Life's a Scream!

by cartuneslover17

Post-MU. A new semester at Monsters University, with the OK gang now back in the Scare Program and Mike and Sulley, despite expulsion, close by them every second of the way, it feels like it'll be a good year. Actually, it becomes interesting: the RENEWED Scare Games. That's not all, when a student transfers from Fear Tech, Squishy's life changes even more. PLEASE FOLLOW REVIEW!

21. Chp 12: Patching up the Cracks

So what's happened since my last update: I graduated from my university, got my diploma in the mail a month after completing a summer course that made my graduation official, watched Inside Out both the early screening and the premiere, lounging at home or going to Disneyland, making art commissions, applying for any job available, oh, and planning a multi-chapter Inside Out fanfic.

I promised myself that as soon as this chapter was done and posted, I would work on the prologue of my newest IO fanfic. You probably already seen my three oneshots, "Bitterness" being my most popular for some reason.

Thank you for waiting and continuously asking me when I would update this. My thanks especially goes to victortky from Deviantart who has helped me with a good number of these scenes, especially the ones featuring the twins. :)

PLEASE READ AND REVIEW! :D
_

Terry's single eye slowly opened. His vision blurred for a moment before processing the scattered opened and still unopened gifts surrounding the bedroom. The older twin drank in the sight of various clothes, technology, and baked goods that had been in his and Terri's honor.

Head resting against his own pillow, Terry found himself on his side. If he was on his side, then his brother would be-

He peered over his shoulder, and the reality hit him harder than it had the day before. Terri was on his side, facing the wall opposite the one to Terry. The older twin scanned the form that huddled at its own will, the blanket they were sharing mounted at Terri's end. The arms that formed mountains beneath the fabric were completely foreign to Terry's view.

When one wanted to sleep on his side, the other twin had to agree to it. When one rolled, the other followed.

Yet here Terry was, now lying on his back while his brother was still on his side. Gripping the sheets close to his own chest, the older twin had hoped everything that happened had been a dream...

But no. He and Terri really were separated. As if the monster gods had transformed them into paper and cut their single body in half with pre-school scissors.

The older twin lifted a hand from beneath the covers. It was one of the hands he had been surgically given. Terry bit his lip, wriggling his new set of fingers. They responded to his command, each teardrop-shaped protrusion pointing toward him. As if setting the blame on him and him only...

Terry thought back to that moment he and Terri woke up at the hospital. Everything had been frightening and overwhelming, both twins believing they were in some warped reality where they were literally drifting apart. The moment the doctor dropped the news on them, the older twin wasn't sure how to feel.

He nearly lost his brother in the explosion. But there was a fate worse than death.

Terry looked over Terri's form, the younger twin not facing him as he continuously slept. The older brother bit his lip even harder, wishing he could take it all back.

The snappy retorts, the argument, the wish-oh, glob, how he wished he never made that wish!

Although his friends and family assured him none of this was his fault, his own conscious told him he was the one who knocked down that flask. He was the one who spilled the contents. He was the one who let it fall on their formerly single chest.

And here they were now. Two completely unattached monsters sharing a bed. It had been very late last night when the party finally reached its conclusion. Mrs. Carlton and Don helped them to bed. Some of their classmates had often asked if this separation meant separate bedrooms. The twins had been too tired to make a decent response.

Thinking about it now, Terry found himself refusing to even think of the idea. It was bad enough his head could no longer eternally hover over his brother's. A wall between them would just kill the older twin inside.

In their earlier years, before MU, both have often fought about what side of the room needed to look like what. They had compromised their interests, of course. Yet this seemed like a big step, and Terry imagined that his brother would finally decorate an entire room dedicated only to himself if he wanted to.

With this separation, there were just so many choices to be made. However, going back to the Scare Games was not in their favor, as Hardscrabble made it very clear. She meant well.

But one thing would not change, and it was Terry's oath to protect his brother. They had relied on each other since they were kids, and had been each other's only friend even through the lonely years of high had especially been very protective of Terri since last semester, when he just wanted to give up that MU had any real honor or caring monsters.

The monsters here really cared. They knew what he and Terri were going through. They were willing to help any way they could.

Some things just couldn't be helped as Terry lifted one of his other hands, which had been surgically added as well. It still felt weird, having four arms instead of two. And more legs.

He spotted his and Terri's crutches laying on a few presents. He found them extremely annoying and burdensome. But Terri was more patient than him; it was no wonder the older twin didn't trash those devices as soon as they came home.

Terry would keep pushing himself until he finally had the strength. Not just for MU, but for his brother. Nothing, not even the scars of an explosion, would keep him from protecting his little sibling.

His eye flickered toward the younger twin the moment he heard a small groan. His heart leaped into his throat when he watched him slowly shift.

When Terri rolled onto his other side, his eyelid lifted and gazed at his brother. Neither said anything, regarding each other like monsters who hadn't seen each other in years. Clutching himself under the sheets, the younger twin's body felt so foreign to him, especially with two new

arms and more legs. And the fact that for the first time ever he was laying on his side, without his brother having to copy him, was almost intimidating to Terri.

"Hey..." the older twin murmured softly.

Terri pressed his lips together. "Hi..."

They laid in silence, regarding the other in thought. Just last night they had been talking and mingling with one another as if the accident had never occurred.

But this was their first day ever as completely changed monsters. They still had class today, of course.

"You okay?" Terry asked him carefully.

Terri shrugged, gathering the blankets closer to his body. "Yeah, I guess so..."

The older twin sighed. "I know it's going to be really hard right now, getting used to...this." He gestured between them.

The younger twin pained a smile. "Well, it's not like we actually lost each other. We're pretty lucky we woke up at the same time."

Terry beamed a little, warmed by his brother's mild optimism at the moment.

Although his words were true of his heart, Terry somehow felt hollow within his chest. It seemed as though the statement he had made was a poor attempt to stay optimistic despite their predicament. The elder Perry twin still knew that he was the catalyst of the accident which resulted in them both being separated.

Even though it had been weeks since the operation, getting used to their new bodies and extremities had been a...wearisome affair. While each of their new limbs responded to their commands, their new forms still intimidated them.

Mrs. Carlton had recently requested the Greek Council to provide wheelchairs for them. Their transportation would be met in a few days time once the paperwork was cleared, and soon the twins would be finding themselves not clinging to someone's arm, but to be pushed from behind as they sat. The thought of it made Terry feel even more guilty and pathetic, wishing he could just fight this off and force his legs to obey him.

Pulling themselves off the bed, Terri yawned and wiped his eye while Terry pushed open the windows to allow more sunlight to stream in. The freshly washed morning air poured down on the inhabitants of Frat Row. Everyone was starting to wake up: the EEK sisters returning from a morning run, a couple of ROR boys reading the newspaper from their frat house, JOX bringing a deep-dish breakfast pizza into their residence, the HSS girls retrieving their mail...

Terry's single eye fell on the PNK house. His hand firmly gripped on the windowsill, pressing his lips together tightly. For a moment he thought he spotted someone from one of its windows staring back at him. Once he blinked, that being vanished.

He really didn't care right now. Nor would he ever.

Terry glanced over at Terri who gestured toward their crutches with an earnest expression. Reluctantly picking them up, Terry almost wanted to chuck them out the window, declare he could do without. But his brother was practically giving him a pleading look. Holding them under his biological arms, the older twin waddled behind the younger.

When it came time to change into new clothes, both almost wanted to call out for help. Usually putting on a new shirt was a two-person job, especially when it came to whose head slid through which hole first.

But they could try and achieve this challenge without their OK mother fretting. They eventually reached their dresser where Terri pulled out one of the MU shirts provided by their Greek Council last night. The twins were well aware that Mrs. Carlton was striving to ensure them a new wardrobe, putting away their old one of two-headed shirts and sweaters and make room for singled ones.

"Thanks, bro," Terry mumbled as he took the shirt from Terri and slowly placed it on.

It took some effort, as if he was digging himself out of the sand as his four hands slowly fit into the individual sleeves. With his new arms, pulling them through the holes was like trying to fit the end of a string into a needle. It took a few tries, and his patience waned each time.

In the past he had to slowly put his head through before doing the same for Terri, who used to share his left side. Even after putting his own shirt on, Terry could feel even more emptiness. But he placed on a strong smile as he helped his brother, who was struggling with his own shirt. Even before the separation, it was Terry who often had to guide his twin's head into their OK sweater. It felt a bit relieving he could still do his brother that favor.

"So..." Terry muttered as he gazed at Terri, "ready to start the day?"

"I...think so..." murmured the younger twin as he looked up at his elder brother. There was a hint of fear within his voice which Terry detected almost instantly.

Placing a yellow-fingered hand on Terri's shoulder, Terry gave him an assuring smile. "Hey, I'm still here for you. Don't worry."

The younger twin felt his lips curl upwards, as though he was injected by a dose of optimism. "Thanks, brother."

