Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

fucking dorks (affectionate)

10:27 p.m.

———> @B1GM4N has joined the server!

———> @TUBB has joined the server!

———> @BELOVED has joined the server!

———> @Wiblur has joined the server!

Wiblur: @B1GM4N is this the “many friends” you mentioned before

B1GM4N: NO

well, some of them

i sent an invitation to so many people, Wilbur

more than you could ever imagine

———> @BL4D3 has joined the server!

———> @bloodgutsandangelcake has joined the server!

———> @CROWFATHER has joined the server!

Wiblur: Phil is our literal father, Tommy, he does not count

B1GM4N: don’t listen to him, Phil

you are the most important person here

———> @SamNook has joined the server!

SamNook: I don’t know why I’m here, but do you guys want a picture of Fran

BELOVED: YES

SHOW US THE DOG

TUBB: PLS SAM

SamNook: Alright, give me a sec

[imageID: A large, fluffy white dog(Fran) is curled up, asleep on Sam’s lap]

BELOVED: thank you for blessing us

BL4D3: i would kill for Fran

Wiblur: awwww, technosoft?

BL4D3: Wilbur I will slit your throat

Wiblur: haha

/j right?

right, Techno?

BL4D3: whatever helps you sleep at night 

BELOVED: but you were joking, right?

BL4D3: yeah, i was

BELOVED: sorry :(

BL4D3: no need to apologize, i forgot you had a hard time differentiating tone, it’s my bad

———> @MANifold has joined the server!

bloodgutsandangelcake: Jack!! :D

MANifold: Niki!

BELOVED: tubbodlf michhsjsd dkkldll phdonddj

TUBB: aww, hi Michael!!!

Wiblur: ???

who is Michael??

CROWFATHER: I was just about to ask the same thing

TUBB: our son!!

CROWFATHER: Your what

Wiblur: and i thought Phil was bad

but seriously what

BELOVED: did you guys not know we had a son? /gen

BL4D3: well, he’s not legally their son

Tubb: yet

SamNook: How is the little guy? I haven’t heard any updates since Ranboo’s initial parental panic

BL4D3: Ranboo just went to go put him to bed

but he’s doing better, even speaking a little bit now

TUBB: WHAT

NO ON TOKD ME

BL4D3: well

now you know

Wiblur: @B1GM4N do you know about this???

B1GM4N: WHAT DO YOU WANT WILBUR

oh

yeah i knew about Michael

CROWFATHER: And you didn’t think to tell any of us?

B1GM4N: didn’t seem important at the time

———> @blob has joined the server!

blob: i have arrived

BL4D3: don’t care, didn’t ask

/j

blob: :(

BL4D3: that doesn’t work on me Dream

blob: :(

BL4D3: I won’t give in

blob: :(((((

———> @sappedyournap has joined the server!

sappedyournap: dream where is patches

blob: upstairs with me :)

HOW THE FUCK DID YOU GET YP HERE SO FAST

sappedyournap: i’m magic, bitch

TUBB: did you guys know that sharks don’t have bones

bloodgutsandangelcake: what

MANifold: excuse me

TUBB: sharks got no bones :(

MANifold: but

but they have teeth, right?

BELOVED: teeth are not bones

they just fossilize

but yeah, a lot of fish species don’t have bones

it’s sad :(

B1GM4N: if i made sharks i would give each one a random bone in a different place

just to fuck with scientists

MANifold: why not give them the full skeleton?

B1GM4N: to fuck with scientists

Wiblur: what do you have against scientists, Tommy?

B1GM4N: nothing, i just think it would be funny

BL4D3: @BELOVED sleep

BELOVED: but it’s not that late!

BL4D3: no, but you woke up early this morning

BELOVED: so?

SamNook: don’t your tics get worse when you’re tired?

BELOVED: …

welp, goodnight i guess

bloodgutsandangelcake: goodnight Ranboo!!

TUBB: gn belived!

B1GM4N: GOID NUGHT

GOOD NIGHT**

SamNook: Sleep well

blob: goodnight!

Chapter Text

Sunday

TUBB to BELOVED

12:03 p.m.

TUBB: you didn’t tell me Michal was spekinf :(

BELOVED: in my defense

he said one full sentence and i was in too much awe to do anything but pay attention to him

TUBB: fair enough

can i come over?? :D

BELOVED: like… now?

TUBB: doesn’t have to be!

i can come by in a couple hours if that’s better!

BELOVED: i’ll ask Techno

he said yes, but he’ll probably be holed up in his room

TUBB: oh

is he okay?

BELOVED: yeah, i think he just has a headache

TUBB: okay, i will come over around 1:30!!

BELOVED: Michael is not-so-patiently awaiting your arrival 

fucking dorks (affectionate)

1:48 p.m.

TUBB: [imageID: Ranboo is sitting on the floor, reading to a small child with pink hair that is sitting in voids lap and looking up at him]

blob: did you guys shrink Technoblade???

TUBB: no that is our son >:(

bloodgutsandangelcake: aww he’s so cute!!

but are you guys actually his legal guardians? /gen

TUBB: not yet!!

techno is legally his guardisn

but boo and i will recieve custady when we’re adults!

bloodgutsandangelcake: oh, okay!!

Wiblur: so that’s Michael?

TUBB: yes!!!!

Wiblur: he is very cute, i will admit

how old is he?

TUBB: i think he’s 3 but i will ask

three and a half!!

B1GM4N: he is getting to be a big man!

TUBB: very big!

B1GM4N: the biggest!

BL4D3 to TUBB

2:13 p.m.

BL4D3: can you guys take Michael to the park or something 

TUBB: yeah, of course

is everything okay?

do you need me to call Phil or Puffy?

BL4D3: no, i just

i think i’ll be okay i just need the house to be as quiet as possible

TUBB: altight 

let me know if you chabg your mind, yeah?

BL4D3: yeah

TUBB: hope you feel better later!!

fucking dorks (affectionate)

2:24 p.m.

———> @staypuffed has joined the server!

staypuffed: sorry i’m late guys :(

bloodgutsandangelcake: puffy!!

and it’s okay! tommy made the server kind of late

B1GM4N: Captain Pussy!

PUFFY***

I MEANT PUFFY

staypuffed: Tommy, you do know that i’m not like, legally supposed to be here, right? /nm

B1GM4N: but you’re not here as Techno or Wilbur’s therapist, you’re here as our friend :(

staypuffed: that’s very sweet of you Tommy, but unfortunately it doesn’t change anything

I’m sorry

B1GM4N: it’s okay, i understand

———> @staypuffed has left the server!

TUBB: @B1GM4N we’re at the park

@B1GM4N join us

B1GM4N: i thought you were at the boo’s house?

BELOVED: we were

and now we are at the park

[imageID: Tubbo is pushing Michael in one of those swings meant for babies]

B1GM4N: understood, i will be right over

———> @BL4D3 has left the server!

Wiblur: that’s weird

dad?

CROWFATHER: already on it

CROWFATHER to BL4D3

2:30 p.m.

CROWFATHER: is everything alright, Techno?

2:35 p.m. 

CROWFATHER: Technoblade?

2:40 p.m. 

CROWFATHER: If you don’t respond I’m going to have to assume that I need to call Puffy /nm

BL4D3: i’m sorry, Phil

CROWFATHER: sorry for what, mate?

BL4D3: for not responding

i saw your messages

i just thought if i didn’t acknowledge them they would go away

CROWFATHER: are you at home?

BL4D3: yeah, no one else is though

CROWFATHER: alright, you don’t have to tell me what’s wrong if you don’t want to, but all of us are here for you

fucking dorks (affectionate)

6:37 p.m.

———> @BL4D3 has joined the server!

blob: welcome back!

we were just debating the use of the Oxford Comma

BL4D3: how is that a debate

it is very important 

TUBB: is it tho?

———> @BL4D3 changed their name to @Techno

TUBB: ooh!! name changes!!

———> @TUBB changed their name to @TURBO

———> @TURBO changed @BELOVED ‘s name to @KINGBOO

———> @TURBO changed @B1GM4N ‘s name to @BIG T

KINGBOO: does anyone know why Sam is in my living room

BIG T: idk you could ask him

KINGBOO: well, you see, i would but he appears to be sleeping

Techno: i forgot to warn you, sorry

he came over to talk about stuff

he brought Fran, too

KINGBOO: Michael would like to know where he can find the dog

Techno: well, you can tell Michael that Fran is currently with me in my room

TURBO: can i see Fren :D

Techno: [imageID: all that is visible is a mound of white fur being pet by two tiny hands and one very large hand]

she’s currently on my stomach so it was hard to get a picture

sorry

TURBO: no worries! it’s a goof picture!

