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“Do you want to come with me?”
“I’ve a safe place far from hunters and humans. Well, there is one human, but he’s an exception. You look like you need a place to go.”
“Me? Oh, I’m Tommyinnit.”
---
Ranboo is alone. And he’s surrounded by disgusting people. The Overworld is too hot, and it somehow has this burning liquid that comes from the sky. It’s rain, he’s come to understand. Water. The one thing his kind can’t tolerate, which is why it’s been siphoned out of the End rigorously to be sold to shulks and elytrians, and beings of the Nether who rely heavily on water for trade if their shroomlight harvests are poor that year. And this Overworld grass is something he struggles to pick up, so the Overworld enderman don’t like him and often laugh at him when he tries. And everyone around him is…poor. He’s a prince, a child of the End, born from the Void and soul dust, and people think they can just approach him without even a bow or curtsy. These Overworld defector enderman think they can just laugh at him? Stare him directly in the eye? Ridiculous. Not even the Nether enderman have that sort of disrespect for royals like him.
And then there’s Scott who has the audacity to look down upon him too. As if Overworld gods and stars are somehow better than the End’s. As if they’re better than their queen, the Mother Dragon. He doesn’t care if his arrival to the Overworld is similar to his, it’s disrespectful.
He hates it.
There are two exceptions to his fury, Philza and his child, his savior, Tommyinnit. They are both Elytrians, and Philza specifically is of noble origin. He knows this, even though Phil hasn’t admitted that fact to everyone. So, by extension Tommy is of noble blood. And even if he wasn’t, Ranboo is partial to friendship with the young elytrian, or avian as they’re called. Tommy did invite him here after all, after he was kicked out of the End.
“Ranboo?”
He twitches his tail, “What?”
Phil offers him a soft smile, “You’ve been sitting there, brooding, for twenty minutes. You alright?”
“How do you cope with all this?”
Phil’s lips quirk, “This?”
“The peasants.”
“Oh,” Phil huffs, “Um, I got over it. I met people that gave me a reason to change. And I had Tommy to worry about. Far more important things to worry about with as a parent raising a child all by himself in a new realm.”
Ranboo isn’t sure how to accept that, and he’s too proud to ask Tommy for his advice even though he enjoys his company.
---
Everyone hates him, well mostly. Most people hate him, save for a couple of people. He isn’t sure what happened between now and the new people’s arrivals, but everyone, except for Phil and Tommy, seems to fear him. And it isn’t in the fun way. Not one bit. It isn’t in the oh my god he’s got something wrong going on and could kill me kind of way. It’s in the realm of judgement. What has he done to deserve judgement? Surely nothing, he hasn’t even threatened anyone recently, or stolen their enchanted books. All he knows is that the journal he found in the Stronghold was moved and clearly opened by someone, and people are now looking at him weird.
It agitates him that he feels himself falling into his instincts a little more. It’s just deplorable. A refined enderman such as himself should be much more poised and calmer, and not vwooping and hoarding blocks and flowers. He feels himself becoming more skittish with eye contact, even though he’s taken a lot of training to feel powerful with it. It makes his skin crawl, and it only serves to make people stare at him more.
The only one who keeps him company is Tommy. And it’s not for any good reason. Tommy has begun imprinting on everyone on the server, ending with Ranboo, as a means of flock integration. It’s awful, because it’s just his avian instincts. All young elytrians, go through it, and it would be flattering. But he knows Tommy wouldn’t be around Ranboo at his worst, he’s certain of it. He’s certain whatever has people fearing him will spread onto Tommy like some sort of withering sickness. He’s certain the imprinting is just instincts, and Tommy likely secretly has begun hating him too.
But it’s good to pretend it means something. Tommy clings to his arm, and uses his jackets and capes for nests, of which he is often a guest in. Tommy has him preen in his wings until he’s trilling and falling asleep. Tommy returns the preening by braiding his hair or scratching his ears. It’s lovely, and not what he deserves. He forgets it’s just his friend’s instincts even when Tommy lets him be held in his arms, and moved around like the grass blocks.
