#somenoms

“Looks like we’ll have to find somewhere to wait out the storm. Can’t see shit through all the snow,” Wilbur huffed a breath.

Techno removed his cloak and situated it on Tubbo’s shoulders, being mindful of his wings, “Might be a good idea.”

Tubbo wilted his antennae and shivered in his thin sweater and denim overalls, “I’m sorry…”

“Nothing we can do about it now so quit worrying about it,” Techno pulled him into a side hug, both to give him some warmth and to guide him as they trudged on through the snow.

Wilbur led as they wound their way through tall trees. It felt like ages before they stopped again. Wilbur turned a few times before facing the others.

“Let’s turn back. I think we wandered into a field because I haven’t seen a tree for a while,” Wilbur glanced around.

Techno nodded and as they began to turn back, the storm calmed for a moment. Just long enough to make out a shape a few meters away.

“Wait, look-” Tubbo shakily pointed to the shape just as it faded back into the white, “I think I saw a wall.

Wilbur squinted in the direction of the wall and began walking, Tubbo and Techno just behind him. Once they were closer, it was very easy to make out. It was a very tall wall, enough to where it began blocking the wind and snow. Wilbur ran a hand across it, peering up.

“Wait,” Techno sniffed the air and pressed an ear against the wooden surface. He grimaced, “Giants. We can’t stay here.”

Wilbur drew in a breath, immediately on guard. Nothing good came from dealing with giants. They tended to be immortal beings, toying with mortals in crude and cruel ways. Wilbur opened his mouth to agree.

But then the wind blew harder, nearly knocking Tubbo off his feet. He whimpered from the cold and tucked himself further into the cloak. Wilbur felt his heart tear in two. The wood was cold to the touch but being out of the open would most definitely help them.

Wilbur stepped over to Tubbo and scooped the child into his arms. Techno made a questioning noise as Wilbur grabbed his sleeve and turned intangible. The ability spread to his brothers through his touch and the three passed through the wall of the house with ease.

The difference was almost instantaneous. Tubbo sighed in relief and shut his eyes. Wilbur set him down against the inner side of the wall once they were solid and tugged the cloak tightly around him.

“Wilbur!” Techno whispered harshly, “I said we can’t stay here! You know as well as I do how dangerous it is!”

“It’s just for a little while,” Wilbur whispered back, “Just until the storm passes. He can’t be out there for much longer.”

Techno glanced down at Tubbo, near purple fingers gripping his cloak. He sighed.

“Fine. But only until the blizzard stops.”

