...Well, my promises aparently mean nothing! But I do have a reason for being late. Our schedule for the show that's playing at our theatre is really wacky and since this is its last week here it's been pretty crazy. I was trying to get the chapter ready but I had to make some priorities. Unfortunately next week's update might be a bit late too cause I have a lot of things planned, but the week after should be good to go! Hopefully.

As a side note, I just want to say thank you guys! All your comments for this story have been amazing so far! I do need to try and ease your minds a bit though. A lot of you seem to get really concerned or freaked out when I don't update on time and somehow think that I'm quiting the story. Nope. We're going for the long run! This story is a part of my morning and evening routine now and it's staying there. I'm determined to get to my favourite scene which is at the end of the story. So we're getting there! No need to worry. But the one guest (who didn't leave their name) who wrote out the lyrics for 'Upgrade' but with 'Update' in it was absolutely amazing! You guys always find great ways to make me smile and laugh every day! Thank you so much :)

Disclaimer: I do not own 'Be More Chill' or any of it's adaptations or content.

Replaced

Chapter X

~Helpless~

"Michael, don't stall. You'll make the situation worse if you arrive uncomfortably late," Reese chastised as they leaned against the door frame. Michael shot them a glare through the bathroom mirror before sighing. Focusing his gaze on his own reflection he looked himself over. He was wearing his usual red hoodie and jeans, his iconic white headphones placed carefully around his neck. He didn't look any different, no one would even know he was planning to go out a party. As usual he didn't really care how he dressed, so spending time looking in the mirror was pointless…but if there was one thing the computer was right about it was that he was stalling. He didn't want to go. He'd been avoiding Rich every chance he got since the fight to spare his anxiety, but - he had to admit - not talking to Rich was also peaking his anxiety. He couldn't deal with it, and a part of him was too ashamed to try. A party was the last thing he needed, but - once again - everyone was peer pressuring him to go, and more forcefully than before. Well, more on Chloe's part. Of course once Reese heard about it that was it.

Michael rubbed his forearms together lightly, letting the fabric of his sweater sooth his mind.

"Michael," the SQUIP called again, more gently this time. The teen sighed and looked over at the computer. Reese was looking at his wrists before slowly trailing up to his eyes. "Are you leaving or not?"

"Don't be so desperate or I might think you're up to something and stay," Michael warned with a small grin. It would be the perfect excuse to tell himself, not so much to fend the others off with but still. Reese stared at him flatly, clearly unimpressed.

"I never took you as an avoider."

"I never took you as caring."

"Despite what you may believe, Rich doesn't hate you - or even dislikes you. So, do everyone a favour and go talk with him," the SQUIP huffed. Michael let out a breath and gave the floor a hard look.

"Fine."

"But, before you go," Reese straightened, "One adjustment."

"No," Michael warned darkly as he took a step back from the approaching computer, "You are not my SQUIP, so don't you dare."

"One adjustment. It's so small you'll hardly notice," Reese reasoned, motioning with their hand how small the request was. The teen shook his head.

"No."

"Can I at least show you? I would never know if you reversed it behind my back."

"No. Once you start you'll never stop."

"Over dramatic."

"Its true, you're not denying it."

"Michael, you may find that appearing a certain way can boost your confidence. It may help in approaching Rich. Besides, I doubt you'll ever let me get away with anything more than small adjustments," the SQUIP bargained. Michael shook his head but the computer stepped up anyways. "Just unzip your sweater."

"What?" the teen questioned.

"Unzip your sweater. That's it."

"Why?"

"It'll make you appear more aloof and confident. You don't have the personality to beam confidence through your sweater – or at least not with this crowd. You shouldn't seem antisocial at a party," the SQUIP explained while crossing their arms.

"Maybe I don't want to socialize," Michael retorted.

"I know at the very least you want to with Jeremy and Rich. This will subliminally tell them so."

"I doubt my sweater will do that."

"You'd be surprised."

"Quit it, I'm not unzipping." The teen took a last glance in the mirror before slipping past the SQUIP and into the living room. "Do I even want to know what you'll be doing while I'm gone?"

"Being a good little SQUIP," Reese answered mockingly as they followed the boy out. Michael glared at their grin.

"Seriously."

