Before he knew it, two hours had flown by. Randy had become so engrossed in the book he almost caused himself to be late for the meeting. Despite initial doubts, the book was, in fact, incredibly useful. He set it aside on the nightstand, mentally promising himself to pick it up again later.
He then realised that, despite it having been a few hours since his last class had finished, his room was still as vacant as it had been when he'd entered. It was only after begging and pleading that Randy would ever be able to get Mike to leave the room, so to do so of his own conviction struck Randy as odd. Shrugging it off, figuring it was probably the library his roommate had gone to, he made his way out.
Along the way, Randy couldn't help but nervously fumble his way through his thoughts. This was going to be the first time he'd spoken to Johnny since the awkward moment he'd left him at his own party. He wasn't sure what to expect; a friendly conversation, a confrontation, an argument… All possibilities ran through his mind, even the thought that Johnny was just toying with him and didn't, in fact, want to speak to him at all.
It was with that thought he finally reached the room of the meeting. His thoughts were temporarily lost for a moment as he began laughing, having spotted a flier posted on the door. It was loud, obnoxious and multi-coloured, the words "Out and Roaring" emblazoned across the top which, Randy noted, was the first time he'd even taken note of the name of the club.
'Well, looks like they took my suggestion,' he thought, still chuckling. 'Even if I didn't actually say it.'
He then sighed, his conflicted thoughts returning to him once again as he prepared to enter. He wondered if Johnny would already be there, or if he'd be late again, or possibly, if Randy was lucky, not even turn up at all. Randy shook off the last thought; he had to talk to Johnny. Now that he knew his secret, Randy had to confront the senior about it.
Taking a deep breath as he had the last time, he slowly opened the door and made his way in.
"Johnny, you're gonna be late!" Chip called from downstairs.
"I'm coming, I'm coming," the purple-furred monster called back.
He looked back into the mirror, inspecting his fur for any imperfections. He'd spent the last hour making sure he looked immaculate, although why he wasn't sure. Settling that his appearance was perfectly fine, he set down his comb and headed out of his room. Making his way down the stairs, he couldn't help but overhear Javier snickering to himself.
"You can shut up too," Johnny said, both irritated and amused. Javier knew what he was doing, and Johnny couldn't help but find it funny. Javier always knew when Johnny was making extra effort to impress someone and teased him mercilessly for it, but really, Johnny didn't mind.
"OK, OK," Javier said, his smile showing no signs of disappearing any time soon.
Chip just glanced between the two, looking completely confused.
"Nothing for you to worry about," Johnny said, answering his unspoken question.
"OK then," Chip said, making his way into the living area.
With the foyer now vacant save for the two of them, Javier approached Johnny.
"Now remember, treat this lightly," he whispered to his leader.
"Yeah, yeah," Johnny said. "I know what I've got to do."
"I hope so."
With that, Javier gave Johnny a quick pat on the shoulder, uttered a "good luck" and left him alone. Johnny swiftly made his way out of the house and towards the centre of the campus. His thoughts were settled on one thing and one thing only.
'I cannot afford to blow this.'
Randy settled himself into a seat, relieved that Johnny wasn't yet there. He knew he'd have to face him after the meeting, but at least this way he could enjoy the meeting itself first.
"Now then," Sonia piped up. "We should have one more member here, but since he's always, and I mean always, late to everything… Well, don't get your hopes up."
Randy couldn't help but chuckle along with everyone else. Everyone knew who she was talking about and everyone knew that he had a reputation for doing what he wanted. Unless it was a class, there was no doubt Johnny would be late to anything.
"So, let's begin. Here's the itinerary for today."
Sonia began to reel off the topics they'd be discussing during the meeting. The march came up again, as well as the themed parties, but Randy was surprised to hear a few other clubs mentioned too. Apparently, the art club had agreed to team up with OAR to present an LGBT art exhibition in the auditorium. Initially, it took Randy a few moments to realise OAR was the abbreviation for this club, Out and Roaring, but once he had the news was interesting to him. He silently wondered which of the members of OAR were artists, if that was indeed what Sonia had meant. In addition, the Film Society and the Theatre Club had plans for some form of LGBT events too, although by the sounds of it these seemed further off in the planning stages.
