Chapter Text
It’s 4 in the morning and Eric scrolls through Bing attempting to feel somewhat sleepy but in truth it doesn’t help. He’s had a long night but as it went on, he only felt boredom. Before he knew it the sun was rising and he had to get ready for the day. He closes his laptop and stumbles out of bed hoping to find the energy he needs for the day. He walks to the kitchen and whips up GFuel (code PointCrow for 30% off) to achieve some energy. He gets dressed, brushes his teeth, usual morning routine things. As he’s getting ready, he gets a buzz on his phone. It’s from Tanner. His heart races as he picks up his phone and stares at the text.
”I’m coming down to see you ;p” Tanner writes to crow
This was unexpected, this couldn't be happening at this moment right? He hesitates to text back but he pushes through to write to him
“When are you coming?”
“Tomorrow”
They never planned this or did Eric just forget? He scrolls up through their recent texts and there it was. A month ago they planned to do a live stream together trying not to laugh at some memes. Eric was dumbfounded but was excited to see his friend.
“Ok”
That’s all?! Just a simple ok doesn’t have any excitement to it. Crow is embarrassed but turns his phone off and starts to head out. He gets in his car and drives all the way to the supermarket to buy some food, but now needs extra for Tanner’s visit.
Just the thought of Tanner coming makes the crow forget about sadness. It truly made his day, even just a simple text message not stating anything about a meetup could bring joy to this single man’s life.
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Tanner stares at the “ok” that Eric sent to him. Was he even excited or did he just forget? Tanner smiles at the thought of Eric’s confused face. He puts his phone in his pocket and lays on his bed to stare at the ceiling like every main character in stories. He gets another buzz, he pops out his phone hoping its crow but it’s not, it’s from the man himself, the god, the legend, Ludwig.
“BOIIIIIIIII I have a proposal for you. You, me, BATTLE it off. Speed run style. Nuzlocke Pokemon. Hit me up when you wanna go for it.”
Tanner sits up and thinks over the god of streaming’s request.
“When do you wanna do this?”
“This week.”
“I can’t sadly, i’m going down to California”
“DUDE you can come over!”
“I could but I’m staying with crow”
“Crow?”
“Eric” Tanner was confused by this, Ludwig knows everyone.. Right?
“OHHHH that dude! Collectors Anxiety boy alright, cool cool”
“Yeah! We’re gonna do a stream together and just hang out, yknow like friends do”
It’s been about 5 minutes and Ludwig has not said anything, Tanner wondering if he said something wrong?
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10 minutes have gone by since Eric has gone into the supermarket. He is deciphering between what type of cereal to get or is he just thinking of Tanner? He blinks back into reality from a baby crying in the next aisle. Crow grabs both of the cereals and throws them in the cart, money wasn’t much of a hassle at this point.
He continues walking around, at one point making eye contact with the crying baby.
If you know, Eric is not a good cook nor baker but he wanted to attempt.. Actually attempt.. At making a homemade meal for Tanner when he arrives tomorrow. He doesn’t want anything too fancy but yet fancy enough to be romantic. My god why is he thinking that? They’re just friends.. Two friends hanging out. He decides to make something that can make Tanner feel at home, butter tarts. It would be perfect! Wouldn't it..?
Eric grabs his phone and finds a recipe, which seems simple enough. He gets all the ingredients he needs and also gets a backup meal just in case he burns his whole kitchen down. He pays then heads home.
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The day arrives, Smallant is coming to town. Eric wakes super early, earlier than ever and gets ready to see his very close, totally platonic friend. He finds an outfit that will intrigue Tanner. He finds the gray shirt with two white stripes on the sleeves, the one that he was wearing when recording his first youtube video. He finishes getting ready then stares blankly at the kitchen.
He sets all the ingredients out and just stares at them. He does not want to mess this up.
Cut to the airport
Crow stands awkwardly at the baggage claim waiting for Tanner.
To the corner of his eye, he sees someone familiar. Is it Tanner?!
Crow quickly walks towards the person who he expected to be Tanner and jumps behind him with a big hug. Before Eric could say anything, the person turned around.
It’s Ludwig.
Eric hops off, his face red of embarrassment. Him and Ludwig rarely talk but when they do it isn’t the easiest conversation to get through.
“What are you doing here Lud?’’
Ludwig looks around, then looks down at Eric “oh, y'know just.. Oh, there they are!”
He waves his hands up towards the person they’re meeting “there he is!”
Crow turns around to find Smallant walking toward them.
Eric is in shock, why would Ludwig come here for Tanner and how does he know he’s here?? Ludwig runs to Tanner and gives him a hug, making Eric jealous. Eric walks over and Tanner hugs him, “how’s it going Crow?” Hearing Ant’s voice makes him feel better.
“Oh y’know, just chilling” insert bite lip.
Tanner laughs but before he can continue his conversation with Eric, Ludwig interrupts
“Hey so, are you hungry? There's this new place near my house and.. Maybe we can hang out at my place after?”
Crow was too stunned to speak.
Ant looks at crow, then at Ludwig, but then back at the crow. “Actually I’m gonna go with Eric.” Eric smiles happily knowing that Ant was loyal to him. They all three walk out together, Tanner switching from conversation between him and Eric and him and Ludwig. In the end though, Tanner makes it into Eric’s car and they are on their way back to the Crow’s nest, as Tanner puts it.
The drive wasn’t too bad, they found it easy to talk to each other. Eric wanted to bring up Ludwig but didn’t know how. He tried to forget about what happened at the airport and focus on Ant.
They arrive at Eric’s apartment and when they walk in, they can smell the butter tarts. Tanner hugs Eric from behind and kisses his cheek, “how nice of you to cook for me”. Eric blushes “just be thankful that I didn’t burn my kitchen down.”
They both walk over to the kitchen, Ant dropping his suitcase on the couch. They stare at the tarts, they were burnt.
“Sorry I ruined them” Crow said sheepishly
Tanner grabs one and takes one whole bite. He throws a thumbs up to Eric which makes him very happy, though the tarts were a bit dry.
Later they sit on the couch watching Gravity Falls eating the burnt tarts. Suddenly Ant gets a buzz, it’s from Ludwig.
“Yooooo so like, you up to hang tomorrow?”
Ant looks over at the crow who is invested into the show, tanner looks back at the message and texts back.
“I’m hanging with Eric but you can join us if you want”
A few minutes go by without a message from Ludwig, then he finally answers.
“What about the day after?”
“Can’t, streaming with crow”
As the minutes go by, Crow is nearly falling asleep. Another text from Ludwig
“Is there any time this week where you and crow won’t be hanging out?”
This threw Tanner off guard, the way he typed it was like he was.. No, there’s no way right? He thinks for a moment, then finally answers.
“I think Friday i’m free”
Ludwig instantly responds, “great! We can meet at my place.”
Tanner turns off his phone then turns to Eric who is already asleep. Tanner puts his arm around Eric and pulls him closer, takes his glasses off, and gives him a kiss on the head.
“Goodnight my little crow”