“Of course,” Wilbur agreed, “It shouldn’t be much longer.”

~~~~~

Two days they spent in the wall without the storm so much as slowing down. They survived off the small amount of food they brought for their hunting trip and a couple of things they caught before finding Tubbo. It was all gone now. Wilbur managed a bit of recon using his intangibility. It used a lot of his energy.

He was able to figure out that there were only two giants, a smaller blond one whose features seemed to change and a larger blond one with just wings. They figured they were parent and child since the smaller one called the bigger one “dad”.

Their wall also seemed to be against the kitchen. Unfortunately not next to any cabinets they could grab some food from.

Wilbur paced back and forth in thought, irritation growing with every pivot of his feet. Techno sat nearby, bouncing his leg. No one had spoken since they woke up to the reality of their situation. Another turn for Wilbur made Techno bounce faster.

The tension seemed to burst as Techno shot to his feet, “We shouldn’t have come in here.”

Wilbur halted and faced Techno, “What else were we supposed to do?!”

“Find some other shelter! Somewhere in the forest where we could forage for things! Instead of being trapped in here just buying our time!”

“There weren’t even any more trees around, you saw! Tubbo probably would have frozen if we spent much longer out there! Is that what you’d prefer?”

Techno stepped closer to Wilbur, glaring, “You know that’s not what I-”

Tubbo shuddered, slowly lifting to his feet. They wouldn’t even be here if he hadn’t tried to follow them. Through his brothers’ focus on each other, he padded away quietly. To get away from their fight and hopefully his guilt.

He located a small crack he was just able to squeeze through, opening up to the vast kitchen floor. Tubbo looked up and up and up in awe of the sheer size of it all. He let the cloak fall from his back and flew slowly up to the counter.

He landed with a soft tap and hastily pulled the cloak back on. It was just as cold up there as on the floor.

But now that he was up higher he could see much more. The cabinets, the table and chairs, the stove- everything they had at home but what seemed like miles long.

Tubbo walked along the stone countertop, taking it all in. A noise behind him made him freeze in his tracks. He slowly turned to face the doorway of the kitchen.

Just as the younger giant entered through it.

Tubbo gasped and looked around frantically. There was nothing nearby to hide behind. He crouched below the cloak, hands on his head and eyes screwed shut.

For a moment he didn’t hear anything. Had the child left? Not noticed the bright red bunch of fabric on the countertop?

Tubbo had begun to think so when he felt something touch his back. He froze. It was firm, yet somehow soft, and absolutely massive. It nudged him a few times before he decided to peek out. Massive blue eyes stared back at him with curiosity.

“Hello?” The child asked, confusion in his tone.

Tubbo swallowed dryly, “He… Hello…” He spoke so quietly he wondered if the giant could hear him.

A grin broke out onto his face, “Hello there! I’m Tommy!” He stated proudly.

Tubbo blinked, “I’m Tubbo…” He spoke louder, letting the hood fall from his head.

“Nice to meet you! Why are you in our kitchen?” Tommy tilted his head.

“We were trying to get out of the cold.”

Tommy glanced at a kitchen window then looked back to Tubbo, “Who’s we?”

Oh. Tubbo probably shouldn’t have said that. It might be bad if he was caught and they were found and hurt. He couldn’t exactly take it back now, though.

“Um, me and my brothers. We got lost in the storm.”

Tommy looked down for a moment in thought, “Yeah that makes sense. Mortals as small as you would be really cold out there.”

“Are you immortal?” Tubbo remembered the stories of giants and immortality that Techno would tell him.

“Yeah!” Tommy nodded, “My mum’s a goddess and Dad’s her angel.”

“That sounds cool!” Tubbo smiled and sat up a bit straighter.

“Mhm! Also means I can do this!” Tommy tilted his head forward and after a moment two fuzzy little ears popped up from his hair.

Tubbo gasped and stood, walking closer to Tommy to run his hand through the soft fur, “Woah…”

Tommy let out a quiet chitter and raised his head. They stared at each other for a moment.

“My brothers said you were dangerous,” Tubbo gripped the cloak, “But you won’t hurt me, right?”

Tommy shook his head, “Hurting people is stupid and wrong. Unless they hurt your family,” He said thoughtfully, “That’s when Dad does it.”

Tubbo relaxed. That made sense. He wouldn’t hurt a random stranger either. Tommy brought his hand up.

“You’re really little.” He said.

“You’re really big.” Tubbo placed his hand against Tommy’s finger to see the difference. Tubbo shivered.

“Are you still cold?”

He nodded and Tommy carefully cupped his hands around him. Tubbo dropped the cloak and melted into the warmth of his palms. The dull pain in his bones that he had felt for days began to dissipate. He buzzed his wings blissfully and yawned.

“Tired?” Tommy asked and he got another nod in response.

“I’m part bee… Bees hibernate when it’s cold…” Tubbo mumbled into Tommy’s skin, “Been sleepy for a while…”

“Do you need to be warm to sleep?”

“Yeah…”

Tommy looked around, “I might drop you if I keep holding you but I don’t think anywhere is really warm,” He frowned to himself and scooped Tubbo off the counter.

“Oh! I could do what Dad does!” Tommy brought him up to his face, “He says it’s safe because I don’t have to eat stuff!”

Tubbo only muttered an ‘mhm’ in response and gave a thumbs up. Tommy grinned and gently slid Tubbo into his mouth.

Tubbo wasn’t entirely sure what was happening. He hadn’t heard what Tommy said through his drowsiness. It was suddenly wet but the moment he felt even warmer, all concern left his mind. He began to drift off, giving another small buzz of his wings.

Tommy gently ran his tongue across his new friend, just as his father had shown him. Tubbo’s taste was very unique and wonderful, which Tommy figured was because he was a mortal, so he took a moment to savor it. He noted an earthy flavor.

Soon Tubbo no longer felt as cold as ice in his mouth and he decided he’d indulged enough. It was time to help his little friend. As carefully as he could, he let Tubbo slide back into his throat and swallowed. It only took a few before he slipped down Tommy’s esophagus and into his chest.

Tommy sighed happily, rubbing at his belly as Tubbo entered it. He picked up the fabric Tubbo had dropped, figuring he’d want it when Tommy let him out.

Tubbo barely registered the new environment around him, only thoughts of fatigue in his mind. He curled up against the front wall, leaning into the motions from outside. Tubbo trusted Tommy and contentedly dozed off in his stomach

~~~~~

Wilbur couldn’t believe his eyes. He’d phased his head through the kitchen wall level with the counter. Just as he did Tommy had picked up the cloak while rubbing his stomach. Wilbur squinted, surely that didn’t mean- Wilbur’s blood ran cold before it shot up to a boil. He and Techno had ended their quarrel once they noticed Tubbo was missing.

Wilbur grabbed Techno’s arm and dragged him along through the wall. He quietly stuttered before he registered what lay in front of them.

Wilbur turned them both solid once he was a good few from the edge. Techno stood in place next to him, calm rage rippling off of him. Wilbur huffed and spoke loudly.

“What the fuck did you do to Tubbo?”

Tommy startled, whipping around to face the counter. Two figures stood there. Both mortals.

Both looked extremely pissed.

“I… What?” Tommy muttered with confusion and wariness.

“I said, what the fuck did you do to Tubbo?!” Wilbur yelled louder.

Tommy tensed, feeling very guilty all of a sudden. He took a small step back, “I swallowed him…” His gaze turned to the floor.

Both mortals flared at this, the answer they’d dreaded, and Wilbur began laying in, “What the fuck? You fucking ate him?! You ate a person? I don’t care if you seem like a fucking kid, if you don’t get him out right now I’m gonna tear you open my-”

“DAAAD!”

Wilbur stiffened and he’s sure he felt Techno as well. Young creatures always call for their parents when scared or in danger. And that meant the larger giant. The one with wings.

A heavy thud sound came from somewhere in the house right before rapid footsteps. Wilbur wondered how something so big was so quick as the bird giant rounded the corner to the kitchen.