He’ll pretend it’s friendship to save himself the loneliness.
---
Tommy should be done imprinting by now. But he still follows Ranboo around and clings to his arm. Sometimes Tommy perches on his shoulders. He’s lucky Ranboo is tall, and elytrian bones are light, else it would’ve broken his back by now. It’s not that Tommy only hangs out with him, it’s just more than often him. He doesn’t get it.
“Tommy?” He starts gently, the elytrian braiding his hair, legs over his shoulders.
“Yeah?”
“Why are you following me around? Aren’t you done imprinting?” Ranboo pushes.
Tommy just halts in his hair and smacks his nose. “You’re stupid.”
He doesn’t know what to make of that.
And Tommy doesn’t stop hanging out with him and Ranboo enjoys his company terribly. Tommy is bright and loud and makes sure to include Ranboo in every conversation. And it’s because of that he makes a few more friends. He makes a friend in Sneeg, who often accompanies him on his shoulder to mining trips and exploration around the lands. He also makes friends with the other avian Beau, and the bee Tubbo. It makes him feel like he belongs even as the wariness of most of the others presses through. He sometimes swears he sees the same guardedness in his friends, and it’s usually accompanied by something Wilbur told them a few minutes prior.
Tommy never seems affected by the whatever it is Wilbur tells people. And he’s definitely been told them. He sees Wilbur whisper in his ear as they watch Ranboo go about his day. Tommy always makes a face and leaves Wilbur to hang out with Ranboo instead. With how terrified his new friends seem of him, and the others, he’s decided Tommy’s affection is pity. He’s decided that he feels bad for him, especially after imprinting. It’s the only explanation that makes sense.
“Ranboooo!” Tommy chirps, taking his common refuge on his shoulders, small talons ruffling his curls.
Ranboo feels himself smile against his will. He adores Tommy, despite his best efforts to not get his hopes up about the entire situation. It’s kind of hard not to, when everyone else has distanced themselves. “What? You’re lucky you’re small, else I would’ve dropped you.”
“Oi I am not small; I am an incredibly huge man!” He huffs, as usual, “Anyway, I came here to invite you over for a dinner. My incredible father, the Crow Father, Philza Minecraft, is nesting and he really wants a large flock dinner. Please come with me and stop moping.”
“I haven’t been moping,” He whines. He very much has been.
Tommy simply sits over his shoulders, and lays his chin over his head in comfort. “You have. And I know huge social events aren’t your thing, but it’ll be fun. You can even hold my hand if you’re scared.”
Ranboo grumbles, “Hold your hand? You’re in a clingy mood.”
“No, ugh, no, no. I hate you, actually, in fact, I’ll break your hand.”
Ranboo helps him down, and Tommy puffs out his cheeks. Ranboo resists smiling and is about to tease him again, until he meets the glowing eyes of their resident phantom. Wilbur mouths, “Watch yourself.”
Tommy pokes his stomach, “What are you looking at? Hello, I am talking to you. Stop ignoring me.”
“Sorry,” He swallows as Wilbur disappears in the distance, “It’s nothing. I was just thinking about how clingy you are, it’s like you’re imprinting all over again.”
“Not this again.”
Tommy squabbles in his ear, and Ranboo tries his best to nod along, but he’s too nervous to say much. He just lets Tommy drag him to Phil’s house, trying to stay as calm as possible. To think, he’s come from being a confident prince, to a nervous peasant. He really thinks he does hate the Overworld, no matter how much care or pity Tommy puts into him.
Tommy is also wrong, actually. He has no such fear of large community gatherings. He used to be a prince, and balls and galas were his forte. He could charm anyone, and he had multiple people in the End begging him for a dance or a minute of his time. He was considered one of the funniest members of the royal family, and people would stand by his side just for his many stories.
