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PRESENT DAY”Jacob Oliver Sullivan, we're going to be late!""Technically not my name yet.""And if you don't hurry it up it may not be."James P. Sullivan could hear the boy scrambling on the other end, and nearly reminded him to watch his language. But if there was one thing he'd learned from parenting a teenager? It was that they made everything difficult if they could. It didn't mean you didn't love them, but it did mean sometimes being out the door at 10:30 meant 10:50-ish.One would probably be shocked he was even doing this at all. James P. Sullivan, CEO of Monsters Inc, resident bachelor, was adopting a kid. If you'd even told him that a couple of months ago he'd probably have laughed it off, yet here they were he thought as the door to what had been his spare bedroom opened.Jake looked like he was spazzing, he noted. His tuft of auburn hair a frizzled mess as his green eyes shot up to Sulley. Somehow, he'd convinced the young human to at least trade his ripped jeans and graphic tee for a nice suit. As he fiddled with his tie, Sulley deeply reflected on getting here. On the mountains of paperwork, the bureaucratic fight, all of it and thanked everything this kid was standing there now. And to think, a few decades ago he would have scoffed at the very thought of entertaining a human. Now he had one taking up residence in his apartment and that was just sort of… Wild. "Heh, get over here kiddo," He chuckled. "Your tie's a little crooked." Jake rolled his eyes and stepped forward, allowing Sulley to fix it up. As he did, Jake began speaking up again: "I didn't think it looked that bad. Did you?" He asked nervously, chewing his lip. "I gotta be perfect right? Otherwise they could still say no.""Jake.""I'm just saying. This hasn't been done before. Roz wanted to stop it -.""Jake."Sulley finished his work on the tie and put his paws calmly on the boy's shoulders. "You remember what I told you when I brought you to our world for good?" Jake didn't answer. "You're not going anywhere. Human social services could kick in our door right now, and I'd tell them to back off."The teen relaxed a little bit as he said that, but Sulley still pulled him into his fur for a warm hug. They stood there in the doorway for a long moment before Jake looked up into his eyes. "Jacob Oliver Sullivan," He murmured. "This is really happening isn't it?"Sulley let out a low chuckle before releasing him. "At least as long as we get down to the courthouse at noon," He pointed out, stepping into their small but comfortable kitchen. "Then you're all mine."He scooped Jake into his arms, eliciting a giggle. It warmed his heart to see the way his face lit up, his eyes full of life. It was hard to believe where they'd been only four months ago. "Sulley! Sulley put me down!" Sulley gently tickled his ribs. Only causing him to giggle more. "C'mon! I'm too big for this!""You turned fourteen last week," Sulley teased. "Now you think you're an adult?" He stopped as someone cleared their throat. They both turned to find that Mike Wazowski, who had even put a tie on himself for the occasion, had let himself in. "Well aren't you two just adorable!?" He joked as Sulley finally set him down. "May want to save it for later. Celia's waiting and you know how she gets."Jake only crossed his arms and gave a smirk. "What did you fight about this time uncle Mike?""Why do I always get that question?" Mike groaned. "Get out there wise guy."Jake only threw a smirk back at Sulley as he did just that. But Sulley remained behind, watching his soon to be son go for the moment. "… So last couple of hours before you're a dad," Sulley looked at Mike with a smirk. "How you feeling?""Nervous," Sulley admitted. "My stomach's been in knots all morning."Mike offered a small pat on his waist, and looked up at him encouragingly. No doubt, as usual he had his back. "Look, Sulley, you've fought hard for that kid," He commented. "Just take a deep breath. In a couple of hours we'll be having cake at Monsters Inc and he's yours."Sulley adjusted his own tie in the mirror and tried to take a deep breath as he suggested. "I guess I have you to thank for that," He admitted as he glanced at one of the many pictures of him and Jake in the house. "Thought it was an awful idea at the time.""Probably was."Sulley just shook his head and affirmed gently. "It was the best decision I ever made," He pointed out. "It just took me time to see it."As he set the picture down, and started away with Mike; he was glad for once he had been wrong.——————FOUR MONTHS EARLIERSulley was depressed.It had been a week now since Boo, Mary, had left for college. Sure, she had long outgrown their adventures, but after years of watching over her in secret she was now an adult. She was out of her house, out in the world. There was no closet door to visit her through, no one waiting on the other end.Mike visited him early that afternoon, when he'd been trying to hide in his office. Of course, he really had a mountain of paperwork but even he knew it could be put off. Mike, on the other hand, came right in and slapped something on his desk. "Sulley," He pointed out very calmly. "You need to get yourself out of this rut and find someone.""Huh?"Mike looked at him and didn't miss a beat: "Look, the way I see it. Boo's gone, it sucks. But you living alone in that bachelor pad isnt helping," He pointed out as Sulley questioned when their old apartment had become a "bachelor pad". "So Celia and I brainstormed at home. I know you're not into the "relationship" thing..."Sulley already didn't like where this was going. But he liked it even less when he turned the brochure he'd given him over. "Foster Parenting"? Was Mike serious? The answer wasn't... "Mike, no way. That isn't the answer," He cut him off, shaking his head slowly. "I'm not just going to replace Boo like that. Our relationship was special..."Mike interjected: "Sulley, you love kids. Have ever since that little terror showed up," Sulley couldn't argue there. "Just think! It'd be like having her around 24/7. Your own kid to mold and teach..."Sulley thought about it for a moment, even though it seemed irresponsible. Liking kids didn't make you a good parent. His father loved kids, and he'd frankly abandoned him after the incident at University. Hadn't even so much as called to congratulate him when he'd made Top Scarer or CEO.And besides... "It's not as easy as that, Mike," He pointed out. "I need a real connection with a kid. Not just to pick one out like a replacement goldfish."Still, his eyes lingered on the paper for a second longer before they were interrupted. At that moment, the door opened to a small, nervous looking intern: "Mr. Sullivan, there's a situation down on the Laugh Floor I think you need to see.""Can it wait a minute; we were talking here!" Mike pointed out."Not really. I have a Code Boo."Sulley was out that door faster than anyone else could say a word. In these new days, a Code Boo of course meant a human child on the Laugh Floor. A situation they'd prepared for but hadn't had happen since. And while it was now known kids weren't toxic... It still sent him into a spiral.Even moreso, as he stepped onto the floor to find a human teenager. Someone old enough to remember them, to have memories. To be a BIGGER problem.Little did he know as he caught his first glimpse of those green eyes. Looking up from between two panicking monsters... This boy would change his life for the second, and last time.
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PRESENT DAYSulley squeezed Jake's hand tightly.Driving down to the courthouse had been a nightmare traffic-wise. But honestly, as Mike parked a small distance away, Sulley saw the bigger problem: reporters. No doubt, as Jake's adoption was the first monster-human adoption they wanted to know everything. But Sulley had hoped they may at least give him a day or two."Vultures," Celia scoffed. "Think they'd let us in the back way?"Sulley grimaced, he highly doubted it. But he was more concerned for Jake at the moment. Sure this was a happy occasion, but he also knew it was hard on him. Being adopted forced kids to confront a lot of emotions, the least of which being he was being adopted by his ex-monster in the closet and not a human.Jake already told him he wrestled with insecurities of not being "good enough" for human families. Something which made Sulley sick to his stomach. Now they'd no doubt shout questions about just that and open up wounds Sulley didn't want them to."Jake," The boy peered up at him. "No matter what happens, stay beside me. I'll keep the cameras off of you."The boy shifted uncomfortably to lean against Sulley. He always got quiet when overwhelmed he learned, but Sulley was not having any of this. He opened the door carefully and without warning Mike or Celia started his walk to the courthouse steps. Reporters or not, he was not allowing them to be a second late after the crazy traffic. "Mr. Sullivan! Over here, Mr. Sullivan!" One shouted."Is it true you ate the child's father!?""Jacob, Jacob can I get a smile for the front page!?""Mr. Sullivan. Aren't you afraid of the toxicity?""Jacob, are you being forced? I heard rumors -."Sulley didn't let that last reporter finish. He let out a deafening roar instead, one that silenced the flood of busybodies quite quickly. He gestured for Jake to hurry up the steps while he stayed behind. He knew they wouldn't go away without something, but he was going to say it, not Jake.Clearing his throat, he started very pointedly: "Jacob is healthy and happy in my care. And there is nothing going on behind the scenes. No toxicity, no cannibalism," He told them without missing a beat. "You can read a full press release on monday. Until then, I suggest you leave my kid alone before I -.""Whoa, cool it big guy!"Mike to the rescue, as usual. He stepped in front of the crowd, holding his hands up in hopes to diffuse the situation. "Alright guys, listen up. The big guy just wants some privacy today. Emotions are high and we're running late," He pointed out calmly. "I will field any questions, as long as they're tasteful."That was Sulley's cue to leave, which he did. The courthouse was big, and old. Probably as old as the city he figured. But he found Jake quickly on a bench near the entrance between two statues of famous judges whose name's escaped Sulley. "Uncle Mike and aunt Celia are handling the vultures," Jake smiled slightly in response to Sulley's comment. "You OK?" Jake nodded. "Just nervous," He admitted finally. "Last time I was in court, they were taking me away from my mom." Sulley frowned, taking a seat beside him, he took his hand again. They'd been over how Jake had become a foster kid a dozen times. And no matter how much he discussed it, Sulley felt like it never got easier. "I know, today is gonna be hard," He offered gently. "But I promise you, they'd have to pry you out of my cold, dead paws."Jake nodded again. "Do you think she'd..."He couldn't finish the sentence, but Sulley understood why. Talking about his mom was a sore subject that Sulley always treaded lightly. "Your mom was just sick, Jake. Addiction is a tough thing," Jake peered back up at him. "She gave you up for a better life because she loved you. I'd like to think she'd be very happy."Jake's eyes twinkled, no doubt Sulley's positive words helped. He'd been told by all his resources to absolutely not bad mouth his biological parents. And thankfully, despite their shortcomings he had kept to that. "I love you, Sulley." He replied before leaning against his fur."I love you too."More than he'd probably ever know.His mom, becore she passed a few years ago had explained it best. Loving your kid was unlike any feeling you could describe. It felt like placing a missing piece of a puzzle you'd spent years never knowing you had been searching for. God, he wished she was there with some of those "sage words". All he had was dad now and well... As he'd mused they hadn't spoken since his expulsion. Even when his mom came around and things changed, he never did.He swore to himself he would never be that way as a dad. "You OK, big guy?"Sulley only looked at his son and smiled sadly. "I'll be fine. Let me go get us checked in."As he looked at him though, his thoughts drifted to the first time he really looked at him.
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FOUR MONTHS EARLIERJacob Green looked terrified.It had happened so innocently that Sulley couldn't fault the monsters that fouled this up. Jake was thirteen, and in a kid's thirteenth year, they outgrew their monster. His door had been scheduled to be shredded, on time, as expected that afternoon. And it had indeed been shredded, on time, that afternoon.What everyone had failed to check while running a final diagnostic was that the coast was clear. Instead, Jake had somehow gone through the closet and was now stranded. Good grief.The boy sat on a couch in his office now, definitely shaken. Sulley noted him to be a short, thin kid with auburn hair and the brightest green eyes hed ever seen. He seemed to carry himself like a young adult, but the Pokemon themed pajamas definitely betrayed the childhood innocence he still had. However fleeting that was now that he'd reached adolescence.He'd been staring for a good five minutes panicking in his head before Jake spoke: "Are you gonna stare at me all day?""Huh?""I said, are you gonna stare at me all day?" Jake replied sharply. Nerves bubbling to the surface. "Or is someone going to tell me what the heck is going on here?"Had he just sassed him, really? Sulley tilted his head as he tried to comprehend that this little guy just mouthed off to a monster but still! Scratching the back of his beck, the blue behemoth found the best way to respond: "Look kid, this is kind of... Complicated," Sulley stated as he stepped out from behind his desk. "I don't even know where to start explaining this to a kid -." "I mean I get some of it," Jake motioned around. "Clearly this is some kind of "Monster in the Closet" operation. Like, that part's pretty obvious." "Heh, fair enough," Sulley snorted. "Want to tell me how you found this "operation"?"Jake tensed up at that, as if Sulley had touched a nerve. Or worse, like he was afraid of something. But after moments passed he explained. "I was uh... In my closet and there was a bright light," He pointed out. "At first I thought I was dreaming. But then your whole factory goes into chaos calling "Code Boo" or whatever."He was in the closet when they opened the door? That seemed highly unusual to Sulley. Part of the reason they did what they did at night was to ensure no one would probably be in there. "It's like... 11:30 in the human world," Sulley pointed out. "What were you doing up that late?""... I plead the fifth."Great, the kid was going to be a hard nut to crack it looked like. "Well there's bad news and good news. Good news, you're here when monsters don't have a soul-crushing fear of human children anymore," He pointed out. "Or it'd have been a lot worse.""What's the bad news?""You came on the night you were aging out of our program," Sulley pointed out. "Meaning your way back home is currently in several thousand pieces."Jake straightened, and Sulley couldn't tell if there was fear or relief in his features. The boy did seem to catch on quickly though: "So does that mean I'm stuck here?""Only temporarily!" Sulley encouraged. "We can put the doorway back together... In time.""How long?"Well, it'd taken Mike months last time. But now they had other monsters to help, so... "I don't know that part. Maybe a few weeks?""A few weeks!?" Jake shouted in surprise. "How can I survive in a Monster world for a few weeks!?"That was a good question. Sulley and Mike had managed to clear human urban myths up over the years. But no human had spent more than a day or two there, and that had been Boo. They were talking a kid staying long-term and that could cause even more chaos, he feared."We're working on that part. Don't worry," Sulley pointed out. "A friend of mine is coming down to sort out the details."Had he just called Roz his friend? What was he thinking? Still, he could see the fear laden in Jake's eyes and felt his heart sink. He really did have a soft spot for kids, didnt he? Even when they weren't as small and cute as Boo had been. "Don't worry, kid. We'll have this sorted out in no time." He encouraged. "Until then, why don't you try and lay down to get some sleep?"Jake looked at him, but only huffed lightly. "Thanks...?""Sulley," He offered. "And if anyone gives you trouble you can tell them to report to me."Jake didn't offer his name, but did lay down on his office couch in exhaustion. Sulley figured he may have noticed the file on his desk and assumed he didn’t need to. It was at that time, as he turned away that Sulley noticed a bruise for the first time. A faint one, just above the collar bone that he'd seen as just a trick of the light at the time...
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"You can't put him into containment! That'll just make this whole thing worse."Sulley was surprised with his own outburst at Roz when she and the CDA arrived an hour or so later. That was their big idea? Making the kid a basic prisoner? Roz hummed as she pushed her glases up the bridge of her nose and stared at Sulley. "Sullivan, the last time a human child was left to their own devices here it nearly lead to a sociatal collapse," She pointed out. "It's in everyone's best interests...""Society has changed, Roz. Ever since we introduced Jokesters," Mike motioned to the entirety of their "Laugh Floor" for emphasis. "Everyone knows human children aren't toxic now. They even like their kids!"Roz sighed and gave another pointed look at him. "Be that as it may, old prejudices die hard. I highly doubt anyone is going to temporarily house him," She explained. "Not to mention take on the responsibility of keeping him from exposing us."Sulley laughed nervously. "Exposing us? No one would listen to a kid."Roz lifted an eyebrow and slithered forward. "You can never be too careful, Sullivan," She pointed out. "Just because the kid seems sweet doesn't alwsys make it so."Mike tugged on Sulley's fur then, motioning him to step aside. Somehow, what he had to say was crazier than Sulley figured it would be. "Sulley, tell her you'll take the kid! This is your chance!" Mike had finally cracked, Sulley decided. "What? You loved it last time!""Boo was two, Mikey. This is a teenager!" Sulley argued back in a whisper. "I don't know the first thing about looking after one of those!"Mike, however, as usual wasn't listening. Instead he turned right to Roz and announced. "That's OK, Roz. We'll take care of the kid!" He explained before Sulley could say no. "We did it once, how hard can it be?""Wazowski, do you have any idea what a teenager is like?"Mike frowned. "I mean, Celia and I have her nephews. And we're trying!"Roz shook her head, then turned to Sulley. He knew that the elder monster held a lot more respect for him. No doubt she wanted to hear his thoughts: "And you really want to do this, Sullivan?"No, Sulley really didn't. But as he opened his mouth to say that, something stopped him. Guilt hit him like a gut punch. All he could picture was that poor kid from the office sitting in an isolation chamber. Being guarded twenty-four seven by those CDA knuckleheads.As much of a bad idea as he saw this being, he wouldn't let that happen. "I mean, ever since Mike and Celia tied the knot my apartment's been pretty empty," He replied in defeat. "I still have my spare bedroom he can have."Roz hummed again and breathed a sigh of irritation. She put her hands behind her back and looked between them slowly. "I don't think I need to tell you how important a task like this is. Kids at thirteen have their doors shredded for a reason," She explained tensely. "By that time the amount of memories they retain is dangerous, we all risk exposure.""We'll handle it fine, Roz," Mike encouraged. "When have we ever let you down?"Roz didn't entertain an answer to that, but did at last give her answer. "Very well, Jacob Green will be your problem, for now," She pointed out tensely. "But this is your reminder we'll be watching.""We know, you're always watching!"She left with the CDA after that, leaving Sulley and Mike alone on fhr Laugh Floor. It was at that point Sulley turned to Mike and said what he wanted to. "Are you insane!? You just volunteered us for teenager duty," He explained. "I didn't even like myself as a teenager!"Mike smirked. "It'll be good for you, you big hairball," He encouraged. "By the end of this, you'll just have two words for me: "Thank you"."Sulley really doubted it at the time, but Mike would end up being right.
