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!

8. Chapter 7

You have no idea how sorry I am for how long it's been since my last update...

Still, I hope this makes up for it. Thank you all for waiting so patiently. :) I will honestly admit I was hit with a bit of writer's block the past few weeks trying to finish this. I thank my good Devianart friend victortky for helping me out with some of these scenes. Without him, this chapter would have been finished by summer. :D

PLEASE READ AND REVIEW! I really want some reviews, this has got to be my longest chapter so far...D:
_

Big Red sleepily strolled over to the front window of the JOX fraternity house, draped in a maroon robe. In his hand was a can of Blort that would, hopefully, boost up his system for the following morning; that would quench his thirst along his daily dose of power shakes. His stalk-protruding eyes peered over at the OK frat house across from him as he witnessed the beloved mother walk Mike and Sulley down the steps of the patio. Looks like the two former students were having another one of their occasional "early day" working hours and needed to arrive at Monsters Inc. as soon as possible.

"Now are you boys sure you don't need me to drop you there today?" Mrs. Carlton asked timidly as she handed them both the lunches she prepared. As Oozma Kappa's source of transportation, it was always her job to drop any of her precious boys, with the addition of others on occasion, at their requested destination; she was especially Mike and Sulley's ride to the factory for the duration of their work days.

Mike gave the woman a tender smile before adjusting the mailroom visor over his head. It had only been two days since the twins were placed in the hospital, and he was fully aware that Mrs. Carlton was giving her best to be as calm and composed as possible despite the pain lingering in her heart for two of her precious boys. He and Sulley had agreed the night before that they would ease some tasks off her shoulders, adding to the promise of conducting all her chores while she did simplistic errands such as grocery shopping for the day; Randall and Monnie had both offered their services, and that made the older woman smile.

"It's okay, Mrs. Carlton," Mike assured her as he and Sulley stepped onto the smooth cement of Greek row. "We'll be fine. You just take care of yourself in whatever you need to do and the guys and I will do the rest."

Sulley offered a supportive smile. "We'll get right into those chores as soon as we come back," he said, trying to sound as optimistic as his one-eyed friend.

Deep down, the blue monster was mentally whining about having to do chores, one of the few things he absolutely despised. But for the sake of Mrs. Carlton, especially when she had just stopped crying, he would bear it and pick up dust and lint just to take the extra weight off her shoulders. She had done so much for him and Mike, and it was only fair to return the favor.

Though still unsure, Mrs. Carlton merely beamed as she watched two of her little Oozmas head off, striving through campus and make it to the bus stop.

Big Red gazed through the recently cleaned glass window and analyzed the petite woman as closely as he could. His heart nearly sank when he saw the poor frat mom doing her best to produce her usual cheerful demeanor as she waved farewell to Mike and Sulley. But the JOX president could just see the corners of all five of her eyes brimming with new tears, her lips quivering as she clutched her hands together rather tightly.

Who could blame her? It had only been two days since Terri and Terry had landed in the hospital, suffering a coma, and leaving not only their frat family but the entire university in devastated concern. As much as Mrs. Carlton assured other students that she was fine, she wasn't always convincing.

He had never seen the usually happy and blissful woman in such a state of depression; in fact, he had never seen the entire university duplicate such feelings before as well. Students who either personally knew Oozma Kappa and their double-headed member or basically fans with undying loyalty suffered the last two days with questions of the fallen duo's condition; Greek Row felt a loss of joy and enthusiasm because of the incompletion of OK; even Hardscrabble of all stricken monsters felt the empathetic tug of sorrow and would often check on Sherry Carlton (when usually it was the other way around).

Prayers emerged, the sympathetic comments ceaseless, and Oozma Kappa being showered with gifts from their embracing university; Big Red felt mighty proud he and Carla Delgado agreed that both would order the dysfunctional team pizza to save their frat mom the trouble of cooking while her trembling heart was still tender. Everyone loved that woman who was like a mother to each and every one of them who provided the unconditional love she had for her "little Oozmas"; the last thing they wanted was to upset her or the guys the university never gave a chance to all those semesters since its founding.

Unlike Worthington.

Big Red turned away from the window as Mrs. Carlton sadly trod back up the steps of her second house while he swished the half-empty can of Blort in his husky hands. The ill memory of what Johnny Worthington had done to Oozma Kappa last semester was something the proud JOX president could not omit.

As lousily sentimental as it seemed, Big Red wondered if Johnny Worthington even had a heart; perhaps the tiniest kernel of remorse for what he and his boys performed on OK that night at the party when the green-sporting team was just enjoying the feel and sense of finally belonging among their community. Sure, that night Johnny had joked about "making Oozma Kappa see colors" his way, but Big Red had only assumed the ROR president was just going to have those guys party harder than they ever had in their lives (he recalled Squishy never having stayed up late before in his life).

How wrong he was.

Not only did Johnny make OK "see colors", they also saw glitter, flowers, and stuffed animals just to add to the already cut emotional wounds.

And what did an idiot like him do? Laugh. Jaws Theta Chi laughed (although he could sense George had forced it upon himself, the expression of remorse vivid on his face) and pointed mockingly at the already devastated OK.

It didn't feel good one bit, and it was moments after Mike and his team escaped the taunts and guffaws that Big Red and nearly every other monster realized how badly it hurt them. Under the ROR's roof, he realized just how cruel they had been in comparison to Johnny and his boys.

And he realized that the littlest guy, Squishy, had tried to hide his tears as Mike took him away from their sight.

Now Big Red had gotten into fights, let his temper get the best of him, and even broke a growing tree down on a dare...

...but never had he made a poor innocent soul cry.

Gripping his can, Big Red wondered what had occurred that night as soon as OK left the ROR residence to return to the comforts of true home and the warming embrace of Mrs. Carlton-formerly-Squibbles.

She might have been outraged Johnny had done something so cruel to her boys; in fact, she might have had second thoughts about the entirety of the MU community when she had presumed they would all get along so well and "play nice" now that her boys were in the Scare Games.

He couldn't blame her if she had the least bit of bitterness towards them during the final days of the Scare Games.

But, like OK, she was a sweet woman that had easily forgiven, and that was plain to see the day Mike and Sulley had been expelled but were brought back to the university and welcomed with love and embraces from their former frat brothers.

Big Red would never forget the anger Terry Perry felt towards Worthington for every ounce of insult to injury he threw in spite of the actions of Mike and Sulley. Though the red beast drank power shakes on a daily basis and worked the gym 24/7...compared to him, Terry was the stronger monster; not just in fists but in heart and soul as well.

He actually believed the older twin would kill Worthington on the spot; and everyone would have supported that. He had a worse temper than even Big Red!

However, such an act was immediately interrupted and placated now that he was reunited with Mike and Sulley. Dare he say it that the familial hug they shared in front of the entire university, with inclusion of the engaged Don Carlton and Mrs. Squibbles, really did shed a tear in his stalk eyes. Of course, if any other "strong and vicious" monster was going to point fingers, he would point right back at Rosie Levin, who tried to keep up a stronger facade than he ever did. They as well as everyone were sincerely happy that not only Mike and Sulley found the alternative to college, but that OK would return to the Scaring Program (Big Red could just see it that Hardscrabble had a soft spot for them despite her composed apathy and strict personality; even she can't avoid a hug from Squishy's mom!).

Thinking of Mrs. Carlton, the hot red-skinned monster reflected on the day all that happened, right after Mrs. formerly-Squibbles whisked her boys away from the university to provide a "re-welcome party" for Mike and Sulley...

"Are you kidding me?"

Carrie Williams pursed her lips, sending Big Red a three-eyed glare but she definitely was not fooling anyone. Her stern expression slowly melted to one that was easily as fearful as the JOX president's.

The power had finally recurred, but the university had decided that all classes would be cancelled for the day. For any student, it was a miraculous chance to merely relax and do non-university stuff; for the members of the Greek community, it was a chance to plan a party.

And Oozma Kappa was to be invited.

It was no difficulty as Jaws Theta Chi offered their house for the event to take place, the so-called "delicacies" being pizza, soda, and various junk food provided; they even prepared their new ping pong table so some monsters could play a few rounds of "Ping Pong Toe".

But when it came to question on who exactly was going to visit OK at their mother's house to inform them of the party...that was the problem.

The afternoon had wore on as the Scare Games' teams that had participated (and lost) in the previous events all gathered within the living room of the JOX house. ROR, of course, was not present. While the former participant groups automatically allowed them invitation to the party tonight, they absolutely refused their intake on the conversation regarding one certain fraternity...

ROR just might make is worse...

The other teams had reached the mutual agreement that what the boys in crimson red had done was by far cruel and completely idiotic. Who knew if they had a last-minute one up their sleeves had the other teams decided to allow them in on the plan.

Of course, what they had done was far worse; laughing at the monsters who would do no wrong and had just tried to fit in. They had fit in perfectly from the very beginning. It was just that no monster, especially Hardscrabble, had ever given them the chance.

And it felt almost too little too late the realization when the Scare Games arrived...

How blind they were to the above-average capability each member of Oozma Kappa possessed. Despite what they appeared on the outside, what burned deeply within would never let them down. A lot of heart and soul was in OK, and while every other monster failed to see that, Mike Wazowski had unveiled it like a bird's wings.

So what if the final event had been rigged? Deep down, they all knew OK was beyond ROR even if they didn't officially win. As Carla Delgado put it, they were a never-breaking bridge that carried each other's support always.

And after seeing the anger of Terry Perry and how much meaning Oozma Kappa had with their former brothers, the love and respect they loyally carried despite everything, the other teams felt it was time to cleanse the wrongs and make things right. For the sake of a new beginning for Oozma Kappa, for Mike and Sulley, for all of them.

It felt somewhat awkward that all of them were sitting under one roof together right now, usually the closest thing to intersection was meetings held in the Greek Council building; but, of course, a lot has changed. Oozma Kappa made them see that such change was not to be feared.

But what they did fear was going over to Squishy's mother's house. Who would go, that's what they had been discussing about.

Big Red's eye stalks loomed over the PNK president, hands on his knees as he lounged on his special recliner.

"Why don't you do it, Williams?" He offered arguably. "You and your girls can go over there and just tell them-

"What?" Carrie exclaimed, her trio of eyes blinking timidly. "No way! We went there last time when we told them Johnny was inviting them to their party!"

The reminder of that incident at the ROR's made a certain mauve-haired girl lower her head shamefully as she sat between her leader and Nadya Petrov of Eta Hiss Hiss. Said HSS girl's three eyes glanced at her questionably, but she remained silent as she watched both JOX and PNK presidents argue.

"They probably think we set them up!" Carrie cried.

"Why the heck would they think that?" Rosie Levin rolled her eyes as she leaned back against the couch, sharing it was Carla Delgado and a few other Greek members.

Before Carrie could answer, it was Donna Soohoo who hopped on her worm-like physique, bobbing her furry, pig-tailed head.

"You didn't see what happened the night of the first event between them?" Donna mused. She jerked her front toward the PNK leader. "'Rip you to pieces', she told them. Especially toward the twins."

Carrie swallowed hard as all eyes fell on her sorority. True, they had major doubt with OK ever finishing the stinging urchin challenge, but the girls were only teasing! In their creepy sort of way...

"Oh, I remember that..."

All eyes immediately turned to George Sanderson, who made more cups of cocoa to provide for JOX's guests and friends. The furry monster shifted his gaze toward Carrie and the rest of PNK; although his expression was not stern nor callous, the PNK leader could just feel the disappointment seeping from his eyes.

"You know, Carrie," he spoke gently. "That was kind of mean..."

Mean...as innocent as he sounded, such a word stung. It was one of many words thrown about Python Nu Kappa from those who never took the time to witness the real image of these so-called "stuck-up" girls, especially by several boys who refused to date them for fear of getting emotionally hurt or have their time wasted with a bunch of "prissies". Despite their calm guise, it was really a lot of weight to take in for PNK; and with the consideration of what OK's official opinion of them was to be, it felt like the weight of the entire world was upon them.

Especially for Naomi Jackson.

Carrie shifted her eyes toward her youngest member, seeing the guilt-ridden expression evident on her face while Nadya sat close by her, inspecting her carefully with a raised eyebrow but concerned expression. The leader sucked in her cheeks before daring to look back at George, the single-horned monster of orange calmly composed but with hands to his waist that made him appear like a persistent mother.

"We never meant to!" It was PNK member Britney Davis who spoke up, yet her voice faltered knowing that she was defending a lost cause.

George sighed, eyes falling to the floor sadly. "Well, it really scared them," he said. "Not to mention at the ROR party-"

"Don't bring it up!"

Such an outburst had all eyes fall on Naomi, whose blue eyes blinked before she hid her face under her locks with embarrassment, trying to avoid the stares. George looked at her sympathetically, knowing she wasn't the only one who wished to drop that incident from the state of mind altogether. The orange monster knew bringing it up was such a tender subject, a mere blow to the body that would resort in the uttermost pain. Of course, he had expected such; guilt was far more painful than anything severely physical.

"We're all to blame here, George."

It was Carla Delgado who immediately spoke up as her eyes fixed on the floor, her tied fins cascading with remorse.

"None of us gave Oozma Kappa what they rightfully deserved, and who are we to think that they'll look at any of us the same way again?" She continued sadly. "Especially when we were at that moment of becoming this 'one world' or whatever hippies call it; ROR ruined that chance and we went along with it."

"Geez, Delgado, you and Sanderson aren't making this any easier," Rosie Levin said gruffly.

"It's not going to be easy," the EEK leader expressed. "But the least we can do is try and fix this. Hardscrabble did a little bit of it, remember that."

"She likes them," Sonia Lewis muttered. "I bet she favors them more than even her own sorority."

George shifted his gaze to the raven-haired HSS girl. "Well, what's not to like about OK? They're fun, interesting, and really nice." He turned back to his own fraternity, his gaze becoming stern. "And despite some doubts, I had respect for them. Especially for Mike and James."

"Wow, Sanderson," Nadya Petrov spoke, sounding impressed. "You sound so confident."

George smiled. "Of course. I mean, someone had to point them in the right direction."

Big Red regarded him with confusion. "What do you mean-"

"Who else knows the manager of MI's mailroom than I do?" The furry orange monster added sheepishly.

The room produced nothing but silence, the astonished stares falling on the sensitive JOX member as he stood proudly before all.

"You mean...?" Carrie stared at him with all three widened eyes.

She took George by surprise when she sat back down with a loud thump, placing her face in her hands and muttering in frustration.

"You have it easier with those guys than any of us can hope for..." The PNK leader grimaced.

"Who says you don't stand a chance with a little redemption?" George asked. "That's what this party's for, right? Get back on OK's good side and hope to make their new university days much better than before."

Debbie threw her hands up, startling everyone as her single eye narrowed and her turquoise skin nearly producing fiery red.

"We're not as 'happy-go-lucky' as you are, George!" She snapped. "For all we know, OK probably can't stand us!"

Her outburst unsealed yet another emotional wound in the entire household, and positive thoughts were diminishing by the second as every Greek member wondered if the EEK member was right.

"Now hold on," Carla spoke up, raising her arms in attentive gesture. "If there's at least one team OK can't stand, it's ROR. And none of us are ROR."

Her eyes fell on George, a hopeful smile glossing over her face as her tentacles tightened.

"Like George said," she stated quietly, "a little redemption is possible."

Then her eyes motioned toward Big Red, biting her bottom lip as she looked at him with a pleading expression.

"This party just has to work," she gulped. "Big Red, you have to go to their house and let them know."

The muscle-bound monster tensed, fearing the imaginable blow of the older twin's knuckles crossing his wide face if he showed up on their doorstep. Oh, just great! He was ten times the two-headed monster's size, and he felt like a mouse taking a dangerous journey through a snake field!

Of course, after what he had witnessed about Terry Perry earlier, some things were just beyond possible.

He broke out of his disturbing thoughts as he felt a hand on his shoulder and his eye stalks turned to see George, the smaller monster providing him a supportive smile.

"I'll go with you," he offered.
_

The journey out of campus toward the neighborhood felt like a week in the desert as Big Red's feet trailed across the sidewalk, every step like cement added to cinderblocks. He was beyond nervous, and that was ironic considering this was the proud Big Red who would possibly wrestle a truck.

George, however, had a kick in his step as he whistled a merry tune to past the time, completely unperturbed by what was laying ahead of their destination; he was as confident as he was self-assured that visiting the Oozma Kappa "frat house" would not raise any complications. Now if it they were ROR boys, that would be actually difficult...

"I think this is it," George declared, tearing his eyes away from the address written on a piece of paper he had requested from the Greek president.

Big Red's eyes rose and stared at the "frat house" where the Scare Game letters had been delivered and PNK having momentarily visited earlier in the semester.

It didn't look much like a frat house as it did a home for perhaps the elderly; of course, what did he expect since they were in a neighborhood far outside of campus?

But despite its location, the muscle-bound JOX leader was in complete awe by the serene exterior of spring yellow combined with brown roof tiles that just fit so nicely with the neighborly design.

Surrounded by a lovely garden where a single tree had just produced a golden color to its foliage, and the tinted lilacs that were perhaps planted just recently laid outside the front porch of the house, providing some feminine quality to a house overfilled with young men.

As the two monsters approached the steps, both spotted the single plaque hanging in front of the house; OK's initials gleaming with green paint.

It was completely minuscule compared to the other Greek teams' houses whose initials were flashy, vibrant, and overall larger than the size of a car. Of course, Oozma Kappa's house was different; it was a mother's house and they made do of what they could afford.

Despite its simplicity, Big Red was sincerely touched by decor and showing their team pride as best they could. Compared to every other team, Oozma Kappa was beyond the proud and would never trade their name for anything; even a chance with the RORs.

Of course, they could have their own house on Greek Row if they wanted to. But, before, no one would offer a cent for them to make the Greek Life dream come true.

Of course, that was back then when no one would give OK a chance...

Pity and remorse plowed Big Red's heart as it pounded with fear, the usually bold JOX president afraid that they were too late to make real amends with the kind hearts of Oozma Kappa.

He just prayed that they could see that even they had kind hearts as well...

The fiery red monster had no idea how long he and George had been standing on the porch, staring at the door. His single-horned buddy shifted his amber eyes over to him, expecting the bravery to awaken and ring the doorbell. He was not too surprised when he witnessed beads of sweat pour down the scaled patterns of Big Red's backside, nearly chewing off his enormous lip as his eye stalks squinted with fearful reluctance.

"Too late to turn back now," George told him, his tone calm yet slightly firm. "Rosie and her girls are already setting up the chocolate fountain for tonight!"

Chocolate fountain. Big Red momentarily chuckled, knowing it was a rarity for HSS to bring out the party-inducing device to produce the heavenly liquid that would taste good on anything; of course, he never seen HSS throw a party in their mansion that nearly competed with the ROR's residence.

But if it could win OK over, then so be it; those guys in green were like like brave "big kids" who didn't care what was the difference between childish and "manly"; so maybe they would appreciate chocolate, maybe even the furry pair of legs known as Art...
_

"I can't eat another bite!"

Mrs. Squibbles just smiled as she placed the wooden spoon back in her continuously steaming pot of chowder, having yet to serve Mike and Sulley the umpteenth helping of her food made specially for the occasion.

The two former students, and the rest of OK, gathered around the table enjoying the meal prepared by the petite woman, all talking and enjoying one another's company as if Mike and Sulley had never left in the first place. Having returned to their former room, unpacked their belongings, and actually enjoying a "welcome back" fort in the living room with all the pillows they could find, Mrs. Squibbles' cooking was just icing on the cake for them (which the woman was having ready in the kitchen if the boys managed to have room for dessert).

Terry smiled at the duo every now and then while his brother filled his face with more of Mrs. Squibbles' cooking, feeling completely elated that they returned. The Dean's generous words back in the university about welcoming the two despite their expulsion was godly-send, and for Terry Perry, that was more placating than having been accepted back into her Scaring Program (not that he didn't want to not go back).

Reminiscing on what had just transpired earlier in the quad, not just involving the Dean, but Worthington as well, Terry could not believe he had stood up to the boastful jerk like that! True, he could throw a few words at the guy to defend his friends, but he never imagined he would become physical about it. Honestly, his knuckles actually did not hurt from striking the table like a sledgehammer...

He stood up to Worthington, his entire monologue having emerged from within the heart which was like a transition of Mike's own words. Not to mention his threat to tear the guy to pieces on the spot!

And right in front of the whole university.

It felt good. It really did. No more was Oozma Kappa a bunch of living, breathing doormats monsters think they can just step on; they were stronger than they had thought of themselves, more skillful than they had ever believed, and braver than even the toughest fraternity monsters.

And once more, he had to thank Mike for unlocking all of that. He didn't care where Oozma Kappa stood on the ridiculous Greek totem pole of MU; what mattered was that he had his friends back, and he would arrive next semester as a whole new monster along with his brother.

Moments later everyone was clearing the table and soon settled around the living room, bellies full and content smiles on every face. The familiar interior had been decorated as soon as Mike and Sulley stepped into the welcoming home; green and yellow streamers draped from every angle of the room, juice boxes of green apple flavor neatly stacked on the coffee table alongside party blowers and hats that duplicated the trademark colors; even a cake similar to the one Mike remembered from the very first night he witnessed Oozma Kappa had been readily placed in case any of the boys were desiring more sugar.

It almost seemed too much for Mike and Sulley, just pleased enough they could live under the same roof as their fraternity brothers once more despite expulsion; yet their dear friends treated such an occasion like a national holiday, like the best fraternity party Oozma Kappa had ever thrown (although they never exactly threw a party before). They were spoiling them, the duo thought with chuckles; but they were immensely touched by the display; and who could resist such a delicious-looking cake with its vibrant colors of lemon yellow and lime green?

"Hey, Terri and Terry," Sulley said as he leaned his large frame against the couch he and Mike sat on. "Play us a tune!"

The twins' eyes lit up, having hoped for such a request. Coincidentally, Mrs. Squibbles arrived downstairs with two very special devices that were the twins' pride and joy.

A guitar and drums.

Mrs. Squibbles handed the drums to Terri and the guitar to his brother, increasing even larger smiles upon the twins' faces as they both held their instruments with such delicate adoration. Since the day Mike and Sulley first stepped foot into their home, each OK member had been thoroughly open about himself, as well as showing off their talents they had thought could make up for lack of Scaring potential. For the twins, it was music; although Terri was the much more absorbent dance lover, both twins harbored passion for music overall.

From when they were younger, the drums and guitar were one of those things they could just agree on without the inclusion of a pointless argument. Terri's beats and Terry's strumming were synchronized harmony that filled the home with serenity and unconditional love.

And said music is what they were going to play for their friends right now as Terry's fingers slowly strummed the strings of his prized guitar while Terri tapped his drums a few times to discover the right tuning.

And instantly Terry began to sing.

Some nights I stay up, cashing in my bad luck

Some nights I call it a draw

Although his brother joined in the vocals, Terry's voice carried out farther, as if his heart was just screaming to reach out and grab the attention of any monster who could hear its simultaneous poundings to that of the music.

The entire household watched them with content, Mike and Sulley silently praising the duo for a performance in their honor. The green monster had been incredibly impressed by this surprising talent the first time it was revealed to him; what the duo lacked in magical tricks was made up for in other gifts; and not just Scaring. He immediately blinked when Mrs. Squibbles stood beside him, having brought out her camera and flashing dozens of photos to put in the OK album.

No one had noticed two faces watching from outside the window.

Big Red's eyes were nearly as large as his mouth as he and George watched the twins perform, both equally stunned by this newfound talent they never knew Oozma Kappa within also possessed.

"Wow..." George murmured. "I didn't know one of them could play guitar. Or drums for that matter."

Big Red's hands rested on the sill of the window as he resumed staring through the panes of glass. "None of us knew..." He said quietly.

George glanced over and noticed how tightly his JOX leader was gripping the windowsill, biting his enormous lip in the process as the blue in his stalk eyes glistened.

"There's so much to know about them," Big Red sighed. "If we had only given them a chance-"

"But we never did," George cut in sharply. "None of us did."

Big Red swallowed hard, contemplating how his issues with a "sore loser fraternity" may have transpired some further friction for Oozma Kappa.

"We've been real jerks..." His eyes lowered regretfully.

"Yeah, we have..." George rested a hand upon the sill as well, tapping the wood nervously. "But it's not too late, you know."

Big Red turned to him in question, and George smiled knowingly.

"We can still fix this," the orange monster assured him with as much optimism as he could induce. "All we have to do is set things right."

The determined look in George's amber eyes calmed Big Red's worries, although the tempered JOX president lingered some doubts, he took his frat brother's words into consideration; after all, out of all of them in Jaws Theta Chi, George was the most sensitive; his attitude could win any monster over. Even Oozma Kappa; he already won over Wazowski and Sullivan.

However, anxiety triggered Big Red's mind before he immediately turned away from the window, placing a hand to his head, emitting concern from the orange monster.

"I still got to plan this over," the larger monster muttered. "Just give me a minute to think what I'm suppose to say!"

Clutching his head, the red beast intended to seat himself upon the wooden planks. However, a misstep resulted in him tripping over. Right into a flower bed.

He was about as silent as a delinquent banging on a trash can to awaken a retirement home, his large physique having clashed loudly with the wood and landing with a loud "poomph", crushing flowers left and right.

Before George could rush over and help him up, he heard a click.

The front door swung open, and there stood no other than the twins, the rest of OK behind them as they peered over to see what was making such a racket.

"What the...?" Terry regarded both JOX monsters with confusion.

Thankfully, Big Red had been born with such particular skin or he would have been caught blushing. Legs laying upon the wooden planks as his upper half sprawled upon the grass and plants, he felt incredibly embarrassed.

"My flowers!" Mrs. Squibbles rushed to the front of her boys, all five of her eyes widening in shock to see the plants she had just added being trampled flat.

Big Red's eyes widened in horror before he hurriedly got to his feet, brushing away soil and wilted petals off his jacket.

"Aw, gee, I'm awfully sorry about that, ma'am!" He cried. "I didn't mean to!"

His stalks met no other than Terry Perry's single eye as they inspected him questionably; such a gaze made Big Red's tail curl with even more anxiety as he stood closer by George, almost as if presuming the shorter of the two could produce as a shield if the older twin were to...

But said Perry stood his ground, his larger head hovering over his brother's rather protectively with his back to his fraternity brothers.

"What are you doing here?" His tone was not hostile, but it didn't sound exactly friendly either.

Big Red couldn't blame the older twin before he shifted his eyes toward George, pleading for help. George silently nodded, his expression marked with just as much apprehension before he bravely turned back to Oozma Kappa. His eyes momentarily met Mike and Sulley's, and he started to feel a bit more courageous, knowing at least two among a large group could supposedly warm up to his fraternity leader if things didn't run smoothly.

"Well..." George began quietly, playing with his fingers. "We just wanted to-"

"If you're here to insult my friends, then you got another thing coming!" Terry growled threateningly.

The entire household looked at him with surprise, unable to believe that just moments ago he was a blissful and enthusiastic individual playing his guitar. Mrs. Squibbles kept all five of her eyes on the older twin, pursing her lips nervously knowing that just earlier he had nearly gotten into a fight with a certain monster in crimson red. She couldn't blame Terry for still grasping some amount of abhorrence after what happened in the quad area, but she just couldn't bear to allow such emotions engulf his sweet-hearted nature that supported his protectiveness.

After all, as she made a quick glance at the two strongly-built boys in flashy yellow jackets, the petite woman was quick to presume that they were far from the likes of the one known as Johnny Worthington. She could inspect sweetness just waiting to burst out from each of them, especially the orange one who shyly stared down at the floor.

Before she could reach out and hold Terry's hand to calm him down, her fiance´ beat her to it, both of his tentacles grasping the older twin's shoulder as if to hold him back should Terry try anything resembling to what he had nearly done to Worthington earlier.

"Easy there..." Don told him gently. "Let's not jump to conclusions."

Although having calmed down, Terry was still unfazed as his fists tightened. Big Red witnessed his knuckles nearly turning white as he kept his attitude under control; this was just how it started when Johnny talked trash about Mike and Sulley.

Finally taking a deep breath, the fearful JOX leader spoke.

"Okay, look," he began. "I don't blame you for wishing to pummel us like ground beef..." He winced a bit, such an image starting to embed in his mind. "But just hear me out..."

Terry was unmoved, yet allowed his patience to resume as he watched Big Red expectedly.

"I'm listening," he said in a firm tone.

His voice chilling, Big Red took a big gulp of air before he continued. His brain racked for the right words, having practiced on their way over here, but somehow the words ended up being jumbled as he tried to project them out of his mouth.

"We just want to say...sorry..." Big Red strained on that last word, his throat beginning to ache with as much remorse as he could put into it. "We know, we never really got to know you guys until the Scare Games came along but..."

He turned to George, and the orange monster gestured with his hands for him to continue, giving an encouraging smile. Taking another gulp of air, Big Red proceeded.

"You know, after everything we've seen and stuff..." The bulky monster was mentally slapping himself for sounding quite lame. "And realizing now how much you guys really mean to each other no matter what..."

He motioned to the rest of Oozma Kappa; such a gesture had Squishy hide behind the large frame of Sulley, all five of his innocent blue eyes poking out just a bit to look at Big Red in wonder; such an action made Big Red nearly forget that he was looking at a college student and not a child.

"We just...we just really want to make things right," he finally said in a heap of breath. "Right now."

It was George's turn to speak as he looked at the others with an excited glance.

"Party at the JOX house!" He exclaimed happily. "A party dedicated to you guys!"

The announcement had said group of monsters look completely abashed before they glanced at one another, as if unable to fully comprehend by what they just heard. Finally, Squishy came out from behind Sulley, his padded feet taking a few steps forward before he regarded both large monsters with curious eyes.

"A party?" He repeated. "For us?"

So innocent and child-like Squishy Squibbles appeared, and Big Red knew he had to swallow his pride and act a bit more sensitive around the little guy.

"We want to make Oozma Kappa really welcomed in the Greek community," Big Red stated, putting on a brave face. "Really, guys...we just want to start fresh with you."

He felt relief as the surprised looks on their faces slowly melted into more joyous ones, the excitement and delight twinkling in their eyes, realizing they were, indeed, going to a party.

A real party. Not like the one at the ROR's where they had fallen under some sick trap and being ridiculed just because they were revealing their true potential. This was a party with fun and livelihood; and in their honor for the sake of it.

"Are you serious?"

A sharp voice suddenly sliced right through Big Red's reassurance before he stared into the single eye of Terry. He had failed to realize that he had not been smiling the whole time the rest of Oozma Kappa were enthralled with anticipation. All joyfulness immediately died as everyone stared at him; he looked ever more intimidating than he had at the quad.

"Brother..." Terri tried to speak to him but the older twin hardly heard him as he placed his set of arms to the side of his hip of their single body.

"You really think...?" Terry's voice darkened. "...that a party is going to make up for how much misery we had to put up with all those semesters?"

Big Red's eyes widened, and he felt his skin crawl as he remained still.

"As much as it's "appreciative" that you and the rest of the Greek community are willing to make amends," Terry said icily. "Why is it that you suddenly see something in us now?"

That last word cut so deeply Big Red felt like he had just been wounded. But the older twin was not finished as he held his head high, speaking for the friends that were like family to him as he regarded the much larger monster like a victim on trial.

"Ever since Don started Oozma Kappa," he continued, "we had tried and hoped to receive rightly welcome when we made our fraternity. We thought we could still live and breathe like any other Scaring student despite we had been thrown out of Hardscrabble's program that year."

The past coming back to reclaim his emotions, Terry placed it into good use as he spoke.

"Just because we couldn't become Scaring students, was that any right to be treated the way we were?" He asked firmly. "Was it any right of ROR to look so lowly on us just because we weren't identified as "scary"?"

Mike and Sulley glanced at one another nervously while Mrs. Squibbles placed her hands upon her cheeks, dismayed by the quiveringly unstable side of Terry. The older twin's eye burned into Big Red's stalks as his frown vanished, replaced with a painful thin line of his lips.

"It wasn't until the Scare Games that you started to finally notice us, admit it," he said, his voice straining with pain he never thought he had held back before.

He had released his contempt right in Johnny's face. Now, more than ever, he was going to make someone else of the Greek community know exactly how he had felt.

"It felt great to finally be accepted by you guys!" Terry cried. "Up until that point in which what the RORs just did to us and you completely took their side without a second thought!"

That felt like a powerful blow to the muscle-bound monster as he witnessed the fiery wrath of no other than Terry Perry. Now he knew how Johnny felt...if said monster had any real feelings, of course. He watched as Mrs. Squibbles rushed over and took Terry's hand, squeezing it gently in hopes of soothing his tension while Don held him back firmly; Squeezy stood close by him and his brother, doing his best to make light of a severe situation.

"It hurt! It really did!" Terry almost bawled, still being held back by Don. "And if it weren't for Mike, we probably would have lost to those stupid PNKs!"

"Terry Perry!" Mrs. Squibbles scolded, her eyes flashing with shock at the subjective language the younger monster had just used as she held his hand more tightly, almost warningly. "That is no way to speak about someone!"

The older twin temporarily calmed down, unable to defy the kind-hearted woman's chiding.

"Yes, ma'am..." He muttered.

He had been silent for some time, then he glanced once more at Big Red and George, both appearing quite startled by his diction.

"All I'm saying is..." Terry sighed. "Do you look at us differently now just because we can now measure up to your standards?"

