A little late. But here it is.

Chapter 6

"I think that's it." Thomas said with a satisfied smirk, hands on his hips. Randall scoffed.

"I'd hope so." Then he laughed. They stood in the Roar Omega Roar house. Thomas had the go ahead to move in from Johnny and had quickly brought all his possessions. He'd invited Randall to help, but Thomas ended up carrying all his luggage and the lizard merely accompanied him.

He'd set up in Chip's room, the purplish monster with vampire-like teeth. Thomas purposely chose to bunk with him, mostly because he was the quietest ROR. Not that Thomas didn't mind the others, he got on quite well with everyone actually. Not long after the big party, Johnny had invited him over to meet the entire group. The immediate acceptance Thomas had felt was overwhelming. They looked forward to having him around.

It explained why he wanted to move in as quickly as possible. Not only to escape his annoying roommate, Edward, but also to live among the comradery that permeated the house.

Randall looked around the room, appreciating its vastness.
"I might have to join and move in too. This is so much better than my dorm."

Thomas snickered, patting Randall on his shoulder as he passed.
"I'll recommend you."

They walked down to the kitchen together. The house was barren save for Reggie, who'd opened the door for them. Thomas grabbed a soda for the both of them, handing Randall his before hopping onto the kitchen island.
He'd given Randall a tour of the house, much in the same way Johnny did for him, showing off a few extra rooms like the game room and bathroom- for whatever reason.

"With your grades and a couple more times in the scare simulator, Johnny will be giving you a jacket." Thomas said after taking a sip of his soda.

Randall leaned against the fake marble counter and shook his head.
"I'm not so sure."

"I was serious when I said I'd recommend you."

The purple reptile bit his lip.
"You shouldn't."

"Give me a good reason not to."

"I'm not interested."

"Liar."

Randall frowned. Thomas smirked behind his soda.

"I'm legitimately not."

"Why the sudden change? You were pretty interested in joining ROR when I met you."

"That was then-"

"That wasn't even five months ago."

"This is now. Besides- I wouldn't make a great frat-boy." He tentatively took a gulp of his soda, looking away with half lidded eyes. Thomas' questioning stare forced Randall to continue.
"I'm not like you guys."

"'You guys'? There's a stereotype now?" Thomas raised an eyebrow.

"There's always been one. Big guys who thrive off of rumbancous brotherly bonds," he dramatically waved his free hand out, "massive parties. Lots of drinking. Yadda-yadda."

"Well… we're not all big." Thomas shrugged sheepishly.

"It's a stereotype for a reason. You can't even deny half of it."

"Doesn't mean it's not something you can learn to enjoy."

"I'd be a wet blanket. I enjoy not being a part of a 'brotherhood' anyways."

Thomas hummed in response. Regardless, he'd recommended Randall. He knew that he was still a little uncertain about the incident with Chet outside United. But Johnny admitted he was wrong in doing so, Randall just had to see these guys weren't the horrible people a lot of students thought they were. He would convince him eventually.

"So, doing anything tonight?"

Randall thought for a moment.
"Don't think so, not unless Mike wants to hang out or anything."

Randall had finally spoken with Wazowski, who'd eventually gotten over the shock of his expulsion from the scare program- mostly, at least. They hung out often, probably more than they did previously. It seemed that since Mike didn't have his dream to work towards, he didn't have as much of a compulsion to constantly study. He'd taken up scream-can design, which Thomas had heard was above and beyond boring.

"Having dinner with the guys, you wanna come with?" Thomas threw a thumb behind him, gesturing to the inhabitants of the house that were currently out.

The lizard immediately grimaced. Thomas knew his answer and interjected his refusal.
"It's not gonna be anything major. We're just having some pizza down at United, real relaxed."

"I-"

"Don't say no."

"What if I am busy tonight?"

"Then cancel whatever comes up because this is more important." Thomas wasn't going to let Randall off that easily. He knew that some of them were bringing some of their own friends, so it wouldn't be weird at all if Randall accompanied him.

"You're incorrigible," Randall complained, "yeah, alright. What time?"

"Six. Meet us outside the café."

Randall confirmed and continued to drink his soda. Thomas was glad the reptile agreed, although he enjoyed talking to the ROR members it would be significantly better having a familiar face around. It was startling how fast Thomas had genuinely become friendly with Randall. In high school, he never hung around or even spoke that much to monsters like him. He didn't like to label, but Randall definitely fell into the 'nerd' category. But everyday he was more and more surprised by how unlike a dork Randall was.

Yes, he was smart. Yes, he knew references to a bunch of complicated movie series. And yes, he most definitely used those references at every chance he got.
But he also knew quite a bit about sports and had a good knack for ping pong. He was a pro when it came to baking and essentially being self-sufficient.

One couldn't simply stick one label on Randall.