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FOUR MONTHS EARLIER"Are you sure this is a good idea?"No, Sulley wasn't sure at all at the time as he covertly lead Jake down the hallway of his apartment building. So far, at least, no one had noticed them which was a relief as he opened the door and let Jake in.Sulley hadn't really changed anything since Mike had moved out. The place still had the same furniture, the same smell, heck even the same paint and carpet. Jake seemed to take it in quietly as Sulley shook his head. "I'm sure it'll be fine," Sulley pointed out. "I can even help you brainstorm what you'll tell your parents when you get back. I'm sure they are worried sick."He noticed a visible change in Jake's physical demeanor at his words. Was it something he said? "Somehow I doubt my foster dad even noticed I'm gone," He admitted softly. "He's uh... Kind of, distant."Oh. If Mike knew about this he was definitely laughing right now. Sulley rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly and tried to not look embarassed. "Oh, uh... Sorry kid, I didn't realize," Sulley finally found his vouce fo give a reply. "So, you're in foster care then?""Since I was like six, yeah," Jake replied as he had a seat in a nearby chair. "Don't look at me like that either. I'm sure you guys see lots of us every day." It was true, after all, they did deal with kids from all walks of life. The doors changed when a kid moved so it made it easy to follow their kids after all. Sulley made his way to the kitchen as he tried to figure out what to say next. Most of their food was edible for humans but he didn't know whether he was a picky eater like Boo had been. Jake didn't do much, Sulley noted as he prepared some mac and cheese. He just sat in the chair quietly and seemed to observe his surroundings. He had a feeling neither of them really knew what to say to the other, but Sulley digressed. When he'd finished, he took a spoon and brought it over."I figured you're probably hungry," Jake took the bowl carefully. "Your body will think it is anyway. Time is reversed here, it's night here but back home for you it's morning."Jake managed a: "Thank you."Two seconds before scarfing it down like it was his last meal. Sulley took a step back, shocked. He'd never seen anyone eat with such ferocity outside of the movies and it made his stomach twist. Jake acted like he hadn't eaten in a long time and it made him take extra notice of how thin he was.Abuse was a word familiar to both monsters and humans. Sulley had even had a friend in his childhood taken away from his home due to it. And the way he ate? It looked like he'd been starved. "Slow down, you'll make yourself sick," Jake stopped and looked up nervously. "When was the last time you ate, Jacob?""It's Jake. No one calls me Jacob," Jake pointed out before looking down a bit. "I had like a piece of toast at breakfast.""All day?""They were out of funds in the lunch room," Jake pointed out. He looked flustered that Sulley was trying to pry. "I'm fine."Sulley frowned and headed back to the kitchen. Jake followed his movements as he continued to eat. Sulley on the other hand, pulled out two more boxes of mac and cheese. He met the boy's eyes and made one thing clear: "Eat as much as you want. Just say the word," He pointed out. "I can do some grocery shopping after work tomorrow." Jake's eyes were filled with skepticism. Perhaps he wasn't used to that kind of kindness. But Sulley would make damn sure by the end of this he was. Jake was a person, a living being, and no living creature should go hungry - especially because of money."Can I ask you a question?" Sulley nodded at the comment. "You said they used to think we were toxic? What would have happened to me if I came... Before?"Sulley didn't really want to say. Kids like Boo had it easy as she had been so young. But older kids... "Nothing good. Once you were above a certain age and you were smart enough - they said you could knowingly kill a monster with s single touch. But times have changed... You have me to thank for that," He admitted. "Once I introduced laugh energy, the CDA and government restructured the way we look at you kids. Now they're just concerned with keeping our world secret, not with spreading disease or widespread panic.""What did they want to do with me now?""Solitary containment. Probably convince you it was all a dream. Don't really know how it works," Sulley admitted. "In your case if you agree to keep quiet you'll probably keep the memories now - but be under watch. But if they think you're a threat...""Then they'll kill me.""No!" Sulley laughed. "They invented a way to wipe your memory once we return you. We're monsters, Jake. But we're not monsters."Jake nodded, but gave a small smile before holding up the empty bowl. Sulley simply smirked and put in another bowl. Maybe this wouldn't be awful he figured, it seemed ok now he told himself.————-"I have to go to work with you!?"Well, that niceness had ended the next morning hadn't it? Jake had slept through the night after a second bowl, but as Sulley gave the news he didn't appear happy. Sulley really hoped, with the annoyed expression growing on the boy's face, that Mike would be over sooner rather than later with clothes for him."So what? It's not like you'll be hanging in my office all day," Sulley pointed out, trying to make it sound great. "Two of my favorite Jokesters are going to show you around. Maybe even give you some behind the scenes."Jake looked thoughtful, as if he were considering the good and bad. But after a moment, he decided to comment back: "It isn't the monster that visited me first, is it?" He asked with a grimace. "No offense, dude had a hard time making me laugh. The girl was better... That one that came last was hilarious though.”Yeah, Sulley had noted that looking over his file too. Reed Notor had been a new jokester when assigned fo Jake, and while he had gotten better... He had always been his toughest customer. Then he'd been assigned Dory Tanks, and she had given up. They'd finally found one guy Barry Truman before he'd started aging out, and while he'd finally hit the sweet spot, he had just retired."No, no, and no," He told the teen. "Their name's are Tylor and Val. Technically it's their day off, but I called in a favor."Val had jumped at the chance while Tylor seemed OK with it. Tylor typically could be roped into anything by Val though, and this was no exception. Jake shrugged and decided to reply with a simple: "I mean cool, I guess," He was decidedly less enthusiastic with his next reply. "I'll try not to embarass you, but no promises. Especially if anyone looks super cool."Oh great, that's just what Sulley needed to hear right now, he thought. However a knock at the door distracted him instead as he headed over to let Mike in. "Mikey! Just in time!" He said to the smaller monster who was trying to keep a grip on the pile of clothes he brought. "Jake, come try something on so we can get going." He took the clothes from Mike who breathed a sigh of relief. "Who knew it was going to be so hard to find clothes for a kid with one head, two arms, and two legs," He groaned. "How'd last night go?"He handed the clothes off to Jake and decidedly told him: "Go ahead while I talk to my friend," Jake nodded, and stared for a long moment. "Hey what's wrong?""I can't accept this," Jake offered. "This is way too much..."Sulley gave Mike a look, which the tiny green monster returned. Clearly that was a pretty good answer to his question. "Kid, it's our fault you're in this situation. Don't sweat it," He encouraged. "Go make sure they fit."Jake looked like he was going to argue, but after a moment just nodded with hesitation and stepped into the spare bedroom. "So... What was that about?" Mike asked. "Kid looked like I'd just handed him solid gold."Sulley crossed his arms and decided to keep his voice down. "He's a foster kid, and a pretty abused one it looks like," He explained honestly. "Kid wolfed down the food I gave him yesterday."Mike's eye widened. "Abused? And no one reported it?"To who? Sulley thought glumly. It was sad to think but it wasn't like they could just ring up human CPS and report it. "To who? Our CPS doesnt do this stuff. And no one at the CDA is gonna ring their CPS." He pointed out honestly. "All we can do is make him comfortable while he's here."Mike nodded uncomfortably, but his frown didnmt leave his face. "Well... That bites," Mike murmured. "Is he at least nice?"Sulley shrugged. "He's really guarded. Hasn't talked much. Kind of hard to tell," Sulley pointed out. He quickly stopped it when Jake stepped out now in a simple black t-shirt and a pair of ripped jeans. "Nice! Good job, Mikey."Mike looked like he was going to say more, but Sulley stopped him with a look. They could, and would, talk about this later. Right now, there was nothing either of them could do and he didn't want to upset the kid. So he was going to play this cool.Even then he knew that playing it cool wouldn't last.————PRESENT DAYUnlike a human court, this Monster Court was different.In the human world, there would be a lot more paperwork, Sulley assumed. He probably had mountains of it at social services. There'd be a lot of fanfare, his original social worker, and who knew what else. But given no one in the human world actually knew he'd taken Jake and their low communication with the other side? It was going to hopefully be a quiet affair.After all, Sulley had effectively abducted Jake from the human world. He had completely new records here, and a clean slate. Otherwise Sulley knew this wouldn't be happening as fast as it was. While they differed from human foster care in that their foster care wasn't nearly as brutal. They still worked as slow with this stuff as humans did usually.He was sure part of fast-tracking was to get all the insanity our of the way. But that was just fine by him.Jake had a social worker on their side, of course. A short, plump purple monster named Eddie who had taken the case for Sulley where others weren't as eager with the challenge. Since they'd gotten him, however, he hoped he wouldn't be the only monster willing. After all, if Sulley had his way this boy wouldn't be the only human the monsters saved from languishing in the human realm.But he tried his best to keep his mind off that as they stepped into the courtroom. Jake kept close while Mike and Celia took seats at the back. Family court was small, Sulley noted. Everything inside was a dark purple, and seemed to give off an intensity. But he somewhat relaxed when he saw Eddie waiting for them."This should be an open and shut affair," Eddie assured him as they took a seat at a small desk at the front. "Given your age and the circumstances, you may have to answer some extra questions, Jake. Don't worry, they shouldn't be too prying - Judge Bartley just wants to be sure this placement is the correct one."Sulley bit back a snarky remark, knowing it wouldn't help. He and Jake belonged together, anyone who spent five minutes with them knew that. The kid had thrived beyond what even he expected under his care. This would happen, he told himself. "They wouldn't take me from Sulley, would they?""Only if they think you're better off in the human world."Sulley did make a comment then: "And I'd go with you then too. Find some monster commune, raise you there," He assured Jake, setting a paw on his shoulder. "But we don't have to worry about that."Not for the first time, Eddie remarked: "I'll pretend you didn't just suggest kidnapping him."Sulley snorted. "I already kind of did, right?" Twice, actually.Their chatter stopped as a large, horned monster entered the room. The reputation of Judge Bartley proceeded him, with his friendly and dimpled face. But his towering presence even made Sulley feel small. The nearby Balif spoke his peace as they all stood. "You may be seated," Bartley spoke like something out of a kid's cartoon. "Well, I almost wondered if we'd make it this far. Jacob Oliver Green and James Patrick Sullivan. I think you're my first two celebrities I'd had through here."He nodded his head slightly before adding. "I don't want to make this a media circus. I know how hard you've worked for this," The judge told Sulley seriously. "But given the unusual circumstances I do have questions. I am familiar with Jacob's case now. Through letters written in defense of your case and Edward's research."Jake leaned closer to Sulley, nerves obvious again. "Jacob I want to start by making this clear. You are fourteen years old. Old enough to have a say in your future," He explained rather honestly, looking Jake in the eyes. "So I'll ask you this hard question only once: is this adoption truly your desire? Have you no hesitations about living in our world? Or perhaps not desire a human family?"Sulley held his hand again, but this time it was because he felt the gentle touch of Jake's hand. He nodded at his son encouragingly as Jake hesitated. But when he found words he spoke from the heart:"I lived with six foster families, and in four group homes your honor. The human world had their chance; people tried," He managed, though Sulley could tell he was trying not to get emotional as he said it. "Living with Sulley may be... Different. But he was the first person since I went into care who ever said he loved me. That actually... Cared."His grip tightened gently as Jake looked down and continued. "A part of me doesn't think I deserve that. It's hard to think that I'm worth all this trouble, when you're labeled "unadoptable" or a "problem child," Tighter. "But I think I'm getting better about it. Because if you took me away from Sulley... I don't know who I'd be or where I'd end up."When he looked up, Sulley could see Jake had indeed begun to cry. It must have been hard to open up like this he figured. "Thing is I love him too. Whether he's human, or monster," He finally finished. "I just want to be a Sullivan. To finally know I share my name with someone who loves me back."Bartley seemed to be moved by the sentiment, to Sulley's relief. After a moment he nodded his head and noted: "Spoken wiser than your years," He pointed out. "It'll be a hard road for you, the first human citizen of Monstropollis...""I'm ready, your honor."He nodded his head, and then turned his attention to Sulley. It seemed like an eternity before he said something, but finallt he spoke firmly. "And what say you, Mr. Sullivan?" He asked. "Are his obervations accurate?"Sulley held his breath a moment, worried he may choke up too. "Your honor, four months ago this kid came to me at my lowest," He admitted with great honesty. "And I thought I was crazy, really crazy. Most people would say I was playing with fire."He stood for what he had to say next, and addressed his son. "Jake, you weren't ever my plan, I thought after Boo it was all over - I'd put human kids behind me," Jake was silent, but Sulley continued. "But you've shown me that I was wrong. I've screwed up in my life, more times than I can count. Failed out of scare school, expelled from college, heck - I spent most of my life scaring you kids for a living."He stood Jake up then. "But taking you in was the best thing I ever did. You're smart, funny, and kind of a pain in the neck," Jake laughed a little at that before he turned him around and hugged him to his fur from behind. "And I coudn't want him more if I tried. This is just paperwork to me, your honor. My heart already adopted him a long time ago."A silence fell over the procession as Bartley and Eddie exchanged glances. "Mr. Sullivan, approach the bench," Sulley did, still holding Jake and saw the paper in his hand. "If you'll please sign here..."Sulley had never been happier to sign his name to something than he was in that moment. As he finally finished, the judge once again stood with a gavel firmly in his hand. "It is by the power vested in me that I grant full paternal custody to James Patrick Sullivan," He announced loudly. "From this day forth, he will be recognized as the parent of Jacob Oliver Sullivan."A single bang of the gavel and it was done. "Congratulations to you both."In that instant, Sulley was scooping the boy into his arms again. Pulling him in for the tightest hug he could muster. They'd made it, he told himself. Jake was his. He was Jake's. History had been made in that moment, but all he cared about was holding him tightly.And he never wanted to let go.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
PRESENT DAYA dozen pictures later, Sulley noticed him.The fact that Bill Sullivan had to have been there, on all days, nearly sent him into a tailspin. He tried his best to hide his anxiety from Jake, who was bouncing on his heels. It wasn't hard because Sulley was happy, endlessly happy. But the fact after all this time his dad had shown up now of all days? That made his heart drop into his stomach.He'd sent Jake off with Celia and Mike, deciding to confront him alone.Bill had stayed back in the courthouse, but he was there clear as day in the lobby. The elder Sullivan was about two feet taller than Sulley, with fading purple fur and large tusks. Needless to say, the monster stood out like a sore thumb. "Dad?"Bill had had his back to him until that point, but as Sulley spoke he straightened. He turned around and cast his red eyes down at Sulley nervously. They stood there, in complete silence for what seemed like an eternity. "Jimmy..." He finally brought himself to say. "I should congradulate you -.""What are you doing here?" It came out harsher than Sulley meant it to. "Of all the days in the whole damn world. You decide to crash one of the happiest of my life?" Bill looked flabergasted, but his eyes softened. Sulley had half expected the by now elder monster to roar back defiantly. But instead, Bill gave an honest answer: "I can't come to see my own grandson's adoption ceremony?" Sulley narrowed his eyes. "He's a very well spoken young man, you should be proud of him." "I am," Sulley grunted. "But you don't seriously expect me to believe you showed up just to see me adopt a human. You don't even like humans."That one seemed to get a bit of a rise, as Bill puffed out his chest a bit. But the former scarer attempted to reign back his frustration as he again locked eyes with Sulley. "James, I know we left things bad before. But this isn't the way I want this to go," He admitted finally. "I was going to call you next week when things settled down...""To do what?""Make up? Talk it out?" Bill admitted in frustration. "Truth is, kid. When I saw your adoption decision in the headlines, I realized I was missing out on everything... Including a relationship with my grandchild."It was all he could do not to scoff in his dad's face. All his life, he had prided himself on being a top scarer to the point he'd supported Scream Energy until it became extinct. Now he was trying to convince him he wanted a relationship with Jake?It wasn't that Bill had been a terrible father. He'd been loving, if not very strict through Sulley's entire life. But he'd cast him aside the second Sulley hadn't lived up to his expectations. And now? Now, he wanted to just pretend nothing ever happened? It filled him with mixed emotions he wasn't sure how to deal with.Sulley had a serious question on that front: "Hard for me to believe that. It's not like he's gonna grow up to be a "Sullivan Scarer"," He pointed out rather seriously. "He won't have to get expelled to disappoint you, you'll dump him long before."He could tell he'd actually hurt his dad with that comment. His brow furrowed, and he looked down at the floor. "Look, I know I screwed up, bad... None of that should have ever mattered," It was the quietest he'd ever heard his father speak. "When your mom passed, now that I'm alone... That seems so trivial." Sulley wanted to believe him, given his demeanor. But it was a very hard pill to swallow. "If you write me off, I don't blame you. But I'd like a second chance, Jimmy," He admitted. "At having a good relationship again. And as far as I'm concerned, if that kid makes you happy, he can grow up to be a janitor for all I care."Sulley was silent after his dad finished, his words hanging in the air. His dad had never been a sentimental man, so hearing this out of him was both bizzare and heartwarming. Even if he knew he would have to think long and hard on if he wanted to take if at face value.On one hand, he'd love for Jake to get to know the dad he grew up with. The one that told the world's worst dad jokes, and took off work once a month to take him to ball games. But he also knew he risked the other side of him: the one who put undue pressure on him as he got older and shut him out.He crossed his arms, and looked Bill back in the eye. "Give me time to think about it," He explained honestly, keeping his tone even. "I want to trust you dad. But what you did... It hurt.""I understand," Bill admitted with pain in his voice. "My number hasn't changed."Before Sulley headed off, he had one more thing to add: "But Jimmy?" Sulley turned to look at him and heard the two words he'd waited an eternity for. "I'm so sorry for everything."They left each other then, and as he left Sulley attempted to brighten his spirits. This was still a good day, he reminded himself. And now was time to celebrate.
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"So, how does it feel?"He wrapped his arms around Jake as he stepped out of the courthouse. Thankfully, the "vultures" had left now and he could actually enjoy a moment with his kid. Jake leaned against him and just breathed a sigh of relief. "Feels great. Kind of weird. I don't know, I'm still taking it in," He explained. "I never have to go back to the human world again."Mike piped up excitedly. "That's for sure! First thing we're doing when we get to HQ is permanently shredding that door," He told him with pride in his voice. "Won't be needing that anymore."Sulley chuckled, thinking how Jake's door shredding had started this whole thing. Their subordinates were absolutely going to hate that they were doing this again. But he didn't care. The only closet door Jake ever had to worry about again was the one in his apartment bedroom. "So that's really it?" Jake asked hopefully. "I'm officially like... A resident?"Sulley nodded excitedly. "Yep, it's all legal. I'll go down to the school tomorrow and see about getting you enrolled," Mike had been educating him a bit at MI until everything became official. Given they needed legal records first. "I can finally take you on trips and stuff too. There's an awesome amusement park in Shriekville you'd love."Jake seemed to brighten about that as Sulley kept his grin wide. His confrontation with his father nearly leaving his memory for the moment. As Mike and Celia walked up ahead, however, Jake stopped him. He tugged his arm and Sulley followed him off to the side."Sulley... I've been thinking," He managed to get out after a moment. "I know you told me your dad was kind of... Mean to you. So I've been kind of scared to ask..."Sulley tilted his head, generally confused by what Jake was getting at. For a moment, he felt uncomfortable and even worried before Jake finally came out with it: "Now that this is official, can I call you dad?" He felt his heart both drop and flutter at those words. It dropped at thinking Jake had been scared to call him that. But just hearing the word directed at him made his heart soar. He had been "Kitty" and then "Sulley", and had just accepted at his age Jake may just want to keep it at "Sulley". Dad, on the other hand, was a title he'd definitely wanted too.Instead of answering right away, he picked Jake up in his arms again. No matter how the kid protested he enjoyed doing it after all. "Jake, you could have called me that the whole time," He offered. "I've been calling you my son since the night we got back."Heck, he'd not shut up about his kid since then if he was being frank. Jake even had the esteemed honor of having a picture on his office desk - something he'd never done before. His picture sat proudly beside Boo’s original drawing of the two of them. Jake smiled brightly, and they stood there for a moment. "Ok, dad," Jake tried it on for size. "Can we walk back fo MI? I kind of just want some time with the two of us."Sulley supposed the factory wasn't too far from here, and honestly, he agreed. So without missing a beat he headed toward Mike's car. "You guys go on ahead, we're taking the scenic route," Sulley pointed out. "Shouldn't be long."He also figured it would give Jake a little break. After all, being the center of attention wasn't easy and it was an overwhelming day. "Alright, don't be too long. That cake we got looks so good." Mike pointed out. "See you soon!"He set Jake down on his feet then, and for the first time, they were alone again. They started down the sidewalk, and Sulley kept an arm gently around Jake's shoulders, and attempted to ignore the stares of other monsters. It felt so weird, knowing now that he'd actually succeeded in this. But he hoped it was a sign that what came next could work.They'd walked a few feet when Jake finally spoke up: "Dad, who was that monster you were talking to earlier?"Wait, Jake had seen that? Sulley stumbled over his words as he tried to find a way to respond. He supposed, he had to be honest with him given everything. "... That was my dad," Jake looked surprised. "I know, right? That's the same face i made when I saw him in the back of the courtroom."Jake seemed to go quiet then, and then asked: "What did he want?""It's nothing, Jake. Just something I have to figure out," He explained honestly, not wanting to bother him today of all days. "If it becomes anything major, we can talk about it."Jake didn't seem to like that answer, and decided to tug his arm fur. Oh boy, Sulley had a feeling he wouldn't let this go. "Come on, dad. We're family now. Your problems are my problems," He tried to encourage. "I'm not a little kid, let me help."Sulley smiled sadly, but was touched by the sentiment. That said, Jake was, in fact a little kid for the most part. "Actually, your problems are my problems now," He corrected gently. "Parents have their own ones to deal with."His son wasn't having it: "You don't have a wife to talk it over with. Let me help."God, he had a stubborn kid didn't he? On one hand Sulley knew that getting into it, but now that Jake had opened up more? It was just getting worse he guessed. He needed a distraction, and he found the perfect one as his eyes settled on a nearby ice cream stand. "Hey, want a little pre-game before the cake?" He nudged the boy gently.The teen licked his lips. The one thing Sulley could always count on he guessed was for Jake's sweet tooth to do the talking. "They got Cookies and Scream?" The monster behind the booth nodded. "Oh! And extra gummy snake eyeballs! And fudge...""Slow down kid, you'll puke by the end of the day," Sulley chuckled as he brought out his wallet. "I'll just have the Shrieking Sherbert."The monster that was tending the stall got Jake's first. But stopped Sulley as he started to follow him with his own. "By the way, man. I just wanted to say what you did was pretty awesome," He pointed out. "I put my application in for your new department actually. I'm still in school, but I'd love to help as an assistant until i get my degree in social work."Right; the new department. It wasn't up and running yet, but it was a work in progress with the CDA and their version of CPS' help. Jake's case had touched everyone at Monsters Inc and opened a lot of other monster's eyes to the plight of some of their human clients: abuse, neglect, being bounced around foster care like a pinball, all kinds of terrible things. And so, they were hoping to create a special part of MI for those cases.They wouldn't save every kid, Sulley knew that. But monster society valued their children more highly than humans seemed to. So they'd do their best to help the kids they could, namely, the one's that wanted to take a chance and come to the monster world. If humans didn't want the "unadoptable" kids like Jake, he knew some monster families would.Roz had been handling the bureaucratic side of things, mainly going over legalities. For all intents and purposes, it would be illegal in the human world. But as long as they laid low and spaced out the migrations and timed things so suspicion didn't arise it should work. The last piece of the puzzle had been seeing if Jake's adoption would even go through.Now, he hoped they could roll out the program by the start of summer. "That's great. We've been seeing a lot of good applicants," Sulley commented. "What's your name so I can have a look?""Marty Stillwater, sir!""Good to meet you, Marty," He shook his hand. "See you soon."As he went to join Jake again, he had hopes that the subject of his dad would be dropped. But... "So, like I was saying," He pointed out. "What did he have to say?"Sulley only sighed at that.
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About a half hour later they were standing in front of the door shredder.Jake's face was unreadable, but Sulley hoped his presence helped. They'd called his door down for the last time, a door to a place that held some pretty horrid memories. He stepped up behind Jake carefully and put his paws on his shoulders the empahsize his presence. "I'm OK, dad," Jake managed without glancing back. "I just... Didn't realize it'd feel this rough."Sulley nodded. "We don't have to do this with you here.""I want you to," Jake argued back. "I want to know no one can ever hurt me like that again."Sulley understood that, knowing full well what Jake had gone through in the last home before his. But also didn't want to pressure him. "Alright, but if this gets too intense. You just tell me."He had his own feelings looking at that door again. A part of him wanted to check on his foster dad... Not out of concern, but out of hope he'd learned his lesson. But delaying this was not something he intended to do. "So, you guys ready for this?" Mike piped up as they both turned to him. He entered the shredding room looking enthused. "About time we got to shred this nightmare properly."Sulley shot him a look, at which point Mike noticed the look in Jake's eyes and cut his enthusiasm down several notches. "Hey kiddo, deep breaths OK. One flick of the switch and we're done," He decided to encourage his surrogate nephew. "You sure there's nothing you left behind before we do it?"Jake put a hand on the door a moment and Sulley was sure a dozen thoughts rushed through his mind. Finally, the boy inhaled sharply and closed his eyes. "No, I'm ready, shred it."They watched together as the shredder took care of the rest. Before long, the last of the orange colored door laid at their feet. Jake crouched down and took a single chip, reminiscent of the way Sulley had taken the last piece of Boo's door. A story he'd told Jake before.He held it up to Sulley and noted: "So I never forget where I came from."Sulley nodded a little and let out a breath of relief. Honestly, now that the hardest parts were behind him he had hope there wouldn't be further issues. "Alright then! Who's ready for cake?" Sulley asked brightly. "Where are Tylor, Val, and the others?""On their way from their shifts obviously," Celia pointef out. "No one is going to miss a good party."Sulley grinned from ear-to-ear and hoisted Jake onto his shoulders. Something usually only little kids could do, but their considerable size difference aided in. "What are we waiting for then?" He asked cheerfully. "I didn't take the day off to spend it in the shredding room!"Jake grinned as they headed out, but noticably stole one last glance at the door shredder before the four headed out
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
FOUR MONTHS EARLIERJake wasn’t sure what to make of any of this.This Sulley guy seemed nice, but he had the feeling he definitely didn’t want anything to do with this. After seven years in foster care, Jake had become a good read on people. And this guy was a bundle of nerves and frustrations.He figured he should take it at least a little easy on the guy, after all he was nice. So he had kept mostly quiet since the night before. But he couldn’t help but feel his own discomfort. First had come the food, something he had gone without before. But then came the soft bed he’d slept in the night before. And then practically a whole wardrobe of clothes…Jake didn’t know exactly what to make of them being so nice. Sure, he’d had nice foster parents, really nice ones over the years. But most of them hadn’t put up with the evasiveness and somewhat attitude he’d put up the last twenty-four hours. Instead, they’d often written him off, especially as he got older.No one understood that he put them up for a reason, in his opinion. Jake had been through hell, even before going into care. An abusive teenage father who had beat both him and his mom like punching bags. A mom who’d had him at sixteen who was too strung out on drugs to leave for her own sake, let alone her son’s.Not that he ever bad talked his mother, even as an addict she’d loved him. She had been the only good in his life for those six years. And some would even tell him that when she finally left his dad, checked into rehab, and put him into foster care she did it out of love. That was something he wanted to believe, as rough as it was.Six homes and four group homes later, he felt awful to say his mom’s dream of a better life for him hadn’t happened.He wondered what she’d think of him now as he sat in the back seat of Mike’s car. Being driven around by two monsters through a city on the other side of his closet. Would she find it cool? He assumed she would given she was a bit of a fantasy nerd. She’d probably point out what every monster was, and freak out.He really missed her.“So Jake. Hope you don’t mind me calling you that. Sulley says you want us to,” Jake peered up to see Mike was the one talking. “Got any hobbies?”Was he trying to create small talk? Jake leaned against the window as he thought about it. How much did he want to open up to these two? After all, he knew that inevitably they’d send him back and it’d all be pointless. Even if this wasn’t a foster home that would be the constant.He guessed it couldn’t absolutely hurt though. “I uh… I guess I kind of like drawing,” He pointed out honestly, though he didn’t really like his own work. “It’s just sort of a thing, though. I’m not very good.”Mike nudged Sulley then. “Hey, something the two humans in your life have in common.”“Two humans…?” Jake asked.Sulley didn’t seem to like the comment! He gave Mike a sharp glare in response. After a moment though, Mike gave an answer. “Well it’s complicated. But obviously you aren’t the first human here,” He pointed out honestly. “The big hair ball here got attached to this cute little girl named -.”“Mikey, not the time.”Sulley actually sounded sad that time, Jake noted. But it actually cleared something up for Jake. “So that’s why they put me with you,” Sulley turned to look at him. “You have “experience”.”Sulley snorted, seemingly detecting his sarcasm. Had he actually made him laugh? After a moment, he replied. “Hardly. Mary and I had a great relationship until she turned ten,” He explained. “Then she had less and less time. I mostly watched from afar by the time she was your age.”Jake raised an eyebrow. “Didn’t she have a monster like everyone else?” He asked curiously. “Heck, weren’t you her monster?”The smirk from Sulley’s face faded fast after that comment. He tried to hide the pain, but Jake knew it too well. It was like how he felt about his mom: he missed this “Mary”, whoever she was. After the long awkward silence, Jake decided to at least return a little of the kindness he’d shown him.With a small voice he admitted: “I know that look. It’s complicated, right?” Sulley looked surprised but his expression said it all. “I uh… I have someone I lost that way too.”Sulley looked at him for a long moment, he seemed to be trying to read his facial expressions. Was he looking for a hint of what he meant? If so he could keep looking, Jake figured. “So, are there any rules to this place? I’m not looking to get in trouble with monsters,” He decided to quickly change the subject. “No offense.”Sulley looked like he was just as glad to change the subject. “Yeah, actually. Listen to everything Tylor and Val say when we’re not around,” Sulley made it clear. “And for that matter, try not to touch much. You could end up hurting yourself, we’re a factory after all.”Mike then added: “But you’ll get to see a lot of cool stuff. Like a look behind the scenes,” He explained. “Things only a handful of humans have.”Jake did like the sound of that, he had to admit. Just like his mom he had found monsters “cool” so the chance to meet anything legendary? Well, that was pretty cool. Even if he tried to keep himself from looking too eager.He did have one concern though… “Everyone knows I’m gonna be there, right?” he asked honestly. “I don’t want to be anyone’s nasty surprise.”Mike and Sulley exchanged a “whoops” glance before Mike pulled out his phone. “Well, time to make a call about that.”This would sure be interesting.
