Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"Look away, it’s Shrimpo!"

"Come on, let’s go—Shrimpo’s here."

"Are you just here to make fun of us again?"

"That’s Shrimpo, the worst toon. Stay away from him."

"Ugh, why did Shrimpo have to show up?"

These were just a few of the phrases Shrimpo heard all the time. Sure, he had been rude and had a foul mouth when he was younger, arrogant and full of himself. But as he grew older, he realized how terrible his behavior had been. By then, it was too late. People had learned to avoid him like the plague, wanting nothing to do with him.

As the years passed, Shrimpo slowly molded himself into this role. It wasn’t because of arrogance anymore. It had become a façade—a mask to hide how he truly felt. It was easier to lean into the image everyone already believed. The insults didn’t sting as much if he pretended not to care. After all, wasn’t it better to keep up the act? If he stayed like this, maybe it wouldn’t hurt so much.

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"Haha..." Shrimpo chuckled, though the sound was hollow, as he stared mockingly at the tear-streaked face of the new arrival. But beneath the surface, something stung. Wasn’t he just trapping himself in an endless cycle? By keeping up this façade, it was obvious no toon would ever befriend him. The newbies were his only chance—they didn’t know his past.

But Shrimpo pushed the thought away with a huff, quietly muttering to himself, "I’ve tried before... Gave gifts, sent friendly messages. It worked for a while, until the other toons told him to stay away. They whispered about my past, spun stories about the tricks I might pull. In the end, it was pointless. It always is."

He trudged to his room, the door creaking on its rusted hinges, cracks spreading along the frame like scars. Inside, the room was as neglected as he felt—food cartons, crumpled papers, discarded clothes, and trash cluttered the floor. There was no point in keeping it tidy; no one ever dared to come near his room.

Slamming the door shut, he heard the crunch of papers beneath his feet. He kicked his shoes aside and collapsed onto the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. Dark thoughts circled in his mind, weighing him down, and he cursed himself for sinking so deep into this misery.

"Nobody really cares about me, do they?" Shrimpo muttered to himself, the weight of loneliness heavy in his voice.

"I'm just a toon to avoid."

"I'm sure everyone's lives would be better without me."

Tears welled up in Shrimpo's eyes, his tough exterior crumbling within the privacy of his room. He shifted, trying to shake off the negative thoughts, but they persisted, unyielding. Face buried in his pillow, he screamed until his voice grew hoarse—it was a ritual that brought him some fleeting comfort.

Raising his head, he stared at the crumpled, tear-soaked pillow before him. Shrimpo couldn't stop the tears flowing down, each drop sinking into the fabric like he sank deeper into self-pity every wretched day. He sniffled, mumbling to himself, "I'm so pathetic."

Reaching for the tissue box, he dried his tears, one tissue after another, trying to regain composure. But then the voices returned, taunting him.

"Are you trying to make us pity you?"

"Shut up... SHUT UP!"

In frustration, Shrimpo punched the wall, rattling the portrait he held above his head. He stared at his bruised knuckles, a physical echo of the pain within.

"Uhh, Shrimpo, is something wrong?" a voice called out.

"Y-Yes! K-know how to knock? Dimwit..." Another voice replied. Shrimpo had forgotten to lock the door.

"Oh, uh, I'm sorry."

The sound of the door closing was followed by a knock and then the door opening again.

"Better?" the voice asked cautiously.

"Are you kidding me?!"

Shrimpo snapped, quickly shifting into his defensive, abrasive persona. The silhouette of the stranger approached—a toon with a fluffy head slightly disproportionate to his body, awkwardly dragging extended arms with clawed hands that were neither short nor long.

"Damn it..." Shrimpo muttered under his breath. It was the newbie he had tried to befriend.

The click of a lightswitch was heard, and a bright flash momentarily blinded Shrimpo. Squinting, he scowled in frustration.

"I'm so glad someone came to 'check on me'," he said sarcastically.In reality,he really was.

"Goob, for fu*k's sake, just get out! Nobody called for you!"

"Oh... I just thought... something happened, you know? Like you fell down or something," Goob replied, his voice tinged with sadness.

Shrimpo felt a pang of guilt—he didn't mean to lash out at Goob.

"Shut up," Shrimpo thought, his anger masking his internal turmoil.

Goob stepped back, visibly hurt.

"Sorry, I'll leave."

"W-wait, don't go!" Shrimpo's mind screamed. Instead, he snapped again, "GO ON! GET OUT!"

The lights clicked off, plunging the room back into the familiar darkness—a reflection of how Shrimpo truly felt inside.

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This is really long so I'm going to make this chapter based,but you can expect the next chapter out tmmr or tonight depending. Thanks for reading!

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Chapter Text

[The next day]

“Shr-Shrimpo... please, calm down!” the worker pleaded, her voice shaky with fear.

“We’re all out of cup noodles! You’ve already bought almost all of them!” she continued, growing more frantic.

“THEN GET MORE!” Shrimpo shouted, his patience gone.

“W-we’ll get more stock tomorrow! I-I promise!” the worker stuttered, trembling under his gaze.

"Argh..." Shrimpo grumbled, realizing there was no point in intimidating a worker. The real problem was that he despised visiting Sprout and Cosmo’s bakery. The whispers, the judgmental stares—it all weighed on him. Some toons even dared to mutter insults under their breath, while others just wished he'd leave quickly. He wasn’t oblivious; he noticed how his food portions were smaller, sadder, like they didn’t want to waste good ingredients on him.

Despite his tough exterior, every insult chipped away at him. Each one felt like a blow, sinking him deeper into his own self-pity. But he pretended not to care, as always.

Reluctantly, he made his way to the bakery, which also served as a café. Eyes glued to his phone, he didn’t bother looking up—everyone cleared a path for him anyway, fearful of what he might do if they bumped into him. He hated that too. He hated the way they looked at him, expressions either filled with fear or disgust. Silence followed him everywhere; it felt like he’d forgotten what a real conversation was. No one dared approach him, no matter how desperate they were for company.

Except for Goob.

But Shrimpo refused to think about him. He didn’t want to remember Goob’s face when he learned what Shrimpo had done in the past. Even though Goob didn’t hate him as much as the others, he still kept his distance after that. Goob’s visit last night was still fresh in his mind, gnawing at him.

Clenching his fists, Shrimpo gritted his teeth. He couldn’t stop thinking about Goob checking on him, and it ate away at him. He hated it to his core

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“What do you mean there are no seats left? I can see five empty tables from here!” he snapped, pointing accusingly.

“Those are reserved, Shrimpo,” the worker replied in a flat, uninterested tone.

“They obviously aren’t! You guys don’t even take reservations!” Shrimpo shot back, frustration rising.

“Look, I’ve been told you’re too... unstable to let inside. Better luck next time, Shrimp.” The toon smirked, his voice dripping with condescension.

The nerve of this guy, Shrimpo thought, his temper flaring. He wanted to teach the worker a lesson. But he wouldn’t. They were in plain view of dozens of toons, any of whom would leap in to help if Shrimpo started something. And frankly, Shrimpo didn’t enjoy fighting anymore—not like he used to. Beating someone up didn’t bring satisfaction, just a fleeting sense of relief from the storm inside him. It was all for show, part of the act. A way to vent his frustration, nothing more.

His fists clenched tighter as his mind spun vivid images of the other toons laughing and sneering at him, enjoying his humiliation. He could already feel the flush of embarrassment creeping over his face. His grip tightened further, skin threatening to tear as his anger built to a boiling point. For a brief second, his eyes flashed red.

“Shrimpo, if you don’t back away right now, I’m calling security,” the worker warned, his earlier arrogance wavering as a hint of fear crept into his voice.

"He's with me," a higher-pitched voice interrupted.

"Goob... I don’t think it’s a good idea to be seen with him," the toon replied quickly, concern obvious in his voice.

"Just let Shrimpo come with me. I’ll keep an eye on him!" Goob said with a playful wink and a reassuring smile.

"Alright... but be careful around him. If you need help, just call out!" Though the last part sounded like a taunt, the worry was genuine.

As Shrimpo entered, the lively chatter in the bakery quickly died down, replaced by nervous whispers. He could practically feel the weight of every toon’s gaze on him.

"I- I didn’t need you to step in!" Shrimpo blurted, his shock slipping into his voice.

"This bakery sucks anyway. I should just leave," he muttered, starting to rise from his seat.

"Come on..." Goob said, giving him a wide-eyed, puppy-like look.

"F-fine! But only because I’m hungry! A-and you better pay for everything!" Shrimpo stammered, quickly trying to cover up his cracks. Goob waved one of his long, awkward arms, signaling a waiter. The server hurried over but visibly tensed when he noticed Shrimpo. Goob ordered two of his favorite dishes while Shrimpo turned away, feeling a little embarrassed he hadn’t ordered for himself.

But why should he care? Goob should be doing everything for him, right? He should be scared... right?

Lost in his thoughts, Shrimpo didn’t realize how his usual negativity was starting to wane.

