Chapter 8
The day had carried on. Thomas stayed for Randall's turn and was glad to see the lizard do well. The scare wasn't as spectacular as Thomas' according to Randall, but Thomas tried to make Randall feel accomplished. Specifically regarding the use of his camouflage ability. They spoke about it all the way back to the café. It was an unusual stop.
"You hungry?"
Randall shook his head.
"Not really. I just don't want to go back to the dorm. Mike might be there."
"Oh."
They wordlessly sat down at one of the booths, Angie came up, took their order and left.
"You're gonna have to talk to him at some point."
"I know," Randall played with the salt shaker, turning it so only one of its bottom corners touched the table at a time, "I just want to wait until the wound isn't so… open. I'm not sure what to even say."
It was going to be open for a long time. Thomas had the gist of what the scaring program had meant to the green monster. He'd been working towards it for years only to be thrown out because nobody had the decency to tell him he wasn't scary enough. Thomas thought it was better if Randall spoke to him sooner rather than later, and let him know that he still had a friend to count on. But he wouldn't force him. He cared about Randall's peace if mind, not Mike's.
"But let's not get ourselves down on it. We should be celebrating." Randall put on a smile, which the red monster reciprocated after a moment.
"That'll be tonight at the party."
"Oh yeah… I forgot about that."
"Don't sound so disappointed. Its gonna be great. We both definitely passed and probably with some pretty impressive grades to boot. Not to mention I've been invited to join the best fraternity on campus." Thomas shifted back in his seat, his arm stretching over the backrest, pride very evident on his face.
"Right!" Randall's smile was a little less forced now, "it's gonna be fun."
"And this time, you're gonna play beer pong with me." Thomas smirked.
"No ways." Randall adamantly shook his head.
The revelation that the lizard didn't drink was shocking. Thomas hadn't believed him at first but when they went to parties, he never saw Randall touch anything that was tainted with alcohol. Thomas wasn't sure if it was upbringing, low tolerance or simple dislike of the taste that put him off. He'd tried multiple times to try and get him to loosen up at social events, even going as far as trying to spike a soda. But it seemed he was a bloodhound for the stuff and immediately called Thomas out, leaving the party promptly after.
Thomas felt bad about forcing him but he knew alcohol was the best social lubrication, exactly what Randall needed at parties. The lizard seemed to draw up into himself around large crowds. Thomas hypothesized it was the cupcake incident at the first party to blame. And although he had no problem hanging out with him, it often got boring. What was the point of going if they just stood around drinking punch?
Except now, Randall had his eye on someone. A sly smile crept across Thomas' mouth.
"You sure you don't want some alcohol in your system for when you talk to that girl?"
Randall stiffened and Thomas laughed. He loved seeing him squirm.
"No!" The lizard said defiantly, "I'm not going to make a fool of myself."
"You sure you won't without it?"
"Shut up!"
Thomas cackled maliciously.
Randall waited for him to finish.
"So what are you going to do about the RORs?"
"That was a quick subject change."
"I'm serious," He huffed, "you sounded unsure when Johnny asked you."
He was unsure.
"You can't accept an offer like that immediately- makes you look desperate," Thomas waved his hand around, "I needed to think it over anyways."
"Think what over? You've been building yourself up to join a fraternity since the beginning of the year."
"…Yeah, but theses guys are different."
Randall crossed his arms.
"Was it because of Chet?"
Thomas frowned.
"Course not. I hadn't even thought of that."
'-much'
"So what is there to think over?"
"Nothing," Thomas rolled his eyes, "if you want me to join so badly then fine. I will."
Randall shook his head a bit.
"I just don't want you to make a decision you'll regret."
"How can I regret joining them?" Thomas challenged.
"Have you actually hung out with one of them outside a party? Maybe they're not your crowd."
"Not like I have to become a part of their posse and follow Johnny around all day," the red monster scratched at his ear, "I'll still remember you if that's what you're afraid of." Thomas said the last part with raised eyebrows.
Randall gave him a dirty look.
"If you turn into a complete dick then maybe I don't want you to."
Thomas recoiled in surprise at the venom those words held. Randall seemed to have realized what he said, causing him to soften his stern glare.
