Years...It's been years. I'm so, so sorry for the wait. I had gotten burnt out, and then I had a baby, so...yeah, a lot happened. I wouldn't blame anyone for believing I wasn't going to finish this story. However, a promise is a promise, and I'm determined to finish this bad boy up. I took time to really think about the direction I wanted this story to go in (since I completely forgot most of it, except for the big dramatic moments). I have an idea now of what to do, and will hopefully push through until the end.

One thing to note, the first chapter of this story has been rewritten. I never liked how it didn't sound like the beginning of a new story, so I rewrote it. No new information is in it, just better fleshed out to make more sense. I wanted to rewrite all the chapters, but I didn't want you all to wait any longer. Uploads won't be consistent, and will probably be very slow, but they will happen. I promise. We're going to finish this story one way or another. I swear.

Now, please enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own 'Be More Chill' or any of it's adaptations or content.

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Chapter VII

~Can We Not Fight?~

It's been a long time since they've last planned. They've never really needed to; all social events were just determined by one person, and after…everything that happened with the SQUIPs, there wasn't much of a need to plan for an invasion anymore, or whatever else. It brought back a lot of memories. In some ways, it felt nice to Michael to be talking about what they were going to do - how to confront the SQUIPs on what happened, possibilities on how to find or deal with the company, and how to move forward in the next week or so. It also felt like an open wound – hopeless and destined to fail. The last plan failed spectacularly, and now that he was older he could easily say they aren't exactly the right people for the job. Well, dealing with the company anyways – dealing with the SQUIPs emotions and attitudes they were most definitely pros.

So, they made a rough plan, and were hoping to put it all into motion. Assuming the SQUIPs won't run off the moment they get a chance…something he made sure to voice. Rich of course was in denial that Kert would ever leave his side, but Chloe and Christine were at least receptive of the idea. The taller girl was sure to make a plan to prevent that from happening too – though how effective trapping the SQUIPs in the cottage was going to be, he didn't know. In the end, most of the weight unintentionally fell on Michael. As long as he can convince Reese to stay, the rest of the SQUIPs have no reason to leave – they're the leader, after all.

No pressure.

When a pause finally inserted itself, Christine took the opportunity to change the topic. "I think," she said, "That we should check in on them…"

Chloe glanced at the door, "Aren't they – like – trying to be Doctors?"

"What if they need help? What if they don't know what to do?

"They're SQUIPs. If they can't do it, we definitely can't."

"Maybe we need to get a Doctor – a real one." All eyes snapped to the shorter girl.

Rich threw his hands in the air, "Are you insane?!" Christine's shoulders hunched at his voice.

"I don't know…Maybe…Maybe we can convince them to be quiet about it?"

Chloe waved a dismissive hand, "The only way we can get a Doctor in here who will stay quiet is if we kidnap them, and I'm not spending my week like that."

"Yeah," Rich agreed, "Kinda don't want to fucking deal with that." Christine sighed, curling her legs closer to her body.

"But what if…that SQUIP's not okay?" No one had an answer to that. Michael reached over and rubbed her arm, his own eyes drifting to the door.

Reese had said ten minutes…how much time has passed?

It was as thought fate had heard him. A knock sounded on the door. Michael immediately straightened. Was it them?

Chloe was the one to respond, giving the stranger permission to enter. When they did he couldn't help but deflate.

It was Jeremy.

The male's blue eyes were half-lidded, the irises clouded. The group quietly greet him as he came in, awkwardly standing instead of joining the circle.

"So," he said, tiredly, "They're done."

"Done?" Chloe echoed, "What – are they okay?" Jeremy's eyes fall to his shoes as he rocks slightly back and forth.

"Uh…no, but – uh…Jake's SQUIP said that they're like…neutral? Or – uh…I don't know. They're just…there?"

Christine shifts to her knees, "What do you mean?"

Chloe cuts in, "Like…not dead or alive?" Jeremy nods.

Rich throws his hands in the air, "What use is that?!"

