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The taste of blueberries on his tongue had him on the tips of his toes. His mind zoned out on the treat. It made him think that this pastry could challenge the best of the best. As much as he wanted nothing more than to enjoy this sweet treat. Mismatched eyes followed over to see the owner of a smile that could brighten the world if it wanted. It sounded like a simple cliché in his mind. He could chuckle at the thought in his mind. Warmness swept through his gut, the tides hitting harder to kill the tension.
Ranboo could believe he could be an absolute wreck without the boy who practically shined like the sun. God’s Will struck him with no mercy as he felt blessed for meeting an angel from above. No words could describe the heaven’s gift that was sent from above.
He’s an angel.
Ranboo smiled with such a goofy smile while he turns his attention to the boy at the counter. Talking with customers on their orders, the way the tip of the boy’s tongue would stick out to show him thinking as he makes sure to get the order down. The boy smiled brightly when he finished the person’s order, telling them to come back in the afternoon tomorrow for their order. The blond angel gives a small fist bump while he cheers silently to himself. If Ranboo was listening close enough, he could hear the small ‘yes!’ coming from the blue-eyed boy.
Angel’s Sweets, a small business bakery, has been around for 5 years. Barely surviving the competition of popular chef name bakeries. Times came to a close where it was almost taken over by larger businesses, however prevailing and succeeding.
Ranboo wonders what would’ve happened if it closed before he even got the chance to meet the blond-haired boy. How different times would be if he never met the boy?
Before letting the thought cross his mind, he could hear the small cough coming beside where he was sitting. “Gonna keep ogling at the goods or are you help sell these babies, Ranboob?” Teasingly, the blond was grinning so bright. Ranboo stopped the sudden train of thought of kissing the angel.
“Ranboob? You’re 19, Tommy,” Ranboo replied. Tommy giggled and shook his head. With the pencil tucked behind his ear and a notepad placed in his apron, Tommy reached for his phone to check the time. “You’ve been here dazing off for almost four hours. You, okay?” Tommy’s eyebrows burrowed a bit as he was concerned. Ranboo gave him a fond smile.
“It’s nothing. I tend to daze off when I’m here.” Ranboo then gazed over to the kitchen of the bakery. “Do you need any help with anything?”
Tommy hummed to himself. Pausing to himself before nodding his head. “I need you to carry some bags of flour from the storage room to the kitchen. Billzo and Tubbo are gonna come around to help bake. Niki is going to make sure they do it right.” Tommy leaned against the corner, he sighed. Ranboo tilted his head.
“Is something wrong?”
Tommy gazed away before smiling at Ranboo. “It’s been a year since Philza trusted me to take over the bakery. What if…what if I’m failing him?” Tommy laughed dryly. “It’s pathetic, but I can’t help it. He took me in when I was just a kid. Learning my love for baking when I realized he was an owner of a bakery. I want to honor his wish. I don’t want to—”
“Tommy,” Ranboo cut him off with his hands overlapping Tommy’s. “Phil is proud of you. You’ve managed to keep this place running. You’re finally making a name for this place. You’re beating those fancy, snotty bakeries.” Ranboo reassured him. “Philza knew he made the right choice when he gave you ownership of the bakery.” Stepping forward, he intertwined their fingers together. Ranboo stopped himself from blushing at the gesture.
Tommy stared at where their hands were intertwined. The rosy red hue of blush was spreading across the boy’s cheeks, “Ranboo?” Tommy gazed upwards to face the blond. Ranboo bit down on his bottom lip. He could kiss Tommy right now and confess his feelings. Still, he shut down that thought immediately.
“Philza knows you’ll take care of the bakery. You’ll be the best baker in this whole city.” Ranboo removed his hands away and brushed the tips of his fingers to wipe away the small tears under the boy’s stormy blue eyes. Tommy grabbed Ranboo’s hand that was close to his cheek.
“Thank you, Ranboo.”
Tommy beamed with happiness as he smiles up at the brunet. Mismatch meeting those pair of blue orbs, “I needed that.” Ranboo grinned, “Don’t worry. I’ll always be here to remind you.” Tommy shook his head with a small laugh.
“I should get back to work, and you need to get the bags from the storage.” Tommy reminded him. Ranboo watched the blond leave from his sight.