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“This is so cool! I’ve never gotten to spend this much time around a human before!”Val Little already struck Jake as very upbeat and peppy, both of which he wasn’t sure about. He supposed it did at least fit her bright fur and colors though. Tylor Tuskmon on the other hand was big, purple and brooding and seemed more his jam as they stood in the Monster’s Inc locker room with Sulley.Val immediately stepped forward and attempted to hold out a hand for him. Unfortunately, Jake was way too small for that. Something Tylor seemed to chuckle at. “What’s up, kid? I’m Tylor, the chipper one is Val,” He decided to introduce them before Val could talk his ear off. “Uh… So, Val pulled me into this. What exactly do we do here?”“Really, Tylor? You’ve never babysitted before?” Val asked in shock. “Oh it’s gonna be easy! I already have a full schedule for us! First, arts and crafts, then, we’re going to tour the Laugh Floor. Then -.”Tylor must have seen the look on Jake’s face because he put a hand up to stop her. After a moment, he crouched to look at Jake with a grin. “Hey kid, you want to see where we keep all the cool confiscated human stuff?” He asked. “I’m pretty sure we got some video games with your name on it.”OK. Now they were talking, he thought to himself. “Cool! Have you got PlayStation? My last group home had one. I’m pretty good at Call of Duty.”Tylor looked like he only understood about half of that. But he looked at Val, put a hand on Jake’s back, and started to walk away. “Cool! Let’s go see if we have uh… Gamestation,” Tylor decided to encourage. “Don’t worry Sulley, I got this.”“Just uh… Take it easy! I’ll check in when I can.”As Tylor lead Jake into the main area again, Jake noticed it was full of life. When Sulley had come into the front entrance, it had been before the work day and quiet. Now everyone was hustling and seemed to be making their way around toward their day. To say Jake was wide-eyed and shocked was an understatement.There were monsters of every age, size, and gender. He could see moth men, giant slugs, heck he was pretty sure he saw a couple of humanoid insects? But what got his attention was the big, hulking white furred creature with the snow cones. Was that… “Is that an actual Yeti!?” Jake asked in shock. “I knew they existed!”Tylor peered up, but Val was the one who responded. “Oh? Adorable? Yeah, he’s super sweet,” She pointed out. “Come on, Tylor let’s introduce him! Hey! Adorable!”Adorable? Why the heck were they calling him that? Still, the big guy waved and rolled his cart over. “Hey guys! Oh! This must be the kid who was causing a ruckus yesterday, huh?” He asked immediately setting his sights on Jake. “Here kid, got a favorite flavor?”Jake didn’t know what to say. The Yeti had always been his favorite Cryptid so this was something he was just trying to process. “I uh - yeah, got lemon lime?” The Yeti just smiled and plucked one out handing it over. “Uh. I hope I don’t embarrass you, but Mr. Snowman, I’m a huge fan!”The Yeti chuckled at him, putting his hands on his hips. “Gee, thanks kid! But please call me Adorable, everyone does.” He pointed out. “Mr. Snowman was my father.”“Is Bigfoot real too?” Jake asked curiously. “Oh man, this is so dope.”“Oh yeah! He’s my cousin!”Tylor chuckled and decided to move him away. “Thanks man, we won’t keep you anymore.”Val looked eagerly over at Jake, curiosity in her eyes. “Ohhh looks like someone’s a bit of a fanboy?” Jake felt his face go red in response. “Don’t worry, it’s hard not to get starstruck a little. He’s super cool.”Jake put his hands in his pockets, now feeling deeply embarrassed. He had never geeked out like that before, and he’d done it in front of people - well monsters - he barely knew. “I uh, I mean, not exactly. I just… My mom,” He tried not to sound like he was making excuses at least. “Hey, weren’t we supposed to be playing video games?”Of course, Jake found they didn’t just have a PlayStation when they headed to the confiscation area. There was an Xbox, a Switch, and even a few other ones he didn’t know like a “Dreamcast”. Still, he and Tylor had fun figuring out what to get and they found that they did, in fact have Call of Duty too.Within an hour, the trio found himself in the break room with a tv. Jake found reaching Tylor how to play was easy, but Val decided to simply watch the boys play. “This is a really violent game,” Val pointed out after a moment. “Aren’t you a little young for this?”“Eh, I’ve seen worse,” Jake pointed out honestly. “One of my foster parents had a whole collection of horror movies. I binged the Saw movies in one week.”“What’s Saw?”Jake guessed that they didn’t get human movies, maybe they should check that out in the confiscated items next. “Oh if you want something violent… It doesn’t get much more violent,” He pointed out jokingly. Though he could already see Val cringing. “Sorry, it’s all good. They’re just scary movies, do you guys have those?”“Oh yeah! All kinds of ones,” Val pointed out. “They used to make a lot of them about scary little kids… You know, before we knew better.”“We have those too! My favorite is Orphan.”Tylor smirked, and leaned back in his seat. “Ah, I love scary movies too. Maybe we can show you some of ours sometime,” He pointed out. “After I’m done crushing you in the next round. I’m not losing for fourth time.”“You just did,” Jake joked. “We’re on round five, dude.”“Wait, really!? Aw man!”As the boy grinned, he had a small feeling he might actually like it here. Maybe just a little. But that also scared him, especially when he was used to not staying in one place too long. “After this round, can we go to the Laugh Floor? I’m really excited to see more of those guys!” He said with a great deal of excitement still. “Besides, I think Sulley mentioned I was gonna get a look behind the scenes.”“Sure, one more round though.” Tylor pointed out. “I definitely got it this time!”Jake simply smirked and prepared for Round Five.
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By the end of the day, Jake was actually worn out.Val and Tylor had actually shown him a really good time. While he’d been too nervous to introduce himself yet, he didn’t mind because watching them at work was really cool. Before he’d known it, however, the day had ended and he was heading into Sulley’s office.Now that he was more awake than the night before, he could see it was a big one, with two desks for him and Mike in it. But Mike looked like he must have gone home for the day as Sulley was alone, staring at some picture in a frame. “Hey, uh. Val and Tylor went home.” He told Sulley, who nearly jumped out of his fur. “Sorry, I uh… Didn’t interrupt did I?”Sulley shook his head and leaned back in his seat before checking the time. “Oh man, it’s that late already? My bad. Sometimes the paperwork adds up,” He pointed out honestly before setting the picture frame down. “How did it go?”Jake came up to the desk, and noticed it wasn’t a picture at all. But a very crude children’s drawing in crayon of a small girl in a pink dress, and a tall blue thing he guessed was Sulley. “Good. We mostly played video games,” He shrugged. “Is that uh… One of the pictures Mary drew?”Sulley nodded, a smile on his face. “Yeah, from when I first met her actually,” Jake took a seat and looked at Sulley curiously. “She was way younger than you were. She was only two.”Jake looked surprised, Sulley had taken care of a little kid? That actually sounded way tougher than a teenager, no wonder they’d asked him to take care of him. “Look, I’m sorry you got stuck with me. I get the feeling it wasn’t your first choice,” Sulley glanced back at him with a frown. “I mean you really miss her, so it’s kind of weird, right?”Sulley seemed to try to think of the right words. But when he replied, his answer surprised Jake. “It wasn’t, but it’s OK. I don’t mind it. To tell you the truth it’s nice having company,” Jake wasn’t sure he believed him but still… “It just hasn’t been easy since she left for college. You’re right, I miss her a lot.”Jake was about to leave it at that, but he could see the sadness behind Sulley’s eyes again. It was something the thirteen year old understood and Sulley just seemed like an ice guy. Besides, the more he thought about it, the more he figured they wouldn’t see each other after all this anyway.So what was the harm in relating to him?“When I was a kid, my mom gave me up. That’s how I went into foster care,” He admitted. The mention surprised the monster by the look in his eyes. “She was… Sick. With drugs, I think. She wouldn’t even look me in the eyes when they took me away.”“I’m so sorry, Jake.”Jake shook his head, after all, it wasn’t what he wanted out of this. “Don’t be. I’m just saying… I know what it’s like to miss someone like that,” Sulley’s features softened. “It doesn’t go away but it hurts… Less after a while, I guess.”His gaze had gone distant then, so much so he barely noticed Sulley get up. A gentle paw on his shoulder grabbed his attention though, and he noticed Sulley had gotten up. “Thanks. You uh, didn’t have to share that…” Sulley pointed out. “I’m sure that isn’t easy for you either.”Jake shrugged, but definitely wanted off the subject quickly. “Hey… Are you ready to go by the way?” He asked. “I’m starving.”Sulley chuckled and clicked his desk lamp off before he nodded. “Yeah, me too actually. I know this great Japanese place,” He explained. “Do you like Sushi?”Jake smiled and nodded his head. The rest of the night he’d be as guarded as he had been before. But in that moment they both found just a hint of the spark they shared.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
FOUR MONTHS EARLIERJake woke up screaming.He couldn’t remember how long it had been since he had a nightmare that bad. In fact, it had been the first he’d had since he’d come to Monstropollis three days ago. He heaved and tried to calm himself down, tried to remind himself he was safe. But the truth was, he didn’t actually know that, he didn’t know the monsters well enough… They used to scare people.Oh god, he thought as he felt the damp sheets and his face went a bright shade of red. He jumped out of the bed, looking over it for a moment before he found the door flying open. “What’s going on!? Jake, are you OK!?”Jake turned as he noticed Sulley coming through the door, surprised. He imagined what could go down at that moment, fear flowing through him. Would he scream in his face? Slap him? Worse…? As Sulley seemed to take in the sight before him and trudged over, Jake prepared for any of it.He immediately started stammering over his words: “I’m so sorry, Sulley! I’ll clean it up I promise,” He half-squeaked, half-shouted. “I’m so sorry… I’m so -.”Sulley’s paw raised and Jake prepared for the hit. He knew at Sulley’s size and strength it was going to hurt. But after a moment, Sulley put a paw gently on his shoulder. “Hey… It’s ok… Accidents happen,” He replied softly, concern in his eyes. “Bad dream, huh?”Jake hesitated a moment, but nodded as Sulley pulled his sheets off the bed. He wasn’t going to hit him? Or even yell at him? Jake didn’t understand as he looked up at the furry monster. “You had a few more pajamas. Why don’t you clean up in the bathroom and I’ll throw these in.”Jake decided at that point the suspense was killing him: “Why are you so OK with this? I - I literally just wet my bed,” He motioned toward the bed as he tried to figure this out. “Aren’t you supposed to punish me or something?”Sulley’s eyes softened more than Jake had ever seen yet. He didn’t remove his paw either, as he attempted to find his own words. “Jake, it’s OK. You had an accident,” He told him again. “Did you think I was going to… Hit you or something?”Jake was silent, but that seemed to be all Sulley needed. He simply nodded, and then murmured: “Go get cleaned up and then we can talk, OK?”The teen listened to him, and headed to the shower. He came back out into the living room dressed in new, dry pajamas. Sulley looked down at him, and appeared deeply nervous. They stood there in silence for a long time, neither really sure what to say.Finally, Sulley decided to speak. And when he did it filled Jake’s heart with dread. “Jake; do you want to tell me what your nightmare was about?” He asked quietly. “It must have been really bad if you soiled yourself.”Was he offering him a chance to open up? Jake almost felt more confusion at that than anything else. After a minute though, he shook his head. “I don’t talk about that kind of stuff anymore. It scares people,” He admitted with pain in his voice. “My social worker says I shouldn’t talk about it.”“Why not?”“None of your business.”Jake was silent, he really didn’t want to talk about the abuse with Sulley. Being around the block, he’d been abused in multiple homes. It was part of the reason he had those guards up to begin with, why he sometimes acted out. Or lashed out like he just had.Every time he opened up, had a night terror, or got too out of control he got sent back. It felt like no one wanted the traumatized kid who had a hard time. They wanted the fantasy foster kid they could make better overnight. And even if Sulley wasn’t really his foster parent, he was nice. He didn’t want to scare him away.They stood in silence for a minute before the big furry monster spoke again: “You know when I was your age I had a friend whose dad beat the snot out of him.” That got Jake’s attention mildly, but he still avoided eye contact. “I mean seriously bad - to the point my own dad had to intervene at one point. He went to live with a foster family, he was just as upset and quiet about it -.”Jake stopped him and made one thing clear: “I’ve talked to lots of people. Foster parents, a therapist, my social worker. The home before this one this same thing happened,” He snapped back. “And they told them they didn’t want to potty train me. They needed someone less-less…”He couldn’t even finish his sentence at first but after a moment did. “Screwed up…”Sulley looked disgusted at the notion. “You have night terrors, that doesn’t mean you’re not potty trained. It means you’re scared,” He pointed out, trying to keep his anger to a minimum. “A foster parent should know you kids come with trauma -.”“Some do. Some don’t. Some of them don’t care and just want you to be “normal”.”“I’m not one of them,” Sulley reminded. “I’m the monster putting your sheets in the wash and asking if you need to talk.”Jake stood there silently, unsure of how to respond. Did Sulley really care? He search the monster’s face for a sign that he was trying to get a rise out of him. But Sulley instead took a seat on the couch and motioned that he could do the same.After a minute of hesitation, Jake took his seat. His eyes peering down at the ground, unsure of what to say or do. How did he even talk about this? He didn’t want to sound like a whiner. No one liked whiners.So he figured he’d just come out with it, avoid the problems he was facing now. Instead, he’d just open up with what his nightmare was about, that’s all he asked after all. “I told you my mom was an addict. But she wasn’t the problem. She loved me,” He explained. “The problem was my dad.”“What kind of problem?”Jake peered over at him and just came out with it: “I think you already know. He was a horrible person. Like scum on the Earth,” Jake admitted honestly. “He used to beat my mom and I so bad I couldn’t even go to day care. The one time mom took me they called CPS…”Sulley looked at him like he’d just punched the monster in the gut. He opened his mouth to say something, but couldn’t bring himself to. Jake felt tears sting his eyes, though he tried to hide it. “He used to come into my room at night and just wail on me, man. I didn’t even have to do anything,” He choked out after a moment. “So sometimes when I have those nightmares I just can’t… Separate the dream. I get so scared he’s in there with me.”He felt the gentle giant reach an arm around him, and pull him into a hug. It was something he hadn’t expected, at all. But he didn’t pull away from Sulley as he buried his face into his blue fur. “I’m sorry… I’m a mess.”“Shhh, it’s OK,” Sulley told him softly. “You’re safe here, OK? You got a monster over seven feet tall watching over you.”Jake felt himself tremble, and found the tears didn’t stop. Maybe it was how Sulley held him tightly and didn’t let go. Maybe it was the fact that he hated talking about this. Or maybe it was because wrapped in those arms, for the first time he actually felt safe. But he didn’t move, didn’t fight the big guy.He let him hold him there until he fell asleep again.
—————-
The night before had drained Sulley.Not the way he’d expected it to, however. Instead, it’d left him somewhat confused in a way he didn’t express. Initially he’d just wanted Jake to talk to him, but when he’d broken down in his arms? It had done something to him inside: more than broke his heart, it’d made a fury rise in him he’d never felt before.He had returned him to a dry bed after a while, and they hadn’t spoken a word about it that morning. But Mike must have noticed either the tired look in his eyes or his quietness because he finally asked. “Ok, what’s wrong big guy?” He looked down from his clipboard as he went over the numbers for the day. “You’re not acting right today.”Thanks, Mike. “I’m fine, it was just a rough night last night,” Sulley replied honestly. “I was up late with Jake.”“What for?”Sulley wasn’t sure it was his place to say, so he considered how to respond. When he finally settled on an answer he was direct: “He just… Turns out he’s been through an awful lot. It’s not my business to talk about it,” He admitted. “I guess what I’m finding out is just shaking me up a little is all.”Mike frowned, and Sulley figured he’d said enough to give him an idea. “Well then it’s a good thing he has you,” Mike explained. “If a kid’s story shakes you up that bad. He probably needs you.”Sulley shook his head. “Don’t go saying things like that. I’ve got to be careful,” He explained. “I can’t risk getting attached to him like I did with Mary.”Mike shook his head as they continued to walk down the factory floor. Sulley was sure he could tell that was a hard sell for someone with as big a heart as his but still. “Still, maybe you can help him out while you still have him,” He then piped up. “Hey, it’s Friday! You get the weekend to spend some time together. Take him to a ball game, or a movie or something…”Really? Was it already Friday? Sulley checked his phone to discover he’d definitely lost track of time. “Oh wow, this week is going by fast,” he pointed out. “Probably not a bad idea, actually. I wonder if he likes sports?”Mike shrugged. “Don’t know, have you tried asking him?”Sulley supposed he hadn’t, nor had he asked him a ton. But then again he’d literally known the kid just a few days. Still, he wondered if it was really a bad idea to find something to do with him - common ground and all. “Hey! Why not take the day off early? There’s a game this afternoon, right?” Mike pointed out. “I can handle things from here.”Sulley began to argue. “I mean - I haven’t asked him yet.”“So do it! I’ll take that.”Sulley rolled his eyes as Mike took the clipboard and walked ahead of him. He really was determined for Sulley to enjoy his time with this kid, wasn’t he? Still, he took a deep breath and decided to find Jake because what was the harm?Val and Tylor were working, so he’d been left in the break room with his games. When he found him, Jake was mid-way into one of his games and Sulley hesitated about approaching him. Why was he so nervous? He shouldn’t be, he thought to himself.Finally, Sulley came up behind him. “Hey,” Jake jumped about a foot as he turned to face the monster. “I uh… I decided to take an early out. I don’t… Suppose you like sports do you?”Jake looked like he didn’t have an answer at first, but then admitted: “I uh, don’t know… I’ve never been to a game or anything.”Sulley’s eyes widened. “Haven’t been to a game!? Really?” He asked in surprise. “Some of my favorite memories as a kid are going to football and baseball games.”“You have those here too?”“Sure we do! Even if it’s a little different here,” Sulley could tell he’d piqued the boy’s interest, even if just a little. “C’mon, I won’t stand for this. I’m taking you.”Jake got up, nervous again. “Sulley games cost money, you -.”“Enough of that. You’re in my care, if I want to spend my money on you I will,” Sulley interrupted him. The kid acted like he wasn’t worth any money. “I’m going to take you there, and fill you with so much junk food you won’t know what hit you.”Jake gave a small smile, and seemed to think about it for a minute…
—————-
Monstropollis Stadium was as busy as ever.An hour later, the unlikely pair were through the gates, where Sulley set a Monstropollis Gorgon’s hat on top of Jake’s head. Sulley could see some of the looks they got, and ultimately put a hand on his shoulder as they walked through. He didn’t care what others thought, as far as he was concerned Jake had a right to be there too.For his part, Jake showed more life as they walked along. His eyes examining the many legendary monster athletes, as well as the many surrounding them now. Sulley smiled as they navigated their way down the stadium and toward their seats. “Pretty cool, huh?” Jake nodded his head. “I remember the first time my dad took me to a game. I didn’t know where to look or what to do… I wanted to see it all.”“Do you and your dad still go?”Sulley frowned, wishing he hadn’t brought it up now. It had been a long time since he and his dad had talked, which wasn’t helped by the loss of his mom. “I uh… Its complicated,” Sulley admitted. “Let’s just say your dad isn’t the only one with issues.”They found their seats just behind the fifty yard line. And while several monsters seemed to narrow their eyes at Jake, none of them said a word with Sulley there. He smiled and patted Jake on the leg. “But hey, I’m glad we could be here,” He admitted. “Mike isn’t much of a sports guy since he and Celia got married. I haven’t had a real sports buddy in a while.”Jake seemed eager, but Sulley didn’t want to read too much into it. Instead, he’d just enjoy the game with some company for a change. “So where’s this junk food I was promised?” He teased as the game started. “Because I can’t remember the last time I had junk food.”“What’re you feeling like?”“Hot Dogs, popcorn, cotton candy, the works!” Jake bounced slightly on the seat eagerly. “I mean if it’s not too much -.”“What did I tell you? This is my treat,” Sulley interrupted before he could even finish that sentence. “Hey! Can I get one of those popcorns?” He asked someone coming down the aisle.Jake did indeed get everything he wanted. And by the time they’d hit half-time, he and Sulley were genuinely into it. It was the first serious signs of life that he’d seen in the kid. He stood; he cheered, he got angry at ref calls. And from the looks of it he was having fun, genuine fun.Before he knew it, the game had ended, and Jake was immediately voicing: “Wait, it’s over!? Man that was quick,” Sulley chuckled as they began to leave, enjoying the eagerness. “Now I see why everyone likes this stuff.”Sulley smiled. “Hey, maybe -.” He stopped himself short of saying “can go again sometime”. After all, his door could be rebuilt any day. “Maybe you can get someone to take you back home too.”Jake shrugged. “Maybe, but I bet it wouldn’t be as fun. I mean the ball isn’t alive back home!” He laughed slightly as Sulley noticed the way he dragged his feet. “Man, was the walk here this long before?”Sulley smirked before picking him up by the waist in both his paws. Jake appeared just small enough he could still hoist him on his shoulders despite being thirteen. To his surprise, he was right, though Jake seemed surprised. “Whoa! I haven’t ridden someone’s shoulders since I was a little kid,” He joked. “How tall are you?”“Over seven feet tall,” Sulley joked back. “This barely breaks a sweat for me. Just hold on tight, OK? You’re probably easier to drop.”He felt Jake’s arms wrap his arms around his neck as he yawned tiredly and felt a spark. It was perhaps the first real spark he’d gotten, he figured. The other day in his office, he’d felt a hint of something. But somehow, having Jake up there felt… Right? He didn’t know, but he did feel a certain warmth in his heart.One day, he’d probably say that was the moment he realized they were forming a connection. One he’d promised himself he wouldn’t form, and now… He didn’t know. He liked how it felt, but what happened when they had the same result?At the time, Jake still had to go home eventually, they still had to say goodbye. But something about that night told him different… Something started to pull him in the right direction.Something told him this boy belonged with him, even if he had yet to admit it.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
PRESENT DAYIt felt different returning to the apartment that night.Jake slipped into his pajamas and looked around his room quietly. It had changed a lot since it had been Sulley’s spare room. Its walls a vibrant blue instead of a dull white, different monsters adorned his blankets while he had his own little game system and desk too.There were various pictures of him, Sulley, and their family together. His family, Jake thought. Now there was a legal paper binding him to Sulley forever - meaning no one could ever take him away. It felt so strange to know this was his room now, his life now, forever.He picked up and looked at the picture of himself and Sulley at a football game and smiled lightly. But his thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock as Sulley poked his head in. “Time for bed, son,” He chuckled to himself. “That’ll take some getting used to.”Jake smirked up at the monster as he spoke up: “You can still call me “Jake”, or “kidddo” you know.”“I know it’s just… Kind of nice.”Jake smirked as he hopped into his bed and watched Sulley make his way over. To think a few months ago, he’d never wanted anything to really do with the guy. Now he was his dad - real dad. He was still trying to wrap his mind around that.He sighed quietly, allowing his father to sit on the side of his bed. They sat there for a moment as Jake looked at his bedside again. The framed picture of his mom, one of the few things he’d taken with him still sat there. Right beside a framed picture of him and Sulley. As if reading his mind, his father carefully picked it up and looked at it.“I bet your mom would be proud of you today,” Sulley encouraged. “I know this was hard on you… But I bet she’d be happy.”Jake sometimes wasn’t sure how Sulley could say things like that. He’d never met his mother before, or any human adult if you didn’t count his former foster father. But he did appreciate how Sulley didn’t try to erase her from his life.It was one thing he’d noticed right away when they’d started this. He encouraged him to remember her, to cherish the good memories. “I wish you could meet her,” Jake replied. “That she could know.”Sulley smiled sadly, but Jake knew it was part of the deal. If Jake crossed over, he couldn’t go back to the human world. Maybe not forever, they’d told him. But until he was a legal adult it’d endanger both him and their world.Besides, he didn’t even know where to begin looking if he did. It’d been eight years since they’d taken him away. For all he knew, his mom was gone. “Me too,” Sulley’s answer surprised him. “But your grandma once told me something…”“Yeah?”“Mom’s always know,” Sulley told him as he rested a paw on his head. “It’s like a sixth sense.”Jake smiled as Sulley started to carefully pull the blankets around him. Other teens may argue they didn’t need to be tucked into bed. But for him? It was a sense of security he’d never get tired of.Tonight though; as Sulley set the picture down he was overwhelmed. Emotions ran through his mind: the day was over. He’d waited for it for so long: the court hearing, the cake, the party. He’d spent countless nights worried Sulley would change his mind.But here he was, finally a Sullivan.He surprised himself as before Sulley could say a parting comment, he sat up in bed. He wrapped his arms tightly around the big guy’s neck, an action which seemed to surprise him. “Thank you for not giving up on me,” He muttered. “I love you, dad.”Sulley held him tightly, and seemed to be trying to keep his emotions in check. Jake knew he probably wanted to cry, but also hated for him to see that. Still, he felt fur against his ear as Sulley whispered. “I love you too.” Every time he heard that was music to his ears.He laid down again then, allowing the blankets to slowly pull around him again. He felt the gentle feeling of Sulley’s lips atop his head to kiss him goodnight. It still felt strange, especially taking the fur into account but Jake only smiled as he did.“Goodnight, kiddo,” Sulley said with a small smile. “I’ll see you in the morning.”Before he left, Jake did in fact catch a tear in Sulley’s eye.