“Oh goddess, Tommy! Are you alright? What’s-” Before Phil could kneel and check over his son, Tommy darted behind him. Tommy pressed himself into Phil’s feathers and stared at the counter with wide eyes. Phil was surprised at what he saw when he looked as well.

“Oh! Uh, hello there. Who might you be?” Phil smiled in a welcoming manner though a hint of his confusion bled through.

Techno stepped forward, past Wilbur who was still frozen from his fear, and spoke loudly, “TechnoBlade and Wilbur Soot. We’re the friends of the person your kid just ate.”

Phil snapped his attention to Tommy, who hid his face in a wing, “Tommy! Did you eat a mortal?!”

Tommy flinched under the attention, “I got permission!”

“Did you really?”

“...” Tommy’s voice came quietly from the feathers, “No… But he didn’t fight it…”

Phil sighed and looked at the pair apologetically.

“I’m sorry about this but I can assure you your friend is safe,” When both mortals looked confused Phil continued, “Tommy is a demigod. Among other things, one of his inherited traits is that he doesn’t need to eat. He can’t digest anything.”

Techno and Wilbur squinted before they visibly relaxed. There was no reason for them to lie about that given the situation. The concern for Tubbo was still there in their eyes and Phil placed his hand on Tommy’s head.

“How about you give them back their friend, mate? So that they can be on their way?”

Tommy tore himself from his father’s side with his arms wrapped around his gut and face scrunched up in persistence.

“No!”

“Tommy…”

“He’s still sleeping!”

Phil let out a sigh, “Alright, mate,” He gave an apologetic gaze to the mortals on their counter, “Maybe we can wait until your friend wakes up on his own? In the meantime, I could get you two something warm to eat and we could have a chat.”

Wilbur and Techno shared a look, Techno’s eyes darting to Tommy’s torso a few times. He shrugged. Wilbur nodded as though he were considering it before turning back to Phil and fixing him with a sturdy stare.

“I suppose if he’s actually… Safe, there’s no real harm if he stays for a bit,” Wilbur agreed.

Tommy’s eyes lit up as he let out a quiet victory cry and Phil gave a single nod.

A few minutes later, Phil pulled a chair up to the counter and sat down with his cup. Tommy had, carefully, darted off to his room to nap with Tubbo. That left the boys and Phil to chat on their own.

They began by telling Phil of how they arrived at his cabin, stuck in the storm with no sense of direction. Phil listened intently while preparing the tea. They were lucky he’d procured some mortal-sized dishware in his time. Though getting the tea in the mugs had been a little messy.

With the events recounted the three sipped in silence for a few moments. Techno and Wilbur were glad for some external warmth. Wilbur was even tempted to curl up next to the kettle that sat nearby.

Techno was the first to pierce the quiet air, “Tommy seems like a good kid.”

Phil hummed, “He is. A bit of an ornery little shit, but he has the best interest of others in mind.”

“How old is he?” Wilbur took a long swig from his cup.

“10. Turns 11 in spring.”

“Ah,” Techno nodded, “Tubbo just turned 11.”

Ah. It clicked with Phil why they seemed so protective of their friend.

A couple of beats passed.

“So, you fucked a god?” Wilbur asked.

Techno choked on his tea and Phil burst into laughter.

“Oh-oh god, mate. It’s a bit of a story,” Phil chuckled as he began the tale.

~~~~~

Tommy emerged from his room some hours later carrying a groggy Tubbo who clung to his fingers. He rubbed his eye and pulled his own chair over to the counter. Once he rested his hands on it, both Wilbur and Techno rushed over to hug Tubbo. They were relieved to see him in one piece albeit a bit damp. After their time with Phil, they no longer felt distrustful of the child but having Tubbo physically there put them at ease.

“You feeling better now?” Phil leaned in closer to the mortals, speaking softly.

Tubbo glanced up at Phil, then to his brothers, “Did you guys get caught too?”

Wilbur chuckled awkwardly and Techno rolled his eyes, “More like Wilbur was almost cursing out a child so Tommy called for Phil here to intervene.”

Tommy shrugged, “He seemed like a wrongen.”

Tubbo giggled as Wilbur whacked Tommy’s thumb. Techno went to help Tubbo off of Tommy’s hand but Tubbo just clung tighter.

“You can’t stay there forever. Tommy’ll need his hands at some point. And we also can’t impose more than we have.” Techno sighed.

Tubbo shook his head rapidly, “It’s so cold though! And I don’t wanna go back in the wall!”

“Wait,” Phil said, “You were staying in the wall? How long was that for?”

The three looked at each other awkwardly and Wilbur spoke, “A couple days. We didn’t want you two to know we were here in case you were dangerous.”

Techno handed Tubbo a bit of bread that Phil had given to them while they exchanged stories. He ate it graciously. Phil sighed and shook his head to himself.

“You’re more than welcome to stay here a few days.” Phil smiled softly, “Certainly wouldn’t be any trouble to us.”

“Are you sure?” Wilbur asked, unsure.

“Of course!” Phil gently ruffled Tubbo’s hair and Tommy nodded enthusiastically, Tubbo giggling again, “I could even help you find your way back home after the storm passes.”

