Chapter Text
Rain pelted against the windows of the young man’s new home, cardboard boxes with scrawled black ink labels stacked against one wall and his bed pushed against the other. A tiny kitchen was beside his front door, chipped counters and a leaky sink showing just how much maintenance had been done in the past decade. The peeling sky-blue paint showed the age of the apartment, but hey, it was close to his school and only him living here. The only other door was at the end of his bed and led to a cramped bathroom, hell he couldn’t even stand up straight in the shower but it was a roof over his head.
This would be the first time Ranboo lived on his own ever, moving far away from the town he grew up in. Coming with barely any possessions, he planned to stretch out his savings for as long as possible while pursuing his dreams. The small space was located within walking distance of the university he was accepted into, working his butt off these past few years to do exactly this. He had planned his escape from his hometown to excruciating detail, renting a rusty old moving van to get his few things here.
The silence of only his thoughts got to be a bit too much, Ranboo decided to put on some music and begin setting up the place that would be his home for the next year at least depending on his financial situation. He hoped to get through the school terms without having to work so he could focus solely on his studies; a major in film production and a minor in English literature would be taking up a lot of his time. Plugging his scratched phone into his small speaker, Lemon Demon’s Cabinet Man echoes through the room as Ranboo begins pulling apart the boxes.
Hanging his clothes in the closet and using available surfaces to place picture frames and knicknacks, it felt a bit more comforting when all of those were around him. One picture in particular stood out to him, his thin fingers drawing across the glass pane as he looked at his mothers before setting it on his nightstand. The three of them looked so happy in the photo, Ranboo was maybe 4 years old during the photoshoot. His heterochromatic green and brown eyes were a perfect mix of his mom’s, his right significantly more chocolate than emerald, only genetically related to one but he grew up looking a mix between both. One of his mom’s had platinum blonde hair and a sweet face, the other raven black with elegant features.
The next year both of them were killed in a late night driving accident and Ranboo was left alone, in the care of a distant Aunt. The only way they watched him grow up was through the glass of a mirror or frame, seeing each of the women in the curve of his lip or the line of his brow as he matured. His Aunt is nice but they never quite had a connection, she worked a lot leaving him to himself. Alone was practically all he knew, his own company was all he needed, that and stories filled with fictional worlds of magical places told through carefully crafted words.
Growing up he had been told repeatedly he needed to focus more, preferring to get lost in his imagination to the reality he dragged himself through everyday. A precious collection of books slowly grew across his walls as the years passed, finding a love for movies later in his life seeing visual storytelling on a screen. Movie posters were plastered across his wall, cliche classic plots being some of his favourite genres. The worn spines of his most prized books now lined the bottom shelf of his night table, he had cut down his trove a lot for the move for the sake of space.
A rumbling in his stomach reminded him to care for himself as he finished collapsing the last box, it didn’t take him long to pick up his life and leave for hours away. The music stopped as Ranboo disconnected his phone, pulling up his phone and checking for any nearby food places. The young man had forgotten to go get groceries in his haste to unpack and could spare one night of eating out, especially if it was within walking distance.
A cafe listing popped up in front of him, good reviews written below a posting for The Crows Roost Cafe only a five minute walk away. Speaking of a calm atmosphere and good food, his stomach called for sustenance now. Ranboo had forgotten to eat since he left this morning, a small breakfast with his Aunt before she wished him luck and told him to text when he made it. The entire six hour drive from his hometown had been spent blasting music and singing loudly to drown out the stress of unfamiliar environments.
Walking over to the mirror hanging from one wall, he pulls his brush through the long coal and cloud strands, the left white half of his hair a dyed addition. His thin hands braided his wavy hair quickly, letting it fall to his mid-chest. Wearing a graphic t-shirt with a cheesy movie reference and patched jeans, the young soul shrugged at himself in the mirror deciding it was good enough. A few silver hoops hung from each ear, polished in the dingy light of his overhead light. Locating his Doc Martens he laces them tightly on his large feet, tucking his phone and wallet deep into his pant pockets.