"That's what you're worried about?"
The purple lizard gave a small tilt of the head, affirming the assumption.
"Aww, Randy!" Thomas reached across the table and nudged the lizard- who had his arms crossed, pouting, "you do care about me." He looked away, trying to conceal a small grin forming. Thomas nudged him a few times, making sounds of awe at Randall's selflessness. Eventually Randall broke form and shoved the clawed hand away, a stupid smile on his face.
"Well if I'm not the voice of reason, God knows what you'll end up doing."
Thomas retracted, snickering.
"Can't fault you."
Their sodas arrived and they drank them in silence. Both enjoying the quiet din emanating from the café around them. Thomas decided to bury the hatchet.
"I'm gonna go and talk to Johnny at the party. I'm joining."
Randall hummed.
"Just don't get too big a head when you're wearing that ROR jacket."
Thomas merely laughed it off. He wouldn't end up like Sullivan; a self entitled ass that picked on smaller monsters. Because after he got that letterman jacket he went from mildly annoying to complete prick in a matter of a week. Randall would keep Thomas in check if push came to shove. Otherwise, he'd just take everything slow and make an effort to get to know his soon to be brothers.
Thomas was going to be a ROR.
The place was packed. Monsters of all kinds ran amuck, hanging out in the street, in the houses and even on the roofs. A beautiful chaos.
Thomas and Randall had arrived an hour into the party, stating that was the best time to join. Randall didn't really get it but followed his lead, he wasn't the one who knew how this all worked after all. A plethora of monsters greeted Thomas as he walked by, to which he easily reciprocated. Randall felt a little left out as he followed a few steps behind the maroon monster's tail. A couple of monsters had greeted him, but not remotely as friendly or as familiar as they had done with Thomas. And the furry monster wondered why Randall didn't like coming to parties.
"Come on, let's go get some drinks." Thomas had to raise his voice a bit over the music that blared from the JOX house.
"Thomas-" Randall begun, only to be cut off.
"Non-alcoholic, I know."
"Thanks."
They strolled through the crowded front lawn of the EEK house, entering through the front door, having to side step two monsters viciously making out just outside the threshold.
"Now it's a party!" Thomas hollered happily.
Randall provided a small laugh in return.
As they walled through the house, Randall took a moment to inspect its interior. He'd never been here before, and was surprised to find it wasn't all that different from the Jaws Theta Chi house or even Eta Hiss Hiss. The design was a little different but that was it. Although, Randall couldn't make out much of the interior with the number of monsters mulling about, some actually on the walls and ceiling.
"You gonna stand and stare at nothing all night?" Thomas nudged the lizard, who'd realized he was holding out a cup of punch. He took it.
"Sorry."
"You'd better be, I want to see you socialize," Thomas wiggled his ears, "especially with that girl. Where is she?"
Randall nearly choked on his punch. He recovered quick and stuttered out.
"Sh- she's not here."
"Then go look for her."
"I do-"
"The party's only gonna get crazier from here on out, Randy. You'd better find her before some other guy gets his mitts on her."
Randall signed. There was no winning with him. He shooed the monster away.
"Go socialize, I'll find her."
Thomas let one of his unsettling toothy smiles loose, making Randall smile in return. He'd learned how uncomfortable that made Thomas a week after them hanging out. His smile. It wasn't just something he did to be funny like Randall had initially thought, but was his most natural way of smiling. Every time he smiled he had to make a mental effort to remember to keep most of his teeth concealed. It wasn't like monsters didn't appreciate fearsome looking mouths, it was just that his smile was… kinda creepy. Randall hadn't admitted that though, he feared what it would do to his self esteem.
But every time he saw it he knew it meant that Thomas was smiling for real. It made him warm inside.
"If you don't find her in the next half hour, you know where to find your wingman." The maroon monster chuckled as he walked over to a pool table in the living area, currently surrounded by by a group of girls and guys. It appeared to be a battle of the sexes.