His entire exterior fell limp, his single eye reduced to a soft but painful expression of contempt as he stared at the two monsters who were part of the second most popular fraternity on campus. He slowly shook his head.

"If that's just it," he said finally. "Then I don't want to make amends with any of you."

"Now wait a minute, Terry...!" Don shook him gently. "Don't you think you're being a little harsh?"

The older twin said nothing, having pity for the much older monster who just couldn't grasp pain the same way he did. He allowed Mrs. Squibbles to continue holding his hand, patting it softly as she was unable to find some way to appease him of this now awkward situation.

Big Red just stood there, feeling more defeated than anything in his life. Now he could understand what emotional pain felt like in comparison to Terry's; all those semesters he could have just acted polite and consider Oozma Kappa to some degree.

But no, the ignorant pride of becoming a future Scarer and popular Greek monster had overwhelmed him and any other Scare student and/or Greek member to the brink of becoming exclusive. Oozma Kappa had been the only group on campus with members who were not Scaring majors, but they still held it like a trophy to the world despite how completely "uncool" it appeared. That was, indeed, something to regard as potential, whether scary or not.

These boys in green held onto one another like glue and paperclips, and they wouldn't cast one aside like newspapers in the wind if one were to produce a fault that wasn't on purpose; that was Johnny's policy, as big Red recalled Sullivan having been a former ROR member and immediately discarded after being thrown out of the Scaring program alongside Mike. Oozma Kappa welcomed them in with open arms despite anything; the games weren't as important as having new friends that would slowly become a family under a mother's roof.

Mrs. Squibbles, bless her heart...

Big Red regarded the petite woman closely as she continued holding Terry's hand. The first time they had all seen her during the toxicity challenge, every Greek monster mentally questioned the status of OK: monsters or babies? But such thoughts slowly disintegrated as the frat mom continued supporting her boys, being the reason for their new uniforms and making the president feel like the luckiest monster in the world.

That woman cared about her boys deeply, just like how Terry cared about the circle he would fight to protect against all odds.

JOX never had that. No fraternity or sorority did. Oozma Kappa was just special in every way, being fortunate to have a kind woman who would take as many photos of her boys every moving second.

How could they have not seen this before, when OK first began? They were complete idiots, Big Red had already known that...

Even admitted stupidity probably wouldn't change the mind of Terry Perry as said twin looked at him with a firm but sad expression.

Although his hopes were diminished, Big Red decided to just have one more say before deciding whether or not to cancel the party.

"Look, before we get out of your sight," he began. "Just hear me out..."

Terry's single eyelid lowered, impatience evident in his expression as he watched him closely.

"You have five minutes," he said sternly.

He had more authority than Worthington could even hope to display...

Well, no use wasting time thinking on that stuck-up chump as Big Red took deep a breath.

"First off, you couldn't be more right," the JOX president said sadly. "Second, you have every right to hate the Greek community's guts for the way we treated you, especially that night at the ROR's..."

He glanced at George one more time, but the orange monster had nothing in mind, hoping the larger being would speak for the both of them.

"I will admit something about you Oozmas," Big Red said. "Your fraternity has the oddest monsters I've ever seen."

Words sinking in, Terry regarded him questionably on such as he continued.

"But that doesn't mean you're not the most incredible."

His single eye widened, stunned by such an unexpected word.

"You guys have always been nice to us no matter how awful we've been to you," Big Red went on. "You didn't care about winning like we all did. You were just happy to be part of something that involved all of us. You're a free-spirited fraternity who would help any monster in need, even from a rival team."

And being one-upped every chance by ROR, he wanted to add.

"Ever since you guys came along, none of us could understand what exactly you were all about," he went on, "other than not being Scare students. But still, we just budged a little...and then we held ourselves back, because, you know, we got status."

His face fell a little, guilt riding his thoughts. He tried to construct his jumble of words, searching for the right ones that wouldn't result in Terry personally kicking his rear straight out of the yard.

"And we were actually scared..." He admitted miserably.

That confession had Terry's single eye raised as the older twin allowed the words to sink in. Very awkwardly.

Big Red looked at Terry closely, wondering just what he was thinking now that the truth was pouring before his feet. "You can say we never gave you guys the Greek treatment, but let me be honest that we still had some thought about you. Most of the time we often wondered what could possibly happen with you guys around."

He let out a dry chuckle, unable to produce a smile.

"Of course, back then, we just thought it was impossible," he admitted, "but still, the thought was somewhere there." He pursed his lips for a moment. "And the Scare Games finally confirmed that."

He continued looking at Terry, seeing some realization dawn on his face.

"I'm just really sorry it took us this long to finally tell you guys how much more meaning you put into the Greek community," he concluded. "To Monsters University. "

Terry said nothing, looking completely pitiful yet unsure as he stared at Big Red.

"So we just really want to make you guys feel welcomed now," the red monster said. "Give you the kind of party you've always wanted to be invited to. Tonight." He added nervously.

Terry squinted at him, still holding some apprehension while his younger brother looked at him worriedly.

"We'll think about it," he said finally.

Well, it was better than a flat out "no" as Big Red turned away, unable to look at him again. He motioned for George to get going as both slowly trudged past him and the rest of Oozma Kappa.

"Again, sorry about bothering you," George said quickly.

"And I am so sorry about your flowers, ma'am!" Big Red told the small woman frantically.

"Oh, don't worry about it, dear," Mrs. Squibbles assured him, her tone sweet and affectionate as she watched both monsters walk down the lawn.

Dear. She called him dear. Honestly, it felt soothing and comforting. It was like his own mother was speaking to him right now.

He said no more as his eyes focused on the way out, George following behind him. Just as the orange monster was about to exit out of the cobblestone fence-

"Hey, George!"

He turned around, seeing the smiles of both Mike and Sulley.

"See you later," Sulley told him, his tone inadequate but assuring.

George managed a smile. With one last wave, left with his frat leader.
_

"What the hey, Sonia!"

Said HSS girl exhaled with a roll of her snail-like eyes, air sifting through the gap of her teeth as she received another chiding from Brynn Larson. Along with a few others, she had added decoration to the JOX's living room to, hopefully, make Oozma Kappa feel more welcome and placated once they (hopefully) arrive.

"What?" She whined, holding a roll of streaming paper.

"Black?" Brynn scoffed, yanking the roll from her tentacle and shoving it right in her face to prove her statement. "OK's colors are green and yellow!"

"A little black won't hurt anybody!" Sonia shot back.

"She's right!" Heather Olson added, arms full with pink streamers she attempted to drape over the furniture. "And a little color of blossom will make it even more cute!" She flashed a sweet smile at Sonia. "Seriously, that black outfit is super!"

Sonia actually smiled at the compliment, eyes friendly as she stared at the PNK girl. "Really?" She asked, touched. "Well, despite our different fashion statements, I will admit...that color your sorority has is really something as well."

"Aw, go on!" Heather giggled proudly.

"Hello!" Brynn hollered in frustration. "This is Oozma Kappa we're talking about! They're not goths, and they are definitely not into pink!"

"What do you suggest we do?" Heather whined, sounding as childish as Sonia at the moment.

"Redo the section you two were working on!" Brynn ordered. "Remember, decorate as if it was OK decorating! While Big Red is out of the house and Carla is working in the kitchen, I dub myself leader of the party preparations!"

"Yeah, yeah, sure..." Sonia muttered before grabbing back her roll of black paper and she and Heather trudged away, chatting to each other as they resumed their work.

Brynn placed her hands on her hips, smiling proudly to herself as she watched every monster of the Greek community work with one another to prepare for tonight: Violet was assisting her JOX cousin Percy as they discussed whether or not they should just have yellow and green balloons or mix every color possible without overflowing the house; Carrie was spraying the best and most monstrous scents from a variety of cans as she strolled through the living room, chatting a bit with Rosie as the taller monster introduced her to scented candles that could provide pacification to the OK fraternity (especially for a certain single-eyed twin whose anger they hoped would diminish after sniffing such fragrances); Donna using the tip of her worm-like body as a rack which had green and yellow streamers draped over it while she assisted Susan Jensen who, Brynn had to admit, was quite the acrobat as she leaped from wall to wall and decorating at an astonishing pace (she mentioned something about having been raised by circus performers...).

Maybe it wouldn't exactly live up to OK's expectations for the party of their dreams, but it was pretty darn close. Brynn tried to think positive, taking this temporary position by the reins as she analyzed the entire interior. At least everyone was having fun and enjoying each other's company; they should definitely do this more...

Decorations aside, Brynn hoped the food was just as spectacular, assuming OK's diets consisted of not just chunky and junky, but also something that would satisfy a small monster child's stomach. JOX had ordered pizzas ahead of time, and Blort would become a main source of beverage at the buffet table. Not to mention the chocolate fountain HSS brought along as Brynn spotted one of its members, Nancy Kim, being assisted by Dirk Pratt, who held a bag of solid chocolate that was required to be melted before being added.

OK definitely looked like the kind of monsters who adored chocolate; Brynn had the optimistic sense of assurance that the fountain would definitely win them over. And what would better go with chocolate than a variety of fruits and tiny sweets to be drowned in the oozing liquid of sweet gooeyness? Even the blue aquatic herself was practically drooling at the mere thought!

Besides the chocolate and pizza, the Greek monsters felt that another friendly approach was to also make some food as well; and while none of them had actually taken a cooking course and relied heavily on outside sources like the cafeteria's buffet to placate their bellies, how hard could it be? Brynn recalled that Carla was assisting a few others in the kitchen, promising to produce vegetable-style platters and meat delicacies; of course, this required the use of an oven, and the EEK girl never actually used one save for a few family-sized TV dinners and toasting bread if the toaster needed to be fixed.

There was also the promise of cookies, as George heavily suggested, knowing that since Oozma Kappa has a "mom", pastries that only a woman such as herself were to make were insisted upon since that would most adequately satisfy OK and work as a "friendship gift". And even though no monster knew how to bake cookies, they had to try.

When the thought of cookies came to mind, Brynn also couldn't help but think of cupcakes.

And when she thought of cupcakes, she immediately thought of-

The aquatic's eyes scanned outside the window of the JOX fraternity house, easily identifying the rising structure of the RORs across Greek row. Its swanky, five-star hotel appearance flashed almost tauntingly toward her and the rest of the teams who had participated in the Scare Games.

If those RORs had already heard about what they had planned to do, it was far too late for them to voice their opinion on the matter. And even if they did, the others would ultimately refuse to listen. The top fraternity was not going to ruin things for Oozma Kappa again; and if Worthington tried anything, his tail would be meeting Brynn's foot if his face didn't already contact Terry's fists...

But at least not all of the RORs were mean-spirited...one in particular was forcibly drafted into unnecessary circumstances because of his need of belonging.

Brynn knew the feeling the very first moment she met Slugma Slugma Kappa, fearing her shyness would be her downfall; but such a sorority had been so good to her, and so encouraging in the matter of fitness that was a complete breeze for Brynn's lanky legs and strong-minded personality.

Of course, ROR wasn't EEK...and their policy was much more severe.

Eyes knitting in concern, Brynn wondered what had happened to him, and if he was alright. Despite everything, and regardless that he failed to aid a certain green cyclops at the beginning of the semester...it wasn't his fault, and he would still be welcomed into a wider, kinder circle if ever one came across the poor guy.

Mentally saying a prayer of support for the mentioned monster, she turned away from the ROR house, not wanting to think of them now when there was still so much to do and so much instruction to follow!

"Where do these go, Brynn?"

She looked up and smiled, the form of her lips equalling the ones of the other female aquatic before her. Seya Sephira's gleaming figure remained composed yet slightly agitated as she was unsure of what goes where, especially for a fraternity she had respected the very beginning. She was a favored monster among the EEK sorority, and a great competitor to the president during the swimming competition; she would have made a great seventh member, but said monster politely declined but stated she would think about it.

She, along with some dashing fellow by the name of Marbus, had been incredibly appalled by the ROR's prank of OK, and so ashamed of every single monster who had just pointed and laughed. And, dare Brynn say it, even EEK. Of course, Sephira knew that under the ROR's roof, it was difficult to retaliate, especially when one stood in the house of the top fraternity on campus, famous family background and all...

And, of course, no one knew what exactly ROR had been up to, everyone assumed it was something completely harmless. Oh, how they failed to realize that when it came to Roar Omega Roar...nothing was harmless.

Brynn swallowed the sudden lump in her throat as her smile remained plastered on her face, noticing now that Sephira was holding letters cut out from yellow paper; a message that was most welcoming was required and Sephira decided to display her own message somewhere where monsters could see it.

With a slightly shaky finger, Brynn pointed toward the wall that led to the kitchen. "Over there," she instructed. "Make sure it's high enough, though."

"Sure thing, boss," Sephira said playfully before she walked off to resume the task.

Boss. Brynn liked that.

Her head suddenly whipped around as soon as she heard a loud whirring noise behind her and spotted Nancy Kim furiously glaring at the chocolate fountain she had just installed. Said device seemed to be providing excessive complications as the walking eye stalk furiously gave the machine a swift kick of one of her tarantula-like legs, which did little to no effect. Brynn watched as Dirk rolled his eyes, hints of snacking on the supposed chocolate fondue stained upon his long tusks, the bag widely open in his hands.

It was a minor setback, but the EEK girl assured herself that it wouldn't delay anything, not where food was coming in as she knew her sorority leader could manage to assist and impress the others with whatever entrees she could master.

Her heart about swelled up to her throat as she caught sight of two familiar faces that neared the fraternity house, anxiety as well as excitement burned within her as she awaited what exactly Big Red was to announce as the party was still under construction; she prayed Terry hadn't lashed out at any of the two, knowing they were absolutely nothing close of Worthington or even ROR.

She immediately rushed to the door and flung it open just in time to see both Big Red and George as they walked in. Her elated smile slowly vanished as she saw the gloomy expressions of both JOX boys as they dragged their feet into the living room.

"What happened?" She asked, her three eyes knitting in concern.

Carla, who had exited out of the kitchen just in time to bring out a platter of sliced fruit for the chocolate fountain, immediately detected the negative atmosphere as she caught sight of the returning JOX members.

"Don't tell me..." The EEK leader gulped. "They said no. Terry said no."

Big Red regarded the light fuchsia face of Carla as her eyes stalks knitted in even more concern, fearing her hard work of making her fruit platter as delicious and decorative as possible had been for nothing. The JOX president let out a deep sigh, hands to his bulging waist.

"They-as in Terry-didn't say no."

Carla breathed a sigh of relief alongside Brynn, the hope elating once more.

"Oh, thank glob!" The EEK president cried.

Big Red sucked in his massive cheeks. "But they-as in Terry...didn't exactly say yes either."

As soon as the positive perception had risen, it immediately dropped hard like a rock as both EEK girls stared at him and George, pained by the news.

"So...what?" Carla asked quietly, swallowing the lump in her throat as she still clutched the platter of fruit she had hoped would make the night more lively. "That's it then?"

Brynn's three eyes widened, disheveled by her sorority leader's crestfallen statement as her fingers clenched in a mixture of anger and determination.

"No!" The blue aquatic protested, startling the three other monsters and those around her. "That is not it! " She stamped her foot like a whiny monster child who had been refused to stay up late past her bedtime. "We are not giving up that easily!"

Such a monologue had always heavily represented the Slugma Slugma Kappa sorority, their hard work and intuition as one unit always having been their greatest weapon. Now such a statement was spliced into the other Greek members' lives, each one hoping and praying for any kind of redemption that would put Oozma Kappa back on their side; they didn't want the proud and kind-hearted fraternity to resort to exclusion. That would become a sad, alternated repeat of when OK first began and no one batted an eye at them. Despite the slim chance before them, Brynn was more persistent (if not desperate) than ever to have OK officially return to them, mend the bond that had been tampered with by the dumb ROR fraternity...and Chet's stupid and annoying comments.

She wanted to see Terry smile again.

So, even in the presence of both Greek presidents, Brynn, once again, took the situation by the reins, acting as leader for the day and all through the night.

"And if you think I'm going to let OK go so easily, you got another thing coming!" She spat, almost as if she was arguing with a member of the ROR fraternity. A certain one-eyed member...

By this point, the other monsters started to fear her, intimidated by her indignant yet sensitively firm attitude. Even Carla had to admit that she most definitely could keep the rest of EEK in line should the leader herself ever have to take a sick day.

Brynn managed a few clenched breaths, struggling to tranquilize for her own outburst before reverting back to being composed.

"Okay, all I'm saying is..." She expressed more gently. "Is that I am sure, definitely sure, Oozma Kappa-especially Terry-will come tonight." She motioned to the work in progress surrounding them. "I mean, we're doing great!" She added with even more enthusiasm than before it hurt her teeth to smile any wider.

However, her newly-increased optimism was tested when an ear-splitting scream emerged from the kitchen. All work came to a stunning halt, heads turning frantically as the kitchen door swung open and Maria bursted out. She looked as if she had just crossed the path of a human child.

"The oven's on fire!" She cried.

Before anyone could act, Carrie stumbled out of the kitchen as well, nearly dropping the dish that had been in the oven. It was completely inflamed as she held it away from her face, flames licking near her locks as it only moved more violently as she kept it out of the kitchen.

"Carrie!" Big Red cried in horror, fearing his fraternity house would soon burn to the ground. "The heck happened?"

"I tried to make cookies!" The PNK leader screamed, monsters dodging her as she hopped frantically with the blazing roast in her barely protective mittens. "I don't know what went wrong! I just drizzled it with vinegar and lit the match!"

"Oh, shoot!" Percy cried as he barely avoided the flames that almost struck his JOX jacket. "Yo, someone put it out before it burns someone's face off!"

Carla groaned in contempt before placing her platter down safely on a nearby table before wheeling toward Big Red. "Where's your extinguisher?" She demanded.

Before the JOX president could reply, Dirk came rushing in, clutching the entailed tool. He struggled with its tiny hose while furiously working on the pump. Violet came rushing over, her hands clinging over his as she provided assistance.

"Here, I got it!" She insisted before pressing down hard.

A sea of white foam spurted from the extinguisher, nearly engulfing both them and Carrie in the mist as it fought down the angry flames of her failed attempt at a culinary creation. Kernels of foam floated around the room as the strike finally calmed down, leaving Carrie to gaze down at her dish which was a mixture of black char and white coating that made it look like a dilapidated valley peak in the winter.

Dirk emitted a breath of relief, grateful to Violet for arriving when she did. Turning to the EEK girl, he threw her a toothy grin, his fangs gleaming as he gazed into Violet's single eye; it shone brightly in such sight, her smile providing even more effect.

The golden-furred JOX member chuckled nervously, his gaze unintentionally having captured hers as they continued staring at one another. Suddenly, she blinked in surprise.

"Dirk!" She gasped. "You're smoking!"

Completely taken aback by her comment, Dirk felt his cheeks redden while trying to remain intact yet swayed by her words.

"Uh, thanks," he responded coolly, grinning like an idiot. "You, too."

He mentally slapped himself for repaying her compliment with such a foolish one, and he could see the effect it had on Violet as she regarded him with even more surprise. However, she pushed it aside, her expression transcending into a look of terror.

"No, I mean your hair!" She cried, pointing at it. "It's smoking!"

Dirk's eyes raised up to his proud, flame-designed do, which was literally on fire .He immediately felt the flames lick at his fur, and his scalp felt as if it was being drenched in acid. He emitted an ear-splitting cry of horror before furiously trying to pat away the flames which were inflicting singes to his scalp.

Violet, fearing for his life, reached over and assisted him as she tried to brush away the flames while avoiding injury with her fingers.

George, searching desperately for any source of liquid, grabbed the nearest thing he could find which was the bowl of punch on the empty refreshments table. With a loud grunt, he splashed the contents onto both Dirk and Violet, drenching them that they appeared as if they had just swam a mile in a sea of red.

Dirk coughed, wringing his hands while Violet wiped away some that penetrated her single eye. They stood in a puddle of punch that resulted in the floor becoming sticky with its scent sifting through all over the room. George breathed a sigh of relief, placing the now empty punch bowl down on the table, his smile of content completely contrasting with those who expressed disgruntlement and anxiety at the mess before them.

"Oh, great..." Brynn moaned, running a hand down her forehead in exasperation. "Someone please get a mop and clean this!" She demanded aloud.

Others immediately grew to attention, not daring to defy the orders of the EEK girl who had the tone of Professor Knight and the composition of Dean Hardscrabble, both mixed into a heated, unimpressed, and slightly agitated beast. Susan Jensen brought out the mop as she worked on the massive puddle while George provided a roll of paper towels, dabbing the area carefully so the liquid to accumulate onto the extracted material.

Big Red rubbed his forehead, sighing in aggravation. "I never thought a party was actually going to be hard to make..." He muttered, his fraternity having always held absolute pride in such events, stress having never come across their paths before.

Of course, for the sake of Oozma Kappa, it was like some hard-case expedition from one of those textbooks his professor recommended his class read; he never even read the first page, having relied on Spark notes.

Carla looked at Carrie with a pitiful expression as the PNK girl miserably tossed her failed cookies into a nearby trash can. She reached over and patted her back sympathetically.

"Try again," the EEK girl encouraged her. "This time, let me help. I don't have much baking experience, but still, we can try together."

Carrie gave her a pleasant grin, touched by her generosity despite the EEK girl was ten times a professional in any sense of the word compared to her.

Dirk rubbed his hair once more, grateful nothing was completely chipped off and he had only lost a strand or two. His jacket now felt sticky, the bristles of his fur clinging together like toothpicks in glue as the idea of a bath came to mind. He turned toward Violet, her bright eye giving him a humorous look despite what they just endured.

For some reason, Dirk felt his mace stick up on end, nearly wagging as he gazed into that eye of hers, complete with such a smile.

"Uh, thanks," he muttered, feeling embarrassed. "For, you know, trying to save my face..."

Violet beamed, happy to have earned gratitude from the likes of such a JOX monster.

"Good to know it's still in perfect condition," she said without thinking. Her eye widened, and she nearly flinched as her cheeks almost gave out upon her crisp purple skin.

Dirk's reaction was far from subtle as he turned away, afraid the redness would emerge from his yellow cheeks as well.

Everyone turned toward Nancy as the walking eye stalk gave one final kick to the chocolate fountain. It began to produce a healthy whirring noise as its gears finally commenced in working order. The HSS girl nodded her eye with satisfaction, turning to everyone as she angled her hips, as if implying that she had expected to fix it with no difficulty whatsoever.

"Well, at least the machine is okay now," George said brightly.

As if on cue, Debbie emerged from the kitchen, a bowl of extra melted chocolate in her hands.

"Oh, good, you got it set," she confirmed. "Now I can pour this in!"

Approaching the machine, she slowly tipped the bowl to one side of the first tier, cautiously allowing the brown liquid to trickle into wide, mountainous pools that perfectly accommodated the entire fountain.

Big Red, feeling much more assured, tweaked a smile on his massive lips before giving the turquoise-colored EEK the thumbs up.

"Hook it up!" He declared confidently.

With a firm nod, both Debbie and Nancy accessed the switch of the machine, and in moments it produced a louder whirring noise, the excess of chocolate rippling within the tiers before they began to sink within the machine's apparatus. Soon, tier upon tier had luscious waterfalls of the melted delicacy overflowing in formation like MU's fountain.

Such a successful sight elicited cheers among everyone, Debbie and Nancy exchanging high-fives (or in Nancy's case, she had to smack her eye stalk right into the EEK girl's palm). Brynn loosened another sigh of relief, her eyes glittering at the delicious sight she was certain would please Oozma Kappa.

"Well, we can cross chocolate fountain off our list," she declared boldly.

Rosie, having finished placing a candle in every section of room, folded her bulky arms, nodding in approval that her sorority's personal fountain would qualify to OK's standards.

Just when everyone was about to return to their tasks, all heads immediately whipped back when a loud, uncomfortable clink sounded from the fountain.

"That don't sound right..." Percy said with a blink of his eye, taking a few steps back.

Carla protectively clung to Carrie as both girls took a step back as well, eyeing the machine rather cautiously as its sounds echoed much louder throughout the frat house.

"Maybe it's got a screw loose..." The PNK leader suggested.

Rosie cautiously walked over to the machine, glaring at it angrily before reaching a large hand toward it. Just as she nearly touched it-

SPLASH!

Monsters ran for cover as the top tier shot out of the machine like a rocket, and the dilapidated tube in which it was encased into began spurting out large quantities of melted chocolate like a sprinkler. Big Red couldn't dodge in time as his stalk eyes, and fraternity jacket, were met with sticky essence as others suffered the same impact; Carla and Carrie had been hit as well, the latter having slipped on her hoof-like feet onto the floor, nearly bringing the EEK president down with her as she clutched onto her tentacle arm rather helplessly; Rosie had melted chocolate spray her narrow in the face, her glasses coated in the substance as she furiously tried to wipe it off, her HSS shirt becoming victim to the stains; Omar, being the only monster of the Greek community with wings, was able to dodge every aim as he flew out of range while the machine continued to go haywire; Dirk's nearly-burnt hair was soon splattered with chocolate that dripped from the ceiling, running over his face and into his mouth, which he reluctantly tasted with little relish.

"Shut it off! Shut it off!" Debbie cried, trying to shield herself with her own hands to no avail as chocolate sprayed her eye stalk and all over her EEK jacket.

Nancy Kim, nearly slipping on her own legs as her spiked bracelets became coated in chocolate, immediately raced over and slammed her side onto the control. In a matter of seconds, the machine had calmed down, the chocolate now just dripping from its tiers while little spurts of the liquid were reduced to tinier, gurgled amounts.

After the chaos finally ended, Big Red wiped the large amount of chocolate from his eyes before bearing witness to what had become of his fraternity house.

It looked like the inside of a graham cracker after roasting marshmallows around a campfire!

The floors were covered in puddles of melted chocolate, as if rain had invaded the house and discarded heavy amounts of liquid like nature's cruel intention; the walls were blotched with various stains, luckily, not many of the JOX memorabilia had suffered, though it was little comfort compared to the floor; the ceilings continuously dripped onto them, like the interior of a cave that was overly-filled with mildewed stalactites; the various tables and furniture appeared as if they had been dragged onto a field during a monster truck rally, even the decorations had been attacked with stains, like brown polka dots upon green, yellow, and various other colored streamers; Carla's dish of fruit was covered in the mess, no longer needed to be prodded with a stick and be drenched in the liquid. Each clothing representing the fraternity or sorority he or she was in was heavily blanketed in brown gooeyness, the essence beginning to harden like chocolate bars the longer they clung to their hosts.

Brynn groaned in discomfort and emotional agony as she wringed the chocolate off her arms like brown leeches sucking on her bloods, splattering more essence onto the already ruined floor like puddles in a field. Her trio of eyes became slightly misty, as if all her hopes were crashing down when she had clung so hard and fought to possess more positivity among all.

"Look at this!" She cried miserably. "Oozma Kappa won't want the party like this!"

Debbie and Nancy turned to one another, feeling immensely guilty when they had placed their bets that the chocolate fountain would run smoothly thanks to their work. They felt solely responsible for this disaster that would set them back on schedule before tonight. Debbie anxiously turned toward Big Red, her single eye large and innocently devastated like a child who broke her mother's vase.

"Oh, Red! I'm so sorry about your house!" She exclaimed. "We have no idea-"

But the JOX president waved it aside, fighting a smile upon his lips when hopelessness glinted in his eyes.

"It's fine..." He said with less gruff than usual. "It's just chocolate. We can fix this..." He tried to sound positive. "Yeah, we can fix this..."

"Hey..." George interrupted, sniffing the air. "What's that smell?"

Carrie's eyes widened in horror before setting them on the door leading to the kitchen.

"The bread is burning!" She screamed before she dashed into the other room, Carla following behind her.

Brynn dropped her face into her hands, her mass quivering with desolation while her knees buckled she could have crumpled onto the severely stained floor. But she managed to stand while she kept her agonizing moans within, too embarrassed and ashamed to cry if she could. Things were slowly becoming perfect, then a wrench just had to be thrown in and ruin everything in the blink of an eye!

She suddenly felt like all hope had been torn into shreds with chocolate on top. Flashing into her mind was the image of Oozma Kappa walking into this house and regarding the mess, resulting in them turning away and leave with overwhelmed shock and disappointment. Not that any of the other Greek monsters could ever think they would be heartless (far from it, honestly), but they had judgment as well. Although their judgment wasn't even close to severe compared to what had been inflicted on them the moment they first merged into the Greek Life.

The overwhelming fear of failure probed her heart like a corkscrew, and all confidence of a temporary leader began to timber like a priceless vase atop an poorly-crafted table. While she had done nothing but provide orders and suggestions to others, she felt like this was all her responsibility. After all, she was so fervent in wishing that all their work would bring the smile on OK's face. Especially Terry Perry's.

Now all that hard work had been destroyed, burned, and covered in chocolate goo while other monsters worked feverishly to clean up the mess and replace the ruined decor.

"Oh, glob, what are we going to do?" She nearly sobbed.

She was immediately comforted by Nadya Petrov, her HSS jacket dripping chocolate while her hands gently gripped Brynn's shoulders to settle her down.

"Chill, Larson," she said with assurance yet a hint of firmness. "We'll clean this up, get that stupid machine to work better, and the food-"

As if on cue, Carrie came bursting through the kitchen, both her and Carla holding the tray of a charred loaf of bread the PNK girl had hoped to ice and slather with frosting to bring out a more decorative appearance. The loaf looked like coal Big Red used to start a barbecue as smoke emerged from its melted gaps like faint geysers, its burnt scent sifting and mixing disgustingly with the smell of melted chocolate like a past due candy bar.

Carrie looked to Big Red miserably, her cheeks stained with soot. "I hope you ordered a lot of pizza..."

Big Red said nothing, thankful he had ordered a more than fair amount before having returned to the house. Gazing around the room of chocolate, colored streamers, unused scented candles, the smell of burnt toast, he knew there was still a lot to do. The party would be hours away, so they had to think fast. Improvise even.

"Brynn," he turned to the distressed EEK girl, "go to the closet, grab as many towels as you can and hurry back."

Brynn, not caring that her position of power had reverted back toward the JOX leader, firmly nodded before dashing off. Big Red turned to the others.

"Levin and Gabler," he called. "Head to the store and buy more decorations. Green and yellow is fine, but be sure to add a little more of other colors. And yeah, you can add black and pink." He rolled his eyes.

"Yes!" Heather Olson cheered, her hair dripping chocolate, before she and Sonia high-fived.

"The rest of you," he added, "let's get this place cleaned up as best we can before tonight. I don't care if you got to lick the floor, we're cleaning this place up."

His lips tweaked in disgust as the smell of burnt bread caressed his nostrils. He turned back toward Carrie and Carla.

"And will you please do something about your dog food cooking, Williams?" He demanded.

Although incredibly offended, the PNK leader held a stiff upper lip, nearly pouting as she regarded him with some nerve.

"And what do you want me to do about it?" She shot back.

"I really don't care," he replied gruffly. "Improve it, I guess!"

Carrie just stuck her tongue out at him before she and Carla returned to the kitchen.

Big Red shook his head before he turned back to the chaos-gone-fixation in front of him. Everyone was now working as hard as ever to make the most of what their previous work had done; no doubt the smell of chocolate would still linger in the living room, and blotches would remain to be seen here and there; that's why he was thankful for Rosie Levin to provide candles and even more grateful she and Debbie Gabler agreed to get more decorations. It would be a kids' party put to the test.

Test...

His confidence began to diminish ever so slowly as he thought back to Oozma Kappa. Those boys in green curious and expectant of what kind of party they would drag themselves into, especially after their first-ever one was still emblazoned in their minds, particularly Terry's. The older twin did say they might come tonight.

Might...

By now, despite the working progress before him, the anxiety became even worse for the JOX president.
_

Johnny Worthington gazed at the row of green juice boxes laid on the table before him, his face twitching with surprise and detestation. It was even more perplexing than the sight of what looked like cookies horribly battered in pink frosting, making its appearance somewhat appeasing but repulsive at the same time.

When JOX had announced they were throwing a party, the ROR president had assumed the meat-headed fraternity was grabbing the chance of no classwork to worry about the next day since the power went out the entire afternoon of classes had been cancelled. He had been vaguely surprised when word got out that this particular party required every fraternity and sorority's help; the mere thought of the other Greek monsters under one roof, holding each other's hands like children crossing a street seemed so unexpected and ludicrous. But it was no lie, and each monster clung to one another for support. All were sharing the expression of anticipation and worry about the party they worked, nearly destroyed, and worked again to appease the one group of monsters that gripped their minds like gum under one's foot.

Oozma Kappa.

The name sent a bitter feeling down Johnny's throat as he took a moment to "embrace" the hard work the others had poured into to make the party everything OK may have dreamed it would be.

It was far from a dream, honestly. More like a nightmare worth taking a picture of and showing to millions of viewers to laugh about.

While there was still a touch of JOX spirit within its walls for this event, the sight of various colored streamers was the first sign that hinted the Worthington heir that they had hoped so poorly for something so pathetic. Colors from black to pink ranged among a larger amount of green and yellow and other colors of the rainbow as they strung from wall to wall, even dangling from the ceiling like screws driven violently into a bar of wood. The surplus amount of pizzas and Blort drinks laying on the wide array of buffet tables was no surprise, but the sight of burnt pastries horribly coated in frosting was a sure sign that some monsters among the community had tried and, obviously, failed to just call a darn bakery. At least the trays of fruit and tiny candied sweets appeared inviting, and the chocolate fountain looked accepting...except it produced no chocolate from its tiers, the liquid merely laying among each stack like reduced puddles of mud from rain. And that was especially said when Johnny saw traces of chocolate along the floor that he had to watch where he was stepping. What ever happened earlier, he was glad he hadn't been around to witness it.