Soon the duo finished up at the ROR house and went back to Randall's dorm to study. Although the two had gotten impressive A's for their exam, they couldn't stop preparing now- mostly due to Randall's insistence. The lizard took precaution, ensuring Mike was out to classes while they studied. It lasted approximately two hours before Thomas started fooling around and left. He went back to the fraternity house and met with the other members in the living room, where they chatted for a bit. Thomas finally went upstairs and began unpacking his things.

Afterwards he simply lazed around on his bed, contemplating taking a nap before being invited to play pool downstairs. A friendly game turned into a heated match between Thomas and Reggie, who was the best player in the house. Of course Thomas lost but demanded a rematch. Then another. Finally it was time to leave for the café. Thomas threw on his ROR letterman jacket and left with the rest of the group. It wasn't long before they exited Greek row and arrived outside United.

Two girls waited outside the café, talking quietly between one another. Thomas swore he recognized the one. It turned out to be a PNK girl who introduced herself as Britney, Javier's girlfriend. The other girl was her friend, Maria, a Slugma Slugma Kappa member. It was a strange coupling, Javier and Britney. She was so peppy and energetic whilst he was more aloof. They seemed to get along quite well though.

Then a monster around the size of Johnny came. He had greenish fur with blue polka dots spread out evenly across him. He wore an MU jersey and an easy grin. A friend of the team it seemed. His name was Martin.

"So who are we waiting on?" Johnny finally asked.

"Randall," Thomas answered, scouring the darkness for any sign of the lizard, "you guys can go in so long, I'll wait."

Everyone made a move to fulfill Thomas' request but were cut short by Johnny.
"It's alright. We'll wait."

Reggie grumbled out something about it being cold. They waited in silence. The maroon monster began to feel embarrassment creeping up on him. It was definitely six, right? They couldn't be early and Randall didn't make a habit out of being late. So what was keeping him? Maybe he ditched. Thomas prayed he hadn't.

"So you've been friends with Boggs for a while, huh?" Johnny suddenly stated. It was more of an observation than a question.

"Yeah. I guess so…" Thomas shrugged, "first legit guy I met since I arrived."

"I have a class with him. He seems nice." Maria said simply.

"I met him at the beginning of the year, JOX party. He was giving out cakes or somethin'." Martin contributed.

"Oh yeah!" Britney exclaimed, "Naomi told me about that. You went off after him when he fell." She pointed at Thomas.

They remembered that?

"Oh yeah?" Chip smirked in Thomas' direction.

"He got pushed. Sullivan and Mike were chasing the scare-pig." Thomas corrected. He didn't want stupid stories coming out that excluded Sullivan from the equation. He wanted people to know how much of a dumbass the blue monster was.

"We saw that. Johnny nearly went over to talk to him when he caught it." Chet jumped in.

"But I didn't," Johnny continued, his smile hardened a bit, "not sure why but I had a feeling Sullivan was a little more trouble than he was worth."

"Good thing JOX got 'im then," Martin concluded, "even I gotta admit he seems like a bit of a dick."

"He got himself and that green guy thrown in the deep end with Hardscrabble." Javier spoke up.

Thomas felt like saying that it wasn't just Sullivan's fault, that Mike was to blame for his own downfall as well but he decided against it. Everyone here was combining to vent about Sullivan, if he were to defend the monster then he had the possibility of making this awkward. Not that he wasn't already somewhat awkward. He wasn't sure how long they'd been waiting for Randall to appear but Thomas was beginning to lose his patience. Reggie was right, the night was cold and had begun to nip at his ears. He wished he had a beanie.

"Sorry I'm late," A voice interrupted the monsters around Thomas. He turned to find Randall before him, huddled in a jacket and scarf, looking somewhat flustered, "didn't realize the time."

"Hey, Randy." Relief evident in Thomas' voice. He then turned to the group behind him. "This is Randall, guys."

A chorus of 'hellos' and 'what's ups' sounded as everyone greeted the reptile together. He reciprocated in the form of a small wave.

"Now that we're all present," Johnny made his way over to the door, opening it and waving his arm, "let's get inside."

The group filtered in and went to sit at the biggest booth. Along the way Thomas had thrown Randall a questioning glare.
'Where were you?' He found Randall appeared to be… avoiding eye contact? Did he feel guilty about his tardiness?
They all sat down, only just fitting in. Randall was the last to squeeze in beside Thomas, who had tried to suck in some of his breath to make more room. Angie came around and took everyone's drinks.

"And three of your best pizzas," Johnny shot Angie an award winning smile, "I'm thinking meaty supreme, hawaiian and a barbecue chicken. Any objections?" He asked the table.

"That sounds great!" Chet's lispy voice shouted out.

"Oh! And an empty bottle too!" Britney giggled.

Angie disappeared with the order.

"Empty bottle?" Thomas raised an eyebrow.