It’s not the gathering that terrifies him, it’s the people. The Overworld is terribly daunting. The social etiquette and rules are far different than he’s used to. And the End’s dialect of Common has a few differences that he’s still been adjusting to. For example, apparently, you’re supposed to say thank you after someone does something for you. It’s nonsense.
He also has apparently done something that warrants fear. Sure, he’s threatened and insulted people, but he doesn’t think that’s the reason. They used to think it was endearing until that journal was rifled with.
Though what does he know, his parents kicked him out for that very thing. To learn manners, respect, and humility. To stop disappointing them and embarrassing them. He’s not clearly a good judge of himself, since he still doubts his own arrogance on most days. So, it’s quite possible he’s done something, and that journal is a coincidence.
They finally arrive, and Phil invites them in with open arms and wings. Phil hugs him tightly, and it’s very clear to him that he’s nesting with how long the hug lasts. People stare at him, mostly, as they traverse to the table. Tommy doesn’t seem to notice and sits them easily down in the middle of the table. To Tommy’s right is Wilbur, and to Ranboo’s left is a new person, Technoblade. Tommy found Techno the other day, and he was in pretty bad shape. He kept asking for carrots, and Tommy helped him all this morning build a carrot farm. Tommy is kind like that, Ranboo for the most part has avoided the rabbit.
Techno says, “You’re Ranboo right? I don’t think I’ve spoken to you yet.”
“Hi,” He hisses, “And maybe it’s because I just don’t want to talk to you.”
Techno merely laughs, “Tommy warned me you were crass. But he also warned me that you’re secretly pretty nice.”
“He did?” He looks towards Tommy. Tommy is in an animated talk with Wilbur, so he doesn’t seem to be listening to their conversation.
“Yeah? Does that surprise you? Aren’t you one of his closest friends?”
He is? Ranboo merely shakes his head. “You’re welcome, or, uh,” he quickly takes out his politeness book his parents sent him with, “Uh, thank you for telling me. I appreciate the nice words.”
Techno chuckles, but it doesn’t seem to be at him. It seems fond. “No need to be so formal, I’m not someone you need to impress. I’m just a simple farmer who lost his way.”
“What kind of farming?”
“All sorts of things. I used to be respected highly for my potatoes at one point, though I know that seems strange for a rabbit.” His smile seems forced, as if he’s remembering something. Ranboo gets the same look whenever he briefly mentions the End. He gets the feeling all of them are here for a reason, most of which aren’t good ones. He thinks that he likes Techno.
“Oh! Ranboo you’ve finally gotten over your fear and talked to Techno. He’s very nice, as long as he has enough carrots.” Tommy grins.
Techno matches it, “I am always nice. I don’t have a carrot problem.”
“You do.”
“Nope.”
“Ranboo?” Tommy pouts. He wants him to take his side. Ranboo and him aren’t friends no matter what Techno says, because this is all for pity, but Ranboo is weak and attached. Ranboo snarks, “You very clearly do, just the other day I saw you buy 2 stacks of golden carrots from Sneeg and then approximately five minutes later, 2 more.”
Techno rolls his eyes. “I refuse to comment.”
Wilbur interjects, “I’d stay away from that Ranboo guy, Techno.”
Techno seems less than impressed. “And why is that, Wilbur?”
“Did I not tell you about…” Techno raises a hand, “You have, and again, I don’t know if I believe you. He’s been nothing but wonderful to Tommy. Even Phil and Sneeg have told me good things about him, other than warning me he may be a little blunt or chaotic. If anything, Beau has been more chaotic, in my experience. She made me a grave, for Prime’s sake, and I’ve only been here for a week so far.”
