loose ends, then what? Would you actually take care of someone you barely know?” 

David bristles. “Of course I would.” 

“Oh?” and he’s this close to giving in a punching Scott. “As a person, or as a toy.” 

He wouldn’t, no, David wouldn’t do that. He’s seen what it’s like being this small first hand. Nearly died numerous times, he wouldn’t offer Fritz help and only treat the kid like a desk trinket. Technically that would still be better than the way he’s currently living, but the business man wouldn’t do something like that. He’s an asshole but he’s not cruel. 

Yet he can’t help thinking about what will happen a month from now. When Fritz becomes more of a burden than anything. The one thing David can’t stand are people who contribute nothing to this world. It wouldn’t be the kid’s fault, he didn’t ask to be shrunk, but old habits would die hard. 

And David...he’ll forget what it’s like to be that small. Will stop being careful, won’t pay enough attention, and get upset if he’s told about his mistakes until- 

“Well?” Scott probes as David refuses to answer. Makes a noncommittal sound in the back of his throat after the silence stretches on. “They deserve more, David.” 

Now they’re talking about more than just Fritz. About the people he stepped on to get to where he is now. Everyone he’s fired from every business he’s helped in his career, uncaring about how it will affect their lives. 

Actually, you know what, he’s calling bullshit. David deserved getting to where he is. He’s done nothing wrong, and Scott of all people has absolutely no right to judge him. 

He gives into the temptation to wipe the goddamn smirk off the fossil’s face. Raises a hand as he steps forward to grab Scott’s shirt. 

Feels his heart stop when he hears a soft scream before it’s suddenly cut off. 

...no. 

He doesn’t dare look down at his shoe. Can only stare at Scott sighing long and hard with a sad shake of his head. “I tried to warn you, David.” 

No. 

“I didn’t.” Panic starts welling up inside him, his breathing getting shorter and shorter. “H-He’s not, I didn’t-” 

“You did.” 

No!

The words are only stated matter-of-factly. As if he didn’t just kill Fritz. After surviving on his own for months, and the kid’s fatal mistake was saving David’s life. 

”Was it worth it, David?”

“No!” 

David jolts awake, gasping for air before a panicked yell rises in his throat when all that greets him is pure darkness. Where is he, where’s Scott, and where’s- 

“David?” a voice suddenly calls. One the business man almost lunges at to confirm it’s real it has to be real he didn’t kill Fritz. “Oh, the light, sorry! Hold on, I’ll light one.” 

It sounds like actual footsteps and someone moving things around. But without being able to even see his own hands right in front of him, David can’t help but think his talk with Scott was reality and this is the dream. A sick and twisted nightmare where he’ll be forced to hear the kid, but never see him. 

Then there’s sparks, and a flame appears to reveal a corner of the room, as well as a short figure with red hair. 

Offers an apologetic smile before it turns into concern. “Dav- Mr. Harrison, are you okay?” 

Fritz is alive. Fritz is alive. 

David watches for a moment to ensure the kid doesn’t disappear. Once he determines it won’t happen, he flops back into the nest of fabric. Remembers lying down to take a nap. And the promise Fritz wouldn’t leave the room without him. 

“Just...wasn’t expecting to wake up to an empty void,” he manages to grumble. 

“Sorry,” Fritz repeats. “I just didn’t want to waste the light. But I forgot you wouldn’t be used to it.” 

David doesn’t respond. Too drained to do anything more than watch Fritz’s silhouette walk around the room. Almost looking like he’s packing things into the bag from earlier. Realizes he doesn’t know how long he slept for, reaching out to his right to tap on his phone screen. 

7:50pm. The restaurant is closed, everyone on staff should be on their way home after getting everything cleaned, and Scott will be arriving soon. 

Fritz clears his throat. “Would you like to head back to the kitchen to meet your friend?” 

David’s heart drops to the pit of his stomach for more reasons than one. But he forces himself to stand up. Glances at his phone’s battery at 50%. “I’ll lead the way this time.” 

