Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Gobo Fraggle:

Gabriel Nelson Alves dela Cruz - Brazilian mother, Filipino father, they were both explorers who died before they could get to see Gobo grow up, he was mostly raised in Canada by Uncle Matt (and Doc/Ned).

Dark brown skin// neon pink hair with white streaks// honey caramel brown eyes// 5'6// 19 years old// pansexual// diagnosed with autism, ADHD and depression.

Wembley Fraggle:

Wilfred Oliver Joy - Australian descent// white// golden blond hair with green streaks// emerald green eyes// 5'4// 19 years old// bisexual// autism, ADHD.

Mokey Fraggle:

Mikayla Fawn Moonflower - Of Native descent// dark skinned black// thick, curly cerulean blue hair usually in dreadlocks// chocolate brown eyes// 6'4// 21 years old// pansexual trans woman// diagnosed with OCD.

Red Fraggle:

Robyn Lucia Perez - Mexican parents// natural tan skin// curly, fiery red hair with orange streaks// olive/hazel eyes// 5'9// 18 years old// bisexual// ADHD.

Boober Fraggle:

Bailey Harper Goelz - German descent// white// dark-ish blood-red hair// icy ocean blue eyes (not like it matters)// 5'1// 20 years old// gay trans man// autism, OCD, depression.

Side characters:

Sidebottom:

Blake Harley Goelz - Boober's twin and looks nearly identical to him// 5'1// 20 years old// pansexual, genderfluid (he/she/they).

Cotterpin Doozer:

Catarina Carter - Canadian// white// ginger hair// bottle green eyes// 5'2// 22 years old// lesbian.

Junior Gorg - Scottish parents// white// shaggy, dirty blond hair// chestnut brown eyes// autism// cishet quota lmao

This is just how I'll picture these characters in the story that follows.

Chapter Text

I thought I was so clever
I thought I was so smart
Thought I had the map that leads to everybody's heart
But I got wise to myself
I got no answers anymore

Gobo shivered noticeably, his charming, husky, nasal voice shaking as he sang the melancholic tune to himself, pushing his old, worn out, purple jacket closer to himself, it was no use, not even Boober's scarf and Mokey's crochet hat were helping, he was freezing out here.

And nobody could know.

A few weeks had gone by since Halloween and snow was starting to fall, the pink-haired musician would usually enjoy this….

…….if he had somewhere warm to be as the first signs of the harsh Canadian winter start to show themselves.

Gobo sighed in resignation, setting up a couple newspapers on the floor beside a dumpster inside the abandoned, dark alley behind Doc's workshop, pulling Boober's lucky blanket out of his backpack and wrapping himself in it from his toes up to his neck, shuddering uncontrollably as the merciless, cold wind flew by him.

Boober would hate to know how many germs his blanket is being subjected to….still as Red would say 'laundry is supposed to get dirty'.

But not like this.

And now I'm anybody's baby,
'Cause I don't know how to get up off the floor.
Oh, no, I don't know how to go on,
How to go on one single day more

As the young, brave explorer found himself trembling terribly and whimpering miserably under the covers, hungry and alone in the dark.

He wasn't particularly feeling all that lucky.

When Boober said (more like demanded) that they had to try his artichoke soufflé, Gobo and Wembley weren't exactly all that thrilled at first, upon experimenting however, they couldn't have enough of it and here they are, stomachs full and bloated as they laze around and cuddle on the couch of Wembley and Boober's shared apartment.

Wembley spread out on his back, Gobo laying sideways, the joyful blond giggling helplessly as the taller of the two lightly poked the flabby curve of his massive waistline and big, round, soft belly, occasionally nuzzling into it.

They had grown quite a bit ever since Boober found his true liking (and calling) for cooking.

All of them had fallen victim to it in some way or another, really, but Red and Mokey have each their own strict diets and Gobo…. isn't the one who lives with Boober so Wembley got the 'worst' of it.

The naive boy was a quite literal, tiny, giddy ball of joy nowadays.

Gobo has no complaints about it though, the cheerful, hyperactive blond makes for a pretty good pillow, the soothing rise and fall provided by his indecisive friend's breathing, quickly lulling him to sleep.

Halfway through hanging his laundry to dry, odd silence fell into Boober's ears, no laughing, no singing, no squeekity squat squewl pukka-pukka, weird.

Did they leave without telling him or asking if they wanted him to go with them?

That would certainly be rude.

There was a 98% chance of the answer being 'No' but it still wouldn't hurt them to politely ask.

The stoic, introverted redhead stepped into the living room only to have his ears filled….with soft snoring, his small, frail, tense frame instantly relaxing, even if just a little.

Gobo and Wembley were a mess of soft, doughy, squishy tangle of limbs on the couch, Wembley's hand knotted on Gobo's tall, messy hair, Gobo greedily, almost possessively hugging Wembley's protruding, hefty, wide torso towards himself.

A small, timid smile tugged by the corner's of Boober's lips, these are his favorite people in the world, it's so rewarding to know they're both at peace, safe and sound somewhere where he can make sure no harm can come to them.

They're well fed, they're healthy, there's a roof over their heads with no threat of falling.

No abusive relatives in sight.

He wishes it could always be like this.

Boober turned back around, it's best to get a blanket or else they'll get cold soon, body heat simply can't possibly be enough, even they have a lot of it to offer.

Gobo woke up a couple hours later, still in the same position, cuddled up with his head against Wembley's soft chest as the other boy tugged firmly, almost protectively on his hot pink hair.

The aspiring adventurer could get used to this, he looked at his best friend's pale, peaceful face, the moonlight shining through the glass windows highlighting his endearing, round features as he mumbled something in his sleep.

Gobo thumbed at the shorter boy's soft chin up to his right cheek fondly, earning an adorable, happy little whine, he could look at Wembley forever….

…..But he couldn't stay.

