Work Text:
“Let me down slowly”
Tommy stares at his screen with a frown on his face, tears threatening to leak out. How could he have been so stupid? Why did he think it would ok? What was thinking and thought would happen?
He reads Tubbo’s reply again.
@tubbo_
I don’t want to sleep with you.
He’s flustered, he’s cringing, he’s embarrassed, and he doesn’t know what to do.
What was he supposed to do? When a few months ago he started to get feelings for his best friend? They had always been the best of mates, doing everything and growing together. He didn’t want to ruin that dynamic, and he feared that these new feelings would.
It has both been great and awful that Tubbo has grown so much and is so busy continuing to build his career. Great cause then Tommy doesn’t have to worry about being awkward around him. And awful because Tommy just misses him to dang much. He can’t help but be angry and jealous.
Tubbo joined misfits, and that's great, but there is so much less time for them to hang out now.
It used to just be him and Tubbo, but with their rise to fame, was also a rise in friendships and contacts.
He sees Tubbo hanging out with Aimsey and Freddie. He sees that Ranboo keeps flying back and forth and they do things together. He knows that they aren't telling and inviting him when they all meet up. And when they do, he knows that he feels too angry, and so it wouldn’t be right to subject them to that.
Ranboo and Tubbo, he begins to tear up more just thinking about that and them. When Ranboo first joined the smp, he never would have imagined they’d all become such great friends. When Tubbo and Ranboo first started getting close, Tommy was worried and jealous. Could you blame him? His best friend was spending so much time with the American, and then they even had their characters get married.
Tommy got over the jealousy with Ranboo though. With some help from his therapist, he realized it was fine for Tubbo to have multiple friends, and he couldn’t be controlling or dictating what and who Tubbo did things with. Ranboo was a great guy, and after getting to know him better and hanging out, they also became good friends.
But now once again he is jealous of the relationship Ranboo has with Tubbo. They do so much together, and Tommy feels like it's been too long since he and Tubbo got to hang. He doesn’t want it to be awkward, but he really misses Tubbo, and just needs to see and be near him again.
Thinking back on it, he thinks it was when Tubbo was doing his subathon that Tommy really felt sure of his feelings for his friend. It had been growing for a long time. People called them clingy, him clingy, and it was true, just not how they thought.
He, he just wanted to get Tubbo’s attention. He didn’t know how to feel about his feelings, so decided to make a joke tweet about it. Slightly hinting it to Tubbo, and maybe, maybe he would understand and they could talk. If he didn’t get it, he is so cutely oblivious, then it would be fine. And if he did think something of it, and was weirded out or felt it suspicious, Tommy could play it off like a joke.
He didn’t know what he was doing, he was so lonely, and maybe he couldn’t quite think straight. So he made the stupid tweet
@Tommyaltinnit
Tub man lowkey fresh as fuck
[attached image of Tubbo_ from 2020]
And then to his horror, Tubbo replied. Replied in the worst way.
@Tubbo_
I Don’t want to sleep with you
He cringed and held back his tears. He thought Tubbo would just play along, agree, promote himself, or some funny emoji. But he didn’t expect Tubbo to respond publicly with something as blunt as “I don’t want to sleep with you.”
He wasn’t asking for that, he was just jokingly complimenting his friend. This tweet wasn’t even original, it was stolen from JackMannifold from March. Tubbo didn’t reply this way when he did it.
Tommy was scared. He didn’t know what Tubbo could be thinking, what he thought of Tommy’s tweet. Did Tubbo misunderstand and think he was actually hitting on him? No. If, if he lost Tubbo, then he would be broken, miserable.
He felt embarrassed, flustered even. He scrambled for something to respond with to get out of this awkward situation. A joke, this was a joke, play it off as a bit while also trying to give Tubbo assurance in case Tubbo did feel uncomfortable with him. Yeah, he could make this all seem like a bit and no one will know his true feelings.
@Tommyinnit
WHAT?! I didn’t-I don’t- this was never- IM NOT INTO YOU TUBBO. I’m not. Not in “that way”. Sorry if that makes things Cringe but no where was that implied. Sure, you’re Fresh as Fuck but not in a way that I just think you’ve read into this too much.
Tubbo replied almost immediately.
@Tubbo_
😬😬😬
💀💀💀
He, he doesn’t understand what that means. What is Tubbo thinking about him, about this whole situation? Did he do this right? People will just think this was a bit right? He fixed the situation.
Then Ranboo replies,
@RanbooSayStuff
Why did you type out the stutter just drop a 😬and leave man
Ha, Ranboo right. He handled this poorly. This whole tweet fiasco was one big mistake. Most people will probably think it's a bit, but he’s lost some dignity and embarrassed himself more.
He brings his legs up to his chest and hugs tightly. Trying to suppress his tears at the thought of losing Tubbo’s company.
Tommy knew he was now in for a rough day. He decided on tidying his house a bit as a distraction. Wilbur would be coming over, and he didn’t want him to joke about him being a dirty racoon.
After cleaning, eating lunch, and watching youtube, he was still feeling a mess. He didn’t understand why this was eating him up so much. He did intend the original tweet to be a joke, he thinks he does at least, but Tubbo’s reaction made his chest hurt. He’s maybe daydreamed about Tubbo, his strength, his personality, his cute face and sleek hair, and maybe about what kissing him would be like, but he would never have even considered sleeping with Tubbo. But now that Tubbo said it, he doesn’t know how serious Tubbo was. What does Tubbo think the situation is? What did it even mean? Does Tubbo think he would be that bad of a partner?
He doesn’t know what Tubbo’s intentions were, but he knows Tubbo’s words weren’t supposed to throw him off so much. Weren’t supposed to hurt. He didn’t know why they hurt.