"His face is kind of fluffy... almost like a dog..."

"He’s so bright and cheerful, I bet he’s popular..."

"It’s actually kind of cute how he awkwardly swings those long arms around... or when he accidentally tangles himse—"

"What are you staring at me for?" Goob asked innocently.

"I-I was just thinking about how s-stupid you are! What kind of idiot gets tangled in their own hands?!" Shrimpo snapped in panic, his cheeks burning with embarrassment. What the hell was he thinking? When the food arrived, Shrimpo dove in, eating quickly to distract himself from his thoughts. He couldn’t help but notice how different everything was—the presentation, portion size, and taste were far better than what he was usually served during his rare visits. The texture was richer, the flavors more vibrant. This only confirmed his suspicions: the bakers had deliberately been giving him lower-quality food, probably hoping he’d stop coming. When that didn’t work, they must have told the toon at the door to refuse him entry altogether. A surge of anger swelled within him at the unfairness of it all. But instead of making a scene like he normally would, Shrimpo just kept eating, wolfing down every bite.

While Shrimpo ate, Goob rambled on about all kinds of things—his dreams, stories, random thoughts. Shrimpo pretended not to care, acting distant and uninterested. In truth, though, he was fully engaged, hanging onto every word. As Shrimpo neared the end of his meal, he suddenly realized that Goob might be feeling awkward, and a wave of panic hit him. He didn’t want to admit how much he had enjoyed listening to him, nor how badly he wanted to ask more questions. So, instead of lingering, Shrimpo shoved the last bite into his mouth, stood up, and left without saying a word.

Later that night, as Shrimpo scrambled into bed, he couldn’t deny that he felt better than usual. Buried under his blanket, he found himself replaying the whole bakery experience in his mind. For the first time in ages, he slept more soundly, waking up the next day feeling unusually well-rested.

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Hey guys! Do you think I include too much dialogue in this fanfic? Just wanna know.

Thanks for reading up till here! I hope the story is interesting so far

Leave a comment if you have suggestions or ideas,or if you want me to improve a part or two.

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"What a pity..." Goob thought. "I wish Shrimpo had stayed a little longer... He was quite cute when the pouted."

Chapter Text

Shrimpo chewed on his noodles absentmindedly, clutching the remote as he flicked from channel to channel, not really sure what he was looking for. He yawned, glancing at his bed—it looked more inviting than ever, tempting him to give in to sleep. Just as he was about to switch off the TV, he remembered that Vee’s weekly game show was about to air. He had to admit, despite everything, he enjoyed watching it.

Finishing his noodles, Shrimpo tossed the empty cup into the trash, making a mental note of the unusually clean room around him. He had tidied up earlier that morning, though he wasn’t entirely sure why—he just felt the urge.

“Hello, contestants! Welcome to my game show!” boomed Vee’s overly enthusiastic voice, causing Shrimpo to cringe slightly. If there was one thing he hated about the show, it was Vee’s exaggerated cheerfulness. Still, he lay back on his bed, letting the show pull him in, even cracking up at some of the contestants' antics.

“And now, who do you all think was voted the most popular toon?” Vee announced. “Your choices are...”

Shrimpo wasn't surprised by the usual contenders: Sprout, Pebble, and Shelly. But the last name made him blink. Goob.

“No way it’s Goob, right?” Shrimpo muttered to himself.

A buzzer sounded. “It’s Pebble!” one contestant, Dandy, exclaimed confidently.

“Hmmm...” Vee dragged out the suspense. Of course, Shrimpo knew Vee already had the answer.

“Wrong!” Vee declared, flashing a large red ‘X’ across her screen.

Another buzz. “Is it Goob? He’s been gaining popularity lately,” another toon guessed.

“Correct! You get the points!” Vee’s voice chirped.

Shrimpo’s jaw practically dropped as he stared at the screen in disbelief.

“And here’s the voting poll!” Vee added, her voice as chipper as ever.

Goob: 63%
Pebble: 30%
Shelly: 2%
Sprout: 4%
Others: 0.9999999%
Blank vote: 0.0000001

“And now…” Vee chirped, “Who did the community vote as the **worst toon to encounter and meet**?”

All four buzzers went off immediately, the response instant and unanimous.

“Wow, that was... fast!” Vee commented, a bit taken aback. “Well, good thing I’m the latest tech! By a margin of 0.31415926535 seconds, Boxten gets to answer!”

“It’s Shrimpo!” Boxten declared without hesitation.

“Of course, that’s correct,” Vee replied, rolling her eyes slightly. “Why does this question even exist…” she muttered under her breath.

“And here are the poll results!”

Shrimpo: 99.9999998%
Blank Vote: 0.0000002%

“I’m sure no one can doubt the accuracy after this one!” Vee remarked with forced enthusiasm.

“Oh...” Shrimpo mumbled to himself. He wasn’t supposed to be surprised, but why did his chest suddenly feel so heavy?

“At least one person forgot to vote... haha,” he muttered sarcastically, but the humor felt hollow.

"I bet that one person would've voted for you," a quiet voice echoed in his mind.

"You should’ve voted for yourself—maybe then you’d have something to relate to," another voice whispered.

"Oh, what’s this? Free points? There’s no doubt at all!"a voice complained mockingly.

"Haha, look at him—all sad and gloomy,"_ another chimed in, taunting.

"You did this to yourself,"_ they all said in perfect sync, the chorus of negativity filling his mind.

Shrimpo felt tears welling up again.

“Fu*k…” he whispered under his breath.

The negative thoughts were back, creeping in like shadows, ready to drag him back into the abyss, ready to make him cry another river and sink further into self-loathing.

“That’s not fair!” a toon in the crowd suddenly protested.

“Yeah, of course it’s Shrimpo! Literally, everyone knows that!” someone agreed, their voice ringing out above the rest.

The crowd erupted into a mix of murmurs, whispers, and complaints, voices swirling around him.

But none of it helped Shrimpo. Every word, every sound cut deeper. He was listening to everything,he broke.

The walls felt like they were closing in.

Shrimpo paced back and forth, his breaths shallow, too fast—too fast to catch. His chest hurt. His heart pounded so loudly he could barely hear his own panicked thoughts, racing and spiraling, crashing into each other.

“Focus. Just focus. Why can’t I breathe?”

His hands were shaking uncontrollably. His vision blurred, the lights in the room too bright, stabbing into his eyes. He tried to sit down, but his legs gave way beneath him, collapsing to the floor. The floor felt cold, grounding, but it wasn’t enough. Nothing was enough.

“No one cares. No one would notice if I wasn’t here. I can’t do this.”

He buried his face in his hands, but it did nothing to block out the storm raging inside him. He felt like he was drowning, sinking, yet everything around him moved too fast.

“Make it stop—just make it stop—”

A sob escaped him before he could stifle it. Then another. He was breaking, shattering, and the tears came hard and fast, uncontrollable. His whole body trembled. He didn’t care anymore. He was too tired to hold it in. Too tired to fight.

He screamed into the empty room, his voice cracking, his chest heaving with sobs. It hurt. Everything hurt.

His own heartbeat pounded in his head,drowning out everything else.

His hand shaped uncontrollably.

“I can’t—can’t do this!” he screamed,fists slamming into the ground, the tears streaming without restraint.

And no one was there to hear.

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...!!!......!!.......
...!!.........!!!...!.

Shrimpo panted uncontrollably, his vision blurred, his breath coming in rapid gasps. Somewhere, faintly, he heard a voice, but everything felt distant, unreal. His chest hurt. His arms... they felt soft and fluffy, too soft.

Someone was shaking him.

"Shrimpo! Hello? What happened?" the voice called, but it was garbled, broken. Shrimpo blinked, squinting through the haze.

"H-huh...?" he mumbled, struggling to focus. "You're so... soft..."

The world around him started to tilt again, but before he could fall back into the fog—

Cold water splashed across his face.

"W-What? Who dares...?" Shrimpo sputtered, his voice weak. His eyes itched and burned. He rubbed them with shaky hands and blinked hard until, finally, Goob’s face swam into view.

He tried to sit up, but his arms felt like lead, too heavy. Goob was staring at him, his wide eyes brimming with tears.

"What are you crying for...?" Shrimpo asked, confused. He tried to make sense of the situation. "Did someone die?"

Goob's lip trembled. "You, dammit! I-I heard you screaming. You were curled up on the floor, sobbing. You—"

"W-what? No! I wasn’t—I wasn’t crying!" Shrimpo snapped, his voice cracking. "Just... just get out."

But even as he said it, tears welled in his own eyes. Not tears of fear or sadness, but something else—something strange. His chest felt tight, like it was too small for the feelings rising inside him.

Goob had come for him. He had cried for him.

For the first time, someone had cried for him.

And for the first time in forever, Shrimpo smiled—just a little—through the tears that spilled over his cheeks.

