#lee!william

“Guys! I’m home!” William yelled as he put his bag down at the door. He took off his jacket and his work shoes, before walking past the living room into the kitchen. He looked around the house, and noticed that the house was practically empty. “...Hello?” He looked in the kitchen some more, and checked the bathroom. “Hellooooo?” He called. 

He walked up the stairs to the bedrooms, wondering if anybody was napping, or playing in their room. But when he looked in the kids’ rooms, he found them messy, but completely empty. He looked in the room he shared with his wife, and found it was vacant as well. Weird…

He went down the stairs, and called for them one more time. “Hellooooo?” He yelled. “MICHAEL? ELIZABETH?! CHRIS?!” He called. But he stopped as he stood in the middle of the kitchen. He couldn’t find his family anywhere! And it made no sense! Their second car was here! How could the car be here, but his family be completely gone?!

Suddenly, someone grabbed him underneath the arms and pulled him away. 

“AH! LET ME GO!” William shouted. Someone else wrapped a tie around his eyes and upper nose. “HEY-” he reacted, trying to remove the eye cover. But as he struggled strong and hard within the arms of the stranger, William felt someone…tickling his sides and ribs?! “ST-STOHOP- WHOHO IHIHIS THIHIHIHIS!?” he asked, trying to feel around for anyone who might’ve been standing there nearby. He could quickly tell that the tickling fingers were small, nimble fingers…almost from a little kid!

“Don’t worry, Dad. It’s us.” Michael told him, poking his fingers in his belly button.  

He could feel his fears slowly diminishing. Though he was thankful this was his family, he was still left incredibly confused by their actions. Why was someone tickling him?! Who was holding onto him? And WHY?! Suddenly, his legs were picked up by someone. “Whahait- Whahahat ahare yohohohou dohohohoihihing?” William asked, waving his hands around. 

“Taking you to the living room.” His wife told him. “We’re creating a new Christmas tradition that I think you’ll love too.” She told him. 

“Whahahat ihihis ihihihit?” William asked. 

“You’ll find out in a few minutes.” Elizabeth told her father before grabbing the lights from the decoration bin. 

William felt as his body was wrapped in rope that sounded suspiciously like Christmas lights. His gelled hair was ruined with what felt like a Santa hat followed by a…headband??? And weirdly enough, his shirt was unbuttoned followed by his socks being taken off. 

The confusion that filled Afton’s mind was overwhelming. NOW what was his family up to?! Why were they tying him up?! Why was he wearing a Christmas hat?! And how was a Christmas tradition that involved him being tied up, supposed to be fun for him?! 

“Not close to his face, Chris.” Mrs. Afton told someone. 

He could feel something being sprinkled onto him. He couldn’t for the life of him, figure out what it was! It felt strange on his belly. Whatever it was, it sounded like it came out of a pepper shaker of some sort. Were they dumping sprinkles onto him?! No, wait…sprinkles would be slightly heavier than this. This stuff felt completely weightless. What is it?! 

“Okay. Take off the blindfold, Liz.” His wife said. 

Elizabeth nodded and removed it from his face. “There!” 

William squeezed his eyes shut as the bright light filled his eyes. Squinting, he looked in front of him, and found his 4 members of his family standing in his field of vision and stretching their arms out excitedly. 

“SURPRISE!” They all said in unison to William. 

William widened his eyes and looked down at his body. Right away, he got all his answers. He was right! He really WAS wrapped in Christmas lights! And he did have a Santa hat, with a headband! Only…this headband had a yellow, glittery star hanging down in front of his face. And if there weren’t lights covering his shirt and pants, then there was most definitely glitter. Wait…the sprinkly things he felt were glitter?! A bit of yellow glitter that came from the felt star on his head, and bright green glitter absolutely everywhere else. 

William was mortified. “What in the- Why is there so much glitter?!” William asked, more shocked than angry by this point. 

Elizabeth giggled as she held 5 empty glitter bottles in her hands. “Oh…No reason, papa.” Elizabeth said with a shit-eating grin on her face. William groaned in annoyance. Elizabeth only ever called him ‘papa’ when she was in a mischievous mood. Who the heck thought it would be a good idea to give Elizabeth the glitter?! 

And then to make matters worse, Chris was giggling right beside him and STILL shaking the rest of the green glitter onto his lower leg. 

“Okay, okay…I think it’s empty, Chris.” Mrs. Afton told her youngest. 

Chris nodded and pulled the other empty glitter bottles out of his pockets. Chris had 5 glitter bottles as well! His two youngest children had managed to use 10 separate 16 oz. bottles of glitter on their father!! 

That was- like- 20 cups of glitter!!

“Oh……my god…” William muttered aloud. 

Elizabeth giggled. “Did we overdo it?” She asked. 

Michael laughed. “Nope. In my opinion, he needs more.” Michael joked, pulling yet ANOTHER 16 oz. glitter bottle of his own out of his pocket. 

“NO-” Mrs. Afton took Michael’s bottle. “10 full bottles is plenty enough.” She said, placing it aside. 

William looked at the glitter, and blew a puff of air…and the extra layers of glitter blew with the air, over to his crazy family! Mrs. Afton and Elizabeth squealed and covered up their faces to prevent themselves from getting covered. Chris opened his mouth and stuck out his tongue to catch the glitter on his tongue like they were snowflakes, while Michael closed his brother’s mouth and gave him a stern look. “Don’t eat the glitter.” He ordered his brother. 

“You are all gonna clean this whole mess afterwards. And I am NOT. HELPING.” William warned, shooting his wife a hairy eyeball expression. 

Mrs. Afton was unphased by his threatening look. She was almost awaiting the look, just so she could say her wonderful comeback. “Oh, don’t worry. We’ll clean it up while watching the video recordings of you laughing your head off on the TV.” his wife told him, hinting at his demise. 

Laughing his head off- What?! 

“What do you mean ‘laughing your-’?!” William widened his eyes as he saw their youngest child, holding feathers in his hand. William widened his eyes and quickly remembered that his shirt was unbuttoned. “...Oh no…” he muttered. He quickly remembered that his socks were off too! “OH NO!” He curled his toes, suddenly fearful. 

“Now do you understand what we’re cooking?” Mrs. Afton asked with a smirk. 

William stuttered in shock for a second, before narrowing his eyes at his wife and kids. “Don’t you dare…Don’t you ffffff-” He quickly changed his word. “-Ffffffreaking dare…” He warned. 

“Ooooh, you’re lucky.” Mrs. Afton reacted, before bringing her fingers closer to his belly. “Cause if you swore…we would’ve made sure you REALLY regretted it.” She told him. 

William yelped and wiggled around, trying to get his belly away from her fingers. “D-Don’t! Why are you doing this?!” He asked, a small wobbly smile building on his face. 

“Because it’s fun!” She told him before touching his belly. Just her little nails’ touch was enough to make the hairs on his arms stand on edge. “Plus, I know you’re gonna like this~” She told him, before dancing her fingers all over his belly. 

William jumped and winced, trying not to laugh right away. If they were going to make him laugh, he was going to make it a challenge. His family was going to have to work hard to get him to laugh like they want. If they were planning on playing games with him, he was going to play too. 

“Ooooh, holding out on us?” His wife asked before looking at Michael. “Get your hands ready. We might need you to help break your father’s walls down.” She told her eldest son. 

Michael nodded his head and readied his fingers on his upper ribs. “Ready, Mom.” Michael replied. 

“You’re not gonna go for his armpits?” She asked. 

“Nah. His armpits kinda stink.” Michael replied rather bluntly with a chuckle, waving his hand close to his nose for extra humorous effect. 

“Sh-Shutup!” William spat through his teeth. 

She laughed at her kid’s bluntness. “It’s not gonna get any better, Michael.” She teased playfully to her son. “But, you do whatever you want.” She said, before winking at him.

Michael smirked at the wink. That was his cue to start. “Yeah. I will.” He replied proudly, before  immediately starting to skitter and scratch at his father’s upper-to-middle ribs. 

“NonONO-” William squeezed his eyes shut and shook his head as the biggest wobbly smile they had ever seen on the father and husband had filled his face. He was visibly straining to not laugh. Apparently, it wasn’t just his armpits and belly that were ticklish. It actually looked like his upper ribs were just as bad, if not more ticklish than his armpits! And it appeared that Michael knew this all too well. 

“I wanna tickle his stinky feet!” Elizabeth teased as she ran up and picked up her Dad’s foot. 

“NO! Leavemyfeeheetalooone!” He grunted and protested through his teeth. 