"I think you mean 'elaborate'. In addition to being a good computer, and since I am forbidden to do anything outside your home, tonight I will rot my brain away with your television," they replied with a smirk.

"Good. Your brain needs to go," Michael retorted with a grin of his own.

"Very funny."

"You set yourself up."

"I'm aware," Reese sighed, unamused, "In addition to that I will also be reevaluating my injuries while you're gone." Michael blinked surprised before looking the computer over. They had been doing so well recently he forgot they were still recovering.

"Oh, you don't want me here for that?" he asked concerned. He didn't want the SQUIP to think he wouldn't help them when their hurt. Reese shook their head with a small smile.

"I can manage. I've done so all this time without your aid, I can continue." Their answer pulled a frown on the teen's face. He didn't realize the computer was doing so much without him noticing.

"I really don't mind. You're hurt, you shouldn't be straining yourself at all," he offered. Reese shook their head.

"I'm alright."

"How can you act like you're not hurting? Aren't you in pain?"

"A trade secret."

"…Reese, you're not doing a SQUIP thing to hide your feelings, are you?" The SQUIP hesitated for a moment and that was all the confirmation the teen needed to give a disapproving look.

"Its not what you think," Reese reasoned.

"I think it's exactly what I think."

"I'm not hiding my emotions. I am simply blocking some of my senses so that I can function without feeling pain. There is only so much I can do offline but now that I'm being fueled by the Mountain Dew I can do more than I did before," they explained. The teen's jaw dropped.

"You did not just tell me you're nerve blocking yourself!"

"Michael, it's completely natural-"

"There's nothing natural about it! You can't just block out pain when it's convenient! You're going to start doing that with emotional pain too and become an emotionless heap! You have to feel, Reese!"

"I can't function to the best of my abilities if I'm under constant pain," Reese argued.

"You're not a SQUIP anymore, you don't have to function at the best of your abilities. You just have to…be," Michael retorted. Reese stared.

"…After I'm healed," they offered slowly. The teen narrowed his eyes.

"No, you're trying to get out of it now," he sighed, softening his voice, "I get it, it's scary. You've probably never felt pain like this before. But you have the luxury of being in a quiet space where you can learn to deal with it without judgement or responsibilities."

"Without judgement?" Reese scoffed with a raised brow.

"I'm not going to make fun of your injuries or think you're less of a dick because you're in pain," Michael retorted.

"…I'm still not fully convinced, but…I suppose the faster I let my mind adjust to pain the faster I will get used to them. Then I wont be caught off-guard in a situation where I've lost all contact with my SQUIP abilities. Though, the chances of that happening is slim if not non-existent," Reese resigned, almost speaking to themselves.

"Are you going to do it tonight?"

"There's no reason not to."

"I should stay here, then," Michael declared while crossing his arms, "You shouldn't be alone."

"Absolutely not," Reese retorted, mimicking the teen's actions, "You're going to that party, Michael Mell, whether you like it or not."

"This is more important. You can't tell me a stupid party matters more," the teen argued.

"You're right, this is more important. But I can wait until you get back to turn it off. You need to talk to Rich or it'll eat at your brain until you do." Michael sighed.

"I don't remember why you care."

"Other than it breaks ties with the human harboring Kert? Believe it or not I don't want you stressing over this. It worsens your mental health and, honestly, this SQUIP business is intense enough without adding to it." The teen gave a small nod as he tapped his arm in thought. Slowly his body hunched as he looked away. Reese took a step forward, "It's just another party. You've been to many before and you can do it again."

"Yeah, just another party. Another party to stand alone in the corner awkwardly until I can go home. Only this time I have to awkwardly apologize to Rich! Yeah, I'm fine. Nothing triggering my anxiety at all," Michael answered sarcastically, taking in a deep breath to help calm his nerves. Reese offered a small smile.

"Well, not completely alone. I'm sure you'll call every five minute to make sure I'm behaving. So, I suppose I'll be there in spirit," they comforted. The teen gave a flat look before rolling his eyes.

"Woop-dee-doo, I'm so blessed," he replied sarcastically. The SQUIP chuckled.

"A distraction's a distraction. Take it or leave it."

"I can't leave it or you'll misbehave."

"I might surprise you."

"Doubt it."