——————
The next week brought his least favorite part of the whole arrangement: signing up for school.It wasn’t that he hated school, it was that he hated going to a new school. Jake had been to so many of them by now, and had always suffered “new kid syndrome”. While he understood this would be his last time doing it, the stigma remained.Eeks Port Middle School looked like your typical middle school in the human world. Save for the fact that the doors were bigger, and the desks ranged from being tiny itty bitty things to as big as Jake’s old house depending on the monsters.Every eye was on him and Sulley as they headed inside. Sulley had, with some resistance, gotten Jake enrolled. But it didn’t mean that everyone was used to the idea he supposed. He noted most with an eye on them were students, but he also noted a few teachers poking their heads out.“Do I have to do this, dad?” Jake murmured. “I was doing fine with Uncle Mike.”Sulley chuckled. “Jake, you need a real education,” He explained before adding. “This’ll be great for you. You can finally be out in the open and make friends!”If anyone wanted to be friends, Jake lamented. He was still the only human there until they started the new program anymore. He stuck out like a sore thumb, a curiosity. Which may or may not have been a bad thing depending on who you asked. “Mr. Sullivan!” Jake looked up at a loud booming voice. “It’s such a pleasure to see you again! And this must be Jake…”The monster who came from the principal’s office was a tall; slender green one. He looked a little like a thin toad, Jake noted and wore a big smile. “It’s such an honor you’ve decided to join us, Jake!” Whether he was being fake or not was up for debate in his opinion. “We understand this transition will likely be very hard on you. But we hope to make you as comfortable and welcome as possible.”Jake decidedly kept close to Sulley, but felt his paw on his back. “Jake’s a little shy. But we’re really excited,” “We” since when was there a “we”? “For him to get to know kids his own age and learn more about our world. Right, Jake?”The teen peered up at Sulley, but could immediately see the warning look in his dad’s eyes. Of course he wanted him to give this a chance, but Jake could only manage a fraction of a smile. “Yeah, I uh… I’m looking forward to it,” He forced out of his mouth. “Where does the torture start first?”Sulley looked thankful the other monster only seemed to laugh. “Ha! We outlawed Torture 101 in the nineties,” Jake’s eyes bulged. “I’ve got your schedule though, and I’ll lead you to your home room. I’m Principal Hornlodge by the way. If you have any more questions feel free to ask.” He said while handing him a small paper with said-schedule.Jake turned to Sulley, begging with his eyes for him not to leave him. But as usual, Sulley just gave him a tight squeeze. “I’ll be here to pick you up at three,” He pointed out. “You got your lunch?”Jake nodded. “If I survive that long.” He murmured. “Love you.”“Love you too.”And then he was letting Hornlodge lead him down the hallway. It seemed like hours before they came upon his homeroom. Jake felt slight relief that it seemed… Typical. Kids were goofing off, some texting or throwing spitballs. Just waiting for the bell to ring mostly.When it did, Hornlodge cleared his throat. And only then did the hodgepodge of assorted monster adolescents straighten. With the occasional outlier still goofing off. “Good morning, class. Normally, I’d have your teacher introduce our new student. But, given the circumstances I will be taking the opportunity,” Oh great. Center of attention, just what Jake needed right now. “As you are all aware, we are slowly integrating humans into our society. Today, we have the honor of welcoming one of them into the fold.”He could hear the hushed whispers long before he stepped out nervously. A few peered over for a good look, while there were a few sneers to go with it. “I expect you all to make Jacob feel welcome. His father, James Sullivan, is a name I know many of you respect,” He noticed many kids changed their tunes at that. “Can I get a volunteer to help Jacob get aquatinted?”Oh God, anything but throwing a “buddy” on him. Unsurprisingly, no one said a single word and Jake assumed someone would be volunteered. Finally, however, a smaller, crab-like monster held up his claw and piped up. “I’ll show him around, Principal Hornlodge!” He replied brightly. “Hey! You can have a seat next to me too.”One buffer monster, clearly a jock snorted. “Sure, freaks gotta stick together, right?”Jake felt his face turn tomato red, but actually felt a tiny bit thankful for the crab monster. Most kids in other schools had to be forced to do it. He was the first that Jake experienced to actually extend any sort of friendship.He cautiously headed toward said student as the principal lectured the jock. Jake didn’t want confrontation, so he simply ignored him for now and had a seat near him at the smaller seats at the front. “Hey! I’m Sam!” The boy offered. “You know, our dad’s went to college together.”Jake looked surprised by that. “Really?”“Yeah! They were in the same fraternity for a bit or something,” Sam pointed out excitedly. “His name’s Chet.”Jake tried to think if he’d met a Chet, or if Sulley had mentioned one. He’d met a few of the Oozma Kappa gang, but he had met none of the ROR’s who he assumed this “Chet” might have belonged to. “That’s cool,” Jake offered. “Uh… Thanks for offering, by the way. I know most people don’t want to be caught dead with the new kid.”Sam shrugged his shoulders. “My dad always says it’s easier to be nice. Says he learned that way too late,” He admitted. “Hey! We got a lot of the same classes together, cool!”“Yeah “cool”,” the same jock, a large, fanged creature with black scales pointed out behind them. “Word of advice, Sullivan. If you want to survive to freshman year? Don’t hang out with losers.”Yeah, Jake had about had it with this guy. Instead of going on the attack with a guy twice his size though. He simply offered one reply: “I think I’m pretty good at telling who the losers are, thanks,” The monster’s white eyes widened in response. “Now if you don’t mind…”He had a feeling as he turned back to face the teacher it wouldn’t be the last he heard from him. Though he wouldn’t hear from him as the day progressed.Monster school was not too different from regular school as it turned out.You still had the jocks, the cheerleaders, the “nerds”, the artsy kids, and the like. But he quickly learned the differences quickly: the jocks were sometimes the size of a mountain for example. He noted that as he thought on where he fit into this school, and immediately noted he wasn’t going out for sports.Still, Sam seemed like a really nice guy. As it turned out, despite the jerk they’d run into - he was well liked too. He wasn’t exactly a jock, but he did have a big circle of friends in other spots in the school hierarchy.Still, as they made their way into the lunchroom, Sam decided to take an open table. At first, Jake was confused as to why, but he quickly pointed out: “I figure this way, people might see me and be more comfortable coming over,” He explained honestly as he set his tray down. “I think everyone’s just a little nervous to have a human around.”“Nervous?”“Well, yeah. Until your dad introduced Laugh Power, everyone was afraid of humans,” Sam reminded him. Jake supposed that was true. “Hey, where’s your food, aren’t you eating?”Jake smiled a little as he brought out his lunchbox from his bag. Sam almost looked dumbfounded: “Wow, Sulley packs his kid a lunch? That’s kind of cool.”“He’s actually a pretty good cook,” Jake pointed out as he started to unload the PB&J sandwich, chips, and a brownie. “Not that this required much.”Sam nodded a little and took a bite of the lunch room pizza in response. “So can I ask you kind of a personal question?” Jake shrugged, used to those by now. “Why did you decide to stay here anyway? Don’t you like… Miss humans?”Did he miss humans? That was a loaded question. Humans were terrible to each other, probably worse than monsters could be in some ways. On one hand. Jake did definitely missed having more people around him like him. But on the other, the monsters had been kinder to him in the long run.“Sometimes… But I really didn’t have it easy in the human world,” Jake admitted, keeping himself focused on his lunch. “Back where I come from, humans didn’t… Care much about kids like me sometimes.”“Humans?”“Foster kids,” Jake replied. “Our system was pretty broken.”Sam seemed to cringe a bit. But their conversation was interrupted when another joined them. Jake hadn’t expected anyone to join the way Sam talked but soon found one of the bigger monsters beside them. It wasn’t the jock, but he did seem to carry that air about him too.He was big, with large red horns and purple scales. And Jake was surprised to see he looked impressed… “Hey new kid, saw how you stood up to Nolan earlier. Props, that guy can be a real jerk,” Jake nodded his head a little. “Don’t worry about him, not all of us are like that.”Sam nodded his head. “Yeah, Biff here is captain of the Comedy Team. But he still has time to hang out with “freaks” like me.” Sam joked.“What can I say? We’ve been friends since the crib.”Jake did have a question. “Comedy Team? That’s like a… Sport here?”“Now that laugh energy is around it is. It used to the “Scare Team” but now no one uses scream power,” Biff explained. “You can join if you want. But I mean - I’m not sure you’re interested in being a Jokester. You’d need a hell of a disguise.”Jake hadn’t thought of it before, given everything. His whole family had been scarers but it wasn’t like he could have done that either after all. “Maybe, I don’t know,” Jake replied. “I wasn’t good at clubs and stuff back home.”“Ah, a solitary creature,” Biff teased. “I can fix that. We meet on Friday’s. Drop by and I’ll introduce ya.”Jake thought of arguing, but decided to simply smile. What could it hurt right? New school, new start. Plus he knew he wasn’t going to survive here without at least a few friends…He was beginning to think this wouldn’t be so bad after all as they continued their chat.
———-
Jake had been so excited to get out and tell Sulley how it had gone he ran into someone he didn’t expect.He didn’t know who was more surprised to see the other there: him or Bill. Jake immediately recognized his grandfather from the previous week at the courthouse and of course, he was sure the elder Sullivan recognized him instantly.They stood there in awkward silence for a moment before Bill crouched down to pick up the books Jake had dropped before passing them over. “Oh, uh… Hey, Jake right?” Bill tried to play it off cool and probably believed Jake had no idea who it was. “Sorry, kid. You OK?”Jake nodded his head slowly, and tried to find the words to say next. “I’m fine… Thanks,” He noted Bill had been coming out of the gymnasium and made an inference. “Coach…?”“Yeah, I teach Phys Ed. I think I actually have you in my class tomorrow,” Jake felt a slight pounding in his head. “Look this is kind of awkward, but…”Jake just came out with it. “It’s ok. I know you’re Sulley’s dad,” Bill looked surprised, and rubbed the back of his neck. “I won’t say anything. I kind of like it here.”Bill nodded his head slowly. “I uh… That’s good,” He finally replied before adding calmly. “Look, I’m sure you’ve heard a lot from your dad. But I promise that’s not me anymore. I’m kind of a tough coach, but you won’t have to worry about me treating you bad.”The teen replied simply: “It’s cool… I uh, he’s waiting for me though,” Jake told him nodding down the hall. “I gotta get going.”When he’d started to leave, thankful to leave the awkwardness behind Bill had one last thing to add. “Hey Jake?” The boy turned back. “I know we don’t really have a relationship. But if you need anything while you’re here, my office is always open.”“Thanks.”Jake knew things were going to get very interesting from here on out.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
PRESENT DAY“See, I told you it wouldn’t be bad.”That had been what Sulley had told him when they headed back to Monsters Inc HQ. Jake was glad that even though he wouldn’t be around it so much he’d still be going there after school. He’d honestly become way too attached to the place at this point - not to mention the monsters in charge.Making sure he stopped by Adorable’s stand for a snow cone, he finally answered his dad. “Yeah, it was actually the most bearable school I’ve been to,” He jested, looking over at him. “They actually want me to join the Comedy Team - I guess it’s this group of Jr. Jokesters.”Sulley lifted his eyebrows. “May not be a bad idea, actually. You have a while to go for it, but it looks good on college applications,” College? Yeah, he was definitely not ready to talk about that. “They’re kind of like the Scare Teams I was on as a kid. That’s pretty much how I got into my Alma matter.”Ignoring the fact he got expelled, Jake supposed that was a good point. “I don’t know, dad. What if I don’t want to be a Jokester?” He asked. “I’d need a disguise and I’m not always the best at comedy…”Sulley put a paw on his shoulder. “Kiddo, you can be whatever you want. Jokester, Mifter, Artist,” He then added with a teasing voice. “But if you end up working for Fear Co, I’m disowning you.” He joked.That produced a laugh from Jake, given he believed Sulley’s sentiment about his future. He was sure Sulley would love for his son to follow in some form of his footsteps, but he also encouraged him to do his own thing most times. The truth was, Jake did want to follow in Sulley’s footsteps in some way - even if he hadn’t figured out how yet.Finally, he decided on the perfect reply: “I don’t really know what I want to do yet. Especially now,” He admitted honestly. “There’s so many cool jobs you guys have here that humans don’t.”Sulley smirked, but they were both interrupted by an excited shout as they headed into his office. “Hey guys! Back just in time, we got another candidate!” Mike called out as Jake looked up. “Six years old, lives in a group home. He’s one of Tylor’s clients and they’re pretty close.”Jake couldn’t believe they were actually doing the whole “saving more kids” thing, but they were. This was their sixth candidate so far, and while they were several months out still it was looking good. “Aw, he’s cute!” Sulley pointed out as he looked over the file. “Area he’s in is pretty rural too. Probably won’t attract a lot of press.”That had been one problem they’d had with Jake at first. He’d come from a bigger city and his initial disappearance had been big news. Thankfully, he’d spent enough time in the monster world that he was just a missing person now. But it had definitely been one of the first big issues that they had faced together.He hopped on Sulley’s desk and took a look at the picture. The kid was cute, he agreed. With those dimples and couple of missing teeth. “That makes what… Six kids?” Jake asked. “Are you guys gonna have enough families by the time we’re done?”Mike laughed a little. “You kidding? We have more families than we do kids so far,” He admitted. “I mean, it’s just two more. But it’s a start.”Jake nodded, as Sulley looked thoughtfully over at him. “It’s gonna work Jake, trust me. Roz still says we can start arranging kids meeting the families soon,” Jake looked happy about that. “Still gonna have to wait until June to bring them over though. They have to figure out how we do that easily.”Mike snorted. “Yeah, I don’t get it myself. We already kidnapped two kids without blowing a thing,” Mike was of course referring to him and “Boo”/Mary Jake guessed. “Heck, this one’s here already and it didn’t even take half a year.”Jake concurred, but as usual Sulley was the voice of reason. “Because Jake especially was a special case. Not all of these kids were -.” He could see him choosing his next words carefully which the teen was thankful for. “Well some of these kids don’t have a situation as complicated.”“Yeah, hopefully they won’t need a big blue protector to scare the crap out of their foster dad.”Jake mused on that, still thinking about that night. He knew Sulley himself hated to talk about it, but he for one thought about it a lot. Sulley shook his head. “Nope, that’s Roz’s one condition, no more of that. Last thing we need is a police officer or something seeing us,” Sulley pointed out before trying to change the subject. “Hey Mikey, by the way, Jake’s going out for the Comedy Team!”“I said I might be!”“Really!? That’s great! Hey, I’m holding a comedy class in ten minutes,” Mike pointed out with all the enthusiasm Jake expected. “Let’s go kiddo, I can teach you a thing or two that’ll knock the socks off of them!”Jake had opened his mouth to argue back, but Mike had already taken his arm. As he guided him out of the office however, Jake did stick his tongue out playfully in Sulley’s direction. He’d get him back for that, he told himself.If he survived one of these classes.
——————
“You said who is working there!?”Jake could have smacked Tylor for nearly shouting that sentence. But at the same time, he knew his dad was still up in his office, or so he hoped. He knew Tylor was good at keeping secrets, so with any luck it would be a one-time thing anyway.Maybe it was a little… Irresponsible to go to Tylor rather than Sulley. But at the same time the big purple monster had become like an older brother to him, plus he had no connection at all to Sulley’s dad. Which made him an impartial third party all things considered.“I know! I couldn’t believe it either,” Jake told him as he took a seat near a laugh canister looking around the Laugh Floor a second time. “I don’t even know what to do. I made friends there - if dad finds out he’s going to make me move schools.”Tylor stroked his chin, and appeared concerned. “Is that just your thinking? Or did he say something like that?” Jake shrugged. “Kid, Sulley loves you. I’m sure he’d hear you out.”Jake wanted to believe him, but he also knew how tense things were between Sulley and Bill. Unlike the others, he spent almost all day with Sulley after all. He and Mike probably had the best idea about how he felt on certain situations than anyone else.But still, this was what he’d come to Tylor for, some outside perspective. “I know my dad loves me. But he’s protective,” Jake admitted after a moment. “You saw the way he was with the reporters every time they came around.”Tylor nodded. “I mean, you have a point there. But I wouldn’t have wanted you plastered on the front page of tabloids either,” That was fair, Jake noted. “Besides, it’s not like you’re in his class or anything right?” After a moment of silence, the jokester made a face. “Oh… Yeah, now I see the problem.”Jake didn’t like the way he said that, he didn’t like it at all. But they both were cut off when another voice spoke up. “Hey guys! What’re you talking about?”Great, this would have to wait he guessed. Jake liked Val, probably not as much as Tylor, but he liked her but she definitely would blab to Sulley. “Oh, nothing! Just… Avoiding more “comedy” pointers from uncle Mike,” Jake recovered quickly. “He dragged me to his comedy class.”“I didn’t know you want to be a Jokester?” Val looked confused. “Can a human even be a Jokester? I guess we have to figure that out now too.”Jake supposed they did, even if he didn’t become one. He guessed it was going to be way easier than being a scarer for them - but it could cause issues. Monsters coming out closets? Just superstition to most parents. Adult humans on the other hand? That could cause panic.“We’d definitely need a disguise or something to look like monsters,” Jake pointed out. “But I don’t know that I want to be a Jokester. This kid at my school just wants me to try out for the Comedy Team.”Val pointed out what he’d been saying: “… I mean, you have some quippy comebacks. But are you good at telling jokes?” No, no he was not. “But it could be fun! You’ll make friends, and you can teach someone to be funny. Just look at Tylor. He graduated Scara Cum Lade, now he’s a decent Jokester.”“Just “decent”?”“I mean, I’m the funnier one. But we compliment each other,” Val teased. “Either way, it’s going to be fine Jake.”He wished she was talking about what was really bothering him, Jake noted. But he stopped short of speaking up about it. He would just have to figure this one out on his own. Tylor just patted him gently on the back though before giving a reassuring look.He hoped it was Tylor’s way of saying everything would work out in the end. But of course, he obviously concurred with him about telling Val. “Thanks Val. But I’m still only thinking about it,” Jake admitted. “I don’t know if I want to tell jokes for a living. Actually… A part of me wants to do what dad does.”That surprised both the monsters, and for good reason. Jake knew as a human taking over running Monsters Inc was kind of a pipe dream. But he also knew it had been a family business before, and maybe with time and work it could be again. “You want to take over for your dad when he retires?” Tylor pointed out. “That’s pretty cool, actually. A great goal to work your way up to.”Val piped up excitedly. “Hey! You can probably intern in a few years and learn the ropes,” She winked. “But being a Jokester first might not be a bad idea if we can figure out how. Look at your dad! He was a top scarer.”“Yeah, but Mike was just a coach,” Tylor replied. “Jake could probably make a good one of those to start out. Or maybe a MIFter.”Jake smiled, it actually did make him feel good to be encouraged where he thought they’d laugh. But realistically, he knew it would be an uphill climb. He could just inherit the company if he wanted to, but he had worked hard most of his life. He wanted to continue to do that, just like Sulley had worked his way up from the mail room.“I mean I’m only fourteen I have time to figure it out,” Jake admitted. “I don’t have to worry about how I’m going to survive when I age out anymore.”“True, you’re stuck with us now.” Tylor teased before giving him a gentle noogie. “Hey, we can talk more later though, alright? Time for me to clock out and hit the hay.”Oh, right, it was already getting that time. No doubt Sulley was wondering where he was now. Hopping off the crate he decided to keep it cool. “Right, uh… Thanks for the advice earlier,” Jake replied. “I’ll think about it.”Of course, as he ran off he could only then hear Val point out the obvious: “You guys weren’t actually talking about the Comedy Team, were you?”