Shrimpo sat hunched over, his face buried in his hands, the weight of everything threatening to crush him. His body shook, his breath uneven, but he wasn’t sobbing anymore. Just... numb. He felt the floor beneath him, the cold air around him, but everything else was a blur.

Goob stood a few feet away, shifting awkwardly from one foot to the other, unsure of what to do. His large hands fidgeted, and his eyes darted around, as if searching for the right words. Finally, he took a step forward, his voice soft, almost a whisper.

"Shrimpo... hey... it's okay."

Shrimpo didn’t respond. His shoulders tensed, and for a moment, Goob wondered if he should leave. But instead, he knelt beside him, sitting quietly, close but not too close.

Goob reached out, hesitated, then gently placed his hand on Shrimpo's shoulder. The touch was light, uncertain, like he was afraid of making things worse. "You’re not alone, okay? I’m here."

Shrimpo’s breath hitched, but he didn’t push Goob away. The silence between them stretched, but it wasn’t empty—it was full of unspoken words, feelings Shrimpo didn’t want to face.

"I... I heard you screaming," Goob said softly, his voice trembling just a little. "I was worried about you. You don't have to talk, but... I just wanted to make sure you're okay."

Shrimpo finally looked up, his red eyes puffy, his expression a mix of anger and hurt. "Why do you even care? Everyone else hates me. You should, too."

Goob shook his head, his hand still resting on Shrimpo’s shoulder, warm and steady. "That’s not true. I don’t hate you. I never did."

Shrimpo blinked, the words sinking in slowly. His mind rebelled, wanting to dismiss Goob’s kindness, but his heart... his heart ached for it.

Goob sighed, glancing down at the floor, his long arms awkwardly resting in his lap. "I know you push people away. I get it. But... I’m not going anywhere. Not tonight."

For the first time in what felt like forever, Shrimpo didn’t feel alone. He let out a shaky breath, and without thinking, leaned just a little closer to Goob. He didn’t say anything. He didn’t have to.

And Goob, not making a big deal of it, just sat there, keeping his hand on Shrimpo’s shoulder, offering him the only thing he could—his quiet, unwavering presence.

"I'm feeling sleepy right now..." Shrimpo mumbled, not caring that he was still on the floor. His exhaustion weighed on him like a heavy blanket.

“OW, FU*K!” he yelped as Goob slapped him across the face.

“NOOOO! Shrimpo, don’t go into the light!” Goob cried dramatically, tears practically in his eyes.

"So cute" a voice whispered,awestruck.

“I’m just trying to sleep, dammit!” Shrimpo shot back, rubbing his face.

“Oh, you’re back,” Goob responded, completely unfazed by Shrimpo’s outburst. With surprising ease, Goob scooped Shrimpo off the floor and plopped him onto the bed.

“I didn’t need you to do that...” Shrimpo pouted, trying to hold onto his pride. But sleep was already pulling him under, and before he could finish his complaint, his body surrendered to the comfort of the bed. He melted into the soft embrace of sleep.

Shrimpo groaned as he stirred awake, blinking against the morning light.

“What kind of dream was that...?” he muttered, still half-asleep.

“Oh, hey there, Shrimpo!” Goob’s cheery voice rang out suddenly. “I was just about to head out.”

“GAH—what the—what are you doing here?!” Shrimpo jerked upright, his heart racing in shock.

“Oh, I stayed overnight to take care of you. You kept mumbling in your sleep, and you were swaying from side to side, kinda like—”

“S-Shut up!” Shrimpo screamed, his cheeks flushing red as he cut Goob off, flustered.

Goob only chuckled, completely unbothered. “Alright, alright. I’ll leave now.” He gave Shrimpo a playful wink—he always did that—and headed for the door.

Once Goob was gone, Shrimpo sat in stunned silence. His eyes wandered to the food Goob had left on the table. A funny looking bracelet resting just beside it.His stomach rumbled loudly, practically begging him to dig in. But Shrimpo shook his head; he needed to freshen up first.

As he brushed his teeth, his mind wandered back to his time at the bakery with Goob.

"He's so fluffy and cute... I wish I could feel his fur more..."

"I wonder how it would feel to be hugged by him... Isn't that too much to ask?"

The voices in his head, usually harsh and critical, were... different. Softer. They no longer whispered cruel things. Instead, they spun tales of Goob—his bright smile, his awkward but endearing mannerisms, the way his fur looked so inviting. They whispered about how perfect he was.

Shrimpo found himself humming a light tune as he brushed his teeth. He felt... lighter. He couldn’t wait to try Goob’s cooking. He would savor every bite—

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Angst chapter again,how did I do writing a mental breakdown?

Do you think I made Shrimpo overreact?

No way 2k words in 1 chapter

Comments are most welcome!

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Chapter Text

One year ago.

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"Uh... Goob?" Scraps began, her voice unusually hesitant.

Goob glanced up, catching the serious look on her face. Something about her tone sent a small ripple of unease through him.

"You know that guy you've been hanging out with?" she continued, choosing her words carefully.

"Shrimpo?" Goob asked, already feeling a knot form in his stomach.

Scraps sighed deeply, as if the weight of what she had to say pressed down on her shoulders. "You really don’t know, do you?"

Goob blinked, confused. "What do you mean?"

Scraps paused, glancing at Shelly for support. Her silence made the air in the room feel heavier, thicker.

"Shrimpo isn’t who you think he is, Goob," Scraps finally said, her tone deadly serious.

Goob’s heart skipped a beat. "What are you talking about?"

Shelly, standing off to the side, stepped in. "Just tell him, Scraps. He’s your brother. You want to keep him safe, don’t you?"

Scraps took a deep breath, her eyes locking onto Goob’s. "Shrimpo has a reputation, Goob. He’s never been nice to anyone—especially not toons like us. He’s... notorious for bullying newcomers."

Goob stared at her, feeling the words hang in the air between them like a fog he couldn’t see through. "W-what? That’s... that’s not true, right? That’s not funny, Scraps."

But the look on both of their faces told him they weren’t joking.

"We’re serious, Goob," Shelly said, crossing her arms. "We think Shrimpo’s up to something. You need to be careful around him."

Goob's mind raced. "Are you sure about this? I mean... he's never acted like that with me."

Scraps gave him a somber nod. "Let's talk somewhere more private, okay? There's a lot you need to hear."

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"Hey, Goob! How you doing today?" Shrimpo chirped, his voice bright and full of energy.

"Uh..." Goob hesitated, his smile faltering. He felt a knot tighten in his chest.

Shrimpo tilted his head slightly, his grin fading just a little. "Is something wrong?"

Goob shuffled on his feet, avoiding eye contact. "It’s... uh... nothing. I-I gotta go, Shrimpo." His voice wavered, betraying his nerves.

For a moment, the air between them went still. Shrimpo’s smile slowly faded, his eyes searching Goob's face with quiet suspicion.

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"Goob, what was that last week? You haven’t been answering my calls or texts," Shrimpo said, approaching him with a forced smile. The usual energy behind it seemed strained, like it was barely holding together.

"S-sorry, Shrimpo... I, uh..." Goob stammered, unable to meet his gaze.

"Save it." Shrimpo’s voice cut through, sharper than usual, cold enough to send a shiver down Goob's spine. His usual chirpy tone was gone, replaced with something hard and raw.

Goob flinched, his face betraying his emotions—fear, unease, and a flicker of something worse: guilt. As Shrimpo studied him, the look on Goob’s face was too familiar, too much like everyone else’s—a mix of fear and apprehension, maybe even a hint of disgust.

Shrimpo’s posture stiffened, and as he turned to walk away, Goob caught a glimpse of something in his eyes. A glint. (like a tear)

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"That's Goob,go say hi!"

"You're so fluffy! Can I get a hug?"

"Goob, please join us for this project!"

"It's Goob! He looks even fluffier in real life..."

"Here, take some free tickets! Please, sit with us!"

"Goob, do you want to come to my birthday party?"

Goob had always been popular. Wherever he went, there were friends close by, each one eager for his company. Goob always wore a bright, infectious smile—life was good, after all. With his charming personality, cute face, and fluffy arms, it was no wonder he received all kinds of special treatment, from discounts to exclusive invitations. Everyone liked him, and even the older, more established toons like Shelly enjoyed hanging out with him. It seemed there was nothing better.

These phrases were a constant part of his day-to-day life. As a people-pleaser, Goob always tried to fulfill their requests, and they never seemed to tire of his company.

Goob loved it all. The buzz that followed him when people spotted him, the excited chatter as he walked by. Every compliment lifted him up, even though he was always being showered with them. Toons begged him to join their shows, to be their mascot. And frankly, it was amazing!

"Haha, that was a good one!" Goob chuckled, his laugh light and warm.

"Hehe, thanks!" the small toon beamed up at him. Goob felt a sense of warmth spread through him—there was nothing better than making people smile.

Even the newbies were eager to befriend him. His friends fawned over him, giving him gifts, making him feel like he was on top of the world. Anything he desired was just a smile away.

