Chapter Text
A loud splitting beeping awoke the young man from his slumber several weeks later, as he opened his eyes they immediately began to sting and tears dripped down his temples. He pressed them closed again and took a deep breath, tasting dusty ash on his tongue as he untangled himself from his covers. Sharp panic bloomed in his chest, only opening his eyes a small amount he saw the heavy billows of smoke throughout his tiny studio apartment.
Cursing, Ranboo leapt from bed, grabbing his phone and headphones from the nightstand as well as the picture frame of his mothers. He has to get out of here quickly, coughing he finds his backpack where he threw it yesterday against the end of his bed. The weight when he picked it up indicated luckily his laptop was still in there, doing most of these actions by feel as his vision was obscured heavily right now he shoves the important things in his bag. Grabbing his sweater and pulling it around myself, he reaches for the metal door handle, decade old fire drill knowledge making him test the temperature of the outside hall using the knob.
A large bang above him forced the young man into moving faster, opening the door quickly and narrowing his odd eyes against the harsh air. Keeping low he desperately tried to remember where the stairs were, coughing as he walked down the loud carpet. Ranboo hadn’t seen any flames yet, but the sounds of the building collapsing above his head urged him forward. A single instinct ran through his brain, survival, as he found the stairs and quickly glanced down checking the structural integrity.
His two toned hair stuck to his forehead and neck where sweat beaded, the internal temperatures of the building scorching. Taking them a few at a time he rushes the couple floors to the bottom, trying to take shallow breaths as tears rush down his face from the burning air. Somehow, most of the main lobby was intact, making it through the front doors he finds whirling sirens and lights. A pair of paramedics rush to his side and he accepts being led away to the back of an ambulance, sitting heavily on the metal tailgate. Keeping his backpack close he let the two check him over, holding all the things he now possessed across from what was the remains of his home.
Now that he was no longer in danger his mind raced with the next steps; Ranboo wasn’t sure if his lease was void now, even then all he had was his savings until he found a new place to live. At least he had the job, a source of income, yet now he had to add finding a new roof over his head to the stress of exams coming up. The apartment he found was comfortable in his small budget, another like it wouldn’t exist around here so no matter what he would be paying a lot more for rent than that studio room.
Groaning, he hugs the gray shock blanket closer, the wailing of firetrucks slowly fading away as the man thought about what to do next. Digging into his backpack he finds the photo of his mothers and him, glad he had the forethought to save the only physical memory he had. Running his fingers down the glass pane he sighs, asking them all the questions in his head though there would be no answer, wanting help right now.
He swipes open his phone, noticing it is nearly morning, looking around to see the bright glows of sun on the horizon. His mind warred with reaching out to his friends for help or going the comfortable route of only relying on himself. Being Saturday he was expected to show up to work in just under three hours, not sure how he was going to cleanse the smoke from himself he pulled up hotels in the area. Noticing there were only a few listings and none of them advertised any vacancy, his decision is made for him when his name is shouted, breaking him from his thoughts as he tucks his phone into his backpack.
“Ranboo!” He looked to his side to see Toby, his brown hair mussed as he rushed towards him with a familiar lanky blonde on his heels. “Oh my god we awoke to the sound of sirens and came to see what happened, are you alright?”
Ranboo nodded, coughing as he cleared his throat to answer. “I am okay physically.”
Tommy surprised him by launching himself to hug the taller boy around the shock blanket, holding him close. Dropping his voice, the usually loud blonde whispered to only him. “I was so worried when Tubbo and I recognised you sitting here, I am so fucking glad you are safe.”
“Is that where your apartment was?” Tubbo asks when Tommy pulls back, which Ranboo nods mutely while the small boy follows the blonde’s action embracing the tall boy briefly.
“For now you are coming back to the cafe.” Tommy states, waving off the protests that Ranboo gives. “You don’t have anywhere else to go and we can provide a shower for you. Stay as long as you need, you aren't alone here. We can help you.”
Tommy reaches down to clasp his hand around Ranboo’s letting him shrug the blanket off as he stands. The paramedics rush over to give him one more check, advising to take it easy the next few days. The young man feels sluggish, letting someone else take over worrying is a relief for the next bit while he processes everything. All three boys walk the short distance to the cafe, Tubbo letting them in through the front door where they all duck in, locking up behind them.