Speaking of chocolate, Johnny's nose twitched in confusion by the bizarre aroma of candy with a faint mixture of other scents. Of course, there was a candle in every part of the house, each lit up like it was holiday time or something. Whose idea to put candles as decor probably doesn't throw many parties...

This isn't a JOX party, it was a children's theme gone wrong! And despite the poor quality, the others had done everything they could to hopefully appease and reunite with the fraternity whose president was old enough to be Johnny's grandfather.

His fists tightened, wondering if every monster had gone completely insane, desperate to regain the likes of some chums like Oozma Kappa. They were nothing like the rest of the Greek community, and yet, in some crazy way, one of them had the nerve to stare him dead in the face and make him a fool in front of the entire campus. And to add more to injury, Hardscrabble took their side and made him an even bigger fool.

Going back to the Scaring program...Had her age finally taken its toll on her or was she that serious that Oozma Kappa had "scare potential"?

What made it worse was after Mike and Sullivan were hauled away by the CDA the night before, Hardscrabble had requested that ROR give up the trophy. Why would they when they had officially won it, especially fair and square? She had given him a stern look when he had clung to the glory that had rested in their household for years, trying to reason with her. Her words left him stunned and confused all night:

"There was no official winner this year. And further more, in my sincerity, the trophy belongs to the one who deserves it the most."

He could only watch as Hardscrabble confiscated the trophy, flying away with its silver exterior glittering in the moonlight while Johnny and his boys just watched, even more agonized by the realization that they really did lose. He was still so confused by her words; who in the world even deserved the trophy more than they did, the top monsters on campus?

Bitter, resentful, and upset, Johnny's mind slowly reverted back to the current situation as monsters around him chatted and lounged around the JOX's residence. All anticipating the arrival of-

"Oozma Kappa..." He glowered, shifting his eyes toward Carla who placed a new tray of fruit on the table. "Seriously? Has everyone gone bonkers or something?" He stared carefully at the EEK president. "Did you girls get thrown so hard out of the library you busted your skulls?"

Carla sent him a stern, callous glare as she arranged the food, holding her breath as she got a whiff of Carrie's creations. Before she could speak, Big Red came downstairs, his girlfriend Flora Blob-Ghast clinging to his arm in both love and support for the still frazzled JOX leader.

"Babe, everything is going to be alright," she assured him.

Big Red bit his massive lip, clinging harder to her hand as they set foot on the first floor.

"After everything that just went down, you're still a nervous wreck?" She couldn't help but laugh.

Johnny watched as the JOX leader's girlfriend continued comforting him. He recalled Flora Blob-Ghast from last semester, a student of Knight's Scaring class; Mike Wazowski's classmate.

Recalling that one-eyed green monster, Johnny felt even more frustration. Mere words against him by Terry Perry of all monsters threatening him right in his face and actually managing to make the proud Worthington heir "go down a few pegs" for the moment they had been in that quad. Before Wazowski and Sullivan showed up and calmed him the heck down.

Not just that, his little monologue about how there's "no one type of Scarer" or whatever and how the older twin praised Mike like some martyr or benevolent hero; holding protectively to his name in his presence and willing to fight teeth and tail to hold some kind of honor. Terry Perry would kill him to defend Mike. And for the moment that older twin had grasped his ROR sweater, Johnny actually believed him.

He felt the bitterness rise even higher as Johnny recalled how utterly humiliated he was in front of all of Monsters University; as if it wasn't bad enough he had lost the trophy, Hardscrabble forced the words down his throat that Oozma Kappa would return to the Scaring program. And now the rest of the Greek community and probably the entire university was sacrificing wits and bits for a bunch of childish monsters who were far from what ROR represented? What was happening to criteria and status?

He wheeled toward Big Red who nearly stumbled toward the table had his girlfriend not held his arm tightly to support him. The ROR president held a presumptuous expression, his lips a thin line of question with one of his eyebrows raised and hands on his hips.

"Hey, O' Growlahan," he commented in a snarky tone. "You're not serious, are you? I mean, come on, your parties are always so, well, close to our standards. Yet you're lowering yourself for the likes of Oozma Kappa?"

The anxiety began to seep to a lower level as Big Red's eye stalks hardened at the Worthington heir, his muscles bugling under his jacket as he tried to maintain his renowned foul temper.

"Watch it, Johnny," he growled. "We're just trying to make things right."

The ROR president had some nerve to laugh at Big Red's honest declaration as he held his chest to stifle his guffaws.

"Make things right for what?" He snorted. "For a bunch of wannabes who were somehow lucky enough to get back into the Scaring program?"

"Hey!" Flora remarked angrily. But Big Red held his hand out to halt her, assuring her he had this covered.

"First of all, Johnny," the bulky red monster snapped. "Luck had nothing to do with it. They deserved it from the very start; it just took Hardscrabble, as well as us, this long to finally understand that Scarers don't have to be like us."

Brynn and George looked up from the chocolate stains they were furiously trying to wipe away after having discovered them visibly under a coffee table. When they saw that Big Red was in a dispute with the conceited Worthington heir, they were not too surprised. They just hoped a brawl wouldn't let out or it would become a disaster too big to fix before the guests of honor, hopefully, arrived.

"Oh, and this is coming from a frat leader who cheated in the first event," Johnny sniped. "If Brock and Claire hadn't caught you, OK would have never gotten into the Scaring program. They'd still be the dead weight that they really still are in our community."

Brynn gritted her teeth with anger as she watched the deviling smile upon the ROR president's face as he stood his ground, merely amused by the potency of Big Red's words. She nearly stood up, fists bawled, ready to give that guy both a verbal and literal beating, but George managed to grip her arm, holding her in place before things could really get out of hand.

Heather Olson and Sonia Lewis looked up from the couch they sat on, their conversation cut off as they kept their eyes on Johnny, his words echoing through the room. Leftover streamers in their hands, they gripped them with frustration as Johnny, once again, stepped all over the other Greek monsters like he always did. Which was why the fear that Oozma Kappa may never come induced feverishly high...

Flora trembled as she fearfully watched Big Red become even more red in the face as he stared daggers at Johnny. By now, a number of other Greek monsters had caught on to Johnny's snide remarks and their faces darkened with contempt. This was especially toward all members representing ROR.

"We would have gotten caught anyway, Worthington!" Big Red spat, his saliva nearly hitting Johnny right in the eye. "As stupid as that sounds, OK played a fairer game than we ever had. They work harder than any of us, even the EEKs." He turned to Carla with an apologetic expression. "No offense..."

Carla waved it aside, smiling assuringly. "None taken. Continue."

Nodding, he turned back toward Johnny. "Point is, Oozma Kappa is the nicest, most amazing team ever brought to the Greek community! And to make up for all the garbage we've done to them since they first arrived, it's more than right to fix things. This party is for them, for everything they've done."

Johnny rolled his eyes. "For a bunch of babies?" He widened his arms, gesturing to everything they had worked and fixed. "And a party made for the type as well?" He wheeled toward the tray of horribly burnt cookies with frosting that looked almost deformed as if having been left outside in the sun all day. "With cookies that taste like bird droppings?"

Carrie's eyes nearly glowed red as she bared her sharp teeth, furious to be stepped on with such callousness when she had worked her hardest to bake when she always relied on already packaged foods. She stomped over to them, standing between Big Red and Carla, the latter holding her arm both protectively and cautiously should the ROR president say something even more vulgar.

"I worked my fingers off to make those cookies!" She practically screeched, wishing to just claw that arrogant face of his and shove her "bird droppings" down his throat. "You got some nerve saying that when you hardly cook, relying on some five-star chef to send fancy garbage to your frat house nearly every night!"

Johnny remained unfazed, having been immune yet irritated by Carrie's girlish and sensitive outbursts to mere negative perception. He just crossed his arms while Carla held Carrie back, the PNK girl baring her glinting teeth.

"Still," he scoffed. "You really think all of this is going to, ahem, "win them back"?" He raised an eyebrow back at Big Red, no longer smiling.

The temper Big Red fought so hard to conceal began to erupt like incompatible chemicals mixed into a flask as the JOX leader's fists began to harden and bulk like boulders after an earthquake. Why, oh, why did Johnny and his boys even come if they were going to trample all over them like they would on occasion?

To watch them fail. Like he had expected from Oozma Kappa and their proud brother Mike Wazowski.

But Johnny was not done, the air about him sifting like snakes in a corn field as his eyes became cubic zirconia of conceit and mild malice.

"I'm really surprised by the lot of you," he toned with amusement. "If I didn't know any better...I'm starting to see a little of OK in all of you. Boy, the Scare Games must have really left you all in a heap..."

That did it. The bridge of serenity finally fell apart as Big Red's teeth bared like a distorted rib cage as his tail swished violently, nearly hitting Carla had she and Carrie not taken a few steps back. Flora could only watch, frightened that the calmness her boyfriend tried to maintain finally withered away, replaced by an even more violent-looking version of the pride and leadership of Jaws Theta Chi.

"Alright, Worthington, you want to act dirty?" Big Red practically roared, nearing the famous Scaring heir as his fingers unclenched with the desire to burrow them into Johnny's neck.

The proud heir showed no signs of concern for the current situation, however, he was above surprised when Big Red reached over and yanked his collar, shoving his face straight into his. Johnny was not only shocked, but a little irritated that his greasy fingers were probably leaving marks on his authentic ROR sweater.

"Watch the material, Red," a low growl seeped in the back of his throat, his calm maintenance slowly dying out.

Fortunately, Brynn arrived, shoving herself between the two muscled monsters as her hands pressed firmly against their rising chests to create distance between them. Her three eyes glowed with the uttermost contempt and desire to finish where Big Red left off, but, like how George had ceased her earlier, she would want no more disasters partaken on this particular evening.

"Big Red," her voice held some plead as her trio of eyes rose to his him. "Look, don't. He may have 'Worthington' as a last name, but trust me..." She scanned the ROR leader with a wavering flicker of concealed fury. "He's not worth it."

The outcome of her statement not only placated Big Red, but earned an expression of offense and agitation from Johnny as his purple eyes bore into her blue ones, both darkening with a silent, argumentative glower. Brynn held her tongue against her cheek, not willing to say more as she took Big Red's other hand, and both she and Flora casted the fuming JOX leader away from the sight of ROR's president. Johnny watched, feeling slightly content that in a way he had succeeded once more. However, he was taken aback when Brynn turned her head and stuck her tongue out him. As immature as that was...it did leave a lot offense once more.

Carrie, intending to follow example, merely huffed at Johnny before turning away, arms crossed as she swayed off like some stuck-up drama queen whose interests were far from met. Leaving Carla to brew the leftovers of the intended fight, the EEK leader showed no signs of physical intent. Her eyes still hardened as she shared a meaningless expression with the jerk everyone on campus knew.

"You know, Johnny..." She contained as much seethe as she could before reaching down and picking up her tray of fruit, as if she assumed Johnny would "contaminate" it like a human child's touch, "it's not always about you."

That last statement made Johnny's eyes raise in question, and Carla could just feel the dent in his pride that was so similar to how Hardscrabble had put him down earlier at the quad. As grim as it was, she hoped her words pierced him. She may have respect for him and his fraternity...but, by glob, she would make him feel pain so excessively duplicated from how he had always treated others. Especially Oozma Kappa.

As Johnny watched Carla's faltering form slip out of his sight and past various students who began to pick fruit off her tray, the ROR president merely scoffed, taking little regard for what she said. No matter how much it really did hurt.

But he wouldn't dare let his emotions get the best of him, especially when so much had been thrown at him since last night. He would rather frown and bear it than show ache for the negativity drawn against him and his boys. He would rather embrace the worse and find the silver lining.

Like the party he presumed would end in failure before the evening even came close to ending.
_

Big Red looked out the window, seeing a mass majority of the university overtake Greek row as the night wore on. His emotions met, and his pride floundering so low it could make a hole in the underwater school on campus, the JOX leader felt everything they had worked on had resulted for nothing. Just more agony and demolished hearts.

Sighing, he turned back to the party. It was a full house, students mingling and chatting with others as they enjoyed a night without studies or homework. The monsters of the Greek community were enjoying themselves as well, albeit with reluctance. The JOX president glanced over at the buffet table, witnessing Carrie practically pleading with a couple of monsters to to sample her uncultivated array of treats she had slaved over. Big Red winced as the monsters hesitantly picked the least charred pieces with more frosting. They glanced at one another with dread as muddy crumbs deteriorated the moment the cookies lifted. One of them hardened her gaze before lifting her lips to the burnt substance, taking a meager bite. It barely hit her throat before she began to gag, dropping her cookie onto the table before rushing away, her friend pursuing her.

Big Red sent Carrie thoughts of sympathy as the PNK girl mentally ripped her hair out, teeth grinding against her lips with frustration. Most monsters were going after the pizza and fruit, and, regardless of its deficiency, dipped their cups into the chocolate fountain for drinks. The JOX president then glanced over at the candle that laid on the windowsill beside him. Either time had sped up or Rosie purchased some really cheap candles; the wax was practically onto the floor. Watching that burning wick glow, he wondered if it would eventually go out once the candle was finished. Much like the party and all his hopes.

He felt a gentle touch on his back and cranked her head to gaze into the tender eye of his girlfriend. She offered him a comforting smile, rubbing his back to soothe the continuous tension he had been feeling all night.

"They're going to come," she asserted softly. "Maybe they are just running late."

He wanted to believe her, but Terry's angry face flashed in his mind. That burning rage, which Big Red was certain he had masked all year. Held back as he battled the rejection, mockery, and doubt that was launched at his little fraternity semester after semester. Big Red had made him feel that way. They all did. And he was certain the rest of Oozma Kappa felt nothing but disdain for the ones that have hurt them in the past. When all they wanted was to reach out and make friends. Be with the family they had been so sure was within their hearts. Now Big Red was sure they thought the Greek Life was a heartless community...

He sighed as Flora dragged him away from the window, taking back into the sanctuary that was his party. He looked toward George and Brynn, his blue eyes filled with pain.

"It's no use," Big Red admitted depressingly, "Terry meant his words."

Carla, having heard the hopelessness emerge from his voice, stepped up, Nadya and Naomi behind her.

"You don't mean that," the EEK leader insisted helplessly, "I mean, Oozma Kappa might have just-"

"They hate us, alright?" Big Red boomed.

The eruption from his throat nearly sent Carla and other monsters spiraling across the room. They kept a bit of distance, seeing the hurtful animosity that inflated within the previously stoic monster. Still, they couldn't blame him. Despite that they were all to blame for this predicament.

Big Red sighed, rubbing his scalp before looking back at everyone apologetically.

"I'm sorry..." He muttered.

Carla gave him a familial smile. "Don't be."

George, rubbing his arms with discomfort, regarded his leader worriedly. "Should I cancel the party?"

"No," Big Red responded sternly turning to the other JOX member, "let's just try and enjoy this night."

Brynn shifted, deeply wishing she could just go home and rest early, remained mute, respecting the other monster's wishes. Though she was infuriated that it had been all for nothing, she felt like the failure had been a slap in the face. She held back her sniffles, knowing that Terry Perry would despise the Greek community forever. No longer would she see his smile, or any of his brothers again...

Johnny, having overheard the little conversation between them, just shook his head. Standing by Chet, the latter clutched a cup of chocolate liquid, enjoying the taste while not with the party.

"Boy, some party..." The crab-like monster groaned, rolling his single eye.

The ROR leader just sighed. "I guess it's no use staying here. It's pretty dead right now."

Big Red gripped Flora's hand, she being the only ray of light in this horrendous conclusion. Just as he was about to call to Rosie to trash all the candles, a knock sounded on the door.

"Hmm, must be more pizza," George considered. "I had Dirk order more just in case." He fiddled with his fingers. "I guess he shouldn't have, huh?"

The JOX president said nothing, simply pulling Flora beside him as he unwillingly approached the door. He would just accept the next round of pizzas, feeling like food would tribute the least bit of comfort. He reached a weak hand toward the knob and turned it.

"Oh, hey, thanks for the pizzas," he commented as soon as the door swung open.

His eyes nearly exploded right off his head at the sight of who was standing opposite him.

Terry, his smile large and practically glowing, waved enthusiastically. Behind him were the rest of his fraternity brothers, with the addition of Mike, Sulley, and especially Mrs. Squibbles. The petite woman was carrying a large container full of potted dishes and various recipes, same went for the other monsters minus the twins.

Big Red barely found his breath, blinking continuously as if he was dreaming.

"T-terry?" He gulped.

The mention of the OK member's name had all heads turning toward the door. Brynn screamed with delight, but immediately slapped a hand over herself, having gained a few eyes in her direction. Still, she smiled from ear to ear, excited and relieved beyond her emotions. Johnny's jaw nearly hit the floor, Chet almost spilling his drink over his feet at they both stared at the older twin.

Before Big Red could even utter another word, Terry reached out and shook his wavering hand.

"Sorry we're late!" He said cheerfully. "Mrs. Squibbles needed to get some things before we came here."

Big Red just stood with his jaw open despite impressed by the lanky two-headed monster's grip. Terry just continued smiling before releasing his hand and past him, his brother giving the JOX leader a pat on the back. The rest of their little group entered the house, and Mrs. Squibbles smiled at everyone.

"Hello!" She greeted happily. "For those of you who don't know, I'm Scott's mother. Also known as Squishy."

"Mom, they know," Squishy spoke, unaware of the astonished stares upon him.

Art, having sniffed the scent of food nearby, skidded beside the buffet table. He hardly noticed Carrie's stunned reaction as he grabbed a handful of burnt cookies and tossed them into his giant mouth. Monsters around him grimaced as he chewed the charcoal that was suppose to be food; his impression was surprisingly blissful.

"That is some good stuff!" He commented, smiling at Carrie. "You got to give Mrs. S the recipe some time!"

Don smiled, having approached Carla and patting her arm. "Hey, good to see you. Hope we didn't miss out on the little shindig you put together for us."

The EEK leader just stared at him, her mouth ajar yet she was smiling with jubilation. She just nodded, the sight of his fatherly smile like a bright light to the future.

"We're...we're glad you came," she said with a quavering voice.

Squishy's five eyes glittered with child-like adoration at the sight of the chocolate fountain. Despite its tiers spurted nothing, the sight of the gloppy liquid nearly made his mouth drool.

"Chocolate!" He exclaimed giddily.

Mrs. Squibbles laughed before looking up at a still dumbfounded Big Red.

"Roy, sweetheart?" She asked motherly. "Would you mind telling me where the kitchen is? I would like to warm these up before I serve them."

Big Red smacked himself out of his disbelief before staring at her. The corners of his massive lips tweaked in an awkward smile before nodding vigorously.

"Uh, sure..." He said.

Letting go of Flora's hand, he timidly led the OK frat mom toward her requested destination. She stopped just in front of the wall, admiring the lettering that implied her boys' welcome.

"Oh, that is just so sweet," she cooed.

Big Red smiled sheepishly before opening the door for her. Mike and Sulley followed, carrying the rest of the boxes while their favorite fraternity mingled. Sulley stopped beside the JOX president with a sincere smile.

"Great job," he whispered to him before he and Mike disappeared into the kitchen.

That comment alone made Big Red feel as if the entire world had just fallen into place. He shifted his eyes toward the members of OK, who had managed to strike a conversation with their Greek neighbors.

Talking. Talking was good. So was smiling, something they all showered the relieved Greek monsters with.

Mrs. Squibbles smiled as Sulley cautiously took out every dish she had prepared for the party while Mike was turning on the oven.

"Thanks, boys," she said sweetly, "you can go ahead and enjoy the party. I won't be here long."

"Can't wait to eat!" Sulley laughed before he and Mike were out the door.

The blonde monster hummed to herself as adjusted the tin foil surrounding the pie she prepared for tonight. While she watched the oven begin to warm, she barely heard the door open once more.

"Ma'am?"

She turned, her blue eyes batting in surprise to see Big Red standing before her. An expression of apprehension clear on his face as he stared down at the small woman.

"Oh, hello, Roy," she greeted politely, offering him a smile before returning to her dish. "It'll just take thirty minutes for all this to be done. Hope you'll like this much like your pizza."

The aroma of home-cooked meals wafted through his nostrils, Big Red feeling his lips moisten with hunger. But he controlled his vicious appetite as he fiddled his hands behind his back, watching her carefully.

"Mrs. Squibbles, about what we did..."

He tensed as he saw her freeze, her backside straight as a board. Slowly, she turned toward him, smile vanished.

"Roy, erm ,Big Red..." She began solemnly.

He sighed. "Look, I'm sure you were aware of how we treated your guys ever since they first started Oozma Kappa..." He began miserably.

Instead of appearing angry, he was surprised when she gave him a sincere yet sad smile.

"I know what you've all done," she admitted gently, "and trust me, I was not pleased."

Big Red felt as if he had been pricked with cacti as she said that, granting she spoke in a creamy tone.

Mrs. Squibbles sighed, barely paying mind to her pie as she looked up at Big Red.

"Honestly, I wondered why my boys were treated this way," she continued, "and that night they returned to my house covered in paint..."

That same sickening feeling gurgled inside him, painfully reminded of the night that nearly destroyed the innocent fraternity.

"I was outraged," she said, still unruffled. "I was just so angry I almost marched right into campus to demand Jonathan apologize to my boys."

Regardless that she spoke of the Worthington heir with politeness, Big Red could sense the dismay in her tone.

"But even with my motherly instinct that of a mama bear," she continued regretfully, "that would just make it worse."

All he could do was nod, watching her intently as she clasped her hands together over her dress.

"So I just nursed them as best I could," she went on, "hoping that maybe they could put this behind them and move on." She smiled warily. "I was so proud that night Mike took them on his little field trip to Monsters Inc."

He stared at her in confusion, wondering what she was referring to. But still, he remained silent.

"I wasn't exactly there to see what they had done," she admitted with a light chuckle, "but I knew Michael had made my boys see. Made them see what they truly are."

She closed her eyes for a few moments, the memory sinking in like a blissful dream. She then opened her eyes, the affectionate pools glistening so naturally.

"And the day afterwards," she sighed happily, "I was working on my sewing machine, making them new sweaters for their fraternity."

So she was responsible for those designs. Big Red recalled the former outfits Oozma Kappa wore. Each was plain with no sign of their initials, even the hats they offered were tacky. Yet afterwards, they showered their blandness with the alterations. Even the the hats were attractive now!

"I couldn't have been a more proud mother," she said.

He could have sworn he saw tears in her eyes but she kept smiling, as if content to share something so personal.

"And even if they had not officially won that night," she added, "I am still so proud of them for making it this far. As for little James..." She chuckled softly. "I can't be angry with him, despite having done that stunt of his. I know he was just trying to help."

She smoothed her dress before smiling back at the JOX president, who stood there, heart trembling so much it could explode.

"And seeing how sorry you are," she observed, "how much you went through just to show my boys that you are, well, not the bad guys..."

She chuckled apologetically, seeing Big Red wince.

"I am not only proud of them," she concluded, "I'm proud of all of you."

Big Red's stalks raised in surprise, and his mouth fell, stunned by her truthful acknowledgment. Suddenly, he felt like the luckiest monster in the world. As if the heavens had finally allowed mercy on his denseness; a second chance with a group of monsters who had more spirit than all of MU combined. And the angel before him who hovered protectively on each of them was smiling.

"Wow, Mrs. S..." He wasn't sure what to say, rubbing the back of his bulky neck.

She just smiled, her pale face radiating with aged beauty.

"I'm just happy my boys are having real fun with their little Greek friends," she said.

She then smirked at him, batting her multitude of eyes rather cunningly.

"Did you hear that?" She called aloud.

The JOX leader gradually realized that she was speaking to someone else and looked over his shoulder. There stood Rosie, Carrie, Nadya, and even Dirk at the doorway. They didn't even bother to hide, all smiling with embarrassment that they had suddenly been caught.

Mrs. Carlton just laughed, her voice like the tinkling of bells before returning to her pie. From the corner of her eye, she noticed a few of them drool at the sight. Making sure the fluffy base was patted down to contain the fruit inside, she slipped on her mittens.

"I hope you have room," she giggled as she opened the oven, "I made quite a lot of food for this special occasion."

Big Red could only smile, both relieved and famished as she slid the dish into the oven.
_

Johnny glowered, his expression darkening as every flocked around the members of Oozma Kappa. They were even paying that cue-ball Wazowski compliments before asking him for supposed tips on Scaring. And "expert" they kept referring him to.

Chet looked up at his leader, fearful of the spiteful gaze the Worthington heir possessed.

"Uh, Johnny?" The crab-like monster murmured uneasily.

"This doesn't change things," Johnny spoke, having barely heard him. "Oozma Kappa is still the lowest of the low. I bet once this all blows over, they'll go back to being the doormats they've always been."

Chet chewed his lip, unsure of what to say. Before he could even speak, the sound of a microphone being tapped reverberated off the walls. It was almost painful to hear before all eyes turned toward Big Red, behind him the various frats and sororities who competed in the Scare Games. A small platform had been constructed at the center of the room. Although it was minor compared to the ones the RORs had, it was reliable. Above it was a banner that said OOZMA KAPPA RULES! Apparently the JOX in front of it had been crossed out with led paint, the current words having been furiously scribbled atop it.

Big Red smiled apologetically, a microphone in his hand. He and the other monsters exchanged friendly nods before he made his way up the platform.

"Hey, uh, thanks, everyone," he spoke into the device, "thanks for coming tonight."

His stalks caught sight of Oozma Kappa, along with Mike and Sulley as well as their proud mother. His grin deepened before he resumed his speech.

"Now for those of you who don't know why this party happened," he began, "it's not just because we're party monsters."

He gestured to OK before him, all of them appearing quite surprised as all eyes fell on them once more.

"It's for a special fraternity," he went on, "a bunch of monsters who are, while kind of odd, show a reason to love the Greek Life."

He caught Terry's gaze, and the latter just beamed. Mike stood beside him and Terri, completely elated.

"Before the games," Big Red sighed, "we weren't exactly a "meet and greet" kind of crowd. Every monster for his or herself, and if you're not scary, why bother?"

He played with his fingers for a bit, however, he kept going.

"Well, like Hardscrabble, thank glob she's not here to hear this..." He added edgily, "we were wrong."

Again, he looked back at Terry, and the older twin's expression softened as he listened.

"I speak for all of us when I say..." Big Red gulped, staring at Oozma Kappa. "Sorry. Big time."

"You guys are amazing!" Carla stepped in beside the aforementioned fraternity. "I mean, you may not work out a lot, but still, you got athleticism written all over you!" She smiled at Don. "Even you, Don."

The mature student blushed, rubbing his belly. "Well, I may be old, but you know..."

Carrie stood beside Carla. "I mean, you totally took on the "Don't Scare the Teen" event! My girls, we stunk big time!"

Art laughed. "Yeah, you really did.

"Art!" Terri hissed at him.

But Carrie waved it aside, giggling in agreement. Rosie, arms crossed, smirked at Oozma Kappa.

"You got quite the coach there," she commented, eyeing Mike.

The green monster just shrugged, smiling politely at the brick house in black.

Grinning with pride, Big Red motioned for the fraternity to step up to the platform. Although unsure, the group of monsters did and it was Terry who currently held the microphone. He stared at every face that was watching him, eager to hear from the members of Oozma Kappa. Deep down, he was sobbing buckets of joy, realizing that his fraternity was truly cared for. He spotted Johnny and his boys at a nearby corner; he could care less for his wavering apathy.

Staring at the microphone, he turned to the other teams once more. His heart thumped with the knowledge that his friends were truly respected. Loved.

Family love.

Clearing his throat while his brother bounced his head with anticipation, he lowered his lips to the device.

"Uh, thank you," he said aloud. "This...this is really nice."

He rubbed the back of his neck, blushing as he was received with light applause.

"For as long as we had been Oozma Kappa," he went on, "we had hoped one day we would finally be accepted by our neighbors."

He glanced over at the other teams, maintaining expressions of gratification although slightly intimidated.

"True, we've been hit with a lot for the past semesters before Mike and James arrived," he nodded toward said monsters. "But still, even though earlier I was so angry I could have wiped MU off the map like Pompeii..."

He grimaced, unsure that was the best trope to use as he was met with fearful stares from his new friends. He coughed once more, smiling sorrowfully.

"But..." He added, lengthening his tone on that word, "deep down, I still felt we could make a difference together."

Naomi, who had nearly been in tears, felt her heart rise as she saw the loving smile of Terry Perry. That same smile he always had through thick and thin. Brynn stood beside her, nearly tearing up as she watched his lips tweak with gratitude.

"And we did," he concluded, "tonight." He smiled at Big Red and the others. "Thanks, and we can't wait to start Scaring with you...friends."

Big Red nodded, contented as he and the others clapped in respect and praise. Cheers and applause erupted once more. Everyone except ROR, who kept to themselves while their leader just kept grumbling under his breath.

And, right on stage, Big Red and Terry approached each other before shaking hands. Then gave a brotherly hug along with Terri that increased the positive atmosphere. Mrs. Squibbles smiled, wiping a lone tear from her bottom eye.

Suddenly, Art rushed over and grabbed the microphone. Before Terry could question him, he gave a toothy grin to the crowd.

"FYI, if anyone had been wondering what our original majors were," the pair of legs stated proudly, "I was a New Age Philosophy major. Awesome class, man!"

As if on cue, Don carefully took the microphone from him and waved to the crowd.

"Well, I had been learning about the computers," Don admitted, "and I have to say, they're quite an eye-sore." He smiled at Big Red, slipping a card from his front pocket and giving it to him. "Thanks."

Big Red accepted the card and read it over. The word "business" had been crossed out with "Scarer" on top.

Squishy reached for the microphone and Don affectionately gave it to him.

"Uh, hi," he greeted nervously, "I was undeclared, actually." Then he smiled. "But now I'm a Scare student!"

He was met with cheers and coos from the girls as he was simply adorable in his own right before he motioned to Mike and Sulley.

"Those guys are my heroes," he pointed out, "especially Mike."

The green monster chuckled as he and Sulley glanced at one another.

"Looks like training ain't over, my friend," Sulley smirked.

"Oh, don't think I'm forgetting about you, blue," Mike countered playfully. "I'm going to make sure-"

"Uh, hey!"

Both turned just in time to see Terri clutching the microphone, his expression eager while his brother's looked like he just wanted to disappear.

"Boy, this feels great!" Terri boomed happily. "I know what you're all thinking!" He laughed. "What did we do, you ask? Well..."

He laughed aloud, snapping his fingers as he swayed his side of their single body.

"I was a Dance major!" He exclaimed proudly.

Terry winced. "And I wasn't..."

Sonia and Maria laughed together along with many others. Oozma Kappa was quite the entertainment, especially the twins. They may look alike, act alike so some degree, yet their personalities defied the other. And it was charming and funny!

Terri snapped in quicker rhythm as he bounced his head to his own beat, anxious to impress the crowd with his non-Scaring skills.

"Five, six, seven, eight!" He instructed aloud. "And turn!"

As he swerved their single body, Terry's side remained firm to the ground, jerking just a bit.

"Why didn't you turn?" Terri demanded, his entire show ruined thanks to his brother's refusal.

"I am not doing this..." Terry snapped through gritted teeth, averting his gaze from the crowd with a reddened face.

The entertainment just got better as the twins began to argue onstage. Monsters laughed, never having witnessed two head bicker with each other so humorously. Dirk chortled, leaning against Big Red for support as he was nearly in tears. The JOX leader was clutching his chest, chuckling along the way.

"You were suppose to make it cool!" Terri argued.

"I never said I would make it cool!" Terry shot back.

"Oh, I'm embarrassed..." Terri sighed, turning to the crowd shamefully.

"Now you're embarrassed?" Terry griped, his voice booming into the microphone his brother held. "You should wake up embarrassed!"

"Oh, yeah?" Terri challenged, having forgotten their audience. "I wake up embarrassed every time I see your-"

Immediately, Mrs. Squibbles rushed beside them, snatching the microphone from the younger's grip. She smiled apologetically to the other monsters, all howling with laughter by such a show.

"Okay, boys," she spoke, voice straining, "that's enough. Play nice, please."

Soon, Oozma Kappa was receiving questions from various students in the crowd. As they answered to the best of their ability, George heard a faint knock at the door. Seeing as no one else heard it, too absorbed in hearing OK speak, he strolled over. Whistling to himself, he turned to knob, assuming those extra pizzas had arrived. He swung the door open, pleasing expression on his face.

It soon revamped into an expression of horror as he stood back with a shuddered gasp.

"Dean Hardscrabble!" He cried.

The name echoing through the room, time suddenly stopped, especially for a certain student who was hanging from the ceiling fan. His enjoyment stopped cold, eyes widening to realize he had been caught in an awkward position. Especially by the Dean herself.

The head of Scaring only raised her eyes, not smiling as a container laid in her manicured claws. She glanced over George to witness the terrified faces of her students and Greek community. Although she was uncomfortable herself, she stood straight as best she could.

"I apologize for the the abruptness of my presence," she spoke indifferently, "but I had been invited to your little..." She glanced at the sight before her once more. "...gathering."

Big Red was sweating buckets as he watched George fearfully motion for the Dean to enter. Dean Hardscrabble. In the JOX house!