Grabbing his backpack he places his old laptop in the pocket inside along with a notebook and a few pens. His internet hadn’t been installed yet and The Crows Roost advertised free connection, he planned to download his schedule and begin planning out his days to come. Preferring having it all decided out first, his thoughts would calm down a bit once Ranboo wrote it down. Slipping his headphones around his neck and a black beanie with a golden crown detail stitched on the rim over the top of his head, he flicks off the lights of his room plunging it into peaceful darkness.
Closing the dark wood door to his apartment, he locked the handle with a key. Jiggling it twice to make sure it's secured he walks down the hallway with the loud patterned carpet and dim flickering overhead arrows, slipping the headphones over his head and flicks shuffle on his playlist, Tears for Fears Everyone Wants To Rule The World blasting as he presses the elevator button. The doors stutter open, the smudged mirror large against the one wall with dark wooden accents surrounding him, Ranboo hums along to the rhythm in the empty box.
Leaving the lobby and striding out into the cold rain, droplets trailing down his face as the streetlights shone above him. As he passed the storefronts he looked in each, a few clothes shops and a used bookshop he would come back to when they were open. The cafe he saw a photo of online approached on the right, warm hues shining through clean windows. A sign stood tall above the door, ‘The Crows Roost Cafe’ carved in cursive letters with a crow painted perching on the word ‘Roost’, forest green and cloud white striped hat on top of its head.
Pushing open the glass door a bell jingled merrily above, laughter and catchy music greeting the tall man as he strode in the comfortable building. A few tables were scattered throughout the large room with chairs nearby, a counter covered with various appliances lining the wall to the left of the door. A few people were sitting throughout, a couple worn couches in various spots mixed with shelves filled with many books. Green plants bloomed large flowers, coffee and floral aroma blending in a homely atmosphere.
Two people with identical shades of hair are working the counter, blonde like sunlight spilling from their scalps. Matching blue eyes met Ranboo’s odd ones, the only difference between the pair was one was middle aged with wavy hair while the other was young with wild curls. Both wearing forest green aprons, the older man smiles at Ranboo from where he stood observing the cafe.
The music cut out as he paused the app on his phone, pushing the headphones to hang from his neck he moved to where the till was. A beautiful butter yellow daffodil was in a clay pot beside the cash register, offering its sunny disposition beside the other two cheery individuals. A huge glass display of various pastries spread out on the clean shelves, bright frosting in different patterns on the delicious baking. All of it looked incredible, Ranboo wanted to try one of each but curbed his enthusiasm, reminding himself that isn’t physically possible. That and it would be expensive.
“Hiya mate, welcome! How can I help you today?” The man’s English accent was thick but sweet, a wide grin across his face.
“Holy fuck, you are tall.” The younger blonde said as Ranboo approached the counter with a matching accent to the middle aged being, the young man was caught off guard then laughed loudly.
“Tommy, you can’t just say things like that!” The older man admonished, his name tag read ‘Phil’ now that Ranboo was closer. “I am sorry, my son doesn’t know how to keep his mouth shut sometimes, what can I get you?”
“It’s okay, it’s not like I haven’t had it commented on before.” Ranboo says back a bit sarcastically, catching the younger blond's wry smile before glancing over the menu. “Can I get a cinnamon vanilla tea with a spoonful of honey and a grilled cheese?”
“Sure thing, can I take your name down for the order?”
“Ranboo.”
“That’s a weird name.” Tommy mumbled, before moving away to the door set behind the counter waving his hand at the other man who was sputtering protests. “Yeah, yeah, I know, it’s just a fucking stupid name I think. Ranboo? What are you, a discount rainbow?”