Once both were dressed, they hobbled out their bedroom door, intending to get to the kitchen themselves without any assistance. However, the moment they saw the stairs, Terri began to shudder.

Terry's eye narrowed at the structure, almost as if they were the ROR boys laughing at their faces. He just wanted to slam his tentacle legs on every step until they splintered.

"We can do this," he assured his brother. "We just need to be careful."

"I forgot how long our staircase was..." Terri gulped.

Terry nudged him gently. "Just stay close by me, we can do this."

Clutching his crutches, Terry bit his lip as he slowly inched one leg toward the first step. Terri's heart beat quickened the moment his brother tediously laid it on the surface. Soon the rest of the legs joined, albeit slowly and carefully.

Finally, Terry was standing on the first step going down. It was still a long way to go from where the floor was looking at them.

"Okay, just a dozen more to go..." he tried to psyche himself.

However, before he could even take to the second step, Don and Squishy poked their heads out from behind the kitchen doorway, looking up at them.

"Oh, good morning!" Don greeted, sounding surprised. "We were going to go up and wake you!"

He noticed Terry standing on the first step of the stairs. The fatherly frat member regarded the display with uncertainty.

"Uh, that's a bit dangerous for you right now, Terry," he told him. "Squishy and I should probably help you down."

Terry frowned. "I can do this! I managed the first step no problem!"

Squishy looked at him sympathetically. "Terry, please don't have another breakdown like you did yesterday in Frat Row..."

The older twin gritted his teeth, remembering what happened the day before. The last thing he wanted was to have another rant like that, and it wasn't helping his case.

"Of course I'm not going to do that again," he retorted.

Squishy looked at him and developed a small smile. "Then let us help you!"

The moment they came up the stairs, Don placed his tentacles on Terry's crutches and shoulders. Lending him support, he moved sideways to give the older twin more room to move himself.

"Okay, Squishy, take care of Terri," he instructed while holding onto Terry.

Squishy voiced his assent, and Terry felt the urge to groan out loud. He just wanted to show them that he was capable of managing to walk on his new tentacles. Although he knew Terri was only too appreciative and grateful to follow his example.

"No, it's fine really..." Terry tried not to argue, "I can do it myself, Don!"

The OK president gave a mild frown. "Terry, listen to me," he said carefully. "You are in no shape to go anywhere without help. So let me help you, okay?"

Terry tried to decline him politely once more, but Don would have none of it. The older twin merely allowed himself to be guided step by step down the staircase, his younger brother supported by Squishy a short distance behind. It wasn't long before they were finally down, entering the kitchen area. The smell of breakfast wafted in the air, bringing Terry out of his low self-esteem.

Mrs. Carlton was at the stove, cooking eggs and bacon on her frying pan, while Randall and Art were helping set up the table. The mother of the OK frat heard footsteps, turning around to find the twins coming in.

"Good morning!" she greeted warmly. "Hope you slept well!"

Terry smiled alongside his brother. "We did. Thank you."

Her five eyes fell on their crutches, her lips tightening a little as she watched them hobble toward the table with assistance.

After Don called down Mike and Sulley, all of OK was present for breakfast. Hearty meals in front of them, they waited patiently as Don and Squishy assisted the twins into their seats.

Like before, Terry was appreciative but becoming aggravated.

"Really, I can sit on my own," he insisted, hobbling on his crutches.

"Now, Terry," Mrs. Carlton began, "it's only been yesterday you and your brother came back from the hospital. Remember, you made a promise to me, Hardscrabble, and all your friends in MU that you wouldn't push yourself."

"She's right, son," Don added. "We really don't want another mishap. You boys have been through enough as is. We really don't want you going to the hospital faster than you just came out of it."

Terry almost wanted to retort, but the pleading looks of his mother figure and their frat silenced him. Sighing, he allowed Don to pull back his chair and help him down onto his seat. The older twin was about to reach over for the pitcher of syrup, however, Mike was quick to get it for him.

"Allow me," the green monster said politely before drenching Terry's pancakes.

The older twin sighed before glancing over at his brother. Terri offered an assuring smile, overall grateful for everything the others were doing for them.

Well, at least the twins still had the independence of handling their own forks. Being fed like babies would have just been plain awkward...
_

School of Scaring

Here comes our greatest enemy again, Terry thought to himself as he pursed his lips with annoyance, Stairs.

And quite a substantial number of stairs too, reaching the grand doors of the School of Scaring's amphitheater. They had forgotten how many steps it took just getting up there.

Of course, they didn't have to do it on their own. Their arms were linked around both Don's and Randall's, assisting them with each step. Terry would have refused this, but there simply was no arguing with his brothers.

The older twin noticed a few students nearby giving them sympathetic looks. He hated to be concerned about instead of the other way around. He and his frat have always cared for their university and everyone around it.

When someone needed help, they were there. It just made him all the more guilty that everyone around him and his brother were making sacrifices right now.

Like the games...

Terry reminded himself he was not to think about it. He made a mass promise not to let it get to his head; he and his brother came first before MU's biggest tradition. With that in mind, he allowed Don to guide him as Art and Squishy slowly parted the doors of the school.

Once it was opened fully, they were met with students from their seats. All took one glance at them before their expressions grew sorrowful. Terry swallowed, wishing no one had to worry so much. He almost tried to walk down the stairs on his own, but Don refused; Terri allowed himself to be taken to his seat.

Ignoring the sympathetic stares, the twins found no other than the EZ leader at her usual seat, in their usual row. Her head rose from her book and turned to them. The smallest of smiles formed on her lips as she nodded to them.

"Hey," she greeted quietly.

All of OK greeted back, Squishy stuttering on his words as his cheeks grew red at the sight of her. Laura watched as both Terry and Terri were carefully placed in their seats.

No longer were they sharing the same desk, but two different ones that felt like a bridge between them. Both glanced at each other's sides, then looked at one another. The pain worsened, and Terri was on the verge of crying right now.

However, he held them back in the moment Scaring 101's professor arrived. Knight adjusted his glasses before peering at all his students.

The moment his eyes fell on the twins, he did a double-take. Adjusting his glasses once more, he nearly forgotten what had happened yesterday.

"Welcome back, Mr. Perry and Mr. Perry," he said politely. "I hope you're feeling well."

Terry put up a brave face, holding his head high. "We are, thank you," he told him gratefully. "My brother and I are very relieved to be back in your class. We only hope we haven't missed too much."

Knight chuckled with a mild scoff. "Nah, you're good." He turned back to the rest of the class. "Alright, first lesson of the day, let's get all our butts down here and start some scare techniques."

Smiling with content, Terry was about to rise from his seat.

"Uh, Mr. Perry?"

The older twin glanced over at the professor. His expression was so much like everyone else's.

"I think it would be best if you and your brother sit this out," he told him. "You only came back from the hospital yesterday."

Terry's eye widened in horror. He was about to protest when he felt a grip on his arm. He glanced down to notice Terri, the latter giving him a pleading look.

Sighing, the older twin knew that he was outvoted, a whole classroom to one. Falling back into his seat, he watched as his OK brothers got out of theirs and joined the rest of the class.

However, one student didn't lift from her seat.

"Um, perhaps I could be of company to Mr. Perry and Mr. Perry?" she asked the professor, averting her gaze a bit.

Knight regarded her for a moment, seeing as she was seated right next to Terry. The latter still looked upset from having to miss a big part of the lesson, so maybe she was making the right choice.

"I don't see why not," the professor shrugged. He turned back to his class. "Alright! Everyone in position!"

As the other students assumed their posture for the professor to critique, Terry rested his cheek on his hand and sighed. While his heart was more than ready to get back into the rhythm of Scaring, his body was not. Beside him, Terri's yellow tear-dropped fingers played with his pen, tapping his notebook idly while watching their class perform their scariest. It didn't take a genius to know the younger twin felt the same way as his brother at this moment.

Terry felt a large hand on one of his own. He turned to see Laura regarding him with concern in her blue-green eyes.

"Look, I understand that you feel left out," she told him carefully, "but you guys just came back yesterday. Maybe next time when you're able to walk a little better, you'll be able to join the class."

Terry gave a nod as a small sigh escaped his lips, and he managed a small smile toward her. "Thanks, Laura..." he murmured. "I understand what you mean. It's just...I want us rejoin the class as soon as possible..."

He heard a cough from his left, and looked to see Terri looking at him as Laura withdrew her hand. "I doubt we can do anything in class when we can't even get up the stairs."

Terry wanted to groan. Seemed like the stairs were becoming a bigger enemy to him than Johnny Worthington...

Squishy spared a glance up to see the EZ leader talking with the twins. Much as he felt sad for them to be sitting out the entire lesson, at least they had someone to accompany them.

He sincerely appreciated Laura's efforts. Kindness and support was what the twins needed right now, especially as they healed their wounds. Outside and in.

With Laura by their side, the twins watched in dismay as their brothers resumed their scary faces and positions. Even Mike told them they needed to break from training because it was just too soon.

