Chapter Text
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.