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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?

Chapter Text

The next few weeks go by in a blur to the young man, he is so caught up in adjusting to a new routine he had been thrown into that time passing barely occurs to Ranboo until the rent notice came. Staying up late into the night studying had taken its toll on his sleeping schedule, not that he had much of one to begin with, so he had taken to stopping by the cafe each morning for a tea to compensate. 

Phil and a beautiful raven haired woman worked the early shifts, she quickly introduced herself as Kristin and both would prepare his tea perfectly. Usually it was waiting for him to pick up the moment he walked in once they knew his routine. Sometimes the orders were even waived, if either of them saw him down about something they would tell him it was covered with kind smiles. They certainly didn’t have too, he couldn’t imagine the amount of others who received the same treatment and what a loss it ran. But they both seemed so happy, they radiated joy and put a grin on his own face with just how damn welcoming they were.

He couldn’t deny the cafe was quickly becoming a safe space, he found himself more often considering staying late one night to study. He hadn’t dared to come back after the last time when his laptop broke, his mind constantly telling him he should only rely on himself, why break out of what he knew to be safe. Ranboo wasn’t experienced with having friends, his tales the only thing he needed for comfort.

The one draw of going was Tommy refused to leave him alone and kept insisting he should come back to hang out, saying he shouldn’t overwork himself and actually have fun for once. Tommy, Tubbo and himself had taken to having lunch together when they were all at school, finding a quiet spot outside on the property to eat lunch while laughing loudly. The pair had grown close to Ranboo in a very short amount of time, he found his thoughts wandering how they were doing more often than not.

It had even become routine for them to text everyday; Tubbo offering sweet good mornings while Tommy’s messages came across ringing with his personality, filled with promises and threats if they didn’t hang out besides during school. Ranboo truly wasn’t sure how to deal with the aggressive affection they freely gave, offering tentative kindness back while they slowly broke down his walls.

It was the last Monday of the month and his mail had just been delivered, he had about an hour before his first class of the day. The letter opened in front of him had sent his heart racing, turns out no matter how much he planned unexpected expenses were draining the savings faster than he would like. He didn’t have a true grasp at the cost of providing for oneself after moving out and was now considering looking into a part time job, just the weekends, to at least provide his grocery money. He still had enough saved to cover the rest of the lease, but having some income would relieve his other anxieties.

Finding a thumb tack he pins it to the corkboard by the door, giving it one last long look before leaving through his front door after gathering his backpack. Jiggling the metal knob twice after locking it, his brain telling him to just make sure it’s secured, Ranboo then takes long strides to the elevator to leave for university. 

The sun is shining bright as he exits, plugging in his headphones he slips them over his ears. Today he had brushed his two toned hair into a low ponytail, planning to stop by the Crows Roost Cafe for his cinnamon vanilla tea. He passed the same bookshop he went past everyday, realising the plus side of getting a job meant he could finally go in there without guilt. The well loved covers displayed in the windows called to be leafed through, finding a new world to fall in love with. Some series truly felt like homes to him, stories created comfort for the boy and once he got regular income maybe he could get a new one to reread many times.

The sign for the Crows Roost Cafe was a happy beacon to the tall boy, ducking in the glass door as the chimes of bells greet him merrily. Kristin is bustling behind the counter alone this morning, still busy but not crazy like sometimes it was. As Ranboo glances over the chalkboard like he isn’t going to order the same thing he always does, he sees a new sign taped to the side of the menu.

A now hiring sign catches his attention, offering weekend shifts with flexible hours surrounding exams and above minimum pay. His mood lifted, he hypes himself up to casually inquire to the lovely woman serving peoples coffee with enchanting laughs and greetings. Working her magic on all that enters, each person leaves with a handcrafted drink and a better attitude. She is dressed in a black shirt and navy jeans under her forest green apron. Emerald earrings dangled from her ears, light makeup highlighting her natural beauty and her silky night-shade hair in a high ponytail with a few streaks of white like falling stars.

Soon, it’s Ranboo’s turn at the till with the bright yellow daffodil beside the register, brilliant and colourful like the pastries on display. The blooms had become fewer over the time he started coming, the remaining buds still as cheery as the sun outside. The ethereal woman gives him a dazzling grin, turning to grab a hot cup and paper bag.

“Good morning, Ranboo! One cinnamon vanilla tea and an apple fritter, your usual!” Kristen gave him a cup with a smiley face drawn on the side and neatly folded pastry bag before winking. “My son told me he is now paying for your breakfast and the only way to stop him is to come by after classes to hang out here.”

“Dammit Tommy.” Ranboo mutters, smirking. “I take it this deal is something I can only discuss with him in person.”

Her dark eyes twinkle as she gives the same mischievous look her son perfected, clearly a family trait, nodding. “He insists that your hang out happens this weekend because some of his friends are going to be gathering here playing Minecraft and he wants you to join.”

“I’ll send him a text that I will accept his invitation.” Ranboo takes a deep breath and checks to make sure he isn’t holding anyone else up, seeing no one behind him in line he turns to Kristin once more, pointing to the hiring sign. “I don’t have my resume on me right now, but I would love to come by tonight and drop it off if the position is still available.”

Her eyes widened a bit before she gave a thoughtful look with her lips curved up, holding up a finger before disappearing into the kitchen. Ranboo fidgets, taking a sip of his tea while awaiting her return, tucking the pastry safely in his backpack. A few more stressful moments pass before she returns with Phil, who looks very pleased to see him. His blonde hair is tied back today, beard trimmed neatly close to his skin. One emerald earring hung from his right ear, wrapped in gold, matching the pair his wife wears.

“Hiya mate! I heard you were looking at the job posting?” Phil’s accent was a calming balm on his nerves as he tried his best to look eager. “Done, you are hired, I’ll take it down in a moment.”

Ranboo’s mouth dropped open, stuttering a bit. “Just like that? You don’t want my resume?”

Phil waves it off, looking at his wife with the most lovey-dovey eyes before returning to the tall man’s gaze. “We were hoping one of the kids we knew would apply. You seem like a good one Ranboo, I would love to bring you on.”

“How many hours are you looking for?” Kristin had pulled out a notebook, holding a pen overtop a clean sheet.

“Just the weekend, I need the weekdays for studying.” Ranboo mentioned, watching as she wrote it down. “I can start this Saturday, if that works for you?”

“Sounds great, that's when I was going to offer your first shift, we can discuss pay and all the intricate details later.” Phil reached across the counter offering his weathered hand to shake, which Ranboo wraps his thin hand around his, going through the motion. “Welcome to the team Ranboo, now I know you have class soon so if you are okay with it; we can grab your number from Tommy and I will text you our contact information.”

Ranboo glanced at the clock on the wall and it startled him, now only having half an hour to get to the school. “Works for me, I didn’t realise how much time has passed, shoot.”

Phil and Kristin offer waves as he rushes for the door, profusely thanking the couple. Things had taken a turn for the better, though he was running later than he planned to class, for the first time he looked forward to training for his new job. It had worked out much better than he thought, he would be forever grateful to the lovely people who had taken an immediate liking to him. The city felt more and more like home each day, a completely new feeling to Ranboo. It was really nice knowing there were people who wanted him around.

The rest of the week passed quickly before Ranboo woke up early for his first shift, deciding to braid his coal and cloud hair as he prepared. Packing his laptop into his backpack for the plans after the day, he had confirmed with Tommy the gathering to play Minecraft in the evening with the others. Tommy had promised to bring a few friends together, some names he recognised from the excitable blonde talking about them besides Tubbo, who also promised to join. Fundy and Sam had also expressed interest, they were going to come by with a few others too. Ranboo was nervous about meeting all these new people but he also was looking forward to it, expanding those he spoke with might be a good step.

One Hundred Years by Five for Fighting was the soundtrack of choice today, feeling reflective. The walk to the coffee shop was only time for one song usually, today he spent the time absorbing the idea of finally letting those who had wanted to spend time with him in. He had spent so long without it, perhaps it was time to move on and try to make friends beyond Tommy and Tubbo.

As he entered he realised he was still half an hour early and two new faces at the counter threw him more off, his sense of time was never the best. A curly haired brunette with liquid chocolate eyes met him through big gold rimmed round glasses, offering a cheerful smile. The man was nearly the same height as Ranboo, which is a very rare case, his face very similar to the other shorter boy behind the counter. 

Both were full of angles but the pink-haired man’s were more harsh, his gaze more closed off than the brunettes. His hair was pulled back in a long braid down his back, ears full of multiple golden piercings. Dark, almost mahogany, brown eyes stared down Ranboo, both were wearing the staple forest green aprons over tshirts and jeans. The lily-haired man returned to reading the old book he held, occasionally still looking at the lanky boy.

“Hey! You are the new guy right?” The brunette called out to him with a deep sonorous voice moving round the counter with an open stance, holding his hand out. “It’s great to meet you, it's surprising our paths haven’t crossed sooner. My name is Wilbur and the smouldering bastard is Techno, don’t worry, once he gets used to you he will stop the intimidation act.”

“It’s not an intimidation act.” His rumbling voice echoed tones of Wilbur’s, though he had much less of an English accent. “Just assessing.”

Wilbur rolled his eyes before returning to Ranboo, who reached out to shake his hand. He remembered from conversations with Kristin and Phil these were their oldest twin sons, both had spent time with one parent in different parts of the world which explained the difference in accent. The family used to travel a lot separately with the jobs they had before, one parent and one son living in far apart countries from the other pair. When Tommy was born the family decided to live in one spot for a while, they settled here to open the cafe and have been staying here ever since.

“Tommy has spoken about you a lot, I am glad you are the one who applied for the position! We are going to take turns training you today, but you are early so do you want a drink first? If you are an employee you eat and drink here free, our parents insist.”

Ranboo was consistently surprised in the best way by the couple, dropping their grasp and nodding. “Cinnamon vanilla tea please? I am just going to sit at the table and work on a project until it's time to start.”

“Sure, no problem!” Wilbur moved back to the counter while Ranboo went to the same booth he spent that first night in.

Settling down he pulls out his laptop and the book he had chosen for his report, one of his English classes had it due soon. There were only a few minor finishing touches and edits, he figured he could complete it before the working hours started. Choosing an old favourite of his that he knew front to back, the assignment was easy to complete. Placing the worn edition he had of Treasure Island beside his beat-up computer, he starts editing while occasionally daydreaming staring at the cover of pirate adventures. 

This book was one of the first he remembers reading, which kicked off a lifelong love of the tales of those who roamed the sea stealing and treasure hunting. Some of his very amateur writing as a kid was him setting off on a similar journey, giving up land for the rolling waves beneath a weathered boat with wind tugging at his hair. Fantasy was his favourite genre, exploring the worlds of others' creations was a nice escape from everyday life.

“Good book.” Techno’s rumbling voice surprises him from his imagination, jumping at the man who had suddenly appeared at his side. He lets out a small chuckle at the reaction, placing a mug down on the table with an apple fritter on a plate. “I have been told I move too quietly, my apologies.”

“No, no, it’s okay. I am just a jittery person, especially when I am lost in my own thoughts.” Ranboo replied. “Stories are just so much better than reality sometimes.”

“That I can agree with. We will have to discuss this more when you start between customers, not many people walk in here with physical books anymore.” Techno gave a tentative warm look, before music started blasting through the cafe speakers and his face soured. “You will have to forgive Wil, when there are no customers he takes the suggested volume levels as a taunt.”

The song that rang through the speakers was not one Ranboo recognised but he did enjoy it immensely. “That’s okay, I usually work better when listening to music.”

“Be happy you are here when it’s just Wil, the only thing louder is Tommy when he is also here arguing about what to play next.” Techno said this all with a dry tone, but affection shone in his eyes speaking of his brothers. “Anyways I will leave you to your assignment, enjoy the breakfast. Tommy told us your favourite pastry if you are wondering about the fritter.”

Ranboo’s heart felt cosy at the thought behind Tommy frantically texting his brothers to bring him the baked goods, though he was sharp it hid just how considerate the loud blonde was. He dug into the warm food and drink, finishing the project quickly. There wasn’t too much left and he finished with five minutes to spare, packing away his things before gulping down the last of the tea, placing the mug on the plate and picking it up after slinging his backpack across his shoulder. 

Walking over to the counter now it is only Wilbur there, who takes the dishes from him while gesturing to the apron folded on the counter. “Alright, get that on, I will show you where to put your things and record your time in and out.”

Ranboo pulls the apron strap over his head, making quick work of the buckles so it hangs well, pulling his braid from under the string to lay flat against his spine. 

Wilbur leads him in the kitchen where Techno is preparing portions of food for lunches, showing him the break room that held five lockers. Going through the motions of showing him where everything is, Wilbur makes the tour fun cracking small jokes and singing along to the music as it comes on. He shows him the door that leads up to Tubbo and Tommy’s apartment and the back exit most employees used to enter, though it didn't matter which he used.

The same band played that Ranboo didn’t recognize when they moved to the front of the cafe. Wilbur was deciding what to show him next the boy decided to ask. “Who’s the band you have playing, or song name rather? I really like their style.”

“This is Do I Wanna Know by the Arctic Monkeys, if you want any music suggestions I have a ton!”

“Sure, sounds good. I like many different genres but am always excited to hear more.”

“What’s something you have on repeat right now?” Wilbur looked curious, both of them had gone wildly off track but no one was at the counter where they stood.

“Everybody Wants To Rule The World by Tears For Fears right now, on my way here I was also looping Sign of The Times by Harry Styles and Dancing In The Moonlight by King Harvest.”

Wilbur nodded approvingly, picking up a cup while he walked over to one of the drink machines. “You and I are going to get along very well, my new friend, great tunes I also like!”

The brunette pours himself a coffee, gesturing him over to come learn how the appliance worked. The rest of the morning passes quickly, Ranboo shadows Wilbur as he serves customers while Techno makes the food orders. The man was unbelievably friendly, similar to his mother, but had a brash tone that rang of his father. Both brothers had the same dry sarcasm Ranboo had heard often from Phil, the couple times he had to go into the kitchen Techno even cracked a few jokes while making servings.

Overall the beginning half of his shift went very well, even if he made a mistake it was a gentle correction to show him the right way. Wilbur shooed him off for lunch, a potato and garlic soup made by Techno warming his palms as he stared once again at his laptop. He had decided to sit in the main part of the cafe for his lunch, the break room was nice but he enjoyed the fresh atmosphere of his booth surrounded by flowers and greenery. 

Some places he had worked in the past were a stickler for making the employees eat in one place, this job had already blown his expectations out of the water in many ways, another being they let them sit anywhere. He was initially nervous about meeting their oldest sons but both had embraced him with such sweetness, it was clear the whole family were gifted with making complete strangers feel welcome. 

The soup was wonderfully seasoned with garlic and chives, he devoured it quickly while staring at the next assignment he had on his list. The wording of it confused him, he had left it towards the bottom of the pile to antagonise over later, but unfortunately that later was now since he had finished the rest and he still had no idea what it actually wanted. 

His face pinched while he reread it for the fifth time as Hayloft by Mother Mother beat against his eardrums, letting out a low growl of frustration. Sliding the bowl out of the way he placed his forehead on the cool table top, dreading starting this. Since it was the weekend his teachers probably wouldn’t answer an inquiry email, so he could work on this all the way through Monday before realising he missed the concept entirely. He pulled the headphones back to hang round his neck, not wanting them to fall off when he straightened up.

“Ranboo, you good?” Wilbur asks from the counter, to which he sits back up and throws his hands up dramatically. 

“These teachers write for a living but these instructions are about as clear as if they were in another language.” Ranboo pointed at his screen and Wilbur shakes his head, laughing.

“Oh I know, some of the professors are just not coherent about anything.” Wilbur comes to his table, glancing to make sure no one was coming to the door before looking at his computer. “Oh god, I remember this assignment when my brother was doing it, English Lit right? I’ll grab Techno, maybe he can offer insight.”

“It’s alright, if he is busy I don’t want to bug him!”

“Ranboo, he is probably back there absorbed into a book, it's fine I promise. Let us help, yeah?” Wilbur finished before going to the kitchen.

Looking at the confusing project, he relented. Ranboo just hoped it really wasn’t an annoyance to Techno. Soon the twins joined him once more, Techno sliding into the other side of the booth and placing a brown volume down. Wilbur was right, he was just reading in the downtime between customers. A few had come in but mainly wanting drinks, Wilbur told him on weekends their busiest time was morning and late afternoon so now they could be a bit more laid back.

“If there’s anyone I can take care of them, you prepared all the ingredients for dinner already right?” Wilbur asked Techno who nodded, dragging the computer over to his side to peer at the assignment.

“Oh, this one.” Techno huffed, before scrolling down to read over it and explaining as he went. His eloquent words made much more sense than how the teacher had phrased it, giving pauses for questions which he answered carefully. 

Ranboo’s lunch went by taking notes of what the young man with the long pink braid said, resolving now that he understood it better to finish it tomorrow. It was more complicated than he thought but hearing how Techno interpreted it helped a lot. Soon he was closing the lid of the computer, offering a thankful nod to the man across the table.

“I appreciate the time Techno, thanks. That makes a lot more sense now.”

“No problem, kid.” He says, giving a small smirk as he stands. “Now, it's time for you to learn the kitchen tasks so follow me.”

Wilbur had taken to singing loudly along to the tunes while he wiped the counters of the front area. Techno gave him a level stare with a small upturn to the left corner of his mouth before they went to the kitchen area, Ranboo disappearing to put his stuff away in his locker before joining the man. He was a patient instructor, making sure the lanky boy felt confident with what was expected before moving on. Thorough and serious but no less enjoyable, Techno’s quiet humour came across in the best moments with his dry sarcasm.

There was a steady amount of orders over the afternoon but Ranboo never felt the pressure, Techno insisted the man could take his time to make sure it was good and the customer could wait. Quality was better than quantity, with Wilbur showing all the charisma cards there were little complaints. 

The sun began to fall and the time grew since the last customer entered, Ranboo was nearing the end of his shift with one hour to go. All three workers had gathered behind the counter, Techno and Ranboo enjoying tea while Wilbur sipped on coffee with an obnoxious amount of whipped cream. Techno surprised them both by being the first to speak since they arrived to relax here, glancing at Ranboo.