Back then Terry never thought he and his brother would be cared about so much. Now here they were being the center of everyone's concerns, even the Dean's as the older twin remembered how she held onto him. Like some distant family member relieved to finally meet one of her own.

He appreciated everything this university had done for him and his frat since last semester. He only wished he could keep them from worrying about him. Although that was a contradiction given he still worried for his brother, especially when they no longer shared the same seat.

He offered a sheepish smile in Laura's direction before looking down at his own book. For now it was basically going to be reading. No excessive running or baring of teeth. Just reading.

At least Laura's team was doing okay. All her teammates were probably doing a better job at preparations compared to Oozma Kappa...
_

MU Open Fields, Lacrosse Practice Area

Katy scowled to herself, shoving another few empty food containers into a plastic bag. Community service seemed almost as worst as jail, but she would rather pick up after some irresponsible monster than sit behind bars.

Thankfully, it wasn't so hot right now, and the gloves saved her from any sticky substances left on some trash. The field was overcome with sportive monsters, mainly the lacrosse ones who balanced between snacking and tossing a ball around.

If they could be able to throw a ball right into a mesh net, how come they couldn't properly toss their garbage into a can?

On the other side of the field were Naomi Jackson and Lane Picca, both trying not to feel miserable as they accepted their form of punishment. For the latter, it was difficult considering

that half-empty liquid beverages wouldn't be noticed until too late. And given the fact her leggings and skirt were natural...Katy was just glad she possessed no kind of fur on her body.

The Freshman promised that after this, she would never litter again.

Meanwhile, Dirk made his way to the open fields where he knew his sister would be playing with her lacrosse team. She was a significant athlete in MU's line of gamers, and she was the team's best player.

However, disaster struck last year due to her suffering a season-ending injury (which, as he was informed, was a torn mesh basket or something more critical than that), which effectively caused her to sit out the entire season. Well, she was back now, her "torn basket" pieced back together in time for the brand new semester.

He had those moments where he managed to speak with her. After all, she was a Scaring major much like him. Although in some cases they weren't exactly alike.

Such as she not having never been a stuck-up jerk like Dirk and his frat had been semesters prior. Especially the previous semester...

He spotted the female team decked in blue uniform as they practiced tossing the ball toward each other. Dirk still had no idea how they were able to catch using the net on a stick. He knew some sports, but lacrosse was never in his veins the way his sister accomplished it.

He watched among the team members, then he spotted a familiar darkly pink-furred monster with long lashes and horns, swinging her mesh stick around.

Jane Pratt swung her tool when she was passed the rubber ball by one of her teammates. Dribbling it as she ran on her protected feet, she slid past the two opposing defenders and shot the ball through their defenses before going into the net. A loud cheer erupted from the students who were watching, and Dirk felt a smile curling on his tusked mouth.

Both being in the Scaring program, they had chosen different sports activities. Dirk had chosen wrestling, his sister had chosen lacrosse. Not to sound whiny, but it seemed like lacrosse was getting a bit more popular.

After all, no monster wanted to join the Greek community right now. Their interests were more into the various clubs, especially the sports teams. Dirk already figured that out his frat had opened up for recruitment at the beginning of the semester. No one even approached their table.

But a lot had come to Oozma Kappa...yet that frat wasn't looking for new members! When The other Greek monsters had asked about this, Don merely stated that he was fine with the number

of members they had right now. That and they didn't want to exceed their amount above all the others, especially when other teams only had five or six members.

So they had basically considered others first before themselves, another thing to love about OK.

Dirk noticed the team was now taking a break. He made his way to where the other students were watching. Immediately, the whole lacrosse team dispersed, and he took his chance to talk to his sister.

Jane looked up from her water bottle and smiled to see her "twin" approach her. One could see that JOX jacket from a mile away.

"Dirk!" she greeted warmly. "Hey brother, how's it going?"

He smiled. "Hey, sis, got some time to chat?"

"Sure," she said before both sat down on the bench she was occupying. "So, pretty crazy day yesterday, huh?"

"With Terri and Terry Perry being two monsters now?" he chuckled. "Yeah."

"Pretty sweet of your frat president to tear his house apart just to make them a sweet party," she complimented.

"Yeah, it's still a mess right now," he said.

"What else is new?" she joked.

Dirk decided to let that slide. It wasn't the first time she called his frat house a dump; too bad she wasn't one of those garbage-eating monsters. His eyes trekked over the wide fields before spotting a familiar salmon pink sorority girl picking up trash.

"Huh," he said. "I almost forgot Katy has service to do."

Jane twiddled with her lacrosse stick. "Yeah, she and her 'alibis' were sent here for today. You have to admit, it's a stink-ish job, but it beats jail time."

"Well, at least Hardscrabble got easy on them after breaking into that hospital," he said.

Jane chuckled. "Oh, like you never think before you do something crazy?"

He coughed nervously. "Well...not all the time."

Her smile lessened as she placed her mesh net on her lap. "What about not thinking at all and just do something that's a complete disgrace to his own university?"

Hearing her voice become more monotonous, Dirk had to roll his eyes.

"You're not still bringing up that night from last semester, are you?" he groaned.

"Hey, it's not every day a sister learns her brother's frat actually tried to cheat," she said sarcastically.

He shuddered, remembering the heated feedback they had been receiving that night after George got stung. "I'm just glad you didn't tell mom and dad about this..."

"Speaking of our parents," she spoke casually, "did you ever tell them about the harsh stuff you did last semester too?"

Dirk blinked at her. "What?"

She scoffed. "Oh, you know, about Oozma Kappa...mocking them, insulting them, cutting them off from Greek activities, and refusing to invite them to parties."

Jane narrowed her eyes a bit, regarding her brother the way Hardscrabble probably would if she was disappointed or unimpressed.

"And let's not forget the prank, bro. I was actually not laughing, FYI. And glob only knows mom and dad wouldn't if you did tell them all that."

Dirk's lips tightened. The day after the incident, when ROR had all those posters plastered around the school, his sister chewed through him like a dog toward a bone. Afterward, she refused to talk to him, choosing to believe that he was adopted, and continued cheering for OK.

It took after the final event for them to actually talk. She called him a bunch of names, and colorfully described his frat and the rest of the Greek community to his face. After that, they slowly began to make up, and he promised that, with every regret he had since that night, he would never make the same mistake again.

And he accepted his sister's threat to tear him inside out if he went back on his promise.

"Well, look at us now, huh?" he retorted. "We're better now, aren't we?"

Jane calmed down. "Yeah, I know. I mean...part of me just wanted to punch you in the face for laughing at them like that..."

Dirk averted his gaze. "I would have let you."

She looked at him. "And keep in mind, you were in their same position back in middle school, remember?"

He shuddered at the thought. Those were the saddest memories he just wanted to repress right now.

"I don't want to think about that..." he muttered.

"I know," she said. "At least you're in college now. You proved all your classmates wrong."

"Dad had to help me out, remember?" he sighed.

"We need help from our parents every once in a while," she reminded him.

"Yeah, but it's not like needing Mrs. Carlton."

"True, and mom and dad are always so busy," she murmured. "With work, meetings, political parties..." She looked at him. "Speaking of parties, did your frat president ever tell his parents what a butt he was to OK last semester?"

"Why the heck would he do that?" Dirk demanded.

"You know, a real monster would tell the truth," she couldn't help but say. "I'm just thinking this guilt would have been with you forever if things didn't turn out the way they are now. I mean, what if OK left this place because you guys wouldn't stop being jerks?"

He swallowed, remembering that horrid nightmare he had. With everything they had been through, he refused to believe it was a possibility. After all, the twins were alive, that proved his dream was wrong.

"Well, we aren't now," he said finally. "Not anymore."

She looked at him once more. This time she offered a delicate smile, one that relieved him. Jane reached over and ruffled the top of his fiery do.

"That's my bro," she said sweetly. "I knew you weren't adopted."

A smirk tweaked at his lips. "Yeah, that actually hurt."

She giggled. "At least that proves you really do have feelings."
_

Dot looked up at the one of the highest windows of the dorm building. She was later than she expected herself to be.

As much as she hated to disappoint her sorority, she knew that once she explained herself, the term would be an understatement. But she was certain they would understand, and it wasn't like the next event was happening any time soon.

She glanced around her, able to pick up familiar faces like those from Frat Row and even from the Greek Council. She spotted that one photographer nearby, the one who had taken her sorority's picture on the night of the first event; the same girl who had broken into the hospital alongside Katy and one of the PNKs. Although she knew her face, like every other monster the name just couldn't come up in Dot's mind.

In her head she simply referred to her as Pic-Girl.

Mentally shrugging, a shoulder bag decorated with a multitude of buttons slung across her chest, Dot kept her head high as she entered the building. Knowing that Laura's room was on one of the higher floors, Dot had to look at her note at least three times to remember the number. It was embarrassing enough she was forgetting names and even her own class schedule, but even the room of her sorority leader? It was almost as bad as not exactly caring about the second event at all!

