Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

On this day in particular, the summer sun was like an arrow, piercing the world with an aching heat. Not a single one of the women in their suffocating gowns was seen far from their fan. Shopkeepers along the road kept a bucket of water nearby, clinging to the shade of their awnings and roofs. Even the stray cats that prowled the dirt roads looking for scraps shied away from anything that wasn’t in the shadows.

But as he ran through the back alleyways, darting between side-streets, it seemed the monstrous sun simply couldn’t keep up with Tubbo. The boy’s bare feet flew over the familiar ground, acting on muscle memory like they had a million times before. Brunette bangs so overgrown they usually covered his eyes were blown out of the way by the force of his speed.

If he tried to run through the open streets like this, he risked running into someone. And if he did that, it’d be a miracle if he avoided getting hit.

“Rule Number 3: Avoid inconveniencing others at all costs.”

So he memorized the alleyways and backroads, and they felt like home to Tubbo as he darted through them, energetic beyond reason. Perhaps it was from keeping all he had to say bottled up inside him all the time. Thank God he has Wilbur to talk to, he thought, or he might’ve gone crazy.

“Rule Number 1: Never speak unless you are given express permission or addressed specifically.”

Coming to a stop at the back door of what might’ve come to be his favorite building in the whole city, Tubbo stopped to catch his breath. Leaning back against the stone wall next to the door, he ran his fingers through his knotty windblown hair. Wilbur always hated to see it messy, but it wasn’t like he knew how to take care of it on his own. Even if he managed to nab a hairbrush from God-knows-where, the closest thing he had to a mirror was the fountain in the center of the marketplace.

As the teen boy heaved a sigh, already anticipating another one of Wilbur’s fatherly lectures, the door to the building swung open. The scent of fresh-cooked food wafted from the kitchen it was connected to, reminding Tubbo just how hungry he was.

“Tubbo, is that you? You’re here early.”

There in the doorway was Wilbur, the owner of the bakery they were stood behind and one of the only people that served to remind the brunette boy of human kindness. Wilbur was a tall man in his early thirties, with chocolate brown eyes and soft curly hair to match. Tubbo often found himself wondering how a man like that had a child with hair as red as Fundy’s, though he assumed it had something to do with the younger boy’s late mother. He’d never known her well, but in the stories Wilbur told of her she seemed lovely.

“I wanted to run today, Wil! Summertime is the—“

“The best time, yes, you’ve told me every summer to date.” The older man heaved a sigh, wiping his brow with the back of a flour-covered hand. “Easy for you to say you enjoy the weather, you’re not working in a kitchen all day. Why don’t you come inside, then you’ll see what I’m going through.”

As the duo entered the aromatic kitchen, Wilbur gestured to a table in the corner for Tubbo to sit down at. Tubbo nodded, as if he hadn’t been sitting at that same spot for years.  Wil came over with a plate of warm food and a glass of water just as Tubbo sat down. A roll fresh from the cooling rack and a generous slice of turkey; Wilbur was a god amongst men.

“You’re a saint, Wil,” Tubbo remarked, through it came out sounding more like “Er uh phaint, Wil”; the boy had already started in on the bread. He was met with a chuckle and a gentle pat on the head as a means of reply, as Wilbur pulled up a chair to sit with the brunette boy.

Tubbo readied himself for today’s lecture on proper hair care, or perhaps a rant on an article Wilbur had read in the paper, or a story about a particularly good or particularly bad customer. But it seemed the older man had another subject in mind for that day’s lunchtime discussion.

“Say, Tubbo, have you considered finding somewhere to work?” It wasn’t an unreasonable question, but it was surprising enough for the boy to all but choke on his bread; because no, he honestly hadn’t considered it. He’d been living off the city streets for a decade now, longer than he hasn’t been, he realized.

“I know you wouldn’t get paid for it, and of course that’s not fair, but you’d have somewhere to stay, and you’d have new clean clothes, and you might even meet some other kids your age wherever you go.” Wilbur ran a finger along the rim of his own glass, a nervous habit of his Tubbo had picked up on over their years together. “Plus, I mean, I left home to look for work when I was around your age. Granted, our situations aren’t exactly comparable...” At this the man glanced over to the cluster of stars tattooed upon his wrist.

“I guess I hadn’t thought about it before. I mean, I’m getting by well enough, Wil.” Here he faked a pout, sapphire eyes glistening with false hurt. “Could it be you’re finally getting tired of me?” Wilbur laughed, a smile lighting up his face as he playfully pushed Tubbo away.

Though, underneath it, they both knew Tubbo was small and scrawny for a seventeen year old boy, and the skin of his chest stretched tight over his ribs. He wasn’t “getting by well enough” by any means.

“After all this time? You’ve grown on me by now, kid.” A calloused hand found it’s way over the boy’s smaller one before he continued, brown eyes soft as if melting with compassion. “Tubbo, I understand you don’t like visiting Marketplace Center after what happened, and I don’t blame you, but...there’s a notice board there where people post job offers all the time. I’d be more than happy to walk you down there after this if you wanted to take a look.”

The hand that wasn’t holding Wilbur’s drifted to Tubbo’s cheek, tracing over the scar that slashed across it. It cut right through the crescent moon branding burned into his face. With all the the scars, freckles, and smudges of dirt on the boy’s face, you could make shapes out of them the same way you might with clouds.

“It’s fine, Wilbur, really. That was years ago. I’m almost a man now!” Tubbo flexed his twig-like arms, trying to show off muscles that simply weren’t there. “I’ve just gotta stay out of the way and I’ll be fine!”

“So you‘ll go, then?” Hope was written all across Wilbur’s face, as clearly as if with ink.

“Why not? No harm in checking the place out.” Washing down the last of his meal with a sip of water, the brunette boy leaned back in his chair as he turned to face his friend. “But won’t you miss me if I go off to work somewhere? And what about little Fundy? You’ll have to pay the next babysitter in more than just free meals and hand-me-down clothes.”

“I’d break every law ever written if it meant I could visit you, Tubbo. You know it wouldn’t be goodbye for us.”

Even so, he hugged the smaller boy extra tight before he left that day. All of his love, his worries, his cares and concerns squeezed into one embrace that could’ve lasted five seconds or five hundred years.

———

“You’re such a worry wart, Tubbo. You know Wil wouldn’t tell you to do something if it could get you in trouble.”

Out under the summer sun again, Tubbo was feeling just how hot it was now that he wasn’t sprinting through it. Stepping left, then right, then left again to avoid other people, he rolled up the frayed and dirtied sleeves of his old green shirt. According to Wilbur, it used to belong to his wife.

“Do you remember the time when he let you help him with the cooking, and you nicked your finger on the knife blade? Poor old man almost had a heart attack trying to make sure you didn’t die of blood loss or something. Look, it didn’t even leave a scar!”

Tubbo wasn’t able to talk to people aloud. So he talked to himself in his head. About people he saw in the marketplace, the flowers growing on the side of the road, something Wilbur had told him that day. Right now, though, he was trying to talk himself out of his worries.

“Seriously, Tubbo, Wilbur’s the biggest pussy we’ve ever seen. I think you’d be more likely to put yourself in harm’s way before he ever would.”

Yeah, I know. That’s the problem. Tubbo reached up to wipe the sweat off his brow, while also trying to brush the hair out of his eyes.

I’m scary good at finding trouble.

The scar on his cheek smarted with phantom pains, as if reawakened by that last thought.

And then, with a final turn past the millionth row of shops and stalls, he found himself at Marketplace Center.

If you took any given set of lefts and rights, any road in the city could take you here. It was quite literally the center, in that sense, but it also got its name from being the center of attention. A diva of a place.

Or maybe it was an anthill, crawling with insects. Except the insects were people, and they were everywhere he looked, and just knowing how many he’d have to walk by made Tubbo’s stomach twist and turn and tie itself in knots. For someone living on the lowest step of the societal staircase, he was usually a pretty cheerful person. But now, he felt as if his knees would give out under him if anyone so much as looked at him funny.

The notice board was posted on the wall of a building opposite to where Tubbo stood, frozen in place. Maybe he’d melt under the sunlight, let himself turn into a puddle of a person and get washed away. It couldn’t have been more than thirty feet away, but there might as well have been an ocean between Tubbo and that wall, and he held his breath the entire time he crossed it. By the time he made his way over to the building, he was gasping for air.

But before he could so much as glance over the fliers, posters, and notices hanging there, something shook him out of the watery haze he was drowning in.

“Are you okay?”

Sapphire eyes widening in surprise, Tubbo turned to face the source of the mysterious voice that cut through the noise around them. He was sure it wasn’t one he recognized, but that only made him all the more curious.

In hindsight, he was glad he looked. Because the person who had called out to him was nothing like anyone he’d ever seen before.

Tubbo wasn’t one to stare; if anything it was just another unnecessary way he could draw attention to himself. But he couldn’t look away from this boy, not this time. Maybe it was the way his hair was split right down the middle, one side raven black while the other was white as starlight. Or perhaps it was the eyes, one a glistening ruby red and the other so green it could’ve been encrusted in emeralds. It could easily have been the other boy’s height as well, for he had too have stood around a whole foot taller than Tubbo.

And though he was craning his neck to look up at the stranger, though he was breaking just about every rule he’d ever set for himself on how to get by...

Enamored.

Tubbo was simply enamored.

———

Ranboo had been counting down the months, weeks, and days until his birthday the way one might count the seconds until a bomb detonates. And his family, oblivious to his dread, seemed all too anxious to set it off.

Maybe he’d purposefully fail at hiring a few new servants to work at the family estate, a task his father had assigned him to “prove he was ready to inherit his title and land” or something. Maybe he’d be able to buy himself another year or two of childhood if his parents could see how incapable he was.

And yet, he’d sat hunched over his desk making the perfect flier to put on the notice board. He’d accepted a carriage ride to Marketplace Center, which he spent fidgeting with the ribbon bookmark of his notebook. If he wasn’t doing that, he’d be picking at the leather bound cover, tapping his foot rhythmically against the carriage floor, looking out the window and counting things as they passed. Nervous habits that piled up like snow in the winter. Filling up the holes in his mind where memories should be.

It was scorching hot outside, but Ranboo still told the carriage driver to go on home, said he’d be walking back. He’d been absently running his fingers through his own two-toned hair as he said this, though, a telltale sign on lying. He knew he wasn’t coming home until the sunset was covering the sky with a blanket of warmth, lighting up the horizon and signaling it was time for dinner. The longest he could get away with.

He could breathe better out here. It’s not like house was physically suffocating; the mansion itself was huge and the land is was on even bigger. But emotionally, it had the same effect as a hand wrapped around his throat.

And so, he’d stay out for a while. But first, he’d go put his silly flier on the message board, because he didn’t know what else to do besides smile and nod and do as he was told.

Except, there was already someone standing there. And while that didn’t stop him from being able to access the board, it did distract him. Because the boy standing before him was shaking, hugging his chest and gasping for air. Almost as if he was drowning. The least he could do, Ranboo figured, was offer him a lifeboat.

“Are you okay?”

The boy turned to look at him, so fast his overgrown bangs flew out of the way for a moment, showing off his big blue eyes and the shock rippling through them. The next thing Ranboo noticed, after the eyes, was that the boy was definitely looking up at him. He was small, not just in height but in every other sense. His shirt, a stained and ragged button-up that might’ve been green once, swallowed his bony frame.

His face was covered in freckles and scars and dirt, as well as the burnt branding on his cheek that marked the boy as a Crescent. If he remembered correctly, Crescents had to be given permission to speak to those who were higher class to him. And while Ranboo had always thought such a strict caste system was bullshit, he pushed it to the back of his might right then. The only thing he cared to think about then was the boy standing before him.

“Oh, uh, you can speak if you want. It wasn’t a rhetorical question.” No, no, backtrack. That sounds rude. The last thing Ranboo wanted was to come off as rude. “You seemed a little out of it, I wanted to make sure you were alright.”

“...I’m alright now . Thank you.” As he spoke, a shy smile played across the small boy’s features. His voice itself was lighter and quieter than Ranboo’s, yet still distinctly male.

They say when you meet your soulmate, it feels like Cupid’s pierced straight through your heart. Rose petals cascade from the sky like April rain, and fireworks set your mind alight. Ranboo was starting to wonder if there was such thing as a platonic Cupid, and if he was on his side.

Ever since the day that curse had rooted itself in his mind like some sort of weed, Ranboo had struggled with new friends, new people in general. He should’ve been expecting it; he had been in a sense. He knew it was coming, his dad had warned him many times.

“The curse is genetic, Boo, always past to the first son of the family. I wish I could promise you more, but it’s just something you’ll have to power through.”

Of course, nothing could prepare you fully for the feeling of waking up everyday with new holes in your mind, opening up and swallowing your precious memories. Having someone approach you like a friend, when to you they’re a total stranger.

Everyone eventually stopped trying to get Ranboo to remember them, moving on and talking to other kids who wouldn’t forget who they were the next time they saw each other. And so, Ranboo stopped trying as well.

It had been years since he met someone who made him want to try.

“What’s your name?”

“...my name?” Ranboo nodded. “ My name?”

Judging by the other boy’s reaction, it seems he had also stopped trying. Though Ranboo was sure it was for different reasons, not because his brain was a slice of Swiss cheese.

“If it helps, I can tell you mine first.” The tall boy extended a gloved hand towards the smaller one. “I’m Ranboo, it’s nice to meet you.”

“Well, I’m Tubbo, and the pleasure is really all mine.” Multicolored eyes watched as the brown haired boy, Tubbo , frantically wiped his hands on his trousers, giving an awkward bow before finally shaking Ranboo’s hand.

Ranboo couldn’t help it; he had to laugh. Seventeen years of being a Sun, Caste system term for a high class pretty boy, and he still never got used to all the formalities. They felt stiff and uncomfortable to him, another barrier separating him from other people.

“I promise you, Tubbo, you don’t need to be so formal with me. If anything, I’d rather you didn’t. Makes me feel like I’m at another one of dad’s prissy brunches.”

Insensitive much? Ranboo could’ve passed out right there. God, had he really just made an off handed comment about brunches to a kid who probably didn’t get to eat more than a couple of scraps a day, let alone a full brunch? Clearly, he was out of practice when it came to banter.

“Ahem. What I’m trying to say is—“ But, to his surprise, Tubbo was actually giggling at the comment. He calmed himself down, then smiled up at the other boy.  “If it’s okay to say so, Ranboo, I really like you. May I ask what you’re doing here?”

“Just here to put up a flier. ‘Help wanted’, the usual stuff. Thrilling, I know.” He rolled his eyes at the last part, putting further emphasis on the last part. “How about you, Tubbo?”

Those same sky blue eyes from before we’re now overflowing with excitement, maybe even hope. Tubbo was clearly struggling to stand still when he said, “I was actually looking for a job when I came down here today.” He flashed Ranboo an impish smirk. “‘Help wanted’, the usual stuff. Thrilling , I know.”

“If it’s okay to say so, Tubbo, I really like you.” Ranboo chuckled, returning Tubbo’s smile. Then he did something he’d wanted to do for a while.

Going against what his family wanted him to do.

“Here, why don’t you just...” His voice trailed off as he handed the flier that was meant for the notice board directly to the small boy. “Take this off my hands. If you’re interested, we’d be happy to have you.”

Tubbo took the flier, hands shaking with excitement. And, logically speaking, this would be where they part ways. Say some quick goodbyes, their unspoken promise to meet again clutched in his hands.

“But is that what you want to do,” Ranboo asked himself. And to himself he answered, “no.”

Slowly, as not to startle him, Ranboo reached out and grabbed Tubbo’s free hand. Looked him in the eyes.

“Hey, would you be willing to spend the afternoon with me?”

Chapter Text

“Are you sure you know where we’re going, Ranboo?”

“Do I seem like I don’t? I’ve been here millions of times before.”

It was true, Tubbo noted, the other boy seemed to know what he was doing. But to him the overgrown dirt path they were walking on, though beautiful, was far too full of twists and turns to navigate. Either Ranboo was relying on landmarks and muscle memory, or he was some kind of human compass.

Though, under the green and gold dappled lighting, Ranboo could’ve easily lost his humanity. For all Tubbo knew he’d become the god of the tree trunks and soft moss, running through his kingdom. Crazy as it sounds, it was believable.

And then they emerged from a final bend in the path into a vast clearing full of tall grass and wildflowers, an entire valley right in the woods outside town. It was as if a rainbow had fallen from its place in the sky and shattered on the earth, each shard turning into a colorful blossom in the field.

And though they both were out of breath, chests heaving and bodies sweating from running through the woods under the sweltering gaze of the sun, each of the boys could tell the other was happier in that moment than they were in the city; more at home amongst the plants than other humans.

Once he’d caught his breath, Ranboo allowed his voice to be what broke the silence. “This has to be my favorite spot for miles around. I’ve visited plenty of neighboring cities with my family, and I still haven’t found somewhere I prefer.” He flopped back into the tall grass, as if it were his own bed.

The grass tickled Tubbo’s bare feet as he slowly stepped all the way into the clearing, taking a seat next to the spot where the other boy lay. “I can see why you like it,” he said, twirling a stalk around a dirt-stained finger. “I’m still in awe...it’s breathtaking.”

“You sure the breathtaking bit wasn’t the run up here?” Tubbo laughed at this, then Ranboo joined him. Then they both laughed, and the sound blended with the chirping of the birds in a chorus.

Ranboo sat up, almost abruptly, pulling a notebook from his pocket and looking for a pen or pencil.

“Whatcha doin’, Big Guy? Drawing?”

“Writing, actually. This is the first time I’ve ever brought someone here. It’s something I’d like to remember.” He flipped to a page marked by a shiny red ribbon, and began to jot things down.

“What do you mean, ‘remember’?” And that was when Ranboo recalled that most people don’t suffer from intense memory loss. He tried to figure out just how much he wanted to tell, before deciding he really had nothing to loose.