"Go to the party," Reese ushered, lightly motioning for the teen to go upstairs, "You'll draw attention to yourself the longer you stall. Don't make the situation worse." Michael sighed.

"Fine, but…just…stay by the phone." With that the teen ascended the stairs, missing the chuckle from the SQUIP behind him.

~oOo~

He knew he was anxious, but he didn't realize how terrified he was until he was standing outside Chloe's door. For the first time ever he was going to a party alone - without Jeremy by his side. The attention would all be on him. Michael couldn't think of any reason to not turn and run right now. He could always talk to Rich at school, he didn't need to go to the party. But apparently the party was a big deal. He wasn't told why, it just was. Jeremy wasn't pushy about it like normal, but Chloe definitely was. He guessed, if he needed a reason to stay, it would be to not leave Jeremy alone, even if Christine would be there. But, then again, his best friend could manage one night without him, couldn't he?

"Michael Mell!" a voice shouted and he jumped. Startled he looked at the open door where Chloe Valentine was staring expectantly at him. How did she know he was there? Did she see him through the window? Or was she waiting for him? No, that didn't make sense. She wasn't a fan of his. "Are you coming or not?" Unable to find his voice to answer he awkwardly approached the door.

"H-Hey," he greeted quietly as she took a step to the side.

"Took you long enough," she chastised as she closed the door behind him. To his slight relief the party was already in full swing. Unfortunately, more eyes than he would have liked were on him. Stepping up beside him, Chloe smiled coyly, "You know the drill, go and mingle." With that she left him alone.

Michael hesitantly stayed by the door. He didn't know what to do. Gazing around the room his eyes immediately found Rich. The shorter teen was sitting beside a beer pong table, watching the game distantly. He didn't seem interested in what was happening but instead fidgeted nervously in his seat. Michael took a shuttered breath. He didn't think he was ready to talk to Rich, not yet. Luckily, Jeremy caught his eye not too far away and he instead moved towards his best friend.

Jeremy was talking with Christine on the couch, their conversation seeming sort of serious. Michael felt his stomach tighten but he cautiously approached anyways. "Am I…interrupting anything?" he questioned slowly. Jeremy's eyes immediately snapped to his.

"Michael!" he greeted as he motioned for his friend to join them.

"You're not interrupting anything," Christine assured kindly. Michael smiled as he sat down on the ottoman across from them.

"H-How have you been?" Jeremy stuttered, nervousness in his voice. Michael hesitated, his stomach tightening once more before he shrugged.

"Fine. Just doing homework and stuff," he eluded. He knew his answer didn't convince Jeremy but Christine interjected before his friend could question him further.

"Hey, Michael! Did you know there's a bootleg of Hamilton going around?" she questioned excitedly. Michael smiled at her, grateful for the change of subject.

"Um, no. I haven't been on my computer other than to do homework. Was it good?"

"So good! We need to see it live!"

"Haha, first thing we'll do when we're rich."

"Why haven't you been on your computer?" Jeremy questioned with a furrowed brow. "You're always on it."

"Oh, I've- uh…I've been busy. I'm replaying some old games," Michael answered with a fake smile. Jeremy let out a laugh.

"Trying to beat your speed run?"

"You know it." The teen was happy that the conversation was going smoothly. Jeremy had taken the bait and it was a welcome change. Honestly, the last thing he needed was another problem to deal with. His smile quickly faltered when he saw Jeremy's mood shift back to nervousness.

"H-Hey, um…about the other day…" the taller teen started, eyes shifting to meet anywhere but his friend. Christine shot Jeremy a warning glance but didn't say anything as Michael stared in horror. Jeremy bit his lip slightly before continuing, "I – uh…I wanted to explain…you know, what-"

"Michael!" All three teens jumped in their seats as they looked at the offending voice. Rich was standing by the couch, huffing slightly as though he just run there, eyes locked on Michael. "When did you get here?!"

"I – Uh…I don't know, a few minutes ago?" he answered nervously, his anxiety rising. Rich nodded though he didn't seem any less calm.

"We need to talk," he stated firmly. Michael glanced from Jeremy to Christine nervously. Jeremy seemed too stunned to say anything and Christine looked just as anxious as him, but with more concern.