Ranboo still doesn’t know what Wilbur has told everyone, and the fact they are talking while he’s just smushed between them is kind of overwhelming him. He feels his throat thicken and their intense staring contest. He has to figure out what he’s done, before this escalates. He knows he’s been rude, he’s well aware, it’s why he was sent here in the first place. He knows he’s hoarded the Nether roof like the selfish child his parents claimed he was. He doesn’t know the Overworld’s rules for politeness, and that he’s bad at sharing, and has a bit of an arrogancy problem. But to his knowledge, he hasn’t done anything remarkably evil, unless you count when he messed with Tommy’s chicken Hetta for fun. What could it be?
Tommy must sense his panic because he grows serious. His usually open and bright face falters. His mouth sets in a thin line and he slams a quiet fist on the table. “Shut the fuck up, Wil. You have to stop whatever jealousy you have around Ranboo. He means a lot to me.”
Ranboo’s heart stills. He means a lot to me. He supposes there is a chance, Tommy does not in fact pity him. He means a lot to me too.
“But-“
“I mean it, Wil. If you don’t, I won’t be able to be around you. I know we’re adopted brothers, but I won’t let you continue harassing him when he hasn’t done anything.” Tommy grits out, and he’s surprised he’s kept his voice so measured and quiet. Ranboo sees Wilbur’s glare deepen, which only serves to make him more irritated and anxious. He may come off as confident to most, but this entire experience has been nothing but stress.
He doesn’t deserve this. As he’s thinking about what Tommy said, and he definitely doesn’t deserve this. Tommy seems to care about him, and Techno, Phil, and Sneeg apparently think highly of him. Who is Wilbur to put a wedge into that?
Ranboo turns his gaze and uses his height to look down on him, as he used to do to gossiping nobles beneath him. “And what have I ever done to you, Wilbur? Sounds like to me you have a control problem over your brother, and that’s definitely a problem.”
Wilbur’s glare softens and he lets out a sinister giggle. “I thought you’d never ask, Ranboo.”
Wilbur disappears right in front of them, and a cold chill spreads through the room. Phil and the others stop their conversation when they notice his absence and the weird feeling in the room. Wilbur returns, standing behind Phil a book in hand. Ranboo thinks it looks like the weird journal he found in the Stronghold, but it’s hard to tell from here. He really has no idea why Wilbur even has that, or what bringing it here means. He can only assume Wilbur was the one who read it before, but again Ranboo doesn’t even know what it is. He hasn’t even read it yet, it’s a gross dusty old book, and Ranboo is far too busy to muddle his mind with reading. His Overworld formality book is quite enough.
Wilbur plops the book in front of Phil. “Why don’t we take a look inside the book, Ranboo. Your diary. Maybe then you’d understand my apprehension toward you.”
“I don’t know what the hell you’re talking about,” He says, “I found that in a chest.”
“Where?” He asks. Ranboo really doesn’t want them to know where his secret base is, but he feels the need to defend himself.
“My other base. At a Stronghold. I built one there because it’s my only connection to the End, as I am barred from there. That book was in the place’s abandoned library.” He admits in a calm tone. Wilbur squints when he says that he was barred from the End. He supposes that detail isn’t common knowledge, but it’s only because of how embarrassing it is not for any other reason.
Phil surprises him by tossing the book at Ranboo. Ranboo catches it easily with his longer reach and clutches it towards his chest. Phil says, “Wilbur, this has got to stop. Ranboo is perfectly lovely, even if he’s a bit intimidating. I won’t read it, because it doesn’t matter.”
“But, Phil, it’s-“ Phil stands, and the room is dead silent. Phil turns to Wilbur, disappointment palpable in his gaze. “Wilbur, none of us are here because we have a solid past. I’m well aware Ranboo was kicked out of the End, but so were Tommy and I, a long time ago. I’m sure if you ask anyone here, they have something they escaped from too. But this place is meant to be a community, to forge a new life in safety of what once was unsafe. I don’t care what happened in the past, because I care about who Ranboo is right now. And what he is right now, is my son’s best friend.”
