A/N: Back again, everyone! After Joy and Riley's fun-filled day, it's time to see how they deal with a certain head of operations being incredibly ticked off. Not gonna keep you waiting anymore, on we go!

Disclaimer: I saw Inside Out, I loved Inside Out, I don't own Inside Out.

The girls turned to see the hulking red and orange figure himself, his expression far more severe than either of them expected. Beside him were Delight, Panic, Grief, and Contempt, who were regarding them with both relief as well as concern. Riley felt a little better since the others were there, particularly Delight and Panic, knowing the two of them especially would never frighten her the way Aggravation did. She tightened her hold on Joy.

"Do you have any how freaked I was when we found your container empty?!" he demanded hoarsely. "It took all my willpower not to just call the authorities to find you two! And you!"

He wheeled toward Joy, who shuddered, her glowing aura fading away. The older emotion scowled at her, clenching his teeth so tight they might break.

"I figured immediately that you took her away!" he grunted. "Do you have any idea what might have happened? Have you not learned anything from the day before?"

Riley's mouth grew dry, her mind clinging desperately to the events earlier before this. She tried to hold onto the positivity like Joy did, hoping that her inner strength would come to light. But she was incredibly terrified. It was Joy who spoke, her head held high as she looked Aggravation in the face.

"Riley was completely safe the entire time she was with me!" she said boldly. "All we did was hang out and have fun."

Before Aggravation could say anything, Panic rushed over and bent down to Riley. The blonde girl was not intimidated when he gently took her hand and looked over her wrist. Scanning it, he laid a palm on her forehead, no doubt checking to make sure she did not feel cold as the night before. Finally, he looked her in the eye, his expression overcome with anxiety.

"Are you okay?" he asked her carefully. "I mean, you're standing here right now, and that should say something. But how are you feeling?"

Riley managed a faint smile despite her fear, grateful to meet him again.

"I'm fine," she promised. "I...I just wanted to hang out with Joy." she added, gripping the yellow emotion's hand.

Delight came over and hugged her daughter, relieved to see both Riley and her were fine. Joy sank into her mom's embrace, one hand wrapping around her waist while the other still held Riley's hand.

"Oh, sweetie!" Delight sighed before pulling a bit away to look over Joy. "You know I would have been okay with this. You should have told us where you two were going though!" she added, her eyes becoming stern.

"You had us really worried!" Grief added.

"Sorry, Aunt Grief," Joy said quietly, regarding both her aunt and her mother. "I thought Aggravation would say no."

"And I would have," the large emotion grunted.

Despite Delight's initial stern look, it didn't last long as her expression melted into a pleased smile. She turned from Joy to Riley, equally happy the other girl was stable, and better yet, happy. "I hope you had a great time with my daughter."

Riley managed a small smile, giving a nod. "I...I really had fun."

Aggravation growled, Contempt looking just as unimpressed as they regarded both girls.

"That's still no excuse for leaving without permission from either of us," Aggravation said sternly.

Contempt stared at them. "And what if this "fun" had become a danger to her health instead?"

Riley was taken aback by their statements. She knew deeply that the experiences she had were nothing short of life-changing. Best of all she did them with someone she knew she could call her friend. Although friendship or not, Contempt and Aggravation were not pleased. She swallowed, lowering her head shamefully.

"I...I..." she muttered.

Joy frowned, pulling herself closer to Riley as she glared at both Contempt and Aggravation.

"Having fun would never be a danger to her health!" Joy argued. "And Riley learned a lot today because we hung out!"

Delight watched her with interest, so did Panic.

"What did you two do today?" she asked.

Joy's frown immediately disappeared as se beamed at her mother.

"Well, first we had breakfas—" she began.

"Oh, yeah..." Panic muttered sheepishly, "I forgot about the consumption practice we were supposed to do yesterday..."

"Well, seems that Joy already did that for us," Delight confirmed, smiling at her daughter. "Okay, what else did you do?"