"…Sure," he replied slowly, unsure if he was ready. But he knew the faster he talked to Rich the faster it would be over. Hesitantly he stood and followed the shorter male out of the room. He wasn't sure where they were going, which only making his nerves worsen. Soon enough he noticed that the teen was leading him back to the front door. Cautiously he followed Rich outside.

It was a nice refreshment to be away from the claustrophobic environment but he was sure this somehow brought more attention then seclusion. After Rich checked that no one else was there he turned to Michael.

"So…" he started slowly, scratching the back of his head. Michael bit his lip, waiting for the other to speak first. Rich sighed, "I'm sorry. I…I'm really, really sorry. I didn't mean to…to…" he motioned to Michael's arms, unable to get his words out. Michael rubbed the spot lightly in memory.

"Don't…I'm sorry," he whispered, "I shouldn't have gotten mad at you…or said you were like…you know."

"I should have told you," Rich argued, "About Jeremy."

"I wish you did…but that doesn't make what I said any better. I'm sorry."

"Me too." They were both quiet for a moment, offering each other a small smile. Rich continued, "Next time, I promise I'll tell. It must have freaked you out to hear it from Neo."

"Rich," Michael hissed before glancing back at the house. Anyone could have be eavesdropping.

"Shit! Sorry," Rich apologized quickly. Michael sighed.

"It's fine…and yeah, it did freak me out. You don't know how that feels, Rich. Finding everything out from them. We're supposed to be a team. Us against them, remember?" The shorter teen looked away, letting out a breath.

"Yeah, but...I'm tired of sides. I get it, they're evil. And there are other evil people looking for them. But…I'm tired of bouncing between being loyal to you or to Jeremy or to Kert…" his voice got quiet at the end. Michael stared at him for a long moment.

"Rich-"

"I know! I know Kert's bad for me and I don't know what I'm saying! But…they're different now. They aren't doing any of that shit anymore. They can't, and…" Rich sighed, "I don't hate them. I keep trying to but…I don't. I hate certain things they do - or did - but…I don't hate them. And I'm sorry but I don't."

"Rich," Michael voiced quietly before glancing away, "I get it. Kert was there for you for years. It's hard to let that go or distrust them when they probably never failed you. Honestly…it's hard imagining everything you and Jeremy said being real when they're like this. There's a part of me that doubts Reese did all those things even when they straight out tell me they did. Because they're so…"

"Different," Rich finished. Michael nodded.

"But that doesn't change that it did happen. You can't forget that. I'm not saying you need to hate Kert but…don't forget what they did. I don't think after everything they did it's fair to forgive them so easily. If they really have changed…or are changing into decent human beings then they need to earn that from you," he continued. Rich nodded slowly though there was still doubt in his eyes.

"…For what it's worth…I'm glad you were there that night. Or I'd be dealing with this with Jeremy right now…or alone. And I doubt Jeremy would be as tough as you are with Reese. Heck, they wouldn't even be named that!" he exclaimed.

"Well, I wouldn't have been there if you hadn't invited me to hang out," Michael answered with a small smile. Rich gave an awkward laugh, scratching the back of his neck.

"Yeah…guess things would have been a lot different if you weren't there…or if they weren't."

"What do you mean? If they weren't there things would be the same as always," Michael retorted confused.

"Well…" Rich trailed off. Michael's eyes widened when he noticed the slight blush on the others cheeks and the embarrassment in his eyes.

"Rich," he pressed slowly. Rich looked down at his feet, fidgeting awkwardly.

"Its just…you know…I didn't want to just 'hang out' that night," he confessed, slowly looking at the other with a sheepish grin, "Or at least not in the way you'd think." Michael stared at him mortified. Rich's smile quickly faded when his friend's expression didn't change. "I-It was a mistake! I-I was just trying to make Jake jealous and…you know…get some steam out. But you're a cute guy, Michael! Who knows where we could have ended up! We could have been…you know, dating, if it weren't for them." Michael shook his head. He couldn't believe it. He was right about Rich, about what he wanted that night. He was right to have been cautious with him. Rich was going to use him. The shorter teen talked like they should be blaming the SQUIPs for ruining their night when in reality he should be thanking them for helping him avoid the situation. He didn't want to sleep with Rich. He was still adjusting to being friends with him let alone thinking of him in a romantic light. What was even more infuriating is that this statement only fueled the rumoring going around about them. Rich had wanted the rumour to happen.