Goob entered his beloved room, which he kept meticulously neat. Plushies formed a perfect circle on the floor, while toys were scattered across colorful play mats. They weren’t for him—no, of course not! They were just for the children who visited... though, he might’ve found a little joy in playing with them himself. Nothing wrong with that, right?

Closing the door behind him, Goob sighed, feeling exhausted after the day's adventures. With a lighthearted leap, he dove into his bed, hugging a giant teddy bear tightly, a smile spreading across his face.

"Tomorrow's gonna be such a great day!" he mumbled excitedly, staring up at the ceiling. Fun ideas and exciting stories filled his head, and he welcomed each one with enthusiasm.

"You should give them all a plush!"

"How about a carnival mini-game?"

"Maybe a bit of excitement! Let’s do an aiming game!"

"I wonder how many I should surprise tomorrow!"

Goob chuckled softly, his mind abuzz with possibilities. Though he closed his eyes, sleep didn't come easily—he was too excited. He always was. Still clutching his teddy bear, he shifted restlessly in bed. Eventually, he turned on a soft lullaby, letting the gentle melody ease him toward slumber.

Thud.

THUD.

Goob jolted awake, confused and startled. Who was banging on the walls this late? He slipped on his fuzzy slippers, rubbing his eyes as he shuffled toward the noise, curiosity tugging at him.

"Late night adventure!" a voice inside him chirped.

Goob checked Shelly's room first. She was fast asleep, her door slightly ajar.

"Forgot to lock it again, huh?" he mumbled to himself, gently closing it.

Thud.

"Oh nooooooo!" a voice groaned dramatically.

"Oh nooooooo," a voice parroted.

Goob hesitated, staring at the door in front of him. The thuds were definitely coming from this room. A chill ran down his spine as the door seemed to emit an ominous aura. It was slightly ajar, as if inviting him in, though every instinct screamed for him to turn back.

"Shrimpo’s room..." he whispered under his breath.

Peeking through the narrow gap, Goob saw a hunched silhouette in the dim light. His heart skipped a beat, and for a fleeting moment, panic bubbled up inside him.

"Did Shrimpo beat up someone?" a worried voice whispered in his mind.

Taking a deep breath, Goob mustered his courage and gently pushed the door open, stepping through the threshold. His palms were sweaty, and his mind raced, but he knew he couldn’t turn away now.

"Uhh, Shrimpo, is something wrong?" Goob called out, his voice timid as he hovered by the door.

"Y-Yes! K-know how to knock? Dimwit..." came the reply, hoarse and strained.

"Oh, uh, I’m sorry," Goob quickly apologized, feeling a bit thrown off. Something about Shrimpo’s voice felt... off. More ragged than usual. Goob mentally kicked himself for not knocking. "Right... basic manners, how could I forget," he thought, feeling a wave of embarrassment wash over him.

Knocking was never easy for Goob. With his awkwardly long arms and claws, it was a challenge to do something so simple. Still, he raised his hand and gave the door a soft, clumsy tap before pushing it open again.

"Better?" he asked cautiously, peeking in.

"Are you kidding me?!" Shrimpo’s voice cut through the air, sharp and agitated.

Goob blinked, his vision struggling to adjust in the dark. He fumbled for the light switch, flipping it on without thinking. Shrimpo winced, shielding his eyes from the sudden brightness.

Goob’s eyes widened as he took in the sight before him. Shrimpo’s room was a mess—an absolute wreck. Empty food cartons littered the floor, crumpled papers were strewn about, and discarded clothes piled up in the corners. Trash lay everywhere, like the room had been neglected for days, maybe even weeks.

But more than the room, it was Shrimpo himself that shocked Goob. His eyes were bloodshot, the red tint stark against his pale complexion. His clothes were wrinkled, and he looked like he hadn’t slept in days.

Shrimpo muttered something, too quiet for Goob to catch.

"I’m so glad someone came to 'check on me,’" Shrimpo said, his tone thick with sarcasm, voice dripping with venom.

Goob blinked, still processing the state of the room when Shrimpo snapped again. "Goob, for fu*k’s sake, just get out!"

The harshness of the words stung, and Goob flinched as if physically struck. He wasn’t used to being yelled at, not like this. His heart sank, hurt creeping into his chest, but then again... this was Shrimpo.

"Oh... I just thought... something happened, you know? Like you fell down or something," Goob said softly, his voice now tinged with sadness.

"Just shut up!" Shrimpo snapped again, not even looking at him.

Goob, feeling more hurt than he wanted to admit, took a cautious step back. His face drooped, sadness flickering in his wide eyes. Without another word, he flicked off the lights and retreated, slipping back into the quiet comfort of his own room, the weight of Shrimpo’s words still hanging heavy in the air.

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I tried to draw a parallel between Shrimpo's first chapter which his life is described ( cracked facade) and this chapter,which describes Goob's life. (worlds apart)

Chapter Text

Note: this is ~ 2 months after the events of chapter 1,2 and 3.

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Goob woke up as enthusiastic as always, pushing aside his teddy bear and stretching with a wide yawn. He slipped into his clothes and left his room early, greeted by the familiar buzz and chatter of toons around him. As usual, all eyes were on him, but he didn't mind—he thrived in the spotlight. Glancing at his phone, Goob noticed his schedule was practically empty, but that didn’t worry him. He knew the day would soon fill up with fun and exciting activities.

When he reached Sprout and Cosmo’s bakery, he ordered his usual and tried to sit still, though his restless energy made it difficult. Fortunately, he had brought along a few trinkets to keep himself entertained while he waited. As he fiddled with them, Goob's mind drifted, imagining himself surrounded by his closest friends—Shelly, Boxten, and his older sister, Scraps. Yet, someone else appeared in his daydream this time: Shrimpo.

“Oh, hey there, Goob!” Cosmo’s voice snapped him out of his thoughts as the baker placed his order on the table. They exchanged the usual pleasantries, but Cosmo didn’t mention anything about Goob and Shrimpo visiting together. Maybe Cosmo hadn’t heard about it.

The memory of Shrimpo lingered, though. Goob couldn’t help but think back to what happened just two months ago. He’d found Shrimpo curled up on the floor, tears streaming down his face as he gasped for breath. Goob quickly shook off the thought—he hated dwelling on negative things, especially that moment. Today was meant to be bright and cheerful, after all.

As Goob finished his food, he wiped the crumbs from his mouth and glanced around, suddenly noticing how eerily empty the bakery was. Even as he headed back outside, the usual hustle and bustle of toons had vanished. It struck him as odd. Normally, even during work hours, there'd be at least a kid running up to him with an invite or couples strolling around. Today, though, there wasn’t a single toon in sight.

Right, he remembered now—there were a lot of major events happening. Razzle and Dazzle's performance, Vee’s gameshow registration, the archaeology event with Shelly, and of course, Dandy’s big concert. Everyone was busy with something. That wasn’t good news for Goob.

Returning to his room, Goob plopped down cross-legged on the floor, surrounded by his plushies. This was his usual way to fend off boredom, especially since he was so hyperactive all the time. He role-played, played video games, and even messed around with his toys. It usually kept him entertained for hours. But today? Nothing was working.

After only an hour, Goob was already restless. None of the TV programs seemed interesting, and even if something decent was airing, Goob just couldn't sit still long enough to enjoy it. For the first time, life didn’t feel as exciting, as if the world had taken a break without informing him. He was practically dying of boredom.

He pranced around his room, trying to think of something fun to do, but nothing sparked his interest. Everything felt dull. Even his toys, once a source of endless creativity and joy, felt uninspired. He tried to role-play a new scenario with his plushies, but abandoned it after a few minutes. He even booted up a video game, but couldn’t get into it.

Finally, Goob flopped down on his bed and stared at the ceiling, his fingers tapping the sides of his legs anxiously. His mind raced with the urge to move, to do something exciting, but no matter how much he brainstormed, there was nothing. The day was crawling by, slower than ever, and Goob—who lived for constant stimulation—was trapped in a never-ending loop of boredom.

He rolled over onto his stomach and buried his face into the giant teddy bear, groaning in frustration. “come on...” he muttered. But nothing around him changed. No one knocked on his door with an invitation, and no new messages popped up on his phone. His room, once filled with lively energy, now felt suffocatingly still. Even his toys seemed to stare back at him, as if waiting for him to make a move.

Goob sighed deeply, staring blankly at the ceiling again. For the first time, the world wasn’t buzzing around him, and he had no idea what to do with the silence.

.....

.....

.....

.....

.....

.....

Time seemed to crawl, each second stretching on longer than the last, as Goob restlessly shifted in place.

“There is one event today...” a voice in his head murmured, though it sounded hesitant, as if unsure.

"What is it?" Goob muttered aloud, curious. He found it a little odd, talking to himself, but the silence was unsettling.

“It’s, uh… Shrimpo’s birthday,” the voice finally responded.

Goob's eyes lit up. "Oh yeah! That’s something I can do!" he chirped, the excitement in his voice echoing back to him in the empty room. No one had ever really celebrated Shrimpo's birthday before—sad as it was. Goob was determined to make this one unforgettable. Humming to himself, he practically skipped out of his room, pleased with his new plan.