Chapter Text

Monday

bermuda triangle of idiots

7:56 a.m.

TURBO: @KINGBOO WHY ARE YOU NOT AT SCHOOL >:(

KINGBOO: tubbo i am sick

TURBO: oh srry 

tommy thought you might have died or smth

WAIT NO

not seriously died!!!

like when someone doesn’t talk for a while and you ask if there dead

as a joke!!!

KINGBOO: i understood you tubbo it’s okay

TURBO: are you okay tho?

there is not a lot of emotions in your typing today

KINGBOO: yeah just

very tired

stayed up all night with Michael

TURBO: is he okay???

KINGBOO: he had a nightmare

refused to go back to sleep without both me and tech

TURBO: :(((((

can i come over after school??

KINGBOO: uhhhh

yes but you cannot get too close to me

TURBO: tell Michael i will see him soon!!!

fucking dorks (affectionate)

12:48 p.m.

SamNook: @Techno where is my dog 

Wiblur: uh oh

sam where is your capitalization???

Techno: i believe she’s with Ranboo

SamNook: @KINGBOO do you have my dog

KINGBOO: yeah she’s next to my bed

is everything okay?

SamNook: Yeah, sorry

That’s the first time I’ve woken up without her in a couple of months

I kind of freaked out, I’m sorry

KINGBOO: no no, it’s okay

do you want to come get her? i can unlock my door

SamNook: Yes, thank you

Dog has been acquired

Techno: Ranboo please collect the child

never mind, we are going to watch Hercules

KINGBOO: i thought that movie frustrated you

Techno: i can set aside my grudge against Disney’s inaccurate portrayal of the myth of Heracles for one day

KINGBOO: you didn’t have a choice, did you

Techno: he is very convincing

SamNook: Can I join?

Techno: you will have to ask Michael

TUBB to BELOVED

2:14 p.m.

TUBB: boo, is it okay if tommy comes with me

his house is going to be empty

BELOVED: yeah that’s fine

Tech, Michael, and Sam are having a movie marathon i think

so beware of that when you come in

TUBB: Sam’s still there?

BELOVED: yeah, he kind of passed out on our couch last night and didn’t wake up until after noon

Techno said he probably needed the rest

TUBB: oh okay

shit, we need to grab henenty is that okay

BELOVED: henenty?

TUBB: henenty

henenty

HENRY

BELOVED: yeah it should be

he and Fran have been around each other before, right?

TUBB: yeah

but he hasn’t been around Michael before

i don’t think he’ll hutr him but

BELOVED: if you explain to Michael that he’s there to work he’ll understand

if that’s what you’re worried about

TUBB: okay

will be there soon!!

fucking dorks (affectionate)

4:57 p.m.

BIG T: @CROWFATHER can i buy this pls [link to a manta ray plushie]

CROWFATHER: yeah, is there a specific reason as to why?

TURBO: @BIG T WRONG CHAT

BIG T: OH FUCK

BIG T deleted a message

BIG T: NO ONE ELSE SAW THAT

blob: i think i was the only other one online

but do not worry, your secret's safe with me ;)

BIG T: i don’t trust yiu

but i am too tired to care

Phil’s Flock

5:01 p.m.

Toms: it’s a present for Ranboo

voi’s been really into em lately and i wanted to surprise him

Philza: your secret is safe with me

Wilbur: me too i guess

but only because that is actually very sweet of you

Toms: I know, I am the best friend ever

Wilbur: and you’ve already ruined it

/j

bermuda triangle of idiots

5:49 p.m.

BIG T: @KINGBOO do you guys have a weighted blanket i could borrow

KINGBOO: i’m using one right now, but there might be another one in my closet ?

if not, go ask Techno if you can borrow one of his

BIG T: okay, thank you

KINGBOO: no problem

now, Tubbo, would you be ever so kind as to remove your foot from my face

TURBO: hmmm, no

i don’t think i will

BIG T: Techno says you guys need to come out for food

and Ranboo you need to take medicine

TURBO: fine

you win this time, boo

fucking dorks (affectionate)

7:53 p.m. 

BIG T: [imageID: Michael’s head resting on Tommy’s shoulder, he looks to be asleep]

i cannot move someon hep pls

TURBO: srry big man

your stuck, it’s the rule

Techno: are you two staying the night

TURBO: no we will leave soon!

KINGBOO: @SamNook are you staying again

Techno: he is asleep right now

but no, i’m going to wake him up soon so he can leave

he has work in the morning

blob: geez, he’s almost as bad as George

Techno: he hasn’t had more than two hours of sleep in at least a week

blob: i retract my previous statement

is he okay?

Techno: not my place to say anything

blob: right, sorry

i’ll talk to him later

Chapter Text

Tuesday

3:42 a.m

SamNook to Techno

SamNook: are you awake

i think i left my work keys at your house?

never mind, I found them, sorry for bothering you

Techno: no no, it’s fine, i was already awake

you did leave your pocket knife though 

want me to bring it to you?

SamNook: No, I’ll pick it up when I get off work

I have something I wanted to drop off anyway

bermuda triangle of idiots

8:27 a.m.

TURBO: ranboo when will you be back in school :(

KINGBOO: tomorrow maybe?

tubbo you have math this period, you should not be online

TURBO: but we’re not doing anything!!!

tommy tel him we’re not doing anything

BIG T: we aren’t doing anything

TURBO: see!

KINGBOO: i still don’t believe you but okay

fucking dorks (affectionate)

12:38 p.m. 

———> @sleep error has joined the server!

sappedyournap: i was beginning to think he’d never show

sleep error: some of us have jobs , sapnap

sappedyournap: i have a job!

sleep error: suuuuure

sappedyournap: you were literally there last week when i finished my training

blob: ooooh, he’s got you there

sleep error: you don’t have room to talk, dream

what do you do?

blob: …

sleep error: that’s what i thought

anyway, i have to get back to work

2:16 p.m.

KINGBOO: Michael wants me to tell you guys that he hopes you are all having a good day

Wiblur: tell him I say thank you

KINGBOO: he has been distracted, as Sam comes bearing presents

BIG T: WHAT

he never brings presents when he visits us!

KINGBOO: [imageID: a tall man, presumably Sam, that is only visible from the knees down is handing Michael a dog stuffed animal that looks a lot like Fran]

Wiblur: @BIG T Henry was literally a gift from Sam what do you mean he never brings presents

BIG T: THIS ISNT ABOUT YOU WILBUR

Wiblur: WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT

KINGBOO: wait, Henry was a gift from Sam?

BIG T: kind of

we were already planning on getting a dog, but my therapist recommended getting me a service dog

Sam somehow found out? and payed for almost all of his training

and now we have Henry

KINGBOO: oh, i didn’t know that

that is very cool of him

3:29 p.m.

KINGBOO: i am putting my life at risk by sending this, but the world must know /j

[imageID: Techno and Sam look to both be asleep on the couch, Sam’s head resting on Techno’s shoulder]

TECHNO IS NOT ASLEEP

TURBO: RIP Boo :(

we will never forget your service to us

BIG T: o7

Wiblur: o7

blob: o7

Techno: i didn’t even move, stop being over dramatic 

Wiblur: awww, but it’s fuuunnn

also i thought you hated physical contact?

Techno: no comment

blob: oh?

Techno: oh god no, not like that

stop that

i’d just feel bad moving him and disturbing his rest

plus i’ve been around him enough to get used to him and trust him so it doesn’t bother me too much

blob: i know, i know

i just like teasing you

BELOVED to Techno

3:57 p.m.

BELOVED: is Sam okay?

i mean, i know he’s like a family friend, but he doesn’t usually stop by this often and i saw you mentioned he wasn’t getting enough sleep?

Techno: it’s not my place to go into detail, but i guess i do owe you a partial explanation

can you handle a lot of information at once or should i wait to tell you later

BELOVED: no, now is fine

Techno: okay

for Sam’s situation specifically all i can say is that he just got hired at a new job that has him working late at night into early morning

that combined with construction at his apartment building has wrecked his sleep schedule and that’s part of why he hasn’t been sleeping much, but if you want any more detail you’ll have to ask him yourself

BELOVED: alright, what else is there?