“Tubbo can you show Ranboo where the shower and such is?” Tommy asked, letting go of his hand to pull out his own phone. “I got to make a call or two.”
Tubbo nods, holding out his own smaller hand with a gentle smile. Ranboo takes it, following the small brunette through the kitchen and up the stairs to their apartment. It’s well furnished the moment he steps inside, a comfortable living room sprawling before him with a hallway off to the left leading to some doors. The kitchen is to his right, an open concept to the rest of the space. When the boys hung out it was in the cafe or at school so far, the tall boy had never been upstairs before, it had a very happy atmosphere.
Ranboo drops his backpack on the chair by the door, deeming it safe enough to come back to after a shower. All he wanted was to get the soot from his skin and hair at the moment, cleansing the last few hours from his physical form.
All is clean and homey, well worn furniture around them as Tubbo leads him down the hall into a room that is well-lived in. Clothes scattered everywhere along with fun little knick knacks of different media characters throughout. Plants are blooming on nearly every surface; roses, tulips and daisies offering bright colours to the already welcoming space. An unmade bed is pushed against the far wall, in the opposite corner is a desk under the window offering bright sunlight as the morning rises.
“Here, Toms won’t mind you borrowing some clothes and I doubt mine would fit you.” Tubbo announces, handing him a folded set of jeans and a shirt. “Quite the height difference after all.”
Ranboo gives a small smile, Tubbo reflecting the happy expression. His mind still screamed he should be handling this on his own, but the way the boys had just stepped up for him was a new expression of love to Ranboo. They obviously cared about him, dragging him back to their home and letting him use their utilities and clothing.
“Thank you.” He offered softly, his voice still raspy from the smoke.
“Anytime Boo.” Tubbo said firmly, before whirling to leave. “I will show you where the shower is and then you can just rest here for a while. I have an idea what Tommy is up to but don’t worry about it, just focus on yourself for now and we can take care of you.”
The shower was easy enough to operate, Ranboo stood under the hot water for a long time letting it wash the soreness from his muscles. His mind still ran at high speeds, planning his next steps. He couldn’t stop it even if he tried, with the carpet under him being ripped away he was left floundering. When he left the shower he was trembling, but not from the cooler temperature of the air outside, his mind racing through every option had dumped adrenaline into his veins.
Drying himself off he shuddered from the towel’s texture rubbing against his sensitive skin, his gasps becoming more shallow as the emotions from this morning rolled anew through his body. Dressing quickly, his mind screams to curl up here and stay until he is no longer panicking. Being vulnerable with the boys outside this door terrified him to his core, but they had already proved time and time again they were Ranboo’s friends no matter what, he was tired of comforting himself.
Using every inch of his will he fought that instinct, opening the door to walk back down the hall to whoever he found first. His vision is blurry with tears and when he stumbles into the living room, his frantic mind registers there are now more people than he remembered.
“Awwww mate, come here.” Suddenly Phil is in front of him and Ranboo throws caution to the wind and collapses into his open arms. “I am so sorry this is happening, we are here for you.”
The older man guides him to the couch and tucks the tall boy into his embrace, giving him grounding touch while he fights his own thoughts and anxieties. Ranboo isn’t sure how long passes until his breathing slows, finally pulling back a bit to glance at those around him. Tommy, Tubbo and Kristin all stood with open expressions of concern. All three have sat down on various chairs nearby, patiently letting him feel everything.
“Better now, yea?” Phil’s voice was comforting, still rubbing his back in small circles.
“What happened?” Kristin asked the odd-eyed boy, her face inquisitive as she offered him a glass of water.
Ranboo takes it and takes a few sips, gathering his explanation together before speaking in a low voice, his throat still aching. “I woke up to my apartment being filled with smoke. I only had time to grab my backpack…”
He trails off there, momentarily forgetting and looking around quickly until he sees it by the door. Tubbo follows his gaze, stands up to grab it for him and brings it to Ranboo who nods gratefully. He places the glass down to open it back up, finding his phone on top. Luckily it seems to have survived as the screen lights up beneath the ash coating, Tommy hands him a microfiber cloth to wipe it down as he finishes his earlier response.