He made his usual stop at his favorite store, which sold everything from oversized tubs of mayonnaise to simple items like pens. The real treasure was its vast selection of birthday presents and party supplies. Goob was a frequent customer, especially with all the parties he liked to host.

“Hey, Goob! Back again?” the cashier toon greeted him with a smile.

“Of course!” Goob chirped back cheerfully.

“So, what’s on the agenda this time?” the toon asked, curiosity flickering in his eyes.

“I need something extra special today!” Goob replied with a big grin.

The cashier leaned in, a mischievous glint in his eye. “I gotta be honest—I’m not sure there’s anything in this store you haven’t bought already… unless…” He dropped his voice to a whisper. “I’ve got some special toys in the back, if you know what I mean.”

Goob blinked, oblivious to the toon’s suggestive tone. “Not at all!” he said with innocent enthusiasm. Sensing the awkwardness, he quickly added, “I’ll just take your best birthday decorations. Oh, and this crochet kit!”

The cashier raised an eyebrow, eyeing Goob’s claws. “Are you sure? I don’t think crochet’s really... your thing.”

“I’ll manage!” Goob chirped, determined.

With his supplies in hand, Goob raced back to his room, closing the door behind him with a squeal of excitement. He could already picture Shrimpo’s reaction. Decorating was second nature by now, even if his claws occasionally tore through a streamer or balloon. After a while, he stepped back to admire his handiwork, grinning at the colorful setup.

Goob then picked up the crochet kit, inspecting the instructions. “Seems easy enough,” he thought. A handmade gift would mean so much more than just another bracelet. He knew Shrimpo would appreciate the effort.

Goob returned to his room, shutting the door behind him with a soft squeal of excitement. He could hardly wait to see Shrimpo's reaction. Decorating was second nature to him by now, so he quickly got to work. Streamers, balloons, and bright banners transformed the space, though his claws occasionally snagged and tore a decoration or two. Still, in no time, the room looked festive and vibrant.

Taking a step back, Goob admired his work with a wide grin. It was perfect. He then grabbed the crochet kit, eyeing the instructions with determination.

"Looks easy enough," he thought confidently. A handmade gift would mean so much more to Shrimpo than just another store-bought bracelet. Goob was sure of it.

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Goob understood what the cashier had meant. His arms were far too long,and his claws were far to short. He had 0 experience trying to Crochet,and Internet tutorials weren't the most helpful. The worst part was Goob's terrible coordination. He was tangling not only the yarn but his own hand as well. Goob had never felt so frustrated his entire life. Finally,Goob settled for a disfigured plush of him self,sure,it's arms were uneven,and one of the eyes were drooping,but he's sure Shrimpo would appreciate the effort he had put in. Frantically packaging the gift,he realised he had to buy a cake. Time had flown by whilst he struggled,so Goob had to hurry.

Goob rushed out his room and sprinted slightly back to the bakery,placing an order for a cake. Since he was always buying birthday cakes,and that he was well-liked,Goob was given priority in the queue. Goob had to thank the new cashier,who could clearly see he was in a rush. Upon receiving the cake,which he didn't even know the flavour of,he ran excitedly back to his room, not even bothering to shut the door.

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Finally, all the preparations were done. It was time to throw Shrimpo's first and best birthday party. Goob dashed to Shrimpo's room, ready to spring the surprise, but when he tried to open the door, it stubbornly remained locked. Frustration bubbled up inside him.

Undeterred, Goob knocked on the door repeatedly, his knocks getting quicker and more insistent. Finally, an annoyed Shrimpo cracked the door open, his expression a mix of irritation and curiosity.

"What do you want?" he grumbled, though there was a slight hint of positivity in his voice that went unnoticed by Goob.

"Come on, Shrimpo! I have something to show you!" Goob exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with excitement. He spotted the bracelet he had gifted hanging from Shrimpo's wrist and a sly grin crept onto his face. Shrimpo couldn’t pretend it wasn’t there now.

"Uh, what is i—" Shrimpo began, but Goob wasn’t about to let him finish. With a mischievous glint in his eye, Goob swiftly wrapped his arms around Shrimpo, hoisting him off the ground.

"Surprise time!" Goob declared, a playful laugh escaping him as he dashed back to his room, completely ignoring Shrimpo's protests and requests to be put down. Goob relished the thrill of the moment, knowing this would be a birthday to remember—whether Shrimpo liked it or not.

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"SERIOUSLY?!" Shrimpo practically shouted. Goob's room was completely dark,and Goob was still holding onto him. Shrimpo struggled to escape his grasp as he flailed his arms around. Goob didn't bother,acting like it was like work to carry Shrimpo. Gently setting him down, Goob,filled with anticipation,flipped on the light switch.

"Happy Birthday Shrimpo!!!" Goob enthuastically shouted. Shrimpo just looked around dumbfounded.

"Come on Shrimpo!" Goob encouraging chirped,signaling for Shrimpo to head further in.

"I- I DIDNT NE-" Shrimpo started.

"Hush now,just enjoy!" Goob stated,playfully putting his claw on Shrimpo's lips.

Shrimpo stared at the decorations, his arms stiff at his sides. He glanced around, taking in the colorful streamers hanging from the ceiling, the mismatched balloons floating lazily, and the crooked banner that read, "Happy Birthday Shrimpo!" His eyes landed on a small, unevenly wrapped present sitting on the table, right next to an extravagant cake.

“I, uh...” Shrimpo started, but it wasn’t like there was anything he could do now. Goob had already seen him without the usual facade. But that didn’t stop the embarrassment from creeping up on him. His cheeks heated as he fumbled with his hands, trying to figure out what to say, but the words didn’t come.

"What's this?" Shrimpo muttered, resting his arm beside the gift box sitting on the table.

Goob’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “Don’t be impatient, Shrimpo! That’s for last!” he chirped, practically bouncing with energy.

Shrimpo rolled his eyes, slumping back into his chair. He didn’t want the present; he just wanted to know what it was... Right? Shrimpo wanted it immediately, but there was no way he was about to admit that.

“Have a seat!” Goob commanded, pointing toward the chair with an exaggerated sweep of his arm. Shrimpo awkwardly obliged, his body stiff as he settled into the seat. The whole scene felt alien to him—flashing decorations, balloons, the crumpled banner hanging above his head that screamed "Happy Birthday" in sloppy handwriting. It was all too much.

And then, Goob started singing.

Shrimpo grimaced as the first high-pitched notes escaped Goob’s mouth,it wasn't that Goob' singing was awful,it was that he didn’t even recognize the song, and whatever it was.instead, it was the sheer effort that Goob was putting into it that warmed up Shrimpo. No one had ever done this for him—no one had even bothered to remember his birthday before. And now this. It was overwhelming.

The song ended with Goob striking a dramatic pose, out of breath but beaming proudly. “Now, for the best part!” Goob announced with a flourish, dashing over to the table and grabbing the gift box. He carried it over with both hands, holding it out like it was some grand treasure.

Shrimpo stared at the box. It was wrapped messily in bright paper, the edges uneven, and the tape barely holding it together. Despite himself, Shrimpo’s fingers twitched as he took it, a strange mix of anticipation and dread settling in his stomach. He didn't know what to expect—but somehow, that made it worse.

“Go on!” Goob encouraged, practically buzzing with excitement.

With a heavy sigh, Shrimpo carefully tore at the wrapping paper, exposing the contents inside. When he finally opened the box, he blinked in surprise. Inside, there was a disfigured and crude plushie of Goob—a handmade version of Goob, its arms uneven, one of its eyes drooping slightly, and the stitching clearly amateurish.

Shrimpo just stared at it, unable to process what he was looking at.

“I made it myself!” Goob said, his grin stretching even wider. “It’s not perfect, but I thought you’d like something personal.”

Shrimpo’s throat tightened as he looked at the crooked plush in his hands. It was one of the ugliest things he’d ever seen... but it was also the first gift anyone had ever made just for him. His chest felt heavy, a knot forming in his stomach as he tried to think of something—*anything*—to say.

But all that came out was a quiet, “...Thanks.”

Goob, oblivious to the storm of emotions inside Shrimpo, gave him a thumbs-up. "I knew you'd love it! And now, cake!"

Shrimpo looked at the cake Goob had ordered—he hadn’t even noticed it until now. It was massive, decorated with bright colors and what looked like a bunch of random designs that made no sense together. Goob must’ve just grabbed whatever looked fun to him.

Shrimpo’s lips twitched, the hint of a smile barely forming. "You really went all out, huh?" he mumbled, his voice softer than before.

“Only the best for my buddy!” Goob cheered, already cutting into the cake. “You deserve it, Shrimpo!”

Shrimpo didn’t respond, staring down at the little plushie Goob. For the first time in a long while, he wasn’t sure how to feel—except, maybe, grateful. Shrimpo turned to Goob, tears of joy obvious in his eyes,he smiled genuinely,from the bottom of his heart,and thanked him.