The blonde’s curls disappear from sight through the door which a kitchen was visible through, Phil sighing as the boy left. “I’m sorry mate, he really could not hold his tongue ever, Blunt to a fault, I think he learned it too well from his brothers.”
Ranboo offered him a smirk, more amused by Tommy’s antics than annoyed. “It’s okay, I promise, I am not offended. Do you mind if I get the wifi password?”
Phil points to a chalkboard on the wall where ‘ Theseus ’ is written in messy handwriting, before he moves away to the kettle. “Feel free to sit anywhere, I’ll get Tommy to bring you what you ordered.”
“Theseus? Isn’t that a Greek demi-god?” Ranboo asked to which Phil gave him a surprised look.
“It is in fact, my son Techno set it up, he is going to the university in the city for English Literature. You seem to know some as well, I am sure you two would get along!” Phil seemed so proud talking about his children, placing a burgundy mug on the counter as he rummaged for a tea bag.
Ranboo nodded awkwardly to the man, not used to such open invitations; he moved away from the counter to find a booth near the window beaded in moisture from outside. The glossy table was clean as the lanky boy settled into the rose-red plush bench, pulling out his laptop covered in stickers of all different references. Another flower bloomed on this table, his vague memory of identification labelled this as a vibrant pink calla lily with deep jade leaves.
It took a while to boot when he opened it up, the loading screen freezing as it attempted to turn on. It was an older model but it still worked decently well, being on a budget meant he had to drag this thing back from the grave out of desperation a few times over now. This also meant it would take its sweet time coming to life, Ranboo had learned long ago patience was the best trait when dealing with the finicky piece of technology.
The other booth near him held three boys of differing hair shades; dark blonde, copper red and chestnut brown. All of them were crowded around a few different models of laptops, happily chuckling between the mumbling about complicated coding from what Ranboo could hear. It seems like students liked to study here, the lack of people this late at night allowed easier focus.
The laptop screen finally lit up with his login, which he typed in his password quickly with one hand while scrolling his music with his other. Queuing up a few of his favourites his attention is brought back to the present by the obnoxious blonde dropping off a plate and mug with steam coming off it with a huff.
“Here ya go Rainbow, the best damn grilled cheese you have ever tasted made by the famous chef, Tommy ‘Danger’ Innit, and an okay tea made by my ancient father.” Tommy said loudly, which the three boys behind chuckle at his antics. “You better rate us five stars online or I will hunt you down!”
“Tommy, what have we said about threatening the customers?” Phil called, which Tommy sneered at him.
“All I am doing is trying to get us returning ones and a good rating will bring in more beyond that.”
“Yes but scaring away the ones we have currently is not a good step.”
Ranboo let out a loud belly laugh at the barbs being traded, not expecting such candid treatment. He still wasn’t sure how he felt about the nickname but the way the blonde delivered it, he couldn’t find it in himself to be mad. Tommy’s smirk grows, pointing to the split-dyed man. “See, he isn’t offended.”
"One day you are going to say something to the wrong person." Phil gives him a tired but affectionate glare, leaning his elbows on the counter. "And when you get your ass handed to you I will just laugh and possibly record it. Just so you know."
"Wow Dad and I thought you loved me." Tommy snipped back while Phil rolled his eyes.
"Son, I wouldn't say these things if I didn't love you. Now get back here, you have dishes to do."
Tommy mumbles something else then walks back to the counter, Ranboo watches him leave to the same door he disappeared through before. He shakes his head while chuckling before plugging his headphones back in, TWRP featuring Dan Avidan singing Starlight Brigade this time as he loaded up his school page. Logging in through the portal the web page chugs to life, he tapped to the beat as it generated.
Ranboo groaned to himself seeing the lineup of his classes, taking both major and minor courses meant he would be pulling long hours each day, plus studying after. Picking up the warm mug he sipped on the brewed tea, smiling as it heated his hands. Cinnamon was one of his favourite smells, he reminded himself to buy tea when he made his first trip.