"Who the heck invited her?" He whispered angrily to the others. His eyes fell on Dirk.

"Don't look at me!" The fiery-haired monster snapped.

Students immediately stepped out of the way as Hardscrabble clicked past them, eyes focused while she held her dish. The sound of her legs was terrifying to hear, and her appearance lingered above all monsters' heights. She approached Oozma Kappa, who all huddled together, especially Sulley, who felt his bristles stand up on end.

Halting in front of the stage, Hardscrabble's expression softened. However, she looked utterly embarrassed for some reason.

"Abigail!" Mrs. Squibbles squealed excitedly. "You came!"

"What?" Big Red exclaimed, glancing at her.

"Oh, silly me!" She laughed as she approached Hardscrabble. "I forgot to mention I invited her earlier! I had to nearly beg for her to come, even though she kept saying "But I'm not a college student"!"

She laughed before hopping from the stage, patting the Dean's side. The head of Scaring herself flinched, appearing surprisingly far from her intimidating appearance.

"I hope you don't mind," Mrs. Squibbles told Big Red.

Although his first instinct was to hide all the Blort and cheat sheets for next week's quiz, Big Red shrugged nervously, forcing a smile.

"It's fine..." He replied unsteadily.

"Oh, that's wonderful!" Mrs. Squibbles cooed. "I mean, what fraternity wouldn't want their own Dean in their house?"

"Take a wild guess..." Mike murmured under his breath.

Hardscrabble held her head high, looking unsure of herself as her students spaced themselves from her. How the bubbly woman had managed to convince her to tag along, she would never know...

Placing the dish she cooked at last-minute atop the stage, she tucked in her wings and regarded Mrs. Squibbles casually.

"I, um, thank you," she told her hesitantly, "for inviting to this..." She glanced over her shoulder. "...celebration."

"Oh, Abigail!" The other woman laughed. "Please! Just call me Sherry!"

Um of course," the Dean coughed, "Sherry..." Her fingers tightened behind her back, unsure of what else to say. "I also, um...would like to congratulate you on your engagement with one of my..." She glanced at Don on the stage. "...students."

No one noticed Squishy hide his face in shame, still discomforted about the arrangement while his soon-to-be father smiled proudly.

"Oh, yes, the engagement!" Mrs. Squibbles chirped. "Don and I were talking..."

"And we talked to our good friends and family of Oozma Kappa..." the mature student added, waltzing beside her.

"And we've decided..." She said excitedly.

"To..." Don grinned.

"Invite everyone!" They announced in unison.

Murmurs and gasps rose from the crowd as Greek monsters regarded one another in confusion. Hardscrabble herself was very surprised.

"You are all invited!" Mrs. Squibbles declared. "Not just the whole Greek community, but the whole university!"

"Are you serious?" One called out in disbelief.

"A wedding?" Another asked.

"Where?" Another questioned eagerly.

Mrs. Squibbles laughed before laying a hand on her soon-to-be husband. "Why, here! At Monsters University!"

Hardscrabble's eyes widened, shocked by the proclamation as she watched Mrs. Squibbles and Don embrace.

"In my university?" The Dean asked, trembling.

"Of course!" Don bellowed. "I mean, this is where it all started! And new beginnings!" He smiled at his future bride. "We can't think of a better place."

The Dean bit her tongue. "And the entire university? How will you...?"

"Oh, Abby!" Mrs. Squibbles laughed. "Don't you worry your pretty, horned head! We'll work on this! However..."

Suddenly, both the Dean's hands were held in the other woman's as blue looked into sharp brown ones.

"Please be my Maid of Honor, Abigail!" She begged.

Her eyes could have hit the ceiling, the Dean looking down at her, stunned. All around her were murmurs and comments about this odd choice, but she paid no mind as she stared at the other woman.

"Me?" She asked, her voice soft and surprisingly child-like.

Mrs. Squibbles smiled affectionately, holding her hands. "I can't think of anyone better suited for the position than you."

Her honest words left something to be admired, and the Dean trembled once more. She knew everyone was awaiting her answer, and most assumed she would give a flat-out no.

However, much like her judgment, it was a complete turnaround.

"Of course..." Hardscrabble responded with even more uncertainty. "Yes..."

She was suddenly embraced by the excited woman, hearing her ramble about decorations, flowers, food, etc. The Dean laid perfectly still, arms remaining behind her back as she winced, knowing they looked unusual in the eyes of her students.

Meanwhile, the PNK and EEK girls were squealing with excitement that they were going to a wedding. Even the members of HSS appeared at the point of convulsion, expecting a lot of buzz for the entire campus. The various fraternities were just as excited, all bragging about dancing and finding dates or who could eat the most wedding cake.

"Wow," George sighed, watching the small woman hug the taller one, "this is so nice! I wonder who the Best Man is going to be."

"Oh, my glob!" Brynn exclaimed, leaning against him. "This place is going to get crazy!"

"When is it not?" He chuckled.

Various monsters walked up to Don and Mrs. Squibbles, shaking hands and congratulating them as well as thanking them for the early invite. Suddenly, the sound of a microphone echoed through the house.

"Excuse me!"

The surrounding students slowly parted when two familiar monsters approached Oozma Kappa on stage.

"This party is KILLER-SWEET!" Boomed the voice of Brock Pearson as he and the Greek Council president stood before Oozma Kappa.

"Oh, hey there," Don greeted, slightly surprised by the grin on the usually sullen Claire Wheeler. "What's the news?"

Claire just smiled, which appeared completely unnatural from the likes of such a monster. Still, when she smiled, that usually meant something good. For Oozma Kappa, they couldn't imagine what could as jovial as finally connecting with their Greek community.

"Okay, here's the thing," Claire began, trying not to sound giddy, "Brock and I received a notice. It's about you guys."

"Oh, dear..." Don gulped. "We're not getting sued for what happened that night, are we?"

"Dudes, no!" Brock cried. "It's about your frat house!"

The mention of that immediately had Johnny's head bolt upright as he watched the scene unfold. Dread flooded his system as he realized the impossible was coming true.

"What about it?" Squishy asked innocently.

"Dudes, don't you get it?" Brock laughed. "You're going to get your house!"

That announcement alone nearly gave Don a heartattack before the older man's mustache spread in glee. The rest of the OK family were roared with joy, unable to contain their excitement as they nearly bounced off the walls. Especially Art.

"Are you serious?" Sulley exclaimed. "They're going to get their house?"

"Oh, my glob!" Carla exclaimed. "This is great! Now you guys will be much closer than ever!"

"A house..." Squishy's eyes widened, drinking in those words as he held his face. "Our house."

"That's great, Oozmas," Big Red called out, "now you guys can think about what it'll look like."

"What it'll look like..." Terri sighed dreamily. "Oh, man! I don't know where we can start!"

Mike grinned approaching them with a marker he found on a nearby table along with a piece of paper. He shoved a chair before his fellow brothers.

"All you need is to imagine..." The green monster advised, uncapping the marker and handing it to Squishy.

Marker at hand, Squishy's face brightened, realizing their house could be anything they want. Slapping the paper down on the chair, he began to scribble, ignoring the anticipation of the crowd as they watched him draw.

"It could look like a castle!" The youngest exclaimed. "Something like Captain Slugger's summerhouse!"

"Captain Slugger?" Rosie wondered, glancing at Carrie who merely shrugged.

"With a balcony and patio!" Don added, taking the maker and drawing his idea down. "And a flowerbed!"

"That's something," George commented, watching them draw.

"Oh, and it could have space wide enough for parties!" Sulley added, taking the marker in his massive paw and scribbling.

"With a living room big enough for our training exercises!" Mike added, adding his idea.

"Oh! Oh!" Terri took the marker and he and his brother loomed over the drawing. "And a skylight! For our room!"

"And a tranquility garden in the backyard," Terry added, drawing it to the best of his ability.

"And a chocolate river that leads to the sewers!" Art exclaimed merrily.

All eyes fell on him in question. Art just shrugged, smiling innocently and somewhat hopefully.

"Uh, no..." Terry said sternly.

"Let's not forget," Squishy added. "A mother's love."

He smiled at Mrs. Squibbles, the latter quite touched by the inclusion.

"She can decorate the living room!" The youngest said happily.

Chet rolled his single eye, assuming Oozma Kappa was beyond their oddness tonight. "I wouldn't party in there if that happens..."

Of course, no one heard him as Mike picked up the paper. All watched as he smiled at their work.

"Oozma Kappa," he announced, "this...is our future."

And he showed the drawing to everyone. Despite it looked like something a monster in kindergarten would make, it was powerful in its own right.

"That's perfect!" Claire announced. "It'll be worked on the whole summer!"

"Congrats, Oozmas!" Brock cheered. "Hey, what happened to the music? Let's get this party going!"

And, despite the presence of the feared Dean Hardscrabble, the celebration resumed as Oozma Kappa stepped down from the platform. She calmly approached Sulley while avoiding dancing monsters in her path. While the others were talking and enjoying themselves, the blue monster noticed her and immediately stood to attention.

"Dean Hardscrabble?" He questioned.

She regarded him closely, and he could have sworn he saw the corners of her thin line lips tweak in a smile.

"Just to let you know," she spoke, "I am taken away the Scare Games trophy from Roar Omega Roar."

His eyes broadened in surprise, recalling having given them the trophy the night before. Since Oozma Kappa did not officially win, he thought it would remain with the other fraternity. And yet they didn't win it either?

"What?" He asked, confused.

"Although you had cheated in the final event," she concluded, "I don't believe Mr. Worthington's team has earned it either."

She glanced over her shoulder, and Sulley's eyes followed just in time to see Johnny and his boys watch them. The ROR leader immediately turned away. Sulley looked back at the Dean, unsure of what to say.

"I must say that I am impressed that you and Michael have started anew so quickly," she complimented. "I wish you luck once more on your futures while aiding your fellow fraternity in theirs."

And she did smile, a genuine one. Somehow Sulley felt that was her true identity under that hardened exterior. He smiled back.

"Thanks, Dean Hardscrabble," he said."

"Wow!" Debbie exclaimed, watching the glorious liquid spurt out of its three tiers so beautifully. "I can't believe you actually fixed it!"

Art beamed, dipping his finger into the fountain before licking it. "Well, fixing this is like hot-wiring a car. It's not hard."

"Oh, that's funny," Debbie laughed. She paused for a moment, then her single eye widened. "Wait, what?"

Naomi watched as the twins conversed with some of the JOX fraternity, looking happier than they had been before. She watched the older Perry smile and laugh at some joke Percy made, leaning toward his brother's side. She took a deep breath, then proceeded toward him.

However, she nearly tripped when something red and purple bolted past her. Before she knew it, Maria of the EEK sorority stood by Terry's side.

"Hey, uh, Terry," she began as she looked at the older twin, "you want to dance?"

The younger twin knew immediately which she was referring to before glancing at his brother, who looked surprised by the offer.

"Well, uh..." The older twin's cheeks reddened.

"Go on!" Terri urged him.

He threw their weight forward that his brother nearly collided with Maria. However, she didn't mind, grinning up at the sheepish older twin. Without another word, she grabbed Terry's hand and dragged him onto the dance floor.

Naomi could only watch, her trio of eyes widening. She didn't notice Sonia Lewis seething behind her as she watched Maria enviously.

As Big Red drank in the commotion within his house, he felt a small tug on his jacket and looked down to see it was Mrs. Squibbles.

"Thank you again for making this night so wonderful for my boys," she said.

"Aw, it was nothing," the JOX leader said.

She beckoned with a fingerless hand for him, and he bent down toward her. Before he knew it, she gave a small peck on his cheek. He quickly rose, fingers touching where her lips had just been. He stared at her, eyes wide. She just smiled.

"Well, I'll let you return to the party," she said playfully. "I think a certain someone is waiting for you, Roy."

He turned to his side and saw Flora smile at him, single eye narrowing with mischief. She took his hand and dragged him away. He looked over his shoulder just in time to see the petite woman wave at him before he was jerked out of her sight.

Something told him Mrs. Squibbles's kiss was just a preamble as he felt Flora's body press against his own.

Flashback fading, Big Red sighed before turning away from the window. Chugging down his Blort, he sat back at the kitchen table.

As soon as the campus was informed of, hopefully, good news, he would plan a party that would be ready the moment they returned.
_

As Laura scribbled the notes centering on the Thompson scare Professor Knight was lecturing on, she couldn't help but glance at the monsters she had always been sitting with since she first came to MU.

On her right was Randall, who tried to maintain his focus while laying his sullen face against the palm of his hand. His big, green eyes remain saddened behind his glasses, unable to process as much determination as he always did when it came to note taking. On her left sat Squishy, with the remaining Oozma Kappa having taken the remaining seats beside his. Art, for once, was glum and not smiling, while Don was idly twirling his pencil in his tentacle, looking at a spot behind the blackboard which was full of Scaring theories. As for Squishy, he was hardly paying much attention at all, all five of his eyes falling on whatever he had scribbled on his notebook for the time being.

"Scott Carlton, are you with us?"

She watched as the youngest OK member snapped out of his thoughts, wincing as the professor's stern eyes directed at him.

"Oh, um, yes..." Squishy spoke immediately.

Professor Knight's eyes narrowed for a moment, as if deciphering whether or not he was given the truth. The silent stare was making Squishy shudder as he submerged even more into his seat, as if trying to hide.

"Well, then," the instructor finally spoke, "can you tell me what I just said a few moments ago?"

Laura held her breath while all eyes fell on the small monster, whose cheeks turned tinted pink as words jumbled in his head before finally uttering.

"Um, you were talking about why the Thompson's roar is more effective than the Gunderson's snarl?" He asked nervously.

He felt a lump in his throat as the professor's eyes squinted at him carefully, almost trying to burn his gaze through the monster's skull.

"Very good," Professor Knight spoke indifferently, then returned back to the board. "Guess you are paying attention after all."

Squishy mentally breathed with relief, his multitude of eyes deciding to focus although aimlessly. His heart just wasn't in it; same said for his fraternity brothers. While they adored their Scaring class, none of them just had the heart to imbibe in it this time. Laura could see that, her eyes shifting from Randall to Squishy, especially the latter. Her notes long forgotten, she didn't know what had insisted upon her spiritually, but she felt maybe she could try and reach out. And if she was coming in too strong, she would pull back immediately and pretend it never happened. After all, she had done this before.

But when she looked at Squishy, all alone in the world that was his thoughts, she felt she just couldn't refrain from soothing his misery. She wanted to be a good friend, she really did. She just prayed she wouldn't do something stupid that would have all eyes on her.

Squishy stared at the near grayish exterior of the chalkboard, amazed his five eyes had been able to notice where each section of the board had been erased the hardest. He could focus on the most subtle things, but Scaring just wasn't in his system today. How could he embed theories and topics when two of his brothers were in the hospital, injured and comatose? It defused the positive energy that usually produced within his tiny body 24/7, his optimism having taking a sabbatical for the time being. He just wanted to go back home to his mother and lay down, wait for the days to go by before the doctor finally called and they could pick the twins up. The empty seat beside Art was a painful reminder that kept taunting him all through the hour. He just wanted the lecture to be over...

His trance suddenly ceased when he felt a light touch on his shoulder. Slowly shifting his gaze to the source, he found a gentle paw laying there. Heart quickening, he looked up and his heart nearly skipped a beat.

Sky and forest eyes bored down on him, striking him with uttermost concern that twinkled even in the dim lights of the classroom. Her ears had descended in the duration of the moment she stared back at him, her lips slightly puckered as if she wanted to speak to him, but held back. Despite appearing so worried, she looked so beautiful...

Squishy's mouth was dry as a faucet in the desert as he regarded her, feeling his insides squirm, unsure what to say. He was always a nervous case when it came to her!

Luckily, she spoke, her voice soft and milky sweet.

"You know, it's so sweet you're thinking about them. You're a good friend."

His heart could have plopped right out of his belly and onto the floor with how much it pounded against his little chest. That tone of hers was just so mesmerizing, so graceful, and full of all things considerate. It was a joy alone he could sit with his crush every Scaring class, but to utter a complete sentence without stuttering centered him between anxiety and mental chiding toward his shy shelf. Laura Sharp was speaking to him, again! How is it he managed to keep a cool head back at his mother's house that night when he couldn't even project a decent 'thank you' to her this moment?

"I...uh..." Squishy swallowed his words, smiling wordlessly up at her.

Laura took no notice, her sparkling eyes nearly making him melt into a puddle of pink goo.

"I'm sure everything's going to be okay," she assured him tenderly like a mother to a scared child.

His eyes flickered to her paw on his shoulder then back to her, and his heart was like a car's engine exceeding the speed limit. Her words always rang with sincerity and sensitivity, and despite her anxious personality, these were one of those moments Squishy truly cherished to heart. And the look she gave him was another image to add to many others when he thought of the midnight-colored beauty he wished he could just bluntly ask out.

He felt sudden emptiness when her touch finally left him, and although he yearned for her to leave it there all through the lecture, Squishy was not selfish. Especially when she focused her attention on Randall, whose expression was just as devastating. Laura was just so caring like that of a school nurse, and he hoped her words could soothe the tension of Randall. Wanting to leave them both be, Squishy returned back to Professor Knight, although his attention remained inactive.

The shy lizard shifted his magnified gaze toward Laura who smiled tenderly at him. As he looked at her, he felt his heart warm knowing his friends were always going to be there for him. He had always tried to convince himself that ROR would provide him the same treatment for as long as he had been with them last semester. But Johnny's eyes held only partial sincerity, his gaze nothing like Laura Sharp's.

And as she looked at him, displaying a concerned yet affectionate smile, Randall felt his hope proliferate.

Feeling desperate for some kind of closure to placate his thoughts, he reached out and clung to Laura's arm. Although she had been surprised, she welcomed it as he gripped her arm like a scared little monster not wanting to leave his mother's side.

She felt hesitant at first about the immediate touch, but she gradually placed her hand atop of his. Self-doubt lingered through her nerves, unsure whether this kind of contact was considered expedient on her part, but still, she permitted it. And it sincerely did feel good.
_

At the PNK sorority house, the six almost identical looking sisters were trying their best to comfort their youngest member, who was still nursing a severely broken heart. Despite having composed herself over the course of a few days, that was only meant to keep face out in the public. But when she was alone, Naomi would just let it all out, pain and despair transforming her worry into sheer images of fear. The broken heart had been there since the first event...it had been even more severely dented since the incident.

Carrie held onto the quietly weeping Naomi in her arms, while soothing her mauve hair gently like an elder sister, while Crystal held Naomi's hands, gently stroking them. The sisters wondered if the twins would ever wake up to the cookies they delivered to their frat house, having hoped to prove they were a kind group of girls that the older Perry would reconsider avoidance. But they were more worried with the current physical and mental condition of their youngest sorority member.

Even after various times of being avoided by the older twin, Naomi vowed to make him see she or her sisters weren't as bad as he had implied they had been, in the before and after of the previous semester. But she was given the cold shoulder at best, and terrible, hurtful speeches at worst by the one known as Terry.

As much as they hate to admit it, they had seen it coming. Most males avoided them, some considered them not even close to worth it...and Terry thought they were complete scum of the campus. And well, given the jobs they want and what they liked, it was a wonder few could see past their exteriors to discover the hearts within.

Of course, things have changed since last semester; but that didn't mean all terms were dealt with. They were regarded somewhat as a nice group...yet the most meaningful monster in Naomi Jackson's heart refused to see that. And due to that problem, Naomi's heart was slowly being eaten away by guilt and loss, and the others sisters of the sorority were at a loss of what to do.]

Nadya was the best comfort to their sorority sister. And they could just approach Mrs. Carlton on the matter, but it would possibly make it worse, like a monster child tattling for a misdemeanor. And since none of them have been on the receiving side of a failed relationship, they all don't know how to cope with Naomi's heartbreak. Still, they best they could do was comfort her, hoping for any changes once the twins' recovered. The Scare Games were just beginning...

"Where is Nadya?" Britney asked worriedly, casting a glance at their youngest who laid in the arms of their leader.

"She's running a little late," Taylor answered. "But she'll be here. Don't worry."

They could always rely on Naomi's best friend outside PNK to be there when the fallen sister needed her the most. The HSS girl was almost psychic, knowing when her presence was required and being another shoulder to cry on. She had been that way ever since the whole of the Greek community gathered together to win back the hearts of Oozma Kappa, forming apology after apology in hopes the proud fraternity they had been formerly cruel to would accept them back. And while no monster was aware that the PNKs were blacklisted in the mental book of Terry Perry, Nadya Petrov was the only one who knew. Because Naomi always confided in her the most.

"It's been like, what, hours already?" Taylor couldn't help but say.

"Girls, hush!" Carrie snapped, stroking Naomi's hair. "Let her be."

"She's nursing a broken heart already!" Crystal scolded as she shot a glare at both Britney and Taylor.

"Sure it's a broken heart and not just pain because Terry can't feel it in his condition?" Taylor remarked without even thinking.

All eyes arrowed in her direction, and Carrie held Naomi even closer as if to protect her from what her ears had just faintly heard.

"How could you be so insensitive?" Heather growled, jabbing a finger against Taylor's belly rather roughly.

"I didn't mean to!" The matte pink-haired member cried out with regret, clutching her belly.

"Terry, like, totally stabbed Naomi in the back!" Crystal joined warily. "Now he and his brother are in the hospital with a coma, and now she feels worse!"

Britney glimpsed at Naomi, biting her lip. "I doubt those can be sealed with glue and needles right?"

She was delivered with a warning glare from Carrie, the latter caressing Naomi's backside while the former just shrugged apologetically, feeling just as moronic as Taylor.

"This is emotion, not arts and crafts!" Carrie snapped.

"I'm not an expert in relationships," Britney admitted dejectedly, palming her pale mint skin.

"And that's why you made the latest boy who dated you cry?" Taylor inquired, poking her shoulder.

Britney glared at her. "Not as much as you, tomboy."

Taylor sucked in her cheeks, her blue eyes flashing at the darker pink-haired sister, tightening her fists.

"Hey, he was flirting with the waitress while we were at our table!" She argued.

"And that's the reason why you screamed at him?" Heather asked, crossing her arms as she gave her the once over.

"He went and asked her out while I was just sitting right there in front of him!" Taylor blared angrily.

Heather was taken aback, sleek purple hair nearly frizzed as she recalled Taylor having explained herself for coming home early that previous time.

"Okay, I get," she sighed, sending Taylor and apologetic smile. "He was totally worth ditching."

Taylor nodded firmly, hands on her hips. "Did that after tossing his face in the ground. I mean, let's be clear that he's not like Terry..."

Whether it was accidental or intentional, the blue-skinned PNK girl's teeth clenched before her eyes darted back at Naomi. The youngest appeared as if she barely even heard her, appearing as if she was drifting in and out of her consciousness.

Crystal caught on, brushing a strand of blanched red hair away from her eyes. "He...he's different. In the best way possible."

All eyes once more focused on Naomi, he leaned more against Carrie as the leader comforted and wrapped tighter around her.

Crystal winced. "I think maybe we just pushed the wrong emotion button here..."

"Now you tell us," Carrie said sarcastically, stroking Naomi's head. "Nice job..."
_

Nadya strolled toward the PNK sorority house from hers, clutching a book under one arm just in case she needed it. Of course, it wasn't some dark macabre book or faux spell-inducing text, but a how-to guide in the matters of comfort. After all, since the semester started, she had transformed herself as a counselor to aid her best friend in her time of need. And after what had transpired, she knew Naomi needed her more than ever.

She could never erase the image of Naomi's face when she lifted the flap of that blanket. She appeared as if she just wished to die, as if her entire world had just crumbled as life was paying her a cruel hand every second she watched that stretcher.

Now those the twins were in a coma, and the university was reduced to a pandemonium of despair and impatience. How long were they to wait for any results? Days? Weeks? The rest of the semester. Although the HSS girl differed from her PNK friend, her heart pounded with just as much anxiety, fearing similar heartbreak of a negative outcome. For both her best friend and the two heads MU loved with all its heart.

"I'm guessing you're going to meet Jackson, huh?

She wheeled around and wasn't too surprise to notice Percy leaning against a lamppost, hands in the pockets of his flashy jacket. She didn't mind him popping up every now and then, being one of the more reasonable members of JOX. In fact, Nadya felt she needed a boost before she arrived up the steps of the PNK house.

"Wow, you must be psychic," Nadya responded in a sarcastically playful tone.

Percy took her dry humor to heart as he got up from his station and approached her. "I know she's taking this harder than anyone."

Nadya didn't respond, clutching her book as she averted her trio of eyes.

"Okay, I know my guys' party was like forever ago," the largely-horned JOX member spoke. "But what exactly happened when, you know, Naomi crashed right into Mrs. Carlton, getting a stain so big you could see it from space?"

Again, she said nothing. The HSS girl's thoughts drifted as she reminisced on that night she trailed her best friend up the stairs to the JOX's washroom.

The sound of splashing water met Nadya's ears as she walked up the steps to the upper level of the JOX fraternity house, searching for Naomi with the intent to assist her in getting the stain off her clothing. As she neared the bathroom, she could easily make out the tell-tale silhouette of Naomi standing in front of the sink, the tap running and slowly filling it with fresh, cool water.

The mauve-haired PNK sorority member was apparently in the midst of sobbing her heart out, tears flowing unchecked down her puffy cheeks, clearly ruining the recently applied make-up there. Those tears were born out of the deep psychological wounds in her heart, which were cut deeply with words more damaging than any known weapon known to monsters. They dropped like sparkling diamonds, splashing gently into the slowly growing puddle of water at the basin of the sink.

The concept of heartbreak was alien to the PNK sisterhood as it wouldn't be them that would be experiencing a heartbreak, as it would be most likely the male students dating them that would suffer from it for if the date went awry. Those had been the rumors that circulating around campus, and hence many males who wanted to try their chance at dating any of the Naomi's fellow sisters wisely backed off than to suffer the inevitable heartbreaking consequences.

Despite their goodwill intentions and displaying of kindness, the males just refused to regard them more seriously. Other then confusing themselves with which sister was which, most labeled them as annoying, naive, whiny, bratty, and just ignorant. While they regarded the other sororities, mainly HSS and especially EEK, who were not only beautiful, their natures greatly intrigued the opposite gender. Beauty, brains, brawn, and there was definitely no question why so many guys wanted "a piece" of either Debbie Gabler or even Sonia Lewis. They had opportunity thrusted on them every second.

And Naomi lost her one and only chance last semester.

The PNK girl moaned as she wiped the tears with her free hand, the other gripping the edge of the sink so tightly that if she grasped any harder Nadya feared the stone composite would give in and shatter. Her broken heart was barely healing from the verbal dressing-down she received from the elder Perry twin in the university library, and when she finally sought for a chance to see the Perry twins again, she was thwarted by other competitors for his attention. To add insult to injury, when she had a brown stain on her sweater as a result of an accident with Mrs Carlton's roast soup, Terry didn't even so much as bat a lash at her.

Terry Perry filled her with unusual sense of happiness and joy, and she would have reciprocated if she hadn't joined her other sisters in ridiculing the Oozma Kappa fraternity with the rest of the monsters that night at the ROR's frat house. In fact, he wouldn't have kept such a grudge if she and her sorority hadn't insulted and degraded his fraternity all those semesters. The worst part was that during the process, he and his OK brothers had still reached out, willing to put painful criticism behind them and strike up a friendship. Another thing to admire Oozma Kappa who, despite only being second to ROR, was the best fraternity any monster had witnessed.

Forget about any lavish gifts or movie dates, now more than anything, Naomi just wanted to see Terry Perry hold her hand and smile at her again, full of emotion with no hatred seeded within.

Nadya stood by the bathroom door and respectfully waited until Naomi finished brawling her heart out to nobody in particular. She could not help but feel sorry for the PNK sorority member, as heartbreak was one thing she had no expertise in. As she shifted the bottle of soap she found on the nearby utility shelf from one hand to the other, Nadya wondered how far Naomi would go just to seek for Terry's forgiveness.

After a while, when Naomi had stopped crying and was hiccuping pitifully, Nadya walked into the bathroom and placed a hand on her shoulder, gently rubbing it. She wasn't sure how to cure a heartache, but she would at least do what she could to lessen Naomi's pain and offer the latter some much needed advice as always.

Naomi could feel her feelings subside like a retreating wave by the beach, but there was a lingering dull ache in her heart that wouldn't go away, like a wound that would never heal. She figured no matter how much ice cream or confectionaries she consumed, the pain would never lessen...as it could only be cured by forgiveness from the one she was desperate to receive from.

"The more forceful the rejection, the more painful the heartbreak," Nadya quoted as she patted Naomi's shoulder gently. When the latter looked at her with puffy, tear-streaked cheeks, she smiled apologetically. "A quote from a book I read some time ago."

Naomi said nothing, her eyes returning back the mirror. She took one look at her reflection and the tears poured out once more. Nadya sighed, rubbing her back as the running water echoed through the washroom.

"Look Naomi, I can understand your pain, but unless you stop pitying yourself and get back onto track, Terry Perry would be gone before you know it."

The HSS girl didn't mean to sound grating, but it was sincerity she hoped would stimulate the PNK girl's self-esteem and not lose hope with life.

Naomi steeled herself against the emotions filling her mind. "Nadya, how would you know about the matters of the heart?"

Said monster's trio of eyes blinked once, and she sighed. "Enough to tell that one is suffering from heartbreak that stems from seeking forgiveness." She placed the bottle of soap in the sink and looked Naomi in the eyes. "I admit that I may not be that much of a romantic, Naomi, nor any of my sorority sisters, but that won't stop me from helping my best friend out. Ever since I saw what happened in the library, I was shocked beyond belief. I personally thought he was too harsh with you during that."

What the HSS sorority member mentioned stabbed a fresh barb of pain in Naomi's heart, but she slowly accepted it as Nadya did make a good point. Terry's verbal rejection was harsh, but she felt he did have a right to feel that way. The humiliation he suffered along with his fraternity brothers at the ROR house has been entirely moral-crushing. If they had swapped places, she would have felt the same way too. The monsters of Oozma Kappa may seem the opposite of scary, but they were a very gifted team. More gifted than any of the frats or sororities, all who were now providing the said team with all the support, friendship, and familial love they had deserved from the very beginning.

"How could I even get a chance to face him again, Nadya?" Naomi sobbed, her head dropping miserably. "He won't even look at me!" She turned her head back to the sink as tears brimmed in her trio of eyes again. Her goth friend sighed once more, rubbing her back.

"Then you have to work harder to get his attention. This stuff ain't easy, Naomi, and for someone like Terry's is no easy feat, too." Nadya crossed her arms and and inspected her carefully. "Unless you want to let Sonia or even Maria have him all to themselves?"

Naomi was at once reminded of how the other two girls from different sororities vied for Terry's heart, and knew that Nadya wasn't joking about how she was facing some serious competition. She could not help but feel a pang of jealousy in her heart, the imagination conjuring up possible outcomes of would occur if either Sonia or Maria were decided of the older twin. None of those outcomes bode well for her, and she would most likely be heartbroken forever if either of those ends came to pass. She just couldn't bear to see Terry Perry with another girl other than herself, and the thought sickened her more than anything else, pushing the rest of her thoughts into a small isolated corner of her mind.

No...

She wouldn't go down that easy. As long as she drew a single breath, she would resume her best to convince Terry she wasn't some stuck-up prissy girl he still held judgment on. No matter what it took her.

Among the sisters of the PNK sorority, Naomi Jackson was nothing but stubborn, pushing on where others would have quit a long time ago. She turned to face Nadya, fierce determination burning in her trio of eyes, and that nearly made the HSS sorority member back off a few steps for the latter's own safety.

"No...I won't," Naomi said quietly. "I'll make him see I do care about him. And maybe, just maybe...he'll finally accept me."

Nadya studied Naomi for several seconds, a hinted smile on her glossy lips. "I guess you have the answer to your heart right there, Naomi. However, be careful." She regarded her best friend with tender concern. "I 'll leave that up to you to think how it'll work."

The mauve-haired PNK girl gave a serious nod in reply, before wiping the last vestiges of tears from her cheeks, returning to her usual self again.

"Now with all things aside, why don't we both see to that soup stain before it becomes permanent?" Nadya decided to change the subject before it caused Naomi more distress.

"My thanks, Nadya," Naomi whispered as she watched the normally stoic HSS girl take some soap and began to scrub the ugly, brown stain off her sweater.

"You're welcome," the latter grunted in reply. She winked one of her eyebrows in a rare expression of girlish humor that was hardly ever seen by anyone at all.

Mere seconds later, both girls were deep in conversation, their voices bouncing off the walls of the hallway with no one else in sight to hear whatever they were talking about.

The flashback faded as Nadya was wheeled back into reality. Clutching her book, she glanced back at Percy. The JOX member waited patiently for a response, regarding her with a concerned yet curious stare. Finally, she sighed, shifting her three-eyed gaze back to the steps of the PNK house.

"All I can is this," she spoke finally, proceeding the steps. "Naomi's in one heck of a fix she really wants to fix."

Percy absorbed her chosen words as he watched her march up the steps, Nadya daring not to look over her shoulder. That was enough of a well established answer for him. He stood off to the side as the door of the sorority house swung open, and he stifled a chuckle when Nadya was welcomed with giggles and hugs from her best friend's sorority sisters. He knew this kind of treatment was slightly foreign to the likes of some goth, but he knew she had a heart to accept open arms.