“There’s this curse in my family bloodline, or something. One of my ancestors must’ve been a jackass, because now every firstborn male wakes up forgetting half of the previous day, everyday, from the time they turn ten until the day they die.

“So, I’ve been keeping journals. Every day I write down things I want to remember, and the next morning I read the previous day’s entry to fill in any gaps. It’s still not fun, but it’s how I get by.”

A moment of silence. Then two. Then a few more.

“Damn, man. I’m just...really poor.”

“Pfft—“ And once again, the two dissolved into giggles and fits of laughter. Ranboo had to remind himself he’d only known Tubbo for around an hour; it felt like he was talking with an old friend.

“But, for real, I’m really sorry about that.” The smile fell from Tubbo’s face, and his hand inched towards Ranboo’s free one resting in the grass. Not enough to actually touch him. Some part of the brunette boy still felt that was an honor he had to earn.

“If it helps, I kind of get it. I mean, not the memory loss, but I know how it feels to be born at a disadvantage.” Tubbo turned towards his companion, and as if reading his mind Ranboo’s mismatched eyes met the other boy’s cerulean blue ones. “Ranboo, how good are you with bloody stuff? You know, like scary stories and gore?”

“I can stomach it. Why?” Curiosity had the tall boy captured like a fish on a rod.

“You see this scar on my cheek? The big, slashing one?” Ranboo nodded. “I got it in Marketplace Center, actually.” He paused, readying both Ranboo and himself for the rest of the story.

“I accidentally bumped into someone, got dirt on her dress she said. Either she was having a bad day or it was a really nice dress, because she ordered one of her servants to...to take out a sword and ‘discipline me then and there’, in her words. Nobody did anything about it.

“I was 8 years old.”

Ranboo gently rested a hand over Tubbo’s smaller, trembling one, tracing little circles on the boy’s bare skin. It was all he could do. He was stunned speechless.

“I-is that why earlier, you were all.....”

“Mmm, yeah.” Tubbo flipped his hand palm-up, and Ranboo took the chance to interlace their fingers, offering a reassuring squeeze. “It’s been years though, really, it’s fine—“

“No it’s not.” The speed and intensity of his reply shocked Ranboo himself, and left Tubbo wide-eyed. “I can’t believe people seriously think that’s alright. I...I’m so sorry that happened to you, Tubbo.”

Seen. The brunette boy felt seen, heard and understood when for years he had been forced into the background. An eyesore, a tool, a stepping stone.

Now, with their hands still interlocked, he was able to lean back, rest his head in the grass underneath him and feel at peace. Going into Marketplace Center earlier had nearly made his heart stop, but he’d do it again and again if it meant he could have more of this.

——

Blankets and sheets draped over his body. Soft pillows under his head. The creasing of his pajama shirt. The leather cover of his notebook.

In order, these are the things Ranboo noticed when he woke up the next morning.

Reaching over to the nightstand for his notebook has become almost involuntary; much easier than seeing what gaps he could fill in himself. Get it all in your head early, and you can pretend the holes you filled in were never even there.

Opening to the bookmarked page, absentmindedly fidgeting with the red ribbon marker, Ranboo began to read.

“It’s early afternoon as I write this. I’m in the carriage, on my way to put up a flier in Marketplace Center. Like father dearest wanted. I’m assuming I don’t have to say this, but we still aren’t happy to be doing it. Growing up sucks, especially when the only reason you remember any of your teenage years is because you wrote each day of them down.”

Nothing too surprising, he thought. Next section.

“It’s around an hour from the last entry, and a LOT has happened. Okay, no, more like one thing. But it’s a big thing. We essentially met this Crescent boy around our age in the marketplace named Tubbo, and he seems inexplicably....welcoming? Anyway, he was looking for a job, so we gave him the flier that had all the info. Oh, and we’re in the forest clearing field together now. He just asked me what I’m doing. I think I’m going to tell him.”

Woah. New people were....rare, to say the least. Especially ones Ranboo actually cared about meeting. Did he have a way to contact this boy, he wondered, or was he just supposed to wait until he decided to come by looking for a job? Curiously, anxiously almost, he kept reading.

“It’s sunset now. We talked for hours, but it totally felt like minutes. I wonder if we had friends this close before all these memory issues started. I hope he stays with us. I hope this isn’t goodbye. Anyway, Tubbo feel asleep in the field. I would’ve woken him to make sure he gets home safe, but then I realized I didn’t know whether he had a home to get to. So I just left him a note. I hope it’s enough. I’m not too sure on proper friend-making etiquette.

It was as if some deity had picked up a palette and painted the colors back into Ranboo’s world. His heart had wings, and it fluttered him through his morning routine and all the way down to the breakfast table.

A friend.

Wow.

——

If Ranboo had to pick a favorite spot on the estate, it’d be the gardens. Besides being beautiful and well-maintained, he’d made something of a game out of them. By never writing down what he’d planted there, the flowers that’d blossom out of the soil come spring were always a surprise for him. It was one of the things that helped him stay optimistic.

He was walking through those gardens, around half past eleven, when a servant came running up to him.

“Excuse me, sir, but there’s people here for you. They’re asking about a job offer.”

And though he loved his gardens, he gave them no second thought as he took off running for the front of the mansion, two-toned hair flying out behind him in a low ponytail threatening to come undone. His heart thudded against his rib cage.

Rounding the corner and walking up to the front of the mansion, Ranboo saw that there were indeed multiple people waiting there, not just the one he’d been expecting. One of them a boy around his age, though a lot smaller than him, with overgrown brown hair sweeping over his eyes and a crescent moon branding on his cheek— Tubbo, he assumed. The other was a pink haired girl who appeared to be a little older than them, despite being around Tubbo’s height. The sleeves of her dress were rolled up to her elbows, revealing the constellation tattooed on her wrist. A Star, the in-between of the caste system.

The duo seemed to be engaged in casual conversation, but as soon as he noticed Ranboo’s approach Tubbo turned and waved frantically. Following the boy’s gaze, the girl next to him gave a warm smile and curtsied.

It was only then that it struck Ranboo; this would be his first time going through the motions of hiring people. He’d seen his parents do it before, walk people through the estate and go over the tasks they’d preform, but that was different from doing it.

Calm down, Ranboo. The boy steadied his breathing, which had gone a bit shaky, and wiped his palms on his dress pants. Introductions, he decided, were the best place to start.

“I’m assuming you’re Tubbo?” He turned to the boy in question, who was still grinning at him. “I wrote quite a bit about you in my notebook yesterday.”

“Jeez, you really do forget things!” Apparently he had told the smaller boy about his memory loss; good to know. “Yeah, that’s me. I’d say nice to meet you, but like you said, we met yesterday.” He chuckled at his own comment, and though there was nothing particularly funny about it, Ranboo found himself laughing along.

The boy then turned his mismatched eyes towards the pink haired girl. “It’s you I haven’t met before. What’s your name?”

“I’m Niki, sir.” Her voice was like the smell of lilies, the chime of a bell, the rushing water of a  stream. “I know you only gave the flier with the job info to Tubbo, so forgive me if this is an intrusion, but I happened to overhear a bit of your conversation back in the marketplace. Again, if you were only looking for the one person, I understand.”

Ranboo waved his hand in the air dismissively. “Don’t worry about it, you’re perfectly fine. It’s nice to meet you, Niki.” He held out a hand for her to shake. “And please, just call me Ranboo. I assure you, there’s no need for formalities.” He chuckled awkwardly. “Honestly, my dad’s only letting me hire people myself as a trial run for being lord of the estate. I’m technically still just the heir.”

And that was a fact he likely continued to prove over the course of the “interview”. Despite having lived on the estate his whole life, (it was his family’s, after all), Ranboo managed to skip over areas of the land, fumble his way through explaining the work, and even call the kitchen the garden in an unfortunate slip of the tongue.

Nonetheless, he managed to learn quite a bit about the other two, who seemed oblivious to his incompetence. Both Niki and Tubbo had experience in kitchens, Niki because she used to work in a bakery and Tubbo because of an old friend of his. Tubbo took a particular liking to the gardens, seeming especially fond of the bumblebees that flew around from flower to flower. Niki seemed open to just about any field of work.

Or perhaps she, too, had favored a specific task that had already slipped Ranboo’s mind. Truth be told, his eyes had been on Tubbo most of the time. Whatever it was about the boy that had previously captured his attention hadn’t faded; in fact it seemed as if it simply refused to fade. Perhaps it was the glow the brunette boy seemed to admit without even trying. If Ranboo stared for too long, he felt he could go blind.

He saw no reason to deny Tubbo or Niki a job. They both seemed like able-bodied, good-spirited workers. If there was something else Ranboo was supposed to judge by, well, he blamed his dad for sending him into this without much guidance.

Speaking of his dad, he realized after showing the two new servants to their rooms that he’d have to tell him about it. And even if he was sure his father would be happy, proud even, the idea of stepping into his study to talk to him felt almost suffocating. The idea drained the color from his face.   

But he was standing in front of the study doors now, knocking on it without his own mind’s permission. He was told, “come in”, but he wanted to run. Back to his room. Back to the garden. Back to Tubbo. Why were his feet carrying him inside?

“Hello, Dad.” He was at his desk, still writing. Not looking up when Ranboo entered, not even when he spoke.

“Oh, Ranboo. Hello. What is it you wanted to talk about?” Maybe this is the reason he couldn’t stand formalities, the boy thought. His own father treated him like a stranger sometimes.

“I’ve hired two new servants, just like you asked. A Star girl and a Crescent boy, both around my age.”

“Oh, that’s wonderful news!” At this, he finally looked up from his paperwork, acknowledging his son, whose two-toned eyes were glued to the floor. “I’m so proud of you, Ranboo!”

Are you really?

“See, me and your mother knew you had it in you to run things around here.”

I don’t think I do.

“Honestly, while I was expecting this, you even got done a few days sooner than I expected!” His guffaw of laughter was warped as it reached Ranboo’s ears.

“In fact, I think we ought to celebrate this!”

Chapter Text

“Do you mind if I rant to you for a little?”

Tubbo was walking side by side with Ranboo, across one of the paths through his estate that lead god-knows-where. Seriously, he thought, what kind of person had a backyard so big you have multiple different paths through it? Though he assumed that whatever Ranboo wanted to rant to him about had no relation to the land whatsoever.

He’d actually been in his bed, one of many in the wooden cabin that served as a servant’s quarters, when the taller boy had come looking for him. Holding out a hand, gloved and dainty as ever, Ranboo had asked if the brunette had wanted to take a short walk with him. Though he’d been a bit confused on why the young heir had wanted to walk with him of all people, he saw no reason to say no. Truth be told, he really did enjoy spending time with Ranboo, and unlikely as it was it seemed the feeling was mutual.

In fact, maybe Ranboo had asked to rant because he trusted Tubbo. And in that case, he certainly wasn’t going to deny him.

“Of course you can, Ranboo. Tell me your problems, man. Let it all out.” There were times when the brunette worried about being too casual with the other boy, but he had told him how much he hated formalities. So he figured there was no harm.

“It’s about my dad. And I know that might be weird since you haven’t even met him, and he’s just as much your employer as I am and all, but you’re really the only person I have to talk to and...I’m just so upset with him right now, Tubbo.”

The blue-eyed boy cocked his head in concern. “What’s wrong, Big Man?” Faltering, he added, “Can I call you Big Man? I mean, you are big, especially next to me.”

That must’ve been funny, because it got a giggle out of Ranboo, his two-toned eyes shining with a burst of laughter. The thought that Ranboo looked almost magical when he smiled and laughed fluttered through Tubbo’s head for a moment, like a butterfly on its journey through the sky. “Yes, Tubbo, you can call me whatever you like.” Face falling again, he continued.

“Well, my dad was thrilled that I’d hired you and Niki to work here. So thrilled, in fact, that he insisted upon hosting a whole ball to celebrate. And yeah, I don’t like social gatherings, but that wouldn’t have been so bad on its own. The trouble is that he basically picked the guests for me.

“When I asked him why he had a whole guest list planned without me, he told me it didn’t matter since I didn’t know anyone anyway. He didn’t even invite people for me to make friends with, it’s all women! Don’t get me wrong, I’ve got nothing against the notion of making friends with girls, but I know he did it to try setting me up with someone I don’t even know. He’s been talking about me finding a girl and marrying for months now. God, my father is trying to matchmake me with my own coming of age party.

“And if that’s not enough, I asked him if I could invite just one person, one friend I’d made. But he wouldn’t let me invite you once I told him you were the Crescent boy I’d hired. It’s like all he cares about is superficial public image stereotypical nonsense and...” Fidgeting awkwardly with a section of his two-toned hair, Ranboo’s voice trailed off. “Sorry, I really went off there.” He glanced away, embarrassed.

“Oh god, that sounds really—“ Wait. “You wanted to invite me?” The question slipped out before he’d even fully processed it himself, a product of his own disbelief. While it was true that Tubbo felt a sense of closeness with Ranboo, he couldn’t wrap his mind around the idea that it could be reciprocated. His mind kept telling him he didn’t deserve it.

“I— well, yeah, I was actually hoping you’d be able to go. Pardon me if I’m coming on strong, but you’re the first person in seven years that I’ve cared to be around. You seem amazing, Tubbo. I think I’d enjoy doing just about anything a bit more if it was with you.”

The brunette boy felt his face flush. He really, really wasn’t used to compliments, except the occasional ones from Wilbur that were more fatherly than anything. “I’m...really flattered, Big Man.” Then, as if the moment of rosy-cheeked softness hadn’t happened, a smirk crept onto Tubbo’s face. “Does that mean you wouldn’t mind scrubbing down the floors with me? I’d love to have some help.”

“ Hah! You wish, man!” And then Ranboo was laughing again, and then they were both laughing. Whenever he got close to regaining his composure, he’d glance over at Ranboo, look him in the eyes, and lose it again. He was out of breath, bent over in the middle of the yard, but he felt so alive.

When they finally got over their laughter fit, which might’ve taken a couple minutes or a couple lifetimes, Ranboo took Tubbo’s hand and gestured to a spot a few feet away, presumably a garden of sorts. It was semi-enclosed by a bunch of tall hedges, with an arched trellis of vines serving an an entrance. Even from where he stood, the small brunette could smell the refreshing scent of flowers that must’ve been coming from it.

“I think this place is the only part of my house that’s kept me from running away,” the taller boy said, leading his friend over to the hedge-covered area. “That, and the memory loss.”

“I’m excited to see it, then.” And he wasn’t lying; flowers had always been one of his favorite things, a simple pleasure in his life. Plus, he trusted Ranboo’s judgement. Though, maybe putting his trust in a boy he had known for a matter of days wasn’t the smartest idea. After all, for all Tubbo knew, he could have shit taste in flowers.

The inside of the gardens was nothing short of magical. Endless colorful blossoms in carefully planted sections, swaying in the gentle breeze. Around the outskirts were a couple of benches, in the shade of the tall hedge walls away from the summer sun. The centerpiece of it all was a two-tiered fountain, crystal clear water flowing from the top and cascading over the polished stone. Tubbo felt almost as if he should have paid an entrance fee to be there.

Even Ranboo seemed completely enthralled as he walked over to one of the benches, motioning for Tubbo to sit down beside him. They sat in a comfortable silence, simply taking in the view together. The brunette recognized a handful of the flowers growing there, like tulips, roses, and daffodils, but most were ones he’d never seen before.

“Oh!” The sudden exclamation made Tubbo jump as he turned to face the tall boy, who had his memory notebook open in his lap. Sliding the bookmark back into place and closing the leather cover, Ranboo continued.

“Did I forget to tell you Father Dearest,” as this he rolled his eyes, “said that Niki could go? Since she’s a Star girl or whatever. Niki’s done nothing wrong of course, it’s not her I’m mad at. It’s just unfair that the only reason you can’t go is because of your caste or whatever. Like, ‘oh yeah we’re throwing this party because you’re old enough to inherit the land and wealth, but no of course you can’t choose who to invite’.” Tubbo couldn’t help but giggle and the fake posh tone Ranboo used to mock his father.

“Don’t worry about it, Ranboo. I mean yeah, it blows, but it’s nothing I haven’t heard before. Besides,” he continued, leaning back against the tall boy and fanning himself, “if I was able to go not a single one of those women would stand a chance. I’m simply irresistible.” He chuckled at his own joke.

“Oh yes, Tubbo, you’re the pinnacle of grace and high fashion. Everyone truly wants to be you or be with you, my lord.” Ranboo nudged his friend; jokingly, not hard enough for him to actually lift his head off his shoulder.

“You jest, Ranboo, but I see no lie there.” Reaching into the other boy’s lap from where he sat, Tubbo tapped Ranboo’s notebook, drawing his attention back to it. “In fact, why don’t you write all about how wonderful and divine I am in there, so you’ll never forget the extent of my beauty.”

“How could I ever forget such a thing, Tubbo? You wound me.” Chuckling to himself, he picked up a pen with his gloved hands and began to write.

“You....you’re really going to do it? I thought we were just joking around, Big Man.” Tubbo had never been taught how to read properly. Wilbur had given him a couple lessons, but he’d never picked up more than a few small words. Eventually, he’d given up, deciding there were more important things to life than the written language. And yet, he found himself craning his neck to try and see what Ranboo might be writing about him.

Not that his efforts amounted to much; in the end, he still couldn’t read most of what was written, after all.

After he finished with the journal, Ranboo gently nudged Tubbo off his shoulder, gesturing for the small boy to follow him to the garden. They seemed to be looking for something as they strolled amongst the flowers, and just as the brunette boy was about to ask Ranboo spoke, as if reading his mind.

“Sometimes I like to press flowers in my memory journal. More specifically, whenever I come to the garden. If you do it right, they turn out really pretty.” Tubbo could guess well enough from context, but he had no actual knowledge on what pressing flowers was.

The duo came to a stop as Ranboo knelt beside a row of purple flowers. They were beautiful, Tubbo thought, perfectly round clusters of amethyst blossoms that looked almost like lilac puffs of cotton, or maybe pompoms.