Gobo grinned smugly, leaning down and booping noses then kissing Wembley's cheek longingly, on the same spot he had just caressed, startling the indecisive young man awake as he swiftly stepped out of the couch.

And Wembley's arms.

"Wait, Gobo, w-where're you goin'?" questioned a groggy, naive blond as he clumsily rubbed at his own eyes and yawned tiredly.

"I need to go run some errands for Doc, also I told him I would take care of Sprocket while he's gone tonight." Gobo lied through his teeth, actively avoiding eye contact with his childhood best friend's gorgeous, emerald green eyes.

Gobo thought that after a week or so it would get easier.

It's not getting easier.

"O-Oh, okay, then wait for me! I'll go with you!!!" Wembley promptly exclaimed, quickly sitting up and stretching his limbs, running a hand through his messy, golden locks, his large belly no longer as full as before but it still jiggled like jelly with the small effort alone.

In an ideal world, Gobo would stay and play with it all night as they absentmindedly watch a movie on Netflix, Boober eventually joins them with either more food or simply his pleasant company, the movie is so terribly awful that not even Red or Mokey would like it but it's the 'so bad it's good' type that it does a 180 and makes Boober laugh his wonderful laugh Gobo loves so much yet so rarely gets to hear it.

Gobo inhaled sharply, he knows Wembley and Boober since they were all little kids, nothing would hurt the young musician more than losing them due to confusing, unrequited feelings or far from ideal 'home' situations.

Wherever 'home' really is, Gobo doesn't know anymore.

And isn't sure he ever truly did.

They say home is where the heart is but Gobo gave a piece of his own to each of his loved ones.

A piece of it is back with Doc and Ned, another is away with Uncle Matt and his explorings, another with his Parents and his Great Uncle Gobo wherever they may be, another belongs to Red and Mokey downtown...

And the last piece of his heart is safely secured right here with Wembley and Boober.

"N-No, Wembley, that's not really necessary, eh? Listen, I gotta go, tell Boober his food was amazing and he's improving more and more each day!" Gobo sheepshily waved, awkwardly running through the hallway leading out the door, disappearing from his best friend's view in a flash of pink and orange.

"O-Okay….I'll tell him." Wembley nodded repeatedly in affirmation even though Gobo was no longer there to see him, visibly dejected but trying to be understanding.

Gobo just seems like the type of guy who needs to be everywhere at once.

And nowhere at the same time.

Wembley only wishes he could stay a little longer.

They could've watched a movie together while they helped Boober fold laundry.

"Hey, take care, eh Wembley?" Gobo shouted back, putting his old, purple jacket back on.

It was old but it was washed and smelled extremely nice, it's what you can usually count on when you're under Boober's care.

"You too, Gobo." said Wembley solemnly, looking down at his agitated knees, fixing his banana tree shirt in place over his stuffed belly, it was really starting to shrunk on him, odd.

"I love you." whispered Gobo, his hand trembling slightly as he took a shaky hold of the doorknob.

"I love you too, Gobo." Wembley hugged his knees to himself on the couch, sniffling softly.

Something was off about Gobo but he just couldn't tell exactly what it is.

Boober entered the room, sighing heavily to himself, a pile of washed laundry in hands as he walked to the door where Gobo stood, reluctant to step outside.

"Hey, Gobo, take these, snow season is coming and if you're spending the night at Doc's workshop with Sprocket, you will definitely need them." Boober handed him a red blanket and started wrapping a red scarf around the taller's neck.

"Gee, Boober, that's so thoughtful of ya but I can't really accept-" Gobo tried to say albeit making no real attempt to stop his longtime friend's practiced movements.

"I insist, you have to accept them, I'll feel better if you do." said Boober, fixing the pink-haired boy's hat in place and smiling contentedly at his handiwork, leaving no room for objections.

"I know you will, take care, Boober, remember you and Wembley can always count on me for anything you need." Gobo assured his short, paranoid friend, already on his way down the stairs.

Looking at Boober's ocean blue eyes hurt too, they always seemed to stare into your soul and discover your deepest secrets if you risked one rare glance at them.

"I know, Gobo, see ya." the talented, red-haired cook waved at Gobo's retreating back, his posture stiff, he also had deep secrets of his own.

"I love you." Boober said when he thought Gobo was out of earshot, Gobo couldn't help the smirk lacing his own round, charming features.

"I love you too, Boober."

Gobo hated this feeling in his gut, the one that always told him he might not come back.

The collar on Gobo's neck itches but he will feel too guilty if he takes it off, another gift of Mokey's, it's marred in shiny rocks, crystals and plastic radishes.

It's also supposed to bring him luck.

He will never have the heart to tell them it doesn't work.

"Hey, Mokey! Here's your paint." Gobo grunted, quickly putting on the crowded floor of the artsy woman's home studio the last of the paint cans she had ordered and he politely offered to go get them downstairs.

"Oh, thank you, Gobo! You are such an amazing friend!" Mokey embraced the shorter man sideways, squeezing him in her big arms and swaying him back and forth, effortlessly lifting him off the floor as she kissed the top of his head.

"Aw shucks, Mokey, you know you can always count on me!" said a slightly flustered Gobo, round, brown skinned cheeks burning as she finally let him go, focusing back on her freakishly detailed oil painting of Red.

Together they were spending a pleasant, wholesome afternoon at Mokey and Red's apartment, watering and singing to her flowers and vegetables, meditating and now, painting commissions.

Mokey would have a lot to write on her diary today.

In today's case, it wasn't exactly a commission, it was more of a gift to Red for getting to participate in the worldwide Olympics in the swimming category for the very first time ever, the determined, athletic redhead worked so hard to finally get to this point, Mokey couldn't be more proud of her best friend.

Considering how many details Paint!Red's muscled arms were getting, Gobo could tell his taller friend was really enjoying herself as well, despite not being paid for this one.