“All I remember is going down the stairs and out the front door, some paramedics checked me over then as I was searching for a hotel to stay at Tommy and Tubbo found me.” Ranboo met the pair’s eyes, hoping to convey how thankful he is. “They dragged me back here, but now I have to start searching for a new place to live and-”
“No you don’t.” Tommy cut him off, standing as he looked at Ranboo for a moment before turning to Phil. “Dad, can he live here?”
“If Tubbo agrees, I don’t see why not.” Phil met the boy's green blue eyes.
“We have an empty bedroom after all. I don’t mind, Ranboo is cool.” Tubbo gave the worried boy a reassuring grin. “Ever since me and Toms moved in here that room has been vacant so you are welcome to it. If you can tolerate living with a rabid racoon, I mean Tommy, and his antics that is?”
Tommy’s electric blue eyes flashed at his best friend’s teasing tone before he rolled them with a sigh. “No one appreciates what a delight I am.”
Ranboo gives a chuckle that breaks off into a cough, which Kristin’s eyes widen at before she gets up to go to the kitchen. “Tommy, where is your honey? I think he needs a more soothing drink than just water.”
Her blonde son walks to her side, towering above her as he gets the honey from a high cupboard. They work together as Ranboo glances between Phil and Tubbo, blown away yet again by the generosity of those he found himself among. “Really? You don’t mind me living here?”
Phil gives him a gentle look, shaking his head. “Of course not, our family loves you Ranboo. You have been nothing but kind and hardworking the entire time I have known you, I don’t know what type of background you come from but if you are family we care for you. My sons love you, my wife adores you, I want what's best for you and if I can do anything to help you succeed I will do so.”
“I don’t have first and last.” Ranboo offered and Phil waved it off.
“Keep working at the cafe and we will call it good there, I don’t charge Tommy and Tubbo rent either. The boys do their own grocery shopping but I will keep paying you your hours, we are doing well for ourselves with the cafe and greenhouse business. It won't bankrupt us to allow one more person to live here.”
Ranboo’s mouth dropped open, floored by the sweetness around him. Kristin comes back and gives him a warm mug of tea, scents of cinnamon and vanilla wafting from the cup. “You said you only managed to grab your backpack, I take it all your clothes and such are gone?”
Ranboo tensed up a bit and Kristin quickly apologised. “Sorry that came across rather crass, I meant you need some things then? That’s okay, Tommy, put out some texts to see if anyone has some things to give him second-hand. Phil and I can take him shopping for the essentials.”
“But…my shift today?” Ranboo asked weakly and Phil chuckled.
“You are not working today, Techno and Wilbur can handle the cafe alone. They have been doing it for months and you need to rest, we can go to your apartment when the firefighters declare it safe and see if anything can be salvaged. I'm cancelling your shift tomorrow too, I will still pay you wages and call it sick day. I know money is a concern at the moment but I promise, as long as you have us it won’t be. Do not worry about anything besides recovering and school right now, okay? Do you have any family you need to update about anything before we go shopping?”
Ranboo opens his phone again before he sighs, closing it. “No, no family to tell. I can call my Aunt later but it’s not a rush, she lives cities away and we were never really close.”
Kristin placed her hand on his shoulder, squeezing. “You have us now, I promise.”
“Yea Rainbow, I am sure we can bother people to give you things.” Tommy looked victorious, already furiously typing on his phone. “A couple friends have already offered to come by; apparently Foolish has an old desk he’s willing to give up plus Eret and Niki are gathering some clothes together.”
“Do you want anyone in particular to come with us?” Kristin asks Ranboo, who is surprised at her level of concern before eyeing Tubbo.
“Bo, do you mind?”
“Nope, let's go Boo.” The brunette hops up, leaving to go get his wallet and Ranboo places his backpack back on the chair.
All four people walk down the stairs to the kitchen where Techno waits, his dark brown eyes glance Ranboo up and down to make sure he is okay. The tall boy is touched at the usually reserved being’s concern, the pink-haired man surprises him by pulling him in for a hug. They are close in height, Techno lays his cheek against his collarbone and hugs him with bone-cracking strength.