“What are these,” he asked, breathless not from walking but instead from awe.

“They’re called alliums, I believe,” answered his tall companion. “That’s about all I know about them, though.” Sliding off his silky gloves almost effortlessly, Ranboo pressed his nails cleanly into the stem of one of the blooms, severing it near the flowering part. Holding it up to his face, he closed his eyes and inhaled, then invited his friend to do the same.

“Such a lovely plant.” Tubbo watched as Ranboo opened his notebook to the page he’d written on earlier, gently place the flower in the center of a blank space, then close the journal on top of it as if killing a bug. Noticing the smaller’s look of alarm, Ranboo couldn’t help but laugh, something he found himself doing a lot more with Tubbo around.

“Don’t worry,” he said, “that’s part of the process. Keep that under pressure for a while, and you should get a nice, crisp pressed flower.”

“And if not?”

“Well, then I guess I’ll have grass stains on my paper.”

———

The sun was fading fast as Tubbo made his way back to the servant’s quarters, done with the day’s work at last. He was grateful for the job, grateful for the chance it presented to get closer to Ranboo, but the workload would be something he’d have to adjust to.

The boy was so caught up in his own exhaustion that he didn’t notice the pink haired girl walk up to him. Niki tapped him on the shoulder to get his attention, eliciting a gasp of surprise from the younger boy (as it turns out, Niki was nineteen, two years older than him).

“ Gah! Jesus, Niki, you scared the shit out of me.” The girl in question giggled at his extreme reaction, before apologizing for the fright she’d given him. The two struck up a conversation, loosing themselves to small talk about their respective jobs, until Tubbo remembered something.

“Say, Niki, are you excited for the big ball in a few days?” To his surprise, rather than reacting with delight, her face fell in a look of guilt.

“I’m sorry, Tubbo. I really wish you could’ve gone with me. Ranboo would’ve loved to have you there too, I’m sure, he seemed glum when he dropped me my invite.” Tucking a loose strand of hair behind her hair, Niki offered Tubbo a sympathetic smile. “Trust me, it won’t be the same without you.”

“Don’t worry so much about it, man. I don’t even know what I’m missing, to be honest. I’m sure it doesn’t come as a surprise, but I’ve never been to a ball before.”

“Not even to wait on the guests or anything?” Tubbo shook his head, messing up his overgrown bangs as he did so. “Seriously, Tubbo, you haven’t lived until you’ve at least seen the inside of a ballroom! All the guests in their fancy dresses, platters of divine food, and the dancing!” She did a little twirl as she walked, waving her hands around in delight. “Apologies if I’m getting carried away. I guess describing all that you’re missing can’t be helping.”

Tubbo shrugged. Admittedly, the idea of a room full of people didn’t exactly excite him. Even if he could talk to others without risking getting shamed or hit, he really was not much for socializing. The comfort of his alone time has always been fine with him.

But something about the idea of getting to see Ranboo in his finest attire, chat with him about everything and nothing, lace his fingers with the taller boy’s and dance a waltz under the light of a crystal chandelier......something about it made Tubbo all but lightheaded. He felt his face flush.

“And honestly, I think I’d rather stay behind and get to know the other girls in my room then serve food to a bunch of fancy ladies who I’ll never see again.” The sound of Niki’s voice snapped Tubbo out of his ballroom fantasy; how long had she been talking? “There’s this one girl, her name might be Minx or something, she seems really nice! If...a little out there...”

Tubbo sighed, pulling his arms to his chest as if giving himself a hug. For the first time that day, it was hitting him just how much he wanted to be there, if only for Ranboo. If only for his friend. Noticing his weary state, Niki pulled him into a gentle hug, and they stayed like that outside the servants quarters for a while, as if trying to hug the issue at hand away.

When they broke, it wasn’t to go inside. It was because an idea had struck Niki, one so bold she physically jolted when it popped into her head.

“Hey, Tubbo?” The boy in question turned to meet her eyes as she pulled him out of the embrace.

“I think I thought of a way to get you in there.”

———

Standing in front of the full-body mirror hanging in his room, Ranboo scanned his reflection from head to toe, making sure not a single detail of his outfit was out of place (though it wasn’t anything too much fancier than his day-to-day outfit). Messing with the collar of the white button-up shirt, pulling down the edges of the vest, straightening his silky scarlet tie, burying his sweaty hands in the pockets of the dark dress pants. The dress shoes he was wearing had a slight heel, making him stand a little taller than he already did.

The fanciest thing about the outfit was the golden, gem-encrusted crown that was nestled in his two-toned hair. Red and green jewels formed a ring around the center, matching his eyes almost perfectly in hue. In truth, it was a touch too fancy for Ranbo; after all, he was no royal. But his dad had got it custom-made just for him, a present, left on the boy’s bed with a little note when he had gone to get ready earlier. And thus, well, how could he not wear it?

Ranboo had played off his adjusting and re-adjusting of his outfit as him wanting to look presentable, to make his family proud. But in reality, even he knew he was just stalling for time. Avoiding leaving his room, descending down the flight of stairs that separated him from a crowd of strangers.

At least Niki would be there, he thought, steadying his breathing. Niki was someone he knew. All he had to do was make finding her his number one priority.

Hands still trembling slightly, Ranboo opened the door, and was instantly hit with the sound of live music from the ballroom directly downstairs. Aside from the melodious string music, what also met his ears was the chattering of people. So many people. Just find Niki , he told himself, repeating it under his breath like a cult chant. Just find Niki.

Trying his best to bury his nerves, the boy started descending the stairs, eyes on his feet the whole time. Five steps left that separated him from the crowd. Four, three, two...

“Have you finally decided to grace us with your presence, Ranboo?”

That voice, it was all too familiar. And he knew it was all but impossible, but regardless of what could and couldn’t be, his heart was like a garden blooming with hope. Ranboo all but jerked his head up at the sound, and as he did so the sight before him made his mouth fell agape.

Standing before him was a smaller figure, a person in a dazzling, flowing green dress. The color you’d imagine a spring day would be. Short sleeves showed off the freckles spattered across their arms like galaxies, and their soft brown hair fell gently across their face, nestled among the locks a beautiful blooming flower. They gazed back at Ranboo with a pair of dazzling, enthralling sapphire eyes, beautiful enough to rival the gems on the taller boy’s crown.

“...Tubbo?” And though this Tubbo looked starkly different then the one he’d been spending his days with before, it was unmistakably him. He must’ve found away to cover up his scars and branding, perhaps with makeup?

“Hey there, big man.” Tubbo offered a curtsy to Ranboo, as he shakily climbed down the last two steps and stood directly in front of his friend.

“Wow...I...I don’t know what to say. You look amazing, Tubbo. Ethereal. ” The last word was nothing more than a whisper under his breath, more to himself than anyone else. Still, the small brunette boy blushed, covering his face and giggling into his hand.

“You look quite handsome yourself, Mister. To what do I owe the pleasure of your company?” He giggled once again, this time because he couldn’t seem to take himself seriously.

“How did you get in here,” Ranboo asked, dropping his tone to a whisper. “Where’d you get the dress...and your hair, Tubbo, did you finally cut your hair?”

“Hey now, big guy, are you trying to get me caught? I’ll answer all of that once the party’s over, I promise.” He grinned up at Ranboo as he spoke, and the taller boy might’ve forgotten how to breathe. “For now, what do you say we go enjoy ourselves?”

As if on cue, a slower waltz song started to play. Tubbo nodded at Ranboo, seeming expectant. “I believe it’s traditional for the guys to ask the girls, sir.”

Trying to recall the things his old ballroom dance teacher had taught him, Ranboo got on one knee. Taking Tubbo’s hand gently in his own, he lowered his face and planted a soft kiss on the boy’s knuckles. Looking up at him from his spot on the ground, he asked, “Tubbo, m’lady, may I have this dance?”

Though he seemed a bit flustered, perhaps from the peck to the back of his hand, Tubbo nodded. “It would be my pleasure to waltz with you, m’lord.” Locking hands, the awkwardly spun their way onto the dance floor, suppressing fits of giggles as Tubbo stepped on Ranboo’s toes.

And though they were a bit off time, and nowhere near professional, the two of them danced as if it was a moment out of time. The taller felt as if he couldn’t tear his eyes away from Tubbo if he was forced. Not even to glance at the boy’s hands, one on Ranboo’s shoulder and the other still clasped with his gloved one. It wasn’t just their hands; everywhere their bodies touched there was this inexplicable warmth, a fluttery tingly feeling that left Ranboo utterly lightheaded.

Suddenly, he was being dipped by the smaller, his body lower and lower to the ground as his friend now hovered over him, inches away or maybe less. He could feel the brunette boy’s every breath against his skin, escaping from his parted lips. The soft, pink lips Ranboo now found himself staring at, too lost in the moment to wonder how his gaze had gotten there.

The second he’d spent there, suspended above the ground in Tubbo’s freckled arms, was nothing short of electric. And then it was over. Ranboo was tugged to his feet again, and the duo resumed their awkward spinning. Tubbo’s silky green dress billowed around his feet with every twirl, and it was a good place for Ranboo to direct his gaze. He was too flustered to meet the smaller’s eyes.

Why was he feeling like this? Could it be he wasn’t getting enough sleep? Come to think of it, the butterflies in his stomach, lightheaded state, shortness of breath and flushed face could all be attributed to a fever. If that was the case, he should get away from Tubbo, in case he was contagious.

But, even as the music faded and the other couples around them separated,

He couldn’t bring himself to pull away.

Chapter Text

Tubbo had concluded that reality bent inside the ballrooms of mansions. The warm and twinkling chandelier light, people all around him swallowed by the luxurious fabrics of their finest evening wear, lively music swirling through the air almost tangibly. It all felt surreal, like a fairytale.

Dancing with Ranboo had felt especially like a fairytale. Like a bedtime story with a happy ending children would beg their parents to read again and again. He couldn’t believe he was lucky enough to have that, even though it was happening around him now.  A fairytale friendship with someone so great.

“Tubbo? Are you alright?” The boy in question was shaken from his thoughts by the sound of Ranboo’s voice. The two of them were standing near a long table laden with trays of decadent hors d’oeuvres and desserts. Rich person food, in other words. Tubbo almost felt he should apologize just for eating it.

“Yeah, Big Guy, I’m fine. The crowd of people is just a bit overwhelming,” he said. Because how do you tell someone you were just reveling in the golden sweetness of every moment you’ve ever shared with them, especially the intimate one from no more than twenty minutes ago?

“Tell me about it.” The taller boy laughed awkwardly, more so because he’d found Tubbo’s statement relatable than funny. “The only way I could make myself come out of my room at all was reminding myself that Niki would be here, and I’d be able to talk to her.” A sort of stinging twinge resounded through Tubbo’s chest, but before he could question why Ranboo talking about Niki like that would cause such a feeling, he continued.

“Though, to be honest, I’m even happier it’s you that showed up.” The stinging melted away, replaced by a fluttery sort of twirling sensation, as if his stomach was doing a ballroom dance of its own. Gazing up at Ranboo, Tubbo watched as his mismatched eyes lit up.

“Hey, you know, there’s actually a balcony that branches off from my room. If this is all too much for you, we could....sneak away and go up there.” He paused, then frantically added, “O-only if you’re comfortable, of course. I’m sure we could find other ways around the crowd if you’d prefer—“

“No need to freak out, Ranboo.” Reaching almost a foot above him, Tubbo patted the taller boy’s shoulder in an attempt to break through his anxious frenzy. “The balcony sounds like a great idea. Lead the way, why don’t ya?”

And so, clinging to the edges of the ballroom, the duo made their way up a staircase, down a hallway, and into Ranboo’s room. Perhaps contact between the two was becoming almost second-nature; Tubbo hadn’t noticed the gloved hand intertwined with his own until they pulled apart.

The young heir’s bedroom was fitting for someone of his status, able to fit a king size bed, towering dresser, and polished wooden desk inside it with plenty of room to spare. And that wasn’t counting the bathroom branching off of it, or the other set of doors that the blue-eyed boy assumed led onto the balcony. All things considered, Ranboo’s room was around the size of a small house.

“How on earth,” Tubbo pondered, “is this one room on one floor of the mansion?”

“I don’t even have any siblings; it’s just Mom, Dad and I here.” The brunette’s eyes widened, and Ranboo laughed. “I guess my parents just decided, ‘Hey, we have all this money to spare. Let’s spend it’. Good on them, I guess.” A cool night breeze blew through the room, from the door the taller now held open.

“And right this way is the balcony.” At this, Ranboo gave an exaggerated bow. “After you, Tubbo.” The boy in question offered a deep curtsy before stepping out onto the balcony, his friend close behind.

It was yet another magical moment in the magical night. Moonlight shone down on the marble railing separating the boys from the ground two floors below. And from that railing grew long, flowering vines, roses by the looks of it. The blossoms were all different colors, growing in shades of red, white, pink, and even yellow. They were in full bloom as well, petals fanning out like arms extended towards the stars above.

Ranboo, especially, looked like he was made to be a part of this scene. Leaning on the polished stone of the railing, eyes cast upward. The lights of the night sky reflecting off the soft waves of his black and white hair, pulled into a loose ponytail by a single velvet ribbon. Did Tubbo deserve to stand next to someone as beautiful as this boy?

Suddenly, Ranboo turned his head toward Tubbo, flushed face as red as the roses growing inches away. That’s when Tubbo realized he hadn’t asked that last question in his head. Somehow, the words had bubbled over inside him and rolled off his tongue like the water in the garden’s fountain.

“Tubbo- I- uh, I don’t know what to say.” Ranboo seemed utterly taken aback, stammering his way through every word; oh, if only Tubbo could’ve held his tongue when he needed to. “Well, I...I think you look...oh god, how do I say this?

“It’s not that you’re not always pretty, but tonight you look like something out of a painting. Almost too good to be true, like a fantasy.” Ranboo glanced away as his voice trailed off, cheeks still rosy. “I’m terribly sorry if that crossed any of your boundaries. Jeez, I don’t know what’s gotten into me tonight.”

“I don’t know what’s gotten into both of us,” Tubbo offered, by means of response. “I mean, you can’t blame yourself, man. I was the one who called you beautiful first. And it’s not like you’re not, but, y’know.” He waved his hands around instead of offering a proper verbal explanation, but somehow both of them understood.

“Hey, now that we’re alone, mind telling me how you got in here? I mean, I’m assuming you didn’t have a ball gown and a spare invite lying around?”

And just like that the bubbling tension eased away, the two of them fading into their usual rhythm as Tubbo explained that the whole thing was actually Niki’s idea. How she’d lent him a dress, cut and combed through his matted hair, covered his scars with makeup. He’d used her name and invitation to attend the ball, while she stayed behind chatting with the other servants. It didn’t seem fair, exactly, but Niki had insisted it’s exactly what she wanted.

“I hope you two never have to plot against me,” Ranboo said, which sent Tubbo into a laughing fit. “Seriously, that’s incredible! I couldn’t have pulled it off, that’s for sure.”

“You flatter me, Ranboo. Besides, it was Niki who did most of the work. She even went out to the gardens a few minutes before the ball to pick me this flower...” Reaching up to where the bloom had been carefully placed behind his ear, Tubbo’s fingers found only his hair.

“Oh, I’m sorry. It must’ve fallen out when I dragged you up here.” Tubbo instantly rushed to reassure the other boy that it was no big deal, but Ranboo seemed to be lost in thought. Then, wordlessly, he leaned over the edge of the balcony and picked a luscious red rose from the vines growing off the sides.

“To make up for the one you lost,” he said, before reaching over and tucking it behind Tubbo’s ear ever so gently, fingers grazing the small boy’s cheek as he did so.

It was almost magnetic, the way Tubbo’s hand flew to catch Ranboo’s before he could pull away. And though it wasn’t a conscious action, he didn’t let go even once he realized what he’d done; even as Ranboo’s heterochromic gemstone eyes went wide in surprise.

Slowly, subtly, the smaller hand on top of Ranboo’s guided his from Tubbo’s ear down to cup his cheek. It felt like being wrapped up in a warm blanket, or perhaps sitting by a fire. That simple touch warmed the brunette from his head to his toes.

He felt the other gloved hand of his friend find its place on his waist, like it had when they were dancing. Except this time there was no music, no swaying back and forth. Just the two of them, caught in the moment of pleasant silence. Ranboo’s eyes were no longer wide with shock, and the moonlight swimming in them gave them an impossible depth. They seemed almost as if they were glowing. His cheeks were rose petal warm again, lips slightly parted while Tubbo’s curled into a contented smile.

“Is this alright,” the smaller asked, a whisper soft as the summer wind. Ranboo offered a nod and a reassuring smile by means of response.

So what if this tension between them wasn’t normal? It wasn’t a normal night, right? Might as well just go along with it, get swept up in the moment and forget that there ever was a yesterday, that there would ever be a tomorrow.

Because the sun would, indeed, rise again. The night would end, as would this moment of intimacy between them. But that wasn’t something they had to think about right then. Between the two passed a wordless understanding that this was a moment out of time.

Chapter Text

Tubbo woke up in his own bed the next morning, surrounded by the sounds of the other servants getting ready for the day ahead of them. On his bedside table lay a freshly picked Allium. A smile crept onto his face as he blinked the dregs of sleep from his eyes, knowing this had to be Ranboo’s doing.

As he started to get ready for the day, memories of the previous night washed over the brunette. By the time he’d finished getting dressed, he was all but drowning in them. The side of his face where Ranboo’s hand had cupped his cheek still felt warm with the ghost of his touch. If he closed his eyes, he could still see the look of surprise that had adorned Ranboo’s face when he’d dipped him during that ballroom dance.

Ranboo, Ranboo, Ranboo....

“Oi, Tubbo?”

The voice of an unknown speaker shook Tubbo from his reminiscent state. Frantically, he turned to face whoever had called out to him.