"A tradition." Martin replied.

"Kind of like spin the bottle and you get to do a truth or dare on that person." Maria explained.

"It sucks." Reggie drawled.

Chip chuckled beside him.
"We made him swallow a spoon whole once. He ended up in the hospital."

Randall stiffened beside Thomas.

"Wow…" Maria frowned, "I'm glad I wasn't here for that one."

"I'm sorry I missed it."Martin laughed.

Thomas chuckled a bit as well. The thought of Reggie turning green… greener in hospital, waiting to get it taken out, was entertaining.

"How'd they get it out?" Thomas asked.

Chet chortled.
"They waited."

Everyone at the right side of the table was quiet for moment before erupting in 'ooohs' and a few laughs.
Reggie looked down in embarrassment.

"I'm down for a game." Thomas tapped the table with a claw, only barely registering the fearful look on Randall's face beside him.

And they didn't have to wait long. Soon Angie arrived with all their sodas and a single empty bottle. Britney immediately got to work at clearing he centre of the table and setting the bottle gently on its side.

"Who's going first?" She excitedly looked about.

"I'll go." Martin reached forward, taking the bottle between his fingers and spinning it. A constant scrapping sounded as the bottle spun, passing each monster seated until it finally slowed and stopped on Britney, who huffed.

Javier laughed.
"Figures."

"'lright, truth or dare?" Martin smirked.

Britney crossed her arms gingerly, pulling her chin up and announcing, "Truth."

"Have you and Javier gotten to third base yet?"

"Oh my God! Martin!" She gasped, "you can't just-"

"Oh yeah, we have." Javier spoke up, a proud grin on his face.

"Nice!" Martin reached across and high-fived the insect while the table erupted into laughter and whistles. Britney punched Javier's arm.

"You guys are gross." Maria made a disgusted face.

"Okay- okay. I'm next." Johnny, still chuckling, spun the bottle and found it landed on Chip. Chip chose dare, and was quickly commanded to attempt to get the number of a sketchy looking girl across the café. He failed miserably.

The game continued, nearly everyone getting a turn. Thomas made Javier and Britney show the group how they made out, resulting in rowdy hoots and whistles from everyone as the duo embraced one another and kissed.

"Steamy!" Chet cackled.

"Alright. I think it's Randall's turn." Johnny nodded to the purple monster, who bit his lip.

"I'll pass, thanks."

"What?" Britney cried out.

"You can't just 'pass'." Reggie said.

"Yeah, c'mon." Thomas agreed, nudging he monster slightly.

He pulled a face before relenting.
"I'm warning you guys. I'm not much good at this."
He reached over to the bottle silently and spun it. It circled the table twice, thrice and a fourth time before coming to a stop, pointing at the maroon monster.
The table all smiled at Thomas, who hadn't been caught by anyone else yet.
Randall seemed more surprised than anything else.

"Finally," Martin laughed, "so what's it gonna be?"

Thomas thought for a moment before answering.
"Truth. I'm not quite sure I'd trust you with dare." He smirked at the purple reptile, who let out a hum.

He looked down at the table, moving his jaw around as he thought. Thomas watched closely, finding himself becoming more and more nervous as to what Randall would ask him. It couldn't be anything too bad. Right?
Finally enough time had passed for Thomas to open his mouth and tease the monster for his lack of question. But Randall spoke first, a mischievous glint in his eye.

"Have you ever kissed a guy?"

Thomas' nervous smirk turned to a frown as he tilted his head in confusion. Did he hear that right?
The table erupted into laughter upon Thomas' expression.

"From his face," Javier snickered, "I think we know the answer."

"Don't worry, this is a safe space, you can tell us." Chet wheezed out, causing another bout of laughter to roll over the group. Even Randall was laughing a bit. Thomas eventually couldn't help himself and joined in.

"Nah," he shook his head, "I've never kissed a guy."

"Have you ever thought about it? That was a long pause." Randall spoke up again, sounding unusually confident. Thomas' ears wilted a bit, another frown adorning his face.

"Hey, you can't ask two questions like that." He objected.

"Answer the question, Ghola," Johnny smiled from the other side of the table, leaning on his arms, "'cause I'm curious too."

A few affirmations were chipped in from the other monsters, a particularly enthusiastic 'tell us!' from Chet.
Thomas frowned even deeper, his smile slowly dwindling. He felt put on the spot- like he couldn't escape. He supposed he couldn't, not with everyone looking at him like that. He sighed.
Did he ever think about kissing a guy before? His first reaction was a negative. But when he thought about it longer, he vaguely remembered one or two occasions when he questioned his sexuality.

First time in high school, when he met a monster he'd thought was a girl. He was thrown off for a while, contemplating for the rest of the week how he had thought the monster's legs appeared appealing even though he wasn't female. It was horribly cliché.