Point was that he couldn’t stop thinking about it, about Tubbo. And imagining all the horrible possibilities where he told Tubbo about the crush and Tubbo responded negatively.
So he wasn’t looking forward to his stream with Wilbur in an hour. His first stream with Wilbur since he returned to the UK. He didn’t think he could hide how uncharacteristically Tommy like he was right now, so he needed a cover, and he decided alcohol was his answer.
If he was even just a little tipsy, then Wilbur would hold off on their stream. To make it even better, he would stream himself drinking. If they asked why he started his own stream, he’d use the bit excuse that he didn’t want to necrosis Uncle Nasty.
So after half an hour of set up, he messaged Wil that their stream would be delayed a bit, and he hit go live.
The stream wasn’t awful, a lot of people thought the alcohol was a bit, but no he was really drinking out his sorrows. He drank a whole bottle of beer right at the beginning of the stream. He didn’t know what his limit was, last time he drank he just spit it all out. But for some reason today it was just so much easier. He thinks he might understand why people drink now, his head felt much better, not berating him with thoughts of Tubbo.
It was also helpful that a few other people joined the stream, but to be honest Tommy was pretty out of it and couldn’t recall what they really did and said. He was happy that none of them brought up the tweets though. He did and said some not smart things on the stream, and before he knew it had spilled some water on his PC and so pushed end stream.
He cleaned up the spilled contents, and then sat back down in his chair. He didn’t know how long he just sat there, starting into space, but next thing he knew he was getting discord notifications. He clicked over to his discord to see who it was, and wasn’t all that surprised to see it was Ranboo.
Ranboo: Hey Tommy, hows it going?
Ranboo: I saw some of your stream
Ranboo: what are you doing now?
Ranboo: are you going to make it up to wilbur?
Tommy just stared at the screen, he, he didn’t know what he was thinking. He wasn’t really sure what he should say.
Tommyinnt: nothin
After a minute or so, Ranboo responded.
Ranboo:VC?
Tommy didn’t even bother saying ok, and just went straight to the voice call button.
After a few seconds of it ringing, Ranboo picked up.
“Hi there Tommy! How's it going?”
“Hi. fine.” Tommy groaned out. His head was killing him now.
There was a pause.
“Are you ok Tommy? Why aren't you saying more, why so vague and grumpy sounding.”
“Jus don feel tha good. Talking hard.” Tommy responded.
Another pause.
“Hey, do you mind turning on your camera for me Tommy?”
“Sure.”
He turned his camera on and tiredly stared at Ranboo from the other side.
Ranboo pulled in a breath at Tommy's exhausted expression.
“To-Tommy” He stuttered. “Are you drunk?!”
Tommy furrowed his brows. “Well yeah, I couda told you that. I though you said you watched tha stream?”
Ranboo stared back in shock.
“I, I did. But I honestly thought the whole thing was a bit. You didn’t seem that bad on stream. Have you, did you drink more?!”
Tommy thought for a minute, did he? He isn’t sure if he did.
“I don really think so big man. Think is just settin in now.”
“Oh ok.” Ranboo said, leaning back in his chair a bit. “Are you like, ok though? Have you ever even been drunk?”
“No nevr.” He responded.
“And you’re alone?” Ranboo asked.
“Ye.”
Ranboo was then getting out of his chair and began putting on his jacket, and Tommy suddenly felt recognition and anger hit him, Ranboo was in his UK house.
“I’m coming over.” Ranboo said.
Tommy couldn’t contain it. “You’re in the Uk! Why didn you tell me!”
Ranboo sighed, “Sorry Tommy. I wasn’t going to have time to hang out with you, so I thought it better just to not say. I come to the UK all the time now, I don’t need to tell you everytime I’m coming.”
Tommy guesses he gets that, but he’s still angry.
“Now sit tight.” Ranboo said. “I’m going over.”
“Fine.” Tommy said.
“Great! Now don’t hang u-” Tommy hung up before he could finish.
He, he couldn’t believe Ranboo was here again. Of course he was. And of course no one told Tommy. He's sure all of their little band of misfits will meet up, and have oh so much fun without him. It’s making him emotional.
Tubbo would be there of course, having so much fun without him. It used to be him doing everything with Tubbo, but now they’ve drifted farther apart.
He, he texted Tubbo a little on his birthday, and they’ve run into each other on origins, but they really haven't done much together as of late. And now he doesn’t know how he’s ever going to do anything with him with this stupid crush of his.
What will he do if Tubbo is uncomfortable with him? All their history together, going to waste? Will Tommy have to stop interacting with all their mutual friends? Will they just never do group meet ups? What would other people think if he knew?
He, he couldn’t keep it together, and started hugging himself again and crying.
He spent so much time with his inner thoughts and worries, that he didn’t realize the time tick away, and then there was knocking on his front door.
He was hesitant to do it, he was tired, but he needed to be polite. He opened the door and there was a concerned looking Ranboo. He was still out of it and emotional, he was still a smidge angry with Ranboo, but most of all he was overwhelmed. He ran into Ranboo and gave Ranboo a sobbing hug that Ranboo fell back a bit on.
Ranboo was quite confused, but did his best to comfort Tommy on the back and direct him back into his house, closing the door. They then went to the living room and sat down on his couch. Tommy hadn't complet let go and was still crying.
“Tommy.” Ranboo said. “What's wrong? What's got you so upset? Does it have to do with why you were drinking?”
“Tubbo.” Tommy simply responded through his tears.
“Tubbo made you drink?” Ranboo asked confusedly.
Tommy nodded his head, but then shook his head realizing his mistake.
