Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Sleepy Bois, Tommy, Tubbo, and Ranboo’s idols. Everything they’ve looked up to since they were in 8th grade. They were the reason Tommy started playing the guitar, Tubbo started playing the base, and Ranboo the drums.

They formed in L’manburg but they started touring around the Esempe once they grew popular enough. They weren’t as big as some bands like Taylor Swift, but big enough that a lot of people know about them.

So when the trio heard about then returning and playing a show, then inviting people from other bands to perform after them, they jumped at the opportunity. Not to say they didn’t have to practice.

“Fuck!” Tommy yelled.

“What is it this time?” Ranboo asked from his place on the concrete.

“I keep messing up the timing. I’ve been trying to get this for an hour,” Tommy complained. He flopped back onto the ground and let out a breath of air, “Why is this so hard?”

“Maybe it’s because you started playing 8 months ago. Only a guess,” Tubbo suggested sarcastically.

“Wow, thank you for your wonderful idea. I would’ve never guessed,” Tommy stated.

“Hey don’t push out your aggravation on me, we only just started too,” he defended. Tubbo was gesturing to himself and Ranboo.

They were actually not the worst for forming a band recently and just started playing in the summer. It was November now. They could've been playing for a lot longer, they just didn’t have any money. To be fair, what could a bunch of 16-17 year olds do to earn money in a small town where there are already too many people for the amount of jobs. So they did little things like helping out old people and just doing little jobs for people who could spare some cash.

Something that also helped was their school’s music program, as small as it is let them borrow instruments to take to the town square. That’s where they got their name, Bench Trio. Mainly because they were almost always by a bench or sitting on one. It’s become their thing. They perform outside of the plant store where Sam worked and across the street from the bakery where Niki and Bad worked.

When they finally got enough money they started recording covers and put them onto youtube, only around 1,000 views each but good enough for the three of them.

“Ranboo,” Tommy drawled out.

“Yes?” he responded hesitantly.

“Will you play the last part again? The part that goes ba-dada-da-da bam. You know”

Ranboo started to play the rhythm with drumsticks onto the cement platform, the sounds echoing against the walls, looping the tempo. Tommy slowly started to play along once he was ready. It was a slow beat that slowly got faster until it stopped at a loud beat that was played by the tallest of the three.

This song was the Bench Trio’s pride and joy. It was their first original song, and they were set on making it perfect. They called it Mice on Venus (I know it’s not the actual song beat but bear with me) It took a lot of effort and a fuck tone of google serches, but they had finally got it just how they wanted it.

Now it was time for them to perfect it, to be able to play it live.

______________________________________

The three friends started setting up their instruments on the black metal bench. It was time for them to finally perform their song to someone who wasn't each other. Sam peeked his head out of the doorway, waving hi to Tubbo- who was the only one not hyper focused on setting up his instrument.

“Hey guys,” Sam called getting the attention of both Ranboo and Tommy. “You playing today?”

“Yep and it’s the song we’ve been working on, also some regulars,” Tommy said.

As usual Sam went back into his shop and pulled three water bottles out of the minifridge behind the counter which held the cash register. The black and brick themed store with plants all over gave the place a comfortable feel.

Once Sam had brought out the plastic bottles that had their names on it, Tommy started to sing.
“I don't wanna fan, wanna fam
Tryna get bans with the bang gotta plan
Of attack and a lack and a man draw line in the sand like
Iraq and Iran take a roofie planet (planet). Understand? (yeah)
Gotta branch out, grab my hand, last dance
Gotta take that one more chance if I wanna be
A star, gotta go like van like vroom, sedan”
(this is Cash by love-sadKid)

A little crowd formed around the three teens and they were having the time of their lives. All the three of them loved performing and being able to play while performing was just amazing- even if it just was for L’manburg.