“So tell me what your favourite book is, kid.”

Oh that was easy. “Treasure Island.”

Techno seemed to approve the answer, motioning with his hand for Ranboo to elaborate.

“The idea of being off on your own adventure with no responsibilities besides the clothes on your back, sailing into the deep blue sea. Things that are impossible in this world are so fun to dream through any media; songs, novels, movies, any way people choose to share the craft of lore telling.” Ranboo excitedly explains, both twins intently listening. “The reality of this being our day to day life, it's less depressing to sink into created fantasies where anything is possible.”

“Exactly!” Techno says enthusiastically, before drawing back a bit and clearing his throat, cheeks pink. “I mean, I prefer a made-up reality to the current one.”

Wilbur looked between the pair before giving a soft chuckle. “You two are way more alike than I thought, you will fit right in here Ranboo.”

“Thanks.” Ranboo rubbed the back of his neck, a bit embarrassed by his excited explanation.

Wilbur’s phone buzzed where it lay on the counter, he swiped it open before placing his mug down, typing out a message with both hands. “Seems the child wants to come hang out and asks if the cafe is empty enough to do so.”

“Tell him it’s so busy he will only be walking into getting dragged onto shift on his day off.” Techno answers quickly and Wilbur rolls his eyes, before the pink haired man lets out a chuckle. “Alright, tell the gremlin to come on down, I’ll go grab my laptop.”

Wilbur nods, tapping it out quickly before meeting Ranboo’s odd eyes. “You brought your computer, right? I’ll let you off early this once but don’t worry, I’ll make sure you are paid for the full shift, I know a guy.”

Ranboo offered his own giggle to that, following Techno to the break room where the other man pulled out his own messenger bag. They walk back to the seating area to see three faces Ranboo knows and two he doesn’t. Tommy towers above the group besides another darker haired blonde, Tubbo at his side coming up to his shoulder. The two people Ranboo doesn’t recognize turn to meet his gaze, the long-haired brunette offering a wide smile where the tall blonde gives him a once over. 

The small brunette is wearing a blue and white striped sweater with a bright red beanie, skinny jeans. They barely came up to Ranboo's sternum. The other tall blonde beside Tommy is in a violet hoodie with a ufo on it and jeans, headphones looped around his neck. 

The one with the red beanie sticks out their tiny hand, Welsh accent ringing in their voice. “Hello Rainbow, I am Aimsey!”

“Tommy told you my name was Rainbow didn’t he.” Ranboo said, narrowing his eyes at the blonde who gave a wicked look. “It’s not actually, it’s Ranboo, but whatever you prefer.”

“Oh sorry, Ranboo! Somehow that doesn’t surprise me that I was informed wrong. Our quiet friend here is Purpled, I hear we are here to play some games?” They held up a laptop nearly as big as their torso with an excited look.

“Hey Boo!” Tubbo greeted him happily before turning to Aimsey. “Yea, it's been since last semester that none of us have played on the same server so we figured we could include Ranboo on the new launch. Fundy and Sam said they would come by later, perhaps with Niki, Eret and Foolish too.”

The group moved some tables to be pressing against each other, creating one huge flat space for them all to sit down at. Each pulled out different models of computers, setting up for a night of fun. Ranboo felt a bit guilty that he wouldn’t be doing any schoolwork tonight, but he promised Tommy he would participate. He really looked forward to getting to know the people here more and those still yet to arrive.

Many different stickers surrounded him, various bands or games he had seen in passing coated the lids of the students laptops. Tubbo sat at his right with a very clean laptop besides a pixel bee that stuck to right beside his trackpad.

“I like the bee sticker.” Ranboo tells just him, their words drowned out while the others discussed what seed to use and various topics besides. “How chaotic should I expect this to become, Bo?”

The nickname came easily to him, both had adopted using unique ones for each other early into their friendship. “With Tommy around, take your usual expectations and send them through the roof on a rocket, don't let them come back. Last time we were on a server he pissed off another guy we used to play with until he moved back home and it evolved into this whole war. Make an enderchest and safe space for treasures early, but don’t count on him not sniffing them out.”

“Oi, you aren’t talking smack already are you?” Tommy accuses the mumbling pair, which Tubbo gives him a look.

“Boo deserves a warning to what you like to cause on multiplayer games Toms.” Tubbo fires right back at which Aimsey and Purpled nod their agreement.

“If you need anyone to come kick his ass, call me. I’ll do it happily.” Purpled said, which Tommy turns his burning glare to him.

“I can take you anyday, bitch.”

“Oh yea? Last time we tried I seem to recall winning.” Purpled responded confidently, which Tommy sputters at.

“You got lucky!”

“No, no, you got it all wrong.” Techno interrupts, joining them at the tables. “If you need anyone to beat Tommy, you ask me.”

“This feels very targeted.” Tommy huffed which everyone laughed at.

“You set multiple bases on fire or annoyed very powerful people last time Tommy, you must see how this comes across.”

“You all don’t deserve my presence, I am a delight.” Tommy sneered, loudly clicking on the keys in front of him.

“Tom, how about we try to get along this time?” Wilbur offered, coming to the table to begin handing out orders, two mugs in his hands.

“You were the one who wanted to start a drug empire!” Tommy launches at the curly haired brunette who giggles.

“Drug empire?” Ranboo questions aloud, wondering what the hell he had gotten into.

“It is a very long story I can tell you next time we have a shift together if you would like.” Wilbur told him, going to get the next round of drinks.

“You better let me explain my parts!” Techno claimed, opening his own device. “We had a bunch of lore improvised around it, quite a lot of fun actually.”

“Time for season two!” Tommy declared as five new people walked through the door of the cafe, the bell jingling loud to announce their entrance.

Ranboo moved to get up and help Wilbur if he needed anything before he noticed Tubbo waving to them, settling back down. Sam and Fundy came into view from behind the other three, each offering a smile to the seated group before they all went to order from the curly brunette boy who looked happy to see them.

A light-pink haired woman joined the seated group first, wide caramel eyes warm as she walked up to Ranboo holding her steaming drink. She wore a black top with a rose on the front, tucked into high waisted jean shorts showing off the tattoo of a frog just above her knee. Both sides of her nose were pierced, she had a very sweet face as she radiated peaceful grace.

Her musical voice with a German accent greeted him with gentle tones, holding out her delicate hand. “Hello, my name is Niki, you must be Tommy and Tubbo’s new friend. It is very nice to meet you!”

Each of the three Ranboo didn’t know now stood before him after joining Niki, a very muscular man with night-black hair and a tall ethereal being with flowing curly chestnut strands that brushed slight shoulders. All were dressed in similar casual clothes, the muscular boy in a t-shirt and gym shorts and the brunette wore a long flowing skirt and buttoned-up white shirt.

“I’m Foolish!” The muscular man said in a higher voice compared to the others, practically bouncing as he enthusiastically shook Ranboo’s hand. His face was very striking, handsome and strong features glowing positivity.

“My name is Eret, I am glad to not be the new one here anymore.” Their deep voice teases with an English tone, giving a kind grin which lit up their pretty face. “I look forward to getting to know you better.”

“It’s nice to meet you too, I do look forward to getting to know you as well! I’m Ranboo.” He couldn’t find it in himself to be nervous anymore, everyone here just seemed so nice. Yes they all knew each other before but they were making strides to make sure he felt comfortable, it was appreciated. 

Another pair walks in the door but these are people Ranboo immediately recognises, Phil and Kristin came into the cafe with happy looks. Kristin walks to the counter to begin helping Wilbur with orders while Phil comes to where they all are sitting, pulling out his own laptop and sits beside Techno. Ranboo didn’t realise his new boss would join them but judging by everyone’s casual attitude this happened before.

“Hey mate, how did the first day go?” Phil asks Ranboo, meeting his blue eyes with his odd ones, waiting for his computer to awaken.

“Good, it went really well. Techno and Wilbur showed me how to run the counter and the kitchen which seems relatively straight-forward. Just getting more confident with it now which only comes with practice.”

“Take all the time you need, it can be overwhelming on busy days so take your time or if you need to step away for a moment, let us know. I would rather you be sane than stressed.” Phil assured, before looking at Techno. “I knew my boys would teach you well though, we often only have them working over the weekends so having you will help take some of the load off them. Just let me know if you need anything else, okay?”

Ranboo nods before his attention is drawn back to the new faces at the table, Niki meeting his eyes with a curious look. “What are you taking at university? Tommy mentioned you were in the same year but not what you were attending for, if you don’t mind my curiosity.”

“It’s fine, I don’t mind sharing. I am currently enrolled in taking a major in film production and a minor in English literature. How about all of you?” He looked to each of the newer people, his own inquisitive nature showing as all attention was on him, wanting to return it to others.

“I am a third year major in Horticulture and am Tommy’s mentor for his minor in my subject, that's how we met.” She gives an affectionate look to the sharp blonde, who melts under her eyes. “Good kid, if a bit loud sometimes.”

“I am from the same year, but my major is landscape design.” Foolish piped in.

“Same, but I am attending for an astronomy program.” Eret offers, before looking at Purpled. “He’s my first year charge, same as Niki and Tommy.”

“The stars are fucking cool.” Is all Ranboo gets from Purpled, he seems to be absorbed into whatever was on his screen.

“I am also in Horticulture but I am the same age as you lot.” Aimsey gestures to Tommy, Tubbo, Purpled and Ranboo. 

“Cool, cool. Such a wide variety of courses.” Ranboo comments, before turning to Techno. “You mentioned English literature but are you taking a minor too?”

“In psychology, it is very interesting.” 

“Oh yea, I suppose we never did tell you about our education, huh.” Wilbur comments, dropping two mugs down for his father and twin brother. “I am a third year Music student with a focus on guitar.”

“He would never tell you but he actually has a band that’s had some local success.” Tommy outs him, which the tall man blushes at. “You should give them a listen, his band is called Lovejoy, I will put the files on your phone myself if I have too. Or Tubbo will, cause I don’t actually know how, but for the sake of this threat pretend I do!”

Ranboo holds up his hands in mock surrender before handing his handheld to Tubbo who finds a wire in his bag to hook his phone up with to the brunette’s computer. He faces Wilbur again, who gives a tentative smile with wide chocolate eyes. “We spent all day talking about music and you don’t bring up the fact that you have your own?”

“It feels odd to promote myself but yes, I do. We have done a few small gigs but nothing huge, still feeling out our sound.” Wilbur fidgeted while he talked, a fond sound to his tones.

“Feeling out our sound he says.” Techno rolls his eyes before fixing his twin with a steady stare. “Wil it’s great music, be proud of it.”

“You won’t believe me because I am your father, but I agree with no bias.” Phil chimed in, meeting his youngest son's eyes. “Tommy, did you set up the world yet or do you want me too?”

“I got distracted.” Is all Tommy has to say before Phil gives him a love-filled sigh, turning to his own screen again.

“Alright everyone, give me a few moments. Are we just seeing whatever happens if we load a random seed?” Phil raises his volume to address the group gathered, all give various agreements.

The tranquillity is interrupted by Tommy leaping from his chair. Giving a mischief-filled look to his brother with curly brown hair, he dashes for where the radio is behind the counter. Wilbur seems to catch onto what he intends to do and follows, protesting.

“Tommy, no, we don’t need to play my music out loud for new ears.”

“It deserves to be heard, you bastard, therefore I am going to play it. Besides, Tubbo has already finished putting them on Rainbow's phone, right Tubs?”

“I gotcha big man, just finished with the last song.” Tubbo says as he unplugs the handheld, giving it back to Ranboo.

Three new EPs are loaded into his library; Pebble Brain, Are You Alright?, and Knee-Deep at ATP by Lovejoy. Another album joins his new additions, labelled Your City Gave Me Asthma. A few more stand alone songs are listed below, all under the name Wilbur Soot. He makes a mental note to listen to them all later, pushing his phone back into his pocket.

Kristin is already waiting with a matching look to her son, blocking her oldest from joining the blonde behind the counter. “No Wil, I agree with the rest of them. Let us enjoy your work, I will truly go stop him if you feel uncomfortable but let us be proud of you. It’s well done.”

Her tanned hand reaches up to cup his bright red cheek, giving a small squeeze before turning to the room. “Anyone want food? I can whip a few things together for anyone who wants any.”

Wilbur shuffles back, giving a few more looks to Tommy who is standing with a victorious look while plugging in his phone. A few others ask her to make something for them, Ranboo joining in by asking for a grilled cheese.

“Alright everyone, I will post the server address in the discord so you all can access it whenever. Ranboo, I am going to need your user to add to this group if you are okay with it?” Phil asks Ranboo, who quickly tells him his, being added soon after.

Wilbur and Tommy come back to the table to join while they open up a new world for the first time, Wilbur taking the second last seat beside Niki with his computer. An extension cable is laying in the middle, with a few plugs already in it. 

Fundy gives a wicked smile, meeting Ranboo’s eyes from where he sat on the other side of Niki. “Hey Ranboo, wanna pull some pranks?”

“Hmmm? Do my ears hear trickery being planned without me?” Eret cuts in with a similar look, Ranboo offering his own smile as the playful side of him takes over.

“I am always down for a little fun.”

“I am immediately moving to somewhere isolated if that's the tone of this game.” Techno sighs, Ranboo saw the teasing look even as he protested. “Wanna join me Dad?”

“Sounds good to me, Techno.” Phil agrees, clicking one last button. “World is open, let the chaos begin.”

Ranboo’s old computer protesting loading into the new area, taking a bit slower than the others around him. Soon the cafe room rang with laughter and loud accusations, the beginning rough but filled with fun.

Techno and Phil did immediately what they said, taking off to find seclusion from the rest of the enthusiastic server members. Wilbur and Tommy followed after them while the rest started to clear the main area to set up bases. 

Sam offered to help Ranboo with getting any materials he needed, apparently the man spent long hours on each world so he would soon be rich with resources. Eret, Aimsey and Niki began to build cute buildings as the others gathered materials for them, listening as Techno protested his more energetic brothers encroaching on his territory. Death messages filled the chat of Techno repeatedly killing his brothers but they were persistent, both whispering to themselves as they assaulted his chosen spot with wry grins.

Foolish found a desert area and declared it home, rubbing his hands together as he talked all their ears off about his Summer Home plans between the screaming of the brothers. Apparently the man was quite the builder and had this whole vision for Egyptian style structures, intending to dedicate similar hours to Sam to construct it.

Purpled immediately took off for the nether to gather materials, preferring to gear up over helping them build. He still promised to bring some goods back for the rest, but his intent seemed to be items first. The rest seemed unphased, this was just what he did. He had a quiet persona around him but a sharp wit that bounced Tommy’s insults right back at him, grinning as the boy declared a rematch once they found each other again on the server.

When Niki and Eret finished some basic houses they each discussed their own plans, Eret wanted to build a huge castle while Niki wanted a bakery. Hearing all of their creative ideas set Ranboo’s own imagination running, happily asking questions to the group of friends. Tubbo joined their conversation by promising to help with redstone if they needed, Sam voicing his agreement to assist too. Aimsey decided to build a treehouse nearby, filling it with various flowers all of them had gathered, trading items for new species as they all explored their new dimension.

The hours passed too quickly as Ranboo enjoyed time bonding with his new friends, realising just how much he had begun to care for each person here. Tommy and Tubbo for their insistence on being his friend, Wilbur and Techno for easing his concerns about a new job, Phil and Kristin for being so welcoming and so on. Aimsey was such a kind person, Purpled held affection behind his biting remarks, Foolish’s energetic approach was inspiring, Eret, Niki, Sam and Fundy all made him feel comfortable right away. Each person around this table was carving out their own portion of his heart, he found he didn’t mind the pieces being given away. After all, they all gave kindness so freely and accepted him easily, they showed their care in each action they took.

In his hometown he had nothing like this, growing up between the pages of a book was easier than the people he never had this connection with. But now that he had experienced it, Ranboo was getting quite attached to the feeling. He looked forward to the many months going forward of blowing off steam this way in the company of good people.

All too soon it ticked past midnight, when Phil and Kristin called it a night. Each person who had come picked up a task to help clean up, none of them on payroll but just out of the goodness of their character. This seemed to be routine for Saturdays, each talking excitedly about next week while many hands make light work. All had been busy up until this week so there was their first gathering of the year, promising to come back on a regular basis now.

Slowly each person left until it was just the family who ran the cafe and Ranboo, locking up the shop. Tubbo and Tommy waved through the doors, leaving his sightline to go through the kitchen door up to their apartment. Techno, Wilbur, Kristin, Phil and Ranboo stood in the cool air, giving tired but happy glances to one another.

“See you in the morning, Ranboo?” Wilbur asked the boy, who nodded.

“Yep, at nine like I arranged. Thanks for the wonderful night guys.” He told them sincerely, which Phil leaned over to place a hand on his shoulder.

“Anytime Ranboo, you are one of our staff now and a friend to our sons. If there is anything you need you let us know, okay?” Phil held his gaze until Ranboo agreed, his chest warm with love for the family who had practically adopted him this past month. “Good, now me and my beautiful wife have to get home and you all need sleep. I will see you on Monday Ranboo for your morning tea and breakfast!”

The couple leave hand-in-hand to a small sedan, Kristin getting into the driver's side before pulling away from the curb. The three boys watch the tail-lights leave around a corner before the twins offer their own goodnights.

“It was good to meet you, shifts are actually going to be enjoyable with you.” Techno comments, which Ranboo chuckles too.

“Techno, give him a break, just tell the guy he passed your friendship test.” Wilbur ribbed him, nudging his brother with his shoulder.

“Fine, I wasn’t expecting much but you are a decent guy and I am glad to have found someone with a similar love of stories. If you ever need a hand with another assignment, text me okay? I will do my best to help over the phone or we can go over it whenever you need on our breaks like today.”

“If you need a kick-ass playlist to study too, I got you.” Wilbur promises, before starting to turn down the street. “We should get home though, Techno becomes even more grumpy without his eight hours of beauty sleep.”

Techno rolls his eyes, offering a supportive glance before following his brother. “See ya tomorrow kid, go get some rest.”