“So Tubbo did make you drink? Or he didn’t?” Ranboo asked.
“Didn’t” Tommy sniffled.
“So why did you drink then?”
“Tubbo.” He replied again.
Ranboo thought for a moment. “So, something happened with Tubbo, and that's what made you drink?” He asked.
Tommy then nodded and began whipping his eyes.
Ranboo thought some more. “And whatever this thing with Tubbo was, it’s made you all sad now?” He asked as he rubbed Tommy’s back.
“Yeah.” Tommy sluggishly said. “He doesn’t love me.” He then quietly said as he began to cry again.
Ranboo staightend and furrowed his brows upon that, and asked. “What do you mean Tommy?”
Tommy then bursted with tears again, grabbing Ranboo’s shoulders as he cried, “I don’t want to lose Tubbo! I don’t want him to hate me! Why can’t he like me! I don’t want to be alone!”
Ranboo really didn’t know what was happening, but he tried his best to be there and comfort Tommy.
“Tommy,” he says. “I don’t know what could have happened, but Tubbo doesn’t hate you, he could never hate you.”
“Re-really?” Tommy asked.
Ranboo smiled, “Yeah, he’s always talking about you, you guys are best friends.”
“But what if we weren’t…” Tommy mumbled to himself.
Ranboo caught it though, and so asked. “What happened to make you start thinking Tubbo hated you?”
“Stupid tweet.”Tommy mumbled.
“So you saw some hate tweet, and it started making you feel insecure?” Ranboo questioned.
“Eh, yes, but also not really.”
Ranboo was trying to think of an answer but he just couldn’t. But then he remembered the tweet Tommy had made when he was on his flight, about Tubbo looking ‘fresh’. He retrieved the memory of the tweet from his mind, and wondered if that was it, and what could have been said. He decided to ask.
“Does this happen to have to do with your tweet from earlier, about Tubbo?” He asked.
“Yes.” Tommy cried, now turning away from Ranboo.
Ranboo was still confused, so despite not wanting to be on twitter, he pulled it up and looked it over, looking for anything that could have upset Tommy. He looked, but he couldn’t find anything. But honestly how could you expect him to when the tweets were blowing up and out of control. He considered Tommy’s words again. He said he was upset and drinking because of Tubbo, and because of a tweet. Was he upset with Tubbo’s strange reply and for saying such a strange thing to a jokey meme tweet? Was he mad that Tubbo made the tweets blow up?
He then tried to make himself think more like Tommy. If Tommy didn’t want them to blow up, he wouldn’t have responded with the strange bit about not liking Tubbo. Sure Tommy might think it cool to have their tweets blow up, but he surely wouldn’t exactly like this sorta tweet to blow up. He then thought, Tommy would usually have responded something like “Ew gross!”, “Wasn’t implying that!” or “you are not hot tubzo.” He wouldn’t have expected this literally written out stuttery reply, so that probably meant Tommy actually was panicking, not thinking, and simply trying to get out some reply to save the situation.
So he wasn’t mad at Tubbo for the tweet probably. But then again, if Tommy was mad he probably would have used it as a bit on his stream, so he had to have been sad, embarrassed even. He could totally have been embarrassed by the tweet, but then he would have probably done a better and simpler reply. So that probably meant…. The pieces then started to slowly piece themselves together. Tommy said “Why won’t he like me.” and that would mean that Tommy was upset by Tubbo’s tweet cause…
Ranboo gulped. He had a theory, but he couldn’t assume, and had to confirm.
“T-Tommy?” He said. And Tommy looked up at him through his tears.
“Did Tubbo’s tweet, his tweet earlier, did it upset you?”
Tommy scrunched his eyes closed and nodded.
Ranboo decided to continue then.
“Why?” he asked. “Why did his tweet upset you?”
“Because I fucking like him!” Tommy cried out. “But he probably things I’m stupid, and ugly, and annoying! I’m sure he hates me now.”
Ranboo’s eyes widened again, so he was right. He ended up once again holding and comforting Tommy as he cried out for the third time that night.
“He doesn’t hate you.” Ranboo said. “He was just joking around with that tweet. In his own Tubboey way.”
After Tommy had calmed down, Ranboo decided to get up and get him some water. Both for dehydration from crying, and for the alcohol in his system. Tommy gulped it down, breathed, and then groaned,
“Fuck.” He said.
Ranboo tried not to laugh a little.
“You feeling any better?” Ranboo asked.
Tommy then looked at him with hesitant eyes. “Fuck.” he said. He then began to start tearing again, and Ranboo rushed to comfort him.
“Shoot! Tommy, Tommy it’s ok, please don’t cry again!”
“I,I messed up!” Tommy slightly cried, closing his eyes again and looking away from Ranboo.
“No you didn Tommy,” Ranboo tried to assure. “Everything is ok.”
“No, no it isn’t.” Tommy shook his head. “I’ve got a stupid crush on my best firend, I got drunk and embarres myself over it, and now I’ve just confessed to you.”
Ok, yeah. That was a lot Ranboo had to admit, but it was ok. Fixable.
Tommy then suddenly turned back around towards him with his eyebrows drawn “And you better not tell anyone! You hear me! This stays between me and you, nothing that happened tonight leaves this room!”
Ranboo furrowed his brows at the tone, but he assured. “Ok, ok. I get it Tommy. I promise not to tell anyone.”
Tommy then relaxed, before straightening up and then running around the corner, to where Ranboo could only assume a bathroom was that Tommy was now barfing into.
After a few minutes of sounds confirming his suspicion, Tommy came back looking even more exhausted, but also more aware.
“I, I'm really sorry Ranboo.” He said,
“Wha, why are you apologizing to me Tommy?” He asked.
