Chapter Text
Casper after not sleeping for yet another night. He couldn't figure out what was going on as he spent his days completely exhausted, getting home and forcing himself to stay awake long enough to eat something even if it was just a half cooked hot pocket but the moment he laid down, he felt like his body was full of electricity. His legs would twitch and he’d start feeling anxious, So he’d get back out of bed. Wander aimless around his place. Watch videos on youtube, clean, sometimes even just go sit outside hoping the fresh air would help, but to no use. He was on day three of almost no sleep.
He arrived almost an hour early to his shift at Fazbear’s Mega Pizza Plex. He couldn't clock in till his shift officially started but at least he wasn't just wandering in an endless loop at his apartment. He went to the employee lounge which was completely empty, to no surprise. Putting his stuff in the locker and grabbing his Staff shirt pulling it over the black tank he wore that day. Not caring to tuck it in or even button it up.
He plopped down on one of the uncomfortable couches and pulled out his phone scrolling threw apps before settling on an idle game to pass some time before he could officially clock in. Getting frustrated with it after a short time Casper tosses his phone across the couch slouching back and covering his eyes with his arm to block out the suddenly to bright fluorescent lights of the lounge. He still has 20 minutes until he can clock in. Deciding he could stand sitting there, he chose to use the back stage passages to wander and waste the last of his time.
Casper made his way threw the dimly lite hallways walking on auto pilot from using these passages regularly, He barely notices the giant orange bear animatronic in the charging pod. If it wheren't for the pulsing blue light he would have walked right past it. Instead pausing to look up at the cheesy grin the bear wore with a small wave threw the little port window. Casper gave a quick peace sign as he continued his path. Trying to make a mental note to go visit Freddy after he was on the clock to see how his performance went and make sure everything was bug free.
Casper passed the other glamrock's rooms, which all seemed to be empty. Completed the loop under the stage and started his way up the blank stair well to the office. Complaining the whole way up about how many stairs where in this damn place. Couldn't put in an employees only back stage elevator or anything. He didn't actually mind was just trying to fill the bland concrete area with some kind of noise. He made it to the office just as the clock opened up for him to punch in. Quickly scanning his security pass across the fazbear shaped sensor. His name popped up across the screen with a little animated Freddy bouncing up from behind it welcoming Him to another wonderful day at fazbears mega pizza plex.
Casper finally buttoned up the gray dickey work shirt tucking it in and pulling it out several time before forgoing the whole process and leaving it untucked, the worst that could happen is him running into Vanessa and her giving him another lecture about safety and regulation protocalls. Casper went back down to the main atrium, to work his way back to Freddy’s room. Of course he couldn't make it that far with out getting stopped several times by visitors with questions or requests.
He had helped a mother locate the Daycare so she could retrieve her four kids, the woman looked more in need of a solid nights sleep then Casper himself. He helped a child clean up a spilled Fizzy Faz and even helped get them another on using his employee code. Casper never could stand that overly sugary carbonated abomination Fazbear Entertainment passed off as soda. Helped another Older kid find her friend group that had wandered off to follow Roxy to get autographs. Thank god for the Faz watches Ability to locate guest.
Finally Casper made it to Rockstar Row, only to see the longest line he’s ever seen outside of Freddy’s door. The line was full of mostly Young children accompanied by parent or begrudging older siblings., a handful of pre-teens, and disturbingly several Adults with way to much enthusiasim for the prospects of meeting a robotic bear. Not that Casper had much room to talk seeing as how his first couple of days working at the pizza plex he too was overly ecstatic to be assigned as Freddy's Handler. Working your way past the line you tried to slip in behind Freddy into the rock star's room to wait out until the place closed down for the night which an hour and a half away..
Caper first occupied himself with the fairly easy task of tidying up the Room, making it presentable for the next mornings round of meet and greets. Freddy kept the place fairly clean to begin with. Typically all Casper only ever had to dust and pick up a few loose candy wrappers or a stray streamer from a birthday party that would get caught on Freddy's massive frame. Tonight was no different, a quick sweep, and it was ready. Casper looked down at his watch noting the time still having an hour till the announcement came for guest to make there way to the exits and for the rock star's to return to there rooms.
Casper decided to make the best of his free time and decided to stretch out on the bright red couch in the corner. The couch was only a little more comfortable then the ones in the lounge but almost twice as large to be able to support the weight and size of the animatronics. Using one of the many Fazbear Plushies that Freddy had in his room as a pillow, he completely sprawled across the cushions on his back looking up at the ceiling. He found himself counting the glow in the dark stars that were attached there and noticed how heavy he felt.
His eyelids felt like they weighed Fifty pounds each and his arm felt like the had anchors attached to them. He Imagined himself sinking into the couch and being surrounded by the upholstery and darkness. The silence he suddenly felt was jarring as he could no longer hear the bustling guest or the screaming children. He couldn't hear the faint buzz of the lights in the room, or the upbeat tone of Freddy greeting his adoring fans on the other side of the door.
