Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

After a tiring, time-consuming and mentally-exhausting trial, Randall Boggs' sentence went as followed: he would return to his job at Monsters Incorporated, Monstropolis' main source of electricity, not as a scarer, but as the assistant of the company's new CEO- James P. Sullivan. However, he would remain under the strict supervision of not just the said CEO, but by M.E.R.C. as well.

The Monstropolis Energy Regulatory Commission, represented by Roz, have made their conditions clear.

- Mr. Boggs will remain free, under conditional parole with that being the supervision of Mr. Sullivan in a time span of minimum 2 years.- she turned to Randall himself.- Mr. Sullivan must make sure that you never cause trouble of any kind. All types of criminal activity is included in the list. One wrong move and the colleagues will be on their way for arrest.- she checked her wrist watch, realizing it was time for departure. Then she turned to Sulley.- I'll be on my way, but remember to keep an eye on him for as long as possible.

Roz was just about to open the door and leave the CEO's office before delivering one more message.

- And remember that we will be watching. Always watching!

If Randall didn't hit the rock bottom before, when he found himself in the domain of those hillbillies, who mistook him for an alligator and hit him on the head with a shovel multiple times, which left him with a scar on one eye, then he had definitely hit it now. Like the fact that he had to work for Sullivan, of all monsters, was not enough, but the two also had to share an appartment. Sullivan, or Sulley as he preferred to be called, allowed Randall to stay with him, until the latter had enough income to afford a personal flat. Which, unfortunately, would take a while.

According to M.E.R.C.'s conditions, the first year of Randall's sentence included city arrest, meaning that the sentenced individual would be banned from leaving the city before the deadline expires. For Randall, this meant he was stuck in Monstropolis and had no choice, but to be employed there. However, because of his criminal record, no potential employers were willing to hire him, due to a number of risks. Some were worried about the reputation and image of their companies, while others were suspicious of Randall himself. Monsters Inc. were the only ones, who agreed to sign a contract with the reptilian felony. It was not just his career, but his life in general. Despite getting a job and being sheltered, it would take Randall some time before he could be allowed to open a bank account. With his city arrest, he could not travel, even for recreational purposes. The social effects included receiving a lot of stares both at work and on the streets. Closure, Randall Boggs' life has never been harder.

Sulley didn't mind Randall's presence, though. His best friend, Mike Wazowski, moved to his girlfriend's place, leaving his friend in a condition of being worried by possible solitude, but this immediately changed, when Randall moved in. On the surface, it may sound like a scourge to share a home with Randall Boggs, of all monsters, his rival and worst enemy, but Randall turned out to be a surprisingly tolerable company. He rarely spoke, unless he was being spoken to, did all chores without a single complaint and even turned out to be a surprisingly decent cook.

For Sulley, this was a fresh change of pace, as back when he and Mike lived together they never cooked and instead ate at restaurants or ordered takeout. It was good to be able to have something cooked for once. One would think that Randall would probably attempt to poison him, but he knew better. In fact, he was so quiet, that Sulley got the impression his new flatmate was walking on eggshells. As if Randall was doing his best not to get in trouble, as he now had a criminal record.

Not that their first day living together went smoothly- Randall still didn't have a bed of his own, after all, so he was allowed to sleep on Sulley's.

- I can just sleep on the couch.- Sulley assured him.- The bedsheets are washed. There are extra blankets in the closet, if you feel cold in the night. What do you think?

- I feel something from the bottom of my stomach to the tip of my tongue.- said the purple monster, with obvious snark in his voice.

- What?- Sulley raised an eyebrow confused.

Randall frowned and responded.

- Cream cheese.

- Cream cheese?- Sulley got even more confused.

- Oh, so now you heard me?- said Randall annoyed.

Although, Randall still allowed his temper to get the best of him from time to time and 90% of what came out of his mouth was sarcasm, Sulley still had a good feeling about this new lifestyle. If anything, it would give him a chance to get to know Randall better. Perhaps, the two could become friends. There was a time, when he wanted that to happen, but for some reason the lizard-like being kept rejecting him.

This time, no! This time he would get to know the real Randall!

- 3 times in a row is not just a coincidence anymore!- Randall lamented, very unhappy.

- I'm sorry!- Sulley replied.- I have no idea why I keep sleepwalking into the bed with you.

- No!- Randall gestured him to stop talking, with a disgusted look on his face.- Just stop! Just take your bed back and I will sleep on the couch. In case, you haven't noticed, I don't want to cuddle with you, Sullivan!

- Randy, calm down! I...

- Don't!- Randall interrupted him angrily.- Call me! "Randy"! Ever! Again! Don't you get it, Sullivan! I DON'T want to bond with you! I DON'T want friendship with you! I HATE YOU!- Randall growled, flashing his sharp teeth at the blue CEO.

Sulley stood there for a few seconds. Seemingly unfazed, yet with a hint of concern on his face. He gulped before daring to speak again.

- I was gonna say that I promise to remain in the living room this time, so you can keep the bed, until you have your own.- the blue giant replied with a tone, as civil as possible, considering the circumstances.

The door of the office opened. Mike Wazowski was standing in front of them with a limp body and a look of both desperation and disgust on his face.

- Fine! I'll scram.- the purple monster said in a deadpan tone and left the office without adding anything else.

Once the purple reptile-like monster was out of the office, Mike was left alone with Sulley to spill his absolute disgust with the situation.

- Sounds like you two are getting pretty close.- Mike said sarcastically, with his hands on his hips.- Too close even.

- Mike, we just both need some time to get used to the situation. Speaking of getting used, how are things at Celia's place?

- Swell! I think.

- You think?- Sulley raised an eyebrow. Suddenly, he remembered something.- Oh, I almost forgot!- he offered Mike a plate with spinach lasagna on it.- You have to try this!

- What? Lasagna? Is that homemade?- the one-eyed monster asked, as he was about to take a bite.

- Yup! Randall made it.

- Aaagh!- said Mike disgusted, as he immediately dropped the fork.- Just saying that makes me sick.

- It's not poisonous, Mike. Trust me!

- I do trust you, Sulley! It's that creep I don't trust.

- Mike, I know it's still very soon, but we just have to give him a chance. He has been a pretty good flatmate, you know. He helps with the chores and respects my privacy. Also, he is incredibly quiet.

- Uh-huh, sure!- said Mike sarcastically.- I heard myself.

- That earlier was an exception, but my point still stands. I think he is genuinely trying.

Back at the flat, after the work day was over, Sulley and Randall were having dinner. Tonight they were eating braciola. Randall was not saying even a word, focusing solely on his meal instead.

Sulley gave a glance and inspected his flatmate's appearance. Randall had a seemingly bored expression on his face. He was resting his head on his knuckles, as he was eating. He was chewing in a rather rapid pace, as if he was impatient to get back to the bedroom. The purple monster's enitre posture was indicating unease to be in Sulley's presence. Randall was avoiding verbal communication and eye contact as frequently as he could. When he was off-duty, he preferred staying in the bedroom alone for hours, refusing to join Sulley in the living room to watch TV, for example. He was doing everything he was asked without a single complaint. If Sulley asked him for a favor, such as going to the store to get some drinks, Randall obeyed. If Sulley wanted them to go shopping together, Randall obeyed. However, when it came to cooking, Randall began doing it on his own initiative, convinced it would be cheaper. The refrigerator barely had anything placed in it, other than leftovers from takeout meals and bottles of ice tea and soft drinks.

Sulley has made it his mission to befriend Randall, so tonight was time to break the ice. He decided to start with small talk- commenting on the food sounded like a decent excuse.

- This braciola is pretty tasty, you know.

This attracted Randall's attention enough to look at him. So far, so good!

- I think your idea for us to eat homemade food was a good one.

- Mhm!- was the simple response.

- Your lasagna from last night was good too.- right after Sulley mentioned the lasagna, he was reminded of that moment, when Randall got upset at being referred to as "Randy".- I get it that you do not like being called "Randy", but I won't mind if you call me "Sulley". That's what my friends call me.

- Not gonna happen...- responded Randall.- Sullivan!- he finished with clear antagonism.

- Okay! Maybe not that. Some even call me "Jimmy".

- No means no, Sullivan!- the reptilian monster slightly raised his voice.

- Okay, I'll wait for whenever you're ready.

- Stop! Just stop that!- Randall's hands were shaking, clear that he was feeling stressed.

- Stop what?- asked Sulley, sincerely confused.

- Brown-nosing me. I've never asked for that. I don't want special treatment, be it from you or anyone else. I just want to start my pathetic little life a new.

- You're not pathetic, Rand.