Just as Sonia was about to move on to the next topic, the door opened again. Everyone turned to see Johnny entering.
"Only twenty minutes late," Sonia said. "I think that's a new record."
"Yeah, uh, sorry about that," Johnny chuckled nervously. "I did make an effort, honest."
"Oh, it shows," Sonia said sarcastically, but smiling nonetheless. "Go on, take a seat."
Randy had been watching the whole exchange intently, his nerves becoming much greater. No sooner had they finished their conversation, Randy felt Johnny's gaze fall onto him. He quickly looked away, a confusing mix of embarrassment and intimidation overcoming him.
Johnny saw Randy's discomfort and decided against his initial thought of sitting next to him, deciding to take a seat a couple of rows behind the freshman. Although listening to what Sonia was saying with some interest, he couldn't help but let his gaze fall upon the reptilian monster intermittently throughout the whole meeting.
Randy, however, tried his hardest to absorb himself in whatever Sonia was saying. A couple of times he became distracted, practically feeling Johnny's gaze burning into his back. Still, he caught almost everything said by the club president, fascinated with the workings of the club. When it came to the end of the meeting, again he found ideas for themed parties being thrown around by the members of the club. He didn't have any himself, but was still interested to hear the others. Halloween certainly seemed likely judging by the enthusiasm shown by all monsters present when it was suggested again, but one suggestion caught his attention. Not due to the idea itself, but rather the monster who spoke it.
"How about Greek?" Johnny asked to which everyone fell silent and turned their attention to him. "Y'know, with all the Greek life we have on campus, what with the fraternities and sororities and all, in the three-and-a-bit years I've been here we haven't thrown one single toga party. How about it?"
"Interesting," Sonia said. "You know, you're right. I'm not sure why that hasn't been done yet. I'll look into it."
All other monsters in attendance applauded and cheered for the idea. Johnny smiled proudly. His first meeting and already he'd gained the approval of all of the clubs members. His eyes unintentionally fell upon Randy again who seemed to be smiling slightly. However, just as soon as the young monster realised he'd been spotted looking at Johnny, he turned away again, the faintest hint of a blush appearing on the scales of his face. Johnny's own smile only grew at this.
"OK then, I think that about wraps it up for today. Thanks for coming everyone, hope to see you all again Sunday."
Everyone began filtering out of the room save for two monsters. Randy didn't move an inch and Johnny, after some hesitation, slowly approached him. Seeing the last of the other monsters leaving, he heaved a heavy sigh, knowing it was now safe to begin what he hoped would be a friendly conversation. He took a seat next to the reptilian monster and began speaking.
"So, Randy, I-"
"Why did you call me here?" Randy interrupted without looking to the senior, doing his best to sound disinterested while he tried to keep is nerves in check.
"Huh? Call you here?"
"With the book. It's obvious you wanted to get my attention. Well, now you have it," he said, turning towards Johnny dramatically with a cold gaze.
"Oh, well I-"
"Are you going to try blackmailing me? Or are you going to tell everyone and try to humiliate me?" Randy knew neither of these things were probable, but still, he wanted to be sure.
"No, no, of course not," he said. "I was just looking to help, is all."
"You just wanted to… help?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
Johnny paused for a moment. He wasn't prepared to answer a question like that so soon. "Well, because I respect you. And I want you to do well."
Randy didn't speak for a moment, letting the words sink in. "Respect me? You respect me? Really?"
"Yes, I do."
"Then why did you act so… embarrassed by me?"
Johnny rubbed the back of his head. This conversation was going a lot quicker than he'd anticipated. Remembering Javier's advice, he sighed and thought over his answer. "I'm… confused. There's a lot to consider and I'm not really sure what to do about it."
"A lot to consider?" Randy asked curiously.
"Yeah."
A moment of silence came over them as Randy anticipated further explanation. Not receiving it, Randy decided to just accept the situation for what it was, at least for now, and went on to his next question.
"How did you find out?"
"About what?"
"My ability."
Johnny chuckled. "Well, you weren't particularly careful about it. It was after Sunday's meeting, you unblended before running out the hall. Sonia and I both saw it."
"Sonia knows too?" Randy gasped.