~~~~~

Days turned into months and months turned into years, even though the storm only lasted about a week. They had just… Never felt the need to permanently leave. The five of them felt at home with each other. Though they did get on one another's nerves quite often.

As Phil lounged on the couch his wife sat upon his chest in her mortal form. Techno and Wilbur were sitting back to back on the coffee table, one reading and one strumming a calm tune on his guitar. It would have been a rather calm evening.

Had Tubbo not been flying around the room while Tommy ran after him, both laughing like maniacs. It seems at 15 they had just as much energy as when they were children. It made Kristen giggle.

“They’re quite the handful, aren’t they?” She looked up at Phil’s face and smiled fondly.

Phil chuckled, “You don’t know the half of it.”

“Yeah, just last week Tommy made a whole mess of the living after screwing around outside.” Wilbur said and Tommy stopped for only a moment to stick his tongue out at him. Not that Wilbur saw.

“You boys have been a great help though,” Phil reached over and cupped his hand around Techno and Wilbur in a sort of hug.

Techno leaned into it and glanced up, “You’re just lucky he listens to us.”

“Sometimes,” Wilbur snickered.

Tommy stuck his tongue out again, Tubbo poking it as he passed before darting off. Tommy scoffed and resumed pursuit. Wilbur set his guitar down beside him and Phil pulled his hand away.

“How much longer do you think you’ll stay?” Wilbur asked Kristen.

“Another day or two,” She laid back, “I’d love to stay longer but the afterlife doesn’t maintain itself.”

The other three nodded in understanding. For Wilbur and Techno, it was nice to have their pseudo-mother around even if was just for short visits. Phil also cherished the time he spent with his wife. Tubbo landed next to Kristen briefly to give her a quick hug and she giggled again as Tommy’s hand barely missed him when he took off again.

“Careful,” Phil cautioned Tommy, “Don’t get too reckless.”

Tommy paused, “I am. We do this all the time.”

“Maybe too much, gremlin,” Wilbur smirked as he plucked at one of his guitar strings.

Suddenly, Techno pulled away from him and Wilbur gave him a strange look. Instantly he was somewhere warm and wet. He squirmed, “Oh, you absolute child!”

Tommy grinned around Wilbur, pulling him the rest of the way in his mouth as he stood back up. Tubbo landed on Tommy’s shoulder, watching as he slicked up their brother and swallowed. Wilbur huffed in frustration on his way down, giving the stomach wall a solid smack before settling down.

“And you’re a bitch,” Tommy patted his stomach and scooped up Techno from the table. Techno simply got comfortable in his hold and continued his book.

Phil sat up more as Tommy joined him on the couch, the rest of the day spent with calm, content chatting.

-------------------------------

Tubbo had adopted him several months ago and he was doing much better about being nervous around him. Tubbo picked Ranboo up as he pleased and Ranboo actually found he enjoyed the contact. He was so gentle and had a caring touch.

So after the spatula slipped from Tubbo’s grasp and caused a splatter of batter to wash over Ranboo, he didn’t think much of the hand that whisked him into the air.

“Oh shit, sorry boss man,” Tubbo giggled when Ranboo shook a bit of batter out of his hair, “Here, let’s get you cleaned off real quick.”

Tubbo took a single step towards the sink and paused, glancing down at Ranboo. It took him a second to realise his eyes were locked onto the faucet and Tubbo had noticed. His fingers were tense in their grip against Tubbo’s skin and his heart beat like a hummingbird.

Tubbo said something above him and everything shifted.

Logically, Ranboo knows it happened quickly, and that Tubbo was actually being considerate of him and his fear of water. But as he was popped into Tubbo’s mouth, he only processed it so fast.

Higher and higher Ranboo was lifted and the cavernous maw opened, just for him. He was stock still in Tubbo’s hold just staring at glistening fangs and twitching tongue.

Gentle as always he was placed on said tongue and after fingers retreated, Tubbo’s lips sealed behind him. Then began the licking.

That is what jump-started Ranboo’s body. He squirmed against the tongue that swept over his limbs. Desperately he wanted to call out to Tubbo, to beg him to stop, not to do this, but each time saliva found its way into his mouth. Of everything his previous owners had done, not one had ever attempted to eat him.

He supposed that would kill him and then they’d lose their plaything. He’d thought Tubbo was different, that he wouldn’t do anything to hurt Ranboo. He’d said so himself. That-

He screwed his eyes shut as the tongue pressed him against the hard palate. He didn’t want to watch as he heard the loud gulp around him. Everything was tight for a moment and he-

Didn’t... Move...?

Ranboo opened his eyes again, blinking in the darkness. The previously pooling saliva could no longer be felt, just his own damp skin.

And he… He… What?

Light filtered into the mouth and careful fingers slid him off the calmed tongue. Ranboo, dumbfounded and limp from what had just occurred, was pulled from Tubbo’s mouth, lips removing any excess saliva.

Lowered back to the counter, Ranboo sat in disbelief.

Tubbo placed a clean, dry dishrag in his lap and he gripped it loosely, “There we go, no more batter,” Tubbo smiled at him softly before returning to the cupcakes.

Ranboo blinked once. Tubbo… Wasn’t trying to eat him? Relief washed over him as he pulled the rag around his shoulders. Thinking back it was a little obvious what was happening and he was glad Tubbo hadn’t betrayed him.