She was a good soul to be around. And he stood there a few seconds more as he watched, the door closing behind her.
_

Oh, those wings were glorious...

George smiled to himself as he peered through his binoculars, having caught sight of a rare bird that set foot on campus. Said specimen was perched upon one of the higher branches of the campus trees. The orange JOX member himself was clinging to the branch below it. He had done a lot of climbing during his spare time, willing to give strength just to see the beautiful birds he read about. One of his newest guidebooks spoke of a bird that loves the kind of atmosphere MU provided. And it was such a beautiful day, he took his chances and did some exploring while his brothers did their own hobbies.

As luck would have it, there stood what the term implied as Zenaida asiatica, a dove with spiked wings and different variations. George had discovered it under the shade of the tree he was holding on to, the animal more gorgeous than it had in his studies. And here he was now, living the moment of finding yet another bird so fortunate to be within his view.

He grasped the branch much tighter, his other hand clinging to his binoculars as he watched the dove furrow its feathers, poking it with its horns. Such cute little horns! He couldn't imagine what other creature could compare such adorability compared to-

He emitted a loud grunt when he nearly slipped. Luckily, his binoculars were wrapped around his neck, so they merely just fell and collided with his chest. Sighing in relief and mild frustration, George adjusted the lens before peering into them, making sure they were still stable. He looked downward as he steadied his position.

His jaw fell.

Although it was unintentional, his binoculars had caught sight of no other than Colette Creouture. She was walking across the quad, with EEK girl Donna Soohoo accompanying her as they conversed. George felt his heart buzz like a hummingbird as he stared into his binoculars, having long forgotten his bird watching.

Colette had, once again, chosen a new design to show off to her alma mater. She wore a tanned, furry coat over a purple top, hugging her body and caressing the natural collar around her neck. Large, purple shades were decked over her eyes, but George was still able to see those reddish brown eyes of her, sparkling in the sunlight despite concealed. She wore slippers that clung to the bottom of her legs like water bottle caps, so easily worn and looking so adorable to walk in.

George felt his cheeks warm, heart nearly giving out as he leaned further against the branch. He never meant to spy on her or anything, but still. She just looked so magnificent...

However, his fantasies were cut short when he created a misstep. He cried out as he tumbled like a towel pulled off its rack.

And before he knew it, he had landed on the grass with a loud thud. He groaned and winced, clutching his back as he rolled onto his side, grateful it hadn't occurred from the highest point of the tree.

Much to his surprise, the little bird he had been observing perched itself in front of him. It blinked its innocent eyes as if asking George if he was injured. He had to smile, feeling so connected to nature's creatures once more. Having loved birds since he was a child, he felt they were just so comforting to have around. Especially in times like this when his heart yearned, but nervousness held him back.

"You're lucky you have wings," he told the bird with a chuckle, reaching his hand out to it.

Colette shifted her gaze toward where George Sanderson was, wondering if he got a good look at her latest outfit. She had strutted as much as she could, hoping to earn some jawdrops and the occasional whistle. From him, of course.

Donna raised her furry head toward Colette, who seemed to have obtained an expression of disappointment for some reason. She followed her gaze and caught sight of George gently carrying a bird at the tip of his fingers.

"What is he doing?" Colette asked aloud, blinking behind her shades.

"Oh, this is one of George's favorite hobbies," Donna explained. "He loves to interact with birds."

She was quite surprised by Colette's reaction, the latter flinching as her teeth clenched as if she had been given shocking news.

"Birds?" She repeatedly fearfully. "He likes birds?

Donna looked at her on confusion. "You sound like that's a bad thing."

"What?" Colette blushed, concealing herself with a smile. "No. It's just...birds and how he can actually stand them!"

"You sound like you hate birds," Donna observed.

"Oh, me?" Colette snorted, waving it aside. "Look, it's not that I hate birds, it's just..."

"You're a little afraid of them?" Donna suggested. "Colette, did you have bad experience?"

The fashionista sighed in defeat, placing a hand to her hip as she watched George walk away. Seemed all his attention laid on that sincerely gorgeous bird, as if it was the only thing that has immediately won his heart. She could not believe she was actually envying an animal...

"Okay, here it goes," Colette began. "One time, a bird nearly made its nest in my hair. Then there was that time one was picking the beads off the scarf I wore!" She added with enraged clarity. "And don't get me started on how one just left a little "gift" on this super cute dress I just bought!"

Donna slithered a few inches away, nearly coiling. "Okay, I get it. Birds make you uncomfortable..."

"They are just so adorable to look at," Colette admitted, aimlessly staring in the direction George had left. "But I feel like they're trying to revolt against me or something!"

"They're birds," Donna pointed out. "Animals do that. And I can actually think of a few monsters that fit that as well."

Colette watched longingly, wondering where George had gone. Her heart flittered like some weak butterfly having endured the worst kind of weather. She decided to refrain from the disappointment before turning her attention back to Donna with a sweet smile. Brynn had introduced her to the other EEK girl back at the party, and Colette had been immediately mesmerized by the beautiful hair Donna had. Even though she had no idea how she could see through all of that.

"That's nice," Colette mused. "Anyway, I just love your hair! Ever thought of braiding it?"

"Um, not really..." Donna muttered.

"Oh, well, I would just love to braid it sometime!" Colette squealed hopefully. "I even have a magazine that shows all the best braiding trends! Especially when you're out on a date!"

Donna's tail curled a bit. "Yeah, for a date..."

"And I know you don't have any arms," Colette rambled. "But I have the power to make the cutest dresses that would just be so perfectly perfect on you!"

Donna just listened and bobbed her head, seeing that the fashionista was completely in the zone of her slightly materialistic and opportunistic world.
_

"Top shelf, big guy!"

Sulley turned his head just in time to catch a few letters in his massive paw before sliding them into the requested slots. Another day in the mailroom of the MI company and, like always, the duo was giving it their all, under the watchful eye of their manager while they worked feverishly sorting mail and being cautious with those considered junk. Mike stood atop one of the counters while awaiting for more mail to process through the chute atop a mail cart while Sulley was scribbling down names in which some of the mail was required to be sent to after receiving.

"Air mail!" Sulley called out.

The letter flittered into Mike's hand like an airplane before the green monster inserted into its slot before more mail splashed into the cart before them.

Sulley looked over his shoulder, smiling proudly at how quick the little guy could work. That had always been the case ever since they landed their jobs. When they had first met the person for hire, Mike had done most of the talking, with Sulley nodding his head and making side comments to better his monologues. When they had finally got their jobs, Sulley was a complete wreck, not sure about the organization of the mailroom since he always lived with clutter and mess that he could nearly get lost in his own room. He had been worried he would let them both down on their first day.

But Mike had helped him, formulating some confusing mathematical unit that took Sulley a while to comprehend before he finally understood where which letters go to and the certain locations among the mailroom. Once again, Mike had pulled him out of a tight spot.

He always did...

Sulley's hand paused, letter never having reached its slot as the smile on his face slowly faded, replaced with an expression of wounded remembrance as he thought back to the "conversation" he had with the surprising Laura Sharp.

Good glob, there was definitely something within that girl, most still a mystery. When she blew up in his face, shouting at him for his faults and selfishness last year, it had felt like a punch to the chest an exceeding amount of times. Despite the unexpected eruption, both knew she was right. But at least it had all been a guise to see the real truth behind him, and he had been relieved he really did leave a good impression on her with exception to having already learned about the recent events before she transferred.

Still, while she was just under the character of a interrogating cop, her words rang in his ears.

How do I know you're not just using him?

Words could not be any more chilling than those despite Sulley having given her a sincere answer to which she had expected. However, looking at him and Mike now...

Even now that they were no longer in college, he still relied on Mike to aid the both of them on the journey to their futures. He would be so useless without the intelligent green cyclops whose years of studying had not only created a miracle for Oozma Kappa but saved both their behinds from the human world! It seemed like every moment Sulley needed Mike to hold his paw and lead him cautiously through a procedure like a mother encouraging her son toward the dentist's office. Sulley never wanted to take advantage of their friendship. He just needed a lot of help.

Looking over his shoulder once more, Mike was slapping the chute with frustration, the giant tube having paused after only delivering a few letters. Taking a deep breath, Sulley turned his whole frame around and slowly approached his best friend.

"Hey, Mike?" His voice was barely a whisper as the tension built within his burly body.

Giving up on the chute, the green monster glanced up at him with an apologetic grin.

"Yeah, Sul?" He asked, his cheerfulness adding more to the anxiety coursing through Sulley's veins like a raging river.

It felt like a coconut had been lodged between his throat and his esophagus as Sulley tried to speak. He had to take deep gulps before he managed to process a few words.

"T-thanks..." He nearly croaked.

Although confused by the lack of enthusiasm, Mike gave his best friend an even bigger smile, his teeth gleaming in that special retainer of his.

"It's just a lucky catch," Mike chuckled, thinking Sulley's gratitude was referring to their quick exchange of aerial letter tossing.

Sulley's lips formed a thin line, his smile too painful to conceive. "No, Mikey..." He said quietly. "I meant thanks...for everything."

The cheerful look on Mike's face slowly melted to a more bemused expression as he regarded the larger monster in question.

"Everything?" He repeated curiously.

By now Sulley's heart ached, realizing that his best friend and coach had no idea what he was referring to. He was being so naive to the fact that it was because of him Sulley's life had changed drastically with hopes for a better future.

"I mean everything, Mike," he said, his voice straining with the agony to pour everything out to the monster he had ridiculed the first time they met. "When I acted like the biggest jerk in monster existence, you still held on to hope for our team no matter how much doubt I had about us."

By now Mike looked incredibly perplexed by the sudden change of emotion Sulley was displaying as the larger monster produced every word his mind was screaming at him to say.

"You made me become a better guy," Sulley continued, "you helped Oozma Kappa realize what they really are and had them become MU's favorite among most of the Greek community. You saved us when we were trapped in the human world-"

"Uh, Sulley, you're really starting to scare me..." Mike muttered, taking a step back.

But the other monster didn't even hear him, Laura's words drowning Mike's voice out. He mentally fought to continue and finish what he had been aching to speak since that night Laura Sharp gave him a verbal beat down.

"Even when we thought our expulsion meant a dead end in our lives, you managed to find a way to fix that!" Sulley exclaimed painfully. "And it's because of you, we're able to work in our favorite company knowing we'll become something big one day. And here I am completely relying on you where I got to get my feet forward because I don't know where to take the next step every second!"

Sulley breathed deeply, having finally finished as he peered down at Mike. The green monster just stared at him, his eye massive as his jaw unhinged, looking completely astounded. Time stood still as they stared at one another, Sulley awaiting whatever his best friend had to say.

"W...why would you say that?" Mike asked quietly.

Sulley shuffled his feet, looking down at the floor. "I just feel like...I don't know...I'm, uh, taking advantage of you because I stink?"

"Taking advantage of me?" Mike inquired. "Sul, you're not, you should know that!"

Sulley finally looked at him, eyes pained but filled with relief. "I know, but I feel like I don't thank you enough. And trust me, I am eternally grateful because of you."

He watched as Mike's eye blinked in even more astonishment, feeling his roundish form rise as he stared back at his best friend.

"Wow..." He managed to chuckle. "Talk about gratitude."

Sulley actually shared the chuckle. "I mean it, Mikey. You're the expert, I'm pretty much still the student even though we're not in school anymore."

"Hey, relax there, big guy," Mike came over and patted his bulging belly playfully. "Really, I appreciate the sentiments."

They shared a smile, and Sulley felt weight he never knew he had lift from his shoulders; it duplicated the exact same feeling he had when Laura Sharp had assured him about his "test" and that she believed in him.

"Still..." Mike pondered as he rubbed his chin. "Why did you bring it up?" Then his eye widened. "Did somebody mess around with you? Was it that jerk Worthington?" He began to seethe, imagining the ROR president's face been visually slapped by human socks.

"No, no..." Sulley insisted. "Not exactly."

"Then who?" Mike demanded. "Was it Chet? Some monster who hates Oozma Kappa that much?"

"No, Mike, listen, it wasn't really like-"

"What are you boys doing?"

Both immediately turned and stood to attention when their manager came into the room. The humungous pile of snow-colored fur wrestled through the doorway as his colorful tie came into view. Clipboard in one enormous hand, their manager observed them closely, making both Mike and Sulley nearly sweat.

They were surprised when he grinned.

"I meant to say was..." The Abominable Snowman spoke more softly, "what are you boys doing here?"

Both glanced at one another before regarding him in confusion.

"Uh, this is the mailroom, sir," Mike answered. "We're your mail sorters, remember?"

The Abominable Snowman chuckled, lowering his clipboard. "Oh, I know that!" His smile was then replaced with a much more crestfallen one as he gazed at his workers sympathetically. "You guys should really be at home right now. Your friends need you more than I do."

The duo looked at him, completely stupefied by his statement.

"Um, sir," Mike began, "it's perfectly fine. I mean, the twins are still in the hospital, and I'm sure there's no urgency back home-"

He immediately silenced as his manager held up a giant hand.

"Why don't you boys head off early?" He suggested kindly.

Sulley was unable to cease the smile from spreading on his face while Mike's shocked expression still lingered, his jaw nearly hitting the floor.

"But, sir!" He exclaimed. "What about the letters?"

"Oh, I'll take care of it," the Abominable Snowman waved it off. "You boys just get on out. I'll handle things for a while until your buddies recover."

Mike just stood there, still stunned as ever. Sulley immediately grabbed his arm before dashing them both out the door.

"Thanks!" He called over his shoulder, his tail the last thing seen before they were both gone.

The manager gave a silent wave, chuckling as he rested his clipboard at a nearby counter. Walking over to the cart full of mail, he gingerly reached down and plucked a single letter out. He looked at it closely, name and address earning his interest. His fingers nearly trembled, his temptation aching.

However, he scoffed, dropping the letter back into the pile before turning away, intending to finish what his boys had worked on.

As Mike and Sulley exited out of the company's doors, Mike turned to Sulley, knowing it would be some time before the next bus arrived or if they chose to walk.

"You still didn't answer my question," he inquired, giving his best friend a serious look.

Sulley sighed, knowing that when Mike was brought into something, he wanted a full explanation with all the works.

"Okay, but before you pop your horns out," he began gently, "keep in mind that this wasn't out of hatred or spite. Just making me see."

"Then who is the monster that made you "see"?" Mike asked impatiently.

Sulley smiled nervously, then took a deep breath.

The moment he explained, Mike's single eye nearly became the size of a monster truck wheel, his jaw nearly dragged to the floor.

Guess Laura Sharp wasn't always the timid, easily worried monster...
_

The OK household was quite surprised when the duo gathered up the steps of the fraternity house, not having been expected until much later. But once they explained the generosity of their manager, the remaining Oozma Kappa members and Mrs. Carlton were more than delighted to receive them back nevertheless.

Which meant they could get a head start on the chores while Randall accompanied Mrs. Carlton to the grocery store. Exceeda Zeta had offered their services as promised, with Monnie joining the tasks of shopping.

She gifted both Randall and Mrs. Carlton with a smile as they boarded the older woman's van. The redheaded monster's heart secretly inflated with excitement as she sat beside the adorable lizard in purple glasses. He returned the smile, assuming she was eager to assist Mrs. Carlton in her time of need like he did.

Sulley watched as the van reversed out of the OK's residence before making a turn out of Greek row. He gave a cheerful wave that didn't last before he turned to witness the challenge that fell before him and the remaining monsters.

Cleaning...

"Let's get a move on, Sulley!" Mike insisted before shoving a broom into his massive paw.

The blue monster held back a whine as he reluctantly followed his best friend up toward the kitchen. Oh, well, if they were going to sweep, at least he could pick up a snack on the way. That especially being said when there was still a surplus of treats, and he was convinced that a few more boxes would not be missed.

Thirty minutes later...

Squishy shook his head as he stared at the floor of Art's room. Said pair of legs stood beside him, with little to no concern for the less he was being accused of.

"You know, Art," Squishy chided. "You can do us all a favor by cleaning your room once in a while."

"Aw, come on!" Art argued, throwing his hands in the air. "This mess is beneficial as it contains all the energy of the universe!"

The youngest member rolled his five eyes before casting them down on the floor once more. Not only had Art refused to clean the hair he had shed since receiving their frat house, crumpled pieces of paper littered the floor along with food wrappers and various trash Squishy didn't want to assume came from. Evoked of Art's room back at his mother's house, Squishy remembered how his mother would mildly complain about how her vacuum would accumulate so much hair in less than an hour, resulting in her machine backfiring on her. And her troubles had only doubled because, unfortunately, Sulley could shed as well. With so much on her plate at the moment, Squishy made it their duty to keep house before she came home; afterwards, they would help make dinner. And he knew that other than a baker Randall was quite the chef.

"Well, the universe should tidy up every once in a while!" He retorted, hands on his small hips.

"Tidying will disrupt the energy flow of the universe!" Art defied. "Everything needs to be separated to be kept perfectly aligned!"

"Then why don't you "align" your stuff properly in neat rows?"

"This is the neatest I can make it!"

Squishy palmed his face in frustration, before scanning around Art's room. It was large like his other fraternity brothers', the walls papered in a decadent shade of lime green which were littered with posters of various monster hippies and old-age slogans. And hand prints created by the monster himself had been slapped on every open space posters and hanging ornaments did not occupy, the appearance looking like a first grader having gone insane with his arts and crafts. The bed in the middle had remained disheveled, with even more trash accommodating atop the sheets and pillows.

He would have to convince Art to pick up at least half the mess, just to compromise between them. As for the hair that was beginning to structure outside the doorway, it would definitely have to go.

Don arrived and stood between the two younger monsters, holding a the tube of the vacuum he had been using.

"Okay," he announced, wiping his head. "I already took care of Sulley's shedding."

He regarded the state of Art's room, which was worse than a warzone. It appeared as if a tornado had swept everywhere, flinging everything Art owned (or perhaps stolen) all over the entire room.

"Hoo boy..." He sighed before noticing the strands of Art's fur on the floor. "This is going to be a real needle in a haystack..."

"Mom hated this part," Squishy sighed as he turned to his new father. "I know you're going to hate it, too."

"Well, that's okay," Don assured with a hint of reluctance. "The vacuum cleaner wasn't doing too well, so I guess I'm going to have to do this by hand."

"Just make sure to clean in circles," Art informed him. "You know, don't want the universe to be disrupted."

Don adjusted his glasses. "The what?"

"I'll leave you two to your weird philosophy," Squishy insisted before stepping out of the room. "I'm going to clean Terri and Terry's room."

He nearly choked as he said those names, but he maintained a firm upper lip. He picked up his broom laying against the wall and hurried to his destination. Squishy gently turned the knob of the room, before slowly entering it.

He drank in the tidier space that belonged to the twins. Transparent blue wallpaper plastered its walls, a few posters displaying Scarers and favored actors and performers decorating it. Their desk was as neat and organized as the day they left it, the morning they were to be at in biology class before they-

Squishy halted his thoughts, gripping the broom as he ventured through the room that hadn't been attended by its owners for a few days now. Not one spot appeared to be in need of thorough cleaning, and the youngest OK member was about to depart when something caught his eye.

He saw a lone notepad lying on the dresser beside the bed, tiny yellow notes pasted to it as if one had taken too many notes in class. Squishy immediately knew what it was as he neared it, like an explorer having discovered uncharted treasure.

It was Terry's book. Or, at least, it will be.

He remembered since last semester how Terry had constantly rambled about making a book that would center around his life in Monsters University...which would reach that point where he had nearly closed his heart to the monsters who had given him and his fraternity grief. Ever since Big Red and the rest of the Greek community enveloped them in excessive apologies, kind words, and admitting how OK had always been important to their alma mater, well, it inspired Terry to put his English skills to good use and write all of this new happiness down.

He wanted to make a book that centered on everyone around him, other than his brother. He wanted to write about the university, the teachers, Oozma Kappa, the Greek community, the Scare Games, even Mike and Sulley. He proclaimed his desire to write about every good thing that occurred since last semester, and even spoke about making a chapter for each of the Greek teams (although he was sure ROR would barely have a section). While Terry was satisfied that he and his brother would become Scarers, that didn't cease his attempts at balancing a writing career. And this was the best way to start.

MU was a life's work worth writing down for everyone to read. Squishy only hoped Terry could still pursue that goal once he and his brother returned.

If they ever wake up.

The broom long abandoned on the floor, Squishy reached toward the notepad, trembling. His fingerless hands delicately carried the scribbled on papers closer to his view, and he bit his lip to keep from crying out. Despite there was a lot of crossed out sentences and furiously blackened ink marks, Squishy thought it was a beautiful sight. That Terry Perry really was sincere about gifting his alma mater and Greek community with something the whole world would read.

The small monster was so focused on the marks and little notes that he hadn't heard Sulley walk into the room, munching loudly on a scone he managed to obtain out of Mike's view.

"Oh, hey, you just finished in here?" He called to Squishy.

He barely even heard him, just looking over his shoulder for a moment before returning to the notepad in his hands. Finishing off his scone, Sulley slowly approached him, his blue eyes studying the object in his tiny hands. The blue monster's eyes gradually widened.

"Hey, isn't that...?" Sulley's voice trailed off.

Squishy nodded sadly, before handing him the notepad. "Terry's book."

Sulley gently took the material and inspected it more closely, feeling his heart tighten. He remembered how eager the older twin was about working on his book, wanting to give back to the university what it gave his fraternity. He had been trying to work on it all summer, hoping to fight his writer's block and any other form of anxiety about how the book would be detailed.

The former college student peered down at Squishy, his state looking just as heartbreaking. It had only been a few days, but the hours were incredible agony to the moping group of monsters. While they all tried to maintain a strong grasp on the situation, all had faltered in their attempts just as Mrs. Carlton. Still, they kept trying. And Sulley knew he had to usher Squishy back into his spirits.

"Wow," Sulley spoke, forcing a smile. "Boy, imagine how much more Terry will write once he comes home, huh?"

Squishy just looked up at him, eyes glistening. "You really think he and Terri will come home soon?"

"Hey, you're talking to someone who just barely made it out of the human world alive," Sulley chuckled. "How hard could this be?"

Seeing the sincerity in his features, Squishy's lips wormed their way into a smile.

They nearly jumped when Don went racing down the hall.

"Coming through!" His voice echoed through halls as he descended the stairs.

"What's going on, Don?" Sulley asked as he and Squishy poked their heads out of the twins' doorway.

"Archie left a little "present" in our yard," the mature student called out with an exasperated sigh.

"Again?" Squishy cried. He turned to Sulley. "Don't tell Laura."

Sulley could only nod. Although he had witnessed a new side to the transferred student, he knew all too well her daunted personality would immediately trigger by mere liability.
_

Randall and Monnie followed Mrs. Carlton down the aisle, carrying plastic baskets as they watched her select fruits once they ventured into the produce department. Both having volunteered to assist the frat mom with her shopping, she had drove the three of them to upper Monstropolis to the grocery stores and possibly pick up a few supplies for the OK household. The woman's five eyes peered down at her extensive list, shoving a few cans from a nearby shelf into her own basket.

"Okay, ice cream...yes, we definitely need ice cream..." She murmured. "Oh, and jelly beans. Art and Squishy just love jelly beans on their ice cream..."

Monnie mentally licked her lips at the thought of the creamy dessert. True, the OK household was still in surplus of treats provided to them by the generous monsters of their alma mater in their time of need, but she could imagine even the scones would taste brilliant with ice cream. While Randall was with them, she could only wonder how the remaining OK members were handling the chores back home.

"Is there any cleaning supplies you need to get while we're here, Mrs. C?" The redhead asked.

"Oh, I think so," the older woman answered before looking up from her list. "I really hope the other sweeties doing the chores for me won't be too much of a hassle. I know James doesn't like house work much..." She added hesitantly.

"Well, Squishy and Art are always helping around, aren't they?" He inquired, recalling the organized state of the former's room. He dared not speak anything against the condition of the latter.

"They are, but Art plays with the washing liquid a bit too much," she said with a sigh.

Monnie chuckled, not too surprised that the pair of legs had any intention of doing such a thing.

Mrs. Carlton tapped a fingerless hand upon her chin as she regarded the long aisles of food. "I just hope the dusting isn't too difficult for them. Then there's planting the flowers which I'm sure Don is trying to master."

"I could help with that," Monnie volunteered. "I've done some planting back home. I'd love to help out."

The woman turned to her with a blissful smile. "Oh, thank you sweetheart!"

Monnie just beamed while Randall held his head high, eyes blinking behind his large lenses as he provided a toothy grin.

"I'll help cook dinner tonight," he offered.

The smile on Mrs. Carlton's face warmed his heart, however, he was taken by surprise when she reached up and pinched his cheek.

"Oh, you're just so good to mommy!" She cooed.

Randall's entire body nearly shifted red as she leaned up and planted an affectionate kiss on the cheek she just stopped pulling. Monnie hid her grin behind one of her hands as she regarded his expression of embarrassment, smiling sheepishly while the OK mom patted his shoulder.

"Dears, could you go get the Captain Slugger cereal for me?" She requested. "I nearly forgot and that's Squishy's favorite brand."

"Sure, I can do that," he responded.

"Of course," Monnie declared.

After the two departed from Mrs. Carlton, the redhead couldn't help but squeal under her breath, once more alone with the newest OK member. His emerald eyes focused on the new aisle they explored as colorful boxes of every cereal brand they could think of flashed in their faces. She watched as his eyes bore into each box, determined to discover the cereal his youngest frat brother adored; he especially loved to share it with the lizard, who was usually a fiber flavor kind of monster.

"Slimey Stars...Ko-Co Crunch...Honey Claws...here we are," he announced as he picked a box of Captain Sluggers cereal.

Monnie fiddled with her fingers, trying to decipher something to converse with Randall while they were alone.

"Randy, how's your frat's Scare Games training going?" She finally asked.

He looked up from the nutritional facts of the cereal in his hands and regarded her respectively.

"Pretty good. Mike's training sure is better than what Johnny had given me when I was in ROR," he answered sincerely.

"Mike seems to be pushing you all a little too hard," she observed, remembering having seen the former college student endure the OK boys through intense procedures that could have resulted in breaking their legs off.

"Well, he may be like a drill sergeant, but he is a pretty good instructor," he said with a smile of content.

"But the important thing is that you're perfectly fine with it?" Monnie asked hopefully, recalling how the Sophomore had experienced none too kindly last semester before she arrived.

Randall smiled happily, like a small monster child having his turn in line for a new park ride. "Of course. I'm doing it with monsters I can actually call my brothers without lying through my teeth."

The sincere rapture in his tone was enough to make her heart melt, and Monnie could have turned into a puddle at those puppy-induced irises that sparkled under his glasses.

"Just curious," she began, feeling slightly timid, "don't the RORs have training like this?"

Randall grimaced a bit, smile immediately vanishing at the mention of his former fraternity. "Well, they have a personal gym."

"Oh okay," she nodded. "Do they practice their scaring?"

"Sometimes," he responded, "but most of the time they just allow their pride to be their 24/7 practice."

Monnie rolled her eyes. "They sound like they're so sure of themselves."

"But seeing them acing almost every single segment of the Scare Games," he gulped, "they do prove to be rather difficult competitors."

"So are you and Oozma Kappa," she said with a smile of certainty.

Randall smiled cheekily, urging to prevent his skin tone from morphing to magenta at her compliment.

"Well, I guess we still have to train hard so as to be a challenge to the other frats and sororities," he added meekly. "By the way, how's Laura training you all?"

Her cheeks tightened, feeling reluctant that the conversation was now directed at her sorority leader, but still, she spoke as calmly as she could.

"She's training us well," she responded with sincerity. "Not like how Mike trains you, though. Just jogs, stretches, and hitting the Scare books."

"I know you girls are going to do great," Randall averred deeply. "I have complete faith in Laura." He failed to notice Monnie's hair nearly stick up on end as he said that. "Perhaps you can tell her to tell your group to train up on your sneaking skills?"

"Well, we have been trying tiptoeing and quick-walking," she murmured politely, while her mind reverted back to the image of Colette's heels clacking against concrete.

"That's great!" The lizard spoke cheerfully. "That's something OK would do!" His expression softened, his grin like melted butter in Monnie's eyes. "I just know Laura is going to do amazing at the second event; I'll be keeping my eye on her."

Monnie tensed when he said that, her tail curling behind her but out of eyesight from the content lizard.

"Really?" She asked through gritted teeth.

"Well, she has been a good leader so far," he pointed out. "And she treats everyone with respect and kindness.

The redhead could only nod, biting her lip. "Of...course..."

"One day, I should make her a personalized cupcake!" He announced excitedly.

Although his giddy expression similar to a monster child awaiting his first of day was vastly adorable, his comment struck Monnie like a pulled back tree branch. She fought to keep her love and respect for Laura Sharp intact despite a growing animosity coiling around her heart.

"Do you think that's great?" Randall asked, blinking innocently while completely unaware to the dark cloud hovering over the other monster.

One green eye twitching, Monnie forced a smile. "Er...I think so..." She grunted bitterly.

Just what in glob's name did Laura possess that Randall admired so much about her? Okay, maybe the fact that various guys often speaking about Laura with aroused fondness had been the obvious answer. But still, why Randy?

And said OK monster never took one hint at her discomfort. Instead he lowered his snout, playing with his fingers nervously as he regarded her.

"Hey, Monnie?" He began timidly. "I have been meaning to ask you something, but with the unexpectedness and all, at least I finally found a good moment."

The brooding envy that had generated within her thoughts suddenly paused as Monnie looked at him, eyes lighting up.

"Yes?" She asked, feeling hopeful.

Eyes focused on the floor, he began to shift with uncertainty. "I was wondering if..."

"Uh-huh?" She leaned toward him, eyes glimmering with excitement.

"Would you..." Randall murmured, gesturing with his hands in a poorly fashion.

"Would I what?" Monnie pushed gently, tail almost wagging.

Randall took a big gulp as Monnie's eyes hardly cast a blink due to anticipation. She grinned, feeling like her world would finally become much brighter now. Her fingers tingled as the lizard before her finally spoke.

"Would you, by any chance, know what flavor Laura really likes for a cupcake?" He asked in a delicate tone. "Last time I made chocolate and I know she loved that, but maybe some other flavor?"

It was like all her hopes were diminishing by a considerable amount, but Monnie, once more, forced herself to smile, albeit angrily.

"Well...Laura did mention something about liking red velvet," she grumbled.

His brightened expression only pained her further as the expression as he clasped all four of his hands with evident joy.

"Red velvet it is then!" He declared happily.

It was then he noticed a flicker of emotion on Monnie's face that his expression altered to of slight concern.

"Is something wrong, Monnie?" He asked, tone so child-like and curious.

Said redhead shifted from a scowl to her usually calmness as she smiled warily at him, mentally chiding herself for almost unveiling her reluctance.

"What?" She asked skeptically, smile pinching her cheeks like claws. "Do I have something on my face?"

Randall just blinked, observing her closely. "You look fine to me. For a moment, I thought you looked angry."

"Oh, that's nothing..." She assured, shuffling her feet nervously, "just thinking about some things, that's all."

"Is it about Laura's panic attacks?" He asked almost automatically. "Because I'm just as worried about her as well."

A stab of jealousy poked itself in Monnie's heart when she heard Randall speak about her sorority leader one more, but she maintained a calm expression and a tongue-biting smile to conceal her hesitation

"No, she's fine," she responded respectively, "at least fine as of right now and just trying her best."

The other glasses-sporting monster blew a sigh of relief, clutching his chest as if to steady himself. "What about you, Monnie?" He couldn't help but question.

She slowly felt relief as they conversation focused on her, and shy lizard looked simply adorable with his concerns.

"I am coping well so far," she admitted, "I doubt I sweat this much before. My physical education shirt was thoroughly soaked when Laura decided to try one of the EEK's basic training routines."

Randall felt his eyes widen in astonishment. "Really? Laura did what Carla suggested to her?"

"She asked for our opinions, since we want to improve our physical strengths," she explained. "So we went ahead with it."

"And how did it work out?" He asked.

Monnie sighed, rolling her eyes. "Oh, glob, Colette was not too into it, whining about how her outfit is getting ruined and her nails getting dirty!"

"That bad, huh?" He couldn't help but chuckle.

"It's a work in progress," she said with a shrug, "but that's how OK started out, right?"

"I...I guess," he responded quietly, his tone simmering with uneasiness. "Keep in mind I wasn't in OK last semester."

Monnie noticed the slight hesitation in his voice, and she was quick to notice guilty feelings resurfacing. She remembered that Randall joined up with the RORs in hopes of being accepted into the "cool crowd". And when it was far from what he had hoped, he had been too afraid to back out, fearful of the consequences should he ever upset ROR, especially their leader. Thinking of that arrogant bully Johnny Worthington made her blood boil, and she could just imagine throttling his head face-first into a pit of poisonous urchins. She looked back at Randall, consumed with guilt.

"I am so sorry, Randy," she murmured tenderly, "I shouldn't have brought it up."

He shook his head as he squinted at her. "No, no, there's no problem," he assured her with a pained smile. "It's all in the past now, right?"

"Of course," she answered with a warm smile. "And you're happy, right?"

"More than I ever had, Monnie," he answered with so much sincerity.

The twinkle in his emeralds nearly made her heart skip a beat as he beamed at her with all his magnificent teeth. His smile was just so adorable!

"I know I already told you this," he said sheepishly, "but thanks again for sticking up to Johnny for me. I feel like I owe you one."