Techno: a couple days ago, after i had you guys leave the house, Phil messaged me to make sure i was okay

i was feeling weird? and it took Phil messaging me to realize that i needed to ask for help

so i called Sam not long after because i thought i remembered him saying he experienced something similar once

and that’s why you found him asleep on the couch when you came home

BELOVED: oh

okay

what do you mean by feeling “weird”?

Techno: i think it was a derealization thing? i’m not entirely sure, i just felt wrong

shit, he just woke up in a panic

if you have more questions we can talk later, but i need to handle this now

BELOVED: oh, okay yeah you do that

Chapter Text

“Sam, Sam can you hear me?” Techno gripped his friend’s shoulders in a gentle but firm hold, trying to find recognition in his eyes.

“Sam, it’s me, Techno. You’re in my house, in my living room, on my couch.” He repeated the same sentences over and over until Sam’s breathing finally slowed and his eyes rested on Techno.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“I— I had a nightmare and— can you call Tommy? I need— I need to see him.”

“Yeah, yeah I can do that.” Techno picked up his phone from where he had dropped it on the floor and immediately opened Tommy’s contact. His finger hovered over the voice call button for a second. Sam had said see him , he needed to see Tommy. So he pressed video call instead and handed the phone over to his friend. Sam took it with shaking hands and muttered a “Thank you.”

The dial tone had barely rung once before the screen was filled with a red and white blur and a loud “Oh, fuck off, Wilbur!” could be heard.

“Hey, Techno, why’d you—” Tommy cut himself off when he realized the person on his screen was in fact not Technoblade, but instead Sam, who looked like he was about to cry.

“Sam! What’s up?”

The oldest let out a long, shaky breath before speaking. “Oh, thank God you’re alive.”

Wednesday

7:16 a.m.

bermuda triangle of idiots

KINGBOO: i will be in school today

TURBO: :D

BIG T: finally

you have no idea how difficult Tubbo was being because you weren’t there

TURBO: i was not being dififcult

BIG T: i see he’s still in denial

this is worse than i thought

B1GM4N to BELOVED

9:38 a.m.

B1GM4N: where’re you at?

class is about to start

Ranboo?

BELOVED: sorry, got lost a bit and panicked

omw now

10:02 a.m.

B1GM4N: does she always do that?

BELOVED: what?

B1GM4N: the girl sitting next to you

does she always talk to you like that?

BELOVED: i have,,, no idea what you’re talking about

B1GM4N: she’s being all rude and shit

talking to you like your a fucking animal

BELOVED: oh

i mean, most people do that i think

it’s exhausting but like, i just deal with it

better than potentially getting in trouble, y’know?

B1GM4N: no, i don’t know

i’m going to tell her off

BELOVED: Tommy, don’t

B1GM4N: too late!! i am a man on a mission!

Wiblur to B1GM4N 

10:41 a.m.

Wiblur: Sam’s going to pick you up and drop you off at Techno’s, dad and Kristen are at work and i can’t get out of school

what did you do?

B1GM4N: she was making fun of Ranboo

Wiblur: did you throw a punch?

B1GM4N: no, i’m not fucking stupid, Wilbur

i knew i’d get in trouble for that 

i just gave her a “stern talking to”

Wiblur: and yet you still got in trouble /lh

B1GM4N: it’s not my fault teachers don’t like me!

Wiblur: alright, alright

dad’ll want to talk to you when he gets home anyway

and i want you to know that i’m not upset with you or anything 

B1GM4N: Sam’s here, i’ll talk to you later

Techno to B1GM4N:

10:52 a.m.

Techno: did you punch them

B1GM4N: NO!

why do people keep asking me that??

Techno: did you at least like, yell a little bit

B1GM4N: very much

Techno: good

there’s ice cream in the freezer if you want some when you get here

fucking dorks (affectionate)

2:19 p.m.

TURBO: does anyon know whare Tommy went after lunch?

he’s not on etha bus and him and Ranboo arnet answrfg me

SamNook: I picked him up and dropped him off at Techno’s, but he’s probably home by now

TURBO: ??????

SamNook: He got in trouble for yelling at someone for making fun of Ranboo

Techno: Sam

Sam you made a mistake

TURBO: someone was making fun of Ranboo?

do tou know who?

SamNook: Uh, no, Tommy didn’t say?

Wait, what did I do wrong?

TURBO: thank you, Sam

SamNook: You’re welcome??

BELOVED to Techno

7:28 p.m.

BELOVED: TECHNO

Techno: huh?

BELOVED: WHY WOULD YOU DO THIS TO ME

I WAS DOING SO WELL

Techno: WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?

BELOVED: I PICKED UP YOUR VOCAL STIM AS A TIC YOU JERK /lh

Techno: haha, loser /j

Chapter Text

Thursday

fucking dorks (affectionate)

1:37 a.m.

KINGBOO: so did you guys know there’s a pink manta ray

Techno: sleep

bloodgutsandangelcake: no no, i want to hear about this

KINGBOO: there’s only one known one in the world 

it’s really pretty

bloodgutsandangelcake: i just looked it up!

that’s really cool!!

i think it would be fun to swim with mantas :D

KINGBOO: idk i like admiring them from afar

MANifold: aren’t mantas like, super dangerous 

or am i thinking of something else

KINGBOO: i mean, in theory they are dangerous

but you’re probably thinking about stingrays

mantas are very strong and capable of doing great harm and have very few natural predators

but humans actually do more harm to mantas than they do to us

they’re just curious, not dangerous :)

Techno: now sleep

you actually have school today

KINGBOO: fiiiiiiiine

BELOVED to TUBB

10:39 a.m.

BELOVED: are you at lunch yet?

i don’t see you

TUBB: yeah, i’ll be ther soon

got something to take care of fiirts 

BELOVED: alright, i am sitting at our usual spot :]

Ranboo anxiously tapped voids foot as voi waited for his friend. Today hadn’t really been the best day for void. Tommy wasn’t at school, for reasons unrelated to what he had done the day before, but that meant that Ranboo didn’t have class with any of his friends. He and Tubbo got lucky with sharing a lunch, but the only other time they saw each other in school was when they would occasionally pass in the hallway. 

Void knew his other classmates, he got along quite well with most of them, but voi wasn’t really sure voi could call them his friends. Some Ranboo knew from when voi was younger, but they had changed so much that he didn’t feel he had a place to talk to them anymore. He had changed, too, and maybe that also contributed to voids spiral of thoughts related to not fitting in like he used to.

Normally he wouldn’t have worried about Tubbo being a bit late to lunch, there was no reason for him to. But he was thinking about something Techno had said to him a while ago, that when you feel yourself slipping away again the best thing you can do is ground yourself. Voi had tried multiple recommendations from the internet: deep breathing, holding something warm, holding something cold, naming things you can see, etc. and they worked for the most part, but this time it was different. It didn’t feel like his usual anxiety attacks or thought spirals. He felt like voi wasn’t even real. Like someone else was in control of everything and specifically doing all of this to mess with void. Everything felt so unfamiliar that when Tubbo was late to lunch, something that happened from time to time and shouldn’t have been concerning, Ranboo felt like all of voids thoughts had been confirmed. 

Tubbo didn’t miss the far-away, almost mournful, look on Ranboo’s face when he sat down. He didn’t mention it, though, and instead gently placed his hand on top of voids and described to him in detail what his sandwich tasted like. He even offered him a bite, but all he got in response was a shrug. It was better than nothing, Tubbo guessed. 

BELOVED to Techno

1:28 p.m.

BELOVED: do you think you can have someone pick me up please

Techno: you have less than an hour of school left, can you wait or do you need to get out of there asap? /nm

BELOVED: i don’t know

i feel really weird and i hate it

Tech, i want it to stop

Techno: Alright, i just messaged Dream and he said he can be there in about 10 minutes, is that okay?

BELOVED: can you call me please

B1GM4N to BELOVED

2:04 p.m. 

B1GM4N: hey, i was going to save it for your birthday but

i feel like you could use it right now

i’ll leave it outside your front door

TUBB to BELOVED

2:06 p.m.

TUBB: hru doing?

that’s probablg a dumb question sry

let me know if you want to call me

blob to BELOVED

2:07 p.m.

blob: you did the right thing by getting out of class

if any teacher gives you shit about it tomorrow tell George, okay? or tell me and i’ll tell George 

point is, what happened was out of your control and no one should blame you for that

bloodgutsandangelcake to BELOVED

2:15 p.m.

bloodgutsandangelcake: i accidentally made too much bread lol

would you and Techno want some? it’s the french kind you like!