"Well, we played some softball," she resumed. "And other sports like soccer."

"Did she get hurt at all?" Panic asked worriedly, rushing to go get a notepad to jot all this stuff down.

Joy shook her head. "No, no, she did great!" She patted Riley affectionately. "She's doing really good at the soccer stuff."

Panic fiddled with his fingers. "Physical activity. Interesting." His brow then arched in curiosity. "Did she try any of the more... energy-based-intensive sports?" Seeing as Riley was part-emotion as well as part-human, it was a good idea to test how present her emotion side was. If at all, or if all of it was masked or suppressed by her human nature.

"She tried," Joy admitted, "but those weren't her forte. So we just focused on the regular sports."

Aggravation huffed. Panic looked almost a little sad, but nodded attentively for the younger emotion to continue.

"And then I treated Riley to her first ever pizza," Joy continued. She grinned at her friend. "You really liked that, remember?"

The blonde just blushed, and nodded sheepishly.

"And then we rode the Plutchik Wheel!" she concluded with enthusiasm. "Riley and I got to see the entire city from the top! It was amazing!"

Panic had taken note of everything, nodding his head before lowering his paper to regard them. He looked over Riley carefully. "I just need you to come over here with your armband for a minute so I can record its calculation intake for the day, alright?"

Riley nodded, falling silent as Panic brought her over to the equipment. Hooking up a few wires to the sides of the armband, words and data appeared on the screen that tracked Riley's stability throughout the day. As paper documents of that information began to be printed for record, he looked over at Riley,

"And how have you been feeling during all this?" he asked. "Any signs of tiredness?"

"Well..." Riley responded, eyes to the floor. "I felt a little tired...But only because Joy and I were doing so many things!" she added quickly.

Aggravation had heard enough. He growled as he went over to where Riley stood, staring at at the young girl sternly. "You could have had another episode," he scolded. "If that had happened, how would Joy have saved you if you weren't even at the lab or without one of us nearby?"

"Okay, who are you to say what Riley had been doing was a bad thing?" Joy argued, rushing to face him, holding Riley protectively behind her. "I got her out of being cooped in this lab and saved her from being deprived of the life she deserves!"

"Oh, geez, not this again..." Aggravation muttered before turning to Delight. "Delight Astar, do something about your kid!"

Delight felt a bit startled by his brashness. The Council had been on reasonably good terms with one another for many years. But when Aggravation started using the full-name basis, he made it clear that he was highly disagreeing with their point. And being the head of the Council, he often took the view that his opinion was correct.

But Delight wasn't backing down

"I think Joy has made a perfectly good point," the woman responded briskly, folding her arms. "And Riley looks fine, doesn't she? Is that not considered an improvement since yesterday?"

"The kid could have fainted and started to disintegrate at any moment!" Aggravation argued.

"Actually," Panic intervened. "Judging by Riley's numbers, she was still at stable capacity even after a whole day went by." He grinned at this. "Almost an entire day at 100. So she really is improving!"

Aggravation scowled. Like all of them he was glad Ri—he refused to call her by that other name that the younger of the Astar family had given their project—was safe and had returned. On the other hand, she had spent all day out there, in a world that she was unprepared for and she wasn't supposed to be too accustomed to.

But it was worse than that. Ri seemed to absolutely love the world so far. That shouldn't be happening. She wasn't even meant to be created to live strictly in their world in the first place—it had taken them so many Mind Guide transports to get the necessary pieces of humanity to create her that to attempt to do so again would be a ludicrous, time-consuming decision. Not to mention trying to create the same again would likely result in the project being without consciousness, or otherwise unusable, or easily broken apart. They had done everything so right with Riley that as long as she was here, thet weren't going to replicate it.

A non-Council member giving Ri an unauthorized name could only spell disaster, and likely attachment to the namer.