“Because you came all the way over here just to check on and watch me.” He slumped. “I know you probably just got back here to to Uk, and you were probably on flights allday,. So it wasn’t right to worry you and make you get involved.”
Ranboo chucked. “You didn’t make me get involved, I chose to, Tommy. And it’s ok that you were having a rough night or day. And while I still don’t entirely understand, from what I do get I think the way you reacted was reasonable.”
“Thanks Ranboo.” Tommy said.
He then sat back down on the couch with Ranboo in silence. Then right when Ranboo was about to try to say something, unexpectedly the front door flew open, and they both turned to look at it.
“Tommy fucking innt” Wilbur burst in. “You better have a really fucking good excuse for why you canceled on me earlier. Caus-”
“Shhh, you're too loud” groaned Tommy as he covered his ears.
This made Wilbur fault and stare inquisitively.
“Wait a minute…” Wilbur said. “Did you actually get drunk!”
“Oh great.” Tommy goaned. He then turned to Ranboo, “Pray for me.” he jokingly smiled.
And that's how he ended up in a long lesson from Wilbur about not drinking too much, especially when you first start off. Wilbur also went on about how it had to be the demon Uncle Nasty’s fault, and wanting to burn him again. But Tommy still refused. An hour later, Tommy wished Ranboo goodbye, and Wilbur decided to stay over to help Tommy with the after effects should he need it.
***
Tommy did end up suffering a bit of a hangover the next day, but with Wilbur’s help he was ok.
Wilbur had then later gone home, and now Tommy was just chilling on his bed, when he got another text from Ranboo.
Ranboo: Hey Tommy, could we quickly talk? vc?
Tommy didn’t see why not, he wondered what Ranboo wanted.
Tommy: Sure.
He then pushed accept and the call beagin.
“Ello- Boob boy.” he said.
Ranboo laughed from the other side. “Happy to hear you are mostly yourself again. I could hear that slight strain though.”
“Wow,” Tommy said. “You must have the ears of a cat, or you know, whatever animals hear well.”
“Haha” Ranboo laughed again. “Sure Tommy, sure.”
It was then quite a moment more, and Tommy helf kinda awkward. So he coughed, and decided to try to ask what was up.
“So um, what's going on Ranboob? Whatcha need to talk about?”
“Oh um.” Ranboo struggled to get the words out. He wasn’t sure if this was the right thing to do. “I uh. I wanted to talk about last night, about what you told me about Tubbo. Do, do you remember?”
Tommy sucked in a breath, feeling put on the spot. “Yes. Yes I remember Ranboo. But I thought I said for it to never leave that room.”
“Technically it’s still in that room, or you are specifically, and I’m, I’m calling you. So no one else knows…”
Tommy scoffed. “Ok sure. So what about it?”
“I um. I think you should tell him!” Ranboo awkwardly blurted out.
Tommy raised an eyebrow at that. “And whys that?”
“Look Tommy.” Ranboo said. “I know Tubbo quite well now. And I’m not trying to misdirect you or set you up for disaster, but he likes you too. Not in the same way of course, but he really admires you. He always talks about you, and is saying how great you are. He might not like you the same way, yet, but he might get there. And I don’t think he could ever hate you. I think really the most important thing is to be honest with him.”
Tommy breathed and took in Ranboo’s words. He guesses he is right.
“Ok.” Tommy said. “Maybe, maybe I’ll consider telling Tubbo. But where would I even start?”
“I’m not too sure,” Ranboo said, “But I think, just start small. Compliment him and make sure he knows how much you appreciate him.”
Tommy nodded his head. Maybe. He didn’t know if he could though. “I don’t know Ranboo. Maybe I should just wait it out and it’ll disappear.”
Ranboo shook his head. “Take it from my experiences. It takes a while for a crush to go away. And hiding it only causes you to hurt yourself and sometimes others. Be honest, get it off your chest, and it’ll all be ok. Just don’t try to repress it.”
Tommy nodded again. “Ok Boob-boy. Thank you.”
Ranboo smiled. “No problem Tommy. And I’m here for you.” He then smirked a little. “Can’t believe the ol 'wifehaver has a little crush on the bee boi.”
“Oh stop it you!” Tommy shouted back. His phone then began to ring, singling his landlord was calling him.
“Oh shit.” he chuckled as he shook his head. “You’ll have to excuse me Ranboo, but I will have to be leaving you now to be berated by my landlord.”
Ranboo laughed back, and then said “Bye Tommy! Wish you luck! On both things!.”
Ranboo hung up, and Tommy smiled. Ok, he would tell Tubbo, he’d try to not be afraid. He might need time, but he’d do it eventually.
Then after a second, the phone’s continuous ringing pulled him out of his haze and he rushed over.
***
It was then two mostly uneventful weeks from there. Tommy stayed to himself for the most part, still texting and streaming, but nothing spectacular. He spent most of his time either doing those things, or thinking about Tubbo. He was considering Ranboo’s advice, but before he did anything, he wanted to be sure of his feelings, and maybe be in an ok spot to be rejected. He watched Tubbo’s streams, and couldn’t help but smile at his pretty smile and cute laugh. His retort at the end of the two weeks: yeah he was down bad.
It just seemed everything he saw of the brunet made him feel more and more for him. He was happily taking in a Tubbo music stream tonight. Relishing in the sound of the other’s beautiful voice, and he knew that he was sure. Tubbo and him had been through so much together, and he wanted it to stay that way. He wanted to be by Tubbo’s side, to be there with him during his journey, wherever that may take them.
He fell asleep that night to the wonderful sound of his love’s voice, and the beat of his own heart.