—————-
Jake was messing around with his Chinese take-out that night instead of saying anything.It had been a long day for Sulley, and he could tell by the tired look in his eye. Not to mention he only ever really did take-out like this after a bad day. He also noticed, out of the corner of his eye that Sulley hadn’t touched much of his dinner either.Jake hesitated, but finally asked: “Everything OK, dad? You were in a better mood when you picked me up.”Sulley peered over at Jake with a small smile, but a fake one. Jake could tell because Sulley’s smile was usually genuine enough it lit up a room. “It’s nothing, kiddo. It’s just been a long week so far,” He admitted after a moment. “What with getting you ready for school, all the paperwork I missed…”“Dad, what’s really the matter?” Jake asked. “You’re a really bad liar.”It was true, for as long as they’d known each other Sulley had sucked at lying. He always had an easy tell, coming from someone who had lived in several homes. And while he didn’t mind secrets, Jake worried when he tried keeping them.Sulley straightened himself a bit and looked at him. Then with a sigh, he finally relented. “I’m just going through some stuff, Jake,” He admitted. “Now that you’re adopted things are a little less hectic. But…”“Is it about grandpa?”He couldn’t believe he used that title already, but it had come out before he thought it through. Sulley’s eyes narrowed a bit, but he quickly got control of himself. “Yeah, buddy, it is,” He explained. “I’m still trying to figure out what to do about it.”Jake understood, probably better than a lot of people. He understood what it was like to be hurt by people who were supposed to love and protect you. But he also had just met Bill, and he’d been kind… Something which made him hesitate.Did he say something to him now? Jake didn’t know… Bur after a few moments, he decided. “He’s a coach at my school you know.”Sulley’s answer surprised him. “They told me when I enrolled you,” Wow, all that stress for nothing. “That’s why it’s bothering me. I’m worried about him being around you.”Jake set his food down and moved to lean against Sulley’s lap. The blue monster seemed surprised, but he didn’t move. “He was actually ok when I saw him earlier today. He uh…” Jake began. “He told me that his office was open if I ever needed him.”Jake could hear the small, irritated scoff in Sulley’s voice. He stroked Jake’s head affectionately. “Just be careful with that, OK? Minimal interaction,” He explained. “I know it seems silly. But I don’t want you getting hurt.”And Jake didn’t want to get hurt either. He felt cared for in the monster world after all. “Hey, I promise. I only have one class with him anyway,” He pointed out. “What could possibly go wrong?”“Haven’t I taught you not to say that by now?”He knew that Sulley was only joking, but the way he said it did make him a bit nervous. Still as they sat there, he definitely hoped that it wouldn’t come back to bite him. Sulley however as usual had a good bounce back from it.“Hey! I know what’ll cheer us up!” Sulley pointed out. “Want to watch a movie? Let’s scroll Shriekflix. Maybe that new scary movie you’ve been talking about?”“Heck yeah!” Jake pointed out as he sat up. “I’ll make popcorn.”He had a feeling they’d need the distraction.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
FOUR MONTHS EARLIERSulley was failing at not getting attached - miserably.It had been about a little over a week now, and he was starting to really like Jake. While he wasn’t adorable and high energy like Boo had been, he was fun. He was full of curiosity, especially about their world, and when he’d opened up he proved fun to be around.The problem was, of course, he didn’t open up a lot. Sulley could see the guards that his charge put up, and given what he knew? Sulley really couldn’t blame him. He was a stranger, and as kind as Sulley tried to be to him he couldn’t imagine Jake was ready to open his arms wide and embrace him.But the more he saw of Jake, the real Jake, not the mask he wore - he liked.The first time they made another real connection though, came a bit after the football game. Jake had been sitting quietly on the couch of his apartment with some paper and pencil when Sulley had come up behind him in curiosity.What he saw surprised him: real, serious talent. Sulley wasn’t an artist himself, but as he traced his light sketch of what appeared to be himself with his eyes he was impressed. It was certainly a major step-up from Boo’s childhood drawings, with a lot of detail and an actual profile to it.Before Sulley knew what he’d done, he had spoken up: “Wow, you’re seriously talented!” Jake jumped out of his skin and turned to Sulley in surprise. “I know you said you like to draw but wow you even got the knots in my fur! Heh; gotta brush it later.”Jake snapped the book closed as he tried to stammer out: “No. I mean, it’s not that good. You weren’t supposed to see it,” He stammered out nervously. “I’m sorry - I should have asked…”“Hey, relax. I meant what I said. That’s really good stuff,” Sulley offered as he took a seat beside him. “C’mon, let me see. No harm now that I already saw that right?”Jake looked nervously down at the small notepad he’d just called a “book” then at Sulley. For a moment, the monster figured he’d just say no. But after a second, he finally handed it over to Sulley and seemed to blush as he began flipping through.It was definitely a surprise to him to see someone with that amount of talent already. Jake was only thirteen and if this was the work he was putting out now? Who knew what kind of work he’d be putting out as an adult.“Why were you so scared to show me? You really haven’t shown this to anyone?” Sulley asked curiously. “Why not?”Jake looked uncomfortable as he looked away from Sulley. No way he had said something wrong, right? He was being encouraging! “It’s… My social worker thinks I need to work on more realistic goals,” Jake admitted after a long moment. “I’ve been to a lot of foster homes, and I’m not really… Easy on them. She thinks I’m just -.”“Hold on, are you telling me people find you difficult?” Sulley asked. “You’re pretty easygoing to me.”Jake opened his mouth a few times, but struggled to reply. “I told you before. They don’t want kids with my problems,” He admitted. “We fight, we talk back, we have problems… Last home I got kicked out of I heard her saying I was starting to become “unadoptable”.”Unadoptable!? What on Earth? Sulley officially didn’t understand it. How could anyone actually describe a child as that? How did you just give up? He felt a flare in his nostrils as his fur bristled. “Jake you may be difficult sometimes, but that doesn’t make you unadoptable,” He asserted. “It makes you a teenager. I know I was a pain in the ass as a teenager.”Jake seemed to give a small smile as Sulley handed him back the sketches. “Dream big, kid. Someone’s bound to come around that doesn’t suck,” he explained. “You just have to give them time.”“It’s been seven years.” Jake admitted. “It feels like I’ve given them nothing but time.”Sulley could understand that, he figured. But again, as the look on his face saddened he felt the urge to reach out. He rested a gentle paw on top of Jake’s knee as the boy peered back up at him.Because the broken look in the boy’s eyes made his heart drop back into his stomach. And yet again, he felt himself failing the “not getting attached” part of the assignment.When they’d sat that way for a bit, Sulley decided to clear his throat. “Well, I uh, have some paperwork to do,” He decided before Jake could say more. “But after that, we can throw on a movie. I know you like that…”If he didn’t know any better, he’d say Jake looked disappointed when he walked away.
—————-
“Well, Sulley. Given what Googly-Bear has been telling me, I’m not surprised.”Sulley had decided going to Celia about this was better than going to Mike. Mike after all would probably simply have an I told you so, and a few jokes. And right now what he really needed was advice more than anything.Of course, he hadn’t counted on her sharing her husband’s sentiments. They were walking the behind the scenes area of the Laugh Floor thankfully though, as no one would hear them. “I get it, I really do. But this wasn’t the plan,” Sulley pointed out. “I can’t get attached like this….”“Why not?” Celia questioned honestly. “You seem happier now than you have in months.”They both knew why, and it was very simple: he couldn’t keep Jake. He would inevitably have to give him back, or at least back then he thought he would have to. “Because I don’t want to put any hope in that kid,” Celia turned in confusion. “We both know I can’t keep him. He’s a foster kid, which means he’s been turned away enough.”Celia shook her head, and shrugged. “No one said you have to take the kid in Sulley. But you can make a difference while you do have him,” Sulley wanted to argue there, but could not find a proper one. “If this kid has it so hard, it’ll help if we show him there are good people - well, you know what I mean, out there.”Yeah, he was sure it would. But that presented its own problem: if he got attached, if he let himself get closer… Sulley knew he’d never want to let him go and that was a scary thought. A scary thought, but one he knew was true given his personality and track record.“You know it’s not replacing Boo if you look out for another kid,” Sulley’s eyes widened as Celia turned to him. “It just means that big ole heart of yours isn’t ready to stop yet.”Sulley had a feeling she was right, but hadn’t quite come to that conclusion yet. At this point, he just wasn’t sure what he was going to do. Still, as they finally stepped back onto the Laugh Floor he kept it to a simple. “Well, thanks Celia. You’ve given me a lot to think about,” He managed. “Not a word to Mike, OK? He’s been on my tail about this enough.”“Don’t worry, secret’s safe with me,” Celia pointed out. “I think Jake’s in your office by the way. Looking for you.”Sulley glanced up to the office window and found Jake was, indeed, up there. What was he doing there? He tilted his head and decided to find out. It wasn’t one of Tylor or Val’s days, but he hopefully hadn’t shaken his current “babysitters”.When he entered his office, Jake was standing by his desk. The teen looked nervous long before Sulley spoke up. “Hey, what are you doing up here?” He jumped and turned to Sulley. “I thought you’d be playing games in the break room again.”Jake chewed his lip slightly as he looked back at Sulley. Was he nervous? And honestly, if he was, what was it about? “I… I was just…” What was behind Jake’s back. “Uh. Looking for you?”Sulley frowned a moment, and raised his eyebrows. But did hold out his paw after a moment, Jake groaned but passed what he had over to Sulley without much argument. Sulley frowned… It was a file, an older file for that matter. How he’d gotten into the former clients folders in his private filing cabinet? Sulley got his answer when Jake handed over the key.Sulley was disappointed, that was for sure. It was the first time he’d caught Jake doing something behind his back after all. “You swiped this off me?” He asked. “Have you been stealing anything else?”“What, no!” Jake insisted. “It isn’t like that…”Sulley shook his head, deeply confused. As he looked at the file for “Adam Rogers”, he couldn’t help but feel equally confused. This man had to be in his late forties by now - why would Jake want to see that file? Inside was a boy who bore no resemblance to Jake, so a relative seemed out of the question.Sulley closed the file and peered down at Jake. “OK, I’ll bite. What is this about?” He asked curiously. But Jake just looked away. “C’mon. This guy’s old enough to be your dad -.”“Just let it go. It was stupid!” Jake snapped, and Sulley could see walls going up in his head already. “It didn’t tell me anything anyway.”“Is he your dad?”“No!”The way Jake snapped that time actually genuinely surprised Sulley. The boy looked angry, but he couldn’t quite tell why. Was it something he’d done? Sulley reached a paw tentatively forward. “Hey… Take it easy, I’m just trying to understand,” Sulley’s voice rose a bit - his voice firm. “You could get me in a lot of trouble going around in files like this! We have HIPPA too you know.”“I said forget it!” Jake snapped back. “God, you’re not my dad. Don’t lecture me.”Ouch, Sulley thought. He hadn’t been mad at Jake before, but right now he didn’t appreciate the attitude. “No, but I am your guardian right now. So no answer? Fine,” Sulley kept his grip around the key as he returned the file. “But you’re staying in this room. With me. No video games.”“What!?” Jake asked.Sulley didn’t budge. “You heard me,” Sulley was sure to take a decidedly parental tone this time. “You’re in time out.”“What am I, five?” Jake scoffed.Where was this attitude coming from? He wanted to ask, but as he stalked away from Sulley and toward the couch… Somehow he felt trying to get to the bottom of it was going to make things worse. “You’re sure acting like it.” Sulley decided to add.Jake didn’t say another word that whole work day.
————-
He didn’t say anything the rest of the day in fact.What had Sulley even done? He had just created a boundary, a fair one at that. What the heck? He had felt like they’d made a real connection only for him to go full-brat mode and slam the guest room door in his face. Was he trying to cause a problem between them?He decided to let him be miserable and angry if he was so determined. But still made Mac and Cheese he left outside the door as a peace offering. And given the fact that he had checked in later to see it gone he could at least rest assured he ate.But still, he simply didn’t understand. Who was Adam Rogers? Why had he wanted to get a scaring profile on him? Something in Sulley’s gut had a bad feeling as he finally gave up and headed for bed that night.He just hoped things would somehow be better by morning.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
FOUR MONTHS EARLIER“Ok, we’re not playing this game.”It had been a few days of the silent treatment, and Sulley was getting frustrated with Jake. He knew they may not have much more time left together with progress being made on his door. But dealing with a quiet, moody teenager was becoming a pain in the butt.Jake looked surprised as he stepped into the guest bedroom. Sulley had had enough, and he was putting his foot down. “Are you going to tell me what this is about or not? I thought we were making a connection here!” Sulley snapped in frustration. “I don’t have the time for the attitude, or the silent treatment.”Jake stood up from the bed and looked defiantly up at Sulley at that point. “Or what!? You’ll throw me out? Pass me off to someone else? Go ahead, I don’t give a damn,” Jake shouted loudly in a way that surprised him. “Everyone else has done it anyway.”“Is that what you want?” Sulley asked sharply. “Is that why you decided to act out? Because, FYI, I don’t just give up like that.”Jake laughed an almost cynical laugh at that. Did he not believe Sulley? “You think I’m dense? No one in Ohio’s entire foster care system cares,” He told him, there was pain in his voice now. “You’re really good at faking it. But you really expect me to believe a monster in my closet actually cares about me?”Sulley tried to remind himself he was the adult, and Jake was a kid lashing out. He reached a paw forward slowly and placed it on his shoulder. “I do care about you, Jake. You wouldn’t be here if I didn’t,” He explained. “I just don’t understand what about that file would get you so -.”“It’s my foster dad’s ok!?” Jake burst out angrily. “I was trying to find out how to scare that jerk!”He shrugged Sulley’s paw off and broke then. In the last couple of weeks he’d been with Sulley, he had only cried the one night of the nightmare. Heck, he hadn’t shown much emotion at all. But it seemed to bubble up to the surface with little effort. Sulley didn’t know what to make of it, but his assumptions from before gave him some shadow of an idea.Jake’s voice choked out after a moment. “I’m not… Things back home aren’t great, OK? How do you think I got here?” He asked with his arms outstretched. “I was hiding in my closet from him. That’s why I was up so late…”He fell back to sitting on the edge of the bed. But it was several moments of silence before Sulley sat down next to him. “You’re afraid of him?”Jake scoffed. “Of course I am! He beats the crap out of me. So bad I can’t… God,” Jake bawled as he covered his face with his hands. “He’s so drunk, Sulley. And everyone sees him as this saint. If I even try to say anything it gets worse…”Sulley reached over a moment, but hesitated. Should he hug the boy? Rest a paw on his shoulder? Say something? He didn’t really know, he wasn’t exactly equipped for this. But the teen kept going before he could do anything.“I lied to you, when we first got here. He had locked me in my room for three days. I hadn’t eaten, I had barely slept,” Jake shook his head. Then looked at Sulley. “He came home so drunk that night. I thought he was going to kill me.”“Jake,” Sulley managed. “You need to tell someone… A social worker, a teacher… You have to have someone.”“I’ve tried,” Jake replied. “He’s a cop - worse he’s chief of police. He can sweep everything under the rug.”Sulley felt his heart drop into his stomach as he let this settle in. The police were supposed to help these kids, but what did they do when the abuser was the police? It filled Sulley with a deep sense of anger he tried to mask.“I thought maybe if I could talk his old monster into scaring him… Maybe he’s go away,” Jake admitted after a minute. “But I didn’t even get that far in his file.”Sulley shook his head. “You don’t have to go that far,” He explained. “If you’re in that kind of danger, we won’t let you go back there.”Jake laughed. “What could you do? If I go back they’ll just give me back to him,” Jake told him as he shook his head. “I don’t want to go back, Sulley… But I don’t think I have a choice.”Sulley was silent, but after a moment finally reached his arm over. He held Jake for a moment, tightly. The boy wasn’t even able to sputter anything further out, instead crumpling into a mess.Holding him there, Sulley realized what he’d been avoiding all along: he was already attached. He liked this kid, he cared about this kid… And he definitely, under no circumstances wanted to bring him back to a home that dangerous.What he decided in that moment was undoubtedly a decision made from passion. From a flaring sense of desire to protect this boy… But it would be a decision that would change the course of his life long after he’d calmed the boy down by holding him there.“Don’t worry,” Sulley assured him. “I’m gonna make sure you never have to go through that again.”“How?”“Don’t worry about it,” Sulley muttered quietly. “Get some sleep and I’ll see you in the morning.”He had a lot of thinking to do as he left Jake sitting on the edge of the bed.
——————-
“You have absolutely lost your mind, Mr. Sullivan.”Sulley flinched at Roz’s words as they met in the office the next day. To be frank, he probably had lost his mind. But holding Jake like that, watching him break… It had done something to him. Opened his eyes, and heart to something he had to accept.He had wanted nothing more than to hold that kid. To protect him, and fight for him. It seemed nearly insane that in a few weeks he was admitting this… But he felt an overwhelming sense of protectiveness and possibly love toward the kid.And this time, it wasn’t Boo, who he had to get back to her parents. This kid had come from a bad home life, a system where he was being pushed around. “Maybe I have, Roz. But I can’t do this,” Sulley admitted. “I won’t give that kid back. I don’t care how we do this… But I have to do something.”Roz gritted her teeth and looked away a moment. “They’ll argue the monster world isn’t ready for integration yet.” Roz explained. “Human toxicity has been disproven. But what you’re asking is for us to kidnap, and keep a child full-time. Do you understand the gravity of that?”“Kids disappear in the human world all the time,” Sulley countered sharply. “No one would even think of checking here.”Roz pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose and hummed. She shook her head. “What changed so drastically?” She asked. “Three weeks ago you didn’t even want to do this.”Sulley had to be honest then: “I got to know him,” He admitted. “Well enough to know I’ll never live with myself if I let him go back there to a man that might end up killing him.”Roz shook her head. “Unless we have some monster crazy enough to be a pre-adoptive home now the CDA won’t approve it,” Roz pointed out bluntly. “Let alone the government.”Sulley’s next words left his mouth before he knew the gravity of them: “if that’s what it’s gonna take I’ll adopt him!”Roz was dead silent and Sulley had surprised himself. Moreso when he didn’t immediately correct himself - instead just standing there in his shock. But who was he kidding? Mike was right, he was depressed, and lonely. And he couldn’t deny ever since Jake landed in his lap he’d felt something inside him he hadn’t felt since Boo.He hadn’t even been with Boo as long as Jake, but he’d wanted to keep her at one point. So did it shock him that he had already felt that way with Jake? “You’ll adopt him?” Roz asked skeptically. “You want more responsibility on your shoulders?”Sulley took a deep breath. “Look, I care about that kid. More than I wanted to,” He admitted. “If Mary hadn’t had a loving home we would have had this talk a long time ago…”Roz side-eyed him. “Have you asked him about staying?”“Not exactly,” Sulley admitted. “I wanted to see what happened here first.”The slug monster was silent again, and it would be a few minutes before she spoke again. But when she did, she was very curt and devoid of emotion. “His door will be reconstructed next week,” She explained. “If he agrees he wants to stay… I will speak to the mayor and we’ll discuss it. I won’t promise he’ll listen, Mr. Sullivan. If you’re quite serious you had better be ready for a fight.”It was always a fight, Sulley knew. Any time he advocated for change, it came with some sort of battle. But he also was never someone who backed down from challenge. “I’ll call you.”He watched as Roz left, flustered but questioning himself. What had he just done? Had he really just done that? Dang it, Sulley. He’d been kicking himself a bit when another voice rang out: “Are you crazy???” Mike had clearly overheard the whole thing, stepping in moments later. “Sulley, what are you thinking?”“You’re the one who said a kid would be good for me!”Mike shook his head in disbelief. “A monster kid! Or like… A temporary thing like this was. But you just told Roz you want to adopt a human,” He said in complete disbelief and maybe a bit frustrated. “What possessed you to do that? We could have talked this through and strategized…”“Mikey,” Sulley stopped him short of continuing, and his friend for his part shut up. “I just… I can’t let him go back. I couldn’t live with myself.”Mike shook his head. “And why not?”Sulley wanted to give the multiple reasons he’d been given last night. But they didn’t especially matter at the end of the day, the bottom line did: “Because I care about that little boy!” Mike looked surprised by how he nearly snapped the words out. “… I’ve been trying to avoid it. But the longer we’re together, the more he gets under my skin…”Mike looked at Sulley, then sat down at his desk. No doubt he was trying to process things just as much as Sulley. “Back home he’s being treated like some sort of… Object. He’s being abused and called “unadoptable”,” He pointed out. “But being around him… I just feel like there’s this piece of my life I was missing.”Mike finally spoke up. “Alright, alright. I hear you,” He threw his hands up. “Honestly. I’m kind of happy that you’ve come to your senses about needing someone. And I’ll be right there with you through it… So when do you plan to ask him?”Sulley frowned, knowing that would be the hardest part.
—————
“Excuse me, what are you saying?”Jake looked at him like he’d not quite believed what he’d heard. Honestly, Sulley wasn’t sure he’d believe it either. But the look on Jake’s face was none-the-less surprising. “Look, I know it’s really sudden. But I just… After what happened last night,” He took a seat in front of Jake, who sat on the couch of his living room at that moment. “I could never let you go back to that home. But we can’t interfere with human law - Roz wouldn’t have a choice.”Jake leaned back. “So you feel sorry for me?” He asked. “That’s why you want to adopt me?”Sulley’s eyes widened as he held up his paws. “What? No! It’s not like that… Jake, I like you, a lot.” He explained as he scooted up to the edge of his arm chair. “I think you’re smart, funny, and fun to have around. I mean, it’s not all rainbows but I can work with that.”Jake crossed his arms, and looked down at the ground. “You say that now. But I’ll mess it up somehow. I always do,” He explained. “You haven’t even had me a month yet -.”Sulley had an argument there: “I literally have seen what I’m dealing with, Jake. I saw the outburst. I’ve cleaned your sheets,” He could see the teen blush at the worst part. “I know it won’t be easy. But I’m willing to do the work.”Jake was silent as his eyes traced the floor, and Sulley could only imagine what was going through his head. Sulley was asking him to completely start life over: not just in a new city, but a whole new world. He was asking him to put his faith in a monster he didn’t know that well…But he had meant what he said. If Jake would give him a chance, he would put in the work. He’d do whatever he had to, even if it meant taking parenting classes. But he’d made up his mind, and if Jake would have him, he would go through with this.“If he finds out. If he even gets a whiff of it,” Jake breathed out after a moment. “He’ll -.”“Jake,” Sulley put a paw on the boy’s knee firmly. “If there’s one thing I can promise? If you live with me, no one, and I mean no one will ever touch you like that again.”“But I have stuff I’d want to get.”Sulley was firm. “And you’d get it. I’d go with you,” He insisted. “Jake, if I make you my son? You’ll be safer than any kid you’ve ever met. Look at me! Who’s gonna mess with the son of a monster twice their size?”That actually got a smile from Jake, to his surprise. But it did fade slightly as the boy looked up at him. “You really want me?” He asked with a quiver in his voice. “After all the crap I’ve told you? You’d keep me?”Sulley looked him dead in the eye then. “Jake, just because you’ve had a hard life. It doesn’t mean you don’t deserve a home like everyone else.” He explained. “I want to keep you because I like you. I feel like you’re something I’ve been missing…”“Company?”Sulley laughed. “No, something I’ve been denying for a long time,” He admitted. “Someone I can care about, make laugh, teach… A kid of my own.”Jake was quiet for a long time then, and Sulley knew he had to be experiencing a range of emotions. If he were being honest, he expected a no. Maybe he was asking too much of a kid that was so old. But when Jake spoke again, his voice was quiet:“OK, I’ll give it a try,” Jake finally replied. “I still think you’re crazy though.”Sulley only noticed Jake had started to cry then, as he whipped his arm across his face. He reached forward to pull him into a gentle hug then, an action which seemed to surprise the teen. “Hey, I meant what I said, OK? I may be crazy, but I want this,” He told him gently. Then further reiterated: “I’ve got you now. No matter what happens, I’ll protect you.”Jake seemed to hesitate a moment, but eventually returned the embrace. His face buried into Sulley’s shoulder. He never responded to Sulley’s words, but the look of pure relief in his face said all that needed to be said.Sulley knew his life would never be the same again.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
FOUR MONTHS EARLIERSulley hadn’t realized how nervous he’d be about this.Of course, he wouldn’t go back on it, not a chance of that at all. But waiting to hear back from Roz, well, that was a special kind of torture. He was sure even more so to Jake, whose future absolutely hung in the balance right now. But he was doing his best to keep Jake calm.Jake hadn’t spoken much on the subject since they’d last talked. But as it turned out, they didn’t have to wait very long. As it was close to a week later when Roz showed up at their front door without even so much as a call ahead.She’d been curt about the two of them having a seat. But as usual Jake was unreadable, keeping his face and composure calm. Sulley on the other hand? He felt like a bundle of nerves. “The mayor and I have discussed things at length, Mr. Sullivan and Mr. Green,” Roz explained when they’d both had a seat on the couch. “And while we both believe it to be… Unusual. We believe it may be beneficial to give this a try.”A try. Sulley sighed in relief, and leaned back as Jake stared with his eyes as wide as orbs. “Really? Just like that?” Jake asked, curious and maybe skeptical. “What’s the catch?”Roz looked carefully, as if she were checking to make sure no one else was around. She put her hands behind her back and then got right to the point: “To tell you the truth, Mr. Green. Ever since laugh energy was generated and monster-child interaction went up. Both us at the CDA and multiple governments have been working toward integrating more humans into society,” Roz explained rather honestly. “Monstropollis, as a central hub of our society had been the planned “pilot program”. But we could not fully decide on “what” way we would integrate humanity.”Sulley couldn’t believe it: she’d given him a hard time but this was a plan all along? He decided it was better not to argue, putting a paw on Jake’s shoulder before he could reply. They instead let Roz continue to explain:“So you two will be our pilot program. We are going to watch you… See how your relationship grows,” Roz explained. “Perhaps you may be the first joint-family. And perhaps you may help make our new society a reality.”Jake looked at Sulley, who looked back at him. In that moment, he found himself already considering how Monsters Inc could help. Even if he hadn’t fully decided on the new division that he’d dream up in the weeks to come… He knew he definitely wanted to help.Jake, however, spoke up again as Roz finished: “So this is really happening?” He asked softly. “I don’t have to go back?”Roz hummed, peering down at him. “On the condition a court finds Mr. Sullivan fit as your parent,” She explained. “But due to our world’s secrecy I must remind you. You cannot return to your world once the door closes… At least until you’re a fully functioning adult - no longer a missing child.”Jake looked at Sulley and the monster knew that was asking so much of him. Jake would be starting over, not just at a new town, or a new school… He’d have a totally new life. So Sulley squeezed a little on his shoulder so the teen would look at him.He knew someone had to say it: “Jake, this is your future. And it’s a big ask,” He explained. “This is your choice. If you don’t want it… I understand.”Jake was silent for what felt like hours, his eyes locked with Sulley’s. Sulley couldn’t believe it, but his heart pounded in his chest as he cautiously awaited the boy’s reply. But Sulley got another surprise…Jake’s hand took Sulley’s paw, looking for comfort. Sulley looked at him again then, and nodded. “I uh… I’m very honored,” Jake managed. “I’d really like to stay with Sulley - if I really can.”Roz looked between them for a long time. Then nodded her head and pointed to Jake. “Your door will be ready on Monday. When it is, you’ll go back and collect any trace of yourself,” Jake nodded his head slowly. “Be sure you have everything, you won’t be coming back.”“Thank you, Roz.”Unsurprisingly she didn’t give Sulley a response, but instead took her leave. She really wasn’t one for pleasantries, was she? He didn’t have long to think on it though, as he noticed Jake had started to cry.Why was he crying? Wasn’t this a good thing? He’d just told him he didn’t have to do this. “Hey, are you alright?” Jake turned to him and nodded slowly. “Can I ask why you’re crying, then? This is great news!”Jake nodded his head again, but tried to gather his thoughts. And after a moment, he admitted: “I just… I guess it’s just hitting me. This is really it,” He admitted after a moment. “My mom isn’t coming back and I’m… Well…”Sulley wrapped an arm around his shoulders, and pulled him close. “I know. A lot’s happened and it’s going to be a process,” He then made one thing clear: “But you’re not facing it alone, anymore. OK? We’re in this together.”Jake chewed his lip. “You could still change your mind.”Sulley chuckled, the kid would learn he knew. But Sulley didn’t work like that, once he set his mind to something heaven nor Earth could stop him. “Not gonna happen. Hey, we got a bit until Monday!” He pointed out. “Let’s go shopping tomorrow and get that spare room looking like new! We can get new paint for the walls, some cool blankets…”“Really?” Jake asked.“Yeah, this is your home now, Jake,” Sulley insisted. “And I’m gonna make sure you know that in any way I can.”This time, as Jake smiled he felt it was 100% genuine.