Ranboo waved to the pair before he pulled his headphones up, navigating to the newer portion of his music library. Hitting shuffle on one of the EPs The Fall by Lovejoy starts playing, to which Ranboo is caught off guard in the best way. Immediately loving their sound, he walks home to his small studio apartment. When that song ends he lets it lead into another one called One Day, immensely enjoying their style as he finishes his travels. Resolving to listen to more on their way to work, he finishes his day with a giant smile and a warm heart. 

Texting Tommy he made it home safe, he saw the discord server was already active as some had ignored the advice to go to bed and decided to play more. Wondering if his cheap internet can handle online gaming, he pulls back open his laptop. Deciding to enjoy hanging out with people some more, he plays long into the night on the server with the few who had logged back in such as Sam, Foolish, Eret and Tubbo. Though he would be exhausted tomorrow, emotionally he felt regenerated being around such lovely individuals.

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

Chapter Text

“Up and at ‘em, Rainbow!” Tommy’s voice broke through Ranboo’s sleep, the young soul groaning at the early hour.

He really debated pretending to be asleep but then the realisation came that Tommy would absolutely rip the blankets off so he sits up, rubbing his eyes. “Is it time for my shift already?”

“Not quite, you got an hour yet.” Tommy plops himself down on the edge of the bed on top of the constellation-patterned sheets, gold thread embroidered on deep purple. “Your Christmas plans have now changed, bitch.”

“What?” Ranboo scrambled through his brain to think of any commitments he agreed too before Tommy smirks.

“Oh I know they probably involved sitting sadly in this room alone until we dragged you to my parents house but luckily for you, a snowstorm is going to be hitting us hard tonight so everyone is staying here for the holidays.” Ranboo combs his thin fingers through his raven and cloud dyed hair, observing Tommy as he rambles on with sky blue eyes crinkled happily. “Christmas is in two days so Dad offered to host it here, he asked me to come let you know and make you choose your Secret Santa gift.”

The sunshine blonde holds out a beanie full of papers, rim open to the being still in bed. Ranboo reaches into the burgundy hat to grasp a small slip of white, pulling out a folded sheet to cup in his palms.

“Wait to open it. I don't want to know in case it’s me, if you see your own name let me know after, I will leave you to get ready.” Just as Tommy finishes speaking, Ranboo's alarm blares to life, Time by Pink Floyd providing the perfect bell instrumental to wake him up. He rolls his eyes before slamming his hand down on the button, stretching out his long arms with a few cracks. “Tubbo made you a tea already! It’s waiting in the kitchen.”

A small smile grew across his lips at the shorter brunette’s thoughtfulness, pulling his body from bed and walking to the dresser to pull out clothes fit to attend his shift in. Finding a shirt with Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon prism splashed across the chest, Ranboo walks over to the mirror after changing into that and denim jeans. Quickly cleaning the five silver hoops that adorn his earlobes, three up his left and two up his right, his heterochromic eyes brush over the skirt Niki gave him months ago where it sits folded in the pants drawer at the bottom of the wooden dresser.

He had tried it on a few times but had yet to leave the room with it, questioning more about how he wished to present himself each day. Braiding his long hair quickly after running a brush through it, he tosses the two toned strands over his shoulder, angling his body to notice it fell to nearly his mid back now. This was the longest he had ever worn it, nearly rivalling Technoblade’s hip-length lotus hair.

Their friends here had done wonders for him coming more out of his shell but lately more questions filled his mind than answers. Trapped in that small town he found escape from reality to be very appealing, but being here and meeting more people made him realise just how sheltered he was in that tiny hamlet.

Reminded of Eret’s kind eyes and confidence at being themself was inspiring, Ranboo was wondering just how that felt more often these days.

Looking over at his clock, he remembered the folded paper sitting on his nightstand and picked it up, opening the sheet. In Tommy’s messy handwriting ‘Purpled’ is scrawled across the middle of the paper. Ranboo liked the quieter blonde with a sassy attitude, he would have to think about what to get him. 

Eyes trailing over his current crocheting project he has an idea, Niki had been teaching himself and Techno how to do the craft and the violet beanie he had been constructing would work well for this event. He wondered how intricate it would be to add a golden star to it, reminding himself to text Niki to see if she has any sunshine yellow yarn.

Picking up his phone where it lay charging on his nightstand, he slides it into his jeans pocket before taking one last look around, thinking if he needed anything else.

Opening his door he heads out to the main part of the apartment, he takes long strides down the hall to find Tommy and Tubbo lounging on the couch.

“Morning Boo!” Tubbo smiles as they meet eyes, Ranboo returning the gesture before yawning.

“Morning Bo and Toms. Sleep well?” He asks walking into their small kitchen area, finding the mug of cinnamon vanilla tea steaming on the counter. 

“I did, how about you?”

Cupping it between his large hands he goes back to the living area and settles himself beside the smaller brunette, Tommy sitting in an arm chair across from the television while he scrolls through something on his phone. “Pretty well until Tommy woke me up.”

The excitable blonde gave a wide grin, shrugging. “I was like two minutes before your alarm, you’ll get over it. You don’t have to change out your Secret Santa right?”

Ranboo shook his head, taking a small sip of the piping hot liquid before responding. “No I didn’t get myself so we are good. Who all is planning to come?”

“The usual crew, everyone had to cancel due to the weather and Dad felt bad so we are putting together Christmas at the Cafe.” Tommy responds, selecting something on his phone screen so the television loads up a Youtube channel they all enjoyed. “You actually didn’t have any plans right? Just making sure of what I am forcing people to cancel.”

Ranboo shook his head, reflecting on the quiet Christmas he had with his Aunt each year growing up. They would cook breakfast then exchange gifts, she would often have some function to attend afterwards so he was left alone for the rest of the day. He didn’t blame her but she was really hands off, stories raising him more than she ever did.

“Only plan I had was to call my Aunt but I can do that another time, she never really made a big deal of holidays.”

“Good, good. Right now we are debating getting together both Christmas Eve and the day itself. Mom and Dad offered up the Cafe kitchen for baked goods and such, I believe Niki was already wanting to come over later this afternoon to begin preparing. Dad has all the arrangements written down, I just can’t remember the rest right now.” Tommy replies while watching the gaming video he put on the TV.

“Sounds like a ton of fun, bossman.” Tubbo smiles warmly.

Ranboo pulled his phone out to notice time was going by quicker than he realised, taking larger sips of tea as he stood up before speaking. “I gotta get down to the floor, nearly my time to clock in. See you both on lunch if you are still here!”

The pair of boys waved him off, Ranboo going back to his room to grab his wallet before leaving out the apartment door to the stairs down to the Cafe. He goes to the break room and punches his timecard, slipping the forest green apron he left there on as he walks up to the front part of the Crows Roost Cafe.

“Hiya mate.” Phil greets him with a gentle smile, Ranboo returns with a bit of confusion as usually himself and the twins work the weekends.

“Good morning Phil” He responds, as if reading his confusion aloud the older blonde chuckles.

“Wilbur and Technoblade went out with my wife to buy decorations and the ingredients for a big Christmas dinner. I offered to cover the morning as it would be slow with the snow coming in, we didn't expect too much business today.” Phil chuckles, before tapping on the paper in front of him filled with plans. “Speaking of, did Tommy tell you about it?”

Ranboo nods, peering closer at the paper to see it filled with names and tasks to accomplish over the next few days. “He did, that’s really nice of you guys.”

“Aw, it's nothing, mate. Christmas is meant to be spent with those you care about and we care about you.” The middle aged man gave such a kind smile Ranboo’s heart warmed, often finding here is where he felt the happiest he had ever been. It’s amazing and something he no longer could live without.

Just as Ranboo tries to think of how to respond, a customer walks in, Phil giving him a chuckle before moving to the counter to take the blonde woman’s order. She gives it in a tired voice, polite as Phil offers small talk while ringing it up before turning his blue eyes to the tall soul.

“Hey Ran, grilled cheese please?” Phil asked, the young soul giving a nod.

“Coming right up, boss!” The black and white haired man goes into the kitchen to wash his hands before making the order.

The rest of the morning hours passed the same, Phil was right, it was very slow as after the woman only three more customers came in before the rest of his family arrived. Just as Phil releases him for his lunch, Techno pushes open the door leading to outside laden with shopping bags from various stores, a blast of cold air washing across the floor. Wilbur and Kristin follow in before the curly haired brunette man pulls the door closed with a grunt, Phil peering outside at the blowing snow that was piling up as he walks to greet his wife.

After they exchange kisses and a few whispered words while the twins argue about something in sarcastic tones, Phil surprises them all by going to the front door to flip the ‘open’ sign over and lock it then faces the group.

“Ah fuck it, I would rather put the energy into decorating our Cafe.” He gives them all a smile, his sons stopping their chatter to trade looks before offering nods to their Dad.

“Are you sure Dad? We had that shift after lunch we were going to do before Niki came, then close up early.” Wilbur replies before Phil waves him off.

“We have had a total of four customers this morning, it’s fine.” The blonde rubs his hands together walking back closer to his wife, who was surrounded with many shopping bags. “Find anything fun?”

“Oh so many things.” Kristin responded enthusiastically, gesturing to a few of the bags as she spoke. “I found a bunch of ornaments and kits, plenty of ingredients for Christmas goodies and some various decor to spread around the Crows Roost.”

Ranboo looks at the many bags she brought, Techno and Wilbur finally placing the ones they were carrying down as well. With a small smile he walks to Techno’s side to look inside one by the pink-haired man, seeing a full parcel of flour and sugar. 

“Niki should be here soon to help bake.” Techno mutters, pulling out his phone to check for updates. “Oh, she just left campus. Okay she will be here soon. Ranboo and Wilbur, mind helping me bring these into the kitchen?”

He nods, leaning down to grab some of the bags with food in them, Wilbur sighing before taking a few too. Ranboo wondered what was bothering the normally cheerful brunette, he seemed glum. The three of them walk into the kitchen together to place the things down on the island in the middle of the room before Wilbur mumbles something about going to check on Tommy and disappears upstairs.

Techno watches him leave with a raised eyebrow before beginning to unpack, using one hand to point to the radio.

“Can I ask for a song to be played?” He asks Ranboo who nods. “Frame of Mind by Tristam and Braken?”

Ranboo queues it up, listening to Techno’s instructions of what to leave out, as he does so he asks aloud what's bothering him. “What’s up with Wilbur?”

“He had a Christmas gig that got cancelled so I told him he should perform here for us but he didn’t like that response.” Techno gives a small smile, one reserved for those who have wormed the way into his walled heart. “He has no problem strumming that wonderful guitar in front of strangers but for us to see him? Never, far too embarrassing.”

Ranboo could see the brunette musician's side, it was completely different showing your passion to those you love compared to people he might never see again.

Niki walks in a few seconds later, cheeks flushed the same shade as her hair tied in a short braid today followed by Eret who was dressed in grey leggings and a large royal blue sweater. The woman had on warm cosy clothes, a green hoodie that looked suspiciously like Wilbur’s and denim blue jeans. Both had on winter boots below, still brushing snow from fabric as they walked over to where the other two stood.

“Greetings gentlemen.” Eret gives a polite nod, shoulder length chestnut strands pulled into a low bun resting against their elegant neck. 

“Hallo Eret and Niki.” Techno returns with a bright face, both people in front had won their way into the usually gruff boy’s good graces. “Glad you got here safely!”

“Boy, those roads are getting covered fast.” Niki worries, chewing on her bottom lip before glancing at Eret. “When did Sam say he was leaving with Foolish and Fundy again?”

“About an hour ago. Nik, they will be just fine. Foolish is used to driving in this sort of weather.” Eret assures, catching Ranboo’s inquisitive look. “They went to get a spruce tree for the main area, Phil asked them to go before the storm really kicked up.”

“I’ve never seen a real Christmas tree.” Ranboo responded wistfully, growing more excited by the minute just how much had already been planned. The other three gave him a curious look, he sighed then explained. “My Aunt and I only exchanged one gift each year, we never actually decorated for the holiday.”

Niki shook her head, tsking with her tongue. “That just won’t do, I am glad the Crafts are going to this extent so we can give you a proper memory of one to begin a new tradition for you.”

Techno pulls a worn recipe book out from under the counter, the red cover well loved under multiple hands over the years. Quickly flipping through he opens it to a page with Gingerbread Cookies written across the top of the yellowed with age paper in neat, loopy handwriting. Niki pulls up an icing recipe on her phone; Eret starts to gather the other ingredients they would need which Ranboo helps with.

They decide to get the dough made first, saving the icing for later when they can recruit others to help design the gingerbread men.

Niki finds another bowl and adds the butter needed to it, two cups and four tablespoons later she requests Eret to slowly add the two cups of sugar as Techno locates everything else needed, beginning to cream the two together. 

They send Ranboo on a mission of texting Tubbo to bring back down the cookie cutters, often all three would gather to make sweets and forget to return tools to the kitchen below. Techno breaks two eggs into the mixture when Niki asks, her caramel eyes dancing while she is clearly in her element. Eret adds four tablespoons of vinegar and Techno then adds two cups of molasses. 

Trading out for a moment, Techno takes the bowl to keep mixing while Niki double checks the page laying on the counter. Locating the biggest mixing bowl, she measures out ten cups of flour before asking the others to add their parts, Eret placing three teaspoons of baking soda and Ranboo adding a teaspoon and a half of salt. For the last three pieces they each take one; Ranboo adding five teaspoons of ginger, Eret placing in two teaspoons of cinnamon and Niki puts in two teaspoons of ground cloves.

They slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the mixing bowl Techno holds, the spices all blending together well into a delicious aroma. Niki finds some plastic wrap to cover the dough after it's well mixed, placing it in the large industrial fridge near the backdoor.

“We can come back in about three hours then bake them, cooling them overnight should do the trick before I come back tomorrow to make the icing.”

Kristin sweeps in then, her raven hair tied back in its usual high ponytail with streaks of silver like falling stars, catching the tail end of the conversation. “As long as you don’t mind sharing the kitchen, I was planning to start on a feast for Christmas Eve quite early.”

“Of course not, it's your kitchen after all.” She giggles, giving a cheerful look. “I can help out with those preparations before we decorate.”

“When is everyone coming over?” Ranboo asked, Kristin turning to him with a gentle smile. 

“Well we planned to treat you all to both a Christmas Eve dinner then Christmas Day feasts so both days.”

“How about we leave the cookie decoration until after everyone gets here on Christmas Eve and we can all make our own?”

“That's a great idea!” She compliments, her dark coffee brown eyes sparkling. 

Phil takes a moment to poke his head in, opening the door to the main area just a tad. “The boys are here with the tree if you want to come help with placement, my love?”

Kristin gives her husband a nod, meeting each of their eyes. “I am so proud of you all, even though it’s sad you cannot go see your family I am selfishly glad I can steal you away for this holiday.”

Ranboo’s cheeks warm at that, still not used to such open affection. Soon the raven-haired woman leaves, only four in the kitchen once more. He suddenly remembers his gift, whirling around to a surprised Niki.

“Can you show me how to add a golden star to my current project? Tommy made me choose a Secret Santa and my current piece would work, I just want to add some personality.” Niki gives a nod, rubbing her chin.

“I should have some yarn that would match that description, I can bring it when I come tomorrow and we can do it before I help Kristin.” Ranboo agrees and the two decide a time, before being joined by the three boys from upstairs.

Tubbo places the container of cookie cutters on the empty counter, Tommy sticking close to a tired looking Wilbur. All seven decide to join the others out front, finding Foolish and Sam balancing a tree on a stand while Fundy secures it. Some of the couches had been pushed back to make this the centrepiece, Phil and Kristin pulling packages of ornaments out of the bags by the door.

“A little more to the left I think.” Foolish critiques which Sam gives him a withering stare with a teasing curve to his mouth.

“You have said the same thing three times, my friend. It’s fine, it’s a natural tree, it won’t be perfectly straight.”

“Who is?” Eret cracks the joke, each person joining their musical laughter.

“Oi, fuckers! You need to pick a Secret Santa!” Tommy zeros in on the three boys standing beside the tree, rushing back through the kitchen to get the beanie.

“So do I, to be fair.” Niki said aloud, moving to the cafe owner’s sides. “Need a hand?”

“Sure, just feel free to start placing them on the tree. You all have a good eye for style, I can work with my husband to decorate the walls and such with what we bought today.” Kristin finds some hanging lights, moving away with the blonde man to begin doing just that.

Tommy rushes back in and thrusts the paper filled hat at those who hadn’t chosen yet, Eret joining them all. Each takes a turn to pick a paper and glance carefully, no one getting themselves surprisingly. 

“Since we are all broke university students there is a firm limit of thirty dollar items or less, handmade is even better.” The sunshine blonde explains, meeting each person’s eye until they agree. “Creativity is encouraged though! Do what you want for the person you received!”

“Shall we adorn the tree?” Eret asks, Wilbur shuffling up to their side to pick up a box of ornaments. Ranboo sees the curious look the ethereal curly brunette gives to the other, giving a tiny shrug before picking up their own box.

The next few hours pass quickly, quips traded while the Crows Roost Cafe slowly becomes more festive. Strings of holly and lights hang from the walls with the tree nicely covered in bright ornaments. Purpled showed up in the middle of the event with Aimsey, carefully offering a realistic star from one of his classes to put on the top.

The piece ended up being too heavy for that placement, Techno offering the brilliant idea of hanging the model above the treetop. Soon they all stand in a circle around it, warm hearts all around as the lights twinkle across happy faces. 

Phil yawns then chuckles, his wife shortly following suit. “I think that's our sign to call it a night, we have a long day of cooking ahead of us tomorrow. Shall we walk you all out?”

“Also message in the discord server when you make it home safely!” Tommy worries, before adding a snip. “Or don’t, I will just assume you have died then.”

Ranboo rolls his eyes, afterwards looking at each friend around them now. It was something unimaginable to his younger self, he wondered what else had changed since he finally left that tiny town of sheltered people. “Stay warm!”

Slowly each person filtered out, Tubbo locking up after the last one left before all three boys went upstairs.

They spend the evening together, watching dumb videos while laughter rings out, Ranboo loving spending time with his best friends. Soon Tubbo goes to bed, followed by Tommy after wishing the split-dyed boy goodnight.

Ranboo returns to his room after making sure everything is turned off, closing the door gently behind him and facing the room that had become his own quickly.

