How to take down an empire with voices in your head

6. A Welcomed Surprise

The smell of a morning after a long lonely night of rain hit Ranboo as he walked out the hotel doors, after his talk with Puffy he strolled along the prime path for a while until it started to rain. He decided on staying the night at Jack Manifold's hotel rather than trying to run as quickly as he could through the rain. After checking in he sat on his bed and watched the rain with disappointment.  

Eventually, he did try to go to sleep, and eventually, he did go to sleep.

Now here he was looking at the lamp post with a raindrop splashing into the puddle beneath every so often. After a nice deep breath, he set out on the prime path again, heading to the community nether portal.

After a long walk of navigating through the nether and the snow, Ranboo had made it to Snow Chester. 

"Hello Ranboo," a voice called from behind him, making him quickly turn around to see Tommy standing near the docks of Snow Chester. 

"Oh hey Tommy. What are you doing here?" Ranboo asked, looking around. "Oh well, I was checking if Tubbo was here. Seems as though he's not." Tommy said with a content sigh. 

"Oh, alright" Ranboo hummed, turning to take a look at the mansion. "Why were you here?" Tommy questioned regaining Ranboo's focus. "I was checking in on Michael, and also seeing if Tubbo was here," Ranboo said, whirling around to walk to the small cabin where Michael waited.

 "Wait how many times do you guys even visit Michael? Isn't he like a fucking toddler?" Tommy asked following Ranboo. "I know Tubbo sees him every day if you are worried about us neglecting him. We would never though, and I haven't ever gone more than a week without at least staying the night with him." Ranboo said walking up the stairs.

 "A week?" Tommy questioned peeking through one of the windows. 

"A week" Ranboo repeated before opening the door. They both went up the ladder to see Michael drawing on his bed with his chicken at his side.

 "Oh Michael it's so lovely to see you," Tommy said walking in front of Ranboo.

Ranboo laughed and rested next to the bed, "Hi Michael." Micheal only snorted and continued to concentrate on his drawing. 

"What is he even drawing?" Tommy said, peeking over the two. "Micheal, can I see what you're drawing?" Ranboo asked. Micheal set down his crayon and placed his paper in Ranboo's hand. The paper showed a toddler's attempt at drawing Tommy.

 "Looks kinda like you actually," Ranboo said, turning to face Tommy. Tommy leaned over Ranboo's shoulder to see the drawing and laughed, "Yes it does. Michael, I'm honored that you would draw me, really." Tommy thanked. 

"So I see you visit Michael now and then?" Ranboo said, turning to Tommy with a smug smile. "I- well-yes I do," Tommy admitted.

 "Aww, do you like to have bonding time with Michael? Was that also why you were here?" Ranboo asked. 

"Well, yes. I suppose you could say that." Tommy mumbled, shrugging while looking off to the side. 

"That honestly cool Tommy," Ranboo said, smiling at the other "Really? Thanks, Ranboo. Really," Tommy returned the smile, then gave Michael a high five. "Wait how often do you come to visit Micheal?" Ranboo asked, laughing with a confused smile. "Often" was all Tommy said before the high five turned into a fist bump which led to a mini-game of rock paper scissors. "I'm honestly impressed," Ranboo turned to see the two, "Never thought Michael would know a secret handshake with you."

"Oh what? Please, Michael is a cool little fella. Couldn't help but hang out with the guy." Tommy said, shrugging off a hand. The three shared a laugh, making Ranboo and Tommy laugh even more at Michael's giggle. "Indeed he is" Ranboo agreed, picking up Michael in a hug. 

"So, like when was the last time you heard from Tubbo?" Tommy asked, voice becoming quiet. "Well," Ranboo paused trying to remember, "I think the last time I saw him was when I was at L'manwhole which was just yesterday. But the last time I actually like heard from him was about a week ago."

"Wow, really? This is getting a bit concerning with the fact that the last time I was with him was also a week ago," Tommy said, attempting a laugh at the end.

"Well, I'm sure he's fine" Ranboo assured, "As I said, I saw him at L'manwhole just yesterday."

"Right. Just I feel like there's all of a sudden something in his life that's making him be distant. I just would like to know what just in case it-" Tommy began but was quickly stopped by Ranboo, "He's alright Tommy. I know that it's only been like a while since you've been back from being dead and all that so you're trying to make the most of your time now. Since, well, you never know when it might end but I assure you Tubbo is alright. When he was at the L'manwhole hole he was with Quackity, and since when would Quackity hurt him?"

"Oh, well then I guess you're right." 

 "Guess so"

"Thanks for the reassurance king"

"Don't call me that- it's just as bad as Tubbo calling me his 'little meow meow' which is awful"

"His little what?" 

Tommy burst out laughing while Ranboo just looked at the other with disappointment. "Ok, I guess it's not as bad- but I still don't like it."

"Alright then, suit yourself."

"I will"

"Of course you would look at you in that dumb suit you wear every day"

"I don't think that's what 'suit yourself' means Tommy"

They both shared a laugh forgetting about any topics that were the slightest bit sad and continued to enjoy each other's company with Micheal until night fell.

"Alright then, I should be leaving," Tommy said standing up. He turned to Michael and they again performed their secret handshake.

"Goodnight, don't worry yourself alright?" Ranboo told, him following him downstairs. 

"I won't"

"That's good"

"Promise"

"The ultimate promise has been made"

"Your such a dork Ranboo"

"I know" and with that, Tommy waved goodbye, Ranboo waving back. Once Tommy was out of sight Ranboo headed back upstairs to Michael The Beloved.