"This is turning out really nice, I can just tell she's going to love it!" Gobo cheered on, when Mokey and Red first moved together, he and the others weren't too confident that it was going to work.

And it was indeed a little rocky at the start but they made it work, Gobo admits even he wouldn't know exactly how to react if he had a roommate who literally owns a killer plant.

But Lanford is cool, actually and a roof over your head is a roof over your head nonetheless, you can't take it for granted.

Now he knows that better than anyone.

"I sure hope so, Gobo! I'm doing my best!" Mokey shifted her focus back on her painting, honestly quite just not getting enough of staring and highlighting the vibrant, vivid oranges in her dear roommate's puffy red hair.

"Wow, speaking of which, I promised to help her with her swimming class today and I'm already late!" Gobo's honey caramel brown eyes widened when he looked at the clock on the wall, surrounded by plants, it was already past 4pm.

"Time sure flies when you're around good friends, doesn't it?" the tall, vegan girl remarked as she motioned for Gobo to hand her a different paintbrush.

"Yeah, but you know her, she won't be happy if I break a promise and ditch her." he made a face as if he had just bitten into a lemon.

*You don't want to see Red's wrath!" Mokey giggled, patting his shoulder firmly to show empathy.

"Oh boy, I sure don't! Gotta go! Love you!" Gobo quickly dismissed himself, not before earning a kiss on the cheek by the peaceful girl in tall, gorgeous, cerulean blue dreadlocks.

"Love you too, Gobo."

Chapter Text

"Hey, SB, don't turn your head all the way, just peak at 9 O'clock." Cotterpin whispered to Blake, also infamously known by their closest friends as 'Sidebottom' or 'SB'.

Since for the longest time, her twin, Boober didn't want any of his peers to know she existed, terrified they would pick her over him to be a core part of the 'Fraggle Five', the close-knit friend group formed by five outcasts nobody else ever wanted to play with as little kids: Gobo, Mokey, Wembley, Boober and Red.

Turns out, Boober's place with the 'Fraggle Five' wasn't at risk at all but unfortunately for 'Sidebottom', the nickname stuck around.

Red would pay one day.

"Ugh, what do you want me to see, Cotterpin? you're being no fun again…" Sidebottom whined, it was close to midnight and they were heading to a party downtown they had convinced Cotterpin to go.

SB always feels like their defiant best friend works too much, the girl needs to loosen up once in a while.

And here Cotterpin is, worrying yet again.

"Trust me, you will want to see this, that neon pink hair can't be missed from a mile away." the hardworking ginger whispered a little louder, pulling at SB's arm with a tad more force.

SB was instantly alert at the mention of the hair, sure they knew more people with pink hair but deep down they were already hoping to get some sweet gossip on a certain self-absorbed, bright-haired 'leader' of the 'Fraggle Five'.

The leader was obviously Red, the others just let him believe he was as to not hurt his fragile ego.

Still, when she finally looked in the direction her partner pointed, she gasped.

"Oh my stars."

"Yeah." Cotterpin swallowed dry, she admittedly didn't know Gobo all that well, he is witty, sarcastic, stubborn, daring and ambitious just like her from what she could tell....

Yet he was a friend of a friend of a friend, they hung out alone a couple times tops.

Didn't mean the idea of seeing the young, joyful artist literally homeless wouldn't tug at the coldest of hearts.

"It's the 'explorer' dude who hangs around my dumb, panicky brother's place all the time, Gobie or whatever..." SB didn't hesitate to take their phone out, looking for the best angle in the dark to snap a picture.

The duo really couldn't see him all that well from where they stood, he was hiding relatively well, away from the natural moonshine and street lights.

Gobo didn't want to be seen like this and they couldn't blame him.

"That is quite a sad sight, poor guy..." lamented Cotterpin and SB started laughing.

"What is it? What's so funny?" Cotterpin started to feel irritated, she was expecting at least a little bit more sympathy than this.

She doesn't know where or who he lives with but Boober, Wembley and even Red regard him very highly, he could be having serious problems at home and possibly be needing their help.

"Boober's kind of a germophobe, a clean freak, right?" SB was practically bouncing in place, unable to contain his joy.

"Right…." Cotterpin trailed off, not particularly thrilled to know where this was going.

"Yeah, so imagine him finding out that one of his closest buddies had been living on the street for god knows how long?" SB was brimming with excitement, getting a hold of Cotterpin's shoulders and shaking her, smile wide and wicked adorning his lips.

SB didn't care how far or low he'd need to go if the result turned out to be funny.

Boober avoids him at all costs for a reason.

"You're right, that is kinda funny." Cotterpin couldn't help but picture Boober freaking out upon seeing Gobo getting his clean laundry dirty by sleeping outside.

That was most definitely a twisted way of looking at the situation.

"So… are we telling him?" Cotterpin found herself asking, she couldn't text the 'Fraggles' herself since her phone had been stolen a week ago and she had been unable to replace it yet.

Architect apprentices really just don't get paid all that well.

SB replied cheerfully. "Of course we are! I love to make him squirm."

"Please, Sprocket, you should probably go, Doc or Ned might notice that you're gone." Gobo tried, Sprocket licked his face as a reply.

"Oh, okay, fine, I don't know why would you want to but you can stay." Gobo says and the dog barks and howls loudly, cuddling closer, making the desolate boy giggle and ruffle his fur.

"But ya need to be quiet, okay, Sprockie?" Gobo whispered, standing up and gathering his things, he could swear something or someone had been watching him and it wasn't just Sprocket.

This place was no longer safe.

"Good boy." Gobo gently caressed behind the dog's fluffy ears, getting a hold of his loyal guitar and going on his merry way.