Ranboo didn’t mind the routine repeating. He helped bring the bags into the kitchen. He could see the focus look overtaking the blond’s face as he wrote down orders and setting the timers for the pasties. It wasn’t long before Tubbo, Bill, and Niki arrived. The three helped where they could. Ranboo preferred when Tommy didn’t stress himself out.
He dreaded those moments when he watched the blond crumble in front of him. Tommy deserves to always smile and be happy. At times, Ranboo wishes he was the one to make Tommy. To finally hold the younger and whisper small praises and reassurances so Tommy could know that he isn’t alone.
The brunet could hear the mocking voice in his head taunting him. Whispers that Tommy could reject him if he came forward with his feelings.
Later in the evening, Ranboo decided to stay behind while the other workers left once their shifts were over. Ranboo sat down at his seat while he could hear the clatter of dishes inside. Cooking and baking weren’t his best skills, he’ll rather leave it to the pros if he could.
“Fuck!”
His thoughts were ruined when he heard the shatter of something from the kitchen accompanying the blond’s cursing. He rushed inside the kitchen as he was about to ask if everything was alright when he saw the blond cradling his hand against his chest.
“Tommy!” Ranboo approached the blond to see the boy gaze upwards to meet each other’s eyes. Tommy chuckled shortly, “It’s fine, Ranboo. I forgot the cupcake pan was hot. It was a rookie mistake.” Ranboo shook his head. “Here, let me see.”
Without more protesting, Tommy allowed Ranboo to take his hand. Leading him to the sink, Tommy hissed at the sensation of cold, damp water hitting the red burn. “Keep your hand there. I’ll get the first aid kit.” The older ordered as Tommy gave him a side-look. “Ranboo, you don’t—”
“I want to.”
Ranboo reassured him before going to get the kit. Tommy blushed softly at the closeness before gazing at the sink when Ranboo walked off. Tommy couldn’t stop the beating of his heart as it raced. He knew already that his cheeks were dusted with blush. Ranboo always made him feel this way. He didn’t hate it. A part of him singing to him that Ranboo cared for him.
The older always been there. Tommy smiled to himself. Ranboo cares about him. The butterflies in his stomach fluttered excitingly. Tommy’s mind drifted on earlier, the space between them almost nonexistent. The small voice in the back of his mind whispered how he wanted Ranboo to cross the line.
To finally kiss the blond.
Tommy squealed at the idea of being something more with Ranboo. He ignored the possibility of Ranboo not sharing the same feelings. Instead, his mind focused on the sweetest of moments shared between them.
“I’m back!”
Tommy shot out of his thoughts to see the brunet soon standing in front of him. Ranboo reached for his hand and wrapped up his burn with the bandages. Without thinking, Ranboo went on to press a small kiss on the blond’s wrapped hand, “There. It should be good.” He didn’t notice the way that the tips of Tommy’s ears turned dark red along with his cheeks. Ranboo was busy thinking over how Tommy burned his hand if the orders for today were cake and bread-based.
“How did you even burn yourself? I thought today no one ordered cupcakes.” Ranboo voiced his thoughts. Tommy gazed away bashfully at the statement. Ranboo was right about that.
Biting on his bottom lip, Tommy sighed softly.
“I…I wanted to make you a cupcake.” Ranboo tilted his head yet held his silence, waiting for Tommy to continue. “It’s a way for me to say thank you. A sweet treat to tell you how much you mean to me. You’ve always been here for me, always having my back. I could trust you with anything. I can practically put my life in your hands, and still completely trust you.”
Without thinking, Tommy gazed down at the tile floors and uttered the one thing he wanted to confess.
“I like you, Ranboo.”
Ranboo watched the blush darken onto the boy’s cheeks at his confession. He never thought Tommy would feel the same way he felt for the blond. He wanted to pinch himself to see if he was imagining this. A cruel dream maybe? Still, all of it felt real.
Without wasting another second, he rushed forward to gather Tommy into his arms. The blond raised his head and opened his mouth to speak until he was cut off by the sudden press of lips. Eyes flutter shut, Tommy wrapped his arms around the brunet’s neck, returning the sweet kiss.
Ranboo could feel his heart soaring at this moment between them. Everything felt so right. Nothing could ruin this moment between them. He never wanted it to end. Falling back, Ranboo sat down on the stool in the kitchen, a giggle escaping the blond’s mouth as he pulls away from the kiss. Ranboo gazed upwards to see the blond sitting on his lap.