Randall smirked before walking away. Now he had to entertain himself. He decided to leave the loud environment for the street, which was somewhat quieter. He snaked his way passed groups of monsters searching for someone approachable to talk to. This wasn't the first time he'd been left to go solo at a party. Last time he actually managed to find someone who was just as lost as he was. He hadn't caught the monster's name, a leathery skinned orange creature with a head full of stubby horns. They'd spoken the entire night about their respective friends ditching them. Randall enjoyed the company but knew it wasn't going to ever be enjoyed outside that environment. After Thomas had reappeared, Randall left.
He hoped he could find him again somewhere. He needed to pass the time until later, when Thomas had a bit of alcohol in him already. He was more agreeable tipsy.
Then out of the various colours of monsters, Randall spotted an imposing red figure dressed in a bright yellow jacket. Only one monster could fit that description.
Roy O'Growlahan. Some called him 'Big Red'. If he continued at the pace he was now, he'd cross paths with the giant. Randall thought about altering his course and avoiding the JOX president, but a nagging feeling niggled at the tips of his fronds.
Sullivan.
With a sigh, the lizard walked up to the red monster, who had coincidentally just concluded a conversation with someone. Before Randall could chicken out, he stood before the large creature and cleared his voice. Two stalk eyes shifted down to him.
"Hey." Randall greeted evenly.
"What's up, short-stuff?" Roy replied in that gravely voice he had. Randall winced a bit at the nickname.
"I was just wondering something… about James Sullivan."
"Sulley?" The big monster questioned, crossing his arms, "what about him?"
"I was there in the hall earlier today. I saw what happened. Is… is he alright?"
Randall had no idea why the wellbeing of this monster had apparently taken priority over his own friend's. He shouldn't have cared whether Sullivan was handling the rejection or not. Roy gave Randall an undeterminable look. It was difficult to tell with monsters who had stalk eyes sometimes, their eye movements always looked the same.
"He's as good as he can be, considerin' what happened. Why don't you wait to ask him yourself?"
"We're not- I haven't seen him around."
"You won't. He's gone out for a while."
"Oh."
"It blows," Roy growled suddenly, "he didn't do nothin' to deserve that."
Randall thought better of correcting the massive monster.
"If you really wanna know how he is; he's broken up bad. Hardscrabble ruined his dream 'cause of a lousy accident. 'Cause of that green turd." The last part was filled with malice. The conversation seemed to shift in a second, turning in a direction Randall wasn't sure he wanted to go.
"Yeah… it's horrible," he replied softly, "can you… send him our good wishes?"
"Whose?"
"Concerned friends." And with that, Randall turned and hurried away, sensing eyes watching as he went.
"Damn, Ghola, you said you were good!" One of the monsters on the male side of the table yelled at Thomas.
"I am, she's just freakishly good!" Thomas accused his opponent, a senior girl who winked in response.
She'd been thrashing him so far in their game of pool. Guys versus girls and Thomas was letting down the guys. He'd only sunken two balls, whilst she had five and was going strong.
Then Thomas made it worse by accidentally sinking the eight ball. The entire left side of the room groaned, contrasting against the mocking laughter from the right. The red monster quickly made his escape, apologizing to a few disgruntled monsters as he passed. He made it out onto the back porch of the house, laughing a bit as he went. The night so far had been a lot of fun. He'd spoken to a couple of his fellow freshmen as well as a few older students- including Naomi who had given him her number- and watched several games of pool before joining in himself and ultimately losing. He blamed his lack of hand-eye coordination on his tipsiness. He'd get over it. The night was still young.
Thomas wondered where Randall was. He'd meant it when he'd offered to be a wingman, and since it had been more than an hour already he assumed the lizard had found the girl. Thomas was looking forward to meeting her. Mostly on account that he'd have some hard ammunition to tease Randall with. It felt strange; Randall with a girlfriend. He wondered if she'd be bigger than him. Thomas chuckled at the thought of Randall walking in his girlfriend's shadow.
"Hey, killer." A distantly familiar voice sounded behind Thomas. The red monster turned to see Johnny Worthington, standing beside the porch door, his usual confident smile plastered on. Thomas made to get up off the stairs he had sat down on only to stop as Johnny moved over and sat down beside him.
"What are you doing out here all alone?"
Thomas returned to a relaxed position, arms splayed out behind him.
"Just came out now actually. Lost one for the guys inside- thought it best for some fresh air."
Johnny chuckled softly.