——————
“Geez, Sulley! You really went all out!”Sulley chuckled as Mike helped him and Jake gather all their stuff. It had been a big shopping trip to say the least, as he really wanted to help Jake personalize his space. Now that he was staying, he knew how important it was for him to feel at home. Not just like a visitor.So he’d pretty much let Jake pick everything. From the color of the paint for his walls to the newer furniture they’d deliver in the next few days. “I know! I just didn’t know where to stop,” Sulley chuckled as he used his tail to close the apartment door. “I just want Jake to be happy.”Mike chuckled. “Yeah, that’s probably how he talked you into the gaming platform,” Sulley rolled his eyes lightly and deposited the new sheets on the kitchen counter. “Believe me though, I’m happy for you big guy. Kind of always thought Celia and I would have kids first though.”“It was your idea,” Sulley teased. “But I kind of thought so too.”He hadn’t really thought much of a family before Boo or Jake really. He’d always assumed a girlfriend would come first. But after a string of failed relationships he wasn’t exactly jumping at that chance either.Apparently, life had other plans, he thought as Jake stepped out of his room. Taking some of the stuff himself. “Actually, Sulley insisted,” Jake admitted, blushing a bit. “I told him my room is fine. I don’t need the bells and whistles. I’m just -.”Mike shook his head a bit. “Kid, we gotta get those thoughts out of your head,” He tapped Jake’s chest gently. “Let your uncle Mike be the first to tell you. In this family, we treat people how they should be treated.”“But -.”“Ah,” Mike stopped him. “Not another peep. Here, why don’t we get this tv and system hooked up? It looks pretty easy!”Sulley nodded his head, already knowing Mike meant it too. If there was one thing he knew he could count on, it was that he’d make a heck of an “uncle”. He just had to be ready to keep up with him. He had a feeling the cyclops would be spoiling the kid.As Mike headed for his bedroom, Jake stole a glance at Sulley. “Thanks, by the way. You…. You know, for everything,” He managed with some stumbling. “I meant to say it last night. But I just, a part of me didn’t really believe it could happen.”Sulley’s eyes softened in understanding. Jake had already told him how he’d been disappointed in life… A lot. And he had no doubt he’d learn even more about that as time went on. “Hey,” Sulley put his paws on his shoulders. “I know, like I said last night. This is a lot happening in a very short time.”Jake nodded, leaning into him a bit more. Sulley took a deep breath, knowing it was going to be a big change for both of them. When they separated, Jake did have another question: “Monday, though. You’re really going with me, right?” He asked quietly. “I can’t go back in there alone.”“Of course I mean it!” Sulley replied in surprise. “Just have to be kind of stealthy… Well, as stealthy as I can be anyway.”“That might be a tall order.”They shared a laugh at that, hopefully easing some of the tension surrounding that day. After a moment, though, they were interrupted by Mike’s voice again: “Hey! Is anyone gonna help me with this?” He asked with a tangled mess of wires in his hand. “FYI not as easy as I thought.”It was unsurprisingly a lot of fun preparing the system. Once they’d untangled Mike’s mess, at least. He and Mike spent about thirty minutes going over the directions. But before they knew it, the trio was seated on Jake’s bed with one of the monster video games Sulley couldn’t wait to introduce him to.Jake grinned ear-to-ear and lost himself in the three-way battle. While Mike was as usual not the best gamer, Sulley managed to put up a good fight. Though he figured that with time, and some teaching Jake could get pretty good.“No fair! How is it that you’re both this good?” Mike piped up about an hour into it. “Hey, next time I’m bringing Celia, and we’re doing teams!”Sulley snorted. “You’ll never be a match for the two of us, sorry Mike,” He teased before holding a paw up to Jake. “Right kiddo?”Jake hesitated a moment, but high-fived him with a big grin on his face. Yeah, Sulley realized, this was definitely something he could get used to.Before they knew it, it was late and Celia had been blowing up Mike’s phone. So Mike was out the door and Jake and Sulley were really alone for the first time. Sure, they technically had been yesterday. But as Sulley’s first day of parent duty… Being alone now felt different.He put Jake in front of the tv and looked over his pantry. Now that he wasn’t just the babysitter, Mike had insisted they get something other than Mac and Cheese and frozen pizzas. Sulley knew how to cook, his mom had taught him, but it had been some time.After all, up until now he had been a bachelor! Kids needed vegetables and fruit right? Could he still give Jake soda? He hoped that Jake could eat all of the food that they had. But he guessed that would be a trial and error thing. The person at the market had assured them there was nothing toxic for humans…“So uh… Anything I need to know you’re allergic to before I start?” Sulley asked, as Jake looked over curiously. “I’m literally just gonna make something simple but still…”Jake shrugged. “I’m super allergic to nuts. Like I swell up like a balloon,” Noted, Sulley told himself. “No Mac and Cheese tonight?”“Mike says I have to take nutrition more seriously now,” Sulley chuckled. “Bare with me. I haven’t actually cooked since I left home.”The thankful look on Jake’s face told him it was going to be OK. Just take a deep breath, Sullivan, he told himself. He could do this.
—————
Two burned dishes and a fire department call later, they stuck with pizza.Sulley decided it was probably a good idea to actually look into recipes tomorrow. But for now, he’d just stick to what he knew and work on it. At least he’d been able to cut up some fruit for him to go with it. That was a start, right?Before too long, he’d found them both lounging on the couch, watching tv. This time, however; rather than on separate sides of the couch, Jake stuck closer to Sulley. He wasn’t quite looking to cuddle, but Sulley assumed affection from his side would come when he was ready.“Hey Sulley?” The big blue monster peered down as he piped up in the middle of “Saturday Scare Live”. “Thank you.”Sulley raised an eyebrow. “What for?”Jake pulled his legs to his chest, and shook his head. “Everything?” He half-asked, half-just responded. “I’m glad I’m staying with you.”Sulley just chuckled, it was a start - probably the first time Jake said anything like that when they were alone. But he definitely was more than happy to place a paw on his knee and reply: “I’m glad you’re here too, bud,” He replied. “This is gonna be fun.”At least, he hoped so.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
FOUR MONTHS EARLIERSulley has told him to take deep breaths.But to be frank, he was just as nervous as Jake was to step into the home of Adam Rogers. He didn’t know what he’d expected, but it was definitely not what he found when he stepped out of the closet with Jake under the cover of near-midnight.Jake hadn’t been lying, in fact he felt like the kid may have been sugar coating things. The first thing that hit Sulley was the smell, like the room hadn’t been cleaned in months. What meager belongings were inside were the barest of conditions: a dirty, old bed in one corner, a small desk, and a bunch of old toys in another corner.Sulley also noticed it LOOKED like it hadn’t been cleaned in a long time either. There were stains in the floor that accounted for the smell, and on the walls for that matter. And while he didn’t want to even guess what they were it made a chill run up his spine.“He has another room he makes to look like his spare room in case CPS shows up,” Sulley peered over at Jake as he spoke up, entering the room. “But… This is it.”Jake had seriously lived like this? “Jake… This was your bedroom?” He asked. “This is disgusting. Your monsters should have said something…”He supposed that was neither here nor there, but he’d definitely be having a talk with his employees. Either way, Jake didn’t reply, he instead kept a finger over his lips and approached a loose floorboard. When he’d pulled it free, Sulley noticed this was where the majority of Jake’s belongings were.There wasn’t much, admittedly. A few comics, an old sketchbook, and a picture of a much younger Jake and a woman he assumed was the teen’s mother. It struck Sulley that she was very young, maybe a teenager, she had Jake’s green eyes and long blonde hair.Jake seemed to sit there and stare at the picture a long time. Sulley’s eyes softened as he crossed over to him. “… Your mom looks really nice,” Jake jumped as his guardian startled him. “But young.”Jake shrugged. “She had me when she was sixteen,” He pointed out. “But she did her best…”“We can get it framed back home.”Jake smiled at Sulley, but he was too distracted to really notice. Too focused on the living conditions that Jake suffered. That no kid should suffer. His mind swirled with a dangerous idea, one that would undoubtedly get him yelled at for a number of reasons.But he was not leaving this hellhole without making sure Adam Rogers never hurt anyone again.He tilted his head toward Jake, and decidedly instructed: “Stay here for a minute, OK? I’m gonna just take care of something…”As if reading his mind, Jake piped up: “Sulley, what are you going to do?”“Don’t worry about it.”Sulley didn’t give him time to argue, instead slinking out the bedroom door. It wasn’t hard to navigate the hallway as the house appeared smaller. And so, he found the master bedroom in no time.By comparison of Jake’s bedroom, it made his stomach sink. It looked like it belonged in a manor: expensive bedding, plenty of furniture and gadgets, and frankly more but he didn’t really focus on that. Instead, he focused on the prone form resting on the bed.For most, the big man might have been intimidating. But Sulley, after all, was over seven feet tall and a monster. So digging up some of that long-dormant scaring energy he lurched his way to the man’s closet, hid behind it and let out a quiet snarl.The bulky man stirred a moment, but when he didn’t move more Sulley let it out a little louder. That had the man sitting up, staring around the darkened room. “What the heck is that?” Adam muttered as he tried to adjust his eyes.Sulley gently tapped the closet door open and let it creek slowly. He could see the man’s eyes widen like saucers as Sulley let one paw grip the side of the closet. Then another. He could hear a frightened yelp.Then he slowly made his way out, letting that snarl grow louder. Before the man had a second to react, he ran at him and let out a roar that nearly shook the entirety of the room. Adam’s ear-splitting scream was music to his ears as he scrambled across to the other side of the bed. “Oh my god! What are you!?”He had a hold of the back of the man’s shirt before he had a second to move again. Sulley pushed him to the ground, but being a less-than-violent monster, didn’t hurt him. After all, he would get the point across much better if he just put the fear of God into the man.“Not so fun when you’re the one being scared, is it Mr. Rogers?” Sulley asked the quivering man sharply. “Come on, let’s have a chat.”The man was babbling, crawling his way into a corner. Sulley just smirked, satisfied as he made sure he stayed there. “Please don’t eat me! God, whatever I did!” The man pleaded. “Are you a demon!? Am I in hell?”That made Sulley laugh. “Not yet. I’m just here on behalf of one of the kids you’ve terrorized,” He pulled the man to his feet, keeping him against the wall and looking him dead in the eye. “I’m sure you’re familiar with the monster in the closet, right?”“Please don’t eat me.”Sulley scoffed, he thought he’d eat him? There went that old monster myth again. But he could definitely use it. “Maybe I will, maybe I won’t. But I will tell you one thing, I’m going to be keeping a close eye on you,” It was a lie of course, but he wanted this guy afraid. “If I even get a whiff you’re treating any child the way you treated Jacob Green again? I’ll stuff you like a Thanksgiving turkey and have myself a nice, big feast.”“Please please, I’m sorry…”Sulley was sure that the human was sorry now. But just to be sure, he gave him a big, toothy grin that made his fangs very obvious. After all, if humans really believed they were human eaters, he could play with that. “I don’t want an apology. I want you to look me in the eye, and tell me you’ll pull out of that foster care contract,” He told him sharply. “And I want to believe it too. Because if I have to come back here, Mr. Rogers… I won’t ask as nicely.”The man had very clearly soiled himself by now, if the stench was anything to go by. But he didn’t respond beyond babbling for a few minutes. So Sulley added yet another deafening roar right in his butt ugly face to make sure they understood each other.“I swear! I swear, I’ll call the social worker today,” He sobbed loudly, and the way he sputtered, Sulley didn’t doubt it. “I’m sorry… I’m sorry.”Satisfied, Sulley dropped the man like a sack of potatoes. Then pointed at the closet door to his left. “If you know what’s good for you, you’ll never say a word about this and you won’t make me use that door,” He told him sharply. “Because I promise you, I can come back any time.”Another lie; they didn’t keep adult’s doors, but the man would never know that.He left the man rocking back and forth in the corner. By the time he returned to Jake’s former bedroom he had collected his things. But looked only bewildered as Sulley entered. “What did you do?”Sulley shook his head and put a paw on his shoulder. “Let’s just say I don’t think he’ll be living with any kids anytime soon,” He explained, then winked. “Don’t worry, I left him in one piece. Mostly.”Sulley had opened the closet door by that point, but stopped short when he noticed Jake hadn’t moved. He could see the apparent hesitation in his eyes, and the tenseness in his body. “Hey, are you coming?” Sulley asked gently.“What if this doesn’t work?” Jake asked honestly as he turned to face Sulley. “I’ve been in and out of a lot of homes, Sulley. You’ll change your mind.”Sulley’s eyes softened, and he took a deep breath. What did he say to that? It took him several seconds to think of a proper response. But when he did, he got on one knee to address Jake on his own level and held out his paw.“Jake, I promise you. I’m not going anywhere,” He told him in a firm, but comforting voice. “We’re in this together, kid. I made a commitment and I’m sticking to it.”Jake stared at his paw for a long moment after he’d said it. Long enough that Sulley added something more for emphasis: “Take my paw and I promise. This is the last time you’ll ever feel that way again.”With a shaky hand Jake reached over and took his paw allowing Sulley to gently squeeze his hand. And Sulley lead them through that door, and away from that awful place.
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PRESENT DAYIt was hard to believe that had been four months ago.Sulley remembered Roz had been angry at what he’d done, but given Adam hadn’t seemingly blown their cover? It had left him greatly satisfied knowing he’d probably saved many more children like Jake from suffering. But finding all that out, and seeing how Jake had suffered before. It just made the thought of letting Bill into his life harder.He thought about all of this as he and Jake hung out the morning before his second day of school. Sulley had prepared breakfast, but he was sure that Jake noticed how tired he was and therefore, quiet.He didn’t have to wait long for his answer.“Dad? Are you still worried?” Jake piped up as Sulley set the pancakes in front of him. “If it makes you feel better maybe I can ask for a different coach.”Great. Sometimes Sulley didn’t like having a kid who could read people so well. Still, he took a deep breath and shook his head. “No, no… I’ll get over it. As long as he doesn’t treat you the way he treated me,” He admitted after a moment. “You know it’s just hard sometimes. Ever since I saw the way you lived… I just don’t want to see you hurt again.”Jake took a mouthful of pancake and peered up at his father quietly. He wondered how often Jake still thought about that home. He still had nightmares, but they varied between that and other parts of his life Sulley wasn’t as familiar with.Maybe he was better off not bringing it up. Something he regretted by how Jake tensed up. “It’s OK, dad. I’m not really scared about that anymore,” He pointed out. “I got a seven foot tall tower of fur protecting me now.”Sulley smirked at him, happy about that, but be that as it may his dad was even bigger. Not that it mattered, by this point he’d go toe-to-toe with anyone. Still, Jake looked at him a moment and gave him a hug.It was funny, usually he was the one initiating that kind of stuff. But maybe Jake had started to pick up on when Sulley needed it too. “I’m gonna be OK, big guy,” He stuffed his face with a final pancake. “Don’t worry I won’t interact with Bill more than I have to.”Good, Sulley thought. That would put him at ease at least. While he started to clean up, Jake did pipe up though. “I think about that night sometimes, y’know,” He smirked. “What did you do to Adam? Can I know now?”Sulley supposed it couldn’t hurt, though he’d kept quiet. Mostly because he’d been told to, but he had Jake permanently now. “Well, I pulled out my old scare routine and read him the riot act,” He put it very bluntly. “Let’s just say he probably now watches his closet every night.”Jake’s eyes widened. “Really? What about keeping things secret?”Sulley snorted. “Roz looked into it to be sure. He wasn’t saying anything. Not that anyone would believe him,” He explained rather honestly. “I just had to be sure he never did anything like he did to you again.”Jake smiled, and Sulley hoped he meant that he understood. The teen slung his backpack over his shoulder and sighed. “Well Roz didn’t take me away so that’s good,” He admitted. “You probably saved a lot of kids, y’know.”“Why do you think I did it?” Sulley asked. “No one should go through what you did.”Jake nodded, and they stood there for a moment. Both probably considering everything that had transpired from their own angles. It had really been a journey and a half… And it was crazy to think about all of it.To think, just four months ago - humans weren’t even still allowed in Monstropollis. Now there was Jake, and more kids like him coming. It was weird to think how it all began: with a little girl named Boo. Or Mary. But she’d always be Boo to him.“You know,” Jake pointed out. “If doing that didn’t lead to anything bad… Maybe you could visit Mary and that wouldn’t end badly either.”Sulley looked at Jake and shook his head. “It’s not that easy. She’s in college now. I’d have to time everything right,” Sulley admitted in all honesty. “One day, it’ll be easy again. Probably when she has kids of her own…”“Oh.”Jake looked a little sad about that, but why would he be sad? “Now I get why you were so sad when I got here,” That surprised Sulley. “She was important to you. I can’t imagine having to wait that long. It’s like me not being able to see my records back in the human world until I was eighteen.”Sulley frowned, and for a moment was going to agree with Jake. It did make him sad that he couldn’t see Boo, or know exactly what her next years would be like. But he had something else to look forward to: being there for his kid’s big moments. Prom, graduation, marriage, all of it. And when he saw her again, it would be as a happy monster who had spent those years with his family - not lonely.So, Sulley placed a paw on Jake’s head and tousled his hair. “I miss her a lot, kiddo. But now I have this pretty cool little guy I get to watch grow up,” He reminded him gently. “And this time I’m not just the fun uncle. I get to be “dad”.”Jake looked at him curiously. “So you’re cool with just having me?”Cool with it? Cool with it!? Sulley almost shouted of course he was. But he knew that Jake still had some self-esteem issues to work on. “Jake, I love you. You’re my son,” He pointed out yet again. “You’re always enough.”He noticed as Jake perked up again at that. But it wasn’t like he shouldn’t have known it already. As they left the apartment that day, however, he hoped it was the last time they’d speak on all of this.