______________________________________

Down the road, a couple blocks, there were three men just looking around. One had pink hair, braided, and had on a short sleeve collared shirt underneath a light blue sweater vest with black pants. The brunette had on a beanie, a worn out beatles t-shirt, a brown trench coat that has the L’manburg flag sewn onto the sleeve, some black cargo pants, and doc martens. The blond, though looking the oldest though the most casual was wearing a white hoodie with navy detailings and some jeans. His shoulder length hair had a braid on the side.

“Why did we have to come back here again?” Wilbur asked.

“Because we’re doing that show thing, remember?” Phil reminded the brunette.

“I did not. To be honest I thought we were here just to visit people,” he admitted.

“We are going to visit Niki and Bad right?” Techno observed the town the three once called home, it had changed a lot. Stores replaced, homes repainted, and so many different people. “Sam was cool too I guess. Do you think he’s still doing the plant thing with Ponk?”

“Probably, he seemed pretty set on it,” Phil said. The clouds covered the sky, but a cool breeze shook the trees. The three then saw Niki sitting on a bench holding a small calico kitten.

She was sitting calmly with her pink hair that matched Tehcno’s and had somehow stuffed the kitten into her jacket so that it was peeking out of the front. She looked down fondly at the kitten and had to stifle a gasp when she saw Wilbur, then she saw Phil, and then she saw Techno.
When the three went up to her she nearly jumped out of her seat to say hello.

“Phil, Wilbur, Techno! How are you guys doing? Why are you back in L’manburg? Did something happen?” Niki asked rapid fire questions causing Wilbur to laugh slightly.

“Niki, Niki, calm down. We’re just here to visit some people and to perform at a show,” he informed Niki, looking up at Wilbur with slight recognition in her eyes.

“The one where any other bands can perform?”

“That's the one.”

Niki smiled and held up the kitten for the three to see. “This is Clementine, I’m cat sitting her while her owner is busy.”

“Whose cat is it?” Techno asked.

“Someone Sam knows. Pretty sure he asked him first, but he had to work at the shop. I also think I know who it is because there is only one person who would name a cat Clementine in this whole town,” Niki said.

“And who would that be?” Phil questioned.

“You’ll see them, sometime,” Niki said cryptically. “Now come on, I wanna give you all a tour.”

Niki left without waiting to see if the men followed her. They did.

What can you do? Niki is a very convincing person at times.

Phil saw the plant shop and the bakery and was filled with a strange sense of nostalgia, he had missed this place.

‘L’maburg Bakery’ sat above the awning in bright, bold, yellow letters. There they say Bad and a green haired man eating muffins outside of the store.

“Bad! Sam! How are you doing?” Wilbur asked, the ever outgoing one.

“I’m doing pretty good! You know just running my shop and all,” Sam replied.
“Yeah, yeah, I know. What about you Bad?” he asked again.

“Same as Sam, just with the bakery. What are you doing back in L’manburg?” Bad questioned.

“Well as I told Niki before…….”

Techno tuned out the small talk of the reuniting friends, he was never that close to anyone here other than Dream. They were pretty sure that Dream, George, and Sapnap were back in town for a little, but you could never be too sure with those three. Techno heard some music, it sounded like it was playing live. He looked across the street to see three boys playing instruments with a small crowd.

The shortest was playing base, he was brunette and had a green bomber jacket, white shirt, and black jeans. The second tallest was singing and playing guitar, the blond was wearing khaki cargo pants, and a red and white shirt. The tallest, though you couldn’t tell because he was sitting down, was wearing a white shirt, purple zip up jacket (unzipped), and some black cargo pants.

“Hey Sam?” Techno asked.

“Yeah?” the green haired man responded.

“Who’s that?” Techno gestured to the 3 boys across the street. A fond smile spread across Niki, Sam, and Bad’s face.

“They are BenchTrio, or Tommy, Ranboo, and Tubbo.”

Chapter Text

“BenchTrio?” Phil hesitantly asked.

“Yup,” Sam replied.

“Well that’s a shit name,” Wilbur interjected.

“Mhmm… ok ‘SleepyBois’,” Niki responded sarcastically, still holding the small kitten.

“I see they have a little bit of a crowd, are they well known?” Wilbur asked.