- Easy for you to say! What could possibly ever- Randall, said sarcastically, while putting an emphasis on "ever".- go wrong in James P. Sullivan's precious little life? Let's see! You were the most popular monster back in college. Everyone loved you, in spite of your bad grades or that you cheated at the Scare games. You're still in touch with your parents. You were the star of the commercial. You were always employee of the month. EVERY! BLOODY! TIME! You are the author of the new innovation at Monsters Inc., replacing scream power with laugh power- a 10 times more effective strategy and a reason to keep me unemployed. Like that's not enough, but now you even got promoted to the company's CEO. Wow! Sounds just terrible! While I worked my ass off like a mutt to get some respect. At least, a little bit. I did anything up to my capacity and followed all the rules. I took my studies seriously to make sure I'll pass all my exams. But nobody gives a damn about that, right? No matter what I do, I'll always be a nobody.- he sighed and suddenly his tone changed, his voice lowered, as his head rested on his fingertips, his eyes closed, as if he had really had it.- And you're always gonna be somebody!

Sulley was staring at Randall, wide-eyed and in shock. That outburst there! Everything Randall said sounded so...personal. Every word was formed by A LOT of pain and pierced the blue monster like a thick needle.

- I...- Sulley was struggling to form a sentence. How could he possibly react?- I never knew that you feel like that.- said he. He was maintaining a gentle tone.- I'm sorry! But..if it helps...if it will make you feel better, I never even once considered you a failure or second best.

Randall slowly opened his eyes.

- I mean. - Sulley continued.- You were a really tough competition. Almost beat me a few times. Sure, back then I used to take my job seriously and I would have loved if I broke the scare record, but I would also be happy if you were the one, who broke it first. You had real talent. It would have been greatly deserved. Sure, I had a powerful roar, but it was all I could boast with. It was just the advantage of my body. But you were the one, who worked smarter. You had the opportunity to be creative with your climbing and your camouflage, you could do so much more than roaring and hissing. You should be doing much more than simple errands. We just have to find out wha...

Suddenly, the phone rang. Sulley was quick to pick up.

- Hello!- he greeted. Then he frowned.- Everything's alright, Mike! Yes, I'm certain. Say "hi" to Celia for me, okay? Bye!- Sulley hung up.

- I'm going to bed.- Randall declared.

- Ow, come on, Rand!

The scaly being didn't even wait to listen. He was already on his way to the bedroom.

The next day, at the CEO's office.

- Have you ever considered joining the laugh floor?- Sulley asked enthusiastically. He was actively looking for a better position for Randall.

- Have you ever considered checking your frontal lobe?- answered Randall.

- I'm serious, Randall.

- So am I, Sullivan.

Somebody knocked on the door. A new face, Randall was not familiar with, entered the office. A tall, broud-shouldered boy with blue hair, purple scaly skin and two long horizontal horns. That was Tylor Tuskmon, the laugh floor's newest member.

- Excuse me, boss?- Tylor said, upon entering and unintentionally interrupting the conversation. His eyes widened once he saw that the CEO was not alone.- Oh, sorry! Hey! Aren't you Randall Boggs?

- Who would like to know?- the reptilian monster replied.

- Oh! I'm Tylor Tuskmon. I'm new here. I work at the laugh floor. Speaking of which, so sorry about your...situation, Mr. Boggs!

Like with a lot of now former scarers, Tylor had a card of Randall as part of his childhood collection. These cards helped motivating him to become a scarer. Tylor was proud of the fact that he had scaly purple skin with blue stripes just like another top scarer. He even graduated Monsters univeristy with excellent grades, only to find out that the rules at Monsters Inc had changed, once scare power was replaced by laugh power. This was not a reason to give up, though.

Tylor preserved his immense respect for all the scarers and all the hard work they've done for the city. Imagine his disappointment, when he found out that one of his childhood heroes had went down a criminal path.

- You need something, Tylor?- Sulley brought him back to reality.

- Oh, sorry! The courier arrived. Somebody has to take the delivery and sign. She's waiting down at the lobby.

- Good grief!- Sulley exclaimed.- I almost forgot about the delivery. I was trying to convince Randall to join the laugh floor with you and the others.

- Randall Boggs?- Tylor couldn't hold his confusion.- Are we sure this is a good idea? I mean, he was one of the company's best scarers. I've had his scare card, since I was a kid. The staff's commentary does not describe him as someone with comedic potential. He's not funny, he's scary!

- See?- Randall joined.- Even the kid gets it. By the way, I need you to specify "staff's commentary".

- Let's just get back to work for now, shall we?- Sulley tried to keep a professional environment. He will research job opportunities for Randall later.- Tylor must go back to the laugh floor and Randall will sign the delivery papers.

Another knock on the door. It was Mike.

- Hello, everyone!- the small one-eyed monster greeted, with an insincere grin on his face.- Pay no attention to me! I've just forgotten my...my...-he pretended to be looking for something and grabbed the first thing he saw. He didn't need any paraphernalia, he just needed an excuse on check on Sulley.- Baseball mitt! Yes, the mitt.

- Uh-huh, sure! This running gag is getting old, Wazowski!- Randall critisized him. He was perfectly aware of what was on that green one-eyed cretin's mind.

-"This running gag is getting old, Wazowski!"- Mike mocked.

Chapter Text

Back at the age of 18, Randall tested his luck at the C.R.E.E.P. show (Convention for Reliable Energy, Efficiency and Power), where they offered young monsters, with a potential for scaring, a chance in the simulation room. His mother Scarlett and his twin sister Lockett were also present, in order to show their support.

- You can do it, Randy!- said Scarlett, smiling widely. Her green eyes shined with hope.

Young Randall carefully approached the simulation dummy. He prepared himself mentally and took a menacing pose, at least he hoped it was menacing, but right before he even had the chance to scare anyone, somebody beated him up to it. Another monster, close to Randall's age, whom he recognized as one of his classmates from school, snook up behind the purple reptile-like being and jumpscared him, causing Randall to spontaneously turn invisible. Currently, it seemed like a pair of glasses with purple frames were floating midair. The other monster, named Florin, proud of himself, quickly found an excuse to laugh at his unfortunate classmate.

- Florin.- said Lockett with audible disdain in her voice.- Why did you do that?

- Come on, Lockie!- responded Florin in a gullible tone.- It was a must!

- Call me "Lockie" again and you die!

- And I'm gonna make sure of that!- Scarlett joined.

With her long legs, green claws and sharp teeth, she not only towered over Florin, but manged to look very intimidating. Her naturally orange scales took a shade of red, to express her maternal wrath. Florin gulped and before the tall scary woman could do anything he quickly left the scene. Once the whelp was away Scarlett and Lockett went to check on Randall. Randall had already turned back to a visible state and was rubbing his elbow in embarrassment.

- I'm sorry I did it again, ma!- said he.

- It's okay, duckling!- Scarlett assured her son.- You'll learn. Look at me, for example! It took me years before I learned how to control my own camouflage.

- Actually, he has a good point, ma'am.- another unfamiliar voice called.

Scarlett turned around and was face to face with one of the guests at the C.R.E.E.P. show, who also happened to work at Fear Co. He was a tall and broad-shouldered monster with three eyes. His jaws were housing long and pointy fangs, which looked as if they could slice anything. His entire body was covered in black scales and the black spikes running on his spine, only added to the appeal. Even before introducing himself, it was clear he was someone with experience in scaring.

- It's not only his lack of self-control.- he continued.- Just look at his posture.

He pointed at Randall, who had an insecure expression on his face. He was slightly hunching and avoiding eye contact. Due to force of habit, he was rubbing his elbow in a rather bashful and even fearful manner.

- I can see he's incredibly timid. He's not gonna last long on the scare floor. It's supposed to be a place for monsters, willing to sacrifice a lot for the sake of the city. In other words, it takes a lot of courage. Not only competence in the discipline, but it's also the personal qualities, which would prove to be vital. Besides, how can he scare human children, if they don't even see him. I'm sorry to say it, but that position is just not fitting for that kid. He's cute, not scary.

Furious, Scarlett's maternal instinct activated. Down on her fours, her scales turned white with black stripes and she hissed loudly at the man's face. He didn't want to admit it, but he actually got scared a little bit.

- Scram!- the mother growled. Not wanting to make her angrier, the monster raised his hands in defeat, albeit with a deadpan expression on his face and left.

- It's not just him or Florin, ma.- Randall commented.- It's everyone. Nobody believes I've got it in me. I know I need to improve, but I know I can do it. I'm certain! I just need a chance.

His sister Lockett emraced him in a warm hug.

- Randy!- their mother spoke.- I know you can, but you do need to be more confident, you know?

- Yes, ma!

- Besides, he's right!- added Scarlett.- Look at your pose. You're kinda like a doll, belonging to a toddler, who regularly salivates all over it. Just saying! You know that mommy never critisizes, right?

- Uh-huh! Sure!- replied her son sarcastically.

Woof! When she went like that!