As she neared the door with the right number, Dot reminded herself that she did care about the games. But just not on a level that a Scare student would. If anything, she wondered why the games couldn't be more fun. Like what was shown on family TV shows. Like the kind that monsters would have a big laugh over afterwards whether win or lose.

Of course, she would never share these kind of thoughts with anyone. After all, she didn't exactly feel she fit in among these MU students just yet. And she still felt rather unsure about her place in EZ.

That day she raised her hand to support Laura for the very first time, Dot had no idea what were the Scare Games or what the Greek system was even like. She always thought it was a bunch of older students taking care of new sisters and brothers! Like a babysitter's club!

Well, she felt even more like a baby as she knocked on the door. Trying to fight down the awkward blush on her cheeks, Dot swallowed as she heard the door click. The moment she noticed her roommate's face peek at her, she knew they had been waiting a long time.

"There you are!" Colette exclaimed as pushed the door further away, revealing her in a green sequin blouse. "Where have you been, Dot? I've been texting you!"

The Art major smiled nervously. "Sorry...I was at the food court grabbing a burrito. And then I had to go back to our room to find some of my stuff. It was really hard looking for them because your shoes are all over the place..." she added sheepishly.

She hoped she didn't sound like she was whining, although the tone she used was often pointed out by her mother as someone rebuffing with bitter disrespect. Deep down she wished to glob Colette's stuff didn't have to be all over their dorm. It made Dot miss her own bedroom back home even more...

At that moment Colette was gesturing for her to come in, Dot knew that this weekend she would go back home and be back in her own bed.

After all, home was only some miles away.

Dot's eyes loomed over the two other girls, Katy and Monnie, sitting on Laura's mattress. The leader herself, with her wings tucked in and her hands clasped over her lap, was seated on the nearby desk chair. The EZ leader regarded her with mild wonder over her late arrival.

Katy laid against the wall pressed by the side of the bed, arms folded across her chest.

"Where have you been?" she asked in a reluctant tone.

Dot lowered her head, gazing at the floor as she clung her bag. "Just doing some stuff..."

Laura cleared her throat, all eyes turning to her.

"It's fine," she assured her in a sincere tone, "don't worry. What matters is that you're here now."

Dot entered the room and closed the door behind her, locking it and trying not to bother the 'Do Not Disturb' sign which was hung on the knob. She sometimes wondered why of all students Laura had to hang such a sign outside her room. Laura merely brushed that query whenever it was asked of her. They all had matters to attend to right now, and Dot was certain the answer could occur some other time.

Taking a seat on a nearby chair, she casted a look around Laura's personal dorm room. Built for two students, she had the whole place to herself. That meant she had twice the amount of space allocated to a single student, more space to move around, and even an additional closet.

At least then the only stuff she would be tripping over would be her own, not someone else's...

A small table laid in the middle of the room, placed within easy reach of all the monsters present. There were blank papers and markers and other stationery available, all arranged neatly in their packs. A copy of the MU guide, which was issued to all new students, was turned to the page with the overview map of Bohol Hall.

Dot also noticed that beside Laura's study desk was the makeshift bed for Archie the Scare Pig, now the unofficial mascot of their own sorority. The little animal was currently resting, his ears flickering while he shifted on his personal mattress.

Putting her bag onto her lap, she smiled at everyone as politely as she could. Dot and the rest of the sorority turned their attention towards their leader, awaiting her chance to talk and begin the briefing.

Laura swallowed, unsure of what to do next. This whole leader thing was still tugging at her wings uncomfortably, and all these girls were depending on her. Not to say they were hopeless without her assistance, but none of them exactly knew what Scaring was. The best she could come up with was exercise than actual scare lessons, given that the first event had required a lot of running.

Smoothing a hand over her long ears, she smiled nervously, anticipation making her heart ricochet against her chest.

"Okay, so...has anyone learned anything relevant to Scaring in the last week?" she asked carefully.

Katy laid further against the wall, eyes downward. "Um, besides the fact that CDA are dang good at tracking you down?"

Laura sighed and rolled her eyes. "Besides that."

"Humans don't know how to dress?" Colette piped in, waving a bangled wrist in the air.

Katy glared at her. "The heck does that have to do with Scaring?"

Colette glared back, very offended. "Uh! It's just a thought!"

The former scoffed. "You know, maybe if you got your head away from the mirror and on the competition, you wouldn't have put us on edge in the first event!"

The fashionista pouted. "Well, excuse me! I did not think flying was an option!"

Laura groaned, rubbing her head. Somehow she wished someone else could assist her with this. But it was all up to her.

"Okay, girls, that's enough," she ordered carefully.

Dot hardly listened at all. While the four were deeply rooted about the next event, the artist was in deep anxiety as she secretly looked over her phone. She sent some text messages in the last few seconds, and her hands were practically shaking.

She just really wanted to get out of this meeting. But she was nervous about telling her team she wanted to leave now...

Katy just lifted her head toward the ceiling, arms folded behind her as she pressed her back to the wall. Colette huffed with disgust as she returned back to her compact mirror. Monnie, however, had been well-behaved the entire time.

"Maybe you tell us what exactly we should study in our free time?" the redhead suggested to their leader.

Laura sighed in relief. "Yes! You are so right!"

Dot hoped maybe it meant the meeting would be soon over. She really needed to get out now...

She wished she hadn't been informed at last minute about the meeting. But then again her leader was always looking for the best time all of them would be available. Laura had promised it would be short as possible, but apparently, as Dot looked over her phone, it wasn't short enough.

"Read some on Scaring," Monnie admitted with a content smile.

"What about the rest of you?" Laura queried the other EZ girls.

"I was busy doing cleaning duties for my 'heist', remember?" Katy snapped.

Colette checked herself in the mirror again. "Previous design didn't sit well with me. Redid the whole thing, and it ate up my time."

Dot swallowed. "Last minute homework," she confessed. "I did read a little of the notes you gave."

Laura sighed, having expected this. Although it was better than nothing. Her girls were still devoted to the team no matter what. But the sheer thought that something bad could happen to one of them still plagued her mind. However, it was nice to know they were cooperating as best they could.

"Well, girls, thanks for your honesty," she told them. "I know balancing between work and the games is a hassle."

Katy rolled her eyes. "It's just a dumb thing happening in the library. How bad could that be?"

"Um, Katy?" Monnie said. "Do you not remember what Oozma Kappa mentioned about it last semester?"

Her roommate rolled her eyes. "Oh, I'm sorry. I forgot about that on account of two of them had been in the hospital!" she remarked with sarcasm dripping off her tongue.

"Okay...everyone settle down..." Laura spoke nervously.

Dot bit her lip, receiving another text. She couldn't wait any longer. Turning to Laura, she slowly stood up, her height towering over the other girls, especially since she was the tallest of them all.

"Uh, Laura?" she began uneasily.

Her leader turned to her. "Yes, Dot?"

The sherbet-colored monster shifted nervously. "I...I really need to go now..."

Katy scoffed. "Geez, the bathroom is down the hall, you didn't see that?"

Dot blushed. "No, I mean...I'm supposed to meet someone right now..."

Colette's eyes lit up. "Ooh! Someone?" She grinned. "A cute guy, I bet?"

Her roommate blushed even more, her lips curved in an expression of mild disgust. "What? Ew, gross, no! I mean...we're supposed to go to Monstroland today."

The fashionista regarded her in confusion. "But didn't you already go two days ago?" Dot swallowed. "Well...yeah..."

Laura sighed. "Can you stay here for a little more? I really want to get some details down for this meeting."

Dot shook her head. "If I stay now, the park is going to get busier than it already is. And lines are awful enough."

"You're a passholder!" Colette pointed out. "When you went there two days ago I was wondering when you'd text me what time you'd come back...which was past midnight." she added skeptically.

Dot bit her lip. "I...forgot your number..."

Colette nearly groaned. "You really need to start putting them in your phone."

"Sorry..." the artist muttered.

Monnie looked over her. "Well, maybe we can tell you how the meeting went when you get back."

Dot's eyes lit up hopefully. "So I can go now?"

Laura sighed once more, trying to manage a smile. "Well, I guess so. You can go ah-

Before she could even finish, Dot already bolted out the door. Had anyone been able to take a good glance at her face, they would have noticed she was grinning wider than a slice of watermelon. The door was flung open, not even bothered to be closed as the tallest EZ girl dashed across the hall. The girls heard her footsteps echo down the stairs as well.

Katy watched with lack of interest. "Well, she was eating to get out of here..."

Colette fidgeted a bit. "Actually..." She turned to Laura. "Would it be okay if I go to? There's a sale at my favorite stores right now, and I want to get there as soon as possible."

Katy scoffed at this. "Seriously? Didn't you just go shopping yesterday?"

Colette placed her hands on her hips. "Well, what's the point of a meeting if all of us aren't even here?"

