Question of Freedom {Freedom AU} [Book One]

Chapter Nine

It was a new night at this new location, and everyone was getting to know each other. Standing in the doorway of Kid's Cove, Foxy and Vixen were engaged in conversation. The two seemed to get along fairly well so far. "So, you used to have your own stage?"

"Aye, I did." Foxy confirmed, smiling a bit proudly. "Though, me show ended up being closed not long b'fore the restaurant did." He said, now sounding a little disappointed. "Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. Why was it?" Vix wondered, still sounding a bit curious. "Ta make a long tale short, ther' was an accident wit' one of the guests. I, erm... don't really want ta talk 'bout it."

"Well, I hope you get to perform again some day." Vixen commented, smiling. Foxy shared a similar smile.

Elsewhere in the building, Toy had just finished 'showing' Bonnie around. It was her idea, and seeing as she seemed nice, the bunny had no obligations. "Well, that's the last of the party rooms!" Toy chirped, looking to Bonnie. "My, this place seems so huge!"

"And your guys' place sounded so tiny!" Toy mirrored. The two laughed a little.

"I've got a question." The bunny told. "'Toy'. Is that a nickname?" Toy nodded, before verbally answering with, "Yes, it is." She confirmed. "So, what's your actual name?" Bonnie wondered. "The boss and employees call me 'Toy Chica'." Smirking, Bonnie specified, "That's not what I meant."

"I know," Toy began. "I just... don't really like using my real name, is all." Somehow, the blind bunny was able to tell that wasn't a full truth. However, he thought it impolite to pry any further. "Okay, then."

"Hey, you wanna see something?" Toy said, suddenly realizing her choice of words. "Oh! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-!" Bonnie laughed. "No offense taken, don't worry." Sighing in a bit of relief, Toy laughed a little too. "What do you wanna show me?"

"Here, come with me!" Taking the bunny's hand again, Toy led him through the building. The two went across the main room, and into the smaller, front dining area. The kitchen was also located there, along with a smaller door off to the side. Toy led Bonnie to it, and opened it. The two went inside. "Watch out, there's a small staircase here."

"Where are you taking me??" Bonnie wondered, as Toy helped him up the handful of steps. "The boss has a bookcase in his office. I like coming up here to read them sometimes." She answered, as they made it to the top. While Toy reached above the door frame for a hidden lock pick, Bonnie then asked, "How did you know his office was here?"

"Well, sometimes I entertain guests in that smaller dining area." She began, unlocking the office door. "I noticed the boss going into that door, and he didn't come back out until closing. I figured it was his office." As the door opened, Toy replaced the pick. "Bonbell and I were curious to see what was up here, so he helped me make a lock pick for the door. Been sneaking in here ever since!"

"And you haven't gotten caught yet?" Bonnie asked her, as she helped him to a small office sofa. "Nope!" She chirped, going to find a book. "What genre do you like?" She asked him, looking over titles she's read before. "... Um, I don't really know."

"What?" Staying silent, Bonnie felt as though he'd offended her. "Have you never read a book before?" The bunny shrugged, realizing her offense was somewhat sarcastic. "I'm... not sure." Toy gave a small, dramatic gasp. "Well then, I'll have to fix that!" She proclaimed, pulling out a generic romance novel, which wasn't half bad.

"The boss really only has romance, mystery and non-fiction." Toy explained, going to sit next to the bunny. "In my opinion, the romance one's don't look like they've been read, so they're probably for show."

"Did you pick a romance?" Bonnie asked, scooting closer towards her. "Yeah. Why? Don't think it's your taste?" The bunny shook his head a little. "No, romance is fine." Toy nodded, opening to the first page. "Alright then, settle in. I think I'll make it to at least chapter seven–unless you interrupt me with questions." Bonnie chuckled. "I'll try not to."