Wilbur’s frame flickers, his face twisting in grief and anger. He merely turns his head towards Ranboo in one more offending grimace, and he leaves the room for good in the blink of an eye. The room doesn’t return to conversation after that. People seem too tense to move.
“I am actually kind of curious what the book says, Phil,” Jack eventually says, “I mean, Wilbur seemed pretty scared and has been for a while.”
Ranboo doesn’t want to see the look on Phil’s face. He doesn’t want to see him, or Tommy consider reading whatever that book is. It isn’t his, but he doesn’t know how to prove that it isn’t. Part of him even fears reading it now, because why would Wilbur think it’s his? So Ranboo stands, “It’s fine. Okay? Read it, for all I care. You have it all right, anyway. I’m evil, I was kicked out of the End for causing pain and suffering to my people. I plan to do the same here. I’ll pack my bags tonight, okay? You caught me.”
He feels his skin tingle and then he’s outside by the wheat farm. He teleports his way back to his cave and doesn’t collapse until he reaches his bed. Ranboo sobs, without any tears. Endermen can cry, even though they don’t produce any tears. Everyone here is annoying, and stupid. What lesson is he supposed to learn from this? His mothers wanted him to be kinder, to be patient, to be less spoiled than he was. They wanted him to be their perfect gracious prince. But how can he respect this? The Overworld has been nothing but unkind to him, from the heat, to the water, to the drivel the peasants here come up with.
And sure, Tommy saved him and tried to offer him safety. But he’s sure Tommy and anyone else who mildly pitied or loved him has now become curious enough to read the book at Jack’s admission. He’s sure they hate him for whatever evil the author of that book spewed up. He should just leave and be on his own. It’s far less stressful anyway, despite it being terribly lonely.
He decides to rest just one more night, and then pack his belongings to go to his Stronghold base. No one knows where it is, anyway.
He hopes Wilbur is happy. He hopes Tommy will be happier.
He also sort of hopes someone stops him.
---
Ranboo takes one last look over the lands as the sun sets. He’ll miss this place, despite how annoying it was. He’ll miss his squabbles with Scott, his lunches with Niki, his trips with Sneeg, and his games with Charlie. He’ll miss watching Tubbo build redstone farms that made his head spin, Beau’s endearing pranks, and Phil’s warmth. He’ll miss mostly everyone, even the kind parts of Wilbur. Like his songs.
And he of course will miss Tommy, though he doesn’t want to think about him. He hurts the most.
As he’s making his way back inside, he hears a rustle of wings from behind him. Tommy is there, the old journal in hand. Here it comes.
“I wanted to return this,” Tommy murmurs.
Ranboo takes it, tongue thick in his mouth. “T-thanks.”
Tommy breathes, “Listen, I didn’t read it. None of us did, I made sure of it.”
“Oh?” He responds, not sure what else to say. Thank you doesn’t feel quite right, and he’s packed his politeness book away so he cannot check.
“You’re leaving?”
“I am, yes.”
Tommy clenches his fists, wings tight against his back. He looks so much smaller than he is, for someone so loud, brave, and encompassing. Tommy looks at the floor. “Okay. I understand why you have to. I understand that you haven’t felt safe. I’m so sorry.”
Ranboo almost drops the journal out of his hand. Did he just apologize? Ranboo gapes, “What?”
“Don’t make me say it,” Tommy hisses, “I know. I fucking know that I broke my promise to you. I told you that I had a safe home for you, and I was wrong. I brought to a place that made you feel like shit. I’m so sorry Ranboo. And I can tolerate the flock separation sickness, okay? Don’t worry about me and just know I respect your decision.”
Ranboo’s brain isn’t keeping up, but he follows his gut. He pulls Tommy into a hug and curls a hand through his hair. Tommy clicks in question but then quickly wraps his wings around them. Ranboo growls, “Don’t apologize. You haven’t done anything wrong.”
“But I fucked up.”