"Yes, but don't worry, she won't be telling anyone either. We both agreed you had your reasons to keep it secret, so neither one of us plan to disrespect that."
Curiosity got the better of Randy as he decided to ask something else. "What do you think my reasons are?"
"The book didn't make it obvious?" he smirked.
"So you figured out my plan?"
"Yes, and that's why I wanted to help."
"You know, you could have talked to me about it, instead of leaving me worrying the past week."
"Yeah, sorry about that. I just thought it would be my best chance of making you want to talk to me."
Randy nodded his head in understanding. "I guess… I did overreact that night."
Johnny shook his head. "No, you had every right to be hurt by what I did. It's just… complicated."
"OK," Randy stated, knowing Johnny didn't want to go into detail just yet.
After another brief pause Johnny decided to ask the next question.
"So how goes it? Are you able to use your ability effectively?"
"It's getting there," Randy said. "I've been practicing. I think I'm getting better…" He smirked before continuing. "Courtesy of one Mike Wazowski."
Johnny's face fell at the mention of Mike. That was one issue he really didn't want to get into. Their conversation thus far had been civil, but talking about Mike would probably change that. Still, Mike's surname was at least one more bit of information he'd be mentally storing away. Referring to Mike by his first name didn't sit well with him for some reason.
"Well, good for you," he finally said.
More silence followed. The conversation didn't seem to flow as well as it usually would have, but that was to be expected.
"So… There was one other thing I wanted to ask about," Johnny spoke up.
"Oh?" Randy said, looking curious.
"The JOX party on Friday night. What happened?"
"Oh, that," he said, frowning and looking down.
Seeing Randy becoming upset, Johnny wasn't sure if he should continue questioning. Still, his desire to help overwhelmed his respect for Randy's privacy.
"Was it something Big Red said? I know he's not usually the brightest bulb of the bunch."
"Well, sorta, yeah," Randy muttered, not looking up.
"What was it?"
"Well, he found out that night that… No, never mind," he said, shaking his head. "It's not something I need to worry you with."
"No, no, go on," Johnny said reassuringly.
"No, honestly, I probably shouldn't."
Johnny sighed. He didn't want to push the issue if Randy was unwilling to talk about it. He couldn't help but feel frustrated though. His attention was caught as Randy spoke up, however.
"Johnny, if it's OK, I do have a question for you though," he said, looking up again.
"Shoot."
"Well, it's just… I know you're popular and all, but honestly, I've got no-one else to ask so I was hoping you could tell me…" He rubbed his arms nervously as though debating whether or not he really wanted to ask it. "Have you… have you ever had someone bully you or shut you out because of your sexuality?"
"Sure I have," Johnny said nonchalantly. "It's… kinda expected, I guess."
Randy was shocked at this answer. "Even for you?"
Johnny chuckled. "Even for me. I wasn't always this popular, you know."
"Oh," Randy said, becoming slightly embarrassed by his reaction to Johnny's answer.
Putting two and two together, Johnny realised what must have happened that night. He now knew how to help, without letting on that he knew about it. "Listen, Randy, how long have you been out?"
"Actually, Mike was the first one to figure it out," he admitted, looking away again as he blushed. "So not until this semester."
Ignoring the blush, for now at least, Johnny continued. "Well, let me just say now that it's not going to be all roses and rainbows. I'm sure you don't need me to tell you that. But you will face a lot of persecution in a lot of different ways. It could be physical, it could be verbal, or it could even just be silent judging. But you need to learn to just brush it off. Most people are more accepting than you may give them credit for." He then smiled as he placed a finger under Randy's chin and turned his gaze back to his own. "And some people just need time. What might first appear to be a rejection could just be someone taking the time to process it. I speak from experience, even some of my own fraternity brothers struggled to accept it at first."
Randy nodded. "O-OK. Thanks Johnny."
"No problem. Now…" A devilish smirk played on Johnny's lips. "Just out of curiosity, how did Wazowski 'figure it out'?"
Randy blushed furiously, knowing he'd been caught out. "Oh, well, we were just talking about some guy and… well, he just figured out I liked him, is all."
"Uh-huh. So, which guy was this?" Johnny asked teasingly.
"N-No-one," he said hastily.
Johnny chuckled. "OK, well, whoever this guy may be," he said in a knowing tone, "is one lucky guy."