Taking a deep breath, he takes off his pants to slip on the skirt Niki gave him, finding a pair of soft leggings to put underneath before smiling in the mirror. 

Somehow, this made them feel a bit more like themself. Maybe they can wear it to dinner tomorrow, knowing their friends were the most accepting people they had ever met.

Going to sleep with a smile on his face, he dreams of memories shared between himself and everyone he has met since leaving that damn town in his rear view mirror. Each person had unlocked a new understanding within Ranboo, carving out their own piece of his heart with kind actions.

His morning alarm hastened his awakening from the good dreams, startling him as he slammed his hand down on the clock attached to his phone. Rushing around his room he keeps coming back to stare at the skirt he left hanging over his desk chair, finally standing in a nice red sweater while staring at it with the leggings on too.

That’s how Niki finds him, knocking softly on his door upon her arrival. Someone had clearly let her in while he lost track of time, trying to convince himself to put it on to wear around the others.

“Good morning Ranboo! Oh, is that the skirt I gave you?” She notices right away and he nods, lowering his gaze to his sock-covered feet. “Are you okay?”

“No one would look at me weird if I wore this, right?” He runs a finger over the seams, which Niki catches in her own small, soft one.

“Ranboo, I don’t know how your town was growing up, judging by you being afraid they were not accepting, but here it’s different. No one would bat an eye if you wore it, in fact the others will probably compliment it. Put it on, sweetheart.”

They slip it up over their narrow hips, smiling while they look in the mirror standing beside their dresser.

“Your grin makes you look even more gorgeous.” She agrees, coming to their side. With their height difference she barely came up to their shoulder, caramel eyes soft as she met their mismatched. “You really can pull it off well. Do you want me to braid your hair a bit more fancy? I can do one that loops around the crown of your head that would really complete the nice look for dinner.”

They nod, blushing a bit. The pink-haired woman directs them to sit down on their desk chair, rhythmically brushing out the long cloud and coal strands before beginning to braid it.

“No one will say anything bad?”

“I promise Ranboo, they won’t. Eret walks around in new outfits all the time, fuck gender roles.” She curses, surprising him into a giggle at her harsh words.

Her adept fingers work their magic, leaving his long hair tucked into a tight braid encircling their head, looking gorgeous with how she styled it. She offers to text Eret to grab some of her earrings if Ranboo wanted, who nodded while looking in the mirror.

The outfit was something they never imagined wearing but it felt so good to do so, the jean skirt contrasting the knit cherry red sweater perfectly. 

Soon she is showing him how to add the star to the hat he made over the past few days, the sun-gold yarn looking beautiful against the amethyst purple beanie. He quickly gets the hang of it, weaving the yarn into the project as Eret joins the two in Ranboo’s bedroom.

“Good day and Merry Christmas Eve, you two!” Eret greets, a messenger bag hanging across their chest. “Oh, that outfit is wonderful Ranboo!”

“Thank you.” He says softly, meeting their kind grey eyes as he places the crocheting aside, determined to finish it tonight before bed.

Both others in the room had clearly decided a similar thing to him, wanting to look their best for the Eve ahead. Niki wore a lovely grey blouse with several ruffles down the front, clean black slacks below where Eret wore a white high-collared shirt and a long brown knitted skirt. Eret digs into their navy bag to find the earrings, placing them in Ranboo’s open palm before following it up with a lovely flower crown of artificial holly leaves, berries and red roses.

Two bells hang from the end of golden chains, the gentle tinkling a lovely sound as Ranboo places them down to pull out two of his silver hoops, one from each side. Quickly slipping the backing on after placing it through the hole in his lobe, he looks at the image before him in the mirror. Slowly adding the flower piece to sit above the braid Niki wove in, he looks wonderful.

A smiling soul with a kind face stared back, looking festive and ready for a gathering of people. Niki opens her mouth to say something else before her phone rings, her answering quickly.

“Hello Kristin!” Between each sentence she pauses, the murmuring of the woman’s voice on the other end. “Are you ready to begin cooking? Okay, I will be right down, I was just upstairs helping Ranboo with something.”

She confirms a few more things while standing up, saying goodbye before slipping her phone back into the purple purse she carried. “Kristin said not to rush down, enjoy some time relaxing with the boys but come down at around noon with them. Phil asked for their help with some portions of the dinner that he’s in charge of, Eret you are with me if you don’t mind?”

Eret nods, walking to Ranboo’s side and offering a kind look. “You look wonderful, I promise. I am so happy for you, we shall see you soon!”

With that the pair left, Ranboo hesitating at his doorway until Tubbo came looking for him with a steaming mug of his favourite tea.

“Hey Bo, want to come watch some videos? A bunch of creators released specials this morning!” Tubbo didn’t even bat one green-blue eye at their outfit choice, Ranboo nodding quickly as the two left for the living room.

“Merry Christmas Eve Rainbow!” Tommy launches himself off the armchair, pulling the tall soul into a tight hug before stepping back. Running his sky blue eyes up and down he nods approvingly. “You are looking good, you bastard! Setting an example for the rest of us, why don’t you?”

“Toms is right, you really pull it off Bo!”

“Thank you both.” Ranboo accepts quietly, heart beating fast at showing this part of him he had questioned lately.

The sun slid across their windows as the boys traded video suggestions before Phil texts Tommy asking him to come down, both boys springing up to change into better clothes. Tommy emerges wearing a nice burgundy button-up shirt and jeans where Tubbo puts on a lovely yellow and black striped sweater, a gift from Ranboo for his birthday, and grey pants. All three descend the stairs to the blonde man who awaits them.

“Merry Christmas Eve, my boys!” He takes the time to pull each one into a hug, his blonde son first then Tubbo, lastly Ranboo leans down to embrace the compassionate man with a sharp wit. “You all look so good! Go put on aprons, I don’t want to wreck your outfits with potato shrapnel.”

“Potato shrapnel?” Ranboo giggles at the word choice where Tommy gains this wicked expression of glee.

“Those vegetables will be pieces by the time I am finished with them!” He grinds a fist into his palm, Phil just giving him a raised eyebrow.

“You couldn’t even beat up a downed man, Tommy.”

More barbs are exchanged as Phil directs all three through their tasks, giving Ranboo the task of cutting up the potatoes as he was the only one the blonde man trusted with a knife. Tommy would immediately take to playful threatening and Ranboo had watched Tubbo drop many sharp things in the very few months they had lived together, he understood the caution.

The kitchen fills with delicious smells from the slowly cooking ham and all the sides Phil had them preparing, Niki stepping in quickly to claim part of the counter to make icing with Eret for the gingerbread men. The room was a bit on the small side for so many cooks but it didn’t feel cramped.

It felt loving.

Soon they are covering the hot sides to leave to keep warm in another oven turned on very low as slowly people arrive.

First Wilbur and Techno arrive, the curly brunette with more of a bounce in his step as he bursts through the front door while Techno follows with the tiniest smile at his brother. Both wear similar sweater vests, Wilbur’s butter yellow and Techno’s is emerald green over black slacks.

“Merry Christmas Eve all!” Wilbur pulls each into a hug, pausing just a moment longer with Ranboo. “I love the whole look, Ranbus, it works really well!”

Techno offers a more shy hug to the tall soul, giving them an approving nod before moving onto embracing Niki. Ranboo is practically in shock, each of the people seeing their choice proving those mean thoughts wrong. As the twins moved down the line, Niki could practically sense the worry and reached out to squeeze their large hand.

Tommy kidnaps the music control when none of them are looking, cranking the volume dial on Shake It Up Christmas by Train. Kristin, Niki and Eret team up to start laying the spread of food across the table set aside for a buffet style meal.

Fundy, Sam and Foolish arrive next, bringing some wine for all those of age to share in more formal clothes than Ranboo had ever seen them in. Fundy wore a ocean blue pressed button up, same as Sam but he wore gold, where Foolish wore a long sleeve with a v-neck, all above black jeans. The last to arrive is Aimsey, shortly after Purpled who arrived alone. Aimsey wore their usual red beanie, striped sweater and Purpled wore a nice lavender top above navy slacks. 

Soon they were all loading plates to bring to the tables Tommy and Tubbo pushed together earlier, Niki spreading a lovely tablecloth she brought from home across the large surface. Ranboo ends up between Techno and Niki across from Eret, Wilbur and Foolish at one end of the table settings. Tommy, Tubbo, Phil, Kristin are the furthest from him, Purpled, Fundy, Sam and Aimsey between the groups.

Before anyone can dig in Phil stands up, holding his mug and clearing his throat. “Merry Christmas Eve to all of you, thank you all for coming to this meal! I am sorry you couldn’t go to your original plans but hopefully this is just as good or better!”

Laughter rings around the table before the man continues, meeting each of their eyes. “You all are good kids, I am so glad you all came here for school and I got the pleasure of meeting you all. You will always have a place at our table forever, whenever you need anything please let us know!”

His wife joins him in standing, her long purple dress beautiful in the soft golden light. “If you can, stick around after dinner. Niki, Ranboo, Techno and Eret teamed up to bake delicious gingerbread cookies we made decorations and icing for.”

“I will make the best design.” Tommy declares, Niki tossing him a playful look.

“Oh really? I think I will create the most beautiful one.”

“What if we all make one to show off then vote on it?” Eret offers gently, which is considered then agreement is made.

“Everyone writes down their top choice on a paper and whoever gets the most votes wins?” Ranboo adds on.

“What do we win?” Fundy’s competitive nature shows in those shining sapphire eyes, smirk across his handsome face. His red hair had streaks of white, a unique feature to the beautiful Dutch man.

“Free coffee for a month.” Phil offers with a mischievous grin, Kristin giggling at her husband’s antics.

“It’s Christmas, let’s throw breakfast in with that prize too.” 

“What about us who work here?” Wilbur asked, his Dad narrowing his eyes staring at his son with a smile.

“An extra paid week off of vacation days.”

“Done deal.” Techno answers quickly, making the others laugh.

They enjoy the spread of delicious food with light hearted taunts and loud laughter, Ranboo’s cheeks hurt from smiling so much being surrounded by so much love. In each face he saw acceptance and care, all sharing conversations between one another with banter tossed in.

Soon the group works on clearing the table, preparing the cookie decoration competition. Several bowls of bright icing lay in a line down the table, boxes of edible decorations, candies and a bunch of different bottles of sprinkles. Each chair had a plate with a few cookies on it, butter knives lying beside.

“Are we all ready?” Phil says above the loud racket this room had descended into, people trading daring looks. “Ten minutes on the clock, GO!”

Ranboo grabs some icing from the container in front, beginning work on the cookie in front of him. Now that he has his hands on the icing he finds it more difficult to control, spreading it further than he wanted it too. Trying to make it look like clothing, he uses the tip of the knife for more detail on the cookie.

Somehow, it starts coming together the longer he works on one, noticing others around him have finished at least one cookie but there was no minimum. He felt more comfortable just focusing on the one, making a little farmer with blue overalls and a plaid shirt with squares of sprinkles. Hearing teasing around him, he looks to see Tommy and Wilbur exchanging increasingly heated words. Technoblade is looking at his brothers with annoyance while Fundy, Sam and Foolish keep making further bets while furiously decorating. Purpled is watching Tommy with a raised eyebrow occasionally while focusing on his own treat. Aimsey, Eret and Niki chat away about ideas for theirs while selecting specific colours and candies.

Phil’s phone beeps right when Ranboo finishes his best attempt at a straw hat, with sprinkles in a line pressed around the rim. Knives clatter against the plates beside completed projects, all trading glances at their neighbours.

Techno had made a pig gingerbread with a red cloak, the golden crown made of sprinkles and pastel chocolate treats for jewels. Niki made a classic cookie with cartoonish features and dramatic bright lines, a large smile across its face.

“Alright, everyone write your name on these papers and put it on the same plate as your submission.” Kristin passes out post-it notes and pens to each person, doing as she asked before standing up. “Alright, let’s all go around and look at each cookie before writing down your top choice. Yes, you may put your own but what’s the fun in that?”

Technoblade sticks close to Ranboo as they look at each one, starting off with where Tommy and Tubbo were sitting. Tommy had made some type of racoon abomination, the split dyed man thinks where Tubbo striped his like a bee with yellow and black frosting. The boy really likes bees.

“What hellspawn is that?” Techno comments, pointing to Tommy’s cookie.

“I think it’s supposed to be a racoon, or maybe a badger.” Ranboo tilts his head, narrowing his eyes at it. “Possibly a bandit? I don’t actually know.”

Techno smirks, quipping to Ranboo. “Well he was never known for his artistic talent, only his obnoxious attitude. Shall we?”

The pair moved around the table, discussing each entry with each other. Phil had made this magnificent one with a really detailed crow sitting on its shoulder with the pieces of another he broke and frosted. Kristin had given hers a long purple dress with a witch hat using similar methods to her husband, spiderwebs of black across the gown.

Ranboo liked a lot of the others, Purpled’s alienesque one was well constructed and Aimsey made this cute one with a daisy on its shirt, but his eyes kept going back to Phil’s creation. Eventually he ends up writing down the blonde man’s name and folding the sheet over. Placing it in the empty bowl near the head of the table, he ends up standing near Phil and decides to ask him a question he always wondered about.

“How did you come up with the name for this cafe?” He asked the light blonde man who gives his signature laugh, trading dopey glances with his wife.

“Kristin came up with it. I’ve always had a love for the night-feathered species and feeding them. At each place we have lived I have befriended the local flock to the point they bring me shiny trinkets they find. We played around with some ideas and landed on ‘Crows Roost’, so it stuck.”

Eret gathers the post-it notes and tallies it quickly, handing the list over to Kristin, everyone’s eyes landing on her. “So with a pretty large majority, Phil wins!”

“I am taking off the first week of next semester.” He announces, each employee groaning as that is the busiest time. “I will sit at home playing so many video games while you all get overrun.”

“Of course you will.” Wilbur sasses with a glint in his eye, his Dad smirking in return.

The rest of the evening passes with light conversation and continued cookie decoration, Niki, Eret and Techno bringing out the rest of the cookies. Tommy ends up going wild and unhinged, frosting bloodstains on his creations like they had been murdered. Purpled makes lovely ones with beautiful stars and after completing a few really pretty ones, then helps Tommy make more victims with chuckles traded between. Niki and Aimsey draw flowers onto their remaining pieces while Foolish keeps making Undying Totem themed gingerbread. Eret figures out a way to make flower crowns and frosts those on with a wrinkled brow, steady hand while they work diligently on the cookies.

Everyone has so much fun making the treats look so unique, stuffing themselves full on far too much sugar. Eventually people begin to yawn, time passing quickly while they all enjoyed the activity set out for them.

Too soon Kristin stands up to go grab containers, insisting they all take some food and desserts home for later. Wilbur follows her after a moment, offering his help. 

Each person who attended the event begins to help clear the table, Tommy going to the kitchen to grab a garbage bag for all the packaging. Ranboo helps Niki stack the plates and decoration tools to wash later, Tubbo promising to do it after the others leave. 

“Let me help!” Ranboo insists, which Tubbo accepts with a smile.

“I would appreciate it Boo.”

“You are crazy if you think you are doing both dinner and dessert dishes alone.” Techno cuts in with a raised eyebrow. “Count me in too, we can get it done faster.”

Ranboo gives a happy look, smiling towards the lotus haired man. “Thanks, Techno.”

“Anytime, kids.” He moves away to grab a shovel when Phil brings them out, intending to clear the sidewalk so people don’t fall as they leave.

“Let me do it, I didn’t get a chance to go to the gym today and could use the exercise.” Sam goes up to the blonde man, who hands it over after a moment's hesitance.

“Got a third?” Foolish joins the boys at the door, Phil says he does before going to get it.

Many hands make light work, in half an hour they had cleaned up everything before Phil and Kristin said good night and left. Techno shoos them off assuring them everything was under control, Niki also signing herself up for dish duty with that stubborn will she wielded like a weapon, the pink haired boy relented to that demand.

“And me!” Eret looks quickly at Wilbur before returning their grey eyes to Techno’s mahogany, who nodded with a perplexed look.

Shortly after more people leave, the only task left being dishes and the others mention they still have to put together the gift for their Secret Santa. They leave in small groups out the door before it's finally just the six left, Wilbur and Fundy being the last to go with hurried goodbyes as the snow falls heavier.

“Shall we?” Ranboo asks the others who nod, all leaving the main area to the kitchen.

Techno follows him closely and after they enter he whirls to raise an eyebrow at Eret, the graceful one looking slightly confused.

“You know six people is a little much for dishes and I saw you frequently looking at Wilbur tonight. What’s really on your mind?” Techno was a quiet yet extremely observant bystander at large gatherings, able to guess most of their emotions from body language alone.

“What’s wrong with Wilbur? He won’t talk to me.” They worried, biting their lower lip.

Techno smirks before shaking his head, placing a careful hand on their thin shoulder. “He’s just upset his gig was cancelled, probably blaming it on himself somehow. Give him time, he will talk when he is good and ready.”

“Let’s offer to host it here tomorrow!” Tommy declares which Techno chuckles before responding.

“You know he would refuse plus the rest of his band left before the storm, Wilbur’s too nervous about hearing judgement from us. I have barely ever heard him play lately, especially when he started writing his own music.” 

“What if we join him on stage?” Tommy straightens up, a daring look on his face at his older brother. “You with your violin and I can play piano for him.”

It’s Ranboo’s turn to look confused, having no idea the whole family was musically gifted. “You two also play instruments?”

Tommy nods with a proud face, Techno’s cheeks turning slightly rosy. “I am a grade five Jazz pianist and he used to sit in the first chair in an orchestra in a closeby city for a few years.”

Ranboo’s eyebrows nearly hit his hairline, looking between the brothers. “Wow, that never came up. That’s super cool!”

“Tech you should, I haven’t heard you play in years!” Niki chimed in enthusiastically, the boy meeting her eyes with a tired but accepting gaze. “Please?”

“I will text Wil later about it.” Techno gives in grumbling, Tommy cheering.

“More people could join too or do a piece of their own, take some of the pressure off of Wilbur.” Tubbo offered, Ranboo looking his way with a questioning look. “I also play piano, same with Fundy.”

“Wow, I am just surrounded by talent.” Ranboo says with a tinge of awe, Techno waving it off with more rosy cheeks.