“I was so worried kid, I thank whoever watches out for you that you are safe.” Techno’s voice rumbles before he pulls back, cheeks rosy before he meets Ranboo’s eyes. “If you need anything let me know, I am sure my parents got you covered but I am also here for whatever you need.”
“Thanks Techno, I appreciate it.”
Wilbur comes into the kitchen after hearing the talking, seeing Ranboo he follows his twin’s gesture with more enthusiasm. The brunette threw himself into the black and white haired man’s arms, gripping him tightly as he stumbled before righting them. “Ranbus, thank fucking god.”
Ranboo felt his eyes well up again, their concern touching him. All present clearly had worried over him, evidenced in all of them bending over backwards to help him. Is this what friends were like? Having people who took time away from themselves to care about him, who spent emotional energy thinking about him?
“Don’t worry about today, Techno and I got this.” He steps back and fist bumps his brother, who nods with a determined expression. “I am also guessing he showed his soft side judging by his blush and offered a hand if you need it, I echo that same sentiment.”
Techno grumbles good-naturedly at his twin while the four waved them goodbye, leaving for the car out front. Kristin climbs in the driver's seat, Phil gives the passenger to Ranboo because of his height, climbing in the backseat with Toby. Kristin hands him the aux cord to connect to Ranboo's phone, hitting shuffle The Pretender by the Foo Fighters comes on and all begin singing loudly.
The next few hours pass quickly, Ranboo finds he has to take frequent breaks as his chest still hurts from the morning but they took their time going through each store. Kristin and Phil promise there is no budget, and between the pair plus Tubbo they weasel everything out he needs to get back on his feet. Coming back to the apartment laden in many bags they carry them all up through the back entrance of the shop, Phil opening the front door to the apartment.
Tommy lounges across the couch with Foolish, Eret, Sam and Niki sitting in various spots around the room. All five sets of eyes turn to the four who just entered, Niki standing quickly to rush across the room. “Oh Ranboo, I am so sorry to hear what happened!”
The beautiful smaller girl wraps her arms around his torso, pulling him in close. She smells of roses and lavender, her pink hair freshly dyed pale pink as she nestles close. “It was all over the news and I remember walking you back there once, I was so glad when Tommy texted me you were okay.”
“We brought clothes!” Eret said excitedly, pointing to two garbage bags by the door with a bit of sheepish grin. “Didn’t have any other way to transport them.”
“The desk is in my truck outside, we hired Sam for the manual labour.” Foolish jabs his thumb to the dark haired blonde.
“Hiring implies that you are paying me.” Sam shakes his head with a small smirk at Foolish, standing to join the others. Kristin and Phil left, mentioning they were going to help with the cafe as it was busy. “I am also here if you have any electronics you want me to attempt to recover the data off of? Smoke can wreck hell with inner mechanics so I brought my old laptop and can transfer the hard drive files over.”
Ranboo casts a gaze to his backpack, remembering the beat up laptop with a sigh. “It was protected in the bag so I think it should be okay but I don’t know, I haven’t tried to boot it yet.”
“Here, give it to me and I will see what I can do, if you don’t mind me moving everything over?”
“I'd appreciate it actually.” Ranboo unzips the bag to hand over his laptop, the dust smudging off onto his fingers. Slinging the backpack over his shoulder the others pick up a few bags as Tubbo leads the way to the vacant bedroom.
A bare mattress is set in a dark wooden bed frame, the queen bed pushed into a similar corner to Tommy’s room positioning. His window had deep red curtains pulled aside to view the street outside, no other furniture around besides the bed. The walls are painted a pleasant sky blue, making the room feel bright. They piled the bags on top of the mattress for now, Foolish asking if he wanted the desk now before leaving to grab it.
“Oi Rainbow, do you want any other furniture? Fundy has an old nightstand he barely uses that he offered if you want!” Tommy called from the living room.
“I’ll take it.”
“Cool, I’ll tell him to come by.”
Foolish and Sam carry the desk in, teasing each other as they manoeuvre it through doorways before placing it where Ranboo pointed. A large closet beside the entrance to the room is where he started to hang the clothes Niki and Eret offered as they pulled open the bags. Sam and Foolish gave each other looks filled with secrets before they said they would be back in an hour, leaving the apartment.