Mrs. Afton laughed. “Sure, go ahead!” She replied. “Hey Chris?” She said, looking over at her youngest. “You sure you don’t want to join?” She asked. “You can prop up the camera and join in, if you want.” She encouraged him. 

But Chris shook his head and walked the camera closer to his Dad. “Mhm! I’m recording Daddy’s girl laugh!” He told his Mom. 

She laughed at her youngest’s reply. “Just keep the camera steady, alright?” She told him. 

“Yup!” He replied, popping the P. 

William could feel his lungs starting to fail him a lot faster than he was expecting. He knew growing older usually affected one's body…but his lungs too!? What a terrible time to figure this out! 

Soon, little titters and hisses started to exit through his wobbly grin. Mrs. Afton lit up upon hearing that. “We’re close! Liz, go for his toes!” She told her daughter. 

Elizabeth quickly separated the big toe and 2nd toe, before sliding the feather back and forth in between his toes. “Coochy coochy coo, Daddy!” She declared. 

William finally broke out in strong, high-pitched laughter. His laughter was so unlike his body frame! And his family was well aware of this fact. “BWAHAHAHAHA! AAAHAHAHAHAHA! PLEHEHEASE STOHOHOHOHOP!” He pleaded. 

“Okay, stop!” She ordered her tickling kids. Michael and Elizabeth removed their hands from their respective spots, while Mrs. Afton did the same thing. No one was tickling him, yet his laughter was still quite heavy and strong. But just as fast as it broke out, the laughter seemed to calm down into giggles, before turning into breathlessness mixed with chuckles. 

“Yohohou guhuhuys…” He muttered a little bit. 

“Okay…” Mrs. Afton made a signal…and with this signal, came an eruption of squeals and laughter. 

“eeEEHEEK! WAHAIT- NOHoho! Lihihiz!” William yelled and laughed. 

Elizabeth smiled and opened his toes with her index and middle finger, before fluttering the feather very gently into his toe crevice. “Tickle tickle!” She teased. 

“How did you learn to do that?” Mrs. Afton asked her daughter. 

“Michael! He taught me!” Liz told her Mom. 

Michael chuckled awkwardly. “Well…I may have tried it on her a few times…” He admitted. 

“I see~” She replied. “And where did you learn it, Michael?” She asked next. 

“.....Dad.” Michael replied with a laugh. 

Mrs. Afton bursted out in laughter. “Is that so?!” She reacted. “Having any regrets yet, Will?” She asked her husband. 

William nodded his head “YEHEhehehes!” He replied. 

“Alright. Liz, let’s give your brother a turn to tickle.” She told Elizabeth.

Elizabeth nodded her head and removed the feather, earning her a high-pitched squeak. 

William’s eyes widened the moment the feather flew out of his toes. It tickled SO MUCH MORE than Liz’s see-sawing EVER did! “eEEHEEK!” He went limp in the chair. “Ohoh gohosh…” He muttered, shaking his head.

Michael skittered his fingers on his ribs. “Tell me, Dad:” He started tickling in between the ribs for a bit. “How bad does this tickle?” Michael asked. 

William jumped and snorted, leaning his head back and giggling in a somewhat girly way. “EEheeheeheehee! Prehehehetty bahahad!” William admitted. 

“Okay…” He quickly switched to tickling each and every individual rib. “What about this? Is this better? Or worse?” Michael asked curiously.

William gasped and cackled, shaking his head left and right and throwing the bouncing felt star all over the place. “aAAHAHAHA! NOHOT THAT! IHIHIT’S WOHOHORRRSE!” He shouted. 

“Oh god!” Michael reacted. “It’s really that bad?!” He asked, tickling the individual middle ribs.  

“YEHESYESYEHEHEHESS! PLEHEHEASE STOHOHOHOHOP!” William pleaded. 

“Alright, alright.” Michael switched to tickling between the middle ribs once more. “I’ll do this instead.” He told him. 

William snorted and started giggling in the high-pitched voice all over again. “Ohohohokahahay, thahahahanks.” William told him. 

“Would it be too much for you if I joined back in?” Mrs. Afton asked. 

William shook his head. “Nohoho, ihihit wohouldn’t nohohohow.” He replied. 

Mrs. Afton smiled and started gently tickling the soft of his small beer belly. “I’ll be gentle.” She told him. 

William jumped and sunk his stomach in slightly, but to no avail. Not only did sinking in his stomach fail as a preventive strategy, but it also ruined his ability to breathe. So he breathed in as much as he could, before falling into an endless stream of high-pitched giggles. 

“Thihihihihis ihihihihis weheheird.” William told him. 

“Oh, hush your mouth and laugh, our 6ft Tickle Tree.” She teased. 

“Wh-Whahahat?!” William asked. 

“There’s a reason you’re covered in green glitter.” Mrs. Afton explained. “Can you tell him why?” She asked Chris and Elizabeth. 

“We wanted you to look like a christmas tree!” Chris told his father. 

“That’s why you’re also covered in Christmas lights with a star on your head.” Elizabeth told him. 

“HAhahahaha- Whahahahat?!” He reacted, unsure how else to react to this information. 

Michael chuckled. “I didn’t want to join in originally…” Michael looked at his Mom. “But then Mom mentioned ‘tickling’, and I quickly changed my mind.” Michael admitted bluntly. 

Mrs. Afton smirked. “Trying to throw your own mother under the bus, I see?” She asked. 

“What?! No!” Michael put his right hand up. “Honest!” He pointed his index finger at his Mom. “But I may be throwing myself under the bus.” Michael admitted. 

“Alright, alright.” Mrs. Afton replied, double-checking to make sure Chris and the recorder were doing okay. 

“Wait…How does the song ‘Oh Christmas Tree’ go again?” Michael asked. 

Elizabeth's eyes brightened. “Oh christmas tree, oh christmas tree, how lovely are your branches!” She declared, saying the lyrics instead of singing it.

“You’re very close. It’s ‘How lovely are ‘thy’ branches’.” Mrs. Afton corrected. 

“Okay. So…what if we sang ‘oh christmas tree’, but we changed the word ‘branches’ to ‘laughter’?” Michael asked. 

Elizabeth gasped. “YEAH!” She shouted excitedly, stopping her tickle attack. “🎵Oh christmas tree, oh christmas tree, how lovely are thy laughter!🎵” She sang. 

Michael hummed. “I think ‘your laughter’ would sound better in this situation.” He admitted. 

“I think I have to agree with you, Michael.” Mrs. Afton replied. 

“🎵Oh christmas tree, oh christmas tree, how lovely are your laughter🎵” Mrs. Afton sang. 

The kids joined in with their mother. “🎵Oh christmas tree, oh christmas tree, how lovely are your laughter🎵” 

Mrs. Afton continued the song. “🎵Your precious giggles fill the air, and warm our hearts with tender care,🎵” She sang in her gorgeous singing voice. 

“🎵Oh christmas tree, oh christmas tree, how lovely are your laughter🎵” The kids sang. 

Michael stopped his tickling and sang the next verse. “🎵Oh christmas tree, oh christmas tree, of all the laughs most joyful. Oh christmas tree, oh christmas tree, of all the laughs most joyful🎵” Michael sang. 

“Not bad!” Mrs. Afton reacted. “🎵Each year you bring us delight, with every shining grin so bright,🎵” She sang. “🎵Oh christmas tree, oh christmas tree, of all the laughs most joyful🎵” She finished. 

“My turn, My turn!” Elizabeth declared. “🎵Oh christmas tree, oh christmas tree, we learn from all your gigglees. Oh christmas tree, oh christmas tree, we learn from all your gigglees🎵” She sang. 

The other Aftons bursted out laughing. Did Elizabeth just come up with a word to make the verse work?! 

“🎵Your high-pitched squeals of festive cheer, give hope and happiness all year,🎵” She sang. “🎵Oh christmas tree, oh christmas tree-🎵 

They all sang together. “🎵We learn from all your giggleeeees.🎵” They all sang. 

William chuckled and nodded his head with a smile. “I would clap, but…My hands are kinda tied.” He told them. 

Everyone burst out laughing at this. Mrs. Afton walked up and unplugged the Christmas lights. “Let’s get this off you.” She said, removing the Christmas lights from around him. 

“Thank you, love.” William said, leaning in for a kiss. She wiped a few green glitter pieces from his mouth and kissed his lips. 

“Eugh…Gross…” Michael muttered aloud. 

“Awwwww!” Elizabeth reacted, holding her hand on her chest. 