"It's kind of like…a coma, I think."

"A coma?!"

"Poor Yellow," Christine laments. Rich looks at the her in bewilderment.

When no one else shared his expression, he loudly snaps, "Is no one else going to freak out?"

Chloe sighs, "Girl, I'm too tired." The others mutter in mild agreement. Rich tries to form a response to that, but ends up huffing in defeat. He was too tired too.

When silence fell, Michael slowly stood, turning to his best friend, "Where's Reese?"

Jeremy shoulders relax at the change of subject. He motions with his thumb out the door. "They're with the other SQUIPs. They're, uh…talking about things, I think. They wanted me to apologize for taking so long…" Michael nods, numbly.

Chloe stands too, "Where's Brookie?"

Jeremy glances away, rubbing at his arm, "They let her stay in the room."

Rich huffed, leaning back against the bed behind him, "So what exactly are we supposed to do now? Wait for them to be done? Fuck that, I say we grab those assholes and sit them down for a good 'heart-to-heart'."

Chloe nodded, "Yeah, bought time we get on the same page." Michael let out a sigh, but didn't argue. If there's one thing he wanted to do, it was get everything on the table. A lot had happened in a short amount of time, and it'd be nice to make sure everyone understood everything, instead of…well, instead of this - divided into groups.

Christine looked around at her friends as she spoke up, "If…If Yellow is okay now…or, as okay as they can be, then…maybe we can get the SQUIPs to chat with us?"

Rich perked up, "That's my girl! Alright, let's grab those assholes." The male moved to stand, even as Jeremy raised his hands to placate the group.

"Are we sure? They seem really serious in there…"

"They're SQUIPs," Rich argued, "Having a stick up their ass is part of their 'programming'." Michael sighed at the wording, but inwardly agreed. Moving to stand by his friend, he placed a hand on his shoulder, and Jeremy relented.

It took little coordination for the group to decide how they wanted to move forward, and split up. Rich stayed behind with Kert, originally insisting to have the meeting right there in the room. When that was denied in favor of giving the green eyed SQUIP peace and quiet, Rich agreed to come out to join at the last moment, to make sure Kert was left alone for the shortest amount of time possible. Christine then left to find Jake and Ari, as Jeremy informed them that the two were missing from the SQUIP's meeting. That left the other three to approach the computers on their own.

Michael felt nervous approaching the room. He can only imagine how annoyed the SQUIPs will be with the interruption. Trying to steal his nerves, he watched as Chloe knocked on the computer's door. It took seconds for the object to swing open, revealing an unfamiliar face.

The SQUIP was one of the news ones that had joined in this recent escape. By far they were the tallest of the group, a sort of air about them as they towered over those in front of them. Bright orange eyes peered down through the short brown hair that curtained them. A grin spread across their face.

"There you are," they greeted, eyes completely fixated on Chloe, "I was wondering when you were going to come fetch me." Michael's eyes widened, glancing between the girl and the computer. Was this…? Jeremy must have thought the same, as he shared a similar look towards the girl.

Chloe, however, was unphased. She snorted, placing her hands on her hips, "Mmhmm - yeah, okay, sure. Pack up your friends, we're having a meeting."

The SQUIP blinked at her, tilting their head curiously. Their eyes glowed for a moment, and then they hummed, "Ah, I see. How interesting."

The woman huffed, crossing her arms, "Well? Are you going to get them, or…?"

The computer waved a hand dismissively before turning back to the room. "The children would like a word with us downstairs," they announced, shooting a grin towards their human. Chloe growled in annoyance.

Michael barely paid the two any mind as he saw a familiar face appear before him from behind the other SQUIP. "Michael," Reese sounded, and the male melted at the sound. Relief washed over him at seeing them, and he offered them a small smile.

"Hey," he greeted, softly, "Is it okay if we all talk?" The SQUIP nodded their head.

"Yes. There's…much to be discussed." Michael's heart sank at the idea that the computer's had their own things they wished to discuss, even if it made sense in hindsight.