“I brought clothes from my closet and Wilbur’s, if you don’t like it you don’t have to take it, these were all destined for the thrift shop anyways.” Eret mentions as they pull out some ripped jeans.
“You robbed Wilbur’s clothes?” Ranboo was intrigued and their pretty face lit up as they let out a deep chuckle.
“No, we are roommates, I suppose that never came up.” Eret handed over the jeans to the taller boy.
Ranboo let them unroll to check the length of the denim, nodding as he refolded them. “It’s all good, I wasn’t exactly upfront about my life outside of school anyways.”
“Boo, I have some bad news.” Tubbo announced as he walked into the room, meeting the tall boy’s eyes. “Sam left me with the laptop to see if it will turn on and I think it finally bit the dust. I am going to let him come back to begin extracting the information off the drives but I figured I should tell you now.”
“Man, I hope my notes are okay.” Ranboo mumbled, which Toby reached out to grab his large hand with his small one.
“Sam is a tech wizard, he will do his best. I just haven’t dealt with computer drives this damaged so I am going to let the one with more skill do it to give them the best chance.”
“Thanks Bo, I know you both will.” Ranboo squeezes his hand, the small brunette leaving as he types away on his phone.
Turns out Eret and Niki brought a lot of good clothing, giving him a wide range of casual to professional if needed. Eret brought an old suit they had, being a similar build it fit Ranboo perfectly and they barely wore it anymore. Niki had brought some oversized sweaters she no longer used, helping the boy hang clothes as Eret pulled them out of bags. Everything Ranboo rejected went into a pile, to continue their journey to the thrift shop but he found he kept more often than didn't like. Eret had let their phone play music, Creature by Half Alive danced around the room as they sorted.
He even allowed himself to keep a skirt Niki brought, wondering when he would get the courage to wear it. It was a pleated jean piece that fell to his knees, fitting his narrow hips perfectly when he pulled it on over the denim slacks of Tommy’s.
“That looks really good Ranboo, you should keep it.” Niki encouraged, as Ranboo played with the hem with a self conscious energy.
As if they read his mind, Eret’s long finger nudged his chin to meet their grey eyes. “Who cares what others say, fuck gender roles, if you like it keep it.”
Ranboo smiled again, his cheeks hurting with just how much the expression had crossed his face today. For a day that began in panic all the turns it had taken were unexpected yet positive ones, finding comfort in those who all rallied to help him.
He pulls the skirt off and folds it for the keep pile, hearing the front door open with loud voices shouting after.
“Rainbow! Get ready for some more furniture!” Tommy’s voice calls out which Ranboo’s eyes widen at.
“Knowing Tom he texted everyone on his contact list demanding they hand over any pieces they can part with.” Niki said affectionately, tying the give away bag shut now that they had finished sorting.
Sam, Foolish and now Fundy all appeared at the doorway with Foolish and Fundy giving mock salutes. “Got some more things for you to decide if you want them.”
Ranboo giggled at their actions, following them to the living room where a nightstand, some lamps, a dresser and a desk chair now stood. The man looked at everyone present, confused. “Where did you guys get all of this on short notice?”
“We robbed a thrift store.” Fundy said with a deadpan tone, before bursting out laughing. “Nah, turns out all of us had something to get rid of that we were putting off donating as we got new things. Besides the dresser, we found that at a second-hand store after Tommy texted you might need one for your clothes.”
Tommy rubbed his neck as he slid his phone into his pocket, gesturing widely. “Well, will these do?”
“Thank you Toms, all of you, I cannot say just how much I appreciate this.”
Another knock sounded from their front door, Tommy moving to open it to find two more friends. Aimsey and Purpled stood at the door, the small brunette coming over to hug Ranboo and tell them how happy they were he was alright.
“We didn’t have much to bring so Tommy asked me to stop by their greenhouse and grab this!” Aimsey steps back out the door to pick up something, returning with a potted allium in a red clay container. “Happy housewarming to your new home!”
Tommy’s face read as worried while he examined Ranboo’s, a small tear dropping from the corner of his eye as he reached out to hold it carefully. “That's very thoughtful, I will treasure it.”
He really would, the blonde remembering his favourite flower many months after he told him last was extremely sweet. “You guys have done so much for me, how can I ever repay you?”
