Chapter Text
I clutched my daddy's arm, resting my head on his lap as I looked up at him through my lashes. "Daddy... I'm hungry," I murmured. My stomach had been growling for what felt like an eternity. Sometimes I called him Phil, just to see if he'd respond. But Phil seemed lost in thought as he stood in the kitchen. Was he unsure of what to make?
I was tired of the same old canned soups and cereals. What I really craved was a home-cooked meal, like the ones daddy used to make when Papi was still around. But Papi had left and never returned home. Phil explained that he had to go far away and might not come back. It left a void in our lives, and sometimes the loneliness crept in.
Daddy worked tirelessly, often leaving me alone for long stretches during the day and night. When he was home, he was usually exhausted and needed to rest. On those rare occasions, I would curl up beside him on the bed, finding solace in his presence as we slept side by side. Despite his efforts to shield me from his struggles, I could sense that the weight of his responsibilities was taking its toll on him.
Resting my head in his lap, I looked up at him as he smiled down at me, nodding gently. "Alright," he said, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness as he sniffled lightly. His hand reached for the only can in the cupboard, a vegetable soup. Despite its less-than-appetizing taste, food was food, and I was grateful. "Are you going to eat with me, Daddy?" I asked, my thumb finding its way into my mouth. "I've already eaten. This is all for you," he replied, and I beamed up at him. "I get a whole can?!" I exclaimed excitedly, bouncing up and down as he gently placed his hand on my head.
"Daddy had to leave for a bit after," he started, warming up the soup on the stove and pouring it into a large bowl before setting it on the table and helping me up to sit on the chair.
He watched me eat with tired eyes, and I offered him a bite, trying to feed him. Despite his worn appearance, he smiled softly. Daddy looked thinner than I remembered, almost like a shadow of his former self. "No, this is for you, Y/n. Eat every bite," he insisted, his voice carrying a mix of exhaustion and determination.
Daddy closed his eyes briefly, and I eagerly licked the bowl clean. It was the most I had eaten in a long while. Pushing the empty bowl aside, I hopped off my seat and climbed into my daddy's lap. "Thank you for the food," I murmured, nodding as he lifted me up, and I nestled into his chest. He headed to the floor, picking up the only toy I had left - an old friend, my rabbit - before we both slipped under the covers of our shared room.
Our room had a busted-up mattress with messed-up springs and a funny smell that I wrinkled my nose at. I curled up with our only blanket, though Daddy didn't join me under it. I yawned, feeling the weariness seeping into my bones. "Daddy? Sleep?" I asked, to which Phil responded with a kiss on the top of my head. "Daddy has to work a late shift tonight..." his voice caught, and my heart sank. "But I should be back in the morning."
"Mmm," I hummed, knowing it wasn't unusual for Daddy to work late. Phil always returned before dawn, exhausted and sometimes tearful as he crawled into bed beside me.
He knelt down, gently pushing back my hair, and I held my bunny tightly. "I'll be back in the morning, okay, Y/N?" Daddy said softly. "Okay, Daddy. Have a good day at work," I cheered him on, trying to lift his spirits with my innocent enthusiasm. Phil strained for a smile, hugging me tightly, almost as if he feared losing me. "Please, wait for me, Y/N. I promise, no matter what happens or may happen, I'll return to you."
I didn't fully understand his words, but I knew they always cheered him up. I patted his head once, tilting mine. "I love you too, Daddy," I whispered, offering him what comfort I could before he left for his nightly toil.
Like a nail on the coffin but already too far in he pretended not to hear. He sealed his and mine that day.
I was so foolish, to keep waiting.
+++++
I slept through the night, and when morning came, I didn't have to wait long for someone to return. But instead of Daddy, it was a police officer who knocked the door off its hinges. We both stared at each other in surprise, unsure of what to say or do.
Soon after that encounter, I found myself packed up and shipped off, placed into foster care. Every time I asked about Daddy, I was met with silence or avoidance, even when my frustration boiled over. No one seemed willing to tell me anything about where he was or what was happening to him.
Until… I was adopted.
The couple who took me in were kind and young, appearing even younger than my Daddy. They welcomed me into their home, and there was Ranboo. He was a half-enderman hybrid, though he loved to joke that he wasn't sure about the other half. His mismatched eyes were captivating, and despite his tall, thin frame that reminded me of a stick, he was always ready to play with me, no matter the time of day. I affectionately called him Boo.
His husband, Tubbo, was a real character. He cooked homemade meals every day and enjoyed launching surprise attacks on Boo, delighting in his panicked reactions and making me giggle. Tubbo greeted me with tight hugs and warm smiles, his ram hybrid features adorned with fluffy, curly brown locks that always seemed to cover his eyes. Even when he trimmed his hair, it grew back quickly, framing his cocoa eyes. Tubbo was much smaller than Ranboo, and sometimes I wondered if he was closer to my height than Boo's. He allowed me to call him Bo, adding to the playful dynamic of our little family.