"Ha! Knew it!" a voice boasted nearby. Both teens jumped and looked around. To Michael's horror a window nearby was open and the curtains pulled back. His friends were all watching through the window. They all shared looks of guilt except for two. Chloe looked smug and Jeremy…Jeremy seemed panicked and confused. He looked suspicious. Michael's stomach tightened.

"See? They're totally dating," Chloe continued, motioning to the two. "Now kiss!"

"Chloe," Brooke hushed, "Rich said they weren't."

"But he wants to."

"I-I didn't say that," Rich defended weakly.

"Come on, when will you two kiss and make up?" Chloe questioned annoyed.

"There's obviously another guy," Jenna pointed out, "They said someone interrupted them."

"Who?! Who's this mystery guy?" Chloe questioned half appalled and half excited.

"No one!" Rich tried unsuccessfully.

"Is it the guy Michael keeps calling?" the popular girl asked suggestively. Michael's heart froze, his hand tightening around the phone in his pocket. He didn't remember when he grabbed it, but now he couldn't let it go. His eyes widened even more when he noticed Jeremy moving away from the window, heading towards the door, Jake right behind him.

"Leave us be. It's none of your business," Rich defended, stepping in front of Michael. But the other teen didn't feel very safe.

"Michael," Jeremy called as he exited the house and approached the pair. Michael shook his head, taking a step back. The taller teen hesitated but continued forward. "Michael, what's happening?"

"Nothing! Stay out of it, Jer," Rich warned, though panic was in his eyes.

"Rich," Jake scolded disapprovingly.

"Its none of your business!"

"How is it not?" Jeremy questioned, his confidence coming out, "You two are hiding something and it's scaring us! O-Or me…no, us! What's going on? Who do you keep calling? Why does only Rich know? Who stopped you the night of the party? Who do you keep talking about? And does it have anything to do with SQUIPs? Or was that fight the other day about me bringing it up?" Rich looked at Michael nervously but Michael didn't return the gaze. He was staring at the ground, refusing to acknowledge he even heard what the taller teen asked.

"Back off, Tall-Ass," Rich growled, turning his heated eyes towards said teen. Jeremy gulped slightly but stood his ground. He wanted answers.

RING…

Everyone's eyes snapped to Michael at the sound. The teen's watery eyes widened.

…RING…

Slowly he slid his phone out of his pocket. He could feel the device vibrating in his hand as stared at the ID. His house. Reese. His heart pounded in his chest as he stared at it. Should he answer? In front of Jeremy? No, he couldn't. But to be pulled away from the disaster that this was…a distraction. Could he even call it that? It was more of a 'postponing disaster' phone call.

Without realizing he made a decision he answered the phone.

His voice died in his throat. He didn't know what to say and was too stunned by the fact that he answered to say the first thing that came to mind. He couldn't just say their name with so many witnesses. They would never stop questioning him about it until they knew more about the person behind the name. "Hello?" he whispered, his voice hoarse.

"Michael, get home. Now."

"W-What?"

"Get home, now. Tell Rich to stay where he is, then get in your car and drive. They're coming." Michael's eyes widened as he stared at the shorter teen. Rich's eyes reflected his anxiety.

"What? What's wrong?" he asked panicked. Michael shook his head.

"Stay here," he passed on, barely above a whisper. Without warning he turned and rushed over to his car.

"Wha – Michael!" Rich called frantically.

"Michael, wait!" Jeremy joined. A few more voices called his name but he didn't care to identify them.

"Stay here," he repeated as loudly as he could manage, turning to look Rich dead in the eyes. Rich and Jeremy paused in their steps towards him. The shorter teen seemed indecisive but got the hint that something was wrong. Jeremy was more lost than ever on the situation, more panicked and concerned for his best friend than before. Michael's heart tightened again.

Hesitantly he got into his car.

~oOo~

"Michael," the SQUIP greeted as soon as the teen walked inside the house. They were waiting for him. Before Michael could answer Reese was already by his side locking the door.

"Wha-"

"Don't speak. Just follow and listen," the SQUIP instructed as they took the teen's arm and quickly guided them to the basement. Michael let out a few stunned sounds, trying to figure out what was happening. As Reese pulled him along they continued.