Randy, knowing how unconvincing he was, became confused at what Johnny said. "What do you mean?"
"Well, you're an amazing guy Randy. Really, anyone would be lucky to have you. I hope this guy realises it."
Randy caught onto his game and, although confused as to why Johnny was doing it, decided to play along. "Well, that's nice of you to say, but I'm not so sure he likes me back. One minute I'm convinced he does, the next he gives me the cold shoulder."
"Sounds complicated," Johnny said. "Maybe this guy is just confused?"
"If he was, I wished he'd tell me why."
"Perhaps he's not ready to?"
"Then I wish he'd tell me that too."
Johnny sighed. He really wished he could explain it all, but the reasons, and the reasons behind these reasons, ran far too deep for just one short conversation. So instead, he settled on at least giving Randy his second wish.
"Well then I, Johnny Worthington, am telling you, Randy Boggs, that although I like you, there are reasons I can't act upon it, not yet at least. And as much as I would like to explain it all to you, I'm not ready to."
Randy nodded his head in understanding before furrowing his brow. "Not yet? What do you mean by that?"
Johnny gasped, not even remembering saying that part. "L-Like I said, I-"
"Is this to do with my performance?" Randy asked, growing slightly irritated. "Oh, I see, this all comes down to your pride again, doesn't it? I should've guessed."
"No, no, it's not just that."
"Yes, it is. You're president of the top fraternity. It doesn't matter how much you like me, you won't risk your reputation on someone who has yet to prove themselves."
"It's not just me wanting to protect my reputation," Johnny countered, becoming angry as well.
"Well then what is it?!" Randy shouted.
"My family!" Johnny shouted back louder.
Randy recoiled slightly, both in shock and fear. "Y-Your family?"
Johnny sighed, calming himself down. A sullen expression overtook his face as he looked down, muttering. "Yes, my family. Sure, I like the idea of being the best, and I work hard for it. But I couldn't give a damn what other people think of me. It's my family that want me to work so hard for my reputation."
Randy looked slightly ashamed for his accusations. It appeared there was much more to Johnny than he realised. "I-I'm sorry."
Johnny looked up. "For what?"
"For accusing you. All this time I thought you were a selfish jerk, I didn't think you were only acting that way for your family."
"Oh, make no mistake, I'm still a jerk," Johnny chuckled. "It's just… I wouldn't be so much of a jerk if I didn't feel I had to be."
"Wait, wait, wait. You'd still be a jerk?" he chuckled. "So, exactly how much is down to your family's influence."
"Relationships," Johnny shrugged. "If I want to be friends with someone, I couldn't care less how well they do at something. And if I wanted something more, well, same thing really. But my parents wouldn't see me associating with anyone who isn't the best. That's why I have no friends outside of the fraternities and sororities on campus. And that's why I haven't yet had a meaningful relationship."
Randy snorted at the last statement. Johnny looked puzzled at the reaction.
"What was that for?"
"Oh, nothing, just heard you get around a bit is all."
Johnny laughed at this. "Randy, we're in college. It's all about having some fun," he added with a smirk.
"Well, thing is, you didn't seem too fussy about who you were with then. At least, not by what I heard."
"Look, as much as I'd like to deny whatever it is you've heard, it's probably all true. But so what? What are you getting at?"
"What I'm getting at is that you weren't fussy who you were with then. What's stopping you now?"
Johnny grimaced slightly. "Well, it wasn't as important any of those times. Like I said, I was just having some fun. This… is different."
"Different how?"
Johnny sighed in exasperation. "How is this so hard to understand, Boggs? I don't just want to have fun with you, I…" He suddenly trailed off. He hadn't expected to explain things this far and wasn't sure how to continue, still being confused over the whole matter.
"You want… something more meaningful?" Randy finished for him, eyes widening with his own realisation.
"Yeah…"
The silence that overcame them this time wasn't awkward, it was decidedly warmer. They both simply looked at each other, really seeing each other as though for the first time. But after a while, Johnny sighed and looked away.
"But it doesn't matter what I want," the senior said. "Because I can't have it."
"Because I'm not up to standards?" Randy questioned, although the irritation present in every other time he'd suggested it wasn't there.