He felt raw standing there among everyone, dropping his gaze to his socked feet, Tubbo walking to his side to lean into him. “You deserve to be cared about with no return favours, Boo. I think you have spent far too long alone, you have us now.”
The amount of love in the room was almost a physical sensation, warming his chest as everyone had given time to come help him. “I believe you are right.”
His last wall crashed to the ground then, meeting the shorter brunette’s sea green eyes and then Tommy’s sky blue. “You two spent so long making me feel welcome, it’s about time I finally listen to what you are saying.”
“Bout fucking time, stubborn bastard.” Tommy’s sharp tongue betrayed his happiness, moving to his other side to follow Tubbo’s lead. “No matter what, we will all make sure you don’t fall. Let us help you with no paybacks or anything, friends don’t expect compensation for helping each other out.”
“The child has a point.” Their moment was interrupted by Techno’s voice, the twin brothers walking in the open front door.
Purpled moved closer to Eret to give them room to enter, the large room was crowded with people but Ranboo never felt more safe. Foolish, Fundy and Sam began to haul the furniture to his new room to make more space.
“What about the cafe?” Ranboo asked and Wilbur waved off the concerns.
“Our parents offered to take the rest of the shift. I went to the dorms to grab a few things, the same with Techno.” He shrugged his shoulder with the backpack hanging over it, his brother with his messenger bag. “Shall we go to your new room so we can unload?”
Ranboo nods; Wilbur, Techno, Aimsey, Purpled, Tommy and Tubbo follow the tall man back to the room the three boys were leaving. Fundy, Foolish and Sam had finished setting the pieces down, Sam telling him as he passed that he and Fundy were going to perform recoveries on Ranboo’s computer.
Ranboo carefully placed the allium on his desk, the purple blooms giving him nostalgic feelings as he turns to his friends. Aimsey, Tommy and Tubbo all lounged on his bed, waiting to see what was being revealed. Purpled, Techno and Wilbur were all digging through their own bags. Wilbur finished first; pulling out some headphones, a radio with an aux connection and some albums.
“Here, I don’t use this system anymore and I brought a few of our sample EP’s for you to listen too if you wanted.” Wilbur seemed a bit timid as he handed over two cds, ‘Lovejoy’ written across the front.
Tommy leapt for the system, plugging it in and ignoring his older brother’s protests as he loaded the player with ‘Pebble Brain’, hitting play. Ranboo’s old headphones were very nearly dead so he took the gently used pair gratefully from the curly brunette, humming along to the rhythm already playing loudly.
“Wil, your music is so cool.” Ranboo complimented the brunette who blushed a deep rose red beneath his golden glasses, his hands fluttering as he backed away with a happy grin. Glancing at the back he noticed the current song was called Oh Yeah, You Gonna Cry?, it was very catchy.
“You and I have talked about books many times, I understand how precious they can be, did any of yours make it?” Techno asked Ranboo who took a deep breath, grabbing his backpack once more as he fished out Treasure Island, he returned to the group hanging the bag off the closet door handle.
“Only this one.” Ranboo’s fingers trailed across the worn volume, mourning the others that once stood at its side on his shelf of treasures.
“Well it’s a start but here is an extra copy of one of my favourites I had, plus a couple more I don’t read anymore if you want them.” Techno hands over what he brought, three books heavy in his arms.
Sun Tzu’s The Art of War is on top of the stack, a heavy read but one Ranboo had meant to finish soon with the amount the pink-haired man referenced it when they discussed story types. He placed the stack down beside his new music player, turning to the dark blonde who was the last to give him what he brought.
“I didn’t have too much either but I brought some old star charts if you want cool posters.” Purpled gave him a wry smile, giving him a few rolled up scrolls tied with twine. “Something to make it feel a bit more lived in, I hope you find them as cool as I do.”
Just as he opens his mouth to thank them all again, Fundy and Sam walk through his door. Sam holds out a computer he doesn’t recognise, letting Ranboo take it. The lid of it is brushed metal clean of stickers, heavy as he held it with an eyebrow raised.
“Neither of us were able to breathe any life into your old PC so here’s one I haven’t used in ages, take it. Otherwise I was going to recycle it for parts, it still functions overall though. I just like to play more intensive games and this one lost its usefulness to me a while ago.” Fundy pipes up from Sam’s side.