BELOVED: yeah, that sounds nice

bloodgutsandangelcake: alright! i’ll drop some off after my shift ^-^

btw is there a Syndicate meeting this week? i accidentally soaked my planner in milk and unfortunately had not transferred anything to my phone

BELOVED: no, not this week

i can send you the schedule 

bloodgutsandangelcake: tysm you are a life saver

fucking dorks (affectionate)

3:45 p.m.

Techno: [imageID: Ranboo is sitting on the couch, with Michael sitting in his lap, watching a movie.]

he’s doing better now, voi would’ve told you voidself but his phone died a bit ago

and thank you Niki for the bread

bloodgutsandangelcake: don’t mention it! 

BIG T: did he like the gift?

Techno: yes

he named it Shelly and has barely set it down since voi got it

BIG T: well good, i spent quite a bit of money on it

Wiblur: Tommy

BIG T: /j

I WAS ABOUT TO ADD IT WILBUY

Wiblur: mhmm

Chapter Text

Friday

bermuda triangle of idiots 

6:28 a.m.

TURBO: do you guys think i would get in trouble for setting of an explososion in the chen lab

KING BOO: uh, yes?????

TURBO: but i want to test my theirty :(

KING BOO: isn’t one of your parents a scientist?

just ask them

TURBO: my mom is at work :(((((

i would ask my dad but he was a sea captain

completely useleff to me /lh

BIG T: i think Phil has a chemist friend

i can ask

TURBO: will tou please??? 

i’ll send the pictures of my notes and you cn pass them on!!

BIG T: yeah, i can do that right now actually

TURBO: thank you my good firend 

7:00 a.m.

BIG T: TUBBO

TURBO: SO WHAT DID THEY SAY

BIG T: TUBBO THOSE ARE BOMBS

TURBO: I KNOW THAT, I WORTE THEM

I WANT TO KNOW IF I DID IT RIGHT

BIG T: I FEEL LIKE I SHOULDNT TWLL YOU

TURBO: ITS NOT LIKE I CAN JUST MAKE THEM

BIG T: OKAY YES, THEY WOULD WORK IN THEORY

TURBO: THANK YOU

Techno to BELOVED

10:37 a.m.

Techno: so remember how last year we tore the house apart looking for that Horseland DVD

BELOVED: yeah…?

Techno: well

Michael just found it

and we are now five episodes into season one

BELOVED: you’re watching it without me???? /lh

Techno: Niki is also here, she says hi

BELOVED: why do you guys always do fun stuff without me?? /nm 

brains all wonky

2:49 p.m.

tech: i’m adding Sam to the chat

Dome Supremacy: was he not already added?

FUCK, i forgot to change my name

———> @Dome Supremacy changed their name to @wilbur

tommy: haha, dome

———> @SamNook has joined the server!

tech: hey Sam, this is the chat i was telling you about earlier

please change your name to your actual name

———> @SamNook changed their name to @Sam

Sam: May I ask why?

tech: for Karl, his memory has been really bad recently and it’s just easier

Sam: Oh, okay, thank you

karl: Sam!!! hi!!!

Sam: Hello!

karl: what brings you here??

sorry that was a little invasive, you don’t have to answer if you don’t want to!

Sam: No, it’s fine

Techno said this chat was mostly for support? Could definitely use that at the moment

dream: oh, is everything okay?

Sam: Well, I’m currently homeless, so I’d say no, not really /nm 

Ranboo: what happened with your apartment?

Sam: I got evicted not too long ago

Something about not allowing pets? Which was weird because the landlord had originally said it was fine when I explained my situation

But I’m staying with Ponk until I can find somewhere else

karl: how is Ponk btw? i haven’t talked to him in a while

Sam: Pretty good, actually. Well, as good as someone can be after losing an arm, but I’d say he’s been adjusting fairly well

We’re currently watching old Batman cartoons

Phil’s Flock

5:17 p.m.

Toms: is Kristin staying for dinner tonight??

Philza: Yes?

Wilbur: FUCK YEAH

Philza: Sometimes I start to think that you guys like Kristin more than me

Toms: it’s not our fault she’s better than you

Wilbur: no offense to you of course

it’s just objectively true

Philza: That’s alright, I see how it is

My own sons have turned against me

But it’s fine, I suppose they wouldn’t want any of this chocolate cake I bought from the store today anyway

Wilbur: WAIT

Toms: NO

YOURE OUR FAVORITE PHIL

Wilbur: ALWAYS HAVE BEEN!!

Chapter Text

Saturday

brains all wonky

12:03 a.m.

tubbo: y skin feels weird

dream: weird how?

tubbo: idk :/

not itchy, but it’s keeping me awake

dream: do you have a weighted blanket? i know that sometimes helps Tommy and Ranboo

tubbo: noooooo i don’t have any

been meaning to buy one

dream: try making a blanket burrito 

tubbo: i will try

12:28 a.m.

tubbo: didnt work

hlep 

tech: are you okay, Tubbo?

tubbo: hitting myself

don’t jnow hi to stop

tech: are either of your parents home?

tubbo: yes

but hey red asleppp

tech: are you comfortable waking them up?

tubbo: no

tech: i’m going to call you, okay? that way you don’t have to worry about typing

Tubbo tried to hold his phone steady as he waited for Techno’s call to come through, but it was way harder than it should’ve been. He's felt this before, where his skin was all weird, almost like he needed a really strong hug, but it’s never been this bad. He didn’t know what changed all of sudden. One moment he was wrapped up in his blanket as tight as he could get it, the next he was hitting himself over and over again. He pushed his shoulders into his mattress as hard as he could, and it worked somewhat. After what felt like an eternity, he finally felt his phone buzz and a picture of the perpetually tired, pink-haired adult popped up on his screen. He pressed the answer call button faster than he probably ever had before.

“Techno, please tell me you know what’s happening.” The words poured out of Tubbo’s mouth before he had time to register that he had said them.

“I— I think I have an idea? But I need you to answer a question for me first, okay?”

“O— okay.”

“Does it feel involuntary?”

“No, I don’t— I don’t think so? It just— my skin feels all weird and also I need to hit something? And my— I guess my skin is like the only thing that’s satisfying enough to hit. It feels like I’m stuck in a loop, though.”

“Okay, I think that could be a deep pressure stim thing, but I’m not one hundred percent sure. I know you don’t want to, Tubbo, but if this is a serious problem then you need to tell your parents. I can—”

“No!” Tubbo accidentally said a little too loud. He quickly quieted down and waited to see if he could hear either of his parents stir. But he didn’t. “No, Techno, I— I can deal with it. I don’t need to bother them. If it’s just a stim then that’s normal right? I don’t stim very often anyway, it’ll be fine.”

“I said I wasn’t sure, Tubbo. I’m going to send you the contact information for the office that Puffy works at. You don’t have to give it to your parents, but I strongly advise that you at least mention to them the idea of talking to someone.”

“I don’t—“ Tubbo could hear his voice shaking now. “I don’t want them to try to fix me, Techno.”

“That’s not what I meant, Puffy’s office doesn’t… do that. But if you really don’t want to, I can’t make you. If nothing else, google— shit, Michael’s awake again, hold on. Okay, google different ways of deep pressure stimming and see if any of those help.”

“O— okay. Thank you, Techno.”

“No problem, Tubbo. I have to go put Michael back to bed, but please think about what I said.”

He listened as the line went dead and wiped away the tears that he hadn’t realized were falling. He googled alternatives to using a weighted blanket, but none of them were any more accessible to him. There wasn’t enough space in his room to roll around on the ground, and he didn’t want to wake his parents up to ask for help wrapping him tight enough in a blanket.

Tubbo had stopped feeling the need to hit himself a little bit ago, but the strange feeling that coated his skin still lingered. The most he could do now was press himself as hard as he could into his mattress and try to fall asleep. He knew his shoulders and neck would be sore when he woke up, but he couldn’t bring himself to care.

fucking dorks (affectionate)

1:31 a.m.

KINGBOO: [VIDEO: the camera is shaky, but Techno can be seen standing and gently swaying back and forth with Michael clinging to his chest as he hums a deep lullaby]

shhhhh

bloodgutsandangelcake: aww, sweet baby

CROWFATHER: It’s really early, is Michael okay?