They were my Boo and Bo, a confusing but endearing pair who always turned their heads in unison when I called after them.
It was they who sat me down for the difficult conversation about why Daddy wasn't coming back. Ranboo held me close as his tail flicked nervously, while Tubbo maintained eye contact, holding my hands gently. "Y/N, sweetheart, your Daddy was caught robbing someone," Tubbo explained gently. My brows furrowed in disbelief. Daddy couldn't be a bad person; he would never do something like that. I shook my head vehemently.
"Your daddy had to go away for a long time, honey," Tubbo continued, his voice soft with sympathy. "But he said he'd come back. He promised to be back." Tears streamed down my cheeks as I protested, "I want to see him! I want my Daddy!"
"Oh, baby," Ranboo murmured, wrapping me in a comforting hug from behind. "I'm so sorry, Y/N. He won't come back for a long time." I begged and tried to bargain to see him, but my pleas were met with gentle refusals. They insisted it was better for me not to see him until I was older.
I thought it was unfair and cruel. I couldn't even bring myself to look them in the eyes for a long time. Speaking became difficult, but they stood by me through it all.
"Y/N," Tubbo called, breaking me out of my thoughts. I turned to see him holding up a small cake, just enough for the three of us. "Are you ready to blow out the candles?" he asked with excitement. I jumped off my seat and rushed to Bo. "Cake! Cake!" I hadn't had a proper birthday celebration last year. Phil had given me a single cupcake with a candle, but it was all for me, so I didn't need a party or—
I shook my head to push away the painful memories. Phil had abandoned me; he was gone because he did something wrong. Ranboo was already at the table, helping me to my seat. I had been living here for a whole year now.
"Can you not light candles?" Tubbo asked his husband, who had managed to light only one out of the six candles. I kicked my feet happily, eager to dig into the cake made by Tubbo with a little help from me and for me. My wings fluttered with excitement, betraying how thrilled I was as I rocked back and forth in my chair. "This is harder than it looks!" Ranboo shouted back, but their banter was just a part of their playful dynamic, something they both enjoyed.
Waking up together, both of them stumbling out of bed without their usual morning coffee, too tired to even start nagging each other. They managed to make their way to the kitchen and prepare their much-needed coffee, each silently pointing out something that would usually get on the other's nerves. But today, they were too exhausted to engage in their usual banter, and the day passed with subtle jabs and snide remarks until a small argument finally broke out in the evening.
Tempers flared, words were exchanged, but eventually, apologies were offered, and hugs were shared all around as they reconciled. They knew that tomorrow would bring a fresh start, and their bond would remain strong despite their occasional clashes.
As the day drew to a close, all the candles were lit on the cake, and Tubbo and Ranboo began to sing "Happy Birthday" to me. I grinned from ear to ear, feeling their love and warmth enveloping me.
Once the song was over, Tubbo eagerly grabbed the cake cutter. "I want to cut it!" he exclaimed, laughing as he handed me the knife. "Alright," I replied, eager to participate in the celebration. "Tubbo, she might hurt herself with that," Ranboo interjected, his tail switching nervously. Tubbo pouted, insisting, "It's a cake cutter, with dull edges, Boss man." He then kissed my cheek before handing over the cutter. Excitedly, I carefully cut a piece of the cake, placing it on a plate for us to share.
"Good job, Y/N," Ranboo praised me as I placed more pieces of cake on the plate, my hands trembling slightly. But as I went to cut a fourth slice, a wave of sadness washed over me. Daddy... I wanted him to have the biggest slice... Tears welled up in my eyes, and before I knew it, the cake slipped from my grasp and fell to the floor. Tubbo rushed to pick it up, while Ranboo pulled me into a comforting hug. "Hey, baby, it's okay. Tubbo cleaned it all up," he reassured me.
They thought I was upset about the cake... I wrapped my wings around us, seeking solace in their embrace. Ranboo's cooing was always so tender, unlike anything else. It used to scare me, reminding me of inhuman sounds, but now, with Boo making that sound, it comforted me.
"What's unfair is that I want to join in," Tubbo said, interrupting the moment as he pulled me away and sat on Ranboo's lap. "Uhhh, Tubbo, you're heavy," Ranboo grunted, unable to move his husband as he found himself trapped beneath Tubbo's weight. "Heavy, heavy, you calling me fat?" Tubbo teased, though his tone was light. Ranboo struggled to find the right words, but before he could respond, we both piled onto him, adding to the weight. The sudden silence gave Tubbo the chance to scoop up some cake with his fork. "Here comes the train," he announced, offering me a bite.
I took it eagerly, causing Ranboo to groan playfully under our combined weight.
Ranboo grunted in complaint, "The cake tasted so good!" Tubbo, on the other hand, was already bustling about, announcing, "I've got to get the camera!" He hurried off, leaving me back on Ranboo's lap. The enderman wiped my mouth clean, feeding me the last of the cake while Tubbo snapped some pictures. I couldn't help but smile; I didn't know how this day could possibly get any better.