That earns him an incredulous look before he turns on the phone’s flashlight. Fritz jumping back in surprise manages to make his lips curl up. After the scare, the kid beams. “That’s so much better then carrying a candle.” 

“Of course it- you've carried a lit candle around?” David demands once he processes the full sentence, sending a glare after the kid as he puts out the flame. 

“It was the only way to see until I got really familiar with the path,” Fritz explains. “I didn’t have a phone, and no one realizes when a pack of birthday candles from a box of hundreds goes missing.” 

Some people would be impressed by the lengths that were gone to adapt. David’s only thinking about how it’s a miracle Fritz didn’t accidentally kill himself by his own stupidity. 

Instead of validating what he was told with a response, the business man makes his way to the ‘door’, Fritz taking the initiative to open it and then close it behind them. Then they slowly walk down the dark path that’s barely illuminated by the week flashlight, but it keeps the darkness from becoming suffocating. It does nothing to calm David’s thoughts, however. Not just his terror on facing Scott at this size, but about what he should do concerning Fritz. 

“Fritz, did you ever try to get my attention after you shrunk?” 

“...a few times.” 

David suddenly stops. Feels Fritz bump into him before the teenager quickly steps back. He then turns so the light shines on both of them. 

Stares down at someone who has every right to yell and scream at him. Every right to hate David for not being there. For leaving him for dead when his life was on the line in the business man’s own restaurant. Failing to make up for his mistake when there were multiple opportunities if he just paid attention. 

Fritz doesn’t glare or even look upset now that the truth is out. The kid just looks...patient. Not entirely resigned, but not hopeful either. Just, waiting. 

“You recognized me when you saved me,” David says. Earns a nod for confirmation. “So why did you?” 

Fritz becomes panicked. “Why wouldn’t I? They could’ve killed you, I couldn’t let that happen!” 

And that’s when David realizes that even if Fritz was angry that his calls for help were never answered, the kid is nothing but selfless. Was willing to save someone who by every definition didn’t deserve it. Give up his resources even with no promise to be repaid for it. 

...unless he’s been hoping David is his only ticket out. 

“I don’t think there will be a way to grow you to your normal height.” 

There. He ripped the band-aid off. It was going to happen at some point. It’s best if the kid knows now so he doesn’t waste anymore of his time. Yell that he never should’ve saved David if he wasn’t at the very least going to finally escape from this hell. 

Fritz jolts like he was electrocuted. Stares at David for a moment as his green eyes well up with tears. Curls in on himself as he looks at the floor. “O-Oh.” 

Silence. 

The kid takes a deep breath, wiping his eyes before looking up again. “Um, would y-you...do you still have a chance?” 

...what? 

“I...I guess I had a feeling,” Fritz continues, voice shaky. “I mean, n-no one was looking for me, and after a week it seemed like this was...permanent. I-I didn’t want it to happen to anyone else, though. As terrifying as it’s been, no one deserves this. You don’t think you’re stuck too, do you?” 

It’s said with such a genuine tone of concern. Not for himself. Purely for David. 

“I don’t know,” the business man says. 

Fritz straightens up. “Th-Then we shouldn’t miss your friend if it’s your only chance!” 

David is a bit too stunned to do anything but allow the kid to grab his arm and guide him down the tunnel. Immediately ducks his head once they exit the hole and make their way into the main part of the kitchen from under the oven. 

“David?” 

Both of them freeze at the booming voice calling for the shrunken man. All at once, the terror he felt a few hours ago comes rushing up, and it demands he stays as still and quite as possible. 

“David, are you in here?” 

Fritz slowly comes back to life at the sound of Scott growing worried. Tugs at David’s arm until the business man starts to follow again. “Y-You trust him, right?” 

It’s a miracle the whispered words weren’t drowned out by the sound of fabric moving. “I-I do.” 

Not much. But enough. 

“David,” Scott rumbles, impatience seeping into his tone and causing the two to flinch. “I’m not in the mood for games.” 