“Yeah, that’s me. What’s up?” The person he found himself speaking to was another male servant, presumably around Tubbo’s age but quite a bit taller. Almost as tall as Ranboo, actually, though that was about where the similarity ended. The other boy had short fluffy blonde hair, nothing like Ranboo’s long black and white locks. His eyes were a lively sky blue, and he was gazing at Tubbo rather quizzically. Perhaps he’d called out multiple other times, Tubbo thought to himself, before he’d finally acknowledged him. He didn’t entertain the notion for long, though, simply because it was quite the embarrassing thought.

“Mr. Ranboo says he wants to talk to you.” To Tubbo, addressing Ranboo as “Mr” sounded so weird, but he figured it was standard for the rest of the servants. "Jeez, new around here and already getting in trouble. Oh well, he says to meet him outside, in front of the mansion.” The tall boy offered Tubbo a reassuring pat on the shoulder, though it really wasn’t needed. “Good luck, new kid.”

Did nobody else ever get close to Ranboo, Tubbo thought to himself, as he started on his way to meet him. He recalled his friend saying something along those lines the first day they met, but it seemed almost impossible now. How could Ranboo, someone so friendly and funny and sweet and perfect, be so alone? The thought that he and Ranboo truly had something unique, something special, was enough to make him feel like he was glowing.

Indeed, Tubbo must’ve been positively shining as he rounded a corner and saw his friend waiting for him right where the blonde boy had said he’d be. Ranboo looked just as happy as Tubbo felt, offering the boy a radiant smile and waving him over to where he stood. Though neither of them realized it at the time, it was a lot like how Tubbo had acted the first day he’d come to the mansion.

“Heya Big Man! Long time no see, eh?” They hadn’t been talking for more than a second before the two of them broke down in laughter, clicking as effortlessly as they always did. “So, is there any reason you wanted me, Ranboo? Or did you just miss me too much?”

Despite his lighthearted joking, Tubbo couldn’t help but be a touch worried by the randomness of Ranboo’s wanting to meet him. What if he’d crossed some unspoken line with his intimacy last night, broken boundaries that should’ve been left untouched? What if Ranboo wanted nothing to do with him after the way Tubbo had held his gloved hand against his cheek?

“Oh, I was actually hoping we could run into town. Get you some new, proper work clothes. Run a couple errands while we’re there. Is that alright with you?”

Just like that, the knot of worries that had been tying itself tight around Tubbo’s chest unraveled and melted away. He didn’t hesitate to agree, of course. A day in town with Ranboo sounded great, whether it was for professional reasons or not. Plus, he’d had the same green button-down for years, so worn and stained it was hardly green anymore. Some new clothes would be nice.

And so the duo started their walk into town, losing themselves to the bliss of friendly small talk all the way there. Tubbo learned that Ranboo’s favorite place to eat was a tavern with seating overlooking a pond, and that said tavern apparently had the best spaghetti known to man. Ranboo learned every shortcut and backroad the town had to offer, where you could enter and exit each alleyway.

He even insisted on having Tubbo take him through some on their way to the tailors, letting the brunette boy take him by the hand and run through the side-streets, making sure to stay close behind him. The wind blew his two-toned hair away from his face, pushing back against the boys as they darted from alley to alley. It made the both of them feel oh so alive. Like birds, soaring through the open sky.

Or maybe just like kids who finally got to make up for the childhood they lost.

When they finally stopped to catch their breath, the duo found themselves in front of the tailors. It was a cute little shop, wooden sign hanging over the door and walls painted white, with indigo trim and shutters. Suits, shirts, and dresses of all types were displayed on mannequins in the window.

Tubbo hesitated going into the shop; it felt so foreign to him. It simply wasn’t something he was used to doing, since he’d never had money to spend. The last store he could remember going to was Wilbur’s bakery, and that was only because he was friends with the man. Sensing his unease, Ranboo turned around to look at Tubbo. Making sure he was alright, he gave the brunette’s scarred hand a quick reassuring squeeze before turning and entering the shop.

Their hands were still entwined. It was so second nature for them at that point that neither of them bothered to let go.

“Oh, Mr. Ranboo. Is that you?” Stepping out from behind the counter to greet them was a tall, deep-voiced man with coffee brown curls, and...

“Don’t mind the dress,” he said, gesturing towards the garment; short sleeved, pink and frilly, and covered with a strawberry pattern. “I’m around the same height as the customer, and wanted to make sure it’d fit right.” He gave a little twirl, skirt spinning around him. “Cute, isn’t it? Might have to make another for myself.”

Ranboo chuckled. “Hello Eret. Long time, no see.” He held out his hand for the man to shake, but the other waved it away.

“Come on, Ranboo, no need for a handshake. I’ve been making your clothes for years now!” The brown-haired man laughed. “And it hasn’t been long at all, either. You were in here last week to pick up that vest for the ball, remember?”

“Augh, I actually didn’t remember! Must’ve forgotten to write it down.” Ranboo sighed in exasperation before gesturing towards Tubbo, encouraging the boy to step forward and introduce himself to the tailor. “Ah, Eret, this is Tubbo. He’s a new servant we hired, and...” A warm smile crept its way onto Ranboo’s face. “And he’s also my best friend. We were looking to get him some good work clothes while we’re here today.”

Eret beamed at Tubbo, extending a hand for the brunette to shake. “It’s very nice to meet you, Tubbo. By the way, anything here is half off for friends of Mr. Ranboo.”

——

It was a little past noon when they left Eret’s tailoring shop. Tubbo was now dressed in a plain white button down and denim overalls, with a few more outfits like that being made for them to pick up in a couple days.

It was nice to have some new clothes, especially ones that actually fit. The brunette boy found himself lifting his arms in front of his face to admire the pristine white sleeves of his shirt, or glancing down at his stainless overall pants.

“Eret seems nice,” Tubbo said, recalling how the tailor had taken extra care to avoid his scars when taking measurements, just in case any still hurt. “You two seem...close?”

Ranboo nodded. “Yeah, like he said, I’ve been getting my clothes from them since I was a kid.  My dad would drop me off there while he got drinks at some pub or another, and they’d make small talk with me while taking my measurements and preparing my outfits.” The tall boy smiled fondly at the memories. “He’d always be so patient with me if I forgot things, never let it bother him. In some ways, he’s like a dad to me. Or a mom, or parent, I suppose.”

Tubbo quirked an eyebrow at this, as Ranboo tried to explain. “You see, how do I put this, Eret isn’t always a man. Sometimes she’s a girl, and sometimes they’re not really anything in particular. It’s just a matter of how he’s feeling on any given day. You’ll see what I mean in time, don’t worry.”

Tubbo shrugged; he didn’t really understand what Ranboo meant, but who was he to judge? “So, what do you wanna do next—“ He was cut off by his own stomach, grumbling with hunger. Come to think of it, he hadn’t had time to eat breakfast before he left that morning.

Ranboo chuckled. “How about we find somewhere to get lunch? Totally unrelated to your stomach, of course.” He elbowed Tubbo playfully, who rolled his eyes and shoved him back.

That’s when the idea hit him. Tubbo honestly didn’t realize how it didn’t occur to him sooner, but that didn’t matter. He just knew he had to act on it now that it had. Grabbing Ranboo’s wrist, he offered the boy only a “follow me” as an explanation before darting off down the alleyways. The exact same way he had so many times before. One specific place in mind.

He could smell the bakery before he could see it, warm fresh baked bread filling his lungs. Rounding a corner, he exited the maze of backstreets, a confused Ranboo still behind him. He simply nodded towards the front of the bakery, saying only “Lunch” in between heavy breaths.

“Well, I’m glad you found a place, but what makes this bakery so special that you had to drag me here at record speeds?” Ranboo raked his fingers through his messy, windblown  hair. The two-toned locks had fallen from their low ponytail, now flowing down his shoulders and framing his face like a painting. Heat rose in Tubbo’s cheeks, he had to look away or he’d catch alight right there in front of the bakery.

And not just any bakery.

“You’ll see why it’s so special soon, Boo. I have someone I want you to meet.” With that, the brunette opened the bakery door, a familiar warmth washing over him as soon as he took one step in. It was empty at the moment, but that was ideal for what Tubbo wanted to do. The only two people in the shop were a tall man with umber brown curls flecked with gray, and a little redhead boy that clung to his side.

“Wil! Fundy!” Tubbo rushed over to where they stood next to the front counter, leaving a bewildered Ranboo in the doorway. Wilbur’s chocolate brown eyes went wide with surprise, then delight. He threw out his arms in time to catch the small boy running at him in a tight embrace.

“Tubbo! It’s been a while, hasn’t it, old friend?” Wilbur laughed in delight, breaking the hug to scoop up Fundy (who was now jumping up and down and shouting “Tubbo!”) in his arms. “I was starting to think you really did forget about me after you got a job!” Finally noticing Ranboo, still hovering awkwardly in the doorway, Wil offered the tall boy a friendly wave. “And who might you be, young man?”

Before Ranboo himself got a chance to answer, Tubbo cut in. “That’s Ranboo. He’s the heir to that giant mansion a half mile from town!” The brunette nodded at the other boy, who had finally walked over to the rest of the group. “He’s also my best friend.” If everyone couldn’t see the smile on his face, they would’ve heard it. Ranboo gave Tubbo’s shoulder a happy little squeeze, draping his arm across the small boy’s shoulder.

“I’m very fortunate to have met Tubbo. May I ask how you two know each other?”

And so, lunch was served over anecdotes from the past and the forming of new bonds. Tubbo told Ranboo all the embarrassing stories he knew about Wil, and Wilbur did the same with Tubbo. Fundy swiped a slice of bread from Ranboo’s plate when the boy wasn’t looking, and Wilbur scolded his son, making sure he gave a proper apology. Tubbo even recounted the previous eve for his older friend, or at least the part about wearing a dress to sneak into the ball. The dancing and the balcony was a secret between the boys, not because it was bad so much as because it was wholly and truly theirs.

All things said and done, the sun was almost setting when Ranboo and Tubbo got back to the mansion. It was sad to see the day coming to an end, but the joy it brought lingered within them like an aftertaste on the tongue. Poor things, really, neither of them expecting what happened next.

“Mr. Ranboo! There you are! I’ve been lookin’ for ya all bloody afternoon!” A woman with purple hair and icy, cat-like eyes ran up to them. Judging by her work clothes and the way she addressed Ranboo, Tubbo could assume she was another servant. Judging by her expression , Tubbo could assume she was annoyed.

“Minx? What’s wrong?” As Ranboo spoke to the girl, the brunette boy beside him remembered that Niki had said she’d befriended a woman by that name. So this was her?

“Your father— sorry, Mr. Ender, is asking to meet the lass you met at the ball last night! Says he wants her o’er for dinner day after tomorrow!”

Minx went on, saying something neither of the boys heard. Frantically turning towards each other, Tubbo and Ranboo exchanged looks of pure dread.

———

When you want to learn more about something, most people would tell you to do some research. Which is exactly why Ranboo had buried himself in romance novels over the course of the next day. If he and Tubbo had to pretend to be boyfriend and girlfriend for an afternoon, especially in front of his dad, he was determined to make sure he did it right.

The only problem? Ranboo had no prior romantic experience. Hence why the romance novels were needed. As he leaned back in his chair in the library, the scanned the notes he’d started taking as he read. Common themes between the novels he felt were important.

Taking note of little things about your lover. Well, that’d be easy enough. When it came to Tubbo, he already payed close attention to those special details that others would overlook. He even recalled writing about some in his memory journal.

Gift giving, something with meaning or sentiment. Also easy. To be blunt, he was rich as all hell. Buying something to give to Tubbo wouldn’t be a challenge. Perhaps a little jar of honey, since he always seemed so fascinated by the bees in the flower gardens.

Being at ease around them. This part wouldn’t even require acting. Ranboo was always tense and reserved around his dad, happy and relaxed with Tubbo. The brunette really did put him at ease, and Ranboo often felt as if everything would be okay if only he was around.

For the most part, everything he’d written down was completely doable. There was one thing on the list, however, that seemed quite the cause for concern. He’d feel fine skipping it, since everything else wasn’t a problem, but it was something that came up at some point or another in every stupid love story he read. It was unavoidable.

“Ranboo! There you are, I’ve been looking for you for hours!” Distracted by his “studies”, Ranboo hadn’t even noticed Tubbo enter the library until he’d called out. The early evening sunlight seemed to cling to his form, illuminating his freckled face and pulling out the shine in his hair.

“Oh, Tubbo!” Ranboo waved him over to where he was seated, books piled around him. “I’ve been in here pretty much all day, just doing some reading.”

“You sure have been!” Tubbo’s eyes went wide at the number of books scattered around the table. “So, tell me,” he continued, pulling out a chair and sitting next to Ranboo, “what is it that you’re reading about?”

Is there a good way to tell someone you’re studying the concept of romance to convince your father that you’re in love with them? Ranboo hadn’t a clue if there was.

“Promise you won’t laugh.”

“Mmm, I’ll try my best?”

Good enough.

“Uh, well, remember how yesterday Minx essentially told us we’re going to have to pretend to be a couple in front of my dad in a few days?” The other boy nodded, giving Ranboo room to continue talking. “Well, uh, I’ve never had a partner before, so...” God, this was embarrassing. “I’m kinda...reading romance novels to get an idea of how I’m supposed to act.”

And Tubbo did laugh. But there wasn’t a trace of mockery in it. It was light, a carefree sound like the tinkling of bells. “Well, I was just planning on improvising. You’re a lot smarter than I am, Ranboo.” The brunette rested his head on his friend’s shoulder, and Ranboo had to remind himself to breathe.

Together, they went over Ranboo’s notes sheet. He had to read the notes out for Tubbo, but he really didn’t mind. Shoulder to shoulder, breathing the same air, they could’ve merged into one person right there in that library.

There was, however, something at the bottom of the list that Ranboo had avoided reading. He’d even held the paper in a way that would cover the writing. His efforts proved futile, however, when Tubbo tapped lightly at the text he was trying to say.

“Hey, Boo, what’s that one say?” The smaller boy’s voice sounded a touch sleepy, perhaps he had started to doze off with the afternoon sun pouring through the window and onto his back. The idea of Tubbo falling asleep on his shoulder set butterflies loose in Ranboo’s stomach.

“Well, uh...it’s something I’d consider optional. Especially since I’m not sure you’d be okay with it, I mean you can pass most of this list off as platonic but that one is—“ He was a mess of stutters and rambles, and Tubbo picked up on this, pressing a finger to his lips to silence him.

“You don’t have to worry about it, Ranboo, I’ll tell you whether I’m okay with whatever it is. Now, read me the damn paper, or I’ll teach myself to read and do it the long way.”

Sighing, Ranboo turned back to face his notes sheet, avoiding Tubbo’s eyes. “Well...I’m pretty certain that every couple in every novel I’ve read today has...

...kissed.”

“Oh.” Tubbo was the first to speak, and Ranboo couldn’t help but worry. He’d said something wrong, crossed a line, and—

“Yeah, I don’t have a problem with that. I mean, we’re pretty touchy-feely already, right? I’m literally lying on your shoulder right now.”

“So you don’t think it’s a weird thing to suggest?”

“Not at all.” The boy shook his head in amusement. “However,” he added, “there is one thing I’d like to say about the kissing thing.”

Growing a bit nervous again, Ranboo merely nodded, and Tubbo continued talking. “You said you had no romantic experience, and clearly I don’t either. But what if we kiss in front of your family, and they can tell we’re both totally inexperienced?”

Damn, Tubbo was right. But... “What are you suggesting, then? It’s not like we can go back in time and give ourselves love lives, can we?”

Now it was Tubbo’s turn to be embarrassed. “Well...how about a practice round of sorts? If we’ve both done it once before, kissing that is, it should be easier in front of others, don’t you think?”

Now faced with the immediate prospect of pressing their lips together, Ranboo searched his mind for a reason to say no. He couldn’t think of one, couldn’t even say he honestly didn’t want to.

“And you’re sure you’re okay with this,” he finally said, rising to his feet. Tubbo did the same, offering a sunshine-bright smile and a nod.

Ranboo cupped Tubbo’s cheek in his hand, angling the boy’s face up closer to his taller frame. Watched his sapphire eyes flutter shut as he leaned in. Closed his own as the space between their faces shrunk, and he could feel the brunette’s warm breath on his skin.

Then, finally, their lips met in a gentle kiss, petal-soft and sugar-sweet. It was a bit awkward, too, but in the moment it was so easy to ignore. Tubbo’s lips were a soft shade of peachy pink, and they tasted just as sweet.

They pulled away from each other a few seconds later, or maybe a few years. Time was lost in the boy’s connected lips like their breath. And with his eyes open, Ranboo could take in the sight that was the other boy, cheeks lightly flushed, eyes swimming with light, chocolate hair messed up from where Ranboo’s hands must’ve gripped it. He was as radiant as the sun.

That was, most likely, the first moment Ranboo fully understood just what he felt for his friend. It wasn’t friendly or platonic. It was love, a deep-seated romance heavy on his every breath.

With nothing and nobody to catch him, he’d fallen completely in love with Tubbo.

Chapter Text

Tubbo stood outside the mansion of the estate he worked at, tapping his fingers rhythmically on his leg and trying his best to remember what he’d studied the past few days. There was curtsying, which he was confident in, silverware, which he was significantly less confident in, socialization, which was dominated by smiling and laughing. Over all, he understood most of what Ranboo had taught him over the past week.

Makeup was caked onto the brunette’s face again, covering his scars and blemishes. Niki had even bought some rouge and lip tint with her own money, and by the time she and Minx had finished with the tubes and containers Tubbo could barely recognize his own face in the mirror.

His shoulders were covered in concealer, too, left exposed by the dress he was wearing. He had no idea where it had come from, but it was long-sleeved and garnet and flowed over his small frame, hanging off his shoulders. Hell, he even had a corset on underneath the garment, uncomfortable and tight, further feminizing his appearance. Oh well, it might not be the most comfortable, but it was better than getting found out by Ranboo’s family. If they realized he wasn’t a rich girl, let alone that he was a low-status servant at their own mansion...he couldn’t think about it.