"Every time there's a party in the EEK house the girls feel the need to put us in our place."
"This happens often?"
"We lose often."
"Hah."
They both listened to another round of groans from inside, no doubt from the males. Other noises broke the din after they died down. An occasional laugh or holler, change in pitch as a song changed somewhere, crickets in the night chirping.
"You been to the ROR house yet?" Johnny looked over to Thomas.
"Nah. Not yet."
"You want to?"
Thomas bit his lip for a moment. After having that soda with Randall at the café he'd said he would join Roar Omega Roar but since then he'd had a thousand second thoughts. He wasn't sure why he was so hesitant. Like he'd told Randall, how could he regret joining them?.
He found himself answering before he'd finished contemplating.
"Sure."
His eyes widened on surprise. Maybe he was little more than tipsy.
"Let's go." Johnny commanded as he stood, waving the red monster to follow. They made their way around the back of the house, avoiding the crowds littering the surrounding area.
It wasn't long before they'd crossed the street and were walking up the stairway to the ROR house. Thomas stared in awe at its magnificence. He'd seen it a many times when coming to parties, but he'd never been inside. They passed through the threshold and entered a very large hall. Thomas let out a small 'wow' as he surveyed the room, taking in the pristine furniture, shiny wooden staircase on either side of him, broad chimney and high ceiling. His dorm could fit four times over in this room alone.
Johnny noticed his state of awe and spread his arms out at his sides, smiling with pride.
"Nice, right?"
"Very nice." Thomas nodded.
"Wait till you see the kitchen." Johnny titled his head so that his massive horns showed the way. Thomas followed at a sluggish pace, taking in the sights around him as he went. A couple of the monsters hanging around the room greeted him by name as he passed. He returned their greetings absentmindedly.
They walked into a kitchen that was covered in glossy white tiles along the walls and floor, which was broken by a large island covered with fake marble. The entire kitchen was fully decked out in appliances and cabinets. It was massive for a kitchen. Johnny strode up to the fridge, coming out with two beers, one of which was handed to Thomas.
"Hey, Ghola." A somewhat familiar voice come from behind the red monster. Thomas turned to find the insect monster he'd seen several times before, including the time with Chet and Randall. The bug-like monster was wearing his ROR jacket, just like Johnny.
"Oh, hey."
The monster hopped off one of the built-in cabinets along the far side of the kitchen and walked up to the duo. A larger monster Thomas had never seen before followed. They were probably talking before he arrived.
"Javier." The newly named ROR member reached out one of his four hands to Thomas.
"Nice to meet you." Thomas took his hand and shook it firmly. He hadn't seen much of Javier since the United incident and was unable to identify what kind of personality he had. He supposed he'd learn soon enough. Thomas just hoped Javier didn't remember what happened.
"I was just giving him a tour of the house." Johnny stepped in, taking a swig of his beer.
"You're in?" Javier's four eyes shifted to Thomas, who froze up a bit. He opened his mouth to answer, but stopped. Was he?
The same four eyes shifted back to Johnny, who provided a subtle shrug. Thomas felt a bit like an ass. Johnny had gone through the effort of inviting in and taking him around the house, being nice to him and Thomas might just be leading him on. He wasn't sure what to say.
"Well," Javier provided Thomas with something that might have been a friendly smile, "enjoy the tour."
Then he and the other monster walked away. Now he really felt like an ass.
They were alone I'm the kitchen now, encouraging Thomas to seize the opportunity. He turned on Johnny.
"Look, Johnny, I'm sorry."
"No need to be," the demon reassured, pulling himself up onto the island, his somewhat stubby legs dangling off the edge of the fake marble, "it must seem like I'm trying to bribe you into joining. The tour, the beer," he gestured to the drink by raising it, "I just wanted to give you a look into what you might be joining. The guys weren't around for introductions so I did the next best thing."
All through his explanation, Johnny didn't lose that self assured smile of his. Instead it seems to morph to fit any given emotion he displayed at the time. Thomas dragged a hand over his face, sighing.
"Nah, I didn't think you were bribing me or anything- I'm just a little… overwhelmed."
"Oh?"