Her cheeks flushed faintly, and she smiled at him. "Well, anyone would have done that, Randy," she admitted sweetly. "I'm just glad I was the one who stood up for you."

Randall's grin softened, eyes sparkling like the magnificent jewels they were to her. "I'm glad you did, Monnie."

Again, she could have melted into a puddle with that wonderful expression of his. But then he began to tentatively play with his fingers, tongue in cheek.

"Do you think maybe I should put my baking on hold?" He asked with uncertainty. "After all, from what we've been receiving, it seems pretty pointless at the moment."

Monnie just wanted to rush over and hug him, tell him that the world would be a terrible place without his amazing cooking, especially his delicious cupcakes. But she kept her hands to herself, offering him a supportive look.

"Well, I don't think you should," she insisted, "because I'm sure Oozma Kappa would appreciate some good-tasting delicacies at the moment.

Randall grinned, feeling relieve. "I know Laura would."

Although seeing the content expression on his face warmed her heart, deep down she was screaming with frustration. She gave him a compliment, it suddenly shifted to the mention of Laura. What the heck? Still, she gritted her teeth as before, forcing to smile at him.

"So," she muttered, "what's for dinner tonight?"

"Well, considering your sorority is welcome to dine with us, that depends," he pondered. "What do you like in a dinner? I mean, the term "dinner" can vary." He tapped a teardrop-shaped finger to his chin, regarding her carefully. "This probably sounds weird,but what kind of food do you eat on a date, Monnie?"

The moment he said date, Monnie's mind had almost reassembled his sentence to one she could only hope for. But she maintained her burning desire and gave a sullen smile.

"Well, I would personally like croissants," she said, her cheeks faintly red, "and maybe some fresh fruits in cream."

The lizard nodded, seemingly impressed by her choices. "Wow, you must really hope the guy you date will honor you with that stuff."

She blushed even more, heart trembling. "So, um, you think you can make that?"

"Well, sure!" He responded cheerfully. "I've been to Scaris! I've learned how to make croissants and stuff."

Feeling her spirits lift by a small amount, her eyes sparkled, and just as astounded that he had been to a place she could hope to explore one day.

"Oh, thanks Randy," she sighed happily, "that is so kind of you."

"Yeah, I'm sure Mrs. Carlton and the others would love that," he chuckled. "Heck, I know Laura would!" He added with a grin. "She mentioned she went to Scaris as well! The City of Love!" He looked completely elated that he could burst. "Can you believe it?"

Monnie's teeth scraped against each other under the mild frown she tried to conceal, her spirits dropping like bombs. "Oh?"

He nodded. "Who knows? Maybe we'll go there together."

And just as her eyes were burning fire, they lit up like a ballroom dance floor. "Both of us?" She asked hopefully.

"Well, yeah," he responded like it was the most obvious question in the world, "you, I, and maybe other monsters in our community. Big Red always mentioned about how he'd like to see the pyramids there." He winced sheepishly, mentally apologizing for the JOX leader's lack of geography. "Yeah, let him dream..."

They both laughed, Monnie's heart restoring itself after being jabbed so many times in just one conversation.

"I think he needs Mike to tutor him more," she giggled.

"On that, I agree," Randall snickered.

She stared at him, feeling hopeful. "City of Love, huh?" She asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I can only imagine my dream girl and I going there together one day," he sighed dreamily.

"Yeah..." She murmured, smiling warily. "Your dream girl..."

Randall looked down at the Captain Slugger watch Squishy gave him the night after he joined Oozma Kappa. "We've been over here too long. We better find Mrs. Carlton and see what else needs to be done. There's still so much to do before we go back home."

The EZ girl gave a nod as, smiling gently as she felt elation in her heart, imagining going to Scaris. With him. She would cherish that day forever if they did.

"Sure, Randy," she agreed, "I would be more than happy to help you."

As they hauled their almost heavy baskets out of the aisle, she watched longingly at the unaware lizard. While her heart trembled, she still grasped hope. While there were many things that set her and Laura apart, she felt she had qualities that would serve her desires. And she wondered if Randall would ever see that.
_

The morning sunshine did little to brighten the gloom that still partially lingered upon the OK household as Mike was the first among all of Greek row to awaken. The green cyclops emitted a dreary yawn that sounded like a cat's moans in a vet's clinic as he dragged his feet across the floor. Sleep still claimed most of his body before he finally managed to grasp the knob of the door, blinking his one huge eye to regenerate the working parts of his exhausted brain.

He was grateful it was his and Sulley's day off, the hype of their alma mater willing to push them into an optimistic mood as he finally jiggled the lock before warily pushing the door open. Although it was not the neighborhood outside campus walls where Mrs. Carlton's house awaited the return of its residents, Mike Wazowski had been in the university long enough to know there were mornings on occasion that the paper would be dropped on one's doorstep. He was willing to glance at a few pictures Lane Picca had [illegally] captured just to rile him out of saddened thoughts. The emotions he held for the twins still trembled within his lithe body, and he hoped with his usual training and tutoring, time would speed up and he can actually smile without forming a guise. Much like Mrs. Carlton.

As his single eye scanned across the well-formatted patio for any signs of MU material, he caught sight of something laying down at the end of the stairs. He was immediately awake as he drank in what could possibly be the best gifts the twins were to receive among hundreds that filled their household and room.

Positioned upon an A-framed musician's stand was an electric guitar, its formidable base painted with a sequin green that would specially be seen on the most extravagant vehicles, the color flashing hotly in the morning sun as its turning keys glittered as if diamonds had been plated upon to create even more elegance. It's fretboard elongated high like a mighty monster's neck, and its strings coursed from top to bottom like an angel's harp as if pleading to be strummed by magic's fingers. What perfected the already perfect instrument was the conspicuous insignia of Oozma Kappa, its letters painted with brass gold upon the lower section of the guitar, gleaming proudly for the monster who held his fraternity with pride.

That was not the only heavenly sight as positioned beside it like one's adoring sibling was a drum set, its quantity and height towering over the guitar like pyramids; because, like a rockstar's poster, it was a complete set of drums, duplicating the glamorous color of its former with its cymbals displayed high above them like golden saucers. Its bass drum laid with dignity before Mike, its pedal leaning so close to the side as is begging to be stepped on and produce sounds to generate even more beauty to its appearance. Laying just beside the bass drum was a pair of sticks, carved so generously from fine wood and polished like a diamond discovered deep within a mine and sought over with praise and adoration. Much like the guitar, OK's initials flashed upon the face of the bass drum, more pride erupting from its presence that nearly made Mike weep with joy.

Instead he smiled, larger than he had in days before wheeling back toward the house, his foot carrying him with much more vigor now as he shouted at the top of his lungs, not caring whether the whole of Greek row awakened or not; that had happened before, anyway.

"Guys!" The green monster cried out with exuberant joy as he stood in front of the stares that led to the upper floor. "Oozmas! Wake up! Come on, get your rears into gear!"

The first to emerge from his room was Squishy, sorely rubbing his multitude of eyes as he trailed across the carpet. Decked in yellow pajamas with cowboy patterning, the youngest member looked at Mike in question, wondering if he had decided to change his training schedule and make them work endlessly before class began.

"What is it, Mike?" He tried not to whine.

Sulley was the second to emerge from the hall, having fought a hard time to crawl out of the top bunk of his and Mike's bed; his fur was just as unruly and it was certain he had shed just as more.

"What is it, Mike?" He drawled.

"What's all the commotion about?" Don asked as he, Sherry, Randall, and Art emerged from their rooms as well.

"The twins got a new gift!" Mike exclaimed giddily.

Of course, he had expected poor applause as their hospitalized friends had received new gifts non-stop for the past few days. That especially being said when OK's breakfast had consisted with a hearty amount of pastries; the twins wouldn't notice.

"Oh, that's just great," Sulley rolled his eyes, feeling cranky of being woken up so abruptly. "What did they get this time? Muffins? Scones? Glob forbid a little table that'll go great with the tea set we just got?"

Mike chuckled. "No, this is much more durable than some little kid's high-chair, I assure you."

He raced toward the opened front door, and excitedly pointed outside.

"Feast your eyes and the newest addition that's just as delicious as any form of sugar!"

"I like sugar, though..." Art muttered before he poked his front out of the doorway. When he saw what it was, his jaw nearly hit the floor. "No way!"

Don adjusted his glasses to see if the awaiting objects before them was crystal clear. "By golly! Are those really for the twins?"

Mrs. Carlton was unable to contain her excitement before she rushed down the steps and stood before the instruments that nearly sparkled as much as her multitude of blue eyes.

"Oh, my goodness!" She cried blissfully. "Terri and Terry will love it! They're so beautiful!"

Randall blinked behind his wide lenses, almost in disbelief by such wonderful gifts. "Wow..." He sighed.

"Which is exactly I'm going to need some muscle to move these things into the house!" Mike quipped before shifting toward Sulley. "That's your cue, pal."

Sulley merely rolled his eyes but smiled, just as breathless as the others by the newest form of generosity provided for their friends. "Yeah, yeah, I got it."

"And don't scratch 'em!" Mike warned.

While Sulley cautiously carried the larger portions of the drum set, leaving Art to carry the cymbals and sticks while Don and Randall worked to carefully lift the guitar while still attached to its stand, a pair of eyes watched from behind one of the houses of the Greek community.

Pressed against the side of his fraternity residence, out of eyeshot from notification as he watched the group of monsters converse with excitement as they brought the instruments in, Johnny Worthington actually stimulated a small but wary smile on his lips, the touching sight leaving him to fathom over what he had just done.

It was not difficult purchasing such authentic material as he was a leader of monsters who were born into status and wealth. And the choice of gifts was not hard to decipher as he recalled last semester during the "apology party" for Oozma Kappa which resulted in not just a warm rekindle between said fraternity and their Greek neighbors (with the exception of ROR), but the revealing of such musical talent performed by no other than Terri and Terry Perry. Their passion went above just Scaring, their interests which led them toward the decision to keep their former majors as their minors, and hold their beings with even more pride and be praised for such, especially in music.

As he watched Mrs. Carlton nearly convulse with even more joy as she and her boys went back inside their house, Johnny's lips nearly tweaked to form a larger smile. Nearly. He didn't leave a note or even a card on the instruments, having decided its sender would remain anonymous; he only did so out of sheer kindness, and Carla's words have rung in his ears since the day she scolded him about not caring. At least he showed her, and he would only mention to her, just to make her eat her own words. The last thing he wanted was some monster seeing what a complete softie he was...

However, what he didn't realize, as he ventured into the backyard of his house to enter through the patio's door, someone actually had seen what he had done.

Laura Sharp, laying her chest atop a branch among one of the trees that surrounded Greek row, blinked with astonishment. She had risen early for a little workout and exercise her wings, having flown over the Greek community to embrace more air. But when she had spotted the ROR president carefully hauling a pair of instruments toward the OK house, her curiosity had taken the better of her, which resulted in remaining within her current hiding place.

She had witnessed the glowering yet determined look of the Worthington heir as he positioned such gifts in a stance that would be appealing once noticed. And his urgent running out of sight moment before Mike had opened the door gave Laura such an impression that made her usually timid perception something to take into consideration. She was honestly touched by the gesture, all the trouble Johnny had went through for someone he shared a fierce rivalry with. It was very sweet.

Laura's eyes sparkled within the dimness of light concealed by the wavering branches she had guised herself in, a feeling of even more understanding making her heart slightly flutter.
_

Drama Class

The proud and enthusiastic Professor Foster (although her students loved to call her Madame Foster to create a more impish atmosphere in a class of expression and imagery) looked down at her class from her platform that was the entire stage as she drank in the faces that she had familiarized herself with since the semester began.

However, such expressions hardly held much content or enthusiasm, and she could not be too deterred; such faces she had witnessed from all her classes. Of course, who wouldn't be upset when the university had been met with a situation she would call a "tragedy"?

Still, the twins' condition was not in their hands but in those whose passion was not acting, so with a composed expression that established her prestigious but optimistic character, Madame Foster cleared her throat as the room quieted down in her presence.

"Welcome back to a brand new lesson of Drama Class!" She announced heartily.

She was met with the usual uplifting cheers that warmed her heart. However, she could still sense a tint of gloom lingering among some monsters, particularly a certain singing-obsessed aquatic whose eyes was anywhere but toward her professor.

Her thoughts were filled with nothing but sympathy as the crestfallen Freshman kept mum, her lips pursed in a slim frown of disinterest. Still, Madame Foster would be at ease with her for the time being, knowing that when Katy had first attended her class, the aquatic had been nothing but bored by ongoing lectures of past actors and actresses when all she could think of were current celebrities-which she hoped to one day join in the future in relevance to her singing career; Madame Foster knew that, like Katy, some monsters had only chose her class to fulfill the GE requirements on their transcripts, while equally compared to those who joined just for the feel of it. However, Katy's perception had changed once she had been introduced to to of the professor's top students: the twins. Soon, Katy had been filled with enthusiasm, knowing that while there may be history that was to repeated, there would also be musicals, many of which were established from movies that recently premiered and were of her students' favor; another chance for Katy to sing.

However, her voice produced no sound as her lips remained tight. That added more to the professor's worry, especially when her two top students were absent, leaving her with very few men who were willing to "defy their dignity". But, as any actor or actress has proclaimed, "the show must go on".

"Well, I've managed to obtain a script for from a very special animated movie I'm sure everyone had about a few years ago," the professor resumed.

One student raised his hand. "What's the movie?" He asked.

Madame Foster brightened before holding up the script. "Why, Entangled, of course!"

"That movie is so girly!" Another male monster exclaimed.

Her expression temporarily hardened at the jab, but she maintained her temper before sighing loudly, clutching her papers.

"This is a epitome of romance movies! Especially when it's a cartoon for all ages, and especially gender! Respect the classics, students!"

Silence reigned the entire theater once more as she loomed over her lists of student names.

"Let's see..." She murmured, eyes scanning her clipboard. "Someone is going to play the princess, and I don't care if it's a man. One's performance should not be limited!"

Her declaration sent a few males hiding behind their female classmates, others resorting to concealing their faces behind opened books while few had ducked and lowered to his chest to avoid being seen. Madame Foster had to smirk at these, having expected from those who considered themselves "manly men". However, her eyes fell once more on Katy McCrea, still holding such a glum look.

"Ms. McCrea? Are you still with us?"

"Wha...?" Katy snapped out of her thoughts, finally noticing her professor for the first time. "Oh, uh, of course, ma'am."

Her lips tightening with a smile, Madame Foster held up her script. "Why don't you be the princess in the script, Katy?"

Sighs of relief echoed through the room as Katy slowly stood up, not wanting to offend her proud professor.

"Uh, okay," she responded, being handed a copy before strolling up to the stage.

"As for the prince..." Madame Foster scanned the array of boys who still resumed hiding from her expert eyes. "Hmm...well, let's choose a girl until I can find a monster man enough to play the prince." Her voice tinkled with humor at that last part.

Katy rolled her eyes. "Thank goodness."

Madame Foster continued scanning her students before her eyes fell on one in particular. "Hmm...Claire? Would you like to play the prince?"

Katy followed her professor's gaze as she spotted no other than the Greek Council president, her MU jacket undeniably noticed and her dark purple ponytail protruding to its side, complimenting her usually stoic face that plastered her facial muscles. This was the first time she realized she actually had a class with Claire Wheeler.

"Alright," Claire responded with as much enthusiasm as a zombie as she travelled up to the platform, standing a few feet away from where Katy stood. "But I am not doing a kissing scene!" She had with some dramatic disgust in her usually droning tone.

"Uh-uh!" Madame Foster chided, waving a finger sternly. "The script says it all!"

Katy's eyes nearly bugged out into the size of horns as she wheeled toward her professor. "Are you serious?" She demanded. "If Claire actually got the part, would we really have to kiss? Because, ahem, I'm not that kind of girl!" She added hoarsely, her face nearly as red as her professor's lipstick.

Claire lowered her head, feeling even more embarrassed as her teeth bit over her bottom lip while their classmates snickered, especially the boys. Madame Foster wiped her brow, trying to quiet everyone down.

"Oh no, of course not!" She admitted. "Perhaps a pretend kiss would be more than enough."

"Thank glob..." Claire muttered quietly.

Katy shifted her blue eyes over to Claire's darkly violet ones. "I wish you were Brock though..." She said with a playful smirk.

The glare she received from the Greek Council president was surprisingly and chillingly fierce for someone's whose trademark expression was always so sullen.

"Er, sorry, I was just joking," Katy quipped, feeling more amused at the moment. "But it's a compliment to your Greek buddy. I mean, I will admit, he is kind of cute."

Claire's face softened, but it almost appeared as if carved from stone. "He's an annoying disturbance, but he's a very competent vice-president."

"Some girls would definitely marry him on the spot," Katy admitted slyly. Even the aspiring singer herself had to admit Brock Pearson was quite a looker; she could think of a few male monsters who definitely made her list of most attractive. Of course, none of those guys were from ROR.

"Not if I have anything to say about it," Claire said, her tone surprisingly dark.

Katy's raised an eyebrow at her, wondering what beef she held just because her partner was that good-looking, not to mention the aquatic lay truthful when it came to girls being so attentive in his presence.

"What are you, his mom?" Katy joked.

"Very funny, Katy," the president droned with a roll her eyes.

"Alright," Madame Foster intervened. "Start reading your scripts. And..." She made a dramatic pause. "...commence!"

Claire's trio of eyes furrowed at the lines for her particular role. Finally, with a deep sigh, she raised her head to look straight at Katy, trying to muster a serious expression that was fit for a monster who was a prince. Actually, more of a thief.

"So let me just get this straight," she acted, her droning voice lifting with a little more dramatic edge. "I take you to see the lanterns, bring you back home, and you'll give me back my satchel?"

Katy equalled her expression, providing more fierceness knowing her character possessed a personality of both courage and sincerity.

"I promise," she said with as much dramatic boldness as she could induce.

Claire's expression became more sullen than ever, doing her best to look unconvinced. Katy feigned an expression of fury, interpreting her character's motive to make the other, the "princely thief", see she the "princess" was telling the truth.

"And when I promise something," she said as she tried to pour more seriousness into her facial expressions. "I never ever break that promise."

A paused seeped between them, much like the scene intended, as Claire resumed her unconvinced look.

"Ever!" Katy barked with more feeling.

Madame Foster grinned, clapping quietly at how well her two students were performing the scene. Maybe it would be best if the roles really were played by women, especially the prince...

"Okay, Claire," she sang toward the Greek Council president, "here is the more difficult part. Let's see how you handle it."

Claire glanced at her script, and her face faltered for a moment before returning to her usual expression, mumbling a few inaudible words under her breath. This was the scene in that darn cartoon movie she really hated, but Madame Foster would make her do it even if she refused. So with a deep sigh, she managed as much force as she could despite her dignity was partially on the line of such before looking back at Katy.

"All right, listen," she began, trying to sound like some smooth male monster trying to pick up girls with cheesy one-liners. "I didn't want to have to do this, but you leave me no choice. Here comes the smolder."

She mentally cursed her role as she tried her best to purse her lips, sought to produce an expression of looking like an innocent puppy trying to weasel his way out of a dogcatcher's net.

However, such an expression was far from it; she looked more like she was trying to hold her lunch in, the furrow of her three eyes appearing as if she would vomit any moment. And with failure to make "the smolder", Katy felt a giggle creep out of her lips, her belly aching with laughter that was becoming too difficult to maintain much longer.

And she bursted out laughing, clutching a hand to her chest as her knees bent with inevitable chortles.

Claire immediately rid of her poor excuse for a smolder as she raised one of her eyes at Katy, her face heating up with even more embarrassment while her lips pursed in a more infuriated expression.

"I'm trying, Katy..." She grumbled.

"I'm sorry!" Katy guffawed, wiping away her tears. "I just can't take you seriously! You looked more like a peeved Johnny Worthington than some prince!" And her laughs continued, her role as a bold princess altered as her audience chuckled at the newfound entertainment.

"Very funny, Katy," Claire snapped, hands on her hips.

"Girls!" Madame Foster called out. "Focus on the scripts, please!"

Giggles from their classmates resumed as both girls returned to their papers; however, Katy was having a hard time, her laughter unable to be stifled as snorts emerged from her mouth. She tried her best to remain remain stern the way her character was in the movie, but she was utterly failing, much to the annoyance of Claire and the disappointment of her professor.

"Oh, my glob!" Katy howled with a smile. "This is totally brightening up my day!"

Claire felt her temper rise a little, but she kept it in check as she read the next line on her script. "This is kind of an off-day for me, this doesn't normally happen," she said, sounding much more serious than intended.

Katy tried to proceed the next line of her role but immediately lost it once more, bursting out into another fit of laughter.

"Lost my line!" She cried out with ticklish giggles as she clutched her chest even tighter, her belly burning with butterflies of uncontrollable laughter.

Madame Foster clapped her tentacles, managing a small, uneasy smile. "Okay, that's a wrap," she announced. "Pretty good overall...just needs some work at the end." She added with slight rigor.

"Oh, definitely," Katy said as she tried to swallow the rest of her laughter.

Claire rolled her eyes, reverting back to her usual sullen expression as she and Katy climbed down the stage. "Thankfully, no kissing."

"Alright, let's take a little break," Madame Foster declared. "I'm going to see what costume ideas we might possibly have if this production goes green light."

While the professor converse with a few students who were in charge of costume design, Katy found that Claire had decided to sit beside her. Taking the opportunity to get to know her Greek Council president much better, Katy decided to form a conversation.

"You know, you can practice other facial expressions," she suggested. "It helps with your personality and outlook."

Claire turned to her, raising one of her eyebrows. "What's that suppose to mean?"

"You don't seem to have other facial expression other than that," the aquatic pointed out, trying not to sound offensive.

"That's my normal face," Claire insisted.

"You should smile a little more," Katy said. "Kind of like Brock."

Claire just looked at her, her expression more deadpanned and unamused. "That's not going to happen."

"Yeah, maybe Brock is a bad example..." Katy chuckled dryly, playing with her dulled claws.

Claire's look softened, regarding the EZ sister closely. "Still thinking about the twins?"

She saw Katy's face begin to glum. "Yeah, why do you ask?" Katy muttered.

"Your face says it all," the president pointed out.

"Oh, please," Katy scoffed. "You and practically the whole university itself are looking just as worried."

"I just did not expect what had just happened," Claire confessed, her expression providing more sympathy.

"None of us did," Katy said, her tone more serious than it had been on stage. "Not even ROR."

Claire bit her lip, her sullen expression saddening just for a moment. "But hey, at least when the twins eventually do come back, there's a whole house of gifts waiting for them."

"Oh, yeah," Katy chuckled. "And more is coming in."

"That reminds me" Claire began as she reached into the pocket of her MU jacket. "Can you help me pass the Perry twins something?" Out of her pocket was a small, nicely-wrapped gift box.

Katy's eyes slowly widened as she held her hands out, Claire placing the gift upon her palms before she looked at the president with surprise and curiosity.

"Wow...Claire..."

"A little something," Claire said in a modest tone. "I wish for their eventual recovery like everyone else."

"Wow, that's really nice of you," Katy mused.

"I may look like a cloud of depression as soon as you see this face," Claire stated as she jabbed a finger at her expression. "But I have sensitivity and care, too."

"I can officially see that," Katy nodded, slipping the gift into one of the pockets of her sleeveless jacket.

There was a short pause between them, Katy analyzing Claire closely. Finally, the aquatic let out a deep breath she never knew she held in.

"Okay, since we're having a moment, I feel you're pretty much the only one I can tell this to..." She said, nervously fingering the zipper on her jacket.

Claire looked at her in surprise, sensing the edginess to her tone. "Are you sure?"

"Well, your apathetic expression makes it the more promising," Katy pointed out. Her face lowered, looking almost like a duplicate of her timid sorority leader. "But keep it a secret, please?" Her blue eyes flickered like a dog begging for food.

Despite the uncertainty Claire felt, she knew she was already dragged into whatever Katy was trying to do.

"I will," she promised, feeling her insides churn.

A worried yet hopeful smile merged on her lips before Katy leaned toward Claire, the latter offering her ear to her.

"I'm going to sneak into the hospital and see the twins. " Katy whispered.

Claire's trio of eyes nearly barged right of of their sockets before she wheeled back, her mouth nearly hitting the ground as she stared intensively at Katy.

"What?" She cried aloud.

All heads suddenly turned in their direction, and Madame Foster looked at her with a questionable expression.

"Is there something wrong, Claire?" She called out.

"Um, no, ma'am," Claire responded sheepishly.

"Please pay attention, girls," the professor insisted.

Both Katy and Claire nodded before Madame Foster returned to her lecture and work. While the rest of the class continued listening, Claire jerked her face right in Katy's once more, looking completely disheveled by what she just heard.

"Are you crazy?" She whispered to the aquatic.

Katy had expected such a reaction, even from the likes of the usually sullen Greek Council president. Still, she remained firm in her decision, the voice at the back of her head screaming for her to fulfill a goal she only planned since the start of class.

"I'm serious," she admitted.

"The whole place is guarded by CDA agents," Claire explained with grimace. "No way they will allow you to get within six feet of the Perry twins without a written permit."

"What part of "sneaking in" did you not get?" Katy snapped.

"I know about sneaking," Claire remarked, "but the CDA agents are trained to apprehend, and that's no telling what they will do to you if you get caught. And don't forget contamination..." She added, fear leaking out of her usually deadpanned tone like a broken faucet.

"I know about the contamination!" Katy scoffed. "That's why I'm going to borrow one of their haz-suits."

Claire, by now, looked incredibly distorted by her plan as she blinked her her three eyes at her as if Katy's mourning for the twins had resulted in pure insanity.

"Uh-huh, and where in the world are you going to find one?" She asked through clenched teeth.

Katy regarded her as if that was such an obvious question.

"I know there's a storage place in there," she insisted. "That or I'll karate chop some CDA dude and take his...maybe." She added with slight skepticism.

"You know karate?" Claire asked, completely unconvinced.

"No, but I'm sure I could knock one out if a tried," the aquatic answered uneasily.

"This has to be the worst plan I have ever heard of!" Claire exclaimed. "Why not wait for the CDA to clear them for visit? It has only been a few days."

"I can't wait that long!" Katy cried hoarsely, fear and anguish evident in her tone. "What if a few days suddenly has to be a few weeks?" Her eyes flashed almost angrily at Claire. "I expected you to disapprove of this, but at least I'll be able to have proof of the twins' condition!"

Claire remained silent, simply gazing at her classmate (and friend) with growing uncertainty. No matter what she could say, there was no convincing the stubborn member of Exceeda Zeta no matter how hard she tried. The plan was going to proceed, and there was just no stopping Katy. Unless the CDA really did catch her. That thought crept into Claire's mind, making her fear rise effectively.

"I hope you know what you are doing, Katy. I won't stop you, but I have severe reservations about this..." She said glumly.

Katy had to smile for her concern, feeling her heart pound knowing she would never go back on her word. Kind of like the role she just played moments ago.

"I'm sure Oozma Kappa has done something similar to this last semester," she mused softly. "Because I doubt any other Greek team has the guff to do it." That especially being said because Laura was at a point in her "condition" where such actions would be proven too panicking for her taste.

Claire swallowed, her expression softening a bit. "Just...be careful, okay?"

Katy nodded. "I know. Just don't tell anyone, alright?"

"I won't..." Claire tried to sound sincere, yet her heart thumped with even more doubt. "But my heart tells me otherwise...for your own safety." She added with kindness.

Katy sucked in her cheeks, wondering if trusting Claire with this discreet information had been a good choice. Still, she knew Claire as a decent monster; she wouldn't betray her no matter how severe the situation and consequences would be.

"Alright," she gulped. "I'll be leaving as soon as class is done."

"Just be careful, okay?" Claire said, her tone almost similarly motherly like Mrs. Carlton's.

"I will," Katy assured her.
_

As soon as Drama class ended, Claire and Katy bid each other farewell before the Greek Council president watched the backside of the EZ member disappear among a crowd of students in the hall. It was considerably painful knowing where Katy was going; not to lunch or even relaxing campus grounds, but somewhere else in particular.

She feared for Katy's safety as both a friend and a president of the Greek Council, but she just hoped that Katy wouldn't get arrested which would result in even more trouble. Although this was nothing like the stunt both Mike and Sulley had pulled last semester...it was pretty close. Claire had expected anyone from Oozma Kappa to do such a thing, considering not too long ago how they had tried their "sneaking" on one particular night, which concluded in disaster. But this was Katy...

As Claire walked across the various buildings of the university, she kept her poker face on as she thought about what other girls might do just to catch a glimpse of the Perry twins in their ward. Obviously, those two had tons of fangirls, some willing to go the extra mile just for them. She knew most would contemplate taking a risk and invade the hospital just to see them, especially the older twin, but they wouldn't actually do it. They were too afraid. But Katy wasn't. The stubborn Vocal Music major was willing to brave it out just to see her friends and be satisfied, and this induced Claire's fear more than ever.

The anxiety of what Katy could possibly bring herself into was eating away at the Greek Council president. The fear just doubled as she thought back to the day nearly the entire campus had waited outside hospital doors to hear news of the twins after being sent into the emergency room. CDA agents roamed the facility, their trucks and various other vehicles parked in abrupt spaces and fondling with intimidating devices, shoving them in monsters' faces to see if one was "clean" or not. And if they caught Katy, and they scanned her for "contamination"-

Claire's trio of eyes blinked with agonized frustration, knowing she had promised the aquatic she wouldn't tell a soul.

But she did lastly state that she would do what her heart told her. For Katy's sake.
_

Mrs Carlton made her way to the OK frat house, which was empty as everyone was still having lessons and work. She gave her usual compliments and greetings to many other students, not noticing the sympathetic looks every monster on Greek Row was giving her as she trudged across the cul-de-sac toward her second home; everyone knew deep down she was hurting because two of her "little Oozmas" were still in severe condition; and with no visit to insure her hope, they knew she was just trying to busy herself through the facade.

As the petite woman searched her purse for the keys, she heard a light cough and turned around. It was Claire.

"Mrs Carlton?" The Greek Council president spoke nervously. "May we speak for a few minutes in private?"

Though she had been slightly startled by her unexpected presence, the woman smiled.

"Oh, hello, Claire, sweetie!" She greeted cheerfully. However, her expression lowered as she noticed Claire's face becoming more sullen than ever. "What's wrong?"

Claire became even more tense, but she knew she had to do what was right, and Mrs. Carlton was perhaps the only reasonable monster she could trust.

"I need to speak to you in private. I don't want anyone else to know."

Sensing the slight urgency in her facial features, Mrs. Carlton immediately found her keys and unlocked the door before gesturing for the younger woman to enter. As Claire proceeded within its walls, she took the time to analyze what hearty and generous donations had resulted in for Oozma Kappa's fraternity house.

It was like stepping into a old-fashioned hotel whose walls greeted her with attractive floral printing and antique memorabilia that fit Mrs. Carlton's criteria so well while also meeting the expectations of her boys; old-fashioned material mixed with those for the younger generation as she spotted lovely furniture holding comic books, tiny figurines, and the television had a game system attached to it alongside a dance mat.

The petite woman gestured for her to take a seat and Claire sat comfortably on a cushy sofa she knew had been personally chosen by Mrs. Carlton. Said woman sat on a large recliner, giving her a motherly smile.

"Candy?" She asked, pushing what looked like a bowl of bright ribbons toward the Greek Council president, always leaving it on the coffee table in case OK had guests.

"Thank you, but no," Claire denied politely, although her mouth did water at the gorgeous sight, knowing this woman always satisfied her boys' stomachs.

"It will make you feel better, trust me," the other woman insisted.

Raising an eyebrow, Claire slowly took one before popping it into her mouth. Savoring its flavor, and it really did lessen the tension building within her. Of course, anything cooked or even offered by Mrs. Carlton was perhaps more soothing than even medicine.

"So," Mrs. Carlton, leaning back against the recliner. "What did you want to talk about, Claire?"

Swallowing the piece in one nervous gulp, Claire looked at her carefully. "Mrs Carlton, what we talk about must never leave this room."

"May I ask why?"

Claire bit her lip. "I don't want things to go out of control."

Mrs. Carlton's multitude of eyes were filled with worry as she gazed at Claire. "Sweetie, is this about Brock?"

The Greek Council president's face suddenly flushed, adding redness to her incredibly pale cheeks as she averted her eyes for a moment.

"No," she murmured. She lifted her face back up to hers. "It's...it's about Katy."

She felt a little guilty betraying Katy's trust like this, but it was for her own good. And maybe, just maybe, it would save her if she was already at the hospital, probably battling CDA agents...

Mrs. Carlton's eyes raised at the mention of the EZ girl. "Katy? Why, what's wrong? Is she alright?"

Claire took a deep breath. "Mrs. C, she's going to sneak into the hospital. To see the twins."

She bit her lip as all of the woman's eyes widened in horror.

"Oh, good glob!" The petite woman shrieked.

Claire nearly flinched as she hopped off her recliner, making a dash for the kitchen. Incredibly confused, Claire watched the closed doorway, the sounds of dishes clanking against one another like the banging of a drum as she wondered what the heck Mrs. Carlton was even doing when she had already been informed of Katy's dangerous "mission".

Finally, the OK frat mom exited out of the kitchen, carrying a paper bag as and launched at her purse where her cars keys were.

"She's missing lunch as well!" She cried.

Claire's three eyes rose in even more confusion. "So you're not going to stop her?"

Mrs. Carlton ceased in her tracks and flashed her a quick smile.