KINGBOO: i’m pretty sure, he’s a light sleeper so i think he just heard Techno talking on the phone and couldn’t go back to sleep

at least i hope that’s what it was

Chapter Text

Saturday (continued)

fucking dorks (affectionate)

8:16 a.m.

KINGBOO: guess who never went back to sleep

anyway, i think that the Horseland theme song is just ingrained into my mind at this point

bloodgutsandangelcake: it’s a good song!

BIG T: what is “Horseland”?

KINGBOO: do not worry, Michael will tell you all about it the next time he sees you

BIG T: …alright then

anyway

so i’m taking Henry on a walk, right?

KINGBOO: at 8 in the morning??

BIG T: yes

so i’m walking down the street and then i look to my right and i see fucking Foolish carrying a fucking baby

blob: only one?

BIG T: what do you mean “only one”?

blob: he has two kids, Tommy

BIG T: what the fuck

blob: you didn’t know???

BIG T: NO??? I LIKE NEVER SEE THE GUY

THE LAST TIME I SPOKE TO HIM WAS WHEN 

THAT WAS LIKE THREE YEARS AGO

blob: i could’ve sworn i told you

sappedyournap: told me that’s for sure

way too excited over being an uncle in my opinion

blob: you don’t even have any siblings, how would you know?

sappedyournap: idk, i feel like drista is basically my sister

blob: okay but that has nothing to do with the question

BIG T: so are we just going to keep glossing over the fact that Foolish is a father

blob: yes

KINGBOO: what did i just come back to

Foolish is a father???

blob: YES

THEIR NAMES ARE FOOLISH JR. AND FINLEY

KINGBOO: oh my god

blob: they’re around two years old now i think

KINGBOO: so a little bit younger than Michael!

blob: yeah!

i mean, if you want i could probably talk Foolish into setting up a play date or something 

KINGBOO: wait, really?? 

blob: sure! it wouldn’t be a problem 

BELOVED to CROWFATHER 

12:38 p.m.

BELOVED: hey, i have a question

normally i would ask Techno but he is unavailable right now

CROWFATHER: I assume this has to do with Michael?

BELOVED: uh, yeah

did you have Wilbur or Tommy when they were his age?

CROWFATHER: Wil, yes

Tommy, no

BELOVED: okay

did Wilbur have a lot of trouble sleeping at that age?

CROWFATHER: Yeah, he had frequent nightmares and they kept him up more often than not

BELOVED: did you find anything that helped him sleep?

CROWFATHER: It usually helped when I would read him to sleep or even just sit there while music played and he drifted off to sleep

I think it was knowing that I was there that actually helped him

BELOVED: thank you, it means a lot

CROWFATHER: It’s no problem, and don’t hesitate to message me again any time you have questions, I think I may be slightly more qualified than Techno /lh

fucking dorks (affectionate)

2:47 p.m.

Wiblur: this question is going to sound stupid but @KINGBOO @TURBO Michael’s hair is dyed, right?

TURBO: yep!!

Wiblur: can i ask why? i’m just curious

TURBO: he was really facsniated with Techno’s hair for awhile

when we told him he could have pink hair too he was eelly excited

KINGBOO: and now it’s kind of a bonding thing for the two of them

Wiblur: where is Tecno btw, i know he’s not active but he’s not usually this inactive

KINGBOO: job interview

Wiblur: oh, okay

wait

he doesn’t have a driver’s license????

KINGBOO: i drove, but he’ll be taking his driver’s test soon-ish so i won’t have to anymore

hopefully 

MANifold: do you not have any faith in your brother’s driving capabilities?

Wiblur: you must be new here, Jack

KINGBOO: i’ve been told that he failed his last three, and he hasn’t exactly been rushing to take it again after y’know

MANifold: i don’t know, i actually am quite new here, there was some truth to what Wilbur said

KINGBOO: our parents died in a car crash, i think

MANifold: ah

i can see why he would be hesitant, sorry for prying like that

KINGBOO: it’s fine, really

i don’t really remember it, or them

speaking of Tecgno, i need to go pick him up soon

Wiblur: Tecgno

KINGBOO: shut up, Wiblur /lh

Wiblur: okay, ranboob /lh

KINGBOO: touché

Chapter Text

As Techno waited for Ranboo to pick him up from his job interview, he felt fucking pathetic. From the moment he stepped foot in the building his hands were shaking and even though he had picked the most comfortable (but still professional) t-shirt he had, it felt like there were a million tiny ants trying to crawl out of his skin. He knew the feeling probably wouldn’t go away until he was able to get home and change, which only made it more insufferable.

If you asked him, Techno would never admit that he wasn’t just nervous from his general anxiety, he was scared . Scared to drive, scared to go back to work, scared to leave his brother and nephew— fuck, he had a nephew now —home alone, scared of so many things. The only person he would ever tell the truth to was Puffy, because he knew if he didn’t there was no point in seeing her, but that didn’t make it any easier. Most of it he didn’t even want to admit to himself. 

He didn’t want to think about the reason he’d only taken public transportation when he needed to leave the house until Ranboo had gotten his license. Or the reason he was against Ranboo getting his license in the first place. Or the reason he spent hours researching car seats for Michael to make sure they got the best one that they could afford. Because if he did think about it then he wouldn’t stop. And— shit, now he was thinking about it. 

The next few minutes were fuzzy. He was vaguely aware when his brother’s car pulled up in front of him, and at some point he got in the car and sat in the back next to Michael. Almost instinctively he tugged on his seatbelt, making sure it was secure, then did the same with Michael’s, then Ranboo’s in front of him, finally he tapped Ranboo’s shoulder to let him know he was ready to leave. Techno wasn’t fully aware of his surroundings again until they were about halfway home. He felt Michael rest a hand on his arm and looked down at him. He almost thought that he imagined it when he heard the toddler’s soft voice say “Are you okay, T?”

And Techno wanted so bad to say yes. To pretend for Michael that everything was fine and that he was strong and he didn’t need to worry about him, but he couldn’t lie to the kid. His thoughts were interrupted, once again, by Michael when a stuffed chicken was repeatedly pressed into his shoulder. Techno was confused by this, but Ranboo glanced at them from the rear view mirror and had the audacity to laugh at his brother’s confusion. “I think Michael’s giving you his chicken for comfort.”

Oh. Techno took a moment to collect himself before he took the stuffed animal and said, “Thank you.” His voice was barely a whisper, but he knew that Michael heard him when the toddler gave his arm another pat. 

Sunday

brains all wonky

12:37 p.m. 

karl: hello all, just checking in to see how everyone’s doing and, as always, see if anyone needs anything :]

tommy: you sound like a fucking teacher /lh

karl: sorry, i am a kindergarten teacher lol

but how are you, Tommy?

tommy: not too bad. been better though. Phil’s been working more, which has been a change.

what about you , Karl Jacobs?

karl: better! i’m not forgetting as much as i was before, but it kind of comes in waves so i guess that’s not really an improvement lol

niki: helloooo

karl: hi niki!! how are you??

niki: hi karl!! i am doing okay!

karl: that’s good to hear!

wilbur: why are fireworks so fucking loud

niki: why are people setting off fireworks?

wilbur: i do not know and i don’t particularly care to find out

tommy: wilbur i lock your doir

wilbur i have your eheadphones please unlock your door

wilbur: just a minute, hold on

bermuda triangle of idiots 

1:28 p.m.

TURBO: can we hang out today pls???

KINGBOO: uhhhh, i don’t think so

i have to help Tech out around the house and i think we’re visiting family later?

TURBO: oh, okay /nm

@BIG T how about you?

BIG T: today’s ice cream day, srry Big Man

i’d invite you but Wilbur is very insistent about it being only the three of us

TURBO: :((((

KINGBOO: everything okay, Tubbo?

TURBO: yeah, i guess

gonna be out of town for the next couple weeks, though :(

that’s why i was asking

KINGBOO: i thought it was just your dad going?

TURBO: that was the plan but he doesn’t want me home alone for thet long :/

BIG T: ??? wouldn’t your mom still be home with you???

TURBO: no, she’s traveling for a funeral

BIG T: ah, alright

KINGBOO: well, when are you leaving? maybe we can hang out a bit tomorrow before you have to go?

TURBO: no, we’re leaving early tomorrow morning

KINGBOO: i’m sorry, bo :(

this just means we’ll have to spend double the time together when you get back i guess

TURBO: you really mean it :D

KINGBOO: yeah!