“At least around here. Started 5 or so months ago, they’re pretty good. Have connections with nearly everybody in town,” Sam said, a little bit of pride seeping through his voice.

To be fair Sam was so proud of those three. They had come so far since the first time they asked Sam to perform by his shop. ‘BenchTrio’ became a well known name in L’manburg and regulars downtown on the weekends, always at the same time. It was fun for them too and Sam hoped they never got rid of the joy of performing. He truly wished the best for them because behind their outgoing personalities, they were really just kids. Tommy had a soft side reserved for people he was close to and would do anything for the people he cared about, once you got close to Tubbo there was no way he couldn’t be slightly protective of you. He had lost so many people and couldn’t bear to lose them again. Ranboo had his own mental health issues and only told those he considered family, though it was a little hypocritical he didn’t tell his real family. These were just three kids living out their dreams of being a little town in the Esempe.

“Cash, cash money, babe, that's just all I'm worried about
You know what I got to do, you know what I'm doing, getting
Cash, cash money babe, clock is always running late
You two used to do the maneuver and now it's running late
Cash, cash money bags, all I dream about
Music is the avenue, you just who the songs about
Cash, cash money, babe, got to go, it's running late
On the grind like all the time, come and join me babe.

Wow. Welcome to L’manburg, everybody.”

Tubbo, Tommy, and Ranboo had big smiles as they finished up their first song.

Once the blond had caught his breath he started speaking again, “thank you everyone for listening and we are only just getting started. Our next song is called One Day by SleepyBois!”

Those words stole the attention of the adults across the small pathway. Phil, Techno, and Wilbur recognized the song because 1. It was their song and 2. It was their song! Bad, Niki, and Sam recognized the song because it was 1. Their friends' songs and 2. The song the Ranboo, Tommy, and Tubbo had been working on for a long time, just to perfect it.

“They’re- they’re playing our song,” Techno somehow got out.

Bad laughed slightly at their reactions, “Sure are.”

“You good there?” Niki asked.

“Mhmmm, perfectly fine,” Wilbur said, still staring over at the band as they started playing.

Tommy nodded back at Ranboo and the three of them started playing.

“And stop
'Cause why'd you have to kill my cat?
Why'd I have to take you back?
And time and time, I play the empath
I don't know why
But some lights on in an empty pub
A toilet with the seat left up
Is closure like a deer in headlights

One day, I know that you will be there
One day, I'll focus on the future
Maybe one day, oh, baby, isn't life so fucking inconsistent?
One day, I know that you will be there
One day, I'll focus on the future
Maybe one day, oh, baby, isn't life so fucking inconsistent?”
(Link in the notes to the full song, go listen to the whole EP it’s amazing)

The way the BenchTrio played the song so effortlessly made them(SleepyBois) stare slightly, in wonder and amusement. Wonder because they knew how hard that song was to play, they had done it before multiple times. Amusement because of how much fun they looked like they were having. Sometimes when you were so busy with performing and the press/fans you could forget about how fun it could be to play. Somehow these three boys, they were 100% boys and couldn’t be more than 17 or 18, gave them a sense of notalgia that Phil, Wilbur, and Techno had missed.

The two bakers and the gardener looked at each other with a look of knowing. They could tell what was going on with their old friends, it had happened before, just with the Dream Team. BenchTrio had given a band that had forgotten their origins a blast to the past, where the only thing that mattered was having fun. The first time it ended with Sapnap, Dream, and George becoming very protective over the boys. I wonder what will happen this time.

Let it be known that they knew what was going to happen.

Tubbo’s loud voice shook them out of their thoughts

“Alrighty there! So this is the last song of the day and it’s going to be ‘Talk Too Much’ by Coin. But we will be having a performance with the Team later in the week, right?” Tubbo glanced at Ranboo for confirmation and he returned with a nod. “And we will be over there at the cafe, so be there!”

“Alright let’s get this show started I have homework to do,” Tommy told the crowd.

Sam sighed internally and out loud, Tommy lied. He said that he finished all of his homework.