Staring at the ground in front of him, a rock fell suddenly at Tubbo’s feet. The signal from Niki that it was time to head inside. Steadying his breathing and wiping his sweaty palms on his skirt, the boy pushed open the front doors of the mansion and stepped into the entrance hall.

He’d seen it before, sure, but the hall was truly a sight to behold. The fading evening light was a fire spilling in through the windows, casting everything in a warm amber hue. The floor was ornately carpeted, oil paintings lined the walls, and right in the middle of it all was Ranboo. Standing exactly where Tubbo was told he’d be, the centerpiece of a breathtaking painting. A model that could have countless collections made in his image.

And now he was turning to look at Tubbo, eyes widening in delight as he gave one of his warm, soft smiles. Jesus, how were lungs meant to work? The brunette realized he’d all but forgotten.

“Tubbo!” Ranboo towered over the other boy as he truly took in his appearance. “You look...wow.” The last word was barely a word at all, more so a breath that escaped the young heir’s softly parted lips.

“It’s a lot, isn’t it?” Tubbo gave a little twirl, making the crimson skirt of his dress billow out around him. “I think I can pull it off, though.”

“Breathtaking, magical, wonderful...Tubbo, there’s not a word in any language I know to truly encompass your beauty.” Ranboo leaned down to kiss the back of Tubbo’s freckled hands, sending tingles through the both of them.

“Ranboo, you hopeless romantic. You’re making me blush!” It was true, the redness of the boy’s cheeks wasn’t just from his makeup. It was all he could do to try and keep himself together; Ranboo’s praises always seemed to unravel him in the most beautiful of ways.

Wearing a white ruffled shirt and wine-red tasseled overcoat fastened around his waist, Ranboo was nothing short of a breathtaking fairytale prince. Tubbo wished he was as articulate as the taller boy, wished he could put all those thoughts into words. He settled for, “You’re awfully handsome yourself, my beloved.” Was it the warm sunset light, or had Ranboo’s face flushed a bit? Perhaps at the endearing nickname?

The two linked arms as Ranboo guided Tubbo to the dining room, the smaller leaning against the taller. Savoring the close contact like decadent sweets. They stayed that way as they entered said dining room, a grand area with a towering ceiling, polished marble columns lining the walls and velvety red carpet sweeping across the dark wood floors. The table in the center was large enough to seat perhaps thirty people, yet there were only four places set and two seats filled.

In one seat was a woman with raven black hair flowing over her shoulders in soft waves. Her skin was porcelain pale, her eyes a shocking violet. Something about her defined her unmistakably as Ranboo’s mother.

At the head of the table, the other filled seat, was a man who must’ve been Ranboo’s dad. He wasn’t particularly muscular or burly, but something about him was still so intimidating. He has short, dirty blonde hair, and what was visible of his face was littered with freckles and scars. Everything above his mouth was hidden behind a plain white mask. It made him almost impossible to read.

The strange man rose from his seat at the table, crossing the room to meet the duo where they stood. “You must be the young lady Ranboo was telling us about.” Tubbo bit back a giggle. “I’m his father. Dream Endre.” He smiled down at Tubbo (is this where Ranboo got his freakish height?), waiting for an introduction.

“My name is...Allium. Allium Smith.” It was the first thing he could think of. Ever since Ranboo had left those purple flowers on his nightstand, he knew their name was something he’d always remember. He offered the tall man a shy smile and a curtsy before reattaching himself to Ranboo’s arm.

Motioning for them to follow, Dream walked back to the dining table, taking his seat at the head. The other two place settings were across the table from Ranboo’s mother and right next to each other, and after taking their respective seats the boys laced their fingers together under the table. The raven haired woman seated across from them offered a smile and a wave in Tubbo’s direction.

“It’s very nice to meet you, Allium. Ranboo’s told us such nice things about you.”

The boy in question went cherry red, eyes falling to his lap in embarrassment. “Mom. Please.”

“Sorry honey,” she said, giggling. “I just think it’s so cute when you...” Her voice trailed off as she noted her son’s flustered state, turning instead to ring a little handheld bell at her place setting. A servant stepped out of the kitchen at the summon, wheeling a silver cart laden with covered plates. That servant just happened to be Niki, who offered a smile (and a wink, when it was safe) to the two boys as she passed out the dishes.

Lifting the metallic covering off his plate, the smell hit Tubbo before he could even see what it was coming from properly. French onion soup. What Wilbur used to make him on cold winter afternoons, what he’d eaten with Ranboo when they’d gone to visit him. His eyes must’ve went so wide.

“Do you like it?” Ranboo’s dad, Dream, asked. “Ranboo mentioned it was your favorite dish, asked us to make it for you.” Tubbo turned to face the other boy, who was wearing a sheepish grin. He squeezed his gloved hand under the table, then pressed a kiss to his cheek quickly and without thinking. Something about the way Ranboo’s cheeks flushed made Tubbo’s heart twist.

“It’s lovely, such a great surprise. Thank you so much.” He was looking at Dream when he said it, but he meant it for Ranboo. Judging by the way the taller had started rubbing gentle circles across Tubbo’s hand, he knew it, too.

——

The rest of the dinner had gone off without a hitch, and faking his way through being a rich girl came easier to Tubbo as the night went on. By the end of the night he’d gotten comfortable in his role, talking and laughing with Ranboo’s family and enjoying the night. It was kind of sad that such a thing could never happen outside of his acting that night.

If they found out their son was associating with a Crescent, a peasant servant boy...well, Tubbo would probably wind up on death row if that’s what Ranboo’s family so desired. What would happen to the other boy was unknown.

But they clearly were clueless, because they’d invited Tubbo to stay the night at their place. Saying that, should “she” agree to stay, a carriage could be called in the morning to take her home. After discussing it with Ranboo in private, they agreed that Tubbo could say yes if he wanted. They already made a plan for how to get him back to the mansion, for how could they not have? Their two minds worked as one force when they were together.

Yet now, they were apart for the night. Tubbo was lying under the silky soft sheets of a bed in a guest room, borrowed nightgown hanging off his small frame. The blankets brought him warmth, but though it was the summer it wasn’t enough.

Or maybe it was just the wrong kind of warmth, he thought, because ever since they parted ways for the night he hadn’t been able to get Ranboo off his mind. The kiss from earlier in the night still felt as if it was ghosting across his hand. Perhaps the warmth he was lacking was the body heat of his friends.

People who want to stay friends don’t lay awake missing the other’s touch, quipped a voice in the back of his head. But he ignored it, focusing instead on stumbling blindly through the dark, unfamiliar room to the door.

It was crazy. It was stupid. But he just had to see if Ranboo was up as well. If he wasn’t, well, he’d go back to bed. If he was...

“Hello?”

About halfway down the hall to Ranboo’s room, a voice cut through the late night silence, calling out to the creaking floorboards that Tubbo was stood upon. Luckily for him, he’d recognize that voice if it was one of a thousand.

“...Ranboo? Is that you?” Tubbo reached out at the same time the other boy did, and their hands awkwardly brushed past each other. They each stifled a giggle, and the taller boy fumbled with a lantern. Finally, a small light roared to life, and a warm glow was cast upon the two as their eyes met.

“What are you doing up,” Ranboo asked. And though it was a reasonable question, Tubbo once again found himself wishing he had the other’s vocabulary, so he could find a good way to say “I couldn’t sleep because I was craving your touch”. Instead, he simply returned the question.

The golden-y orange glow of the lantern left a bright yellow highlight on the dark side of Ranboo’s hair, and the white side looked as if it was cast in amber. The boy himself was stuttering out a string of “I”, “uh”, and “well”, before finally saying, “It looks as if both of us would rather avoid the question.”

“What kind of secrets are you keeping from me, Boo?” The brunette was just teasing, but an actual look of shock and worry crossed the other boy’s face. He shook his head frantically and assured Tubbo it was nothing, but some part of him hoped it really wasn’t nothing. Try as he might to repress it, that little voice inside the blue-eyed boy was singing its heart out at the thought that perhaps Ranboo was up for the same reason as Tubbo; missing his presence and his touch.

“Well, uh...” Ranboo seemed a bit hesitant to say whatever it was he was trying to. “Do you think you might want to come back to my room for a little? Since we’re both awake?”

Tubbo’s body felt as warm as the fire in the lantern. There was no way this was happening. Still, he tried his best to keep his composure.

“We can keep each other company for a while. You’re always interesting, Ranboo.”

“You realize that’s a word people use when they can’t think of a genuine compliment,” said the taller, as he guided Tubbo back through the hall and to his bedroom.

The room wasn’t much different from the last time the brunette had been there, to check out the balcony. The desk was a bit messier, and Ranboo’s notebook was sitting askew on his nightstand. Other than that, the only difference was that Ranboo himself was now sitting on his bed, leaving Tubbo a bit confused on how to proceed. Would it be okay to sit down, too, if he wasn’t invited? Why wasn’t there a handbook on this stuff?

As if reading his mind, or maybe just his face, Ranboo patted the space next to him on the bed, nodding at Tubbo. When it was clear that wasn’t enough, he added, “You can sit if you’d like. I understand if you’re not comfortable, though.” But Tubbo’s legs were already carrying him over to the bed before he could think about it.

He never thought it’d make him so flustered, sitting next to his friend. Though the voice in his head was once again reminding him how his feelings and actions were more than friendly, especially right now.

You wanna be like that? Fine. You win. Do your worst. If that voice wanted to be so persistent, might as well let it try to do better. If it thought acting on impulses was a good way to live, might as well let it.

“So...I didn’t think this far ahead.” Ranboo drummed his fingers against the mattress, smiling awkwardly. “Do you have any ideas, Tubbo?”

No oh no oh no. Don’t give me control right now, Ranboo. Not when I can’t think straight. The lantern light, still shining from the bedside table, wasn’t helping. Illuminated from behind, face cast gently in warm light, green and red eyes cast downwards towards their hands inching ever closer. You’re such a masterpiece, and I’m just some boy.

“Well...there’s something I couldn’t stop thinking about.” Ranboo looked up from the bedsheets, cocking his head as he turned his gaze towards Tubbo. The brunette was debating whether to continue, but now he kind of had to. He’d locked himself into this.

“We went as far as to practice kissing and all, but we never got to do it once in front of your parents. It’s kind of sad, really, I think I was pretty good.” Ranboo’s expression went from curious to quizzical, but not appalled or upset. Tubbo could feel his fingertips brush his; their hands on the mattress had finally crawled their way towards each other.

“Huh...I guess you’re right, but—“

“We could do it now, y’know. Just so we didn’t waste that moment in the library. So that practice isn’t useless.”

“It wasn’t a waste.” They both seemed surprised by how fast Ranboo had said it, but despite the shock on his face he didn’t take the words back. “And...”

“And?” Tubbo shifted closer to the boy, their shoulders now bumping against each other. It was foreign to him, the way he was moving completely on his own.

“And...w-well, if that’s what you want to do, Tubbo, I don’t mind.” He seemed embarrassed, yes, but not for a second did the tall boy seem insincere.

Blankets, lanterns, body heat. Moonlight and silk sheets. Ranboo’s breath hot against his face.

“That’s a relief.”

It wasn’t like the first time they’d done it. There wasn’t any hesitation from either party, and their lips didn’t meet gently in the middle so much as press together; crash like waves against the shore. Their arms threaded through each other as they tried to close the space between them, a subconscious effort as their lips stayed locked.

And that’s when Tubbo knew he couldn’t deny it. It was love, love like the stories Wilbur had told him about his late wife. Love like in a fairytale. Love, love, love, and for every time he repeated the word to himself the brunette pushed himself further into Ranboo, guided by the other boy’s hand tangling in his own hair.

He didn’t know how he managed to pull away, especially since he knew there was no good excuse for kissing him again if he changed his mind. Maybe it was his need to breathe, or maybe he was just a bit scared of how much he’d have to admit to himself if he didn’t. He could’ve stayed kissing him forever, though, easily. Air could take a backseat.

“This is a dream,” Ranboo whispered between heavy breaths. “This is a dream and when I wake up you’ll be in your room and I’ll be alone.”

“Do you want that,” Tubbo asked, worry already creeping in.

“No, god no.” The taller brushed his thumb across Tubbo’s cheek, holding his face in his hand. “But I don’t know how to face the fact that I don’t.”

“Then don’t. Go to sleep for now. We can face this, together, whenever you’re ready.” And with that, despite his heart racing faster than he knew was possible, the brunette let his head drop to the pillows, watching Ranboo nod and smile and do the same.

It wasn’t long until they were in each other’s arms, cuddled up so close they could feel the rising and falling of each other’s chests. It wasn’t sexual, but it was intimate. It was scary and foreign and completely unknown to either of them, but it was so familiar and right at the same time. And as the moon shone its light upon them, they stayed curled up together, all throughout the night.

Chapter Text

There wasn’t anything external that woke Ranboo the next day. No sudden noise or movement. The only thing out of the ordinary about that morning was that he woke up next to the sleeping figure of another boy. Rays of sunlight shone through the windows, curtains drawn, dancing across his face. Soft brown locks were pressed into his pillow, and he seemed to have wrapped himself around Ranboo’s arm, holding on almost as if for security.

In short, Ranboo seemed to have fallen asleep next to his best friend and unrequited crush.

In a flustered panic, he reached for the notebook on his nightstand, all while trying not to disturb the sleeping boy on his arm. Flipping to the bookmark, Ranboo scanned the pages for any explanation of what was happening.

“ In a matter of hours, Tubbo will be joining my parents and I for dinner, disguised as a high-class lady. And damn, I’m so nervous. He’s done so well with learning everything I’ve been teaching him, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t things that could go wrong. That includes on my end, like, what if I slip up and refer to him as a guy?

I can’t pretend I’m not a bit excited, though. It’ll be a bit like the ball from last week, and that was an otherworldly kind of magic.

Y’know...I wonder if he’ll have a new dress.”

Then, further down the page,

“ It’s night time now, I’m laying awake in bed as I write this. Dinner went better than I could’ve imagined. Nobody suspected that the fine young lady Allium Smith was a servant boy who’d been cleaning the stables not hours ago. It seemed like Tubbo had fun, too. I’m glad he wasn’t too stressed out.

I don’t want to let myself get too sentimental, or indulge in my feelings for him too much. The more I focus on them, the harder it is to deal with. But there was no denying he looked stunning in that dress he wore to dinner. It was this really nice shade of red, and looked like it was made just for him. He seemed so confident wearing it, too, I know I’d freeze up and pass out if I had to wear a gown like that.

The thing is, he didn’t leave after dinner. He’s sleeping down the hall right now, Dad invited him to stay the night. Knowing he’s a couple of rooms away from me right now is making me crazy, I just can’t get to sleep.”

Well, it was something, but it still didn’t explain the boy’s current position. There was a bit more to read, though, so Ranboo continued down the page.

“I have no idea how early or late it is, only that I’m writing by the light of a candle and trying my hardest not to wake Tubbo up. Where do I even start with this?

Ok, so it seems Tubbo couldn’t get to sleep either. We actually crossed paths in the hall on our way to each other’s rooms, which is kind of crazy. Like, what are the odds that we’re both up at the same time, doing the same thing? Anyway, that’s not the weirdest part.

After that, we decided to go back to my bedroom, the both of us. We just sort of sat in the silence and lantern light for a while, then I asked if he had anything he wanted to do. He brought up that time we practiced kissing in the library, saying how we never actually got to do it in front of my parents.

It’s hard to believe for me, and I just lived it. But then he asked if he could kiss me, so our practice would pay off or something. I don’t really remember the reason he gave. I was a little distracted by how fast my heart was beating and how to keep the blood rushing to my face. And, well, we kissed. A lot. It was so much more, somehow, than what happened in the library, and I think I was probably gasping for air afterwards because I forgot how to breathe once our lips met.

I’m going to sleep now. Tubbo said we can talk about the kiss whenever I want, if I want. I know at some point I have to tell him how I feel. It’s the right thing to do. But I’m just so worried he’ll leave me. I can’t lose him. I fear I’d actually die.”

Ranboo almost dropped the journal in shock; picturing him and Tubbo sitting on his bed, engaged in a passionate kiss was all but enough to knock him out. Composing himself, setting the notebook back on his nightstand, he risked a glance at the boy sleeping by his side.

You sure are something, Tubbo. I’m so lucky to have you.

Then, cutting through his adoration in a clean fell swoop, came a harsh knock at the boy’s bedroom door.

Peeling Tubbo off him as gently as he could, Ranboo scrambled to answer the door, cracking it open and stepping out into the hall. After all, he thought, nobody else knew that he hadn’t been alone in his room last night. It was too early for him to explain himself out of whatever would happen if someone saw the brunette sleeping in his bed.

Bare feet planted in the hallway’s red carpeting, Ranboo was face-to-face with his dad. Offering a greeting, the boy gently closed the door behind him. Returning his greeting with a formality foreign to most fathers and sons, his dad continued on with what he’d come to say.

“Breakfast will be ready soon. Should I send a hand maid to wake Lady Allium, or would you rather do it yourself?”

Tubbo’s fake name took a second to register in Ranboo’s sleep-drenched mind, but as soon as it did, he told his dad he’d see to it himself and be down shortly. Continuing on his way downstairs, the boy’s father left him to go back into his bedroom.

As soon as he reentered his room, Ranboo’s eyes flickered back to his bed, looking for Tubbo almost subconsciously. He wasn’t expecting him to be propping himself up against the pillows, rubbing his eyes and squinting at the taller boy through the early morning light.

“So I suppose I’ll have to squeeze myself back into that awful corset before I go down, huh?” His voice was muffled by his own tiredness, but Tubbo was already cracking jokes. Crawling out of bed, albeit reluctantly, the boy gathered his many layers of women’s clothing in his arms, ready for another day of dress-up.