Goob’s heartbeat sped up as he took in the sight before him. It wasn’t the usual joy he felt when someone smiled, nor was it the sense of accomplishment from making someone like Shrimpo—who never smiled—show a hint of happiness. No, this was different. His heart raced, and his face felt a little warm, like there was something bubbling up inside him he couldn’t quite explain.

He stared at Shrimpo, still holding the crooked plush in his hands. There was a strange softness in Shrimpo’s expression, and Goob found himself lingering on it, his mind running through thoughts that felt... foreign. His fingers twitched as if unsure of what to do with themselves.

Why am I feeling like this? Goob thought, confused by the sudden change in his body. The room seemed to close in slightly, not in a bad way, but in a way that made him hyper-aware of the space between them. Goob blinked, shaking his head as if to clear the odd sensation.

Shrimpo, still oblivious, set the plush down on his lap and picked up a fork. “You’re acting weird,” he muttered, raising an eyebrow.

Goob blinked again, forcing out a laugh, scratching the back of his neck with a nervous grin. “Weird? Me? Nah! It’s just, you know... I’m really glad you’re having a good time.”

Shrimpo didn’t seem convinced but shrugged, too focused on the cake to care. “Yeah, well, it’s not as terrible as I thought it’d be,” he admitted, a rare hint of honesty in his voice.

Goob’s chest tightened again, that warmth from earlier still lingering. He wasn’t sure what it was, but something had definitely changed, and it wasn’t just the decorations or the party.

It was something much more personal.

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Shrimpo smiled, replaying his memories with Goob in his mind, each one tugging him closer. The more he thought about their time together, the more he realized just how much Goob had worked his way into his heart. Hugging the crooked plushie Goob had made, Shrimpo felt his heart race and his chest tighten, a sensation he’d never expected from someone like Goob.

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Goob, sitting in his own room, found himself smiling too. His mind wandered to the moments he'd shared with Shrimpo, each memory becoming more vivid, more significant. The feeling that had made his heart flutter earlier was still there, and it was becoming harder to ignore. What was that feeling, exactly?

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"Do I... like Goob?" Shrimpo thought, his face heating up as the realization settled in. The idea flustered him, but he couldn’t deny the warmth that filled his chest.

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"Do I... like Shrimpo?" Goob wondered, his heart pounding. The thought left him just as flustered, but for some reason, it felt right.

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Countdown to final chapter :DDDD

I just thought ill clear some things up

1. The 'voices' in my writing are representations of inner thoughts in my artsyle.

2. For long term readers,yes,I am moving Shrimpo's realisation here for better pacing

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"This story is great,I should leave kudos and a comment"

No that wasn't in the fanfic,you're not even reading this line. That is your inner thought and you want to do it.

Fr fr

Chapter Text

Goob, as enthusiastic as ever, was pacing in front of Boxten, Shelly, and his sister Scraps. They were all sitting together at their usual spot in the park, basking in the warm afternoon sun. But today, Goob had a mission. He had to convince them that Shrimpo wasn’t just some grumpy loner, but someone worth their time.

“Look, I know you guys don’t exactly get along with Shrimpo,” Goob started, nervously rubbing his hands together, “but he’s not as bad as you think. He’s just... misunderstood!”

Boxten, resting his injured leg on a nearby rock, raised an eyebrow. “Misunderstood? Goob, the guy barely says two words without snapping at someone. And those two words are usually get lost.”

Shelly, arms crossed, chimed in. “Yeah, and he’s not exactly friendly, either."

Goob bit his lip, realizing this was going to be tougher than he thought. He shifted his gaze to Scraps, hoping for some support, but his sister was busy adjusting her jacket, clearly uninterested in the conversation.

"Okay, okay, I know he comes off rough!" Goob admitted, throwing his hands up. "But he's got a lot going on under the surface. He’s been through stuff, and he’s not used to... well, being around people like us."

Boxten narrowed his eyes. “People like us?”

“You know,” Goob gestured animatedly, “we’re all... open! Friendly! We wear our hearts on our sleeves. Shrimpo’s more like... a locked treasure chest. And, uh, I’m pretty sure there’s good stuff inside, but you’ve gotta work to get to it.”

Scraps finally looked up, her curiosity piqued. “You sure there’s treasure in that chest? Because all I’ve seen is someone who actively avoids everyone.”

Goob sighed, then quickly perked up again. “Yes! There’s treasure, I swear! I mean, just last week, I saw him wearing the bracelet I made him! And you should’ve seen him when I threw that birthday party for him. He smiled! I swear it wasn’t an evil smile or anything. It was real.”

Boxten leaned back, crossing his arms. “A birthday party? For Shrimpo? How’d that even go?”

“It was great! At first, he was all grumbly and ‘I don’t need this,’ but by the end, he was actually enjoying himself. He just... he needs friends, you know?”

Shelly raised an eyebrow. “I’ve never seen him smile before. Ever.”

“I know! That’s what I’m saying,” Goob insisted. “You guys only see the tough, moody side of him, but I’m telling you, there’s more to him. We just need to give him a chance.”

Scraps, ever the practical one, shrugged. “Alright, Goob. Let’s say you’re right. What do you want us to do? We’re not exactly Shrimpo’s favorite people, and I don’t think forcing it is going to work.”

Goob’s face lit up, already anticipating her response. “I’m not saying we bombard him with attention or anything. Just... be a little more patient when he’s around. Try to talk to him, you know? Maybe even include him in some of the stuff we do.”

Boxten frowned. “You want us to invite him?”

“Yes!” Goob clapped his hands together. “Look, I know it sounds crazy, but I think if you guys just make the effort, he’ll warm up. I mean, he’s got to, right? He can’t stay grumpy forever.”

Shelly exchanged a skeptical glance with Boxten. “This is coming from the guy who said we should invite the raccoons to movie night last month.”

“They seemed lonely!” Goob defended, then quickly refocused. “But seriously, I’m telling you, Shrimpo just needs a push. I’ve already seen glimpses of it.”

Scraps sighed, standing up and stretching. “Fine. I’ll give it a shot. But if he bites, I’m blaming you.”

Goob grinned, his heart soaring. “He won’t bite! I promise! Well, probably not...”

Boxten and Shelly both stood up too, looking a little more resigned than excited, but at least they weren’t completely against the idea.

“Alright, Goob,” Boxten said, cracking his knuckles, “we’ll try. But no guarantees.”

"Success!" A voice chirped

“That’s all I’m asking for!” Goob beamed. “You won’t regret it. I’ll make sure of it!”

As they all started heading back toward the center of town, Goob couldn’t help but feel proud. If anyone could break down Shrimpo’s walls, it would be him—and maybe, just maybe, his friends would help too.

Shrimpo might not know it yet, but his world was about to get a whole lot more chaotic—whether he liked it or not.

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Goob was practically bouncing as he walked alongside Boxten, Shelly, and Scraps. It was a huge relief that they hadn’t completely shut down his idea. Convincing them to give Shrimpo a chance felt like a small victory in itself, but now the real challenge layed ahead, actually getting them to like him—and more importantly, getting Shrimpo to tag along.

“So,” Scraps said, adjusting her jacket as they crossed the street, “what’s the plan here? You just want us to, what, casually approach Shrimpo and start talking like we’re all best pals?”

Goob shook his head quickly. “No, no. That won’t work. Shrimpo’s not really the ‘small talk’ type. You’ve gotta... ease into it, y’know? Don’t come off too strong. He doesn’t do well with that.”

“Ease into it?” Boxten echoed, skeptical. “How do we ease into talking to a guy who looks like he wants to bite your head off half the time?”

Goob gave a sheepish grin. “I’ve been working on that part. He’s, uh, rough around the edges, but I promise, once you get past that initial... grumpiness, he’s actually pretty cool.”

Shelly sighed, kicking at a small pebble as they walked. “I don’t get what you see in him, Goob. No offense, but Shrimpo seems like the type who doesn’t want anything to do with people like us.”

“That’s just it!” Goob exclaimed, eyes bright. “He acts like he doesn’t want to be around anyone, but I think it’s because he’s never had friends who actually tried. He’s built up this wall, and yeah, it’s tall, but I really think if we keep chipping away at it, he’ll open up.”

Scraps raised an eyebrow. “What makes you so sure?”

Goob paused, glancing at his sister. His voice softened a little. “Because I’ve seen it, Scraps. I’ve seen those little moments where he lets his guard down. Like, when I gave him that bracelet, I thought he’d throw it away, but he wears it. That’s something, right?”

Boxten shrugged, non-committal. “Maybe. Or he just likes free stuff.”

Goob rolled his eyes. “He’s not like that! Look, you’ll see. He’s got more to him than just that grumpy attitude.”

They reached a bench by the fountain in the middle of the town square, and the four of them sat down. The bustling sounds of toons running errands and chatting filled the air, and for a brief moment, Goob’s excitement faded as a small wave of doubt crept in. What if Shrimpo wasn’t ready to open up yet? What if his friends didn’t see what Goob saw?