Once I knew,
Just what to do.
Once I knew my name

The dim-lit, orange-colored street lights paved the road of Gobo's sorrows, Sprocket resolutely by his side, it was past midnight, barely a soul in the street, he walked fast, ducking his head past Doc and Ned's humble yet warm, welcoming home.

Doc Jeremy Crystal and Ned Shimmelfinney are a kind, old couple who would gladly take care of Gobo whenever Uncle Matt went off exploring somewhere he deemed too dangerous for his dear little nephew to go.

The adventurous, courageous old man had promised Gobo's late parents that no harm would come his way, since when the little boy was born, the family had just lost the greatest explorer they knew: Gabriel dela Cruz or 'Uncle Gobo', the future musician was then named in the man's honor.

They could only hope this kid wouldn't face the same fate, after all, the physical resemblance is striking, the unmistakable longing for adventure brought some fear as well.

So Matt kept to his word, if the place he intended to explore was too far away or looked too dangerous, his stubborn nephew was staying, didn't matter if he agreed or not.

It meant that to Gobo, Doc and Ned turned out to be just as much family as Uncle Matt himself.

Oh Uncle Matt…..he wouldn't be happy to know where his dear nephew is now.

Far and near,
The road was clear
Living was a game
But now I seem to walk in dreams,
And nothing stays the way it seems…

Gobo choked back a sob, Sprocket whined, rubbing his head against the young artist's pant leg, they stood in front of the small, barely maintained apartment complex owned by Pa Gorg he moved into when he first turned eighteen.

Gobo had counted the days until he was of age and could be considered a full grown adult, he had been set on moving out, no longer wanting to be under the responsibility of anybody else.

Doc, Ned and Uncle Matt would never need to worry about him anymore.

Now that he was 'a man'.

But a year had passed by and things hadn't exactly gone as planned.

Gobo can't help but find himself wondering if he would have done anything different now having the benefit of hindsight.

He knows himself, he probably wouldn't.

How I long for then
Easy once again
Once upon a time I knew my name

Tears fell down without Gobo even noticing, he didn't need to worry about looking both ways before walking down the street but he did it anyway, he promised Boober he always would no matter what.

Gobo stood in front of the apartment his ever anxious friend shares with Wembley, he always finds himself drawn back to this place, the closest thing he could call 'home' nowadays.

Boober had also counted the days to move out of his transphobic parents' house at eighteen, he chose a place as far away from them as possible.

The fact it was just a couple blocks away from Gobo may have been a mere coincidence.

Maybe yes
Maybe no
Questions on my mind
Do I know which way to go?
The answer's hard to find

Gobo swallowed back a lump forming in his throat, shaking his head and walking away with Doc's loyal dog and his trusty old guitar, a gift from his father.

Boober had first intended to live on his own and the 'Fraggles' were only meant to come by once in a while but Wembley was having trouble at home as well, his parents kicked him out of the house the moment he told them there was a possibility of him not marrying a girl in the future.

They were furious, they had been so sure their little Wilfred was 'fixed' when he had brought a girl named Lou home when he was sixteen.

Fast forward, after about a week practically living at Boober's place with no signs of wanting to leave, the pale, red-haired cook pushed the anxious, indecisive blond to confess that since Gobo was out of town with Uncle Matt, he didn't feel like he had anywhere else to go.

So no, Boober and Wembley's place is probably already too crowded for poor, peace-loving Boober.

He can't burden his fearful friend even more than he already does.

I know that no one's made of steel

I sometimes think that nothing's real…

To the side of Red and Mokey's apartment, there's a gorgeous fountain, Gobo took his sandals off, sat by the edge and dipped his toes in the warm water, his soft body instantly reacting to the source of warmth after several hours in the cold wind.

Sprocket nudged him affectionately and Gobo laughed through his tears, playfully splashing water at the mutt, the pink-haired, talented musician doesn't feel like he has any destination in mind.

Or that he ever had to begin with.

And then I wake at night
I can't tell wrong from right
Once upon a time I knew my name…

Gobo dived headfirst into the large fountain surrounded by a garden full of lilacs and daisies, completely clothed, backpack still on his back, pushing him down further.

After some seconds went by, Gobo's hat popped up back into the surface but without it's owner, Sprocket's big doe eyes widened and he howled loudly into the night.

Before the caring sheepdog could dive along however, Gobo's head suddenly poked from underneath the cozy water, a small hand pulling him up by the back of his collar, he sputtered and coughed as air filled his lungs again at last.

"You never had a home, have you?" a voice said, sounding slightly familiar but Gobo couldn't quite place it at the moment.

The boy looked up to find the round, concerned face of Cotterpin, a good friend of Red and Wembley's, a little nerdy but she also shares the stubborn, exploring, creative nature he possesses.

So she's cool.

"Don't tell them, please." he shamelessly begged, expression solemn, almost disappointed to be rescued yet he couldn't feel more thankful for not being alone.

Once upon a time I knew my name

"GOBO, YOU'RE LATE!!!" Red chided once she finally caught sight of her explorer friend.

"I know, Red, I'm sor-" Gobo tried to say before Hurricane Red came his way.

"Come on, hurry up!! We're already starting the diving lessons, you go first!" the energetic athlete in pigtails pulled Gobo by the collar of his striped shirt, giving him no real other options but to blindly follow her instructions.

"Wait, Red, I didn't even warm up- woah!!!" Gobo yelled while she forcefully threw him into the pool as if he weighted nothing.

Before he knew it, he was soaking from head to toe and started laughing, all the kid students surrounding him who looked somewhat apprehensive at first, laughed along with him.

Red smirked triumphantly, diving deep into the pool as well, tackling him underwater with her then splashing water at him once they reached the surface again, Gobo reciprocating the gesture, the kids following suit, the lesson long forgotten.

That's the thing about Red, she keeps Gobo young, daring and playful, she's always pushing him to his limits, out of his comfort zone, together they bring the best (and sometimes the worst) out of one another and he loves her so much for that.