Tubbo crossed the room, making his way over to where Ranboo was stood once more. Looking up at him, the boy asked, “Can I change in your bathroom? It seems like the best option, since there’s no way of someone getting in there without them going through here first.” Tubbo poked the taller’s chest, such a little gesture filled with so much affection. “I trust you to protect me, Ranboo. My knight in shining armor.”

Then, instead of heading into the bathroom, the brunette decided to push his luck. Stepping closer, he got up on his tip-toes to whisper in Ranboo’s ear. The taller boy almost jumped back, flustered at their sudden closeness.

“You’re so warm, Ranboo. I could lie in your arms for hours.”

The last word was drawn out, a perfect attack aimed directly at Ranboo’s heart. Tubbo’s words wrapped around his mind even as he stepped back, walking into the bathroom and closing the door with an innocent smile as if nothing had happened at all.

This is flirting. This has to be flirting. If those romance novels had taught him anything, it’s that this was a textbook example of romantic tension. And why would Tubbo flirt with him, if not because he had feelings for Ranboo? There was simply no way that none of this meant something.

Then again, he thought, maybe that was all wishful thinking. Maybe he was seeing what he wanted to see, mistaking their normal intimate friendship for something more, something deeper. Maybe he was the weird one, after all, for wanting Tubbo’s actions to come from a place of romance.

Stumbling over to his closet, Ranboo heaved a sigh. He found himself wishing he could lock his frantic little heart in a box and throw it from his balcony. God, this was all so complicated.

———

Hours later, crouched behind a bush and trying not to get grass stains on his pants, Ranboo kept his eyes fixed on a fancy horse-drawn carriage a few feet away. The carriage that was to take Tubbo back home, to a hypothetical estate he lived on that didn’t really exist. Crossing his fingers, needing the extra good luck, Ranboo hoped everything would go as discussed.

The carriage was stopped just within earshot, so Tubbo’s voice reached the taller boy’s ears as he said, “Actually, I’d appreciate it if you dropped me here. I have...a friend I’m to meet. It’s so fortunate we rode through here.” Ranboo heaved a sigh of relief as the driver offered a nod and a wave, which Tubbo returned, stepping out of the vehicle and watching it double back and ride away.

Once it was but a speck on the horizon, Ranboo rose to his full height, emerging from his hiding place and offering a wave to his friend. Tubbo physically slumped over where he stood, dropping the pretty rich girl facade and collapsing into the shade of the tree-covered bush by the roadside. Clearly, grass stains were the least of his concerns.

“Jeez, acting all posh is draining. How in hell’s name do you do this on the daily?” From his place on the ground, Tubbo beckoned to Ranboo, who went and sat down beside him. The smaller boy started to take off the jewelry and accessories he’d been wearing, cramming them into the other’s pants pockets. “What now, big guy? Do we get lunch somewhere?”

Ranboo shook his head. “We can rest here for a bit, but then we walk back to the mansion. Lunch sounds great, don’t get me wrong, but I didn’t bring any money with me.” Offering naught but a shrug in Tubbo’s direction, he slumped back against a nearby tree trunk, brushing his two-toned bangs from his brow.

“Too bad, man. A day in town with you sounds amazing, Boo.” The words sent a jolt running up Ranboo’s spine, and he took to twirling a blade of grass between his fingers to calm his flustered nerves. “We could get a meal, visit every store, fall asleep in a flower bed and wake up suntanned.”

The taller boy laughed joyously, for it all did sound marvelous, truly. “We could try on all the clothes in the stores, and I’d buy you whatever you liked.” He couldn’t help but add onto the fantasy scenario.

“Yeah, and...” Tubbo drummed his fingers on his leg, thinking for a moment before his eyes lit up. “Ooh, you see that florist over there?” He pointed to a nearby building. “We could make little bouquets for each other...though I guess you’d have to pay for both, huh?” He chuckled. “Not much of a gift if it comes out of your own cash.”

“That’s an adorable gesture, though. You know how much I love flowers, huh?”

“Well, obviously! I’m not totally oblivious or unobservant, Ranboo. In fact, I have quite the mental list of things I’ve noticed about you.” Tubbo tapped the side of as he said the last part, as if showing the other boy the list in question.

“Like what? What kind of things do you notice?” Ranboo’s curiosity bubbled over inside him and spilled forth from his mouth before he could stop it.

Tubbo thought for a moment. “Well...you like to doodle on your papers, and I’m assuming you do the same with that memory journal of yours. You wear black, white, and red most often, but your favorite color is purple. You like to play with your hair when you’re nervous. You’ve probably kept the same books on your nightstand for years, judging by the cracked and splitting spines it seems you’ve read them a lot. Your favorite time of day is night, for sure...

“You prefer tying your hair back, but you look just as good with it down. The black part of your hair has an indigo hue in some lights. You fluster really easily, especially at compliments. You lick and bite your lips sometimes when you’re unsure what to say. Despite being shy and quick to fluster, you’re quite fond of physical touch.”

There was no way Ranboo imagined that sudden shift in tone. His heart was racing, mind reeling. How was he to think straight when every word out of Tubbo’s mouth was messing with his head like this?

“And those aren’t even all of them! That is, I’m probably forgetting some things.” Tubbo turned to the other boy, waiting for a response of sorts, and Ranboo realized he’d have to unscramble his mind somehow and form words.

“Uh, wow. Yeah, you really do know a lot about me.” Realizing how awkward he sounded, he continued. “Can’t say I hate it though. I mean, it’s flattering that you care so much.”

“Well, of course I care about you! You’re my best friend, Ranboo!” Tubbo propped himself up on his forearms, looking up at the boy in question. “Now, let’s see if you can return the gesture. What do you know about me? ”

“Well...”

Your eyes sparkle like actual sapphires. They draw you in the longer you gaze into them.

You have freckles across your face, shoulders, back, and hands. I’ve tried to count them, but it’s never worked out.

Your lips are the exact same shade of pink as the pink roses I have growing on my balcony.

When you blush, the tips of your ears and nose turn ruby red.

You’re incredibly pretty.

“I can’t think of anything when you put me on the spot like this, you know. You said it yourself, I get flustered easily. Besides, you know how my memory can be.”

Tubbo sighed. Was it in Ranboo’s head, or did he seem a bit disappointed?

“It’s alright. Just means I win. Now, shall we head back?”

———

Hours later, sitting atop the covers of his bed, Ranboo still wished he’d said what he was thinking. It was quite distracting, especially since he was trying his best to focus on scribbling the day’s events into his memory journal. The rest of the day hadn’t held much excitement, just his cookie cutter routine. But the morning with Tubbo was worth remembering.

Any time he spent with the adorable brunette was worth remembering, in his eyes. Finishing off the writing on the page, Ranboo wondered how many times Tubbo showed up in the book since they’d first met.

Oh well, nothing better to do. Thumbing through the pages, he flipped to the entries made the day the boys first met. Blinking in surprise, Ranboo realized it’d been almost a month since he had that fateful encounter in the marketplace, and his heart fluttered knowing how fast the time had went with Tubbo by his side. Before, the days were rinse-and-repeat, and each one had a way of dragging on like the minutes were years.

“I essentially met this Crescent boy around my age in the marketplace named Tubbo, and he seems inexplicably....welcoming? Anyway, he was looking for a job, so I gave him the flier that had all the info. Oh, and we’re in the forest clearing field together now. He just asked me what I’m doing. I think I’m going to tell him.”

“It’s sunset now. We talked for hours, but it totally felt like minutes. I wonder if we had friends this close before all these memory issues started. I hope he stays with us. I hope this isn’t goodbye. Anyway, Tubbo feel asleep in the field. I would’ve woken him to make sure he gets home safe, but then I realized I didn’t know whether he had a home to get to. So I just left him a note. I hope it’s enough. I’m not too sure on proper friend-making etiquette.”

Ranboo chuckled, a bittersweet thing. If only he’d known the half of how he really felt back then.

The next day’s writings talked about how Ranboo’d hired Tubbo and Niki to work at the mansion, and how his dad had planned an entire ball to celebrate. It’s funny, the anger he felt at his dad for never listening, cause even that was centered around Tubbo in this journal. How annoying it was that he couldn’t come to the ball.

Minutes ticked by in current time as days passed on pages of his journal, all filled with thought about Tubbo.

“I hung out with Tubbo again today, in the woods towards the back of the mansion grounds. Pointed out different types of flowers that grew there, even showed him some that I’d pressed and dried. He always seems so interested, even if I’m just talking about flowers in the woods. He’s just so easy to be around.”

“It’s been a couple hours since the end of the ball, and I swear I can still feel Tubbo’s cheek in my hand. I can’t believe I let myself tuck that flower behind his hair, and I can’t believe he wanted me to keep my hand there. My head feels a bit fluttery, so I think I’m going to sleep.”

“I went with Tubbo to fetch water for the horses today, from the well on the outskirts of town. It was really hot today, and we started splashing each other until half the bucket was gone. We had to go back and fill it again. He almost dropped it on the way back, too. I helped him carry it the rest of the way. Our fingers totally brushed against each other, though I don’t know why that felt important enough to write.”

Tubbo, Tubbo, Tubbo...

His name must’ve been there a thousand times, and yet it played in Ranboo’s head ten times more daily, like a joyous melody. Just reading his name written on a page had the tall boy lightheaded and warm inside.

He couldn’t keep these feelings inside him any longer. It was torture trying to mask the love he felt for him; that beautiful brown haired boy with eyes that endlessly enraptured him. Love, for that’s what it truly was. Ranboo felt his fists clench against the bedsheets.

Tomorrow. It was too late tonight, but tomorrow would be the day.

No more waiting.

Chapter Text

Tubbo kept himself awake, even as the rest of the whispers and giggles passed between beds in the servants quarters faded into snores. It wasn’t like he had to force his eyes open, though. The adrenaline and excitement from what he was doing was like raw energy poured down his throat.

“Meet me in the gardens tonight.” Ranboo had said. “Once everyone else is asleep.” Those words, the promise of time alone in the dead of night, had tugged at the brunette’s heartstrings. Tugging and tugging still as the night went on, as if they were pulling him towards Ranboo.

It had been earlier in the day when the tall boy had whispered his invitation in Tubbo’s ear. They’d passed each other briefly in the halls of the mansion, Tubbo on cleaning duty and Ranboo on the way to the library to meet his tutor. Suddenly, Ranboo had grabbed the brunette boy by the shoulders, stopping him from walking past. It was so sudden, and the contact turned Tubbo’s legs to jelly. Ranboo must’ve seen how flustered he was, for he frantically rushed to apologize for being so sudden about his actions. Then, with a glance up and down the hall that gave the illusion of a secret mission, he’d extended his offer of a rendezvous in the night.

And maybe it was just like any other time they’d ever hung out. After all, Tubbo knew even as he cracked the window of the servant’s bathroom just wide enough to crawl through that he’d done this quite a few times before. The motion of pulling himself onto the window’s ledge, then squeezing and pushing himself out the other side had become less awkward after some practice. This time, he was even able to land on his feet.

Maybe, however, there was something special about this time, as Tubbo couldn’t help but feel there was. Something about the way Ranboo had pulled him aside earlier stuck to his mind.

“Tubbo? Is that you?”

The boy in question flinched, spinning around to find himself face-to-face with Niki. The pink haired girl was standing a few feet away, head cocked in apparent confusion and arm outstretched towards Tubbo.

“Oh, Niki! Thank god it’s just you. What are you doing out here?”

“Followed you after I saw you leave. I guess the real question, Tubbo, is what you’re doing?” She said this, not as if she was really asking, but as if she already knew.

Tubbo saw no reason to hide the truth from Niki. After all, she was the one who’d helped him go behind the backs of Ranboo’s family twice before. So he shrugged and said, “I’m meeting Ranboo in the gardens tonight. He asked me to join him.”

“Oh, that’s cool.” Niki giggled, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “Glad you’re not trying to run away or something, at least not without me. Though, I’m not surprised this has something to do with Ranboo.”

With an awkward exchange of nods and smiles, Tubbo turned to go once again. He’d started down the garden path when something Niki said caused him to freeze in place once more, halting the world with him.

“You love him, don’t you?”

He couldn’t deny it if he wanted to. Once again, Niki had asked the question without really needing the answer to know. Turning to face her with a soft, gentle smile, Tubbo nodded.

“Yeah. I really do.”

——

The stars were aglow in the sky overhead, and the grass was dewey against his bare feet as he made his way down to the gardens. Even from this far away, the fragrance of blossoms reached Tubbo’s nose. It carried his mind away to a dreamy place.

Hey, Ranboo, how come you get to make every night we spend together so magical?

Trestles of vines and neatly trimmed hedges marked their meeting spot, and through the gates the brunette boy could see the warm glow of candlelight. If he wanted to make out anymore, however, he’d have to push forward and look himself. And yet, without any sort of reason, Tubbo was nervous. Nervous, for the first time in their friendship, to see that beautiful boy with his multicolored hair and captivating, mismatched eyes sitting there, waiting for him. He was lucky, he felt, to have someone as amazing as Ranboo in his life. But he feared that someday, his luck would run out.

Taking a deep breath, doing his best to ground himself, Tubbo nudged the garden gate open with a creak. The sound caused Ranboo, who was sitting on a bench nearby, to jump. His eyes widened first with fear, then with excitement as he stood to greet Tubbo.

The brunette had been expecting a lantern or two, but he passed dozens of candles as he made his way over to where Ranboo was standing. They’d been laid out all across the garden, amber light from the flames bouncing off the surface of the flower petals and stone path. It created a sort of effect that made the scene almost unreal, though that feeling wasn’t a first for them.

“I hope it’s not too much,” Ranboo said, taking Tubbo’s hand and guiding him to sit down next to him.

“No, not at all. It’s...it’s gorgeous.”

You’re gorgeous. The words were on the top of his tongue; he could’ve said them if he wanted to. But he bit them back, concealing the feelings that caused them in the shadows of the night.

“You’re really too kind to me, Tubbo.” Ranboo chuckled, eyes cast downward with an awkward grin.

“Well, you make it too easy.” Ranboo laughed at this, though his face flushed and his eyes remained trained to his lap.

“Seriously, though, sometimes I wonder what makes you want to be around me, y’know? What I did to...deserve you.” His voice trailed off in a tapering, breathy whisper.

“Are you kidding me? You practically saved my life, coming up to me in the marketplace the first time we met!” Tubbo grabbed Ranboo’s arm with one hand, causing the boy to jerk his head up. The other arm flailed expressively as he spoke.

“You’re funny, and kind, and I’ve looked forward to seeing you every single day for the past month! If anything, I should be the one wondering what some random street urchin like me has ever done to deserve you! ”

“Well, that’s easy.” Ranboo’s voice was still barely a whisper, but he finally looked up and met Tubbo’s eyes.

“You’re...you’re you . That’s worth more than you could ever know to me.”

“I—“ But the small boy couldn’t think of any way to reply. Those words replayed in his head over and over, turning his mind to a puddle of flustered mush. His free hand had flown to his face, which was flushed and warm.

“Look, Tubbo, there’s something specific I wanted to talk to you about. You don’t have to spare me more than a few minutes, I promise.” All the brunette could do was nod along.

“Well...god, where do I even start?

“This past month has been amazing. Like, really amazing. You changed my whole life for the better in ways I couldn’t begin to have imagined. You’re still changing it as we speak.”

“You’ve changed mine, too. C’mon, Boo, we just went over this.” Tubbo broke his grip on Ranboo’s arm, instead choosing to lace their fingers together. A contact he initiated, yet it still make his heart flutter beyond reason.

“No, no, it’s not just that. You’ve done more than just change the world around me, it’s like...” He paused, trying to figure out a good way to say what he was thinking. “This sounds so dumb, but it’s like you’ve reached inside me and rearranged me until I can’t untangle myself. There’s not an inch of my mind left untouched.” Ranboo was fidgeting with the seams of his shirt now, clearly nervous.

“Is that...a good thing, or not?” Tubbo cocked his head quizzically.

“It’s so good...except for when it’s not. But mostly, it’s good. It’s so complicated, see, because...”

“Because?”

“...because I think it’s love, Tubbo.”

Who knew you could knock the air from someone’s lungs with such few words.

“I asked you to come out here tonight so I could tell you that I’m in love with you. And it’s not like I expect you to feel the same, so don’t feel pressured into saying anything. But I just felt like I had to let you know. Put it out there, just so we’re clear on everything, or something.”

“I love you too, Ranboo. I think I’ve loved you from the moment we met.” No longer did he have to bite back the words he’d been dying to say.

“You...you know, you don’t have to say that just for me—“

“I promise you, I’m not just saying it. I honestly worried I was being too obvious, thought you’d caught on already.” Tubbo ran a hand through his messy brown hair, trying to release the adrenaline bubbling inside him in any small way.

“I mean, yeah, there were times where I thought. But I didn’t want to let myself get my hopes up. It just seemed too good to be true; You seemed too good to be true!”

“I’m not messing with you, Ranboo. I really do have feelings for you. I just can’t believe you feel the same.”

Eyes locked, sitting in silence, both boys tried desperately to collect their thoughts and string them together into words. Then, without speaking, they collapsed into each other at the same time. Falling from the bench a short ways into the grass, one atop the other. Tubbo simply gazed down at Ranboo for a moment, before they both burst into euphoric giggles, dopey smiles stretching ear to ear. Soon, the laughter was swallowed into a kiss, the third they’d shared but the first one they honestly felt.

And it was perfect. It was all perfect; nothing had ever been better. If there was a heaven, it paled in comparison to whatever this was.

Because Tubbo loved someone, a beautiful magical boy...

...who loved him back.

——

“We should run away together.”

They were lying next to each other under the cool night sky, pressed together, Tubbo lying with his arm across Ranboo’s chest. He let out a hum of acknowledgment.

“How uncharacteristic of you, Ranboo.”