After graduating Monsters university, Randall changed significantly. He stopped wearing his glasses, which worsened his eyesight significantly, but all sorts of garments and accessories can get in the way of his camouflage, a scaring strategy, which he became more confident in. The change was not only superficial, though, but internal as well. He had a rough time through the semesters, not because of the studying itself, but because of his interactions with his colleagues in the Scare school. He was a roommate with Mike Wazowski for one semester, until they joined different teams for the Scare games, thus ending any positives in their relationship. They have disliked each other ever since. Speaking of the Scare games, unfortunately Randall failed the expectations of his team Roar Omega Roar, which for their president Johnny Worthington III was an excuse for exclusion from the team. To add insult to the injury, Randall was initially hoping that by making friends with Johnny, he might get a recommendation or other form of support, when applying for a job at Fear Co., as Johnny's family owned the company- hopes, which ended up barren.

In other words, Randall had to try his luck at Fear Co.'s rivaling factory- Monsters Inc. Good thing, he successfully passed the auditions, thanks to his perfected techniques, involving camouflage, sneaking and hissing. He did learn a lot in college. However, there was another problem. Two of the employees were monsters, whom Randall hoped to never see again- James P. Sullivan and Mike Wazowski. At the beginning, they were not a threat, as they only worked in the mailroom, but in time they climbed their way up to the scaring auditions, which Sullivan passed and it didn't take a while before he became known as the best scarer. Bloody Hell!

10 years. 10! Bloody! Years! Randall watched how that wretched Sullivan beated him up every time. No matter what the reptilian did, no matter how many children he scared or how many screams he collected, the tall blue monster always managed to surpass him somehow. The frustration of watching the same face on the "Employee of the month" wall every single month. Of watching the same stupid blue face at the top of the scare board. The same hairball aiming for that all time scare record. The same cretin, who defeated him at the Scare games. Bloody Hell!

Deep down, Randall couldn't deny that Sullivan was, indeed, a talented scarer, but the same damn guy getting the same rewards for years?!

To add insult to the injury, due to constantly squinting, Randall developed wrinkles beneath his eyes, which were making him look older than he was. The headaches were another unpleasant side effect. The positives were that he got a little bit taller since college and his fronds, which were forming the crest on his head, became longer.

However, due to being so engulfed in his failures, he became a husk of his former shy, but friendly identity. He turned into a rude, hot-tempered, competitive, stubborn, sadistic individual and was never satisfyed with his achievements. He couldn't rest, until he defeated Sullivan. Randall couldn't just let him win. It's not fair! He was so focused on defeating Sullivan, that he never formed any friendships and has never even talked to his mother and sister for 10 years.

In spite of all, due to his involvement in Waternoose's plan to abduct human children to collect their screams by force via the scream extractor, Randall found himself in a predicament most ineffable, yet inane. He was forced to live together with James P. Sullivan himself. The same monster, Randall hated more than anything else in the world. He also had to work for the blue monster as a subordinate. Like that's not enough, but Sullivan insisted on being referred to as either "Sulley" or "Jimmy". What the Heck?! As if that's ever going to happen!

- Randall.- Sulley knocked on the bedroom door.- It's time to go shopping. We're gonna need a lot of things, so I'll ask if you wanna come and help me.- no answer.- Randall?- he knocked again. He tried listening closely to the door and he could swore he heard weeping, so he entered sans asking anything else.

Once the tall blue monster was in the bedroom, he witnessed Randall sitting on the bed, with an odd facial expression and two empty bottles of cachaca in his hands.

Very carefully, with a gentle tone, Sulley tried to speak to his roommate.

- Randall?

- Heeey!- Randall gave a hiccup.

Following this, the purple monster stood up and with shaking moves he got closer to Sulley.

- Just the guy I was looking for.- said he, to which Sulley raised an eyebrow, feeling incredibly confused.

- You were looking for me of all monsters?

- Yup!- the reptilian's expression changed. As if he was studying Sulley's face.- You know, James!

"James"? That wasn't good!

- I never even noticed how good-looking you truly are.

- That settles it!- said Sulley.- You're completely wasted.

- Shhhhh!- the drunkyard interrupted him.- Don't tell my mama! Come here!- suddenly Randall got uncomfortably close to Sulley's own face, evidently trying to kiss him.

- Randall!- shocked, the blue monster raised his voice.

Sulley stopped Randall with his big strong hands, blocking his roommate's attempt for unrequited intimacy.

- You have to stop! You're not being yourself!

- No, I'm not.- replied Randall. Suddenly, his mood changed.

Randall lied on the bed, stretching his entire body, his eyes directed towards the ceiling. He seemed slightly calmer, compared to earlier and almost lost in thought. That was, honestly, an uncomfortable shift.

- You know- the purple reptilian began.- sometimes it doesn't matter how devoted you are. How dutiful you are. You're always gonna be a second banana or worse- easily replacable workforce. My dad was right to leave.

- Your dad?- Sulley replied, very surprised. Ever since he met Randall, this was the first time he's ever mentioned his family.

- The great Rizwan Boggs! Over 8 feet tall, mouth full of fangs and piercingly blue eyes. He can wrap himself around your body and strangle you with minimal effort. He can take over your business, armed with his influence only. All for the sake of his own personal success. And yet, he left a wife and two kids at home. He has no heart, at all! Butthole!

Sulley felt pain in his heart. Randall would never even dare to share something so personal, while sober. Instead, he strongly subscribed to the notion that others should never manage to see through his facade. That he should wear a mask all the time. Yes, that was what Sulley believed! The Randall Boggs he and Mike knew and worked with for a decade was not the real one. There was something he was hiding. Very deep down. Insecurities? Fear? Doubt? Trauma, maybe?

However, there was a catch to the blue furry monster's theory. Randall finally revealed a vulnerable side of his, and he was intoxicated, while doing so. How much of the revealed was true? Then again, how could he simply invent an entire backstory, without thinking straight?

Regardless, Sulley was certain there was a big dose of pain in Randall's mind. There was one thing to be said.

- I'm sorry, Rand!

- Why? It wasn't that bad! If anything, I screwed up even more.- Randall laughed, in a manner that sounded almost maniacal.- That's what I always do. A failure. The black sheep of both the family and society.

- I think you should go to sleep.- Sulley suggested calmly.

Grabbing the blanket, he gently draped it on the smaller purple monster's relaxed body. Before he could leave the bedroom, though, he felt a small three-fingered hand grabbing his wrist, stopping him from going anywhere.

- Please stay!- Randall begged.

In response, Sulley smiled and nodded. Nothing to say. He just remained in the room, until Randall fell asleep. Once fast asleep, Sulley prepared himself for his own slumber. Right at the door, his hand on the doorknob, he glanced at his scaly roommate one last time. Despite his teeth grinding, he looked, in a way, kind of...cute.

The next morning, Randall had his usual headaches, so he took some pain relievers, although part of him suspected hangover might also be a factor. The pain was not severe and he could still perform his usual chores, such as making breakfast. Still, swallowing such quantities of alcohol was incredibly stupid.

- I swear!- said he, sounding very dissatisfied.- I'll never drink again. Only God knows the savagery I have committed last night. Or the absurd nonsense I must have said.

Sulley got lost in thoughts. He wondered whether or not he should tell his companion about their conversation last night.

- Don't worry!- Sulley began.- Your secret is safe with me. Though, you did say something about...- he paused in hesitation.- your parents.

Randall's eyes widened. Not because he was ashamed, but simply because he was surprised.

- What about my parents?

- That your dad left.

- Ah! That! Pfft! Don't worry about it!- the scaly monster said, as he waved his hand.- Yeah, our parents got divorced, when we were 5, but it's not a big deal.

- "We"?- the blue giant quoted, raising an eyebrow.

- My sister and I.- Randall clarified.

- I didn't even know you have a sister. Or anything about your family. You've never talked to anyone about them.

- There was never the occasion. Besides, I am not close enough to anyone to the point of sharing about my personal life. If I have any.

- Oh, come on, Randall!

- Why are you even asking me?- Randall got impatient.

- Because I want to get to know you. I want to meet the real Randall.

- I'll ask again. Why?

- Why not?- Sulley said smugly.- You said yourself that you're unhappy with your life. Why not start to try new things? Get a new perspective. Change the position at work, to one you're more comfortable with.

- Still asking about the laugh floor, huh?

- You have potential. I must admit, your sarcasm can be pretty funny sometimes.

- Even if I wanted to, it will be a waste of time. I grew up watching sitcoms with Lockett and my mom, which influenced my own understandings of humor. Those human kids just won't get what I'm trying to say.

- Well, we have to find you something.- the blue monster shrugged.- I doubt you want to remain a simple assistant, running errands, until you retire.

- Hell, no!- Randall shook his head with a lot of certainty.