"I feel like there's a catch somewhere. Like I'm signing something without reading the fine print," Thomas took a long sip of beer, "and I'm not sure why."
"Maybe because of what happened with your friend and Chet." Johnny raised his eyebrows.
"I was hoping that wouldn't come up." The furry monster groaned.
Johnny set down his beer.
"All the better to get it out the way now. I don't want bad blood between fraternity brothers," he paused, "potential fraternity brothers. I'm glad you were there to step in, Chet shouldn't have gone off like that."
Thomas was a little surprised by the calm response from the ROR president. He listened as Johnny continued.
"It was just a meaningless accident that shouldn't affect your decision to join now. What's in the past should stay in the past. And if I'm upfront with you, we need another member for the Scare Games coming up, hence my presence at the exam.
"We only take the best. And you were the best there," Johnny gave Thomas a serious look, "the best monsters for the best fraternity."
Thomas stared back into the demons eyes silently, eventually blinking and turning his attention back to his beer. He took a long swig of it before banging it down on the cabinet with a loud 'clunk'.
"So when do I get my jacket?"
It took a while before Randall finally found Thomas- who was well beyond tipsy and far into a state of intoxication- outside the ROR house. The lizard decided to take him back to his dorm, considering the party was past its peak and a good deal of the party-goers had already left.
Luckily, Thomas was sober enough to walk on his own. They took off, walking slowly up the street, leaving the dwindling music and chorus of voices behind until all that was heard was the shrill chirping of the crickets. Well, the crickets and the constant yammering of Thomas. He'd accepted the position into ROR and was very proud of it.
"Johnny says he's gonna get me a jacket sometime next week," The red monster said happily, "I might even move in before then."
"I'm happy for you, Thomas." Randall's said with a smile that wasn't quite genuine. He was proud of Thomas and most definitely happy for him, but he'd need more convincing before he fully accepted the idea. He supposed it was just his experience with Chet talking. He knew he had to get over that. It was months ago and according to Thomas, Johnny didn't like what had happened either.
"Thanks, Randy. Really." Thomas smiled down at the lizard.
"For what?"
"Coming. I know you didn't want to with Mike getting kicked out and everything. And I guess we didn't hang out that much either, but I'm glad you came."
"Yeah… I think I am too."
"Oh!" Thomas suddenly stopped, his eyes wide, "did you ask her out?"
"What?" Randall asked with a frown before realizing. The girl. "Oh…" He ran a hand through his fronds, "not really."
Thomas' face fell in disappointment.
"Randy, c'mon… why not?"
The lizard's frown grew more strained and uncomfortable. He started fidgeting.
"It's- I'm not sure. It isn't that simple."
"How so?" Thomas leaned in, his breath tickling Randall's face. The lizard took a step back, attempting to escape the stench of alcohol.
"You don't have the problems I do." He replied simply.
Thomas laughed obnoxiously.
"Yeah… damn straight I don't."
"What?"
"There's gotta be something I'm missing, right? You see a problem when I don't. You can avoid it but I just go with it till it gets too bad to ignore." Thomas laughed again, somewhat quieter this time.
Randall was utterly lost now.
"What are yo-"
"Don't worry 'bout it," Thomas waved him off before continuing the walk back to the dorms, "if she was too much of a bitch then I fully get it. I won't ask about it again."
Randall shook his head, his face contorted with confusion.
"Thomas! What are you talking about?"
"We all get bad breaks in relationships. I've had my fair share- just wish I had your eye for 'em."
Randall followed quickly, placing a hand on the red monsters arm.
"You've had bad relationships?"
The lizard jumped when Thomas hooted in laughter.
"Tons. Why do you think I know so much about ladies? I got experience!"
Randall's gut twisted in disgust as Thomas smiled that creepy smile of his, because this time he saw something else through it. A vulnerability the alcohol had let slip loose.
Cold, hard insecurity.
It didn't look good on the maroon monster.
"God… Thomas."
"Wut?" Was all the monster muttered out before falling to his hands and knees and liberating the contents of his stomach.
Randall stood beside him, patting him gently as Thomas heaved into the gutter, a shocked expression adorning his face. Not because he saw everything Thomas had eaten that night laid before him, but because he truly knew the monster he was dealing with.