“You didn’t,” Ranboo half laughs, half sobs, “I was worried you read the book, and hated me. I didn’t want to live here after you learned what’s potentially in there.”
Tommy pulls back a little, eyes imploring. “I could never hate you. We’re going to commit crimes, Ranboo, I started Innit Inc to control this place one crime at a time. Whatever’s in there, consider it your resume.”
Ranboo huffs, “Thanks, but uh, I really don’t know what that book is about. I really did just find it. I hope it’s not mine, because then I’d be really concerned about my memory or something.”
Tommy bites his lip. “How about we burn it.”
“Seems kind of cruel, it’s nice leather.”
“How about we put it in a chest, and send it down the river?”
A creative idea. Seems kind of symbolic for something. Ranboo says, “Alright, why not.”
Tommy smiles slightly, “So, okay. Are you still leaving?”
“Does everyone want me to?”
“No,” Tommy scrunches his face, “And if they do, I’ll make Philza Minecraft murder them.”
Ranboo chuckles, “How about we just steal their beds. And then that’d annoy Wilbur. He hates when people can’t sleep.”
“Ah yes, the phantom boy insomnia. Sounds funny. I think I could convince Tubbo to help us, but bee boy may sting me if I don’t let him sleep.” Tommy says, very seriously.
Ranboo finally lets him go. Tommy is fidgeting where he stands, his hands still gripped to his blouse sleeve. Ranboo almost teases him but then Tommy lets out a sob. Ranboo wants to immediately brush the tears off his cheeks, but he also doesn’t want to burn himself, so he merely stays still as Tommy cries.
“I thought, sorry, shit,” Tommy mumbles, “I was so scared you were going to leave me, Ranboo. I lied, okay, I wouldn’t be okay. I’d fucking burn down the world if you left.”
Ranboo decides to not care about the burning tears, and shoves Tommy against his chest again. He hisses slightly at his soaked shirt, but merely hums and keeps Tommy close. He whispers in Ender, “I love you, my dearest friend.”
Tommy warbles back, in broken Ender, “And to you, my friend.”
Ranboo snarks, because he’s far too emotional to say anything else, “I didn’t know you knew Ender, Tommy.”
Tommy sniffs, “I do because Dadza taught me. I’m not an idiot.”
“Maybe you are a little.”
“Shut the fuck up, and don’t let go.”
Ranboo doesn’t. He just holds his hand until they’re up at his nest in Phil’s house, and he stays there until Tommy falls asleep. Phil watches him from the edge of the room, warmth in his gaze. He mouths thank you, and wraps Ranboo in a blanket to rest as well.
The packed bag gets immediately unpacked the next morning.
---
The next few days have resulted in more apologies that Ranboo can count. It starts off awkward, and then things feel normal again. They feel like when he first arrived. And more than just Sneeg, Tommy, and Tubbo accompany him on adventures. Techno does not, but that’s because he much prefers staying home to tend to the farms.
And he learns a few things along the way, in the midst of their apologies and shame. Jack tells him one rainy night, under a tree, that the only reason he left the Nether is because of what he did. He was an orphan, adopted by a piglin village, and in one childhood tantrum he burnt their village down by accident and injured a few people. He tells Ranboo that because of that, he’s lived with the guilt of ever living with others again. It wasn’t until Tommy opened the portal to where he remained alone, that he felt like he wanted to try again.
He finds out Niki used to use her voice to enchant and drown sailors because she was bitter about hunters and humanity. He finds out Techno used to lead wars upon people, and that Charlie used to be an international spy. They all have a collection of stories, of pasts they fear and run from, that plague them with nightmares and guilt alike. And for that, they all spend the rest of their week making it up to Ranboo for fearing him.
The only one who hasn’t approached him, is Wilbur. Wilbur watches him from the distance, but never comes close. Ranboo merely sneers at him. If he doesn’t have the morality to apologize, then he’s not worth Ranboo’s time. He has so many others that are.