- See! We finally agree on something.- suddenly Sulley felt a wave of snark.- By the way, do you know you grind your teeth, while sleeping?

- Do you know you snore like a wheezing bear?- Randall snarked back.

- You feel like sandpaper to the touch.- Sulley responded.

- You shed as if it's always spring.

- You're adorable, when you sleep.

This caught Randall off-guard there, evident by the fact his eyes could not get any wider and he placed his hand on his chest, presumably where his heart was. For Sulley, this was an excuse to have a good laugh. He stood up and placed a hand on Randall's shoulder, pulling the smaller monster closer to him.

- See?- the furry giant asked.- You're relaxing. Isn't that better than staying in the bedroom all alone every day?

Randall did not answer, but if his stubborness was not in the way, he would have said yes.

The phone rang. Sulley rushed to pick up.

- Hello? Celia? Yes, everything's alright! Yes, I'm sure!- Sulley frowned.- Yes, 100%. Completely. Glad you called and you don't need to quote Mike, if I can hear him.

Chapter Text

It's been 5 months, since Randall returned to Monsters Inc.

Tonight, 6 PM. Randall decided to take a shower after an exhausting day at work. Today was more frustrating than it usually was. He had to help Wazowski with the comedy presentation.

- Any questions?- Randall asked.

Multiple hands were raised, out of curiosity.

- Ones, not regarding my criminal record.

Some hands were lowered.

- Or my crest.

No hands at all now.

Then, there was a time when Mike was describing the unofficial term "butt-monkey" and threw a pie right in Randall's face as a demonstration, much to the audience's delight and the scaly reptilian's humiliation, though he had no choice but to endure.

There was also Duncan's constant flirting.

- Ever since you returned, I've been feeling a connection between us.- he declared.

The episodes of flirting ocurred every day, ever since Randall was employed anew at Monsters Inc and needless to say there was nothing to be enjoyed about them. In fact, Duncan's attempts were getting really annoying. Now everybody thought that Duncan was the best Randall could do.

In conclusion, total savagery every day.

A quick shower, would not just help him refresh, but the warm water caressing his scales, accompanied by the aroma of the shower gel, was a relaxing combination. Besides, it would both distract him from today and give him some free time to plan the rest of his evening. Should he read that book he bought about fallacies and logical thinking? Should he just go to bed early? Should he open the laptop and look for career possibilities, or at least, other cities to move to, after his city arrest expires? Should he...probably...call Lockett? Or maybe even his mother?

Randall shook head. No! Bad idea! It's been over 10 years. It was too late to reconcile.

Sulley was in the living room, watching tv. The commercial for the company was on- they were still airing it, in spite of the innovation at the factory. That was an unfortunate reminder that a lot of monsters still favored the use of scare power, rather than laugh power. Guess, they needed a new commercial.

Sulley's thought process was spontaneously interrupted, once he heard a loud thump, coming from the bathroom, followed by moans. Sounded as if Randall had just slipped and fallen on the bathroom floor. Sulley rushed to open the bathroom door and saw his scaly flatmate lying on the wet floor, barely moving. The blue monster lifted him in his arms, bridal style, while being gentle at the same time. Sulley placed Randall's body on the couch and the next thing he did was calling an ambulance.

The duo returned home after Randall had his x-ray taken, which to him sounded like a waste of time and energy. The results showed a complete lack of a severe injury, namely a fracture, meaning that as much as it hurt, it was a simple shallow contusion. Despite this, Sulley insisted on confirmation.

- There was no need to summon an entire parade for me.- Randall commented, as he was trying to relax on the couch. The pain was making it difficult to move.- You heard the doctor, it's nothing.

- Falling in the bathroom can be serious, Randall. I know it. My dad once fell on the wet bathroom floor and he could barely move for months. He used crutches to support his body. We needed to be sure that it was as harmless as a bruise. How are you feeling now?

- It hurts less, compared to the beginning. So better, I guess!- shrugged Randall.

- Good!- said Sulley, after which he patted Randall's head gently. His pace slowed down, once the scar on the reptilian's right eye got attention. He considered asking about it- about Randall's experience in the human dimension, but he chose not to.

RING!

The phone rang. Randall squinted his eyes, silently hoping it wasn't that green eyeball calling to demonstrate his paranoia again. Sulley rushed to pick up.

- Hello? Oh, mom!

Randall sighed. That was a relief!

- Yes, everything is alright! It's been a little lonely since Mike moved out, but I have a new roommate now. No, I don't think so. Trust me, mom! He probably won't be comfortable.

- I won't be comofortable with what?- Randall interfered, suspecting they were discussing him.

- She asks if you would like to join the family picnic next weekend?

- Joining the entire Sullivan clan, featuring Wazowski?- the purple scaly creature snarked.

- No, Mike won't be present. He already has plans with Celia for that date. It will be just me, mom and dad. Like, I said, you can just stay here if you want to. You're not a little kid, so I trust you won't make a mess.

- Ha-ha-ha!- Randall chuckled sarcastically.

Intriguingly enough, Randall actually considered Mrs. Sullivan's offer. It's not like he had any big plans for next weekend, anyway. He spent every evening isolated in the bedroom, doing very little other than reading or staring at the laptop. Besides, the stupid Sullivan was not as annoying as he used to be.

Randall faced Sullivan, after giving the offer a little consideration, and replied.

- Tell her I'll answer a little bit later, okay?

In his surprise, Sulley raised eyebrows. Although, this was not a confirmation, it was not a decline as well. In response, the blue furry monster smiled and nodded, before he turned back to the phone.

- He'll think about it, but I will surely come. Thank you, mom! I love you too! See you then!

After the conversation on the phone ended, Sulley turned to Randall again, with a suggestion of his own in mind.

- You know, I would love to meet your parents one day.

Stunned, and a tad disgusted, Randall rapidly raised his head, his eyes wide open and didn't waste any time in giving his response to that ludicrous offer. If one would look at him now, they would think he had just heard the dumbest thing in history.

- Do you have mashed potatoes in your ear canals?- said the purple monster.- My folks are divorced. They haven't seen each other in over 2 decades, ever since they've officially declared their mutual disdain. Even if that wasn't the case, you do NOT- he shook his head violently.- wanna meet my parents. Or anyone else from my kin.

Sulley remained silent. Not because he was startled by this very sudden display, but simply because he couldn't think of anything to change the mood. Ergo, he simply shrugged, with an eyebrow raised.

- Okay.

Lunch break, meaning there wasn't anyone present on the laugh floor, except for Sulley and Randall. They were both still discussing other positions for the latter, but so far their search proved to be barren. Other than a jokester, they considered any vacant postitions at the M.I.F.T., or the Monsters Inc facility team, the mailroom, the canteen, the reception, but none of those sounded appealing to the scaly monster. Laugh floor supervisor was out of the question as there was only one spot, which Celia had already taken.

- We'll find you something.- Sulley tried to sound reassuring.- I know it.

- You know, Sullivan. We wouldn't be in this mess, if you just left our methods be. We would all be employed, if we just stick to scare power, rather than a cheap substitute. I mean...I enjoyed scaring. It's what I was good at. It's what you were good at.

- Randall...

- So, why? Why the Hell are you doing this...this thing?

After Randall had seemingly gotten everything out of his system, Sulley took a deep breath.

- Do you want to know what actually happened with Boo?

- Yeah, sure.- the scaly monster replied in a bored tone.- Everybody knows how you got attached to a human cub and turned this entire factory upside down.

- A child you and Waternoose kidnapped.- Sulley got defensive.- A child you two planned to torture. To death, possibly.- the tall blue giant growled. Noticing Randall's startled expression, Sulley regained his composure.- I'm sorry!- he gently apologized.- I didn't mean it like that.

- It's fine!- Randall sighed, unwilling to comment.- Continue.

- It's just...- Sulley paused, trying to think of a proper way to describe the situation.- After that scare demonstration at the simulation room, the fear I saw in Boo's eyes. The fear I saw in the eyes of an innocent little girl. She looked so...lost. Betrayed. Hopeless, even. That was the moment, when I asked myself: "Is this what they all see? Is that what they all feel?" Sure, us scarers don't actually mean to harm those children, but they don't know that. They think they are in real danger. That's why they were so scared of us in the first place. What we were doing could not be summarized as simple gaslighting, Randall! That was torture! Mental torture!- Sulley gently put his big clawed hand on Randall's small shoulder, doing his best to be gentle.- Laugh power is more than just an innovation. It's ethical, healthy and effective. It's the right thing to do! And yes, I do realize that it still leaves some monsters struggling to get employed, like you, Tylor or any other graduate, hoping to become a scarer. But I swear, I will do anything to help. I promised I'll help you and I intend to keep that promise.