“I like you too,” Ranboo whispered back. Tommy squealed when Ranboo pecked him on the lips. “You didn’t have to waste that much trouble to make me something sweet. You’re the only sweet thing I want in this life.”
Tommy grins, “How long were you planning to say that cheesy line?” He teased. Ranboo chuckled, “Would you believe me if I say that I was waiting to use it ever since I lay eyes on you?” Tommy’s eyes gleamed brightly. “You’re such a sap.”
“Your sap,” Ranboo uttered. Pulling Tommy close to his chest to reconnect their lips, discarding the fallen cupcake pan that remained on the floor. His mind focused on the sweet angel sitting on his lap. Tommy grinned against his lips while they focused solely on each other. Nothing could disturb the small bubble surrounding them.
Time went by slowly around them. They didn’t realize that they’d been cuddled against each other while sharing small kisses in-between.
Before long, the sun had already gone away. The moon takes its place in the night sky. Ranboo only knew he had to pull away when Tommy got off his lap. Both wanted nothing more than to cherish their moments together, still, they needed to lock up the bakery.
Tommy could feel the press of arms surrounding his waist while Ranboo’s face hid in the neck as the blond washed the baking pans. The boy hummed in content, basking in the warm comfort. Until it was the sound of the bell dinging from the outside.
Ranboo looked confused as Tommy shared the same look. “I’ll go see what that is.” Ranboo rubbed the boy’s shoulders before giving him a small kiss. Tommy watched the brunet exit the kitchen. Tommy returned his attention onto the pans and decided he needed to finish these damn pans.
Ranboo exited out to meet the gaze of dark coffee eyes.
“Wilbur? What you’re doing here?” Standing at the door, Wilbur approached the other. “I was checking up Tommy. Only in the city for a while.” He explained. “I know it’s late, but I wanted to check up on him since I just arrived in the city.” Ranboo gave it a small nod before shaking Wilbur’s hand. Wilbur leaned a bit upwards to whisper in Ranboo’s ear. Wilbur was almost his height.
“You smell like freshly baked goods just like my baby brother, Tommy. Hurt him and I’ll make sure you end up 6-feet under.” Wilbur pulled away and flashed a grin.
Ranboo gulped and almost spoke until he was beaten first.
“Wilbur?”
A voice cut through the two. The two taller turned to see Tommy standing there. The blond wasted no time rushing to hug his older brother. “It’s so good to see you,” Tommy mumbled into Wilbur’s chest. The brunet ruffled the golden curls on the boy’s head with a fond smile.
“I miss you too, sunshine. It’s been a while.”
Wilbur pulled away. “I came for a short visit. I wanted to see how you’re doing. It seems that Ranboo is taking good care of you.” The musician teased, pinching the boy’s cheeks. Tommy squeaked at the comment with a blush of red dusting his cheeks. “Will!” Tommy couldn’t see how Ranboo’s cheeks were almost the same shade of red as his.
“Joking. Joking!” Wilbur laughed with his arms raised while Tommy playfully smacked his brother against the arm.
“He better takes care of you, Toms.” Wilbur smiled. Tommy returned the smile while he pulled Ranboo’s arm around his waist. “Don’t worry, Wilby.” Wilbur trusted his little brother’s words. He wondered if Philza could see from above how happy Tommy is now. He knew Ranboo is a kind soul. Someone that would never mistreat his little sunshine.
“I should be going soon. Take care of him, Ranboo. Or else.” Wilbur ruffled the boy’s golden curls. “Wait, you’re leaving already?” Tommy stepped away from his partner. Wilbur chuckles, “Toms, it’s almost 9. You should be going home to rest. I just stopped by to check up on you.” Tommy bit onto his bottom lip. “You’ll come back, right?” Wilbur smiles, “Of course. For now, let your boy toy take you home.”
Wilbur waved a bye leaving the store. Tommy sighed before feeling the press of warm heat against his side. “Tommy, are you okay?” Ranboo asked. He didn’t expect Wilbur to visit today. Tommy shook his head. “I’m okay!” Tommy gave Ranboo a small smile.
“I want to go home.” Tommy intertwined his fingers with Ranboo. Ranboo decided to push it back for now. Smiling at the blond, Ranboo exited the bakery as Tommy finished locking up the shop. Tommy acted fairly normally while they walked.