“Well, I mean, think about it. We can’t keep fooling my dad forever. It’s just impossible for our luck to not run out eventually. I don’t even know what kind of punishment I’d face, and I don’t really care. But god, Tubbo, I couldn’t loose you. That’s what would kill me.”

“So you’re saying we make our own luck instead?” Tubbo nodded, head still against the other’s chest. “It doesn’t sound impossible, to be honest. I mean, your dad has definitely seen me around here before, and he never once questioned me at dinner the other night. Doesn’t seem like he’s paying all that much attention to his servants.”

“I mean, he doesn’t even pay attention to his own son.” Ranboo scoffed. “I’d be willing to bet it takes him a day or two to even notice I’m gone.”

“We could get Niki on our side. I’m sure she’d be willing to help. Travel by night, sleep by day. The stuff you hear about in stories, y’know?”

“Oh god, I can’t believe we’re really doing this. Tubbo, are we crazy?” He was laughing, but the brunette could sense the fear and unease creeping in.

“Hey, hey, we don’t have to do anything if you aren’t ready. We don’t even have to think about it.” Tubbo squeezed Ranboo’s hand, nuzzling his head into the tall boy’s chest. “Just...focus on me. On us. On the pretty garden, or the stars, or something else cliche.”

“Mmm.” Ranboo hummed his agreement, shifting a little to plant a kiss on the top of Tubbo’s head. “It’s a nice night out tonight, huh? Cool, but not too cold.”

“I dunno, Boo, I get cold pretty easily.” Tubbo smirked, though it wasn’t like Ranboo could see it with how they were lying. “You might have to hold me in your big, strong, rich boy arms.”

“Gladly, dear.” Ranboo laughed at Tubbo’s comment, but he happily draped his arm across the boy’s smaller frame, pressing him even closer as they continued to talk about everything and nothing, making stupid jokes together long into the night.

It was all either of them had been dreaming of for the past few weeks on end. And now it was real.

From their place high in the sky, the stars shone down on them, illuminating the pair of young lovers as they drifted off to sleep in each other’s arms.

Chapter Text

In all honestly, it was over for the two young lovers as soon as the garden’s gate swung open. The creaking sound that came with it had snapped Ranboo awake, leaving him frantic. Looking around, he tried to come to his senses, grasp for strands of memories as the figure approached. He knew that he had mere seconds if they continued down the path through the garden, but still he frantically reached for his memory journal, laying open on the ground next to him.

Skimming the last few lines on the page, it all came back to him. He’d called Tubbo out to the gardens last night to tell the brunette how he felt, and it’d gone better than he’d ever hoped. They’d fallen asleep in each other’s arms, and Tubbo was still snuggled against him, their limbs tangled. A melodious warmth played across Ranboo’s heartstrings for a moment, before a shadow suddenly fell over both of the boys.

The footsteps had stopped, their sound replaced with a booming voice.

“What in hell’s name is this?”

The voice of his father.

Ranboo wanted to cry, to scream, to pass out. He wanted to do so many things, but he was frozen in place, voice choked out by his own fear. He could only stammer out half-words in response.

“Nnn...” Next to him on the grass, Tubbo’s sleeping frame came to life, as the boy rubbed his eyes and raked a hand through his hair. Oh how Ranboo wished he could keep him from all this, keep him safe. Keep him happy. He’d give everything and more if he knew the boy he loved could be spared his father’s wrath. But of course, there were no shooting stars to wish upon in broad daylight. No chance of this dream coming true. The young lovers were bound together on this sinking ship.

“You.” Ranboo’s dad towered over Tubbo when the both of them were standing. Now, Tubbo must’ve looked like an ant to the man as he bent over and roughly shook the boy’s shoulders. Those soft blue eyes Ranboo had fallen in love with were now sharp and wide with fear. Tears formed in his own heterochromic eyes, blurring the scene before him.

“Do you have anything to say for yourself? Do either of you?” Tubbo shook his head, in a state of shock. Ranboo cautiously reached out to touch his dad’s shoulder, and the violence with which the man turned to face him made the boy jump back. Even with the mask he donned, Ranboo could tell he was seething with rage.

“Dad...Mr. Dream, I...” He cast his eyes downwards, a single tear tracing his cheek. “Could you...give us a moment to collect ourselves?”

“Fine. But I don’t owe either of you shit in this situation. I expect you two outside my office by the end of an hour, and I better hear a coherent story.” Turning away without another word, the man stormed off, leaving the two boys shaking in raw fright.

For seven straight years, Ranboo could’ve told you the worst day of his life was the first day he woke up to a mind full of patches and holes. Trying to remember things, his hands only grasped emptyness. He’d been no more than ten years old at the time, a terrified kid sobbing and crying out for any sort of lifeline. Hell couldn’t compete with that feeling.

Now, watching Tubbo collapse onto him, shaking with the cold of a winter day in summer weather, that day couldn’t compete. The boy he loved was in danger because of him. That beautiful boy was curled up in the crook of his neck, coughing out choked sobs and stuttering as he tried to express his fear and grief.

This was, by far, a new low for him. All he could do was mindlessly stroke Tubbo’s soft brown hair, staring off into space. Asking himself one question over and over and over.

“Where did I go wrong?”

After they were both sure they could stand without their knees giving out, the duo hobbled their way over to the servant’s quarters. Ranboo never left Tubbo’s side as he changed into a fresh pair of clothes. Niki came from somewhere, though neither of them were paying attention as to where, and they offered her a broken explanation of recent events.

The pink haired girl looked like she, too, was on the verge of tears as she wrapped them both in a hug, wanting to offer her reassurance but lost on what to say. They stayed this way for as long as they could afford. Niki took to running her hands through the boys’ hair, rubbing their backs, anything soothing she could do. Ranboo had to admit, he was trembling a touch less by the time he pulled away.

Putting an arm around Tubbo’s shoulder, he angled the boy’s face to help him meet his eyes. Voice still shaking, he forced the words he needed to say from his tight throat.

“Tubbo, love, I need to...to speak to Niki in private for a little. Will you be okay if we leave you here for just a few minutes?” Tubbo looked uneasy, but he nodded shakily.

“Thank you so much, dear. I won’t be long, I promise. I won’t leave your side for longer than I must.” And with that Ranboo stepped out of the cabin.

There was still one more thing he could do for Tubbo. It would hurt, he knew it would. But it’s what had to happen. Standing a few feet from the servants quarters, Niki by his side, he told the girl what he wanted to do.

——

Like prisoners to their execution, Ranboo and Tubbo stood outside the doors to Dream’s office, hand in hand. It might be the last time they got to touch like this, after all. Standing a few feet away was Niki, eyes cast downward, looking more grim than either boy could recall ever seeing her. Then again, that seemed to be the tone for the day.

It had to be now. Ranboo clenched his free hand into a fist at his side, preparing himself to tell Tubbo what he knew he must. Like ripping off a bandage, he thought. Do it fast, get it over with.

“Tubbo...there’s something I have to tell you.”

“Don’t say it like that.” The boy had never sounded so meek. “Don’t make it seem like this is goodbye. It...it can’t be goodbye. It isn’t goodbye, right, Boo?”

His lip was quivering as his dull blue eyes met Ranboo’s, and it broke him into pieces again. But still, he pressed on.

“Tubbo, remember how I talked about running away? That’s what you’ve gotta do now. Niki...Niki’s already packed some bags for you and her. She can show where they’re hidden. You’ll...” he tried desperately not to choke up. “You’ll go while I’m in there, talking to my dad. We’ve planned this all out, Tubbo. You can make it, I...I know you can.”

“But what about you, Ranboo?” Tubbo sounded frantic, desperate, every single note and tone in his voice pleading with the world to change their fate. “I can’t leave you...can’t let you get hurt! I won’t...I can’t do it...I can’t, Ranboo!”

With trembling hands, Ranboo brushed the other boy’s brown bangs away from his face, pressing a kiss to his forehead. Instead of pulling back, he closed them into a tight embrace.

“Niki said...said she knows somewhere you’ll be safe. You’ll be fine, Tubbo. It’s all going to be okay. I promise you—“

“But what about earlier? When you promised me you wouldn’t leave me for longer than you had to? Was that a lie? What happened to that promise?”

“I...” A sob escaped the tall boy’s lips before he could choke it back. “I’m sorry. I wish there was another way.”

Raising a hand to the big wooden doors of the office, Ranboo knocked. Choosing to step right into the lion’s den. With one more glance over his shoulder, he offered a small, sad smile to his dearest love. Then, the door was cracked open, and Ranboo was beckoned inside.

It was over. This was goodbye. Unless he was able to see Tubbo leave from wherever he’d be locked up, he’d never lay eyes on him again. Now, all he could do was ensure he could get away from this living hell.

“Sir, I know you want answers,” he started, standing in front of his dad’s desk. Not daring to raise his eyes. “And I promise, I’ll give them to you. Just ask me whatever you want, and I’ll tell you everything.”

He could hear the regal wooden chair behind the desk creak, though he couldn’t see whatever it was that the man sitting in it had done. After a couple beats of silence, the man spoke up, voice cooler than ice.

“When did all this start? Whatever was going on between you and this boy?”

“Well...” He debated on how much to say, before simply deciding on everything. Not only would it be a good way to stall for time, but also because he was getting punished no matter what. Might as well tell the story in its entirety, read it out from memory like a romance novel. Read it cover to cover, pass on the story of the love his heart bore.

“I knew there was something special about that boy from the moment we first met, about a month ago. I’ve known it was love for a week, when I kissed him in the library under the facade of practice. I’ve known it was mutual since last night, when I told him how I felt.”

A scoff resounded from the place where his dad presumably sat, but Ranboo paid it no mind, keeping his eyes down as the man continued his questioning.

“Was he the girl from dinner the other day?”

“Yes, and I helped him dress up to sneak into the ball a couple weeks back, too.”

“How much have you two done together?”

“Held hands, cuddled, kissed, not much else.” You didn’t give us time for anything else, asshole. Rage was a fire hot inside of Ranboo’s chest, a burning stinging spite.

“Do you think you even like girls?”

“No.” He’d never thought about it before, but saying it out loud felt right.

“God, I don’t know what to say to you.” And Ranboo felt a sort of pride in crushing something inside his father. Finally, he got some sort of vengeance. Some sort of payback. If nothing else, he got to break the man’s hopes for Ranboo.

Wanted to see me fall in love with some hot rich girl and start a family? Nice try.

“What about the other boy? Does he feel the same as you?”

And here, he told the first lie of the story. On the off chance that Tubbo didn’t get away, and he might have to spin words into a story that’d lighten whatever sentence he got.

“Kind of. He said that he was willing to try something with me, see how far we got. That’s why you saw us together this morning.”

The interrogation went on for another fifteen minutes, questions getting repetitive and pointless. Ranboo’s father was clearly in some sort of shock, and Ranboo was proud to have caused it. After a silence that seemed to stretch across centuries, the man’s sharp voice resounded through the room once more.

“You’re grounded. Arrested. House arrest, whatever you want to call it. You’ll be escorted to a locked room in the basement, where you’ll stay until we’ve dealt with your little partner in crime. After that, we’ll find you a suitable wife ourselves. You’re lucky that this is the worst of it, boy.”

And with a firm hand on his shoulder, Ranboo was escorted down to the basement of the mansion by his own father. A prison warden and an inmate who had once been family. Ranboo could tell the exact moment his dad realized Tubbo was nowhere to be seen, as the hand on his person tightened its grip. However, the journey to his holding cell was made in utter silence.

Honestly, for what was functioning as a prison, the room was quite nice. With a full twin-sized bed, writing desk and papers, dresser stocked with spare clothes, and a couple other things, the cell looked like a guest room more than anything. There was even a bathroom branching off of it, just like in Ranboo’s bedroom a few floors up. The one window was mounted with iron bars and padlocked shut, but it was still there.

All things considered, it was much better than Ranboo had thought he’d be getting. The boy had been expecting a full on death row holding cell, with dirt stained floors and rats for inmates. It was, potentially, the nicest thing his dad had done for him in a couple of years.

“Meals will be delivered by the servants thrice a day at normal times. Other than that, there are to be no visitors, with very limited exceptions. Perhaps we could allow your mother to come see you, if she so desires.”

His mother hadn’t even crossed his mind, and she barely did even now. All Ranboo could do was offer a weak nod of acknowledgment and collapse onto the bed as his father locked the door behind him, resigning him to nothing but his own thoughts and hurt.

——

His two-toned hair was a frizzy mess that fell around his face. Emeralds and rubies in his eyes turned to dull, hollow glass, and bags had formed under his eyes. A couple of plates were scattered around the room, untouched. Ranboo had barely moved in the past two days, curled up on his side as the moonlight cut across the floor.

The pillow on which he was resting his head was covered with tear drops, both old and new. He wasn’t crying over his father, his situation, or anything like that. No, he was crying at the emptiness of his arms. Tubbo would’ve been lying next to him if he’d been there. He’d be with him. They’d be off somewhere, doing something. Happy, happy together.

He could only hope his dearest was doing better than he was.

He must’ve missed the first knock on his door, because the next one he heard was more insistent. It took everything he had and then some to get up from where he lay, but Ranboo hobbled over and whispered in a dead, hoarse voice.

“Hello?” His lips were pressed to the small crack in the door, unable to think of who it could be at this hour. His meals for the day had been delivered, each being barely touched. It was too dark to see anything at all through the crack he spoke through, but the boy could hear the clinking of a key as it rattled in the lock. He barely stepped back in time before the door was cracked open, and a figure almost as tall as him slipped inside.

Before he could ask any questions, the person held a finger to Ranboo’s lips, shushing him. Grabbing a lantern and some matches, they pulled the two of them into the bathroom,  locking the door before striking a match and filling the small room with light.

Standing before him was a servant he’d seen around the mansion before, a boy around his age with fluffy blond hair and sky blue eyes. He even sported the usual bandana he wore while working, tied round his neck. Usually he seemed more laidback, joking around or feigning annoyance. But now, he seemed dead serious.

“Ranboo, listen to me. We don’t have all the time in the world, as I’m sure you’re aware. So keep quiet and pay attention, because I’m going to explain how to get you out of here.”

His mouth was agape as he sat there, stunned by what he was hearing. Running away was never part of his plan, this came out of nowhere to him. Noting Ranboo’s state of shock, the blond boy (Tommy, was it?) continued to explain.

“Yeah, yeah, I get that you had this whole self-sacrifice thing going on. But Niki and Tubbo seemed to have other plans for you, so I’m here to explain to you what you’ve gotta do to see them again.”

“Tubbo..?” His heart, for days, had been a wilted flower. But at the mention of the boy, the bloom in Ranboo’s chest seemed to perk up, petals coming back to life.

“Yeah, yeah, your little lover boy is involved in this. Look, I can take you as far as town. I’m not too sure what this means myself, but Tubbo told me that the instructions on how to find him would be with an old friend of his. Apparently, you’ll know what this means.”

“Yeah...yeah! You mean W—“ He started to bring up Wilbur, but Tommy stopped him.

“I’m not supposed to know too much. Y’know, in case I get questioned somehow. Not that we’re getting caught, unless it’s you who screws this up. But I’m gonna believe you’re smarter than that, aren’t you?”

Ranboo was given a hooded cloak to wear over his head, and together he and Tommy left his holding cell. Moving through the palace, the blond would look around every corner first before motioning for Ranboo to follow. Slowly but surely, they made their way out into the cool air of the night like with this.

He was out. God, he was really out. Ranboo had a chance, even after he’d resigned himself to defeat. The world had proven him wrong.

No, he thought, it was Tubbo and Niki who arranged this. Or so Tommy had said. They’re the ones who’d proven him wrong, and at this he really wasn’t surprised.

Tommy seemed to know the alleys of the town almost as well as Tubbo, and together they avoided all signs of life as they wove through the twists and turns of the backroads. Eventually, the boys found themselves at a back door that Ranboo could only assume led into Wil’s bakery. A light could be seen from the inside.

“You’re to knock twice, pause, then knock again. From there, you make your way inside. Apparently Wilbur is giving you the chance to stay the night, but I’d suggest continuing onward as soon as you know how. Once someone comes to deliver your breakfast tomorrow, they’ll realize you’re gone.

“I’ve got to head back now, so our cover isn’t blown.” The blonde boy nodded towards Ranboo, pushing him lightly towards the door. “Ranboo, you’re a rich prat, but you deserve this. On the other side of this door is your shot at a life with the boy you love. I wish you the best.”

Shaking with adrenaline and a new sense of hope, Ranboo pulled Tommy into a brief hug that seemed to take the boy off guard. Offering a wave in the blond’s direction, he waited for him to dart out of sight before knocking on the door.

Twice. Pause. Once more.

Shuffling, then footsteps, then light flooding the alleyway as the door was cracked open. A hand beckoned him inside, and Ranboo slipped his way in. The hand, of course, belonged to Wilbur, who pulled the tall boy into a hug as soon as the door was shut and latched behind them.

“Ranboo, I’m so glad you’re safe. Tubbo told me so much about you when he stopped by the other day.” Wasting no time, the brown haired man reached over and grabbed a letter off the table. “He wanted you to read this. I promise you, I know nothing of its contents. Apparently, Niki helped him write it.”

Taking the letter in shaky hands, Ranboo’s heterochromic eyes scanned the page with an earnest sense of urgency.

Hey, Ranboo. I know there’s no point in saying that I hope this letter finds you well, so I’ll just say that I hope it finds you. I also know you weren’t expecting this, but there’s no way I’m just leaving you. I’m not letting you break your promise to me, dear.

Apparently, Niki has a friend who we can stay with. He has a mansion about three days from here on foot, but you’ll only have to walk as far as two towns over.

Niki set up this next part, but once you’re there, go to a place called the Arctic Bar and order “The Syndicate”. A man should escort you out back, and you’ll ride with him on horseback the rest of the way.

I know it’s a lot to take in, but honestly, doesn’t that make it even cooler? You totally owe me for thinking of this when you get here. Perhaps you could pay me back with a good kiss. Just saying.