Randall didn't say it out loud, but deep down, he was touched. Never in his life, he had...someone so devoted to help him get on his feet. He grew up as an asocial teenager, with his twin sister being his only friend. Although he tried, for one reason or another, he could never fit in. He was never part of a clique or a crowd. Unlike Lockett, who could make a friend at breakneck speed. Some monsters considered Randall too shy, too timid, too boring, too strange, too anything. Wazowski, for example, was so focused on his studies, back in college, that he quickly got bored of their friendship or whatever the Hell they ever had.

Even his own father barely noticed him. Ever since he and Lockett were born, for some reason, Rizwan had a really hard time telling the twins apart, in spite of their clearly visible differences. Randall's skin was a little bit darker, plus he had those three fonds on his head, which Lockett lacked. Rizwan's confusion got so bad, that after Randall was diagnosed with myopia, at the age of 5, and the doctor recommended him to go to the nearby optical store, Rizwan took his daughter, rather than his son. Good thing Scarlett was there to fix the situation.

And Scarlett! Oh, boy! That mother of his!

Scarlett was a sweetheart, but way too often she could find a way to make you forget that.

- Okay, Sullivan.- Randall finally spoke.- If you say so.

As a matter of fact, Randall couldn't be any more disappointed by the usage of laugh power, but he didn't have anywhere else to go, and unluckily for him Sullivan was the CEO now and if he says that laugh power will stay, then it will stay. The purple critter simply didn't have any other choice, but to accept it. At least for now.

- Cheer up, buddy!- Sulley interrupted his thought process.- I know you'll be fine. There are a lot of things you can do that I can't.

- Like what?

Out of the blue, Sulley caught Randall and pulled him closer in a strange embrace.

- Try to defeat me!- said the blue monster.- If you dare.

Randall's sudden change of expression to a grin was an indicator of a sneaky plan.

- I may not be stronger than you, you stupid furball, but...- Randall slipped off from Sulley's arms and disappeared.

Sulley looked around, before the purple monster reappeared and startled him on purpose.

- Why you?- said Sulley playfully, trying to catch Randall, but he was too swift.

- But I am faster.- Randall continued, while dodging the blue giant.- More flexible. And most importantly...- Randall turned invisible again and kicked Sulley, leading to the much bigger monster collapsing on the floor.

His heavy body caused the ground to shake slightly, leading to a few empty cannisters to fall and scatter all over the smooth floor. The sound was loud enough to alarm Mike from the cafeteria, who rushed back to the laugh floor.

- Smarter.- Randall finished, then victoriously climbed on the top of Sulley, flashing a gloating grin.

Despite the situation being a tad embarrassing, Sulley could care less. Randall looked as if he was having legit fun.

- Hmph!- Sulley replied with a smirk.- Looks like I finally got you to smile, huh?

Realizing the blue clown was right, Randall's smirk vanished. Feeling embarrassed, he was just about to get off, until a counterfeit cough got them both distracted.

Wazowski was standing right there. His arms crossed, looking suspicious.

- Am I interrupting something?- he asked sarcastically.

- No, Mike.- Sulley replied, before Randall had the chance to say anything at all.

Knowing Mike would just accuse the scaly creature of yet another sin, the blue giant continued with the excuse, trying to make it sound as natural as possible.

- Randall and I were just discussing any vacant spots here in the factory for him. Some other position.

- Sure!- the green cyclops replied. Then he looked as if he got an idea.- Hey, I know a place for him. A lot of them, in fact. Jail, an asylum, Hell...

- Mike!- Sulley frowned.

- Okay, I GET IT!- Randall yelled.- I'll get of your hair.

- Randall, wait!- Sulley tried to stop the reptilian being from leaving the laugh floor, but it was evident he was too upset to listen.

- Don't worry, you clowns! Once the city arrest expires, I'm leaving Monstropolis. I'm sick of this crapsack city!

- Fine! Leave!- Mike yelled back.- Nobody would miss your hideous evil mug, anyway!

- MIKE!- Sulley raised his voice.

- What? He started it.- the green monster tried to defend himself.- He always does.

- I don't care!- Sulley growled.- I'm finishing it. No bickering with Randall anymore!

- But Sulley...

- That is final!

Chapter Text

The laptop was open, placed on Randall's abdomen as he was lying on the bed, surfing the web for job opportunities outside of Monstropolis again, until something caught his eye- an ad, regarding Scarlett Boggs's latest work. Evidently, she was working on a romance novel. Randall's eyes widened, upon the discovery. His mother was writing a romance novel?! Scarlett Boggs?! That woman, who got divorced after 5 years of marriage to the man, who accidentally got her pregnant at the parking lot?

- Uh-huh, sure!- he snarked.

As much as Randall loved his mother, she was not the most sensitive or understanding of monsters. She could critisize him at the drop of a hat, sometimes for no reason, at all. And due to her reckless nature, she had a habit of forgetting her mistakes. Like that instance, when he was having a hard time in college and asked to stay with her back home during the vacation, but instead of simply agreeing, she spoke this entire sappy speech about how disappointed she was her son was "using her" to "avoid his problems". How sad she was her "smart boy was mishandling the situation". In spite of the fact, prior to him departuring for Monsters university, Scarlett convinced him he was always welcome. He didn't say anything in his defense and remained at Monsters university. If he dared to remind her of that instance, she would most likely say something like "What are you talking about?" or "No way!".

It hurt him back then and it still hurt every time Randall recalled that humiliating moment. And that was just one example.

And yet, he just couldn't bear the thought of turning his back on her. Everything his father had never done in a lifetime, his mother had done.

Randall shut the website and instead opened a few videos, preserved on his laptop. Videos filmed during his early childhood years.

- "What are you doing?"- Scarlett commented in the filmed video. She was checking on Randall, back then a toddler, eating a small bun of olive bread.- "Eating before lunch."- the little guy hid it in his mouth, upon seeing his mother.- "I already saw you. Randy!"

Next video. Lockett and Randall both as toothless babies. Around a few months old. They were both giggling at the funny sounds their mother made.

Next video: Toddler Lockett pulling Randall's crest. As she often would.

Next video: Scarlett holding the newborn twins, very tired, begging for them to stop crying.

- "Ooh, if you could just stop!"- the orange-scaled monster lamented.

- "You know they cannot, Scarlett!"

That voice! Rizwan!

- "Easy for you to say."- the mother denied.- "How about you hold them and change their diapers, for once? That will sure brighten up their mood!"- she gave the babies to her husband.

- "Fine! Come here, Lockett!"- Rizwan said, as he extended his arms.

- "That's Randall!"

- "My bad!"

Randall's eyes were basically glued to the ceiling. So that's how long it's been like that!

Next video: Randall, at the age of 2, has just learned a few more words.

- "Baby sad!"

- "Baby sad?"- Scarlett repeated.- "Why, baby?"

- "Momma yelled."

- "Ooh, baby Randy!"- his mother caressed his cute little crest.- "Mommy didn't mean to scare you. Mommy just does stupid things sometimes."

- Pfft! "Sometimes".- Randall snarked.

Sure! "Sometimes". Like that time, when she claimed she had broken up with her boyfriend for what was probably the hundredth time and she thought that he maybe he won't be joining them for New Year like last time, but alas only a few days prior to the holiday, she randomly mentioned the same so-called boyfriend's name as one of the guests during the New Year party, much to Randall's dismay. Boy, did he got disgusted and disappointed, yet again! Up until that moment, he was really starting to have it with his mother's lies!

But at the same time, just thinking about the possibility of never seeing his mother again. The threat of never enjoying her hugs, nor the conversations with her. Never hearing her voice again.

For 10 years he's lived with that lack. The same 10-year long loss was the cause of the single tear, running down his cheek.

Work day began as usual for Randall, until he began experiencing his headaches again. So he took out a package of pain killers and deposited one tablet to swallow. His mistake was not considering how this image would affect the comments he was about to receive. He swore he heard some monsters whispering their twisted versions of jokes, regarding Randall's status as a... "crackhead".

SNAP!

- All I'm saying Mike- said Sulley.- is that you and Randall should just try to find some middle ground.

- How?- Mike violently shook his hands.- Seriously! How?! This is the same guy, who tried to KILL US!

- I haven't forgotten, Mike. I can't forget! It's just that...

Sulley couldn't even finish, as the object of discussion opened the door in a violent manner. His eyes- open as widely as possible, with tears forming small unruly waterfalls on his face.

- THEY THINK I DO DRUGS!- the purple monster yelled, as he entered.

- What?!- Sulley couldn't believe what he was hearing.

- THEY SAW ME TAKING MY MEDICINE AND SPREAD THE RUMORS IT'S COCAINE, OR METH, OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT! I EVEN HEARD ONE SAY "CRACKHEAD"! I'M CLEAN, I SWEAR! I HAVE NEVER EVEN THOUGHT OF DOING THAT! M.E.R.C. CAN EVEN CHECK IT IF THEY WANT TO- IT'S JUST PAINKILLERS. FOR HEADACHES. I SWEAR TO EVERY SINGLE GOD ABOVE!