"I still can't believe I was qualified to participate in the Olympics next year, swimming is my life and making that my job has been my dream since I was a little girl!!!" Red beamed, both sitting by the edge of the pool, drying themselves once class was officially dismissed.

Bright oranges, yellows and pinks illuminated the bright sky, the sun was slowly setting, Red looked beautiful under it and that fact did not get lost on Gobo.

"I know, I was there." quipped Gobo, cheeky grin adorning his charming features and Red squinted at him, playfully punching his arm like it was second nature.

"W-What I mean is I'm so proud of you, Red but I'm gonna miss ya." Gobo elaborated, she crossed her arms, gazing away, the warm, late afternoon sunlight was a good look on Gobo, he is cute in an annoying 'I know I am' type of way.

But Red will be caught dead before admitting to any of that out loud.

"Oh, I won't be gone for that long, definitely not as long as some of the exploring trips you do with your uncle." Red reasoned, chuckling awkwardly because she didn't know what else to do.

It was either look at Gobo's smug face, look at their dangling feet in the water or look at the gorgeous sunset, a few stars were starting to show their light.

"You got me there." Gobo shrugged, hand under his chin as if his mind was starting to wonder far away.

Red huffed, that's a thing about Gobo, he could be right by your side but his mind sometimes would be somewhere else entirely, she thinks he could afford to live in the moment a little more.

"Besides you got those two doofuses to keep you company plus Mokey…." Red trailed off, alluding to the two people whom are the sole reason he will never really pay attention to her the way she so desired throughout all of their teen years.

But it's fine, she's over it.

Gobo will be too, eventually, once Wembley finally make up his mind and chooses Boober over him.

Then he'll know how she felt all this time.

"Aw, Philo and Gunge aren't that bad!" Gobo teased, fully aware she didn't mean the two loyal assistants of Madame Marjory.

This fortune teller who's basically an oracle to all five 'fraggles' and other kids around when they need some advice.

He hadn't gone to her for advice this time, he probably should've. 

"You know who I meant…" Red deadpanned, huffing and rolling her eyes.

Gobo's wicked smile took over his entire face, Red is jealous, that's so cute.

"I know you love them." teases Gobo again, Red scoffs.

"And they love you too." Gobo completed his train of thought, thinking of Wembley and Boober always lifted his spirits and made his heart warm.

"And what about you?" Red questioned, fully turning to him.

"What about me?" Gobo played dumb, dragging himself away slightly, Red's watchful gaze could be feral.

"Do you love me too?" Red's tone of voice was hesitant in a way Gobo hasn't heard come out of her in a long time.

As if there was any doubt about it.

He exhaled, slouching his tense shoulders like the single word alone had taken a heavy weight off of them.

"Always." the answer spilling easily out of his lips, comfortable silence followed, the sun barely visible in the horizon by now, replaced by a blanket of shining stars.

"Listen, Red, I gotta go, and don't worry, you can count on me to cheer you on at every tournament you're on, doesn't matter if it's local or for the whole world to see, you'll be fantastic either way." Gobo patted her sun kissed thigh, quickly standing up to gather his things.

"I know I will, you didn't need to tell me that but thanks, Gobo." Red's face flushed, only two people in the world could get her to look this vulnerable.

To everyone else she was invincible, fearless and strong as a rock.

To Gobo and Mokey she was just plain good ol' Red, with feats and flaws.

"Don't mention it." waved Gobo dismissively as he put on his backpack, following after Marlon, the last student walking past the doors outside the pool.

Red lowered her head, looking at her lap, rubbing at the spot he touched her, the sunset and starry night no longer as interesting to look at without him around to admire it with her.

"I love you." she spoke softly, finally standing up.

A sad, bittersweet smile finding it's way through Gobo's round, handsome features as he closed the gate behind him.

Sometimes the amount of love you have to offer someone just won't ever be enough.

Won't ever be what they need.

"I love you too, Red."

Chapter Text

"This isn't fucking funny, SB, you're going too far with your jokes this time." Boober spat into the phone receiver, one hand holding his phone up to his ear, the other furiously stirring dough for a Birthday Cake he was preparing.

The kitchen was an absolute mess, it was mostly Wembley's fault but he would never hold the endearing, hyperactive boy accountable for any of it.

"It's not a joke, man, ask Cotterpin, she was there with me, she can confirm it." Sidebottom insisted on the other side of the line, the joke just wouldn't work if her paranoid brother straight up didn't believe her from the get-go.

That isn't how it's supposed to go.

"I WILL!!! GOODBYE!" Boober yelled into his phone, grunting in exasperation as he strained not to throw it across the room, startling a non-suspecting Wembley playing bongos in the living room, he had been sent there after all the 'incredible help' he was back in the kitchen.

"Boober, is e-everything okay?" Wembley quickly ran over, standing by his frustrated roommate's side, rubbing at his large nose after lightly bumping it against the door on his way here.

The introverted, reserved redhead was fuming, cake forgotten for the time being, he couldn't mess up a recipe he was paid to do, his focus was completely lost for the time being.

First regular Wembley shenanigans, now SB calling him to say Gobo is living as a homeless person.

How could they? How could Sidebottom joke about something so serious???

Boober can't say he's surprised however, they almost poisoned Wembley to death once so he wouldn't 'spoil the fun'.

"No, my stupid twin is prank-calling me again, I should've blocked their number a long time ago." Boober huffed, you just don't play around when it comes to these things.

They might as well have said they found Gobo's dead body by the fountain, it would have sounded the same to Boober.

"Oh…..oh boy." Wembley gulped, fiddling with the hem of his banana tree shirt, which strained to fully cover his large middle, his past experiences with SB weren't the most pleasant.

"No! No! No! This has to be an elaborate prank!" Boober exclaimed after reading Cotterpin's text with pictures, sadly confirming her best friend's story.