Chris giggled, zooming in on his Mom and Dad’s kiss. 

“🎵I saw Mommy kiss the tickle tree, underneath the christmas star last night🎵” Chris started singing. 

Mrs. Afton and William both broke their kiss and looked at Chris, laughing at Chris’s lyrics. 

“🎵She didn’t see me creep, down the stairs to have a peek,🎵” Elizabeth sang. 

“🎵She thought that I was tucked up in my bedroom, fast asleep🎵” Michael sang. 

“He wasn’t!” Chris declared. “🎵I saw mommy kiss the tickle tree, Every little giggle filled the night!🎵” Chris sang. 

“🎵Oh what a laugh it would’ve been-🎵” Liz sang. 

“🎵If Daddy had only seen-🎵” Michael sang. 

It had been a couple of days since the Moriarty household had finished up with hosting the dreaded tea party, and everything had settled down once again. Everything, except the troubles that swirled in William's mind.

The family of three brothers sat enjoying each other's company, along with Fred and Moran whilst Jack was busy elsewhere. William turned the page in his newspaper looking up as Moran stood, pulling his coat over his shoulders.

"Right. I'd best be off then. Got a few errands to run before dinner." He announced, tugging gently on Fred's coat sleeve to get him out of his seat. "Thanks for the tea, Louis. William, Albert." He gave a nod to each brother before turning to leave.

As he did, William stared, an image flashing in his mind. Moran left him. That day, at the tea party. He turned his back and left him to flounder at the mercy of those desperately flirtatious women. He left him. How dare he!

On the surface, William was calm. Composed. He even offered a friendly smile as his friend left to continue his duties, but beneath that cool exterior, a storm was brewing. A plot for revenge. No one betrays William James Moriarty. No one.

-------

Later that same evening, before dinner was prepared, William approached Moran in the hallway, a look of seriousness on his face. "Moran. I have something to discuss with you in my private study if you could meet me there in five minutes, I have something important to discuss." He spoke quietly, earning a professional nod of acknowledgement from the other.

"Am I to bring the others?"

"No. Come alone. This only requires you." William gave a reassuring smile, heading off towards his study to prepare.

-------

Exactly five minutes later, Moran arrived outside William's study, knocking on the door. "William. It's Moran... I'm coming in." He opened the door, seeing William sitting at his desk inside.

"Close the door, please. And have a seat." William ordered, smiling softly as he watched Moran do so. So far, it didn't look like his friend suspected a thing. Why would he? William was his trusted boss and friend.

"So, Moran, I trust that you enjoyed your time at the tea party we hosted a couple of days back?" He asked, standing up once Moran was seated, moving to pour the two of them a drop of whisky. Moran watched him, smiling fondly at the memory of all those lovely ladies gathered in one place, not to mention the few who were fawning over him as he stood in the garden.

"Aye, sir. It was an entertaining affair." He chuckled, taking the drink as William handed it to him. The blonde hummed, taking a sip of his own.

"I'm glad you found it so enjoyable. I do hope the job you were given wasn't too taxing."

"Of course not, William. It was a piece of cake."

William set his drink down, standing behind his tall friend as his tone changed. "Piece of cake, you say? Then, do tell me, friend, why is it that you neglected to assist me in my time of need?"

"Sir?" Moran raised a brow, not quite catching on.

"When that woman was viciously flirting with me during my advice hearing. You saw my suffering and turned your back on me. Did you not?"

Moran froze up. How could he forget. "I-I't wasn't meant to be malicious, sir. I just-"

"Just what? You weren't actually fit to help your boss when required and lied to me about your capabilities? Or is it that you left me to undergo such torment on purpose? Mutiny, essentially." William cracked his knuckles as Moran gulped.

"No sir, I wasn't intending to-"

"You really did turn your back on me, Moran. Which was your first and last mistake!" In a flash, William dove upon Moran's sides, squeezing a massaging his fingers into the well-toned muscle, a wicked grin on his cheeks.

"Now you will-... Wh-?" William's smile faded when he got no reaction from his attack. Not even a flinch? How is he not laughing? It's like he just turned off all his nerve endings. Like he's made of stone or something! "How- Uh!" His blood ran cold when he looked up, seeing Moran's playful, smug grin and vengeful side-eye.

"Oooh, you are a scary one. Ain't ya, Lord of Crime?" He grinned, standing from his chair and calmly leaning over William to put his drink on the desk behind him. "Yep, you sure taught me a lesson."

The smaller blonde took a step back, bumping into his desk as his hitman towered over him. "I-I was only having a laugh, Moran. You know I would never truly be hurt by something so trivial." This was true. Of course William was only playing. But Moran didn't look satisfied with this excuse.

His grin softened as he grabbed Williams's wrists, holding them over his head with ease. "My turn~" He jeered, bringing his free hand to William's stretched-out ribs, starting to lightly pinch up and down his slender frame.

Each squeeze earned a hiccup-like squeak from the Lord of Crime as he flinched and jumped at the tickly zaps that sent shivers down his spine.

"Wait! Mor-Aha! I didn't Hah! Let me explAHAin! Stahap!" He blushed, embarrassed by how easily he was reduced to a giggly mess, with the defence of a wet napkin. He was so glad he shut the door, lest some prying eyes fall upon the scene. "Stahap it, Moran!"

His pleading only seemed to egg the hitman on, switching from small squeezes to continuous drilling between and on the sensitive bone. "Oh come on now, William. You should know better than to try something like that on me."

"I-I'm sahaharry! Ahaha! Nohoho!" Will gasped as he managed to slip his wrists free, making a break for the door. Just too slow. He felt the large hand of his attacker grab his shoulder, pulling him back before wrapping his arms around William's stomach, lifting him clear from the ground with ease.

"Pardon my roughness, Sir. But I can't let you go just yet." Moran grinned, shaking his fingers into William's sides, chucking as he listened to his loud, boyish laughter.

"Wahahait! Oho lord- Ahaha! Mohoran! AHA!" He grabbed and pushed on Moran's python-like grip, desperate to wriggle free from the ticklish prison. It was no use, nothing could escape the gargoyles grasp once you became ensnared in it.

"Plehehease! AHAHA!" His laughter turned to bubbly, chirping, giggling as Moran's hands started shaking into his tummy. "Ehehehe! N-Not thehere!"

"Not there?" Moran raised a brow, shifting his hands further up and sinking into the poor man's underarms instead. "How about here? Is this better, sir?" He teased, gasping as he narrowly missed a kick to the bollocks as William flailed.

"GYAHAHAHA! Nooo! AhahaAHA! P-Plehease! Oh lohord!"

"Tickle, tickle, tickle, William~ To think, you would have me suffering the same if you could. How cruel of you." Morans mocking tone only made things worse for William.

"AHAHAHHAHAAA! P-Please forgihihive meee! HAHA!" That was twice Moran almost had his jewels booted, time to change again. He set William down, quickly straddling his hips, pinning him on his back.

"No! Nononono! Wahait!"

William fought off his hands with his killer precision, but the ghost tickles were too much of a distraction and he was soon under attack again. This time Moran pinned one arm up, clawing mercilessly at the sensitive underarm as William tried in vain to defend himself.

"AAAAH! Moran! I-I'll do anythihing! Plehehease!" The boy's cheeks were red as the roses that bloomed in the garden, and wet with mirthful tears as he howled with laughter.

"Oooh, anything? Hmm... Nah." This man was evil. He just wanted to make William regret trying to attack him. His hands switched back to William's sides, shaking in vigorously as he smirked teasingly.

"Morahahan! Th-This is ridihiculous!"

"You started it!"

"A-Ahalright!" William snorted. "I-I give in! Plehehase!"

"Well, since you asked nicely." Moran smiled, patting William's cheek as he stopped his attack, still sitting upon his boss's lap. "Hehe, look at you." He smirked, referring to William's tangled hair and wrinkled shirt collar.

"I-Ihihi... I'll have to tidy... mysehelf before... Dinner."

Moran nodded, starting to poke at the tired assassin's tummy as he spoke. "Look, William, you know I respect you. Hell, I'd give my life for you. But I'm afraid when it comes to tickling, I just can't let you walk away from an attempt on me like that." He chuckled, watching him twitch and bat at his poking hand.

"Ohokay! Stop, stop... Haha... I'll remember that..." William chuckled, taking Moran's hand as he helped him up.

"There is only one man who knows how to beat me in a war of tickles. And I'm afraid he ain't you. Better luck next time though." The large man grinned, patting his friend's hair before leaving the room, winking as he shut the door behind him.