Suddenly, his laptop screen went black and his heart sank. His finger tapping sped up as he used his other hand to press the power button, hoping by some miracle it still lived. Cursing under his breath he lets the headphones fall, pressing his forehead to the table in exasperation. He really didn't need the extra expense when every dollar he had already had its place in the notebook he had put hours into calculating over the summer between long shifts of hard labour work.
"Wow, was Dad's tea that bad?" An obnoxious voice broke through his desperation, he raised his head to stare at the young man named Tommy, his blue eyes inquisitive.
"No, no, computer problems." Ranboo gestured to his malfunctioning device, sighing before then flipping it off.
Tommy giggled before turning to the three boys in the other booth. "Hey nerds, anyone want to help Rainbow?"
"It's okay, I don’t need to bother them if they are busy…” Ranboo protested before Tommy waved his hand to cut the sentence off.
“Toby, Rainbow’s computer is being fucked, mind taking a look?” Tommy addressed the small brunette, who the large blonde stood up to let out of the bench.
A ballcap on his head with a team logo Ranboo didn’t know, he followed the brunette to the table slower than the bouncing boy Tommy addressed. The taller man had kind chocolate brown eyes with a handsome face, offering a small smile to Ranboo. The smaller brunette had green-blue eyes Ranboo noticed when he slid in beside, offering a friendly grin.
“Good day, big man, I’m Toby or Tubbo! Heard you were having technical issues?” Not waiting for an answer Toby pulled the laptop closer, beginning to fiddle with it, a matching English accent to Tommy ringing through his higher voice.
The third boy joined the tall blonde, his copper hair shot through with strands of white and big blue eyes. Suddenly surrounded by a bunch of people he didn’t know, Ranboo began to fidget a bit more, feeling a tad overwhelmed. Toby had pressed him into the corner of the booth, he felt trapped and it sent his anxiety singing.
Tommy glanced down to see his fingers playing with his headphone cord and looked to the others who had joined them near the booth. “Well, don’t be strangers, introduce yourselves.”
“Hey, I’m Sam, nice to meet you!” The more muscular blonde with brown eyes said with a smooth and deep voice, he just gave off such a comfortable vibe Ranboo instantly felt a bit better in his presence. Sam carried himself with a certain maturity, a quiet confidence in knowing the world and that everything would work out.
“Hello Ranboo, how are you? My name is Fundy!” The redhead’s Dutch accent was thick, his voice very pleasant to hear. He seemed more excitable than Sam, his long features elegant in the lighting.
His cheerful nature shone through as he stood at Sam's side, the pair were similar heights to Tommy who was also above average. None matched Ranboo, but Tubbo was most definitely the shortest of the pack.
“Admittedly I’d be better if you can get my computer to function.” He cast a worried look to Toby’s who’s brow was pinched, pressing certain buttons with no response.
“I’m gonna be honest Ranboo, I am not sure how much hope I have.” Toby seemed saddened, so Sam and Fundy slid in the other side of the booth and gestured to hand it over, which he did. “It’s an old device, you haven’t ever thought of getting something newer?”
Ranboo winced a bit, wishing with everything he had that this was an option. “I’ve thought about it but it’s worked for so long, I really need it to keep doing so.”
Sam gave him a look of understanding, nodding before turning to Fundy. “Go grab my tools please, I think it’s something with the screen connections.”
The copper boy moves quickly, going to their table and bringing back a messenger bag covered in buttons and patches, clearly well loved, placing three mugs before each of the boys too. A hot chocolate in front of Toby, a coffee with whipped cream for himself and a black one for Sam. Ranboo decides to dig into his sandwich, the cheese perfectly melted with golden bread, it was delicious.
Tommy pulled off his apron, hanging it over the back of the booth and standing beside Toby.
“Budge over.” He demanded, Ranboo being pressed more into the corner now as the small brunette moved to allow the loud blonde in. Somehow, the small boy beside him calmed his nerves and knowing each person's name helped, excluding just a welcoming presence while Ranboo allowed himself the social connection.