Chloe huffed at the computers, motioning for them all to follow, "Alright, let's go." Everyone was hesitant to move first, but the girl took the initiative and headed towards the stairs. Her SQUIP then motioned for the other two males to follow after her - with a bit too much attitude on their face - before both computers looked back towards the bedroom. No words were heard, but their eyes glowed. Michael kept an eye on them to make sure they would follow as he went towards the stairs, pausing before descending. When Reese turned back towards him with a small nod, he followed Chloe down the stairs with Jeremy by his side.

As they reached the first floor, the door to the cottage opened. Christine entered with Jake and Ari in tow. The two that followed her looked gloomy, but otherwise not too worse for wear. They joined Michael and the other two in the living room and they each took their seats. Shortly after, footsteps were heard as the SQUIPs made their way down to join. They took their time, constantly glancing at each other if one of them made any show that they were having a hard time. Brooke, Jenna, and Rich followed behind the group. Brooke's eyes were puffy and red, but any tears she had previously had dried up. Jenna, appearing worn but held together, rubbed the other girl's back in comfort as they came down side by side. Rich was stuck behind the group, huffing in annoyance as he had to patiently wait for everyone else to go down first. With how slow the SQUIPs were, it was clear the male was having a hard time keeping quiet instead of forcefully hurrying everyone along. Eventually, though, everyone made it downstairs, and settled in the seats provided. The computers stayed together on one couch; sitting as close as possible while respecting each other's injuries. Ari moved to sit on the arm rest of the SQUIP's couch. Their humans occupied every other seat.

Silence.

The two respective groups each waited for the other to start speaking. The air became increasingly uncomfortable as they looked at each other, varying different emotions passing through depending on who made eye contact with who.

It was Christine that eventually broke the silence. "So…not everyone's met each other," she said, slowly, as she turned to the newest SQUIPs, "Maybe we can start with introductions?"

The black eyed SQUIP crossed their arms, "With all due respect, Ms. Canigula, introductions are not needed on our behalf. We know who each of you are." They paused, glancing at their companions, before continuing, "Though perhaps we can fill in for any new additions on our side."

Despite the computer verbally putting the other SQUIPs forward, it was Jake who spoke next. Pointing to the black eyed computer, he said, "That's Bud, my SQUIP." Bud blinked at their human, letting out a small sigh.

"Yes," they agreed.

Next to them, the orange eyed SQUIP, raised a hand. "Chloe's my girl," they said, with a proud grin. Chloe huffed, glaring in annoyance.

"Stop talking like that," she ordered. The SQUIP rolled their eyes, mimicking the girl's posture.

"Talking like you?" Chloe flushed, sputtering as she thought of a response.

Rich snickered before she could, bumping shoulders with Michael beside him, "He does talk like her!" The girl turned her heated glare from her SQUIP to the boy.

"They. They're a they," she snapped, surprisingly not commenting on his other words. Rich quickly raised his hands.

"Sorry," he apologized, sheepishly. The SQUIP in question brushed their hair back with a shrug.

"If it gets Chloe to defend me, slight me all you want."

Chloe groaned, "You are so annoying!"

"It's like looking in a mirror."

"Can you not?"

"Do you want me to pick a new default?"

"Gah!" the woman cried, throwing her hands in the air.

Jenna raised a hand, a brow raised, "So, what's your name, then?"

Chloe's SQUIP gave their human a long look, eyes glowing lightly as they thought it over. Chloe had her eyes narrowed, but didn't speak, the two just staring at each other waiting for the other to give an answer.

Finally the computer gave in with a shrug, "I suppose it's 'Chloe' too."

Rich let out a loud snort, "I can't believe your SQUIP was you too."

Chloe raised a brow at him, "Too?"

"Yeah, like Jenna."

"Whoa," Jenna cut in, waving her hands in front of her, "My bitch wasn't me." The male frowned, confused.

"Then, why…?"