Chris hissed at Elizabeth. 

“Awww, look at this angry cat!” Elizabeth teased, pointing to her little brother and looking at Michael. 

“I’m not a cat…” Chris muttered. 

Michael snorted. “You’re a cat, Chris.” Michael replied. 

“No I’m NOT!” Chris yelled. 

“Kitty Chris! Kitty Chris! Kitty Chris!” Elizabeth teased. 

“Little kitty cat. Meow!” Michael teased. 

Chris growled and tried to tackle Elizabeth to the ground. But he was a little too small.

“Hahaha! Little kitty tried to tackle me!” Elizabeth told him. 

Chris sprinted up to Elizabeth and tackled her from behind. And to both Chris and Elizabeth’s surprise, Elizabeth fell to the ground! 

“Whoa! That was a big tackle!” Michael reacted. 

“Now take THIS!” Chris started tickling Elizabeth’s feet right away. 

“EEEHEhEHEhehehe!” Elizabeth bursted out laughing. “NAHAHAT Thehehe feeeheheheet!” Elizabeth begged. 

Chris smirked as he kept tickling her feet. “Am I a cat now?” Chris asked. 

“YEHEHEHES!” Elizabeth told her. 

“Oh really? Then take THIS!” Chris lowered his head down and started licking her feet as well, like a child would of course…

“EHEhehehew!” Elizabeth giggled, covering her mouth. “Grohohohohoss!” 

Michael cringed. “Ew…How does that taste?” He asked. 

Chris stuck his tongue out and blew a raspberry with his tongue out. “Ew…Salty feet.” Chris muttered. 

Michael bursted out laughing. “Wohohow! I bet!” Michael reacted. 

Elizabeth rubbed her feet against the carpet. “Ewww! My feet are wet.” Elizabeth complained. 

Chris crawled up to Elizabeth and started tickling her underarms. “Take it back! I’m not a cat!” Chris yelled. 

Elizabeth laughed and snorted. “YOHOHOU’RE AHA- *Snort* CAHAHAT!” Elizabeth yelled. 

“Oh that’s it.” Chris held up her arm and tickled her one armpit. “Regretting what you said yet?” Chris asked. 

“AAAHAHAHAHA! STAHAHAP!” Elizabeth yelled. 

Michael chuckled and walked up to Elizabeth. “Mind if I help out, Chris?” Michael asked. 

Chris looked up and paused his tickling. “Really?!” He reacted. 

Elizabeth gasped and looked up at Michael. “You wohouldn’t…” She warned. 

“Wouldn’t I?” Michael said back with a smirk. Michael got up and grabbed a feather duster. “I’ll hold her arms, and you…” He handed Chris the feather duster. “Dust her off.” 

Chris smirked and took the feather duster from Michael. “I’d love to!” Chris extended the feather duster and started shaking the feather duster in Elizabeth’s face. Elizabeth squished her face together as the duster fluttered in her face. 

“Let’s dust off these armpits of yours, Liz.” Chris shortened the handle of the duster and started tickling her armpit with the duster. “Kitchy kitchy kitchy koo!” Chris teased. 

“EEEEEHEHEHEHEHEHE! NAHAhahahaha!” Elizabeth laughed. “NAHAHAHAT MYHYHY AHAHARMPIHIHITS!” Elizabeth yelled. 

“Aww, is poor Lizzy too ticklish?” Chris teased. 

“That’s not even her worst spot!” Michael reacted. “Try the sides next!” 

“In a bit.” Chris told him. “I wanna get the other armpit first.” 

Chris moved the duster off her right armpit and over to the left armpit. Elizabeth closed her eyes and giggled through her teeth as the feathers slowly touched her armpit. 

“Aaaand…NOW!” Chris started fluttering the duster up and down her armpit. 

Elizabeth squealed and laughed. “HAHAHAHAHAhahahahaha! Ohohoho GOHOHOSH!” She yelled. 

Michael chuckled as he watched his little brother go to town on Elizabeth. “If I had a third hand, I would be recording this right now.” Michael admitted. 

“That would be awesome!” Chris reacted. 

“If only…” Michael muttered. 

Elizabeth was shaking her head and giggling helplessly as she tugged on her arms. “Plehehehehease! Mehehercyyyy!” Elizabeth begged. 

“Would you rather I change spots?” Chris asked. 

“YEhehehes!” She replied. 

“Alright!” Chris removed the duster and moved it to her sides. “How’s thi-” 

“EEEEEEHEHEHEHEHEHE! WAHAHAHAIT NOHOHOHOHOHO!” Elizabeth suddenly yelled. 

Chris giggled. “What? You told me you wanted me to move spots! So, I moved spots!” Chris reacted. 

“IHIHIHI-” Elizabeth tried to say. 

“You gotta admit, he did do what he said he was gonna do. And that’s rare for him.” Michael added. 

Chris looked up at Michael with surprise. “Hey!” He reacted. 

Michael threw his hands up, letting go of Elizabeth. “What? It’s true!” 

Chris frowned. “Meanie.” 

Michael chuckled. “That’s the best insult you can come up with?” 

“Then how about this: you’re like coffee.” Chris told him. 

Michael raised an eyebrow with a smirk. “Really? How?” 

“You’re bitter and gross no matter how much you try to change.” Chris told him. 

Michael’s smile wiped right off his face within a millisecond. Elizabeth wheezed and held her stomach as she laughed for a whole other reason. Not only that, but someone in the kitchen had burst out laughing! And it was a familiar laugh everyone in that family knew. 

“Dad, shut up!” Michael yelled at him. 

William walked out to the living room, his face red from laughing so hard. “HAHAHAhaha! OHO MY GOD!” He reacted, doubling over. “Honey! HONEY! You have to hear what Chris just said!” William ran to their mother, eager to tell her Chris’s words. 

Michael growled and picked up Chris. “You take that back right now.” Chris warned. 

“No.” Chris replied with a shit-eating grin. 

“CHRIS!” Someone else yelled. 

Michael quickly put Chris down as he heard his mother’s footsteps coming towards the living room. 

“That is uncalled for! Apologize to your brother right now.” She ordered to her youngest son. 

Chris widened his eyes and looked down, quickly growing guilty. Chris turned around to face Michael and kept looking down. “I’m sorry.” 

“For what?” Mrs. Afton spoke up. 

“For being a meanie.” Chris replied. 

Michael nodded. “I forgive you.” Michael replied. 

Mrs. Afton nodded confidently and left the living room. William was doing everything in his power to not laugh again. But his face was turning beet red from holding back his laughter. 

Chris took one look at his father and bursted out laughing. “You’re red! DADDY’S ELMO!” Chris reacted. 

William finally bursted out laughing. “Hihihi am NOT Elmo.” William told him. 

Chris giggled while Michael smirked. “Hey Dad: do your impression of Elmo.” Michael told him. 

William shook his head. “No way. It’s been way too long.” William told him. 

Michael narrowed his eyes at his father and walked up to him. “Alright. If you won’t…” Michael tripped his father and knocked him to the ground. “Then the three tickle monsters will get you!” Michael told him. 

William yelped and fell onto his back. Elizabeth and Chris quickly jumped onto their father and started tickling his armpits. “Tickle tickle Elmo!” Chris said. 

William squealed and bursted out laughing. “Wahahahait- NOHOHOHO!” William reacted. 

“Wait, YES!” Michael replied, pulling his father’s socks off. 

“Yousomuchastouchmy-” William gasped as he felt Elizabeth blow a raspberry onto her Dad’s belly. William threw his head back and LAUGHED. “aaAAAAHAHAHAHAHA! OHOHOKAHAHAY! IHIHI’LL TAHAHAHAHALK LIHIHIKE ELMOHOHO!” William finally told them. 

“That was quick!” Chris reacted as he stopped tickling his father. 

“It was. Little coward.” Michael reacted as well. 

“Hey. K…Keep that up, and I…may not…do it.” William mentioned to him. 

Michael nodded. “I’m done.” 

William sat up and smiled. He changed his voice to a higher-pitched voice like Elmo’s, and started singing the ‘Elmo’s world’ theme song. 

Chris gasped and hugged his father excitedly. “I LOVE YOU DADDY!” Chris told him. 

“All because I can be Elmo? That’s all?” William asked in his elmo voice. 

“YES!” Chris replied. 

Michael giggled. “Your elmo voice is iconic.” Michael told him. 

“It is!” Elizabeth told him. 

Chris hugged his father for a little longer. William wrapped his arms around Chris, and rubbed his back. 