Then, a wrapped gift was placed in my hands.
"This is from me and Tubbo," Ranboo said, and I hugged him tightly before turning to Tubbo for another embrace. "Thank you!" I exclaimed, feeling a rush of gratitude. It had been so long since I had received a gift. My old, beat-up rabbit had seen better days, sitting pathetically to the side. As I tore off the wrapping paper, my wings fluttered in excitement.
I pulled out the gift to find a new fluffy white rabbit! It was pristine, not a speck of dirt on it, staring at me with its black eyes. My old rabbit looked even more worn beside it, and a pang of bitterness caught in my throat. Nevertheless, I hugged my new toy tightly, feeling a surge of comfort and warmth wash over me.
"I love it! Boo and Bo," I exclaimed, hugging both men tightly, overwhelmed with gratitude for the day they took me into their home. The days had grown fun and exciting, and I couldn't imagine a life without them. Tubbo then pulled out one final gift, his hand shaking slightly as he handed me a piece of paper, unsure of how I would react. "Last one," Boo told me weakly, both of them smiling with uncertainty.
I held the papers in my hands, scanning over all the words until I saw my name at the bottom, along with Tubbo's and Ranboo's.
"What's this?" I asked, stunned by what I was seeing.
Ranboo kneeled down in front of me. "These are adoption papers," he explained gently.
"Adoption?" I repeated, my heart racing with disbelief.
Tubbo grinned back at me. "We love having you here, Y/N... we want to be your—" he paused, swallowing nervously, "your family."
"If you'll have us," Ranboo interjected, making sure I knew I had a choice in the matter.
I stared at the two men, the faces I had grown so used to, the faces I loved more than anything. I couldn't understand why they wanted me when there were so many other kids out there, but I was overjoyed that it was me they chose. Without hesitation, I leaped from my chair, my wings flapping excitedly, though too small to fully embrace them.
"I can stay with you?" I asked eagerly.
Instantly, they both replied in unison, "We never want to let you go," Ranboo confirmed, his voice filled with emotion.
"We want you to stay, even when you're old enough to want to move out," Tubbo added, tears glistening in his eyes.
My vision blurred as tears filled my eyes, but we stayed in that embrace for a long time, knowing that from now on, we were a family.
"Alright now, time for sleep," Ranboo announced, clapping his hands together, his eyes red and swollen like the rest of us from the emotional day. He began collecting the plates, leaning down to kiss the top of my head. "Sleep well, Y/N, beloved," he murmured softly.
I giggled as Tubbo suddenly snatched me up. "Say goodnight to Ranboo!" he prompted.
"Night, Boo!" I chirped, watching Ranboo's tail wave happily as I curled into Tubbo's arms. "Birthdays are nice. Can we have another one tomorrow?" I asked with a hopeful grin as Tubbo tucked me into bed.
I settled back against the pillow. "Did you not have one before?" Tubbo inquired gently, both men always careful when broaching the subject of my past.
"I did," I replied, hugging my bunny tightly for comfort. "But... Daddy—Phil always had to work. He couldn’t stay the whole day."
Tubbo sat on the edge of the bed, his hand running soothingly through my hair. "Do you want to see him?" he asked softly, his eyes filled with concern.
"But you said—" My voice faltered as I remembered Tubbo's previous words about waiting until I was older. Was I older now?
His gaze dropped to the floor. "I know. We agreed to wait until you were 16. But now that we're adopting you, I'll be a parental figure. And frankly," he paused, turning back to me, "I can't begin to imagine the pain he must have felt, being separated from you."
My lip trembled as I fought back tears. He wasn't separated from me, he abandoned me!
"I don't want to see him anymore," I stated stubbornly, my gaze fixed on the old rabbit across the room. Tubbo nodded in understanding. "Alright, but if you change your mind—"
"I won't!" I interjected firmly, my voice trembling with emotion. "Phil was... he promised and broke it! I don't want to see him again!" I buried my head in Tubbo's lap, seeking comfort.
Tubbo immediately wrapped his arms around me, holding me close. "Y/N, baby, no one is going to force you. I just want you to have the opportunity, the option, to see him if you'd like. It doesn't have to be today or even tomorrow," he reassured me, rubbing my back gently. "But now you know."
"Okay, Bo," I replied, feeling a sense of relief wash over me as Tubbo tucked me back into bed. "Want your rabbit tonight too?" he asked softly, gesturing to the old brown rabbit that held so many memories of Phil.
I stared at the rabbit, the only thing I had left of Phil. "No, Bo," I whispered.
"Alright, sleep tight," Tubbo murmured, his voice filled with warmth and love.
I rolled over, finally ready to end my day, but the eyes of the old rabbit seemed to follow me, silently bearing witness to the emotions swirling inside me.