Well, the pictures weren't that clear but Boober doesn't know anyone else with that hair.

"Come on, Wembley, we're leaving." raw determination lacing his voice as he washed his hands and picked up a scarf.

"T-To where?" Wembley questioned nervously, getting a coat for each of them.

Winter would be merciless this year, he so heard a dozen times.

This week.

"Gobo's place, I'm gonna prove that Sidebottom's wrong and it's going to be so embarrassing for them." Boober smirked mischievously as both stepped outside.

"Nice!!!" Wembley inevitably started skipping, singing and dancing on the sidewalk.

"We're going to see Gobo, he's going to see us! Hey, won't that be fun-"

"Wembley! That's the issue here, we don't know if we're going to see Gobo."

"Oh."

"Gobo 'Fraggle'...? Funny looking fella with the pink hair and always carrying a guitar on his back?" Junior Gorg asked slowly.

"YEAH!" Wembley and Boober exclaimed expectantly in unison.

"Oh, he doesn't live here anymore, Daddy kicked him out two weeks ago 'cause he didn't pay or somethin'" Junior Gorg shrugged, Boober's heart started racing.

"NO! THAT IS TERRIBLE! THIS CAN'T BE HAPPENING!" the short cook felt panic rising in his chest.

"I KNOW!" Wembley started biting his nails.

"WHAT DO WE DO?" Boober ran in circles.

"We call the girls!" Wembley shouted at the same time as Boober yelled "Doc's place!!!"

"We text the girls and ask if they've seen Gobo while we go to Doc's workshop." Boober managed to say after Junior Gorg firmly placed his large hands on the younger's shoulders, forcing him to stay still.

"Deal."

Of course I've seen Gobo, he is such a wonderful friend!!! He helped with my paintings and gardening earlier today... Why? Is there something wrong?

Of course, I've seen Gobo, he just helped with my swim classes... But you already knew that you dum-dum, he practically lives at your and Boober's place these days.

Boober's crystal blue eyes grew so big they were practically visible.

Oh he has been such a fool.....

"Gobo said he'd spend the night here watching Sprocket while you were away-" Boober started to say as he rubbed his clammy hands together, he had a bad feeling about this.

It was starting to get so cold out here.

Gobo could be in danger.

"Wait, wait, wait, he said what? I didn't go anywhere yesterday and I honestly haven't seen him all week….is everything alright?" Doc looked genuinely worried, the young musician was like a son to him and Ned, Sprocket whimpered by the old inventor's side.

"NO!!!" Wembley and Boober shrieked, feeling themselves panicking even worse than before as they frantically paced the old workshop.

Sprocket barked, whined and howled, getting extremely agitated as well, when he got on his hind legs he was practically Boober's height, almost toppling the anxious redhead over.

Wishing so desperately he could speak their language and tell them he not only has seen Gobo but also actively chose to stay out in the cold to provide him company instead of sleeping in his own warm dog bed inside.

Sprocket obviously doesn't understand why Gobo has been choosing to sleep outside these days, inside is so much warmer and there's snacks, silly creatures can be so weird.

They are exactly that, silly.

"Not now, boy! Get down!" Boober reprimanded, earning a sad whimper from the sheepdog whose curled himself away.

Wembley knelt down and lovingly stroked behind his ear, leading him away from a repeatedly sneezing Boober, he's still allergic to Sprocket, that's too bad.

The anxious, jittery cook started rambling almost incoherently, after some good pacing around on his own "....I know! Sidebottom!!! Turns out they were right after all, I guess I have no choice but to ask where did they last saw-"  when Wembley stopped him abruptly.

Sprocket had motioned the childish boy towards a corner, he swears he could hear something and he knew Wembley's hearing was enhanced as well.

That ability had saved Gobo's life once, it could do it again.

"Wait, l-listen, I hear somethin'....." Wembley whispered, gluing his ear to the wooden walls.

"What is it, Wembley? We have no time for silly games-" Boober insisted, wrapped in nerves and allergies to top it off..

"Shhhhhh." was the only reply he got from his darling roommate.

The sound of a soft, familiar, melancholy guitar in the distance, followed by a husky, nasal voice all of them knew better than their own.

Ain't it just the way it goes?
We pull the petals off the rose
We never say hello to stay
We always say goodbye...

"GOBOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!! GOBOGOBOGOBOGOBOGOBOGOBOGOBOGOBOGOBOBOGOGOGOBOBOGOBOLKJBGRSFBHNDGKNGPLMNCFEWVCXSWWFFGJILJHGF-" the chubby, hyperactive blond stumbled out of the old workshop, tripping, falling and quickly getting back up along the way, earnestly following the sound.

"Wembley, wait for me!!!" Boober was already panting by the first block they crossed.

Wembley eagerly ran back, motioning Boober to jump on his back, carrying the laundry-loving boy the rest of the way as he earnestly followed the sound.

We always say goodbye….

Wembley and Boober reached the same spot by the park as the girls did, almost colliding amongst themselves.

"Ow, watch your tailfeather-" Red complained when Wembley almost tossed her to the ground trying to get to Gobo, Boober falling backwards, landing in the bush they were all now hidden behind.

"Red, look." Mokey discreetly pointed ahead.

And ain't it just the way it seems?
We pull the petals off our dreams
Our hearts can say we're here to stay
But we always say goodbye

They all turned their heads, about a mile ahead was indeed their Gobo, sitting on a bench with his legs crossed, strumming his guitar, a hand-made, bucket hat on the floor, a kid threw a penny inside and walked away.

Wembley desperately tried to run towards him, Red pulled him back, keeping him firmly in place with more force than truly needed, she was furious, he told her he would help Boober with laundry tonight since Wembley is allergic to laundry lint.

Red 'Fraggle' did not like being lied to.

And there he is, in all his glory, moping and brooding like the big baby he has always been.