BIG T: i guess i’m in too, though i might be very busy, i am extremely popular you know

/s

fucking dorks (affectionate)

3:45 p.m.

KINGBOO: [image ID: a hand is holding a photo of Techno on his tenth birthday, holding back a much younger Ranboo out of reach of cake as an adult whose face is just out of frame places it on the table]

look what i found in an old box :D

blob: are you telling me that Techno’s hair isn’t naturally pink??? /j

Techno: Dream, i hate you so much

blob: awww, i love you too ^-^

Chapter Text

Monday

bermuda triangle of idiots 

3:27 a.m.

TURBO: [image ID: a blurry picture of Tubbo holding up a bag of rye chips]

road trip snacks have been accuird

BIG T: you were not kidding when you said early, jesus

also how the fuck do you eat those things

TURBO: c r i n c h

i also got CAFFEINE 

BIG T: it better not be coffee because you will regret that later

TURBO: no it’s just coke because i was not allowed to get an energy frink >:(

BIG T: Tubso, have you ever had an energy drink?

TURBO: i had a sip of the coffee flavored monter once, but other than that no

BIG T: should probably keep it that way tbh

tell your dad i said hi

TURBO: alright i will

he says you should be asleep

BIG T: sleep is for the weak

4:06 a.m.

TURBO: [image ID: a blurry picture of a boat bracelet charm]

sovener 

KINGBOO: please tell me you plan to sleep before you get there

TURBO: nope

KINGBOO: Tubbo you barely sleep as is

pls

TURBO: mmmm i’ll think about it

oh!!! i got charms for you guys too!

they’re in my backpack rn but i will show you later 

wait a minute

why are you up??? you almost are never awake right now

KINGBOO: the notifications woke me up lol

TURBO: oh im sorry :(

KINGBOO: well, they woke up Michael, who woke up me, but it’s not a big deal

oh yeah, Michael says hi btw

TURBO: tell him i say hi back!! and i will spend so much time with him when i get back

KINGBOO: y’know you’re allowed to like, ask to have him stay with you for a bit? Tech and i don’t mind, and i’m sure he’d be excited to be with you more

TURBO: i know it’s just.. weird, i guess?

i don’t think my parents would mind, but it took me so long to tell them that we’d kida taken him in in the firts place

KINGBOO: i get that, it’s just something to think about since summer’s coming up

TURBO: maybe i’ll ask my dad before we head back

idk

Michael didn’t quite understand what was going on. He had woken up because Boo’s phone was being loud. Voi said it was because Bee was talking, but when Michael asked if he could talk to Bee too, Boo said no! He said it was because it was too early and voi didn’t want to wake Techno, but he’d never actually seen Techno sleep before, so he didn’t know what his dad was so worried about. But it didn’t matter because he could see Bee later, right? Wrong! Boo said that Bee was going somewhere far away, but that he’d be back soon. He didn’t understand, if he was coming back soon, why couldn’t he visit? 

Michael let out a low whine and shook his head as hard as he could. Boo’s phone made loud noises again, though this time they were quickly quieted. Not soon enough, though, because it still hurt Michael’s ears. He pressed his hands as hard as possible against his ears and continued shaking his head. “Michael?” he heard his dad say. “Mmmm—Michael it’s okay I put— I put it on silent, it won’t make any more noise.” 

He lifted his hands from his ears just enough to confirm if what Boo said was true. When he realized the noise was gone, he rested his hands back at his side and tried to keep his head still. He was starting to feel a little light headed, so he opted for rocking back and forth instead. 

“Do you want your chicken?” Michael thought about it for a moment, but nodded his head as affirmation. His chicken did seem to always make him feel better, especially when he rubbed his hand across the plush fabric. When he reached out for the stuffed animal, his hands accidentally brushed against Boo’s and he recoiled. “Sorry, sorry, I’ll set it beside you.”

He grabbed the chicken, holding it close to his chest and petting it as he attempted to calm himself. After a few minutes, he could barely keep his eyes open. He flopped back down on his bed and let out a sigh. He was still confused by what Boo had told him earlier, but he was very tired and didn’t have the energy to think about it more. Eventually, he drifted off to sleep as his dad spoke to him in the low tones that he always did whenever Michael was stressed. That night he dreamt of nothing, but found himself rubbing away the feeling of tear tracks when he woke up.

fucking dorks (affectionate)

1:28 p.m.

BIG T: guyyyyyssss

blob: Tommy

BIG T: Dream! just the man i wanted to see!

blob: what did you do, Tommy?

BIG T: NOTHING

but Drista is convinced that I’m the one that killed her minecraft dog when that is not at all what happened

blob: mhmmm

and what do you want me to do about it?

BIG T: idk talk to her! your her brother!

blob: so, you’re asking me to use my authority to solve the problem for you

BIG T: well when you say it like that I sound like a dick 

but i’m not! i didn’t kill her dog!

———> @god’s little sister has joined the server!

BIG T: HIW THE FUCK DID YOU GET IN HERE

god’s little sister: i’m magic

also you invited me like two days ago, i just ignored the message lmao

BIG T: oh yeah i guess i did do that huh

god’s little sister: now give me my dog back

BIG T: that’s not how it works

god’s little sister: an eye for an eye, then

BIG T: ???? what do you mean by that

drista

drista what do you mean

IF YOU TOUCH SHROUD THE SPIDER I WILL HAVE WORDS WITH YOU 

Chapter Text

Tuesday

fucking dorks (affectionate)

4:19 a.m

KINGBOO: once again tearing up because mantas are so beautiful and i want to pet them but i know that touching them hurts them and aaaaahhhhhh

sappedyournap: I feel like i should tell you to go to sleep

but i also wake up early in the morning and think about big animals

blob: sap thinks he can take a bear in a fight

sappedyournap: well the bear doesn’t have a fucking knife now does he

KINGBOO: no offense to you, Sapnap, but i feel like it doesnt matter whether or not the bear is given a knife

sappedyournap: you want to go hunting with me, Ranboo?

KINGBOO: not particularly, no

sappedyournap: alright then, your loss

brains all wonky 

6:37 p.m.

Sam: can i crash on someone’s couch tonight? ponk’s not getting home until tomorrow morning and i don’t feel comfortable staying alone, even with fran

tommy: i can ask Phil! Wilbur’s at a friend’s for the next couple days, so as long as he gives the okay you wouldn’t need to sleep on the couch

they both said okay!

Sam: are you sure?

tommy: yeah! and don’t worry about feeling weird about sleeping in Wilbur’s room, since he’s moved out he only stays on the weekends or whenever he just needs a break, so it’s basically a guest bedroom

Sam: alright, i’ll be over in about half an hour :)

bermuda triangle of idiots 

7:26 p.m.

TURBO: [image ID: Tubbo is standing in front of a lake, absolutely drenched and looking like he’s about to absolutely murder whoever is taking the picture]

she pshed me in the FUCKING LAKE

BIG MAN: HA

KINGBOO: who pushed you in the lake, Bo?

TURBO: FCKING CRUMB!!

BIG MAN: who?

TURBO: MY COUSIN

well, not rlly my cousin, but her familys really close with my family so, cusins

KINGBOO: oh! tell her i said hi!

TURBO: if she survies /lh

KINGBOO: Tubbo, please don’t kill Crumb

TURBO: i make no promises

KINGBOO: Tubbooooo

TURBO: fine, i won’t kill Crumb >:(

KINGBOO: thank you :)

fucking dorks (affectionate)

9:45 p.m.

KINGBOO: i am now a jungle gym, apparently 

bloodgutsandangelcake: ????

Techno: [VIDEO: Ranboo is sitting on the couch as Michael tries, and fails, to climb onto his shoulders]

BIG MAN: RANBOOB

YOU NEVER LET ME CLIMB ON YOUR SHOULDERS???

KINGBOO: ????? you’re only a few inches shorter than me?

and also not 3 years old?

Wiblur: awww does the child want to feel tall?

BIG MAN: SHUT UP WILBUR

SamNook: You can climb on my shoulders if you want

BIG MAN: wait really

you won’t like, collapse

SamNook: I am very strong, Tommy

BIG MAN: FUCK YEAH

CROWFATHER: DO IT OUTSIDE

i have replaced enough fragile items in this house

Chapter Text

Monday

bermuda triangle of idiots

2:37 a.m. 

TURBO: omw home!!!!