“What’s that about Sam?” Phil asked, being the everloving parental friend even to people he was the same age as them.

“Kid told me he had his homework finished, little ass,” Sam said.

“Don’t worry they also forgot to mention this performance they’re having. I mean it’s not like I mind but a heads up would be nice,” Niki complained in slight annoyance.
“I might have to call Skeppy to help if the Dream Team are coming,” Bad told the other bakery owner.

“Bad what is he going to do except peg them on. You remember last time.”

Techno spoke their deep voice slightly startling passerbyers, “hate to break it to you but all of them together sounds like a nightmare from personal experience. I’ve never had to deal with children and the Team together.”

“Imagine two Sapnaps, one is Tommy one is actually Sapnap, George and more chaotic George, then Dream and Dream with a base and way too much knowledge on nuclear power plants than is normal.” Phil, Techno, and Wiblur stared at Sam with shock at how he described them. It sounded like he was exaggerating, but he wasn’t.

“You know I talk too much
Honey, come put your lips on mine
And shut me up
We can blame it all on human nature
Stay cool, it’s just a kiss
Oh, why you gotta be so talkative?
I talk too much, we talk too much”

A voice that was slightly deeper than Tommy’s sang the chorus. It was Ranboo. He had been waiting for his turn the whole day. After Tommy and Tubbo had agreed that they all got to sing one chorus for this song it was decided that Ranboo went first, then Tubbo, and finally Tommy. The idea came from the Dream Team when they performed ‘The Other Side of Paradise’ by Glass Animals in this style. Tommy begged Dream to show them how they did it, and when George finally snapped and just decided to show them, they loved it. It was so fun to perform, especially when people only expected Tommy to sing.

It was surprising how many people thought that only Tommy sang, he was just the one who enjoyed it the most. Tubbo sang the chorus next and again people had around the same reaction as before. It was still as amusing as before.

The song ended and people left the trio alone to pack up their instruments.

“Tommy!” A blonde called from down the road. “Over here!”

The tall man came barreling down the street in a lime green, almost neon, hoodie and black pants.

“Hey big man! You’re a little late to the show,” Tommy said laughing slightly.

A man with a white bandana and a black and white hoodie came from behind the younger blond.

“Sure you’re just not early?” he asked.

Tommy laughed, “Sap this was our show. We kinda had to be early.”

Sapnap slung his arm around Tommy. “Come on, we have practice in a little. Before we’re going to get some snacks.”

Dream glanced at George who was helping Tubbo and Ranboo pack up their instruments. They had already organized where to put their things and then just go hang out, even though they called it ‘practice’. It was usually the best part of the trio’s day. Ranboo, Tommy, and Tubbo each had a Dream Team member that they latched onto right from the start. Not that any of them noticed.

Somehow George and Ranboo bonded over their love of sleeping, they all agreed it was slightly weird. Tubbo and Dream somehow figured out that they were distant cousins and they saw each other once or twice at family reunions. Sapnap and Tommy just loved to cause chaos, but they had soft spots. It seemed like they were destined to be friends, not to be cliche.

Dream and Ranboo grabbed the guitars and the folded up drum set (in a box) into the bakery.

When Dream passed by the SleepyBoi’s eyes lit up with recognition.

Of course they knew Dream. Before they left he probably spent more time at their house with Techno than his own house. Then they left and the two kept in contact a little but with Techno being busy and Dream’s attention span, it quickly fell.

As Ranboo walked out of the shop with Dream right behind the latter paused. He looked to Phil, then Techno, then Wilbur, then Niki and Bad, and finally Sam.

“Hey Ranboo?” Dream called to the tall boy who had continued to walk.

“Yeah?”

“Go to the others, I’ll catch up later.”

“Umm okay. See you in a little bit,” Ranboo smiled to the other, then ran up to the 4 others, probably telling them that they could go.

Dream turned to Sam with a sheepish smile on his face, “Sorry.”

Sam raised an eyebrow, “About what.”
“That we didn’t make sure they had their homework done,” the blond rubbed his neck with his hand in black fingerless gloves.

