The Kids Weren't Okay || FNAF

2 || Fredbear's Family Diner, November 1973

(Unedited, Not Proofread, 4810 words)
Trigger Warnings: None (correct me if I'm wrong)

"Well folks, this is it. The diner I've been telling you all about for the past few weeks is finally having its grand opening this weekend. Fredbear's Family Diner, owned and operated by Henry Emily and William Afton, will be opening up this Saturday, November tenth at eleven o'clock. Bring out the family for some celebratory fun, in-house-cooked meals, and the weekend-long grand opening prices that are well worth the food you'll be paying for. With a lively atmosphere, modern music, and first-of-their-kind animatronic mascots, Fredbear's Family Diner will provide the entire family with something to enjoy and marvel at. And, for those with dietary restrictions, there are vegetarian options and specialized menus so everyone can feel included. To get a slice of the action, join us at the diner— located just past the fruit market and two streets down from the old Baptist Church— and come see for yourself why my family will be making weekly trips to this lovely establishment. This is Olivia Radley signing off for the night, I hope you all enjoy the rest of the broadcast and remember to pop back in tomorrow for the latest stories and community updates." 

William Afton had had relatively low expectations for how the first day of their business would turn out. He hadn't mentioned it to Henry or to Clara, but he expected the tables to be sparsely populated and for the doors to be rarely opened. There was nothing in his mind to tip him off to this being an immediately successful business endeavor. After all, he and Henry were not big names in the community, and the fliers that they had put up had rarely drawn the attention of pedestrians. The most attention they had gotten recently was people stopping by the front door and peering in through the window whilst the men cleaned the dining area and worked on their robotics. They hadn't gotten any 'I'll be back when your open's or 'I'll tell my family about you's. William had no intentions to go home to his wife with good stories to tell or money to show for his work. 

But he had greatly underestimated the influence of the Radley family, a mistake that Henry Emily had not made himself. 

Outside of the diner, people lined the streets with smiles on their faces and their voices raised above each other. Families with small children stood waiting for the doors to open, their little ones running around their legs and around the wide sidewalk as cars rolled slowly on by. The sidewalk was an explosion of colors— somewhat because of the clothes but otherwise because of the chalk Henry had offered the kids thirty minutes ago, when he had noticed the crowds beginning to form. It seemed to the two men that the entire town had come, and while William wondered how Olivia had managed to rally all of them together, Henry smiled in admiration of and thanks for her efforts. She and her family had been offered the first table, but she— in all her loveliness— had offered to greet people at the door instead, practically working a shift alongside the workers the two men had hired. 

The Radley family arrived twenty minutes before the place opened, and Henry greeted both of the adults with a hug and an exclamation of thanks. Benjamin, who had met Henry before and would often refer to the man as "Uncle Em", rushed forward and hugged the man's legs. Henry, who had no children but had always wanted one, picked the boy up as he explained how the day would work to the newcomers. Olivia soaked in every word he said, nodding and offering herself up for any job she could handle. Alexander followed along well, holding Amelia in his arms as she rested her head on his shoulder. William joined them midway through the explanation, and Henry made sure to cover every detail. 

Henry put himself in charge, and nobody minded that. William was set to be in control of the mascots, which would be worn as suits on the first day so that they could walk around and greet people. The two suits would be worn by new employees rather than the men themselves, that way they could spend their time making sure the diner ran smoothly. Alexander assumed the role of babysitter, mostly because he had worked another rough case the past week. He took his two children and Michael— who was found walking around on the stage— to a table and set up coloring sheets and toys for them. Olivia, who quickly met with all the staff and introduced herself without Henry's aid, became the resident jack-of-all-trades. She offered to greet the customers, wait tables if she needed, run food when asked, and clean up afterwards. Henry was more than thankful for her, and after giving the woman another hug— the two were both fond of hugs—, he set the team into motion.