With this letter, I send my love to you on your journey.

Signed, Tubbo and Niki

Turning back to Wilbur, he nodded, signifying that he’d finished reading. The fire inside him was now one of purpose rather than rage.

I’m coming for you, Tubbo. I’ll keep my promise.

Chapter Text

Hey, so, I’m sorry this isn’t the chapter update you wanted. But it’s been 2 weeks since I last updated. Let’s talk about that real quick.

First, I’m actually on vacation! I’ve been either too busy or too tired to do much writing. Before vacation, I also had a friend from out of state staying over, which also inhibited the time I have for writing.

Second, I’m actually going through something really rough in both my friend group and romantic relationship right now. It’s been draining, demotivating, and honestly? It’s hard to write romance when your own is kinda falling apart :/

That being said, I HAVE made progress! There’s currently 2,000 words of chapter 10 sitting in my notes, and I pinky promise all of you that I’ll finish and post it as soon as life allows. Thank you all so much for your continued understanding and support

- r1nr1nz

Chapter Text

After over a month of living at Ranboo’s estate, Tubbo thought he’d be used to the towering mansions. And yet, as he walked side by side with Niki towards the front gates, the brunette found himself dumbfounded once more at the sheer size of the manor they’d be staying at.

“Jeez, Niki, why aren’t you rolling in cash by now if you have connections like this?”

The mansion was a towering form against the morning sky, centerpiece of the estate it was built upon. White trim accented a faded robin’s egg blue painting the body of the building. The front door was also a pure white to match the trim and shutters, with marble steps leading up to it.

Niki giggled softly in response to Tubbo’s previous comment. The both of them were far more than worn out from the journey of the past days and nights, and it was all they could do to try and keep each other’s spirits up. Tubbo had to hand it to Niki, if he was honest with himself. He must’ve been dead weight for a while, but she always did her best to cheer him up, offering nothing but empathy and support.

It hadn’t been more than a matter of days, so of course the brunette could still recall the dreadful feelings from the day he’d left Ranboo behind.

As soon as the office door had closed behind the taller boy, Tubbo fell to his knees, simply collapsed. With all the stress he was under, his body gave up on supporting his weight, as small as he was.

Falling to the ground was probably a lot like what drowning is, he recalled. Niki’s voice, frantic as she called out to him, was muffled and distant. There was a ringing in his ears, and his vision was blurred. Tubbo could recall gasping for air as if his head had been held underwater, when in reality he was still on the floor of Ranboo’s family manor. Even his own raw sadness, a bitter hurt that stung and ached as it crushed him from all sides, was numb and distant.

For a while, it had just been like that. He knew Niki had taken him with her and fled, but it was a distant memory. His body had entered autopilot, left his mind behind. He recalled being set down in a patch of grass on the side of some road once it was safe, though he couldn’t remember how the green blades felt when he crashed into their surface. Nor could he recall if Niki had been warm when she hugged him, held him and whispered reassurance to him until the feeling returned to his body.

The emptiness inside Tubbo that had taken the shape of Ranboo had hardened into a firm resolve to ensure this plan of theirs succeeded. He wouldn’t give up, wouldn’t lose the boy he loved that easily. No, Tubbo knew that he’d rather die than give up on finding him.

And now, as they climbed the marble steps to the mansion of the friend Niki promised they’d be safe with, it hit him that this was their destination. All he could do now was hope Ranboo followed the note in Wilbur’s bakery, wish on every dandelion and shooting star that his beloved would come back to him.

You promised, remember? You promised that you wouldn’t leave my side for too long.

Niki knocked on the large front door, then stepped back and nodded at Tubbo. A few moments later, a metal cover slid open, and a large burly hand pushed its way through a slot cut into the door. Holding the bigger hand steady, the pink haired girl traced a pattern across it with her own smaller fingers.

This must’ve been some kind of password, Tubbo realized, for a second or two later the doors to the mansion were pulled open from the inside. Standing in the doorway, almost too tall to fit, was a muscular man with long pink hair. The rose-colored strands were woven with golden accents and tossed over his broad shoulders in an intricate braid. The mask he wore over his nose and eyes was either a small boar’s skull, or a very convincing replica.

He looked like he could crush the both of them one-handed, and yet Niki showed no signs of fear or apprehension as she held out her arms and offered the man a hug.

“Techno, it’s been so long! How are you, how’s Phil?” Surprising Tubbo once more, the mountainous man accepted Niki’s embrace, even offering her a brief pat on the back before pulling away. He grinned down at her, and the brunette could’ve sworn that half the teeth in his mouth were fangs.

“Aren’t you getting ahead of yourself, Niki? We have plenty of time to catch up, but for now it seems introductions are in order.” At this, Techno turned towards the small boy, offering him a nod. Shakily, Tubbo waved back.

“Ah, yes! I’m so sorry, both of you.” Throwing an arm across the brunette’s shoulders, Niki offered an apologetic smile before continuing. “This is Tubbo, he’s the boy I’ve written to you about. Tubbo, this is Techno. I used to work for his parents before he moved out and found his way in the world. I’m happy we stayed friends after all this time.”

“Yeah, yeah, y’sure you’re not just saying that because I’m rich?” The old friends shared a laugh, Niki’s a high-pitched fairy bell and Techno’s somewhere between a snort and a roar. Still chuckling a bit, the burly man held out one of his massive hands for Tubbo to shake. “It’s a pleasure to meetcha, kid. You didn’t hear it from me, but Niki seems quite fond of you. I believe her words were...hmm, ‘he’s like a little brother to me’?”

“Techno! I wrote that to you in private!” Flustered, Niki elbowed the tall man in the chest, and he put his arms up defensively, despite it being clear that she hadn’t actually hurt him at all.

“Okay, okay, I surrender! Cease fire, spare me!”

Tubbo thought they looked like the real brother-sister duo, from the ways they joked around to the color of their hair. As he stepped inside with them, though, he couldn’t stop thinking about how Niki had said he was like a little brother to her. Would that make Techno a brother to him as well, at least in a hypothetical sense?

For the first time in a decade, had he finally found himself part of a family?

——

The rules at Techno’s mansion were actually pretty simple. There were no servants, as he didn’t believe in the caste system. Nor did he believe in making another human work under you, just because you could. As long as you could pull your own weight, you could stay as long as you liked. Tubbo and Niki, who’d both spent most of their lives doing housework under others, saw this as a major step up.

The real issue for Tubbo was the waiting. Techno had sent someone to meet Ranboo at the halfway point, just as they’d agreed upon. Both he and Niki assured the boy he had no more than a few days to wait before they got their tearful reunion. And yet, when you’re counting down for something exciting, each minute seems a century long. Tubbo wasn’t sure if there was a word for this feeling, but he knew he was feeling it regardless.

The bedroom he’d been given had a window with a good view of the mansion’s front side, and the brunette spent most of each day looking out of it, hoping to catch a flash of black and white on the grass below. If not there, he’d be waiting by the door itself, or outside in the front yard. During meals, he’d push the conversations at hand from his mind, searching not for the sound of human voices but instead for that of a knock at the door.

Ranboo had taught Tubbo a lot of fancy words during their time together. Tedious, agonizing, and excruciating were some of the ones that fit what the smaller boy was feeling exceptionally well. Sometimes he’d turn to Ranboo, hoping to share his feelings with the boy, only to find he was still alone.

It had only been three days since Tubbo had arrived with Niki to Techno’s mansion. And on this third, lonely day, he wandered off to the gardens of the estate. They were located behind the towering building, so if Ranboo were to show up while he was back there, he’d be left unaware. Oh well, he tried to push that from his mind. Could he not let himself be at peace, if only for a few short moments?

The layout of the flowers and plants was completely different than the garden back at Ranboo’s manor, and Tubbo wouldn’t have expected anything else. Finding a bare patch of grass in the shade, he took out a notebook and charcoal pencil. They’d been left on the desk in the boy’s bedroom, and thus he figured he might as well try putting them to use. He couldn’t write, no, but he figured he could make an attempt at drawing.

The flowers he’d sat himself closest to were a lovely shade of purple, blooms packed together on the stem to form a violet puff of petals. Something about the flower gave Tubbo an immense sense of deja-vu, though he couldn’t quite put his finger on why. Eyes darting between the blossoms and the paper in his lap, freckled hands stained themselves with charcoal as he sketched out the puffball shape of the flower.

It was a pretty good drawing, especially for his first attempt. Holding the notebook up to the purple blooms, however, he could see that the circle of flowers he’d drawn on the paper was a bit misshapen and lopsided, and the stem was no more than a skinny shriveled line. Flipping to a blank sheet, Tubbo decided there was no harm in trying again. After all, he had plenty of time until dinner, when he needed to be back inside. The sun was right in the middle of the clear blue sky, meaning it must’ve been around noon.

This time, he made slow deliberate strokes, until he’d formed a perfect circle on his page. From there, he started adding in the tiny individual purple blossoms.

Tubbo found his mind wandering back to the way Ranboo’s eyes lit up every time he got to talk about the flowers in his garden. Or any flowers, really. A couple times on walks to town, he’d crouched down besides stray blooms or bushes and starting rambling before he could help himself. And Tubbo, though he’d never found himself caring about flowers before, was always excited to listen.

Ranboo would love this garden, with all of its colorful blooms and flourishing bushes. When he got there, Tubbo would make sure it was the first thing he saw. He’d bring out a blanket from the laundry room, and they’d lay it in the grass, take their dinner amongst the flowers.

The flower on the paper had now become part of a different drawing, tucked gently into charcoal strands of hair. Tubbo realized his fantasties had translated onto the page, for the blooms in the garden were now sketched into Ranboo’s hair, framing his face.

It was drawn from memory, and by a boy with no prior art experience. So, of course, it wasn’t all that great a piece. But it was sort of beautiful in its own right, for it symbolized a love so strong it crept into every subconscious action.

All of his waiting and worrying had been keeping Tubbo up at night, whether he was trying to stay awake or not. He had no idea just how exhausted he really was until he fell asleep, tucked away in his corner of the garden, Ranboo’s portrait cradled in his arms.

——

“Ranboo? Kid, you gotta get up now.”

The boy in question begrudgingly blinked the sleep from his eyes, sitting up from where he’d been slumped against the back of another man. The two of them were on horseback, seemingly riding towards a light shining from a distant hill.

All Ranboo could muster were a few groggy, confused grunts. But the other man seemed to understand what he meant better than he did, turning around and offering him a kind smile.

“Do you need me to fill you in on what’s happening? Y’know, because of your memory and all, mate?” And the other, younger boy nodded, because the gaps in his mind were once again leaving him clueless.

“Okay then, understood. My name is Phil, and I was sent by a friend of Niki’s to pick you up a day or two ago. You’re running from your home to stay with this friend, because it’s the only way for you to be with the boy you love. I’m sure I don’t need to remind you who he is.”

“...Tubbo?”

“Atta boy. So, is it coming back to ya now?”

And indeed it was. Ranboo found the holes in his memories being patched with flashes of ducking through trees in the forest, passing through towns in the shadows of buildings, meeting a blonde man who must’ve been around twice his age at some sort of halfway point. And, after hours of horseback travel that served to put his legs to sleep, the two of them had gotten where they were now.

“So...does that mean those lights are—“

“That’s correct, mate.” Phil smiled another one of him warm, welcoming smiles, gesturing towards the top of the hill that stood before them. “We’re almost there. Just a little further now, kid. We can both get a well-deserved rest once we’re at the top of that hill.”

In contrast to his previous sleepy state, Ranboo was now fully awake, jittery with adrenaline and excitement. The thought of a sanctuary residing within his grasp, somewhere he could make friends and fall in love freely, left him a fidgety mess.

“So what’s he like, eh? This ‘Tubbo’ kid, tell me about him.” As the steed they’d mounted trotted up the hill at a steady pace, Phil struck up a conversation. It was almost unnerving how well he could sense just what those around him needed.

“Well...” There were so many things worth sharing about Tubbo, Ranboo found he had no idea where to start. “He’s 17 years old...a Crescent boy, bottom of the caste system— not that it matters to me, of course!

“I mean, that system is really just dumb luck. I’m supposed to be some kind of high-society ‘Sun’ or whatever, but...well, in my opinion, Tubbo’s more like the sun than I am. He’s radiant, warm and inviting, and when he smiles I swear it’s like he’s physically glowing.”

The man seated in front of him chuckled fondly, reaching back to give Ranboo a quick pat on the head. “It seems like you really care a lot about this kid, huh? Well, I’m glad you have someone like him in your life.”

Phil was more like a dad than Ranboo’s dad had ever been, and it was only when the man laughed and turned to face him that Ranboo realized he hadn’t kept that remark inside his head.

“You might be surprised how often I get that, kid. I’ve all but adopted quite a few children in my day.”

It was only a few minutes more before they found themselves dismounting their horse at a set of gates that was completely foreign to Ranboo. He wished he could say he upheld the same practiced, steady grace Phil had as he hopped down, but the boy found his way to the ground to be more of a stumble.

“Why don’t you come run our friend here to the stables with me, Ranboo,” Phil said, gently patting the horse. “Then, we can get settled in. Let everyone know we’ve arrived. I’m sure your friends will be happy to see you alive and in one piece, mate.”

The idea of delaying their reunion longer than necessary seemed like agony, but Ranboo tried to reason with himself. It was late at night anyway, judging by how dark it was outside. Tubbo was probably already asleep. Besides, could he really say ‘no’ to the nice man who’d brought him all this way?

So, with a nod and a hum of agreement from the tall boy, Phil pulled a lantern and a box of matches from his bag. Warm glow alight, they set off towards the stables near the back end of the estate. The horse’s name, apparently, was Steve, and Phil was in the middle of recounting some wacky tale involving the steed when it caught Ranboo’s eye.

“It” was the forms of neatly trimmed rows of hedges and massive flowering trees silhouetted against the nighttime sky. The smell of flower petals and fresh herbs wafted from the plant’s direction, and there was really only one logical conclusion about the place.

“Oh, the garden’s captivated ya, eh?” The older man ahead of him had halted, turning back and shining his lantern in the direction of the place Ranboo had been staring at. Now, thanks to the glowing of the light, he could make out pale flower petals and luscious green leaves on the bushes and trees.

“Can I visit them? Like, right now?”

“I...well, I don’t see why not?” Phil seemed surprised, but he procured another lantern from his bag, lighting it and passing it off to Ranboo. “Though I assure you, they’re even prettier by day, when you can actually see them.”

He barely even heard the last part, for he was already sprinting towards the garden, head void of anything else. Flowers and plants were one of his favorite things, had been for years. He threw himself into researching them when he had nothing else to do, and a visit to the gardens back at his old estate was always the perfect thing to cheer him up.

And, as Ranboo stepped into the garden, he could see it held plenty of flowers for him to fawn over. Endless sections of colorful plants surrounded him on all sides, smelling floral and welcoming. Peonies, roses, orchids and—

Carefully making his way over to a nearby flower bed, the tall boy’s eyes went wide in excitement. Familiar puffy purple flowers, Alliums. The first time he’d ever visited his garden back home with Tubbo, they’d picked one of these and pressed it in his memory book. The day after the ball they attended together, he left a vase of them on Tubbo’s bedside table for him to wake up to. It had to be fate that they were growing here too, some kind of good omen.

Holding his lantern up, he scanned the blooms, reveling in the color variety. Deep purple, magenta, lavender, plum and... human hand?

Jumping back with a startled yelp, Ranboo noticed the outstretched palm under the glow of his lantern light. Was this some kind of murder garden, and were the dead and buried seeking vengeance? Was a corpse crawling out of the dirt at this very moment, hungry for his human flesh?

“...Hello? Is someone there?”

The hand in question rustled around in the grass, presumably belonging to the speaker. As soon as that soft, sleepy voice registered in Ranboo’s mind, his heart was beating out of his chest. Frantically, though he knew without looking, he reached for his lantern and shone more light on the person in the grass.

“Oh my god, Tubbo...is it really you?”

“Ranboo? Is that you? Am I dreaming again..?”

So many thoughts were racing through Ranboo’s brain, so much excitement and joy and relief. And on top of it all, so much love. It was all he could do to string his feelings into stammered strings of words.

“N-no, no, you’re awake, Tubbo! It’s...it’s me, it’s really me, and I can’t believe you’re here in front of me, and—“

He was cut off as the small boy before him leapt into his arms, holding him so close and so tight. This feeling, this moment, was what had kept the two of them going for the past few days. Being in each other’s arms again had been the one thing pushing them forward. Now, finally, it was a reality once more.

“I missed you so, so much. I didn’t know you could miss someone so bad until now.”

“I know, I know. I felt all the longing too, Tubbo, every ounce of it. I thought I was going to die without you.” Long, slender fingers wove their way into tangled brown hair as Ranboo spoke, chin resting against the top of other’s head.

“What if I sit up and look at you, and you’re gone again? What then?”

“I won’t be, dear, I promise that I won’t.” Grabbing his shoulders gently, Ranboo held Tubbo at arms length. Slowly, softly, he moved one hand up to the boy’s freckled cheek, caressing it gently and guiding his face upwards until their eyes met. Ranboo thought the low light was making his vision blurry, until he realized there were tears welling in his eyes.

“So...you’re real? You’re real, and you’re here right now, and you still love me?”

“Yes. Yes, yes, and yes. I’ll always be here for you, and I’ll always love you. I’m never going anywhere ever again.”

“I love you so, so much,” Tubbo whispered, before pressing his lips against the other’s.

The night breeze carried the sweet scent of peach trees and summer blossoms, and the light of the lantern that sat forgotten in the grass was nothing compared to the warmth in both their hearts.

They say when you meet your soulmate, it feels like Cupid’s pierced straight through your heart. Rose petals cascade from the sky like April rain, and fireworks set your mind alight.

And that fairytale legend about true love was real, after all. Because on that night, in that garden, and for the rest of their lives, Ranboo and Tubbo were living proof that soulmates aren’t just a myth.