Today, he’s expanding his house, since Scott gifted him more amethyst geodes to do so. He’s currently polishing a crystal when his breath cools right in front of him.
“Wilbur?” He asks.
Wilbur’s translucent form pops in front of him. He’s pouting, glaring, but also his hands are shaking. Ranboo is no expert, because he never gets this way of course, but he seems nervous.
“What do you want? To spread more rumors?” Ranboo spits.
Wilbur drops his gaze, “No. I’m here to apologize.”
“Yeah, sure, I bet it’s just because Tommy made you.”
Wilbur shakes his head, suddenly solemn, “No, I thought a lot about it myself. First of all, it was wrong of me to snoop through your things. Second of all, it’s rude to read someone’s diary. Thirdly I shouldn’t have assumed it was yours. And fourthly, well, even if it was yours, it’s hypocritical of me seeing as that I wasn’t the greatest person when I was alive.”
“You weren’t always a phantom?” Ranboo manages to ask.
Wilbur shrugs, “Nah. Phantoms can be born, but most are created. They’re created by people who did shit or regretful things and are forced to come back as punishment to ease that guilt. Or, at least that’s how I see it. Because one day I was a shit person, and the next day I was this gray insomniac of a creature.”
Ranboo isn’t good with comfort, but he reaches a hand out anyway. “I’m sure you weren’t so bad.”
Wilbur grimaces, “I was, but that’s besides the point. I took my insecurities out on you. And most of all, I was being overprotective of my brother. He’s the first person who showed me kindness once I became a phantom. He was immune to my hauntings and tricks. He’s lovely, and pure, and kind, and I didn’t want anything to happen to him. It doesn’t mean what I did was right though, so I’m sorry.”
Ranboo reaches his hand out again, more forcefully. Wilbur takes it, his ice-cold claws skirting over his palm. Ranboo is angry, has been angry, but Wilbur seems genuine. And he understands that feeling. He’s felt that with Tommy since he’s first met him. Wilbur has also said sorry, and he’s much too tired to continue this conflict. He just wants a home. He misses home.
“I think I can’t say I forgive you yet, but I want to Wilbur. I never hated you,” He admits, and then he growls, “And if you tell Tommy I said that I’ll burn you in the sunlight.”
“Of course,” Wilbur giggles, “I will be sure to make it up to you.”
Ranboo huffs, and takes his hand away, feigning irritation. Wilbur merely tilts his head. He seems more relieved than he has been in a while. “If I may ask, what happened to that journal anyway?”
“Tommy and I sent it up river,” He says, “And it’s someone else’s problem now. I never read it.”
Wilbur hums, “Seems for the best, eh? It brought nothing but trouble.”
It brought trouble. Not him.
He’s welcome here.
They don’t speak then, and merely stare out of his entryway. Wilbur scoots close to his side, and hides behind him, whenever a cloud parts the sun. And they watch. Tommy is practicing his flying, and Tubbo is trying to chase him with his stingers as incentive. Sneeg and Charlie seem to be building a copper tower together. Niki, Scott, and Phil are having a picnic by the waterside. And Techno is both making sure Tommy stays out of trouble, and helping Jack with his beet farm. Beau isn’t around, but Ranboo expects her to come out of her house singing eventually.
It’s chaotic, confusing, and has been stressful for a long while. And he’s so far above them, so much taller, of higher status, and powerful too. But from here, he sees the life in this place that he’s begun to call home. Tommy meets his eyes after failing a jump, and waves. His smile is brighter than the sun reflected in his eyes. He was asked to live here.
It brought trouble, not him.
He thinks he might just stay a little, because if he doesn’t Tommy will get terribly loud and cry all over him. And he supposes Wilbur might not be so bad, and he may find a way to tolerate the water for Niki too.
He throws away the satchel he packed when he had tried to leave. He doesn’t think he’ll need it ever again.