Today’s been nothing but a rollercoaster of emotions. Tommy should’ve known that seeing Wilbur would’ve brought him down. He finally had the man of his life, he should be laughing and beaming with complete joy. Forcing all his thoughts related to Wilbur behind, Tommy focused on the male holding his hand. He’ll deal with Wilbur later. Right now, he should focus on the love of his life. Blushing softly to himself at the title he was giving Ranboo, maybe that’s what he felt.
Smiling softly, they stopped in front of Tommy’s apartment complex. “Well, this is your stop. I should probably—”
Ranboo stopped mid-sentence when Tommy pulled him in for a quick kiss. “Shut up and come inside, Boo.” Tommy giggled as he dragged Ranboo inside his apartment. Tommy shrugged off his shoes and went into the kitchen. Ranboo was closely following behind. His mind pressed him to ask if Tommy was truly okay, another telling him that Tommy didn’t want to talk about it.
“Is there anything you’re hungry for?” Ranboo hummed to himself, thinking to himself before speaking.
“Pancakes.” Tommy chuckled, “Seriously?” Ranboo rolled his eyes playfully, “As serious as my love for you,” the male confessed. Pressing Tommy against the counter to give him a soft kiss. “I mean I could say you if you prefer that.” The brunet teased. Ranboo watched the blond blush a deep red. “Ahh!” Tommy hid his face into Ranboo’s chest. Ranboo grinned at the boy’s response. Tommy was truly so adorable.
“You’re so cute,” Ranboo whispered. Tommy groaned. “You’re such a sap.” He kept his face hidden as Ranboo moved his hands to Tommy’s cheeks, tilting the boy’s head to face him.
“Hmm…so adorable.” Pecking a small kiss, “And sweet,” Ranboo teased. Tommy shoved Ranboo away as his blush darken. Tommy smiled to himself at Ranboo’s compliments.
After making Ranboo’s pancakes, Tommy was able to convince the brunet to stay over. Ranboo grasped onto the boy tightly, pulling him close to his chest. Tommy sighed in relaxation as he cuddled closer to Ranboo.
“You know I’ll always be here for you, right?” Ranboo said. Staring forward into the darkness, Tommy gazed at the brunet’s chest. “I know. Why are you--?”
“After Wilbur’s visit, you’ve been stressed. I won’t pressure you to continue, but just know I’m here whenever you need someone to talk with.”
Silence overpassed them as Tommy opened his mouth to speak. “Wilbur left when I barely turned 18. I haven’t seen him in a year, of course, I’m going to be angsty over it. He’s my big brother, Ran. Sorry if I’ve been a bit silent about it.” Ranboo ran his hand through the boy’s curls.
“You don’t have to apologize at all. I understand that. I want you to be happy, Toms.” Tommy giggled quietly. “I’m already happy, Ranboo. You’re here.” Tommy glanced up to meet those mismatched eyes.
“You make me happy. I know you’ll be there whenever I need you. Still, you should know that I have your back as well.” Tommy gave Ranboo a small kiss before smiling. “Now, let’s go to sleep. I wanna sleep now with my boyfriend.”
Ranboo blushed at the title before pulling the boy close to his chest. He could hear the boy’s breathing settle and luring himself to sleep. Ranboo fell asleep holding the sun in his arms. Knowing that this isn’t a dream, it made Ranboo feel on his all-time high.
Everything was going to be all right, Ranboo reassured himself. Ranboo couldn’t wait to wake up with his arms around the love of his life. He allowed himself to fall asleep with his arms around tightly his precious angel.
Waking up before the sound of the alarm and only the sound of the birds chirping, Ranboo hummed to himself before noticing the warm body pressing against his chest. He gazed down only to smile fondly. Ranboo admired the sweet look of content on the boy's face, he looked at peace. Rubbing the boy's cheek, Ranboo sighed in pure glee.
"I love you, Tommy," he whispered to sleeping boy. The boy looked like an angel in his arms. He never wanted to let the boy go. He promised himself that he would always protect the boy. He wanted the boy to be forever happy, and he'll do anything just to make sure Tommy remains happy. Smiling to himself, Ranboo pressed a kiss on the boy's temple only for Tommy to cuddle more into his chest like a small kitten.
He couldn't wait for the future to come even if he was uncertain of the outcomes. He was sure he was able to get through anything as long as he has his angel by his side. Truly, he felt blessed.