Scraps nudged him. “So, what’s your brilliant plan?”

Goob perked up, shaking the doubt from his mind. “Okay, so here’s the idea. We’ll start small—maybe we all hang out together, like we usually do, but I invite Shrimpo along. No pressure, no big deal. We can do something low-key, like play some games or grab food. Just give him a chance to feel comfortable.”

Shelly leaned back against the bench, thinking it over. “Alright, fine. But what if he says no?”

Goob flashed a grin. “He won’t. Trust me. If I ask, he’ll show up.”

Scraps raised an eyebrow again, but said nothing. It was clear she wasn’t completely sold, but at least she was willing to try.

“I’ll talk to him after this,” Goob continued, “and I’ll set something up. I just need you guys to be yourselves, don’t force anything, but, you know, try to include him. And if he’s quiet, that’s fine. He’ll come around.”

Boxten chuckled. “You make it sound like we’re trying to train a shy animal.”

Goob grinned. “In a way, yeah. But instead of treats, we’re offering friendship!”

Scraps snorted. “Good luck with that.”

The group sat for a while longer, discussing possible ideas for how to approach Shrimpo. Boxten suggested playing cards since it didn’t require too much interaction, while Shelly offered to take him to the museum—“Nobody can be grumpy around dinosaurs.” she said.

Goob’s heart swelled with pride as his friends brainstormed. They might not have been sold on Shrimpo just yet, but they were trying. That was more than he could’ve asked for.

After they parted ways, Goob headed straight for Shrimpo’s room. His heart was pounding, but this time, it wasn’t from excitement—it was nerves. What if Shrimpo shut him down? What if he didn’t want to hang out with the others? He knew convincing his friends was one thing, but convincing Shrimpo would be a whole other battle.

Goob knocked lightly on Shrimpo’s door, bouncing slightly on his heels. After a long moment, the door creaked open just a sliver, revealing Shrimpo’s usual grumpy expression.

“What do you want, Goob?” Shrimpo muttered, his tone flat as always.

Goob put on his best, brightest smile. “Hey, Shrimpo! I was thinking—me and the gang are getting together tomorrow, just to hang out, play some games, maybe grab some food. You wanna join us?”

Shrimpo blinked, his expression unreadable. “With... them?”

“Yeah!” Goob said, trying to keep his tone light. “Boxten, Shelly, and Scraps. It’ll be fun, I promise! No pressure or anything, just... you know, chill.”

Shrimpo narrowed his eyes slightly, suspicion creeping into his voice. “Why would they want me there?”

Goob’s smile faltered for just a second. “Because... you’re my friend, and I want you to be part of the group. You don’t have to talk a lot or anything, just... come. I think you’d like it.”

There was a long pause as Shrimpo stared at him, seemingly weighing his options. Goob held his breath, hoping, please don’t say no.

Finally, Shrimpo shrugged, his voice still as gruff as ever. “I’ll think about it.”

Goob beamed. “That’s all I’m asking!”

As he turned to leave, Goob couldn’t help but feel a surge of hope. It wasn’t a yes, but it wasn’t a no either. If Shrimpo showed up tomorrow, it would be the first step toward breaking down those walls.

And Goob was determined to see it happen.

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The sun was shining bright over the beach, casting a golden glow across the sand as Goob, Boxten, Shelly, Scraps, and Shrimpo gathered by the shoreline. The rhythmic sound of the waves crashing and the salty breeze filled the air, setting a peaceful backdrop for their little gathering.

Goob couldn't believe Shrimpo had actually shown up. True to form, Shrimpo had been quiet, hanging back a little as the group settled in. But he was here. That was enough to give Goob a sense of victory.

"Alright, let’s kick things off!" Boxten said, tossing down a volleyball he’d brought along. “Who’s up for some beach games?”

Shelly grinned, pulling out a frisbee. “I’m game! We could do something easy first.”

Goob noticed Shrimpo hanging near the back of the group, his arms crossed, eyes shaded by the brim of his cap. He wasn’t sure if Shrimpo was feeling uncomfortable or just keeping his usual distance, but Goob wasn’t about to let him stay on the sidelines.

“Hey Shrimpo!” Goob called out, bouncing over to him. “You ever played frisbee before?”

Shrimpo raised an eyebrow. “Does it look like I play frisbee?”

Goob chuckled, unfazed by the grumpiness. “Well, no, but there’s a first time for everything, right? Come on, give it a try.”

Shrimpo gave a noncommittal grunt, but he didn’t say no. Goob took that as a good sign and handed him the frisbee. Shelly, Boxten, and Scraps had already spread out in a loose circle, waiting for them to join.

“Alright, just toss it lightly,” Goob encouraged, demonstrating with a flick of his wrist. “See? Easy!”

Shrimpo hesitated for a moment, then finally took the frisbee. With a look of mild disinterest, he tossed it to Shelly. The frisbee wobbled a bit, but Shelly caught it with ease, smiling as if Shrimpo had just pulled off the perfect throw.

“Not bad!” Shelly said brightly. “Here, catch!”

She tossed the frisbee back toward Shrimpo, who caught it without much effort.

Shrimpo gave a small shrug but didn’t protest when they kept passing it around. Goob could feel the atmosphere easing up, the usual tension around Shrimpo softening bit by bit.

They played frisbee for a while, laughing as they made increasingly ridiculous throws. Even Shrimpo cracked a small smile when Scraps made an overdramatic dive into the sand to catch a particularly wild toss from Boxten.

After the game, they settled down by the water’s edge, sitting in a loose circle as the waves gently lapped at their feet. Shelly passed around some snacks she’d packed, and the conversation flowed easily between the group. Goob kept glancing over at Shrimpo, who was unusually quiet even for him, but he seemed more relaxed than before.

“So, Shrimpo,” Scraps said after a while, breaking the silence. “You’re not much of a beach person, huh?”

Shrimpo glanced at her, his usual guarded expression in place. “Not really.”

Scraps grinned. “Yeah, me neither. Sand’s annoying, right?”

Boxten chuckled. “You say that, but you’re the one who wanted to come to the beach.”

Scraps rolled her eyes. “I’m here for the company, not the sand.”

Goob noticed the corners of Shrimpo’s mouth twitch, almost like he was suppressing a smile.

They spent the rest of the afternoon lounging around, occasionally taking dips in the water or throwing a ball around. Shrimpo, true to form, didn’t participate in every activity, but he didn’t seem to mind just hanging out. Every now and then, Goob would catch him glancing around the group, almost like he was trying to figure out how he’d ended up in this strange, unlikely gathering.

As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, casting a warm orange glow over the beach, the group settled down on their towels, quietly watching the sunset. It was a rare moment of peace and stillness, one that felt oddly intimate in a way Goob hadn’t expected.

Goob nudged Shrimpo lightly with his elbow. “Pretty nice, huh?”

Shrimpo looked at him, then out at the horizon. He was silent for a moment before finally nodding. “Yeah. It’s... not bad.”

Goob smiled to himself, his heart feeling a little lighter. He wasn’t sure if the others noticed it, but he could tell something was shifting. Shrimpo might not be opening up all the way yet, but there was a crack in that wall of his—and Goob was determined to keep chipping away at it.

As the last rays of sunlight dipped below the horizon, Scraps stood up and stretched. “Alright, I think it’s time we head back. I’m starving.”

The group gathered up their things, packing away towels and snacks. Goob caught Shrimpo’s eye and gave him a small, hopeful smile. “Hey, thanks for coming out today. I know this isn’t really your scene, but... I’m glad you came.”

Shrimpo looked at him, his expression unreadable for a moment, then shrugged. “It wasn’t... terrible.”

Goob chuckled. “That’s high praise coming from you.”

As they headed back toward the town, walking side by side, Goob couldn’t help but feel like today had been a success. Maybe it wasn’t the most exciting day ever, but it was a start. Shrimpo had spent the day with them, had joined in (even if reluctantly), and hadn’t bailed halfway through.

That was more than Goob could’ve hoped for. And he was sure, little by little, the others would start to see what he saw in Shrimpo.

Tomorrow, he’d come up with another plan—maybe something a little more Shrimpo-friendly. But for now, he was content with how things were unfolding. Slowly but surely, they were breaking through that grumpy exterior.

And who knew? Maybe one day, Shrimpo wouldn’t just be the guy who tagged along—maybe he’d be part of the group for real.

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The following day, Goob dragged the group to the local arcade. Shrimpo, predictably, stood off to the side while Boxten and Scraps battled it out on the air hockey table, and Shelly cheered them on. But Goob wouldn't let Shrimpo be a bystander for long. He convinced him to try a shooting game, and, much to everyone’s surprise, Shrimpo was unnervingly good at it. Goob, determined to impress, kept up, though his competitive streak only seemed to make Shrimpo smirk.