They make it to the toe kick. Blink against the blinding light until they can finally make out the towering figure standing by the kitchen door. 

At this angle, David can see Scott entirely. From his sandy hair, to the obscure band t-shirt, to the black converse shoes. Despite the distance, there’s no denying the man normally half a foot shorter than him is a giant who’s shoes could crush him. Hands with fingers longer than he is tall. Hazel eyes similar to his own as big as his head. 

Ones that are narrowed in their direction. 

“David?” 

Oh shit.

Scott is suddenly walking toward them. Fritz immediately flattens himself against the counters. David, on the other hand, wasn’t quick enough and ends up falling onto his back from the earthquakes. 

“Please don’t be a large insect...” 

Look, David is genuinely terrified. But he can’t stop the feeling of indignation surging through him, finding himself sitting up with a glare meant for Scott for comparing him to a bug. 

It vanishes when a hand slams down a few feet away, a face the size of a billboard leaning down, the massive being going completely still when their eyes meet. 

“Oh my God,” has David recoil when the simple action of Scott talking ruffles his hair and suit. “David?” 

“Sc-Scott,” the business man manages. Feels his entire body trembling. “It’s me, I-” 

He hadn’t seen it coming. Even though Scott set his hand down close by, David thought he would be able to get out of the way in time. He didn’t even see it lift off the ground. One moment it seems harmless, the next fingers are curling around him. 

“No, don’t-!” 

David frantically attempts to scramble away as fear claws at his throat. But he's too slow, much too slow. A thumb the size of his torso settles on his chest at the same time another digit folds over his legs. He shoves with all his might to try and get the finger pinning him down away from him, gasping in pain when it only presses harder, forcing the air out of his lungs. 

Then vertigo makes his stomach flip. Meaning he’s being lifted up. Away from the ground, from safety, closer to the giant that’s staring at him like he’s the most interesting thing in the world. 

Don’t kill me, please don’t kill me.

“I can’t believe it,” Scott breathes. “He actually shrunk you.” 

David gasps as the grip gets tighter, shoving at the thumb and kicking his legs in the hope he can escape. “Scott...tight!” 

“S-Sir, you’re hurting him!” 

Everything freezes. 

“Wha-?” the giant mutters intelligently, and all David can see is Scott’s eyes looking at something down on the ground. Lets out a strangled yell when he’s squeezed suddenly. Pain erupting at the feeling like he was punched in the stomach and chest. 

“Open your hand!” 

David chokes on air as the thumb is finally lifted, curls onto his side as he just concentrates on breathing he can finally breathe. 

He sends a glare up at the giant watching him with a troubled look as soon as he can think again. “What, the fuck, Scott?” 

“I’m sorry,” the sandy haired man apologizes. As if it makes everything better. “I hadn’t realized. Are you hurt?” 

He chose the wrong person to trust. “Put me down!” 

Scott seems apprehensive. But then the hand is lowering, and David suddenly remembers Fritz once the kid comes into his line of sight. Had completely forgotten about everything that happened before a hand attempted to squeeze him to death. 

Bad news, his limbs are too shaky to get him away from the giant who’s proven himself to be deadly. Worse news, Fritz comes running over from the safety of the cabinets despite the fact Scott nearly killed David within the first five minutes. 

“Are you ok-k-kay?” the kid whispers, sending a fearful look up at Scott every other second. Offers a hand that’s immediately taken to help sit David up. Gently pats at his chest before recoiling at a painful groan. “Did anything break?” 

“Did anything break?” Scott repeats, at the very least sounding remorseful. 

“No, nothing broke. But I couldn’t, breathe for a good minute,” David snaps with a wheeze. “Now I owe Fritz for saving my life twice.” 

David was not expecting the weirdest part of his day to watch pupils dilate, unable to help watching in fascination as the brown ring seemingly retracts to reveal an almost gold color. 