- Hey, hey, hey!- said Sulley, as he rapidly stood up and approached Randall slowly and carefully, attempting to calm him down.- Shhh! Shh!- he patted his scaly associate's back.- Calm down! Breathe! You know what? Let's call it a day and go home!

Back the the appartment, Sulley poured some hot chocolate for his upset flatmate. Although, Randall had ceased his yelling, his throat was hurting, anyway, but he still had tears to shed. In fact, Sulley interpreted Randall's emotional outburst as a sign of something much deeper than just "being upset". Spending so much time alone in the bedroom, working a job he hates, not being allowed to travel or have a bank account for quite a while, having a criminal record and being under Sulley's constant supervision by orders of M.E.R.C. for it and now the cherry on the cake- sadistic jokes about him being a drug addict. Sulley's suspicions began centering around the theory depression might be involved.

- You must be very happy, eh?- said Randall.- Seeing me like that?

- Never, Randall!- replied Sulley in a stern tone.- I don't find any pleasure in someone else's misery.

Randall groaned.

- Why did you have to come with me? Less work means less money, you know?

- This is far more important!

Randall's eyelid began to shake.

- Stop being so perfect!- said the scaly monster, clenching his fists and grinding his teeth.

- What?- Sulley raised an eyebrow, in his surprise.

- You heard me! Ever since I've met you, you've been doing your best to humiliate me. From day one at MU, you've been nothing but the most talented scarer on campus. Everybody kept saying what "divine potential" you had and that's what they have been telling you to this very day. Why should you worry about anything, when you have everything?! But some of us, Sullivan! Some of us...have NOTHING!

Sulley stared wide-eyed, still trying to comprehend the predicament.

- Is this..- he began unsure.- Is this what you think about me? Is this what you think about yourself? Is this what you have preserved in your mind all these years?- Sulley shook his head in disbelief.- Randall, I...all I ever wanted was to be your friend, but ever since I first saw you on the scare floor, you've always treated me like garbage. And no matter how I much I tried to be nice to you, you kept pushing me away. I'm telling you- you don't need to be so envious of me. I'm not your enemy. Even now, I just want to help you.

- Spare me your lies!- replied Randall.- I can't stand being lied to.

- But it's the truth.

- How can I believe you?

- Maybe you can try, for a change. Why is it so hard for you to trust me?

For a brief second, the purple monster seemed stunned. As if, the question caught him off guard.

- It's personal.- was the answer.- You wouldn't understand.

- Or maybe I will. You're my friend, after all.

Randall remained motionless for a few seconds. His glare was changing it's direction at rapid paces, giving the impression of the heard being processed.

- I'm going to my room. I want to be alone now. - replied the reptillian.- Sullivan!- he faced Sulley before entering the bedroom.

- Yes.

- I'm sorry for yelling at you that time! I know it wasn't your fault.

Sulley raised his eyebrows, slightly confused. Was he referring to the sleepwalking incidents? Believing such was the case, the furry monster smiled.

- It's fine!

Randall was lying on the bed, embracing the pillow and holding it close to his chest. Still crying. He couldn't remember a sadder moment in his life. He had lost everything he ever had and had no one close to him, whom he could tell this. If only there was someone out there he could trust. Someone, who would always listen and never reject him. Someone, who cared about him. Someone like...like...

His eyes widened in realization. He looked at the door, thinking about Sullivan.

Maybe he should tell him. Sullivan did say he was willing to listen. But what if that was a bad idea? They were sworn enemies, after all! And yet, Randall had nobody else to talk to.

Sullivan has been helping him, since the beginning. Doing the best he could to find him a better job. That one time, when he painfully landed on the bathroom floor- Sullivan was there. Just now- he was there.

Maybe it was worth the try.

It's been a couple of hours, ever since that outburst. Sulley was watching TV in the living room, but nothing seemed to have caught his interest. Commercials, cheesy rom-coms, telenovelas with overused drama. Suddenly he heard the squeaking noise of a door opening. The bedroom door. Randall was coming out.

Out of curiosity, Sulley turned his head and was met by his purple flatmate's droopy face and wet eyes.

- Can I tell you something?- he asked in a barely audible tone.

Sulley immediately turned the television off and patted the seat next to him, inviting Randall to sit on the couch.

- I'm all ears!- Sulley assured him.

- Okay.- Randall said, as he sat.- I don't know where to start.- he hesitated before he began.- For as long as I remember, I've been feeling odd about myself. For some reason, I never liked anything about myself and I guess my parents didn't help me much either.

For the following hour, Randall revealed to Sulley the majority of what was driving him insane. He told about his father and how he never paid good attention to the twins, but one moment, that shocked Sulley, was, when Randall said how clearly he remembered his father calling him a "bastard".

Calling your own child a "bastard"! Sulley and Randall were both adults. They knew very well what that word meant.

However, considering how small Rizwan's role as a father was, the topic quickly shifted to Scarlett, the mother.

- What about that time, after the Scare games back in college?- he kept lamenting.- I was so upset that I decided to come back home after the semester ends. Ma interpreted this as me "taking advantage of her". Uh-huh! Sure! Shame on me for wanting to go home after a difficult period and talking to my mother about it! How could I not even for a second think about how teary she would get, if I tell her about how upset I am? Her feelings are the only ones that matter here!

Sulley stared in surprise by everything he just heard. God! That was a lot of baggage! Although, Sulley was perfectly aware that bad memories were no excuse for committing a crime, he still understood the way they can affect one's mentality. The way they think. The way they perceive others. It is said that anything consumed in the first 7 years of child development- the relationships we have with others- can influence us in our adulthood years as well. Everything has its origins from the childhood.

In Randall's case- never feeling loved by his own father. Gaslighted by his mother a lot. Overshadowed by his much more sociable sister. Sulley wondered if the combination of all of this could have played its role in his roommate's self-loathing.

Randall still could not believe he just bared his soul in front of his worst enemy. And yet, the euphoria of release still found a way to reduce the feeling of embarrassment. However, that was a temporary solution to the problem. He needed something with a longer lasting effect.

- I'm going to bed.- said the purple monster, feeling there was nothing else to add.- It's not like I'm expecting something to come out of this, but thank you for listening, anyway.

- I should thank you.- replied Sulley happily.

- For what?

- For trusting me.

Chapter Text

Sulley heavily subscribed to the belief that Randall needed therapy- he believed his roommate had clinical depression. He researched various options and after a while he was lucky enough to find a suitable therapist for Randall.

The website directed him to the workplace of a woman, named dr. Esperanza Fangmeyer. A licensed psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience.

Once, the duo found themselves waiting in the waiting room, Randall broke the silence.

- I still think this is unnecessary.

- And I think you need it. Maybe you are depressed or maybe not, but we can't tell for sure without the opinion of a professional.

- Does she know who I am?

- You're her patient. That's all that matters.- Sulley put his hand on Randall's shoulder.- I can accompany you for some extra help, if you want to.

Randall hesitated at first, but he still accepted his offer. If he was being honest, he didn't want to go alone in there.

Suddenly, their conversation was politely interrupted by the arrival of the doctor. She was an average height monster, with a slender, yet curvy figure. She was wearing a plain white dress shirt. Her body was entirely covered in pink scales with a long tail. Her face was a slightly circular shape with a short snout and big widely open blue eyes, which gave her a child-like appeal. Her long legs ended with hooves and each of her two hands had four fingers with medium-length pink nails.

Two long pointy ears protruded from beneath her short wavy blue hair, but her most unusual feature was the secondary mouth — a long, crocodile-like snout that started at the back of her head. It jutted out behind her like an additional jaw, lined with small, sharp teeth.

- Randall Boggs, I presume!- dr. Fangmeyer asked politely, greeting the patient with an innocent smile.

- Of course!- Sulley answered before Randall had the chance.

- So, Mr. Boggs!- the doctor began.- Do you feel comfortable?

Randall was checking the room out, before he faced the therapist to give her a simple nod as response.

- Okay! Let's begin! Tell me something about yourself!

The purple scaly monster gulped. He really didn't want to do this- it was so embarrassing. Sulley couldn't help, but notice his discomfort and quietly suggested.

- You want me to tell her what you told me a few days ago?

Randall sheepishly looked at Sulley and nodded again.

- May I help, Doctor?- asked Sulley.

- Well, I suppose since Mr. Boggs doesn't mind. Go ahead, Mr. Sullivan!

- Well, from what I understand, he suffers with the way he views himself and I think his relationship with his family might have contributed to that.

Dr. Fangmeyer shook her head, raising her eyebrow, as if to say "Makes sense.".