“Ah let’s move on, c’mon. I will wash and you can dry.” He pulls an elastic off his wrist to wrap his braid in a tight circle around itself.

The split-dyed boy grabs a towel, Tubbo offering to put things away. Techno insisted Eret and Niki sit down at the island on the stools tucked under, promising it was okay for them to rest. After all, they helped with the main portion of dinner, the chore going quickly between Ranboo, Tubbo and Techno.

Ranboo grabbed a few things that were stored on higher shelves than Tubbo could reach, teasing him while the brunette’s eyes sparkled, launching pointed words right back.

Having so many around him would have stressed him right out if he still lived at home, but here Ranboo found acceptance and love. People like him who cared about his goodwill, who stepped up to help those who needed it.

Eret connects their phone to the radio sitting on the counter that was connected to the main music system, playing The Moss by Cosmo Sheldrake through the whole restaurant. Ranboo hummed along while working smoothly with Technoblade, the pink haired man looking more comfortable now that the focus was off him. The split dyed soul could relate, all that attention was exhausting for overthinkers.

They wrap up quickly, speeding through the pile of dishes as Tommy lounged around with Eret and Niki. Techno hangs up his cloth after draining the sink, Ranboo doing the same with his towel.

Techno stretches his arms above his head then touches his forehead with a salute. “That’s my queue to go before we get snowed in, I will come by early in the morning to clear the walkway. Tommy, I am dragging you into this too and if you aren’t down by nine A.M. I will call you. Repeatedly.”

“Put my phone on do-not-disturb mode tonight, got it.” Tommy snarks back with a wild glint, his brother returning with his own.

“Fine, I will call Tubbo and tell him to dump ice cubes in your bed.”

“Happily, bossman!” Tubbo adds, Tommy whipping his head around with bouncing sun curls to glare at the brunette.

“Betrayal of the highest order, you are supposed to be on my side, you bitch!”

“Worth it.” Tubbo replies while Ranboo chuckles at their antics.

That night Ranboo goes to sleep with a smile on his face, a lovely thing that keeps happening the longer he lives here.

Christmas morning finds Ranboo furiously trying to wrap a beanie and realising how lacking his skills are in this department. Leaving his room he goes searching for Tubbo, the boy adept at the chore he was failing at right now.

“Bo, where are you?” He isn’t afraid to be a bit loud, Tommy leaving in a wild huff this morning after his screams awoke Ranboo. 

Techno and Tubbo followed through with their threat, the blonde boy leaving to clear an entrance to the Crows Roost front door mumbling promises of some type of revenge. Tubbo didn’t look the least bit worried, smirking as the tall lanky one left.

“My room!” Tubbo’s voice comes from behind his half-closed door, Ranboo pushing it open to find him working on his PC.

The computer is in bits across his desk, the brunette intently working on installing the new parts he bought with his Christmas money. “What’s up, Boo?”

“I cannot for the life of me wrap this hat neatly, can you help?” Ranboo asks helplessly while Tubbo giggles as he nods.

“Course! Mind helping me install this CPU then I can?”

“Sure!”

Doing what the brunette directed, Ranboo helped him attach the part to where it was going to stay. He quickly shows him a good way to neatly wrap the handmade hat in paper, tying the red ribbon with a flourish.

“Wanna see a cool trick?” Tubbo held up scissors, Ranboo looking a tiny bit concerned which he waved off.

“You always look so worried when I hold anything with a blade.”

“How many scars do you have on your hands from them?”

“...shut up and watch this.” He presses the ribbon to the blade with his thumb, drawing it carefully through and the coloured string curls.

“Pretty.” Ranboo compliments Tubbo, who proceeds to do it to the other end.

Grabbing the next part, they trade a few more words before Ranboo leaves to get dressed for today, placing the steel-blue package on his dresser. Playing with his phone he finds himself hovering over Eret’s contact, taking a deep breath as he presses the call button.

“Good morning Ranboo!” Their pleasant voice greets the split-dyed boy, who smiles.

“Morning Eret, I hope I didn’t wake you!” He replies which the brunette chuckles at.

“Wilbur has been pacing our dorm room since sunrise, muttering about the idea Techno brought up.”

“No I am not!” Wilbur’s voice came through the phone and it’s Ranboo’s turn to giggle.

“How can I help you, my friend?” Eret asks kindly in that warm deep voice, rich like a campfire night spent with friends.

“I was wondering if you had a dress I could borrow for today.” Ranboo bit their lip, internally shaking.

“I do in fact, I have a lovely forest green sweater dress that would look great with those leggings you wore yesterday.” They respond, rustling on their end. “I am nearly ready to go and can be at the Cafe in about half an hour. Once I convince Wilbur he can actually do this and he’s a talented musician.”

“Lies and slander!” Wilbur adds, Eret huffing as his brunette roommate doubted himself.

“Wil, I swear to God, I will bring your guitar with me when I go. Also that was a compliment, you dunce.”

“You might need longer than half an hour.” Ranboo responds, which Eret lets out a hearty laugh at.

“I’ll see you soon, friend!” Eret ends the call with that, Ranboo giving their own goodbye then hanging up the line before walking over to the mirror.

Picking up the soft golden bells, they chime as he slips them through his earlobes, reminding himself to ask Niki how to do the braid she did yesterday. Slipping the flower crown back on, Ranboo thinks about ordering himself one. Maybe of purple and blue flowers, he always did love cooler colours.

Slipping it back off, he spends the time before Eret’s arrival tidying his room. His head was a lot quieter when less mess was around, hitting shuffle on his phone as he did so. Privately Owned Spiral Galaxy came dancing from his bluetooth speakers, humming along to the rise and falls as he organises his desk.

The clock reads ten thirty when Eret arrives with a gentle knock, a beautiful smile on their regal face. They wore a royal blue dress that brushed their ankles, hair drawn into a half up style with a bow, the lower chestnut strands looped to the top of their bare collarbones. A white sweater draped from one arm, clearly Ranboo wasn’t the only one who wanted to look their best. 

“Merry Christmas, Ranboo!”

“Merry Christmas Eret!” Opening his arms, they hug together with wide smiles. Ranboo takes a moment to soak in what this caring embrace felt like.

It felt like a sanctuary and acceptance, like the home he never had.

Eret steps back to reach into the bag they wore, drawing out this wonderfully soft forest green dress. Ranboo slips it over their head and stands in front of the mirror, nearly giddy with how good it felt. The edges were lined in a jade green shade, the hem falling to just above their knees. The tall brunette found Ranboo’s brush, meeting their mismatched eyes with their own grey ones.

“I am an amateur at hair compared to Niki but I do know a few tricks, Techno taught me them in fact.” Ranboo smiled in surprise, picturing Techno diligently studying a hair styling video to master it while practising on his own lotus mane. 

They pull over their computer chair and sit down, crossing one leg over another while Eret rhythmically draws the bristles down the cloud and coal strands. The tips nearly brushed the bottom of their ribs now, Ranboo grinned in the mirror at their hair. They loved it, it felt so freeing to finally show more of themselves. 

Using steady fingers they do an artfully loose braid using the two different colours of hair, finishing the look with pulling a flower crown Ranboo immediately fell in love with.

“I did want my other back but in exchange I have this one I never really use.” Placing it gently above their temples, Ranboo’s mouth fell slightly open looking at themself in the mirror.

A circlet of three types of flowers rested above their awed face; purple roses, blue forget-me-nots and green hydrangeas wove a pattern of cool colours that looked really good with the forest green sweater. Their braid dangled down the right side of their neck, brushing the lowest part of their chest.

“Gorgeous!” Eret compliments, smiling lightly as they met their eyes. “I take it you didn’t do this back home?”

“I was never sure how to bring it up and not get immediately judged.” They admitted, which Eret nodded with an understanding expression.

“I’m sorry.” They say simply, before laying a warm hand on Ranboo’s shoulder. “You will never be judged here, not if any of us have anything to say about it.”

“Who’s ass do I have to kick?” Tommy bursts through the door, clearly misreading the situation.

Ranboo chuckles, the sunshine blonde flushed with rosy cheeks. “Toms no one, it’s okay. I’m better than okay.”

Tommy gives a wide grin at that, straightens up with a sharp nod. “Good Rainbow, I am glad to hear. If you do ever need someone taken out though, you let me know.”

“I’ve seen enough crime shows to know how to hide a body.” Tubbo chimes in from the doorway, the other three giving him curious looks. “What? Just offering my support.”

“That's…mildly concerning but moving on.” Tommy announces, holding his phone up. “Mom says everything is ready and get your butts downstairs before the brunch gets cold. Everyone else is already here.”

All four leave the upstairs after that, Tubbo offering a compliment to how Ranboo looks. The brunette cleaned up well himself, same as everyone around him, wearing a handmade sweater while clutching an unmarked envelope. Each person carried a gift with them, in various states of well wrapped. Eret’s looked perfect, all clean edges and neat tape with a bright cornflower blue bow. Tommy’s looked like he attacked it with gift paper and taped everywhere he could reach, the rough edges sticking out. 

As they arrive downstairs cheerful chatter echoes through the kitchen, Kristin snagging their free hands to bring delicious smelling food out front. Niki also stood there, both with their makeup done perfectly with gold flecks bringing out their coffee eyes above similar red blouses.

The Crows Roost Cafe glinted with joy when Ranboo walked through that kitchen door, all their closest companions laughing and chatting together. They had pushed the furniture further back and someone had pulled back the curtain off to the right of the room. A shining grand piano stood proudly there, with a few guitars on black stands and music cases scattered across the edge of the stage.

“Ran!” Aimsey shouted happily, bouncing across to throw their tiny body in his long arms. They lean back, whistling. “Just showed up to outdo us all huh. You look incredible!”

Fundy walks over with a large smile, Sam following behind with Foolish. All wore nice shirts with jeans, all three offering encouraging words to the split-dyed soul.

Ranboo breaks away for a moment to place his present down on the table where the others were piled, Wilbur standing there fidgeting.

“Wilbur, are you alright?” Ranboo asks, his friend's liquid chocolate eyes were wide when he met theirs.

“What if I mess up?” He worries, Ranboo reaches out to grab one of his callused hands, long fingers perfect for strumming his guitar wrapping around their own.

“Wilbur, you are human .” They comfort, continuing as they squeeze his hand. “We make mistakes, we aren’t perfect. But we want to support you and show we care.”

“Shouldn’t I be giving this speech to you Ranbus?” Wilbur attempts to redirect, which they giggle at. “You look great, I am happy you trust us enough to be yourself.”

Ranboo feels his cheeks warm, offering a happy look. “When I walked in those doors all those months ago I never imagined I found a family who cares so much for each other. Which includes you, I know you will do amazing. I have declared my love enough for your music, but I can do it more if you need reinforcement. For example, The Fall literally changed my life and has its own playlist of it on repeat nine times.”

“Alright, I believe you.” Wilbur assents, meeting their gaze once more. “If I get nervous I will just look at you or Eret. Goodness knows they were about to beat it into my skull that I was going to do just fine.”

“The offer is still open.” Eret jokes, walking to place down their present and overhearing the last few sentences.

“Food is ready!” Phil’s voice breaks the conversation, drawing several hungry growing beings to the table laden with incredibly appetising food.

One by one, they load up plates and walk back to the tables from yesterday. Today Ranboo ends up near Purpled, Aimsey and Tommy at the far end of the table. Phil took his spot at the other end with his wife, everyone else filling in spaces between.

Purpled wore a nice coffee brown button up with a red bow tie, looking dapper. Aimsey wore something similar but their bow tie was baby blue, black beanie over their straight brunette hair. Tommy had on another sweater vest but this one was rose red, a lovely contrast to his golden hair.

They all chew away for a few moments before Purpled breaks the silence between them four, the rest of the table being swept up into their own discussions.

“Having a good day so far?”

Ranboo nods, swallowing the egg quiche they had just taken a forkful of. “Yes, it's been lovely. Christmas is such a warm affair here, it feels so cosy.”

“You weren’t the one who had to wake up at the crack of dawn to shovel.” Tommy grumbles, sounding very much like Techno.

“Nine A.M. is hardly dawn, Tommy.” Aimsey laughs, his ocean blue eyes landing on theirs.

“You do it next time then!”

“Nah, I had a long sleep in my warm bed and didn’t drag myself out of it until ten. A perfect morning.”

“Damn dorm dwellers.” Tommy curses, Aimsey rolling their eyes.

“I love that advantage, I hate hearing people constantly.” Purpled says, picking up his piece of toast with strawberry jam. “We thank god for noise-cancelling headphones.”

“Amen to that after living with Tommy.” Ranboo jokes, the blonde smirking as he met their mismatched orbs.

“I light up every room I enter and you all are lucky to be in my presence.”

As usual, the conversation turned to them all bantering between one another. Purpled and Tommy end up descending into an argument about who is the better Skywars player while Aimsey and Ranboo commentate on the exchange, teasing.

When they have all cleared their plates Phil and Kristin tell them to bring the plates into the kitchen then come back to the main area. When each returns, the adults hand them a holly-red stocking with soft white fur lining the top. Stuffed full of trinkets, the kids all descend into chaos seeing what they had been given.

The parents had gone a bit overboard and gave them all a bunch of candy, snacks and various school supplies depending on their major. Ranboo got a beautiful set of ball point pens and a leather-bound notebook with ‘Plans for World Domination’ embossed on the cover in gold. Meeting Phil’s sparkling blue eyes, he had an idea who stocked his, loving each new thing he found. At the very bottom below his favourite chocolate he finds two bottles of nail polish, a vibrant purple and a glossy night black.

Everyone in the room gave their thanks to the couple, all giving wide smiles while uncovering their goodies. Niki grabs Tubbo’s hand and drags him off to the kitchen to clean dishes, all of them taking a moment to chat and relax before the rest of the festivities.

Ranboo has a moment of homesickness and whispers to Kristin he will be right back, waving to the pair washing up as he goes upstairs. Walking quickly to his room, he sits heavily on his bed and picks up the picture frame holding the photo of him and his mothers.

Trailing a finger across the cool glass, he sighs. Every passing day he looks at this and wonders if they would have approved of where he found himself.

Somehow in those few blurry memories he has of them, he imagines they would. They were wonderful and kind, always encouraging of his creativity and expressiveness. Placing the frame back down, he takes one more look before returning to his friends.

Picking up a necklace of amethyst mala beads, he drapes the cool orbs around his neck. Returning to the floor below he finds Niki hanging her washcloth, her and Tubbo clearly doing the dishes in double time.

All three walk back out to find the others grabbing their Secret Santa gifts, returning to the circle of couches. Ranboo ends up sitting beside Techno who offers a small grin, wishing him a Merry Christmas which he says back.

“Who wants to start?” Tommy commands all the attention, before shrugging and continuing before anyone can speak. “Just kidding, I will, I want to go first.”

Picking up his gift off the floor while the others laugh, he hands it to Niki who takes it with joy shining on her face.

“Merry Christmas Niki! Thank you for being the best mentor and putting up with my shit.” He says honestly, the woman letting out a musical laugh.

“It’s my pleasure.” She says, using red nails to dig into the messily wrapped gift, Tommy awaits eagerly.

Several packages spill across her wool skirt covered lap, chuckling while Wilbur beside her helps pick them up. She holds up one package with a wide smile.

“Thank you Tommy, I have been looking for some of these varieties forever.”

“I heard the complaints and started keeping a list, it’s nothing.” Tommy looks a bit embarrassed when Niki holds out her arms for a hug which he takes. 

Next, Tubbo stands up when Tommy settles and drops the envelope in his lap. With a raised eyebrow he opens it up to find a card, scanning what’s written inside while reading aloud.

“Dear Tommy, thank you for being the best friend I have ever had. For your gift I offer a day of adding those damn PC parts gathering dust in your room to your rig, redeemable once.”

Tommy’s eyes glint, a little watery looking up at the brunette who gives him a look filled with so much meaning. “Merry Christmas Toms!”

“You didn’t have’ta, Tubs.” He stumbles over his words, standing to draw him into a hug. “I appreciate it.”

Ranboo follows suit, fidgeting a bit as they stand before walking to where Purpled sat beside Eret across from them and Techno. “I hope you like it, Purpled.”

The blonde takes the gift and opens it efficiently from where the tape fastened it shut, the knitted beanie spilling out into his lap. Ranboo added a few smaller golden stars around the hat, loving how it turned out. The boy gave a rare smile and slipped it on, meeting Ranboo’s worried gaze.

“I love it, thank you.”

He sits back down beside Techno who goes after him, clearing his throat as he places a square gift on Ranboo’s lap.

They rip open the packaging with glee, finding a copy of a book Techno had talked about many times. ‘The Princess Bride’ was scribed upon the bark-coloured cover, the volume well loved by other hands.

“I found it in the second-hand store a few doors up the street for a bargain and wanted to give you a copy of my favourite story.” Ranboo pulls the shy boy in for a tight hug, whispering thank you to him.

The next few people on the couches get up to give their Secret Santa to the recipients they drew from the hat. Phil gave Kristin a photo album he had spent many hours on, adding pictures of the people who joined them today from when they had taken photos spending time together. Kristin gives Tubbo a bunch of baked goods, cookies and squares piled high in the aluminium tin he protected from Tommy’s hungry gaze. Niki gifts Technoblade a rose-red knitted scarf, warm and soft. Aimsey gives Sam a set of measuring cups, besides Niki he was the most active baker in the group who enjoyed treating friends. Fundy presents Foolish with a tshirt with a shark printed on it, the cheerful raven-haired boy thanking the redhead while giggling.

He turns to where Eret sits, holding a small box wrapped in light blue paper with snowflakes. “Here you go, my friend!”

With an arched eyebrow and a happy smile, they peel open the paper to find a box of tea. Foolish lets out a laugh before continuing while their grey eyes light up. “I know it’s your favourite.”

“You are the one who keeps buying my tea in the morning!” They point, giving such a happy face.

“Guilty!”

“Now I have to return the favour!”

“Wait, that's not how this works.” Foolish waves it off while Eret glares with a half smile.

“Kristin, put Foolish’s tab on me for a week, please!”

“Aye, aye!” She chuckles, Foolish taking a few more moments before sighing, slumping forward.