"They're nearby, the one's searching for us. They're scanning for our location. We've managed to avoid their detection this long but if they get physically close enough neither of our offline modes will be able to protect us from being found."

"H-How do they know you're here?" Michael questioned, his voice cracking.

"They don't. They're searching. I felt their presence so they must be searching the whole area. They'll be here soon," Reese answered, letting Michael's arm go now that they were down the stairs.

"What do we do?" the teen asked frightened. What could they do? To answer his question the SQUIP walked around the kitchen counter and picked up the two objects on it. A bottle of vodka and a shot glass. Michael looked at them skeptically. "You're gonna get drunk?"

"No. A shot should be more than enough to…turn me off," Reese answered slowly, looking at the bottle wearily. Michael looked from the bottle back to the SQUIP.

"…What does that mean? What'll it do to you?"

"…I don't know…and Kert hasn't woken up yet to tell me if they're alright…"

"Kert did it?! Alone?!"

"They had no choice, their home was being checked. Which is why it's best if Rich doesn't go home, it could cause suspicion. If they think his home is empty and someone of Kert's description is not at the party than they will most likely assume that Kert is not with Rich. Especially if all of your friend's homes are also cleared, including yours," they answered, eyeing the bottle of vodka again wearily. Michael tried clearing his throat.

"W-What do you think will happen? Before, did you just turn off?" he asked, his voice cracking again to his dread. Reese's eyes shifted to him.

"My speech would change to my native tongue, I'd be unable to make clear calculations or full coherent sentences and then I would shut off."

"Native tongue?"

"Japanese."

"Oh, right...wont they be suspicious that I'm home?"

"Maybe, but as long as they can't find me your name should be cleared."

"…Will they check the house? Physically?"

"No, they'll only scan for me." Reese turned their body to fully face the teen, "I only need you to watch me. Not consistently but enough to know that I'm…functioning." Michael slowly nodded, trying to swallow the lump in his throat unsuccessfully. Stepping around the teen, Reese walked towards the fridge. Swiftly they pulled a bottle of Mountain Dew out.

"In case of emergency use this," they instructed while handing the bottle to the other. Michael hesitantly took it, holding it loosely in his hands. Reese watched him for a long moment before continuing, "And…if I seem fine but don't a wake within the next hour, start shaking it."

"What?" the teen questioned startled.

"For every minute I don't wake up, shake it. I'll more than deserve the outcome."

"And if I shake it either way?"

"I'll take the risk." Michael stared at them for a long moment before slowly looking at the bottle. The computer was putting a lot of trust in him…a weight he didn't know if he could handle.

A hand was placed on his shoulder and he looked back up at the SQUIP. "But above anything, swear you'll not leave my body's side. No matter what. Even if someone's at the door – if Jeremy's at the door. Or for anything. Don't leave my side. Don't…risk it. When I wake up, we'll talk," Reese instructed gently. Michael's brow furrowed. He wasn't sure at first why the SQUIP was pressing the matter, but now…he had suspicions. Bad suspicions. Did they…know? He glanced down.

"…Don't worry about me. I'm fine."

"You aren't. But-" Reese paused, eyes glowing slightly as they stared at the space beside the teen. Michael's heart clenched up, waiting anxiously for the SQUIP to respond. After a moment they began to move again, grabbing Michael's arm and lightly pushing him towards the chairs. "They're near. Quick." Michael didn't argue as he raced to his chair and sat down. Reese was shortly behind him as they grabbed the vodka and glass. Sitting they poured themselves a shot. They stared at it wearily for a moment before downing it. Michael bit his lip.

"…Are you sure you'll be okay?"

"No, and it's too late to change my mind," Reese replied as they reclined in their seat, trying to get comfortable though their face didn't hide any of their nervousness.

"Will an hour be enough?" Michael whispered.

"If I successfully make it through an hour then it should be harmless to take another shot," the SQUIP answered. The teen nodded slightly, watching the computer intently. Every second burned like a year had passed. He didn't know if he'd be able to handle the next hour, but what else could he do? He was helpless. All he could do is watch, and wait - being left with nothing but his consuming thoughts on the night's events.

A/N: Lucky for Michael he was whisked away from the party, only to get thrown back into the SQUIP world. Will he be okay?