Laura swallowed. "Well, I see you're trying to make a point here..."

Katy suddenly got up from the bed. "Well, if she's going, I am so gone. I am exhausted from work earlier, and just really want to go to sleep. Unless you want me to nap here, I am going back to my dorm and will wake up in a week."

Monnie regarded the two. "Um, we we hardly even started a discussion yet."

"We're starting one right now, aren't we?" her roommate asked cooly.

Laura fought the urge to roll her eyes. "Can't you two at least stay a little longer compared to Dot?"

Katy stifled a yawn. "If she bails, so do we."

Colette nodded. "And besides, it's not like this second event or whatever isn't happening any time soon. We got a lot of time, remember?"

Monnie turned to Laura. "Maybe we can discuss this meeting some other time?"

"That works best," Laura said with a reluctant shrug.

"I doubt there was even a meeting to begin with..." Katy muttered under her breath.

She avoided her roommate's glare as the remaining four girls rose to their feet. Colette picked up her purse from the bed, her heels clacking as she headed for the door.

"Well, this was really nice, ladies," she said sweetly. "Maybe next time we could have our meeting at the mall? Just so it would make it easier and we could all go get our nails done afterwards!"

Katy scoffed at this. "As if, Sparkle Pumps..."

"Well, I got to get going!" the fashionista said cheerfully. "Store sales wait for no one!"

As she exited out of the door, Katy wasn't far behind. Stretching, she glanced at Monnie and Laura over her shoulder.

"Later," she said briskly before she was gone.

Sighing, Laura turned to Monnie, who offered her a sympathetic smile.

"Is there somewhere you need to be?" she asked her in a defeated tone.

"Well, not really," the redhead responded. "What about you?"

Laura sat back at her desk. "Just read. Or take Archie out. So you can go ahead."

Monnie adjusted her glasses. "Okay, I don't want to be the bearer of bad reality, but the fact that we've only met a few times for training, I doubt we've gone through much improvement."

The leader rubbed her temples. "No kidding. But still, we are doing our best. I wouldn't ask for anything else."

"But for the second event?" Monnie pressed.

Laura gulped. "Maybe leave it to me. I'll help us all make it through that challenge. I mean, I did for the first event, I'll be able to help us all out."

"Well, that's a bit much, don't you think?"

"It's one of the better choices."

Monnie lowered her head, almost shamefully. "I understand..."

"Well, I guess that's it then," the EZ president stated. "You go right ahead. Thanks for coming by and hearing me out."

"Sure, I'll see you later," Monnie responded before standing up. "If you need anyone to discuss with again, just text me."

"Appreciated."

Monnie gave her a gentle smile, before opening the door and walking out. Laura sat back in her chair and sighed, wondering how she would be able to schedule the next meeting. It would have to fit a time when all her sisters would be able to participate, and not leave before it even started. It wouldn't be easy, but she would have to make do with what she had at the moment.

Laura carried Archie into her arms as she gazed out the window. The last one out of the dorm building was Monnie, her red hair and long yellow tail able to be spotted from the highest floor. Watching the last of her sorority sisters leave, the leader wondered if something had gone wrong moments before. The meeting could have been perfect, but maybe the timing was terrible.

Of course, she couldn't blame each of her girls for wanting to leave (or ditch). It wasn't like much could be said about the meeting. She already knew none of her girls were prepared for the second event. They didn't know Scaring, they didn't exactly take the seriousness of these unexpected events, and they were more about their own interests as of right now.

Made her wonder if they really meant it about being her team...

But it had been a little while since the last time they "trained", and there had been a lot to deal with in the duration of preparing for the second event. They still needed some time to psyche themselves before Laura could really teach them. Maybe a few jogs around the university like what Carla's team always did. Maybe a trip to the gym would work fine. But right now wasn't the best time, and she was fine with it.

Being a sorority leader, Laura knew her work was anything but easy. She really needed to get the undivided attention of everyone within the sorority during the meeting. Sure, they could engage in their own interests at their own time, but when the meeting was called, the least they could do was actively participate. Laura knew the other fraternities and sororities must have prepared their own plan, since she noticed that the EEK girls had been practicing days prior to the incident.

Well, her team was rough around the edges at the moment, but nothing future training couldn't fix.

At least, she hoped...
_

The cool breeze never felt better as Dot ran down the steps away from the dorm building. For some reason she was suddenly developing a reluctance for these particular living spaces.

The first time she approached her own, she remained positive that perhaps having a dorm was basically just having a second bedroom. Away from home.

And Colette was a pretty compatible roommate. True, she sometimes accommodated more space than Dot was willing to share, but she was still very considerate; with some slight ditz here and there. That certain trait reminded Dot of that sorority with the pink sweaters, and a few of the girls who donned purple.

Yet Laura was still considerably fortunate she had one all to herself. Best of all, she got to have a pet there. And the people who worked in those dorms had firmly stated, on the first day of college, that pets were denied entry to dorms...

Well, Dot had no pet. Or much space for that matter. But a little voice inside her head assured her everything would be fine.

And she was free now. Away from the bulging stresses that her sorority leader was threatening to spill over the other EZ girls. As much as Dot felt for Laura's situation, she couldn't exactly relate to these particular feelings.

After all, Dot had never exactly associated with monsters on this level. Although Monnie seemed like an exception, being one of those who had some real common sense compared to Katy and Colette. Still, they were all just so different, and they wanted different things.

All Dot wanted was to leave this campus and just be out there where none of MU could touch it. Which was exactly what she was doing right now as she kept her head low, in spite of the sherbet-colored tresses held up at the back of her head by a bandana. She was, after all, a very tall monster, so keeping low was pretty much an impossible task.

But she could run. And that was exactly what she did as she bolted across the courtyard, eyes focused on what was in front of her and never making eye contact with anyone. Another voice in her head told her to perhaps just slow down, not trip like that one time on her way out of the library. But it was denied because she really wanted to escape campus right now.

She wanted to be happy.

Dot took steady breaths as her three legs spiraled across the cobble ground like a spider making a web. She had to dart left and right with incoming students, some she nearly collided with. Fortunately, she missed every single one by an inch, and she was certain that she was reaching where the gates possibly were. The map of this entire campus was difficult and complicated, and how it was designed was a real eyesore...

However, as luck would have it, there the open gates stood, where those intimidating statues hovered above them like prison wardens. And she was challenging them because she refused to be kept locked up in this place. A nice adventure in mind, and that was a great cartoon episode as well.

Her gem green eyes glittered with awe that she found her way off MU ground. Hurrying in her pace, she grabbed ahold of her bag, thoughts of doing what outside the campus increasing her excitement.

However, the feeling was short-lived as her side accidentally collided with a red-cladded one. She emitted a grunt before stumbling back, clutching her bag tighter. The one she bumped into made no sound.

Collecting herself, Dot glanced over and her eyes widened. It was one of the ROR boys. The tall one with the antennas and four arms. Beside him was the shortest member, his single eye regarding her with mild surprise.

She felt her orange cheeks grow red, gripping her bag even tighter and mentally chiding herself. The insect monster himself simply stared at her, his mouth only slightly unhinged.

"Uh, sorry!" she said sheepishly. "Just in a hurry!"

And with that she quickly passed them, avoiding eye contact.

"Bye, Jason! Bye, Cher!" she called back before bolting.

Neither ROR member even bothered to correct her. Although the smaller one was secretly fuming.

"That's a girl's name..." he grumbled under his breath.

The gates came closer as Dot's heart soared with a head full of plans. She double-checked her bag to make sure she had her wallet and phone. Once she was off campus grounds, she would stay out as much longer than before. It had been far too long since she had this moment, and she counted her blessings the meeting cancelled when it did.

"Hey, Dot!"

She halted in her tracks, nearly stumbling over her own feet before looking behind her. She forced a smile the moment she spotted a familiar pair of purple legs coming toward her.

"Hi, Art," she greeted as politely as she could.

The OK monster grinned. "What're you in a rush for?"

The taller monster shifted a bit, holding her bag close to her chest. "Just going out, that's it..." she said quietly, hardly looking him in the eye.

He noticed this display of unwillingness. But he didn't dare point it out. Instead, his expression morphed into one of more understanding. And some sympathy if she had been asking for it.

"Well, I was going to ask if you wanted to check out an art thing with me here on campus," he said respectfully.

The EZ girl did find that very sweet of him to do. But she honestly found little interest with the idea, given that hers was ten times better. And she wanted to just be alone right now.

"Oh, sorry..." she said cautiously. "But...I kind of have other things to do...Maybe another time?"

Maybe you'll forget? she thought hopefully.

Art offered another sincere smile. He took a step back, holding his hands up as if pushing himself off an imaginary shield conducted by her.

"Hey, I get it," he said casually, chuckling a little. "We all got plans here. I'll just hang with my buddies. Just kind of hoped I'd, you know, try and get to know you a little more."

