Chapter Text
When Tubbo started his day by opening up the museum, he thought it would be like any other day. He would sit behind the counter and wait for any of the few other people living in Pelican Town to stop in, maybe with some random artifact they found that he’d either have to turn away or begrudgingly go catalogue, or some kids coming in for some kind of lesson (they really needed to open a school or something, he has no idea what curriculum the kids are actually receiving), and then he would go home at the end of the day. If he was lucky, someone would come in for just a quick chat, which would break up a bit of the monotony of his day to day life. But for the most part, he sat behind the counter doing word searches or, when he got bored enough, wandered around to straighten the books on the shelves. Even if they were already completely fine. Maybe he would mess them up himself just to have something to do later, but he’ll never admit to that.
That was his usual, the thing he was expecting to happen today, just like every single day since he’s lived here and worked at this job. So he’s surprised when someone new walks in the door. He almost doesn’t look up when the small bell over the door dings, assuming it was the kids considering the time it was getting to be. Despite the unknown validity of the education they were receiving, at least they had a schedule.
He sees the person out of the corner of his eye, only a vague shape that doesn’t help him know exactly who it is. He’s also only half paying attention, the word he’s looking for giving him even more trouble than usual. But there’s a stumble, followed by a small yelp that makes him look up with a start. And oh, that’s someone new. This town is fairly small, enough to where if you live there for at least a week, you know everyone by heart. And Tubbo has no idea who this person is.
Whoever they are, they’re tall, much taller than anyone else in town. Maybe long is the better way to describe them. Everything about them looks long; their legs, their arms, their torso, even the black hair that’s pulled into a ponytail behind them. Well, the hair is long, and their body is gangly. Maybe that’s what the stumble was, because whoever-the-fuck looks like they almost tripped over, literally nothing, there’s nothing Tubbo can see that would have made them fall. Whatever happened, they’re finishing the process of catching their balance, and when they notice that Tubbo is looking at them their face turns bright red.
“H-Hi! Wow, that was embarrassing, I don’t even know how that happened.” They say through a nervous laugh.
“Yeah, I uh, I don’t know either.” Tubbo gives them another look over. “I don’t think I know you. What’s, who are you?”
Tall guy straightens up a bit, and it’s only then that Tubbo notices the overalls they’re wearing and the straw hat they're holding in their hands. It’s so stereotypical he almost laughs.
“Ah, right. I’m Ranboo, I’m new. To town, at least, I think? I think the farm is considered part of the town, it’s kind of a walk from there to here. . .”
That catches Tubbo’s attention. “Wait, really? You live out there?”
“Yeah, as of a few days ago.”
“That’s insane. I thought that was going to stay abandoned for like, forever at this point.” Suddenly Tubbo feels much more invested in this new person. He actually sets down his word search to lean across the counter. “What made you want to move all the way out there? Where are you from?”
That gets another nervous laugh out of Ranboo, and he starts twisting the hat in his hands. “I actually inherited it recently. It was my grandfather’s but uh, he passed away not too long ago and left it to me. I don’t know why, though. I didn’t even know this place existed until I read the letter.”
Instantly, Tubbo feels like shit. “Oh, god. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to bring up any bad feelings or anything–”
“No, no!” Ranboo quickly reassures. “It’s fine, I swear. I wasn’t really close to him or anything, which in all honesty, just adds to the weirdness of all of this.”
He does another nervous laugh that Tubbo is starting to think is all he can do before rocking on his feet a bit.
“Well, anyway, the mayor told me that I should go around and introduce myself to everyone. Apparently there aren’t that many people here, and he thinks I can get it out of the way in a day. If I can figure out where everything is, of course.”
Tubbo all but slaps himself. “Right, introductions. Sorry, we’ve had a whole conversation and I haven’t even told you my name.” He holds his hand out for a handshake. “I’m Tubbo.”
Ranboo reaches out and shakes it, smiling. “Nice to meet you Tubbo. Anything I should know about the town before I dive in headfirst?”
Tubbo snorts at that. “‘I mean, kinda feels like you did that already, but uh. General store is gonna have most of the stuff you’ll need, blacksmith for tools and such. I think they also crack open geodes you might find in the mines, if mining is something you’re interested in. Not many people go in there cause of how dangerous it can be, though, so there’s your warning. And I guess, just don’t be disheartened if anyone doesn’t warm up to you quickly. Small town, tight-knit community dealing with ‘outsiders’ and all that.” He leans in a bit closer to whisper the next part. “But, everyone here can be won over with something, you just gotta figure out what it is.”
“Should I be worried over what these things will be?”
“Nah, it’s usually a specific flower or food of some kind. Think of it as like a housewarming gift.”
“But shouldn’t I be the one getting housewarming gifts?” Ranboo asks, head tilting to the side. Tubbo refrains from telling him he looks like a dog when he does it.
“Eh, someone might make the trek out to you with something. But most people aren’t gonna bother until they actually like you.”
Ranboo grimaces. “So everything basically rides on a good first impression.”
“Not what I said, green bean. Just make any first impression, and if you need to, you can win them over with gifts later.”
Ranboo looks at him incredulously. “Green bean?”
“You’re tall and lanky. Shaped like a green bean,” Tubbo shrugs. “And hey, you’re a farmer aren’t you? I bet you know all about them.”
Ranboo just raises an eyebrow, but there’s a quirk of amusement tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Yeah, yeah, sure. Maybe I’ll grow some just so you can make your comparison.”
Tubbo grins. “I look forward to it, green bean.” He leans back over to his side of the counter, his chair groaning under him. “Well, anything else I can help you with?”
“I don’t think so,” he responds, glancing around the building. “I’ll probably come back later at some point when I start exploring the different places here. Just focusing on the people for now.”
Tubbo nods, and Ranboo makes his way towards the door. “Well, if you ever need anything, you know where I am.”
Ranboo turns back to him as he pushes open the door, smiling. “It was nice to meet you, Tubbo.” He gives a little wave, and Tubbo waves back.
As the door clicks shut behind him, Tubbo turns back to his word search. He doesn’t get any more interruptions that day outside of the normal, but he still finds himself thinking back to the new guy.
Things are always interesting with something new.