Ranboo always tried his best to pay attention. Constantly paranoid about missing any details, since he would have to write anything significant in his Memory Book if he wanted to, well, remember it. In this practice he found himself noticing things that seemed miniscule, unimportant. Which is why he surprised himself by catching what might at the surface seem unnoticeable, but was actually very concerning.
He knew Technoblade and Philza had incredible work ethic, much like himself, but sometimes it scared him, though he'd be reluctant to admit it. But lately he's noticed Techno taking more of the load. Little things like when Phil started getting tired on a task, then Technoblade would take over, the piglin hybrid brushing it off like it's no big deal, and Phil's audible sigh of relief from the work being taken off his shoulders.
Technoblade has proven himself to be formidable in battle, with deadly endurance. The same could be said about his ability to work for hours on end without rest. But surely everyone gets tired eventually.
This morning Ranboo had been building a hangover outside his house to allow him to work on his farm while it rained. Ironically, it started to rain during the process. Ranboo was just going to start mining or something instead till he saw Techno's hulking figure come towards him.
"Need some help Ranboo? I could build the overhang while you work on yer' farm." He offered, holding out his hand.
"S-sure. If, if that's okay, anyway." Ranboo replied. He didn't want to accept Techno's help, but he couldn't bring himself to refuse it either.
He watched as Techno smiled faintly before getting to work, shielding Ranboo from the rain as he planted carrots and potatoes. It wasn't supposed to take as long as it did. Ranboo hadn't paid attention to the exhausted expression on Techno's face when he had offered help, shrugging off the sluggishness of the piglin's movements.
Techno was hauling a wooden board, about to place it where it belonged, when it dropped from his hands with a CRACK!
"T-technoblade! Are, uh, a-are you okay?" He asked, knowing the answer really. Techno was openly panting, too exhausted even to attempt at hiding behind his carefully crafted mask, literally and figuratively.
"Jus', one sec kid…" Techno answered between breaths, his hands on his knees. "S'not a problem, jus', gotta catch my breath."
Ranboo looked on in worry. Should he get Phil? He could probably help. Techno can usually take care of himself, but Ranboo doesn't think that he's ever seen Techno this winded. He doesn't really want to bother Phil though.
"Um, do, do you want to um, come inside?" He asked tentatively. He'd been living on Technoblade's land for a while now, but he'd never invited either Techno or Phil into his cabin before.
"...sure." Techno answered with a sigh.
They both walked in, Ranboo carefully watching Techno's movement. He also discreetly messaged Phil with his communicator before closing the door behind him, shutting out the noise of the rain hitting snow. He found it odd that it rained here.
Techno and I are in my cabin, if you could uh, join us. He's not looking very… good.
Alright, that ought to do it. Ummmm, now Techno. Ah, he has settled awkwardly onto Ranboo's couch. Good.
"Um, so, do you uhh-, want? Anything? Water, or erm, potatoes?" He asked, trying and failing to phrase it in a more, natural manner.
"I'm uh, good. I think." Techno replied. Ranboo didn't miss the way Techno sunk into the couch, except for a certain spot on his back which tensed away from the soft surface.
"Phil should, get here soon. I uh, invited him. To come. Yeah." Oh god this was SO awkward. He had no idea how to help someone else, let alone someone who is usually completely capable of their own well-being, at least as far as Ranboo knew.
"Oh… nice." Techno said, his voice groggy from the comfort.
Ranboo had this sudden urge to just… sit next to Techno, but like, really close, and snuggled up. This, this is NOT a good time for such feelings brain. Shut up, please.
...except he REALLY wanted to do that. And there was just enough space for him and Techno looked so tired and- NO nope, no no no no, not happening. Not without asking at least, and there was NO way he was working up the courage to do that... Unless he was… NO, but. But he could.
He really could.
He really did.
Techno stared at him in shock. Ranboo checked his expression for signs of disgust or anger… but he just looked… surprised and, happy? Maybe? A little bit…
"Uh- s-sure, I… I guess." Technoblade said after a sort of long pause.
Well.
Hmmm, he actually- actually said yes?
For a second he couldn't move, at least not until his brain registered the answer at which point he practically jumped into the spot beside Techno and nuzzled his face into his furry coat with the Arctic Empirian symbol on it in gold.
"Hrk- oh, uh, okay." Techno said softly, looking down at Ranboo's figure, slowly bringing his arm down to rest around Ranboo's thin frame, and Ranboo leaning into the contact. This felt nice. Ranboo didn't realize how touch starved he was.
The next few minutes were spent in comfortable silence, that is, until Ranboo heard Techno snoring.
Oh, OH, right, he's asleep. That's, that's good. Yeah. Hmm… should he just- just stay here?
The faint pitter-patter of rain returned as the door creaked opened, revealing a winged, blonde figure poking his head in.
"Phil!" He whisper-shouted, making sure not to disturb Techno.
"Awwww, mate, Techno's snugglin' with you?" Phil said, shutting the door and walking in, admiring the two. Ranboo on the other hand felt VERY embarrassed and knew that he should never EVER bring this up to Techno later.
Nevertheless his Enderman instincts got the better of him and he let out a pleased warble. Phil answered with his own endearing trill, settling on the other side of Ranboo and resting his wings across them like a blanket.
Ranboo might as well drift off at this point, just because him and Phil weren't quite as overworked as Techno at the moment, didn't mean that they weren't tired from a general day's work.
He felt a small thump of pride in his heart at the thought that the people he cared about the most could be so comfortable in his home. It was the last thing he felt before darkness clouded his vision, the rain a faint drum, unable to hurt him in the safety of Phil and Techno's arms.