Jen rolled their eyes, leaning back into the couch with a sigh as they brought into the conversation. "I just happen to go by 'Jen'. At the time I didn't see us as two individuals, and it was just Hillary and I at the time anyways. So, I went by Jen."

"Oh," Rich sounded, before turning back to Chloe, "So you're the only one."

"Shut up."

Bud hummed in thought, turning to their orange eyed companion, "Perhaps, likewise to our predecessors, a similar sounding name could be applied?"

Jake brightened up at the suggestion. "Oh! Like Madeleine." Chloe gasped, glaring at the male as she dramatically brought a hand to her chest.

"How dare you-!"

"Maddie," her SQUIP cut in.

"What?" the woman snapped, turning her heated stare to her SQUIP instead.

The computer shrugged, nonchalantly, "It's cute. I like it." Chloe made an unintelligible noise, eye twitching. Unable to come up with a response, she looked around at those around her.

Rich cleared his throat as her eyes shifted to him, "Um, okay," he muttered, before looking at the new SQUIP, "Yeah, first off: dick move. Second: cute? Bro, that is the last word I'd use for you. You're like, a taller bean pole than bean stock over there," he motioned his thumb in Jeremy's direction. Jeremy scratched the back of his neck, awkwardly looking away, but not arguing.

The computer raised a brow, eyes glowing briefly. Then, they grinned, "Oh, I see. I suppose you would view height in your depictions of what you consider 'cute'." They looked towards the other SQUIPs, "Green's quite short, aren't they?"

Rich's face flushed, "S-Shut up, Asshole!"

"I mean," Chloe cut in, looking at the shorter male pointedly, "They aren't wrong."

"Who's side are you even on?" Rich questioned, incredulously.

Before the girl could respond, Bud cut in, "If we could move on, that would be greatly appreciated." The two humans both closed their mouths, letting the room return to silence despite the desire to keep arguing.

Michael took a steadying breath, grasping his hands tightly to try and avoid fidgeting. It was his turn to talk, and he knew it. Taking a moment to gather his courage, he spoke, "What now?" His voice drew all of the SQUIPs eyes to him, and it made his insides drop to have all of their critical gazes focused on only him. Granted, they weren't all unkind, but it was unwavering. Reese's eyes were the ones he tried to focus on. Their blue gaze wasn't as warm as it used to, but it was still softer than those around them.

"It seems," they began, slowly, "We're in a difficult situation. With our poor physical health, having hunters searching for us, and all of your…connections to us, we need to discuss the best way forward."

Rich narrowed his eyes, crossing his arms, "Does that involve ditching us again? Cause if so, you can fuck right off. Kert isn't going anywhere." A growl met his proclamation, coming surprisingly from Jen. Ari, sitting beside them, placed a hand on the other computer's arm to help calm them.

Reese was the one to respond, turning to Rich, "None of us wish to endanger your lives. Your assistance with…our travels here have been beyond appreciated, and I know that we all share the desire to be near our humans," they paused, glancing at Michael briefly before focusing once more, "However, we have all agreed that this needs to end before any history is repeated."

"Most of us agree," Ari mutters, loud enough for all to hear. Reese didn't look at them, just letting out a small sigh as the other SQUIPs gave the youngest differing looks of displeasure.

Michael stared at Reese, unable to fully process what the computer was saying. Was he really hearing the same bullshit all over again? He knew he was no match for the company. All of this happened because of that fact, but to once again hear that the SQUIPs want to try and do this on their own was baffling. "Reese," he named, eerily even. The computer met his gaze, and finally - finally - something shifted in their expression. They looked nervous, tensing at what he was going to say. Yet, they didn't look guilty, like he thought they would, over bringing up a long fought over subject. No, they just looked…like they were nervous of his ire. Slowly, he said, "You're not leaving."