But then Chris did something evil: 

Chris took in a deep breath and blew a raspberry onto his father’s belly. 

William hung his head and bursted out laughing rather happily. He didn’t expect Chris to do him like that. 

Chris let go of his father and ran to Elizabeth. “Alright. Elizabeth’s turn!” Chris declared, taking in a deep breath and grabbing his sister’s belly. 

“Wait, what?! NO!” Elizabeth squealed as Chris blew as big of a raspberry as his little 7 year old mouth could muster up. Elizabeth squealed and laughed. “HAHAHAHAHA! NAHAHAT MYHY TUHUHUMMYYYY!” Elizabeth begged. 

Michael and William raised an eyebrow with smirks on their faces. William looked to Michael for clarification. 

“Elizabeth and I were calling Chris a little kitty cat. And as revenge, he started tickling her.” Michael explained. 

William nodded. “Makes sense.” 

Michael smirked and let out a little flirtatious meow sound, while waving his hand like a claw. William wheezed and fell onto his back as he bursted out laughing. He laughed and clutched his stomach as he leaned against the bottom of the couch. Then, William paused to let out a little sexy meow of his own. 

Now it was Michael’s turn to laugh! Michael leaned against his hand behind him and covered his mouth with his other hand. While Michael and William were both laughing, they turned to watch Chris completely destroy Elizabeth with tickles. 

Chris getting his revenge, William and Michael got up onto their feet and started to walk out of the living room. 

“WAHAHAIT! DOHOHON’T LEHEHEAVE MEHE!” Elizabeth begged, holding her arm out for help. But Chris took this opportunity and tickled the pit of her extended arm. 

William was looking at himself in the mirror. He was twirling around, trying out different poses in the clothes he was wearing. He felt comfortable…happy…confident. William couldn’t really describe the feeling in any other way. Normally he felt stressed from the pressures of being a man. He hated trying to look manly all the time. It was mentally exhausting for him. And this…

…This felt right. 

*knock knock knock* 

William just about screamed upon hearing the knock. 

He turned around and stared at the door in horror. CRAP! Who the heck would be here at 7 in the morning?! Well, besides him. 

William scrambled to hide as the door started to open. Not knowing where else to hide, William quickly ran behind the mirror and peeked his head up above the mirror. He knew this would only make him more suspicious, but it was all he could come up with on the spot. 

“William? What are you doing-” Henry blinked and raised his eyebrows in surprise. Was…Was William hiding behind a mirror?! Henry quickly started to close the door. “SORRY! Sorry, are you naked?! I didn’t mean to-” 

“No.” William replied without thinking. 

William mentally cursed to himself as he saw Henry invite himself in again. “Well…if you’re not naked, then I suppose I can come in.” 

William bit his lip super hard. “HiHenry…” He muttered. 

“...Hi…” Henry replied, unsure how to react. “Are…you okay?” 

William gulped and lowered his head down behind the mirror. “I’mfine. Justfine.” William replied super fast. 

“Will-” 

“Superfine. Pleasegonow.” William told him.

Henry tilted his head and walked closer to the mirror. “William…I know you’re hiding something from me.” Henry told him. 

William whimpered. He looked down at his clothes in panic. He squeezed his eyes shut. 

“You can tell me…I hope you know that.” Henry told him. 

William shook his head. “No…Ican’t.” He mumbled. 

Henry walked up to the side of the mirror. “It’s okay. Just show-” 

William turned the mirror around so Henry couldn’t see. “Mm-mm.” He muttered. “No.” 

Henry looked at William with a curious look. “Dude…” Henry reacted. He tried turning to look from the other side. But William turned the mirror so it was facing Henry at all times. “Come on dude…I wanna see.” Henry told him. 

William looked down. “You’re gonna laugh.” William said nervously. 

Henry shook his head. “I’m not going to laugh. I promise.” Henry told him. 

William put out his hand with his pinky finger up. “Pinky swear?” William asked. 

Henry smiled and latched his pinky onto William’s. “Pinky swe-” 

Henry’s words trailed off as he saw the…strangely feminine-looking sleeve William was wearing. The sleeve was a medium red color and it happened to reach down to William’s wrist. 

“Oh…” Henry responded, surprised. 

William moved his hand back to holding onto the mirror, and William slowly placed the mirror down. William sat up straight and held his hands together in front of him like a typical woman would. He looked down, refusing to look at Henry’s shocked expression. 

William was wearing a long, flowy, maxi dress with a glittery diamond in the middle of the chest area. The dress was long, and had a v-neck. 

“I…Uhhhh…” Was all Henry could say. “I’m sorry, I don’t know what to say!” Henry admitted, scratching the back of his head. 

William sniffled and tried to keep himself together. He didn’t want to cry in front of Henry. But god, was it difficult. 

Henry started slowly pacing as he thought of what to say. Upon seeing Henry pacing, William covered his face and started to cry. 

Henry widened his eyes and ran to William. “No no no, please don’t cry. Not now.” Henry begged. 

“I-I knew it.” William said through his breaking voice. “You hate me!” 

“William, I’m not bothered by this. I’m surprised, and frankly struggling to process it, but I’m not against it.” Henry told him. William sobbed and slowly fell to his knees. Henry lowered himself down to William and wrapped his arms around him. “I think you look great in a dress.” 

William sniffled and tried to wipe away some of the tears. “I…I look stupid like this.” William told him. 

Henry shook his head. “You really don’t. You look a lot better than I expected, if I were to be honest.” Henry admitted. 

William looked up at Henry with a look of surprise, yet hurt all at the same time. “You…don’t think I look s-stupid?” William asked. 

Henry smiled. “You look amazing.” 

William looked down, unsure what to think. 

“Come here.” Henry gently pulled William into a hug. William was still unsure what to think. It was hard for William to process what was happening. Henry wasn’t mad or upset? He was…happy? And hugging him?! 

William finally broke down crying again and hugged Henry as hard as he could. He didn’t want to let go of Henry. He wanted to keep Henry by his side for as long as possible. These were trying times for a guy like William. So having a supportive friend like Henry was rare. 

“Come now…no more crying. There’s no need to cry.” Henry told him. 

William couldn’t help but chuckle. “These are tears of Joy, Henry.” William admitted. 

“Oh…” Henry reacted. “I see.” 

Henry hugged William for a long while. As he hugged him, Henry started to figure out how he was gonna cheer him up. Trying to cheer up William is a little bit harder than you’d expect. It requires knowing his hobbies and other things about him. William enjoyed childish things most of the time. He enjoyed playful things, like covering his head with a blanket or throwing pillows at him. He also enjoyed things that created a mess. For example, covering himself in glitter. Or splashing water all over him. 

But William was in a fancy dress right now…so none of those options could even be considered today.

The only option that could maybe work, was tickling. It fit the bill as a playful activity without making a mess. And of course, it was as childish of an option as you could get. 

“Hey William…” Henry called. 

William wiped some of his tears from his eyes. “Y-Yeah?” 

Henry gently brought his hands up to his sides. “I’m fairly sure I remember where you’re ticklish.” Henry admitted as he squeezed his sides. 

William gasped and guffawed before shoving his face into Henry’s shoulder. 

Henry smirked. “And let’s not forget…here!” Henry started to drill his thumbs into William’s hips. 

William wheezed and threw his head back, out of Henry’s shoulder. “AAAHAHA! NOHOhohoho!” William laughed, shaking his head back and forth. 

“Why not? I’m barely doing anything!” Henry reacted. 

“YOHOHOU’RE TIHICKLING MEHEHEHE!” William yelled. 

“Well, yeah! I gotta cheer you up somehow!” Henry replied. 

William struggled to push Henry away with his hands, while Henry flipped William around so his back was facing him. With William facing the wall, Henry moved to squeezing the back and front of both his hips at the same time. 

“Whyhyhy tihihihicklihing?” William asked. 

“Because it’s fun!” Henry told him as he moved his hands to his sides. 

“Nohoho iT’S NOHOHOT!” William yelled, grabbing Henry’s hands as he tried to hop his way out of Henry’s arms. 

“Sorry ticklish bunny! You’re not going anywhere.” Henry said with a smirk. He flipped William around so his chest was facing him, and pushed William into the wheelie chair. William yelped and fell into the chair, going dazed for a second. This gave Henry just enough time to run behind the wheelie chair and bring his hands around William’s shoulders and down to William’s wrists. 

“”Wahait- come on! Isn’t this a bit ridiculous?” William asked. 

“And you wearing a dress isn’t ridiculous?” Henry asked back. 

