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The call of birds echo through the halls, morning light beaming through the towering windows. A faint whistle floats up the staircase bouncing off the spruce walls. The noise of a bustling market reaches the master bedroom.
Tubbo’s eyes slowly flutter open. He shifts onto his left only to find the area next to him empty. He blinks a couple times before sitting up, his hair flopping over his eyes. Blindly, Tubbo reaches over to the nightstand, grabbing onto the headband that rests on top. Securing his hair he looks out the window; which he notes is already open. The midday sunlight illuminates the room in a soft glow.
A child’s scream rushes in through the open window followed by laughter. Tubbo heaves himself from the bed and walks over. Below in the garden his son Michael is running after Tommy; Tubbo’s childhood friend. Michael catches up to Tommy and proceeds to hit him on the waist with his wooden sword. Tommy dramatically collapses. Michaels is thrown into a fit of laughter, which floats through the air light as a cloud. A soft smile finds its way upon Tubbos face as he looks down, warmth flooding his core.
Pushing himself away from the windowsill he takes a deep breath. Walking out of the room, the door creaking as he opens it. The floorboards along the hallway cool on his feet.
As Tubbo descends down the grand staircase to the lower floor, the whistling grows louder yet is still as gentle.The warm smell of fresh bread wafts out of the kitchen and through the halls.
Tubbo leans against the kitchen door frame watching the tall creature hunched over the stove. Their black and white hair secured in a loose braid resting on his back. A few pink tulips are messily stuck in the braid, most likely the work of the toddler. A glint of gold atop one of their horns catches Tubbos eye. Unconsciously, Tubbo plays with the matching ring on his left hand a soft sigh escaping his lips. The creature's ears perk up as they turn around, red and green eyes meeting Tubbos.
“Oh!” their eyes widen in excitement “Good morning bee” He starts walking towards Tubbo Towering over him.
“Good Morning boo.” Tubbo looks up at his partner softly taking their hands in his. “Whatcha making?” Tubbo inquires.
Ranboo pulls Tubbo along with him. “Lunch,” they smile widely down at Tubbo “You missed breakfast again” he teases.
Tubbo chuckles lightly. “Sorry ‘bout that boo, I was working late last night.”
Ranboo grins “I know I know, It’s alright. Luckily Tommy was here to eat your share.”
“Ah to the rescue again was he?” Tubbo pokes back.
Ranboo turns back to the tomatoes on the stove, flipping them over. “Michael really likes him you know.” They take the charred tomatoes off and place them on the sliced bread beside the stovetop.
“Has he?” Tubbo leans against Ranboo. “That's not really surprising, Michael likes anyone who will play with him.” Tubbo giggles.
Placing goat cheese on top the tomatoes and finishing the sandwiches Ranboo bends down and places a gentle kiss on Tubbos forehead. Tubbo smiles lightly, grasping their hand tighter.
“BEE! BOO!” A squeal comes from the front door. Little footsteps approach rapidly as the toddler bursts into the kitchen.
“Hey munchkin!” Tubbo bends down and picks Michael up, bouncing him in his arms. “What did you and uncle Tom get up to?”
“We played knights!” Michaels exclaims, lifting his wood sword above his head triumphantly.
“OI there you are!” Tommy heaves as he stumbles into the kitchen “You’re a fast little one you are!”
Tubbo places Michael back on the ground and he runs over to Ranboo, clinging onto his leg. He quietly basks in the presence of his friends, his family. The chattering grows further away. Tubbo whips his head around confused. Everything seems blurry, far away; fading into a fog around his vision.
Tubbo’s eyes snap open. The call of birds is nowhere to be found. The sky clouded over, rain gently thrumming against the closed window. The halls are devoid of sound. No laughter, no soft music; nothing. Tubbo turns over to his left, The bed empty, cold. It hasn’t been used in months.
A wilted pink tulip sits on the opposite nightstand, taunting him. Reminding him of his mistakes, his screw ups. He turns back over closing his eyes, wishing to forget.