Ranboo never had many friends growing up, the comfort of stories all he ever needed. But being surrounded by this group, he could see the appeal. Maybe one day he could find something like this.
Finishing half his grilled cheese he takes another sip of his tea, nearly half done now as his computer gets more spread across the table. Fundy and Sam have completely removed the back off of the case and are inspecting a confusing amount of wires closely, discussing things Ranboo barely understood.
“So rate my cooking on a scale of amazing to earth changing.” Tommy demanded Ranboo, who almost choked as the blonde directly addressed him. “Just so you know, if you give any sort of lower score our friendship dies here and now.”
“Friendship?” Ranboo questioned, glancing around at the other four who were chuckling.
“I mean I know your name and you laughed at my jokes, we are now friends. But not for long if you don’t compliment me.”
“Toms, don’t be so rough on him. You are rather abrasive, you know.” Toby piped up as he scanned Ranboo’s face worriedly, who offered him a smile.
“It’s alright, it’s almost refreshing.” Ranboo reassured, meeting Tommy’s blue eyes. “It’s amazing Tommy, well done and exactly how I would like.”
“Oh, now you are going to give him a big head.” Toby groaned.
“I am not sure he needs the help.” Ranboo teased a bit, which Tommy’s eyes sparkled mischievously.
“Oh no, my self esteem is terrible, trust me.” Tommy put a hand to his chest. “Please, give me more affirmations.”
In the time they had been speaking Sam had finished reassembling his laptop, Fundy reaching over to press the power button before the pair cheered. It echoed loudly through the quiet cafe, Phil was nowhere in sight as soft music played through the warm air. Sam handed the computer back to Ranboo, his screensaver open for everyone to see as the screen was now working again. The split-dyed man gave the pair the widest grin of thanks, which Sam gave an endearing awkward nod back before taking a drink of his coffee, cheeks tinted pink.
“Is that a screenshot of a Minecraft bee?” Toby asked as Ranboo navigated to the login field, his cheeks heating at his love for the game being revealed. He had been teased a lot about it growing up, spending long hours just living in his various worlds.
“Yea, it's the only game this computer can handle so I spend a lot of time playing it when I can.” Ranboo finished typing in his password, hitting enter with his pinky.
The University’s homepage opened up in front of him, which Toby and Tommy both gasped excitedly, Tommy announcing loudly. “Oh my god, you are going to be going to the same school as us?”
“What are you taking?” Toby seemed genuinely interested, his focus being entirely on Ranboo now.
“I am enrolled for a major in Film Production and a minor in English Literature. How about you guys?” He asked the table, finishing the last bit of his meal while the others answered.
“Fundy and I are in our third year of Computer Programming together.” Sam offered, placing his empty mug on the table.
“Plus I am taking a minor in Video Game Design.” Fundy added.
“I am in my first year with a major in Music Compilation with a focus in piano and a minor in Horticulture. My Mum runs a greenhouse on the side and I grew up within those glass walls up to my elbows in soil coaxing plants to give their amazing colours.” Tommy responded, a faraway look on his face for the last sentence. “What’s your favourite flower, Ranboo?”
“Going to skip me, really Toms?” Toby sassed, which Tommy reached to ruffle his chestnut hair coming back to the present.
“Sorry Tubs, go ahead.”
“I am a first year Computer Programming and a minor in Video Game Design.” Tubbo told him proudly, before he waved Ranboo to continue. “Anyways, answer Tommy’s stupid question so he doesn’t badger you until you are deaf about it.”
Tommy looked to be eagerly awaiting his answer as Ranboo scrambled to think of what flowers he had even seen in his life. Remembering the alliums that used to cover his Mom’s front gardens where he would play in that early spring air, nostalgia filled him as he thought of the sweet purple blooms covered in many small flowers.