Then cold fear races down his back at the realization Scott is looking at Fritz. “Twice?” 

The giant better not touch the kid. “It’s been a long day.” 

“I’ve got time to hear about it,” Scott says, doing a great impression of a thunder storm. Looks between them for a moment. Makes David curse and Fritz jump away when fingers curl in closer. “God, you make me feel like a monster.” 

“You almost crushed me!” 

“Your size,” the giant clarifies with a scowl. And despite the revelation of just how big the man is to them, Scott fails to connect the dots such a seemingly harmless expression only meant to show his frustration makes David shake from the thought there will be retaliation he’ll have no way to defend himself against. “But you’re right, I got grabby when I shouldn’t have, and I’m sorry. Let’s, start from the beginning.” 

“Fritz help me get down.” 

The kid slowly approaches Scott’s hand again. Grabs David’s arm even as he trembles to help the business man down the surprisingly high platform a palm makes. Nearly collapses onto Fritz when his legs give out because he’s still not at 100%. He’s on the fence whether to feel grateful or fearful of the finger offering assistance to get him standing upright. 

But Scott completely withdrawals his hand once David’s knees aren’t threatening to buckle. And with it, warmth the business man hadn’t realized was keeping the chill of the room at bay. 

David takes a deep breath. Well, as much as he can without it becoming painful. Looks up at Scott towering over them even while kneeling. “I shrunk the moment I walked into the kitchen, and apparently I wasn’t the first one. The same thing happened to Fritz a few months ago, and he managed to keep me from getting squashed because the staff mistook me for a roach.” 

Scott’s jaw drops. “Months?” 

Not what David thought the sandy haired man would latch onto. Then again, it’s not hard to see the kid is just a teenager. He thought the revelation of William shrinking any and all employees would be the most concerning part. But, this is only new to the business man. Scott’s been with the company long enough to be far too familiar with these kinds of scenarios. That anyone’s up for grabs with experiments, not the shrinking. 

David nods, because he has no reason to not believe the timeline. “Does that mean anything to you?” 

Scott hesitates. Looks at the kid cowering in his shadow. “It sounds like he was the first field test if I’m being honest. Did anyone come looking for you?” 

Fritz jumps when David elbows him, giving a small ‘oh!’ realizing the question was directed at him. “Um-m-m, no one called my name. Or, looked under the cabinets. I-I just, I remember a shadow when I first left the kitchen.” 

That sounds like Vincent. And Scott wincing just proves it. “So he was the guinea pig.” 

“He was,” Scott confirms. “I don't understand why Afton would make such a risky move. His parents would’ve-” 

David doesn't catch it until the giant stops talking. But Fritz’s head is...shaking. “Not my parents...” 

And that’s why David never received a phone call about someone missing while working a shift at his restaurant. Why Fritz vanished and no one really noticed. The kid was so unimportant no one would care if he was dead. 

David clears his throat. “Do you think William can grow Fritz back to his normal height?” 

“I-I’m okay Mr. Harrison,” is said at the same time Scott sighs. He pretends he didn’t hear it. 

“Even if he’d be willing to, I don’t think he can. If it took months to shrink you after shrinking him, it meant results he got in his lab weren’t the same as when Fritz shrunk. Meaning he had to make a few adjustments.” 

Meaning the kid is most likely permanently this size. 

Fritz doesn’t make a single sound. Scott’s careful not to betray any emotion. 

“Take us both to William,” David commands. 

“Mr-” 

“You are my responsibility,” the business man growls down at the kid. “Don’t be a dumbass. We’ll see if he can get you back to your proper height no matter how short it is. If he can’t, we’ll go from there. But you won’t be leaving my side to get crushed like a bug or end up as somethings dinner, understood?” 

Fritz stares up at him in shock. Like he was fully expecting to get left behind despite everything he’s done. And, if they’re being honest, that had been a genuine possibility. But David owes the kid his life. Besides, if he ever suggested not bringing Fritz along to fend for himself however long they’d be gone, Scott would kill him. 