***
The next day he started in his attempt to get close to Tubbo and hint into the eventual confession. He started with pretty small things, like he’d compliment Tubbo on stream, give him shout outs, gather items for Tubbo, and donate money to his streams.
It had now almost been a month of small gifts and compliments, and he was ready for some big guns to get Tubbo to agree to his next plan. So he sat watching Tubbo’s current stream, doing some of his awesome redstone work on big-dig smp. He listened to Tubbo laughing, having fun, and trying to explain to all his audience how the redstone would work.
When he thought it seemed like a good moment, he dropped the big guns for Tubbo to see.
TommyInnit has donated $1000
Keep it up big man :D
Tubbo’s eyes widened on the stream.
“Holy! Holy mother-fuck! Surely not” Tubbo said as he tried to grasp what he saw and just read. Tommy giggled at his demeanor.
“Thank you!” Tubbo said as he stared at the camera. “Thank you so much Tommy. Man I don’t, ha, I don’t know why you’ve done this, but thank you.” He said. “This is greatly appreciated for our TubNet funds.” He smiled.
Tommy smiled back. And after a few more minutes of Tubbo catching his breath, he returned back to his game.
It’s only a matter of time.
***
That night, after Tubbo was done with his stream, he called Tommy up.
“So what was that crazy donation for, ey Bossman? What do you want from me?”
Tommy laughed. Of course Tubbo knew. It kind of hurt that Tubbo wouldn't think he would do it just to be nice, but he was technically right, so Tommy couldn't be mad.
“You got me Tunzo.” He signed.
“I um. I..” He was hesitant. He thought he was ready, but it seemed his nerves were catching up to him.
“What is it boss man? Spit it out.” Tubbo mocked.
Tommy sucked in a breath.
“I’d like for you to come with me this weekend, um, for a vlog.”
“Oh is that it?” Tubbo asked, smiling curiously. “Why did you seem so nervous? What will we be doing in this vlog?”
“I um. That's the thing. I can’t tell you, it’s a surprise. But I promise it will be lots of fun.” He smiled.
“Ooo mysterious.” Tubbo sang. “I like it. Sure, I think I’m free.”
“Great!” Tommy smiled. “I’ll send you the info and the money for your ticket, and then Russ will be driving us there.”
“Oh!” Tubbo said. “Ok, paying for my ticket, well thank you. I can’t wait Tommy. Super excited to see what you have planned. I’m sure I’ll love it.”
“I hope you do.” Tommy whispered, as they said their goodbyes and hung up for the night. Tommy then went to bed, but struggled falling asleep when all he could think about was making this vlog great.
‘Operation date vlog but not a date’. It would be their first time seeing each other in person in a while, and Tommy was going to show him a great time before then making his confession. It had to be perfect.
Eventually, when he instead managed to start imagining Tubbo’s kind excited smile when he’d see it all, Tommy fell asleep.
***
The day was Sunday May 29th 2022, and it was the day of the vlog. Tommy was very nervous, but he managed to get to the station and pick Tubbo up with a smile. He then directed him to the car, and they started making their way out onto the road.
It took about an hour to get out of the city and to their location, Tubbo seemed quite suspicious when they pulled into the small town by the ocean.
“And what are we doing here?” Tubbo asked.
“You’ll see, just be patient.” Tommy teased.
They then pulled up and out of the car, right in front of some buildings, and Tubbo read the sign. “‘Reagan's Honey Bee Apiary’” He read. “Oh Tommy! Did you really bring us to a bee apiary! But aren't you afraid of bees?!”
Tommy laughed. “I am Tunzo, but I decided I’d do it for you. And it might make a nice vlog. And this is just the start of our day.”
“Oh really?” Tubbo inquired.
“We'll get to that when we get there.” Tommy said. “But for now let's get some footage of the beeboi with da bees!”
“Yeah!!” Tubbo agreed.
And so they entered into the building. Tommy had rented the whole place just for them. It was pretty small, so he didn’t expect a lot of people necessarily, but he wanted them to have their privacy, and it was nice to support the small business.
The worker lady led them out back in their beekeeper outfits and they began marveling at the bees. After a few minutes of just observing them and their surroundings, they got out the camera and started creating the content together. Goofing around, saying jokes, being scared of bees, all sorts of fun.
After a few hours of fun with the bee’s, the farm, then going to the tourist gift shop, they hopped back in the car for their next destination.
“That was great boss man.” Tubbo smiled. “So where we going next?”
“You’ll see.” Tommy said. He then pulled out his bag and handed Tubbo some clothes. “You’ll need to put this on.” He said.
Tubbo inspected it, then saw that it was a bathing suit. His bathing suit “Why do you have this?” He asked, “and wait, are we going to the beach!”
Tommy smiled at his charism. “You left it at my house one time, I’ve been meaning to give it back, but it all worked out. And once again, you’ll see.”
They next pulled into a McDonalds and got themselves some late lunch. Tommy got a kids meal, Tubbo made fun of him for it. After finishing their meals, they continued driving.
After about fifteen minutes, they pulled up to a parking lot on the shore, and Tommy opened the door for Tubbo, escorting him to the sand. There waiting for them was water boards, sand toys, towels, and a restroom to change.
“Oh my goodness.” Tubbo said. “You really have this all planned out! What kind of vlog is this going to be?!”
Tommy considered that reaction a win, and then he and Tubbo got changed.
Once they were changed, they ran into the cold water on their boards, and Tubbo started paddling out. They turned on their cameras and started recording whatever it was they did. Once again they joked, and laughed, and just enjoyed each other’s presence.
Tommy tried climbing onto the board a few times, to either fall due to his own ineptness, or from Tubbo pushing him off.