- His parents got divorced, when he was still a little kid, because his father was very neglectful. I think the said father might have made him feel unloved or unappreciated.

- What are you talking about?- Randall got the courage to speak.- I barely even remember the guy, much less being affected by him.

- You must have been affected by your parents' divorce in some way.- the doctor presumed.

- Yeah, but in a positive way. Trust me! While most kids suffer, in our case, the divorce was actually a good thing. We were all happy after Rizwan left.

This seemed to have caught Dr. Fangmeyer's interest, as she wrote that down in her notebook.

- And your mother?- she asked.

- She's great.- Randall responded.- She took good care of me and my sister. She can't cook. In fact, the smell of her meals alone is enough to kill you, so we had to learn how to cook ourselves, so we didn't always need to eat at restaurants or order takeout. Thanks to her books, we were financially secure.

- Wait!- Sulley looked excited.- Is your mom Scarlett Boggs?! The author of "The Miracle twins" comic book series?!

- Took you long enough!- Randall smirked.

Sulley bumped himself on the forehead, feeling stupid for not figuring it out earlier. This whole time, Randall was the son of one of the most popular cartoonists.

- Wowee!- the doctor squealed in excitement.- You are so lucky! Tell us, how does it feel to be the son of the talented Scarlett Boggs?

- "Talented"?- Randall quoted sarcastically.- That's a relative term. The woman can't sing or dance to save her life. That's why she counted on her kids to dance and sing in the commercials of her work.

- You helped your mom promote her comic?- asked Sulley.

- Sure. After my sister and I turned 15, Ma thought we were both old enough to work part-time. Of course, anonymity was sacred. We both wore costumes and masks to preserve our identities. Nobody knew those dancers were Scarlett's kids.

- But he is not here to talk about that, right?- Sulley added.

The smug grin from Randall's face vanished quickly, knowing what Sullivan was referring to.

- Rand. Tell her.

Randall awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck.

- Thing is...- he spoke.- I don't want to feel bad about my mom, but she can be very...- he paused, tone hardening.- IMPOSSIBLE!

He recounted every fight with his mother. Talking about his sister Lockett helped him calm down, for she had been his closest friend growing up, though they grew distant once they chose universities. Aspiring to become a lawyer, Lockett chose to study law and jurisprudence.

After more conversation, Dr. Fangmeyer confirmed that Randall indeed had depression. She prescribed antidepressants but insisted therapy must continue.

Next day, Sulley was waiting for Randall to finish preparing their breakfast.

- So? How do you feel?- the blue monster was the first to speak.

- Can't say exactly. So far, not that different.

They both took their plates with their pancakes and sat on the couch. Good thing they had the day off. Sulley turned on the TV and right at this moment "I scream! U scream!" was on. The news debate show, hosted by a pair of conjoined twin siblings Jack and Jill.

- Not those bickering clowns again!- Randall groaned in annoyance.

Jack was much shorter and chubbier, a single blue eye, his horn short and unimpressive, with a fabulous blue toupee, which he claimed was his genuine hair. He was dressed in an elegant blueish-grey suit. Jack decided to focus on the more positive and open-minded side in the reportages.
His twin sister Jill however, was the opposite both in appearance and mindset. She was a little taller, with a longer and sharper horn, blond hair and a single green eye with a single framed glass, placed before. She wore a crimson blazer and a pearl necklace on her thin neck. She had a very negatively biased approach in her reportages, often preferring to stick to traditions, without even explaining why.

Probably as a form of cruel irony, Jack and Jill were discussing Monsters Inc's transition from screams to laughter. Jack was heavily supportive, while Jill, like always, was openly against the idea.

- Monsters Inc's current CEO's James P. Sullivan and Mike "Weird-zowski"- Jill rolled her eye, expressing her annoyance.- are yet to convince me to change my mind.

- "Weird-zowski"?- Randall couldn't believe it.- Seriously? That's the best one she's got?! I can think of something much better like...

- Randall.- Sulley was quick to stop him, shooting a disapproving look.

- Oh, come on!

- Studies show- Jack explained.- that laughter is 10 times more powerful than screams, Jill. Soon screams will be as useless as our therapy sessions.

- Because you're always talking about your "feeeeelings".- Jill said in a mocking tone.

- THAT'S THE WHOLE POINT OF THERAPY!- Jack lost his temper with the last statement.

While the twins were busy arguing on live TV, Sulley was reminded of something.

- You know the picnic with my parents is tomorrow. Did you make a decision about accompanying me?

Randall didn't immediately answer. He remained silent. What should he say? "Yes, I would love to!"; "I don't want to stay alone in the flat."?

Later that evening, Randall and Sulley both fell asleep watching TV. The television, the only source of light, was humming quietly in the room. Sulley, however, stirred around 3 AM, eyes still groggy from sleep, only to find both him and his flatmate on the couch. The scaly man was resting his head on Sulley's shoulder, breathing evenly. The bed was a much better option, so he gathered as much stamina as he had, while half-asleep. It was a lot of effort to stand up, keep his eyes open long enough, so he would carry Randall in his arms to the bedroom.

Slowly and carefully, not to wake him up, the blue giant took his friend in his embrace. Much to his surprise, Randall stirred a little, rested his head on Sulley's chest and wrapped his arms around the neck, as if hugging him. Sulley smiled. "He really is adorable, when he sleeps!", he thought. The purple guy looked so vulnerable like that.

Once he laid Randall on the bed, Sulley remembered something he did earlier. A few days ago, in fact! He went to the Tuskmon hardware store and ordered a copy of the apartment key. He was planning to give it to Randall some day, but he didn't know when.

One day. Just not today.

The next day began with a lot of pressure for not just Randall, but for Sulley as well, as surprising as it might sound. Although, he sincerely believed in Randall, he still couldn't forget about their past. Not just their decade-long rivalry, but the fact that Randall was an accessory to Waternoose' conspiracy, involving kidnapping human children and forcefully extracting their screams, as an alternative option to provide the city with electricity.

Sulley would never forget the horror of realization that the once benevolent CEO was willing to sink so low, for the sake of keeping his family's company functioning. "I'd rather kidnap a thousand children before I let this company die!", Waternoose' words pierced like knives. Even as he was driving to his parents' cabin in the woods, they still echoed in his mind. Boo! His precious little Boo almost became the first victim.

Then there was Randall. The bigger source of vitriol. The one, who rejected and insulted Sulley every day. The monster, who wrapped himself around his neck, almost choking the blue giant to death. Thank God, that Mike was there!

"And don't worry! I'll take. Good. Care. Of the kid."- those were Randall's horrifying words before Sulley decided to finally put his foot down. To end the purple fiend's cruelty for good, or so he hoped back then, when he threw Randall through a door, illegally banishing and trapping him in the human dimension.

Sulley and Mike were both appalled, when they found out about Randall's return, however, considering how they managed to return to the monster dimension, it was only a matter of time. Even after his arrest, the jail couldn't keep Randall in custody for very long. The rest was history.

And yet, here they were. On the way to his parents' cabin for a picnic. Once he tells his mother this whole story, she would most likely think her son has lost his mind.

But Sulley was determined to find the real Randall. The one, who had probably already seen. The lonely one. The one, who simply needed some love and approval. The one, with a lot of pain in his heart. Maybe if someone helped heal that pain, Randall will become a better monster. Only time will tell!

When they arrived, Bill hurried up to greet his son.

- Little Jimmy!- the father said, as he spread his arms, preparing himself for a giant embrace.

- Big Bill!- Sulley greeted with the same gesture.

- "Little Jimmy". "Big Bill".- his scaly friend found it amusing.

- You think it's funny, don't you?- Sulley gently placed a hand on Randall's shoulder to introduce him to his father.- Dad!- he gulped.- This is Randall. Remember him?

Randall tried to look unfazed, but on the inside he was screaming. He considered running away, but it was too late at this point.

Bill was a monster of massive size, fitting considering his son. He was taller than both of them, broad-shouldered and muscular. He had four fingers on each hand, with sharp claws, protruding from the tips and three toes on each foot. He was lilac in color and, in contrast to his son, with a skin that was smooth and hairless. Huge ram-like horns decorated his almost square-shaped head. Everything in Bill's appearance contributed to his glory days as a scarer.

- Ahh, yes!- Bill took a deep breath.- Randall Boggs.- his tone was unnervingly calm, considering the circumstances. Despite all odds, he extended his right arm, as if...for a handshake.- How you doin'? Bill Sullivan.

Randall's jaw hung in shock and his eyes widened. He didn't expect this kind of hospitality. Not from a Sullivan. However, he still tried to be polite and shake the host's hand.

- It's a pleasure, Mr. Sullivan.

- James!- another voice called. This time it was Sulley's mother.

- Mom!- her son was ecstatic, as he hugged her tightly.