Dot contemplated those words. He had invited her sorority to their "original" frat house, brought them in first on the plan for when the twins came home, and they were classmates. She honestly thought they had more than enough to know about each other.

Of course, she doubted he could possibly find interest in what truly represented her. Hardly anyone ever had before she came to MU.

"I'm sorry..." she said in a child-like tone. "I really am."

"It's cool, Dot," he told her, smile softening. "I'll see you later, okay?"

She gave a stiff nod, clutching her bag before looking back at the gate. She just wanted to run.

Once she turned back to Art, it was he who left first. She could see his large furry feet stroll across the campus, almost as if he was cheerful without reason.

Dot gave one last look in his direction. And her head whipped back toward the gate when she heard a car honk.

Her uncertainty was immediately replaced by a joyful squeal as she rushed past the gates, following the vehicle as it parked a few distances from MU.
_

The first thing Monnie wanted to do as soon as she left Laura's dorm was head to Frat Row. There was a high chance she might possibly meet a certain Oozma with purple glasses.

It seemed almost like going home every time she visited the OK house, whether here on campus or in the nearby neighborhood. It honestly felt more welcoming and less 'dutiful' than a certain gold and red fraternity's haven.

Earphones on, hands in her jacket pockets, the EZ girl trekked into the familiar cul-de-sac where very few students were roaming around at this hour. She heard something along the lines of a special 'ice cream Friday', but she barely made it out as she hiked up the steps of OK's house. Lightly rapping on the door, she hoped he was present.

The moment the door opened, Monnie was hit with the delicious aroma of baked goods and spices. And there stood the lizard himself, blinking his big, green eyes at her.

"Oh, hey," Randall greeted, "thought you'd be with your sorority right now."

Monnie kept her blush out of sight as she pulled off her earphones. "Meeting ended early, everyone went to do their own thing. Where are you brothers?"

"Same thing," Randall explained, "Mike's with Squishy, Art's chasing butterflies, I think; Don and Mrs. Carlton are out with the twins...and Sullivan's doing whatever." he muttered quietly.

"And what are you doing?" she asked.

"Cooking a snack for myself," he said, his expression re-lit. "Want to join me?"

Her heart swelled at the offer. "Sure, I'd love that."

He stepped aside before gesturing for her to enter. Stepping into the living room, Monnie felt at home once more. Just everything about the room screamed a mother's touch (especially since Mrs. Carlton's decor ideas had been used for every inch of it), and it was considered an immediate favorite by students.

The smell of food grew stronger as he led her into the kitchen. On the table was, unsurprisingly, remaining piles of pre-packaged goods gifted to the twins. There was still enough to practically last months unless all of the frat ate at least one box a day. Amazing as well as touching how much time and money students were willing to spend for their favorite frat monsters.

She glanced at the stove where a pot was boiling. Something inside bubbled like a thickly goo, the spices wafting even stronger than before. Monnie watched as he hurried over and grabbed a nearby spoon, removing the lid before quickly stirring the pot.

"Smells good," she complimented. "What is it?"

"Gumbo," he explained with a smile before placing the lid back on.

"Ooh, fancy," she chuckled. "I haven't had that stuff in a while. I wouldn't know the first thing on how to make it."

"Well, about a year ago I went to New Goreleans," he explained as he set the stove on low. "Fell in love with the stuff and decided to try my hand at making my own."

"You seem have done a pretty good job," she observed.

He turned and smiled at her. "You never even tasted it."

"I've tasted your cupcakes."

"Well, baking is a lot different from cooking stuff like this," he explained. "But I'll let you be the judge of that."

After a few minutes, he turned off the stove before slowly lifting the lid. Monnie took a glance at the contents, noticing rice, lentils, and beef chunks being stirred around as the essence bubbled. It was honestly mouth-watering, and her stomach began to growl.

The moment Randall spooned a good portion into a bowl and handed it to her, she barely had time to blow on it before putting some into her mouth. She nearly teared up from the heat, but the taste was too good that she had to just let it burn her throat.

The spices were incredible, the meat practically melted on her tongue, and the gooey amounts of rice and beans made the burning sensation more bearable.

In other words, like his cupcakes, gumbo was becoming her new OK recipe favorite. Swallowing, she grinned at him.

"Delicious!" she stated with a giggle. "Randy, this is so good!"

He tried not to blush. "Thanks...You and your sorority can join us for dinner tonight if you want..."

Her smile could not get any bigger, her heart burning like the heat of the gumbo she tasted.

"We'd love to," she responded. "I'd love to!"

He turned back to the pot, stirring it once more. His smile more pleasant, he scooped some into his own bowl.

"You think Laura likes gumbo?" he asked in an eager tone.

And the fire snuffed out instantly...
_

Many students who were already finished with their classes for the week proceeded in one direction, which led right outside of MU. Of course, to Squishy and Mike, this was no surprise every Friday for them.

After all, ice cream could only be available for so long.

As the youngest Oozma followed beside his coach, he wasn't too disappointed that his entire OK family wasn't with them to have a few frozen treats. Especially for Terri and Terry.

Some time out in Metropolis would do them some good. Not for them to exceed their strength and try to force themselves to move past their crutches, but just for some quality time with mom and dad. To get their minds off their current situation.

Squishy was just glad Mike would accompany him to Guido's ice cream truck. The aforementioned vendor had chosen to park his vehicle outside of the university, so his new customers wouldn't have to rush all the way to the neighborhood to find him. With classes over, the youngest Oozma felt even more famished for a few ice cream treats, unable to think of anything sweeter than what he was craving for.

His five eyes glanced upward at a familiar dorm building, and he slowly stopped in his tracks when he spotted one of the higher windows. Mike halted beside him, taking notice of the sight before them.

The green cyclops couldn't help but smile as his friend watched a certain winged monster from her window. Seemed she was all alone save for the company of her pet pig.

"You know," Mike sang lightly, "maybe she'd go for some ice cream about now."

"Yeah..." Squishy muttered, staring hopelessly.

The former student pressed his lips together tightly. "Why not ask her to join in?"

The smallest of the OK frat wheeled toward him, each of his multitude of eyes widening.

"I...I don't know..." he swallowed.

Mike groaned, rolling his single eye. "What, you want me to ask her for you? Because I can do it right now."

Squishy raised his eyes when Mike searched the ground before noticing a small, round pebble. He quickly picked it up, tossing it up and down into the palm of his hand. Squishy watched him in confusion.

"What are you doing?" he asked in confusion.

Mike threw him a smirk. "You can thank me later," he told him before raising his hand, stone in palm.

Squishy's multitude of eyes widened, and before he could protest the green monster tossed it as high as he could. It soared upward, but not with so much force that it could actually produce damage.

The youngest OK member flinched the moment it clacked loudly against the open windowsill. And his heart raced the moment it caught the attention of the new sorority leader.

Laura poked her head outside her window, glancing downward and spotting the two. Archie stood atop her desk, snorting a little while remaining by his caretaker's side. Both regarded the monsters below them in mild confusion, especially as Mike grinned up while Squishy looked as if he wanted to pass out.

"Hey there, Sharp!" Mike called out with a wave.

The former FT student stood there, unsure before returning with a sheepish wave of her paw.

"Uh, hey..." she greeted with uncertainty.

"It's Friday!" Mike called. "Everyone's heading out the gates for Guido!"

Laura lightly gripped the edge of her window as she peered down at them. "Who's Guido?"

The one-eyed monster feigned a gasp, Squishy batting him an unsure look. "Who's Guido?" Mike exclaimed with mock horror. "Only the best ice cream vendor in Monstropolis!"

"There's an ice cream vendor outside campus?" Laura questioned.

"Yeah!" Mike cried as if that was the most obvious answer in the monster world. "He's been MU's ice cream guy since last semester!"

At that moment, as Squishy merely stood there like a lawn ornament, Mike playfully nudged his shoulder.

"Tell her, Squish," the green monster ushered.

The smaller monster found his throat dry up the instant his five eyes met two greenish blue ones. He stiffened, feeling hot under his collar as Laura gazed down at him from her dorm window. His mouth hung open, but no words came out.

"Uh..." he droned nervously, almost unable to blink.

Mike fought the urge to roll his large pupil before stepping in once more.

"You know what," he insisted as he looked up at Laura, "he can explain better if you come down here." He beckoned with a hand, smile on his lips. "Come on! You and Archie should join us!"

Laura swallowed, standing up straight while her wings pointed downward.

"I...I don't know..." she murmured. "I never really thought of leaving my dorm right now. I mean, I got some studying to do-"

"Oh, who doesn't?" Mike cut in, his tone almost teasing. "It's Friday! Don't tell me you're actually going to spend all semester sitting at your desk and study!" He paused for a moment. "Because I know what that's like, and trust me, I regret some!"

He took a step forward with Squishy behind him, the latter still unsure as he shuffled a little. Mike gazed up at Laura, watching as the ends of her long ears twitched. He beckoned once more, hoping to glob he didn't have to climb up the building like a spider and beg himself. He could only do so much for the new sorority leader. And for Squishy.