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Jake kind of dreaded going to gym.Even before his grandfather had ended up being the coach. Even before he has monsters like Biff, who was a juggernaut to compare himself to. He was always the scrawny, less-athletic kid in his class.Since coming to live with Sulley, he’d undoubtedly hit a healthy weight. And they’d been working on his upper body strength too! But somehow he really doubted given how small he was without a growth spurt in sight that things would be much different here.He didn’t know what he was expecting going in with Eeks Port gym clothes. But he was more than grateful to discover Sam was in his class. And not so much to see that the buff, scaley monster Nolan was also in their class.The gym was a lot like a human gym, he noticed. It had the bleachers, and the basketball court. But on second glance it had way too many hoops, some the size of a human basketball court. Which made it stand out as definitely being built for monsters of all shapes and sizes.A whistle blew to stop the groups that had formed to chat it up and that’s when he saw Bill again. But he wasn’t exactly how Jake had pictured, like at all. The way Sulley always spoke he’d expected him to come in grumpy with a sharp tongue.Instead, Bill came in with a big, toothy smile and a lot of enthusiasm. “Alright guys, fall in! You know how this goes, big guys with big guys, little with littles,” He pointed right at Nolan when saying that. “I’m talking to you, McKee. Let’s not replicate the stunt from last week.”Nolan scoffed. “Me? Picking on the little monsters? Never,” Jake took notice at how he stared in his direction. “It’s not like we’re playing dodgeball.”Bill seemed to notice his gaze too but didn’t bring it up. Only decided to address the elephant in the room. “Look, I know it’ll be a bit different today. Humans are a bit more fragile than we are,” He pointed out. “But human sports aren’t much different. Their balls just aren’t alive.”So they were going to be using regular balls. Jake could see confirmation as he noticed the ball rack with several living ones. Was this their job or something? Or were they literally born and existed for that purpose? He was still trying to figure that one out.Either way, Nolan wasn’t done: “In other words, don’t mess with little Jakey. Or grandpa will have something to say!” Jake felt his face go red. “It’s cool. If I were that much of a runt I’d get my grandpa to fight my battles too.”“That’s enough, Nolan.”Jake tried to bite his tongue, knowing full well not to get himself in trouble. On one hand, he had a lot to say, but on the other he didn’t want to start a fight in this class. “We’ll start by running a half mile; then go to your basketball groups.” Bill pointed out. “Nolan, you stay behind. I want a word with you.”Jake wished he wouldn’t, the last thing he wanted was this guy actually fighting his battles. But he also knew he couldn’t exactly punch a giant monster in the face like he wanted to every time Nolan opened his mouth. So he just went off to join the others in the run as Sam, who had waited for him kept pace.“Just ignore Nolan, he’s a jerk!” Sam pointed out to him again. “You Ok?”Jake nodded his head a bit. “It’s awkward if nothing else. I don’t really know Coach Sullivan like that,” He admitted. “He and my dad had a falling out.”Sam cringed. “Ouch, that sucks! Grandparents are great,” he pointed out. “They spoil you rotten.”Jake wondered how true that was, given he’d never had one before. But didn’t talk much more through the run, keeping his mind off the taunts of Nolan. When they’d finished, Jake noticed Bill waving him over and with some reluctance approached.Bill smiled a bit before speaking. “Don’t worry about Nolan. I think we reached an understanding,” He explained. “If he keeps giving you trouble, I want to hear about it. We’re all supposed to be keeping an eye on you.”Jake shrugged. “It’s ok, I’m used to the teasing. Before it was all about being in care,” He didn’t sound sad about it; instead treating it as the facts. “I’ve always kind of been the odd kid out.”Bill nodded a moment and Jake assumed he’d let him go. But instead, he actually had more to say. “You’re… Fitting in pretty well though? I see you and the Alexander kid have gotten on,” He nodded toward Sam who was getting in on a game of HORSE. “He’s a good kid to hang around. Good influence.”Jake looked at him for a moment. “Yeah, it’s not the worst school I’ve been in,” He admitted honestly. “Just don’t expect any pats on the back that your grandkid is a star athlete. I’m still not sure how we play with these things.”Bill actually laughed, but not in a mocking way. It sounded like a gentle, genuine laugh like Sulley might have gave. “If you’re more comfortable, I can probably get normal balls for you,” He explained honestly. “We sometimes use them for dodgeball.”Jake nodded. “That would be cool, thanks.”When Bill went off to grab them, Jake just kept his eyes on Nolan. He could see the snicker he was giving, but he didn’t care. For now he’d just ignore it - he could do this. He could bite back his comebacks.He would not let this kid get the better of him.—————Sulley had texted him he’d be a bit late the first time Jake really spoke to Bill.It wasn’t a big deal, he figured, as Sulley had been stuck in traffic. That probably meant he’d be about ten minutes, which wouldn’t be terrible. But since that gym class was the last of the day, Bill took notice right away.Unlike either encounter earlier, they were alone. Something that Jake didn’t like considering what Sulley had said on the subject. But Bill just stood there awkwardly near the school steps where Jake was sketching in a notebook and he felt a little bad… “Thanks for helping me out by the way,” Jake pointed out, as Bill jumped. “So you’re Sulley’s dad, huh? You’re even bigger than I thought.”Bill approached the railing and smiled a bit. “Being tall runs in our family,” He explained before he tilted his head. “Wow, you drew those? You’re talented…”Jake blushed. “I mean, I guess. Dad says the same thing,” He shrugged again. “They’re just doodles.”Bill smirked. “I doodled a lot at your age too. Nothing like that but… Y’know little cartoons in the corner of my tests,” Jake chuckled, he was pretty sure he knew what he meant. “Is that what you want to be when you grow up, an artist?”Was this a trap? Jake knew how much Bill had pushed for him to be a scarer. So a part of him wondered if Bill was looking for something to disapprove of. But he seemed to notice Jake’s facial expression and surprised him. “I have a friend who’s a cartoonist is all. I bet he’d love to have a look at some of your work,” Really? Jake was surprised. “I mean, if you wanted him to. I know your dad probably wants you at arms length from me.”“Kind of hard to do when you’re my teacher,” Jake pointed out. “He’s just protective of me. I’ve uh… Been through a lot.”Bill frowned. “I imagined you did, otherwise you wouldn’t be here. Jimmy, your dad,” He paused a moment. “He’s right to be mad at me. But it’s hard to stay away from you, I always wanted to be a grandpa.”Jake somehow believed him, maybe due to the wistful look in his eyes. He knew most of the time how to spot a liar and Bill just didn’t give that vibe. “I’m sure it’s still not the way you pictured it.”Bill took a seat at that point and looked at Jake. He could tell he might have touched a bit of a nerve there but it was a fair statement. “Well, it’s complicated for sure. I didn’t know how to react at first,” He admitted with a grumble to his voice. “You have to understand. My generation especially was raised on human children being deadly by your age. When all the new studies came out I wasn’t sure what to think.”Jake nodded, he guessed he could see what he meant. He knew that it had to be hard to discard what you’d been taught for a long time. Possibly centuries given how Adorable was older than dirt according to everyone. “But I also see how happy you make my son. I think all the pictures and stories that came out are when I started to turn around,” He admitted after they’d sat there for a second. “I haven’t seen Jimmy happy like that since he was probably your age… And a lot of that is my fault.”Jake looked up and noticed the distant look in the older monster’s eyes. That was real regret, probably regret that went back even further than Jake already knew. “Dad makes me happy too. Like, a lot,” He admitted. “Before him I didn’t even think I was worth anything. But he’s uh…. He’s helping.”“Whatever it was must have been really bad,” Bill noted. “For you to just jump ship to our world.”Everyone said that blanket statement like it wasn’t obvious, Jake thought. Of course it had been bad, maybe not all bad. But you didn’t go through as many homes as you did or put up with the abuse he did because life was roses and rainbows. But he definitely wouldn’t share that with Bill, he probably shouldn’t have even been talking to him right now.But something told him if his dad really gave him a chance, he wouldn’t mind having Bill around. He paused as his phone buzzed with an “ETA two minutes” message. “I guess I should get going. Don’t want to get you in trouble,” Bill stood up and smiled faintly. “See you around, Jake.”As he was about to leave, Jake gave him one last response: “Hey Coach?” The monster turned back to look at him. “Thanks for waiting with me.”He was gone then, with not a moment to spare as Sulley pulled up in his car a few seconds later. “I’m so sorry I’m so late! There was a terrible dead door incident,” he pointed out as Jake climbed inside. “Traffic was a nightmare too. Ugh, like the commute isn’t tough enough.”Jake smiled, just thankful Sulley cared enough to come. More than a handful of guardians had just told him to walk or hitch a ride in those situations. “It’s OK, dad. You’re here; that’s what counts,” He noticed Sulley take a deep breath of relief. “You know you can always call me and I can walk home?”Sulley looked shocked he’d suggest that, even though their apartment wasn’t far. It wasn’t as though he was suggesting he walk to Monster’s Inc, which was much further after all.But the monster still shook his head. “We live in a big city, Jake. Not always conducive to walking safely to or from school,” Sulley pointed out. “Especially for a human.”Jake raised an eyebrow. “We live in a really nice area! And besides, our neighbors know me,” Mostly, at least. He didn’t claim to know everyone in their apartment building. “I get that you want me safe, but you don’t need to be so worried. I lived in way worse places; and walked way longer.”Sulley cringed, leading Jake to believe that probably had not been a good argument. There was a reason he wasn’t in those homes after all. “I’ll think about it. I think I’d rather put you on a school bus if anything though,” His father pointed out. “Oh! I almost forgot! I have a surprise for you.”A surprise? That got Jake’s mind off of it as Sulley held up two tickets and he took them. Jake’s eyes widened. “No way! These are plane tickets,” Jake pointed out. “You’re taking me on a trip?”He’d never been on vacation before, though he’d mentioned always wanting to. Sulley grinned and nodded. “You started school with winter break around the corner. So I’m taking you to that theme park on New Year’s,” Sulley pointed out. “I figured we’ll spend Christmas with the family. Then head out like the twenty-eighth. It’s gonna be a blast!”Family. Right. Jake grinned excitedly, trying to push back some of his worry about getting so personal with Bill. “That’s gonna be so cool!” Jake instead replied. “I can’t wait, I’m gonna start planning right now.”Sulley laughed, then reminded him: “We have a couple of weeks before Christmas. Don’t get ahead of yourself,” He patted him on the back gently. “But I can’t wait either.”Still that mention of family echoed in Jake’s head as he quietly stared out the window. Did he tell Sulley about what Bill had told him now? It was probably not a great time, he figured. He’d wait until the weekend when Sulley didn’t have work stress on his mind hopefully.But a part of him was starting to hope when they breached the topic, it would work itself out.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
“Mr. Sullivan, right on time!”Roz wasn’t exactly one of Jake’s favorite people. But he was ok with seeing her in Sulley’s office now, given she wasn’t able to take him away. But still, her CDA uniform still made him mildly nervous. “Jacob,” She pointed out as he had a seat on the couch. “I owe you a congratulations. Thanks to you, our little pilot program was a success.”Jake smirked, thankful for that at least. He thought he’d even almost seen a hint of a smile on Roz’s face. “Thanks Ms… Roz?” Jake asked, not sure what exactly her last name was. “I guess I should be thanking you big time. I wouldn’t be here without you and the CDA.”Mike, who sat in the corner rolled his singular eye. Clearly, his uncle didn’t like patting Roz on the back but what else was new? “Mmmm,” Roz nodded, though Jake was left hanging if he wanted a you’re welcome. “You can still repay us, now that things will be moving forward. As you know we’re expecting multiple kids this summer, we need someone to speak to the board; sponsors and of course, potential investors.”Jake felt his stomach tie into knots, unsure what to think of that. Was he really going to be asked to talk to people about the program? He looked over at Sulley pleadingly, but his father was already a step ahead of him. “Jake’s a little shy about public speaking, I can do the talking,” He pointed out honestly. “I have lots of practice from promoting laugh energy.”Roz shook her head. “I want both of you to speak to them, Mr. Sullivan. Yes, you are well spoken… Enough,” Jake felt like she may have been being gracious going by her tone. “But they will also want to hear your son’s side of the story. The good being here in your care has done for him. And they won’t believe it from your mouth alone.”Jake was silent as he thought over Roz’s words. He knew from Sulley’s silence he didn’t have an argument, and frankly Jake didn’t either. If they wanted this to work they had to hear all the good it had done him. After all, in their opinion, or in most of theirs anyway, he had been thriving.Jake wasn’t sure how true it was, honestly. He was happier and felt safe that was for sure, but that was what Sulley was there for. To talk about all those big changes he had noticed in him he supposed. Between both accounts, he had a feeling it would do a lot of good.Sulley put his paw on his shoulder. “She has a point, son. I can talk all about all the progress you made… The good we’ve done each other,” He explained. “But if you’re not there beside me, they’ll definitely have more questions.”Jake didn’t want that. Especially since, like Sulley, he wanted this program to happen. He knew there were so many kids suffering that monsters like Sulley could help if they were given the chance. “Do I have to talk about the stuff with Mr. Rogers?”“No,” Roz bluntly assured him. “We won’t make you relive your trauma. A simple summary of life in care will do.”Sulley did speak up then. “Then I do have a condition: no press. I don’t want Jake in the headlines again,” Jake felt relief at his father’s words. “He’ll talk to the board and whoever else. But I don’t want my kid’s life story out for everyone to hear.”Jake felt himself blush at the thought of it. The idea of everyone reading all about it was just… Nerve-wracking. But Roz simply looked between them and nodded. “We can have the meeting in private. No press,” She agreed after a moment. “You act as if we don’t all know the circumstances by which your son came to us, Sullivan.”It was true, Jake supposed. Most of the board, the CDA, and of course, most of the Jokesters knew. But letting the entire city know he’d been abandoned, abused, and kicked around from home to home? That was a whole different story.Still Sulley didn’t waver, just nodded an affirmative at Roz. His eyes traveled to Jake, and patted him on the back. “I’ll send you the date and time for the meeting,” Roz pointed out. “For now, I have many other facets to attend to.”“Always a pleasure, Roz.”She shot a pointed glare at Mike’s words. “I’m sure it is, Wazowski.”When she’d left, Jake leaned back on the couch. Why did he always feel nervous when Roz was around? She wasn’t that scary, right? “Well that was intense,” He pointed out. “Isn’t the Board of Directors like the scariest of the scary monsters? Even you said they freak you out, dad!”Sulley chuckled and tried to look brave, but Jake could tell he was right. “I mean, they’re no Dean Hardscrabble,” He pointed out honestly. “But I’ll be in the room with you. No reason to be scared!”Mike piped up with a: “Besides, they’re the ones who agreed to this!” He pointed out quickly. “Which is kind of weird, I always thought they hated kids. Go figure!”Sulley took a seat next to Jake and pulled him in close. Honestly, this time, he gently nuzzled against his fur. It was funny how comforting it had become, considering how hard it had been to become used to it.He could do this, he told himself. It may be hard, and scary, but he knew Sulley wouldn’t let anything bad happen to him… Nor would Mike, he thought. “As long as you guys are with me I guess,” Jake managed. “I definitely don’t want to do this alone.”“What did I tell you? We’re in this together.” Sulley ruffled his hair gently. “Besides you didn’t break a sweat around Roz. That’s gotta count for something.”Yeah, Jake tried to tell himself. It had to count for something. Sulley then released him after a moment. “We got work to do now though, kiddo, and I bet you have homework,” Jake groaned slightly at that. “Don’t give me that, school’s important. I used to hate doing homework too! I want you to do better.”Jake guessed that was a good point. Even if he hated homework, and no amount of cool monster classes would change that. “Alright, but I might need help with math again,” he pointed out. “That’s the one thing you’re good at that Uncle Mike isn’t.”Sulley snorted, and Mike rolled his eye again. “What? Math is a pain in the butt!” Mike replied. “Too many numbers. And then you’ve got algebra at your age. Letters don’t belong in math!”Jake couldn’t help but laugh at that, and felt thankful for the lightened mood.
——————-
“So, are you still planning on going to Comedy Team Practice tomorrow?”They were home at that point, a bowl of popcorn between them and a movie on the tv. Jake popped a cornel into his mouth, and looked at his dad curiously. Did he actually want him to? Or was he just being curious. “I don’t know, Biff texted to remind me but… I don’t know, dad,” He tilted his head curiously. “I’m human… Do you think I could even pull it off?”Sulley tapped his forehead gently with a claw. “You can do anything you set your mind to, kiddo,” He pointed out honestly. “Even if you don’t become a jokester, it could be fun! Get you out of the house, make some more friends.”Jake supposed that did make sense, at least on some level. But he also couldn’t help but feel like he was setting himself up for failure. Still, having his dad’s support absolutely did help. “I guess, I just never really did after-school stuff back in the human world,” Jake admitted honestly as he shrugged. “Never thought it was that important. I was more focused on other stuff.”Sulley smirked. “Well that’s the good thing about stability, isn’t it?” He offered. “You get to try new things. Don’t have to worry about moving or anything.”That… Was a very good point, actually. He was full of those, wasn’t he? Still, he didn’t know. Being out of his comfort zone was absolutely difficult. Sulley though straightened a bit and decided to point something out:“You know, when I started out at Monsters Inc. I wasn’t even a scarer?”That surprised Jake, a lot actually. Sulley was probably the most intimidating monster by a lot of standards. Yet as he sat there quietly, his father continued. “Yeah, I already told you I got expelled from college. So I had to start right at the bottom, so did Mike,” He pointed out. “And it actually freaked me out a little bit. I’d never done anything but be the big scary guy everywhere. Came with the territory.”Jake looked back up at him. “You were in the mail room?” He asked slightly amused. “Even with Grandpa’s background?”Sulley shook his head. “I mean, I was the Sullivan screw-up I guess. But the thing is, I didn’t let being outside my comfort zone scare me,” He told him with full honesty. “I threw myself into it. Worked hard, pushed myself… And now look at me, I’m running the place!”“Even though you were freaked out?”Sulley laughed. “Especially since it freaked me out! I wasn’t letting the mail room be the death of me,” He pointed out in all honesty. “So - I think you should do it because this scares you.”“Who said it scared me?”Ok. So the idea did scare him, but Jake was nothing if not stubborn right? “I just know my kid,” Sulley pointed out. “Same reason I know if you don’t go you’re going to end up regretting it.”Jake hated how right Sulley was all the time. Well, hated was too strong a word he guessed. But like dang, did he have to be so good at it? Finally he let out an exhausted sigh. “You know, you really are too good at this,” Jake replied after a minute. “I really should know better than to argue with you.”His dad gave a cheeky grin in response to that, seemingly very proud of himself. “Well, I wouldn’t be a very good dad if I didn’t have good advice once in a while,” The teen gave a playful eye roll that time. “I meant to ask you by the way, how was gym?”Jake nearly choked on the popcorn cornel and looked surprised. He had hoped Sulley had forgotten about that, but clearly his hopes had fallen on deaf ears. “He was… Fine.”“You can tell me the truth,” Sulley pointed out. “I want to know.”Jake chewed his lip and considered what to say. It was a long moment before he talked again: “He was really nice, dad. He even helped me get normal balls to play with,” He admitted. “He also waited with me until you got there…”Sulley was silent, and Jake wondered if that made him mad. But after a moment he simply rumbled deeply. “I’m glad he’s being civil,” He seemed to decide on as a reply. “But he’d better not think by pretending to be friendly with you he can get back into my life easier.”Jake shook his head. “Honestly, dad it didn’t feel like that. He mostly asked me stuff about me,” Sulley raised an eyebrow. “He even left before you got there so you didn’t get uncomfortable.”Sulley leaned his head against his paw, and seemed deep in thought as the movie finally ended. He seemed glad for that because it meant getting out of this topic again: “Man, bedtime already? That was quick,” Sulley went back to his jovial self as he turned off the TV and Jake groaned. “Don’t give me that. I have work in the morning too, go get ready and I’ll be in to tuck you in.”Jake hopped off the couch and started to make his way to his bedroom when he stopped. After a moment passed, he turned back to his dad. “Hey dad?” Sulley turned to him with a solemn expression now on his face. “I know it’s probably not something I should get involved in. But I really think you should talk to him.”Sulley didn’t reply as Jake stepped into his bedroom.
————
Sulley couldn’t believe he was doing this.He’d told himself a thousand times that he wouldn’t give his dad the time of day. Even after their encounter after the adoption he was sure he’d be able to brush it off. But after dropping Jake off that morning, Sulley sat in the parking lot a few minutes and thought about it.When he’d headed inside, stopping only for a visitors badge, it didn’t take him long to find Bill’s office. At the time, it was empty, but his assistant had told him he’d be back soon. And so, Sulley waited, feeling more anxious than he had in his entire life. What did he say to his dad? Did he let him just talk? Did he let him have it?It was about ten minutes before the door opened. And for his part, Bill looked remarkably surprised to see him there. “Jimmy?”Sulley was silent - and when he found his words, he only could find one thing to say: “Hey dad, ready for that talk?”It was going to be a long one.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
If there was one thing Sulley hated, it was awkward silence.Yet here they were, in the faculty lounge with two cups of coffee. You could have cut the tension with a knife, but he had brought this on himself. Ironically it was Bill who finally broke the silence: “You have a really good kid, you know.” Sulley looked at him. “All his teachers are impressed by how smart he is. Just a bit shy…”Sulley grunted. “Yeah, the abuse put him in a shell, we’re working on that,” It was the honest truth. “He’s a great kid…”The tension came back then, even if Sulley hadn’t meant to sound harsh. Bill however decided not to let it bother him, or so he assumed. “I’m sure he is, I’m still getting to know him,” He admitted. “But that’s not why you’re here, obviously.”Sulley leaned back and crossed his arms. “And why am I here, dad? You’re the one who reached out to me,” He pointed out bluntly. “So I’m ready to hear what you have to say.”Bill frowned then, seemingly hurt. But Sulley didn’t budge, if he started this conversation he’d just get angry. So his dad took a deep breath: “I’m so ashamed of myself, Jimmy. The things I said - the things I did. If I could take it all back, I would,” He started very honestly. “I regretted it right after I did it. But I was too embarrassed…. I couldn’t bring myself to look you in the eye.”“You were too proud you mean.”“There was nothing to be proud of. I’d kicked my own son out on the street. Called him a failure.” He heard how Bill’s voice cracked as he admitted that out loud. “Your mom begged me to see you all the time. But truth was I knew you wanted nothing to do with me…”That was true, Sulley had to admit. In the first few weeks he’d have given anything for his dad to apologize and be his dad again. But as weeks had turned into months; and then years? He had nothing but a growing pain and anger in his heart toward the man before him.And then there had come the final nail in the coffin for him: “Even at mom’s funeral? Seriously?” Sulley asked with an edge in his voice. “You couldn’t muster an apology? Lend me a shoulder?”“I was grieving, James!” Bill took that one personally for sure. “You didn’t want to talk to me at that point. It wouldn’t have ended well.”Sulley shook his head. “That’s the thing dad, you pull back when things are tough. I needed you when I got expelled!” He was loud now, and not holding back at all. “I needed you when mom died. And you couldn’t handle it.”Bill slumped his shoulders a little, and some part of Sulley knew the man agreed. But Sulley wasn’t finished yet. “I want you back in my life, dad. But as my dad, and Jake’s grandfather. Not “Bill Sullivan, the best scarer of all time”,” he pointed out. “And if you can’t do that. Then we’re wasting our time.”Bill was silent for a long time then, taking in his words. He looked at Jimmy with eyes full of understanding. And after a moment he spoke: “I know I haven’t been the world’s best dad. But I really want to try, Jimmy,” He replied as simply as he could. “I want to be in your life. And I want a relationship with my grandson without sneaking around - or having to go away as soon as you’re here…”He could see the honesty in Bill’s eyes, but Sulley had one condition: “OK. I believe you. But if we’re going to do this? You have to promise me one thing,” Bill looked back at him curiously. “You won’t be as hard on Jake as you were with me. He has a lot of trauma, he needs support. Not someone hammering expectations into his head -.”“I can do it, Jimmy. I learned my lesson,” Bill replied. “I even told him the other day I knew some artists I could introduce him to!”Really? Sulley looked surprised, but could tell Bill wasn’t lying. Or if he was, he’d ask Jake later and know anyway. Sulley sat there and considered it all as he looked at Bill. Then, with a nod he replied.“Ok, but I want to take this slow. Maybe you come over for dinner once a week,” Sulley pointed out. It was a simple way to start this without things going wrong after all. “And we can do Christmas together. The rest I still… Want some time.”Bill’s eyes lit up at the notion, and Sulley admittedly felt better about this too. Though he would not be getting his hopes up about anything either. “Alright, I’d like that. We can do dinner tonight,” He suggested. “I can drive Jake -.”“Baby steps,” Sulley insisted. “Tonight’s fine, but I’ll still pick Jake up. He’s got Comedy Team with his friends anyway.”Bill looked genuinely surprised. “He’s going to be on the Comedy Team? Well, I’m sure glad we had this talk.”“Why?” Sulley raised an eyebrow.“Well, every team needs a coach, right?”You could have knocked Sulley over with a feather as Bill stood up to lead him out. Wait, his dad? Bill Sullivan? He was teaching kids how to be funny? “What? You’re the coach of the Comedy Team!?” Sulley asked. “I know you have a sense of humor; but comedy?”Bill chuckled. “We all had to adapt, son. You’d be surprised the things I’ve learned,” Sulley was still skeptical, but who knew? “Now c’mon. I need to get back to my class and you need to get to work.”Sulley could only imagine what would go on during that practice.
——————-
Jake felt very confused when Bill was outside his last class of the day.What exactly was going on? On one hand, he had his questions, but on the other, Bill was quick to speak up. “Good news, kiddo! Your dad and I have kind of made amends!” Jake looked surprised, but he elaborated. “And since I can actually be “seen” with you. Figured I’d bring you to your first Comedy Team practice.”Comedy Team? Just like Sulley, he felt a little surprised at the idea that Bill wanted to be caught dead there. “You want to come to Comedy Team? Uh… Aren’t you like the biggest scarer around or something?” He asked curiously. “Even if dad did say yes. I’m sure there are easier ways -.”Bill snorted and smacked Jake gently on the back. “Your dad had that same look on his face! Is it that hard to believe I can crack a joke or two?” He asked as they started to make their way down the hallway. “I’ll have you both know, before I was a top scarer. Your grandmother thought I had a great sense of humor.”Jake had to laugh a little, given the way he said it. But Bill of course elaborated on what he was saying: “In fact, I actually coach the team!” Jake could have been knocked over by a feather. “OK, look I’m not exactly a laugh out riot. But when I got the job, it was the Scare Team and I fell in love with teaching. So I just adapted.”Jake guessed it made sense, but the thought of this guy teaching practical jokes? Stand-up comedy? He definitely wasn’t totally sure what to make of that. Still he let the giant purple monster lead him down the hallway where he caught sight of Sam and Biff within a few seconds.To say they both looked stunned to see Jake with Bill was an understatement. After all, it wasn’t like anyone didn’t know that Bill and Sulley had a rocky relationship. But Jake was quick to hiss-whisper to Sam as Bill stepped into their assigned classroom: “You could have warned me.”“I thought I did!” Sam gasped in surprise as they stood outside the door. “So is Coach Sullivan like… Actually acting like your grandfather?”That was a good question, and an overwhelming one. Jake was just getting used to having a father, an uncle, an aunt… Even if the other two were “unofficial” adding a grandfather was certainly interesting. “I… Think so?” Jake replied nervously. “I don’t know what’s going on. I think he and my dad talked it out? That’s crazy…”Biff put his claws on his hips and tilted his head to one side. “I mean is it a bad thing?” He questioned frankly. “Coach Sullivan is a great guy! You couldn’t find a better grandpa.”Jake wanted to believe that was true. But he still couldn’t help but feel his stomach drop a bit. This was another relationship he risked ruining. And now, suddenly, his Comedy Team start felt a whole lot more nerve-wracking than it had an hour ago.Sam clicked his claw in front of him and tried to get his attention. “Jake? Are you good, man? Comedy Team is gonna start soon.”Jake tried to take a deep breath, but couldn’t help but feel a tremble. Could he do this? He could do this, right? “Hey, take a deep breath,” Biff offered as he put a hand on his shoulder. “We’ll go in together, broski. And you can sit by us!”Jake looked between the two of them, and felt a great deal of support. He’d never really had friends before - not for long anyway. As a foster kid he’d done his best to avoid making long-term connections. But now?Now he didn’t have to worry about saying goodbye to them in the next few weeks. So he took a deep breath, and looked between them. “Thanks guys. It’s just… A lot’s happened in just four months,” He finally admitted. “Sometimes I get a little overwhelmed, y’know?”Sam patted him on the back. “Dude, don’t sweat it! We got your back.” He pointed out. “Let’s do this.”Jake noticed instantly when they stepped inside that the room was big and looked almost like an auditorium in the human world. Including a stage! Sam and Biff took him to the front of the room to take their seats - which may have caused a bit more anxiety. But Jake just told himself he could do this. He was gonna do this.Bill was at the front writing things down on the board from a notepad. “Alright Jokesters! We only have two meetings until Christmas break,” He announced loudly as the other assorted adolescents turned to him. “Which means we only have a little time to prepare before our first Comedy Show in spring. But first things first, new members on the agenda!”Jake wanted to immediately slump down in his chair. But Bill didn’t seem to particularly notice. “First off, a big welcome to my grandson - Jacob Sullivan. Our first human!” Great, he could already hear the whispers. Just stay cool, Jake. “And secondly. Nolan McKee.”What. The. Heck.He got his first good look at Nolan McKee then. Having done everything to avoid eye contact up until that point because he was well… A bully! But now? He kind of looked like a big, scaled dragon. His scales were a greenish color, while he had two reddish-purple wings on his back.He didn’t look happy to be there either. Had he been forced to? Didn’t he have some other sport - like an actual sport? Everyone else appeared just as intimidated as he started his way to the seats. “Don’t get used to it. I’m just here for the extra credit,” He snarled slightly. “This whole Jokester thing is a joke.”Jake noted the fact that Nolan had stared right at him. The glare they shared was definitely mutual, but he decided to sit right behind him at that moment. Great, just great. So much for a simple, fun Comedy Team meeting with his friends he supposed.“Just ignore him.” He’d hear Sam encourage.But when Jake finally turned away from the fire-breathing dragon in the room? He had a gut feeling that would be much harder than they expected.