As he felt his racing heart calm he silently watched Tubbo. Perhaps he should tell him how scary that was. Ranboo shuddered as he thought back on it, now that he knew he’d been fine.

And, actually, it wasn’t the worst thing he’d experienced. It was wet but he didn’t mind that, really. The heat had actually been comfortable! Tubbo was always gentle with him, even with his tongue it seemed. It caressed his clothes and skin to remove the batter and was never rough enough to even bruise. Ranboo ran the towel through his hair.

Then paused.

He stared at his lap in confusion and thought over it again, brow furrowed. Had he…

Had he actually liked being in Tubbo’s mouth? Surely that wasn’t possible.

Yet he couldn’t find any other reason. Amidst his attempts to decipher his swirling feelings he had one simple thought.

Would Tubbo do it again?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The second time it happened was roughly a week later. In that time Ranboo pondered if what Tubbo did was a one time thing as well as why he wanted to know. He’d searched on google, using the phone Tubbo bought for him, if tinies enjoyed being in mouths. In incognito of course, he didn’t need the one person who’d ever treated him with decency to return him for being weird. Not that Tubbo even touched his phone.

Sadly, nothing came up. Ranboo frowned. Had no one done studies like this with tinies? Immediately he regretted the thought. He shuddered as he closed out of the site. No more experiments.

Except, that’s basically what he was doing himself, wasn’t it? Ranboo had decided to test his ‘one time deal’ theory. The next meal they had where he could get messy, he would. They had spaghetti two nights after that.

Ranboo always ate from Tubbo’s plate. It was a habit the two of them formed. He knew Tubbo often found it cute and Ranboo didn’t mind. Giant food tasted so much better than the overly processed and bland stuff they made for tinies anyway.

Sometimes Tubbo would cut him off chunks and set them aside but Ranboo mostly opted to just tear off pieces for himself. And during meals like that it was easy to do. Meatballs and noodles were soft enough for him.

Tubbo sat at his computer desk while they watched a show on his monitor. Ranboo was tucked beside his plate, working his way through a noodle. Every other bite Tubbo took, he would stare for a moment before swiveling his gaze away. He wouldn’t psyche himself out of this.

After making sure Tubbo had his eyes on the plate, Ranboo moved. He went to reach for a meatball just out of his arm’s length, his other hand keeping him ‘balanced’ over the edge. After a moment of faking it, he slid his hand forward and let it slip, dropping him face first into the sauce.

Well, at least the discomfort was real, seeing as some got in his nose.

Ranboo shot up and hurried wiped his face, starting to think this had been a horrible plan. He heard Tubbo snort above him and he looked up. Tubbo had an amused smile on his face as he reached for him.

“Nice wipeout,” Tubbo snickered as his fingers pinched around Ranboo’s waist, two to his back and thumb on his stomach.

This time, Ranboo was calm as he was brought to the mouth, perhaps even a little anticipative. His upper half was pushed inside, lips closing just above his hips. He felt Tubbo’s fingers hover over his legs as if he knew this would be quick, his swaying tail brushing over skin.

The tongue once again twitched at his presence before beginning to scoop sauce chunks from his face and jacket. Now that he wasn’t fearing for his life, he focused on how soft and careful it was. Dare he say it was even nice the way it caressed his cheek. He was content as he watched bits of tomato disappear down Tubbo’s throat, knowing he would not be joining them.

Once all the larger pieces were gone, Tubbo sucked on him to remove any residue. Mild tugging sensations as he rested his arms and chest against the tongue. Outside, fingers shifted to grip his waist again, lips parting. Ranboo was then freed from the mouth and patted dry by Tubbo with a napkin.

“How about we not let that happen again?” Tubbo smiled at him softly and cupped him against his chest.

Ranboo leaned into him, ear pressed against his heart. He watched as Tubbo cut up a noodle with his fork. He scooped up a piece and brought the fork to his chest, offering Ranboo a bit of spaghetti barely larger than his hand.

He gratefully took it with a quiet ‘thank you’ and began to nibble on it. Tubbo resumed eating and watching their show as Ranboo was lost in thought.

He had concluded he definitely likes Tubbo’s mouth. It was warm, dark, and if he were to guess, would be a wonderful place to calm down during a panic attack or overload. Ranboo didn’t know what that would mean at that moment. He couldn’t exactly pour food over himself during an attack.

He’d answered his questions at least, but he’d walked away with more. Ranboo continued to eat quietly, pressed close to Tubbo and questioning his own mind.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The third time, he knew exactly what he was doing. He knew two times isn’t enough to establish a pattern but Ranboo felt certain Tubbo would do this each and every time.

Something told him he shouldn’t be trying this again but after another round of internet searching, he felt something bubble up in his chest.

Ranboo had stumbled upon an article on giant anatomy. It was very plain and scientific. While he couldn’t understand a lot of what was written, one fact was simple and easy to read.

Giants, regardless of species, all had a secondary stomach. It produced no acid and had various uses. Originally it was for storing excess food for periods when food was scarce. Modern day, it’s purpose is more suited for holding objects or to protect valuables.

Ranboo stiffened. Protect. He didn’t know why that word clenched his heart so strongly.