"Please?" he asked carefully.

Laura tensed a little, trying to relax her mind that was overcome with voices that argued on her behalf. Once voice told her that it was best to just remain in the dorm, take off only when she thought it was best with only Archie by her side. Yet another voice, one much more positive, pleaded she take this chance. All her sorority sisters were gone, and she needed to consider herself fortunate Mike and Squishy actually thought about her.

Swallowing, she decided to listen to that second voice. She gave the two male monsters a slow nod, placing a hand on Archie's back.

"O-okay..." she said with a gulp.

"That's the spirit!" Mike cheered before nudging Squishy once more. "Ain't that right?"

The smallest OK member said nothing, trying to offer a smile that came out a little crooked. He managed to send the Sharp heiress a wave of his tiny hand, trying not to look like a lawn ornament any longer.

It was some time before Laura exited out of the dorm building, Archie in her arms. Mike and Squishy had expected she would simply just fly down from her window, considering she had wings. But maybe she was rather being safe than sorry at this moment.

"Yeah, great to have you with us, Laura," Mike said encouragingly as he led her toward a large crowd that was heading in the same direction. "You know, it was Squishy's idea to invite you."

The moment he mentioned his name, the smaller monster turned to gawk at him. However, he was unable to get a say as Laura glanced in his direction. He felt his entire frame shake, and his hands felt clammy as he gazed into those sky forest eyes...that were concealed by subtraction sign shaped ones that wriggled as snorts were produced.

"Easy, Archie," Laura told the pig softly as she held him to her chest. She turned once more toward Squishy, offering him a sincere smile. "Thank you for inviting me," she told him in a monotonous yet mannerly tone.

At that moment Squishy was able to find his voice. "N-no problem..."

Laura wasn't sure what made her just accept the offer. She had initially thought to just turn it down and remain in her room, not arise until much later. Maybe it was the way Mike had asked, no, insisted she come along. Or perhaps she just couldn't say no due to the fact the frat had been through a lot and were just beginning to receive light on their situation. That was probably it.

There was no change in her answer now as she found herself trekking beside Squishy, with Mike mostly leading the way. It was probably the best idea for her right now, given that her whole sorority left her and her only company originally would have been Archie.

Ice cream sounded good right now.
~

The line was extremely long, starting from where Guido's truck was parked straight through the gates of the university. But no one cared, all that mattered was that they received their ice cream after enduring another week of school. Especially when MU students had a special discount made by Guido himself.

Laura lightly bounced Archie against her chest like a mother to her baby monster. It was amazing she hadn't noticed this special event that occurred on a weekly basis with her new university. And especially created by Oozma Kappa itself.

"So all this happened last semester?" she couldn't help but ask.

Squishy managed to find his voice. "Well, yeah. I've actually known him the longest before I first attended MU. And when I joined Don and started Oozma Kappa, we came to Guido every Friday for the last two years."

Mike grinned. "And then in came last semester when everyone started wanting to be just like OK. And now Guido's business is booming. He's even catering on the side now!"

"He provided the ice cream for my parents' wedding," Squishy added with a pleased smile.

"Wow, that's amazing," Laura said. "I never really thought ice cream trucks still existed. I just buy them by the tub at the store." She watched as monsters passed by them, eating their own treats ranging from cones to push-pops. "Gee...I don't even know what I should order."

The youngest of the OK frat shifted a bit, his mind taking steady breaths as he tried to speak a little braver.

"Well, uh..." he began carefully. "How about I grab you something?" he offered. "You know, surprise you?"

When she smiled at him, his heart could have leaped through the O of his fraternity sweater.

"I'd like that," Laura responded thoughtfully.

A sheepish smile spread on his face, and he found himself breathing a little more heavily, that mixed with a chuckle. Mike laid a hand on him, trying to steady the smaller monster while offering Laura a content grin.

The line began to move and soon the three found themselves at the front. After Mike received his order, Squishy came forward looking up at the counter where the vendor laid.

"Hey, Squishy," Guido greeted him. "The usual?"

"Uh, yeah, that," the small member of OK said before glancing behind him at Laura, who was busy looking around her. "My friend behind me is new to this ice cream truck thing. Can you give her a special something that'll impress?"

The vendor smiled before pulling out a large container of the three main colors of flavor, which was covered with sprinkles and bananas sticking on all its sides.

"This do for the lady?" he asked.

"Perfect!" Squishy exclaimed.

"On the house," Guido told him.

"What? But this is a lot Guido-"

The vendor winked at him. "College boys have to start somewhere, don't they? And she is a definite keeper."

Squishy's eyes widened before glancing back at Laura. Thankfully, she heard nothing.

"Uh, yeah, thanks," he muttered quickly.

Gesturing for Laura to follow him, both left for the next monster to order. They joined Mike at the edge of the sidewalk where he was already licking his cone. He grinned at Squishy the moment he showed Laura her special treat.

"Wow," she said in an astonished tone, "that's some service right there."

"It's really good," Squishy promised, trying not to blush. He handed her a spoon. "Give it a go."

Laura took a small helping before sliding it into her mouth. Her ears lowered as she absorbed the taste, some spark flashing across her eyes.

"Wow, that is good," she said. "I should meet ice cream trucks more often."

And she smiled at him, with him simply returning the expression. Time stood still for the youngest member of OK as she sat down, tasting her treat with relish while Archie was licking up the side of the plate.

Neither noticed Mike smirking to himself, watching at his fellow Oozma brother was making some real progress.
_

Colette sincerely felt relieved Dot had left the meeting when she did. If her roommate hadn't, then the others might not have ever risen and asked to depart as well. It wasn't as if there was much more significance other than being reminded to study, and that the second event was no laughing matter.

Still, if they had succeeded through the first event out of pure luck, perhaps another miracle would occur for the second one. Not that Colette had ever set foot in MU's library before...

The fashionista pushed worrying thoughts aside as she strolled through central Monstropolis. Smiling to herself, it felt wonderful to be out of the campus and come to her one true passion besides designing.

Shopping. And she felt she deserved it after what she had been through the past week. With a critical fashion professor and homework problems penetrating her mind like nails, school was the last thing on her mind.

Small purse slung over her shoulder, she swayed toward the nearest shop. She grinned up toward the sign that said Flo's Boutique. One of her favorites.

Over the summer she had been shopping for a new wardrobe to bring to her university, especially to her dorm. And if she needed anything else, home wasn't too far. After all, she had grown up in Monstropolis most of her life, the city was practically her domain.

The shop was packed given that a sale was going on. Had the meeting taken much longer, everything would have been gone by now. She smiled to herself, her ruby brown eyes catching the sight of cute sweaters on a nearby rack. Maybe there was something nice to wear for the upcoming second event! She would love nothing more than to make the student body notice her.

Especially if among them was a certain JOX monster whose cute smile never left her memory...

Her heart raced, thinking about the frat boy known as Sanderson. They had talked a good while yesterday before he had to go meet up with his brothers. Those had been the best thirty minutes of her college life!

Smiling to herself, she raced over to the rack, her heels clicking on the marble floor.
~

"Yeah, I'm at that store," George muttered on his phone as he neared Flo's Boutique. "Yes, auntie, I remember what color it was. Blue, right?"

Having taken the second bus to central Monstropolis, it felt pretty good to be out of the frat house. It wasn't like his brothers were doing anything exciting right now, just either lounging on the couch or raiding the fridge. Or, for his leader, spending some quality time with a girlfriend.

There wasn't much opportunity for bird-watching going on at campus. And when his aunt called, she told him to buy one of those sweaters she saw in a catalog. He had stated that they sell the same thing in Hornsville, but she insisted that there was more meaning if it came from some other place.

Not that he minded doing a little shopping for friends and family from his old town, it was a good feeling for him. And he loved his aunt a lot, he just couldn't disappoint her.

"Yeah, I got a picture of it from that text you sent me," he said as he strolled into the store. "It's a good enough photo, I can see clearly on it."

He glanced around the store. He spotted a nearby rack that had the exact same ones she was talking about, and they were on sale.

"Yeah, I think I found it," he said as he walked over.
~

Colette smiled, pushing one hanging sweater to the side, another one following. There were so many to choose from, it was hard to even decide on just ten!

The fashionista strolled to the back of the rack, finding another portion of clothes that were just as appeasing.

Her eyes fell on a blue one. Still big, but it was a right size for her!
~

George reached the front of the rack, using his free hand to push hanging clothes from one side to the next. With his aunt on the phone, he continuously assured her that he knew exactly what he was looking for.

His eyes fell on the blue sweater she was talking about. It was on the other side of the rack.

"Found it," he said on the phone as he reached for it.
~

Colette made a grab for the sweater, squealing under her breath before yanking it toward her.