Later, they wandered over to the ice cream stand by the boardwalk. Goob, ever the energetic one, insisted on trying all the weirdest flavors, while Shrimpo stuck to something simple. Even still, Goob’s enthusiasm was infectious, and Shrimpo couldn't help but laugh a little at his bizarre choices.

As the day wound down and the sun started setting, the group sat at a bench overlooking the sea, casually chatting and enjoying the last moments of daylight. Shelly leaned over to Boxten, her eyes following Goob and Shrimpo as they shared quiet words, Goob bumping his shoulder playfully against Shrimpo’s.

“They kinda look like a gay couple, don’t they?” Shelly whispered with a sly grin.

Boxten snorted. "You noticed that too, huh?"

The two shared a knowing look, watching as Goob nudged Shrimpo, the two seeming more connected than before.

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As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow across the sky, Goob found himself walking a little slower next to Shrimpo, their friends trailing behind at a distance. The day had been fun—maybe even more than usual—and Goob couldn't stop glancing over at Shrimpo, who seemed more relaxed than he ever remembered.

Goob’s heart raced, his thoughts a blur of everything they’d done together lately. All the little moments he couldn’t stop thinking about. He swallowed hard, his palms suddenly sweaty. It felt like now or never.

“Shrimpo, hey…” Goob began, his voice quieter than usual.

Shrimpo raised an eyebrow, stopping to look at Goob. “What?”

Goob shifted on his feet, his usual confidence faltering. “Uh, I’ve been thinking... about stuff. About you. Us.”

Shrimpo’s expression softened, but he didn’t say anything, waiting for Goob to continue.

Goob took a deep breath, his eyes darting away before locking back onto Shrimpo’s. “I think... No, I know... I love you, Shrimpo. Like, not just as a friend.”

Shrimpo blinked, clearly taken aback. The silence hung between them for what felt like forever.

Goob rushed on, trying to fill the space. “I know it’s weird, and I know you’re, like, not exactly the easiest guy to get along with. But I—well, I kinda like that about you. A lot. You’re... real, you know? And you’ve changed since we’ve started hanging out, or maybe I’m just noticing things I didn’t before. Either way, I—I just wanted you to know.”

Shrimpo stared at him, still processing. Then, slowly, a small, rare smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "You’re an idiot," he said, but his tone was soft—almost fond.

Goob’s heart nearly leaped out of his chest. “Yeah, but I’m your idiot, right?”

.
.
.

Shrimpo rolled his eyes but didn’t pull away.

“Guess so.”

Chapter Text

“Come on, Vee, help us out!” Goob pleaded, practically bouncing on his feet with excitement.

“No way! I do game shows, not bonding exercises, and my ratings are definitely taking a hit,” Vee asserted, crossing her arms with a firm shake of her head.

“I’ll handle this,” Shelly said confidently, walking up to Vee and leaning in to whisper something in her ear. The transformation was immediate—Vee’s resistance melted away, and she suddenly flashed a wide grin.

“Alright, fine! I’ll help out. And guess what? I’ll even bring Razzle & Dazzle, too!” Vee chirped with enthusiasm.

Goob blinked in surprise. “Wait, what did you say to her?” he asked, curious and a little suspicious.

Shelly shrugged, blinking awkwardly. “I just asked her nicely.” She smiled innocently, as if it was no big deal.

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“Hey there, viewers! Today we have a very special event lined up for you!” Vee announced, her voice brimming with excitement as she faced the cameras. Shrimpo, standing just offstage, rolled his eyes at Vee’s over the top enthusiasm.

“And guess what? Our pal Goob here has a challenge—he wants to prove to everyone that Shrimpo can be nice!” Vee continued, adding a dramatic flair.

From behind her, Razzle and Dazzle leaned in, their synchronized voices finishing her sentence, "Shrimpo,nice? Now that's interesting!” "(how is he going to prove that...)"

Backstage, Shrimpo was panicking, his anxiety hitting new heights. “I-I thought you said we’d just be the audience!” he stammered, his voice shaky.

With a playful wink, Goob leaned in close, gently nudging Shrimpo’s arm. “Relax, it'll be fine! I’ll do all the talking. You just have to play along,” Goob reassured him, his tone light and encouraging.

Shrimpo let out a long sigh, knowing he didn’t really have a choice. “Fine... but if this gets weird, I’m out,” he muttered under his breath as they stepped onto the brightly lit stage.

The audience roared with anticipation, and the colorful lights spun in circles above their heads. Goob was in his element, waving happily to the crowd as they settled into their places.

Shrimpo broke out in a cold sweat.

"What if I mess up?" A voice worriedly asked.

“Alright, folks!” Vee called out. “To start off, Goob will share some of his favorite moments with Shrimpo that show just how sweet this tough guy really is!”

Goob smiled brightly as he stood center stage, turning to face the crowd. “You see, Shrimpo might seem like a grump, but once you get past that hard shell, he’s one of the kindest toons around. Like that time—”

As Goob recounted one memory after another—how Shrimpo had helped him out of a tough spot, the time he’d given him that bracelet, and how, despite his complaints, he always stuck by Goob’s side—the audience’s murmurs began to change. Some smiled, others nodded, as Goob painted a picture of someone who wasn’t just grumpy but genuinely caring beneath the surface.

Shrimpo, still trying to maintain his usual gruffness, crossed his arms and tried to look unaffected, but Goob’s stories clearly got to him. His tough exterior started to crack as the audience’s reactions softened.

"Come on, Shrimpo, let’s show them how nice you can really be!" Goob teased, nudging him in the side.

Shrimpo grumbled but went along with it. “Fine... but don’t get used to it,” he muttered.

Vee clapped her hands dramatically. “Alright! Now for the real test! Razzle, Dazzle, bring out the challenge!”

From the side of the stage, Razzle and Dazzle appeared, wheeling out a large board filled with activities,they spun the wheel.

"Complement each other!” Razzle announced, grinning mischievously.

Shrimpo groaned. “This is ridiculous.”

“Come on, Shrimpo, it’ll be fun!” Goob encouraged, pulling him toward the board of activities. The first challenge involved complimenting each other, and to everyone’s surprise, Shrimpo hesitated only for a second before muttering, “You’re... annoying, but you’re always there for me.”

The audience gasped, and Goob’s heart fluttered. “You’re not so bad yourself,” Goob replied, his voice warm.

The challenges progressed, with each one drawing out a softer side of Shrimpo—whether it was working together on goofy games or simply laughing along with the absurdity of it all. By the time they reached the final task, even Shrimpo couldn’t deny the fun he was having.

The crowd clapped and cheered as the two of them stood side by side, clearly having grown closer over the course of the show. Razzle and Dazzle exchanged knowing glances, leaning into their microphones.

“(They look like a couple...)” Dazzle commented.

“A gay couple!” Razzle added with a wink.

Goob blushed, his heart pounding. The lights, the noise—it all seemed to fade away as he looked at Shrimpo, standing there with that rare, small smile on his face.

“Now, to end the show with a bang!” Vee and Razzle chirped in perfect unison, their excitement practically bouncing off the studio walls.

“D-do we really have to do th—?” Shrimpo stammered, nervousness creeping into his voice as he glanced at the crowd. His face flushed with hesitation, clearly not accustomed to being in the spotlight for something so personal.

But before Shrimpo could finish his sentence, Goob took charge. He wrapped his arms around Shrimpo and pulled him in close, not waiting for any more second-guessing. Right there, in front of the cheering crowd, Goob leaned in and kissed him. Shrimpo’s eyes widened in shock, his heart hammering in his chest, but after a moment, he relaxed. He hesitated no more, melting into the embrace, and hugged Goob back as they shared the kiss that felt like a lifetime in the making.

.
.
.

The crowd went wild, cheers and applause flooding the stage, fully supporting the new relationship. Confetti rained down, and the lights seemed to shine even brighter as the audience celebrated the moment.

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Shelly stood off to the side, watching the scene unfold with a soft, envious smile. How she wished she could have something like that—with Vee. Her eyes darted to the side, stealing a glance at Vee, only to realize Vee was already looking at her.

They both gasped in surprise, quickly turning away before exchanging an awkward glance. Shelly's cheeks flushed a deep crimson, while a pair of bashful blush marks lit up Vee’s display, flickering in sync with her emotions.

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On the other side of the stage, Razzle beamed, nudging his brother in the ribs with a playful grin. “Come on, Dazzle! Smile a little! Don’t we make such a good cupid?”

Dazzle huffed, but a small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “(I guess so...),” he muttered, finally letting a slight smile break through as he watched the happy couple.
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Goob and Shrimpo pulled out of the kiss,still blushing, they stared back at the crowd.

Vee’s voice boomed over the noise. “Well, there you have it, folks! True love on 'Romance Roulette!'

Boxten cackled as he stared at the astonished Scraps. "I knew it!" He exclaimed.

And just like that, under the bright studio lights, surrounded by cheering fans, Goob and Shrimpo shared a moment that neither of them would forget. Now, they had the perfect ending.

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