Tubbo could not wait to get back home and see his friends. Don’t get him wrong, he definitely enjoyed spending time with his dad and catching up with Crumb, but he was desperate to see Ranboo and Tommy face to face again, not to mention how bad he felt after Ranboo had told him how upset Michael was. As far as he knew, those two weeks were the longest he’d ever been away and he was most definitely not used to it.

They had stopped at a gas station to get some snacks for the last hour of the trip when it happened. Usually, Tubbo would go in with his dad to make sure he picked out the “good stuff” but he was tired and opted to stay in the car instead. He was just starting to drift off when he caught a whiff of someone’s cigarette smoke through one of the car’s open windows. It wasn’t much, but it was just enough to jolt his brain. As quickly as he could, he tried to close the windows. Unfortunately, the memories he had worked so hard to block out were much faster.

Tubbo tried to focus on the feeling of his seatbelt rubbing against his neck, or his arm resting on the car door, anything to keep him grounded, but none of it worked. He’s going to find you, his brain supplied. He pulled his knees up to his chest, trying to make himself as small as possible. He’s going to find you and he’s not going to be happy. Why do you have to be such a difficult child?

He didn’t register when someone opened the door, or when his seatbelt was undone and he was pulled into someone’s arms. Hide, you need to hide, he’s coming.

“—bo? Tubbo, you need to breathe with me, okay?” What? Didn’t they know he didn’t have time to calm down? He had to hide, now.

“Hide? Tubbo, what're you talking about?” Oh, had he said that out loud?

“He’s—if I don’t hide then he’ll—he’s going to find me! Let me go!” He tried to remove himself from the arms around him, but they only held him closer.

“Tubbo! Tubbo, no one’s coming for you. Who are you trying to hide from?”

“My dad!” 

For a moment, the only sounds were the closing of someone’s car door and Tubbo’s quiet sobs. He grabbed tightly onto the shirt of the man holding him and tried his best to steady his breathing. After a minute or so, the man spoke up again. “Tubbo… Tubbo, your biological father is dead. What—whatever he did to you, he can’t hurt you like that anymore. Please, look at me.”

For the first time in however long this had been going on, Tubbo faced the man holding him. His breathing slowly steadied as he tried to take in his surroundings and— oh. “I’m sorry,” was all he could say.

“You don’t need to apologize. Now, let’s head home, yeah?”

There was a tense silence that hung over the rest of the car ride. When they finally got back to the house, Tubbo got out of the car and brought his luggage back to his room without a single word. He could hear his dad—the one that was safe —recounting his… episode to his mom. He couldn’t make out what exactly they were saying, but he heard the words “bio,” “abused,” and “therapy.” He was not looking forward to the conversations that were inevitably going to happen the next few days.

bermuda triangle of idiots

4:42 a.m.

TURBO: just got home

BIG MAN: YEEEAAAHHHH

THIS MEANS WE CAN HANG OUT SOON, RIGHT?

TURBO: maybe tomorrow

i ned to unpack and i haven’t seeped yet

BIG MAN: WHY DONT YOU SLEEP IN THE CAR??

TURBO: i was going to but something happened

BIG MAN: oh, is everything okay?

TURBO: not rlly, i’ll tell you next time i see you thought

i don’t want to explain over tedt

BIG MAN: alright, welp, try to get some sleep?

TUBB to Ranbeloved

8:14 a.m.

TUBB: RANBOO

BOO

BOOBIE

Ranbeloved: why would you call me that

TUBB: because i’m excited!!!

Ranbeloved: what are you excited about at 8 am???

TUBB: MY PARENTS SAID THAT WE CAN AREANGE A SPACE FOR MICHAEL TO STAY :DD

Ranbeloved: that’s awesome!! do you know when you’re going to do it?

TUBB: TODAY

well, MOSTLY TODAY

we only really need a bed frame and mattress, but other than that my parents kept a lot of stuff from when i was forst adopted so we can decorate until we get them!!

DO YOU WANT TO COME OVER??

Ranbeloved: i’d love to! we actually have some shopping of our own today for Michael’s birthday and such, but i can definitely stop by for a while later!!!

wait, i just now read up in the gc

have you slept at all????

TUBB: …

oh, would you look at that, i need to walke my fish! cya!

Ranbeloved: Tubbo you can not escape me

TUBB: i got a couple hours of sleep!!!

and i’ve been “restibg” since i woke up >:(

Ranbeloved: “resting”? 

TUBB: dad thinks i should be taking things easy because i exhausted myself this morning

i’m fine though!!! just some memories resurfaced, that’s all

Ranbeloved: you’re not telling me the whole truth, are you

that’s okay

i’ll see you in a few hours?

Chapter Text

Wednesday

fucking dorks (affectionate)

12:27 p.m.

TURBO: [VIDEO: “Michael, Mikey, say hi!” Michael looks up at the camera, face mostly blocked by the hood of his bumble bee jacket. After a moment of thinking, he reaches for the camera instead.]

he is not cowoperating >:(

KINGBOO: i sure hope he’s not operating on cows, he doesn’t have proper training!

TURBO: shut up, i hate you why did you give him cake before handing him over

BIG MAN: because he’s evil, Tubbo

this is what i was warning you about!

bloodgutsandangelcake: awww, i love his little jacket!

MANifold: weren’t you the one who bought it for him, Niki?

bloodgutsandangelcake: exactly! :D

On the walk from Ranboo’s house back to his, it took all of Tubbo’s might to keep Michael from running out into the road. He had never seen a kid with so little regard for their own safety, except for maybe Tommy, but that was a little different..

Eventually he just picked Michael up, much to the toddler’s delight. He happily pat Tubbo’s shoulder and made nonsense noises for the rest of the walk.

Tubbo’s parents were waiting for them in the living room when they arrived. As soon as they were in their sights, they immediately started cooing over Michael. And look, Tubbo understood, Michael was a cute kid. However, Michael was also a shy and anxious kid and only gripped Tubbo’s arms tighter at the attention.

“Mikey, it’s okay.” He tried to reassure his son, “These are my parents, we don’t have to spend time with them right now, but they live here too so you’ll see them a lot, alright?”

Michael nodded, but buried his head into Tubbo’s neck. The teen decided it was probably best to show Michael his room before he got too upset, so that’s exactly what he did. 

Tubbo and his parents had spent the last couple of days painstakingly painting their old guest room, putting together furniture, and turning the house upside down looking for his old toys to make sure that the space would be the best it could be for Michael. Hell, his parents even went out of their way to get those baby gates and stuff for all of the door handles in the house, even the ones the toddler couldn’t get to. It may have been a little overboard, especially compared to Michael’s usual environment, but it was better to be safe than sorry, right?

Michael’s room was decorated with various farm animals, and though the walls were painted a solid green, there were plenty of animal wall decals too. When Tubbo set him down on the ground, Michael ran straight for the farthest corner of the room, something that Ranboo had told him was normal for the kid when he wanted to de-stress.

Once he had calmed down, Michael was back to hopping all over the place and flapping his hands as he properly took in his surroundings. Michael’s newfound excitement overwhelmed Tubbo with positive emotion, and it wasn’t long before both father and son were happily bouncing around the room.

TUBB to Ranbeloved

6:37 p.m.

TUBB: michel doesn not like blueberries 

Ranbeloved: ?

TUBB: no blueberries, never again

Ranbeloved: ohhhh

he’s not being too much trouble, is he?

TUBB: no no no!!

he’s been great!

just not a fan of the mushy fruit LOL

Ranbeloved: don’t blame him honestly, blueberries are terrible

he likes grapes though, the little traitor >:(  /j

Chapter Text

Thursday

fucking dorks (affectionate)

1:32 p.m.

———> @QUACKMASTER has joined the server!

BIG MAN: FUCKING FINALLY

sappedyournap: WAT THE FUCK TOOK YOU SO LONG

QUACKMASTER: STFU

I WILL INVERT YOUR STOMACH LINING

blob: well

that escalated quickly 

Wiblur: QUACKITYYYYYY

QUACKMASTER: WILBUR SUIT

sleep error: why is my phone blowing up, who do i have to kill

oh, hi Quackity 

QUACKMASTER: hello georeg

where is Karl????

sappedyournap: not in this server!

god’s little sister: sap can you get cereal on your way back, dream took the rest of the box again :/

sappedyournap: there was like half of the box left??? 

i mean ig but it’ll be a few hours

just eat some toast or smthn 

god’s little sister: but toast is boring :/

WAIT WE HAVE PEANUT BUTTER

sappedyournap to Ranbeloved

1:47 p.m.

sappedyournap: RANBOO

Ranbeloved: THATS MY NAME, YES

sappedyournap: would you like to go to the amusement park with me?