However, it never came out, as if it was nailed to its hanger on the rack. Frowning, she pulled harder.
~

George squinted his eyes, wondering why the darn sweater won't come out of its hanger. Unless it was one of those hangers with rubber padding on its arms to ensure no clothing fell to the floor.

He pulled a bit firmer, not wanting to rip it and leave his aunt disappointed.
~

Colette was losing her patience. The sweater was being stubborn, making her want it even more!

Reeling back, she pulled with both hands.
~

Temporarily cutting himself from his phone conversation, George jerked the sweater toward him one last time, using only a portion of his strength.

The last thing he expected out of it was a girlish squeak.

And a sweet face with glittering brown eyes lodged through the rack in his direction.
~

Colette blinked up in surprise, aimlessly gripping one arm of the sweater while George Sanderson gripped the other. He just stared back, lowering his phone in disbelief.

"Talk to you later," he hurriedly spoke into the receiver before hanging up.

Her cheeks nearly growing red, she quickly stood up, smoothing her dress and flashing a sheepish smile. Sweater immediately forgotten, she gave him a delicate wave.

"Oh, hi!" she greeted, fighting the nervousness down in her tone.

A smile tweaked on the JOX monster's lips. "Oh, hey...Colette...Didn't think I'd bump into you here."

Isn't fate wonderful? the fashionista thought, gazing adoringly at the orange beast.

"Yeah, go figure," she responded, trying not to giggle too giddily.

He looked toward the sweater that was in his hand and offered it to her. "Uh, sorry...This should be yours."

"Oh, no, that's okay!" she insisted, hands on her hips and continuously smiling. "It wasn't the color of choice anyway! But it would look great on you!"

She mentally smacked herself, having forgotten that this was the girls' section. Unless George was indicating something that would break her heart instantly...

The frat monster chuckled. "Actually, it's for my aunt. She's been asking me to go find her this sweater, and I found it." He blushed. "Sorry about that..."

"Oh, it's no problem," Colette assured him, secretly swooning. "Your aunt will love it!"

George smiled. "Thanks. That's really nice of you to say."

Deep down she was screaming like a fangirl at a boy band concert. She was a thousand times grateful the EZ meeting ended when it did, or she would have never crossed paths with him.

"Shopping here too?" he asked.

"Oh, like every now and then," she replied. "Found anything else of your interest here?" she asked, trying not to make her voice sound too sugary as she gazed at him.

"Nah, just the sweater," he said. "But hey, if you have any ideas on what stuff I can get friends and family, that would be great."

A lightbulb lit up in her head, her eyes glittering with excitement.

"I'd love to!" she exclaimed. She calmed down, hands behind her back. "I mean, sure!" she said more delicately.

George smiled once more. "Cool," he said. "It's great to see you again after last night."

You have no idea how much I prayed for this moment...Colette thought almost breathlessly as she gazed into his handsome amber eyes.

"Same here," she said kindly.

Circling around the rack, she almost wanted to dare herself to touch his plush orange fur. It looked so soft and comfy, it probably made stuffed toys seethe with envy. He continued grinning at her before they walked off together, discussing possible gift ideas not only for his aunt.

Colette kept smiling, her heart racing with happiness. She hoped he had a long list of friends and family names to buy for.
_

Johnny seethed to himself as he watched the tiny Oozma make light chat with the EZ leader. Having allowed himself to be dragged here for some simple ice cream consuming, the Worthington heir never expected that the Carlton son would take Laura from under his horns.

He should have asked her first if she wanted to join him for ice cream!

Sitting beside him, Carla wiped her lips of gooey syrup before noticing that familiar expression of envy. She had seen it since their Freshman year when they had been the newest members to their teams, and that face always popped up whenever Johnny felt 'threatened'. The Delgado heiress could only roll her eyes, wishing Johnny could just enjoy Ice Cream Friday for once without OK getting to his head.

However, she immediately understood the moment she noticed Laura calmly speak with both Mike and Squishy. About time that girl got out of her room and enjoyed some company besides her pig. The EEK leader smiled to herself as she watched the mascot lick up from a bowl of melted ice cream, among other treats the trio of monsters had purchased for themselves.

"Holy glop, finish your ice cream before it melts," she sighed, shaking her head.

Johnny almost didn't hear her, gripping his cone rather tightly the waffle layer nearly cracked. His purple eyes bore with even more jealousy as he watched the Sharp heiress grow more comfortable around the Carlton son.

She did not need that small monster's comfort zone. She deserved Johnny's!

Before he could even stand up, Carla reached a tentacle out and gripped his hand.

"Make a fool of yourself and the deal is off," she hissed.

He turned to her, raising a brow in surprise. She gave him a warning expression, the way a mother gave her son if he tried to do some stupid stunt for internet fame.

Johnny gritted his teeth before slowly lowering back into his seat, Carla's hand leaving his side.

She sighed. "Look, she's fine right now," the EEK leader assured him. "You can always bump into her after ice cream."

He glanced at Carla. "You got an idea where she'd usually go?"

"Her room," she responded simply before taking another spoonful of ice cream.

He mentally groaned. "Besides that..."

"OK frat house."

He frowned. "Not helping."

"Well, out on campus," she added. "But with her sorority...and three of them don't exactly like you."

"Well, one of them does!" he retorted.

"Is Pressler even aware that you want more than a 'friendly' relation with her president?"

He scowled. "Probably?"

"Look, she's a great girl to have on your side," she reminded him. "Don't make her hate you."

Johnny scoffed. "Pressler? Hate me? Come on, Delgado, you've seen the way she admires my frat."

"And yet she doesn't even know your names," she chuckled. "Even your frat's."

"That beside the point," he grunted. "Somehow, besides you, she might work as some unsuspecting ally that could get me closer with Laura."

Carla pretended to gag. "What, we're going 007 on this now?"

He gave her an unamused look. "You know what I'm talking about."

Before she could respond, both were interrupted by the voice of said EZ leader herself. They quickly glanced in Laura's direction, noticing her quickly standing up from where she sat with Squishy and Mike. Archie hopped to attention, wagging his curly tail.

"I should really get going," she told them hurriedly.

Squishy looked rather dejected, but he tried not to show it. "But...but..."

"Geez, Sharp, what's your hurry?" Mike asked her. "We do anything wrong?"

"No, no," she insisted carefully. "I...just...yeah...I just feel like I should go..."

And she immediately whirled around, back oddly straightened as she quickly walked off, Archie trekking behind her. Mike and a very pained Squishy could only watch as she left. Same for Carla and Johnny as the Sharp girl took off away from the crowd, possibly going back to her dorm room or wherever she would be alone.

"Well, that was weird," Carla muttered. She then threw a look at Johnny. "Don't even think of following her."

"I wasn't planning to!" the Worthington heir defended, holding his hands up innocently.
_

"Here's your ice cream to go."

Nadya pulled out her wad of cash the moment Guido handed her the large plastic bag of contained ice cream. "Yeah, thanks, Guido."

Pulling out of the still elongated line, the HSS girl knew she needed to take this to the fridge and quick. As she passed by various other students who were lounging around the ice cream truck, a voice called out.

"Hey, Nadya!"

She turned, spotting the familiar red fur skirt and leggings. Carrie approached her, a double scoop of ice cream in her dully-clawed hand. The PNK girl bore a smile on her face, that was rather a mix between sheepishness and mild concern.

"Hey, about last night," she said, "has Pyapi ever-"

"Hush!" the HSS girl hissed, nudging Carrie with her elbow.

Although she had not been in the least bit rough, it did make the PNK girl rub her front a little from the impact. Glancing from left to right, Nadya gestured for her to lean closer to which Carrie did.

"This is not the best place to talk about her," she told her in an almost threatening tone. "You want to put the entire race in danger?"

"Sorry!" Carrie said quickly, her three eyes brimming with shame. "I just really wanted to talk more about, well, what's happened so far."

"If this is about Naomi, you know my friend can't-"

"I'm just curious, you know?" the PNK girl cut in. "I mean, I'm still blown away from what we just saw that night at the house..."

Nadya frowned. "And you promised to keep your word."

"I know, I did," Carrie assured her. "But since I'm pretty much in on it-"

Nadya trio of eyes flashed angrily, and her scowl made the other girl shiver.

"No," the HSS girl said in a warning, chilling tone.

"You didn't even give me time to say-"

"I said no," Nadya said through gritted teeth. "My friend risked her existence just to help us. Don't even think about taking advantage of that."

She began to walk away, leaving Carrie dumbstruck.

"That was the only time you'll ever see her," Nadya said quietly. "So don't think I'll just bring her over for a cup of coffee or whatever."

Carrie watched as Nadya left, carrying that big bag of ice cream with her. The PNK girl felt her strange curiosity only grow further after the conversation.

And part of her believed that if Naomi was crazy enough to break into a hospital, Carrie's own idea couldn't be just as bad, right?
_

If you own the Fearbook, you probably already knew who Jane Pratt is. She's Dirk's sister and her image is in there. She's pretty. :)