After a while in the water they returned back to the sand. They then started trying to make a massive sand city, with a moat and a bridge made of sticks and shells.
Then they sat on the sand together, watching as the sun began to set. Tubbo’s head and hair almost brushed against Tommy’s shoulder, and he couldn’t stop his face from heating up. The day had been perfect, and now it was time for the finale.
“Ok beeboi, onto the last activity of the day ok?”
“But I’m tired-. “ Tubbo said. “And we’ve already done so much, what else could there be?”
“You’ll s-”
“I’ll see, I know I know.” Tubbo smirked as he rubbed his eyes.
They went and got changed in the rest rooms, and then made their way back to the car. They then had a short drive, and pulled up to a Chinese food restaurant.
Tubbo awed at it as they departed the car. Tommy then held the door for Tubbo as they entered, and then waved goodbye as Big Russ gave him a thumbs up.
When they entered, a waiter was waiting for them, and guided them to their table and chairs.
“How come there’s no one else here?” Tubbo asked as they sat down.
“Oh,” Tommy said. “That's cause I rented the whole place out.”
“You rented a whole restaurant! Just so we could have some food?!”
“Well yeah,” Tommy smiled. “I know you would want, and I knew I would definitely want, our privacy. And it really was no trouble.” He’d actually given them a bigger tip just for their services.
“You’re full of surprises.” Tubbo said. “And I still can’t figure out what this vlog is about. Are they both different vlogs, or what is this?”
Tommy laughed. He didn’t actually know if this would become a vlog, it might become two separate ones. Or maybe it will just be for his eyes, to remember this great time with Tubbo.
“I mean bees, the ocean, and now chinese food! Is this some sort of ‘let's please Tubbo’ vlog?” Tubbo asked.
Tommy chuckled at his guess, he wasn’t too far off.
They then ordered their food and settled into nice calm conversation. The food arrived, and Tubbo was quite pleased with the flavor and spice. Making Tommy happy he had chosen a nice place for them to go. As they began to finish their food though, Tommy started to prepare himself for the reveal.
Once their table was cleared, and the bill paid, they stood up. Tubbo started walking to the door, thinking they were leaving.
“Actually, wait Tubbo.” Tommy said, stopping him from walking away. “There’s actually one last thing we have to do, if you’d just follow me.” He gestured. Tubbo followed him, and Tommy led them to the back door. Tubbo could see that outside it was slightly raining, but there at the door, were some umbrellas.
“We’re going out into the rain?” Tubbo asked.
Tommy laughed a little. “Sorta. I wasn’t intending for it to be raining, but it will work out, and it's just a slight drizzle.”
“Well ok.” Tubbo agreed, taking the umbrella.
Tommy held the door for them, and then they began to walk down a wonderful hedged courtyard that was cleared of its tables. In the middle was a wondrous fountain. Tommy directed them towards the fountain, where they then stood.
It was a moment or two of silence, and then Tubbo asked. “So, what are we doing here?”
Tommy hesitated, he was nervous, but he decided to just breathe for a moment. Then he answered, “Just admiring the garden, it's quite pretty when the chairs and tables aren't taking up all your view.”
“But why?”
“Because I wanted to get a pretty picture, of a pretty boy, at a pretty fountain.”
Tommy then pulled out his phone and took a picture of Tubbo staring at him curiously.
“Ok then.” he said. “So you’re doing that funny word stuff again, but this time there are no cameras, what's going on here?” Tubbo inquired.
“Nothing is going on.” Tommy said. “I, um well.” He then tried to correct, but he was stumbling over his words.
After another breath, he spoke again. “The truth, Tubbo, is that I wanted to tell you something.”
“Oh?” Tubbo asked with a raise to his eyebrow. “I hope you haven’t gotten yourself into trouble now.” He joked.
Tommy tried to laugh along, but he couldn’t. Did Tubbo just think of him as just a menace? A Trouble maker?
He shook and cleared his head.
“I’m here to tell you something, Tubbo.” he said. “But first, please take this.” He handed him an envelope. “Don’t open it till you get home, ok?”
“Oh, ok.” Tubbo agreed.
Tommy prepared himself, now for the hard part.
“Tubbo,” He started. “I hope you had a good day today, I know I sure did.” Tubbo nodded.
Tommy smiled and continued.
“But I didn’t just have a good day because we did cool stuff and recorded a vlog, I had a good time because I was with you.”
Tubbo now looked at him a little confused as to where this was going, but continued to smile.
“I love the time we spend together Tubbo. We’ve both grown, and been through so much together. The time I spend with you is unparalleled to anything I’ve ever felt.” Tommy weakly smiles, looking away as he blushes.
“Tubbo,” He stared. “You are my sea, my ocean, and my star. And I’m lovin my life by the sea. I’m loving the time I spend with you.” He then stopped. Trying to stop himself from rambling on and on about how much he loved Tubbo.
“So, as you might have caught on.” he cleared his throat, “I really like you Tubbo, and I just really needed to tell you, and ask if you’d be willing to go out with me” He asked.
He stayed at Tubbos confused expression, “or not, if you’re uncomfortable.” he diluted.
Tubbo began to nervously chuckle, and Tommy wondered what that meant. Did, did he mess up again?
“Aaah, what's this Tommy?” Tubbo asked.
“What's what?”
“This!” Tubbo waved his arms. “What is this speech, this bit?”
Tommy sadley looked down, ashamed. But then he gathered his confidence and looked back. “It’s not a bit.” He said. “I really am in love with you.”
“In, In love with me?” he echoed mockingly.
“Ye-yes.” Tommy said.