“As long as we can go back to something even afterwards.”

“We can negotiate the terms later.” Eret gives a look which Foolish laughs while shaking his head lightly.

“You never give up, do you?”

“No.” They say simply, a few others laughing.

Purpled gets up to walk over to Aimsey and hands them a purple envelope with silver stars, offering a small grin. “Merry Christmas Aimsey!”

They rip open the paper with haste, reading quickly as their smile gets wider. Eret also looks to the small brunette, awaiting their next words. “Use this towards a night of stargazing with Eret and I in the spring! Aww, Purpled, thank you!”

“No problem, just let me know when! Preferably spring, it's a bit snowy right now.” The drifts piling against the outside walls told them all enough, those warmer temperatures were a while off. 

But here they were safe and cherished, within the snow covered city surrounded by friends.

Eret stands up and walks over to where Wilbur sits and hands him that beautiful gift with a cornflower ribbon, each giving the other a look full of many meanings. All around could tell these two were close, they had a bond that would continue long into the future.

“Merry Christmas Wil!” Eret says with a flourish, eagerly awaiting the opening.

Wilbur tears into the pretty present with a giddiness, a buttercup sweater appearing in the shreds of shiny paper. “Awww a new sweater, thank you!”

“Give us all a gift and throw out your old one right now.” Eret declares that Kristin laughs at their actions. “Wilbur, you have to let it die, I got you a new one to wear many holes into. You literally moved in with it three years ago .”

“Thank you Eret.” Wilbur blushes, Phil joining his wife’s chuckling. He then turns to his father, offering a hesitant look. “I wasn’t sure what to get you so my brothers offered to be my band and I play you some of my own music live?”

“I could ask for nothing better, Wil.” Phil gives a proud look, standing up to embrace his son before his mother follows suit. “I love you, son.”

Tubbo and Fundy go around to each person gathering up the wrapping remains, tying the garbage bag shut when the task is complete. As a group they spend a while longer chatting before people’s stomachs start to growl.

Wilbur, Techno, and Tommy go to help their parents bring out the Christmas dinner on the same table. Ranboo’s mouth watered at all the tempting aroma’s of a hearty feast. Conversations flowed so easily between them all, this time they sat with Sam, Fundy and Foolish. The four spent dinner talking about the Minecraft server they had started in September, discussing how to develop it next.

Saturday was their recurring night to play, all joining one another at the Crows Roost Cafe for many hours of grinding and building. Players dropped in and out depending on other responsibilities but would return the week later, determined to make up for lost time. 

After dinner; Fundy and Foolish team up to wash up, Kristin and Tommy joining to pack up the leftovers. As the four disappeared to do that Wilbur walked up to the stage and picked up a well loved acoustic guitar with a few colourful stickers on it.

First was a royal blue, cloud white and blood red striped flag with accents of golden yellow, a few inches wide and it sat right by the neck of the wooden instrument. A small fox, a tree, a crown and a diamond Minecraft sword joined the bright flag. It was the first time Ranboo had seen his guitar, enjoying seeing it up close.

Wilbur hummed as he tuned the stings, peering at his phone screen while warming up. Technoblade follows his twin over with a smile, he reassures the worried brunette while adjusting his own instrument. Tommy rushes out at the music and slides onto the piano bench with a dramatic yell of excitement, quickly playing a scale while Niki winks to Wilbur, accepting Eret’s hand to step onto the stage.

“I have listened to your music enough to be your backup vocalist if you want?” The pink haired girl beams a radiant smile, which Wilbur returns.

“Course Nik, thank you.”

Tubbo messes with a few of the wires before the microphone groans to life, Sam adjusts the volume after everyone flinches to the screeching feedback.

Kristin comes back with enough hot chocolates for everyone, the group shoving the couches to surround the stage along the right wall of the Cafe. It was a smaller one, but Ranboo was still impressed as he had no idea it was there. With the curtains pulled back it showed enough space for a live band, drums pushed to the back of the wooden platform.

Ranboo settles beside Eret, who looks up with an encouraging look to their roommate. Aimsey sits on the other side of Ranboo on this three cushion couch with an obnoxious flower pattern, cuddling into their side. The split dyed soul had noticed their way of showing affection was doing so, they lifted an arm to put across their small shoulders.

Wilbur clears his throat while looking to all his friends gathered, taking a deep breath before a confidence floods through his stance. Niki lowers the stand to her height, looking to Wilbur for her queue, same as Technoblade and Tommy.

“Merry Christmas to all of you. Though it was unforeseen circumstances that led us to be here, I am very glad it happened. You all mean so much to me in different ways, please enjoy my musical compositions with the help of some close family.” Wilbur strums a few chords, saying smoothly into the microphone with his wonderful sonorous voice. “Let’s start off with One Day! If you know the lyrics, join me!”

Music blasts from the speakers and Ranboo finds themselves happily singing along while Wilbur sinks into his element of an entertainer and draws all the attention to him and his band. Niki harmonises perfectly with him, her pink hair sticking to her forehead as she belts the words out. Techno has his eyes closed as he pulls the bow across the violin, looking every bit like he belongs joining his twin in his performance. Tommy dances around way more than any piano player Ranboo had ever seen but he knew how to command a crowd, loudly joining the vocalists with the lyrics from where he sat on the cushioned bench.

They run through a few of Wilbur’s songs that night; Your New Boyfriend, Perfume, The Fall, Since I Saw Vienna and Jubilee Line before they all stand up to bow. Roaring applause follows the act then Eret surprises them all by going to get their own violin.

Fundy gets up with a smile and joins them on piano, Niki staying on stage to sing a few more. Clearly not many others knew these three had practised together, covering some classics like Sweater Weather by The Neighbourhood and Hayloft II by Mother Mother.

Tommy and Tubbo get up next with a reinvigorated Wilbur; best friends sitting side by side on the piano bench. They reach further back into history to play Pianoman by Billy Joel then Crocodile Rock by Elton John.

The night ends with Techno and Eret joining them for the final performance, all uniting to play Tonight, Tonight by the Smashing Pumpkins. Ranboo sips at their hot chocolate until its completion, enjoying the rich atmosphere they found themselves surrounded with.

Niki joined them and Aimsey on the couch directly in front of Wilbur, smiling while she watched. Phil and Kristin looked so proud switching between looking at the audience and performers, the couple clearly having fun. Fundy, Sam, Purpled and Foolish enjoying themselves where they sat, dancing along to the beat.

If they had a thousand more nights like this, it would never be enough. Months ago if you told them this is how their life went, Ranboo wouldn’t believe it. For the first time they had friends they could call on for any number of favours, happy to help wherever needed. 

He moved in with two excitable boys who brightened the rooms they stood in. He worked at a place that truly felt like family to him now. 

Ranboo was finally home and loved.

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

(Have faith that you're not alone)

(Have faith that you're not on your own)

(Have faith that you're not alone)

(Have faith that you're not on your own)

It's amazing what the hard times can reveal

(Have faith that you're not alone)

Like who shows up, who walks away, and who's for real

Chapter Text

The next few months went by quickly since Christmas at the Cafe, Ranboo spent his days going to school and weekends he would work his shift at the Crows Roost. From moving here knowing no one until now when he had several people he could count on, it was a pleasant change. Miles more than he ever thought, this fresh start being the best choice he has ever made.

Phil and Kristin were super understanding when exam season approached, working more hours so their kids would spend their time studying. The couple would do anything for those they counted under their care, the whole family the sweetest people to walk this earth, Ranboo finding himself included within that the moment he walked through that glass door a while ago. During their shifts the twins would help the lanky soul study, in return he would quiz them on the subject matter they were struggling with.

As the weeks passed they grew closer to Easter, a lovely holiday full of chocolate and childhood whimsy. Ranboo and his Aunt had made no plans to celebrate the day, since he moved here she had become more distant which hurt her nephew, but he could also understand. They never were that close as he aged, so he fully expected to spend his time here for the holiday.

Phil and Kristin were planning to host a celebration for all those who didn’t get home anyways, something similar to Christmas. The sheer joy the pair gave off when caring for those they saw as their own was infectious, Kristin unexpectedly showing up with decorations for the event midway through Ranboo’s shift today which Wilbur gave a wide grin about.

Techno just sighs with a good-natured smirk, their mother radiant as she places several bags down on a table nearby. The morning had been slow, a lot of their customers were fellow students who were taking exams so it really only got busy near the end of Ranboo’s shift these weekends. The twins were mostly done with their tests already, picking up extra hours while Ranboo, Tommy and Tubbo were busy.

“There were so many good sales today!” Kristin says triumphantly, Phil following behind with a tired but happy expression as he carries a few more bags over to where his wife was standing.

“Yeah and I think we took most of their stock.” He teases his wife, who gives him a glare full of love.

“The holidays are a perfect reason to decorate, we have a whole Cafe to do!” She replies, pulling out a bag of plastic eggs. “You were also the one who advocated for an Egg Hunt.”

Ranboo perks up at that, Wilbur giving him a curious look until he explains. “I’ve never participated in one of those.”

“That’s a shame mate, I am glad we grabbed them then,” Phil answers with a kind voice, digging through the paper bags to find chocolates. “You aren’t allergic to anything, right Ran?”

He shakes his head, growing more excited for the coming weekend the more things are revealed from their bags of goodies. Techno is typing away on his phone as this exchange happens, his phone dinging as a text is received. “Sam, Niki and Aimsey are asking permission to destroy the kitchen with cookie preparation soon.”

“We are planning the feast for Sunday so some time before that is fine, maybe Saturday.” Phil rubs his chin before declaring. “Fuck it, let’s close the Cafe for the weekend, I doubt we will be busy anyways.”

“Any excuse for a day off my love.” Kristin jokes, but nods her head. “We can focus on just having a magical holiday full of far too much sugar for those of you who need relaxation.”

“I heard days off and I am so in.” Tommy bursts through the kitchen door, Tubbo hot on his heels.

“One weekend really won’t hurt and the same deal as last time, I will still pay you your wages for the hours you should have worked.” Phil looks to his sons and Ranboo, who nod. They still had a week before they could chill, but it was great to have a goal to look forward to.

Ranboo has a thought that since they have some extra spending money, maybe they could arrange time with Niki to go out shopping for an outfit for the dinner. Pulling out their own phone, they shoot a quick text to both Niki and Eret asking if they have any free time leading up to the weekend.

“It’s a good thing you boys came down though, I have some tasks for you.” Kristin tells the two who just came through the door, Tommy dramatically groaning. “Oh shush you, you should be studying right now but I am letting you off the hook to decorate, deal?”

Tommy considered it for a moment before walking to his father’s side, peering in the bags. “Christ Mom, did you leave some for the other shoppers?”

“That’s what I said.” Phil agrees with his son while Kristin sticks her tongue out at both of them.

“Let me fill the space we love with pastel coloured items.” She responds, spreading the items across the table the shopping bags occupied.

The rest of Ranboo’s shift went much the same, it got busier around lunch and dinner but otherwise was relatively quiet. Phil and Kristin had another business on the side and were doing well enough that they never worried when it was slower, their golden hearts shining through as they made sure all of their kids were happy.

Niki and Eret both respond around the same time, making plans to meet up on Tuesday as that was the next time all three had availability. Niki also asked if Aimsey could join, Ranboo enthusiastically agreeing. Besides Tommy and Tubbo, they were probably closest with the excitable beanie-wearing brunette.

Monday went by quickly, Ranboo had one exam in the morning and after that spent time studying and cleaning their room. Tubbo came to hang out for a while and play video games on his Switch while Ranboo tried on different outfits, feeling the need to thrift some of the more dated items. Feeling a lot more confident dressing whatever way they wanted instead of what they were expected to, the ratio of clothes they wore less often grew higher by the day.

Several flower crowns coated their dresser now, ranging in all sorts of vibrant colours. Eret and themself had a few websites they liked to frequent and would order them together to save shipping costs. The pair got along well, trading clothes and sarcastic humour whenever they spent time together. It was inspiring seeing the way the graceful soul held themself with poise and honour. A constant assurance it was wonderful to be whoever you felt you were at heart, Ranboo learned so much from everyone they surrounded themself with.

That night they went to sleep excited for the coming one, the weather looking amazing for the group to go on their outing. All four had created a chat to make plans, plotting to meet up by the campus as the other three lived in dorms there.

Ranboo woke up with a bounce in their step, threw Wilbur and his band’s newest song on their radio ‘Call Me What You Like’ then carefully brushing and braiding their now hip-length coal and cloud tresses. Techno taught him some different hair styles for dealing with such a mane of hair, fancy braids and such being his speciality. The English major had dyed his pink a while back, a lovely rose shade that brought out his mahogany eyes which he kept refreshing as the vibrant colour faded. He often wore gold beads and chains throughout intricate braids, adding more flair to his every day look. Wilbur often playfully complained he took a long time to get ready in the mornings which Techno would grumble some excuse while blushing slightly.

Cleaning their piercings, they picked up the eyeliner Niki had gifted them a while ago. She offered to teach them more about makeup when Ranboo expressed interest in it, sending them tutorial videos and taking them out to buy their own supplies after the initial gift. Ran liked the way their odd-eyes popped out when they did a kohl outline, doing the practised action now above and below.

Pulling on a soft royal blue sweater as the weather was still cool, they finished their look with a long brown skirt that brushed the Doc Martens they wore on their feet. Packing a small bag since they didn’t have proper pockets, damn feminine clothing, then turn the lights off to their room before closing the door behind them.

“Hey Rainbow!” Tommy’s loud voice greeted the moment they walked into the main area, Tommy sprawled across the couch with several messy stacks of paper around him. A mix of topics between plants to sheet music surrounded the boy, he was scrawling notes as he looked between textbook and page. “Going out?”

“Niki, Aimsey, Eret and I are going clothes hunting for the feast on Sunday, I figured I could use some time away from my studies before I go nuts.”

“Planning to upstage my fit again, are you?” Tommy askes with an affectionate tone, Ranboo appreciating his enthusiastic support as they tried different styles. The sunshine blonde went out of his way to compliment the split-dyed soul when he tried something new, bolstering their confidence in trying whatever they wanted. “Maybe Toby and I should do the same, can’t be outdone by you at my own family gathering.”

Ranboo giggles, Tommy giving a wicked smile. “Have fun Ran, enjoy the day off while I am chained to my own notes, withering away before the drag of secondary schooling studies.”

Tommy dramatically puts a hand to his forehead and collapses back into the cushions, Tubbo choosing that exact moment to join his best friends in the common living room. “Well, guess he is dead. Time to move into his room as he has the largest!”

“Oy, bastard, you didn’t even mourn me!” Tommy leaps forward, pointing an accusing finger at the small brunette.

“It’s not like you are going to use it, you are dead after all.”

Ranboo laughs at the antics between his friends before turning to the door, giving his goodbyes and leaving them to banter loudly as he walks down to the kitchen of the Crows Roost. He finds Kristin with an apron on, working the kitchen while her charismatic husband tended to the counter with Fundy.

The redheaded boy ended up applying for a job a few months after Ranboo was hired, needing some hours when his other job cut down on employees including him. Eret, Niki and Aimsey are at the counter, already holding to-go cups with steaming drinks.

“Here mate, have a great day!” Phil holds out one for him, cinnamon vanilla aroma wafting up towards him.

Fundy gives a wave from where he stands at the coffee station, all four leaving the building into the cool spring air. The sun was bright overhead giving warmth to those beneath, noon just creeping past as they left the doors of the Crows Roost Cafe below the bright sign advertising their location.

“So what are we looking for today?” Aimsey starts the conversation, taking a sip of a coffee cup bigger than their head. No wonder they were so energetic, Ranboo thinks, looking fondly at the tiny brunette.

“I am down for wherever.”

“Okay, but what do you want?” 

They prod with a wide smile, Ranboo thinking for a moment before responding in a shy tone. “I have never worn a dress before…”

“No better time than today!” Eret declares, taking off deliberately down the street. “I know a perfect place a few blocks over that fits tall people like us Ran, let's do it!”

All four make light commentary as they stride in the direction Eret is leading, Niki and Aimsey teasing them when they have to slow their pace to accommodate the shorter ones of the group. The curly haired brunette shows them a lovely store with mannequins in the window wearing beautiful shades of pastel dresses in various styles, all wandering into the charming shop with light instrumental playing over the speaker.

The workers greet Eret with a sense of friendliness, like they know each other well. Niki and Aimsey are already rustling through the racks with excited hands to find a piece for Ranboo to try, the tallest being stunned at the surroundings they had been welcomed into. The town he grew up in would never have allowed him to look without piercing judgements, here the workers didn’t even bat an eye and seemed enthused to help him find the perfect fit.

“Do you have a favourite colour, Ran?” Aimsey calls to them, beckoning the split-dyed boy over to their side. “You wear a lot of blues and purples, am I right to assume that's the preferred shade?”

“My favourite is a dark blue but I am willing to try anything really.” Ranboo ran their fingers over the shimmering fabric of the dresses on the rack, a little more formal than planned but why not go all out? They had saved a good chunk of money with no rent where they were living, this would be a perfect occasion to spend a bit more.

“I think a lighter turquoise would go well with your green and brown eyes.” Niki comments, pulling a stunning dress out from among the others.

Flowing to the floor, it had an empire waist with a small bust, perfect for someone missing the assets to fill those cups. The belt across the middle was clean black with a silver buckle, sashes laying across the top of the hanger where one was supposed to tie it around their neck. Ranboo’s mouth dropped open seeing it, trembling fingers running across the soft material.

“I take it this is going in the try on category?” Niki asked gently which Ranboo enthusiastically nodded.

Eret had swept off further back in the storefront, peeking through some other styles. After a bit of searching they had quite a number for Ranboo to try on, the workers setting up the room before leaving them to it. Initially they offered to help but the group told them politely they were okay, leaving them to help another few customers who just walked in.

Niki had found a total of four dresses, Eret three and Aimsey had found five Ranboo likes, including their own selections they now had fifteen to try on. Taking the time to work their way through they shared laughs and comments while swishing around in beautiful clothing. Trying several different shades of pastels that were popular with spring, Ranboo didn’t feel like any of them were the one. Funny enough, after all of that, they saved the turquoise piece Niki found first for last and it turned out to be the unanimous vote.