Casper shot straight up from the couch. Feeling his heart pounding in his chest, his ears ringing and his eyes stinging from the lights flickering all around. Quickly trying to cover his eyes and ears, Casper sank to his knees. He could recognize he was having a panic attack, but could figure out how to calm it down. Instead starting to shake and hyperventilate. With each quick inhale he felt his head get lighter and lighter. The shapes on the carpet in front of him were blurry and moving. The buzzing from the lights started to sound louder and more like a high pitched scream. He could regain control of his breathing, he felt like he was trapped there it felt like it was hours of this disorienting feeling. As each second passed he felt more and more helpless, less in control. His vision went from blurry to white as he finally crumpled forward. He felt the scratchy carpet on his forehead as warm tears fell from his eyes, which were tightly squeezed shut. Not wanting to witness the pathetic display he was going through.
With a violent shake everything went black. Casper could feel any of the pain anymore. Could hear any of the sounds; it was all just black, But he felt warm. Not all over, Just in certain places a warmth that radiated out. He self like he could see himself, slumped over on the floor curled in on himself shaking but could say anything to himself. He watched as the image of himself slowly faded until it was just darkness again, and just like before his eyes snapped open.
Casper’s body jerked but he didn't move. Stuck in a loop his eyes quickly scanned the area. He wasn't on the ground. He wasn't staring at the colorful shapes on the carpet. He could see a blue lightning bolt. The blue lightning bolt is painted on Freddy's chest plate. He felt the same warmth, in certain places that was radiating throughout him. His eyes widened trying to comprehend the information. When he was brought from his own thoughts as Freddy spoke up.
“Hey Superstar-” His voice was quiet and with each word there was a soft vibration from the metal plate Casper’s cheek was pressed against “- are you with me now?” Freddy questions softly. Casper heard the whirring of the fans inside Freddy pick up, He felt Freddy shift slightly under him as Freddy tilted his head. There was a slow pulse of bright blue light as Freddy scanned Casper's form. Finally Casper was able to move something, turning his head slightly to look up at Freddy, who wore a concerned expression. Taking in the details of Freddy's features, Casper noted the downturned eyebrows, the wide expression displayed on the LED’s of Freddy’s eyes, Freddy’s Ear kept twitching up and down as if trying to listen for any small noise Casper would make.
Casper opened his mouth with so many questions running through his head but not able to form any of them into any actual sentences. He closed his mouth once again looking into Freddy’s eyes hoping for an answer to any of the questions running through his head, but to no avail as Freddy just stared back down at him with the same unmoving expression of worry.
Casper closed his eyes, dropped his head back down hearing a dull thunk against Freddy’s chest. Bring his hands up to his face again pressing the heels of his palms into his eyes until white spots dotted the inside of his eyelids. Holding his hands there for a moment longer before sliding them up into his hair and aggressively ruffling the mop he called hair. One every hair on his head and been disturbed he dragged his hands back down his face pulling his skin down dramatically, moving his hands to rub the sides and back of his neck letting his head fall forward as he finally stilled again.
Freddy watched each action Casper made carefully analyzing each motion, watching for destructive patterns. Once Casper stilled Freddy gently moved his hand that had been resting on Casper's back for support and started rubbing circles into the small of Casper’s back, while he searched through his database for any information on the actions he witnessed. Casper finally mumbled something quietly, which Freddy almost didn’t detect. His ears lowered as he returned his gaze to Casper who was still slumped over in his lap.
“What was that Superstar I didn't quite hear you?” Freddy ask. Casper Mumbles again only this time Freddy’s audio receptor picked up clearly what Casper had said.
“I’m sorry” Freddy couldn't figure out what in the world his handler could have been apologizing for. He stared down as Casper, his ears perking up and down as he played back through the situation he found Casper in.
—----
Freddy Had Had just finished his photo and autograph line as the intercoms rang out with the 10 minute warning to closing. As he waved off his last fan he had already started backing up towards his door. Eager to visit with his Handler. He had seen Casper sneak past him and go into his room so he tried to speed up the line as visiting with Casper was always his favorite part of the day.
As he turned into the room he saw something that terrified him. Casper was curled on the ground shaking uncontrollably. He rushed to Casper's side but as soon as He laid a hand on His handlers shoulder Casper's whole body went limp. Hands that had originally been tangled in his hair fell to the ground and his weight shifted him to the side causing him to splay out on the carpet in front of Freddy. His scans told him Casper didn't have any bodily injuries but his heart rate was dangerously elevated. Fearing the worst, Freddy comm'ed for The on site paramedic to come check Casper out.
The paramedic came to Freddy’s room, walking in to see Freddy sitting on the floor with Casper curled up in his lap, gently rocking side to side. Talking to casper trying to get a response. The paramedic opened up with a barrage of questions to Freddy. Question after question Freddy answered all the questions to the best he could, between each one he’d look down at Casper stroking the unconscious man’s hair. Freddy's ear’s were lowered, as he watched Casper while the paramedic pulled up The Employee File for his handler. A few moments later the paramedic let out a sigh of relief, which caused Freddy to perk his ears and look at them.