“I was able to recover your files so I moved them onto this computer. Beyond the first time setup for a new install of the operating system, it’s good to go.” Sam mentions, his face warm. “Neither of us will accept money for it, trust me, it’s better in your hands than gathering dust in our rooms.”
Ranboo’s throat choked up again, sitting heavily on his bed surrounded by such wonderful people. “This is far too much.”
“No, no, it’s our pleasure Ranboo.” Fundy knelt to meet his eyes, his angular face kind. “You have already been through hell from what it sounds like, this doesn’t trouble any of us to make sure you are set.”
“Kid, you may have moved to this city alone but none of us will let you be that way anymore unless you need that time to reset, which I understand.” Techno sits cross legged down so he can meet the tall boy’s eyes, the group moving closer to comfort the boy.
“You ain’t getting away from us, bitch!” Tommy declares, shoving Aimsey away with a playful move to come and throw his arm around Ranboo’s shoulders. “As our new best friend you do not escape consideration so easily.”
“When you need someone to rely on, we are here for you, always.” Tubbo follows up Tommy’s action by sitting on his other side.
"We might not have talked as often as the others but I look forward to doing it more with how often the others speak highly of you." Aimsey says behind him, placing a tiny hand on his shoulder.
One by one all of his new friends slowly adjourn to his room, finding various surfaces or walls to sit against. The rest of the day is spent setting up his new space to live, laughter and tears alike ringing through the room as they kept him company.
Moving to the city he never imagined finding this lovely group to care about him the way they did in their own ways or words. Each of the eleven people in his space had spent their days off making sure he was okay, bringing their own items when his own possessions were destroyed. This was a completely new situation to Ranboo, having no close friends for most of his life meant he was unused to such a positive reception but he would be very happy learning more.
The couple who ran the cafe he now lived above also did not have to do what they did, Ranboo made a mental reminder to figure out a way to show his thanks. Knowing he was finally in a secure place, he looked forward to his future of university in this city.
The realisation that his first true home now lay where his friends were was a startling one, a peace surrounded that ideal. Going from being an introverted boy who only counted books among his relationships to multiple people who cared deeply was a very welcome change.
His chest hurt that night after most of them had left, this time with laughter, slowly in small groups all of them had filtered out. Each made him promise to text if he needed anything and many spoke about potential future hangouts beyond every Saturday night for Minecraft. Soon it was just himself, Tubbo and Tommy lounging on his now made bed. Tommy was playing Animal Crossing on his Nintendo Switch, cursing loudly as Tubbo’s brow furrowed in concentration staring at his own laptop.
Ranboo had decided to boot up his new computer and settled in for a night of playing Minecraft with a few others on the server. A few stray worries still floated around his mind but he couldn’t find it in himself to spend more energy considering them, knowing his friends and found family had his back through everything and anything. Phil and Kristin had promised to take him to the old apartment tomorrow. For now, he was going to enjoy gaming with his close friends in a room of friendly energy. Even if Tommy still surprised him with loud outbursts and arguing with Tubbo occasionally, he wouldn’t trade this for the world.
The Crows Roost Cafe started as a place he found off happenstance, but it led to the best thing that ever happened to him. No money in the world could buy the love he found, no review he left online could put into words just how grateful he was for this wonderful group and their generosity. He intended to spend every day helping those who had stepped in at his worst, giving back to the individuals who made him smile even as it crashed down around him.
At long last, Ranboo had found a home in an unexpected place with people who cared and looked forward to the future with glee. Having the people who had found and made their place at his side, he could tackle anything. That was the best gift of everything they had given him; an irreplaceable support system made up of unique individuals who would do anything for one another. With that Ranboo could fight the world and win; making memories he will never forget, carved into the depths of his heart just how deeply they all meant to him.
Into the wild again to face the great unknown
And have the midnight conversations
You and I postponed
You saved my life, not once but twice
You keep me free from falling
You saved my life, make it all alright
When I don't feel like talking
You make sure I always see the daylight
It's amazing what the hard times can reveal
Like who shows up, who walks away, and who's for real
So take me on, I'll take the wheel and we can both outrun the past
We will always live forever if we don't look back