That’s the only reason. 

A small but hopeful smile tugs on Fritz’s mouth. “Understood.” 

“Wonderful. Scott, set your hand down and we’ll walk on,” David directs. “Don’t grab us.” 

“I learned my lesson,” Scott murmurs as he sets a hand down palm up in front of them. 

He absolutely hates the idea of willingly putting his life in the hands of the giant. It’s the only way to get to William and demand their rightful size back, though. So with clenched teeth and fists, David steps up onto a middle finger almost as thick as he is. 

One that twitches and sends him tumbling. 

David scrambles to try and sit up, arms raising to protect himself from the bone crushing curling fingers. “Scott please don’t!” 

The hand opens again. “That was reflex, I apologize. I wasn’t trying to pin you, I swear.” 

David kicks at the nearest digit, sending a fierce glare up at Scott. “I’m starting to think even Fritz would be a better giant than you.” 

“I don’t have a guide on what to do when I find someone who was shrunk,” the sandy haired man defends. “This is new for both of us. And I don’t think you realize how ticklish you can be.” 

“Excuse me?” 

“You heard me. You feel like a large bug crawling into my hand,” Scott smirks. Before David can protest, the giant looks away, face softening. “He’s okay, Fritz. Just a little rumpled.” 

“Way to scare the kid,” the business man grumbles as he sits up. Sees Fritz shaking like a leaf with skin so pale his freckles look like they’ll jump right off of him. “It’s safe, Fritz, Scott’s just a dumbass.” 

A small step forward as the strap to the bag is held in a white-knuckle grip. A careful step up onto Scott’s first finger. A fearful glance at the giant before another tentative step. There’s a shuddering breath as Fritz continues onto the hand until he makes it to Scott’s palm and immediately sits down. Curls up in a tight ball as he looks around in terror, expecting the fingers to snap shut around them at any moment. 

David slaps at the giant’s thumb. “Why didn’t you trip him?” 

“I was expecting it that time,” Scott grouses. “Unlike some people, I learn from my mistakes.” 

He doesn’t try and refute the claim. Not when he latches onto the fact that Scott now holds both of them. To do whatever he wants with. Put them in a pocket to take home instead of William. Close his hand until he crushes them mercilessly. Trips while walking and let them fall a hundred feet to the unforgiving ground. 

“Ready?” shakes him to his very core. 

...Scott will keep them safe. 

David nods once. Gasps when the hand lifts up way too quickly, gravity flattening him against the palm. Yelps and the same time Fritz shrieks when the ride up suddenly stops, leaving both of them lifting into the air before falling back down. 

This was the worst idea he’s ever had why did they ever trust a giant. 

“Are you two okay?” Scott asks, sounding confused as to why he earned such terrified reactions. 

“You...have no idea how physics works, do you?” David breathes, trying to get his heart to calm back down from the scare. 

Scott stares before his eyes widen, making a soft ‘ah’. “Was I too fast?” 

"Both starting and stopping.” He looks over at Fritz, relieved the kid at least doesn’t seem traumatized. 

“I’ll go slower,” Scott reassures. This time, the giant doesn’t wait for confirmation they’re ready, instead starts to stand up without warning. 

It feels like David’s stomach got left far behind, and he doesn’t dare try to look over the edge of the hand. But to Scott’s credit, he’s much slower. Careful to not abruptly stop so it feels like they’ll go flying. When they don’t scream again, the giant takes it as a que to continue on his journey. Turns slowly, but wind still tussles their clothes and hair. Footsteps jostle them so harshly it feels like their teeth might crack. 

“Feeling okay?” Scott asks. 

“Fine,” David spits out, not wanting to be reminded he’s being held tens of feet above the ground, completely vulnerable to someone he barely trusts on a good day. Catches sight of Fritz looking ten times worse than him, eyes shut tight and holding his knees as close as possible like his life depends on it. “Fritz?” 

“H-H-Heights,” is all the kid can say. 