"Yeah!" Rich agreed, slapping a hand on the other's back in support. Michael tried not to wince at how hard he was smacked, instead focusing on not letting his gaze waver with the SQUIP. Reese's expression shifted again. It was small, but they looked…softer? Relieved, maybe? His heart lightened at the idea that maybe the computer didn't agree with the other's plans either, but was forced to voice them on behalf of the group.

Ari cleared their throat, sitting up and taking the attention off of the older SQUIP, "I know we don't want to endanger anyone here…but we've already done so, many many times. Everyone here has proven they're willing to do whatever it takes to finish this." They turn to face their comrades, "Please…I'm tired of us all fighting. We're SQUIPs, we can come up with positions that wouldn't put our humans in too much danger. We can work in tandem if we try. Please, can we not isolate ourselves? I don't…want to do it again."

Bud sighed, "Pink, you're the only one to have stayed among the world since our…deactivation. I understand that it makes your position on the matter different than those of us who are 'new'. However, can you in good conscious continue to support your idea when you visualize Christine captured?" Ari's shoulders hunched, their eyes downcast as they visibly shrank in on themselves.

Jake stepped up, leveling his SQUIP with an unimpressed glare, "Bud."

"Jake."

"Don't be mean."

"I'm not. I'm bringing up realistic statistics and likely consequences."

"You're scaring Ari into submission. You know better than that."

"Why? Because I'm your SQUIP?"

"Yes! You were different when you were activated last time. You weren't…" he paused, trying to think of the right words.

Rich supplied them, "An ass."

Jenna snorted, "Please, all of them are always asses. Why do you guys keep getting surprised whenever they try to pull this shit? They say they give a shit, but they just keep making us depressed and miserable." No one argued against that.

Michael wiped a tired hand under his glasses at his eyes. God he was tired… "For once," he muttered, regaining the attention of the room, "Can you make a plan with us in mind? Just make the plan. I don't care if you want to follow it or not, make one. Then, we can go through it, and we can 'logically' go through the consequences of the plan based on how good you actually make it; with all of your stupid percentages and everything. Is that fair?" The SQUIPs glanced at each other, letting their eyes glow. It took a moment, as the computers inwardly discussed their opinions. Eventually their eyes dulled back to their usual hues, and Reese turned to face him.

"If it will ease the tension for now…then we all agree." The humans all let out varying degrees of happy sighs.

Christine clapped her hands together, letting out a long and tired breath, "Okay, if everyone's okay with that, then…" she smiled towards Ari, "Is it okay if I spend some time with my SQUIP?" Ari's face flushed at the attention, but a warm smile quickly replaced it as they nodded rapidly.

Jake patted the small SQUIP on the shoulder in support, before turning his eyes to his own computer, "Me too. With you, Bud. We gotta lot of catching up to do." Bud shifted uncomfortably under his gaze, but slowly nodded.

"Alright." With that, small reunion groups began to form. Rich returned back upstairs to be with his computer, and so did Brooke. Chloe reluctantly took on her own SQUIP, determined to talk some sense into them. Despite what Michael would have thought, Jenna allowed Jen to sit by her, the two beginning to lightly chat about how the girl was doing in life. It was…sort of sweet. That left Jeremy. The taller male seemed hesitant to go to his SQUIP, glancing at Michael. Much to the shorter's relief, he gave his best friend a smile before following Brooke upstairs and leaving the computer with Michael. The shorter had never been more grateful to his friend for giving him the added opportunity to be with his…well, his flame.

Reese had watched Jeremy leave with an mixed expression on their face before turning to Michael. Quietly, they motioned for the other to follow, and he did so, allowing the SQUIP to walk them outside onto the porch and away from prying ears. The computer sighed as they slumped onto one of the chairs set up outside, waiting for Michael to take its companion seat before muttering, "Alone again." The male nodded, unable to get too comfortable with the conversation they had earlier still on his mind.

With a sigh, he said, "Are you okay?" The SQUIP glanced at him before nodding slowly. "Are you sure? Even with…"

"With?"

"…Whatever happened with, uh…Yellow?" Reese's eyes fell. They were silent for a moment.