“No, what is this joke Tommy, it’s not very funny. Oh I get it now, all the fun stuff, the activities, this is some ‘I prank Tubbo with a fake date’ vlog isn’t”
“No! No it isn’t.” Tommy stated. “I promise, it was all genuine. All to make you know how much I care about you. What's it going to take to prove it to you?”
It was another second of silence, Tubbo looking left and right for some explanation. The rain began to pick up.
“Tommy,” Tubbo then said. “Whatever this is, cut it out. Where is the camera? Is Wilbur hiding somewhere? What is even going on, I thought your whole crush bit was with Ranboo, not me?” He said nervously.
“This isn’t a bit!” Tommy began to cry. “There are no cameras, no wilbur, I am 100% genuine right now. I love you Tubbo. Why can’t you just believe me?”
“Alright.” Tubbo said sternly, getting tired of this bit. “Prove it to me.”
Tommy closed his eyes and then took a breath. He then looked back at Tubbo, and before Tubbo knew it, Tommy had dropped his umbrella, sped towards him, and held his face beginning to kiss him.
Tubbo held his eyes open in surprise as Tommy continued to kiss him, he didn’t know what to do.
Tommy eventually broke away, and both boys caught their breath. Tommy began to backwards step away from Tubbo, leaving his umbrella abandoned on the ground. He held his head down in sadness. And it only increased as Tubbo continued to say nothing.
“There.” Tommy said through his tears. “Does that prove it to you? My first kiss?’
Tubbo stared in horror. He didn’t know what to think, didn’t know what was going on. His brain couldn’t keep up with it all. Tommy had just kissed him, HIM. He knows it was Tommy’s first kiss, Tommy and him tell eachother everything. This wasn’t a bit. This wasn’t a bit? Tubbo was at a loss for words.
He heard sobs, and then he looked up to see Tommy crying in the rain. Oh my gosh , he thought. Tommy is crying. This, this is actually real.
Tommy began to wipe his tears and wet face with his arm. “I’I knew I shouldn’t have told you. Ever since that stupid tweet. I should have known, I should have never listened to Ranboo. Could-could you at least offer me some sympathy? Let me down, tell me that you hate me, slowly?
Tubbo had literally lost his voice. He didn’t and couldn’t speak. This was all so much.
“I’ll, I’ll give you a while to think. And then we can discuss the arrangements of our friendship going forward, I knew deep inside that this was a bust. I even called ahead, Ranboo will be here to drive you home in a few minutes.”
Ranboo’s coming? Tubbo thought.
“Goodbye Tubbo.” Tommy said. “I’ll talk to you later. I really hope you had a good time.”
And with that, Tommy was walking away in the rain, and Tubbo was still frozen at the revelation.
***
It only took at most ten minutes, and then Ranboo was pulling up.
“Hey Tubbo! How did it go?”
Tubbo mutely got into the car, staring off into space.
“Oh.” Ranboo said. “Based on that reaction, and the fact that I’m the one driving you home, I’m going to guess it didn’t go well.”
Then finally, Tubbo was able to speak again. He mumbled out, “You knew? How long?”
“Oh me. Well I don’t know how long Tommy has actually had a crush on you, but I’ve known for about a month and a half, after what I call, ‘the tweet incident’.” Ranboo said. Tubbo just nodded in silence, but then picked up and asked, “What's the tweet incident?”
Ranboo looked at him and gave a sad small laugh. “Oh it's the day about a month and a half ago, where he somewhat flirted with you on twitter, and you jumped right to telling him you didn’t want to sleep with him.” Ranboo laughed again.
After a minute of remembering, Tubbo’s expression fell. That tweet, that stupid tweet. Tommy was warming up to tell him, and Tubbo just turned it into an overblown awkward bit for the clout. Then he realized, all the little things Tommy had done for him this past month. Oh no. Tommy, Tommy was trying to tell Tubbo how he felt, and Tubbo. He thought it was all a joke.
It was quiet, and then Ranboo spoke up. “You know.” He said. “I was the one who encouraged Tommy to do this, to tell you. I know I’m your friend, and your driver, and I don’t know what happened there, but I hope you didn’t hurt him, cause then you’d have to answer to me.”
“Oh, wow.” Tubbo bewilderedly responded. But then he went on. “I, I don’t know how much I messed up, it was just that I was so surprised. I, I really didn’t expect this, and so I didn’t believe it. I thought it was all some stupid vlog.”
“You thought it was just for a vlog?” Ranboo asked.
Tubbo nodded, as he began to feel tears. “Do, do you think he’ll forgive me?”
Ranboo sighed. “I can’t be sure. It’s up to Tommy, and however he feels about the way you responded. Speaking of which, you’re going to have to think about this and give him an answer. You can and should take the time, but do let him know so he isn't freaking out, ok?”
“Ok.” Tubbo nodded.
Tubbo then remembered the envelope, and he decided to open it up. Inside he pulled out a letter, and then he gasped, for then he pulled out ten 100 pound dollars Tommy left him. He started to cry more, and went to read the note.
“Dear Tubzo :)
As you’ve opened up this letter, you should already know about my confession. I really like you Tubbo, and I was really scared to tell you. With some advice and encouragement from Ranboo, I planned the perfect first date vlog, which won’t become a vlog or I’ll change the subject if you are uncomfortable with. I’m worried for how it work out, but I’m trying to have faith that it will all go well. It will either be a wonderful confession of my feelings, or a great last adventure together. I don’t know how it turned out, but I hope we’re ok. Whether you accept my feelings or not, I don’t expect you to. And if you want to write me out of your life, I’d respect it. I’d be pretty lonely without a Tubzo, but I’d respect it and survive.
Thank you Tubbo, for making me so happy. Please accept this donation, put it towards TubNet. Remember that I’m a billionaire, and I have lots more to give if you’d let me.
