When Things Go Wrong

Chapter 1: Meetup Shenanigans

They walked side by side out of the airport and into the steamy summer air of Los Angeles and to Ranboo's car.

"I've missed you, bossman,'' Tubbo said as he struggled to heave his suitcase into the trunk of the car. Ranboo picked up one end and they lifted it together. "I know, but now I get to show you all around America!'' Tubbo rolled his eyes jokingly. After spending so much time with Tommy, he has also adopted his disdain for America. Ranboo pretended to be mad as he sat down in the driver's seat and cranked the air conditioning while Tubbo messed with the radio and tried not to notice that Ranboo still had his mask and glasses on. As soon as they left the airport parking lot, they were slammed in the face with LA traffic.

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After an hour of driving that would normally be fifteen minutes, they arrived at Ranboo's (parents) house. The traffic wasn't too bad, since they could catch up and plan the week ahead of them that would be full of touring, streaming, and having a blast. Tubbo was just as excited as he always was to start streaming and show off to the viewers that they had met up again. The jetlag had not hit him yet, but Ranboo seemed exhausted. The tall boy had been working extremely hard for the past few months, streaming almost every day, posting new videos, and planning more content. Tubbo was a little concerned about the bags under his eyes and his slumped posture, but it seemed like the light was returning to his eyes every minute they spent together.

As Tubbo rolled his suitcase through the doorway of the house, he remembered the comforting smell and vibe of Ranboo's house. His mom was baking something that smelled delicious in the lemon-yellow kitchen, and when he turned around he could see the neat living room. The two headed upstairs after greeting Ranboo's mom. Tubbo couldn't get over how different their regular house was compared to what the viewers see, which was mostly in Ranboo's room. It was normally cluttered with clothes, streaming equipment, and his massive desk. When Tubbo peeked inside his friend's room, his heart softened. Ranboo had cleaned his room, just for him.

Tubbo followed Ranboo to the spare room he stayed in last time he was in America. It was a small space, but it had all the bedroom basics. The twin bed had pale green blankets already on it, and a bedside table sat next to it. A small desk was also tucked into the corner of the room, as well as a bureau.

"Sorry it's not as big as back at your place," Ranboo said apologetically. Tubbo shook his head adamantly. "Don't worry about it, this is perfect." To prove it, the small boy flopped onto the bed and smiled happily.

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Once Tubbo unpacked (and made Ranboo help too) his stomach rumbled with hunger. All he'd had to eat that day was a dry, overpriced sandwich from the airport. They were relaxing in Ranboo's room, Tubbo on a beanbag and Ranboo on his bed. Tubbo's heart was warmed, and it felt like he had already been there for weeks.

"You want something to eat?''

Tubbo nodded enthusiastically as his stomach rumbled again. "Let's go downstairs, I think we have some leftover pizza in the fridge."

"I'm right behind you, bossman,"

Tubbo rolled over and struggled to get out of the beanbag. He stretched out his arm, and giggled to himself as he made a ruckus. Ranboo just stood and watched, cackling at his failure.

"Stop- laughing- at- me!"

Tubbo laughed as he seemed to fall deeper into the giant blue bean bag. Finally, Ranboo strode over to Tubbo and easily grabbed his waist and picked him up. Tubbo had flipped onto his back and shrieked when he was lifted into the air. He kicked his legs and grasped onto Ranboo's arms. Once a laughing Ranboo returned Tubbo to solid ground, he caught his breath.