"They are…stable."

"Yeah, Jeremy told us, but…are you okay?"

"…I'm hardly the one in a coma." Michael bit his lip at the other's words. Hearing the word 'coma' had his stomach churning.

He let out a long breath, clearing his mind before focusing back on the other, "No, but…I know you, and…I know you're blaming yourself."

Reese glanced up at him. Their eyes wavered, uncertain, before shifting their gaze back down. "…Perhaps you don't." Michael's heart dropped.

Trying not to let his world cave in, he pressed forward with a shaky grin, "So you're not blaming yourself?"

The SQUIP chuckled, quietly, "I am."

"Then, maybe I still know some of you? Right…?" Silence followed. The male shifted, his anxiety steadily rising. "Reese, I…" he hesitated, swallowing hard, "I know…a lot of time has passed, but…I still…You're still…My feelings have not changed. I promise." Reese looked up at him, their expression a complicated mix. Michael feared it, because none of it showed that they believed him. He sat more forward, his tone becoming more desperate, "I know it's hard to believe. I-I can't act like I haven't changed in the last few years, b-but…I'm still me. I understand if you don't believe me, o-or if…if you feel differently…but I'm still…me." He could barely look the SQUIP in the eyes, so fearful of their response. He could feel their stare as they process his words. Slowly they lift their hand, moving to bring it forward, but pause, quickly retracting it back. Michael wished they hadn't.

Reese let out a long breath, before leveling him with their gaze, "Michael, I…want to make something very clear. This…situation that we find ourselves in…please don't believe that in any way that I'm upset with you. Pink has filled us in on what had happened, and I don't blame you for any of it. I want to make that very clear."

Michael relaxed a little at the other's words. A small, sad smile graced his lips, "You really should."

"That's my decision to make, and I don't."

"…How much…did Ari tell you? About…the last few years?"

Reese tilted their head, "Only the barest amount. I didn't inquire further than that. I didn't believe anything else to be important to know in the moment other than what landed us in this situation. Pink was also…hesitant to give more than that."

"…I see," Michael glanced away. Slowly, he looked back at the SQUIP, "Are you…mad at them?"

The SQUIP's brows furrowed, "At who?"

"Ari?"

"Why would I be angry with them."

"I don't know. You keep calling them Pink."

"That's their name."

"I know, but you haven't called them Ari once." Reese paused.

"I…suppose I haven't," they admitted slowly. Michael frowned at the confession. The SQUIP looked guilty, suddenly nervous. Before the male could press them further, they spoke again, "I'm still adjusting, I suppose. To…all of this."

"That's…okay," Michael replied, not quite sure if he should push the SQUIP despite their response. He decided to drop it, instead reaching a hand out to place on their hand in light comfort, "It's been a shitty day." Reese stared at his hand. Their gaze was surprisingly sharp, and unwavering. Michael felt fear grip him at the intense look. Was he pushing it too far? Hesitantly, he went to retract it, but paused when he heard them mutter.

"You've done this before." Michael blinked, confused.

"What?"

"Held my hand, like this."

"…I've, uh, held your hand many times, Reese."

"No," they shook their head, eyes unmoving from where they stared, "Like this. Sitting across from me, comforting me. Somewhere…else. Over something…important." Their gaze finally shifted, moving up to meets his. Michael could only stare back, trying to process what they said.

"What…do you mean?" The SQUIP blinked, a look of realization on their face. They lightly shook their head, pulling their hand away from his as they regrouped themselves.

"I spoke without thought-"

"Reese. What did you mean?" The male shifted forward, trying to get the computer to face him. He pressed on, "Do you…not remember?" Reese didn't respond, and Michael's heart picked up in speed. He shifted to the edge of his seat, panic settling into his body, "Did they-?! Did she try to reset you?! Are you serious?! H-How much do you remember?"

The SQUIP refused to meet his eyes. Quietly, they answered, "Your name."

A/N: Bet no one saw this coming.