“Well-” 

Henry lifted up William’s left arm with his right hand and tickled his armpit with his left. “I’m fairly sure this is the tickle spot you passed down to Michael.” 

William wheezed and snorted, hanging his head as he flew into a fit of giggles. “Dohoho yohohohou reheheally have to sahahahay thahahat?” William asked. 

“Yes. I think it’s an important fact that everyone should know. Michael Afton: As ticklish as his ticklish father.” Henry said, raising and slowly waving his hand in front of them proudly. 

“Sh-Shuhut uhuhup!” William reacted, pushing his waving hand away. 

“Oi! Do you want more tickles?!” Henry asked. “Cause if you keep this up, I might just destroy you.” Henry warned. 

William giggled. “Kihiss my ahahass, dude.” 

Henry sighed and hung his head for a moment…then he intertwined his own fingers, stretched them out to crack the knuckles, and wiggled his fingers. “Now you’ve asked for it.” 

William turned around to look at Henry. But all he managed to see was Henry’s shit-eating grin as he grabbed the sides of the chair. Henry gave the top of the chair a big push, sending William flying to the ground along with the chair. 

Then, Henry ran to William and started tickling his armpits all over again. 

William brought his knees up and threw his head back with strong laughter. “HAHAHAHAhahahaha! HEHEHEHENRYYYY!” William yelled. 

“I’m right here! You don’t have to yell.” Henry told him. 

William covered his mouth and giggled into his hand. “Sohohorry.” He muttered. “Cahahan yohohou plehehease stohohohop?” William asked. 

Henry raised an eyebrow. “And end this wonderful opportunity?” Henry reacted. “No way.” 

William snorted as he struggled to keep his giggling under control. 

“Now how about this belly button-” 

“NOOOO DOHON’T!” William shouted, flailing his arms around in front of him desperately. 

“Why not? It’s just a little belly button. Is it really that-” Henry widened his eyes and gasped loudly. 

William turned around and SCREAMED like the lady he was dressed as. Mike was standing at the door, staring at both his bosses. 

 “WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING HERE?!” Henry shouted, speedwalking out the door and slamming it closed behind him. 

Mike yelped and sprinted away from the door as Henry got closer to him. “I’M SORRY! I’M SORRY!” Mike yelled back. 

“YOU’RE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE HERE TILL MONDAY!” Henry yelled. 

“I know! I’m sorry! With all due respect, Mr. Emily, I didn’t know I’d see Mr. Afton in a dress.” Mike told him. 

William slowly got up and walked to the door to listen to their conversation further. 

“If you mention this to anyone, I will fire you and ban you from ever coming back here.” Henry warned. 

“Okay. Lips are zipped. I did not see Mr. Afton in a bright red dress with a glittery belt on-” 

“DUDE!” Henry yelled. 

“I’MJUSTGONNAGOOO.” Mike yelled back. 

William sighed and looked down at his dress. He smiled a little to himself as he twirled around in the dress again. The door clicked open, and Henry smiled as he watched William spin around in his dress. 

William stopped spinning, and looked at Henry. He looked down, holding his hands behind his back. “S-Sorry.” 

Henry shook his head and waved his hand. “No worries. Do it again.” Henry told him. 

William smiled and spun around again, making the dress twirl. Henry chuckled and watched him spin till he was dizzy. Somehow, William managed to keep himself on his feet while he was dizzy. And Henry made sure to be nearby so he could catch him if he fell. 

William ended up working his full 8 hour shift while in his dress. And Henry worked alongside him, not caring one bit. And when it came time to go, William dressed back into his male business attire to go home. 

“Here:” Henry grabbed a hanger from the coat hook and took the red dress. “I’m gonna keep it here at the office, and hide it behind my long coat.” Henry told him. 

William smiled. “Thank you.” William said. 

“No problem.” Henry replied.

William turned around and grabbed the doorknob. 

“...Girlie.” Henry said next. 

William froze for a moment, eyes widened. Then, William bursted out laughing. “Girlie?! Really?” William reacted. “Why not angel? Or princess?” William asked. 

Henry guffawed. “I thought the man gets to pick the nickname for his lady!” Henry reacted. 

“With consent from the lady!” William replied. 

“Do you want me to call you bombshell instead?” Henry asked. 

William could feel a small blush falling on his face. “I- No!” 

“What about jellybean?” Henry asked with a smirk. “Or Cinderella?” 

“Henry-” William looked down, trying to cover up his darkening blush. 

“Or sweetheart? That’s a cute one for you.” Henry asked. 

“Oh my god…” 

“Maybe Honey Bunny?” Henry asked with a laugh. 

“Dude…” 

“Maybe cookie? That suits you.” Henry asked next. 

“Okay…I’m just gonna-” 

“Sunflower? What abOUT SUNFLOWER-” 

William closed the door on him. And yet, he could STILL hear Henry asking about nicknames. As William walked away, was able to hear one last nickname that he actually didn't mind…

“LADIES AND GENTLEMAN, BOYS AND GIRLS!” Freddy yelled for the kids to hear. “WELCOME TO THE FREDDY FAZBEAR’S HALLOWEEN CONCERT!” Freddy yelled next. 

All the kids screamed and cheered in response. It was Halloween, and all the kids were wearing their Freddy Fazbear & Friends costumes. Lots of girls were wearing their yellow “LET’S EAT!!!” shirts, while tons of boys were wearing their Bonnie t-shirts. Other kids wore their Foxy masks with a fake hook to hold onto, and other kids were wearing black bow ties and big Freddy tophats. 

“Hey Freddy, why are all the concerts named after you?” Chica asked. “Even the band is named after you!” 

“Because I’m the leader!” Freddy replied. 

“But why? Why can’t we have the Bonnie Concert? Or the Chica’s Concert?” Bonnie asked. 

“Or the Foxy & Friends Halloween Concert?” Foxy asked. 

William and Henry smiled as they watched the concert in the back. Henry was wearing a Freddy outfit, consisting of a top hat, a bow tie, a Freddy T-Shirt, brown pants, and brown shoes. Meanwhile, William was wearing a makeshift Bonnie costume. He was wearing a blue shirt, a red bowtie, bunny ears, light blue pants, and light blue sneakers. they weren't the greatest costumes in the world, but it was close enough. 

The truth is, Henry and William had both been up since 5:30am, trying to set up this one single night. So if it ends up going completely wrong, they only have themselves to blame. 

Freddy chuckled. “So, you would want it to be called the Foxy, Freddy, Chica and Bonnie Halloween Concert?” Freddy asked. 

“How about the Foxy, Chica and Bonnie Halloween Concert?” Foxy asked. 

Freddy gasped and looked at the kids with his mouth wide, in surprise. The kids were all laughing. 

“Listen! They want Freddy in the title too!” Freddy added. 

“But why? Freddy is SOOOO overrated.” Chica teased. 

The kids just HOWLED with laughter. 

William chuckled in the back. “Good idea for the call out, Henry.” William replied. 

“Thanks!” Henry replied. “I’m really proud of that.” 

“Alright. I think what the kids want are some songs!” Freddy declared. 

“HERE WE GOOO! A 1, 2, 3, 4!” Foxy yelled, clicking the drumsticks together on beat. Foxy, Chica, and Bonnie all started playing their preferred instruments, while Freddy waited for his moment to start singing. 

William smiled and started to nod his head to the rock song. This song was one of his favorite songs from the Freddy Fazbear Band’s soundtrack. 

While William watched with pride, Henry was silently smirking to himself as he tried to keep himself from giving away his secret. He just had to wait for a certain part of the concert…

3 Songs Later:

Henry smiled and lifted his chin with a smirk as the song ended. 

“AND NOW: WE HAVE A MESSAGE FROM OUR CREATORS! PLEASE WELCOME: WILLIAM AFTON AND HENRY EMILY!” Freddy declared. 

All the kids cheered as both the men headed up to the stage in their costumes. 

“Thank you, Freddy.” Henry said. 

“...And Bonnie, and Foxy, and Chica-” William added. 

Henry chuckled. “Right, right…” Henry added. “We are here to announce the introduction of more animatronics!” Henry told them. 

The kids cheered and screamed out of excitement. 

“They’re big, they love the spotlight, and they love performing for children like you all!” Henry declared. 

William smiled. “Introducing: Golden Freddy and Golden Bonnie!” William declared. 

The curtains rose, and a spotlight lit up the big, golden, brand new golden animatronics. The kids squealed and cheered excitedly. They looked incredible, and so new! Even the parents were thoroughly impressed! For the 1980’s, they looked amazing!