Unlike her husband, Jocelyn was a little bit shorter than their son, in fact she was actually closer in height to Randall than to Sulley. She had slender, yet very curvy and muscular figure. Her body was entirely covered in blue fur. She had four clawed fingers on each hand and three clawed toes on each foot. Her tail was long and thick, similar to Sulley's, only hers was much more flexible. Her jaws were strong, some fangs exposed like a crocodile's and triangular spikes ran from her head down to the tip of her tail, giving her the appearance of a furry dinosaur.

- Mom. This is the new roommate I told you about. Randall.

Randall bashfully offered his hand for a handshake, almost expecting the same hospitality he received from Bill earlier.

- Nice to meet you, Mrs. Sullivan!

However, that wasn't the case with Jocelyn. When she saw who her son had brought to the family picnic, her smile quickly vanished and in that second, Randall realized: this was going to be much harder than therapy.

Chapter Text

Jocelyn didn't say anything. She didn't yell. Didn't growl. Didn't even frown. She just… stood there. Looking at him.

Randall froze with his hand awkwardly extended in the air, waiting for a handshake that never came. He and Sulley exchanged a few uneasy glances. The woman's piercing blue eyes studied him coldly, scanning his face like a security laser locking onto a target.

- So this is the infamous Randall Boggs, huh?- she said flatly, without a trace of the warmth she'd shown her son seconds earlier.

Her silence lasted only a few seconds, but it felt like tormenting hours for both Sulley and Randall. Thankfully, Bill stepped in to defuse the tension — or at least try to. He motioned forward with one of his long arms.

- Well - he said- are we just gonna stand here, or come inside? Come on, everybody! We've got a lot of catching up to do with Jimmy!

Everyone followed Bill's lead, but as they walked inside, Randall could still feel Jocelyn's cold glare burning into his back. He didn't need to turn around to confirm it. She leaned in slightly, speaking just above a whisper, and yet sharp enough to cut.

- You're here because my son asked you to be. That is the only reason. One wrong move, and I'll either call the police or fucking kill you.

Randall didn't answer. Didn't flinch. Despite her hostility, he didn't feel entitled to react at all.

And the day continued exactly like that.

While Sulley cooked with his father, Randall and Jocelyn sat at opposite ends of the table — motionless on the outside, but in an emotional storm underneath. Randall tried to distract himself by glancing around, studying the house, but he could always feel her eyes on him. Like a hawk watching their prey.
He considered starting small talk to show he meant no harm, but the suspicion it would be pointless always stopped him.

The afternoon sun was warm, but the reptilian felt cold.

At lunch, Bill tried his best to steer the conversation, and Sulley kept the mood afloat. Jocelyn said very little. Occasionally she asked her son about work or muttered a quick comment about the salad being underdressed. But she didn't speak to Randall. He noticed. And understood. He deserved her contempt. He told himself he should accept that everyone hated him, but it still hurt.

Later, as Sulley helped his father clean the grill, Randall sat near the edge of the deck, watching the trees sway in the breeze. When evening came, he found himself lying on his belly, almost cat-like, at that same edge, listening to the crickets clicking in the quiet. A serenity he wasn't sure he deserved. His tail rested limp beside him, his fingers twitching every few seconds.

Behind him, the screen door creaked. He didn't need to turn — the footsteps were too heavy and slow to be Jocelyn's, but to light to be Bill's.

Sulley sat down next to him, wordless, holding two glasses of iced tea. He handed one to Randall, who accepted it with a small nod.

- Thanks!- Randall muttered after taking a sip.

They sat in silence — not awkward, but heavy with unsaid thoughts. Sulley sensed the weight still pressing on him. He figured it had to do with earlier.

- Give her some time- Sulley offered gently.

- Your mom?- Randall replied, flat.- What's the point? It's not like I expected a hug and a kiss on the cheek. I'm not upset she hates me.

- You didn't even try to explain yourself.

- Because it wouldn't matter. Her opinion won't change. No one's will. And I get it. I know why your mother hates me. I know why everyone hates me.

- I don't.

That made Randall pause. He looked at Sulley, confused.

- Why?- he asked, genuinely confused.- I never treated you well, to put it mildly. I was your worst enemy.

Sulley hesitated, then spoke with quiet conviction.

- Because I know you're hurting. And I think… maybe if someone just showed you there's a better path… you'd see you're not as insignificant as you think.

Randall stared at him — stunned. His green eyes caught the porch light, brighter and deeper than Sulley had ever seen them.

- Wow…- Sulley couldn't describe it with simple words.

Randall blinked.

- What?- he asked.

- Nothing, it's just…- the blue furry giant smiled softly.- Your eyes.

- My eyes?

- I've never seen them like this before. They're… beautiful.

Randall gulped, embarrassed, looking away quickly.

Sulley wasn't supposed to notice things like that. But he did. And he couldn't look away.

They sat in silence again, crickets filling the still night air. From inside the half-closed kitchen curtain, two figures watched. Bill stood by the window, arms crossed, a thoughtful crease in his brow. Jocelyn leaned on the counter, arms folded tightly, eyes narrowed.

For a long moment, neither spoke. Finally Bill whispered to his wife.

- Did you see that, Josie?

Jocelyn didn't answer.

He continued, cautiously.

- There's something happening between those two.

Her jaw tensed. Her eyes never left the porch.

- Whatever it is- she said at last, voice low.- it better not end with my son getting hurt.

Bill didn't reply. His gaze lingered on Sulley — and the subtle way he looked at Randall.

He saw it. He definitely saw something.

Sulley and Randall arrived back at the apartment after the tense stay with the Sullivans. As usual, Randall retreated to his bedroom, shutting the door softly behind him. He sat on the edge of the bed and pulled out his phone, thumb hovering over the screen.

He considered calling his mother.

They'd argued before — harshly — but they always found their way back to each other. This time felt different. This time, he carried something heavier: a criminal record. The weight of it pressed on his chest. His heart was racing. The phone felt cold in his hand, the screen lighting his face in the dim room. He craved hearing her voice again. But doubt gnawed at him.

This time she might not forgive him. This time she might disown him.

He swallowed hard. His shaking fingers hovered over the call button. Something so simple felt impossible.

The door creaked open. Sulley stepped inside quietly and sat beside him. Neither spoke for a long moment. Then Sulley finally broke the silence, gentle.

- You planning to tell your mother? About…- He hesitated.- what happened?

Randall let out a bitter snort.

- I've tried. It always ends the same — anger, disappointment. This time… I'm not sure she'll even listen. Besides, even if I never call her, she'll find out eventually.- A thought aroused his next question.- You think M.E.R.C. might contact her? To inform her her son is now a convict?

- Roz never informed me of this possibility.- Sulley said, uncertainty in his voice.- Then again, there are a lot of things she won't tell us.

- Of course.

The pair raised their voices in an exaggerated, synchronized Roz impression.

- "She's alwaaays watching!"

They chuckled.

In the interim, Scarlett sat at her desk, trying to write her latest novel, when she heard a knock.

- Come in!- she called.

- Hey, Scarlett!- It was Carla Benitez, her longtime best friend.

Carla worked as a jokester at Monsters Incorporated, formerly a scarer known as "Killer Claws." Times had changed at Monsters, leading scarers to transition to jokesters.

Today, she'd come to check on Scarlett and hopefully help with the new book.

- I heard you're working on a romance novel this time.

- You heard right!- Scarlett grinned smugly.- It's different from what I usually write, but a good businesswoman knows diversification is essential.

- I wish Randall followed in your steps.- Carla said.- With everything he learned from you, he could've become a great businessman himself.

- Yeah, I wonder what he's up to these days. Ettie's making good money as a lawyer, but with scaring no longer relevant at MI, he'll need to transition like you. I'm not sure being a jokester would be his thing, though.

- You mean you don't know?- Carla asked, confused.

- Know what?- Scarlett's concern sharpened.

- Well… I suppose I should've told you earlier… rather than wait for someone else to.- Carla hesitated, and to a worried mother, it sounded like stalling.

- Tell me what?- Scarlett demanded, irritation rising.

- A few months ago, Waternoose started a conspiracy to extract screams from human children. It was on the news. Randall was an accessory — that's why he got arrested. That and the fact he tried to kill James P. Sullivan, who became our new CEO afterward. I'm so sorry, Scarlett!

Scarlett's eyes went wide. She stood up abruptly, towering on her long legs. Her claws furiously dug into the desk, shattering the surface in the process. She yelled at the top of her lungs.

- RANDALL BOGGS!

Carla froze, silent and terrified.

Back at Sulley's apartment, later that night, Randall jerked awake after dozing off next to Sulley on the couch. Eyes wide, alert, as if something invisible had zapped him.

Sulley glanced over, amused.
- What's the matter? Fall asleep? Bad dream?

- Something like that.- Randall mumbled, rubbing his eyes.