"In everyone else's eyes, yeah, that's about it."
Randy allowed the words to sink in. "But you believe in me?"
Johnny turned back to face Randy, smiling gently. "Yeah. I do."
Randy nodded his head, growing determined. "Then that's how it'll be. I'll prove myself. For you."
"F-For me?" Johnny said, slightly taken aback.
"Well, for me too," Randy chuckled. "I want to prove that I'm better than everyone thinks I am for my own reasons, of course. But if it means we can at least be seen talking to each other in public, I'm willing to do it."
Johnny was genuinely touched. This wasn't an outcome he could possibly have predicted. "You'd be willing to work harder to succeed for me?"
"Well, let's just say you've inspired me," Randy said, a smirk appearing on his face.
"But I'm still confused about all of this," Johnny pointed out. "I don't even know what it is I want with you."
Randy paused in thought for a moment before replying. "Well, neither do I. But don't you want the chance to find out?"
Johnny couldn't help but smile at the simple question, nodding in agreement. "It might not work out between us though."
"Maybe not. But at least we could have the opportunity to try."
"Why are you so persistent in this? I've given you plenty of reason to hate my guts by now."
"And yet I don't. Doesn't that say something to you?" he said with a smile.
Johnny smiled wider. He felt good about this; better than he ever had with any other monster that caught his eye. Was it love? He couldn't be sure. But he was going to do his best to find out.
"Then maybe there's hope after all," Johnny said, smiling.
Looking into each other's eyes, both monsters could see their intentions for each other were true. They both wanted to give this a try.
"Just the fine print to take care of first," Randy chuckled.
Johnny chuckled with him before becoming more solemn again. "But what happens in the meantime?"
"We could go back to how we were before," Randy suggested. "Not acknowledging each other's existence."
"That seems a little cold, doesn't it?"
"Well, it's the way it needs to be, right?"
"I… I guess so."
Randy sighed. "The finals are two months away. It can all be different then." He offered a hopeful smile.
"Still, not talking to each other at all for a whole two months?"
"Well, we have these meetings," Randy said. "We can always talk here, like we are now."
Johnny smiled again. "Well, I guess I'll take twice a week over nothing."
"Good," Randy said, standing from his seat. "But try to be on time from now on," he added with a chuckle.
"Yeah, yeah," Johnny said as he stood from his own seat.
The two monsters made their way to the door, leaving the room. The two stood face-to-face in the hall. Despite the talk they'd had, several questions hung in the air between them. The two gazed at each other, their previous agreement almost forgotten as their faces inched closer and closer. Just as they prepared for what they both had longed for, a group of monsters noisily made their way out into the hall, forcing the two monsters to back away from each other.
The group made their way past them, serving as a cold reminder to both Johnny and Randy that they both had to wait to get what they want.
"I'm sorry," Johnny muttered, becoming upset at this realisation.
"Don't be," Randy said. "It's just two months."
"Yeah, two months."
The two monsters sighed before making their way out. Once outside the building they realised they now needed to go in separate directions, one to the dorms and the other to Frat Row.
"Until Sunday, then," Randy said, smiling and offering a hand.
"Until then," Johnny said, shaking the freshman's hand. He then watched as Randy made his way back to the dorms.
Sighing, he slowly made his way back to the ROR house. Despite the conversation, and the hope it had given him, two months seemed far too long a wait to find out if something he wanted was even possible. He knew if it weren't for his reputation he could try a relationship with Randy now. He couldn't understand why Randy was now being so patient about it, rather than being annoyed. It made Johnny feel guilty with Randy giving him so much; there was nothing he could offer in return.
Somehow, Johnny didn't feel much better than he had to begin with.
A/N: I'm so mean! Haha, sorry if this isn't what you were hoping for. Can't have them getting too comfy just yet, I'm afraid. So, I might try my hand at skipping the time forwards a little bit so we can finally get the finals out of the way and really get to the juicy part of the story. There is romance ahead, don't you worry. :)
Last call for ideas on Big Red. He will most likely appear in the tail-end of next chapter, so the chapter after should showcase what you've all decided should be the way to go with him. Again, just shoot me a PM or leave a review with your idea if you haven't already.
And once again, I hope you enjoyed. :)