“Alliums.” His voice had a tinge of sadness before he finished his tea, meeting everyone’s eyes who looked curious, especially Tommy.
“I will have to keep that in mind.” As if sensing the want of a subject change, Tommy does just that. “Alright Rainbow, what's your favourite band?”
The rest of the night passes like this, laughter ringing throughout the comfortable space, a group of five boys growing closer as the hours pass. They all bonded over similar interests in games and media, turns out all four of them enjoyed Minecraft and they made plans to all run a LAN server soon on the cafe wifi. Suddenly it was nearly midnight when Phil came to their table, his apron gone too. Wearing an old music shirt and jeans, the man looked fond even as he stood before them to shoo them out.
“Alright kids, I gotta get home to my lovely wife so it’s time we close up.” Phil said, a few groans in unison. “Yea, yea, I know, but you all should sleep before school tomorrow. After all, it is orientation for you lot and you should be going with a full night’s sleep. I don’t want to hear any complaining about it being too early when you come by tomorrow for your drinks in the morning.”
“How much for my order?” Ranboo asked, moving to fish out his wallet before Phil waved his hand.
“No, don’t worry mate, the first order for a new regular is on the house. After all, Tommy seems to have adopted you so I am sure I will see you here more often.” Phil gave a proud look to his son who nodded enthusiastically, Tubbo also looked excited at the prospect. “Students get a discount here if that entices you to come by more often as well. Gotta make sure my kids are eating well even while stressed out.”
He looked forward to getting to know everyone more, but especially the two younger boys who had already done so much for him. Perhaps it was finally time to get to know someone else besides his beloved imaginative worlds, these two had come leaps and bounds in his heart already.
Phil ushered them towards the door, a good natured attitude as the young students complained light hearted as he walked them outside. The rain had stopped as the evening had passed, stars and moons glowing above in the clear sky. Tommy and Tubbo stood outside the front doors of the cafe, waving as Fundy and Sam left to walk down the sidewalk together. Apparently they lived in the dorms on campus while Tommy and Tubbo lived in an apartment above the cafe.
“Oi Rainbow, give me your phone.” Tommy demanded, waiting with a raised eyebrow until the black and white haired man handed it over. Pressing a few things on the screen then typing something in, he handed him the phone back with a new contact opened on the screen labelled ‘Wife haver’. Backing out he noticed one more, ‘Bee boy’ being right below it. “Let us know when you get home safe, yea? Be sure to come by tomorrow morning for your drinks, or else!”
As Ranboo walked home that night his heart felt warm like the inside of that cafe, an instant new favourite place to be. Thinking over just how much they had helped him already as Paradise by Coldplay played through his headphones, he wondered if it would really hurt to let people in, past his walls. The old comfort of only himself to rely on was a hard one to let go, but reflecting over his night in the cafe around such happy people had done wonders for his worries about living in a new city.
The stars glittered above the tall lanky boy, he stopped outside his apartment building to observe the sky and truly think about things for a moment. Wondering if his Mom’s would be just as proud of him as the father he saw tonight, he made a resolve to go back there more often. Something about that loud blonde had melted his concerns, he doubted Tommy would take not being friends as an answer now that they had spent the evening together.
And maybe, Ranboo didn’t really mind that conclusion. Especially if Tubbo was part of that deal, his soul called for both the boys to become better friends of Ranboo. The sweet boy offset his obnoxious best friend, a tempering edge to the sharp tongue of the blonde yet he already wanted to know more about the pair. Sam and Fundy too, they all seemed so cool and had accepted him right away. The time flew by as they laughed and joked, an easy flow of conversation between all of them with many mutual interests shared.
He was definitely going back to The Crows Roost Cafe tomorrow and many days after that. It was better than the silence of his studio apartment. With that thought, he moved to walk inside his building, telling himself he would go by in the morning for cinnamon vanilla tea before his classes. After all, what student can say no to discounts?