It was another cold day on the SMP. Ranboo was sitting at home and watching the snow fall. He'd spent all day chopping down trees to get emeralds from the villagers, so he sat in silence, enjoying this well-deserved break. Ranboo let his thoughts absorb him as he watched the flakes pile up.
Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted a dark figure approaching his front door. He jolted out of his thoughts and stood up quickly.
Who would visit me at this time at night? He wondered. Did I forget if I was having someone over tonight?
There was a firm knock at the door. Ranboo shivered.
Maybe Tubbo needs some materials... He thought as he walked to open the door. Maybe Tommy wants help mining or something...
But as he opened the door, he didn't see any of his friends. Instead, there was Wilbur, looking cold, but grinning eerily.
Ranboo felt another shiver crawl up his spine. If Wilbur was here, it couldn't mean anything good. Ever since he met Wilbur, or whatever Wilbur is now... he hasn't been fond of Ranboo. Tommy had warned him that Wilbur wasn't the same friend he'd had before, and Ranboo could tell. This wasn't the brave hero Ranboo had heard stories about, this was a frightening husk of that man, who happened to not like Ranboo very much.
"Oh... Hi Wilbur, Phil isn't here right no-" Ranboo started
"I'm not here to talk to Phil, I'm here to talk to you!" Wilbur's grin was unwavering, and it seemed more like a threat to Ranboo than an expression of happiness.
"Um... okay... why?" Ranboo stuttered.
"I've figured you out!" Wilbur said triumphantly, letting himself in.
"What...?" Ranboo said, even more confused.
"I know why you act so weak and pathetic!" Wilbur chuckled.
Ranboo stared at him blankly. "I- What? What does that even mean?!"
"Oh Ranboo, you've been the toughest case to crack, seeing as you never break character, but I've done it!"
"Hold on, what are you suggesting? Ranboo's curiosity rose.
"You can drop the act. I know how you've been playing everyone for fools!"
"Okay okay," Ranboo said, getting impatient. "If you've figured out my plan, explain it to me."
"Oh Ranboo, of course. You've been keeping up this useless, pitiful act to make everyone want to protect you." He chuckled again, folding his hands together. "You've used your disgusting nonthreatening demeanor to make everybody think they're your friend, while building an army of supporters who believe your masterful act."
"Wait a minute that's not at all-" He protested.
"Really, Ranboo, you can drop the act. My only question is how you got Tommy and Tubbo so uselessly protective over you. I always thought they, or at least Tommy, were smart kids." He said inquisitively, tapping his chin.
"No, Wilbur, you misundersta-"
"Oh I understand perfectly Ra-"
"I DON'T THINK YOU DO!" Ranboo yelled, tired of being interrupted.
That seemed to shut Wilbur up.
"Look. I know you think you've hit some sort of manipulation jackpot with me, but I promise you," He stared directly into Wilbur's eyes, "I would never hurt my friends."
Wilbur broke eye contact, staring at his feet, his fists shaking with rage.
"FINE! Than I DON'T understand! How can someone in such a perfect position as you pass up this opportunity?!?" He looked up at Ranboo.
"I guess we aren't as similar as you'd like to believe." Ranboo growled.
Wilbur pondered this for a moment before storming out of Ranboo's house without another word.
Ranboo sighed and walked back to the window, watching Wilbur's dark shape grow smaller as he walked further and further from Ranboo's house.
As he stared, he found only one thought in his head.
I'd never hurt my friends...
Would I?