Tubbo had given him so much care and love and of course he would protect Ranboo, from anything. From the smallest bug to the tallest giant. But this.

This seemed different. So much closer, more personal, and, well, Ranboo might even call it more secure. Protect. He quietly closed the app, moving away from the phone and slipping into his bed. Tubbo would be home from errands soon.

Over the next few days he was conflicted.

On the one hand, he shouldn’t be pushing his luck. Ranboo had a life he previously could only dream of with Tubbo. He was kind and understood him and his needs and desires. Hell, Ranboo was sure Tubbo would even let him leave if he really wanted to.

If he overstepped a boundary he could lose it all in an instant. Lose his life and Tubbo, whom he appreciated and cared deeply for. God knows how it would affect Tubbo as well.

On the other hand…

Tubbo had said he would provide anything he asked for. Within his ability of course. Storing him certainly seemed to be covered under that. The thought of asking him right out made Ranboo want to curl up and hide, similar to when he’d first gotten there.

He continued mulling this over as Tubbo set a shallow bowl of ice cream and two spoons on the counter nearby. A warmer day deserved a chilly treat and Ranboo agreed wholeheartedly. His spoon was just slightly taller than he was while Tubbo’s could tower over him.

Ranboo lifted his spoon as Tubbo settled on a chair, shoving it in the softening ice cream and scooping it up. He settled the head on the edge of the bowl and began licking his helping.

Tubbo happily ate from the bowl, chatting idly between bites. Ranboo responded but he focused on his task at hand.

Slowly he shifted the spoon closer to himself until it barely rested on the edge. He’d eaten a decent amount by that point he’d say, so he wouldn’t feel overly upset about his next action. He tilted the head of the spoon to pour it’s contents over himself.

Abruptly he dropped the spoon with a loud metallic clatter because, god, he hadn’t expected it to be that cold. Ranboo shivered, successfully covered in ice cream from his arms to his legs to his chest.

“Oh fuck, you good boss man?”

Ranboo flicked his head up to see Tubbo’s worried expression. He nodded but another shiver wracked his body. The countertop wasn’t exactly the warmest place to be.

Tubbo gave him a sympathetic look, “C’mere…” With warm, careful hands, Tubbo scooped him up. He leaned into the fingers around him.

Ranboo wasn’t overly concerned with the cold, seeing as he knew Tubbo’s mouth would take care of that. Tubbo shifted him to one hand and grabbed a rag. Once again he was lifted up to parted lips and placed down past fangs bigger than his head.

He was immediately grateful for the warmth, pressing his cheek against Tubbo’s plush tongue and closing his eyes. He could almost fall asleep between the soothing heat and mild massaging of Tubbo’s licking.

He opened his eyes slowly, glancing ahead of him at the dark throat. Ranboo felt a pang in his chest. How much nicer would it feel in Tubbo’s storage stomach? Hesitantly, he moved his hand forward, hovering over the opening.

He could just go for it. Act on his impulses. Yet something held him back, the anxiety that always held him back. Ranboo was squished slightly as Tubbo swallowed his saliva and returned him to his previous position.

For several seconds Ranboo fought with his mind whether to move when the mouth lit up brightly. He retracted his hand to shield his eyes and watched Tubbo’s fingers carefully pull him back into the open air.

The counter was now clean of his mess and the ice cream discarded in the sink. Ranboo turned to Tubbo and was met with a cloth softly rubbing his face. Tubbo walked from the kitchen to the living room couch.

“Wanna watch a movie?” Tubbo asked as he sat down and ruffled Ranboo’s hair dry.

He smiled to himself. Of course Tubbo would try to keep him from feeling guilty about the ice cream. Ranboo nodded and pulled Tubbo’s thumb closer to his chest, curling up in his palm.

Tubbo reclined on the couch as he grabbed the remote. The two watched the screen in contentment. Ranboo would say this attempt was a success. Hell, he even got cuddles out of it. As Tubbo rubbed a small circle on his back, he felt happy.

Though a tinge in the back of his mind told him something was missing.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The fourth time, he finally caved. It started to become all he could think about. Protect, protect, protect. Google was of no help once again. What he was going through seemed unheard of. Almost impossible, yet there he was.

Every panic attack he felt a longing. Every nightmare left him missing a comfort he’s never felt. Twice now he’s found himself halfway across Tubbo’s bed before convincing himself otherwise and returning to his own on the nightstand.

Ranboo feels insane, not only for how much of his thoughts are consumed by this but because what tiny wants to be eaten. But he’s come to terms with it now, realizing what he’d felt since that first day.

His next plan is barely anything. Get into Tubbo’s storage. How he’d do it he didn’t know. But he swore to himself he would, if only to clear his mind.

It was more spur of the moment than anything. A hastily taken opportunity. Tubbo turned away from his freshly prepared plate of fish and chips on the counter and Ranboo hopped into the ketchup. When Tubbo turned back, they stared at one another.

“Uh…” Tubbo smiled, confused but bemused.

“I… Fell,” Ranboo settled on, heart racing at the lie. Normally he had no reason to lie about anything. It made him queasy.

“Okay…” Tubbo gave a quiet laugh and fished Ranboo from the cup, “This is becoming a habit, Boo.”

Ranboo chuckled nervously, and once again Tubbo placed him in his mouth.