—————
They had taken it pretty easy for the “newbies”.Jake found that they went over the fundamentals of Jokesters, some basic pranking techniques, and the like. Some of it he’d already heard from Mike a while ago - but still paid close attention while doing his best to ignore the growls and snarky comments behind him. Extra credit, he’d had his one Nolan-free moment in school upended by extra credit.An hour later, they were done and everyone dispersed. But Bill had stopped Jake, pointing out they could leave together. Something about him joining him and Sulley for dinner? Either way, he waited patiently for Bill to finish.It was funny, when Bill had been his coach, he’d been ok talking to him. But now that “grandpa” was attached to it, it had so much more weight to things. He was his coach, and his grandfather - and his coach on Comedy Team. And then there was Nolan…“Hey,” Jake popped his head up as Bill spoke, concern in his voice. “Did you have fun? You haven’t said much.”Jake thought that was a loaded question at the moment. “Just… Taking it all in I guess? It seems fun though,” He finally answered. “Did you have to invite Nolan?”There was a pregnant silence that followed his question. And by the look in Bill’s eyes, Jake wondered if he knew something that he didn’t. “… I know Nolan seems rough. But try to get along?” He encouraged. “If you two stopped being at odds. You might find you have more in common than you think.”Him!? In common with that dude? Jake couldn’t believe that for two seconds! But he still took a deep breath as Bill closed up his suitcase. “And as for the two of us…”“I didn’t say anything about that!” Jake pointed out nervously.Bill chuckled lightly, and looked at him. “You didn’t have to. I saw how nervous I made you,” He pointed out honestly. “I’m not going to say I won’t have any expectations… I should after all, you’re my grandson. But I promise, I’m a different monster than I was when your dad was growing up.”Jake stood up and definitely hoped that Bill meant what he said. “I just… Need time,” Jake admitted. “It’s like I told my friends. A lot happened and it hasn’t even been a year. But I’m trying.”Bill nodded and put a paw on his shoulder. “I get it, change is scary. We can take this easy,” He explained. “Just one step at a time.”Jake gave a small smile, he didn’t feel all that better. But he was thankful for Bill reaching out and trying at least. “Thanks, coach.”“None of this Coach stuff,” Bill pointed out honestly. “We can start out with “Bill” if you’d like.”Bill held out a paw as if securing a deal. But Jake tentatively pulled his hand after several moment. When he shook his paw, Jake felt like he hoped in time that pit in his stomach would lessen.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Jake was pretty sure the last time he’d seen Sulley this nervous had been the night he’d come.Honestly, he felt bad that Sulley was so nervous about having his dad around. After all, he did know the feeling. He had always thought about the day he may reunite with his mother. And while she hadn’t done anything inherently wrong like Bill had, he also felt he’d feel just as intimidated and nervous.Still, he could tell Bill was equally nervous as the two of them helped prepare dinner together. They’d been mostly doing it in silence other than when Bill would ask where this, that, or the other thing was. Jake was just seated in front of a tv, but mostly watching them.Sulley finally called out that dinner was ready after about an hour. And then it was the three of them sitting awkwardly around the dinner table. “So, Jake,” Oh god, of course he had to be the first one they talked to. In this case, Sulley. “How was Comedy Team practice?”Jake looked nervous, but still gave an answer: “Uh, I mean it was interesting. I definitely want to go back,” He admitted after a moment. “Bill is really funny actually, I was kind of surprised.”Bill seemed like he was proud to hear that; though Sulley was surprised as ever. Still, he replied without being rude. “That’s great! Though I definitely would have to see that for myself,” Sulley chuckled. “You had dad jokes last time I saw you, not much else.”Bill took a bite of his food and then pointed at Sulley. “Hey! I still can make good dad jokes. But none of the kids are into that these days,” He then added. “Hey, what do you call a fish wearing a bow tie?”Jake raised his eyebrows. “Uhhhh don’t know.”“So-fish-ticated!”Oh those kind of dad jokes, Jake thought. Though it did get a minor giggle to escape him, after all he was only fourteen. “Maybe don’t lead with that one during the next practice,” Jake offered. “One of my old foster dad’s used to do that. He got branded “uncool” by the other kids.”Bill pouted. “Uncool? Young man, I’ll have you know in my day I was the definition of cool,” He poked him gently in the arm. “Ask your dad what car I got him for his sixteenth birthday.”Sulley rolled his eyes. “Here we go again.”“A top of the line sports car. I don’t know if the brands are the same as the human world,” Bill chuckled then pointed out. “But your dad sure got all the ladies, thanks to me. Until he crashed it before getting his actual license.”Sulley spat out his water and coughed: “Dad, can we not talk about this in front of my kid?”Jake looked amused, never having seen Sulley embarrassed before. After all, Bill was his first insight in Sulley when he was his age, and even younger. “Aw, come on dad! I want to hear it,” He took a bite of his food and grinned impishly. “How bad was it? Did he get in trouble?”“Did he? I’ve never seen your grandma so angry!” Bill teased. “She had him doing triple chore duty for three months!”Jake giggled, and Sulley gave him a playful pout in response. Bill pointed at his son at that moment though and cheekily added: “You better be prepared to get it back double too. You got this one as a teenager,” He winked at Jake. “Your heart attacks like that are coming, trust me.”Jake lifted an eyebrow and nodded. “I mean, I can’t drive for another two years; but…”Sulley flicked a pea at him and added. “Don’t remind me. Two years isn’t long enough,” Jake stuck his tongue out. “Besides, you make it sound like I was a rebel. I was way too scared of you to do that.”Bill snorted. “Don’t even start that with me. Do you remember when your mom and I came home to your first party?” He asked, then added. “Word of advice, Jake. Don’t invite every kid from Monster’s Inc.”As the two continued their banter, Jake felt a sigh of relief escape him. It was nice to see that the night hadn’t been the disaster he had predicted, that was for sure. Still, he felt a little like he was imposing by the time he’d finished his dinner.After all, this was the first time Sulley and his dad had been sitting down to talk in years. Did he need to give them space, he wondered? They didn’t seem to think much of him standing up and heading for the sink to wash his plate.But he was surprised when Sulley stopped him from heading to his room. “Where are you going, kiddo?” He asked. “We were just talking about Christmas plans! You should have a say in this.”Jake looked between them and gave a small smile before he returned. Right, he reminded himself quietly. This was his family now, and Christmas wasn’t just another day of the week.As Sulley had him sit back down next to him, Bill’s eyes widened. “Oh man! That’s right, you have to give me a list! I haven’t bought for a teenager in years,” He gasped out slightly. “Video games, they’re still cool, right?”And as Sulley pulled an arm around his shoulders, Jake felt for the first time like they were kinda. Sorta… Feeling like a family.——————Sulley carried Jake to bed after a few hours.It was hard for him to believe, but he’d actually been enjoying the night with his dad. Was that even possible? He’d been so sure the night would be a disaster, but when they’d gotten past the awkwardness… It actually seemed nice. “Tuck him in every night?” Bill pointed out from the kitchen, as Sulley nodded. “You outgrew that pretty quickly. Kind of surprised…”Sulley wasn’t sure whether he should mention the night terrors. Those were, after all, a very personal problem for Jake. And he also knew that he still wanted to take baby steps with his dad. “Yeah, he uh… It makes him feel safe,” Sulley decided on. “He’s had it pretty tough.”Bill nodded in agreement. “You don’t need to tell me all of it. I’m sure if he wants me to know he’ll open up,” His father pointed out as he finished loading up the dish washer. “It’s good you two are so close. I wish I had been softer like that.”Sulley shrugged with a small smirk. “It’s not like you had to chase the monsters in my closet away.”That earned a laugh, one that they both shared in fact. There was a momentary silence, and then Bill spoke up again: “I’m glad you gave me a chance. Tonight was nice,” He pointed out with full honesty. “And I’m still expecting that list for Christmas.”Oh right, a Christmas list. Sulley would be happy if he got any ideas from Jake at this point. The kid was still so gun shy about him spending any money on him. “I’ll try, he’s always a little shy about asking for stuff. Even though we went crazy on his birthday anyway,” He chuckled. “But you can’t go wrong with horror movies, video games; and art supplies. I feel like those are his bread and butter.”“Horror movies? At his age?” Bill scratched his head. “I would think they’d be intense.”Sulley snorted. “You kidding? He inhales them like air. I had to smuggle in some of his favorites from the human world,” He then added rather teasingly. “Don’t let him show you Saw if he offers. Those movies are even intense for me.”“Duely noted,” Bill replied as he headed for the door. “Well, I’d better get going. I’m pretty tired myself.”For a moment, Sulley surprised himself by considering asking if he wanted to stay the night. But on that, he quickly hesitated and reeled himself back. It had been a good visit, but he couldn’t seem too eager like that. Not until they’d had more time together.Still, one thing that Bill said before starting to leave surprised him: “You’re a good dad, Jimmy. I’m proud of you,” That certainly surprised him to say the least. “Have a good night.”Then Sulley was left alone in the living room with his thoughts. He definitely believed Bill a bit more now, in a good way. But now he had to figure out where they went from here. But maybe they should give next steps at least until Christmas?He hadn’t realized he’d fallen asleep sitting on the couch with his anxiety all night until Jake’s voice floated to his ears. “Did you fall asleep on the couch, dad?”Sulley jolted awake and grumbled something. It was 9:30am? When had he fallen asleep again? “Huh, I guess I did.” He said when he got his bearings. “Give me a minute, I’ll get breakfast on the table.”Jake smirked a bit and held up the bowl of cereal in his hand that told him he’d already gotten that out of the way. They were silent for a moment and then Jake asked: “So, this Christmas thing is definitely happening then?” Sulley looked surprised for a moment before he clarified. “My birthday was a couple of weeks ago. That’s pretty close…”Sulley raised an eyebrow. “So? Christmas is great! Presents, family, caroling! You’re gonna love Christmas in Monstropollis,” Jake didn’t look exactly enthused which surprised him. “C’mon Jake! You can’t seriously tell me you don’t like Christmas.”Jake looked as though he had to think through his answer. Was there something he didn’t know about? Sulley knew Jake didn’t tell him everything, not yet at least. But he was more than a little curious now.“It’s not that I don’t like Christmas,” Jake finally offered after a minute. “I guess my memories are a little different.”“Like how?”Jake chewed his lip nervously but did answer him. “Well, when I was really little we were poor. So when there was nothing under the tree my “father” would tell me I’d been a terrible kid that year,” He admitted in full honesty. “And Christmas is only so fun in foster homes. We usually got one gift and then watched the bio kids or family open up the rest…”He tapped his chin. “I think the last good Christmas I had was when I was nine. I was with this really rich family,” He explained. “Their kids didn’t want some of their stuff. So I got some cool stuff that year. I even got to keep them until I left.”So from the sounds of it, Jake hadn’t had a real Christmas before. He guessed that he should have expected that. “Well, I’m not exactly rich. But I can promise you I can do a better Christmas than that,” Sulley pointed out as he poked him in the chest. “In fact, let’s get started now. Be sure to put your coat on - we’re gonna chop down a Christmas tree!”That seemed to pique Jake’s interest as he looked up with some excitement in his eyes. “I mean, that does sound fun,” Jake rubbed his neck. “Can I help though? Like do I get to help chop it down?”“I’ll let you help tie it to the car!” Sulley offered. “I’m not letting you anywhere near a chainsaw.”Even with the slight groan, Sulley could see a twinkle in his son’s eyes.
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Jake had never really had Christmas; just like he told Sulley.Sure he celebrated when his foster family’s did, but it had just never been a big deal to him. At least not considering he usually only got a gift, or maybe a few. So when he came home from Comedy Team at the start of Winter Break and saw what was under their decorated tree he could be knocked over with a leaf.There were so many presents. More than he would ever ask Sulley to get, let alone their friends and family. “Dad, are all of those for me?” He asked as he looked at the dozen or so packages. “Some have to be for you right?”After all, he had saved up his allowance for something for him. And he knew from chatting with Mike he and Celia had plans too. That had to explain it. “Nope, no one’s dropped mine off yet!” Sulley told him excitedly. “I got off early and did some wrapping, what can I say?”Jake wanted to argue for a moment, but also knew he shouldn’t. After all, Sulley was probably really excited to do this. His excitement for the whole holiday evident in how he’d decked their apartment out in decorations already. “Up until now I think the most I got was three,” Jake muttered in disbelief. “I don’t know what to say…”Sulley waved it off. “I told you I was going to spoil you this Christmas. I’m excited,” He pointed out. “Plus you get to get a visit from Krampus!”Wait, like the Christmas Demon? “Don’t you mean Santa?”Sulley made a face before it hit him. “Oh right, human kids did Santa. Around here, it’s Krampus - and he’s very real,” Sulley pointed out. “Humans think he brutally punishes kids because he looks so scary. So he came here to his job a long time ago.”Wait, so Krampus was a good guy? He just brought Monsters presents? “I thought dude punished the naughty kids.”Sulley tsked. “He does, technically. But all the fire and brimstone is BS. He used to deliver the coal to you guys. He does it here now,” Oh. Jake guessed that made a fair bit of sense. “Heh. I think you’re the first human to know this stuff in centuries probably.”Wait… “Does that mean Santa is real too?”Sulley gave an eye roll. “Krampus used to be “Santa” - before he was seen and found out one year. They made the “jolly old elf” up when they ran Krampus away,” He explained as Jake had a seat on the couch and looked wide-eyed at him. “Hence, why the parents do all the gift buying in your world.”That was kind of sad actually. Though Jake did have questions like how the other mythical Christmas figures came into play… He decided that was enough information to process without getting into the Yule Lads, Christmas Witch, or anything else.He wondered if Krampus knew some people revered him too. Well… Not in the best way if the demon part was taken into account. But that was still something to think about.Either way, Jake had a feeling he’d have to wait a bit. “I mean could I make it onto either list by now technically?” He questioned. “I’ve only been here five months.”Sulley tapped his chin, as if he hadn’t considered that either. “Well he used to be able to see when human kids were naughty or nice. I’m sure he still has it now,” He tapped his nose lightly and smiled. “Can’t imagine you’re not on the nice list.”Jake had to think about that now, considering he hadn’t believed in this in ages. Back in the human world he had acted out, and had an attitude. Sulley had seen that during the beginning of their relationship after all.As if Sulley could read his mind, his father pointed out: “I don’t think he’d take anything you did living with Mr. Rogers into account,” He pointed out point-blank. “You were being abused. Most kids would start acting out…”Jake hoped he was right, though his thoughts were interrupted as a knock sounded at the door. Unlike before, Sulley opened it to Bill with a nice big grin. They still weren’t exactly on the best terms, but it was nice to see Sulley making an effort and happy about it.“Hey! You’re early,” Sulley pointed out as the elder monster stepped inside. “I was just teaching Jake about Krampus.”Bill chuckled. “Ah, Krampus… Have you really blown his mind yet?” Bill looked over at Jake. “Technically we’re related to the guy. So you might get to meet him.”Wait, get to meet him? Jake looked surprised as he stared over at Sulley bug-eyed. “I know, right? He’s technically dad’s several times great uncle,” Sulley explained with a shrug as he crossed his arms. “Don’t ask how it works. Immortality is complicated.”Jake had to think as he mentioned… “So some monsters age like humans,” He pointed out. “But some just like… Barely age at all?”Sulley snorted. “You know Adorable! You don’t even want to know how old he is,” Jake guessed he had a point. “Don’t worry, I’m sure they’ll break it down for you in school.”That was kind of cool, Jake thought. But Bill simply decided to add: “Either way, buddy. Don’t worry about Krampus,” He explained honestly. “He’s very chill. Though he might have something to say when you screw up big. I can’t imagine you did anything too crazy.”Jake scratched the side of his head as he tried to think over the things he did. He had been pretty outspoken, with his cries for attention being loud. He’d definitely stolen money a few times to get something to eat. But he hoped his attempts to settle into his new lifestyle happily had overrided any of that.Bill then spoke up to add: “Hey I picked up a movie on the way here! The guy at the shop said it was terrifying,” He held up a small blu ray case eagerly. “What do you say we pop it in and decide on dinner?”Jake would welcome the distraction from this new information.—————Sulley had decided not to pressure Jake too much about Christmas Eve.Well, to be frank, there was no pressure, but he also knew the kid was nervous. Still, he did notice a certain bounce in his step by the time the day had actually come around.Maybe it was the fact that they had a huge bundle of gifts under the tree. Of course, his son insisted he didn’t deserve it. But that didn’t matter to Sulley. Between Mike, Celia, Tylor, Val, Bill, and him the kid had pretty much hit the motherload.Still, he was sure to make it not all about the presents. Instead, he’d made hot chocolate, popped some popcorn, and settled them both down for a Christmas movie marathon. He’d even gotten Jake Christmas pajamas, which may have been a little cliche, but he didn’t care.This was their first Christmas together and he wanted nothing more than for Jake to remember it fondly.They were mid-way through their fourth movie when Jake piped up: “So does Krampus really come when I’m asleep?” He asked from Sulley’s side. “I know you said I may meet him. But do we have to leave out milk and cookies and be in bed?”Sulley laughed, vaguely remembering those to be human Christmas traditions. “Not exactly. We do leave him a little snack of our choosing. And we used to leave him his favorite rum,” Jake laughed right back as Sulley leaned back on the couch. “But yeah, he usually likes the kids to be asleep and not ruin their surprise. It kind of depends on his mood if he delivers relatives their presents directly.”Jake nodded slightly. “Well, I didn’t write a letter or anything. Didn’t know what I’d want,” He admitted. Then added in a way that warmed Sulley’s heart: “All I really wanted for Christmas every year was… A home, y’know? A family.”Sulley ran a hand through the teen’s hair: “Sounds like Christmas came early then,” he encouraged. “But Krampus will think of something, he always does.”“Or he can just give me coal.”Jake was still on that huh? Sulley knew he’d been rough before and when he’d gotten there. But honestly? Nothing he told him had been as bad as he seemed to make it out to be. And here? Well, he definitely had a teenager attitude at times and argued. Maybe the occasional prank or lie. But he couldn’t imagine anyone would be too harsh.As an adult, Sulley knew some of these were learned behaviors from a child who’d been abused and pushed around. To Jake, he didn’t quite fully understand the psychological effects he would guess. But Sulley decided to drop the subject entirely and instead focus on the movies.Around ten o’clock, with no sign of Krampus yet, he was carrying his tired son to bed. Jake had fallen asleep something between movies and honestly? He was kind of relieved as he was getting pretty exhausted himself. No doubt tomorrow would be eventful as it was with lots of wrapping paper scraps and chatter. Even before Celia and Mike joined them for dinner.Sulley had just gotten him to bed when he saw Grus Von Krampus at work. His several times great uncle was just as he remembered him: a tall, buff monster with brown fur and large horns. He wore a “Santa Suit” and carried an impish smile as he appeared to be at work on the stockings.“I see I had good time,” His deep voice rumbled as he turned to Sulley. “I had it on good authority he was worried.”Sulley shrugged. “You probably know more than I do. Mr. “Sees you when you’re sleeping, knows when you’re awake”,” He joked as he had a seat just by the tree. “Next year I think he’ll be more prepared - now that he sees he’s not getting coal.”Krampus snorted as he went through his large sack on the ground. “Coal? I only “punish” those who are naughty,” Krampus reminded him dryly. “He’s turned a new leaf - and I make exceptions for those that were in his situation.”See? Sulley would have to tell Jake when he woke up. Krampus placed two large packages under the tree before he turned to address Sulley. “I also hear I will be seeing many human children again,” He raised an eyebrow. “Always seem to be causing a stir, eh nephew?”Sulley leaned back. “It’s gonna be an interesting year that’s for sure,” He shook his head. “This was already a long one, but it was worth it.”Krampus inclined his head slightly, red eyes moving to the tree. “It has been a long time since I’ve had to think of humans,” He admitted rather honestly. “Thank goodness video games and scary movies tend to be the same all over.”Sulley snorted in agreement. “Jake’s pretty easy, and I don’t know if it’s a good or bad thing,” He admitted after a moment. “I think there are more things under that tree than he’s ever owned.”Krampus hummed and went to the alcohol Sulley had indeed left out. There was a pause, then he added. “Material things are nice for some. But you gave Jacob what he wrote to Santa for when young…”“You still look at those?”“My powers are a gift and a curse,” Krampus noted as he downed nearly half the bottle. “I might like to answer one of those letters this year.”Sulley looked surprised, Krampus wanted one of the kids? On one hand, he wanted to object, given he was intimidating and well-known. But on the other hand, he wasn’t exactly cute and cuddly either. So, he digressed… “I suppose with your “powers” you have a kid in mind.”Krampus gave a toothy smirk and slid Sulley a file of his own. It was a boy about Jake’s age to his surprise. “Writes without fail every year,” He noted rather slyly. “Given the secrecy of my hideaway. I might request taking him myself…”It was fair, unlike Santa, there was no North Pole he was fabled to live in. Honestly, Sulley and his family didn’t even really know where he lived. “Roz will want to have a say in it like everyone else,” Krampus let out a deep sigh as Sulley finished. “I’ll talk it over with her. We’ll figure it out.”Krampus clicked his forked tongue and then nodded. “You know how to get a hold of me,” He then pulled his sack back onto his shoulder and turned again to him. “Merry Christmas, James. I’m sure I’ll see you at our family reunion now that things are getting better with Bill?”Sulley would have to think on that one: “Probably, have a safe ride.”And with a flurry of snowy air, Krampus was gone. How he did that? Sulley still really had no idea, but he’d have to ask him one of these days. For now, he was getting to bed and preparing for the long day tomorrow.