Ri had no idea of that. And Aggravation cursed himself in that moment for not having just laid out the rules straight to her from the start. Joy's involvement had sent the entire project into a downward spiral, and it was infuriating that Panic and Delight especially actually supported this. Had they forgotten what the girl was supposed to be?

Regardless, it seemed that now there was no going back. The fact that the girl seemed to actually improve only was serving to make the situation more complicated. But there'd be a way. Even if he let her have a bit of leeway to learn more about the world, needing to be at least somewhat familiar with both, the girl would get to her designated place somehow.

Taking a deep breath, Aggravation looked carefully from Panic to Riley, scrutinizing the girl as if he didn't believe her earlier assertions. "Are you certain you aren't feeling dizzy or weak or like you're going to collapse or fade?"

Riley nodded, gripping onto Joy's hand for emotional support. "I feel tired, but that's because it was a long day." She smiled at Joy, her eyes full of gratitude, who grinned back in spite of the tense situation.

"Maybe it wouldn't be so bad to let her get out more," Delight suggested. "She seems to like it and her health is improving."

"So we can hang out more tomorrow?" Joy asked. Her color started to brighten more, and Riley's expression gave off a hopeful vibe that made up for her lack of a Terracordian's shimmer.

"Well, um," Panic nervously looked at all the others, flinching a little under Aggravation's gaze. "She does seem to be doing quite a bit better than she was yesterday... you are, right?"

Riley nodded, smiling gratefully.

Panic gulped. He was basically Riley's doctor moreso than the others, so whether Aggravation liked it or not, the matter of her health rested on him. And her state did seem to be very much improved over the day before. She was more alive, a bit more sure of herself, and most importantly she was happy.

And yet he knew that in terms of their research plan, the fact that Riley was feeling so happy around Joy was setting everything off-balance. Because eventually, Riley was going to have to be sent away. Sent away to that world that was drab and less bright and so much more limited. Traits that he saw in Riley every time he looked at her—both physically and at her basic structure as she was forming and even now.

He knew that it would be a sad day when the part-emotion did have to go to Earth... but with everything else going on he began to think that their set goal was being shaken up. After all, he had nearly avoided getting a black eye from Aggravation earlier when that was brought up.

But plan or not, he knew he had to consider what was best for Riley. If she didn't live a little and learn what life was like here, how would she ever properly survive on Earth?

Panic took a deep breath. His decision, he knew, would infuriate his colleague, but it had to be done. "... Considering today, I don't think it could hurt for you two to hang out more tomorrow."

"YES!" Joy leapt up in the air about three feet (startling Riley since their hands were still locked), hovering for a moment as she pulled Riley into a greatful and excited embrace. An embrace which Riley eagerly returned.

Aggravation looked like he wanted to murder Panic, but said nothing. He swore that once this talk was over he was going to look over the day's documents in the office (where Grief was now comparing Riley's stability and progress from her first day in comparison to the weeks and months before her Waking) and remind everyone what they were there for. But for now, he just sighed.

"Alright. Fine." He glared. "But what about the others out there? I bet they didn't react too kindly to you."

Riley felt her happy mood deflate a little as the memories of the stares and whispers came back to her. The mistrusting gazes and movements of everyone else who laid eyes on her, the constant reminders of how different she was and why she would never belong there. She was glad that Joy had been there or else she didn't know what she would have done. Or, for that matter, what other emotions might have done to her.

Once again, however, Joy came to her rescue. "Everyone just needs to get used to having her around! Sure they reacted a bit negatively, but she's still learning about the world! They'll give her a chance!"

Doubt pricked at Riley's heart. Despite Joy's encouragement and loyalty that ran so deep that she felt undeserving of it, she knew that she'd never truly fit in as an emotion would. No matter what kind of Terracordian she encountered, her very nature prevented her from being as vibrant and free as they were.

But she was gonna try, dangit. For Joy, she'd try. At least her friend would be there to guide her.