“Thank’s Dream. Now I don’t think you would stay here just to apologize so what’s this about?” Sam questioned.

Dream turned slightly with a smirk on his face. His attitude changed from one of slight embarrassment to one of mocking. “Hey Techno, Phil, Wilbur. Glad to see you’re back in L’manburg.

“Glad to be back, Dream,” Techno replied. “I see you also joined a band, what a coincidence.”

“I know right. It’s absolutely crazy.”

The two looked at each other for a minute, seemingly having a staring contest before they both burst into laughter.

“What are you doing here?” Dream asked before realizing his question sounded a little rude. “Not that I mind it’s just that-”

“Dream, it’s fine you’re good,” Phil said slightly laughing at the two’s antics. “We’re here for a show.”

Dream looked at Phil for a second, then at Sam, then back at Phil, then back to Sam. “Is it the one that they are doing?”

“That’s the one,” Sam answered with minor amusement.

“Ohhhhh, well I can’t wait then. I think I have to go but before that like two things,” Dream said.

“And those are?” Bad asked.

“Wilbur and Phil, before you leave again talk to Fundy and 5up. They miss you, and Niki and Bad,” the blond paused thinking of the right words to say, “Thanks for letting us use the bakery for the next performance.” He finally said, although a bit rushed.

“Dream,” Niki said, sounding not even slightly threatening, just very scary.

“Well I have to go, you have fun talking about whatever. Bye.” Dream ran away before any of them could say a word, waving behind his back.
Sam clapped his hands together, “Well, that went well.” he walked across the street to his store. Niki and Bad went back inside.

This left Wilbur, Techno, and Phil to stand outside and just think about how much L’manburg had changed during the two years they were gone.

Chapter Text

It was the day of the ‘talent show’ though it was more of an excuse for the town to get SleepyBois to come back to L’manburg to perform. It was a gamble; no one really knew if they would actually come home.

Spoiler alert:they did and they were having a blast performing. The energy was at an all time high with the chorus of the song approaching. Even the small population of the town could make something so small feel so big.

A small stage was set up in the park. It wasn’t the highest quality but it’s pretty good. Tall lanterns were lighting up almost the entire grassy area. Around 100 people showed up and were gathered close together to get a good view.

SleepyBois were performing one of their original songs ‘Ain’t No Crying’ (Originaly by Derivicat) It was very popular nationwide so they didn’t see much of a problem. Wilbur could see many familiar faces in the crowd and they were all smiling like there was no tomorrow. In turn it caused Phil and Wilbur to look at each other, smiling fondly.

This town was their home, and they would always come back to it.

______________________________________

Contrary to popular belief, BenchTrio was not all that confident right now. They were nervous out of their minds just playing in front of a big audience. Not to mention they also had to perform right after fucking idols.

They were playing a song that Ranboo suggested and completely contrasted Tommy and Tubbo’s music taste, but once they heard it they were hooked. They had been practicing it nonstop. It was a little straining on Tommy’s voice but it would be worth it.

It didn’t help that one had social anxiety and ADHD, one had general anxiety, and one had ADHD. Needless to say they were freaking out.

Sam, their savior, walked backstage to see the three teenagers slightly panicking and decided to try to calm them down. His way of calming them down was giving a hug.

He walked over to Tommy, who seemed to be freaking out the most, and gave him a bear hug. It was a comforting and parental hug- not that Tommy would ever say that out loud- that felt like he was wrapped in a blanket.

“Tommy, I need you to breathe with me,” Sam whispered. He started exaggerating his breaths and Tommy slowly but surely started to match them.

When Tommy came back to his senses and looked around, Bad was hugging Ranboo and Niki doing the same with Tubbo.

“Alright, you ok now?” Sam asked.

Tommy let out a shaky breath, “Yeah, yeah I think so.” He glanced at Ranboo and Tubbo who both gave him a nod. “Yeah we’re fine.”

“Are you still good to perform in a minute?”