The paramedic them proceeded to Explain in the employee file that Casper had a severe anxiety Disorder and from everything he could tell Casper just suffered an anxiety attack, and that in his professional opinion Casper needed to seek medical confirmation, but in the current state of the pizza plex being closed and the only medical facility being open is the emergency room that as long as Freddy kept a keen eye on his handler for the night that he would be safe. He’d make a note in the system for the next paramedic to check in with Casper before his shift ended filling him in on the situation. Saying good night to the nice paramedic Freddy carried Casper over to the couch Insistent on staying with him until he regained consciousness. The entire time Freddy waited for Casper to wake up. He kept talking to Casper, talking about his day, with a soft low voice, occasionally petting Casper's hair, or readjusting the man in his lap so he wouldn’t be uncomfortable.
After an hour Freddy went into sleep mode to preserve his battery so he wouldn't have to leave Casper to go charge. He was brought out of sleep mode when Casper Jerked awake.
Freddy was just happy to see him awake. Freddy had to resist immediately Squeezing Casper into a big bear hug, but now Casper's apologizing. Freddy Doesn't understand much about these panic attacks yet but the paramedic did say to make sure Casper was comforted and resting when he came back. So that's what Freddy's gonna do.
Casper hasn’t moved since the mumbled apology, so Freddy gently pulls the man into an embrace, rubbing his arm reassuringly like he has seen many mothers do to crying children. Casper doesn't react to the change so he continues.
Casper sits in Freddy’s arms willing back another stream of tears as he hears Freddy's fans kick on again, The soft whirring gives his brain something else to focus on, so he sits there listening to the rhythmic tic of the fan as it spins. His hands still folded in his lap, absentmindedly picking at the skin around his nails. He wants to say something, Anything to Freddy but he can’t think of what to say other than more apologies, so he instead stays quiet.
Minutes go by like this with Freddy petting Casper's arm and Casper counting the ticks on the fan, when it finally clicks off, snapping Casper back to reality. Casper feels the tension in his neck and his back from sitting in the hunched over position Freddy has him in. He tried to readjust without too much movement so as to not alert Freddy. However Freddy caught on immediately and released Casper from the bear hug. Freddy breaks the silence.
“How are you feeling, Super-uh Cas-Casper?” He stumbles over his words. Which does manage to get a small chuckle from his Handler. Casper Slides off of Freddy’s lap as sitting sideways on metal legs is not the most comfortable thing to do. Pulling his knees to his chest and resting his chin on his knees, he thinks about how best to respond. Freddy sits awaiting an answer, just hoping to hear Casper say anything. He taps his claws absently on the sofa. When Casper finally Starts to answer.
“Honestly Big Guy,” there was a pause and Casper had to hold back the tears again. He didn't know why he was going to be so honest. He never told anyone how he really felt after an attack. He hated feeling vulnerable but at this point Freddy's already seen him at his worst so what more damage could this do, Right? “ I'm really exhausted, and im - im annoyed that this happened in the first place-” and then the emotions kicked in and Casper couldn't stop the flood of tears or the words coming out of his mouth as he just let it all out sitting next to Freddy. “ And I’m really sorry you had to deal with this. I'm sorry you had to waste your time handling me in such a pathetic state. I'm sorry I couldn't just keep it-keep it together until i got home. I honestly don't even know what set this off–” and the apologies kept flowing for anything and everything Casper could think about apologizing for. Casper wiped at the tears on his face only for them to promptly be replaced with new ones.
Freddy couldn't stand to see Casper, his handler crying so much. He wanted to help and make it better, so he did the only other thing he could think of to distract Casper and it was something so stupid, that it had to work. Freddy leaned over to and gently pressed his nose against the top of Casper’s head.
*Squeak*
Freddy didn’t know why they put a squeaker in the nose of a 7ft tall robot but it was one of his best kept secrets. Casper's snuffled a little, and the smallest giggle escaped. So Freddy did it again only thing time against Casper's arm, and then his cheek and then back on the top of his head. At this point Casper was laughing and pushing Freddy's face back from his own. Casper wiped away the tears and this time they stayed at bay. Freddy's ears perked up and wiggled with delight, which earned another giggle from his handler.
Casper Gentle reaches out and pokes Freddy's nose again earning another soft squeak. Casper smiles up at Freddy and laughs again.
“Thank you Freddy” Casper says before lunging across the gap formed by the nose Boop onslaught and wraps his arms around Freddy's neck in a tight hug. Of course Freddy returns the hug with equal exuberance. Freddy tries to turn his head in a way to get another squeak in but is unsuccessful as Casper buries his face further between the space of Freddy’s jaw and shoulder. Casper felt Freddy's laugh vibrate through his chest. Making his smile even more. Freddy brought his hand back up to Casper’s hair. Running his fingers up threw the hair and gently ruffled it at the base of his head, Knowing that's one of Casper's favorite forms of affection. Freddy feels Casper relax against him had he continued flattening out his hair then promptly ruffling it back up.
Casper mumbles another soft thank you into Freddy's shoulder as he dozes back off into a peaceful and much needed sleep. Freddy's ears wiggled in delight as he went back into sleep mode. Since he already got the low battery message across his optical display, It could wait till Casper woke back up.
Probably.