Friends always tell you goodbye…

So much for laundry.

Chapter Text

"HEY! MUPPET FACE! WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING???" a loud, way too familiar shriek startled Gobo out of his gloomy thoughts.

"RED?!"

He barely had time to look up before a big armful of Wembley launched himself full force at the skilled musician.

"WEMBLEY, WOAH, LITTLE BUDDY!!!" Gobo chuckled good-naturedly, despite the fear written in his kind, brown eyes, fondly ruffling his adorable best friend's smooth, sunny hair. 

"BOOBER SAID YOU WOULD DIE OUT HERE!" Wembley cried out, sobbing and Mokey hugged both of them tightly, happy to see Gobo was okay and comforting Wembley, Red scoffed, Boober was aprehensive.

"YOU GOT KICKED OUT FROM YOUR APARTMENT AND YOU INTENDED TO TELL US THAT WHEN, HUH???" Red practically spit in his face and Gobo cautiously let go of his guitar first, then gently untangled himself out of Wembley's agitated arms.

"Red, I can explain-" Gobo attempted to say, he thought he had calculated everything so well, none of them ever come to this part of town.

Besides, Red was supposed to be training at the gym, Wembley should be at the Coffee Shop where he currently works, Boober and Mokey told him they would be out shopping for groceries together the whole afternoon for his next catering gig.

What are they all doing here? How did they know?

Cotterpin, Gobo should have known not to trust her, he'd seen her hanging out with SB a couple times…

Some of his 'fun' nature must have rubbed off on her.

What a pity.

"What is there to explain???? You've been lying to us for two whole weeks, maybe even more!!! How can we trust you now?" Red turned her gaze away, sniffing a bit.

She's better than this, she isn't going to cry because her friend/former crush is a complete idiot who never knows what he's fucking doing.

"I didn't mean for things to get this out of control, I-I guess I was just…. embarrassed." Gobo confessed, shrugging helplessly.

"Embarrassed of what?! I got kicked out too and Boober helped me!!! We could help you too!" Wembley beamed but Gobo shook his head, biting his bottom lip.

Avoiding eye contact with all four of his closest friends, too afraid of seeing their disappointed faces.

They were disappointed in him and he was disappointed in himself for not being able to do better, to try harder.

For them, Uncle Matt, Great Uncle Gobo, Doc and Ned, Mom and Dad.....

Gobo raised his head, really looking at the remaining 'Fraggle Five' this time with teary eyes, guilt and shame still eating away at his sorrowful heart.

"It's not that simple, Wembley, you have your job by the Coffee Shop near the fire department that allows you help with rent, Mokey makes absolutely gorgeous drawing and painting commissions plus yoga classes, Boober's catering business is doing amazing-"

"Thank you." Boober couldn't help but feel flattered, despite the inappropriate circumstances.

"And Red, you were getting lifetime sponsorships before age 18 solely because of how great a swimmer you are, you have a great future ahead of ya." Gobo took her hand and squeezed, his hands were shaking, so were hers.

"Gobo….." Red stared down at their joined hands until the pink-haired, fearless explorer reluctantly let go, now addressing everyone else once again.

"Do you want to know how I feel looking at all of ya??? I feel like a failure 'cause last week I didn't know if I wanted to be a singer, a juggler or an explorer!!!!! None of which allows me to earn enough to pay fucking rent!!! Red is travelling overseas next year while I have a thick layer of snow as a blanket!!!!" Gobo sobbed as he knelt on the hard, cement floor, Mokey and Wembley instantly by his side to console him like they've done before.

Boober visibly shuddered, swallowing dry, loosening the scarf around his neck, the images that filled his neurotic, restless mind far from the prettiest.

"I fail at everything I try to do and all I'll end up doing is bringing you guys down with me…..I don't think I want to be a part of the Fraggle Five anymore." Gobo's words came out strained and choked up, the others gasped in unison.

"Oh my goodness." Mokey whispered in shock, one hand covering her mouth, the other on her dear friend's shoulder, massaging soothingly, she felt guilty for not realizing there was something wrong sooner.

The thoughtful artist just figured she was able to read her friends better than this, hopefully it's not too late.

"D-Don't say that! Don't you dare say that, Gobo!" Wembley shouted in anguish, shaking Gobo's shoulder frantically, the talented singer was technically their 'leader', the founder, the glue that connected all of these completely different people together.

But Wembley had come up with the 'Fraggles' name while he was doing his usual singing and humming, they weren't older than seven at the time, Gobo thought it sounded funny and the name stuck around ever since.

They were all a family, they were the 'Fraggles', the 'weirdoes' and they took pride in it.

Until now...

Until Gobo…

"Wembley, I'm so sorry, I know how much the Fraggle Five means to you but I don't see a reason for any of you to still want to be friends with me after-" Gobo kept on spilling his sorrows.

What's the point of having friends anyway? They will only make you cry.

You will only make them cry.

However it wouldn't be too long until Red rolled her eyes, swiftly snatching his guitar and turning away.

"Ughhhhhhhh will you quit feeling sorry for your pathetic, idiotic self already? Can't you see we're here to help?! We all could be doing something else right now, you know?"

He knows.

Red stomped her feet, she was admittedly rusty when it comes to playing guitar but there was one song Gobo taught her years ago…..

Anything to make Gobo shut up, he's insufferable when he's brooding.

I'm not made of magic,
But I do the best I can
You can count on me,
For a helping hand…

Red had a timid start, mostly just tapping her foot but her annoyed expression would quickly dissolve into a sly, easy smile.

Boober started clapping along as he sang the next part and the others followed suit.

It's comic and it's tragic,
But we do the best we can
You can count on me
Together we stand

The short, fearful redhead stretched out a trembling yet confident hand for Gobo to take and stand up, which he did so, albeit with slight hesitancy and they all sang and danced together, strolling around the park.