“Yeah we’ll be fine in a second.”

Tommy took a deep breath and stood up fully, walking over to his guitar. He felt someone walk next to him. Tubbo grabbed his base. Ranboo then grabbed his drum sticks from his pocket, y’know like a badass.

They all looked at each other and in silent agreement knew that they had to do their best. Not just for the audience. Not just for Bad, Niki, and Sam. Not just for everybody that they might disappoint, which gives them a little pressure. No, they were doing it for themselves. They were doing it for fun, to enjoy themselves.

The music from onstage stopped and a voice started speaking loudly.

“Alright everybody that was SleepyBois! We now have our very own BenchTrio!” Karl’s energetic voice boomed from the speakers. “I have been informed that they will be performing one of their originals as well! I don’t really know I got this information from Sapnap and we all know how reliable that could be.” That got a laugh from the crowd and a disgruntled ‘Hey!’ from somewhere on the sides.

“Anyways, enough of me talking. Give it up for BenchTrio!”

When Karl walked off of the stage, the three teenagers went on. They somehow had an air of confidence despite their initial panic.

Tommy started his guitar, then Ranboo slowly started playing with him.

“Don't wanna be an American idiot
Don't want a nation under the new media
And can you hear the sound of hysteria?
The subliminal mind fuck America”
(I’m sure a lot of you know this song already but it’s American Idiot by Green Day)

Phil was shocked that these were the same boys as the ones on the street. They seemed so confident, so sure of themselves. It was honestly amazing to see. Like a new generation was already coming into the world and getting ready to leave their mark. They certainly already left their mark on L’manburg and the three retuners.

Wilbur stared at the three on stage. They seemed to be made for this, to be performing on stage to an audience. Contrary to what Sam told them, they had only been together as a band for less than a year. Their stage presence was something else. They brought so much energy and positivity to the people who were listening and it showed in the crowd. Everyone was cheering for BenchTrio and they deserved it.

Techno was still impressed, just didn’t show it as much as his bandmates. The blond who was singing, Tommy as Sam said, had a loud personality and showed it through his music and movements. It amused him how much Tommy reminded them of Wilbur and Phil. Tubbo and Ranboo seemed to be a little bit quieter but still as chaotic, it was just a little bit more hidden. It reminded Techno of the old days in L’manburg with all of the pranks that went around for some reason. He just really hoped these boys could stay the way they were. BenchTrio seemed like they could become something, if they really tried.

“Welcome to a new kind of tension
All around the alien nation
Where everything isn’t meant to be okay

Television dream of tomorrow
We’re not the ones we’re meant to follow
For that’s enough to argue”

These lyrics meant a lot to Tubbo, and for Tommy to be signing them along with him and Ranboo playing, it meant a lot more. He had written this in a place of anger, not at one specific thing, or person, just a lot piled up. Tubbo was mad at his dad, the government in general, school, nearly everything other than Ranboo, Tommy, and the DreamTeam. When he had first written everything down it had made a lot less sense and had a lot more swear words. He then showed it to George and Ranboo who helped him turn it into a song. Somehow the two were geniuses with lyrics.

(Pretend the rest of the song is here I’m too lazy to do this right now it’s nearly midnight and I have like 2 projects due)

“Television dream of tomorrow
We’re not the ones we’re meant to follow
For that’s enough to argue”

With those last words BenchTrio collectively let out a sigh of relief. They were fine, they didn’t mess up, they did good. People were clapping, they enjoyed the song.

Tommy let out a whoop and ran to hug Tubbo who was standing still in shock.

“We did it!!” Tommy cried.

Tubbo then looked to the other and a gigantic smile spread across his face. “Hell yeah we did!”

From behind the celebrating duo Ranboo laughed slightly. Sure he was glad, he just wasn’t as nervous as the other two. He then got lifted up from behind by none other than Dream.
“You did amazing, guys!” he exclaimed.

“Of course we did Dream. Who do you think we are?” Tommy asked rhetorically.

“Gremlins who play music sometimes.”

“Rude.”