"Oh, sweetie, I'm going after her!" She informed hurriedly. "If she winds up in the same situation my boys had when they snuck into Monsters Inc, then at least Katy will have me as a getaway as well!"

Claire's eyes grew, her mouth ajar. "OK did what?"

The curly-haired woman didn't even hear her as she looked up at the clock.

"Oh, I got to get going!" She exclaimed frantically before turning to Claire. "Thank you for telling me this, sweetheart! Got to go!"

Before Claire could even utter a word, Mrs. Carlton was out the door, leaving the Greek Council president more stunned and confused as ever.

Mrs. Carlton raced down the steps of the house, barely returning greetings from passerby students as she rushed to her van. She started the engine, a furious roar emerging from the tailpipes that startled everyone present in Greek row. She stamped her padded foot on the accelerator, and the van raced down the cul-de-sac so fast that it would have put race car drivers to shame.

Students watched in astonishment as the usually serene frat mom's car blasted across the campus, monsters jumping out of her way. ROR managed to get out of her path as she bolted past them, leaving a trail of disfigured grass and dirt behind her as she sped past the gates of the campus. Chet had been so frightened that he somehow winded up in the arms of Johnny, who just rolled his eyes before dropping him back on his crab legs.

"Was that...the OK mom?" The ROR leader asked aloud.

"What, she's trying to kill us now?" Chet cried. "I thought she forgot about what we did to her boys last semester!"
_

Meanwhile, nearing the hospital, Katy sucked in her cheeks, wondering if Claire was right; that she was, indeed, crazy...

The whole hospital was practically crawling with CDA agents, not to mention several of the agency's trucks were parked outside, and patrols were walking around the corridors and walkways like ants upon an unguarded picnic area. She hurried over toward a nearby truck and pressed her back against it, sweat nearly trickling down her neck as a few CDA agents marched past her location; she breathed through clenched teeth, cursing herself that she thought this would play out so easily like those retro action flicks a lot of money was wasted on.

She snuck a peek from the edge of the truck, and ducked back as a pair of CDA agents walked out, clutching their scanners in their hands and tranquilizer firearms in their holsters. Those weapons were terrifying as is, and Katy watched as more agents entered the hospital, keeping guard; all of this just for the twins's condition. She felt that all this was little excessive, but then this was this CDA, and they take everything related to human contamination very seriously.

She looked toward the truck she was leaning in, seeing no other agents had emerged. Taking a chance, Katy held her breathe before she reached a dully-clawed hand toward the side door. And opened it.

In one swift move, she flipped herself into the truck, and out of sight, quietly closing the door behind her with a light tap.

Counting her blessings that no one was inside, she scanned the interior, passing over various devices, machinery, and weapons; many of those objects standing inert, being not activated by their respective users, but a portable computer workstation built into the truck.

It intimidated Katy further, knowing she was breaking more rules than the ones in her own alma mater's book. This was definitely nothing like what Mike and Sulley had done last semester...and she prayed she wouldn't get caught and wind up in the same predicament. Looking around, she saw what passed for a metallic looking closet, and she walked slowly and carefully over the various pieces of machinery and weaponry stacked neatly in vertical holders. Gulping air like an actual fish out of water, she leaned forward and grabbed the knob, before carefully opening the unusual closet.

To her astonishment, she noticed a few CDA suits neatly stacked in their hangers.

"Eureka..." Katy muttered, her blue eyes wide with burning excitement.

Without wasting time, she reached in and found the smallest one she could find. Putting it on was a complete hassle, her cylinder-shaped body and lanky legs unable to withstand the rubber interior that served as one giant jumpsuit as she fit one fit before the other, wrestling her arms into the wide sleeves before finding the darn zipper that closed the outfit in place. She fitted on the gloves, the leather making her hands feel uncomfortable and itchy, before slipping into boots that made her feet feel like cinderblocks. Finally, she placed over her head, like a knight's helmet, the large face mask that hid the final part of his appearance.

Flexing her arms and fingers within the walls that was the haz-suit she was "borrowing", it was still baggy for her form, but at least luck was on her side.

Taking a deep breath as she reached toward the back doorway of the truck with a gloved hand, she was then greeted by sunlight, which was nearly concealed away from the red goggles the hazard helmet provided her. Katy made her way slowly and purposefully, pretending to blend in among the agents that has been stationed all around the hospital.

Her eyes lingered left and right as she passed by other agents, no one calling out to her, no one making a launch at her...she was in!

Her heart trembled with anticipation as she ventured through the sliding glass doors of the facility, trying to walk in a more composed manner despite how rigid she felt under the suit's weight. She slowly made her way down the corridors, while looking for the direction signs to the Perry twins' ward. She awkwardly gave a salute to a passerby agent who sent her one first before she finally entered deeper within restricted hospital grounds. Moving along the corridors, Katy tried to maintain her cool as she made her way through the entire place and prayed that her disguise would hold on until she found her friends' room.

She decided to take her chance by approaching a nurse, incredibly sure she would know where they were. And as one disguised as a CDA agent, she would get an immediate answer. She cautiously neared one who was standing in a corner jotting down on a clipboard; she nearly flinched when the woman looked up at her but immediately calmed when she reminded herself that she wasn't looking at a college student but a member of a serious agency.

"Yes?" The woman asked, not at all intimidated by the mere sight of a CDA agent.

Katy took a deep breathe. "Excuse me, but can you direct me to the ward of a two-headed occupant by the names of Terri and Terry Perry? " She asked in the deepest voice she could imitate.

"Sure, officer," the nurse automatically answered before pointing her pencil over her shoulder. "Just head straight down, take the lift to the Burns department and you'll find ward P-2."

"Thank you for your assistance," Katy said in her deepest and most serious tone before awkwardly giving her a salute.

"You're welcome, sir," the nurse responded.

Katy swiftly got out of her sight before any suspicion rose. It was minutes before she got into a lift with a few CDA agents, all keeping silent with the whirring sound of the vehicle to their ears. Katy crossed her arms, wishing to just hold her knees close in comfort, but that would probably give her away, so she merely hunched her back, keeping out of eye contact between her and any of the agents.

Finally, after the ride, she found herself going down the hallway the nurse had informed her. Which lead to the twins' room. She gasped when finally saw the door that contained her comatose friends, but kept herself together as she stood to the side, awaiting anyone who would emerge from its interior. She immediately realized that two CDA agents had stood side by side of the doorway, scanners in their hands while keeping guard as a doctor wearing a haz-suit exited out, barely noticing Katy's presence while closing the door behind him before he was off.

Katy tensed, feeling her heart nearly spit out of her mouth, and feared she might not get her chance after all. However, she took a deep breath before she reached toward the doorway. No one seemed to take any mind to her as she reached a trembling hand toward the knob. As the door clicked, she looked up at the CDA agents, who paid no attention. Taking a deep breath, Katy opened the awaiting entrance.

Katy entered the ward, and breathed a sigh of relief. She did it! She managed to get through the whole place without being caught!

Katy let out another sigh of relief, before finally, she opened her eyes, hoping to see the twins all snuggled nicely in their single hospital bed, the damage done to their body fading ever so slowly.

They were nowhere in sight. The room was completely empty.

Katy's eyes nearly bulged right out of the sockets of her mask as she paced throughout the room, searching for her friends. But there was nothing. Only empty beds and life support machines. No sign of the twins at all.

"No..." Katy nearly sobbed, her eyes brimming with tears. "Where are they?"

Rushing out of the room, ignoring the wandering eyes of the security guards beside the door, Katy desperately trailed down the hallway, hoping to catch a medical official that could help her. She spotted the backside of someone in modernized nurse' uniform of a shirt and pants, followed by a cap, and raced over before reaching a trembling hand toward the unsuspecting medical worker.

"Excuse me!" Katy asked desperately, forgetting to even deepen her tone. "You wouldn't by any chance have seen some twins, have you?"

However, as soon as she wheeled the monster around, her eyes widened in surprise and she couldn't stifle the gasp that escaped her throat.

Katy forgot her name, but the face was something she had recalled from the Scare Games. After all, such a face was multiplied into six...

Katy began loosening her grip on the other female, staring at her through the section of her mask with disbelief. "Hey, you're that one girl..."

Naomi Jackson trembled at the sight of the CDA agent, fearing the nurse's uniform she dug out of a nearby laundry basket had finally failed her and she had been caught.

Seeing other CDA agents looking at them curiously, Katy slipped into her deepened voice once more. "Pardon me, nurse, but have you seen any twins here lately?"

Naomi gulped, her voice straining to answer the yellow haz-mask that stared back at her with its glossy red eye protectors "N-no...I was trying to figure that out as well."

Although she was incredibly confused by why the PNK girl was here, at least Katy knew she had a friend close by.

"Walk with me, please," she requested, gesturing to the path before them.

Naomi said nothing, still trembling with fear, assuming she was now in trouble. She dejectedly trudged beside the aforementioned CDA agent, dragging her feet.

As soon as they were out of others' eyes, Katy turned to Naomi before slipping off her head gear. Naomi's trio of eyes widened in disbelief, her blue eyes meeting the more oceanic ones of the EZ girl's.

"Katy?" She gasped. "What are you doing here?"

Katy gestured for Naomi to be quiet, placing her fingers against her own lips to hush. "I was was going ask you the same question," she responded, eyeing her carefully.

They both looked at each other for a few moments, sensing the other's motive by heart.

"It's the Perry twins right?" They asked each other in unison. Both regarded in surprise.

Naomi blinked. "You-"

"Why are you even looking for them?" Katy couldn't help but ask.

Naomi, her cheeks fighting off the invasion of redness, prayed the aquatic wouldn't sense her little white lie. "I can't stop thinking about them, okay?" Some monsters already knew she harbored feelings for the older Perry while caring deeply for both him and his brother. And seeing how surprisingly close EZ was with OK, she didn't want such a inferiority be put against. Katy, the lucky girl, was quite close with the pair.

"Duh, they're on the university's mind 24/7," Katy rolled her eyes as if that was the most obvious answer in the world. "I bet even the Dean thinks about the Y-twin every now and then!"

Naomi tensed at that last sentence, recalling the agonizing memory of watching Terry dance with Hardscrabble at the wedding. "Yeah, so I want to get in to see them," she said defensively.

"And that's why I'm here," Katy insisted, holding her mask. She regarded the PNK girl more closely, as if she was an unusual specimen never seen before. "You know, don't take this the wrong way...but you're not exactly who I had expected to risk it just to see them." She gave a shrug. "I had probably assumed some fangirl who adores the twins, especially the older one..."

Naomi felt her jealousy rise a little but she maintained both her expression and her tone. "Well, I am not one of those..." Her lips ached at the minuscule fib.

Katy chuckled. "Of course not. You seem pretty platonic from the looks of it." She eyed her once more, biting her lip. "Of course, my first thought was that you might be a female version of the ROR boys...but that's just me." She shrugged her shoulders again.

Naomi held back her glower, the painful memory of that library incident making her heart quiver. "I can assure you that my fellow sisters aren't unfriendly," she spoke weakly. "That's our outlook though..."

"Well, you seem pretty friendly up close," Katy inspected. "Yeah, and besides, from what I've heard anyway, EEK is pretty much the top sorority around here." She smirked at Naomi. "No offense."

Naomi scoffed, only mildly offended. "Please. EEK would tear you a new one if you ever mention to them that you hate the color purple."

"Oh, yeah, definitely hardcore," Katy said dryly. She observed her once more, as if unsure of her own instinct at the moment. "You know, if OK hadn't mentioned how much had changed since last semester...I would have thought you'd hardly care about the twins."

Naomi flashed a quick glare at the aquatic's slightly tough talk, and she was honestly hurt by something that used to be true about her sorority. About the rest of the Greek community, minus ROR.

"Well, this semester is different," she snapped. "And we've changed out attitudes since then."

"I know you already have," Katy said with a warm smile. "As I had heard from the conversation Laura had with Squishy while we were in the waiting room," she stated. "Deep down, you Greek dudes really admired OK, and just needed for them to step up or whatever Laura said. I was half-asleep..." She said with an apologetic grin.

"Now that is something my sorority president would like to hear for a change," Naomi sighed.

"Yeah, she's Crystal, right?"

"Er, no. It's Carrie Williams."

"Sorry, it's hard to get your sorority members right."

Naomi sighed. "You're not the first to get us wrong, and you're definitely not going to be the last."

"That's reassuring," Katy mused with a roll of her eyes. "Anyway, did you find the ward of the twins yet?"

Naomi looked at her sadly. "No. I was about to go ask for directions. What about you?"

"I did get the directions, but it looks like the twins were transferred to another ward," she responded painfully.

Naomi swallowed the bitter taste in her throat. "So, do you have any idea where they could be?"

"No," Katy shook her head. "But we'll keep looking. I did not throw myself into a CDA truck for nothing!"

"You did that?" Naomi asked, her trio of eyes widening. "I just snuck inside a trash before one of the janitor's got me inside."

"Man, no wonder you reek!" Katy said with a smirk, pinching her nose.

"Yeah, yeah..." Naomi snapped. "Let's just find them, okay?"

Both girls in disguise searched endlessly through the facility while avoiding medical and CDA personnel alike. They didn't seem to draw any suspicion, being merely a nurse and an agent walking together. Katy prayed no one would point out and tease that they might be "flirting" with one another...

They eventually reached another intersection, this time for several different wards.

"Nope...nope...no...no..." Katy murmured to herself as she read off each ward.

"Any luck?" Naomi asked with a quirked eyebrow.

Katy pulled away from the last ward, sighing through her mask. "No..."

"How about we just look at a list for recent patients?" The PNK girl inquired.

"Are you able to get it?" The EZ girl asked hopefully.

"I can try," Naomi responded in a shaky tone.

"You're the nurse," Katy encouraged.

While Naomi went to the nearest counter to gather what information she could, Katy ran her eyes down the list of various wards, looking for any connection to the Perry twins. The list was quite long, and Katy wondered if there was even enough staff in the building to not only provide for these patients, but enough for the twins as well. Out of the corner of her eyes, she saw Naomi flipping through a book on the main counter, blending in perfectly with the nurses there.

Watching the PNK girl do her task, Katy thought back on Claire, wondering if she had, indeed, really kept her promise. But knowing her is someone who doesn't talk much, Katy was pretty sure Claire won't let slip her tongue, but her insides somehow felt uneasy. And she also noticed at every intersection there seems to be a concentration of CDA agents, which to her opinion was pretty paranoid. Katy made a mental note to look out for any change in surroundings...but seeing that no CDA agents have piled on top of her and Naomi yet, that is a good sign.

But still, the thoughts lingered. And while she knew Claire wasn't one to be a traitor...her concerns were something that usually came first, like the games. She only could hope that Claire won't talk to anyone about her misguided and dangerous plan, which could cause lots of problems for the university and herself. Although, seeing the current situation she and Naomi were in, deep down Katy wished Claire could help in some way. The suit she wore was nearly dragging her down, and all these agents with their high-class weaponry was terrifying her. And in the past few minutes she received some passing glances from other agents that were walking down the hallways, and she feared she would be discovered sooner rather than later.

But she needed to be brave. She was no Mike Wazowski, but she could be fearless if she wanted to.

Naomi hurriedly wrote down something on a piece of paper, closed the book and walked back to Katy. They both slowly trudged down another hallway, blending in with the other patients, doctors and agents.

"So what did you find?" Katy asked her hopefully.

"They've been brought to a different floor," the PNk girl explained, glancing at the paper. "The book said it's restricted, meaning they must be undergoing more solitary confinement due to their condition."

"That's where the majority of the CDA agents are," Katy ponded. "I wonder if I can get in with this suit alone."

"Simple, you escort me inside," Naomi directed. "And that would be simple enough, right?" She asked timidly.

"Mind you, I don't know any of their passwords or clearance codes," Katy admitted glumly.

"They have those?" Naomi questioned.

Katy shrugged. "I don't know. I just learn from TV." She pointed to the paper in Naomi's hand. "Since it's a restricted area, I'm sure they'll need a password to access those areas."

Naomi looked at her with irritated skepticism. "Have you been watching too many thriller flicks? They can't be that paranoid."

"The CDA takes contamination totally seriously," Katy explained. "We would be exposed if I give the wrong password or clearance code." She added tensely.

Naomi gulped. "What's your "borrowed" clearance?"

Katy glanced at the suit she wore, reading her side. "Um...Delta-Theta-Omega?"

Doubt nagged at her insides as Naomi just stared at her incredulously. "That sounds like a rejected fraternity name!"

Katy rolled her eyes. "I only know that if we're going get pass the CDA agents, this so-called password seems like our only ticket."

"Into the jaws of danger..." Naomi squeaked.

"Exactly," Katy said with a grim nod. "I mean, what do we got to lose?"

"Besides our heads?" Naomi responded dryly. "Yeah, nothing." She pointed in front of them as they arrived at the restricted section. "That, however, looks dangerous..."

Katy took a look round the corner, and what she saw sent a chill down her spine. The entire area was positively crawling with dozens of CDA agents, each carrying either a scanner or some rather exotic high tech weaponry. Each was designed to incapacitate but she was pretty sure that those weapons could kill as well. Monsters both entering and exiting the section were scanned and checked so many times that it borderlined on invasive checkups.

Katy's heart raced so immensely it could put the fastest car to shame. "We are so flopped..."

Naomi felt perspiration seep into her nurse's uniform, worsening its smell. "On that, I can agree with you," she said grimly. "I suppose you have any bright ideas?" She asked sarcastically.

"A few," Katy tried to sound assuring. "But those only stopped at plan A, plan B, and plan C."

"Plan D and others?" Naomi suggested.

Katy winced. "I haven't made them yet."

"So...what do we do?" Naomi asked hopelessly.

"Well, I for one ain't leaving until I see the guys," Katy stated firmly. "So can you do exactly as I say?"

"All or nothing?" Naomi looked at her carefully. "I'll go along with whatever you got...despite we have 'nothing to lose'." She added miserably.

"Slim chance of escape..." Katy mused with minor nonchalance. "And certain arrest?" She shrugged her heavy shoulders. "Let's do it."

Katy took a deep breath, then walked towards the checkpoint with Naomi close behind. As they approached the restricted section, several agents turned and looked at them, clutching their scanners and weaponry in their gloved hands tightly. Both girls tensed, and more sweat poured down beneath the nurse's cap Naomi wore.

An agent with the number 51123 raised a hand and they immediately stopped. "Halt. State your number and purpose of visit."

Katy almost thought she lost her voice before she finally swallowed her fear for the moment. In her deepest tone possible, she spoke. "CDA Agent 11423 reporting for duty in restricted section for patient P-2," she said with as much authority as she could recall from cop and war shows. "This nurse," she gestured toward Naomi, who was nervously clutching a clipboard with a pen on it she picked up at one of the counters, "is to accompany me for a routine medical checkup for the patient."

Despite her anxiety wailing within her form like an abused whale, Naomi had to admit she was incredibly impressed on how convincing Katy was. She just only hope the CDA agents before they fell for the trick as well.

The one known as Agent 51123 tapped a few buttons on his device. "Hold still please."

Both Katy and Naomi nearly clutched hands as they were being scanned, hoping their prayers were answered. When the bars of light transferred across their bodies, Katy was surprised she had felt no "burning essence" upon her skin. Guess television really liked to exaggerate.

"Clearance code and password?"

Katy heard Naomi swallow nervously beside her. The EZ girl was glad her face was shrouded behind a mask as nervous tears seeped out of the corners of her eyes. Once more she disguised her voice with a polite cough. She prayed to glob the words she discovered in the truth earlier would serve as their refuge.

"Clearance code..." Her voice nearly shook. "Delta...Theta...Omega. Password: Cleansing Fire."

Naomi felt sweat beading on her forehead, and she bit her lip to stop herself from screaming. She wanted to cling to Katy for protection but refrained from doing so as a nurse would never do that. Unless for romantic reasons since none of the agents knew it was a girl underneath one of their hazard suits. Katy could not stop the frightened tears from falling as they trailed down her neck like lukewarm water, to wipe them away was both risky and impossible since she was wearing gloves.

Agent 51123 keyed in the code onto his gadget and looked at the flashing screen. After a few seconds, he nodded to them "They're clean. Clearance and password accepted. You may proceed."

Katy and Naomi both felt as if all the fear and danger had been lifted off their shoulders. Katy gave a salute and a curt nod to the CDA agents who returned in kind as they all went back to their assigned positions. The duo nearly high-trailed it from there, but they kept themselves intact and slowly walked through the checkpoint. Nearing the Perry twins' room.

Once they are out of an earshot, Naomi had to smile at Katy. "That was pretty good acting there."

"Thanks," Katy said proudly. "I tried my best."

The room was crowded and incredibly dark save for a beam of light that shone down on the center like a halo. Doctors and medical staff surrounded something the girls were unable to peer upon.

Katy and Naomi walked past several medical personnel carrying boxes of medicine and medical equipment, and the CDA agents in the room were few, but they carried what seemed like high-tech looking rifles in their arms.

Naomi stared in horror. "They armed the guards? What are they guarding? The President of Monstropolis?"

"Keep your voice down or you will give us away!" Katy whispered angrily. "Can you see the twins?"

"Too much obstruction," Naomi whined. "I can barely even see their heads."

They both pressed against the glass screens separating them both from the restricted section of the area, and Katy noticed another pair of CDA guards standing at the only entrance into the room. She didn't want to risk it, using the same trick twice. She and Naomi had made into the same place as the twins were, so she had to be content.

Peering through the glass once more, Katy's eyes nearly hit the ceiling when she saw something metallic glint in one of the doctor's hands.

"Look at the size of that scalpel..." She gulped.

Naomi held back her breakfast, having nearly lost it. "They're...they're surgeons. They're just 'cleaning' the twins, I think."

"You saw what they looked like," Katy told her quietly. "That day of the explosion."

"Yeah..." Naomi nodded miserably. "I...I guess the doctors need to work more on their burnt sides..."

Katy didn't pester her for more answers, feeling incredibly sick as the weight of her CDA suit felt even heavier. Still, she remained strong, yet desperate. The medical personnel in the other room were completely blocking them from what was going. Katy grew frustrated but there was nothing she could do.

Her heart ached to see her friends again after what felt like forever since the incident. She had risked supposedly life, limb, and a friend just to find them. She didn't care how exactly she and Naomi were to leave the place without being identified, but she didn't care. The hardest part about this "mission" was finally seeing the faces of Terri and Terry Perry. And she prayed to glob it was nothing that would scar her.

"Do you see anything?" Katy asked Naomi.

"No..." Naomi shook her head sadly.

Katy's patience was growing thin and she turned away from the window, wishing to wipe the tears that were dripping into the bottom of her suit.

"Oh, this isn't fair!" Katy cried. She angrily looked up at the ceiling. "Would it kill for you to just give us something already?"

Naomi lowered her eyes, bottom lip quivering as she rested her perspired head against the glass. Her heart was aching just as badly, but for much different reasons she was sure Katy wouldn't understand. Of course, Katy didn't know.

She could only wonder what Carrie and the others would think once they discovered their youngest was not on campus. If Naomi had said anything, they would have stopped. She felt especially guilty not having told Nadya, but the HSS girl would had prevented her as well.

Tearfully raising her eyes back to the display, she emitted a gasp.

"Katy!" She called to her with excitement.

Said girl in disguise turned to her and the PNK girl pointed at the window. She quickly raced beside her and nearly slammed her face into the glass before peering in. By luck, one of the doctors had, indeed, moved.

They were able to make out a yellow hand.

Well, it wasn't a face, but it was better than nothing. As Katy analyzed it, the hand appeared as smooth as the did she had seen it. And if that was the case, then maybe her fears could finally be diminished.

"Do you think...?" Naomi asked nervously.

"Oh, Naomi, I don't want to think at the moment," Katy responded miserably. "I...I just want to see them."

Her masked face turned to the trio of blue eyes, and both girls smiled at one another. Although bumping into each other had been completely unexpected, they were mutual grateful for the other's company. At least neither of them had been alone as they thought when they broke into the hospital. They could have reached the other for a hug, but their false positions prevented them otherwise.

"Hey, Naomi," Katy said warmly, "it was pretty righteous of you to totally risk it to get here. You're a good friend to the twins."

Naomi bit her lip, smiling painfully. "Well, Katy," she responded meekly. "You see, about one of the twins-"

I see ya in the club, showin' Sla$ha love then

Trippin' on them glitches that be catchin' a dub-

Katy's eyes shot open they could have popped right through her mask while Naomi stared at her on both confusion and immediate fright.

"Oh, glop!" Katy cried before she furiously searched within the interior of her suit.

Her phone was ringing, and she had forgotten to put it on silent. And the way she saw it, not many CDa agents probably had Sla$ha as a ringtone, she wasn't sure.

The CDA agents standing in the doorway looked at them in confusion, watching the awkward dance of the monster in the hazard suit as some odd music played. They assumed it was coming from the hospital's speakers or something.

"Turn it off!" Naomi urged desperately, looking over her shoulder. "Katy what is that?"

The aquatic slipped her arms out of the sleeves of her suit and ripped her phone right out of her jacket.

"It's Colette," she groaned. "Oh, of all moments!"

The music kept playing, and in her act of furiously trying to shut it off, Katy arms suddenly got stuck in the ribcage portion of her suit. Seeing her struggle, Naomi tried to play a respectful nurse and assist her, helplessly tugging on her deflated sleeve.

Growling in frustration, Katy squeezed her arms through the barrel that was her suit and shot them forward.

Striking straight into her hazard helmet, which popped right off.

The mask fell on the floor along with Katy's phone, which continued ringing.

Katy gasped, her face now exposed before she turned to the CDA agents that had been watching them.

"Hey!" One of them barked.

One of them pointed an accusing gloved finger. His partner immediately switched the SAFETY off his dangerous looking rifle before they both looked directly at Katy and Naomi. The PNK girl let out a terrified scream and clung to Katy, who quickly picked up her phone, having accidentally placed it on speaker.

"Hello?" Colette's voice rang through the private walls. "Katy? Where in glob are you?"

Hearing the phone and looking over Katy and Naomi, the two agents slowly approached them.

"What are you two unauthorized monsters doing here?" He demanded. "And you!" He pointed at Katy. "Where did you get that suit?"

Both Katy and Naomi stood motionless, realizing that their fears had definitely become inevitable.

"Run!" Naomi cried, grabbing Katy by the arm of her CDa suit and turning on their heels and dashing toward the doorway.

"Hey, stop!" One of the agents shouted.

Both of them bolted out of the room, knocking over medical equipment and other agents as well as medical staff. It was a grave as Katy and Naomi ran down the hallway. Shouts echoed behind them for them to stop and submit to arrest, along with phrases such as "severe interrogation" and "lengthy imprisonment".That last one made them run even faster.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" Katy babbled as she and Naomi kept running.

In their haste one of them crashed right into a garbage can.

And under the scattered mess was no other than Lane Picca.

"What?" Katy cried in disbelief, staring at the well-known photographer.

"Picca, what are you doing here?" Naomi demanded.

Said monster rolled her eyes. "I'm here for a shot!" Her trio if eyes loomed over their attire. "Okay, what did I miss?"

Before the other two girls could answer, more shouting was heard and Lane looked over their shoulders. She nearly became white as a stampede of CDA agents and medical staff trampled toward them.

"Oh, no..." Lane gulped. "I can't go to jail!"

And with that she dashed off, the other two unwittingly following behind her. Well, yet another unexpected surprise, but, in a way, the more the merrier. Katy just hoped all of them could make it out of this and that the hospital would realize that they were just college students; they wanted to make trouble. Katy just hoped that after this day was finally over they'd forget their faces, especially hers.

"You saw the twins?" Lane Picca panted, clutching her camera.

"We almost did!" Katy cried. "Right now let's just run for our lives!"

They reached an intersection, and the three swerved just in time to run down another corridor. The CDA agents, who couldn't stop in time, crashed into a janitor room and a toilet respectively. However, there were still several agents hot in pursuit.
_

Mrs. Carlton leaned back against her seat, listening to her tunes while her hands lightly tapped against her steering wheel. She immediately jumped to attention when she overheard shouting and several CDA agents standing outside the hospital running amok.

Her multitude of eyes watched as Katy, Naomi, and Lane bursted out of the front doors. She gasped as they ran across the parking lot, the skin nearly scared right off them. Why in the world were Katy and Naomi dressed like that? And what was Lane thinking right now? A short distance away, an array of CDA agents crashed through the hospital doors in a heap. Mrs Carlton quickly started the engines of her van, praying she could get there in time.

Taking a breath, Katy clutched her chest through the thickness of her suit, unable to believe she actually ran a marathon in it. Both Lane and Naomi stood by her, looking to her for help.

"What do we do?" Lane cried.

"We can't just wait for a bus!" Naomi wailed.

"I...I never got that far in my plan," Katy admitted incredulously.

Before any of them could resume running, they were nearly started by the sound of an engine roaring.

"Girls?"

The trio turned around and stared with widened eyes as Mrs. Carlton's van zoomed over to them. Her vehicle executed a perfect drift and stopped right beside them with mere inches to spare.

"Get in quickly!" The petite woman urged.

The girls jumped on board, Katy slamming the door behind her. They barely had time to seat themselves as Mrs Carlton stamped on the accelerator. The van leaped like a fired bullet from a rifle, leaving the hospital and the pursuing CDA agents behind. They gazed through the back window of the van, watching as the sight of the agents and medical staff became a blur as Mrs. Carlton drove them away to safety.

They were grateful for the timely rescue, and it was better than being detained and later possibly "decontaminated". And they didn't want to think what would happen if they had been caught and the university was informed on the matter; Lane already had restraining orders to deal with. It wasn't exactly the same quality as the little "trip" Mike and Sulley made, but it was pretty close if it riled up those CDA agents back there.

The trio turned to to drive in disbelief.

"Mrs. Carlton?" Katy exclaimed in astonishment.

Said woman gave a cheerful wave as she resumed driving. "Hello, girls!"

Naomi, clutching her chest, managed to regain her voice. "How did you...?"

The smile slowly vanished, replaced with a concerned frown as she peered at the three girls through her front mirror.

"Well, Katy," her tone more directed at the EZ girl. "I came here as soon a certain friend informed me."

Both Naomi and Lane turned to Katy whose face was marked with both confusion and apprehension.

"Certain friend?" Katy repeated slowly. "But the only monster who knew about this was..."

"Clare Wheeler, dear," Mrs. Carlton finished, her tone calm but showing firmness.

Katy's mouth lay ajar, feeling slightly prickled as her dulled claws clenched.

"I know what you're thinking," the OK frat mom intervened gently. "But don't blame her, Katy. Imagine if she hadn't told me! Imagine what the CDA might have done!"

"I don't want to think about it..." Lane gurgled, leaning back against her seat with a deep sigh.

"Oh, Lane, honey," Mrs. Carlton shook her head. "You really wanted that shot, didn't you?"

The photographer said nothing, biting her lip, unsure how to respond to the mature woman. However, her attention already directed back at Katy.

"You have to realize that Claire was looking out for you, Katrina, dear," she said.

Katy remained silent eyes looking down at the floor as she felt the weight of her suit.

"And Naomi," Mrs. Carlton sighed, "what were you thinking as well?"

The PNK girl bit her lip, unsure how to explain. Her heart pounded as more sweat joined her already dampened nurse's suit.

"We never meant for any trouble," Katy spoke up. She looked down and wrung her gloves. "We...I...just wanted to see if the twins were okay..."

Tears pricked at the corners of all five of her eyes but Mrs. Cartlon seeped them back in to the best of her ability. She remained focused on the road as she gripped the steering wheel.

"I know you girls all care for Terri and Terry," she sniffled. "But sneaking into that hospital, which is crawling with CDA, was incredibly reckless."

"We know that now..." Katy muttered under her breath.

"Still," the older woman worked a smile. "That was very thoughtful and sweet." She then pinched her nose. "And foul!"

She quickly fanned the air with her free hand as she kept the other on the wheel. She peered over her shoulder, regarding the hazard suit and unwashed nurse's uniform.

"I'm going to need an explanation for how exactly you two got those!" She inquired. "Especially you, Katy."

Both EZ and PNK girl smiled sheepishly while Lane leaned her head back against the car seat, feeling she might postpone her intended cover shot. Suddenly, Katy's stomach growled, which didn't fail to sift through Mrs. Carlton's ears.

"You didn't eat lunch either, huh?" Naomi asked, rubbing her empty belly.

"I came to the hospital as soon as Drama was over with," the aquatic responded. She turned to Lane. "What about you, Picca?"

"I sometimes skip my meals," the photographer responded guiltily. "Hey, I love my job but it isn't easy!"

"Oh, that reminds!" Mrs. Carlton's eyes lit up before she bent down and brought out something. "I just knew you would be hungry, Katy. Good thing I brought extras!"

Both Naomi and Lane nearly drooled as they were each handed a heavy paper bag as soon as Katy got hers. They immediately dug into their lunch while the EZ girl smiled with gratitude.

"Thanks, Mrs. C," she said.

"Enjoy, girls," the older woman said. "We'll get to campus in no time."

And they immediately clutched their bags as Mrs. Carlton floored it. Soon they were streaking through the streets of Monstropolis, weaving through traffic.
_

Colette slammed her phone off before turning to the rest of her EZ sisters with an expression of both annoyance and penitence.

"Still no answer," the fashionista glowered.