But then…Someone started walking up. 

“Excuse me, Mr. Afton:” Freddy Fazbear said. 

William widened his eyes and turned around. He slightly jumped as he realized he was incredibly close to him, and bigger than he remembered. “Uuuuh…Yes, Freddy?” William replied, unsure what was going on. 

“Are you replacing us?” Freddy asked. 

The kids gasped. 

“Uh oh…” Someone said. 

“That’s not good…” Another kid said. 

“Don’t replace Freddy!” Yet another kid yelled. 

William gulped. “N-No. I’m not replacing you. What would make you think I’m replacing-” 

Bonnie, Foxy, and Chica all walked closer to William. 

“Yooouuuuu…Hehehe…What’s going on, guys?” William asked, nervously chuckling. “I’m not gonna replace you. I would never replace you guys.” William told them, tapping Freddy’s shoulder. William winced and hissed as he pulled his hand back and flopped it around. “Ow…” 

Freddy chuckled and picked up William. “Come here, Mr. Afton.” Freddy said. 

William yelped and tried to get out of Freddy’s grip. “Hey- Let me go!” William yelled. “Why are you even doing this?! We’re in the middle of a concert!” 

Bonnie smiled. “Since he decided to dress up as me, can I hold him?” Bonnie asked. 

William bit his lip. “Uh-” 

“Sure you can!” Freddy replied happily. Freddy put William into Bonnie’s grasp with a big, innocent smile. “Here you go!” 

“Thank you!” Bonnie replied. 

“Now: WHAT SHOULD WE DO TO MR. AFTON?” Freddy asked the audience. 

A bunch of kids all called out different things, turning the room into a collection of confusing chatter for a few seconds. 

Henry smirked as he piped up. “I have an idea.” 

Freddy turned to Henry. “Tell us your idea, Mr. Emily!” 

“Tickle him.” Henry told them. 

A bunch of the audience let out audible “Huh?”s in response, having not heard him properly. 

Freddy smiled excitedly as he brought his microphone up to Henry’s mouth. “Say it again!” 

Henry smiled as he leaned into the microphone. “Tickle him.” 

William widened his eyes. “Wait, WHAT?!” William yelled, squirming even more. “NO! You are NOT TICKLING ME!” William warned. 

The kids, even some of the adults laughed at the idea. 

“WHAT DO YOU SAY? DO WE TICKLE MR. AFTON?” Freddy asked. 

“YEEESSS!” The kids all yelled in a collection of voices. 

Freddy smiled as he turned to look at William. “THEY SAID IT! YOU HEARD THEM! IT’S TIME TO TICKLE MR. AFTON!” Freddy declared. 

Henry grabbed a clip-on microphone and connected it to William’s shirt collar. While Henry was right in front of him, William started begging and protesting. “Henry, what is going on? Why are they doing this? Please get me out of here, before they kill me!” William begged. 

Henry put his hand on the switch to turn it on. “Just go for it. Have some fun. And for heaven sakes, let yourself go for the audience.” Henry encouraged. 

“How do they even know how to do this?” William asked. 

Henry smiled. “I’ll explain a little later. Alright?” Henry said as he turned on the microphone. 

“What? But-” William went silent the moment he realized his microphone was on, and the whole room could hear him. 

Bonnie smiled and started tickling William’s sides right away. 

“OHNO-“ William yelled, trying to keep himself from laughing, despite Henry’s words ringing in his ear. 

“Come on, William..:laugh!” Bonnie told him. 

Freddy smiled. “Yeah! We all know you’ll feel better if you laugh.” Freddy replied. 

All the kids started chanting the word ‘Laugh’ over and over again. 

Meanwhile, Henry’s words kept echoing in William’s head:

“…let yourself go for the audience.” Henry’s previous words reminded him. 

After a few more seconds, William decided that fine…if it’s laughter they want, it’s laughter they’ll get. 

Bonnie smirked and wiggled his index finger into William’s right lower rib. And that’s when the dam broke open.

“WHOHOHOHAHAHAhahahaha! Ohohokahahay, yohohou mahahade me lahahaugh! Ihihi’m lahahaughihihihing! Seehehehee?” William told them. 

Freddy smirked. “Perhaps we should make him laugh MORE!” Freddy decided. 

The audience of kids all cheered and laughed as they watched. 

Bonnie smiled as he raised William’s arms above his head. “Hey Chica! Can you tickle his armpits for me?” Bonnie asked. 

“Sure!” Chica replied. 

Chica walked up in between Bonnie and William, and started skittering her big yellow fingers on his armpits. 

William squealed and threw his head back as he laughed and giggled. “HEHEHehehehey! Nohohohoho fahahahahair!” William laughed. 

The kids were all having a blast watching this. The parents seemed to be enjoying this too. It was funny to see the creators so passionate in their art..,and so committed to entertaining their rambunctious children. 

“Life’s not fair, Mr. Afton. You know that.” Chica added. 

William just kept on laughing. It was strange being tickled by such strong animatronics. No one has ever been tickled by any robots before! 

Well…Not that he knew of…

William was tickled for a little longer before they decided to stop. Bonnie stopped tickling and went back to holding onto him, while Chica also stopped tickling him and used her apron to wipe the sweat off his face. Freddy grabbed William some water, before going back to the front of the stage. 

“With Mr. Afton calming down, We still have 3 more songs to go!” Freddy declared. 

“PUT YOUR HANDS TOGETHER, AND GET READY TO ROOOOOCK!!” Foxy yelled. “A 1, 2, 3, 4!” He clicked the drumsticks together on the beat, before hitting the drums alongside the guitar and bass. 

Meanwhile, Henry was looking after William backstage. 

“Okay…What the heck happened?” William asked. 

“I…” Henry started. 

“Those kids…Oh my gosh…Which kid wanted me to get tickled?!” 

“I have no idea, William. But boy, was it hilarious.” Henry admitted. 

“Sure…For you, maybe.” William muttered as he drank another gulp of water. 

“And not for you?” Henry asked, smirking as he crossed his arms. 

“I-...No!” William replied. “Why would I ever enjoy such a thing?” William asked. 

Henry chuckled and poked William in the side. “You hesitated, Afton.” Henry told him. 

William jumped and glared at Henry. “No. I didn’t.” William said through his teeth. 

“I won’t tell.” Henry told him next. 

“Tell what?!” Will asked. 

“That you like being tickled!” Henry replied. 

“I do NOT!” William argued. 

“Oh really?~” Henry reacted. 

“You so much as raise your finger…And I will destroy you.” William warned. 

Henry just laughed at him, while William smiled slightly as he watched Henry laugh. It was…nice to see him laugh at him. 

But…How did the animatronics know about- 

“And WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK HENRY EMILY, FOR TEACHING US THE INTERMISSION ACT.” Freddy explained. 

William widened his eyes. Wait…Teach?! 

Did- Did Henry- Did he- 

William was spending time with Elizabeth and Chris. Chris was playing with a slinky on the ground, while Elizabeth was running around with a Sour Patch Kids doll. 

“Annie needs to eat!” Elizabeth declared, grabbing a plastic baby bottle and raising it up to the long, red-haired doll. She held Annie up by the back of her neck, not seeming to care that holding a real person like that would be considered super wrong. 

William chuckled as he saw Elizabeth holding her doll like that. It was rather funny seeing Elizabeth try to parent. She’s always been somewhat rough with her dolls. She didn’t realize that her play style would reflect her personality so much. And already…she was a little bit too much like William was as a kid…Risky, somewhat bratty, and a rough-houser. She already proved she was not afraid of drinking the mud or throwing anything on the ground. 

Meanwhile, Chris’s playing style seemed to resemble Michael’s: playful, gentle, and imaginative. Chris’s toys rarely ever broke. Not by him, anyway. And Chris could be better trusted to be gentle with glass, animals, and people’s feelings. He was a bit of a people pleaser…which made him somewhat weak, but William planned to address that later on. Chris is still too young to understand the idea of a ‘manly man’ and how he should act like one. 

William watched as Chris put the slinky on the couch, and made the right side of the slinky fall off the couch and onto the ground. The rest of the slinky quickly followed suit, joining the right side of the slinky on the floor. 

William laughed and walked up to Chris. “Let me show you two something:” William said, picking up the slinky and carrying it to the stairs. William walked up to the basement stairs and readied the slinky. “Ready?” William asked. 

“READY!” Chris and Elizabeth both replied happily. 

William let the right side of the slinky fall, and watched as the slinky ‘walked itself’ down the stairs all on its own. 