Other, short lived thoughts about what sex would be like with the same gender had also crossed his mind. Nothing close to fantasizing, more like an almost scientific curiousness as to how it would work. If he took all this into account- then yes, he had thought about a guy kissing another guy. But the thing was, he hadn't thought of it as personal thing. Never did he place himself in these made-up scenarios. Not until now.

He imagined himself kissing another male. How different it would feel, if at all, from kissing a woman. He felt the hint of a blush coming on, warming his cheeks and ears. Thomas quickly hid his ears by flattening them and chuckling.

The table had grown quiet, anticipating Thomas' response. Randall was completely still, eyes fixated on Thomas just as intently as everyone else's.
The red monster shrugged.

"I guess."

Everyone's eyebrows shot up and another round of laughs sounded out.

"Wow! Who knew?" Martin chuckled.

"That why you haven't gotten a girl yet, Ghola?" Javier threw a teasing look his way.

Thomas immediately found himself becoming defensive. He restrained himself enough to answer in a level tone.

"Nah, I just haven't found someone with a pretty enough face yet."

That earned yet a few giggles from the monsters around. This was definitely a night filled with laughter. Thomas found himself looking down at Randall, who had a pensive look on his face, before nudging him and saying loudly, "I've actually been focusing on helping Randy to get his own girl."

"That so?" Johnny questioned.

Randall winced when everyone's eyes fell on him.

"Ooh, got your eye on anyone?" Britney leaned onto the table, laying her head in her arms.

"Well…"

"He's smitten!" Martin concluded.

"That's so sweet." Marcia cooed.

"You shouldn't be taking advice from someone who doesn't even have his own girlfriend." Chip gestured to Thomas, who reacted with a playful 'hey!'.

Randall shrugged, a shy smile on his face.
"He's been helpful."

"I'd bet." Maria said with half lidded eyes. Everyone turned to her with raised eyebrows.
"What?"

"Got something you wanna say to Thomas, Maria?" Johnny smirked mischievously.

The orange EEK girl shifted uncomfortably.
"I don't-"

"You think he's hot!" Britney nudged Maria violently, causing her to grab hold of the table to steady herself again.

"No!" She answered quickly. Too quickly.

Thomas out on a faux pout.
"That's too bad, because I like compliments," he slyly leaned back into his seat, arms crossed, "sometimes, if I get enough, I let things slip- like say, my number?"

Everyone 'oohed' at the obvious flirt, whilst Maria balked, a blush visible through her orange fur.

The laugher didn't last long since the pizzas arrived. They group ate away and spoke about the upcoming Scare Games. A little competitiveness shone through between Johnny and both the girls, all three parties arguing over who was most likely to win this year. The evening soon came to a close, and everyone departed, splitting the cheque.

Javier took Britney and Maria home whilst Chip, Chet, Martin and Johnny all went off to Martin's place. Reggie went back to the ROR house. Thomas decided to walk with Randall back to his dorm.

They walked silently through the park, taking their time as they went. There was no hurry. The red monster had noticed Randall was quiet throughout most of he night and especially now. He hoped the lizard wasn't upset about anything.

"You good?" He asked.

Randall looked to Thomas before nodding.
"I'm fine."

"You enjoyed it, right?"

"Probably not as much as you did."

"You'll get used to them."

"I'm not so sure."

Thomas frowned.
"Why not?"

"Like I told you before, not my kind of monsters." Randall's fidgeted with his jacket zipper.

Thomas didn't like this argument in the first place. Randall wasn't the sort of monster to say something like that, it didn't fit him. And it wasn't like he couldn't get to know them better.

"What is your kind of monster, then?" Thomas huffed.

Randall looked down at his feet and mumbled something out.

"What?"

"Nothing."

"No, seriously. What?"

"Why do you need me to like them so bad?" Randall held his hands out in front of him helplessly.

Thomas scratched his ear.
"'cause you're my friend and they're my friends."

Randall was about to say something, but thought better of it and returned to silence.

"I just want you to make more friends too." The furry monster huffed.

"You sound like my mother." Randall muttered.

"That means I'm talking sense." Thomas smirked.

"She's an old fashioned nut." Randall rebutted.

"That's a little harsh."

The lizard ran a hand through his fronds.
"Sure."

Thomas gave him a sidelong glance.

Randall begun fidgeting again.
"Sorry," he apologized, "it's just- nevermind."

"Oh." Was all he said.

They walked on in silence.
Eventually they reached Randall's dorm, where Thomas thanked Randall for joining him and promising to meet him tomorrow to hang out. The other agreed happily, but it seemed his general disposition was soured by the mention of his mother. Thomas made a note not to discuss it arbitrarily.

They parted ways. Randall sitting on his bed, lying to Mike about how much of a good night he'd had and Thomas, walking back to the ROR house wallowing in thoughts of his own family.