That must be the worst phobia to have while shrunk. Scott’s sympathetic look says the giant agrees. “If there’s anything I can do to make it better-” 

Scott doesn’t get to finish his sentence. Because the second he steps through the kitchen doorway, David’s falling. Lands before he can try to scream. Braces himself for nothing but blinding hot pain. 

Nothing happens. When he opens his eyes, he sees Scott sitting on the ground, hand on his head as he groans from pain. And the sandy haired man is his size. 

What the fuck just happened? 

David pats down his chest. Winces at the pain from it still tender from Scott squeezing him, but other than that, he’s perfectly fine. No broken bones. No ruptured organs. He’s unhurt, and most importantly, he’s six feet tall again. 

...where’s Fritz? 

“Fritz?” David calls. Looks to his right and left. Next to Scott. But the hallways void of the teenager. Meaning he didn’t grow back to his normal height. “Fritz?” 

“David?” Scott blinks. Gasps when it hits him David grew. “How-? 

“Where’s Fritz?” the business man demands. Looks at hands completely empty of miniscule figures. Feels his heart clench at the thought the kid fell. “Scott where’s Fritz?” 

The sandy haired man gapes at him. Once it processes, once he realizes what it means to not know where the kid is, his eyes dart across the floor. “I don’t know. I didn’t even see what happened, I was just knocked into the wall.” 

“Fritz,” David all but pleads. Not daring to move. Afraid he won’t see the kid if he does. Afraid what he might find. “Don’t be an idiot, tell us where you are, kid.” 

“M-M-M-” 

His eyes snap over to the kitchen door at the softest sound he’ll ever encounter. Stares unblinkingly at the tiny figure trying its hardest to become part of the wall. Breathes a sigh of relief when it doesn’t disappear and the familiar features of red hair and a bag over the shoulder confirms it’s Fritz. The kid’s alive, the kid’s alive. 

“You dumbass,” David berates as he turns toward Fritz, careful to go as slow as possible to not spook him, especially with how the poor kid looks like he’s going to bolt at any moment. Trembling so badly it’s impossible to miss despite how small he is. 

Was David really that size? So miniscule that a strong breeze could knock him over? Not even as tall as one of the checkered tiles on the floor? It makes him want to do nothing more than pick Fritz up so he’s safe from everything that could possibly hurt him. David is all too familiar with how dangerous it is to be alone on the ground. 

“Took you long enough.” 

The voice makes David’s skin crawl. After checking to make sure Fritz won't move, he looks down the hallway to see a living shadow standing a few feet away. 

“What the hell do you want?” the business man growls, not happy Vincent decided to show up. What a fantastic end to the worst day of his life. 

“I was just going to make sure you didn’t lock yourself in the kitchen all night,” the purple man shrugs. “I assumed you didn’t want to stay three inches tall for a full 24 hours.” 

That sick son of a bitch. “You mean to tell me that if I had gone right back through that goddamn door, I wouldn’t immediately grown again?” 

“That’s exactly what I’m saying.” 

David’s head snaps over to give Scott a seething glare, silently demanding he take responsibility over his mutated grape. The sandy haired man sighs, fixing Vincent with an unimpressed look. “Was Afton’s intention to put David’s life in danger?” 

“Not at all. But accidents happen, and David deciding to go into the kitchen in the middle of a rush instead of during his rounds after the restaurant's been locked up was just unfortunate timing.” 

“Unfortunate?” David seethes. “I was nearly killed! Several times! Why didn’t you come to save me!” 

“I wasn’t around to help,” Vincent smiles and fuck him. “Besides, it was a happy accident. We’ve been trying to get your companion to come out of hiding for a while now, so I’ll just be taking him and be on my way.” 

Companion? Who-? 

David’s hand hovers protectively over Fritz. “And what exactly will you do with him?” 

“A few tests, a physical, a questionnaire,” Vincent lists. “After that, he no longer has any use.” 