As Ranboo stepped out all three mouths dropped open, Aimsey clapping loudly while Eret and Niki came closer to adjust it to fit their thin frame. Niki makes a few comments of amendments she would like to perform, bringing the seams in a bit to form to their torso better.

“It’s not too much mending for me to do this, I just think here and here we should pinch it in closer to you.” Niki pinches some places of the fabric carefully, mumbling to herself. “The alterations are pretty simple, did you want me to teach you how to do it?”

“That would be lovely, thank you Niki.” Ranboo mumbles, nearly overwhelmed by how happy they felt looking in the mirror. 

The shade of the dress brought out their eyes perfectly, long hair complimenting the light blue in a well done contrast. Doing a spin, they let out a musical chuckle while the three attending to their try-ons smiled.

“You look so much happier now Ranboo, I am proud of you for trying this.” Eret’s deep sonorous voice makes them turn to the brunette, whose grey eyes are crinkled with joy.

Ranboo’s cheeks warm, blush evident in the redness before giving a quiet ‘thank you’ to all around them. Buying the gown, they leave the shop with a giant smile and a heavy bag. Aimsey gives a tentative smile to the group, who turns to them with a questioning look.

“It’s my time to ask for support, I want to get my ears pierced but I am too scared to go alone. Could we maybe go today?”

Eret nods, holding out their large hand for their tiny one. “Me too, let’s go together and that way we can encourage each other!”

Niki pulls up a map on her phone to find the closest tattoo parlour with good ratings, finding one a few blocks back closer to the Crows Roost they start heading that way. Along the way they run into Sam and Foolish, who emerge from a nearby bookstore with bags containing purchases.

“Everyone is out today, huh.” Sam greets with a smile, looking between the four. “What are you all up to?”

“Preparing for the Easter feast on Sunday, are you guys coming to it?” Niki asks, both boys nodding.

“I think everyone from our usual group is, it's much easier than heading all the way home in the middle of exam season. Those who do see our families regularly plan to travel back next week after the chaos.” Foolish answers, shifting the heavy bag from one hand to the other. “Phil made it pretty clear that if we didn’t come and didn’t have any other plans, Kristin would be very sad.”

Ranboo lets out a chuckle, knowing full well Phil would be the one who would be upset by it where Kristin would drag them out to come anyways. Even if she had to show up and knock on their dorm rooms, she would do it with all the love in her heart and a determined motive.

“The parlour should be just ahead!” Niki tells Aimsey and Eret, who trade looks excitedly.

“The tattoo parlour?” Sam looks confused, as Eret turns to him to explain.

“Aimsey and I decided to get our ears pierced and since we are out today anyways, it's convenient to do it now!”

“Also, they can hold my hand.” Aimsey giggles, looking at the two boys who had joined their outing. “Whatcha up too?”

“Picking up some new baking books for myself and textbooks for Foolish. He managed to lose another set.”

“I swear they just get up and walk away!” Foolish defends himself to a teasing Sam, who rolls his blue eyes.

“Yeah, or you just leave them in the library continuously and forget to write your name in them.”

Ranboo chuckles at the banter, not surprised at all this is what the conversation turned into. Lighthearted joking was everyone’s love language in this group, you could tell just how much they had all grown to care for one another.

The next few hours pass pleasantly, Foolish and Sam continuing to where they had parked after waving them goodbye. Eret and Aimsey had their lobes pierced, Eret asking for some lovely silver hoops where Aimsey got shimmering gold star studs. Spur of the moment Ranboo decided to get a cartilage piercing through his right ear, adding to his already adorned ears but why not? Niki eyed up the tattoo walk-in slots before deciding against it today, perhaps later.

As suppertime grows closer they make the plans to eat at the Crow’s Roost before separating to get some last minute studying in for the exams they had tomorrow. The cooler spring air curls around them until they enter the warmth of the Cafe, beautiful flowers blooming everywhere throughout. The couple who owned the restaurant also had a greenhouse and supplied their own plants, the soft fragrance of flowers intertwining with the baked goods scents made this place amazing. It felt like a sanctuary away from the rat race outside, somewhere they could all relax.

Tommy and Tubbo are working the counter, Fundy hanging out in a corner booth with notebooks spread across the table until all four enter. Waving them over the redhead begins to clean up, Tubbo waving for them to go ahead and he will come take their order in a little bit. Tommy is complaining about something to Tubbo, whose incredible patience was tested everyday by the loud sunshine blonde.

“I want exams to be over.” Fundy whines, taking a long sip of the hot chocolate in front of him. “My brain feels like it is going to burst.”

“I have so much to memorise I feel like I am going to trick myself into identifying the plants I see in my dreams.” Aimsey replies with a groan, Niki looks concerned as she slides in beside the small brunette then Ranboo sits at the end of the bench. Eret joins the redhead on the other side, pulling their coat off before doing so.

“I can always help test you if you would like.” Her musical voice is kind, Aimsey waving it off with a gentle grin.

“I am mainly just making noise but thank you.”

“Good evening!” Tubbo breaks up the conversation while people settle into the booth. “What do you all want?”

Niki asks for a tea and a serving of the daily soup, Eret asks for the same thing where Aimsey asks for a grilled cheese and coffee. Fundy adds after he would like his brownie he paid for earlier now before the brunette turns to Ranboo.

“A grilled cheese and a cinnamon vanilla tea please, Bo!”

“You got it Boo. I’ll send Tommy out when it’s all done.” Tubbo taps his pen against his notebook before leaving, the group devolving back into conversation.

“We are almost halfway through the week!” Aimsey smiles at everyone, the rest of the students giving a tired cheer. “What are you guys plans for the summer?”

Hearing each give their input, Ranboo’s heart stutters a bit. Hearing all of them speaking about going home for a while, maybe to work for a bit. Most were nearing the end of their years in this town, and Ranboo released the one downside of growing so close to the others is he would miss them terribly when they were gone.

Like they could sense it, Eret nudges his knee beneath the table while the others talk, dropping their voice so it's just them. “What’s on your mind, you seem sad now?”

Taking a deep breath, Ranboo looks to each of them before meeting those sympathetic grey eyes, giving a sad grin. “Just listening to you all plan to move away hurts a bit. I know we all have to go on with our lives but you all are the only people I have ever been close to.”

Eret nods with an understanding expression, reaching a gentle hand out to cover Ranboo’s where it lay on the table. “Life does carry on, time rushes by far too fast. But I have a feeling those you have met here won’t let you go easily.”

“Plus, we always have the discord server!” Niki jumps in, overhearing the conversation drawing the others in as well. “It's how we all kept in touch last year, I don’t see that going anywhere anytime soon.”

“Will you go home for the summer?” Aimsey’s curiosity shows through, genuine as always.

“I….I don’t know.” They stress over the idea of even being back in that suffocating town, thinking of just how freeing being here had been.

“Well, whatever you decide, I promise we will all keep in contact.” Niki declares, glaring at each around the table until they nodded. “Right, you lot?”

“I still have to get you back for that last prank on the Minecraft server after all.” Fundy jokes looking at Ranboo, just as Tubbo comes back to the table with a tray of drinks. “Plus we need to have another mining contest, maybe get others involved! It’s too fun to not do it again!”

Nighttime blackness creeps across the windows outside, the indoors remaining bright and warm. Though they were initially worried earlier, they put it aside for now to enjoy the time with their friends. Eventually, Sam, Foolish and Purpled also walk into the Crows Roost after Aimsey sends them an invite. The rest of their waking hours is spent studying with their friends around them, laughing and pages rustling while they enjoy the quietness of night.

Slowly they leave as it grows closer to midnight, Eret and Niki going first followed by Aimsey and Purpled. The last three exit after waving goodbye several moments later, Ranboo helping Tommy and Tubbo clean up for the night. Though he wasn’t on payroll he didn’t mind, many hands make light work and he felt pride in clearing up this home he found himself in.

Ranboo’s last few moments of being awake becomes hanging their new dress in their closet, giving a wide smile at the soft piece before looking around his room. Music posters covered the blank spots on the light lavender wall; a colour he, Tubbo and Tommy had painted after Phil told him to make it look however he wanted.

He remembers the paint fight that erupted in the tarped room, tossing the wet colour at each other while laughing echoed around the empty room. Ending up collapsed in the middle of the floor, Tubbo’s head laying on his chest while Tommy sat up beside them snarking with a wicked gleam in those sky eyes. He remembers falling into the made up bed on the couch while his space was being renovated with soaked hair, all three taking turns to shower before retiring, ribs aching from the workout they had.

Though he dreaded it, he should ask his best friends their plan for the summer. Least he doubted he had to think about Tommy leaving, the blonde seemed perfectly happy where he was. Wilbur and Techno had spoken at length about it while June grew closer, both talking about events in the city.

Ranboo’s heart felt a bit better the longer they thought about it, knowing their friends would have their back. Tommy was a persistent bastard after all, that egged the rest of them on and was demanding at the best of times. Pulling their covers up to their chin, Ranboo closes their eyes while listening to ‘How to Save a Life’ by the Fray, chest all warm thinking of those who they considered friends now. 

They were extremely lucky to have found such an encouraging and tight knit group, making them feel like family from day one. Drifting off to sleep, their last thoughts are various memories they had lived since moving here.

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday pass agonisingly slow, most of their tests being on those three days. At least when all was said and done they felt confident they had at least done well, coming out of the exams only questioning one or two answers they put down. 

Tommy and Tubbo kept his spirits high, offering to help go over notes before making sure he took breaks too. Kristin texted him often making sure all three were eating, Ranboo was the most likely to respond so it became the norm to only text him. Tubbo couldn’t remember where his phone was half the time and Tommy mostly ignored his, distracted with anything and everything else, plus Ranboo didn’t mind. They had all sorts of fun conversations, the brunette woman heaven-sent for all she did for them.

Friday evening found their whole group out at the theatres, with all tests done they decided to blow off some steam seeing the latest superhero film. Techno and Ranboo spent the entire time discussing the plot while Wilbur occasionally popped in with various observations about the actual shooting of the story. Tommy told them to shut up repeatedly before eventually giving up everytime Techno brought up a new point, ignoring his youngest brother with a teasing smile.

The theatre they were in was relatively empty anyways, most students already taking the weekends leading up to summer packing. Tubbo, Eret and Purpled were tossing popcorn at one another while Niki and Aimsey chatted with Phil and Kristin. Foolish and Sam joined the popcorn game about halfway through the duration of the movie, the soundproof room filled with their joy.

All in all, it was a decent production but Ranboo remembered more of their friend’s faces than the actual story they just watched. Though they all differed from one another there was something that brought them together, they gravitated towards one another like it was meant to be.

Saturday was spent preparing for the feast planned for the day after, all taking shifts to prepare the Crows Roost for the event. Niki, Aimsey, Ranboo, Tommy, Tubbo and Eret spent most of the day adding more decorations Kristin bought but Phil didn’t allow them to touch the eggs. The couple wanted to have a proper egg hunt and planned to set it up after hours, the group of college-aged students becoming more excited for that than the dinner they were preparing.

Phil and Kristin sent them all home early that night, making Tubbo and Ranboo promise to barricade the door if Tommy tried to get a head start. The couple hid the eggs, soft music ringing through the floorboards for a few hours before they also left. The evening found Ranboo, Tommy and Tubbo sitting together on the couch. Tubbo had his head resting against Ranboo’s arm, the sunshine blonde on the other side of the smallest boy.

“Can I ask a question?” Ranboo blurts out, his best friends looking at him with curious faces. “What are you guys going to do in June?”

“What do you mean?” Tubbo asks, not catching his meaning.

“Like, are you both staying here? Just…the others keep talking about moving home for the summer and I am unsure what you both are thinking.” 

“I’m not going anywhere, Rainbow.” Tommy nods, waving around the apartment. “Going to spend those hot months in these four walls most of the time, besides the hours I put in for Mom at the greenhouse. That’s often the busy time of the year so I pick up some shifts there too.”

“Doubt I am going anywhere, my parents travel a lot so more than likely they will come see me a few times before jetting off to some remote country.” Tubbo adds, shrugging. “They have always been like that, wanting to see all corners of the world. I used to go with them a lot but have enjoyed being in one place more lately.”

“What about you?” Tommy peers towards Ranboo, who breaks their gaze to stare at their hands.

“No idea.” Their hands clenched tighter over their knees, taking a deep breath before speaking once more. “The idea of going back to where I grew up terrifies me and I would miss you lot far too much. But I also don’t want to abuse the gift your parents gave me of living here rent free, something I still struggle with not feeling guilty about.”

“Hey.” Tubbo tugs their long hand into his, a steady grasp in the storm Ranboo’s mind was encased in right now. “Stop that. I have lived here for over two years this summer, they have always been perfectly fine with me being here. Hell, they encourage it. I don’t know what your life was like growing up because you rarely speak about it but it seems no one really cared about you or for you Boo.”

“Rainbow, you are not a burden.” The unflinching tone of Tommy’s voice draws their gazes back together over Tubbo who was glaring at him with warm fondness. “Never were in fact, I am glad you share this space in my apartment and my heart. You fit in so well here, I would miss you terribly if you left.”

“You don’t have to go home, Boo.” Tubbo’s ocean eyes shine in the lamplight, orbs Ranboo felt a safety was encased within. “You can live here the whole summer, pick up some extra shifts if you want!”

“Hell, I am sure my parents would also offer you a position at the greenhouse if you were interested! I know at least Niki plans to return too, she’s coming back for a fourth year to get her teachers certificate.” Tommy gives a small smile, a fierce glint in his sky eyes. “Like hell any of the others are falling out of contact with us anyways, we managed the entire last summer staying in contact.”

Ranboo tilts his head, realising they had to know one another before University with the way the maths was adding up. “Wait, I am not sure I even asked you all how you met.”

“Tubbo and I went to the local high school here, then we worked at the Cafe on weekends and met each person one by one. When we were exploring what pathways we wanted to take we were paired up with Niki and Sam as mentors, the rest is history.”

“You can take comfort in knowing Tubbo and I will still be living in this same apartment no matter which you choose.” Tommy’s normally abrasive tone breaks, comfort flowing instead in a rare sentimental moment. “But if I may bring up one final point, you have started smiling a helluva lot more since we first met.”

“We will always be right here for you.” Tubbo holds their hand with more force, dragging them in for a hug Tommy also jumps in on.

One klutzy action later ends up with all three falling to the floor, room echoing with laughter while Tommy breaks into complaints of ending up at the bottom. Then Tubbo has the bright idea to build a blanket fort just because, which the other two happily agree.

After dragging bedding and pillows from their room, all three end up snuggled together while watching the Princess Bride. It was Techno’s favourite story and seemed to have influenced his younger brother with the same passion. Snacks were passed around and eventually, all three were too lazy to go all the way back to their rooms and pass out one by one. Ranboo’s last thought of the night is seeing Tubbo curled against his side, Tommy spooning a pillow on the other, and smiling.

He was loved so fiercely here, he made the resolve to never let that be taken away.

Loud knocking on the door woke them on Sunday morning, Tubbo  opening the door to a scowling Techno who was wearing chocolate-coloured bunny ears. Ranboo managed to choke down their laughter unlike Tommy, whose torso shook with it upon seeing his brother.

“Someone find me my phone, I need a photo of this!” Tommy eventually says, breathing heavily which Techno sends a withering glare his way.

“If you take a picture, you will never see that phone again.” Techno threatens, turning his attention to the other two who gave up the fight concealing their snickering. “It’s Easter, I allow Mom to force me into holiday spirit once a year so she chose this occasion to enact that promise. You should see the ones Wilbur has, I got lucky with the brown pair. Anyways, you giggling nerds, Mom says she needs you all in about an hour to begin preparing dinner.”

He leaves with flourish after that, closing the door behind him leaving Tubbo staring at the closed panel with disbelief. “Never in all my years did I think I would see Techno in bunny ears.”

“Found it!” Tommy says triumphantly, clicking the screen on with a wicked grin. “I will have my opportunity to get blackmail later, he’s going to be wearing those all day.”

Ranboo pulls himself from the warm blankets with a stretch, joints cracking back into place before turning to the other boys. “Can I get the first shower?”

Both give their consent, Ranboo leaving the room as they discuss how to sneak photos of the twins. Tommy was the scheming one of the group, but he was very persuasive and often convinced Tubbo and Ranboo into his plots.

Turning the shower to scalding warm, he steps in and washes up quickly. Wanting to spend some time at least getting his makeup completed before they were needed, he could come back to change into his new dress closer to mealtime. Stepping out into the cold air he wraps himself in a fluffy towel before heading back to his room where he puts on an old tshirt and jeans.

Running a wide toothed comb through his long tresses, he makes the mental note to get more dye seeing his roots start to show more. The long strands brush his hip bones now, an impressive length that finally rivalled Techno’s. Cleaning his new piercing thoroughly, he ties his bi-coloured hair back in a braid for now. Perhaps he would ask Techno to help do some fancy ones later, close to the scalp where he could weave silver chains through. Something pretty to match his newest turquoise dress.

Putting on concealer, they do the rest of their eye make-up quickly. Settling for some light blues for the eyeshadow and a brown eyeliner, it was simplistic but contrasted his coffee and emerald eyes well. Leaving his room he finds Tommy and Tubbo also dressed for the day, standing by the door.

“Wow, you look great.” Tubbo compliments, Ranboo’s cheeks warming while they give a grateful smile.

“Thanks Bo.”

“Showing us up again, damn. Am I going to have to pull out my suit for tonight's feast?” Tommy jokes, giving an approving nod.

All three leave the apartment, Tommy not bothering to lock it as they will be directly below. They only locked it at night anyways, someone would have a tough time breaking in with the fact there was always someone nearby when the cafe was occupied.

Kristin greets them with a kind smile, already having poured coffee and tea for all three. She has placed three fold-up aprons beside the steaming mugs, reviewing a list she wrote earlier in her pretty, looping handwriting.

“I just need you three to be extra hands for me to start some of these sides and the ham. When we complete that I am going to ask you to gather the ingredients Niki and Sam requested for their cookies before they come by this afternoon to bake them. I will leave it up to you whether you want to help them too, though I am sure they will appreciate it!”

“Sounds good, put us to work!” Ranboo tells her, and she does just that.