He practically melted into it as Tubbo began to clean him off. Ranboo took a moment to enjoy the comforting sensation before steeling himself. He’d done this for a reason after all, and not just for a warm mouth to lay in. He stared at the opening of Tubbo’s throat.

The temptation began building up in his gut once again. He had pictured it, and much like Tubbo’s mouth it was wet and warm. But there were no teeth, no gums or tongue. Only one way in and one way out, past a wall of muscle and flesh where nothing and no one could touch him; could hurt him. Just himself and Tubbo, the only one he trusted to even attempt this.

Ranboo slid himself forward.

Tubbo’s tongue paused below him, patting his feet curiously as if making sure he was still there. He knew he wouldn’t be much longer. With a silent prayer that Tubbo wouldn’t choke on him, he plunged himself inward.

Immediately Tubbo let out a startled noise and Ranboo braced himself for the coughing that followed. He tried to remain as still as possible without slipping back out. Once the hacking stopped, Tubbo swallowed.

With a squelch around his body, he was pulled in farther and farther, muscles kneading downward rhythmically. Another swallow had Ranboo descending much, much quicker. If he had to describe how it felt, it was like being held in a tight fist. Except this one was a lot longer and of course, very wet.

Ranboo reached Tubbo’s stomach much sooner than he had expected. He was softly deposited inside with a plop and he squinted at the lack of light. Slowly, his eyes adjusted (thank you, partial night vision) and he took in his surroundings.

Everything was squishy and he had to actively ignore the pooling saliva at the bottom. It was also only slightly bigger than he was but the snug fit was fine to him. He could still hear Tubbo calming his throat and catching his breath above him, but he could also hear his body.

Amongst the low groans of his organs, Ranboo can hear Tubbo’s heart clear as day. When Tubbo held him in his hands or against his chest, Ranboo would just listen to his pulse. It often helped to ground him. Remind him of where he was and who he was with.

Ranboo slowly leaned into the stomach wall, surrounded by Tubbo. Something felt just… Right about this. His mind calmed and his anxiety began to melt away. He closed his eyes and allowed a small smile to creep onto his face.

He wouldn’t mind staying like this for a while.

“Oh my god,” Tubbo coughed again and Ranboo felt him go rigid. Something pressed against the wall from the outside, squishing into him, “Oh god, oh- Oh shit- Boo- Ranboo- God, I shouldn’t have had you in my mouth,” Tubbo rambled, “I’m so sorry, let me get you up-”

Ranboo snapped his eyes open and bolted upright, yelling, “No no no no no, wait-” He slapped his hands over his mouth in horror. He shouldn’t have said that, he hadn’t meant to. Tubbo might-

“What do you mean ‘Wait’?” Tubbo asked cautiously.

Ranboo let out a quiet whine and leaned against the wall again. He couldn’t say it, he didn’t want to. Tubbowould find Ranboo strange. Strange enough that he would get rid of him. No one needed anything weird around. He was already so much of a hassle as it was-

“Hey,” Tubbo broke through his thoughts, “Are you hurt?”

Ranboo pulled one hand away from his face. When Ranboo was in a panicked state or too terrified to speak, they used a yes and no system. He firmly tapped the wall twice for ‘no’. He knew he was trembling.

He could feel Tubbo relax a bit around him, “Do you want out?”

Tears pricked the corners of his eyes as he tapped another two times. Honestly Ranboo didn’t know if he could even face Tubbo right then. When visitors to the pet shop heard he was damage- That he needed extra care, their faces contorted with disgust. He couldn’t bear to see something like that on Tubbo’s face.

“Ranboo, did…” Tubbo paused, “...Did you go in there on purpose?”

He could have lied, say no and claim he was simply too shaken to do anything at that moment. Tubbo would have believed it easily. Just the thought of it made him nauseous. With tears streaming down his cheeks, he tapped once and pulled his hand away.

The silence that followed was agonizing as Ranboo sobbed soundlessly. Regret ebbed its way into his mind. He should have just left it alone, and continued as they did everyday. He’d ruined the one good thing that had ever happened to him.

Something nudged him and he looked up. The pressure from outside was moving, slowly kneading circles into him. Tubbo’s voice rumbled around him.

“You could have just asked, boss man.”

Ranboo blinked. His mind went blank as Tubbo continued rubbing. Slowly, he pulled his hand away from his mouth, swiping at a stray tear.

His voice was shaky, but he made sure to speak up, “You… You don’t think it’s weird?” Ranboo asked hesitantly.

“Admittedly, it is a little. But I’m the one with the stomach so I guess we’re both weird,” Tubbo laughed quietly.

Ranboo pondered over his words for a moment, leaning into the wall. It was comforting. So was what he said. Ranboo let himself relax, giving his own wet chuckle.

“Can I stay? For a little while?” Ranboo tilted his head upwards, even though there wasn’t any expression from him to read.

“As long as you want, boo,” Tubbo stopped the rubbing, “I guess you can’t really eat now though, so we’ll get something for you later.”

He could faintly hear the clink of a fork against ceramic, assuming Tubbo was eating what they’d made. Ranboo hesitantly nestled down in the stomach, curling into Tubbo’s warmth and listening to his thrumming heart.