Elizabeth gasped and ran down the stairs to follow it. “I WANNA TRY! I WANNA TRY!” Elizabeth declared. 

Chris looked at Elizabeth. “Okay…” He said, sounding a little sad. 

William sighed. “She can have a turn with the slinky…then you can have it.” William told him. 

Chris nodded and watched as Elizabeth ran up the stairs with a piece of the slinky in her hand. The rest of the slinky was bouncing up and down beside her as she ran up the stairs. 

“My turn!” Elizabeth said eagerly. 

Elizabeth put the slinky onto the top step and lifted up the left side of the slinky…then she threw the slinky down the stairs, making it just roll and flop down the stairs rather than the casual stepping slinkies are famous for doing. Elizabeth bursted out laughing and ran to the toy chest to grab something else. 

“Hey! Be careful!” Chris whined before he went down the stairs to get his slinky. As Chris got the slinky, Elizabeth threw a Barbie car down the stairs.

“OFF THE CLIFF TO THEIR DOOM!” Elizabeth yelled as she threw a pink barbie car.

“wAIT-” William yelled as he tried to catch the barbie car. “CHRIS MOVE!” William begged. The last thing he wanted was for Chris to get hit with the barbie car. 

The barbie car bounced and flipped all the way down the stairs. Chris yelped and moved out of the way just in time…and watched as the barbie car slammed into the drywall at the bottom of the stairs. 

Elizabeth was doubled over, holding her stomach as she laughed rather manically. Chris looked up at his father…and started to tear up. 

“Oh god-” William ran down the stairs and quickly brought Chris into a hug. “Hey…are you okay?” 

“E-Ewizabeth- she-she almost hit meeeee!” Chris whined, sobbing and crying more. William nodded and rubbed his back as he hugged him. 

Meanwhile, Elizabeth had run down the stairs and grabbed the Barbie car. “AGAIN! AGAIN AGAIN AGAIN AGAIN!” Elizabeth repeated. 

William let go of Chris and grabbed the hollow windshield of the Barbie car. “No. No throwing the barbie car down the stairs.” William ordered. 

“But it’s funny! So funny!” Elizabeth reacted, holding both sides of the car with both her hands. 

“You almost hit your brother! You scared him!” William told her, giving Chris another hug with his one arm. 

Elizabeth frowned and stuck her tongue out. “Scaredy cat.” Elizabeth bullied, still holding the Barbie car. 

William frowned. “Elizabeth!” William yelled. “Let go, now!” William ordered. 

Elizabeth looked at William…and then smirked. William narrowed his eyes as he noticed the gears in Elizabeth’s brain turning. Then, Elizabeth let go of the car…dropped to the ground dramatically…and SCREAMED. 

Chris covered up his ears and cried more upon hearing her scream so close to him. William had winced at the screaming and quickly started grumbling. He knew EXACTLY what Elizabeth was doing. She was going to scream until her mother found her…and then Liz was going to act like her father was all in the wrong. Most of the time now, this didn’t work…and Clara knew better than to trust Elizabeth now. However at the beginning, it obviously worked enough times for Elizabeth to start repeating it. It sucks…cause now they’ve unintentionally raised a bratty child. 

“Elizabeth!” Clara yelled, running down the stairs and pulling her into a hug. Clara looked towards her husband. “What happened?” 

“Well-” 

“Elizabeth a-awmost hit me with the-the bawbie car!” Chris told his mother. 

“Elizabeth thought it would be a WoNdErFuL idea to throw the barbie car down the stairs and nearly hit Chris in the face.” William explained. 

“What in the world-” Clara reacted, looking at Elizabeth with surprise. “What is wrong with you?!” Clara yelled. 

“It was funny!” Elizabeth whined. “And Daddy did it first!” Elizabeth straight up lied. 

“Wait, what?!” William reacted. 

Clara frowned and looked at William for clarification. 

“No I didn’t! I was actually trying to show the kids how slinkies fall down the stairs.” William told his wife. 

Truth be told…Clara had no idea who to believe. Yes, she was supposed to believe William, because Elizabeth had developed the ability to lie. However, William (unfortunately) makes dark and risky choices like Elizabeth. So, William could be lying too. 

So Clara looked down at Chris, who had red cheeks from crying. “What happened, Chris?” 

Chris showed her the slinky…and made it drop to the ground from his hand. “Daddy made the swinky walk down the stairs…” Chris said. He took a pause before continuing. “Daddy said ‘Ewizabeth gets a turn, then me.” Chris added. “Then, Lizzy threw my swinky down the stairs.” Chris looked down, feeling hurt and sad as his crying started up again. 

“Oh gosh…” Clara reacted sadly. “That’s not fair. No one should throw your toys down the stairs.” Clara told him. “However, your daddy knew not to give Elizabeth your toys.” Clara added. 

William widened his eyes as he realized…yes. Technically that’s right…and he had forgotten. 

“HA! YEAH! TAKE THAT, DAD!” Elizabeth laughed, licking her finger and ‘putting out a fire’ on her butt. 

William grumbled at Elizabeth before sighing. “Okay…You’re right. I did give Elizabeth the slinky.” William admitted. “But I did NOT throw the car down the stairs first.” William told his wife. 

“I believe you.” Clara told him, kissing his cheek. “And this Barbie car…is now going to Goodwill.” William told Elizabeth. 

“You give away my car…and I will TICKLE YOU FOR 2 HUNDRED YEARS!” Elizabeth threatened. 

William scoffed. “Like that’s gonna stop me.” William responded. 

As William started walking away, Elizabeth growled and wrapped her arms around William’s leg. 

William groaned. “Elizabeth, let go.” William warned. 

“NO.” Elizabeth started roughly tickling the back of William’s knee to try and stop him. And to William’s surprise, it actually really tickled him. 

“OHohohoho gohohohosh! HAHAHAhahaha!” William laid on his back and tried as hard as he could to not bend his knee and squish Elizabeth’s little fingers. 

Elizabeth looked up with a small smirk. “I warned you.” Elizabeth reminded her father. 

“I…guess she did warn you…” Clara admitted, not really expecting the 7 year old’s tickling to actually tickle him. Usually a 7 year old’s tickling was rough, and not very ticklish. So either William is particularly sensitive to strong tickles, or William just happens to be SUPER ticklish. 

“Hey Daddy!” Elizabeth got up off her father’s leg and pulled him down. She ran behind William and readied her hands on either side of her father. “Let’s play a game! It’s called ‘left, right, or both?’.” Elizabeth declared. 

William bit his lip and tried to look behind him. But Elizabeth only straightened her Dad’s head forward. 

“Now: Left? Right? Or both?” Elizabeth asked her Dad. 

William bit his lip. “I…I don’t know-” William gasped and squealed as one of his sides were tickled. 

Elizabeth made a buzzer sound with her mouth. “WRONG! It’s the left side!” Elizabeth declared. “Now, you get tickles for 5 minutes!” Elizabeth added. 

Whahahahat?! Whyhyhyhyhy?!” William asked. 

“Because you got it wrong!” Elizabeth told his Dad. 

“Thihihihihis ihihisn’t fahahahair!” William complained. 

A few minutes later, Elizabeth stopped tickling him. She brought her hands close to his side again. “Left? Right? Or both?” Elizabeth asked. 

“Uuuuhuhuh…” William looked at his wife. “Both?” William asked. 

Elizabeth smiled and tickled both his sides. “DING DING DING DING DING! You are CORRECT!” Elizabeth declared before stopping her tickle attack. “Alright. Round 2!” Elizabeth exclaimed. “Left? Right? Or both?” Elizabeth asked. 

William thought for a moment. “Mmm…Left.” William replied. 

Elizabeth smirked and tickled his right side. “WRONG! WRONG WRONG WRONG! It’s the right side!” Elizabeth replied. 

William leaned over to the right, giggling and laughing. “Yohohohou’re ehehehevihihil.” William giggled. 

Elizabeth giggled evilly. “I know!” She moved her bangs out of the way and resumed tickling. “Tickles for 5 minutes!” Elizabeth declared proudly. 

William giggled and wiggled around, trying not to squish Elizabeth’s hands, but still needed to move around so he could better handle Elizabeth’s attack. Clara watched with a smile as her husband was tickled by her daughter. She also watched as Chris joined in, and tried tickling his father on his feet. 

Despite the bad behaviour, Clara was glad things turned out this way. Elizabeth may be a bit of a brat. She may be a risky rough-houser…but she was still her daughter. And Clara loved her.