Once again,. I love you Tubbo. Thank you for being on and changing this journey that is life. You’re the best friend A guy could ask for.
Your friend,
Tommy <3”
Tubbo cried reading the letter. He, he had to make this right. But Ranboo was also right, he needed to figure out how he felt first.
***
It had been two days since their ‘date’ and Tommy has stayed cramped up in his apartment eating junk food. He messaged Ranboo, telling him he’s alright and getting confirmation that Tubbo was picked up and taken home successfully, but besides that he’s been on his own.
He was eating ice cream, when he heard his doorbell go off. He sluggishly made his way to the door, and then he opened it.
He was then drawn back when he saw a sympathetic Tubbo smiling at him.
“Hello” Tubbo stutterd, “can-can I talk to you?”
“Hi Tubzo.” Tommy expressed as he breathed again. Preparing himself for rejection “yeah, come in. Just, just give me a minute.”
“Oh ok.” Tubbo said as he entered the apartment and watched Tommy walk off into his bedroom for a second.
He then came back, and he had fixed his appearance slightly and was holding a tissue. Oh no. Tubbo thought.
He had to start though, so he began. “So Tommy,” he nervously said, “I, I wanted to talk to you a bit about the other day. The stuff you said. I-” Tommy then stopped him.
“I get it beeboi.” He said, looking lost and dejected. “Please just get it over with, but let me down slowly.” he said. “I can’t take blunt straightforward Tubbo today.” he shook his head, chuckling.
“Actually-” Tubbo tried again, but then Tommy started slightly crying. Tubbo tried to approach him more to comfort him, but Tommy pulled back.
“I, I’m sorry.” he said, ‘Just continue so we can be done, and then you’ll never have to see my stupid face again.”
“Your face isn’t stupid.” Tubbo said.
“What?” Tommy asked.
Tubbo groaned. “I said your face isn’t stupid.” He then softed. “It’s actually quite handsome.”
Tommy looked at him again now, his face asking the question for him.
“Tommy, and please don’t interrupt me again.” Tubbo started once more. “I’ve come to speak to you about the other day. I had a lot of fun. And no, I don’t want to cut you out of my life, I don’t hate you, I’m not uncomfortable. I'm just adjusting.”
Tommy smiled slightly, wiping his tears, looking like a weight had been lifted off his shoulder. “But?” he asked.
Tubbo sighed. “There isn’t really a ‘but’.” He said. Tommy then looked at him a bit confused.
Tubbo continued. “You clearly care about me. Like me. I, I can’t say I feel the same-” Tommy looked away sadly again, yet nodded.
“But,” Tubbo continued. Tommy looked back at him with interest. “I’m willing to give it a chance.”
Tommy’s eyes widened, and a smile appeared on his face “wha, wait, Really?!”
“Yes really.” Tubbo chuckled. “Tommyinnt, I want you to take me on a date.”
“Yes!” Tommy cheered. “Thank you! Thank you Tubbo. I’ll show you the greatest time. Thank you for giving me this chance.” Tommy rushed over and hugged him.
Tubbo smiled as well, and could feel the blush on his face. He felt so special, seeing his blonde friend getting so excited over him.
Just then Tommy’s red phone rang. “Dang it!” Tommy yelled. “Brb Tubs, go to apologize to the Landlord.”
Tubbo watched and smiled as the blonde attempted to apologize for their volume.
He was going to give this a chance, give Tommy a chance. And if things didn’t work out, well he wasn’t letting go. Tommy couldn’t get rid of him that easily.
***
The next month was filled with fun between the two adults. Tommy took Tubbo on two more vlogs, rerenting out the trampoline part for just the two of them, and another water park for them to go to. Tommy also took Tubbo to a nice cafe where they got hot chocolate and sweets. They also stayed over at each other's houses and watched movies and cuddled together. Tommy apologized for the kiss, knowing it wasn’t right to do without Tubbo's consent, but Tubbo told him it was fine. Tubbo then apologized for the tweet, saying it was a joke, and he didn’t mean for Tommy to think he was saying anything negative about him, Tommy said it was no big deal. Tubbo then also apologized for thinking Tommy's feelings were a joke at first. Tommy said that while yes he was hurt, that Tubbo was making it up to him now.
They kept going after one date, and Tubbo enjoyed their time together.
Which led them to now, the end of June, on stream together, announcing their relationship to the world.
“That's right chat!” Tommy said. “Tubbo is now officially my boyfriend!.” Lets just say, chat, and everyone, was freaking out
Tubbo smiled. He had never really been interested in the concept of love, but he knew one thing, he loved Tommy, and is happy to be called his boyfriend.”
“Don’t forget about me chat” He said. “I’m the one who has to deal with this annoying housewife of a boyfriend all the time. Somebody save me.” he joked.
They smiled at each other, getting lost in each other’s eyes.
Then some people in chat were telling them to prove it, and so they looked at each other and smirked. They then went on to have their first official as boyfriends kiss together, right on stream with thousands of people watching.
Ranboo smiled from across the world.
The kiss was soft, it was simple, and they got stuck in each other's warmth. Some might have said they were just going along with a kiss for the bit, but looking at those two, and their long drawn out embarace, it was clear, they were in love.
They then pulled away from each other, and Tubbo smiled at the camera and said, “I do want to sleep with you!”
Tommy from behind him, holding his hand, turned bright red with fluster. Then he quickly snapped out of it and started scrambling to end the stream and stop the wild running chat.
“No No! Chat! Don’t clip that. Don’t listen to him! We aren't nearly there yet!”
Tubbo laughs at his wonderfully amazing boyfriend.