My Beloved [Beeduo]

6

Tubbo huffed harshly. His lungs felt like they were on fire and as if they'd collapse on him at any second. He slowly pushed through and hoisted himself on top of the wall. Looking down at Ranboo, the ender seemed to be a bit out of breath as well and still standing tall. They had been lucky enough to make it all the way to the walls that surrounded the castle. Ranboo had even given Tubbo a boost so he could reach the top, before jumping over himself. It looked easy to him, the way he grabbed the edge and lifted himself up so effortlessly. "Holy crap…"

Ranboo turned around to look at his friend. As the brunet tried to catch his breath, he groaned. "How did you make it look so easy? I literally work out more than you."

The ender stared at him with a devilish grin. Tubbo looked down and held out his arms, almost as a signal for 'catch me before I fall '. Ranboo dropped his head and chuckled before reaching his arms toward him. He held them out with the grin still on his face and for the second time that night, Tubbo jumped right into the outstretched arms. "Maybe, just maybe…" Ranboo put Tubbo down on his feet and ruffled his hair, "It's because you're short?"

A hand collided with Ranboo’s chest and Ranboo laughed. Tubbo held back his own smile as he kneeled down and reached into a bush. He retrieved two bags he'd hidden the day prior and tossed one to Ranboo–who clumsily caught it. He inspected his own bag for any tears , as the bush had the capability of ruining the fabric. When he saw none, he threw the bag over his shoulder and got back up. Turning to Ranboo, he noticed the far off look in his eyes, staring off into nothingness.

"Ranboo?"

The ender blinked, the look in his eyes now gone, and he slowly watched fear replace it. He looked at his friend and shuddered. "Nervous?" Ranboo reached out and grabbed Tubbo’s hand and squeezed it. Tubbo squeezed back and smiled up at his friend. They stood like that for a few moments, hand in hand, until the taller one broke the silence.

"I'm terrified."

The brunet hummed as he stroked the other's hand with his thumb. "It'll be okay. You're with me, remember?" Ranboo nodded."We're gonna be alright."

"Yeah, I-yeah…"

Ranboo dragged the shorter into an embrace and Tubbo absolutely melted. "I love you…" Tubbo sharply inhaled at the words, his smile immediately growing wider. When he pulled away, he took Ranboo’s hand back into his own.

"I- uh..Are you ready?" Ranboo nodded and they set off.

oOo

It was the next day when Ranboo noticed the rip in his bag. It had slowly been growing to the point where he’d lost a few items. Most of it was nothing too important, except for one little thing. The little purple drawstring bag, the bag that held his tablets. His medicine was gone and he was  screwed. How was he supposed to sleep without it? He went a couple days without it, but soon enough the nightmares took over, and they had a few more days before they reached the border. He was screwed and Tubbo would definitely get upset if he found out. Ranboo’s clumsiness was going to ruin everything.

The ender sat up against a tree, head leaned back against the bark and eyes pointed towards the sky. Tubbo had his head rested on his thigh and was sound asleep. It was a dark night–stars littering the sky and the moon providing a smidge of light. The quiet made it the perfect moment to just relax and rest, but Ranboo couldn’t bring himself to drift off into sleep. The night before had been filled with dark images of creatures, each one after him. He remembered it clearly, he always did. The nightmares were always the same. The creatures would grab him by the legs, long black claws digging into his skin, dragging him further into the depths of his mind. It always hurt, as if they were dragging him into a lake, the water searing his skin. If he tried to scream, the water would fill his lungs and slowly burn his insides. When he felt more hands grab onto his arms, he’d wake up. He always had to urge himself to hold back the tears.

He didn’t want to find out the ending, so he kept his eyes open and mind alert. Reaching to his side, he picked up a fallen leaf. He slowly started ripping it, trying to tear it along the centre. Ranboo’s ear twitched and he looked deep into the forest. He locked eyes with a pair of glowing purple eyes and they both froze. The eyes slowly drew closer until the black figure towered over them. It seemed to be Ranboo’s height, so this wasn’t any normal enderman. It kneeled down, leaves rustling underneath its weight. It tilted its head to the side, but all Ranboo could do was stare on in confusion. A black hand reached forward and before it could make contact with his shoulder, Tubbo groaned.

The figure quickly turned to dust, fading away. An illusion? A figment of his imagination? Was he hallucinating? Ranboo had no clue. Tubbo slowly sat up from his position, stretching his arms in front of him and yawning. He looked back at his friend, “You good? Look like you’ve seen a ghost.” Ranboo feigned a smile and nodded, quietly getting up from his spot.

“I’m fine. We should uh…” The ender looked around him, “We should go.”

oOo

They reached a small city by sunset, thankfully. After finding a small inn to stay in, they both rushed and collapsed once they entered the room. Tubbo placed their bags down by the bed and sat down. “My gods, I’m so sore…” He rubbed his legs and complained as Ranboo sat next to him.

“You can sleep if you want, I’ll watch for guards.”

“Nah, I slept last time. It's your turn.” Ranboo shook his head. Tubbo looked at him with confusion, “Why not?”

“I-” Ranboo started, voice shaking as he remembered the creature in the forest. “I’m scared to.” Tubbo blinked and then he sighed.

“Oh, then just take your medicine.” The boy reached down for their bags and retrieved Ranboos. As he lifted it up, a small pouch of coins fell from the tear. He lifted a brow and looked at Ranboo when it hit him. “You lost the tablets.” A slow nod from the ender confirmed his suspicions and his eyes went wide.

“Fuck…why didn’t you tell me?”

“Thought you’d get mad at me.” Tubbo leaned back and groaned. He tried to say something to Ranboo, but couldn’t. He quickly snatched up the pouch that had fallen out and rushed to put his jacket on. “What-where are you going?”

“Stay here, I’ll be right back.” Tubbo left in a hurry, leaving Ranboo alone.