Between peeling potatoes and carrots for vegetables and glazing the ham, all are busy for a while. Ranboo is the only one trusted with a peeler, sharp items a hazard in his best friend’s hands. Tommy and Tubbo finish their tasks quickly of making the glaze and heating up a crockpot, gathering the ingredients Niki left her own list of.

The clock just ticks past one when the blonde woman arrives, Sam, and Aimsey in tow. Techno and Wilbur also return, grabbing the last few things to make the day perfect. Ranboo giggles when Kristin stops them and forces the twins to put back on the bunny ears, both looking affectionately annoyed at their mother’s antics but relent.

The bright pink ears contrast Wilbur’s chestnut curls well, him joining Niki, Sam and Aimsey in the kitchen to help with the dessert preparations. Ranboo asks if they can be excused to go put on their outfit for the night, their duties taken care of before everyone else arrives at three. Kristin and Phil planned to do the Easter Egg Hunt first, then some egg painting kits they also picked up on sale.

This family truly did like to go all out for events like this.

Arriving back to the apartment alone after climbing the stairs, Ranboo takes a moment to breathe. He loved them all dearly, but boy their energy could be a lot. Looking forward to tonight but needing a moment to rest, he was slowly learning to care for himself more.

Remembering the plan earlier of asking Techno if he could help with the braids, he shoots the quiet brother a quick message. Guessing correctly, Techno also needed a break from the hubbub and came up to their apartment shortly after he replied. Whenever each needed a breather, they could always count on each other for a moment of peace.

“How do they all have so much energy?” Techno whines, pulling the ears off now that he was out of eyesight from his mother. “It’s exhausting.”

“I doubt either of us would have it any other way.” Ranboo remarks, the small grin from Techno confirmation enough that no matter how much he complains, it was a comfortable chaos.

“So what were you thinking?” Techno asks as Ranboo led him to his room, opening the door to his safe space.

Pulling his computer chair to the middle of the floor, he goes to his dresser to pull out his various hair products. “If you could do some braids running along the side of my head that lead into a half up-half down style in the back that would match what I am thinking, please.”

“You got it kid.” Techno grabs a brush and begins rhythmically detangling the strands from the braid, a silence filling the room for a moment before Techno asks. “If you don’t mind, I would love some music as this is going to take some time.”

Grabbing his phone he connects it to his bluetooth speaker before settling back down, Techno clipping most of his mane back to work on the small bits first with some bobby pins in close reach. Shuffling his playlist, Touch Tone Telephone by Lemon Demon comes on and Ranboo begins humming along as he lets himself be cared for.

Techno surprises him by being the one to break the silence, deep voice gentle. “I heard you were worried about this summer?”

Ranboo’s eyes widen while the pink-haired man works, meeting his eyes in the mirror they were in front of.

“A little birdie told me, it's besides the point I am going to be making anyways.” Techno finishes one braid and begins the next down the right side of their head that was dyed raven-black. “You don’t have to worry about me or my brother going anywhere. Wilbur’s got gigs lined up in bars around the city the next few months and we both are going to move back with our parents for a bit to save costs. Think I might start my novel while decompressing from the stress of the past few months.”

“That’s exciting!” Ranboo feels the worries he previously held evaporate one by one as the friends he felt closest too made sure to reassure him. “What will it be about?”

“I want to write something grand and mythical, with a ton of world building. I have this idea I have sat with for a while that deserves to be on paper.” Techno moves to the other side now, working through his cloud-coloured tresses to draw out small parts. “You don’t have to worry about being alone anymore.”

Ranboo felt that directly to his core, they were too alike in mindsets sometimes with how well Techno nailed his innermost anxieties down. “You are far too insightful sometimes Tech.”

“Only with those I care about.” Techno takes a moment to squeeze his shoulder, mahogany eyes fond.

He finishes up the hair style quickly, two braids down the sides of his scalp that he weaves some delicate chains through with small vibrant silver beads that shimmer. Ranboo’s ears show with the tresses pulled away, a good portion of their hair drawn into a large butterfly clip at the back of their skull.

Soon after Techno mentions he has to go help downstairs again, leaving Ranboo to put the finishing touches into his outfit. Ringing laughter alerts him to the fact Tommy and Tubbo have returned upstairs to change as well. Dysfunctional You by Shinedown blasts through Ranboo’s speakers as he looks in the mirror, stunned by just how good he looked.

Pulling the silky dress from their closet, they know it's a bit overdressed but why the hell not. Like Eret sensed their worries this morning, the curly brunette had been sending a ton of encouraging messages in the shopping group chat themself, Niki and Aimsey were a part of from earlier this week. The others had also joined in on the reassurance, but they aren't nearly as persistent as Eret, someone who understood their concerns on an intimate level.

Ranboo lets the liquid material slide down their long torso as it settles on their form, twisting their arm to draw the zipper up before realising they can’t get it all the way. Sighing, they decide to ask someone after finishing the rest of their preparations. Pulling on some simple flats and finding their silver-rose flower crown, they place it on their head before ending up back in front of their floor-length mirror.

An elegant being stared back, eye makeup making their odd-eyes pop while the silver crown matched the dress perfectly. The neckline of this dress didn’t allow any necklaces, lacing behind their neck in a delicate bow they tied.

Their eyes caught the framed photo of their moms and Ranboo picks it up, wiping away tears quickly as they look at the happy women. If only they could see him now, choosing the real world for comfort over the stories of far away lands. Still enjoying books a bunch, but their life now held the best people they could have ever asked for. Taking one final moment of meeting their gaze through the glass, they place the picture back down and leave their room after grabbing a grey cardigan in case they get cold.

“Tubbo? Tommy?” Ranboo calls out, seeing who responds first before Tubbo’s door flies open and he pauses, giving an approving once over.

“Well, it's a good thing we grabbed our suits, huh.” Tubbo comments loudly, Tommy also coming out of his room at that statement. The sunshine blonde whistles, clothes mussed and a pastel blue tie undone around his neck. “You look incredible!”

“Wow! You went all out and that blue compliments you perfectly!” Tommy adds, Ranboo feeling shy but joyous at their loud support.

“Can one of you finish zipping the back up, turns out I cannot reach it.”

Tommy moves to do so while Tubbo struggles with his own yellow tie, Ranboo reaching out to adeptly fasten it for him. Tommy does the zipper up quickly before running to grab his own suit jacket. Ranboo also helps him with his tie, growing more excited for the event they were about to attend.

Everyone had agreed to come, wanting to have one last big dinner before they had to go home. That sentence hurt less now, he knew no matter what they were all in it for the long haul.

Tommy and Tubbo pull on their black suit jackets, all three heading down to the delicious smelling kitchen where Eret, Sam and Phil are cleaning up now that everything is made, resting in a warm oven. All are dressed up for the occasion too, Phil’s blonde hair neatly tied back as he wears a forest green weather above clean jeans. Sam is wearing something similar, except his sweater is a deep ocean blue.

Eret blows Ranboo away the moment he sees them; adorned in a lavender dress their grey eyes are outlined in this shimmering gold eyeshadow. A beautiful sunshine-coloured cloak trails down their back, ending just above their ankles. Curly tresses pulled into an elegant bun, a heavy gold crown with rainbow gems is nestled on top of their head. Wearing lovely high heels to accentuate their height, they smile pleasantly and stop where they are wiping the counter to sweep over to where Ranboo stands.

“You look like royalty.” Ranboo compliments as they grab his hands, giving a soft look.

“You look stunning, that dress works perfectly for your skin tone and body shape.” Eret looks them up and down, pulling Ranboo in for a hug and dropping their voice so only they could hear. “I am so proud of you, everyone here is. Always be yourself around us Ranboo, I love seeing the true you bloom before me.”

Stepping back before Ranboo recovered, they gush over Tommy and Tubbo who return the favour while the split-dyed soul absorbs the lovely words they spoke.

Walking out to the main part of the Crows Roost, all three from the kitchen joined them as they finished to find it alight with life. Butter-yellow daffodils covered a bunch of the surfaces, cloud white lilies scattered throughout as well. There were a few more varieties but Ranboo didn’t know their names, only seen them in passing.

He should speak to Phil about a greenhouse position, he realises his heart had settled upon staying here for the summer. He doubted his Aunt would be surprised, he missed her but didn’t miss the sheer apathy that bled through that house. 

Niki and Aimsey rush to his side, enthusiastic words surrounding them admiring the dress and how Ranboo had accessorised it. He ran an appreciative eye over two of his biggest hype people; Niki in a beautiful mint green dress with gold jewellery where Aimsey wore their signature beanie but had traded their striped sweater for a suit. Instead of a tie, they wore a rose-red bow tie to match their hat, the last glimpse he gets before the energetic one launches themself into his arms.

Ranboo holds the tiny being close, treasuring just who surrounded him now. Niki joins the hug, all embracing for a few moments before they pull back. Purpled comes over and gives Ranboo a high five, offering a shy comment about how good they look before he returns to where Fundy stands with Foolish and Sam. Foolish had traded his usual work out clothes for a clean white button-up shirt where Fundy wore a silver polo shirt.

Foolish had a similar reaction to Ranboo when Eret emerged from the kitchen, walking up to them tripping over his own words. Eret smiled affectionately, giving him their thanks as they walked to where Phil and Kristin had set up the drink station, Foolish pouring them a tea.

Kristin shone from the moment Ranboo saw her, radiating comfort and dressed like some space goddess. She had a long, deep purple gown on with sparkling stars throughout, looking like someone had fashioned the cosmos above for her. Phil looked at her with so much love as she laughed, talking to her twin sons. Techno had clearly warmed up to the bunny ears where Wilbur now seemed more apprehensive, tugging at the pink ears every so often.

The moment she sees Ranboo she rushes towards them, gasping. “You look so beautiful, my dear Ran, oh my goodness!”

“Thank you, Kristin.” He rubs his arm while his cheeks redden, looking around at the bright cafe. “So do you, and the Crows Roost as well.”

“Turned out pretty well, I agree.” She looks proudly around the room, pastel egg lights hanging from the ceiling above. Ranboo could already see a few places some plastic eggs hid from the Hunt they were doing soon, Tommy also looking around while mumbling to Tubbo. “Now that you are here, shall we get on with the event?”

Ranboo nods, moving to where his best friends stood as Kristing walks to the middle of the room. Dropping his voice, he says playfully. “You are going down.”

“Bet.”

“Whoever finds the most eggs gets to pawn a house chore away for a week.” Tubbo offers as a prize, Ranboo and Tommy trading looks before nodding.

“Deal.”

“Attention everyone!” Kristin announces, everyone pulling away from their conversations to face her. “Happy Easter! I am so grateful you all can join us for this sugary holiday! It is time to do the Egg Hunt now, Techno and Wilbur will give you each a basket then I am going to ask you to come to where I am standing.”

The twins do as they were beckoned too, Techno and Wilbur ending up beside where the other three are standing near Kristin. Phil clears his throat then, looking at each of them.

“Rules include; there are no eggs beyond this room, I promise. Turns out it breaks several kitchen safety codes and it's easier to keep it in one area. Number two, be nice to each other, for Christ’s sake. It's a fun holiday with some good-natured competition, let’s act like it. Final rule; there are a total of sixty eggs hidden, if it all works out that’s five each to split after we do the initial hunt. The winner gets this Easter basket my darling wife put together!” Phil gestures to a bright and clean wrapped wicker basket beside him, the clear plastic allowing them to see it was full of Easter candy and chocolates.

Ranboo receives a robin-blue basket from Techno who gives him a wink, all already scoping their surroundings while Kristin giggled at their excitement. Phil waits until everyone has their basket before holding his hand up, the bantering growing quieter. Purpled and Fundy continued to bicker while Phil held up his hand.

“We are starting in…” Chuckling while they all dance anxiously, he lets his fingers fall as he counts down. “5…4…3…2…1! GO! ”

Ranboo gathers their skirt close to their body while rushing towards the pink egg hiding in a bookshelf, Techno aiming for the same one before relenting with a smile.

“That’s your free one!”

“Don’t think I can grab them on my own?”

“Not before I get them going forward!” Techno vows, playful energy abundant around the usually calmer twin.

Eret is trading barbs with Wilbur whose chocolate eyes are wild with joy, the roommates lost in their own conversation as they both have their hand on a find. Purpled is chasing Tommy as he laughs loudly, Tubbo encouraging them while grabbing the ones they miss while they fight over only one.

Niki, Foolish, Sam and Fundy are on the other side of the Cafe, searching the stage where the piano stands. Aimsey teams up with Tubbo shortly into the hunt, joining in on cheering the two blondes fighting while they rush around the space. Ranboo admires the strategy, getting more than the two who spend the entire time outdoing each other.

Ranboo keeps ending up near Techno or Wil, the curly-haired musician looking the most alive he had been in weeks, exams taking it out of all of them. The time searching was fun, Ranboo finding three more alongside the twins; adding a green, yellow and pink egg to his basket. Kristin and Phil watched, sitting at the table with the prize they were all aiming for. The older blonde was clearly the one in charge of the music today; One More Light by Linkin Park playing through the speakers above.

Clapping breaks their concentration as the finds get fewer and far between, Phil asking them to count them up now. Ranboo only ended up with six, looking around he felt confident until he saw Aimsey’s which had eight in it. Kristin counts each before coming back to Aimsey, holding up their small hand with a wide grin.

“Aimsey wins with a total of eight!” Everyone’s cheering drowns out her next words, so she waits until it dies down before she continues. “Everyone please divide up your finds to make sure you have five each, this is meant to be a shared holiday.”

Ranboo peeks into the closest basket, Wilbur’s, where he stands and sees only four. Picking up the buttercup yellow egg, he slides it into Wilbur’s stash who looks confused before giving a grateful expression. “Thanks Ranbus!”

“Anytime, Wil.”

Tracking down his roommates he asks how many each got, Tubbo finding a total of seven where Tommy only found three. Both immediately asked him to take care of dishes for a week, which he complained about before accepting. They were all pretty good about keeping a chore schedule and they would still probably end up helping him dry, the tasks going quicker when they did them together.

The next activity is more contained chaos; they set up egg painting stations for those who wish to participate. All decide to do so, Ranboo being sure to grab a kitchen apron to protect their dress with Eret and a few others doing the same. They spend around half an hour designing their creations, Ranboo sitting between Niki and Tommy. 

Soon they do a judging ceremony similar to the Christmas event; all voting on their favourites. Ranboo ended up casting his vote for Purpled’s, a beautiful dark purple egg with gold accents. Imprinting small gold stars in the paint, it far outstands the rest in Ranboo’s opinion.

It's close to five when Kristin announces the winner after counting the poll, declaring Purpled as the one with the most votes. The prize was a whole bunch of baked goods and a voucher for the movies, the serious blonde wearing a victorious expression as he accepted the win with grace.

Recruiting Niki, Tommy and Tubbo, the couple begins to bring food from the delicious smelling oven to the serving table. The rest drag tables together to form one long one, Ranboo grabbing a few tablecloths from the bags Kristin brought in nearly a week ago now. Spreading them across, the others set the placemats and help locate utensils.

Ranboo ends up between his two best friends when all is said and done, everyone joining one by one with heaping plates of food. Sam sits across with Fundy and Foolish in close proximity, Phil takes his usual spot at the head of the table with Kristin near Eret and Niki.

The cafe owner stands, his greying blonde hair released from the ponytail he had it in earlier. Tapping a fork to his wine glass, all attention goes to the proud man.

“Happy Easter to you all! I can imagine with exams being over this is the first time you have allowed yourselves to relax in weeks.” Most down the table voice their agreements, Sam taking an exaggerated drink of his own wine which makes Phil laugh. “I am glad we could provide this fun event to decompress.”

“We are so proud of who you all have become before our very eyes.” Kristin continues, standing to hold her husband’s hand. “You smile so much more since we first met, I am excited to see what you will all do in the future! Those we will see back here next semester, you will always have a safe haven with us.”

“Those who choose to leave to pursue their own dreams, you go with our blessing along with the same offer. I don’t care if it’s the middle of the night, we will do our best to help you.”

“All we ask is that you reach out every once in a while, and let's keep arranging regular weekends to see one another!”

“If you don’t keep in contact, I will make you.” Tommy barges into the conversation, smirking while each sends him affectionate glares. “I will sick Tubbo on you across all electronic methods of contact, and you know how persistent we both are.”

Ranboo takes a deep breath after giggling, spur of the moment standing while the couple turns their attention to him. He looks directly at Phil’s face filled with pride, and steadies his shaking hands before adding his own piece, directly from his loved heart.

“When I moved here under a year ago I never imagined I would find a family.” Ranboo looks at each person who has come to mean the world to him. Each tacking a sign to sides of his heart to armour it forevermore, safe within the love of his friends. “I also never pictured myself in such a close knit group, and now that I am here, it’s hard to think about a future where I don’t see you every day.”

Silence grows as Ranboo's throat tightens, swallowing before speaking in a significantly less steady voice. “You all helped me become who I am, happy to explore and experiment with how I was to present myself. At my side when I need a laugh or a hand standing up, I can only hope I give you the same comfort.”

“Sitting at this table on many occasions are the most joyous memories I have now, being around you all. We vary in personalities and ages but found common interests. We all learned to care for each other with those bridges of similarities. I hope we can have many more events like this long into the future, you have given me holidays and acceptance, miles above what I have ever received before.”

Taking a moment to meet each person’s eyes, they end with simply. “Thank you.”

They sit down, cheeks growing hot as starting with Phil, they all start to cheer and holler their support. Tommy and Tubbo throw themselves at each side, knocking the wind from them with their embraces.

In their arms, he felt safe. In all their gazes, he felt at home. He could finally be himself and all he received was encouragement. It was a wonderful feeling.

Dinner passed full of laughter and tears, all feeling the connection of being close to one another. All left with heavy baskets of sugar and loved souls, Ranboo knew though their paths all differed in the future his heart would always be thinking of them.

Plus, there was always Minecraft on Saturday’s. A place they could build a story and at least feel the bond through the virtual screen. And when the real world was too stressful, all they had to do was log on and find their safe place among their friends, no matter the distance.

It was the best thing that had ever happened to Ranboo, he was so glad he met everyone here. For he knew no matter what, they had his back, forevermore.