Aggravation exhaled, putting his own hand on his forehead in a slow sigh. "Just make sure she isn't damaged—"

Joy fumed inwardly at the wording, but bit her tongue. There he was, treating Riley like an inanimate thing again!

"—and we'll let you hang out tomorrow."

Joy and Riley couldn't help but be thankful for this, and even Delight and Panic grinned with pride.

"However." Aggravation looked down at them with his usual stern demeanor before indicating down the hallways that led up to the stairs and elevators that would lead to the lab where Riley had been kept. "You still need to sleep in your container. Just in case."

Joy's blue tips pricked at the mention of Riley's "sleeping chamber". She still had to nap in that thing? After all Riley had been through they still wouldn't consider giving her a real bed? One that didn't involve her hovering above the floor and stuff hooked to her body?

She was about to protest when she felt a light touch on her arm. She turned to look at Riley, the young blonde giving her an assuring look. Her friend wasn't too bothered by it, seeing as she had been "born" in that container and it did aid in her health when she had been at a low.

And it was a small price to pay if she and Joy could be together.

The yellow emotion mentally sighed, knowing that it was a minor exchange for Riley's freedom. Finally, she smiled at her, earning an even brighter one from her friend.

"Okay," Riley promised, turning back to Aggravation. "I'll continue with my container."

The orange red emotion nodded at this, just a tiny bit satisfied there was finally something going his way. He glanced over at Panic, who shuddered in the other's presence.

"It's getting late," he told him gruffly, "isn't it time for her to...get to bed?"

Just the way it fell of his tongue sounded so awkward. But it sounded precise to the pale-faced form in front of him whom Joy held close. Panic offered a small smile, nodding before he gestured both girls to follow him.

"Alright, come with us," he gestured like a father leading a troop of scouts through a forest. "Riley, we'll need to take a couple of tests before you can sleep, okay?"

The blonde girl just nodded, feeling too elated and proud to offer a word. Joy continued holding her hand as they made their way over to the familiar lab. Once they were through the doors, she potted her container, which was already up and running, waiting for her to get in it. This time she did not shudder at the sight, gazing at it like a worn out child toward its bed after a long trip.

She felt like that. The entire day had been blissful to her, and this newfound tiredness was not affective in the sense of harm. It was more like a good tired, the kind that would actually make her sleep. And maybe even "dream" as Joy often told her about. She never experienced these things called "dreams", having been blacked out every moment in the container aside from hearing voices only distinguishable by tone, that followed by simply seeing a blurry yet bright light that ached her barely open eyes.

But this time she felt sure would sleep the best she ever had. Even if this would only be her second night of true "sleep".

Joy reluctantly released her hand from Riley as Panic brought her over to a nearby table. The first thing he did was look over her arm, scanning her stability rating and jot them down on paper. This was followed by placing a hand on her forehead, no doubt checking her temperature once more. In the duration of their talk, he was certain there had possibly been a change of heat for Riley.

She felt like Goldilocks' bowl of porridge. Just right.

"Okay, all done, Riley!" he said cheerfully before gesturing her to rejoin her friend. "Just give us a few minutes to rework your container."

Somehow he liked calling her by this new name. It made it sound like she had never been an experiment at all. Although he knew Aggravation despised the fact she had done so, Panic and the others appreciated that Joy had sought to give the new being a different name so early. Plus, it would be a great cover for her when they eventually had to send her off...

She just nodded at this before turning to see Joy again. In her arms was the sleeping bag from the night before. Riley's eyes widened at it before peering at the yellow emotion.

"You're staying overnight again?" she asked in disbelief.

Joy beamed, nodding vigorously. "Of course! Why wouldn't I?"

Riley shifted a bit, playing with her hands a little. "But don't you want to go home?"

The yellow emotion chuckled. "Riley, home is always going to be there. Right now I want to be here. With you."