“Thank you,” Ranboo hoped Tubbo heard him with his quiet voice and when he felt the hum of confirmation, Ranboo closed his eyes.

A few more tears slipped down his face but this time, he knew they were happy ones. Ranboo felt at home and loved. He felt safe.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~BONUS~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

They lost track a while ago.

Tubbo entered the kitchen, watching the floor carefully. He hadn’t seen Ranboo for almost an hour. He wasn’t in the bedroom or bathroom and the living room had been empty. Tubbo had checked all the designated and impromptu nap spots already. Ranboo definitely wouldn’t go outside alone and he was beginning to worry.

“Ranboo?” He called, opening the cabinets to search through their contents. Tubbo just hoped he wasn’t having a breakdown somewhere all alone. Or injured.

Until he heard a soft thump.

Tubbo looked down to the counter where a box of donuts given to him by a friend lay. He stared at it with confusion when the small box made another little thump. Slowly, he reached for the lid and pulled it open.

There, on one of the long cream filled donuts, laid his tiny companion, belly down and chin resting on crossed arms. Ranboo’s content, patient expression dropped as they locked eyes. His tail began rapidly swishing, rapping against the side of the box.

Tubbo slapped his hand over his mouth to contain his laughter, “Boss man, I told you you could just ask. I don’t mind!” He said breathlessly, attempting to keep his chuckles quiet.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Ranboo said matter-of-factly, very much failing to prevent a smile from blooming on his face as Tubbo lifted his donut up.

“Sure, sure. Well, I guess I could go for a donut anyway.”

Ranboo’s tail thumped quicker against his fingers as he opened his mouth. Tubbo slid his tongue under him and scooped him up with one swift motion, shutting his jaws around him. He felt Ranboo instantly relax and could almost hear a quiet purring.

Tubbo smiled and happily removed the chocolate icing he was caked in. He teased Ranboo with a few licks to the face. Tiny hands patted at him before long, tiny arms wrapped around his tongue with a squeeze. He sighed contentedly.

He held Ranboo firmly as he swallowed his saliva, making sure he wouldn’t end up in the wrong place. Once done, Tubbo tilted his head back and slid Ranboo towards his throat. With a gentle swallow, he sent him on his way with the fluffy end of his tail behind him.

Tubbo maneuvered him to his storage stomach with practiced ease, Ranboo landing inside with a tiny plop. He rubbed at the spot on his way to the living room, figuring he could watch some tv and relax. He started on the rest of the donut after Ranboo curled up against his outer wall, pressing into Tubbo’s kneading fingers.

Kristen has the ability to manipulate what is around her. This means she will shrink Tommy as well to have comfy tummy time with Phil. Phil is swallowed on occasion but not often. It happened a few times before he became immortal.

This also means she can grow Techno, Wilbur, and Tubbo though they cannot participate in noms due to their anatomy. They don't really mind it. Tubbo just likes to hang out with Tommy and Wilbur likes to mess with him as revenge for being a turd. Techno likes having more face to face conversations with Phil. The effect only lasts so long and Kristen has to redo it to maintain it so they can only really experience it when she visits.

When Kristen was told Phil took in Techno, Wilbur, and Tubbo, she immediately adored them. Wilbur and Techno appreciate having parental figures for once in their lives, and some of the best ones to boot. Tubbo likes to see his brothers get to be just kids again.

The mortals do travel back and forth from their home still. However they did build their own space within Phil's so they weren't wandering around on vast floors. Tubbo constructed his own little nook in Tommy's because they hang out a lot.

Tubbo calls Techno and Wilbur his brothers because they're so close in age. I think the disaster that happened was a flood and they found Tubbo floating on a piece of debris, crying. Techno got him to dry land and made sure he was okay. After Tubbo told them about his parents, Techno wouldn't let him out of his sight from protective instincts. Wilbur certainly didn't argue.

The adults of the town they were staying at at the time weren't able to convince them otherwise. Taking care of a child was a big task but somehow they managed. Tubbo grew up happy and healthy, never even seeing an orphanage.

Techno had been treated worse than the rest of the children, due to him being a hybrid from the nether. Him and Wilbur were so close because they were the only ones in their age group. They escaped after Wilbur got a handle on his abilities.

They survived by the skin of their teeth for a while but adapted quickly to the wilderness. They traveled from town to town and settled after finding Tubbo. Techno does more of the fighting and hunting due to his abilities while Wilbur is the more charismatic and stealthy one.

Hibernation season:

Tommy is a shapeshifter because I couldn't decide what hybrid type I liked best for him. And he's a demigod because I needed a reason for Tubbo to be safe and trust Tommy.

Forgot to put it on his little card but Tubbo has a bit of sixth sense for people on whether to trust them or not. That's why he trusted Tommy and Techno.

Wilbur and Techno dealt with the storm better because Wilbur thrives in the cold and Techno stays warm easily. Wilbur also gets sunburnt easily.

Phil was an avian when he was mortal but took the title of angel because it was fitting. He's most accurately described as a reaper.

Kristen is the the Goddess of Death of course. She doesn't necessarily need a reaper but made Phil one in order to grant him immortality.

The natural state of an immortal is giant. Not all giants are immortal but most are. A lot of immortals don't care for the lives of mortals. 'Functionally Immortal' means they can be killed but they'll live forever if they aren't