You can (clap clap) count on me to be there when the darkness falls
You can (clap clap) count on me to come as soon as you call
You can count on me…

Wembley and Gobo giddily skipped left and right through the green metal fences separating grass from concrete, Wembley fell and rolled over the grass, laughing almost maniacally as the other boy promptly helped him up, his naive friend not missing a single note, looking deep into Gobo's eyes and playing a quick game of tag.

In every situation there must fall a little rain
You can count on me and not in vain
If you want liberation from the sorrow and the pain,
You can count on me, once again…

A crowd was starting to form around the five 'Fraggles', happily clapping along, Cotterpin was passing by in her electric scooter, stopping to observe from afar.

It looks like Gobo has the best friends in the world, they would have missed him if he was gone.

A bittersweet smile finding it's way around her fierce features, must be nice to be a 'Fraggle', you never have to feel alone.

You can (clap clap) count on me,
To be there when the darkness falls.
You can (clap clap) count on me,
To come as soon as you call
You can count on me…

Cotterpin noticed when they reached the edge of the park, Boober grabbing securely to Gobo's arm to keep him from crossing the street before the greenlight made itself known.

He doesn't look disgusted to be around Gobo, Sidebottom doesn't seem to know his sibling all that well after all….

After crossing the street, Mokey pulled Gobo close to her chest, grabbing a firm hold of his hand as an invite to dance with her while she beautifully sang.

If you got tribulations in your time or in your life,
You can count on me
You can count on me
Cause I know permutations that can ease your endless strife
You can count on me
And I'm here for free…

Mokey booped his nose and let him go, twirling him in the air, Gobo took his guitar back from Red and sang the last part on his own as the group reached the fateful fountain from yesterday, him, Red and Wembley jumping on the edge of the fountain and dancing around it while the others clapped along, Sprocket, Doc and Ned joining.

You can (woof-woof) count on me,
To be there when the darkness falls
You can (woof-woof) count on me,
To come as soon as you call
You can count on me (count on him)
You can count on me (count on him)
You can count on me…

Gobo leaped from the edge, knowing 100% that his friends, the 'Fraggles' would catch him.

Chapter Text

"Boober, are you sure you're okay with me staying here? I know you like your alone time and your peace and quiet…..Also, isn't this the place where you keep your 'Stuff', I mean, where will ya keep your string collection now?!" Gobo questioned, sounding genuinely interested to know as Boober rolled his massive ball of string out the door of what would soon-to-be Gobo's room.

Several years of friendship allowed Gobo to really admire and respect Boober's odd hobbies, sometimes even engage with them.

If he found one single solitary sock without it's pair or a button fell out of his shirt, he knew Boober would want it.

And it's okay.

"Oh, don't worry, Gobo, I care about you being alive way more than said peace and quiet or my laundry lint, believe me, this helps me too since I wouldn't have any real peace of mind knowing you or Wembley don't have a home." Boober replied wholeheartedly, not any less sad to see his 'Stuff Room' go.

But somehow it always felt right to have Gobo closer.

Not only for Wembley's sake but deep down, his own too.

Boober extended his hand, awkwardly squeezing and patting Gobo's arm in a way that was supposed to read as affectionate, the simple touch made the taller of the two feel warm inside nonetheless.

"Besides, you need plenty of room for your Uncle's postcards and your hat collection too." Boober chuckled with obvious strain, Gobo touched the shaking, sweaty hand on his arm, squeezing it back, lingering there as they stared at one another for a little too long.

"Awwww, Boober!!!! That's so sweet of you!!!!" Wembley yelled at the top of his lungs, making his presence more than known as he entered the room with a few more boxes, maybe they fell on the way a few times.

Boober and Gobo let go instantly, the shorter boy back to his regular, cautious, 'moody' self, inhaling sharply and touching the bridge of his nose.

"You two act like common sense and human decency are mere selfless acts of kindness." Boober uttered matter-of-factly, crossing his tiny arms over his chest, he had come to realize that in no moment in particular he had been upset or angry with Gobo like he feels he should've been throughout this whole ordeal.

Amongst the initial panic, there had been really only room to worry for the explorer's safety.

"What he said!!!" pointed Wembley cheerfully, a box slipping freely from his hands as he did so, Gobo chuckled softly, jumping up and catching it just in time.

"You won't have to worry about a thing, Boober, I will help around here whichever way I can, eh?" Gobo assured their fearful host. "I just feel so grateful, I don't even know what else to say...."

"You don't have to say anything, you already help me, Gobo, every single day." Boober declared modestly, hiding his freckled, flushed face away by distracting himself with packing the last of his button collection.

Stupid pale complexion, aside from being extremely sensitive to the sun, it makes Boober feel like he's always wearing his heart on his sleeve.

Even worse, on his face. 

"Huh? How so?" the corners of Gobo's lips turning up almost on their own account upon the revelation.

Admittedly, he and Boober aren't the closest friends amongst the 'Fraggles' but the mutual respect and companionship is there.

And perhaps something more yet to be explored.

"You remind me to go out there and live sometimes, both of you do." Boober declared timidly, sealing the box with the buttons inside and looking down.

Wembley and Gobo lovingly embraced him from each side, each squeezing him impossibly tight and kissing his cheek, making the shorter man shriek in place but not attempt to move away, the joyful blond humming a happy tune as usual.

Maybe Boober was starting to lose a bit of air and the situation was starting to slightly overwhelm him but he wouldn't trade this warmth for anything else in the world.

Even if his peace was the price to pay, he had chosen this apartment to live by himself after all.

Now Wembley sleeps where his laundry room was supposed to have been and Gobo was just about to take over his 'Stuff Room'.

Still by the end of the day, Boober was just glad Gobo and Wembley have a place to call home.

His home.

Their home.

Boober likes to be alone but he will never choose that over helping a friend in need.