That means Fritz is disposable. After surviving for so long, and is only reward is to be killed once William gets all of the information he wants. 

“You won’t return him to his proper size?” David questions. 

“Can’t,” Vincent says. “Though, if it was possible, he’s a liability, and we can’t have that. You know that, David.” 

Maybe he does. Because that was why he was hesitant about bringing Fritz to William. The cruel man can’t let experiments wonder around. Not with the possibility it can be traced back to Fazbear’s. 

And maybe he doesn’t really give a shit what William wants. “Then he won’t be leaving with you.” 

“It’s not a choice, David.” 

“He’s not hurting anyone, Vince,” Scott pipes up, and the sandy haired man might not be as heartless as originally thought. “He’ll stay within the company, David and I will make sure no one gets their hands on him.” 

“It’s a bit too risky for William, Scotty. What he says goes.” 

“He’s my employee,” David counters. Barely holds back a flinch as amber eyes lock on him with a death stare. The kind that says he’s pushing it. “He got shrunk in my restaurant under my payroll. That means I have first say. And I say he’ll stay here, completely out of the public eye. No one will know he exists.” 

Vincent stares at him for a long moment. David is expecting a knife to slice his throat open at any second. 

The purple man hums. “I will inform William. I may return with orders that it’s your life, or his.” 

They can’t give a response, not when Vincent disappears into the shadows. He fucking hates that thing. 

“Afton’s going to make you pay for that,” Scott huffs. 

“I already can’t go into my own damn kitchen without shrinking,” David growls. “I think I’ve paid plenty.” 

He then ignores Scott completely, turns to Fritz cowering under his hand. Glad the kid didn’t make a break for it, because who knows if that would’ve triggered the mutated grape into hunting him down. 

“Back to you being a dumbass. If I call your name, you better answer, or else I think you’re dead. Are we clear?” 

Fritz seems to look down in shame, but he nods his head in agreement. “Yes, s-sir.” 

David sets his hand in front of the kid. Curls his fingers in twice as a command for Fritz to climb on. “We’re getting you some proper food, and then we’ll talk about arrangements.” 

There’s hesitation. “You...y-you’re letting me stay?” 

“And making sure you’re properly taken care of,” David says. “It won’t be perfect, but you won’t have to risk your neck just to survive.” 

It’s the least he can do. Fritz has more than earned it. And the kid doesn’t deserve to die by William’s hand after surviving against all the odds. 

Miniscule shoes walk across his fingers, David smirking at the fact Fritz isn’t even as tall as his thumb. And unlike Scott, there’s no twitching to send the kid tumbling. Slowly lifts his hand up until they’re eye level without any turbulence. 

If he didn’t know Fritz was there, it’d be hard to feel the miniscule weight of an entire person in his hand. But the kid is here. Terrified, refusing to look anywhere except the palm he’s sitting in, breathing short and quick, 

Instead of an overwhelming sense of power, all David feels is the need to protect. 

That doesn’t mean he doesn’t lift a finger to nudge at the kid, absolutely fascinated by the miniscule movements of surprise. He could definitely get used to this. 

With the confirmation Fritz is alright, David tucks his hand against his chest before carefully standing up. Looks over at Scott standing up as well and dusting himself off. “Scott, grab a pizza and meet us in the main area.” 

“You can’t grab one?” Scott questions. 

“Not unless you want me shrinking again,” the business man responds as he slowly walks down the hallway. 

He hears a soft ‘I might’, followed by the sound of his request being heeded. Leaving him to glance down to make sure he isn’t jostling Fritz too much. 

David didn’t expect the kid to be looking back at him. “I’m not as bad as Scott, am I?” 

Fritz jolts. “N-No! I mean, he wasn’t bad. Just not...cautious?” 

“He was the worst giant we could’ve asked for,” David declares. 

That earns him a smile. “I wanted to say thank you.” 

This isn't something that earns him a ‘thank you’. This is making up for not being there when Fritz needed him. But he will be working hard for it.