Laura played with her fingers nervously, her entire appearance alone emitting immediate awareness to those around her. She nearly resembled herself that night of the first event, and that struck concern for those who had witnessed her panic attacks up close. Of course, Laura wouldn't fall to another excessive breathing procedure just because one of her sorority sisters suddenly turned up missing with no clue of her whereabouts...right?

"She didn't even come to her glee club practice," Mike mentioned, sharing a glance with Sulley. "Really, I know Professor Heimlich's a pain in the tail, but come on!"

The remaining OK and EZ members stood outside the fraternity house. They had just noticed Mrs. Carlton's van was missing.

"Where's mom?" Squishy asked slowly, shifting his five eyes toward his stepfather.

"Gee, I have no idea," Don scratched her chin. "Maybe that's why Katy's flown the coop. She and Sherry must've went shopping together."

"Enough for Katy to skip on some of her activities?" Monnie asked, sitting atop one of the steps of the OK house.

Colette scoffed, hands to her hips. "Oh, please! I'd skip some of my classes just to go shopping!" She was met with odd looks and she merely shrugged. "Well, not all the time!"

"Look, everybody calm down," Sulley insisted gently before turning to Laura. "You okay there, Sharp?"

The transfer student swallowed her breath, nodding slowly, wings tucked so tightly against her back. Sulley mentally sighed; at least there was no need for "Breath! Breath!" here...

Claire watched as the groups conversed amongst each other, the Greek president aware of what they were discussing. She and Brock had arrived at Greek row for some much given leisure as well as observe how their fellow frats and sororities were doing. Although she always enjoyed spending some time among her fellow members, she just didn't have the heart at this moment.

Brock raised an eyebrow, observing her bottom lip which was nearly chewed off as Claire bit over it.

"You okay, Claire?" He couldn't help but ask.

His only response was a faint nod, but he suspected worry marring her facial features.

"It's nothing..." She fibbed, averting her three-eyed gaze from him.

Brock eyed her suspiciously. He wasn't one to usually be serious nor take anything even remotely serious, but the way Claire was acting, far from her usually sullen and apathetic personality, told him otherwise.

"Are you sure?" He pushed, running his gaze from her to OK and EZ.

Feeling cornered, Claire opened her mouth, about to respond when the loud, vicious roar of a vehicle echoed through the entirety of the Greek community. She wheeled her gaze just in time to see various students jump out of the way as a familiar van paced through the cul-de-sac.

Immediately, Claire's heart thumped with anticipation but perturbation as she and Brock unwittingly approached. Various other students and Greek monsters neared, buzzing with questions at this unusual manner. The car swerved before parking itself right beside the OK frat house.

"Mom?" Squishy questioned aloud as the doors flung open.

First head to pop out was Katy's, and Claire was flooded with relief to see she had not been harmed. However, questions rose when the discovered EZ girl flopped onto the ground, her CDA suit gleaming in the rays of the sun for all eyes to see. Students were even more curious as to what the singing major had done, and it furthered when Naomi joined her, her sweaty nurse uniform mazing its scent through the campus. And finally Lane Picca hopped out, camera in tow and she took one picture of both girls for force of habit.

"Okay..." Brock muttered, utterly astounded. "I really want to know what just happened..."

Claire said nothing, eyeing Katy. She barely had time to get out of the way when Carrie and her PNK sorority, followed by Nadya, marched toward their missing member. Naomi smiled nervously as Carrie grabbed her by the shoulders, her expression bewildered but relieve.

"Where were you?" The sorority leader demanded. "And what is with the getup?"

"Uh, yeah, I'd like to ask the same thing to McCrea over here," Colette stated, jerking her head in Katy's direction.

Don wiped his head, astonished and overwhelmed. "Geez Louis, ladies! Where have you three been?"

Laura stepped closer and analyzed both their outfits, then shifted her gaze over to Lane Picca. She stifled a gasp, wings nearly popping out in shock.

"You didn't..." She gulped.

Katy sighed and rolled her eyes before turning to her audience. "Yeah, yeah, it's true..." She muttered aloud like it was no big deal. "I actually snuck into the hospital."

A round of gasps and murmurs jungled throughout Greek Row as everyone stared at Katy, followed by questions of her little adventure.

Naomi took a deep breath before stepping forward. "I did as well," she admitted, removing her dampened cap. "But I came at my own time. I had no idea Katy was going to do it as well."

"So that's where you were!" Nadya exclaimed, looking at her best friend with realization.

"And you all pretty much can tell what I was doing," Lane rolled her eyes. "I only got a few pictures, sadly..."

"I'm surprised she didn't wind up arrested..." Brock muttered to Claire.

"They would have certainly gotten arrested if it had not been for me."

All eyes turned to Mrs. Carlton as she hopped out of the driver's seat. Smoothing her curls and house dress, the older woman crossed her arms while her five eyes watched the three rescued girls.

"It's a good thing I cam at the nick of time," the OK mom explained. She looked behind her. "Isn't that right, Claire?"

All eyes suddenly swiveled in the Greek Council president's direction. Claire winced, feeling exposed and burning with embarrassment. She had been praying for Mrs Carlton not to mention her name, but since she had done it, she knew she had to face the music. And Katy, whose blue eyes narrowed at her with question.

"Yes, I know I promised..." Claire sighed. "But it was for your own good. I wanted you safe, and here you are. Safe." She tried to smile, but it came out awkward, which resulted more of a wince.

Katy sighed, rubbing the back of her neck with a gloved hand as she rested her other on the hip of her stolen CDA suit.

"Okay, a part of me is totally miffed you went and just did that after I made you promise," she responded with a hint of malice in her tone.

Claire gulped before lowering her head, feeling ashamed of having betrayed a friend.

Katy then smiled, eyes tender and flowing withe relief. "But a whole lot of me is totally grateful that you let the cat out of the bag. You just saved ours butts back there."

Claire's face softened, and she gave a ghost of a smile on her face as the aquatic gave her a thumbs up.

Sonia and Maria muscled their way to the front before they both stood before the three girls that had wandered into the facility.

"The twins!" Sonia demanded, tentacles wringing with anxiety. "Terry...Are...are they okay?"

"Tell us they're okay!" Maria begged.

Naomi's heart twitched with sorrow before shifting her three eyes toward Katy, whose bemused expression melted to mournful.

"You snuck into the hospital wearing a CDA suit!" The HSS girl cried. "You must have seen them!"

"Sonia, relax..." Heather appeared before her, giving the raven-haired girl a gentle squeeze on her shoulder.

"That's just it..." Katy confessed sadly. "We never got a chance." She motioned to the photographer. "Even Picca here never got the shot."

"I was too busy taking pictures on various patients," Lane explained. "Well, the story needs a background."

"We were in the same room as the twins, though," Katy continued, arousing more curiosity from the other monsters. "But we were separated by a glass panel, because...because..."

She took steady breaths, the image of the tool in that doctor's hand flashing in her mind like lightning during a severe storm.

Naomi stood up, braving a face while preventing her tears. "They were going through surgery!"

"Surgery?" Mrs. Carlton cried, met with other gasps from those around her as she wheeled toward the two. "I was never informed of a surgery! In fact, the doctors never informed me of anything!"

"Sherry, calm down..." Don reached over and rubbed her back while their son stood at the opposite end.

"My glob, all those doctors were too busy on them!" Katy described, staring her audience dead in the face as she motioned in her CDA uniform. "There was a scalpel! A scalpel!" She cried, shoving herself into Maris' face. The latter's expression became more pale than red, unable to release that image from her mind.

"It could just be for removal of, well, I don't know..." Naomi insisted, trying to placate the crowd. "Flaky skin or whatever?"

"That's all we saw," Katy concluded, tone deeply pained. "Then the CDA caught us and we had to run for our lives."

"How did they catch you?" Colette asked curiously.

When her EZ sister veered toward her, she could have sworn her eyes glinted with hostility.

"You just had to call my phone, didn't you?" Katy spat angrily.

"Fashionista's in trouble..." Brock chuckled toward Claire as they watched.

It was Sulley who wedged between the girls, holding them both back by the shoulders with his massive paws.

"Okay, come on!" He intervened. "Katy, you know it was an accident! Colette, you didn't know any better. What's done is done, let's just be happy you didn't wind up in the same condition Mikey and I had." He gave Katy a knowing glance.

"Oh, nice, Sulley," Mike rolled his single eye. "You have to remind everyone what we went through before getting expelled..."

Before monsters could question further, demanding more explanation about the fallen OK members, Mrs. Carlton stood up. She was no longer flustered before approaching Katy, Naomi, and Lane.

"Okay, I think we had enough excitement for one day," she exhorted before wrapping a motherly hand behind both Katy and Naomi. "Right now, these girls need a bath. And that includes you, Lane, dear." She added casually, smelling garbage right off the photographer, worsening the scent of perspiration. "For the love of glob, you three smell like hospital patients after using bedpans!"

A small round of chuckles circled their audience as Mrs. Carlton dragged both Katy and Naomi toward the OK frat house, Lane reluctantly following behind.

"As soon as you girls scrub yourselves thoroughly, your stolen clothes are going straight into the washer!" Mrs. Carlton admonished.

Both Katy and Naomi glanced at one another, slightly perplexed yet accepted it. Despite the troubles they endeavored, they felt their only punishment was a nice, warm bath and comfort food as they entered the household. Of course, there was a sure chance Mrs. Carlton would mention this to Dean Hardscrabble, but they were not overly concerned. What they had done was, fortunately, outside campus grounds; and Mrs. Carlton would conciliate with the Dean of Scaring that it was a matter she had repaired with her own hands.

"Oh, and Lane, dear?" Mrs. Carlton turned to the Campus Roar worker. "I'm going to have to take a look at your camera. Make sure there's not one photo too discriminating if you plan to publish them."

Before Lane knew it, Mrs. Carlton, with a sweet smile, snatched the camera out of her heedless fingers. Lane opened her mouth to protest but nothing came out. And Mrs. Carlton, camera in tow just led the shocked photographer into the living room. The rest of OK and EZ joined behind them and Squishy gave an apologetic wave to the crowd before shutting the door.

Johnny merely chuckled and shook his head as the crowd dispersed, questions still slipping from every tongue about the adventure the three missing girls had experienced followed by a surplus of concern regarding the twins and their hopeful recovery. The ROR president decided to pay one more glance over at his rival's fraternity house and turned around.

His eyes broadened with surprise when they witnessed a certain draconic monster glancing out the window, having moved the curtains. She caught his gaze and she smiled nervously, before slowly slipping away, abandoning the curtains in a disheveled position.

The frat leader raised an eyebrow, however, a smile tweaked on his lips before resuming onward to his own house. Sweet, desirable thoughts infiltrated his mind as that image of her adorable yet skittish appearance lingered.
_

High school: Sophomore year

"Terri, where's my book?" The older twin demanded, searching through his shoulder bag as they sat at one of the many tables surrounding the quad.

The younger Perry reluctantly ripped his lips from the sugar-induced shake he had savored and rolled his eye.

"I don't know," he drawled. "Which book was it?"

"The Fundamentals of Scare Selection," the older brother explained. His single eye furrowed before flipping his bag upside down, dropping the contents onto the table with a loud clatter.

Pencils, pens, various nots, and candy wrappers littered their table as Terry searched endlessly for his required text. His brother looked on, slightly amused by the small hint of anxiety that plagued the usually composed older twin's features.

"I guess it doesn't make it any better that the book is due later today?" He couldn't help but laugh.

Terry shot him a disheveled glare before digging his set of hands into the now empty bag, as it contained a bottomless pit where his fingers could venture through space until he felt something that was shaped like his book.

"Hey, brother, relax," Terri tried to coax him.

"How can I relax?" His brother demanded. "The little, old librarian will go absolutely bonkers realizing I've actually returned a book late!" His eye widened with franticness, his teeth clenched with possible consequences of his "deed".

Terri merely rolled his eye, taking a quick sip of his shake. "Okay, flashback to when you last saw your book," he advised. "Where were you when you had it?"

Heeding his brother's words, Terry tapped a finger upon his chin, contemplating his earlier actions.

"I think I was in the hall just yesterday..." He spoke aloud. "I had decided to read it a second time when-"

As if on cue, the doors of the building behind them flung open, and both twins twisted their single body around to see who it was.

And Terry's heart roared like a confident Scarer as his single eye sparkled as if rewarded into the gates of Heaven.

Among a group of girls, all wearing cheerleading uniforms, stood out a certain female monster in particular. Her peachy white skin lighting up against the sunshine while her largely-pointed horns glimmered like fine antique tables as she held her proud head high. Gorgeous blue eyes that glowed like an ocean's current during a perfect walk on the beach paid tribute to her even more attractive curves and well-built muscles; that especially said for her wings, that protruded valiantly like flags of honors as they sprouted. Heads turned as she and only a few of her followers carried on toward the quad, laughing and giggling as males left and right stopped what they were doing to gaze upon such beauty representing the school.

One of those males was Terry, whose chin rested against his hand, his eye dreamily watching the leader of the group with such adoration and mild obsession.

"Merida Malicestrom," Terri commented, not exactly enthralled like his older brother was as he continued sipping his drink. "Hmm, I wonder what the captain of the cheerleading squad is up to right now."

"Probably something wonderful..." Terry sighed, his heart fluttering as he watched said female sway her curves in every direction, especially with a nice-looking cheer outfit that fit her so perfectly.

His eye suddenly widened when he realized that Merida was looking in his direction, and she, along with her followers, walked in his path. The older twin began to panic.

"Oh, glob! She's coming this way!" He cried before wheeling toward his brother. "Terri, how do I look?"

"Like me," his brother remarked. "Good-looking as ever!"

Terry immediately reached into the pile of items he had dumped from his bag before finally accessing a small mirror he would use before yearbook photos came along. He held it up in front of him and his brother, drinking in their appearance.

Despite sharing one body, much like their personalities, they dressed differently as well. Half and half as Terry's side consisted of a white shirt, brown sleeveless sweater, and a red bowtie that complimented his character quite well. Stitched right at the center of their chest was Terri's trademark design, his side displaying a red t-shirt with the words, "Ka-Chow!" written across in bright, orange lettering.

The twins winked at their reflections, Terry especially as he considered himself quite the dashing monster alongside his brother, another reason of joy being twins.

"She's coming, bro," Terri nudged him.

The older twin immediately dropped the mirror before straightening their back, hands folded in front of him as he angled his head in his crush's direction. His heart pounded with every step closer she took, and he felt almost breathless, gazing into those beautiful eyes that appeared as if carved from the finest gem.

"Hey, look!" One of the cheerleaders pointed in a snide tone. "It's Twin-dledee and Twin-dle-dumb!"

The other girls laughed, especially Merida Malicestrom, who merely chuckled as they stopped in front of the twins' table. Terri sighed, shaking his head, while his brother felt sweat pour down his neck, smiling awkwardly up at the leader. Her lips thinned in their usually line of apathy and judgment, but despite that it made her look the all more attractive and eye-grabbing. Claws to her hips, a jut of her waist, Terry nearly fainted on the spot.

"H-hi, Merida..." He greeted nervously.

"Hello, Terry," she greeted, her voice icy that it sent chills through the spine. "Hey, uh, thanks for lending me your book."

Landing atop the table with a loud thump was no other than "The Fundamentals of Scare Selection", the book thought to have been lost. Terri's eye raised before he shot his brother a look, but the older twin paid no mind, all his attention served toward Merida whose glowering blue eyes produced nothing but adoration throbbing through his half of the body.

"Even though I didn't really need it," she added in a snarky tone with a roll of her eyes.

"W-well, I just thought, you know..." Terry tensed, feeling his cheeks heat up. "Just in case."

A small, humorous smile merged on her lips, sending his heart sky-high with hope. With a gently twitch of her large wings, Merida turned on her heel, her girls following in pursuit as they all strolled off in formation. Terry watched, sighing dreamily as his eye focused on the backside of the girl he was absolutely in love with. His brother merely shook his head, frowning.

"Why Malicestrom, again?" He asked him with sarcasm.

"Oh, come on, brother," Terry answered, eye still focused on the disappearing silhouette of said monster. "A grade-A student, captain of the cheer squad, Homecoming Queen, a future in Scaring, a beautiful face-"

"And a slightly cold demeanor," his brother mentioned. "Brother, I'm glad you finally found love...but I don't think this kind of love wants to be found by you."

The older twin finally focused his attention on Terri, his single eye narrowing.

True, despite the socalled perfection that was Merida Malicestrom, she lacked any sort of sweetness as her face would sour at those seemingly unworthy of her attention; but still showing bits of consideration for when she was in the mood to fool around. That especially being said when she had an on-off relationship with her boyfriend. Right now it seemed just off.

But that didn't stop Terry Perry from vying for her interest in someone like him. True, he and his brother were the only two-headed monster in their high school, having been met with taunts and sneers from their peers because of their unusual appearance; Merida playing a part in it although her comments were limited, not as severe as her followers and admirers. That kept in mind made the older twin's perspective of her remain so positive, his love for her having increased since Freshman year. If snide remarks and little rude gestures were to be, then it was worth it to have her heart in his palms.

"Okay, so she's a little on the mean side..." He quipped. "But even that shouldn't stop me from getting close!"

"You're real brave, Terry," his brother commented slyly. "You always want to see the good in monsters."

"Which is why I'm trying to think of some way to get her to notice me more," Terry sighed. "You know, in the non-judgmental way..."

"And as your darling brother," Terri quipped playfully, "I will help you with that."
_

Sharing a pair of binoculars, Terry nearly melted as he watched Merida sunbathe upon the lush grass that cushioned her body as she laid flat on the highest hill of their campus. A few of her girls had joined her, all of them looking all cute and attractive...but none so measured to the one that made the older twin's heart jolt like an electric current.

"She's beautiful, isn't she?" He sighed.

Terri removed his eye from the half of their binoculars, stifling a chuckle at the sight of his tongue-wagging brother.

"You're drooling," he stated.

"Who wouldn't for her?" Terry remarked casually.

Terri roll eye while gently nudging his brother for them to get up, before shoving a nicely-wrapped gift into his twin's hands.

"You know what to do," he inquired.

Terry began to tense. "Actually, I forgot..."

"Oh, boy," Terri sighed. "Okay, recap: you know Merida likes jewelry and stuff like that. And because we can't exactly afford diamonds..."

"Y-you sure she'll like this lanyard I made?" Terry gulped, having poured an excessive amount of time tying and knotting and beading the gift for his crush. "I mean, this is a little "campy", don't you think?"

"You got a thousand bucks on you?" Terri questioned harshly. "I didn't think so. And remember, it's the thought that counts!"

Terry was still unconvinced, his side of their body stiffening as his group of noodle legs flopped on the ground. His brother nudged their chest, pushing him rather roughly until Terry finally found feeling in his legs, managing to have them both cross the path leading toward older twin felt his own skin burn within the flaps of his sweater as sweat trickled from his forehead and even dripping from his horns while his brother gently rubbed his shoulder in assurance.

It was a matter of time before they finally stood before the laying form of Merida, sunglasses concealing her eyes. One of her friends noticed their presence and gently poked her; as soon as the shades came off, Terry nearly gave off on his legs at the sight of her crisp blue eyes, blinking at him with surprise and reluctance.

"Hey, it's the noodle-legged, double-growth rhubarbs," one of her friends joked, the other girls laughing.

Terry paid no attention to the comment, his eye completely focused on Merida. He opened his mouth, but it was as dry as a desert as she looked at him questionably.

"Yes?" She asked, irritation evident in her tone of having been disturbed.

The older twin's pair of hands trembled, the gift suddenly weighting a ton of bricks as he shakily offered it to her. Merida and her friends inspected it with raised eyebrows, and as soon as the beautiful monster accepted it, Terry immediately turned both him and his brother around and dashed off, he doing most of the running while Terri tried to keep up with his half of their legs.

As soon as they were out of sight, having ducked behind a nearby snack machine, both boys poked their heads out to witness the unraveling of Terry's gift. While Terri had his fingers crossed with excitement, Terry breathed heavily, beyond terrified of the results.

He watched as Merida's claws cut through the ribbon, discarding it carelessly before ripping into the paper, its shreds like snow on the grass as she removed the lid. His heart nearly skipped a beat when her eyes widened at her find.

It was a lanyard bracelet of orange and white beads, the combination of yellow, blue, and green string that held it together like DNA. He watched as she turned it from side to side on her palms, her eyes inspecting it thoroughly as if searching for any minor discrepancy.

And then she smiled.

erry's heart nearly bursted as he watched her put it on.

"She likes it..." He said quietly, so faint his brother had to lean in to hear him.

"Looks about that way, brother," Terri said proudly.

"She likes it!" Terry hooted with glee, jumping nearly so high he could have flown over the campus without the need for wings.

"So there really is a chance," Terri smiled.

"Of course!" Terry beamed happily. "It's love! There's always a chance!"

"Oh, brother, thy poetry is simply divine," Terri pretended to faint with grace.

"But still..." The smile slowly faded from the older twin's lips. "Where does that leave me and her now?"
_

"That's not how the book says it's done!"

"Ever heard of improvisation, brother?"

"It's a simple disappearing act with cards! Where else can we hide them?"

"Simple," Terri insisted, flashing the deck of cards in his brother's face. In a whirlwind of flipping between his pair of hands and stacking them gently against his palms; with a loud smack, they were gone. "See?"

"Hey, that was pretty good," his brother commented, laying an arm against the table they sat at.

A few seconds later, the deck of cards had slid right out of his sleeve. Although surprised, the older twin threw his brother an I-told-you-so expression, which merely made Terri groan.

Within one of corridors of the campus library, the twins had settled in during their lunch hour to master the art of magic, or misdirection as Terri liked to call it now. Both had grown interested in every illusion written in the book, knowing that with two heads they could succeed every page with no difficulty. However, they're "improvising" as well as their disputes would make the success much longer to obtain.

"Okay, let's take a breather from this," Terry sighed before reaching over and grabbing his textbook. "We got to study for our English test."

"Yeah, I'll leave the testing to you," Terri chuckled as he leaned his head back, intending to nap.

"Oh, no!" Terry remarked. "Just because I'm the better lit. monster doesn't mean you have to leave me with all the work!"

"Why not?" The younger twin retorted innocently. "Your answers are more right than mine!"

"Listen to that sentence you just made!" The older twin chided. "The better term would be "more correct"!"

"See?" Terri pointed out. "You'll ace for both of us."

Terry was about to argue when his eye caught sight of a few familiar faces that were walking toward their table. Terri followed his brother's gaze, and his expression was a mix of surprise and concern when it turned out to be a few of Merida's friends, followed by a few random girls that followed behind them.

"Hey, Terry," one of them purred, lounging around the older twin, completely ignoring the younger one, who merely watched with spite.

Terry gulped, feeling his insides swell as the girls surrounded him, he could practically feel their breaths tickling above his neck as he did his best to act courteous.

"Oh, h-hello..." The older twin greeted, his throat suddenly dry.

"That was a really nice thing you did for Merida," one of them cooed like a dove, reaching a claw over to trace his shoulder, giggling as Terry nearly shot out of his seat from the unexpected contact.

"O...oh?" Terry quivered. "I...it was nothing."

Another girl reached over, playfully stroking one of his horns. "Nuh-uh, it was definitely something," she quirked. "While it's cheap, it's from the heart, isn't it?"

Terri smirked, satisfied his exact words had been used by someone else as he watched his brother gain the attention he so deserved. He could envy him later, but for now, he wanted him toe cherish the moment.

Terry's yellow skin nearly became beet red, his sensitive horns being caressed making his blood rise.

"W..well...t...thanks," he said quietly.

"So, Terry..." One of the girls began, leaning over the table toward him with a rather seductive look in her eyes. "What are you doing tonight?"

One of the other girls regarded her angrily, gently shoving her. "Hey, I wanted to ask him out!"

"Dream on!" The other one spat.

Terry could not believe this was all happening. He looked toward his brother, who merely have him a thumbs up, then turned back toward the intended cat fight.

"Girls! Girls!" He called out, regaining his voice. "Please! This is a library!"

Both girls huffed at each other before looking over at Terry with, he couldn't believe it...longing.

He suddenly felt pride within his innards as he smiled awkwardly, feeling almost regretful about putting them down like this. But his heart only went to one girl in particular.

"I appreciate it," he said politely. "But, um..." He rubbed the back of his head. "I was kind of hoping to ask Merida out."

They didn't look angry, instead they raised their eyes as if having expected such an answer. After all, Merida Malicestrom was the most popular girl in school.

Before Terry knew it, one of them shoved a card in front of his face, making him and his brother nearly flinch.

"What's this?" Terry asked curiously, taking it in his pair of hands.

"An invite, silly!" One of the girls giggled. "Merida wants to invite you both to her Sweet 16!"

Terry nearly had his heart in his mouth as he looked at the brightly pink invite that laid in his trembling fingers while his brother looked on in amazement.

"Wait a minute..." Terri mused. "Didn't she already turn 16 five months ago?"

"She's got the money, smarty," one of them snapped. She playfully winked at Terry. "So, you'll be there, right?"

Terry's dreamy state nearly blocked out her voice, and he immediately got back to attention, smiling so big his face could barely hold it.

"Of course!" He exclaimed so loud he nearly got the librarian's attention.

"Good," one of the girls chirped. "See you on Friday!"

And they all left, giggling and murmuring amongst each other, leaving Terry to glow with joy as he stared at the invite sent by his dream girl.

"Dear glob..." He muttered. "What am I going to get her?"

"Why get her something..." Terri suggested. "...when you can just make her something? I mean, the bracelet proves your love for her enough."

"Like what?" Terry asked hopelessly.

"Hello!" Terri called. "What do we do in our spare time?"

"You listening to music while I read and raid the fridge?"

"No! The other one!"

Terry pondered for a moment. Then his single eye suddenly lit up before his smile equalled his knowing brother's.
_

Terry and his brother shared an excited grin as they neared the entrance of their school. According to the invitation, Merida had decided to hold her party in the quad. Apparently, it seemed every monster on campus was invited as the place was so packed it almost felt like classes had never ended for the day.

The twins slowly wrestled their way past various students and avoiding passerby caterers as they drank in Merida's "Sweet 16". As a wealthy girl, she really went all out. Every corner was a pillar draped in gold and streamers that aligned across the quad like a chapel. White-covered tables circulated around the quad like lily pads in a pond. And in the center of the quad was a built-in stage with a DJ pumping out mixed beats that nearly left them deaf.

"Wow..." Terri whistled. "No wonder she wants to re-live becoming sixteen again."

Terry said nothing, looking down at their black sweater. They wanted to look hip, serene, yet "cool" enough to impress. They had almost gone with a tuxedo, but that may have been too formal. The only other thing they brought was Terry's wooden guitar; Merida's "Sweet 16" present from him.

"Do you see her?" The older twin asked worriedly.

Before Terri could answer, a voice rang out and Terry shot his head around it could have done a complete three-sixty. His jaw fell.

The girl he so adored strolled toward him, her hips swaying. She was dressed in a silky orange dress that flowed past her legs. Eyeshadow and lipstick as applied to her already gorgeous face, complimenting the smirk she held as she eyed him. Terry tried to maintain his control, although the tiniest bit of drool seeped from his lips. He couldn't stop staring at the way the dress just hugged her form.

"Hey, Terry," Merida greeted, surprisingly not icily. She casted a quick glance at his brother, her expression less enthusiastic for a moment. "Hey, Terri..."

The younger twin gave a polite wave while his brother's mouth continued hanging open. His set of arms just hugged his guitar, almost never blinking. Merida grinned, well aware that her look for the night was pleasant to his eye.

"I'm glad you're here..." She said, her voice low and sensual, making Terry shiver. "I saw your gift, Terry."

The older twin still said nothing, completely mute as he smiled like an idiot. He nearly flinched when Merida broke distance from them, her body nearly touching his as her eyes drank him in.

"Something tells me..." She playfully drawled. "That there is something definitely going to happen between us tonight."

Terry just smiled, his pair of hands shaking while his brother watched on, hoping the older twin wouldn't say anything stupid. Wow, seemed that bracelet really flipped a switch in the popular monster.

Without another word, Merida turned around with a wink, nearly making Terry faint.

"Can't wait to see you perform," she cooed. "I definitely know this is going to be something the school will be talking about for a long time."

And she disappeared among the students and caterers. Terry blew out a deep breath he never knew he held in, his heart throbbing while his brother grinned at him.

"Oh, man, brother!" Terri applauded. "She wants you!"

"Yeah..." Terry sighed dreamily. "Not as much as I want her..."
_

Terry forced a smile as he and his brother entered the stage. They had never performed in front of so many monsters before, and this was the entire student body. They had served in the choir and in drama, but compared to the party guests the auditorium was was a mere tea party.

The older twin fiddled with the strings of his guitar while his brother appeared more confident; he didn't have to do anything but as a second-hand. That was to be since they were one body. Terry swallowed down the huge lump that formed in his throat, that stage lights nearly blinding his vision as he drank in all the attention that was now on them. He looked at the edge of the stage, and he smiled a bit.

There Merida sat at the honor table, wings tucked in and her claws folded in front of her. She batted her lashes at him, a smile so encouraging yet so alluring Terry could have fainted on the spot.

"Come on, Terry," she sang out for all to hear. "I'm waiting for my gift."

He chuckled sheepishly. He gently strummed his guitar, finding that right tune. Finally, after a deep breath, he spoke.

"This is for you, Merida," he said calmly. "The most amazing monster gal I've ever seen."

A round of aww's echoed through the quad as Merida's smile deepened while her eyes lowered, looking more pleased than ever. Good glob, Terry wanted to look at such an expression all night...

"That's so sweet," Merida mewed in a slightly babyish tone. "Oh, Terry."

Their eyes met, and the older twin felt he could just fly into her arms and hold her, while keeping is brother out of the embrace. His yellow cheeks began to redden while his brother gave him an encouraging smile.

Merida chuckled. "Well, Terry, we may have known each other for quite some time. Let me be honest that I thought you were just nobody."

Terry just kept smiling, although it was more of a cringe as laughter emerged from the crowd. Still, he kept on, knowing she still had more to say.

"But, boy, was I wrong!" Merida laughed daintily. "Now I know what you really are to me!"

Her lips slightly puckered, almost resembling a duck's bill as she gazed at him from across the stage. Terry's heart fluttered, feeling that their moment had finally come. She was going to ask him out in front of everyone! Not that he wanted it to make a big deal out of it, although it really was a big deal to him. But seeing as she wanted him here at her Sweet 16, to be shown off to the entire school, Terry couldn't imagine what other reason there was.

SPLASH!

The sight of Merida's face had suddenly been concealed by a shroud of white. Both Terry and his brother cried out as they realized paint had been dropped on them. Dropping his guitar, the distraught twins looked at each other, disheveled yet completely confused about what had just occurred. Terry turned back to Merida, and her sweet smile had soured to one that was much colder than her trademark grin.

"A complete and utter annoyance," she snarked, standing up from her seat.

The entire quad erupted in laughter as she placed her hands on her hips, eyeing both Terry and his brother with a sinister wink of her eye. Students pointed at the twins, howling at the white paint that made them appear like a picket fence.

While Terri urged his brother for them to run off the stage, the older twin remained glued in his place. He blinked as the white paint dripped from from his horns, staring at the girl he had been crushing on with disbelief. But Merida merely smirked, her chin raised as if she had succeeded in a competition.

His heart suddenly crashed down like a meteor, exploding in heaps that left little afterwards.

"Come on, brother!" Terri yelled.

The younger twin managed to yank the older on his set of legs, and the duo immediately fled the scene, the laughter still ringing behind them as they escaped the quad and the school.

After Merida's Sweet 16, the monster herself had ended up with a long suspension. One of the school's faculty members had come by the campus to see how the party was doing and that no property was being defecated. The teacher had been horrified, witnessing the cruel prank that had been inflicted on an innocent two-headed student.

Despite the suspension and that she ended up being grounded by her parents, Merida thought the prank was completely worth it. It was just as she had told Terry: it was something the school will be talking about for a long time.

What made it even better was that the twins had immediately transferred after that awful night. The light orange beast could not be happier knowing the annoyance that yearned for her was finally gone.

As for Terry, although he and his brother were at a much nicer school where no one mocked their appearance, the pain never left. No matter how much his brother tried to cheer him up, it was no use. Their grades were still excellent, and they had moved on with their high school days. But still, Terry's heart remained broken after that night.

And he wasn't sure if it could ever heal itself for another. Not after how Merida Malicestrom had played it and stomped all over it like glass.
_

The images of said events suddenly exploded into a rainbow of colors.

Severe lights flashed like broken bulbs.

Terry wasn't sure what he was looking at, or what he was feeling right now. It felt as if he had gone through this stage many times by the second.

Was he walking through space and time?

What had suddenly transpired through his head?

What was aching his head?

For a moment, Terry thought he saw glints of glowing white formed like crescent moons below the dark image he seemed to be gazing at it. The faint texture seemed painful to regard, and his head was beginning to throb as if a crowbar had been jabbed into his skull.

In a matter of moments, the little moons began to lessen like flashlights running low on battery, leaving his severed consciousness to accept the emptiness once more.

"He almost made it..." He heard a mournful voice.

And it became dark. He fell back into its abyss.
_

Thanks once again for waiting patiently, and I hoped you enjoyed this chapter. Here's some "author-ly trivia":

1. There's a Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 reference in here.

2. The two songs mentioned were "Some Nights" by Fun as well as "Crazy Kids" by Ke$ha, or Sla$ha.

3. Huge Rapunzel reference here. :D