The blonde was amazingly touched by her friend's loyalty. Deep down she was very pleased that Joy was never leaving her sight. Whether she was awake or in a deep slumber. She knew she was really going to sleep well tonight.

Suddenly, a small ringing noise was heard over at one of the nearby tables, and Joy turned to look. She noticed it was Fear calling.

"Hold up a sec, Riley," Joy said quickly as she raced to her phone. Her friends had likely been trying to call her all day. "Hello?"

She was met by a flurry of voices on the other end.

"Woah, hey, calm down!" Joy exclaimed, holding the phone away from her ear for a moment, but still smiling.

Riley tried to figure out what the conversation was about, hearing a few "It's okay"s and "Don't worry"s from Joy's end. She couldn't help but wonder if the conversation was about her.

After hanging up, Joy turned to Riley with an encouraging smile on her face. "By the way, my friends say hi!"

Riley stared at her in confusion. Her friends? Those four emotions who were undoubtedly unnerved by her appearance? The purple one who held a great distance from her out of fear?

"Did they really?" she asked carefully.

The glow in Joy's skin faded momentarily, her smile becoming a little more downcast.

"Well, not exactly..." she muttered. "They were sort of just calling for me. I told them what we've been doing earlier and stuff."

Riley was almost afraid to ask. "And what did they say?"

"Um..." the yellow emotion searched her mind for the right kind of words. Her friends had been constantly worried since she left Disgust's house, especially Fear.

They overall missed her, and wondered if they were ever going to meet again. Without Riley.

"They said to be careful..." she murmured. "Both of us, they mean!"

But Riley knew right away what they meant. After all, she already knew none of them liked her, so what did she even expect? They just wanted Joy back, and no doubt they were blaming her for taking her away.

"Okay..." Riley responded quietly.

Both turned to see Delight and Panic approach them. The latter gestured to the container which was now prepared.

"Are you ready to go to bed, sweetie?" Delight asked her.

The blonde gave her a sincere yet tired smile. She could feel her whole body ache in the best way possible.

"Yeah, I'm ready," she responded quietly.

She allowed Joy to hug her once more before taking Panic's hand as he led her into her container. Her friend watched proudly, clutching her sleeping bag and preparing for another "sleepover".

"Sweetheart, you'll be okay here tonight?" her mother asked her.

"I sure will be!" Joy responded happily. "As long as I'm with Riley, I'm sure this will be another great night!"

Delight smiled at this. "You know, your friends miss you."

Her daughter slumped a bit, but still smiled. Fear had been hogging the call on the other line asking how she was doing and everything. It nearly went into a brawl when he and Disgust fought over her phone, and Joy felt a little guilty for it.

But they should have expected what she was doing. Especially since they knew how close she was to Riley, having started to visit more and more as her development grew. Although she loved hanging out with her, Joy hoped they would all be able to spend time together eventually. After all, Riley deserved that, just like everything else she received today.

"I know, Mom," she said. "They'll accept Riley sooner or later. I'm sure."

Delight nodded at this before both watched to see Riley inside her container, hovering above the floor as she was hooked up. Joy raced over to her side, pressing a hand to it. Riley was still vividly awake, and she offered her friend a tender smile. She reached up and slowly pressed against the glass, right upon Joy's palm.

This gesture nearly made Joy want to tear up. But she offered the biggest of smiles as she looked over her friend. Riley's eyes began to droop. Finally, she floated aimlessly with her head lowered, now asleep.

"Good night," Riley," Joy told her sweetly. "See you tomorrow. We got another big day ahead of us!"

Aggravation frowned when he overheard this. Just great, another play date with their project. He could only wonder what else Delight's daughter had in mind to "make Riley even more healthy"...

A/N: Yay for the other adults of the Council having compassion! :) Well, tomorrow Riley and Joy are gonna have a bit more freedom to do things, and Riley will learn a bit more about certain aspects of life in general. Hope you enjoyed and remember to review!