Ranbeloved: you mean, like now?

are you outside my house???

sappedyournap: i was going to pass by anyway

so…?

Ranbeloved: yeah! i just have to check with Techno first brb

he said i can go!!

sappedyournap: HELL YEAH

Ranboo had always liked hanging out with Sapnap. There was something about the man that just made him easy to be around. Voi would describe it almost like the relationship you’d have with your favorite cousin at a family gathering. They didn’t get to spend much time together, but when they did it was always exciting.

It was safe to say that Ranboo had a lot of fun at the amusement park, even if there was more walking involved than voi would’ve liked, and voi cut his ankle when he fell down the stairs getting off of a rollercoaster. He was fine, though, it only bled a little bit. 

After getting off one of the rides, they found themselves inside one of those little gift shops. Voi looked at the few plushies they had and considered getting one for Michael when he spotted a couple of girls staring at void and giggling out of the corner of his eye. He felt a pit form in voids stomach. 

Why were they staring at him? We’re they making fun of void? Is that why they were laughing? His thought spiral was interrupted when the shorter of the two finally walked up to him. “I—Um, I like your hair,” she said.

“Cooking lasagna,” Ranboo responded. Voids eyes immediately went wide with fear and embarrassment. 

“I’m so sorry,” he tried to explain. “I have—vwoop—I have tics. I didn’t mean to—mmm—thank you?” 

“Oh, no, you’re totally fine!” She reassured him. Her face had turned a shade of red that rivaled the color of voids. She nervously looked back at her friend, who gave her a very enthusiastic thumbs-up. “Um, I was wondering, could—can I have your number?” 

Ranboo could barely make out what she said due to the various other noises that came with being in a public setting, but when he finally deciphered what she had asked void, he felt a pang of sympathy for her. “Oh—uh—I have a bo—vwoop—I’m in a relationship, sorry..”

Her expression deflated at his response, but she quickly tried to cover it with a smile. “No, I’m sorry! That was kind of forward of me, huh?” She laughed awkwardly before adding, “I bet they’re—uh—really lucky to have found someone like you.”

She turned and walked back to her friend and they both left the gift shop, which left Ranboo awkwardly standing there, still holding a plushie, as voi waited for Sapnap to come back. At least he had read the situation correctly, he would’ve felt really bad if voi accidentally led her on, or if he had accidentally read it as romantic when it wasn’t. 

bermuda triangle of idiots 

4:53 p.m.

BIG MAN: RANBOO

KINGBOO: yeah?

BIG MAN: i hear from sapnap that you’re popular with the ladies

better be careful or the Tubster might get jealous

LOL

KINGBOO: why are you doing this to meeee

TURBO: get jelous of what?

KINGBOO: some girl at the amusement park said she liked my hair

TURBO: you hair is very nice

KINGBOO: and asked for my number

TURBO: so?

KINGBOO: that’s exactly what i said! i don’t get what the big deal is :(

TURBO: i have no reason to be jealous, i trust you :D <3

KINGBOO: :D <3

BIG MAN: GROSS, A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP FYNAMIC

TURBO: Fynamic

KINGBOO: Fynamic

BIG MAN: STFU

TURBO: you’re just mad because you don’t have a borfind

wait

BIG MAN: we do this every time, Tubbo

TURBO: gurlfriend 

i forgot for a second

BIG MAN: we have known each other for over 10 years

Chapter Text

Friday

From the very moment that Michael woke up, he was bouncing off the walls with energy. He couldn’t yet read the clock on his wall, but he could tell by the fact that the sun wasn’t out yet that he’d woken up pretty early. He heard someone shuffling down the hall and assumed that they had also been too excited to sleep in.

Quietly, he tip-toed across his room and peered out into the hallway. Michael wasted no time barreling straight towards the first pair of legs he spotted. In response he heard a small ‘ oomf’ and was lifted into the air.

“Mikey, what are you doing up already?”

The boy looked up to see his dad’s face smiling brightly back at him.

“I’m four today!” He whisper-shouted. 

“You are? I could’ve sworn you were three just yesterday.”

Michael furrowed his eyebrows. “Bee, do you not know about birthdays?”

Bee ruffled his hair and looked at him fondly. “I’m just messing with you, bud. Happy birthday.”

Michael gently bumped their foreheads together. “Will Boo come over?”

“Mhm.”

“And Tee?”

“Yep.”

“And Mimi?”

“They’re all gonna come over after lunch, all of them.”

Techno to TUBB

11:35 a.m.

Techno: we’ll be over in a half hour or so

TUBB: alright!

Michael is very excited!!

Techno: also just a heads up

Ranboo is a little overwhelmed right now, so he might seem a little out of it

TUBB: oh, is he okay?

Techno: he’ll tell you about it later

Michael was absolutely ecstatic. Bee had told him that people would be showing up soon and he could no longer contain his excitement.

As he waited by the door, bouncing on the balls of his feet and flapping his hands, Bee kneeled next to him and tapped his shoulder.

“Hey, Michael?” He said. “We need to be serious for a sec, okay?”

Michael stopped bouncing and nodded his head solemnly. The motion felt nice, so he did it again, and again, and again, and— okay he was starting to get dizzy.

“Boo is feeling a lot right now, so you might need to be careful. Remember, if he doesn’t want a hug, or he doesn’t talk, it’s not because you did something wrong.”

Michael tried to absorb all of this new information, but he was a little confused. He knew that spending time with certain people came with certain rules, like how he couldn’t be too loud around Mimi. He also knew that sometimes the rules changed depending on the situation, like Tee not wanting to be hugged.

He was used to those. What he wasn’t used to, however, was hearing those rules applied to Boo. The only other time that Michael could remember where someone gave him special rules for Boo was when voi had come from school with Dream and that had had Tee really worried about him. If it was happening again, then…

“Is Boo okay?” Michael waited as his father hesitated to supply him with an answer. 

“No, not really, but he thinks he’s okay enough to be here for a little while. We just need to make sure that we don’t overwhelm him, okay?”

“Okay.”

Michael’s concerns were quickly pushed to the back of his mind when the doorbell rang.

• ••

Michael’s birthday was very eventful. Tommy had been the first to arrive (along with Phil and Wilbur) and spent no time at all matching the child’s energy. As they waited for the others to show up, Tommy attempted to teach Michael how to play “annoy the shit out of Wilbur,” a game he invented himself.

They were soon followed by Niki, who brought a big cake shaped like a chicken, and Sam. 

Techno and Ranboo were the last to arrive, and when they did they both looked very on edge. Michael heard Techno mention something to Sam and Phil about having to drive, and Ranboo looked like voi wasn’t entirely present. 

While most people caught up with each other or played board games with Michael, Ranboo tended to stay away from as many people as possible. The most social voi got that afternoon was clinging to Tubbo as he flittered between groups. Michael didn’t blame him, though. If he was being honest, the noise was a little much, but he was having so much fun!

When it was time for him to open his presents, Michael was completely overwhelmed. Not necessarily in a bad way, but more of a “this is the most anyone has ever done for me and i don’t know how to deal with all of this positive emotion” kind of way. 

Techno was the first to hand him a present, already unwrapped. It was a crocheted pig with a crown on top of its head. 

One by one the rest of the guests gave him the presents they had bought, until he was left in a pile of stuffed animals, soft clothing, and his very own weighted blanket.

Although he didn’t have much to compare it to, Michael considered the day to be one of the best in his very limited memory.

Chapter Text

aaaaaaaa

i know i said that there was another chapter i wanted to get out before leaving this fic, but i just don’t see myself finishing it :((

luckily, i do have multiple fics in the works right now! i’m hoping that at least the one shot i’m working on will be out soon, but knowing me “soon” could be any time between now and the fourth of July

that being said! i am really sorry that i wasn’t able to finish this fic. it started out as a way for me to cope with my derealization, and i really did enjoy writing it, but i just don’t feel the same about it anymore and there are some things that i wish i had done differently.

if you have any questions about specific characters or their plots please let me know! i’d be happy to talk about what my original ideas were :D

again, i’m sorry i didn’t finish this! i hope y’all enjoyed it while it lasted. stay safe!